GOSPEL LIBERTY Sent down from Heaven in a suffering Time.  
OR Christian Toleration given and granted by the Lord, about the Worship of God, and in matters of Faith and Salvation, to the people of God, and primitive Christians, which is matter of comfort to them that are acquainted with God in the Spirit, and have the Testimony of his Love, and the signification of his acceptation who are true and faithful to God, In the principles and practices of the Saints in Christ Jesus: and primitive Christians, according to the perswasisions of God upon their hearts and consciences, though for so doing they be attended with a suffering condition, which aforetime was and now is annexed to believing.  Philip. 1.29. For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. 2 Tim. 3.12. Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecution. 
Written the 14th of the 3d month 1664. By R. F.   

FOr as much as God who is absolute in himself, who hath jurisdiction over all flesh and spirits, principalities, and powers, thrones and dominions, created, 
Colos. 1.16.17. Act. 17.26.27.  ordained, and established by him, and for him, doth give, grant, and allow of a liberty to men and Christians, as men and Christians. First, as men in the creation to answer the end for which they were created: and Secondly, as Christians in communion and covenant with him, 
Gal. 4.31.  being children of the free woman, and are commanded and required by the Lord as a people in covenant with him, to stand fast in the liberty (of their tender consciences to God-ward, in point of Religion and worship of God) wherewith Christ hath made them free, Gal. 5.1. They ought not to be denied or hindered of that liberty which is given, granted, and allowed unto them, by the Lord as men (to hinder them for answering the end of their creation) neither aught the true Christians and people in covenant with God, to be denied of liberty of Conscience, in point of Religion and worship of God, but to have liberty of conscience in matters of Faith and Salvation given, granted, and allowed unto them: 
Gal. 5.13.14,  Because they are thereunto called of God, and it is against the doctrine of the Apostles, contrary to the mind and will of the Lord, and in opposition to the Scriptures, and the practice of the primitive Christians, to deny and refuse to grant it.  
First, because the Saints and true Christians are commanded by the Lord to stand fast in the liberty (of conscience allowed in the gospel) wherewith Christ hath made them free. Secondly, because they are forbidden to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage (in point of religion and worship of God) as by the Scripture is evident. Gal. 5.  
To deny liberty of conscience in point of Religion and worship of God to any persons or people, 
Act. 17.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31. Gal. 5.1. joh. 4.23.24.  is to deny that right which is given and granted unto them by the Lord, for Religion and worship, is that wherein God's honour and glory is concerned: and as it is God who is to be worshipped, so the worship is the worship of God, wherein conscience is concerned, and not the worship of man, and it belongs to the Lord to prescribe, declare, reveal or make known his own worship both in matter and manner, and after made known to the conscience or a capacity in man, conscience ought to stand free, and not be forced threfrom, that God may persuade it to own, allow of, and close in with the same, and every man ought to be fully persuaded in his own heart, as by the Scripture is evident and plain, and who hath the like right, power, wisdom, and skill to inform, reform and persuade the heart of a man to him who made it, and knows best the frame, temper, and disposition of it, and hath absolute power to punish it, or be merciful unto it, as it is disobedient or obedient to him in discipline, worship and government: for the right of heart searching and trying doth properly belong to the Lord, and not unto man as by the Scripture is plain.  
Therefore God ought to have his own right preserved and kept unviolated, that he may inform, reform, and persuade the heart and conscience of man, both to answer the end for which he was created, and to fear, reverence, honour, and obey him in conscience to God-ward, as a worshipper of him, and the right of men ought to be preserved, that they may not be forced from but left to their liberty, to receive and retain the truth and teachings of God, in matters of Faith and Salvation, that they may continue therein, and not be persuaded or forced therefrom by any man, for the Apostle declares to the Galatians, that they did run well, but some hindered them, that they should not obey the truth, and they that hindered them did not well in so doing: for saith he this persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you, as by the Scripture is plain. Gal. 5.7.8.  
They who are against liberty of conscience in matters of Faith and Salvation, and would either by persuasions or threaten hinder people from obeying and walking in the truth of the Gospel, which God makes known unto them, and persuades them to walk in, do not well in so doing, and though he that was born after the flesh did persecute him that was born after the spirit, he did it without any right or authority from God, and therefore the son of the bond woman must be cast out, and not be heir with the son of the free woman, as saith the Scripture. Gal. 4.29.30.  
