THE Beacon flaming WITH A NON OBSTANTE: OR A JUSTIFICATION OF The Firing of the BEACON, By way of ANIMADVERSION Upon the BOOK entitled The BEACON'S Quenched, Subscribed by Col. Pride, &c.  
LONDON, Printed by Abraham Miller, and Published by the SUBSCRIBERS of the Beacon set on fire, 1652.   

To the READER.  
IT is said Revel. 18. one of Babylon's names is MYSTERY. It hath been an ordinary custom with Antichrist, when he hath been unable to do his work in his own appearance, to put on a Disguise. To that end the Romish Emissaries have several times come into the Reformed Churches, under pretence of being converted, some of them acting the parts of Arminians (as in the Low-countries) to the almost ruin both of that Church and State: Some of other Sects, according to their instructions, and as their Design required, that they might widen the Breaches, and foment the diseases of Protestant Churches, like Sanballat and his Complices, they pretend to join in the Building, that they may more effectually hinder it.  
Nor hath this Design been wanting among us, as is too too evident from their footsteps. They have brought things to this pass, that Antichrist is exalted by railing upon him; while the name is spoken against, but the thing hugged; divers Popish Opinions being already embraced by those that would be called Protestants. As a skilful Gamester is willing to lose a Pawn at chess, that he may take a Queen. And in this Design we believe many move out of the simplicity of their hearts, Like a Bird that hasteth to the snare, and knows not that it is for his life: In which rank we place some of those with whom we have to do. It is not long since, a Book was made A Beacon fired to give notice to the State of divers Popish and Blasphemous Books, printed and published in England. It was hoped and expected, that the work would not displease any sober Protestant, but rather that it would awaken all out of that strange Security and Lethargy wherein they were. But behold there appeared some, yea of those that have given up their Name to the Protestant Cause, that rendered us evil for good, and writ a bitter Answer, and took upon them to plead the Cause of the vilest of men, expressly desiring an Universal Toleration, and as it were making a Proclamation, Ho all ye Jesuits, Blasphemers, come into England, preach, write what you will, we fear you not! There are some men it seems that hate Presbytery worse than Popery. Thus what was thought to be a slander is now verified, That strong endeavours are used to tolerate Popery, Blasphemy, &c. and what not? It was strange to us, that after the Parliament had appointed a Fast, to direct them in the Suppression of errors, any of their servants should plead for a General Toleration. When we first saw the Book, we stood amazed. But after serious consideration we beheld and adored the wisdom of God, that hath brought secret things to light, and hath discovered the Design before it was fully effected; we hope in mercy, that our Parliament may have the honour to prevent it, and that all the people of the Land may be the more wary. It was also another piece of Divine Providence, that so wretched a Cause should be managed with as much weakness as could be desired. We thought it our Duty, that such a Text should not want a Commentary, and such a Design of darkness a Light, that all men may see the Mystery and loathe it, and Arm against it. This is the great aim of our Answer (God who knows our Hearts can witness) and that this may be effected, is the Prayer of  


Luke Fawn.  
Samuel Gellibrand.  
Thomas Underhill.  
John Rothwell.  
Joshua Kirton.  
Nathan. Webb.     

THE BEACON FLAMING WITH A Non Obstante.  
THe Humble Information of divers Officers of the Army, and other well-affected Persons to the Parliament and Commonwealth of England.  
The Authors of this Book could not be the Officers of the Army (in charity it may be thought) because they have, professedly to all the world, fought for the Maintenance of the true Protestant Religion in opposition to Popery, as the Declarations of Parliament and Commissions of Officers do most clearly evince.  
Nor can they be well-affected persons to Religion, for they plead for Baal; Or to the State, for they idolize it by preferring the Parliament really or feignedly above God, making it far more vile to publish Books against the State and the Lord General, than against the jealous Lord of Hosts, provoked thereby to destroy the Parliament and Army, as he did Herod when the people magnified him as God.  
Cncerning the Machiavilian Design of the Presbyterians now carrying on by the Stationers of London.  
We shall try how you will make this good, and whose side Machiavil is on we hope before we have done.  
He that shall read Mr Calamy and his party in their late writings, cannot but read your glorious Titles, to be, Speckled vipers, murderers, &c. and pag. 14. more particularly M. Calamy in his late Epistle before M. Love's Seventeen Sermons hangs out a flag of Defiance to the State, &c.  
Why stumble you at the Threshold? a bad beginning presages no good end; You were very unfortunate in soaring so high at first as to strike at the precious Name, Person and ministry (Liberty, if not life) of M. Calamy. That Epistle prefixed unto M. Love's Seventeen Sermons, where you say such bad language is used, is not M. Calamy's; it's not his style, hath not his name, himself hath disclaimed both the Imprimatur and Epistle to that Book, before the Committee of plundered Ministers, and to a sub-Committee of that, the Bookbinder that printed the said book did affirm, that M. Calamy had no hand in either the Licensing or Epistle thereof: which that it may be fully believed by all that shall read these lines, we will subjoin his own confession, as he gave it in writing unto the Sub-committee.  

