Of the Quakers Self-contradictions, Abuses, Back­bitings, and false Accusing one another; as also of their Active Persecution.

NOw after some time I had spent upon this account, being not burthensome to any, for I never took money, nor moneys­worth of any Person; whereas, there were some that did take both Silver and Gold, with other things; but I laboured with my own hands for my bread, and money that I spent, and was not beholding to any.

Now after a short time, there crept in amongst them, some who lookt after their Interest; and whereas some of them were poor before, now begin to thrive in the World; and then they went on with their Ministery with more courage; and if they were cast into Prison, then they had all their business done for them, better than others could have done; for their moneys, and all things were pro­vided for them, as well as if they had been at home: by this means their Ministery was no burthen to them; for the Rich would help them with Money, Horses, and Waynes, and the Poor with La­bour▪ so that there was nothing wanting. But this, in a short time, did beget some Heart-burnings amongst them; for those that did do the most most for them, those were the only men in their Eyes, and were the most esteemed by them; Here one may see how Gifts blind the Eyes of the Wise.

But this turned to Heart-burning in some, seeing others to be so [Page 4] much esteemed, not that their Righteousness did exceed others, but that their Gifts did purchase Favour and Affection; the other not able to do the like, did speak privately one to another about it, and said, This thing ought not to be: Some, as amongst all others, were too ready to carry Tales, whch is better taken with these Persons, than if they had brought them a present according to their Ability; the others seeing also that the back-biters and tale-bearers did come in favour, did stumble at it? but they might as well keep [...]ilence, for if they did complain, they told them that they had lost their first Love, and were clouded, and Darkness was come over them, and that they must mind their own conditions, and not look out at others, Some that were but weak, did think that all that they did say was true, and that they could not Erre; therefore they betook themselves to their Repentances, and after, learned better manners: But some o­thers that did understand better, and knew that those things were not right, stood to it; so that this begat much Contention a­mongst them. But while these were speaking one against another, the others that believed the Ministers could not Erre, they were re­penting of their own Miscarriages for speaking against their Mini­sters, and the other that took their part, which were able and sufficient men, of good Repute, and might be Servicable unto them that were Poor. And now by this time they are come into the Unity again; but the other stand in the same, telling them that those Actions are like the World, and that it is not according to the Truth to respect Persons: But then comes these New Penitents, which are again reformed, and these take the part with the other, and begin to reprove them that stand out, telling them that they them­selves were in the same state as now they are, and that they, through the goodness of God, came to see their loss, and how they lost the Unity; and if ever they thought to come to Peace, they must con­demn that in themselves, for speaking against the Ministers, and the other good Friends that stand in the Unity and Love, and that they must shrink down and mind their own Condition, and judge that down which is the cause of the breach of Unity, and then they should have Peace.

But the other being of a more single Judgment, still stand to it, which causeth their Ministers to look strange upon them, and will not own them; and if it chance, at any time, the Ministers take them by the hand to give them a gentle Reproof, they will but [Page 5] touch the tip-ends of their Fingers; and this is a sign to all the rest of their Friends; and this Person or Pyrsons so Saluted with the right hand of Fellowship, hath lost his Condition, and is now fal­ling from the Truth; even all that observe this, begin to be strange to him: then this man perceiving their Unjustness in these things, and seeing their partiality, doth withdraw and leave them off, but for modesty-sake passeth it over, and with silence. But now I pray you, which of these [...]our are the justest men? whether he that giveth to purchase Favour, or he that receives to shew it? or he that once spoke against them, and now is sorry for it? or he that standeth to his Prin­ciples?

These Contentions were not only amongst the Common sort, but also among their Ministers; for when they had been forth in some certain Country, where they had raised a People to themselves, then some other of them came that way; and peradventure, he was in more Favour than the first which had taken all the payns, and many times suffered long Imprisonment in those Parts; then when those which came after, were the most in respect amongst them; the o­ther seeing this, that the other got the Fruit of his Labour, he was much dis-satisfied, that the other should after this sort have his Bishop­prick taken from him, and another to enjoy the Fruit of the same: and as it were, to carry the Fame of it to himself: these many times would fall to Words; but sometimes it fell out, that the first, through Dissatisfaction, returned home, and went to Visit his People no more.

I beholding all these Carriages amongst them, did put me some­thing in a stand, but thought that it was their Weakness; but then I was resolved to observe all Transactions, hoping that in time all these things would be at an end, and so it was as unto that; for af­ter they did not take so much notice where they had been at the first; but for all this, some of them got amongst those, that which they did never deserve, and made it benefical unto them for many Years after.

Not long before this, they spoke against Marriage, and said, That it was for Lust; and that men ought to live soverly, For all Lust came of the Devil: and so they spoke against Marriage in general; but this continued not above three or four Years, at which time, they began to Marry in Prison: and there was the first Marriage that I ever knew of.

After this, that their Ministers did marry in Prisons, then the Common sort would marry in the Meeting: And it was after this manner; Those two that were resolved to go together, (and many times there was not one that did know it besides themselves,) the Man and the Woman would stand up in the midst of them, or in some convenient place; the Man declaring after this manner, I take this Woman to Wife: And after, departed and went together as Man and Wife.

There were some also which were dissatisfied about some things which the other did hold, whereupon, there grew such Dissentions amongst them, that the one party would acknowledge the other nei­ther to be of God, nor of the Truth; with some of these George Fox did encounter himself, but that would not overturn them, but still remained in their obstinacy; whereupon, there was, as it were, open War betwixt them, indeavouring to over throw each other; but George Fox got the greater Party on his side, and then did he with all his might endeavour to over throw the other; and if any of the other went to preach, or speak, in any Place or Meeting, he sent others of his Ministers to procl [...]me against them, and said, that he would follow them, that they should have no rest in England.

After this manner, when they were a little at rest from their Per­secution of others, then they begin to persec [...]te one another: That being about five or six years ago, they had no Court; by which means there was such broyling. Judging, Condemning, and back­biting one of another, that it would have made a civil man that understood not their Wayes, to have abhorred them for ever, to hear what Accusations they brought one against another; and tis to be feared, that the greatest part of them was true: but all this while I was resolved to take neither the one, nor the others part, but to make peace if I could, which I knew▪ would not be any offence to ei­ther. But before this Quarrel was fully ended, George Fox was cast into Lancaster Castle, and there [...]o remain as long as please his Majesty.

The first Cause of my dislike, as to the Quakers; and chiefly, of certain Principles hold [...]n by George Fox, and others.

IN March 1664. or 1665▪ I hearing that George Fox was at Lan­ca [...]er in Prison, I was resolved to go to the place, and there to [Page 7] remain for a certain tim [...]; as also, to have some Discourse with Geo. Fox. After some few dayes were spent, Geo Fox had heard that I held the Earth to be round; and that when it was day with us, it was night in other places; he was then desi [...]ous to convince me of this my Errour, (as he thought) and to make me Relinq [...]ish all such Tenents: I being come to the Castle where he was, he came to me, and Jo. Stubs told him of my Principle concerning the Earth, and its roundness; whereupon, Geo. told me that it was fl [...]t, and brought Arguments for it; that let a M [...] travel never so far, he shall not see the Earth to bend round; he also affirmed, that when it was 12. of the Clock with us, that then it was 12. of the Clock all the World over. Then I asked him▪ whether there was a new Sun every day? he answered, No, there was but one Sun; then said I, what becomes of it in the Night? or does it give light or not? or doth it go down into the Sea to cool it self? he said it went cross back again some way. But when he could not hold his Dis­course, then he began to father all this his Errours upon his Spi [...]it of Revelation; and said, that it was revealed to him that it was so, and therefore it must stand for Truth, ( [...]e thinking that I would submit to that as many others do, which believe all that he and some others say is a Divine Truth, and must not be contradicted by any;) but at the last, reason did over-power these Divine Revelati­ons. This was in the Great Room or Hall in Lancaster Castle.

At another time, I spake of Spirits, and said, that there were Spiritual bodies and Angels; but he denied all; and said, that the [...]e was Light and Darkness; and the one was of God, and the other of the Devil; (meaning rather, that the one was God, and the o­ther the Devil,) and that there was no distinct Spirits nor Angels, for he could never see them in the Divine Light. And further, did affi [...]m, that if there were any, he should have seen them; but he never saw any, therefore there was none. This and the like words he spoke and held forth to me, to have me to believe, and be­come an Atheist or Ranter; for they both hold the same, and it is their Principle; and whosoever holdeth the same, is of the like Principle. This was spoken in Margaret Fell's room in the aforesaid Castle.