Christ hath purchased a liberty, 
Gal. 5.1.  and freedom for the Saints and believers in him in point of religion, and in matters of faith and salvation, and therefore they ought not to be deprived of it: but aught to have it granted and allowed unto them, by such as are professors of him, that as they have begun in the spirit, 
Gal. 3.1.2, 3.  they may not be forced and carried back again into the flesh. But may have the liberty of their consciences in matters of Faith and Salvation allowed and granted, to obey the truth of the gospel according to the manifestation and persuasion of the word and spirit of God, and that they may run well in the way of the Lord without molestation or hindrance by them that profess the truth. For in Jesus Christ neither Circumcision availeth any thing, 
Gal. 5.7.8.  nor uncircumcision but a new Creature, and Faith which worketh by love Gal. 5.5.6. Gal. 6.15.16.  
And as many as walk according to this rule, that is to say the rule of the new creature, 
Gal. 4.1.2.3.4.5.6.7. Gal. 6.15.16,  which is the spirit of Christ Jesus. Gal. 4.6. Peace be on them and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the Sons of God. Rom. 8.14.  
So many and no more, as by the Scripture is evident. Rom. 8.9. 
Rom. 8.15.16.17.  And as the children of God are led by the Spirit of God, so therein they are in the liberty given and allowed of God, 
2 Cor. 3.5.6.7.8.  2 Cor. 3.17.18. To serve and worship him in the glorious ministration of the spirit, which exceeds and excels that of Moses in a far greater glory, and therein they ought to continue, and not be forced from it by men.  
And as for the people of God (reproachfully) called Quakers, they have under every government peaceably demeaned themselves ever since they were brought into covenant with God, and have suffered for their obedience and faithfulness to the Lord, more than any people in this Nation for many years by past: and the Lord hath hitherto tried them, and they have been found faithful to the Lord upon trial, and they have been tried by men, and by the power and authority of the kingdom, and do appear upon every trial to be a people true to their principles to God-ward; and honest and upright in their deal with men, & it is well known to the Nation, that they are a harmless people, and very industurous and profitable to men, and of an honest and good conversation, unwilling to be burden some unto them, wherefore there is no just cause why they should be injured, wronged, or destroyed, either in their principles, persons or estates for their tender consciences and faithfulness to God in matters of Faith and Religion, but aught to be defended and preserved therein.  
And as for their meetings upon the account of religion to wait upon God as his people, there is as much and more of the spirit and life of truth, and of the refreshing virtue of the word and power of God amongst them made known from the Lord unto them, for their satisfaction, and souls consolation, as amongst any professing people in the Nation. And it doth appear after several years' trial had of that people, that their meetings never produced any bad effects either to the terror of the people, or endangering the peace and safety of the kingdom. And therefore they ought not to be suppressed and broken, but rather countenanced and preserved in their principles and practices, which are so faithful and honest both towards God and man.  
And whereas it hath been said by some of them in authority, that the Quakers are in some part of their principles much like unto the primitive Christians, who would not take up arms to fight either for or against the best of Kings or worst of Tyrants. And therefore the Quakers say they are to be commended in that, and others of the Magistrates have said as concerning the Quakers having any hand in plotting or designing mischief against the King and his government, they are so innocent and harmless that they durst put them into the Magazine, so that me thinks they should have no cause to suspect them, for indeed they are a people that wishes no man any harm, but would rather do good unto all men; therefore they ought not to be destroyed or banished, but countenanced and preserved in their principles and practices which are good and answers to the witness of God in the consciences of men.  
It is more consistent with truth, and well pleasing to God, and agreeable to the other part of the principles of the people of God and primitive Christians, 
2 Tim. 3.10.11.12.14.  to suffer persecution for their faithfulness to God, and their continuation in the truth of the Gospel, and meeting together to wait upon God, in the way of his worship, and have the love and favour of God, then to be unfaithful to God, and untrue to their principles: by forsaking the same, for fear of the frowns and rebukes of the spirit of the world, or an outward suffering from men, and incur the Anger and displeasure of God for so doing, Heb. 10.26. Heb. 10.24.25.26.27.28.29.30.31.  
God had a people in Egypt under great bondage, 
Exod. 3.1.2. to the 13.  and in great captivity, bowed down and oppressed, but he remembered them in his mercy: and sent his servant Moses as his messenger to acquaint them with it, 
Exod. 8.1. Exod. 9.1.  and also to speak to Pharaoh then King of Egypt, by whose power they were oppressed, 
Exod. 5.1.2.3.4.  to require of him their liberty and freedom in the worship which God made known and required to be performed and done. But King Pharaoh denied the Lord in that thing, 
Exod. 8.8.12.13.14.15.  and gave the Lord an occasion against him, who brought great judgement upon his kingdom, because he refused to give liberty to the people of God in the worship or service of God, and said they were idle, 
Exod. 8.8 12.13.14.15.  and yet when he was under the sense of the judgements of God, he promised them liberty, but he did not regard to make good his promise, which signified nothing but as a testimony against him, and to provoke the Lord to wrath, 
Exod. 8.25.26.27.  who renewed his judgements, and weakened the power and policy of Egypt, for withstanding the liberty which God required of Pharaoh, on the behalf of the oppressed Israel: 
Exod. 12. 29.30.3●.32.33.  and in his own time made Pharaoh to know that he was too strong for him, and by his power alone wrought their deliverance after many trials, that they might give glory unto him, as by the Scripture is plain, Exod. 12.40.41.42.  
