The first two parts were written by Richard Mather.

Editor's note "To the reader" signed: H. Peter, i.e. Hugh Peters.

In part a reply to: Ashe, Simeon. A letter of many ministers in old England, requesting the judgement of their reverend brethren in New England concerning nine positions.

"An apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant" and "An ansvver of the elders of the severall churches in New-England unto Nine positions", the latter written by John Davenport, each have separate dated title page with "printed by T.P. and M.S. for Benjamin Allen" in imprint. "An apologie" begins new register and pagination, and possibly was issued separately (Wing M1267).

"An apologie of the churches in New-England for church-covenant ... London, Printed by T.P. and M.S. for Benjamin Allen. 1643"--Page [1-2], 3rd count, and p. 1-46, 4th count, with separate title page.

"An ansvver of the elders of the severall churches in New-England unto Nine positions ... London, Printed by T.P. and M.S. for Benjamin Allen. 1643"--Page [49]-78, 4th count, with separate title page.

Wing M1270

Gift of Douglas and Mildred Horton.

In this copy, order of contents is as follows: Title page and "To the reader" of "Church-government"; p.1-46 of the "Apologie"; title page of the "Apologie"; title page and contents of the "Ansvver"; p.1-84 of "Church-government".

Incomplete: In this copy the "Apologie" (normally paged [49]-78) is wanting; the final section ("An ansvver of the elders...") is stitched separately with separate (later?) wrapper and likely was from a different copy.