MALICE Against MINISTRY MANIFESTED By the Plain and Modest PLEA and DEFENCE OF ZACH. CROFTON Minister of the Gospel at Buttolph's Aldgate London Unto the False and Frivolous Charge of Tho. Harrison, and John Levet against him exhibited unto the Commissioners for the Ejection of Ignorant, Scandalous and Insufficient Ministers, etc. within the City of London. In which you have His Past Credit Attested. Present Plea demurred. Particular Articles duly and distinctly answered. Acts 26.2. I think myself happy King Aggrippa, because I shall this day answer before thee of all things whereof I am accused by the jews. Neque tu bonus Poeta esses, si preter legem carminis caneres; Neque ego Civilis Praetor essem, si preterquam quod leges permittunt tibi gratificarer. Themi. ad Sim. London, Printed for James Nathal, and are to be sold at his house in the Minories next door to the Dolphin, and at Booksellers Shops, 1657. To the Right Worshipful and Reverend, The Commissioners for the Ejection of Ignorant, Scandalous and Insufficient Ministers, etc. within the City of London. Right Worshipful and Reverend Sirs, THIS ensuing plea is to you presented, not as a Book which begs your Patronage, nor yet to prejudge the cause before you depending, or in the least to supersede your proceed, but to acquaint you with the real truth to facilitate your debates, and answer the desire of some among you, whom (if I did not mistake) I heard (in my last appearance before you) say, They expected my answer in writing, which now you have; and this Epistle is to apologise this public approach unto you: unto which I have been constrained By your multitude to whom one Copy could be little advantage, and transcription is a burden I cannot bear, and I believe your Clerks would find very heavy: By the clamours of mine enemies who have loudly said, They had laid in before you a Charge, by which they should discover me to be the vilest Minister in England, even more vile than those Centuries silenced by the late Committee for plundered Ministers: and therefore did provoke my friends to persuade me to run away, and (have since my appearance) clamored that I cover my guilt by denying your cognisance; and demur to your jurisdiction, because I dare not plead to the charge; hereby the world may see the charge though detecting some infirmities is not so criminal; and although I would not represent you arbitrary who are bound up to a law; and therefore by advice of Counsel learned in law, I have demurred; yet I had a full answer ready on which I dare join issue. By the pragmatic readiness of some overbusy spirits to be printing the passages of last days proceed (which was by a Printer of my acquaintance providentially prevented:) last, I have made thus bold to entreat a speedy result of your present debate, that if within your cognisance we may proceed to trial: if not you will please judicially to declare it so, and not keep it in deck and me and my people under suspicious delays: mine accusers have said it shall be Lady-day before it be by you decided: but I hope you will consider the great work of God upon my hands, and one way or other set me at liberty: and if (as mine accusers blaze abroad) the charge be to be returned to his Highness and Council (whose cognisance I cannot but believe it is much below) I crave that you will please with the charge to return this plea, that if possible by it their prejudice against me may be removed, and I and my people (by their favour) be restored to our Sabbaths liberty in our own Church; and erroneous John Simpson be removed from among us: the which if you, or any of you, could obtain in our behalf, our restored peace and order, the advancement of God's truth and ordinances should be your blessing; and I should be no more suspected of disaffection to the present Government than I was before his intrusion. Worthy Sirs, I will hold you no longer, save to tell you, I doubt not but you see how ready Satan is to make use of you (who are piously intended to reform the Ministry) unto the ruin of this holy function: and how ever it may far with me, I hope it will make you cautious what charge and by what kind of persons is laid against a Minister: and if I have offended in coming a little out of my way to meet you with this answer, I pray remember you stepped something out of your way to call him hither, who is From my Study in Covent-Garden in the Parish of Butolphs-Aldgate this 8. of December, 1657. Your humble Orator expecting your piety and justice, ZACH. CROFTON. MALICE against MINISTRY MANIFESTED. By The modest Plea and Defence of ZACH. CROFTON unto the false and frivolous Charge against him exhibited unto the Worshipful and Reverend, The Commissioners for ejection of Ignorant, Scandalous and Insufficient Ministers within the City of London, by John Levet, and Tho. Harrison, and other their anti-ministerial Confederates in the Parish of botolph's Aldgate: as it was prepared, and purposed to be declared at the Guild-hall on Wednesday, the 2 of Decemb 1657 I Am here convened before you, under the Notion of a Scandalous man in life and conversation; and on that account to be ejected out of the Ministry. The Ministry of the Gospel I know to be so sacred a Function of approach to God, as that Holiness should adorn the subjects of it: A Ministers practice I well know is so obvious to the people's view, that he that is profane, must needs unprofitably preach the Word of Holiness: it hath ever been a Petition in my Lerany, From an ignorant and profane Ministry, the scandal of Christianity, Good Lord deliver us. And on that account I have in my late A Book so called. Right Reentered declared to all the world, and told mine enemies, I am so zealous for a pious Ministry, that let me but have just Judges, judicial Process, and faithful Witness, and if I be found guilty of a scandalous conversation, let me be cast out as unsavoury salt; for though I cannot bear recrimination, as the answer of my Right yet I desire not to retain forfeited privileges, the forfeiture being regularly demanded. Hereupon the enemies of my Ministry having loudly clamoured, that I was a person vile and scandalous, and that they may audactèr calumniare, reproach with impudence, not doubting, but that though they miss their design, they may with so much impudence make some dirt to stick. To this end they have exhibited a charge in sundry Articles against me, unto which I now appear to give this ensuing answer. Articles exhibited against Mr. Zachary Crofton of Buttolph's Aldgate, London, To his Highness the Lord Protector and Council, by John Levet of the said Parish. I. AT his first coming into the Parish, some difference fell betwixt him and the Inhabitants, whereupon the Church Wardens and some others, went up to him in the Vestry-house, where he questioned the Church Wardens and some others, why they had brought so many of the inhabitants thither, and told them, That he desired but twenty or thirty of the names of the chief of the Parish to consult withal, whereupon M. John Farmantle, than Constable, asked him, What he would do with the names of those persons that he knew not? then the said Crofton replied, What is that to you if I consult with the Devil to know what they are. Whereupon William Turner, than Constable, answered him, If you have so much familiarity with the Devil, you