Some particulars on the truths behalf in love to the Inhabitants of Newcastle, which may concern many other parts of this Nation. This is given forth in Answer to a false Alarum sounded forth by a blind Watch-man name Samuel Hammond, a chief Priest of Newcastle, and a man of great repute in the Nation, who hath been set up for a trier and examiner of the Priests: But his Spirit is tried, and seen to be a false spirit, as also his Doctrine is, who in stead of warning people against their Enemies; hath warned them against the Truth, and such as be in it. For the clearing of whom, this was given forth by George Whithead.  
A Paper was lately delivered unto me, which is tituled Mr. Hammond his Exposition upon Ezek. 33. which I understand was taken from his own mouth, delivered in a Sermon or Speech of his in Newcastle; wherein he hath taken upon him from that Scripture Ezek. 33 to warn his Hearers as a Watch-man sent from God, to warn people of the evil that will come upon them who entertain dangerous Principles.  
But with the Spirit of the Lord is he seen, and discovered to be a blind watch-man, and his Alarum false, and the sound uncertain; And if the Watch-man be blind, how can he keep the City, and give warning to the people when their Enemies comes? And if the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, how can the people prepare themselves to battle? so that the people that ●ave but such a Watch-man as Samuel Hammond, they may ●erish for all their Watch-man, and their blood be upon their Watch-mans head; for the watch-men are blind, they are igno●ant, as said the Prophet, Isay 56.10.11. yea, they are greedy ●ogs, which can never have enough; they are s●●pherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one ●r his gain from his quarter: And 〈◇〉, too many of such watch-men are there now adays, which if they want their gain, and have not money for their warning, people will neither have watchings or warnings from them. For this said Priest Hammond, hath confessed that they are hired; and yet he saith, he warns people from the Lord But, I say, the Lord never sent his Prophets to warn people for money; but freely, whether they would hear or forbear. And Ezekiel did not warn people from another mans words, or writings, as Samuel Hammond hath done from Ezekiels words, who saith, he warns then from the Lord, because he hath Ezekiels words, who heard th● words from the mouth of God. But it is manifest, that this fa● S. H. never heard God speak to him, neither is he sent of God: for if he were, he would not preach forth lies and reproch●● nor false Doctrines as he hath done, as is hereafter proved: ● that a miserable case is that people in, that hath their co●●dence in a blind watch-man, and gives their moneys for 〈◇〉 uncertain and false warnings, so that they know not what● war against, nor how to prepare themselves to battle: and 〈◇〉 ●ase are you in who are the hearers of S. Hammond, who 〈◇〉 warned you against the light within, and against Christs ●●teousnes within, and against perfection, and would not 〈◇〉 you to try all things! Now to some of his words before I open these things, consider what hath proceeded from his 〈◇〉 spirit, & what the truth saith in opposition to it, as followeth.  
Priest Hammond he hath declared that which hath been 〈◇〉 his thoughts many years, as he saith, That a man living and 〈◇〉 a Quaker cannot be saved, a man living and dying in these ●ciples, &c.  
Answer. It appears then, That he hath but Declared 〈◇〉 things from his own thoughts, so that this which he hath pr●●ed forth, is not a warning from the Lord, but what hath ●●ceeded from his own false spirit and evil thoughts, when 〈◇〉 thoughts of the wicked are evil continually; and this he 〈◇〉 spoken in his hast against them called Quakers; for many 〈◇〉 did quake and tremble formerly, knew the salvation of 〈◇〉 And let the Prophet Ezekiels words witness against this 〈◇〉 and his wicked thoughts, who hath taken that Prophets words for a cloak for his iniquity and falsehood; For the Word of the Lord ●ame to Ezekiel, and said, son of man, eat thy bread with quaking, and drink thy water with trembling, and carefulness, Ezek. 12.17. And Isaac trembled exceedingly when he was old, Gen. 27.33. and him doth the Lord regard, and to him will I look,( saith the Lord) that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word. And many I could mention, as they are recorded in Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, that quaked and trembled, that were saved, and we now that know that Principle, and in it lives unto God, which now causeth many to quake and tremble, what we profess is not false Principles, we knowing Christ Jesus the light, to be the high Priest of our profession, &c. as people should first try, and then they may know what to trust.  
Priest Hammond. He saith, That it is not their duty to meddle with every Opinion, or form of men, or to take any notice of it; but when the Lord of Heaven comes to warn people of the Rage and Infusion of satan,( and saith he,) The way to keep your souls safe, is to live under the warnings of God.  
