BEfore I examine the inside of Mr. Alleins Book, I must needs fix my eye a while upon the Frontispiece, Testimonial and Epistle.

First, The Frontispiece. And here we shall gaze a while on the Title, Author, and a Scripture quo­ted.

1. The Title, Truths Manifest: Here he flourisheth over the design, as if it were (at least in the principal branch of it) the rectifying of mistakes, and manifesting of Truths; yet this outside, compared with the inside of the Book, shews it to be but like the Apothecaries box, which hath Pharmacum in titulo, in pixide venenum, Physick in the Title, but poyson in the vessel: Before I have done with him, I shall prove mistakes and lies e­nough to shew his Book and Title have no sweet accord. We shall put it to the issue, whether his Narrative be so full and faithful as he pretends, and whether it satisfyeth all that desire to know the Truth? or rather, whether those that have been be­fore deceived by reports, be not now cosened in print? If it be found so, it is a double fault, the falshood in the Book is one, Truth in the Title another. Here might I present thee with a Catalogue of those many shameless untruths which lye thick scat­tered like dung upon the face of his Pamphlet. Something might be said against the Manifest, though I dare do nothing against the Truth; but I shall chuse rather to take them up as they lye in my way, before I can view them in his Epistle or Narra­tive.

2. I am not to pass by the Author, Toby Allein, a late member of the said Church. Mr. Toby, your membership I own, but late member gives the Reader to imagine, that either you are alrea­dy excommunicated, or that we have dismissed you, or that you are an apostate from us; I would not have your Reader mistaken, we have not taken those advantages against you, which you carri­age may (in unprejudiced mens judgments call for) and I am sure we have not dismissed you unto any others Congregation; whether you are an apostate you best know; I do not intend to say fare­well until you have satisfied the Congregation why you leave them: you are not ignorant that the Church hath summoned you before them, which call of Christ hitherto you have refused: will you separate from them without giving them the reasons of your withdrawing? This seems not fair, you will lessen the cre­dit of your History, if you are found Schismatical: but I shall give you a little respite to consider of the consequence of such a course, whilest I veiw.

3. The Scripture quoted in your Title Page, Prov. 26.5. An­swer a fool according to his folly, least he be wise in his own concen: I have viewed this Scripture, with the fourth verse, Answer not a fool; they are both the counsel of Solomon, and would require the advice of as wise as he, to distinguish which one should follow: But Reader, I may not hold thee in the Porch, neither canst thou pass into the inner rooms without some observations, of se­veral names subscribed to a Testimonial in the behalfe of the Au­thor: It will be an incivility to let them pass without taking no­tice of them, and the Contents of their certificate; and there­fore this is the second thing considerable.

Secondly, The Testimonial: We must carry our selves warily here, least we be bound to the good behaviour; but I hope with­out offence, we may put a few Queries to Mr. T. A.

1. Why do you disparage your self and credit in the world, as if you may not be delivered without any certificate? Good wine, we say, needs no bush.

2. Why will you prove so injurious to the Major and Chamber, as for the future to weaken their Testimonies, in case honester men should need them? If I prove you guilty of base putid lies, will it not be a reflection on the certifiers, as being too facile and easie to give testimony for some men; (A vice I confess too com­mon every where)

3. But if there must be a certificate had from them, why had you not procured one for your wife and dame, I think (of the three) they needed it most.

4. But pray Sir, seeing you cannot come abroad without some Compurgators, why had you not got letters Testimonial under the hands of the Ministers, as well as Magistrates? they are better able to judg of your godly conversation: Or

5. Rather, Why had you not tried the officers and members of that Congregation, with whom you have walked for seve­ral years? Sure they had the fairest advantages of giving you what you might justly claim: I am somewhat suspitious of some Ministers, who are forced to borrow hands for their good beha­viour, from persons of a remote habitation from them: it was no longer since then the 17. of May last past, that speaking of our Church, you said, we were the honestest people that ere you came among: why had you not got a certificate from them you thought most ho­nest?

6. Doth it savour of humility and modesty, to have so many lines affirm'd of you without blushing? and to get so much to be printed in your behalf? but

7. Why would you have such things to be inserted, as I find in the testimony?

1. That you have been one of the Stewards of the City: May you not be a false Steward in your account notwithstand­ing?

2. That you have been alway well-affected to the Common­wealth: so you may and not to truth.

3. That you have been active in, and as Captain raised a compa­ny for his Highness service: so you may, and yet raise more false reports then you did at that time men.

But pray Sir, why was all this inserted?

1. Was it not to insinuate to great men in power, as if all the subscribers were men high praising you for your owning the pre­sent supreme Magistrate; you know what I could retort to this, Spectatum admissi risum teneatas.

Or rather,

2. Was it not inserted to farther a belief of that which you write pag. 2, 3. That the Protector might be assured he had a sin­gular friend in T. A. who was willing to discover what dangerous agitations there were in a Church at Exeter, that they might be dealt with thereafter? Or at least that the affections of the Su­preme Magistrate might be alienated from me (which you know is the great eye-sore of the Chamber)

Well, I will examine you about this no farther: I take it for [Page 4]granted, among other ends you hope to be looked on as an honest man by the help of these Prolocutors (and I hope to be so owned without them) I commend this policy, you will not venture into the field without your Seconds: ‘Defendit numerus junctaeque umbone phalanges.’

But this I shall tell you, You have made so many accessories, that I cannot see how with Justice on your part, and Safe­ty on Mine, your Action on the Case may be tryed in Ex­on.

But what if you had a Legion of men to certifie for you, nay and all good, yet they cannot assure us, that your Narrative is full and true: There was a time that Judas might have had a Cer­tificate for his good Conversation and Stewardship from all the Saints in the world, yet afterwards he betrayed his Master upon a Money account.

And yet me thinks I can fancy with what confidence you now appear in open field, guarded with the Company; and now if simple people must believe all your reports to be Oracles, for fear of displeasing the Chamber, if Credit must be given to your words, I warrant you we shall see confidence enough in what fol­lows.

Well Sir, We will venture, pace tantorum virorum, to examine that which comes next in order.

III. The Epistle to the Reader. Here the man seemes so grieved, that he cannot but vent his sorrows to the world: trou­bled he is,

1. At the censure of his wife which he calls unrighteous; for this I refer you to the Notes of my Sermon printed lately, where you will find, that scandal and contumacy was proved against her, pag. 19, 21.

2. He complains of hard measure, that my Notes were printed, the ends whereof he saith was to spread false reports raised by our selves, as far as we can. No, Reader, there he mistakes, our end was, to satisfie and silence them who pretended we had censured her for joyning with a Congregation of different principles from us: And the end of the Postscript was to shew, how much I suffered in my reputation by (abominably) false copies of my prayer. And whereas he condemnes us of spreading false reports, if any such shall be represented or made knowne to me, there is no man (I hope) shall be found more ready and pliable to make strait that which is crooked, or to make his pen do pennance in any sheets for any [Page 5]error or delinquency in this kind: so willing am I to expose my selfe to the hazard of any discovery he can make.

3. He can hardly digest Mr. Malls quotations because of their impertinency. What if I should tell this Pamphleter, that he understands not what the impertinency of a quotation meaneth, or wherein it consists? Sure I am, that if they attain this end to satisfie the consciences of the Reader, That Excommunication is a delivery of an offender to Satan, and that a particular Church may excommunicate, and that not only great and noto­rious sins deserve this correction, but also lesser crimes increased with contumacy and contempt of the Churches admonition, become worthy of the same castigation; then are they pertinent quotations with respect to his wifes case. And if these learned and Reve­rend Men (as he is pleased to stile them, though poor man, I think he never saw one of them) do satisfie the Reader, that in dealing with a private offender, he is first brotherly to be admo­nished alone, if that prevail not, to call one or two witnesses, and if that do not profit, then to declare it to the Officers of that par­ticular Church: and if their admonition be succeslesse, then the original crime, and his contempt is to be declared before the whole Congregation, and upon remaining obstinacy, the offender is to be excommunicated: Surely this is not Impertinent with refe­rence to Mr. T. A. though he is willing to wave such questions, referring his Reader to the learned: Surely it concerned him to have studied those questions, and not to content himself with an implicit faith in the learned.

There is one thing more that I shall take notice of in his E­pistle, he can hardly forbear challenging me and the Church to answer what we have done before the tribunall of him who shall judg the world in Righteousnesse.

Mr. A. I bless God I can think of that day without any feare or horror upon my spirits, that may arise from any malice I have borne you or yours: I know the Lord will wittness for me in that day, that you, and your wife, and my selfe, had nor been at this distance, wherein we now stand, but by her and your miscarriage: then it will be known that your wife was not censured by us for joyning in other Congregations beside her own, and this book which you have writ for vindication will be brought forth as a wittness against you, unless that the Lord give you timely repentance, which I beg daily for you. But to come to his Narrative.

It is the unhappiness of this traveller to stumble at his first setting forth, p. 1. He would make the world believe as if he and his wife were members of Mr. Mark Downs Church in 1648. where­as [Page 6]Mr. Nicholas Eveliegh and my self are ready to witness upon our Oaths, that he told us, he only desired that he and his wife might receive the Sacrament at times with them, until there was a Congregation constituted, according to his own different judg­ment; elsewhere to which, he and his wife would then joyn. And another of the Church will witness, that Mrs. Allein did say she did joyn with Mr. Down on the same terms. A Crazy consci­ence and a Brickle memory are very ill companions; but why do I blame his memory in this, he lately averr'd the same before Mr. Ford Minister in Exon, as he confessed to me and Mr. Eveleigh, and I have some cause to believe this, for that since my com­ing to Exon, which was in 1651. he and his wife were my con­stant auditors, and afterward joyned in Church-fellowship with us. But I never heard that Mr. Downs dealt with them for sepa­rating from him; having prepossessed his Reader with his actual membership, under Mr. Downs inspection, he gives us an ac­count, when the Church (to which I stand related) was gather­ed, (viz. 1650.) Here he trips again (the man will be angry if I say he lye, and so will his Prolocutors too) it was about the middle of the year, 1651.

