THE CHARITY OF CHURCHMEN: OR, A VINDICATION OF Mr William Walwyn Merchant, from the aspersions plentifully cast upon him in a Pamphlet, Entitled, WALWYN'S WILES.  
By H. B. Med. a friend to Truth, his Country and Mr Walwyn.  Prov. 29.26. 
Many seek the Ruler's favour, but every man's judgement cometh of the Lord.  Mark 3.6. 
And the Pharisees departed, and straightway gathered a Council with the Herodians against him, that they might destroy him.  Luke 23.2. 
And they began to accuse him, saying, we have found this man perverting the Nation.  2 Tim. 3.9. 
But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be manifest to all men, as theirs also was.  
LONDON, Printed by H. Hils, and are to be sold by W. Larnar, at the sign of the Blackmore, near Bishopsgate. M.DC.XLIX.   

THE CHARITY OF CHURCHMEN.  
THe world cannot choose but take notice, of a strangely malicious and scandalous Pamphlet, Entitled, (Walwyn's Wiles, etc.) the particular slanders whereof, though heretofore privately, yet industriously lisperst, accompanied with many more of a lighter nature, but more easily discoverable, which are therefore in this book left out, yet have the politic Authors not thought fit to collect and publish the same, till they knew Mr Walwyn was much straitened from the means and opportunity of Vindicating himself; and till they judged by such slanders, they should render him odious to all Religious people, and so fit him for that destruction, they do secretly, but most laboriously endeavour to bring upon him.  
He has been hitherto silent, and when importuned to clear himself; he has argued, That it was not the way of Christ or his Apostles; that we read of no Apologies of theirs, though in the same manner with himself, but in a more plentiful measure loaded with obloquys and reproaches: That the best use he could make of such hard speeches, was to be more circumspect in his ways, and not to deviate from the path of righteousness, that so by the innocence of his life, and unblamablenesse of his conversation, he might give check to such rumours and evil reports. That he knew very well what was the root from whence such bitter fruits proceeded: viz. his engageing for the people, and discovering a resolution in himself to persevere in the same. Indeed neither he nor his friends did ever think they would have proceeded so far in these cross and rugged paths, as to prosecute him to the very death; for who could but suppose that either the precepts of Christianity that are in direct opposition to such courses, or at least (if nothing else is prevalent with them) that the outward reputation of their Religion would have restrained them. But when once the innocent and harmless path is forsaken, whether then? but into a sea of evil, where one bad action necessarily draws on another; and one injustice enforces the committing of another, for support and protection of the first? When Religious men become spies, and make use of friendship to betray; when they shall hunt their Brethren like Partridges, ransack their whole lives, insinuate themselves into their acquaintance purposely to ensnare them, and justify themselves in so doing: wrist men's say to the worst, forge and fix upon them things of greatest antipathy to their spirits; what is this but to blast the name of Christianity, and the profession of Religion, and to make it evil spoken of all the world over? yet this hath been the practice of the Authors of that Pamphlet towards Mr. Walwyn, who has patiently bore all hitherto, and is now undergoing the highest proof of his virtue (which his Adversaries make his crime and disadvantage) and of his Christian fortitude (with which I well know he is amply endowed) as in these latter times I think any man has undergon. They have seasoned this project of theirs to the purpose; took a course for restraining him▪ and then they revile him; knowing well that other men, though of never so great acquaintance and intimacy with him, cannot so clearly discover the mistakes and fallacious delivery of those speeches that are fathered upon him, as he himself could.  
However I judge myself bound to do my best (though weak) endeavour for his Vindication; out of my hearty respects to that Innocency and real Goodness that is so visible in his life and conversation, as one would think should answer all objections.  
Indeed I judge that Pamphlet more properly a design, than a discourse; the politic contrivance (most of it) of other kind of adversaries than have subscribed their names to it, for that the end cannot be out of conscience to prevent the perversion of honest men; for than they would have published it when those speeches are pretended to be spoken; but to fit the people to bear his destruction patiently, and to make him (if possible) so odious as that they may cry out for it themselves, and urge, as the deluded Jews did against Paul, away with him, 'tis not fit such a man should live upon the Earth.  
And that which the more confirms me therein is, because one main drift of the book is to take off the People from complaining of their Burdens and pressures, and rendering all them as suspicious of some dangerous design, that shall give advice for the doing thereof; fixing an evil sense upon all the motions of theirs to that end, especially upon such as give them Council, or are most able amongst them, to think of ways and means for getting relief, or deliverance. Now because Mr. Walwyn has been always a ready friend to all sorts of people usually suffering in any kind; and is still putting such as are in Authority in remembrance of their duty, and has been a most unwearied solicitor these 8. years, for the just rights and liberties of People: hence is it that as heretofore he was made the mark of bad men's displeasure: so even now, when we hope to see better times, is become the common Butt against which all harsh censures are directed; and all this to over-awe men's spirits, and, by frighting him and others from doing their duties, make them submit to any yokes that shall be brought upon them.  
Henceforward to Petition will be rendered a matter dangerous to the State, and he that shall set himself to frame and manage such things, may in like manner as Mr. Walwyn, be said to insinuate into, and misled the people; to study their tempers and complexions, the qualifications of their spirits, their humours and passionate inclinatjoins, their external quality and estate, purposely to deceive them: he that shall urge the pressures and excessive burdens we groan under, and insist upon the causes and remedies thereof, must by this way of judging, be a seditious person, an incenser of the people against Authority; a politic perverter of mankind, which is such a machiavilian way of stopping our mouths and making us stoop under every yoke that may be laid upon us, as no sort of men hitherto arrived unto.  
