The Prerogative Priests Passing-Bell. OR Amen to the Rigid Clergy. Showing the Usefulness, Equity, Lawfulness, and Necessity, of private Persons to take upon them Preaching or Expounding of the Scriptures, having a Call thereto by the Word of God, and agreeable to the practice of the best Reformed Churches of Christ, and judgement of judicious Divines both foreign and domestic. Being a brief Reply to that Discourse entitled The Pulpit guarded with 17 Arguments, and owned by THO. HALL. Calculated on purpose for the Metropolis of Northamptonshire, and may serve indifferently for the Meridian of most places in other orisons, especially for those parts that are in Conjunction with the Northern Climate. By WILLIAM HARTLEY. But Diotrephes who loveth to have the pre-eminence amongst them, receiveth us not, wherefore if I come I will remember his deeds which he doth, prating against us with malicious words, and not content therewith; neither doth he himself receive the brethren, but forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the Church. 3 John 1.9.10. While the partition wall stood between Jews and Gentiles, there was also partitions among the Jews themselves, but now the partition being broken down every man is alike Priest unto God, every man prayeth within the veil; what are we better for our privileges if we do neglect our freedom? Doct. Jos. Hall Medit. upon the Angel and Zacharias. LONDON, Printed by J. M. for H. Cripps, and L. Lloyd, and are to be sold at their shop in Pope's head Alley, near Lombard street. 1651. A Preface to the Reader. JEsus Christ (God manifested in the flesh) gave his Disciples to understand, that men did not light a candle, and then presently put it under a bushel, but set it upon a candlestick, that it might give light to the room: By which inference it was hinted, that according to that dimension of light the Sun of Righteousness shall manifest in the elementary part of Microsmos (little world, mankind,) the Creature standeth accountable to Justice, if he extend not the benefit thereof to its proper Horizon. To be wrapped up in silence (at some times) is an argument of prudence, but at another season silent persons are rendered Accessaries. A tacit Spectator of a person in act of murder is an Abettor and Consenter to the slaughter: Nay, there is a time when our own secrets may not be kept silent; but what hath been spoken privately in the ear of Understanding, must be publicly declared on the top of that house or family wherein we are resident: And when Israel is at a loss in the way to Canaan, a voice is crying in this Wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Although the Spirit of Elias be prisoned by Herodians, and the manifestation of God in the Creature (as to fleshly understanding) be killed, and continue in the grave (that earthly part of mankind) for a time; yet he that hath power to lay down his life, will also assume strength to take it up again, and striking dead those Roman soldiers of Unrighteousness, will march in the Van of his Disciples into Galilee. Now to tract the way of him whose footsteps are in the Sea, is impossible; and to limit the Holy One of Israel, is forbidden; For the times and seasons knoweth no man: But, if Wars and rumours of Wars, as well in Churches as Nations, Brethren (both in natural and Gospel relation) betray one another to death, Stars of Heaven (spiritual men in high and heavenly places) be fallen, and the Powers of the Earth (worldly Kings and Potentates) be shaken, from a figtree Calculation, there is ground for belief, that the coming of the Lord is nigh at hand, and another Messenger is coming down from Heaven (the presence of God,) having great Power, and the Earth is lightened by his presence, crying, * Persecuting Spirit. Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of Devils, the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird, Rev. 18.2. The coming of the Lord (as I give my judgement) is the Apparition of Righteousness in the Creation (as to mankind,) and for his personal reign (which many godly persons expect,) I rather rejoice to see, then have faith to believe, and say to those (termed Millenaries) as to all others, who seek after Christ, though in never so various administration to my apprehend light, So walk as ye have received, only let your Conversation be as becometh the Gospel. The way to bring men to the knowledge of God is Christ Jesus, who in the mystery of the Gospel is Love, Meekness, Humility, &c. in the Creature, and all true Messengers put on Jesus Christ in this method: But now seeing many (who appropriate to themselves the