A JUST apology FOR THE CHURCH OF DUCKENFEILD IN CHESHIRE: Against certain slanderous Reports received by m Edward's his overmuch credulity of what may tend to the reproach of those that differ from himself in judgement (though but concerning matters merely of external order, and things of inferior Alloy to the substantial Doctrines of Faith, and Manners) rashly and without further examination of the truth of them, (together with an overplus of his own Censures, and uncharitable Animadversions) divulged by himself in a late book of his, entitled, The third part of Gangraena.  
BY SAMUEL Eton, Teacher & TIMOTHY TAYLOR, pastor of the Church of God at DUCKENFEILD.  
Whereunto also is annexed a Letter of a godly Minister, Mr Henry Rootes, pastor of the Church of Sowerbie in Yorkshire, in vindication of himself against a sinister and dangerous (yet false and groundless) Insinuation, contained in the copy of a Letter out of Yorkshire, sent unto the aforesaid m Edwards, and by him published to the kingdom.  2 Cor. 6. 8. By honour and dishonour, by evil report, and good report, as deceivers, and yet true. Luk. 21. 19 In your patience possess ye your souls. Adeo satis Idoneus patientiae sequester Deus▪ Si iniuriam deposueris, penes eum ultor est; Si damnum, restitutor, si dolorem, medicus, &c. Tertul. 
LONDON; Printed by M. S. for Henry Overton, and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes-head-Alley. 1647.   

TO THE CHRISTIAN READER; Grace and Peace be multiplied.  
CHRISTIAN READER;  

Titus 2. 8▪  THe Apostle Paul exhorts Titus, to speak sound words in Doctrine, that cannot be condemned; and there is a proportionable equity, that all men (Ministers especially) should write and print sound words, that cannot be condemned. If Mr. Edwards had kept himself to this Rule, our labour at this time might have been spared. Our work in this Narrative, is to rectify his errors. He hath led many from the truth, so far as concerns Duckenfeild Church (for saving that there is an Epistle of our brother Roots annexed, there is nothing else meddled with in this apology) and our undertaking is to reduce them to the truth. Should we suffer all to pass for truth, which he publisheth concerning us, we should betray the truth, and our own innocency.  
These faults may be justly charged upon him from the way he takes of blazoning the supposed failings of all other men, that differ from him, though but in the most controverted, dim, and disputable points; and instances may be given (if need require) in passages that relate to us, and our Church.  
First, He hath abroad in the kingdom Factors that trade for him in the good names, and reputations of precious men, and orderly walking Churches, (who are not inferior to the very chiefest of his Presbyterians, whether men, or Churches, 
Gangrae. p. 165.  though they be nothing) which they and he sell over to be mancipated to infamy and disgrace, for supposed crimes falsely suggested against them by himself, and his creatures.  
Secondly, He takes reports (especially flowing (as it is 
Ibid.  said) from godly persons) upon trust, and without any further examination, or inquisition after the truth of them, issues them abroad (with a great measure of confidence) into the kingdom, as if so be, his supposed godly persons, were arrived at an absolute incapacity of hearing an untruth, and when they have heard it, reporting it for a truth.  