'Tis well the Author of that Pamphlet and his accomplices are so well pleased with the present sad and deplorable condition of the Common wealth: the world goes well with them it seems, so they enjoy the ear and favour of Authority; and have fair hopes of advancing such of themselves as are not already advanced into places of profit; what care they though the poor starve, though all kinds of oppression be trebled and ten-coupled upon the Commonwealth: the fish is caught and therefore away with the nets, there must be Tyranny (so they now argue) and why not in these rather then in any else? change are dangerous, and in time all that is desirable shall be established; and therefore let us as it becomes Christians, wait with patience upon Authority and see what they will do: Thus they persuade most to a yielding contentful submission to the yoke, who once taken off, are engaged for justification of themselves, to plead and argue against those who see through the subtlety of such deceptions, and continue notwithstanding all hazards, watchful and industrious as well to manifest and bring to light what is behooful, as to discover what is pernicious to their Country.  
'Gainst such as these, what means more effectual than scandals? and what scandals more odious than Atheism and Community? By the first, all that are religious are incensed, by the lust of all that are rich. And though the whole progress of Mr Walwyns life and conversation doth clearly evince the false imputation both of the one and the other; yet having happily scattered in familiar discourses, some words, that by the extremity of wresting and mis-application, for want of observation of the coherence, by taking a piece only, or part of his speech; all which, such as came purposely to betray, must needs be supposed to be very much inclined unto; 'tis no wonder, if in so many years watching and waylay him, some words be not gathered, which in a perverted sense may look that way.  
Our blessed Saviour, notwithstanding the Divinity of his Nature, was frequently so misapprehended; and though his design in this world was only to do good, and die for mankind; yet was he rendered by the policies of the Jews, a Subverter of the Law, an enemy to Moses and Cesar: When a liberty shall be taken to scrutiny and comment upon other men's lines, and to judge of their ends and intentions, what man of parts and business in the world, but may be rendered odious? Who is there but may have such a gloss put upon his actions, as to make him appear a man of wicked designs? 'Tis a course, indeed, that if we should retaliate in the like kind, would in time heighten us to the extremest acts of violence one towards another, and beget everlasting feuds and enmity amongst us. If they suppose we want matter; we answer, that 'tis not good for them to trust to it, for we have a Beadrole of such enormities in some of the chief of them, that had we not great respects to peace, and reluctancy within us to discover the weaknesses of other men, we could make them ashamed of themselves: But suppose we did want matter, we answer, so also do they; and we, as well as they, may make it, and no less plausibly: If we would take upon us to judge Mr John Goodwin, might we not say, he is a , and visibly so? That his Doctrines are contradictory, not framed by the Line of Truth, but the probability of success in each Party? That therefore when there was hopes of the King's Restauration, he argued him to be unaccountable to any earthly Tribunal, and, as the consecrated corn, to be cut only by the hand of God: That he abhorred both the Jesuitical Doctrine and Practice of taking away Kings; and yet afterwards, when the hopes of his return was over, and that he knew not only the prosecution of his Person, but also an abolition of the Kingly Office intended; who then became a more stout Arguer for the same then he? And though these things in a candid sense may be said to proceed from a further dicussion and consideration of the point, and the appearance of light in him, yet allowing every man the liberty that the Author of the Pamphlet takes: how easy is it to fix such a censure upon him?  
So in like manner Mr Goodwin having said, That no Translation of the Bible, nor yet no Copy in the Original Languages, can be truly called the Word of God: how clearly does it follow, that then we have no Word of God amongst us, since we have nothing that can in any sense be called God's Word, but either the Copies or Translations, the Original being kept from us? Neither doth he, when he comes to explain himself, much mend the matter, since the spiritual sense, and Divine interpretation, which only in his judgement deserves the name of God's Word, is divers in every man; and that opinion the way to make our apprehensions the the Judge of the Scriptures, and not the Scriptures the rule of our apprehensions. Hereupon, if, as the Author of the Pamphlet, a man may take liberty to assert, that when those things were spoken, it was Mr J. goodwin's intention, to subvert the very Foundations of other Divines, and of the Scriptures themselves, because the Liberty of Conscience was then denied him; how obvious would the inference be? And though he hath since evinced the Divine Authority of the Scriptures in writing, yet since Mr Walwyn hath done the like, and never said so much, nor so clearly to the contrary: what reason is there, but that he may stand as fair in the opinion of mankind, as Mr John Goodwin in that point?  
For the scandalous speeches that in the Book are Fathered upon Mr Walwyn, though I cannot expressly and circumstantially manifest, that they are all false and forged, yet for the chief of them, which are of the foulest savour, I shall: For the rest, I shall either pass them over, and leave them to Mr Walwyn's own confutation; or from my knowledge of his opposite judgement in the particulars, evince the improbability of his ever speaking them.  
