A DECLARATION Of the present SUFFERINGS Of above 140. Persons of the people of God (Who are now in Prison,) called Quakers: With a brief account of above 1900. more, being but a part of many more that have suffered within these six years' last past, whose names and particular sufferings are not here set down. Together with the number of 21. Persons who were imprisoned and persecuted until Death. All which was delivered to Tho. Bampfield, than Speaker of the Parliament, on the sixth day of the second Month, 1659. By which all people may be made sensible of the great oppressions of the Innocent, and lay them to heart, that the judgements of the Lord may be prevented, which otherwise will fall heavy upon the oppressors, and all that are at ease in the flesh, and unsensible of the day of Jacob's troubles. As also an account of some grounds and reasons, why for Conscience sake we bear our Testimony against divers customs and practices at this day in use amongst men. Also a cry of great Judgement at hand upon the oppressors of the Lord's heritage, as received from him on the 18. day of the first Month called March. With an Offer to the Parliament of our Bodies, person for person to be imprisoned, for the Redemption of our Brethren, who are now in Bonds for the Testimony of Jesus.  
London, Printed for Tho. Simmons, at the Bull and Mouth, near Aldersgate, 1659.   

DECLARATION Of the present SUFFERINGS Of above 140. Persons of the people of God (Who are now in Prison,) called Quakers: With a brief account of above 1900. more being but a part of many more that have suffered within these six years' last past, whose names and particular sufferings are not here set down. Together with the number of 21. Persons who were Imprisoned and persecuted until Death. That so all people may be made sensible of the great oppressions of the Innocent, and lay them to heart, that the Judgements of the Lord may be prevented why otherwise will fall heavy upon the oppressors, and all that are at ease in the flesh and unsensible of the day of Jacob's troubles. As also an account of some grounds and reasons why for conscience sake we bear our testimony against divers customs and Practices at this day in use amongst men. Also a cry of great Judgement at hand upon the oppressors of the Lord's heritage, as received from him on the 18. day of the first month called March.  
London, Printed for Thomas Simmons at the Bull and Mouth near Aldersgate. 1659.   
To the Parliament of the commonwealth of ENGLAND.  
BEING  
A Declaration of the Names, places and sufferings of such as now are in prison for speaking the truth in several places: For not paying Tithes: For meeting together in the fear of God: For not swearing: For wearing their hats: For being accounted as Vagrants: For visiting friends, and for things of the like nature, in all about 144. Besides, imprisoned and persecuted till death 21. Also a brief Narrative of the sufferings within the last six years, or thereabouts, of about 1960. persons already returned, being but part of many more, whose names and sufferings are not yet returned; All which is desired may be read and considered of by this Parliament, that right-may be done.  


First, For speaking the truth in several places  

Berkshire.  
JOhn Evans cast into prison at Redding for speaking to a Priest at Shaw near Newberry.   

Cambridgeshire.  
John Norris of Swasey committed to prison at Cambridge for asking the priest of Hardwick a question.  
William Allen of Okington for bidding the people (after their evening sacrifice was ended) to fear and tremble at the Name of the Lord, was committed to prison.   

CANTERBURY.  
Thomas Pollard prisoner there for speaking in the steeplehouse.   

CUMBERLAND.  
George Wilson, Prisoner at Carlisle, and also Matthew Dickson at Lampligh, for speaking to the Priest.   

DEVON-SHIRE.  
John Roet, for bidding the people at the steeplehouse at Tiverton in Devon to mind the Truth of God, was cast into prison at Tiverton, and sorely abused, and denied straw to lie on; and they would not suffer friends to bring him provision, but still remains a prisoner.  
Edward Bradford for speaking to a Priest now in prison at Exon.   

ESSEX.  
William Monk of Sanden, For going into the steeplehouse, and asking the Priest a question, was committed to prison.  
William Allen, for exhorting people to repentance in the Town-street of Wetherfield, as he was going to a meeting, was committed to prison by Dudley TEMPLE, Justice so called, and hath remained prisoner above these six months.  
John Claydon of Hadstock, arrested at the suit of Thomas Wallis of that town for words pretended he should maliciously speak against him, and cast him into Prison, where he hath been a prisoner four months.   

Gloucestershire.  
Deborah Harding being moved of the Lord to speak to Joseph Woodward Priest, was forced out, and carried before THOMAS ESCOT, one of the Justices, and sent to Prison.   

Hampshire.  
Ja. Potter, Committed to the Common Goal at Winchester, by Wil. Whither▪ and Ric. Kinsmell, called justces, for Reading a paper in the steeplehouse yard, and at the following assizes, was fined 5. l. by Judge Nicholas for wearing his hat when he was brought into Court, for which he was sent back to prison, and hath been a Prisoner twenty months, and so still remains.  
Henry Streater's wife committed to prison by Justice REYNOLDS, for speaking some of the prophet's words, to Priest CORBET, as he was traveling on the way▪ who hath a young child sucking, the said Justice REYNOLDS giving charge to the gaoler, that she should be kept close prisoner, not having the liberty of common whores, that have bastards; but is constrained to a little bad Rome, where eight more are kept close prisoners.   

KENT.  
Elizabeth Fowler, cast into the dungeon in the common goal, at Tenterden, for speaking; in a steeplehouse, where she hath been ten weeks, committed by the Mayor without bail or mainprize, and there still remains.   

Northamptonshire.  
John Rogers, for speaking to WILLIAM SANDERSON Priest of Hindon, after he had done and was come out of the pulpit, was committed to Prison by JOHN BROWN called Justice, and hath been a Prisoner thirteen weeks, and so continues.  
John Green of Bugbrook, was cast into the County Goal by Justice BENSON, so called, for speaking to BENJAMIN TOMPKINS Priest of Hartpoor, and hath been in prison seven weeks, and so remains.   

SUFFOLK.  
Anne Blakelin prisoner in Bury edmond's for speaking to a Priest at Haveril, and hath been kept Prisoner there two years.   

SUSSEX.  
John Snashhold, for speaking in the steeplehouse hath been kept prisoner forty eight weeks.  
Nicholas Beard, for speaking to the priest is Prisoner there also.   

WORCESTER-SHIRE.  
John Clemance of Evisham, Prisoner there for going to a steeplehouse.   

Westmoreland.  
Richard Hebson, was imprisoned for speaking to a Priest where he and others were cruelly beat and abused, by an unmerciful Goal or of Apleby, and Richard Hebson being put forth of prison very weak, and bruised, died presently after.   

WESTMINSTER.  
Elizabeth Peacock, for saying without faith they could not please God, is Imprisoned in the Gatehouse, by JOHN MAID-STONE from White Hall.   

WALES.  
Edward Stephens, prisoner in Tregarran, for speaking in a steeplehouse.  
James Jones Prisoner there, for going to the steeplehouse with Edward Stephens.  
Tobias Hodge and Dorcas Erberry, Prisoners in Cardiff, for going into the steeplehouse or speaking there.   

WILT-SHEIR.  
Francis Taylor, Prisoner at Salisbury, for speaking in a steeplehouse there, and very badly used by the Constables, and people there, and then imprisoned by the Justices so called, and lies very sick.   

YORK-SHEIR.  
Daniel Thackeray, was sent to the house of Correction at Wakefield by JOHN DAWSON and MARTIN ISLES, for witnessing the Kingdom of Heaven to be within, and at Leeds Sessions fined xes. and afterwards sent to the Castle at York, where he remains prisoner, by WILLIAM FENTON, JOHN PAYTON, and JOHN DAWSON, and MARTIN ISLES.   
Besides, for going into Steeple-houses, streets and Markets, and speaking to Rulers Priests or people in the fear of the Lord, either by testifying against the World, that the deeds thereof are evil, or exhorting to the fear of God, and amendment of life, the Hireling Teachers, and persecuting Rulers have cast into Prisons, holes, and dungeons, there to lie for many months, under bloody gaolers, and some till death, to the number of 347.   

Secondly, For not Paying Tithes.  

Berkshire.  
Leonard Cole, had three horses taken from him, for 5s. Tithes, one of which horses the said Coal was bid 3l. 10. for; which horse they sold, but returned nothing again; afterwards, the said Leonard Cole was arrested by the Priest of Arberfield near Redding, and thrown into Prison, where he still lies.   

Buckinghamshire.  
George Salter, imprisoned at Alesbury for Tithes, he refusing to swear to his answer, to the Priest of Hidgerly's bill of Complaint.   

CORNWALL.  
Loveday Hambly of Tregongeeves, was at the suit of Priest UPCOTT Priest of Austel, persecuted and cast into Prison for Tithes, and hath been a Prisoner about nine months, notwithstanding the said UPCOTT did a little before her imprisonment take from her the said Loveday Hambly, as many cattle as were worth 40ls. and upwards, for 5l. pretended to be due for Tithes; and is now a Prisoner for about 13s and 4p. It is to be noted, that this woman hath been one of the best friends that this Priest hath had.  
John Hambly, in Prison at Bodmin for Tithes, by a Priest.   

