their FRUITS FIrst Under Edward Bradshaw Mayor Richard Hubberthorne coming into Chester City about the 29th of the 9. Month 1653. the occasion of his coming at that time was to visite a brother in the truth who was for the truths sake a prisoner in the County-Goal his Name was Iohn Lawson so he Richard Hubberthorn being in the House where he lodged all night peaceably not giving the least occasion of offence to any but was writing in a Book he then had of his own so as he sate writing came in Richard Golborne a Lawyer and took his Book from him and gave him envious and threatning words and went his way and informed Edward Bradshaw Mayor what a dangerous Fellow was in the Town and caused him to be brought before the Magistrates into the Pentice so when they and the chief Priest had examined him and finding the Law not by him transgressed he being clear in all things from the least breach thereof they caused him to be put a-part into another Room until they had devised wicked and unlawful devices against him for this was the time when the Lord first tryed them how they could bear the sincerity and plainnesse of the innocent truth and Gospel of Christ which was then beginning to spread abroad in the Nation which Truth and the servants thereof doth onely seek the Honor which comes from God and doth only give the Honor to God and doth not seek that Honor which comes from men neither can give that Honor which men seek one of another and for this cause was the Wrath of the Magistrate lifted up until they had lost both the knowledg of the Law and of Reason who in their Wrath sent him into prison no breach of the Law being found by him only by the information of Richard Golborne who had broken the Law in taking his Goods from him contrary to all the Laws of this Nation only this they said they imprisoned him for because he could not promise them to go out of the Town when they commanded him But Festus who was a Ruler amongst the Heathens he well might be called Noble for to him it seemed unreasonable to send a Prisoner and not to shew the causes of offence that was laid against him But these Magistrates which say they are Christians they manifest themselves to be void of understanding sence and reason having sent many to prison without so much as signifying a just occasion against them So when R. Hubberthorn had suffered about three moneths imprisonment he was called before a Sessions and they finding nothing against him again asked him if he would go forth of the City which if he would they said he should be set free which he denyed to promise them and stood in the Authority of the Almighty over their deceit being they could lay nothing to his charge then their Wrath arose and commanded him to be put into prison and kept close that none should come to him all which the Keeper obeyed for about eight dayes and then the Mayor and the rest of his Brethren joyned together to make a Passe to send him from Constable to Constoble into Lancashire but when the Lord had tryed them to the full then they broke their Order which was sealed with seven Seales and he was onely brought forth of the City and set free Thomas Holme coming into this City had a Meeting in the same about the nineteenth day of the first Month 1653. where he and many more were met together to wait upon the Lord in a house in the same City then Thomas Holme spake as he was moved of the Lord Edward Bradshaw then Mayor being informed thereof sent one of his servants and commanded him to bring Tho. Holme before him so he committed him to prison to the Common Goal for the City where he was kept about six Weeks in which time he was much abused and beaten by Robert Emisâ—ne Keeper of the Prison who is a common notorious Drunkard Before Tho. Holme was released Edward Bradshaw sent Samuel Elcock unto him to know if he would promise him to depart the City which if he would he might be released who said he could make no such promise Now Tho. Holme having a Letter by to him which was sent him from Rich. Hubberthorne directed Edward Bradshaw he gave it to Samuel Elcock to give it as directed who did so when Ed. Bradshaw had read over the Letter he said that Tho. Holme should be whipped and as we are informed had a man in readinesse to do it he thinking all this while it had been Tho. Holme which writ it to him so Thomas Yarwood hearing what was intended against Tho. Holm and understanding it was because of that Letter went to Edward Bradshaw and said Friend Tho. Holm did not write that Letter to thee it was Rich. Hubberthorne but Tho. Yarwood not dossing his Hat Edward Bradshaw committed him to the Stocks where he was kept about an hour and a half at the least then the next day after Tho. Holme was committed as aforesaid Edward Bradshaw sent for Rich. Hickock and Edward Morgan they being two that was at the Meeting the day before and committed them to prison upon the twentieth day of the first month 1653. and kept Rich. Hickock fifteen Weeks and Edw Morgan nine Weeks Elizabeth Levens and Jane Waugh coming to this City to visite their Brethren in prison and as they were passing peaceably through the Streets were tooke up by a drunken man and brought before Edward Bradshaw and by him committed to prison who were a great part of their imprisonment kept in a stinking place where for the most part thieves and murderers are kept the whole time of their imprisonment was about five Weeks who when they were released were sent from Constable to Constable as Vagabonds into their own Countrey Anne Fara coming to this City was moved to go to a steeple-house and spake unto the Priest she was much abused by the rude multitude and by them took before Edw. Bradshaw and by him committed to prison for many dayes Richard Hickocke was moved to go to a Steeple-house in the City where was a High-Priest called Samuel Eaton who when he had ended that he called his Sermon Rich. Hitkock spake some Words to the people but they pulled him down and did much abuse him yet neverthelesse Edw. Bradshaw committed him to prison and commanded the Keeper to put him into a dark stinking Room where he saw a Snake and other venemous creatures it is such a place that none is put into at any time but such as are condemned to dye and therefore is called The dead Mans Room and likewise Edw. Bradshaw commanded Irons to be put on him all which his commands were executed to the highest degree of malice that might be in which condition he was kept 13 Weeks and upwards and it 's believed by some the Priest and he together intended to destroy the outward man though he had a