For the first, 'tis thus far true, That Mr Walwyn, and a Member of Mr Goodwin's Congregation, together with myself, did upon a Fast day (as it hath been the usual manner of many of his Members) (an eye witness may speak it, and as Mr John Price's Pulpit Incendiary doth abundantly evidence) go to hear Mr Cranford, and some others, it being the time when the contests about Conformity and Toleration were very high: 'Tis likewise true, that we did all agree, coming afterwards home to Mr Walwyns, that the Ministers did severally spend their time either upon useless subjects, such as did little tend to edification; or about advancing their own interests and reputation with the people; and that Gentleman was as forward in such expressions as we. 'Tis true, that Lucian was taken off a shelf either by me, or Mr Walwyn, I can't say which, and that we read one of his Dialogues, which was the Tyrant, or Megapenthes; and afterwards commended it as very useful in the time he lived; when by setting forth the foulness and deformity of Tyranny in a third person, he informed the people of the wickedness of such under whom they lived: but that any comparison was made between that and the Bible, is as false as in itself ridiculous.  
'Tis at least 4 or 5 years that the Gentleman hath charged his memory with this; in all which time, his hatred and enmity against Mr Walwyn being in its growth, (for he is of the Council and Faction) 'tis not wonder if he be biased thereby to find that which he came purposely to look for, whether it were really there, or no.  
Besides, Mr Walwyn preferred Lucian (as the Pamphlet says) for wit, before the Bible: 'Tis well known, that Mr Walwyn hath the lowest esteem of wit that may be, counting it the lightest, volatile and superficial part of a man; whence his observation is, that commonly those that have most wit, have most wickedness: He distinguishes between Wit and Wisdom, and prizes only the latter, as of real behoof and benefit to mankind; it being that, which through the concomitant blessing of the Almighty, bears a man through all the straits and exigencies of this life: whereas Wit is but the exuberance of light and unsteady minds; which since he in all other matters dislikes; for the truth whereof, I appeal to all that know him: What ground is there for the least supposal that he should for that prefer Lucian before the Bible?  
For his opinion concerning Hell, 'tis clearly thus: Though he judges every wicked man to have, intus Gehennam, a Hell in his own Conscience; as on the contrary, every good man to have the Kingdom of God within him; yet upon strict search, which we to-gether have made into the Scripture, we have concluded, that there is another Hell succeeding judgement, convinced by those places of Scripture, Psal. 6.8. Mat. 25.41. 2 Thess. c. 1. So that the mistake is, that because he said, there is a Hell within man, therefore he concludes, there's none without him: And though it seems contrary to reason, that a man should be punished everlastingly for a little sinning in this world, in which sense only he spoke it: yet have we both submitted our Reasons to God's Word, the places fore mentioned being express for the same.  
For Books of Morality and History, though Mr Walwyn gives them their do esteem, and judges that the people's reading them would very much advance their knowledge, and enable them to preserve themselves in freedom, by seeing through the policies of bad men and their many sleights by which they abuse and enslave the people, which are plentifully described in those Books: And thus far the Author speaks truth of him. Yet hath Mr Walwyn never elevated them beyond their proper sphere, or desert, nor made comparisons between them, and that Book which he ever hath accounted, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, the Book of Books, and truly deserving the name of Bible, or the Book, in comparison to which, all others, though good and useful in themselves, do not yet deserve any esteem: This I do as truly know to be his judgement in this particular, as I know 'tis day when the Sun shines amongst us.  
That he hath blamed the simple practice of this Nation, in bringing up their Children to learn Latin and Original Languages, is most false; but that he hath and doth condemn the tedious and tiresome way that is taken in doing the same, is most true; his judgement in this particular being, that Children may be taught Latin, Greek and Hebrew, in a fourth part of the time that is now spent therein, and that purposely for the gain of the Schoolmaster.  
It is as true, that he dislikes in the education of Children, that the Languages only are proposed, and not the principles of Divinity, and the precepts of Morality, in such a manner, as that their understandings may be possessed therewith, whereby they may be made both religious and true Commonwealths-men. And that also some Art, Mechanic or Manufacture, be taught according as their genius and disposition of body shall incline them; that so they may be both able to provide for themselves, and serviceable to the Commonwealth.  
How easy in these particulars it is for other men to mistake him, that continually lie upon the catch, and are ready to interpret every thing he speaks to the worst, let the world judge. And consider likewise, how exceedingly it doth misbecome those that profess Christianity, especially a more pure and refined way then other men, to lie lurking privily to destroy the innocent. That the Scribes, Pharisees and Lawyers should ask questions, and insinuate themselves into good men's company to betray them, is no wonder: but that it should be done, and professedly done by such as would be thought of a near relation to God, such as separate from others because they will not have a profane person among them, doth to my understanding call in question the sincerity of their assembling, and import the end thereof to be, not the edification one of another, but the undermining of all other men and ways, that are in any opposition to them. I speak not this of the generality of the Members, who questionless have good and Religious ends in congregating together; but of that Vestry or Conclave of them, that sit as Judges of every man's fame and reputation, and have for that purpose their Emissaries to bring them in matter to raise Batteries against any man's good name, they would make hateful: They have indeed too exactly learned Machiavel's rule, to spare not to scandalise and traduce their adversaries; for that though some of the dirt may be wiped off, yet part of it will stick, and they shall be sure not altogether to lose their labours.  
Where by the way, let every good man consider, whether their mixing with other men, under the notion of Friends, their getting into familiar acquaintance, eating and drinking together, and all this to betray, be not like Judas, kissing our Saviour, and in effect the dissolving of all society and friendship: For how should I, or any man know, but that every man, though seemingly a bosom Friend, is indeed a Traitor? How can this choose but take away the sweetness of friendship, and make us every one jealous one of another? Seriously I think they could not have done an action so discordant to Religion, nor of so evil consequence to mankind.  
