AN ANSWER OF Humphrey CHAMBERS, D. D. Rector of PEWSEY, in the County OF WILTS,  
To the CHARGE of WALTER Bushnel, Vicar of BOX, in the same County.  
Published in a Book of his entitled; A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Commissioners appointed by O. Cromwell for ejecting scandalous and ignorant Ministers, in the case of Walter Bushnel, &c.  
With a Vindication of the said Commissioners annexed.  
Humbly submitted to public Censure  Job 31. 35, 36. 
O that mine Adversary had written a Book!  
Surely I would take it upon my shoulder, and bind it as a Crown to me.  1 Cor 4. 4, 5. 
I know nothing by myself, yet am not hereby justified, but he that judgeth me is the Lord.  
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts, and then shall every man have praise of God.  
LONDON, Printed for Thomas Johnson, at the Golden-Key in St. Paul's churchyard. 1660.   

TO THE honourable, Sir Anthony Ashly-cooper, Knight and Baronet: AND, John Earnly Esq; Knights of the Shire for the County of Wilts: As also to the Honourable, the Citizens and Burgesses returned for this present Parliament, for the respective City and boroughs of the same County.  
Honoured and Honourable Gentlemen,  
I Account it my great happiness that Mr. Bushnel of Box having published a heavy charge against the Commiss. of the County of Wilts, appointed for the ejecting of scandalous and ignorant Ministers, and therein bent himself most fiercely against me as a most grievous offender, hath, by dedicating his Narrative to you, put a necessity upon me, (Unless I would plead guilty to all he chargeth me with) to publish my answer, and make you the Judges (which I do with all readiness and cheerfulness) between him and me. I will not speak a word to forestall your judgement, but humbly beg your pardon for my enforced boldness, in directing this my Answer unto you, at whose feet I lay, and leave it and myself with all content. Whereas Mr. Bushnel, towards the end of his Narrative, having immediately before spoken of me, by name, and the Commissioners, writes in his Scoffing Dialect, and Character, Page 208. These men (as godly as they are) love dearly to be fingering money; for my part (I am sure) I never fingered a farthing, but spent many a pound whilst I was employed as an Assistant to the Commissioners; and I cannot otherwise apprehend but that all the Commissioners are so free from fingering a penny in the execution of their Commission from first to last, that they are all ready (as I have heard some of them protest they are, and by name Mr. Blisset) to purge themselves by oath from this crime, and challenge any man to speak, who can testify the contrary of them; I will no further trouble you who are taken up in the weighty affairs of the Nations, wherein that the Lord would graciously direct and assist you, and that Honourable Court whereof you are members, to act to his glory, the honour of his Majesty, and the happy establishment of peace, truth, and righteousness in our Land, is the earnest prayer of  
Your most observant (though unworthy) servant, Humphrey Chambers.   

TO THE Christian Reader.  
Christian Reader,  
IF ever a Book hath come under thy view and perusal, entitled, A Narrative of the Proceedings of the Commissioners appointed by O. Cromwell for ejecting of scandalous and ignorant Ministers, in the case of Walter Bushnel, Clerk, Vicar of Box, in the County of Wilts, thou hast then received a heavy charge against myself, amongst others, into one of thy ears, all that I shall beg of thee, is, but to keep the other ear open to hear the Answer, and then be thou an impartial Umpire between us. Si accusasse sufficiat, &c. If a charge go for proof, none can be innocent. Mr. Bushnel's Book came first to my hand and view on Thursday the sixteenth of August, in the evening; Friday I spent in reading of it, on Saturday I employed as much time as I could spare from my studies preparatory to the Lord's day, in writing my Answer, which on Tuesday, August 21. I delivered to a friend to be transcribed for the Press; I acquaint thee with this, only, to show that Truth (needing no invention or art to set it off) may speedily be spoken without any long study. I shall add no more but those never to be forgotten words of our blessed Saviour; Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgement.  
Thine in the Lord HUMPHREY CHAMBERS.   

AN answer to a CHARGE against the Commissioners, for ejecting scandalous and ignorant Ministers, in the County of Wilts, published in Print by Walter Bushnel Vicar of Box, so far as it concerns Humphrey Chambers, Rector of Pewsey, submitted to public censure.  
ALthough I have no fear, that what Mr. Bushnel hath written, will impair my Reputation, with those to whom we are both known (who are not a few) seeing we were born, and for divers years lived within few miles one of another; And though I desire not to put Mr. Bushnel to bestow any more of his invention and eloquence upon me, by replying upon what I shall write, yet being told by one who is a common and real friend 
* Mr. Carter of Marlebrough.  both to Mr. Bushnel and myself (before I had read this Book) That I was so deeply concerned in the Charge contained therein, that if I did not some way vindicate myself, Religion would suffer greatly through me; and finding the same apprehension in some other Christian friends, I was induced to write this Answer for myself, leaving others to clear themselves from the crimes objected, as they shall see occasion, which I conceive without much difficulty they may do.  

Pa. 225.  Mr. Bushnel saith, that he had no revengeful thought, nor had he in the publication of his Narrative, any aim to asperse those of whom he wrote, which if any (who reading his book) can believe to be true, I shall not persuade them to the contrary: Certain it is, that he is without hesitation, to be credited in his whole Narrative, if what he writeth in his Epistle Dedicatory were true, viz. I have not charged them with a syllable which I am not able by proofs to make good upon them. This brings the business to a direct and short issue, which I heartily desire it may be put upon, as far as I am concerned in it; and wish for no other Judges, than those Honourable Gentlemen to whom Mr. Bushnel hath dedicated his Narrative. I do not intend to varnish or puzzle the business with multitude or affectation of words, but with affected brevity and plainness, to lay down Mr. Bushnel's Charge against me, that he may apply his proofs to the several branches of it, and then let all wise and good men judge between us.  

Epist. Ded.  So it was, that some of the Commissioners, Ministers, Witnesses and others, who have eaten my bread, have, and do still, upon all opportunities offered or sought, report me to the world for such a one, so scandalous and ignorant, as altogether unfit either to return to my own living, or to be admitted to any other.  

Answ.  This I say is utterly and wholly untrue as to myself, and it resteth upon Mr. Bushnel to prove,  
1 That I did ever eat a bit of his bread, yea, I bless the Lord I know not that (in the late Troubles) I was ever possessed of what any other man had a legal right to, unto the value of one penny.  
2 That I did ever (to bate him that of all opportuniti●s offered or sought) report him to be so ignorant, and so scandalous, as to be altogether unfit to return to his own, or to be admitted to any other Living; I am well assured that no such words ever passed from my mouth.  

Epistle to the Reader.  These respective persons▪ I shall charge, and make good this Charge upon them: First, The Ministers, that they were ever meddling with that which they had nothing to do withal. And page 216, 217. It may be upon this very account, might the Doctor, and Mr. Byfield intrude so much and act so fiercely as the● did in matters of that cognizance which they had nothing to do withal: And after, All which notwithstanding none took so much upon them in matter of scandal, as these two.  

Answ.  This, as to myself, is a palpable and thorough untruth, as all the Commissioners, the Council, and the Officers, who attended the business, can well testify: I have many a time left the Commissioners, when there was no business of examination about insufficiency before them, and have hardly spoken in a whole day to any matter of scandal, when I have been present. It lieth on Mr. Bushnel to prove the contrary, to make his words good, which I am sure he can never do.  

Epistle to the Reader.  I charge them all, Commissioners, Ministers, Clerk, for countenancing and encouraging infamous persons, such who had forsworn themselves, and touching some of themselves, in their hearing, &c.  

Answ.  This I utterly deny as to myself, and am confident he will never be able to prove it, against myself, or any the Commissioners, which will be better tried, when we come to particulars included in this general.  

Pag. 5.  Writing of John Trevers, (who exhibited the first Articles ●gainst him) as a mercenary wretch, saith, And, for some such kind of man was he looked upon by Mr. Chambers himself when he first delivered in these Articles against me, who (as he hath reported) called for the Articles, with a purpose to have torn them, because they were exhibited by such a hand.  

Answ.  I trust Mr. Bushnel intended not this as any part of his Charge against me, seeing it pleadeth strongly and truly for me, that I had no evil intention against him, nor thought of promoting any Articles to his prejudice, as indeed I had not, and was greatly troubled in my spirit, that such a fellow as I had heard Trevers to be, should bring in Articles against a Learned Minister, as I then took Mr. Bushnel to be.  

Pag. 6.  And here (for an introduction to the honesty and discretion of the Doctor) I shall observe this unto thee, that (as I have been told) he observed it, that although there were several names subscribed, yet they were all written in the same hand, from which it must needs follow, that by the doctor's confession, the whole writing, both Articles and hands, might be all forged, as indeed they were; so that methinks, the Dr. hath very much over-shot himself in point of discretion, for he looks upon the Articles the more, because subscribed with such and so many names, and yet he acknowledgeth all the names to be written with one hand, which would have made any sober man the more to have suspected it.  

Answ.  And upon this ground I did the more suspect the paper, and openly declared my dissatisfaction, as to the tender of these Articles by Trevers; And for my part (I conceive) they were then looked upon by the Commissioners, as of no value, and do still conceive, that they were not the Articles which were insisted on by the Commissioners; But that another paper of Articles was afterwards by other hands exhibited against him, which were read unto him as his charge: What cause therefore he had in this place to make such an outcry about my honesty and discretion, Let others judge.  