Ibid.  Thirdly, He doth not consider that that malignant spirit, that in all preceding ages of the Church hath bent men's tongues for lies, and slanders, against the Saints of the most high God, is most industriously active at this day to render those men odious, whose Conversation imports strictness of a more than ordinary elevation in the ways of God. So that it is no security against the peril of false witness-bearing against the people of God, to say, Such a godly man told me so; especially when that that godly man was neither an eye, nor earwitness of the thing, nor hath traced the report upward from man to man, to the first reporter, who had need to be godly, and an eye or earwitness of the thing. Ourselves can speak experimentally of the failings of divers Presbyterians formerly, whom we judged godly, that have taken up things against us by hearsay, for which they have seen cause afterwards to be ashamed; which we desire rather to cover with the mantle of Brotherly love, then like flies to fall upon their sores, and unnecessarily to uncover their nakedness, and rake in their infirmities, as Mr. Edward's professedly deals with us.  
Fourthly, Mr. Edwards runs the more desperate adventure, to split his reputation, and wound his Conscience upon the Innocency of traduced Saints, because he takes not only the testimony of one engaged party against the other, but even of the most precipitate, fiery spirits of that party, the strength of whose fancy is enough to multiply a molehill of frailty 
3. Gangr. pag. 164. & 165.  in the Saints, into a mountain of obstinary; yea, can make things that are not, appear as though they were. And yet if the case were altered, Mr. Edward's possibly would think the Testimonies of twenty of those whom he calls Sectaries, incompetent to take away the good name of one godly Presbyterian.  
Firstly, The irregularity of Mr. Edward's his proceeding, is the more inexcusable in this, That whereas there should be two or three witnesses for the confirmation of every matter, that is not of notorious Cognizance; and whereas the accused 
Act. 25. 16.  aught to come face to face before the Accusers: Mr. Edwards publisheth things of a private nature, upon the bare report of some one man, who is not in the capacity of being a competent witness in that matter whereof he is the relator. And so the good names of innocent, and some of them eminent persons in the kingdom, come to be blasted by the misprision of his supercilious, and unhallowed pen. Instance pag. 167. in what is related concerning two Gentlemen, persons of great worth and honour.  
Sixtly, add to this, that the impatience of his zeal in defaming the servants of God, holds no correspondence with principles of common prudence. For who but Mr. Edwards, knowing that the Deacon of Duckingfeild, pag. 68 was speedily to be brought upon the Stage before the civil power, would not have expected the issues of his aay of Audience, rather than by an hasty anticipation pre-judge (as in his marginal note he doth) a person not yet heard nor condemned by the civil State. And indeed a little patience (comparatively to much) might have served the turn. For not long after Mr. Thomas Smith, Bookseller of Manchester, [who (as we coneeive) was both Mr. Edward's Intelligencer, and soon after the Deacons accuser] had a fair, and free hearing, before the Committee against the Deacon. Yet the Committee found not him guilty of the supposed knavery in cozening the State, the discovery whereof was prophesied in the Letter of August 3. 1646. published by Mr. Edwards, but dismissed him from their Board without any Censure. Would Mr. Smith have thought it well, and if he should have approved of it, yet we could not have avoided the regret of our own Consciences, when he being nominated for an Elder of Manchester, and accusation upon accusation from parts nearer and more remote, were brought in against him, if we should have writ up to London, that ere long Mr. smith's knavery would be discovered, and such a one as he, is a fit man to be an Elder in a Presbyterian Church; even than when the business was depending, and unproved before the Triars?  
Seventhly, Nor can it well be omitted, (and as little justified) 
Pag. 167.  that from one Act (and that injuriously represented) a judgement should be made upon a person; a Gentleman of worth must pass under the name of a great zealot for Independents, from the evidence of one false Instance, which is given in to prove it. Would Mr. Edward's be well pleased to have such measure measured unto himself again, and that because there are some slanderous reports published in Mr. Edward's book, therefore the whole book is a book of slanders?  
Eightly and lastly, The scope and drift of Mr. Edwards is, to make the world believe, that such as those Sectaries (so by 
The Marginal note. Pag. 68  him called) are, whose personal failings he divulgeth, such are (or at least in time are like to be) all that are of that Sect respectively. Now if the Sectaries (so called) were baptised into the same uncharitable Spirit, and would whet their style against the personal faults of Presbyterians, with a desire to charge all upon the professors of that way, doubtless the volumes that might be written, would be far more voluminous than a complete Decade of Gangraena's. As for thee (Christian Reader) we hope we shall easily obtain so much justice at thy hands, as not to be measured by Mr. Edward's reed; But such as our Doctrine, manner of life, patience, peaceableness, painfulness, are, (be they more or less) such let us be in the balance of thy estimation. We are abundantly sensible of the growth and increase of errors and Heresies in the kingdom; we desire according to the measure of grace received, to pray against them, fast against them; we labour in the course of our Ministry by preaching against them; And as God gives us opportunity in disputation, we labour to beat them down; And we trust God in his own time will dispel them. The premises are sufficient for thy premonition, not to take all for truth, that Mr. Edwards, or any other in this Calumniatory age, shall rashly and uncharitably broach against any godly man, whether of the classical or congregational way. But first to try and trace reports, importing scandal to the fountains of them, their first Broachers; By this means a great deal of uncharitable misprision will be prevented, and thou wilt have no occasion to mourn at the last. We remain  
Thine, whilst thou art a Friend to Truth, SAMUEL Eton, TIMOTHY TAYLOR.   

A JUST apology FOR THE CHURCH OF DUCKENFEILD.  
MAster Edwards amongst many other Letters, and Relations, which have been sent him from all parts of the kingdom, hath received (it seems) some from the Northern parts, from Lancashire, and Cheshire: and in some of them there are passages that reflect upon the Church of Duckenfeild, and the Officers thereof, with reproach and scorn, with falsehood and slander; and where any truth is, it is with an injurious intent manifested.  
We shall direct to the Pages, transcribe the substance of the words, and make Answer thereto.  

3d. Gang.  In Pag. ●8▪ are these words; Mr. Eton, of whose activity to promote that way, (that is, th●●ongregationall, which is the truly-so called presbyterial way) I doubt not you have heard, hath been the great Apostle to promote their design in these parts.  
Answ. It may be a great question whether scoffing or irrationality be the 〈◊〉 predominant in this invective charge▪ For it is without all bottom, unless activity (which he only mentions) he the bottom of it. And then all the clergy in Lancashire are great Apostles; for he calls them Pag. 167. An Active clergy, that is, in promoting the Presbyterian design. And this is all the reason Mr. Edward's can show, of inserting Mr. Eatons Name among the principal Independents and Sectaries in his book.  
But how comes it about, that Mr. Eton is the great Apostle in this place, who Pag. 164. is but a Pastor or Teacher of the Church of Duckenfeild?  
If Mr. Eton be the great Apostle, who are teh lesser? we had thought among the Apostles there had not been greater, and lesser.  
If he be the great Apostle, what, or who are they that have sent him? They must doubtless be greater than Apostles; for greater is he that doth send, than he that is sent.  
If he promote designs as an Apostle, than the designs are preaching of the Gospel up and down, and gathering of Churches, &c.  
Now apostolical preaching of the gospel in all places up and down the country, is a good design, especially at this time, when there is such want of preaching. But this design, Mr. Eton could not heretofore, nor can at this day attend upon, being a prefixed Officer at Duckenfeild, as is acknowledged Pag. 164. And as for the design of gathering Churches, (which is an Apostles work) what one Church hath Mr. Eton gathered? True it is, that he, with many others, wearied out with the long want of some of God's Ordinances, and with corruption in other of God's Ordinances, did at length (for their better spiritual accommodation) join together in fellowship, that they might enjoy all God's Ordinances. Yet herein he no more gathered them, with whom he joined, than they him. But be it that he promotes these designs, yet sithence these designs are of no worser import and contemplation than they are, neither they that sent him, (if any such there be) nor he that is sent, have cause to be ashamed.  
But his activity is great. And wherein appears this his great activity, unless it be in entertaining now and then one call of many, to preach a Sermon abroad, as occasions will permit? Or unless it be that in defence of the way he professeth, he answereth some of the many challenges Brethren make in opposition against it. In which also he is rarely engaged alone, and less active than his opponents show themselves to be.  
In pag. 68 the extract of a Letter written from the Northern parts, speaks thus; I shall hereafter give you a particular account of the Church of Duckenfeild.  
Answ. It had been safer for the Author of this Letter to look into his own heart, and see what is amiss there, that he may be able to give a particular account to God of all his ways, when he shall be called thereto; then to spend his time in observing Duckenfeild, and meddling with account of things that concern him not. Is not this to be {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} a busi-body in other men's matters; and if he suffer as such a one, what glory or comfort can he have at the last? Notwithstanding let him be sure his account be just, and it will prove no disadvantage to Duckenfeild that he makes it.  