Cambridgshire.  
John Smith the elder, imprisoned at Cambridge Castle, at the suit of JOHN FYDOE Priest of Hardwick, for Tithes, by a Warrant given under the hands of THOMAS SCLATER, and JAMES TOMASON Justices, so called.  
John Smith the younger of Hardwick, was at the suit of the said Priest FYDOE, and Priest CUDWORTH, imprisoned for Tithes in Cambridge Castle, and there remains a Prisoner.  
Robert Letchworth, now of Chesterton, but formerly of Soam, was for Tithes cast into Prison, by the Priest of Soam; and there hath been a Prisoner above twelve months, and so remains.   

CANTERBURY.  
William Mott, Prisoner there for Tithes.  
Robert Minter, Prisoner there for Tithes, and hath had ninety pounds worth of goods taken from him for Tithes, besides his imprisonment.  
Edward Noakes, imprisoned for Tithes, and had goods taken from him, to the value of 98l. for Tithes.   

CUMBERLAND.  
John Nicholson, was by RICHARD HUTTON Priest, cast into the Goal at Carlisle for Tithes, where he yet remains.   

DORCHESTER-GOAL.  
Nicholas Masters of Bradford, was committed to Dorchester Prison the ninth month, at the suit of Ellis Harvey, an Impropriator for Tithes, and so continues.  
Francis Beaton of Overcomto, was likewise committed to Prison, at the suit of ROBERT BARTLETT Clerk, in a plea of debt, falsely so called, but it was because for Conscience he could not pay Tithes, and still remains a Prisoner.  
Nicholas Stone, committed to Sherborn Bridewell, by JOHN HUSKINS Recorder, and the bailiffs of the same burrow only, for going to a steeplehouse, and not speaking a word till the Priest had made an end.   

ESSEX.  
Robert Abbott of Colen, arrested and cast into Prison for not paying Tithes to RICHARD HARLACKENDEN, of that Town, and hath been a Prisoner about eleven months.  
John Adam's of Hadstock, in Prison for not paying Tithes, by THOMAS WALLIS, and hath been a Prisoner about four months.  
Edward Morrel of Thaxstead, in Colchester Goal for Tithes.  
widow Ball, and her son William Ball, earrested and cast into Prison for not paying Tithes to JOHN WRIGHT Priest of that Town, and have been Prisoners ten weeks.  
Thomas Monkford of Salem, in Prison for not paying Tithes to JOHN COOPER, and hath been a Prisoner thirteen months.  
Henry Smith of Salem, was cast into Prison for not paying Tithes to ANTHONY MAXEY, and hath been a Prisoner six weeks.  
Anthony Page of Salem in prison for not paying tithes to John COOPER an Impropriator, and hath been a prisoner thirteen months.  
James Potter of Mark stane in prison for not paying tithes to William Turner of the said Town Impropriator, and hath been a prisoner five weeks.   

FLEET-LONDON.  
Alexander Heblethwaite, James Corny, and Richard Robinson, hav●●●en prisoners there two years.  
David Hall hath been Prisoner there one and twenty months.  
Henry Gill●●th been prisoner there six months.  
Gerard Roberts four months and upward.  
John Lucas hath been prisoner 15. months, and 8. months in Alisbury, and ●even months in the Fleet.  
William Glydwel hath been prisoner 20 months, viz. 13. months in Alisbury, and seven months in the Fleet.  
William Clater prisoner there 32. months, for tithes by a Priest who carried away his goods by cartloads.  
Andrew Smith hath been prisoner first in Colchester, and now in the Fleet eighteen months.   

GLOSTER SHIRE.  
Edward Buden, and William Peasly who made their personal appearance before the Barons of the Exchequer at the the suit of HENRY HEN Priest, and because for conscience sake they could not return their answer upon oath, a writ was issued forth against them, signed by Georg Raymond then high Sheriff, by virtue whereof they were arrested and cast into Gloucester Goal, and have remained prisoners a year and five months, for the value of tithes about twenty shilling●● piece. Notwithstanding which, the Priest HENRY HEN did in the time of their imprisonment drive away three Cows of the said Edward Buden, and six Cows of the said William Peasly, and remain prisoners still.  
Francis Pennel of Awst is prisoner for tithes by reason of the said HENRY HEN Priest, and in the time of his imprisonment, Nicholas Ireland by a demise or grant from the said HENRY HEN of the tithes, came with a wain and six men to fetch away Loads of wheat, barley, and Beans without any order of Law or Magistrate, and yet hath been a prisoner seventeen months and so remains.  
Thomas Beal at the suit of WILLIAM BENET Priest of T●●ligh was for tithes cast into Gloucester Goal, in which time the said Priest BENNET took away some of his corn and Hay, the said Priest being an officer in the late King's army, and the said Thomas Beal was in the service of the Parliament both in England and Ireland for divers years, the value of the tithes being but four shillings, and for which he hath been a prisoner 18. months.  
Joseph Tomlins, at the suit of ROBERT WICKENS Priest of Toddenham, was cast into prison for tithes, and hath been there six months, and so still remains.  
Thomas White of Hucklewait imprisoned fortythes at the suit of WILLIAM BISHOP Impropriator, and hath been a prisoner one year and ten months, and so remains, notwithstanding he is a poor man, and hath many children.  
Henry Lloyd and John Cox, both prisoners in Gloucester Goal for tithes pretended to be due to NICHOLAS CAREY Priest by the persecution of the priest's servant.   

HARTFORD-SHIRE.  
George Huckle, a poor old man living in Hartford Shire for denying to pay to THOMAS RIDNER Priest of Hitchin, offering money, smoke money, and tithes of two years for Ducks, Turkeys, and a Cow, was committed to prison, where he hath been a prisoner ten months, and so still remains, notwithstanding there is evidence under 20. men's hands from the parish where he dwelled (sent to the late Protector) that the poor old man, hath not had nor kept any of those creatures these 20. years.  
Nicholas Lucas of Trinn, for the value of three shillings tithes, was committed to Harford Gaol, and there remains prisoner.   

HUNTINGTON SHIRE  
Simon Sanford for the value of three shillings & four pence tithes was by John MANTON Priest of Alcumburg subpoenaed to the Exchequer who appeared in person, but his appearance could not be taken, so the Priest got an Attachment against him, by which he was cast into prison, where he hath been prisoner 12. months and so continues.  
Thomas Purchase by means of JAMES BEDFORD Priest of Blunsome was for tithes castinto prison the seventeenth day of the 9th. month, 1658. and remains a prisoner still.   

Hampshire.  
William Baker and Richard Baker committed to prison by John Hook called Justice, for saying that the Priest of Bromsale was a Robber and covetous, for taking a Cow from Robert Beadle, which the Priest had caused to be taken away for 40. Tithes, pretended to be due to him, but the Cow was worth 4l. 10. and hath been a prisoner 7. weeks, and still remains so, and John Day had four Cow; taken from him worth 12l. and 3l. only was for tithes to the Priest. Now let those that are moderate consider who is the offender.  
Ann Potter imprisoned by Priest BENTAL in Chegny Court prison for tithes.  
And Richard Dean imprisoned at the same time for tithes.   

Lincolnshire.  
Thomas Brumby of Fillingham, a poor old man, having a wife and many children, was committed to prison about the 18th. day of the 7. month 1657. for about 6s. Tithes at the suit of RALPH Holling Priest of Fillingham, yet the writ names neither Priest nor tithes, by the tenor of the writ his body should have been had before the Barons of the Exchequer, from the day called St. Michael's 3 weeks, to have answered the late Protector of divers trespasses, contempts and offences; but the poor old man hath suffered 66 weeks' imprisonment, and still remains a prisoner by the means of this Priest; which contemps, trespasses and offences were, for not paying the Priests tithes.  
Edmond Wolsy was committed to prison the 12 day of the 12 month called February, at the suit of FRANCIS BALL of Sibsey for tithes, this persecutor is no Priest but an impropriator as is supposed, who hath kept this poor man in prison 47. weeks, who is now dead.  
John Pidd, Richard Pidd, and Arnald Trueblood all of Beckingham were upon the 23th. day of the 9 month 1658. committed to Goal for tithes, at the suit of GEORG FARTHING, lately household servant to Joseph Thurlsone Priest of Beckingham, the man pretends the priest let him a Lease of the tithes of those people called Quakers, two of which do still remain prisoners. And Arnold Trueblood since died in the pit of the said Goal among felons.   

LANCA-SHIRE.  
Oliver Atherton in prison hath been three months by the means of the Countess, so called, of Darby for privy tithes under twenty shillings, and the servant of the said Countess hath taken from him 6l. worth of corn, and given no account.   

NORFOLK.  
William Barber committed to norwich-castle for tithes and there remains.   

