The VViltshire rant; or A narrative wherein the most unparallel'd prophane actings, counterfeit repentings, and evil speakings of Thomas Webbe late pretended minister of Langley Buriall, are discovered; the particulars whereof are set down in the following page. Also the proceedings of those in authority against him. With a catalogue of his untruths in his Masse of malice, and replies to sundry of them. by Edw. Stokes Esq;
         Stokes, Edward, Esq.
      
       
         This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A93926 of text R207024 in the  English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E669_5). Textual changes  and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more  computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life.  The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with  MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish.  This text has not been fully proofread 
       Approx. 235 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 46 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images.
       
         EarlyPrint Project
         Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO
         2017
         A93926
         Wing S5725
         Thomason E669_5
         ESTC R207024
         99866099
         99866099
         118361
         
           
            This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of
             Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal
            . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.
          
        
      
       
         Early English books online.
      
       
         (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A93926)
         Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 118361)
         Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 103:E669[5])
      
       
         
           
             The VViltshire rant; or A narrative wherein the most unparallel'd prophane actings, counterfeit repentings, and evil speakings of Thomas Webbe late pretended minister of Langley Buriall, are discovered; the particulars whereof are set down in the following page. Also the proceedings of those in authority against him. With a catalogue of his untruths in his Masse of malice, and replies to sundry of them. by Edw. Stokes Esq;
             Stokes, Edward, Esq.
          
           [8], 83, [1] p.
           
             Printed by Ralph Smith, at the Sign of the Bible in Cornhill near the Ryall exchange,
             London :
             1652.
          
           
             Annotation on Thomason copy: "July. 2".
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Church of England -- Discipline -- Early works to 1800.
           Clergy -- England -- Early works to 1800.
           Adultery -- England -- Early works to 1800.
           Blasphemy -- Early works to 1800.
           Ranters -- Early works to 1800.
        
      
    
       A93926  R207024  (Thomason E669_5).  civilwar no The VViltshire rant; or A narrative wherein the most unparallel'd prophane actings, counterfeit repentings, and evil speakings of Thomas Web Stokes, Edward, Esq 1652    40460 15 0 0 0 0 0 4 B  The  rate of 4 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
        2007-04 TCP
        Assigned for keying and markup
      
        2007-04 Aptara
        Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images
      
        2007-09 David Karczynski
        Sampled and proofread
      
        2007-09 David Karczynski
        Text and markup reviewed and edited
      
        2008-02 pfs
        Batch review (QC) and XML conversion
      
    
  
   
     
       
       
         
           THE
           Wiltshire
           Rant
           ;
           OR
           A
           NARRATIVE
        
         
           Wherein
           the
           most
           unparallel'd
           Prophane
           Actings
           ,
           Counterfeit
           Repentings
           ,
           and
           evil
           Speakings
           of
           
             THOMAS
             WEBBE
          
        
         
           Late
           pretended
           Minister
           of
           
             Langley
             Buriall
             ,
          
           are
           discovered
           ;
           the
           particulars
           whereof
           are
           set
           down
           in
           the
           following
           Page
           .
        
         
           Also
           the
           Proceedings
           of
           those
           in
           Authority
           against
           him
           .
           With
           a
           Catalogue
           of
           his
           untruths
           in
           his
           
             Masse
             of
             malice
             ,
          
           and
           Replies
           to
           sundry
           of
           them
           .
        
         
           By
           
             Edw.
             Stokes
          
           Esq
           ;
           .
        
         
           ISAIAH
           59.
           4
           ,
           5
           ,
           6.
           
        
         
           
             They
             trust
             in
             vanity
             and
             speak
             lies
             ,
             they
             conceive
             mischief
             and
             bring
             forth
             iniquity
             :
             They
             hatch
             Cockatrice
             eggs
             ,
             and
             weave
             the
             Spiders
             Webb
             ;
             He
             that
             eateth
             of
             their
             eggs
             dieth
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             is
             crushed
             breaketh
             out
             into
             a
             Viper
             .
          
           
             Their
             Webbs
             shall
             not
             become
             Garments
             ,
             neither
             shall
             they
             cover
             themselves
             with
             their
             works
             ,
             their
             works
             are
             works
             of
             iniquity
             .
          
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           for
           
             Ralph
             Smith
             ,
          
           at
           the
           Sign
           of
           the
           Bible
           in
           Cornhill
           near
           the
           Royall
           Exchange
           .
           1652.
           
        
      
       
       
       
         
           THE
           CONTENTS
           .
        
         
           
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             late
             pretended
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               Buriall
            
             
               
                 Appears
                 in
                 
                   Wilts
                
                 like
                 an
                 Angel
                 of
                 Light
                 .
                 
                   Page
                
                 3.
                 
              
               
                 Obtains
                 a
                 Parsinage
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Refuseth
                 Tithes
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Burieth
                 his
                 second
                 wife
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Makes
                 himself
                 sure
                 to
                 another
                 mans
                 wife
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 4.
                 
              
               
                 Commits
                 Adultery
                 with
                 her
                 by
                 his
                 own
                 confession
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Marrieth
                 a
                 third
                 wife
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Becomes
                 a
                 kinde
                 of
                 Pander
                 to
                 his
                 own
                 wife
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 6.
                 
              
               
                 Hath
                 a
                 man-wife
                 ,
                 who
                 is
                 discovered
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 7.
                 
              
               
                 Fals
                 at
                 variance
                 with
                 Mistress
                 
                   M.
                   W.
                
                 another
                 mans
                 wife
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 10.
                 
              
               
                 Is
                 accused
                 of
                 sundry
                 horrid
                 crimes
                 and
                 misdameanors
                 ,
                 by
                 Mistress
                 
                   M.
                   W.
                
                 and
                 divers
                 others
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 11.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 Catalogue
                 of
                 the
                 women
                 he
                 said
                 he
                 had
                 lien
                 withall
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 12.
                 
              
               
                 He
                 getting
                 the
                 French-pox
                 gave
                 it
                 his
                 wife
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Salmons
                 
                   blasphemous
                   Letter
                   .
                
                 p.
                 13.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 particulars
                 of
                 his
                 fained
                 repentance
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 14.
                 
              
               
                 Maketh
                 frequent
                 Confessions
                 of
                 his
                 unclean
                 life
                 to
                 M.
                 
                   Stokes
                
                 and
                 others
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 15.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 first
                 Letter
                 to
                 M.
                 
                   Stokes
                   ,
                
                 confessing
                 his
                 uncleannesse
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 16.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 second
                 Letter
                 of
                 Confession
                 and
                 repentance
                 to
                 
                   Edw.
                   Stokes
                   ,
                
                 and
                 
                   William
                   Shute
                
                 Esquires
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 17.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 third
                 Letter
                 to
                 
                   William
                   Shute
                
                 Esq.
                 
                   p.
                
                 19.
                 
              
               
                 Preacheth
                 against
                 whorish
                 women
                 and
                 the
                 sinne
                 of
                 uncleannesse
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Becomes
                 friends
                 with
                 Mistress
                 
                   M.
                   W.
                   p.
                
                 21.
                 
              
               
                 Scorns
                 and
                 contemns
                 such
                 as
                 dislike
                 his
                 waies
                 ,
                 and
                 those
                 to
                 whom
                 he
                 confessed
                 his
                 unclean
                 life
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 His
                 companions
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 21.
                 
                 His
                 study
                 .
                 22.
                 
                 Songs
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 22.
                 
              
               
                 Is
                 become
                 a
                 lover
                 of
                 Musick
                 and
                 mixt
                 dancing
                 .
                 
                   ib.
                
              
               
                 Seeks
                 the
                 ruine
                 of
                 his
                 own
                 fellow-creatures
                 ,
                 for
                 relating
                 his
                 wicked
                 word
                 ,
                 and
                 works
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 23.
                 
              
               
                 Is
                 charged
                 to
                 have
                 been
                 taken
                 in
                 the
                 act
                 of
                 Adultery
                 with
                 
                   M.
                   W.
                   p.
                
                 29.
                 
              
               
               
                 Is
                 examined
                 upon
                 the
                 information
                 ,
                 which
                 is
                 upon
                 Oath
                 ,
                 and
                 committed
                 to
                 Goal
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 33.
                 
              
               
                 Rails
                 against
                 his
                 accuser
                 and
                 the
                 Justices
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 34
                 ,
                 35.
                 
              
               
                 Pretends
                 a
                 second
                 repentance
                 in
                 Goal
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 39.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 deliverance
                 and
                 return
                 from
                 Goal
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 43.
                 
              
               
                 The
                 Articles
                 of
                 prophanenesse
                 and
                 scandall
                 against
                 him
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 47.
                 
              
               
                 Depositions
                 to
                 the
                 Articles
                 against
                 him
                 .
                 
                   p.
                   49.
                   to
                
                 56.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 ejectment
                 from
                 the
                 Parsonage
                 of
                 
                   Langley
                   B.
                   p.
                
                 57.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 Masse
                 of
                 malice
                 discovered
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 58.
                 
              
               
                 A
                 Catalogue
                 of
                 his
                 lies
                 .
                 
                   p.
                   60
                   ,
                   61
                   ,
                   &c.
                   
                
              
               
                 Replies
                 to
                 some
                 of
                 his
                 lies
                 and
                 self-invented
                 blasphemies
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 66
                 ,
                 67
                 ,
                 68
                 ,
                 69.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 blasphemy
                 upon
                 Record
                 .
                 
                   p.
                
                 82.
                 
              
               
                 His
                 late
                 progresse
                 into
                 ,
                 and
                 return
                 from
                 
                   Wilts.
                   ib.
                
              
            
          
        
      
       
       
         
           THE
           EPISTLE
           TO
           THE
           READER
           .
        
         
           
             READER
             ,
          
        
         
           THou
           art
           here
           presented
           with
           a
           Narrative
           of
           one
           of
           the
           most
           saddest
           Stories
           that
           hath
           been
           related
           in
           this
           latter
           age
           ,
           in
           which
           you
           have
           these
           three
           particulars
           :
        
         
           First
           ,
           A
           true
           Character
           of
           
             T.
             W.
          
           late
           Minister
           of
           
             Langley
             Buriall
             ,
          
           his
           life
           and
           actions
           ,
           according
           to
           his
           own
           Confessions
           ,
           Letters
           and
           Accusations
           of
           his
           own
           dear
           fellow-creatures
           ,
           whilst
           he
           continued
           Ranting
           upon
           the
           publique
           Stage
           of
           
             Wilts
             ,
          
           with
           the
           proceedings
           of
           the
           Justices
           against
           him
           the
           said
           
             Webb
             .
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Thou
           hast
           laid
           before
           thee
           a
           Catalogue
           of
           Parson
           
             Webbs
          
           most
           notorious
           untruths
           dispersed
           in
           his
           
             Mass
             of
             malice
          
           against
           his
           Judge
           ,
           the
           Justices
           of
           Peace
           ,
           and
           his
           accusers
           and
           prosecutors
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Thou
           hast
           divers
           of
           those
           untruths
           guarded
           with
           replies
           of
           truth
           tending
           to
           clear
           up
           the
           innocency
           of
           the
           most
           falsly
           accused
           
             E.
             S.
          
           from
           those
           fierce
           ,
           foul
           and
           hell-invented
           aspersions
           laid
           to
           his
           charge
           by
           the
           malevolent
           mock-Parson
           
             T.
             W.
             
          
        
         
           And
           the
           Narrative
           aforesaid
           is
           now
           made
           publique
           ,
           First
           ,
           To
           inform
           the
           world
           upon
           what
           grounds
           
             Tho.
             Webb
          
           was
           prosecuted
           and
           tried
           for
           his
           life
           in
           the
           County
           of
           
             Wilts
             ;
          
           and
           wherefore
           he
           was
           ejected
           the
           Parsonage
           of
           
             L.
             B.
             
          
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           To
           give
           a
           true
           Character
           of
           the
           most
           delusive
           Parson
           
             T.
             W.
          
           that
           others
           be
           not
           deceived
           by
           him
           ,
           as
           many
           hundreds
           in
           
             Wilts
          
           have
           been
           ,
           many
           of
           whom
           are
           bound
           to
           curse
           the
           day
           that
           ever
           they
           saw
           his
           fawning
           face
           ,
           or
           heard
           his
           deceitfull
           tongue
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           To
           clear
           up
           the
           innocency
           of
           those
           in
           Authority
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           it
           manifest
           that
           their
           proceedings
           against
           the
           said
           
             T.
             W.
          
           were
           neither
           unjust
           ,
           illegall
           ,
           nor
           malicious
           ,
           as
           the
           Author
           of
           the
           
             Mass
             of
             malice
          
           and
           his
           Ranting
           gang
           give
           out
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           To
           lay
           open
           the
           weaknesse
           ,
           wickednesse
           and
           vanity
           of
           the
           Ranting
           principle
           and
           practice
           ,
           that
           Wisdom
           may
           be
           justified
           of
           her
           children
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           and
           the
           mouth
           of
           ungodlinesse
           stopped
           .
        
         
           
             To
             conclude
             with
             the
             Psalmist
             ,
          
           Blessed
           is
           the
           man
           that
           maketh
           the
           Lord
           his
           trust
           ,
           and
           respecteth
           not
           the
           proud
           ,
           nor
           such
           as
           turn
           aside
           to
           lies
           ,
           
             Psal.
          
           40.
           4.
           
        
         
           
             Reader
             ,
          
           Thou
           art
           desired
           to
           take
           notice
           of
           two
           particulars
           ,
           for
           the
           better
           understanding
           of
           the
           Author
           ,
           in
           the
           ensuing
           Narrative
           .
        
         
           First
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           not
           his
           intention
           in
           any
           wise
           to
           cast
           reproach
           or
           contempt
           upon
           any
           of
           the
           Godly
           ,
           able
           Ministers
           
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           for
           such
           he
           accounts
           
             worthy
             of
             double
             honour
             ,
          
           according
           to
           that
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           17.
           whom
           to
           despise
           ,
           is
           to
           despise
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           whose
           messengers
           they
           are
           ,
           sent
           out
           to
           proclaim
           the
           grace
           and
           love
           of
           God
           to
           sinners
           ,
           that
           
             they
             may
             be
             turned
             from
             darkness
             to
             light
             ,
             from
             the
             power
             of
             Satan
             to
             God
             ;
          
           whose
           number
           the
           Lord
           increase
           for
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           great
           Name
           .
        
         
           But
           prophane
           ,
           ignorant
           and
           scandalous
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           take
           upon
           them
           the
           work
           of
           publique
           Ministers
           and
           Preachers
           ,
           when
           never
           sent
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           nor
           allowed
           or
           approved
           of
           men
           ,
           nor
           any
           way
           gifted
           and
           qualified
           for
           so
           glorious
           a
           work
           ,
           whose
           light
           is
           but
           darknesse
           ,
           whose
           confidence
           is
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           whose
           God
           is
           their
           belly
           ,
           who
           glory
           in
           their
           shame
           ,
           who
           minde
           earthly
           things
           :
           Amongst
           which
           number
           you
           shall
           finde
           the
           painted
           sepulchre
           ,
           and
           wandering
           starre
           
             T.
             W.
          
           with
           his
           most
           besotted
           faction
           and
           adherents
           :
           These
           are
           the
           mock-Parsons
           and
           Priests
           mentioned
           and
           intended
           in
           the
           Narrative
           ,
           and
           none
           other
           ;
           and
           who
           in
           their
           best
           estate
           make
           but
           a
           fair
           shew
           in
           the
           flesh
           ,
           to
           accomplish
           their
           wicked
           and
           most
           pernicious
           ends
           ,
           which
           when
           obtained
           ,
           their
           abominations
           appear
           to
           the
           great
           scandal
           of
           Religion
           ,
           and
           the
           righteous
           waies
           and
           people
           of
           God
           .
        
         
           The
           second
           particular
           is
           to
           let
           the
           Reader
           know
           that
           the
           said
           Narrative
           is
           the
           more
           dark
           and
           hard
           to
           be
           understood
           ,
           because
           the
           names
           of
           many
           persons
           ,
           principall
           actors
           in
           the
           
             Wiltshire
          
           Rant
           ,
           and
           others
           deluded
           and
           abused
           by
           them
           ,
           are
           at
           this
           time
           past
           over
           in
           silence
           ,
           and
           not
           made
           publique
           ,
           and
           that
           for
           these
           Reasons
           :
        
         
           First
           ,
           Many
           of
           them
           seem
           to
           repent
           of
           their
           folly
           and
           madnesse
           ;
           and
           if
           their
           repentance
           prove
           true
           (
           and
           not
           like
           that
           of
           
             T.
             W.
          
           )
           their
           names
           shall
           be
           concealed
           for
           ever
           by
           this
           Author
           ,
           otherwise
           they
           may
           appear
           with
           their
           actions
           in
           due
           time
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Some
           of
           them
           have
           been
           but
           as
           weak
           instruments
           in
           the
           hands
           of
           the
           mighty
           Ranters
           ,
           and
           therefore
           wholly
           past
           over
           in
           silence
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Some
           of
           them
           have
           promised
           to
           publish
           to
           the
           world
           the
           
             Wiltshire
          
           Rant
           more
           perfectly
           then
           the
           Author
           ,
           and
           therefore
           at
           present
           their
           names
           are
           left
           out
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           Some
           being
           in
           great
           esteem
           as
           yet
           amongst
           the
           godly
           people
           ,
           the
           Author
           was
           unwilling
           to
           publish
           those
           words
           and
           papers
           which
           he
           received
           from
           others
           of
           the
           Ranting
           crue
           ,
           concealing
           them
           in
           hopes
           that
           they
           will
           acquit
           themselves
           like
           men
           ;
           and
           withall
           knowing
           that
           the
           Ranters
           ,
           especially
           
             T.
             W.
          
           and
           his
           fellows
           ,
           are
           like
           to
           the
           
             Cretians
             ,
          
           who
           
             are
             alwaies
             liars
             ,
             evil
             beasts
             ,
             slow
             bellies
             :
             But
             they
             shall
             proceed
             no
             further
             ,
             for
             their
             folly
             shall
             be
             manifest
             unto
             all
             men
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
       
         
           THE
           WILTSHIRE
           RANT
           .
        
         
           MAnifest
           it
           is
           that
           the
           Accuser
           of
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           the
           old
           Serpent
           ,
           the
           Lier
           from
           the
           beginning
           ,
           could
           never
           have
           acted
           so
           much
           mischief
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           if
           he
           had
           alwaies
           appeared
           in
           his
           own
           Shape
           :
           wherefore
           that
           he
           may
           the
           better
           accomplish
           his
           ends
           ,
           he
           presents
           himself
           oftentimes
           in
           the
           shape
           of
           an
           Angel
           of
           Light
           ,
           and
           so
           he
           teacheth
           all
           his
           angels
           or
           ministers
           to
           appear
           :
           So
           the
           false
           prophets
           of
           old
           ,
           the
           deceivers
           of
           this
           age
           ,
           and
           all
           hypocrites
           appear
           in
           Sheeps
           cloathing
           ,
           with
           a
           form
           of
           godlinesse
           ,
           with
           the
           Word
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           their
           mouths
           ;
           and
           although
           these
           persons
           know
           nothing
           as
           they
           ought
           to
           know
           ,
           yet
           they
           assume
           all
           knowledge
           to
           themselves
           :
           And
           although
           they
           are
           possessed
           by
           an
           unclean
           spirit
           ,
           yet
           sometime
           they
           cry
           up
           a
           clean
           conversation
           ;
           and
           all
           this
           is
           because
           they
           would
           the
           more
           easily
           accomplish
           their
           corrupt
           interests
           ,
           beguile
           unstable
           souls
           ,
           and
           lead
           captive
           silly
           professors
           .
           Nay
           many
           of
           these
           are
           so
           much
           given
           up
           to
           beleeve
           lies
           ,
           to
           deceive
           ,
           and
           be
           deceived
           ,
           that
           they
           are
           become
           pure
           in
           their
           own
           di●s
           :
           And
           as
           the
           man
           that
           would
           tell
           a
           lie
           so
           often
           that
           at
           last
           he
           beleeved
           it
           to
           be
           a
           truth
           ,
           so
           these
           men
           being
           practisers
           of
           evil
           ,
           beleeve
           themselves
           and
           their
           cursed
           waies
           to
           be
           righteous
           ,
           and
           that
           from
           a
           cursed
           principle
           which
           they
           hold
           ,
           (
           
             viz.
             )
             There
             is
             nothing
             sin
             but
             what
             a
             man
             thinks
             to
             be
             so
             :
          
           This
           the
           wise
           man
           speaks
           of
           ,
           
             Prov.
             30.
             11.
             
             There
             is
             a
             generation
             that
             are
             pure
             in
             their
             own
             eyes
             ,
             and
             yet
             is
             not
             washed
             from
             their
             filthinesse
             .
          
           A
           right
           character
           of
           our
           
             Wiltshire
          
           Ranters
           ,
           who
           speak
           great
           swelling
           words
           of
           vanity
           ,
           sporting
           themselves
           in
           their
           own
           deceivings
           ,
           whilst
           they
           beguile
           unstable
           souls
           ,
           and
           ly
           in
           wait
           to
           deceive
           the
           ignorant
           .
           But
           notwithstanding
           these
           painted
           Sepulchres
           are
           discovered
           by
           truth
           and
           time
           ,
           which
           maketh
           manifest
           ,
           and
           it
           will
           appear
           that
           whilst
           they
           assume
           all
           knowledge
           to
           themselves
           ,
           and
           professe
           themselves
           wise
           ,
           they
           become
           fools
           ,
           and
           this
           is
           the
           great
           work
           of
           our
           blessed
           Saviour
           ,
           to
           discover
           
           cover
           and
           destroy
           the
           works
           of
           the
           devil
           ,
           to
           take
           away
           the
           counterfet
           painting
           and
           false
           covering
           cast
           upon
           foul
           and
           unclean
           hearts
           ,
           and
           to
           lay
           them
           open
           to
           publique
           view
           :
           and
           certainly
           Jesus
           Christ
           will
           first
           or
           last
           bring
           every
           hidden
           work
           to
           light
           ,
           the
           purest
           hypocrite
           must
           be
           discovered
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           the
           prophane
           person
           :
           and
           this
           discovery
           is
           made
           divers
           waies
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Sometimes
           by
           the
           terrible
           pangs
           of
           a
           guilty
           and
           accusing
           conscience
           ,
           hastening
           and
           hurrying
           the
           soul
           towards
           desperation
           :
           in
           this
           condition
           many
           times
           the
           most
           secret
           and
           hidden
           works
           of
           darkness
           are
           brought
           to
           light
           ;
           and
           now
           men
           vomit
           up
           their
           own
           shame
           and
           confesse
           with
           horror
           and
           astonishment
           of
           spirit
           ,
           their
           former
           cursed
           and
           abominable
           waies
           and
           actions
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           Sometimes
           by
           the
           falling
           out
           of
           those
           who
           have
           been
           brethren
           and
           co-partners
           in
           iniquity
           ;
           this
           way
           many
           theeves
           are
           brought
           to
           the
           Gallows
           ,
           and
           unclean
           persons
           to
           Justice
           :
           And
           to
           the
           honour
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           to
           his
           praise
           be
           it
           recorded
           for
           ever
           ;
           The
           Ranters
           were
           building
           their
           
             Babel
          
           of
           Prophanenesse
           and
           Community
           in
           
             Wiltshire
             ,
          
           but
           were
           constrained
           to
           pluck
           it
           down
           with
           their
           own
           hands
           ,
           they
           laying
           open
           each
           others
           wickednesse
           ,
           having
           each
           other
           before
           the
           Magistrate
           ,
           and
           accusing
           each
           other
           in
           the
           day
           of
           their
           fury
           and
           horrible
           confusions
           ,
           as
           this
           Narrative
           will
           demonstrate
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Sometimes
           hypocrites
           and
           dissemblers
           to
           regain
           their
           lost
           credit
           by
           a
           fained
           repentance
           ,
           lay
           open
           the
           wickednesse
           ,
           madnesse
           and
           folly
           of
           their
           own
           hearts
           and
           waies
           ,
           and
           confesse
           their
           most
           secret
           and
           bosome
           lusts
           ,
           and
           hidden
           corruptions
           ,
           with
           promises
           of
           a
           new
           life
           ,
           and
           never
           more
           to
           turn
           to
           folly
           ;
           yet
           having
           eyes
           full
           of
           adultery
           ,
           and
           that
           cannot
           cease
           from
           sin
           ;
           they
           return
           with
           the
           Dog
           to
           the
           vomit
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           Sow
           that
           was
           washed
           to
           the
           former
           wallowing
           in
           the
           mire
           :
           notwithstanding
           with
           the
           whore
           mentioned
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           30.
           they
           wipe
           their
           mouths
           and
           say
           ,
           they
           
             have
             done
             no
             wickednesse
             .
          
           These
           can
           sometimes
           speak
           purely
           ,
           yet
           live
           filthily
           :
           They
           plead
           liberty
           ,
           
             yet
             are
             the
             servants
             of
             sin
             .
          
           These
           are
           self-justitiaries
           ,
           self-seekers
           ,
           such
           as
           sacrifice
           to
           their
           own
           nets
           ;
           lovers
           of
           themselves
           and
           their
           own
           deluded
           followers
           :
           Despisers
           of
           those
           that
           are
           good
           ,
           or
           do
           any
           waies
           protest
           against
           their
           witlesse
           ,
           worthlesse
           whimseys
           and
           practises
           ;
           yet
           through
           the
           just
           judgement
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           these
           deluders
           ,
           seducers
           and
           deceivers
           ,
           are
           oftentimes
           brought
           to
           light
           ,
           and
           are
           made
           (
           mauger
           their
           hearts
           )
           to
           demonstrate
           what
           they
           are
           in
           reality
           .
        
         
         
           And
           what
           discovery
           the
           Ranting
           crew
           ,
           even
           the
           most
           eminent
           of
           them
           have
           made
           of
           themselves
           and
           of
           each
           other
           ,
           the
           ensuing
           narrative
           will
           sufficiently
           demonstrate
           ,
           in
           which
           you
           have
           little
           besides
           their
           own
           Confessions
           ,
           Letters
           and
           Accusations
           of
           each
           other
           ,
           and
           that
           will
           sufficiently
           declare
           that
           their
           destruction
           and
           ruine
           is
           of
           themselves
           ,
           and
           not
           from
           the
           Magistrate
           ,
           as
           they
           most
           untruly
           give
           out
           ,
           with
           a
           world
           of
           other
           notorious
           lies
           and
           scandals
           ;
           (
           the
           fittest
           imployment
           of
           such
           a
           generation
           of
           people
           )
           which
           they
           heap
           upon
           all
           that
           disown
           their
           cursed
           principles
           and
           lascivious
           waies
           .
        
         
           The
           most
           notorious
           Champion
           whereof
           that
           have
           caused
           the
           enemies
           of
           God
           to
           blaspheme
           ,
           and
           made
           sad
           the
           hearts
           of
           the
           people
           of
           God
           ,
           
           and
           is
           become
           the
           greatest
           monument
           of
           scandall
           and
           reproach
           as
           ever
           appeared
           in
           North
           
             Wiltshire
             ,
          
           is
           one
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           late
           of
           
             Langley
             Buriall
          
           within
           the
           said
           County
           ;
           who
           came
           as
           an
           Angel
           of
           Light
           into
           those
           parts
           ,
           with
           a
           great
           form
           of
           godlinesse
           ,
           in
           sheeps
           cloathing
           ;
           whereby
           he
           gained
           with
           ease
           the
           affections
           of
           many
           ,
           not
           only
           hypocrites
           ,
           but
           sincere
           hearted
           Christians
           ,
           who
           took
           him
           to
           be
           as
           he
           only
           seemed
           to
           be
           :
           As
           new
           things
           ,
           so
           new
           or
           strange
           persons
           affect
           much
           :
           So
           new
           brooms
           sweep
           clean
           ;
           this
           man
           seems
           to
           be
           of
           a
           blamelesse
           life
           and
           conversation
           :
           and
           being
           furnished
           with
           cunning
           and
           expression
           ,
           makes
           use
           of
           it
           to
           his
           best
           advantage
           ,
           and
           so
           rouls
           up
           and
           down
           ,
           
           till
           at
           last
           he
           takes
           up
           his
           rest
           at
           
             Langly
          
           aforesaid
           ;
           and
           having
           obtained
           the
           parsonage
           there
           ,
           he
           preached
           and
           practised
           for
           some
           short
           space
           ,
           that
           none
           could
           spy
           out
           his
           wickednesse
           .
        
         
           This
           young
           Stripling
           ,
           having
           formerly
           made
           himself
           a
           Preacher
           ,
           forsaking
           his
           lawfull
           Calling
           ,
           
           becomes
           a
           Parish
           Priest
           or
           Parson
           ;
           and
           being
           setled
           to
           his
           content
           ,
           and
           obtaining
           a
           Gleab
           worth
           70lb
           
             per
             annum
             ,
          
           he
           cunningly
           ,
           to
           increase
           his
           fame
           ,
           refused
           the
           Tithes
           ,
           protesting
           against
           them
           as
           an
           unjust
           Tax
           ;
           by
           which
           means
           he
           obtains
           the
           good
           will
           of
           divers
           of
           the
           most
           ignorant
           parishioners
           ,
           and
           others
           lookt
           upon
           him
           as
           a
           consciencious
           man
           ,
           not
           knowing
           what
           he
           had
           been
           ,
           nor
           what
           he
           was
           .
        
         
           Not
           long
           after
           his
           settlement
           he
           buries
           his
           second
           wife
           at
           
             Langley
          
           aforesaid
           ;
           
           who
           had
           not
           lain
           many
           daies
           in
           the
           grave
           ,
           but
           he
           the
           said
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           became
           so
           far
           in
           love
           with
           a
           certain
           Gentlewoman
           (
           notwithstanding
           her
           husband
           was
           then
           and
           there
           living
           )
           insomuch
           that
           he
           engageth
           himself
           to
           be
           a
           faithfull
           friend
           and
           
           servant
           unto
           her
           ,
           
           not
           to
           marry
           with
           ,
           or
           make
           use
           of
           any
           other
           woman
           besides
           her self
           ;
           and
           thereupon
           he
           had
           (
           as
           he
           saith
           )
           divers
           times
           carnal
           knowledge
           of
           ,
           and
           fellowship
           with
           her
           .
        
         
           But
           as
           he
           said
           conscience
           fled
           in
           his
           face
           ,
           and
           would
           not
           suffer
           him
           to
           continue
           this
           vile
           course
           :
           But
           it
           s
           rather
           thought
           one
           woman
           was
           not
           sufficient
           to
           satisfie
           his
           brutish
           lust
           .
        
         
           And
           therefore
           in
           a
           short
           time
           he
           marries
           a
           modest
           sober
           young
           woman
           ,
           
           without
           the
           consent
           and
           to
           the
           great
           grief
           of
           her
           friends
           ;
           whereupon
           a
           great
           difference
           grows
           between
           the
           two
           former
           lustfull
           lovers
           ;
           the
           Parson
           is
           charged
           with
           perfidiousnesse
           and
           breach
           of
           promise
           ,
           but
           he
           being
           grown
           a
           cunning
           Parish
           Priest
           ,
           hath
           a
           salve
           ready
           to
           cure
           this
           sore
           ,
           gives
           satisfaction
           by
           a
           new
           Engagement
           ;
           which
           made
           good
           that
           saying
           of
           his
           ,
           That
           
             there
             's
             no
             Heaven
             but
             women
             ,
             nor
             no
             hell
             save
             Marriage
             :
          
           So
           that
           this
           late
           Marriage
           prevents
           not
           the
           rage
           of
           lust
           in
           either
           .
           But
           notwithstanding
           that
           so
           many
           times
           a
           week
           are
           set
           apart
           for
           the
           satisfying
           of
           the
           flesh
           .
           And
           now
           any
           reasonable
           creature
           would
           think
           that
           the
           former
           Marriage
           ,
           and
           the
           late
           agreement
           would
           have
           contented
           both
           parties
           .
           But
           the
           union
           (
           in
           wickednesse
           )
           is
           not
           yet
           near
           enough
           ;
           And
           therefore
           about
           
             March
          
           1650.
           two
           houses
           being
           too
           many
           ,
           and
           at
           too
           great
           a
           distance
           for
           such
           choice
           lovers
           :
           Both
           families
           are
           united
           in
           one
           ,
           and
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           removes
           ,
           the
           former
           distance
           being
           almost
           a
           slight
           shot
           ,
           was
           too
           farre
           to
           strike
           whilest
           the
           iron
           is
           hot
           ;
           neither
           could
           wickednesse
           be
           acted
           so
           covertly
           ,
           nor
           kept
           so
           closely
           in
           many
           meetings
           ,
           (
           and
           it
           was
           not
           yet
           time
           to
           professe
           their
           principles
           publiquely
           to
           the
           world
           .
           )
           Here
           modesty
           commands
           the
           Author
           in
           silence
           to
           pass
           over
           many
           particulars
           of
           uncleannesse
           confessed
           by
           the
           said
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           in
           the
           time
           of
           his
           pretended
           Repentance
           and
           Reformation
           .
        
         
           Well
           ,
           now
           the
           famous
           families
           are
           united
           ,
           and
           the
           uniters
           wonderfully
           well
           pleased
           ,
           and
           none
           displeased
           .
           The
           Patron
           and
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           rejoice
           ,
           being
           in
           hopes
           to
           enjoy
           each
           others
           love
           more
           constantly
           then
           formerly
           :
           But
           the
           devout
           Parson
           and
           his
           co-partner
           in
           wickednesse
           ,
           having
           brought
           their
           Swine
           to
           so
           fair
           a
           market
           ,
           resolve
           to
           eat
           no
           such
           flesh
           ;
           nor
           to
           be
           so
           prophane
           or
           silly
           as
           to
           delight
           themselves
           with
           lawfull
           things
           ;
           leaving
           that
           to
           those
           that
           know
           not
           their
           liberty
           ;
           and
           to
           nice
           and
           weak-sighted
           Pharisees
           (
           as
           they
           term
           those
           that
           dare
           not
           ,
           will
           not
           ,
           cannot
           ,
           run
           with
           them
           into
           the
           same
           excesse
           of
           Riot
           )
           And
           let
           those
           deluded
           souls
           feed
           their
           fancies
           
           with
           vain
           hopes
           or
           empty
           husks
           as
           long
           as
           they
           please
           ,
           all
           's
           one
           to
           these
           endeared
           lovers
           ,
           who
           have
           attained
           to
           the
           height
           of
           humane
           society
           ,
           and
           Christian
           (
           
             alias
          
           diabolicall
           )
           liberty
           ,
           and
           to
           so
           much
           perfection
           as
           to
           know
           their
           fellow-creatures
           from
           other
           cattell
           .
           'T
           is
           not
           for
           servants
           to
           pry
           into
           their
           Masters
           nor
           Mistrisses
           secrets
           ,
           nor
           to
           meddle
           with
           their
           meat
           .
           Mixt
           Governours
           of
           a
           mixt
           family
           having
           the
           highest
           knowledge
           and
           deepest
           understanding
           ,
           are
           fittest
           to
           bear
           Rule
           ,
           and
           to
           rule
           the
           rest
           :
           Wherefore
           no
           pitty
           nor
           praise
           shall
           attend
           the
           forlorn
           hope
           of
           the
           P.
           and
           Parsons
           wife
           ,
           who
           are
           ordained
           to
           stand
           as
           Ciphers
           ,
           or
           at
           best
           as
           servants
           ,
           to
           stand
           still
           or
           wait
           ,
           whilst
           those
           who
           are
           more
           spiritually
           wicked
           ,
           give
           up
           themselves
           to
           chambring
           and
           wantonness
           .
        
         
           Well
           ,
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           being
           a
           Parson
           of
           the
           last
           Edition
           ,
           and
           having
           undertaken
           a
           great
           charge
           ,
           laies
           about
           him
           how
           to
           manage
           all
           his
           affairs
           ,
           as
           becomes
           a
           man
           of
           so
           excellent
           parts
           and
           calling
           ,
           and
           hold
           out
           to
           the
           end
           ;
           which
           that
           he
           may
           be
           able
           to
           do
           ,
           and
           come
           off
           with
           credit
           ,
           the
           sweet
           draughts
           of
           an
           Independent
           heat
           ,
           the
           most
           coroborating
           cordials
           ,
           the
           fattest
           morsels
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           delicate
           fare
           is
           provided
           for
           his
           sweet
           tooth
           (
           which
           never
           goes
           alone
           )
           and
           good
           reason
           ,
           for
           hereby
           he
           is
           made
           able
           to
           give
           content
           to
           his
           fellow
           Creature
           ,
           and
           to
           answer
           all
           scruples
           that
           might
           arise
           against
           him
           from
           or
           by
           means
           of
           any
           pretended
           relation
           ,
           or
           formall
           union
           ,
           such
           as
           Ranters
           term
           marriage
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           For
           you
           are
           to
           understand
           that
           ere
           a
           long
           time
           is
           past
           over
           ,
           even
           before
           this
           pious
           (
           or
           rather
           impious
           )
           Parish
           Priest
           ,
           had
           taken
           his
           fill
           of
           lust
           ;
           although
           the
           Gentlewomans
           husband
           remains
           contented
           ,
           yet
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           being
           more
           sensible
           ,
           begins
           to
           grumble
           ,
           and
           grows
           passionate
           ,
           and
           manifests
           much
           trouble
           ;
           fearing
           least
           her
           husband
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           (
           notwithstanding
           his
           seeming
           sanctity
           )
           would
           prove
           an
           unclean
           Parson
           .
           Hereupon
           the
           slipshood
           Priest
           is
           put
           to
           his
           trumps
           ;
           yet
           he
           having
           taken
           so
           many
           degrees
           in
           wickednesse
           ,
           resolves
           to
           answer
           and
           silence
           this
           case
           of
           conscience
           also
           ;
           and
           therefore
           summons
           all
           his
           wits
           together
           ,
           and
           when
           he
           findes
           them
           all
           too
           shallow
           ,
           he
           cals
           to
           his
           councell
           his
           fellow-creature
           ,
           who
           being
           of
           better
           understanding
           ,
           and
           of
           riper
           wit
           then
           himself
           (
           two
           heads
           being
           better
           then
           one
           )
           they
           make
           up
           and
           contrive
           a
           silencing
           argument
           to
           satisfie
           and
           content
           this
           complaining
           Spirit
           of
           the
           poor
           woman
           .
        
         
           Hereupon
           a
           cunning
           and
           devillish
           plot
           is
           contrived
           ,
           for
           they
           apprehend
           
           action
           to
           be
           more
           prevalent
           then
           argument
           ,
           to
           make
           her
           understand
           her
           liberty
           and
           the
           Ranters
           true
           doctrine
           .
        
         
           And
           therefore
           in
           the
           first
           place
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           is
           instructed
           in
           the
           lawfulnesse
           of
           making
           use
           of
           any
           other
           man
           (
           setting
           relation
           aside
           )
           whom
           she
           could
           most
           affect
           :
           And
           further
           she
           is
           taught
           that
           God
           hath
           not
           tied
           up
           mankinde
           from
           those
           injoyments
           which
           are
           left
           free
           to
           the
           beasts
           of
           the
           field
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           From
           this
           doctrine
           arise
           many
           uses
           ,
           but
           the
           use
           which
           is
           insisted
           upon
           is
           an
           use
           of
           examination
           ;
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           is
           strictly
           examined
           by
           
             Webbs
          
           fellow
           Creature
           ,
           Whom
           she
           loved
           best
           ,
           or
           whom
           she
           could
           love
           most
           besides
           her
           husband
           ?
           The
           woman
           being
           prest
           exceedingly
           upon
           this
           point
           ,
           and
           being
           (
           as
           is
           supposed
           )
           ignorant
           of
           the
           depths
           of
           Satan
           ,
           and
           not
           knowing
           that
           there
           was
           a
           hook
           under
           the
           Bait
           ,
           confesseth
           ,
           that
           next
           to
           her
           husband
           she
           could
           most
           affect
           such
           a
           man
           ,
           naming
           a
           lusty
           young
           man
           ,
           who
           lived
           not
           far
           from
           
             Langley
             ,
          
           and
           one
           who
           made
           often
           resort
           thither
           ,
           and
           was
           in
           great
           esteem
           with
           the
           fellow-Creatures
           ,
           and
           therefore
           as
           right
           as
           a
           gun
           (
           and
           as
           pat
           to
           the
           purpose
           as
           might
           be
           )
           to
           accomplish
           the
           design
           in
           hand
           ,
           which
           was
           to
           cure
           the
           rage
           of
           jealousie
           in
           one
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           two
           fellow-Creatures
           at
           the
           more
           liberty
           and
           freedom
           ;
           and
           good
           reason
           that
           one
           womans
           tongue
           should
           be
           silent
           ,
           whilst
           two
           consciences
           were
           rockt
           asleep
           in
           the
           cradle
           of
           lust
           made
           after
           the
           Ranting
           mode
           .
        
         
           But
           secondly
           ,
           
           There
           is
           a
           time
           and
           place
           appointed
           .
           The
           time
           is
           whilst
           
             Thomas
             Webbe
          
           is
           Preaching
           in
           the
           publique
           Congregation
           ,
           and
           therefore
           most
           likely
           to
           be
           on
           the
           Lords
           day
           :
           and
           the
           place
           is
           near
           the
           Congregation
           .
           At
           this
           time
           and
           in
           this
           place
           ,
           by
           the
           great
           industry
           and
           contrivance
           of
           
             Webbe
          
           and
           his
           fellow
           Creatures
           ,
           the
           young
           man
           aforesaid
           ,
           and
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           meet
           ,
           where
           no
           time
           is
           to
           be
           lost
           ,
           and
           therefore
           whilst
           
             Webbe
          
           is
           Preaching
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           others
           of
           his
           fellow
           Creatures
           ,
           whom
           he
           had
           taught
           to
           live
           above
           Ordinances
           ,
           are
           practising
           their
           higher
           principles
           at
           home
           ;
           and
           to
           that
           purpose
           a
           sumptuous
           bed
           is
           perfumed
           and
           well
           warmed
           (
           to
           prevent
           danger
           )
           and
           the
           young
           man
           with
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           ,
           are
           brought
           into
           the
           said
           bed
           ,
           and
           the
           backwardnesse
           of
           the
           woman
           is
           spurred
           forward
           by
           the
           subtile
           perswasions
           of
           the
           fellow
           Creatures
           ;
           and
           her
           modesty
           overpowred
           by
           the
           immodesty
           of
           the
           others
           ,
           so
           that
           ere
           the
           preachment
           is
           done
           in
           the
           Church
           ,
           the
           practice
           is
           effected
           in
           the
           house
           ,
           and
           in
           bed
           these
           persons
           are
           laid
           ,
           and
           then
           the
           
           Parson
           is
           sent
           for
           by
           his
           fellow
           Creatures
           ,
           who
           hastily
           and
           chierfully
           comes
           into
           the
           said
           chamber
           ,
           where
           he
           perceives
           (
           as
           he
           had
           before
           plotted
           )
           his
           wife
           in
           bed
           with
           the
           young
           man
           ;
           at
           which
           sight
           
             Webbe
          
           (
           as
           one
           transported
           )
           in
           stead
           of
           a
           sharp
           reproof
           or
           other
           dislike
           ,
           brings
           out
           of
           his
           Priestly
           budget
           ,
           this
           reverend
           grave
           salute
           ;
           
             Well
             said
             T
             ,
          
           (
           saith
           he
           ,
           naming
           the
           young
           man
           )
           
             is
             this
             your
             liberty
             ?
             well
             done
             wife
             ,
             well
             done
             ,
             pray
             God
             blesse
             you
             together
             ,
          
           or
           to
           that
           effect
           :
           and
           so
           departed
           the
           chamber
           ,
           having
           his
           mouth
           filled
           with
           laughter
           ,
           and
           his
           heart
           with
           confidence
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           laid
           his
           wifes
           tongue
           as
           still
           as
           his
           own
           conscience
           :
           And
           though
           (
           thinks
           he
           )
           I
           am
           with
           my
           sweet
           and
           lovely
           Mistress
           ,
           and
           fellow
           Creatures
           early
           and
           late
           ,
           night
           and
           day
           ,
           taking
           my
           fill
           in
           dalliance
           and
           fleshly
           delight
           ,
           yet
           my
           wife
           cannot
           clamour
           ;
           if
           she
           be
           jealous
           ,
           yet
           she
           must
           say
           nothing
           ,
           least
           I
           cast
           this
           in
           her
           dish
           :
           Oh
           unheard
           of
           wickednesse
           !
           Oh
           pretty
           prophane
           Preacher
           !
           Art
           thou
           he
           that
           livest
           in
           the
           Spirit
           ?
           that
           hast
           attained
           to
           a
           higher
           light
           ?
           that
           art
           raised
           up
           against
           a
           time
           of
           Reformation
           ,
           to
           help
           forward
           the
           work
           ?
           Art
           thou
           more
           wise
           ,
           more
           holy
           ,
           more
           knowing
           then
           the
           Bishops
           ,
           and
           the
           Episcopal
           Preachers
           ?
           Then
           the
           Presbyterian
           and
           Independent
           Ministers
           ,
           or
           rather
           ,
           art
           thou
           not
           altogether
           notwithstanding
           like
           a
           deceitfull
           Idol
           ?
           Thou
           art
           guilded
           with
           godlinesse
           I
           say
           :
           Art
           thou
           not
           altogether
           in
           the
           flesh
           ?
           Is
           not
           the
           light
           that
           is
           in
           thee
           darknesse
           ?
           Art
           thou
           not
           raised
           up
           of
           the
           devil
           to
           bring
           an
           evil
           report
           upon
           the
           work
           of
           Reformation
           ?
           Do
           not
           the
           Episcopalians
           hate
           thy
           waies
           in
           wickednesse
           ?
           Do
           not
           the
           Presbyterians
           hear
           of
           thy
           fame
           ,
           or
           rather
           infamy
           ,
           and
           harden
           themselves
           against
           the
           Independants
           amongst
           whom
           thou
           hast
           ,
           to
           their
           grief
           been
           numbred
           ?
           And
           yet
           thou
           continuest
           amongst
           strangers
           as
           a
           cheater
           amongst
           true
           men
           ,
           of
           whom
           they
           are
           not
           aware
           ;
           who
           only
           with
           the
           ranting
           crue
           take
           thee
           to
           be
           some
           great
           one
           :
           yet
           God
           hath
           opened
           thy
           painted
           Sepulcher
           in
           
             Wilts
             ,
          
           and
           all
           the
           godly
           fly
           from
           thy
           infection
           .
        
