THE Cry of the Oppressed From under their OPPRESSIONS Ascending up to Him, Who will Rebuke the Oppressor and Devourer, and deliver the Innocent. Some of the Sufferings of the People of God, called QUAKERS, Concerning tithes and OATHS, &c. By the Branches which are a new springing forth of the remainder of the bitter Root of Episcopacy, which yet remaineth unplucked up in the rigid Presbytery. Presented to public view. Eccles. 4. 1. So I returned, and considered all the Oppressions that are done under the Sun, and behold the tears of such as were Oppressed, and they had no Comforter▪ and on the side of their Oppressors there was power, but they had no Comforter. Eccles. 5. 7. If thou seest the Oppression of the Poor, and violent perverting of judgement and justice in à Province, marvel not at the matter, for he that is higher than the highest, regardeth; and there be higher than they. London, Printed for Giles Calvert at the Black-Spread-Eagle at the West-end of Paul's, 1656. TO THE READER. READER, CHrist Jesus the true Prophet saith, Beware of false Prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening Wolves: ye shall know them by their fruits, Matth. 7. 15. And was ever such fruit brought fo●th in any age? And in the 23 of Matth. he cries Woe to the Hypocrites; and they were such as devour Widows hòuses, and for a pretence make long Prayer: And was ever such devouring of the houses of Widows? therefore shall they receive greater damnation. And Peter in his 2 Epistle, chap. 2. he discribes false teachers to be such as through covetousness, and with feigned words make merchandise of the People; and was ever such merchandise made of the People? Now these and such like be the fruits of the corrupt tree, and of the false Prophets, Hypocrites, and false Teachers: But the man of God doth flee such things, and doth follow after Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Patience, Meekness, I Tim. 6. 11. And they who were Ministers of Christ, though they had power to eat and drink, I Cor. 9 4. the Labourer being worthy of his meat: yet saith the Apostle we have not used this power; but suffer all things lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ: for better (saith he) were it for me to die, than that any man should make my rejoicing vain: what then is my reward? Verily, that when I Preach the Gospel I may make the Gospel of Christ without Charge, that I abuse not my power in the Gospel, vers. 18. Now these be the fruits of the good tree, and of the true Ministers of Christ, who saith by their fruits ye shall know them. Now Reader, with a single eye read the late practices, and some of the fruits of several of the most godly Ministers (as they are called) in the Northern parts of this Nation: And let that of God in thee, which calls upon thee to do to all men as thou would be done unto, judge of them by their fruits, whose Ministers they are: By their fruits (saith Christ) ye shall know them: The true Minister of Christ he used not his power, to take what the power did allow him; but thou shalt find that many of these men who are called godly Ministers, have not only used their power (as they call it) the Law of the Nation) but abused their power, and in many particulars exceeded the Law: the Statute which speaks of treble damages, which is their power, which gives three pence for a penny, which is much, which were they but men, they would not exact, or take more than they call theirs: And were they Christians, or Ministers of Christ, they would not seek their own, but every man another's wealth, 1 Cor. 10. 24 For the Ministers of Christ did not seek theirs, but them, 2 Cor. 12. 14. For the Children ought not to lay up for the Parents, but the Parents for the Children: But these have made themselves manifest by their actions that they are no Fathers, they are so unnatural; but cursed Children as Peter speaks of, 2 Pet. 2. 14. And now see the Scriptures fulfilled and witnessed, which saith, Call to remembrance the days that are passed, how that after ye received the light ye endured a great fight in afflictions, partly while ye were made a gazing stock, both by reproaches and afflictions, and partly white ye became companions of them which were so tossed to and fro, and such took joyfully the sooyling of their Goods, knowing in themselves, that in heaven a better and more enduring substance was laid up for them: Therefore ye despised ones, in whom, and upon whom the Scriptures are fulfilled and fulfilling; who have received the light wherewith Christ Jesus, the Covenant of light and life, hath you enlightened, and in it believed; cast not away your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward, for ye have nced of patience, that after ye have done the will of God, ye may receive the promise, I or yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry: Now the just lives by Faith, but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him, saith the Lord, but ye are not of them who draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul; in your unity is your strength, and in your faithfulness doth he rejoice, who is one with you in his measure. G. B. The Grounds why tithes once commanded, are now denied; as also, why Oaths once used, are now laid aside. Tithes were a Command and Ordinance of God, and the first Priesthood had a command to take tithes of the People according to the Law, Heb. 7. 5. But the first Priesthood being changed, and the second Priesthood witnessed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Law, vers. 12. And the Law being changed, and the Commandment disamnulled which the first Priesthood had to take tithes, vers. 18. Tithes of necessity must also be taken away. But it is said, That tithes now are not required as of Divine right, but upon a civil account. To which it is answered, There is no Law in this Nation public that doth give tithes, or require the payment of them to any Parson, Vicar, or Minister, as they are called, upon such an account as Civil. The law saying, tithes are due to God and holy Church, 27 Hen. 8. Cap. 20. And where no law is, there is no transgression; and are not they unreasonable men, that require that which the law (which is reasonable) doth not allow? And if there were such a law, how could that law be wholesome, which should set up that which Christ Jesus the King of righteousness hath disannulled, or write again, the hand-writing of Ordinances which he hath blotted out, and to his cross nailed? And yet the Servant in his place, and who in the house was faithful was worthy of his wage, which was according to the law, and till the time of Resormation. But the Son is freeborn who the Heir is, and abides in the house for ever, whose the inheritance is; and his gift is free, and all who of his gift are made partakers, who is the Son of righteousness, they are free indeed; for freely they have received, and freely they give (who so readeth let him understand) yet subjection to every Ordinance of man for the Lord's sake I have learned. For the earth is the Lords, and the fullness of it; and therefore if any in Authority do take the earth, or any part of it from me, and give it to another, I resist him not, nor any other whom he shall appoint, for ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake, for so have I learned Christ, to submit myself to every Ordinance of man for the Lord's sake whose the earth is; But to put forth my hand to give that which is the Lords (over which he hath made me a Steward, and me commanded with my substance to honour him) I dare not for conscience sake, give that which is the Lords to uphold that which he hath abolished and disannulled, for that were to his dishonour: And yet by reason of oppressions the multitude of them, the oppressed cry, and the Lord will hear the cry of the oppressed. For because of swearing the land mourneth, Jer. 23. 10. yet the servant of the Lord swore in truth, in righteousness, and in judgement; but in the house for ever the servant abideth not, but the Son abideth for ever; who saith, Swear not at all, but let your yea be yea, and your nay nay in all your communications, for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil: These things spoke Jesus to his friends to whom all things that he had heard of his Father he made known: but the servant knoweth not what his Lord doth: The servant swore who abode not in the house for ever; but the Son who abides for ever, who doth the Will of God, he testifieth what he hath seen and heard, and no man receiveth his Testimony, who saith, Swear not at all, but he that is of God, Joh. 3. 32. And saith the beloved Disciple, We have seen, and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the World, but the World him hates because he testifies of it; that the works thereof are evil, Joh. 7. 7. he that receiveth the Sonstestimony is come out of all oaths and strife the occasion of them, to the yea and nay in all his communications, and hath set to his seal that God is true, and every man alyar that denieth the testimony which God hath given of his Son, as all do who are out of his Doctrine; but who abide in the Doctrine of Christ, their yea is yea, and nay nay in all their communications, and they do the Will of God, who his Commandments keep, and such shall never be ashamed, but freely they testify to all of what they have seen and heard: And blessed are they that receive his testimony, in whose mouth there is no guile. And as to witness bearing to the truth, and of it before men, it is according to the Doctrine of Christ, Matth. 