are no fit Parson for us. And the said Crofton replied, What have you to do with that? or words to that effect. II. M. Sabine (one of M. Croftons' friends) saith, That a little time after M. Crofton came to preach at Aldgate, asked of him, By what power he came thither? and he answered him, By my Lord Protectors. Then said M Sabine, Why then observe ye not his Highness Orders, concerning the days of Fasting, and days of Thanksgiving, and praying for his Highness? M. Crofton answered him, An honest man may receive a courtesy of a Thief upon the high way, or words to that purpose. III. Some of the parish being given to understand that M. Crofton had been at Whitehal with a Petition to his Highness, desiring as they were informed to have a hearing of the business concerning his uncivil behaviour used towards his maid, upon which two of the Common-Council men, and another person went to the house of the said M. Crofton to give him an account that he had been (as they understood) with M. Maline, and clamourd them against them, upon which the said persons told him, They were ready and willing to make good whatsoever they had said against him; and in order thereunto were resolved to Petition his Highness for a hearing, upon which the said Crofton replied, The Protector was no competent Judge, for that he had prejudged him already, in giving away half his Pulpit to M. Simpson. And further, said, He was an unrighteous Judge, for he that shall make a nose of Wax of the Law, as he hath done, was an unrighteous Judge, or words to that effect. iv The uncivil behaviour of the said Crofton used towards his maid servant, Marry Cadman, as appears by Affidavits taken before the Master of the Chancery; as also the examinations of several, taken before the Commissioners, ordered by his Highness the Lord Protector, to examine the same; all which lie before his Highness at this present. V That whereas there was an Order granted by his Highness the Lord Protector and the Council (to confirm the former Order for M. John simpson's preaching on the Lord's day in the afternoon (as usual) and a Lecture on one of the week days) dated the 4 of August 1657. The Churchwardens, according to their duty, carried the said Order to the said M. Crofton, who read the same, and then demanded, Where they had it? they answered, From my Lord Protector and the Council. Nay, said M. Crofton, you mean you had it from the Common Council; and said, he knew not the hand, and that the Order did not concern him. Notwithstanding this, he having performed his morning exercise on the Lord's day, being the 9 of August, he there continued in the Pulpit, and several others with him in the Church, and went not home, as is usual, which caused many people from several parts to flock about the Church, seeing the said Crofton to keep the Pulpit, and Constables staves brought to the Church out of Middlesex to guard him by the said persons to whom the staves did belong they being Constables and Headboroughs of Middlesex caused a great disturbance. The Constables, whose charge it was to see the peace kept, and that no disturbance might arise, went into the Church with one of the Churchwardens, about one of the clock, in a peaceable manner, to know whether M. Zachary Crofton would obey his Highness and Councils Order, upon which one of the Constables of Middlesex aforesaid; thrust both the Constable and Churchwatden who only went to perform their duty. VI That on the next day, being the 10. of August, the said M. Crofton got a Warrant from a Justice of Peace to apprehend Edward Tench and Antony Finch, Constables. (which did their duty according to his Highness and Councils Order) and after the Warrant Signed and Sealed by the Justice, the said Crofton did of himself interline and put in the name of one Roger Waldin, who was the forementioned Churchwarden in the fifth Article; and apprehended the said Waldin and carried him before a Justice of Peace for a disturber, which upon examination was found to be none. A true Copy. William Avery John Levet. Tho. Harrison. Additional Articles exhibited by the major part of the Common Council, the Churchwardens, and divers of the Inhabitants of the Parish of Buttolph without Aldgate, against Zachary Crofton Minister there. I. THat on the 16 day of August last, being the Lords day, the said Zachary Crofton in the public meeting place of Aldgate, in his public Exercise or Sermon, did say, That Moses could prevail with the Lord by Prayer, but he could not prevail neither by Prayer nor Law, because that ungodly men have prevailed with the unjust Judges of this Nation, who have gone contrary to their Oath, tyrannically disinheriting him of his right, and letting of an erroneous turbulent spirit enjoy it. II. And that their sword was the Law, and therefore their tyranny was the greater, whereunto Law cannot reach. III. And that if that he were to plead his cause, with either Gody or honest, Pious, or Civil, Modest, or Just Judges, according to Law, he was confident he should enjoy his right: and said that the wickedness of ungodly man hath so prevailed against him, with the tyranny of unjust Judges, that he is enforced to leave his right, and if any of the Souls of his people be damned, for aught he knew, their blood would be required at the hand of the unjust Judges or the Erroneous Intruders. FOUR The said Zacharie Crofton, on the day and at the place above mentioned did further say, I have received an order for simpson's teaching in my Pulpit, and I am here to surrender my just reentred right to Simpson, contrary to all Law right and reason, and as a certain king said, what I will do I will do; so I am disreentred by that power, that what they will do they will do contrary to all Law, right and reason. V That on the Third day of September last, it being a Commanded public day of Thanksgiving for the Victories of Dunbar and Worcester, the said Zacharie Crofton would not Preach himself that day, nor suffer any other to Preach that day in the Public meeting place at Aldgate. That on Monday the 21. of September last it being the day appointed according to the Annual Custom for a thanksgiving to the Lord for his Mercies to the Trained bands of Algate (amongst others) at the memorable fight at Newberrie-Wash the said Zacharie Crofton was requested by the inhabitants of Aldgate Parish who had been Soldiers in that fight to give leave to M. John Simpson to Preach them a Sermon in the public meeting place at Aldgate, but the said M. Crofton would not give leave, so the said inhabitants were forced to have their Sermon at Katherine Creed-Church a Neighbour Church. A true Copy. William Avery. John Levet. Thomas Harrison. I am a Man, and so subject to infirmities, and hard it will be to pass through the sieve of envy, and rake of malice, and have the whole course of my life reviewed by revengeful foes, and not something of guilt found, which may be charged and must not be denied; but yet though as a man I have been surprised with some failings, yet this I have to say, That as a Minister I have (by God's grace) for more than fourteen years exercised this holy calling, not only without the least clamour and charge of scandal; but with the fame and repute of a godly man among such as are godly, both Ministers and people; to the evidence of this, I crave that your Clerk may read these