After he gives the reason of their proposing themselves to this Church, namely the report of what purity of Ordinances, and excellent administrations we had amongst us, even to admi­ration, which great report he saith even rapt them up to a fools paradise.

Here Reader take notice upon what slender grounds this cou­ple desire communion of Saints; had they consulted with the O­racles of God to know his will, and how he could be worshiped, they had given the world a better account of their holy and ten­der consciences, then to ingage so far, and so long in a fools paradise, barely upon a common fame of pure administrati­ons.

I am bold to say, that the rise of Apostacy hath been hence, unsound professors grow big with expectations in the wayes of God, and then missing of them like sick persons, that desire a change of beds and chambers: they are restless in their spirits till (under a pretence of trying all things and wayes) they at length throw up all their religion; I cannot but take notice to what a streight Mr. A. is brought, when he knows no way to vindicate his wife, save by jeering at pure Ordinances, and confessing himself and his wife in a fools paradise for years together.

But it seems, though they were proposed, they were put off; I do not remember this, nor believe this part of the Narrative; [Page 7]but if they were, was it for ignorance or scandal? some rea­son sure is given? why is he ashamed to discover it? well, but the fault is mended, whatever it was, for they were afterward admitted, p. 2.

True they were; but with how little freedome the Reader may see in the printed notes of my Sermon, p. 21. They continued with us about four years: Reader, If thou livest neer them, know of them, where they were communicants the other 3. or 4. years? I warrant thee thou will never find them at Mr. M. Downs his communion table: of what fold were they all that while? were they strayers, and was there no shepherd to look after them?

Next I shall examine the grounds for Mris. A. Separating from this Church.

The first reason was a petition, the substance whereof was to pray the Lord Protector, not to accept of the Kingly Office.

We are not ashamed to tell the world, that we and several o­ther Churches, both in Devon, and else-where, did petition his Highness; and we laid down our reasons against his accepting the title of King: And whereas it is supposed, that there was trea­son in the said petition, sure he shewed little good will to us, that he would suffer us to persist in any treasonable undertaking, and not endeavour to hinder us, and as little affection did he shew to the present Government, that if we were guilty as much as the Archbishop, or Strafford, he should conceal this, and there­by become guilty of mis-prision of Treason: may not I say that this man is either a traytor or lyar? let him extricate him­self from this Dilemma: The great certifiers for him are little beholding to him, that they must tell the world that Mr. Toby Al­lein is a man to whose words credit is given, and alwayes well af­fected to the Common wealth, and yet here charged with lying or concealing of treason: But we may say, as Gen. 49.23. The Archers sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him, but, &c. Joseph is accused as an enemy to the Chastity of his Mi­stress, yet the true reason and ground of his accusation, was not his enmity, but his faithfulness thereunto, though the matter of our accusation be opposition to authority, yet I make little que­stion, but the true and real cause thereof, was my affection to it, for which I have suffered sufficiently as a temporizer; he knows well what a mercy we count it, that under the shadow of this Government we can injoy our consciences: but if he could by this artifice, alienate the chief Governors affections from us, so as to deliver us into the hands of others, our ruine would be sure and speedy; however we trust that our Lord Christ is as [Page 8]tender of our lives and liberty as ever, and will continue to give a charge to them that rule, to put forth their power for our pre­servation and comfort, though this Tobiah (like him of old) en­deavour our ruine.

He tells us, p. 3. That this was the first disrelish his wife had of our proceedings. Here you may take notice, that for several years it pleased God so to accompany us with his presence, that there was no just advantage given to this woman, until this pe­tition was signed; it seems then that our proceedings against Mrs. Parr (whom we had long before with their consent suspended) were liked by both: and yet in his Epistle he affirmes, he saw no crimes proved against his wife or Mr. Par, That might argue the parties guilty, and that both have been before excommuni­cation, and since unblameable in their walkings. How could this man of such a good name and reputation, and so well esteemed of, and beloved for his godly conversation, Consent to the suspension of Mris. P. and walk with us so long after, and never discover to any fellow member or Officer (that we can hear of) our wrong­ing such an innocent.

But I may not leave him thus: was this the first disrelish? he is mistaken; my faithfulness to his wife, in charging sin upon her, for defaming her sister in law, swelled her with prejudice, and with such prejudice, that when I desired a conference with her, she refused it, alledging that I forced her to that which was against her conscience, in confessing her faulty car­riage to her sister, as the Reader may see in the notes of my Ser­mon, p. 22.

Well, However the dissatisfaction began, yet dissatisfied she was, and now forsooth, she fears, the Church carried on some particular mans interest: I wonder what that man should be, I bless God, I know not his name, I will not plough with his Hei­fer, to know the meaning of this, but will contentedly let it pass. Quorsum hoc, to what end is all this? but to insinuate with the Reader, as if he and his wife alone were the people that had no state ends, nor politick interests, nor worldly preferments in their eye: and yet in the next lines she begs, that he would be exceed­ing wary, what he did and have respect to himself, her, and her children; now Reader, the paint begins to weare off, and self will be found the by as of this woman, the thred of self advan­tange will be seen running through this whole piece: she had for sometime before bewailed the bitterness of the Presbyterians to­ward her husband, because differing from them in opinion, and perceiving some hazards to his trade (should he abide among us) she hath found out this expedient to alienate her own and hus­bands affections from us: and yet, [Page 9] ‘—Primati nil habetista domus.’

Although she thus reflect on us, yet if her husband may be believed, she was yet to the Church very quiet; too quiet in one sense, that being offended to our treasonable practises, and driv­ing on particular mens interests, she had not discharged her du­ty in giving admonition, and desired satisfaction from the sup­posed offenders; but I think he means it in another sense, she is yet very quiet, this the Reader must observe, least he think as some do, that she deserves the Poets Character.

2. The second reason for her saparation was, a members using such words in prayer as these, concerning the Lord Protector, Lord humble him, what would he have, is not he high enough already? well, I must profess my self to be a stranger, to any reflections of this nature upon his Highness, and wish from my heart that T.A. and and all his prolocutors were but as faithful hearty friends to the Protector, as that party is whom he secretly fathers these expressions on. And though he insinuates, as if he were of Mr. Feakes way, yet afterward confesseth a day of thanksgiving was appointed by the Church to bless God for his preventing some insurrection by the fifth Monarchy men: Oportet mendacem esse memorem. But it seems this kind of praying, so wrought upon T.A. himself, that he resolves, that if the said member prayed so again, he would never hear him more: A strange resolution! should he be impartial, from how many would he withdraw upon a true account? Here I must caution my brethren to be wary for the future, how they let fall words of reflection, least they thereby loose one of their Auditory. Well, how slightly soever I look on this, it hath so great influence on Mrs. A. that hereupon she begins to flag in her affections to our way, as he tells us, p. 4. did she but now begin to flag? it seems then the petition of pre­tended treason was more tollerable then the prayer. And why had not so great an offender been (at least) admonished, or why must her affections flag to the whole Church and way she walked in from one mans delinquency? and why must every thing that was amiss, now be thought on by her? here he would make his Reader believe there were many things amiss amongst us, he names none, (I take it for granted there are none) for he loves us so dearly he would be sure to blaz on them) except what is gi­ven as a

3. The third Reason for her separation, the expressions of some members, who in making out their experiences at their admissions, spake of such sins as are not to be named, which things she said bordered too nigh Auricular confession, p. 4.

1. Let the Reader consider, that it is no new thing for persons when admitted to discriminating Ordinances to confess their sins? compare, Mat. 3.6. with Luke. 3.10, 14. as Mr. Hildersham observes in the Lectures on the 51 Psalm p. 148. The people came and cried out, O Sir, we have been unmerciful to the poor, secking our selves only without all care of the good of others; the publicans came and cryed, we have been worse then so, for we have been shameful ex­tortioners, and under colour of law and pretence of right, we have got mens goods unjustly from them; the Souldiers came and cryed, O Sir, We have been worse then all these, for we have by violence, without all colour of right, spoyled many: see more Hild. p. 161.

2. If there were any undecencies in persons at their admissi­ons, why had there not been some faithful counsels administred to prevent what he would publish for our shame?

3. His wife if not himself, shew their ignorance, in thinking such a course borders on Auricular confessions: Auricular con­fessions is a phrase used to denote that which is required a­mongst the Papist, viz. that every one do confess all his sins, though private to the Priest alone, Whispering the same into his care, now what a shame is that put on us in the application here­of to our course in our admission? surely the conscience of Mr. T.A. cannot but acquit us of popery and treason.

There is somewhat more observeable in the 4. p. That his wife was much discontented with him—What need the world know more of that? but the cause is weighty—let it pass, though I can­not let pass the words, she then threw forth; she apprehended that some of them did carry on a selfish carnal design: A strange inference; He that can gather Grapes of thornes, and figs of thistles may happily see the naturalness of this deduction; I will not asperse T.A. with the filth of his own kennel; I will not say that his wife advised him to separate from us, to save the incident charges of the church, to save a summ of money, that he had subscribed for the erecting of a Gallery in Peters in the West, and to farther his trade in vending Serges; but ask him Reader, whether the tenor and strain of this accusation be not purely satanical? being drawn to the life according to that pattern. Job 1.9. Doth Job serve God for nought? for as the Devil there seeketh to traduce, and imbase that external course of sanctity and uprightness which Job held, by falsly charging it with sinister ends [Page 11]and motives, so doth the pamphleter most unworthily calum­niate and deprave the Candid intentions of a Church of Christ: but wherein lay the selfishness of this design / He ill consults for self that joyns to this Church in Exon, where the way of God hath the same portion of Calumnies, lying, reproaches, as in the dayes of old, Acts 28.22. Against which as a sect, every one speaks liberally, and where the spirits of men are so exasperated, that we owe our very lives as well as liberties, to the restraining Providence of God, and the vigilant care and tenderness of his Vicegerent.

