THE Faithful Testimony OF HIGH-HALL DETECTED; AND THE EXAMEN, Of the Pretences and Character OF Mr. WILLIAM RUSSEL, &c. VINDICATED.  
Part I.  
LONDON: Printed in the Year 1700.   

THE Faithful Testimony OF HIGH— HALL DETECTED, &c.  
THE different Colours, the Faithful Testimony, as 'tis called, appeared in( when it saluted the light of our Meridian, being crept out of the Darkest Cranny, and vilest Harbour for the worst of Filth in all Cow-Lane) to the Eyes of those concerned, upon the various Apprehensions and Ideas they had of the Matters therein: it being either enfeebled by bright Rays, streaming from all Parts of the enlightened Hemisphere; and so easily repulsed and beat back again into the Infernal Place from whence it took its Original: Or the Eyes of the over Credulous and fond Partial occaecated by the Pretence and Obscurity of that trifling and confused Piece; have provoked my Zeal and Charity to endeavour to dispel the Mist from the Eyes of these clouded and deceived Souls, and set 'em in a clear light; that so they may not be imposed upon; nor Religion suffer, for want of being ascertained of Mr. Russel's nefarious and abominable Actions; and of the Baseness or great Indiscretion of those that favour and uphold him.  
Well might the Author of the Examen lament the great Decay of Religion, and the loss of its pristine Purity, when the most notorious Immoralities and unheard of villainies, are extenuated and connived at; and the Actors of 'em countenanced and defended, particularly, by Two Persons of considerable Name and Figure in the Profession of Christianity.  
So hot a Zeal have these Men for their own Systems, and so Dogmatically bent to support 'em; they are even stupefied by the viollent Heat and Fury of their own Lightning and Thunder, and seem unsensible, that to run Riot, and swim in all manner of Sensuality, is so much as a venial Crime: Or if they do, to be Orthodox, that is to Believe as they'd have, will expiate the Offence, and all their Immoralities will have no weight in the balance, to either we are all subject to Failings, or they are Chapions for Religion, Patronizers of the Faith, Detectors of Blasphemous, Idolatrous and Damnable Heresies of Cassin and his Abettors.  
But, Sirs; Whoredom, Lying and Drunkenness, are certainly damnable Sins; and ten times more Infectious, Dishonourable and Dangerous to Religion, than a Thousand Errors of truly Sincere and Conscientious Christians. And as for Mr. Cassin's Notions, they have been Proved in the Examen not Fundamental, nor Voluntary Errors, such as he is not Wilfully Guilty of, because he Acts to the best of his Understanding, all which will be farther considered in a Second Part, if we find occasion for it; but here I shall only evidence the Truth of the Matters charged on the Doctor in the Examen; and Detect their Unfaithful Testimony.  
Upon the Publication of their Pamphlet, the Person charged with Methodizing the Examen, was much ofended at the Calumnies and the F●rgery they had cast upon him, which he had heard of, from several Hands, and thought himself obliged in Justice to vindicate his Innocency and Reputation. To which End it being absolutely necessary for him to see the pretended Faithful Testimony, applied himself to a Certain Person he took to be his Friend and a Familiar of the Doctors, by whose means he hoped to obtain one or more of them; But how it came about, whether by his Friends Indiscretion or Perfidy, the Doctor came acquainted by whom he was employed; so that instead of a Book, he received; the Dr. did not owe Mr.— so much Service, nor did he know what Business he had with them; unless to Burn. An Answer too uncharitable, tho we should suppose the Doctor sensible, that they deserve Fire and Faggot. However it is Evident by this denial, he resolved to prevent as much as he could their being Burnt before they were red, as some did the Examen; an Instance that some Men were bent to Vindicate and Uphold him Right or Wrong. But farther, that if Mr.— himself would come, he would not deny him a Book or Two. But Mr.— it seems rather choose to sand him a short Letter with the Causes( in general) and Reasonableness of his Demand, which I have obtained leave to Insert.  
Domine Russel,  
HU●e Tabellario, quem non ita Pridem, ut alunt, Scripsisti Libelulum,& nomen Fecisti Fidele Testi●onium ad me dare ne graveris; in quo tu, ut Fama est ●ihi Librum, Examen, &c. dictum imputas; atque eti●● me Sycophantiarum& Mendaciorum reum peragis: ●aque nihil iniquum postulo, quo melius liceat causam ●cere.  
Ex Domo Paterna oppido Darking pride. No●as Aprilis.  
After the Doctor had viewed this a little, he began to fold it, and seemed by his Posture to be going from the Bearer without so much as a Word of the Concern, who then thought it high time to inform him of what by all the Circumstances and Observation he made, supposed he was Ignorant of, viz. That an Answer was expected from him. This as he relates, put the Old Mortified Man into a violent Heat, and sent an Answer as like that of a Disturbed and confused Brain, as if it were hatched in his own; 1. That he knew not any use the Letter was of, unless to wipe his Backside. A Grave Answer for a Divine, and a Cambridge Doctor. Had the Bearer cried hold Sir, beware of that, least you add Fuel to the Fire, who could have blamed him? 2ly. That Mr.— had best mind his own Business, lest he Repent. To what part of the Letter this refers, I profess Ignorance. Unless it was none of Mr.— Business to remove those scurrilous Reflections, and false Accusations so plentifully heaped upon him in that invidious Pamphlet. 3ly. That Mr.— was an Impertinent Scandalous Fellow. All these Answers are most notoriously Impertinent, as well as Uncivil; and Diametrically opposite to his great Pretensions of Sanctity and Reformation; Nam mihi quale ingenium habes, fuit judicio oratio tua. The Tongue is the Index of the Mind, the very Picture and Disposition of the Heart. To suppose the Dr. to be really ignorant of the Letter, as he said; is but to excuse the Impertinence of his Answer, not at all the indecency and raillery of it, which might well have been spared, and more to his Reputation; but who could have suspected his Ignorance after so many Bounces as we have had, of his H●b●ew, Greek and Latin. And to suppose he understood the Letter, will but aggravate the Case; then his denial evidently appears a Design to prevent as much as he could, the Person vindicating his Reputation, from the Slurs with which his filthy Pamphlet endeavours to slain it.  
