A NOVELTY, &c.
TO use as few Words as I can, behold a Copy of the Certificate, or Letter from one of the Judges, from a Monthly Meeting in Huntington-shire, where the Young Man dwelt, to a Monthly Meeting in Bedford-shire, where the Maid dwelt.
HERE came Stephen Scarborrow, Who kee [...] a little Grose [...] Shop at Bran [...] ton, a Mile [...] Huntington. to acquaint Friends of his Intention of Marriage with Marry Samm, Daughter of Nathaniel Samm of Litlington, in Bedford-shire; as also he did to our Quarterly Meeting about a Month ago, and Friends did tenderly advise him to acquaint our Women Friends therewith, who attend Meetings to serve Truth in their Day Age, and Generation, and to enquire, and see that things be clear on all parts on so weighty a Concern as Marriage; but he refusing to follow Friend's Advice herein, I know not what the Women-Friends may have to say in this Matter: Now I being one that have had some Exercise and Concern in these our Meetings, I do testifie, That that Spirit that doth oppose the good Order in publishing Marriage in Men and Women's Meetings, is not of God, and am sorry for the Young Man, and desire he may live to see his Weakness, and amend; so with Love to all Friends of Truth, rest a Friend to the same Truth.
After the Young Man had carried the Letter above, with a Certificate, to a Monthly Meeting in Bedford-shire, with other Hands to it, which Tobias would not sign with his Brethren, (he not being at Unity with them in that;) my House being in the Young Man's way home, call'd at my House, and there happen'd to take it out of his Pocket, said to me, Friends gave it me again, and he laid it down; he being gone, I perused it pritty [Page 4]well, and soon perceived it came from an Imposing Spirit, such a one as has bred all the Division and Troubles amongst Friends: Therefore in hopes to a little moderate this severe Judge, I write the following Letter unto him, (except the Margent,) viz.
Communicate this to thy Brethren of the Monthly Meeting in Huntington.
WHEN thou was at my House, the 17th day of the last Month, [...]. E. and his [...]ife being at Meeting at [...] House. thou said'st to me; There was no imposing upon any Person that came into your Meetings of Government, or words to that purpose; if you are not Imposers, I must confess I am mistaken.
Thy Certificate [...]or Letter to [...]onthly Meeting in Bedford [...]re; who [...]ere also [...]wed their [...]wer, bid [...]ng the young [...]n come [...]xt Monthly Meeting, when they knew, or might have known that day, the Couple was innocent; but [...]me he must, tho' he dwells about sixteen Miles off, and must hire a Horse. of the 3d. Instant makes it more manifest concerning a young Man's refusing to mention his Intention of Marriage first of all to the Judgment of your Women's Meetings; and because (for good Conscience sake) he could not do it, thou judgeth him weak, and need of Amendment; judging also all other People that do oppose, or that submit not to a Female Authority in Marriage, Not to be of God, then of the Devil: An uncharitable Sentence.
Can there be greater Imposers in the World, than those that judge all People, Not to be of God, for not submitting to a Female Government in Marriage? A thing never heard of, but of late Years, except the Government of the Amazons, who were not so Censorious upon the account of Marriage.
The Words in the Certificate.Or Letter.
I do testifie, That that Spirit that doth oppose the good Order in publishing Marriages in Men and Womens Meeting, is not of God.
Again, And am sorry for the young Man, and desire he may live to see his Weakness, and amend.
Again, saist thou, I know not what the Women-Friends may have to say to this Matter; (that is) his Non submission to a Meeting of Women, distinct from Men.
I do greatly desire to hear how they do to bear it, that a Young Man should refuse to submit to their Authority.
Yet should be very glad to hear also, that a Meeting of VVomen had received power from God, so as to prevail with a Maid, or Married Woman (that comes to them for Counsel) to forsake Pride, Oh! The [...]de of Wo [...]en-Judges, especially at London, that has not yet prevailed with Maids, to hide those hollow places they [...]ve, as room for Topknots on their Foreheads. and Excess in Meat, Drink, Apparel, and Furniture.
And whether such Women-Judges ever did any Good, who come into the Seat of Counsel, rusling in gaudy flower'd Stuffs, or Silks, from Top to Toe, mincing with their Feet, &c. except their Gifts to the Poor.
But to be brief, because I am not for raising Chollar in any,He that's built on the Rock Christ, nothing will move to Passion. yet I hope I need not fear it in thee, and am sure thou wilt not be angry with me, if thou art built upon that Rock, that neither Storms, nor any other thing can move to Passion.
Therefore, to ease me of the Burthen which now is upon my Spirit,And has been some Years. I shall give thee my Opinion and then cease at this time; for it is not becoming a true Christian to delight in Contending, or be troublesom to a Congregation; yet those that shall force me to confess that I err in what I write, (before I see it my self) are the Imposers.
