THE Old Leaven purged out. OR, THE APOSTASY Of this DAY further Opened. BEING A true and faithful Narrative of the orderly Proceedings and Dealings of the Lesser part of the Congregation formerly walking with Mr. John Sympson, with and against several Soldiers of the Army, who (being fallen in with the APOSTASY of this DAY, contrary to Professed and Declared Principles, and the many out-going of the Lord thereupon) are withdrawn and separated from, together with Mr. Sympson their Chief Abettor, and others, after near two Years labouring, whilst we were in the Congregation, and near two Years more since. AS ALSO The true Copies of seven of the Letters, which Mr. Sympson wrote with his own Hand, and sent to the Congregation whilst he was a Prisoner for Truth in Windsor-Castle. WITH An Answer to several Objections, that have been, or may be raised against Printing and Publishing the Whole. ALL Humbly presented to Public view, not in Strife, Vainglory, or to be seen of Men, but we hope out of conscience, to endeavour a Recovering of the Name of the Lord, which hath lain under so great reproach, through Misreports raised of us since our first withdrawing. 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. Wherefore, come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Thes. 3.6. Now we command you Brethren, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every Brother that walketh disorderly, etc. 2 Tim. 3.4, 5. Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures, more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. Printed in the Year of our Lord, 1658. To all that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, in this evil day, whether in Churches, or out, Beloved in our Lord, INcrease of Faith, Hope, Love, Humility, Zeal, Wisdom, and Patience, with all other the fruits of the Spirit be multiplied unto, and bestowed upon you, according to the purchase of our Lord Jesus, who is King of Saints and Nations: that you may be able to stand upon the Sea of glass [a] Rev. 15.2. mingled with Fire, and maintain your Victory over the Beast, and his Image, and Number of his name, having the Harps of God in your hands, that when his judgements [b] Rev. 15.4. shall be made manifest, and a reward given to Babylon, according to his word, you may not with the Merchants and great Men of the Earth, stand afar off, [c] Rev. 18.10, 11. crying alas, alas, but may with the Angel and the followers of the Lamb, who are called, chosen and faithful, with rejoicing say; [d] Rev. 16.5. compared with ch. 19.2. Righteous art thou O Lord, because thou hast judged thus. How unmeet such as we are above any, who have obtained like precious faith, to appear in this public manner, is best known to the Lord and our own souls, being in some measure through his Free grace, made sensible of our insufficiency to so weighty a Work, the consideration whereof might wholly discourage our proceeding herein, did not the honour of God, the interest of Christ Jesus our Lord groundedly provoke us thereunto; for now as all will behold, whether Saints or Sinners, so many being already prejudiced in their judgements through false reports received of us, (as they have been apt enough) will shoot their arrows against us, but with how much unwarrantableness on their parts, let the Reader judge by this ensuing Narrative. Others being convinced of the truth and goodness of the cause we are engaged in, as they do not speak against us, so on the other hand, lest they should come under the like reproach with us, are silent in saying any thing on our behalf, yet some Elijahs there are, who have been and still are willing to bear part of the burden with us: Adding hereunto, that we are a stumbling block to many, through the many failings, infirmities and miscarriages such poor nothing-creatures as we are, have been compassed with, in the management of so honourable and weighty a cause as this is, for which each one of us have great reason to be truly humbled before the Lord (though hereby we may humbly say, Are we as Signs [e] Isa. 8.18. and Wonders in Isreal?) Howerver, notwithstanding all the reproaches and hard speeches that hitherto hath attended us from many of our Brethren, and Familiars, (whom we desire dearly to love in the Lord) as well as from the Apostates of this day; the latter of which as we have & may expect it, so we do not much regard it. We have been strengthened in our Head the Lord Jesus, to bear up under all, though many halts & stops have been made in this work thereby, which hath caused some search of heart amongst us; and we trust that the same power and goodness of our Father, which hath been so wonderfully manifested towards us to this very day, will still carry us on therein, to the glory of his grace, by Jesus Christ, which is to be acknowledged by us before him and his people, with all humility and thankfulness; some passages whereof are inserted in these following particulars. First, by frustrating the intentions of those from whom we are separated, to have proceeded against us, even to a casting out, though the chiefest of them were unanimous therein, and in making them confused and abortive in all their endeavours that way. Secondly, that when they had sent (as they apprehended) to the soberest and choicest of the Independent and Baptised Congregations in the City to countenance them therein, (who accordingly sent chief men from amongst them) they hitherto have been so overruled by the Lord, as that they have not been capable of advising therein. Thirdly, In keeping us together as one entire body, from first to last, though full of weaknesses, enabling us from time to time & that according to Gospel-rule) to admonish those from whom we are separated, end to watch over one another in love, though Mr. Sympson gave out upon our first withdrawing, that he was confident we should break asunder within three months, (or thereabouts) as the just hand of the Lord against us. And therefore the Lord having so graciously owned us, we do not desire to be forecasting what will be the event or issue of this our public testimony, but looking up to him, desire to rest satisfied in this, that herein we have done no more than our duty, for these following reasons. First, That in regard the Lord hath been, and is so greatly dishonoured by a professing generation, sinning against so great light as never was known before, (amongst whom the Soldiers and Mr. Sympson we are separated from are apart) it may appear there is a remnant among the Churches of Christ, who do not wink at, or comply with so great iniquity, but do desire to bear a suitable Testimony against, and make a due separation from it. Reas. 2. There being many reproaches and calumnies cast upon us, as to the matter and ground of our separation and withdrawing to this day, so as that the name of the Lord is greatly reproached through these Misreports concerning us; it might therefore hereby appear, that the cause why we do so, is for such sins as are publicly scandalous and sinful, that so whatever becomes of our persons the truth may be vindicated. Reas. 3. That all who fear the Lord in uprightness of heart, may consider and see it's their duty to withdraw and separate from all such persons; For what saith the Apostle? [f] 1 Cor. 5.6. Know you not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, etc. And may it not be spoken with grief of heart, that the lump, or generality of the Churches in this day, are much leavened with a lukewarm, sensual, selfish spirit, seeking the honour and favour of men for their own advantage, rather than setting the Lord before them, and approving their hearts to him, and endeavouring after the advancement of his glory in the world, which comes to pass in a great measure for want of doing their duty to such persons in this particular. Reas. 4. That if it should please the Lord to call any, or all of us, further to suffer herein, or upon such like account, it may appear we suffer for his Name sake and not as evil doers; the mouths of many professors having been already opened in this respect, though we could wish it hath not rather been to palliate and cover over their own Apostasy. Reas. 5. Because thus saith the Scripture, [g] 1 Tim. 5.20. come. with Deur. 19, 20. Them that sin (to wit, in the sight of all men as these have done, and that against the light of Nature and Grace) rebuke before all, that others also may see and fear, and do no more so wickedly; for as Jannes and Jambres, Korah, Dathan and Abiram, with their company, withstood Moses [h] 2 Tim, 2.8 comp. with Num. 16.3, 12, 13, 14. in the work of GOD in their day, so these likewise do resist his cause and truth in our day, proceeding from iniquity to iniquity. Reas. 6. That so such as are unknown to us, and have been already engaged in this work of separation, may be encouraged, and not discouraged, and may know that whatsoever their afflictions and trials are thereupon, the same are also accomplished in others of their Brethren upon the same account, that so from a spirit of love to truth we may be strengthening one another's hands in so blessed and honourable a work. Rea. 7. If Pilate was so sensible of the innocency of Jesus Christ, that he could do no less but (in the presence of the Court, and the whole multitude) take water and wash his hands, saying these words, (the better to clear himself from being guilty of his blood) [i] Mat, 27.19, 24. I am free from the blood of this just man, look ye to it: Doth it not much more concern us in such a day as this, when our Lord in his members and cause contended for in the late wars is again crucified afresh & put to open shame, to take this water of our public testimony in the presence both of Saints and Sinners, and testify our dislike of, and separation from so great iniquity, as also the persons guilty thereof: And if our Lord Jesus could charge upon the Jews [k] Mat. 23.34, 35. all the righteous blood shed from Abel to that day, and Peter, Act. 3.13. and so Stephen Act. 7.51, 52. likewise charge them for retaining their forefathers wicked spirit (though they [l] Mat. 23.30. pretended otherwise) manifested in denying, betraying, delivering up and killing of Christ and the Saints, who were witnesses to the truth in that day; May not we justly fear that if we should be silent in this day, the guilt of their blood which was shed in the late wars, as also of the sufferings of the Saints formerly, and yet imprisoned for their faithfulness to the despised cause and interest of Christ, who did and do offer themselves so willingly, may be found upon us when the Lord makes inquisition for the same, and we come to be partakers of that judgement, which we are persuaded will lie heavy upon all that shall be found guilty, more or less. Reas. 8. Because of the so plain discovery (through a general silence) of a Laodicean, or lukewarm spirit for Christ, in this day, which the Lord loathes and threatens [m] Rev. 3.15, 16. to spew out of his mouth; But on the contrary commends the Churches of Ephesus and Smyrna, etc. [n] Rev. 2.2, 3, 10. for their zeal and faithfulness, in discovering of, and not bearing with sin nor sinners, yea the Lord delights in such who offer themselves willingly; And the Inhabitants of Meroz [o] Judg. 5.9, ●3. are cursed with a bitter curse, not because they appeared against God's cause and people, but for standing Neuters, and not coming forth (when an opportunity was offered) to his help against the mighty. So in Psal. 94.16. there seems to be another plain word of instruction in this case, where the Prophet by way of Proclamation hath these words, Who will rise up for me against the evil doers? Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? He doth not say (as some say now) Sat still, and let God alone, for he will find out ways and means to do his work in his appointed time himself, for he hath power at command; why do you trouble yourselves more than a great many wiser men? No: So the Lord seems to speak in this day, as once john said, [p] 2 King. 9.32. Who is on my side, who? And although such poor creatures as we are can add nothing to him, yet he loves to see us show our good affection, and to do what we are able, and he hath so appointed, that [q] Isa. 26.6. comp. with Jer. 49, 20. the foot, yea the feet of the poor, and the steps (viz the endeavours) of the needy shall tread down the lofty City. And the least of the Flock shall draw them out, etc. And it may not be forgotten how that the Parliament in the time of the late war, as they took notice of Neuters by way of dislike on the one hand, so they did very kindly resent the constant good affections of others, on the other hand. Reas. 9 When sin comes to be National; First, in respect of the sin itself. Secondly, in respect of the persons committing it, being in a National or public capacity. Thirdly, And contrary to professed and declared light, as the sin of this day is, and persisting therein after many admonitions, so as that we may truly say of the transgressors of this day, as the Spirit of the Lord by Isaiah said of Israel of old [r] Isa. 30.1, 2. Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin; that walk to go down to Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt, etc. Now as in verse the eight, the Prophet is commanded to go write is before them in a Table, and note it in a Book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever, that this is a rebellious people, etc. so ought we to do the same, if we would be found faithful to the Lord, & his despised Cause & People in our day, as the Prophet Isaiah was in his, the sins, and persons committing them in our day, being very like the sins, and persons guilty thereof, in that day: And though to bear up a suitable testimony in this day, be as irksome unto us as it was to Jeremiah, chap. 20.8, 9, 10. yet when we consider what encouragement he had from the Lord to hold on his way, [s] Jer. 15.19, 20, 21. come. with chap. 1.17, 18, 19 and not to return to them, and though they might lay many snares for him, he would stand by him, and make him as a fenced City, and brazen walls against them, and be with him, to save and deliver him. We are comfortably persuaded that he will likewise be with us his poor nothing creatures, in this our testimony, if we be found faithful herein unto the death, as he was. For these forementioned Reasons, among others that might be given, are we encouraged to publish our proceedings, from the day of our first withdrawing, to the day of our separation, being the substance of three years labouring, or thereabouts, for the Name and Cause of our Lord Jesus; and therefore give us leave to contend earnestly for the faith of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus, once delivered to the Saints, and for common Justice and righteousness, which hath been sealed unto with so much of the Saints (and others) blood in the late Wars, though now it be very unworthily betrayed, not by Enemies, but professed Friends, many of whom are Brethren in Church-Relation. We hope we can, as in the presence of the Lord that searcheth all htarts, (however others may judge of us) profess ourselves very disirous to follow after those things which makes for peace, so far as the shoes of the Gospel will carry us; but to have peace with Dishonesty, Injustice, Unrighteousness, Lying, Deceit, or Oppression, etc. is contrary to the mind of the Gospel of peace, [t] 2 Cor. 6.14 Phil. 4.8 any of which sins should Paul himself been found guilty of, were ground sufficient by his own Argument, [u] 2 Cor. 7.2. for the Church of Corinth (and so by consequence for any other Church) to refuse Communion with him; therefore to have peace upon this account, is to have peace where God would have war, and to bring ourselves under that woe pronounced against those [⋆] Isa. 5.20 who call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness, etc. And if any shall yet blame us for appearing in this public way, give us leave to say unto them as David said unto his brethren when he came into the Camp of Israel, [x] 1 Sam. 17.29. What have we now done? is there not a cause? Adding hereunto also, the report gone out amongst many of those from whom we are separated, saying, That if we could prove any thing against the Soldiers, they were ready to do their duty towards them as well ae we: Wherefore it is very requisite that others should see the matter of fact, and judge whether from the whole we had not just ground for this our withdrawing and separation; and we also hope, that such among them who are sensible of the evil testified against, will bear with us in what we have done therein. But if any shall say of us deridingly, as Michal said of David, [y] 2 Sam. 6.20 How glorious was the King of Israel to day, who uncovered himself in the eyes of his servants as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovereth himself, etc. Give us leave for answer, to say as David said, It is for the Lord, otherwise we had rather be silent then displease any, much less those whom we dearly love in the Lord. But if this be to be vile, we shall yet be more vile, & we hope in our own sight also; and although flesh may in some respects be ready to show itself in this case, yet if all things be duly considered, there is little reason for it; for where flesh would show itself, it is for some advantage; but it seems to us as if there were little fleshly advantage to be reaped by it; for flesh naturally loves a good report of all especially among the generality of professors; [z] Luk 11.43. but do we not hereby, yea, have we not already lost the good report of men, and of Brethren too? Again, flesh loves the Ruler's favour, [a] Prov. 29 26. where there is hopes of honour, profit, or preferment, etc. But on the contrary, do we not hereby hazard our Estates, and lives and all? But admit that flesh will be showing itself, as we have sufficient cause to fear, and as we have experience, and may too sadly complain thereof in our own souls, in the best and most warrantable Work the Lord may require of us, yet this ought not to be matter of discouragement, but of caution. Pray therefore for us all ye faithful ones, in the Work, Kingdom, and patient expectation of our Lord Jesus, [b] Rev. 1.9. to whom this especially is directed, and on whose behalf (in a great measure) this Testimony comes, We humbly entreat that you would beg of the Lord that flesh may receive a rebuke every way. What temptations we have, and do meet withal, none knows so well as ourselves, it being sometimes suggested to us, That it were better to lay down our Testimony, and venture no further, then run the hazard that may follow thereupon; but when we think of that Scripture, [c] Mat. 25.23. comp. with Luke 12: from 35, to 45. Well done good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in a little, I will make thee Ruler over much, enter thou into thy Master's joy, etc. It is then matter of encouragement to us to persevere therein, considering also how easy a thing it is for us to lose the Crown of our Testimony, Rev. 3.11. by declining the Cause of Christ we through Grace have been, and yet are engaged in, although we may not lose the salvation of our own souls; which puts us in mind of Barnabas, of whom it was said, [d] Acts 11.22, 23, 24. He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost, exhorting the Saints at Antioch to cleave unto the Lord with full purpose of heart; yet afterwards this good man received a check by joining with John, whose Surname was Mark, who left Paul in the Work at Pamphilia, [e] Acts 15.38: that Paul testifies against him for so doing and afterwards we do not hear of Barnabas in any further Work for Christ, as formerly he had been; so good it is to stick close to Christ in an Evil day. And have we not also this further promise, [f] Rev: 31.10: Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. It would have been too long and tedious to have inserted the whole matter, as it was publicly debated in the whole Congregation, drawn from those six scandalous sins laid to the charge of the Soldiers then amongst us; Moreover, we should thereby have given occasion to some to have given a Reply to many things, which we suppose will hereby be avoided. But if any notwithstanding our endeavours, shall adventure to blemish the Truth, and Cause, we do hereby contend for, we trust the Lord will give us wisdom to make an humble and sober Reply ●o such persons if need be: And therefore for the better clearing of truth to the understanding of the Reader, some Marginal Annotations are only added, whereby the matter of fact is proved by the Army's Declarations, and Engagements, etc. whilst they pretended to be faithful to the cause of Christ, whereof the Soldiers aforementioned, were then, and still are Members; besides several particulars proved against them, all being contained in our first paper, and after that comes in our gradial proceedings against them, and their Abettors, upon their perseverance in so great evil, that so it may appear we have walked according to Rule, in order to the convincing, and recovering of them, if the Lord had so pleased. We know upon perusal of the subject-matter contained in this Book, there will be many infirmities, and weaknesses, showing forth themselves therein; but we hope the Lord hath given you such bowels of tenderness as to pass them over, and rather be eyeing the drift and scope of what is intended hereby, and therefore shall take up no more time in an Epistolary way, but leave it unto the blessing of the Lord, with this Exhortation to you, as well as unto ourselves, [g] 2 Tim: 2: 19: come: with Judas 23: Let every one that nameth the Name of Christ depart from iniquity, hating even the garment spotted by the flesh, that so at the appearing of our Lord Jesus, he may say unto us, Well done good and faithful Servants, enter you into your Masters Joy. Signed in the name and by the appointment of the greater number of the Congregation, who have separated from those now walking with Mr. John Sympson. Humphrey Hathorn, Caleb Ingold, John Seely, John Portmen. THE Old Leaven purged out: OR, The Apostasy of this day further opened. A true Copy of our first Paper to Mr. SYMPSON, and the other part of the Congregation, after we were withdrawn upon the account of the Soldiers, declaring the grounds and reasons of our withdrawing; Dated the first day of the fourth month, 1656. Delivered in writing at London-house the next first day after the date hereof, by six of our Brethren, accompanied with the whole. Only the Marginal Annotations were since added, to prove what we have asserted in the body of our papers. Dear beloved Brethren & Sisters in our Lord jesus Christ, HAving spent some time together, and apart, to seek the Lord for counsel and direction since we absented ourselves from you, having had (as we hope) some sorrow and grief of heart that we cannot with any comfort partake with you at present of those Ordinances our Lord Jesus hath left his people to be exercised in until his second coming and appearance, and we trust have endeavoured in some degree of sincerity to search our own hearts concerning those sins laid to our charge, as uncharitableness, Pride, Rashness, self-willedness, Arrogancy, etc. which we must acknowledge to be in as in too great a measure, yet doubtless this we may speak to the glory of the free Grace of our Father in Jesus Christ, That notwithstanding Satan, togegether with the body of sin we carry about us, hath had great advantage to blemish that blessed Cause and Interest we have been so long contending for, we may (we hope), declare, That in ●●plicity, and godly sincerity, this Work hath been managed by us; and also, that it is out of love to Truth, as well as on Truth's behalf, we are so far engaged. It is in the conclusion of our waiting upon, and seeking to the Lord much upon our hearts, to lay before you the Truth we are so much under a Cloud for, that if the Lord will we may find such a fruit of this our seeking to, and waiting upon him, as will bring most glory to God, and comfort to you and us, and the provoking the Churches of Christ in this Nation, too generally fallen in with the iniquity of this day. Dear Brethren and Sisters, and longed for in the Lord, You very well know how for some years together the Lord hath been risen out of his holy place [a] Isa. 26.21. to punish the Inhabitants of the Earth for their iniquity; and notwithstanding those Inhabitants have, and do under a form of godliness get into Zion; yet so narrow hath the Lord been, and still is in his search at this day, that [b] Isa. 33.14. comp. with chap 4.4, 5. the sinners in Zion are afraid; for he hath set up his fire in Zion, and furnace in Jerusalem, and will not leave till he hath throughly purged his floor; in which great Work we find that his own people have not been without their refinings in regard of so great filth they carry about them; for he saith, [c] Isa. 4.4.5: that he must wash away the filth of the daughter of Zion from the midst thereof, and purge away the blood of Jerusalem by a spirit of Judgement, and a spirit of Burning, that upon all the glory may be a defence. The nature of this Work hath been not only by the Sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God in the 〈◊〉 of his Serurnts the Prophets; but also by the Sword of a man, (or the material Sword) and herein we find the Saints not only by their prayers, but their persons also have been instrumental, making good that Word in the Psalms, [d] Psal. 149 4. Let the high praises of God be in their ●●●ths, and a two-edged Sword in their hands, to execute upon the Adversaries of his glory, the judgements written, to bind their * * Was not the vengeance executed upon the King, his Issue, Nobles, Gentry, Clergy, and other abettors, a manifest return of prayer to the Lords people, and in part a fulfilling of that Scripture? Yea, let the army & the soldiers from whom we are separated, look over their Declarations and Remonstrances, etc. upon this-account; See Abridgm: Remonst: at Alb●ns, pag: 30-31: o● Book, called The Looking. Glass; and Decl: July: 19 1650: pag: 46, 47: of that Book: Decl Aug: 1. 1650: p: 48, 49, 50. or in a sheet or paper commonly seen: Decl: after old Parl: was dissolved, p. 53, 54: & in their Speech to the little Part: p. 55, 56, 58, 61, 62, 63: of the aforementioned book; and we entreat all the churches of Christ in this city, and the three Nations, to consider how far they encouraged the army therein, & whether they did not take up arms for the interest and cause of Christ, at the invitation of their Pastors and Elders; if not so, we are not able to judge upon what account churches, as churches, should be sent unto, to take up the material Sword; but if t●●e, what means this general silence under, & falling in with the present power upon the old ●●ock of Monarchy: who not only have taken the remainder of the great Houses, Robes, & Revenues, &c: out of the spoils of the late Monarchy, and put them among their ownstuff, which ought to be improved to carry on the work of the Lord, but also the old bribing practice of giving & receiving honours, with other arbitrary & antichristian powers (that part of the accursed thing which should wholly be destroyed) to uphold themselves and court in that outward Pomp, Pride, Luxury, yea greater oppression & tyranny, which so much faith, prayer & appeals hath formerly been put up and exercised, blood and treasure spent for the ruin and destruction of: Kings in Chains, and Nobles in Feters of Iron, etc. But oh! that which we desire to mourn before the Lord for, is. That after nine or ten years' War, wherein for the latter part thereof, our adversaries have been but as dust before the Wind, not being able to stand before the Faith, Prayers, and Persons of the Lords people, either by Sea or Land; Wherein we cannot but think that the dispensation of the Lord hath been somewhat like that of Israel in their journey to Canaan, and our present standing somewhat like that in the sixth and seventh of Joshua, where Achan through his Covetousness made bold with a wedge of Gold, and Babylonish Garment, contrary to the command of the Lord in the destruction of Jericho, upon which account it is called an Accursed thing, wherein give us leave humbly to observe this, e e Mr. Sympson upon asecond day at All hallows, spoke, from joshua 6.26. Cursed be the man before the lord, that riseth up, and builds the City jericho, etc. and raised the same observation from the words, that we have here inserted, and did then say, That he looked upon the late King and his Monarchy, with the Hierarchy of the Bishops, to be that Jericho, in whose ruin the lord was as much glorified as in that of Jericho, being the fruit of the faith and prayers of the lords people, as well as of their persons; and that whosoever should build it, or when built, maintain it, did hazard the bringing themselves, under the curse of the lord for so doing; and by way of allusion unto Jericho, did spiritually discover the present apostasy, manifesting how dangerous it was to be an abettor unto, and a complyer with the lericho builders of this day. That that person, or those persons who shall build that which the Lord hath got himself so much glory in the destruction of, do transgress the Command of the Lord, and hazard the bringing themselves under the Curse of the Lord for so doing, and such also who partake with them in this their building, become guilty thereof before the Lord, and not only so, but to partake of the Wedge of God, and Babylonish Garment; surely such persons are in a high measure accessary to such transgressions, by means whereof the Work of the Lord is retarded, as to any visible appearance; yea he is withdrawn from us, and goeth not forth with our Forces f Hath there not been a series of providences loudly witnessing against the present apostasy since its first rise; and to mention but three or four of many; First, In frustrating the consultations of both his Parliaments, though (as we conceive) they were called and garbled on purpose to settle the person in power. Secondly, the very chargeable, and in a great measure fruitless expedition of the Navy to the Straits. Thirdly, The wonderful blasting that so much boasted of design to, and at Hypaniola, though some have vainly said, That the Lord was bound to carry on that design, to manifest their integrity for Christ's interest; yet hath it hitherto been greatly dishonourable to this Nation, and the loss of many thousand lives by a few cow-killers, and a great mortality there, and at jamaica: Fourthly, In not only withdrawing the prayers of his people, from, but engaging them against it; and their forces doth clearly declare that God is departed from them, and become their Enemy, Isa: 26: 11: by Sea or Land, as of old, but we fall and consume away before our Enemies, according to that in Isa. 30.15, 16, 17. And now give us leave in the fear of the Lord (and we hope in humility) to declare, That our dear brethren who wear the Sword to maintain the present Power and Government, (the new erected Jericho of this day) being all of the formerly engaged for God and Christ before the present Apostasy, cannot free themselves from those public sins laid before them by us in the presence of the Congregation to wit, Gal. 2.18. Rome 21.32. Rom. 2.3. Phillip 4.8. First, Treason, contrary to an Act g If every just Ordinance of man ought to be obeyed, 1 Pet: 2: 13: then surely this Act of Jan. 30. 