Answer. Then their souls are not kept safe who live under his warnings, who denies the light within, which is the gift of Christ, and by which the teachings of God are manifest in the Creature, whereby the soul is preserved in safety that waiteth, believeth in the hope which doth enlighten it, and fasten it to the Lord, who where he is the warner and teacher of people who live under his warnings, they need not live under the warnings of a blind watch-man, who warneth people from his own wicked thoughts, with his meanings and his supposings, as S. H. hath done, who in his meaning,  
S. H. saith to ver. 6. If it be a matter of eternal life, I will call for Damnation at their hands.  
Answer. This is spoken in his darkness, for God hath not damnation to call for at the hands of the wicked; for the wicked are not to condemn, for condemnation shall come upon them, and they are to be damned, and this condemnation cannot such escape who are ministers of unrighteousness, Preaching up a life in sin, and against the light of Christ, which leads in the perfect life of righteousness; and this these covetous hireling Priests in England are guilty of, who make it their work to show forth their enmity against the true light, and them that walk in it, as here is manifest.  

Now concerning what this said Samuel Hammond hath laid down touching two or three of the Quakers Principles, as he calls them.  
Samuel Hammond first hath affirmed concerning the light within men, that if they live up in this Principle, it will Da●●● them, and that it excluds from Salvation, and that it is no way of God, and that there is no foot-hold for it in all the Book of God, and that there is no word of Scripture for it as he knows of.  
Ans. Here he hath greatly erred in a lying spirit concerning the light within which we Preach, manifesting his ignoranc● concerning it, and the Scriptures; But against his errors and deceit, I here witness, for the light which we Preach is the light of Christ, which the Saints Preached, which is Christ, who doth enlighten every man that cometh into the world, and so much of this is manifest in the Creature as will reveal Christ in them, and save them that believe in it, and walk in it, as the Saints witnessed, who had Christ revealed in them, who is given a light that enlightens the Heathen who shall be his Inheritance: and as Christ said, believe in the light, that ye may be the Children of the light: And Christ saith, I am the light of the world, which whosoever followeth me, shall not abide in darkness, but shall have the light of life; but how can they follow Christ, if there be not a light to enlighten the darkness? and how can they be enlightened, or have the light, if it be not in them? for the word is a light unto the paths, and a lantern to the feet, before it shine out of darkness, is nigh, even in the heart; and this word was Preached to them that were out of the second Covenant, and this saveth, and justifieth them that believe, and continue in it, and will not condemn them, as S. H. blasphemously hath affirmed, for it condemns the world that loves darkness rather then the light, which light is Christ the way of, and, to God, and whereby his Book may be opened, which is sealed from all the deceivers and haters of the light, and Gods Book hide from them.  
S. H. Also saith, That we mean by this light, that it is the light of a natural Conscience that is left to all men; and saith, that a natural Conscience is a dark blind guide.  
Ans. That is false, for by the light in man, we do not mean a natural Conscience that is left to all men; but what we say, and what I have said of the light, that it is the true light in the Conscience, without which, the Conscience cannot be purified from that which defiles the Conscience; but the light is pure, and cannot be defiled; and this is it whereby the Conscience is to be exercised in the truth, towards God, and towards Man; so it is greater then the natural Conscience: and though the natural man knows not the things of God; yet the gift of God is given him, and thereby he may see his evil deeds; and as by the light man● mind is turned, and he changed out of darkness, he comes to see the things of God; but first, one thing of God is to be received, and known, which is the light, before the things of God be revealed; and though darkness comprehends not the light, yet it is known to shine in the darkness, before it shine out of darkness.  
S. Ham. I grant, saith he, that there's a principle of natural light, as to the managing of Justice; but not in reference to justification.  
Ans. Here he would make two lights differing in kind, and yet their works are of one kind, if it be as he saith; for justice and justification do arise from one ground; and without justice is no man justified; for justice is according to the Law of God; and the Law was spiritual, which was written in the Gentiles hearts, who did these things contained in the Law, and came to be justified; For it is the doers of the Law, or justice, that God justifies. But this blind guide, S. Hammond, affirms, That a natural light manages justice; when before he confessed, That it was a dark blind guide, and pure darkness. Oh what absurdity is this! Was there ever such a Doctrine Preached, as that that which is a dark blind guide, and pure darkness should manage justice? or that that which manageth justice, or leads any to do it doth not justify? and was that natural, or spiritual? was it darkness, or Light, that lead the Judges in Israel, and these that were sent of God to manage Justice? Let Priest Hammond and his hearers consider this, and be ashamed of his ignorance and falsehood.  