stile of Ministers of the Gospel) barren in this nature, and fruits of rancour from a root of bitterness is so grown to maturity, that the Tree is easily distinguished, and notwithstanding the sheepskin, the rapine of the Wolf is discovered, which cruelty is that contrary nature, or pure Antichrist, who must be destroyed not by outward violence, but by the Word of God: And this small Treatise, presented unto public view, begs no further resentment than is consonant to Scripture and Reason, whereunto he is wholly passive, who is A wellwisher unto Truth, William Hartley. To Mr THOMAS HALL. SIR, WHen the Cry of Sodom ascended to the ears of Almighty God, you cannot be ignorant of the determination, Let us go down and see whether the Cry be so great as reported: It cannot be interpreted from this expression, that either the remoteness of the place, or the descension of God, did obscure or add to the knowledge of him, before whom all things are naked and open, but written for our learning, that great observation be had before we proceed to sentence. Sir, By the series of your discourse it will appear, that you have not only judged before the time, but also prevaricated righteous judgement: To condemn the innocent, or justify the wicked, is equally abominated by the judge of all men; and although you have strained industry by Argument to maintain a Charge, seeing you have a Argumentum hoc solum quod sit secundum pondus ad aequatum, dolus versatur generalibus, commune non distinguit. leveled at a wrong object, your Argument and Charge in the eye of Reason stand annihilated. It must be granted you have abilities, yet let me mind you of this School Maxim, b Corruptio optimi est pessima. The prevarication of the best is the worst corruption. You are pleased to say, that although we have not the Latin tongue, yet we have the lying tongue: 'Tis pity they are so inseparable in yourself; your animosity is against laymen's Preachings; sure you are from Rome, for your speech bewrays you: in the commonwealth of Saints there is no such distinction of Laity and Clergy, but all are one (or alike) in Jesus Christ. Let your term be granted, yet some of your own Poets differ from you, viz. c Laicis licet enim curam de Religione et Ecclesia suscipere, cessantibus vel non officium facientibus Episcopis & Ecclesiasticis. It is lawful for the Laity, in case of vacancy, or deficiency of Bishops, and Ecclesiastical persons, to take upon them the care of the Church and Religion. If there was equity for this in the time of Polanus, certainly there is d aetes' parentum pejor. a necessity for it in this present age, and the words of Calvin may now fitly admit of a Resurrection, viz. This is certain, that for these hundred years there hath scarcely been every hundreth man chosen, that understood any thing of holy doctrine, Cap. 5. Sect. 1. So many as are consecrated Priests, are of Horses made Asses, of Fools made mad men, Calv. Just. lib. 4. C. 19 S. 29. But you will say, there is now an alteration: Then let us take a review; at the beginning of these present differences it may be five or six, or such a number in a County were Antagonists to that persecuting Power which did enslave tender Consciences, and acted gloriously at that season, but how few of that number that now endeavour not to erect the same coercive interest, though under visor of Presbytery? I know there is a remnant of that Tribe who are both godly and moderate Ministers, and deserve all due encouragement; but I give my judgement with Mr Calvin, scarce one of a hundred who do not as eagerly thirst after the dregs of Prelacy and Tyranny, as Israel did after the Egyptian flesh pots. In one of your Epistles you mention your Imprisonment and sufferings, great reason that you have, or should have, reparation; and 'tis a great grief to him whose sufferings are e At the first sitting of this present Parliament, about the business of Mr Hamden, I was cast into several prisons, had my goods seized on, and arraigned for my life before judge Heath. superlatively equivalent unto yours, to observe so much remissness in the Parliament of this nature. Sir, you say, this Discourse of yours was the work of leisure times, mine extracted by the dispensation of my daily work. No wonder if you (being fed fat with the ruins of the people) appear an Anakin; and myself, who eat my bread by sweat of my brow (or industry) am rendered a f Yet I suppose as frequent in Exercises of Religion as most of that Tribe. pigmy; and though I cannot dispense with my occasions as to wait upon you in every particular Argument of your Book, yet so often as you appear I take boldness to ask you how you do, and remain Your vigilant Servant, William Hartley. Stonystrat. July 2. 