First, As for our meeting frequently together, to seek the Lord, by waiting upon him in his holy Fear, and to Worship him in the Spirit and in the Truth, which is the only acceptable Worship with God; we have (amongst many more) these brief ensuing Grounds and Reasons.

First, BEcause the Lord hath thus prrswaded our Hearts, by his good Spirit, to meet often together, to have our minds exercised in his Fear and Wor­ship, to wait upon him for more Light, to know and understand more of his Heavenly Will (which is re­vealedIsa. 42. 4. Phil. 3. 15. Gal. 1. 15. 1 Cor. 2. 10. Mat. 11. 25. Luke 4. 23. by his holy Spirit) as well what is our Duty towards him, and all men, as to know his Will to­wards us; and by the Light, or Manifestation of himself by his Spirit, we come to know and believe that he is a Spirit, and is to be worshipped (in his own Nature) in the Spirit and in the Truth, it be­ing mans Duty to wait upon God in and by that of himself, made manifest in man, which only and truly shews him how, when, where, and after what manner God will be worshipped: For if God (who is invisible) be a Spirit, and therein to be worshipped, then nothing less then of the same Nature will reveal God to man, and shew him how to serve and worship God aright; and therefore of necessity for all that intend either to know the Mind of God, or their Duty to him, to be very serious and weighty in their approachings to worship God, in order to conduct the mind of man to seek after, and know the Will of God, it being a weighty Work to worship the Lord God aright; and to the end we may perform a Worship which may be acceptable in his sight, therefore it is we thus meet together, to seek his Face (with ourMat. 5. 16. Joh. 15. 8. 1 Cor. 6. 20. minds waiting and stayed in his Light, and measure of his Spirit) to open our Understandings in the My­steries of his Heavenly Kingdom, that we may know how to live and walk in this Life, as becometh true [Page 52] Christians, to answer the End for which we were created, that is, To glorifie God, and to keep our selves unspotted of the Word, which is pure Religion, Ja. 1. 27. And thus by Faith was God wor­shipp'd before the Law, from Adam till Moses; for God having made man in his own Image, capable to serve and obey him, and to enjoy his blessed Presence; but man by Transgression lost his Place and happy Estate, and so was drove out from God, yet not without a Promise of the Seed (Christ) to bruise the Serpent's head; and though thus expelled, yet was it his Duty to Serve, Fear and Worship the Lord God his Creator, as apppears by the practice of Adam's first Sons, who worshipped God by offering Sacrifices each of them according to the perswasion of their Hearts and Understandings; Gen. 3. 3, 4, 5. Cain (the first Birth) offered the Fruit of the Ground; Abel (the second Birth) of­fered the Firstlings of his Flock, and the Fat thereof, and he, and his Offering, or Worship was accepted; but unto Cain God had no respect, as offering from that which was cursed; and he not finding Acceptance with God in his said Service, then Envy and Wrath arose in him, and he Murthered his Innocent Brother. [Mark] Here is the first Persecution about Religion, here are the two Seeds and the two Births, of which, and from whence springs all the Natures, and Lines, and Worships of all Men in the World ever since, and from hence its easie to know of what Race every Worship is of; Persecutors are of and from envious Cain; And is it not below a man, or at least as a good man, to be ranked of the Race of cursed Cain? for shame then let all men forbare to persecute about Religion; for you see who is the Fa­ther; and whosoever persecutes, its a manifest token that he finds no Acceptance with God in his own Worship, and so seeks to be revenged on his Brother, on him that finds Peace with God in his Offering or Worshipping, even on Righteous Abel. And by Faith in the promised Seed, Christ, not only Abel, but even all the rest of the holy Patriarchs, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, &c. performed their acceptable Services and Worships to God, offering and worshipping in divers Places and Manners, and yet without▪ Scripture or written Rules; and though they had not a written Law, or outward Rule, to direct them how to worship God, yet had they the Everlasting Rule, God's Spirit (which [Page 53] was before Writings were, by which they were surely acted and truly guided how to live and walk towards God and towards man, and how to perform a Worship to God, that might be ac­ceptable in his sight, as the Scriptures testifie: And thus by Faith, through all these Types, Figures and Sacrifices under the Law was God truly worshipped, a contrite Heart being more esteemed by God, then Burnt-Offerings and Sacrifices, Psal. 51. 16, 17. 1 Sam. 15. 22.

Secondly, Because its our Duty so to meet to seek and worship God, who is worthy to be sought unto, and waited on, by all that make Profession of him, as tending to the Honour of his ho­ly Name, and Advancement of his Blessed Truth, and to the Benefit and Comfort of our own Souls, as appears by the Pra­ctice of the Saints of old, who feared the Lord, and spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened, and heard, and a Book of Remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and thought upon his Name; And they shall be mine in that day (saith the Lord) when I make up my Jewels, Mal. 3. 16, 17. So that in consideration of the Omnipotency of God, who (as we are his Creatures, much more his People that fear him, and his Children that believe in him) doth expect our continual de­pendance on him, as being ready to hear and answer our breathing Desires, and to supply us with every Good Thing needful for us, Lam. 3. 25, 26. We have good Grounds thus to wait and meet, 1st, From the Promise of Christ Jesus, who said, Mat. 18. 20. Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there will I be in the midst of them; and we have found him faithful that hath pro­mised, read Mat. 7. 7. to 12. 2dly, From the Command of Christ to his Apostles, Acts 1. 4. whose Duty it was to wait up­on God for further Manifestation of his Mind and Will; for though they had heard Christ's Divine Doctrine, seen his Marvel­lous Miracles, and been long conversant with him in the Flesh; yet mark what he said unto them, when he was to leave them, (Mat. 26. 11. for he (as in the Flesh) was not alwayes to stay with them, which they were ignorant of) Its expedient for you that I go away; for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; and when the Comforter (the Spirit of Truth) is come, he will guide you [Page 54] into all Truth, and will dwell with you, and shall be in you, and shall teach you all things, and abide with you forever, Joh. 14. 2, 3, 16, to 27. (Mark here, the Spirit was to be their Rule or Guide, and their Teacher in all things) Yet after his Resurrection, they being assembled and met together, were commanded not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait there for the Promise of the Father, or (as Luke writes, Luke 24. 32, 45, 49.) until they were endued with Power from on High, which should open their Understandings, to understand the Scriptures, and the Mysteries of God's Kingdom, which Pro­mise of Christ was fulfilled, Acts 2. for the Comforter, the ho­ly Spirit, did come upon them at their Meeting at Jerusalem, to lead them into all Truth, according to Christ's Promise: Here thou mayst see that the very Apostles, who had the Scriptures be­fore (as we have) and had been so long with Christ, yet they had not learned all things, nor understood they the Scriptures then (no more then they are now) till the Spirit enlightened and endu­ed them. Well then, Have not we great need now to meet toge­ther, and wait for Christ's fulfilling this Promise to us, to be taught all things, that we may understand the Scriptures, which are as a Book sealed from all those that are not led by the Measure of God's Spirit (which we do Witness) which only can open them (they being not of any private Interpretation) 2 Pet. 1. 20, 21. And therefore the Apostle enjoyns the converted He­brews, To hold fast the Profession of their Faith without wave­ring, and not to forsake the Assembling of themselves together, as the manner of some was; but exhort one another, and so much the more as the day approaches, Heb. 10. 23, 24, 25. And we are of the same Faith and Principle, and therefore we cannot but meet together, and exhort one another, as an Expression of our Duty, and thereby we make Confession to the Truth, by hold­ing fast our Profession thereof; and we dare not forsake our thus assembling in the Service and Worship of God, as the manner of some then was, and now is who for fear lose the Testimony of their Profession, creeping into Corners, and sheltring from the Storms; pleading Policy to forbear, and not give Offence, &c. But our Pro­fession being grounded on the Foundation Principle of true Re­ligion, the Light, Christ Jesus, we are made willing (by the good and comfortable Effects we have received by our said Meet­ings [Page 55] and Waitings upon God (having often in our Assemblies felt and enjoyed God's heavenly Life and blessed Presence, to the great Refreshment of our Souls) and encouraged to continue constant in this Practice without being afraid or ashamed, Luke 1. 74, 75. (having such Divine Authority for our so doing) though Sufferings (even to the loss of all outwardly) should attend us. And our Duty herein is confirmed from the Practice of Christ Je­sus, and his blessed Apostles and Disciples, and also the primitive Christians, (Acts 2. 41, 42, to the end) who, as fast as they were convinced and gathered out of all other Worships (whether Na­tional or particular Sects) did thus assemble, or meet together, in Houses, Fields, &c. though the Laws of the Lands, or Power of the chief Rulers, did neither tollerate nor encourage them, but rather edict to the contrary; yet they did neither desist or de­cline Meetings, knowing it be their Duties, and having found the vertue thereof by Christ's Promise fulfilled to them in & at their Waitings upon God, Acts 4. 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. And our Persecu­tors may as well say, That Christ, his Apostles, Disciples & primi­tive Christians were dissobedient to the then chief Authority, in not desisting or declining preaching the Truth, or meeting to­gether in the Name of Jesus, as Persecute us for the like now? Acts 5. 28, 29, 42.

