THE VINDICATION.

BY that which hath been said in my Nar­rative, it is manifest that I was never questioned, much lesse admonished for lying, untill my coming off from them, that [Page 48] they never accounted me (whiles I was with them) such a vile person as now by their slan­derous pamphlets they endeavour to make the world believe me to be: and here I cannot but wonder at Mr Mall, that he, being a stranger to me, and altogether ignorant of my manner of life and conversation, should yet be so rash and inconsiderate, as meerly upon reports to defame me in Print, for which he is bound in conscience as he is a Minister (if he be one) a Christian, yea, as he is a man, to give the Church of God, mee, and the world, satisfaction.

The Notes, (saith he in his Epistle to the Rea­der) of Mr Stucleys Sermon, I am glad I took in short hand from his mouth, or otherwise thou mightest never have seen a true Copy of them.

Surely, if the Copy do agree with the Origi­nall, (which some question) I shall be so bold to affirme of both that they exceedingly disagree with the Truth, in laying those Crimes to my charge which they are never able to prove, as will sufficiently (I beleive) appeare in these my following Answers to their Severall Articles.

I shall begin with that of lying, it being that which my accuser begins and almost ends with, which he in many places of his book mentions with a great deale of pretended zeale and indig­nation, which he indeavours to equall with the sin of Incest, which he saith is a fault detestable to the very heathens. Some of them, this is [Page 49] the Cryme which he and his party especially charge me with both in Citie and Country, crying out every where, I am a lyar, yea an egregious one, and therefore justly Excommu­nicated, This is in fine, the Article on which the whole charge depends.

Before I come to the Charge it selfe in parti­cular, I shall crave leave to speake something in the generall concerning the apprehension I have of this Sin, as also somewhat concerning Master Stucleys practice in reference unto it, whereby it will be evident, both how improbable it is that I should be such an Egregious lyer, as hee hath made mee in his booke, and also how unlikely it is, that hee should be so zealously affected a­gainst lying as he therein pretends.

For the first of these. Lying is that Sin, which my Parents from time to time, so repre­sented unto me in the severall aggravations and deformities thereof, as that I alwaies (since I came to yeares of discretion) abhorred, and de­tested it, both in my selfe and others.

I account a lyar unfit not onely for Christian Communion, but also civill Commerce.

From the word, and my own sadd experi­ence I finde it to be an hereditary evill in all the sons and daughters of Adam: That the heart is deceitfull and desperately wicked above all things, who can know it? That there is a way [Page 50] of lying in the best of men by nature, in this sense, let God be true, and every man a lyer; The guile, deceipt, falshood, and hypocrisy which is in the heart, is that which is a chiefe part and member of the bodie of death, and that which makes it out of measure, sinfull, and an intollerable burthen to be borne.

As to the practice of this sin, I do believe that it is not consistent with the worke of grace, That he which lives in the practice thereof, is not a member of Christ but a limbe of the divell, it is so contrary to the God of truth, so contra­rie unto Christ, who is the Truth, and so con­trarie unto the Spirit of Truth, and so contrary unto the work of Regeneration, as I cannot be­lieve that such a soule as lives in the practice thereof, or hath slight thoughts of it, was ever begotten againe by the word of Truth; neither is it (I conceive) possible for such a one to enjoy comfortable communion with God.

I looke on it as a distinguishing Character, whereby the Children of God are known from the children of the divel, The Remnant of Israel shall not doe iniquity, nor speak lies, neither shall a deceitfull tongue be found in their mouthes. Lyers are excluded from the New Jerusalem, that cometh down from God out of heaven, whosoever loveth and maketh a lie is in the number of those who are without: The hun­dred fortie and four thousand that stand with [Page 51] the Lambe on Mount Sion, having his fathers name written on their foreheads, which follow the lambe wheresoever he goeth, which were redeemed frō among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the lambe, in their mouth was found no Guile.

I hope through grace in some measure I can say, That I have seen such a desireable beauty in Truth, as with David to hate and abhorre lying, & whatsoever is contrary unto truth, guile, deceit, hypocrisie, falshood, a false heart, false wayes, false doctrines, though under never so faire pretences, when once they are throughly discovered.

And as to my practice, as I desire to lay aside every weight that presseth down, and the Sin that doth so easily beset me, So is it my en­deavour in all my approaches unto the Throne of Grace, the word & ordinances, to obtain strength for the purging out more & more of the Guile, hypocrisie, falshood, and deceit that is in my heart, and is still discovering it selfe before the Lord, and ready to break out on all occasions, which doth continually administer matter of lamentation unto me.

And because I find by sad experience that this body of death doth not lie idle, but is still bringing forth fruit unto death; and being not willing to rest in my own Testimony, considering often that of Solomon, he that [Page 52] trusteth his own heart is a fool: and fearing also lest through corruption I might forget the miscarriages laid to my charge (some yeares being expired ere ever I was questioned for them) or put them off, I did earnestly de­sire againe and again to speak with Mr. Stucley himselfe, that I might know his grounds in charging me with lying, but all to no purpose; he could not be spoken with.

And so also since the Excommunication did I write unto him to know the particulars whereof I am accused in reference to lying, that so I might accordingly either justifie or con­demne my selfe. But he in stead of satisfying my just and reasonable demand, most imperi­ously and prelatically sends me a letter full of bitter Calumniations, accusing me to be a Con­tentious, dividing, and lying Spirit, without so much as naming any particulars.

As to the Second, I might referre the Reader for proof hereof to his practice. It will be found upon triall that he is not of Davids minde in Psal. 101.7. to Banish from his house and sight, every one that worketh deceit and telleth lies; and though he pretend to banish mee (upon that account) from his society and fellowship, yet he never questioned me for lying, untill I departed from him, untill I sent him word that I would come no more among them.

[Page 53]When he and Master Eveleigh accused me to Master Forde, and Master Bartlet of lying, Ma­ster Forde asked him whether he had ever ad­monished me for those things whereof he ac­cused me, To which he answered that he had not been faithfull unto me, and that I had told him of it my selfe, And Master Eveleigh added, That they had much a doe to please me.

Had I continued with them I should, without doubt, notwithstanding all those lyes I am now accused of; have been as favorably dealt with, as two other of their members, who were notori­ously guilty of lyeing.

As to the first of them, it was briefly thus; we having beene enjoyned Secresie by Mr Stucley, there was notwithstanding somewhat of our pri­vate Conferences divulged and made knowne.

Hereupon the next meeting every one was examined, and charged in a solemne manner to declare whether they knew who it was that had revealed it: To which a negative answer was re­turned by every one, and when I desired Ma­ster Stucley to search after it more narrowly, and presse it more closely upon them, that the Lyar might be found out, he put mee off with this, that it had beene so in another Church, and though he knew who it was afterward (as I am informed) yet the party was never admonished at any of our meetings.

Here was (to be sure) a negative and an af­firmative, [Page 54] a breach of promise, and then a deny­ing of that which was fresh in memory and (which is more) the words spoken in prvitae be­tweene our selves were mis-reported, and yet Mr Stucley could quietly passe it over.

The other is John Whitehorne, who offered to affirme with oath, that which was by two or three of the members presently contradicted; and yet Mr Stucley hath beene so farre from ad­monishing him for it, as that I heare he is now become an Elder.

By all which it is more then probable, that there is little of truth to be expected in his lying charge, which he expresseth in these words.

Charge. As for Mris Parr she is accused amōg other things for lying more than three times sufficiently proved, in pag. 18. of his booke published by Mr Mall. But when she was un­der Church admonition concerning severall things, she was found tripping very much in re­ference to her Tongue, and lying egregiously, so that the whole Church could bear witness against her.

Resol: If this Charge be throughly sifted, it will be found faulty more wayes then one, and so egregiously tripping, and halting, as that every unbyassed Reader may witnesse against it. For,

1. It runs altogether in the generall, in affir­ming mee to be under Church admonition, for severall things, without naming any one: And [Page 55] then in accuseing mee only of lying in generall, without instancing in so much as one particular, whereby others are possessed with a prejudice a­gainst mee, and my selfe disenabled to alleadge any thing in mine owne defence, not knowing how the particulars will be framed.

2. Secondly, it confidently asserts me guilty of lying more then three times sufficiently proved, and that so egregiously, as all the Church could witnesse against mee; when as one of their prin­cipall members declared (at that time when I was accused of Tripping) in their meeting that hee thought there was never an untruth spo­ken, but that every one spake as they remem­bred.

3. Thirdly and lastly, it sayes, I was under Church admonition for severall things.

What hee meaneth by Church admonition I scarce understand; if by Church admonition hee meanes that discourse which wee had together at the very time (being ten dayes after I left them, when as he saith, I was found tripping) I say it was no admonition (as I conceived) but onely an examination, as appeares in my Narra­tive. If he would insinuate thereby that I was under Church admonition before that time. Then I say it could be but for one thing onely which is omitted; neither is there any mention made of it throughout the whole booke; And that was my hearing Mr Forde.

[Page 56]Its true Mr Stucley told me, my speaking was disrelished, whereupon I left that practice neere two yeares before I left them; Its true likewise that the Elder accused mee of conten­tion, upon which I made my appeale unto the Church, who with one consent acquitted me of that charge,

The Elder also accused me of censoriousnes for opposing (Ganicle) who not longe after tur­ned Quaker, and therby cleered me of that im­putation; so that I could not be at this time, when as they say I lyed so egregiously, under church admonition for either of these,

And as for any other things I cannot remēber any that they did ever manifest the least dislike of, unlesse my practice of hearing Mr Forde, (which is the thing (not things) for which I was under Church admonition) the thing which hath occasioned all this trouble; and for which, (as Mr Stucley in a letter formerly threatned) they have proceeded to censure mee, though it be daubed over with lying & other forged crimes.