1651. THE Prerogative Priests Passing-Bell. OR Amen to the Rigid Clergy, SECT. I. ONe main Argument wherewith you deceive the people, is drawn (as you say) from God's eternal Decree, who (as you argue) hath appointed every man a Calling, viz. some Carpenters, fishermen, Tent-makers, &c. others to beset apart for the Ministry. Now it is the express Commandment of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 6.6. Let every man abide in the same state wherein he was called: And for some persons to multiply Callings, is equally destructive to the republic, as for the generality of men to practice one particular Science; For if all tunn Mariners, and put to Sea, who shall stay a shore to till the Land? Reply. We answer, That persons are qualified by God (the wise Disposer of all things) with abilities in the management of Arts, Mysteries, and Sciences, for the benefit of the Creation; but that persons (so qualified) are prohibited the ministerial Function, viz. preaching of the Gospel, that I utterly deny; and for this Reason, that in the Constitution of the commonwealth of Israel no man was without a Civil Calling: Nay Aaron, with the Levites, had an outward Employment or Calling, which in the Scripture sense is termed work, service at the Tabernacle, Numb. 4. But preaching and declaring the Word of God was indifferently and equally referred and required of all; Would God all the people were Prophets, or could prophesy: This work was alike laudable in Joshua and David, as in Aaron or Eliezar. For your Inference, That Lay or mechanic men (so called) may not preach, or Preachers may not trade or labour; the Scripture quoted, Let every man abide, &c. This Text is by you (as also many more) misprisioned, it having reference to a believing husband, w●●e, or servant; yoked with a wife, husband, or master that is an Infidel, advising not to depart from each other, but continue in the same state or condition they were linked in when they first were called; and upon this ground, What knowest thou O man, that, &c. To the Absurdity, If all turn Mariners, &c. I answer, That if such (or so many) as go down in Ships are to declare the wonders of God in the deep, and all people that dwell upon Earth are to declare his goodness; certainly than no man is disfranchized of this privilege, but rather entailed thereunto by the Light of God and Reason: And now seeing I enter list with exquisite wits, who I hope will be as ingenuous to vindicate their own judgements, as convince my apprehensions, I frame an Argument in their own method. 1 Argum. Whatsoever was indefinitely commanded by Almighty God, and practised by righteous men in all ages, aught to be obeyed and prosecuted of every man in his proper generation: But it was (and is) the Command of Almighty God, that all Creatures preach his glory, and righteous men were (and are) active to that end: Therefore every Creature (as considered mankind) hath a right to the preaching of the Gospel. Peradventure critical spirits may cavil at some disharmony or incongruency in the Sillogism; but solid judgements are not apt to quarrel about niceties or formalities: Raise your Batteries against the Reason of the Argument, and fire so fast as you please. It is somewhat improper to fall upon probation of first or second Proposition, unless I knew how far they are denied; but it is not impertinent to remove an Objection, lest an absurdity be harboured from some hasty Inference. Object. Suppose a Congregation be met together, and all (or major part) fall a preaching, would not it breed confusion? where all are speakers, pray what shall we do for hearers? Ans. I answer: Notwithstanding all persons (at a congregated meeting) have alike privilege to preach the Gospel, yet this makes not a necessity that all or many speak together: The Apostle Paul hath provided against such a disorder, Ye may all prophecy one by one, not all at once. Though all soldiers that mount a guard are concerned to pass upon duty, yet it doth not follow that the whole Guard stand sentinel at one time, but every one in order may observe his turn. SECT. II. Another fallacy wherewith you blind the people, runneth thus: That there must be an outward Call, as well as inward, to those that preach the Gospel; and though persons may be gifted, yet they are not to exercise their gifts without Ordination; and that Christ gave Commission to the Apostles, the Apostles commissioned others, by virtue of which successive Power you are made Ministers, and so you (of the