Northamptonshire  
Edward Roberts at the suit of LYONEL GODRICK priest hath been in prison for tithes one year and two months, and the said Priest did take from the said Edward Roberts four horses worth 28l. for tithes valued at three pounds, and yet notwithstanding he remains a prisoner, to the destroying and undoing of him, his wife and family, and the said Priest told him to his face, it was pity that he, and such as he should live in a commonwealth.  
Peter Makerness of Findon sued for tithes by William Downer Impropriator, into the Exchequer and because for conscience sake he could not swear to his answer, was committed to the County prison, and hath been there six months, and still remains   

Nottinghamshire.  
William Smith in prison in that county for tithes at the suit of William Pocklington farmer of tithes.   

OXFORD-SHIRE.  
Alexander Harris imprisoned by WILLIAM BROWNE Priest for the value of 7s. tithes, and hath been a prisoner twelve months, and so remains.  
William Cole of Chalbury sued by the same Priest for 7s. 6d. tithes, and cast into prison, where he hath been kept a year and ten months.  
Thomas French of Chippingnorton by the means of William Norton tithe renter, was served up to London by a writ, for the value of 11s. Tithes, and the said Norton served those servants that were hired to carry in the corn, with a Subpoena, and made them pay eleven shillings six pence, and cast two into prison where they have been nine months, and there still remains.   

SUFFOLK.  
Thomas Jude hath been a prisoner in Bury edmond's for tithes above twelve months, and so is kept.  
Also Richard White, and John Easling are prisoners in Ipswitch for tithes.   

SUSSEX.  
Robert Adam's, and Richard Pratt have been prisoners in Horsham Goal one year for tithes.   

Sommersetshire.  
William sergeant, Geo. Taylor, and John Dogget are prisoners in Ivelchester Goal for tithes.  
Samuel Clothier, Henry Clothier, and Thomas Lockier have been prisoners in the said Goal for tithes these 13. Months.  
Thomas Loscomb, and Henry Moor are prisoners there for tithes.  
William Vinent, and John Langden have been prisoners there for tithes six months.   

UPPER-BENCH-PRISON.  
John Pollard at the suit of BENJAMIN MADDOCK a pretender to the tithes, cast into prison about the 16. of the 9 month (58) he having been a prisoner in Colchester for tithes twelve months before.   

WARWICK-SHIRE.  
Thomas Palmer, William man, and Richard Mills were sub-poenaed at the suit of JOHN DYKE (an ejected Priest for his wicked course of life) to appear before the Barons of the Exchequer for tithes valued at 14s. pretended to be due to the said Priest, and they appeared accordingly, but their appearance could not be received, and so were cast into prison 20. steps in the Dungeon for a contempt, because they could not for conscience sake swear to their answer.  
Thomas Palmer hath been in prison 16. weeks and William man's 11. weeks, and still are prisoners.   

WILT-SHIRE.  
John Fry sued in the Upper Bench, and the Exchequer by John Menlas Priest of Gumfield, who never demanded aught of him, and was cast into prison at Fisherton-Anger near Sarum, by Richard Lovel, and Walter Thomas, they having the Warrant of Isaac Burgess sheriff of Wiltshire so to do, where they have been kept from the 13. day of the 9 Month (58) to this day.  
Richard Ast sometime of Collerne in Wiltshire imprisoned at Fisherton-Anger at the suit of GEORGE MARSHAL Priest and Thomas Harris Impropriator for the value of two or three and thirty shillings, and hath been a prisoner 21. weeks and more, notwithstanding they caused his corn to be taken out of his house and field before his imprisonment. Also Priest MONLAS caused to be taken from the said John Fry goods to the value of twelve pounds and more before he was imprisoned.  
John Jay who is also a prisoner there hath sent an account of his sufferings.   

Yorkshire.  
James Tenant sued in the Exchequer by the Farmer of tithes, and because he could not for conscience sake swear to his answer, was committed to prison, where he hath been 35. weeks and so continues.  
Robert Mainford at the suit of CHARLES KAME Priest hath been in prison for tithes eight months.  
Matthew Major and John Ellis imprisoned at the suit of FRANCIS SWAYNE Priest have been prisoners 20. weeks and so remains.  
Stephen Lorimore imprisoned at the suit of Richard Sherborn for some small tithes, and hath been a prisoner two years, and still remains so, committed to prison by Thomas Harison Sheriff.   

SALOP.  
Edward Ward, for about 50s. Tithes had a yoke of Oxen taken away from him worth about 12l. by EDWARD LAWRANCE Priest of Shrewsbury.   
Besides for not paying tithes (to the upholding of Priests who do not work for them) there have been imprisoned to the number of 200. And moreover 44●. persons suffered the spoiling of their goods, because for conscience sake they could not pay tithes, the value of tithes demanded amounted to 706. l. 8s. 11. d. For which they took of their goods to the value of some thousands of pounds.   

For Meeting together in the fear of God on the first days.  
GEorge Harrison violently taken out of Apelties house who is a friend in Heverall by a rude multitude of the Town, and cruelly bruised in the street till he did spit blood, who a short time after died, having never in his life time recovered from the hurt he then received.  

Dorchester-goal.  
Lore Bag the wife of Richard Bag, and her Son Thomas Bag, and three of her daughters Sarah, Mary, and Abigal Bag, all of one Town living in Brideport, and of one family, were by Nicholas Samson and Robert Prince bailiffs, for coming from a meeting about a bow shoot from the place where they dwelled, committed to prison, pretending they committed them for being wanderers, and because they would not give them 2s. 6d. a piece; and after were called to Sessions, where Thomas Bag was fined by the Recorder thirteen shillings four pence, because he wore his hat in the Court, and because (for conscience sake, knowing they had broke no Law) could not give them two shillings six pence a piece for coming from the meeting, and thirteen shillings and four pence for Thomas Bags wearing of his hat, were all sent back to prison again, where they have been sixteen weeks, and still remains prisoners, Lore Bag being above threescore years old, and her husband Richard Bag a Mercer driving a trade; so his Whole family is taken from him to their great loss and hindrance.   

Yorkshire.  
Andrew Hawkes committed to prison by Thomas Dickison called Justice, for not prosecuting a warrant which came from the said Dickison against several persons therein named, which was for no other cause, but for meeting together peaceably the first day of the week to wait upon the Lord; and the said hawks hath lay●n in prison eleven months and have not been brought to any trial, and still remains prisoner.  
Henry Vbanck Thomas Thackray, and Christopher Thackray & Thomas Docker were taken forth at a meeting in Leeds and sent to prison by John Dauson and Martin Isles, and at the Sessions there fined twenty shillings a piece, and afterwards sent to York Castle where they remain prisoners.   
Besides for meeting together in the fear of God on the first day of the week, and denying the steeplehouse worship, there have been imprisoned one hundred sixty five persons, and moreover for going to Godly and Christian meetings on the said day, 30. persons hath had twenty eight horses, and other goods taken and sold and nothing returned again, which horses have been valued at one hundred thirty six pounds twelve shillings.   

Fourthly, For not Swearing, and Wearing their Hats.  

Buckinghamshire.  
GEorge Salter, imprisoned at Alesbury for Tithes, he refusing to swear to his answer, to the Priest of Hidgerly's bill of Complaint.   

DORCHESTER GOAL.  
Bartholomew log was fined 3s. and 4 pence, by JOHN HOSKINS, for wearing his hat, and for not payment thereof was committed to Prison, where he hath been fourteen weeks, and still remains a prisoner.  
Thomas Bagg was fined by the Recorder 13s. and 4 pence, because he wore his hat in the Court, and because for conscience sake (knowing he had broke no Law) could not give it them, was sent to Prison, where he hath been sixteen weeks, and still remains there.   

GLOUCETER-SHIRE.  
Edward Buden and William Peasly, who made their personal appearance before the Barons of the Exchequer, at the suit of HENRY HEN Priest, and because for Conscience sake they could not return their answer upon Oath, a Writ was sued forth against them, signed by GEORGE RAYMOND, then high Sheriff, by virtue whereof they were arrested, and cast into Gloucester Goal, and have remained Prisoners a year and 5 months, for the value of Tithes about 20s. a piece, notwithstanding which, the Priest HENRY HEN did in the time of their imprisonment, drive away 3 Cows of the said Edw. Buden▪ and 6 Cows of the said Will. Peasly, and remain Prisoners still.   

Hampshire.  
James Potter, committed to the Common Goal at Winchester, by WILLIAM WHITHER, and RICHARD KINSMILL, called Justices, for reading a paper at the steeplehouse yard; and at the following Assizes was fined 5l. by Judge NICHOLAS, for wearing his hat when he was brought into the Court, for which he was sent back to Prison, and hath been a Prisoner there 20 months, and so still remains.   

NORFOLK.  
William King, committed to Norwich Castle, for refusing to swear, and was fined 40. by Judge BALDOCK, for refusing to do service for his country, but by yea and nay, and there remains.   

Northamptonshire.  
Peter Mackerness of Findon, sued for Tithes, by WILLIAM DOWNER Impropriator, into the Exchequer, and because for Conscience sake he could not swear, was committed to the County Prison, and hath been there six months, and still remains there.   