1648, with that of March 17. following, (see Looking-Glass, pag. 43, 44.) being a fruit of the Parliament, together with the Lords people, and the armies public testimony against Oppression and Tyranny, as also Monarchy the foundation thereof; in prosecution whereof, the Army and Navy were wonderfully blessed against all opposers; not that we magnify that form of Government otherwise then as we saw it at that time more conducing to the advancement of the interest of Christ, and the Nations liberty, and more refined in its nature than Kingly Government could be at the best, from whom many corrupt members being purged, Tyranny was in some measure suppressed, and the cause of Christ carried on in opposition to antichrist; for otherwise we judge that all forms of men's invention may be broken and made void, when they answer not the end for which they were appointed. made by Parliament, the then Authority of this Nation, after many out-going of God, not only against the late King as a Tyrant, but against his Monarchy as the root of Tyranny, whereby the Form, as well as the Power, was destroyed, as that Jericho which stood in opposition to the Lord, his Cause and People; so that to build it, or when built, to maintain it, the Lord being much glorified in the ruin of it can be no less then publicly scandalous; for without the Army, of which our Brethren are Members, (and some of them very eminent in office) in the judgement of reason this h An image of the Beast in regard it prosecutes the same tyrannical interest from a tincture of the same spirit which the late King did; stands upon the same, yea a more bloody bottom, so much of the Saints & others blood being shed in opposition to it, is more arbitrary than the former, having first by himself, and secondly, under the false cover of a second garbled Company of Salary and self-interested men, without the lords people, and the Nations consent, taken the Military power, and a negative voice, etc. which no King ever was allowed; and is not only sinful and scandalous, but contrary to the mind of the lord, and right Reason; (Therefore when Soul through a spirit of apostasy in, and from the wrath of God upon the people, was chosen king, Samuel declared he would be such a one, 1 Sam. 8.9, 10 v: 18: lays op●n the arbitrary power and oppression of a king, or monarchy) so that he is only divers in name through the old threadbare pretence of giving liberty to the lords people, which is no other than to go peaceaby to their several meetings, and home again, if they let him alone, and not reprove his tyranny and usurpation; but to all who speak against it, and comply not with him therein, he is both in look, and in deed, more stout than his fellows, as by his former and late actions to some doth plainly appear. Image of the Beast now set up, could not stand: and though our Brother Kelzey was pleased to say, That he or they were Traitors who spoke, or rose up against him who had now the power of the Nation, though usurpedly, in his hand, thereby endeavouring to fasten than upon us which he himself, with the rest, are guilty of; yea, we think it is plain to every one that will not shut their eyes against the light, that it can be no treason to speak against a person who hath no Law for his standing or practice, i The Army in Remonstrance at Albon, Novem. 16: 1648: and in the Abridgement thereof, (See looking-Glass, ●…. 7, 28, 30) to justify their pressing for justice against the king in opposition to the Parliament, about the personal Treaty, do say, That where a person trusted with a limited power to rule according to law, shall not only pervert that Trust, but assume hurtful powers never committed to him, and swallow up all foundations of right and liberties, into his absolute will and power, to imposs, tak● away, and destroy at his pleasure, etc. and shall by force uphold himself in that tyrannical power, is guilty of the highest treason against the highest law amongst men, and forfeits all that trust and power he had, and sets the people free to take their best advantage to bring him to justice etc. And in answer to that common objection from Rom. 13.1. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers, etc. (urged by malignants in that day, as by members of Churches, and others now) they say, Paul speaks of magistracy in its constitution, not of a person abusively exercising it, to be God's instrument for good to every one, an encourager of good in every man, and an enemy to evil, therefore the kings of the Israelites must know the law for a rule, for this they quote, Deut. 17.2 kings two, 12.2 Sam. 23. wherein we apprehend they speak the will and mind of God: Now if a lawful power acting thus, or king Charles, between whom and the people was some kind of compact and agreement, could not, nor was not then reputed to be God's Ordinance, and might not only be spoken against, but brought to justice, then surely O. Cromwell who forceth his power upon us, committing the same, and greater wickedness, is much less God's Ordinance, and may not only be spoken against, but brought under the same, and greater condemnation, And for our brethren the Soldiers to be abetting and supporting such abominations, having formerly declared and engaged against them, may, and aught to be reproved, and in case they persist therein, to be withdrawn from, yea, to disown all Church relation with them: but like a brute beast, hath broken all the bounds & limits of Law or Reason to accomplish his lustful Will, therefore where there is no Law, there is no transgression; And what Law of the Nation do we transgress? yea, Is there not a good Law of the Land that doth justify us in making it Treason for the person now in Power to act singly in the Government; and our Brethren who abet him that he may not be brought to public Justice, are likewise transgressors of that Law; yea the Instrument of Government shall be Judge, he having therein sworn to maintain all the the laws of this land, of which that Act is one, yet in force, so that we humbly think they do directly come under the reproof of that Scripture, 2 Tim. 3.4. in these Words, Traitors, heady, high minded, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away; which is the more considerable if compared with the first verse of that chapter, where the Apostle among other sins, reckons that to be one of the dangerous sins of the last times; and that likewise in the sixth of Luke, verse 16. where our Lord Jesus speaking concerning Judas, calls him Traitor, foretelling what he would do to him; and whether the cause of Christ be not betrayed k judas professing love to the person of Christ, as a friend & Disciple, afterwards falling in with the Power in being betraying him into their hands for 30. pieces of silver, was called a Traitor; So the army having declared for the advancement of his Kingdom & Interest in opposition to Antichrist, Monarchy and Tyranny, and after all, for the riches and preferments of this world, to deliver up this blessed cause, and the people who are kept faithful to it, to be persecuted and imprisoned by their General, who to keep power in his hand, is acting upon that foundation, and doth those very, and worse things, for which the former Tyrant and Monarchy were destroyed, in the mean while (like judas when he kissed Christ) pretending faithfulness thereunto; they may more truly be called Traitors than he, having herein acted not only the part of treacherous judas, but been more vile than the wicked Magistrates. by this generation for whom our Brethren do so-stifly contend, we leave unto the Lord and you to judge; yea with grief of heart we may speak it to be truth. Secondly, which is the sadness of it, our Brethren cannot free themselves from being guilty of the breach of that Engagement l See the Engagement in page 46: of the forementioned Book, which was sent to the Officers and Soldiers to sign, to take off the reproach cast upon them, That they cut off the King to set up one of their own; we look not upon their transgression so much to consist in being against a Commonwealth otherwise then as it was opposed to Monarchy, which was, is, and in the hand of any single person but Christ, will be tyrannical and antichristian: And if self-interest, Oppression, and arbitrary power were not more established now then before, we should be the more silent, being to eye the end of an Engagement, and the form only as it answers the end; but we may truly say there is a breach of the form, with the power and end also, as is plain to every eye not by hast with gifts and preferments, which (Deut. 16: 19:) doth blind the eyes of the wise, etc. given by the Parliament to all that served them, To be true and faithful to the Government as it was then established, without a King and House of Lords. Besides the Declaration of the Army m See this Declaration in the same book, page 3, as also Deol. july 19 1650. pag. 46, 47 say they, A party in Parliament true to God and their Trust, did bring to justice, and cause to be executed the late King, did lay aside the House of Lords, and for the good of the people, resolved the Government into a Commonwealth, and removed the King and Kingship, And that it might appear the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, was in the womb of all their undertake, they cause more particularly to declare for the same, see Decl. Aug: 1: 1650, say they, And having these things singly in our eye, namely, the destruction of antichrist, and the advancement of the Kingdom of jesus Christ, etc. and being persuaded in our consciences that the King and his Monarchy was one of the ten horns of the beast, spoken of Rev: 17.12, 13, 14 & being witnesses to so much innocent blood of the Saints he had shed in supporting the beast, & considering the loud cries of the souls of the Saints under the altar, we were carried forth to desire justice upon the King, &c: We are not soldiers of fortune, nor merely the servants of men; we have not only proclaimed Christ to be our King by profession; but desire to admit him to the exercise of his royal authority in our hearts, and to follow him whither soever, he goes, it is our prayer daily that those that seat the Lord in England and Scotland, may become one in the hand of the Lord, & join together in the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, and throwing down, and trampling upon the seat of the Beast; why should not Scotland as well as England, rejoice to see the horns of the beast cut off, that we may join together to hate the whore & burn her fl●sh with fire, &c, & in another Decl. pag. 54: of the same Book, they desire the people might forget Monarchy. See their speech to the little Parliament, pag 55, 61, 62, 63: of the aforementioned book, where much is spoken to this purpose: And what interest is now exalted but self-interest? how is antichrist destroyed but in changing Bishops for Triers? What Church and people delivered but the National Church, and such as are willing quietly to walk under the former abominations? what means the present Monarchy? at whole door will the blood of the Saints shed in opposition to the late King, lie? yea, and the blood of the King and his party lyespunctel; Give leave to instance Hos. 1: 4: Yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezrel upon the house of John; Are not our brethren and the army soldiers of Fortune, and the servants of; men now? if not so, would they crouch to such abominations as these? Have they not chosen another King besides Jesus? Surely these Declarations and Engagements stare them in the face, and at which they could not but blush if their consciences were not feared; see what is the mind of the Lord concerning this thing in the following Scriptures, Numb. 30.2. Eccles. 5.4 compared with Psal: 66 13, 14. Deut: 33: 2●: Isa: 5.9 3 Hos. 10.4. Mal. 3: 5 Gal: 3: 15: 2 Tim: 3: 3: June 14. 1647. likewise another upon the Armies going into Scotland, dated July 10. 1650 wherein they do voluntarily, and without compulsion declare unto the World that they will not set up a single person over the Nation, though he were such a one as they could most confide in; looking upon that form of Government not only to be tyrannical; but antichristian. And many, more reasons are there laid down to ground their judgements upon truth, according to the Scriptures; whereby it plainly appears to us they are no less than guilty of Covenant-breaking and false swearing, whatsoever may be said to the contrary, by objecting, That me can not prove their hands were to any such Declarations or Engagments, for it is all one if they being then in, or belonging to the Army, & did in their place prosecute the ends of those Declarattions and Engagements against the Stuarts Party, and other opposers, never in the least declaring against the matter and ends thereof. Thirdly, For one sin doth not go without its Concomitants; the Lord's people, their own Brethren are oppressed, first, Because they cannot pay Taxes n Besides the forementioned particulars, the very same, and greater arbitrary powers, (which they declared should not be exercised by any, much less by themselves) viz. a negative voice, the costly pomp of a Court, of which the man in power once said, He abhorred that way of government for nothing more; a House of Lords, of whom he said, It would never be well whilst there was one Lord left in England, and till the Earl of Manchester was called Mr. Montague. Keeping men in prison without bringing them to trial. Injustice in proceeding at Law. Paying Taxes whilst Oppression remains: Forming a balancing party in the Parliament for his interest: Forcing ●rebble damages from those who refuse to pay Tithes: Locking up Printing-Presses against whom they please; Upholding Monopolies, Which is, as in other things, so now up. on the Bible; with many other particulars that might be named, all practised in this day, which the Army, the generality of the Churches, and other godly prodeclared against, as may be seen in the several Declarations, Remonstrances, Petitions, and Letters of the army; as also the large petition presented to the Parliament by thousands well affected people in, and about London, in pag. 9, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 25, 29, 32, 33, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41. of Book called, The Looking-Glass. And yet for our Brethren and the Army after all, to be upholding not only the same, but greater oppressions (and chiefly among themselves) it can be no less than open apostasy. And to demand, much more force the Lords people, and others, to pay Taxes to maintain them herein, (it being evident they ventured their Estates, Lives and all with them, whilst prosecuting the cause of Christ) it can be no other than Oppression in a hign degree. With those Scriptures in the Margin, see Obad. ver. 13. to maintain them in their present standing of apostasy and backsliding. Secondly, Mic. 2.2 Zeph. 3.4. comp. with Ezek. 22.27. Ezek. 46.18. Pro. 22.22. Zech. 7.10. Neh. 5. v. 9, to 14. jam. 2.6. Tithes o To demand, much more force the payment of tithes for maintenance of parish-Ministers, or others upon that account, is against the dispensation of the Gospel, Heb. 7.12. The Levitical priesthood being changed, so is the Law, Heb. 7 13. Christ sprang from Judah, of which Tribe was no priest to receive tithes; the National Ministers pretend to receive their Commission from Christ who sprang from Judah, and not from the Priesthood which was of the tribe of Levi: There is no New-Teltament-Rule for any dwelling within such a compass of ground, to build a Steeplehouse to preach the Gospel in, or to compel all, or any within that bounds, to come to hear that Minister which is either appointed by themslves, or by others imposed upon them; & whether they come or no, to demand, much less force a contribution to help maintain that House and Minister, and in case they refuse, to hale them before Magistrates, and cast them in prison, this is no other than the invention of the Pope, and his Brethren, the Magistrates of Antichrist, to support their interest and power over the people, and not the mind of Jesus Christ, whose appointment is, That although his Ministers who administer their spiritual things to others, should if they are poor live of the Gospel, and reap of their carnal things, 1 Cor. 9, 10, 14. come. with Gal. 6.6. yet he hath no where appointed that any should be compelled to hear, or maintain them, much less presecuted of imprisoned for refusing either, but the contrary; see Matth. 10.8, 11, 13, 14 come. with Luke 10.5. to 10. The Lord in Mich 3: 5: doth threaten those priests and prophets that teach for hire, and divine for money, and prepare war against him that putteth not into their mouths, come. with Isa. 56.11. All which (with much more that might be spoken to this purpose) being considered, we wonder how such who have so highly declared for Christ against antichrist, dare be supporting of such abominations; he that runs may read the daily Oppression of this kind, except there be a bowing down to the Golden Image of the national Clergy, with her head: are forced from many, to the oppression of some, and the undoing of others; and so they oppress a man and his house, a man and his Heritage. Now it is not so much ourselves are likely to suffer if we should willingly walk after the Commandment, but the glory of him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light, will be so much blemished, as is beyond expression. And indeed this is much to be lamented that there are so few to bear up their testimony for the Lord against the Evil-doers at this day. Likewise our posterities, if the Lord should not mercifully ease us of our Oppressors, would feel the weight of so great bondage, as to be at the will and mercy of one man to dispose of their persons and Estates, and this backed with an Army of thirty thousand men; and what is likely to be the consequence if the Lord should continue us under this bondage; we think that eighth chap. of the first of Samuel, from verse 9 to verse 19 to gether with Amos 5.10, 11, 12. will plainly make out the sadness of our condition, and the dislike of such who shall quietly acquiess in, and approve of those oppressions, and the sad condition also of such who shall be active for such Oppressors, and Oppressions. Moreover we desire to ask our Brethren who wear the Sword, these two questions; First, Whether they do not receive the unrighteous Wages of War in a time of peace? Secondly, Whether the Wages so received be not to enslave us p A Testimony for this in the former and present imprisonment of many of the servants of Christ for testifying against the abominations of this day; to wit, Mr. Carew, Major General Harrison, Mr. Feake, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Courtny, Coll. Rich, Sir Henry Vane, Major General Overton, Vice Admiral Lawson, M. Cann: Cornet Day, and several others, some whereof remain in prison to this day; and the Soldiers, the chief instruments in this oppression, yea their General lately to take off the odium that such a wicked act would bring upon him, Commissionates the Mayor and Sheriffs of the City, (who employ the base sort of man, (Act. 17.15.) that like themselves will do any drudgery is put upon them) to come to the meeting in Coleman street to interrupt and hale the Lords faithful people to prison for nothing but pleading for, and pressing after those good things which himself and the army have been greatly instrumental to lead them into, & for declaring against their back-sliding from them; therefore what man or woman that hath any love to Christ, his Cause and People, can pay Taxes to maintain such Oppression and Persecution, or hold communion with any of them in the Ordinances of Christ. in our consciences, as well as in our persons? For whatever the Government saith, We shall have liberty of conscience, it is only to such who can quietly acquiess in their unjust and Antichristian proceedings. Fourthly, persecution of Saints; q Besides what is already mentioned concerning the Soldiers being instrumental to imprison the faithful in this day, and what is hinted in this place, there are some things more particularly charged upon Coll. Kelzey Major Strange, Capt. Harrison, etc. immediately following the sixth head; adding hereunto (besides the Scriptures in the margin) Obad. v. 10, 11, 12. where Esau is charged for his violence and persecution against his brother jacob, and for standing on the other side when his Enemies dealt hardly with him. Then surely they are guilty who uphold the present persecution, and say, It is possible our Brethren suffer for evil-doing. Let also Acts 7.58 comp. with chap. 22.20. be considered, where Paul after conversion, acknowledgeth himself a persecutor before conversion, for standing by, and keeping the Raiment of them which stoned Stephen, thereby consenting to his death. And are not the Soldiers who are members of Churches, and professed brethren, much more guilty, who can imprison their brethren themselves, and be their Jailers too? Yea, some of them to get the applause and favour of man, lie in wait to catch the Lords people, who visit their Brethren in prison, and when they have caught them, like Soul. Acts 9.2. go to the head persecutor to obtain an Order to keep them there, as Mr. Feake was dealt withal at the Tower, not long since; yea, Coll. Eaxter, one of the new Lords, many times keeping not only the acquaintance, but Wives and Relations of the Lords people (in his custody) from visiting of them, which Heathens would abhor to do, see Acts 24.23: and yet the plausible pretences these men make, are with their Pastors, etc. and some other professors, (blinded as themselves) like the whore, Prov. 30.20. wiping her mouth, as if they had done no evil. Wherefore we may justly take up the lamentation of the Prophet, Psal. 55.10, 11, 12, 13, 14. which we desire the Reader to peruse particularly. for plain it is many of our Brethren and others, 2 Chron. 36.16. Matt. 23.30, 31, 34. 2 Chro. 19.2. Esther did otherwise, chap. 8.3, 5. come. with chap. 7.3, 4, 6. yea she desired that the ren sons of Haman the persecutor might be hanged also, Esth. 9.13. Luk. 11.23. suffer imprisonment for bearing testimony against the present Iniquity, having no evil to lay to their charge; and in this that which we would mourn before the Lord for, is, That some of our Brethren do not stick to say, That it is possible they suffer for evil-doing. Which word, It is possible, is no less to us then an indirect justifying the persecutors in their imprisoning of them, thereby adding affliction to their bonds; wherein we think that Scripture doth truly reach them, Prov. 17.15. He that justifieth the wicked, and condemneth the just, even they both are abomination to the Lord. And in this the Soldiers are altogether instrumental, having neither the Law of God or man to justify their practice by civil Officers. And we are sure that good Moses, though he might have been owned and honoured as Son to Pharoahs' Daughter, could not in conscience slay in Pharoahs' Court when he beheld the affliction of his Brethren, Heb. 11.24, 25, 26. though we think his condition there was more harmless, and might more have been improved to the glory of God, and the good of his Brethren, than our Brethren, employment can possibly be, and yet he forsook Pharoahs' Court. Fifthly, By this present Apostasy the whole body of the Laws, Mic. 6.16. 2. King. 10.29, 30, 31, 32. Isa. 29.13, 14. come. with Matt. 15.8, 9 r Upon search into the Laws, Statutes, and Customs of this Nation, it will appear most of them are contrary to Scriptute, as that of Felony, which for stealing to the value of 5. s. is death; but for further satisfaction, see that Book called Examen Legum Angliae: And indeed we may well wonder how any man pretending conscience, could at once swear to maintain such a numberless number, being most of them made in the times of popery. It were likewise to be wished that all other subordinate Officers, as Justices of Peace, cider how they can with comfort take such Oaths as they do; for it is time now for professors to look before they leap. Statutes, and Customs of this Land are sworn to be maintained without any enquiry into the equity or justice of them, which brings in the support of many wicked and s We call that Antichristian which is set up for Christ's institution, yet hath no warrant in Scripture; and surely it never entered into the heart of Christ to set up Patrons, Parsons, Viccars, Curates, Triers, Deans, Doctors, Chancellors, etc. but are from the Pope, & continued by the succeeding popish, carnal, selfish kings, Queens, and Protectors of this Nation, as will appear upon search; wherefore let that Scripture Amos 8.14. compared with 1 King. 12.26, 27, 28, 29. be considered, where jeroboam set up two calves, at Dan and Bethel, to the end the people might not go up to jerusalem to worship, fearing the Kingdom would return to the house of David; and thereby caused them to lay aside his true worship, which thing became a sin and a snare unto Israel. And doth not the upholding the National clergy, &c, run parallel? and as God was then greatly dishonoured, is he not so now? for do they not by their practice declare that Christ as a Son in his house, was not so faithful as Moses a servant? whom first the Pope, and all others to this day, acting as Head of the church directly, or Law received a just recompense of reward, how shall this generation escape, who maintain an invention of worship in opposition to Christ, and force the people to bow down to it by the payment of rythes, though the Tithes, Tenths, & first Fruits, which are claimed as the Magistrates, Clergy, and others due, are no other in their rise then what King Harry the eighth took from the Pope, and the Pope with his Priests had before cheated our forefathers of, under pretence of good works and charity to merit heaven by, and for saying prayers for their souls, and the souls of their deceased ancestors, that they might escape the torments of hell; for further satisfaction, see a Book called The Great Case of Tithes stated, sold for 3 d. at the Black-spread-Eagle near the west of Paul's, which notably discovers how Parsons, Viccars, and Curates, &c, with Tithes were at first brought in, and have been continued to this day. Antichristian Laws, some whereof are already put? in execution, as that of Patrons, parsons, Viccars, Curates, Tithes, together with the old Hierarchy of Bishops, though couched under a new Name of Triers; and in this we conceive our Brethren are guilty also; for time was the Army did declare for removing every yoke from the necks of the Lords People, whether Civil, or Ecclesiastical, and that they were not Mercenary to serve the lusts of men, as now they are, some of them also pleading for the Right of Tithes, and by deceitful words excuse these abominations to the grief of our hearts, and do stand by to maintain him who is the Head of this Apostasy. Sixthly, The great reproach t If what is reported from other countries may be believed, the reproach unto the Name of God by this apostasy is so great, that it is sufficient ignominy to be known as an English professor: And as for our own Nation, all who joined with the Army in the work according to their former good professions and Declarations, are a stink in the Nostrils both of the late King's party, and others, insomuch that in a deriding manner they say to our very faces, etc. Did we not tell you before how things would be carried? we knew the spirits of these men you followed, better than you did, as now you se●: Did not we tell you they desired the destruction of the King that they might get into the Throne themselves is not Oliver Cromwell a greater Tyrant now, then ever King. Charles was You simply out of honest intents followed him, thinking to have greater liberty and privileges, which we always told you would be otherwise, and we think you find our words true now. You then scrupled the paying a little ship money, and such small matters; But what do you say to the great Taxes and Burdens laid upon the Nation now, and yet know not what they will do further? And say others of them, Though we were grieved at cutting off the King's head, yet when we considered the honest things the army held forth in their Declarations against their own self-interest, and for liberty in opposition to oppression, we were the more quiet, hoping they would have been as good as their words; but now we see plainly you are all a company of jugglers, and intended nothing else in all you said, and did but your own advancement; this is the godly army; we will never trust professors more for your sakes. And many more of the like, and worse expressions, whereby Religion is made a scorn; so that we may say in truth as Nathan said to David, 2 Same 12: 13. Because by this apostasy so great occasion is given the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, therefore shall not this iniquity pass away without some special judgement: Adding hereunto the great reproach that is brought upon the ways of Christ by the divisions and breaches among his own people, such as hath not been for many generations past; it puts that Scripture often in some of our thoughts, Mat. 18.7. Offences will come, but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh. And is there not just offence given by the army and our Brethren in particular? More especially, Coll. Kelzey, who said in the presence of the whole congregations, That if any should rise up against the present Power, under what pretence soever, he would sheathe his sword in their bowels, though his own Brethren, for he should look upon them as disturbers of the peace. And have we not cause to be offended & grieved at these things? can we sit at Christ's Table with such persons as he? Surely no. brought to the Name of God, Lam. 2.15 16. Rom. 2.23, 24. come. with Isa. 52 5.6. Psa. 79.4. Dan. 9.16.2 Sam. 12 14 his Cause, and Son at this day, which makes the hearts of the righteous sad, whom the Lord would not have fadned, 2 King. 19 3: Jam. 2: 7: Psa: 69: 9 Ezck. 13.22. and the Enemy great ground to rejoice that so large profession should end in the greatest oppression & wickedness that we could have expected from the adversaries of his glory, against whom so great a contest hath been by blood for so many years; and for our Brethren to own and approve of him who hath so greatly dishonoured the Lord, by serving him with their Swords in their hands, cannot we think free them from being transgressors thereof in a high measure. And now we shall humbly lay before you some particular instances from these generals, though one would think this were enough to every impartial eye; for by how much sin comes to be countenanced, Isa. 10.1. &c carried on by a Law, by so much it is the more dangerous for particular persons to fall in with it. Our Brother Kelzey cannot be freed from having a hand in the [v] rise of the Government (the Cockatrice Egg of this day) in regard himself and Coll. u Coll. Kelzey did at Mr. Sapmsons house in Coal-harbour, before many brethren, more fully confess what was laid to his charge in coming down to the Fleet, then is laid down in the paper: Moreover at that time he said also, That before his coming down to the Fleet he was at a Meeting of the Officers of the Army when the Government was presented to them in writing for their approbation, and that he himself did alder something therein, and so gave his consent, it being his judgement and conscience, (as he said) although when his coming down to the Fleet was first laid to his charge, it was denied by him in these words, That he had not directly, or indirectly a hand in the rise of the Government; whereby he was guilty of a plain untruth; only this is to be remembered, That whereas it is said in the paper, Coll. Clark was with him when the first came down to the Fleet, it was a mistake, for it seems he came down alone that time. Clark was employed in December, 1653. to come down to the Fleet then riding before Portsmouth, & brought along with them the Paper of Government in writing, with a blank in that Article where the Persons Name who was to be Protector, should be inserted; when it was also declared that it was thought the Lord General should be the Man, but it was not yet determined. Likewise since that he hath taken upon him to be a Major General, whereby the Nation is divided into Provinces, the plain fruit of Monarchical Conquest, as if twelve or thirteen years' War, wherein so much blood both of the Saints and others had been spilt, though in pretence for Christ; yet indeed to establish the lustful interest of one particular person, founded upon a more Tyrannical and Antichristian bottom then the late King, who was cut off for his Tyranny. Moreover as a Fruit of this our Brothers new degree of honour, he hath oppressed several of the Lords People by forcing Taxes from them, as from Coll. Rich. † A copy of Coll. Rich his Letter to Kelzey, was produced to know the reason of his sending Soldiers to quarter upon him; and Kelzey's answer, wherein he declared, That there they should quarter till the Tax were paid. a prisoner for truth, of which we have been particular in making it out how long the Soldiers quartered at his house in Kent, selling his Corn, killing three of his Tenant's sheep for Food, and last of all distrained, which they might have done at first, but that they resolved to make the yoke as heavy as they could; and not only so, but took between four of five pounds more than the Tax came to. Likewise since that, Taxes have been forced from Capt. Burcher Capt. Owen, and Capt. Price, in Canterbury; from the first of whom the Soldiers ⋆ This also was by Kelzeys' Order. took to the value of thirty shillings, to pay for their quarters a day and night, (as they said) and if this be not Oppression, we know not what it. Also he justifieth the imprisonment of our Brethren by saying, 'Tis possible they suffer for evil-doing. Our Brother Capt. Harrison was Keeper to our Brother Sympson whilst he was a x It is some grief of heart unto us that we should make mention of Mr. Sympson's Name, as declined from that spirit of Testimony which was upon him whilst he continued a prisoner. prisoner for truth; and though he might do it in love, yet that will only excuse the aggravation of the sin, and not the sin itself; for we are to do no evil that good may come of it; yea we are to avoid every appearance of evil; and since that, the Church took cognizance of our Brothers evil therein, and did declare their dislike of that act, yet notwithstanding have they received him by their last vote, without the least acknowledgement of his sin. Our Brother Ducket did in the presence of the Brethren at London-house declare his full approbation of the present Government, as if there had been no sin in its first rise; and indeed did so justify the iniquity of this day, that the generality of the Brethren were much dissatisfied with him. Also he declared, That he would have none in his troop but such as would engage to be true to the present power; which did then much dissatisfie the Brethren, and our Brother Sypmson also; since which he hath been in Scotland. Our Brother Strange had the custody of our Brother Major General Harrison, until we think he was ashamed out of it by some of the Lords servants who came to visit him, professing their non-communion with our brother Strange in common eating, whilst he was his brother's Jailor. Likewise our brother, Strange did ask our brother Speneer in Marybone-Park, Whether the Soldiers had sold their Debentors unto him, Brother Spencer answered, No, he did profess they would not sell them. Strange answered, Is not their ⋆ To wit, the time allowed them to look after their own occasions. time out? if it be, cashier them. This our Brother Strange denied, saying, If that can be proved you may judge all the rest to be true; but it was witnessed to his face at our brother Gardener's house. Likewise he did declare, That he would have none of the congregation in his troop, which came to be made known upon this occasion, Our brother Hathorne declared to our brother Spencer his desire to ride in the Major Generals. Troop, whereupon our brother Spencer sent him to the Major General; but not having an opportunity to speak with him, he less his Errand with brother Strange; and coming back to brother Spencer, he told him, Thou hast undone thyself, for Strange hath said he will have none of the Congregation in his Troop; which he also denied with a great deal of cavilling, but it was witnessed to his face. Our brother Summer being asked what he fought for now, he replied, For half Crowns. Whether a Saint if called to venture his life only for money, can with comfort lay it down, having nothing of conscience to engage him, we leave unto the Lord and you to judge. These things still lying upon our hearts, we judged it our duty to present them unto you, and lay them before you, and with humility to offer these following Queries as the Grounds and Reasons of our absence to this day. 1 1. Whether there be not from what hath been already offered, ground to believe that our Brethren are under sin, and that scandalous, though they excuse it by saying, It doth not appear to be so to them? 2 2. Whether it be not according to the Rule to deal with a Brother upon the account of sin committed, y When we laid the Soldiers evil to their charge, they excused it, saying, It did not appear to be so to them: The incestuous person, 1 Cor. 5.5. was to be dealt withal for sin committed, though his conviction was afterwards: The reason why they will not acknowledge their sin, is because Deut. 16.19: A gift blinds the eyes of the wise, and perverts the words of the righteous. And Prov. 17.8. A gift is as a precious stone in the eyes of him that hath it; wheresoever it turns, it prospers; implying, if the heart desires gifts, it will be ready to serve their end who gives them, therefore (Prov. 18.16.) it is said, A man's gift maketh room for him, and brings him before great men. And if they have such power upon them, not wonder if they prevail upon our brethren, so lately raised up from a mean condition, who whilst they are willing to receive their money, will not acknowledge their serving of them to bean evil. Paul (1 Cor. 5.2.) reproves the Church for keeping the incestuous person so long among them; and yet the present Churches keep Army-men, and others among them, though their sin be as plain as the incestuous persons was. whether he be convinced of it, or not, such dealing being in order to conviction? but in case he shall be convinced, or not be convinced, yet if he do not forsake it by turning from his evil way, the censure, of the Church is to pass upon him notwithstanding. 