I hope Reader, you'l excuse for intruding so long on your Patience with these Passages; I have not done it to detain you from the matter in hand, nor to expose the Ignorance of the Doctor, so much as to inform you of the Temper and Disposition of his Spirit; an everlasting Argument of his Insincerity and mere Pretences to Mortification and Holiness.  
I proceed now to examine the trif●ing falsehood and Disingenuity of the Pamphlet, called the Fa●thful Testimony of the Church of Christ, meeting at High-hall, concerning the Crimes cha●ged upon their Minister Doctor Russel.  
The Title had been passed without any Remarks, but that I was willing to correct a palpable Error, committed either by the Author or the Printer in the word Faithful, which is made one word, whereas it ought to be two distinct Words, with the Expletive Particle[ of] between them, to be red thus; The Testimony full of Faith, &c. For who knows not, that a very great degree is required at this time of day, when all the World sets up for Virtuoso's, and fain would be thought acquainted cum tota rerum natura, both Moral and Divine; to pretend to set upon so impossible a Work, as to wash a filthy Black-moor white: Or prescribe a Dose which neither in quantity nor quality, is s●●●●●●●● to have the least Operation, when by the r●d●●●l●●●●● of the Distemper the wh●le Mass is Corrupted; but such Physicians( to say the best of them) must be only b●oy'd up with hopes of Miracles, being sensible of their Patients deb●lity to bear the Op●rat●on of a more powerful and proper Medicine. Instead of a s●rry A●●●●te, called a Faithful Testimony, the Writ 〈◇〉 Magnatum or a public trial before Impartial Judge●, would have searched to the quick, and convinced more, that they sincerely and hearty desired to make a perfect Cure; then a thousand Cabals at their college at High-hall; or their Testimony's from thence of their faithful endeavours.  
Thus much of the Title, for I shall say nothing here of those schismatics, who call themselves the Church of Christ at▪ High-hall.  
They begin their Tale with a hideous out-cry of a Scandalous Libel, called an Examen, &c. which they say, contains several grievous Reflections on their beloved Brother, Pastor, and Messenger, Dr. William Russel, and charges him with very Gross and Abominable Immoralities. Thus they raise the Readers expectation to have a faithful Account of Horrible Matters acted against their beloved Brother, by some Wicked and Malicious libeler; the like of which was never heard of before: But hold, he's basely deceived all on a sudden; for they only tell him, they are the same things the General Assembly, meeting at Goswel-street, had Charged upon him, 1698. in a Scandalous Paper, Signed by Three of their Members.  
Come Reader, now you have it from their own Mouths, that the Things charged upon Dr. Russel in the Examen are the same, that the General Assembly had Charged him with before. Consider therefore the General Assembly is a great Body of Religious and Judicious Men, who we cannot think would take such grievous things upon slight Report; but be well assured of the Truth of them e're they gave them Credit; and to be sure they would never Exhibit them positively against him, as things he ought to be dealt with for, and so not only blast his Name, but expose themselves, and the Reputation of Religion; unless they thought themselves able to make them good by Credible and sufficient Witnesses.  
The Author of the Examen can't but be pleased sure with the Company the Dr. and his Friends have allowed him, to help support the burden they have cast upon his Shoulders, and consequently upon theirs, nay sometimes upon both without distinction; as Scandalous libelers, whose Tongues and Pens are set on fire of Hell. Caffinite Malice; Instruments of Satan; Promoters and Propagaters of wicked Heresy; Abettors and Upholders of Heretical, Blasphemous, and Damnable Opinions; want of Truth and Evidence, vile Aspersions; with abundance more: Demonstrations that they themselves were pregnant with Rage, Malice and Calumnies, who could vent ●d throw out so much in so little Room.  
But I suppose our Brethren of the General Assembly, ●hen they come to be acquainted with these Char●es, will think themselves obliged to Vindicate their ●tegrity; and let the World know how basely ●ey are abused; that the Saddle may be laid on the ●ght Horse; those vile Persons detected, and pro●ested against; whose wicked and dishonourable ●tions, till then, are, and will be prejudicial to our ●oly Profession.  
In the mean time, if the Authors of the Faithful ●estimony please, I'll show them their own Pictures, ● the Doctors Glass: It represents to 'em the frame ●f their Spirits by the Rage and Scurrility of their Tongues and Pens; 'tis in vain for them to think they are better for Scismatizing, 
Vindicat. of the Babt. Church. p. 9.  while such Corrupt Communications proceed out of their Mouths; Indications of Corrupt and unmortified Hearts; for out of the abundance of the Heart the Mouth speaketh: Revilings are contrary to all those Exhortations in the Gospel; as Meekness, Kindness, Tenderness, and Charity. Our Lord a Prince of Peace; His Gospel, a Gospel of Peace; His People peaceable, Gentle, and easy to be entreated; hath himself set us a blessed Example, not to Revile tho' Reviled; nor Threaten tho' we Suffer; but commit yourselves to him that Judgeth Righteously: And then he draws all its Rays to a point, that implies, unless you are thus qualified ye cannot expect a Blessing in your dead: So that if your Faithful Testimony meets not with that Credit you expected; your beloved Brother says, 'tis because you are not Meek, Tender, Charitable, and in a word, not Mortified.  