Pag. 6.  But yet the Doctor had an evasion for this, for at my appearing before them at Calne, some of those whose names were subscribed, desired a sight of the paper, that they might know who had thus abused them, which they could not obtain, yet the Doctor (that we might not prove his friends guilty of forgery) endeavours to preserve their Reputation with a Salvo to some such purpose, That their names were written only by way of a Memorandum, that in case they were called upon, they could depose to these Articles, that that might be done without their knowledge (I think he added) that it was an usual course in the proceedings of these Commissioners.  

Answ.  This appeareth to be no strange Relation, being only of words spoken by me to some such purpose, and depending only on Mr. Bushne●s, I think; And indeed I cannot say what I then spoke, but I believe, if Mr. Bushnel do well recall himself, whatever I spoke, it was spoken in a by-discourse to him, and those with him; I am confident he can never prove, that I was unwilling that they whose names were subscribed, should have had a fight of the paper, or willing to give any countenance to that paper, or the hand which delivered it, or the persons who contrived it, who are wholly unknown to me, and ever were.  

Pag. 7.  But now I must tell thee, that many of them whose names were subscribed unto those Articles did touching myself, first under their own hands, certify to these Commissioners the quite contrary to these Articles, and afterwards being before them and sworn, were so far from testifying any thing to the sense of the Articles, as that all they said was to my vindication, all which was industriously declined by the Dr. and his Commissioners.  

Answ.  Passing by your tart, groundless and frequent jeer of my Commissioners, Try, if you can prove this Syllable, that I did industriously decline your vindication by your witnesses; prove that I was active, and stirring in that way, either in your case, or any other case, which was ever before the Commissioners, I am sure you will never prove it.  

Pag 69.  Reporting that one who was summoned for a witness, apprehended that two of the witnesses sworn against him, spoke out of malice; Mr. Bushnel writes, which (said he) the Commissioners having more understanding than we, must needs perceive, and so they did some of them, and one of them a Minister 
* If a Minister, than no Commissioner.  too, (to the doctor's credit be it spoken) And yet, which is strange in this man, although he discovered their leaven, and so must know them to act from base principles, and with reference to a base end, yet he always vouchsafed to these men whom he knew thus to act, his favourable countenance and furtherance.  

Answ.  That I may at once draw this, and all charges of the like nature in the Narrative to a plain issue, that Mr. Bushnel may see what he is to apply his proofs unto; I will here briefly relate, according to truth, how far I was interessed in this business of Mr. Bushnel. At the first tendering the Articles by Trevers, I was disquieted, and much unsatisfied, and expressed my apprehension therein, as before appeareth: Afterwards, when William Pinchin, and Obadiah Cheltnam (altogether without any thought or knowledge of mine) tendered Articles against Mr. Bushnel, which were read to him, I did then (if he call himself to remembrance) go from the table to Mr. Bushnel, as owning his acquaintance, and he and I exchanged some friendly words, he expressing a great defiance of the Articles, and sense of the vileness of them (if they could be proved) and then and there it was that I said to him, (He calling for witnesses to prove the Articles) That the several parties should be brought face to face, as he truly reports, pag. 4. At that time I looked on Mr. Bushnel as a friend, from whom I should have expected, and who might have expected from me, any common friendly courtesy, there having never been any unfriendly passage between Mr. Bushnel and myself all our days. After this William Pinchin, and Obadiah Cheltnam came to me, as being both known to me, to speak with me about Mr. Bushnel's business; They well know with what earnestness I pressed them both, to take heed what they did, and to look carefully to it, upon what grounds, and to what end they moved therein, telling them, that if from private discontents, malice, covetousness, or any such wretched grounds they did prosecute this Charge against the said Mr. Bushnel, the Lord would surely require it of them; Whereupon they did with extraordinary earnestness protest to me, that they had no enmity against Mr. Bushnel, nor desire or thought of making advantage by his removal, but that they did mind the good of their own (and others) souls in what they were doing, saying, that he preached in such a scholarlike way, that his Parishioners were little profited by him, and that the scandalous miscarriages charged in the Articles would be fully proved against him; Upon this (being prevailed upon by their often and earnest protestations.) I left them to do what they thought fit, only I did take knowledge of them when they appeared before the Commissioners, as persons known to me, but never opened my mouth in their commendation, nor to further them, or any witness which they brought to prove the Articles against Mr. Bushnel: The Articles of scandal (as Mr. Bushnel often and truly intimateth) I had nothing to do with, being no Commissioner; Neither did I take upon me to stickle about them one way or other; And as for Mr. Bushnel's last appearance at Lavington, when the Order was drawn up against him for his ejectment, as he tells us, pag. 223. I was not then present, nor know I what was passed against him.  
And at Sarum, when the order of Ejection was published against Mr. Bushnel, how very unwilling I was to have had any thing to do in the examination of him, they who were present know, and with what fair respect I managed that part of his examination which fell to my share, Mr. Bushnel may, and if he do not, others do very well remember. Thus having made a true Relation how far I was concerned in Mr. Bushnel's business; That which rests upon him to prove in the former Charge, is,  
1 That I did know that Pinchin and Powel (the two witnesses) did act from base principles, and to base ends, which I utterly deny.  
2 That I afforded unto them furtherance in what they did, whereas Powel I knew not, nor spoke I any thing (that I know) to the furtherance of Pinchins' testimony, but left it according to my place, to the Commissioners to consider of it.  
But now having related how able and ready he was to prove horrid and barbarous crimes acted by Pinchin against his Father, 
Pag. 71.  and other his nearest Relations (to take off the force of his testimony) None, saith Mr. Bushnel, was more forward to withstand and oppose this, than Dr. Chambers, who knew much of it to be true, but was not willing ('tis like) that it should come to the knowledge of these Gentlemen, for fear that he should thereby have 
* What imaginable ground could I have of such fear, who was nothing concerned in the business.  lost so precious a witness, or perhaps for fear 
* Speak out Man, I fear not the testimony of any person whatsoever.  that he should have heard something which would have merely reflected on himself; This Dr. then acknowledging that there had been some small differences between them, praying that no more words might be made of it; together with an intimation that all differences were now composed, or to some such purpose.  
Ans. The last words (or to some such purpose) evidence that Mr. Bushnel doth not well remember what I said, neither indeed do I; But this I am confident of, that I did never speak those words, wherein the main weight of this Charge lieth, viz. That there had been some small differences between William Pinchin and his Father: for though I never knew so much of the difference between them, as Mr. Bushnel hath here expressed, yet by what I had heard about William Pinchins' wicked and horrid carriage towards his Father, I did in my heart greatly loathe it, and could never mince it under the name of small differences, possibly I might (though I do not now remember it) upon William Pinchins' earnest protestation which he made to me, of his desire of becoming a new man, say something of that business as a matter that was then past, but that I did colour it over with the name of small differences, or words to any such purpose, I assuredly believe is not true, nor will ever be proved, and shall gladly embrace Mr. Bushnel's counsel laid down, pag. 73. In these words, I could advise Mr. Chambers to admonish William Pinchin, that he would sadly consider of it in this his day.  

Pag. 89.  Upon the recital of Jane Hendyes deposition in his behalf Mr. Bushnel addeth, But now William Pinchin, at Lavington boldly interposes, and tells the Commissioners, that his Mother (this Joan Pinchin) had told him that this Jane Hendy had said so much to her, on which Mr. Chambers adds, that if Goodwife Pinchin had said so, he was bound to believe her. And again at Marleborough, May 8. When there were papers delivered in by William Pinchin, written by himself, wherein it was affirmed under her mark, that Jane Hendy should say so, the Doctor adds again, That if Goodwife Pinchin said so, he was in conscience bound to believe her: Now by the doctor's leave, I conceive these words of his, I am bound, and I am bound in conscience to believe her, were not spoken by him, either with discretion or charity.  

Answ.  I am yet to learn that I transgressed the Rules, either of discretion, or charity, in saying of a woman, whom I had for many years often conversed with, and taken to be a stayed Christian woman, that I was bound, and bound in conscience to believe, what she said and attested under her hand; But Mr. Bushnel adds.  
Not with so much advisedness or discretion: For it is well known that William Pinchin had that power over his Mother, that she dared not but to say, and to do as her son would have her, I believe so well known, that the Doctor himself could not be altogether ignorant of it.  

Answ.  To believe that I would say that I was bound in conscience to believe a woman of whom I knew that her son had power over her to make her say or do what he pleased, I take it doth savour of little charity in Mr. Bushnel, I hope I durst not (whatever Mr. Bushnel believes of me) upon any terms have said, that I was bound in conscience to believe Goodwife Pinchin, if I had known, or in the least suspected her to have been so little a Christian, as to be under the power of her son, to make her say and do what he please: I did fully believe it was otherwise with her, when I showed my belief of what she spoke.  

Pag. 91.  And why might not the Dr. be mistaken in her, (viz. Goodwife Pinchin) as well as he hath been in many others (Women I mean, for there his acquaintance did especially lie, and these, many of them such, who had the hand over their husbands) who have followed him as far, and as oft as Joan Pinchin, and yet are now fallen off both from his Doctrine and Acquaintance.  