Thirdly, As the Spirit of God, Scripture Authority, and the Practice of the Saints, Christ, his Disciples and primitive Christians, do justifie our thus meeting; so now let us a little rea­son with men, who (if guided by Reason) cannot but witness for us, to the Innocency of our Sufferings, for this Duty and Practice of our thus meeting to wait upon and worship God: And can any one called a Christian (if moderate) say, That its a Crime to meet to worship God? if not, then our meeting for that end is just and lawful; neither are our Assemblies prejuditial to any: What Evil Act was ever found amongst us at our said Meet­ings? What Conspiracies can there be in a Silent Meeting? or, what Design can be contrived in a mixt Multitude, where the Doors are open for any to come in, to hear or see what is said or done? or What ill Effects or bad Consequences to the Government in gene­ral (either in the former, or this present Powers time) or to any [Page 56] Person in particular have our said Meetings produced? have not both our Principles and Practices sufficiently evidenced our In­nocency herein? let our Neighbours, and all that know us give their Testimony in this case. And indeed, if Reason rule men (as it ought) then (upon a strict scrutiny into this thing) there will be no Ground or Foundation (in rerum natura) for any Jea­lousie of us, who are but a few, mean, innocent People, that fear the Living God, and are not seeking a Kingdom or Power below; but a City, whose Maker and Builder is God; and Power against our inward and spiritual Enemies, Heb. 11. 10, 14, 15, 16. Luke 22. 29, 30. Or can any ingenious or unbyased men truely say, That they are (re vera) in any Terror of our said Meetings, or really in fear that any thing (in such an open and mixt Multitude) can be designed to the prejudice of the present Powers, or Peace of the Country; but ra­ther, all this disturbing our peaceable Meetings, and persecuting us for the same, proceeds (mostly) from such professing Priests and Magistrates (without the Possession) who (that they may appear to run pa­ralel with the high Tides of the Times, and to swim swiftly with the Streams of the Seasons, thereby to ingratiate themselves) are forward to persecute us, because we cannot change and conform (as they do) contrary to our Consciences? And besides, seeing every man must render an account to God for himself, how then will it serve, or, who will stand betwixt God and a mans Soul, if the man hath acted contrary to his own Understanding and Conscience? Can Priest or Magistrate then plead for, or be heard against Con­science it self (which is more then a Thousand Witnesses) to ex­cuse the Guilty Soul before God? or, Would our Persecutors be compelled to a Worship contrary to their own Consciences? So that let our Persecutors pretend what they will or can, it is evidently matter of Conscience, rightly informed and surely grounded, even God's Spirit, Scripture Authority, and the Pra­ctice of the Saints and primitive Christians, that makes us thus meet, and wait upon, and worship God, and suffer thus for the same.

Secondly, Touching our not paying Tythes and Maintenance to the Priests and their Clarks, we have good Ground for the same. For,

First, BEfore the Law Abraham was the first (we read of) who having rescued his Brother Lot, by force of Arms, from the four vanquished Kings, gave the Tenth of the Spoil un­to Milchizedeck, Priest of the most High God, Gen. 14. 20. Here the Original of Tythes was a free Gift, and not a general Com­mand; for then all Princes should have paid the Tenth of their Spoils. And Jacob also vowed the giving of the Tenths unto God, Gen. 28. 22.

Secondly, Under the Law, Tythes were ordained of God, Deut. 14. 29. for the Levite, Strangers, Widdows and Fatherless; and they were to be brought into God's Store-house, to be dispenced to the Levite, (who had no Inheritance with his Brethren) and Priesthood) for their continual attendance about the Alter, Sa­crifices, Offerings, &c. Num. 18. 24. And the with-holding of Tythes, or the not duly paying of them, on this account, was no less then a Robbery done to God, Mal. 3, 8, 9, 10. (and incurred a Curse, and not Imprisonment to Death, as they do now, who set them up without Command from Christ) who ordained them (amongst other things) holy, and were to continue in force as long as the Levitical Priesthood, Law, and the Ordinances thereof lasted.

Thirdly, But when the fulness of time was, that the Messiah Christ Jesus, Gal. 4. 4.) came, of whom Moses Prophesied, saying, Him shall you hear in all things; and whom the Priests and Jews (by the Scriptures) professed should come, yet when he came, they believed not in his then appearance in the Flesh, no more then the literal Professors of this Age can believe in his now Spiritual Ap­pearance, (Rom 10. 16. 21.) And Christ Jesus did chuse Apostles out of the Disciples that believed in him, who were of several Tribes, and not out of the Priests, or Tribe of Levi only, and he ordain'd them & more Disciples, and gave them Power and Au­thority, [Page 58] and sent them forth to preach the Gospel, Luke 6. 13. & chap. 9. from 1. to 8. & chap. 10. from 1. to 10. Here was neither Paper nor Parchment Commission, nor their Authority to preach derived from the Jewish Rulers or Roman Power: and for this their Gospel Mission and Preaching he instituted and appointed them a Gospel Maintenance, suitable to their Gospel Dispensation Ministry, read Mat. 10. Mark 6. 8. Luke 9. & 10. where Christ (giving the verbal Commission to the Gospel Prea­chers) saith, Freely ye have received, freely give; provide neither Silver, Gold, Brass, Scrip nor Bread for your Journey; salute no man by the way; the Workman is worthy of his Meat; and into what Town or City soever ye enter, enquire who is worthy, &c. And after they had per­formed their Service, and returned to Christ, they rejoyced, they complained not of a hard Master, or hard Commission, or of want in their Gospel Service of Preaching and Journeys, neither asked they for any Augmentation; for they lacked nothing, Luke 22. 35. This was the first Call and Ordination of Gospel Prea­chers, as also, the Allowance and Maintenance for them, and here is Scripture for it. Come now ye that say, You are the Minister [...] of the Gospel; and say, (for you do but say) That the Scripture is the standing Rule; let us try you by that Rule; for we dearly own and love the Scriptures of Truth. which were given forth by the Inspiration of God; for they are profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for Instruction in Righteousness, 2 Tim. 3. 16. and we wish in our Hearts you would come so far as to the Rule of the Scriptures; for then must you deny yourMat. 20. 26. and 23. 10. 1 Pet. 5. 2, 3. Luke 22. 24, 25, 26. 2 Cor. 4. 5. Da. 5 27 Call, Ordination, Commission, and manner of Main­tenance; yea, your Doctrine, Discipline, Worship, Manner and Places of Worship, and Compulsion to your Worship, with all your Height, Pomp, Master­ship, Lordliness and Court-Powers, as being expresly contrary to the Scriptures: so that in the true Bal­lance you are found wanting, and (by the very Scales and Waights, which you have chosen to be weighed in and by) you cannot hold out Waight and Measure by that which ye your selves say is the Rule (viz.) the Scriptures. And so Christ in his Gospel Institution of Ministry never ordained Tythes, or any other compulsive way or [Page 59] means for his Ministers Means and Maintenance; but ordered a Maintenance (as before said) suitable to the Gospel, Afree Gos­pel, and a free Maintenance: and Christ being offered up, ended the Law, and first Priesthood, and the Commandment that gave them Tythes, with all its Ordinances, Offerings, Sacrifices, Tythes, &c. he remaining a Priest forever, Heb. 7. 12. and chap. 9. vers. 10, 11, 14.