The Contrivers of the Faithful Testimony, in divers places of it, make a great noise, because the Examen is Anonymous: From thence they would insinuate, it is a False and Malicious Thing; that the Author was ashamed and afraid to own it; as much as to say, unless he be so Ambitious of being known as the Cambridge D●●tor, and puts his Name to every thing he Writes, it is not to be credited; but this it seems hath prevailed with many, and been prejudicial to its Authority; not surely with any, but the biased and the blind, who can't, or will not see better. Themselves( you hear) tell us, the Crimes it chargeth upon the Doctor, are the same that were Exhibited against him in a Paper by the General Assembly, which Paper is inserted in the Examen, p. 13. and Subscribed in the Name and by the order of the Assembly, by ●o. Amory, and Tho. bows; Which one would think the Intelligent and Impartial should Esteem, f●r more Anthentick then the Authors Name, ●●t h●m be who● he will; so that this Objection must needs appear to wise Men, only a Cavil to extenuate the Authority of the Book; especially since they pretend certain knowledge of the Author.  
after we are informed in the first page., that the Exam●n contains only some old scandalous Matters formerly charged by the assembly. In the Second, we have an obscure and deceitful account of a full and serious Examination, in the Year 1698. Of all those things the Doctor was accused off: We are  told they appointed a Church Meeting, to hear and Examine the Charges, wherein they had the Assistance of divers Teachers and Principal Brethren of the Church of Christ, at Whites-Alley; and also of Mr. Ben. Morley, and Mr. Fran. morris; that they proceeded at that time( as a Church) to hear, and determine all those things th●ir Brother was Charged with; and upon a full and serious Examina●ion thereof, it did appear to them, the Proof alleged was not sufficient to prove him Guilty.  
Now by this Formal and Specious Account, I presume, no Man alive cou●d imagine, they had neither the Accusers nor their Witnesses before them, ●o, not so much as One of them; but it is very true, and yet their Consciences can serve to insinuate they ●ad heard and examined at that time, the Accusers and Witnesses themselves, of all that could be Objected against the Doctor, and so impose a lie upon the World: What abominable Deceit is here! These are they which pretend to Religion; but well thought on, 'tis that of High-hall: These are the Doctors Com●●rgators, and who by licking their beloved Brother, proclaim their own Insincerity to the World, and the falsehood of their Faithful-Testimony.  
But suppose they had heard what the Proof was, or the Doctor acquainted them, who was no Ignora●us in that Matter; and considered of its validity, why did they not tell us so, instead of deceiving us with Words, and endeavouring to make us believe they had the Witnesses before' em? And why pray did they not acquaint us wherein the proof alleged was insufficient to prove him Guilty; this indeed would have had some appearance in it. Ay, ●ut those things were not to be known by us, that was their Sense on't; we must take it on their Word; believe as the Church believes; or we had the amends in our own Hands; for to question their Ability of Judging, is grand Presumption, their Impartiality a breach of Charity; and deserve an Anathema: And to contradict them to be sure is a Damnable Heresy.  
Let none think it strange I charge these Gentlemen with an unparalleled stock of Confidence; for all the World must allow it too, when, besides what I have Noted already, they are informed, that a great many of the Things have been proved upon him long since, and he dealt with, and confessed, and pretended Humiliation for' em.  
But what do they mean by being manifest from undeniable Evidence, that the things cannot possibly be true, that the Prime or First Evidence knew nothing of them. In the former things they tell us the Proof was not sufficient; here they rise a degree higher, and positively deny there was any thing in it: Next perhaps, they may aver, he was never Charged with such Things; what say the Gentlemen, you I mean, that are so credulous, you'l believe 'em will ye not?  
Once more, what do they mean? The Doctor was accused of picking up a Miss of the Town; of being Drunk; and taken in her Company, all which is Recorded in Sr. Edward clerks Book: And yet they say, they are impossible, by undeniable Evidence; and that the Persons from whom the Witnesses( Accusars they should have said) pretend to spake them, deny they spoken them, or knew any thing of' em. Well, and what can we say now? that Things so plain and Evident are denied, Recorded in a Magistrates Journal, Deposited upon Oath, for which the Doctor was Fined, and paid Five Shillings for being Drunk, and the Woman committed to Goal, why only thus much, that they are Persons of unheard of Confidence, so far from Religion, that they have no Regard to Truth, their own Reputation, or Common Honesty; and if people are content so to be imposed upon, e'en let 'em for the future.  
I Remember indeed, one Mr. Hore was very Officious in this Matter, and he reported it seemed to him impossible the Doctor should be drunk, by cons●dering the time of his going from Home, upon the Word of the Doctor; for that to be sure must come from Him or His; and from the Account he received at the George and Vulture, where it was ungroundedly Reported, by some that the Doctor and his Mi●●ress had been Drinking: But I never heard till ●ow, it was impossible the Doctor should be taken in Company of the Woman, and had before Sr. Edward ●ark; this is a Degree before that Gentleman, and yet ● Man of very great Assurance; who will not hesi●ate to say, with as grave a look as usually graced withall, that Drunkenness and Whoring are Vir●●es to the Opinion of Caffin; nor stick to deny that ever he said it; the very next breath, with a blushy, ●othing unusual to a Man of his Modesty; nor to affirm it again as Company invites or provokes him; and yet this Gentleman is one off, if not the only Credible Testimony.  
But to return, if these things are so impossible as they pretend, and the real Witness deny to know any thing of them; whence is it I pray the Doctor and his Friends are unwilling to come to a public trial? This is very unaccountable to con●idering Men, and must needs be a greater prejudice to his Cause then ever they'l be able to retrieve: An Innocent Man need never fear; if that don't always secure him from the Rage and Design of Wicked and Malicious Men; it must certainly administer Peace to his Conscience which will support him under all trials.  