Gangrae.  The Ruling Elder is a Sequestrator in Cheshire.  
Answ. If the Ruling Elder be an honest man, and Sequestratorship an honest employment, we hope it is no disparagement to Duckenfeild Church, that their Ruling Elder is a Sequestrator.  

Gangrae▪  Their Deacon is a Sequestrator in Lancashire; The Deacon I shall speedily being upon the Stage, and make a notable discovery of his knavery in cou 〈…〉 ening the State.  
Answ. As concerning the Deacon, we shall give a true relation of the carriage of that matter. M. Taylor preaching at Shrewsbury the last Summer, (in the beginning of the month of August, as he remembreth▪ had discourse with a religious Gentleman (a friend of his, and of the classical way for matter of Judgement) concerning the different Church-ways, that are now matters of such hot digladiation amongst many in the kingdom. The Gentleman by way of discourse told him, that there were some in the Church of Duckenfeild, as bad as were to be found in the Parish Assemblies, and named Laurence Owen, a Deacon of our Church, and referred Mr. tailor for further satisfaction to Mr. Thomas Smith, bookseller in Manchester, and to Thomas Hartley, for proof of his dishonest dealing with the State. Mr. Taylor at his return communicated this business to the Elders of the Church, and in a short time after we both conferred with Thomas Hartley, and received from him a report that he was not satisfied that L. Owen had carried the matter well, and gave some Instances. Hereupon we resolved, (so soon as possibly we could get a convenient time,) to call Laurence Owen before us, and to require an account of him concerning his Negotiation for the State: and to desire Mr. Smith, Thomas Hartley, and whomsoever else might fall under our Intelligence, as a person able to witness any thing material concerning L. Owen his proceeding, to give us the meeting. That if it might appear that L. Owen had done any thing to the prejudice of the State, or peace of a good conscience, we might use our best endeavours to bring him to the sight of his sin, and repentance for it, and also to make due satisfaction to the State.  
But many importune occasions falling in, in that conjunction of time, deferred the execution of our determinations for a short time, till a fit season was by the good hand of providence opened unto us. But when we were fully ripened by a universal conflux of all conce●●●ring requisites for the issuing of this business, (which had not suffered the least delay, but that we had probable, and promising grounds of hope, that the charges against him were founded upon mistakes in his accusers) we resolved to bring it under examination, with a most requisite and impartial endeavour of discovering (so far as God should help us) the whole truth. Now in this juncture of time, Mr. Smith had drawn up a charge, and brought it before the Committee of Lancashire, who upon a full, and impartial hearing of the cause, did not find him guilty of the things charged upon him, and so dismissed him from their Board, without any censure. And this was the issue of Mr. smith's confidence that he should speedily 
Pag. 68  discover the Knavery of the Deacon, in his first attempt.  
And though this business issuing before the Gentlemen, according to our former (Than present) apprehensions, might have given reasonable satisfaction to us in point of the Deacons innocency; yet because we understood that Mr. Smith was not herewithal satisfied, we resolved (as unforestalled in point of the innocency of the accused by any thing that passed before the Gentlemen, or fell otherwise under our observation,) to give Mr. Smith a full and fair hearing; that so if he could make any real discovery, we might improve it to the glory of God, the state's satisfaction, and our Brothers spiritual good: and accordingly desired Mr. Smith, when he was ripe for the purpose, to let us understand. After some weeks past, Mr. Smith sent a Declaration to Mr. Taylor, subscribed with his own hand, and the hands of George Jackson, and Tho: Hartley; containing divers charges against L. O. Upon the receipt hereof, the Church assembled to fast and pray before God, to seek assistance of grace on the behalf of the Brother that was afresh accused, that he might carry it candidly, and sincerely in his Answer, as in the presence of God, and be as ready to take shame to himself, if any thing were justly charged, as to stand upon the defence of his innocency, in things wherein his Conscience bore witness to the integrity of his Actions: as also that the Elders might be enabled to conceive aright of things, and to make report of them accordingly to the Church. The duty being ended, the several Charges were drawn out of the Declaration [the most material of them being the same (as we have been informed) that were agitated formerly before the Committee] and L. O. required to make Answers to them: which accordingly he did. After we had thus heard both parties severally, we desired to hear them jointly, and that they might come face to face, for which purpose, Mr. Taylor writ a Letter to Mr. Smith, and his two friends, desiring them to give us the meeting at some convenient place, and to bring with them such persons as might give in evidence against L. O. concerning any thing contained in the Declaration, that might stand in need of further proof. He also desired that Mr. Johnson of Ashton, and Mr. Angier of Denton (two godly, and grave Ministers of the classical way) might be present as witnesses of what passed on both sides.  
This desired meeting Mr. Smith and his two friends thought fit to decline for these two Reasons, as they pretended.  
First, That matters of fact were laid down with that distinctness, and clearness in the Declaration, that they needed to add no more words for the satisfaction of any ingenuous Reader.  
Secondly, (and that by way of implication) that we were not authorized to take their Examination upon Oath.  
To which M. Taylor in his Letter to them answered, That our design was (according to our duty) to endeavour to bring our Brother to the sight of his sin, and repentance for it, in case he should prove guilty, according to the several charges contained in the Declaration, or any of them. That this we could not do, except we could convince him. That we could not convince him, and upon conviction proceed against him, but by the proof of two witnesses at the least, since he confidently denied divers things contained in the Declaration, and in his Answer avoided the dint, and scope of the rest. That he desired to have his accusers come face to face, and that he might have liberty to Answer for himself: and that this Justice neither they, (since they had laid a charge against him, nor we (if we would carry it righteously 
a Acts 25. 16. & 26. 1. ) could deny him. That we desired to know whether they did jointly attest all, and every of the miscarriages charged in the Declaration, or severally. If not all jointly, but some severally, than we desired to know which of the particulars were attested by one only witness, and which by two or more, since we could not proceed upon a single testimony, but must desire further proof. That L. O. had brought a Certificate 
b The same Certificate was since subscribed by another godlyman▪  under the hand of a man beyond exception faithful, (who spoke not by hearsay, but as an eye and ear witness, point-blank, contrary to one main thing charged in the Declaration, and also another man (that had great reason to know the state of the business to which he spoke, attesting that which is contrary to the main thing charged by them, as we should give them fully to understand, if they pleased to give us the meeting. That there was also one thing mentioned in the Declaration in general terms, viz. certain sums of money received that were not given in in his accounts, but no particulars specified, and we desired that the particulars might be given in, and so attested by themselves, or otherwise. That these things considered, they could not righteously deny us the meeting, notwithstanding the distinctness, and clearness in matter of fact pretended to be in their Declaration.  
