Their Majesty's COLONY OF CONNECTICUT in New-England VINDICATED, From the Abuses Of a Pamphlet, Licenced and Printed at New-York 1694. Entitled, Some Seasonable Considerations for the Good People of Connecticut.  
By an Answer Thereunto.  
Exod. 22.28. Thou shalt not Rail upon the Judges; neither Speak Evil of the Ruler of thy People.  
Prov. 10.18. He that Dissembleth Hatred with Lying Lips, and he that Inventeth a Slander is a Fool.  
Prov. 14.3. In the mouth of the Foolish is the Rod of Pride: but the Lips of the wise preserve them.  
BOSTON in New-England. Printed by Bartholomew Green. Anno Dom. 1694.   

Hartford, April. 23d. 1694.  
THE Governor and Assistants met, do Order this Answer to the Pamphlet Entitled, [Some Seasonable Considerations for the Good People of Connecticut] to be forthwith Printed.  


Robert Treat, Governor.  
John Allyn Secretary.     

To the READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
THIS small Tract, must chief own its Perusal; To thy willingness to hear an Asperssed People (and Their Majesty's Subjects) Vindicated, from almost Vnparraled Abuses. We were necessitated to its Publication, by a Pamphlet written (as it is intimated in it) by one of this Colony of Connecticut: and Licenced and Printed at New-York in the present Year 1694. Which being spread a broad into the World, and so also will lie to Posterity to our Defamation. It was thought our Duty & Interest to give it an Answer; and not by Silence to be Accessary to our own (so great) Wrongs: Let the Candid Reader Consider the Wife Man's Intimation, That in the Answering of some men there is a sort of being like them inevitable. Wherefore we Advertise, That the Real or seeming Harshness of our Answer, is not in Revenge but for our Just Defence & Vindication. To the Remedy of a Cancerous Humour something (yea much) of a Proportionable Accrimony ought to be allowed; what thereby of Reproof falls on our Impeachers is Accidental, to our endeavour. We have not departed from Truth, Shuned any thing of Strength, nor misrepresented him whom we answer; in any thing we know of: and as the Reader, if he hath that Pamphlet may find: We were put upon what we have herein done by the call of some highly cencerned for the Colony, as well as the Occasion itself given. Our plain way (in this able & curious Age) of Writing, has no Apology but what the kind Reader will make for men, who have so little Occasion as we have to to improve the PRESS. Some may think we complain too much; let the Occasion be Considered, and it may be seen that our Stroke is heavier than our Groaning, Job 23.2. To those that have Injured us by that Book, we would wish them no worse than Repentance of it, and Pardon for it. The Lord is Righteous in all this & other Evils that have come on us, for we have Sinned against Him.  
J. A. W. P.   

An Answer to A PAMPHLET, Entitled, Some Seasonable Considerations for the Good people of Connecticut, Printed at New-York. 1694.  
IT becomes an Honest Writer, to introduce his Book into the World, with a Title fitting the Scope and Intendment of it: But whosoever hath Perused this we are answering would rather have thought, such a Title as this, Proper to it:  
Viz.  
1. Unreasonable Essays, to Represent Connecticut to be Inconsiderate, Irreligious, rebellious etc. or something Equivalent; which is the Argument of the Book, as is but too manifest by it. Whither under this Pretence of Seasonable Advice there be not the greatest Violence and Injury, offered to the Reputation, and Interest of Connecticut: will be in part seen, by what we have to say on this account. We would Unmask it therefore, only with this intimation here, that another thing than Seasonable Advice to us, is intended, and prosecuted in that Piece.  
2. As to its Seasonableness: It is evidently otherwise; the cause therein Agitated, depending now before Their Majesties, and not Issuable by a Pamphleteers Advice; which is wholly disproportionate to that concern: yet indeed in some respects, it may be very Seasonable: namely, to stir Factions (though it hath miss that too as yet) and to make us odious to the World (which seems to be mainly intended in it) and to prejudice our cause (which he that Wrote might have been too late, for had he stayed the Result) in England; and if Occasion serve, for after Severities; this is a Seasonable fore condemning of us: If these, and the like, make it Seasonable, and Suiting its writers, and Licensers designs upon us, Seasonable it is. But it may appear, that the whole work in its design and management, hath little of Justice or Charity, whatever it hath of the contrary.  
3. The Epithet of Good People, he gives here; he utterly takes away, and contradicts all along after: the kindness of it here therefore is worthy no notice, but only, that in his Title he gins not Sincerely.  
We must come to the work itself: he saith,  
Pamphlet. Advice was given us in the Year 1689. when we were about to make our Revolution (as 'tis called) and for aught I know, it had been good for us that we had taken it.  
Answer. 1. By what is most probable? he that gave that Advice, dwells not far from him that gives these aleadged Seasonable Considerations: and is but his own Patron and commender here.  
2. That Advice is well enough known, to have been given in the other Colonies, as well as here: the substance of it was; to manage the Government (by Commissions granted by Sir. Edmund Andross) after the Revolution made at Beston; and to decline Charters.  
3. This Advice was not followed in Massachusetts, Plymouth, Rhead-Island, no, nor York, the Reasons have formerly been Rendered: we think to the Satisfaction of all, but only the Irreconcilable Enemy; of Charter Government, which is so well known to be dear to the People of New England.  
Pamphlet. But we are so unwilling to be Advised, and so ill Affected to any, that tell us the truth, that there is little Encouragement, to any to Expose themselves in that kind for the future.  
Answer. 1. Unless this Person would be attended, as the only Oracle of New-England; and impose on all other men's understandings and Consciences: there is little Reason for him thus Complainingly to charge the body of the People, with being unwiling to be Advised: and being ill affected, to any that tell us the truth; his notions were considered and advised on largely. But other Reasons did preponderate, in the Judgement of the most, in a manner of all: as is well known.  
2. The Public accounts given by the Reverend Mr. Mather, of His Majesty's Approbation, of that Revolution at Boston; with a now above five years implicit allowance off the measures here taken, might have taken of the fondness here paid to that advice. But some Counsellors, if not attended will be angry [so was Achittophel] and seek revenge some where.  
Pamphlet. And it is he says, An Evil time, and the Prudent shall keep Silence— Cast not your Pearls before Swine etc.  
Answer. 1. It's great Pity he did not keep Silence, or speak better: but if he follow not his own Advice, it will impede others to follow it.  
2. It is not over modest to Emblaz on his own Advices, thus as Pearls; and how unworthy this his Composure, is of such a Representation! will not be difficult to an Impartial Reader, to Judge of.  
3. To compare a Colony, to harmful Swine, is hard, and yet harder; when if we be so, in respect of the Advice in 1689. in a manner all the People of New-England are so. But such a whole Sale Champman, that thus Barters all our Credit; will deserve an Examination.  
4. Here gins, what is carried on all along his Book: namely, a misapplication of Holy Scripture. Whether this be not a great Profaning the Holy Name of GOD, is more meet for others to Consider; than for us here to say. What? are his Advices to be Similized with the truths of the Gospel? which are the Pearls there spoken of: or is New-englands' not attending those things from him, and others of his Opinion; to be represented and made abominable, by the fellest Persecution against the Gospel? The Excesses of this kind, and the Rating and Blemishing (if not Cursing us) by the mouth of Scripture; are no small Scandal to us; and we desire it may be well considered by the Pious Readers.  
But this notwithstanding, he proceeds to tell us;  
Pamphlet. That he hopes the case is not so desperate.  
Answer. We hope so too, yet he all along, gives us up as in the most desperate hopeless posture.  
Pamphlet. He than pleads it his duty; Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thy heart, but shall Rebuke him etc.  
Answer. If any can reasonably judge, that more of hatred, and less of Love could be exerted, by the Pamphleter, than is to be found in him here: they may believe he hath performed this, as his duty. But we may not dwell on every Particular. Let it be noted that the Scripture here aleadged as a warrant to this Book, is Levit 19.17. and the verse next before it Viz. 16. is, Thou shalt not walk about with Tales among thy People; thou shalt not stand against the Blood of thy Neighbour, I am the Lord. Which seems as full and direct a prohibition of this his work as readily can be found in the Bible.  
2. Having thus Prefaced himself; our Adviser or rather judge; and Connecticut People the Objects of his pleasure: in the Second place, in Page 1st. 2d. He calls to a Serious Attention, by Scriptures and Arguments, no less weighty, than his Occasion and use of them are Slighty; as will appear, we need not transcribe him.  
Answer. All the things he proposes (that are true) are Obvious, and have been considered, and needed not his Repetition.  
2. This (like many other things) is a Representing us to the World; as Ignorant and Inconsiderate to an Excels. But these Artifices, every candid Reader will easily detect; to whom we refer it to consider, whether the following things in that Pamphlet, be adapted to our Advice and consideration; or to Breath out his own Spirit against us, and to furnish ill minded men, with matter and words, to defame us; to ensnare the more unwary, into hard thoughts; and many into groundless fears.  
