they said tried all serious and sober meanes to reclame the Bishops which hitherto proved ineffectual they set up Libelling in these Pamphlets 1. The Epitome 2. the Demonstrance of Discipline 3. the Supplication 4. Diotrephes 5. the Minerals 6. Have you any work for Coopers 7. Martin Marre Prelate sen. and jun. 8. More work for Coopers A new way whereby whom they could not in earnest make odious in jest they would make ridiculous for their garbs gate apparel youth defects and infirmities its strange how secretly these were Printed how speediy dispersed how generally bought how greedily read yea and how firmly believed especially among the Common sort to whom no better Musick then to see theie betters abused Court Such Bookes are altogether unbecoming a pious Spirit to print or publish or with pleasure to peruse which supposed true in matter and measure charity would rather conceal then discover the best of men being so conscious of their own badness that they are more careful to wash their own faces then busie to durty other mens An Archangel thought himself too good to bring and Satan not bad enough to have railing accusations brought against him But what was the Law asleep all this while C. N. The Law fined two Knights Knightly and Wigston for entertaining the Press Gentlemen and discovering the Press which was first set up at Mously in Surrey and removed thence to Faushey in Northampton shire then to Laton thence to Coventry thence to Welstone in Warwick shire thence to Manchester and there found by H. E. of Derby in the Printing of more work for the Cooper they found out Udal Penry Greenwood and Barrow and Condemned them Penry for being the Author of Martin Marre Prelate Udal for being the Author of Demonstration of Discipline who were executed afterwards to the great terrour of evil doers and peace of the Kingdome Court Poena ad unum terror ad omnes L. B. C. L. O the sad condition of the Church which like Rebeccab had Twins of Discipline strugling within her the Hierarchy antient and established the Presbytery newly founded by some Clergy men favoured by many of the Gentry and followed by more of the Common sort who being prompted with that natural principle that the weakest must be the most watchful what they wanted in strength they supplied in activity Court I pray wherein were they active when all these courses failed them L. B. C. L. A Synod of Presbyterians of the Warwick shire Classis was called at Coventry the tenth day of the fourth Moneth as they said that is April where they resolved 1. private Baptisme unlawful 2. Homilies useless 3. the sign of the Cross dangerous 4. not to Communicate with unlearned Ministers yet they may hear Lay-men 5. Bishops are unlawful 6. That they have no power of Ordination or jurisdiction 7. That they will privately bring wise men to the approbation of the holy Discipline and afterwards teach it publickly to the people These and other things necessary at all times were subscribed by all the Classes in England with humiliation for their former Conformity as Mr. Johnson witnessed against them when he revolted from them Court What became of these men P. H. Cartwright was cited to the High Commission on the 1. of Sept. 1590. to answer to these Articles against him 1. that he had renounced his Orders 2. that he was ordained beyond Sea 3. and there had setled a Presbyterian Consistory where he had presumed to ordain others that new way 4. that they had exercised their authority in admonition suspension c. against the Lawes of this Realm 5. that though he had promised not to oppose the Lawes yet he did it in neglecting and opposing the orders of the Church and inveighing against the Governours in publick preaching and private conference 6. that when he should pray for Bishops he used these words Because that they who ought to be Pillars in the Church do bend themselves against Christ therefore O Lord give us grace and power all as one man to set our selves against them and by his perswasions others did the like 7. that he received the Sacrament sometimes sitting sometimes walking 8. that since his suspension by the Bishop of Worcester he had presumed to appeal from him and preach publickly and by his own authority to own a servant of his guilty of fornication a forme of Penance in St. Maries in Warwick 9. that he presumed to ordaine Fasts contrary to the Church of England 10. that he had nourished dissentions between Her Majesties Subjects by distinguishing them into Godly and Profane 11. that he concealed the Authors of some late Libells and said in their behalf That they who would not amend by grave admonitions should be further dealt with to their reproach and shame 12. That he had composed a Book called Disciplina Ecclesiae sacrae verbo Dei descripta allowed at several meetings in Oxford Cambridge Warwick c. and practised in several places where Mr. Cartwright was chief Court What saith Mr. Cartwright to these Articles Cartw. I think I am not bound to answer to them by the Lawes of God Bishop Almer You must then to the