And as for the second, it was answered in Mr. tailor's Letter aforesaid; That if they did not judge it unfit to give in their accusation in their Declaration, though they did not look upon us as authorized to administer an Oath to them; why might they not corroborate, and make out their accusation before us (in things wherein there should be need of further light,) though we were not in a capacity to administer an Oath unto them? These were the most material▪ lordship ssages in Mr. Tailor's Letter.  
Mr. Shiloh's Answer in the most considerable pertinent passages was; That he would have appeared before us, if he had believed us invested with any lawful power by God● to have taken his Examination▪ That to comply with us in thy 〈…〉 way, would be a remedy worse than the disease. That if L. O. desired is accusers to come face to face, why according to his counsel had he not brought his Accusers before the Committee? That he would not trouble himself with 〈◊〉 Certificate he 〈…〉 we, or from whom procured, since he 〈…〉 to make out the main particulars of his 〈…〉 wn Accounts and Confession and by sufficient 〈…〉 any upon Oath▪ That he 〈…〉 not the Declaration to one Church, nor in any of his Letters had acknowledged Mr. Taylor a Minister. That if we desired a meeting in a Christian way, and not in a churchway, and pleased to let Manchester be the place, he would meet us, and endeavour to engage his two friends, and such other Witnesses as should be necessary. That for other particulars in the Letter, (i. e. Whether they did attest the things charged in the Declaration severally, or jointly, and if not all jointly, but some severally, than which were attested by one witness, and which by two or more) Wherein we desired satisfaction, he conceived it would be fitter to give in account to the Committee for Sequestration then to us. To which Mr. Taylor replied, That whether he acknowledged the Church of Duckenfield a Church, the Elders a Presbyteris, or himself a Minister, neither the one, nor the other, nor himself did regard. For with them it was a small thing to be judged of him, or of man's judgement. To their own Master they must stand or fall. That the scope of this desired meeting (on our part) was not to steal from him an acknowledgement of the truth of our Church, or Ministries, but an improvement of it to this end, that our Brother might be healed in his Conscience, if he had done any iniquity, and in his reputation (so far as in us lay) if none of those things whereof he was accused were found in him. And forasmuch as a meeting of them in the capacity of Christians, would be of equivolent conducency to the attainment of our end, we should as willingly meet them under that Notion, as in the capacity of a Presbytery.  
This Answer being thus returned, we were in plenary expectation, that this business would speedily be issued one way or other. But though we condescended to meet Mr. Smith upon his own terms, yet in his Answer to Mr. Taylor, he totally (contrary to his own engagement, and promise under his own hand,) refused to meet us, and not only so, but expressed himself resolved to forbear all further intercourse with Mr. tailor in writing about this matter. The reason alleged by him of his refusal to meet us, was, That he was inhibited by the Committee of Accounts, who were resolved to take the full examination of the business themselves, conceiving that our private debates, would no way advantage the public, and might prejudice them in their proceedings. Assuring us that if we would have but a little patience, things would be discovered to our full satisfaction, out of the examination taken upon Oath.  
When we were thus deserted by Mr. Smith, and his two confederate friends, refusing to tell us which of the charges were attested by one only witness, and which by two or more, or to give any particulars attested where the charge was general, refusing also to give us the meeting for the making out of his charge, where it needed proof, viz. in such things, whereof he, and his two friends, were only the relators, and accusers, but could not possibly be the attestors or witnesses: When we were thus deserted, (We say) yet we left no stone unmoved, further to inform ourselves concerning this business. And having notice that L. O. was to come to his Answer before the Committee of Accounts for Lancashire, upon Tuesday the second of Febr. 1646. (to our best remembrance) in Manchester: we both came thither, and sent to the Gen gentlemans of that Committee, to desire liberty that we might sit by and hear what passed that day for our further satisfaction. But this liberty was denied us by the Gentlemen at that time. After this Mr. Taylor having intelligence of the meeting of the Committee upon a Tuesday, came to Manchester to desire a copy of L. O. his charge, the better to enable them to discover the truth of this matter. But after he had come twice or thrice to the place where usually they sat, he was informed, that the country people came not in, and so they would not sit that day, and so lost his labour at that time. After this he applied himself to one of them particularly, expressing the desire that himself, and his Brethren had to be throughly possessed of the state of that business, and that it would be a very great courtesy to us, if we might but have a copy of the Depositions. The Gentleman answered, that it was resolved at their Board, that L. O. should not only be allowed Breviates, but also Copies at large of the Depositions, and there was but only one thing undetermined, and that was, whether since all the Examinations were not taken, he should have the Depositions piece meal, or the whole together. Mr. Taylor went away well satisfied in the candour, and impartiality of the gentlemen's proceedings in that matter. And so we hope that in due time we shall enjoy the advantage of those Depositions, to enable us to make a Judgement of the cause, and till then we shall suspend our thoughts and determinations about that matter. Only this we cannot but take notice of; That Mr. Smith after some Depositions were taken, before L. 
☜  O▪ had answered for himself, (for that is not yet done) or the Gentlemen had passed any Censure against him, (which also is not yet done) he writ up to a Gentleman a friend of his in London; That the Deacon of Duckenfield his knavery is proved before the Committee upon Oath, and be turned out of his place. His Letter bore date, Jan. 30. 1646. Who reading this Letter, would not conclude, that the Committee, after a full hearing of both sides, had found L. O. guilty? and for his guilt (or knavery, to speak in Mr. smith's Dialect) had turned him out of his place? and so his friend in London took it up. Whereas the truth is, the Examinations are not yet all taken, neither to this day of our present writing, hath L. O. a copy of any one Deposition, nor have the Committee of Accounts passed any Censure at all against him, much less put him out of his place. But the Committee of the county to ease the public charge, did diminish the number of the Agents for Sequestration, and (without any Character of disgrace at all) did suspend him from the execution of his place; as they did also many other persons of unspotted side lity to the State. A copy of which Suspension is as followeth.  