3. His Prefacing thus ended, in Page 3. He tells of the Commission of Leiutenancy over the Militia of this Colony; His Excellency Sir. William Phipps had: and saith:  
Pamphlet. But upon notice hereof, a General Assembly was called, and met, and there it was Resolved: Not to submit to it, nor to take any notice of Sir. William Phipps in that capacity.  
Ans. 1. That His Excellency Sir. William Phipps, in His Commission had such a Leiutenancy Granted by Their Majesties and that the General Court met, is true.  
2. That His Excellency did give an account of it, and desired to know what Officers were in Commission, and at length sent a Copy of that His Commission, is also true.  
3. That the General Court, at their meeting did send His Excellency an account, what our intentions were, as to Addressing Their Majesties, in that behalf; and that in the Interim, the Military Officers, were to good Satisfaction, is also true.  
4. As to the Resolve of the Court, here asserted: We say these things. (1.) That it seems to be of absolute necessity, to the ends of the Pamphlet, to charge such Resolves, and Acts of the Court, upon them with Rising in Arms etc. Else, they could not make out, Opposing Their Majesties, and so lay a foundation large enough, to Superstruct all the revile and menaces, that for the ends he had before him, must be used. (2.) If such a Resolve were, our Governor, who was then in Court, must put the Question, which it did Resolve, and this is an high Reflection on him. (3.) Since this Pamphlet was Licenced at York, and things of this nature Asserted in it; it behoved in Justice, that he had Attested Copies, or other Equivalent assurance of it ere he thus expose us. (4.) We love not such course words as to tell the World that what is so said, is an absolute Lie: and yet this we must say (if we will say the truth) for there was no such Question put, nor no such Resolve made; and we challenge them to prove it, that say it: and who that finds such things, so certified, and hears no other, would doubt the truth of it; or demur to conclude us Direct Opposers of Their Majesties. But we have more of this kind, to come in yet, wherein an amazing, Impudent Falsifying, is used against us. (5.) It will not heal the evil to make a Subterfuge of any inferences from other things, as arguing such a Resolve: for 'tis matter of Fact, that is here asserted, and not brought in as a Consequence of what was matter of Fact: for that had been but Opinion; whereas this is Exhibited, as a Court Act, or Resolve.  
Pam. He says further, At another General Assembly, we resolve to to Address Their Majesties forthwith— (and) yet no Address is made to Their Majesties.  
Ans. It is not true to say no Address is made, we did forthwith, with all possible diligence, send our Address: that we have no account of it, is from other causes than our not sending. It is a very sad thing thus openly to be rendered as mere dissemblers, with Sir. William, and Their Majesties Especially: but this is the measure that is meet us, and surely Mr. Clarkson gave his Imprimatur on very fallible grounds to this.  
Pam. After which, Sir. William Phipps making some further demands in the Spring 1693. we promised to pay him some Hundreds of Pounds, and to take upon us the defence of the upper Towns, upon the River, belonging to the Massachusetts. As if these things would Satisfy Their Majesty's Commission? (and these things, in Page 6.) he calleth a Composition with Sir. William Phipps, which gives his meaning, and what he would suggest, and have believed in the World, as to the Transactions between His Excellency, and this Colony.  
Ans. 1. He that hath only this Pamphlets information in this, and Credits it, will be tempted to think; that those Hundreds of Pounds were a Bribe, engaged and accepted. This is an Affront to His Excellency as well as to us, to Represent a thing after this manner, which was in some sort true.  
2. The truth was, in Effect only this: His Excellency designing to disrest the Enemy Indians, at the Eastward, sent to us for men to Aid therein; and because we could not (without great inconvenience) send men so far (by two Gentlemen that were sent down on purpose) we tendered 400. Pound, for furthering that Expedition, if it went on as was propounded: but not a Penny to compound with him, about his Commission, as the Pamphlet would insinuate: and the Offer was made openly to His Hxcellencies' Council; not secretly to His Excellency: and which was done sincerely for Their Majesty's Service: and we must complain of this partial account, and Representation of the Pamphlets; as setting a false face on, and misconstruing that Action.  
3. We undertook not absolutely, the defence of the upper Towns; but only to such a number of men, as occasion should be: which was accordingly performed, to our no small charge: but to an envious eye, will pervert the best actions, in accounting them to the World for what they never were.  
4. Here we must remark, the observable difference, between the Treatment we had with His Excellency and the Gent. of Boston, and what we now have from this writer, on these Occasions. We may believe, that they had as more to do with it, so as much Integrity and Prudence, to manage such a thing with us, and much more, than this meddler, yet never handled it as he has done.  
5. Notwithstanding this seeming care for this first Commission, it is to be noted, that in all the time of it, our Adversary never gave us any such Seasonable Advice, to comply with it, as now, in a Month (as it is intimated in Page 7.) he is all on a light fire against us, why were not the dangers of delaying, and addressing, then set before us; since himself saith, that sincere Obedience is Universal. So would his to Their Majesties, and Love to us, have been in a then advising, if he had been Equally poised. But this his partiality, may make some suspect that all this kindness for the first Commission, is but a mere Shooing horn to his designs by the second: and that he Loves Massachusetts, and Connecticut much alike.  
6. What is fit, in answer to this Pamphlet, to be said why we gave such an Answer, as we did to this Commission, will occur afterwards, on account of the Commission of His Excellency of York; which being the contest with that writer, we do refer to what will follow.  
Pam. In Page 3d. he gins, and so goes on, with an account of the like Commission of Leiutenancy, given by Their Majesties to His Excellency Col. Benjamin Fletcher; and remarks upon it, That upon notice hereof, the Freemen and Soldiers in the several Towns, are Convened; to see how they stood affected, and what they will Contribute, towards Addressing Their Majesties in this behalf. A General Assembly also is called and meets, and there it is resolved, forthwith to send an Agent for England: Money is provided etc.  
Ans. 1. And was not this Lawful and necessary? It hath been declared with sufficient Authority, That it is the right of the Subject to Petition the King. Let the Bishop's case and what the Convention Parliament declared, be remembered; and might not in Lawful peaceable meetings, the People's minds be inquired into? and if they are found (as they were) so sensible of their concernment herein, that (in a manner) they Unanimously declare for an Address to Their Majesties, is it not thereupon just to take care for the Charges to defray it: and if this Unanimity and Vigorousness, grieve the Pamphleter and his Abettors, we are not therefore to be blamed. But this Arrow will not pierce, unless he head it. Wherefore he adds, as a part of that Courts Conclusion.  
Pam. And Lastly, That if any such Commission do come, in the mean time they will not submit to it, but oppose it, till they have answer from Their Majesties.  
Ans. 1. He seems to be very sensible, that all his labour will be lost, and his whole design (of Defaming Connecticut) frustrate, if he do not charge us with Explicite Resolves against Their Majesties; and therefore if truth will not aford him matter for it; Lies must and shall.  
2. We say of this, as of the other Resolve, charged on us about the Commission to Sir. William; that it is a mere falsehood, forgery, our Records, and the whole Court are Witnesses of the contrary of it; and this, though for its truth, it could not have an Imprimatur, yet for its usefulness, it must be passed to the Press. It was said of old by Cyprian, that some went abroad with Lies, as if truth could not follow them. And as one says of him that wrote the Romish Legends; That he had an Iron Forehead. So we may say of him, that Asserts as here a matter of Fact, which never had any being; and that of the Representative Body of the Colony: and to such perverse ends. The Court Resolved or Concluded, only of an Address to Their Majesties, with what was necessary to it, as the charges, Person etc.  
3. If these two great falsehoods, of the writer of that Book newly mentioned, and a third of Rising in Arms (which we shall meet with afterwards) be set aside, as they ought to be, for stark Lies, that have not a Rag of truth to Cover their Shame: all the rest affirmed against us (whither true or false) is too weak to bear the weight of his Reproaches cast on us.  
Pam. By these methods (says he) the Freemen of the Corporation, and as many of the People as will fall in with them, are ensnared, and strengly Preingaged, to make Opposition against Their Majesty's Commission.  
Ans. They engage only hereby in an Address; not in, or to, an Opposition.  
Pam. Insomuch that one Jeers, another will spend his Blood to keep off His Excellency etc.  
Ans. 1. There is not much (if any thing) to be believed on his Credit, nor his Imprimaturs, in this business; who have so departed from truth in what they affirm, and pass, of the General Court.  
2. Though we have heard of no such speeches (from any persons of Credit) yet can we not say, but some Rude Persons, may have talked at this Rude Rate, and possibly on the as rude Provocations of some others. But still, is this fit to be used in reproach of a whole Colony, when yet none of the offenders were brought to any of the Magistrates, to answer such things? the particular Persons (if such there were) should have been named, and the evil confined to them: we take it as a wrong, to have these things indefinitely and Promiscuously cast on us, as if it were a common and general Practice; and hereon to ground in great part, the heavy imputations that follow. We shall oft meet with these kind of things: let this stand for an Answer to them, wherever they occur in the Pamphlet.  
Pam. In Page 5. he gives an account of His Excellencies coming to Hartford, Reading his Commission, leaving a memorial of it etc. and in Particular, that he Assures us, That he hath neither power, nor intent to invade our Civil Liberties; That in case of our Submission, he would Commissionate all that were in Commission before, and take our Advice for the supply of Vacant Places. And particularly tender a Commission to our Governor, for the Command of the Militia in the Colony; only in Subordination to this Their Majesty's Commission.  