Fleet. Cartw. Gods will be done L. B. C. What were the discourses that were abroad of these proceedings T. F. I pray hear Mr. VViggingtons words in a Letter to Mr. Porter of Lancaster Mr. Cartwright is in the Fleet for the refusal of the Oath as I hear and Mr. Knewstubs is sent for and sundry worthy Ministers are disquieted so that we look for some Bickering ere long and then a Battle which cannot long endure Court And no wonder that they talked at this rate for they had now by their private Agents procured a Letter from King James to the Queen Not to straiten men for setting forth the Evangel in the simplicity of their Consciences But did they break out into any excesses and extravagancies P. H. Yes for with these encouragements Hacket Arthington c. were animated to kill the Queen the Privy Councel and to speak and do such strange things that they were hanged August the twelfth 1591. Court What was that Hacket A. B. He was so civil by nature that he bit and eat his Mistress Note when a School boy he was at first an informer against Recusants and then by his access to great men so busie that he was the great patron of Non-conformity despising all Ministers and though in their Company yet saying Grace himself alwaies and so in all Ministerial duties so angry he was with the Queen that once he stabbed her Picture c. Court Enough of him Good Lord to see what a Schisme will come to in time Nonconformity was now much improved many State businesses are by turbulent spirits shufled into that cause it were worth the while to have before us a series of their meeting and actions in general Mr. Stone To satisfie my own conscience and for the peace of the Kingdome
fall in and improve the design to the ruine of Church and State C. When this failed what course did they take R. L. They scribled as Crofton they petitioned and engaged the Grandees c. and left no stone unturned untill the Parliament closed up all disputes by several wholsome Acts for the security of the Kings person and Government for suppressing of all Pamphlets and unlearned writings for prevention of all tumultuous Petitions and for submission to the present Government requiring them to declare their Covenant illegal and unjust their Warr against the King-rebellious and that the Discipline Ceremonies Worship which they had so long opposed was according to the Word of God C. What did they after the enacting of these wholsome Lawes R. L. Many of them endeavoured by the mediation of potent friends to have the execution of them suspended untill his Majesty and Councel satisfied them there was no suspending of Lawes so much conducing to the peace and welfare of the Nation C. Yet it was observed that they were so confident of success in this attempt that they writ to several not to subscribe for his Majesty would allow an Indulgence What other wayes might they use L. 1. They offer his Majesty 500000 l. a temptation to his necessities like that of the Devils to our Saviour when hungry and taking of the stones of the Church for bread to confirme the sale of Bishops Lands with the Deanes and Chapters for 99. years reserving the old Rents to the Church Which the noble Prince to his eternal memory be it recorded refused with scorn and disdain suitable to his Fathers piety who said he had rather live upon the Almes of the Church as some of his Predecessors Kings of England had done then put the Church to depend upon the charity of the people C. Alas who could be so bold as to offer his Majesty a motion to sacriledge F. L. Even Dr. Burgess who had written that Sacriledge was no sin in a Book and case he writ for the sale of Church Lands whereof the good man had to his own share no less then seven hundred pound a year C. Well! his Sacred Majesty did graciously appoint a way to satisfie all parties in point of Interest But what do they do in point of Conscience F. L. They make the best friends that could be made with words or money ever andanon you should have a Lord drop into their Church at Aldermanbury Walbrook c. a great encouragement no doubt and you would meet half a douzen or half a score of the reverend Pastours walking at Court as demurely as I have seen so many spirits walking before my Lord Maiors Banqueting house and to the same purpose of haunting too here is first offered an advantage to be head of a party to any that is ambitious 2. Here is money for any that is covetous 3. Here is the good old cause to move the well affected C. What is their success J. B. Having very large promises they go home and republish the old Principles to the number of 3000. Copies to keep up the spirit of Reformation they write for the necessity of it they plead for the Ministers that were in sequestrations they cry up directly or indirectly the obligation of the Covenant some by writing as Mr. Crofton and others by hinting scarce any Sermon being preached without an use of perseverance to be stedfast and unmoveable as Mr. V. concluded with his beloved Congregation C. Was there any more done I. B. Yes there was a book much applauded that was