18. 16. That in the mouth of two or three Witnesses every word may be established; And this was practised amongst the holy men of God, and amongst the Saints as the Scriputures of truth do declare, which were written for our learning. And of these things they are Witnesses who have believed in him who is the Light of the World, the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the World: Of which Light he beareth Witness, who is called Ger. Benson. A brief Declaration of some of the Oppressions and Sufferings of those people the World in scorn calls QUAKERS, in the Northern parts, who daily suffer the spoiling of their Goods, and imprisonment of their Persons, by reason they cannot for conscience sake pay tithes, and other customary dues (as they are called) Oblations, Obversions, Easter-reckonings, Mortuaries, and such like Popish Inventions; so that they are daily drawn before the judgement Seats, and required to answer the unjust demands of their Accusers, upon their oaths, thereby endeavouring to ensnare them, who for conscience sake cannot swear at all, their souls being made subject to the Commands of Christ Jesus, who saith, Swear not at all, but in all your communication let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay, for whatsoever is more than these, cometh of evil. As likewise the names of several others, in other parts of the Nation, who are sued for tithes. In the County of Cumberland. Graystock Parish. RIchard Peacock, for tithe of the value of 8 s. 4 d. had taken from him for Richard Gilpin Priest of Graystock, one Mare apprized by those that took her away at 2 l. 6 s. 8 d. John Slee, for tithes of the value of 6 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, one brass Pot woth 16 s. The same, for tithe of the value of 14 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, five Sheep worth I l. 2 s. 6 d. one of them being another man's. Margaret slay widow, and Richard slay her son, for tithe of the value of 8 s. had taken from them for the said Priest Gilpin, four Sheep worth 18 s. Agnes Buckbarrow, Tho Buckharrow, and Rich. Buckbarrow, for tithe of the value of 16 s. had taken from them for the said priest Gilpin, one Steare worth I l. 16 s. John Mark, for tithe of the value of 6 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, seven pewter Platters worth a 11 s. The same, for tithe of the value of I l. 3 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, one milch Cow, worth I l. IOS. John Todhunter, for tithe of the value of 1 s 10 d. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, one brass Potworth 10 s. The same, for tithe of the value of 4 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, another Pot, and two pewter Platters, worth 18 s. Tho. Slee, for tithe of the value of 8 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, two stone of Wool worth 14 s. These were taken away by Warrant from the Justices, upon the oath of a man that lived five miles from some of them, and that knew not their Goods, but swore what he heard reported. Jo. Bewley, for tithe of the value of 19 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, three brass Pots, and five pewter Platters worth 4 l. 10 s. John Sowerby, for tithe of the value of 6 B. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, one Pot worth 12 s. Io: Udall, for tithe of the value of 4 s. had taken from him for the said Gilpin, one brass Pot, and one Pan woth 13 s. 8 d. Richard Peacock, for tithe of the value of 1 l. 4 d. had taken from him for the said Priest, one Horse worth 2 l. Tho. Barker, for tithe of the value of 14 s. 2 d. had taken from him for the said Priest, one Horse worth 2 l. John Goodhouse, for tithe of the value of 9 s. had taken from him for the said Priest, one Mare worth 2 l. All these suffered by the said Gilpin, who is a chief Priest in Cumberland, and a tryer of others. Caldb●ck Parish, Richard Hutton Priest. William Stalker, for tithe of the value of 9 s. had taken from him by Justices Writ, for the use of the said Hutton, two Cows and two Oxen worth 8 l. 10 s. Richard Williamsox, for tithe of the value of 5 s. 9 d. was imprisoned several months, and had taken from him, for the use of the said Hutton, one Heifer worth 35 s. Richard Nicholson, for tithe of the value of 10 s. which they say was due, had taken from him for the said Priest, one Cow worth 50 s. John Nicholson, for tithe of the value of 9 s: had taken from him for the use of the said Priest, one Ox worth. 33 s. 4 d. Tho. Bewley, for tithe of the value of 14 s: had taken from him for the use of the said Priest, a Cow worth 40 s. John Stricket, for tithe of the value of 10 s. had taken from him for the said priest, one Cow worth 30 s. Mungo Ancock, for tithe of the value of 10 s: had taken from him for the use of the said priest, one Heiser worth 26 s: 8 d. John Pattinson, for tithe of the value of 8 s: 4 d. had taken from him for the use of the said Priest, one Cow worth 30 s. John Askne, for tithe of the value of 3 s. 10 d. had taken from him for the use of the said Priest, one Cow worth 30 s. John Bewley, For tithes of the value of 19 s. had goods taken from him for the use of the said Priest worth 50 s. Richard Banks, For tithes of the value of 10 s: and 5 s. of it in another priest's time, had taken from him for the use of the said Priest, Pan's, Pots, and pewter Platters worth 21 s. Thomas Mark, For tithe of the value of 13 s: had taken from him by a Justices Writ from London, for the said Hutton, three Cows and two Oxen, worth near 10 l. George Rothery, For tithes claimed by the said Priest, was cast into prison at Carlisle, and there lay for many months. And from several others was brass, Pewter, and other Goods taken at under worth, and carried away at their own rating: These Goods and chattel were taken and carried away by Warrant from two Justices, by which the Priests Servants entered into men's houses and fields, and took Goods according to their own pleasure and carried them away, and the said Priest caused some to be killed for his own use, and others to be sold, and the rest he kept. All these suffered by one priest. Bolton Parish, John Forward Priest. Tho: Porter, For tithe of the value of 6 s: 8 d: had taken from him for the said priest, or his Farmers, one Mare worth 2 l: 13 s: 4 d. John Wilkinson, For tithe of the value of 4 s: had taken from him for the same, one Cow worth 50 s. John Pattinson, For tithe of the value of 6 s: had taken from him for the same, one Cow worth 38 ●: or above. John Wilkinson, For tithes prized to a 11 s. by the priest's tithe gatherers, who prized the like quantity in another man's hand but to 6 s: had taken from him by them 18 l. weight of brass, and some Pewter, and 100 sheaves of Big Barley, a great part of that he had: with which Injustice some of the Justices were acquainted, but no relief could be had. Uldale Parish, Henry Fallow-field Priest. William Caipe. For tithe of the value of 25 s: 10 d: which the Priest demanded, had taken from him by the Constable and the Priest servants, by a Warrant from the Justices, one Mare worth more than 3 l. Tho: Fell, For 10 s: 4 d: demanded by the Priest, had taken from him by the said Constable, and Priests servants, one Mare worth 45 s. John Caipe, For 5 s: demanded by the Priest, had taken from him by the said Constable and Priests servants, four Sheep worth 13 s. Matthew Caipe, For 17 s: demanded by the Priest, had taken from him by the same Constable and Priests servants, one Mare worth 3 l. Tho: Fell, For 16 s: which the Priest swore his tithes worth, had taken from him for the said Priest, one Cow worth more than 30 s. John Caipe, For tithes had taken from him brass at the will of the said Priest upon his own oath; and the said Priest had sued many more at the Law, and here is the fruit of his Ministry. John Fell elder, For tithes of the value of 23 s: had taken from him for the said Priest, 176 pounds of Wool. Tho: Fell, For tithe of the value of 10 s: had taken from him for the said Priest, 27 l: of Pewter. John Caipe, For tithe of the value of 12 s: 8 d: had taken from him for the said Priest Corn and Sacks worth 24 s. George Scot, For tithe of the value of 9 s: had taken from him three Sheep. Tho: Harrison, For tithe of the value of 9 s: 1 d: had taken from him for the use of George Tyball Priest of Skelton, one pair of Cart Wheels worth 21 s: 6 d. John Bank, For tithe of the value of 18 s: had taken from him for the said Priest, one Pot, one Pan, five Pewter dishes worth 26 s: 8 d. Richard Ireland of Tho: Close, For tithe of the value of 8 s: had taken from him for the use of John Jackson, Priest of Hutton in the forest, one cauldron, one Pot, one Beetle, one Pan, two pewter Dishes, a pewter saucer, and one Salt-seller, worth 59 s: or more. Mungo Bewley, For tithe of the value of 14 s: had taken from him for the use of Lady Fletcher (so called) one Mare worth 3l. Henry Loathaise, was sued at the County Court, by James Steward Priest of Westward for a tithe Pigg, he having a Sow which had six