WHerein is also declared how he was convinced of evil, with the Light of Christ in his conscience; and how he came to be obedient unto it, and by it departing from evil is now become a prey, and deprived of that outward liberty which he so long fought for: also how he came to be Imprisoned, in visiting his Mother in the flesh a Widow, and the Fatherless, who also inhabit in the same County of Dorset, and how Humphry Smith, who was with him was also sent to prison with him.

[Page 2] Hearken diligently all you whose ears have been open to mischief, and are still persecuting the children of God, and haling of them to prison, though they have not broken any Law of God or man, but live in the fear of the Lord, and are obedient unto the Law of God written in the heart, according to the promise of God, who in obedience to the Commands of Christ dare not swear at all, but are out of this swearing, and deny all Swearers and Persecutors of those who in obedience to Christs Commands cannot swear.

And all you who do thus persecute, your faith is vain, and you are yet in your sins and are out of the Faith of Christ, which Faith purifies the heart even as he is pure; and this is the Faith which all the servants of the Lord contend for, which is the Faith that respects no mans person, yet are subject to every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake; for if he that is called a Magistrate makes an Order to go to prison, they are subject to it, though they have not transgressed, as to this I can witness; for now it is so with me, as Truth will make it appear.

My natural birth was in Purbick, in the Town of Corfe, in the County of Dorset, where by my Parents I was brought up until I was about the age of fifteen years, in which time I was brought up by the Education of them, as the people of the world bring up their children; but I was kept by some­thing in me from many grosse evils which others lived in, yet I was with­out the fear of the Lord, for iniquity did abound in me all that time.

Afterwards I lived sometime with a Master of a Ship, who was to teach me the Art of Navigation; but before I had been with him five years I was pressed into the service of King and Parliament; so then I served in the Rainbow until she was paid off. Afterwards some of my Friends would have preserved me to the honour of the world; but then there was somthing in me which shewed me that honour would puffe me up so I was in a mea­sure obedient, and at that time refused honour.

About three years after I had freedom to go into the Parliaments service, in a Ship called the Triumph against Prince Rubert, in which Voyage I had that in me which kept me from eating any thing that I did know was stoln, whilst we had other provision to eat, but yet I did not know then that it was the Light of Jesus Christ; for I was then in my natural condi­tion, and did not perceive this thing in me to be of God; so I remained a stranger to the Covenant of promise, and without God in the world. In this Voyage I was a Quarter-masters Mate, which was contrary to the Light in me, yet I stood in my own will, not resisting it in the least, and so de­ceit ruled in me all that time.

That Voyage being ended, I was cleared; and afterwards I went in a Ship called the Liberty, then under the Command of Cap. Edward Hall; and in the terme of that Voyage I was put into another Ship, which was taken by the same Captain, who orderd me to go in her as a Masters Mate, which Vessel had in her Sack, and Sugar, and other provisions for the Army that was at Peston Pans and Musselbrough neer Leeth in Scotland.

[Page 3] And after that Voyage was ended I was with Captain Hall again in the Straits, in a Ship called the Triumph; in which Voyage I had a time of sick­ness, and some came to visit and comfort me after the manner of men; but I had that then in me which told me that they were miserable comforters, because they did not Administer comfort to that which lay in prison in me▪ But yet all this while I did not know that this was the Light of Jesus Christ, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world; neither was I obe­dient unto his Commands to learn of him in all things; but I learned of the wisdom of the world which brought death to me.

When the Wars began between England and Holland, I was in a Ship called the Andrew, then under the Command of Major Boorene, who then loved me, and would have preferred me in the service, either to a Gun­ner or Boat swaines place, but I denyed it; for there was that in me that told me, either of these two places would be a snare unto me; yet for all this I did not then know that this which did discover it unto me was the grace of God, that hath appeared unto all men, which teacheth us all things.

Afterwards I was in two fights, under the Command of Captain Niko­las Heaton in the Saphire Frigot, where I was then beloved by him, and he put me in the place of a Masters Mate, for the space of above two years, and I was in three or four fights against the French; but many times I had many convictions in my conscience, that I did not walk uprightly with the Lord; and many times the afflicting hand of God was upon me, which brought sickness; yet al this while I did not consider that it was for my dis­obedience, neither was I changed from the people of the world, though I was free from many grosse sins that the world takes notice of; yet I lived in the vanity of my mind, as all the world do at this day, and many times when I have been in foolish jesting, I have felt that in me which strook me silent; and yet at that time I did not know that this was the Light of Christ which condemns the world of sin; but now I see that people perish for want of knowledge.