Then I Discoursed with him about the Soul; and I affirmed, that it had a Spiritual body after this [...]ife. He answered, that it was the breath of God, and that in wicked men it was oppressed with [Page 8] sin, but it should be redeemed, and return to God that gave it; (that is) that all Souls shall return to Glory, Peace, and Happiness, and not to answer for any sin after this Life.

After this, Jo. Stubs and I being together in my Chamber, we did Discourse about the Soul of man after this Life; He said that he did believe that there was no Punishment after this Life, and that which was in this Life was for Disobedience to the Light; and fur­ther, he said, That as all dyed in Adam, so in the second Adam (that is Christ) all were made alive, and that all should go one and the same way when they were dead, and that they should not have any Punish­ment for sin hereafter; but what was, it was in this Life; and that the Soul should go to God that gave it. And further, he said, It was not his Principle alone, for Geo. Fox did hold the same; and Geo. said, That those that did believe any other ways, were of the Old Opinion. But this must be kept secret, lest it should cast a Stumbling-block before the Weak; but as they came to grow up in the Truth, they would come to see it in the Light.

But I was altogether against him, and brought this Scripture of the Apostles against them; which said, If we have Hope but in this Life only, we are of all men most miserable. But let me say what I could, I could not perswade him from it, because Geo. Fox held the same, which I found too true, by Discoursing with him.

A [...]er this, I discoursed with George Fox about the Beasts of the Field, and creeping things; he did affirm, that they had Reason as well as Man, and that all the differences betwixt man and them, was only, that man was fallen from his first estate, and that the beast were not; that man was worse than the beast. I asked him, what difference there was betwixt the Soul of a man, and of a beast? he said, That God breathed into man the breath of Life, and so he did into all Creatures; and that all the Vertue in all things were of the Light; and when they were at an end, they did return to God again. For he looked upon God, not as being a Spirit, but a great Light, as the Light of the Day; and the Night, as the Devil; and that these are two great beings of themselves, and are without any cause as the day hath; for the Sun is the cause of the Light, and it's absence the cause of the Night. But this he did not understand: I wish he may understand that there is a God, which is the first moving Cause of that Divine Light; and also, that there are Angels, or Devils; all which, he and others that believe not the same, may [Page 9] come to know the Truth of it too soon, for if there were nothing else but what he believeth, then what need men learn any thing? and certainly if this be true as he saith, then it must needs be true, that that is a new Light which he hath, for it is not like that which the Prophets and Apostle [...] had, for they believe that there were Angels which are Spirits, and also Devils that are Spirits: But how any such an one can truly know God, and teach his Truth, and all the Truths which belong to that great Divine Power, I know not, but leave it for others to Judge.

After this, when I understood that this was taking Root amongst some of the Chief of them, I was resolved, that where-ever I found them holding these Tenents, or the like to it, I would use my best endeavour to over-turn, if possible I could▪ lest in time it might grow, and so bring them into Arantism; this I resolved in my self, and in part put it forward; for meeting with some that were already Infected with it, by such Arguments as I brought a­gainst it, were something convinced that there was Spirits, and that Man should have a beeing after this Life.

Then these things put me to a stand, whether I should come a­mongst them or not, seeing they we [...]e [...]alling from the Scripture, and from Truth it self, for this would lead into all Errors; but then again, I thought that it might be possible that I might over-turn this grand Error, and by that means might do much good; but there were many of the Chief of them which held the same, and when I would discourse with them, then I must submit to them, and also must repent for it before them, If I should speak of it again to any of them, by reason they thought I should set them one against a­nother; for there are some amongst them that do believe that there are Spirits, and Angels, and that there is an Immortal Soul, which shall be received either into Joy and Glory, or into Woe and Mise­ry; but they thought, if this should come forth, that they would question them about it, and then they must either maintain themselves by Lyes, or the other would declare against them.

Yet for all this, I was resolved to keep this rapt up in the close Garment of Secrecy, and not to declare it to others, lest at last it should come forth to the Eares of all Men, and so turn a reproach to me, I being one of them; but still this false deluding Fancy did more and more work in them, by reason that they had fallen from the Truth, into these Errours, as aforesaid, and as you shall see further.

In the Year 1665, when that Great Affliction or Judgment (with which God was pleas'd by his hand to afflict this great City) did be­gin; having sent his Messenger the Plague and Pestilence, then when the Lord first stretched forth his hand to touch some, that so the rest might prepare themselves for him; at that time there being many of the Quakers in this City, the Lord spared them at the first, and struck not the first Strock at them; at which time they boasted themselves, and would undertake to Prophesie all the Kingdom over; and to declare unto all people, That the hand of the Lord was against this City for their Persecuting them; And as I have heard, they were so bold, as to give it forth in Print, That they were the servants of the Lord; and that he would cover their Heads in this His day of judgment; and that it was only for the wicked; And that the Saints of the most High should have their Heads covered in that day, and that those that were Faithful unto the Lord should be k [...]pt sa [...]e; And that now the Lord was Appearing to streth for [...] [...]s mi [...]hty Arme, and would destroy the wicked Pers [...]cutors; And that there should not any Friends dye, for now the Lord would shew who were His, in preserving them that were Ʋnspotted, and Blan [...]l [...]ss; that this his judgments should not come near their Dwelling place. They appropriated this to them­selves, and pretended the Revelation of the Spirit for it: But let all judge whether God himself seemed not A [...]gry with them for their Boasting of themselves; for in a short time after, their dyed more of them than of any other People, considering the number of them, and the number of others; but thi [...] it is, man is too much prone to boast of himself and his own Righteousness; but it is a very sad thing, When he pretends to speak by the Spirit of Prophecy, and doth Lye against the Lord.

At this time I was at Lancaster, where the same Spirit of Pro­phesie was in the most Friends (as they are called) perswading o­thers of them to the same; whereupon they declared the same, (that is) That no Friend [...] should have the Plague, but that the Lord, would would pre­serve them; And this was generally believed amongst them, but I for mine own part was resolved to speak my Judgment, not pre­tending that I had it from the Spirit, as they did: I told them, that as they were Corruptible bodies, they were as subject to change as well as others; that if the Sickness did Increase, (as I heard it did) that they should not be free from it any more than others; But some of them said, my Opinion was like me; but however, it [Page 11] was most like to the Truth; for within a month after, it proved as I said; and what they said of it, was false; (then whereas they would scarce look upon me, because they thought that I did it to cross what they had said; and they did believe what they had said, would come to pass, and that I was out of the Truth;) then when it came to pass, I was received into Favour again. But for all this, I was nei­ther Exalted, nor cast down, but did desire with all my heart, to re­form these Absurdities, and false Visions, and counter [...]eit Sights, by which they did pretend to see and discern; but I for my part did de­sire to hide these things under the Coverlid of Love, and to rap them up in the secret Corner of my Heart; hoping, that in time they would understand better; and that then they would esteem those that had been constant Lovers of that which was Just, and look upon them as their best Friends; for what I said, was out of the simplicity of my heart, and not for Favour, or for Envy.

Now I must come to speak of these my New Friends in this City of London: First, of their Abuses and Carriage towards me; And then of the Tryal in their High Court of Justice; how they first cast me out from amongst them; and after that, from the Society of Men; and also, the Proceedings amongst themselves.

FIrst of Hilkiah Bedford, when he had been acquainted with me a short time, and understanding that I was not Married, he Commended a Widdow to me of good Credit, and Civil behavi­our; Telling me, that she was a fit match for me; and withall, he told her the same; and further, he said, that if we were married, he did hope to have a Chamber with me; I told him, he should, when that was done; then he endeavoured as much as in him lay, to bring it to perfection: but after a time, he thought that I did not visit the party so often as he thought I should.

I coming to his Shop, he asked me when I was with the Widdow, and whether I would go to her then? I said, Yes; so I went to her, and he came after me, and found us together; then he took our hands in his hand, and joyned them together, and said, Those that God hath joyn'd together, let no Man part in sunder; then made as though [...]hat were enough.

But Time passing away, and he saw little Hopes of this his inten­ded Marriage, he blamed me for my Negligence; but however, [Page 13] there was no danger, but that it might be accomplished, if one thing did not hinder it, and that was her covetousness, and for his part, he knew not my estate, nor desired to know; but if I would take his counsel, he would do well enough for all that; but the [...] I must keep his counsel, and do as he would instruct me; I asked of him, what that was? he told me, he would have me to buy four or five Hundred Pound Bag [...], (if I had not so many;) I enquired what I must do with them; he said, I must go to Hackney High-way, and there fill them with little Pibble [...] (I askt him what they were, he told me little Stones) and bring them home, and set them in my Closet; and then I m [...]st invite him to my Chamber, and when he came there, I must set open my Closet Door, that he might see them, and when he returned, he would pretend to her that it was so many bags of money, and then there was no doubt but that she would have me: but I abh [...]rring all such co [...]ening devices in my heart, I did not condescend to it.