For the Objection in the general, That Mr Walwyn labours, and makes it his main business to bring people out of love with Religion and the Scriptures, is a thing in itself so absurd, as I think nothing can be more; For what can be the end of a man in doing so? And certainly every wise man's actions are directed to some end: What would men's Athe●●● advantage him, since 'tis clear as day, and all his endeavours manifest it, that he strives to have every man good And since he knows, that Religion doth restrain men from committing those evils, that otherwise they would rush u, on, were that necessary Tie of Conscience taken off. Besides, I profess as in the presence of Almighty God, that I know no man that endeavours with more exactness to square his life according to the Rule Scripture, than Mr Walwyn doth; which is the clearest argument in the world, that they are dear and precious in his eyes; and all those I know, that are observers of his life and conversation, will give testimony thereunto.  
The true ground of this bitterness of spirit against him may well be supposed to be, because he cannot associate into a Church way, upon their grounds; as not knowing any persons to be so qualified as Ministers of the Gospel ought to be; which he thinks is essential to such an association, and is in expectance that in time it will be so. In the mean time, he approves congregational Assemblies for instructing the people, and for the consideration and right understanding of the Scriptures; as also, for the making every man in love with true piety and virtue, and to loathe whatsoever is evil: But because he can no more approve the Divine Authority and Saintship of the Independent Pastors then of others before them; and reckons, that they are such but in pretence and show only, and is esteemed able to manifest and evince the same: Hence have they drawn out their sharpest arrows, even bitter words, and let them fly at him, hoping thereby to make invalid whatsoever he shall say in order thereunto.  
And this indeed, appears to be the true ground of their persecuting him, and making use of all means, direct or indirect, to blast his spotless reputation, and which hath made them gather up that heap of forgeries and calumnies which in that Book are contained.  
For these speeches which are said to be other men's whom he hath perverted; although I very much question, whether they were ever spoken by any man, they are so abominably profane and wicked: yet 'tis most clear, that for Mr John Price, or whoever is the Author of the Pamphlet, to suggest that which he cannot know, namely, that such wicked speeches have proceeded from the man's acquaintance with Mr Walwyn, doth clearly discover the maliciousness of his heart, and the Un-Christian spirit that is within him: which indeed is more evident by these bitter expressions that are scattered through his Book, as, English man Hunter, Factor for the Devil, Cunning and Hypocritical Juggler, Wretched man, Journeyman, and Apprentice to the Prince of darkness, Artificial and great Imposter, etc. all which coming from within him, do clearly manifest the defilements of his soul, and from what rancour all the rest hath proceeded.  
But the height of his bitterness is discovered in a story concerning a Gentlewoman, whom he is said in her great pain and distemper to advise to make away with herself: a thing so false and scandalous, as I know not what can be more; For Mr. Walwyn hearing of her distemper, and melancholy resolutions, did out of the respects he bore unto her (being a Woman of so much goodness, and with whom and her husband, he had been of long intimate acquaintance) frequenty visit her, and advised me to do the like purposely to fortify her spirit against so harsh and sinful a resolve, which we both did; and as her husband knows to good purpose, that she was often much more cheerful and better disposed after our being with her then at other times: Insomuch that he has often desired both Mr. Walwyns and my frequent visitation of her. For a fuller testimony thereof, I intended that the Gentleman himself should have attested so much: but he being very sick in the Country, and his Sister and servants urging to me the danger of bringing to his remembrance his Wives sad disaster, and telling me, that probably it might be his sudden death, I have forborn for a time, till God shall give him more strength and health.  
But forasmuch as Mr Walwyn hath been often with him since his Wife's death, and been as fairly accepted as ever (as his Son and servants know) What clearer Argument can there be, but that he does acquit M. Walwyn of any such horrid action, as persuading his wife to make away with herself?  
Besides, if M. Walwyn had been so wicked as to urge her, can he be supposed to do it before I know not what stranger that told them the business; when the Gentlewoman that was always with her, her Sisters and servants, do none of them know any thing of the business, but are ready to attest his frequent persuading her to the contrary.  
By the falsehood of this particular slander, a man may guests at the truth of all the rest; for they that will be so forward to divulge a Forgery so exceedingly tending to the discredit of another, and make expostulations thereupon, and appeals as the People; advising them to judge of the Frame, Temper, and Spirit of the man by this action; where will they stick? Or what will they not do to take away his life, which when a man's good name is gone is not at all to be valued? For a good Name, what is it, but the life of a man's life? I am very sorry for Religion's sake, which I fear will very much suffer by this demeanour of men, whom I wish I could always have accounted Religious. But I see, it is not an habit of Speaking, gained by Study and Custom, nor an Ability to Dispute or Discuss a point in Controversy, that truly denominates a man such; but the inward sweetness and calmness of Spirit, that Christianity prescribes; and which indeed, is more eminent in M. Walwyn, than I have known it in any man; whose way hath always been, to take the injured man's part, to diminish the aggravations of an accuser, slowly and unwillingly to hear any thing that tends to the prejudice or dis-repute of another: as knowing well the aptness and propension in most men, to give credence when they hear o●hers ill spoken of. I cannot choose but upon occasion break out into these Speeches concerning M. Walwyn (and I question not but good men will excuse me for it) because I am so experimentally sensible of the Truth thereof: Indeed, if I were to choose a true Friend, a virtuous and Religious Associate, addicted to no vice or extravagancy, the most averse from contention, the most cheerful and pleasant (but for the disturbance of his Spirit to see the Commonwealth still in so sad a condition) If I would choose a man to be readily assistant to his power in any distress, and that makes Conscience of his duty to God and man: It should be M. Walwyn: And I hearty bless God, that he hath afforded me the enjoyment of his Society for these eight years together, and upward; which I do reckon among the prime blessings of this life, and which I would not utterly leave, for any worldly Temptation whatsoever. God knows, I flatter not, for what need have I to flatter? but speak the truth of my heart, being inwardly conscious both of his innocence and goodness, of the many pressures that undeservedly lie upon him; out of which I hope God almighty will shortly free him, by clearing all Scruple, and false Apprehensions concerning him. But to proceed.  