annexed Certificates from the people and Ministers among whom I lived in the Country before I came to London: Newcastle in Staffordshire. WHereas we are given to understand that it is most wickedly and maliciously reported that Mr. Zachariah Crofton our late Minister, now Preacher at James Garlick-hill in London, was in the time he lived amongst us, known to be a Malignant, and Scandalous man in life and conversation, and was for his Malignancy and Scandal, from us removed: We do hereby certify and declare to all men, that he was never charged with, nor amongst us so much as suspected of malignancy, but well known for his integrity to the Parliament of England, and that as to his carriage amongst us, he was not only painful and faithful in preaching to us the word of truth in soundness, to the profit and good of many a soul amongst us, and in the Country about us, but also clear from all scandal in his conversation and well reputed among us for his piety, and never was from among us removed upon the account of malignancy or scandal, in witness hereof, we have set our hands, the twentieth of August 1653. John Hill, Major Joseph Sound Minister of Newcastle Tho. Lawton Walter Bagnall Richard Orine Schoolmaster Randle Bagnal Aldermen. Richard Bagnal Aldermen. Randolph Shaw Aldermen. Richard Heath Aldermen. Richard Bowker Aldermen. Ralph Keeling Aldermen. Thomas Bagnall Thomas Low, Bailiff Thomas Harrison Richard Harrison Richard B●lton Randolph Lovet William Bret Richard Bradshaw Thomas Shaw William Waklate Matthew Pain Tho. Wood John Brooks John Harrison James Tarbuck John Burgis Georg Richardson Gilbert Hill Matthew Rock Thomas Knight William Harrison John Butler Churchwarden. Richard Cook. Samuel Bagnal John Jennings John Harrison Richard Harrison Matthew Bowcar William Beard. Sept. 16. 1653. WE whose names are subscribed being Inhabitans in the Parish of Wenbury in the County of Chester, do hereby certify to all those whom it may concern, that Mr. Zachary Crofton was Minister in the said Parish from September 1649 for the space of two years and upward, all which time with diligence and godly zeal he did Preach unto us the Word of Truth, Administer the Sacraments, and Catechise the younger sort of Christians. His Doctrine was pure and Orthodox, so far as we are able to judge, his Conversation honest, and such as became the Gospel of Christ; his Reputation with the Ministry and godly Christians in the County was unspotted, his Company desired, and since his departure hence to London, his absence very much lamented; all which we shall further testify as occasion shall be offered. John Massy Nicholas Wilson Thomas Morris Richard Savage William Hall Hugh Hall Richard Lewis Ralph Yeavison Peter Jackson John Fisher. John Barrow Thomas Breeze Richard Heighfeild Randal Ankars George Hall Thomas Grace Edward Hamnet Robert Tricket Hugh Massy Jonathan Ball James Barnit Thomas Caldecot John Savage John Sproston Jo. Broster Ludim John Vernon Henry Woolrich William Wollrich, Thomas Colesacks John Wilkison Thomas Wolam Richard Jackson William Howpar Thomas Tensh George Bennifield Thomas Grace Thomas Spencer William Manwaring Edward Palin Joseph Palin Ar. Cartwright George Starkey William Cudworth Fench Yeoman Thomas French Ralph Preese William Rogers Thomas Rogers William Milliton Richard Rogers Randle Hare John Daxon William Wicksteed John Twis John Lunt John Woolrich. November the 5th. 1657. WE the Ministers of the Gospel in the County of Chester, and parts adjacent, do upon our personal knowledge of M. Zachary Crofton, now Minister of Bottolphs' Aldgate, London, certify, That he lived, and constantly exercised his Ministry among us for many years together, during which time he was highly esteemed by ourselves and such as feared God among us, and that as well for the Grace of God in him witnessed by his holy and unblameable conversation among us, his Sober and Modest behaviour in his own Parish and Family, as for his abilities for faithfulness and constant diligence in the work of the Ministry: and that in all the time he lived in our Country, he was never stained with the least blemish of Malignancy, or Scandal, or Immodesty, either in reference to himself or family. And Parson's Minister of Wem. Tho. Porter Minist. of Whitchurch Sam. Cole Pastor of Wybunbury Edw. Burghal Minister of Acton Sam. Fisher Minister at Thornton james Marbury Minister of Davenham. George Mainwairing Minister of Malpas. Richad Jackson Minister at Namptwich. Mat. Jenkyn Pastor at Grefford. Ran. Sillito Pastor of Church-Lawton. Ri. Steel Minister of Hanmer Flint Nat. Lancaster Pastor of Tarperly John Glendole Pastor of Peter in Chester. John Pemberton Pastor of john's in Chester Sam. Clark Minister of Taruin Thomas Edge Minister of Goostree. Josias Clarke Pastor of Tatenhall. William Keyes. Aylmore Houghton Minister of Preeze. And since Providence cast my Ministry into this City, such hath been my course of life, known to my brethren in the Ministry, with whom I have conferred, and intimately associated, as that they are pleased to give of it this ensuing Testimony. LONDON April the 10. 1657. WHereas M. Zacharie Crofton (Minister of the Gospel of Buttolph's Algate London) hath for several years last passed had his abode, and exercised his Ministry in this City, by means whereof we whose names are under written (with many others) have had the opportunity to know him, his ministry and Conversation. These are to certify (all whom it may concern) that upon our Personal knowledge and long experience, we Judge him to be a truly Godly man, an eminently able, painful, faithful, and Zealous dispenser of the Gospel: In whose hand God hath exceedingly prospered his own work, for the conversion, consolation, strengthening, establishment, and edification of very many Souls to eternal life; So that he is (we know) very much in and dear to the hearts of God's People in this City: And as for his conversation, we esteem him a man of great integrity, and conscientious in all his ways, truly Pious, exemplary and holy in the course of his life and converse with men, whereby as by his public indefatigable labours, and all other good ways and means, his endeavours have always been to promote and advance godliness and the interest of Jesus Christ in his generation. In witness of all which we have hereunto readily set our hands. Edm. Calamy. Simeon Ashe. Arthur Ja●kson. James Nalton Minister of Leon Fosterlane. Thomas Case. Samuel Clark. Charles Offspring. Elidad Blackwel. William Bates. Matthew Poole Minister of Michal Querne. John Cross Minister of Fridastreet London. John Fuller Minister of Jronmonger lane. George Smalwood Minister of Mildred's in the Poultry. William Blackmor Minister of Peter Cornhill. Thomas Clendon Minister of All-hallows Barking London. John Wells Minister of Olaves Jewry London. Thomas Watson Minister of Stephens Walbrook. Roger Drake Minister of Peter's West-Cheap. James Cranford Minister of Christopher's. William Taylor Minister in Coleman street. Thomas Jacomb Minister of M. Ludgate. Richard Kentish Minister at Katherine's tower. William Wickins Minister of Andrews Hubbards. Matthew Haviland Minister of Trinity Parish London. And in this Parish, where these men labour to render me vile such hath been my conversation, that the people who hath seen and known my manner of life (these men excepted, whose first quarrel was, and greatest is, at my * ministry) in an open Assembly (not by gathering names to blanks from door to door in a clandestine way, as did mine enemies) with an unanimous and cheerful acclamation, give this annexed Testimony of me, and protest against these prosecutions of my name and ministry. To the Honourable Commissioners for Ejection of Scandalous ignorant and insufficient Ministers. The Humble Representation and Protest of the Parishioners of the Parish of Botolphes Aldgate London, against the present prosecution of M. Zacharie Crofton our faithful Pastor. WE the Inhabitants within the Parish of botolph's Aldgate London, having understood, that there are certain Articles of Scandal exhibited against M. Zacharie Crofton our present Minister; and that in the name of the Churchwardens, and Parishioners of the said Parish, thought it to be no other than our duty, to acquit ourselves from the guilt and odium of this prosecution by making this representation of our thoughts, that we received M. Zacharie Crofton to be our Minister as a blessing from God, and peculiar favour from his Highness. And that as we were satisfied in the piety of his past life (by the testimonials, we have seen subscribed by the hands of the people among whom he hath lived, so since he hath lived among us (which is almost three years) he hath laboured among us with much faithfulness, industry, diligence, and good success in his Ministry, unto the great settlement of our distracted Parish, and restitution of God's ordinances (of which we have been long deprived) and hath led his life among us in all honesty, and godliness; and walked before us in the example of an holy unblamable conversation, as becomes a Minister of the Gospel; and in submission to the present Government of this Commonwealth, in so much that the common infirmities of a man excepted, we cannot charge him: but protest our dislike, and detestation of all prosecutions of him, to the reproach of his name, (which hath been precious in the Church of God) and depriving us of his Ministry, which we have found powerful in our hearts, and consciences; farther declaring that we utterly disown all Articles against him, in our names or by any entrusted with any power, or places of trust & dignity among us against him exhibited, well knowing that they are no other, than the malicious prosecution of some too violent and discontented men among us; who have disturbed our peace, distracted our order intruded on us teachers which we cannot own, and now labour to deprive not only us, but the Churches of God of his pains and precious Ministry, whom though we are far from defending in any known Scandal, yet as knowing his integrity, cannot but own and stand by, and desire such as are entrusted with power that he may be convicted of real crimes, and not infirmities, (from which we know no man free,) strained by malicious enemies, but as become, Piety, Justice, and the end for which you are Authorized; in all which we hope for expressions of tender respect unto our souls which cleave unto his Ministry, and we whose hands are subscribed shall pray. Rob. Burdit. Rich. Garford. Edward Mico. Kelham White. Edward Quick. William Grammar. Abram Parrot. Henry Winsle. Nath. Frere. Alex. Green Rowl. Swinnerton Church wardens George Ayrey. Nicholas Addams. John Hebs. Anthony Wood John Beck. William Acton. James Nuthal. Paul Doby. John Langham. Abram Venhack. Nathaniel Page. Richard English. Peter Turner. Nathaniel Milles. John Widness. Anthony Hancock. Joseph Surbut. Seni. John Duncomb. Jonathan Grammar. John Warren. Thomas Basset. James Woodward. Ralph Cawte. Thomas Ederton. John Hutton. Thomas Draycot. John Barfout. James Rayner. John Bondon. Vincent Izot. Thomas Wharton. William Shan. Edward Dexter. John Hoskin. Henry johnson. John Barham. William Arly. George Moris. William Woodross. Thomas Burrows. Henry Tanner. George Rhodes. Henry Skarbrow. Thomas Borral. Ralph Browner. Thomas Heath. james Heneks. William Ledger. Christopher Ally. james Honiburn. John Johnson. William Smith. John Smith. Nicholas Boswoth. Thomas Gunner. Abram Row. Thomas Place. William Saunsom. Richard Maidman. Thomas Hobkin. Willam Clacstone. George Spencer. Thomas Read. Robert Sabin. john Mason. Nathaniel Whitting Timothy Roberts. William Beck john Barker. Richard Rodgerson David Ploumer Peter B●tton John Palsmor William Henderson William pain Peter Goslin Richard Cooper William Smith Rodger Coply John Strandwidg Robert Real Ionas Brookbanke Ralph Gillam Eleazar Berens William Beal George Banners Joseph Sarbut junior. William Harris William Hutchines William Arm Thomas Batt John Blython Richard Penney John Greenhaugh William Peacock John Grace Richard Corner Thomas Jones William Powel Cornelius Foxly Thomas neal John Peacock William Bafer Richard Wharton Robert Tinbee Richard Allin Thomas Gostlin John Tower's Edward Gesford Richard Lawless Charles Williams Joseph Barcop John Merry Nicholas Kilbee Valentin Hall Andrew Kildenmore William Lambey Hugh Griffin John Hartley John Sharp Joseph Bell William Budley George Jelly John Clay Robert Hall Walter Thomson Richard Farley Thomas Bilefome John Wright John Millborne William Taylor Thomas Griffen Timothy Smart Charles Elmor james Doxtie James Smith Edward Nicholson Tho. Pardew. John Clerk Henry Jackson Christ. Taunton Richard Hail Andrew Eastwood Thomas Issacher John Campion John Lee Peter Waddeman John Rosse Henry Rumball William Compton Charles Williams Joseph Bartoke Will. Cuppey James Jeason Sam. Cocshull William Lecke Rob. Thompson John Partridge Robert Pearce Philip Shipton Robert Duke Natha. Duckfeild Gavin Aremstead Robert Skyner Will. Fletcher. Robert Wonham Tho. Forrest Joseph Robeson Reuben Ricraft Andrew. Reeme Harman Tivil Michael Goodman So that I doubt not but you now see, that till this, and at this time to none, but these men; who to revenge their own desired lust, and to wrest out of my hands the authority of my ministry, and civil right of my place: and the better to palliate their horrid impiety, and to cloud mine integrity, do labour might and main, right and wrong, to make me vile, whom blessed be God they cannot so find. And now as to the Charge, I shall desire to note of it in general, 1. That it is exhibited under the specious title of the major part of the Common Council-men, Churchwardens, and divers inhabitants of the Parish of Bottolphs' Aldgate, London And yet no one Common Council man, or Churchwarden hath signed it; nor any one Inhabitant, John Levet (one of the basest and vilest for constant enmity to Gospel ministry, common lying and cozoning in the course of his calling, and contempt, in the point of his estate excepted) unless Capt. Tho. Harrison (that known enemy of God's Ministers, and impudent invader of the pulpit (who as I am informed) purposely to avoid the charge of pragmatical busying himself in other men's matters, hath about a fortnight since taken some lodgings in the parish, must be deemed an inhabitant. I well know indeed that the major part of the Common Council-men in point of number; and two Churchwardens are confederate in this design, protested against by two Common Council-men, and two Churchwardens, and many hundreds of the Parish: and if quality may but counterpoise, the five exhibiting will be found much too light