Now the Glass of time running away, and by this time several weeks were already spent, and there no more hopes of it, than at the fi [...]st, he told me that I must observe the old Proverb, I enquired of him what that was, then he told me, That he that would Woe a Maid, mu [...]t fain, lye, and flatter; but he, That Wooes a Widdow (rehearsing these words several times over, I sitting as if I understood him not) [...] down with his britches and at her.

But after all this his endeavours, labour and counsel, he thought he should lose his labour, and also his lodging, with other conveni­ences; and now knowing what he had done and said, he was, as I suppose, afraid, lest I should betray him; certainly he thought that it would be his wisest course to begin first, which took so well with his own fancy, that now he proceeds, and goes presently to George Fox, and told him, that I was going to take an Heathen to Wife, and that I would be married by a Priest, and also that I was at his house, and offered abuse to his Sister or Kinswoman: thus spake he against me, to George Fox, that he might incense him against me, and then he thought he was right.

After some Days were past, George Fox met with me at the Pew [...]er Platter in St. Johns Street, and he told me he should speak with me; then said he, I hear a bad report of thee; I askt him what it was, he said, that he heard I was going to take a Heathen to Wife, and that I said, I would be married by a Priest: I answered George, and told [Page 14] him, that it was not true; and also told him, that I knew who it was that told him, for it was Hilkiah Bedford, and that it was he that first motion'd us together, and that he joyn'd our hands together, and said, That they whom God had joyn'd together, Let no Man part a­sunder; then George Fox [...]aid, he heard also that I was at Hammer▪ Smith at Hilkiah Bedfords House, and that I offered some abuse to his Sister or K [...]woman: I answered, that for my part I knew them not, any more than those I never saw; and further I told him, that to my best know [...]edge, I did not salute them; but if I did, that was the most: within a few Days after this, George Fox went out of the Town.

Then Hilkiah Bedford se [...] himself wholly against me, and called me Rogue and Kna [...]e, and that he would prove me a Knave, and a Drunken cheating fellow; and that I was not fit to come into an ho­nest Mans house, for I was forewarned several sufficient houses alrea­dy, and that if I come there again, they would thrust me out of their Doors; and this he spread abroad am [...]ngst all that knew me, inso­much that I was asham'd to go through that part of the City; for many believ'd him, because he was so eminent a Quaker.

And that he might further put this in execution, where ever he came he did the like; as in Old street at one Meakens, he came there, when I was there upon business; it was to see one of the Daughters of the House that was sick, and being in the Kitchin by the Fire, he went by into the Parlor, and a stranger with him; I asked who it was that went by, and they told me that it was a good friend; and as he came forth again, I saw the other, which I knew then, and I en­quired who it was that was with him, and he said, Hilkiah Bedford: I not having any malice or spleen against him, went to him, and de­sired him to come to his friend that was with me; so he came, but would not speak to me; but when he went out of the Door, he said, thou hast gotten a large Mornings draught, and so goes his way: this was about Michael [...]as, 1667. and about 10 or 11. of the Clock in the Morning, and I was in my Lodging till Nine of the Clock in the Morning the same Day, and all that I drank that Day was part of two Flaggons betwixt four or five of us; judge therefore whether I could be drunk by that time, and with so little. By this time Mar­garet Meakens was come home, she for whom I waited, she desired me to walk into the Parlor, so I did, and left my Cloak on the back of the Chair whereon I sa [...]e; then came her Daughters to her, and [Page 15] whispered her in the Ear, what Bedford had said; but I being then in hast, would not [...]it down; but after I had done what I came about, I went forth to take my Cloak in the Kitchin, it being in my way; but when I came there, it was gone, and not to be seen; I was then vexed to see how I was abused: then I askt for my Cloak, Margaret Meakens reply'd, she was sorry for me; I askt her for what, she told me I was so fudled, that I knew not what I did with my Cloak; this she had from Hilkiah Bedford by her Daughters; I told her also I was not so much over-taken, but I knew what I did with my Cloak, for I le [...]t it on the back of the Chair, and her Daughters had hid it; she said, she was confident that they had it not, but that (being as I was) I had lost it; then I said I would have it, for it was in the House; then she calls one of her Daughters, and she denies it; then she charged them all to bring it, if they had it; so at last they brought it: By that time came one John Middleton, he askt me how I did, I answered him I knew not now; he de [...]ired to know why I said so, I told him that I was fudled; he said, why sayst thou so? I see no such thing; I said, Margaret Meakens saith so, and it must needs be true: I p [...]ay thee, [...]ait [...] he, wil [...] thou go along with me, and help thy Countrymen sell their Cheese, thou didst u [...]e to help them; so I went al [...]ng with him, and did my endeavour in sending for Chapmen; so it cost me money and time, but that was not so much to me, as the abuse put upon me.

When I had done what I could do for them, then I thought it was best to kill the Cockatrice in the Egg, if it were possible; whereupon I went to the Peel (where I had several times been before) to com­plain of him for abusing me, and to desire them to call him to an account, why he did so; but all was in vain, although I told them I was a stranger, and that they ought to do right to strangers, except they could finde any just cause against them: but he being their O­rator to his Majesty, and so great at the Court, was the cause that they were so unwilling to question him; but now I was resolved to put it on to the uttermost of my power: with this resolution I went again to the Peel in St. Johns Street, where they kept their Court, and being come, I charged them with injustice, and with-all told them what abuses and [...]ronts I had met with that day by Hilkiah Bedford, and through his means; whereupon at the last I had admit­tance to speak for my self; so I rehearsed those things that are above written: then they told me I should have a hearing that day fort­night, and I was to warn them in.

Before the time came, I went to him, and told him how he had done by me, and that he must appear there at the time appointed; he told me he did not care, for he had those that would justifie what he had said, but I told him that I could prove these things were false; but said he, what Margaret Meakens said, should be believ'd, although I could bring▪ a thousand witnesses, or any other that came constant­ly to the Meeting; but for my part, I came not constantly, therefore I should not be believed: after that, I went to one in Houns-Ditch, she live that the Wheat-sheaf, where Thomas Salthouse useth to lod [...]e; but when I came there, she was not within; but they told me where Thomas Salthouse was gone; then I went after him, and found him; I told him the occasion of my coming to him, and also to warn in the Mistriss of the House where he lodg'd; for I did understand that she had call'd me a Drunkard, and that she was to be at the Peel, at the time appointed; he desired me to forbear, for they would all hold together, and it was better for me to refer it to George Fox: then I told him all the manner of it, and how I was wronged; he said, it was no matter for all that, for they would hold together, let it be right or wrong, because I was a stranger; but if he could s [...]ay in Town, he would come and speak for me himself, but that he was going out of Town that Day; I said I did not fear them all, for I would stand to that which was just and true; and if they would not do that which was true, I would declare against them; but he de­sired me not to pluck up the Wheat with the Tares, for (said he) you know that there were some amongst them that were honest and just, and for their sakes he desired that it might be deferred, until George Fox came to the Town, to which at the last I condescended, but withall I told him, that if they should hold together in those things that were unjust, then I would not favour any of them, but however I must appear, because I had warned them in already; but when I came there, I would not do as he had required me, upon which we departed each from other.

The next Day being the time appointed, I came there, and a short time after came Hilkiah Bedford and John Boulton, being then the Chief Judge to determine all matters that came before him; I still waiting when I should be called, for there were many that were called and judged according to the manner of their Court, but I was not called at all; I suppose they had no mind to do me Right, and were afraid to do me Wrong, le [...]t I should set them forth; but [Page 17] [...]hen they had done, the Clark of the Court stood up, and said, That [...] there were any that had any Complaints to make, they might [...]eak, and they should be heard the next Court day, which was to be there that day fort-night: After a time of silence, I stood up and said▪ [...]hat whereas that day sort-night, I had made a Complaint against some one in that place, I was resolved to let rest till George Fox came [...]o Town.

Then John Boulton, which was that Day Judge, said, That if I did so, they had something against me.

I Asked of him what that was; he told me, That the last time I was there, that I commanded them to do Justice, Did I think that they would not do Justice? Did I repent for that? I told him, that I must first see it done, and then I would speak more to him; but as yet I had [...]o cause to repent, before I did see it done.

J. Boulton, But thou saydst, that thou wast at the Pewter-Platter this Day fort-night all the after-noon; it is not for thee to stay so long there▪ What didst there all that while, sitting drinking there?

Answ. I will not throughly resolve (It was help some of my Acquaintance, that lived in the same Parish which I was born in, to sell their Cheese.) [...]ee, unless thou wilt go through all, and begin at the beginning, then I will give thee an account of it.