But I pass on to the fourth reason

4. For her separation which was a Covenant, and therein two things distastful, the one whereof was a tying of the members wholy to hear their own Officers, when they preached, and no o­ther without their leave: And the other was that we were to expect a greater blessing from their ministry, then any others, p. 5.

To which I give this Answer.

1. There was no Covenant at that time, drawn up, much less to be taken by the Church; and therefore that is false which the pamphleter suggests, only there was a paper of mutual duties betwixt officers and people, with Scriptures annexed to them, for the Church to consider of.

2. Whereas it is suggested, that all or a great part thereof was assented to by the Church, p. 5. It is abominably false; for they did hardly debate the tenth part of the said paper: you may see how bold and lavish this man is, now that he is guarded with his Testimonial.

3. I am not ashamed to declare it as my judgment, that members ought ordinarily to hear their own officers, and may expect a greater blessing from their Ministry, then any others; and dare avouch that this opinion is no other then what Prelatical, Presbyterial and Congregational men do generally own and defend. In the same Page he would make the Reader believe, that forthwith his wife joyn­ed to Mr. M. Downs, before any member had admonished her: which I am confident is abominably false, and I have more then Ordinary cause to fear that he himself was convinced in his own conscience of the falshood of it, let his own words be but weigh­ed: who can imagine that she having profest so much sorrow for her departing from Mr. Downs, and pretending the judgments of God had follow'd her for the same, that her husband would after [Page 11]this, desire her to joyn with us (against whom she was so displea­sed for the reasons aforesaid) as a member with us, I cannot let this pass before I have taken notice of the grounds of her (pre­tended) return to Mr. Down, namely Gods displeasure against her, manifested in her childrens death, and her own sickness for de­parting from him: surely as a late writer hath observed, the provi­dences of God are written in the dark and unlegible Characters, which though they may soon be discerned to be his hand, yet to decipher the sense and meaning of them is a task that oft-times exceeds the line of humane wisdome: They are like the the hand-writing on the wall, Dan. 5.5. where part of the hand that wrote it Belshaz­zer saw, but the meaning of it, neither he nor the most learned of his Caldeans could find out: to interpret the mind of God in his providences requires the skill and wisdome of a Daniel: and let the Reader take notice that God hath seemed to put a check upon this inferrence from Providence, by the death of one of her children, since her separation and excommunication, and whilest this lying pamphlet lay in the press, p. 6. He tels his Reader, that Mr. Ford was traduced, but by whom I know not, only still I find T. A. peccant in neglecting to admonish one with whom yet he was in fellowship: sure he that allowes himself in the omission of fraternal correption deserves not such a Testimonial of his godli­ness. Immediately he chargeth us with common sleighting of others that are not of our way (though never so godly): this is a false imputation, and suggested by the accuser of the brethren: Had we commonly slighted godly men of different perswasions, it had been an intollerable crime, and he ought not to have put it up, without dealing with us about it: is there no way for Mr. A. to make his own and his wifes face clean but by throwing dirt in the face of a Church of Christ? p. 7. He confesseth that the manner of his wives withdrawment from us, was according as is set forth by Mr. Malls account: She refused to obey the voice of Christ in his commands, Mat. 18.15, 16. She refused to hear the first and second party, and so successively; and if the Church did send for her, she would not come near them, for she did not mean to be so tost up and down as some others had been: so that, Reader, had her grounds of separation been just (though the contrary doth appear to all uninterested persons) yet the manner of her separation is altogether unjustifyable; and whereas she pre­tends she desired that the business might be determined by two o­ther Ministers, and my self with Mr. Mall. I shall reply two things.

1. How doth this accord with what is said by T.A. p. 8. where to find fit persons for the resolving this question, we knew not; being both of us tender to ingage the Ministers of the City, lest it might prove of ill consequence, or beget some anunosity between them upon the desiding of the question? why was she not as tender of preventing animosities in offering the determi­nation of the business to two Ministers as in stating the que­stion?

2. But to clear up matters more fully know, that toward the end of September last, I occasionally met with Mr. Alleins father, who signified to me that his daughter in law (the party censured) did with tears in her eyes profess her willingnesse to leave her self to the determination of any two Ministers within the City or without (she was indifferent) that might confer with me and end the business in controversie, whereupon (though I told him it was a great reflection on her Pastor that he could not be admit­ted to treat with her unless others might be present; it was a tacit charging me with unfaithfulness, and that I had never given her cause for such estrangements) yet however I pitched on two Ministers Mr. Ferdinando Nicols and Mr. Thomas Down and sent her husband notice of it, who was overjoyed at my condescenti­ons, as hoping to reduce his wife by this expedient; but she in stead of this flyes off from her pretentions to her father in law, and would not refer her self to them. p. 8. I find Mr. T. A. and his wife agree to have the case stated whether those things before mentioned (at which she was so much offended) were sufficient cause to withdraw from my Church (as he calls it) and go to another? Had he consulted with the Presbyterian books con­cerning seperation, he might have been satisfied: Mr. Brinsley would have told him that is an unwarrantable separation wich is either

1. Unjust, When there is no persecution, no spreading errors or heresie, no Idolatry, nor superstition maintained in the Church.

2. Which is either when the cause pretended is but light, or when the seperation is sudden and heady, without due endeavour and expectance of reformation in the Church: Brinslies Ar­raignment, p. 24.25. Or he might have perused Mr. Manton on Iude, who would have taught him that the only lawful grounds of separation are intollerable persecution, damnable heresie, gross Idolatry, p. 496. and that lawful separation on these causes, must not be sudden till all due courses be tryed, p. 497. And now Reader, do but reflect on the four grounds of Mris. A. her sepa­ration and thou canst not but descern, how groundless and rash even in the account of bretheren (dissenting from [...] separa­tion [Page 14]is: we are neither accused of heresy, Idolatry or superstition, and she never declared her resolutions to leave us, or any grounds thereof, or endeavoured to be satisfied about any thing burthensome to her, untill we admonished her of disorderly walking in neglecting Church-fellowship with us, we had not an hint of any of her discontents. Hitherto I have followed this pamphleter to see and show his weakness in justifying this wises neglecting Church-fellowship and withdrawing from us: I shall next take notice what he pleades for her other sin of running from him: p. 8. 9. he pretends, as if the end of that motion was satisfaction, whether she might with­draw from us; what neede soe much impatience if she had actually been in Communion with Mr. Downs people? Here Reader I shall give thee some probabilities that she intended not for Taunton in this expedition.

1. At her departure from her husband in the morning she told him in a passion she would leave him, as he confest with tears in his eyes to Capt. Roll and Lieut. Owen, about foure of the Clock the same day; and yet p. 34. of his Truths Manifest, he knowes in in his own Conscience that she never entertained the least thoughts of deserting him; is not this a bold lyer?

2. Was she so poorly beloved in Exon that she could not borrow an horse for love or money? where she had her birth and breed­ing, such as it was.

3. Was she not great bellyed, and consequently unfit for travel on foot? so near her time, it seems, that p. 35. of his book she was glad to Carrie her midwife with her. Will any Reader think that she in such a Condition would take such a Journy for such an end.

4. Would she have pitched on such an infamous woman as Dame, who had ran to Ireland as her Brother Mongwel confessed after another womans husband? Had she no relations that she might trust to convey her in case her husbands Company was not so proper?

5. Why did they not proceed in their journey? what though her brother could not accompany her, must she needs returne being in her journey more then half the way, especially when she could goe with more Credit to Taunton then before? but,

6. If the Mare was sent for to convey her to Taunton, what should Dame her Companion or Midwife doe? must she ride upon the Muggle of the Mare?

7. But is it likely that she would send about fifteen miles for a Mare to expedite this journey?

8. Is Honnington in the road way to Taunton?

9. There are several persons that then lay in the house that heard the Landlady say, that Mr. T.A. could not be admitted for a [Page 15]while into his wifes Chamber, and that Mris. A. did confesse to her, that she left her husband because of a different way from her. Well but he thinks to excuse, by a friendly lodging he had that night with her p. 9. it was sure but part of the night, I think it was near nine of the Clock before he took horse to find her out: for her friendlinesse to him I will not medle with it, only it Cost him deare, to travel so unseasonably, and to ingage (as was reported) that he would never joyn with us more.

10. Her journey was sinful in the opinion of both husband and wife p. 10. he saith, she was sensible of her sin in going from him without his privity, and desired the Lord to humble her for it, and desired him to forgive her. Well, grant this, yet the offence be­came publick, Honnington and Exeter Rang with this scandall, and the Church account themselves obliged to take notice of it, and they appoint members to admonish her of it, but she refus­eth to hear them as she was wont: Now let the Reader Judg, whether this is so slight àn offence, and whether a Church of Christ have not power to deale with such an offender, although she be forgiven seventy times seven by her husband, yet no ap­pearance of sorrow was seene by any of us, for her opening the mouths of wicked men against Religion; therefore we expecting saisfaction but missing of it, we resolved to follow this offendor according to the instruction given us, Math. 18.15.16.17.