Ans. We must defer the answer to this a little while, and see first his account of the Success of it, on the Court, in these words.  
Viz.  
Pam. The Deputies (divers of them at least) being so prepared as aforesaid, are Resolved before hand, and have determined the Question before the Court meets (God hath given them such a privilege) and therefore if Their Majesties put such things upon them, they must oppose, and hold their own, they are bound in Conscience to do it.  
Ans. 1. This Representation of the Deputies, as preresolved to Oppose Their Majesty's Commission, is unlimited, and unproved, and therefore as here and afterwards improved, is an evil Surmise, and asperses all the Deputies, and the whole Colony, and opens a wide Door to any such Calumnies; but as long as it is wound up, to Resolving to oppose, it must be worthy of an Imprimatur.  
2. The Court Act on this matter, shows what the Deputies minds were in it; and in honesty he should have produced that; and then they had spoken for themselves, and not out of the mouth of an Adversary. But that answer of the General Court, speaks not Opposition to Their Majesties, loud enough, he perceives, but Subjection; therefore in all his Book he recites it not, but in stead of it pops off his Readers with this Surmise, and other misaccountings of it.  
Pam. He than troubles himself with the Halberteers; as if they were designing to Conceal the Commission from being known etc.  
Ans. 'tis a silly thing thus to imagine as he doth, why should any desire, or with what hopes endeavour a concealment? There were but four Halberds, and it was only to prevent a throng at first; the People were instantly admitted. But he adds.  
Pam. And no marvel the General Court not overwilling to give the Commission a hearing.  
Ans. This is another tacit Scandal cast on the General Court, who waited many days to give it an hearing (and this our Records and the Printed account of those Transactions, Published by His Excellency do prove) and sat several days on it: and therefore for him to say, as he does on it; That the Court take no great notice of His Excellency, wave the business, would bring him to Composition, as they had done Sir. William etc. is apparently a mistake; we did take notice and attend as the account mentioned shows.  
Pam. But he thought (it seems) that it would manifest Opposition to send, as he says, Orders to such as Command the Forts, to prevent their Seizure.  
Ans. This misconstruction of Actions, is a frequent thing in this Pamphlet. The order he should have Printed, if there were any thing of an Opposition to His Excellency in it. The truth, and all of it is, That at that time, there was a Pirate or Enemy on the Coast; that took many Vessels; and it is usual with our General Courts, when they sit, to renew Orders of that kind, and that was what was then done: yet this is Rattled into the World, as a kind of Rebellion, and afterwards we are told of holding Forts against the King, wherein he seems to refer to this, but all that know our two poor Forts, may well Judge us all mad if we should attempt to hold them against the King.  
Pam. He goes on saying, And it seems (if the common Fame be true) it is their Opinion, That Their Majesties have nothing to do with us.  
Ans. 1. One would have thought that the Topics of Lies, evil Surmises, misrepresenting things, misconstruction of Actions, misapplications of Scriptures, and Laws; which are the Nervous parts of this Pamphlet; had been enough to furnish the Raillery of it, without taking in Fame, and wronging it too; for it may be truly answered, that unless this Pamphlet by defaming, have so famed us, we never were so Reputed, in a common way, or at all as we know of.  
2. What could he say worse of us, than that it is our General Courts Opinion (for of them he speaks) that Their Majesties have nothing to do with us? It is fit indeed to be answered with renting our  in detestation, than with words. Do we not professedly and practically, hold all under Their Majesties? and Serve them to our Capacity as the rest of Their Subjects do? Say it be doubtful as yet, in this one point of the Commissions? is all Allegiance renounced, in one demur (on just Reasons as we trust) and about which we have (at great charge) sent with all speed to Their Majesties.  
3. Let it be considered, what these his deal with Their Majesty's poor afflicted Subjects will prove; of his and his Imprimaturs Subjection to Their Majesties? however highly they word it for their Allegiance?  
Pam. He adds, in Page 6 & 7th. That hereon Commissions from His Excellency are declined, abuses offered him, and such of the Assembly as moved for Submission, thought unfit for their places; such as yield obedience traduced as Rogues (and with the rest) yea some rise in Arms to Oppose him, and others are in readiness upon Occasion to do the same.  
Ans. 1. This of rising in Arms to oppose His Excellency here Asserted; is as false as any thing that can be told: that some came to Hartford with some Arms to list under His Excellency hath been said: but this cannot be the thing charged; also that some Troopers were appointed and went to wait on His Excellency to conduct him into Hartford, is true; but His Excellency came not at the time Expected, and they went no more. A Training was in hand but put by, by the Governors' Order. Besides these (by all the enquiry we can make) no one man was in Arms in the Colony, while His Excellency was here: unless the Halberteers mentioned afore, and our usual Guards on the Lords Days; much less did any Rise against His Excellency, and least of all, yea not at all, as is here suggested to Strangers as a general thing.  
2. This false charge, is by its confident Asserting, and Licensing passed into the World; and down to Posterity, as a real truth.  
3. We are by it greatly wronged, rendered (as the Pamphleter hath to effect his designs a necessity) as in open Rebellion. As to that of others being ready to Rise, it is only Surmised. The same we say of what was said of some of the Members of the Court, being thought unfit for their places; and the traducing of some as Rogues; and abuses offered His Excellency; these things we have answered afore, that 'tis the particulars (if any such be) that are  not the whole or body of the People. As to the not taking Commissions, it will occur afterwards to be spoken unto.  
Pam. In Page 7 & 8. Several things are said of a Proclamation, left with Coll. Allyn, imparted to the Governor, and fault is found that it was not published, and so of a second Proclamation sent from York.  
Ans. 1. Let our General Courts Answer be considered; and that will show how improper it was for our Governor to Publish those Proclamations.  
2. Was it not enough that no hindrance was given His Excellency when here, and that he yet did not do it?  
Pam. In Page 8 he takes it for granted, that all former Military Commissions are Expressly determined, by the Publication of this: and therefore finds fault with Training, and adds, 'tis said, we have made a Major too.  
Ans. 1. His Opinion differs from the General Courts, in the first point, but that being Controversal, it is before Their Majesties.  
2. As to Training in the interim; it was it seems thought meet by some Officers, not to desist, and thereby let the Soldiers grow unfit for Service, but attend what the Law requires in a time of War as this is, here being none in Commission neither, but what had Commissions from the General Court; and a Vacancy at this junture, seems not safe.  
3. As to a Major; the Major Winthrop being gone for England, the General Care of New-London County, which is most exposed to danger from the Sea, required somewhat of a Special Order in that respect. Our duty to Their Majesties in our present Circumstances do admit, and require, that we omit nothing wherein we may best Serve them. But these Training &c. in his usual heat he ill resents, and declares against.  
Pam. Thus we make all the defiance to Their Majesties, and Their Commission, trample them into the very dirt, and offend with as high an hand, as is well possible for us to do.  
Ans. It is time now to say somewhat more, to take of these heavy Imputations, and we will promise to do it; that there are several important things, that are not convenient on the Provocations of this Pamphlet, to be made Public. Nor may a few, undertake to give the whole sense of the General Court and Country. We shall content ourselves, and we hope satisfy the Reader, with what answers this Pamphlet.  
1. Then we say, the Militia is the Kings. So says he in Page 25. and onwards.  
2. This is so declared by two Acts of Parliament, 13 & 13th. and 14th. of Charles II. So saith he, Page 26.  
3. The Militia that is the Kings, and so declared in those Acts, is the Militia intended in the Commission to Sir. William Phipps, and now to His Excellency of York: So he Argues, Page 26. saying, It is declared by two several Acts of Parliament, of 13. & 13. and 14. of Charles II. and of this His Majesty was pleased to put us in mind, by express mention of the first of these Statutes in the Commission to Sir. William Phipps. And in Page 3. he calls the Commission to His Excellency of York, a like Commission; and argues in Page 26. and onward, our duty to obey this Commission, by Virtue of those Acts.  
4. The latter of those Acts, do to determine the whole Regulation of the King's Militia, in 36 Articles; according to which His Majesty's Leiutenants, we conceive must Execute their Office: this we think is indisputable, unless that Act be void, or vainly urged on us by our Antagonist. We desire that a special notice may be taken, that this Act of 13. & 14. of Charles II. is the Limit, and Boundary of the King's Militia, as it is Committed to, and is to be Commanded by the King's Lieutenants, as such: and that if this be plucked up. (1.) The very Leiutenancy is taken away, being as to Law founded only hereon. And (2.) That if the King's Leiutenants as such, can claim, and Command a Militia as the Kings, beyond the measure of this Act, what shall stop them from Commanding, who when, and in what manner so ever they please? (3.) The word [Militia] as it relates to the King and His Leiutenants, is restrained to this Act, and does not take in all that strictly may be denominated [Militia] for in a large sense, Corporations, Towns, Families, yea single Persons; have, and may have, that Furniture for War, offending and defending, as their respective Capacities do require, and admit, that may be called truly and properly [their Militia] and yet neither the things so called, nor that name, shall incorporate them into the King's Militia; and put them under His Lieutenant. (4.) That when the King makes His Lieutenant, that Leiutenancy is necessarily refered to this Law, and stands in Connexion to it; and all words and clauses, in the Leiutenants' Commission, must be accommodated to the tenor and true intent of this Act; and not otherwise: for as it is Leiutenancy, so 'tis but Leiutenancy, and what Leiutenancy shall be, and how far extend, this Act provides; these things we refer to the Readers notice in this whole contest.  