My Opinion is this, by way of AdviceFrom a weak one; yea, one of the most despised in Israel, being not a Conformist.; When a Couple shall come to your private Monthly Meeting in Huntington, to acquaint you of their Intentions of Marriage, say to them, as to the antient Christian Quakers.
Friend, Who made us Judges over you? Go, if you find freedom of Spirit, and publish your Intentions at the end of the Publick Religious Meeting for Worship, to which you belong, or nearest to your Dwelling;The ancient Practice of Friends. for they best know whither or no you are clear from all other Engagements in this kind, where you may have a sufficient number of Witnesses at your Certificate.
And that we now let you know, this was the Innocent Practice of our dear deceased Friends in the beginning, when God sent among us, to turn our Minds to Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace, Mention'd in the Church of England's Catechism, to be the Substance, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord, being but signs thereof. in each Soul, to be our Guides, not Man.
Likewise, on the other Hand, say unto this Couple, in the fear of God, Friends, If you have freedom, and find it's not contrary to the Teachings of Christ's Inward and Spiritual GraceMention'd in the Church of England's Catechism, to be the Substance, Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord, being but signs thereof. in your own Souls.
Publish your Intentions of Marriage twice in our Women's Meetings; and when all the VVomen-Judges think you a fit Match, then you must mention it also twice to us of the Men's Meeting, which we think necessary.This Decree was made at the Yearly Meeting, 1657: and also in a Quarterly Meeting in the Isle of Ely.
And that when we, who are most commonly Strangers to your Proceedings, (tho' we are well informed by a Friend, all things are clear on both sides) yet you are to come and wait on us Monthly or Quarterly, until such time, as all the VVomen and Men of both Meetings say you may joyn in Marriage, for fear you should bring a Scandal upon the Truth, tho' your Dwelling be Twenty Miles off, or more, from hence.Not caring how it hinders their Business, & Horse-hire.
These two manner of ways of Marriage, we lay before you, chuse which of the two, that answers best to the witness of God in your own Souls; for we are not to be Judges of that.
So we freely leave you to your Choice,The want of this has brought much Confusion. so as you come together in the fear of God, and we shall think never the worse of you.How have you hated those that conform'd not.
For we seek God's Glory, not our own; which is according to our first Institution, when first we became a People.
For our Labour is to perswade People to submit to Christ's Spiritual Government in their own Souls.
So that as we are not to answer for your Miscarriges, neither are you for ours.
If thou believest I write this to thee, in Enmity to any Person or Persons whatsoever, thy diserning is but weak, so not fit to sit as a Judge in Israel.
But hope better things of thee, to whom my true Love is, and to all that do faithfully return to the Truth, as it was amongst Friends, when first the Mockers called us Quakers.
To which Letter no Answer hath yet been given.
A Lamentation for the Fall of so many, once Worthies, in Spiritual Israel.
OH!The Author's Sorrow. what shall I say, or write unto you, that once run to and fro on Foot from place to place, spending your Time and Strength to turn Peoples Minds into the Centre of their Souls, to Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace, to be their Teacher and Leader into all Truth.
But now, that you should contradict your former Advice, by setting up VVomen and Men Guides over an Innocent People, is greatly to be lamented.
How are you fallen, what Lamentation shall I take up for you?
Oh! that mine Eyes were as a Fountain of Water, that I might weep Day and Night for the Fall of so many, once Worthies in Spiritual Israel; who were once in that Spirit and Love of Jesus, that they could lay down their Lives to win Souls to God; loved their very Enemies, yea, could forgive the Trespasses of a Brother,Matth. 18.22. seventy times seven.
But alas, this true Love, or Lamb's Patience is not now to be found on Earth,O Truth, art thou fled to Heaven again? Is Man's Souls too straight to contain thee? except amongst a few upright Hearts, that has chosen Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace for their Guide, such can wash the Feet of their Enemies.
Deceive not your selves, for you cannot save your selves; by saying you are in the Light, when you envy any Man; for whoever doth, is in Darkness, even until now, 1 Joh. 1.9.
Now let me a little reason with you, Was there not true Love and Charity in general amongst the Professors of the Truth (when all thought themselves Poor and Low in their own EyesHave you not forgotten that good Day.) before Ambitious Women, and Ambitious Men, crept in among you, such I mean that thirsted for Honour and Rule over an Innocent People, Absolon like, saying in Heart, O that I was a Judge in Israel, when alas, most of such Judges,The Heart of Man is deceitful; none can know it, but by the Grace of God. What is not of Faith is Sin. have and do busie themselves in judging others for the Moats in their Eyes, when the Beam is still in their own Eyes.
These Lordly Spirits in Women's-Meetings, and Men's Meetings, would have an Innocent People submit to their Rules, Orders and Ceremonies, whither the Parties see it their Duty to obey, or not.