         
           But
           to
           go
           on
           ,
           leaving
           for
           a
           time
           this
           L.
           Parson
           with
           his
           female
           fellow
           Creatures
           ,
           as
           full
           of
           security
           and
           content
           ,
           as
           of
           lust
           and
           uncleannesse
           .
           The
           Reader
           is
           to
           take
           another
           relation
           along
           with
           him
           ,
           
           that
           so
           he
           may
           know
           this
           goodly
           Preacher
           .
           Wherefore
           note
           that
           
             Webbs
          
           most
           principall
           favourite
           ,
           and
           greatest
           choicest
           associate
           in
           the
           whole
           Country
           ;
           for
           one
           of
           his
           own
           Sex
           ,
           was
           one
           
             J
             O.
          
           a
           comely
           young
           man
           ,
           and
           a
           man
           of
           a
           seeming
           sober
           behaviour
           ,
           even
           as
           
             Webbe
          
           himself
           ,
           of
           whom
           a
           stranger
           cannot
           but
           say
           ,
           or
           at
           least
           think
           ,
           that
           
           butter
           would
           not
           melt
           in
           his
           mouth
           (
           as
           we
           use
           to
           say
           )
           yet
           here
           you
           will
           perceive
           ,
           as
           the
           Proverb
           is
           ,
           
             The
             still
             Sow
             eats
             all
             the
             draught
             .
          
           This
           man
           with
           his
           Cob-webb
           seeming
           sobriety
           ,
           and
           unclean
           inside
           ,
           is
           taken
           by
           
             Tho.
             Webbe
             ,
          
           as
           men
           use
           to
           take
           their
           wives
           ,
           For
           better
           for
           worse
           :
           So
           I
           say
           ,
           this
           man
           is
           honoured
           with
           the
           title
           of
           
             Webbs
          
           wife
           ,
           for
           so
           he
           cals
           him
           ,
           My
           wife
           
             O
             ;
          
           and
           
             O
          
           owns
           
             Webb
          
           for
           a
           husband
           ;
           and
           now
           where
           ever
           they
           come
           ,
           't
           is
           my
           wife
           
             O
             ,
          
           and
           my
           husband
           
             Webb
             .
          
           True
           it
           is
           ,
           
             Webb
          
           is
           become
           a
           great
           lover
           of
           Musick
           ,
           which
           to
           prophane
           hearts
           is
           an
           in-let
           to
           lust
           :
           but
           whether
           ever
           he
           plaied
           any
           hellish
           tune
           with
           his
           Organ
           or
           Church
           musick
           yea
           or
           no
           ,
           is
           not
           yet
           discovered
           :
           But
           this
           is
           discovered
           ,
           that
           both
           the
           man
           and
           the
           man-wife
           were
           in
           other
           things
           brethren
           in
           iniquity
           ,
           and
           have
           brought
           more
           shame
           upon
           the
           professors
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           then
           all
           the
           hypocrites
           and
           whore
           mongers
           of
           this
           later
           age
           .
        
         
           This
           
             J.
             O.
          
           is
           of
           an
           honest
           Stock
           and
           Parentage
           and
           lived
           in
           his
           Country
           in
           good
           esteem
           ,
           and
           with
           good
           repute
           ,
           till
           such
           time
           as
           he
           was
           all
           wood
           and
           Married
           to
           this
           holy
           unholy
           Parish-Parson
           ,
           
             Tho.
             Webb
             .
          
           But
           now
           Cat
           after
           kinde
           ,
           he
           soon
           becomes
           Ranting
           ripe
           ,
           and
           enters
           with
           the
           first
           upon
           the
           Stage
           ,
           publickly
           to
           act
           what
           he
           had
           privatly
           learnt
           from
           husband
           
             Webb
             :
          
           Whereupon
           he
           shakes
           hands
           with
           ,
           and
           bids
           farwell
           to
           his
           naturall
           affection
           (
           the
           first
           step
           towards
           the
           perfection
           of
           Ranters
           )
           he
           forsakes
           his
           own
           lawfull
           wife
           ,
           dwelling
           ,
           and
           children
           ,
           and
           Country
           to
           boot
           ;
           and
           takes
           to
           himself
           as
           a
           Companion
           and
           Traveller
           ,
           a
           light
           Maid
           forsooth
           ,
           being
           his
           neighbours
           daughter
           ,
           which
           he
           takes
           without
           parents
           consent
           ,
           as
           his
           fellow
           creature
           ;
           and
           away
           he
           goeth
           :
           and
           as
           
             Webbe
          
           before
           ,
           so
           Mr
           
             O.
          
           now
           travels
           into
           other
           Countries
           ,
           to
           gain
           credit
           and
           esteem
           ,
           which
           in
           his
           own
           Country
           was
           totally
           extinct
           .
           And
           the
           better
           to
           do
           this
           ,
           
             Webbe
          
           makes
           him
           a
           Preacher
           before
           he
           goeth
           ;
           for
           
             Webbe
          
           is
           most
           eminent
           this
           way
           ,
           to
           teach
           men
           how
           to
           use
           the
           tongue
           ;
           so
           as
           it
           may
           not
           prejudice
           the
           principle
           or
           the
           practice
           of
           their
           purely
           impure
           sect
           ,
           or
           hinder
           the
           building
           of
           their
           
             R.
             Babel
             .
          
        
         
           Well
           into
           
             Kent
          
           and
           into
           the
           Isle
           of
           
             Shepy
          
           there
           these
           travellers
           go
           :
           
             O.
          
           appears
           there
           like
           a
           great
           new
           light
           ,
           though
           no
           bigger
           then
           a
           farthing
           candel
           ,
           grows
           into
           esteem
           with
           men
           of
           quality
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           good
           people
           in
           those
           parts
           becomes
           a
           most
           singular
           Preacher
           there
           :
           and
           gains
           a
           living
           or
           some
           other
           stipend
           for
           his
           said
           Preaching
           :
           but
           long
           he
           continues
           not
           there
           ,
           ere
           all
           the
           fat
           fals
           into
           the
           fire
           ,
           and
           the
           two
           Lovers
           fall
           at
           variance
           ;
           and
           so
           through
           the
           righteous
           
           judgement
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           Travellers
           return
           ,
           the
           woman
           to
           her
           Parents
           ,
           and
           
             O
          
           to
           his
           Wife
           and
           family
           ,
           crying
           shame
           on
           his
           shamefull
           progresse
           ,
           and
           pretending
           to
           the
           Authour
           great
           sorrow
           ;
           and
           hath
           promised
           to
           lay
           open
           the
           pernitious
           waies
           of
           the
           Ranting
           crew
           .
           Wherefore
           no
           more
           of
           this
           ,
           but
           to
           conclude
           this
           sad
           story
           with
           these
           Queries
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           Whether
           
             J.
             O.
          
           aforesaid
           being
           an
           ingenuous
           young
           man
           ,
           was
           not
           a
           fit
           piece
           of
           the
           Creation
           ,
           to
           be
           a
           wife
           for
           
             T.
             Webbe
          
           the
           Parson
           ?
        
         
           2.
           
           Whether
           the
           said
           
             Webbe
          
           be
           not
           a
           man
           of
           a
           thousand
           to
           make
           a
           Parish
           Parson
           ,
           and
           publique
           Preacher
           in
           this
           time
           of
           Reformation
           ?
        
         
           3.
           
           Whether
           all
           the
           godly
           people
           in
           
             Wiltshire
          
           ought
           not
           to
           admire
           the
           singular
           parts
           and
           gifts
           of
           this
           famous
           non-such
           Parson
           ,
           as
           the
           happiness
           of
           such
           as
           injoy
           him
           ?
        
         
           4.
           
           Whether
           they
           ought
           not
           to
           be
           recommended
           amongst
           those
           that
           are
           eminent
           lovers
           of
           Liberty
           and
           Christianity
           ,
           that
           subscribe
           a
           Certificate
           of
           
             Webbs
          
           preachings
           and
           actings
           ,
           to
           help
           him
           to
           preferment
           for
           the
           future
           in
           a
           strange
           place
           ?
        
         
           But
           now
           to
           return
           and
           review
           this
           famous
           mock-Parson
           ,
           with
           his
           female
           fellow-Creatures
           ,
           you
           may
           finde
           him
           enjoying
           his
           liberty
           with
           all
           quietnesse
           and
           content
           ,
           and
           for
           a
           time
           without
           check
           or
           controul
           swimming
           down
           the
           stream
           of
           lust
           .
           Yet
           the
           hand
           of
           Justice
           is
           pleased
           sometimes
           to
           fall
           upon
           ,
           and
           to
           affrighten
           ,
           even
           those
           that
           are
           lulled
           asleep
           in
           all
           carnall
           security
           ,
           and
           become
           senslesse
           in
           their
           lusts
           ;
           and
           so
           it
           happens
           to
           the
           unhappy
           Parson
           ,
           who
           thought
           erst
           while
           that
           he
           had
           for
           ever
           silenced
           his
           wives
           tongue
           ,
           and
           his
           own
           conscience
           ,
           but
           now
           findes
           himself
           deluded
           :
           what
           ever
           his
           conscience
           doth
           ,
           yet
           his
           wife
           grumbles
           afresh
           ,
           and
           begins
           to
           look
           sad
           upon
           the
           businesse
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           to
           heart
           her
           husbands
           familiarity
           with
           his
           fellow-Creatures
           ;
           and
           so
           much
           is
           the
           poor
           woman
           perplexed
           with
           their
           doings
           ,
           that
           she
           seems
           willing
           to
           chuse
           death
           at
           any
           hand
           ,
           rather
           then
           her
           husband
           should
           continue
           in
           the
           tents
           of
           wickednesse
           :
           whereupon
           
             Webbe
          
           is
           advised
           to
           have
           a
           care
           of
           his
           wife
           ,
           and
           to
           remove
           her
           from
           the
           aforementioned
           family
           ,
           otherwise
           evil
           would
           come
           of
           it
           .
           Well
           ,
           the
           Parson
           seeing
           no
           other
           remedy
           prepares
           himself
           for
           a
           journey
           ,
           and
           takes
           his
           wife
           with
           him
           ;
           a
           great
           kindnesse
           ,
           that
           a
           man
           of
           his
           principle
           could
           so
           far
           humble
           himself
           and
           deny
           himself
           ,
           as
           to
           leave
           for
           a
           while
           his
           fellow
           Creature
           ,
           and
           
           cleave
           to
           his
           wife
           ,
           but
           
             Patience
             perforce
             is
             a
             medicine
             for
             a
             mad
             Dog
             .
          
           the
           Cynicall
           Parson
           is
           necessitated
           hereunto
           ,
           for
           fear
           of
           ,
           and
           to
           prevent
           a
           worse
           inconvenience
           :
           But
           it
           's
           not
           long
           ere
           
             Webbe
          
           returns
           in
           hopes
           to
           be
           accounted
           a
           white
           boy
           ,
           as
           formerly
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           received
           as
           in
           times
           of
           Yore
           ;
           
           but
           he
           is
           deceived
           in
           his
           expectation
           :
           He
           is
           to
           give
           an
           account
           of
           his
           idle
           journey
           ,
           of
           his
           pretended
           kindnesse
           to
           a
           simple
           thing
           call'd
           a
           Wife
           ;
           of
           going
           out
           and
           returning
           in
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           were
           at
           his
           own
           dispose
           ;
           and
           so
           high
           are
           these
           misdemeanours
           stretch
           ;
           that
           the
           silly
           Parson
           is
           at
           his
           wits
           end
           ;
           for
           being
           an
           English
           man
           (
           and
           more
           a
           Parson
           )
           he
           goes
           better
           led
           then
           drove
           ;
           he
           answers
           his
           fellow
           Creature
           somewhat
           sutable
           to
           her
           furious
           spirit
           ,
           and
           pretends
           more
           love
           to
           his
           wife
           (
           contrary
           to
           his
           former
           promise
           or
           the
           rule
           of
           Ranting
           )
           which
           was
           crime
           enough
           :
           but
           't
           is
           an
           ill
           winde
           blows
           no body
           good
           ,
           the
           poor
           woman
           is
           like
           to
           enjoy
           better
           times
           then
           formerly
           ,
           whilst
           on
           the
           other
           side
           the
           fellow
           Creature
           acts
           the
           part
           of
           jealousie
           even
           to
           distraction
           ,
           pretending
           she
           would
           be
           her
           own
           executioner
           ,
           and
           lay
           violent
           hands
           on
           her self
           :
           Yet
           still
           the
           breach
           grows
           wider
           ,
           and
           the
           difference
           greater
           ;
           that
           God
           who
           sets
           bounds
           to
           the
           raging
           sea
           ,
           sets
           bounds
           also
           to
           the
           raging
           lusts
           of
           wicked
           persons
           .
           The
           pitifull
           Parson
           is
           in
           a
           peck
           of
           troubles
           ;
           whilst
           things
           are
           thus
           disjointed
           ,
           he
           well
           knew
           he
           was
           the
           common
           table
           talk
           of
           the
           Country
           ,
           that
           the
           godly
           people
           grieved
           for
           him
           and
           were
           ashamed
           of
           him
           ,
           that
           the
           prophane
           made
           him
           their
           scorn
           and
           reproach
           ,
           and
           with
           the
           same
           wounded
           through
           his
           sides
           .
           All
           that
           appeared
           for
           Religion
           or
           Righteousnesse
           in
           those
           parts
           ;
           therefore
           now
           the
           man
           resolves
           upon
           another
           way
           ,
           and
           though
           his
           fellow
           Creature
           causeth
           the
           P.
           to
           break
           the
           Parsons
           head
           ,
           yet
           afterwards
           she
           brings
           him
           a
           plaister
           ,
           in
           hopes
           to
           reclaim
           him
           ;
           yet
           he
           resolves
           to
           set
           up
           his
           flag
           of
           defiance
           against
           his
           own
           dear
           fellow-Creature
           :
           [
           
             Ranters
             are
             seldom
             long
             true
             to
             themselves
             or
             principles
             :
          
           ]
           neither
           her
           strikings
           or
           stroakings
           ,
           nor
           frowns
           ,
           nor
           flatteries
           ,
           nor
           threats
           ,
           nor
           fawnings
           ,
           shall
           move
           him
           to
           hearken
           to
           her
           again
           :
           So
           that
           the
           house
           is
           so
           foul
           ,
           and
           the
           much
           stirring
           hath
           caused
           so
           great
           a
           stink
           ,
           that
           the
           housholders
           must
           part
           ,
           P.
           
             W.
          
           to
           his
           Parsonage
           ,
           and
           the
           rest
           ,
           
             Gent.
             as
             you
             were
             .
          
        
         
           Now
           the
           mock-Parson
           bethinks
           himself
           how
           to
           regain
           his
           lost
           Credit
           with
           the
           good
           people
           ,
           and
           such
           as
           are
           enemies
           to
           the
           Ranting
           way
           ;
           and
           to
           that
           purpose
           pretends
           a
           sight
           and
           sense
           of
           his
           sin
           ;
           cries
           out
           also
           upon
           the
           lewdnesse
           of
           his
           fellow-Creature
           .
           She
           also
           ringing
           
           a
           
             Langley
          
           peal
           of
           
             Webbs
          
           wickednesse
           and
           uncleannesse
           ,
           both
           which
           follow
           in
           order
           briefly
           .
        
         
           The
           spirit
           of
           a
           man
           seems
           to
           possesse
           the
           hatefull
           hearts
           of
           the
           late
           lustfull
           lovers
           ;
           and
           as
           great
           is
           the
           present
           hate
           ,
           as
           the
           former
           love
           ,
           so
           that
           the
           Magistrates
           are
           complained
           to
           ,
           and
           called
           upon
           to
           hear
           the
           businesse
           ;
           whereupon
           a
           day
           and
           place
           is
           appointed
           ,
           where
           two
           of
           the
           next
           Justices
           meet
           (
           
             viz.
          
           )
           Mr
           
             Stokes
          
           and
           Mr
           
             Shute
             .
          
        
         
           But
           before
           the
           meeting
           ,
           Mr
           
             Stokes
          
           receives
           these
           ensuing
           lines
           ,
           on
           the
           behalf
           of
           Parson
           
             Webb
             .
          
        
         
           
             Sir
             ,
          
           I
           have
           something
           to
           declare
           unto
           you
           ,
           which
           though
           I
           know
           not
           how
           to
           speak
           for
           my self
           ,
           yet
           I
           can
           hartily
           beg
           you
           for
           my
           friend
           poor
           
             Tho.
             Webbe
             ,
          
           which
           his
           fall
           it
           is
           true
           is
           exceeding
           great
           ;
           and
           by
           himself
           greatly
           lamented
           ,
           and
           to
           my
           knowledge
           so
           exceedingly
           beset
           by
           a
           pernitious
           woman
           ,
           and
           her
           perfidious
           bloudy
           company
           ,
           that
           did
           you
           know
           the
           particulars
           you
           would
           take
           her
           to
           be
           the
           only
           monster
           of
           that
           Sex
           :
           And
           I
           hear
           you
           go
           anon
           where
           you
           will
           have
           the
           hearing
           of
           it
           ;
           for
           Gods
           love
           have
           no
           prejudice
           against
           him
           for
           former
           failings
           acted
           by
           him
           :
           but
           answer
           the
           desires
           of
           an
           insatiable
           woman
           in
           her
           own
           folly
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           a
           thousand
           times
           engage
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           
             Fra.
             Bayliff
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           Well
           the
           time
           appointed
           is
           come
           ,
           the
           Justices
           met
           ,
           and
           many
           Country
           people
           of
           all
           sorts
           are
           come
           together
           to
           see
           these
           rare
           persons
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           informed
           in
           the
           truth
           of
           things
           :
           But
           by
           reason
           one
           of
           the
           Justices
           could
           not
           stay
           ,
           there
           was
           nothing
           done
           as
           to
           Justice
           that
           day
           ,
           only
           the
           parties
           charged
           each
           other
           with
           horrid
           crimes
           and
           misde
           meanours
           ;
           and
           
             Webb
          
           confesseth
           his
           folly
           and
           naughtinesse
           in
           one
           kinde
           ,
           denying
           it
           in
           another
           ,
           Preaching
           a
           Billingsgate
           Sermon
           ,
           as
           if
           he
           had
           met
           with
           all
           the
           Oister
           wives
           at
           once
           ,
           but
           was
           answered
           in
           his
           own
           kinde
           ;
           and
           so
           the
           company
           was
           dismist
           ,
           only
           another
           day
           afterwards
           appointed
           for
           a
           hearing
           ,
           which
           was
           the
           second
           day
           of
           
             Sept.
          
           1650.
           at
           
             Chippenham
             ,
          
           where
           the
           aforesaid
           Justices
           met
           ;
           where
           Mistris
           
             Mary
             White
          
           and
           divers
           others
           appear
           ,
           and
           tender
           upon
           oath
           to
           prove
           against
           the
           prophane
           Parson
           these
           high
           crimes
           and
           misdemeanors
           following
           .
           
        
         
           The
           Information
           of
           
             Elizabeth
             Briscoe
             ,
          
           taken
           against
           
             Tho.
             Webbe
          
           Clerk
           ,
           the
           second
           of
           
             September
          
           1650.
           before
           
             Edward
             Stokes
          
           and
           
             William
             Shute
          
           Esquires
           .
        
         
         
           She
           informeth
           ,
           That
           she
           hath
           heard
           the
           said
           
             Tho.
             Webbe
          
           say
           often
           times
           within
           this
           half
           year
           ,
           upon
           some
           private
           discourse
           in
           her
           Masters
           house
           ,
           
             That
             Moses
             was
             a
             Conjurer
             ,
             and
             that
             Christ
             was
             a
             deceiver
             of
             the
             people
             :
             And
             that
             Preaching
             and
             lying
             was
             both
             alike
             unto
             him
             .
          
           And
           further
           saith
           ,
           That
           when
           Lieutenant
           Col.
           
             Lilborn
          
           was
           upon
           his
           Triall
           ,
           the
           said
           
             Webbe
             drank
             a
             health
             to
             the
             counfounding
             of
             the
             Parliament
             ,
          
           and
           then
           said
           
             they
             were
             Rogues
             and
             Devils
             .
          
        
         
           And
           further
           she
           the
           Informant
           saith
           ,
           That
           the
           said
           
             Webbe
          
           said
           (
           in
           a
           boasting
           way
           )
           That
           
             he
             had
             lain
             with
             six
             women
             ;
          
           and
           affirmed
           ,
           
             that
             he
             could
             lye
             with
             any
             woman
             except
             his
             own
             mother
             :
          
           and
           then
           he
           named
           the
           women
           ,
           which
           he
           had
           lain
           withall
           ,
           (
           
             viz.
          
           )
           with
           two
           Captains
           wives
           at
           
             Bristol
             ,
          
           Mistress
           
             R.
          
           of
           
             Bathe
             ,
          
           the
           wife
           of
           Captain
           
             M.
          
           his
           Aunt
           
             D.
          
           of
           
             Batheston
             ,
          
           and
           with
           a
           Majors
           wife
           at
           
             London
             .
          
        
         
           
             And
             further
             she
             this
             Informant
             heard
             the
             said
          
           Webbe
           
             say
             ,
             That
          
           he
           had
           lain
           with
           one
           
             S.
             C.
          
           of
           
             Slaughtenford
             ,
          
           and
           that
           she
           had
           given
           him
           the
           French-pox
           ,
           and
           he
           gave
           it
           to
           his
           wife
           .
        
         
           
             To
             this
             foul
             Charge
             Mrs
             
               White
            
             also
             subscribes
             her
             Name
             at
             large
             .
          
           
             
               Elizabeth
               Briscoe
               .
            
             I
             
               Mary
               White
            
             do
             testifie
             the
             same
             .
          
        
         
           The
           Information
           of
           
             William
             Lewis
          
           Yeoman
           ,
           and
           
             Edith
          
           his
           wife
           ,
           taken
           as
           aforesaid
           ,
           
             &c.
             
          
        
         
           
             William
             Lewis
          
           saith
           ,
           That
           about
           the
           midst
           of
           
             May
          
           last
           ,
           on
           a
           Sunday
           in
           the
           afternoon
           ,
           
             Tho.
             Webbe
          
           Minister
           of
           
             Langley
          
           was
           asleep
           in
           the
           said
           
             William
             Lewis
          
           his
           Chamber
           ,
           when
           the
           Sermon
           Bell
           was
           tolling
           ,
           and
           then
           he
           awaking
           him
           told
           him
           ,
           that
           there
           was
           a
           great
           number
           of
           people
           come
           to
           hear
           him
           :
           Whereunto
           he
           then
           answered
           ,
           
             Ah
             poor
             fools
             ,
             they
             be
             come
             to
             sit
             and
             gape
             upon
             me
             whilst
             I
             tell
             them
             lies
             .
          
           And
           then
           further
           said
           ,
           
             Now
             Preaching
             and
             lying
             are
             to
             me
             both
             one
             case
             :
          
           and
           also
           
             Edith
             Lewis
             ,
          
           wife
           of
           the
           said
           
             William
             ,
          
           was
           then
           in
           hearing
           of
           these
           words
           so
           spoken
           by
           the
           said
           
             Webb
             ,
          
           as
           aforesaid
           ,
           who
           verrifieth
           the
           same
           .
        
         
           
             William
          
           
             Lewis
             .
             
               
                 Edith
              
            
          
        
         
           The
           Information
           of
           
             Anne
             Brewer
             ,
          
           wife
           of
           
             John
             Brewer
          
           of
           
             Corsham
             ,
          
           taken
           as
           aforesaid
           .
        
         
           
             Who
             Informeth
             ,
             That
             about
             Whitsuntide
             last
             ,
             she
             heard
             Mistress
          
           
           Mary
           White
           
             tax
          
           Thomas
           Webb
           
             concerning
             the
             words
             that
             he
             had
             formerly
             spoken
             unto
             her
             ,
             which
             were
             ,
          
           That
           Moses
           was
           a
           Conjurer
           ,
           and
           that
           Christ
           was
           a
           Deceiver
           of
           the
           people
           ;
           
             which
             he
             did
             not
             deny
             ;
             but
             said
             ,
          
           If
           Mistress
           White
           would
           swear
           it
           ,
           he
           would
           forswear
           it
           :
           
             and
             then
             also
             said
             ,
          
           That
           Preaching
           and
           lying
           were
           both
           one
           case
           unto
           him
           .
        
         
           And
           then
           Mistress
           
             White
          
           further
           charged
           him
           that
           he
           did
           about
           the
           time
           that
           Lieutenant
           Col.
           
             Lilborn
          
           was
           upon
           his
           Trial
           ,
           drink
           a
           health
           to
           the
           Confusion
           of
           the
           Parliament
           ;
           whereunto
           he
           replied
           also
           ,
           
             That
             he
             would
             forswear
             that
             ever
             he
             drank
             any
             such
             health
             .
          
        
         
           
             Anne
             Brewer
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           Besides
           all
           this
           ,
           Mistress
           
             W.
          
           chargeth
           the
           said
           Parson
           to
           have
           endeavoured
           to
           force
           her
           Chastity
           ,
           and
           strive
           to
           Ravish
           her
           in
           her
           husbands
           house
           :
           And
           withall
           she
           produceth
           two
           other
           female
           creatures
           of
           the
           same
           house
           (
           
             viz.
          
           )
           a
           married
           woman
           ,
           and
           her
           own
           maid-servant
           ;
           who
           would
           have
           sworn
           that
           the
           pretious
           Parson
           would
           have
           committed
           uncleannesse
           with
           them
           ,
           and
           had
           attempted
           the
           same
           oftentimes
           .
           Withall
           the
           said
           Mistress
           
             White
          
           chargeth
           the
           Parson
           and
           fellow-creature
           to
           be
           a
           great
           Ranter
           ;
           and
           to
           prove
           this
           ,
           she
           produceth
           this
           most
           horrid
           and
           blasphemous
           Letter
           ,
           written
           to
           him
           from
           one
           
             Salmon
             ,
          
           the
           Contents
           whereof
           followeth
           .
        
         
           My
           own
           heart
           bloud
           ,
           from
           whom
           I
           daily
           receive
           life
           and
           being
           ,
           in
           whom
           my
           eternall
           freedom
           is
           perfected
           ,
           to
           whom
           is
           ascribed
           now
           and
           for
           ever
           ,
           
             Amen
             .
          
        
         
           Thou
           art
           the
           
             Webb
          
           of
           my
           own
           spinning
           ,
           I
           have
           laboured
           to
           bring
           them
           forth
           in
           this
           glorious
           form
           that
           thou
           now
           livest
           ;
           let
           me
           cloath
           my self
           with
           the
           
             Webb
          
           of
           my
           own
           travel
           .
           My
           dear
           thou
           art
           to
           me
           as
           a
           garment
           of
           Needlework
           ,
           I
           wear
           thee
           as
           my
           choicest
           robes
           of
           Royalty
           ;
           because
           thou
           art
           as
           a
           vesture
           upon
           me
           ,
           winde
           nor
           weather
           affright
           me
           not
           ;
           the
           Northren
           gales
           and
           Borean
           blasts
           of
           cruelty
           ,
           I
           know
           cannot
           pierce
           through
           thee
           ,
           my
           garment
           of
           salvation
           .
           Well
           ,
           to
           be
           brief
           ,
           I
           know
           ,
           my
           heart
           ,
           thou
           art
           not
           altogether
           unascertained
           of
           my
           present
           estate
           as
           appears
           by
           yours
           lately
           received
           .
           My
           love
           ,
           thy
           patheticall
           lines
           ,
           I
           did
           with
           much
           tendernesse
           accept
           ,
           and
           I
           shall
           never
           forget
           thy
           love
           therein
           manifested
           .
           
             Cop
             ,
          
           my
           ,
           thy
           own
           hart
           is
           gone
           to
           
             London
             ;
          
           No
           other
           note
           from
           the
           Vulgar
           but
           hanging
           at
           least
           for
           him
           .
           The
           last
           week
           five
           one
           a
           Souldier
           was
           burnt
           through
           the
           tongue
           for
           a
           businesse
           of
           the
           same
           nature
           .
           
           The
           glory
           of
           these
           things
           possesseth
           multitudes
           both
           in
           City
           and
           Country
           ,
           notwithstanding
           all
           their
           cruelty
           .
           For
           my
           own
           part
           I
           finde
           my
           Genius
           much
           elevated
           and
           heghtened
           ,
           to
           look
           the
           worst
           of
           casualties
           in
           the
           face
           ,
           that
           can
           succeed
           these
           things
           :
           My
           condition
           outwardly
           is
           very
           poor
           ,
           when
           lying
           here
           at
           great
           expences
           ,
           yet
           am
           I
           made
           not
           to
           care
           for
           the
           future
           ,
           although
           sometimes
           I
           scarce
           know
           over
           night
           how
           I
           shall
           be
           provided
           for
           on
           the
           morrow
           .
           Well
           ,
           what
           my
           Titular
           Angel
           ,
           the
           Gardian
           Genius
           will
           do
           with
           this
           handfull
           of
           earth
           ,
           I
           know
           not
           ,
           neither
           am
           at
           all
           troubled
           ,
           but
           that
           if
           I
           live
           ,
           my
           love
           to
           thee
           ;
           if
           I
           die
           ,
           I
           die
           to
           thee
           :
           So
           that
           whether
           living
           or
           dying
           I
           am
        
         
           
             thy
             To
             .
             Salmon
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           Ten
           thousand
           salutes
           ,
           
             alias
          
           holy
           kisses
           to
           thy
           dear
           wife
           ,
           with
           whom
           is
           my
           heart
           ;
           my
           tender
           respects
           to
           thy
           Vncle
           ,
           my
           Father
           ,
           his
           Spouse
           ,
           my
           beloved
           ,
           my
           dear
           love
           to
           
             Mary
          
           your
           maid
           :
           Eternal
           plagues
           consume
           you
           all
           ,
           rot
           ,
           sink
           and
           damn
           your
           bodies
           and
           souls
           into
           devouring
           fire
           ,
           where
           none
           but
           those
           that
           walk
           uprightly
           can
           enter
           .
           Sirs
           ,
           I
           wish
           you
           damnable
           well
           ,
           because
           I
           dearly
           love
           you
           ;
           the
           Lord
           grant
           we
           may
           know
           the
           worth
           of
           hell
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           for
           ever
           scorn
           heaven
           :
           For
           my
           own
           part
           I
           am
           ascended
           far
           above
           all
           heavens
           ,
           yet
           I
           fill
           all
           things
           ,
           and
           laugh
           in
           my
           sleeve
           to
           think
           what
           's
           coming
           :
           well
           I
           say
           no
           more
           ,
           but
           farwel
           .
        
         
           From
           my
           Pallace
           of
           Royal
           Majesty
           ,
           in
           the
           last
           year
           of
           the
           reign
           of
           the
           beast
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           day
           wherein
           the
           neast
           of
           all
           hearts
           are
           ripening
           as
           fast
           as
           possible
           may
           be
           .
        
         
           
             Coventry
             ,
             
               April
               3.
               1650.
               
            
          
        
      
       
         
           Well
           ,
           you
           see
           what
           the
           Charge
           is
           ,
           and
           by
           whom
           laid
           against
           the
           prophane
           Parson
           ;
           not
           by
           the
           Justices
           ,
           not
           by
           such
           as
           were
           enemies
           by
           profession
           ,
           but
           by
           his
           own
           converts
           ,
           his
           endeered
           lovers
           ,
           and
           fellow-creatures
           ;
           these
           are
           they
           that
           vomit
           the
           Spider
           out
           of
           the
           Webb
           ,
           and
           spread
           the
           venome
           of
           its
           poyson
           in
           publique
           ,
           which
           before
           lay
           private
           amongst
           the
           fraternity
           .
        
         
           Yet
           to
           all
           this
           the
           Parson
           pleads
           the
           general
           issue
           ,
           Not
           guilty
           ,
           especially
           not
           in
           manner
           and
           form
           as
           is
           alleadged
           ;
           and
           therefore
           he
           gives
           the
           special
           matter
           in
           evidence
           ;
           and
           by
           a
           fained
           repentance
           (
           as
           afterwards
           will
           appear
           )
           he
           confesseth
           his
           notorious
           wickednesse
           and
           uncleannesse
           ,
           and
           promiseth
           amendment
           for
           the
           future
           .
        
         
           This
           repentance
           of
           
             Webbs
          
           appears
           in
           these
           particulars
           .
        
         
           
           First
           ,
           By
           his
           seeming
           humiliation
           .
        
         
         
           Secondly
           ,
           By
           his
           Confessions
           to
           persons
           wholly
           averse
           to
           the
           
           cursed
           principles
           and
           practices
           of
           the
           Ranting
           way
           .
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           By
           Letters
           under
           his
           own
           hand
           writing
           .
           
        
         
           1.
           
           As
           for
           his
           Humiliation
           't
           was
           wonderfull
           to
           behold
           the
           head
           of
           this
           Bulrush
           to
           hang
           so
           low
           ;
           his
           countenance
           is
           changed
           ,
           his
           looks
           more
           lamentable
           ,
           then
           lustfull
           ;
           the
           extraordinary
           poudring
           of
           his
           head
           and
           frizling
           of
           his
           hair
           ,
           and
           other
           inticements
           to
           lust
           and
           wantonnesse
           (
           his
           former
           every
           daies
           garb
           )
           is
           now
           wholly
           laid
           by
           ,
           and
           in
           all
           things
           he
           now
           appears
           as
           at
           the
           first
           ,
           Poor
           
             Tho.
             Webb
             ,
          
           and
           not
           like
           the
           proud
           and
           insolent
           Parson
           of
           
             Langley
             ;
          
           and
           it
           's
           remarkable
           ,
           how
           at
           the
           first
           meeting
           of
           the
           Justices
           ,
           he
           smote
           himself
           upon
           the
           breast
           ,
           and
           threw
           himself
           upon
           the
           ground
           before
           many
           witnesses
           ,
           seeming
           exceedingly
           to
           lament
           his
           unclean
           life
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           
           His
           Confessions
           were
           wonderfull
           ,
           both
           to
           Mr
           
             Stokes
          
           and
           divers
           others
           ,
           to
           whom
           he
           confessed
           ,
           that
           he
           had
           frequently
           committed
           folly
           and
           uncleannesse
           ,
           even
           ever
           since
           the
           death
           of
           his
           second
           wife
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           had
           committed
           the
           detestable
           sin
           of
           uncleanness
           so
           often
           in
           one
           day
           ,
           that
           he
           was
           glad
           when
           he
           could
           take
           the
           Air
           .
           And
           further
           before
           many
           witnesses
           confessed
           ,
           that
           the
           child
           which
           the
           Gentlewoman
           was
           then
           great
           withall
           ,
           was
           of
           his
           own
           begetting
           ;
           naming
           the
           time
           when
           ,
           and
           the
           place
           where
           it
           was
           by
           him
           so
           begotten
           ;
           and
           that
           he
           never
           forc't
           her
           ,
           neither
           needed
           he
           to
           do
           so
           ,
           but
           that
           alwaies
           she
           tempted
           him
           to
           commit
           the
           sin
           of
           uncleannesse
           with
           her
           :
           And
           further
           the
           said
           
             Webb
          
           alledged
           that
           Mistress
           
             W.
          
           would
           have
           hid
           him
           for
           some
           time
           in
           a
           private
           place
           in
           her
           husbands
           house
           ,
           as
           her
           own
           closet
           ,
           and
           then
           make
           the
           Parsons
           wife
           ,
           and
           the
           world
           believe
           that
           
             Webbe
          
           was
           gone
           beyond
           sea
           ,
           whilst
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           a
           stock
           of
           money
           is
           providing
           for
           such
           a
           journey
           ,
           that
           they
           might
           go
           both
           together
           ;
           with
           a
           world
           of
           other
           things
           of
           a
           vile
           nature
           ,
           which
           for
           brevities
           sake
           I
           passe
           over
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           The
           Letters
           under
           his
           own
           hand
           writing
           follow
           ,
           which
           are
           upon
           record
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           custody
           of
           Mr
           
             Stokes
             ,
          
           and
           so
           not
           to
           be
           denied
           or
           forsworn
           by
           the
           Parson
           ,
           or
           any
           others
           of
           the
           Ranting
           Knights
           of
           the
           Post
           .
        
         
         
           
             To
             the
             Worshipfull
             Edw.
             Stokes
             Esq
             .
             and
             Justice
             of
             the
             Peace
             for
             this
             County
             :
             Present
             .
          
           
             
               Dear
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             PRay
             give
             me
             leave
             to
             expresse
             my
             whole
             self
             unto
             you
             ,
             
             which
             by
             these
             in
             brief
             I
             shall
             do
             in
             the
             name
             of
             a
             true
             Christian
             ,
             one
             who
             sincerely
             loves
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             Christ
             :
             It
             's
             well
             known
             to
             our
             loving
             and
             wise
             God
             ,
             that
             evil
             that
             hath
             been
             committed
             by
             me
             ,
             which
             I
             cannot
             chuse
             but
             confesse
             and
             acknowledge
             ,
             for
             my
             sin
             is
             alwaies
             before
             me
             ,
             and
             for
             the
             same
             I
             heartily
             wish
             my self
             accursed
             for
             the
             pretious
             Gospels
             sake
             which
             is
             blasphemed
             by
             it
             ,
             and
             truly
             amongst
             all
             my
             trouble
             ,
             that
             is
             the
             only
             thing
             that
             troubles
             me
             ;
             for
             the
             rest
             I
             am
             innocent
             ,
             and
             God
             himself
             knows
             they
             never
             entered
             into
             my
             thoughts
             :
             But
             for
             that
             ,
             O
             my
             sinne
             which
             I
             have
             committed
             against
             my
             Lord
             and
             mercifull
             God
             ,
             and
             all
             good
             men
             ,
             I
             am
             guilty
             ;
             I
             have
             made
             the
             members
             of
             Christ
             the
             members
             of
             an
             harlot
             ,
             and
             God
             hath
             suffered
             the
             strange
             and
             adulterous
             woman
             to
             lead
             my
             poor
             simple
             spirit
             captive
             ,
             though
             she
             stand
             like
             a
             bold
             and
             impudent
             woman
             in
             the
             justification
             of
             her self
             :
             O
             look
             for
             a
             most
             sad
             and
             fearfull
             coming
             of
             the
             Lords
             just
             judgement
             and
             vengeance
             upon
             her
             .
             
               Dear
               Sir
               ,
            
             I
             professe
             to
             you
             my
             heart
             is
             smitten
             within
             me
             ,
             for
             my
             sin
             is
             great
             ,
             and
             lies
             very
             heavy
             and
             sore
             upon
             me
             ;
             and
             nothing
             troubles
             me
             but
             that
             :
             as
             for
             the
             present
             proceedings
             against
             me
             since
             I
             knew
             my self
             free
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             's
             because
             God
             hath
             called
             me
             home
             from
             the
             waies
             of
             an
             adulterous
             woman
             ,
             though
             they
             should
             touch
             my
             life
             ,
             yet
             I
             blesse
             God
             that
             I
             am
             made
             able
             to
             slight
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             very
             carelesse
             of
             them
             ,
             only
             I
             shall
             do
             what
             in
             me
             lies
             to
             defend
             my self
             from
             them
             :
             And
             in
             order
             thereunto
             ,
             whilst
             I
             am
             at
             
               London
               ,
            
             I
             shall
             advise
             with
             some
             friend
             about
             it
             ,
             and
             so
             if
             our
             wise
             God
             so
             order
             it
             ,
             I
             shall
             return
             and
             appear
             before
             you
             at
             the
             time
             appointed
             ,
             which
             is
             this
             day
             fortnight
             ,
             as
             I
             understand
             ,
             humbly
             thanking
             you
             that
             you
             would
             grant
             a
             longer
             time
             ,
             and
             withall
             I
             humbly
             intreat
             you
             to
             stand
             my
             friend
             as
             to
             let
             nothing
             be
             acted
             against
             me
             in
             my
             absence
             .
             I
             know
             the
             way
             of
             an
             unsatiable
             woman
             is
             to
             ruine
             and
             to
             have
             the
             life
             of
             one
             whom
             they
             cannot
             mold
             to
             their
             Lusts
             .
             And
             for
             my
             part
             ,
             if
             she
             doth
             ruine
             me
             ,
             as
             that
             is
             her
             intentions
             ,
             I
             shall
             glory
             in
             for
             greater
             would
             my
             misery
             have
             been
             ,
             if
             I
             should
             have
             continued
             in
             the
             waies
             of
             her
             uncleannesse
             .
             O
             ,
             
               dear
               Sir
               ,
            
             it
             's
             impossible
             almost
             to
             believe
             the
             many
             temptations
             she
             hath
             followed
             me
             withall
             ,
             and
             the
             many
             devises
             she
             hath
             used
             ever
             since
             the
             difference
             ,
             to
             bring
             me
             over
             to
             her self
             again
             :
             But
             O
             let
             me
             be
             accursed
             ,
             and
             O
             that
             the
             earth
             might
             swallow
             
             me
             up
             alive
             ,
             rather
             then
             I
             should
             hearken
             to
             her
             again
             .
             
               Dear
               Sir
               ,
            
             Your
             neighbour
             
               Uncles
            
             doth
             me
             much
             wrong
             ,
             and
             I
             am
             forced
             to
             write
             in
             an
             unusual
             manner
             to
             him
             :
             I
             beseech
             you
             to
             desire
             him
             to
             desist
             and
             forbear
             giving
             out
             such
             scandalous
             and
             false
             things
             against
             me
             as
             he
             doth
             :
             I
             know
             he
             cannot
             but
             see
             into
             the
             malicious
             proceedings
             that
             are
             against
             me
             ,
             as
             by
             his
             own
             words
             to
             me
             he
             did
             acknowledge
             ;
             yet
             with
             them
             he
             takes
             parties
             ,
             and
             he
             and
             his
             son
             in
             law
             
               Crook
            
             doth
             very
             much
             wrong
             and
             abuse
             me
             ,
             whereas
             if
             they
             loved
             the
             Gospel
             which
             they
             would
             professe
             ,
             they
             would
             be
             silent
             .
             Therefore
             I
             beseech
             you
             ,
             though
             not
             for
             my
             sake
             ,
             yet
             for
             the
             Gospels
             sake
             desire
             him
             to
             forbear
             :
             and
             truly
             in
             equity
             ,
             though
             my
             foot
             hath
             slipped
             and
             I
             have
             sinned
             against
             God
             ,
             yet
             none
             ought
             to
             devide
             me
             ,
             and
             speak
             reproachfully
             of
             me
             ,
             especially
             such
             who
             would
             be
             thought
             professors
             of
             the
             Gospel
             ,
             and
             so
             much
             the
             more
             that
             God
             hath
             touched
             my
             heart
             and
             made
             it
             very
             sensible
             of
             its
             sin
             .
             Thus
             
               dear
               Sir
               ,
            
             in
             faithfulnesse
             and
             truth
             I
             have
             made
             you
             acquainted
             with
             my
             present
             condition
             ,
             the
             truth
             of
             which
             I
             hope
             God
             will
             make
             good
             by
             my
             life
             and
             conversation
             ;
             which
             is
             the
             prayers
             of
             him
             who
             is
             ,
          
           
             
               Sept
               ,
               2d
               1650.
               