5. In the third Article or Paragraph, as Wingate renders it, is said, that the Leiutenants etc. May charge any, where their Estates be, with Horss, Horsman, and Arms, that have 500 Pound Per. Annum in Possession, or 6000 Pounds, in Goods or Money besides furnitue of their Houses, and so Proportionably: And any with a Foot Soldier and Arms, that have 50 Pounds Per. Annum, in Possession, or 600 Pounds in Goods or Money, other than Stock on the ground, and so Proportionably; they shall charge none to find both Horss and Foot in the same County.  
We need recite no more here, only in the close of the foregoing Paragraph; it is said, And the said Leiutenants, and in their absence or otherwise by their directions, the deputy Leiutenants, or any two or more of them, may Exercise and Conduct the Persons so to be Armed &c. as is here after expressed.  
And in the 25. Article or Paragraph, we find to the same Effect. Viz. The Lieutenant etc. May from time to time Led, Train etc. all Persons Raised and Arrayed, according to the Act of 13 and 14. of Charles II. Chap. 3. Here it seems very plain, (1.) What the King's Militia is. viz. Persons of such Estates as are mentioned. (2.) That the King's Leiutenants as such, and by Law have only those Persons of those Estates under their charge and power. As yet nothing is offered us to prove it otherwise.  
6. There is no such Militia so constituted, yet form in Connecticut; therefore no Subject or Object of such a Leiutenancy, yet formally Existing here; this is well enough known.  
7. His Excellency nor Sir. William, ever went about forming such a Militia here, by and according to the 3d. 4th. 5th. and 10th. Articles or Paragraphs, of the said Acts of Parliament: therefore were not opposed in Executing their respective Leiutenancies according to the Acts referred to in their Commissions: and Consequently not opposed in their Commissions rightly understood and applied; and as the Pamphlet argues for them.  
8. The Militia of Connecticut, as now constituted by the General Court, by virtue of the Charter, and as our need requires; consists of all Males from 16 to 60 years of Age, some few, as Magistrates, Ministers etc. only excepted, be their Estates what they will.  
These things being thus, the Question is whether the King's Militia constituted, and to be Governed as by said Acts, or the Corporation Militia, of another constitution, and Government (and therefore so constituted because so to be Governed) be the Object of the Leiutenantcy? the disputes of the Pamphlet run for the latter; but still wholly on grounds taken only from the former; but that will not hold: for what Their Majesty's claim by Law (that is by those Acts) they surely Execute upon, according to the same Law or Acts of Parliament. 'Tis an happy truth, that all the People are Their Majesties, yet are not all by Act of Parliament from 16 to 60 years of Age (that is Males) His standing Militia.  
If this had come to practice here and His Excellency had called all from 16 to 60 to the duty of Soldiers, and they had refused as not having Estates to Oblige them by the Laws, his Commission is dependant on and must be exercised by; and the Corporation Militia strictly so called had been severed there from; what a poor posture had that been in? when it may be the Colony would not have yielded an Hundred Soldiers to that part, it may be not half an hundred?  
But it may be said, doth not the Commission say; the Militia of Connecticut, all the Forces etc. And this answers all. We say no: For we know His Majesty Governs by the Laws of the Realm; and this our Adversary not only yields us, but makes it the Basis of all his Arguing, in Page 23. where he saith, In this case, (Rex praecipit & Lex praecipit) the King's Commands and the Laws Commauds, is all one. So that by his own account the Laws Command and the Kings Command in the case are Mutual, and Reciprocal and do expound each other; that is the Statute of 13 & 13 and 14 of Charles II. do expound this Commission of Leiutenancy, and all others of that kind and in the sense and under the Limitations of those Acts, it is to be taken and no otherwise. And this alone with the Consideration of the Constitution of Connecticut Militia, at once over throws utterly his whole Hypothesis in the Pamphlet. And he might have spared the labour of all his Sophistications, in arguing and concluding as he doth from the one to the other, when as not the same thing, or a thing of the same Constitution is in both.  
And here we must note his misrepresentation of those Statutes as intending a Militia, which they do not by applying them directly to another kind of Militia, as he doth evidently all along. It is like he knew that they are but few Comparatively that Read those Laws, and yet fewer of his Readers that know or will be informed what a different Militia from that, Connecticut Militia is: and so the Ambiguity of the word Militia would not be dicovered; and so it must and would be concluded, that if we hold any Militia, it was the same in the Statutes, (this is no fair dealing in him) His Majesty claims His right according to those Laws, and what is by Patent Granted to His Subjects, and is of another Constitution, we may be bold to hold that, till we can inquire His Majesty's right and pleasure to be otherwise, and in this we claim not His Majesty's Militia, as it is distinguished from, our Corporation Militia, it is all His Majesties in Service.  
In a word, what is the King's Militia so settled by the Laws of His Realm, we never gave the least hindrance unto His Leiutenants in: if they had claimed the Command of that and that only, and had been refused; some such Charges, as now we are laden with, might have had a colour, whereas now they have none. To a full management hereof, many other things should and might be added; but this may suffice to show that the Pamphlet by not distinguishing between Militia and Militia, runs into all manner of confusion; and chargeth us with claiming the King's right, when we claim it not; but a distinct thing, and not that neither, but in Subjection to Their Majesties (what of the King's Militia is involved in the Corporations we know not, till it be distinguished as the Law requires) if these things be not clear to others, they are so to us, and will bear at least an enquiry in England, before we be put on, to what we are not clear in; and this may be the better born with, since as he said in Page 5th. His Excellency offered to continue the Militia in the hands it was then in, which shown a good Satisfaction in the Military Commission Officers; the odds of being under the Corporation, or His Excellency, till we could here from England, needed not the Sharpness of this Pamphlet; which hath nothing helped; save to render us as bad as possible, and beyond truth, or peace.  
And here we might end our answer; but because of the long and bitter Harangue that continues in that Book, and some things that must be cleared, we must attend it. And at once we will insert the Courts Answer to Coll. Fletcher, that all may see what it was, and not take it in the disguises that are put on it; and it shall be as it was Printed at York. Viz.  
To His Excellency Benjamin Fletcher, Captain General, and Governor in Chief, of Their Majesty's Province of New-York etc.  
IN Return to your Excellency's demands of the Millitia, of us Their Majesty's General Court of Their Colony of Connecticut: we say: That finding in your Excellency's Commission no Express, Superseding of the Commission of the Millitia in our Charter, nor Order to us from Their Majesties to Surender the same: And being sensible of the great importance of this matter, and finding it in several main things which do need a particular Explication, and Settlement, as we shall (God willing) manifest to Their Majesties: cannot but conceive it our duty, both with respect to Their Majesty's Service, and our own peace, and preservation in this time of War, to continue the Militia as formerly; till by our Agent now sent for England, we shall receive further Orders from Their Majesties.  
And in obedience to Their Majesty's Gracious Letter of March 3d. 1692. We shall be ready upon all just Occasions, to yield Assistance to His Excellency Coll. Benjamin Fletcher Esq His Majesty's Captain General, and Governor of New-York etc. and to the Commander their in Chief, for the time being: for the defence of the said Province, against the Common Enemy, according to our ability, and in proportion with our Neighbouring Colonies and Provinces; although we have already been out about Five Thousand Pounds, for the defending our Neighbours of Albany, since the War began, besides the loss of Lives. And further, this Court does see reason to grant the Sum of Six hundred Pounds in Country pay, out of our Country Rate, towards the Charge of maintaining the Garrison at Albany, onwards of what shall be our proportion of that charge, in Obedience to Their Majesty's Letter of 3d of March last.  
By Order of the Governor and General Court of Connecticut.  
Signed by john Allyn Secretary HARTFORD October, 25th. 1693.  
On the 27th. of October 1693. was sent this Memorial following.  
Excellent SIR.  
WE have in our former to your Excellency, tendered you Six hundred Pounds, in Country pay out of our Rates; towards the charge of maintaining the Garrison at Albany, onwards of what shall be our proportion of that charge. We desire your Excellency's answer, whether that be acceptable to you. But if you judge it more for Their Majesty's Service, to have men, we shall raise about Fifty men to Assist in Garrisoning Albany, who we shall raise and send forth, with what speed we may, to continue, there till the Spring to the end of March, or first of April next. We Crave your Excellencies Answer, who are,  
Your Humble Servants the Governor and General Court of Connecticut. By their Order signed john Allyn Secretary  
HEre is what can be charged truly on our General Court; and the Spirit of it is in that clause, where it is said, We cannot but conceive it our duty both with Respect to Their Majesty's Service, & cur own Peace, and preservation in this time of War, to continue the Militia as formerly, till by our Agent now sent for England, we shall receive further Orders from Their Majesties. And this is spoken only with respect to the Corporation Militia, not at all with respect to a Militia Constituted as by the 13 and 14 of Charles II. which for distinction we call the King's Militia, and on the reasons there aleadged, the full import of which is for Their Majesty's special Audience: and with a provision to do our duty as to aiding York and Albany. And what does this amount to but our Court's sense, Judgement, or Opinion, in the matter of their duty.  