Holding those Meetings Monthly and Quarterly in private Rooms (where sometimes there are not above four Persons that take upon themselves to RuleAnd alas most of them Ignorant ones, not knowing who gave them their usurped Power, yet will be as angry as a Woman, if you obey not their Wills, when you come before them.) and there dispose of such Monies as they collect at the end of Religious Meetings (where the most Givers are) where they ought also to give a publick Account how they disposed of the Money unto the general Givers; but this I never see them do, except the Collection was for a Fire, &c.
It's true, Monies for the Poor were at first (that is) when first God raised us to be a People, (who discovered more of his Love to us, than too many before us in this latter Age.) I say, then Moneys were collected, or freely given always at the end of a Monthly Religious Meeting, where also Marriages was proposed, and there finished in time.
Then why do you (in many places) still hold up the one, and leave the other to the Judgment of Women's Meetings, &c.
Whence sprung all the Divisions, Controversies, and separate Meetings for Worship among you.
If not from the severity, acted in the said Meetings for Government, The Root from whence Contest rises among you. whereby have you not attained to such an outward Power and Authority over Innocent People, as to cast a good Man, (that confirms not) out of the favour of your People, and to slight his Testimony for God, and can retain a bad Man (a Conformist to your Womens Meetings) in favour with your People, yea, and to preach too, tho' a Cast-away.
To bring Presidents, for this would spend too much Time and Paper, (I thank God he has hitherto kept me from bowing to any sort of Image of Man's making.)
But did St. Paul's Enemies say,Would you not have him so, by calling before you more than twelve times, to answer at your Court in London. See his Tryals in Pensilvania, Sold by R. Baldwin. The most hidden way to defame a Nonconformist, as has been yet heard of. that much Learning had made him mad? Did not the Pope say so by John Parrot (when you owned him in the Prison of mad Men at Rome) and did not one of your Preachers say to me, that much Learning has made Geo. Kieth mad.
Will you take up those envious Peoples Arguments, to render whom you please odious in the Minds of the Innocent.
But his Works and Service for the Truth, as it is in Jesus, will out live your Malice against him.
Oh! That he, and every one, that truly fears God, may so keep to the measure of Grace,In what may [...]an be pre [...]rved from [...]nemies, that [...] shall not be [...]rt. [...]e that dwells [...] Love to all, [...]wells in God. given them of God, that no Tryals, of what nature soever, may ever separate them from the Love of God; (if so) then I am sure they will envy none, tho' a great Enemy; I say, God has kept me in the Spirit of Love to all (praised be his Name for it) tho' I have been convinced about forty Years, that the Quaker's Fundamental Principle of Christ's Light and Grace, being the chief Leader and Guide into all Truth, is a Truth, which will abide for ever.
And no Man, either by Conversation or Preaching, made me joyn with them; it was God alone that shewed me that they were in the right way then, for I often prayed to GodBeing young, [...]d then dwelt [...] Holdenly, in Northampton [...]hire, knowing [...]f none, call'd Quaker. to discover to me which was the right way to Heaven, and he directed me to them, when I knew nothing of them, but the name Quaker, whom I sought outBy enquiring [...]f Labourers, [...]at I set to work, who [...]old me there was none fol [...]owed them but poor Men, [...]s Weavers, &c. The Author could never [...]oyn with their outward Government., and found them, and suffered many Buffittings and Stonings, and Imprisonments with them, which was Joy unspeakable unto me, that I had found a People, whose Trust was alone in God. Oh! how my Soul was knit unto them; I could have died at a Stake with them then, if it had been the Will of God. Oh! my Heart is broken, as into Tears, that this People should so soon let go their true Guide, Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace, and set themselves up as Guides.
I must confess, I have been at two of these Meetings of Government, but it was accidentally; the one was in Huntington shire, the other in Bedfordshire; in both which, I saw so much of the Imperiousness òf those that made themselves Judges, that I could never after find Freedom in Spirit to go to any more, and did largely write a Testimony against it, but never had an Answer, and rested in the Will of God; but now I am constrained to write, in hopes the Innocent may see to the beginning, and the danger of any People, that swerves from their first Institution.See the Ep. of J. Crook. and Tho. Green, to the Young, convinced, and Truth's Progress. By J. Crook.
Again, From whence arise all the publick Clashings of one Minister against another, if not from those Lordly Spirits, that will rule in such Meetings, too publickly known, both to Profess or Prophane? that a Priest once writ to me, That the Light was not new the Quaker's Guide, it's their Meeting at Devonshire House, the Rise too of those Arbitrary Meetings in the Country.
Oh! Ye degenerate from your first Institution; you I say, that are resolved to govern Arbitrarily, and not leave the honest Souls among you,Arbitrary Government. to be ruled by Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace, to which you have so often advised them to follow, as a most sure Guide, and will not suffer them, by the Leadings of that, to choose who shall be their Arbitrators, for them in Marriage, if you can hinder them.