            
             Your
             true
             friend
             and
             servant
             
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             For
             the
             Worshipfull
             Edw.
             Stokes
             and
             William
             Shute
             Esquires
             ,
             and
             Justices
             of
             Peace
             for
             this
             County
             :
             Present
             .
          
           
             
               Gent.
               
            
          
           
             UNderstanding
             by
             my
             neighbour
             
               Brumham
            
             that
             the
             meeting
             was
             put
             off
             till
             Munday
             come
             fortnight
             ,
             
             I
             took
             the
             liberty
             this
             day
             to
             go
             towards
             
               London
               ,
            
             for
             that
             my
             father
             lieth
             very
             sick
             and
             weak
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             him
             will
             be
             great
             satisfaction
             to
             me
             .
             As
             touching
             the
             businesse
             depending
             before
             your
             Worships
             ,
             when
             you
             and
             others
             have
             had
             a
             full
             and
             clear
             hearing
             of
             it
             ,
             and
             that
             the
             tales
             of
             both
             are
             heard
             ,
             it
             will
             appear
             to
             proceed
             from
             the
             height
             of
             malice
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             s
             but
             the
             fruit
             of
             an
             unsatiable
             womans
             malice
             :
             For
             the
             question
             is
             thus
             to
             be
             stated
             ,
             and
             the
             businesse
             is
             thus
             to
             be
             considered
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             There
             hath
             been
             a
             great
             familiarity
             and
             friendship
             between
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             and
             
               I
               ,
            
             till
             it
             was
             within
             this
             three
             or
             four
             moneths
             ,
             in
             which
             time
             we
             have
             both
             committed
             a
             great
             evil
             ,
             of
             which
             it
             pleased
             God
             to
             make
             me
             sensible
             ;
             whereupon
             I
             began
             to
             forsake
             ,
             and
             my
             spirit
             grew
             much
             troubled
             ,
             and
             estranged
             my self
             from
             Mistress
             
               White
               ;
            
             which
             she
             perceiving
             ,
             and
             having
             attempted
             allwaies
             and
             means
             to
             keep
             me
             ,
             but
             finding
             all
             to
             be
             in
             vain
             ,
             she
             now
             proceeds
             in
             this
             way
             against
             me
             ;
             the
             truth
             of
             which
             our
             wise
             and
             al-knowing
             
             God
             knows
             ,
             and
             which
             all
             impartial
             and
             unbiassed
             judgements
             cannot
             but
             see
             :
             for
             were
             there
             truth
             in
             what
             they
             say
             ,
             which
             there
             is
             not
             ,
             yet
             for
             as
             much
             as
             they
             have
             for
             a
             long
             time
             concealed
             it
             ;
             and
             notwithstanding
             none
             was
             so
             great
             and
             so
             much
             in
             her
             favour
             as
             I
             was
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             God
             gave
             me
             over
             to
             be
             one
             with
             her
             in
             iniquity
             ,
             it
             appear
             to
             be
             but
             malice
             :
             Much
             more
             might
             be
             said
             to
             prove
             that
             it
             proceeds
             to
             be
             from
             malice
             ;
             they
             in
             telling
             their
             own
             tale
             bewray
             themselves
             ,
             as
             witnesse
             M.
             
               White
               ,
            
             who
             what
             he
             swore
             to
             the
             Jurors
             ,
             as
             the
             Jurors
             will
             testify
             upon
             oath
             ,
             when
             called
             thereto
             ,
             he
             denied
             before
             you
             ;
             nay
             though
             
               Uncles
            
             was
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             did
             justifie
             before
             him
             .
             A
             fuller
             relation
             of
             the
             whole
             businesse
             between
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             and
             
               I
               ,
            
             ye
             shall
             hear
             upon
             the
             day
             appointed
             ,
             wherein
             I
             shall
             answer
             for
             my self
             ,
             and
             which
             I
             have
             provided
             to
             passe
             through
             the
             presse
             into
             the
             publique
             .
             And
             if
             it
             be
             the
             will
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             through
             the
             malice
             of
             a
             strange
             woman
             I
             must
             suffer
             ,
             I
             dare
             not
             question
             my
             God
             for
             it
             ,
             it
             is
             the
             just
             wages
             of
             sin
             .
             O
             that
             vile
             thing
             that
             hath
             been
             committed
             between
             us
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             will
             be
             made
             very
             good
             to
             me
             ;
             for
             I
             blesse
             my
             God
             for
             it
             ,
             who
             hath
             delivered
             my
             poor
             soul
             out
             of
             her
             hands
             ,
             for
             greater
             would
             have
             been
             my
             wo
             and
             misery
             ,
             if
             I
             should
             have
             continued
             and
             have
             gone
             on
             with
             her
             in
             our
             evil
             courses
             ,
             then
             now
             she
             can
             make
             me
             by
             all
             her
             false
             and
             malicious
             courses
             against
             me
             ;
             and
             therefore
             rejoyce
             that
             God
             hath
             called
             me
             home
             ,
             and
             not
             suffered
             me
             to
             go
             on
             in
             the
             waies
             of
             sin
             continually
             ,
             which
             makes
             me
             very
             much
             to
             slight
             and
             to
             be
             carelesse
             of
             what
             ever
             she
             can
             do
             against
             me
             ;
             and
             I
             much
             rejoyce
             in
             my
             present
             sufferings
             ,
             being
             fully
             assured
             ,
             and
             it
             's
             that
             which
             I
             can
             testifie
             to
             the
             whole
             world
             ,
             that
             my
             present
             sufferings
             are
             because
             I
             will
             no
             longer
             serve
             the
             filthy
             lusts
             and
             desires
             of
             the
             flesh
             ,
             and
             this
             is
             no
             new
             and
             strange
             thing
             ,
             
               Solomon
            
             speaks
             often
             of
             it
             ,
             By
             the
             means
             of
             a
             whorish
             woman
             
               A
               man
               is
               brought
               to
               a
               piece
               of
               bread
               ,
            
             and
             the
             adultresse
             seeks
             for
             the
             precious
             life
             .
             Well
             ,
             I
             had
             rather
             die
             through
             her
             malice
             ,
             then
             in
             her
             wickednesse
             ;
             and
             I
             blesse
             my
             God
             for
             it
             ,
             I
             speak
             it
             unfainedly
             ,
             that
             I
             had
             rather
             beg
             my
             bread
             from
             door
             to
             door
             ,
             and
             end
             my
             daies
             in
             sorrow
             ,
             then
             to
             sit
             down
             with
             her
             ,
             and
             serve
             the
             lusts
             and
             desires
             of
             the
             flesh
             as
             I
             have
             done
             :
             and
             so
             the
             will
             of
             my
             God
             be
             done
             ,
             and
             according
             to
             the
             time
             appointed
             ,
             I
             hope
             I
             shall
             be
             come
             down
             from
             
               London
               ,
            
             and
             shall
             wait
             upon
             your
             worships
             .
             This
             accompt
             I
             thought
             good
             to
             give
             you
             ,
             that
             so
             it
             should
             not
             be
             thought
             by
             any
             ,
             that
             I
             had
             withdrawn
             my self
             out
             of
             fear
             ,
             and
             for
             being
             guilty
             ,
             a
             thing
             which
             my
             very
             adversaries
             will
             be
             very
             ready
             to
             give
             out
             :
             No
             ,
             I
             bless
             my
             God
             for
             it
             ,
             that
             as
             to
             those
             things
             which
             they
             charge
             me
             withall
             ,
             I
             am
             free
             
             from
             them
             all
             ,
             my
             enemies
             themselves
             being
             judges
             ,
             if
             they
             will
             speak
             but
             the
             truth
             :
             However
             the
             Lord
             will
             judge
             between
             us
             ,
             and
             to
             his
             judgement
             I
             refer
             my self
             ,
             and
             am
             no
             waies
             afraid
             what
             they
             can
             do
             unto
             me
             :
             Now
             I
             shall
             rejoyce
             ,
             for
             I
             account
             it
             's
             better
             to
             suffer
             by
             sin
             ,
             and
             forsaking
             the
             way
             of
             uncleannesse
             ,
             then
             it
             is
             to
             suffer
             in
             sin
             and
             in
             the
             way
             of
             uncleannesse
             .
             O
             bepity
             that
             woman
             ,
             for
             there
             is
             a
             most
             fearfull
             coming
             of
             the
             Lords
             vengeance
             and
             judgement
             upon
             her
             .
             Gent.
             I
             am
          
           
             
               Your
               most
               humble
               servant
               ,
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
           
             
               Both
               the
               aforesaid
               Letters
               were
               received
               by
               the
               said
               Justices
               ,
               
                 Septemb.
                 2.
                 1650.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             To
             the
             Worshipfull
             William
             Shute
             Esq.
             this
             .
          
           
             
               Worthy
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             ACcording
             to
             my
             promise
             I
             have
             been
             with
             M.
             
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             to
             whom
             I
             have
             given
             satisfaction
             ,
             as
             by
             our
             tithingman
             I
             have
             sent
             M.
             
               White
            
             word
             more
             then
             once
             or
             twice
             ,
             but
             he
             cannot
             tell
             how
             to
             leave
             his
             old
             way
             of
             contention
             :
             and
             therefore
             out
             of
             a
             malicious
             spirit
             he
             troubles
             your
             Worship
             ,
             seeking
             thereby
             to
             make
             you
             an
             instrument
             to
             execute
             the
             base
             and
             wicked
             desires
             of
             his
             wife
             and
             her
             wicked
             confederacy
             :
             But
             I
             know
             not
             what
             the
             will
             of
             our
             wise
             God
             is
             to
             do
             with
             me
             ;
             I
             have
             no
             heart
             to
             stir
             ,
             but
             to
             sit
             still
             and
             see
             his
             salvation
             which
             he
             will
             work
             for
             me
             ,
             and
             patiently
             take
             his
             present
             hand
             that
             is
             upon
             me
             ;
             for
             it
             's
             just
             ,
             and
             I
             have
             deserved
             it
             by
             my
             great
             folly
             ,
             wherein
             with
             that
             woman
             
               M.
               W.
            
             I
             have
             caused
             the
             name
             of
             Christ
             to
             be
             evil
             spoken
             of
             ,
             and
             his
             dear
             Saints
             reproached
             ,
             for
             which
             the
             Lord
             give
             us
             both
             hearts
             to
             be
             truly
             humbled
             ,
             and
             to
             repent
             with
             a
             repentance
             that
             may
             never
             be
             repented
             of
             ,
             which
             is
             truly
             the
             hearty
             prayers
             of
             him
             who
             is
             :
             worthy
             
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             
               Your
               Worships
               most
               faithfull
               friend
               and
               servant
               ,
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             Nay
             ,
             
             besides
             all
             the
             foregoing
             signs
             and
             tokens
             of
             repentance
             ,
             the
             Parson
             proceeds
             further
             ,
             and
             desires
             all
             persons
             to
             take
             warning
             by
             him
             to
             beware
             of
             a
             whorish
             woman
             ;
             and
             not
             only
             was
             this
             advice
             to
             single
             persons
             or
             to
             persons
             in
             private
             ;
             but
             his
             zeal
             carrieth
             him
             farther
             even
             into
             the
             pulpit
             ,
             where
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             whole
             Congregation
             at
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             he
             Preached
             upon
             that
             Text
             
             mentioned
             ,
             
               Proverbs
               6.
               26.
               
               For
               by
               means
               of
               a
               whorish
               woman
               a
               man
               is
               brought
               to
               a
               morcell
               of
               bread
               ,
               and
               the
               adulteress
               seeketh
               for
               the
               precious
               life
               .
            
             From
             whence
             he
             admonished
             his
             Auditory
             to
             beware
             of
             such
             persons
             ;
             telling
             them
             that
             
               Solomon
            
             was
             experienced
             that
             the
             adulterous
             woman
             tended
             to
             the
             ruine
             of
             all
             those
             that
             followed
             them
             ,
             and
             likewise
             (
             though
             he
             was
             no
             
               Solomon
            
             )
             yet
             he
             brought
             in
             his
             own
             experience
             ;
             and
             by
             that
             also
             urged
             the
             Parishioners
             not
             to
             follow
             the
             way
             of
             uncleannesse
             with
             such
             ,
             as
             he
             had
             done
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             Upon
             the
             view
             of
             the
             aforesaid
             Humiliation
             ,
             Confessions
             and
             Letters
             ,
             being
             acted
             to
             the
             very
             life
             (
             by
             this
             Jugling
             Parson
             )
             many
             were
             in
             expectation
             of
             a
             great
             change
             ,
             and
             began
             to
             think
             he
             was
             real
             ,
             and
             so
             truly
             sensible
             and
             sorrowfull
             for
             his
             evil
             and
             unclean
             life
             ,
             and
             therefore
             he
             was
             received
             again
             into
             favour
             amongst
             many
             good
             people
             ,
             who
             exceedingly
             rejoyced
             in
             his
             returning
             ,
             who
             were
             but
             lately
             grieving
             for
             his
             Ranting
             and
             wickednesse
             .
          
           
             Neither
             can
             his
             seeming
             repentance
             be
             parallel'd
             by
             any
             Converts
             ,
             though
             sincerely
             returning
             home
             to
             God
             ,
             especially
             in
             the
             former
             part
             and
             outward
             appearances
             :
             But
             as
             
               the
               joy
               of
               the
               hypocrite
               is
               short
               ,
            
             so
             the
             repenting
             of
             wicked
             and
             unclean
             hearts
             ,
             is
             but
             as
             the
             crackling
             of
             thorns
             under
             the
             pot
             ;
             as
             lightning
             fils
             the
             room
             with
             light
             ,
             but
             suddenly
             leaves
             it
             as
             dark
             as
             formerly
             ;
             or
             as
             the
             morning
             dew
             dried
             up
             with
             the
             rising
             sun
             ;
             or
             as
             the
             early
             summer-fruit
             is
             soon
             ripe
             and
             soon
             rotten
             ;
             so
             is
             the
             repenting
             noise
             of
             the
             Ranting
             Parson
             ,
             whose
             crackling
             is
             extinguisht
             with
             the
             fire
             of
             lust
             ;
             the
             lightning
             leaves
             the
             room
             of
             his
             prophane
             heart
             ,
             and
             darkness
             keeps
             possession
             there
             ;
             the
             dew
             is
             dried
             up
             through
             the
             rising
             up
             of
             L.
             flames
             ;
             and
             Rottennesse
             seaseth
             the
             early
             fruit
             of
             his
             seeming
             repentance
             .
             
               Solomon
            
             saith
             truly
             ,
             
               Pro.
               27.
               8.
               
               As
               a
               bird
               wandereth
               from
               her
               nest
               ,
               so
               is
               a
               man
               that
               wandereth
               from
               his
               place
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             Was
             not
             this
             man
             as
             a
             silly
             bird
             to
             wander
             from
             his
             place
             ?
             from
             his
             lawfull
             calling
             ?
             from
             the
             wife
             of
             his
             bosome
             ?
             from
             his
             pretended
             purity
             ,
             to
             lay
             the
             egs
             of
             his
             filthinesse
             in
             other
             birds
             nests
             ?
             But
             because
             he
             could
             act
             any
             part
             on
             the
             devils
             stage
             ;
             he
             imitates
             the
             Cuckoe
             also
             ,
             the
             better
             to
             increase
             a
             generation
             of
             a
             more
             pure
             strain
             then
             are
             produced
             by
             lawfull
             marriage
             .
          
           
             And
             then
             see
             how
             farre
             he
             wanders
             in
             a
             counterfeit
             repentance
             :
             one
             would
             have
             thought
             his
             own
             tongue
             had
             raised
             so
             many
             Bulwarks
             against
             his
             own
             self
             ,
             that
             it
             was
             altogether
             unpossible
             for
             him
             any
             more
             to
             return
             again
             into
             his
             wonted
             folly
             or
             way
             of
             wickednesse
             ,
             
             or
             to
             have
             familiarity
             with
             his
             fellow-creature
             any
             more
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             But
             it
             hath
             been
             the
             usuall
             practice
             of
             these
             vain
             persons
             to
             give
             the
             most
             cursed
             titles
             to
             each
             other
             ,
             that
             ever
             the
             world
             practised
             ,
             or
             the
             devil
             invented
             ,
             as
             Toad
             ,
             Toads
             brood
             ,
             Toads
             Spane
             ,
             Witch
             ,
             Devils
             brood
             ,
             and
             such
             like
             ,
             with
             most
             horrible
             cursing
             each
             other
             ,
             like
             mad
             Bedlams
             or
             Devils
             incarnate
             .
             See
             
               Salmons
            
             Letter
             before
             recited
             to
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             and
             yet
             they
             love
             each
             other
             intirely
             ;
             scorning
             and
             jearing
             all
             that
             are
             not
             of
             their
             own
             Sect
             ;
             their
             prophane
             language
             and
             terms
             being
             as
             they
             pretend
             ,
             uttered
             in
             a
             mystery
             to
             destroy
             the
             precise
             wickednesse
             of
             the
             professing
             party
             ,
             who
             make
             conscience
             of
             these
             words
             ,
             waies
             and
             actions
             .
          
           
             So
             it
             seems
             that
             what
             ever
             the
             Parson
             pretended
             ,
             
             yet
             he
             intended
             no
             such
             matter
             :
             he
             now
             slights
             and
             scorns
             all
             those
             to
             whom
             he
             had
             confessed
             his
             wickednesse
             ,
             and
             to
             whom
             he
             promised
             amendment
             ,
             and
             dotes
             again
             upon
             his
             fellow-creature
             ;
             enters
             into
             the
             house
             of
             
               H.
               W.
            
             at
             set
             times
             ,
             and
             at
             private
             waies
             ,
             where
             all
             matters
             of
             difference
             are
             husht
             up
             ,
             and
             the
             fellow-creatures
             reconciled
             upon
             a
             personall
             Treaty
             ;
             
             after
             the
             Gentlewoman
             was
             brought
             to
             bed
             ,
             and
             delivered
             of
             her
             childe
             (
             which
             
               Tho.
               Webbe
            
             said
             he
             begot
             .
             )
          
           
             This
             agreement
             of
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             fils
             the
             Country
             with
             a
             famous
             sound
             ,
             astonishment
             seiseth
             the
             hearts
             of
             those
             that
             lately
             rejoyced
             in
             his
             repentance
             and
             return
             ;
             but
             now
             all
             their
             hopes
             of
             him
             die
             ,
             in
             so
             much
             that
             divers
             reject
             farther
             society
             with
             him
             ,
             which
             the
             lust-loving
             Parson
             bears
             with
             scorn
             enough
             (
             being
             so
             abundantly
             satisfied
             with
             returning
             to
             his
             vomit
             .
             )
             The
             old
             lascivious
             dresse
             and
             garb
             is
             now
             taken
             up
             again
             ,
             and
             the
             humble
             Parson
             acts
             afresh
             the
             part
             of
             a
             most
             proud
             and
             insolent
             phantastick
             ,
             and
             appears
             more
             like
             unto
             a
             prophane
             stage-player
             ,
             then
             Parish
             Parson
             or
             sober
             Christian
             .
             His
             long
             shaggy
             hair
             ,
             which
             lately
             hung
             like
             a
             forgotten
             excrement
             ,
             is
             now
             taken
             into
             consideration
             ,
             and
             furbisht
             up
             with
             so
             much
             frizell
             and
             pounder
             ,
             as
             if
             nature
             or
             lust
             had
             altered
             its
             course
             on
             the
             sudden
             .
             We
             have
             read
             of
             men
             ,
             that
             through
             sudden
             fear
             have
             been
             turned
             grey
             in
             one
             night
             ;
             why
             may
             not
             a
             lascivious
             joy
             upon
             its
             resurrection
             operate
             as
             much
             upon
             this
             vain
             man
             ?
          
           
             1.
             
             
             His
             companions
             now
             are
             not
             these
             to
             whom
             he
             pretended
             a
             repentance
             ,
             no
             ,
             they
             are
             slighted
             ,
             but
             the
             Ranting
             professors
             ,
             and
             
             such
             as
             were
             most
             notoriously
             ignorant
             or
             scandalous
             ,
             or
             both
             ;
             these
             are
             his
             fellow-creatures
             and
             daily
             associates
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             
               Solomons
            
             Proverbs
             which
             lately
             were
             so
             well
             expounded
             by
             him
             ,
             and
             applied
             against
             whorish
             women
             ,
             are
             now
             expunged
             out
             of
             his
             mouth
             and
             minde
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             ,
             his
             study
             of
             the
             Scripture
             must
             give
             place
             to
             a
             study
             more
             noble
             in
             the
             esteem
             of
             illiterate
             Ranters
             ,
             
             called
             Astronomy
             ;
             in
             which
             he
             is
             likely
             to
             become
             a
             proficient
             as
             soon
             as
             other
             Egyptian
             fortune-tellers
             ;
             nay
             more
             ,
             he
             being
             a
             man
             of
             so
             much
             learning
             ,
             wisdom
             and
             experience
             ,
             may
             happly
             attain
             to
             know
             how
             far
             he
             may
             wade
             in
             English
             dirt
             ,
             and
             not
             fall
             into
             a
             French
             mire
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             'T
             is
             not
             
               Davids
            
             Psalms
             of
             repentance
             or
             praising
             that
             the
             Parson
             can
             now
             sing
             ,
             
             but
             foolish
             fancies
             and
             witlesse
             songs
             are
             his
             delight
             ,
             being
             uttered
             
               ex
               tempore
               .
            
          
           
             4.
             
             Musick
             and
             mixt
             dancing
             is
             now
             also
             grown
             into
             fashion
             and
             practice
             ,
             
             with
             this
             Parish
             Parson
             ,
             to
             which
             the
             youth
             of
             the
             Parish
             and
             others
             are
             invited
             ,
             that
             so
             the
             work
             of
             conversion
             may
             not
             cease
             ,
             nor
             the
             building
             of
             the
             Ranting
             
               Babel
            
             be
             at
             a
             stand
             any
             more
             ,
             as
             lately
             in
             the
             Apostacy
             of
             the
             prime
             Parson
             and
             fellow-creatures
             .
          
           
             'T
             is
             recorded
             of
             
               Cain
               ,
            
             that
             to
             quiet
             his
             accusing
             conscience
             he
             went
             to
             build
             Cities
             ;
             and
             the
             learned
             Parson
             
               Webbe
            
             knows
             that
             a
             multitude
             of
             businesse
             ,
             and
             variety
             of
             imployments
             ,
             was
             the
             only
             means
             to
             make
             him
             have
             no
             more
             conscience
             of
             sin
             ;
             and
             therefore
             farwell
             humiliation
             ,
             confession
             and
             sorrow
             for
             sin
             ,
             I
             have
             other
             fish
             to
             fry
             ;
             welcome
             my
             sweet
             Mistress
             (
             let
             the
             falling
             out
             of
             us
             lovers
             be
             the
             renewing
             of
             love
             .
             )
             Welcome
             my
             lascivious
             dresse
             and
             whoring
             garb
             ,
             I
             am
             no
             precise
             Parson
             ;
             welcome
             thou
             new
             noble
             study
             of
             Astronomy
             ,
             I
             am
             weary
             of
             this
             Scripturing
             ;
             though
             I
             have
             gained
             a
             Parsonage
             by
             it
             ,
             yet
             I
             'le
             use
             no
             more
             then
             may
             keep
             it
             :
             welcome
             my
             fine
             fancies
             and
             
               ex
               tempore
            
             songs
             ,
             you
             are
             pleasing
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             I
             with
             you
             must
             please
             my
             fellow-creatures
             :
             welcome
             Musick
             ,
             mixt
             dancing
             and
             mirth
             ,
             thou
             art
             more
             pleasing
             to
             me
             then
             those
             sighs
             and
             groans
             which
             erst
             while
             I
             poured
             out
             most
             foolishly
             ,
             to
             the
             great
             scandall
             and
             reproach
             of
             the
             Ranting
             cause
             ;
             this
             is
             the
             way
             to
             attain
             to
             our
             true
             liberty
             and
             freedom
             ,
             which
             a
             foolish
             niceness
             would
             rob
             us
             of
             .
          
           
             Such
             expressions
             all
             wise
             persons
             reade
             in
             the
             Parsons
             practice
             ;
             and
             whether
             the
             particulars
             are
             not
             fitting
             qualifications
             for
             a
             Parson
             and
             publique
             Preacher
             ,
             let
             Christians
             stand
             by
             whilst
             the
             prophane
             world
             judge
             .
          
           
           
             But
             to
             proceed
             with
             all
             possible
             brevity
             ;
             The
             reconciliation
             is
             upon
             such
             sure
             grounds
             between
             the
             fellow-creatures
             that
             it
             holds
             to
             this
             day
             ;
             yet
             the
             counsell
             of
             the
             Lord
             shall
             stand
             ;
             destruction
             shall
             arise
             to
             evil
             doers
             from
             among
             themselves
             .
          
           
             And
             therefore
             the
             Reader
             is
             desired
             to
             take
             notice
             that
             when
             
               Thomas
               Webbs
            
             family
             was
             united
             with
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             there
             being
             houseroom
             enough
             ;
             another
             of
             the
             same
             gang
             is
             taken
             with
             his
             family
             ,
             and
             there
             retained
             as
             a
             convenient
             inmate
             :
             for
             the
             fellow-creatures
             were
             acquainted
             with
             the
             old
             saying
             of
             Cheaters
             ,
             when
             they
             have
             enticed
             young
             travellers
             into
             their
             company
             ,
             
               The
               more
               the
               merrier
               .
            
             Now
             you
             must
             note
             that
             this
             man
             (
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             by
             name
             )
             was
             lately
             become
             a
             very
             great
             enemy
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             who
             had
             formerly
             opposed
             him
             in
             his
             Ranting
             principles
             :
             For
             the
             first
             that
             ever
             manifested
             those
             principles
             publiquely
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             was
             the
             said
             
               W.
               L.
            
             and
             
               F.
               B.
            
             Whereupon
             the
             said
             parties
             were
             received
             with
             greater
             love
             amongst
             the
             fellow-creatures
             at
             
               Langley
               ,
            
             and
             the
             said
             
               W.
               L.
            
             entertained
             ,
             and
             who
             but
             he
             with
             the
             Parson
             and
             his
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             And
             so
             they
             continue
             great
             friends
             for
             a
             good
             space
             ;
             but
             when
             the
             differences
             first
             arose
             between
             
               Webbe
            
             and
             his
             Mistress
             ,
             
             this
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             assist
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             and
             chargeth
             the
             Parson
             ,
             as
             you
             may
             see
             formerly
             expressed
             ;
             wherefore
             the
             Parson
             resolves
             to
             call
             them
             to
             an
             accompt
             for
             taking
             parties
             with
             the
             weaker
             vessell
             against
             the
             mighty
             male
             Ranter
             .
          
           
             But
             
               Lewis
            
             being
             now
             jealous
             of
             this
             new
             friendship
             ,
             is
             become
             a
             strict
             observer
             of
             the
             waies
             of
             Parson
             
               Webbe
               ,
            
             and
             dislikes
             with
             his
             private
             approaches
             through
             bye
             waies
             ,
             and
             his
             long
             abode
             made
             upon
             his
             friendly
             visits
             early
             and
             late
             ;
             he
             now
             begins
             to
             have
             an
             evil
             opinion
             of
             his
             Landlady
             ,
             and
             thinks
             her
             as
             lewd
             as
             her
             fellow-creature
             :
             Hereupon
             
               Lewis
            
             discovers
             his
             minde
             to
             his
             own
             wife
             ,
             she
             thereupon-declares
             to
             her
             husband
             ,
             what
             she
             both
             heard
             and
             saw
             .
          
           
             Now
             the
             rage
             that
             was
             formerly
             in
             
               Tho.
               Webbe
            
             the
             Parson
             against
             his
             fellow-creature
             ,
             who
             likewise
             hers
             against
             him
             ,
             unite
             against
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             ,
             and
             for
             telling
             tales
             out
             of
             school
             ,
             are
             threatned
             to
             be
             soundly
             whipt
             .
             Fear
             now
             possesseth
             the
             wofull
             hearts
             of
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             .
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             takes
             with
             others
             a
             journey
             to
             
               Glocester
               ,
            
             and
             to
             the
             whispering
             place
             or
             some
             better
             Oracle
             they
             repair
             ,
             where
             being
             advised
             ,
             home
             they
             return
             ,
             and
             in
             their
             company
             
             one
             
               J.
               M.
            
             for
             the
             better
             nodification
             of
             Goodwife
             
               Lewis
               ,
            
             upon
             whose
             aproach
             she
             is
             surprised
             with
             fear
             of
             what
             former
             threatnings
             would
             amount
             unto
             in
             the
             close
             ;
             and
             therefore
             though
             it
             was
             late
             in
             the
             night
             ,
             and
             the
             waters
             out
             ,
             yet
             as
             late
             as
             it
             was
             ,
             away
             runs
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             to
             Justice
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             and
             requires
             a
             Warrant
             of
             the
             peace
             against
             
               Thomas
               Webbe
               ,
            
             Mistress
             
               W.
               E.
               B.
            
             her
             servant
             ,
             and
             the
             said
             
               J.
               M.
               
            
          
           
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             knowing
             the
             aforesaid
             parties
             were
             Ranters
             all
             a
             row
             ,
             was
             very
             shie
             of
             medling
             with
             them
             ,
             and
             unwilling
             to
             hearken
             to
             any
             of
             their
             stories
             or
             complaints
             ,
             and
             the
             rather
             ,
             because
             the
             parties
             complaining
             ,
             as
             well
             as
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             were
             his
             bitter
             enemies
             ,
             and
             expressed
             so
             much
             a
             good
             while
             before
             ;
             because
             as
             a
             Magistrate
             he
             had
             expressed
             himself
             (
             as
             well
             as
             being
             a
             Christian
             )
             against
             the
             Ranting
             principle
             ,
             as
             is
             before
             remembred
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             demands
             of
             them
             why
             they
             trouble
             him
             about
             such
             complaints
             ?
             why
             at
             that
             time
             of
             the
             night
             ?
             why
             they
             did
             not
             rather
             get
             the
             assistance
             of
             some
             of
             their
             friends
             to
             reconcile
             them
             ?
             or
             if
             not
             ,
             wisht
             them
             to
             repair
             to
             some
             other
             Justice
             of
             the
             Peace
             .
          
           
             To
             which
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             answers
             ,
             Sir
             ,
             although
             there
             have
             been
             some
             former
             difference
             between
             us
             in
             matters
             of
             opinion
             ,
             yet
             I
             take
             you
             to
             be
             a
             just
             man
             ,
             and
             that
             you
             will
             do
             Justice
             impartially
             ,
             which
             is
             that
             we
             desire
             :
             He
             said
             ,
             we
             came
             this
             late
             ,
             because
             ,
             it
             was
             but
             even
             now
             that
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             and
             her
             company
             came
             home
             with
             
               I.
               M.
            
             a
             most
             wicked
             and
             prophane
             man
             ;
             and
             that
             he
             was
             brought
             on
             purpose
             to
             do
             his
             wife
             or
             himself
             a
             mischief
             ,
             and
             had
             given
             out
             threatning
             speeches
             so
             soon
             as
             he
             was
             alighted
             from
             his
             horse
             ,
             the
             woman
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             seeming
             to
             be
             wonderfully
             affrighted
             .
          
           
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             asked
             her
             how
             they
             fell
             at
             variance
             :
             the
             woman
             replied
             that
             she
             had
             discovered
             some
             lewd
             actions
             of
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             and
             Mrs.
             
             
               W.
            
             which
             was
             come
             to
             their
             ears
             again
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             have
             threatned
             and
             sworn
             to
             be
             revenged
             upon
             me
             and
             my
             husband
             ;
             so
             that
             I
             dare
             not
             return
             home
             any
             more
             without
             danger
             of
             life
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             desire
             surety
             of
             the
             peace
             to
             be
             granted
             against
             them
             .
          
           
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             replied
             again
             ,
             Surely
             I
             doubt
             't
             is
             not
             fear
             brought
             you
             hither
             ,
             but
             rather
             revenge
             ;
             for
             I
             understand
             you
             were
             arrested
             at
             Mr
             
               Whites
            
             suit
             the
             other
             day
             .
          
           
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             confessed
             he
             was
             arrested
             ,
             but
             the
             cause
             of
             that
             arrest
             was
             but
             a
             beginning
             of
             that
             revenge
             which
             the
             Parson
             and
             Mistress
             
             
               W.
            
             had
             threatned
             against
             them
             ,
             because
             they
             disliked
             their
             wickedness
             .
             She
             said
             further
             ,
             she
             would
             not
             for
             a
             world
             go
             such
             a
             way
             to
             work
             as
             to
             seek
             revenge
             ,
             but
             she
             could
             take
             her
             oath
             that
             she
             was
             afraid
             of
             her
             life
             .
          
           
             When
             nothing
             would
             serve
             to
             silence
             the
             parties
             ,
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             tenders
             her
             (
             with
             admonition
             not
             to
             swear
             falsly
             )
             the
             Oath
             ,
             which
             she
             takes
             ,
             and
             thereupon
             grants
             her
             a
             Warrant
             of
             the
             peace
             against
             the
             said
             Parson
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             Mistress
             
               W.
               I.
               M.
            
             and
             
               E.
               B.
               
            
          
           
             After
             the
             Warrant
             was
             perfected
             ,
             these
             persons
             make
             a
             full
             relation
             to
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             of
             all
             passages
             at
             
               Langley
            
             between
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             and
             particularly
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             acquainted
             him
             with
             the
             foul
             act
             of
             
               Webbs
            
             being
             taken
             in
             the
             act
             of
             adultery
             with
             Mrs.
             
             
               W.
            
             a
             little
             after
             
               Michaelmas
            
             last
             past
             ,
             and
             this
             complaint
             to
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             was
             
               Nov.
            
             23.
             1650.
             
          
           
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             cals
             his
             wife
             ,
             and
             she
             makes
             good
             the
             Information
             ,
             and
             tenders
             to
             swear
             it
             ;
             divers
             questions
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             put
             to
             her
             tending
             to
             weaken
             ,
             if
             not
             stifle
             the
             Information
             :
             but
             she
             stands
             boldly
             in
             the
             justification
             of
             it
             ,
             with
             a
             world
             of
             other
             most
             horrible
             and
             hatefull
             crimes
             and
             practices
             of
             theirs
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             named
             .
          
           
             Two
             questions
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             desires
             them
             to
             satisfie
             him
             in
             ;
             one
             is
             Why
             the
             fact
             was
             concealed
             till
             now
             ?
             The
             second
             was
             ,
             Whether
             ever
             they
             took
             
               M.
               W.
            
             to
             be
             a
             good
             woman
             ?
             To
             the
             first
             query
             the
             answer
             falls
             in
             from
             the
             womans
             own
             mouth
             ;
             afterwards
             to
             the
             second
             he
             answers
             ,
             that
             they
             lookt
             upon
             
               M
               W.
            
             to
             be
             a
             godly
             ,
             religious
             ,
             and
             as
             wise
             a
             woman
             as
             any
             in
             the
             Country
             ,
             till
             of
             late
             they
             had
             found
             to
             the
             contrary
             ;
             but
             
               Webb
            
             had
             discovered
             himself
             to
             be
             a
             leacherous
             knave
             long
             ago
             .
          
           
             Well
             ,
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             takes
             the
             womans
             Information
             ,
             but
             not
             upon
             Oath
             ,
             and
             so
             made
             no
             further
             proceedings
             upon
             it
             ,
             thinking
             perhaps
             the
             woman
             might
             be
             (
             as
             Ranters
             usually
             are
             )
             of
             another
             mind
             another
             day
             .
          
           
             But
             they
             continue
             the
             same
             tune
             from
             day
             to
             day
             ;
             
               W.
               L.
            
             follows
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             for
             a
             prosecution
             ;
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             acquaints
             two
             of
             his
             fellow-Justices
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             a
             day
             is
             appointed
             for
             a
             hearing
             of
             the
             business
             .
          
           
             Well
             ,
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             the
             Warrant
             of
             the
             peace
             is
             served
             on
             
               M.
               W.
            
             and
             
               Thomas
               Webbe
               ,
            
             and
             they
             also
             meet
             on
             the
             25.
             of
             
               Novem.
            
             before
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ;
               M.
               W.
            
             gives
             sureties
             to
             keep
             the
             Peace
             ;
             
               Webbs
            
             credit
             is
             so
             much
             cract
             ,
             that
             he
             must
             needs
             pretend
             that
             he
             will
             go
             to
             Goal
             ;
             yet
             rather
             then
             he
             should
             go
             alone
             ,
             and
             be
             in
             Lo●s
             pound
             
             without
             a
             fellow-creature
             ,
             
               M.
               W.
            
             (
             such
             is
             the
             tender
             love
             and
             pity
             of
             the
             woman
             to
             the
             Parson
             )
             moves
             her
             husband
             to
             stand
             for
             one
             of
             
               Webbs
            
             sureties
             ;
             but
             some
             having
             more
             wit
             then
             some
             ,
             he
             refuseth
             ,
             and
             pleaded
             an
             ingagement
             to
             the
             contrary
             ;
             at
             which
             the
             little
             Gentlewoman
             seems
             angry
             :
             And
             anon
             M.
             
               W.
            
             and
             his
             wife
             mount
             on
             horseback
             ,
             and
             are
             returning
             home
             ;
             but
             before
             they
             had
             rode
             a
             flightshot
             from
             the
             place
             ,
             
               M
               W
            
             (
             findes
             better
             arguments
             on
             horseback
             then
             afoot
             )
             prevails
             with
             her
             husband
             to
             become
             a
             surety
             for
             the
             Parson
             (
             what
             will
             not
             love
             do
             ?
             )
             So
             M.
             
               W.
            
             and
             his
             horse
             face
             about
             ,
             and
             he
             brings
             his
             wife
             with
             him
             for
             a
             witnesse
             that
             he
             himself
             (
             with
             another
             Gentleman
             )
             was
             surety
             for
             
               Tom.
               Webbe
               ,
            
             that
             he
             should
             not
             go
             to
             Goal
             ,
             nor
             stay
             at
             home
             to
             break
             the
             publique
             peace
             ;
             so
             away
             they
             went
             :
             And
             for
             as
             much
             as
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             had
             expressed
             himself
             to
             be
             in
             a
             great
             fear
             of
             M.
             
               W.
            
             life
             ,
             by
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             they
             sent
             M.
             
               White
            
             to
             another
             Justice
             of
             Peace
             ,
             where
             he
             swears
             that
             he
             standeth
             in
             fear
             lest
             
               W.
               Lewis
               ,
               Edith
            
             his
             wife
             ,
             
               &c.
            
             will
             take
             away
             his
             life
             ,
             hurt
             and
             main
             his
             body
             ,
             or
             burn
             his
             houses
             :
             Whereupon
             he
             obtains
             a
             Warrant
             ,
             and
             binds
             them
             to
             the
             Peace
             :
             withall
             ,
             the
             better
             to
             effect
             the
             businesse
             ,
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             the
             design
             of
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             he
             procures
             a
             Warrant
             to
             search
             for
             stoln
             goods
             ;
             by
             which
             means
             they
             search
             
               Lewis
            
             his
             part
             of
             the
             house
             ,
             and
             pretend
             they
             finde
             goods
             of
             M.
             
               W.
            
             there
             :
             So
             they
             arrest
             
               Lewis
            
             as
             a
             felone
             ,
             and
             hale
             him
             and
             his
             wife
             ,
             
               &c.
            
             before
             the
             Justice
             ,
             where
             whilst
             their
             
               Mittimus
            
             is
             making
             ,
             and
             M.
             
               White
            
             binding
             over
             to
             prosecute
             ,
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             and
             his
             ,
             
               &c.
            
             are
             imployed
             in
             getting
             
               Lewis
            
             his
             possession
             ;
             so
             they
             are
             turned
             out
             of
             doors
             ,
             and
             their
             goods
             secured
             to
             the
             totall
             undoing
             of
             the
             said
             
               Lewis
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Information
             of
             
               Henry
               White
            
             of
             
               Langley
               Buriall
            
             Gent.
             against
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             and
             
               Edith
            
             his
             wife
             ,
             taken
             upon
             Oath
             ,
             before
             
               Edward
               Stokes
            
             Esquire
             ,
             
               Novemb.
            
             26.
             16●0
             .
          
           
             He
             this
             Informer
             saith
             ,
             that
             of
             late
             he
             hath
             had
             certain
             houshold
             goods
             ,
             feloniously
             stoln
             from
             him
             the
             said
             
               Henry
               White
            
             out
             of
             his
             dwelling
             house
             ,
             and
             having
             obtained
             a
             Warrant
             from
             a
             Justice
             of
             peace
             ,
             he
             made
             search
             in
             a
             part
             of
             his
             own
             dwelling
             house
             at
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             being
             in
             the
             possession
             of
             the
             said
             
               William
               Lewis
               ,
            
             where
             he
             found
             certain
             parcels
             of
             his
             goods
             〈◊〉
             lost
             ,
             (
             
               viz
            
             )
             One
             new
             Exe
             for
             a
             Wam
             never
             used
             ;
             certain
             Apples
             ,
             in
             measure
             about
             one
             bushel
             ,
             and
             a
             certain
             Table-board
             in
             length
             about
             ten
             scot
             ;
             whereupon
             he
             
             the
             said
             
               Henry
               White
            
             chargeth
             him
             the
             said
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             upon
             suspition
             to
             have
             feloniously
             stoln
             the
             said
             goods
             at
             severall
             times
             from
             the
             said
             
               Henry
               White
               .
            
          
           
             
               Henry
               White
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             Examination
             of
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             taken
             as
             aforesaid
             .
          
           
             He
             this
             Examinant
             saith
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             altogether
             guiltlesse
             of
             the
             felonies
             charged
             by
             M.
             
               White
            
             against
             him
             ,
             That
             the
             Exe
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Information
             ,
             was
             lying
             and
             being
             in
             the
             room
             where
             upon
             search
             it
             was
             found
             ,
             when
             he
             the
             Examinant
             first
             entered
             possession
             of
             that
             part
             of
             the
             house
             belonging
             to
             M.
             
               White
            
             in
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             and
             there
             ever
             was
             at
             M.
             
               Whites
            
             command
             for
             his
             use
             :
             For
             the
             Apples
             ,
             he
             this
             Examinant
             saith
             they
             were
             his
             own
             goods
             by
             vertue
             of
             a
             contract
             or
             bargain
             made
             with
             M.
             
               White
            
             about
             three
             weeks
             before
             the
             feast
             of
             
               Michaelmas
            
             last
             past
             :
             As
             for
             the
             Table-board
             he
             this
             Examinant
             saith
             he
             borrowed
             the
             same
             of
             
               Mary
            
             the
             wife
             of
             
               Henry
               White
               ,
            
             and
             set
             the
             same
             upon
             two
             Tressles
             in
             a
             certain
             room
             of
             the
             said
             house
             ,
             not
             with
             any
             intent
             to
             defraud
             the
             said
             M.
             
               White
               ;
            
             and
             further
             he
             this
             Examinant
             saith
             the
             said
             M.
             
               White
            
             hath
             four
             or
             five
             times
             in
             a
             day
             frequented
             the
             said
             room
             .
             and
             made
             use
             of
             the
             said
             Table
             ,
             and
             never
             questioned
             any
             thing
             till
             this
             very
             day
             ;
             and
             further
             he
             hath
             not
             to
             say
             .
          
           
             The
             Examination
             of
             
               Edith
               Lewis
            
             the
             wife
             of
             the
             said
             
               William
               ,
            
             taken
             as
             aforesaid
             .
          