Let any man coolly Consider, whether this be not justifiable, whether this will bear all the Mountainous weights of Reproach, which this wretched Pamphlet casts on us on this accout? And had the Pamphleter dealt with any honesty, he should have proved that for our Court thus to declare their sense is Opposing the King, and what else he loads us withal; and not publish Horrid Lies of us, and then argue from them. We know that sins and vices are Immergent as well as Graces and Virtues. Lies evil Surmises misconstructions and the like, will yield Misapplications of Scriptures and Laws, and these than will yield a torrent of Infamy. But had he derived only from truth, it had been otherwise then now it is, and better for him and us.  
In Page 9, 10, 11. He tells us of two sorts of People among us. Viz. The Deceivers and the Deceived, and compares the best of these to the Rebels on Absoloms' side, and their case and danger like the Regicides, and adviseth them to take the course of Peter, who had denied his Lord and Master, the other sort are desperate etc.  
Ans. 'Tis to much to Transcribe it, but the Reader that hath that Pamphlet may examine it.  
1. He is over what is matter of Fact, as to the main of it; and this, and what follows, for the Substance being only his own sense of the things fore mentioned; we shall pass through them more briefly: And we shall once for all, desire the Candid Reader to take notice; that all his loud Openings and Noise, are upon a wrong scent; for he pursues us as with-holders' of the King's Militia, settled by Parliament; when as but newly declared we meddle not with that, but another thing only.  
2. It would and should make any one tremble, to read such things, such Comparisons made on such wrong grounds; but we would know not only the words, but the power of these men, thus to Arraign, Condemn, and Execute (as far as Pen and Imprimatur Malice can go) Their Majesty's Subjects and the People of God. Surely if the double Fence of Sacred and Civil Laws, had been at all regarded, we had not been thus Broken in upon, and devoured in some of our choicest Interests: the Holy ninth Command in its several Branches by the things mentioned, and to be mentioned is by the Pamphlet Violated Lies, Reproaches, evil Surmises, Misconstructions, Misrepresentations, and the like, do Violate that Rule. The fifth Command to Honour Superiors, Equals, Inferiors etc. Requires the hiding real Blemishes, not with Ham to see and deride, were that the case with us, much more it enjoins not to Invade our just Repute, with Falsehoods. By the Civil Law we are Their Majesty's Subjects, and as such his Honour is in a degree concerned in ours, and Suggestions against the Subjects ought to be made to the King, not to the World, to defame the King's Subjects openly, in the Face of His Enemies, sorts with no Law or Policy: nothing is to be done in terror of the People, the King's Peace is to be kept by all, the King hath a Judicature to Issue Controversies, and our cause, is at Caesar's Judgement Seat where we ought to be judged: who made this man a Censor over us? But all these things notwithstanding to tear and worry us is what that wretched Tract seems designed to.  
3. What Colour is there that we are with Absoloms' Rebels pursuing Their Majesties, or with the Regicides about their work, or have we denied with Peter our Lord and Master.  
4. May we not for his thus Comparing us retort his own Interogations; and say, Consider how he by these carriages Elemishes Religion and Scandalises the Gospel. Hath he thus Learned Christ & c.? The Tables thus turned would stand the righter way.  
5. Our Gracious KING and QUEEN, nor any of Their good Subjects, we do believe do like a Phalaris with his Brazen Bull to Torment men in, to Extremity; which this Pamphlet is but too like unto.  
6. The Pamphlet goes on, to tell of the Fountain of good Principles, and what his are, Page 12 to p. 21. We will give only the heads of them, and his Inferences from them against Connecticut.  
Pam. 1. That Allegiance to our Prince is a Moral and necessary Duty.  
2. That Religion Compriseth both Tables of the Law.  
3. That the Second Table of the Law is like unto the First.  
4. That the Moral Law is not abolished by Christ.  
5. (To abreviate it) That the King is next to God Supreme upon Earth, Chief Governor in all His Dominions.  
Ans. 1. The manner, and end of Exhibiting these Principles, is to Suggust, that we in Connecticut are Heterodox in these points, and so little distant from mere Infidels: this perverse Insinuation we detest.  
2. We own, and desire to live by these Principles, though we are as yet so unhappy, as not fully to understand our duty in the one point Controverted.  
3. Therefore all the pains taken in these 11 Pages, may justly be called, The New-labour-in-vain; a washing a white man, as if he were a black-more, to make him white, when as he never was otherwise.  
Pam. But he infers on the first Principle, that now it seems this Sound Doctrine will not be endured, Page 15th.  
Ans. 1. When or wherein was the Doctrine of Allegiance to our Prince, so Opposed or Punished among us, as not to be endured? The present contest turns not on that hinge, whether we shall be Subject to Their Majesties, but what is the true intent of this Commission? this we may inquire without renouncing our Allegiance.  
2. Since the 40 years mentioned, it is well known who Preached an Election Sermon, on Rom. 13.7. Honour to whom Honour; and how well he Pressed Obedience to the Colony Government thence, and it were well if some were still as willing to be minded of their duty to God, and their Brethren, as the body of this People are to be Subject to Their Majesties.  
Pam. On the Second Principle, Page 17. he says, But we have seen that of late in Connecticut, which if Abraham himself had been here, would have made him say as once he did to Abimelech, because I thought surely the Fear of God is not in this place.  
Ans. This is like the most of the Pamphlet, a bitter Censure, and Causeless; and we doubt not but he hath deeply wronged therein, many a Son of Abraham.  
Pam. On the Third, he glances on the Pastors of the Churches, and I may add, then, and not before will Religion too be sound and safe, when Obedience due to Princes, shall be thought to be a part of Piety; and when the Pastors of the Church shall Train up the People by the Word of God, to perform Obedience to them.  
Aus. The Emphasis seem to lie in the word [then] whether the meaning be not that it is not so [now] or as yet, we refer, but these Persons he is ware of, and therefore comes so on, as he may Retreat.  
Pam. On the Fourth Principle thus, That a Godly Rebel is a Scolecism, a Prodigious Monster in Religion.  
Ans. Who this is spoken to, and of, is Obvious: and what he bated the Reverend Pastors, he gives in over weight to their Flocks, and but that some Tongues are unruly Evils full of deadly Poison, it would not have been thought, that such Reflections should have been made on us.  
Pam. On the Fifth, If our Religion be so over grown, to that pass that it teaches us to deny Kings and Magistrates etc.  
Ans. Is it not too much that our Civil and Military benefits, have been so struck at by some, but must our Profession of Religion be also prostituted to Contempt in this manner? We profess no Religion that teaches to deny Kings and Magistrates: but of this enough before. Yet we would tell the Pamphleter, that he is Suspected of other Principles, such as aforded all the untruths and Ranchors of his Book; and that Leven hath spoilt the use of these his Principles herein; and however high his Credit hath run abroad, and formerly, we will here tell him: that it is no good Principle for any to hold that a man may Lawfully Marry with his Deceased Wives natural Sister: nor no good Practice to write a Book to justify one that hath so done; which its said will be Printed; this is contrary not only to the Current of Protestant Divines, but even of Papist; and the Pope himself, save as he holds that he can dispense with the Law of God for the good of the Church, and the Manuscript is now extant to prove this.  
Pam. In Page 20 He refumes what he had said of us from Fame, Viz. That it is our Opinion, that the King hath nothing to do with us; and thereupon proceeds to prove that His Majesty hath to do with us, as if this last were a denied, or doubted Principle with us.  
Ans. It is too long to Transcribe, for it gins in Page 20. and ends in Page 25.  
1. But it is Coincident with that aleadged opinion as (represented by him, by us denied) and also with his fifth Principle but now answered; and therefore we need here only say what in effect we have said; namely that it is a falsity, and figment of his own, to say and insinuate that we deny Their Majesty's Authority over us, and therefore all his Interogations, and wretched conclusions on that Suppositions of our denying Their Majesties we detest, and if he will go on with a Labour invain (unless it be to wrong us in the highest) he must, we can but Vindicate ourselves.  
2. We can tell him, that the highest word Assertors of Soveranty, are not always the truest Subjects: Haman under pretence of exalting and benifiting his King, sought his own Revenge, and used the Royal Bow to shoot down good Subjects: And no Age has been free of this Pestiferous mischief, when Subjects are leveled at, while they are on their Knees before their King, as now we are; it is no great Indication of Obedience to Their Majesties, or Love to Their Subjects.  
Pam. In Page 22 he saith: It is a manifest thing, that this and the other Homunculus hath a thousand times more Authority, Respect, and Obedience in Connecticut than Their Majesties have. If a man come in Their Majesty's Name, and with Their Commission, he will not be received by us; but if a man come in his own name without Their Majesty's Authority and Commission, him we will receive: This is not the behaviour of good Subjects.  