SUFFOLK.  
George Sherwing, for not swearing to his answer to a Bill at the suit of the Lady GANDEE, for Tithes, was committed to Milton Gaol, by an Attachment from Baron NICHOLAS, and hath been there 2 years.   

WALES.  
Howell Jones, Prisoner in Tregarran, for not putting off his hat.   

Yorkshire.  
James Tenant, sued in the Exchequer, by a Farmer of Tithes, and because he could not for Conscience sake swear to his answer, was committed to Prison, where he hath been 35 weeks, and so continues.  
John Hall was taken forth of a meeting in Woodstock in Leeds Parish, and because he refused to swear, was sent to Prison, by WILLIAM FENTON, and MARTIN ISLES, they pretending he was a Jesuit, and still remains Prisoner in York Castle.   
Besides, for not Swearing, and Wearing their hats, Imprisoned 125 Persons; and 38 Persons for not Swearing in their Courts have had goods taken from them to the value of about 77l. 15s.   

Fifthly, under pretence of being Vagrants.  

Hampshire.  
ANthony Millage, who was formerly a captain of a frigate, was as a vagrant committed to prison with Hunphery Smith, to the common Goal of Winchester, by JOHN BUNKLEY, called justice, for no other cause at all, but for being in his company, and hath been a Prisoner Ten months.  
William Baily was also committed by the aforesaid JOHN BUNKLEY, without any accusation laid against him, but for being in the company with Humphrey Smith, (from the parish where he was born) as a vagrant, and hath been a Prisoner ten months, and so remains.   
Besides, cruelly whipped, and counted as vagrants and wanderers, though men of considerable estates, 42. persons.   

Sixthly, For visiting Friends in Prisons.  

DORCHESTER-GOAL.  
William Ellet the younger committed to prison, by NICOLAS Samson; and ROBERT PRINCE bailiffs of Brideport, only, for standing peaceably in the street, when George Buly was examined, and hath been a prisoner there 14 weeks and so remains.   
Besides, for visiting of their friends in Prison, imprisoned 30. persons, also two persons only for entertaining their friends according to the command, to entertain strangers, were imprisoned, and had four Horses taken from them worth about 18 pounds.   

Seventhly, For not repairing of Steeple-houses, and not paying clerks Wages.  
ONe hundred forty one persons, for the repair of Steeple-houses, and Clerks-wages, had demanded of them 27. l. 14. s. 8. pence, for which was taken from them to the value of about 139. pounds 15. shillings, and 10 pence in goods.   

Eightly, Imprisoned, and Persecuted till death.  

CAMBRIDGE.  
Boniface Norris, being near fourscore years of age, as he was riding to a meeting, was sorely beaten and bruised, and fined 10. shillings for going to the meeting, and afterwards imprisoned by Dudley POPE called a Justice, and a week after he was let out of Prison, died.   

DURHAM.  
George Humble, an aged man, for standing by some of his neighbours whom GEORGE LILBURN had set in the stocks for speaking to a Priest, the said Humble standing by, and reproving the people, was for that sent to Prison to Durham by the said LILBURN, where he was kept until death.   

DEVON-SHIRE.  
Jane Ingram, for going to visit some friends who were cast into prison, and lay upon straw at dooms-dale in Lanceston in Cornwall, was by JO. CHAMPION Justice so called, cast into prison at Exeter, and there kept in prison upon straw till she died.   

LANCA-SHIRE.  
Richard Apener, was imprisoned till death for tithes, by Priest SHAW of Oldingham, who also spoiled his goods, and made havoc of many more. As some friends in Lancashire were coming from a meeting, they meet with a Priest upon the high way, and others with him, to whom one Elizabeth Leavens spoke a few words, whereupon the priest's party got hedg-staves and beat the friends, amongst whom a woman great with child, was sorely beaten on the breast, and so sorely bruised, that she presently fell sick, and with much ado got home, and within two or three days after died.   

BRISTOL.  
Temperance Hignel, being moved of the Lord to go to a steeplehouse in Bristol, to speak to JACOB BRINT Priest, after he had ended, was knocked down in the steeplehouse to the astonishing of her senses, and sorely beaten and bruised, her blood drawn, and her clothes torn off from her back in the steeplehouse, and then cast into prison, and being afterwards carried out in a basket sick, within two or three days after she died.  
Also George Harrison imprisoned there till death.   

LINCOLNSHIRE.  
Edmond Wolsie imprisoned for tithes until death.  
Also Thomas Bromby imprisoned until death, for about 6. s. tithes.   

Gloucestershire.  
Richard Atwood, for 15 shillings tithes, was imprisoned till death by RICHARD FOWLER Priest.   

ESSEX.  
James Parnel for speaking in Cogges-Hall steeplehouse, on a fast day was imprisoned until death, by HERBERT PELHAM, THOMAS COOK, DIONYSIUS WAKERING, and WILLIAM HARLACKENDEN, and before he died was most cruelly, and barbarously used by the gaolers Wife.   

NORFOLK.  
Robert Jacob of Windham, being four score years of age, imprisoned till death, being first cast into prison for not swearing to be a Constable, and released, but afterward cast into Prison again for tithes, and for refusing to swear to his answer, he was kept Prisoner till death.   

OXFORD.  
Elizabeth Fletcher a young woman, was by the scholars of Oxford for speaking the Word of the Lord to them, thrown against a Grave-stone, and into a Grave, and drawn through a Pool with ropes, and pumped; which usage she said before her death she should never recover, but carry to her Grave, and accordingly by reason of that usage she died.   

SUFFOLK.  
John Cason, imprisoned for Tithes till death, at the suit of JOHN PADGETT the Priest of Aldham, and also by Priest GLAUFIELD, and before his death was barbarously and cruelly used by the gaoler.   

SUMMER setshire.  
William Tucker of Naylsey imprisoned till death, by THOMAS GEORGE Priest.   

Yorkshire.  
William Peers, and Will. Sykes, imprisoned till death for Tithes.  
John Sumerson imprisoned till death for Tithes, having first been Prisoner two years.  
Matthew Wilkinson imprisoned till death for Tithes, in Pickering Castle, because he could not swear to his answer to the priest's Bill.  
William Wilkenson of Rosedal●, for not paying Tithes to JOHN MASON of Middleton an Impropriator, was sued in the Court of Exchequer, and for not swearing to his answer, was cast into Prison in Pickering Castle, where he remained a Prisoner near a year, and then died in Prison.   

WESTMORELAND.  
Richard Hebson aforementioned, cruelly used by the gaoler of Apelby, died.   
In all Imprisoned, and persecuted to death, 21.   

Ninethly, Imprisoned for things of several natures.  

Berkshire.  
Leonard Cole of Arberfield, was put in Prison at Redding, and there kept above twelve weeks, the last Term was brought to the Court at Westminster, called the Common Pleas, where he appeared personally, and was from thence sent to the Fleet, where he remains a Prisoner; two or three days after he came to the Fleet, one GEORGE HATTON, brought him a Declaration of ALEXANDER STOAKE● Priest, and about the second day of the first month called March, 1658/9▪ the said Priest went with bailiffs to the dwelling house of the said Coal, and there entered his Barn, and turned out his Threshers, and seized on a Mow of Wheat, besides what was threshed on the floor, to the value of 20 quarters, (as the bailiffs themselves did compute it;) Also they took away 10 kine, which were worth near 50l. in all they took from him to the value of 100l. for one years' Tithes. For which Farm one WILLIAM THORRELL, who possessed it many years, paid 6l. yearly to the Priest for the Tithes thereof, as he himself told the said Coal.   

CUMBERLAND.  
George Bigland of Carlisle, was fined 22l. by WILLIAM BRISCOE, THOMAS CRASTER, and CUTHBERT STEDHOLM, for following the occupation of a Weaver in the City, notwithstanding he had served 7 or 8 years in the Parliaments service, yet nevertheless was committed to Prison.   

HARTFORDSHIRE.  
Thomas Prior of Hitching, for setting up a copy of the Priests unrighteous Declaration in the marketplace, taken out of the Exchequer, against a poor old man, George Huckle, was by the Priest had before BROCKETT SPENCER, one of the Justices, so called, who committed him to prison for setting up the said Declaration, and for a colour said, it was for setting up a Libel, which said Thomas Prior hath been a prisoner ten months, and so remains.   

Hampshire.  
Humphrey Smith, was committed to the common Goal at Winchester, by JOHN BUNKLEY, called a Justice, (upon the false oath of a Wicked man) and hath been a prisoner ten months, and so remains.   

Lincolnshire.  
John Seel of Leverton, a poor labouring man, was upon the 18th of the 4th month committed to prison at the suit of EDWARD GREATHEAD Priest of that Town; by the Tenor of the Writ, his body was to be had before the Barons of the Exchequer within 15 days after the time called Trinity, to answer the late Protector, &c. But neither the Persecutor nor Tithes are named therein, yet the poor man hath suffered 29 weeks' imprisonment, by the means of this Priest.   
Besides, summoned up to Westminster, from all parts of the Nation for Tithes, 400 persons.   