If you resolve to carry it by a Ruling Hand over the Innocent, (contrary to your Principles.)
Take no more upon you the Name of Children of the Light, For that leads to Peace on Earth, and Good-will to all Men. as G. F. and E. H. calls you in their Primmer, seeing you are fallen into the same Snare (in Church-Government) as others before you, whom you did condemn for such things.
Oh! How dare you the positive Judgment against any person (in things, not sinful against God) seeing that one of the greatest Writers,He that is without sin let him cast the first Stone. to promote your Authority, (otherwise was a very worthy Man,) had not yet attained to infallibility or Perfection, saying, ‘Others may perhaps speak more certainly of this State (Perfection) as have arrived to it; for me, I shall speak modestly, as acknowledging my self not to have arrived to it.’ See R. B.'s Works. p. 389.Perfection is attainable in this Life, thro [...] Obedience to God's Grace.
Oh! Will you continue to be so Censorious to Judge all People, not to be of God, that take not Counsel of Women's Meetings, before Marriage.
My Soul has often mourned for you, and often desired of God, That he would be pleased to discover to me, Whether or no,☞ I am to blame in thus writing to you, and have found nothing but peace therein, and good Will to all Men, and can (through God's Mercy) give my Bread freely to mine Enemy, and serve all mine Enemies,The Author is constrained to write, having borne long. (if I have any) in what I can, GOD knows I [...]ye not; for I truly Love all the Works of his Hand, and am very sensible, that those that do envy any Man, (let his Transgressions be never so great) is not of God, profess what they will in Religion.Gods Love is unto all the Works of His Hand.
Had not our dear Saviour Love and Mercy for one that had Seven Devils? And shall not those that profess to be his Disciples have the same Love to all? Because no Man dwell in God, no longer than he dwells in Love to all; overcoming Evil by the good Grace of Christ Jesu [...].
But to come somewhat [...] not God [...] your [...] Then why do you set Self-Exaltation before it? For the Love you have to Rule, by your means over Innocent Hearts.
But I still hope that the young Convinced will [...] (by [...] Gods Grace, he has given them) to the beginning [...] a harmless and Innocent People, and was not for [...]
Oh! ye arbitrary Judges, what think you? Was not [...] Man, W. P. ashamed to mention this [...] in Page 31. of his Key? Wherein he [...] not your [...] Government (to please you that Love Dominion) [...] wise in that, fearing (I suppose) the World [...] [...] deed well they might, having never heard before [...] Women must be advised with, before Marriage, [...] of Men and Women together, and the Resui [...] to be [...] Devil.
And the greatest wonder of all is, That such a Government should be practised amongst a People that profess,Do not you yet see your Apostane. that every Individual Man and Woman should have no other Guide, besides Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace.
But if you now say to me, as G. F. said to me and T. H. in a Discourse with him, till near Mid-night, about the said Arbitrary Government, You do not deserve to have Wives, (saith he)The best Argument that ever they could give for Womens Meetings. you speak so much against Women. To say the Truth, this was the best Argument he could give us, for his unscriptural Female Government.
Though its well known, we love our Wives as true Christians ought to do.
Nor are we against a Woman's Declaring in a Religious Meeting, what God has done for her Soul, by silently waiting at the Feet of Jesus, as Mary did, (that is) in his Inward and Spiritual Grace.
Nor are we against Women meeting by themselves, upon a particular occasion, but not monthly for Government.
Nor are we against Men's Meetings upon urgent Occasion, between themselves, so as they Judge no other Person or Persons, who has not chosen them Judges or Arbitrators.
Seeing God has placed the Civil Magistrates over us,The Civil Magistrates are not to be reiected, who indeavour to preserve us in Peace. to whom we are to submit in all things, that's not contrary to the Conscience, which is Rectified by God's Grace, Rom. 13.
Oh! Call to mind the Severity of that Spirit, that has, and still doth act in too many of you.
How many Souls have you, as it were, slain by Judging, and thereby driven into the troubled Sea of Man's Wrath,You create Opposers, by your unfaithfullness. and being so driven by you thither (you laying aside Christ's Love) can do no other than oppose you, then you do truly call them Apostates, when you were the Cause for want of Love.
Though the Truth is,None can no longer stand faithful, than their Ever to God's Grace. Your A [...]gs have barr'd many Souls from owning the Truth, and has given strength to the Atheists. The present Civil Magistrates have out done you in Love to all, The [...] imposing Spirit. they were to blame also themselves, because they let go the Strength they had in God's Grace, and so suffered Man's Wrath and Envy to separate them, from the Love of God in Christ Jesus, through your Censors.
Likewise, how many Souls, by your Imperious Government, have you barr'd from Inquiring after the Truth, is too well known to some.