pigs, and recovered 10 s: for it, and a and a Baliff came into the Market and took a Sack and one bushel of Oates Cumberland measure, worth 4 s. James barn, For tithes of the value of 12 s: had taken from him for the use of Rowland Nichols, Priest of Aiceton, Corn and Sacks to the value of 25 s. and upwards. Matthew Kirkbride, For tithe of the value of 12 d. being a very poor man, had Goods taken out of his house worth 12 s. for the use of John Pattison Priest of Kirkbride. Peter Head of Pardsey, For the value of 12 s. had a Horse worth 3 l. taken from him. widow Head of Pardsey, For tithe of the value of 22 s. had two Mares worth 6 l. 10 s. taken from her by a justice's Writ, for the use of John Wind. Mungo Wilson of Bugham, For tithes of the value of 7 S. according to the rate of the Town, had taken from him by Warrant from two Justices, one Cow worth 40 s. for the use of George Fletcher called Baronet, or his Farmers. Rich. Whiney, For tithes of the value of 7 s. as aforesaid, had taken from him by the said Warrant, one Cow worth 37 s. for the use of the said Fletcher or his Farmers. Will. Allisin, For tithes of the value of 7 s. as aforesaid, had taken from him for the use of the said persons, one Cow worth 36 s. Anthony Scrugham, For tithes of the value of 3 s. 4 d. as aforesaid, had taken from him, for the use of the said persons, one young Colt worth 24 s. James Wilson, For tithes of the value of 22 s. as aforesaid, had taken from him for the use of the said persons two Oxen and one Steare, worth 6 l. 10 s. or more. Ellen Emmerson, upon having but three Geese, had one of them taken from her, for the use of George Fletcher, called Baronet. Alexander Stamper, For tithe under the value of 40 s. had taken from him for the use of John Salkeld of Threapland, two Oxen worth 5 l. Tho. Walker, Because he did not set out his tithe, had his whole Crop of Corn entered upon, and detained by the said Salkeld, to the great disabling of him. Leo Fisher, For want of seven Stouks of tithe big, had brass and Pewter taken from him, for the use of Henry Pearson, worth 20 s. though the said Pearsons servants, took nine Stouks of oats more than their due. John Fell, For want of one Stouk of Bigg, had brass taken from him worth 5 s. when the Stouk of their own account, was but worth 7 d. George Rothery, After he had suffered near twelve months' imprisonment, because he could not pay tithes, valued at but 1 s. 9 d. had Goods taken from him afterwards for the said tithes, worth 6 s John Iredell, For want of nine Stouks of Corn, had Oates and Sacks taken away, for the use of Gawen Egglesfield Priest of Plimland worth 20 s. Lamphigh Parish, Comfort star Priest. Will. Bowman, For tithe of the value of 16 s. had taken from him for the said Priest, one Cow worth 2 l. 6 s. 8 d. and two Pewter Dishes more, worth 8 s. 8 d. Lorton. Tho. Head, For tithe of the value of 24 s. had taken from him by bailiffs by a justice's Writ, for the use of one John Winder a tithe-monger; two Horses worth 7 l. or 8 l. which they keep, though they had taken the fourth part of the tithe before, and since he hath had taken from him for the said tithe, one Cow worth 40 s. Wigton. Will. Pearson, For tithe of the value of 2 s. 8 d. had taken from him for the use of one called Lady Fletcher, one Horse worth 3 l. and for 3 s. had a kettle taken away worth 22 s. John Richardson, For 12 s, demanded for her for tithe, had taken away, one Cow worth 40 s. and some Pewter Dishes and yarn. Graystock Parish. John Slee, For tithe of the value of eighteen shillings, had taken away one Cow prised at forty shillings. The same, For twelve pence, had taken from him 3 pans, 3 pewter dishes, a small piece of pewter, and some woollen yarn, worth ten shillings. John Mark the elder, For tithe of the value of seventeen shillings, had two cows taken from him, prised at four pounds. John Mark younger, For tithe of the value of twenty one shillings four pence, had taken from him one Cow, one brass Kettle, one pan, one plate, a Cann, a pewter dish, and an axe, prised at fifty eight shill. four pence. John Soverly, For tithe of the value of four shillings, had one Table, and Frame, and a Chair taken from him worth ten shill. six pence. John Todhunter, For tithe of the value of nine shillings eleven pence, had a load of Oats and Sack taken away, worth twenty shillings. Widow Buckbarrow and her two Sons, For tithe of the value of eighteen shillings nine pence half penny, had taken away one Cow, one brass pot, and a pan prised at two pound five shillings. John Bewley, For tithe of the value of nineteen shillings six pence, had taken from him one Horse worth two pound five shillings. Widow Slee and Richard Slee, For tithe of the value of eleven shillings two pence, had taken away two cauldrons, four pewter dishes, two pans, and a sack worth twenty eight shillings. Thomas Slee, For tithe of the value of seven shillings, had taken f●om him six pewter dishes, eight fleeces of wool, and a Bed coverlet worth twenty shill. Cuthbert Hodgson, For tithe of the value of fourteen shillings, had taken from him one Cow worth thirty five shill. John Sowerby, For tithe of the value of fourteen shillings, had taken from him a Mare well worth four pounds. Caldbeck Parish. John Stricket, For tithe of the value of sixteen shillings, had taken from him one Cow, worth fifty shillings. Richard Wilson, For a rate tithe of the value of one shilling farthing, had goods taken from him worth seven shillings. Thomas Hasken, For tithe of the valve of two shillings four pence, had Goods taken from him worth six shillings eight pence. John Hasken, For tithe of the value of twelve shillings seven pence, had Goods taken from him worth forty shillings. John Peacock, For tithe of the value of twenty two shillings two pence, had Goods taken away worth thirty seven shill. George Scott, For tithe of the value of fifteen shillings, had Goods taken away worth eighteen shillings eight pence. John Relfe, For tithe of the value of five shillings three pence, had taken from him as many Sheep as were worth thirty shill. William Slalker, For tithe of the value of eight shillings three pence, had Goods taken from him worth twenty shillings. Thomas Mark, For tithe of the value of twenty two shillings four pence, had Goods taken from him worth fifty four shill. John Nicholson, For tithe of the value of twelve shillings eight pence, had Goods taken from him worth forty shillings. Richard Scott, For tithe of the value of four shillings ten pence, had Goods taken from him worth seven shillings. Widow Preslman, For tithe of the value of eight shillings three pence, had Goods taken away worth twenty shill. three pence. Thomas Bewley, For tithe of the value of twenty eight shill. six pence, had Goods strained worth three pounds six shill. Thomas Rickerby, For five pence half penny demanded for smoke passing up his chimney, had Goods taken away worth two shill. six pence. Other Goods were taken from John Pattison, Richard Williamson, and others, but the particulars we know not yet. Brigham Parish. William Richardson, For tithe of the value of thirty shill. four pence, had one Horse taken from him worth three pounds ten shill. Henry Johnson, For tithe of the value of thirteen shillings nine pence, had one Horse taken from him worth two pound thirteen shill. four pence. John Gill, For tithe of the value of thirteen shill. four pence, had one Horse taken from him worth two pounds ten shill. Cockermouth Parish. Richard Nuckham, For tithe of the value of three shill. six pence, had a Horse taken from him worth two pound thirteen shill. four pence. And also he had taken from him, two brass pots worth fourteen shill. six pence, because he could not for Conscience sake contribute to repair the steeple house. Dean Parish. Isabel Head Widow, For tithe of the value of twelve shill. had taken from her one Cow, one Heifer, and one steer worth at least five pounds, and for the like tithe this year, she had taken from her two Mares worth six poundand above, these were taken by force of justice's Writs, though upon them no appearance was made, or Judgement given. Peter Head, For tithe of the value of twelve shill. had a Cow taken from him, and also a Horse by colour of a Justices Writ, though no appearance or judgement was upon it; for these and many other great and cruel oppressions, Wilfrid Lawson Sheriff of Cumberland ought to be called to account. Christopher Mauser, For tithe of the value of twenty four shill. ten pence, had taken from him for the use of Patriciu● Curwen, worth five pounds. Caldbeck parish for Richard Hutton priest. Thomas Mark, For tithe wool of the value of sevente●n shillings, had a Horse taken from him worth fifty four shillings. The same also for other tithe of small value, had two Ox●n and three Kine taken away by colour of a Justices writ, without appearance or judgement. John Pattison, For tithe of the value of sixteen shillings eleven pence, had taken from him Corn worth twenty five shill. six pence. Richard Scott, For tithe of the value of Four shill. Four pence, had two pair of Shoes taken from him worth seven shill. Four pence. John Stricket, For tithe of the value of sixteen shill. Four pence, had one Cow taken from him worth three pound six shill. eight pence. Thomas Haskey, For tithe