3 3. Whether you have not in some degree miss of the will of God in receiving them amongst you without so much as a word of z Besides Eph. 5.11. see Psal. 50.16, 17, 18. comp. with Prov. 24.24. where you may find it is not only a consenting to, and a partaking with evil, but a saying to the wicked, Thou art righteous, when we see persons commit sin, and not reprove them: And if what is said in Prov. 24.24. be true, He that saith to the wicked, Thou art righteous, him shall the people curse, Nations shall abhor him; then surely not only the people of this, but the Nations abroad when they come to hear of the apostasy of the Army and them in power, from those good principles, leading to the advancement of Zion, and the Kingdom of Christ, (formerly declared for) which had they been pursued, would have brought in so much good to the whole creation, they will not only abhor them, but also curse those godly people both in, and out of Churches, who instead of doing their duty in reproving and withdrawing from the (the only means to put a stop thereunto, and to revive the works again) do sit down with, and strengthem therein, whereby that good is kept from coming to them. Admonition from the Lord, as being jealous of their souls, lest sin (though as they say, unseen to them) lying hid in their hearts, should at last break forth in a greater measure, to the greater dishonour of God. 4 4. Whether you do not in a great measure bid them a Psal. 50.18. compared with Prov: 24: 25: it is a partaking with evil to approve of persons that commit it, see job 34: 8: compared with 2 john chap: 10: verse ●●: God speed in their Employments as they now stand, and thereby become partakers of their evil deeds? 5 5. Whether our Brethren do not by their continuance in these sins, walk b 2 Thess: 3: 6: Disorderly walking is declared in v: 8: 11: to be eating a man's bread for nought, or not answering the end for which that bread is given; Now our Brethren receiving pay and salaries from the present Power, which is the bread extorted by them from the people, pretending for their good, and yet employing it contrary thereunto, (as our experience can witness) our Brethren upholding them therein, may truly be said to eat the people's bread for nought; therefore verse 14: of that chapter, we are to note such disorderly persons, and have no fellowship with them, that they may be ashamed: And 1 Cor: 5: 11: we are not to keep company, or eat with a brother that is covetous, or an extortioner, &c: And we conceive by what hath been already (and may be) offered, it doth (and will) appear our brethren are herein guilty also: See Psal: 26: 4, 5, ti: to this purpose: disorderly? If so, Whether we have not ground in Scripture to withdraw from every Brother that walks disorderly, and for a time to absent ourselves from the Church having voted communion with them, notwithstanding their sin? For it cannot be that we should sit down with the c The Reader may judge it a contradiction for us in this Query to call them a Church in distinction from ourselves, and yet in the close of our following Papers to judge otherwise: To which we answer, That upon our first coming off we were greatly in the dark, but waiting upon the Lord for light and direction herein, did afterwards discern, that where the major part fell in with scandalous sins, the lesser part with drawing from them upon that account, the Lord did look upon those who had the truth and purity on their side, to have virtually the power of the church in them, though the lesser number; of which more may be seen in our last Paper. Church, and not sit down with them, as the case now stands, our end being (if the Lord so please) that the Church might consider whether sin be not at their door in so voteing communion with them. 6 6. Whether we are not in the Lord's way, Matth. 18.19, 20. Jam, 1.5. chap. 5.16. Mal. 3.16. Luk. 24.14, 15, 17, 32. desiring to be resolved in these things? If out of the way, (as is supposed) it is by meeting together to seek the Lord for counsel and direction, not mixing ourselves with others, (as is reported) or running into the World for our liberty to sin, but opening our hearts before the Lord, and each to other, to find out wherein, if so be that we have miss of the Will of God. 7 7. Whether those terms of Schismatics and faction to make a rent in the Church, and that we have no Scripture to warrant our practice, Matt. 18.7 Rom. 16.17. (as many say) be not unduly and wrongfully charged upon us? Considering also, that we were a year and upwards by a patient waiting, endeavouring to bring the matter before the Church, and when brought before them, they refusing to deal with our Brethren for the same. 8 8. Whether to comply with our Brethren lying under these sins, 1 Cor. 13.6. be not a breach of the bond of love? according to that in the Corinth's, Love rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth And whether it be the union and wisdom of the spirit, to hold the bond of peace without purity? according to that in James 3.17. The wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, etc. So that our present practice seems unto us to be a pressing after that Grace of love in its true end according to the Scripture; yea, it is counted by the Lord a hating of our brother, to see sin upon him, and not to admonish him, Leu. 19.17. Matt. 18.16, 17. and to withdraw from him in case that Admonition bring him not to such an acknowledgement of his sin as to forsake it. 9 9 Whether it be sufficient to excuse us at the great day of the Lord, d The occasion of this query did arise from the great outcry made against us by the generality of them, charging us with Schism, and making division in the Church, when our Lord saith that offenees will come, but woe be to those by whom they do come: And whether the crying evil of the Soldiers hath not justly given offence, and Mr. Simpson, and some others chiefly abetting of them, hath not also added thereunto, we leave unto the upright in heart to judge; and whether it be not a popish principle, and also they do not hereby condemn their own practice in separating from the National church (so called) of England, in saying, There is no withdrawing from a Brother walking disorderly, because the mayor part of a congregation falls in with them: And is it not the argument of the Church of Rome at this day, who say we do withdraw from the Mother-church, because the grand apostasy first sprang from a true Church in home, who in number have all along been the mayor part. that We did cry out, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord are we, when at the same time it will appear that we have those amongst us who do defile the Temple of the Lord to the view of the World; for the Temple of God is holy; and that you should rejoice in such defilement, surely all such rejoicing is not good: And whether our Lord Jesus by the Evangelist John doth not charge five of the seven Churches in the Revelation for complying with sin, yea one of them for their lukewarmness is threatened to be spewed out of his mouth, as being a Church only in Name, and not in deed; and one of the other two (to wit, Smyrna) hath no sin laid to their charge, but are exhorted to be faithful unto death, and they shall receive a Crown of life, for the Devil would cast some of them into prison: Now we suppose that the Devil there, it taken for some of his Instruments, which makes out, That their testimony was of such a public nature, that the power in being would take hold of them; and yet it cannot be supposed but that they had their sins of weakness, though nothing is laid to their charge in regard of their faithfulness to some present Truth. 10 10. Whether sin in a Church of Christ (we mean sins of scandal) be not more dishonourable e If the incestuous persons sin, or two or three Brethren committing the same, or other sins, be dishonourable to God, then surely if the church (whose duty it is to reprove, & cast out such from amongst them; Matth. 18 17. come. with 1 Cor. 5.13.) should either be guilty of the same, or own them that are so, their sin would be so much more. But to come more home to our present case, see Numb. chap. 14. chap. 16. where the lesser part of the congregation (to wit, Moses, Aaron, Caleb and joshua, who were pressing on from Egypt to Canaan, the work of God in that generation) were counted faithful, & owned by him for that very cause; but the greater part of the conregation, who said, Let us make a captain, and return into Egypt, and would have stoned Moses and Aaron, etc. their sin was so dishonourable to God, and did so provoke the eyes of his glory, that their carcases must fall, and not see the good Land they were going into, yea and their children after them wander in the Wilderness forty years. And in Numb. 16. The sin of the greater part of the congregation in joining with Korah and the renowned men amongst them in opposition to the Spirit of the Lord in Moses, etc. upon the forementioned account (see verse 13, 14) was like wise so abominable in his fight, that he bid Moses and Aaron, ver. 21, 24, 26. Separ te from them, and also speak to the congregation to depart from the Tents of those wicked men, and touch nothing of thews, lest they be consumed in all their sins. Then surely the wickedness of them in Power, who have indeed made a Captain, and are gone back to Egypt, and those that uphold them, whilst they oppose and persecute the Lords spirit in his little Remnant, who are pressing from Monarchy and Tyranny, towards the promised Zion, and Kingdom of Christ, (the work of God in this generation) doth equal, if not exceed the sin of that congregation, & of Korah & his company; & it is as great an evil to touch with them, or receive any of their things upon that account & as dishonourable to God to stand by, & uphold them therein, (or for Churches or others to own them that do so) as it was to have countenanced, upheld or touched with Korah and his company in that day. to God than the like in a private brother, or two or three Brethren? And how can we be said to withdraw from every Brother that walks disorderly, when we quietly sit down with the Church that owns them in their sin, (as we conceive) and do break bread with, and prophesy amongst them? for we cannot see how this will hold before the Lord when we are to avoid every appearance of evil. 11 11. Whether to acquiess in the judgement of a Church concerning sin, though a testimony have been born against it, be not something of the relics of the man of sin, and in process of time may not bring us under this Maxim, To believe as the Church believes, though we ought to be very tender and careful how we proceed in such a business, that we be upright in heart before the Lord, earnestly seeking to him for direction and counsel? 12 12. Whether our Brethren that wear the Sword, are not to be charged with Schism, & making a rent in the Church, having through their just offence given to many Brethren and Sisters in the Congregation, and many other choice Saints in the Nation, made division amongst us? and as we hear several others standing in the like quality with them, have been f There was a mistake about the Soldiers mentionend in this query, as cast our of two Congregations in Wales; for so soon as they began to lay their sin to their charge, they withdrew themselves, and came no more to them, as we are since informed, otherwise they had proceeded further against them. cast out of two Churches in Wales upon the same occasion, to wit, Mr. Jenkin Jones, & Mr. powel's Churches; and likewise (as we hear) another in England, whose Name at present we have forgotten. 13 13. Whether that Principle of the Congregation, namely, Communion with Saints upon the account of union with the Head, be not unduly charged, as broken by us, when it is not intended, by so good and righteous a principle, that a Brother or Sister should take a liberty thereby, as an occasion to the [g] Gal. 5.13. Flesh, to walk scandalously among Saints and sinners, for that is the corruption, and not the true end of it. The consideration whereof we think doth lie with such sorrow upon our souls, as we may truly say hath wrung tears out of some of our hard hearts. We shall not add more at present, fearing it may be thought we have been too large in this already; only this, that whereas it is said, Nothing would content us but the sudden casting out of our Brethren without an orderly process according to the Scripture, to which end we had resolved our present withdrawing before we came to the Church: We do therefore desire to leave this with you as before the Lord, That it was the least in our thoughts so to do, for we hoped that truth would have taken so much place, as that our brethren would have been admonished of their sin by the Church, and so to have withdrawn from them if happily thorough a more narrow search into their hearts hereby, the Lord might please out of his Grace to discover this their sin, which hath, and doth bring so great dishonour to the Name of the Lord, though at present (as they say) unseen to them; and in this Work not to have counted them as enemies, but admonished them as brethren; but so sudden a vote for communion with them, lying under so great sin, as we judge by what was offered that day, did so amaze us, that when we came out of London-House, we knew not what to do, only some of us did then conclude to meet together, to inquire what was the mind of the Lord in this thing; in which way of seeking to him we have continued to this day. Now we hope you will bear with us, and put a brotherly interpretation upon any thing therein that may not seem to carry with it that Love, Affection, and Gentleness which we desire from our hearts should be, it not being our intention to justify ourselves in any evil, but rather to lie at the Lords, and your feet therein; yet would gladly be found faithful to the Lord in such a day as this, when they that tempt God are delivered, and they that work wickedness are set up; yea, he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey, and a snare is laid for him that reproveth in the Gate. Thus we humbly leave these our thoughts to your serious consideration, hoping that whatever our failings may be, yet we shall not want the guidance and direction of his spirit in every way of truth; and we also trust, That as you are in some measure pressing after that excellent Grace of Love, so you may abound therein more and more, in knowledge and in all judgement, that you may approve things that are excellent in such a day as this, being sincere, and without offence until the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of Righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God; and than it will be our joy and rejoicing to return unto you; and in the mean time we judge it our duty to be waiting upon the Lord and you, till his mind and Will be further revealed concerning us; in whose protection we leave you, and remain. Dated the first day of the fourth Month, 1656. Your poor, destitute, and mourning Brethren and Sisters in some measure, till the Lord restore you to your primitive spirit of Faith, Light, Love, and Zeal for his glory, wherein you have been as a Beacon upon the top of a Mountain. AFter some solemn waiting upon the Lord, this Paper was signed by threescore in number, or thereabouts, and was intended so to have been given in, but was otherwise determined upon for these two Reasons; First, Because in such an evil day as this, we ought not to trust in a Friend, no, not in a Guide, but to keep the door of our mouths from those that lie in our bosom; If so, than not to trust our hands with those who had so unworthily betrayed the Cause of Christ. Secondly, It was judged most for the glory of God to go in person all of us, being about twelve more than signed it, and own the said Paper, which would be more authentic, and less advantage given against any particular person; and therefore an exact Copy was drawn out, and carried unsigned, all of us accompanying the Brethren (to whom it was chiefly committed) unto London-House, the next first day after the date thereof; when being come, a Brother of ours stood up, and spoke a few Words to this effect, That we were here come to present unto them in brotherly love, after solemn waiting upon the Lord, a Paper, containing the evil of those persons amongst them, against whom we had been so long contending, together with the Grounds and Reasons of our withdrawing to this day, which we had the more hastened to give in, in regard we were several times urged thereunto by several Brethren sent by their appointment unto us; and further, desired that liberty might be granted unto one of the Brethren (by us entrusted) for the reading of it; Which was not only denied us, but much scruple raised by some, What Scripture-Warrant we had to give in our dissatisfactions in Writing. To which answer was made, That we judged it our Gospel-liberty to give it in by writing, or otherwise, as might be most for the glory of God; for by this writing we did give in our joint Testimony against the present evil, with the reasons of our withdrawing, which we apprehended could not be so well done by a private brother, or brethren in speaking; but that we might have had just grounds of exceptions against some things that might be spoken against such brethren. Hereupon our Brother Marsh who walks with them, said, That he thought it was not only our Gospel-liberty, but the Scripture would warrant our practice, else Paul's writing to the Corinthians about the incestuous person, was not warrantable; but if it was, than our practice had ground in Scripture, and therefore conceived there need be no further discourse about that. And by this means was that Scruple in some measure removed, and some Way made for the reading of our Paper, but not by any one of us, which although we judged it a little unreasonable, yet for peace sake we condescended thereunto, and accordingly delivered in our Paper, which was read by the Brother aforementioned, though it was so late before he began, that there was hardly time to read it thorough by daylight, much less to debate it, and open the Scriptures therein; however before we departed, they made us a promise that We should have full liberty another time to read it ourselves deliberately, and debate it, with the Scriptures laid down for proof of what was there asserted; & We also promised them to come whensoever they should desire it. And so We departed for that time, continuing with one accord together in prayer and supplication, expecting to hear from them according to promise; but contrary hereunto, in some Weeks after, they sent for several Pastors and Members out of other Congregations without our consent, to receive their Advice how to deal with us: Their Names are as followeth. Mr. Cockayn, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Jessey, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. Isles, Mr. Knowles, Mr. Highland, Mr. Bradshaw, Mr. Jacksen, Chir. Mr Woolaston. Mr. Bare-bone, Mr. Taylor. Having knowledge of this Meeting through the report of others, We did appoint a time to seek the Lord, to consider what might be our duty, & how far we should appear therein, or whether we should appear or not; and at last came to this issue, That we should appoint several Brethren in the Name of the whole, to go unto those Brethren above mentioned, when they should meet with the other part of the Congregation, and acquaint them with the Grounds and Reasons why we could not own them in the Work they were come about. The Reasons are these. 1 1. They (meaning those from whom we were withdrawn) had not performed their promise to us, having declared when We were last with them, That the Paper presented should be debated in the Church, according to the Scriptures there inserted; Which hath not yet been done, though We promised to be with them whensoever they would send for us about it. 2 2. We see no rule in Scripture that any Brethren from any Churches, or others, should be sent for to debate our Paper before it had been debated in the Church amongst us, and the Scriptures in the Margin opened. 3 3. We conceive it had been meet according to Scripture, that We the Brethren and Sisters differing from them, should have had cognizance and approbation of the persons so nominated, to debate the matter in difference. 4 4. Whether they have taken the consent of the h We would not be understood by these two Queries as if we did judge that in extraordinary cales particular Brethren out of Churches might not be sent for without the consent of their respective congregations, to determine a Church-difference, there being only one occasional practice by the Church at Antioch to Jerusalem, Act. 15 2. But that which we chiefly aim at, (as by the third, and the close of the fifth Query will appear) was their sending without our consent in the Name of the church, when we ourselves were a part; likewise there was several persons there, against whom we had just exceptions, if it had then been meet to speak of it. Moreover their case was ordinary, not difficult to them, for that most of the churches in the city, more or less, seem to us guilty of the same transgression; and therefore we apprehend that such a practice was more binding to them then to us, as our case at this time stands, otherwise we desire to keep strictly to every primitive practice that hath any such instructions for us. Churches for the choice of those Brethren they have sent for? If not, What Scripture Rule they have to do so? 5 5. Whether such a practice doth not savour of an arbitrary spirit amongst men? much more among the Churches of Christ, in calling several Brethren without the consent of the Churches to whom they belong, which We cannot own lest we should betray the cause of Christ for which we contend, into the hands of a few, which will be a bad precedent for other Churches for the time to come. The said Queries being laid before the Brethren aforementioned, did so prevail with them, as they not only judged it unmeet, but did wholly refuse to meddle with the matter in difference as the case then stood, declaring It was but reasonable We should have a free debate of our Paper in the Congregation, according to promise, before any other means be used, and so they departed for that time Within a short time after this, a day and time was agreed upon between us and the other part of the Congregation, from whom we were withdrawn to seek the Lord together, and then to proceed to the debate of our Paper, though that which provoked them hereunto, (as We conceive was from the refusal of those Brethren they sent for to meddle therein, as the case stood, rather than their own voluntary act: But the day appointed being come, the forepart of it was spent in prayer, opening our hearts before the Lord, and each other, hereby hoping such a spirit might be sound both in them and us, as the debate would have been to the glory of God, and the discovery of truth on either side; but instead thereof, so many grating expressions both in prayer and speaking were uttered by Mr. Sympson against us, as was to the grief of most of us, and the indisposing of some in a great measure unto the Work We were met about: However about two in the Afternoon, we proceeded to the debate of our Paper with some reasonable liberty, though commonly interrupted by Mr. Sympson, who when any thing came close upon the Soldiers, would frequently be speaking in excusing of them, and condemning us. In the close of the day having got through our Paper, We desired to have the result of the Congregation, Whether by what was laid before them, they did not judge the Soldiers to be guilty of those sins laid to their charge by us? Whereupon Mr. Sympson stood up, and spoke in Words to this effect, That he looked upon us as such who had made a rent in the Church, and that there was a mark set upon us by the Holy Spirit, being such as had made i We desire that Scripture, Rom. 16.17, 18. may be considered, where those words spoken by Mr. Sympson are laid down, and it will appear the Apostle was speaking of such persons as we are now separated from, to wit, such as serve not the Lord Jesus, but their own bellies. May we not truly say, That worldy interest and self-advantage hath been the ground and root of this apostasy, wherein the Soldiers are chief; and to palliate so great wickedness, are not good words, and fair speeches the cover by which they deceive the hearts of the simple? and give us leave humbly to ask what belly-advantage have we thereby? Do we not rather hazard all that is near and dear unto us? yea, we are become the reproach of most professors, having much evil laid to our charge, through we trust it shall appear that it is groundlessly. division; and therefore we should have no vote with them, neither should there be any vote in the Church except we would withdraw; Which not a little grieved our spirits: But notwithstanding so foul an aspersion, we made little reply, but waited to hear what others would say; but a general silence continuing, we concluded that the major part were of his mind: Whereupon we departed, and waited patiently for some time, to see whether they would send us their thoughts about the Soldiers, since they would not let us have a vote with them; and lest if should be laid aside, which Mr. Sympson endeavoured all along to do; We did by Messengers remind them several times, likewise to know whether those Words then spoken by Mr. Sympson were the sense of the whole, which they disowned, as being Mr. sympson's Words alone; but to the other We could get no return to this day, as by our next Paper given in to them, doth more at large appear. Likewise before the delivery of the ensuing Paper, having spent some particular time to seek the Lord for direction and counsel, and also to inquire into his Will at this time, it was judged a duty incumbent upon us to go to our Brother Sympson, & lay his evil before him in abetting the Soldiers, and declining the Testimony of Christ he had suffered for in Windsor Castle, as by several Letters from thence being read amongst us, did appear, (some Copies whereof the Reader may peruse in the close of this Book) and accordingly six Brethren in the Name of the whole, were sent unto him, and with all humility to entreat his hearing of what by them we had to say; which accordingly they did; but how unkindly they were received, will appear by the eusuing Narrative, being the substance of what then passed between him and them. The 11th. of the 9th. Month, 1656. A brief account of some Passages between our Brother Sympson, and the Brethren appointed by us to meet with him about some Letters he wrote to the Congreation during the time of his imprisonment in Windsor Castle, it being apprehended he is very much fallen from the truths therein laid down, to the great dishonour of the Gospel, and the grief of many of the faithful in this day. THE six Brethren appointed to this Work, met at a Brother's House in Coloman-street the day abovementioned, about two in the Afternoon, to commend their present Work unto the Lord, and desire his blessing upon them therein, and then made their repair to our Brother Sympson, where after a little waiting for the coming of our Brothers, Shrimpton and Marsh, who desired (as the Brethren were informed) to hear what should pass in relation to the Letters: This motion was also made by Brother powel, being also present, That before any progress be made, there might be a word put up to the Lord for a blessing. To which end another brother made answer, That it would be necessary the naked ground of their coming should be first laid down, that we might pray with understanding. Which being done, the Brethren sent by us declared their readiness to join therein: Hereupon one of the Brethren proceeded to declare the ground of their coming to this effect; That several of our Brother sympson's Letters from Windsor Castle being presented to several Brethren who met at our Brother Caries house intentionally upon another account; but those Letters intervening, we spent our time in perusing them, which in the reading did so work upon their hearts, that they through meet to present unto the Brethren & Sisters (in whose Name they were then come) the said Letters, and to offer, Whether some Brethren should not be chosen in the Name of the rest, humbly to lay the matter contained in them before him, that if it were the Will of the Lord he might be convinced wherein, and how far he had declined the Cause and Interest of our Lord Jesus, and be provoked to that old Spirit of Life and Zeal in testifying to so glorious a Cause, and accordingly upon reading of them we were of one heart that the Brethren aforementioned, in the Name of the whole, be desired to lay them before him with as much love & tenderness as could be; and that we were also reproved in our own spirits as having miss of the Will of the Lord that we had it no more upon our hearts to beg mercy for him at the Throne of Grace, that the Lord would restore unto him that primitive spirit for the cause of Christ; & that many of our hearts were broken on his behalf at the reading of his Letters. After an account thus given, it was offered that a Word should be spoken to the Lord in prayer before any discourse should be. Our Brother Sympson then spoke to this effect; That having had some knowledge of their coming from some of us, and the occasion of their coming from some others before their meeting here, he had privately commended the business they were come about, unto the Lord, as he did suppose they also had done; likewise he judged that if any of them should speak unto the Lord in prayer he could not freely join with them; so neither if he should speak there might be that spoken wherein they could not freely join with him, which being preconsidered, be judged it most convenient to proceed to the work without prayer; and thereupon spoke further to this purpose; That since they professed they had in all plainness declared the ground of their coming, he would give them as plain an Answer, which that he might the better do, he should lay down his Answer under three heads: 1. As to themselves, and those whom they represented. 