Fourthly, In the primitive Church's time, when there were many Disciples and Gospel Ministers, that preached to the Jews, and other Nations, at great distances, the Management whereof must needs be supported with a suitable Charge and Maintenance; yet no mention of Tythes, nor petitioning the Rulers, either for Authority to preach, or Maintenance for their Preaching and Service in their Ministry; for they that were sent forth by Christ, were content with his Allowance; and the Churches made provision for all such necessary Supplies, and al­so for the Poor, by their Free Collections and Voluntary Con­tributions, and there was no Lack or Complaint, Rom. 15. 26. So that as under the Law God ordained Tythes for the Priests and Levites (that were employ'd about the Temple-worship, Sacrifices, &c. and for the Widdow and Fatherless, &c. so under the Gos­pel, Christ Jesus (the Saints and true Christians Law-giver) hath alotted and provided for his Ministers, that he calls, and sends forth to preach the Gospel; and his Church takes care of their Poor, who appointed men to see that nothing was lacking, Acts 6▪ 3. 1 Cor. 16. 12. Is not this good Gospel Order? and this we are for. And the Apostle to the Hebrews (in a great part of his Epistle to them) strives to bring them off from under the Law, the first Priesthood, and all the Ordinances pertaining thereunto, unto Christ Jesus (the Everlasting High Priest) Heb. chap. 3. to chap. 11. shewing them the invaliditity of the Law and its Or­dinances, in comparison of Christ; as also, how that they are ended and fulfilled in Christ, saying, The Priesthood being chang­ed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Law, and a change of the Command concerning their Maintenance; the first Priest­hood terminating in and by Jesus Christ, the perpetual High Priest: So here's an end of the Levitical Priesthood, Off rings, [Page 60] Tythes, &c. But if all this will not satisfie, and that any will yet plead for Tythes, jure divino, and so deny Christ to be come, and the Law, and Priesthood, and the Command to be changed, then we answer and say, 1st, Be sure that he that claims Tythes be a Levite, of the Tribe (natural) of Levi, that hath no Inheri­tance with the rest of the Tribes; and that he wholy gives him­self to the Service of the Alter, Temple, Offerings, Sacrifices; and he himself to offer his Heave Offerings: 2dly, Let him that payeth the Tythes be an Israelite, of one of the other 11 Tribes, na­turally descended of the other 11 Sons of Jacob (afterwards called Israel) Jews or Israelites: 3dly, Let the very Tythes be brought in­to a publick Store-house, and part given to the Levite, part to the Widdow, part to the Stranger, and part to the Fatherless; and look that the Levite hath no more then his due, a part, that the rest may have their parts (for they have as much Right as the Levite) lest the Levite get all (as the Priests do in our dayes that take Tythes) and let the Law (that was in force before Christ came in the Flesh) be fulfilled; which if done, yet such do not ac­knowledge Christ come in the Flesh: But we are of the Gentiles Stock, of another Race or Line natural, and therefore are not in the least concerned in any respect about Tythes, the Law and its Ordinances; for Sacrifices, Tythes, Priest-Maintenance, &c. be­ing given and delivered to the Israelites, and not to the Gentiles.

Objection, If Christ, by his coming, ended the Law, Priesthood, Tythes, &c. and ordained another way of Maintenance for Gospel Mini­sters, as is before shewed; and that the Churches, in the primitive Times of Christianity, practized so; how comes it to pass, that the Ministers of our Nations, and perochial Congregations, in these Gospel times, do now not only demand, but force us to pay them Tythes, or other Maintenance, compulsively?

Answer, The Apostles in their dayes fore-told and prophesied of the great Apostacy that would ensue them (1 John 4. 1, 3. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, 3. 2 John 7. Jude 11, 18.) for in their times, and whilst the primitive Church kept the good Gospel-Order, there was no such thing as Tythes amongst them, nor yet any other compelling way, either of Maintenance for the Ministry, or [Page 61] foreing to worship; but as the Apostacy crept in, and spread it self over Nations, in and by which the Apostates lost the true Power of God, and thereby the good Gospel-order; and then they framed and set up Worship, Orders and Maintenance in their own Imaginations (for their self-interest, and to maintain them­selves in Pride) yet not without some likely Imitations, to cover themselves, and delude the people into a belief, that their Wayes and Worships were all right, and for a while kept up some part of the primitive Form; and so they (being erred from the Power and Guidance of God's Spirit, that should call and send forth Ministers, as at the first, that would be content with Christ's Al­lowance; at last, lost the very Form it self, and so invented Forms, Ways, Worships and ordaining Ministers, and then durst not trust to the Charity and free Benevolence of the People or Churches, nor yet to Christ's Allowance; and then (amongst other things) set up Tythes again (that had been ever discontinued among the true Christians) pretending Scripture Plea, viz. That it was the way of the Priests Maintenance under the Law; and the Peo­ple being (with their Teachers) in the Apostacy, and so their Un­derstandings darkened, could not tell but that both their Teach­ers, and their way of Maintenance, together with the Worship, and the Form of Worship, was all well (so great was the Apo­stacy) Rev. 18. 3. and thus the Whore (Mystery Babylon) with her enticing Cup of Fornication, made Nations and People drink of, and be drunk with her Abominations. And as History relates (Selden) there was in these Nations no mention of Tythes in the first Three Hundred Years after Christ, Free Benevolence being the Maintenance; and then the Pagans much crushed the Christians in England; and after that Popery increased, and by de­grees brought not only the Pagans, but the Christians in England (generally) to Popery, and then Tythes (that had neither by the true Christians, nor yet by the Pagans, been ever paid) were set up, yet but as a Gift, and for a while given and dispenced to the Priests and the Poor; but in tract of Time, Prescription was pleaded for payment of them, till at last Ecclesiasti­calAct. & Mon. Courts were set up to demand and recover them, for the use only of the Clergy, the Poor being then exclu­ded, though the Poor was the Cloak, under which pretence they [Page 62] got so much interest at first, as to set them up; againstThorp▪ Huss. the payment whereof several Martyrs bore Testimony. Then King Henry the Eighth and his Parliament (being Papists) made a Law for the payment of Tythes to the Clergy (then Popish) which was the first Establishment of Tythes by Civil Law; but when the said King fell out with the Pope, and denyed his Supremacy, and pulled down many Abbies and Mo­nasteries, he then appropriated the Title of Supream Head of the Church (instead of the Pope) and most of the Tythes to him­self; and some of the Tythes he kept, other some he gave and sold to Lay-men, and so came Lay-men first to be entituled unto Tythes; and the rest of the Tythes (not so appropriated) he, and King Edward his Son, confirmed to the Clergy, yet left the Tryal of them unto Ecclesiastical Courts.