Answ.  I know nothing in any man which may exempt others from a possibility of being deceived in him, whilst he hath the deceitful heart of man in his bosom: No doubt therefore I might be deceived in Goodwife Pinchin; but I was so far persuaded of her Christianity at that time, when I spoke, that I had good ground to believe, that she would not wilfully speak and swear against her own knowledge; And I am still bound to believe as much of her, until I see the contrary proved upon her, by some who afford her liberty to answer for herself: That my acquaintance did especially lie with women, as Mr. Bushnel doth here confidently and jeeringly (in another Character, for fear it should not be noted) affirm, is utterly untrue, as the whole country (where I then lived) knows, wherein I had the happiness to be intimately acquainted with very many men of best repute in all ranks, who afforded me a large share in their loving respects. It is true, that my Ministry found acceptance with divers Christian women, whose acquaintance I have no cause to be ashamed of; if any of them, (for no doubt Mr. Bushnel greatly outlasheth in the word many) had the hand over their husbands, it was matter of grief to me, wheresoever I saw it; and if many who used to hear me, be fallen oft from my Doctrine and Acquaintance, I hope their defection cannot be charged upon me, as my crime. The Lord show them mercy, and return them into the way of truth.  
And now for Dr. Chambers (a man of so much reverence and learning) to say (when it had been good manners in him to hold his peace) that if Goodwife Pinchin had said so, 
Pag. 94.  he was in conscience bound to believe her, was (upon the matter) to say to this Jane Hendyes face, that she had twice foresworn herself.  

Answ:  Here again Mr. Bushnel puts in his jeer of, a man of so much Reve●ence and Learning, in other Characters, fearing belike that his Readers would be so thick-sented, as not to smell the sweetness of his tart Sarcasm, without some signal Indication, for which end, belike, he thought the mentioning of good manners, immediately after, would not be sufficient: Whether this be dealing suitable to a Minister of the Gospel let others judge: But as for what he publisheth as an evidence of want of chari●y in me towards Jane Hendy I am confident all the logic in Aristotle's Organon, will never join his Premises and Conclusion together; For what Jane Hendy swore and Goodwife Pinchin said, and confirmed by oath, may be all true, and no contradiction be found between their two oaths; for Jane Hendy swore cautelously, that she did not remember that she ever spoke of any such thing to Joan Pinchin, which Joan Pinchin swore she did speak to her, and both oaths may be true, for it may (possibly) be true, that Jane Hendy did speak something to Joan Pinchin, which she did not at that present remember; so that I might say, that I was in conscience bound to believe Goodwife Pinchin, and yet not say (upon the matter) that Jane Hendy had twice for sworn herself; And therefore what I said, did not at all amount to what Mr. Bushnel collects from my words, and makes a horrible outcry upon, pag. 95. That I did pronounce one of them infallible, and the other perjured: They did both swear according to truth, for aught I know, I am sure they might do so, and my charity inclines me to think that they did so, for I know no sufficient ground why Mr. Bushnel should peremptorily affirm, that the testimony of these two women are contradictory, and that one or other of them must needs be for sworn.  

Pag. 96.  And now I shall add further, that I believe that this, and many other false oaths had never been taken, had not the Doctor by those words, I am bound in conscience, hinted unto them a kind of faculty, or dispensation of swearing, and that now they might be bold.  

Answ.  I refer it to the judgement of any rational Christian to determine whether my saying of Goodwife Pinchin, that I was bound in conscience to believe what she said, upon upon that persuasion which I had of her, that she was a conscientious Christian, did hint a dispensation to her, and much more to any other, whom I had no knowledge of, to swear falsely: I am confident Mr. Bushnel will never be able to show any rational ground of his belief, that my saying that I was bound to believe Goodwife Pinchin, did contain in it an encouragement or dispensation for her, or any other, to swear falsely.  

Pag. 96.  And one thing further, this oath being false (as I am confident it was) and (as it is very probable) this oath being caused by such an invitation, I am bound in conscience, if an encourager, or an abetter, or a persuader be an Accessary, I cannot acquit some body (the Dr. may guess whom I mean) from being guilty of this and many following perjuries.  

Answ.  Here Mr. Bushnel is peremptorily confident, that Goodwife Pinchins' oath was false, and that the perjury lies with her, as before he expressed himself; had I said so much of Jane Hendy, I should have heard of want of charity on both ears: But I shall leave Mr. Bushnel to consider whether there be not some want of charity in this his confidence: But that my saying, I am bound in conscience to believe what Goodwife Pinchin said, being spoken in relation to what she had said and testified under her hand, should be in any probability a cause and invitation to induce her to swear what she did, is a most senseless and irrational conjecture, because I spoke the words after she had fully declared what she could and would swear; The relation of what she would swear, given under her hand, caused me to say, as himself relates it, pag. 89. That I was bound in conscience to believe what she testified: And therefore it is not only improbable, but utterly impossible that my words should be a foregoing cause, and invitation to her Oath. But that my saying of one whom I looked upon as a Christian woman of great-fidelity, that if she would swear, I were bound in conscience to believe her, should make me an encourager, an Abetter, and Accessary to her false Oath, in case she should swear falsely, and much more to the perjuries of others (as Mr. Bushnel doth here in a calumniating injurious way charge me to be) I am confident will seem rational to no intelligent person whatsoever; And therefore this high and groundless calumny, being built upon such a false and sandy foundation, I do not fear, but it will fall of itself, without any derogation from my good name.  

Pag 97.  Now I must tell the Reader, That not long before this, she, (viz. Goodwife Pinchin) having some discourse with several persons, ever acquitted me, saying, That she believed that I was wronged, or to that purpose; but now she changes her note, and says. She cannot judge: Doubtless her own son William, or the Doctor (for I have heard that he was at her house betwixt April 28. and June 4.) had instructed her, and taught her to fall short, and why might he not make the whole, as well as alter a part of it?  

Answ.  By what Mr. Bushnel here relateth of Goodwife Pinchin● former words, it appeareth, That there were some reports then going of what Goodwife Pinchin testified, that Jane Hendy spoke about Mr. Bushnel's carriage towards her, But than Goodwife Pinchin (as he relates it) believed he was wronged in those reports; I leave this wholly as not being concerned in it: Whereas Mr. Bushnel layeth it down as an undoubted truth, that either William Pinchin or I, and leaveth it doubtful, whether he or I, instructed Goodwife Pinchin, and taught her upon her oath, to fall short of what she knew, and had formerly spoken; I deny and defy this charge, as most untrue and injurious; if Mr. Bushnel can make the least proof, or shadow of proof of it, I require him to do it, as he tendereth the being free from the blot of a false and malicious Accuser: I acknowledge that I called at Goodwife Pinchins' house (the high way lying close by her door) as I rode by, and spoke with her as an ancient Christian friend, but that I instructed her, or taught her to swear against her knowledge, is a spiteful and most untrue insinuation, which must be answered for at the appearance of the Lord Jesus.  

Page 106.  Mr. Bushnel writeth, that it was testified against one William Cottle, who was a witness against him, amongst other things, that he should say, that your Parsons were greedy, and that he would trust none of them all, no not Mr. Chambers, who had left Claverton, and was gone to Pewsey: And when Cottle (being still upon his Oath) denied these words to be spoken by him, after they were testified and sworn to his face, he acknowledged that he had spoken them, adding further, why? what if I did say so? The truth is, that the thing being barely considered in and of itself, it mattered not, if he had said so, for it was true as he said; Mr. Chambers had left Claverton (nor was this the first time he had left it) and was gone to Pewsey, and this to his great advantage too, for the report goes that he is three hundred pounds a year gainer by this Remove.  

Answ.  That I left Claverton before I came to Pewsey, & afterwards came to Pewsey, with a considerable advantage as to outward state, I do freely acknowledge; Nor was I ever offended with any, who before they had heard what account I could give of my Removal, had spoken of it, as importing some earthly-mindedness in me; But not to trouble the world with tedious relations about personal businesses, if Mr. Bushnel be pleased to afford me a private occasion, as divers Christian friends have done, to discover to him the grounds and reasons of my removal from Claverton, and coming to Pewsey, I doubt not, but I shall so far satisfy him, as to cause him to desist from making this a matter of public reproach and defamation against me.  

Pag. 109.  It were not amiss to tell thee that John Trevers, sitting by, during this debate, and hearing and noting all the passages, observed it (and so did others besides) and (as I have heard) hath reported it elsewhere with some complacency, that Mr. Chambers did hang down his head the while; Now we know, that hanging down of the head doth usually signify that there is shame and sorrow in the heart.  
— pudet haec opprobria nobis  
Et dici potuisse & non potuisse refelli.  
And whereas shame doth usually produce either an amendment in the person so exposed; or else indignation, which the person so exposed conceives against him whom he looks on as the cause of this exposal; I have some conjecture, that this wrought after the latter and worser way with Dr. Chambers; and that he did for this, store up a good turn for me against he had an opportunity; of which the Readers shall have some account in due time and place.  