Clergy) and you only, are to preach the Gospel: How can they preach except they be sent? Reply. We answer; That gifts, graces, or spiritual experiments of the ways of God, give, and only give, principles of preaching: I saw (saith David) therefore I spoke: The anointing it shall teach you: As every man hath received, so let him administer the same, as good Stewards of the mysteries of God. That which you term Ordination (as I give my judgement) in the primitive times had not reference to a creative nature, but to confirmation or witness bearing to Truth in persons when they heard it preached or delivered; and this power of Ordination, or rather confirmation, is equally centred in all illuminated persons in fellowship of the Gospel. Under the administration of the Law, If there arose a Prophet unto the Law and Testimony, for approbation; under the Gospel, Try all things, take heed how you hear; if any man bring any other doctrine, let him be Anathema, (accursed,) by whom? of all certainly that had knowledge in the Gospel. That there is an impossibility of preaching before they be sent, is granted; but whether this mission hath any relation to man, there is a question, it being evident that God, who is the Author and Finisher of every good work, is also the General to give Orders to all subordinate Instruments. I was (saith Amos) a herdsman, and the Word of the Lord came unto me. The Gospel which Paul preached was not received of man, neither taught of man, but by revelation of Jesus Christ. And after three years he went up to Jerusalem to see the Disciples. Gal. 1. By this that is offered it appeareth, that Ordination (as you call it) viz. patent, Bond, or licence from the creature, is not of necessity to the preaching of the Gospel, yea though the Authority be derived from all or the generality of believers; much less is that Authority authentic, which is abstracted (or takes its being) from a few Monopolizes, to wit, Popes, or their Substitutes, the Bishops: And thus I draw a second Argument. 2 Argum. Where there is not a legislative Authority in the Continent, the derivative Power in the abstract stands invalid: But there is not legitimate Authority either in Pope or * Quatenus a papali constitution●. Bishop: Therefore all Power derived from that essens is annihilated. Object. What, would you have all Ministers of this Nation lay down their Callings? The people must needs grow to Atheism and perish. Ans. No such matter: It's desired that all styled Ministers of this Nation lay down that Prerogative Honour fetched from Rome, and lay aside that Popish distinction of Clergy and Laity, becoming all one in Jesus Christ, and rather preach by virtue of Gospel abilities, then human Letters patents. I forbear to multiply Arguments, take these for a taste at present; and now I proceed to make replication to those Absurdities Mr Hall hath laid upon the separation in his Looking glass for Anabaptists, as he is pleased so to style them. 1 Absurdity. That the Separatists hold, that the Saints in this life are pure, without spot, and need not use that Potion, Lord forgive us, &c. Reply. We answer, The more holy and saintlike every Professor is, the more sensible of his own vileness, and the more frequent in Lord forgive, and be merciful to me a sinner; yea with O wretched man that I am, &c. 2 Absurd. No man can with a good Conscience exercise the Office of a Magistrate under the New Testament: No Christian ought with a safe Conscience take an Oath, nor by Oath promise fidelity to a Magistrate. Reply. It is answered, The dispensation under, or in, the New Testament showeth a perfect Rule for the conscientious walking of a Magistrate, with cheerful obedience from the Subject; and Christians may with a safe Conscience take an Oath, and by Oath promise fidelity to the Magistrate: But, Mr Hall, you of the black Regiment (for the generality) make null the Gospel Rule of Obedience; was not your grandfather Woolsey diseased with the Pope's Holiness? Is not his son Presbyter dangerously infected with the King's evil? How say you Sir? may not gold in a * Act for tithes. string somewhat abate the tumour? 