for one of the four disowning this Charge; two of the three Common Councilmen being venerable Carpenters in their Taffeta doublets, john Wildgoss. john Pits. William jelly. and the other a Tallow-chandler, who gaping for a Deputiship, did on purpose to remove them, help the two opposite Common Councilmen to the dignity of Aldermen, and yet lost their design: and as to the point of their practice, let the whole Ward witness, whether it possesseth more proud, ambitious, turbulent, deboist, envious and profane persons, more profound Sack-suckers, and substantial Alehouse-supporters, then are these five men. And I will be bold to charge them to be malicious enemies to Gospel ministry; one of them to be forsworn, another convict before the Council impudently to assert a notorious lie, and yet four several times offered to swear it: the third it is well known hath many times high heels under an heavy head, and knows how in Vestry Councils to pay his Tavern Reckoning; and the two Churchwardens will scarcely bring their action against such as shall say they are common drunkards and swearers, but they have made the whole Congregation witness, that they can apply this general confession in prayer, Lord, there are in the midst of us men mighty to drink wine, and such as put their bottle to their brother's nose to make them drunk. In a word, they are the shame of the Ward that keeps them in office, and a great dishonour to the honourable Common Council of this City. And as these five, so their divers inhabitants confederate, will be on enquiry found to be men most desperately profane, and at a deadly enmity to the power of godliness. I doubt not but you will easily judge these are fit instruments to appear against a Minister, and eject him out of this office, whom men of Civility, Gravity, Honesty and Piety do own as godly, and contend to enjoy. The second thing that I desire to note, is, That this Charge is merely frivolous, and visibly malicious; containing in it nothing really criminal or scandalous: Suppose a truth in the whole, it accuseth humane infirmities, and chargeth some acts of weakness, which yet are not inconsistent with piety, or ministerial fidelity; nay, and the whole charge lieth without the Cognizance of this Court, and although there were (as indeed there is not) never so much truth in it, yet it is Coram non Judice: you being to judge by a Law, and that law enumerating such particular crimes as shall be deemed scandalous, none of which is in this Charge objected against me, and therefore unto it I am not bound to plead, or give any answer: Nay, I doubt not but you will see that you are bound to reject the charge as merely frivolous; for as to that part which seems to come nearest the criminals, you are appointed to judge, (viz.) many expressions which are pretended to be spoken against the Lord Protector; had I (as I profess in the presence of God, Angels and Men, I did not speak them) yet they are no publication of disaffection to the government, but only Querulous expressions of the carriage of Governors, and that in the case of a personal and particular grievance, and these two are distinct. The Government may be just, good and allowed, where the Governors may act unjustly, oppress and occasion groans and grievous expressions of complaint, which yet must not be deemed disaffection to the government. So that whilst in pleading and giving answer to this Charge, I may render scandalous and criminal what is not so, and bespeak you a Court altogether Arbitrary, who are not so, and become an evil Precedent to such as shall come on this stage after me; and be an occasion for men to fancy, that your Commission, piously intended to reform the Ministry, may be used as the humour of envy, and means to ruin Gospel Ministry, on the discontent of any malicious men. I cannot but crave your judgement on the charge, and its consonancy to your Law, and if in your judgements (as in mine) it appeareth to be out of your cognizance, that you will please so to declare it, and accordingly to reject it as merely frivolous; the which being done, if you and mine enemies please, I shall as before so many private persons, whose judgements are amicably desired, give answer unto the several particulars of this Charge, by which wide-mouthed and weak men may know, that I plead not your want of Judicial Power to palliate my wicked cause, and cloud my course of life, the which, as it hath, so it shall (with the allowances due to frail man) undergo the strictest scrutiny of envy itself, if God deliver me from false witness, with which I have been afflicted. I having made bold by way of demur to note what is in general observable in the Charge, do now crave liberty to give unto the particular Articles this particular answer. Unto Article the first and sixth, the one charging me to have said unto John Farmantle, If I should consult the devil, what is that to you? And that of myself I should interline the name of Roger Walden into a Justice of Peace his Warrant. I answer, Though neither of them are criminal, and are qualified with such mistaken circumstances, and notorious falsities that I might plead Not guilty, and evade by disproving the circumstances; yet I say to them, as Austin to the accusing Manichees, Quae tu accusasti egomet damnavi, Mine own accusation ought to have saved them the labour; whilst had not mine own in genuitie and simplicity owned, they could never have convicted me, especially of the latter. Is not that a right Christian charge, when a mans own confession must be the only ground of the accusation? Is not repentance the sponge of impiety, much more of infirmity in the pious, and these were no other; if so much; for neither was the one spoken, nor the other acted wilfully, but under visible temptation, or mature advice and counsel. John Farmantle as a faithful witness should tell the whole truth, he as an overbusy man near three years past, packing with, & put on by Will. Turner, and other his profane companions (who rage at the least restraint or bar to the Lords Table) purposely to disturb the serious debate to that end agitated, did restlessly and clamorously query, How will you know who are profane? to which he received that mild answer, Friend, I will resolve you in that anon when this debate is ended: yet he pursued to disturb, and was repelled with this second answer, it may be some of your neighbours may inform me; yet not abiding silent, he received this third answer, Why do you so busy yourself in that which concerneth you not? I shall endeavour to know who are profane, and if God by his Spirit should reveal it, what need you care? He yet proceeding to interrupt our debate, at last received this unadvised check, What a strange busy man are you thus to inquire of that which concerns you not? if I should consult the devil, what is that to you? So you see passion provoked to the height before it uttered this expression; and a meek Moses may wrathfully call Israel Rebel, and by the Spirit of God canonising his Saint-ship be shadowed with this charge, They vexed his Spirit, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. And as the expression was not uttered, so the action was not done without temptation. And concerning it, I say it was an error, but I bless God on my spirit there is no aggravating guilt, nor any thing more save