In the same page he adviseth his Reader to take notice, that the Church were ignorant of the occasion and end of her journey, and yet, &c. Noe wonder if Ignorant of the occasion of that scanda­lous motion, when her own husband knew it not till he found her in Honnington; and as for the end, though he pretends it was to Receive satisfaction Concerning some scruple, yet I doe not believie it: How ever he hath been taught in Peters, that it is a most sad thing, when a man hath nothing to say for the justifying of himself, but this, that he hath a good meaning in such an action; it is no question, a man may have a kind of good meaning in that which is nothing but wickednesse; the best intention in the world is not good enough to make an evill action to be good. Good is a perfection as evil is a defect, and all perfection must come from the concurrence of all the causes to compleat it: what think you of Lots Daughters, their end was that they might preserve seed on earth, yet this would not Justify them in such an abominable act as that was: yea, he hath been taught, that no man can have a good intention in a wicked action; how can a man have a good end, as long as he walks by a crooked rule, and useth indirect meanes for the obtaining of his end? it doth imply, it is a contradiction: The obedience of he Creature to its maker is [Page 16]the end for which it was made, honoring of God by obeying him, is the end of a Christian: now how can he aime at the glory of God that taketh a direct course to disobey him?

But if his wives end was so good in that swift motion of hers, why had it not been made known when the two others were sent to his wife? Why did she refuse conference with them? She knevv vvell enough that the scandalousness of the action vvas no­torious, and did it not become her (or her husband in her behalf) to satisfie us about this glorious end? Besides, vvhy had she such a ruffe carriage toward those two Bretheren, when coming to her in a message from Christ, and his Church, p. 10.11. We know she is a ruffe piece, but that was a strange time so to express her self, when she lay under so much guilt, as that he confesseth, she ask't him forgiveness, and said, she was sensible of the evil of that journey, and desired the Lord to humble and forgive her for it: When David had truly repented of his sin, though a Shimei accosted him, he vvas not rough tovvards him; though this pam­phleter be overbold in his lying imputations, yet the Lord did not Permit him to charge the brethren vvith any uncivil carriage in their conference vvith his vvife, only he confesseth that (vvhich needed no proofe) that his vvife vvas rough, yet upon this repen­tance (though questionable enough) he forgives her, so might vve: had she vvith tears profest (to us) Her self sensible of the evil of her journey, desiring the Lord to humble her, and forgive her for it. To this vvas she bound by the Lavv of the same God that obliged her to ask her husband forgivness, her sin being publick, her repentance should have been publick, she had scandalized the Church, and she ought to have sought forgiveness from them, as vvell as from her husband: There is a tvvofold forgiveness.

1. That vvhich is opposed to hatred, grudges, and unjust desire of revenge, thus vve were to forgive her, vvhether she repented, or no.

2. That vvhich is opposed to the censures of the Lord Jesus in his Churches, and so we are bound not to forgive unless there be visible repentance; and therefore vve are not ashamed to say, that such a scandalous sin is unpardonable to a Church-member, vvithout the Churches satisfaction, though he as an husband may pardon the scandalousness of it, as relating to himself, yet not as relating to the Church; and had he consulted either for the peace of his ovvn conscience, or the safety of her soul, he vvould have taken an occasion from her private confessions to prevail vvith her for a publick acknovvledgment; but he neglecting his duty, and his vvife hers the Journey having opened so many mouths against Religion, and the pretended end being concealed from the [Page 17]Church, they thought themselves bound in conscience to use the last remedy that Christ had left them, namely to set apart a day to censure her for her offences, and contumacy.

At this he tells us, p. 11. he vvas so offended, that therefore he abstained from our meetings: vvhereas long before vve had brought his vvives business to an head; he vvas observed to neg­lect fellovvship, vvhereupon he vvas summoned to appear before the Church, and promised to come; but a common lyar (as he novv proves himself in print) vvill break his vvord; instead of coming, he vvrites a letter, and for the choiceness of it he hath published it. p. 12.13, 14. vvhich letter I shall branch into a double charge, and a threefold defence.

In his charge I shall consider, First, His charge of the Church in general, for separation; vve believe separation to be a very great sin. I am ready to say vvith August. Contra parmen: non esse quicquam gravius sacrilegio schismatis. Hovv far T.A. is guilty of it himself, vve may feare from his Title page vvhere he stiles himself a Late member; but seeing he hath laid the charge, it vvill concerne him to make it good, by shevving to vvhat bo­dy this Church vvas ever united according to the rules of Christ, and that such an union hath been desolved by them: Which I am sure he can never evince.

There is another charge of several members, vvho (he saith) have much defamed him, so as to make him a perjured person, because Mr. M.D. baptized his child. This I believe is a lye, though I think he gave just cause of trouble to many thereby; he pretends even in this letter that he forbore to partake vvith o­ther Churches, because he vvould not offend us, and yet he knevv that his carrying his child to another Minister vvould offend them, as much, if not more: and indeed hath more offended, because of those many solemn serious professions of his, that he vvas not changed in his principles, and had resolutions to conti­nue in our fellovvship) but if there vvere any such as so defamed him, did not they trespass against him; and vvhy vvill he live in the constant neglect of so plain a duty, as telling it betvveen him and the offender, and in case of party or parties had not been reduced, to have taken others in order to their healing; but be forgiveth without their asking him mercy. What ever principle of forgiving an offending brother he pretends to, yet he should have studied that in Luk. 17.3.4. take heed to your selves, if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him, and if he trespasse against thee, seven times in a day, and seven times in a day, turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him; from which words the late large Annotators infer that charity must connive at sin, but discreetly reprove it, and refer [Page 18]us to Levit. 19.17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart, thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour and not suffer sin upon him; but perhaps the captain is better for a desensive posture, then for a charge.

I shall now view him standing on his guard.

1. He seems to defend himself from any charge, for forbear­ing our company, by saying, that after salutes, presently the dis­course was about his wife, which was as gravel to his teeth. Surely he hid it within his gums, I do not know any persons, that he can justly charge with such discourses, but some of our brethren did pity his condition, and laboured to support him under trou­bles, that his wife did occasion: this I say; this I know. I dare challenge him to instance in any person, that so gravel'd him, as he complains; Mr. Toby his memory is not so shallow, that he can forget what discourses we have had with him a­bout his wife, have been for reducement, and for his direction, rather then for his wifes defamation: yea, he knows that I have desired conferences with him about spiritual things of the highest nature: but if any of the brethren fed him with gravel; nay, if any one said, if the unbeliever depart, let him depart; I am ve­ry confident he never shewed the least distaste to such a person, or persons, until he went about to publish this grievance in the Church.

2. Secondly, He goeth about to defend himself, for his ab­sence from our Church-assemblies, which he cals private meetings: to which I reply, that when a Church of Christ is convened for the worship of God, I know not how to call it a private meeting, any more then the meetings of the Saints in the primitive times, when though they met in houses, their meetings were publick; one reason of his absence seems to be taken from our debate, and discourses about his wife. This is but pretended, and founded, upon a falshood, a double falshood; 1. We have had very sel­dome debates about her, in our Church-assemblies, the works lying on the officers to prepare and ripen matters for the Churches proceedings: and 2. To shew the invalidity of his defence, both to this and to the former charge; I do most confidently af­firm, that he hath several times pretended another reason for both, viz. His hopes of reducing his wife by forbearing our compa­ny a while; as for what he subjoynes of his being of another appre­hension, as to the matter in controversie between us and his wife, then the Church was: this is a witnessing to the truth of what his wife charged him with, that he was of her opinion, though he often denyed it.

Another reason of his absence seems to be some brethren vily­fying his wife, at their doors, shops, and tables: this is a false im­putation, he will never be able to prove his defence: besides the thred of neglecting fraternal corruption runs through the veines of all his calumnies, as you will find anon.

3. He defends himself against an objection that he supposeth might be made against him for his absenting from the Lords Ta­ble: the reason whereof, he tells us was because Mr. Savery was unsatisfied, and lest the Church should be offended.

1. As to that branch of Mr. Saveries being offended: an under­standing Reader would rather think that he was offended that views, p. 11. saying, that his letter to him carried so much, if not more in the terms thereof, as to set T.A. at variance with his wife. But that the Reader may know, who is the offending party, I have prevailed with him for a copy of his letter, sent to him, August 22. 1657.

I doe not see that this Letter should breed strife betwixt him and his wife, I dare be Compurgator for T.S. he never in the least intended it: but T.A. is very exact in drawing thornes from Grapes; any man that doth but compare his after inferences from my Sermon, p. 26. 27. 29. 31. 35. may discerne it. But sup­pose he was offended with Mr. S. why did not he discharge duty to­wards him? Would he suffer a person to lye in so great a sin from Aug. 22. to Feb. 4. without following him by first and second admonition. But (to returne to the Letter) Mr. Savery is unsatis­fied, and the Church knowes of it, by what means should the Church come to the knowledg of it, seeing Mr. Savery never brought it to their hearing; they had indeed known it on Febru­ary 4. if I had observed his irregular desires. But was he unsatisfied with T.A. why did not T.A. agree with him quickly, acccording to that Math. 5.25. If Church members take this Li­berty to dissatisfy persons in Communion with them, and doe not carefully discharge duties mutually, a Church will soone loose their purity and will become a Babel: still Reader, Mr. Savery is unsatisfied and now T.A. grows bold, satisfied or not; to the Lords Table he will, as if he had never read, Math. 5.23.24. Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there remembrest that thy brother hath ought against thee, Leave there thy gift and goe thy way, first be reconciled to thy brother and then Come and offer thy gift. I wounder who those are, that he thinks more wise and Godly then himselfe; that would advise him to go to that Love-feast, [Page 21]till he had made up a difference between him and his brother? And therefore his desire was unreasonable, to aske of us liberty to come to the Lords Table, when the difference be­tween him and Mr. Savery had disabled him, and being never suspended, he needed not crave that priviledg. In the close of his letter he intended to oblige the Church, by wiping off an ill name, they had got: Did he publish this letter and his Booke for this reason? Or would any man thinke his subscripti­on, Yours to Command in any service for Christ, can possibly consist with such passages as I find in his Book? where he accuseth us of unrighteousness in his epistle, and of raising and spreading false reports, as Traytors p. 2.3. as slighting all that are not of our way p. 6. as glad of any occasion to censure his wife p. 10. as over-reaching Mris. Par p. 28. as proud, as thinking there are no pure Ordinances but in such Churches p. 31. 41 as tollerating of wicked persons amongst us p. 41. as miscalling other Churches, looking on them as Babylonish and Synagogues of Satan p. 28.42. and compareth us to the Pope and Pharisees p. 32.39. is this the man to whom we are deare still even to the fourth of February? And is this the way to wipe off what he can, that ill name that is laid upon us?