And thus the Maintenance that Christ appointed for true Chri­stian Gospel-Ministers, which was Food and Raiment, came to be sleighted and lost, and Tythes set up (as aforesaid) instead there­of; and this is a manifest Token that the Priests now adayes (called Ministers, nay, they would be called and esteemed as Gos­pel-Ministers) are not the true Ministers of the Gospel, or true Gospel-Ministers, because they will not be content with a Gos­pel-Maintenance, Christ's Allowance; but flee for Refuge and Power to the old Laws of the Land (made by Papists, for the Po­pish Clergy) for their Maintenance; and thus the Plea for Tythes jure divino, is turned unto jure humano.

And if now Lay-men plead Inheritance and Law for Tythes, yet in the ground the derivation of them is from their being paid at first in right to the Jewish Priesthood, and since the Apostacy unto the (Popish) Priesthood: for since the Apostacy, tke Clergy were invested in them, in right of the Priesthood, so the Priest­hood is the Original; and the first Pristhood being ended and changed (by the coming of Christ) the Law for Tythes, Sacri­fices, &c. is also changed and dissannulled; therefore this Plea, of the Transmutation of the property of Tythes from jus divi­num to jus humanum, will not serve in sound reason, nor by Scrip­ture, to exact Tythes from true Christians, nor yet for them to pay Tythes either to the Clergy or Lay-men. And the Apostles continued in Christ's Doctrine, and preached the Gospel freely, [Page 63] coveting no mans Silver, Gold or Apparel; but laboured with their hands, that neither they nor their Gospel might be charge­able, 1 Cor. 9. 18.

And Paul layes down in his Epistle, 1 Tim. 3. the Quallification of Ministers and Bishops, That they must not be Strikers, nor Co­vetous, nor greedy of filthy Lucre, nor Proud, &c. and against such as preach for Lucre, and make Merchandize of the Word, both he and several of the Apostles bore Testimony, as may be seen in the Scriptures.

And there having been so many Volumns published of late by several of our Friends against Tythes (enough to satisfie a mode­rate and rational man) against the use of them (whether by pay­ment or reception) in these our Gospel dayes, that we need not enlarge hereon; and besides, the Understandings of people in our Nations are so enlightened, that very few do pay Tythes on the account of Conscience or Scripture Authority, but as being constrained thereunto against their Wills; for as peoples eyes are opened, by believing in, and embracing the true Light, Christ Jesus, they will easily see over the Apostacy, unto the primitive true Christians times, and so to discern the true Gospel-Ministers, and their Allowances by Christ, from the now (Natio­nal) parochal hired Priests, and their Maintenance by Tythes and forced wayes, set up by men; and that by the Scriptures of Truth Tythes and forced means is not a Maintenance for Gospel Mini­sters and that he that takes, and he that pays Tythes now, do both deny Christ come in the Flesh.

Thirdly, Touching our not paying to the repair of the Parish or publick Houses of Worship (called Churches) we have good Ground.

First, BEcause there is no Example for this from the An­tient People of God, the Jews, either in build­ing, or re-edifying and repairing of the Temple of Jerusa­lem (a Place Appointed and expresly Commanded of God to be built) For, neither did David, that prepaired aboun­dance for the Building of it; nor yet Solomen his Son, that built it; nor yet Zerubbabel and the Jews that Re-built and [Page 64] repaired it, would admit of any of the Gentiles, or strange Na­tions to help or assist them therein; for when their Adversaries proffered help, they refused acceptance, saying, You have nothing to do with us to build a House unto our God; we our selves together will build it unto the Lord God of Israel, Ezra 4. 1, 2, 3. So that the Jews, for the love and zeal they bore to God, and his Worship, denied those that were not of their Religion (that joyned not with them in their Worship) to help them to rebuild or repair the Temple, which was the Place for the Jews to worship at; and this is contrary to you that call your selves Christians, that com­pel others (not of you) to build & mend your Places of worship.

Secondly, Because there is no Example from the Primitive true Christians; for after Christ came (who ended the Temple Wor­ship, &c.) there were many thousands both of the Jews and Gen­tiles converted to the Faith, and met in several Places and Houses to worship God, (Acts 11. 26. & 20. 20. & 28. 30.) yet we do not read that they either imposed upon one another, or compelled the Jews or Gentiles (from whom they were turned) to build up Places of Worship; nor yet that the unconverted Jews and Gen­tiles compelled the Christians either to build or repair the Jews Synagogues, or Diana's Temple.

Thirdly, There is no equity or reason for us to pay to the build­ing or repairing of those now Places of Worship (called Chur­ches) for God hath so perswaded our hearts, that we cannot joyn with them that go to worship there, we having good Scrip­ture ground, both against the Worship it self, the manner of worshipping, and the Worshippers; and therefore we refuse to go to the Place. And can we do less then appeal to the equal Prin­ciple of God in men, Whether it is not repugnant to right Rea­son and Equity, for the Priests, and others to ask, much more to assess and compel (by takingG. Clapham Priest of Mountmelick, and Geo. Walker Priest of Kilmore. away our Goods, excessively) to pay to the building or repair of their Places of Worship, (called Churches) which they themselves (and not we) make use of? for we disown them in their Will-worship, (2 Tim. 3. 5.) where is taught for Doctrine [Page 65] the Commandments of men, Mat. 15. & 9. and where Prescrip­tions and Traditions of men form out a (compuisive) way of wor­ship, for Time, Place, Manner and Matter, as being contrary to Christ's Speech to the Woman of Samaria, Neither in this Moun­tain (where the Patriachs worshipped) nor yet at Jerusalem (the place commanded by God to be built for him (once) to be wor­shipped in) but the Hour cometh, and now is (said he) that the true Worshippers shall worship God in Spirit, and in Truth; for such the Fa­ther seeks to Worship him: and he is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship in the Spirit, Joh. 4. 21, 22, 23, 24. And further, doth not this manifest, that the litteral Professors of Christianity in this Age are grown very cold, much below God's ancient People, the Jews, who, for all they had been banished out of their own Coun­try, and been Captives in a strange Land, in Caldea and Persia 77 Years, yet at their return to Judea, would not suffer any that were not of their Religion and came not to their Worship, to help them to re-edifie & repair the Temple, commanded of God to be built? is not this much unlike this Generation of men, that by force make havock of us and out Goods, for not helping them to build and re­pair their now places of Parish-Worship (called Churches) for which they have no Command from God to build or repair? So now this may serve to inform people how innocently, and that for Conscience sake we suffer in this thing; and that our Persecutors have neither Example of God's Antient People, nor of the primi­tive true Christians, nor yet Reason or Equity on their sides for what they have done against us herein.

Fourthly, For not going to the publick Worship, and not joyning with them in their Worship at their said places (called Churches) and for Reproving and Exhorting them to fear God in the said Places, and in Streets and Markets, as we are commanded of the Lord, we have good Ground, though we have or may suffer for the same.