Perhaps it may be inquired here, if the Things are so plain as we make for, why did not we appear and make them Good at their invitations. I answer, first their Meetings were appointed by order of the Church as they Call themselves; they tell us they proceeded as a Church: Now they well knew the Persons concerned would not own them for a Church unless schismatics may be called so; And that to appear at their invitation would be to grant them a Church, the Author of the Examen produces the Doctors own Words, namely, that he would not agree the Church at White's Alley should appoint Persons to Confer with those that left 'em; because that would be to own 'em a Church: So that if this be not a sufficient Reason 'tis the Doctors, and therefore obligeth him to meet with his own Bushel. Then all the Persons who were to be Judges in the Case were of their own Choosing; and such as were not proper: tho' I will not affirm of them, Reddent vicem si reposcatur. Lastly their Meetings were at Times and Places of their own appointing; and therefore that Freedom and Liberty could not be expected; nor the recourse of so many Persons, as were absolutely necessary in the Case.  
These are the Reasons I presume; wherefore no Body accepted their Invitations; and these they were acquainted with by Persons offended, both before and after the First Meeting; and long before the Second by the Author of the Examen; and therefore to resolve upon the same Measures this last time, they were assured of beforehand would not be satisfactory to offended Persons, was plainly to tell us, they were so far from obliging us with a public and impartial Hearing that now they bid us defiance and absolutely determined to shelter the Doctor and stifle the Matters against him as much as they could.  
So much for the Delivering of Adonis, whose Chastity at last, having been often charged to be smitten and entangled with the Charms of Venus, is wonderfully vindicated both by the Conjunction of Impossible Circumstances and the Insufficiency of Mr. Hearsay, and Mr. Know-nothings Testimony, from the Rage and Malice of Satan's Instruments set forth in a Wicked Scandalous Libel Contrived, Written and Published by no body knows who.  
Next in particular comes on the trial and Delivery of Mr. Bacchus, a Great Crony of the Ladys, a very fit Companion,( sinecerere& Baccho friget Venus) Look yonder he comes Do but behold the Beast.— There from the Sark-house, along by the Zythopolists Doors. Ha! What a Steering I'l warrant ye to Jacob's Well, to alloy the Nectar and Qualify himself for the theatre to Morrow. How he Swags, Nay he Bows like a Bulrush. Now, now, to the Lady! Mad— am, your Um— ble Ser— Ser— vaunt. See, see he's down. Well there let him lye, And come on Sir, let us hear how he's acquitted.  
As touching the Doctors falling down in the Street which gave rise, they say, to the Report of his being Drunk, divers there present, declare he had been many times troubled with Fits, which sometimes seized him with great Violence.  
What a pretty shame Story is here! Mark it, he fell down in the Street and that gave rise to the Report he was Drunk. No Gentlemen, that some of you might have done. He did not only fall down, but continued down, and at last was sent home in a Coach, where some of his Friends were, who have confessed he was Drunk, and smelled so strong of liquours they were not able to assist him, nor cared to stay for the shane and Scandal of it. Moreover, this action was so far from giving the rise to it, that he can be proved an habitual Drunkard long before.  
But suppose he hath been troubled with Fits, besides Mad Drunken ones, what then? It does not follow from thence, that this was one; which was the thing they ought have given Satisfaction in, and therefore had it been a Fit, why did they not produce some Persons among those many that saw him to testify it? This was very requisite and would have carried something of a Face with it; were they credible and the Circumstances agreeing: but they pretend to nothing of this Nature; and yet unanimously agree that they consciously believe it, IT! What? Why that this falling down was from the Distemper of his Head, and not Drinking: to which Mr. Morley, and Mr. Morris subscribe their Names together with the Congregation, as their judgement of the whole business.  
Now this is the whole Conclusion of the first Meeting, which relates only to the latter Thing, namely, his being Drunk, when he fell down; so that the Contriver of the Faithful Testimony shows his Cunning and Deceit, in making a great Noise of a full and serious Examination of all Things their Brother was charged with, the Proof whereof appeared insufficient; and of the Impossibility of the Things about the Constable, together with the Witnesses Ignorance, and denial of their knowing any thing of them; and then in omitting all in the Resolution and Determination of the Church; And all this is so jumbled together, that an undiscerning Person cannot well discover the Juggle.  
So that there is no such Thing to be found in the Resolution of this first Meeting; that upon a full and serious Examination, all the Matters alleged against him, were not Sufficient to prove him Guilty, yet they insinuate this in the whole Account, and particularly in these Words, And because they are the same old Stores, recited in the Examen, we thought to have past it by in Silence, &c. And in p. 3. Notwithstanding, We had heard the Matters charged against him, and acquitted therefrom long since, yet we did agree to consider 'em again, &c.  
Now the Reason of this Omission seems to be. The Persons who examined the Matter were too sensible of the Truth and Evidence of 'em, so much as to give it under their Hands, that they really believed he was not Guilty; but choose rather to single out this Crime, which they flattered themselves was the lattest, and most difficult to be Proved; and therefore the fittest for their Design to maintain him in his Schism, and impose on such as knew no better; for it can't be thought, had they quitted him of those Matters, the Doctor and his Friends would have been guilty of so great an over sight. But this they endeavour to make amends for in their second Meeting by denying all in the Bulk, tho' on no better Ground than the former.  
And 'twill be well for a bad Cause if this general and Partial Information hath been the only Snare to Mr. stead, and Mr. Sharp, in being so far concerned in the Faithful Testimony, as I find they are and come now to inquire into.  