of the value of three shill, five pence, had a pair of Cart-wheels taken from him worth seven shill. John Haskey elder, For tithe of the value of fifteen shill. two pence, had Corn & Sacks taken from him to Forty Four shill. ten pence. William Stalker elder, For the tithe of the value of fifteen shill. two pence, had Corn and Sacks taken from him worth twenty four shill. Richard Wilson, For tithe of the value of thirteen shillings, had a brass Pot taken from him worth seven shillings. John Nicholson, For tithe of the value of thirteen shill. Four pence, had a Cow taken from him worth Forty shillings. John Peacock, For tithe of the value of twenty shill, or thereabouts, had Corn and Sacks taken from him worth thirty shill. six pence. All these Goods in Caldbeck Parish, were taken by Warrant from Justice Barwis and Justice Fletcher, for the use of Priest Hutton. Boulton Parish. John Pattison, For tithe of the value of twenty two shill. had one Cow taken from him for the use of Priest Forward, worth fifty shill. John Wilkinson, for tithe of the value of Four shill. eight pence, had one Cow taken from him for the use of the said Priest, worth fifty five shill. Penreth Parish. Taken from Thomas Midleton, one pewter dish worth three shill. six pence. Robert Dawson, three pewter dishes worth eight shill. Peter Tailor, two pewter dishes worth Four shill. These were taken by an old Priest, who was formerly ejected on pretence of Easter Reckonings. From Robert Dawson the Clerk also took one pewter dish worth sixteen pence. Threapland. Thomas Walker, For tithe of the value of twenty three shillings, had his Barn locked up, and all his whole years Corn seized upon, except nine Bushels of oats which he had got out. and also a Mare taken away under colour of a Justices Writ, though neither appearance nor judgement. Richard Robinson, For tithe of the value of thirty shillings or thereabouts, had Goods and cattle taken from him worth twenty Four pounds or thereabouts, by colour of a Justices Writ, without any due and legal proceeding thereupon. Yorkshire. JAmes Gurnel, For the value of five shillings tan pence pretended to be due to John Wargent a Priest▪ and Christopher Wakefield an Impropriator for tithes, had Goods taken to the value of Forty shillings, of which they returned back only two shillings six pence. Robert Everat, For the value of thirty one shillings, pretended to be due for tithes to Robert Brown and Israel Townend, and Robert Otter, had his Horse taken away which was worth three pounds, which they got valued to fifty shillings and returned nothing again. John Jayher, For the value of six shillings six pence pretended to be due unto Thomas Healey Priest of Haxey for tithes, had taken from him sixteen shillings Four pence. Alexander Harland, For the value of three shillings pretended to be due to Stother a Priest for tithes, by order of two men in Commission to do Justice, was to have ten shillings, who granted their Warrant to distrain for the same, and for that ten shillings they took away five Sheep, and rendered nothing again. William Sharp, For the value of sixteen shillings pretended to be due for tithes, and Easter Reckonings, as they called them, unto William Cooper a Minister so called, had a Mare worth three pound six shillings eight pence taken away and prised to two pound thirteen shillings Four pence, which being done, the said William Sharp said he wanted sixteen shillings of his due, although the said Cooper never answered him in the Law. Matthewr Maire, For the value of Fourteen shillings pretended to be due for tithes unto Samuel Pibard Priest of Owthorn, had Goods taken away to the value of five pounds which they rated ●o fifty shillings, of which sum the bailiff said fifteen shillings remained, but was not received by the said Matth. w. Thomas Agar, For the value of one shilling, one penny, pretended to be due for tithes unto William Catlin Priest of Crambe and Bart●n, had a Mare taken worth Four pound which they prised to three pound ten shillings, and took seventeen shillings for the said one shilling one penny. William Thorpe, For the value of one shilling one penny pretended to be due for tithes unto the above said William Catlin, had two Cows taken which they prised to two pound out of which they took fifteen shall. six pence. Robert Bell, For the value of seven pence half penny, pretended to be due for tithes to the said Catlin, had one Cow taken, which they prised to twenty shillings, out of which they took sixteen shill. George Matthew, For the value of two shillings, pretended to be due for tithes to the said Catlin, had a Horse taken which they prised to forty shillings, out of which they took nineteen shill. which was done by warrant from two men in Commission to do justice. Edward Guy, For the value of two shillings nine pence, pretended to be due for tithes, and Easter Reckonings, as they are called, unto Robert Lowther Priest of Bentham, formerly called a Malignant, had his Goods taken to the value of thirteen shillings eight pence, and they said they must have more. Richard Guy, For the value of five shillings Four pence, pretended to be due to Alexander Fetherston a Priest, and for eight pence pretended to be due to William Bells, Clerk to the abovesaid Robert Lowther, he had a Cow taken worth twenty seven shillings, and had nothing returned back. George Bland, For the value of two pence claimed for tithes by the abovesaid Robert Lowther, had his Goods taken to the value of sixteen shillings, and nothing was returned back: And for eight pence claimed by the foresaid William Bells, he had also Goods taken valued to fifteen shill. and nothing returned back. Richard Wickington, For the value of thirty Four shillings eight pence, pretended to be due unto John Norton a Priest for tithes, had one Horse, one Mare, and two Oxen worth eleven pounds taken and by them prised to six pound. John Wilson, For the value of three pound ten shillings, pretended to be due for tithes to John Silburn an Impropriator, who valued the same by his Son to Four pounds Four shillings, procured a warrant from two men in Commission to do justice, for five pound six shillings, for which they took Goods worth eight pounds fifteen shillings, which they valued to five pound ten shillings, and sold them for seven pound seventeen shillings eight pence, and returned nothing again. Walter Hall, For the value of thirty three shillings, pretended to be due to the said John Silburn for tithes, which his Son valued to be worth two pound thirteen shillings Four pence, procured a warrant from two men in Commission to do justice, for the sum of two pounds nineteen shillings Four pence, for which they took Goods valued by two indifferent men to seven pounds, and nothing returned. Alexander Harland, For the value of three pounds ten shillings, pretended to be due to John Beamond Priest for tithes, with two men more, was worth five pounds, whereupon two men in Commission to do justice, gave order to pay six pound sixteen shillings, for which they di●trained two Oxen, and one Horse worth eight pound ten shillings, which they valued to six pounds. Mich. Simpson, a Farmer of forty two pound in the year, was sued by Charles Kaine a Priest, for tithes which happened of the said Farm, which by his witnesses he proved to mount to the value of eighteen pound for one year, before Judge Parker at the Assizes at York, which said Judge gave judgement for trible damages against him, which comes to fifty four pound. William Pearson, was sued by Alexander Metcalf, called Parson of Setterrington, for tithe which was worth about ten pounds, for which Judge Nudigate gave judgement for thirty three pound six shillings eight pence, of which nothing was abated. Christopher Hutton, For the value of four pound twelve shillings six pence, pretended to be due for tithes and charges to John Pennil, Priest of Overhemsley, had two Oxen distrained by Warrant from two men in Commission to do Justice, which were worth seven pound, but by them valued at five pounds, of which they returned nothing back. Jeffrey, Nicholson, For the value of thirty four shillings pretended to be due for tithes unto Lancelot Hasel, titled Minister of Bulmer, had three fat Kine driven away by colour of a Warrant from two men in commission to do justice, worth eight pounds, which they valued to five pound ten shillings, and so sold them and never returned one penny. Richard Simpson, For one penny which William Catline Priest of Crambe, proved due to him for tithe, distrained one Cow worth forty shillings, which they valued to twenty shillings out of which they took fifteen shillings. John Gothericke, for two pence which the said William Catline, proved due to him for tithe, distrained one Cow, worth thirty shillings, which they valued at twenty shillings, out of which they took fifteen shillings. John Pickering, having four Calven for which he offered the said Will. Catline what had been usually paid for such a number, which the said Catline refused to take, demanding of him a tithe Calfat four, which the said John Pickering refusing to give him, the said Catline summoned him before two men in commission to do justice, who notwithstanding ordered the said Pickering to pay one shilling eleven pence which he proved due to him, and