gathered out of the Papers of a studious man that was formerly Minister in Bedfordshire they say since his death by a young man with others assistance that litle understood the compass or merit of that controversie to prove that there is no Church Government of divine right the wary Sirs being contented the cryed up divine right of Presbytery should be waved a while that the same right of Episcopacy be suppressed altogether rather then the legal government should be established they will wave the settlement of their own C. He was a bold fellow that would publish any thing of his own or of other mens to dispute that which the Church by Bishop Hall so clearly asserted which its Books so punctually pressed which his late Majesty so excellently disputed and he with his eminent Divines at the Isle of Wight so irrefragably proved But what did he that writ or he that set out that Book mean did they resolve to make good what Mr. Hooker said that when we had disputed on both sides our selves a weary a third party would come in and with our mutual arguments against and concessions to each other overthrow us both or did they intend to remove all Religion from its basis of divine right and six it as Mr. Hobbes doth upon humane Constitution for although this Book instanceth only in Church Government yet the arguments to those that graspe and understand them which I fear the publishers did not would reach any point of Religion whatsoever and would make up the strangest piece of Adiaphorisme that ever was in the World since the interim of Germany but they stick here J. B. No no this was only to trouble the waters and keep men irresolved as to the publick constitutions while they confirmed the brethren in their private opinions and are un Bishoping Timothy and Titus bidding men beware of Diotrepheses and those that Lorded it over Gods heritage insinuating they desired not rooos a year Lordships Baronies c. but the liberty of their Ministry and what was the issue of all this they extorted from the Government an Indulgence in order to a mutual coalition good understanding and peace C. What use did they make of that J. B. When it was expected they should have complied with his Majesties incomparable design of charity they go home and preach against the coming in of Popery against Covenant breaking against the prophaness that was breaking in upon us and they put out and discusse in Print these Queries about the interest of England 1. Whether the Presbyterian party should in justice or reason be rejected and depressed or protected and encouraged since they forsooth brought the King in 2. Whether the Presbyterian party may be protected and encouraged and the Episcopal not deserted nor disobliged 3. Whether the upholding of both parties by a just and equal accommodation be not in its self more desireable and more agreeable to the state of England then the absolute exalting of the one party or the total subversion of the other Bold questions you will say being indeed no other then thus much viz. Whether the particular and private humours of a discontented party is as considerable as the publick and general constitution of a well setled state C. This is downright but is this all J. B. Not so neither for we have our slanting and back-strokes that are more effectual as to pass by many others they
to Archippus I mean did you not see a Book called so wherein they were stirred up by all the arguments in the world to invade their Pulpits and the Newes yonder yonder at London was so stronge that some of their Reverences they say took Coach very demurely to Whiteball to wipe off forsooth that aspersion although many of them creep up into some careless mens Pulpits and you know how Mr. Calamy Preached boldly at his own Church and how he made it a Moot-point whether he had offended or no. C. Was the late plot in the North a general one B. D. They would not a great while believe it was any yea and that was the main plot to perswade others that it was none yet in the mean time how insolent how busie are they what riding what posting what writing We will be in Chester the 24. of the sixth Moneth saith one Tell brother Owen we are 6000. stronge of our own friends c. How sullen how dogged are they here as well as some of our wel-wishers abroad untill the design was broken which in the breaking discovered a Committee here in London that united all interests and managed all affaires Now the question will be whether the dissenting brethren considering their carriage and behaviour since the fancy began in King Henry the Eighths time of which we have given an exact account to this hour are to complain if they are restrained by laws and kept from meeting or acting by publick constitutions For answer to this it is the observation of all men 1. That private men must be checked rather then the publick Government violated 2. That it is not safe or reasonable for any private opinion or fancy to controule or guide a publick authority 3. That the King must either violate his own Conscience and so not have the liberty