Oh! unnatural, not to give that Liberty to some, called with you Quakers, (in things not sinful) as the present Civil Magistrates gives us all. This is not doing as you would be delt by. Think you, that God will not Judge you for these things? Let Self-Interest no longer blind your Eyes.
Oh! the Cruelty of this imposing Spirit (when God does not chain it down) how many Thousands of Souls and Bodies has it destroyed, which no Man can number; being yet lodged in the hearts of Ambitious [Page 11]Women, and Ambitious Men: the same Spirit it is, that now judges [...] of the Devil, that conforms not to their Wills, Orders, Ceremonies, [...]
Will you not yet say, that such Priests are more to be commended, than you, who do not impose upon a Couple (that are about to marry) any Ceremonies against their Consciences.some Priests out-do you in Love.
How often have you troubled a Couple, for refusing to submit to a Female Government in Marriage, and enjoyning some, scarce of Ability to travel many Miles, and often (at their own charge) to your private Women's Meetings, and Men's Meetings, which have been so wearied with Journeys, and needless Delays, (tho' Relations were satisfied) who to rid themselves of the trouble of waiting upon you any longer,Judging all not of God, as conform not to Women's Meetings in Marriage; when the Scriptures enjoyns not your Ceremony. have gone to a Priest upon the account of Marriage.
Then have you not presently judged them gone from the Truth, having recorded some (as I am inform'd) Apostates to Generations to come, for so doing, that obeyed not your Wills in Men's Meetings, (when you were the cause for their so doing) and will not own them of the Truth, until such time as they condemn themselves for so doing.
Oh! what a mighty Stress you lay upon the Ceremony of Women's Meetings in Marriage, as to account all that oppose, or approve not of it, fallen from God.
When some of you will sometimes say, why do you scruple such an indifferent thing, as to propose your Intention of Marriage to a Woman's Meeting, and a Man's Meeting, Jesus did not hate his Brethren that did not believe in him. Joh. 7.5. without Women.
And some again do say, That the Scriptures leaves all People free, as to the manner of their Marriage, so as they enter into that Estate in the fear of God, before sufficient Witnesses.
I do remember, that a Person, one of the greatest Sticklers for the promoting of your Government of Women and Men's Meetings, once said to me, It was the everlasting Government, of which there would be no end; Were you not blind, to say your Government would stand for ever. but since (thro' God's Mercy) his Eyes are opened, and now plainly sees it has been the Root, from whence so many Divisions has sprung among you the said Person, has not yet lost, being call'd a Quaker.
I have asked some Couples, newly married, why they did propose their Intention of Marriage to a Meeting of Women, and then to a Meeting of Men, knowing the trouble that others have gone through, by so doing, seeing you knew you were clear from all Engagements to any other in this Kind, and that your Relations and Friends had been long satisfied?The weakness of such Couples as go to marry at a private Women's Meeting, and Mens Meeting. Did not you know it was Friend's Practise in the beginning, to mention their Intentions at the end of several Religious Meetings, and if none oppose justly, then might enter into that State, by speaking fit Words at the end of another Publick Religious Meeting.
There Answer was always to me to this effect:
We thought it a very hard Tryal,For fear of displeasing you, how many Couples has conformed against Conscience.that after all things was agreed on for Marriage, to begin again to mention it to a Woman's Meeting; (most Strangers) and after they were satisfied, then to go to a Man's Meeting, to wait for the [...] But this we did, contrary to our Freedom, that they might not think ill of us.
You can [...] one Couple among you, but will give an Answer much to the same effect; Your own Bigots see the trouble of waiting upon you. which by this may easily be seen what Dominion you exercise over the Innocent, that to keep favour with you, must leave their Inward Guide to please you.
But to plead for your new Arbitrary Government, some of you do say, A frivilous Argument. That in the beginning, a Couple has come rudely into a Meeting, and said they took each other as Man and Wife, and so brought a Scandal upon us.
What then? Is there never a wise Man among you, or Woman, in a Religious Meeting, that can say to such a Couple, you ought to give the Meeting time to make inquiry whether you are clear from all Engagements in this Kind to any other Person or Persons, and we shall do our Endeavour to resolve you next first day;See the true Christians Rules, as to Church-Government in the 4th. Edi [...] of The Young Man's Companion, not written to enjoyn others to obey, but left to the witness of God in all People. for here's none that desire; to put you off from time to time, by needless Delays; and as soon as w [...] find you are honest, and are for coming together in the fear of the Lord, we shall freely set our Hands to a Certificate of the Lawfulness of your Marriage; at the end of a Religious Meeting, the more publick the better, nor will we send you many Miles to a Meeting of a few Women, (who may be strangers to you) and they to send you, when they think Good to a private Man's Meeting, who may tell you, that if you will not submit to our Orders, we shall not stand by you in Tryals, &c. but shall begin and end your Marriage at the nearest Religious Meeting, where you are best known, which was the innocent Practice of our dear deceased friends at rest? I was married so,☞ without any Opposition; for then,How I was married, and many others. neither Woman-Judges, nor Men-Judges in private Rooms was set up.