The Number of the persons herein mentioned, are about 1960, who are but a part of those who have suffered for things of the like nature, within these 6 years; Many of them being sufficient and considerable Men and Women, have been cruelly Whipped and their blood shed. Oh! do not ye let the Nation be covered with innocent blood, by such as profess the Scriptures, who use people so barbarously, imprison, and persecute about Church, Religion, Worship and Ministry, which are out of Christ and the Apostles lives, who saved men's lives, and wrestled not with flesh and blood, but brought the Creatures into the liberty of the Sons of God. Do you walk in their steps?  
Since the drawing up of this paper, some few of the Friends within mentioned to be in Prison, may have been released, and others imprisoned.  
will Griffes, for speaking to a Priest in Shrowsbury, was by the Mayor of the Town committed to prison, & hath been a prisoner 5 months, & so remains.  
Richard Sale of Chester, for bearing his Testimony for the Lord against the wickedness of the people of that City, and for crying Repentance, was by the command of the Mayor put into a hole of a Rock, called Little-Ease, the place being too straight for his body, he was thrust in by force of men which bruised him, insomuch that he spatt blood; after some time he fell sick, and his body much swelled, and he was heard to complain in the time of his weakness, of those bruises which he had in that cruel place of torment, called Little-Ease, the hole in the Rock; and after some time lying in pain, he died. Also Arnold Trueblood died since in prison.  
If the truth hereof be Questioned, many Witnesses may be produced to confirm the same.    

An account of some Grounds and Reasons of the Innocent Sufferings of the people of God called Quakers, and why they testify against the vain customs and practices of the World.  
FRIENDS.  
IT may seem strange unto you, as it doth unto others, to hear that so many of our Friends should be cast into prisons, there being few goals or houses of Correction in England to which some of them have not been committed, & you partly know, how many of them are this day in Bonds, and it is no less strange to us, that such frequent and heavy sufferings, for matters of conscience should come upon us and our brethren, who for the most part have been instruments with you and others, for casting off that yoke of oppression, which at the beginning of the late wars, lay upon the honest people of this Land; which made many fly into strange Nations, and to seek habitations in the deserts; but we wonder the more, that they should come from those we accounted our friends (that so much have pretended the liberty of conscience) and many of themselves practised the same things for which we now suffer.  
May we not ask what hath been done by our friends? What laws are these which they have broken? Whose Persons, or Possessions have they wronged? What force or violence have they used to any man? Have you found them in Plots, or guilty of Sedition, or making resistance against authority? Have they not patiently born the greatest sufferings that any people of this Nation ever lay under, since Queen Mary's days, without murmuring, and discontents? And when have they sought to revenge themselves, or troubled you or others, to be repaired for those many injuries and false imprisonments which they have endured? How have they been counted as Sheep for the slaughter, perfecuted, and despised, beaten, stoned, wounded, stocked, whipped, haled out of the Synagogues, and cast into Dungeons, and noisome Vaults, where many of them have died in bonds, shut up from their Friends, denied needful sustenance for several days together, not suffered to have Pen, Ink, or Paper; And when they have lain there many months, and some of them years, denied a Legal trial, continued from Sessions to Assizes, and from one Assizes to another, and no eqnity to be found, from Judge, or Justice?  
If it be answered to us they are common disturbers of Ministers, they will not pay tithes, they will not swear, they will not put off their hats, they travel up and down from one country to another, without a Magistrates pass, and on the first days to meetings at great distance, they will not pay fees, when they are brought into Courts, nor plead in the forms there used, nor give security to keep the Peace, or to be of the good behaviour, when the Justices of the Peace require it; And we have laws, or customs, that require these things should be done.  
It is forgotten what was one of the great causes of our late Wars, the sufferings that then was imposed, and lay upon many for matters of conscience; And was it not a chief pretence of our fighting, that we might enjoy the freedom of conscience, as well as outward rights, not only in the Inner man (for that the Bishops, or high Commission Court could not hinder) but the free exercise in all acts of Piety, and Religion, of what the Lord should make manifest unto us? but whether this was then intended, or is now perverted, it is that which is our right, which we must claim, and no man may take from us; for this we know, that Christ Jesus alone hath right to rule over the consciences of men, unto whom every one must give an account of himself, according to the just, perfect, and unchangeable Law of God which is revealed, with that alone of God, which is made manifest in man, which he hath showed unto him, by which every one shall be judged at the last day, when the book of conscience shall be opened; and therefore all unequal, imperfect & changeable Laws of men we do deny, and by them, and for their transgression we shall not be judged of the Lord; And all laws made in their wills, by their wisdoms in the things of God, which concerns religion, and the free exercise of a good conscience towards God and man, against them all we do bear witness, and knowing the commandments of the Lord, and what he required of us, and having tasted his tender love, to those that keep them, and felt his terrors against all disobedience, we are made willing to bear the greatest sufferings, rather than sin against God; and in this ground we stand not careful what man can do unto us, or say of us, nor to give him an answer in this matter; For whether it is better to obey God, or man, Let him judge.  
Yet here to prevent mistakes, we do with the like clearness declare our free and willing subjection in the things of this World, to every ordinance of man that is just (according to the Righteous Law of God) and our work is not to weaken, but to strengthen the hand of the Magistrate, by labouring to bring all to own that of God which should exercise their consciences; To do in all things, as they would be done unto, in which is fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, which takes away the occasion itself of the Law, and brings to live in peace and love, wherein should be the Magistrates joy and glory.  
And do but look back to the crimes charged against us, and all the sufferings we lie under, and you may clearly see, that not for any evil done, or just Law broken that concerns man, are we thus punished; but for things which concerns our God, and chiefly for bearing our witness, as we are moved of the Lord against the false Prophets and hirelings of these days, who by their fruits are made manifest, not only unto us, but to many thousands besides; yea, the greatest part of all the sober people of the nation, their own hearers will confess it; and we see and know that they and all Ministries and worships in the World, set up and standing in the will of man, shall perish and come to nothing, and the Rise of these men, their growth and end, we comprehend, and see their downfall hasten greatly; and all the powers of the earth shall not be able to support them, and with them shall fall their Tithes, their Temples, their glebe-lands, and offerings, their set days of worship in their wills, and all Laws limiting the Holy one, made to uphold their craft, and blessed are they, who through the day of trial shall stand in their witness faithful unto God, not fearing what man can do unto them.  
Do not you approve Christ Jesus his going into the Temple? And do not you own the Apostles, who went into the Jews Synagogues every Sabbath day, and into the Market places to testify of Christ Jesus, and reason with the people? And do not you commend Luther and Calvin, John Wicliffe, and others (as famous for their zeal in publishing abroad what then was manifest unto them,) and those persons which in Q. Mary's days, went into the Popish Steeple-houses, to bear witness against their superstitions, which caused her to make a Law against them, by which many of them then suffered, and by which the Priests of England, till the last Parliament were guarded, and is it now become an offence to practise the the same things? And is that a just Law made by the late Parliament, by which many have suffered? are not the Priests sprung from the old root of Episcopacy and it from the Pope? and are they not forced to fly thither for their vindication? And is not the spirit the same, (which makes these Laws) to support them? How shall the kingdoms of the earth, the Papists, Turks, Infidels, Heathens, be converted? Your Priests sit down in their ease, and will not go; They call themselves Ministers of the Reformed Church; and have not you taught other Nations how to make laws, to restrain the Testimony of those whom the Lord sends, and is sending into all the corners of the earth?  
Did the Command of God which gave Tithes to the Jewish Priesthood concern the Gentiles? was not the Commandment to the Jews themselves disannulled, when the Priesthood was changed? did ever any of the believing Jews pay Tithes to the Apostles, or any of the Gentiles either? Did not the Papists bring in this doctrine, and oppression; Did not many of the Martyrs in Queen Mary's days witness against Tithes, and was not that an Article, for which some of them suffered? and do not you own and commend those Martyrs, or do you judge them for holding an Error? hath not all or most of those Countries that turned from the soap, and are called Reformed, cast off Tithes with the Pope, and were ashamed of them? And is it the Glory of England, who pretends to the highest Reformation to keep up Tithes, (the Popish priest's maintenance) and first Fruits, and Tenths (the wages of the very Pope himself) & to hale before Courts, cast into Prisons, and spoil the Goods of all those who for Conscience sake cannot pay them? Let that of God answer.  
And how many have, and at this day do suffer because they cannot swear, which Christ Jesus and his Apostles above all things forbids? how are the Commands of Christ made void by the Customs and Traditions of men? were it not easy by turning the Law against liars and false witnesses (which the Law of God is against) to find out that which your Law against false swearing never did or could discover?  
Do you own Christ Jesus, of whom the Jews that put him to death gave this witness, That he respected no man's person? Do you commend Mordecai? who could not give the outward honour and bow to Haman? and do you regard his words, whosaid, I know not how to give flattering Titles to men, for my Maker would soon take me away? Hath not God made of one mould, and one Blood all Nations to dwell upon the face of the Earth? and doth not he that respects Persons commit sin, and is convinced of the Law as a transgressor? and must it now be an offence not to put off the Hat, or give respect to the Person of him that hath a gold Ring, and fine Apparel? Hath not all the earthly Lordship, Tyranny, and oppression sprung from this Ground, by which creatures have been exalted, and set up one above another, trampling under foot, and despising the poor? And is it not easy to see that power and authority without contempt may be preserved, the power honoured, obeyed and submitted unto, and the Person respected?  
Hath not the great and heavy oppressions of the Law been long felt and cried out against, the long delays in Courts, & the great Fees of Officers, which causeth many to be excessively rich out of the ruins of the Poor, which hath brought an Odium upon the Law it itself? for to the Poor, the remedy is frequently worse than the disease; and while people are free to feed this deceit, there is little hope to have it amended. And how full of lies, deceit, pretences, and needless circumstances are all your pleadings and proceedings, to the burden of many men's Consciences, and ruin of their Estates? and how vile and wic●●● are the greatest of Lawyers, that will plead any thing for money, and by their subtleties do most commonly hide & cover the truth? And when do the Judges reprove it? And how treacherous and deceitful are the Solicitors and Attorneys, that truth or honesty can scarce be found amongst them? And how do those eat up the people as it were Bread, and grow great and rich, by raising and increasing suits, troubles, strife and debates amongst their Neighbours? and we seeing these oppressions, are made to bear our witness against them, and cannot uphold them, and our Testimony shall not be in vain.  
And how is the power given to Justices and Judges to bind to the Peace and good behaviour (being left to their discretion) turned against the most peaceable, and best behaved Persons amongst men, merely because they cannot bow to their wills, and hold their tongues when the Lord God requires them to speak?  
Do you commend Christ Jesus, his Apostles and Saints, who were sent to preach the Gospel, and traveled from City to City, from Nation to Nation, from country to country, that the ends of the Earth might hear the glad tidings of Salvation? and do you commend those they called Puritans, for going many miles to worship the Lord? and do you now condemn those that practise the same thing? would not your Law against Vagabonds have taken hold on Christ and his Ministers, and hindered their work? by it have many honest and good people suffered most shameful whippings and imprisonments, who were travelling in their own country, about their outward and lawful occasions, that were of considerable Estates and could not be counted, Vagabonds; and what use is made of this Law, throughout the Nation, you cannot but hear.  
Are not these things like the sayings of those who said, Had they lived in the days of the Prophets, they would not have persecuted and put them to death? and yet they Crucified Christ; and so the cry at this day is against the Jews for their cruelty, when themselves are found exercising the same things against his Saints and Members.  
Long hath the Beast reigned, who usurped power in these things, and the false prophets, who have overspread the Earth, & the great Whore, who have made all Nations drunk with their abominations, and the Wine of their fornications, with whom the Kings of the Earth have committed Adultery, whom Christ said should come, and before the Apostles decease did come, who went cut from the Apostles, and put on their clothing, but inwardly were distroyers, ravening Wolves, which the whole World went after, who turned against the Saints, who kept to the Spirit (the life which they went from) and made War with the Saints till they overcame, and their power reached over the whole Earth; But now is the Life risen, and is again made manifest which they went from, which gives to see before the apostasy was; Now is the Lamb risen, and rising to make War with the great Dragon, the Beast and false Prophets, and now shall the great Whore be taken, and her flesh shall be burnt with fire, and the Saints shall have the Vict●●●  
Therefore, Let all Kings, Princes, Rulers, & Magi 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be warned not to take part with the Beast, nor to up●●●● 〈…〉 their power) the false prophets, who have long de●●●ved the Nations; but in their place stand to keep the out 〈…〉 that none may offer violence and destroy another, ●●ich 〈◊〉 been the way of the beast & false prophets (the 〈…〉 support of their kingdom) but leave Christ Jesus in his Saints to manage the War, whose Warfare is not carnal, whose Weapons are not carnal, yet are they mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds, and overturning the foundation of Satan's kingdom, and they shall soon see what is truth, and what is error, for great is the truth and will prevail; they shall not need to cry out for want of Ministers, or that Christ Jesus is not able to send forth Labourers; nor will those he sends forth trouble them for maintenance; and here is the Magistrates true place to keep Peace amongst all men, to punish him that doth evil, and to encourage him that doth well, to Rule the Kingdoms of the Earth in Righteousness, that justice and equity may be exalted, that way may be made for the Lord Jesus Christ, who is coming to Reign, and to take the Dominion to himself; and we are Witnesses in our Measures of his coming, and of the working of his mighty power, by which he is able to subdue all things to himself; and this is the Testimony unto which we are called, and many thousands with us in the Unity of the same Spirit.  
And Witnesses we stand against Priests, Tithes, Temples, Swearing, and all the carnal way of worship, set up and upholden by outward Laws and powers, which would limit and restrain the Spirit of the Lord, which is grieved, and daily cries out against these abominations.  
Witnesses we stand against Parliaments, counsels, Judges, Justices, who make or execute Laws in their Wills, over the Consciences of men, or punish for Conscience sake; and to such Laws, customs, Courts, or Arbitrary usurped Dominion, we cannot yield our obedience.  
Yet we do declare, as it is testified in all Counties, Cities, Goals and Prisons, to Judges, Justices and others, that as we preach Christ Jesus alone in the things of God to be our Law ●●ver, so do we own him to be our King (and own Magist●●●● in things Civil) not resisting the evil, but following his Example who was made perfect through suffering, and for his Salvation we wait, till he alone shall plead our Cause; and therefore for Conscience sake we have joyfully born, and do be●● so many and great sufferings, since the day we were convinced of the Everlasting Truth.  
These things we have declared, not to upbraid you with the injustice of others, nor to revile the Government itself, nor as a complaint against our oppressors; but that you may see the ground, and true cause of all our sufferings, and of the sufferings of the Saints, in all Ages, and Generations, and in all nations of the World this day, and we leave it to that of God in you all, to weigh and consider, whether it be not time to reform, both Laws, Courts, and Officers.  
From your Friends, who are lovers of peace and truth, who wait for the coming of the Lord, to establish Justice, and righteousness in the earth, whom he hath raised up, as witnesses of his appearing, and of the dawning of the Mighty and dreadful day of God, in Life, Light and Power, who are hated of men, and reproached under the Name of Quakers.   