actum agere, I wrote the name. The case was thus; The Justice's Clerk having omitted Waldens name (purposed to have been in the Warrant) I was running to the Old-Bayly to have it inserted, and met with an eminent and ancient Attorney of this City, who told me, I might put in his name myself, for it was ordinary so to do, and in that case for which the Warrant was granted, he was apprehensible without it. Passing from him, I met with an Alderman, who told me, I might do it and the Justice would own it, who never did disowne it. On which advising, and knowing that the Alderman was busy at the Sessions, I did interline his name; and although one Justice did acquit him, yet before the Lord Chief Justice he was convicted of a Conspiracy laid at the Fountain Tavern by Aldersgate to pull me out of the Pulpit; to which end he combined with Tench and Finch two profane and blasphemous Constables, who made a Riot in my Church, and came up to the Pulpit to pluck me thence, and disturbed our assembly in the time of Public Worship, and therefore gave just cause for a Warrant to apprehend him. And now what will this Charge amount to; Mr Crofton is guilty of an unadvised expression and action, extorted by the visible force of a temptation. This is indeed an infirmity deserving fraterna correptio, Brotherly reproof, which I have, and am ready to receive from my Brethren in the Ministry, and desire to be humbled for, as they open the mouths of profane men, that delight to blaspheme. But are these criminal acts inconsistent to piety, & making the Ministry odious, that he must for them be cast out, and trodden under foot of men. The men that can thus loudly clamour upon his unadvised expression, never once discover the provoked passion which uttered it, nor consider their own terms deliberately uttered, as, That the devil is in you that you own Mr. Crofton, as Thomas Harrison said to M. Vanhack, and we will consult the devil, but we will have that shall do against him to ruin him, as they were heard to say in the Guild-hall on Wednesday the second instant. This is not a check of pragmatic curiosity, but a public resolution. May I not justly say, Pull the beam out of thine own eye; but recrimination is not my work. Unto the second Article, which chargeth me to have answered M. Sabin when be asked me, Why I did not observe his Highness' days of Thanksgiving, etc. An honest man may receive a courtesy from a Thief on the Highway. I answer, That this is not criminal, for it is an evasive answer, and no Argument of disaffection to the government; for it is the usual Simile brought by such as press subjection unto government irregularly acquired. I remember Judge Mackworth used a more homely similitude after the cutting off the late King, pressing subjection to the changed government, he said, I will presuppose your former husband was most cruelly and unjustly murdered, were you not then at liberty to marry another? It is well he is dead; these men would endeavour to make him a Traitor: But these words I never spoke, and that M Sabine himself is steady on his oath to witness when ever he is called. And what they mean by words to this purpose, I know not, nor need I care; for they that will make a man an offender for a word, aught to charge and prove syllabically. Words to this purpose, was deemed a very great grievance in the late High Commission Court, and I hope shall not be admitted in these days of liberty. For Words to this purpose, may be so in their apprehension, which are not so in the speakers intention: Evasive answers are usually ambiguous. Presuppose that I should say in answer to such a Querie, a man may receive a courtesy on Hounslow Heath. These men cry it amounts to the same sense, as if none but Thiefs did travel over Hounslow Heath; but charity can easily find another sense, and make the simile run thus, A man may receive a courtesy from a stranger travelling over Hounslow, whom he knows not, nor what right he hath to give, only he finds him possessed. Words to this purpose, will easily hook in the best friends that have pleaded plenary possession to create a right to punish acquirements; and according to accusers mistaken apprehensions, I must be charged as I am in the next Article. Unto Article the third, which chargeth me to have said, The Lord Protector was not a competent Judge, because he had prejudged me in giving away the half of my Pulpit to Simpson; and further, that he was an unrighteous Judge, for he that could make a nose of Wax of the Law, as he had done, was an unrighteous Judge an unrighteous; or words to that effect. To this I answer. This is a complaint of unjust administration, but no declared disaffection to government; but as to these words, as charged, I never spoke them: The Harrison told me, He would have the Protector hear the foolery clamoured of my maid: To which I answered, I have offered, and do offer to cast my credit on the verdict of twelve men amicably chosen, or returned by the Sheriff, but as for the Protector he is no competent judge, for he hath prejudged me: and that I had cause to say so there are some anong you know: And if a man may not deem his Highness in some cases an incompetent judge, why doth the Lord Chief Justice sit on the Bench in causes to him relating? And how is he capable of being impleaded? But, as for the giving away the half of my Pulpit, and saying, That the Protector was an unrighteous judge, and made a nose of Wax of the Law, I never said or thought it: For I am yet to be convinced, that by any colour of law I should be interrupted in public service, or hindered from preaching twice a day to my people, and that statis horis, on the Sabbath. And therefore unto this part I plead, Not guilty, and to convince me, you must expect the Oath of John Wildgoss, and William Jelly, both accusers, but have not subscribed, that they may be witnesses; and these men if they would swear truth must tell you, these were Tho. harrison's words, not mine. For they coming to my house, and knowing that I would not speak with them alone, brought with them Nathaniel Duckfield and Edmund Man (now at rest) both men fearing God, and they heard what passed in discourse between us. And if these two Common Council-men do swear (as they are desperate enough) that I spoke these words, I shall produce, Nathaniel Duckfield and one Roger Morris (a Minister in North Hamptonshire, who was in my house) to witness that when I said, The Lord Protector was no competent judge; Thomas Harrison said, What, do you say the Protector is an unrighteous judge? I replied, No, he that is an incompetent, is not always an unrighteous judge: He answered, I will swear you said so; and he now attempts to accomplish his word: and when these two Common Council-men were gone away with this accuser, I and my friends did bewail their wickedness, that would gloss on my words, and then swear I spoke them; but thus they make up their words to that purpose. Moreover I should (if not furnished to disprove them) except against their testimony as incredible, not only as they are accusers, in whose name the Charge is exhibited, but as the one is forsworn, and the other a convict liar. Unto Article the fourth, Relating to the incivility pretended to be acted on the body of Mary Cadman, I say it is here added to no other end save audactèr calumniaere to fasten