3 Absurd. They (meaning those of separation) are tumultuous, they raised tumults in Germany, filled it with fire and sedition, to the loss of six hundred thousand men, saith Alsteed; their doctrine being seditious, their lives are answerable; God punisheth ungodly and unmortified lives with base and loose Opinions. Reply. We answer, That it is most usual with guilty spirits to accuse innocent persons of that evil themselves are principled in; if Ahab be judge, Eliah is the Troubler of Israel: Let Scribes and Pharisees give sentence, Christ must be the Deceiver; whether the Clergy, or those termed Anabaptists, brought confusion on that Nation, is deeply questionable, that you (for the most part) resembling the generation of Vipers by that poison of Asps dropping from the tongue, have fired these Nations: Bellum Episcopale, with (your Creators) the Bishops Petition to the King against the Parliament, is fresh in memory; if the Sun break forth, 'tis more than probable a Synodian Rabbi may be kenned in this Scotish mist. Sir, we understand not this word seditious, unless by worshipping of God in that form (according to godliness) we do apprehend him in, which according to the Law of Nations, Nature, Reason and Religion, is unquestionably to be tolerated, and is adjudged requisite by moderate and unbiased Governors. That God punished ungodly and unmortified lives with base and loose Opinions, I reply, Base and loose judgements are punished with ungodly lives, for out of the heart in the first place proceedeth murders, adultery, &c. Sir, I beg leave to correct your rhetoric by Reason. 4 Absurd. That a man may have more wives than one, that wives of contrary Religion may be put away, and then 'tis lawful to take others. Reply. That a man may have more wives than one, that's by us abominated, and declare, that to put away our wives for any cause whatsoever unless for adultery, is altogether unlawful; if any have apostatised to a Ranting principle, is to us a grief, let the blame rest upon the Authors: Paul and Timothy must not be measured by Demas, nor the Apostles censured for Judas. Why, Sir, provoke you the spirits of innocent men to your own shame? Harken to your Argument; Because in (almost) every corner of this commonwealth there are Priests that will * Clericus in sella, &c. swear, whore, drink drunk, &c. Ergo the society of the Clergy are a generation of swearers, whoremongers, drunkards, &c. 5 Absurd. universities, human Arts and Learning they cry down as needless, they burn all Books save the Bible. Reply. We answer, That we desire the Universities be well regulated, that they may not (as formerly) be a cage of unclean Birds: For human Arts, who maintaineth them more than those termed Separatists? Doth not the whole Tractate of your own Discourse betray you, compiled on purpose against mechanic or tradesmen's preaching; if professed Tradesmen, than we are not Antagonists, but Abettors to Arts and Sciences: Let me help your memory, and bring upon the Stage of speculation what you were pleased to insert in the Title Page of your Book, viz. Lawrence Williams a Nailer, public Preacher. A true Nailer indeed; while thy hands make Nails for man's use, thy mind forgeth Truths, as fit Nails to fasten Christ's building. Tho: Palmer a Baker, Preacher. Well done Baker, Bread for the Body, and Bread for the Soul, thou servest both God and men. Tho: hind a Plowwright, Preacher. A most useful Artificer, not only (Macrosmos) ponderous Earth, but (Microsmos) Mankind are endeavoured to be fertile by thy industry. Henry Cakes a Weaver, Preacher. A very ingenuous Craftsman, the Web thou warpest is all homespun, pure linen, thou weavest no Woolsey nor Scotch-cloth. Humphrey Rogers lately a baker's Boy, public Preacher. A hopeful Lad: How many aged persons can scarce say their prayers? and thou art able to make a Sermon; certainly it is the work of God, who out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings doth ordain strength. Peter was a Catcher of fish by nets, and men by preaching, and both allowable by Jesus Christ: Therefore trading and preaching is legitimate in the selfsame person. As for that you call human learning, we judge it good in its sphere; but that learning which truly qualifies a person to the preaching of the Gospel is Love, meekness, temperance, patience, &c. and where Christ dwells in this nature, these things will be preached and exhorted to: Be it granted, that human learning (rightly sanctified) may help the sight, yet in itself it gives no more light than spectacles to a blind man. That we burn all Books save the Bible, that's your say-so, we are not of so fiery temper; but those writings wherein we find no resentment, may be reserved for officious uses. 6 Absurd. That preaching, praying, Sacraments, singing of Psalms, and all Ordinances, are legal, the Spirit is all. Reply. We answer, That for preaching (or declaring what we apprehend of the mind of God,) praying (or speaking forth our desires to God,) Sacraments or Ordinances of Jesus Christ in their proper sphere are Evangelical or Gospel duties; happily we may not be harmonious with you in the formality: and for David's Psalms we delight to read and repeat, as they are consonant to occasion; but for singing of David's Prayers in Meeter, seeing most part of the Book (though entitled Psalms) consists of Petitions, we see neither Precept or precedent in Scripture or Reason to back such an elaborate Organ-like practice. That the Spirit is all, it is answered, That God observeth the Spirit in an action, more than an action in itself. 