S. H. And he tells them, That the Scriptures sand them to Christ, and that they are bid go to Christ, but not to the light within; and if any man be a thirst, let him come unto me, saith Christ; and look up to me all the ends of the Earth.  
Ans. Nay, the Scriptures have not sent you to Christ, if Christ be so far from you as this Priest thinks he is: For the Scriptures have never sent you to above, nor to jerusalem, no● to the right hand of God as a far off; for while any do deny coming to the light within, as this said Priest hath done, they come not to Christ, nor to answer the spirit, which saith, Come; not truly to look up to God for salvation; But itis such as ask and look up in the light within, that comes to se● the salvation of God in looking up unto him. And the righteousness of Faith directs not people to go look abroad, or a far off for a Christ without, they know not where; as these blind guides do, who Preach against the light of Christ within men; for it forbids them to go into the Deep, or to above, to fetch Christ from thence; But it saith, The word of Faith is nigh thee, even in thine heart, and in thy mouth to obey it, and to do it, Rom. 10. And here they were to obey the light within them, and look to it. But this hath Priest Hammond denied, for he saith, That a man cannot look upon Christ, nor live upon Christ, so long as he looks to the light within him, and lives upon that light. Here he would divide Christ and his light, and would have the light to be within a man, but not Christ; When as Christ saith, I am the light of the world; and Christ is revealed in us, and in his light we see light: so that it is by his light that he may be looked unto, wh● cannot be divided from his light. Also this said Priest hath confessed, That Christ that sitteth in glory, is the righteousness● of God fulfilled in you; and yet he hath denied him, or his light to be within people; see his folly and confusion, and how he contradicts his own words! For, I say, If the righteousness of Christ be fulfilled in any, it springeth up in the light; and the righteousness of the righteous springeth up as the morning. Also this said Priest hath contradicted himself in saying, that Christ is the righteousness of a sinner; and yet hath denied him to be the light of sinners, in his saying, that the light within people is a natural Conscience, or a natural light. But I say, that Christ is spiritual, and not the righteousness of sinners, as he hath affirmed; but the righteousness of the saints: and the light which is the condemnation of sinners. And so we mean not by Christ that he, or the light, is the improvement of Conscience wrought in a man, as the said Priest hath here wickedly and falsely accused us called Quakers with these things, which were never taught nor held forth by us. He also saith, That we tell you that every man hath natural light enough to bring him to Christ. This also is a filthy lie like his former, and so he may be reproved that he is a broacher of lies to the people, if they question us of Christ. And whether we, or any of us, do● hold forth these, or such things as he hath laid against us, yea, or nay? So that in the trying of us, the people may be satisfied better then by the words of a backbiter, and an accuser of us behind our backs.  
S. Hammo●d. And he the said Priest hath here  told h● Brethren, that this one principle of looking to the light within will lead them to hell.  
Ans. In these words hath he denied Christ to be in his Brethren and strives to keep them from the light of Christ within them; and here hath uttered blasphemy, to affirm, that looking to the light within, will lead● them to bell; For the Apostles never Preached such a Doctrine to their Brethren, but  told them of the gift of God in them, and of the light and the anointing which they had received; but did 〈◇〉 tell them that it would lead them to hell, but exhort●● them to walk in the light which they had received; and 〈◇〉 light which shined in their hearts, it gave them the Knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.  
S. H. Also this said blind guide saith, That Christ 〈◇〉 Grace in the heart; but the justification of a soul is by Christ without.  
Ans. He that here hath affirmed the Grace of Christ to beCreated in the heart; he might as well say then, That a created thing bringeth salvation; For the Grace of God hath appeared unto all men, which bringeth Salvation: but the Apostle doth not say, a created grace; and by the grace of God the Saints were freely justified: but this deceiving fellow, hath denied, That the grace within justifies a soul, but Christ without them! so he would divide Christ and his grace, it to be within, and Christ without, so this would make two Saviours; for the grace of God saveth and justifieth, and so doth Christ, and this is but one, and that one becomes all to them that receives Christ, and walks in his righteousness.  
S. H. It is out of this, that a mans improving his natural Conscience groweth up unto perfection, and is his righteousness with God; these are their very principles.  