           
             Shee
             this
             Examinant
             saith
             ,
             that
             the
             Information
             is
             altogether
             untrue
             ,
             that
             the
             said
             Exe
             was
             in
             the
             said
             room
             when
             she
             first
             came
             into
             possession
             thereof
             with
             her
             said
             husband
             :
             That
             the
             Apples
             mentioned
             in
             the
             Information
             ,
             are
             her
             said
             husbands
             goods
             :
             That
             the
             Table-board
             was
             in
             the
             house
             when
             they
             came
             to
             it
             ,
             and
             there
             they
             intended
             to
             leave
             it
             :
             And
             further
             she
             saith
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               White
            
             did
             every
             day
             resort
             into
             the
             said
             Room
             ,
             and
             made
             use
             of
             the
             same
             Table
             ,
             and
             till
             this
             day
             never
             questioned
             the
             same
             ;
             and
             further
             she
             hath
             not
             to
             say
             .
          
           
             You
             see
             what
             the
             felony
             is
             which
             M.
             
               White
            
             through
             the
             instigation
             of
             the
             fellow-creatures
             charge
             against
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             ,
             and
             you
             may
             easily
             guesse
             that
             the
             warrant
             of
             the
             peace
             was
             upon
             the
             same
             ground
             .
             Notwithstanding
             the
             Grand
             jury
             at
             the
             triall
             findes
             
             M.
             
               Whites
            
             Bill
             of
             Indictment
             to
             be
             but
             an
             
               Ignoramus
               .
            
          
           
             By
             what
             is
             past
             you
             may
             perceive
             what
             a
             spirit
             of
             giddinesse
             had
             possessed
             the
             primest
             actors
             upon
             the
             Ranting
             stage
             .
             The
             Idolators
             of
             old
             having
             worshipped
             their
             Idol
             God
             ,
             through
             the
             just
             judgement
             of
             God
             Almighty
             ,
             fell
             out
             among
             themselves
             ,
             and
             sheathed
             each
             others
             sword
             in
             their
             brothers
             bowels
             :
             So
             these
             having
             committed
             folly
             ,
             act
             the
             part
             of
             madnesse
             and
             enraged
             fury
             ,
             and
             resolve
             never
             to
             quit
             the
             stage
             till
             they
             have
             devoured
             each
             other
             ,
             and
             then
             the
             longest
             liver
             take
             all
             .
             Lord
             how
             true
             is
             thy
             word
             ,
             
               Though
               hand
               joyn
               in
               hand
               ,
               iniquity
               shall
               not
               go
               unpunished
               .
            
             'T
             was
             wonderfull
             to
             see
             the
             love
             of
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             but
             the
             other
             day
             what
             a
             union
             there
             was
             among
             these
             persons
             ,
             and
             others
             of
             the
             same
             kidney
             ,
             not
             yet
             named
             ,
             united
             in
             family
             ,
             living
             under
             one
             roof
             ;
             united
             in
             principle
             ,
             united
             in
             practice
             ,
             united
             in
             all
             things
             becoming
             fellow-creatures
             and
             lovers
             of
             community
             ;
             yet
             now
             like
             simple
             children
             ,
             which
             for
             a
             time
             delight
             in
             each
             other
             ,
             and
             laugh
             and
             play
             friendly
             together
             ;
             but
             anon
             ,
             fall
             out
             and
             fight
             with
             each
             other
             ,
             or
             rather
             like
             drunkards
             ,
             which
             for
             a
             while
             love
             each
             other
             intirely
             ,
             praise
             each
             other
             to
             the
             skies
             ,
             and
             despise
             all
             that
             are
             not
             as
             themselves
             ,
             pot-companions
             ;
             yet
             afterwards
             having
             added
             drunkennesse
             to
             thirst
             ,
             fall
             to
             boxes
             and
             blows
             amongst
             themselves
             ,
             wounding
             and
             tearing
             each
             other
             to
             pieces
             :
             such
             was
             the
             behaviour
             of
             these
             who
             were
             drunk
             with
             folly
             and
             frenzy
             in
             the
             time
             of
             their
             Ranting
             Catterwalle
             .
          
           
             You
             may
             perceive
             all
             the
             discovery
             made
             by
             the
             actors
             themselves
             ,
             and
             very
             remarkable
             it
             is
             that
             their
             own
             councels
             and
             their
             own
             tongues
             brought
             their
             horrid
             wickednesse
             to
             light
             ,
             loudly
             proclaiming
             that
             publiquely
             ,
             which
             before
             was
             but
             privately
             suspected
             and
             whispered
             .
             Remarkable
             also
             it
             is
             that
             hitherto
             none
             prosecuted
             them
             to
             this
             day
             that
             were
             not
             of
             their
             own
             party
             ;
             except
             one
             warrant
             granted
             against
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             at
             the
             request
             of
             one
             
               S.
               V.
            
             about
             
               August
            
             before
             ;
             to
             whom
             one
             of
             the
             faction
             and
             councell
             discovered
             their
             wicked
             waies
             and
             practices
             ;
             but
             the
             businesse
             being
             upon
             the
             stage
             ,
             the
             discoverer
             shrunk
             in
             the
             wetting
             ,
             only
             manifested
             that
             birds
             of
             a
             feather
             must
             hang
             together
             ;
             otherwise
             not
             a
             man
             moved
             towards
             their
             publique
             prosecution
             ,
             or
             any
             way
             sought
             their
             disgrace
             .
          
           
             Neither
             need
             any
             man
             act
             that
             way
             ,
             seeing
             the
             parties
             concerned
             had
             entered
             upon
             the
             work
             ,
             as
             if
             they
             had
             taken
             it
             to
             task
             .
          
           
           
             1.
             
             So
             you
             have
             seen
             the
             breach
             ,
             first
             made
             between
             the
             most
             choice
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             after
             the
             highest
             expressions
             of
             love
             and
             L.
             
          
           
             2.
             
             You
             have
             seen
             the
             breach
             made
             up
             again
             by
             the
             learned
             Parson
             (
             in
             wickednesse
             )
             
               alias
            
             mock
             Parson
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             You
             have
             seen
             the
             said
             Parson
             ,
             First
             ,
             in
             his
             seeming
             sobriety
             .
             Secondly
             ,
             in
             his
             Ranting
             .
             Thirdly
             ,
             confessing
             and
             repenting
             .
             Fourthly
             ,
             Ranting
             as
             before
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             You
             have
             seen
             evil
             arising
             afresh
             against
             both
             Parson
             and
             fellow-creature
             from
             their
             own
             Sect
             and
             gang
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             You
             have
             seen
             the
             fellow-creatures
             furiously
             working
             the
             ruine
             and
             destruction
             of
             their
             accusers
             .
          
           
             Now
             it
             remains
             that
             the
             charge
             of
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             against
             
               Tho.
               Webbe
            
             and
             
               M.
               W.
            
             and
             the
             proceedings
             of
             the
             Justices
             thereupon
             ,
             be
             also
             made
             manifest
             ,
             as
             it
             lieth
             upon
             record
             ,
             which
             is
             here
             made
             publique
             upon
             this
             account
             ,
             only
             to
             manifest
             to
             the
             world
             that
             the
             ruine
             and
             distraction
             of
             this
             people
             arose
             from
             among
             their
             own
             selves
             ,
             and
             not
             from
             the
             Justices
             ,
             as
             
               Tom
               Webb
            
             in
             his
             masse
             of
             malice
             most
             untruly
             gives
             out
             .
          
           
             The
             Information
             of
             
               Edith
               Lewis
            
             wife
             of
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
               ,
            
             
             Yeoman
             ,
             given
             the
             23.
             of
             
               Novemb.
            
             1650.
             unto
             
               Edward
               Stokes
            
             Esq
             .
             against
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             Clerk
             ,
             and
             
               Mary
               White
            
             wife
             of
             
               Henry
               White
            
             of
             the
             same
             Gent.
             for
             and
             concerning
             the
             felonious
             committing
             of
             the
             horrible
             and
             crying
             sin
             of
             adultery
             together
             ,
             and
             now
             again
             taken
             upon
             oath
             this
             9th
             of
             
               Decemb.
            
             in
             the
             year
             aforesaid
             before
             
               George
               Ivy
               ,
            
             the
             said
             
               Edward
               Stokes
               ,
            
             and
             
               William
               Shute
            
             Esquires
             ,
             three
             of
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             within
             the
             said
             County
             ,
             
               as
               followeth
               .
            
          
           
             Who
             saith
             ,
             That
             her
             husband
             and
             she
             living
             in
             part
             of
             the
             said
             
               Henry
               Whites
            
             house
             in
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             she
             this
             Informant
             was
             sent
             by
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               Mary
               White
            
             to
             
               Chippenham
            
             upon
             a
             Saturday
             ,
             between
             
               Michaelmas
            
             and
             Alhallontide
             ,
             and
             making
             more
             haste
             from
             thence
             ,
             then
             she
             usually
             did
             at
             other
             times
             ;
             she
             went
             into
             that
             part
             of
             the
             house
             wherein
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             lived
             ,
             and
             finding
             no body
             in
             any
             of
             the
             lower
             rooms
             ,
             she
             went
             up
             stairs
             ,
             and
             a
             chamber-door
             near
             the
             stair-head
             being
             open
             ,
             she
             stept
             into
             the
             said
             chamber
             ,
             and
             there
             saw
             the
             said
             
               Thomas
               Webbe
            
             lying
             upon
             the
             body
             of
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               Mary
               White
               ,
            
             and
             being
             in
             the
             very
             act
             of
             
             adultery
             with
             her
             ,
             upon
             the
             bed
             there
             :
             And
             further
             she
             this
             Informant
             saith
             ,
             that
             there
             was
             in
             the
             same
             room
             at
             the
             same
             time
             one
             
               John
               Morrice
            
             a
             souldier
             of
             
               Gloucester
               ,
            
             who
             hastily
             came
             to
             the
             said
             chamber-door
             to
             put
             back
             her
             this
             Informant
             ;
             he
             supposing
             (
             as
             she
             conceived
             )
             that
             she
             had
             been
             Mr
             
               Henry
               White
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             husband
             of
             the
             said
             
               Mary
               :
            
             but
             she
             being
             in
             the
             chamber
             before
             he
             could
             shut
             the
             door
             against
             her
             ,
             he
             let
             her
             alone
             ,
             where
             she
             stood
             as
             one
             amazed
             ,
             and
             in
             exceeding
             great
             fear
             .
             Then
             the
             said
             
               Thomas
               Webbe
            
             arose
             from
             off
             the
             bed
             and
             place
             where
             he
             lay
             ,
             to
             one
             side
             ,
             and
             the
             said
             
               Mary
               White
            
             to
             the
             other
             side
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             they
             two
             together
             ,
             with
             the
             said
             
               Morris
               ,
            
             fell
             to
             dancing
             ,
             using
             in
             their
             said
             dancing
             much
             filthy
             and
             unclean
             language
             ,
             worse
             then
             ever
             she
             this
             Informant
             heard
             from
             any
             others
             ,
             with
             whom
             she
             this
             Informant
             complied
             in
             dancing
             for
             the
             time
             ,
             for
             fear
             they
             should
             do
             her
             some
             mischief
             ,
             but
             was
             glad
             when
             she
             was
             gon
             from
             them
             .
             And
             this
             Informant
             being
             asked
             ,
             why
             she
             concealed
             it
             so
             long
             ,
             saith
             ,
             that
             she
             told
             her
             own
             brother
             
               Thomas
               Riley
            
             of
             
               Calve
            
             of
             it
             ,
             the
             next
             day
             after
             it
             was
             done
             ;
             and
             that
             she
             durst
             not
             acquaint
             any
             other
             with
             it
             ,
             for
             that
             she
             lived
             under
             the
             same
             roof
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             and
             did
             not
             know
             what
             injury
             they
             might
             have
             done
             her
             ,
             if
             she
             should
             have
             spoken
             of
             it
             :
             But
             not
             being
             able
             to
             hide
             it
             long
             from
             her
             husband
             ,
             at
             length
             she
             acquainted
             him
             with
             it
             ;
             who
             ,
             as
             soon
             as
             he
             heard
             of
             it
             ,
             caused
             her
             presently
             to
             go
             to
             Justice
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             and
             inform
             him
             of
             it
             .
             And
             this
             Informant
             appearing
             again
             before
             the
             said
             
               George
               Ivye
               ,
            
             the
             17.
             day
             of
             
               February
            
             following
             ,
             saith
             further
             ,
             that
             the
             day
             wherein
             she
             took
             the
             said
             
               Thomas
               Webbe
            
             and
             
               Mary
               White
            
             in
             the
             act
             of
             Adultery
             ,
             and
             left
             uncertain
             upon
             her
             former
             Information
             ,
             was
             the
             very
             next
             Saturday
             after
             
               Michaelmas
            
             last
             past
             ,
             as
             she
             doth
             now
             perfectly
             remember
             .
          
           
             The
             Information
             of
             
               William
               Lewis
            
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             Yeoman
             ,
             taken
             upon
             Oath
             the
             17.
             day
             of
             
               February
            
             1650.
             before
             the
             said
             
               George
               Jvy
               ,
            
             against
             the
             said
             
               Thomas
               Webbe
            
             and
             
               Mary
               White
               ,
            
             as
             aforesaid
             .
          
           
             Who
             saith
             ,
             That
             about
             the
             10th
             or
             11th
             of
             
               June
            
             last
             past
             ,
             there
             being
             a
             great
             falling
             out
             between
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webbe
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             she
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             did
             in
             the
             presence
             and
             hearing
             of
             this
             Informant
             and
             divers
             others
             ,
             charge
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webbe
               ,
            
             that
             he
             had
             many
             times
             indeavoured
             to
             ravish
             her
             ,
             &
             force
             her
             chastity
             :
             to
             
             which
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             replied
             ,
             that
             he
             needed
             not
             to
             do
             so
             ,
             for
             that
             he
             had
             oftentimes
             had
             carnal
             knowledge
             of
             her
             with
             her
             own
             consent
             ;
             and
             that
             she
             had
             sent
             her
             own
             husband
             Mr
             
               Henry
               White
            
             to
             fetch
             him
             four
             mornings
             in
             a
             week
             out
             of
             his
             bed
             ,
             of
             purpose
             to
             ly
             with
             her
             ;
             &
             that
             she
             had
             formerly
             told
             him
             ,
             that
             the
             childe
             where
             with
             she
             then
             went
             ,
             was
             his
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             begot
             it
             on
             her
             on
             S.
             
               Stevens
            
             his
             day
             at
             night
             last
             past
             ;
             and
             that
             her
             servant
             
               Elizabeth
               Briscow
            
             was
             as
             good
             as
             her self
             ,
             for
             that
             she
             lay
             with
             
               John
               Morris
            
             and
             young
             
               Organ
            
             of
             
               Castle-combe
               :
            
             Which
             things
             being
             bruted
             up
             and
             down
             the
             Country
             ,
             some
             honest
             and
             religious
             people
             of
             
               Calve
            
             sent
             one
             
               Thomas
               Riley
            
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             to
             this
             Informant
             ,
             to
             learn
             the
             truth
             of
             it
             ;
             to
             whom
             he
             the
             said
             Informant
             gave
             this
             answer
             ,
             That
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             had
             charged
             each
             other
             as
             aforesaid
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             the
             hearing
             of
             this
             Informant
             ,
             but
             also
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             M.
             
               White
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               Webbe
               ,
            
             being
             the
             husband
             and
             wife
             of
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             and
             M.
             
               Webbe
               ,
            
             and
             that
             he
             conceived
             them
             to
             be
             both
             naught
             ;
             and
             further
             saith
             ,
             that
             this
             quarrell
             continued
             between
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             untill
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             was
             delivered
             of
             the
             childe
             wherewith
             she
             then
             went
             ,
             and
             it
             grew
             to
             that
             height
             ,
             that
             there
             were
             above
             twenty
             suits
             in
             Law
             depending
             betwixt
             
               Henry
               White
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             and
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             and
             that
             shortly
             after
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             was
             brought
             to
             bed
             ,
             and
             indifferently
             well
             recovered
             of
             her
             childe
             birth
             ,
             the
             aforesaid
             
               Elizabeth
               Briscow
            
             told
             him
             this
             Informant
             ,
             that
             her
             Mistress
             had
             a
             great
             desire
             to
             speak
             with
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             and
             had
             appointed
             her
             to
             bring
             him
             unto
             her
             :
             Whereupon
             this
             Informant
             remembring
             what
             had
             formerly
             passed
             betwixt
             them
             ,
             and
             fearing
             that
             they
             would
             grow
             as
             familiar
             again
             ,
             as
             they
             had
             been
             before
             ;
             did
             the
             more
             strictly
             observe
             their
             doings
             ,
             and
             the
             Thursday
             following
             being
             the
             next
             Thursday
             after
             
               Michaelmas
            
             last
             past
             ,
             he
             saw
             the
             said
             M
             
               Webb
            
             and
             the
             said
             
               Iohn
               Morris
            
             walking
             athwart
             the
             grounds
             towards
             M.
             
               Whites
            
             house
             ,
             and
             coming
             near
             the
             said
             house
             ,
             they
             stood
             still
             under
             an
             Oke
             ,
             and
             lookt
             about
             them
             ,
             and
             after
             a
             little
             pause
             ,
             they
             went
             a
             by-way
             through
             the
             Orchard
             and
             Garden
             into
             the
             said
             house
             through
             a
             door
             seldom
             used
             ;
             and
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             continued
             there
             all
             that
             night
             ;
             and
             for
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             the
             night
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             and
             the
             aforesaid
             
               Elizabeth
               Briscow
            
             drawing
             a
             servant
             of
             this
             Informants
             into
             their
             Company
             did
             nothing
             but
             curse
             and
             swear
             ,
             sing
             lewd
             songs
             ,
             and
             drink
             such
             prophane
             and
             blasphemous
             healths
             ,
             as
             this
             Informant
             never
             heard
             the
             
             like
             before
             ;
             and
             the
             next
             morning
             being
             Friday
             ,
             the
             said
             
               Riley
            
             (
             whose
             sister
             he
             this
             Informant
             married
             )
             coming
             again
             to
             his
             house
             ,
             he
             the
             said
             Informant
             told
             the
             said
             
               Riley
               ,
            
             that
             he
             feared
             ,
             that
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             would
             grow
             too
             familiar
             again
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             would
             be
             murther
             or
             some
             other
             mischief
             follow
             it
             ;
             and
             did
             thereupon
             turn
             away
             his
             aforesaid
             servant
             ,
             and
             forbid
             his
             wife
             to
             meddle
             or
             make
             with
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             or
             any
             of
             her
             businesse
             :
             And
             further
             saith
             ,
             that
             his
             wife
             told
             him
             ,
             that
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             and
             
               Morris
            
             were
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             that
             afternoon
             in
             the
             chamber
             together
             with
             Mistress
             
               White
               :
            
             And
             this
             Informant
             further
             saith
             ,
             that
             the
             morrow
             after
             being
             Saturday
             about
             one
             or
             two
             of
             the
             Clock
             in
             the
             afternoon
             of
             the
             same
             day
             ,
             M.
             
               White
            
             and
             his
             sister
             being
             then
             from
             home
             ,
             and
             this
             Informants
             wife
             likewise
             at
             
               Chippenham
               ,
            
             he
             saw
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             and
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             walk
             in
             the
             Church-yard
             together
             ,
             and
             after
             a
             little
             while
             slipt
             into
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Whites
            
             house
             the
             back
             way
             ,
             through
             the
             said
             Orchard
             and
             Garden
             ,
             and
             towards
             the
             evening
             he
             saw
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             come
             forth
             of
             the
             said
             house
             again
             the
             same
             way
             .
             And
             the
             next
             day
             being
             Sunday
             in
             the
             evening
             ,
             this
             informant
             asked
             of
             the
             said
             
               Elizabeth
               Briscow
               ,
            
             how
             it
             chanced
             that
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             had
             not
             preached
             there
             that
             day
             ?
             to
             which
             she
             replied
             ,
             that
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             intended
             to
             have
             preached
             ,
             but
             she
             would
             not
             let
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             she
             told
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             should
             not
             come
             thither
             roguing
             and
             whoring
             ,
             and
             yet
             make
             people
             believe
             he
             was
             godly
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Examination
             of
             the
             said
             Mistress
             Mary
             White
             taken
             the
             9.
             day
             of
             Decem.
             1650.
             before
             the
             three
             aforesaid
             Iustices
             ;
             she
             the
             said
             Mistres
             White
             being
             then
             and
             thither
             brought
             ,
             and
             charged
             with
             the
             felonious
             committing
             of
             the
             said
             act
             of
             Adultery
             ,
             with
             the
             aforesaid
             M.
             Webb
             ,
             as
             followeth
             .
          
           
             Who
             being
             examined
             whether
             she
             this
             Examinant
             ,
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             and
             one
             
               Iohn
               Morris
            
             were
             together
             at
             her
             said
             husbands
             house
             on
             any
             Saturday
             betwixt
             this
             and
             
               Michaelmas
            
             last
             past
             ,
             or
             not
             ?
             denieth
             that
             ever
             they
             were
             ,
             but
             saith
             that
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             and
             
               Morris
            
             were
             on
             the
             Friday
             next
             after
             
               Michaelmas
            
             day
             there
             in
             her
             own
             chamber
             ,
             at
             her
             said
             husbands
             house
             ;
             and
             that
             all
             the
             same
             time
             
               Elizabeth
               Briscow
            
             this
             Examinants
             maid-servant
             was
             also
             in
             the
             same
             room
             ,
             and
             during
             all
             the
             while
             that
             they
             continued
             there
             :
             and
             further
             saith
             ,
             that
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             and
             
               Morris
            
             have
             been
             divers
             times
             severally
             
             at
             her
             husbands
             house
             since
             
               Michaelmas
            
             last
             past
             ,
             but
             never
             both
             together
             ,
             except
             that
             one
             time
             .
             And
             this
             Examinant
             doth
             also
             utterly
             deny
             ,
             that
             the
             said
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             had
             carnall
             knowledge
             of
             her
             then
             or
             at
             any
             other
             time
             ,
             or
             that
             she
             ,
             the
             aforesaid
             
               Tho.
               Webb
               .
            
             the
             said
             
               John
               Morris
               ,
            
             and
             
               Edith
               Lewis
            
             aforesaid
             ever
             danced
             together
             ;
             or
             that
             she
             ,
             or
             the
             said
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             or
             either
             of
             them
             are
             any
             waies
             guilty
             of
             the
             things
             wherewith
             they
             are
             charged
             in
             the
             Information
             of
             the
             said
             
               Edith
               Lewis
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             Examination
             of
             the
             said
             Thomas
             Webb
             taken
             before
             the
             said
             Justices
             ,
             as
             aforesaid
             .
          
           
             Who
             saith
             ,
             That
             there
             being
             some
             suits
             at
             Law
             depending
             betwixt
             the
             said
             M.
             
               White
               ,
            
             and
             him
             this
             Examinant
             ;
             he
             the
             said
             Examinant
             and
             one
             
               John
               Morris
            
             a
             souldier
             at
             
               Gloucester
               ,
            
             went
             to
             the
             house
             of
             the
             said
             M.
             
               White
            
             the
             Friday
             before
             
               Michaelmas
            
             day
             to
             talk
             with
             him
             and
             his
             wife
             about
             reconciling
             the
             said
             Law-suits
             ,
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             lying
             in
             about
             the
             same
             time
             ,
             sent
             for
             him
             this
             Examinant
             and
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             into
             her
             Chamber
             ,
             and
             there
             had
             discourse
             of
             the
             businesse
             :
             And
             being
             further
             asked
             ,
             whether
             he
             and
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             were
             ever
             together
             in
             that
             or
             any
             other
             chamber
             of
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Whites
               ,
            
             with
             the
             aforesaid
             Mrs
             
               White
            
             at
             any
             other
             time
             since
             the
             said
             Friday
             before
             
               Michaelmas
               ;
            
             confesseth
             and
             saith
             ,
             that
             he
             this
             Examinant
             and
             the
             said
             
               Morris
            
             have
             been
             severall
             times
             together
             in
             that
             house
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             but
             denieth
             that
             they
             were
             together
             in
             any
             of
             the
             chambers
             of
             the
             said
             house
             ,
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             ever
             since
             that
             time
             ,
             and
             doth
             also
             deny
             that
             he
             had
             then
             ever
             before
             or
             since
             any
             carnall
             knowledge
             of
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             or
             that
             he
             the
             said
             Examinant
             ,
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             and
             the
             said
             
               Morris
               ,
            
             and
             the
             said
             
               Edith
               Lewis
            
             danced
             together
             ,
             or
             spoke
             such
             words
             as
             they
             are
             accused
             of
             by
             
               Edith
               Lewis
            
             aforesaid
             .
          
           
             After
             the
             aforesaid
             Informations
             and
             Examinations
             were
             taken
             ,
             
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webbe
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             for
             their
             said
             offence
             were
             both
             committed
             by
             the
             three
             afore-named
             Justices
             to
             the
             common
             Goal
             for
             the
             said
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             where
             they
             remained
             prisoners
             till
             the
             Assises
             following
             .
          
           
           
             When
             the
             fellow
             creatures
             understood
             their
             
               mittimus
               ,
            
             and
             saw
             whereto
             they
             must
             trust
             ,
             they
             seem
             to
             be
             somewhat
             milder
             then
             before
             ,
             and
             more
             moderate
             in
             their
             language
             then
             formerly
             ;
             but
             after
             a
             little
             pause
             ,
             
               Webbe
            
             being
             a
             better
             Scribe
             then
             Parson
             ,
             imploys
             his
             pen
             ,
             and
             tumbles
             out
             of
             his
             treasury
             of
             self-confidence
             and
             impudence
             ,
             expositions
             of
             the
             Parliaments
             Act
             of
             Adultery
             in
             Folio
             ,
             and
             sends
             them
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             amongst
             which
             he
             asserts
             these
             particulars
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             That
             no
             Parson
             (
             though
             made
             a
             felon
             by
             that
             act
             )
             is
             to
             be
             proceeded
             against
             till
             after
             Presentment
             or
             Indictment
             at
             Assises
             or
             Sessions
             ,
             and
             the
             verdict
             of
             twelve
             men
             is
             to
             be
             the
             leading
             card
             to
             sentence
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             proceedings
             upon
             this
             new
             Law
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             That
             no
             Justice
             of
             Peace
             or
             other
             Officer
             is
             to
             imprison
             or
             secure
             the
             felons
             mentioned
             in
             the
             said
             Act
             ,
             till
             after
             Indictment
             and
             Conviction
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             the
             Justices
             had
             no
             power
             to
             summon
             
               Tho.
               Webbe
            
             nor
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             before
             them
             ,
             nor
             power
             to
             hear
             the
             complaints
             ,
             nor
             to
             send
             them
             to
             Goal
             though
             offending
             against
             the
             said
             Act
             ,
             according
             to
             what
             is
             charged
             against
             them
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             That
             the
             Parliament
             would
             rather
             a
             man
             should
             fly
             for
             such
             an
             offence
             then
             suffer
             death
             ,
             and
             therefore
             they
             have
             provided
             that
             no
             other
             proceedings
             are
             to
             be
             then
             upon
             Indictment
             ;
             wherefore
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             the
             Parliament
             would
             be
             glad
             to
             be
             rid
             of
             them
             so
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             That
             old
             Laws
             are
             not
             a
             rule
             for
             Justices
             to
             walk
             by
             in
             their
             proceeding
             against
             offenders
             as
             are
             made
             so
             by
             modern
             and
             late
             Acts
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             That
             Judge
             
               Nicholas
            
             can
             give
             no
             councel
             upon
             this
             Act
             more
             then
             another
             man
             ;
             for
             first
             ,
             it
             is
             a
             new
             Law
             ,
             and
             he
             is
             as
             young
             a
             Lawyer
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             it
             as
             another
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             It
             is
             distinct
             from
             all
             other
             Laws
             ,
             for
             it
             both
             afflicts
             and
             affords
             that
             which
             no
             other
             Law
             doth
             .
          
           
             Then
             he
             laies
             down
             his
             own
             verdict
             upon
             the
             Justices
             proceedings
             ,
             and
             saith
             .
          
           
             That
             they
             are
             Acts
             of
             inhumanity
             and
             injustice
             .
          
           
             That
             they
             are
             beyond
             all
             Law
             ,
             equity
             ,
             reason
             ,
             president
             and
             common
             respect
             that
             one
             creature
             oweth
             to
             another
             .
          
           
             That
             neither
             Reason
             nor
             Wisdom
             was
             called
             to
             their
             Councels
             or
             Consultations
             .
          
           
             That
             their
             present
             proceedings
             were
             to
             gain
             aplause
             amongst
             the
             
             multitude
             ,
             and
             that
             nothing
             hath
             more
             served
             the
             enemies
             designs
             ,
             then
             their
             cruel
             and
             tyrannicall
             proceedings
             against
             them
             .
          
           
             That
             such
             dealings
             are
             not
             amongst
             Turks
             and
             Infidels
             that
             are
             acted
             against
             him
             and
             his
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             Then
             he
             fals
             to
             these
             Queries
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             Who
             shall
             secure
             the
             Tithingman
             for
             what
             he
             doth
             upon
             the
             Justices
             unjust
             proceedings
             ?
          
           
             2.
             
             What
             provision
             is
             made
             for
             conveying
             him
             and
             his
             
               &c.
            
             to
             Goal
             ,
             for
             a
             foot
             they
             cannot
             go
             ,
             and
             horses
             they
             will
             not
             hire
             ?
          
           
             3.
             
             Whether
             (
             seeing
             they
             were
             States-prisoners
             )
             the
             State
             ought
             not
             to
             make
             provision
             for
             them
             ,
             both
             to
             the
             Goal
             and
             in
             the
             Goal
             ?
          
           
             4.
             
             Whether
             they
             ought
             not
             to
             have
             received
             more
             favour
             being
             they
             were
             publique
             persons
             ,
             and
             had
             laid
             out
             themselves
             for
             the
             publique
             ,
             and
             upon
             the
             publique
             service
             ,
             though
             they
             were
             guilty
             ,
             and
             the
             Act
             required
             such
             dealings
             ?
          
           
             5.
             
             Seeing
             they
             were
             bound
             to
             the
             Peace
             before
             ,
             and
             were
             no
             Rogues
             nor
             Vagabonds
             ,
             whether
             that
             was
             not
             sufficient
             ;
             and
             the
             rather
             seeing
             the
             poor
             Gentlewoman
             is
             sickly
             ,
             and
             not
             inferiour
             to
             those
             that
             committed
             them
             ?
          
           
             Then
             he
             fals
             to
             his
             proud
             and
             insolent
             threats
             ,
             and
             tels
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
          
           
             That
             for
             as
             much
             as
             bayl
             was
             offered
             and
             refused
             ;
             now
             it
             should
             not
             be
             given
             if
             the
             Justices
             accept
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Then
             for
             the
             great
             wrong
             and
             injury
             which
             I
             sustain
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             through
             the
             Justices
             ,
             I
             will
             seek
             a
             remedy
             by
             a
             Law
             and
             equity
             .
          
           
             That
             the
             businesse
             shall
             be
             publiquely
             questioned
             ,
             and
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             made
             ashamed
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             That
             whatsoever
             he
             hath
             formerly
             confessed
             or
             written
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             he
             values
             it
             not
             ,
             but
             challengeth
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             to
             do
             him
             what
             prejudice
             he
             can
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             spare
             .
          
           
             That
             he
             is
             resolved
             to
             turn
             every
             stone
             ,
             to
             finde
             out
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             satisfied
             of
             the
             justness
             of
             the
             Justices
             proceedings
             against
             him
             .
          
           
             The
             Letters
             bear
             date
             ,
             From
             my
             illegal
             and
             discourteous
             restraint
             ,
             
               Decemb.
            
             6.
             1650.
             
          
           
             From
             my
             unjust
             ,
             illegal
             and
             tyrannical
             restraint
             ,
             
               Langley
               Buriall
               ,
               Decemb.
            
             12.
             1650.
             
          
           
             
               Signed
               ,
               This
               Nations
               true
               friend
               and
               servant
               ,
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
        
         
         
           
             To
             all
             which
             and
             much
             more
             of
             the
             like
             nature
             ,
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             returns
             to
             
               Tho.
               Webb
            
             only
             these
             ensuing
             lines
             .
          
           
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             Your
             lines
             savour
             of
             so
             much
             passion
             ,
             conceitednesse
             and
             untruth
             ,
             that
             to
             answer
             them
             particularly
             ,
             would
             argue
             more
             vanity
             and
             weaknesse
             in
             me
             ,
             then
             yet
             you
             impute
             to
             me
             .
             I
             perceive
             't
             is
             your
             manner
             to
             revile
             at
             any
             that
             crosse
             you
             in
             your
             lusts
             :
             Your
             
               Janus-face
            
             and
             conversation
             is
             sufficiently
             known
             in
             these
             parts
             .
             I
             own
             those
             acts
             of
             Justice
             you
             now
             lie
             under
             ;
             you
             may
             continue
             your
             taunts
             and
             threats
             ,
             and
             do
             your
             worst
             ,
             either
             with
             or
             without
             them
             :
             Justice
             is
             my
             Master
             ,
             which
             I
             cannot
             betray
             to
             humour
             you
             in
             your
             lusts
             .
          
           
             Your
             hypocrisie
             hath
             hampered
             you
             ,
             and
             your
             own
             practices
             ,
             if
             not
             principles
             ,
             have
             brought
             this
             judgement
             upon
             you
             ,
             which
             when
             you
             come
             to
             your self
             ,
             you
             will
             acknowledge
             and
             give
             glory
             to
             God
             in
             truth
             :
             till
             which
             time
             I
             am
             content
             to
             lye
             under
             your
             reproach
             and
             scorn
             ,
             and
             there
             subscribe
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               ,
               &c.
               E.
               S.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             By
             what
             is
             last
             past
             ,
             surely
             there
             's
             no
             Reader
             that
             views
             this
             Parson
             ,
             but
             must
             needs
             admire
             him
             for
             his
             deep
             judgement
             and
             singular
             knowledge
             in
             the
             act
             of
             adultery
             ,
             and
             the
             Parliaments
             Act
             against
             the
             same
             ,
             of
             which
             he
             is
             the
             only
             expositor
             after
             the
             Ranters
             understanding
             ,
             which
             he
             hath
             fully
             exprest
             ,
             that
             it
             wants
             no
             refutation
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             goes
             about
             to
             convince
             a
             Ranter
             in
             any
             point
             ,
             either
             of
             Law
             or
             Gospel
             ,
             may
             as
             well
             undertake
             to
             wash
             a
             Black-more
             white
             .
          
           
             Yet
             at
             length
             towards
             Goal
             the
             fellow-creatures
             go
             ,
             and
             knowing
             the
             farthest
             way
             about
             was
             the
             nearest
             way
             home
             ,
             they
             go
             as
             Parsons
             in
             
               Perambulation
               ;
            
             but
             in
             stead
             of
             reading
             Epistles
             and
             Gospels
             ,
             when
             they
             are
             at
             their
             utmost
             bounds
             ,
             these
             reade
             railing
             and
             invective
             lectures
             against
             the
             Justices
             and
             their
             accusers
             :
             for
             being
             the
             only
             champions
             of
             liberty
             ,
             and
             such
             as
             had
             laid
             out
             themselves
             for
             the
             publike
             ,
             they
             resolve
             not
             to
             be
             cast
             down
             ,
             but
             bravely
             to
             carry
             out
             the
             businesse
             ,
             for
             they
             were
             well
             assured
             that
             old
             birds
             could
             not
             be
             catcht
             with
             chaff
             ,
             nor
             such
             eminent
             fellow-creatures
             so
             expert
             in
             the
             knowledge
             of
             Liberty
             and
             L.
             to
             be
             catcht
             by
             a
             new
             Act
             of
             Parliament
             against
             Adultery
             ;
             they
             knew
             well
             enough
             how
             to
             manage
             the
             businesse
             ,
             they
             can
             produce
             witnesse
             enough
             to
             out-swear
             whatsoever
             shall
             be
             sworn
             against
             them
             ;
             what
             if
             one
             or
             two
             fellow-creatures
             be
             faln
             off
             from
             ,
             and
             out
             ,
             with
             these
             choice
             lovers
             ,
             and
             tell
             tales
             out
             of
             school
             ,
             and
             swear
             in
             publique
             what
             was
             acted
             more
             private
             ?
             that
             's
             nothing
             ,
             there
             are
             five
             for
             one
             remain
             faithfull
             
             to
             the
             cause
             ,
             and
             they
             can
             swear
             for
             a
             need
             that
             the
             evidence
             is
             upon
             malice
             ,
             and
             that
             there
             was
             no
             such
             thing
             acted
             ,
             
               &c.
            
             and
             this
             every
             man
             that
             knew
             any
             thing
             of
             the
             Ranters
             principles
             or
             waies
             ,
             knew
             upon
             what
             score
             there
             was
             no
             danger
             of
             death
             in
             the
             parties
             before
             they
             came
             to
             triall
             ,
             and
             therefore
             some
             who
             were
             forc't
             to
             speak
             at
             the
             time
             of
             triall
             ,
             did
             it
             to
             lay
             open
             their
             wickednesse
             not
             to
             take
             away
             their
             lives
             (
             which
             were
             secure
             )
             but
             Whoremongers
             and
             adulterers
             God
             will
             judge
             .
          
           
             Long
             these
             persons
             had
             not
             continued
             in
             Goal
             ,
             but
             they
             sue
             for
             bayl
             ,
             which
             the
             Parson
             a
             little
             before
             scorns
             to
             accept
             of
             ,
             yet
             now
             all
             possible
             means
             they
             use
             for
             liberty
             upon
             bayl
             ;
             to
             which
             purpose
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             again
             courted
             by
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             and
             his
             then
             agent
             M.
             
               B.
            
             as
             if
             all
             the
             businesse
             had
             depended
             upon
             his
             will
             ;
             withall
             they
             tell
             him
             that
             the
             Justices
             of
             
               Salisbury
            
             much
             wondred
             at
             the
             proceedings
             ,
             and
             said
             M.
             
               Swanton
            
             was
             offended
             thereat
             ;
             and
             further
             said
             he
             would
             bayl
             him
             if
             he
             had
             the
             informations
             ;
             whereupon
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             procured
             the
             Informations
             and
             Examinations
             ,
             and
             sent
             them
             inclosed
             to
             M.
             
               Swanton
            
             with
             these
             lines
             :
          
        
         
           
             
               Honoured
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             BEing
             informed
             that
             you
             were
             offended
             with
             the
             proceedings
             of
             the
             Justices
             against
             one
             
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             because
             sent
             to
             Goal
             ,
             and
             not
             bayled
             ,
             and
             that
             if
             you
             had
             a
             Copy
             of
             the
             said
             proceedings
             you
             would
             bayl
             them
             ,
             I
             thought
             good
             to
             send
             you
             the
             Copy
             for
             your
             satisfaction
             ,
             and
             withall
             to
             tell
             you
             that
             I
             do
             not
             in
             the
             least
             credit
             any
             report
             that
             proceeds
             from
             this
             raging
             Ranting
             crew
             :
             And
             indeed
             having
             experience
             of
             your
             prudence
             and
             wisdom
             ,
             I
             am
             satisfied
             with
             whatsoever
             you
             shall
             do
             on
             their
             behalf
             ,
             and
             shall
             only
             acquaint
             you
             that
             the
             persons
             aforesaid
             have
             rendred
             themselves
             very
             scandalous
             ,
             and
             were
             of
             evil
             fame
             long
             before
             the
             accusation
             for
             which
             they
             stand
             committed
             ;
             in
             so
             much
             that
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             openly
             confessed
             ,
             that
             the
             childe
             lately
             born
             of
             the
             body
             of
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             was
             begotten
             by
             him
             the
             said
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             &c.
             
             And
             that
             he
             had
             carnall
             knowledge
             of
             her
             he
             confest
             in
             a
             Letter
             to
             my self
             ,
             when
             lately
             he
             pretended
             to
             be
             troubled
             in
             conscience
             for
             his
             sin
             .
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             I
             can
             make
             it
             appear
             (
             notwithstanding
             his
             fair
             glosse
             to
             strangers
             )
             that
             he
             is
             a
             meer
             piece
             of
             hypocrisie
             and
             deceipt
             ;
             as
             for
             the
             Gentlewoman
             ,
             she
             hath
             lived
             so
             long
             in
             these
             parts
             ,
             that
             I
             need
             say
             nothing
             as
             to
             her
             particular
             ;
             I
             perceive
             their
             design
             at
             present
             is
             to
             render
             their
             accuser
             infamous
             ,
             of
             whom
             I
             have
             only
             this
             to
             say
             ,
             that
             I
             have
             observed
             her
             conversation
             
             for
             divers
             years
             ,
             and
             yet
             neither
             by
             my
             own
             observation
             or
             other
             information
             did
             I
             ever
             take
             her
             for
             other
             then
             a
             modest
             and
             sober
             woman
             ;
             but
             what
             they
             (
             
               viz
               )
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             have
             made
             of
             her
             since
             they
             have
             all
             lived
             under
             one
             roof
             together
             ,
             which
             was
             ever
             since
             
               March
            
             last
             ,
             I
             understand
             not
             ;
             but
             she
             seems
             to
             be
             very
             serious
             in
             what
             she
             chargeth
             them
             withall
             .
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             I
             write
             not
             this
             to
             hinder
             their
             bayl
             ,
             but
             to
             give
             you
             light
             upon
             what
             accompt
             we
             proceeded
             against
             them
             as
             we
             have
             done
             .
             The
             next
             day
             after
             our
             
               mittimus
            
             was
             made
             ,
             M.
             
               Shute
            
             and
             my self
             acquainted
             Judge
             
               Nicholas
            
             with
             what
             we
             had
             done
             ,
             who
             justified
             our
             proceeding
             ,
             and
             in
             whose
             judgement
             they
             were
             not
             baylable
             .
          
           
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             
               Your
               cordiall
               friend
               and
               servant
               ,
               E.
               S.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             M.
             Swantons
             reply
             to
             M.
             Stokes
             .
          
           
             
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             AMongst
             all
             affronts
             and
             abuses
             I
             ever
             received
             ,
             I
             never
             a
             more
             scandalous
             ,
             as
             by
             so
             false
             and
             foul
             an
             information
             made
             to
             you
             ,
             as
             appears
             by
             the
             first
             line
             of
             your
             Letter
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             take
             offence
             from
             you
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             my
             fellow
             Justices
             ,
             that
             
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             should
             be
             sent
             to
             Goal
             ,
             and
             not
             bayled
             :
             so
             base
             and
             unworthy
             a
             relation
             delivered
             you
             as
             before
             I
             intend
             either
             to
             reade
             over
             the
             Examinations
             ,
             or
             to
             consider
             what
             to
             do
             in
             the
             businesse
             ,
             I
             must
             give
             you
             an
             account
             of
             the
             daily
             continued
             labours
             and
             endeavours
             of
             the
             delinquents
             to
             be
             bailed
             ,
             which
             hath
             been
             prosecuted
             with
             all
             the
             eagernesse
             that
             can
             be
             thought
             of
             ;
             and
             on
             Wednesday
             last
             ,
             by
             their
             mediation
             ,
             I
             was
             sent
             for
             to
             Lieutenant
             Generall
             
               Ludlow
            
             to
             have
             bailed
             them
             ,
             at
             which
             time
             I
             gave
             him
             such
             full
             satisfaction
             ,
             perusing
             the
             
               mittimus
               ,
            
             and
             informing
             him
             of
             the
             foulnesse
             of
             the
             fact
             ,
             and
             the
             regard
             we
             ought
             to
             have
             one
             of
             another
             in
             these
             cases
             of
             baylment
             ,
             that
             I
             satisfied
             him
             untill
             I
             could
             get
             a
             copy
             of
             the
             Examinations
             I
             could
             not
             be
             able
             to
             give
             any
             resolution
             towards
             bayling
             them
             ,
             the
             
               mittimus
            
             being
             so
             full
             as
             proof
             and
             oath
             ,
             of
             being
             taken
             in
             the
             act
             of
             adultery
             ,
             which
             I
             perceive
             to
             be
             made
             good
             by
             the
             Examination
             .
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             I
             pray
             conceive
             that
             I
             am
             not
             so
             slight
             ,
             as
             that
             false
             relator
             should
             make
             me
             ,
             for
             its
             not
             a
             straw
             difference
             to
             me
             ,
             whether
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             or
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             be
             at
             liberty
             or
             in
             the
             Goal
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             shall
             desire
             you
             that
             I
             may
             know
             the
             relator
             ,
             for
             I
             professe
             I
             shall
             question
             him
             .
             And
             now
             I
             have
             given
             you
             a
             full
             answer
             of
             your
             Letter
             ,
             I
             shall
             let
             you
             know
             ,
             and
             my
             other
             good
             friends
             M.
             
               Ivy
            
             and
             M.
             