What M. Walwyn has said concerning Professors, I know not; but sure there is much to be said, and much in them to be amended; haply in this particular he has been more earnest than ordinary; because he sees so large a disproportion between the Rule and their Practice: and since this is true and acknowledged so by the Author, how uncharitable must he needs appear, in judging M. Walwyns urging the same, to proceed from a design to disparage Religion, and the Professors thereof? Sure I am, that if any man could be so wicked as to propose such a design to himself, as the disparagement of Religion and its Professors, he would not check, but countenance their wickedness; than which, nothing can 〈◊〉 discreditable to Religion.  
M. Walwyns next drifts said to be, to procure the trouble, misery, and mi●e of this Commonwealth: A goodly work indeed, and which is likely, that a 〈◊〉 which hath spent himself for the Parliament, and in endeavouring a good and happy settlement of the Commonwealth, should ever admit into his thoughts. For what end should he attempt any such thing? If for wealth or greatness, was an improbable way is that to get e there? Besides, he has hitherto been regardless of both: and certainly, if they had been his end, he has brain and ability enough to have compassed them both, by striking in with any party that has had the dispensation thereof. But in this the calumniation of M. Walwyn is not so principally intended, as to startle the people from finding fault with any thing that is answer from complaining of the failings and undue management of things, by such as 〈◊〉 or may be in Authority; for this he cries out upon, as the means to carry on his private design, which will questionless, be extended to any who sit not down contented with whatsoever happens, but appear in never so moderate desires for the rectification of what is amiss. How has he by this means, fitted every man with a way how to find fault with Petitioners; to stilo them of Walwyns gang, deceived by his Wiles and Impostures; and so to take away that last human Refuge which good men have left them, viz. of making their Grievances known, and desiring Redress? For the ways which he is said to use to seduce the poor and indigent, is by telling them that virtue and ability for discharge of a Public trust, aught to be the characteristical tokens of fitness to bear Office, and places of Government, and that it is a most unfiting thing that one man should have thousands to spend upon his lusts, and another want necessaries; though neither of these I think have so much irrationality or unchristianity in them, as to deserve to be cried down by a Member of a Church, and are as uncharitably urged as supposed weapons M. Walwyn fights withal, in order to an imagined design, their either weak or wicked thoughts have invented. Yet can I truly say of M. Walwyn, as from my own knowledge, that he hath ever protest and proposed not to supply poor men by injuring the Rich, but by reducing the Commonwealth to so good a pass, that every man by care and easy labour, might have wherewithal to maintain himself and his Family in some comfortable manner.  
To take away from any man what is his by inheritance, or by his trade or industry, or any other way, is so visibly contrary to the equity which he hath ever (according to his understanding) held forth, not only in the front, but in the very heart of his designs (or what you please to call them) which makes me think that book was compiled by somebody that knows him not, but has had a h●●p of matter at random, gathered up and given him by such as knew him able to make inferences, and contrive a subtle Pamphlet thereupon; not only to calumniate M. Walwyn, but to stop the mouth, of all the aggrieved and discontented people of the land, and for that end has he marshaled all the several oppressions and burdens of the Commonwealth, into several ranks; as if they were not real things, but inventions of M. Walwyn, to irritate by some of them, the poor; by others, the rich; by some, the rash and choleric; by others, the discreet and apprehensive; to discontent and disaffection against such as are in Authority. So that questionless they hope by this means to terrify all now from opening their mouths, be they under what oppression soever; though for my part, I think it will work a contrary effect, when men shall see the Arts and Stratagems that are used to make them stoop under their burdens Issachar-like; and that the private Churchmen are become the Sluggards of their fair and lawful endeavours, to redeem themselves from those pressures that lie upon them.  
Did not in like manner the King and Bishops make the Scots odious, and the Puritan Party in England, a byword, urging such like slanders of them, and saying that it was the design of some discontented spirits, to alienate men's affections from their Governors, and that by private discourses, by printing and publishing Books, sending into several Counties, and slinging them into men's houses, as this Author imposeth upon Mr Walwin? Nay, did not the Presbyter Party, in particular Mr Edward's, Mr Jenkins, and others, do the like upon the Independents, Sectaries, Seekers, etc. inventing strange Designs, like these fathered upon Mr Walwin, and casting them upon any that they had a mind to make odious? And did not Mr Goodwin himself bear an ample share of these Calumnies, being styled by them, The Grand Heretic of England, a plucker up (presumptuously) of the Fundamental Privileges of Parliament by the roots: and is not this work of our Author the very same in effect, manner, and design? the tied being now turned, and the stream of profit running into a new Channel; the only difference being a more subtle contrivance in this pageant of scandals, then hath yet by any of them been produced.  
It will be needless for me to run over more particulars, the Principal having been already cleared, and the Remainder being but of the same batch and leven with the other; and if true, as in the rankness of their expression they are not, they cannot beget that abomination against him, which they expect.  