Answ.  It is very strange that Mr. Bushnel, being present all the time of this debate, and being a diligent observer of all my words and carriages (as appears throughout his Narrative) did not himself take notice of my hanging down my head, if it were so considerable as he would have the world believe it was, from the testimony of Trevers, and other unnamed witnesses; But to speak this once for all to Cottles words concerning me, though Mr. Bushnel makes often use of them for his purpose, I bless the Lord I have so much quiet in my own heart, as concerning my Removal from Claverton, and coming to Pewsey, that I was never ashamed to hear of it in any place, or to be called to show my grounds for it; whether I held down my head, when Cottles words were proved upon him by oath, I know not; This I am most assured of, that it was not out of any shame which surprised me upon the hearing of Cottles words, in relation to myself: I was so little affected with the words, that though upon Mr. Bushnel's Relation, I do believe that it was attested upon oath, that such words were spoken by Cottle, yet this I can truly take my oath of, that I had utterly forgotten it, and did not in the least remember any such passage; And as for Mr. Bushnel's uncharitable conjecture, that I did store up a good turn for him, by reason of those words of Cottle, I call the great God to witness, who can only testify in this Case, that I never had, nor have I, the least indignation against Mr. Bushnel, in regard of Cottles words; if he knew my heart, he would believe me.  

Pag. 122.  Having called the witnesses which appeared against him, the Doctors, Mr. By fields, and Mr. Blisset's witnesses, Mr. Bushnel adds; Nor can these men have any just cause to distaste me, that I call them their witnesses, when I have given my reasons of it. I have told thee already, that I believe that many a one which hath appeared before them, and have been sworn against me, had never so done, had it not been for their invitation and countenance, which as before, so at this time appeared most visible.  

Answ.  What hath before been produced by Mr. Bushnel, to prove me an Inviter and Countenancer of the witnesses against him, hath been answered by me, and I leave it to the censure of the judicious Reader. Now it seems by his words he hath met with a most visible Evidence in the Case, which is next to be considered.  
Having named the solicitors against him, Mr. Bushnel adds, And in their addresses (neglecting the Gentlemen to whom alone of right this business did belong.) Their Applications were to Mr. Chambers, and Mr. Byfield, John Trevers, and William Pinchin, at the upper end of the Table standing at the Elbow of the Dr. and Obadiah Cheltenham towards the lower end, waiting upon Mr. Byfield: And this I conceive to be reason enough wherefore I call them their witnesses.  

Answ.  I dare not return Mr. Bushnel any jeers, but in good earnest, it is strange to me, that Mr. Bushnel being (as I know him to be) a Scholar, and a Logician, should think there is sufficient strength in this Reason why he should call the solicitors, Mine, Mr. Bufield's, and Mr. Blisset's witnesses, because two of them stood at my elbow, and one by Mr. Byfield: For if this be the reason why he calleth them our winesses, then by the same reason, they should not be called Mr. Blisset's witnesses, because never a one of them stood at his elbow, or waited upon him: But if Trevers and Pinchin did stand by me, which is more than I can tell: Did I entertain any friendly discourse with them? Did I take any special notice of them? Did I speak a word in favour of them or their business? Of this here is, Altum Silentium, which we may be sure proceeded not from any willingness in Mr. Bushnel, to suppress any thing which he had any hope might make against me.  

Pag. 138  Upon the Relation of the Testimony of Henry Sheyler, upon oath, that he was told by one Nowell (who with his wife had dep●sed something against Mr. Bushnel) that Trevers and Pinchin made proffers and promises of money to him, if he would appear and swear against Mr. Bushnel, it followeth: I must tell thee further, that soon after this deposition of Sheyler was taken, Nowells wife (being before at a window, and hearing what had passed) comes towards the Dr. (for unto him were the most especial addresses made) and after a long and a low courtesy, adds, yea, surely if Mr. Bushnel had not to pick a thank with Coll. Eyre, told him of my husband's Gun, and said, that therewith he used to kill Hares and Pigeons, we would not have been here to day to have sworn against him. And still continuing 
* 〈…〉 was very 〈◊〉 of her cou●tesies, who would make so many, and so low courtesies when she was not taken 〈◊〉 of.  courtesing to Mr. Chambers (who then turned his head about, and looked towards her) she adds further, That he had known her of a long time.  

Answ.  By this it appeareth, that Nowells wife claimed acquaintance with me (and indeed her Father was my Clerk when I lived at Claverton) But did I take any special notice of her? or show her any special favour? by this story it seems I did not, who did not suddenly turn my head towards her, and when I did, though she spoke to me, yet here is no intimation of any thing I said to her, which would have been the Principal Verb in the Sentence, if any such thing could have been alleged against me. And now Christian Reader, judge indifferently what reason Mr. Bushnel had to write, page 139. that Nowell and his wife conceiving themselves injured formerly by him, having this opportunity, and countenance of the Dr. her ancient acquaintance (which is written in the jeering character) they were resolved to be revenged on us both (I mean the Collenel and myself.)  

Pag. 147.  Having related four depositions taken against one Sanders, who was a witness against him, to prove the said Sanders to be a very vicious person, Mr. Bushnel adds; It must not be forgotten, that before these three last depositions were taken at Marleborough, the Dr. (belike having before either instructed William Pinchin what was to be done, or else having been informed by William Pinchin what he had done) beckoning to William Pinchin with his hands, and twinkling of his eyes, it seems as doubting that William Pinchin had forgotten himself. Whereupon William Pinchin approacheth, and with a low congee, delivers to the Dr. a piece of Paper, which the Dr. conveys to Mr. Blisset, with some such words; There is a Testimony of this man's (meaning Sanders) behaviour; which was by Mr. Blisset read accordingly. The business was but short, and my thoughts so much upon this Doctor, that I little noted it; only I remember there were the names of some whom I knew, set to it, and the names of others which I have heard of.  

Answ.  Because Mr. Bushnel maketh much ado about this Sanders, as if I had been under great guilt in relation to him, I will relate all that I know about the business of Sanders: This Sanders is one whom I never knew, nor had heard a word of him, till the time that he appeared as a witness before the Commissioners: William Pinchin came to me in the Chamber before the sitting of the Commissioners, and showed me a Certificate in the behalf of the said Sanders, subscribed by the hands of some men of honesty and credit in Chippenham, whose Reputation prevailed with me to think it to be of some credit, and it is likely, as Mr. Bushnel relateth it (though it be gone out of my memory) that I might beckon to William Pinchin to have the Certificate from him, and give it to Mr. Blissett to be read, when Sanders name was in question: not out of any purpose to bolster up Sanders in any wickedness, but only that it might be weighed by the Commissioners, whether Sanders were a man any way to be credited, yea, or no, wherein I was able to say nothing: This is all I know about Sanders, which whether it amount to a guilt, let the Reader judge.  

Pag. 148.  I shall tell thee here, that William Sanders being questioned for the sacrilege (mentioned, but now) fled, and that he stands answerable for this sacrilege even to this hour. And was it not a handsome thing for the Dr. to countenance this man (against the Minister) that had robbed the Church.  

Answ.  I am beholding to Mr. Bushnel for an answer to this Charge, which else my memory would not have helped me unto: he tells us, that before the three last depositions were taken against Sanders, I handed the Certificate in his behlaf from William Pinchin to Mr. Blissett; now one of those three last Depositions concerneth the Sacrilege here spoken of, and therefore if he will needs interpret my delivering in the Certificate for a countenancing of this man (which is more than it amounteth unto) yet I am free from countenancing a Church-robber against a Minister, seeing the Deposition concerning Sanders sacrilege was not given in, neither had I ever heard a word of it when I handed the Certificate to Mr. Blissett. 
Pag. 156.   
Having related the wicked and fraudulent course (supposing it to be as he relateth) which was taken for the obtaining the Certificate for Sanders from the Chippenhammen, Mr. Bushnel adds: Now I do not wonder that William Pinchin, Nicholas Spencer, William Sanders, and Obadiah Cheltenham should contrive and practise such unworthy courses; My wonder is, that the Doctor should so demurely put to his helping hand for the promoting of them; nay, that he should be more forward than William Pinchin, and readier to call for it, than William Pinchin was to deliver it. But doubtless the Caln-business did yet stick in the doctor's stomach; there were a generation of men heretofore great pretenders to godliness, that were touchy, and very implacable; and perchance before I make an end of this discourse, I shall make some 
* Such spiteful observes are easily and frequently to be observed throughout his Narrative.  observes to the Dr. of the Agagite in the Old Testament, and the Scribes and Pharisees in the New.  

Answ.  I do from my soul abhor all such false and fraudulent ways▪ as Mr. Bushnel makes mention of in the relation of the getting the Certificate for Sanders: If I had had the least knowledge or jealousy the Certificate had been in such wise obtained, I would never have taken it into my hand, unless it had been to tear, or burn it: But the names subscribed to it, did keep me off wholly from such a suspicion, and was the only cause why I delivered it. And as for Mr. Bushnel's saying, that doubtless the Caln-business stuck in my stomach, doubtless he can make no proof of that, and the Lord knows it is utterly false, and against the Rule by which I make conscience to walk, which is to forgive others, as I desire to be forgiven of God: But as for Cottles words, I can truly say, I never valued them more than a puff off wind.  

