THe Letter it self was kindly sent to me from the Gover­nour Leveret, as also his Answer to it, which was truly Christian that is friendly and heavenly: So that I had thoughts to acquiesce and rest, &c. But considering that I was the principal Mr. Coddington gave fire upon, (both for disputing and printing) and Governour Leveret but as [...] for furthering publishing, &c.

2. That the Governour acquainted me with it.

3. That we are commanded (not only to [...] but) [...] the work of the Lord, as not knowing which shall prosper, [...] and [...] knowing that our labour shall not be in vain in the Lord. These consi­derations moved me to put my work aged Brain [...] and fingers to this unpleasing Task: pleasing it is not in this sense tha [...] Pagans, Turks, Jews, and Papists laugh and stumble at the Controversies of Prote­stants, (who protest and [...] against them all:) Partly, as Mr. Coddington is my ancient friend at Boston, (Old and New) and any long kind friend, and Neighbour on Rhode Island. But what then? [...]o a true Child of God All things, our goods, our good works and [...] our Friends and lives will be but dross and [...] when once we [...] them Competitours with the true Lord Jesus Christ.

[Page]On th [...]e two Hinges turns Mr. Coddingtons Letter, first in anger­ly chiding the Governour Lever [...]t for his dealing with the people called Quakers at Boston most unjustly▪ [...] ungra [...]e [...]lly for New- [...] and Old too knows, (I know it) [...]how great [...] Advocate the Governour Leveret (and others) living and dead [...] to plead for Moderation toward dissenting Consci­ences of Jews and Gentiles, and yet declare, that he and all Gover­nours ought (moderately) to bannish Incivilities, with which the peo­ple call [...] Q [...]ers (or Foxians) are defiled, as much as most that [...] Name and worship.

[...] hinge on which Mr. Coddingtons Letter tur [...], is a bit­ter charge on Governour Leveret for his furthering the publica­tion of my poor Narrative of transactions between the Quakers and my self.

The Governours Answer was truly Christian▪ to this effect, viz. that the Narrative conteined a vindication of many excellent Truths of Christ Iesus; and therefore, the particulars concern my self, to which I humbly (before God Angels and men) say as followeth.

First, Mr. Coddington goes on in the same bruitish Tract that Fox and most of them run in, viz a simple kind of reviling▪ viz. Lyes Lyes, Slaunders, Slaunders, (like poor Children and Scolds &c:) Thus most notoriously, doth G. Fox conclude most of his Answers to so many heavenly Pens in his Folio books, viz. [And as to the rest of thy Lyes and Slanders they are not worth the mentioning] And thus deals Mr. Coddington (childishly and clamorously) against me thus clamoring, viz. a most slanderous lying book, a bundle of lyes, a book full of lyes: horrible impudence! to invent so many lyes and present them to the K. of England, (good manners would have taught him to have said at least our Royal Soveraign, &c.) And except he had sold himself to do wickedly he had never uttered so many abominable lyes.

To these in general I Answer, what sober soul (not intoxicate with the bloody Cu [...] of the Whore of Rome who is drunk with the blood of Saints) but will proclaim that oftentimes the whore like Potiphars wise cryes out whore first! though the accused Joseph will be found heavenly chast, from these whorish Lights and worship, which will be found (with their worshippers) all the world over in Gods most holy season but Children of the Father of lyes the Devil.

But to particulars, he saith it is a lye, that I said that G. [...]. slily [...], when saith he, he was never present, I say, who ever reads [Page] this, will see (especially in my Narrative) that G. F. by Letters, by Relations, by Copies of my fourteen proposals, knew all matters per­fectly, and they kept my Letters sent to the Dep. Governour Cra [...] ­ston, (in which Letters my fourteen Proposals to G. F. were) as the Deputy openly testified until G. F. was two or three hours under Sail, that it might be said, that G. F. never saw the [...] I sent of my fourteen Proposals to him. This business o [...] G. F. [...] p [...]r [...]fectly informed of my offer of dispute on those fourteen [...]roposals and of his deliberate withdrawing (or running) is for apparent (as [...] made clear in my Narrative) that he that shall deny [...] most deny that he himself hath any breath or life, or is a man [...]

2 Mr. Coddington saith that the first day of our dispute at New­port was spent in examining whether any would subscribe to my four­teen Positions, but they were found so gross that none would sub [...]scribe to them.

But why doth Mr. Coddington forget these two things, First, that the first day was spent (mainly and chiefly after some preparations) in the examination of a true and false Quaker as appears in my Nar­rative. 2. (and consequently) that many spake as my brother Ro­bert Williams, Thomas Ward, Richard Ba [...]l [...], William Hichcock, a­gainst the monopolizing of Civil and Christian Liberty, viz. that none should speak to any point except they would subscribe to my fourteen propositions.