For the Aware business, it is so base and abominable a Fiction, so apparently the wicked offspring of a Politic brain, that little needs to be said to it, only thus, That if there had been any such design of the Agitators at Ware of the Outing the Lord General, destroying the Lieut. General, and forcing the Parliament to prosecute the King, and Mr Walwin privy to it; the whole town should certainly have rung of it before now, and not only so, but the Designers should have been prosecuted for it, since there is Law sufficient for that; (Civil Law I mean, without the help of Martial) and since neither Power nor Authority hath been wanting to see so plain a piece of justice executed; what therefore doth the not doing thereof more clearly argue, than the present forgery of this present fable, for their friend Mr Walwins' sake, whose spotless innocence leaves them without any ground to raise their batteries against him, but with what comes out of the Mint of their own inventions.  
Besides, the Author says not that Mr Walwin was of, or privy to that Design, but only lays it upon certain Ag●tators at Ware; and yet he craftily and maliciously inserts it amongst other things he hath framed and fathers upon Mr Walwin, of purpose to make the world believe that this is also his.  
If People knew how fertile their brains have been with Fictions of this nature, they would say all were not Christians that took that name upon them, and seemed so zealous for the honour of God and dignity of the Scriptures: There is indeed scarce any thing that concerns a man's life, but Mr Walwin hath been abused in, by soul Reports: to some he is said to parat his face, having been hitherto of a ruddy complexion; and the Reporters have been triced from one to another, till one would go no further, but only told him, That he heard it of credible men.  
Others report him lose in his Life, and one Mr Woollastone meeting M●●● Cobet, bid him beware of Mr Walwyn, for he was a dangerous man, a jesuite, as Antiscripturists; and to make the last good, said, That a Woman being tempted by him to lewdness, she replying that it was against God's Word which says, that Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge: Mr Walwyn (as this bade man reported) made answer, What tellest thou me of that idle Book? Whereupon Major Cobet told Mr Woollastone that he would tell Mr Walwyn of this, and that he should ●o●k to be called to an account for it: Within a while after, a Meeting being at the Windmill in Lothbury about a Petition, Major Cobet told Mr Walwyn of it before six or seven other men, at which M. Walwyn wondered he should be so abused, having no other way left to clear himself but by a denial and abomination of the thing: But it so fell out, that immediately after Mr Woollastone came into the Room, and being urged by Major Cobet to make good what he had reported to him concerning Mr Walwyn before those six that were present; Mr Woollaston Answered, That he confessed he had injured Mr Walwyn in the Report, and desired his Pardon, for the words were true of another, but not of him: In Witness of the truth of what is here Related I Subscribe my name.  
Notwithstanding all which, both this and other scandals of the like nature are still scattered against him, so that if he would clear himself, be must be ever writing in his own Vindication; this sink filling with such ditchwater faster than any one man can pump it out. In the mean time, what are they? or what do they deserve? or for what end can all this be supposed to be done? but to vilify and render contemptible a man, that in his heart abominates all unjust ways, which they know they are deeply engaged in.  
Then again, there are divers that make it their business about the Town, to close with such as they have any hopes will be flexible, and to advise them that they be cautious concerning Mr Walwyn, for knowing men say he is a jesuit, and 'tis probable enough say they, for no body knows where he was born, or how he maintains himself; and that 'tis verily thought he was born in Spa●n: Some six or seven men that have been thus Accosted I know, and can produce, which shows that these things are not Casual, but proceed from Design, and Pre-meditation.  
How many are misled into a belief hereof, and of the former Scandals already, I know not, but that no more may, and that such as are, may be better informed: I hope without offence to any, I may give a brief and cursory Description of Mr Walwyns Life and Disposition, which is as follows;  
Mr Walwyn was born at Newland in Worcester-shire, of Mr Robert Walwyn Esquire, a man of good Life and Repute in his Country, and of between three and four hundred pounds Annual Estate, that his Mother is still living and was Daughter to Doctor Westphaling Bishop of Hereford: his Brothers and Sisters are likewise in that Country; But he being a younger Brother, was bound Apprentize in London, and served out his Time with a Silkman in Pater noster-Row: A while after, he was made Free of the Merchant Adventurers Company, and hath since traded as Merchant about seventeen or eighteen years; during all which time, his abodes have been known and certain, and his residence in London constant, except two or three journeys into his own Country, and one or two to the Army, before its first coming to London. That he was never over Sea in any Country whatsoever. That he has from the profits of his Trade, maintained his Family in a middle and moderate, but contentful condition; having been much wasted, but never gained one penny by these eight year's distractions, nor ever desired it; his only end, being that the Commonwealth might be so settled, that men might with comfort and alacrity set themselves about their particular Callings and employments. That he is most strictly abstenious, and though of an open hand, and a large heart to his ability, yet did I never observe in any man so cautious and constant a Temperance.  