And whereas there is a great cry up and down the Nation, that the Quakers meetings must be broken and suppressed, and that this present Parliament intends to do it, and of this I have heard in divers parts of the Nation.  
NOw to this I shall say and answer; first, as I have observed the spirits of people concerning this cry, all the rude and ungodly people, as drunkards, and the profanest of men, they glory apace at this news, and rejoice at this mightily, as if some great prize were befallen unto them; and it makes them rude, and violent enough to the breaking of the peace in the Nation; but thus it is with but the worst sort of people in the Nation, who are rejoiced with these tidings, that the Quakers meetings must be broken; but as for the honest people, such as be sober and sincere, thousands that had a hand in choosing this present Parliament, never intended to send them up to London for such a work; and the cry is by many of the sober people, if they go about such a thing, they will destroy themselves, undo themselves, and leave their names a reproach; Why say the people? (we have a Testimony before us) hath it not been upon that Rock of limiting tender consciences in former days, that hath broken many before these, which might be examples to these, not to do the same things? and many sober people are offended at such news, and it makes their hearts sad, whose conscience and the witness therein doth answer that we are the Lord's people, and it ought not thus to be done concerning us, as the news reports; so that by this news of the intended purpose, to break the Lord's people's meetings, the ungodly and profane, are gratified, and strengthened in their wickedness, and the righteous are made sad; And further, as for us, we have been trodden down, and made a prey unto our enemies, and the gates of death and Hell have striven against us already, but have not prevailed unto this day; for the Lord is with us, and who is it that shall prevail against us, and I may say what is this that is reported to be done? What shall dust and ashes do, and man whose breath is in his nostrils? and who are they that shall break down that which the Lord hath a purpose to build? who shall be able to prosper in going about it? or what success shall God give to that work? I tell you nay, it is the Lord that hath raised us up, and we have given our power to him, to stand by him, and to be protected, defended and upheld by him alone, and we cannot give our power to any mortal men, to seek that from them which is not in their hands to give; the power of the Lord God is over you, he that is our keeper and preserver, in whose hands is your breath, to destroy it utterly, if you do that which doth offend him; for you shall know that we are the Lord's people, by whom we shall stand and grow in dominion and authority in his life, and the dread of the Lord shall be upon our enemies, though they one gratify another, with intention of evil against us; yet the Lord stoppeth the purpose of his enemies, and turns it backwards upon their own heads; And this I say from the Lord, if such a thing be in your hearts, conceiving to be brought forth by you, it is a birth that will devour you, ere ever it spring out of your bowels, it will be too heavy a burden, and you shall never have strength to deliver it; this is the word of the Lord to you, it shall be a Rock to overthrow you, and it will be a snare to catch you, and if any such thing proceed from you, it will break you, and your own wickedness will destroy you. Alas! do not you see evidently the hand of the Lord fight for us? yea, we have evident testimony of his presence, that he is and will be with us unto the end, and if any will be blind, let them be blind, for these tidings do not trouble us, neither are we thereby moved, no not to beg of any man the contrary, for we cannot give our power unto you, nor come under the power of this World, no not to beg of you, contrary to a good conscience, that you should forbear the fulfilling your intents; but this it is in the Name and power of the Lord, though he requires nothing of you to exalt his Kingdom by your power, nor to prescribe him a way, how he must be worshipped, yet he requires that you should do nothing against him, nor his people, by limiting the spirit of the Lord; and I say the Saints of the most High can not give their power to you, to stand or fall thereby, nor to go by the authority thereof, to exalt the Kingdom of God thereby; they can beg no such thing, nor desire it of you, for it is not in your hands to give his work of salvation unto the Nations; you cannot give nor lay one stone in the building of his blessed Temple, but he alone will do it, and not by the arm of flesh; yet doth he require, that you should do nothing against him, nor abuse your power, but and if you do, he will reward you according to your deeds, and this you will find and feel in the day of God, when he brings vengeance, and Judgement upon you, and when he sets his Kingdom over you all, and that comes to reign over the Nations, which now is a sufferer. And when I first heard the news sent abroad in the Nation, of such intentions, to break the Quakers meetings, many considerations passed through me, will these go said I in the same way, that many have been destroyed in before them? Will these run upon the same rock? will these take in hand to limit God, and to set him a way? and shall all these sufferings of the Lord's people for these many years be finished by these, that all the unjust dealings, and oppressions of the Saints, may be upon them? Is there no wise man among them, nor none that feareth the Lord, that he may be preserved from destruction? and is this their beginning in Parliament, to destroy God's heritage? The Lord, nor the people of this Nation that fear God, have not entrusted them therein; but if it be so, said I in my heart, if this wickedness be intended, and if they do so greatly abuse their power, they shall leave their names as a reproach to after ages, and their memories shall rot, and their wickedness shall lie upon them for evermore; but I considered that we having given our power to the Lord, from him we have found to this day, and do always seek defence, and to be carried on, and by him we stand, and to him we fall; & not to mortal men, who are as clay in the hand of the potter; wherefore let the wise in heart consider these things, and lay them to mind; for if they shall proceed to that wickedness, the nations, shall they never settle in peace, nor shall their Rulers, receive a blessing, but they shall be a curse unto themselves, & to all under their authority; and this is a Testimony to all sober people, showing unto them all, where our confidence is, and in what it remains; And nevertheless if the heart of the wicked be strengthened against us, and their hands made strong to deal violently, yet shall the righteous rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for the day of redemption and everlasting peace is come unto his people, that do and have waited for him, and all under him shall bow and bend, and he will make his people's cup overflow, and spread their table, even in the fight of their enemies, and they shall fear, and the terror of the Lord shall lie upon them, and when they have executed their violence, then shall the Lord deal violently with them.  
E. B.   