               Shute
               ,
            
             that
             I
             conceive
             you
             have
             proceeded
             according
             to
             the
             Law
             ;
             but
             yet
             if
             you
             please
             to
             be
             at
             the
             Sessions
             ,
             and
             the
             Court
             may
             conceive
             
             them
             baylable
             ,
             I
             shall
             joyn
             with
             them
             ;
             but
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             be
             assured
             no
             man
             shall
             have
             a
             more
             tender
             respect
             unto
             you
             and
             all
             others
             of
             your
             place
             ,
             then
          
           
             
               Your
               most
               assured
               Friend
               Fra.
               Swanton
               .
            
             
               
                 Sarum
                 .
              
               
                 29.
                 
                 Dec.
                 1650.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             Together
             with
             this
             Letter
             more
             Letters
             came
             from
             
               Webb
            
             and
             his
             Agents
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             intimating
             that
             his
             Letter
             hindered
             their
             bayl
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             intreating
             a
             word
             from
             him
             to
             M.
             
               Swanton
               ;
            
             whereupon
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             wrote
             these
             insuing
             lines
             :
          
           
             
               Honoured
               Sir
               ,
            
             I
             have
             received
             yours
             ,
             to
             which
             I
             shall
             give
             you
             a
             more
             satisfactory
             answer
             when
             I
             see
             you
             ,
             then
             I
             can
             at
             present
             ,
             having
             only
             time
             to
             acquaint
             you
             that
             the
             prisoners
             suppose
             that
             my
             last
             to
             you
             is
             the
             only
             hinderance
             they
             are
             not
             bayled
             ,
             for
             so
             they
             write
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             exceedingly
             presse
             me
             to
             write
             to
             you
             to
             take
             their
             bayl
             .
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             I
             am
             confident
             if
             they
             were
             baylable
             in
             your
             esteem
             ,
             you
             would
             not
             defer
             it
             ,
             but
             I
             thought
             good
             to
             tell
             you
             that
             now
             they
             impute
             their
             imprisonment
             till
             the
             Sessions
             ,
             to
             proceed
             from
             my
             Letter
             ,
             the
             truth
             of
             which
             is
             known
             to
             you
             ;
             but
             notwithstanding
             all
             abuses
             which
             they
             have
             heaped
             upon
             me
             ,
             I
             have
             not
             yet
             sought
             the
             least
             satisfaction
             ,
             much
             lesse
             revenge
             ;
             neither
             would
             I
             by
             any
             means
             hinder
             their
             bayl
             ,
             if
             any
             Justices
             are
             free
             to
             take
             it
             .
          
           
             
               Your
               faithfull
               friend
               to
               serve
               you
               ,
               E.
               S.
               
            
             
               
                 Decemb.
                 30.
                 1650.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             reason
             why
             these
             Letters
             are
             inserted
             ,
             is
             to
             shew
             that
             there
             was
             no
             plot
             nor
             contrivance
             between
             the
             Justices
             ,
             and
             that
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             did
             nothing
             maliciously
             against
             the
             fellow
             creatures
             ,
             or
             hinder
             their
             bayl
             ,
             as
             the
             Parson
             hath
             given
             out
             ,
             who
             having
             lost
             a
             Parsonage
             ,
             hath
             made
             lies
             his
             refuge
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             intended
             to
             be
             a
             Chaplain
             to
             the
             father
             of
             lies
             ,
             for
             which
             he
             is
             learned
             enough
             .
          
           
             But
             yet
             notwithstanding
             they
             are
             not
             bayled
             ,
             no
             not
             at
             the
             next
             generall
             quarter
             Sessions
             ,
             where
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             appeared
             not
             ,
             and
             therefore
             could
             be
             no
             obstruction
             ,
             yet
             the
             Gentlewoman
             might
             have
             inlargement
             ,
             but
             like
             a
             good
             and
             loving
             soul
             to
             her
             dearest
             friend
             refused
             it
             ,
             
             unless
             he
             might
             partake
             of
             the
             same
             priviledge
             ,
             as
             
               M.
               B.
            
             confessed
             .
             But
             
               Webb
            
             now
             perceiving
             how
             things
             went
             ,
             intends
             to
             act
             another
             part
             of
             repentance
             ,
             having
             made
             himself
             weary
             of
             his
             Ranting
             party
             ,
             as
             the
             letters
             and
             message
             hereafter
             immediatly
             following
             demonstrate
             .
          
        
         
         
           
             
               Honoured
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             AS
             to
             the
             will
             of
             our
             wise
             God
             ,
             which
             is
             fulfilled
             in
             my
             present
             condition
             ;
             I
             must
             indeed
             ,
             I
             am
             made
             to
             acknowledge
             it
             ;
             and
             therefore
             for
             that
             I
             have
             blamed
             and
             passionately
             wronged
             you
             ,
             I
             am
             heartily
             sorry
             and
             humbly
             implore
             your
             goodnesse
             for
             to
             have
             me
             excused
             for
             it
             ;
             I
             shall
             now
             learn
             to
             submit
             to
             a
             divine
             will
             ,
             who
             is
             just
             in
             what
             it
             doth
             ,
             and
             will
             justifie
             all
             those
             whom
             it
             makes
             use
             of
             for
             its
             accomplishment
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             
               Your
               humble
               servant
               ,
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               Dear
               and
               Honoured
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             WHat
             the
             decree
             is
             that
             is
             gone
             forth
             from
             the
             presence
             of
             our
             good
             and
             wise
             God
             ,
             I
             do
             not
             know
             ,
             nor
             indeed
             am
             I
             able
             to
             spel
             it
             out
             ,
             the
             characters
             almost
             passe
             my
             Intelligence
             ;
             for
             providence
             acts
             so
             darkly
             to
             me
             ,
             and
             in
             so
             many
             paths
             of
             contrariety
             ,
             that
             indeed
             I
             am
             almost
             amazed
             ,
             and
             were
             it
             not
             that
             former
             experiences
             were
             renued
             in
             me
             ,
             and
             that
             I
             do
             draw
             something
             of
             sweetnesse
             from
             many
             sweet
             promises
             ,
             I
             should
             look
             upon
             my self
             as
             an
             undone
             ,
             lost
             man
             .
             I
             say
             wisdom
             acts
             beyond
             my
             genius
             ,
             and
             apprehensions
             ;
             very
             much
             ingaged
             should
             I
             be
             in
             this
             my
             straight
             ,
             you
             would
             by
             your
             own
             enjoyment
             help
             me
             to
             learn
             and
             understand
             ;
             I
             hope
             God
             will
             yet
             make
             me
             to
             know
             ,
             and
             do
             his
             pleasure
             ;
             and
             this
             confidence
             I
             have
             ,
             that
             out
             of
             this
             wildernesse
             he
             will
             deliver
             me
             :
             Oh
             that
             my
             patience
             would
             carry
             me
             forth
             to
             the
             end
             ,
             and
             not
             suffer
             me
             to
             murmer
             against
             him
             !
             no
             nor
             against
             any
             he
             is
             pleased
             to
             inflict
             upon
             me
             .
             Many
             thanks
             and
             returns
             of
             love
             to
             your
             dear
             Lady
             and
             your self
             for
             your
             love
             and
             care
             towards
             me
             ,
             which
             I
             must
             and
             shall
             for
             ever
             acknowledge
             to
             be
             altogether
             undeserved
             by
             me
             ,
             and
             though
             my
             desires
             for
             my
             liberty
             and
             your
             well
             wishes
             take
             not
             effect
             ,
             yet
             I
             do
             heartily
             thank
             you
             ;
             and
             truly
             I
             professe
             it
             from
             my
             heart
             ,
             it
             will
             for
             ever
             oblige
             me
             ,
             not
             only
             to
             subscribe
             ,
             but
             to
             be
             ,
             
               dear
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             
               Your
               cordiall
               friend
               and
               humble
               servant
               ,
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
             
               
                 January
                 .
                 17.
                 1650.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
           
             
               Honoured
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             THat
             which
             at
             first
             moved
             me
             to
             write
             to
             you
             ,
             and
             to
             expresse
             my self
             in
             so
             bold
             and
             rude
             language
             ,
             truly
             was
             my
             love
             to
             you
             ,
             for
             I
             could
             have
             chused
             to
             have
             writ
             to
             others
             ,
             but
             indeed
             I
             ever
             loved
             you
             ,
             and
             was
             perswaded
             my
             lines
             would
             have
             been
             received
             without
             exception
             ;
             but
             understanding
             my
             lines
             were
             not
             to
             be
             born
             withall
             ,
             I
             most
             
             humbly
             desire
             you
             to
             have
             me
             excused
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             impute
             them
             to
             passion
             ,
             not
             to
             any
             thing
             of
             prejudice
             ;
             for
             I
             professe
             it
             might
             proceed
             from
             the
             former
             ,
             but
             as
             for
             the
             later
             it
             had
             no
             place
             nor
             footing
             ;
             for
             I
             owe
             you
             no
             prejudice
             ,
             but
             as
             formerly
             I
             love
             and
             honour
             you
             .
             Furthermore
             ,
             I
             humbly
             intreat
             you
             to
             give
             a
             gratious
             hearing
             to
             what
             I
             have
             intrusted
             my
             loving
             and
             very
             good
             friend
             M.
             
               Bayliff
            
             to
             acquaint
             you
             with
             ,
             and
             so
             far
             own
             me
             ,
             if
             ever
             you
             will
             do
             me
             good
             ,
             as
             to
             answer
             it
             gratiously
             :
             I
             would
             have
             made
             my
             Paper
             the
             Messenger
             ,
             but
             truly
             I
             could
             not
             do
             it
             conveniently
             ,
             and
             therefore
             made
             bold
             with
             my
             friend
             to
             do
             it
             for
             me
             ,
             to
             whom
             I
             have
             imparted
             my
             whole
             heart
             ,
             and
             my
             present
             condition
             as
             it
             now
             stands
             ;
             I
             have
             faithfully
             declared
             my self
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             have
             desired
             him
             to
             acquaint
             you
             with
             it
             ,
             and
             so
             humbly
             intreating
             you
             to
             give
             him
             a
             hearing
             ,
             and
             to
             act
             for
             me
             as
             one
             who
             once
             was
             your
             near
             friend
             ,
             and
             still
             is
             ,
          
           
             
               Honoured
               Sir
               ,
            
             
               Fisherton
               
                 January
                 1650.
                 
              
            
             
               Your
               faithfull
               friend
               and
               servant
               ,
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             request
             of
             the
             arch-Parson
             made
             known
             by
             M.
             
               Bayliff
               ,
            
             was
             ,
             that
             he
             was
             exceedingly
             wearied
             and
             tired
             out
             with
             Mistress
             
               Whites
            
             company
             in
             Goal
             ,
             that
             she
             by
             her
             flatteries
             and
             frowns
             still
             indeavoured
             to
             keep
             him
             in
             his
             evil
             and
             unclean
             courses
             with
             her
             ,
             whose
             provocations
             and
             temptations
             gave
             him
             no
             rest
             ;
             and
             therefore
             he
             humbly
             desires
             to
             be
             removed
             into
             any
             other
             prison
             out
             of
             her
             company
             ,
             where
             he
             might
             be
             at
             rest
             ,
             and
             then
             he
             would
             publish
             to
             the
             people
             of
             God
             the
             whole
             businesse
             in
             truth
             and
             in
             Print
             (
             concerning
             his
             unclean
             life
             with
             the
             said
             Gentlewoman
             )
             which
             now
             he
             could
             not
             perform
             ,
             because
             of
             her
             presence
             with
             him
             ;
             nay
             he
             could
             not
             now
             ,
             such
             was
             his
             condition
             ,
             so
             much
             as
             write
             or
             speak
             a
             word
             but
             she
             grew
             jealous
             it
             tended
             to
             unfaithfulnesse
             .
             Besides
             this
             relator
             added
             that
             the
             Parson
             had
             no
             rest
             ,
             unlesse
             he
             were
             sucking
             at
             her
             breasts
             ,
             which
             was
             his
             work
             amongst
             others
             (
             after
             one
             Puppy
             had
             lost
             his
             life
             by
             often
             sucking
             )
             or
             merry
             and
             frolick
             with
             her
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             accustomed
             manner
             ;
             and
             besides
             said
             ,
             that
             she
             left
             her
             own
             husband
             and
             came
             and
             lay
             upon
             
               Webbs
            
             bed
             and
             body
             ,
             this
             relator
             being
             then
             in
             bed
             with
             the
             said
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             and
             there
             with
             many
             tears
             and
             threats
             indeavoured
             to
             keep
             him
             to
             her self
             ;
             notwithstanding
             with
             much
             ado
             he
             writes
             the
             foregoing
             lines
             ,
             and
             earnestly
             desired
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             assistance
             to
             work
             a
             separation
             between
             him
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             in
             putting
             of
             them
             to
             severall
             Goales
             .
          
           
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             upon
             the
             receipt
             of
             this
             Letter
             and
             Message
             said
             but
             little
             ,
             and
             did
             lesse
             ,
             being
             well
             assured
             that
             this
             proceeded
             at
             best
             but
             from
             a
             short-lived
             heart-qualm
             ,
             or
             rather
             it
             was
             only
             a
             vail
             to
             cast
             over
             M.
             
               B.
            
             whilst
             at
             once
             the
             amorous
             Parson
             and
             his
             Giglets
             made
             a
             jear
             of
             the
             Messenger
             ,
             the
             message
             ,
             and
             he
             to
             whom
             it
             was
             sent
             ,
             as
             afterwards
             was
             manifest
             .
          
           
             Yet
             you
             see
             the
             inconsiderate
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             seems
             to
             practice
             a
             pensive
             mans
             part
             ,
             after
             all
             his
             audacious
             and
             malepert
             carriage
             and
             demeanor
             before
             remembred
             .
             Notwithstanding
             this
             repentance
             also
             hastily
             proves
             abortive
             ,
             and
             the
             Parson
             faceth
             about
             to
             his
             fellow-creature
             ,
             who
             in
             a
             few
             daies
             after
             ,
             wrote
             this
             ensuing
             Letter
             to
             M.
             
               Bayliff
               ,
            
             in
             answer
             to
             one
             of
             his
             formerly
             sent
             to
             perswade
             her
             to
             shew
             kindnesse
             and
             respect
             towards
             Parson
             
               Webbs
            
             wife
             ,
             who
             was
             gone
             to
             visit
             her
             husband
             in
             Goal
             ;
             for
             it
             was
             feared
             ,
             it
             seems
             ,
             that
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             would
             not
             nor
             could
             not
             dissemble
             her
             principles
             ,
             but
             would
             openly
             dislike
             that
             Mistress
             
               Webb
            
             should
             be
             so
             bold
             as
             to
             take
             such
             a
             journey
             to
             see
             her
             husband
             ,
             having
             no
             more
             right
             to
             him
             then
             a
             formall
             union
             ,
             which
             is
             nothing
             to
             the
             liberall
             and
             free
             union
             of
             fellow-creatures
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Letter
             of
             Mrs.
             White
             to
             M.
             Bayliff
             follows
             .
          
           
             
               Kinde
               Friend
               ,
            
          
           
             
               I
            
             Am
             very
             sensible
             of
             your
             realities
             and
             endeared
             friendship
             towards
             us
             ,
             you
             shall
             finde
             us
             as
             truly
             yours
             in
             whatsoever
             lieth
             within
             our
             powers
             ,
             when
             opportunity
             shall
             honour
             us
             with
             some
             ample
             expressions
             ,
             whereby
             we
             may
             expresse
             in
             deed
             rather
             then
             word
             what
             we
             would
             be
             .
             
               Dear
               friend
               ,
            
             To
             shew
             gratefulnesse
             for
             all
             favors
             ,
             and
             the
             truth
             of
             our
             profession
             ,
             which
             is
             no
             lesse
             then
             the
             height
             of
             humane
             society
             ,
             in
             which
             (
             though
             darkly
             )
             I
             will
             walk
             as
             far
             as
             I
             know
             to
             all
             ,
             but
             especially
             I
             have
             observed
             your
             desires
             ,
             though
             not
             without
             trouble
             ,
             and
             I
             must
             tell
             you
             sensibly
             also
             how
             much
             it
             reflects
             upon
             me
             ,
             knowing
             my self
             so
             grosly
             abused
             ,
             yet
             am
             as
             I
             am
             ,
             it
             must
             lie
             upon
             more
             worth
             to
             requite
             and
             aquit
             ,
             then
             I
             have
             yet
             found
             acted
             towards
             me
             from
             my
             dearest
             friend
             ;
             we
             shall
             be
             glad
             to
             see
             you
             ,
             I
             doubt
             till
             two
             daies
             before
             the
             Assises
             I
             shall
             not
             get
             
               Bess
            
             and
             Goody
             
               Brewer
               ,
            
             then
             I
             hope
             you
             will
             all
             meet
             here
             ;
             till
             when
             ,
             and
             ever
             be
             most
             confident
             I
             am
             sincerely
             ,
          
           
             
               Your
               Friend
               both
               in
               life
               and
               death
               ,
               M.
               W.
               
            
             
               
                 Jan.
                 30.
                 1650.
                 
              
            
          
        
         
         
           
             Postscript
             .
          
           
             
               Mr
               Webbe
            
             is
             so
             taken
             up
             with
             his
             friends
             ,
             I
             beseech
             you
             excuse
             him
             for
             not
             writing
             ,
             I
             am
             sure
             he
             is
             yours
             as
             much
             as
             his
             own
             :
             his
             dear
             love
             to
             you
             .
          
           
             The
             aforesaid
             Letter
             is
             inserted
             to
             shew
             the
             Reader
             that
             the
             Antick
             Parson
             did
             but
             meerly
             dissemble
             ,
             whilst
             he
             sought
             a
             divorce
             from
             his
             fellow-creature
             in
             the
             Goal
             ,
             for
             in
             these
             lines
             you
             may
             perceive
             how
             great
             the
             union
             is
             ;
             so
             that
             now
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             no
             more
             troubled
             with
             Letters
             or
             Messages
             ,
             nor
             hears
             no
             more
             of
             the
             Lovers
             untill
             the
             Assises
             .
          
           
             Not
             to
             trouble
             the
             Reader
             with
             the
             deportment
             of
             the
             fellow-creatures
             in
             Goal
             ,
             
             nor
             what
             unworthy
             design
             
               Webbe
            
             puts
             in
             practice
             to
             save
             his
             Neck
             ;
             nor
             to
             mention
             any
             thing
             concerning
             the
             Witnesse
             produced
             on
             his
             behalf
             at
             the
             Triall
             ,
             all
             which
             requires
             a
             Volume
             :
             but
             the
             Author
             forbears
             these
             particulars
             :
             being
             tender
             of
             the
             good
             Names
             of
             some
             ,
             who
             at
             present
             seem
             to
             repent
             for
             what
             they
             have
             acted
             in
             relation
             to
             the
             deceiptfull
             mock-Parson
             .
          
           
             As
             for
             the
             Triall
             it self
             ,
             the
             Author
             will
             passe
             over
             that
             also
             in
             silence
             ,
             because
             all
             things
             acted
             there
             were
             in
             the
             face
             of
             the
             whole
             Country
             ,
             wherefore
             the
             impudent
             mock-Parson
             at
             the
             Triall
             needs
             no
             discovery
             ,
             it
             's
             so
             famously
             known
             in
             
               Wiltshire
               .
            
             The
             grand
             Jury
             findes
             the
             Bill
             of
             Indictment
             ,
             the
             Jury
             for
             life
             and
             death
             finde
             him
             not
             guilty
             ,
             whereupon
             he
             is
             freed
             :
             And
             surely
             now
             any
             moderate
             man
             would
             have
             thought
             he
             would
             have
             given
             glory
             to
             God
             ,
             turned
             over
             a
             new
             leaf
             ,
             and
             left
             off
             his
             Ranting
             way
             :
             This
             was
             expected
             from
             him
             ,
             because
             of
             his
             Goal-repentance
             not
             long
             before
             ;
             but
             in
             stead
             hereof
             he
             continues
             the
             same
             pace
             as
             before
             ,
             nay
             he
             becomes
             more
             proud
             ,
             imperious
             and
             impudent
             then
             ever
             .
             After
             he
             had
             kept
             holy-day
             with
             the
             Ranting
             gang
             in
             
               Sarum
               ,
            
             he
             returns
             towards
             his
             Parsonage
             ,
             but
             the
             farthest
             way
             about
             ,
             to
             visit
             the
             fellow-creatures
             :
             Wherefore
             M.
             
               W.
            
             being
             sent
             home
             the
             nearest
             way
             ,
             
               Webb
            
             with
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             and
             his
             own
             wife
             ,
             with
             others
             ,
             returns
             by
             the
             way
             of
             
               Warminster
               ;
            
             in
             which
             progresse
             ,
             such
             was
             the
             demeanor
             of
             the
             Libertine
             Parson
             ,
             lately
             delivered
             out
             of
             the
             hand
             of
             Justice
             ,
             but
             still
             fast
             in
             the
             devils
             clutches
             ,
             that
             he
             publiquely
             owns
             his
             relation
             to
             his
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             to
             be
             above
             and
             more
             binding
             to
             him
             then
             his
             relation
             to
             his
             own
             wife
             ,
             which
             was
             but
             formall
             ,
             but
             the
             other
             was
             real
             .
             Upon
             this
             ,
             with
             other
             his
             most
             impudent
             carriage
             ,
             the
             
             Parsons
             wife
             (
             poor
             woman
             )
             expecting
             better
             things
             ,
             as
             the
             fruit
             of
             his
             sufferings
             ;
             but
             now
             seeing
             her
             hopes
             to
             fail
             ,
             she
             fals
             into
             a
             labirinth
             of
             misery
             and
             heart-distress
             ,
             and
             presently
             in
             the
             same
             room
             earnestly
             desired
             M.
             
               F.
               Bayliff
            
             (
             then
             in
             company
             ,
             who
             was
             one
             of
             
               Webbs
            
             witnesses
             at
             the
             Triall
             )
             that
             he
             would
             run
             her
             through
             with
             his
             sword
             ,
             for
             she
             was
             no
             longer
             able
             to
             bear
             as
             she
             had
             done
             .
             Not
             to
             trouble
             the
             Reader
             with
             all
             passages
             in
             the
             Parsons
             return
             from
             his
             Chappell
             at
             
               Fisherton
               ,
            
             to
             the
             Parish
             Church
             of
             
               Langley
               ;
            
             you
             shall
             only
             know
             that
             at
             
               Bradford
            
             the
             Sack
             went
             merrily
             down
             the
             Witnesses
             throats
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             who
             well
             deserved
             it
             :
             But
             amidst
             their
             Cups
             they
             quaff
             about
             this
             health
             ,
             
               Here
               is
               a
               health
               to
               the
               Star
               that
               now
               is
               in
               the
               Eclipse
               ,
               but
               hereafter
               shall
               shine
               in
               perfect
               glory
               ;
            
             which
             the
             Relator
             thus
             interprets
             ,
             The
             Star
             in
             Eclipse
             is
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             who
             though
             now
             despised
             because
             of
             the
             peoples
             ignorance
             of
             true
             liberty
             ,
             yet
             hereafter
             ,
             when
             it
             should
             be
             known
             ,
             she
             should
             shine
             in
             perfect
             glory
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             be
             had
             in
             high
             accompt
             and
             esteem
             .
          
           
             Well
             ,
             at
             length
             home
             the
             fellow-creatures
             come
             ,
             divers
             are
             in
             expectation
             that
             the
             mock-Parson
             will
             surely
             now
             become
             a
             new
             man
             ,
             at
             least
             in
             apperance
             ;
             but
             he
             reforms
             like
             a
             Parsons
             Ape
             ,
             the
             clean
             contrary
             way
             ,
             he
             swaggereth
             it
             out
             most
             bravely
             with
             his
             proud
             looks
             ,
             poudered
             pate
             ,
             and
             prating
             tongue
             ;
             he
             breaths
             out
             no
             lesse
             then
             ruine
             and
             destruction
             against
             all
             opposers
             ,
             amongst
             which
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             must
             have
             a
             large
             share
             ,
             he
             shall
             no
             longer
             continue
             in
             the
             Commission
             of
             the
             Peace
             (
             a
             great
             revenge
             )
             because
             he
             acts
             so
             irregularly
             and
             unjustly
             ,
             as
             to
             prosecute
             the
             Law
             against
             the
             honest
             party
             ,
             and
             makes
             no
             difference
             between
             common
             whoremongers
             ,
             and
             Masters
             of
             Art
             ,
             
               alias
            
             mock-Parsons
             and
             Priests
             Apes
             (
             a
             sad
             case
             .
             )
             Well
             all
             the
             influence
             of
             this
             honest
             party
             is
             withdrawn
             ,
             which
             raised
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             into
             the
             sadle
             ,
             therefore
             he
             must
             needs
             fall
             ;
             and
             the
             propheticall
             Parson
             foretels
             strange
             things
             to
             come
             ,
             and
             fortunes
             to
             befall
             divers
             persons
             ,
             which
             will
             all
             be
             fulfilled
             the
             next
             black
             munday
             .
             And
             after
             a
             while
             the
             Parson
             takes
             a
             journey
             to
             
               London
               ,
            
             and
             appears
             before
             the
             Committee
             of
             Plundered
             Ministers
             (
             who
             so
             bold
             as
             blinde
             
               Byard
               !
            
             )
             in
             hopes
             to
             continue
             Parson
             of
             
               Langley
            
             by
             that
             power
             which
             he
             despised
             ,
             the
             better
             to
             out-brave
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             others
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             had
             whined
             and
             howled
             out
             his
             own
             wickedness
             :
             for
             he
             well
             knew
             though
             he
             had
             narrowly
             escaped
             the
             Halter
             ,
             yet
             he
             appeared
             in
             an
             unclean
             and
             most
             ugly
             shape
             to
             all
             tender
             spirits
             .
             
             And
             at
             length
             about
             
               May
            
             1651.
             he
             sends
             Mr
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             under
             his
             own
             hand
             writing
             ,
             the
             Copy
             of
             an
             Order
             from
             the
             said
             Committee
             ,
             with
             four
             Articles
             against
             himself
             ,
             to
             be
             examined
             by
             ,
             and
             certified
             from
             the
             Justices
             ,
             and
             desires
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             to
             appoint
             a
             time
             and
             place
             for
             the
             execution
             of
             the
             said
             Order
             ,
             which
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             appointed
             accordingly
             ,
             and
             withall
             promised
             the
             mock-Parson
             to
             make
             good
             the
             charge
             himself
             against
             him
             ,
             which
             when
             his
             grace
             understood
             ,
             he
             startles
             not
             a
             little
             ,
             and
             at
             length
             scribles
             back
             an
             invective
             Letter
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             acquainting
             him
             also
             that
             his
             time
             would
             not
             now
             permit
             to
             have
             the
             businesse
             heard
             ,
             for
             he
             must
             wait
             upon
             his
             wife
             (
             a
             kinde
             Parson
             )
             to
             
               Batly
               ,
            
             which
             proved
             a
             shift
             ,
             whereupon
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             gives
             this
             reply
             to
             the
             P.
             
          
           
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             Though
             you
             snarl
             at
             creatures
             ,
             and
             like
             a
             mad
             man
             strike
             at
             those
             that
             are
             next
             you
             ,
             yet
             when
             you
             shall
             be
             delivered
             from
             your
             frenzy
             ,
             you
             will
             say
             ,
             
               It
               was
               the
               iniquity
               of
               your
               heels
               that
               compassed
               you
               about
               ,
            
             and
             not
             malice
             in
             your
             Opposers
             :
             You
             might
             have
             enjoyed
             your
             being
             at
             
               Langley
            
             long
             enough
             with
             the
             love
             and
             liking
             of
             all
             that
             fear
             God
             or
             love
             the
             Nation
             ,
             had
             you
             been
             true
             to
             your self
             or
             friends
             ;
             your
             dissembled
             Repentance
             had
             once
             almost
             re-inthroned
             you
             in
             the
             hearts
             of
             honest
             men
             ,
             had
             not
             your
             revolting
             and
             revellings
             tumbled
             you
             down
             from
             thence
             .
             When
             you
             appeared
             in
             sheeps
             clothing
             ,
             who
             harmed
             you
             ,
             who
             molested
             you
             ,
             who
             advanced
             themselves
             above
             you
             ?
             When
             you
             appeared
             in
             another
             shape
             ,
             who
             did
             not
             pity
             you
             and
             pray
             for
             you
             ,
             and
             expect
             your
             return
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
             Had
             you
             learned
             the
             doctrine
             of
             self-denial
             but
             half
             so
             perfectly
             as
             that
             of
             self-justification
             ,
             certainly
             your
             present
             condition
             had
             been
             such
             as
             now
             you
             fain
             it
             to
             be
             .
             But
             why
             do
             you
             boast
             your self
             in
             your
             own
             deceivings
             ?
             your
             great
             swelling
             words
             of
             vanity
             affrighten
             none
             save
             fools
             or
             women
             .
             You
             do
             well
             to
             study
             the
             Law
             ,
             but
             I
             wish
             your
             understanding
             therein
             prove
             not
             abortive
             ,
             like
             your
             Gospel
             knowledge
             .
             But
             howsoever
             you
             need
             not
             fear
             ,
             the
             times
             are
             so
             peaceable
             ,
             theeves
             cannot
             ,
             and
             so
             good
             honest
             men
             will
             not
             rob
             you
             of
             any
             priviviledge
             due
             to
             you
             :
             The
             whole
             body
             of
             Articles
             you
             may
             meet
             withall
             ,
             with
             the
             Committee
             of
             Plundred
             Ministers
             ,
             or
             have
             a
             Copy
             here
             when
             my
             Clerk
             is
             at
             leasure
             .
             You
             can
             appoint
             and
             wave
             meetings
             at
             your
             pleasure
             ,
             you
             can
             both
             juggle
             and
             play
             fair
             at
             the
             same
             game
             ,
             't
             is
             no
             matter
             into
             what
             shape
             you
             lick
             your self
             ,
             so
             long
             as
             you
             like
             your self
             .
             
               Sir
               ,
            
             Your
             contemptible
             reproaches
             and
             threats
             are
             but
             badges
             of
             honour
             ,
             which
             you
             are
             pleased
             to
             cast
             ,
             though
             with
             another
             intent
             upon
             .
          
           
             
               E.
               Stokes
               .
            
          
        
         
         
           
             About
             the
             later
             end
             of
             
               August
            
             following
             ,
             these
             ensuing
             Orders
             and
             Articles
             were
             sent
             down
             by
             the
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             unto
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             for
             the
             said
             County
             of
             
               Wilts.
            
          
        
         
           
             By
             the
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             
               August
               the
               8th
               1651.
               
            
          
           
             ORdered
             that
             the
             Articles
             exhibited
             against
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             in
             the
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             (
             a
             copy
             whereof
             is
             annexed
             )
             be
             referred
             to
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             peace
             in
             the
             said
             County
             ,
             or
             any
             two
             or
             more
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             are
             desired
             to
             receive
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             his
             Answer
             to
             the
             said
             Articles
             ;
             and
             to
             summon
             before
             them
             ,
             examine
             and
             crosse-examine
             the
             witnesses
             that
             shall
             be
             produced
             ,
             as
             well
             for
             proof
             of
             the
             said
             Articles
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             and
             to
             certifie
             the
             said
             Articles
             ,
             answer
             and
             Examinations
             to
             this
             Committee
             ,
             by
             the
             eleventh
             day
             of
             
               November
            
             next
             ,
             close
             sealed
             .
             And
             the
             said
             Justices
             are
             desired
             to
             secure
             the
             profits
             of
             the
             said
             Rectory
             ,
             till
             this
             Committee
             shall
             have
             heard
             and
             determined
             the
             cause
             upon
             the
             said
             return
             ,
             and
             to
             see
             that
             no
             spoil
             be
             made
             on
             the
             said
             Personage-house
             or
             Glebe-lands
             thereunto
             belonging
             .
          
        
         
           
             By
             the
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             
               August
               the
               13th
               1651.
               
            
          
           
             ORdered
             that
             the
             Additionall
             Articles
             this
             day
             exhibited
             against
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               Buthill
            
             in
             the
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             (
             a
             copy
             whereof
             is
             annexed
             )
             be
             referred
             to
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             in
             the
             said
             County
             ,
             or
             any
             two
             or
             more
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             are
             desired
             to
             receive
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             his
             Answer
             thereunto
             ;
             and
             to
             summon
             before
             them
             ,
             and
             examine
             ,
             and
             crosse-examine
             the
             Witnesses
             that
             shall
             be
             produced
             ,
             as
             well
             for
             proof
             of
             the
             said
             Articles
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             and
             to
             certifie
             the
             said
             Articles
             ,
             together
             with
             the
             former
             Articles
             ,
             Answers
             and
             Examinations
             to
             this
             Committee
             ,
             close
             sealed
             up
             with
             all
             convenient
             speed
             ,
             and
             the
             profits
             of
             the
             said
             Rectory
             are
             to
             be
             secured
             according
             to
             the
             former
             Order
             of
             the
             
               8th
            
             instant
             ,
             in
             the
             mean
             time
             .
          
        
         
         
           
             Articles
             of
             Prophanenesse
             and
             Scandall
             against
             Thomas
             Webb
             the
             pretended
             Rector
             of
             the
             Personage
             of
             Langley
             Burhill
             in
             the
             County
             of
             Wilts.
          
           
             1.
             
             THe
             said
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             never
             had
             any
             legall
             Order
             for
             his
             incumbency
             there
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             help
             and
             favour
             of
             his
             pretended
             Patronesse
             Mistress
             
               Mary
               White
               ,
            
             and
             some
             other
             Parishoners
             of
             the
             same
             Parish
             upon
             his
             promise
             unto
             them
             of
             
               non-taking
            
             Tithes
             ,
             obtained
             the
             Parsonage
             ,
             usurping
             the
             place
             of
             an
             Incumbent
             there
             ,
             contrary
             to
             the
             Orders
             made
             by
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             the
             Committee
             of
             this
             County
             .
          
           
             2.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             stands
             charged
             to
             be
             an
             Adulterous
             person
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             committed
             the
             detestable
             sin
             of
             uncl-annesse
             with
             divers
             women
             (
             besides
             his
             pretended
             Patronesse
             Mistress
             
               Mary
               White
            
             )
             and
             hath
             confessed
             the
             same
             ,
             and
             gloried
             therein
             ,
             and
             affirmed
             he
             could
             lye
             with
             any
             woman
             save
             his
             own
             Mother
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             stands
             charged
             to
             have
             affirmed
             in
             his
             discourse
             ,
             that
             
               Moses
            
             was
             a
             Conjurer
             ,
             and
             that
             Christ
             was
             a
             deceiver
             of
             the
             People
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             stands
             charged
             to
             have
             affirmed
             ,
             that
             Preaching
             and
             lying
             are
             both
             alike
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             stands
             charged
             to
             have
             tearmed
             his
             hearers
             fools
             for
             coming
             to
             gape
             on
             him
             ,
             whilst
             he
             told
             them
             lies
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             stands
             charged
             to
             have
             drank
             to
             the
             confounding
             of
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             tearmed
             them
             Rogues
             and
             Devils
             ,
             withall
             saying
             ,
             that
             if
             he
             were
             (
             by
             those
             that
             heard
             him
             )
             accused
             for
             any
             of
             the
             afore-mentioned
             crimes
             ,
             he
             would
             for
             swear
             the
             same
             .
          
           
             7.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             in
             an
             high
             nature
             scandalized
             and
             abused
             Judge
             
               Nicholas
               ,
               George
               Ivy
               ,
               Edward
               Stokes
            
             and
             
               William
               Shute
            
             Esquires
             ,
             and
             other
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             for
             this
             County
             ,
             for
             discharging
             their
             duties
             ,
             both
             in
             Law
             and
             Conscience
             ,
             according
             to
             the
             trust
             reposed
             in
             them
             .
          
           
             8.
             
             The
             said
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             done
             much
             waste
             ,
             and
             made
             great
             spoil
             and
             destruction
             upon
             the
             Gleab
             lands
             of
             the
             Rectory
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             by
             cutting
             down
             ,
             and
             selling
             at
             very
             low
             rates
             ,
             a
             great
             part
             of
             the
             Wood
             and
             Trees
             late
             growing
             and
             being
             upon
             the
             same
             ,
             which
             were
             before
             his
             coming
             thither
             much
             stored
             ,
             and
             better
             replenished
             with
             Wood
             then
             any
             Parsonage
             in
             those
             parts
             ;
             
             besides
             also
             he
             hath
             let
             fallen
             ,
             pulled
             down
             to
             the
             ground
             ,
             and
             sold
             away
             part
             of
             the
             housing
             belonging
             to
             the
             Parsonage-house
             there
             .
          
           
             9.
             
             The-said
             
               Webb
            
             stands
             charged
             by
             the
             most
             knowing
             Christians
             in
             his
             own
             Parish
             ,
             to
             have
             Preached
             false
             and
             unprofitable
             Doctrine
             .
          
           
             WHereas
             we
             have
             received
             two
             several
             Orders
             from
             the
             Committee
             of
             Plundered
             Ministers
             (
             purporting
             certain
             Articles
             ,
             heretofore
             to
             have
             been
             exhibited
             against
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             in
             the
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             )
             referring
             the
             same
             to
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             in
             the
             said
             County
             ,
             or
             any
             two
             of
             them
             ,
             who
             are
             desired
             to
             receive
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webbe
            
             his
             Answer
             thereunto
             ;
             and
             to
             summon
             before
             them
             ,
             and
             examine
             and
             cross-examine
             the
             Witnesses
             that
             shall
             be
             produced
             as
             well
             for
             part
             of
             the
             said
             Articles
             ,
             as
             of
             the
             defence
             of
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ;
            
             These
             are
             to
             give
             you
             to
             understand
             ,
             That
             we
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             County
             aforesaid
             ,
             intend
             (
             God
             permitting
             )
             to
             execute
             the
             contents
             of
             the
             said
             Order
             at
             the
             house
             of
             Captain
             
               Taylor
               ,
            
             being
             at
             the
             sign
             of
             the
             White
             Hart
             in
             
               Chippenham
               ,
            
             on
             the
             12th
             day
             of
             
               September
            
             next
             ensuing
             after
             the
             date
             of
             these
             presents
             ,
             between
             the
             hours
             of
             eight
             and
             nine
             of
             the
             Clock
             in
             the
             morning
             of
             the
             same
             day
             ;
             where
             if
             you
             think
             fit
             you
             may
             produce
             Witnesses
             to
             be
             examined
             on
             your
             part
             and
             behalf
             ;
             and
             we
             shall
             be
             then
             ready
             to
             receive
             your
             Answer
             according
             to
             the
             Contents
             of
             the
             said
             Order
             .
          
           
             
               Witnesse
               our
               hands
               at
               
                 Chippenham
              
               
                 this
                 28.
                 of
                 
                   August
                
                 1651.
                 
              
            
          
           
             To
             Thomas
             Webb
             Minister
             of
             Langley
             Burhil
             .
          
        
         
           
             This
             Paper
             following
             was
             delivered
             in
             by
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             unto
             the
             said
             Justices
             ,
             at
             their
             appointed
             meeting
             for
             the
             executing
             of
             the
             aforesaid
             Orders
             :
             
               viz.
               
            
          
        
         
           
             Grounds
             of
             Exceptions
             against
             Sr
             Edward
             Bainton
             ,
             William
             Shute
             Esq.
             &c.
             and
             against
             the
             Examination
             intended
             .
          
           
             1.
             
             FIrst
             ,
             That
             the
             Charge
             to
             be
             examined
             ,
             is
             not
             the
             Charge
             exhibited
             before
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             ,
             upon
             which
             the
             Orders
             were
             granted
             ,
             which
             occasioned
             this
             meeting
             .
          
           
           
             2.
             
             That
             most
             part
             of
             the
             Charge
             hath
             been
             already
             answered
             ,
             and
             the
             accused
             quit
             .
          
           
             3.
             
             That
             in
             some
             part
             of
             the
             Charge
             the
             Examiners
             themselves
             are
             concerned
             .
          
           
             4.
             
             The
             Examiners
             have
             manifested
             abundance
             of
             prejudice
             against
             the
             accused
             ,
             as
             will
             easily
             be
             made
             to
             appear
             .
          
           
             5.
             
             The
             accused
             stands
             bound
             in
             Judgement
             and
             conscience
             to
             prosecute
             the
             Examiners
             (
             for
             neglect
             of
             doing
             of
             their
             duty
             for
             the
             Common-weal
             ,
             in
             the
             late
             time
             of
             danger
             )
             whenever
             called
             thereunto
             ,
             and
             hath
             already
             declared
             against
             it
             ,
             as
             he
             believes
             is
             known
             to
             some
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             6.
             
             Lastly
             ,
             Such
             was
             the
             height
             either
             of
             ignorance
             or
             malice
             ,
             if
             not
             both
             ,
             that
             when
             the
             Warrant
             for
             appearance
             was
             sent
             ,
             they
             sent
             neither
             copy
             of
             Orders
             nor
             charge
             ,
             but
             I
             was
             forc't
             (
             though
             not
             bound
             to
             it
             )
             to
             send
             to
             them
             for
             the
             Charge
             and
             Orders
             ,
             and
             as
             yet
             have
             received
             but
             a
             part
             of
             the
             Charge
             ,
             and
             but
             a
             Breviat
             of
             the
             Orders
             .
          
           
             These
             and
             other
             grounds
             are
             my
             Exceptions
             built
             upon
             ,
             which
             I
             humbly
             tender
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             be
             seriously
             considered
             ,
             and
             I
             have
             right
             done
             to
             me
             :
             No
             more
             is
             desired
             by
             him
             ,
             who
             in
             the
             integrity
             of
             his
             own
             spirit
             ,
             subscribes
             to
             these
             his
             Exceptions
             ,
          
           
             
               Tho.
               Webbe
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             Depositions
             of
             Witnesses
             taken
             at
             
               Chippenham
            
             in
             the
             County
             aforesaid
             ,
             the
             day
             of
             
               September
               ,
            
             in
             the
             year
             of
             our
             Lord
             God
             ,
             
               One
               thousand
               six
               hundred
               fifty
               and
               one
               ,
            
             against
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             in
             the
             said
             County
             ,
             by
             
               George
               Ivy
            
             and
             
               William
               Shute
            
             Esquires
             ,
             two
             of
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             for
             this
             County
             ;
             by
             vertue
             of
             two
             several
             Orders
             unto
             the
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             County
             aforesaid
             ;
             or
             unto
             any
             two
             or
             more
             of
             them
             directed
             from
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             the
             one
             of
             which
             Orders
             bears
             date
             ,
             
               Aug.
            
             8.
             last
             past
             ,
             and
             the
             other
             bears
             date
             the
             
               13th
            
             of
             the
             same
             moneth
             :
             in
             manner
             following
             ,
             viz.
             
               Charles
               Aland
            
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             Yeoman
             ,
             aged
             thirty
             two
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             :
          
           
             TO
             the
             first
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             (
             about
             a
             moneth
             since
             )
             did
             confesse
             in
             this
             Deponents
             hearing
             ,
             
             that
             he
             had
             no
             Order
             from
             any
             Authority
             to
             possesse
             himself
             of
             the
             Rectory
             or
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             or
             to
             Officiate
             there
             ;
             but
             that
             he
             did
             Officiate
             there
             by
             the
             consent
             and
             approbation
             of
             some
             of
             the
             Parishioners
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             .
             And
             this
             Deponent
             further
             saith
             ,
             That
             he
             did
             thereupon
             shortly
             afterwards
             search
             in
             the
             Office
             of
             the
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             to
             finde
             whether
             the
             said
             ●
             .
             