J. B. But thou art found in a Fault since the other was done, and there­fore by the Law (that is, by their own I judge) thou must answer for it first, or else we shall not here thee?

Answ. I will not, except thou wilt call this Man to an account for these things which he hath done against me, and see whether he or I am in the greatest Fault, and let him that is [...]ound in the Fault be re­ [...]oved.

J. B. These are but frivolous things, and we take notice of no such [...]ings; but thou didst charge us with injustice, Dost thou repent for that, [...] else we shall not hear thee, for we shall not stand to dispute it with [...]ee?

Here one may observe, that they take no notice of abominable Cheats, that's nothing amongst them, otherwise they would have [...]proved him, for perswading me to it, as is before said. Neither of Whoredome, if it be not known; if they had made Conscience [Page 18] of it, they would have reproved him; but they confess they take no notice of such frivolous things, but to question their Justice, is a great crime.

After this, he held his peice for a short space, then (looking on me) he said, Do [...] thou repent?

Answ. No; not except thou wilt begin at the beginning, and so examine a [...] things as they are.

But after a certain time, he lookt up and said, Dost thou repent? and so likewise the third time (after a little pause) lifting up his Head, sa [...]d, Do [...]t thou repent?

Answ No; Then (saith he) thou art not to come any more a­mongst Ʋs.

I told him, that if it we [...]e not for the promise I had made, I wou [...]d Post him up in the Exchange; b [...]t here again you may un­derstand, that he is more rash and severe t [...]n the Papists, or any others in their C [...]rts; for they will give them some Days, Weeks, or Moneths to consider of it, before they c [...]st them forth; but he will not give one hour, but they m [...]st be thrown to the Devil head­long, without time or consideration.

No sooner was I got forth, but two of them came to present [...] with the Riches of this World, so that I would b [...]t hold my peace, and say nothing against them, nor take no notice of what had been done; for they told me, that if I would joyn with them, that they would all be my Patients, and that they would perswade all others that were no [...] friends, to come to me, and would cry me up for an able Physician.

I told them, that I would speak those things that were true, and would not be hired to deceit. Here you may see what they would do, rather than be discovered in their unjust Court; for right or wrong, if they say it, it must be so; and so some they fright into it, and others, that have a better understanding, that know that they have not the Keys of Heaven at their command, to sh [...]t out whom they please, these they en [...]ice by the deceitful Riche [...] of this World, as they would have done by me.

At another time, one of the chief of them did blame me m [...] that I was so as I was, to stand out against friends; I told the party, they might do their worst, I did not care; but said, they should do no m [...]e, for if they did, the Laws of the Nation would take hold of them By this I understood, that there was the Spirit of Persecu­tion amonst them, and if they could, (and the Law of the Na­tion [Page 19] not take hold of them) then my Excommunication should not have served my turn, but must either have been Imprisoned, bani­ [...]ed, or else not suffered to live.

Is not this contrary to your own Declaration at the first? and did not you speak against all these Courts, and Papists Laws, and against [...]cing Men to Religion? did you not say, that it did but increase [...]ypocrisie and deceit, and that it was but the making clean the out­ [...]de of the Cup or Platter? are you become Platter-wipers? do you [...]ve the Power of the Ministration of the Spirit, for external [...]ngs? and are you going to make a Monarchy of your selves? [...] you not return to the World again in these Ceremonies? Cer­ [...]nly you have forgotten your selves, and the first Declaration that you made against those things, which you are going about to set up, and have in part set up; certainly you were in an errour at the first, [...] speaking against such things, or now for setting of them up. I judge you not, but I think you have cause to judge your selves, either for the first, or last.

A Description of the Quakers Court, the manner of it, and how they confess their Sinners, and of their Pardon.

NOw I have a leasure-time betwixt my Trials, I will speak some­thing concerning the manner of their Court, lest any one should think that I had not seen it, and that it was an invention of mine own to term it so, and that there was no such thing amongst them; for they are a People that deny all such things, therefore some may suppose that this was spoken out of envy and malice; but those that [...]ink so, I leave them to their own mistakes, and appeal to that great Divine Power, to Judge betwixt them and me, whether many times I have not been grieved for their ignorance, and would have reform▪d some Errors amongst them, if I could, but they were stub­born, and would not: But to proceed,

First of all, when the Court begins, there cometh the Clark with his green Bag, like one of the Clarks of the Peace, and he draweth [...]th his Papers, and layeth them before him, and then sometimes some give him more Papers, which he receiveth; and after a little time, when there are many come, then he that is Chief amongst them that Day, (or Judge) commandeth him to call over by name [Page 20] the Transgressors; which being done, some of them answer to their names, or some other for them, which saith, that they are in the House; so they choose some from amongst the Court, or Company, to go to them; then they take them into a little Room, and there they confess them; and if they be tractable, and do submit, and say they repent, (or before they will stand out, if they do but say they be sorry for it, that shall serve) then they shall be forgiven, and their names shall be blotted out from amongst the Wicked, and be restored to the Saints; but i [...] they justifie themselves, then they shall be still in the hands of the Devil, and the World, to further Judgment.

Now as for Parritors, and other Officers, they want not, not for Tale-bearers, for there are too many of them; for many times one shall have a douzen of them together, for I was ever scarce in their Compa­nies, but there were two or three of them together; nay, many times, rather than they will be out of favour, (as is aforesaid) they would all turn to be Tale-bearers; for I know of my own knowledge, that the greatest part of their discourse, when they are together, is to talk of o­thers faults, and to back-bite them; for they that are so spoken against shall not know it, except he be called to the Court: this manner of back­biting, and marriage, is their private Divine discourse; for these several years, I have not heard scarce at any time, any other discourse. But to return.

If they refuse to confess, and repent, then they summon them in be­fore the Court, there to answer; which if they do not, they go to them the third time; if they stand out then, they pass Sentence on them, That they are not to come amongst them: But to me they did not grant this priviledge, but cast me forth at the first time, without letting me con­sider. Here they broke their own Law, but I shall forgive them, al­though they would not me.

After they have been once cast out, and then be found in any fault, then they are to be called as at the first, to their Confession and Repen­tance; but if they stand it out, then they are to be cast out from the Society of all Men, as they did me, as you shall understand by what is hereafter written, (I suppose, if they had power, and that the Law of the Nation would not take hold of them, as aforesaid) then they would banish them into some Wilderness, where no Man Inhabits; but however, it must stand in the sence of the same, for no man must have any Commerce with such a one, as is thus excommunicated, as he tendereth his own good, and the favour of the Church; but there is mercy for him, for if he will send his submission to them, signed with [Page 21] his own hand, then they will pardon him, and receive him amongst the Saints again, (but very doubtfully:) but after the third Trans­gression, there is no more Remission for sin, for he is never to be received into the Church again, although his Repentance be never so great.

But here we may understanding, that they are not like unto God, for he will forgive seventy times seven; but there is the end of their Law, and their Charity cannot extend it self any further. But where George Fox found this Law, I know not, except he found it in some old Chro­nicle, when he sought to find the beginning of the Pope, and the rest of his Saints; but this I am certain of, that as soon as he had made an end of that piece, which he put forth in the Year 1667. concerning the Pope and his Laws, and of the beginning of his Ceremonies, with other things, as is declared at large in his Book, that as soon as he had done it, he set up this Law, and I know it was not before that time; but for my part I shall leave it to the judgment of others, whether he had it there or not; or whether he did only pick the best of them for himself, and le [...]t the other for the Pope; or whether it was by the same Spirit of Revelation, which revealed to him that the World was Flat, and that when it was 12 of the Clock with us here, then it was 12 all the World over: but as for this Spirit of Revelation, and George Fox's Judg­ment upon it, (I leave to the Geographicks to Judge) and in both be silent. I have here but given you a hint of the Court, with other things, but it may so fall out, that you may have it more at large hereafter.

Of George Fo's coming to Town, and my Address to Him, with his Answer.

I Hearing of George Fox comming to this City, I was resolved to apply my self to him, as I had before determined; and upon the 15 Day of October, I went to him, and informed him of all things that had past, as also concerning Hilkiah Bedford; but his Answer was, that those were but light things, (as the other did, as you heard before) but he would give me the Hearing of it; but he was desirous that it might be in private, because it was not convenient that others should hear: I told him, that as it had been done in publick, so it was most fit that it should be so again; but however, if [Page 22] he pleas'd, it should be at my Chamber, or any place where he pleas'd; He would have had me let it alone, but I told him how he had abus'd me, and was resolved that he should Judge betwixt us: his answer was, he would give us the hearing of it, but he would not judge of it, but we might agree betwixt our selves; but he spoke not truth neither, for in the first, he would not [...]et me speak what I had fu [...]ther to say, except I would plead guilty: and as unto the last, he spake not the truth, in that he himself cast me forth, and commanded the Clark to write the excommunitation, and the cause of it, as you shall hear by and by: At last, he told me he would hear me that Day Week at the Peel, and I must warn them in, if they would appear; and according to his Order, I did, as is here at large [...]nserted, as followeth.