A Cry of great Judgement and vengeance upon the Wicked, near to be executed, as it was received from the Lord into his servant.  
ON the eighteenth day of the first month, as I was travelling in Warwickeshire, my Meditations being upon the Lord, and upon the cause of his people in this Nation; and how unjust and unrighteous their woeful sufferings have been executed upon them within these few years; even when I was pondering of these things, in the deep consideration thereof, it came upon me from the Lord, and the cry went through me, the Lord will be avenged, the Lord will be avenged upon his enemies, and he will avenge the cause of his people; and this cry stuck close upon me for some hours, that the Lord would surely execute his judgements upon the oppressors of his heritage, who have spoiled and trodden it down, and sought to destroy it; And I considered and took into full view in my Spirit, how grievous, how sad, and how unjust the sufferings of God's people have been within these few years, and my heart was even broken therewith, and my Spirit even melted; and it came upon me from the Lord, saying, Write unto the Rulers, and yet once more warn them of that recompense, and of that indignation which is at hand upon them; even a just recompense for all their deeds; and as they have done, even so shall it be done to them; as they have sought to destroy the generation of the righteous, even so shall they be destroyed from off the face of the earth; and as they hav● unjustly judged and condemned the innocent, so shall they be condemned and justly judged of the Lord; and as they have cast the bodies of the poor Lamb● of Christ into Prison, and been a snare upon them, even so shall they be ensnared, and into captivity shall they go; and as they have caused the goods and possessions of the innocent to be spoiled and made a prey, even so in like manner shall the curse of the Lord spoil their substance; and as they have done, so shall it be done unto them; and as they have meet to others, so shall it be meet to them again. And I saw a great misery and desolation nigh at hand, even the Sword of the Lord, and it should slay them; and I beheld it was made ready for the slaughter: and in the sense of these things a sadness fell upon my Spirit, considering the desolation and the judgement that is at hand, to be executed upon the cruel oppessors.  
Wherefore all ye Rulers, and all ye that have trodden down the heritage of God, and ye that have disregarded those many warnings that ye have had; I say unto you all, in the power of the Lord God, in his Dominion, and by his Spirit, this is once more a warning to you from the Lord, & that these things must surely come to pass, and be fulfilled in their season, and no man shall be able to deliver his brother; but every man shall bear his own burden, and drink his own cup prepared for him; and though it hath been counted a light thing amongst you, and you have despised the reproof, and gone on without fear, yet in as much as the Lord hath spared you, and not speedily executed judgement upon you, but rather waited for your return; yet the dealing of the Lord towards you in sparing of you, you have not accepted, and therefore shall his judgements be the greater upon you. For if you do now come to the witness in your own consciences, What evil hath this people done? Whose Ox have they taken, or what have they desired of you? or what have they sought from you? or wherein have they been a burden to you, Saving that they have reproved you for your iniquities, and desired your Repentance? Would you but now at last come to consider this, and confess the truth in your consciences, will not that tell you, that they have suffered patiently all things that you have cruelly imposed upon them? and have not they walked peaceably towards you, & humbly, meekly & justly among their Neighbours? and have they not been meek & innocent even as Lambs, and as the sheep before the Sbearers? and have they wrought offences towards any? have they sought the overthrow of the Government, or have they sought vengeance against their enemies? or what injury have they done to any man's person, or estate, saving to Satan and his kingdom? Have they not sought to reform, and reclaim the ungodly from their ways? and have they not pitied and prayed for their enemies? and have they not in all things walked in good conscience towards the Lord, and towards all men? Yea, my friends, in the day of the Lord, when the witness in your consciences shall not be limited, but shall speak plainly, and when the impartial Judge shall appear upon his Throne, then shall you acknowledge these things.  
Wherefore I say unto you, receive the judgement of the Lord to purify you, otherwise the judgement shall destroy you; and now come to be more wise, that some of you may be as a brand plucked out of the fire, and be reserved from being consumed; for the visitation of the Lord is near an end, when his loving kindness will be shut from you, and his long suffering turned into fury; and he will make you know that we are his people with whom you have thus dealt, yea, you shall suddenly know it, the time is not long till he will crown his people in the sight of his enemies; he will crown them with praise and with righteousness, with honour and majesty, and he will keep them in safety, even when sorrow compasses you about; his mercy and loving kindness shall extend towards them, even when his wrath and judgements doth smite you, and confound you. O what shall I say unto you! for the deep sense thereof remains upon my heart; for when I consider how that in all ages the Lord did avenge his people's cause, & when the time of their suffering was expired, he broke the bonds of iniquity, and set them free; thus did he with his people Israel of old, and many times it was his way with his people to bring them low by suffering, and then to raise them up again in glory; and he suffered their enemies for a season to glory over them, that he might bring them down; and thus he did in England in the case between the Bishops and their crew of persecutors, and the poor people at that day called Puritans: Did not he confound that persecuting crew, and deliver his people? And is not he the same to effect the same work at this very day? Yea doubtless, and much more will he do it, in as much as the manifestation of truth is more clear than it was in their days, and in as much as the Rulers and people of this Nation have rejected a more clear Testimony, then either the Papists in Queen Mary's days, or the Bishops and Prelates in their days; even so much the more will the Lord God execute his vengeance with more violence, in a more manifest way, and all shall know, that it is he that doth it, and he will set his people free; for he hath regarded their suffering, and he hath said it is enough; for he hath tried them, and found them faithful; and all this hath been suffered to prove them, and not to destroy them; and like as he hath preserved them in patience, and peace through it all, even so will he give them hearts to walk answerably to their deliverance; and as they have abounded in patience in their sufferings, so shall they abound in praises everlasting in the day of their Freedom; and the earth shall be glad, and shall yield the increase and blessing; the Heaven and the Earth shall rejoice, and the heart of the Righteous shall leap for joy, when the Lord hath broken the yoke of the oppressed, and set his people free, inwardly and outwardly, and then shall they sing unto the Lord over all their enemies who shall be tormented and vexed in the Lord's sore displeasure, for their reward cometh, and their recompense shall be even as their work, and he will give unto them sorrow and anguish, in stead of rejoicing.  
But again, when I considered the long suffering, and patience, and forbearance of the Lords innocent people under all their sufferings; and when I looked at their innocency, and at their Righteousness, and Spirit of Holiness with which the Lord hath blessed them, my heart was made glad in the consideration of this; and the more was my joy, the more that I beheld their innocency, and the guiltlesness of their cause, whereby the unjustness of their suffering did the more appear; and withal when I looked and beheld their increase under all their sufferings, and how that the Lord had turned all these things to their good, and to the overthrow of all their enemies; how that, by that way, wherein their enemies intended to destroy them from being a people; even thereby did the Lord most wonderfully increase them to be a great people; for through all have they grown in life and power, in strength and in number, and through it all have they been encouraged to follow the Lord with more zeal and boldness; and in the consideration of this I did rejoice, with magnifying the Lord for ever, that he had brought forth his praise even through the wickedness of the wicked, and he had increased his people, and exalted them through the cruelty of all their enemies; and that through all opposition they were attained to a happy rest, and through all the tempests of great trials, they were arrived into the harbour of renown and great glory; and when I considered this, how that the Lord had given them dominion, and brought their life to reign over all their enemies, these things were a joy unto me; and looking back into ages, seeing there was nothing, nor any people for generations, that had grown, and risen through all opposition like unto these; wherefore it is a sign and a Testimony that we are the Lords, and that these things are of him, and from him, and by him alone, that he might be praised for ever.  
Again, when I do consider, how that the Lord hath raised this people, even out of the dust; and them that were not a people, are become a people; and the Lord hath provoked Nations, by them that were not a people within these few years; and the Lord hath carried on this work amongst his people, not by any thing of man, nor by the arm of flesh, but in pure innocency and simplicity hath it been accomplished; not by the wisdom of this World, nor by men in places of honour, and of power in the Nations; for all that has been wanting to them; and what they are, it is through the opposition of all this; for they have had none of the great men of the Earth on their side to defend them and establish them, but all hath been against them; and even oppression and tyranny executed upon them, rather than any approbation, or justification from men in outward authority; so that truly it may be said, that there hath been nothing of man in this work, but all of the Lord by his own power; and in a contrary way to all the false sects and false churches, hath the beginning and carrying on of these things been; for we know that all the false sects in this Nation hath risen & been established through the countenance of men in place and power; and upon man and the wisdom of this World, and authority of the powers of the earth, hath the rise and fall of all false churches depended; and as the powers of the earth hath sided with them, so have they been set up, and at the displeasure of authority, have been cast down. But as for this people, they are raised of the Lord, and established by him, even contrary to all men; and they have given their power only to God, and they cannot give their power to any mortal men to stand or fall by any outward authority, and to that they cannot seek, but to the Lord alone, who heareth their cry, and will avenge their cause.  
Wherefore let all the persecutors bow before the Lord, and let all the Saints walk humbly in his sight; and let them continue in that innocent life in which they have begun; and let them never forget the mercies of the Lord, and what he hath brought to pass, who hath manifested great things, and will do more and more to the confounding of all his enemies, and to the praise of his elect people. And all ye Saints upon the earth, have ye the Lord in respect continually, and turn you not unto Idols, but let the Lord be your joy for evermore.  
E. B.   