               Webb
            
             had
             any
             such
             Order
             or
             Authority
             from
             thence
             ,
             as
             aforesaid
             ,
             but
             could
             finde
             none
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             sixth
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             the
             Sunday
             seven-night
             before
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             and
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             were
             carried
             to
             Prison
             for
             committing
             of
             Adultery
             together
             ,
             in
             the
             Church
             yard
             before
             the
             morning-Sermon
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             and
             this
             Deponent
             walking
             there
             together
             ;
             and
             this
             Deponent
             being
             formerly
             appointed
             to
             be
             a
             Lieutenant
             unto
             one
             Captain
             
               Parsons
               ,
            
             designed
             to
             be
             a
             Captain
             of
             the
             
               Militia
               ▪
            
             forces
             of
             this
             County
             ;
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             to
             perswade
             this
             Deponent
             to
             dissert
             the
             said
             service
             ,
             and
             to
             withdraw
             his
             affection
             from
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             used
             amongst
             other
             perswasions
             these
             words
             following
             ,
             That
             the
             Parliament
             was
             unjust
             ,
             and
             dealt
             unjustly
             in
             gathering
             too
             much
             monies
             ,
             and
             imploying
             the
             same
             to
             their
             own
             private
             uses
             ,
             and
             not
             for
             the
             publick
             ;
             and
             that
             if
             he
             and
             others
             might
             have
             liberty
             ,
             they
             would
             prove
             it
             ,
             or
             spoke
             words
             to
             the
             like
             effect
             :
             And
             at
             one
             other
             time
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             told
             this
             Deponent
             ,
             That
             God
             would
             appear
             for
             and
             on
             the
             behalf
             of
             the
             Cavaliers
             once
             more
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             eight
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             when
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             came
             and
             entred
             into
             the
             Rectory
             or
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             the
             Glebe-land
             thereunto
             belonging
             ,
             was
             very
             well
             stored
             and
             replenished
             with
             Timber-trees
             ,
             and
             other
             Underwood
             ,
             and
             that
             since
             that
             time
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             cut
             down
             ,
             burnt
             and
             sold
             ,
             all
             or
             the
             greatest
             part
             of
             the
             same
             Trees
             and
             Underwood
             ;
             and
             hath
             also
             pulled
             down
             two
             substantiall
             out-houses
             belonging
             to
             the
             said
             Rectory
             or
             Parsonage-house
             ,
             and
             sold
             away
             the
             materials
             thereof
             .
             And
             this
             Deponent
             further
             saith
             ,
             That
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             being
             required
             by
             a
             Warrant
             ,
             which
             came
             under
             the
             hands
             of
             
               Edward
               Stokes
            
             Esq
             .
             being
             both
             a
             Committee
             man
             and
             a
             Justice
             of
             the
             Peace
             of
             the
             said
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             to
             surcease
             from
             making
             of
             further
             spoils
             upon
             the
             Glebe
             of
             the
             said
             Parsonage
             ,
             he
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             returned
             seven
             Queries
             in
             Writing
             upon
             the
             backside
             of
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             Warrant
             ,
             by
             way
             of
             mocking
             and
             jearing
             of
             him
             ,
             and
             withall
             abused
             
             the
             said
             Warrant
             ,
             before
             he
             sent
             it
             back
             unto
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             defiling
             the
             same
             with
             his
             own
             or
             some
             others
             excrements
             ,
             as
             this
             Deponent
             doth
             verily
             believe
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             ninth
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             the
             Lords-day
             seven-night
             before
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             was
             committed
             to
             Prison
             as
             aforesaid
             ,
             he
             heard
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             deliver
             in
             his
             morning-Sermon
             on
             that
             day
             in
             the
             Parish-Church
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             to
             his
             Auditors
             then
             and
             there
             assembled
             ,
             That
             he
             was
             no
             Minister
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             wisht
             them
             not
             to
             look
             upon
             him
             as
             a
             Minister
             ,
             for
             that
             (
             said
             he
             )
             God
             had
             put
             an
             end
             to
             all
             Ministers
             and
             Ministrations
             ,
             and
             at
             the
             same
             time
             perswaded
             the
             people
             not
             to
             conform
             themselves
             to
             any
             visible
             Ministrations
             ,
             either
             for
             Church
             or
             state
             (
             meaning
             thereby
             ,
             as
             this
             Deponent
             conceiveth
             )
             that
             they
             should
             not
             obey
             any
             Ecclesiasticall
             or
             civil
             Authority
             .
             And
             further
             in
             the
             same
             Sermon
             he
             informed
             the
             people
             ,
             That
             God
             requires
             no
             obedience
             to
             any
             Scripture-commands
             .
             And
             this
             Deponent
             further
             saith
             ,
             that
             after
             the
             said
             Sermon
             was
             ended
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             being
             asked
             by
             this
             Deponent
             ,
             what
             then
             meant
             all
             the
             Epistles
             of
             the
             Apostles
             ?
             whereunto
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             then
             answered
             ,
             that
             they
             concerned
             us
             not
             .
          
        
         
           
             Edward
             Stokes
             of
             Tytherton
             Lucas
             in
             the
             said
             County
             of
             Wilts
             Esq.
             aged
             Thirty
             six
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             :
          
           
             TO
             the
             first
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             after
             M.
             
               Hughes
            
             had
             left
             the
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             the
             same
             being
             destitute
             of
             an
             Incumbent
             ,
             one
             M.
             
               Martyn
            
             had
             Orders
             both
             from
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             of
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             and
             also
             from
             the
             Committee
             of
             the
             said
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             to
             Officiate
             there
             ,
             and
             to
             receive
             the
             Tythes
             and
             Profits
             there-out
             arising
             ;
             which
             Orders
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Martyn
            
             shewed
             unto
             this
             Deponent
             ;
             and
             upon
             the
             request
             of
             the
             said
             
               Martyn
            
             this
             Deponent
             went
             along
             with
             him
             unto
             the
             Parish-Church
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             aforesaid
             ;
             who
             being
             come
             thither
             ,
             and
             intending
             to
             Preach
             ,
             was
             opposed
             by
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             Mistress
             
               Mary
               White
               ,
            
             and
             some
             other
             of
             the
             Parishioners
             ,
             who
             laboured
             to
             have
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             to
             Officiate
             there
             ;
             some
             of
             them
             then
             conceiving
             him
             to
             be
             a
             very
             godly
             and
             profitable
             man
             ,
             but
             have
             since
             found
             themselves
             deceived
             ;
             and
             others
             upon
             his
             promise
             of
             not
             taking
             Tithes
             of
             them
             ,
             did
             altogether
             set
             themselves
             against
             the
             
             said
             M.
             
               Martyn
               ,
            
             which
             made
             him
             to
             depart
             thence
             ,
             and
             leave
             the
             cure
             :
             And
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             thereupon
             continued
             there
             ever
             since
             ,
             without
             any
             Order
             or
             other
             Title
             to
             the
             same
             place
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             second
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             there
             having
             formerly
             been
             overmuch
             familiarity
             between
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webb
            
             and
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             the
             wife
             of
             
               Henry
               White
            
             Gent.
             about
             
               June
            
             1650.
             there
             happening
             a
             great
             varience
             between
             them
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             and
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             then
             seemingly
             ▪
             professed
             to
             this
             Deponent
             to
             be
             a
             great
             penitent
             ,
             and
             exceedingly
             troubled
             for
             his
             vile
             conversation
             ;
             and
             divers
             times
             since
             that
             ,
             did
             both
             by
             words
             and
             letters
             of
             his
             own
             hand-writing
             confesse
             to
             this
             Deponent
             ,
             that
             he
             had
             committed
             the
             detestable
             sin
             of
             uncleannesse
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ;
            
             through
             whose
             temptations
             he
             had
             committed
             it
             so
             frequently
             with
             her
             ,
             that
             at
             length
             he
             was
             glad
             when
             he
             had
             the
             liberty
             to
             walk
             in
             the
             air
             .
             And
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             seemed
             to
             this
             Deponent
             to
             be
             so
             penitent
             ,
             that
             he
             wished
             himself
             accursed
             for
             the
             pretious
             Gospels
             sake
             ,
             that
             had
             been
             so
             blasphemed
             by
             his
             wicked
             and
             unclean
             conversation
             :
             And
             further
             said
             ,
             that
             solicitations
             were
             used
             to
             bring
             him
             over
             ,
             and
             reconcile
             him
             again
             unto
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             but
             he
             then
             wished
             ,
             saying
             ,
             Oh
             that
             I
             might
             be
             accursed
             ,
             and
             the
             earth
             swallow
             me
             up
             alive
             ,
             rather
             then
             I
             should
             hearken
             unto
             her
             any
             more
             !
             Notwithstanding
             all
             which
             imprecations
             he
             shortly
             after
             grew
             intimate
             and
             familiar
             with
             her
             again
             ,
             and
             was
             so
             open
             and
             impudent
             in
             his
             carriage
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             that
             he
             was
             charged
             upon
             Oath
             to
             have
             been
             taken
             in
             the
             very
             Act
             of
             Adultery
             with
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             whereupon
             they
             both
             were
             committed
             to
             the
             common-Goal
             for
             the
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             there
             to
             remain
             untill
             they
             should
             be
             discharged
             from
             thence
             by
             due
             order
             of
             Law
             .
          
        
         
           
             Robert
             Jeffryes
             of
             Langley
             aforesaid
             Yeoman
             ,
             aged
             Forty
             three
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             .
          
           
             TO
             the
             second
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             this
             Deponents
             wife
             being
             sent
             for
             to
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             the
             wife
             of
             
               Henry
               White
            
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             Gent.
             when
             she
             was
             intravell
             with
             her
             childe
             (
             whereof
             she
             was
             then
             shortly
             afterwards
             delivered
             )
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             came
             to
             this
             Deponents
             house
             about
             a
             weeks
             space
             after
             her
             delivery
             ,
             not
             usually
             having
             come
             thither
             before
             that
             time
             ,
             
             and
             then
             asked
             her
             how
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             did
             ;
             and
             told
             this
             Deponents
             wife
             in
             his
             this
             Deponents
             hearing
             ,
             That
             the
             childe
             which
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             had
             them
             brought
             into
             the
             world
             ,
             was
             his
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webbs
            
             childe
             ,
             or
             no
             .
             And
             this
             Deponent
             further
             saith
             ,
             That
             this
             present
             day
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             told
             this
             Deponent
             ,
             that
             if
             he
             did
             come
             to
             be
             examined
             against
             him
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             bring
             his
             Action
             for
             the
             same
             against
             him
             .
          
        
         
           
             Deborah
             Clerke
             late
             servant
             to
             the
             said
             Robert
             Jeffryes
             ,
             aged
             Seven
             and
             twenty
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             :
          
           
             TO
             the
             second
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             in
             some
             short
             time
             after
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             was
             delivered
             of
             her
             childe
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             came
             to
             her
             said
             late
             Masters
             house
             ,
             and
             asked
             her
             Dame
             how
             Mistress
             ,
             
               White
            
             and
             her
             childe
             did
             ,
             and
             withall
             ,
             did
             thereupon
             say
             in
             a
             boasting
             way
             ,
             That
             the
             childe
             which
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             had
             then
             brought
             into
             the
             world
             ,
             was
             his
             the
             said
             
               Webbs
            
             childe
             ,
             or
             no
             .
          
        
         
           
             Edith
             Lewis
             wife
             of
             William
             Lewis
             of
             Langley
             aforesaid
             Yeoman
             ,
             aged
             Forty
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             :
          
           
             TO
             the
             second
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             about
             Whitsuntide
             last
             was
             twelve-moneth
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             this
             Deponents
             husband
             ,
             and
             she
             this
             Deponent
             ,
             being
             conferring
             together
             concerning
             matters
             of
             Religion
             ;
             she
             this
             Deponent
             did
             then
             and
             oftentimes
             since
             bear
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             say
             ,
             That
             he
             did
             live
             above
             Ordinances
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             was
             lawfull
             for
             him
             to
             lye
             with
             any
             woman
             .
             And
             at
             one
             time
             above
             the
             rest
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             Mistress
             
               White
               ,
            
             this
             Deponent
             ,
             and
             divers
             others
             sitting
             in
             the
             Gate-house
             of
             the
             dwelling-house
             of
             the
             said
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             (
             there
             being
             tame
             Pidgeons
             in
             the
             Court
             )
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             observing
             a
             great
             Cock
             Pidgeon
             to
             tread
             divers
             of
             the
             Hen
             Pidgeons
             there
             ,
             said
             unto
             those
             that
             were
             there
             present
             ,
             that
             it
             was
             lawfull
             for
             every
             man
             and
             woman
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             ought
             to
             take
             that
             liberty
             and
             freedom
             one
             with
             the
             other
             ,
             as
             those
             Pidgeons
             did
             ,
             although
             they
             were
             not
             married
             the
             one
             to
             the
             other
             .
          
           
           
             To
             the
             fourth
             and
             fifth
             Articles
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             upon
             a
             Lords
             day
             in
             the
             afternoon
             about
             Whitsuntide
             last
             was
             twelve-moneth
             ,
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             being
             asleep
             in
             a
             room
             of
             the
             dwelling-house
             of
             her
             this
             Deponents
             husband
             ,
             and
             sitting
             in
             a
             chair
             ,
             this
             Deponents
             husband
             came
             to
             him
             ,
             and
             awaked
             him
             ,
             and
             then
             said
             unto
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             that
             it
             was
             time
             to
             go
             to
             Church
             ,
             for
             the
             Bell
             had
             done
             ringing
             ,
             and
             there
             was
             a
             great
             audience
             of
             people
             come
             to
             hear
             him
             ;
             whereunto
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webb
            
             answered
             her
             husband
             ,
             in
             her
             this
             Deponents
             hearing
             ,
             Alas
             poor
             fools
             ,
             why
             do
             they
             come
             so
             far
             to
             hear
             me
             ,
             and
             stand
             gaping
             upon
             me
             ,
             whilst
             I
             tell
             them
             lies
             !
             Whereupon
             this
             Deponents
             husband
             asked
             the
             said
             Mr
             
               Webbe
               ,
            
             What
             ?
             do
             you
             tell
             them
             lies
             in
             the
             Pulpit
             ?
             whereunto
             he
             replied
             ,
             That
             lying
             and
             Preaching
             was
             all
             one
             to
             him
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             eight
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             that
             when
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             entred
             into
             the
             Rectory
             or
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             the
             Glebe-lands
             thereunto
             belonging
             were
             very
             well
             stored
             and
             replenished
             with
             Timber-trees
             of
             all
             sort
             ,
             and
             other
             Under-wood
             ,
             and
             that
             since
             that
             time
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             hewed
             ,
             cut
             down
             ,
             burnt
             ,
             and
             sold
             all
             or
             the
             most
             part
             of
             the
             said
             Timber
             and
             Under-wood
             ,
             which
             were
             any
             thing
             worth
             ,
             and
             hath
             mored
             and
             grubbed
             up
             about
             the
             one
             half
             part
             of
             the
             Copice-ground
             belonging
             to
             the
             said
             Rectory
             ;
             And
             that
             in
             summer
             last
             was
             twelve-moneth
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             did
             hire
             Workmen
             ,
             who
             did
             by
             his
             appointment
             pull
             down
             an
             handsome
             Barn
             belonging
             to
             the
             said
             Rectory
             ,
             and
             sold
             away
             the
             materials
             thereof
             .
          
        
         
           
             Robert
             Powell
             of
             Langley
             Burhill
             aforesaid
             ,
             Husbandman
             ,
             aged
             Fifty
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             :
          
           
             TO
             the
             last
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             the
             next
             Sunday
             after
             the
             Lent
             Assises
             ,
             being
             the
             first
             Sunday
             after
             M.
             
               Webbe
            
             came
             from
             
               Salisbury
            
             Gaol
             ,
             he
             heard
             the
             said
             
               Webbe
            
             in
             his
             then
             morning
             Sermon
             ,
             Preach
             and
             declare
             to
             his
             Auditors
             then
             assembled
             in
             the
             Parish-Church
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             these
             words
             following
             (
             that
             is
             to
             say
             )
             That
             the
             works
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             were
             dead
             works
             and
             carnall
             ,
             and
             ended
             when
             they
             died
             ,
             and
             served
             but
             for
             their
             time
             only
             ,
             and
             that
             people
             might
             live
             unto
             God
             without
             Jesus
             Christ
             ;
             yet
             said
             ,
             I
             must
             confesse
             that
             Jesus
             Christ
             
             was
             the
             greatest
             Ordinance
             that
             ever
             God
             set
             up
             ,
             and
             yet
             the
             Saints
             may
             live
             unto
             God
             without
             that
             Ordinance
             .
          
        
         
           
             Nicholas
             Gale
             of
             Langley
             aforesaid
             Miller
             ,
             aged
             Five
             and
             twenty
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             .
          
           
             TO
             the
             last
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             that
             about
             Whitsuntide
             last
             upon
             a
             Sabbath
             day
             he
             did
             hear
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             in
             his
             morning-Sermon
             ,
             Preach
             and
             declare
             in
             the
             said
             Parish-Church
             of
             
               Langley
            
             to
             his
             Auditors
             ,
             these
             words
             following
             (
             that
             is
             to
             say
             )
             that
             the
             doctrine
             and
             practice
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             ,
             were
             dead
             works
             ,
             and
             ended
             when
             they
             died
             :
             and
             that
             Preaching
             and
             Praying
             cease
             ,
             for
             the
             Lord
             hath
             no
             ears
             to
             hear
             .
             And
             this
             Deponent
             further
             saith
             ,
             that
             at
             another
             time
             afterwards
             ,
             upon
             a
             Sabbath
             day
             ,
             he
             heard
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             deliver
             in
             a
             Sermon
             ,
             in
             the
             said
             Parish-Church
             of
             
               Langley
               ,
            
             that
             Ministers
             ought
             not
             to
             be
             believed
             ,
             though
             they
             did
             Preach
             the
             truth
             ,
             except
             they
             could
             work
             miracles
             ,
             as
             Christ
             and
             his
             Apostles
             did
             .
          
        
         
           
             Hugh
             Wastfeild
             of
             Langley
             Burhill
             aforesaid
             Yeoman
             ,
             aged
             Forty
             years
             or
             thereabouts
             ,
             Sworn
             and
             Examined
             ,
             deposeth
             as
             followeth
             :
          
           
             TO
             the
             eight
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             when
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             came
             and
             entered
             into
             the
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             the
             Glebe-land
             thereunto
             belonging
             was
             very
             well
             stored
             and
             replenished
             with
             Timber-trees
             and
             other
             Under-wood
             ,
             and
             that
             since
             that
             time
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             hath
             hewed
             ,
             cut
             down
             ,
             burnt
             ,
             and
             sold
             a
             great
             part
             of
             the
             same
             Trees
             and
             Wood
             ,
             and
             hath
             grubbed
             and
             mored
             up
             a
             great
             part
             of
             the
             Copice-ground
             thereunto
             belonging
             ;
             and
             that
             since
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webbs
            
             coming
             to
             dwell
             in
             the
             Parsonage-house
             of
             
               Langley
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             there
             hath
             been
             a
             great
             Barn
             or
             Hay-house
             appertaining
             to
             it
             ,
             pulled
             down
             ,
             and
             the
             Material's
             thereof
             were
             either
             burnt
             or
             conveyed
             a
             way
             .
          
           
             To
             the
             last
             Article
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             
             That
             he
             hath
             heard
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             deliver
             in
             severall
             Sermons
             these
             things
             following
             (
             that
             is
             to
             say
             )
             that
             the
             Baptisme
             of
             water
             was
             only
             
               John's
            
             Ministry
             ,
             and
             was
             a
             legall
             washing
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             reckoned
             amongst
             legall
             things
             ;
             that
             Gods
             reaching
             his
             people
             is
             not
             by
             any
             outward
             Ordinance
             or
             Ministry
             ,
             or
             means
             ,
             but
             by
             the
             inward
             unction
             and
             anointing
             ;
             
             and
             that
             all
             preaching
             ,
             all
             conference
             or
             speaking
             one
             to
             another
             is
             but
             meer
             declaring
             to
             each
             other
             what
             we
             are
             taught
             ,
             and
             not
             any
             Ministry
             ,
             as
             for
             the
             teaching
             one
             of
             another
             ;
             and
             that
             he
             knew
             not
             whether
             
               Pauls
            
             Epistles
             do
             concern
             us
             or
             no
             .
             And
             further
             this
             Deponent
             saith
             ,
             that
             he
             did
             hear
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             deliver
             in
             a
             Sermon
             ,
             That
             he
             did
             hope
             to
             live
             so
             long
             ,
             and
             that
             it
             was
             now
             in
             working
             ,
             that
             there
             should
             be
             no
             such
             thing
             as
             a
             Parsonage
             or
             Minister
             in
             
               England
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             The
             Certificate
             of
             George
             Ivy
             and
             William
             Shute
             Esquires
             ,
             to
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             for
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             after
             they
             had
             taken
             the
             aforesaid
             Depositions
             .
          
           
             WE
             do
             humbly
             Certifie
             your
             Honours
             ,
             That
             we
             being
             the
             two
             next
             Justices
             of
             the
             Peace
             for
             this
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             unto
             
               Langley
               Burhill
            
             aforesaid
             ,
             that
             are
             unconcerned
             in
             this
             businesse
             ,
             did
             in
             pursuance
             of
             your
             two
             several
             Orders
             hereunto
             annexed
             ,
             prefix
             a
             time
             and
             place
             for
             the
             execution
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             whereof
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             had
             sufficient
             notice
             ,
             and
             upon
             his
             appearance
             before
             us
             this
             present
             day
             ,
             we
             did
             shew
             unto
             him
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             the
             Charge
             and
             Articles
             exhibited
             against
             him
             ,
             and
             required
             his
             answer
             thereunto
             ;
             and
             withall
             offered
             to
             examine
             and
             cross-examine
             any
             Witnesses
             that
             he
             should
             produce
             unto
             us
             for
             his
             defence
             :
             but
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             after
             much
             uncivil
             carriage
             used
             by
             him
             in
             the
             presence
             of
             us
             ,
             and
             divers
             others
             ,
             and
             many
             frivolous
             and
             unfitting
             discourses
             ,
             tending
             only
             to
             the
             diminution
             of
             your
             Authority
             ,
             and
             the
             disparagement
             of
             our selves
             ,
             and
             the
             rest
             of
             the
             adjacent
             Justices
             ,
             as
             not
             being
             fit
             to
             examine
             that
             or
             any
             other
             businesse
             that
             concerned
             him
             ,
             instead
             of
             an
             Answer
             ,
             did
             at
             length
             deliver
             us
             the
             afore-recited
             scandalous
             Exceptions
             ,
             and
             withall
             told
             us
             ,
             that
             he
             would
             give
             us
             no
             other
             answer
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             should
             not
             examine
             or
             crosse-examine
             any
             Witnesses
             for
             him
             by
             these
             Orders
             ,
             or
             used
             words
             to
             that
             effect
             .
          
           
             We
             humbly
             conceive
             it
             necessary
             to
             signifie
             these
             things
             by
             themselves
             ,
             and
             have
             also
             herewith
             sent
             the
             Execution
             of
             your
             Orders
             so
             far
             as
             Witnesses
             come
             in
             ;
             but
             we
             did
             not
             examine
             upon
             the
             Article
             wherein
             we
             and
             other
             Justices
             are
             concerned
             ,
             because
             we
             would
             avoid
             all
             cause
             of
             exception
             ,
             and
             we
             did
             inform
             the
             said
             M.
             
               Webb
            
             of
             so
             much
             ,
             before
             we
             examined
             any
             Witnesse
             .
          
           
           
             Upon
             the
             Articles
             and
             Depositions
             aforegoing
             the
             most
             famous
             Parson
             was
             ejected
             the
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
               ,
            
             
             in
             
               September
            
             1651.
             by
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             of
             Plundered
             Ministers
             ,
             where
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             appeared
             in
             his
             own
             defence
             ,
             being
             armed
             
               cap a pe
               pe
               ,
            
             with
             his
             wonted
             silly
             self-confidence
             ,
             impudence
             and
             ignorance
             ,
             who
             ,
             notwithstanding
             though
             he
             had
             over-stood
             his
             Market
             ,
             refusing
             to
             examine
             or
             crosse-examine
             Witnesses
             in
             the
             Country
             ;
             yet
             now
             propounds
             to
             the
             Committee
             of
             Examination
             ,
             as
             aforesaid
             ,
             only
             he
             desires
             two
             other
             Justices
             of
             Peace
             to
             be
             joyned
             with
             those
             whom
             he
             termed
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             with
             such
             like
             frothy
             conceits
             ,
             as
             vain
             as
             himself
             ;
             but
             they
             hold
             no
             water
             ,
             the
             mock-Parson
             is
             reduced
             to
             his
             pristine
             purity
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             a
             Priest
             without
             a
             Parsonage
             ,
             which
             act
             of
             Justice
             operates
             much
             upon
             the
             Parsons
             foul
             stomack
             ,
             and
             therefore
             though
             the
             Parsonage
             be
             evacuated
             ,
             yet
             the
             dregs
             remain
             ,
             which
             are
             brought
             up
             and
             disgorged
             at
             severall
             times
             ,
             or
             by
             degrees
             .
          
           
             First
             ,
             The
             unsavory
             salt
             was
             no
             sooner
             cast
             to
             the
             dunghill
             ,
             but
             the
             ejected
             
               quondam
            
             Parson
             lays
             about
             him
             ,
             and
             seeing
             his
             tongue
             was
             too
             short
             to
             tell
             of
             his
             misfortunes
             ,
             and
             to
             bespatter
             his
             persecutors
             ,
             he
             betakes
             himself
             to
             his
             Pen
             ,
             and
             writes
             his
             black
             Parson-like
             Epistles
             to
             the
             honest
             ,
             
               alias
            
             Ranting
             Party
             ,
             acquainting
             them
             what
             had
             fallen
             out
             ,
             and
             then
             rails
             ,
             Parson-wise
             ,
             against
             Mr
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             giving
             him
             such
             titles
             as
             can
             belong
             to
             none
             save
             mock-Parsons
             ,
             and
             withall
             promiseth
             his
             fellow-creatures
             to
             write
             a
             book
             and
             publish
             it
             against
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             others
             ,
             and
             then
             sets
             down
             such
             particulars
             as
             he
             intended
             to
             Print
             against
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             which
             he
             hath
             with
             some
             alteration
             performed
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             He
             abuseth
             the
             Honourable
             Committee
             of
             Plundred
             Ministers
             ,
             taxing
             them
             with
             injustice
             ,
             and
             tels
             his
             friends
             that
             he
             will
             indeavour
             to
             turn
             the
             stream
             ,
             assuring
             them
             that
             if
             not
             this
             ,
             yet
             another
             Representative
             will
             do
             it
             .
          
           
             Thirdly
             ,
             He
             makes
             them
             believe
             he
             is
             very
             near
             a
             very
             good
             settlement
             in
             another
             place
             ,
             and
             presseth
             them
             to
             gain
             him
             (
             with
             speed
             )
             a
             Certificate
             from
             the
             honest
             party
             .
          
           
             So
             after
             this
             
               non-such
            
             Parson
             had
             a
             while
             lain
             his
             wits
             a soaking
             in
             the
             stinking
             puddle
             of
             envy
             and
             Revenge
             ,
             and
             bent
             his
             tongue
             like
             bows
             for
             lies
             ,
             he
             composeth
             a
             certain
             ill-shapen
             Libell
             ,
             as
             full
             almost
             as
             the
             Author
             of
             untruth
             and
             error
             .
          
           
             Which
             monster
             so
             far
             resembles
             a
             well-formed
             creature
             ,
             that
             it
             runs
             upon
             two
             legs
             .
          
           
           
             The
             first
             whereof
             is
             to
             inform
             the
             world
             ,
             That
             
               Tho
               ▪
               Webb
            
             is
             a
             man
             of
             excellent
             parts
             ,
             and
             full
             of
             piety
             ,
             an
             enemy
             to
             uncleannesse
             ,
             to
             blasphemy
             ,
             to
             Parsonages
             ,
             to
             Tithes
             ,
             and
             whores
             ,
             a
             man
             of
             a
             publike
             spirit
             ,
             of
             sound
             judgement
             ,
             of
             great
             temperance
             ,
             and
             a
             sufferer
             for
             righteousnesse
             sake
             .
          
           
             The
             second
             is
             ,
             That
             all
             those
             that
             did
             not
             flatter
             him
             in
             his
             wicked
             and
             unclean
             waies
             ,
             or
             did
             in
             any
             thing
             dislike
             his
             Rantings
             and
             counterfeit
             repentings
             ,
             were
             unjust
             ,
             cruell
             ,
             tyrannicall
             ,
             malitious
             ,
             and
             bloudy
             minded
             men
             ;
             and
             amongst
             the
             rest
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             (
             being
             the
             greatest
             opposite
             to
             the
             Ranting
             Parson
             )
             is
             to
             be
             numbered
             amongst
             the
             worst
             of
             men
             ,
             he
             is
             now
             a
             blasphemer
             of
             the
             highest
             rank
             ,
             a
             deceiver
             ,
             and
             what
             not
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             upon
             these
             two
             legs
             the
             Libell
             comes
             into
             the
             world
             ,
             the
             father
             whom
             it
             resembles
             gives
             it
             a
             name
             ,
             and
             the
             witnesses
             names
             being
             in
             number
             a
             hundred
             and
             four
             ,
             are
             fastened
             to
             a
             silly
             certificate
             ,
             to
             justifie
             the
             father
             ,
             that
             by
             their
             credit
             the
             monstrous
             birth
             may
             travell
             the
             Common-wealth
             ,
             without
             being
             questioned
             or
             dealt
             withall
             as
             a
             runnagate
             or
             base
             born
             brat
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Name
             or
             Title
             is
             A
             Masse
             of
             malice
             against
             Tho.
             Webb
             late
             Minister
             of
             Langley
             Burhill
             in
             the
             County
             of
             Wilts
             discovered
             .
          
           
             IN
             the
             Title
             you
             may
             note
             that
             this
             Parson
             hath
             often
             times
             in
             publique
             and
             private
             denied
             that
             he
             was
             any
             Minister
             ,
             yet
             here
             writes
             himself
             ,
             Late
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               B.
               
            
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             Whilst
             he
             was
             possest
             of
             a
             Parsonage
             ,
             he
             said
             there
             were
             no
             Ministers
             in
             
               England
               ,
            
             yet
             now
             being
             spewed
             out
             of
             the
             same
             ,
             he
             prints
             himself
             ,
             Late
             Minister
             of
             
               L.
               B.
               
            
          
           
             He
             saith
             of
             his
             work
             ,
             It
             's
             a
             true
             relation
             ,
             which
             indeed
             is
             most
             untrue
             ,
             as
             also
             are
             those
             six
             severall
             Heads
             attending
             the
             relation
             (
             though
             they
             all
             walk
             upon
             two
             legs
             ,
             as
             before
             mentioned
             )
             as
             in
             the
             catalogue
             afterwards
             will
             appear
             .
          
           
             Then
             he
             most
             prophanely
             abuseth
             two
             several
             Texts
             of
             Scripture
             ,
             applying
             that
             which
             is
             true
             in
             
               David
            
             the
             Type
             ,
             or
             Christ
             the
             Anti-type
             ,
             unto
             his
             unclean
             and
             most
             graceless
             self
             .
          
           
             The
             first
             is
             
               Psalm
               35.
               11.
               
               False
               witnesses
               did
               arise
               up
               ,
               they
               laid
               to
               my
               charge
               things
               that
               I
               knew
               not
               .
            
             He
             hath
             been
             charged
             to
             be
             a
             whore-master
             ,
             and
             he
             hath
             acknowledged
             himself
             so
             to
             be
             (
             see
             his
             Letters
             
             before
             )
             and
             yet
             here
             he
             saith
             in
             a
             Scripture
             phrase
             ,
             
               They
               laid
               to
               my
               charge
               things
               I
               knew
               not
               .
            
          
           
             
               The
               second
               Scripture
               to
               support
               the
               Masse
               of
               malice
               and
               the
               Author
               ,
               is
            
             Psalm
             38.
             20.
             
             They
             also
             that
             render
             evil
             for
             good
             are
             mine
             adversaries
             ,
             because
             I
             follow
             the
             thing
             that
             good
             is
             .
          
           
             It
             seems
             all
             those
             that
             disliked
             
               Webbs
            
             wicked
             waies
             are
             such
             as
             
               render
               evil
               for
               good
               ;
            
             he
             justifies
             his
             own
             actions
             ,
             and
             by
             a
             Scripture
             phrase
             ,
             saith
             they
             are
             good
             ,
             and
             he
             follows
             the
             thing
             that
             good
             is
             :
             Surely
             the
             thing
             that
             the
             Parson
             follows
             is
             not
             good
             ,
             unlesse
             Ranting
             ,
             Revellings
             ,
             Whorings
             and
             counterfeit
             Repentings
             be
             good
             ;
             these
             he
             hath
             followed
             to
             the
             heels
             ,
             as
             the
             relation
             makes
             manifest
             :
             But
             it
             seems
             these
             are
             good
             ,
             and
             so
             followed
             by
             
               T.
               W.
            
             late
             Minister
             of
             
               Langley
               B.
            
             and
             such
             as
             dislike
             him
             are
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             and
             render
             evil
             for
             good
             .
             But
             let
             the
             mock-Parson
             alone
             to
             condemn
             all
             others
             ,
             and
             trumpet
             out
             his
             own
             praises
             ,
             saying
             ,
             
               Stand
               further
               off
               ,
               I
               am
               holier
               then
               thou
               ,
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             The
             Certificate
             in
             the
             front
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             being
             so
             ridiculous
             ,
             frivolous
             ,
             and
             untrue
             ,
             needs
             no
             more
             but
             the
             bare
             reading
             over
             by
             the
             Ingenuous
             man
             ,
             the
             thing
             it self
             being
             but
             the
             brainlesse
             birth
             of
             a
             broad-brim'd
             professor
             ,
             who
             when
             he
             shaped
             it
             to
             his
             own
             liking
             ,
             dealt
             with
             it
             as
             counterfeit
             cripples
             with
             their self-made
             sores
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             lye
             in
             the
             high
             wayes
             and
             publike
             places
             to
             move
             pity
             in
             the
             passengers
             to
             gain
             relief
             :
             So
             the
             professor
             aforesaid
             repairs
             with
             his
             scabbed
             Certificate
             into
             the
             high-waies
             ,
             Markets
             and
             Churches
             ;
             where
             after
             much
             beggery
             and
             basenesse
             ,
             above
             one
             hundred
             names
             are
             subscribed
             ;
             the
             pretence
             is
             to
             gain
             the
             Parson
             another
             place
             :
             however
             ,
             the
             subscribers
             ,
             some
             of
             them
             school-boys
             ,
             deboist
             ,
             swearers
             ,
             covetous
             earthworms
             ,
             drunken
             companions
             ,
             with
             unknown
             names
             ,
             to
             fill
             up
             the
             number
             ,
             some
             Ranting
             professors
             with
             about
             three
             or
             four
             plain-hearted
             men
             ,
             brought
             in
             through
             deceipt
             ,
             whose
             names
             passe
             like
             Jackdaws
             among
             the
             Rooks
             ;
             and
             some
             there
             were
             that
             set
             their
             names
             in
             the
             rear
             ,
             because
             Mr
             
               White
            
             was
             in
             the
             front
             ,
             and
             they
             alledge
             they
             have
             as
             good
             reason
             to
             subscribe
             ▪
             as
             he
             and
             more
             too
             ;
             yet
             some
             of
             all
             these
             are
             ashamed
             to
             see
             and
             own
             their
             fair
             names
             in
             the
             front
             of
             so
             filthy
             a
             monstrous
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             So
             much
             for
             the
             Title
             and
             Certificate
             :
             For
             the
             Masse
             it self
             the
             Author
             will
             not
             foul
             so
             much
             paper
             to
             answer
             a
             fool
             according
             to
             his
             folly
             ,
             nor
             trouble
             himself
             nor
             the
             Reader
             with
             a
             particular
             Survey
             
             and
             reply
             to
             all
             the
             materials
             of
             which
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             is
             composed
             of
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             you
             shall
             have
             first
             a
             Catalogue
             of
             divers
             of
             the
             most
             ill-shapen
             untruths
             laid
             down
             ,
             which
             are
             the
             subject
             matter
             of
             the
             malicious
             Masse
             .
          
           
             Secondly
             ,
             You
             shall
             afterwards
             finde
             replies
             of
             truth
             ,
             to
             divers
             of
             the
             most
             notorious
             
               quondam
            
             Parsons
             hell-invented
             untruths
             against
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             by
             which
             you
             may
             guesse
             at
             the
             whole
             Masse
             ,
             and
             perceive
             the
             depth
             of
             its
             Malice
             .
          
        
         
           
             The
             Catalogue
             of
             Untruths
             follow
             .
          
           
             
             WHat
             follows
             is
             a
             true
             Relation
             of
             all
             my
             sufferings
             ;
             the
             unjust
             ,
             cruel
             and
             heard
             dealings
             I
             received
             from
             some
             in
             authority
             ,
             and
             such
             who
             desire
             to
             be
             esteemed
             godly
             .
             
          
           
             
             The
             first
             beginning
             of
             my
             troubles
             was
             my
             imprisonment
             ,
             never
             was
             such
             harsh
             and
             rigid
             proceedings
             against
             any
             offenders
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             
             Our
             Justice
             being
             prejudiced
             against
             us
             ,
             especially
             against
             the
             
             Gentlewoman
             ,
             who
             had
             oftentimes
             opposed
             him
             about
             our
             Rates
             ,
             he
             having
             a
             hundred
             and
             twenty
             pound
             
               per
               annum
            
             in
             our
             Parish
             ,
             and
             would
             never
             pay
             any
             rate
             for
             the
             Parliament
             and
             Army
             ,
             
               p.
            
             3.
             
          
           
             
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             took
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             aside
             ,
             and
             read
             to
             her
             an
             Information
             given
             him
             by
             Good
             wife
             
               Lewis
               ,
            
             as
             the
             cause
             wherefore
             she
             desired
             a
             Warrant
             of
             the
             Peace
             against
             us
             ,
             
               p.
            
             4.
             
          
           
             
             He
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             being
             glad
             of
             any
             accusation
             ,
             is
             easily
             wrought
             upon
             (
             though
             it
             be
             contrary
             to
             all
             law
             and
             reason
             )
             to
             prosecute
             us
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             
             The
             Justices
             that
             day
             called
             a
             petty
             Sessions
             ,
             and
             caused
             the
             Country
             to
             be
             there
             ,
             though
             they
             (
             as
             before
             they
             had
             resolved
             )
             did
             nothing
             for
             the
             Country
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             5.
             
          
           
             
             The
             woman
             did
             tremble
             as
             she
             was
             speaking
             ,
             and
             lookt
             like
             death
             ,
             
               p.
            
             5.
             
          
           
             
             They
             (
             
               viz
            
             )
             the
             Justices
             could
             give
             me
             no
             answer
             ,
             but
             would
             refer
             that
             matter
             to
             Judge
             
               Nicholas
               ,
            
             p.
             5.
             
          
           
             
             They
             were
             resolved
             ,
             and
             neither
             Law
             nor
             Reason
             should
             alter
             
             them
             ,
             though
             I
             used
             many
             rationall
             and
             strong
             arguments
             with
             them
             ,
             
               p.
            
             6.
             
          
           
             
             We
             offered
             Bail
             ,
             but
             it
             was
             denied
             us
             ,
             
               p.
            
             7.
             
          
           
             
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             were
             then
             bailed
             for
             felony
             ,
             upon
             Bail
             not
             worth
             10l
             
               p.
            
             7.
             
          
           
           
             And
             this
             the
             wise
             Justices
             would
             have
             had
             done
             and
             indeavoured
             
             for
             to
             do
             most
             unjustly
             and
             cruelly
             ,
             time
             after
             time
             ,
             denying
             me
             the
             time
             ,
             
               p.
            
             9.
             
          
           
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             about
             three
             weeks
             before
             our
             triall
             sent
             me
             a
             time
             which
             proved
             false
             ,
             
               p.
            
             9.
             
             
          
           
             For
             what
             they
             had
             done
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             M.
             
               Shute
               ▪
            
             they
             
             could
             not
             say
             any
             thing
             ,
             for
             M.
             
               Ivy
            
             was
             gone
             ,
             but
             they
             would
             the
             next
             morning
             talk
             with
             Judge
             
               Nicholas
               ,
            
             p.
             9.
             
          
           
             Such
             were
             the
             threats
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             followed
             the
             Officer
             with
             ,
             
             
               pag.
            
             10.
             
          
           
             M.
             
               Swanton
            
             seemed
             to
             be
             much
             troubled
             ,
             saying
             ,
             he
             admired
             at
             it
             ,
             
             and
             if
             the
             businesse
             had
             been
             before
             him
             ,
             he
             would
             have
             freed
             us
             ,
             and
             sent
             
               Lewis
            
             and
             his
             wife
             to
             Goal
             ,
             and
             that
             if
             we
             would
             procure
             the
             deposition
             he
             would
             bayl
             us
             ,
             
               p.
            
             10.
             
          
           
             Whereupon
             I
             sent
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             for
             the
             Deposition
             ,
             but
             he
             denied
             
             it
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             10.
             
          
           
             He
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             saith
             ,
             M.
             
               Ivy
            
             hath
             the
             Information
             ,
             when
             he
             
             hath
             it
             ,
             
               p
            
             11.
             
          
           
             And
             at
             length
             on
             purpose
             to
             keep
             us
             in
             Goal
             ,
             sends
             the
             Deposition
             
             inclosed
             in
             a
             lying
             Information
             to
             M.
             
               Swanton
               ,
            
             and
             so
             continues
             us
             prisoners
             to
             his
             lying
             ,
             ignorant
             and
             malitious
             spirit
             ,
             
               p.
            
             11.
             
          
           
             Judge
             
               Nicholas
            
             saith
             ,
             O
             sirra
             ,
             you
             know
             the
             Law
             ,
             do
             you
             ?
             you
             are
             
             one
             of
             
               Lilborns
            
             faction
             ,
             you
             shall
             be
             banisht
             ,
             saith
             the
             Judge
             ,
             
               p.
            
             12.
             
          
           
             Upon
             this
             womans
             accusation
             they
             had
             an
             opportunity
             to
             lash
             me
             ,
             
             not
             for
             the
             fact
             so
             much
             as
             for
             
               Lilborns
            
             faction
             :
             
               You
               shall
               be
               banisht
               ,
            
             saith
             the
             Judge
             ,
             
               p.
            
             13.
             
          
           
             I
             was
             not
             suffered
             to
             speak
             ,
             
               p.
            
             13.
             
             
          
           
             The
             Judge
             did
             promise
             our
             prosecutors
             that
             we
             should
             not
             do
             any
             thing
             against
             them
             ,
             
               p.
            
             13.
             
             
          
           
             The
             Indictment
             was
             to
             this
             effect
             ,
             
               p.
            
             13.
             
             
          
           
             This
             amazed
             his
             Lordship
             ,
             and
             set
             his
             bloud
             on
             fire
             .
             
          
           
             He
             spake
             to
             her
             in
             a
             very
             chiding
             ,
             scolding
             manner
             ,
             
               p.
            
             14.
             
             
          
           
             He
             discovered
             himself
             to
             be
             full
             of
             malice
             and
             envy
             ,
             
               p.
            
             15.
             
             
          
           
             She
             being
             upon
             her
             trial
             ,
             could
             hardly
             have
             the
             liberty
             to
             speak
             for
             
             her self
             ,
             his
             Lordship
             sometimes
             bawling
             and
             taunting
             at
             her
             ,
             saying
             he
             would
             go
             from
             the
             Bench
             ,
             
               &c.
            
             p.
             15.
             
          
           
             And
             the
             woman
             swore
             to
             the
             6th
             of
             
               October
               ,
            
             p.
             15.
             
             
          
           
             They
             were
             intended
             to
             do
             what
             they
             could
             to
             deprive
             us
             of
             our
             lives
             ,
             
               p.
            
             15.
             
             
          
           
           
             
             This
             wicked
             woman
             invents
             an
             accusation
             against
             the
             Gentlewoman
             and
             my self
             ,
             which
             had
             its
             countenance
             from
             the
             Justices
             ,
             
             
               p.
            
             17.
             
          
           
             
             Reason
             was
             a
             stranger
             in
             the
             Court
             at
             that
             time
             ,
             and
             there
             were
             not
             ears
             to
             hear
             peace
             for
             justice
             ,
             
               p
            
             17.
             
          
           
             
             I
             desire
             liberty
             to
             speak
             but
             none
             was
             granted
             ,
             and
             whenever
             I
             desired
             it
             the
             Judge
             held
             out
             his
             stick
             as
             if
             he
             would
             have
             struck
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             17.
             
          
           
             
             The
             Judge
             incouraged
             my
             adversaries
             to
             speak
             ,
             by
             his
             putting
             
             words
             into
             their
             mouths
             ,
             and
             interpreting
             what
             they
             said
             ,
             to
             his
             own
             and
             worst
             sense
             ,
             
               p.
            
             18.
             
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             fearing
             that
             he
             should
             miss
             of
             his
             ends
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             my
             death
             ,
             
             〈◊〉
             the
             whole
             
               series
            
             of
             his
             actions
             tended
             to
             ,
             
               p
            
             18.
             
          
           
             
             His
             Oath
             was
             returned
             to
             him
             with
             abundance
             of
             disgrace
             ,
             for
             M.
             
               Bayliff
            
             solemnly
             took
             his
             Oath
             ,
             that
             he
             told
             him
             no
             such
             thing
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             18.
             