three shillings for charges. James Cookson, For the value of seven shillings nine pence, which James Williamson Minister of Crake proved before two men in Commission to do justice, due to him for tithes, had a Cow taken away worth two pound, which they prised to twenty six shillings eight pence, and restored nothing again. Will. Pert, For the value of twenty six shillings eight pence, which the said Williamson proved before two men in Commission to do justice to be due to him for tithe, had two Heifers worth three pound taken from him, and nothing restored to him again. Volentine Johnson, For the value of five shillings eight pence, which the said Williamson proved before two men in Commission to do justice to be due to him for tithe, had a Cow driven away worth two pound, which they prised to thirty shillings, and nothing did they render to the owner. Josias Cookson, For the value of twelve shillings nine pence, which the above named James Williamson proved before two men in Commission to do justice; to be due to him for tithe, he had one Heifer taken away worth forty shillings, and nothing rendered again. Tho. Scot. For the value of eleven shillings six pence pretended to be due unto Leonard Esh, an Impropriator called, had Goods taken from him worth six pounds, which they 〈◊〉 to five pound, and restored nothing to the owner again. Thomas Johnson, For the value of thirty Four shillings pretended to be due unto James 〈◊〉 aforesaid, called Minister of 〈◊〉 for tithe had a Horse taken from him, for which he paid fifty two shillings before his 〈◊〉 was 〈◊〉 John Walker, For the value of eighteen shillings Four pence pretended to be due unto the above named Williamson, for tithes, by order of two men in Commission to do justice was ordered to pay twenty five shillings, which accordingly was paid to the said James Williamson. Thomas Thurham, For the value of sixteen shillings pretended to be due unto the above named Williamson, was ordered by two men in place to do justice, to pay unto the said Williamson the sum of twenty three shillings, which was paid for him. Thomas Aldam, By the means of Thomas Rooksby Priest of Warmsworth, and Thomas Vincent of the same, was cast into prison at York the 15 day of the 3d Month called May, 1652, and there kept for about two years, and six months, in which time both the said parties sued him at the Law, for not setting forth his tithes, he then being in prison. And at the Assizes at York, the said Thomas Rooksby procured a judgement from Richard Nudigate (called a judge) against him for sixteen pounds ten shillings for the tithe of eleven Acres of Wheat, Rye, and Barley; ten Acres of Pease and Oates, and twelve Acres of meadow in one year, the ground being worth but about five shillings the Acre Rent in one year, and the said Thomas Vincent likewise procured another judgement from the said Richard Nudigate (called a judge) against the said Thomas Aldam at the same Assizes for the tithe of Fourteen acres of Wheat, Rye, and Barley, and twelve Acres of Pease and Oates for one year, the sum of eighteen pounds six shillings, the Land being but worth five shillings an Acre yearly Rent; and the bailiff (called Henry Worrel) levied the same upon the Goods of the said Thomas Aldam, and took Four Oxen, seven Kine, one steer, and one Heifer, which they prised and valued to thirty pounds ten shillings, and sold by the bailiff that distrained them, which Goods were since valued by Neighbours to be worth thirty six pounds, and the said bailiff after distrained one Mare, and one Horse of the said Thomas Aldams, which were prised to five pounds ten shillings, and for that sum sold to Thomas Broughton one of the Apprisers, who made merchandise with the spoiler for gain, and so the spoil of Thomas Aldams Goods is about his house; the Mare and Horse cost Thomas Aldam about eleven pounds, which they valued and sold for five pounds ten pence. Richard Tomliason, For the value of eighteen pence or thereabouts for tithe Hay, had one Mare taken from him worth five pounds. Sedbergh, and thereabouts. Thomas Blaikling, For tithes of the value of twenty shillings three pence, had a Horse taken from him worth three pound ten shill. Edward Atkinson, For tithes of the value of nine shilling three pence, had a Mare taken from him worth about four pound. Richard Speight, For tithes of the value of five shillings eleven pence, had a Cow taken from him worth three pound. Anthony Willan, For tithes of the value of fifteen shillings, had a Horse taken away worth above three pound. Thomas Willan, For tithes of the value of ten shillings three pence, had a Mare taken from him worth four pound. George Mason, For tithes of the value of five shillings, had a Horse taken from him worth four mark. Thomas Banks, for tithes of the value of nineteen shill. six pence, had a Horse taken from him worth above four pound. All the obove named parriculars, were taken for the use of Richard Atkinson, James Burton, and James Tompson, within the called Parish of Sedbergh. Craike Parish, Josias Cookson, For tithes of the value of seven pence half penny, had judgement given against him by two Justices to pay ten shillings Costs, and the value of the said tithes. James Cookson, For tithes of the value of ten pence, had judgement given against him by two Justices to pay ten shill. Costs, and the value of the tithes. John walker, For tithes of the value of twelve pence, had the like judgement given against him to pay ten shillings Costs, beside the value of the tithes. Thomas Johnson, For tithes of the value of four shillings eight pence haf penny, had the like judgement given against him to pay ten shillings Costs, besides the value of the tithes. These were decreed to be paid to James Williams●n, Priest of Craike; but what Goods he hath distrained for the same, was not known when this was given in. Westmoreland. Edmond W●i●wel, For the value of six pence claimed by Priest Greenwood of Hutton chapel, to be due to him for one year and a half, had a Horse taken from him, worth two pound eighteen shillings four pence. John Sutton, For tithe of the value of twenty one shill▪ claimed by John Winter Priest of Clifton, so valued by the priest's Servant, was ordered by two Justices, to have three pound seven shill. 6d. levied of his goods by Distress, and six shill. eight pence for Costs, and had two Mares taken away worth six pound thirteen shill four pence. John Wilkinson, For tithe of the value of thirty shillings, given in by oath of one witness; and John Wilkinson his son, For tithe of the value of thirty shill. without other oath than the Priests owa, had Kine taken away from John the son worth twenty pound, for the use of John Vaux, Priest of Great Musgrave. John Wilkinson, For tithe of the value of thirty shillings, so est●mated by the Justices without other proof, was ordered to have two pound fire shill. eight pence levied of his Goods, for the use of the foresaid Priest Vaux, and a Cow was taken away for it worth five pound, though a son of the said Johns tendered the money. John Fallowfield, For tithe of the value of fifteen shillings, as the Priests own witnesses estimated, had taken from him, for the use of Peirce Burton, Priest of Morland, by Warrant from the Justices, one of them the priest's brother, one Mare and a Foal worth five pound, and the priest sent one to offer back eleven shill. eight pence, as the fellow that came said. Henry Lycock, For tithe of the value of two shillings, as was claimed, had taken away for the use of the said Priest Burton, one cauldron worth eighteen shill. John Tompson, For tithe of the value of sixteen shillings, so estimated by the servants of him that demanded it, had taken from him a Horse worth fifty shillings, for the use of Christopher Lister, and the man that took the Horse, sent word to John Tompson, if he would not come and lose the Horse, he might come and fetch more. William Hebson, For tithe to the value of three pound nine shillings four pence, had taken Goods to the value of seven pound, for the use of Nicholas Mawson. More taken from him for repairing the steeplehouse, two shillings, his rate by sesse being six pence. William Halme, For tithe to the value of twenty three shil. had Goods taken to the value of forty four shill. More taken for six pence sesse, for repair of the steeplehouse, to the value of two shillings four pence. Thomas Alexander, For tithe to the value of twenty pence, had Goods taken to the value of five shillings. More, for three pence Seffe for repair of the steeplehouse, to the value of two shillings six pence. John Smith, For tithe to the value of four shill. six pence, had Goods taken to the value of eight shill. Tho. Wharton, For six pence Sesse for repair of the steeplehouse, had taken to the value of two shill. Henry Lycock, For tithe to the value of twenty six shill. had Goods taken to the value of three pound. More, for tithe to the value of two shillings, had a Kettle taken to the value of twenty shill. Richard Smith, For tithe to the value of five shillings six pence, had Goods taken to the value of seventeen shill. John Wilkinson, For nine shillings three pence, had Goods taken to the value of twenty two shill. Alice Wilson, For eight shillings, had Goods taken to the value of sixteen shill. Edmond whitewel, For