October 22. 1668. Concerning the second Tryal before George Fox, Hil­kiah Bedford, and John Boulton, which being my first Judge, and both present to make their Plea a­gainst me, and what was brought against me, which I knew not of.

THis Day being come, which was much desired by me, and with much patience waited for, I then (betwixt hope and despair) waited for the Hour appointed, I went to the Peel; now when I was come into the great Room, or rather (at that time) Court of Ju­dicature, (where they pretend, that righteousness should over-flow, and run like streams) I then expected that some reproof should have been given to those absurdities and abuses, but there was no such thing done, but rather commended, as you shall hear; After I had sat there about a quarter of an hour, my Adversaries being come, and George Fox in presence, he spake to me, as followeth.

G. F. Thou maidst a complaint to me, concerning Hilkiah Bedford; thou mayst speak, What is it?

Ans. George, I told thee of it, and what it was about, and thou knowest it as well as I, therefore I desire thee to question him about it, and see what he can say for himself.

G. F. Thou maidst the complaint, therefore thou art to speak first, and say what thou ha [...]t to say, and then he shall speak for himself: (They [...]ad conc [...]uded wha [...] to [...]ay be [...]e, a w [...]l plainly appear by their Proceedings in their Court.)

Answ▪ George, thou kn [...]west [...]i [...]kiah Bedford made a complaint to thee concerning me, that I was going to take a Hea [...]en [...]o W [...]e and would be married by a Priest; it is thus, This party [...]e [...] ­ [...]ion'd me to her, and likewise her to me; but some time being spent and I not frequenting the Party so often as he thought I should spoke to me to go there; I did so as he req [...]ired me, then he comes after me, and finding us together, he took our hands in his, a [...]d jo [...]ned them together, pronouncing these words, Those that God hath joyned together, let no Man put asunder; making, as if the ma [...]r [...] ­age was already done: After this, at another time he and I went to the Cooks Shop in Smithfield to Dinner, and being at Dinner, he was still pressing me to this party, but withall told me, that she was covetous; but if I would [...]ake his advice, he would do well enough for that, but I must keep his counsel, and do as he would tell me. I askt him what it was, and he said, that I must buy four or five Hun­dred Pound Bags, and go to Hackney High-way, and fill them with little Pibbles (I askt him what that was, and he told me, they were little Sto [...]es) and bring them home to my Lodging, and set them in my Closet; then I must invite him to my Chamber, and when he came, I must open the Closet Door, and let him see them, and he would pretend to her, that they were money; but I abhor [...]ing all such deceit in my heart, did not condescend to it.

After this, another time at the same House, we being at Dinner, he blamed me that I went no of [...]ner to the party; and said, that he would teach me; and it was this, That he that would Wooe a Maid, mu [...]t [...]ain, lye, and flatter; but he that would Wooe a Widdow, must (rehearsing these words several times) down with his Britches, and at her. After this, with many other perswasions, which he used, and perceiving that I would not do as he would have me, he began to exclaim against me, and call me all he could devise, and also in­form'd thee against me, as thou knowest.

G. F. Hast thou any more to say against him?

Answ. Yes; but I would have him to answer to this first, and leave the other for another part; this is enough at once for him to answer to, and when he hath so done, he shall hear the other.

G. F. I would have thee to say all thou hast to say first.

Answ. No, I will not, he shall answer to this first.

G. F. But there is another thing thou didst at his House, thou wast uncivil there, and offeredst some abuse to his Kinswoman, or Sister.

Answ. I know not his Kinswoman, or Sister, any more than him whom I never saw in my life; nor I know not that I did any thing to them that was uncivil, that I remember; and if I did salute one, or both of them, it is more than I can remember; but it may be I did, and that was all. To this Hilkiah Bedford made no reply, to say whether it were so or no, and so it was let alone.

G. F. Come Hilkiah, make answer to what he hath said against thee; is it true, or not?

H. B. That is the Devil, or it come of him, for he is the Father of all such (and looking upon me) lyes; for that which he hath said, is false, and there is no Truth in it.

G. F. Speak to the first; is that true or not?

H. B. It was not as he said, but it is true that I came there, and found them together, and said, what, you want one to joyn your hands toge­ther: so I took their hands, and in a light vain manner, put them toge­ther, and I blame my self for it.

G. F. That's well said, thou dost well to confess the Truth, and to be sorry for it: but what dost thou say to the other, concerning the Stones?

H. B. The truth is, that I could never see any thing in him, but light­ness and vanity; I thought it was no matter of Conscience in him, be­cause he was so bad, and so I said to him, Canst thou not do so? but for the rest it is false.

G. F. Thou dost well to confess the Truth, but what sayst thou to the last?

H. B. There was some idle Discourse stir'd up by his vain mind, which made me speak some vain words; but what he saith, is false, and he lies.

G. F. Thou dost well to confess thy faults, and not to stand in them, I commend thee for it.

But yet for all his well-doing, and saying, and for this commendati­on of George's, he did but praise a lyar; for he spoke not the truth in any thing, as it was done at the first.

Then I said to him, that he had not spoken the Truth, but did lye.

H. B. If they were the last word that I should speak, they are true; but he spoke after that, therefore he did lie.

I answered, if there be any Truth in Heaven above, or in the Earth beneath, that which he hath spoken, is false; then they blam'd [Page 25] me for bringing that in question, upon such light occ [...]sion, and spoke well of him for yielding to the truth, whereas it was but to his own lyes that he yields to. This being ended, as you have heard, then he was to accuse me of things, that I am not sure whether ever I spoke them to him, however, I shall place them as they were spo­ken to me.

G. F. Hilkiah, Hast not thou something to d [...]use him of about James Sparkes?

H. B. Yes; he said, he had proved James Sparkes Ministry false, and he a lyar; and he said, that George Fox took his part also, and called James Sparkes a raw Boy.

G. F. But there is something concerning Jo. Bo [...]lton?

H. B. Yes, he boasted, and said, that he disputed him, and rou [...] ­ed him, and put him in such amaze, that he could not finde the way to the Meeting; and further said, that if the Ministers were in any dispute, they must be beholding to him to help them out.

G. F. What do [...]t thou say to this? what, art thou sorry for abusing him?

Answ. George, I desire to have leave to speak how it was: this which he speaketh of, was done at Lancaster, upon a time when he came from Bristol; I having liv'd there formerly, desired to know how friends did there; they told me they were well; I asked also for George [...]ishop, and whether he were in Prison, or not; they said, yes; I enquired in what Prison he was in, they answered, in none, but in Thomas Gouldney's new House; then said I, Thomas Gouldney's new House is his Prison; then they thundered Plagues and Damna­tion on me, for saying Thomas Gouldney (a very good friend) should build Houses for Prisons for friends: I told them again, that I did n [...]t say, that Thomas Gouldney did build it for a Prison; but if George Bishop were Prisoner, the place that did contain him, by vertue of the Law, was his Prison: but they told me there was no vertue, nor li [...]e in me, nor in any thing that I did; then I told them they did lye, and that I would prove vertue in a Post; then they said, that [Page 26] the Plagues and veng [...]ance of God was for me, and hang'd over my head, and with many speeches of exclamation against me, they went to their Chamber, and I likewise went to mine; and when I was en­tered into it, I wept bitter [...]y, to think how long a time they had professed the truth, and p [...]e [...]end that they had the Divine teac [...]ing of the Spirit, and ye [...] should [...]e so [...]oolish▪ as not to understand rea­son, nor moderation.