This practice of hearing Mr Forde was per­mitted mee, or at the least winked at by them, so long as I had a friend that might pleasure them in the City and in the Parliament—. Mr Stucley presently upon his being an Officer, told mee that he did expect I should heare him, and no other, to which I presently replyed, that it would be hard for mee to leave that Ministry [Page 57] which the Lord had made so profitable unto mee, and withall gave him my grounds for that practice. At length at the close of our discourse, he said, we should not disagree about it, and yet afterwards Master Stoneham was put upon it to preach and pray against mee for this practice.

To take mee off from this practice also was Mr Sprague sent unto me, by Mr Stoneham: the very same day at the meeting the Elder told me, they had two things against me, one was Contention, the other my hearing Mr Forde, which the Church neither could nor would bear: the Elder the next day after the businesse of contention was ended, told mee that he had no­thing against mee but my hearing Mr Forde.

Mr Slade also, and Mr Rolls came to mee as messengers from the Church (as they said) to admonish me in particular of hearing Mr Forde: Mr Stucley himselfe wrote me two long letters, about this very thing, & in one of them threat­ned to censure mee for it: they kept a fast for this very particular the 24. of February 1654.

They omitted the administration of the Lords Supper for this reason (as Mr Raddon told me) yea Mr Stoneham said, that if I would not sit downe under his Ministry, he would be no Offi­cer unto mee.

When I was desired afterwards to forbeare coming to the Sacrament, without giving any other reason then this; That some body did [Page 58] desire me to forbeare (who this somebody was I could never learne) I went forthwith to seve­rall members, to know what they had against mee, who answered, they had nothing, but my going to heare others, which practice (they said) was destructive to the Church. By all which it is manifest that this was the onely thing they had against mee, untill I had left them, and yet this is omitted, and other things are pretended. Let all the world judge whether this be not Ser­pentine subtilty: As to this charge of (lying) I shall desire the Reader to consider farther these three or fower particulars.

1. The time when they found me Tripping, (as he saith) it was after I had left them. Before I had sent them word that I was resolved to withdraw from their Society I was never questi­oned for a lye: what doth this imply, but that they resolved my going off should cost mee dearer then my coming in among them, accor­ding to the Elder Mr Eveleighs threatning.

Again, it was at that time when I went to thē in love, in the simplicity of my heart, to give them satisfaction why I left them, as I did at the first why I associated my selfe with them; thinking as little to be charged with lying, as with theft, murder, or other sins not to be na­med among Christians. And here I cannot but commend Mris Allen her discretion, in refusing to adventure her self singly among them, which [Page 59] had she done, they would have made her as great a lyer, as my selfe, thereby Mr Stucley would have been freed from the trouble of fra­ming two indifferent bills of indictment against us.

2. Secondly, the matters about which they examined me at that time were such as had been done and past long before, some yeares: so that if through weaknesse of memory, my tongue had tripped, how will it follow hence that I lyed so egregiously as to deserve Excommunication? How could they be sure that I made a lye, though I had spoken an untruth, unlesse they knew certainly, that I spake against my know­ledge?

3. Thirdly, I did in my answers to their fri­volous and cavilling questions insert by way of caution (viz.) as I remember: according to my best remembrance, &c. which might have satis­fied them, as it did M^r Rolls at that time, had they not beene fully bent to slander mee for leaving them.

4. Fowerthly, I was onely accused, not con­victed, of lying: M^r Stucley said, here are they who will witnesse, but yet they did not witnesse any particular, that I absolutely denied, except John Whitehorne, whose testimony (though he offered to confirme it with oath) was presently contradicted by another of their members. Why did not M^r Stucley according to the man­ner [Page 60] even of heathenish Romans, Act. 25.16. (who in this shew the worke of the Law written in their hearts) require as an Officer, every one to speake out what they had to say against me? was it for feare lest they should be found Trip­ping as John Whitehorne was? I appeale to all impartiall Readers, whether it be not a most unrighteous judgement thus to condemne mee without being convicted, yea when I was cleared by M^r Rolls.

And farther let it be considered that I was so farre acquitted by the Ministers of this City, as that they gave mee the right hand of fellow­ship, notwithstanding their impeachments, which I believe they are ready to witnesse unto the Church, of God when it shall be required of them. This may suffice to be spoken in refe­rence to the charge of lying in the generall.

I shall in the next place proceed to Answer the Particulars of this lying Charge, as I find them laid down by Mr. Stucley in another Pamphlet of his, Intituled Manifest Truth. Being an Angry Answer to Mr. Toby Allein, in in which he hath unbosomed and discovered himselfe more fully then in Mr. Mall's Book. In pag. 41. and so onwards, he reduceth the grounds of my Suspension to three heads, Con­tentiousnesse, Censoriousnesse, and Lying, each of which he instanceth in severall particulars. The last of these I shall begin with, and answer in [Page 61] the first place, which I shall do, having briefly considered what he saith concerning the grounds of my Suspension.

As to that suspension that Ezekiel Pace gave me notice of, I say that it was neer two months after I had left them, after I was withdrawen from their communion; which suspension (as the messenger said) was in order to my returne. By which I gather that the chiefe ground thereof was my going away: and that it is so, as also their Excommunication, almost three yeares after, will be manifested fully by my following answer; wherein I shall shew that they had no ground at all to suspend or excommunicate me for any of those three particulars mentioned by Mr. Stucley.

And first of lying, which in pag. 44, 45. he endeavours to prove in six particulars.

Instance 1. She affirmed, that she alwaies acknowledged Presbyterian Churches to be true Churches in respect of Doctrine and wor­ship, and that it was hard for her to separate from the Presbyterians in distinguishing ordi­nances; whereas she excepted against Mr. Toby Allein, for having his child Baptized by Mr. Ford, and opposed his admission on that ground: there were 4 witnesses to this.

Resolut. This instance hath more of Craft (if I understand it) then either truth or reason, and may very well (I think) answer it selfe. [Page 62] I am here brought in opposing Mr. Allens sus­pension, and in other pages of his book he saith Mr. Allen consented to my suspension.

As Mr. Allen denies the one, so do I the other. But suppose I should have done it, they all know it was my judgment and my practice at that time: where is the lye?

I told them it was very hard for mee to separate in distinguishing Ordinances. And they may remember the same time I told them also what was my ground why I did separate: what can be gathered hence, but that I did that which was very hard for me to do, separate in distinguishing Ordinances, and dislike Mr. Al­len, because he was not of the same mind?

But I am very much dissatisfied and offended with this charge, because it doth differ from the charge which I was charged with by them, which was this, namely for speaking against Mr Allen, because he did partake of the ordi­nance of the Lords supper with the Presbyteri­ans.

And this I denied; my reason was, because I had never heard at that time, that Mr. Allen did partake with the Presbyterians in that or­dinance; its now Seaven yeares since.

Instance 2. She affirmed that she never opposed Mris Dorothy Eveleighs admission, but was for it, whereas the generality of the then members of the Church witnessed, that a [Page 63] long time she openly contended against it to the griefe of the Church.

Resolut. 1. I have marveild many times why they should question me about opposing of her, who was long before in her grave, and with whom I had loving and Christian converse to her dying day.

2^ly, That I affirmed that I never spake against her is false, neither could I get any ad­vantage by it, seeing others of the Church did the like, in whom it was not lookt upon as an evill. I might say more, but that I am unwil­ling to rake in the ashes of the dead.

3^ly, I gave Mr. Stucley a Reason why I spake against her at the first, (which he himselfe men­tions pag. 43. in the 4th. particular of Con­tention) not to have her kept off, but that she might acknowledge her sin in breaking the law of Charity &c.

4^ly, That I did speak for her admission, Mr. Stucley himsele witnessed it to Mr. Eveleigh in his own house, and also another of their members E.B. hath (as she told me) declared unto them that it was I who prevailed with her to consent unto the admission of Mris Dorothie Eveleigh.

Instance 3. She denied that she ever called the Presbyterian Churches by the name of Ba­bylon, whereas most of the Church witnessed that she had often so called them.

[Page 64] Resol. What I answered Mr. Stucley when he did in a manner reprove me for acknowledg­ing that to be a true Church, which formerly I had called Babylon, appeares in the Narrative. To which I shall farther adde

1 Suppose it were true, that I had in the heat of Contention at our first separation vented some rash and inconsiderate expressions in re­ference to the Presbyterian Churches, or the Presbyterians themselves, yet it ill becomes Mr. Stucley and the rest to be my accusers, who continue in the same practice; in judging me for this, they do but condemne themselves, according to that of the Apostle Rom. 2.1. Why do they censure me now for this, seeing I am not guilty of it at present? why did not they admonish me for it formerly, when I was with them?

2 Would they even now be so faithfull unto me, as to name any particular time, place, or other circumstance that might bring such expressions to my remembrance, they should find me as ready to condemne my selfe, as they are to accuse me, if done in an orderly manner.

(3^ly) It may be that which occasioned this re­port, was my mentioning of Babylons brats, at the time when I spake my Experiences.

I did then declare how hard it was for me to Separate from those who were godly, and whose ministry had bin so profitable unto me: But [Page 65] when I considered the command of god, Touch noe uncleane thing, and I will receive you. &c. I conceived it did sufficiently warrant our Se­perating from them: And farther I declared that there were many litle ones, Babylonish Brats, which must be dasht against the stones, which (I then told them) I did understand of things, not persons. But they, many of them, being newly crept into a forme of godlines, were so ig­norant of that distinction, as what I spake of things, they interpreted of persons; which was so farr from my thoughts, as that when I began to read the Booke Intituled, (one blowe more to Babylon.) I lay'd it aside, as not being able to Close with the Author thereof, because of his many Reflections therein, though (as they all know) I had a high esteme of him, and did not use to slight him.