Pag. 160.  I have told thee, that at such time, as (amongst other notorious Infamies) we had proved Sanders to have fallen upon his own Father, to have thrown him down, and beaten him, saying, he would make an end of the old Rogue, Mr. Chambers calls for a Certificate, and promoteth it in this Sanders behalf: And this is the second time that he showed himself very forward, either to countenance, or defend such as by the Law of God had forfeited their lives.  

Answ.  Mr. Bushnel may remember what he hath told us, that I had delivered the Certificate to Mr. Blisset before Sanders his cursed violence offered to his Father was testified upon oath by one of the three last witnesses, and so before I had the least thought of any such execrable carriage of his, and therefore Mr. Bushnel doth very injuriously charge me with countenancing or defending such as by the Law of God were adjudged to death: I could willingly give my voice for the reviving of that Law, and the Lord knows Mr. Bushnel doth me open wrong, when pag. 161. he writes that the Doctor did look upon a sons cozening, cursing, frequent beating of his Parents, after a barbarous manner, throwing them down, laying hands upon them, taking of them by the throat, drawing his knife upon them, calling them old Rogue, and threatening to make an end of them, as only some small differences, or matters, not much to be noted, or easily to be excused: No, no, Mr. Bushnel, there is one that knoweth this to be a very false and injurious accusation, before whom you and I shall one day stand with open hearts, when not he that commendeth himself shall be approved, but he whom God commendeth.  

Pag 168.  I had at this time, and before, several witnesses with me, which I desired might be examined upon such Queries as should have been proposed unto them; but a word of exception against them from William Pinchin (the Solicitor) and Mr. Byfield (the Advocate) soon silenced, or put them all by; and thus they served no less than four at this time, some whereof would have told pretty stories of William Pinchin, John Trevers, Obadiah Chel●enham, William Cottle, William Sanders, yea (perchance) of the Doctor too, if they might have been heard.  

Answ.  Mr. Bushnel doth not here accuse me of stopping the Examination of his Witnesses, and therefore to that I shall say nothing; But I desire Mr. Bushnel not to lie in the clouds, and raise blind suspicions of unknown crimes against me: If he knows any that knew any secret actings of wickedness whereof I am guilty, let them speak out, that I may know what to answer to. Though I know so much of no man's sinfulness, as I do of mine, own, yet (I bless the Lord) I have no cause to fear the Testimony either of friends, or foes against me, as to such crimes as come under the world's condemnation and censure.  

Pag. 181.  Mr. Bushnel writing of Col. Eyre, saith, All which, notwithstanding all these men, by colonel Eyre thus proceeded against for several Infamies, are by Mr. Byfield, the Doctor, and their friends at Marleborough encouraged to testify against him to his reproach, and yet he not permitted to say any thing in his defence.  

Answ.  This as to myself I avow to be a notorious untruth, and require a proof of it: Col. Eyre hath ever been my loving, and I believe my entire friend, and I am sure I have, and do unfeignedly desire his welfare in all kinds, nor will it ever be proved (I am sure) that I have transgressed the Rules of Love▪ so far towards him, as to encourage any to testify any thing to his reproach; I am sure it hath occasioned trouble of heart unto me, when I have heard any reports of that nature carried about of him.  

Pag. 207, 208.  I was told that one near related to the persons and practices of the Commissioners, should say to this purpose, seeing us come in to Town, That Mr. Bushnel had brought such and such along with him, but that it was to no purpose for he could not stay at Box, because that place was appointed for another man, &c. As to mine own particular, I shall say only this; 1 That by their own confession, my place was appointed for another man; which 2 I believe was the man who hath since my ejectment held it, viz. Mr. stern, who lived formerly in a Living sequestered of Mr. Walker's at Chilmark, and it may be was there as a kind of a Curate to Mr. Sanger, Dr. Chambers Brother-in-law: But at this time was destitute and therefore right or wrong, a place must be provided for him elsewhere.  

Answ.  This passage maketh it evident, that any groundless and improbable probability is sufficient for Mr. Bushnel to build vehement complaints upon, against me and the Commissioners: For here is an uncertain tale taken up at a distance from one, who told another, who told Mr. Bushnel, something to this purpose, that Mr. Bushnel must not stay at Box, because that place was appointed for another man; I cannot but think, that if this tale were brought back to the first Author of it, he would disclaim it as spurious; But be it as it may be, doth this tale (if true) warrant Mr. Bushnel to note from it, 1 That by their own confession his place was appointed for another man; where is any such Confession of the Commissioners? who ever heard it? what if he that first spoke the words (related) spoke without book, or upon some uncertain conjecture, than which nothing is more frequent? doth this prove a Confession of the Commissioners themselves in the case? He is very willing to believe, that taketh such proofs; And as to Mr. Bushnel's second note upon this uncertain story, wherein he thinks (belike) he hath paid me home, he may know that Mr. Stern was never any kind of Curate to my brother Sanger, nor any way related to me, nor had I any special cause in the world to look after his settlement. And therefore Mr. Bushnel doth me and himself open wrong, to write, that because Mr. Stern (it may be) was a kind of Curate to my brother Sanger; Therefore (being destitute of a place) right or wrong a place must be provided for him, and so, which is the Conclusion driven at, I and the Commissioners must needs be guilty of prejudging Mr. Bushnel's case. Let any rational man judge whether Mr. Bushnel's passion did not here put him quite out of his Argumentative faculty.  

Pag. 213.  I was told likewise, that there were heavy exceptions taken against me, that I came not amongst them, Mr. Chambers Mr Byfield &c. and that I did not make one at their meetings, That I did not associate, but rather, that I not only neglected but despised them, or to some such purpose.  

Answ.  If any one spoke these words▪ or to some such purpose, to Mr. Bushnel, certainly he abused Mr. Bushnel's ears, by putting a most notorious falsehood into them which can never be proved, And therefore I cannot but stand amazed at what Mr. Bushnel adds.  
And doubtless with the Dr. and Mr. Byfield, this was enough to make a man scandalous in the highest degree.  

Answ.  Doubtless this is a most notorious untruth, as may be proved by many instances of divers persons not associating, yet dearly loved, and highly prized, both by Mr. Byfield and myself.  

Pag. 214.  showing some reasons why Mr. Bushnel did not associate with us, he saith one reason was, Because the persons who were the leading men amongst them were as fierce and rigid in their way as are any (I believe) on this side or beyond Tweed.  

Answ.  If Mr. Bushnel doth believe this, than I am sure, he believeth as utter an untruth as was ever told: The men he aims at, I know, are professed enemies to fierceness and rigidness in their way, and desire nothing more than that brethren of several persuasions may walk in a way of Christian moderation:  

Pag. 220.  Relating how Mr. Byfield insisted upon the Order, that none might be present at the Examination but the Commissioners and their assistants, he writes, And what if they had heard or known them? Were your questions such that you were ashamed to have them known; or was it for fear the Country should (hearing your questions and my answers) think better of me than you were willing?  

Answ.  It is well known that I earnestly moved, that all that would might be present at your examination, and had prevailed therein, had not the foregoing Order obstructed it.  

Pag. 223.  Speaking of the time when the order of ejection was published against him, Mr. Bushnel writes; I observed that while my sentence was reading Mr. Chambers had pulled down his hat somewhat low on his face, but the residue of his face which might be seen looked very big, and possibly might say within himself, That now he had taught me to bring a man of 〈◊〉 it upon the stage, to make him the discourse and laughter of the Country for leaving Claverton and going to Pewsy.  

Answ.  I easily believe Mr. Bushnel that he did observe me, at this, as at all times, most watchfully, if he might possibly espy any thing in me to be complained of: But whereas he saith, that he observed me, that whilst his sentence was read, I pulled down my hat somewhat low upon my face, but for the residue of my face which might be seen, I looked very big; any man without much observation may see much irrational spite in this relation, which can hardly, if possibly be made to consist with itself; For if I pulled down my hat somewhat low upon my face, how could I then at the same time look big with a little part of my face? I suppose that, in common understanding, big looks are such, when men do not cover their faces somewhat low, as men ashamed, or afraid, but do, if possible, make more of their faces, than they are, by high looks, that they may outface such persons or things as are before them. I am confident in true reason before unbiased Judges) there is a more palpable contradiction between the two parts of this Relation, than between the two oaths of Joan Pinchin, and Jane Hendy, upon which Mr. Bushnel doth, tanto hiatu, tragediate, pag. 94, 95. And as for that spiteful, jeering, groundless, and most uncharitable comment which he made upon my looks, and wherein he seems to have a faculty of looking into my heart, which I could wish he had, when he wrote, and possibly he might say within himself, That now he had taught me to bring a man of his merit upon the stage, to make him the discourse and laughter of the Country for leaving Claverton, and going to Pewsey; I defy it, and such revengeful thoughts as it most injuriously fathers upon me, whereas they were conceived and born in his own breast, and begotten of his own revengeful imagination; and I further say, that the coining of such cross comments upon the carriages of others, is a most unwarrantable practice, unbecoming a Christian, and much more a Minister of the Gospel. I can never sufficiently bless the Lord that it is beyond the reach of Mr. Bushnel, and his witnesses, to make me (though a most unworthy servant of Jesus Christ) the discourse and laughter of the Country, though possibly some profane persons, and scoffers at godliness, 
Jer. 20. 10.  on an alebench, may make themselves very merry with Mr. Bushnel's jeering relation concerning me.  