with impudence their own slander; were it true, it is no crime; and modesty hath been more violated by the fame, than act itself if done. But these men are most notoriously impudent, to charge what they can prove by none, save a notorious thief and liar, and one that hath to many in discourse, and on her oath denied it; and that which she never owned, till by a Justices Warrant brought to the Pie and Hoop Tavern before their very selves, who have circumstantiated it most ridiculously; and taught her and others to swear the things in which they are palpably forsworn, and so proved, as doth appear in the late book to you directed, called Perjury, the Proof of Forgery, penned by a friend of mine that well knew all circumstances relating to that business. To this therefore I plead, Not guilty; and will hold mine integrity until I die, and not justify these mine accusers. Unto Article the fifth, I say, that I did say, That the Order concerned not me, it being directed to M. Grafton. I knew not the Order to come from the Council, it not being signed by the Clerk as was usual. On August the 8. I gave an answer to that order which provided M. Simpson a liberty of Lecturing in my Church, which answer was, That I would do my duty statis horis, and leave him to his liberty when I have done; and I am sure Stepney would give 50 l. per. ann. for such a grant. On August the 9 I kept my pulpit, being so advised by council, and knowing that if I stepped out they would seizeit, and to that end Simpson preached at Creed-Church that morning. The Constables out of Middlesex who had their staves were Parishioners, and on their duty defending me in my right, from such as had at the Fountain Tavern conspired to pull me out of the pulpit, who were these very accusers and prosecuters of this charge. For this I was had before the Council, and acquitted; and these Constables were by these men indicted for a Riot who did but their duty, as was evidenced on Tuesday the first of December instant, before the Lord Chief Justice, where they were acquitted, and the conspiracy of these men was discovered. And it must not be made a scandal for a Minister to contend for his just liberty to do his duty, and to have the Officers to defend him in the same against the plotted, viotent assaults of his enemies. Unto the four first additional Articles, charging me on the Lord's day August 16 in my Church and Sermon to have said, 1. That Moses could prevail with the Lord in Prayer, but I could neither prevail by Prayer nor Law, because ungodly men have prevailed with the unjust Judges of this Nation, who have gone contrary to their oath, tyrannically disinheriting me of my right, and letting an erroneous turbulent spirit enjoy it. 2. And that their sword was their Law, and therefore their Tyranny was the greater, whereunto law could notreach. 3. And if that I were to plead my cause with either godly, or honest, or pious, or civil, modest or just Judges, according to Law, I were confident I should enjoy my right; and said, That the wickedness of ungodly men had so prevailed against me, with the tyranny of unjust judges, that I was enforced to leave my right; and if any of the souls of my people be damned, for aught I know their blood would be required at the hands of the unjust Judges, or Erroneous intruders. I have received an order for simpson's teaching in my pulpit, and I am here to surrender my just reentered right to Simpson, contrary to all law, right and reason, & as a certain King said, what I will do, I will do, so jam disreentred by that power that what they will do, they will do, contrary to all law, right and reason. Unto this whole charge I desire it may be noted, That these are the highest but querulous expressions in apprehension of of oppression in a particular case. They all relate to the intrusion of john Simpson into my church, and are charged on that occasion to be spoken, as being thereby provoked. It is the observation of the preacher, That oppression will make a wise man mad. These men make me cry, and then endeavour to have me beaten for crying. His Highness grants I. Simpson a liberty, taking it for granted, that he and his people have so much honesty and modesty as to obtain both ministers and people's consent. They disingenuously decline that, and by his liberty violently bring me and my people and Gods Ordinances into Captivity. Can I choose but be grieved? Can a grieved spirit choose but speak? And must not their unadvised speeches meet with indulgence? Our common proverb saith, Losers may have leave to speak. All men must needs judge, that to have my Church commanded against the common and just privilege provided for, and possessed by all other Ministers, must needs provoke passion: I, but to be commanded by Jo. Simpson a man of tumults, witness Paul's Church yard, Bishopsgate and Spittle fields: a man of sedition, witness Blackfriers, & Alhallows fifth Monarchy Lectures: A man of Error, even damned errors, a convicted Antinomian, the men yet live in Aldgate Parish that convicted him of saying, The Law is of no use, not so much as a rule of life to a believer: Since his intrusion into my pulpit, he hath decried and degraded Gods holy Ordinances; at one time preaching, he said, To learn a Catechism is not to worship God, you may as well take your children to the Market or Fair, and buy them Baubles, Rattles and Hobby-horses as Catechisms; And when I took notice of it, most impudently denied in the ears and to amazement of the same Assembly, that ever he spoke it, insomuch that some ran out of the Church charging him with a notorious lie. And at the same time he utterred this expression, That it was gross ignorance for any to think by catechetical heads to bring a man to the knowledge of Christ. Thus in the same place where I had vindicated, he hath vilified this needful Ordinance of Catechising. And in my own hearing he did most grossly abuse Scripture by false interpretations, as in the Sermon he preached on 1 Pet. 3.19. he noting Christ by his Spirit preached to the spirits which are in prison: By Spirit of Christ, he understood, the Works of Creation and Providence to such as lived remote from Noah, and the voice of Noah to such as were near him: and by Prison he understood an estate of sin and unregeneracy. And on Wednesday the 2 of Sept. 1657, he preached, and most vigorously pressed this Familistical, and Baptism degrading Notion, (viz.) Baptism is not the ground of communion with the Church, but real grace, the answer of a good conscience by the Resurrection of Christ from the dead; and though a man were altogether ignorant of the Doctrine, and had never passed under Water-Baptism, he could own him as a member of the Church, and give him all the Ordinances of Jesus Christ. And greatly he did inveigh against all such as would not continue in communion with the unbaptized. And although the same day I taxed him with error, and soberly demanded his Arguments, noting some against this notion; nay, and on the following Wednesday I by another Letter did demand and provoke his answer, but so disingenuous and obstinate he is, that I never obtained any. Now to have such a man to be intruded upon my people, will it not provoke ministerial zeal to loud complaints, and give me cause to say, If any of my people's souls be damned, their blood will be required from