(4^ly) When I did at any time afterward name Babylon, I never meant it but of Babylon in the Mystery, consisting either in the joyning of mens Inventions with Christs institutions; or in pressing of things indifferent upō the consci­ence, as necessary; or in the setting up of mix­tures in the Ordinances of Christ, So far as I ap­prehended any of these, I did declare against them: And for these very things doe I now de­clare against that Congregation from which I have departed, which I little thought at first would have bin found amongst them.

[Page 66] Jnstance. 4. She denied that ever she en­deavoured to have Mr Stoneham pastor, and un­der her owne hand were these words, J never laboured to bring him to that office; whereas the contrary was witnessed by three persons.

Resolut. What I affirmed in my letter I be­lieved to be truth, neither have I reason to think the contrary: if it were as Mr Stucley sayth, More then three would have been able to wit­nesse it: 'tis true, he being an ancient non confor­mist, and very sensible of the evils under which the Church of God did formerly groane, I had a good esteeme of him; but that I laboured to have him Pastor, will never (I believe) be clear­ly proved, yea two or three of the chiefest of them, did witnesse in the meeting, that they never heard mee speake for him.

Jnstance 5. She affirmed that she never pro­fitted by Mr Stonehams preachings, and never approved his Ministry, the contrary hereunto was witnessed by three persons.

Resol. What I affirmed concerning Mr Stone­ham was in a letter in these words, (viz.) As for M. Stonehams preachings, J have had little benefit by it, but J have imputed it to my owne dulnesse in hearing, and did hope that when J was better acquainted with his method in teaching J should profit more by it: they that vvitnesse other then this vvitnesse a lie.

Jnstance 6. Shee denyeth in a letter, That [Page 67] shee suspected those that had Kindred and Re­lations among the Presbyterians, whereas many vvitnessed the contrary.

Resol. 1. If the contrary vvere true, then I must have suspected my selfe having Kindred and acquaintance that vvere Presbyterians, vvith whō I had daily societie, & intimate communion, and vvhom I did highly honour, for the image of God shining in them; though our judgments differed.

2^ly. Let them shew me the persons vvhom I suspected, and I vvill shew other grounds of my suspicion.

3^ly. They themselves questioned me for my affections to those of different judgements, e­ven Presbyterians, and therefore I cannot but vvonder, that they should dare to charge mee vvith this.

This may (I hope) suffice vvith all judicious and impartiall Readers, for the vviping off that filth, vvhich they flung after mee at my leaving them, in reference to lying, one of those three generalls to vvhich he reduced the ground of my Suspension; the other two are contentious­nesse, and censoriousnesse, so he is pleased to mis­call, Love and Faithfulnesse.

Contention. The first of these (Contention) he saith, pag. 41. in his Answer to Mr Toby Al­len, vvas proved by many vvitnesses in six par­ticulars.

[Page 68] Ans. As to this I ansvver, that I vvas cleared by the vvhole Church of this Impeach­ment, (as in my narrative) vvhich all of them can vvitnesse if they vvill; since that time none of them ever undertook to prove it to my face.

I was so far from delighting in Contention, as that I complained of it to Mr. Stucley severall times, and also in a letter I told him plainly, that I was not able to live in the fire of Conten­tion, nor sit down under a ministry that I could not profit by, and therefore I should willingly withdraw from them; which I did accordingly for this and other reasons, & therefore he hath little reason to accuse me of Contention. But he saith it was proved in these particulars.

Instance 1. In very many, if not in most of those debates which have been in the Church since our first coming together, she hath been usually silent, untill the Church have been rea­dy to come to some determination, or had de­termined, and then she would object against what she perceived was the Judgment of the Church, and pursued it with much violence. This the generality of the then Church witnes­sed.

Sol. 1. Was I silent till the last? why may not Elihu's Apologie be mine? Job. 32.4, 5, 10, 11, 12.

2 My Assent was required to their deter­minations, [Page 69] and therefore it was very fit I should know what ground there was for them; espe­cially considering that the then Church-mem­bers, the generality of them were novices in Christianity, and very weak in the first princi­ples; so unacquainted with the Rule, as that they knew not how to behave themselves in the Church of God, knew not how to direct ei­ther themselves or others, in matters of faith or order, without instructions from abroad; yea we vvere then in a bevvildred condition, without officers and some of the ordinances, and professed our selves to be a people that had lost our way, and that vvere seekers of the way to Syon.

3 As for my pursuing it vvith much vio­lence, I knovv not vvhat he meanes, unlesse it be that I refused to be satisfied vvith their de­terminations, vvhen they gave me no sufficient ground for them.

Instance 2. Secondly, vvhen it vvas moved in the Church to this effect, That it vvas very necessary to have respect in our admission of Church members to union in Judgment, (at least in all the ordinances of Christ) that peace and love in the Church might be preserved; she did eagerly contend against this motion, and occasioned long and sad disputes betvveen the Church and her selfe, especially concerning singing of Psalmes, the practice of vvhich she [Page 70] absolutely denied, and declared That praises and thanksgivings unto God in prayer were only that singing which the Scripture requireth. This also the generality of the then Church mem­bers did vvitnesse.

Sol. 1. Mr. Stucley vvas not present at this meeting.

2. Those vvho made this motion vvere some of them very vveak and erronious in their Judgment.

3. When this motion vvas made, vve were without some of the ordinances, and so continued for some yeares after this, And they who made this motion were of a very indifferent Spirit, as to the procureing them, untill they had setled themselves in publique offices. This was such a burden unto mee, as that I was very much dissatisfied; when as they (who needed some to enforme their Iudgments) who made so litle Reckoning of the ordinances, should yet be so forward after union in Iudgment: I concei­ved the worke we had to doe, was to free our selves from that Confusion in which we were, by getting officers and ordinances.

4. As to Singing of Psalmes, It's true, I did at that time question it, which doth administer matter of daily humiliation unto me, to consider and remember the darknes of my minde, that hath and continually doth, cause mee to wander from the way of the lord to the right hand and [Page 69] to the left; But yet Mr Stucley hath litle Rea­son to Charge me with it, for,

1. He was the first that unsetled mee as to this practise, by Speaking against it himselfe, &

2. Some of his members have spoken more slightingly of this ordinance then ever I did, in affirming that one who was possessed of the di­vell would singe Psalmes, that they who sunge Psalmes, sunge lyes &c.

3. The generality of the People that were for seperation every where Scrupled Singing, as to the matter, manner, place or time: So that it was a vaine thing at such a time to Ex­pect vnion as to this ordinance, much more to presse it so eagerly, as to make it a necessary qualification of Church member ship, when as the Apostle sayth, Him that is weake in the faith receiue you, but not to doubtfull disputations: whereupon I did oppose, not union, so much as the pride and irregularity of three members,

M^r Owen, and John Whitehorne (then servant to M^r Mayne) who tooke upon them to deny Admission unto two persons who proposed themselves, because they differed in judgment about the Circumstance of this ordinance, and that before it was debated by the Church (con­sisting at that time onely of eight or nine per­sons) when as admitting or refusing of persons was then accounted a Church act, that which was to be debated by the whole. These persons did [Page 71] affectionately declare, that they were in the darke about the manner of singing, not know­ing whether it were a praising of God in a mu­sicall tune, or praising of him in prayer: one of them being asked, whether shee looked on sing­ing of Psalmes as an ordinance of God, shee an­swered, that she lookt on praising of God, as an ordinance of God, and as for singing, as now u­sed, she could not say but it might be an ordi­nance of God, however it was doubtfull to her: This person was afterwards received into the Church, and hath attested this under her owne hand; so that its evident, these words were spo­ken by others, and if I did afterwards speake them, it was on the behalfe of those persons whose judgement I spake, more then mine own. And farther, the desire I had to be informed concerning it, put mee upon objecting many things against it, especially vvhen M^r Stucley vvas present: for this cause also vvas I very ear­nest vvith them to procure an able Minister, as all the then Church can vvitnesse.

Instance 3. Thirdly, she hath opposed seve­rall persons in their Admission, vvho have beene knovvne to be of approved godlinesse and inte­grity; and those vvho have beene most lyable to Exception, she hath most contended for, inso­much that the Church, having respited the ad­mission of a person concerning vvhose conver­sation they vvere not sufficiently satisfied; she [Page 70] did openly declare against it, in these vvords, That it was an unrighteous sentence: this parti­cular vvas vvitnessed by foure persons.

Resol. As to the former part of the Accu­sation, my opposing persons (reputed godly) in their admissions, I answer,

1. They themselves have done the same, as appeares in my ansvver to the Accusation im­mediately preceding this: They denyed admis­sion to tvvo persons, esteemed godly, because they scrupled Singing, and for their unwilling­nesse to speake their Experiences in a publique meeting.

2. I never opposed any for their godlinesse, and as for any who were esteemed godly, I ne­ver opposed them alone, without other mem­bers, why am I therefore more Contentious then they?

3. They vvere not all godly vvhom I oppo­sed, as is evident in Ganicle, vvho after his Ad­mission (vvhich I vvithstood) turned Quaker.

As to the second part of the Accusation, my contending for those vvho vvere most lyable to exception, I ansvver. The persons I conten­ded for are novv many of thē Church-members, and such (I conceive) as Mr Stucley, and the rest, do not novv looke upon as lyable to exception.

As for the person concerning vvhom I used those vvords, that it vvas an unrighteous sen­tence, it vvas A. P. one generally accounted [Page 72] godly, yea Mr Stucley himselfe hath given this Testimony of her often, that she vvould oppose Sin vvhere ever she found it, that shee vvould not feare to Reprove it, vvhere ever she came, shee being in fellowship vvith us from the first beginning, did at length propose her selfe to be admitted a Church-member, but this vvas denied her, because of her unwillingnesse to declare her Experiences in a publique meeting, this vvas the onely reason (that ever I heard) vvhy she vvas then kept off.