Thus have I considered the letter whose Subscription runs to my Honoured freind Mr. L.S. to be Communicated to the Church who (they say) are unsatisfied: Which was it seemes the intent of that paper, and the subject matter of it confirmes it, though he would delude his Reader with another inscription, p. 12. vvith this, A letter from Mr. Toby Allein To Mr. Levvis Stucley, to be commu­nicated to his Church before they excommunicated his wife: here a simple Reader will think the intent of the letter, was to prevent the excommunication of his vvife, whereas he that Reads it narrovvly, will see that it is rather to prevent his own: He doth but as in a pa­renthesis name somewhat, that his wife was dissatisfiea about, the invalidity whereof I have already evinced to the judicious Rea­der; neither was that meeting (from which he absented himself And therein broke his Solemne promise) appointed in relation to his wives affaires, but his own. By this time I have given thee an ac­count that this Pamphleter doth unjustly charge me with unfaith­fulnesse to him, and the Church for not communicateing it, according to the directions given p. 15. Unfaithfulness supposeth some preceding obligation; I know noe tyes on any Pastor to communicate to his Church all the papers that private persons would have divulged to them, should I be bound to that, I might foone fill the ears of my Congregation with rude undigested stuff, or with unseasonable matter: Was it fit for me to countenance him in an irregularity, of bringing in several charges, against [Page 22]some members, before he had admonished them privately? Or would it have been wisdome in me, to communicate his reflecti­ons on the Church in general, before he had made a Just de­fence for himself? Besides, in his paper, there are some passages soe obscure, that I could not understand, as p. 13. this and such like sayings, begat in me some dissatisfaction, which, for want of better observation, I thought z [...]aie, which, when my good Father heard I Remember &c. With whom he was dissatisfied I doe not understand, nor what he meanes, by zeale, whether he was disa­tisfied with his wife, or with the Church, and what the antece­dents are to those relatives.

p. 17. He gives you an account of a letter from Mris. Par (who he saith was a late member of my Church, and long since deserted them; how a late member, and yet long since deserted us) and Mris Allein, to which I need not say much, any judicious Reader may see, it robs parricular Churches, of that power and Autho­rity which Christ hath intrusted them with, of trying and censu­ring their ovvn delinquent members, upon a pretence that the vvhole Church are parties; to vvhich vve might retort many things, if it vvere needful; but he Pamphleter takes it for grant­ed, that a particular Church may excommunicate (in his Epistle) and that vvhich he dislikes in several Pages, is our censuring the parties for petty small offences; moreover so far are either of them, in this paper, from confessing any of their scandals, that they rather vvould asperse us, as if the evil vve vvere censu­ring them for, was their communicating in the Ordinances of Christ, with others of Gods people that will admit them to their communion: Sure March the seventh was of all the dayes in the week, the most improper to blot paper with slanderous reflection.

By this time I suppose I have almost wearied my Reader, with inlarging on the unchristian liberty, which this Pamphleter hath taken to make both my person and the Church I walk with o­dious to the world, but I may say as it was told Ezekiel, Behold yet greater abominations; he is not contented to falsifie, and per­vert actions, but p. 20. he jears at the workings of the blessed Spirit, in those mournings and lamentings which God was plea­sed to bestow upon his people, upon that sad day; this he blas­phemously calls a hideous howling cry, and accounts so just a cen­sure to be but like the Popes bull, a beast when it roars the loudest, p. 33. I should the less wonder at these expressions, had not this T.A. been once present, when this censure was inflicted on Ga­nicle; hath this poor soul forgotten how they sorrowed after a god­ly sort, what carefulness it wrought in them; yea, what clearing of themselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, [Page 23]what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge? The Author of the History of the Councel of Trent (though a papist) would have taught him more Christianity, who saith p. 330. That the excess of charity in correcting (speaking of the censure of excommunication) did make the corrector feel greater pain then the corrected, so that in the Church no punishment was imposed without great lamentation of the multitude, and greater of the better sort, and this was the cause why to correct was called to la­ment; so St. Paul rebuking the Corinthians, for not chastifing the incestuous, said, you have not lamented to separate such a transgression from you.

And must this scurilous tongue report that dayes mourning for his vvives misery to be howling and hideous howling? and com­pare it to the Popes roaring Bull? hovv can this Ishmael that is grovvn up, and become a scoffer of Isaac, hope to keep his re­putation among them, vvho knovv vvhat sighs and groanes in duty means? it vvas indeed a sad and black day, and this the excommunicates vvill knovv to their everlasting shame and sor­rovv vvithout repentance; hovvever this adamant heart may flout and jest at our sense of the misery of these contumacious vvretches for a vvhile: I knovv, and am persvvaded, that vve have cause given us to glory in that vvhich he vvould publish for our shame; vve bless God that the place of our assembling our selves together vvas turned into a Bochim, and that the great ho­ly God vvas pleased to give us frames of mourning, becoming the vvork of such a day; vve remember vvell, vve are not the first that have been so traduced, and if this be to be vile, vve desire to be more vile, if ever such a sad occasion present it self again.

This Pamphleter having cast such blase aspersions upon the vvorkings of God in the hearts of his people, and having mi­shaped the Congregation, his next vvork is to lay me lovv in the eyes of al men, by printing somevvhat of my Prayer for the Reader to vievv, to make vvay for his ovvn false observations, that after­vvards he annexeth.

I have already in a solemn place vvitnessed against those lyes, vvith vvhich I am charged, and should have hoped for so much ingenuity from a professing people, that they vvould have given credit to me, in my disovvning the Blasphemy, Lyes, Contra­dictions, and incoherences of such papers; but this I feel and find by sad experience, that vvhen persons are ingaged in spread­ing lies to defame their brethren, they vvill hardly be persvvaded to retract their uncharitable practises against them; it had suited vvith a Gospel-spirit in Ministers, and others, to have knovvn of [Page 24]me, vvhether I delivered such passages, as the bold man fathers on me, before they had believed them, or any vvay contributed to the spreading of them; this is not to vvalk by that (generally applauded) rule, Mat. 7.12. All things vvhatsoever ye vvould that men should do to you, do ye even so to them; this is not to love thy neighbour as thy self, this is not to uphold the credit of the Minister, and the esteem of our brethren in the Ministry, this is not to deal faithfully with our brethren, and not to suffer sin to lye upon each other, and freely and lovingly give to, and receive admonitions from each other, for any evil that shall be discovered in either of us.

I do once again profess to my brethren in the Ministry, and to all others, that I am exceedingly vvronged by these reports, and if this do not satisfie thee, if thou vvilt credit more on H.R. (a person so notorious, that I believe fevv vvill certifie for his godly conversation) rather then believe a Minister of the Gospel: I may say, now walkest not thou charitably; Religion will teach thee to suspend rather thy determining any thing in this matter; I cannot force the credit of any, but will commit my cause to God; I believe a day of Judgment is hastning upon us, and then it will be known how much sin men of all degrees have been guilty of in this matter, by saying, report and we will report. In the mean while I shall give thee a double Certificate from the mem­bers of my own, and some of other Congregations.

I shall let the Reader pass on to what remaines, when I have assured him, that what a minister aspersed me with, as if one or more of my Congregation would be sworn, that the copies that were scattered up and down, was a true copy of my prayer, is a mistake, to call it by no worse name; and to assure thee of it, I shall give thee part of his letter.

Sir, The Copy which I saw of your Prayer, was ac­knowledged by one or two of your Congregation to be true, except the contradiction and mistake in it, all the rest they believed was yours; the contradiction was (let us not pray for them, let us remember them in our pray­ers; and the mistake, viz. God is banish't from their presence, instead of, they are Banished from Gods pre­sence, &c.

Now these two members I have talked with, and they are so far from swearing to the truth of this assertion, that they affirm the contrary, yea, the contrary is granted by the limitations annexed in the letter, for if there were a contradiction and a mistake in the copy, then it was not a true coppy; besides, these two persons affirme, that H.R. told them, he had omitted one or more particulars; and to say but this, thou wilt find upon a second view of the pretended prayer, that the contradiction is now totally omitted, instead of (let us not pray for them &c. but remember them in our prayers, let us remember that such and such per­sons are this day accursed) now T.A. p. 23. hath these words; let us not pray for them, avoid their company, but remember in our prayers that such and such persons are this day accursed.

But the malice of Tobyah is not yet quenched with the blood of my name, unless he smites my worthy fellow-labourer Mr. T. Mall. He advanceth himself in his design, p. 25. to asperse him also, and at once condemns him for uncharitable and invective resteotions (which he will never be able to prove) and for weak­ness of parts, though that little part of the world wherein he hath exercised his Ministry will be sufficiently able to confute his slan­derous tongue without the need of any other Apologists.