Mr. Coddington saith that these propositions were so gross that none would subscribe to them.

Answ. What then? if I never offered them to any one Soul to subscribe to them?

2. If they were so sudden so strange, and high, and unexpected, that my brother (as it is in print) thought I charged too deep &c.

But 3. What were my charges to this that Spanish Inquisition that none must speak or object, or query, e [...]cept he subscribe to my pro­posals? doth not this justifie the Popish, and Episcopal subscriptions, and proclaim that the Papists and Foxians are all one in their snares and Engines of subscription, which my brother Robert Williams in his Lette [...] proves from some propositions of the Bishops at Lambeth, shewing more moderation then pretended Quakers at Rhode Island.

The third Lye Mr. Coddington fastens on me is that I should ac­knowledge that John Burnet spake in his publick speech or Sermon) many excellent Truths of God, and that afterwards I denyed them.

This Charge hath reference (or may) to twelve distinct times and [Page] [...] of m [...]ne to their General Assembly were I spake sol [...]mnly that John Burnet had spoke many holy Truths of God [...] also proposed many Queries whether their Spirit was the true [...] God by which they spa [...]e then and whether their Christ was [...] Lord Jesus Christ? which shews my approbation of [...], but also my witness against their false application of them [...] had gone on in pressing those Queries had not the pray­ers of th [...] Governours wife, and the singing of Henry Nic [...]ols, and the [...] and dissolving of the meeting by John Burnet, [...] proceedings.

[...] me off from their general meeting I resolved (by Gods help) to assault this Camp of Anti-Christian [...] to wit by off [...]r [...]ng to G. F. and all their Apostles a solemn dispute upon four­teen proposals. In this dispute Wil [...]iam [...] fell upon (con­trary to the order of an equal dispute [...] a large Sermon of speech to the people, of about an hour long. John Stubs followed him▪ and afterward John Burnet, who spake best as to Repentance, in general, and turning unto God, and yet I said, although he had delivered ma­ny heavenly general Truths: yet he had said no more then he might have said before the Pope and the Cardinals in the Popes Chappel at Rome, whereas if matters come to be examined what true Repen­tance and Faith is▪ it will then be seen what the holy Truth of God is, and what the destroying juglings and Lyes of Satan are.

4 Mr. Coddingtons fourth particular Charge against me is, that I lyed in saying that the first day of our dispute at Newport was [...] Eclipse of the Sun which I applied to the Foxians Eclipsing the Sun of Righteousness, and to his glorious breaking forth in his primitive and Eternal Truth at last, I know not the meaning or sense of this Lye charged on me▪ for he confesseth there was an Eclipse) as I af­firm) only he saith there was a Thunder before it (which who denyes?) Only Mr. Coddingtons Application▪ in opposition to mine) Let every Soul judge in the presence of Jehovah, who hath and will decide the Difference to Eternity.

A fifth Lye charged on me is, that as I abused G. F. so I abused the Original which John Stub [...] (in effect) reproved me in, and I ac [...]knowledged my errour.

Answ. I do not think that John Stub [...] (I hear gone to the pit of [...] and I am going) would have said so much: For the ninth of Isai▪ which he quoted to prove that Christ was God, (which I no [...] no true Protestant denies) I perceived was quoted in der [...]gation to [Page] his true Manhood, (which was then in Agitation:) and therefor [...] though I granted that Christ Jesus was an Everlasting Father (as he was God) yet [...] alleadged the thoughts of many excellent, holy, an [...] learned men, that the word Everlasting Father [...] in the He­brew [ [...]] did but s [...]gnifie Pater [...]culi the Father of an Age or Ages signifying the propagation of and Succession of true Belie­vers or followers of Jesus to the worlds end.

John Stubs only said that some said it signified Pat [...]r Eternitat [...] Fa [...]ther of Eternity, which I denied not (as to the God [...]d of the Lord Jesus) but that it signified not so in this place, and [...] it did not e [...]clude his Humanity, as the poor Souls the [...] at.

My sixth Lye is, that I denyed that Moses [...] John S [...]ub [...] produced Heb. 12.

I say it is not rational, that I should deny Moses, or David, or Ha­ [...]akk [...]ks, or Daniels trembling only I denyed that the Quakers trem­bling now in question is such a Quaking as theirs was, but is only an external and notoriously cheating, Quaking, instead of true Christi­an trembling.