At the Committee, January 15. 1646.  

Preston in Com: Lane.  FOr as much as by reason of the many and great Sequestrators within this County, which have lately been suspended, and taken off, by the compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall: this Committee do conceive it necessary to reduce the Agents employed in the Sequestrations in the several limits, and divisions, hereafter particularly expressed; viz. Oliver Edge in Manchester divisiou: Isaac Dehoo, in Middleton division: Richard Bradshaw, in Bolton division: William Kindsly and William Parr, in the Parishes of Warrington, Winwick, Wiggan & Leigh; and Peter Ambrose, and John Case in the remainder of the hundred of Derby, William Eccleston and Thomas Jackson, for ●●yland hundred: Charles Gregory, and John Haworth, in Blackhurne hundred: James Smith, Richard Whitehead, and William Audeland, in Amundernesse hundred: and Thomas Towlinson, Thomas Gardner, Adam Sands, and John Sawry, in Lonisdale hundred. And that all other Agents employed in the Sequestrations in this county, shall from and after the first day of March next, suspend and forbear the execution of their places or employments as Agents. And in the mean time they are to perfect their accounts, and deliver the same to Mr. Okey upon such penalties as are imposed by the Ordinance of Parliament. And the Collectors for sequestrations in Lonisdale hundred are from hence forward to forbear the execution of their employments. And the Agents of that hundred are to perform the same accordingly.  


J. Bradshaw.  
John Starkie.  
Thomas Birche.  
Robert Cunliffe.  
William Knipe.  
N. Rigbie.    
Vera Copia Examinat.  
Per me Oliver Edge.   
And yet even since that time, that Committee that put him out, hath put him in again; which doubtless they would never have done, had they judged him unfaithful to the State. A copy of which order for re-execution of his place is as followeth.  

At the Committee, March 4. 1646.  

Wiggan in Com: Lane.  IT is ordered, that William Kindsly, William Parr, and John Hampson, shall be employed for the Sequestration in the Parishes of Warrington, Winwicke, Leygh, and Wiggan, and that they shall have one Collector to assist them. And that Richard Bradshaw shall act as Agent for Sequestrations in the Parishes of Bolton, Deane, Bury, and Ratliffe, and that he shall have one Collector for his assistance therein; And that Isaac Dehoo, and Edward Dutton shall be agents in the Parishes of Ashton under line, Ouldham, Middleton, and Rachdale, and one Collector to assist them. And that Oliver Edge, and Laurence Owen, shall be agents in the Parishes of Manchester, Eccles, Drestwich, and Flixton, and that the parties aforenamed, shall do, execute, and perform all things pertaining to that employment, as by Ordinance of Parliament is appointed. And that for their care and pains to be taken therein, they shall all of them receive the usual salary, and pay, as hath been accustomably used to have been allowed, and paid to others of the like employment: saving that there shall be allowed to Mr. Dutton, and Mr. Dehoo, the weekly pay of twenty-foure shillings, only until further order.  