Aftervvards, vvhen the Admission of mem­bers began to be in private, she proposed her selfe againe, but vvas refused the second time, because that some had a prejudice against her, for vvhich (as I conceived) they had little rea­son, the things vvhereof she was accused were triviall, neither were they sufficiently proved, yea Mr Stucley himselfe cleared her, as to some one of the particulars: and although she vvas in societie with us for some yeares, yet she was not permitted to speake for her selfe: Her compani­on also, a Church-member, who lived continual­ly with her by reason of her many weaknesses, was ready to ansvver for her, but it vvould not be permitted.

After this meeting vvas dismist, I desired M. Stucley that I might not be present at such debates, for I lookt on this as an unrighteous judgement, of vvhich he seemed then to take no [Page 73] great notice: if he vvere offended at that expres­sion, vvhy did he not presently examine vvhat ground I had for it? vvhy did hee not convince me of the Equity of their proceedings? vvhich untill it be done, I cannot but looke on it to this day as an unrighteous sentence, such a sentence as they have cause to be humbled for. It is not un­knowne to those, vvho vvere acquainted vvith her, how that she vvas a person that had beene under great Terrours of minde, and affliction of spirit, even from her youth, that she vvalked very sadly continually, partly by reason of the vveaknesse of her body, and partly by reason of those temptations, vvith vvhich her vvhole life was accōpanied. so that it is not to be won­dred at, if she vvere troubled at her being twice refused admission, by those vvhom she did so highly honour; and that she vvas so exceedingly troubled at it, appeares by what she said to mee tvvo daies before her death, vvhich vvas vvith­in fevv dayes after they had denyed to admit her, she then told mee that their cruell dealing vvas the cause of her sicknesse, and would be the cause of her death. And vvhen shee vvas told that death could not come till his commission vvas sealed by him vvho had the keyes of hell and death; she ansvvered, shee knevv that very vvell, but yet they vvere the instruments which had effected it: shee desired mee likewise to tell them of their pride and cruelty, and to beware of [Page 75] them; she likewise grieved very much that Mr Stucley came not unto her when she sent for him in her sicknesse: however she testified her love unto the Church and him, by leaving them both Legacies: the morning after she dyed Mr R. (as I heard) came to the house, and did with teares in his eyes, tell her companion to this effect, that he and his wife had blessed God solemnly for that they had no hand in this censure. Mr Stucley himselfe honoured her so farre after shee was dead, as to preach her funerall Sermon: by all which it appeares how little reason hee hath to charge mee with being dissatisfied with their censuring her, and calling it an unrighteous sen­tence, when as others besides my selfe did not looke on it as righteous.

Instance 4. Shee opposed the Admission of D. E. for her Ioyning with the Presbyterians in the ordinance of the lords Supper, & insisted upon it with much Earnestnes, shee then declareing that shee could not be satisfied otherwise, then by her acknowledging it to be her Sin in brea­king the law of Charity: This was witnessed by Seaven persons.

Solution. This cannot prove me Contenti­ous, any more then the generality of them, who have acknowledged that they did speak against her; and some of them told me, that whereas I had one thing against her, they had twenty: yea Mr. Stucley himselfe was so dissatisfied with [Page 74] her, as that he took advice with another mini­ster about her; but I remember the law of Cha­rity to the dead, and therefore forbear to adde any more, but refer the Reader to my Narra­tive, where she is brought in as a witnesse against me for lying, as she is here to prove me contentious. Surely if Mr. Eveleigh did ever love her whiles she lived, the best testimony he can give of it will be by letting her alone, to rest quietly in her grave, and not urge me any more to publish that, which the law of Charity requires to be concealed.

Instance 5. She caused a great deale of di­sturbance amongst us after the Officers were chosen, in pressing with much earnestnesse that Mr. Stoneham might be chosen Pastor: this was witnessed by three persons.

Resol. I know not what he meanes by di­sturbance, nor who was disturbed, neither have I any ground to believe that I caused the least disturbance to any, as to this particular. If I had caused such a great deale of disturbance amongst them, it might have been witnessed by more than three witnesses. And as for Mr. Stoneham I wonder they should alleadge him as an In­stance of my Contentiousnesse now he is ab­sent, who when he was present in the name of the Church pronounced me innocent, as to this very impeachment, after he was Officer.

Inst. 6. She did a long time contend for wo­mens [Page 76] speaking in the Church; and being admo­shed for practising accordingly, she did openly professe that she would not be present at Church meetings when matters were debated, unlesse she might have that liberty, and being denied, she ever since contemptuously negle­cted Church meetings, and slighted the officers of the Church.

In pag. 20 of Mr. Mall's book, he laies down the charge in these words. She took liber­ty of speaking in the Church for some time, and being reproved by me for it, from time to time there was a visible decay of affection to me &c.

Solut. That it is false, as to the whole charge taken together, appeares, in that there are none (as in the former particulars) menti­oned who did witnesse it, neither will he ever find any (unlesse they be desperately hardned) that dare affirme it, which I shall make evident in my Answers to the severall particulars there­of.

As to the first particular (viz.) she took the the liberty of speaking, and she did a long time contend for womens speaking &c.

To this I answer,

1 As for womens speaking it was usually practised amongst us by the rest of my Sex. And it is well known that the power was pre­tended at first to be in the body of the people, in the multitude, so that every one had the li­berty [Page 77] of assenting or dissenting, of arguing and debating any matter proposed, whether men or women. If women were denied the liberty of speaking, how could they declare their Experi­ences: yea A. P. was kept off for refusing this.

2. It is false that I took the liberty of spea­king, it was not only given me, but the liberty of being silent was denied me, and that by Mr. Stucley himselfe, who would send for me at the meetings, even then when there was never a woman of the Church but my selfe: and after­wards many times he would single me out in the meetings, and urge me very earnestly to declare my Judgment in reference to what had been proposed.

3. As to my contending for womens spea­king, by my former Answers it appeares, that Mr Stucley hath little reason to charge me with it, unlesse he expected that I should be as fickle as himselfe, in taking up, and laying down opinions and practises, as they suited with, or thwarted his humour and interest.

As to the second particular, whereas he saith he admonished and reproved me for it from time to time, I answer,

That all the Admonition and Reproofe I had from him, was that mentioned in my Narra­tive, viz: that my speaking was disrelishd by some, whereupon I resolved Silence for the [Page 79] future, although I had looked on the Contrary as my duty formerly; which resolution I ac­cordinglie kept alwaies after the Officers were chosen, unlesse it were when I was required to give in my thoughts concerning a person, pro­posed or asked a question; yea Mr. Stucley witnesseth for me in the charge it selfe, where he saith, it was a long time that I contended for womens speaking, and in Mr Mall's book for some time &c. By which it is evident that I did not continue in the practise thereof to the last: how can then my speaking be brought as an Instance to prove me contentious (one ground of their Suspension) neer three yeares after I had left of this practise.

As for what he saith followed on his Repro­ving and admonishing me, viz. 1 A decay of Affection to him.

I answer, if there were such a visible decay of affection, he mistook the cause of it. It was not his reproving of me, no, the reproof was so mild and gentle, and at such a distance, as that I had litle reason to be angry with him for it. But it was his selfe-seeking, and minding his own things more then the things of Christ &c. against which I did declare my dislike both before and after this reproof and admonition.

As to what he saies, that after their denying me the libertie of speaking, I contemptuously neg­lected Church meetings, and slighted the offi­cers.

[Page 78] I answer that it is a grosse lye, a lye so egre­gious, as that the whole church can vvitnesse (if they please) against it.

For I was after this constantly at church mee­tings, the liberty of speaking by a Brother be­ing allowed me; yea I declared that I was very much dissatisfied, because the meetings (after the Officers were chosen) for conferring one with another, were not continued as formerly, I never absented my selfe, but upon some ne­cessary hindrance, which was not often.

As for slighting of the Officers—

I answer, that I gave them so much honour as was due unto them according to my power; if they had not so much as they desired, let them consider whether they did not desire more then they deserved. They that rule well, are worthy of double honour.

3^d Charge. The Censoriousness of her Spirit was evidēced in her uncharitable language cōcerning the Presbyterians, and us also: reporting one to be fallen from the faith, another to have nothing of God in her; charging Mr. Stoneham to have walked contrary to the Apostles counsell, 2 Cor. 4.2. And to have such expressions in preaching and prayer, as were but as chaffe to the wheat. And imputing the afflictions of some of the church to their unworthy receiving of the Lords body. These were proved by many witnesses, and her own letters.

[Page 80] Ans. As to the first Article, vvhich con­cernes the Presbyterians, I ansvver, I must ac­knovvledge & confesse, that difference in judge­ment did likewise cause some breach in affection, that I vvas too much svvayed vvith a spirit of separation, vvhich made mee prone to censure those vvho differed from mee in judgment more then vvas fit, vvhich I have cause to bevvaile and lament. But yet I cannot but vvonder that Mr Stucley should be so farre blinded vvith pas­sion, as to censure mee for this, vvhen it is vvell knovvne that neither himselfe, nor any of his Congregation, are in a capacity to fling so much as one stone at mee upon this account. It is now the fifth time hee hath mentioned the Presbyterians in his threefold Accusation; for what reason, though he himselfe knowes best, yet others cannot be ignorant of, and as for the hope he puts in this, I believe it will prove but a Spiders web. I shall onely adde this, That if my Tongue were against the Presbyterians, so would my hand likewise, had I harkened to M^r Stucley.

As to my uncharitable language concerning themselves, he doth instance in severall particu­lars, which I shall answer in that order he layes them downe, having desired him in the generall to consider those reproachfull, bitter, unchristi­an Raylings against Mris Allen and my selfe, wherewith both his Pamphlets are full, and see [Page 81] whether they doe not farre exceed all the hard speeches I have given of them.