After that came Jo. Stubs into my Chamber, and found me there weeping; he askt me what was the rea [...]on of my weeping; then I told him I would turn a Diogenes, before I would be so abused by them; he told me it was their weakness, and that he would inform [...] George of it: the next Morning he went to the Castle, and when he came back, he told me that he had informed George of all the Dis­course; and his answer was, that James Sparks was a raw Boy in those things, and that he must not meddle with those things that did not concern him; and this Jo. Stubs told me, that George had said, as is aforesaid. Now as concerning his Ministery being false, and he a Lyar, it was thus; James Sparks having been at home a certain time, came again to Lancaster, where there being many other friends of my acquaintance, I came into the Room where he was, and he ask­ed me what I came among them for, giving me some of the same Language, as he had the time before; adding also, that I was a Ra [...] ­ter, and said, that he had the Spirit of discerning; I told him that he lyed, and withall, I told him that I would prove him one sooner than he could me; but withall, he told me that I had no Light nor Ve [...]tue in me; then I left him, and went up to the Castle, where ma­ny came about me, and blam [...]d me much for speaking against a Mi­nister, as they call'd him; but I told them, that one Man was no more to me than another, further than they spoke the Truth; then then they said to me, what, Would I offer to say that he that was a Minister, did not speak the Truth? I answered, that he either was Lyar, or his Ministery false, and, that I would prove it, and they themselves should Judge; then I told them, that they them­selves heard him say, that there was no Life nor Vertue in me; and yet in his Ministery, he said, that it is in every Man; and I am sure that I am a Man, and yet he saith, it is not in me; Therefore he is either a Lyar, or his Ministry False; Judge Y [...].

G. F. We shall take no notice of these private things betwixt James Sparkes, and thee: Put dost thou think that thou didst well to bring this story Two Hundred Miles, to tell it in this City? What sayst thou to that?

Answ. I blame my self for that; but it is true, and I do not repent that I did so by him.

George said, that that word ( [...]aw Boy) was out of the Truth, and he was certain he never said so; but for my part, I know not whether he did or no; but this I certainly know, that Jo. Stub [...] told me so.

G. F. But what sayst thou concerning Jo. Boulton? Did he lose his way to the Meeting?

Answ. Yes, he knew not where he was, untill he inquired.

G. F. But thou saydst that he was lost, and in amaze?

Answ. Yes, he knew not where he was.

G. F. John Boulton, Didst thou go to the Meeting after, or not?

J. B. Yes, I did, but it was [...]igh half done, before I came there.

G. F. Dost not thou see what an untruth thou hast spoken here be­fore Ʋs? thou saydst that he was lost, and yet he came to the Meeting after that; Art not thou a Lyar?

Answ. George, Thou art now upon Criticks; but what if a man should be lost in a Wood or Desert, and after that should be taught the way home; was he therefore not lost?

G. F. Why, but he went to the Meeting that Day; therefore he was not lost.

Answ. But he knew not where he was, untill he did ask.

J. B. I was out of my way, because I came in lower than I use to do; for I came in at the Hollow-way, or Hog-lane under the Windmills.

Answ. Now let all judge betwixt thee and I, whether or no thou wast not both lost, and in amaze, when thou knowest not from that time, to this very Day, where thou wast; for we never came neer the Windmils, nor in that Lane; for thou wen­test strait out of Old-Street, along that Lane to Shoreditch Church; didst thou take that for a Windmil? certainly the Windmil it was in thy head at that time.

J. B. But thou sayst, I went not to the Meeting, but that I left thee at the Alley, and so I did.

Answ. But I brought thee first into thy way, before I left thee, I wish thou mayst keep in a right way.

G. F. But art thou sorry that thou hast done this by him, in telling it again?

Answ. I am sorry I ever told it Hilkiah Bedford.

G. F. That is, because thou art caught in it, and questioned for it; But dost thou condemn the thing in thy self for Evil?

Answ. George, I came not here to condemn my self, I came here to be Judged of you, and to hear your Judgment; for I know my self, and what I am guilty of, better than you can tell me; I came here to have a Tryal of those things I was accused of, that you might be Judges betwixt us, to see who were in the Fault, that they might be reproved which were found guilty.

G. F. But here is Jo. Boulton, who is an ancient Citizen, and a sufficient Man, and well known, and hath suffered much, and there are none to speak against him; Art thou sorry for what thou hast said?

Answ. There is more that I have to say, which hath not yet been spoken of, let us go through with that, and then I shall an­swer you to your desire.

G. F. But thou must answer to this first, or else thou art not to go any further, for we will clear things as we go?

Answ. I remember that the last time I was here, he served me after this manner, which I condescended to, and then he would not let me speak any further; but that I must repent of that, or else I must not come among them; therefore I will not.

Then answered Doctor Gray, and told me, that I said that I had drinkt that day.

Answ. That I do every Day, and Eat also when I can get it, or have a Stomack to it, (this is another petty Judge:) But all this while I had forgotten the Woman with her A­pish tricks, for she seemed to me, as if she would have Com­manded me Silence, with shaking of her Head, grinding of her Teeth, and mumbling her Lips, and making of Ill-fa­voured Faces at me; I never saw the like before, except it [Page 29] were a Jack [...]napes; but I commanded her to speak what she had to say, but [...]he was silent; but for some of the rest of the Wome [...], I [...]ave them to their merry Conceits, which they had gotten in a Corner. But to return:

T [...]en there stood up a Country man, and began to speak.

G. F. Askt me, Whether I would [...]and to his Judgment, for he was my Country-man?

Ans. Yes, I will stand to any ones Judgment; for I came here to the same intent.

G. F. Come Friend, speak.

Coun. Country-man, [...]t is thy boasting proud Spi [...]it in thee.

G. F. Do [...]t thou stand to his Judgment?

Answ. Yes, I said before, that I would stand to your Judg­ment.

But Friend, what Country-man art thou? He answered, Stafford-Shire, as I did understand; T [...]n said I, thou art none of my Country-man: Geo. blamed him for Speaking, (but [...] suppose, and so may all others) that it was, because Geo. would not have himself to be found in an Untruth, as here he was; o­therwise, it had been no matter.

G. F. But dost thou blame thy self, and C [...]ndemn it in the bottom of thy Heart?

Answ. Geo. I told thee before, that I did Repent, and was sorry, in that I told it Hilkiah Bedford; and I know not whether I did tell it to any other; but I must tell thee, That at that time he ca [...]t out some Words, that I thought to have told it to thee; And if I had done so, I should not have Repented; but in Telling it where it was not Expedient or Convenient, I am sorry, and re­pent for it.

G. F. But art thou sorry for it? and do [...]t thou condemn thy self? if thou do [...]t, then we will proceed to the other: Let me perswade thee, for if thou stand in it after this manner, thou art not to come amongst men, nor to discourse, nor have any Familiarity with man; and what wilt thou do then? thou must be undone, because thou wilt not yield to [Page 30] this; It were better for thee to submit to Jo. Boulton.

Answ. I have said enough I think, if you would have me say any thing else, tell me what I must speak, I shall say it.

G. F. We must not spend our Precious time thus, for we have other things to do, and to wait upon the Lord; and if thou will not Submit, then thou must go from amongst Ʋs.

We had more Words, which were to no effect, and cannot well be put in Order, because they were like a Horse in a Mill, still run­ning round, but come to the same place.

Then G. Fox commanded the Clark to Write; That whereas Nathaniel Smith hath spoke Evil of J. Boulton behind his back, and will not submit to him; Therefore, he is not to have any Communica­tion with any man, or any man with him.

This he was to Record against me; but let all judge, whether I did not submit enough to him; or whether he or I was in the greatest Fault; or whether he had not cause to have repented, or submit to me for his Judgment the last Tryal: But all that they did aime at, was to have me to condemn my self, that so they might the better have done it hereafter; and that he might Rule and bear Dominion over others.

Then G. Fox Commanded me to go from amongst them, for they had other things to do: but that good Saint, Hilkiah Bedford, was received again, and suffered to be as one of them; but I de­parted at his Command.

Some few dayes after this, I came to some of their Houses, and they took occasion to speak to me of the last Tryal, and said, that I must bear with Friends.

I told them, that I had born with them these 10 Years, in hopes, that in time they would grow in the Truth, and Righte­ousness, and then they would cast off all such Ceremonies, and Conceits, as they had got amongst them, as you shall here fur­ther in m [...] Reply to their Answer, if they make any; if not, I shall let it rest. There was some others that said, I must forget and forgive, for that was according to the Truth, and not take Notice of such things, and that I ought to bear with o­thers.

I know that all this is true; but what is the reason they observe it not themselves? They lay B [...]rthens upon others, that they themselves will not bear; for this is the first they have to Accuse me of, but I have to Accuse them from time to time.

Yet I have born with, and forgiven it; but if they be not Sa­ti [...]fied in it, t [...]e [...] shall have it the next time, when they desire me to Answer them to their Propositions▪

But now G. Fox begins to clear himself of this Court, that he is not Guilty: For we (saith he) cast out none, but they cast out themselves through their Wickedness; for we do not receive them i [...], therefore we cannot cast them out: What then was that Sen­tence that the Clark of the Closet drew up?