J. Bradshaw.  
John Starkie.  
Thomas Birche.  
N. Rigbie.  
H. Eleetwood.    
Vera Copia Examinat.  
Per me Oliver Edge.   
Far be it from us, to bring any railing accusation against Mr. Smith, but let the tree be judged by its fruits, the man by his actions. As for Laurence Owen, and his business, we shall leave it in the middle, and neither clear him, nor condemn him, (further than matters of fact▪ reported in this Narrative are of a tendency one way or other) till the business be issued before the Committee of Accounts. only hereby it doth appear, that the Church, and the Elders, have laboured in some good measure to do their duty.  
Now we pass to the prodigious Story of the invisible drum.  
In pag. 164. there is the story of a drum, and Mr. Edwards makes a godly Minister of Cheshire to be the reporter of it to him, but his name is concealed; we may not know him, yet we may ask Mr. Edwards whether the Minister were an eye or ear witness of it? If he were not, nor yet asserted so much to Mr. Edwards, how comes it that Mr. Edwards saith in his Preface; For other Relations (alludeing to relations of fact) I have them from such known godly Ministers, and Christians, being ear and eye witness thereof. This will be found a monstrous untruth in Mr. Edwards: However, because there was no such Minister, an ear, or eyewitness of this matter, it will be found a loud lie betwixt them, upon which of them soever it will fall.  
But because there is great inquiry made in some parts of the kingdom about this matter, we think it necessary for the satisfaction of all that would be informed in the truth of it, to give a brief relation of it, as it was at Duckenfeild, and afterwards to manifest what a bundle of untruths were knit up together in the story, as it is represented to the kingdom. And for the truth of what we say, we shall appeal to many impartial Auditors, who (as they sometimes repair to the chapel) so they were ear and eyewitness of the whole matter that very day. Their Testimony (they being neither Members of our Church, nor of our opinion) we hope will currently pass with all rational men. Which is as followeth.  
Upon one Lord's day, while Mr. Eton was preaching in duckenfield-chapel, there was the noise of Rapping or Striking upon one of the pews or seats in the chapel, and (they being made of thin Wainscoate, and standing hollow from any wall) the sound was the greater, but continued not long. Upon the first hearing of it, Mr. Eton turned his ear towards the place whence he conceived the sound came, and after he had finished the sentence he was speaking, he made a short pause, as his manner hath often been to do, and the noise immediately ceased; and he began again to speak, and so continued to the end, both of Prayer and Sermon, as at other times, without any further interruption. In the place, whence the noise proceeded, there was a dog which lay under the seat, and it was then, and still is supposed, that the dog in Scratching of his ear, struck upon the Wainscoate with his foot, which in so little a place as Duckenfeild chapel, might well cause as great a noise, as was there heard: But before it could certainly be known what caused it, the noise was ended, and the dog was immediately put forth from the seat upon it. In witness to the truth of this we set to our hands.  