2. As to the Church, meaning those with whom he walked. 3. As to the Letters about which our Brethren came. As to the first, They were to know that he could not have discoursed with them in regard that the Church had dealt with us, and not only declared their dissatisfaction of our withdrawing from them, but also that he had in the Name of the Church admonished us of our evil therein, & that they had waited upon us a great while, to the end we might repent and return; but we persisting in our sin, and refusing to hear the Church, we were thereby cut off from the privileges of the Church, and therefore he could not look upon us as Brethren, but as heathens and publicans, and so to refuse discourse with them upon account of the Brotherhood, according to that in Matth 18. Which though they might look upon as very harsh, and a manifestation of little love, yet it being the Rule of Christ in the Gospel, he therefore was not to dispute the reason of it, but rather to judge, That obedience to the commands of Christ in this, as well as in other things, is the only rule of love, and therefore did declare, That the Church having so proceeded against us, he could not entertain any debate with them about those Letters. Which brought in the third Head, to which he spoke to this effect; That the Letters about which they came were directed to the Church, (meaning those with whom he walked) and if he had written any thing therein contrary to sound doctrine, or otherwise, he must appeal unto the Church, as Paul did from Agrippa to Caesar; and if the Church thought meet upon perusal to call him to an account for any thing therein, he should be ready to answer it before them; but he could not give way to the debating of them by our Brethren for the reasons aforementioned, besides he could not in this case bring himself under the judgement of his adversaries, (or Words to that purpose) and thereby also give away the privileges of the Church into the hands of such whom according to the Rule of the Gospel be must look upon as Heathens and Publicans; but if they or any other would come in their own k Mr. Sympson did not mean by coming in our own Name, to receive us as Brethren, but as Heathens and Publicans. Name, he should be ready to discourse with them; yet herein it was to be weighed, whether the Church would give away so much of their privilege, as that any Letters directed to them should be questioned by any person, without their consent at least. After this our Brother Cary (one of the six) said, It was somewhat strange to him that he could so confidently assert an untruth, (to wit) That we should lie under the Admonition of the Church, when there was never any Admonition from those Brethren and Sisters from whom we were withdrawn, much less from the Church: Which the said Brother further made out thus; That himself with some other Brethren were appointed in the Name of the Whole to go to the other part of the Congregation from whom We were withdrawn, who went to Allhallows, and met with a considerable number of those Brethren in the Vestrey, to know of them, Whether, those Words spoken by Mr. Sympson that day our Paper was debated, (to wit, That the Holy Spirit had set a mark upon us for such as had made division) were the sense of the whole with them? To which they answered, It was not theirs; and Mr. Sympson also said, They were his own words. After this our Brother Cary was silent, and then our Brothers, ⋆ Brethren of the other part of the Congregation. Marsh, Shrimpton, and powel, being present as v, said, They never remembered any such Admonition. Mr. Sympson said, It was so; which he endeavoured to make out thus: That the Brethren who were entrusted with the Government of the Church, did agree that we should be admonished, as having sinned in leaving the Congregation, and turning out backs upon the Ordinances of Christ, and that they had committed it to him to declare the same, which he did at that time when brought in our paper containing the grounds of our withdrawing, through at that time we were not admitted to read them; & the Church not disowning of it, he looked upon it as an admonition of the Church. After this other of our Brethren spoke in few Words to this purpose; That they were come as brethren, and they hoped in much love and singleness of heart to discourse with him, and to have laid down wherein we judged he had miss of the Will of God, and declined the Cause of our Lord Christ, comparing the present frame of heart he is in, with what it was when he lay a prisoner in Windsor Castle, when they could not but look upon him as having an excellent spirit for Christ; but since he did refuse, they would turn unto the Lord (who would hear) and mourn for him: And so those Brethren departed, returning the said account unto us. Being thus unkindly, yea, may We not say unchristianly entertained by Mr. Sympson, We still continued waiting upon the Lord in our estate of withdrawing, our spirits being grieved by this carriage of his; And after some time seeking the Lord, and enquiring into his mind and Will, We came to this conclusion as a present duty lying before us, That in regard We did find no repentance in the Soldiers, but rather hardness of heart, as also Mr. Sympson hardened in his evil, in excusing and abetting of them, which encouraged others to do the like; and the rest who were some what sensible of the evil amongst them, much darkened in their understandings by reason thereof, We should unanimously go unto them, and lay before the Soldiers their own evil, and the evil of the rest as abetting of them in their degree, and to admonish them in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, with as much brotherly love as the Lord should help us. And that We might have the greater awe of the Lord upon our souls, and be more orderly in this Work, we did agree to send unto the Brethren hereafter mentioned, to entreat them in brotherly love, and for the glory of God, to accompany us as Witnesses therein; which was accordingly done, and persons chosen from amongst us to speak unto them. The Names of the brethren sent unto, are these: Mr. Cann, Mr. Clark, Col. Danvers, Mr. Bland, Mr. Barbone; Mr. Waters, Mr. Squibb, Mr. Luxford, Mr. Barret, Mr. Ireten, Having given notice to the other part of the Congregation the Week before our coming. That we intended upon the next first day after to come & offer something to them. All these brethren (except Mr. Barbone, who was not well) being members of other Congregations and Societies, came according to our request, and accompanied us to Lodon house upon the said first day of the Week in the Afternoon; where being come; the said brethren were not willingly admitted; but after our coming in with them, one of our brethren stood up to acquaint them with the occasion of our coming at this time; but Mr. Sympson and two or three more speaking together very confusedly cried out, No, no, we should not speak except those Brethren that came along with us would depart. To which answer was made, That we desired their company to testify to the Truth of what we had to say. And then the brother which spoke first would have gone on; but several of them cried out together very confusedly, as before; to which we replied, That having sought the Lord therein before our coming, we could not give way thereunto; but since they did refuse to hear, we would depart. And in a short time after we sent them the substance in Writing of what was then intended to be spoken. A Copy whereof is as follows. Dear Brethren and Sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, SInce your unkindness towards us the last l We mean that time wherein we intended to deliver this Admonition by word of mouth, and had testified thereunto according to the Rule of the Gospel, Math. 18 16, 17. time we were with you; & after some seeking unto the Lord what might be our duty yet further; this is gathered to be his mind and will, That the substance of what was then upon our hearts to have delivered by word of mouth, should be done in writing as well for your sakes, as in discharge of our own duty according to the Rule of the Gospel; and therefore we entreat that you will suffer us hereby to plead a little with you for truth's sake; and we hope it is unfeignedly upon our hearts to lay your great sin before you from some sense of the great dishonour brought unto the Name of the Lord by you; and let these lines be patiently read through, before you judge you poor unworthy brethren and sisters; for we can truly say that we disire to mourn and groan in secret for you, as well as for our own weaknesses; and this is some part of our joy, That in simplicity and godly sincerity many of us have been by the space of two years and upwards endeavouring to get your feet (as well as our own) out of the Snare of the apostasy of this day, having compassion of you, as of our own souls; for we are in some measure persuaded, that some eminent hand of the Lord will be manifested in due time to distinguish, between those that serve him faithfully, and those that serve him not. In the first place therefore we pray you to consider the six great and scandalous sins laid to the char●g of the brethren amongst you wearing the Sword, which for brevity sake we shall here only mention, referring you to our paper already given in for a more particular knowledge thereof, wherein We desire the Scriptures in the margin may be diligently perused, and some remembrance had of what the Lord did enable us to speak from them when our Paper was debated in the Church, although it is very well known so much liberty was hardly obtained. First, Treason against Christ as King and Prophet of his people, and King of Nations also; for the latter part of the late War did run in that Channel. Likewise against the faithful and well-affected in this Nation, whose Liberties and they are made bondslaves to their brethren, though some blood was spilt, and treasure spent to obtain it our of the hands of the late Tyrant. Secondly, Convenant-breaking, and false swearing, having engaged before the Lord and his People to perform the good promised on the behalf of Christ, his People, and the Nation, which are now broken in the face of the Sun. Thirdly, Oppression by ⋆ The man in Powerbid Mr. Jessey & others call him juggler if tithes were not taken away by the third of Septem. 1654. Tithes, Taxes, etc. upon the bodies and consciences of the Lords People, and the well-affected the Nation at this day. Fourthly, Persecution of Saints, many of the Lords people having been, and some are still imprisoned for their testimony on the behalf of the Lord, his Cause, and the Nations liberty; and therein the Soldiers are altogether active, there being no rule, not so much as according to the Law of the Land, to justify their practice by Civil Officers. Fifthly, Maintaining Antichristian Laws, Statutes and Customs, contrary to former Engagements and Declarations; by which the Saints of old have suffered, and some do now suffer at this very day. Sixthly, Hereby the hearts of the righteous are greatly grieved: for that brethren (at least professing themselves so to be) should be active in abetting and supporting so great wikedness, That these sins were plainly proved against our brethren wearing the Sword now amongst you, is very manifest, not only in general, but also in a great measure particularly, and therefore shall leave it unto the Lord who judgeth righteously. Yet we do hereby humbly admonish them of their evil, as being very great and scandalous. After this there is laid down several Queries how we were in duty bound to withdraw from them, and by the same Rule to admonish and withdraw from yourselves, as being partakers with them, having made yourselves m Guilty; for they are hereby encouraged to keep their places, whereby the Man in Power is encouraged to go on in his apostasy, and to judge himself (in pretence at least) to be in a good condition; for when he hath been told, That he had not the love of good people as formerly; and that many were grieved at his present actions; he replied, They were but a few inconsiderable people who were dissatisfied, for the greatest part of honest men in the Army and Churches were for him, and approved of what he had done; which approhensions are begotten by members of Churches, and other professors holding places under him; for whilst they do so, their tongues are tied, that they dare not openly speak their minds, though they really apprehend, yea, and will to some confess, That the present state of things are out of course, and are not so honest as in the day of their straits they declared they should be. Wherefore doth is not concern the Churches to take heed how they encourage those (by continuing them among them) who abet and uphold the present apostasy, lest they become guilty thereof themselves, and incur the Lords displeasure for so doing. guilty of their iniquity by your vote of communion with them: And this we do in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath commanded us to withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly, though herein we would distinguish between such of our Brethren & Sisters as do plead for, encourage, and support them in their evil; and others who for want of a true knowledge & understanding thereof, together with the overawing of some amongst you (as we fear) are notwithstanding in their degree also become partakers with them in their evil. And here desire so far to digress as to answer one objection, namely, That our brethren the Soldiers desired leave to go off from us before we proceeded so far as now we have, but we would not. To which we answer, That it is to be considered their sins are very scandalous, and if so, such a practice would be contrary to the Rule directing in such cases, That if a brother, or brethren offend, to admonish them particularly, then more publicly, as he or they are found to persevere in their sin, that if the Lord will, they may see their evil and repent, and not suffer them to go off without knowledge of their evil, for if they should, it may prove to the hardening of their hearts, and consequently to the ruin of their souls. Indeed, to have let them gone off, would have been much more easy to us, and pleasing to the flesh; for we did in some measure foresee how hard it would be in this rough path to follow the Lord fully, yet we take comfort in this, That our Cause is of God, and our hearts we trust (in the main) upright therein. Now we shall proceed to give you a short account how the Lord hath led us since our said withdrawing, wherein it will be manifest (if the Lord give you a spirit of discerning) that we have to this day been patiently waiting upon the Lord and you, to the end that if it had pleased our heavenly Father, it might have put you upon inquiry how far you are become guilty of the great iniquity of this day, which hath brought so great reproach unto the Name of the Lord, even through the World; but instead of enquiring and smiting upon the thigh, saying, What have I done? your practice doth demonstrate that you say, You have well done. Further, We desire you to remember, That the same Evening after the debate our Paper, the whole Church being there, We desired their result, to wit, Whether our brethren the Soldiers by what was offered, were not in a great measure guilty of she evil laid to their charge? Whereupon our Brother Sympson spoke to this purpose, That the holy spirit had set a mark upon us for such as had made division; and therefore declared, that we were not persons fit to have a vote amongst them; neither should there by any vote had there unless we would depart. Which words, though we cannot say he spoke in the Name of the Church, yet we are sure the major part were n It is the great fault of Church-members and other professors in this day, and much discovers their darkness, that they approve their hearts no more to God, but are so much led (whether right or wrong) as their Pastor or some eminent member or person among them, steers their course; which low, carnal frame of spirit, (the more the spirit of the Lord is poured forth) will not only stink in the Nostrils of his faithful people, but be condemned and die; for the true spirit doth so redeem those who have it, from the fear and favour of man to God, as they will follow no man nor things (let their pretence be never so high and glorious) further than they follow, and are for Christ, according to the Scriptures. 1 Cor. 1●. 1. so silent, that notwithstanding he spoke so unadvisedly, there was little spoken against it: so that for peace sake it was judge meet to depart at that time without the result of the Congregation. Next after this several Brethren in the Name of the whole (withdrawn from you) were sent to London-house to desire, That since you would not admit us to have a vote with you, we might by yourselves have the sense of Paper, (to wit, that which was first given in) but you wholly refused to give us a hearing of what we had to say. Since which several Brethren in the Name of the Whole, were sent to Allhallows upon a first day in the Afternoon, after breaking of bread, to know your sense Whether those Words spoken by our Brother Sympson, (to wit, That we were marked by the holy spirit for such as had made a rent in the Church, and that he admonished us of our evil therein, in their namo. Likewise whether by their vote of communion with the Soldiers, this were not to be taken into the vote, to wit, notwithstanding the evil laid to their charge, to the former they said, They did not remember any admention; but to the latter your Brother Sympson said, That we might know their mind by their practice; to which they were generally silent, none contradicting what our Brother Sympson had spoken; whereupon those brethren took their leave, and departed out of the Vestrey; for the Message was only delivered to the brethren, being fifty or sixty in number, or thereabouts, it not being thought meet so speak in public; first, because many strangers were present. Secondly, We did desire to order it as might make most for peace. After this, upon further inquiry what our duty was yet to do, notwithstanding so much means used to provoke you to jeanlousie, and no fruit of it but hardness of heart, and a further closing in with the present evil by your continued practice. There were several Letters of our brother sympson's presented to us, Dated from Windsor Castle. when he was a prisoner there, it being judged that the Lord was eminently present with him, as by the said Letters will appear; Which Letters being read among us, the Lord was pleased so generally to melt out hearts in the sense of that spirit of truth We judged then to be breathing in him; but his present frame of heart compared with what it was then, seeming to us as contrary as light to darkness: It was thereupon concluded as a duty incumbent upon us to appoint several brethren in the Name of the Whole, to take those Letters, and in love and meekness to read them to our said brother, to the end, that if the Lord so please he might thereby consider from whence he is fallen, and do his first works, hoping also that he might thereby be brought to consider whether he had not miss of the Will of God in endeavouring not only to excuse, but (as We judge) to countenance our brethren the Soldiers in their evil Way. But oh! that which We desire to mention with grief and sorrow of heart, instead of receiving us in love, as We came unto him, and giving us leave to open our hearts before him, he absolutely refused not only to pray with those brethren sent by us, but also to entertain them in our Name as brethren, or to admit any conference with them upon that account, in regard that we were by him admonished in the Name of the Church of our evil in making a rent and division, as he said. And since that (he said) they had waited upon us to see if we would return and repent; but we not returing, they looked upon us as Heathens and Publicant, and that he did so look upon us also. And for the letters they were directed to the Church, (meaning yourselves without us) and that if they had any thing to question him about'them, he would make answer unto them. Unto which this Answer in general was made, That We humbly thought he spoke an untruth, in that We could not remember there was ever any such Admonition given us as yet, much less had We any account that We were esteemed no other than Heathens and Publicans. After the Brethren (sent by us to him) departed, being much grieved that our love should be so returned upon us, (but so it was, the Lord lay it not to his charge if it be his Will) upon further seeking to the Lord what was our next Work, it was thought meet, That as We had been a long time waiting upon you by patience and much long-suffering, as We judge, (our Weakness excepted) having laid the sin of our Brethren before you by ourselves, and of your own evil in abetting them; (some more, and some less) but instead of returning from your evil, you have fallen in with it more directly in o It seems they were not contented with their first vote in declaring communion with the Soldiers notwithstanding their evil, though at our first coming off, they disowned that by saying, That they did only declare a continuance of communion with them as Soldiers, without respect to the evil laid no their charge. But by revoteing communion with them, they have plainly declared the evil laid to their charge to be no evil; and so have directly justified them therein. And that their evil who approve of, and uphold the present Apostasy, may more plainly appear, see the following Scriptures, Numb. 27.3. to 7. The Daughter of Zelophead to clear their title to a portion of Land they claimed in right of their deceased father in the Land of Canaan, pleaded, That he died in the wilderness in his own sin, and was not in the company of Korah (and those with him) who gathered themselves together against the Lord; implying, that if he had been among them, and standing on their side when they opposed Moses, and Aaron, etc. who were going to possess the Land of Canaan, (a type of the work of our day) was greater than any other of his sins, and that which, would have cut him and them off from such a portion of Land as was allotted to those who followed the Lord to his foot in the work of that day: And is not the Soldier's Sin the same? revoting communion with them; so that your practice is no less to us then adding sin to sin: And particularly our brother Kelzey, who confessed more, as having a hand in the Government at its first rise, than We could prove, though at first he denied it: Likewise, That he had summoned some persons to show cause why they would not pay tithes, from whence did follow further trouble to those persons by his Deputy so far as they were taken into custody, till they had made their composition. We ought now according to ⋆ Mal: 18: 16: Rule, to take with us several brethren full of Grace and godliness, faithful to the Lord and his Cause in this day, and spotless in their lives and conversations, who might go along with us as Witnesses in our further Testimony against so great evil, that out of the mouth of two or three Witnesses every word may be established; and accordingly We did present ourselves with the said brethren, intending to have laid the evil before you, and thereof in brotherly love to have admonished you, as We now do by these lines in Writing, because you would not vouchsafe us to do it otherwise. Likewise to this further end, That none of our brethren and sisters may plead ignorance of the end of our coming at that time, having ground to fear that many are, whose conditions We desire to tender as our own souls, were We in their estate. But it may be objected, That we might have had liberty to have spoken what was upon our hearts when we were last with you, had those friends, which came with us departed according to your desire. To which We answer, That our coming there at that time was in obedience to a command of our Lord Jesus Christ, to wit, That when a Brother or Brethren will not hear, so as to return from his, or their evil, being privately admonished, We are then to take other Brethren with us as Witnesses to what we should say, so that had we given way to such a motion, we must have made void that Ordinance of Christ; moreover we ourselves had been with you several times by ourselves, as is already mentioned, besides the sins laid before you are public, and not private sins, and therefore needed not so much secrecy. Thus desiring you will receive this Admonition in love, being done (we hope) for Christ's sake, and in tender regard to your souls: We subscribe ourselves Your poor unworthy brethren and Sisters, who do apprehend that as truth is with us, so the power of the Church rests in us. John Proud, Tho. Cary, Caleb Ingold, James Chadwick, Signed in the Name and by the appointment of the whole, none contradicting Dated the fourth of the 11. Month, 1656. AFter the delivery of the said Admonition in writing, we continued waiting upon the Lord to see what good would be wrought up on their hearts thereby, but instead thereof in some short time after they send unto the several Churches in the City without our knowledge or consent (as they did when we sent in our first Paper) to the end they might send chosen men from amongst them to hear and determine the matter in difference between us, which we did a little wonder at, hoping rather, the sense of their evil laid before them might have provoked them to a godly jealousy; but so it was, that the Pastors and Elders, with chief men amongst the Brethren in the Churches, were sent according to their request the 26 of the 11th. Month, 1656. But before we give an account of what passed that day, we shall crave leave to hint thus much, That after our knowledge of their intention to send to the Churches as aforesaid, and before the day of their coming abovesaid, not knowing under what trial we might come thereby, we set ourselves to seek the Lord by fasting and prayer, to know what might be our duty therein; and as the result of our waiting upon him came to this conclusion, That it would be most for the glory of God to choose out several brethren from amongst us to give in our Reasons unto the Pastors and Elders of the Churches, (when they were met with the other part of the Congregation) why we could not admit they should hear the matter in difference between us. And accordingly five Reasons were draw up, and committed to fix brethren to deliver in writing, or by word of mouth, as they should see cause. The Reasons should be here inserted, but because they will be most proper for perusal when given in to the Pastors and Elders at their meeting, we shall refer the Reader thereunto, pag 38. and so proceed to give an account of that day's meeting. When the Pastors and Elders, etc. of the Churches were met, the six brethren chosen by us, according to appointment were there present, & when they came first into London-House, (the place of their meeting) they found Mr. Sympson in prayer, and after he had ended prayer, he proceeded to give a Narrative of what had passed between us and them to that day; but with how much partiality in many things, and in some things direct p Mr. Sympson asserted these three things in his Narrative; first, That he admonished us in the Name of the Congregation. Secondly, That we had nothing against our Brethren the soldiers but merely their places in the Army. Thirdly, That we went from House to House to get away numbers from them. How far the two first are untrue, we think the Reader by what hath been already laid down, may be able to judge. For the third we can clearly acquit ourselves, having been so far from any such practice, that those of us whose wives are members of the Congregation, have not been provoked by us, but have wholly left them to be guided by the Lord therein. untruths the brethren then present by our appointment can testify. After he had ended his Narrative, Mr. Nye (chief speaker of the Pastors and Elders, etc.) stood up, and spoke to this purpose to Mr. Sympson, That he had given in a large Narrative of the matter in difference, which containing many things, would require some time to be searching, into; but before any entrance be made thereupon, he desired to know whether any of the other part gone off from them, were there; if they were, he did desire to hear something from them in this case, & did hope that the Pastors & Elders there present would be very careful how they did ⋆ It being as he said, so great a case of, Conscience; And which indeed is so to us. intermiddle therewith, for if what he had heard herein were true, it was a marvellous good separation, & upon good grounds, or to this effect. After this a Brother of ours stood up, and spoke to this purpose; That after solemn waiting upon the Lord, several Brethren in the Name of the Whole withdrawn from that part of the Congregation, were there present, being chosen to present unto them in love and humility, the Reasons why We could not admit of their hearing the matter in difference between us; but before that, they desired the liberty of three Questions if it might be granted; and then the Brother which spoke kept silence to hear their Answer. Upon which Mr. Nye stood up again, and said, It was but reasonable that we should have our liberty. Hereupon the Brother which began, stood up, and proceeded with the following questions, two to the Brethren and Sisters from whom We were withdrawn, and one to the Pastors and Elders, etc. Quest. 1. Whether they did look upon us as part of the Congregation. To which Mr. Sympson made answer, That sure we were; for he knew not when we were dealt with, to the best of his remembrance. Q. 2. We humbly propose to the Pastors. Elders, and Brethren of the Churches now present, Whether they were all of them sent and chosen by their respective Congregations. Here there was a great silence, but afterwards several of them spoke, some saying, That they were chosen by their respective Congregations; others, That they were sent unto as particular persons; Whereby it was plain there was a disorder in their choice, which was in love acknowledged by them. Q. 3. Whether the Pastors, Elders and Brethren of the respective Congregations then present, were invited and sent unto in the name of the whole Church? Here several of them were at a stand, not knowning well what to say; but they generally gave in at the last, That they were sent unto in the Name of the Church; Which was not so, for that themselves in answer to our first question acknowledge us to be a part, and what was done in sending for them, was without our knowledge or consent. After this one of our Brethren stood up, and desired liberty to give their Reasons in our Name, Why they could not condescend to the hearing the matter in difference by the Pastors, Elders, and Brethren of several Congregations then present; Which are as follows. 