But you Preach, Teach, and Speak, whereby to bring them in; and then if they will not observe your Ceremonies, then you do your Endeavour to do it; and to my own know­ledge, by Wards you have past Sentence upon them, as you did by me, and others you have carried out by Violence, and here it appears you do; for I my self did not leave you till Jo. Boulton Commanded me not to come: Here it doth Appear that there is a different Spirit amongst them, and so it cant be said that I cast out my self by reason of Wickedness; for I came to complain against the Wickedness of some of you: But you had rather De­s [...]roy any Person than your Juglings should come to light, as it hath done in this: but how G. Fox will clear himself that he doth not cast any forth, and yet did it by me; and said, That it was better for me to submit to Jo. Boulton (as I suppose) that Shordit [...]h-Church was a Wind-Mill, and that he was not lost, nor then out of his way, neither in amaze: If I would have submitted to this, then the Sentence should not have been past against me, nor I cast [...]ut; but it doth appear to me something like them, in Old time, when they cast them forth, and Imprisoned them, and put them to Death; yet they said, it was their own Fault, and that they brought all upon their own Heads; for in all times, those that were the Perse [...]utors, would ever clear themselves of it, as far as their Tongue or Pens could reach; and many times they would Reach over many Kingdoms to beguile the Ig­norant.

Geo. But this is the Triming of the Vineyard, and the pluck­ing [Page 23] up of the Tares out of the W [...]eat, and s [...] it is lawful. But yet, George, there is something more in it; for thou must have a ca [...]e whe [...] thou Trim or Prune the Vine, for thou mayst as well Destroy it as Cure it, in Cutting o [...] when it should rather have been Nursed up, and the Bryars and T [...]orns that did choak it, have been cut down before that thou hadst meddled with it; then mightest thou have had abundance of it, to discern between Good and Evil; but it may be, that it is thy Resolution to pluck up the Tares from amongst the Wheat, and set the rest of thy Servants to do the like; but thou must receive a greater Call than those did which Christ reproved; and said, that the Wheat and Tares must grow together, lest they should Destroy the Wheat also: but I understand, that this i [...] no great Burthen to tread down the Wheat if every blade do not please you, al­though the Wheat be Good in it self, yet it is the out-side that must be Fare, Neat, and Clean. For some of them that keep the Court constantly, and observe what is done, and do help you themselves, yet for all that, when I have laid this close to them, they have said, they did believe that they did cast some out that were better than some amongst themselves; but in that, they did car [...]y it fair to the World, they could not meddle with them▪ Now see whether yours be not a making clean of the out side, and a plucking up of the Wheat.

But by [...]eason I am cast out from amongst men by you, and that I understand that you can well dispence with Hippori [...]es; give me leave to Write to the World, and [...]eradventure they will furnish you with good Store, now they know your minds, and that you will advance their Fortunes, as you would have done mine.

If you will be willing to observe them in all things, and give way to such as Hilkiah Bedford, and Jo. Boulton, and to Ex [...]l Boulton to be a man more perfect than David was; for David might be reproved by a Prophet, but Jo. Boulton by no manner of per­son, must be spoke against: but I leave him to answer for himself, and proceed.

A few Words of Instruction, to all those that are d [...] ­sirous to come into the Society of the Quakers; and to be Received of them: I mean not them only that comes out of Conscience, but all Sorts, whether it be them or not, they shall all be Received, although it be only for Preferment, and in time be taken for the Faith­ful; therefore I desire you to come near, and Understand what I shall Write to you.

IN the first place thou must become Acquainted with some one of them that goeth constantly to Meetings, and speak Loving­ly to him; not Theeing or Thouing of him at the first, but speak well of them in General; then it may be that he will Invite thee to go with him; Do so, and when all is done, then Praise him that Spoke, although he Spoke nothing else but Nonesence; then the other Good Friend that went with thee will say Yes, he is a Precious man, or a Good Friend, or such like Words; then thou must be desirous to Hear him again the next Meeting, and he will tell thee thou mayst Hear him, or another: So be sure the next Sunday, to call upon him before he go to the Meeting, and go along with him; and there perchance, thou mayst light upon one that was a greater Dance than the first, And that was bad e­nough; then be sure to keep close to thy Neighbour, and go with him back again to his House, and there begin to admire him that Spoke, and Praise him as highly as thou canst, and then thou shalt see how the other man will admire him also: and then thou must be more Desirous than ever, to go to the next, and Speak and Act as aforesaid; and per [...]aps that some Woman may [...]e the Teacher, or else some one that hath as little Reason as a Woman; but however, thou must take it in good part, and say, That without all Doubt this is the Truth: for now there is this Scripture fulfilled, which God said should come to pass, That he would pour forth his Spirit upon all Flesh, and his Sons and his Daughters should Prophecy; Then the other will say, Blessed be the Goodness of the Lord, that he hath been pleased to hide those things from the Wise, and [Page 34] to deliver them to the Foolish of this World. But if thou dost but observe a while, thou shalt find them Cunning enough, if not too Cunning for thee, except thou hast a care; and thou must bless God for opening thine Eyes to see the Truth: Now by the next Meeting thou mayst begin to Thee, and Thou; but be sure thou move not thy Hat, if thou shouldest meet the chiefest man in the City, for if thou dost, all thy Labour is lost thus far.

What they are to Observe; and how to carry them­selves before the rest of their Brethren.

FIrst, as I told thee before; be sure to watch the Door of thy Lips, that there proceed not forth Yes, but Yea; nor No, but Nay; nor You, but Thou; nor Yours, but Thine, to any single Person; these must be truly Learn'd and Practised; for in them there is wrapt up a great Min [...], or a great Mystery of Godliness: therefore be sure that thou have this little Knack, or else thou dost nothing; but if thou hast i [...], then thou shalt see what Wonders there may be done by it.

Now when thou hast done this, then thou must be very Cur­teous to them, but not with the Hat; neither must thou Salute them with a Kiss if they be Women; although at the first it was Common amongst them, both men and women; but in a short time, it did some hurt to some of the Women, for they got great-Bellies by the bargain; and therefore it was left off by both Men and Women. Now when thou hast attained to this great Per­fection, thou must go amongst them at other times, and in the Week-dayes; but if thou chance to ask me what great Perfecti­ons these were that I spoke of; I answer, Thou knowest as well as I; but if thou hast not these, thou canst not be look't upon as a Good Practick, or a Faithful Freind. But to pro­ceed:

After thou hast been a constant Goer to the Meeting about a Quarter of a Year, then some of the Heads will come to Visit thee; they being come, thou must get the best things the House can afford; and if thou hast not such things as thou wouldest de­sire, then send for it presently; and give them more kind En­tertainment then thou wouldest do to thy Father and Mother, or [Page 35] the dearest Friend thou hast; then after they have Eat and Drank with thee, they will depart, and report thee to be a very loving Friend, and that there is abundance of Love raised in thee in a short time: but thou must be sure to observe the Rules which before I have given thee.

Then they will Report it to their Minister, what a good Friend there is lately come into the Truth; and then in a short time thou [...]alt have him come and give thee a Visit, (especially if thou be a Rich man, for of others they have too many already;) and now thou must shew forth thy parts, and make much of him; and if thou hast no Wine in thy House, be sure to send for some, with other things agreeable to it, and to thy Estate; it may be he will seemingly blame thee for sending for the Wine, but at last he will take it in good part, and if it be good Wine he will like it very well: but thou must be sure to have a care, that if thou shouldest meet them in any place, not to invite them into any publike House, as Tavern, Inn, or Al [...]-house; for then they will look upon thee as one that is Prophane: but behave thy self as I have Instructed thee, and then thou shalt get [...]ame a­mongst them.

Of their Buying or Selling; and of the Carriage that may be used in either Buying or Selling.

THou must come to a Word in thy Buying and Selling, and to Plainness of Speech, as thou wast taught before; but if it change, that by thy constant going to Meetings, thou want one more to be in thy Shop; or by reason that now thou art at more [...]arste with thy New Friends than thou was before; thou mayst help this in the Truth; for thou understandest thy Trade; and knowest how thy Wares were wont to be sold; and now thou [...]ayst raise it a Half-penny in a Shilling, and this will serve thy Extraordinary Expence; and this will scarce be Discerned by the B [...]yer; and if he question it, thou must say thou art at a Word, [...]d thou canst not bate a Farthing of it; so the Party is well con­tented, and Judgeth that this is as Cheap as he could buy it else­where; and he hath a better Conceit of it, because it came from [...]ee.

