THE CASE Of the PEOPLE Called QUAKERS (ONCE MORE) Stated, and Published to the World: WITH THE Accusations Charged upon them; and their Answers  
LONDON, Printed for Robert Wilson.   

The Case of the People (called Quakers once more) Stated, and Published to the World, etc.  
WE are an Afflicted and Suffering People in these Kingdoms at this Day. Mocked, Reproached, haled before Magistrates, violently Abused, and Imprisoned, and much Hard dealing exercised upon us: This is apparently visible to all People, and needs no further proof.  
But, whether these Afflictions, and Sufferings, Imprisonments, and Hard Dealing, be Just, or Unjust, according to our Deserts, or out of the malice and enmity of our Adversaries, This is the Question to be enquired into; Unjust, and Unrighteous, and out of Malice and Enmity, and not of due Desert (say We) are these Sufferings imposed on Us: But justly, and according to Desert, and the Laws of the Land (say our Adversaries.) Who shall be judge in the Case between Us? Even, the Law of God, the Gospel of Christ, the Scriptures of Truth, the Example of Primitive Christians, our Neighbours, and the Witness in every Man's Conscience. And to the judgement of all These we Appeal, and shall abide their Sentence.  
First, We are Accused of an Heinous Crime, and as if We deserved the Greatest punishments, Because we are Discenting, and Differing from the Church of England, and cannot Conform to all Her Worships, and Ceremonies, therefore are We said to be Heretics; Because holding, and practising Differing things from Her, etc.  
Plea. The Scriptures of Truth (which are according to both Law and Gospel) do Say, and Judge, That they who sometimes did Descent, and Differ from some of the Church of Christ, in some Principles, and Practices, and could not practise in all things, what some others did, as in Rom. 14. where it is signified, That some of the Church of Christ believed they might eat All things; some others of the Church did eat Herbs, some esteemed One day above Another, others esteemed Every day Alike; this kind of discenting, and diference, about Meats, and Days, and Ceremonies, were amongst the Members of the True Church; but What is the judgement of Scripture in this case of Difference amongst them? Not that the Discenters one from another should be Punished, and Imprisoned, and Banished, but ver. 5. Let every man be persuaded in his own mind. And One was not so much as to Judge Another in this case of Difference, and Discenting; much less to Imprison one another for that Cause. And in Phil. 3. 15. it is there signified, That if any persons were discenting, and different in judgement, or in the growth in Grace, from the rest of the Church, every one was to walk in that measure of Truth, as he had attained to; And if any were otherwise-minded, (viz. Different in the Growth in the Grace of God) than God should reveal the same unto them; And notwithstanding their difference in judgement, whether in cases Substantial, or Ceremonial, yet, they were still to be in Love and Unity, and walk in their measures, to which they had attained, and they were not to be imprisoned and persecuted, as we are at this day: Hence, observe, That the judgement of Scriptures, which the Law of God, and Gospel of Christ are according to, is clear for us, and against them that hate us, that imprison us, and afflict us, for discenting and differing in some Doctrines, and Practices, from the Church of England. But  
Secondly, If we were indeed Heretics, and Erroneous people; suppose so, which never yet was truly proved, of us, nor can be; What judgement do the Scriptures (which are according to the Law of God, and Gospel of Christ) give in that case? Not that we should be thus imprisoned, and afflicted, with corporal punishments; but according to Titus, Tit. 3. 10, 11. we should first be Admonished in love, and Exhorted once and again; and then, if we gainsay, and will not hear Reproof, to be Rejected, cast Out, and Denied of the Assembly of Saints; But not imprisoned, and banished: and according to 1 Cor. 5. where it is signified, That some, in the denomination of the Church, did Offend against Christ and the Church, and were Heretics, and Discenters, because of their Evil deeds, from the True Church; yet, these were not to be imprisoned, and persecuted in their persons; but delivered unto Satan for the destruction of the Flesh, that the Spirit might be saved in the Day of the Lord; they were to be Spiritually dealt withal; and they were to be cast out into the Wicked world, among the Ungodly, to have their portion from God, with the Wicked, to be delivered to Satan for the destruction of the Flesh, that it might be destroyed, and the Spirit saved in the Day of the Lord. So, if we were indeed such, as these were, Discenters, and in difference from the True Church, because of some Wickedness, yet the judgement of Scriptures is against our Enemies in this Case, who persecute, and imprison us; for thus it ought not to be done unto us, if the Church of England were the very True Church of Christ, and We in difference from Her, by False principles, or Evil conversation, or▪ any thing else. Thus you see the judgement of the Scriptures, and of the Law of God, and Gospel of Christ, is against our persecutors.  