Unto these he addeth a Story, that Anthony Cook came to Provi­dence to dispute with me but that I waved him and said, come let us gather Apples; The truth is, it is a silly and ridiculous passage, for it pleasing God to burn and break to pieces Mr. Scots house and Fence, (who was the great entertainer of the Quakers against his wives Conscience, no small persecution, though one of them formerly and a sufferer) my Lot being next, was open to all spoyle by Rea­son of Mr. Scots defect: the Governour Clerk in Mr. Scots name a­greed with me to make up all the Fences, and look to the Orchard, and gather the fruit, and to have the half, I did so, and the Gover­nour coming to Town with Mr. John Easton, Christopher Hol [...]sworth, Mr. Joseph Bria [...], and others coming into the Orchard and gather­ing what they pleased: My self and my Indian were intent and care­ful to gather Apples (what I could in hast) for Governour Clerk (who requested me &c.) going away speedily, amongst others whom I knew, a stranger [...] it seems one Arthur Cook asked me why I would write a book against innocent people called Quakers, I re­member [...] said to this purpose that every body was a Christian, eve­ry body was Innocent in their own eyes, and it is possible I might say to my Indian, let us gather, or make haste but that I should avoid dispute with Arthur Cook, or all of them (in season or out of sea­ [...]on) is not to be imagined, considering what I have done already, [Page] and what (through the help of the true Lord Jesus) I resolve to do while I have breath to draw or a pen and hand to handle it.

2. Mr. C [...]ddington saith Roger Williams his hands are bound, but he persecuted [...] his Tongue▪ &c.

I Answer▪ it is true, there is a persecution with the Tongue, the Tongue is [...] Arrows, a Sword, a Viper, a fire from Hell, &c. but is there not als [...] a just Reproof? Rebuke them sharply, Tit. 1. Answer a [...]ool accor [...]ing to [...]is folly, &c. Only we must be sure that our lips be opened [...] our pens employed by the Father of Lights, and not by the [...] Light within ourselves, which will end in Eternal [...]

3. Mr. Coddington saith that he hath the Word of two Majors in this Country the one of Major Winslow now Governour of Plymouth Co [...]ony, who saith▪ Mr. Coddington after he had heard Iohn Burnet speak at or about Marsfield, he said, he had never heard so much of the Gospel in all his life: the second is of Major Cra [...]ston Dep. Go­vernour of Rhode Island, &c. who said after our disputations (as Mr. Coddington saith) that he was glad he heard so much, and he was satisfied: To which I say, what is this to the Truth? if all the Majors and Governours, Princes, Kings and Emperors of the world agree upon an Opinion, Verdict, Sentence, or Decree, may not Pete [...] a poor Fisherman, and Paul a poor Tent-maker overturn them all? yea, a poor lad or Handmaid bringing one holy Scripture for evi­dence?

But 2. I have many Arguments to perswade me that both the Go­vernour Winslow & Dep. Governour Cra [...]ston are far from approv­ing their Impieties & Incivilities▪ especially that monstrous practice of their Womens and maidens stark nakedness, which might make each religious or sober Spirit to abhor that Spirit which dictates and guides these Unchristian, Inhumane, Unwomanly, and loathsome practices.

I have humbly (in the presence of the Eternal, All-seeing Eye) presented my Apology for my self against Mr. Coddingtons charges of Lyes, Lyes, Slaunders, &c. I end with a few questions friendly pro­pounded to Mr. Coddington.

1. Will he deny what his Eyes and Ears have seen and heard in this business I Hath he not seen me (I know by the power of Christ Iesus whose is all power in Heaven and Earth a poor old Creature stand up alone against them all together in the flourishing of their Teachers and Professions of Earthly power about them, &c.

[Page 7]2. Hath he not heard me abused with the Terms of th [...] Old man, Old man, till for shame they left it?

3. Hath [...]e not heard me say that one Woman as well as another, and all the Women in that Assembly might strip themselves naked at noon day to the horror of all mankind if such a perswasion come upon them?

4. Was there not liberty for William Harris, William [...] and others to speak freely for the Quakers, but not my [...] Mr. Hitchcock, nor Mr. Ward, &c. might have the [...] but some were threatned with the Constable, &c?

5. Hath not his Ears heard that when I produced a great many of G. Foxes words, and desired to apply, that all of them and especial­ly W. Edmundson stopt my mouth with [Let G. Fox his words alone, &c.] and so bruitishly stopt all my proofs, which can not be stopt, though Heaven and Earth perish.

6. Did not Mr. Coddingtons Ears hear me and others often com­plain of Interruptions, when Iohn Stubs professed thrice I had not interrupted them, though some had: and that when W. Edmundson began his first Sermon, and the rest followed, and I desired to speak after their long speeches or Sermons: yet then I was stopt, and some­time [...] so grossly by W. Edmundson that Major Cra [...]ston was forced to say out of the Gallery) let the man speak, let him have liberty to make out his matter? &c.

7. Did not Mr. Coddington sensibly (to all mens view) rejoice when I offered to dispatch the five remaining points [remaining at N [...]w [...]ort] in five quarters of an hour, which I had performed exact­ly had not the impatiences of my opposites interrupted me, and yet I was not much above my time, though if I had, my Opposites inter­posings only were the cause of it?