1. We conceive it to be contrary to the practice of the Churches of Christ in the New-Testament, that brethren of other Churches (though chosen by consent of their respective Congregations, should hear a Church-controversie without the consent of both parties amongst whom the difference is; see Act. 15.1, 2, 3. the whole Church at Antioch sent to Jerusalem about Circumcision, as well those that were against it, as those that were for it. Upon this Mr. Nye stood up, and did acknowledge that there was a plain disorder and miscarriage in their choice every way; but desired to know whether notwithstanding such miscarriages, the Brethren in our Name had power to enter: upon the debate. To which one of the brethren spoke to this purpose, ‛ That they had several Reasons more to urge, and then they should make further answer. And liberty being granted, the brother who began proceeded to the next reason, viz. 2. That it seems contrary to Morality, much more of Christianity, for members of other Churches to enter into the debate of a Church-difference, when that part of the Congregation with whom the difference was, did not choose any of them; neither had they knowledge of the matter till the other part resolved upon it, and had sent their messengers to invite them thereunto. To this Mr. Nye stood up and said, That it was indeed contrary to the principles of Morality, and then was silent, whereupon the brother proceeded to the third Reason. 3. That We should betray the cause our Lord Jesus Christ, to give it up unto the Judgement of the Pastors, Elders, and Brethren then present; First, In regard they came not with our consent. Secondly, For that against some of whom We might have just grounds of exceptions if it were meet to speak of it at this time. 4. It seems to us preposterous to enter upon such a Work till We had the result of the whole Congregation about the matter in question, or of that part at least from whom We are withdrawn, which We have not had, though We often entreated, and sent to them about it. 5. The foregoing Reasons being true, we humbly conceive that if a debate of the matter in difference should at this time be admitted, we should walk out of God's way, and so not obtain the promised [q] Isa. 64.5. blessing in matters of that nature. These Reasons were no sooner given in, but the Pastors, Elders, and Brethren of the several Churches there met together, rose up suddenly, to go away; which Mr. Sympson observing, he asked them before they were gone, Whether they would give them no advice in the present business: To which Mr. Nye made answer, That they were not in a capacity, as things stood, to give any advice. To which Mr. Sympson said, What? no advice! Whereupon Mr. Nye replied, That the least they could do was to make a tender unto us whether we would join with them in sending to the Churches; and this was all the advice they could give; and so they departed; and presently after those brethren sent by us came away also; but as they were going, one of the other part that sat in the speaking-place, asked the brethren sent by us, whether they would embrace the advice given? To which answer was made, That they were no more than six brethren entrusted by us to give in our dislike of what they had done, but were not empowered to meddle with any thing else; but if they had any thing to offer, they knew our time and place of meeting, when, and where the whole being present, they might if they pleased tender any thing they thought meet, & so those brethren came away. But the same day in the Afternoon being our time of meeting to edify, and build up one another in our most holy faith, two brethren came to us from them with the same Message, which was received in love, and this only given in answer, That we should consider of it, and return an answer so soon as conveniently we could. And accordingly either the same day, on the next first day following we concluded upon a day to spread their Message before the Lord, which when done, we sent them a return within a fortnight after by messengers of our own; the answer to their message should be here inserted; but being contained in our next Paper, we shall here omit it. Now the Reason why our Answer was given in writing was, for that those our brethren who declared the same verbally, brought return unto us, That they desired it should be so, pretending that they did not understand it, or rather (as we may say) it not suiting with their desire, they would not understand it; but however upon this report unto us by those brethren who were sent in our Name, some from amongst us were appointed to draw it up in Writing, and present it to the whole for their approbation, which was accordingly done; but the same day it should have been brought in to us, we received another message from the other part of the Congregation, which should be here inserted; but it being also contained in our next Paper, with our Answer thereunto, we shall purposely omit it, and refer the READER to the same. Our Answer about sending to the Churches in the the City, to hear the matter in difference between us; Together with another Message from the other part of the Congregation, wherein they desire us to join with them in keeping a day of fasting and prayer, with our Answer thereunto. Dear Brethren and Sisters in our Lord jesus Christ, UNderstanding by the brethren who were sent in our Name unto you, to give a return unto your last Message, that our Answer was very ill resented; and because it was not in full compliance with and according to your expectation, they were not suffered to speak out what was upon their hearts, without much interruption by some amongst you, as it hath been customary for the most part since our withdrawing from you, which We cannot but look upon as arbitrary amongst men, much more unsavoury among Saints, though you seldom received such unkindness from us, as we can remember; and not only so, but We ourselves are looked upon as such who act in hypocrisy which We hope the Lord hath; & will preseve us from, for such shall be sure to find the weight of his indignation at this day, Isaiah 33.14. The consideration whereof, together with that invitation We received from some amongst you, not opposed by any, hath engaged us to send the same in Writing, that so there might be no mistakes or still interpretations of what was then spoken, or advantage taken through our weakness to blemish so blessed a Cause; and we trust, that upon looking back into our own hearts, there is found a root of uprightness in the management thereof, and that it is not wilfully in our hearts to speak or act hypocritically, whatever some amongst you do says or apprehend. But before we come to the Answer itself, being the chief drift and scope of these lines, we humbly apprehend it necessary to lay before you the several Reasons last given in, when without our consent desired, you were pleased in the Name of the Church to send for several brethren to determine and judge of the matter in difference between us. The Reasons as they were laid down in this Paper, being already inserted in the ⋆ Viz pag 38. of this Book. foregoing Leaf, we do here purposely omit them, as being a needless repetition. These Reasons you very well know the Lord did make so convincing to those brethren who came at your request, that upon knowledge thereof they absolutely refused to meddle therein till such time as you had advised with us, or the least asked our consent: Now We hoped, that before you had made any further progress, you would have laid before the Lord those r The Readen may remember that in pag. 22. several Brethren of other Churches were sent for by them to hear the matter in difference, which they resused till our first Paper given in, was debated in the Church; likewise the other time mentioned in this Paper, which are the two disappointments spoken of. two disappointments you had received, and in a due fence thereof, enquired into his mind and will; but instead thereof at the same time, without so much as the leastlying low before his face the same, did forth with send your Messengers unto us, to know whether we would join with you in sending to the several Churches for hearing of the matter in difference, Who were some what pressing upon us to have a present return one way or other which We durst not adventure upon for two Reasons; First, in respect of our own weakness and insufficiency, being poor foolish creatures. Secondly, In respect of the weight of such a Work, not being to be done without solemn seeking to the Lord, that being the Way he hath appointed to lead, advise, and instruct his people about any business they are dark in; and accordingly We did send Answer by your Messengers to that effect. The next first day being a full meeting of the Congregation withdrawn from you, We did spread your desire before the Lord, and sought of him a right Way, how far We might comply with you therein; and in the close of the day after much discourse course about it, judging likewise that We had the Mind and Will of God, came to this result, That before We could give a direct answer to you desire, that you would be pleased to give us your positive judgement, Whether those Brethren of the Army were guilty of those sins laid to their charge by us, or no; which We have often desired, entreated, and sent to you about, but could not obtain it to this day, as is expressed in our fourth Reason before mentioned, to which We then received this return, That you were not in a capacity to answer us therein, because you were divided into three parts, some judging they were under those sins; others, that they were not; and a third party could not tell whether they were, or not. This Answer thus returned, with some other circumstances not considerable here, to be inserted, We did spread it before the Lord, together with your former desire, and in the end came to this conclusion, That We were wholly dissatisfied with your Answer to our last request, apprehending it somewhat strange that you should be unanimous in revoting communion with them after so plain proof of their sin laid to their charge, especially some of them, and yet not be united in your judgements whether they were under those sins or not: And though We might hereupon wave any return to your desire, till We had your plain answer thereunto, yet lest it should be judged that We were unwilling, or fearful the Cause of Christ We are engaged in, should have the hearing amongst other brethren, We did thereupon for the Name and Honour of God, and clearing up our integrity herein, and for the further manifestation of truth, with a due saving to those [s] Those two Admonitions are contained in our first & second paper delivered in unto them two Admonitions, already given, conclude, That We were, and are very willing, and shall rejoice therein for Truth's sake, to comply with your desire with this limitation, That We might according to our Christian liberty in this extraordinary case, choose on our part faithful Brethren, many of which had hazarded their lives for the Name and Cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, so openly betrayed at this day, against whom We trust there shall be no just grounds of exceptions as to their lives and conversations; and you may proceed to send unto the Churches on your part, as you shall think meet: Now lest the objection you made when the Brethren were last with you by our appointment, to wit, That by this Answer we do wave that our sleves which we have pressed upon you, about sending to the neighbouring Congregations, when we were not willing to join therein; Which we do plainly deny; for we never moved it unto you, much less pressed it upon you; but your proceeding herein hath been your own voluntary act without us, though indeed we excepted against your practice as it was by yourselves without our consent, therewith also apprehending your present estate to be no less than the plain fruit of open backsliding from the Cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, though we desire to mention it with fear and trembling and due respect unto some amongst you, as not so guilty herein as others are; likewise we have ground to fear, that most of the Churches of Christ in this City are more or less tainted with the sore Apostasy of this day; not that we delight in such reflections, but desire to speak it with humility, grief, and sorrow of heart, and should be glad there were no just ground for such a jealousy. This preconsidered, it seems more obliging unto you to follow that practice, then unto us at this time, and may excuse the formality of the practice on our pare, and the rather, when you proceeded in such a Work not only without the consent, but without so much as a tender thereof unto your brethren and sisters, jointly concerned therein, until this last time, which was not so much of yourselves, as seemingly necessitated thereunto by those Brethren of other Churches, who refused to advise you in, or hear any thing of the matter in difference till at least you had asked our consent and approbation thereof; and therein you may please to remember the stress of their, refusal did lie to hear aught you had to say; and if so, we humbly apprehend it will take off that scandal of hypocrisy and changedness of mind, laid to our charge by some amongst you. Thus having given you a brief account of our last Message, together with what hath passed between us and you since our last Paper was given in, having therein unfeignedly, and in all plainness opened our hearts unto you, we shall not add more, only desiring, That in case you do not think meet to receive our tender herein, but proceed as formerly yond have done that then you will favour us so far (or rather the Truth) as to let this Paper be read unto the Brethren you shall send for before any proceeding be, & afterward the other two in their order, as your intention was the last time the Messengers of other Churches were with you. Intending here to conclude, not having ought considerable to add, some of our Brethren inform us of a Message received from you the last sixth day was a seven night, to be communicated to us in words to this purpose, That you did think meet to offer unto us, that there might be a day of solemn fasting and prayer unto the Lord, wherein you desire our conjunction, the chief end of the duty being upon these three accounts; First, That both you and we might be deeply humbled before the Lord, and be made sensible of all our evils and miscaerriages, especially as they do relate to the present difference between you and us. Secondly, To inquire of the Lord a right way, what you and we ought to do for the healing of it. Thirdly, That if there were any other thing we: bought necessary to be put in, we had our freedom to add thereto. The consideration whereof hath put us upon a further enlargement in writing by way of answer, and to which we desire to give this humble Reply, That as to the Work of humiliation itself, and a day to be appointed in order thereunto, we do fully approve of, as being not only a Gospel Ordinance, but also incumbent on the Lord's People in this day of sore affliction, and time of jacob's Trouble, not only as it may relate to our miscarriages & evils committed since our first withdrawing, wherein we desire to acknowledge before the Lord and you, that herein we have ground sufficient to lie low before him, and cover our Faces with shame in the sense thereof, so far as it may not eclipse the riches of Grace in our Lord Jesus Christ, but also in respect of the crying evils, through the backsliding of professors under so great light, which we fear doth forerun some sore judgement upon this Nation in general, and upon professors in particular; but how to join with you as the case now stands between us, we can see no Scripture-bottom, or rational ground for the same, it being pre-supposed, first; That you have amongst you those that are guilty of gross and scandalous sins, upon which account. We are withdrawn from you: Secondly, that you have not only voted communion with such persons, notwithstanding their sins, but by a second Vote, and continued practice, justify them in their evil; and so many of you are become greatly partakers with them of their evil deeds, and the rest also, though less guilty. Thirdly, That you have so far owned and approved of them, as to forget their evil, and charge us your poor brethren and sisters with making a rent and division for doing our duty, when they indeed are the persons from whom the offence first came, and some chief among you as greatly guilty as they, by pleading for, and excusing of them, and so properly to be charged with making a rent and division in the Church. Fourthly, You have endeavoured to carry it on against us, so as to take upon you the power of the Church without us, and thereby would have proceeded to admonish us son making air out (as you say) in the Church, had not the Lord wonderfully frustrated you in all your endeavours that Way, though We should have rejoiced therein, being comfortably satisfied that it would have been for his Namesake, because We are contending for truth against the great iniquity among you, and so the persons offending, with their Abettors, (though the greater number) to be admonished, and withdrawn from by the lesser, which if true, than the power of the Church resides in the Lesser number; and this in effect is no more than according to the ⋆ Note. practice of all the Congregational Churches in their withdrawing from the Parochial Churches. Dear Brethren and Sisters, these things are plain and true, and therefore bear with us, for We have yet longings of heart after you, and desire to mourn and grieve for you, that if it were the Will of our heavenly Father you might be recovered out of the Snare, and do trust many of you will; but in case We should join with you before the least acknowledgement of your evil, should not we return to you before you return unto the Lord? and so come under the reproof of that. Scripture, Jer. 15.17. and that also in 2 Cor. 6 17, 18. Yea, Would it not rather be a grieving of the Spirit, and making light of so precious an Ordinance as Prayer is? Have We not some sad experience hereof already, in that dya of Prayer kept with you when our first Paper was to be debated? What contrariety of spirits did then appoar? Were We not in the duty deeply judged and censured by one of the chief amongst you, when We came to lay the matter in difference before the Lord? If so little comfort then, sure less now; Can two pray together except they be agreed? We do therefore humbly apprehend before any such conjunction be, that you will first inquire into the great evil amongst you, and not to eat with such persons, but in brotherly love to admonish them, and then to wait and see whether the Lord will humble them in the sense thereof; if this were done, We know that the consequence on your part would be to lie low before the Lord for complying with them to this day; and when you shall minifest repentance by such a Work, than We should have joy and comfort in joining with you, to be further humbled before the Lord, and also to lie at the Lords and your feet, as to any other thing you should desire of us for his Name sake; for We hope it is not in our hearts to be lifted up above our Brethren, but only to be faithful unto the Lord in a day of so great Apostasy. Now as to the second thing, about seeking to the Lord for a right way what you and we ought to do for the healing of the breach between us; This seems to turn the goodness of the Lord upon himself, and to forget his loving kindness, yea, to deny that We have been in a right Way, after so much seeking unto, and waiting upon him for direction and counsel from time to time; yea, give us leave to say, That we humbly judge the Lord hath led us in a right path to this day, and hath made darkness light, & crooked things strait before, as well as since our first withdrawing. Moreover, wholly to question the ground of our proceedings to this day, would be also of great reproach and dishonour to the Name and Cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, and pre-declare to any discerning eye, that We are returned from whence We were withdrawn, upon no solid substantial grounds. To the third, namely, That if there were any other thing necessary to be added, we might have our freedom. This we conceive needs little return, respect being had in our answer to the two former propositions. Thus desiring a tender construction (if it may be) of what is here laid down, as to your last Message, and chiefly to eye the first part, as it relates to the choice of persons for clearing of the difference between us, We remain. Dated the first day of the first Month, 1657. Your poor unworthy Brethren & Sisters mourning for you, yet apprehending, that as truth is with us, so the Power of the Church rests in us. Signed in the Name and by the appointment of the whole, none contradicting John Proud, Tho, Cary, Caleb Ingold, John Sealey. AFter the delivery of this Paper; We continued waiting upon the Lord as formerly, expecting a return, as to the contents of the first part thereof, relating to the choice of persons by us and them to hear the matter in difference, which many of us did the more earnestly desire, not only for the further manifestation of truth, but also to take off that scandal laid by them upon us, That we were altogether Judges of our own cause, and would not admit of the hearing of it by others; but three months' time expiring since the delivery of our said Paper, or thereabouts, and no return given unto us one Way or other, it seemed to many of us that their silence was a flat denial to our render to the first part of our said Paper, which put us upon further inquiry into our duty; and to that end a day was set apart to seek the Lord for advice and counsl, and the greatest part whereof being spend upon that account, we then came to inquire of each other what the Lord had set upon our hearts as our further duty; and after some discourse about it, came to this result, That having made so many tenders unto those from whom we were withdrawn with so little effect, we had hopes to obtain our reasonable desire from them, and therefore judged it our duty to proceed to the work of separation. And accordingly some Brethren were chosen out from amongst us, to make a draught thereof as the Lord should direct them, and yet hereby not to exclude any Message that might come in the mean time from the other part, neither to be too sudden about it, so that it was about five or six Weeks before the draught of separation was brought in; but after it was presented and agreed upon, it was questioned by some whether it should yet be given in for some reasons urged by them, unto which it was answered by others, That they conceived the Lord would be much glorified in the delivering of it in as the unanimous consent of the whole. But some again stood up and said, That they conceived this would most glorify God at present, (to wit) that we should revive the tender make in our foregoing Paper, notwithstanding their by their practiso to this day. But this was opposed again by others, judging that it would be little effectual, considering how we had been dealt withal from the first day of our withdrawing, until now; however it was ●udged meet this being our last step towards those from whom we were withdrawn, to be very diligent and watchful, lest Satan should take advantage upon us at the last, and the Lord thereby be dishonour; to take the advice of some upright and grave brethren who were faithful unto the Lord in this day of apostasy, and present our Paper of Separation unto them for advice and counsel, so far as the Lord should administer unto them, Which was accordingly concluded bernard upon, and the Brethren aforementioned, (to wit, Mr. Cann, Coll. Danvers, Mr. Squibb, &c) who accompanied us as Witnesses when we gave in our Admonition at London-House, were sent unto, and upon their Meeting the Paper of Separation was delivered unto them, who received it, and in brotherly love took the matter into consideration, taking their times and seasons of meeting together, spreading it several times before the Lord in prayer, as we have been credibly informed; upon their desire we did also diliver in to them all our Papers, containing the sum and substance of what had been done by us, as to those from whom we were withdrawn; that so they might have the clearest knowledge of things as we were able to give them; and after some Weeks we received this return from them, viz. That according to our request they had been meeting together, and waiting several times upon the Lord, that they might be able to give us such advice as they might judge to be of the Lord; and that as to what we had already done, they did conceive we had been graciously led by the Lord, and could not but own and approve of our proceedings hitherto but withal, did apprehend before any further proceeding should be by us, (wherein they were very unanimous) namely, That we should yet once more make a further tender unto those from whom we were withdrawn, about hearing the matter in difference between us, as formerly we had done, for these following Reasons, viz. 1. To the end that those Brethren and Sisters of whom we write so tenderly in our Papers, might thereby be brought off from those disorderly persons, or else be the more without excuse, if after such a tender made (though refused) they shall yet continue with them. 2. In case such a debate be granted, it is conceived, that Truth of the one hand, and Iniquity on the other, will be thereby discovered, and the eyes of many opened, to whom the knowledge thereof shall come, or else we thereby the more vindicated, as to any further proceedings, if such a tender should be refused. 3. That those Brethren whose advice had been desired, will be the more cleared and justified in any further proceedings, whether a debate be granted, or not. 4. That the Messengers of the Churches called in by the other part of the Congregation, were so tender, as not to proceed without the consent of both parties; therefore those brethren whose advice we have desired, could do no less then make such a proposal unto us, that if possible, a debate of the matter in difference my be obtained. 5. That though it is believed what is contained in our Papers be true, yet by such a debate truth will be made more plain unto those Brethren whose advice we have desired for their further proceeding, and justification before others. 6. That this Work being of Concernment unto all the Congregations in the Nation, ought therefore to be done with as much consideration as may be, in regard the issue of it (if done in the spirit of the Lord) will be much for his glory, and the advantage of his despised and reproached Cause and People at this day. After these Reasons laid before us, a Brother stood up in the Name of the whole, and gave them a kind acknowledgement of their brotherly love, That there were any who would own and stand by the truth in such an evil day as this is; and for what they had offered concerning another tender to be made unto those from whom we were withdrawn, we should consider of it, with their Reasons inducing thereto, and according as we should be directed by the Lord, so we hoped it was in our hearts to preceded, and no otherwise. And so those Brethren departed, after which a little time was spent together, and a day concluded upon to seek the Lord by prayer, as to what they had offered unto us; and accordingly at the time appointed we met, and in the conclusion of the day came to this result, That it would be much for the glory of God, respect being had to the foregoing Reasons, to make another tender unto those from whom we were withdrawn, and that two brethren be forthwith chosen to acquaint them therewith. The substance of the Message delivered to the other part of the Congregation at Allhallows, the sixteenth day of the fifth Month, 1657, by the two Brethren appointed thereunto. That they were sent in the Name, and by the appointment of the Brethren and Sisters withdrawn from them to present a Message unto them after seeking the Lord, as being that which they judge to be his mind and will concerning them, and is to this purpose. Notwithstanding we had two several times already offered unto them for the further manifestation of truth, and clearing up our integrity in the matter and ground of our withdrawing, we did hereby once more make this further tender unto them, that according to the tenure of our last Paper given in, we might, according to our Gospel-liberty in this extraordinary case, choose on our part men fearing God, and working righteousness, and faithful to the Cause of Christ, in this evil day, and such who have hazarded their lives for the same whether in Churches, or out, to hear the matter in difference between us, and they might on their parts take the like liberty if they thought meet, there being no command, forbidding, or enjoining us to send unto Churches only, in matters of Church difference, though we conceive it be a very equitable way, to send unto Churches, did it not appear the generality of Churches are either silent under, or complying with the Apostasy of this day, and in regard we had already waited about three, or four months, since our first tender in this kind without any return, we judged it meet to offer, that we might receive your answer one way or other, by this day fortnight. And so the two Brethren entrusted with the delivery of the said message came away, leaving it to their consideration. About twelve days after, Master Jessey accompanied with Brother Palmer, and Brother Marsh brought us an answer to the said Message, which is inserted in our next paper, it being thought meet to be given in writing that they might the more plainly judge of our Reasons; why we could not condescend thereunto, and likewise that it might either be a witness for, or against us for the time come. And is as follows. A paper Containing our Reasons why we could not condescend, unto the message, brought by Master Jessey, accompanied with Brother Palmer, and Brother Marsh. Dear Brethren, and Sisters in our Lord Jesus Christ, Upon the 28th. of the Last month, we received a return to our last message by Master Jessey accompanied with brother Palmer, and Brother Marsh, and was in words to this effect. That himself with Master Knowles, and Master Bare-bone, were by you acquainted with a message, received from us, being the same we had formerly delivered. And in regard the matter in difference, was by you referred to the members of several Churches, to do therein, as they think meet of whom they were a part, they did thereupon give notice to the rest of their Brethren; entrusted with this business, who meeting together came to this result, to which they had also received your consent, to wit, That they thought it but reasonable; we should have the liberty of our choice, provided those we sent unto be Church-members, chosen by the consent of their respective Congregations; if so, they were to have the like liberty, with those chosen by you, to speak what might be upon their hearts, as to the matter in difference. But in case they were not so chosen, although they might be Church-members, yet they might not have liberty to speak any thing as to the matter in difference, yet he said it was very likely that upon our request some liberty might be given in that kind. But in case any chosen by us should not be actual Church-members, though it may be granted for them to hear what was Controverted; yet no liberty for them to speak any thing at all. Likewise such persons, so chosen, their names should be given in to you, for approbation, as to their Principles, and Conversations. Now the Reasons why we cannot condescend hereunto, are these following. 1. As being directly contrary to the end of our message more at large contained in our last paper, not having therein exceeded our Gospel-liberty. 2. It is altogether needless to make choice of persons to hear a matter in controversy, and deny them liberty to speak unto it, if they have any thing upon their hearts to say. 3. To bind us up not only to Church-members, but also in a great measure to the Churches for their choice, when it is very plain that the Apostasy of this day hath reached to the generality of the Churches, whereby there are few Zealous in the cause of Christ, though many faithful ones in other things, is to exalt the form above the power of Godliness. 