The Author of Truths Minifest is high flown with confidence, that by this time his infamous pen hath sufficiently prejudiced his Reader, and made way for the entertaining of what follow­eth, [Page 27]the main design whereof is to give a lying Testimonial, concerning his wives behaviour and our opinions and practises: so it will appear by and by, when I have but rectified the Readers judgment, that may be misled by a passage in his 38, 39. p. Iudg how fit it is for Mr. St. to rake up this petty business, an offence in­deed taken, and not given it, and to aggravate it in Pulpit and Print, beyond all truth neer three years after they had been reconciled, and the same had been buried in oblivion, on purpose to bespatter and abuse my wife. How many lies there are in these few words thou will find anon: I might here refer thee to the 21.22. p. of Mr. Malls True account, where thou wilt find that my endeavours to bring the two sisters to an agreement, begat Rancor in her spirit a­gainst me; for she confest that the reason why she would not speak with me, though desired by me, was because of my unfaithfulness, in forcing her to ask forgiveness of her sister, and that way to make up that difference, whereby it appears they were not so reconciled as T. A. pretends, and that I had cause enough to discover that fire for my own vindication; and how petty soever this business seems to be, yet I am most confident that in the solemn day, when the books, and hearts of men and women shall be fully opened, it will appear, that it was not the want of purity among us that made her neglect our fellowship, nor our intermedling with State affaires, nor our tying our selves ordinarily to hear them that God hath set over us, that made her heart to groan, as he termeth it, p. 3. but her implacable malice against her sister, was the rise of her contumacy and apostasie, her spirit was too full of wrath, and discontent to walk with her sister, as Church-relation re­quires, and therefore imbraced any the least occasion to quarrel with us. In the same p. he tells the world, that when I would write letters, I would have as much of reflection in them, as I could, that they might be ashamed to shew them. If I said so, I might ask of him yet again, whether I spake according to the Gospel or not? if I did, why did he blame me? if not, why did he not reprove me? why did he lay it up in his breast, to throw it up among his dis­contents? (I could never get an answer from him by letter, to this) if ever I said those words, (which I do not remember) I may have the liberty to put this sense upon them, that having to do sometime with persons, that under pretence of affection and desire of satisfaction may seek to defame me, and to take advantage against me, from my writings, I think it some patt of wisdome, to interline truth with truth, that if my letters come to the view of many, they may see the black side as well as the bright of men I write to. But if this pamphleter intends by reflecti­ons, lyes, I hope there is no judicious Reader will think me so wick­ed, [Page 28]or if so wicked, not so much a fool to lodg such a cursed de­figne in the breast of T.A.

Reader, an advantage sufficient is given me to follow this pam­phleter through his observations, as before I have traced him through his narrative; but I shall content my selfe in giving thee, but two general observations I have observed through out his book, which I think justly stain him, more then his Testimoni­al can credit him, with unbyas'd persons.

The first thing that I cannot but let thee see, is his constant neglect of fraternal correption: when he was admitted to our fellowship, he solemnly covenanted to admonish, and re­prove those especially of that Church to which he joyned, according to that, Mat. 18.15, 16. that he hath made lit­tle account of his solemn ingagement, will appear by an induction of particulars, wherein (though in most things fals­ly) yet he hath not walked according to the express rule of our Saviour.

1. In his Epistle he taxeth the Church in general for an un­righteous censure, and yet hath forborn to tell us all this while wherein the unrighteousness lay.

2. p. 2,3. He chargeth us with intermedling with State af­faires, so as to make our selves guilty of Treason; he hath suf­fered this supposed sin to lye upon us without admonishing us for it.

3. p. 4. He was offended at a brothers expression in prayer: and yet I dare say he never dealt with him about it.

4. p. 6. He supposed a brother to have scandalised Mr. Ford: but doth not his conscience tell him, he never rebuked him for that pretended slander?

5. In the same p. he saith, we commonly slight others that are not of our way: I never heard that he so aspersed us, before I saw his book, so far was he from admonishing us, but hath suffered this (with which he now chargeth us) to lie upon us.

6. p. 7. He looks upon it as a dangerous principle, that no o­thers were to have to do with the business of our Church: and yet never endeavoured to rectifie our judgments.

7. p. 11. He accuseth Mr. Savery, as if he should set va­riance between him and his wife: But why had he not admo­nished him? and in case he would not have heard him, to have taken one or two more? &c.

8. In the same p. he asperseth another; with saying, if the unbeliever depart, let him depart: but doth not his own conscience tell him, he did not admonish him? If he did, [Page 29]and the party received it, why doth he rake it up? he seems to blame me for this, p. 38. 39. though wrongfully; I may say to T. A. why behold thou the mote that is in thy brother eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own? thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam that is in thine own eye, &c. Mat. 7.35.

9. pag. 12, 13, 14. He accuseth several persons for defaming his wife, whereas we cannot learn that any one was privately ad­monished for it.

10. p. 20, 21, 22. He hath published a false copy of my prayer without enquring of me whether it were true or no, or admonishing me of the evil of it.

11. pag. 25. He accuseth Mr Mall of uncharitablenesse, but never endeavoured privately, to shew him that he was guilty of a­ny such sin.

12. p. 29. He saith, That I accounted partaking at the Lords Table in the Churches of Exon to be a partaking of the table of di­vels; though this be a brazen fac'd ly, yet why had he not admo­nished me for so much wickednesse?

13. pag. 30. He saith, His wife and Mrs Parr never found that pu­rity which they expected, but were disappointed; But did he ever question the Church in general, or any particular person?

14 p. 31. He saith, Such is the pride of Independents, they think there are no pure Ordinances but in their owne Churches: But which of us did he ever admonish of this great sin?

15. p. 35. He seemes to be angry at me and some of my Church for speaking freely of Dame such things, as we can never prove, and that we very much abuse and slander her therein: to backbite is a sin, I confess, (and I wish many in Exon were more convinced of the greatness of if) but if Dame was so slandered, why had not Mr. Toby admonished such offenders?

16. p. 36. He accuseth the Church, as being partly the occasi­on of Mris. Parr lying, by our tampering with her; where also he vindicates her to asperse us, but he hath forgot what an hand he had in her suspension, and that he never declared any dissatisfaction at our proceedings with her, till since March the eighth.

17. p. 39. He saith, I told him, That when I wrote letters &c. I would have as much reflection in them as I could, that they might be ashamed to shew them; if this be a true charge and a charge of sin (for I profess as he hath several times applied it to me, I doe not well understand what he means by reflection) but if it was a wicked custome, in his opinion, how unfaithful was T. A. that he did not admonish me of it, especially if I accu­stomed my selfe to such kind of writing?

18. p. 41. He saies he knows as bad tollerated among us, and no­thing said to them; the more is T.A. his guilt aggravated, that knowing such, he hath not to this day discovered them; how great is his sin, who shall accuse our Church members of impu­rity, and yet not shew who the delinquent persons are? He saith also, in the same page, that we have need enough of the last use of exhortation, the Leaven being amongst us, the Lea­ven of the Pharisees, &c. What an unfaithful man is this, that pretends to know so much wickedness amongst us, and yet hath concealed it all this while? That he may with the greater ad­vantage bury our names in the dust, and yet tells his Reader p. 32. That he shall not asperse us.

REader, I shall not tire thee and my self, to follow this Phamphleter line by line; instead of other par­ticulars, take notice, that whereas the certifiers testifie, that to his words credit is given, I have therefore annex­ed, what I find in his sheets, that in my apprehensions cross such a testimony, and without offence may be called mistakes or lies. Which is the second general observati­on.

1. In his Epistle to the Reader, he saith, that Mr. T. M. hath published the notes of my Sermon, to spread false reports as far as possibly the Church can: When he knows in his own con­science, that persons were imployed to write after me, and boasts were made, that they would publish that dayes work to the world for my defamation, and that he was not contented to be very In­strumental in spreading false copies of my Prayer, but also im­ployed some to write out my notes, in order to the press, and therefore to prevent his farther defaming me, I gave way that M. Mall should publish my Sermon.

2. He saith also in his Epistle, That he hath made a true report of all transactions relating to his wives excommunication; whereas he might have published to the world all my care that I exprest to him, and all the Counsel I gave him to prevent this censure.

3. He saith in his Epistle, That he saw no crimes proved either against Mris. Parr or his wife that deserved such a censure; and yet this very Mr. Allien acted in the suspending Mris. Parr, as farr as any of the brethren, and until the eighth of March, and since, we [Page 32]never heard of any the least dissatisfaction, at our proceedings against her; and though he now pretend that his wife walked so unblamably before the censure, yet he hath often professed, in the hearing of several persons, that her carriage to the Church was (next to his own sins) the greatest affliction that ever he met with.

4. Whereas in the epistle, he calls it, an unrighteous censure, he was so farr convinced of his wives failing toward the Church, that when I told him at Mr. Eveleighs house, whether his wives carriage would lead her, and assured him, that for his sake we yet spared her; he was so far from declaring a word of dislike, that he told me (with outward expression of griefe) he was sen­sible of that, an [...] [...]ired only our forbearance of proceeding against her, till she was delivered of the child she went with.

5. In p. 1. whereas he would make the world beleive as if he were a (fixed) member [...] Mr M. Down his Church, he hath of­ten expressed the con [...] that he and his wife Received the Sacrament upon conditi [...] to joyne to a Congregation of their own principle, when God [...] give them that liberty.

6. In p. 2. He affirmes, that he and his wife Communicated their experiences to the Church, and were not admitted, That's false, they were admitted (though with much difficulty) as is to be seen in Mr. Malls account p. 21.