Though Pharaoh the King, 
Exod. 1.15.16.17. Exod. 1.20.21.  commanded the Hebrew Midwives to destroy all the male children of the Hebrews, when they did the office of a Midwife, yet because the fear of God was in their hearts, they durst not do it: so that they rather choosed to obey God in preserving the lives of the innocents', then to obey the command of the King, which was so contrary to the mind of the Lord, who would have had the seed destroyed, which the Lord preserved and blessed.  
King Pharaoh could have been content to have let the old stock of Israel have lived, 
Exod. 1.8.9.10.11.12.13.14. etc.  if there had been no increase, but policy taught him to put a stop to that, and if the Lord had not put a stop to that design, Israel had been cut off and destroyed in the seed. 
Exod. 1.17.  For if the Hebrew Midwives had not feared and obeyed God rather than man, the male children had been destroyed, when they had come out of the womb.  
Daniel was a man beloved and blessed of the Lord, and there were such as sought an occasion against him, with an intent and purpose (under the colour of transgressing a known Law) to have cut him off and destroyed him: as there have been and are now such as seeks an occasion against the daniel's and beloved people of God, with an intent to destroy them. And as they could find no occasion against Daniel but for the law and worship of his God, so they can find no occasion against the daniel's, or beloved people of God now, but for their obedience to the law and worship of their God, according to the manifestation and persuasion of the spirit and word of God.  
And when they wanted a Law to destroy Daniel by for his worship of God, than all the Precedents of the Kingdom, the Governors, and the Princes, the Counselors, and the Captains Assembled together to the King, 
Dan. 6.4.5.6.7.8.9.  and consulted together to establish a Royal Statute, and to make a firm decree, and the King signed the same, (against liberty of conscience, in matters of faith and religion) to bind the conscience, and force it from the worship of God for a certain time under pain of death, or by being cast into the Lion's den, as by the Scripture is plain.  
Now when Daniel knew that the law was made (against liberty of conscience in point of religion and worship of God) or the writing as aforesaid was sealed; 
Dan. 6.10.  he was faithful to God, in disobeying such a Statute law against liberty of conscience, rather than disobey God, and offend his tender conscience, as by the Scripture appeareth. Dan. 6.5.6.7.8.9.10.11. etc. And God did own and countenance Daniel in that thing by preserving of him, forasmuch as innocency was found in Daniel before the Lord in so doing, Dan. 6.22.  
Whereby it appears and remains true, that Daniel was innocent and justified in the sight of the Lord, for disobeying the Statute or decree which was made against liberty of conscience in point of religion and worship of God. And it is not unwarrantable or without Scripture example, for the people of God to obey God rather than man, in matters of Faith and Salvation, when a law is made against Liberty of conscience in point of religion and worship of God as aforesaid.  
The Priests were grieved at Peter and John, because they taught the people, 
Act. 4.1.2.3.4.  and after the Priests and the Rulers had taken knowledge of Peter and John, that they had been with jesus, they was unwilling that the truth should spread any further, and to the intent that the truth might be suppressed and spread no further. 
Act. 4.15.16.17.  First, they consulted together, and said, let us straight threaten them that they henceforth speak to no man in this name, as if Peter and John had been afraid of threatening to have left their Ministry like the Priests of this time.  
And secondly, 
Act. 4.18.  they commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of jesus (for the Priests would have none to be teachers but themselves, and whom they appoint) but Peter and John answered and said, 
Act. 4.19.20.21.23.  whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard, Act. 4.  
Whereby it is evident and remains true that the people of God are to obey God, in matters of faith and salvation, though they be threatened and commanded to the contrary by men, and it is right in the sight of God to obey God in such cases rather than the commands of men, that are contrary to the mind of the Lord, and it would be wrong to disobey God because of the threats of men as aforesaid, and it was the principle and practice of the primitive Christians so to do, and rather suffer by Priests, Rulers and Magistrates for their obedience and faithfulness to God in matters of faith and salvation, then to deny their testimony, and comply with the sins of the times, for any by ends, and to avoid a suffering condition.  