The Humble Acknowledgement of George Eversden Stationer,  
Showeth,  
That whereas I placed the Imprimatur of M. Edmund Calamy before the Seventeen Sermons of M. Love, which should have been only before M. Mantons' Sermon preached at M. Loves Funeral; and whereas I put the Letters E. C. at the later end of the Epistle of the said Book, wherein I gave occasion to the Reader to believe that it was written by M. Edmund Calamy, and find it accordingly charged upon him in a late Book, called The Beacon quenched; I do hereby acknowledge that herein I have greatly wronged M. Calamy, that he was not the Author of the Epistle, that I added his Imprimatur to the whole, and subscribed the Letters E. C. to the Epistle, not out of any malice to him, but merely and only to make the Book sell the better, and therefore humbly desire this Honourable Committee to pardon this great offence.  
George Eversden.   
By this it appears how far you have abused the Parliament (and wronged that Reverend Minister of the Gospel) as to inform it that M. Calamy called the Members speckled Vipers, murderers, &c. For the sake of your souls learn to be more honest. And you our dear countrymen learn from hence not to believe every bold and scandalous report that is cast upon the ministry.  
Speckled Vipers, murderers, Traitors, Rebels, Blasphemers, &c.  
We wish that those who have used such Language had better manners, more love to the Commonwealth, and care of their own welfare. But what is all this to the Subscribers, or to the Presbyterian Party? as for us we know no Presbyterian that hath used any such language to or of the Parliament.  
Your Honours have lately been alarmed with the noise of Popish Books, Blasphemous Books, &c. and had we heard and seen no more but such fair grass without a Snake, and the Plots of our constant Powder-Miners, we had held our peace.  
We easily believe that had you heard and seen no more than the noise of such Books, you would have been no more offended at it than you are with the fair grass of Summer; but the Magistrates Sword drawn out to suppress them you cannot endure to hear of, that's the Snake in the bottom that so much scars you.  
We cannot but in faithfulness tell your Honours the Plot is to amuse you with the noise of Popery and Blasphemy, and in the interim to spring their Mines to blow up yourselves, the council and Army, &c.  
This you say and we deny, and none is the wiser by either, except to perceive how skilful you are in plotting mere fictions, your proofs are two, viz.  
1. For they hope yet for the day to steal the Sword out of your hands, 2. For can your Honours imagine that such Licensers who write such Language abovesaid will ever set your Honours Imprimatur to any lines, but of the same unclean and treasonable Spirit.  
We appeal to yourselves, Whether these be clear demonstrations to prove the Plot, you pretend to discover? As for M. Calamy we believe he might challenge all his ill-willers to name one Popish, Blasphemous or Treasonable Book that ever was licenced by him, and others can say of him that he hath licenced as many excellent Books for his time, as any that ever in this Nation were employed in that trust.  
And for the Stationers subscribing to the Beacon, do all those golden Characters of Zeal and holiness spell any more than plain Presbytery?  
By your own acknowledgement they spell as much: And do the golden Characters of Zeal and holiness spell Presbytery? Now well fare your hearts, you have said more in praise of presbytery than our modesty would permit us. And blessed be God that presbytery Zeal and Holiness are acknowledged at least to accord even by our adversaries themselves.  
Is not the sale of Popish books the greatest part of the trade of some of them? and p. 13. who did lately quarrel with one of their neighbour booksellers, because he would not exchange the Holy Court for some of their Presbyterian Books.  
No, it is not, nor are Popish books in English sold by any of them, except very rarely to a learned pious friend whom they know to be sound in the faith, and able to handle the snake without being stung: which manner of selling may very well stand with a zealous desire that such books might never be published. And this being true, is answer enough about the exchange mentioned.  
Who are also strongly reported to have a factor in Rome itself.  
This charge cannot reasonably be fastened on any of the Subscribers except one, whose Trade indeed is partly beyond the Seas, but yet so far from having any factor at Rome, that neither he nor his predecessors before him in the place and Trade that he is in, ever had any dealings in any part of Italy: Nor is there any need of sending to Rome for Popish English Books of which the Beacon gives warning, for they are too numerous here at home.  
Hath not the most treasonable book that ever was printed against the State, been certainly bought at the shop of some of them, even since they fired the Beacon to the Parliament?  
They know no such thing. And that any such book was so sold by any of the Subscribers, or by any for or under them, with their knowledge or consent, they are ready and willing to deny upon oath before your and their betters, if called; do you prove the contrary if you can.  
Do not these Mercenaries know, that a fair current for sober disputes and writings in matters of God controversial, engageth more authors to write, than a stop and stifling to the Spirit of God and men?  
To make you more charitable then to judge us Mercenaries, we leave you to the sanctifying Spirit of God to work in you the grace of Charity; and are sorry you have so good an opinion of Idolaters and Blasphemers (whose Arguments are attended, where they are predominant, with Halter and Faggot) as to expect from them any sober Disputes and Writings. No man that is but meanly versed in history, and hath but competent intellectuals, would expect such things from the hands of Papists; witness but one passage (which Mr. Squire relates in those Sermons, wherein he 
De Antichristo, p. 110.  proves the Pope to be Antichrist, among many other sad instances) of the Duke of Alva, who professed publicly that he killed by torment 18000 of the Protestants in six years' space, for the very cause of Religion. And yet religious Vargas (one of that tribe, that must be admitted to dispute) complained that he had made the Netherlands worse by showing them too much mercy. And for your laying before us the consideration of the increase of books by such writings and disputes, to abate our zeal against popish and blasphemous books; let us tell you, that we so little regard increase of Trade by such loathsome ware, as that we were quickened up for fear of that temptation to pray against the publishing and increase thereof. And whereas you call the stopping and suppressing of popish and blasphemous books, a stopping and stifling of the Spirit of God: We wish from our hearts you would (according to the word of God, and judgement of all the Churches that are come out of Babylon, and the practice of the Army, that have sometimes severely punished Blasphemers) consider, the punishing of men for their evil deeds, and a stopping the course of Idolatry and Blasphemy, the proper work of the Magistrate.  