As for the particulars they are (viz.) 1. My reporting one to be fallen from the faith.

Resol. I do not remember that ever I used such an expression in reference to any of them, as (fallen from the faith.) There was (its true) one, concerning whom, when they were about to choose him to be an Officer, I said, that I did feare he was not sound in the faith, for which I had good ground, neither did I hereby intend to reproach that person, but to prevent the evill that might follow, in case one not sound in the faith were chosen an Officer.

2^ly. That another had nothing of God in her.

Resol. I never heard the least hint from them of any such expression, neither do I remember that I ever used it concerning any among them. If it be that person which I admonished, that is meant by M^r Stucley, as I have some ground to conjecture, for I cannot conceive who it should be else. Then I say that it is a grosse mistake, if no worse, to affirme that I reported, that shee had nothing of God in her.

Shee was a person that pretended to a great deale of Assurance, whereupon I was willing to have some conference with her, to know if shee had any ground for such an assurance. To this I was the more willing, because a member of the Church did somewhat question it, who desired [Page 83] me to try whether it were so or no, which I did: in my discourse I told her, that they who had this assurance knew how they came by it, that where there is assurance, there is likewise adhe­rence, a closing with the promises, the workings whereof will be evident to that soul which hath attained it, that therefore she should do well to look to the ground of her confidence, and be sure that she had Scripture for it. What her answers were I shall not here mention; but it seemes she did not like this my plaine and faithfull dealing with her, as appeares by her complaining of it to some, who hereupon have now accused mee for being so censorious as to affirme that she had nothing of God in her, which is false; yea, I was so unwilling to dishearten her, as that I told her, that grace was in the hidden man of the heart, and not discernable many times where it is, though assurance hath alvvayes its evidence. Had I knovvne that they had been offended vvith me for this, I should have given them a full Account of vvhat passed betvveen us, whereby they vvould have knovvne the truth of vvhat was reported concerning her: this had beene farre better then to accuse mee for it so many yeares after.

3. As to that of Mr. Stoneham &c.

Resol. I must confesse that when Mr Stone­ham refused to declare the End of that fast mentioned in my Narrative, I did look upon [Page 82] it as walking in Craftinesse, contrary to that of the Apostle, 2 Cor. 4.2.

And as to his Expressions in preaching &c. I conceived Mr. Stucley the fittest to admonish him of his weaknesse; and therefore in a letter, I wrot unto him these following words. "I shall intreat you to speak to Mr. Stoneham of those Expressions he doth often use to expresse spirituall things by; the word (I conceive) is fittest to expresse spirituall mysteries and du­ties: I am sure that is the sword of the Spirit, and that is able to make the man of God perfect, throughly furnished to all good works. The more wise the preacher was, the more he sought to teach the people wisdome, and to find out acceptable words, words of wisdome, that are as nailes and goads fastned by the master of the Assembly: I must confesse I cannot close with his Expres­sions which are usuall and ordinary both in prayer and preaching, which is as the Chaffe to the wheate; and what is the chafte to the wheat? I should speak to him my selfe, but I fear he will not hear it from me.

The ground on which I went, was that of the Apostle: say to Archippus, take heed to thy ministry that thou fulfill it. Would it have been an ingenuous returne of Archippus to censure, suspend, or excommunicate a person for giving him such an admonition? let Mr. Stucley judge.

Lastly, concerning my imputing the afflicti­on [Page 84] of some of the church to their unworthy re­ceiving &c.

Resol. For answer hereunto, I shall here set down what I wrote in the same letter concer­ning it, viz.

"It is and hath been a great trouble to me, that there is no meanes of instructing by Cate­chising, which is like, in my apprehension, to put a stop in the way of the Gospell. And I con­ceive the ordinance of the Lords supper cannot be kept pure, without instructing those that are of the Church, younger ones especially, in the mystery of discerning the Lords body: for this many are weake and sick, the Apostle laies it down as a Cause of that sicknesse and death that was amongst them. For my part it is my feare that the Lord hath a controversie with us for not discerning the Lords body, and not judging our selves. Surely the Lords hand that is upon us, and those afflictions that have been upon me, hath put me upon serious enquiry after the Lord in his word; and I am afraid we do not walk up to our own principles, and keep the ordinances pure.

Behold Mr. Stucley's discretion and ingenu­ity in censuring me for censuring my selfe, which I did in that letter as well as others. I did impute the afflictions on my selfe and them, either to the omitting of the administration of the Lords supper for a long time, without giving [Page 85] any reason; or to our not discerning the Lords body, which I was perswaded that many amongst us by reason of their ignorance could not do, I did verily think that the Lord was angry with us for this. I was so sensible of Gods afflicting hand, as that I could not but discover my fear unto Mr. Stucley, that he might set upon reforming what was amisse, for I thought I had herein to do with Christians, and not with Scorners: it was the least of my thoughts, that ever I should be censured for it.

Having finished his threefold charge, he proceeds to adde somewhat concerning my contumacious refusall of admonition in pag. 45. of his Answer to Mr. Toby Allen, in these words: I might tell thee I have severall times endeavoured to convince her of her sin, yet I doe not remember that ever she acknowledged her selfe guilty, and that severall persons that were sent to her (or that went voluntarily) about the worke of admonition, came away from her with a burdned spirit. But I shall referre thee to 20 & 21 pag: of my Sermon in the true Account &c.

Here he tells the world that I refused admo­nition, first from himselfe, secondly from others, and then refers the Reader for farther Satisfa­ction to the true Account, &c.

1 As to his admonition he saith, I might tell thee I have severall times &c.

[Page 86] Resol, You cannot tell this without telling a lye, for I was never admonished by you for any sin that I continued in after admonition, either before my leaveing you or since.

Not before. This you acknowledged to me when I asked, whether you had ever admoni­shed me, you told me you had not: this you confessed to Mr. Ford and Mr. Bartlett.

Not since. For I could never speak with you, after you had accused me of lying.

Its true you admonished me for hearing ano­ther minister; but that this is a sin, you dare not (it seems) affirme or maintaine: for it is not so much as named among those Crimes laid to my charge either in the true account, or in your Answer to Mr. Toby Allen. And therefore what reason is there that I should acknowledge my selfe guilty?

2 As to the Second (viz.) that severall per­sons that were sent unto her &c. came away with burdened Spirits.

Resol. The errand they came about was not to admonish me for lying &c. But partly to take me off from hearing other ministers, and since I left them to perswade me back again: it was my not consenting unto them in this, that made them go away with a burthen'd spirit, and not because of my proud and loftie Carriage (as he saith pag. 20 True Acc:) for I alwaies treated with them Civilly, returning [Page 87] them thanks severall times for their (pretended love) to me; I never baulkt discourse with them. And alwaies at their departing, said, let me be convinced from the word what my duty is, and I shall submit.

I desired the Elder before the fast in order to their Excommunication, and since that fast others also, that they would bring the businesse to a new Triall before the ministers, whom they themselves had acquainted with it former­ly, and with whom I was then in Communion: had the Incestuous person done so, I am per­swaded he would never have been delivered to Satan.

The letter likewise sent Mr. Stucley by Mris. Allen and my selfe makes it evident, that neither of us contemptuously refused admonition according to the rule of Christ.

3 As for his referring the reader to pag. 20. 21. of the true Account, as if there were other Crimes mentioned there, for brevities sake he omitted here, I say.

That in pag. 20 of the True (which yet some think to be a very defective) Account, there is only one Crime mentioned, which he hath not accused me of here in this other Book, and that is my unfaithfulnesse in not reproving privately.

Charge. I am confident (saith he) that there is scarce one Brother or Sister that can bear witnesse of her faithfulnesse in Reproving [Page 88] privately, though she so much Blazon'd abroad supposed or reall infirmities, &c.

Resol. 1, I am Confident that some can (if they will not hold the truth in unrighteousnesse) bear witnesse of my faithfulnesse in reproving them privately, I reproved Mr. Raddon and his wife, Mr Eveleighs maide, yea Mr. Eveleigh himselfe, both privately, and publickly when his offence was publick, according to that of the Apost. 1 Tim. 5.20. And if none of these will witnesse, yet Mr Stucley himselfe can, if he call himselfe to mind, he can bear me witnesse, that I reproved him for his indifferency of Spi­rit in the worke of God, for his preaching fu­nerall Sermons, for his Serpentine subtilty in his Entrance on his Office, and in reference to his Carriage in Mr. Madder's businesse, yea he hath witnessed that I reproved him for the un­righteous sentence in reference to A. P.

2 As for Blazoning abroad their supposed or reall infirmities, I know not what he meanes, or of what thing he speaks it, whether whiles I was with them, or since I left them.

If he mean thereby that when I was among them, I did discover the nakednesse of a Brother or Sister to others who were not in Communion with us, I say it is false, and dare him to instance so much as in one particular.

If by abroad, he meane others of the Society, I acknowledge it. But then it was to such as [Page 89] by reason of their intimacy and familiari­ty with the offendors might in all probabili­ty prevaile, more vvith them then I could. And for this very reason did I several times ad­dresse my selfe to Mr. Stucley, which he acknow­ledgeth a litle before this charge, though, through Envy, he call it an Impeachment and accuse me for it, though I had the house of Cloe for my Example.

Lastly, If (By abroad) he meane that I have divulged their miscarriages to others since I left them, To this I answer.

That even since my leaveing them, It was my desire to continue a good opinion of many among them: So unwilling was I to make knowen that which might blemish any of them, As that I suffered in mine owne name, by con­cealing their miscarriages, untill such time as it was noised abroad, that I had not left them, but that they had cast me out as a lyer, a contentious and a troublesome person, whom they could no longer Suffer, nor have communion with: Then indeed I did begin to pull off their masking robes and vizards, as M^r Stucley expresseth it in the true Account, that so it might appeare to the world, how unlikely it was, that such (as many of them were) should cast off any upon the Ac­count of lying. Againe,

Charge. In pag. 21. He brings in a passionate expression of mine in these words, And being [Page 90] farther pressed to heare the Church, she refused, and (if my memory faile not) she said, She would be drawn asunder by wild horses rather then come among us.