FRIENDS,  
WHO are called a Parliament of these Nations, We in love to our Brethren that doth lie in Prisons, and Houses of Correction, and Dungeons, and many hath in Fetters and Irons, and have been cruelly beat by the cruel Goalors, and many have been persecuted to death, and have died in Prison, and many lieth sick and weak in Prison, and in straw: so we in love to our Brethren do offer up our Bodies and selves to you, for to put us as Lambs into the same Dungeons, and Houses of Correction, and their straw, and nasty holes and prisons, and do stand ready a Sacrifice for to go into their places, in love to our Brethren, that they may go forth, and that they may not die in Prison, as many of the Brethren is dead already; For we cannot but lay down our lives for our Brethren, and to take their sufferings upon us that you would inflict upon them; and if our Brethren suffer, we cannot but feel it; And Christ saith, it is he that suffereth, and was not visited. This is our Love towards God and Christ, and our Brethren, that we owe to them and our Enemies, who are Lovers of all your Souls and your eternal good.  
And if you will receive our Bodies, which we freely tender to you for our Friends that are now in Prison, for speaking the Truth in several places, for not paying tithes, for meeting together in the fear of God, for not Swearing, for wearing their Hats, for being accounted as Vagrants, for visiting Friends, and for things of the like nature, according to a Paper entitled, A Declaration to the Parliament, &c. delivered the sixth day of the second Month called April, 1659. to the then Speaker of the said House. We whose Names are hereunto subscribed (being a sufficient number to answer for the present Sufferers) waiting in Westminster-Hall for an Answer from you to us, to answer our tenders, and to manifest our Love to our Friends, and to stop the wrath and judgement from coming upon our Enemies.  


Tho. Raulinson  
Tho. Curtis  
John Crook  
Thomas Davenport  
John Foster.  
Thomas Reese  
Tho. Hackelton  
William Garrold  
John Scanfield  
Rich. Crane  
Will. Travers  
John Chandler  
Richard Simpson  
Tho. Kent  
William Brown  
Edward Shaller  
William Mullins  
Humphrey Bache  
John Barnard  
William Styles  
Simon Robinson  
Robert Moor  
William Woodcock  
George Rawlins  
Alexander Allens  
Cuthbert Harle  
Ralph John's  
Joseph Jones  
John Gayon  
John Tyso  
George Bewley  
James Beech  
Rich. Burd  
William Archpool  
William bet  
Edward Giles  
John Radley  
William Hownell  
Steven Crisp  
Edmund Cross  
James Allen  
William shown  
John Boulton  
Tho. Norris  
Daniel Baker  
Edwin Harrison  
Richard Quicke  
John Freeborn  
John Love  
Tho. Moor  
Ric. Bax  
John Stedman  
William Persehowse  
Richard Glipsham  
Nich. Bond  
Benjamin Turly  
John Pennyman  
Rowland Elrudge  
Thomas Coveney  
Alexander Parker  
John Anderdon  
John Baddeley  
John Newton  
John Yardley  
Rice Jones  
Richard Greeneway  
Robert Hasle  
John Hope  
Francis Collins  
Thomas Bradly  
Roger Game  
Henry Godman  
James Smither  
Richard jews  
Nathaniel Gerrard  
Edward Brook  
Arthur Stanbridge  
John Blackfan  
Ninion Brockett  
Richard Newman  
Nicho. Rickman  
Henry Woolger  
William Gering  
John Barber  
James Grynier  
Robert Sooley  
Peter Gosse  
Thomas tax  
Rowley Titchborn  
Henry abbot  
John Carter  
John Fielder  
Stephen Wix  
Thomas Blatt  
Benjamin Matthew  
James Fenner  
John Stavelin  
Robert Mildred  
Steven Hubbard  
Joseph Busthell  
Thomas Burchett  
Christopher White  
John Lee  
John Beckett  
Thomas Braborne  
Robert Wade  
Philip Williamson  
Richard Deane  
John Steevens  
Gobert Sikes  
George Lamboll  
Robert Stedman  
Thomas Stedman  
Richard Hindmarch  
James Tenning  
Thomas Lawrance  
John Schoren  
William Spary  
John Wolrich  
Robert Engram  
Edward Southwood  
John Furly jun.  
Justinian Holyman  
Samuel Vause  
Henry Cook  
Henry Ayres  
Richard Tydder  
John Lawrance  
William Johnson  
Joseph Lancley  
William Dike  
George Robinson  
Robert Newman  
John Starkey  
Edward Bland  
Thomas Dowen  
Thomas Shortland  
Amor Stoddart  
John Price  
John Hollis  
Edw. bylling  
William Plumley  
Richard Cockbill  
Richard Jopson  
Benjamin Peirson  
Jonah Smith  
Richard Davis  
John Hawkes  
Mannaseth Casketer  
John Disborow  
Edward Owers  
William Penington  
William Marnar  
Richard Hacher  
Jacob Carr  
William Harrwood  
John Allington  
Thomas Passenger  
Thomas Seaman  
William Hamshere  
James Smith  
Calib Woods  
Humphrey Kierbe  
Maximilian Cokarel.   If we had been of Esau's stock, we should have fainted before Now; And if we had been of Cains stock, we should have built up his city, and should have had fought with his Weapons; which was not, nor is the way of the Just, and the Elect; of which we are, before the World began.   

ERRORS.  
Page 7. line 13. blot out and, the same page line 38. for seventeen, read eleven, page 12. l. 36. for Edward, read Richard, the last line of the same page, for Shrewsbury, read Bas-Church, page 27. l. 37. add Not.  
THE END.