But by the Way, It is a Matter of no small Wonder how the Doctor procured these two Calvinistical Antimonians to be his Vouchers; for 'tis within the Memory of a Man, the Doctor affirmed that Calvinism was a great deal worse than Caffinism, which yet Mr. Hore and Mr. Jac. pronounce worse than the greatest Immoralities; and all of them Blasphemous, Heretical, Idolatrous and Damnable. At another, if not at the same time he advised one, who asked his Opinion in the Case, to join with the old Assembly; for he had Thoughts too of doing it himself. But now that he dissembled in both these, especially his Cast at Calvinism, and consequently was in a fit, i.e. a fit of Hypocrisy, can be no question, if we consider the exact conformity there is betwixt their Doctrine and his practise; which is far from Evidencing good Works necessary to Salvation. And hence indeed, it is not so great a Wonder, he made Choice of these Men, who utterly Cashier the Law of God, and consequently destroy the Distinction, the Legalist, as they call 'em, make betwixt Virtue and 'vice.  
These Gentlemen, p. 6. 7. tell us they thought it their Concernment to use the best means they could in Righteousness for information in the Truth of these Things. i. e: Charged on the Doctor in the Examen; and therefore were desirous to be Present, when those Accusations might be fairly heard; knowing it would be unjust to judge of a Matter on Reports, till they had obtained opportunity to hear the Charge opened, Testimony and Evidences examined, and the whole Affair Candidly Debated.  
There is no doubt to be made sure, but that these Gentlemen who have thus introduced us with the just Methods, Persons Righteously and Sincerely inclined, are obliged to take to Judge of Matters of so much Moment, and which chiefly concern the Reputation of their most Holy Profession, have very well acquitted themselves in all these Respects.  
But however considering they are but Men, and Humanum est errare, we will not pass without examining into their infringement; and if found to deviate from so just a Rule, I shall not spare to Discipline them with their own Virgâ; and I am sure Judicious Christians, who are truly Zealous for Gods Cause, will not blame me, when they consider how very prejudicial it is for Persons in such Eminent Stations to Err, not to say play the Hypocrite in so Solemn a Manner.  
Now as a part of the best means these Gentlemen could use in Righteousness for Information, which they say, was their Concernment, and pretend to have used; they were obliged to take care, that the Persons who had undertaken to prove the Things, should be acquainted with these several Postulata.  

1. Timely Notice, and Invitation.  
2. Place.  
3. Judges of the Cause.   
All these to be sure are absolutely necessary to be done by such as pretend to be Righteous Arbitrators.  
Nay farther, they ought to acquaint themselves also, whether their Proposals were accepted; If not, for what reason Objected against; and to do their utmost Endeavour to remove them by Reason, son, if Unreasonable, or by Compliance, if not.  
If any of these Endeavours were wanting by these Gentlemen, unless impossible to be come at, they must needs act Repugnant to their own Consciences, by contradicting the Means they inform us was their Concern and absolutely necessary to qualify them for Judges of the Matters.  
In the Examen, they are acquainted with several Things, ( viz.) That the Matters of Fact would be proved upon Mr. Russel, by the Members of several Congregations; dare He or his Friends, either Legally or before both Assemblies call and invite them to it: That a great part of the Things he had been Convicted of, and dealt with for, at Barbican; that he stood Accused of wilful Lying at Goswel-street; and that as to the Business of the Constable it was Recorded in Sr. Edward clerks Journals.  
We must suppose the Gentlemen acquainted with these things, and Consequently with the means of Information, because they tell us they had seen the Libel, meaning the Examen. So that they might have given, or caused to be given public and Timely notice to those Members of divers Congregations mentioned in the Examen, who undertook to prove the Charges; that at such a Time, and Place, and before such Persons, appointed to hear, and Determine of the Matters; they were expected to appear, and make good those things they charge on the Doctor; where they should have free Liberty and due Encouragement. And here they ought to have given substantial Reason why they refused to let the Cause be heard before both Assemblies; and why they took such Methods as they must needs suppose would not be accepted; that so they might have used all proper means to justify their Proceedings, and Convince People they designed not Partiality. They might have applied themselves to Barbican and been acquainted of the Truth of those Matters; as well as to Goswel-street, concerning his wilful Lying just before he Schismatized: They might also have gone or sent to Sr. Edward clerk, and Examined the Truth of that Matter, and seen he was Recorded for picking up the Woman; and being Drunk, with the Deposition; but all this they neglected; and yet pretend to make use of the best Means they could in Righteousness for Information in the Truth, being sensible how unjust it is to Judge of a Matter without hearing the Charge opened, the Testimony and Evidences Examined, and the whole Affair Candidly Debated.  
Nay, beyond all this, they immediately subjoin; and accordingly( i.e. they mean according to these pretensions of their Sincere Endeavours, to search out the Truth) being admitted by the Church, to be present at that Season( viz. when by their Opinion the Charge ought to be opened, the Testimony and Evidences Examined, and the whole Matter Candidly Debated before just judgement could be given) they heard the Matter Impartially and Judiciously Presented, Considered and Determined, which at least plainly implies thus much; that the Charge was opened, the Testmony Examined, and the whole Candidly Debated, which is Horrible Wickedness, and a mocking the Great God, as well as deluding the World.  
It is true indeed, they do tell us after this, that neither the Compiler nor his Abettors, were able to make the Things good; because he knew of the Meeting a Week before, and refused to come to it.  
But this, were it true, as it is not, would be insufficient to clear them from a Design of Imposing on the unwary Reader: For by the plain sense and Connexion of the Words; no body can imagine that if neither the Compiler, nor Abettors were there, yet some of the Accusers were; because 'tis incredible to think the Matters should be impartially represented by any of the Doctors Friends; so much as to the satisfaction of these Gentlemen, who had but just before declared the unjustness of Judging upon Reports, and without hearing the Testimony and Evidences Examined, and the Matter Candidly Debated.  