Now, because some may be ready to say, we know of no such Law or Decree that injoyns a Couple to go twice to propound their Marriage to a private Women's Meetings, and twice to a private Men's Meeting, here folllows the Copies of two of them.
IT is our Judgment,Two new Laws established. that for better Satisfaction to all Parcies, that there may be due time for Inquiry of clearness of the Persons concerned, it is convenient that Marriage be at twice propounded to the Meetings that are to take care therein, both to the Men's and Women's Meetings, where [Page 13]both are established before they are accomplished; and when things are cleared, that the Marriage be accomplished in a Grave, and publick Assembly of Friends and Relations.
An [...]ther Decree upon Record.
THat for Time to come, no Friends may permit, or suffer Marriages, without the Cons;ent of Friends at two Men's, and two Women's Meetings, being [...], and apart each from other. To mention more Decrees to this purpose, is needless.
But the Women in London you may be sure w [...] glad of their Exaltation (in finding that the Men had pre [...]d [...] upon the account of Marriage.)
And finding the sweetness of Ruling did (together with Men) judge all in the Country as Libertines, that conformed not to the Deeree, and do judge such to this day, as one of their [...] Preachers, T. R. One of late G. F.'s Priest-Threshers said to me; I w [...] this Country are of a Libertine Spirit, and an indifferent [...] only because (for good Conscience like) we did not set up Womens Meetings. (Our Women are wiser here.)
Tho' it is true, some of this County has so far conform'd to the Decrees, as to set up Men's Meetings, Monthly and Quarterly for Government, (which is one in Nature, to the other [...]
Yet thoDid not [...]a [...] lament, that the Dames of Rome became Governors of their husbands. It is strange (saith he) that these [...]ks commanded the World [...] to [...] to Women. See [...] P. [...]. some say such Meetings are very [...] in the City (where the Women dwell near together) tho' not so [...] in the Country, dwelling so far asunder.
I say, they are needful nowhere to be observed Monthly, because thereby they become proud of the Authority.W [...]men's Meet [...] Monthly no where [...]. Which is the [...] of the Ambitious that [...].
For if a Marriage is intended to be propounded at the end of a Religious Meeting, (to prevent Lordship [...]) and the Meeting happen to be a great one, (as is commonly in London, the Man him self, or he may d [...]sire a Friend to declare at the end of the Meeting, that here is one that desires to publish his Intention of Marriage; and if the People are [...] going away, you may call as many People as are free to draw into the next Room, and there publish it, both Men and Women being together. This done, some of the Meeting may tell the Man, that if he [...] next first Day, they will resolve him according to what Inquiry they have made, and as soon as we find you are clear from all Engagements of this Kind to any other Person or Persons you may take each other as Man and Wife, before as many Witnesses as you please, the more, the better; for such Concerns cannot be too publick, &c.
This I write from the Innocency of my Soul, (not as a Law for others) but this way may prevent the Insulting [...] Ambitious Men and Women, (who do pretend better things in Words) who delight in Dominion, [Page 14]and are so confident as to say, We dispise Dignities or Government, in not submitting to these unscriptural Government of Woman and Men's Meetings.
Obs. Some may say, What art thou also against our Men's meeting Monthly for Government; for did not the Apostles advise to choose Elders? &c.
Ans. I am not against the Meetings of such Elders, for the innocent to advise with, as the Apostle would have chosen; that is, such as are Meek in Heart,What an Elder is, and how to be qualified. Lowly in Spirit, Chaste in Life, Virtuous in all Conversation, full of Self denial, Long-Suffering, and Patient, not only forgiving, but loving their very Enemies; one that rules his Children, and his own House well; his Wife (if any) grave, (not proud, nor slanderous) sober and faithful in all things, 1 Tim. 3.4. 2 Tim. 2.24.
Now I appeal to every Conscience that is cleansed by God's Grace, whither if any Man take upon himself to be an Elder, or Teacher in a Meeting, Good Morality is more acceptable to God than Formalists. See P. 58. in the fourth Edition of my Young Man's Companion. Also see a Character of a True Christian, P. 74. and is not qualified as aforesaid, be not a Usurper.
God, in Mercy to the Innocent, has often curb'd the said Imposing Spirit, and will more and more, I doubt not, chain it down for ever; which he has already (in Mercy) done out of many Souls, praised be his Name for it.
God is a zealous God, he will not give his Honour to a Meeting of VVomen, or Men Judges, (having committed all Judgment in things relating to a good Conscience unto his Son Christ Jesus) and so fas has begun to open the Eyes of his faithful People, People will not much longer be blinded by Man; for a great Assembly may err as well as a little one.that they shall not be so blind to believe that a very large Meeting of VVomen or Men, can give an Infallible Judgment in things that others shall be bound to believe and obey, as to a Ceremony, or the Judging of a Man, Not to be of God, when they have not proved he has sinned against God.