Concerning the Primitive Christians both Ministers and People.  
The Ministers of the gospel in the primitive times, were called in question about their doctrine and Ministry by the Priests, Rulers and Magistrates, and threatened and commanded to preach no more in the name of Jesus, 
Act. 21.13. to the end Act. 22. 2 Cor. 6. Act. 4.  which was indirect opposition to liberty of conscience granted and given by the Lord unto his Ministers in matters of faith and salvation, but obstructed and denied by Priests, Rulers and Magistrates then, who commanded them contrary to the commands of God in such cases, but the Ministers of the gospel in the primitive times could not be subject to such commands of men, as would have forced conscience from performing its duty and service to God in matters of faith and salvation, and they said in plain terms without any evasions, we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard, 
Act. 4.18.19.20.  it was matter of conscience to them, and they would rather suffer by men then disobey God and offend a good conscience to God-wards as aforesaid, as by the Scripture is evident and plain.  
The Ministers of the gospel and primitive Christians, was no persecutors, but were persecuted, for said Paul to Timothy thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, faith, long suffering, charity, patience, persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra, what persecutions I endured, but out of them all the Lord delivered me, yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2 Tim. 3. But evil and seducers shall wax worse and worse, 
1 Tim. 3 10.11.12.  2 Tim. 3.13. So it appears and is plain by the Scriptures, that the godly were and are attended with persecutions, both Ministers and people, and that by reason of evil men and seducers, which are and were persecutors.  
The Ministers of the gospel in the primitive times were to continue in the things, which they had learned of God, and were assured of as by the Scripture appeareth 2. Tim. 3.14. So were the Primitive Christians to continue in the word and doctrine of Christ, by which it might appear that they were disciples indeed and lovers of jesus.  
And said the Apostle stand fast in one spirit with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel, and in nothing terrified by your adversaries, which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of Salvation, and that of God, for unto you it is given on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. Philip. 1.27.28.29.  
Whereby it is evident and remains true, that the true Christians are not persecutors, but are true believers in Christ, and subjects unto him, and a suffering condition is annexed to believing, and as none can truly believe unto salvation, but them to whom it is given, so none can truly suffer for Christ and the Gospel, but them to whom it is given and therefore they need not to be terrified by their adversaries, for it is to the persecutors an evident token of perdition, but to the true believers in Christ who are the true sufferers it is to the man evident token of salvation and that of God as by the Scripture is plain as aforesaid. 
Phil. 1.27.28.29.   
The Ministers of the Gospel of Christ who have received their ministry of God, to minister from him to the souls of the people, are in preaching the word to be instant in season and out of season, according to the charge given before the Lord, as by the Scripture is plain. And when is preaching the word out of season, but when it is either forbidden by men, 
2 Tim. 4.1.2.3.4.  or when they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall heap up to themselves teachers having itching ears, as by the Scripture appears.  
The Scriptures declare that the time will come, when people will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall heap up to themselves Teachers, having itching ears, and they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables, and if that time be already come, (or be yet to come) at such a time, the Ministers of the gospel of Christ who have received their ministry of God, are not to change their religion, and turn away from the truth and worship of God, (like the Priests of this Priest turning time,) but the ministers of the gospel, are to watch in all things, and endure afflictions, do the work of Evangelists, and make full proof of their ministry as it appeareth 2 Tim. 4.1.2.3.4.5.   

Concerning the godly meetings of the Primitive Christians and Saints in Christ Jesus, and people of God in former Ages.  
We do not read in the Scriptures of truth that the people of God and true Christians did ever imprison, fine, and banish, or sell one another for their religion and worship: but we read that Haman did envy the good and welfare of the Jews, and said unto the King, there is a certain people scattered abroad, and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy Kingdom, and their laws are divers from all people, neither keep they the King's laws, therefore it is not for the King's profit to suffer them, if it please the King let it be written that they may be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of Silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the King's treasuries, and the King consented unto him, and they were designed for destruction as by the Scripture is plain, Ester, 3.8.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.  