Ans. This is another lying Accusation, for that perfection which we own, stands not in the improvement of a natural Conscience, but in the righteousness of God with Christ, which no man can come to by his natural Conscience; neither can he be a true witness of that perfection, while he is in the natural state; but this perfection is attainable to those that walk after the spirit of truth, and that come to see the commands of Christ fulfilled in them, who said, Be ye perfect, &c. but this you earnall Priests do deny, as thou Priest Hammond hast denied that righteousness which some have with God, and calls it, a desporate principle; but here thou art ignorant of Gods righteousness, which is Christ in the Saints, who is the righteousness of the Father, and is made to us wisdom, and righteousness; and so Christ our righteousness is with God, where no selfe-Righteousnesse can stand; and this is not a desperate principle, but according to the truth.  
S. Hammond. And I say it again, that if this principle be owned and lived in, it will damn thee; for it leads a man to a perfect Covenant of Works: and I am confident these men live in a Covenant of Works; and if so, then there is no hopes of Salvation.  
Ans. This is all false, for that principle of light which we Preach leads into the covenant of life in Christ, from whence the good works proceed, and by which the Law of Christ is fulfilled in us; and that covenant we Preach, which Christ Jesus is given for, which stands not in the Works of the Law, but in him who is the end of the Law for righteousness; and if any be in a perfect covenant of Works of the Law, the Priests have no cause to condemn them, as this Priest hath done us, from his false persuasion; for such goes beyond the covetous Priests; for they are neither in a covenant of Works, nor in the covenant of light; for this man hath set himself against the covenant of Works; and hath affirmed. That there is no hopes of salvation for them that be in that Covenant; which is false, For the Apostles prayed to God that Israel might be saved, though they sought after the righteousness of the Law, by the Works of the Law, and went about to establish their own righteousness, which thing this said Priest hath falsely charged us with. And that there's no hopes of salvation for us, as he hath said. But I tell him, That he that doth the Works of the Law is not condemned by the Law; but the transgressors of it, are condemned with is: and if the Gallations had been as strict in all points of the Law, as they were in some, the Law would not have condemned them: and yet there was hope of Salvation for them; for it was in that hope that Paul ●●●velled for them: so let such unequal judges, and perve●… of the Scriptures( as S. H.) be silent.   

Now concerning Christs righteousness, and what S. Hammond about it hath laid to our charge, &c.  
Secondly, S. H. hath charged us called Quakers, with do●… king the righteousness of Christ imputed; and then accuseth 〈◇〉 for expecting to be saved by the righteousness of Christ in 〈◇〉( as he would accuse us) also with denying the righteousness wh●… Christ bare in his suffering at Jerusalem, to be the very sa●… faction of God, and the very righteousness of a soul.  
Ans. Here he would have two Righteousnesses of Chri●… the one to be without, and the other within; and would m●… a difference between the righteousness of Christ within, 〈◇〉 imputed, and yet owns it to be the very righteousness of 〈◇〉 soul. Oh what a blind guide is this, For Christs Right●ousnesse is but one, which is revealed in his people; and cannot be in any, without being given or imputed to them. And this we own and partake of it, which is the same in whic● Christ suffered, and without which none can follow his st●… and without holinesse and righteousness, no man shall 〈◇〉 the Lord: And where Christ is made to any righteousness and his righteousness become the righteousness of a soul he, and his righteousness, which is inseparable, is know within that soul which partakes of it; so not at a distance from people without them, as he hath here falsely imagine who hath denied Christs righteousness within to be s●… ficient to satisfy God, and would make a difference betw●… that which is within, and that which is imputed; but Christ in us is made to us wisdom, righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption; and we set not up a righteousness of self, but have the righteousness which is through the Path of Christ, Phil. 3.9. and we partake of the Flesh of Christ, we being in the Faith of Abraham. Now I ask S. H. or any of Newcastle Priests, that will own him in what he hath here affirmed; What was it that was counted to Abraham for righteousness? and whether was it within him, or without him? was it within him, or not?  
S. Hammond saith, When a man shall come before the tribunal seat of God, and have nothing but his own tears to plead for him; let him be never so godly, he must go to hell.  
Ans. Oh what horrible blasphemy is here, to affirm that a man never so godly, hath but his own tears to plead for him, or that a godly man must go to hell! was there ever such a blind Teacher or Watch-man as this? who hath set himself against the light within, Christs righteousness within, and now condemns the godly! But if the godly go to hell; whether must the wicked go? and who must be saved? for he that is godly, is born of God; and if the godly go to hell, What dost thou S. H. watch, or warn people for? that they may be godly or wicked? Answer directly, or for ever stop thy mouth, and be ashamed of such Doctrine.   