And as to books of heresy, Popery, Blaspemy, if there be equal liberty of engaging, &c.  
We need no other confutation but the sense and experience of these late years wherein this equal liberty hath been used. O do not our eyes see how strangely errors of all sorts and sizes have prevailed with the multitude; partly through the just judgement of God upon those that receive not the truth in the love of it: partly through the craftiness and hypocrisy of deceivers, and partly through the natural aptness of people to embrace novelties, carnal doctrines, and will-worship? And though God will keep his own, yet there is a necessity in respect of the weal of a Christian State to keep the multitude to the true profession, by whose suffrages counsels are formed, and by whose strength the Magistrate rules; otherwise we shall quickly be governed by Antichristian, popish, and blasphemous Magistrates; and then we have brought our Hogs to a fair market! And though it were blasphemy to deny the power and efficacy of Christ in his Word and Ordinances to conquer the greatest of his adversaries, yet it must be affirmed also from Scripture and experience, that he overcomes and rules by the use of means, and particularly by his blessing upon the Power and Strength of Men, as his instruments and in office under him. How otherwise did God give to Israel, the Land of Canaan, or to any Christian State deliverance from Romish errors, Superstition, Idolatry, and thraldom? And how otherwise then by his two-edged sword did he pull down Prelacy in these Nations, or will he pull down Antichrist? will it not be by incensing the Kings of the earth against that Whore, and causing them to hate her and burn her with fire? By your Doctrine you should have let the Cavaliers alone (who fought for their opinions and way of worship, as well as any thing else.) Do you think Jesus Christ was not as able to meet them in the field, and quell them without your help, as ten thousand Popes and Devils? your Doctrine is brave Doctrine, to justify our late war, is it not?  
If there be equal liberty of engaging.  
Should we have no better champions than you to dispute with Papists and Blasphemers upon an equal liberty; by your mincing their errors and crimes in your late plea for their more than toleration, we have cause to believe that no more good will come of it, than did of the great Disputation at Munster in John of Leydens' reign; which who will may read in Sleydens' History, or the extracts of it in English. Yet perhaps you would be accounted valiant champions against Popery, because you do upon all occasions vent so much heat without reason against Presbytery; for considering how the men of your temper use to call it Antichrist, or Antichristianism, we cannot but think that is one of your Poperies that you mean, when you pray, page 7. line 30. That God would stir up able Writers against all sorts of Poperies, which upon the title of your book having painted with the pictures of tyranny and cruelty, you affirm to be worse than all other ways of Doctrine and Worship, saying, than which nothing is worse. But let us ask which of you did ever convict the Presbyterian Government aimed at in England by the godly men thereof, to have any tyrannical or heretical principles in it? It's easily affirmed, but when or by whom was it evidenced out of the proceedings or writings of the Assembly of Divines, or the Petitions or Books of any Presbytery of this Nation, or company of men truly Presbyterian. 
* Read Jus Divinum. The Assertion of the Government of the Church of Scotland. The Provincial Assembly of London's Vindication of Presbyterian Government, and see if any tyrannical or heretical principles be in them.  And to make you so ashamed for all your bitterness against the Presbyterians, as never to show your faces more until you have done penance at least in a printed sheet of retractation, we do here for the glory of God, and comfort of the Church, challenge any of you to show and declare any one fundamental error either in Doctrine or Worship, that hath been held forth or owned by any presbytery or company of Presbyterians in any part of this Nation, or so much as by any eminent single Presbyterian; This Crown hath God set upon the head of that party. To him be praise for ever in the Churches. Amen.  
Yea, can it without amazement be remembered, that one of their Lords should proclaim that blasphemous crack Stupor mundi clerus Britannicus, The amazement of the world is the clergy of Britain.  
We believe it to be true and no crack or blasphemy, so beneficent hath that LORD been to this Island, who ascended up on high to give gifts unto men, as that great hath been the numbers of his Ministers, ambassadors (i. e. Pastors and Teachers) and (to his praise we may speak it) we think through his blessing upon their labours, there are not more glorified Saints in heaven, called thither since Christ's Ascension, out of any so little spot of ground in the whole world, as out of great Britain, and no question the great number of our Ministers, so learned, pious and successful, maugre all the malice of men and devils cannot but be the amazement of the world; The good people of the world admire it and praise God for it, and those that be enemies are amazed and envy them and the Island for it.  
And yet our Beacons must be fired, and the Alarm given to the Magistrates Sword, Arm, armado, &c. for not a man dare stir of our British clergy to receive the charge of some few often conquered religious Adversaries.  