four shill. six pence, had Goods taken to the value of nine shill. Annas Tarne, For ten shillings, had Goods taken to the value of twenty four shill. Musgrave Parish. John Williamson, For tithe estimated at thirteen shillings, had one Cow taken away worth five pound, for the use of the priest's farmer. John williamsons son, For tithe of the value of thirty shill. proved by one witness to be due from his Father, and other thirty shillings by the Paiests own oath, had four Cows taken away worth twenty pound, and nothing offered to be returned, and the Cows driven away where the owner could never see them again. These were taken for the use of the said Priest Musgrave. Laneasbire. Robert Widder, Tho. leper, Robert stones; These three being Inhabitauts of the County of Lancaster, were sued and run to an outlawry in Westmoreland, having no knowledge of it till upon the outlawry they were apprehended, and carried to Lancaster goal, where they have remained above sixteen months; The Suit was brought in the name of Ralph Ashton styled Baronet, and Thomas Witherington styled Knight, for refusing to pay tithes to James Schoolcrof Priest of Caton. Richard Mires, Because for conscience sake he could not pay tithes to Tho. Shaw Priest of Aldingham, was imprisoned in the goal of Lancaster, and there remained many months. Richard Ashburner, For tithes of the value of twenty three shillings four pence, as the Priest pretended, had a Horse taken away worth four pound; and for tithes of the value of twenty shillings, as he pretended, had taken away a Cow worth fifty eight shillings four pence, for the use of Tho. Shaw Priest of Aldingham: And ten days afterwards, the said Priest brought a Writ against the said Ashburner, and laid him in the goal at Lancaster, where he has remained many months. John Lawson, and several others, were sued by the Priest of Lancaster, and had their Goods taken away and trible damages given to the Priest. William Greenbanck, For tithe to the value of six pound, or thereabouts, which by one James Baleman and James Whitehead, was sworn to above eleven pound, had Goods taken from him for the use of Thomas Whitehead, called Minister or Parson of Halton in Lancashire, to the value of twenty two pound and upward. Janet Dickenson, a poor woman who hath nothing to live upon but her hand labour, who have farmed about one Rood of ground, the tithe whereof was valued to eight pence, for which the said Tho. Whitehead sued her in the Exchequer at Westminster, to answer which Suit she traveled near two hundred miles; in which Court he declared against her for tithe of twenty seven Acres of Corn and meadow. Alice Weodhead of Clown in Darby shire, for tithe to the value of twenty one shillings, had Goods taken to the value of five pound. Durham. John Richmond, had Cattle worth forty pound or thereabouts, taken from him by colour of a Warrant from Commissioners sitting at Newcastle, as was pretended but never showed to him, for the use of one wildbore, who was long since cast out of the Vicarage at Heighington for scandal and insufficiency, by Commissioners sitting at Newcastle, which Cattle were driven to Durham, and there sold for twenty pound, and not one penny offered back, when the sum they demanded was but a small part of it; and though the said John Richmond (knowing the said Commissioners had no power to give any judgement for tithes to the said priest) went to the Sheriff George Lilburn for a replevit, the said Lilburn refused to grant it; and thus they join hand in hand to make their oppressions remediless, yea even for those themselves call scandalous. William Richmond, and Thomas Richmond, by the same illegal Warrant, had Cattle of a great value driven away for the use of the said ejected Priest, though they were never served with the Warrant. Yorkshire. Thomas Aldam, prosecuted in the Common pleas for tithes by Thomas Rooksbie, a called Minister of Warmsworth, who lately had the spoil of his Goods. James Tennant, Nichol. Row, John Metcalfe, prosecuted in the Chancery for tithes. Henry Bayley, Anthony Wilson, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Richard Robinson, Alexander Hebblethwaite, James Corney, now prisoners in the Fleet, because for conscience sake they could not swear about tithes, Jonas Smith, John Somerson, now prisoners concerning tithes. Thomas Aldam, William Ratliffe, Anthony Wilberfosse, William Sikes, Thomas Scot, William Simpson, Michael Simpson, Gervase Benson, Edward Atkinson, have been prisoners concerning tithes. Lancashire. William Greenbanck, Janet Dickenson, Thomas Comin, Thomas Atkinson, James Taylor, Richard Rooper, Richard Britton, Alexander Rigg, John Burrow, Lawrence Newton, George Garnet, william Pull, Richard Weaver, John Wayman, William Wayman. Edward Comin, Gregory Cockerham, sued in the Exchequer for tithes. Robert Widder, Thomas leper, Robert Stout, Richard Ashburner, Robert Walker, Richard Mires, Thomas Hill, have been imprisoned concerning tithes. Cumberland. John Dixon, John Fearon, John Gill, Matthew Robinson, James Wilson, William Richardson, sued in the upper Bench for tithes. George Rothery, Richard Williamson, have been prisoners concerning tithes. Westmoreland. William Cartnel, Richard Sill, sued in the Exchequer for tithes. John Foothergit, William Hebson, Thomas Atkinson, Edward Robinson, Henry Ward, Thomae Robertson, Thomas Wright, have been prisoners concerning tithes. Durham. Martin Richmond, John Richmond, John Greenwel, Will▪ Foster, sued in the Exchequer for tithes. John Richmond, Nichollas Pickering, have been prisoners concerning tithes. Nottinghamshire. William Cleater, now in prison in the Fleet, because for conscience sake he cannot swear about tithe. Robert Mawlam, sued in the Exchequer for tithes. Glocestershire. Walter Clement, Reynold Williams, William Watkins, Walter Summer, Thomas Hill, William Wooley, Thomas Dooding, Elizabeth Dorney Widow, Mawrice Smith, John Taylor, William Cox, sued in the Exchequer for tithes. Buckinghamshire. Richark Marks, Walter Mabley, Richard Hunt, Thomas Harvey, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Suffolk. George Sherwin, William Wawn, John Smith, John Simpson, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Bedfordshire. James Taylor, sued in the Exchequer for tithe, Hertfordshire. John Blindell, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Summersetshire. Thomas Darley, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Wiltshire. David Hale, John joy, and Charles Barret, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Oxfordshire. Richard Church, imprisoned for tithe. Middlesex. Richard Davies, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Robert Dring, hath been imprisoned for tithe. John Askew, is sued in Chancery for tithe. Kent. Samuel Fisher, Abiezar Boykin, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Sussex. Richard Prat, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Leicestershire. Edward Moggleson the elder, Edward Moggleson the younger, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. Norsolk. Robert Jacob, sued in the Exchequer for tithe. These with divers others, (whose names may hereafter be published, with the names of those by whom they are unjustly vexed, if they go on in their persecution of the Innocent;) are sufferers for tithe as is aforesaid. Clerk's Wages and Repair of Steeple-houses. Ri●hard Peacock, had taken from him one wooden Vessel worth eighteen pence, because he could not pay twelve pence, which Priest Gilpins Clerk demanded for Wages, though he hired him not. Thomas Barker, had taken from him one Pan worth one shilling, because he could not pay six pence, which the said Priests Clerk demanded for his Wages. John Mark, had taken from him one Pan worth twelve pence, because he could not pay six pence, which the said Clerk demanded, &c. John Dixon, had taken from him five Power Dishes and one brass Pot worth sixteen shillings, or more, because he could not for conscience sake pay ten shillings, which was demanded of him for Repairs of a steeplehouse. James Wilson, had taken from him three pewter Platters worth seven shillings. Mungo Wilson, had taken from him one Platter, worth five shillings. Richard Whiney, had taken from him two Platters worth three shill. Anthovy Scrugham, had taken from him one Pot worth two shillings three pence; because for conscience sake they could not pay money towards repair of the steeplehouse at Brigham. William Jackson, had taken from him six pewter Platters, and one pewter Cup worth nine shillings, because he could not pay money towards repair of a Steeplehouse at Lonswater. Thomas Flatcher, had taken from him one pewter platter worth twelve pence, because he could not pay four pence to the Clerk of Lowswater steeplehouse. John Tyson, had taken from him one Pewter Platter worth nine pence, because he could not pay four pence, which the said Clerk demanded. William Fletcher, For the like, had one pewter Cup taken away from him. Joha Pattisen, had taken from him by the Clerk of Boulton, one Pan worth five shillings six pence. Concerning Swearing. Richard Peacock, because for conscience sake he could not swear, was fined at the County Court by the sheriff's Officers twenty shillings, for which the bailiff took from him one Mare worth thirty