4. That it seems to us directly contrary to the Principle of the Congregation, you so much pretend unto, which is, To receive Saints, as Saints, and not as bound up to this, or that form. 5. To condescend hereunto, is to undervalue the Spirit of the Lord breathing in several of his servants, who are not enemies but friends to Church Communion, though not formal Church-members, by reason of the foulness of the waters, of the Sanctuary at this day, and whom we desire to esteem far better than ourselves. 6. As there is no command in joining us to Churches alone in this Case, neither is there any against it, therefore we humbly conceive our Gospel Liberty cannot be denied us. Moreover there is but one example in all the New Testament as we can remember which was in the Church at Autioch sending to the Church at Jerusalem, Acts 15. About the matter of Circumcision, neither was there any visible Apostasy among the Churches at that day, as now is, else we conceive that the Church at Antioch would not have sent unto them about it. These Reasons being premised, and the substance of our last paper relating hereunto considered, we do humbly declare, That we can in no wise condescend to a debate upon those conditions received from you, neither upon any other terms, then is mentioned in our last paper, and upon which account we refused at first, not that we desire to stand upon terms of advantage for ourselves, were we not groundedly persuaded, the name and cause of Christ we are engaged in, would very much suffer thereby. Thus desiring to hear a return from you, if a debate of the matter in difference be really intended. And that we may have our free choice, without any bonds imposed upon us, or them, we shall choose, provided they be men fearing God, and working Righteousness, any more than we desire to impose bonds on you, or whom you shall choose, for which we shall wait 14. days from the date hereof, and in case of no return by that time, we shall be in no longer expectation thereof. We remain, Your unworthy Brethren and Sisters, mourning, and praying for your return, yet apprehending that as truth is with us, so the power of the Church rests in us. Dated the 4. of the 6. Month. 1657. Signed in the Name, and by the Appointment of the whole, John Proud. Caleb Ingold ACcording to our promise we waited for a return till the expiration of the time mentioned in the said paper, but having no Answer, neither any intention thereof, so far as we could understand, but rather an averseness thereunto, considering that they had committed our said paper, to the perusal of the Pastors, and Elders, of several Congregations, to whom, they said, they had given up our business, and to be directed according to their advice; Who upon perusal thereof, apprehended our desire and tender therein, to be but reasonable. Yet was their advice, and proposition refused also. A copy of the agreement of the messengers of the Churches met at all-hallows the II. of the 6. Month, 1657. At the request of those from whom we are withdrawn about our paper, Dated the 4. of the 6. Month, 1657. 1 1. That Persons of approved Godliness may be endowed with wisdom, to advise, and to help to heal breaches, as well as others. 2 2. That the Persons that the dissenting Brethren had chosen which were not Church-members were well approved of for Godliness 3 3. For peace sake, which we are to follow after, we judge it not unlawful, but convenient, that such Godly, and approved persons, as are mentioned in the last paper, Dated the 4. of this Month, may freely be admitted, to hear, and advise, in the matter propounded, with the like number of such, as the Church with Mr. Sympson did choose. 4 4. Our advice is, that the number of Persons so chosen should not be many, not exceeding ten of a side at the most. Now it being so obvious that they not only refused our tender, but theirs also to whom (as on their parts) they had committed the matter in difference, we judged it our duty to wait no longer upon them, being without hope after so many denials, and therefore the Brethren to whom the orderring, and managing the affairs of the Congregation, was committed were appointed to perfect the draught of Separation, intended, and present it unto us, with all expedition: which was accordingly done, a Copy whereof is as follows, Our last Testimony, or separation from the Soldiers of the Army, being guilty to six scandalous sins; likewise, from Mr. John Sympson, their chief Abettor, and others with him; As also from the rest of those Brethren, and Sisters, we formerly walked withal, whom we desire to mourn for, yet, as they hold Communion with those scandalous sins, and Persons, must separate from them. IT is we trust some grief, and trouble of heart unto your poor unworthy Brethren and Sisters, that notwithstanding the Lord hath cast us into days of so great light, and profession, wherein he calleth upon all to repent, without excuse, or pretence of Ignorance, you should to this day not only hold Communion with, but be justifiers of several persons amongst you, that are guilty of such sins, as are not commonly named amongst men: which is the more considerable, in regard they are the sins of the last times into which we are fallen; yea your continuance therein, seems to speak unto us, as if the custom of sin, had taken away the conscience thereof, in many of you: Indeed we have ground to fear, that many of you are so far become guilty, as to call their evil good, and our withdrawing from them, and you, upon this account evil; And although we have been now one whole year and half, or thereabouts, waiting upon you in the Lord's way, by our withdrawing from you, wherein we have been desirous to exercise patience and much long-suffering, and as we hope, with yearning bowels towards you in some measure, willing to have compassion, of you, as of our own souls, left we should also be tempted; Likewise a year and half before our withdrawing, bearing our Testimony against the evil amongst you, so that had there been any heart in you to purge out the old leaven you might have become a new lump unto the Lord in so long time, and thereby have been a vessel of honour, meet for the Master's use in your generation; but notwithstanding their sin hath been so often laid before you by us, since, as well as before our first withdrawing; and having we hope out of love to your souls, as well as for the glory of God, in discharge of our own duty, admonished the Soldiers of their evil, and yourselves, as their Abettors, according to the Rule of the Gospel, that if it had pleased our heavenly Father, you might thereby have been duly humbled, under his mighty hand, by smiting upon the thigh, saying, What have I done? and each one have considered, from whence you are fallen and done your first works, Moreover in regard it was imputed to us, That we would have none to Judge of, or hear the ground of our withdrawing but ourselves; we did thereupon offer unto you, that we were willing others should have the hearing of our Cause, or rather the Cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, wherein such poor worthless worms as we are engaged; Provided we might have Liberty on our part, to choose Persons of known Integrity, and Godliness, of whose faithfulness to the cause of Christ, we might have good ground of Assurance in such an evil day, as this is; which by your practice you have absolutely denied us, and in stead thereof have sent a third time to the several Congregations, in, and about the City, without our consent, or approbation, that they might by their messengers, hear, and judge of the Matter in difference between us, though they have refused to meddle with it; And Oh, that the consideration thereof, might yet at the last, put you upon some serious inquiry, what should be the mind, and will of the Lord concerning you therein, and whether a third denial of this kind, doth not speak that you have so often gone out of the Lords way about that work, and have refused susch equal ways, as might tend to the further discovery of truth as we humbly apprehend. Likewise about 7. or 8. weeks since, after seeking the Lord, and receiving advice from such as were faithful to the cause of Christ in this day, we did judge it our duty, notwithstanding your refusal to this day, yet once more to make the same tender unto you, as we had done formerly; That the matter in difference might be debated, in the presence of a certain number of godly persons, one half chosen by you, and the rest by us, and all of them having equal liberty of speaking, as occasion might require. To which we received Answer, being little less than a plain denial of our tender, however we make a speedy reply in writing, that our willingness to such a work might appear, for answer whereunto we have been about four weeks in expectation, but having no return, we do discern that the Lord hath shut up your hearts from it; which doth the more plainly appear; for that we are informed, those Members of Churches, to whom you have committed the perusal of our last paper, did give in their Judgement, That our desire therein was but reasonable, and aught to be condesscended unto, Now we could wish that the sense of your great evil might lie more upon our hearts, wherein we would also not be unsensible of our own miscarriages in the management thereof, desiring we hope to mourn before the Lord for the same; yea we desire not only in the words, but Spirit of the Prophet Jeremiah, to say, Oh, that our heads were water, and our eyes a fountain of tears that we might weep night and day, for our own sins and iniquities, as well as for the great abominations of this time, (being an open Apostasy, from the Cause of Christ, and this Nation's freedom sealed unto in the late Wars, by the Faith, Prayers, Blond, Tea's, and Estates of many thousands, of whom not a few were Saints) whereinto you are so greatly fallen; and it is upon the hearts of some of us, that if the Lord shall not mercifully, yet at the last send his Angel, and pull you out from amongst this Apostatising generation, this may probably be your portion; That Partaking of their sins, you may partake of their Judgements. An therefore that we might be remiss in nothing, so far as the Lord hath discovered it to be his mind and will unto us; It is after seeking of his face, for Council and direction, and some searching of our own hearts, judged to be our duty to leave this paper with you as our last Testimony, against the crying evils, and abominations amongst you, and cleaved unto by you, some more, some less, as is hereafter mentioned, First, As to our Brethren the Soldiers, We humbly declare, and testify, in the Name, and fear of the Lord, who is the searcher of all hearts, they do appear unto us very manifestly guilty of those several sins laid to their charge by us, as being principal Abetters unto, and Supporters of the Apostasy of this day, headed by the Person now in Power, by whom our Brethrens stand, and so stiffly, contend for, as if they would justify him in all his Oppressions, wherein he ariseth, and higher, to the great reproach of the Gospel. The sin we shall only name being more largely set down in our first paper. First, Treason having betrayed the Cause, and Interest of our Lord Jesus, Christ, and the Nations Liberty, contended for in the late Wars, which did maniselt itself. First, In pulling down all Antichristian laws, Statutes ⋆ Having before proved that there is an Apostasy, we now come to show the rise of it; and is as followeth, When the War was ended at Worcester, the Lords people expected that the good things the Army declared for, and promised should be brought forth. Also, the man in Power, and the Army appeared in words to do so to; And do blame, and pretend they dissolved the old Parliament, for not doing those good things, and likewise to call the Little Parliament, as men fearing God, and Principled to bring them forth, as also to Act for the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom. And go on to say, that something was at the door, and that we were at the edge and threshold of the Promises and Prophecies, and therefore should lift up our hairs and rejoice, however, if there were neither promise for this nor prophecy, we should covet, and endeavour after the best things, and do speak as to purity, in Magistracy, and Governments; as if none but who had the Spirit were fit to Act upon Christ's account at this day. And likewise hint, as if themselves were a part, or at least had the Spirit of the Stone, which shall break and consume all other Kingdoms, etc. And as if the Call of the Little Parliament was a fruit of the Stones smiting, (quoting Dan. 2.44.) With many other excellent good words relating to the Calling of the Jews, and the glory that will be in that day; See his speech, to them, either by itself, or in pag. 56. to 63. of book called the Looking-glass. Now what did this hold forth, but that they would endeavour to bring things as near as might be, before Christ comes, to what they shall be when he is come, Isa. 32.1, 2. Mich. 4.1, 2. Psal. 72. But all this as we have too just ground to fear, and by what hath since appeared, was but to cover the design of self Advancement. For when those who were faithful in the Little Parliament, came to do those good things, and to take away all Antichristian, and Oppressive Laws, and Customs that were, and are yet remaining among us; Several self interested men among them, and others easily led by them, perceiving that if they went on, it would go ill with be Lawyers, Clergy, and other Corrupt Interests, took Counsel together how they might dissolve that Parliament and in Order thereunto, came to the Parliament. House in a morning two hours sooner than usually, and moved tho, resigning their Power, But some of the other party coming in, opposing it, they durst not venture to put it to the vote, but with the Speaker rose up and went away, leaving a considerable number behind them, who were soon after turned out by Colonel Goff, Lieunant Colonel White, and Musquetteers, thereby putting a stop to the Work of God; and the aforementioned Persons going to Whitehall, and signing a Paper, whereby they pretended to resign their Power to the Man who is now in Power; Is the foundation of this present Government, and so of the Apostasy. and Customs any ways entrenching upon the Consciences of the Lords people in their public Worship. Secondly, To prevent making any such Laws for the time to come. Thirdly, To pull down all laws in any measure oppressing the bodies of the Lords people, or any others, that violence may be no more heard in our Land. Fourthly to deliver the Spiritual Church of Christ from the like oppression of Body, or Spirit, in any of the Dominions of Antichrist. Fifthly, To execute the Judgements written upon the great Whore who is drunk with the blood of the Saints. Sixthly, That Christ might be King in these Nations, and his Laws our Rule to walk by. Seventhly, that Monarchy, or the power in one single Person might be extirpated, because opposing Christ's Dominion, and utterly inconsistent with Common Freedom. Eighthly, That men fearing God, and hating Covetousness might be in Authority, and no other. Now whether Treason be not commited in all these respects at this day, and our Brethren thereby become Traitors in abetting thereto with their swords in their hands, we shall leave unto the Lord who judgeth Righteously, and one day will make it known, when the thoughts of all men shall be revealed. Secondly, Covenant breaking, and false Swearing, there being many Engagements and Declarations of the Army, (whereof, our Brethren were, and now are Actual Members,) for removing the evil, and establishing the good mentioned in the foregoing Head. Thirdly, Oppression of the Bodies and Consciences of the Lords People, and others well affected in this Nation, by Tithes, Taxes, and Illegal Imprisonments. The Latter of which the Army formerly. Declared so much against, as being very Oppressive, that any man should suffer Imprisonment without any Legal cause ⋆ See Looking-glass, pag. 7. (Say they,) that no man be kept in Prison above a month, but in that space to be brought to Trial, by a lawful jury of his equals, or else be discarged of Course. There are many the like expressions in other of their Declarations. showed for it, and keeping them there at will, and pleasure, and how frequently this hath been practised since this last Apostasy, and is still continued, we leave to all unbiased persons to judge. Fourthly, Persecution of Saints, two ⋆ Captain Harrison, kept Master Sympson. Major Strange, kept Major General Harrisou. of them having been jailors to their Brethren, and the rest standing by, in the day of their Brother's Calamity and Justifying the Persecutors, by saying, It is possible a Saint may suffer for evil doing. Fifthly, Maintaining Antichristian Laws, by which the Saints of old have suffered, and do now suffer, though so much blood and treasure, hath been spent, for the abolishing of them. Sixthly, Hereby they are the cause, of sadning, and grieving the hearts of the Righteous, whom the Lord would, not have sadned, though our Brother Kelzey was, and herein is more particularly guilty above any of the rest, as hath been plainly proved, which at first he denied, yet afterwards confessed, at Brother Sampsons' house, much more than could be proved against him, not with any sense of his evil therein, but said, It was his Judgement and Conscience to do what he had done. And, Notwithstanding that many of us, had been labouring to Convince them, (and inform the Brethren, to whom the ruling part of the Congregation was committed) of their evils upwards of a year and half, before our withdrawing, who at first joined with us, and were more ready to be active herein, than ourselves, yet afterwards declined for no other reason (as we know) but because their sin being of a public nature, was like to receive more than an ordinary countenance, and so the more difficult and hazardous, if they, with us should be found doing our duty impartially, & not fearing the faces of men, but it being to our labour proved fruitless, and those who before were forward in the work of the Lord, now became backward and not only so, but many of them excusers, and Abettors, in a very great measure, to the grief of many of our hearts: However that we might keep in the Lord's way, it was, after solemn waiting; upon him, judged our duty to bring their evils before the Church, that so if possible they might thereby have been brought to the acknowledgement thereof. And here we hoped that iniquity should have bad its mouth stopped, and truth have had the pre-eminence, in such a Congregation as this had been, for so many years, being like a Beacon on the top of a Mountain, but instead thereof, the greater part votes Communion with them, notwithstanding their evil laid before them; which is to be mentioned, not with joy, but with grief, and sorrow of heart, though we conceive that vote was chiefly occasioned by our Brother Sympson, thorough his constant pleading for; and excusing of them; and by his sudden starting such a question, of Non-communion, without serious consideration, whereby many Brethren, and Sisters were ensnared, as they afterwards confessed; and notwithstanding that truth had such hard usage from the beginning, almost to that time, yet we have since our withdrawing, been waiting upon the Lord, almost one whole year and half, thereby bearing a more particular Testimony against their evil, also by admonishing them twice, according to the rule of the Gospel, but no repentance (as we can discern) apprearing, but rather hardness of heart, and their sin every day more and more manifesting itself, to the great dishonour of God, and reproach of his Name. We do therefore hereby declare, That we can have no more fellowship and Communion with them, then with Heathens, and Publicans, till the Lord shall give repentance unto life, by acknowledging, and forsaking their iniquity, and do hereby humbly Testify our separation from the accordingly. Secondly, That our Brother Sympson, whose condition we desire to mourn for, yet can but humbly testify, that he hath been for many months, a secret opposer of those Brethren that prosecuted the cause of Christ, against the evils of those Brethren of the Army: and every day more and more, did, and doth stand by, maintain, and plead for them. Nay more, he is not afraid, nor ashamed, to plead for those very evils, which he himself hath declared against openly, and for which, he for sometime suffered very boldly, so that we can do no less then declare, before the Lord, Angels, and men, that he is now become guilty with the other Apostates, to build again the things, which he and they formerly destroyed, and is become very skilful, to cover the iniquity of this day, which appeareth to all unbyast persons, But least any should think that we had neglected our duty in not admonishing him privately, before this public testimony against him; we answer, That several Brethren had been with him privately upon that account. Moreover, we did at another time by several Brethren in the name of the whole, apply ourselves unto him, intending particularly in love, and due respects, to have opened our hearts concerning his evil, but in stead thereof, he absolutely refused to give the least entertainment unto us, as Brethren, and Sisters, or to hear any thing we should say unto him, upon that account, but looked upon us, as Heathens, and Publicans, and thereupon refused so much as to pray with the Brethren who were sent by us. Adding hereunto, that thorough his pleading for, and excusing of them, he hath been the Instrumental Cause of this breach, and separation, and hardening the hearts of the Soldiers, when some of them, were in some measure convinced of their evil, (as we thought) saying, That if it were a sin to have Communion with them, let it be charged upon himself, and such as were satisfied with them, as they should answer it, at the day of the Lord Jesus. For which, and much more, (if needful at this time to declare.) We can have no more fellowship with him, nor scarce so much, as with those Brethren among you, that wear the sword, whose wickedness we have been so long contending against, only leaving him unto the Lord, who can when he pleaseth, convince him of his evil, and give him grace to do his first works. Thirdly, That several other Brethren whom we could Name if need require, have likewise much abetted, excused, and pleaded for this iniquity, and particularly one of them, who was formerly so convinced, of the Soldiers evil, as being the first person, that put pen to paper, to draw up Articles against them, who said, It was true but he thought it would not come to this. And therefore we do judge it our duty, also humbly to Testify against them, and separate from them, as such, who are greatly partakers of the Soldiers evil, though it is possible, that they may be much overswayed in their judgements by our Brother Sympson, and cannot have Communion with them till such time that the Lord doth convince them of their evil, and cause them to return from whence they are fallen, and do their first works. Fourthly, That many other Brethren, and Sisters, though they have little to plead for the Soldiers, as under those sins laid to their charge, yet care not for enquiring into truth, neither considering that Scripture, 1 Cor. 5.6. Know ye not that a little leaven, leaveneth the whole lump, purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may become a new lump: But are willing to have their judgements biased, thorough affection to our Brother Sympson, and so are willing, to stand, or fall in his bottom, as we have just ground to fear, and thereby become partakers of their evil deeds; and if the Lord do not in time graciously awaken them out of this drowsy, sleepy frame of Spirit, we fear they may in time feel the sorrow of that Scripture, Isa. 9.16. For the Leaders of this people cause them to err, and they that are led of them, are destroyed. And therefore hereby testify, and declare, that we cannot hold Communion with them, till the Lord shall discover unto them their evil therein. Fifthly, As for those Brethren and Sisters amongst you, that groan, and mourn under the sense of those crying abominations, that our Brethren the Soldiers with their Abettors, are guilty of, we do desire to open our hearts to them with all bowels of tenderness, and compassion, declaring that although we can see no Scripture ground, or bottom for their present practice, and the rather when the Lord hath enabled their poor unworthy Brethren and Sisters, though but a remnant, to withdraw, and separate from the evil doers, whereby the decission is made; And that Scripture, Psal. 26.4, 5.6. Seems unto us a plain word of Instruction for them in these words: I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers. I will wash my hands in innocency, and so will I compass ●●●e Altar. Whence the Spirit of the Lord seems to hint himself not innocent, had he not refused Communion with dissemblers, and vain persons, without having respect whether they were the greater, or the lesser number. And how they can call that part of the Body a Church, when those they join with, are only the disorderly walkers; for those who bear the Testimony, are withdrawn, we do not well understand: which is the more considerable, when they are commanded to withdraw from every Brother that walks disorderly. However, we judge it our duty to continue our prayers for them, and to spread their condition before the Lord in secret, as if it were out own; that he would enlighten, and inform them in their duty, and give them obedient hearts thereunto, that the Lord would deliver their feet out of the snare, and do hereby entreat, exhort, and desire them, as they tender the glory of God, and the comfort of their own Souls in the time of Trial, and Temptation, to come out from amongst them, and separate from them, trusting that the promise of grace, mentioned 2 Cor. 6.17, 18. In these words, Wherefore come out from amongst them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and be a Father unto you, and you shall be my Sons and Daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. We desire also, for their and our encouragement, to leave with them that Scripture, Psal. 9.4. Hos. 11.12. to be theirs, and our portion also; But till then, we do also hereby humbly testify, and declare, that as they now stand, we cannot have Communion with them, as otherwise in the uprightness of our hearts we desire to have, and should much rejoice in, were they clear from the evil of this day, and withdrawn from amongst those disorderly persons till then, we have just ground to believe they are in their degree partakers of their evil, according to that Scripture, 1 Tim. 5.22. Be not partakers of others men's sins; keep thyself pure. Now to conclude and end this our Testimony, we do in the General, and to each one say, and humbly declare, That we cannot discern the power of the Church rests in you, as under those sins you are now guilty of, and fallen in with each one in their degree, but ⋆ Only Moses, Aaron, Caleb and Joshua etc. Who followed the Lord and had truth on their side, and separated from Corah, the Princes and famous men of the Congregation, were owned by him, and had the power with them, as also to prevail, that the greater part of the Congregation might not wholly be destroyed, Num. 14.19, 20. compare ch●. 16 41. to 50 ca 262 which notably agrees with Matt. 18.18, 19 Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, etc. Again, if two of you, (viz. having the truth) shall agree on earth as touching any thing they shall ask, it shall be done unto them, etc. And upon this account (chiefly) it was that they had the power, and this presence with them, and not so much because the one was the Leader, and the other as it were the Pastor of the Congregation; for if with the others they would have made a Captain to return to Egpt, as also have stoned Caleb, and Joshua in all likelihood they had perished with them; yea, we find that because the did contrary to the mind of the Lord at the waters of Meribah, they must die by the way, and not go into the good land, and the power they had delivered unto others, and only Joshua, and Calch, etc. who followed the Lord fully, have the power, and his presence with them, Numb. 20.12, 24, 26. Deut. 3.27. compare Chap. 34.4. By which it plainly appears the Lord would have the power to reside with those who follow him, and have truth on their side, though the lesser number, and not with the greater, though the Pastor be with them that are declined, and so have not the truth with them. We also find, Revel. 2.7, 9, 10. Revel. 3.4, to 10. That only the Churches of Smyrna, and Philadelphia, and the few names in the Church of Sardis who followed the Lord fully, and kept close to truth, and had not defiled their garments, and such as overcome and keep close to truth to the end, are owned by Jusus Christ, and shall inherit the promises; but he threatens to remove the Candlestick from the Church of Ephesus, and to come upon all those of the Churches of Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, (though the greater number) as a Thief, and to fight against them, and kill them with death, unless they repent and return from the evil among them; And the Church of Laodicea the worst of them all, are for their Lukewarmness threatened to be wholly spewed out of his Mouth, Revel. 2.5, 16, 23. Revel. 3. 3. Which things are not written as only belonging to that time, but are also a prohesie of what shall be among the Churches a little before, or about the time the promises, and prophecies relating to the Kingdom of Christ and Zion shall be fusilled, See Revel. 2.26, 27. Revel. 