That I never observed in him the least unseemly gesture towards women, being a man noted by such as intimately know him, for a most precise and exemplary modesty, naturally expressing itself (even at his years, which are almost fifty) at any obscene word or behaviour, by a blush: which is an outward manifestation of the inward distaste and reluctancy of the mind, against the evil of the present object. That he has lived 21 years and upward with one woman, and she a truly good one; between whom I have observed so constant, so growing an affection, as that I have not known in my 8 year's abode with them, a hasty word pass from one to the other: By her he has had almost twenty children; that before the Parliament, he informed himself of all the extravagancies and oppressions of the King; and out of dislike thereof, and in hope that his Country should by the endeavours of the Parliament be freed from them, he engaged with them; that he has continued so doing till this day; and though he hath been much dissuaded by his friends from crossing the stream, and advised to swim in it; yet could he never bring his mind to it; the light of his own Conscience guiding him otherwise. In this case, Charity (he thinks) ought not to begin at home, but at his Country; for though a man's self may be allowed to be dearer than another, yet not then all. For the public Liberties, he hath not only constantly appeared, but rescued most of them out of a heap of contrary Doctrines, and Politic concealments. And for Liberty of Conscience, there is a book (the first that was brought to light upon that Subject, since these Troubles) doth owe much to his Industry: And though he is not so much concerned in the point as other men, especially his Adversaries (he having never been of any private Congregation) yet did he one of the first break the Ice in that point, since this Parliament, and to the utmost of his power, both by writing, and by frequent and very hazardable Addresses to Authority, laboured both to evince the equity of the thing in itself, and procure a Liberty for the Exercise thereof; as judging it a man's duty to move not only for those things that are of immediate concernment, but in those also, which being good and just, conduce to the more immediate benefit of his Brethren.  
If I should reckon up all the good things he hath engaged in, I should haply be too tiresome to the Reader. I will therefore say only this, that I never knew him engage in any thing that could (except in a wrested sense) be said to advantage a corrupt interest: He hath studied the Peoples Freedoms so radically, and hath brought to light Principles so supportive thereof, and so essential thereunto, that no other Design but their good, can with any pretence be fixed upon him; except to the mis-leading those that know him not, or do not well k owe him. I wish with all my heart, the necessity of writing thus much, had not been enforced upon me: For there is not any man I think, which loves ●●tireme●●, and the not being seen in this kind, more than I do.  
Neither doth Mr Walwyn take the least pleasure in applause, or the 〈◊〉 good opinion of him, which no man hath more slighted; but expects his ●●●●…pense from God's love to him (which certainly he will amply find, if not 〈◊〉 hereafter;) from the calmness of his own Conscience, and the respects of 〈◊〉 godly and ingenuous men; who not by hear-say, a casual expression, or slip of his tongue, do suppose they know him; but of such as are near and narrow observers of his Discourses, Life, and Conversation.  
The other pass many expressions of the lightest nature in the Book, that are not within the reach of my knowledge to disprove. Some of them I have heard of from them, and that 5, or 6. years ago (which shows that the Timber for this Structure has been long cut down, and that they have had time enough to shape it to their own purposes) I suppose they will, if there be further need, receive answer by M. Walwyn himself.  
For the particulars that concern Levelling men's Estates, etc. M. Walwyn has given such ample satisfaction, I conceive, in the Manifestation, which the Author too conceives to be principally his, that I wonder old expressions in beat of Discourses (who knows how long ago) drops from him (as who knows too how slightly and mistakingly since reported) should be now urged upon him: But in order to a Design, what must not be done? But 'tis talks abroad, they can be proved; that is, that credible people have heard them, and will attest the same. To that I shall say,  
1. That M. Edward's had witnesses for attestation of many strange 〈◊〉 he reported of pious and honest people, and yet how deservedly were his slanders slighted, upon this ground, that men of different spirits do very familiarly hear with too open ears, and report with such additions as their spleen and disaffection suggests against him they malign? And as M. John Goodwin (whose hap it hath him to suffer much in this kind with M. Walwyn) well expresses himself in his answer to M. Edward's Ch●●gre●●, p. 2. Sect. 3. There is no reasonable m●n but will abate and deduct, and that to a good proportion, from such Reckon and Accounts, which are drawn up and given into him by the hand of envy.  
2. That in many particulars urged upon M. Walwyn, the offence lies not in the things, but in the end for which they were done; which the Author takes upon him to judge; and does he not thereby (as M. Goodwin says of M. Edward's in his Innocency's Triumph, p. 3.) claim part or privilege with God himself, in his Omniscience or heart-searching, which is (as he goes on) to magnify himself above all that is called man, and to set himself down in God's chair.  
3. Of what credit pray is the testimony of an enemy in matters of obloquy and reproach, tending to the disparagement of another; M. John Goodwin frequently tells you in his Hagiomastix, and his Cretenses, or answer to M. Edward's u●●er one Treatise, especially (I may add) when the memory is long charged therewith and when discontent, and new enmities do in the intervals arise.  
4. Let it be considered how unlike it is to the way of Christ and his Apostles, to have Eve-droppers, Agents, or Factors, to gather up, and furnish themselves with the sins and infirmities of good men, who never took a report into their lips against any man, upon lose or malicious suggestions, that pleaded the cause even of an Adultress, and stopped the mouths of her Accusers: yet here hath our Author ransacked all corners, sifted every man's knowledge of M. Walwyn, and then taking only the 〈◊〉 or dregs of his life, hath with the unworthy addition of the slime of his brain, made up a dish for his own and his friends eating; and hopes that by the large commendations he gives of it, it will find acceptance among all other good people.  