The visible signs of the enemy's approach gives an Alarm to a few that saw their motion, those few give warning by setting a Beacon on fire, now no man can be blamed for not putting on his Armour, before danger appears; Our Beacon was intended to give warning not only to the Magistrate, but to the Minister also, yea to all the Lord's people of this Land: for your parts you'll take none, but quarrel with us, a shrewd sign that you will either be taken prisoners by the enemy, or are resolved to revolt to them. But for our Ministers they have given such good proof of their skill and zeal in receiving and repelling the charges of the Romish adversaries in time past, that we doubt not of them for the future, but Ill will never speaks well; and the truth is, so much hath been said in Print and Pulpit already, as thereby it is put out of all doubt, That the Romish Religion in those things we complain of, and to the practice whereof the Papists labour so much to seduce men, is a false Religion, made up of idolatry, Superstition, Will-worship, and maintained and propagated by hellish cruelty, and that the practice or promotion thereof is an abomination to the LORD. So that the Ministers have upon the point done their work, the Magistrates only remains. The like may be said of those opinions we call Blasphemy, as to the undoubted and unspeakable wickedness and publishing of them.  
We humbly conceive (not presuming to propose) that your (the States) former care of the Printers name and readiness to produce the Authors or bringers of their Copies, together with some convenient Regulations, cannot justly by any just man be complained against.  
This Model for Regulating the press supposes every Bookseller and Printer a competent and able Judge of whatsoever matter is printed, which He is not; or else suffers him to fall into the pit before he shall be bid, Stand. It also permits any Popish, Blasphemous, Treasonable Book, to be, 1. Printed. 2. Sold. 3. Read. 4. Complained of. 5. Debated by the State. And lastly, Adjudged, before it can be Suppressed; When the Steed is stolen you'll shut the Stable door.  
Thus we have done with your first sheet, and are come to your second, which begins thus:  
The Humble Information of divers Officers of the Army and other well-affected Persons to the Parliament and Commonwealth of England, concerning scandalous Presbyterian Books.  
Whether the authors of this Book could be Officers of the army or well-affected we have examined already, we shall not meddle with the Subscribers of it, supposing Col. Pride, and the rest of the soldiers might by some sudden surprise be drawn in to do it, concerning which they had done well to have informed us that we might the better have vindicated them. But concerning the Information itself, whose ever it is, we must truly say, Gentlemen, it comes too late; most of the Books you mention having been informed against by others long ago, & divers persons punished though with great tenderness for them, and now (upon our setting the Beacon a fire) you would rob those of the credit of the work, who it seems were better lovers of the present Government then yourselves: the Books in your Catalogue long ago discovered, and for which many have been in trouble, we shall note when we come to them in order. And that considered, it may be without any uncharitableness adjudged, that had it not been to show your heat against presbytery (occasioned as you pretend by our Beacon fired, though in that we speak not a word for Presbytery, nor against Independency, or any Sect or Opinion, but Popery and Blasphemy) the Parliament had not been troubled with this your humble Information, though proceeding (as you say) from conviction of duty, which we can hardly believe; for had conviction of duty put you upon this address, you would have equally complained of those bitter Books that have been made and published by others (against the State) who have declared both in press and Pulpit as much Violence and virulency against the present Government, and the chief men in it, as ever any.  
It's conviction of Duty that puts us out to this humble address.  
To move the Parliament to betray their Trust, forswear themselves, provoke God to wrath, grieve the hearts of the generality of God's dearest servants, rejoice the hearts of Papists, Blasphemers, yea the infernal Spirits (if ever they rejoice at any thing) can be no humble address, but a grand Presumption.  
We have had a sad experience of the Plots and Designs of a Presbyterian Party, especially in and about the City of London, who have not only kept a correspondency with those of Scotland, but also contributed moneys and other encouragements to their several Invasions.  
Name the men, and say no more than you know, as you would not be judged by the Lord for false witnessing, and let those persons, if any such be, answer for themselves. But whether it be true or false it's nothing to the Beacon, or the Suscriscribers of it, and the like we say of all your charges.  
Affirming that the Army was a Popish Army and full of Papists and Jesuits, and that Mr Peter's and others were Jesuits.  
That we do not affirm. Only thus much we have to say, That though we do not assert that, yet that there are Jesuits in the Nation that foment our differences, we think no wise man will deny. 2. Let the Tree be judged by the fruits, and Jesuits by Jesuitical operations: 1. Jesuits have always made it their design to ruin the Protestant ministry, as a learned man lately observed at Paul's, that Adam Contzen a Jesuit in his politics lays that down as one way to bring in the Popish Religion. 2. Jesuits labour to throw down Protestant Universities. They remember well how they were tormented with the university of Wittenberg at the Reformation in Germany, from whence learned men were dispersed into all parts, who confounded the Popish party and Religion in the several Provinces. They remember how our learned men have from time to time unravelled their enchantments. 3. Jesuits labour to bring the Protestant Religion into disgrace by the confusions, disorders, blasphemies and heresies of Protestants, all which are abetted by a general Toleration, and therefore they labour to hinder any settlement in the Church. Now this is all we shall say to apply it, Wherever the Cup is found, let him be taken. And wherever these designs are agitated, we may well say, Is not the hand of Joab in all this?  
And that such Lay-people who had a Call of Spirit, and did dispense their Gifts.  
By this Call of Spirit do you mean inward holiness, or extraordinary Gifts? If the former, show us from Scripture, if you can, that the Habits of Grace without the Designation or Ordination of either, an Apostle, Evangelist, or presbytery, were a sufficient Call to the public dispensing of God's Word which very oddly the Quenchers call dispensing their Gifts: If the later, show us the man, if you can, among all the Lay-Preachers (as yourselves call them) in England, that can speak Tongues and Languages they never learned, work miracles, and then we shall seriously consider from whence they come, but until than we know who sent them.  
Without the Formal human Ordinances of Presbytery, were Popish Priests in disguise.  