Pag. 228.  Nay more, should I have chanced to have met your Dr. on the way, I should have given him) not such reverence as he looks for, but) such respect as I thought fitting: and upon some such weighty account, I have been told that he was distasted at me; and so was Haman the Agagite against Mordecay.  

Answ.  Mr. Bushnel might do well to keep in his bitter revilings, till he have some ground of truth, upon which to bring them forth: doubtless his nameless reporter informed him of a wretched untruth, who told him that I was distasted at him, for want of showing respect to me, and he himself wanted some grains of Charity in mentioning great reverence, as that which I looked for from him or any other under pain of Discontent: If I know myself, a very little Reverence and Observation will content me, but if I be mistaken in myself, let all that know me, speak, though I find Mr. Bushnel in his Narrative, often rubbing (as he thinks) upon that sore of my loving to be reverenced.  

Pag. 237.  Now Mr. Chambers hearing Henry Sheyler (for so was his name, that made this pro●er) promising one hundred pounds, and having heedfully eyed him all the time, asks, (belike, fearing that the Commissioners should have forgotten so necessary a Question) Whether he were sufficient? ('tis like he meant) to pay the rent, which he proffered: And here to see how these Doctors, Mr. Byfield, and Mr. Chambers, concurred in questions (fundamentals) What is your Living worth a year, quoth Mr. Byfield? Is he sufficient to pay the rent, quoth Mr. Chambers? This business did in no wise concern Mr. Chambers, unless he mistook the Examination of the sufficiency of the Tenant, for an Examination of the sufficiency of the Minister.  

Answ.  For Henry Sheyler, a man that I had never any thing to do with in my life, why I should so heedfully eye him, as Mr. Bushnel reports, I cannot imagine, But whether I did, or did not, possibly sitting by, and hearing the discourse about renting the Living, such a speech might fall from me; Is he sufficient? you may be confident I said no more, nor pressed it any further, if I had, Mr. Bushnel doubtless would not have made little of much, who makes so much of so little spoken by me; And whether it gives ground to such a loud (jeering) outcry about Fundamentals, as Mr. Bushnel here makes, let the Christian Reader judge.  

Pag. 238.  The Dr. must give me leave to tell him, that I have read of such, who were of this judgements. That right and propriety to a thing were founded in grace; and that all men were Usurpers who were not of the godly. Now we know well to whom this Epithet Godly hath been by some men appropriated in these latter years, and for what purposes: And therefore might the Dr. be so fierce against me, as one (I being not of their mark) on whom even an Alms were cast away.  

Answ.  That I was fierce against Mr. Bushnel, will never be proved by him, unless he hath an Art to prove an untruth. That propriety is founded in grace, is (I know) an error that hath met with entertainment in too many, which Mr. Bushnel doth very injuriously in a way of sly insinuation, charge on me. As for the enclosing the name Godly, within the pale of particular parties, I have ever abhorred it as a very unchristian practice: And as for Mr. Bushnel (for all his words) I never did, nor will take upon me to judge him; to our own Master, he and I must stand and fall, and the Lord give him and me grace impartially and duly to judge ourselves, that we be not judged of the Lord.  

Pag. 246.  Writing most bitterly (after his manner) of Mr. Byfield, he saith, I believe, that were he living, he would confess that he did me as much mischief as he could; and yet I believe that one of the same tribe did me more, although he were more secret in it.  

Answ.  For Mr. Byfield (of the integrity of whose heart in what he did, I have ground to be much assured) I cannot hinder Mr. Bushnel from believing of him what he pleaseth; But if I be the other of the same Tribe which he here speaketh of, in believing that I did him more mischief than he did, who (as he saith) did him as much mischief as he could, he believeth that which the day of manifestation will show to be an utter uncharitable, unjustifiable untruth.  
Christian Reader, I will now only offer to thy view, two or three of Mr. Bushnel's scurrilous passages (amongst many) wherein he maketh me his But, and whereby he thinks to cast shame upon me, and then leave it to thy judgement to consider, whether it be credible that he had not in the Publication of his Narrative any alm to asperse me (amongst the rest.)  

Pag. 46.  Which is much worse than those worst of men, the hypocritical Pharisees and Scribes, The Godly of those times Mr. Chambers.  

Pag 92.  Why may not the Doctor be mistaken in her, as many hundreds have been mistaken in the Doctor?  

Pag. 171.  William Pinchin, and John Trevers have their varieties of baits, and flies suitable to the appetites of their fish. We know that Catiline had such heretofore, yea, Mr. Chambers, the chief Priests and Elders made use of the like, Mat. 26. 61. compared with Luk. 23. 2.  
By these amongst others his sly and cutting scoffs the Reader may judge, whether Mr. Bushnel had not a design to asperse me in his Narrative.  
After all these reproaches, and most slanderous irrational insinuations, I find not in the whole Narrative the least intimation of any dram of charity which Mr. Bushnel hath for me; For although he pretends to have a little good belief of Mr. Byfield, 
Pag. 208.  if he were living, yet all things therein and almost every line thereof, speaks forth the highest despite and contempt of me; yet all the revenge that I will take of him, is to pray for him as for myself, that the Lord would forgive him all his trespasses, and renew his heart by his grace, and guide him with such faithfulness and tenderness in relation to precious souls, to fulfil the work of the ministry, that he may give up his account with comfort to the great Shepherd of souls in the day of his glorious appearing.  
FINIS.   