Now concerning the Ordinances of Christ, and how S. Hammond hath accused us with denying of them; But he hath set up mens Traditions for Ordinances of Christ.  
Thirdly, S. Hammond hath accused us with casting off all the known Ordinances of Christ, as baptism of all sorts, and that with a slighting of it, by terming of it Water baptism, which is a great repreach to our blessed Lord Jesus.  
Ans. Here he accounteth Water baptism the baptism of all sorts, and would not have it to have its own name, as Water baptism, so sets their Baptizing with Water now above Iohns baptism, who was a Prophet, and owned his baptism to be with Water; but Christs with Fire, and with the Spirit, which was greater then Johns; so that Water baptism is not baptism of all sorts, for here he leaves no room for Christs baptism, which was with Fire, and with the Spirit. But we in denying the Priests sprinkling of Infants, we deny no Ordinance of Christ, for Christ never ordained it, but man; and now the Priests( un-sent of Christ) do but uphold it by Tradition, without any grounds for it from scripture; so in vain is their Worship, who Teach for Doctrine mans Tradition, as also they do in their giving people Bread and Wine, and in calling it the Lords Supper, and a Sacrament, which we deny, they having no scripture for so doing, and so calling 〈◇〉 and Wine; for which cause we are accused for contem●●●● the Lords Supper, as S. Hammond hath done. But I say, To eat at the Table of the Lord, at the Lords Supper, of the spiritual Meat, and to drink of the fruit of the true 〈◇〉 which is manifest, and sprung up to Life in us, is not to ●●ceive carnal Bread and Wine, among carnal people at 〈◇〉 hands of a blind Priest, who delivereth that unto people which he never received of the Lord, but by Tradition from men; and that he delivers according to his own imagination: and this is S. Hammond guilty of, as is manifest. And 〈◇〉 Sam. Hammond, whereas thou hast accused us with raging against the Ministers of Christ, because thou sayest, they 〈◇〉 hired, and thou ownest that you are hired. To which I answer This is also false; For the Ministers of Christ are not hired to Preach, but do it freely, and give freely, as they have freely received; so their Gospel is not chargeable, as yours is who are hirelings; so we in witnessing against you, do not ●age against Christs Ministers, but witness against greedy hirelings who say, they are sent of Christ to warn people, and yet must and hired to what they do; one of whom thou art, who accused Christs Ministers to be hired, and so would make them hir●lings like thyself; and sayest. It is plain in Scripture you should receive wages, and that it is as lawful as for a man to receive ●●nney for any wears which he selleth. Ans. Here thou would li●●● the gift of God, as wears and carnal things are limited to a earnall price; but in this thou art manifest that thou never came to Minister for Christ, whose gift is free, and not to be bought, nor sold for money, nor earnall things. And thou sayest, that y●● receive wages by warrant and authority from the Apostles; and for thy proof, thou sayest, thou art sure Paul Preached for it( speaking of wages and hire) 1 Cor. 9 5. to the 15. ver. I answer, Thou hast deceitfully perverted this Scripture, for Paul did not Preach for wages, For he songht not for theirs, but them; and necessity was laid upon him to Preach the Gospel. But did Paul ever hire with a people for wages? for shane bely not Paul so wickedly as thou hast done any longer; and though Paul had power to eat and to drink, 1 Cor. 9.4. and he that planteth a Vineyard, may eat of the Fruit of it; and as they had sown unto them spiritual things, so they might reap of their carnal things; nevertheless( saith he) we have not used this power, but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ; so that he was far from Preaching for hire, as thou hast actused him, who had power to eat and to drink among the Churches, and among such as was the seal of his Apostleship, 1 Cor. 9.2. But the Priests goes beyond eating and drinking, and that in the world; for where they have never planted a Vineyard, they both eat and drink, and hire at places in the world, and there takes wages, and Teaches for hire, and receives tithes, which is quiter contrary to the Life, Doctrines, and practices of Christ and his Apostles; so against such Teachers and Priests, did also the true Prophets of God bear witness. So you are manifest to be in the covetousness, and the covetous practices; and you live not of the Gospel, but makes of your preaching a Trade, as also you do of the Scriptures. And whereas thou sayest, that Paul received wages of other Churches, and