First, For it appears by the Scriptures of Truth▪ that in the In­fancy of the World, even before there was any writ­ten Law▪ or outward Rule commanded or prescribed by God, that People then offered or worshipped God each of them according [Page 66] to the perswasion of their own hearts and minds (as is hinted at in the first Branch) For Abel did not joyn with Cain in offe­ring Sacrifices, nor did either of them seek to compel the other to worship or offer after his way or manner; but each of them (and so of the succeeding People and Generations until the Law) offered and worshipped in divers Places & Manners, according as they were led and guided in their respective Understandings; and such of them as offered in the true Faith of the promised Seed (Christ) were accepted in their performances; and those that did not so offer were rejected: Thus Abel offer'd, where, what, and when he pleased, offering of the Firstlings ofGen. 4. 4. Heb. 11. 4. Gen. 4. 3, 5, 6, 7, 8. Gen. 5. 24. Gen. 6. 9, 18. his Flock, and the Fat thereof, unto which (being in the true Faith) the Lord had respect. And Cain he like­wise offered how, when, and what he pleased, viz. Of the Fruit of the Ground, which was not accepted with God; and so he persecuted and killed his innocent Bro­ther, Righteous Abel. And Enoch walked with God, and not after the manner of mens Wickedness then, and thereby pleased God, and was translated. Noah a just man, a Preacher of Righteousness, who also walked with God, and not after the manner of, or with the wicked World then, found Grace with the Lord, and he and his Family were saved from the Deluge of the World; and he built an Altar unto the Lord, and there­onGen. 8. 20, 21. offered Burnt-Offerings of every clean Fowl, and every clean Beast, which was a sweet Savour unto the Lord. Abraham, God's Friend, believing in God that appeared unto him, obtained Favour, and was cal­led,Gen. 12. 1, 5, 6, 7, 8. The Father of the Faithful; the Lord called him out of his own Country, and from his Kindred and Father's House, and he obeyed, and went with his Family into Canaan, a Land Promised to his Seed, where he dwelt;Gen. 13. 18. Gen. 15. 1. Gen. 17. 1. & 18. 1. and built an Alter unto the Lord at Sichem and Bethel; thence he sojourned into Egypt, and returned into Ca­naan, and built an Alter at Mamre, and the Word of the Lord came unto him, and God appeared unto him, and made himself known (by his Name, The Almighty God) unto Abraham, and said, Walk before me (walk in [Page 67] my Wayes, and not as the Nations walk▪ amongst whom thou livest) and be thou perfect: he also dwelt in the Land ofGe. 20. 1, 2. & 21. 33, 34. & 22. 9, 13, 14. the Philistines, but walked not after their wayes, for he planted a Grove in Beersheba, and there worshipped the Lord; and in Moriah he offered a Ram instead of his Son; and as he could not walk as the Nations did, who walked not in the Fear of God, nor joyn with them in their Worship, so neither could he so much as joyn with them in the burying of the dead Body of Sarah; but purchased the Cave of Machpelah of Ephron the Hittite for a Burying place. And Isaac, in whom the Seed wasGenesis 23. 19, 20. Genesis 24. 3, 4. Genesis 26. 25. Genesis 28. 1. 2 Genesis 32. 28. Gen. 33 18, 19, 20. Genesis 35. 7, 14, 15. called, dwelt under Abimelech amongst the Philistines, and joyned not with them in their Worship, nor yet in Marrying with them; but obeyed his Father Abraham, who had streighly charged him not to Marry any of the Daughters of the Cananites; and also charged his Son Jacob, not to mingle in Marriage with the Cananites, which he also observed; and the Lord appeared unto him at Beersheba, and he there built an Alter to the Lord, and called on his Name. And Jacob, or Israel, the pre­vailing Prince with God, in his sojourning in Padan-Aran, and in Canaan also he dwelt, and followed not the Worships of the Nations, amongst whom he lived, neither in their Worship (as we read of) nor in Mar­riage; but erected an Alter at Shalem in Sichem, and he built an Alter at Bethel, and set up a Pillar of Stone, and poured Drink-Offerings and Oyl thereon; and he and his twelve Sons, and their Families, dwelt in Egypt, under King Pharoah; and after he had been there seven­teen Years, he dyed, but charged his Son Joseph, To bu­ryGenesis 47. 28, 29, 30, 31. Genesis 50. 24, 25, 26. him in Machpelah, with Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Leah: And we do not find, that al­though he lived in several Countries, that he worship­ped with the National People, nor could he give his dead Body to be buried amongst them: And the like did Joseph his Son. So as they could not joyn with the strange Nations, or Nations that worship or serve strange godds, that walked not in the Fear of God in [Page 68] their Life time, so they could not give their dead Bodies to lay amongst them.