3.10, 12, 21. in your poor, unworthy Brethren, and Sisters, in whose name this comes, though the lesser number. Which we desire to mention with all Humillty, and not in vainglory, knowing that we have no cause to be high minded, but fear, that such poor shrubs as we, should stand, when so many tall Cedars fall; It, being no where recorded in Scripture that the power of the Church, rests in the greater number, (as under that Denomination,) but in those, who according to the command of our Lord Jesus Christ, do withdraw from every Brother that walks disorderly, be they the less, or the greater number, for where truth is, there is the true-Church power, according to that in Matt. 16.18, 19 in these words, Thou art Poter and upon this Rock will I build my Church, and I will give unto thee the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, etc. Whence we desire to observe, that although our Lord Jesus speaks to Peter as a single person, yet lays the weight of the Church upon him, not as Peter, but upon the truth, whereof he made so upright a Confession; whereby it seems plain unto us; That where truth is, not only in the judgement, but practice, there is the Church, with the Keys, to wit its power. And this our Brother Sympson hath formerly declared, saying, That he should judge it his duty, to join with a little number, were they but 30 or 40. in number, against 500 being persuaded that the Keys of the Church were truly there, where the truth appears, not only in the doctrine, but practice. And yet we would say, That where the greater number oppose the truth more caution is to be used, more humility, and brokenness of Spirit manifested, and much looking up unto the Lord to be guided aright, by the seffer number, wherein we must acknowledge we have been too remiss, & desire to be humbled before the Lord for the same, in the face of Jesus Christ. Thus desiring that this out last Testimony may be received in love and be of that use; and weight, as to provoke you to a godly jealousy, as Paul's Epistle did the Corinthians, about the Incestuous Person, that we may have cause to rejoice upon the same account, as he had, which could we once see, we should willingly lie at your feet for truth's sake, and be more glad thereof, then of our daily food; till then, we desire to mourn, and pray for your return. Signed in the Name, and by the Appointment of the whole, John Proud. Tho. Cary. Caleb Ingold. James Chadwick. Humphrey Hathorn. John Portmen. Dated the 1. of the 7. Month, 1657. THis Paper was committed to the custody of six Brethren chosen from amongst us, to present, and deliver it according to direction; and if it might be obtained, that some one of the six might have liberty to read it in the presence of them all, but when they came, they were denied the liberty of reading it, some of the Chief amongst them, saying, That is aught first to be perused, by the Brethren amongst them at their usual meeting, and if they thought meet then to have read it, otherwise not, or else if we would stay till the next fourth day of the week, it was possible we might have liberty to read it ourselves. But this was not thought meet to be embraced; but since they denied us the present reading of it, to leave it with them, to do therein as they should think fit, only a Brother stood up, and declared, It was our last testimony of Separation, against those scandalous sins and evils which many amongst them are guilty of; and that it was our prayer, that the Lord would please to sanctify it unto them. After this the Brethren took their leave, and departed. And so ends this Narrative, Signed in the Name, and by the Appoinment of the greater Number of the Congregation, who have separated from those now walking with Master John Sympson. Humphrey Hathorn. John Seely. John Portmen. Caleb Ingold. A Preambulatory Epistle to seven of the Letters, which Master Sympson wrote to the Congregation whilst he was a Prisoner for Truth in Windsor Castle. IT doth much concern every true Believer in such a day as this, When darkness covereth the earth, and gross darkness the people, to be watching narrowly to their paths, lest they turn aside from the holy Commandment delivered to them, as many have sadly done in this day, which is to be bewailed, with a bitter Lamentation, had we a suitable Spirit thereunto, when the Father is dishonoured, Christ reproached, and the Spirit blasphemed, and all under a form of godliness; were we Baptised into Jeremiahs' Spirit, we should in the sense of the back-stiding of Professors, say. Oh, That I had in the wilderness a lodging place of way-faring men, that I might leave my people, and go from them, for they be all adulterous, an assembly of Treacherous men, they bend their tongues like a bow for lies, but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth! Jer. 9.2, 3. Many of us have had no small Wrestling in our own Spirits, whether these Letters of Mr. sympson's should be published or no, choosing rather to have silently Mourned over him, in the sense of the loss of that Spirit, he seemed to be anointed with, whiles he Continued in Windsor Castle, as by his following Letters dated from thence will appear; But considering what a Noble, and Honourable Testimony he hath born against the iniquity of this day, and that from the Spirit of God, (as he professed) and since that to be as highly professing on the other hand, saying, That it was his error, and evil, drying down all his former professions, & visions, as delusions, and of flesh. Which hath staggered some, as to the very Principles of Godliness; Likewise considering, how he is fallen in with the present Abominations he hath formerly so witnessed against. Adding hereunto, that he hath been the instrumental cause, of our Breach, and Separation, by falling in with, and pleading for the Soldiers, and present Power; Which had he not done, for aught as we know, they might have turned from their evil way, and thereby the Congregation, having purged out their old Leaven might have become a new; and pure Lump, to the glory of God, and comfort of each other in this evil day. Likewise his owning of the Tryers by sending to them, as well as others, for advice, how there might be a proceeding against us for our withdrawing. Also to take a Commission from the Person in Power to Preach at Allgate, though he hath formerly declared very highly, as well against the Tryers, with their Practice, as the present Power, we humbly, apprehend, may so far silence any Persons, as not to Judge any thing before the time, lest they be found Judging their Brethren, or the work they are upon, without a thorough knowledge of the cause, or Spirit leading thereunto. Yea, give us leave humbly to say, That the sense of the former Courage, Life, and Zeal which was in him for the truth, (wherein we cannot but Judge, that the Spirit of the Lord, was eminently manifest in him, as to the matter of his Testimony, though as to the manner most of us in many things were not so well satisfied with it) seems unto us to be rather a provocation, than a discouragement in this work, for we do not hereby publish his failings, but only by his naked Letters, without paraphrasing upon them, give a taste of that Spirit which formerly appeared in him, for Christ, against Antichrist, and all evil doers, Psal. 94.16. And let the Reader Judge though it seemed unto us, much like that Spirit the Church is found in, Rev. 12.1. Which every true member ought to be Clothed with, being Clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her fear. All sublunary Creatures appeared nothing to him, he seemed unto us like unto Paul, Acts 20.24. Tell him of troubles, likely to fall thorough his faithfulness to Christ, and his despised Cause, and none of these things move him. Moreover we are provoked hereunto, considering how much Life, and Courage, was Administered unto us in the hearing of them read, which we trust, upon perusal of them by others, may be useful unto them, as well, as unto us. And shall truth die, for fear of displeasing, a man, or men, that are gone off from the work of Christ in their generation? surtly no; yea, we trust that the publishing of them, may be to the reviving of his Spirit again, that he may consider from whence he is fallen; and do his first works, and then we shall rejoice it may appear, that he is in the number of those mentioned, Dan. 11.35. Some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, etc. And we should much rejoice if the Lord should make this way, in any measure Instrumental, to eat out that core of Apostasy, which more gentle means though applied would not do, or deliver the feet of any out of the snare, who by reason of him, are fallen from their own steadfastness; however this is our rejoicing, the Testimony of a good Conscience, that in simplicity, and godly sincerity, we have been exercised herein, and not out of malice, strife, or vain glory. Signed in the Name, and by the appointment of the greater Number of the Congregation, who have separated from those now walking with Mr. John Sympson. Humphrey Hathorn. John Portmen. John Seely. Caleb Ingold. Here follows the Letters themselves. JOhn a Prisoner not of Cromwell, and his Council, but of the Lord Jesus Christ, unto the Saints, and faithful Brethren, which meet at the place, which is known by the name of Great All-hallows, London. Grace be to you, and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ; Blessed be the Name of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, who daily loads you with his loving kindness, and tender mercies in Christ, and for ever let his glorious goodness be honoured, who at all times, and in all ages, hath, doth, and will hear, the prayers of his faithful ones in Christ, we have cause mutually to rejoice that God hath heard your prayers for my ⋆ To wit Mr Ecak at that time a Prisoner there for the same cause of Christ with him. fellow Prisoner, and me, and that God hath heard our prayers, for you. At my meeting with you I shall see more of God in some of you then ever I saw, though some may wither away, and come to nothing, and I am confident that you shall behold the Image of Christ more plainly in me, than ever formerly you beheld it, God doth still, notwithstanding many infirmities in me, shine upon the Soul of his unworthy Servant, in the face of Jesus Christ. I shall grow in grace, my faith is quickened, my repentance shall be increased, my love will abound, to you, & to all Saints, my hope shall be lively, and my joy shall be full; And I shall never be ashamed, that I have given you an Alarm, of Christ's coming in the Spirit among his People. I do yet by free grace, glory, that I shall receive more of the Spirit, in gifts, and graces, than yet is given unto me. Isa. 45.11. God hath commanded me to ask him of things to come, Christ hath persuaded me, that this Prison, is a Jerusalem, where I must wait for the promise of the Father, Acts 1.4. Pray therefore for me, for yourselves, and for all Saints, that they, and we may be Baptised with the holy Spirit, not many days hence. The Spirit will return again unto believing Saints, and the Churches of Christ, according to the New Testament institution shall be the Schools of the Prophets. Universities as now they stand upon an Antichristian foundation must be tumbled down, Antichrist hath set up those Cages of unclean Birds, that they who go thither may learn to sing the whore's songs, but not the songs of Zyon; what the Spirit shall be to the Spiritual Church, those places have been to the Carnal Church, when Antichrist forced the Woman into the wilderness, and taught men to believe that the Spirit was not to be expected any more, but that was to cease in his gifts, and to supply the want of the Spirit, which was in the true Church, he laid the foundation of Universities; and from them, and not from the Churches, and Spirit of Christ, he taught Men to expect a Ministry. But these Monastries must down, Down with them sweet Jesus, and lift up thyself in thy Spirit, among the Congregations of thy Saints. The Ministry likewise must down which stands upon a Popish ⋆ The Man in Power judged the Ministry of England stood upon a Popish Bottom, and none to be Christ's Ministers, but those who had received the Spirit for that use, See his speech to little Parliament, in Looking-glass Pag. 60. foot and Antichrists foundation, yea the best of Ministers must be thrown down, so far as they stand upon an Antichristian Bottom, though God will own what is of his own Spirit in them; And God will most eminently appear against those sons of Hophnye, and Phineas, as he did against their fathers the Archbishops, and Bishops, 1 Sam 2.16. Who say unto the People, as they did, Nay but ye shall give it me now, and if not, I will take it by force. The Judgement is gone forth from the Mouth of the Lord against them, and all the Babylonish Protectors in the world, shall not be able to defend them, and to maintain them, in the enjoyment of their Antichristian maintenance. But Jehovah shall Arise, and have mercy upon Zyon. Psal. 103.13. For the time to favour her, yea the set time is come, for thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof. The Spiritual Saints which are the stones of this Zyon, begin to delight in one, another, and as they do abhor what is most glorious and seemingly Spiritual in Babylon, so there is nothing so mean, no outward Ordinance of Zyon so base, and contemptible, but they do honour it, and thus they favour the Dust thereof. Wherefore my Brethren if you are persuaded, that this will be the work of God in this Generation, night, and day pray down those things, Persons, and Places, which are Antichristian, Note. and yet standing in England; Come out, and be separated from the wisdom, and Spirit of the world, and come up with me into the Spirit of the Lord Jesus; Labour to practise the Lesson, of self denial, in opposing those Errors, and sins, which are pleaded for by the world, and some Saints, in these times, as truths, and virtues, and so with Noah, you shall be upright in your Generations; Endeavour to know, what are those truths which God will now bring forth to Light, and not suffer them any longer to lie under the Cloud of Antichrist, and resolve to overcome your enemies, either by doing or suffering, And not loving your lives unto the death; Note. give all diligence that you may be Christians in power, and not in form only; disclaim your own strength every day; value not a faith, repentance, love, or hope, of your own working, it is not worth a rush; But look up unto Jehovah, to work all grace in you, by the operation of God. Pray for me that I may have a more glorious Mission and Commission from Christ, to Baptise and Preach the Gospel; Isaiah had a more glorious Call, at the second time, than he had at his first calling, Isai. 6.1. though to the glory of grace I do acknowledge that I have had a sufficient call, yet for the exaltation of grace I beg a more glorious Call to Preach the Gospel; Oh, that I might Preach as one having Authority, and not as University men! Oh, that I might have more of the Spirit, that I might serve you better, than ever I have done, and might in some measure be enabled to requite you for those pledges, and expenses, of love, which I have received from you. I am for many favours in the Spirit engaged unto you, Particularly for your great gift of love which you sent the last week by some of our Brethren, you have obliged me unto you, beyond my desires, and expectations. The Lord knoweth that I sought no such thing from you, directly, or indirectly, I was very well content to spend only out of my own purse in this Prison, but seeing God hath drawn you forth to express your love this way, I am bound thankfully to accept your gift, and do profess, that if I know my own heart, I am more taken with your love then with your gift, or should be taken with it, if it were a hundred thousand times more than it is, and shall pray that my God may supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, be with you all Amen. Windsor the 12th. Month. 4th. day 1653. This is a true Copy of the Original. examined by us Tho. Cary. John Clements. Brethren of the Lord Jesus, SInce I did write unto you, as the Lord did move Elijah to write unto Jehoram, so I do apprehend that the Lord did stir me up to write unto the Lord General, and contrary to my own resolutions, the Lord did press me to put my life into his hands, by dealing faithfully, and plainly with him, in setting his sins before him. The Lord is still very gracious, and favourable unto me, Oh, bless the Lord with me for his unspeakable grace to me, in accounting me worthy to suffer any thing for Christ, in bearing witness against the sins of men, which fight against his glory, and interest; when I consider what a base vild filthy Creature the Lord hath honoured, in calling him to suffer any thing for him, my soul is melted, and humbled within me, I do plainly perceive a plot of Divine Love, in bringing me unto this place; Jehovah is here fitting me for some other service I have not had such a constant uninterrupted Communion with God, in glorious light, love, and joys all the days of my life: (as I can remember) as I have had since I came hither. Oh, how sweet is Communion with Christ in a prison, I should be viler than the vildest upon earth, if I did not prefer these Spiritual enjoyments, before all the pleasures, riches, and honours, of a thousand worlds. I am now wrestling with God, night, and day for his Spirit, for myself, and all Saints. O help me in your Prayers that I may not be ashamed for waiting upon him for his Spirit. Of a truth; the Spirit is at the ⋆ The Man in Power was of this mind also. See his Speech to Little Parliament. Looking-glass. p. 62. door, I shall receive him more gloriously than yet I have received him; for the present the word of the Lord is precious, there is no open vission, 1 Sam. 3.4. God calleth to us, as he did unto Samuel but we know not infallibly, and in the Demonstration of the Spirit, who it is that speaketh, unless it be concerning our Salvations, but he will speak, and we shall know that it is he that speaketh in us, Isa. 52.6. He hath spoken unto us, in as it were parables, but he is showing us plainly of the Father, John 16.25. The Spirit will show us things to come, John 16.13. I am persuaded particularly concerning myself that I shall receive some gifts of the Spirit, which I have not yet received. If you shall desire to know the grounds of this persuasion, I shall lay them down, I am not afraid that they should be tried First, I have a Spirit in this thing to teach me self denial, I do plainly see that no strength, or endeavours of my own, will do any thing, I must be dead unto them; a faith of my own working will not remove a molehill, power must be given in by Jesus Christ, for the glorifying of his Name, Mark 6.7. Secondly, I do expect Spiritual gifts, by the Gospel, and not by the Law, Gal. 3.2. Though I have been a vile Creature, yet the Lord Jesus Ascended, that he might give gifts to the Rebellious. Thirdly, the grace of God will shine more gloriously in giving gifts unto me by so much as I have been vilder, than other Saints, before, and since my Conversion, Rom. 5.20. Fourthly, I have faith according to the Scriptures, that the word of the Lord will come unto ⋆ Note. some Saints, to inform them concerning the work of their Generation, as it did unto Isaiah, Jeremiah, Agabus, and others, Because God will do nothing, but he will reveal it unto his Servants the Prophets, Amos 3.6. Fifthly, Many Saints do pray that God would fill me with his Spirit, and do believe that God will hear their prayers, for me, and I do not doubt, but it shall be unto me according to my Faith. Sixthly, I am commanded to Covet earnestly the best gifts, which by grace I do, and shall do by the help of your prayers, 1 Cor. 12.31. Seventhly, I am humbled for anything of flesh which might move me to desire the Spirit, and I desire gifts in the Spirit upon this Account, 1 Cor. 10.31. That the Father may be glorified in the Son. Eightly, I look upon Christ as powerful, so that he is able, as gracious, so that he is willing, as true, so that he will be faithful in making good that promise, John 14.13, 14. Which I have by grace applied in this particular case; Whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son, If ye shall ask any thing in my name I will do it, Christ cannot be unfaithful, John 14.15.16. Ninthly, Christ saith, If you love me keep my Commandments and I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, I believe therefore have I spoken saith the Psalmist, Psal. 116.10. So say I, I do believe, therefore have I written these things unto you, And the God of bowels will never cover me with shame, for making this profession of my faith, in the bosoms of the Saints. I have been sensibly present with you in the Spirit, though I am in body absent from you; And I hope that when God shall bring me again unto you, that I shall come in the blessing of the fullness of the Gospel; in the mean while I shall in the Spirit of grace make my supplications for you at the throne of grace, that you may flourish in faith, grow in love, abound in lively hope, and that the peace which Christ hath bequeathed his Disciples, may be with you, and shall beg your prayers, for me night, and day, that the Father of lights from whom every good, and perfect gift comes, may give the gifts, and graces of the Spirit, which I expect, who by grace may subscribe myself. Your Servant in Christ, and a waiter in the Spirit, for the Spirit. John Sympson. From Windsor the place of my great liberty, and Imprisonment, the 9th day of the 12th. Month. 1653. This is a true Copy of the Original, examined by us, Tho. Cary. John Clements. Dear Brethren, WHen I resolved to write unto you, I was thinking with myself unto what Churches of the seven Churches of Asia I might compare you. If I had compared you to Smyrna and Philadelphia, which are not reproved, but commended by jesus Christ, you might have concluded that I did flatter you. If I had compared you to Laodicea, some might have thought that I had wronged them; and therefore I think that I cannot more truly speak of you as a Church of Christ, then by acknowledging that some of the good things, for which some of those Churches are commended, may be found amongst you, and that some of the bad things, for which some of those churches are blamed, may be found among some of you: I am persuaded that Christ hath somewhat against some of you, Rev. 2.4 Because you have left, and in part lost your first love, which you had to Christ, his Gospel and people; The Lord awaken you, and help you to recover that unfeigned repentance, lively faith, flaming affections, and soul-ravishing hopes, which once you had; what have you found in the ways of sin; and the world which can countervail the loss of those sweet and heavenly enjoyments, which once you had in God: Return unto your first husband, for than was it better with you then now, Hosea 2.7. Secondly, I know that Christ knoweth the poverty of some of you, but you are rich, Rev. 2.9. The Lord hath left in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord, Zeph. 3.12. Woe be unto the full, for they are empty, blessed be the empty, for they are full. Woe be to the rich for they are poor. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Labour therefore to be poor, that you may be rich, And if any man seem to be wise among you, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. He that will be nothing, shall be something, and he that will be something, shall be nothing, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear what Christ saith unto his Church. Thirdly, some of you live where Satan's seat is, and yet hold fast the Name of Christ, and do not deny the faith of your King, Rev. 2.13. Some are labouring in spirit to help Christ to the throne of England. Others, if you can but give them some comfortable hopes of a ⋆ Note. place, or preferment, or some other worldly thing, they care not whether the interest of Christ sink or swim; they are contented that Satan shall keep his seat and the throne, if he will but gratify their lusts. But the Kingdom of England shall be the Kingdom of Christ, let Soldiers, and Devils, and carnal Policy do what they can to hinder it: For the Kingdoms of this world are become already to out saith, Kingdoms of our Lord, and his Christ, and he shall reign for ever and ever, Rev. 11.15. Fourthly, There may be some among you, (though very few) of whom Christ may say, I know thy works, and love, and service, and faith, and patience, and thy works, and the last to be more than the first, Rev. 2.19. Hold fast this Crown, the Lord Jesus doth lay none other burden upon you, and therefore I will not. That which you have already hold fast till he come, Rev. 2.24, 25. But fifthly, I am afraid that Christ may say to some of you, as to the Angel of the Church of Sardis, Thou hast a name that thou livest, but thou art dead, Rev. 3. There may be dead sinners in a congregation of Saints, Oh! What will it advantage you to be in Church Communion with Saints here, when you shall keep company with Fiends, and Devils and ⋆ Note. Judass in hell to all eternity. Externel privileges, and common gifts in the kingdom of heaven here, will but agrivate our condemnation in hell hereafter, unless. Christ's findes burning oil in our Lamps, internal and unfeigned graces in our souls. Lay a carcase in the midst of a congregation of living men, and will the carcase be enlivened by it? so the presence of living members in a Church; cannot quicken Church members, who are dead in sins and trespasses; strive therefore rather to be, then to be accounted living Christians. Sixthly, There are some of you, concerning whom Christ in the spirit doth inwardly give this testimony, that they have a little strength, Rev. 3.8. As Christ gave the same testimony concerning Philadelphia's Angel. To you that have grace in truth, more grace shall be given, the weak shall be made strong, grow therefore in grace, and in the knowledge of the mystery of the Father, Son, and Spirit. And while the lusty youths who are strong in their own strength, shall faint, and be weary, and utterly fall, They who have no might shall increase their strength. And they who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings, as Eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, they shall walk, and not faint, Isa. 40.29.30. Seventhly, I would that I had no ground to fear that there are some lukewarm Laodiceans among you, whom the Lord will spew out of his mouth, Rev. 3.16. One end of our redemption by Christ, is zeal in good works, Titus 2.14. He who is a professor in these days without zeal, Note. will not be a professor long. The Lord will suddenly bring his furnace to Zyon to burn up the hypocrites, and refine the true Saints. I do beg this at the hand of my God, that you may all in this Looking-glass behold the graces and spots of your souls and behold your several conditions I shall remind you of that which I moved, when I last spoke among you, That our Brother Wise may be called forth from among you, to be a teaching Elder. I apprehend, that by the grace of God, it may be to God's glory, your edification and confirmation in faith, and love, and my great comfort, and refreshment. And likewise desire, that you will endeavour to walk in the order of the gospel, as becomes the Churches of Christ. A City may as well be without Government, an Army without Military Discipline, as a Church of Christ without discipline and government; the Lord complete you in graces, gifts, and officers in the knowledge, and practice of all the ordinances of Christ our Saviour, and in the fullness of his Spirit; which in the Spirit is, and shall be the prayer of him, who by grace am made, Your Companion, and Brother in the kingdom, and patience of Jesus Christ. John Sympson. 16th. day. 12th. Month, 1653. from my Prison in Windsor Castle. This is a True Copy of the Original, Examined by us. Tho. Cary. John Clements. Brethren in Christ, GRace Wisdom, Discretion, Valour, Gentleness, Meekness, Zeal, and Peace be multiplied upon you, through the Knowledge of God, and our Father, who is God, Blessed for ever. Amen, Rom. 9.5. The word which I have from the Lord unto you at this present, is to direct you in the right manner of doing that which is good, unto the glory of the Father. When we seriously consider how many in these times have held forth most glorious truths, and done many righteous things, and afterwards have ⋆ Note. apostatised from the way of truth, and righteousness; we cannot but conclude, that they never did any of them well: the heart of foolish man doth not deceive him more in any thing, then in holding forth truth, and in doing that which is good in itself: if we are for truth, and do that which is good, our deceitful hearts are ready presently to canonize us for Saints, when in the mean while we may be rotten hearted Hypocrites. It is not enough to do that which is right, and just, but that which is good must be well done; any defect, though never so small in an action, may make it evil; but there must be a joint concurrence of all Causes and Ingredients to make an action really good. There is a broad way to hell in doing that which is materially good, Praying, Preaching, Fasing, meeting with the Saints, breaking of Bread with them, and to them, may be a stage, upon which a man with the approbation of the Saints may act his lusts, and the truths of God in all ages have never suffered more sadly, then by some zealous and religious Stage players, who for a time have acted their parts with applause upon this stage. How bravely did Judas act his part in praying, preaching, working of miracles by Christ, and afterward ⋆ Note. betrayed his Master? How well did Demas manage his business before he embraced this present world. Alexander the Coppersmith, who did much wrong unto Paul, and against whom he prayed in the Spirit of the Gospel, that God would reward him according unto his works, had almost suffered death as a Martyr for Jesus Christ, Acts 19.33. May we go so far in paths of light and righteousness, and afterwards prove like the Renegado Turks, the greatest Persecutors of Christians in the world. Oh! Then how ought we to examine our works, our prayers, our hearing, our speaking of the things of God, lest there should be any root of bitterness in them, which at length springing up, should discover us to be Liars, Impostures Mamonists, Hypocrites before God, Angels, Saints, and sinners. My Letters unto you as yet have been as suits of clothes made up, but not fitted for any particular person, if they fit any Men, and their guilty Conscience, do apply particularly unto themselves, the things spoken and prophesied of in them in general, I shall begin to be persuaded that I do not drop Ink upon paper in vain; give me leave therefore to come home into your bosoms, hearts and consciences, in a word of Trial of your works, gifts, duties, actions, professions, performances, and the like. First, try the original of your Actions, if the spring of your Actions be poisoned, the streams cannot be healthy: if flesh be the fountain, whatsoever proceeds from it is fleshly, If the tree be evil, the fruit cannot be good. Ask thy soul this question, dost thou pray and speak of spiritual things, by a gift, or by the Spirit of regeneration, the prayers of the Formalists, though never so well guilded, are abominable unto Jehovah, because they are not from the spirit of the New Creation. Secondly, Try the rule of thy Actions, Christians are to walk exactly by rule, and by line, darest thou bring thy heart, and thy Actions to be tried by the good light of the word of God. Thirdly, Try thy ways by the good example of Saints, and prophets, Take my brethren the prophets for an example, Jam. 5.10. Not the court Chaplains, Note. and Temporising Demases of this backsliding generation. Fourthly, Try thy Actions by thy faith, two men may do the same thing, Abel; and Cain, the one doth the will of same thing, it is not the same thing which they do. One man Preaches Freegrace, and the Interest of Christ, and Saints, in the flesh, Note. and then abhors his own Preaching, the other doth Preach the same things in faith and hath the smile of God, for the present, and his Crown of glory hereafter for a reward. Fifthly, Try thy ways by the sincerity, and uprightness of thy heart, upright walking is sure walking; Let Jehu say, Come see my Zeal for the Lord of hosts. But be thou able to say with Hezekiah, Lord thou knowest that I have walked uprightly before thee. Sixthly, Try thy Actions by thy affectionate willingness, to do, or suffer for God, God's people are a willing People in the day of his power, Psal. 110. Christ loveth cheerful, and obedient Servants. Seventhly, Try thy Actions, by the Testimony of a pure, and enlightened Conscience; Beloved if our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God, and whatsoever we ask we receive of him because we keep his Commandments, and do those things, that are pleasing in his sight, 1 John 3.21, 22. Lastly, that my Letters may not be burden some, try, and search your ways by your aims, and ends, do nothing as to man, or to yourselves, but all as to God, and the glory of God, 1 Cor. 10.31. I put you not to a harder task, then by the help of Christ I have done many times since I came into this place; And after my most exact scrutiny, and search into my own heart, the Spirit of truth bearing me witness. To me it is given not only to believe, but to suffer as a Prisoner for Jesus Christ. By the light of the Spirit I do like my Cause in which I suffer every day better, and better; I do rise higher in my faith for obtaining promises, Heb. 11.33. That God will bring down Tyrants, and Persecutors, new, and old. I do not repent, but rejoice in the things, which I have delivered and am confident that within a few years, not to say months, I shall be found, without Cromwell's timely repentance, Note. as true a Prophet unto him, as I was to the long sitting Parliament. In the mean while abstain from all appearance of evil, abhor Jezabels Fasts, pray down the Antichristian Clergy, and their Nasty Nests the Universities; Believe down Antichrists High Commissioners, with Patrons, Parsons, Vicars, Curates, Lecturers, and their Tithes, and all things belonging to that New Hierarchy; wait for the pouring forth of the Spirit in grace, and gifes, and the power of God, and the grace of Christ shall be with you, and him who is Christ's Prisoner, John Sympson. Windsor the last day, 1. Month. 1654. This is a true Copy of the Original, examined by us, Tho. Cary. John Clementa Brethren in Christ, GOd hath brought you upon the stage of this world, to live in such times in which the hearts of many Hypocritical Professors shall be ⋆ Note. discovered, and the inward parts of all Saints shall be very much tried; And thereofre it doth concern you all, to be much in Trying, and Examining your base deceitful hearts, lest any of you having walked a great way hand in hand with the Saints, should at Lengt ⋆ Note. shamefully, and wrectchedly forsake them, and with Demas embrace this present world. If ever the Devil had an advantage against Professors, he hath an advantage against them in these times; He cometh unto them, as he did unto Christ, with his last, and strongest temptation, Matth. 4. 