Thirdly, But suppose We doubt, That the Church of England, and its Ordinances, Discipline, its Worships and Ceremonies, be not according to the Scriptures of Truth, but are rather in the form of Godliness, without the power: suppose we, in Conscience believe this, and think we can prove it, which is the very truth of the Case, and therefore do deny Conformity to Her, lest we should sin against God, and wrong our own Consciences, at least, as we believe. What judgement doth the Law of God, and Gospel of Christ, give, in this Case? We are exhorted, and commanded in Scriptures, 2 Tim. 3. From covetous men, and proud men, lovers of themselves, false accusers, despisers of them that are good, highminded men, and lovers of pleasures, they that have the Form of Godliness, but not the Power, from all such we are to turn away. And therefore we believe we are justified by the Scriptures, in turning away for these divers Years past, (and till we be otherwise persuaded by sound Doctrine) from the Ministry and Churches that are in England, or lately have been, (and found Reason hath not been yet showed us, to the contrary, by you) because they are such, as the Scriptures Exhorts us to turn away from; and because we have judged, that they have had the form of godliness, but not the power; so we are not to be imprisoned, and persecuted, though we differ, and disent, and turn away from all them that are Covetous, Proud, Boasters, lovers of themselves, despisers of them that are good, highminded men, and such as have a form of godliness, but not the power. But we are Judged Just, and our Case not condemned by the Law of God, and Gospel of Christ, and by the holy Scriptures, but rather such as inflict Sufferings upon us: And for any of our Principles and Doctrines that we hold, we deserve no punishment nor Persecution, because hereof; for we testify before God, Angels and Men, That we hold and maintain, no Principles of Religion, nor Practice of Worship, nor Doctrines of Gospel, but what are according to Scriptures of Truth. And we are ready to be tried, and proved in that case, and to bring the matter to Issue, in fair proceedings with any man, that shall object the contrary; And thus the Judgement of Scriptures are for us, as we suppose (at least), and if we are in Error, either by denying any thing on the one hand, or affirming any thing on the other, we have not been hitherto, well proceeded against, in order to our Conviction.  
Secondly, We are accused as for a great Crime, and Imprisoned, because we meet together, in the Name and Power of jesus Christ, to wait upon him, and to worship him in Spirit and Truth; in Prayer to God, and Exhortations one to another, to Righteousness and Holiness: But, what judgement doth the Law and Gospel, and holy Scriptures give, and our Neighbours also, between Us in this Case? Le's come all to their Bar, and receive just Sentence.  
Plea. First, The judgement of God's Law, Christ's Gospel and holy Scriptures, are not against our meeting together, but on the contrary, do command us, and exhort us, with promises of blessings, to meet together in the worship of God, and to wait upon him; And it was the practice of the primitive Christians, to assemble themselves together, in that form and manner as we do ●t this day, (to wit) in a private manner, and separate from the multitude, and all the jews Synagogues, as in Acts 1. 17. The Saints and Disciples, both Men and Women, to the number of one hundred and twenty, (which were far more than five) went into an upper Chamber, being a private place, and no public Synagogue, and there waited upon the Lord in Prayer and Supplication, according as we do at this day: Thus the Scriptures justify the way and manner of our Meetings, and condemns them not. Again, in Acts 20. 8. the Saints and Disciples were gathered together in an upper Chamber, and Paul Preached unto them until midnight. Here was a private Meeting, far above the number of five, and out of any public Synagogues; and Christ jesus said, Where two or three are met together in my Name, there I am, in the midst of them. And He and his Disciples, often met together in private places, apart from the Jews public Worships, sometimes in a Ship, and sometimes in Deserts, and on the Mountains, and in particular Houses, and Preached, and Prayed; this the Scriptures prove. And also, in Heb. 10. 25. we are expressly commanded, not to neglect the Assembling of ourselves together, but to exhort one another, and so much the more as the day approahed. By all which Scriptures, with many more that might be quoted, it is Evident to all the world, That our meeting together for the worship of God, in that form and manner as practised by us, is according to the Law of God, the Gospel of Christ jesus, and the holy Scriptures: And all these, give Just judgement for us, and justify us, and therefore consequently condemn such as do violence to us, for this practice of meeting together, for the worship of God.  