If by this you mean Ordination of Ministers by a presbytery, we wish you had forborn thus rashly to let fly at so clear an Ordinance of Jesus Christ.  
This Party have opposed all along the Proceedings of Parliament.  
Not so neither: for who then all along adhered to the Parliament, when the Popish, Prelatical, Socinian and Arminian party were against them and other Sectaries not yet hatched?  
And that these six Subscribers are of the same Tribe, will also manifestly appear, as by the sequent Discourse, so by their setting the Beacon on fire.  
Here the great charge against the Booksellers, is, That they are enemies to the State; and why is it? Because they are Presbyterians; surely that cannot be adjudged a Crime by those that account popery and blasphemy none. If we are mistaken, than we believe Machiavil passes the sentence, and is no Presbyterian this year: No, It's because they fired the Beacon; a strong reason 'tis, that does as clearly prove us the Parliaments enemies, as your quenching the Beacon proves you their Friends. But the better to discern the strength of your Argument, let us put it into form, and then examine it; You argue thus: Those that inform the Parliament and Commonwealth of England of the vigilancy of Rome and Hell (the two greatest enemies to every Christian Commonwealth) to introduce their Doctrine, Worship and Government, and pray the Parliament to draw forth the great Sword of Government that is in their hands (not to kill, hang, burn or banish any man for his Opinion) but to guard the truth and to repel all the Assaults of Romish and blasphemous adversaries made by Books or other actions, are enemies to the Parliament. But the Subscribers of the Beacon have so informed, &c. Therefore they are enemies to the State. We grant the Minor, that we have so informed the Parliament; but deny your Major, which if you make not good, and at the same time prove a Hare to be an Owl, your Conclusion falls to the ground, and you may as truly say, men are enemies, because they are friends; we pray you to consider what rare stuff flows from your pretended Argument, supposing it strong, viz. You make the Parliament, popery and blasphemy to be at such an agreement, that for any to seek the Suppression of one of them, makes them enemies to the other; and whether the Pope or the Parliament be most beholding unto you for such Doctrine, we leave you to them to determine. But if the Parliament and army should (though but by silence) appear to be of your mind (which God forbid, and we believe not) and cause all the Organs and bells in Rome, and all the Romish Churches to make melody, yet we for our parts, and many thousands more, would pray God to give them Repentance, for frustrating the expectations of those, who in the simplicity of their hearts adventured their Liberties, Estates, Lives, All, with and under them, for nothing so much, as to have the true Reformed Religion (then in great danger) settled in purity, and fenced against Popish and blasphemous Pollutions.  
For they are true Salamanders in a State, and delight in nothing more than in Persecution of tender Consciences by Fire and Sword.  
It is worth observing, how much these men stretch the notion of a tender conscience, that it may be applied to Idolaters and Blasphemers. It is strange that God should appoint that any tender consciences should be put to death! Why are you so bitter? Did we ask any more than Suppression of popery, blasphemy, and the maintaining the Faith that was once delivered to the Saints? And do you think the Parliament hath not wisdom enough to do these without Fire and Sword (i. e.) burning, heading, hanging? unless men be obstinately bent to be hanged.  
They are Boutefeux in a Superlative Degree, whose chief content consists in making Combustions in all well-governed commonwealths.  
It is no new think for virulent and malicious men, to raise scandals and cast aspersions upon guiltless persons. And if it were enough to accuse, who should be innocent? Here is a bold accusation, as full of rage and passion as void of sense and reason. The authors of it do not so much as offer any evidence or argument to prove it; you must take it upon their bare words: It is below them to prove any thing; and therefore we hold it not worth an Answer. Only thus much we shall say; If there were no worse Boutefenx than we; If all men, soldiers and others, were as peaceably minded as we, and as resolved to keep within their bounds and stations, there would not be such cause of great fear as is all the Land over, of destructive Mutations and Alterations in this Commonwealth.  
And that the world may the better know these Subscribers, take their Names and places of Abode, as followeth.  
The Lord deliver us from wicked and unreasonable men, for all men have not faith, and keep up our hearts in Gods fear only from fearing man, whose breath is in his nostrils, and so a Rush for your threats.  
These were the Subscribers of the Pamphlet, but the Contrivers and councillors of it, we shall in due time and upon just occasion discover.  
We can help you in this discovery better than any others, and assure you that the Subscribers were the only men that contrived it; but what if others had? was that any crime to contrive (by way of Information and Petition) how the truths and worship of God may be continued, and the spreading of popery and blasphemy stopped? If you judge this to be criminal, than God be thanked you have not the Helm of the State in one hand, and the Sword of supremacy in the other, and if ever you should, we must change our Thanksgiving into a prayer, and say, Good Lord be merciful unto us, and deliver us from such as you. Amen.  
Their Preamble is embellished with much seeming Zeal, for Exaltation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which were truly commendable if it came from pure hearts, but we have too great an Assurance that Self-interest is their Aim and hypocrisy their Zeal.  
Oh the hellish nature of pride, that would not only get into the Chair of State, but usurp the Throne of God, and pretend to know assuredly the secrets of the heart! The Lord judge between us and you, who proclaim us to be Hypocrites and Aimers at our own carnal Interest, not his glory, in our late discovery of Popish and blasphemous Books written and published by the enemies of the Reformed Churches, though you prove us not transgressors in any thing.  
They insinuate Proposals for effecting their Desires, and so would fain screw themselves into some Office or Monopoly for Licensing, Printing and selling Books.  