But it pleased the Lord to let the King know the innocency of his people, and how they were not so dangerous unto the welfare and safety of his Kingdom, as Haman had informed him, and the King changed his purpose, revoked what he had signed against them, and became under God a preserver of them, and the King declared and said, oftentimes fair speeches of those that are put in trust to manage their friends affairs, hath caused many that are in authority to be partakers of innocent blood, and hath enwrapped them in remediless calamities, beguiling with the falsehood and deceit of their lewd disposition, the Innocency & goodness of Princes: now ye may see this, as we have declared, not so much by ancient Histories, as ye may, if ye search what hath been wickedly done of late, through the pestilent behaviour of them that are unworthily placed in authority, and we must take care for the time to come, that our kingdom may be quiet and peaceable for all men, both by changing our purposes, and always judging things that are evident with more equal proceeding, 
See it in the Apocrypha.  as appeareth in the letter of Artaxerxes, wherein he taxeth Haman and revoketh the decree procured by Haman to destroy the Jews, Ester. 16 Chapter,  
Would it not be good in the sight of God, and very profitable to this Kingdom, and commendable also, if the King and the Parliament did under God take such a care for the time to come, as that the Kingdom might be quiet and peaceable for all men, both by repealing that law made against liberty of conscience, and allowing an equal liberty to all men, in the exercise of their consciences as to God-wards in matters of faith and salvation: and always by judging things that are evident with more equal proceeding,  
There was a time in the days of the Prophet Malachi, wherein the words of some were stout against the Lord, 
Mal. 3, 13.  yet they would have excused themselves, saying, what have we spoken so much against the Lord? to the which the Lord answered them by his Prophet saying, Ye have said it is in vain to serve God, and what profit is it that we have kept his Ordinance, 
Mal. 3.14.  and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord, and they called the proud happy, 
Mal. 3.15.  and they that wrought wickedness were set up, and they that tempted God were delivered.  
Then they that feared the Lord separated from the Iniquities of the time, met often together and spoke one to another, and the Lord was present in their assemblies after a spiritual manner, 
Mal. 3.16.  and did own them and their meetings, for he both harkened and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before the Lord, for them that feared him, and thought upon his name, and the Lord made promise to such for their encouragement and comfort: 
Mal. 3.17.  and they shall be mine saith the Lord in that day when I make up my jewels, and I will spare them (that serveth me) as a man spareth his sand that serveth him, then shall ye return and discern between the Righteous and the Wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. Mal. 3.16.17.18.  
When Christ Jesus was come in the days of his humiliation and were conversant amongst men, after that John was cast into prison, for preaching and performing the Office and duty of a Minister, 
Math. 4.12.13.14.15.16.17.  or delivering that message which he was sent about from the Lord to perform, as a foreruuner of Christ, than Christ jesus himself began to preach, and say, Repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Dicapolis, 
Mat. 4.25.  and from Judea, and from Jerusalem, and from beyond Jordan, and seeing the multitude, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, he opened his mouth and taught them, as you may read, Mat 5.1.2. etc.  
But if there had been a law made against meeting to the number of five or above, (and not in Parish Churches or Chapels, and contrary to the common way of meeting, preaching and hearing, under pain of Imprisonment, Fines, and Banishment,) than Christ and the multitude must either not have met after that manner, or else they might have suffered as his Saints and servants are like to do now, but it is evident by the example of Christ, that he never intended any such law to be made in such direct opposition to his example and practice, and though the people came from many places, and parts of the Country to that meeting with Jesus upon the mountain, there was no danger to the safery and happiness of the government, though suspicion might arise in the minds of some, and be ready to judge it unsafe to suffer such meetings.  
And it came to pass that when Jesus had finished these say, he departed from Galilee, 
Mat. 9.1.2.  and came into the coasts of Judea, beyond Jordan, and great multitudes followed him, as by the Scripture is plain, But if Christ was here now and did so, he must be imprisoned, and banished by a law, and by that law the people might be kept from following Christ, or else suffer imprisonment and banishment for following of him, and that by such as pretends to be friends unto him. But it is not every one that pretends love to him, or saith Lord Lord, that shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doth the will of the Father, as Christ jesus hath declared and said.  
And Jesus came at another time nigh unto the Sea of Galilee, and went up into a mountain, and sat down and great multitudes came unto him, 
Mat. 5.29.30.  as by the Scripture is plain, whereby it is evident and remains true, that there either was no law that prohibited such great meetings on mountains, and to keep the people back from following of jesus, after that manner, or if there were any such laws then in being, they were not regarded by Christ, and the followers of him, in matters of faith and salvation.  
And at another time jesus entered into Capernaum, and it was noised that he was in the house, and straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door, and he preached the word unto them, 
Mark 2.1.2.  as you may read in the Scripture of truth. But if jesus was here now and did so, might not he and the people be imprisoned and banished or sold for so doing, consider well of it, and let the Lord judge in this case.  
And before Christ's ascension, being assembled together with his disciples and friends which were about the number of five, he commanded them that they should not departed from jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me, Act. 1.1.2.3.4. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter and james, and john, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, james the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and judas the brother of james, (which were above the number of five) and they did not disperse themselves into numbers under five, but these all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women, and Mary the mother of jesus, and with his brethren as you may read Act. 1.13.14.  