About the time the Wars began between England and Spain, the Cap­tain of the Saphire being sick, I was then ordered by Commissioner Hatsel to Command the Saphire in the absence of Captain Heaton; so I had the Command of her about fourten weeks, and within four dayes after I had the Command of her, I took a Brist man of War, and then with it a secret pride grew up in me to see that honour was coming upon me so fast, and that I was in estimation with Captains, and in favour with great men of the world; yet when I was at Sea, many times the afflicting hand of the Lord was upon me, yet I walked in the vanity of my mind, and was not obe­dient to the Commands of Christ, who saith, I am the Light, learn of me, but I followed still the teachings of men, but I did not profit at all by them.

At length I was called forth, (from among them called Baptists, whom I had followed for a time) to hear those people whom the world calleth Qua­kers; and the first time I heard them, that of God in me did witness, that they were the people of God, yet I could not joyn with them; for I was then [Page 4]out of their life; but I went to comprehend it in my wisdom, and so I lost my own condition again, and then I followed the Baptize again; and af­terwards I heard more of those called Quakers, and then I was really con­vinced that they were the Ministers of Jesus Christ, that did walk in the ways of God, and in the Commands of Christ; and that their Ministers was to turn peoples minds from darkness to Light, and from the power of Satan to God, according to that in Act. 26. Verse 18. Yet afterwards I was go­ing to hear the Baptize again; and as I was in the way somthing in me [...]d me, I was seeking the living among the dead, so to it then I hearkned and returned back, and sat in silence most part of that day, with some of the people of God, who were waiting upon the Lord in a silent meeting, then I was under some judgment for some time after for my former disobe­dience, and many times wept much in secret, and then my former ac­quaintance, (who lived in the vanity of their minds) would be pittying of me.

And somtime after I was released out of the Ship that I had served the Common-wealth in almost three years, then I went to London for my pay; but then those who formerly would have preferred me to honour, would take little notice of me, because I could not respect persons.

After all this I came to Lyme where my outward being was then, (and is) where I found the love of but▪ few in the Town, because I could not respect persons, (and I went but seldom out of the house of my abode) un­less it were somtimes about my occasions.

And after this I went to visit Friends that were imprisoned at Exon, and there was the Captain and others of the Brist man of War, which I had formerly taken, his name was George God, who knew me as I was passing along in the prison, and came in a rage, and beat and kicked me, so that some of my blood was spilt by it, and he was not restrained by the keeper until he had had his wil of me, for I was brought to stand still, and not in the least to resist; yet there was somthing in my will, which vvould then have sought for revenge; but that vvhich is pure of God in my conscience, said vengeance is mine I vvil repay, and to that I vvas obedient.

Aftervvards vvhen I vvas at Lyme at my outvvard habitation, one of my Friends vvho is called Humphrey Smith, whom I had visited at the pri­son in Exon, there he vvas kept some four vveeks by Mayor Blakemore, af­ter an order vvas come into his hand from the Protector and his Counsel, for the releasing of him and the rest; he being at last released, came to visit me upon the thirteenth day of the tvvelfth Month, vvho was intended also to pass unto Pool & back again, nigh unto the place of my natural birth, vvhere she doth inhabit that is my Mother according to the flesh, whom it hath layn upon me somtime before to go to visit, both she that is a Widovv and the Fatherless.

So I having such an opportunity to Travel a Foot vvith that Friend Hum­phrey Smith; on the morrovv vve past on not knovving or intending any o­ther but that he might in his freedom pass vvith me by my Mother, & I might [Page 5]pass with him to Pool, and so back to my habitation again within seven or eight dayes, the journey being not much above thirty six miles, for Lime and Corf is both in the County of Dorset.

But when we came to visit the Widow and Fatherless, the Priest and Rulers made insurrection against us, being moved with envy against the Lambs of Christ as their fore Fathers were Acts 5.17.

For we coming into that Town called Corf, and so presently into my Mothers house, in the latter part of the day, and we went not that night into any other house, neither did we walk the streets, which if we had were free, but remained in the house; and in the evening some came to see me, it being the place of my former acquaintance, when I used the cu­stoms of the people that are vain Jer. 10.3.