It's no monopoly to have power from the State as their Instruments to execute their Laws, yet we desired no such employment. It's more suitable to the Governors and Officers of our company: nor were we so foolish or presumptuous as to desire or ask the licensing of Books, it's a trust too great for such as we or you either. Is it not strange that a Physician cannot use means that none may sell corrupt physic, but he must be judged one that would monopolise all Medicine into his own hands? But to turn what you say into plainer English, though you world seem to speak only of us, yet you plainly insinuate that the Parliament cannot, ought not (by giving power to any) suppress Popish and blasphemous Books, nor authorise Licensers, though never so godly and sound in the faith. But for these things we leave them to the Parliament, let that Power plead its own right.  
Their Preamble is embellished with much seeming Zeal for the Exaltation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ which were truly commendable if it came from pure hearts.  
Let the Reader take notice, that this Passage adjudges the Beacon fired to be truly commendable, their only exception is, that it comes not from pure hearts, which we leave to him to determine, whose Prerogative alone it is.  
The Pamphlet says, the Parliament well knowing that the common People of this Nation will be of one Religion or other, and if by public Authority they be not kept to the Reformed, they will be easily drawn to the Popish. Hear they speak plain English, and would have a coercive Power in matters of Religion, a Presbyterian Classis would do well (but let it have some new name) that may excommunicate, enjoin penance, &c. What would this be less than a Spanish Inquisition?  
Let the Reader judge how true this is by considering our own words by yourselves repeated, And if by public Authority they be not kept to the Reformed Religion. Here is a coercive Power in matters of Religion, which we from Scripture own to be in the Magistrate, and which hath been exercised by all the Magistrates that ever were in the world to this day, unless they were by death or otherwise hindered. And it is most famously known by all that know the history of the times, that there were never any pleaders for a Toleration of all Religions, but they were great persecutors of the contrary minded, if they once got into the saddle. The history of the Arrians is famous, who once 
Athan.  were enemies to all persecution when they were under the hatehes, but when they got power into their hands, were more bitter persecutors than the Heathen Emperors. The Donatists were great Patrons of a Toleration, till under that Apostate Julian, 
Optatus.  they got power into their hands, and then they filled Africa with blood and desolation. The story of the German Anabaptists is so famous that it needs no mentioning.  
A Presbyterian Classis would do well; but let it have some new name, that may pronounce Censures, &c. and what would this be less than a Spanish Inquisition?  
Some new name] to wit, a Parliament; for to them only we seek for redress. Here you do more than insinuate, that if the Parliament shall punish men for, or but hinder them from common swearing, offering their sons to Molech, open rejection of the Lord's day, worshipping the Sun, or a golden Calf, preaching up Mahomet, preaching down Christ, or maintaining that the Pope hath authority to blow up Parliaments, change the Government of this Commonwealth, discharge the people of Obedience to their Magistrates, or they suppress Popish and heretical Books (all which come under the notion of Religion) they are no better than a Spanish Inquisition. We beseech our dear countrymen that subscribed The Beacon quenched (whoever were the authors of it) to consider what brave Doctrine this is; and whether they are not of another mind, as we are persuaded they are, whatever they may say in a passion.  
But they know the Parliament and army have often declared against such proceedings, to wit, (as we suppose your meaning is) the suppressing Popish and Heretical Books.  
The Parliament hath often declared to maintain the Protestant Religion, in opposition to popery; and that they never intended to let loose the golden reins of Discipline, for men to follow the imaginations of their own hearts, and every man do that which was right in his own eyes, commit Idolatry, despise God's Ordinances, Blaspheme God, Christ, and Scripture.  
The weapons of fasting and prayer are more available and Christian, than those of force.  
For lesser matters in Religion, that are not so clear, fasting and praying is the best: But for idolatry, Superstition, heresy, and blasphemy. These without controversy God would have the Magistrate exercise his authority in suppressing, as manifest evils that strike at the foundation, Deut. 13. 6, 8, 9, 11. Zach. 13. Rom. 13.  
How simple are these Subscribers to imagine that the truth of Christ's holy Religion needs the support of human Arms to sustain it.  
That Christ can support his Church, Truth, and Worship, without the ministry of men or Magistrate, is true: But that he hath not appointed the Magistrate to punish evil doers, and encourage those that do well, and that in reference to both the Tables, is false; as hath been already proved.  
And how distrustful are these men of God's Providence!  
It's no distrust of God's Providence, for men to do their duty, and use the means that God hath prescribed; if it were, the charge would lie against all war whatsoever, just or unjust, and all Courts of Judicature; yea, against the Magistrates cutting off the rottenest Branches in the commonwealth, for the good of the whole body: and indeed against all Government whatsoever. For is not God able to avenge his people, make up their losses, preserve a State if he would, without the help of any Government at all?  
And doubtful of our own strength, to imagine that any Papist can say or write more than we can answer.  
To do what God requires, is no argument of our doubting either of the goodness of our cause, or our ability to answer gain▪ sayers.  
We desire nothing more than that they and all dissenters should propound their doubts in a Christian way.  
You are very tender of Papists, Idolaters, heretics, and Blasphemers (with none else the Beacon meddles) these are but Dissenters with you: We wish your charity were a Scripturecharity. Do you think such as they, will meet in the love of Christ for better instruction? Or that those blasphemers that deny the Merits and divinity of Christ, will meet the Orthodox in the love of Christ? What Grolleries are these!  