And if there had been such a law that they might not have met upon the account of religion (from a parish Church) to the number of five or above under pain of imprisonment and banishment, as now, 
Act. 1.3.4. Act. 1.13.14.  they might either have disobeyed the commands of Christ, or else have broken such a law, as is directly against that command of the Lord jesus, as by the Scripture is evident.  
And when the day of Penticost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place, (and not dispersed into companies under the number of five) as you may read Act. 2.1. And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the house where they were sitting, Act. 2. 2. (so that they were not met in a parish Church or Chappel) but in a house, and God mightily honoured their meeting, for they were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak as the spirit gave them utterance, as by the Scripture is evident. Ast. 2.1.2.3.4.  
And the Servants of jesus did meet together in houses and in great numbers also, or else how should there have been three thousand souls added unto them on one day, as there was by the preaching of Peter, Act. 2. And in private houses they met often, and also in multitudes, as by the Scripture appeareth, and some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas, 
Act. 17.4.5.6.7.8.  and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few, but the jews which believed not moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the base sort and gathered a company, and let all the City on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people, and they drew Jason and certain of the brethren unto the Rulers of the city, crying these that have turned the world upside down are come hither also, whom jason hath received, saying, that there is another King, one jesus, and they troubled the people and the Rulers of the city, when they heard these things, so you may see how the old envious professors, and the base sort of people, did trouble the people and Rulers by haling out and abusing the primitive christians and reporting of them as aforesaid, but the true christians did not persecute any but were persecuted, as by the Scripture appeareth. Act. 17.4.5.6.7.8,  
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the Disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia, Acts 20.1. And upon the first day of the week the Disciples came together, and met neither in a Parish Church nor a Chapel, 
Act. 20.8.  but in a private house, and Paul continued his Speech until midnight in the Chamber where they were gathered together; Acts 20.7, 8.  
Whereby it is evident and remains true, that it was the practice of Christ and his Apostles to meet together in private houses, and in great numbers, and they never made any uproar, nor abused any, but they were abused, and suffered, as those do who follow their examples, 
Eph. 5. Gal. 5.16.22, 23, 24, 25. Heb. 10.22, 23.  and live in the Spirit as they did. It was the practice of the primitive Christians to assemble themselves together, and wait upon God in the way of his Worship, and they were to hold fast their Profession without wavering, because he was faithful that promised, Heb. 10. though they were persecuted for meeting and worshipping contrary to the custom of the envious Jews, and contrary to the way and worship of the World, as aforesaid.  
Whereby it is evident and remains true, that it is the duty of true Christians, Saints, and Believers in Christ Jesus, to be true and faithful unto God, in meeting together in the Way and Worship of God, and mind their continuation with God in the same, though they be attended with a suffering condition from men for so doing: and as it is their duty to meet together as the Worshippers of God, according to the manifestation and persuasions of God, so it is a danger to neglect the same, as by the Scripture is evident and plain, Heb. 10.22, 23.24,25.  
And as Preaching is not an Art of Nature, but a spritual gift, so none are required by the Lord to minister from him to the people, but them to whom it is given, and all have a true right given and allowed of God, to minister from him to the people, to whom that gift of Ministration is given, and such ought not to be forbidden, 
1 Pet. 4.10, 11.  because there is a toleration to such given and granted in heaven, as every man hath received the gift, so let him minister the same one to another, as good Stewards of the manifold grace of God; If any man speak, let him speak as the Oracles (or Sayings) of God: If any man Minister, let him do it as of the Ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified, as 〈◊〉 is written 1 Pet. 4.10, 11.  

Order of Baptism.  And for as much as it is a Fundamental of the Episcopal or Protestant Religion, and according to the Constitutions and Canons of the Church of England, that all who are Admitted into Church fellowship, must in order to their Admission, and in order to the obtaining to themselves the honourable Title of Christians, promise and vow unto God before many witnesses, to forsake the Devil and all his Works, and to keep Gods holy Will and Commandments, and walk in the same all the days of their lives: Are not the Protestants or Episcopals hereby bound from persecuting any for Conscience towards God, in matters of Faith and Salvation? Because it is acknowledged to be a work of the Devil, and contrary to the will of God to persecute Christians for matters of Faith and Salvation in point of Religion and Worship of God.  
And for as much as it is declared in the Common Prayer Book or Liturgy of the Church of England, 
2 Coll. for Peace.  that the Service of God is perfect freedom, whether ought any to be forced either to it or from it by outward compulsion, but rather left to their freedom, that God may convince and persuade them? Because whatsoever is not of Faith is sin, and every man ought to be fully persuaded in his own heart, in matters of Faith and Salvation, and it properly belongs to she Lord to make known his own Worship, who knows how to persuade the heart both to believe, and close in with the same.  