7 Absurd. That Christ hath removed the Law, and now the Gospel is our only Rule. Reply. We answer, That Christ hath removed the formalities of the Ceremonial Law, himself being the Substance (or Antitype) of those Representations, and now pure Gospel, or the manifestation of God's Love in Jesus Christ (apprehended by faith) is the only Rule or Line which directs our hope to eternal life. 8 Absurd. That the Saints are freed by Christ from all Laws, Covenants, Vows, paying of tithes or Debts. Reply. We answer, That the Saints are not freed, but taught by Christ obedience to Laws, Covenants, and Vows, either in relation of God or man (so they stand not in direct opposition to his glory:) As for paying of * See Mr Hill in husbandman's Plea against tithes. tithes, it is with an ill will, it being not the tenth, but the † A pure Lawyer, to one seeming Truth add a number of falsities, let Spencer's case against Mirshal be a Testimony. third part of our livelihoods, and heartily wish that the Governors of this Commonwealth would resent those moderate Petitions which incline to ease the Nation of this heavy pressure, providing reasonable satisfaction for Impropriators: For paying of debts, we say with the Apostle, Owe nothing to any man; saving love. There are many more Absurdities inserted in Mr Hall's Book, to which be quoteth Authors; but because I am unacquainted with their writings, I omit; for if due circumspection be not had to the precedent and subsequent part of a Discourse, an absurd Construction may be collected from a clause or sentence. As for instance; In the Book of Psalms is written, There is no God; now the words (or sense) was not David's, but a fool said so. I had thoughts to have made some Paraphrase upon Mr Hall's coined trial or Arraignment of the Lay Prophet of the City of Amsterdam in the County of Babel &c. but that in such an Inscripture-like method there appeared more vanity than Reason, it being, in my understanding, an apt Representation of a Puppet-play, where Appolonius, Zanchy, King James, Kirk of Scotland, &c. as several Apparitions in various dresses make a squeaking, and Mr Hall's mouth the Oracle for Interpretation. Where judge, Jury, and Evidence centre in a single person, the sentence or such a Court is illegal and tyrannical. Now to the Ordinances of Parliament Mr Hall is pleased to present, April 26. 1645. Decemb. 31. 1646. April 26. 1645. It is this day Ordained and Declared by the Lords and Conmons assembled in Parliament, That no person be admitted to preach, who is not ordained Minister either in this or some other reformed Churches, &c. Decemb. 31. 1646. The Commons assembled in Parliament do Declare, That they do dislike, and will proceed against all such persons, as shall take upon them to preach, or expound the Scriptures, in any Church or chapel, or other public place, except they be ordained either here, or in any other reformed Church, &c. We reply, That if these Ordinances had, or shall (standing yet unrepealed) be produced as an Evidence against us, I am confident all ingenuous spirits, in the way of the Separation, will yield peaceable Obedience thereunto, either doing or suffering: But I have it from rational and intelligible persons, That divers Votes in this nature were mere Ingredients to set up a rigid Presbytery, the only stalking-horse to uphold Monarchy, being the last refuge in order to the King's reinvestigation: But now it's evident, though the devices of man's heart are many, yet the counsel of the Lord will stand; and neither that * Mr Lilly had overrated it if worth a halfpenny. farthing Directory or Monarchial Interest are like to receive resurrection, the vanity of those Idols being (ex superabundanti) manifested to every unbiased person; and the heart of the Magistrate seemeth to cast a more favourable aspect then formerly, witness that Act entitled, An Act for the relief of peaceable People, to which I add that candid expression mentioned in the Parliaments Declaration in answer to the Scots Papers, Febr. 17. 