For if the greatness of the Assembly must carry it (as one of your Preachers said to me, how could such a number be mistaken?) Then the Turks or Papists cannot number you in Assemblies.
But have you not a way beyond all others to exercise your Authority, most hiddenly,A hidden Power to blow up a Man's Reputation. or in the Dark, by sending abroad your Formal Preachers,Who you ignorantly think all is Gospel they utter, though it is true in public, they declare good Words. that do whisper (where they think they can be credited) into the Ears of poor innocent People, that such a Man or Men is not right, he doth not own our VVomen's Meetings, &c. then Prejudice enters.
So that Man or Men, however Just, cannot have their Testimonies for God enter into those prejudiced Spirits, or scarce entertained friendly in some places, upon their travel for poor Soul's sake. Oh! the Ignorance of those People, that has not chosen Christ Grace in them for their Guide, but Man.
So that by this Secret way of whispering, how soon can you blow up an honest Man's Reputation.Report, and we will report it.
Good God! How long, I pray thee, will it be before the Professors of the Grace that came by thy Son Jesus Christ, be obeyed by them, which teaches true Love to all thy Creation?A Prayer for the Innocent that we love one an other, as God loves us all. And as thy Love is to all People, (tho' Sinners) so are thy Followers. Lord, give them to see that they dwell not in the Light, when they envy any People; and also that they may see, that Man is no more to be rely'd on for a Guide, but only thy Inward and Spiritual Grace; this I beg of thee, for thy dear Son's [...] is to whom be given all Honour, Rule and Dominion, now, and for ever, Amen.
If God withdraws from such as cloath themselves with his Gifts, to serve Self Interest, how much more doth he withdraw his Love from such Ministers, as sordidly conform (against their Consciences) to a Female Government, Such a Test, to try Ministers by, as was never heard of before. that you the Judges might not inscence their Hearers against them, when they travel to win Souls to Righteousness; that the Scriptures might be fulfilled in this Age, (in this) The Leaders of the People cause them to err.
I say, Such Conforming MinistersConforming Ministers (that is) such a one that designs to take up the whole time of a Meeting, in Speaking, and is offended it another Person takes up some of the time in Speaking; by which the first manifests himself to be out of the Apostle's Practice, 1 Cor. 14.3 [...]. If any thing be revealed, &c. G. Whi [...]s saw much of an Imposing Spirit in [...]. against good Conscience, may possibly win some Souls (by their Preachings) to the Form, but not to the Power of Godliness, which Power all do deny, that believe that Christ's Inward and Spiritual Grace is not a sufficient Guide to all, without VVomen's Meetings and Men's Meetings, to guide the People by, except the Civil Magisirates.
Oh! what do you advise People to this Grace for, if it must not be their only Teacher; then if the Grace of Christ in them teaches them not conform to your VVomens Meetings, &c. Can you blame them then?
To draw towards a Conclusion, being it is in vain to spend too much Time and Paper, to discover the Vanity of a Female Government, and the Imposing Spirit that now Rules and Reigns in such os you as set up your selves Judges over Innocent People; which thing you condemned in Professors before you.
What was the Reason think you that caused our English Poetical Prophet J. Wither, from joyning to any Religious Society being asked by a Friend of mine, he said, Why [...] Minds and Consciences of their Brethren.
Then it seems [...] several sorts of Professors before (since the Reformation) were [...] Imposing, upon their Brethren's Conscience, yet it [...]
Therefore,All ye that [...]ove Righteousness, Christ has given you, (and all men) Talent of his Grace to lead you into all Truth, so need not give Gifts to Men to teach you. Tit. 2.11 O ye honest and upright Hearts (where-ever dispersed upon the Face of the Earth) who hunger and thirst after Righteousness, that ye might be filled therewith, and that it might fill the Earth, I say, let it be your Cry, as of Old, To thy Tents, O Israel! Trust no more in Women or Men as Guides, trust only to that Talent of Christ's Grace in you, that will never deceive you, its always stirring up the mind to good. That will truly teach you your Duty both to God and Man, and to love those that hate you; It brings Salvation, Tit. 2.11. unto all that obey its Reproofs.
Oh! trust not Man, whatever he whispers into your Ears, to prejudice your Minds against any Person upon the Earth.
The Mind going abroad from watching in this Inward an [...] Spiritual Grace, Let no Man beget Prejudice in thee against another. is the cause that the Devil gets into the Heart to raise hatred one against another.