They forget that at the beginning of July last, a Petition was presented to the Parliament, by many thousand well-affected persons, one Branch whereof was, That the press might be open to all.  
What if we had remembered that Petition which moved for so wicked a thing as the gratifying the very kingdom of darkness? must not we therefore dare to petition for that which is just and good, yea so much the rather. And indeed that Petition you mention may well be remembered, for a Julian spirit put in this Petition among the rest, That Tithes might be taken away, and no other maintenance established in stead thereof. Had those Petitioners put in, And that the Tithes might come to those who pay them as their own proper goods, they would not be such deceivers of the poor Countryman, as otherwise they will be.  
Now if it were worth the examining, we might certainly find many untruths also in a few leaves of that Pamphlet, as that 1500. of each book were printed, is improbable; and that they were all printed in England, is doubtful.  
Have you been thus enraged at us for our Pamphlet, as you call it, without examining of it? more shame for you. And that 1500. of each book was printed we assert not, but guess, because that number is the usual impression of a book. But that they were all printed in England, we are ready to make good, if the State should judge it worth the while. We do not guess at that, but are sure of it.  
The Subscribers rank the Christian Moderator among Popish books, because it equally rejects episcopal bondage and Presbyterian slavery.  
We persuade ourselves no wise man that reads that book, will doubt that he is a Papist, though now and then he transform himself into the appearance of a Protestant (as the Devil sometimes changeth himself into the shape of an Angel of light.) It is known, and can be proved if need be, that Sancta Clara, that famous, or rather infamous Priest, presented one of them to a Lady, who told it to a reverend Minister of this city; and withal, said that he was the author of the book. Beside, the very design of the book is to vindicate the Popish Religion, it pleads for a general toleration, and especially for a toleration of Popery, It pleads against all settlement of Religion: upon which we shall propound but one Quaere by the way, Whether the Jesuits (who are no fools) do not apprehend that a Toleration is their best market, and a settlement in Religion the only way to suppress them? Whereas its said the book hath nothing against the State. It seems these men are of that Religion, that they care not what men say against God and Christ, and the truths of God, if they are but trueto the State. These men would do as the Roman Emperors did: If any man forswore himself by their Genius, they would be sure to punish them; but let him forswear himself by God, they would leave him to God to punish. So let a man blaspheme God, dethrone the Lord Jesus, call Moses and Christ Impostors, there are some Gallio's that care for none of these things: but let men speak but a word against the Parliament, let him but whistle against the army, and these very men would break him in pieces like a potter's vessel. But we hope our State will scorn the service of such spirited men. We hope they will remember what good Constantius did and said, when by a stratagem he had found out the indifferency and carelessness of many of his Courtiers in the matters of Religion, he presently dismissed them with this noble speech, He that will not be faithful to God, will never be faithful to me, but for his own ends.  
And holds forth an absolute incoertion in matters of inward belief.  
See how both the Moderator and you equivocate; what do you tell us of inward belief, when the question is wicked practices, Idolatry, heresy, blasphemy, and the spreading of these.  
They say Christians of a different belief are not tolerated to profess their Religion among Papists; are they not in France?  
Take all we say, without clipping off that part which you had no mind to remind the world of, and let it speak for itself. Our words are these: viz. For the world knows that those virtues never appeared in Papists toward Christians of a different belief, who are not (that we know of) tolerated to profess their Religion among them, except by the achievement of the sword, taken up in their defence against popish cruelty. Nor doth the Moderator in the least demonstrate how the Protestants may be assured of a toleration, in case the Papists shall at any time become the major part, as being impossible for him or any others so to do, until a popish general council shall cancel some of their points of Faith about the Pope's supremacy and church's infallibility. We think you were afraid to meddle with us here.  
As for the popish books mentioned in their Catalogue, we do believe (upon good information) that the greatest part of them only hold forth moral divinity, and rules of good life.  
Is this moral Divinity, to assert that Rome is the only true Church, the Pope Christ's vicar-general, and the infallibility of both? also Traditions, Prayer for the dead, Invocation of Saints, purgatory, real presence in the Eucharist, Adoration and bowing to the host, Altars, Images, relics, a perfect keeping of the Commandments, merit of Good Works, Latin Service, with all the rabble of Popish Ceremonies and fopperies, stretching their wits to maintain these by Arguments; and is all this moral Divinity? damning all that are not of their belief; and is that a point of moral Divinity so to do? If all this Rubbish must be so called, pray take in with the rest The Directory for the Mass, lately put to the Press, and call that moral Divinity also.  
And if those books have nineteen parts of good matter, and the twentieth part Popery, it were great pity the much good should suffer for the little evil; as was excellently said by a worthy Member of Parliament upon occasion of debate concerning the Racovian catechism, who upon that reason passed his vote against the burning of it.  