8. Did not Mr. Coddingtons Eyes see and Ears hear that from the beginning to the end of three dayes dispute at Newport I never gave them a reviling passionate, or reproachful word, but drew them gen [...]l [...] [...]n to de [...]ate the Matter, incumbent and proper to us with [...] and patience. Did not Mr. Coddingtons Ears hear in the close of the three dayes [...]t Newp [...]rt a woman [Eliz. Williams now with God in Heaven] say aloud, [The man hath made good [...] undertook again [...]t you, and the words that he hath spoken shal [...] [...] the last [...]?

More I might inferr to Mr Coddingtons very sence, but I pass on [...]nother question, What should be the Reason that [1 Ioh. 2.13.] [Page] Gods [...] sh [...]uld say, [...]f any man love this world, or the things in this world▪ [...] not in him.

[...] to be so high a Saint [above the Bi­shops, [...], ab [...]ve the In [...]ependants, above the Bap­tists [...] in mens [...] loves the World exceedingly, and the [...] world [...] life, ever since he came to [...] hath [...] Mr Coddington he is an hard man, a [...] man [...] Rh [...]de Island how many [...]nstances come [...] have [...] of Mr. Codding. a worldly man, a self [...] for publick but all for himself and private.

I will not mention particulars at Portsmouth & Newport, of which I have told him as I had opportunity, but I will only remember him of some Covetous and Unchristian passages during the late bloody [...] amongst us, and his high profession of a Quaker,

1. A considerable company of Providence people fled to Rhode Island, their Houses here, their Forts, their Fences burnt up, and much if not most of their Cattel destroyed: they obteined leave of the Government at Newport to inclose a piece of the Common to get Corn, &c. They inclo [...] and sent two men (thought to be ac­ceptable with Mr. Coddington) to pray his favour to make use of s [...]me of his windf [...]ll Trees (which lay by them) for two gates▪ (that all might pass throu [...] ▪ &c.) But Mr. Coddington (who had never had a foot on Rhode Island but by one man of Providence his means) now abounding with Land and Trees, turns these poor Providence distressed Souls off with a denyal, viz except they would gratify his world­ly selfish ends and conditions, which their grieved Souls (cosider­ing the most unseasonable Covetousness of them) turned away with grief, and made some other shifts which God provided for them:

2. Again, when Providence men had broken up the Land, and planted the first year, and hoped to reap a second Crop [which we all know to be the better] Mr. Coddington for his own private end shewed himself a Mole-rooting in the Earth, and would not give way to it.

3. I could name many Instances of elder and later date: One I will further particularize: A poor man came to Mr. Coddington in these late bloody distresses, and offers to buy a Bushel of Corn for his poor Wife and Children in great want, &c. Mr. Coddington though abounding, &c. would not let this poor Soul have a Bushel, except he would pay him a weeks work for it, which it is said the poor man was forced to give him. Alas▪ what doth the Pope, Cardinals, Je­suits, Bishops, Doctors, Presbyters, Independants, Baptists, [...] [Page] [...] of the Christian name, and new and old-England talk of [...]eligion? How many thousands will this holy Scriptu [...] un [...]a [...]e, un­mask & discover? Love not this world, nor the things that are [...] World, if any man love this World, the love of the father is not [...] How doth Paul (by the true Spirit of God) tell us, that [...] of such a stinking [...] that [...] not to [...] the [...].

[...] not [...] Spirit of God [...] cry out, Is [...] and [...] do [...] of [...] Enmity with God, whosoever therefore [...] Enemy to God. Few among thousands will [...] they are [...] Adulterers. Enemies to God, but our [...] discover [...] at last (what e're our pretences be) to our own Souls, and the [...] and Consciences of all men: Oh let not Mr. [...] persecution of the Tongue, with which his whole Letter [...] and sour'd, while he imputes it only to R. W. and let him not forget his cutting Letter to Mr. Sellingham, and his damning of him Body and Soul (after his Soul was I hope in [...], and his Body at rest in his grave. I would [...] Mr. Coddington to bring forth those printed Letters which were printed at London for him, and sent him over, and he hath them by him, or hath burned them, or keep [...] them for a day to come, wherein let his persecuting & dam­ning Tongue (and the persecuting damning Tongues and Pens of the Quakers be set theirs & mine, the one against the other, and let it be seen whither I raile & scold with crying out Lyes, Lyes, Bundles of Lyes, &c. yea, whether I damn the Bodies and Souls of all my [...], and though I sometimes reprove sharply, (sometimes) as the holy Spirit pr [...]cticeth and commandeth in Scripture▪ yet whe­ther I tender not the persons of mine Opposites, pity them, and pray for the destruction of their sins only, but the salvation of their precious Souls and Bodies also. Let it be seen whether I damn all the Saints that ever were, are, or shall be that are not of my opinion, as G. F. and most of them that speak and write for their [...]pinion do?