And thus, though we are Accused and Imprisoned as Evil d●●rs; yet, such our practice of meeting is manifestly according to the Law of God, Gospel of Christ, Scriptures, Example of Saints, and Precedent of primitive Christians; all which give judgement for us.  
Secondly, What Judgement do our Neighbours give in this Case? they say, concerning our Meetings, That they have known us to meet together in such manner, for divers years, in their Towns and Villages, and never knew, nor understood of any ●●●m or danger herein, nor ever were any way prejudiced, either in their Persons or Estates, by our Meetings. The very witness of God in all our Neighbours, doth Testify, and give judgement, that our Meetings have always been peaceable and quiet, and that we came together in peace and good order, and parted in the same, and no person hath been harmed by such our Meetings; inquire of the Neighbourhood, and they will tell you, they believe in their Consciences, our Meetings are for good, and have good effects, and are not evil, nor brings forth any evil to any.  
And as for the manner of our Meeting and sitting together, 'tis orderly and decently, and of good report among men; and for any Doctrine that ever was there held, or heard by any, none can truly accuse it, to be either Error, or Heresy, or Sedition; but on the contrary, they know it witnesseth against all Sin and Iniquity, and tends to the turning of people from Ungodliness and Unrighteousness, to Truth and Holiness: And many can tell, this is effected, by our Doctrine Preached in our Meetings; and our Neighbours can witness, that we part again in peace, and good order, and in convenient time; and they can show you, they are not terrified, nor the Peace of the Land disturbed (on our part) by our Meetings, which are in God's fear, and to the Glory of his Name, which all sober men know, are according to the Law of God, and Gospel, and primitive Christians Example. And thus our Neighbours give judgement for us, and in their Consciences, do not justify them that Imprison us; For this matter of meeting together, which Gods Law, Gospel, Scriptures, and our Neighbours, do thus clearly Justify.  
Thirdly. We are accused, as guilty of a heinous Crime, and Imprisoned, because we refuse to swear at all, or take any Oath in any case.  
Plea. First, The Judgement of the Law of the New-Testament of God, and Gospel of Christ, and Scriptures in this cases is clear on our behalf. As in the express command of Christ, in his Law and Scriptures Recorded, Mat. 5. where he saith, Swear not at all, by Heaven, nor Earth, nor by jerusalem, nor by the Head; but, let your yea, be yea, and your nay, nay; for whatsoever is more comes of Evil. And again, jam. 5. the Apostle commandeth the Saints in these words, Above all 〈…〉, Swear not, by Heaven, nor Earth, nor any 〈…〉. And many holy Martyrs since the Apostles days, 〈…〉 all Swearing. Thus you see, the judgement of Christ 〈◊〉 and of the Gospel, and of the Apostle, and of Scriptures, 〈…〉 far from Condemning of us to Imprisonment & Banishment, 〈◊〉 our refusing to Swear, that we are Commanded and Ex●●●●d by them, not to Swear at all; and therefore consequently, justify us in our refusing to Swear; and thus, give not judgement for such, as do Imprison and Persecute us for not Swearing. Come to the judgement of Christ, his Gospel, and holy Scriptures; Let you and us appear together before their Judgement Seat, whether they give Judgement against us, that deny all Swearing, or against you, that Imprison us for that Cause: And let the Lord God, Angels and just Men, give their judgement in this Case; we a poor afflicted people, do appeal to you, for just Sentence of Judgement, between us and our opponents.  
Secondly, Let our Neighbours give their judgement, though we do refuse to take any Oath, because of the Commands of Christ and his Gospel, as aforesaid; yet, what harm hath this ever yet been to any of our Neighbours, let them speak; or what detriment ought this to be to any of them, they will tell you: Though we cannot formally take an Oath, yet we are ready at all times to do the Truth, and to speak it on all good occasions, as ●uch as if we did swear upon a Book; and they can trust us upon our words, as much, if not more, than they can do any that swear upon their Oaths; and therefore they shall give judgement, that according to their best knowledge, we ought not to be Imprisoned and Banished; though we cannot swear formally upon a Book▪ being the Truth is not suppressed, nor yet the administration of Justice ought to be obstructed for our refusing to swear. Thus the Neighbourhood bears witness for us, and against such as deal hardly by us, and Persecute us because hereof.  
Fourthly, We are accused as heinous Offenders, and Imprisoned because 'tis supposed, we do not submit to obey the known Laws of the Land, but break them, and will not conform to the Church, pay Tithes, take Oaths, leave meeting together 〈◊〉 though we know the Laws of the Land command these things.  