Robert Duckenfeild.  
William Bardsley.  
George Hurst.  
Henry Aritage.  
Henry Hurst.  
John Taylor.  
William Hampson.  
Thomas Ouldham.  
Joseph Ashton.  
William Aritage.  
Joseph Andrew.   
Having thus brought the truth to light, the untruths, that have been most maliciously and unrighteously forged upon it, will more easily be manifest to all men's eyes.  
First, That the noise was like the beating of a March upon a drum.  
Secondly, That the noise came in at the doors, and passed up the Isle, and so compassed about the chapel.  
Thirdly, That it interrupted Mr. Eton, in such manner, that it caused him to desist from preaching, and to betake himself to prayer.  
Fourthly, That at length (the noise continuing so long) it caused the dissolution of the Assembly, and forced all to flee from the chapel. These are four desperate malicious untruths, by whomsoever first devised, and each untruth is more horrid and wicked then other.  
Whereas Mr. Edwards doth Comment upon it, and to make it the more remarkable, would have it observed, that this was the first visible framed independent Church that was set up in England, and before the Apologists came from Holland, &c.  
Answ. we answer, visible it hath been from the first day it was a Church, for we have carried all things publicly in the face of the world, to prevent the many foul aspersions which have been wont to be cast upon domestic and clandestine meetings; that with Christ we might be able to say to all malicious false witness bearers, we speak openly daily, in secret have we said nothing, if therefore we have done evil, bear witness of the evil, if not, why smile you us ca●s●esly? But whether we were visible, and framed before the Apologists came from Holland, (seeing that it is not yet full three years since the Constitution of our Church, and little above two years since it was completed with Officers,) let Mr. Edwards himself (who knows the time of their coming from Holland) more considerately compute: and finding it false, (as we are confident he will) let him retract so bold an assertion.  
The Conclusions which Mr. Edwards builds upon it, are foolish, cruel, and absurd, as may appear from what hath been presented in the premises; And let it be considered, whether he hath not dipped his pen deeply in blood, while he would prophesy what should become of the independents? and whether he hath not showed himself a bloody man, and hath already in his heart split a great deal of innocent blood: As for us, the prayers that we have put up day by day in places where we preach, for peace betwixt us and our Brethren of Scotland, will clear us that we are not the men he chargeth us to be: And we commit it to God to have our innocency cleared to all men's Consciences in his time. In the Interim, we are contented that those foul and hateful Charges, that Mr. Edwards hath made against us, may pass with the world upon such evidence, as they are presented, and that they may be received and credited upon those grounds upon which they are built, which are most impudent falsities, viz. For [certainly, and assuredly,] as there was a drum heard, beating a March in Duckenfeild chapel, so [undoubtedly] do the independents delight in war. again, [so surely, and unquestionably] as the beating of this drum, drove us out from the chapel, and broke up our meeting, so [certainly and infallibly] shall the war which we have sought, overthrow all our opinions, and meetings, and cast us out of England, as an abominable branch for ever: And so [infallibly] shall some of our heads be served up by the Presbyterians, and put into blood, as King Cyrus his head was by Tomyris.  
In pag. 166. and 167. there is a Letter, in which the Sectaries are charged to have promoted a Petition for toleration, the members of Duckenfeild to have framed it, the subscribers to be Seekers, Soule-sleepers, Anabaptists, &c. And amongst others, one common Drunken Minister: It is styled, The Petition of the peaceable and well-affected, who desire Liberty of Conscience, as was promised by the House of Commons in their Declaration.  
Answ. Truth it is, there was a Petition on foot, both in Cheshire, and Lancashire: The fierceness of some Presbyterians in their Petitions in both Counties against their Brethren (who would have lived peaceably by them) was the cause of it. It was not for Toleration, but against violence, where moderation and forbearing aught to be: It carried no such Title, as the Letter imports. Some Presbyterians were at the framing of it with independents; many Presbyterians employed in the promoting of it. The greater part of the Subscribers were Presbyterians; the Minister that is said to be a Common Drunkard, and yet signed it, is one who is entertained by a very godly People in Lancashire, who have spoken very hopefully of him to one of us. However it prove, a classical man he is, or was, a little after he had subscribed it, and therefore not for the honour of the Informer, to mention him as a Drunkard. If any young scholar which subscribed it, said he would defend Independency with his blood: the speech was rash, but may admit of as favourable a construction, as that somewhat like expression of a Presbyterian, who said, He would burn at a Stake, before he would read the House of Commons Declaration of the 17th of April. But how many untruths have been written in these Informations given in about this Petition, may be worth the observation of the considerate Reader.  
In this Extract also some Gentlemen of noble quality, are most unworthily and falsely charged; And though they be not nominated, yet being it is notoriously known who are intended, the injury is not the less, but the greater; for they might vindicate themselves from such aspersions had they been nominally mentioned.  
The one of them is said to be become a great Zealot for independents, for no other reason, but because he is not causelessly transported, with that rage and fury against them, as the Author of this Letter is, and many other of the pray byterians are in that County; That he threatened any godly Minister to make their places too hot for denying their Pulpits to Mr. Eton, is most calumniously asserted against so honourable a person. The one of us was an eye and ear witness, when this man (not a godly as it is said) but an unworthy scandalous Minister behaved himself insolently and audaciously against this Gentleman; and yet he bore it with remarkable patience, only told him his own unworthy intemperate offensive carriage in his function, might ere long be brought against him, to cast him out.  
The other Gentleman is said to have encouraged Sectaries, discouraged and borne down the Orthodox well affected Gentlemen and Ministers, that they could never to this day, get any thing done against them.  
Answ. But this is a most ingrateful accusation against so deserving a Gentleman, who hath done his country, and the kingdom, such noble service, and it is full of malicious slander.  
For, first; The persons that he is said to have encouraged, are known to be as godly and as Orthodox (Independency excepted, which in point of oxthodoxness is under doubtful disputation) as any other. And what hath his encouraging been, but his entreating them to take their turns in preaching with others: which service also the Parliament hath required from some of their judgement.  
Secondly, What Instance can be given of any one Orthodox Gentleman, or Minister, that he hath discouraged and borne down?  
Thirdly, When were there ever any attempts made, and set afoot by any of the Gentlemen or Minister against such person, and he opposed them therein, and engaged himself for the other party? if none of these, than is he unworthily dealt with. And let it be observed, that whereas there is an implication in his words of a forwardness among the Gentlemen and Ministers to suppress Independency, there is an untruth closely wrapped up in it; for no such thing hath appeared from the Gentlemen, nor generally from the Ministers.  
It is also considerable, how to usher in, what (by way of defamation) he would have the world to take notice of concerning this Gentleman, he takes upon him to discover the state of Cheshire, and therein his own horrid apprehensions of the Independents, (for he instanceth only in them) and he compares them (by way of implication) to some hideous devouring Monster, and all that are taken with them he resembles to a miserable prey; as if Independency were mortiferous and deadly to all the imbracers of it, poisonous and destructive to men's souls. It is of sad consideration to think unto what an unjudiciousness of mind, and to what moastrous conceptions men are left, through want of charity. And then to confirm what he had asserted of Cheshire, he strengthens it with a notorious untruth; There are (saith he) two or three Independent Churches, set up by them already, and they are setting up two or three more; the latter part of this relation is totally false.  

3d. Gang. Pag. 167.  Having done with Cheshire, he proceeds to lay his defaming pen, upon some Parliament-Members, and delivers himself in such language, as if some abominable thing might be laid to their charge, which it would be less safe for men to mention, then to blaspheme all the persons in the Trinity; And by and by he adds words, which reflects upon the whole Assembly of Parliament: His Expressions are these; The suffering of the Church of God to be rent and torn in pieces by heresies, schisms, and divisions, the retarding relief for poor bleeding Ireland, the grieving and sadding the hearts of our Brethren of Scotland, &c. The words need no Comment upon them who can permit and suffer aught, which the Parliament will inhibit, and so of the rest it may be said; therefore the Parliament is struck at, but most unjustly; For, how they have carried it in all these things, is abundantly evidenced to all that will open their eyes.  
There are other passages in these very Letters, and in other Letters which we have read, which reflect upon some Independent Churches in these parts, and we are able to contradict those things, wherewith they, and their Officers are aspersed, and to declare the falsity of them. And if we conceived, that themselves would be silent, we should think ourselves bound to say somewhat; But it is probable, the sense of injuries done them, will lie upon them, as well as upon us, and put them also upon vindication of themselves in due time. We therefore shall rest satisfied in pleading our own innocercy, and shall entreat the impartial Reader, to consider with what dishonest and deceitful stuff, both Relations and Letters are filled, which will not abide trial. Our request to God shall be, that he would teach them, (who think they do God good service, in beating and baiting their Brethren,) more love, candidness, and ingenuity in all their relations of others, and all those who are the subjects of all their Exclamations and oppositions, more innocency, and integrity in all their demeanour, that thence it may come to pass, that all that would accuse their good conversation, may be ashamed.   