woe is us that we live to hear Protestants plead for that wicked book, which is indeed a very sink of errors. Is it a small thing that it maintains freewill, denies paedobaptism, Predestination, &c. Turn in, and you shall see greater abominations than these. It denies the satisfaction of Christ, pleads for justification by works, It ungods the holy Ghost: And above a quarter of the book is spent in arguing against the Divinity of Christ. So that we think these men have done a great dishonour to the Parliament, in publishing to all the Nation that there is any there that should either speak in so bad a cause, or use such weak and fallacious arguments. And it is no credit to the army, that any of them should speak for so devilish a book, and that too after the Parliament had declared their hatred of it, and zeal against it; for which the hearts of many thousands in England did bless God on their behalf. Whether that Gentleman spoke excellently in the Parliament House or no, we have learned better than to pass our censure, especially considering that his speech was against the sense of the House. Certainly the time will come, that the secret debates of the Members of the Supreme council shall not be commended or censured without the walls of the Senate House by private men in public print. But we shall dare to examine in the spirit of meekness, whether your notion of the twentieth part poison be an excellent one or no. Our answer therefore is this: Things without life or sense are not capable of punishment or pain, and so their sufferings no matter of pity, further than in relation to the owners or users of them; and therefore when nineteen truths of God are transcribed or collected out of the perfect Canon of the Scripture, on purpose to put off (with them) one damnable error that is shuffled in among them, it is no matter of pity to punish the spirit of error, and preserve people from infection, by burning all that paper and ink (God's truth for all that as a fountain abides and is not diminished) unless the good were separated from the bad and preserved, and the bad rejected; which may be done no way but by that of Licensing, which we desire in our Beacon fired. yourselves will grant, that a book containing nineteen parts of excellent Divinity or Policy, having but the twentieth part seditious and treasonable against the Parliament or army, aught to be burned and suppressed with a witness. If a great man's picture should be drawn never so well in respect of all the parts of it, except only one of the members, and that should be so ugly, as to present that great man a very deformed man, were it any pity to burn that picture? What madness were it to suffer the people of a Town to use infected water, while there is enough pure water in the common Town-well or Fountain? And if there were true weight and reason in what you say of your twentieth part of Popery, it would prove it pity and folly to throw away a roasted apple that hath a dram, or a whole guile of beer that hath a gallon of strong poison in it.  
For Mr. Hobbs and Mr. Sprig, they are very well able to answer for themselves; only this we gather, that they are the more violent, as we conceive, against Mr. Sprig, for being the author of Anglia Rediviva or the History of the war while Sir Thomas Fairfax was general, by whose success the Presbyterian tyranny began to be abated.  
We are not violent against Mr. Sprig, but (we think) zealous against his blasphemy, and that only because it is blasphemy; and though it never can pull the sun of righteousness out of the firmament, yet it endangers the total eclipsing of it in our horizon. And as for the Presbyterian tyranny to be begun to be abated by Sir Thomas Fairfax, it's a silly fiction; the glorious Reformation that Presbytery purports, though ever since the dawning of Reformation earnestly prayed for by all the godly judicious Protestants, nicknamed Puritans, yet it was never exercised publicly before Sir Thomas Fairfax was general, and by means of his success against the great enemies of Presbytery: And not to this day, much less while he was general, did Presbytery in any part of this Nation do any thing that might have the least show of tyranny; a foolish picture of a bugbear that you paint upon good and wholesome Order in the Church of God. And pray whence did you gather that we were violent against Mr. Sprig because he was the author of that History? when as one of us the Subscribers hath the vending of that particular book.  
Now the truth is, this party of men make an appearance of zeal against Papists and popish books, the better to disguise their designs, when as their malice and spleen is against the well affected, whom they style Independents and Sectaries.  
You cannot forbear being bitter and censorious; our zeal with you is but an appearance of zeal, and to disguise their designs; and their malice and spleen is against the well-affected; Is this Christianly done? read our Beacon fired, do we give you any occasion of these expressions, and do we so much as name Independency or Sectary in all the book? Your Catalogue of books we said before is such, that the most of them were complained of formerly, and one or other punished for them, viz. The History of Independency, Mr. Walker, the supposed author, died prisoner in the Tower. The Plea for Non-scribers, complained of, and a Bookseller imprisoned for it. The same was done for Bonds and Bounds. Mr. Loves Sermons, the Epistle whereof you say hangs a flag of defiance, charged upon Mr. Calamy, a notorious untruth; as at the beginning is proved. Manus Testium, Lingua Testium, with a Narrative of the mystery of State, long since complained of, and the supposed author many months imprisoned for them; with others. And for all these books, they are unjustly charged upon us or the Presbyterian party; let the authors answer for them, if they have not already; do we deal so with you or any others? do we charge the army or Independency with popish, with Mr. Sprig's, Mr. Hobs', or the rabble of Ranters books?  
These books we should not have mentioned, but through a necessity of quenching the fire of this Beacon.  
Which does it no more, then if you should throw oil into the fire, but does make good what we chiefly intended by the firing our Beacon; to wit, the necessity of the Parliaments regulating the exorbitancy of the Press; as the only way to prevent the publishing of such books as tend to the dishonour of God, and disturbance of the State.  
And of what more dangerous consequence such books are then any other sorts of books whatsoever, we leave to all true lovers of their Country to judge.  
Popish and blasphemous books are of more dangerous consequence (not in the least to justify treasonable ones) by how much the more God is provoked by them.  
We humbly hope the Parliament will not restrain any peaceable spirit from the liberty of professing, nor shut up the Press from any godly persons having due regard to the honour and peace of the Parliament and this commonwealth.  
For your last hope, or wish, or prayer, we will but mend it a little, and so conclude with an Amen, viz. We humbly hope that the Parliament will not restrain any peaceable spirit, that is a Prophet, from the liberty of prophesying, nor shut up the Press from any godly persons while they write godlily, having due regard to the honour and peace of the Parliament and this commonwealth. Amen.  
FINIS.