Secondly, Moses, the meek and great Prophet of God, worship­ped the Lord on an Altar in Rephidem; and at Mount Si­nai was the Law given forth, then the Altar of the Ta­bernacleEx. 17. 15. & 19. & 20. & 27. 1. & 30. 1. was prescribed in the Mount, which was a move­able Altar, to go along with Israel in their Travels; and in the Law is mention made of several Altars, for seve­ral uses; an Altar of Earth, for Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings; an Altar of Shittim Wood, for Burnt-Offerings; an Altar of Incense, &c. And after the Lord had brought the Children of Israel out of Egypt, into the Land of Canaan, which he promised to Abraham and his Seed; they were not to joyn with the National Worship­pers, or serve other Godds; but worship and serve the Living God only, whom they knew: and whilst they continued obe­dient unto the Lord, in the separation from the false Worship­pers, and kept the Laws, Statutes and Ordinances, given by Moses, the Lord was with them and amongst them, in Moses, Josua, and the Elders time, Judg. 2. 7, 8, 9, to the end: And when there arose a new Generation, that turned from the Lord, and so lost the knowledge of him, and turned to the false Wor­ships of the Nations, and took them Wives of their Daughters, and followed other Godds; then the Anger of the Lord waxed hot against them, and he gave them into the hands of their Ene­mies oftentimes, Judg. 3. and when they cryed unto the Lord, he heard, and answered, and sent a Prophet to reprove them for their Back-slidings, Judg. 6. 8. and afterwards Solomon built the Temple at Jerusalem, for the People to worship in (1 King. 6▪ 38.) and (because of the great Idolatry of other Nations, about and amongst them, whereby Israel were often drawn away to serve their Godds) they were confined to the Temple-Worship, and there the Lord promised his Presence, if they continued in his Statutes; but Solomon went after other Godds, and took Wives of the Idolatrous Nations, and turned to their Godds and Worships; and then the Lord stirred up Adversaries against him, and was angry with him, and he rent the Kingdom from him, and [Page 69] gave Ten parts thereof to his Servant Jeroboam, and the rest to his Son Rehoboam, 1 King. 11. thus was Israel divided, and it was then the Duty of all Israel to worship at Jerusalem. But Je­roboam, after he was King, would not observe what the Lord said to him by the Prophet Ahijah, 1 King. 12. 38. but disobeyed, and set up his false National Worship at Samaria, for his own ends, in order to draw the Peoples minds from the Temple Worship at Jerusalem, and to fortifie himself in his new acquired, or rather given Kingdom; for he, for fear the People should worship there (as indeed they (and he too) ought) he made two Calves of Gold, and set up one at Betbel, the other at Dan, and falsly called them the Godds which brought Israel out of Egypt, and it became a great Sin; for the people worshipped them, and went not to the Temple, as they were commanded of God: And he made an House of High-Places, and Priests of the lowest of the people (such as he knew being raised so by him would serve his Ends, and call the dead Images Godds, and his invented ways and worships the True Worship) that were not of the Sons of Levi, and therefore false Priests, and not of God's ap­pointing or making: And he ordained Feasts, Offerings, Sa­crifices, Altars, &c. in some resemblance of the Worship at Je­rusalem, thereby to please the People, and feed their Fancies with a doing something in imitation of the Worship at Jerusalem, and by offering upon the Altar there Burnt-incense, &c. and feasting the people, that it became a great Snare, and Sin of Idolatry, and turned away their Hearts from serving the Living God, to serve Godds (or rather more properly no Gods) of Gold, and the Works of mens hands; and this very much provoked the Lord, insomuch that whilst Jeroboam the King and the People were at their invented Worship, at the Altar at Bethel, there came a Man of God, a Prophet out of Judah, and cryed against the Altar (the false Worship) and the King put forth his Hand, and said, Lay hold on him (as many do in our dayes) and his Hand withered or dryed, which by the Prayer of the Man of God was healed and restored again, 1 King. 13. 1, to 10. Neither did Je­roboam set up this his Worship, as judging it in his Conscience to be the true Worship of God; for he knew it was his own inven­ted Worship, and devised Way, as is plain in 1 King. 12. 27, 33. [Page 70] but rather politickly prescribing a Way and Worship (like in some things to that at Jerusalem) to keep the People from the true Worship, and to busie their minds in an active way of Worship, by Priests of his own making, who would say or do any thing he would have them, their Places and Maintenance depending on him, and also, to strengthen himself in his Kingdom; rather seeking his own Greatness and Preservation, then the Honour and Glory of God, that had bestowed such a Kingdom and Dig­nity unexpectedly on him, and as the Author [...] of so fair and gilded a Way of Worship, thereby wholy to allure and engage them to him, and his Idolatrous Worship; who having so sinned against God, knew no other safety or strength then the good will and number of the People: and several of the Kings of Judah and Israel were false Worshippers, and against them and their said false Worships several Prophets of the Lord bore Testimony, and reproved them; as did Zechariah, Michaiah, Isaiah, Jere­miah, Ezekiel, Malachi, and several other Servants of the Lord, which kept the Law of God then, as we do now the Gospel, and served the Lord in their Generations, and knew him whom they served, and could not forsake him and his Laws, to joyn with the Idolaters and false Worshippers, that knew not the Living God; and for bearing Testimony against the false Worshippers, and reproving them for their Will-worship, Idolatry, Sin and Wickedness, were Persecuted, imprisoned, and some of them put to Death. And it is to be well observed, That not in all the time under the Law, when Sacrifices, Offerings, Temple-wor­ship, &c. (as Types and Figures) were set up by the Command of God, none were lyable, or compelled (as we read of) to worship there but the Jews, and them that were of their Religi­on: So that the true Worshippers were never Persecutors in any Age, but false Worshippers have ever persecuted them that truly serve and worship God in sincerity of Heart; therefore let not Persecutors think, or look on themselves to be true Worshippers, true Christians, whilst they are in that Nature; and let them but seriously examine their Hearts in the Light and Spirit of Christ Jesus, and they will know, that they find not acceptance with God in their own Services, nor Peace of Conscience, and true Satisfaction of Soul in their Worshippings, and that's the very [Page 71] Cause why they malign others, and (Caiu like) envy and per­secute (sometimes to Death) them that are more Innocent, and that find Peace with God, and Acceptance in their worshipping.

Thirdly, The Lord having been thus worshipped before and under the Law, and having a further and another Way of Wor­ship, in and by manifesting of the promised Seed to be clothed with Flesh, John 1. 17. (For the Law was given by Moses, but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ, who was the Substance of the Law, of all the Offerings, Sacrifices, Altar and Temple-Worship (which could not make perfect as pertaining to the Con­science) all which he ended by his Coming, and being offered up) a Body being prepared him to do the Will of the Father; and then Sacrifices of Righteousness, and worshipping God in Spi­rit and in Truth, ordained of God and declared by Christ; for when Christ came, he did not joyn with the publick Worship, but reproved them that drew nigh with their Tongues, and ho­noured God with their Lips, and their Hearts far from him, Mat. 15. 8, 9. (as many do now adayes) and told them, In vain they worshipped, that taught for Doctrine the Commandments of Men; and called them, Blind Leaders (John 7. 28. & 4. 23.) and he often went into the Temple (the publick Place of Wor­ship for the Jews) and reproved them, and set up the true Wor­ship of God (over all false worships) in the Spirit and in the Truth, which differed from the National Worships; and as ma­ny as came to the Gospel Worship, to worship God in Spirit, were separated from the Jews and Gentiles Publick and National Worships, and did often testifie against them in their publick Places, and reproved them in the Streets, and other Places, for which they were persecuted by Unbelievers and false Worship­pers, that knew not God. And Christ Jesus being come (of whom Moses prophesied, and said, Acts 3. 22.) He must be heard in all things; and he being Head of his Church, its his Preroga­tive alone to establish the Worship and Order thereof, and he on­ly hath Power in all Spiritual Matters, over his Body, his Church and People, who are oblieged in point of Duty to obey and ob­serve his Commands and Institutions, and not the Prescriptions of any other; for God never was, is, or will be worshipped ac­ceptably [Page 72] any otherwayes then in his own Will and Way. And Christ Jesus, for publishing the Everlasting Gospel, and set­ting up his Father's Worship, in Spirit and in Truth, by end­ing the Law, with its Ordinances, and Temple-worship, &c. and for testifying against Sin and Wickedness, the works of the Devil, and for all other his good Words and Works he was persecuted, and put to Death by the chief Priests, Elders, Scribes and Pharisees, John 8. 59. (a great professing people) even by such as professed the Messiah to come: Thus was the Just and Ho­ly One, the Messiah, Christ Jesus, the Seed, the Son of God, and Saviour of the World put to Death by Wicked and Ungod­ly Men, who are of the Line of Cain's spirit, the seed of the Ser­pent, the Devil.

Peter and John went into the Temple, Acts 3. & 4. 1. (the place of Worship) at the time of Prayer, and preached Christ, which the Temple-Worshippers could not bear, but laid hands on them, whipt them, and put them in Prison (strictly charging them, To Preach no more in the Name of Jesus) the Priests being the chief Instruments, as also at the killing of Christ. Stephen a true Worshipper of God, (Acts 6.) was accused of many Falshoods, by men subborned, and false Witnesses, and brought before the Council of the Jews, false Worshippers; and he be­ing full of Faith and Power preached Christ unto them; and withal told them, Acts 7. That God dwelled not in Temples made with hands; further charging them and their Fathers with persecuting the Prophets, and murdering of Jesus, for which he was stoned, and put to Death by the National Worshippers. Paul preached Christ in the Synagogues, Acts 9. 20, 23. for which the Jews took Counsel against him, waiting and watching at the Gate day and night (so great was their Envy) to kill him: And he and Barnabas preached in the Jews Synagogues at Cyprus, Antioch, &c. and the Jews persecuted them, and Banished them their Coasts, Acts 13. (as many of God's Servants are served in these dayes) And at Iconium they were also persecuted, and Paul stoned (near unto Death) by the professing Jews, and false Worshippers, for going into their Synagogues, and preaching Christ, Acts 14. And at Thessalonica, Paul (as his manner was) went into the Synagogues on the Sabboth dayes, and reasoned with them out [Page 73] of the Scriptures, that Jesus is the Christ, &c. Acts 17. and the Unbelievers and base people set the City on an Uproar against them (as such do now against God's Servants for preaching the same Christ) accusing them with turning the World upside down, and doing contrary to the Decrees of Caesar, and troubled the City, and the Rulers (even as the Priests and worst of People in our Age do concerning us, whom the Lord hath redeemed from their Mouthes) And when Paul came to Athens, he did not joyn to the publick Worship, but his Spirit was stirred in him, see­ing them given to Idolatry, he disputed in the Synagogues with the Jews, and in the Market daily with them that met with him; there certain Philosophers of the Epicureans and Stoicks encoun­tred him, some calling him a Babbler, others a Setter forth of strange Godds (because he preached Jesus, and the Resurrection) and yet they themselves knew not the Living God. Thus Peter and several of the Apostles & Disciples, the true Worshippers, for bear­ing the like Testimony, were also persecuted, and some to Death.