Plea, First, as to the submitting to all known Laws of the Land; This is known to God and our Neighbours, that our Principle and Practice is, and ever hath been, to submit to every Government, and to all Laws of men, either by 〈◊〉 or by suffering; as at this day, we resist not the greatest of afflictions and Tribulations that can be imposed on us; and this is well known to our Neighbours and all people, that we are submissive to all Laws of men, by patient suffering without resistance, even when any Law requires any thing of us, which we cannot perform for Conscience sake, that Law we fulfil by patient suffering, resisting no man, nor rendering evil for evil to any. And the judgement of the Scriptures, which are according to both Law and Gospel, and the precedents of Saints justify us in this Case, in choosing patiently to suffer the greatest penalties of the Law, rather than to obey by doing any such Law, as requires things contrary to our pure Consciences; as in the Example of the three children, Dan. 3. who were commanded to fall down and worship the Golden Image, at what time soever they heard the sound of the Music, upon the penalty of being cast into the midst of the burning fiery Furnace; which commandment they could not obey, nor could Truth fall down to worship the Image. But rather choosed to suffer the penalty of being cast into the midst of the burning fiery Furnace, which accordingly was done unto them; again, in the case of Daniel, chap. 6. who was commanded to make no Petition to any God or man for thirty days, save to King Darius, upon the penalty and affliction of being cast into the Lion's Den; But Daniel did rather choose to suffer the penalty, to be cast into the Den of Lions, than to obey the Commandment, and was cast into the Lion's Den▪ By these examples of holy men, with many more that might be given, out of the Scriptures 'tis evident, that righteous 〈◊〉 will rather choose to suffer, than to obey any law of men contrary to their Consciences. So, the Law of God, and Example of Saint and holy Scriptures, give judgement for us in this case, of rather choosing to Suffer, than to obey Laws contrary to our consciences; and consequently must needs condemn such that Persecute and Imprison us, because they require obedience of us, in things against our Consciences.  
Secondly, Though we do disobey Laws, and cannot actively obey every Law of man, when it requireth and commandeth things contrary to a good Conscience; yet herein also we are justified, by the Law of God, Example of Saints and holy Scriptures, and they give judgement for us, and consequently against our enemies in this case; and in particular in the two examples beforementioned in Daniel, the three children were expressly commanded to fall down and worship the golden Image; and Daniel was also required by the King's decree, not to pray to any God or man, save to King Darius; yet all these holy men of God, did absolutely disobey the Law and Decree, so requiring of them, and did contrary to the commandment: for the three children did not bow, nor Daniel cease to pray to his God, but prayed as at other times, and yet were justified of God in so doing. Also, the Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, Act. 4. 18. were commanded to preach no more in the name of jesus, but the Apostles did disobey their commandment, and went on and Preached in the Spirit and Power of Christ, contrary to the commandment of the Rulers, and appealed to them, whether it were not better to obey God than man? Many Examples we might collect out of the Scriptures, that the servants of God did disobey the commands of Kings and Rulers, and could not obey (by doing) any command contrary to God, but rather choosed to suffer afflictions, and death itself, than to obey such Laws and Decrees, as required any thing contrary to a pure Conscience; and this is our case at this day, we cannot obey (by doing) any thing against our Consciences, but must break the Laws of men, and disobey their commandments, rather than break the Law of God, and sin against our own Consciences, whatsoever we suffer because hereof; and yet the examples of Saints, and Scriptures, justify us in this behalf.  
And let all our enemies cease to cry out Rebellion and Disobedience to Laws and Government; for we are not such as do wilfully and obstinately disobey any Laws of men, but for Conscience sake, and that we may not sin against God, nor offend his Witness in us; Therefore we cannot obey Laws contrary to our Consciences whatsoever we suffer; which ●●●sist not, nor rebel against any in this case: So that our principles and Practices, are to obey every Law and Gover●●●●▪ either by doing or suffering. And though we disobey such Laws as are not according to the Law of God, and rather do choose to Suffer; yet, herein we are justified by the Law of God, and the holy Scriptures.  