Whereas the Author makes a difference between Mr Walwyn and the rest of his Fellow Prisoners, judging him to be the Principal, and they the Accessaries to the Chimetical Crimes, our Author's brains have fancied: to this I say. That they who do know, or do not conceal their knowledge of Lievt. Col. John Lilburn, must needs confess him to be a man the least liable to be moulded or bowed by others, of any man in the world. Who biazed him I pray in all his sufferings before in the Fleet, Oxford, Newgate, the Fleet again, the Tower, & c? whose Counsel hath he taken in writing those many Discoveries of bad men's ways, but God and his own? But our Author writes not so much his knowledge as his guess, and not so much his guess neither as his Design either to make difference between these Friends, or by laying the whole burden upon Mr Walwyn, to single him our thereby for destruction. For Mr Prince, as he is a man of a single heart, and lamblike innocence; so is he far from pining his Faith upon another man's sleive, and professes himself guided in the present dislikes he hath manifested, not by other men's discourses, but by real and sensible sufferings: By what his eyes see, his ears hear of the People's sad and deplorable Condition: by apparent contradictions in actions and Engagements, by the benefit of Law taken away, and by abundance of other instances and experimental proofs of things, by which, and the sense of his own duty, thereupon he is engaged, he says, to show himself as he doth. But I shall forbear to speak further to this, since I hear they both intent to write something in Vindication of themselves: For Mr Walwyn in the supposition the world hath of him of being a Politic man; he is as much mistakes as may be; Policy being taken in the worst sense, for an ability to do things good or bad, just or unjust for advantage, and the accomplishment of an evil end. He is the most precisely tied as to good in the end, so in all the means in Order to that end, that I have often told him of the impossibility of procuring that for the people his honest heart intended, against powers otherways resolved; and here upon I have often persuaded him to decline the Engaging as too difficult for him. To which he hath answered, That his thoughts did not so much insist upon the success, as his duty: the one he was bound to perform, the other was without him, not in his power; and therefore though he should rejoice at the good event of things, yet should he not be dismayed, when they fall out otherways, for that was at the good pleasure of him, to whom he was to submit.  
'Tis observable that some of those that Subscribed the Epistle Dedicatory, are his most deadly Enemies; and of those, one hath very busily spread abroad that most malicious suggestion of Mr Walwyns being a jesuit, although I suppose he himself know, the contrary: othersome, namely the two last, have been very scarcely known unto him, or he of them; and yet they tell you too, that they therein Subscribed their own experiences and observations of his general Course in all his ways, as they are in the Book set forth. If this be the Course that must be expected from these Churchmen, whose fame or reputation can be safe? though never so carefully guarded by innocence, and a diligent eschewing of evil? For as Mr Walwyn hath suffered, so who may not? or who is not likely to suffer, that stands in the way at least of their prospect? Every ●e●d must rail, and every heart must stoop to the Glory and Sanctity of these Saintly men, that have already sucked in large hopes of being Possessors of the Earth, and begin 〈◊〉 stretch themselves, and just●● out other men as profane, worldly irreligions, and what Treatise they please to defame them withal: Still must it be that new men rise 〈◊〉 and tread in the same steps of reviling with their fore fathers. Was M. Walwyn a Traitor, Heretic, and Rebel in the Bishop's esteem? Was he the Presby●●●●… Schismatic, Atheist, Anarchist, and what not that's bad and monstrous, beca●● his Conscience could not stoop to them? And must the sink of every man's ●●…lice be still thrown upon him, and his render back pressed down with all the obloquys that men of more copious and refined imaginations can invent and throw upon him: Must he ever be the man of infamy and disgrace? whither then shall be appeal for relief and vindication, but at thy sacred throne, almighty God, to whose Omniscience the secret thoughts and inmost corners of every heart are like a Text in great Letters, visible and transparent? Thy Majesty hast true and certain knowledge of every thing done and imagined in the world, thou knewest the innocence of thy servant Stephen, and the maliciousness of the jews that stoned him; the purpose of Tertullus in accusing Paul, and of the forty jews combined to destroy him. There is nothing at present that is hid from thee, no dark purpose or design (though never so speciously veiled over with good or Religious pretences, but is perspicable by the eye of thy Allseeing Wisdom.  
The frailty and dimness of our sight cannot distinguish between things that 〈◊〉 and but seem to be, between Truth and Falsehood: insomuch that this vain world frequently mis-calls Good, Evil; and Evil Good: and upon confidence of this common frailty, bad men endowed with craft and vain policy, impose upon the weak and credulous what shape, and imaginations of things their wicked end suggest unto them Forasmuch as therefore O Lord, thou art the, protector of all the Innocent, and detector of the false accusers, give some real manifestation to the World, both of the one and of the other; open the breasts of Mr Walwyn and his Accusers: Let their thoughts be manifest, the secret purposes and designments of their hearts written as in their foreheads; that so thy Name may have the glory in a plain and visible discovery of them both, and the innocence of the one shine more bright by this fiery Trial it is now undergoing; and the secret ends and contrivances of the other be no longer concealed under the painted garment of zeal towards thee and thy Word, which thou knowest O God, is by many of them put on purposely to enable them to destroy innocent men, and to persecute thy Christ in his Members.  
But if O Lord thou hast decreed that bad men shall run on in the course of their wickedness, till their measure be full, and wilt suffer them to be chastizing instruments in thy band, for the many frailties and sins of thy servants, thy will be done, only support us we beseech thee with the strength of thy inward consolations, with patience to drink of that Cup thou hast provided for thy servants, and to submit all we are or have, to thy hand, thy wisdom, thy will, our Lord, our God, our Father.   

Errata.  
Pag. 2 line 13 for usually, read unjustly. l. 37 for coupled r centupled. l. 39 for changing r changes. l 49 for lust of, r by the last, all that are rich. p. 3 l 11 for lines r lives. p. 4 l 12 for severally r generally. p. 7 l 6 for rule Scripture, r rule of Scripture.