But he that keeps his Mind upon the Watch, in this Tent, or strong Tower, the Name of the Lord, Wherein thy strength lies, O Man, 2 Cor. 12. 9. As it was for Paul when buffeted by Satan. neither Men nor Devils can deceive him; and he will truly Love all People, though they are of a different Persuasion to him in points of Religion.
And will the truly Faithful to the Grace of God in themselves, be advising People to obey the same Grace in their own Souls, and will not seek by any means to draw their Minds from the Obedience thereof; fearing they may fall as the young Prophet did, which obeyed the old Prophet, contrary to his own Gift from God, or Message, 1 K. 13.18.
These honest Souls, that has chosen the good part, God's Grace for their Guide,Oh! the Love of an honest Heart to all People is to be praised above Rubies, &c. will envy no couple, that do from a free and willing Mind propound their Intention of Marriage twice to a Woman's Meeting, and twice at least to a Man's Meeting.
Nor will envy a Couple that does, and thinks is more agreeable to Truth, to propose their Intentions at the end of several Religious Meetings, where Men and Women are met together, seeing the more publick the better satisfaction to all People; that a Judge did once acknowledge, that such publick Marriages was lawful.
Oh!Oh! that all Imposers might obey God's Grace, and no longer preach from Head-knowledge, making People believe it is as God's Spirit gives utterance. that you Imposers would obey, as well as preach up God's Grace, for Peoples Guide; then would you come into the Lamb's patience, into that Love, that overcomes Anger, and forgive your Brethren's Trespasses, as you hope God will forgive yours. Preach no more of such Love until you witness it.
I am your Friend, and God knows my heart, I write in love to you: Though some of you, no doubt, will account me your Enemy, for thus telling (in part) how you are fallen from your first Institution.
If I am to blame, pray blame no body else,If the Au [...] deserves Blame, he [...] take all to [...] self; for [...] Eyes are [...] come Di [...] [...] weeping f [...] you with true broken Heart, and contrite Sp [...] rit, God o [...] knows, no [...] else at this time. for no person dictated any thing to me, or put me upon this Work; I do not see that I Err therein.
Yet have I long seen and known, that many honest Hearts have been much grieved to see such an alteration in the Professors of the Truth, to what they were in the beginning, when Innocence and true Love to each other had dominion in the Souls of God's People (that is) beaore Women and Men set themselves up as Judges in the Meetings [...]foresaid.
That you maysee your Error, and return to the Truth, as in the beginning, is the desire of your Loving Friend, William Mather. I do not take you to be mine Enemies, because I am no Man's Enemy, (praised be God for it,) and that I continue as I have hither been, a Friend to all, a Foe to none.
To conclude, If you say I have been some-what too sharp upon you,I write n [...] these things because I think you ha [...] me, but because I love you, so do no [...] hate you. If [...] want love, then let me lose life, if i [...] be the Will of God. I say I have not been so sharp as the Matter of Fact requires.
Have you not trampled under your Feet many Epistles of Love, sent to you, scorning to bait an inch of your Authority, where you can overrule.
Therefore, If you are designed to Answer me, then I desire you to let some Ancient Honest Friend do it, from the Gift of God in himself; and go not down to AEgypt for help. That is, go not to the Logicians, whose cunning Sophistry can make a good Cause seem bad, and a bad Cause seem good; I mean such an one as T. E. one skilled in the Art of Reasoning or Disputing. who can by Sophistry so multiply Words, as to darken his innocent Readers, who is too often made to believe, his Cause must needs be good, his Matter is so long. Alas! How are men deceived in that? The fewer Words, the more Truth. And if he, or such as say, I have Tautologies a repeating the same thing in other words herein, (a thing most of the Formal Preachers are guilty of, if it be a fault)The Author desires that a Friend in the Truth may Answer his Writing, but no Sophister: blame me not for that. For I do not profess my self a Schollar in the Languages, and therefore most fit, that such a Schollar as I should answer me. But if its come to that with you, that Scholarship, Man's Wisdom and Reason must be Judge over such Consciences, as are rectified by God's Spirit, never more blame those cunning Men, that drown'd the Text, in the Comment.
Likewise, Have you not often declared to the People, and do daily,Man must lay down their Crowns at the feet of Jesus. that this is the day that — The loftiness of Man shall be bowed down, and the Haughtiness of Man shall be made low, and the Lord alone shall be exalted, Isa. 2.17.
Take ye heed every one of his Neighbour, and trust ye not in any Brother; for every Brother will utterly supplant, and every Neighbour will walk with Slanders, Jer. 9.4.
Was this Jeremiah's Complaint in his day, the same may be taken up this day. Read his 9th. Chapter. Oh! that all may fear before the Lord, by obeying his Grace, or Gifts in themselves, that we may all say with Holy David, Mercy and Truth are met together, Righteousness and Peac [...] have kissed each other. Truth shall spring out of the Earth, and Righteousness shall look down from Heaven, Psal. 85.10, 11. Amen.