And whereas it is said in the Common Prayer, that God is the Author of Peace, and Lover of Concord, ought not the Episcopals or Protestants to be like minded unto him? If so, they would see it to be below the life and spirit of a true Christian, to force Conscience before they convince it: And so ought to seek their peace and welfare, and not their destruction and Ruin, who are yet unconvinced or persuaded by them, who themselves do not walk up to their profession.  

Com. upon the Feasts of Trin.  And whereas in the Liturgy of the Church of England it is acknowledged that it is very meet, right, and our bounden duty, that we should at all times, and in all places, (worship and serve the Lord) or give Thanks unto the Almighty and Everlasting God, why then should we be bound from doing that which is accounted and declared to be very meet, right, and our bounden duty at any time, and in any place, especially by them who do own and profess the same as aforesaid.  
And whereas the Priests, Bishops, and Curates do declare and confess by the Liturgy of the Church of England, that there is no health in them, meaning no souls health, nor saving health in any of them, because it is generally acknowledged by them, and upon a spiritual Account, what Reason can be produced in Reason why any man should be forced against his Conscience to come to seek Cure of them, who plainly say they have no health in them; and if they have no health in them, as they say they have not, Have they any Cure of Souls in them? If not, to whom must the wounded souls go to be cured? Is it not best to leave them to their freedom, that the Lord may direct them to whom to go to be cured, when they are wounded by sin, and the Temptations of Satan, that they may also be delivered from under the bondage of Corruption.   

Concerning the Church according to the Constitutions and Canons, or Liturgy; And all o of practising according to the Liturgy of the Church of England.  
1. AS to the Church, who are accounted true Members thereof, and the Condition of their being admitted into Fellowship therewith, according to the Constitutions, and Canons, or Liturgy; None are to be Admitted into Church-Fellowship, neither can any obtain to themselves the honourable Title of Christians, but such as do Covenant with God by Promise and Vow before many Witnesses, to be perfect and free from sin; First, by forsaking the Devil and all his Works: And secondly, by keeping Gods holy Will and Commandments, and walking in the same all the days of their lives. And seeing that none can be Admitted into Church-Fellowship nor obtain to themselves that Honourable Title of Christians, but upon the aforesaid Conditions, Have, and Do not all thereby, who have Entered and are Admitted as aforesaid, both Covenanted, and do Covenant with God against Persecution about masters of Religion? And if they persecute any upon that Account, Do they not break Covenant with God, and Violate the Fundamentals of their Religion?  
Secondly, None are accounted Members of the Church, according to the Liturgy, but such as are born again of Water and the Spirit, and are by Regeneration made Members of Christ, Children of God, and Inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. If it be true that the Priests did Regenerate and Invest us into a Right to God's Kingdom, by that Act of Baptism, so called, as they have told us they did, What true Spiritual Power and Gospel Authority have the Bishops and Priests to dispossess us of that Right to God's Kingdom again, either by Church Censure or Excommunication.  
And if they made us Children of God, Members of Christ, and Inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven, by that Act of Baptism, so called, as they say they did; Then what Spiritual Right and Gospel Authority have they to persecute the Members of Christ, and Children of God, about matters of Faith and Salvation, and things appertaining to the Kingdom of God? Is not that to act contrary to the Liturgy of the Church? And do not such actions stain their Profession, and violate the Fundamentals of the Episcopal and Protestant Religion?  
And if they made us Children of God, Members of Christ, and Inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven, by that act of Baptism, so called; Did they but mate us so for that present time only, or for continuance and perpetuity? By their own account they did not make us so for that present time only, but for continuance and perpetuity; for they say they made us Inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven, and their Faith and Judgement is, that we cannot Inherit the Kingdom of Heaven whilst in this Life, till after Death; and therefore it must needs be understood that they intended to make us so for continuance and perpetuity: Then what Right have they to Excommunicate and Persecute us? For if they cut off the Members of Christ either by Excommunication or Persecution, do they not destroy Christ in his Members in so doing? And is not that contrary to the Mind and Will of God, and against the Innocency and true Intent of the Liturgy of the Church of England? And doth not such proceed beget a dislike and  to them who so openly and manifestly err from their own Principles or Fundamentals in matters of Religion and Practice as aforesaid?  