of it which they insist on for themselves or else check their pretences of theirs 4. That they were never satisfied with any thing that was granted them he that allowed them a little doth but give them a power to take more Could all the late Kings concessions keep them from his blood first its Liberty but at last it is a Warr they are a party not to be gained by Obligations 5. That neither Scotland nor England had an houres peace or quiet since Knox set footing in the one or they who had conferred notes with him in the other but that blood rapine violence malice animosities and plots have been the attendants of the good old cause since it was in the cradle 6. That the Law must not be ruled by a faction and yet that the question is now whether they who overthrowed the Law formerly may now controule and they who raised a Warr against it may be free from it in peace 7. That the indulging of men because they are many is rather an encouragement to Villany then a provision for tenderness 8. That to ask liberty of Conscience is to ask liberty to what they please which they may call conscience for who shall judge what is really Conscience and what is really malice 9. That to grant these people what they desire is to allow the reason of the reason of their requests and so at once to reward one injury and justifie another 10. That the late Warr begun with calling that Christian liberty which the Law calleth treason that Religion which the Church calleth Schisme 11. That no Oathes or Vowes but one to rebell can tye these people 12. That they would never trust others with the least indulgence 13. That they are a people that rather then submit expostolate whose Addresses look like mutinies and their Petitions like threats 14. That the whole business and bustle is but a contest between a Law and a Faction And now considering these things we must conclude that either the Government must be again banished or the Faction that either the King for upholding the Church according to Law must be an exile or they for supporting Conventicles against the Law must be proscribed and which is fittest let the World judge THE History of Plots OR ALL The Plots against the Government of England since the Conquest to this day which are 247. in Number unsuccessfull In a continued Series of them from year to year to this present of February 1663. Concluding with an Exact Narrative of the Plot in York-shire History is the knowledge of things past whereby we may judge of things present and guess at things to come Dionys. Pet. Pref. WHen I had taken up perswasions that Interfered with the established Religion of this Nation the publick Laws laid hold upon me as well for my former engagements under the late Revolutions as for my present sentiments of the state of things that now prevailes those unruly lusts of pride ambition envy covetousness and looseness that remain in the best assisted with prejudice discontent and sufferings and all improved by those vehement impulses of conscience and a desire of liberty that all men are sensible of transported my impatience not only to murmuring to speak evil of Dignities to despise Dominions to entertain evil thoughts of the Rulers of my people but so endlesse and boundlesse are the workings of a foule heart under fouler temptations to some dangerous Considerations how necessary how lawfull how easy and how successfull an attempt more upon this Government might be all the Principles and Grounds of our late Engagements that are scattered in our Remonstrances Apologies Declarations Propositions and States of the Case immediately offering themselves unto me then prepared for such Impressions yea the Scripture it self wherein I was much conversant in my solitudes to my apprehension exactly answering my thoughts and inclinations and with those glosses upon it thee lay before me there twenty years looking like one great remonstrance for the good old Cause so that my exceptions of things being before hand wrapped in Scripture notions I saw my own mind there so clearly that I was resolved that an undertaking for the alteration of the present frame of things was not only my interest but also my duty not only a kindness to my self and our common cause but some service to my God under these temptations a reverend and a most excellent person endeavoured to relieve me with three sorts of arguments 1. The first whereof was from the concernment of private persons in the publick peace and welfare and the great advantages men had from all Governments in general and every English mans Interest under this Government in particular which I easily evaded with the maximes of a Commonwealth which possess more men then are publickly observed and carry them to the affront and weakening of all the rules lawes and principles of Monarchy that are now extant in the world 2. The second was from the great Obligations laid upon men to peace and obedience in great rules and examples by Christianity above all the Religions in the World it being not the least