Resol. I confesse the expression, whether there were not cause for it, let others judge, they ha­ving dealt so basely with mee as to accuse me of lying, when I went unto them a little before to give them a reason why I left them. A burnd child (we say) dreads the fire: I had been burnd once by adventuring singly among them, there­fore I durst not do it againe the second time. So that Mr Stucley needed not here to insert this parenthesis (if my memory faile me not) it would have done better in all the other Articles of his accusation, in which, if his memory did not faile him, he will never be able to free himselfe from that, for which he pretends he hath Excommu­nicated mee.

But that I did not refuse to heare the Church, the severall answers I gave to the messengers sent me can witnesse. Besides, when M. Eveleigh came to acquaint mee with the Fast, in order to Excōmunication. I desired that the businesse my might be referred to Mr Forde, and Mr Bartlet, who had formerly heard it: and after the Fast I told two other of their members, that they should bring it to a new tryall before the Mini­sters of Exeter with whom I was in Communion, promising to stand to their determination.

[Page 91]The letter likewise Mris Allen and my selfe sent the Church, doth witnesse sufficiently, that neither of us refused to heare the Church.

Unto this Charge he addes that of separation.

Charge. And though shee had lifted up her right hand to heaven to walk in fellowship with us, yet hath she separated from us, and to this day sought not reconciliation, neither hath shee expressed Repentance for her Sinne, &c.

Resol. This is likewise confest and acknow­ledged that I Seperated from them, The grounds of my Separation are layed downe in my narra­tive. To which I shall farther adde.

1. That there was a clause in our first En­gagement binding every one of us not to rest in the light then received, but to Studie to knowe the minde of God, and live up to it, and so ac­cordingly haveing Studied the minde of God, concerning our separation from other Churches of Christ, I founde it to be Sinfull, and there­fore durst no longer to continue therein.

2. If I engaged so to walke in fellowship with you as to deny it to others of Gods people, of which there are many (I hope) in this Citty, I am Sorry for it, and to shew my Repentance I have reformed, by leaveing your Society. in which I could not continue without the guilt of Sin, If a man should promise, yea Sweare to that, which is Sin he had better to break then to keepe his oath.

[Page 92]yea we were likewise engaged to hold commu­nion with other Churches of Christ; But this is now denyed, unlesse it be with those that are Congregationall.

As for what he addes concerning my not ex­pressing repentance for my sin: &c.

Resol. I shall answer with Job: c. 27. God forbid that I should justify you (by confessing that which I am not guilty of) till I die, I will not remove my integrity from me. My righteousnesse (as to your impeachment) I hold fast, and will not let it goe: my heart shall not reproach me (for basely sub­mitting to any thing against my conscience) so long as I live.

In pag. 23. He speaks of my undervaluing, Excommunication & slighting it, in these words (viz.)

The other (meaning me) as little valued this Institution of Christ for (as I am informed) she said, Excommunication was but as the breaking of a horse over the hedge, &c.

Resol. I have been heretofore, and am at present so far from slighting excommunication rightly administred, as that it makes me trem­ble to behold my selfe accused thereof, as if I slighted the ordinance it selfe: I look on it as an ordinance of Jesus Christ, as that Sword which he hath given his Church for the cutting off contagious members, as that, which he hath appointed and ordained to as high an end (for [Page 93] ought I know) as any other ordinance, (viz) the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be sa­ved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

And as for the slighting expression concer­ning this ordinance, with which he chargeth me.

I say it is a notorious slander, as he hath laid it down, the truth is, that to some, who spake about excommunication I told them how it had been formerly abused in this nation by many who (as it was reported) would excommunicate for such a Trespasse, as a horse to break over a hedge; and farther added, that I valued an unjust excommunication no more then I did that: and because I look on M^r Stucleys late excommuni­cation as such, therefore do I set light by it: as Luther did by the Popes bull, for which he was never charged by any Protestant: in doing of which I am no more to be condemned for sligh­ting this ordinance in generall then he. It will be found upon triall that Mr Stucley hath a farre lower esteeme of this ordinance, then my selfe, otherwise he would never have so abused it as he hath, for the promoting his own interest and carnall designes, which is the ready way to make it contemptible, in the Judgment and o­pinion of those who are not well acquainted with it.

Thus I have done with the true account, and now returne to what he saith farther concerning me in his answer to Mr Toby Allen: pag. 45. [Page 94] Her Crimes and contumacy being very great: the Church thought themselves obliged to suspend her from Communion before ever she joyned in the Sacrament with any other.

Resol. That this Suspension was for no other crimes or contumacy, then my leaving them, and my refuseing to returne unto them: And there­fore it was not thought sufficient to debarre me from communion with others of Gods people in this City, by those who heard the whole busi­nesse, and throughly examined the Circumstan­ces thereof.

Char. In the next place he chargeth Mr Al­len with a lye, for affirming. That the Quar­rell between the Church and me began, because I had a mind to heare some other ministers which (he saith) is abominably false, and far­ther, that this was no particular for which I was ever admonished by the Church in pag. 45.46. And again, he saith, That the Quarrell began in my contentious Spirit and sowing Divisi­ons, and was increased by lying.

Res. 1 That I was admonished, for hearing other ministers, by the Church it is manifest by what is allready set down.

2 That the quarrell did not begin in my contentious Spirit, and sowing divisions; nor was encreased by lying: it is also apparent, as for lying, I was never charged with it till I left them: and as for contention, &c. I never medled with [Page 95] Church affaires after the officers were chosen; unlesse it were once in reference to a person proposed, when Ganicle interrupted me.

The Qurarell Brake out at a Tuesdayes meeting, Mr. Stucley was absent from that meeting and so knowes nothing of it but by the report of o­thers, it so much concerning mee, I have reason to know it better then others: The account whereof according to my best Remembrance is this.

On the day before, being munday after dyn­ner Mr. Stonham and his wife came to visit me, Before I could come to them, my husband, in discoursing with them sayed, that I had heard Mr. Ford the day before, when I came into the Roome, Mr Stonham looked on me with an An­gry countenance and would scarce Speak, where­upon I asked his wife what did aile him, who an­svvered that he vvas not vvell pleased vvith me for my goeing avvay to heare, she told me like­vvise that he did not like Mr Eveleighs maide, and farther added, that she heard that I had somewhat against her, she is (said I) a stranger unto me, and therefore it is my desire that she may be kept off one week longer untill I have informed my selfe concerning her, Then (said she) do you be present at the meeting to speak to have her kept off, this she desired with much earnestnesse.

On the Tuesdaie following after dinner Mr [Page 96] Spraigue the younger came to me frō Mr Stone­ham (as he said) who had been with him the day before, and desired him to take me off from hearing Mr Ford. To this end (among other things) he told me, that those sheep, which had been used to meane feeding, were not fit for fat pasture, it was the way to bring them to the scab: he likewise spake something about Mr Eve­leighs maid, and earnestly desired me to be at the meeting. I told him that I then lay under some trouble of spirit, and so could not be fit for such an Imployment, however upon his earnest intrea­ty, I fitted my selfe to goe.

When I was come, they began (contrarie to their usuall practice) to talke of the maid, before ever the Lord had been sought unto in prayer: Mr Owen, sitting at the table neer me, I willed him to acquaint them, that it was my desire she might be kept off a week longer (as I remem­ber) untill I had informed my selfe concerning her.

Mr Eveleigh, presently replyed, that he would give Testimony for her: I told him that a master or superior was not so fit to give Testi­mony for a servant or inferior, and withall in­stanced in Gehazi, who carried himselfe fairly in his masters presence.

After this one Ambrose a shoomaker was pro­posed, who (it seemes) wrought with Ganicle, concerning whom Mr Eveleigh asked me whe­ther [Page 97] I had any thing against him? I answered that I had nothing, and also that though he were a stranger unto me, yet I had heard a good report of him: upon which Ganicle said that I would take his Testimony for his man, and not Mr Eveleighs for his maid, yea (said Mr Eve­leigh) that is the very thing, because it is my Testimony, therefore she will not take it, adding farther that it was scandalous, and that I was of­fensive or contentious, and had hindred their proceedings for many yeares, insomuch as he could not partake with me in the Ordinances, untill he was satisfied.

I replyed, that this would not be borne, and that if my carriage had bin so offensive, I should have heard of it, in some other place and in some other manner: and then I presently appealed to all the Congregation desiring them to be faith­full unto me, as they would Answer it another day, by declaring wherein my carriage had been offensive, and what evils they had seen in me: And when I perceived they were unwilling to meddle in it, I told them plainly, that I would come no more among them, unless they would satisfie me herein.

At length Mr Stoneham began his prayer af­ter this manner: Lord, we have waited for a pray­er, and now thou hast given us in a prayer, it may be, the returne of many prayers, and then bewai­led that the serpent was gotten into the garden: [Page 98] After the prayer, Mr. Eveleigh and my selfe were to withdraw; but Mr Eveleigh (before he went out) told them, he left it to the Church to determine, whether I were not contentious. Two things (said he) I have against her, Con­tention, and her going away to hear Mr Ford, which the Church neither can, nor will bear. And he farther charged John Whitehorne (the chiefest then in this businesse) that he should insist upon Contention, and if he wanted an In­stance, that he should name Agnes Pullen.

When we were withdrawne, the generality of them said, they did believe I was a good woman &c. But then they were asked againe, whether through a mixture of Corruption it might not tend to Contention? to which this reply was made, That they did not know but it might. Mr. Stoneham told me, that they would not for a world charge me with contenti­on, but did fear lest through a mixture of Cor­ruption, it might tend thereunto.