Ans. Either this is a base Reflection on those worthy Persons of the Neighbouring Jurisdictions with whom we have for the Public been concerned (it can intent no other) for who have we received Viz. Aided but his Excellency of the Massachusetts, and before him the Administrators of that Government, and those of Albany and York at the Instance of them and by the advice of the Massachusetts, to call these as he will have it Homunculus; we received also Mr. Livingstone of Albany when Mr. Leisler vexed him; these were the Homunculus the little men we received, but not in their own names, it was only to serve the Public; or else we are here taxed as if we used Their Majesty's Authority to serve private Persons and Interests, which is a gross Slander: he should have named some of the [Homunculus] that we received in their own names and preferred before Their Majesties, that our answer might have reached it particularly; as for Mr. Leisler it will be spoken to afterwards.  
Pam. In Page 25 he moves us an Objection as made by us about the Lawfulness of Coll. Fletcher's Commission, and this he returns over into an Asserting the Kings Right in the Militia.  
Ans. 1. As to Their Majesty's right in the Militia, it hath been owned, and that he may grant Commissions accordingly is not to be doubted. But this is not the difficulty, but whether this Commission do reach any other Militia than what the Laws of the Realm do constitute, and this the Pamphlet in words at least yields in our sense, for in Page 29. thus he saith, This Commission is therefore a Lawful Commission being founded upon the Ancient and standing Laws of the Realm.  
If then there be an Inseparable Connection between this Commission and the standing Laws of the Realm, and it be founded on them, and that Act of 13 & 14 of Charles II. be such a standing Law? then this Commission is measured and limited by that Law, which extent of it, was never denied that we know of. But (2.) If they will extend it to a Militia of another Constitution, Viz. The Corporation Constitution; then there is matter of Law in it, not only to be disputed, but to be tried, or at least to be inquired of Their Majesties, whether it be Lawful or no in that Extent. (3.) Their Majesty's pleasure may be sought, even as to that which the said Act (if applied) would take out of our Constitution of the Militia; wherein many things may be, and we hope are said before them. (4.) If men that have neither 50 Pound Starling Per. Annum, nor 600 Starl. in Money or Goods (as most with us are such) shall refuse the duty of a Soldier in the standing Militia, what Law that this Commission is dependant on, will condemn them for so doing? and this as has been hinted will be our case; if the Colony Militia (so to call it which is the Kings too in a sense) be dissolved; but of this we gave an account before; yet could not well omit this further notice of it.  
Pam. In Page 31. he reflects on the Government as Severe and Sharp, Upon any disacknowledgment of our disputable Authority. How Bragg and Peremptory should we have been if this Commission, in terminis had been given to us? Certainly Fire and Faggot, or the Noose of an Halter, had been good enough for any one that should have offered to oppose it etc.  
Ans. 1. Himself says, that Male contents never want Complaints and Commends a throughness in Government. Page 54. p. 58.  
2. It is the general complaint, that Connecticut Government is too Mild; and possible those that know it best, will laugh most at this. Imagination of Fire and Faggot, and the noose of an Halter. What error is in Connecticut, in these things, lies on the other hand.  
Pam. In 31 and 32 Page, he speaks of Greedy catching at the King's Letter of 3. of March last.  
Ans. This Their Majesty's Letter was very Graciously sent, and we hope thankfully and dutifully received and obeyed by us; and he needed not speak so of it as Greedily catching; but we know to whom that Letter hath been an Eye sore.  
Pam. In Pag. 32, 33, 34. he charges Ingratitude to Their Majesties on so hard, that it is intolerable. It was an old Saying: Say I am Ingrateful, and say any thing; but the best of it is, he is no fit Judge of any thing concerning Connecticut, who is thus Fire hot against us with Rage; and we have Their Majesties and moderate Persons to judge herein; we acknowledge (and wish we could do it better) Their Majesty's kindness to us, and were it not transcendent, as the Sky is above the Earth, to this man's Spirit; we were very Miserable. But whether he be within bounds of truth, Sobriety, or Charity, let any one Judge; when he saith, Shall we requite Love with Hatred, Tender Bowels with Malignanty? for what else can our behaviour signify, but a Malignant Spirit and Inveterat Hatred, against the King as King, and who ever comes from him as such? We have sufficiently declared our Affections to the King, and what we should have done if we had Him in our Hands; we should soon Rid the World of Kings, if we had them in our Power; Remember Hazael, Is thy Servant a Dog, says he, that he should do this great (i. e. this abominable) thing? Yea, but when Temptation and Opportunity met together, he did it notwithstanding, and verily so should we.  
Ans. This is such a Charge as shows the Pamphleteers Spirit, in Lively and yet Blackest Colours. To take the Altitude of this Promontory; this Charge or Surmise: Let it be considered. (1.) That to Imagine the Death of the King, is by Law High Treason. (2.) To Imagine the Death of Kings in General is yet higher or highest Treason. (3.) That such Imagine are Sins of the most heinous nature before God. (4.) That such a People so Spirited are justly to be abhorred of all mankind. Wherefore to Tax a Colony with such Treasons and Impiety, to render them an abhorance to all men, is so abhorredly Injurious to them, That if Cerberus had been brought to Bark at us, it is not imaginable he could more Hellishly have performed this task. Let Leviticus 19.16. Be here again remembered, Thou shalt not walk about with Tales among thy People: Thou shalt not stand against the Blood of thy Neighbour: I am the Lord. We will set against it the mind of Excellent Owen, in his Book of the Dispenssing of the Holy Spirit Folly 517. Where Truth is not universally Observed, according to the utmost watchfulness of Sincerity and Love, there all other Marks and Tokens of the Image of God in any Persons, are not only Sulied but defaced, and the Representation of Satan is most prevalent.  
Pam. In Page 34, he demands an Example of us, who so ingratful who so disobedient as we &c.  
Ans. Supposing us to be such as he just afore affirms us to be, we think none are like us or should be so, nor do we know any like him for misusing the King's Subjects, in such an horrid degree.  
2. But if the meaning be, who ever did Address a King before they obeyed an Order they had to inquire further on (which only is pertinent here) as we have done Examples in a greater Latitude than that abound every where. For one let Dan. 2.24, 25. Compared with the 13, 14, 15, 16. Verses be seen; Scores might easily be produced, that have acceptably done this, as well as we.  
Pam. In Page 35, he thus Interogates us, What? do we indeed intent to fall off to the French etc.  
Ans. When men are thus forming and feeding Chimeras, it is endless and in vain to follow them; we are not falling to the French, nor from the King, and yet for diversion we will tell him that his Counsel [If we intent so to do let us speak out] is very weak.  
Pam. In Page 36 he urges us with the unseasonableness of our Acting, from the time in which we are Addressing Their Majesties, and with his usual Severity.  
Ans. If we should for once gratify his humour, and say we missed it therein, yet what is he better than Esop's Doctor to the Dead man? the case was sent away to England, and that before he wrote, and he is too late to help it.  
Pam. In Page 36, he grows Jocous, and 'tis all that he is pleasant in, in the whole Book, and but sour there too, he Masquerades, tells us that our Great Champion, our Goliath leaves us in the Lurch, the Stone is Sunk in his forehead, etc. And shall we yet harden ourselves etc.  
Ans. He uses a great Liberty, we know none that have so Lurched us, though the Stone of a Slander, that one took a great Bribe at York has been cast at one of us; but it's most like to be found in another forehead.  
Pam. In Page 37, he propounds the Event to Consideration, and this he Predicts will be (1.) That Friends will be ashamed of us, Enemies will Insult.  
Ans. We think his Friends (if he have any wise ones) will be ashamed of him, for his Trifling, and abusive use of Sacred and Serious things; and that his and our Enemies will insult upon us with this weapon he hath so unadvisedly or maliciously, put into their hands.  
Pam. His Second Prognostic is, That the King and Council expects better things of us.  
Ans. He is all along too bold to give the King's sense: it has been said of a Chancellor in some cases, that he that knew the Chancelours mind, knew the King's mind; but we have no assurance that this man's Perception is so deep.  
Pam. His Third Presage is that, That we Prejudice Their Majesty's Interests, frustrate Their Intentions, defeat Their Counsels etc.  
Ans. 1. As we justly dislike his fore Staling Their Majesty's Judgement, so we do but a little fear it, though that be evidently designed by his Book, and he may move in his own Orb, and not Soar with his Icarian Wings so near the Sun; alas little thing why thus Cheek by Jowl, with the Sovereign power? will he perform the thing through thee? we know a divine Sentence is in the Lips of the King, and that our Judgement cometh forth from the Lord.  
2. Let it be remembered that we do take care of our duty in respect of the War, and are out great charge as hath been said.  
We will pass over his fond Conceits in Page 39, of the French Concluding that, they have Connecticut to Friend, at least in a posture of Neutrality; and that of the Maquaes being put to go to the French, as Instances only of one that wants to Sleep; and that of the Commission as what we had before, with this Intimation; that Connecticut hath also the King's Broad Seal for their Corporation Militia.  