I shall informe your Honours what I know in this matter Court Where did they meet Mr. Stone 1. At London in Travers Egertons Gardiners and Barbers House 2. in Cambridge at St. Johns 3. in Northampton at Mr. Johnsons and Snapes house 4. at Kettering in Mr. Dammes and my House Court When did they meet Stone 1. Since the beginning of the last Parliament of which they had great hopes Court Who met Stone Cartwright Travers Egerton Clark Gardiner Brown Barber Somerscales Chatterton Gyfford Allen Edmunds Gellibrand Culverwell Oxenbridge Barbon Flud Snap Johnson Sibthorpe Edwards Spicer Fleshwore Harrison Littleton Williamson Rushbrook Baxter King Proudtome Mastre Bradshaw Dammes Pallison Okes Atkinson and my Self and several Schollars of Oxford and Cambridge Court This is ingenuously done of you Mr. Stone and we look upon you as a man in whom there is no guile Stone I can do nothing against but for the Truth let Truth and Justice take place et ruet Mundus L. B. L. Thus one Linke being slipped out the whole chaine was quickly broken and scattered this one discovery marred all their meetings there being none now that could trust or be trusted Court Yet they were not quiet but being disappointed one way they attempted another for one Travers ordained beyond Sea and of so great repute among that party that with Mr. Cartwright he was invited to be a professor at St. Andrews upon Mr. Melvins motion being setled at the Temple a Lecturer endeavoured to gaine the great Interest of the Law on his side and there opposed Mr. Hooker about predestination the Church of Rome c. with a design as some think to make parties there for other purposes untill he was silenced by the Arch-Bishop 1. because he was not lawfully ordained 2. because he preached without Licence 3. because he had disturbed the peace and that wholsome order of Her Majesties That no Opinions should be publickly refuted but that notice should be given to the Ordinary to hear and determine such cases to prevent publick disturbance L. B. C. It was that he looked for that he might as he did afterwards in a supplication to the Councel set his Patron Cecil and others to revive the Good old Cause which if opposed by others as he knew they would be would be Patrons to that Cause if not for conscience yet for their honour Court He knew that if once great men be inveigled to appear they will go through with It. What became of this Master Travers L. B. W. When he could not prevaile in England he went to try whither he might reforme Ireland and to that purpose very cunningly got to be Priest of Trinity Colledge neer Dublin where he might have the advantage to instill his Principles into the Youth of that Nation and so secure to himself and Part if not this yet the next Generation Court Now it may be presumed that the Church of England had rest round about P. H. Not so for these men finding that people were weary of small diffences about Cap Surplice c. that they might have some just occasion to oppose the Church one Dr. Bound set up Judaisme in a Book asserting that Christians are bound to as strict an observation of the Sabbath as the Jewes by a precise rest from all recreations feasts study and whatsoever but praying hearing reading and holy conference which Doctrine was very taking for its own purity and their piety that owned it Court The cunning of these men while the Bishops are providing for Ecclesiastical authority against their Discipline they leave that as not so considerable among the vulgar and set up extraordinary directions for the Lords day which while the Church opposed it was looked upon as ungodly and prophane and now it was that this party got the opinion of purity and holiness among the people which was no small advantage to their Cause the piety of the persons being a fair way to perswade the world of the truth of their opinions but how were these men maintained when they were suspended P. H. Mr. Cartwright had a Catalogue of sixteen hundred sixty three Patrons who allowed the least of them five pounds a year towards the maintainance of that way and it is observed of him that he was very rich and it s known that Mr. Travers left Zion Colledge an excellent Library with 60 l. worth of Plate Court Some of them gained more by their private conferences then by their publick preaching they could otherwise have expected CHAP. IV. King James Reign COurt But now Queen Elizabeth was dead these men thought they were sure of King James who was alwaies bred under them and frighted to their way in his Mothers belly what was their carriage upon that alteration Sand. One Mr. Pickering a Northamptonshire Gentleman a favourer of that way rid post with the newes of Queen Elizabeths death to King James and no doubt took his occasion to urge something in favour of the Nonconformists but how far and with what answer he moved the King is uncertain But Dr. Tho. Nevill Dean of Canterbury sent by Whitgist brought back a wellcome answer of his Majesties purpose to uphold and maintaine the Government of the late Queen as she left it setled Court King James foresaw the dismal things