A Vindication of the Late Commissioners for the Ejecting of Scandalous Ministers in the County of Wilts, (so far as it concerns Mr. Blisset, and other the Commissioners of Marleborough) from the Aspersions of Walter Bushnel, Vicar of Box.  
When we consider how frequently (almost in every page) and how falsely Mr. Bushnel doth accuse and asperse so Eminent a person as Dr. Chambers, whose integrity we thought had been beyond the reach of envy, we suppose we might be silent, and leave the unprejudiced Reader to guess at the truth of his several charges against us, by his impudence and rashness in attempting to fasten such Notorious Calumnies on that Reverend Doctor; but fearing lest herein he may gratify the Genius of such who delight in aspersing pamphlets, and are too ready to believe the same, we thought fit to say something for the vindication of ourselves from the odious reproaches which Mr. Bushnel endeavours to fasten on us.  
In the first place we shall only take notice of one passage in his Epistle dedicatory, where, in a Vaunting manner he ushers in his Narrative with plenty of reviling language against the Commissioners, thus.  
You shall find me charging them with such Crimes which are not only odious in men as Christians, but with such which were looked upon as vild and odious by the most civil sort of Heathens, and yet I have not charged them with a syllable which I am not able by proofs to make good upon them.  
Ans. 'tis very obvious that Mr. Bushnel's design herein is to prepossess those honourable Persons to whom he dedicates his book, with prejudice against us, and to beget in them a belief of what he says▪ but what little reason he hath to be so confident, will appear when we come to the trial of his proofs, Parturiunt montes nascetur ridiculus mus.  
In his Epistle to the Readers he saith? went hey meet with the word Commissioners, they are not to understand me, as intending thereby all those Gent. whose names were put into the Ordinance, as charging them with those unworthy and unjust proceedings, many whereof (as to my business) never acted: But the Commissioners which I here speak of, are those that made ejecting of Ministers a kind of Trade, and unquestionably to themselves it was a beneficial one, such who were constant, and frequent, and furious in the business, and were these, Mr. Blisset, Mr. Thomas Baily, and Mr. Hunt of Marlborough.  
Ans. It is to be noted again, how Mr. Bushnel doth anticipate the Reader, having not so much modesty or patience as to give him Liberty to judge upon the whole matter as he finds it, but he will be (as our Accuser, so) our judge in passing sentence: The charge which he brings against us is complicated, or made up of these two parts.  
1 That we made the ejecting of Ministers a Trade, and questionless a beneficial one.  
2 That we were constant, frequent, and furious in the business.  
To the first of these we have five several things to say by way of answer for ourselves.  
1 'tis sufficiently known that we of Marlborough have ever had an indignation against that generation of men that have vilified the Ministers, as if they made a Trade of Preaching (though happily some have been too guilty hereof) But the Vicar of Box is the first that hath made a discovery to the world of a new Trade of ejecting Ministers; But how unlikely it is that this should prove beneficial to us (whose Commission was only to remove scandalous and insufficient Persons from their livings, but had no power to settle any into either Parsonage or vicarage) we leave to the indifferent Reader to judge.  
2 Mr. Bushnel may conceit what he pleaseth to be unquestionable, we cannot hinder that, nevertheless we challenge him or any other whatsoever to make proof of the least Emolument which ever did redound to us, and this from the hand of any person that either was brought before the Commissioners on a charge exhibited, and not ejected, or upon a charge proved, was ejected, or any one person that was presented and approved by the Committee of approbation in London, to the living of such person as by us was removed; yea (as well knowing our own innocency) we do conjure Mr. Bushnel to perform the promise which he makes in his Epistle, that he would not charge us with a syllable which he was not able by proof to make good, and let the impartial reader judge whether Mr. Bushnel who would be taken for a faithful Minis●er of Christ) be not bound in point of honour to himself, and his profession▪ yea and in point of conscience to (if there be the sense of either of these upon him) to make good by proof the foul charge which he lays upon us (Thorough out his book) of being mercenary persons, and such as have been bribed with moneys, Plate, Horse, and hay: For to this effect h●e speaks in several places of his book, particularly in Pag. 227▪ where also our wives cannot escape his venomous pen.  
3 we were so far from making this work of ejection, a beneficial Trade (as Mr. Bushnel terms it) that in carrying on the same, we all along, from first to last, acted upon our own private charge to the expense of above twenty pound apiece, to several of us, which moneys we can prove (if occasion require) was spent in our several journeys, and sittings, the which was never reimbursed by any persons, nor yet out of the moneys raised for incident charges.  
4 we appeal to the great God, the searcher of all hearts, to whom all our actions and ways are fully known, that we are clear and guiltless of the charge which Mr. Bushnel hath laid upon us, as to the value of one penny in Plate or money, or in any other kind whatsoever: yea further for our vindication,  
5 we do freely offer (if ever required thereunto) to take our oaths before any Judge of assize, or Justice of the peace; that we have not either directly or indirectly taken any such Bribe, Gift, or reward, or ever knew that in the work ejection we lay under such a temptation from any person whatsoever, and therefore we do again require Mr. Bushnel to produce any person within our County, or any other part of the kingdom, that can testify the Giving, or our receiving any such Bribe or Gift, to us, or by us, in relation to this ejection work, and we are sensible (as who is not) that at this day men will not be shy or backward to make out any such thing (if they could do it) as Mr. Bushnel in his Narrative doth accuse us of.  
Now to the second part of Mr. Bushnel's charge, That we were constant, frequent, and furious in the business.  
Answ. we shall make but a short reply to this, as being not so considerable as to require many words; It is confessed that we were more constant and frequent than some others of the County, because the sitting of the Commissioners was usually in Marlboro●gh, the place of our habitation (for of fifty four meetings there were above thirty in the said Town) and most of our work was in the Northern part of the County, below us or near unto us (there being little to be done in the Southern part, which was formerly purged of scandalous Ministers by the Committee long since appointed by Order of the house of Lords and Commons: Moreover, several of the Commissioners dwelled near Marlborough, who did as frequently attend the meetings (for some of them) as we ourselves; and here we would have Mr. Bushnel know that as we can with boldness appeal unto God as to our ends and aims, in our diligent attendance upon that employment, that they were worthy and becoming the trust reposed in us, so to this very day (notwithstanding all his aspersions) we do not in the least repent of being instrumental in the removal of any scandalous person, nor are we conscious to ourselves of being furiously transported at any time in the management of that work, against Mr. Bushnel or any other, but conscientiously made it our business to proceed secundum allegata & probata.  
In the same Epistle to the Reader he saith, The Commissioners did often violate that Ordinance by which they sat, and according to which they were to act, and that in many particulars. As in admitting and countenancing such to swear (if they appeared against me) which their Ordinance excepted against, in excluding such witnesses, if appearing for me (yea after they had been sworn) which by their Ordinance they were to admit of; and at last making a peremptory Order, that such as would, might appear against me, but no more in my behalf; and I charge them for discountenancing, interrupting, and thwarting with many witnesses, &c.  
Answ. Here is a long Chain of Calumnies that hath not one link of truth in it, and doubtless he did on purpose set his invention on work, how to asperse us, and we must needs acknowledge his sigular dexterity herein; But let Mr. Bushnel prove that we did ever knowingly admit or countenance any person (by our Ordinance excepted against) to swear, or refuse witnesses produced by him, than we are contented to undergo his censure; if he means, that, of our admitting Pinchin and Sanders to swear, he cannot but remember they had given in their Depositions against him before the Crimes he charges them with were proved unto us, and as to the making that Peremptory Order, what rational man will believe it? it's as false a suggestion, as those that follow, viz. our discountenancing, interrupting and thwarting his witnesses.  
It follows in the Epistle, And I charge them all, Commissioners, Ministers, and Clerk, for countenancing and encouraging infamous persons, such who had forsworn themselves, and touching some of themselves, in their hearing, such as appeared out of malice, by their own confession, and were proved guilty of suborning, and of being suborned, to their faces; yea, and such as we should have proved guilty of forgery likewise, had not these Commissioners and Ministers by a notorious peace of injustice prevented it.  
Answ. Here Mr. Bushnel doth exactly observe the Rule to Machiavel, he hopes that by calumniating lustily, something will stick: To this horrid and unjust Charge the Dr. hath sufficiently (so far as it concerns himself especially) replied, and showed the impertinency and invalidity of the several proofs, whereby Mr. Bushnel hath endeavoured to fasten this accusation on him, and 'twill be evident to any one who hath the patience to peruse his Book, that he makes no conscience of what he says, for throughout his whole Narrative there is not one Argument or Proof sufficient to ground this charge upon the Commissioners. We do therefore once more desire Mr. Bushnel to be so ingenuous, as to instance and declare which of the Commissioners did ever countenance such kind of persons as here mentions, and to show wherein the Commissioners were so unjust as to prevent the discovery of any who were guilty (as he says) of Forgery: we do acknowledge that (amongst several substantial witnesses produced against him) there were some few whose testimonies (after some crimes alleged against them) were not so authentic as others, and doubtless Mr. Bushnel means these: to conclude this, if the Articles offered by Trevers be that which he intends for forgery, it is well known, and Mr. Bushnel cannot but remember, that they were disowned and rejected, and he not prosecuted thereupon, but upon others; and if this be not it which he strikes at, we cannot guess at what he means.  
Page 212. But since I have heard that some body hath furnished one of the Marlborough Commissioners with a horse, yea, and that some body hath presented him with a parcel of hay since that, so that it may be that the horse or the hay made the speech and not the master.  
Answ. To this blind story of somebody's giving these things to some body of the Commissioners, we shall say no more, than that we know not of any persons giving, or of any ones receiving the same, and do challenge Mr. Bushnel to discover the persons (if he can) according to what he declares in his Epistle dedicatory, who saith that he hath not charged us with a syllable which he is not able by proof to make good upon us.  
In pag. 249. Mr. Bushnel says (as Mr. Stern reported it) that the Commissioners demanded fifteen pound of him for their incident charges in thrusting me out.  
Answ. How true this is that Mr. Stern reported it, we know not, nor do we believe Mr. Stern will justify it, nay, we are sure, he cannot, for Mr. Stern well knows that there was never more than ten pound demanded from him for incident charges for the vicarage of Box, but upon what ground Mr. Bushnel doth impute this demand to be merely for thrusting him out, we cannot imagine: Reader, see the Ordinance by which we acted, and thou wilt perceive for what incident charges (at which Mr. Bushnel so often cavils) was demanded.  
In pag. 252. I have not yet done with this fifteen pound charges incident (and when I have done with that I have done with all) for let me now observe unto thee, what a beneficial Trade these Marlborough men made of it, Let the wind sit which way it would: I think in this particular outdoing the Jews themselves, for they would so far improve their opportunities, that fall out what could, they would turn it to their advantage.  
Answ. What causeless Outcry doth this man make? the relation itself being false, as we have showed, and what was paid came from Mr. Stern, not Mr. Bushnel; he tells us, having done with this, he hath done with all, and if this be all that he can bring by way of charge against the Marlborough Commissioners, let the Reader judge, whether it amounts to any thing? No doubt Mr. Bushnel making it his design (as it appears) to render the Commissioners odious, consulted with the rest of his brethren that had been in the same predicament with him, to find out what other sums came to our hands. But he could hear of none, therefore makes the ten pound incident charges received of Mr. Stern (to which himself invents and adds five more) as it were his Text, upon which he raiseth an Observation what a beneficial Trade the Marlborough men made of it; this is as natural as some of those Reasons by which he proved his doctrine at his examination before the Commissioners and Ministers.  
Mr. Bushnel having not yet sufficiently disgorged himself, we find him again at the fifteen pound, pag. 255. And (Says he) fifteen pound they demanded for thrusting me out; 'tis good being a hangman upon such terms; and questionless this was enough to make me scandalous, because I would not daub, and they were resolved to get by me, one way or other.  
Answ. This as to the matter of Fact is before answered, we shall not (with Mr. Bushnel.) reiterate, as to what follows, 'tis very unsavoury and unbecoming the mouth of a Minister; and truly the Commissioners need not be suspected of injustice, in outing Mr. Bushnel for a scandalous person, when the very language which comes from his Pen for the vindication of himself, speaks him scandalous, and we doubt not but the Reader will judge him so, if he casts his eye only upon thee 154 page of his Book, where he discovers the froth and filth of his spirit, in comparing the Commissioners to hangmen, Sheep-stealers, &c.  
In the same page Mr. Bushnel makes sport for his Reader, in relating a story which he heard of a thievish Miller, to whom he compares the Commissioners, his words are these; And now one would think that they had undone me, as much as possible, and yet Mr. Sterne hath told me, that he is a greater loser than myself, that I am four hundred pound the worse, but that he is five hundred pound the worse: so that to me he seems to have met with some of such a disposition▪ whereof I have heard a Miller to be, who stole five pecks out of a bushel.  
Answ. This shows that Mr. Bushnel in the want of truth hath a mind to make himself merry with his own lies, for he was removed from Box in September, 1656. and this vicarage reputed worth but ninety pound, per annum, and he entering to it again before harvest 1660. So that he was deprived of the profits of the same, not full four years, the which Mr. Sterne took fully to his own use (excepting only the tend pound incident charges) so that what Mr. Bushnel lost, Mr. Sterne had and 
* fifths to Mr. Bushnel only excepted.  received, how then doth it follow that these two men can be losers of nine hundred pounds between them? This is much like the miller's stealing five Pecks out of a Bushel.  
And now as to what concerns Mr. Blisset (one of the Commissioners) in particular, the Reader is desired to observe what follows.  