shillings, though he appeared at the Court, and was ready to do any service he could. Michael Nicholson, because he could not swear, was fined, at the Earl of Northumberlands Court, (so called) ten shillings, for which the Bay list took away one Sack, two Sheets, two Pans, and two pewter Dishes worth seventeen shill. William Pearson, because he could not swear being fined ten shillings at the County Court, had taken from him by the bailiffs one Cow worth about forty shill. The same William Pearson, because he could not swear, was fined at the Earl of Northumberlands Court, (so called) and the bailiffs took from him one Mare and Foal worth three pound. Matthew Kirkbride, because he could not swear, was fined at the sheriff's County Court, for which the bailiffs took away the very bedding wherein himself and Wife lay, she being big with child and near to be delivered, and some Sacks, Yarn, and Corn, which they had provided for her maintenance, worth about thirty seven shillings, and left them not wherewith to cover themselves in the midst of winter, and Sir Wilfrid Lawson; (so called) the Sheriff, being acquainted with it, and asked whether he would own such things to be done, and to his use, he answered yes, and that he should not expect to be remedied at his hands; Oh hard hearted and inhuman cruely! John Peacock, because he could not swear, was fined at the County Court, the Sheriff being present, twenty shill. for which the bailiffs took away one Mare worth thirty shillings. John Stenton, because he could not swear, was fined ten shillings, at the called Earl of Northumberlands Court, at Mashdale, by James Pearson Steward, for which the bailiff took away two tanned Hides, and half a Bend, worth to be sold twenty six shill. Hugh Tickel, because he could not swear, was fined ten shillings at Ullock Court, for which one Kettle was taken from him worth fourteen shill. Thomas Piele, because he could not swear, was fined at Cockermouth Court six shillings right pence, for which a brass Pot, one Pan, and a wooden vessel worth ten shillings, were taken from him. Christopher Wandsor, because he could not swear, was fined at Wurkington Court, twenty shillings, for the use of Patri●ius Carwen called Baronet, for which his bailiffs took away one Horse worth three pound ten shill. William Stamper, because he could not swear at the sheriff's county Court, was fined twenty shillings, for which one Mare was taken away for the use of the said Sheriff, worth three pound ten shillings. Leonard Scott, because he could not swear, was fined at the sheriff's Court, and after he was dead, the bailiffs took away Pewter, brass, and Iron for it, though all his Goods fell much short of paying his debts, which his eldest son had undertaken to discharge. The aforesaid Wilfrid Lawson high Sheriff, charged his bailiffs to return the Names of those people called Quakers, for Jurers who were to answer at his Court at I●ell, which they did, and there they fined some ten shillings, some twenty shillings, some forty shillings, and some other greater sums, as in particular, Mungo Scott three pound thirteen shillings four pence; And some of the Landlords threaten them with the forfeiture of their Lands, which they hold of them by Copy or customary tenant right, because they say they deny to do their suit and service; and all this is because for conscience sake they cannot swear, and transgress the plain Command of Christ, though any service for the good of the Country they are willing to perform, and will be faithful without an oath; and for the keeping of their consciences clear, though in the outward they be for the most part poor, yet with joy they can suffer the spoiling of their Goods, and give their backs to the Smiter. John Fell, Because he could not swear, was fined at Io. Dalstons Court at Vidale, and had an Ewe and Lamb taken away for it worth five shillings, Tho. Fell, Because he could not swear, was fined at the said Court, & had an Ewe and Lamb taken away for it worth 6s. 8d. Io. Caipe, Because he could not swear, was fined at the said Court, and had a sheep taken worth four shillings Tho. Fletcher, Because he could not swear, was fined at Wilfrid Lawsons' manor Court (who is now the high sheriff) forty shillings, and for it had thirty one shillings four pence taken away. The same the next Court after was fined for not swearing six shillings eight pence. He also the next Court following was fined twenty shillings for not swearing: for these two later fines the said Lawson caused his bailiff to take away a great Kettle▪ and a Web of white Kerfie worth thirty six shillings. John Dixon, Because he could not swear, was fined at the said Lawsons' Court, and another time for not appearing when he was in prison for the testimony of a good conscience, was also fined, and for which he had taken away one brass pot, and two pewter dishes worth sixteen shillings. Durham. Geo. Burdon of Easington, because he could not swear, was fined by the Sheriff, and had thirteen shillings taken from him. And divers others for the same thing were fined in like manner. Yorkshire. Richard Robinson, Alexander Hebblethwait, James Corney, Because they could not for conscience sake swear and give in their answers to the Bill of Complaint of Richard Atkinson of Garsdale, James Burton of Dent, and James Tompson being for tithes, were committed prisoners to the Fleet by Robert Nicholas, and others the called Barons of the Exchequer, where they yet remain in prison. Nottinghamshire. William Cleater is now prisoner in the Fleet upon the same account▪ at the suit of one Dove Williamson, a called Minister; which said Williamson had one of his legs shot with a Canon bullet, he being in one of the late King's Garrisons. G. B. his Queries concerning tithes, &c. 1. When there was no King in Israel every one did that which was right in his own eyes, Iudg. 17 6. Was it so yea or nay? 2. When there was a King in England, did he well in suffering divers of his subjects to be imprisoned without any cause showed: And when for their deliverance they▪ were brought before his Justices, there to undergo and receive according to the Laws of the Land, no breach of any Law being proved against them, and yet they returned back to several prisons without being charged with any thing to which they might make answer according to the Law: And were they the King's friends that advised so to do, yea or nay? 3. Whether did the Parliament well to lay before him in the third year of his reign in the Petition of Right, that, and other things imposed upon his subjects, contrary to the laws and their just liberties, as a grievance, and to desire from him, That all his Officers and Ministers should serve him according to his laws & statutes of his Realm as they tendered his honour, and the prosperity of his kingdom: And did the King well when he said, Let right be done as is desired, yea or nay? 4. Whether the Statutes of England be a part of the Law of England? And whether is the Law of England a Rule in itself both for Magistrates and people to walk by, yea or nay? 5. Whether the Law of England be the higher Power, or the Judges and lawyer's opinions, which may be gained for money? And whether are the Justices the Masters of the law or the Ministers of the law? 6. Whether he is subject to the higher power who lives and walks according to what the Law requires; or he that follows the opinions and inventions of men, when in plainness the law requireth one thing, and their opinions and inventions are another thing? 7. Whether is he a faithful Minister of the Law, and fit to judge of men's lives, liberty, and estates, who writes one thing, and mean and does another, who takes an oath to judge according to the law, and yet quite contrary to the law commands men's persons to be imprisoned, and their goods to be taken from them? 8. Whether do the justice's act according to the●r Commissions or Patents, who pass judgement against the people's liberties and estates where there is no law of the Nation to warrant such their judgements: but on the contrary the law of the Nation saith in express words, it shall not be lawful for any so to do? 9 Whether is he the Minister of God yea or nay, that feigneth or suggesteth a lie, or owneth or joineth with such as he knoweth doth feign & suggest lies, to the end they may have a pretence or colour to draw people before their judgement seats (which they call Courts of Equity) which if the lies which is the foundation of many Bills of Complaint, were taken away, they then had no colour of action in such Courts; neither is there any law of this Nation to warrant such actions, as is confessed in several of their Bills of Complaints? 10. From whence is that Law, and for what end was it given, that is not equal? And is that equal which is not jousts, o'er equities which is not lawful? 11. Whether is the Proviso in a statute, a part of the statute, yea or nay? If nay, why was it inserted? If yea, than they that act contrary to it, are convinced of it as transgressors. 