the erroneous intruders. So that I hope unadvised expressions in this case shall not be deemed disaffection to the Government, under which I lived peaceably without the least expression or suspicion of disaffection, until hereby provoked; and if God and those in Government will but take this yoke from off me and my people, I should be found as silent as the most submiss to the present Government: and a favourable apprehension of any expressions uttered in this provoked complaint, is the rather desired, for that I was one who fought for my liberty, and expect to enjoy it, no less than others: so far was I from being in arms for the King (as mine accusers have reported) as that under Sir John Meldrom and Colonel Shuttleworth, I was in arms against him, as Lancashire and Cheshire can well know, where I encountered those dangers that the proudest of mine enemies I believe never did. I will not except Captain Harrison, nor yet Major John Simpson, of both whom I much mistake if it may not be said, Tutius est contendere verbis, quam pugnare manu: And in that Parliamentary quarrel I did persevere to the last stroke, and the Principles thereof I do with constancy retain. Nor was I ever sequestered on any account of disaffection as mine enemies have falsely suggested: It is indeed true, our Nation hath of late been subject to some revolutions, wherein I can better dread providence then defend instruments; herein I (as many other good men) stand dissatisfied, but not declaredly disaffected: and I hope if the child's complaint do fly something too high, it will be an Apology to acquit from the charge of disaffection that the parents have provoked unto wrath. But why do I stand to apologise where I am falsely accused: unto this whole charge I do really plead, Not guilty. I did not on the 16 of August speak any of these expressions in the Sermon preached at Aldgate, nor did I speak them at any other time in any other place or Sermon: and I much wonder who must witness these expressions to be mine, where did they sit? I can already read that they trusted their memory more than their pen, and I hope when they come to proof they will give you a convincing account of the Sermon in which these expressions were uttered. Sure I am that my whole Congregation will on the first view of them say, Mr. Crofton never uttered such words in their ears, nor is it his Dialect or stile of speech; it sounds much more like the rash conceptions and rude expressions of an All-hallows Lecturer, and those who penned that day's Sermon can find nothing like this Charge, though mine accusers charge with confidence, and without their wont Salvo, or words to that effect; nay, so far are these words from being mine, that though I would justify the matter, I should blush at the form: I do not usually speak non sense, and these expressions are no other; in the very first, note the connexion, Moses could prevail with the Lord in prayer, but I can neither prevail by prayer nor law: I pray you who is the object of Prayer and Law? is not the Lord, with whom Moses prevailed? and doth it not sound like M. Crofton? He could not prevail with God by prayer or law because ungodly men had prevailed with unjust Judges, etc. And again, thinks any that I deem a Church-living an inheritance, that I should account the intrusion of Joh. Simpson into the whole (who is in no part) a disinheriting me of my right. Again, Thinks any that I understand not the term Pious or Godly, that I should Tautologize in my expressions? Let my brethren Judge whether it is probable that I would fetch a Similitude from a certain King that said, What I will do, I will do, as if I knew not sic volo, sic Jubeo, to be a feminine reason; so that the whole is such an heap of nonsense, that could I be convict I spoke it, I should rather be convened before you as an insufficient, than a scandalous Minister, but the very face of the child showeth it to be the brat of some malicious brain; For I profess before God, Angels and Men, that I spoke them not: Nay, by God's grace, it hath been my care not to mingle my passionate complaints with his pure Word; and therefore whatever I have done, I did it distinct from my Sermon. I did the 16 of August express a complaint against John Simpson and his confederates, and expostulate with them as men of neither reason nor civility, honesty or piety, and they reflect what is charged on themselves upon the present Government, whereas in the whole complaint I did not once mention tyrants, or tyrannically disinheriting, nor unjust Judges, nor the sword being their Law, nor indeed any thing in this whole Charge. The complaint I did make, I (foreseeing the malicious misapprehensions and misrepresentations of it) I did commit to writing, communicate to some before I spoke it, and did read it syllabically out of the paper unto the people, and I can if need be produce it. But these men that have openly enveighed against the Lord Protector, as * As did john Simpson in Alhallows Lectures. Tyrant, Great man at Whitehall, and provoked against him an ehud's dagger, calling him † As did Wil jellic. Juggler, and one that regarded not oaths, and that out of disaffection to his Highness' government; can put him into their room, and reflect on him the complaint made against themselves, who in this very case of mine have done no mean dishonour to his government, as I have noted in my Right Reentered. Unto the fifth Additional Article, I answer, That preaching on the 3 of September, was not commanded none was unto me propounded to preach that day at Aldgate, and though I preached not at Aldgate, yet I preached at Alhallows Barking; and I am not the only man that omitted that Day's Exercise, Communis error fit jus. Unto the last Additional Article, I answer, That there is in it a notorious falsity; for none of the neighbours desired of me that John Simpson should preach; one indeed put out that query, when they desired the liberty of the Pulpit, What if we choose M. Simpson? but he desired no liberty for him; but with their swords by their sides they brought him into the Church, and I would not let him preach, nor will I let him him preach in my Pulpit one moment longer than I cannot help it, and I think, such as love the truth will say, that the care of the souls of my people will nourish, maintain and justify this resolution. And now, Gentlemen, I have brought out my cause before you, and given a plea unto this Charge, and that not merely formal, but real and true, by which I doubt not, but you will see that I had cause to say of it, it is false and frivolous: And hereupon if it come within your cognizance, and the compass of your Law, I join issue, and am ready to proceed to proof, by which it will be more plainly manifest, that malice against Ministry, not any scandal in my life, is the ground of my long vexation, and present prosecution; and that I have cause to say with the Psalmist, Psal. 56.5. What things I either did or spoke They wrist them at their will, And all the counsel that they take Is how to work me ill. FINIS. Page 3. l. 10. r. unrighteous Judge. p. 5. l. 4. r. godly. p. 19 l. 33. r. unjust. p. 20. l. 2. r. judge. p. 22. l. 16. r. violent. l. 34. r. at the. l. 38. r. on p. 23. l. 5. r: These. p. 10. against line 4. in marg. r. Hence their cry in all this contest is, We will know whose is the Pulpit.