Besides their telling us they heard the Matter Impartially presented, considered, and determined; and then immediately adding these Words, viz. they do also declare as things appear to them by Evident and authentic Testimony, Doctor Russel is not guilty of those Vile Enormities laid to his Charge, in that Scandalous Pamphlet, is an evident Distinction betwixt that Addition of theirs and the determination they just before tell you they came to, upon the Matters, being Impartially presented and Considered: So that they stand on two different Foundations, and consequently it is Evident they endeavour to insinuate, that their Determination of the whole Affair, together with the Church as you have it page. the 5th. where they are Represented to agree with them, was founded upon the Impartial Examination of the Evidences which they intimate is absolutely necessary to make competent Judges: And that besides this they verily believe the Dr. is not guilty from Evident and authentic Testimony, that was given in his behalf. To say this is not their sense, is what I contend for, because it gives themselves the lie, and acquaints the World with their Hypocrisy, who expressly tell us, that they knew it would be unjust to judge of a Matter on bare Report, till they heard the Charge opened, the Testimony and Evidences Examined, and the whole Affair Candidly Debated; and consequently that it was their Opinion no Testimony, in behalf of the accused Person is sufficient; but both Parties must be heard, which they insinuate with all seeming sincerity imaginable, was their Design.  
I come now to observe what they say, concerning the supposed Author of the Examen, and to show that those very measures they took, make against them; and is a farther Confirmation of their Deceit and Hypocrisy.  
Their Words are, and for him that was the Writer of it, to refuse his Appearance to show Grounds, and Testimony for those grievous Accusations; tho' he knew a Week before hand of their designed Meeting, and was invited and desired to come to it; did evidently declare that neither he, nor the Abettors were able to make any Truth appear in those Vile Reproaches cast upon him in that Scurrilous Libel.  
By this Consequence of their own drawing, 'tis manifest the Persons knowledge of their Meeting and Invitation to it were antecedently necessary to his appearance; because they make that the formal cause of it, i.e. of their conclusion or consequence; that he nor the Abe●ttors were able to make good the things.  
And as they suppose these things necessary, they must also suppose certainty as to the Person, and that it was his business to appear, as well as a sufficient time to do it in, with his Evidence; if any of these be wanting their Inferrence is altogether Fallacious; for as he Could not do it without Knowledge and Admittance; he could not without timely notice, nor obliged unless really the Person that undertook it, especially if they are directed to the undertakers. Now the Mischief on't is, their Argument is subject to all these Disadvantages, and consequently is a perfect Fallacy, which will appear by inquiring into the Matters.  
'tis true, the supposed Author, as he tells me, did aclowledge he had heard of their Meeting about Four or Five Days or a Week before: But what then? It is as true he knew not of their Design, but was inquisitive of the Measures they intended to take; for he had heard of the Matter, and Thought it was Expedient such Things should be sifted out, and the Blame and Scandal be laid on the Backs of those who deserve it; for the Prejudice of Religion was never greater, nor the Causes more connived at, then in in this present Age; so that they have nothing to Boast of on that account; for what did it signify to know of their Meeting, and neither of the Design; nor that he might be admitted.  
As for the Invitation they talk of, when was that? How long before the Meeting? why they tell you in their Faithful Testimony four Hours, indeed! What Four Hours? A huge long time! surely the Gentlemen could not think this enough. Yes they did; Nay and they do not only bring it in thus, He pretended the Notice was too short, tho he was acquainted with it FOUR HOURS before the Meeting; but concluded from it too; that he had no real Excuse for his Absence but want of Truth and Evidence; Truly I think the Person acted very discreetly to refuse to make his Appearance before such unreasonable Creatures. And I Appeal now in his behalf, whether Four Hours Warning was not altogether Irrational, pray Consider they had no Assurance of finding him at Home; but if they did accidentally, can it be thought he could have the Command of so many Witnesses at an Hours Warning, or two; besides I know it impossible to do them all Word in that time, And therefore if they really suspected him to be the Author as they Insinuate in more Places then one, when the Meeting was first appointed, 'tis Evident they designed to Trick and Surprise him, and to make that a Pretence, but was in reality a Contrivance to shelter the Dr. from Justice: and if they did not suspect him, then 'tis as plain, they had no Thoughts of a public and Impartial trial; and yet these Men as you have often heard, pretend that was their Design: So that let it be which way it will, they were far from doing all they could in Righteousness for Information; or giving the Reader a faithful Testimony of what they did.  
But suppose this Person had been invited in time, they had no Reason nor Grounds to make the Improvement they do of his refusing to come, unless certain he was the Author: For else he could not be obliged; nor their Cause receive Advantage. But he did not deny it they say, What then; Are there no Prudential Reasons to be given for this? Suppose he was a Friend to the Cause, and acquainted with what the Author says in the last Leaf of the Preface to the Examen, viz. that he was not concerned in the Controversy; but referred to those that were and would undertake it; 'twas his Prudence to put a stop to any farther Enquiry about him; For he might easily Scent the Intriegue, which evidently appeared in their inquiring after the Author, who had assured them the Cause was none of his; and suppressed his Name, an Evidence he would be no farther concerned in it; and at the same time wholly neglect the Means directed to, of finding out those Members of several Congregations, who promised to appear and prove the Matters upon him.  
Lastly, Suppose he was the Author, yet seeing he assured them the Cause was not his, and concealed his Name on that very Account. But withal acquainted 'em of the Persons whose Business it was, and had undertook and promised to defend it, on public Notice, and proper Conditions; he is no farther Concerned, nor to be esteemed than a Representer of the Matter, in order to a public ●earing.  
Thus Reader you see the Great noise and Improvement made of sending to the Author, and his denying to Come is vanished into smoke: So that for them to conclude he absented for want of Truth, is a mere non sequitur, and Involves their Cause into Design and Intriegue.  