Many of them were offended with the El­ders dealing so disorderly with me, but knew not how to help it, and desired me to take no notice of it.

By all which it appeares

1 That they were very much displeased with me for hearing others besides our own Officers, though they were unwilling to quar­rell with me openly about it. Mr. Eveleigh [Page 99] (tis true) accused me thereof at this meeting, but (as I am informed) some of them did very much dislike his mentioning of that particular; and refused to medle with it, because they thought it fitter to be concealed, then that it should be publickly taken notice of.

2 That it is very probable they had a re­solution (some of them) to quarrell with me about Mr. Eveleigh's maid, in case I could not be prevailed with to leave off hearing of other ministers, why else should they be so earnest with me (after I had given a sufficient Excuse for my absence) to be present at the meeting? why else should Mr. Stoneham use such expressions in his prayer.

3 That although Mr Eveleigh at this time (when the Quarrell brake out) accused me of Contention; yet that the Quarrell did not be­gin in my contentious spirit, and sowing divisi­ons, is apparent. 1 Because I did no more then Mr. Stoneham approved of, and Mris. Stoneham desired me to do; so that I could be no more contentious in opposing Mr. Eveleighs mayd, then they. 2. This businesse was en­ded in three daies; they had nothing after this against me, but my hearing other ministers, as Mr. Eveleigh himselfe told me.

4 And therefore notwithstanding the quar­rell brake out at the time, when I opposed Mr. Eveleigh's maid, yet it is very apparent that it [Page 100] began, was continued, carried on, and increased even to a breach, only for my hearing of ano­ther minister: for as to the charge of lying I never heard of it till my coming off, as I have already declared.

In the next place he takes shame to himselfe, that he did not sooner excite the church to their duty, as to the last Remedy for the healing of this woman, &c.

Resol. I believe in the end he will see more cause to take shame to unto himselfe, in that he hath so rashly excited them to this censure, be­fore he ever discharged the duty of admonition.

Let him consider whether he hath not run before the Lord sent him, let him produce his warrant to Excommunicate, before ever he proved the Crime, or admonished me of the Evills, for which he saies I am Excommunica­ted.

He addes, that there are some full of evill sur­mises about this matter, as if the Church would never have proceeded against her, but upon a designe to hinder others from deserting us.

Resol. It is no surmise, for

1 One of their own Officers (Mr. Slade by name) talking with an Alderman of this City about this Excommunication, told him that if they had proceeded against me sooner, Mris. Allen would not have left them.

[Page 101]2 Mr. Stucley doth not in plain termes deny it. And though that which follows concerning the unquietnesse of his spirit about my not Re­penting may imply a deniall, yet

3 It is that which he hath in a manner ac­knowledged in pag. 10. of the True Account, in these words, If we had discharged our duty sooner on the lyar, we might have prevented the others fall, her disobedience and perversenesse of spirit.

As for that he professeth, he had no quiet in his Spirit, that a Person should lie so long suspended, and give no Evidence of Repentance, but the Contrarie &c.

Resol: The Suspension vvas tvvo moneths after I had left them; the messenger that vvas sent to give me notice thereof sayd it vvas in order to my Returne, a Returne to them, this is the Repentance they expected, and I resolved against, unlesse (as I told the Elder) I might have communion with them, and not to separate from others that vvere godly.

But vvhat quiet can Mr Stucley have novv, that he hath passed a Sentence of Excommunica­tion vvithout admonition, seeing I so earnestly desired it? vwhat comfort can he have in pas­sing this Censure three yeares wanting a few daies after I had left them? when as in all pro­bability by reason of forgetfulnesse, there could not be a charging of sin, so as to convince and work a kindly Repentance.

If his conscience had troubled him, because [Page 102] of my lying in Sin, without evidencing Repen­tance, then his conscience is either blind or baf­fled; else why had not his conscience checkt him, when he discovered no zeale against lying, when he was so often prest unto it by me? why had not his conscience troubled him, when there was a lye affirmed with so much Confi­dence by John Whitehorne, when he offered to depose it upon Oath, and yet there was clear Testimony brought by some of their members to prove it to be a lye? this person is under his charge, yet here his conscience hath not disquie­ted him.

And for what he addes, That to quiet his con­science he tooke advice with severall Ministers, and so concluded the matter by them and his own Conscience.

Resol. 1. Why did he go so farre away? had he desired to have the truth brought to light, then why should he refuse to advise with those Mi­nisters that he himselfe acquainted with the bu­sinesse; and when I so often desired them to bring it to a new tryall before them, with a pro­mise to submit unto their determinations, with­out expecting any favour from them.

2. How could those Ministers (whoever they be) perswade him to such a censure, without ad­vising him to bring the businesse to a Triall, without hearing both parties speake? will not Festus rise up in judgement against them? Did these Ministers in their advice duly weigh the [Page 103] weight of this Ordinance, and the pretiousnesse of soules for which Christ did Sweat, Bleed and died, for which hee ever lives to make intercession? Durst they upon the Report of one partie without Examination, give such advice in a corner? the Lord lay not this sin to their charge: 'Tis not the first time that Satan hath made use of such instruments, Christ saw him in a Peter &c. I confesse it would have been more ea­sily borne, if they had been such as have not knowne the Father, nor the Lord Jesus, that had given this wicked advice; but that it should come from them, who have (or at least pretend to) more acquaintance with Christ then others, this is as the Vineger and the Gall.

Charg. p. 47. In the last place hee gives the world a Catalogue of lying defamations, spoken by mee since my Suspension.

Resol. As for those lying defamations, I answer briefly: That many of those Reports are no lying Defamations, but manifest truths, as I have made it already to appeare in my Narrative and Vindication; and make no question but shall be able to do the like of the rest, if called unto it, even as many of them as he shall prove to proceed from mee, farre better then M^r Stucley will be able to make good (in a regular and orderly proceeding) those slanderous reports con­cerning mee, with which he hath filled the world, not­vvithstanding he boasts so much of witnesses, at the end almost of every Charge.

And novv I suppose the Reader is sufficiently tired vvith perusing an unpleasing and broken History, I [Page 104] shall therefore now hasten to an End.

If the Gospell be the great Salvation that is deli­vered by Christ himselfe, and the Revelation of it compleated, and it be once delivered to the Saints, and no other Revelation to be expected till Christ come, and this Salvation being so glorious, as that the Angels desire to look into it, and there be­ing such a Curse by Christ pronounced on such as shall adde to it, or take from it, then let it serve as an Apology for me in my learning of them. This was that which I did desire and aime at, that I might be instructed in the mystery of this great Salvation, God manifest in the flesh &c. Tis that was in my eye, and that I still follow after (although I have not yet attained) to comprehend with all Saints what is the bredth, and length, and depth, and heighth, and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge; yet through grace this was, and is that one thing, that I may know Christ and him crucified, and that I may with the Apostle Phil. 3.12, 13, 14. know him, and the power of his Resurrection, and the fellowship of his Sufferings, so as to be made conformable to his death, that I may know this great mystery which hath been hid from other ages, but is now revealed unto us by the holy Apostles and Prophets by the Spirit, Eph. 3.1. Know him so, as to bear about in my body the dying of the Lord Jesus; that the life of Jesus may be made ma­nifest in this mortall flesh, that the old man may be Crucified with him, that the body of Sin might be de­stroyed, that I might not serve sin; This was that which to the glory of free grace I can say in some measure [Page 105] (if my heart do not deceive me) was my desire in Joyning with them, and in my withdrawing from them, I finding not a Sufficiency in their Ministry for edification and building up; and being disapointed of my expectation in the ministry, and continuing my practice of hearing Mr Ford, sometimes once a Lords day meerly out of necessity, and observing what they did after they were in office and setled themselves, in stead of discovering their love and faithfulnesse to the peoples soules in their diligent circumspection and watchfulnesse over them, and discovering to them the hidden mysteries of the Gospell, they were very remisse, the worke they were imployed in was to exalt themselves, and bring the people into Subjecti­on unto them, silenceing some, and censuring others without allowing them any liberty to clear them­selves, such as they supposed stood in their way, and when this was effected, then they proceeded farther to take them off from hearing any other minister, making that practice of hearing another minister, when themselves preached, to be a going out of the Bosome of Christ into the Bosome of Strangers; and such persons were Traytors and Rebells to Jesus Christ, and should be so dealt withall; and what be­nefit was received by another minister to be a delu­lusion and a Temptation, and a Judgment of God upon the soule. And ingaging the people at their admission, to believe it as an Article of their faith, that a grea­ter blessing was to be expected on their ministry, then on any others, as if they preached another Jesus, or another Spirit, or another Gospell: when the Apo­stle [Page 106] sayeth, he that planteth and he that watereth are one, 1 Cor. 3. Was there not a cause to suspect what they intended, but the liberty of dissenting was de­nyed, and they proceeded to lay aside their meetings for to conferre together, and to consider one another, and the ordinance of the Supper, that was layd aside a long time, fasting was perverted to carry on their own designes, and to keep the people ignorant of the oc­casion and ground of their fast.

I being troubled at this, and resolved not to be Si­lent to see what was done by them, but rather to suf­fer, did discover my dislike of these practises, and bla­med them to their faces for walking in craftinesse, contrary to the Apostle, 2 Cor. 4.2. and perverting and laying aside of the ordinances, then insteed of giving me any satisfaction (as I expected) did they craftily conspire to entangle me, to fall to dispute about true Churches. And to seek occasion against me, to defame me, and as if there had not been sufficient above ground, rakt up the dead out of her grave, and made matter to frame an accusation against me, for doing that which themselves the generality of them did the same, as some of them have since acknowledged, and in what they accused me Mr Stuckley himselfe clea­red me, and here is the ground of all their charge of scandall, which how cruell, and unjust, and unreasona­ble it is, I leave to the impartiall reader to Judge.