          
           
             
             He
             then
             produced
             two
             Letters
             ,
             pretending
             they
             were
             my
             acknowledgement
             of
             the
             fact
             ,
             
               p.
            
             18.
             
          
           
             
             They
             held
             forth
             no
             such
             thing
             as
             a
             Confession
             .
          
           
             
             The
             whole
             story
             of
             M.
             
               Bayliffs
            
             Deposition
             ,
             
               p.
            
             19.
             
             A
             most
             notorious
             untruth
             made
             by
             
               T.
               W.
            
             never
             spoken
             by
             M.
             
               B.
            
             in
             Court
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             (
             saith
             the
             Libeller
             )
             was
             so
             impudent
             as
             to
             swear
             
             falsly
             in
             the
             Court
             to
             take
             away
             our
             lives
             which
             he
             thirsted
             after
             ,
             
               p.
            
             19.
             
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             (
             saith
             
               Webbs
            
             Masse
             of
             malice
             )
             thinking
             to
             get
             himself
             
             a
             good
             name
             ,
             indeavours
             to
             take
             it
             out
             of
             our
             Ashes
             ;
             and
             rather
             then
             he
             will
             miss
             of
             his
             ayms
             ,
             he
             will
             swear
             falsly
             in
             open
             Court
             .
          
           
             
             But
             he
             respects
             neither
             Law
             nor
             Gospel
             ,
             but
             is
             a
             blasphemer
             and
             contemner
             of
             both
             ,
             
               p.
            
             20.
             
          
           
             Perfect
             malice
             and
             envy
             leads
             him
             to
             another
             design
             (
             saith
             the
             
             Ranting
             Parson
             )
             for
             to
             take
             away
             my
             means
             ,
             which
             after
             much
             injustice
             
             and
             grosse
             abuse
             acted
             towards
             me
             ,
             he
             hath
             obtained
             .
          
           
             
             The
             wrong
             and
             injury
             done
             to
             me
             was
             very
             great
             ,
             not
             only
             in
             taking
             away
             my
             means
             ,
             but
             rendring
             me
             under
             a
             most
             foul
             and
             unclean
             vizard
             ,
             
               p.
            
             20.
             
          
           
             
             So
             an
             honest
             man
             ,
             one
             M.
             
               Richard
               Wick
            
             supplied
             my
             place
             in
             my
             absence
             ,
             
               p.
            
             21.
             
          
           
             
             So
             M.
             
               Pinell
            
             parted
             and
             looked
             after
             the
             businesse
             no
             further
             ,
             
             though
             very
             much
             solicited
             thereto
             by
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
               p.
            
             21.
             
          
           
             But
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             he
             sends
             to
             a
             solicitor
             that
             attends
             the
             Committee
             ,
             
             
               p.
            
             21.
             
          
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             being
             troubled
             in
             his
             minde
             that
             nothing
             was
             done
             against
             
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             22.
             
          
           
             Which
             two
             Orders
             were
             not
             then
             created
             ,
             nor
             was
             there
             any
             such
             
             thing
             as
             an
             Order
             ,
             
               p.
            
             22.
             
          
           
             He
             summons
             me
             to
             appear
             before
             the
             Commissioners
             ,
             
               p.
            
             22.
             
             
          
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             returns
             me
             this
             answer
             ,
             that
             he
             had
             sent
             up
             the
             body
             of
             
             another
             Charge
             against
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             4.
             
          
           
             He
             will
             have
             this
             
               Massey
               ,
            
             and
             sent
             his
             Letter
             for
             him
             ,
             as
             it
             was
             proved
             
             to
             his
             face
             the
             22.
             of
             
               September
            
             last
             .
          
           
             Great
             preparation
             was
             made
             by
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             &c.
             for
             a
             Petition
             to
             the
             
             Committee
             for
             
               Massey
               .
            
          
           
             What
             was
             acted
             by
             these
             men
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             M.
             
               Shute
            
             (
             saith
             
             the
             Libeller
             )
             not
             knowledge
             ,
             nor
             any
             interest
             in
             the
             thing
             ,
             but
             impudent
             malice
             ,
             
               p.
            
             46.
             
          
           
             Sr
             
               Edward
               Baynton
            
             and
             his
             faction
             caused
             them
             to
             be
             disbanded
             ,
             
             
               p.
            
             50.
             
          
           
             Their
             sending
             me
             the
             Warrant
             without
             either
             Charge
             or
             Order
             ,
             
             bewrayed
             in
             them
             abundance
             of
             ignorance
             or
             malice
             .
          
           
             So
             about
             ten
             daies
             after
             ,
             when
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             partner
             
               Cha●
               Aland
            
             
             and
             
               Massey
            
             had
             hatcht
             a
             Charge
             ,
             then
             it
             was
             sent
             to
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             51.
             
          
           
             The
             great
             grounds
             of
             exception
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             52.
             are
             printed
             contrary
             to
             
             the
             original
             Copy
             .
          
           
             Wherein
             falsly
             they
             informed
             that
             I
             contemned
             the
             Committees
             Order
             ,
             
               p.
            
             53.
             
             
          
           
             But
             M.
             
               Wiliington
            
             told
             me
             what
             I
             had
             done
             ,
             questioned
             the
             Authority
             
             of
             that
             Committee
             ,
             
               p.
            
             53.
             
          
           
             The
             Articles
             intended
             to
             be
             examined
             ,
             were
             not
             those
             exhibited
             
             before
             the
             Committee
             ,
             
               p.
            
             53.
             
          
           
             The
             Libeller
             intimates
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             54.
             
             That
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             did
             carry
             up
             the
             
             Examination
             against
             him
             to
             the
             Committee
             ,
             and
             solicited
             for
             a
             poor
             slipshood-Parson
             ,
             
               p.
            
             54.
             
          
           
             Truly
             mine
             eyes
             have
             seen
             him
             do
             such
             horrid
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             (
             saith
             the
             Libeller
             )
             of
             the
             highest
             nature
             as
             ever
             I
             heard
             related
             to
             be
             done
             by
             any
             ,
             
               p.
            
             54
             ▪
             
          
           
             He
             is
             become
             (
             
               viz
            
             )
             a
             meer
             dissembler
             with
             God
             and
             man
             .
             
          
           
             He
             is
             a
             publick
             mocker
             ,
             jearer
             and
             derider
             of
             all
             publick
             worship
             ,
             
             
             and
             fell
             down
             upon
             his
             knees
             to
             a
             mock-prayer
             ,
             and
             made
             the
             same
             a
             subject
             of
             mirth
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             54.
             
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             my self
             ,
             with
             two
             or
             three
             more
             ,
             lay
             at
             the
             Bores-head
             in
             
               Salisbury
               ,
            
             p.
             55.
             
          
           
             
             And
             came
             to
             bed
             with
             very
             blasphemous
             words
             in
             his
             mouth
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             55.
             
          
           
             
             Finding
             a
             bottle
             he
             filled
             it
             with
             his
             Urine
             and
             set
             it
             by
             his
             Filth
             .
          
           
             
             He
             used
             the
             gesture
             of
             kneeling
             .
          
           
             And
             expressed
             himself
             in
             this
             abominable
             and
             blasphemous
             language
             
             to
             me
             ,
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
          
           
             
             That
             I
             should
             kneel
             down
             and
             partake
             the
             Communion
             .
          
           
             
             Saith
             he
             ,
             pointing
             to
             his
             dung
             ,
             Here
             is
             the
             body
             of
             Christ
             .
          
           
             
             Pointing
             to
             his
             urine
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             Here
             is
             the
             bloud
             of
             Christ
             .
          
           
             
             To
             every
             cup
             of
             Sack
             or
             Bear
             ,
             he
             would
             make
             a
             mock
             of
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             .
          
           
             
             He
             would
             teach
             me
             to
             make
             a
             spiritual
             face
             ,
             
               p.
            
             55.
             
          
           
             
             They
             cannot
             away
             to
             hear
             of
             love
             and
             good
             works
             ,
             
               p.
            
             56.
             
          
           
             I
             might
             insert
             many
             other
             acts
             of
             his
             blasphemy
             (
             as
             true
             as
             the
             
             rest
             ,
             )
             
               p.
            
             56.
             
          
           
             
             Well
             ,
             saith
             the
             Libellous
             Parson
             ,
             I
             may
             diminish
             ,
             but
             indeed
             I
             have
             not
             added
             any
             thing
             to
             them
             .
          
           
             
             Nakedly
             as
             they
             came
             from
             him
             I
             have
             here
             inserted
             them
             .
          
           
             
             I
             might
             insert
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             his
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             his
             pocketting
             up
             of
             4l
             which
             were
             collected
             of
             the
             honest
             party
             in
             my
             Church
             .
          
           
             He
             issued
             out
             his
             Warrants
             for
             the
             raising
             of
             him
             mony
             to
             buy
             him
             
             Trumpets
             and
             Banners
             ,
             
               p.
            
             56.
             
          
           
             
             I
             was
             not
             suffered
             to
             give
             in
             my
             Answer
             ,
             saith
             the
             Parson
             ,
             in
             any
             fair
             ,
             even
             and
             just
             way
             ,
             
               p.
            
             57.
             
          
           
             
             In
             the
             57.
             
               pag.
            
             he
             hath
             set
             down
             the
             Articles
             of
             prophaneness
             and
             scandall
             against
             himself
             falsly
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             same
             page
             he
             belies
             M
             
               Stokes
            
             concerning
             his
             Deposition
             to
             the
             first
             Article
             .
          
           
             
             Being
             earnestly
             desired
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             by
             M.
             
               White
            
             (
             and
             the
             Parish
             )
             I
             accepted
             .
             Q.
             
               Is
               not
               M.
            
             White
             
               and
               the
               Parish
               beholding
               to
            
             T.
             W
             ?
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             M.
             
               White
            
             is
             ,
             having
             raised
             his
             fortunes
             and
             saved
             his
             tythe
             by
             this
             acceptation
             ,
             
               p.
            
             58.
             
          
           
             
             He
             saith
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             M.
             
               Martyn
            
             were
             both
             satisfied
             that
             the
             right
             lay
             in
             M.
             
               White
            
             and
             not
             in
             the
             Committee
             ,
             
               p.
            
             58.
             
          
           
             
             The
             people
             with
             one
             consent
             cried
             ,
             A
             
               Webb
            
             a
             
               Webb
               .
            
          
           
           
             Untill
             it
             was
             within
             this
             half
             year
             ,
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             looked
             upon
             me
             as
             
             their
             Minister
             ,
             and
             hath
             often
             pressed
             me
             to
             take
             Tythes
             .
             
          
           
             He
             saith
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             hath
             sevenscore
             pounds
             a
             year
             land
             in
             our
             Parish
             ,
             
             (
             
               viz.
               )
               Langley
               ,
            
             as
             true
             as
             the
             rest
             ,
             he
             hath
             but
             30l
             
               per
               annum
            
             there
             ,
             during
             his
             fathers
             life
             ,
             
               p.
            
             59.
             
          
           
             Truly
             (
             saith
             the
             Parson
             that
             cannot
             speak
             truth
             )
             such
             is
             the
             enmity
             of
             my
             spirit
             against
             the
             evil
             of
             uncleannesse
             ,
             that
             I
             should
             be
             never
             
             given
             over
             to
             commit
             ,
             much
             lesse
             to
             glory
             in
             it
             ,
             
               p.
            
             60.
             
             
          
           
             She
             (
             meaning
             Good
             wife
             
               Lewis
            
             )
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             sent
             his
             Warrant
             to
             
             come
             against
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             61.
             
          
           
             This
             last
             clause
             struck
             the
             nail
             on
             the
             head
             before
             the
             Committee
             ,
             
             
               p.
            
             62.
             
          
           
             At
             that
             time
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             I
             were
             a
             little
             intimate
             ,
             
               p.
            
             62.
             
             
          
           
             And
             in
             this
             late
             time
             of
             danger
             engaged
             my self
             ,
             
               p.
            
             62.
             
             
          
           
             I
             hope
             (
             saith
             
               Webb
            
             )
             its
             because
             they
             knew
             themselves
             guilty
             of
             having
             dealt
             very
             unjustly
             by
             me
             ,
             which
             is
             all
             that
             ever
             I
             said
             of
             
             them
             ,
             
               p.
            
             63.
             
          
           
             The
             following
             certificate
             which
             is
             from
             the
             most
             knowingest
             and
             godliest
             Christians
             ,
             
               pag.
            
             63.
             
             
          
           
             The
             Justices
             most
             knowingest
             Christians
             are
             such
             who
             will
             swear
             and
             speak
             most
             falsly
             ,
             
               p.
            
             63.
             
             
          
           
             Their
             own
             consciences
             do
             acquit
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             64.
             
             
          
           
             All
             the
             honest
             party
             the
             whole
             Country
             throughout
             will
             clear
             me
             ,
             
             saith
             Parson
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             p.
             64.
             
          
           
             They
             have
             sought
             to
             take
             away
             my
             life
             ,
             
               p.
            
             65.
             
             
          
           
             Here
             you
             have
             the
             true
             Relation
             of
             my
             Case
             ,
             
               p.
            
             65.
             
             
          
           
             The
             unjust
             (
             saith
             the
             unclean
             Parson
             )
             and
             harsh
             dealing
             I
             have
             received
             from
             the
             Justices
             was
             the
             cause
             of
             the
             great
             
               Odium
            
             cast
             upon
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             65.
             
             
          
           
             Truly
             this
             was
             the
             plot
             even
             to
             send
             me
             to
             the
             Goal
             ,
             and
             thereby
             
             cast
             a
             cloud
             of
             filth
             over
             me
             ,
             
               p.
            
             65.
             
          
           
             I
             acted
             amongst
             many
             of
             the
             Country
             for
             the
             bringing
             of
             him
             ,
             
             (
             
               viz.
               )
               Geo.
               Ivy
            
             Esq
             .
             to
             an
             accompt
             for
             his
             Malignancy
             ,
             
               p.
            
             65.
             
          
           
             He
             is
             not
             a
             fit
             man
             (
             meaning
             Mr
             
               Shute
            
             )
             to
             act
             in
             any
             publique
             imployment
             ,
             
               p.
            
             65.
             
             
          
           
             Of
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             he
             saith
             he
             knows
             that
             the
             woman
             who
             was
             my
             accuser
             ,
             
             hath
             to
             my self
             and
             others
             ,
             charged
             him
             with
             many
             things
             of
             the
             same
             nature
             ,
             
               p.
            
             66.
             
          
           
             When
             danger
             was
             eminent
             ,
             he
             laid
             down
             his
             Commission
             ,
             
               p.
            
             66.
             
             
          
           
           
             
             When
             he
             was
             made
             Justice
             for
             the
             Peace
             he
             faces
             about
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             
             When
             these
             worthy
             Gent.
             Lieut.
             Col.
             
               Lilborn
               ,
            
             M.
             
               Walwin
            
             and
             the
             rest
             were
             put
             into
             the
             Tower
             ,
             
             he
             towred
             up
             his
             just
             principle
             also
             ,
             and
             arraigned
             them
             and
             their
             well-wishers
             at
             the
             tyrannicall
             and
             usurping
             bar
             of
             his
             Justiceship
             .
          
           
             
             He
             hath
             expressed
             himself
             bitterly
             against
             them
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             Often
             saying
             that
             he
             would
             give
             200l
             to
             have
             me
             taken
             out
             of
             the
             
             way
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             
             He
             hath
             alwaies
             envied
             the
             happiness
             and
             prosperity
             of
             the
             Gentlewoman
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             
             He
             caused
             the
             sault
             of
             M.
             
               Whites
               ,
            
             to
             be
             taken
             away
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             
             He
             perswades
             her
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             Mistress
             
               White
            
             to
             sell
             a
             parcell
             of
             Plate
             ;
             
             She
             left
             the
             sale
             to
             him
             ,
             could
             never
             have
             any
             accompt
             ,
             only
             received
             
             eight
             pounds
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             
             Many
             writings
             of
             consequence
             was
             put
             into
             his
             custody
             ,
             but
             not
             since
             to
             be
             found
             ,
             
               p.
            
             67.
             
          
           
             
             His
             envy
             is
             against
             the
             estate
             and
             the
             Gentlewomans
             prosperity
             ,
             and
             therefore
             he
             will
             do
             what
             he
             can
             to
             destroy
             it
             ,
             
               p.
            
             68.
             
          
           
             
             Of
             all
             things
             written
             and
             related
             by
             this
             notorious
             Libellous
             Parson
             ,
             he
             saith
             though
             it
             be
             large
             yet
             its
             all
             true
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             Catalogue
             aforegoing
             ,
             you
             have
             the
             most
             part
             of
             those
             scandalous
             and
             slanderous
             untruths
             ,
             as
             they
             lay
             in
             Order
             in
             
               Tho.
               
               Webbs
            
             disorderly
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               :
            
             In
             which
             he
             hath
             (
             as
             he
             thinks
             )
             justified
             himself
             ,
             and
             sufficiently
             bespattered
             with
             his
             black
             mock-Parson
             mouth
             both
             Judge
             and
             Justices
             ,
             especially
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             on
             him
             he
             hath
             vomited
             all
             his
             own
             shame
             ,
             contracted
             with
             the
             long
             enjoyment
             of
             a
             fat
             Parsonage
             and
             a
             fine
             Concubine
             .
          
           
             That
             it
             may
             the
             more
             clearly
             appear
             that
             the
             said
             Catalogue
             is
             a
             bundell
             of
             notorious
             untruths
             :
             some
             few
             of
             them
             ,
             and
             they
             the
             most
             grosse
             (
             against
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             )
             are
             answered
             ;
             by
             which
             the
             Reader
             may
             see
             of
             what
             mettle
             the
             rest
             are
             made
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             53.
             
               pag.
            
             of
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             he
             confesseth
             that
             he
             is
             ejected
             the
             place
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             the
             Parsonage
             of
             
               Langley
               B.
            
             and
             in
             the
             20.
             
               pag.
            
             he
             attributes
             the
             ejectment
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             as
             you
             may
             see
             in
             the
             51
             untruth
             in
             the
             Catalogue
             before
             .
          
           
             Wherefore
             it
             is
             very
             necessary
             that
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             should
             be
             required
             and
             rewarded
             for
             so
             good
             a
             work
             ,
             and
             the
             Parson
             scorns
             to
             be
             ungratefull
             ;
             and
             therefore
             not
             as
             a
             bribe
             before
             hand
             ,
             but
             as
             a
             gratuity
             
             afterward
             ,
             he
             brings
             out
             of
             his
             learned
             Treasury
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             his
             most
             unchristian
             and
             Parson-like
             heart
             ,
             a
             whole
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             and
             laies
             ,
             through
             his
             Pastorall
             charity
             ,
             the
             greatest
             mess
             of
             the
             said
             Masse
             on
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             Trencher
             .
          
           
             And
             therefore
             in
             the
             54
             
               page
               ,
            
             he
             begins
             afresh
             ,
             as
             a
             Parson
             recovering
             breath
             to
             compleat
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             with
             a
             Truly
             ,
             truly
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             my
             eyes
             have
             seen
             him
             do
             such
             horrid
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             of
             the
             highest
             nature
             ,
             as
             ever
             I
             heard
             related
             to
             be
             done
             by
             any
             ;
             nay
             I
             never
             heard
             of
             the
             like
             acted
             by
             any
             ,
             whether
             Atheists
             ,
             Pagans
             or
             Infidels
             .
          
           
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             How
             or
             when
             could
             the
             Parson
             see
             with
             his
             eyes
             such
             
             horrid
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             ,
             and
             not
             with
             his
             tongue
             reprove
             nor
             admonish
             the
             offender
             ?
             surely
             no
             conclusion
             can
             be
             gathered
             from
             hence
             but
             this
             ,
             either
             he
             believes
             his
             own
             eyes
             ,
             or
             else
             was
             a
             party
             in
             those
             acts
             ,
             for
             silence
             gives
             consent
             .
          
           
             Honest
             Parsons
             or
             true
             Christians
             ,
             having
             the
             least
             part
             of
             grace
             
             remaining
             in
             the
             heart
             ,
             would
             have
             used
             other
             means
             or
             waies
             to
             bring
             a
             blasphemer
             to
             the
             sight
             of
             his
             evil
             ,
             then
             publish
             the
             same
             in
             a
             Libellous
             Pamphlet
             two
             years
             after
             the
             fact
             ,
             yet
             before
             any
             other
             admonition
             ,
             you
             may
             easily
             conclude
             't
             is
             publisht
             in
             a
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             That
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             such
             a
             man
             ,
             or
             guilty
             of
             such
             high
             crimes
             ,
             must
             
             be
             proved
             by
             more
             persons
             ,
             and
             those
             of
             better
             repute
             then
             the
             
               quondam
            
             Parson
             of
             
               Langley
               ,
            
             and
             registred
             in
             a
             better
             record
             ,
             and
             more
             true
             then
             
               Webbs
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             otherwise
             none
             but
             vain
             and
             light
             creatures
             will
             credit
             the
             report
             .
          
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             he
             hath
             had
             no
             familiarity
             with
             
               Webb
            
             for
             
             four
             years
             last
             past
             ended
             in
             
               July
            
             1652.
             
             And
             therefore
             if
             his
             eyes
             have
             seen
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             do
             such
             horrid
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             ,
             either
             a
             Parsonage
             or
             a
             blasphemous
             principle
             hung
             in
             the
             Parsons
             light
             that
             he
             could
             never
             see
             to
             speak
             of
             it
             ,
             but
             conceal
             it
             till
             he
             brought
             forth
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             The
             very
             reason
             the
             Parson
             urgeth
             why
             he
             concealed
             it
             till
             now
             ,
             
             will
             clear
             up
             the
             innocency
             of
             M.
             
               Stokes
               :
            
             the
             tender
             respects
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             I
             did
             owe
             to
             him
             ,
             because
             he
             carried
             a
             fair
             correspondency
             with
             honest
             people
             ,
             hath
             made
             me
             hitherto
             to
             conceal
             the
             same
             .
             (
             Mark
             )
             would
             not
             any
             man
             of
             reason
             think
             that
             there
             was
             reason
             enough
             for
             the
             Parson
             to
             indeavour
             to
             convince
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             of
             his
             error
             ,
             as
             the
             Scriptures
             direct
             ?
             and
             if
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             had
             refused
             his
             admonition
             ,
             he
             
             might
             have
             publisht
             the
             evil
             to
             the
             honest
             party
             ,
             towards
             whom
             he
             carried
             a
             fair
             correspondency
             ,
             and
             those
             honest
             men
             might
             have
             assisted
             the
             Parson
             in
             so
             good
             a
             work
             ;
             but
             surely
             the
             Parson
             was
             ignorant
             of
             his
             duty
             ,
             otherwise
             he
             never
             saw
             those
             horrid
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             ,
             nor
             ever
             thought
             of
             them
             till
             he
             had
             sat
             upon
             ,
             and
             almost
             hatcht
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             But
             to
             come
             to
             some
             particulars
             he
             saith
             in
             the
             aforesaid
             54
             
               page
            
             of
             M.
             
               Stokes
               .
            
          
           
             In
             the
             first
             place
             he
             is
             a
             publique
             mocker
             ,
             jearer
             and
             derider
             of
             all
             publique
             worship
             .
          
           
             
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             daily
             practice
             both
             in
             publique
             and
             private
             acquits
             him
             of
             this
             slander
             .
          
           
             
             The
             consciences
             of
             his
             greatest
             opposites
             ,
             even
             
               Webb
            
             and
             divers
             more
             of
             the
             Ranting
             crew
             ,
             will
             free
             him
             now
             in
             private
             ,
             and
             shall
             at
             the
             last
             and
             great
             account
             ,
             publikely
             confesse
             that
             this
             charge
             proceeded
             from
             the
             brains
             and
             bowels
             of
             a
             discontented
             Parson
             ,
             who
             having
             lost
             a
             good
             name
             and
             a
             fat
             Parsonage
             ,
             behaves
             himself
             as
             a
             Bear
             that
             is
             robbed
             of
             her
             whelps
             .
          
           
             
             Yet
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             confesseth
             that
             he
             hath
             been
             addicted
             to
             laughing
             and
             jearing
             at
             false
             and
             formall
             worshippers
             ,
             both
             Papists
             and
             common
             Protestants
             ,
             who
             make
             ignorance
             the
             mother
             of
             devotion
             ,
             and
             worship
             an
             unknown
             God
             ,
             or
             the
             true
             God
             after
             a
             manner
             not
             prescribed
             in
             Gods
             word
             .
          
           
             Moreover
             he
             confesseth
             that
             he
             hath
             privatly
             and
             publiquely
             jeared
             those
             that
             Preach
             and
             Pray
             ,
             and
             Professe
             to
             ,
             for
             to
             gain
             good
             names
             ,
             fat
             Parsonages
             ,
             and
             handsome
             women
             for
             wives
             and
             whores
             ,
             that
             makes
             merchandise
             of
             the
             word
             of
             God
             ,
             that
             
               serve
               not
               the
               Lord
               Jesus
               Christ
               but
               their
               own
               belly
               ;
            
             and
             this
             
               Tho.
               Webb
            
             knows
             ,
             whose
             works
             praise
             him
             in
             the
             gate
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             (
             who
             before
             the
             Lord
             acknowledgeth
             that
             he
             is
             lesse
             then
             the
             least
             of
             all
             Gods
             mercies
             )
             affirms
             ,
             that
             he
             hath
             a
             most
             honourable
             accompt
             and
             high
             esteem
             of
             all
             Gods
             Ordinances
             ,
             of
             all
             true
             worship
             and
             worshippers
             ,
             and
             withall
             believes
             that
             Marriage
             it self
             is
             an
             Ordinance
             in
             force
             ,
             honourable
             amongst
             all
             ,
             and
             the
             bed
             undefiled
             ;
             which
             the
             accuser
             believes
             not
             ,
             nor
             yet
             the
             Commandment
             which
             saith
             ,
             
               Thou
               shalt
               not
               covet
               thy
               neighbours
               wife
               .
            
          
           
             The
             Parson
             gives
             one
             instance
             to
             prove
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             such
             a
             publique
             mocker
             ,
             but
             it
             's
             as
             solid
             as
             the
             Parson
             is
             learned
             ,
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             that
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             Captain
             
               Matraners
            
             and
             himself
             were
             all
             three
             in
             
               London
            
             about
             
             two
             years
             ago
             ,
             and
             lying
             (
             liars
             had
             need
             of
             good
             memories
             )
             in
             the
             blew
             Bores-head
             in
             King-street
             ,
             the
             morning
             we
             were
             to
             come
             out
             of
             town
             ,
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             fell
             down
             upon
             his
             knees
             to
             a
             mock-praier
             in
             
               Westminster
            
             Abby
             .
          
           
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             to
             his
             best
             remembrance
             he
             was
             
             never
             in
             
               London
            
             with
             
               Webb
            
             and
             
               Treavers
            
             together
             ,
             but
             confesseth
             that
             about
             four
             years
             since
             he
             was
             in
             
               Westminster
            
             with
             the
             said
             parties
             .
             There
             is
             a
             sign
             of
             a
             blew
             Bores-head
             in
             Kingstreet
             ,
             at
             which
             house
             all
             the
             parties
             lay
             ,
             but
             surely
             the
             Bores-head
             is
             neither
             so
             large
             nor
             so
             hollow
             as
             to
             lodge
             three
             persons
             within
             its
             own
             bulk
             ;
             yet
             the
             Parson
             affirms
             we
             were
             all
             being
             in
             
               London
               ,
            
             and
             lying
             at
             the
             blew
             Bores-head
             in
             Kingstreet
             .
          
           
             As
             for
             the
             mock
             prayer
             ,
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             understands
             not
             what
             the
             Parson
             
             means
             ,
             yet
             when
             he
             shall
             print
             a
             right
             time
             ,
             and
             also
             a
             Copy
             of
             the
             mock-prayer
             ,
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             will
             be
             so
             ingenuous
             to
             confesse
             his
             errors
             and
             miscarriages
             in
             publique
             worship
             ;
             yet
             that
             either
             then
             ,
             or
             at
             any
             other
             time
             any
             thought
             ,
             word
             or
             action
             passed
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             with
             an
             intent
             to
             make
             a
             mock
             of
             that
             holy
             Ordinance
             of
             prayer
             ,
             or
             any
             other
             publick
             worship
             ,
             is
             the
             highest
             untruth
             and
             scandall
             as
             ever
             Satan
             by
             any
             of
             his
             instruments
             (
             whether
             spirituall
             )
             or
             lay
             Parson
             charged
             upon
             any
             creature
             that
             expected
             salvation
             by
             Jesus
             Christ
             .
          
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             knoweth
             that
             all
             prayer
             not
             acted
             by
             faith
             ,
             is
             mock-prayer
             ;
             
             and
             he
             believes
             that
             the
             saying
             of
             
               David
            
             is
             true
             ,
             (
             
               viz.
               )
               If
               I
               regard
               iniquity
               in
               my
               heart
               ,
               the
               Lord
               will
               not
               hear
               my
               prayer
               :
            
             To
             allow
             ones
             self
             in
             the
             practice
             of
             any
             known
             sin
             ,
             and
             to
             come
             before
             the
             Lord
             in
             daily
             prayer
             ,
             is
             mock-prayer
             .
          
           
             It
             's
             much
             to
             be
             feared
             that
             the
             Libertine
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             is
             well
             acquainted
             with
             mock-prayer
             .
             
               Reason
            
             1.
             
             He
             hath
             both
             Preached
             and
             
             Prayed
             to
             get
             and
             keep
             a
             Parsonage
             .
             2.
             
             By
             his
             own
             confession
             he
             lived
             in
             the
             vile
             sin
             of
             uncleannesse
             a
             long
             time
             together
             ,
             and
             yet
             in
             that
             time
             constantly
             Preached
             and
             prayed
             in
             the
             publique
             Congregation
             :
             
               Quere
               ,
            
             Whether
             those
             prayers
             were
             not
             mock-prayers
             ?
             3.
             
             He
             hath
             confessed
             that
             he
             hath
             not
             had
             the
             assistance
             of
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             as
             in
             former
             times
             ,
             and
             yet
             he
             kept
             his
             appointed
             howers
             of
             prayer
             in
             the
             publique
             Congregation
             ;
             
               Q.
            
             Were
             not
             these
             mock-prayers
             ?
             yet
             all
             these
             are
             left
             out
             ,
             and
             one
             pretended
             mock-prayer
             by
             a
             mock-Parson
             in
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             fastened
             upon
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             &c.
             
          
           
             Yet
             the
             Parson
             saith
             not
             that
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             made
             a
             mock-prayer
             ,
             but
             
             
             fell
             down
             on
             his
             knees
             to
             a
             mock-prayer
             ;
             so
             whether
             he
             means
             the
             prayer
             of
             the
             Minister
             ,
             or
             the
             gesture
             of
             kneeling
             ,
             or
             the
             pillar
             to
             which
             he
             kneeled
             ,
             he
             is
             desired
             to
             demonstrate
             what
             he
             means
             when
             he
             wipes
             his
             eyes
             with
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             or
             makes
             an
             addition
             to
             that
             learned
             Libell
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             second
             place
             he
             forms
             a
             most
             Execrable
             blasphemy
             in
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             p.
             55.
             concerning
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             not
             to
             be
             thought
             of
             ,
             much
             lesse
             named
             amongst
             the
             Christians
             ;
             and
             indeavours
             to
             fasten
             that
             also
             upon
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             and
             this
             he
             saith
             was
             committed
             at
             
               Salisbury
               ,
            
             at
             the
             Bores-head
             ,
             there
             after
             the
             time
             before
             mentioned
             ,
             which
             was
             about
             two
             years
             since
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             he
             was
             not
             with
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             at
             
               Salisbury
            
             at
             that
             time
             ,
             nor
             at
             any
             time
             since
             ,
             except
             when
             he
             was
             upon
             his
             triall
             for
             Adultery
             at
             Lent
             Assises
             ,
             1650.
             
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             he
             never
             lay
             at
             the
             Bores-head
             in
             
               Salisbury
            
             by
             himself
             ,
             with
             the
             said
             Parson
             ,
             nor
             with
             any
             other
             person
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             knoweth
             no
             such
             sign
             ;
             moreover
             he
             affirms
             that
             if
             he
             can
             be
             disproved
             in
             either
             of
             these
             answers
             ,
             he
             is
             contented
             to
             be
             branded
             with
             the
             blackest
             mark
             of
             infamy
             that
             ever
             was
             due
             to
             a
             blasphemer
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             beleeves
             ,
             that
             were
             himself
             (
             or
             any
             )
             guilty
             of
             so
             horrid
             and
             most
             accursed
             actions
             ,
             God
             is
             so
             just
             and
             jealous
             of
             his
             own
             glory
             ,
             that
             as
             great
             plagues
             and
             furies
             would
             pursue
             the
             offender
             ,
             as
             befell
             
               Julian
               ,
               Judas
            
             or
             
               Spira
               .
            
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             the
             whole
             story
             of
             the
             blasphemy
             ,
             as
             penned
             and
             published
             by
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             is
             of
             the
             Libellers
             own
             invention
             ,
             and
             never
             had
             a
             being
             ,
             but
             in
             
               Tho.
               
               Webbs
            
             brain
             or
             practice
             till
             ,
             it
             came
             from
             thence
             to
             fill
             up
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             against
             M.
             
               Stokes
               .
            
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             beleeves
             the
             Sacrament
             of
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             to
             be
             of
             Divine
             Institution
             ,
             and
             of
             great
             use
             to
             all
             believers
             at
             this
             day
             ,
             he
             cannot
             justifie
             himself
             ,
             but
             must
             confesse
             that
             he
             hath
             sinned
             against
             the
             Lord
             in
             the
             use
             and
             neglect
             of
             his
             holy
             Ordinances
             ,
             but
             to
             speak
             or
             to
             act
             any
             thing
             by
             way
             of
             derision
             or
             derogation
             to
             any
             one
             of
             them
             (
             even
             those
             that
             are
             now
             abolished
             )
             is
             that
             which
             his
             soul
             abhorreth
             and
             trembleth
             to
             think
             of
             .
          
           
             
             The
             ridiculous
             author
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             hath
             divers
             times
             in
             publique
             and
             private
             ,
             preacht
             and
             disputed
             ,
             That
             believers
             into
             whom
             Christ
             or
             the
             Spirit
             is
             come
             ,
             are
             no
             longer
             to
             use
             the
             Ordinance
             of
             the
             Lords
             Supper
             ,
             for
             which
             learned
             conceit
             of
             his
             ,
             M.
             
             
               Stokes
            
             confesseth
             that
             he
             hath
             grossely
             jeared
             the
             said
             Parson
             ,
             but
             abborreth
             the
             thought
             of
             under
             valuing
             ,
             much
             more
             of
             blaspheming
             that
             body
             and
             bloud
             by
             which
             only
             he
             expects
             eternall
             salvation
             .
          
           
             Yet
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             beholding
             to
             the
             Christian
             moel-Parson
             ,
             not
             for
             
             creating
             a
             most
             cursed
             and
             detestable
             blasphemy
             and
             fastening
             it
             upon
             him
             ,
             but
             for
             weakning
             his
             own
             evidence
             ,
             giving
             himself
             the
             lye
             ,
             and
             clearing
             the
             accused
             ,
             for
             so
             he
             doth
             in
             the
             20th
             line
             of
             the
             aforesaid
             55.
             
               pag.
            
             in
             these
             words
             ,
             
               Blasphemy
               that
               I
               never
               heard
               in
               my
               life
               .
            
             If
             he
             had
             said
             That
             he
             had
             never
             heard
             the
             like
             in
             his
             life
             ,
             or
             never
             heard
             before
             ,
             it
             might
             have
             been
             otherwise
             understood
             :
             But
             to
             conclude
             ,
             after
             he
             hath
             filled
             up
             with
             most
             accursed
             circumstance
             a
             self-invented
             blasphemy
             ,
             he
             clearly
             acquits
             the
             accused
             ,
             and
             saith
             ,
             blasphemy
             that
             I
             never
             heard
             in
             my
             life
             .
             Lord
             how
             good
             thou
             art
             ?
             this
             is
             thy
             hand
             and
             thy
             doing
             I
             Thou
             hast
             made
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             to
             acquit
             the
             innocent
             ,
             in
             the
             middest
             of
             his
             fierce
             and
             foul
             Charge
             ,
             To
             thy
             name
             be
             all
             the
             glory
             .
          
           
             The
             Libidinous
             Parson
             saith
             himself
             ,
             That
             he
             made
             no
             words
             of
             
             the
             businesse
             till
             now
             ,
             concealing
             it
             till
             now
             from
             all
             people
             ,
             wherefore
             if
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             were
             guilty
             ,
             must
             not
             the
             Parson
             be
             as
             far
             forth
             guiltty
             as
             himself
             ;
             Is
             a
             man
             of
             his
             Coat
             and
             Calling
             to
             conceal
             a
             blasphemy
             of
             that
             nature
             ,
             without
             check
             to
             the
             blasphemer
             or
             complaint
             to
             the
             Magistrate
             for
             two
             years
             together
             ?
             but
             it
             seems
             the
             blasphemy
             ,
             as
             great
             as
             it
             is
             ,
             had
             never
             been
             contrived
             nor
             revealed
             ,
             had
             not
             this
             spirituall
             Parson
             faln
             into
             travell
             with
             ,
             and
             longed
             to
             be
             delivered
             of
             a
             monstrous
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               :
            
             And
             therefore
             who
             will
             not
             conclude
             that
             this
             blasphemous
             bastard
             (
             being
             as
             ugly
             and
             deformed
             as
             the
             fellow-creatures
             could
             make
             it
             )
             had
             the
             corrupt
             brains
             of
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             for
             its
             womb
             ,
             and
             the
             father
             of
             lies
             for
             its
             midwife
             ,
             who
             brought
             it
             forth
             ,
             and
             wrapt
             it
             up
             in
             a
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             and
             then
             deal
             with
             it
             as
             petty
             whores
             with
             their
             poor
             bastards
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             give
             them
             suck
             and
             lay
             them
             at
             other
             folks
             doors
             .
          
           
             But
             the
             peremptory
             Parson
             is
             a
             man
             of
             reason
             ,
             and
             therefore
             is
             not
             without
             reason
             for
             the
             concealment
             of
             the
             said
             blasphemy
             ,
             yet
             the
             unreasonableness
             of
             the
             reasons
             will
             acquit
             M.
             
               Stokes
               .
            
          
           
             His
             first
             reason
             is
             because
             we
             were
             there
             met
             ,
             and
             about
             the
             affairs
             of
             the
             Country
             .
          
           
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             The
             meeting
             about
             the
             affairs
             of
             the
             Country
             could
             
             not
             prevent
             a
             zealous
             Christian
             ,
             much
             lesse
             so
             eminent
             a
             Parish
             Parson
             as
             
               Tho.
               Webb
            
             (
             who
             is
             none
             of
             the
             shame
             fast
             Parsons
             )
             from
             a
             
             dislike
             ,
             or
             a
             check
             to
             so
             grosse
             an
             evil
             in
             his
             companion
             .
          
           
             
             Must
             the
             affairs
             of
             the
             Country
             be
             a
             sufficient
             ground
             to
             exempt
             a
             man
             (
             when
             he
             is
             imployed
             therein
             )
             to
             set
             him
             scot-free
             from
             the
             check
             or
             controul
             of
             reverend
             grave
             Divines
             ,
             though
             he
             commit
             the
             highest
             crime
             against
             the
             Lord
             of
             life
             and
             glory
             .
             Surely
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             is
             no
             Minister
             of
             the
             Lords
             making
             ,
             that
             prefers
             the
             publique
             imployments
             and
             Country
             affairs
             ,
             above
             the
             glory
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             the
             great
             Bishop
             and
             Shepherd
             of
             our
             souls
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             beleeves
             that
             the
             Commonwealth
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             is
             not
             so
             barren
             of
             good
             men
             ,
             that
             its
             affairs
             must
             be
             managed
             by
             blasphemers
             ,
             and
             they
             never
             told
             of
             their
             evils
             neither
             ,
             untill
             such
             time
             as
             a
             little
             malice
             be
             grown
             into
             a
             Masse
             ,
             but
             from
             such
             blasphemers
             ,
             and
             such
             Parsons
             good
             Lord
             deliver
             the
             Commonwealth
             of
             
               England
               .
            
          
           
             But
             Parson
             
               Webbs
            
             second
             reason
             is
             ,
             He
             was
             well
             thought
             of
             ,
             and
             therefore
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             I
             concealed
             it
             till
             now
             from
             all
             people
             .
          
           
             
             So
             long
             as
             a
             man
             is
             well
             thought
             of
             ,
             he
             may
             commit
             any
             sin
             or
             blasphemy
             whatsoever
             ,
             without
             check
             or
             reproof
             ;
             surely
             if
             this
             spirituall
             man
             had
             not
             been
             mad
             ,
             he
             would
             never
             insert
             this
             reason
             so
             void
             of
             all
             understanding
             .
          
           
             
             The
             Reader
             may
             easily
             see
             day
             light
             through
             this
             little
             hole
             :
             T
             is
             no
             matter
             how
             much
             a
             man
             blasphemes
             ,
             nor
             what
             sins
             he
             becomes
             guilty
             of
             so
             long
             as
             he
             is
             well
             thought
             of
             amongst
             the
             Ranting
             crew
             ,
             called
             amongst
             themselves
             the
             honest
             party
             :
             let
             a
             man
             be
             friendly
             to
             these
             ,
             and
             let
             them
             alone
             with
             their
             carnall
             lusts
             and
             spirituall
             livings
             ,
             (
             
               viz.
            
             Parsonages
             )
             and
             all
             shall
             be
             well
             ;
             but
             cross
             them
             in
             either
             ,
             they
             will
             load
             you
             with
             their
             own
             actions
             ,
             and
             lay
             upon
             you
             a
             a
             Masse
             of
             malicious
             filth
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             believes
             he
             is
             as
             well
             thought
             off
             in
             his
             Country
             amongst
             all
             sorts
             of
             people
             (
             Ranters
             only
             excepted
             )
             as
             ever
             :
             yet
             he
             desires
             rather
             to
             be
             good
             ,
             then
             to
             be
             accounted
             so
             ;
             he
             values
             not
             the
             praises
             of
             men
             ,
             yet
             loves
             a
             good
             name
             ,
             which
             no
             sort
             of
             people
             ,
             high
             or
             low
             ,
             rich
             or
             poor
             ,
             nor
             Cavalier
             nor
             Roundhead
             ,
             nor
             Presbyterian
             nor
             Independant
             ,
             ever
             sought
             to
             rob
             him
             of
             ;
             till
             the
             famous
             malevolent
             Parson
             
               Tho.
               Webb
            
             and
             his
             fellow-creatures
             (
             whose
             tongues
             and
             pens
             are
             no
             slander
             )
             undertook
             the
             charge
             of
             the
             work
             in
             a
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             and
             this
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             accompts
             as
             an
             addition
             to
             his
             good
             name
             and
             honour
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             to
             be
             evil
             spoken
             of
             by
             the
             generation
             of
             Ranters
             ;
             whose
             wicked
             waies
             and
             practices
             are
             an
             abhorring
             
             to
             his
             soul
             ,
             which
             the
             mock-Parson
             knoweth
             to
             the
             grief
             of
             his
             prophane
             heart
             .
          
           
             The
             next
             materiall
             thing
             the
             Parson
             chargeth
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             withall
             ,
             follows
             in
             the
             same
             
               pag.
            
             55.
             
          
           
             I
             having
             taught
             (
             saith
             he
             )
             one
             Lords
             day
             from
             the
             words
             of
             St
             
               James
               ,
               Be
               ye
               holy
               in
               all
               manner
               of
               conversation
               .
            
             And
             shewing
             how
             a
             Christian
             ought
             in
             all
             his
             actions
             to
             set
             a
             strict
             Watch
             over
             himself
             ,
             and
             see
             that
             he
             imitate
             the
             divine
             life
             :
             And
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             being
             present
             after
             I
             had
             ended
             my
             discourse
             ,
             and
             going
             out
             of
             the
             Church
             ,
             he
             asked
             me
             why
             I
             medled
             with
             such
             stuff
             as
             that
             was
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             This
             knowing
             arrogant
             Parson
             you
             may
             perceive
             is
             so
             
             well
             read
             in
             the
             new
             Testament
             ,
             that
             he
             quotes
             St
             
               James
            
             for
             St
             
               Peter
               ,
            
             for
             the
             Text
             is
             ,
             1
             
               Pet.
            
             1
             15.
             