You have heard he had not timely Notice; nor they Assurance he was the Author, nor he sufficient Reason to appear, when he had informed them, 'twas to Business of his immediately, and intimated he would be no farther concerned; but directed to those that would; For them therefore to fix upon him, nay upon him only under these Considerations is a Demonstration they did all they could to stifle the Matter, and Conceal the Doctor's Wickedness.  
And this will be more abundantly confirmed by Considering the Answer the supposed Author returned 'em by M. Jenkins their Messenger. He  told me he objected against the Place, Time, and Persons: The First he says was not Convenient; The Second not Sufficient; The Third not Proper. Had he approved of their Measures, or it been proper to accept of them, he had heard of their Meetings,( as he  told Mr. Jenkins) about a Week before. What Ingenious Persons are these now, that can turn this to their Advantage, and make a noise of a Wonderful Cconcession! But what follows! He ordered Mr. Jenkins to tell the doctor and his Friends; that whether he was the Author or not; yet if they would submit their Cause to be heard as the Exame● requires, viz. before both the Assemblies, he'd undertake to produce sufficient Witness to prove the Things, it Charges on the Doctor, upon timely notice. But all this would not do, it signified not a Rush; they proceed notwithstanding: So Just were these Judges; and so sincerely disposed to use the best means they could in Righteousness for Information. These one would think, were perfectly the Actions of Madmen, or those at least that have no sensible Love of Religion, nor tender Concern for their own Reputation.  
Well, as I said, they Proceed notwithstanding and draw up their Resolutions, and judgement of the whole.  
That as Matters do now appear to the Church and to the rest here present on the most diligent and strict enquiry we could make, our Beloved Brother Russel is not guilty of these Crimes, or Immoralities charged on him in the aforesaid Pamphlet.  
That is to say; he is not guilty of offering that incivility it relates to the Gentlewoman at High-gate; tho' she is still alive and others that saw it, who will attest the Truth of it, when duly called: No● Guilty of the Immodest Action to the Gentlewoman in Moorfields; not to her in Cloath-Fair; not guilty of picking up another Mans Wife in the Street, and making satisfaction for it; nor of being left in a Tavern by a gilded, chous'd of his Money, and pretending to be Justice Underhill; not of being Drunk several times, and seen by some that have, and by others that will attest it when required; not of being brought Drunk before a Justice of the Peace, whom I forbear to mention; in short( to repeat no more of the Things) He is not guilty they say, of being taken in Company of a Common Woman, and had before Sr. Edward clerk, and of being drunk as deposited upon Oath; and consequently too, they say, he has not been Convicted of any of these Things at Barbican, nor dealt with for them. And all this without coming to a public Hearing; nay refusing to do it, notwithstanding they have been so publicly dared to it, and more especially by the supposed Author, when they were just met to hear and determine the Matter by the best means they could use in Righteousness for Information; knowing it unjust to Judge of a Matter without hearing the Charge opened, the Testimony and Evidences examined, and the whole Affair Candidly Debated.  
So that there is an absolute necessity to conclude; that either these two Gentlemen were imposed upon; or else have acted Repugnant to those Methods, they simulate sincerely to propose before God and all the World, was their Concern and Design; and consequently contrary to their Consciences; but this( I hope) I may say for them, they would not wilfully do; and therefore conclude they have been tricked by the Doctor. However it will be a blot in their Eschutcheon, so long as they continue to shelter him from a public and Impartial trial.  
But these Gentlemen tell us, page. the 6th. that they are greatly grieved such things should be alleged against the Doctor, who had publicly with Demonstration and sound Argument been enabled to defend, the despised way of Christ.  
This puts me in mind of what Dr. Jackson said to the supposed Author,( as he tells me) and perhaps they are partly of a mind: He said tho' he would not justify the Doctor concerning the Crimes charged upon him, yet he would Apologize in his behalf, as a worthy Instrument to defend the Cause of God. At another time he affirmed that drunkenness and Whoring were virtues to Socinianism, Arianism and Caffinism; and that Robert Hore was nothing to blame, but in receding from it, and further that were all true charged on the Doctor, yet as before, he was deservedly worthy of a good Name in the World. To what a strange pitch of Confidence are these Gentlemen arrived? But some Men are very Charitable to their Neighbours about Immoralities, and Sins of the deepest die; but can't exercise a Grain in Matters of Religion; the first perhaps from the instance of the adulteress, whom our Saviour commanded first of all to be stoned by the Innocent; the second as likely, because they cannot away with to be contradicted, and hold it as great presumption, nay, as damnable a Sin, to call their Vain and Empty Dictates into question, as the best Pope of 'em all; but notwithstanding, the People to whom they belong, if to any body; for I think a Stranger may well make that a question, will call 'em to an Account, and make 'em examples, for giving their disrespectful and irreligious Tongues such a liberty, to call those certain and indubitable Matters into question, Chastity and Temperance, in which all the Christian, World is agreed, nay, the very Deists themselves, and make 'em more uncertainly determined by the Scripture, than these profound Mysteries that have been Bon's of Contention in all Ages; and Patronized by some Men as Pious and Good as any since the Apostles Days. They could not more sliely, I think, have suggested their own Infidelity and contempt of the Scriptures, I have heard before now indeed the Character of some Gentlemen Desplayed, and I fear 'tis too true of 'em; which I'll give you, and those the free Liberty of claiming it, who think they best deserve it; 'tis said, they have so much of the Notion and Theory of Religion as to be able to Harangue and chat it over a Pot of Ale, a Dish of Coffee, or a Glass of Canary, Day after Day, from one Weeks end to another, with as much Pride and Ostentation as most Men alive; And that they have just Wit enough to Banter and Ridicule in a peculiar Way, the most sincere and Pious Persons, serious and weighty Matters, that don't svit their Gusts. They are for Governing every Body, but Directing and Instructing no Body, either with Spiritual Gifts amongst their Brethren; or with Example and Savour of Religion in their common Conversations. So that for the Practical Part and Profession of Religion, I dont hear they have any more than some of none of the best of their Neighbours. But to return,  
Surely these Gentlemen must take the Cause of the Antipaedobaptists to be desperate, to pretend need of such a Defender as the Doctor. And th●●efore let him be as able as he will, I cannot apprehended that such a Scandalous Person is fit to be employed in defending Religion, who is so far from living it, especially by a Body of People. Nay I don't conceive how they can be Just to their Profession to admit him. If Mr. Jack. does Apologize, 'tis ten to one but some Body will have somewhat or another to say to it.  