And for as much as the Bishops and Priests do promise to People, that by the Act of Baptism (so called) they do Regenerate their Children, and do thereby conclude them Regenerate, saying Dear Beloved, Seeing this Child is Regenerate and Borne again, let us give Thanks; Then if by that Act they do not Regenerate them, they do neither truly Baptise them, nor Admit them into Church Fellowship; Do not they therefore pretend to do that which they neither intent, or really do not perform? And is it not time for people to take notice of them? For if no Priest in England can Regenerate any, than no Priest in England can Baptise any, who promise and pretend to Regenerate them by that Act, as aforesaid, and do not.  
And seeing that by the Liturgy of the Church of England, the Church is declared to be the Household and Family of God; and by the Act that none may meet out of their own Family, above the number of five, under pretence of Religion, and Worship of God, contrary to the Liturgy of the Church of England; Then it seems that they who are of that Family, and the whole Household and Family of God may meet together by that Act, and not above five amongst them that are not of the Household and Family of God.  
And the Liturgy of the Church of England doth plainly say, that the whole Body of the Church is governed and sanctified by the Spirit of God: So that the Household and Family of God are under the Teachings, Sanctification, and Government of the Spirit of God: And by the Act it seems all such may meet together to Worship God; and not above five join with them, that are not Governed and Sanctified by the Spirit of God; for they are not Members of the Church, nor of the Household and Family of God, who are not Governed and Sanctified by the Spirit of God: because the whole Body of the Church is said to be Governed and Sanctified by the Spirit of God, and that according to the Liturgy, as aforesaid.  
Is it not evident then, or may it not be concluded that by the said Act there is a toleration given, for all to meet together, who are under the administration, and teachings of God, who are governed and sanctified by the spirit of God, and then what will this be against the meeting of the Quakers, and innocent people of God, if rightly understood, and not perverted, because they are the only people that meet together in point of religion and worship of God, according to the Liturgy, because they are under the administrations, and teachings of God, and are governed and sanctified by the spirit of God.  
And doth it not remain true, that those who are prohibited by the act to meet above the number of five, contrary to the Liturgy of the Church of England, under pretence of religion, are such as are not of the household and family of God, that is to say such as daily errs and goes astray from the ways of God, and are not governed and sanctified by the spirit of God as aforesaid.   

Concerning Infants Baptism.  
And as concerning Baptism, if the thing thereby promised and pretended be not effected, the end doth not answer the means as they call it, or indeed the means doth not lead to the end, so that it is more a pretence and show or shadow then any thing of substance, and as necessary unto salvation, and when the means leads to the end, or the end answers the means, so that the Priests do make it appear that they really can, and do regenerate people by that act of baptism so called, as they pretend, than we shall be●●●●● them, and bring children unto them, to have that conferred upon them, and in the mean time it is but reasonable to be excused for not bringing little children unto them, whilst that part is more pretence then real practice or substance, and we judge it a reasonable thing to be freed, and clearly acquitted from all Ecclesiastical censures, and temporal punishments concerning the same, and if you think otherwise, let the Lord and all true experienced, sound, upright hearted Christians judge between you and us in this case.   

Concerning the Sacrament so called.  
Is there any true spiritual right or gospel authority whereby any should be punished by Ecclesiastical censures or temporal punishments for not receiving that as an Ordinance of Christ, which the Scriptures no no where makes mention off? if you say no;  
Then we say the Scripture nowhere makes mention of the word Sacrament, in any place that we ever read of, and if you can produce any place of Scripture, that plainly makes mention of the word Sacrament, when you have produced that Scripture, we shall take it into due consideration, and if you say there is no such Scripture to be produced, but the word sacrament is a significant word, and it signifies the receiving of Christ jesus, and of an inward and spiritual grace which are holy things if so? then to receive Christ jesus in spirit and the grace of God is to receive the signification of the word Sacrament, and so effectually to receive the Sacrament or the thing signified, which is the end of the sign, and we have received and do receive Christ jesus, and the inward grace of the spirit of God, and so in effect do receive the Sacrament, or signification of the sign, and aught to be freed from all Ecclesiastical censures, and temporal punishments concerning the same.  
1. Then to meet together in point of Religion and worship of God with them that are governed and sanctified by the spirit of God, is to come to the Church, and that according to the Liturgy or common prayer book, therefore such are to be tolerated, and ought not to be molested or troubled, but rather freed from all Ecclesiastical censures and temporal punishments concerning the same.  
2. To meet together to preach and pray, and perform duty to God in point of Religion and worship of God, is not to meet contrary to the practice of the Liturgy of the Church of England, because they pretend to do the same, therefore they who meet together in the fear, wisdom, and spirit of God, to preach, pray, and perform duty to God, in point of Religion, as worshippers of him, ought not to be molested, disturbed, or called in question for so doing.   
THE END.