7. p. 5. He saith, that all the greatest part of a Covenant was assented to by the Church: in which words, there are no less then two lyes; it was no Covenant, and very little of that paper so much as debated, and what was assented to, was not disliked by himself.

8. p. 5. In the same page he would have the Reader beleive, as if his wife joyned to Mr. M. Down his Church, before she was ad­monished, which is also full of falshood.

9. In p. 6. The traducing of Mr. Ford I beleive to be a lye; but that we slight the Godly, is undoubtedly an egregious lye and slander.

10. p. 8. 9. He tells us, that his wife acquainted him, That she would goe some where to be resolved, and rising early in the morning, she went her way; whereas the search he made for her, and the teares for her departure, evidenced the contrary, and so did that consolatory language (if spoken to him) if the believer de­part let her depart.

11. Whereas p. 11. He pretends, that upon reports bruted that the Church had an intent to excommunicate his wife, he there­fore abstained from our private meetings: this is also false, for he confest to several of us, that the reason of keeping off, was [Page 33]the better to prevail with his wife to return.

12. p. 12. 13. He saith, the reason of his forbearing our company both in a private, and more publick capacity, was, our discourses about his wife; whereas several of us are ready to prove, that the reason he gave, was, he hoped thereby to bring his wife to the better complyance with the Church.

13. He saith also, That he was of another apprehension then we were of as to the matters in controversie between us and his wife; this is a witnessing to the truth of what his wife charged him with, that he was of her opinion, which he often denied.

14. p. 19. He saith, After the Letter from Mrs. P. and Mrs A. was delivered to me, I opened it, and with two others of my Church looked it over and pocketted it up; whereas I did not open it at all, until I withdrew, and I remember not of persons that saw it then.

15. p. 20. He saith, that my prayer after Excommunication, was as there followeth; which differeth from Ratcliffs own copy, and from another copy that I have seen, but most of all from the Pray­er it self, as appears by a Certificate.

16. p. 24, 25. It is false that which he saith concerning M. Malls standing up after the prayer was ended, and saying to the Congregation, now we have separated the precious from the vile, let us renew our solemn league and Covenant; there are no less then two untruths in this, the one as to the posture, and the other as to the words.

17. p. 28. He saith, that neither his wife nor Mris. Par were looked on as refractory, and rebells to God and man, till they had no more a­ny mind to stay with them, and for this they were excommunicated: this is false. Mrs. Par was dealt with by the Church, before ever she declared her self altered in her Principles, neither did Mrs. A. declare any dislike of us, or our way, before she was admonished for neglecting Church-meetings.

18. In the same page he saith, that we look on all other Chur­ches (that are not Congregational) as Babylonish and Synagogues of Satan; this is an egregious lye, we hold communion in all or­dinances, with some Presbyterian Churches.

19. p. 29. He saith, that upon his reasoning with me about com­municating in the Lords Supper with us, and others also, (meaning the rest of the Churches in Exon) that I should tel him be could not par­take of the table of the Lord and the table of Devils: to which I say, that it is noe wonder, if I understood not his meaning, he hath been such a Proteus; sure I am, I understood him not of the Churches in Exon; I do not at all remember any discourses with him about his Communicating with them; most sure I am, that I never called their Communicating Table, the Table of Devils, and as an evidence, that this is not my judgment, I [Page 34]dare challenge all the people in Exon, that have had discourses with me about Church affaires, to be my compurgators: this I have evidenced to some Ministers in Exon in my papers to them, (before this lying Pamphlet was writ) in not admitting a fit per­son of one of their Congregations to joyn as a member with me, which doubtless I should not have refused, had it been to have delivered him from the tables of Devils. Yea, this Mr. Allein in a letter to me, bearing date, April 19. 1658. draweth an argument from my acknowledging the Churches in Exon to be true Churches, to shew how unreasonable it would be, if I should be offended with him for his holding communion with them.

20. Whereas he saith p. 30. I insinuate his wife to be a very strum­pet: this is no less then a lye: I must needs give this cerificate in her behalfe, that before March 8. or on that day, I had not a thought that she was such an one, and still wish, that her hus­band had as much truth, as she honesty: and whereas he suggests p. 35. that I omitted somewhat that I spake in preaching, to insi­nuate into my auditory a suspition of his wives Chastity, I aver it to be a most notorious falshood.

21. In the same page he saith, I care not what filth and dirt I cast upon any that care not for my independent wayes; this is a broad-faced lye.

22. He saith in the same page, that the two censured persons, being disapointed of purity amongst us, went about to mend their fault by returning to those Congregations to which thy formerly belong­ed; this is also a lye, That Mris Parr owned any of the present Ministers in Exon, as pastor, before she joyned with us; the same I can prove of his wife.

23. He saith in the same p. that it is a most notorious belying his wife to say she is a lawless women, that knoweth no subjection, &c. whereas he knowes, how she hath taken the power of rule out of his hands by turning off a servant or servants for hearing of me, and discountenancing her own sister, almost to the turn­ing her out of doores, even then when he manifested high affections to me and the Church: I wonder what Conscience he hath got, to account me a defamer of her, by reporting her lawless toward him? Besides I may not omit her journey to Hanni­ton, and her reflections on her husband another time, at Mr. Eveleighs house, when we were debating the matters in difference betwixt her and her sister.

24. p. 31. He saith, that such is the pride of the Independents, that think there are no pure ordinances but in their own Churches. I doubt not but he accounts me one of those Independents, and therefore must profess this to be a putid lye.

25. In the same p. he saith, in what a sad condition I put all that are not independents, as if such are not among Gods people and cannot enjoy the benefit of the Covenant: this is also a falshood of the grea­test magnitude.

26. In 31. 32. p. He would make the Reader beleive, as though none were Gods people but my Church, according to my teaching; this is another lying defamation.

27. p. 32. He assures the Reader, that neither he nor his wife could ever see such eminency of Godliness in our conversations; and yet whilest his book was printing, he profest to two brethren (that were sent to admonish him) that we were the honestest peo­ple he ever came among (setting aside this business of Excommunica­tion.)

28. p. 33. He saith, I Slur Mr. Rutherford in my sermon; it is false, and I here publish it to the world, that I have high thoughts of him, his pious works praise him in the gates.

29. p. 34. He tells us, that in his own conscience he knows his wife never deserted him and his family, and that she never entertained the least thoughts of it: the contrary to this is proved already from her own mouth by two witnesses, to whom he confest that she had left him soon after her threatning to leave him.

30. p. 35. He saith there was no exception against Dame, whilst his wife was amongst us, and had her for her keeper: to my knowledg this is false, and he himself was sufficiently burdened with her, and hath been heard to call her old whore.

31. In the same p. he is perswaded that what I hint and some of our Church-members have said, we can never prove, but do very much abuse and slander Dame therein, when (as hath been said) it can be proved, he called her whore, nay old whore; yea, his Br. in law Mr. Mongwel will be found a lyar, if he be not able to prove it.

32. In the same p. he saith, his wife hath ever shewed him as much tenderness and affectionate kindness as his heart could wish, and yet p. 8. confesseth words of heat and discontent towards him.

33. p. 36. He saith in the behalfe of Mris. Par, that the quarrel between the Church and her, began in this, she had a mind to heare some other Ministers; this is also false, the quarrel began in her contentious spirit and sowing divisions, and was increased, by ly­ing, as you may see p. 18. & 20. of my Sermon: she was never questioned by the Church for hearing other Ministers: that is also a lye which he adds.

34. In the same p. that because Mris. Par was peremptory in her resolution, not to be tyed from hearing others, that therefore she was excommunicated.

35. p. 37. He impudently chargeth me with neglecting the duty of reproof towards his wife, for the space of four years. How dare this bold man assert this? but now that credit is given to his words, he takes this unchristian liberty to defame me, as he plea­seth.

But know, Reader, that I have admonished her, and more then once, for the neglect of that duty towards her (supposed) offend­ing sister: but besides in p. 21. of Mr. Malls book, my words are these, I think this I may say, there is not a brother or sister here that can bare wittnesse of her performing any Church duty to them of admonition, exhortation or reproofe, and if any of you can wittnesse for her in these things, I charge you to discover it. I speake this because if she hereafter fling dirt in this, or that, or the other persons face by reports, you may look on such things as slanders, or on her as a Covenant-breaker in not observing the rule of Christ: what little reason then hath this pamphleter Ironically to note, what a good shepheard I am &c. or to say that I can find it in my heart to curse her for neglecting to admonish others.

36. In the same p. he chargeth me with a partial and untrue re­lation between his wife and her sister in law. I doe professe, with all sincerity, that there was noe untruth in that relation, or any partiallity, unless in omitting some Circumstances, that would have aggravated her guilt; and many are ready to affirme the same.

37. p. 38. He speaks of his wives love, to her brother and sister in law and desire of their thriving &c. whereas this is so contrary to truth, that she perswaded her husband to be at no small charges to be rid of their company, and she said to their freinds in Wilt-shire, that she would give an hundred pound out of her purse to be rid of them, and keep a day of Thanksgiving to boote.

38. That's also false in the same p. concerning her advising her sister against carelesness in her calling. For when the differences between them were debated, it being demanded of her, by her brother, why she would goe into Wilt-shire to speak evil of her sister, and had not rather (if she had ought against her) told her of it privatly? she answered, she would have so don but her husband would not suffer her: False also is what is annexed, con­cerning her sisters taking great distast at her for any such Counsel; how could she take great distast at that which was never spoken to her?