In the mean time I think it is sufficient if such a Man, tho' truly sensible of his Wickedness be entrusted with the smallest Talent, I mean the very meanest Place in the Church, tho' for Parts and Ability we should suppose him qualified for the most Honourable: But the many Steps he hath made of late, exclusive of these Crimes, to advance, and get himself a Name, is an Evidence to me, he swells with Ostentation and is no more fit for a Church than the pulpit.  
I Remember it hath been an old Story, nay still in the Mouth of some People, that the Doctor is really reformed and become a new Creature, both in the Church and in his Family: Of this Mind are several, but amongst them all, I shall only mention Mr. Jo. Jenkins, he having lately given this as his Opinion, it is the more Pertinent to our Purpose. When he was with the supposed Author, who reflected on him for Partiality, supposing he had been Zealous with others to Eject Mr. J. T. whose Case he supposed came short of the Doctors, seeing he fell under the Charges; tho long First, which was some small formal sort of Expiation, but the Doctor continued to deny the Things charged upon him; so deceived abundance of People, especially his own Hearers, and his own Soul too, which made him the greater Scandal to Religion, and was an Aggravation of of his Sin. To this Mr. Jenkins in substance replied, that he Charged him falsely: For the Doctors People were acquainted of the former Things, and that the Doctor had been humbled, and had made Satisfaction for them. And as for the Truth of what he affirmed, was so Pert and Cock-sure as to challenge the Person to make his Assertion Good. And a little before this the Person alleding the Notice was too short to procure so many Witnesses as that Case required. No replied Mr. Jenkins, that can be no Excuse; Talk of a Great many Witnesses,( Apostrophically) need of a great many Witnesses to prove the Business of Sir Edward Cla●k, or any thing else since he was an Elder; for the old Matters they require nothing, expressing himself, as tho' they were well enough satisfied about them; the very Words the Person hath forgotten, but is sure this is the Sense of them. And therefore called on Mr Jackson to take notice, the Gentleman allowed the former Matters, and required only that of Sir Edward clerk to be proved. Mr. Jenkins must not be thought so unfaithful to his Friend, voluntarily to give away so much of his Cause; but that he had good Grounds for what he said, and conceived it a vain Thing for the Doctor, or his Friends to go about to deny them. And indeed his very mentioning the old Matters in such a manner, must needs suggest the Doctors Reformation. It has been the Common Vogue among the Doctor's best Friends ever since the Sabbatarian Book came out against him, that he was a reformed Man; and therefore the Author shew'd a malicious Spirit to reap up such old Stories, and for which he hath given Satisfaction long since. And I can tell you, that then a Certain Gentleman was of the same Opinion, with some others, not so innocent as they ought to be, who contradicts it now by subscribing their Testimony, and so proclaim themselves Men of Untruth in Octavo.  
Let me now demand of these Gentlemen that pretended to be sensible of his Reformation, and endavoured to make it others Satisfaction, as well as that they have made it their own, in what Actions of his Life hath it been manifested: They say a Thing cannot be, and not appear. Let us therefore know wherein his Reformation is apparent? Is it in often contracting those vile Actions charged upon him, and never sincerely repenting of them; or in his sometimes pretended Repentance, but more frequent Repetition, for little less than the Space of Thirty Years together, as can be proved upon him.  
But more Especially Gentlemen I am extreme earnest to know whether you continue your Opinion of his Reformation from the Grounds he gave the Subscribers of the Testimony, to conclude and agree with one Consent, p. 5. that upon the most strict and diligent Enquiry they could make, Mr. Russel is not Guilty of those Crimes charged upon him in the Examen; for it cannot be imagined but among the most strict and diligent Enquiry they could make, the Doctors positive denial of being Guilty must be included: And consequently( if right) he hath cut off all Pretence or Occasion for Repentance and Reformation; Which very well agrees, Does it not, with his former Pretence of Repentance? Either then he repented of no Sin, reformed of no 'vice; or now he is a most notorious, and audacious Scelestique; So that it is manifest, nothing can be justly Pleaded in his Behalf on Account of any former Zeal, pretended Repentance and Reformation.  
Lastly, To keep the Matter no longer in Hand; The Crimes charged upon the Doctor are true; if credible and Ocular Evidences be of Sufficient Authority: And the greatest part of 'em, and the most Flagitious and Criminal too, will be Personally proved by such Witnesses; and the rest by those that are every way Sufficient and Sustantial to convince all the World of the Truth of 'em, unless such as are prejudiced and resolve be so; We say, the Crimes charged on the Doctor in the Examen, will be all substantially proved upon him, with several others, if he and his Friends shall think their own Reputation, or the Honour of Religion oblige 'em, to submit their Cause to be Heard and Detertermin'd by the generality of the Baptized Elders in London; or by a competent Number of 'em equally selected; Time and Place mutually agreed upon; by the Doctor and his Friends on the one Part, and on the other by one that asketh nothing; but an Impartial Hearing, and Righteous judgement of the Case.  
NATHANIEL GALE.