Thus seeing Gospell priviledges, purity of or­dinances, and liberty of conscience lay a bleeding, and they walking contrary to their principles, and often engagements, and having no way to free my selfe [Page 107] from partaking with them in their evils, not only the liberty of speaking but of dissenting being denied, vnles it were purchased upon such termes as their ensnaring of me, and of looseing peace and a good name, I not daring to make it known to other mem­bers, lest I should be accounted contentious, having had experience of the people formerly, and seeing the officers to be masters of the ordinance, insteed of dispensors, and to lord it over Gods heritage, as if they had dominion over our faith: after often seeking of the Lord and enquiry in his word according to that light I had received, after I had declared my re­solution and my grounds to the elder, I withdrew, ac­cording to the Apostles rule, 1 Thes: Hoping that by my withdrawing they might be more convinc't, and that in time the Lord would make them sensible of their usurpations, when they saw what effects were produced, and so might put a stop for time to come to such proceedings: and though I could expect little favour from them, unlesse the Lord did convince them, and so humble their Spirits, yet having the Testimony of mine own conscience, that I could say in in some measure with the Apostle, herein did I exer­cise my selfe to have alwaies a conscience void of offence towards God and towards man: and I considered that I should hereby keep and preserve mine own peace, in having no hand in exalting of men and so opening a way to bring in mens inventions, and to worship God according to the precepts of men.

And Mr Stucley himselfe in his Sermon on that black and dark day hath acknowledged (as the Copie [Page 108] taken from his own mouth will testifie) that I separa­ted from them on pretence of conscience, he might have left out the words (on pretence) unlesse he take upon him to Judge the heart and conscience, although Mr Mall in his printed True account (as he cals it) hath not afforded me so much charity as to put in that perticular.

And Mr Stucley himselfe afterwards pag. 23. saith that I went away to avoid the censure; here he con­tradicts himselfe more waies then one, for 1. If I went away to avoid the censure, then I could not se­parate on pretence of conscience, but if this be denyed (as the leaving it out of his printed Sermon may in­ferre so much) 2. If I went away to avoid the censure, then he must be forc't to deny that I am excommuni­cated justly for lying, for how could I goe away to avoid the censure for lying, afore ever I knew I should be charged with lying, for I was never charged by him with lying untill such time as I had really with­drawen and separated from them.

The like Mr Allen hath allready declared of his wife, pag. 24. of his Truths manifest, that the preten­ded crime or cause of excommunicating her, was in time long after she left them.

Therefore (Reader) take notice of his grosse con­tradiction of himselfe in what he affirmes.

And whereas he pretends that he had no quiet in his spirit that a person should lie so long suspended and give no evidence of Repentance, and in his prayer, that they have not past their censure in a revengefull way, and that they could not answer the neglect of their censure one day longer.

[Page 109]If it be so, why must he take liberty to himselfe to defame me in my name, if it were the sinne only he aymd at? & why did he use such Epithites, as, discontē ­ted lyer, notorious lyer, egregious lyer, Bryer in our sides, companion for damned spirits, when as his conscience must needs tell him, that he never accused me of one lie all those years that I was in fellowship with them: And if he found me guilty of a lye, let him produce what lye it was, I never heard of any yet, whiles I was with them, and when since I left them, he carged me at first, it was then with an untruth.

And although I desired in our letter sent them to have the cause heard by understanding and impartiall men and promist to Submit, yet he slighted that, and hath taken libertie in pulpit and in print to render our names and our persons odious to all the world, as if the sword of excommunication had not been sharp enough, unlesse it were sharpned by him at the Phi­listins forge, and in the meane time takes liberty to himselfe to practice that for which he pretends he hath censured me as for lying, I could instance in severall of their charges that they are no other but lies.

Not to mention the severall reports that have been spread concerning me, as not worth the taking notice of, which have one contradicted the other, and not two of the Reporters found in one tale, as hath been taken notice of (as I am informed) by a person of credit, this is not worth the taking notice of.

But that false report that hath been raised by them and spread in citty and countrie on Mr Ford the mi­nister, [Page 110] that he should slight lying, and that say lying was the property of a woman.

Whereas the truth is, that when Mr Ford and Mr Bartlet Ministers, and Mr Stucley and Mr Eveleigh were met at Mr Fords house, Mr Stucley and Mr Eveleigh accused me of Scandall, and brought in a charge of lying against me, instancing in Mris Eve­leigh and my speaking against the Presbyterians (which I have allready answered) Mr Ford still cald for more, more charge: then to make up their accusa­tion, they said that I was fickle, Mr Ford answered them, that is as much as to say, she is a woman, this I know to be the truth; and yet the report is spread by them in City and Country, that he said that lying was the property of a woman: and herein have they discovered their falsehood and rage against such an E­minent labourer in Christs Vineyard, who hath given abundant Testimony that he seeks not himselfe but the things of Christ.

And as for Contention, how hath Mr Stucley dis­covered himselfe guilty to all the world, Doeg like, falling on Magistrates and Ministers whom he sup­poseth stands in his way, as his Sermon and printed books do witnesse.

Give me leave to take notice of it, as David, when he heard how Saul had cut off the Lords Priests (saith he) I have occasioned the death of all these.

And for Censoriousnesse, how doth it appeare? not by secret search, but upon their severall Accusations, wherein the greatest ground of their proceedings against me, hath been a censuring of the ends of my [Page 111] words and actions, which is Gods prerogative alone, who searcheth the heart, and tryeth the reines.

Let the Impartiall Reader judge whether they sought the glory of Christ, & to convince me of this sin, whē it is that which was & yet is usually practised by themselves. Witnesse their usuall calling Mr Fords preaching Rayling and nonsence; and some of them would have the Pulpit shut against Mr Ford, and Would have had the notes of his Sermons to pick oc­casion against him, and perswaded me not to hear him; and I was questioned many times for hearing of him, not only the Lords daies, but on Lecture daies also.

I cannot but take notice of Mr Mall in his reasons pressing them to renew their Covenant.

He saith, such poor wretches are given up to Ju­diciall hardnesse, so that they are sorry for nothing so much, as that they with such a Church entred into Covenant with God; and again, such wrethes they have renewed their Covenant with hell and Satan.

For answer, what Covenant I have ented into with God, whether with them or any other, I desire still to own and acknowledge, that I am engaged unto to performe, and am resolved in the strength of Christ never to retract. And if in any particular I have deny­ed my Covenant with God, it lies upon them to convince me of it. It is not enough for them to charge Covenant breaking, and perjury, and Schisme: it lies upon them to prove their charge, otherwise I am not engaged to an Implicite faith to believe them.

[Page 112]I think our letter (we sent to them) will testifie, that we did not retract our Covenant with God, when we did professe our submission to the law and will of Christ, wherein I think we did own our Cove­nant with God more than they did, who by their Explicite Covenant engaged themselves to an Impli­cite faith, in subjection to Mr Stucley's ministeriall guidance and teaching, without any restriction or limi­tation. And yet how doth he boast pag. 13. as if they were a company of believers that will part from life rather then from a little command, and their hands are fill'd with both Tables: is not this practice of theirs a contradiction to this profession, & yet pag. 29. exhorting them to keep to the Church of Christ, he tells them he cannot but approve of their purpose to subscribe a covenant, that will be a fence against a lawlesse Spirit.

Moses who was a servant in the house of God, and God testifies of him that he was faithfull in all the house of God; see Deut. 33.4. Moses commanded us a law, even the Inheritance of the congregation of Jacob.

Is not this fence against lawlesse Spirits, that God hath prescribed his Church sufficient? but that M^r Stucley must engage the people to himselfe, as if his designe were to seek himselfe, and to espouse a peo­ple to himselfe, and not to Christ.

It was the commendation that the Apostle gives of his hearers, that they received the word with all readinesse of mind, and earched the Scriptures dayly, whether those things be so or no: but here they Ingage to absolute subjection to M^r Stucleys Ministry without [Page 113] any Caution, I the rather take notice of it, because they may consider, that whiles they are Censuring us, they forget themselves, and their Engagements to Christ, and to his Lawes; that whereas they have profest the taking Christ for their King and Law­giver, now they set up men in the roome of Christ, without any mention of the Law and Septer of Christ: And yet he pretends that his booke (called Manifest truth) is set forth by him to prevent the Gospells suffering, although he ha h had a Bratherly admonition given him by the unknowne author, Dio­trephes detected and Archippus admonished, yet he ne­ver takes notice of this particular, to give any Satis­faction unto it, or to remove the offence taken by it.

And now for a close of all I shall desire M^r Stucley to retyre himselfe a little from the world and those multitudes of designes hee is at present so much en­tangled with; having done this, seriously and sadly consider a while of that great day of accounts, wherein the hidden workes of darknesse shall be fully discove­red by him whose eyes are as a flame of fire: if he doth thinke in good earnest that there is such a day coming wherein he must by accountable for all his actions: let him I say, consider what account he can give to Christ of his late proceedings against Mris Allen and my selfe; will it (thinks he) be enough to say, that his cre­dit and esteem in the world could not be upheld with­out it? that the Interest of that party with whom he sided consisted therein? that he had Majors, Collo­nels, Knights, Ladies, to stand by him; if he account [Page 114] these vaine and foolish pleas, now, why should hee? how dared he act upon such grounds now? His only way therefore will be to repent of this his wickednesse, and pray God, if perhaps the thoughts of his heart may be forgiven him; which will be more to his honour, then by Printing any more angry bookes against two weake women (who are not able to speake for them­selves in Print (neither is it required) so well as men, especially Schollers) to withold the truth in unrighte­ousnesse, to oppresse the Innocent, and to cover his own Sin, which whosoever doth, shall not prosper, the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.