9 Note. These things will I give you. How many eminent Professors, doth the Devil swallow down his wide throat, and doth bury them alive in the belly of this world? Secondly, How evident doth that truth of Christ shine forth at this time? Ye cannot serve God, and Mammon. Your gilded Mamonists in London, will not be able to hold long their profession without wavering, but will basely, and unworthily, desert the Cause, and Interest of Christ, and his People. for a morsel of Bread. You will find that many who were very Zealous for the interest of Christ when it was calm, will not be able to hold it out in a storm. They that pleaded for Christ, and his Interest in the Sunshine day, will in the clouldy, rainy, and stormy day ⋆ Note, who doth so now? plead against him, and his People: such Christians who have not learned to deny themselves daily, and to take up their Gross, and follow him, will forsake him. The whole world will wonder after the Beast, and his horns. Rev. 13.3. If God doth not put you among the Lamb's company upon Mount Zion, you will never be able to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth, Rev. 14.4. The very noise, and rumout that Christ is going unto a Prison, and that we shall not be able to keep Company with him, and mind his Interest vigorously, unless we are made willing to follow him into a Prison will make some recant, and rather blasphemously, Father the Issues, Who doth so now? and births of the Spirit in them upon the flesh, then run the hazard of suffering persecution, for the Truths, concerning Christ, and his Interest, which they have declared; But you will say, Why do you send these lines unto us? are we not all for Christ, and his People? their Cause, and Interest? I answer, with Paul to Agrippa I wish that you were not almost, but altogether all of you such as I am, Note. except those bonds. I wish that you were all as really for the Cause of Christ, and his people, against all Antichristian Spirits whatsoever, as you seemed to be when the Churches at the first met at All-hallows. But know, that men do easily deceive themselves in generals: In general, Papists, carnal Protestants, all Professors of Christianity, are against Babylon, and Antichrist; the man of sin, who professeth himself to be Christ's Vicar, will say that he were not worthy, to live, if he were not against every Antichristian Spirit. And therefore come to particulars if you will not be deceived, and deluded, by your own hearts. Again, if you will not be deceived by the great Cheaters, Jugglers, Impostures your own hearts, do not only try yourselves, in particulars, in which all men, Saints, and sinners agree, and which you may agree with them in, without suffering persecution, but come to particulars, in the profession of which you may suffer persecution; Note. The word of Christ in our generation may be a word for a while, for which we may suffer. Christ had never had any Martyrs, if there had not been some raised in Spirit, to hold forth something in opposition to the judgement of the powers of the world under which they lived; It is an easy thing to Preach, and maintain a thousand truths without suffering. And it may be that Christ would have one ⋆ Note. truth preached, and witnessed unto, which will certainly bring persecution at the heels of it. You may Preach, and speak against ten thousand sins, and not suffer the loss of one hair by it; And yet there is one sin which Christ will have his People speak against, which may cost them their lives, which I could easily demonstrate; but the messenger's departure doth enforce me to break off abruptly. The Lord preserve you in ways of truth, and peace, and make you more willing to suffer with the Interest of Christ, then to reign with a base, beggarly, and proud Interest of men, which shall be the prayer of him, who in the Spirit of truth can subscribe himself, Your Brother, and Christ's Prisoner, John Sympson. Windsor, 1. Month, 25. day, 1654. This is a true Copy of the Original. examined by us, Tho. Cary. John Clements. Brethren in the Lord, IF I am not mistaken concerning the time, in which we live, the next eminent work of God, which will appear upon the stage, will be the filling of his Temple with smoke from the glory of God, and his power, Rev. 15.19. And therefore it will not be an unseasonable word to stir you up to pray for the Accomplishing of it; there will not be any great thing done, beyond what you have seen with your eyes, until the Angel of the Covenant, come into his Temple, to fill it with the glory of his Spirit, surely the Spirit is upon his return to the Churches of Jesus Christ. During the reign of the man of sin, the Learned Impostures of the world, with their Accademical Anointings have eclipsed the glory of the Saints, but when the promised Spirit of glory in Graces, and gifts, shall dwell among Zions Congregations, the learned wisdom, and policy of the carnal Church will be confounded. As yet, as I humbly conceive, one vial hath not been poured forth, But suddenly a great voice will be heard out of the Temple saying to the seven Angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth, Rev. 16.1. As when the Temple of Solomon was Consecrated fire came down from Heaven, and the glory of the Lord filled the house, and the Priests could not enter into the Temple, 2 Chron. 7.1, 2. So Christ of whom Solomon was a Type, is about to Consecrate his New Testament Temple, which Antichrist hath profaned, and polluted. And suddenly the glory of Jehovah will fill his Churches, fire will come down from heaven upon his beloved ones. The Angel will fly thorough the midst of. Heaven preaching the everlasting Gospel, and the earth will be enlightened with his glory. Hitherto only some of Antichrists body hath been destroyed, but then his Spirit will be confounded, and destroyed. It was the speech of Luther concerning King Harry the 8 th'. that he hated the body of Antichrist, but loved, and lived in his Spirit. Note. So there are many in these times who hate the body, but love, and live in the Spirit of the Whore. The Spirit of the Whore is exalted in England, and though few can see Spirits, yet blessed be God there are some who have Eagles eyes, and behold the Spirit of Christ, and Antichrist, combating upon the stage of England. As blind as I am, who am not worthy to be accounted a spiritual Saint, from Windsor Castle I descry and behold the Spirit of Babylon, gotten upon the throne in England; yea, I behold a Beast risen in England, with two horns like a Lamb, but he speaks like a Dragon. It was the speech of a Pope concerning an Archbishop of Canter bury, That he was a Pope of another world: Alterius orbis Papa. Meaning of England. I tell you the truth, there is not only a Pope of Rome, but there is a Pope of another world, but by faith I do behold his horns dropped off. And I pray to my God, that that may happen unto him, which befell the Caldean Lion, Dan. 7.4. That his wings may be plucked, and he made to stand upon his feet, and that a man's heart may be given unto him. Oh, that he might cease to be a beast, and become a man. If the Spirit of Antichrist be in the Pope, and his Cardinals, he is in this Beast, and his Delegates; The Lord Jesus hath set in his Church, first Apostles, secondarily Prophets, thirdly Teachers; after that Miracles, than gifts of healing, Helps, Governments, diversity of Tongues. But this Beast by his Ecclesiastical, Antichristian power, hath set up Commissioners, Patrons, Parsons, Vicar's Curates, and Lecturers. Who is a Lecturer now. The Lord Jesus doth make Ministers by the Unction of the Spirit: But this Beast doth make Ministers by a Sealed Instrument. The Lord Jesus hath appointed that his Ministers should live by the free contribution of the People: But this Beast will maintain them in the enjoyment of a maintenance which by the Mother of Harlots, is enforced, and compelled from the People. Sweet Jesus open the eyes of the People of England, that they may see themselves in the midst of Babylon. Dear Brethren be not offended with the subject of this Letter, I am bound as a Watchman to give you notice of the approaching of the Beast, and be not offended, with my manner of expressing of myself. It is best to speak of Christian, and Antichristian things, and persons, Note. in the language of the Scripture, or Scripture like words. What I write, I write with a good conscience, without doubting, or wavering, blessed be Jehovah for it, and therefore receive it in love, learn to love every truth of God, if any of you be otherwise minded, concerning this matter, God shall reveal even this unto you, in the mean while whereunto you have already attained, walk by the same Rule of Christ, and mind the same things. Pray to God that he may keep you sound in the Faith, which I hope you have received from Jesus Christ; and take heed of those deceitful workers, who overthrow the plain, and simple gospel of Christ. Do not hazard your own souls, endamage the souls of others, not encourage them by lending an ear unto their Sermons and discourses, beware of familistical, and notional wolves in sheep's clothing; remember that victory over false Teachers, is part of that victory which we have by Christ. Ye are of God little Children, and have overcome them, John 4.4. Because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. If any therefore come into your City, and bring not the plain Doctrine of Faith, according to Godliness, bid them not God speed, for he that biddeth them God speed, is partaker of their evil deeds, 2 John 10.11. Do not murder Souls, by encouraging Soul-murtherers, by hearing of them, but beware lest being led away by the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness, 2 Pet. 3.16.17. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, To him be glory both now, and for ever. Amen. Your Brother in the Spirit of Jesus, John Sympson. Windsor the 2. Month the 8 th'. day 1654. This is a true Copy of the Original, examined by us Tho. Cary. John Clements. Dear Brethren, I Have thorough mercy a whole week together tasted the sweetness of God in close Imprisonment, it is nothing to be alone, if it be for many years together, where there is a gracious presence of God: he that with Enoch walketh with God, can never be alone. It was the speech of an heathen, I am never less alone, then when I am alone, how much more may a Christian say, who in truth can say. Truly my fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus. Unless the New Courtiers, did love me very well, they would not deal with me as they do. If they knew what an Advantage close Imprisonment were unto me; That my Faith, Joys, Hope, Sanctification, might arise higher, my Father gave forth his Orders that the under Gaolers, should keep me close Prisoner, Father if thou wilt be so sweet in all thy dispensations to thy worthless and vile Creature (though by grace thy Son) it shall not be grievous unto me; If it shall please thee to suffer them to deal more roughly, and barbarously with me, God is so sweet that I cannot but glory in Tribulations. I have my wife and children about me, while I am alone, because my Jesus is with me: My personal Communion is so sweet with God, that were it not that I would not live only to myself, and my own comforts in glorifying God, but do desire to be useful unto others in glorifying God, I should never desire more external Liberty. God doth smile upon me, yea that you may wax confident by my Imprisonment, and not be ashamed of my reproach: I must tell you the cause for which I suffer doth smile upon me. Who am I, that God hath so highly honoured me, in thinking me worthy to suffer for Righteousness sake, in bearing witness against the ⋆ Note. Covetousness, Lies, Perjuries, Hypocrisies and Tyrannical Practices of Men, I would not change my Imprisoned condition with the highest condition of my persecutors and oppressors. How much is it better to be a persecuted Saint, than a Persecutor? The Lord will succour, and relieve the oppressed, but will break in pieces the oppressor. I begin to be persuaded that there is some truth in the things which formerly I spoke doubtfully of. About at twelve month since in Martin's fields, I was transported into a Spirit beyond my own, and in it the downfall of great O. was revealed unto me. About the dissolution of the Parliament, I saw great O. four several Mornings Intellectually. In the first, he was hastily running towards a Crown; In the second, he sat in a Chair of State, In the third, he was presented with a part of Horns upon his head; and in the fourth, he was shamefully tumbled from his Pomp, and Glory. I have seen the three first come to pass, and for the third I do now more fully understand it then ever I did. His two Horns are his Tyrannical Power, by which he doth push at, and persecute the poor Saints; and his Antichristian power, by which in things Spiritual and Ecclesiastical, he doth oppose Christ in his Royal Prerogatives, as he is King of Saints, and an appointer, and ordainer of Preachers according to his own Laws. I pity the man in the place in which he is now seated; If he were an Angel in his present place, and feat, he could not but be a persecutor of the Saints, Note. for he is one of the ten horns of the Beast which must make war with the Lamb; but he shall overcome him, for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him, are called, chosen, and faithful; Rev. 17.14. I had an impulse of Spirit, in which I was strongly carried to believe, that that Bastardly Government, in the setting up of which, the mouths of God's enemies were opened to blaspheme, should die, and not live, though in itself it might be good enough, and too good for us, unless we did walk more worthy of our mercies; yet considering it, as set up by them, who declared so much for the Liberty of the free born people of England, and the Interest of Christ, it is a bastard begotten, & conceived in a night of Hypocrisy, and brought forth in a day of bold faced impiety, and the Lord will make a grave for it, for it is vild. I did apprehend that great O. was set up by God permissively, by the Dragon voluntarily, by himself ambitiously, by the Army cowardly, by ⋆ Is not Kelzye, Strange, Harrison, Ducker, Sumner, whom we have charged with this, And others the willing Traitors, according to his own words. willing Saints Traitorously, and by unwilling Saints passively, & mournfully. I do repeat these things that you may know I am confirmed & not weakened in my persuasions, & that you may know what comfortable ground I have to wait for the accomplishment of what is behind. It is sweet to me now in this confinement to consider, that I had a hint of these things, by Intellectual vision, or dreams before they came to pass. In a slumber, about Worcester Business, I saw great O, lying upon the ground, with most of his great Officers, and their mouths stopped with clay, by which I was persuaded, that they should not be able to act any more for Christ, or fetch breath in his cause, which is come to pass. Before the dissolution of the long sitting Parliament. In a dream I beheld some lusty fellows binding an old man, who when he was bound, his cords did break, but he was so feeble that he could not rise again, and presently after they had left him; they caught hold of me, and apprehended me. It was given in, that the Parliament was the Old man, and that after they had dissolved the Parliament, they should persecute me; which I charged upon the memories of some friends to remember. I scarce know how to speak of these things, because some may think that I speak in wrath, when I speak upon a more noble account, for the glory of God. But let truth be spoken though I suffer in the opinions of some Saints. I shall conclude with desiring your Prayers, for these things, first, that I may oppose the enemies of Christ, as his, not mine, hating their ways yet loving their persons as my own. Secondly, That I may pray in faith with the Psalmist, Psal. 119.134. Deliver me from the oppression of man, so will I keep thy precepts. Thirdly, That God might strike my strongest corruptions under the fifth rib by this imprisonment. Fourthly, That God would anoint me with fresh oil, to Preach and Baptise, Fifthly, That God would teach me to see how far my suffering may be accounted a Martyrdom, in relation to Christ's good cause, and a Judgement, in relation to my unprofitable walking before God and his people; for the same suffering may be a Martyrdom for Christ, and a judgement to our flesh, 1. Pet. 4.16, 17. The Lord enable you to ask these things in faith, and thoroughly enable you to every good work, through Christ, to whom be glory everlastingly. Amen. J.S. From the old Steeple 4th Month, 3d. day. 1654. This a true Copy of the Original, examined by us, Tho. Cary. John Clements. Several Objections against the Printing and Publishing of the aforementioned Transactions, relating to our withdrawing and separation from the Soldiers, and Mr. Simpson, etc. As also Mr. simpson's Letters weighed, scanned, and answered. WE find a certain rule in Scripture, that where a Brother or Brethren walk disorderly they are to be adminished and withdrawn from, 2 Thes. 3.6. And in case of perseverance in their evil, after admonition, to he saparated from; and all Church relation disowned with them, according to Mat. 18.15, 16, 17, 18. Cor. 5 5.2 Cor. 6.17.2 Tim. 3.5. And when this is done, they are to be unto us as those that are without: but we see no Scripture warrant leading us to publish the sins, and evil practices of such persons, but rather to leave them unto the Lord to be converted, or otherwise, as he in his secret will hath determined: yea, it seems to us rather to savour of malice and revenge, then of a Gospel frame of Spirit. Answ. There are two things to be considered for the making a right answer to this objection, which we desire may be weighed. First, the nature of the sin such persons are guilty of, that is to say, whether it be of u private or public concernment; for accordingly the Lord is either more or less dishonoured, and therefore the Apostle speaks concerning some in this kind, I Tim. 5.20., in these words, Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others may fear: painly intimating, that if persons, who are called brethren have such foreheads of brass, as to commit sin in the face of the sun, whereby God is not only dishonoured in respect of the sin itself, but others undone thereby, as the sin of the Soldiers is by Treason, False-swearing, Oppression, &c, And that not to the ruin of a few, but the whole Nation: yea, to the crucifying and destroying of the Cause and Interest Christ contended for in the late. Wars, with the loss of so much precious blood, we do then conceive that they ought to be rebuked before all, that the Nation, against whom they have sinned, may know that we disown such wicked practices, being contrary to the light of nature, much more of grace, which is also the more to be weighed in regard that Public Sins, brings Public Judgements; so did the sins of the ⋆ Among other Scriprures, see 2 Kings 21.11, 12. Jer, 15.4. Hos. 1.4. Rulers in Israel upon the whole mation: And therefore Pilate himself being forewarned by his wife, not to have a hand in the death of our Lord Jesus, being an innocent person, without doubt did foresee how sad it would be with the Nation upon that account; and therefore (c) Mar. 27.19, 24 took water in the presence of the whole Court, and published before them all, that he would have no hand in his death; and what a Judgement hath there been upon the Jews ever since for that public sin? And how did the Apostles afterwards, testify against the Rulers publicly for their sin in so doing? And if lawful to speak in that manner against them, then certainly it cannot but be as lawful to write. In the next place, as the sin is to be considered, so the Estate, Quality, and Officer of such persons who commits it: And herein also sin is the more aggravated, for when Soldiers or Magistrates have professed before God, Angels, and Men, what they would (d) As by their Declarations doth appear. do for Christ, his glory, and poor afflicted people, in administering of Justice, and Righteousness, relieving the oppressed and breaking yokes, as also to improve all their Military, & civil power for the same whereunto they were called and entrusted both by God and man, shall instead thereof, take the Crown from off Christ's head and put it upon their own, and make use of their Power, and Force to oppress a Nation, and do violence to all that will not bow down to their Lusts; Also maintaining Antichristian Laws, to force the consciences of the Lords People; and all this contrary to their professed, and declared light, which is the more considerable, in regard they have been Instruments in the Lord's hand, to pull down the late King, with his Son, & other abettors, for the like abominations now committed by themselves; we then do humbly apprehend, that not only a Personal, but National reproof, is to be given them according to the nature of their offence, and the capacity wherein they stand, so that it seems to us not only to be our Gospel Liberty, but our Gospel Duty, to publish by whriting the sin of the Soldiers with their abettors. Objection, The aforesaid Scripture although it speaks full as to their being rebuked before all according to the nature of their offence, with the capacity wherein they stand which we must confess doth weigh in the ballane of truth, yet this doth not prove that we ought to publish their sins by writing, and therefore we would gladly hear what Scripture you have for the same. Answer, In case it appears, that according to the nature of their sin, and the capacity they stand in, they cannot be rebuked before all, but by publishing them by writing, than we think it cannot be supposed, but that it is our Gospel liberty so to do, or otherwise, as may most answer the end of the Scripture, that their folly being manifest to all, they may proceed no further; else how came Paul's epistle about the Incestuous Person to be published; surely none will Judge that the Apostle did write out of malice, or revenge; But further we desire more particularly that that Scripture in Isa. 30.1, 2. and 8. verses, ⋆ Isa, 31.1. Hos. 8.3, 4 Hab. 2.6, 9, 15. Amos 6.1, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13. Hos. 5.7. Isa, 19.15, 21. Isa, 30.9, 10, 11, 12, 16. 2 Chr. 36.16. Mat. 2.24, 48, 49. together with the Scriptures in the margin may be compared, and it will appear, that the sin of Israel in that day runs parallel, as face answers to face in a glass with the sin of our day, as if it were the very time he prophesied of. In the first and second verses, after he hath laid down their sin, with the aggravations of it, he is commanded in the eigh verse to write it in a table; and note it in a book that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever. And the sin of the Soldiers in this day seems to run in a line with the sin of Israel in that day; and without doubt the Prophet by the Spirit of the Lord was directed to foresee our very day, that what he then writ might be a word of Instruction for after ages. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, etc. Rom. 5.4. Object. The end of Paul's writing about the Incestuous person, was not so much about publishing by writing the sin of such a person, or persons, in the like manner guilty, but rather for direction unto the Churches, how they ought to proceed against persons guilty of such gross sins, Because a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. And for that Scripture in Isa. though it be full unto the purpose for which it is urged, yet we conceive he had an extraordinary command for it. Also the Church of the Jews being National, it was no more than a publishing their sin in the Church. Answ. We do grant, as is laid down in the objection, that one end of the Apostle, was to give direction, how brethren, in Church relation, guilty of gross sins, aught to be proceeded against; yet this doth no ways weaken the other end the Apostle might have, in leaving this Epistle upon record, that, if God may be glorified by it, to publish by writing the sins of such persons for generations to come, which being compared with that in the 30. of Isa. aforementioned, seems unto us strongly to warrant such a practice. And although it is urged in the Objection, that what Isaiah writ, was by an extraordinary Spirit, and unto the Jews, as a National Church: So was all the Scripture writ with an extraordinary Spirit, wherein are some things for our positive Rule, and the rest, as words of Instruction, for the people of God in after ages; that they might with that ordinary portion of the Spirit given forth unto them, with the help of the Scripture, be throughly furnished to every good work. And for what is further urged, That it was a Church Act, they being a National Church; That we conceive is a mistake, or at least much shortening the scope of the Spirit thereby intended; for in the 9 verse of that Chapter, the Prophet is directed to write down their transgression, not only as a Church, but as a ⋆ The Judgements against Judah, were written in a Roll, and published, in the Lord's house, and abroad to the people. And their fins, likewise, the cause of those Judgements were there with declared, see Jer. 36.2, 4, 6, 28, 31 32 comp. with chap. 35.13.15, 17. Nation, in these words, This is a rebellious people; there is their national state: and in the next words, lying Children, there is their Church State; so that we conceive this Scripture stands firm and unanswerable. Object. Was not Ham, Noah's son, reproved for uncovering his father's nakedness, though guilty of the sin of drunkenness, Gen. 9.22. And if they should be published, this Scripture would reprove us, for hath not Mr. Sympson been as a father unto us. Answ. Noah's sin was private, committed in his cent; Noah's sin was not Wilful, but Ignorantly; for he being the first that planted a vine, (as we read of,) was ⋆ Gen. 9.21, 22. drunk with the wine, not knowing the strength thereof. Also Ham uncovered his father's nakedness, before fore he had humbly laid his evil before his father, for else we conceive, that if Noah had persevered to justify himself after admonition, once and again, (as the Soldiers and Mr. Sympson do, and continue in their evil,) Ham would not then have been charged with uncovering his father's nakedness. Now the sin of the Soldiers is a National sin, in turning aside to the old Abominations after many out-going of God to the pulling them down, and solemn Declarations, Engagements and Promises to the Contrary. And for Master Sympson; We conceive that in publishing his Letters; we rather cover, then uncover him; by holding forth to the view of all, what and excellent Spirit was formerly in him for Christ, and his Glory. But further we meddle not neither in the Narrative preceding, otherwise then in our proceeding against the Sonldiers he comes in as their Abettor. Object. Was not the sin of Judas in betraying Christ a public sin yet we do not read that the Disciples ever made mention of him, except it were in the choice of another Apostle to take his place; and therefore we do conceive that although their sin be public, and they in a public capacity, yet it ought not to be published. Answ. This Objection seems unto us to have no weight in it, in case it were so as you assert: For Judas went and confessed his sin to the Chief Priests, and Rulers and then destroyed himself, as the just Judgement of God upon him for his great iniquity, in Betraying our Lord Jesus; And therefore not so needful to testify against a person who was taken out of the world by so eminent a Judgement. But yet we find that as the Lord by his Spirit in his faithful ones, hath Recorded, and published the sins, of Asa, Jehu, Hazael, and other Rulers, as also the sins of his own people in the old Testament: So by the same Spirit hath the Disciples ⋆ Matth. 26.15, 16, 25, 47, 48, 49. Mark 14.10, 11, 43, 44, 45. Luke 6.16 Chap. 22.47, 48. John 18.2, 3. 2 Tim. 4.10, 14. Recorded the sins of Judas in the New, and to his perpetual infamy, published him to the world as a covetous, and treacherous person, in betraying our Lord Jesus. As also, the sins of ⋆ Acts 7.51, 52. Demas, and Alexander. Likewise have the Apostles persevered in their ⋆ public testimony against the Scribes, and pharisees, etc. for continuing in, and justifying of the sin of their forefathers in shedding of innocent blood. And do not the Soldiers by their sin in upholding the Oppression, Tyranny, and Persecution of this day, also justify the former Oppressors, Tyrants, and Persecutors in their sin, adding thereunto more and more to the shame of Profession, not only in this, but other Nations also? Wherefore it is much upon the hearts of some of us, That if our Transactions in this kind had not been published, we should not have been able to free ourselves from the guilt of the blood shed in the late Wars; In regard we have hereby a price put into our hands, and so are called to serve the Lord there with. Object. Notwithstanding what hath been spoken, we are not satisfied as to the Printing and publishing of the said papers, for it seems to us to savour of vainglory at the least, and therefore were desire that, 2 Sam. 1.20. concerning the death of Saul may be considered, where David makes use of these words concerning him; Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in the streets of Askelon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph, Now if Saul's iniquity ought not to be published, who had so foully, backslidden from the Lord, lest the enemies of the Lord should triumph, then surely the Soldier's evil ought not to be published, which we think doth not exceed Saul's, though we are satisfied that the Lord is greatly dishonoured by them. Answ. For a right understanding of this Scripture, and thereby a due answer unto this objection, we desire, that 1 Sam. 31.8, and 9, verses may be weighed; Where it will appear, that the Philistines the next day after the battle, finding Saul among the slain of Israel, out off his head and sent it into the Land of the Philistines round about, to publish it in the house of their Idol Gods, and among the people, so that Saul's death was alreadly published all over the land of the Philistimes; and therefore as it ought not, so it needed not to be published by Israel, for he had not sinned against the Philistines. But the Soldiers have sinned not only against the people of God, but the whole Nation; and in this wickedness, keep the Nation under their oppressive power; and not only so, but cover their evil to many Godly as well as Carnal men, saying, They have done no evil, and therefore their iniquity ought to be published to undeceive the people, and many gracious hearts, who still follow them, as some did Absolom that rebelled against David. In the next place, though Saul had back-slidden in a particular command about saving Agag alive, and preserving the cattle of the Amalekites to offer Sacrifice with, yet still he fought the Lords battles, and ruled by the same Lams as before; so that though his sin was known in the Nation where he dwelled, yet it was not, as we can read known to any other Nation, for Israel held correspondency then with no Nation, but were a distinct people separate from them all; so that it would indeed have savoured of vainglory to publish his evil to such. But the Soldiers have engaged to stand by the grand Apostate, who hath sworn to maintain the body of the old Beastly Antichristian Laws, contrary to the end of the Lord and his people in the late War, and their own Declarations and Engagement so solemnly made in the day of their straits. Also, they fight ⋆ Rev, 17.13, 14. compared Jer. 51.56, 57 Antichrists battles, and not the battle of our Lord Christ, and so their sin exceeds Saul's; and if they persist therein, so also will they Judgement. And therefore may, and aught to be published within the bounds of our own Nation, against whom they have sinned. Moreover Saul was Gods anointed, and therefore he was engaged to stand by him against his enemies, had he not back-slidden, so that had they published his death, it was in a manner to have disowned the Lords Anointed; upon which account it was (as we conceive) that David mourned for him after his death, as being the glory of Israel; but we hope there is none will be so void of understanding as to make such a comparison between the Soldiers and Saul. Adding hereunto also, that Saul by his death (as the just hand of the Lord upon him) was removed from any further dishonouring of his Name by his Apostasy. And so there needed no testifying against him, which was not in being, no more then against Judas after the just hand of the Lord had reached him for his inquity. But the Soldiers have the Power of the Nation in their hands, and stout it out against the Lord and his People, persevering in their evil, and adding more and more to the dishonour, &c reproach they have already brought to the name of the Lord, by covering their iniquity, under a ⋆ 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Form of Godliness and therefore their iniquity ought to be published to unveil their hypocrisy, and discharge a good conscience by a suitable testimony against them. FINIS.