Many more Examples might be mentioned of the true Wor­shippers of the Lord, even through Ages and Generations, re­corded in the Scriptures, who knew God whom they worship­ped, and could not joyn with the false Worshippers (yea, if Na­tional Worshippers) in their day, that knew not the Lord; but reasoned with them, and testified against them in their publick places, and else-where, as the Lord required them; and they were alwayes persecuted by the false birth of Religion, the false Worshippers and seed of Evil-doers, that knew not God, accor­ding to the Saying of the Apostle, Gal. 4. 29. He that is born of the Flesh persecutes him that is born of the Spirit.

And also, It may be seen in Histories and Books of Martyrs, that many have suffered Martyrdom because they could not joyn to and with the National and established Worships, then set up by men, and so forsake the Spiritual Worship, set up by Jesus Christ.

And as in former times, so in these dayes, the true Worship­pers, who worshipped God in Spirit and in Truth, Jo. 4. 23, 24. (which is the Gospel-Worship, set up by Christ Jesus) cannot joyn (contrary to their Consciences and Understandings) with the National publick Worship, for which there is neither Com­mand nor Example in the Scriptures of Truth for their Practice. Discipline, Manner of Worship and Worship it self.

[Page 74]And seeing it is of necessity to know God before he can be worshipped aright, and that none know the Father, but the Son, and him to whom the Son will reveal him, Mat. 11. 27. if none then know God but by the Revelation of Christ Jesus, and that the national Worshippers say, Revelation (which it seems is the on­ly way to know God) is ceased; then by their Doctrine it follows, That the Knowledge of God is ceased; and then in vain do men worship, for they worship they know not what: How then can we joyn with them in such a Worship, whilst they deny Revelation, & so worship an Unknown Godd? But we come to know God by the Revelation of Jesus Christ (1 John 4. 13, 14, 15, 16.) and therefore we worship him, and fear his holy Name; and for thus worshipping we ought not to be persecuted, especially, not by those that profess Christianity.

Fifthly, Concerning our not Swearing, not taking off our Hats, and for Working on dayes (by some called Holy-days) we have also good Ground and Scripture Authority.

First, AND first, for our refusing to Swear, we have plain and undeniable Scripture Proofs; 1st, from Christ Jesus, the Son of God, in whom we believe, Joh. 14. 1. who in his Sermon to his Disciples, preached and opened the glorious Work and Worth of the Gospel above the Law (though he came not to destroy the Law, but to fulfil it) You have heard, said he, that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not Forswear thy self, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine Oaths; but I say unto you, Swear not at all, neither by Heaven, &c. but let your Communication be Yea, yea, Nay, nay; for whatsoever is more then these cometh of Evil, Mat. 5. 17, 33, 35, 36, 37. And if men were not wilfully bind, and hardned against Truth, how could a Mouth be opened, much less a Hand lifted up against us (by the Professors of Christianity) for our Principles herein, seeing Christ (the Gospel-Law giver) bids us not Swear at all, and him we are to hear and obey: And as they under the Law were to Swear truly, so we under the Go­spel are to speak truly; for true Christians are as far to exceed the Jews, as the Gospel doth the Law, because of that Noble and Just Principle in them, which is to lead them and guide them into all Truth, (John 16. 13.) to speak and act truly al­together [Page 75] at all times and in all places; and then a Testimony to speak the Truth answereth unto, and is (in the Ground) as valid as Swearing truly; & that which might be sworn unto in the time of the Law, is now only to be confirmed by Confession, Yea, yea; or Negation, Nay, nay: And as the Jews under the Law confirmed their Testimony to end Strife, Controversie, &c. by Swearing, and bound themselves by an Oath, some­times by Vows and Curses; so the Christians in the Gos­pel and New Covenant, are bound in Conscience by the Power and Law of Christ in them (which is a far greater Bond then Swearing) To do to all Men as they would be done unto, and to perform Equity and Righteousness (in that Love which is the fulfilling of the Law) in the Sight of God and Man, without Swearing Oaths, which were but Figures of this inward Bond or Covenant, confirmed by the Oath of God to the Seed of Abraham, which the True Christians are of, who witness the Substance and End of all Oaths without, and of Strife, Doubts and Variances that occasioned the Oaths; for the requiring of an Oath suppo­seth Doubt or Unbelief in the one Party, which is no more to be pleaded for, then it is to be practiced in a true Christian.

And we do affirm further for our Principle in this matter, That to Swear at all is against the Law of the Spirit of Truth that dwells in us, and is against the positive Command of Christ Jesus herein, who said, Swear not at all; and this fully and plainly excludeth all the Glosses and Pretences of all men whatsoever, who would take upon them to interpret Christ's Words and Meanings (as they say) in this, as if he meant not to bar taking an Oath before a Magistrate, or to end a Controversie in a Suit of Law betwixt two Parties, &c. but as if he meant on­ly forbidding Vain, Accustomary, and Unlawful Oaths, or Swearing; and such like imagined Stuff many have writ about and pleaded for, which (if well considered) is no great marvel; For if they cannot believe in the Light that lighteth them, the Son of God, and his Covenant, how can they own his Doctrine and Principle in this or other things published by him, or by his Spirit and Authority. 2dly, From the positive Precept of the Apostle, Jam. 5. 12. who preached his Lord and Master Christ Jesus, his fame Doctrine against Swear­ing, [Page 76] when he wrote to the Twelve scattered Tribes of the Jews, who by the old Law were allowed or commanded to Swear truly; but when they were converted to the Faith, and come to own and believe in Christ and his Doctrine, then they were oblieged and commanded not to Swear at all, no not to Swear truly it self, but to speak the Truth, their word Yea to be Yea, their word Nay to be Nay; for the Apostle seeing (may be finding) and foreseeing, that these converted Jews and Israelites, because of former Precepts & Customs in the Law (which they had been under) might use or plead for some sort of Swearing (like People now, who argue for Swearing before a Magistrate) contrary to Christs Command, therefore he puts a greater weight then ordinary upon this Doctrine, as if the concernment thereby had exceeded his other Doctrine, in saying, But above all things, Swear not—by any Oath—Neither do we read that any of the other Apostles used the like Doctrine to the converted Gentiles at Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Galatia, &c. against Swearing, there being no such need to them that were not oblieged by the Law to Swear in a­ny respect. So here are two plain Scripture Proofs for our Principle and Practice herein; and when any can produce Scripture in the New Testament, to prove (so plainly) their Practice of Swearing▪ in Gospel-dayes, before a Magistrate (which they call a lawful Oath) or yet before any other, or upon any occasion whatsoever, to be lawful, and allowed of, or commanded by Christ or his Apostles, who are the Authors of the Book called the New Testament, then we may give further Answer, or write more about it; but till then, they (especially they that profess Christ, and ought to obey his Command) ought not to blame us, much less to persecute, fine, or imprison us for obeying the Command of Christ, and observing the Doctrine of his blessed Apostle James.