The copy of a Letter from m Henry Rootes, Pastor of the Church of Sowerbie in Yorkshire, in Vindication of himself against a sinister and dangerous, yet false and groundless insinuation, contained in the copy of a Letter out of Yorkshire, divulged by Mr. Edward's in the third part of Gangranna. pag. 69.  
To his loving Brethren, Mr. Eton or Mr. Taylor, these be presented.  
Dearly beloved Brethren;  
HAving received Intelligence from my Brother Tailor, of your purpose of answering some slanders of Mr. Edwards, I desire to give you a true and faithful account of what I delivered in that Sermon, which is touched upon in that Letter of James Robinsons, which is Printed, and of the unchristian dealing in that particular.  
First, I exhorted all godly men to join themselves to some visible Church, if they have opportunity. I explained myself, I say to some visible Church; not this or that, but some, I say, if they have opportunity; for if God take away their opportunity, they must wait God's time: These Cautions premised: these Motives were added; First, Whosoever joins not to some, sinneth, Heb. 10. 25. Jude ver. 19 Secondly, God will punish such, Zach. 14. 17, 18, 19  
Secondly, I exhorted all godly men, being joined to some visible Church, to strive to walk in some nearness of Communion with that Church: as, 1. In love; 2. Peace; 3. watchfulness; 4. Christian toleration of Infirmities; 5. Seeking one another's welfare; 6. Defending one another from common enemies, Gen. 14. 14. Act. 7. 24. Act. 9 24, 25. Where you may see a mistake in the Relator of this last Quotation; this is the real truth, as I can produce mine own notes, and scores of Witnesses to atrest the same.  
First, Observe that this relation which now is printed, was carried on the Sabbath day to another chapel, a mile distant, and there written down in all haste, and the next morning posted away to Manchester, and that week to York: spread fifty miles distant in a few days: the next week I hearing of it, both from York and Manchester, I took occasion to speak with Mr. Hollingworth about it, who said he had seen such a Letter, and I related unto him mine own Expressions, and sense, who said after he heard me, that I had a deal of wrong done unto me; I desired to know the party that did write the Letter, that I might vindicate myself; but he desired to be forborn in that; I entreated him then to do me that Brotherly Office, as to deal with the party himself; who promised he would, yet after all this, the Letter is sent to London, and printed.  
Secondly, The next Lord's day after I heard of this, I publicly before all the Congregation, related what I had heard was written to York and Manchester, (the writer being present) I then desired to repeat what I had delivered, and did so; and showed before all, my sense, that I meant it of the Common enemy of the kingdom, (we being at that time embroiled in civil war,) and I added, That I was so far from judging it lawful, for the congregational men to take up arms against the Presbyterians, that I held it unlawful for any private man to take up arms, except he was backed by public authority. Yea, I thought this war, now in being, could not be justified, but that it hath the authority of the State to manage it.  
Thirdly, diverse weeks after this, (learning who was the Writer of this Letter) I dealt with him about it before one of his intimate friends, Paul Greenwood, showing him how unchristianly he had dealt with me in it: Paul answered, indeed he should have known my sense before he had divulged it: and for his part, he observed the passages of that Sermon as diligently as he could, and did not find any thing of just exception against it: and I judge this Paul, as judicious a Christian as most about us, yet all this would not cause the Letter to be recalled, or stayed from Printing.  
Fourthly, It may clearly be discerned by this Relation, and the Circumstances here set down, that divers sins, divers ways have been committed. First, by the first Relator, who upon the Lord's day leaving his own chapel, in the midst of the day, to go to carry a piece of a Relation, which proves the seed of slander; if wittingly he minced the relation in the limitation, there's Doeg's sin in it, yea if he related it in that sense which the Scribe, and Publisher in Print seem to import, (as it is very probable, by his hasty telling of it, and the others hasty writing of it abroad) it was in that sense then the like sin, to theirs that were the false witnesses against our Saviour, Mat. 26. 60, 61. cum Joh. 2. 19 21. But if it was rashly done, without any sinister intention, (which is much to be doubted,) yet there was evil in it, to relate a Passage, and to leave out principal circumstances for the understanding of it.  
Secondly, sins committed by the Writer, and divulger were.  
First, A receiving an accusation against an Elder upon one witness, without enquiring of the Elder, whether it were so, though he might have done any day, and then divulging of it, behind the back, and never to the face, in a slanderous manner.  
Secondly, Impenitency, and hardness of heart, for when he was showed his sin, and could not but see it, yet to this day, he never gave any satisfaction, or testimony of repentance to the party wronged; neither did he suppress the divulging and printing of it, which he might easily have done, had he timely improved his endeavours, which in godliness he ought to have done; but it appears in this particular act, he loved evil more than good, and slandering more than speaking righteousness, Psal. 52. 3.  
Thirdly, The sin of him that published in print these things was, his printing slanderous Relations upon so slight Grounds, without enquiring into the certain truth; yea having been admonished before of such dealings by Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Saltmarsh; and Mr. John Goodwin, and found faulty in the same kind, and yet goes on in the same trade; surely the Wise man lays a heavy doom on such, Pro. 29. 1.  
All this shows by woeful experience, that there is a spirit of malice works in the hearts of Brethren against some of their Brethren more virulent in this kind, than the Spirit of Episcopacy, striking not only at our peace, liberty, and livelihood, but at our good names and reputations unjustly: which the Bishops never could so touch: But I hope, God will in his time clear us; as in this particular by his goodness he hath done, and all the world may see it, if they will but view this.  
Brethren, thus I have given you the truth, which I will avow; if you please to add any thing within these bounds which is defective; to blot out any thing redundant or unnecessary, or alter any phrases which are harsh or unpolished, I give you free liberty, nay I entreat you as Brethren to do it, and insert it with your own, and I will acknowledge myself much obliged unto you. I salute you both in the Lord, and desire to be remembered to all the Brethren, and so remain  
Sowerbie March 2. 1646. Your truly loving Brother in Christ, HENRY root.  
FINIS.