So that it is like there might be some six or seven more then us, and them of the house; who being all quiet, my Friend Humphrey Smith was moved of the Lord to speak unto them, who heard with patience the words of Truth, and were all very peaceable until the Priest, and Mayor, and the Bayliff as they are called, came in and disturbed us who were in the fear of the Lord, contrary to their own Law; (read the Instrument of the Go­vernment about the 37. Article.)

For as Humphrey Smith was speaking the word of God with boldness, the Priest came in like a Sorcerer, making signes with his fingers in a scof­fing manner, and Richard Jones who is called the Bayliff, spake hastily in a rage without the fear of God, unto Humphrey Smith as he was speaking, and also with his harsh word he pluckt Humphrey Smith with violence, as though he thought thereby to fright him, and so at last forced him to stop; then the Priest examined Smith by what Authority he did these things, af­ter that manner the Priests, Scribes, and Elders came to Christ Luke 20.1. And the Priests vvere still some of the formost in persecuting formerly, as they are also novv in England.

Novv the Priest being desired by H.S: yet vvould not let him have liberty to ansvver the Question, but vvent on in many vvords from the first vvis­dom: among vvhich vvords he confessed that H. S. had spoken the very vvords of the Holy Ghost, and being spoke to again to give liberty to an­svver the Question, he said he vvould speak but one vvord more; and vvhen he still continued in many vain vvords, I then charged him to be a Lyer in speaking so many vvords, vvhen he said he vvould speak but one vvord more, then the Priest Nicholas Gibbens vvho is called Doctor Gibbens said, one might speak that which is not true, and yet not be a Lyer; mark that, so vvith his many vain vvords and light carriage, he caused the people to laugh and began to be uncivil, being himself in the same nature of the false Prophets of old, vvho caused the people to Erre by their lyes, and by their lightness Jer. 23.32. so after there had been some stir in vvords among the people, by reason of this Priest Gibbens vvho vvith the Mayor and the Bay­liff, vvho did all three at last depart as they might vvith shame; then vvere the many people that vvere then come in very quiet again, & attended to vvhat [Page 6]was then spoke to them by H. S. and many confessed to the Truth, and departed all peaceably.

On the morrow Rich. Jones brought a Warrant with ones hand to it, as they said, that is called Justice Due; but there was neither of our names in it, but the name of another man. So we said it was nothing to us; and after many words the Major was deparring, then Richard Jones said, though our names were not in it, yet he would have us away, and he would an­swer it; so with violent hands he pulled and thrust H. S. out of my Mo­thers house, and brought us to an Ale house, and set a Watch to keep us; and thence he took us away to bring us before one called Justice Clavil; so Richard Iones charged men with Horse to guard us along unto that Ro­ger Clavil, who is set to do Justice, and the Priest Nicolas Gibbens came also; and when we were come before him called Justice, then the Priest Gibbens and also Priest Pitfild were there to lay snares for us.

But we acquainted him that is set to do Justice, how I came and my Friend with me to visit my Mother a Widow and the Fatherless, and if we had transgressed any Law, we were ready to suffer: But this Priest Nicolas Gibbens, who with the Major and this Richard Iones had disturbed us, that were peaceable before they came, and after, and also that there were them that were drunk, that came in with or after them, Richard Iones, being a Beer brewer and keeps an Ale house, and that the said Ri­chard Iones was accused to his face for swearing that time he came in upon us.

Then Roger Clavil that should have done Justice upon these Offenders, asked if we would take our Oaths that Richard Iones did swear, and when he understood that we durst not go out of the Doctrine of Christ to swear, then he fetched that called the Oath of abjuration to ensnare us by, but we told him if it were his will to send us to prison, he might do it without laying that snare for us, and we said also he might offer that to the Papists of the County. Now Roger Clavil took occasion against me, because I had told Priest Gibbens that he was a lyer, when he did lye, and Roger Cla­vil said that though one did tell a lye, he must not be called a lyer.

So he made a Mittimus, which was afterwards interlined with false ac­cusations, and sent me to prison, and also my Friend Humphrey Smith; and being brought and watched in a room in an Ale house that night and people kept from us: in the morning before the Sun was up, Richard Iones came to hale us out of the Bed; also as we were passing peaceable and si­lent along towards the Prison, Richard Iones Rid at H. S. and stopt him, and being very wroth he alighted, and pulled, and haled him in the dirt; but H. S. spake not a word to him at that time, nor some time before; and when he had done what he would to us we rise up, and passed on to­wards the prison.