Thirdly, And as for our Conversations among men, in respect of our daily walking and converse with them in our dealing, in respect of honesty, and faithfulness, and truth, and justness in works and words; our Neighbours shall give witness for us: We will not justify ourselves, 'tis God that justifies us, and the Law of God, Gospel of Christ, Scriptures, Examples of holy men, our Neighbours, and the witness of God in all men's Consciences, shall bear witness to us. And all these do give judgement for us in these cases, to whom we do appeal for Judgement. And, O Lord God Everlasting, do thou judge our Cause, do thou make it manifest in thy due Season to all the world, that we are thy people, that we love Thee above all, that we fear thy Name more than all, that we love Righteousness and hate Iniquity; and that we now suffer for thy holy Name, and Truth, and for thy Honour and justice, and for thy Truth and Holiness. O Lord, thou knowest we are resolved to perish, rather than to lose one grain hereof. Amen, Amen.  
Our Accusations and Answers, truly compared, and weighed in the balance of Justice, and truth in every man's Conscience, Let all the world Judge of the Case, Do we deserve to be Ruined, Destroyed, Imprisoned, and Banished, and that to be devoured of Wild Beasts, as our enemy threatens us he will do? Is it so, Are we Heretics? are we Seditious? are we Drunkards? are we double dealers? are we such as the Law of God condemns? what evil have we done in the Land? do we hurt any body? are we not Innocent before the Lord and Men? we appeal to the just witness of God in all; let it be answered, & though no man will hear and consider our cause this day, yet the Lord will plead our Cause in his time and season, and make the world to know we are his people; in the mean time, we are willing to suffer the Reproaches of ungodly men, till the Lord work deliverance in the earth.  
But now it may be Objected by the Magistrates and Rulers, That we have now a Law against you, and you must Suffer; for we cannot but put the Law in Execution, according to our Oaths and Offices; and it is not we that Persecute you, but it is the Law of the Land by which you now suffer, and we cannot be blamed for your suffering, we only execute the Law. And after this manner is the Reasoning of some at this day, etc.  
Answ. To all which I do Answer: It is true, there is a Law now Enacted against us, which is pretendedly made the ground of our suffering; but whether that Law be in itself Just, or Unjust, I shall not now demonstrate, but shall leave it to the judgement of all Christian men that know us, our Principles, Doctrines, Ways, and Conversations, and let them judge whether we deserve the Penalties and Punishments therein described, for any Principle, or Practise held and maintained by us. And though there be A Law against us, yet the Magistrates that are Executors thereof, may execute the same with Moderation, or with violence; with Discretion, or too much rigour; and it will be well for them to use moderation and discretion in this case: Hereby may they save themselves from that weight of Anger, and Indignation of the Lord God, that will come upon all Violent Doers, who seek to destroy the Innocent, and rejoice in the occasion Administered. And though This Law be Enacted against our Meetings; not ours, I may say, but such Meetings as are Dangerous to the Public Peace, and to the Terror of the People: But our Meetings are not such, and therefore This Law may not justly extend in its Execution to the Breaking of our Meetings, nor to Banish us because of our Meeting together, which is for the Worship of God, and are Peaceable, and of Good Report among all good men; and are not for Disturbance of the Peace, nor Terror of the People, and therefore justly free from this Law as aforesaid.  
And though This Law is pretended against us for to Banish us, and to rid the Land of us, as some vainly suppose. Yet must it needs be Executed to the height of it, without Limitation, or Restriction? Must this Law be Executed to its height, more than some other Laws, that are as truly Enacted, and as fully in force as this Act can be: Yet some such Laws there are, which better deserves Execution than this, yet they lie Dormant, as is visibly apparent at this day, as in 4 jac. cap. 5. in these words: Be it Enacted, etc. That all, and every person or persons, which after Forty day's next following the end of this present Session of Parliament, Shall be Drunk, and of the same Offence of Drunkeness, shall be lawfully Convicted; shall for every such offence, Forfeit, and lose five Shillings, etc. to be paid to the hands of the Churchwardens of that Parish where the Offence shall be committed, who shall be accountable therefore to the use of the Poor of the same Parish. And if the said person, or persons so Convicted, shall refuse, or neglect to pay the said Forfeiture, than the same shall be levied of the Goods of every such person, or persons, by Warrant of Precept from the Court, judge, or justices, before whom the same Conviction shall be: And if the Offender be not able to pay the sum of Five Shillings, than he shall be committed to the Stocks for the space of Six Hours. I pray you read the Statute at large, 'tis worth a sober man's pains to read over, and then Judge whether that Law be