Pag. 208.  As to myself in particular, whereas in page 208. he boldly chargeth me (though upon a bare report) with the receiving of xx. l. his words are, viz. These men as Godly as they are, love dearly to be fingering money, Mr. Sterne hath said that Mr. Blisset had xx. l. of him (I believe half the money would have made him my friend) which in all probability he had an eye to of a long time.  

Answ.  Now let the Reader judge of the spirit of this man, who is not only void of charity, but common Ingenuity; to make such a Conclusion from a bare reported premises, and to pass such a positive sentence upon such a report, as will appear to be a very grand mistake between them, (I mean Mr. bushnel and Mr. Sterne) and I refer him to Mr. stern for the rectifying thereof, & then I doubt not but he will quickly see his over-forwardness in censuring, conjecturing and believing so much amiss of me, but more of this by and by▪  

Pag. 239.  Mr. bushnel hath another fling at me, in page 239. hoping that some of his dirt will stick. It seems (saith he) that Mr. Blisset was well acquainted with Mr. Sternes recei●●●, I doubt not but he and his son William hath been well acquainted with some of Mr. Sternes diflursements.  

Answ.  It seems, and I doubt not, proves nothing, but is a farther manifestation of his spleen, Laying the stress of all he saith, upon conjectures, and his own bare suppositions. Again, he harps upon the same string, lest it should be forgotten, in page 249.  

Pag. 249.  Besides the xx l. Mr. Blisset had from him, of which I have spoken already.  

Answ.  And so have I also.  

Pag. 253  Again page 253 That he might be sure his Reader should not forget, yea that he might the more certainly confirm him in the belief of that which before he affirmed barely upon the report of another, the same is now become a truth upon his own knowledge, for saith he, And here I can speak upon my own knowledge, xx l. Mr. Blissett had, I know not for what else, 
Answ.  but for putting Mr. stern in.  
Herein Mr. bushnel doth imitate those who by often telling incredible stories come at length to believe them to be truths; And were it true, yet it must be a lie in him, since here he affirms that to be true on his own knowledge, which in several pages before he confesseth he took up only on the bare Report of Mr. stern: But however Reader for thy satisfaction, I shall farther add, for the clearing myself in this particular,  
That I never saw one penny of Mr. Sternes money in all my life, nor did I (or any other to my use) ever receive one penny, much less such a sum from him, or from any other by his appointment; nor was I ever under that temptation from him, nor did I know or was I made acquainted with what contracts Mr. stern made with any person in order to his coming into Box: Though (I believe) Mr. stern will acknowledge he received from me as many civilities as he could in reason expect (being a stranger to me) which he hath often acknowledged to many persons, and fully expressed the same in a letter long since unto me. Therefore knowing my own innocency as to this charge, I do appeal to Mr. stern to justify the truth of this my Protestation, who is quoted by Mr. bushnel to be the author of this scandalous Report.  

Pag. 254.  Again in page 254. Mr. bushnel adds, And if it be as Mr. Sterne hath reported it, Mr. Blisset hath not been wanting to himself in this business; for he hath not only made the vicarage of Box bring him in plentiful returns to his Treasury for the present, but also he hath so providently provided it, that it shall yield him a crop after we are dead and gone, for as Mr. Sterne told me, he hath got the next Presentation to the place, so that it is not to be wondered, that he ruined me first, and (after he had received his largesse from him) cared not how soon Mr. Sterne were gone from the place, in order whereunto, it was endeavoured that he should be made weary of it, because his turn was next, and so upon Mr. Sterne's avoidance, he might make use and benefit of his presentation.  

Answ.  This charge against me will soon be brought to a short issue, It consists of two parts, The one (though expressed in other terms) I have already answered, viz. Box vicarage bringing in plentiful returns to my Treasury (I suppose he means the twenty pound) I shall say▪ no more to this. The second is as false a suggestion as the first; Let this be the issue between us: I appeal to that honourable person Sir Hugh Speak, Knight and Baronet, who is the undoubted Patron thereof; I say, I have nothing to do in the next Presentation, nor had I in the last, more than in telling Sir Hugh Speak that I thought Mr. stern to be an able & honest man, & one that might deserve his favour▪ so that these premises having no foundation, I doubt not but the impartial Reader will adjudge his Conclusion, pag. 255. as rotten. I abhor that saying of his, that I ruined him, he may very well remember my inclinations towards him were otherwise 
* I appeal to Edw. Carter Esq; his Counsel. . I require Mr. Bushnel to make good (if he can) that I endeavoured to weary Mr. stern of Box, that I might make my advantage upon the next Presentation 
* inquire of Mr. Sterne. . These, Mr. Bushnel, of all assertions in your Book▪ are the most diabolical: I challenge you, or any person whatsoever, to make good these, or any other passages of the like nature upon me throughout all the Actions of my whole Life (having been in public employment near fourteen years' last past.)  
Reader, we thought fit to tell thee, that we have had no greater allowance of time, than some forty eight hours, both for the reading of Mr. Bushnel's Book, and composing an Answer to those Passages that seem to reflect upon us; for till within this two days we had no thoughts of entering upon this ungrateful work, neither did we know of any Reply that the Doctor intended, which might give us an opportunity to annex something thereunto for our vindication, and if we mistake not, we do not find any thing in his Narrative, save what the Dr. and ourselves have fully answered to, that carries any matter of Reflection with it. As for his oblique charges, scurrilous expressions, and quibbles, and Mr. Blisset's Circumstance so often iterated and sported with, we are resolved not to take notice of them: But if in this undertaking of his he had had so mnch modesty and ingenuity as to have forborn his invective and satirical language both against Commissioners and Ministers, and had fairly set before the Reader the whole proceedings in the business of his Ejection, without such monstrous Comments and Inferences, and not put the stress of the Truth of what he principally chargeth on us, upon [As I conjecture] [as I think] [as I believe] [as I was told by some body] [as it hath been reported] [and in probability] [and it seems so] [and 'tis evident enough to me] and as I remember] [and the like.  
Risum teneatis amici? we should have thought the judgement of his Ejection (as to the Matters charged on him, and the proofs thereof made by such witnesses (as he renders them) and the defence made by himself, and his witnesses for him) would have lain with the more clearness before the Reader, as to the Sentence of his Ejection, whether it was just or unjust.  
FINIS.   

A WORD from the CLERK— TO THE VICAR of BOX.  
Mr. Bushnel,  
CAsting mine eye upon your Narrative, I find you squirting out many scurrilous passages against myself, which I can bear well enough, but I am troubled to see how you load others, and that you, who profess yourself a Minister of Christ, should so far adulterate your fancy with the spirit of darkness, and at length bring forth into the world such a monster, whose ugliness (I doubt not) will be offensive to any that shall behold it with a Christian eye. And although the Charge you bring against me for entering Depositions by halfs, confounding the Order in which they were taken, and for leaving out material clauses, which might have been to your behalf, deserves no other answer than a Mentiris Bushnelle, yet for mine own Vindication, the world shall know that I had a peculiar respect and tenderness for you when you were upon the Stage, desiring you might come off with honour and safety, and that my management of your business (so far as concerned me) did argue as much, I dare appeal to your own conscience, as well as to your own counsellor Edward Carter Esq; I must also mind you with a shrewd, and (I believe) wilful mistake of yours, or rather a subtle equivocation about the name of Blisset, by which you endeavour to cast a blot upon the untainted Reputation of my Father, as if he had received twenty pounds for being an Instrument to help Mr. stern into Box: Sir, this money was given by him unto 
* At this time I was married, lived of myself, without any dependence upon my Father, being by profession an attorney.  Mr. Blisset, the Clerk, and not Mr. Blisset the Commissioner, and this not to me, as Clerk to the Commissioners, but as I undertook to be his Solicitor to Sir Hugh Speak the Patron of Box, under whose displeasure 
* You may inform yourself of the truth hereof from Sir H. S.  Mr. Sterne was fallen, for addressing himself to Oliver Cromwell for the gift of the same, and for entering on the vicarage upon that Title without the consent of Sir H. S. M. Sterne knowing the interest I had in that honourable person 
* This was done in the presence of William Pinchin and Obadiah Cheltenham.  applied himself to me to become his Advocate, and voluntarily offered me, by way of reward, twenty pound: I did therefore after much pains and labour work him into the favour of Sir. H. S. and got his Presentation for him. To conclude, I do protest, that both the proffer, and receipt of this sum of money from Mr. stern, was altogether unknown to Mr. Blisset (my Father) until by accident he had some hint of it at the least six months after; and as I wish you may now repent the aspersing him by your clamorous report of falsehood; So I advise you to an Index expurgatorius, if there be another Edition of your unsavoury Narrative.  
William Blisset Jun.  
FINIS.