1648. pag. 16. For the Toleration of all Religions and Forms of Worships that their Letter objects, we known not whom they intend in that Charge: as for the truth and power of Religion, it being a thing intrinsical between God and the Soul, and the matters of Faith being such as no natural light doth reach unto, We conceive there is no human power of coercion thereunto, nor to restrain men from believing what God suffers their judgements to be persuaded of: But if they mean only the outward and public Forms of Profession or Worship, we know no such universal Toleration endeavoured or intended amongst us, neither yet do we find any warrant to persecute all that do not worship God, or profess to believe in the same Form that we do. It is the grief of every human-like spirit to see Mordecai favoured, although he justly may have merited the same; and what ca●e and industry the Presbyterated party do take to render both persons and meetings of the Separation odious in the eyes of the Magistrate and people, for taste hereof, I thought good to insert the carriage of Mr Farmer, and Gore, &c. of Towciter, whose malicious and envious spirit could not be satisfied in setting Major ducats Troopers to fall upon us with their naked swords while Capt. Elliot was speaking, but also caused many notorious falsehoods to be inserted in the weekly News Books; Viz. A Tumultuous Meeting. Tompsons' Party, Levellers. Ranters, Erroneous Fellows. For as much as this is not the first time that we have been abused in this nature (as is well known to some godly and eminent Governors of this commonwealth,) it would favour of unanswerable improvidence if we should not faithfully endeavour to wash off that dirt which is so unworthily cast in the faces of us. Upon the first day (commonly called Whitsunday) divers of the Separation met at Cornet Reads house in Towciter, and after one friend had exercised his gifts, the Auditory did exceed the room; and by reason of the throng it was moved for better conveniency to go into the yard, which being of less continent than the room, by the advice of the soldiery there present, and some friends, under the penthouse without door (taking the benefit of shade) was adjudged a convenient place; there Capt. Elliot (much about the time of the ending of the evening Exercise at the public place) spoke a word of Exhortation, and the people gave him peaceable audience. Now that this Meeting might degenerate to tumultuous disturbance of the Peace, that must wholly lie at the door of Farmer, Gore, and their adherents, who incensed the soldiery; but by the wise carriage of the Officers the business was easily appeased. Seriously this is hard measure, when Christians shall be denied that liberty which is commonly afforded to those unreasonable creatures who lick the crumbs of our tables. 2. We are branded for Tompsons' Party; I cannot tell what to say to this allegation, seeing Tompson (his fury working his own destruction) is now under ground; but upon enquiry this is gathered, that there was one at the Meeting that adhered to him, and by the council of State acquitted long since: Now if a Convention of people must be measured by a single person, by these men's Reason Sodomites were all righteous, because one Lot inhabited the City. For the word Leveller is a term of odium cast upon many a person for holding forth of righteous Principles: for those who deny propriety under pretence of community, as we have no communion with them in such a principle, so see we no reason to debar them from hearing of the Word preached. 3. Ranters, erroneous fellows, &c. For calling those that met Ranters, if their passion had not quite eat up their Reason, this sentence would not have passed, there being neither beer, wine, women, or any other object which might provoke licentiousness, made use of; besides, those who are involved in so sad condition, of necessity must turn Apostates unto prayer and preaching: Now had not the envy of the elder brother been too prevalent with them, if there came any of that judgement to the Exercise out of good intention, ought it not to be a matter of rejoicing? I am sure Jesus Christ saith, there is joy in Heaven upon the like occasion. And that the mouth of envy may be fully stopped, take a view of a Letter directed to Mr Benson, Commissioner of the Peace, viz. Sir, It is related, you are dissatisfied with the meeting of some dissenting from the public Worship, and that myself should assume the public place, which thing never entered into my intention; however we may be mispresented through malice or misprision, yet know that our actions will manifest all peaceable obedience to the present Power, to whom, with yourself, I am A ready Servant, Will: Hartley. FINIS.