Pam. In Page 40 he falls afresh to rating at us, Do we not know, That to Levy War against the King is High Treason etc. That an Actual Rebellion or Insurrection is a levying War against the King. That a gathering Forces for the Removal of Councillor's Altering of Laws etc. is levying of War against the King. That the holding a Fort or Castle by force of Arms against the King and His Power is a levying War against the King etc.  
Ans. 1. We must refer to what hath be said chief for answer to these things; to avoid vain and tedious Repetitions; but as these things are applied unto us, we may say as Nehemiah to Sanbalat Chap. 6. v. 8. There are no such things as though sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.  
2. Hath not Connecticut an uncondemned right to somewhat of a Militia? Why may we not in the reverss, charge as hard those that interupt us; especially considering that the General Government is (under Their Majesties) yet in the Corporations hand, to which particular Officers (though by Patent) one would think should stand in some Subordination.  
But it may be said, that we mistake him; he doth not charge us with Treason, levying War against the King; he lays it only as a ground to argue from, as he doth.  
Pam. What Construction then do we think it will have, If we shall be found to Rise in Arms against the King's Lieutenant Publishing His Commission, and Commanding Obedience unto it; and by Force and Arms, to withhold the Militia, and all Forces by Sea and Land, and all Forts and places of strength, in a whole Colony, or Province, from the King against His plain Commission Published under the great Seal?  
Ans. 1. The [if] that all this is propounded with, makes it like a wet Eale, hard to take any hold on, or how to use it; but he intends not to beat Air, but to strike us in these things; and because here he seems to clench most of his Coblery we say.  
2. If he argue from the former of Treason etc. to this of our holding (which he will call withholding) the Militia, that the latter is as great, as bad, as the former or worse; then we did not mistake him; and indeed his sense Suits best his Scope in the whole Book. But,  
3. If he argue from the greater to the lesser, there is no great force in it: for though it be Felony to kill a Man, yet it is not so to kill a Fly; though a man may not Rob, yet he may stand a Trial in Law, for what he hath held quietly a long time (on a good tenure) ere he Surrender; and if finally he should be Ejected, yet a Trial is due to him, ere a delivery is due from him.  
4. All a long the Pamphlet begs, and not proves the main question; for he still runs away with this, that our Charter now gives us no use of any Militia at all; and on that Supposition he builds in a manner all his discourse: but this we differ from him in, and take it our right to have Their Majesties, and the Laws descission in.  
5. What if after all this his Scuffle to bring our heads within his halter; the Charter and his Excellency's Commission, should be found to refer to divers Militia's, the one to a Corporation Militia, as form by the General Court to our necessity, and without which we are undone; and the other to the King's Militia, according to the 13 and 14 of Charles II. Or, which is almost the same, that they should refer to the same Militia, in divers respects: Namely, the one to what of our Militia falls not within the verges of that Act forementioned, and the other to what of it that Act will on trial be found to Comprehend; will not this reconcile the Charter and Commission? Or what if the Law, or Their Majesty's Grace, will firm our former and present Station in these things? these things are not only possible, but hopeful, and he might have stayed his hand, and not have run out upon us as Traitors, as worse than Turks as despisers of the King, as he doth, Page 40.41.  
6. A Contest with His Excellency, is not a Contest with the King; if Ajax and Ulysses strive for Achilles Armour, this makes neither an Enemy to Achilles nor the Greeks: if Herod and Pilate differ about Jurisdiction, neither is hereby a Rebel against Cesar: Are not Contests about Rights to particular Commands frequent in the Courts of Princes? And though but one can prevail, yet is not the other made a Traitor for holding what he had till a decission be. The Pamphlet over charges, in saying (in a case thus Circumstanced) That disobedience and Contempt offered to the King's Ministers, redounds and is done to the King Himself (for Connecticut is the King's Minister also)  
Pam. But he is bold at all adventures, to affirm that besides, other vile Indignities (not fit to be named) His Excellency is in danger of his very Life, such as assert their Allegiance and declare their Submission, run the same Hazard.  
Ans. This is not the first nor second time we have found him at the trade of Impudent Falfifying, as is before noted; there was no appearance to give ground of such say; His Excellency was with all freedom and safety among us, nor were his Servants or any hurt or assautled in the least degree, that ever we heard of: true it is he lodging at a Public house and Inn, there was a concourse of People of different persuasions, and that discourses, and disputes were many is without question, as there are on many Occasions: yet to raise such things to an hazard of His Excellency's Life, or others; is a false Inference; Can he say that any man shouldered a Gun, girt on a Sword, lift up so much as a Staff, or hand in such a way? we have a full account of the contrary, we are deeply injured therefore, thus to be represented to the World, as a Company of Assasmates; and he that gave his Imprimatur to this, had reason enough to know the Contrary.  
Pam. In Page 42, thus he says, Some may Imagine they have found a Neat way to defeat the King's Commission, they will not take Commissions from His Lieutenant themselves, but will also deter others &c.— What! do we think he is to be put off with our Scurvy little tricks etc.  
Ans. Here he finds he touches ground, for all this while he hath been but floating, and hath contended only with words of the Courts etc. but when as not withstanding that Endeavours were used, to find persons to take Commissions, and such an universal adherence to what was settled by the Charter was found in the People, as that those proposals would not take, and that this gave a Remora to all present further proceed: the Observation of this puts the Pamphleter into this Rage, and passionate Exclamation against (whom he knows best) perhaps he means the Governor first, and then the Court, as thus persuaded. But this is a groundless Surmise; it was the set and Spirit of those to whom such Commissions were offered, and of the whole Country in a manner, which they were sensible of that stood in the way; and needed not the adjuvancy of any of the Court to persuade to it.  
2. Since the proceed stopped here, he might have spared most of his Labour in taxing the Court with opposing (as he will call it) that Commission, and laying its present Ineffectiveness there where it centred not. Let this be well noted, and it will ease most of the other difficukies that are urged against us: Since it is run a ground here in our Pamphleteers own account, though it rubbed else where.  
3. Yet is there reason enough to believe, that those few that were asked to take Commission (and they were very few indeed by all we can learn) and that at a second third or forth hand way (which may clear the most, and those few too, of refusing) none did it, nor any others would do it, in the least unwillingness to Serve Their Majesties, (for Them they Serve with their present Commissions) but as well understanding their previledg and Interest, from which a Pamphlet has not moved them; and the general sense and set of the People, is an argument of more weight in this affair, than we shall now insist on.  
4. Yet the this using their Liberty, doth not render their Obedience to Their Majesty's Arbitrary neither; nor is it a putting Them off with Scurvy little tricks; it is but a waiting to have that made clear in their Alteration (if it must be so) which yet is doubtful it seems to some.  
5. Nor will this not taking Commissions merit Their Majesty's displeasure, as he suggests, Page 43.  
6. Nor is it a necessary Consequence from not taking the Commissions so offered (if any were) that such are like, the Citizens in the Parable that hated their Lord and that would not have Him Reign over them (Nor that therefore His Majesty should or will say) Those mine Enemies that would not that I should Reign over them bring hither and Slay them before me, as p. 43.  
7. Nor yet that we and our posterity shall be ruined, be declared Rebels, put out of Protection, be shut out of Commerce, be reduced by force, kept under a strong Garrison be sorely Fined, fetch over some to England; as he gives his Judgement in his way Page 44.  
We must confess these things though hard, are a great abatement of what went before, of being Slain: But they only signify and are Effects of an Incendiary, and Horrible prejudication, on weak grounds, without any Authority; and for a close he shows how loath he is, that these things (or some of them) should not befall us; in these words, and it is a new sort of Grace if They (Their Majesties) do nothing.  
It may be thought this man hath forgot that he writes in the Reign, and within the dominions of Just and Gracious KING WILLIAM and QUEEN MARY.  
Now at last, we have the Fish that has all this while, and with all this Baiting and Angling for been sought, as the prey, brought out; and the white all these Arrows Aimed at; set open in Page 44, 45.  
Pam. Let all good Subjects than Consider, and as they would deliver themselves from the Common Gild, so let them distinguish themselves, and make haste to yield their due Obedience. And as for the Rest, we may say, Father forgive them they know not what they do.  
Ans. We believe it will not be found in any Instructions from Their Majesties, that Their Commission to His Excellency should be forwarded in these turbulent ways, moving for Commotions among Their Subjects, who are in Peace among themselves; Save this and a few more Male contents (and so on other grounds than this business) and we persuade ourselves, that it will displease them and all good men that shall Consider it, that private Persons should over the heads of those that here Serve Their Majesties in the Government.; thus bespeak the People of this Their Colony: make such distinctions between them, and especially that the Holy Scriptures, the Laws and Their Majesty's name, have been put to such ill uses, as are every where obvious, and that the same should have an Imprimatur also.  
2. What he means by due Obedience, is evident from his Scope; but if any should ask how, or in what way shall we yield it, as the case now stands? he says nothing by way of direction, for if he had its most probable that the executing it, would openly have Violated Peace, and Order, to beget an ill affection therefore against the present dispensations in the Government, and so to make way for some other, seems to be the drift of all this ill taken pains with the People. But surely our Settlement, or changes, must or should come from Their Majesties; and not by these means.  