the World was to look for from those men as appeares by his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 He knew that a Presbytery as well agreeth with Monarchy as God and the Devil they are his own words He knew no Bishop no King L. B. C. Yet Mr. Cartwright dedicates his Comment on Ecclesiastes to King James and the Presbyterians prepared a Petition before hand against the Parliament sat managed by Mr. Hildersham Mr. Egerton which though called the millenary Petition yet with seven hundred and fifty two Preachers hands was it presented to the King and Parliament Court How did the King like this canvasing for hands L. B. E. His Majesty foreseeing that they were likely to trouble him and the next Parliament granted them a Conference at Hampton Court where Dr. Reynolds Sparkes and Mr. Knewstubs and Chadderton appeared on the one hand Bishops Bancrost Mathew Bilson Babington Rudd Watson Robinson and Dove Dr. Andrews Overall Borlow and Bridges Field and King appeared Court What did they desire Dr. R. 1. That the Doctrine of the Church of England should be kept pure for now to make us more odious they quarelled with our Doctrine 2. That good Pastors might be planted in all Churches to teach the same 3. That Church Government might be sincerely ministred according to Gods Word 4. That the Book of Common Prayer might be fitted to more increase of Piety Court What would they have altered in the Doctrine A. They would have predestination and perseverance more clearly held forth Court By all meanes and the Church must be now looked upon as unsound in Doctrine as it was afore corrupt in Discipline yea the nine Lambeth Articles and all the controversies about them
This cut off all the Orthodox men that were already root and branch but what care did they take of the next Generation A. C They furnished the Universities with active men that might instill their Principles into all the Youth yet lest some honest men as D. H. Dr. S. Dr. G. and others should take care for the succession of true Ministers by encouraging some youth to embrace the antient Catholique and Apostolique way they set up a company of Triers as Manton Caryl Nie c. at Church door as it were who were to take care that every man should be true to their faction before he were admitted to any place bestowed upon him L. O. Yea and least any man that was approved by the Triers should afterwards embrace any of the antient Rites and orders of the Church of England they set up in the several Counties Commitees of Ejection who upon the first discovery of an Orthodox man had power to render him uncapable of any livelyhood in the Church L. W. And that they might be sure of the following age they set up new Ordinations and new associations of Ministers L. I. Yea and rather then fail if they had not the Clergy to serve their turn they were resolved to take away Tythes and all the setled maintenance of Ministers and to let into the Church all persons whatsoever that were well affected to themselves and the good Old Cause in somuch that we were like to be all Teachers and no Hearers yea in a word they intended to destroy all Law Order Civility Learning and pure Religion before God and undefiled they denyed the being of the Church and so began to set up a new Church but that God who seteth in Heaven laughed at their devices and brought their Counsel to nought CHAP. VI. King Charles the Seconds Reign COurt When a miracle restored the Church and a wonder defeated these prosperous Parties to their own and the worlds amazement we presume that they acquiesced in it and thought this is the Lords doing and it is marvelous in our sight stand off from these designes lest we be found fighters against God R. L. Especially when besides a providence that might awe these men there came along with his Majesty so much Clemency mercy and goodness as made him ready to condescend as far as reason honour ' or conscience would give him leave and content to yield them all that seemed to advance true piety he onely desiring to continue what was necessary in point of order maintenance and authority to the Church Government and what he was perswaded was agreeable to the true Principles of Government raised to its full stature and perfection as also to the Primitive and Apostolical pattern and the practice of the universal Church conforme thereto nor were the remaining differences so essential to the peoples happiness or of such consequence as in the least to have hindred the Subjects security or prosperity for the best enjoyed both many years before those demands were made Court But the violence of these men was not so allayed R. L. No as soon as ever the King set foot on English ground Smectymnuus was Re-printed the Covenant maintained the Kings engagement in Scotland was urged and many more pestilent Papers whose common business was by affronting the Law and slattering the rabble to cast all back into a confusion a multitude of persons are dissatisfied to whom his Majesty must either yield or endanger himself and three Kingdomes whereby they