duly Executed at this day; and also, whether it deserves not more strict Execution than the present Act against us. Also the 1 jac. cap. 7. in these words: That all persons calling themselves Scholars, going about Begging; All Idle persons going about in any Country, either Begging, or using any Subtle Craft, or unlawful Games, or Plays; or feigning themselves to have knowledge in Physiognomy, or pretending that they can tell Fortunes, or such other like fantastical Imaginations; All Fencers, Bear-wards, Common-players of Interludes, & Minstrels, wand'ring abroad, Shall be taken, adjudged, and deemed as Rogues, Vagabonds, and sturdy Beggars, and shall suffer such pains and punishments as is expressed, 39 Eliz. cap. 4. viz.) That every such person shall be stripped Naked from the middle Upwards, and shall be openly Whipped, until his, or her Body be bloody, etc. and shall be forthwith sent from parish to parish, etc. And read the Statute at large, and then consider how duly it is Executed now, and whether it deserves not Execution, as much as the late Act against us, though in some places, the one is more Executed than the other; where many of our friends, being honest sober persons, and of good Conversation, and yet are haled out of their Meetings, where they are met only to worship God, and for no other end, and sent to Prison, and persecuted to the very height of the said Act; when as idle persons, following unlawful Games, and Plays, and Bearwards, common players of Interludes, and Minstrels of divers kinds, do wander up and down City and Country, and having their Playhouses public, where their wickedness is acted; such persons, and such things, though appearing publicly, yet are permitted, and little or no notice taken of them by some of the Magistrates, so as to punish them for breach of the Laws, for the preventing of these Evils; but such wickedness is too much suffered, though there be divers Acts of Parliaments against such persons and such actions, as well as there is one against our Meetings, yet, the Act against us, is more put in Execution in some places for the breaking of our Meetings, which are for the Worship of God, than the good Laws for suppressing wickedness, though there is better Law for the one, than for the other; divers other Laws and Statutes made for good ends, for the suppressing of wickedness in the Land there are, which are but▪ easily Executed at this day; but here is one Act against peaceable meeting together for the worship of God, which is violently Prosecuted and Executed upon Innocent men: and let all just men judge of these things, though there be a Law Enacted against our Meetings, so there is against Drunkards and drunkenness, and unseasonable tippling in Taverns and Alehouses, and against Minstrels, Fiddlers, Pipers and Players, Common-Players and Stage-Players, that go up and down the Countries, and have their Playhouses in public Cities, which Statutes ought to be rather Executed, though they are not: but these things we shall leave to all sober people to judge of.  
And seeing that The Law against Us is more put in Execution, than these other Laws, it doth appear that there is more envy against us, and our peaceable Religious Meetings, than there is against Profaneness and Wickedness, Drunkenness, and Stage-Playing, and such like; and such Magistrates, wheresoever they are, are not excusable in the sight of God; though there is a Law against us, while they Prosecute it against us, and not these other good Laws against proph●● ungodly persons and practices; and therefore seeing we d● for, we must say, It is not only because there is a Law 〈◊〉 us, but it is also, or rather because, there is enmity, and 〈◊〉 and wickedness in the hearts of men against us, which 〈◊〉 main cause of our Sufferings at this day; and let the 〈…〉 strates compare this Law made against us, with that Sa● in Doctor and Student, cap. 2. speaking concerning the written in the Heart, teaching every man what is to be 〈◊〉 and what is to be fled: And (saith he) Because it is 〈◊〉 in the heart, therefore it may not be put away, nor is it changeable by any diversity of place, or time; And therefore 〈◊〉 this Law, Prescription, Statute, nor Custom may not prevail▪ if any be brought in against it, they be not Prescriptions, tutes, nor Customs, but things void, and against justice, a●● other Laws; as well the Laws of God, as the Acts of Men, 〈◊〉 to be grounded upon the Law written in the Heart. And in 〈◊〉 of the same it said; Every man's Law must be consonant wit● Law of God, and therefore the Laws of Princes, the Commandments of Prelates, the Statutes of Commonalties, nor yet the dinances of the Church are not Righteous, nor Obligatory, 〈◊〉 it is consonant to the Law of God. And we are sure the 〈◊〉 God and holy Scriptures do justify our Meeting together, as 〈◊〉 is expessed. Also in the Statute 28 Hen. 8. chap 7. it is in these words, That no man, of what Estate, Degree, or C●●●●tion soever he be, hath power to dispense with God's Laws, as 〈◊〉 Clergy of this Realm, and the most part of all the Universities of Christendom. And we also Affirm, and think 〈◊〉 things truly compared one with another, We leave the the Judgement of the Law of God, Gospel of Christ▪ Scriptures, and our Neighbours; and let Truth determ●●● So be it.  
By E. 〈◊〉  
The End.