And when we were come to Dorchester, Richard Iones stayed at an Inn, and let us stay with him, and the rest he had to guard us, and there the said the Justice Roger Clavil commanded him to search us, and also to take [Page 7]our moneys from us; mark that; so afterwards he brought us to the prison where we yet remain.

Now let all people honestly consider with that of God in their consci­ences, if this be ruling for God; for I went but from my habitation, Wife, and Children, to the place of my nativity, it being both in one County, to visit my Mother and Brethren according to the Flesh, and truely I had no other end but the good both of their bodyes and souls; and I did not in the least either break any Law, or do or speak any thing that I know of which might be called an offence to any Creature: Only that I proved the Priest a lyer; and I am not only sent to prison my self, but also my Friend that came in love with me; and the Drunkards, and Lyers, and the Swea­rers went free. A. M.

These unjust Imprisonments are acted in the Protectors name, contrary to his Instrument of Government.

A dreadful Cry against the Oppressors.

HEar O ye Heads of the people, and consider O ye rulers of the Na­tion, for I am even weary with holding in the word of the Lord; it is like fire in my bones, and my Bowels within me are pained. O wo is me, because of you and the evil of your doings, and the wicked­ness of your wayes, and the continual transgression wherewith all you pro­voke the Lord God of Hosts; surely I will write that I may be eased, and declare that I may be unburdened; for my burthen is too heavy for me to bear, and the hand of the Lord is upon me, and to you O ye men am I moved to write, and to declare in the Name of the Lord against your un­righteous wayes, and the evil of your doings, who are lifted up on high, and have forgot the day of your distress, and broken Covenant with the Lord your maker, and now provoke him to Jealousy day by day, and are hardened in your wickedness, and give not ear to the word of reproof, not yet regard the warnings of the Almighty; the multitude of your sins are numberless, and the weight of your iniquity is great; who can de­clare your Abominations, or discover the multitude of your Treacheries against the Lord and the word of his power! O who have had warning like unto you, and how often have you been reproved, and yet you are still [Page 8]double minded, and seeking your own glory, and extolling your selves; will you not at all regard until the judgements of the Lord come upon you, who are found in the way of sinners, and in the paths of unrigh­teousness; are you not found in the way of them whom the Lord cut off before you? were they wicked? and are you not worse? had they the war­ning that you have had, or did they see the deliverances of the Lord as you have done? or did they promise both to God and man as you have done, to serve the Lord, and free the Land of oppression; and is not the oppres­sion and cruelty greater now then before? have not even hundreds suffered Imprisonment, and losse of goods (if not some death it self) who have not broke any known Law? and hath not the Cry of the oppressed been great these two years? and did not the Lord cut off the Oppressors be­fore you? and did they Imprison so many for conscience sake as you have done? and will not the Lord reward you at last according to your deeds, and hear the Cry of the oppressed which have even groned under your op­pression these two years, wherein you have turned your backs upon the Lord, and set your faces against his servants, and turned your sword also backward against the Lambs of Jesus Christ? and your Law have you turned into a lye, and made it a snare for the innocent, your courts that should do Justice are corrupt, your judges are light and vain, and your Officers are men of sin, and your Councels are not of the Lord, the great power of the Devil is by you upheld, and the whole Host of Antichrists are by you supported, the word of the Lord God is become a ginne and a snare unto you, that you may go backward and fall, and now behold, the An­cient of dayes will sit upon you, who are of the wicked, among whom the grave is found, and in whom the seed lyes slain, and the stone at which you stumble will even grind you to powder, and once more will the Lord of Hosts overturn, and bring down the high and mighty, and lay low the loftiness of the terrible who are but as smoak in his sight.

Therefore hear ye this, O ye Heads and rulers of England, and if there be any yet among you who will now humble themselves, before the Lord God of hosts, and let righteous Judgements run down as water, and righ­teousness with it as a mighty stream, and break the yoak of the Oppres­sors, and let the Oppressed go free; let such hear while it is called to day, and feele the word of power that breaks the hard heart, and so return to follow the Lord God of Israel, who hath the hearts of Kings and Rulers in his own hand, and he respects not the persons of the mighty but whoso loveth mercy, and worketh righteousness is excepted of him.