so thereby thou would cover thy deceit. I answer. This he counts as robbery; For( saith he) I robbed other Churches, taking Wages of them, in so much, that he was not burdensome to the Corinthians, and bad them, forgive him that wrong. Now if Paul did account it robbery to receive relief of some of the Churches, and was to be forgiven for sparing others, upon that account: then he did not stand to justify his so doing, though very probable his wages could not be great; neither could he upon that account be burdensome to them of whom he received relief, seeing that it was several Churches that relieved him; and if he had food and raiment, he was therewith content: This was not a hiring with one people in a parish for many pounds a year, as the Priests do who Preach for hire; And thou art accusing thy Brethren at the grudging in their hearts with the maintenance you have, and that satan casts such thought into their hearts. Here thou hast little assurance on thy Brethrens parts, who before 〈◇〉 them of the light within leading them to hell, and now to have thoughts of satan against your maintenance. But if you w●●● Ministers of Christ, and were content with such wages and maintenance as they had, then your Brethren would not grudg● against you; but their grudging is, because you lay heavy burdens upon them, and your teaching begins to appear old, barren, and empty to many. And for thy saying, the Priests under the Law had houses, and lands, and tithes of their own by Gods appointment. I answer. This thou S. Hammond hast brought in falsehood to cover thy deceit and evil covetousness; for where dost thou prove that the Priests under the Law had houses, and lands, and tithes both for their service, seeing that they we● not to have any portion among their Brethren? And dare th●● say, That all the tithes were distributed to the Priests own use, seeing that they were brought to the store-house; and out 〈◇〉 them was the fatherless, widows, and strangers relieved, and the Priests did but partake of the holy things, Num. 18.20. De●●. 18.1. But now is the second Priest-hood come, and the first 〈◇〉 away; so that now, they that do uphold tithes, and pleace 〈◇〉 their maintenance, as waiters at the Altar, and from these things which partained to the first Priest-hood; therein they deny Christ, the end of that Priest-hood, to be come in the Flesh, Now people may see S. Hammoud his envy and confusion, who hath charged them called Quakers with denying every Ordinance of Christ, and to prove it, he hath but chiefly mentioned against them, their denying baptism( which is evident, tis sprinkling Infants, or the like that he means of for one thing, for he faith, baptism of all sorts;) and their giving Bread and Wine, which he calls, the Lords Supper; and the Priests Teaching for 〈◇〉 which he hath not proved to be any Ordinance of Christ, neither hath he, or the Priests any warrant from Scripture to uphold these things for Ordinances of Christ.  
S. H. And now whereas he pretends to answer some Objections, and begins with that of, 1 Thes. 5.21. and brings many things to keep people from proving all things, contrary to the Apostles Doctrine, who said, Prove all things, and hold forth that which is good; so he saith, Will you therefore try sin? this is a horrible delusion; and will you therefore go try drunkenness, cozening, and cheating, and hold fast that which is good; this is a gross delusion.  
Ans. Here he hath grossly perverted Pauls words, who here counts it a gross delusion to try sin, manifesting himself not yet to have tried sin: How then can he, or any such hold fast that which is good; and so here, he would keep others in blindness from the true light, that they might not discern between the precious, and the vile; for he that cometh to the light, may diseern, and try spirits, works, words, opinions, and doctrines, and voices, without running into the evil, though this false teacher imagines the contrary, and so would keep people under his teachings and false doctrines and reports, and would make them afraid to try all things, that they might neither come to the true light within to prove things, nor come to hear us, who direct people to the light and spirit of Christ which searcheth all things; so he that thus hath denied the trying of all things, as mens opinions, and other things, he is clearly seen not to be a spiritual man, but a natural man, that cannot discern nor try things; so would have his hearers to remain blind, as he doth.  
S. H. And now he hath given his meaning to the 1 Thes. 5.21. and saith, Try what is according to the mind of the Lord Iesus Christ, hold fast that; but if any thing be otherwise revealed, let that pass.  