             But
             his
             imployment
             is
             so
             great
             ,
             and
             his
             travel
             so
             hard
             to
             bring
             forth
             a
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             that
             for
             hast
             he
             robs
             S.
             
               Peter
               ,
            
             and
             belies
             S.
             
               James
               .
            
          
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             the
             doctrines
             as
             they
             are
             now
             set
             down
             in
             
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             (
             as
             Christian
             Watchfulnesse
             and
             imitation
             of
             the
             divine
             life
             )
             are
             excellent
             doctrines
             most
             profitable
             to
             beleevers
             :
             but
             neither
             the
             one
             nor
             the
             other
             were
             ever
             preached
             by
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             in
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             hearing
             ,
             and
             disliked
             of
             by
             him
             ,
             neither
             did
             the
             Parson
             ever
             Preach
             upon
             that
             Scripture
             ,
             as
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             remembreth
             .
          
           
             Yet
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             confesseth
             that
             about
             four
             years
             since
             he
             heard
             the
             
             said
             Parson
             preach
             in
             the
             Parish
             Church
             of
             
               Largley
            
             a
             very
             unprofitable
             Sermon
             ,
             without
             any
             life
             ,
             power
             ,
             or
             appearance
             of
             the
             spirit
             of
             God
             ,
             shewing
             the
             Auditory
             how
             much
             and
             how
             often
             they
             should
             eat
             and
             drink
             ;
             when
             he
             ought
             rather
             to
             shew
             that
             that
             which
             enters
             into
             the
             body
             defileth
             not
             ,
             but
             that
             from
             the
             heart
             proceeds
             murthers
             ,
             adulteries
             and
             the
             like
             ,
             and
             to
             have
             indeavoured
             to
             have
             made
             clean
             the
             inside
             of
             the
             cup
             and
             platter
             ,
             for
             till
             the
             heart
             be
             cleansed
             and
             purified
             through
             the
             presence
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             Christ
             ,
             there
             can
             be
             no
             Christian
             watchfulnesse
             ,
             nor
             imitation
             of
             a
             divine
             life
             :
             These
             with
             all
             observations
             of
             meats
             and
             drinks
             perish
             with
             the
             using
             ,
             and
             are
             bodily
             exercises
             which
             profit
             little
             ;
             and
             this
             way
             of
             preaching
             by
             
               Tho.
               Webb
            
             was
             friendly
             reproved
             by
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             who
             then
             seemed
             to
             take
             it
             well
             ,
             and
             a
             little
             after
             confest
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             that
             he
             had
             not
             the
             assistance
             of
             the
             Spirit
             of
             God
             in
             his
             preaching
             ,
             as
             formerly
             ,
             but
             now
             this
             reproof
             is
             become
             a
             crime
             
             to
             make
             up
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               Malice
               .
            
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             disliking
             the
             preaching
             of
             Parson
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             acquaints
             him
             with
             it
             presently
             ,
             which
             argued
             love
             and
             friendship
             in
             him
             .
          
           
             But
             this
             Parson
             conceals
             all
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             errors
             and
             miscarriages
             ,
             as
             he
             saith
             ,
             till
             now
             ,
             that
             is
             ,
             till
             he
             brought
             forth
             that
             worthy
             work
             ,
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ;
            
             in
             which
             he
             is
             so
             far
             from
             mentioning
             of
             reall
             errors
             ,
             that
             he
             indeavours
             to
             fasten
             upon
             him
             many
             most
             notorious
             untruths
             of
             his
             own
             devising
             and
             invention
             .
          
           
             
             If
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             had
             not
             been
             a
             lover
             of
             good
             works
             ,
             and
             the
             Parson
             an
             enemy
             thereunto
             ,
             both
             parties
             had
             continued
             lovers
             and
             friends
             to
             this
             day
             :
             Yet
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             justifies
             himself
             ,
             and
             condemns
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             to
             be
             an
             enemy
             to
             sound
             doctrine
             and
             good
             life
             ,
             hoping
             thereby
             to
             recover
             his
             lost
             credit
             ,
             and
             render
             himself
             a
             most
             rare
             and
             singular
             Parson
             .
          
           
             In
             the
             next
             place
             the
             famous
             Parson
             in
             the
             56.
             
               page
            
             of
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             saith
             ,
             I
             might
             insert
             many
             other
             notorious
             acts
             of
             his
             blasphemy
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             beleeves
             the
             
               male-contented
            
             Parson
             to
             be
             a
             man
             of
             a
             quick
             invention
             ,
             nimble
             wit
             ,
             and
             ready
             pen
             ,
             and
             therefore
             wonders
             why
             he
             behaves
             himself
             like
             a
             Preacher
             ,
             that
             having
             ended
             his
             matter
             with
             his
             hour-glasse
             ,
             saith
             ,
             I
             might
             insist
             upon
             these
             and
             these
             particulars
             ,
             when
             poor
             soul
             he
             hath
             not
             a
             word
             to
             say
             more
             ;
             so
             this
             man
             at
             first
             mentions
             many
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             ,
             insists
             upon
             one
             ,
             and
             then
             saith
             ,
             I
             might
             insert
             many
             more
             ;
             and
             who
             knows
             not
             but
             that
             he
             might
             ,
             had
             not
             his
             charity
             prevented
             ,
             or
             his
             invention
             failed
             in
             raising
             so
             famous
             a
             structure
             as
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ?
            
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             not
             offended
             with
             this
             Parson
             for
             revealing
             or
             concealing
             any
             thing
             concerning
             him
             ,
             nor
             for
             creating
             blasphemies
             ,
             or
             other
             crimes
             in
             a
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             to
             lay
             upon
             him
             ;
             he
             well
             knows
             that
             the
             Parson
             and
             all
             the
             fellow-creatures
             are
             acted
             by
             a
             power
             irresistible
             ,
             which
             makes
             them
             to
             say
             and
             swear
             any
             thing
             against
             those
             that
             hate
             their
             Ranting
             practices
             and
             blasphemous
             unclean
             waies
             :
             yet
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             cannot
             own
             Parson
             
               Webbs
            
             base
             born
             brats
             ,
             but
             must
             leave
             them
             to
             their
             ghostly
             father
             ,
             who
             is
             most
             pure
             in
             his
             own
             eyes
             .
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             (
             though
             a
             great
             sinner
             before
             the
             Lord
             )
             challengeth
             Parson
             
               Tho
               ,
               Webb
            
             and
             all
             others
             of
             his
             invenomed
             generation
             ,
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             male
             and
             female
             ;
             whether
             Ranters
             in
             judgement
             or
             practice
             ,
             or
             both
             ;
             to
             invent
             ,
             say
             ,
             swear
             ,
             write
             ,
             print
             ,
             publish
             ,
             
             whatsoever
             they
             know
             ,
             think
             or
             can
             imagine
             against
             him
             ,
             which
             may
             tend
             to
             his
             dishonour
             or
             disgrace
             ;
             for
             he
             is
             resolved
             to
             defie
             the
             devil
             and
             all
             his
             works
             ;
             knowing
             that
             it
             is
             God
             that
             justifies
             ,
             and
             therefore
             accounts
             it
             his
             greatest
             honour
             to
             be
             evil
             spoken
             of
             by
             that
             generation
             .
          
           
             Furthermore
             in
             the
             same
             56.
             
               page
            
             he
             saith
             ,
             what
             I
             have
             asserted
             is
             enough
             ,
             and
             is
             no
             more
             then
             what
             is
             truth
             in
             every
             particular
             of
             it
             .
          
           
             Who
             seeth
             not
             that
             
               Tho.
               Webb
            
             is
             satisfied
             with
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ▪
            
             
             and
             that
             one
             of
             many
             acts
             of
             blasphemy
             is
             enough
             to
             record
             at
             this
             time
             ?
             What
             I
             have
             asserted
             saith
             he
             ,
             is
             enough
             to
             discover
             what
             the
             man
             is
             :
             So
             that
             the
             Reader
             is
             to
             take
             it
             for
             granted
             ,
             that
             the
             Parson
             is
             very
             sparing
             and
             loth
             to
             speak
             his
             whole
             knowledge
             ;
             yet
             fearing
             his
             assertion
             will
             not
             be
             beleeved
             ,
             he
             saith
             ,
             't
             is
             all
             true
             :
             So
             that
             you
             must
             understand
             that
             the
             Parsons
             doings
             are
             all
             righteous
             ,
             and
             his
             sayings
             all
             true
             ,
             so
             that
             his
             word
             must
             passe
             without
             check
             or
             doubt
             .
             All
             Parson
             
               Webbs
            
             scandals
             and
             self-intended
             blasphemies
             ,
             reviling
             censures
             and
             reproaches
             are
             all
             true
             ,
             you
             are
             not
             to
             question
             them
             ,
             because
             
               Thomas
               Webb
            
             is
             Author
             of
             them
             ,
             which
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             knoweth
             to
             be
             true
             .
          
           
             But
             to
             fasten
             a
             belief
             in
             his
             Reader
             ,
             he
             is
             fain
             to
             use
             all
             his
             Ecclesiasticall
             
             understanding
             at
             once
             ;
             for
             ,
             thinks
             the
             reverend
             Church-man
             ,
             if
             this
             be
             not
             believed
             against
             M
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             all
             my
             labour
             is
             vain
             ,
             and
             my
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             will
             not
             be
             regarded
             nor
             had
             in
             esteem
             amongst
             those
             that
             are
             adverse
             to
             the
             Ranting
             rout
             ;
             and
             therefore
             having
             wip't
             his
             beard
             ,
             and
             set
             his
             countenance
             ,
             he
             devoutly
             and
             demurely
             imitates
             the
             whores
             and
             bauds
             ,
             when
             they
             act
             the
             part
             of
             grave
             Matrons
             and
             honest
             women
             :
             or
             deceiptfull
             Shopkeepers
             ,
             who
             with
             a
             
               truly
            
             put
             off
             their
             Tarnisht
             wares
             ;
             so
             the
             hypocriticall
             Parson
             ,
             to
             make
             men
             believe
             his
             lies
             ,
             saith
             ,
             To
             imprecate
             and
             make
             protestations
             is
             not
             my
             usuall
             manner
             of
             speaking
             ;
             for
             truly
             ,
             saith
             he
             ,
             I
             approve
             not
             of
             any
             such
             thing
             ,
             but
             according
             to
             my
             manner
             of
             speaking
             ,
             which
             is
             as
             I
             am
             taught
             by
             the
             Scripture
             ,
             
               Yea
               ,
               yea
               ;
               Nay
               ,
               nay
               ;
            
             in
             very
             truth
             all
             these
             things
             are
             true
             .
          
           
             So
             that
             you
             may
             believe
             him
             ,
             for
             all
             his
             untruths
             are
             uttered
             by
             Divine
             right
             by
             the
             excellent
             Parson
             ,
             and
             fastened
             in
             a
             Scripture
             phrase
             upon
             Mr
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             who
             doubts
             not
             but
             the
             Parson
             can
             prove
             the
             legality
             of
             his
             uncleannesse
             and
             blasphemous
             waies
             by
             the
             Scripture
             ;
             he
             can
             gain
             Parsonages
             ,
             Marry
             ,
             Baptize
             and
             Bury
             persons
             ,
             
             live
             disorderly
             in
             his
             Whoring
             ,
             Ranting
             ,
             reproaching
             and
             reviling
             at
             any
             who
             please
             him
             not
             ;
             and
             confirm
             himself
             and
             his
             deluded
             followers
             by
             a
             Scripture
             phrase
             ,
             Believe
             him
             you
             that
             list
             .
          
           
             
             You
             may
             see
             his
             manner
             of
             speaking
             in
             his
             letters
             before
             mentioned
             that
             he
             loves
             neither
             imprecations
             nor
             protestations
             ;
             but
             withall
             you
             will
             conclude
             ,
             that
             he
             that
             cannot
             speak
             truth
             of
             himself
             ,
             nor
             well
             of
             his
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             can
             much
             lesse
             speak
             well
             of
             Mr
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             though
             as
             he
             pretends
             he
             makes
             conscience
             of
             a
             manner
             of
             speaking
             which
             he
             hath
             learned
             in
             Scripture
             .
             So
             Satan
             and
             all
             his
             false
             prophets
             set
             forth
             their
             untruths
             in
             a
             Scripture
             language
             ,
             not
             out
             of
             love
             to
             truth
             or
             Scripture
             ,
             but
             to
             obtain
             their
             own
             cursed
             ends
             (
             
               viz
            
             )
             ruine
             to
             the
             souls
             ,
             bodies
             or
             good
             names
             of
             those
             that
             fear
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             hate
             their
             hypocriticall
             and
             lascivious
             waies
             ,
             otherwise
             this
             Parson
             would
             have
             learnt
             and
             practised
             other
             lessons
             out
             of
             the
             Scriptures
             then
             those
             he
             makes
             use
             of
             to
             make
             up
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             But
             the
             Parson
             proceeds
             in
             his
             charitable
             way
             of
             concealment
             ,
             of
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             errors
             or
             blasphemies
             ,
             but
             yet
             makes
             them
             publique
             ,
             and
             saith
             in
             the
             same
             page
             ,
             I
             might
             insert
             his
             pocketting
             up
             of
             four
             pounds
             ,
             collected
             of
             the
             honest
             party
             in
             my
             Church
             ,
             for
             to
             defray
             the
             charges
             of
             our
             
               Bristoll
            
             friends
             in
             carrying
             up
             a
             Petition
             to
             
               London
               .
            
          
           
             
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             might
             answer
             that
             this
             slander
             which
             the
             
               quondam
            
             Parson
             might
             insert
             ,
             is
             as
             true
             as
             the
             rest
             which
             he
             hath
             inserted
             ,
             which
             are
             all
             as
             like
             the
             father
             ,
             since
             he
             hath
             given
             himself
             over
             to
             commit
             uncleannesse
             with
             greedinesse
             ,
             and
             hath
             followed
             the
             spirit
             of
             error
             as
             ever
             they
             can
             look
             .
          
           
             
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             knows
             not
             what
             the
             learned
             Parson
             in
             wickednesse
             means
             by
             his
             Church
             ,
             in
             which
             he
             saith
             the
             four
             pound
             was
             collected
             ,
             unlesse
             it
             be
             the
             Parish-Church
             of
             
               Langley
               Burhill
               :
            
             if
             so
             ,
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             in
             Parson
             
               Webbs
            
             Church
             he
             never
             received
             a
             penny
             for
             any
             such
             use
             as
             he
             mentions
             in
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             acknowledgeth
             that
             in
             the
             year
             1647.
             on
             a
             Lords
             day
             ,
             after
             evening
             Sermon
             ,
             there
             was
             a
             collection
             of
             monies
             in
             the
             Parsonage
             house
             of
             
               Langley
               .
            
             And
             further
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             he
             received
             the
             moneys
             there
             collected
             to
             the
             use
             aforesaid
             ,
             which
             amounted
             to
             the
             just
             summe
             of
             29t
             —
             11d
             and
             no
             more
             ,
             as
             the
             note
             yet
             remaining
             will
             demonstrate
             ,
             who
             paid
             it
             in
             the
             particulars
             ,
             and
             how
             
             much
             the
             summe
             is
             in
             grosse
             ,
             which
             is
             just
             29●
             —
             11d
             ,
             towards
             which
             summe
             the
             accomptant
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             paid
             not
             one
             farthing
             .
             Now
             25s
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             paid
             of
             the
             said
             summ
             to
             one
             
               William
               Coller
            
             appointed
             to
             receive
             the
             same
             ;
             so
             that
             the
             whole
             summe
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             stands
             charged
             withall
             is
             4s
             —
             11d
             ,
             which
             the
             Parson
             hath
             scrued
             to
             4l
             ,
             the
             better
             to
             build
             a
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             This
             very
             Parson
             when
             he
             saw
             that
             for
             his
             high
             crimes
             and
             misdemeanors
             ,
             
             he
             was
             outed
             of
             his
             Parsonage
             ;
             within
             a
             few
             dayes
             after
             writ
             letters
             to
             his
             fellow-creatures
             in
             the
             Country
             ;
             and
             among
             the
             rest
             one
             to
             M.
             
               B.
            
             row
             in
             the
             custody
             of
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             where
             he
             tels
             of
             his
             ejectment
             ,
             and
             promiseth
             to
             print
             against
             Mr
             
               Stokes
            
             the
             very
             particulars
             now
             publisht
             in
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             in
             which
             he
             chargeth
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             with
             3I
             ,
             but
             in
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               his
               malice
            
             hath
             stretcht
             it
             to
             4l
             as
             you
             have
             seen
             before
             .
          
           
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             that
             the
             payment
             of
             the
             twenty
             five
             shillings
             
             before
             mentioned
             to
             
               W.
               Coller
               ,
            
             according
             to
             order
             ,
             was
             a
             work
             of
             supererrogation
             in
             him
             ,
             and
             that
             he
             might
             justly
             have
             retained
             it
             in
             his
             own
             hands
             to
             this
             day
             ,
             and
             given
             a
             good
             account
             thereof
             to
             a
             wiser
             man
             then
             Parson
             
               Webb
               ,
            
             whom
             it
             principally
             concerned
             ,
             for
             it
             no
             way
             concerned
             him
             ,
             but
             to
             fill
             up
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             Another
             blasphemy
             or
             crime
             (
             which
             the
             Parson
             pleaseth
             )
             is
             the
             pocketting
             up
             of
             twenty
             pound
             to
             buy
             Trumpets
             and
             Banners
             ,
             
             this
             was
             paid
             he
             said
             by
             the
             Committee
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             about
             two
             years
             ago
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               .
            
          
           
             
               Answer
               ,
            
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             affirms
             ,
             that
             (
             that
             not
             about
             two
             years
             ago
             ,
             
             but
             )
             in
             the
             year
             1648.
             against
             Duke
             
               Hambletons
            
             Invasion
             ,
             the
             Committee
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             assigned
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             and
             others
             ,
             then
             in
             command
             ,
             20l
             to
             each
             Captain
             to
             defray
             their
             extraordinary
             charges
             ,
             and
             to
             provide
             themselves
             with
             necessaries
             fit
             for
             War
             .
             And
             further
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             confesseth
             ,
             that
             after
             the
             whole
             service
             was
             over
             ,
             the
             Cavaliers
             every where
             beaten
             ,
             and
             the
             L.
             Generall
             
               Cromwel
               ,
            
             with
             part
             of
             the
             Army
             in
             
               Scotland
               ,
            
             then
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             received
             the
             20l
             ,
             and
             about
             7
             or
             8l
             more
             at
             severall
             times
             ,
             which
             was
             all
             the
             money
             of
             the
             Common-wealths
             that
             he
             ever
             received
             for
             the
             service
             ,
             in
             which
             he
             spent
             a
             far
             greater
             summe
             ,
             continuing
             the
             command
             from
             the
             beginning
             of
             
               June
               ,
            
             untill
             about
             
               November
               ,
            
             1648.
             
             'T
             is
             believed
             that
             if
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             had
             gained
             no
             more
             by
             Preaching
             and
             practising
             ,
             then
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             hath
             by
             the
             late
             troubles
             ,
             by
             his
             chargeable
             Offices
             and
             Imployments
             ,
             all
             along
             the
             War
             ,
             he
             could
             never
             
             have
             been
             so
             much
             given
             up
             to
             pride
             and
             covetousnesse
             .
          
           
             
             'T
             is
             manifest
             to
             the
             whole
             Country
             ,
             that
             for
             10
             years
             space
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             hath
             spent
             his
             time
             in
             the
             service
             of
             the
             Commonwealth
             ,
             which
             hath
             proved
             a
             great
             burthen
             to
             him
             ,
             in
             respect
             of
             his
             Estate
             ,
             which
             is
             but
             small
             :
             That
             he
             hath
             spent
             and
             lost
             much
             in
             the
             time
             of
             his
             banishment
             from
             his
             estate
             and
             publique
             imployment
             ,
             and
             yet
             never
             sought
             any
             place
             of
             advantage
             or
             profit
             in
             the
             Nation
             ,
             nor
             ever
             sought
             after
             Honour
             ,
             except
             it
             were
             to
             be
             faithfull
             to
             his
             own
             conscience
             and
             the
             Commonwealths
             Cause
             ,
             the
             prosperity
             whereof
             is
             all
             the
             praise
             or
             reward
             Master
             
               Stokes
            
             expects
             .
          
           
             Where
             is
             the
             man
             that
             can
             stand
             forth
             and
             truly
             say
             ,
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             you
             did
             me
             injury
             in
             the
             Warre
             ,
             you
             eat
             my
             meat
             and
             paid
             not
             for
             it
             ,
             you
             rode
             my
             horse
             ,
             you
             received
             a
             bribe
             ,
             you
             have
             enriched
             your self
             by
             these
             Warres
             ,
             you
             were
             cruel
             when
             in
             place
             of
             trust
             and
             Honour
             ,
             you
             were
             covetous
             to
             cheat
             or
             cousen
             the
             Country
             or
             Commonwealth
             ;
             you
             sought
             great
             things
             for
             your self
             ,
             you
             have
             solicited
             a
             Parliament
             man
             ,
             a
             Member
             of
             the
             Councell
             of
             State
             ,
             or
             Officer
             of
             the
             Army
             to
             assist
             you
             in
             the
             gaining
             an
             Office
             ,
             or
             Honour
             ,
             or
             Profit
             ,
             which
             you
             spent
             on
             your
             lusts
             :
             let
             such
             a
             man
             stand
             forth
             and
             make
             the
             challenge
             ,
             and
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             will
             be
             his
             bond-man
             for
             ever
             .
          
           
             But
             the
             Parish-Parson
             ,
             as
             lawlesse
             as
             a
             Parish-Bull
             may
             bellow
             forth
             his
             black
             charge
             ,
             and
             roar
             out
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             and
             say
             all
             manner
             of
             evil
             against
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             right
             or
             wrong
             .
             Oh
             excellent
             Parson
             !
          
           
             And
             therefore
             in
             the
             next
             place
             he
             tells
             the
             Reader
             that
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             issues
             out
             his
             Warrants
             for
             the
             raising
             of
             him
             money
             to
             buy
             Trumpets
             and
             Banners
             for
             the
             Troop
             .
             An
             aspersion
             so
             false
             and
             silly
             ,
             that
             none
             but
             Ranters
             have
             the
             boldnesse
             or
             impudence
             to
             affirm
             ,
             or
             weaknesse
             to
             believe
             :
             All
             the
             Commissioners
             in
             the
             whole
             County
             ,
             all
             the
             Constables
             ,
             petty
             Constables
             ,
             and
             Tithing-men
             ;
             and
             all
             that
             pay
             a
             penny
             towards
             the
             Publique
             Charge
             of
             the
             Nation
             ,
             will
             readily
             and
             chearfully
             tell
             the
             Parson
             ,
             that
             this
             is
             an
             untruth
             :
             But
             fit
             enough
             for
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
           
             The
             last
             thing
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             takes
             notice
             of
             amongst
             all
             the
             
               quondam
            
             Parsons
             aspersions
             is
             ,
          
           
             That
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             upon
             his
             marriage
             ,
             and
             when
             danger
             was
             eminent
             ,
             he
             laid
             down
             his
             Commission
             ,
             and
             left
             the
             Troop
             without
             a
             Commander
             .
          
           
           
             A
             most
             manifest
             untruth
             ,
             The
             whole
             work
             of
             the
             Nation
             was
             
             over
             ;
             the
             Scots
             and
             English
             Cavaliers
             wholly
             ruined
             and
             broken
             :
             And
             further
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             continued
             the
             command
             six
             or
             eight
             weeks
             after
             he
             had
             Orders
             to
             disband
             ,
             as
             the
             Committee
             of
             
               Wilts
            
             can
             testifie
             ,
             whose
             Orders
             and
             Letters
             yet
             remain
             to
             manifest
             the
             contrary
             .
          
           
             The
             Charge
             of
             the
             Command
             being
             insupportable
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             
             and
             the
             work
             for
             which
             they
             were
             raised
             being
             over
             ;
             having
             also
             many
             occasions
             of
             his
             own
             ,
             requiring
             his
             attendance
             ,
             he
             only
             took
             leave
             of
             the
             Troop
             ,
             and
             left
             it
             to
             be
             commanded
             by
             his
             then
             Lieutenant
             ,
             Cap.
             
               Henry
               Aland
               ,
            
             who
             continued
             it
             by
             Order
             of
             State
             for
             the
             Irish
             service
             ,
             where
             he
             is
             at
             this
             day
             .
          
           
             Let
             it
             be
             considered
             by
             any
             person
             ,
             not
             Ranting
             ripe
             ,
             what
             
             need
             there
             was
             of
             a
             County-Troop
             in
             
               November
            
             1648.
             unlesse
             to
             eat
             up
             the
             poor
             Country
             with
             Free-quarter
             (
             for
             no
             pay
             was
             then
             to
             be
             had
             )
             and
             to
             pull
             the
             curse
             of
             the
             needy
             upon
             M.
             
               Stokes
               .
            
             Yet
             saith
             this
             State
             mock-Parson
             ,
             when
             danger
             was
             eminent
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             laid
             down
             his
             Commission
             .
             That
             Masse
             must
             needs
             be
             great
             that
             's
             made
             up
             with
             such
             abominable
             and
             malicious
             untruths
             ,
             invented
             and
             brought
             to
             the
             work
             by
             an
             opprobious
             Parson
             in
             his
             luxurious
             and
             malevolent
             humor
             .
          
           
             And
             that
             all
             the
             world
             may
             see
             that
             not
             only
             an
             unclean
             ,
             but
             also
             a
             lying
             spirit
             was
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ;
            
             here
             is
             inserted
             the
             Committees
             Order
             for
             Disbanding
             the
             said
             Troop
             .
          
        
         
           
             At
             the
             Committee
             of
             Parliament
             ,
             for
             the
             said
             County
             ,
             
               the
               22.
               of
               Septemb.
               Anno
               1948.
               
            
          
           
             THat
             all
             the
             Horse
             that
             are
             now
             in
             pay
             under
             severall
             Captains
             in
             this
             County
             ,
             
             and
             those
             under
             any
             other
             Command
             ,
             
             be
             this
             day
             disbanded
             ,
             and
             forthwith
             paid
             for
             what
             service
             they
             have
             lately
             done
             in
             this
             County
             ,
             and
             this
             day
             ;
             and
             that
             only
             Thirty
             be
             continued
             under
             the
             Command
             of
             Cornet
             
               Anthony
               Yardly
               ,
            
             and
             that
             those
             Thirty
             men
             which
             are
             to
             be
             continued
             are
             to
             be
             approved
             by
             this
             Committee
             .
          
           
             A
             true
             Copy
             
               Examined
               by
               Jonath
               .
               Hill
               ,
               Clerk
               to
               the
               said
               Committee
               .
            
          
        
         
         
           
             These
             are
             the
             most
             principall
             calumnies
             and
             foul
             aspersions
             that
             the
             Parson
             hath
             attributed
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             which
             are
             most
             faithfully
             answered
             and
             retorted
             :
             There
             are
             many
             more
             ,
             but
             so
             ridiculous
             as
             not
             worth
             a
             reply
             .
          
           
             
             But
             let
             the
             Reader
             take
             them
             together
             ,
             and
             consider
             with
             himself
             these
             particulars
             :
             1.
             
             If
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             were
             guilty
             of
             such
             foul
             crimes
             ,
             How
             comes
             it
             to
             passe
             that
             
               Webb
            
             in
             all
             his
             angry
             and
             reproachfull
             letters
             ,
             never
             mentioned
             a
             word
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             of
             any
             one
             of
             them
             .
          
           
             
             When
             he
             fains
             a
             repentance
             ,
             and
             by
             his
             own
             letters
             confessed
             his
             abominations
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ;
            
             it
             s
             as
             clear
             as
             the
             sun
             ,
             that
             he
             then
             did
             not
             take
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             to
             be
             the
             man
             as
             he
             hath
             set
             him
             out
             to
             be
             in
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             the
             letters
             being
             of
             a
             later
             date
             then
             these
             pretended
             crimes
             ;
             neither
             is
             it
             likely
             that
             he
             would
             make
             a
             blasphemer
             his
             Confessor
             .
          
           
             
             His
             own
             expressions
             in
             his
             own
             letters
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             clear
             him
             :
             besides
             those
             before
             mentioned
             in
             this
             Narrative
             there
             are
             many
             other
             in
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             his
             hand
             ,
             which
             discover
             to
             the
             world
             ,
             that
             he
             is
             not
             such
             an
             offender
             ,
             save
             in
             
               Webbs
               Masse
               of
               malice
               :
            
             Amongst
             divers
             take
             notice
             of
             this
             one
             of
             the
             3d
             of
             
               Aug.
            
             1650.
             which
             is
             after
             the
             time
             wherein
             the
             blasphemy
             and
             crimes
             are
             said
             to
             be
             committed
             in
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
          
        
         
           
             
               Sweet
               Sir
               ,
            
          
           
             
               I
            
             Ever
             took
             you
             to
             be
             a
             cordiall
             and
             a
             true
             friend
             to
             the
             Saints
             and
             truth
             of
             Christ
             ,
             and
             therefore
             I
             professe
             to
             you
             unfainedly
             from
             my
             heart
             ,
             that
             exceedingly
             I
             love
             you
             and
             tender
             you
             ,
             and
             could
             I
             but
             assure
             my self
             that
             you
             would
             receive
             me
             with
             the
             same
             sweetnesse
             of
             spirit
             as
             formerly
             ,
             and
             with
             the
             spirit
             of
             meeknesse
             restore
             me
             ,
             wherein
             I
             am
             fallen
             .
             Oh
             how
             glad
             would
             my
             heart
             be
             to
             see
             you
             !
             While
             you
             were
             at
             
               London
            
             I
             longed
             for
             your
             coming
             home
             ▪
             because
             
               to
               you
               I
               would
               unbosome
               my self
               ,
            
             but
             I
             was
             cast
             off
             by
             you
             to
             my
             great
             grief
             and
             sorrow
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             Now
             
               Reader
               ,
            
             if
             Parson
             
               Webb
            
             in
             
               Aug.
            
             1650.
             took
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             to
             be
             a
             cordiall
             and
             a
             true
             friend
             to
             the
             Saints
             and
             truth
             of
             Christ
             how
             can
             he
             justly
             charge
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             as
             in
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             with
             such
             abhorred
             crimes
             of
             an
             elder
             date
             .
          
           
             Neither
             can
             it
             be
             imagined
             that
             he
             would
             have
             unbosomed
             himself
             to
             a
             blaspheamer
             ,
             deceiver
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
           
             So
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             acquitted
             by
             his
             accuser
             before
             the
             accusation
             received
             any
             being
             .
          
           
             Let
             it
             be
             considered
             ,
             whether
             
               Webb
            
             had
             not
             better
             thoughts
             of
             
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             but
             a
             very
             little
             time
             before
             his
             triall
             ;
             for
             about
             the
             time
             Lieutenant
             Gen.
             
               Ludlow
            
             went
             into
             
               Ireland
               ,
            
             the
             said
             
               Webb
            
             being
             then
             in
             Goal
             ,
             drew
             with
             his
             own
             hand
             a
             Petition
             to
             the
             Parliament
             ,
             that
             
               Edw.
               Stokes
            
             Esq
             .
             might
             command
             the
             Regiment
             of
             Horse
             for
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             in
             the
             place
             and
             absence
             of
             Col.
             
               Ludlow
               ,
            
             and
             this
             Petition
             he
             promoted
             by
             his
             Agents
             then
             at
             liberty
             ,
             untill
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             himself
             put
             a
             period
             to
             that
             design
             .
             
               Quaere
               ,
            
             Whether
             then
             he
             took
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             to
             be
             the
             man
             as
             now
             he
             hath
             printed
             him
             to
             be
             in
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               .
            
             Yet
             the
             crimes
             charged
             are
             of
             a
             far
             elder
             date
             by
             his
             own
             accompt
             .
          
           
             But
             besides
             all
             this
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             is
             acquitted
             in
             his
             own
             conscience
             ,
             which
             is
             better
             to
             him
             then
             10000
             witnesses
             ,
             and
             therefore
             can
             boldly
             say
             ,
             
               Who
               art
               thou
               that
               condemnest
               ?
               it
               is
               God
               that
               justifies
               ,
            
             who
             will
             clear
             up
             the
             innocency
             of
             his
             servants
             ,
             and
             finde
             out
             (
             to
             their
             shame
             )
             all
             such
             as
             make
             lies
             their
             refuge
             ,
             and
             become
             false
             accusers
             of
             others
             ,
             as
             the
             ridiculous
             Author
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
            
             hath
             done
             ;
             who
             having
             made
             himself
             drunk
             with
             the
             much
             bibing
             at
             the
             Ranting
             cup
             ,
             behaves
             himself
             like
             a
             mad
             Bedlam
             ,
             striking
             those
             that
             are
             next
             him
             .
             In
             his
             repentings
             you
             have
             seen
             him
             striking
             and
             wounding
             his
             own
             dear
             fellow-creatures
             ,
             charging
             them
             through
             and
             through
             ,
             with
             malice
             and
             wickednesse
             .
             And
             so
             soon
             as
             he
             is
             reconciled
             to
             them
             ,
             he
             Raves
             and
             Rants
             like
             a
             most
             furious
             frantick
             ,
             against
             all
             other
             that
             could
             not
             dandle
             or
             flatter
             him
             in
             his
             wicked
             and
             unclean
             waies
             ;
             So
             that
             the
             Parliament
             it self
             ,
             the
             Committee
             of
             Plundred
             Ministers
             ,
             the
             Judge
             ,
             and
             the
             Justices
             of
             Peace
             for
             the
             County
             of
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             amongst
             which
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             acknowledgeth
             he
             is
             not
             worthy
             to
             be
             named
             ;
             these
             are
             the
             object
             of
             
               Webbs
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             and
             are
             more
             or
             lesse
             abused
             by
             the
             filthy
             Libell
             so
             called
             .
          
           
             And
             well
             may
             the
             mock-Parson
             charge
             M.
             
               Stokes
            
             with
             blasphemy
             ,
             in
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             being
             himself
             a
             blasphemer
             upon
             publique
             Record
             ;
             All
             delinquents
             delight
             to
             fasten
             their
             own
             titles
             and
             actions
             upon
             the
             most
             innocent
             persons
             ;
             so
             the
             delinquent
             Parson
             having
             been
             discovered
             and
             convicted
             to
             be
             a
             blasphemer
             ,
             he
             gives
             away
             his
             own
             title
             ,
             and
             imputes
             his
             own
             abhorred
             actions
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               .
            
          
           
           
             That
             the
             said
             Parson
             is
             a
             blasphemer
             himself
             ,
             
             you
             shall
             finde
             upon
             diligent
             inquiry
             ,
             that
             he
             stood
             charged
             about
             the
             year
             1644.
             before
             the
             then
             house
             of
             Lords
             ,
             to
             be
             a
             Blasphemer
             ,
             one
             that
             had
             delivered
             many
             blasphemous
             principles
             to
             the
             people
             ;
             whereupon
             he
             was
             by
             the
             said
             House
             committed
             ,
             and
             stood
             so
             for
             some
             time
             ;
             yet
             afterwards
             he
             pretended
             a
             repentance
             of
             those
             errors
             ,
             subscribing
             a
             form
             of
             Recantation
             with
             his
             own
             hand
             ,
             and
             afterwards
             gave
             thanks
             to
             a
             Minister
             of
             the
             Assembly
             ,
             for
             being
             a
             means
             to
             draw
             him
             off
             from
             those
             errors
             ;
             and
             blessed
             God
             for
             his
             mercies
             to
             him
             ,
             for
             he
             was
             in
             the
             ready
             way
             (
             as
             he
             said
             )
             to
             Atheism
             ,
             and
             many
             of
             his
             companions
             in
             those
             opinions
             were
             turned
             Atheists
             .
             Notwithstanding
             all
             this
             he
             both
             preached
             and
             practised
             as
             before
             ,
             holding
             forth
             many
             things
             against
             the
             glory
             and
             truth
             of
             Jesus
             Christ
             and
             Scripture
             ;
             and
             not
             long
             after
             came
             into
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             as
             transformed
             into
             an
             Angel
             of
             Light
             ,
             upon
             which
             stage
             he
             hath
             acted
             the
             Ranting
             part
             ,
             as
             is
             before
             expressed
             .
          
           
             The
             last
             thing
             concerning
             
               Tho.
            
             
             
               Webb
            
             the
             Author
             of
             the
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               ,
            
             is
             this
             ,
             he
             comes
             lately
             (
             
               viz
            
             )
             about
             
               March
            
             last
             into
             
               Wilts
               ,
            
             to
             visit
             the
             honest
             party
             ,
             and
             disperse
             his
             malitious
             Masse
             .
             Well
             ,
             he
             visits
             his
             friends
             ,
             and
             amongst
             the
             rest
             (
             to
             colour
             the
             businesse
             )
             he
             gives
             his
             poor
             wife
             a
             visit
             ,
             only
             by
             way
             of
             complement
             ,
             but
             durst
             neither
             to
             stay
             with
             her
             ,
             nor
             in
             any
             wise
             to
             keep
             her
             company
             ,
             as
             men
             usually
             do
             ,
             
               &c.
            
             but
             hastens
             away
             to
             visit
             his
             man-wife
             
               J.
               O.
            
             and
             others
             ;
             so
             to
             
               Langley
            
             he
             comes
             ,
             where
             he
             was
             received
             with
             all
             alacrity
             amongst
             his
             honest
             party
             ,
             where
             divers
             met
             ,
             to
             whom
             he
             declared
             that
             he
             lately
             Preached
             upon
             that
             Text
             ,
             
               The
               spiritual
               man
               is
               mad
               ,
            
             and
             now
             resolved
             to
             dissemble
             no
             more
             (
             
               viz.
            
             )
             never
             to
             receive
             Parsonage
             ,
             nor
             Preach
             more
             ,
             nor
             yet
             to
             conceal
             his
             principles
             from
             the
             world
             ,
             as
             he
             had
             done
             :
             But
             being
             asked
             by
             one
             ,
             what
             he
             would
             do
             if
             his
             Mistress
             should
             cast
             him
             off
             ;
             said
             ,
             that
             he
             should
             be
             the
             most
             miserable
             man
             living
             ,
             and
             thought
             he
             should
             make
             away
             with
             himself
             .
             So
             to
             put
             it
             out
             of
             doubt
             that
             he
             would
             dissemble
             his
             principles
             no
             more
             ,
             he
             takes
             the
             childe
             ,
             which
             he
             said
             he
             begot
             on
             the
             body
             of
             another
             mans
             wife
             ,
             (
             yet
             never
             went
             to
             see
             his
             own
             childe
             born
             in
             lawfull
             Matrimony
             ,
             though
             he
             rode
             by
             the
             house
             where
             it
             was
             kept
             by
             the
             mothers
             friends
             ;
             )
             and
             himself
             became
             a
             convoy
             ,
             riding
             by
             the
             Waggon
             in
             which
             the
             childe
             was
             carried
             through
             the
             Country
             towards
             
               London
               ,
            
             and
             for
             part
             of
             the
             way
             afterwards
             ,
             sends
             back
             the
             party
             that
             
             did
             attend
             it
             ,
             and
             himself
             plaies
             the
             part
             of
             (
             not
             only
             a
             loving
             father
             ,
             but
             )
             a
             nurse
             ,
             till
             it
             met
             the
             mother
             and
             her
             husband
             ,
             where
             the
             joy
             was
             compleated
             :
             And
             this
             the
             impudent
             mock-Parson
             performed
             ,
             as
             if
             he
             had
             done
             it
             in
             the
             height
             of
             contempt
             against
             both
             Religion
             and
             Magistracy
             .
          
           
             So
             I
             have
             done
             with
             the
             mock-Parson
             and
             his
             
               Masse
               of
               malice
               :
            
             Many
             things
             I
             have
             omitted
             ,
             because
             I
             would
             not
             be
             over-tedious
             ,
             and
             the
             Narration
             being
             of
             too
             great
             a
             bulk
             already
             ,
             I
             forbear
             to
             add
             .
             If
             in
             any
             particulars
             I
             seem
             to
             offend
             ,
             let
             it
             be
             thy
             glory
             ,
             courteous
             Reader
             ,
             to
             passe
             it
             by
             .
             I
             was
             forc't
             to
             the
             work
             which
             I
             never
             sought
             after
             ,
             nor
             do
             not
             delight
             in
             ;
             yet
             what
             I
             have
             done
             ,
             I
             have
             done
             it
             publiquely
             and
             truly
             ,
             that
             truth
             may
             be
             manifest
             ,
             and
             falshood
             discovered
             ,
             that
             the
             righteous
             waies
             and
             people
             of
             God
             may
             be
             justified
             ,
             and
             the
             wicked
             waies
             and
             works
             of
             ungodly
             men
             may
             be
             condemned
             .
             Wherefore
             ,
             as
             I
             wish
             all
             that
             respect
             the
             health
             of
             their
             bodies
             ,
             to
             take
             heed
             of
             Empericks
             and
             Mounte-banks
             ;
             so
             I
             advise
             all
             that
             respect
             the
             health
             of
             their
             souls
             ,
             and
             peace
             of
             their
             spirits
             to
             take
             heed
             of
             mock
             Parsons
             ,
             and
             counterfeit
             Preachers
             ,
             who
             though
             they
             appear
             in
             sheeps
             cloathing
             ,
             yet
             inwardly
             are
             ravening
             wolves
             ;
             I
             mean
             such
             as
             make
             themselves
             Preachers
             and
             Parish-Parsons
             to
             gain
             Parsonages
             or
             filthy
             lucre
             for
             their
             Preaching
             ;
             amongst
             which
             number
             you
             may
             finde
             
               T.
               W.
            
             From
             whom
             ,
             that
             God
             may
             deliver
             thee
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             fear
             his
             great
             Name
             within
             the
             Commonwealth
             of
             
               England
               ,
            
             is
             the
             daily
             prayer
             of
             this
             Author
             .
          
           
             FINIS
             .
          
        
      
    
     
       
         Notes, typically marginal, from the original text
         
           Notes for div A93926e-1640
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             appears
             like
             an
             Angel
             of
             light
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             obtains
             a
             Parsonage
             
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             refuseth
             tithes
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             burieth
             his
             second
             wife
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             makes
             himself
             sure
             to
             another
             mans
             wife
             .
             
               T.
               W.
            
             commits
             adultery
             by
             his
             own
             confession
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             marrieth
             his
             third
             wife
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             a
             kinde
             of
             Pander
             to
             his
             own
             wife
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             man
             wife
             discover'd
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             fals
             at
             variance
             with
             Mistress
             
               M.
               W.
               
            
          
        
         
           Notes for div A93926e-2990
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             accused
             by
             Mistress
             
               W.
            
             and
             others
             .
          
        
         
           Notes for div A93926e-4030
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             confesseth
             his
             unclean
             life
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             first
             Letter
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             confessing
             his
             uncleannesse
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             second
             Letter
             to
             M.
             
               Stokes
               ,
            
             and
             M.
             
               Shute
               ,
            
             confessing
             his
             unclean
             life
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             third
             Letter
             to
             Mr
             
               Shute
               .
            
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             preacheth
             against
             whorish
             women
             ,
             
               &c.
               
            
          
           
             
               T
               W.
            
             scorns
             those
             to
             whom
             he
             confest
             his
             uncleanness
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             becomes
             friends
             wth
             M●s
             .
             
               W.
               
            
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             companions
             .
          
           
             His
             study
             .
          
           
             Songs
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             a
             lover
             of
             Musick
             and
             mixt
             dancing
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             seeks
             the
             ruine
             of
             his
             own
             fellow-creatures
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             charged
             to
             have
             been
             taken
             in
             the
             act
             of
             adultery
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             committed
             to
             Goal
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             pretends
             a
             second
             repentance
             in
             Goal
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             deliverāce
             and
             return
             from
             Goal
             .
          
           
             I.
             
          
           
             6.
             
          
           
             8.
             
          
           
             9.
             
          
           
             1.
             
          
           
             2.
             
          
           
             2.
             
          
           
             2.
             
          
           
             2.
             
          
           
             4
             ,
             5.
             
          
           
             8.
             
          
           
             9.
             
          
           
             9.
             
          
           
             8.
             
          
           
             9.
             
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             Ejectment
             from
             his
             Parsonage
             of
             
               L.
               B.
               
            
          
           
             Untruth
             .
          
           
             Untruth
             .
          
           
             Untruth
             .
          
           
             Masse
             .
          
           
             Wilts.
          
           
             Ord.
             
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             blasphemy
             upon
             Record
             .
          
           
             
               T.
               W.
            
             his
             late
             progress
             into
             ,
             and
             return
             from
             
               Wilts.