extorted from his Majesty an Interim or a Declaration concerning Ecclesiastical assaires which allowed them their own liberty untill his Majesty could with the advice of his Divines take further order Court Where they herewith satisfied L. R. No for I do not well remember where ever that party was ever satisfied with less then all allow these people their askings in what concernes their Discipline will they rest quiet there without further hankering after the Legislative power the Milita or some such thing C. How did they proceed R. L. They endeavoured to settle that temporary indulgence for ever in Parliament and when that would not do they endeavour to confirme the people in what they had taught them formerly and urged his Majesty to a Conference which he granted them at the Savoy between Mr. Baxter Dr. Seaman Mr. Calamy Bishop Reynolds Dr. Jacomb Dr. Manton Dr. Conant Dr. Spurstow and Dr. Gunning Dr. Pearson Dr. Peirce c. C. What was the success of that Conference R. L. The same with all others of that nature whence both parties go away as firme in their several Opinions as they came it was not very likely that a day or two's conference should perswade them out of that way out of which the last hundred years law power and reason could not force them C. It 's strange to see a few people endeavouring to impose upon a whole Nation it's strange that a novel and vulgar imagination should bear down an Apostolical institution that a private opinion should consist with a publick and solemn sanction R. L. Yet what these men could not do by argument they endeavour by policy using all meanes to secure to themselves the next Parliament by the most notorious canvasing that was seen this twenty years elections being carried with much partiality and popular heats in most places by the last endeavour of a gasping faction C. It is well they kept themselves within the compass of private policy and design R. L. Not so for at first all the lesser factions were hid in Presbytery till time and military success discovering to every one his own advantage invited them to part into several parties as Independents Anabaptists Quakers Fifth-Monarchy men who all before the King came drove on their several designes but were united since as against a common enemy C. Then these factions grew to the same excess with them in Germany who were at first an harmless people but at last made havock of all Order Law peace Religion c. and whatsoever is sacred among Mankind But what did they attempt R. L. They contrived a design so comprehensive as might take in the whole stream and strength of discontent and faction in the Nation a design for liberty of Conscience in Religion for ease of all payments as Taxes Tythes c. in estate for recovery of King and Bishops Lands to the thousands that bought them of selling all in common to all the poor people that in quiet times could not live C. O their cunning they knew that they were inconsiderable untill discontents drave men into sidings as ill humours fall to the disaffected part so all who affected any novelties or complained of any grievances adhere to that way as the most remarkable and specious note of difference in point of Religion But did they break out into any violence R. L. Yes they set up a desperate party to break the Ice as Venner c. according to whose success the rest were ready to
indulgence against or with the Parliament for a repeal of the said Act to which end they sent their Letters all over the Kingdome to advise every man to stand to his principles not doubting of a Toleration upon his Majesties promise at Breda with other arguments they could make use of And in order hereunto they oppose not the Act in Parliament lest they should exasperate the noble Patriots to severer courses but they stand it out that they might know their strength and power not doubting but their considerable number and interest which will appear by the publick and general dissent to the Uniformity enjoyned might gain them an indulgence that will vacate and make void all former Lawes and accordingly we find them with their bed-roll of those that were to be ejected rather threatning then petitioning his Majesty after some tumults raised in Dr. Seamans and other Churches through which they would have his Majesty see the inclination of the people as if they had said May it please your most excellent Majesty Whereas we are many and our party very considerable for their interest with God and men as you would enjoy peace and tranquillity in your Kingdomes or any quiet in your Throne we must intreat you to let us do what we please and set no law or government over us for we cannot in conscience endure any and upon condition we have what we desire your Petitioners shall pray for you C. Well but his Majesty is resolved and the Law indispensible D. P. When they saw that 1. They take an account of the ejected Ministers through every County 2. They take the subscriptions of several well affected persons towards the maintenance of those persons especially the elect Ladies 3. They