Ans. This is a false meaning to limit people from trying all things, and yet they must try what is according to the mind of Christ; but if they may not try what is contrary to the mind of Christ, then how can they come to try, what is according to the mind of Christ? and how may they know where to find Christs mind, or how to hold fast that which is good, if they may not try sin, nor go to hear such as they know not? nor never, it may be, have rightly heard them; but have heard many different reports of them, which they know not which to believe! but said John, try the spirits, whether they be of God, or no: so they were to try both true spirits, and false ones, contrary to S. Hammonds false meaning: And the people of God was not to be afraid of the false Prophets, Deut. 18.22. as many of the Priests hearers are a fraid of being deceived, when they are already deluded; and this fear have their false Watch-men stirred up in them, with their false alarms, which they sound & sand forth among them. And S. Hammond also accuseth us, to deny the Deity of Christ. This also may justly be numbered among the rest of his filthy lies; for we witness and own the God head in Christ, we knowing God in Christ, whose Tabernacle is with us according to his promise. And whereas some would hear them called Quakers, because they Preach against sin. S. H. his answer to this is, &c[ I must appeal to your own consciences( saith S. H.) whether our preaching the Gospel be not a speaking against sin? If they speak against drunkenness, so do we? If they Preach against swearing, cozening, cheating, pride, covetousness, and lust, so do we? 〈◇〉 they thunder out repentance, and the day of Judgement, so d● we?] Answer. Then if preaching against these evils, and preaching repentance, and the day of Judgement be a ministering 〈◇〉 the Gospel as S. H. seems to grant, then he must needs own 〈◇〉 to be Ministers of the Gospel; then we are not sleighters of every Ordinance of Christ, as he hath before accused us! Let his ou● words stand against him. And for the Priests speaking again sin, as swearing, pride, and covetousness, and many other offences; they do but speak against that which they are in, and upholdin of, and so are guilty themselves, when they judge others for th●● things, so they profit not the people at all; for they turn n●●● from the darkness to the light, but preaches against the light in people whereby they should be lead out of darkness, and out of the deeds of darkness; so there is like Priests, like people; the Priests eats up the sin of the people, as the Prophet said. And where S. H. hath brought that Scripture, Eccl. 2.3. against trying all things; and saith, that Solomon had a mind to know what sweetness was in every thing, that he might see what was good for the Soxs of men, yet acquainting his heart with wisdom, &c. And here, he saith, that it cost Solomon the saddest apostasy that could be &c. Answer. This maketh nothing, against trying all things, seeing Solomon found wisdom after he had sought through many things, to see what was good for the Son of men; so that he received what he sought for and desired; And did that cost Solomon apostasy? then he partend with apostasy, that he might gain wisdom, which he acquainted his heart with; then if people must give apostasy for trying all things: why hast thou so much sought to keep people from trying all things? and if thou meanest, that Solomon fell into a sad apostasy through his trying many things, to see what was good for the Sons of men. I say, that's false, for he found Wisdom: so thou art in confusion every way.  
Also S. Hammond saith, this was the undoing of Adam and Eve; they would try what the Apple would do, and thereby lost all, and were banished out of paradise.  
Ans. This is a false Doctrine which hath been long preached forth by these deceivers the Priests in this Nation and by such things have peoples understandings been long darkened that they see not the ground of transgression; For Adam being tempted to transgress; his transgression was, in cating of the fruit of the three of Knowledge of good and evil; and not in eating of on Apple: For an Apple is the fruit of a three bearing seed; And God said to Adam( when they were in their covenant, where he placed them) I have given you every her be bearing seed which is upon the face of the earth, and every three in which is the fruit of a three yielding seed, to you it shall be for meat, Gen. 1.29. So let S. H. and the rest of his Brethren stop their mouths from eye●. Preaching such Doctrines as they have done; And if eating of ax Apple was transgression, let them see that they conde●●● not themselves, either in eating with offence, or in allowing such things in themselves, which they have judged, and Preach●● against in others. But I say, the similitude of Adams transgre●sions, was not in receiving any Creature which God gave him Dominion over, or which God gave them for meat. So I ask S. Hammond( or any that dare own him in these his Doctrines) What was the similitude of Adams transgression which many had us: sinned after,( or in a similitude) yet death hath came upon all men, for that all have sinned? And now the light is risen, whereby Sam. Hammond, and all deceivers, and all such Teachers as own him, are made manifest, and their spirits tried; and the spirits that they Preach from, are the spirits that came out of the mouth of the Beast, and out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the false Prophet, which have deceived the Nations, and whereby Ministers of Anti-Christ are set up; who Preach against the Innocent, who now are come to know Gods work in them, as many of them called Quakers are; and such Ministers as deny the light that every man is enlightened withall, and denies that light within people to be saving, they are of Anti-Christ; and in denying perfection, they deny Christs work, who comes to perfect; And in their denying Christs righteousness within to justify, they deny both the revelation and work of Christ, and so would neither have people to try all things, nor to know their life in that which is good. And thi● said S. Hammond is clearly discovered to be one of these that the Lord is against, and his folly shall yet be more manifest, and the Lord will lay him naked, that the simplo may see his nakedness, which his vain, and great swelling words, and his lies, and false Doctrines will not be able to cover. And therefore he might take these things in discovering his blindness, as a warning, and as reproofs for his folly, and so set himself no longer up as a Watch man for others, nor give any more uncertain sounds to them, lest he, and the people perish in their blood.  