3dly, As Swearing was thus forbidden by Christ and his Apostle, so the primitive Christians observed the same accor­dingly: For the Bishop of Smyrna (a Martyr for the Truth) refused to Swear, saying, That he was a CHRISTIAN; so it seems the Primitive True Christians did not Swear; and as his Answer importeth, when they urged him to Swear, he used no other Argument to respond or shew his refusal, but to say, He was a Christian, that thereby his Persecutors [Page 77] might know, That he would not Swear because he was a Christian, as by that Profession, bear­ingJerom, Chrysoft. Ambr. Origen. Act. and Mon. Testimony against Swearing, or breaking the Command of Christ: Hereto agree several old and eminent Writers; as also, the Testimony of divers Martyrs and Sufferers under the Papal Pow­er in Peiedmond, England, &c. who bore witness to our (and the true old) Christian-Principle herein. Bishop Gawden bore the like Testimony, and said,Bish. Gaw­den. ‘Amongst false Christians Oaths are not to be regarded, and amongst true Christians there was no need of them.’ William Thorp, his TestimonyWil. Thorp, herein was, said he, ‘It is a Sin to Swear well.’ W. Brute also testified and affirmed, ‘That no Chri­stianWil. Brute. ought to Swear.’ And so discend to our Times, since the Lord hath called us to be his People, our Principle in this (as in all other things) agrees with the pri­mitive Christians, being like-minded with them; for if we should Swear, and break Christ's Command, his Light would condemn us, as the Apostle James said, lest ye fall into Con­demnation. Hereby it appeareth, That our refusing to Swear proceedeth from sufficient Ground, Christ's Command, the Apostle's Doctrine, and the Primitive Christians Practices; so that it is Matter of Conscience to us, not to Swear at all. And because it is urged against us, That hereby we are incapable to serve the King & our Country. To which we say, we make not our selves inca­pable, but we are made incapable by the Law of the Land, that re­quires that of us which Christ has forbid us to give; and see­ing we live under such Rulers and Magistrates as profess Christianity, and the Scriptures to be their Rule to believe in, and to walk by, we desire them to excuse us in this mat­ter, and well to mind Peter, and the Apostles Answer to the Persecuting High Priest and his Council at Jerusalem (who had imprisoned the Apostles, and streightlyActs 5. 29. charged them, to Preach no more in the Name of Jesus We o [...]ght to obey God, rather then men, said they; and not seek to compel or persecute us because we cannot, we dare not Swear, nor take an Oath, either to serve in Of­fices, or upon Juries, or giving Evidence; though we are [Page 78] willing and ready to serve in any Office or Place meet for us, and which we are capable of, & faithfully to perform the same, as also, to give in Evidence by speaking truly, so as that we may not break Christ's Command, or stain our Consciences through Disobedi­ence. And for a further Testimony of our Sincerity herein, we further say and declare, That we are content to suffer as much for not Serving truly, and for not Speaking and Evi­dencing truly, as those that are Perjured or Forsworn; for we hold our selves as much (yes more) oblieged by affirm­ing or speaking Truth by our word Yea, and Nay, as o­thers do by Swearing truly, or performing their Places by an Oath. And if this sufficeth not, then we must needs say, Its hard to perswade men of a contrary mind to us herein (until they come to own and believe in the Truth, Christ the Light, and then they will (with us) be like-minded with us) that what we say, affirm and witness is really Truth, or truly said and done; seeing they themselves are often doubtful of the verity of what is sworn or testified upon Oath, by such, as wor­ship with them, and are of the same Opinion with them, and hold it (as they do) lawful to Swear; for several times, nei­ther the Swearers, nor the Matter sworn, is believed by the Magistrate; for men of good Fame are called and depended on for the truest Evidence: So that it appeareth, That its not the taking of a bare Oath (simply considered as an Oath) which oblieges to perform or evidence and swear truly, but rather the Honesty and good Conscience of the Party; which proves the Performance from a Principle within, and not from a formal Oath: & then we say, Why should not a man as well be be­liev'd in speaking truly, as swearing truly; seeing all that swear cannot be believed, there being so many Perjured & False-sworn?

Secondly, For not taking off our Hats (which are part of our Bodily Garments, and put and placed upon our Heads, to keep them warm and dry, as the rest of our Garments are for the other parts of our Bodies) and so not Honour­ing mens Persons, with pulling them off, which (it seems) troubleth and distasteth the minds of some men, that seek the Honour below, in order to content and satisfie the Pride and Ambition; for curreous and good-natured men contemn and disregard it, looking upon it (at best) but an Alamode [Page 79] Complement of a late Edition, and rather become a Fashion in our Country, a National or general Custom, then any absolute matter of Duty or Necessity: And besides, it would be no hard thing to prove the use of National or general Customs to be incongtuous with and dissonant unto the Life of a true Christian, who is not to be fashionedunto the World: 1 Pet. 1. 14. so that the not putting them off (to answer the Will, a lofty part in man) is also Matter of Conscience to us; for God knows our hearts, that its done in the Cross of Christ Jesus, and not in Contempt of Authority, or mens Persons bearing Rule; For we dare not Respect Persons, & act contrary to the Apostles Do­ctrine, who said, Jam. 2. 1, to 11. If ye have Respect to Persons, ye commit Sin, and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors: to this a­grees Christ's Saying to his Hearers, John 5. 41, 44. How can ye be­lieve which receive Honour one of another, and seek not the Honour that comes down from God only? and we do not read in the Scriptures, that of all that were brought, or voluntarily went before Kings, Dukes Governours and Magistrates, that any were commanded to put off their Hats or Bonnets; nay, Nebuchadnezar was not offended (as we read) with the three Children for their Hats, Dan. 3. 21. for they were cast into the Fire with their Hosen and Hats—Doth not the Turk mock it Christians for putting off their Hats, & shew­ing their bare Heads? Is not this a Reproof to Christians, that Persecute, Fine and Imprison for not putting off the Hat to them, because they have not the Hat-Honour, and Hat-Respect, which they cannot say is the Honour from above, which Christ commendeth to seek?

Thirdly, For Working or Opening our Shops on the Week­dayes, called Holy-dayes, we have this to say, which, though little, yet may suffice a moderate man, and will a true Christi­an; We find (Exod. 20. 6.) the Law allowed Six Dayes in the Week to Work or Labour on, and neither Christ nor his Apostles did ever forbid it, nor yet ordained any such dayes as Holy-days to be kept and observed, by the Churches in the Primitive Times. And the Apostle Paul in his Epistle to the Romans, saith, Rom. 41. 5, 6. ‘One Man esteemeth one Day above another, another estee­meth every Day alike; let every man be fully perswaded in his own Mind: he that regards a Day, regards it unto the Lord; and he that regards not the Day to the Lord, he doth not regard it.’ [Page 80] And he also said, They should not judge one another about such things. And seeing that neither the Apostles, nor the Councils, in their dayes, made any such Decree or Law, for observing such dayes; have not therefore these Decrees and Laws been made by the Pope and his Councils since the Apostles dayes? And who shall be observed, the Apostles, or the Pope, judge ye? So that there being no Institution of such dayes by Christ, his Apostles, or Primitive Councils; why should we suffer or be persecuted, for following our lawful Labours and Callings thereon, especially by such as are called Christians.