have Country and City Committees for that purpose together with their Treasurers in both places by whose order the money is delivered to the respective ejected men according to their conditions provided that they have good Certificates of their sufferings and faithfulness And then to keep the cause in heart and life the Farewell Sermous are Printed first singly and then in Volums as the dying words of the faithful Pastors whose heads are set before their Sermons just as they looked from the Pulpit wrapped in their reverend white and black Caps like the twelve Apostles before the Bible For though we worship not Images we adore imaginations After this a seed plot of honest young men were to conforme as their fathers had done formerly and so undermine the Hierarchy once more as they did who who were to be chosen Lecturers for the Lectures are their only hope for the faction would be quite over if the Ministry depended for its maintenance only upon the Church C. How may these conforming Nonconformists be discerned D. B. 1. By their Habit for they wear neither girdle or Cassock but are All-a-mode and querpo Divines 2. By their double Ordination 3. By their setting poor Readers to make the Common Prayer contemptible and then praying an hour themselves as if that Prayer were inconsiderable 4. By their preaching over the old ones notes Ah precious are those Elishaes that have the spirit of the Eliah's upon them 5. By their canting notions of indwelling enlightning Soul-saving heart-supporting and I know not what deluding notions that deceive the simple 6. By their affectedly mortifyed countenances or furious zeal their bauble jingles their long prayers their indirect and wary mention of King and Bishops by ah Lords and hughs by his bewailing the sins of the times while he flattereth those of the faction by his hints of what is done abroad but he is sorry for it by his Sermons of inward sincerity against outward conformity the Sabbath against Holidays and a pure heart instead of the Surplice 7. By their attendance on the old Patriarchs of the province their correspondence with and their Certificates from them 8. By their refreshing Solifidian Doctrines their flowings of milk and honey when others preach moral honesty universal obedience and good works 9. By the great name of moderation C. What do these men do to distinguish themselves from their brethren B. D. Besides what I declared 1. They groan under the burden of Ceremonies 2. They shake their heads at the times 3. They Bury Marry and Christen by the Directory 4. They visit and give the Communion the same way dispensing with kneeling even in publick C. Why are they suffered to do these things in other mens Parishes B. D. Why a piece of money is sent the poor parish Priest to stop his mouth as his fee for registring yea so impudent are they that there are several men maintained about town to get into careless mens pulpits who no sooner give them leave but the whole Town knoweth it and then what running what thronging what crouding But St. Anthonies Lecture the old seminary is the surest cord they have only now they have weaker preachers then they had formerly in that place and indeed the sisters had need have Candles next their hearts when they come to those raw morning discourses C. They hear Common Prayer there B. D. They do hear Common Prayer indeed but they think according to the Directory till the poor Reader hath done and the formal Bauble the Preacher forsooth comes up with his tedious gatherings out of Wilkins his gift of prayer of an hour long as if the Church prayer had been nothing without his C. But have they that have disserted their Ministry nothing to support them but voluntary contributions B. D. Yes 1. The young sisters and widowes are bound to marry them and so they as well as the Apostles in time of persecution lead about their sisters their wives 2. They keep Boarders and under the pretence of a poor schollar teach them to debauch all the youths of the Kingdome whereby the Schisme is propagated and made perpetual 3. They print their own Bookes and dedicate them to all the faithful 4. They turn sollicitors and Tradesmen 5. They visit from house to house 6. They have their Churches as entire now as ever they had having the conveniency of Moorfields Islington and Hickney to entertaine them 7. They have concealed the table of Tythes and duties from the Orthodox Ministers and look what the people can cheat the one of they bestow it on the other C. Is not the Law open for the honest men to come by their dues B. D. It is but the brethren will tire out an honest man with a common stock or put him out of countenance with a common clamour C. But how can they meet now the Law is so severe D. B. Why 1. They have private houses whereinto the Entries are dark and from which there are several passages into other houses 2. They meet at unusual houres as at twelve at noon and about five at night 3. They are but few at a time 4. Those that meet are invited to a Feast and if you surprize them the table is laid and they