And now to the people, I say, you are in miserable bondage that upholds these Teachers, that neither would have you to come to the light of Christ in you, nor to his righteousness within, which is perfect, and makes perfect, but denies both; and would not have you to try all things: so that while you follow them, and their Doctrines, you follow not Christ, nor his Doctrines, so remains in darkness, and rebellion, not knowing the light nor the way of it. Therefore be warned, and cease from these blind Watch-men, and wait in the light of Christ ●n you, which will make manifest these subtle Foxes. Your Priests and Prophets are as Fexes in the desert, who bites with their teeth, and devours, which when any thing of God appears in your hearts which is tender and innocent, they seek to destroy it; and for dishonest gain, they destroy souls as the Prophet of God said; and have stirred up a mist of darkness, and grossness in the hearts of people, that is become a cloud of error over their understandings, or else they would not be deceived with them; but now is the truth going forth, and the day arising, whereby the treacherous Priests, and lying Prophets shall be laid open, and their lying Divinations discovered, and the cloud of error shall be rent from off the minds of people; and the light of the glorious Gospel is the Lord causing to shine forth to visit the Nations. So they that return to the Lord God in answering him when he visits them, and come to wait upon him alone for Teaching, that their souls may live; they shall see the destroyers cast out, and the devourers rebuked; and they shall deliver their soul out of their snares, and save themselves from the pits which the blind leaders, and the deceived, are fallen into.  
And now you Magistrates, or Rulers in Newcastle who set yourselves to guard, uphold, and please your Priests, by causing the servants of the Lord to be hailed out of your town, by your Officers, who have come about them with Halberts, and would not suffer them to meet in your town, but disturbed some of their Meetings, when they were moved to meet peaceably, where they had leave of the Owners of the place where they have met; as was witnessed the 29th. Day of the 10th. month( 1657.) when the Mayor of Newcastle, with several others in Authority with him, and seve●all other men, with Halberts with them, came into the ●oome where some of them called Quakers were met in ●eace; whom the Mayor commanded to with-draw from their ●eeting; and they not answering his command, knowing 〈◇〉 to be unlawful, and unjust, and no ground from a Law could he show for it; he caused the Officers to shut them ●owne the stairs, who did it with violence, and then to be ●●tied out of the town, the Mayor charging them that were hailed out of the Meeting, not to come any mor●… Meet in the town, but shewed no Law that they had tra●… gressed, though that was often demanded of him! Now 〈◇〉 manifest that you herein fulfilled the Priests envy, and the●… in did partake of their iniquity: So that Priest Ham●… hath little cause to boast as he hath done, in saying, 〈◇〉 God hath preserved that place( Newcastle) above any pl 〈…〉 the Nation, from such as he hath chiefly declared against Quakers so called;) when as he( the said Priest) did him●… strive to hinder a Meeting which should have been a●… Moote Hall in Neweastle, by consent of the Keeper; an●… went abroad, That this said Priest Hammond did give Keeper of that place two shillings six pence, to keep fi●… out of the place, after the man had promised to let 〈◇〉 Meet there; so the said Priest Hammond here tempted the● to lie: surely this was not by the preservation of God, b●… the envy of the devil; and know this, That the Tr●… come nigh unto you, though you have shut the door 〈◇〉 your hearts and caused your Gates to be shut against it 〈◇〉 against friends of it, and so have rejected the love o●… Truth, when God hath sent to visit you; and this hi●… will be turned into wrath against you, and break in upo●… at unawares to destroy you, and woe and misery will be you; for you have not opened your doors for them tha●… the Truth to come in, and be entertained among yo●… therefore will you be made to call upon the Lord to op●… to you, when he will say, Depart, I know you not; for a 〈…〉 as you have sought to keep out the Truth from amo●… this will be the sentence against you from the Lord, 〈◇〉 consider not your ways, and turn to the Lord with tr 〈…〉 pentance: Take warning in your life time; This is i●… to your souls.  
From a friend of the Truth, a lover of Enemies, and a hater of no man, George Whithead suffolk the 26. day of the 4. month,( 58.