39. That's a lye which followeth, that when she was in the Ea­sterne parts she was soe careful of her sister as to wish her mother to give her such good Counsel: whereas the maine end of her going into those parts was to ease her stomack against her sister, and [Page 37]she then told her sisters mother, that her sister had almost broke her husbands heart, and brought him into a Consumption, and would undoe him, &c. and whereas he suggest, that her Mother gave her also such advice agaiast the same fault; this ill agreeth with that letter, that followed upon it, from her Mother Mris. Thur­man, which is as followeth.

40. Whereas he saith, that his sister in law had engaged a strong party for her. Sure I am, that his own wife had vented her dis­contents and slanders to many, and had so far possest me with prejudice against her sister in law, that I have confest in my Ser­mon p. 21. that at that time, I came engaged to her as the party innocent, rather then the other.

41. He saith they frequented each others company in a friendly manner for the space of above a year, it is false.

42. p. 39. Whereas, he saith, the offence of his wife in that businesse was taken and not given, it is very false. It was given and in several particulars.

43. Whereas he saith, this offence of his wife was printed three years after they were reconciled: It was not a year and halfe.

44. In this p. he is guilty of lying, in charging me with un­truth; he would insinuate, that we had nothing against his wife untill she had left her relation to us. Whereas she was admonished by several persons, for her neglecting the Church, before ever she deserted the Church.

45. p. 40. He assures us, that his wife had not left us, if we had allowed her to communicate in the Ordinances with other Churches as there was occasion. This is also very false, she never desired it, and we never did forbid it.

46. He saith in the 41. p. He and others know as bad as lyars (if not lyers) tollerated in the Church and nothing said to them: I know non such, and have publickly profest and since suffered it to be printed in Mr. Malls book, p. 90. That I know none such in our assembly, if we know more such offen­ders, by the grace of God we shall so proceed upon them; and for a trial, if any of you have any thing to lay as a charge, do but observe the rule that Christ hath appointed of private, and then of more publick admonition, and see whether there shall not be impar­tial procedings against them, if not, then condemn us of partiallity.

47. In p. 42. It is an abominable lye, that we have such great thoughts of our selves as if we were the only Church and people of God in Exon.

48. He closeth up all with a lying reflection upon Mr. Mall, that whole [...]ft of her discourse, on March the 8. aimed at this, that we or ly were Sion and the Israel of God, and all others as had as she strangers from whom Israel separated in Nehemias times [Page 39]if this man forsake the Devil and all his works, who hath so lived in the constant neglect of brotherly admonition, and hath vented more lyes, then he hath pages, to the number of about fourty eight let the judicious Reader determine.

IN the foregoing Pages thou hast seen how weakly and sinfully this T. A. hath vindicated his wife; in what remains, thou maift observe the same methods and wiles in his clearing of Mris, Par. He tells us in the Epistle to the Reader, that there were no crimes proved, that might argue her guilty, or deserv­ing such a censure, and that her unblameable walk­ings before and since, may justly challenge me and the Church to answer what we have done before the tribunal [Page 41]of him, who shall judg the world in righteousness: p. 28. he saith, Mris. Par. was not looked on as refractory, till she had no more any mind to stay with us: p. 29. There is no­thing in her for which she may not compare with the best saints among us; again he tells us p. 36. that the quarrel began betwixt the Church and her, because she had a mind to hear some other Ministers, and was peremptory in her resolutions, not to be tyed hearing of others; how far she might forget her self in discourses with us (which we call tripping in her tongue) he cannot say, only (if she did) it was partly occasioned by our tam­pering with her for going out sometimes to hear some other Ministers of the City; and p. 40. that she therefore relinquished this Church, because she held it her sin to be tyed to one Congregation, and to be debarred fel­lowship with others; yea, p. 29 he tells us, he dare say, the city in which she was born and bred, and hath e­ver lived, can say no otherwise then that she may com­pare with the best saints in the Church. How false this certificate is, concerning Mris. Par, will appear by my giving thee an account, why she was suspended, and and what her carriage hath been since.

First, The ground of her suspension, I shall reduce to her contentiousness, censoriousness, and lying.

The contentiousness of her spirit was proved by se­veral witnesses in several particulars, as

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, until 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-members witnessed.

2. When it was moved in the Church to this effect, that it was 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, between the Church, her selfe especially, concerning singing of Psalmes, the practice of which she absolutely denyed, 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 witness.

3. She hath opposed several persons in their ad­missions, who have been known to be of approved god­lynesse and integrity, and those who have been most lyable to exception, she hath most contended for; insomuch that the church having respited the admissi­on of a person concerning whose conversation they were not sufficiently satisfied, she did openly de­clare against it, in these words, that it was an unrighteous sentence: this particular was wit­nessed by four persons.

4. She opposed the admission of Mris. D.E. for her joyning with the Presbyterians in the Ordinance of the Lords Supper, and insisted upon it with much earnestness, she then declaring, that she could not be satisfied otherwayes, then by her acknowledging it to be her sin in breaking the law of Charity: this was witnessed by seven persons.

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

6. She did for a long time contend for womens speaking in the Church, and being admonished for practising accordingly, she did openly professe, that she would not be present at Church meetings, when matters were debated, unless she might have that liberty, and being denyed, she ever since contemptuously neglected Church meetings, and slight­ed the officers of the Church.

The censoriousness of her spirit was evidenced in her uncharitable language concerning the Presbyterians and us also, reporting one to be fallen from the faith, another to have nothing of God in her, charging Mr. Stonham to have walked contrary to the Apostles coun­sel 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 the Lords Supper, not dis­cerning the Lords body; these were proved by many witnesses and her own letters.

The Third Head of her Charge was Lying.

1. She affirmed that she alwayes 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 four witnesses to this.

2. She affirmed that she never opposed Mris. D. E. her admission, but was for it; whereas the generallity of the then members of the Church witnessed, that a long time she openly contended against it, to the grief of the Church.

3. She denyed 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.

4. She denyed that she ever endeavoured to have Mr. Stonham Paster, and under her own hand were these words, I never laboured to bring him to that Office; whereas the contrary was witnessed by three persons.

5. She affirmed that she never profited by Mr. Ston­hams preachings, and never approved his Ministry; [Page 45]the contrary hereto was witnessed by three per­sons.

6. She denyeth in a letter, that she suspected those that had kindred and relations among the Presbyterians, whereas many witnessed the contrary.

By these passages thou mayest see how lavish the pamphleter is in his testimonial for this woman: I should now annex her contumacious refusal of admonition given according to the rule of Christ; I might tell thee, I have several times endeavouered to convince her of her sin, yet I doe not remember that she ever acknow­ledged her selfe guilty: and that several persons that were sent to her (or that went voluntarily) about the work of admonition came away from her with a burdened spirit; but I shall refer thee to 20. and 21. p. of my Sermon in the true account; 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: This is the woman that T. A. saw no crimes proved against, that might argue her guilty; and yet this T. A. objected nothing against her suspension for these crimes proved against her; this is the woman con­cerning whom T. A. boldly affirms that her unblamea­ble walkings before censure may justly summon us to Gods bar: and whereas he saith that the quarrel between the Church and her began, because she had a mind to hear some other Ministers, that is abomi­nably [Page 46]false, that was no particular, for which she was ever admonished by the Church: indeed there pas­sed several letters between her and my self, wherein I endeavered to perswade her, that it was her duty or­dinarily to hear her own officers; which had they seen the Sun, the world would have seen more of this wo­man. And here Reader, I shall once more take shame to thy self, that I did not sooner excite the Church to their duty, as to the last remedy for the healing of this woman: there are some who are full of evil sur­mises about this matter, as if the Church would ne­ver have proceeded against her, but upon a design to hinder others from deserting us: But this I profess, that I have had no quiet in my spirit, that a person should lye so long suspended, and give no evidence of repentance, but the contrary, and yet should not be proceeded against; I took advice with several Mi­nisters about this matter, and at length was concluded by them and my own conscience, that though she was gotten into another fold, yet the rod of discipline should be exercised towards her; and though some men were angry at this, yet I can say, we did not censure her to reflect on other Congregations, but to discharge our duty to her, as Legally a part of our flock.

But Reader, that I may keep promise with thee before I close up this unpleasant work, I shall,

Secondly, Give thee (briefly) yet a farther account of her carriage, since her suspension; there have come several reports to my eares, of what she hath spoken, full of lying defamations, viz. that there were no lyes proved against her, that she was suspended only for hearing sometimes other Ministers, that I should perswade her to deny holiness for Gods sake, that she was promised by an officer of the Church, that if she would but desert the Presbyterians, she should be entertained amongst us, without giving any satisfa­ction for former miscarriages; and that being charged for lying, she pleaded, that she did not remember any such thing, that one of the Church should offer to take his oath for his hearing somewhat from her at such a time when he himself was not present; that two others of the Church have defrauded servants of their wayes, that she was never questioned, till she discovered her resolutions to leave us. But Reader, I am loath to blot paper with any more of this nature, only I shall tell thee, that when I offered to some Ministers of the City, to prove the charge against her; I told them, if they would be at the pains to receive her defence, I was very confident (and still am) to prove the falshood of it by two witnesses at least. By this time I doubt not but the Reader is satisfied what a confident lyar T.A. is, but it hath happened to him as to most malefactors, he hath revealed his own, his wives, and Mris. Pars guilt in his endeavours to con­ceal it, I may say of his tongue, hand and pen. Heu quam difficile est crimen non prodere. Thy mouth uttereth thine iniquity, and thou chusest the [Page 48]tongue of the craftie; thine own mouth condemneth thee and not I; yea, thy own lips testifie against thee, Job 15.5, 6.

I shall close with Davids Prayer against Doeg Psal. 120.2, 3. Deliver my soul O Lord from lying lips, and from a dreceitful tongue: what shall be given to thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?