What follows is only several Objections (most of which are his own, not ours) and his Answer to them, to which we will briefly Reply.  
I. Objection.  
The Militia is very well disposed of all ready; King Charles the Second of happy Memory, did by His Charter for Himself and His Successors, Grant it to us and our Successors, in the Year 1662.  
It is too much to Transcribe his whole answer, the Sum of it is, First, That we overween our Charter. Secondly, That the King knows our Charter, and how the Militia was disposed thereby. Thirdly, That the Charter never granted us a standing Militia. Fourthly, Nor to send men abroad. Fifthly, That what was granted was not to the General Court. Sixthly, Nor no places of Strength, Forts etc.  
Ans. To all these things we need say no more, but that the clauses in our Charter, and those Equivalent, in the Massachusetts former Charter, and Rhoad-Island Charter, were always understood and practised upon, as Commissionating a standing Militia, and the Rule of it to be next the King, first in the General Court, and that we could aid our Neighbours, hold Forts etc. without which we had been undone in the Indian War, and in no safety at any time.  
But the discussion of these points is large, and of little use here: where the dispute is confined to the Supposed Competition of our Charter, and His Excellency's Commission, for the Militia.  
2. He reason's all the Charter granted is void, because the Militia is a Jewel of the Crown not to be granted by the King from His Successors, it is like Abishag etc.  
Reply. 1. We need not it is in vain, and therefore we will not here meddle with that Question, how far in a Charter to a foreign Plantation a King may make a grant of the Militia, for and from His Successors: it is plain that such a grant there is; but we wave that here.  
2. Yet we have before shown, that the King's Militia as settled by 13 and 13 and 14. of Charles II. is a distinct thing from the Militia as settled here; so that though the grant may not hold as to the former, against His Successors, yet it may as to the latter, as being no part of that undemissible Jewel of the Crown, as we suppose, and withal, that as yet that is undistinguished in this Colony, from the other.  
Pam. It is Answered by him in Page 47, That our Succession was determined in 1688. So that we cannot talk of Succession or Successors, without some new grant.  
Reply. This indeed if it would hold does all the business at once, for our Charter is gone then, and we know who hath played on this String all along since that Year. 'tis a large field, we will enter it no further now, than to say that as Good Judgements as we could get in England or New-England are otherwise. Nor have Their Majesties so declared yet of it, but rather otherwise: but this is in England where we leave it.  
His II. Objection, which he makes in our name, is,  
But we Suspect that this Commission is a Cheats because the King was in Flanders at the Date of it.  
Ans. This is to put a Cheat upon the World, and an abuse upon us, to render us as thus Objecting, like much of what is already detected, begetting Brats and Fathering them on the body of the People, on whom he does reflect in his Promiscuous Charge; to Render us Odious and Ridiculous; he claps a fools Coat on us, and then derides us in his Answers; but this is no disappointment to us whatever wrong it be, we could look for no better from a Person so engaging as he in this Pamphlet. He and his Imprimatur may be ashamed of such things. What if some few should quere at the rate of this Objection? Is it thereby a General Court or Colony Objection? the Court never in their answers, took it for other than a reality: as is plain by the Printed account of those Transactions.  
His III. Objection.  
The King hath given us no command to Surrender the Militia to His Excellency.  
This he slights as a poor Shift, as if Their Majesty's Commission to His Excellency to Command were not Command for us to Obey etc.  
Reply. It is one thing for a Command to come to the Objects of it immediately, and another for it to come to them by a Medium (as the Government is where under they are) Again, 'tis one thing for a Command to come without a Competiting Command, and another when 'tis otherwise. Thirdly, It's one thing for a Command to be clear and indisputable in its intent, and another thing where 'tis not so.  
If this Command must influence. (1.) The General Court and by them the People: if withal the General Court have a power to the same Command, and these powers are not cleared from interfering, in such a case, and when these also are depending for Issue, we say a Commission to Command is not immediately a Command to Obey, till those encumbrances are removed.  
2. We have cause to believe, that the not nuling our right in the Militia, nor giving Orders for Surrendering: was done by Their Majesties, to give us the opportunity of applying to Them, in reference to it, in both the Commissions, or else as well our power as Sir. William Phipps, we think had been determined expressly.  
3. Common reason suggests, that every one in trust, is to mind his own Orders, and Instances of this are plentifully discoursed.  
4. A Charter Grant is of that nature, that (so far as it is good) we think a particular Order does not null it, wherefore we lay not the stress of this matter chief there.  
Pam. He says, His Excellency Demands no Surrender of the Militia: But Obedience to His Commission, etc.  
Reply. We ask, what was that Obedience he demanded of our General Court? or what Obedience were they Capable of herein as a General Court but a Surrender? Or why is our Court so faulted with opposition and disobedience all a long; if they were capable of no Surrender? or had no demand thereof as here he saith? by this account their Audience, of the Commission, and not actually resisting his Executing it; was our Compliance, and discharge, and this he had to the full; and yet complanes.  
Pam. The last part of his answer to this Objection, stands thus, Did Their Majesties ever give Their Subjects any Command to yield Obedience to our resumed power? We lately received a Letter from Their Majesties; did Their Majesties therein or any otherwise give the People any immediate and express Command to obey us, in what we were thereupon about to do? Yet we expect Obedience from them, without any such Command, and are not we Their Majesty's Subjects as well as the rest of the People?  
Reply. This is a poor shift indeed: Is it reasonable or possible, that every Individual Subject, in his private capacity, should have His Majesty's particular command; as it is reasonable and possible, that a Body Politic or Public Person should? Every Inferior is to attend the Orders of his Superior, but Their Majesties are our Superiors, we may expect Their Orders therefore, though our Inferiors must take up with ours.  
His iv Objection. But we cannot manage our Government without the Militia.  
Ans. This Objection is of great weight, and requires a large Consideration to handle it, but it's to no purpose here to insist on it; only this is the general sense, that if all Militia be taken from us, the Civil part of the Government will be extremely weakened, if not desolated thereby; things in this respect are not here as in England, as might be demonstrated if that were here to be done. The hitherto constant Conjoying of the Civil and Military power in the foreign Plantations, is evidence enough of the necessity of the one to the other. What is a Body without some what defensive and offensive, but a prey, or at another's Arbitrament?  
His V Objection. Is Coincident with the former, only he adds somewhat about our annexing to York.  
Reply. We shall wave this for the most of it, as being no present inquiry whether it be good for us to be annexed to York? that is not our business; and though he speak of it as indifferent, or , yet our People 'tis well known desire their old Station.  
2. Whereas some mention is made there, of our Aiding Leisler, which some may take in a wrong sense; we say that what we did therein, was only out of a sincere respect to Their Majesties, at the Solicitation of Albany, and of Massachusetts; and it is known that Persons of Honour came from Massachusetts, and one from Plymouth, and joined with our Agents there, in that matter; and the State of that Province, and of affairs in general needed it, and it was not out of any sinister or personal respect to Mr. Leisler.  
3. His Suppositions of our Shouldering out the King's Government, which he insists on, are mere Imaginations of his own, without any ground given, to it by us.  
His VI Objection about Rates are impertinent; and the complaints of the Long-Islanders, though loud, is not our business; unless it be to wish that others espoused no more the complaints of Male contents here, than we do theirs, who they give that name to there.  
His VII. Objection.  
That the Governor of York is a Proud Moross Stearn and Austeer Man etc. And His VIII. Objection, That he is a Papist.  
Reply. We say to these in Sum, what we said to his second Objection; Let the Reader turn to it, and when these are not our Objections, 'tis hard to be falsely taxed and thereupon to be further reproached as there; Viz. Who knows when the Devil and his Children, will have done Lying and Slandering— (and calls us) a Rude, Proud, Ungoverned, Disorderly People, as we have declared ourselves to be: And more to that effect as there it follows.  
Reply. If these his deal with our Colony be not Rude, Proud, Ungoverned and Disorderly, we think never any such will be found in Paper and Ink.  
As to what Encomiums he is pleased to give His Excellency, we need to say nothing of it.  
Pam: For a farewell, and as the Sum of all, to give our Character as we stand in his account, he citys at large 1 Sam. 10.26, 27. There went with Saul a Band of men whose hearts God had touched, but the Children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? and they despised him etc. But he held his Peace.  
Reply. Who these Comparisons intent is notorious; we have only this kindness from him therein; that he tells not the World how small a number that Band he alludes to, was; for then in all probability, it would have been known, that he had called almost all the men in Connecticut Colony, Children of Belial: And there is one thing in it, that is Extremely and to Admiration strange, and that is; that since his Saul was so wise as to hold his Peace, that he (one of his followers) should be so very foolish, as to write so much (and in the manner as he hath) about it.  
Pam. Lastly, he citys, John 1.46. Nathaniel said can any good come out of Nazareth? Philip says to him, come and see.  
Reply. We leave it to the Sober and Pious, whether he did not begin, go on, and hath not ended in a dreadful profaneness; Contrary to the Third Commandment, which enjoins the true and Reverend use of the Holy Scriptures.  
FINIS.