And by this means thou mayst come into great Esteem, and that all will believe thee; and thou mayst begin to look after an Estate and Riches in this World, and all thy Friends, both Mini­sters and others will say, The Lord doth bless thee for thy Faithful­ness; but thou must be sure to observe this one thing that I shall teach thee, otherwise, all that they say of thee may be false; that is, when thou hast gotten this Name of an Honest man, then thou mayst raise another Penny higher in the Shilling, and then go on with Courage, and this will quickly raise thee a great Estate; and then thou shall be as much admir'd, as thou admiredst at the first; and by this means, thou shalt purchase thy self more Liberty than at first thou hadst; for by this time, if thou hast a good Customer, thou mayst You him, and say, if it please you; but if thou ask me why it is so, that thou mayst do it now and not before, I will tell thee thou must at the first learn the Rules & Grounds of it, or else thou canst never be perfect, but thy Weakness will be discovered; for those that will learn any Language, they must first learn the Grounds of it, or otherwise, they can never be perfect: and a­nother reason is, That thou art now come near to Perfection in this way, and none is to meddle with thee; or however, thou hast gotten an Estate, and so thou art Wink [...] at.

But now thou hast Money at Command, and Credit at Plea­sure, thou mayst make thy best Market; and if thou see or hear of any Bargine, that money may be gotten by it, although it be not in thy way of Trade, and that one came to thee to desire thy Assistance in it; and that thou knowest that he must of necessi­ty have it, yet nevertheless, buy it out of his hand, and it may be the next day he will give thee 14 or 15 pounds more than thou gavest. And by this means thou mayst have money to buy Lands, and build Houses, and then thou shalt be Great with all the Chief of them; and their Ministers and other Divine people amongst them will cry up thy Name, and say, The Lord hath blessed thee in a Wonderful manner, One may see what it is to be Faithful. And thus mayst thou purchase to thy self Honour and Wealth.

And then if thou drink plenty of Wine, or of any other Li­quor to comfort thy Spirits, and make thy Heart glad, they will say the Creatures are good in their places, and they are only for the Faithful, and so Lawful only for thee.

But if sometime thou shouldest light on a Customer that will [Page 37] not believe thee, but will p [...]t thee hard to thy trumps, by reason he understands it as well as thou dost, and he will give thee a price whereby thou mayst get sufficiently, and it may be the next that comes, may not give so much, neither pay in so short time, and that thy word hath past, that thou wilt have so for it, and when thou considers that thou shalt not have so much, then to save thy word thou mayst take some more of the same ware, that is as good or better than the other, and say, that if he will take both together, he shall have them so, or any other thing he hath occasion for; and if thou canst but carry [...] on after this manner, then thou art come to perfection, and then there is none must speak against thee; and if a thousand should bear witness, they should not prevail, though it be never so true; let them speak never so much reason, it shall be but like Chass driven upon the Mountains, and thou shalt stand as firm as a Rock against all their assaults.

Now when thou hast any occasion to buy of the Merchant, or painful Tradesman [...] thou knowest before-hand what it is worth, he will not ask thee much out of the way, because thou art his Chapman, and useth to take some of thy Money; he sets thee a price, but thou tellest him that thou canst give no more, if thou should'st, thou couldest not live by it, therefore he will take less, for [...]e knoweth he may be sure of his Money, and that thou canst not do as others do, to ask twice the price, and sometimes catch many Men so, and sell cheaper (to those that know what it is worth) than thou canst afford; and this they do, that they may be lookt on as honest Men; but many times, though they get a great deal by their dishonest dealings, yet they spend it other wayes, there is a curse upon it, and it prospers not in their hands, so that many times they break and run away, and so all is lost; but as for thee, thou need'st not to fear, but that thou wilt pay every Man to a farthing: and by this means thou bringest down their price, and they look upon thee as an honest Man, and so thou gettest on both hands, and becomes greater than thy Neighbours. Then thou must be sure to bless and praise thy God for it, and say, that he lende [...]h thee good things: but yet this thou mayst observe to thy self, that it is the God of this World whom thou lovest so well, that hath given thee all this; but the [...]ulgar People understand not this, but think that God sends it [Page 38] to thee privately, and so thou a [...]t secure enough, and they think themselves blessed, if they can but come under the shaddow of thy roof; which if they do, tis two to one if thou makest no [...] them pay for it; but thou must let this rest in silence, and no [...] betray thy good fortune.

Reader, thou mayst see by this time, if thou art not blind, how under a Cloak of Religion, many Men get great Estate [...], and the simple People unde [...]stand it not; but this I must say, that all are not so, but generally all those that get such great E­states, do worship the God of this World, and only make the true God a stalking-Horse, to cover themselves withall; but I leave them to the true God to be [...]udged at the last Day, although many of them believe it not, as I shewed you before.

There is one thing more that I have known to be carried on with security, and never mistrusted; if thou hast a report, it's no matter any further, for if thou shouldest buy a parcel of Goods, then thou mayest take out about a fifth or a sixth part, and con­vert it to thy own use; and when a Chapman cometh to buy the other, then thou mayst declare to him, that thou wilt tell him to a penny what it cost thee, and he shall know that thou wilt deal fairly and plainly with him, and that thou wilt not cheat any Man, but thou must have profit, and that shall be very reason­able, thou wilt refer thy self to him. This Man seeing thy fair dealing, as he judgeth, gives thee good profit, and here thou gainest on both hands also; for that which thou tookest forth was sufficient for thee to get, and the other that thy Chapman gave thee, was clear gains. Thus have I known a very good friend do, and if ever thou thinkest to be a good friend, thou must imitate the best.

I have two or three Rules more to instruct thee in, and I will leave thee to thy new way of Conformity, hoping that if at any time I have occasion to request thee to deliver me a message to the Church, thou wilt do it, and by this means thou dost ingage one to instruct thee further.

First, thou must know, that he that is a Man, must be so in all parts, for if any thing be wanting, he is not esteemed; for if a Man want his A [...]parel, he is not taken for such a Person of ho­nour as he is; therefore thou must have a special care that thou art well provided, or else all that thou hast done, is but in vain; [Page 39] therefore thou must observe that thou must cross the World in their fashions of Cloaths; for in this there is a weighty matter, and no small sin in the shape of Garments, although in the mat­ [...]er thereof there is none, save only in the forme; for if it be [...]ade like the Worlds, it is judgable, and not fit to come amongst [...]iends, (although the Prophets, and Apostles, and Saints in old [...]me stood not upon this, but went like them of their own Na­tion) yet th [...] is nothing to thee, for these are a People that com­prehends all the Prophets, and other Saints; yea, and God him­self, only they could never comprehend an Angel, nor any other [...]pirit, yet they could Prophesie without either Angel or Spirit, but which way soever it was done, it was strange to me: But to proceed, first, when this way came first up, there was long-toed [...]hooes, and high-crown'd Hats; then they must wear short Shooes [...]t for their Feet, and low-crown'd Hats, which were more fit for their Heads: But now when others come to wear these, then thou must leave them of, and betake thy self to a great-crown'd Hat, big enough for an Asses Head, and broad-toed Shooes, con­trary to the World, and then thou dost right; and if thou didst wear thy Cloak without a Cape, it would be the more out of the Worlds fashion, and so the better accepted with them, although it would be worse for thy shoulders; but thou must not regard that, if it be according to the truth.

The second thing is, that thou have no Ribbons nor Lace a­bout thee; for if thou hast, Lucifer, the Prince of Pride, will keep his Court there in the sight of the whole World; and if thou hast any affection for him, thou mayst set open the door of thy heart, and let him sit there, and that will please him, and friends also; for he will cause thee to carry thy mind very high, and to conceit thy self to be some extraordinary Creature, and more pure and sublime than any other, that thou mayst stand in Au­thority, and Rule, to trample and tread all others (that saith and doth not as thou sayst and doest) under thy Feet, and by this means purchase to thy self great fame.

I would have thee take a pattern of Dr. Gray, for he is as per­fect in that, as any I know; as also of his discourse and carriage: but thou must pretend to some extraordinary Revelation, as he did, when he was [...]ast into Prison, that through the everlasting goodness of God, he had reveal'd to him the secrets of Physick, [Page 40] and now [...] was able to cure all Di [...]eases, for which he was [...] esteem'd of all friends; not only for what he could do, but [...] that it was reveal'd to him of God, when he was in Prison; [...] as the truth of all is, that this God of his, was an old Gentlew [...] ­man in Islington, Mistri [...]s Slack by name, who (I believe) [...] counted for no better than a Devil, when she Su'd him for [...] bargain, and cast him, and made him pay for his Revelations; also for his Doctorship, which he learn'd of her.

The last thing I have to instruct thee in, is, that thou dost no [...] question any of their Ministers about any principle in Religion [...] for if thou dost, they will tell thee there is no questioner in th [...] truth, and that thou must wait to understand in thy self; an [...] they which seeks out to others, are wandering mindes, and no [...] to be satisfied; but thou must believe them as they speak in pub­lick, for in private many of them can give but a small account [...] their faith.