12. Whether were not the Courts temporal and the Courts spiritual two several Jurisdictions, and so accounted and adjudged by the late Kings and Parliaments of England? And whether had not the late Kings and Parliaments power to make laws, and to declare what was law yea or nay? And was it not declared in express words by the King and Parliament in the 24 Hen. 8. Chap 12. That rights of tithes, Oblations and Obventions, the knowledge whereof by the goodness of Princes of this Realm, and by the laws and customs of the same, appertaineth to the spiritual Jurisdiction of the Realm. 13. Whether is the Statute of the 2, 3, Edw. 6. Chap. 13. of force yea or nay? If yea, is it not therein provided and enacted, That if any person do subtract or withdraw any manner of tithes, Obventions, Profits, Commodities, or other duties, or any part of them, contrary to the true meaning of the said Act, or of any other Act heretofore made, that then the party so subtracting or withdrawing the same, may or sha●l de convented & sued in the King's ecclesiastical Court, by the party from whom the same shall be subtracted or withdrawn, to the intent the Kings Judge ecclesiastical shall and may then and there to hear and determine the same according to the King's Ecclesiastical laws, and that it shall not be lawful unto the Parson, Vicar, Proprietory, Owner, or other their Farmers or deputy, contrary to this act; to convent or sue such with-holder of tithes, Obventions, or other duties aforesaid before any other Judge than ecclesiastical, yea or nay? If nay, then why are the people punished as transgressors of that law which is repealed? And if yea, then why are the People convented and sued for with holding their tithes, etc before the temporal Judges, and in the temporal Courts, contrary to the said Act? 14. Whether doth not he or they who give their opinions and make it their practice to convent and sue men in the temporal Courts of this Nation the people thereof for subtracting and withdrawing their tithes▪ Oblations and Obventions, &c. And say it is lawful for them so to do, give the law the lie. And are these Ministers of the law who gives the law the lie, who say it shall be lawful when the law saith it shall not be lawful? Are not such unreasonable men? & do not such go about to make the law of none effect through their Traditions, and set up for self-ends their own opinions and inventions in stead of the lay, yea or nay? 15. Whether is it not provided in the statute of 32 Hen. 8●cap. 7. in these words, viz. Provided always that the last Act shall not extend nor be expounded to give any remedy, cause of action, or suit in the Courts temporal against any person or persons which shall refuse or deny to set out his or their tithes, or shall detain, withhold, or refuse to pay his tithes or offerings, or any parcel thereof, but that in such cases the person or party being ecclesiastical or Lay person, having cause to demand or have the said tithes or offerings, & thereby wronged or grieved, shall take or have their remedy for their said tithes o● offerings; in every such case in the spiritual Courts according to the Ordinance of the first part of this Act, and not otherwise. And do not such whether ecclesiastical or Lay persons otherwise, who sue people for tithes and offerings in temporal Courts for the same, Answer yea or nay? 16. Whether there is any transgression where there is no law? And whether there is or aught to be any treble damage adjudged, where and when no tithes are due? And if there be no law of the Nation to warrant the temporal Judges to try the right of tithes, the law saying that the trial thereof appertaineth to the spiritual Jurisdiction by the laws & customs of the Realm: Then how can it be lawful for the temporal Judges to give judgement in their temp●rall Courts for treble damages, or any Jury to find treble damage for not dividing, setting forth or not paying their predial tithes, o● or for taking or carrying away the same before the tenth part of the same be divided or set forth, when there is no law of the Nation to authorise them to hear or determine of the right of tithes who are temporal Judges in their temporal Courts. 17. Whether do such Justices and Juries who act contrary to the aforesaid statute, or any other, tender the honour and prosperity of the Nation, or serve the chief Magistrate thereof according to the laws and statutes thereof? And if not, is not their crime as great as their predecessors, who suffered for such things? And are not they inexcusable before God and Man, who have condemned others for so doing, and now do the same things? Answer yea or nay. Read and understand, Weigh and give advice ye learned council of the Nation, as you are called, for according to your deserts will your reward be, whosoever of you these Queries under your hands in writing shall answer according to truth, and return to any of the people called Quakers. WAs there ever such merchandise made of any people since the world began as these false teachers have done in our age before mentioned? Was there ever such oppression and such heavy burdens laid upon any people since the world began as these false Priests and teachers have done in our age that the Reader may find before mentioned? Have they not out stripped all the burdens, all the grievous burdens of the Pharisees which they themselves will not touch with one of their fingers? Was there ever such devouring, ravening by all the false teachers since the world began as these do in our age, which take a way the people's goods, cattle, Horses, Sheep, Oxen, Platters, Kettles, plow-gear, and what they can lay their hands on for a Prophet, spoiling people's goods, and making havoc of them; who can but say the measure of iniquity reaches to the full? Was ever people made a prey upon and devoured by the false teachers in all the ages past since the world began, as they are by the false teachers in this our age, which makes a prey upon the people, devours them, and treads upon them, that are fed, and eats the fat, clothes with the wool? Was ever people so bitten with, the teeth, and prepared war against since the world began, as they are in this our age; who cannot put into the mouths of the false teachers, which brings the people all on heaps, who would pluck the skin off their flesh, and bite them with their teeth; whiles they put into their mouths they cried peace unto them, but they are fallen in the night, whose doth appear oppression, violence, and spoiling the goods of people, hath not the hearts of the simple been long deceived by such, and doth not the folly of these now appear unto all men? and are not manifest that have the love of money that teaches for filthy lucre, who pierce themselves through with many hurtful lusts, who have the love of money which is the root of all evil; which things the man of God must fly: Marrk how many prisons have been filled in this Nation by them for the love of money, yea how many have been prisoned to death, witness Lancaster, Colchester, York and Exeter, such as are prisoned to death which the Priests are raging against, was ever Balaam so mad who loved the wages of unrighteousness, who was in the error, as are the teachers in this age, who are so greedy of gifts and rewards; nay, if men will not give it them, they will take it by violence, & summon them up into Courts, upper Bench, Exchequer, Chancery Common Pleas, to answer before the Barons of the Nation, and there cause poor men to come up; these Priests some for 4 or 5 shillings, some for less, two hundred miles poor labouring men, and thus they use them without any pity or compassion, and if they will not pay them, takes their Pots, or Kettles, or Platters, Priest sends to take them away, or Plow-gear. Was ever the like heard in all ages since the world began? Are not these they that makes the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ chargeable? And are not these things a shame to all Christians, that their teachers should make such fruits manifest, nay their Colleges at Cambridge, where they make their Ministers, have caused some to be cast in prison for not paying them their tithes. Here the mother and her sons both make havoc; one was prisoned at York till he died for not paying tithes; prisoned another to death by Priest Shaw, for not paying him tithes. Now if these things do not shame all Christian Magistrates and Rulers, what will, that have not a feeling in them with these sufferers? And if this be not a dishonour to truth and the Gospel, what is? and Christ who sends forth his teachers freely as they receive so to give. Now if you cannot see that you and such teachers are contrary to Christ and his Apostles, the God of the world hath blinded your eyes, and you are such as Jeremy speaks of in the horrible and filthy thing, the Priests bear rule by their means, and the people love to have it so: but what will you do in the end thereof? Never did so much nakedness appear in any age you read of, as doth in this age among them, which are not wotthy to have the name of teachers of truth, which generations to come will be ash●med of since the days of the Apostles in this night of apostasy and darkness: Hath the false teachers got up tithes, yea and of the people will have treble damage if they will not pay them, by whose means many come to lose almost their whole estates, having it taken from them for the priests. The Apostle showed that tithes were taken away, and the command disan●lled by which they were paid, and the hand-writing of Ordinances blotted out. George Fox. FINIS.