though he heard him not the Mayor then spake to a man that stood by him who came immediately and plucked Peter Cowsnocks hat from off his head and flang it down then the Mayor turned towards him and asked him How he came before him so profanely with his hat on Peter told him the occasion of his coming he received from them many scornful and reprochful words likewise some of them threatned to whip him others to put him into little ease the hole in the Rock which is worse then at last he pulled forth a Pass with a Letter both from some of the Council of State his Pass shewing that none should interrupt him in his journie to the Isle of Man from whence he came yet for all this did Wil. Street and Will Haywood say to the Sheriff He might do well to search him for Letters it being as they said in his power so he being ready to execute their malice did and took divers writings from him of great concernment which he could never to this day get any of them again now let any man judge whether this was not a contempt against those of the Councel of State that made him his pass now this is certain had he not had that Pass they would have don to him as afore is said for against him their malice was as great as against any other which they have acted much cruelty against for two or three times Constables were sent to Anthony Hutchins house to charge him he should neither entertain Peter Cowsnock nor his son but their Message was by him little regarded in that thing Upon the 20th day 11 month 56. Richard Sale was moved of the Lord to come to Chester it being the 3d. day of the Week as he was passing to a friends house he met with one of the Pharises called William Haywood and said to him The Serpent lives upon dust and dust is the Serpents meat he then asked Rich. Sale if he was God and many such like tempting questions but he shut him out and would not answer to his vain questions at all There standing by Hamnet Kerkes a shoo-maker in the same City who began to kick and push Rich. Sale to and fro and offered to strike up his heels but missing of his end stroke Richard over the face he turned to him the other side then Hamnet Kerkes stroke Rich. Sale over the face with such violence that he bruised his left eye exceedingly who when he had don so went to the Steeple house worship R. Sale followed him to the door but their worship not being ended he staid in the Grave-yard untill the Priest had done so when people came forth he spake these words Friends let the usage of my body this day bear Witness for God and against you that your Worship is not the Worship of God but of the Scribes and Pharisees and then when the Mayor came forth Rich. Sale cryed for Justice and Judgement from him for the wrong he had done him in the Street and shewed him his face how he was used but instead of Justice and true Judgement he commanded one of his Officers to take him to prison who did The Mayor sent word to the under-keeper to put him in Little-ease the hole in the Rock who did as he was commanded but he could not lock it unlesse as he beleeved he must either bruse his body or soar face he being moved with pity towards him took him to prison again and said he would go to the Mayor to know why he was sent to them being they had nothing to do with that prison so he abode in prison till within night Then there came either one or both Sheriffs and five Constables as the Keepers Wife said who took him forth of prison and violently thrust him into the hole in the Rock and Hamnet Kerkes who had bruised his face did thrust in his head with much cruelty and said he hoped it might be good for him hereafter so in this condition they kept him three hours and then released him the man telling him which did release him he must not have released him yet had he not a Boy to put in Upon the 11th day of the 12th Month 1656. Peter Leigh Mayor and many more as Justices Aldermen Sheriffs all of this City of Chester was then passing through the Street towards the Common-Hall of the same City to a customary Feast they there hold yearly and before them went blowing a company of Pipers which were as I was informed sent for from Shrewsbury by Peter Leigh Mayor to play the day before before him to a customary Horse-race holden yearly without the City-Walls but this is certain Peter Leigh Mayor put by one of their Exercise-days or days of Worship set up and allowed on according to his own principles to follow these Pipers to this Horse-Race such is his zeal for God now come to which so long he hath made a large profession of So they all as aforesaid went along the Street following the Pipers as men void of either fear towards God or shame towards men Thomas Yarwood seeing them was moved to speak a few Words in much tenderness and pitty towards them the sum of what he spake was onely this He exhorted them to mind in what true Christianity stood which was in true holiness in the fear of the Lord And VViliam Ince one of their Justices said he said well and for saying well the Mayor commanded one of his Officers to put him in the Stocks who was about to do it then the Mayor thinking them to be too good a place for such an offence sent Word he must not be put in there but into Little-Ease in the Rock so there they put him and kept him five hours he being a weak and sickly man his knees were bruised very much that of some VVeeks he did not recover the hurt he got there for disturbing Pipers for none can say wel but such cursed fire-brands of Hellas those are disturbed and all that takes pleasure in them Upon the seventh day of the first Month 1656. VVilliam Simson was moved of the Lord to come to this City of Chester and being in a Friends House the burden of the Lord did fall upon him concerning the Market and waiting a while after he had felt the burden there came in Rich. Sale who did partake of the same burden with him so they both together went into the Market and declared through most of the Market then Rich. Sale was taken up and put into Little-Ease the Hole in the Rock where he was kept above five hours In this time VVilliam Simson had been declaring in the Streets and after that had been in the County-Goal with some Friends who were then prisoners for the truth and was come from them and was passing thorow the Street intending to have gone to a Friends House but as he passed was took up by a Constable and brought before the Mayor who
commanded him to be put into Little-Ease Rich. Sale being released and there was kept four hours Upon the 8th day of the first Month 1656. VVilliam Simson was moved of the Lord to go to a Steeple-house called Iohns where he stood peaceably amongst them until the Priest had done and was coming forth of his High Place then did he utter these Words to wit Friend wo to him that is covered with a covering and not with my Spirit saith the Lord Which Words were no sooner ended but violent-hands were laid on him and he haled forth then a Constable took hold on him and took him before Peter Leigh Mayor who asked the Constable if he had spoken within time the Constable said he had not then the Mayors VVise took upon her the place of a Magistrate and asked the Constable if the Minister had said his prayer he said he had but for all this the Mayor commanded that VVilliams Simson should be put into the Stocks in which place he declared the VVord of the Lord in much power The Mayor seeing people gather about him or being thereof informed did send for him forth of the Stocks and commanded he should be put into Little-Ease in the Rock where he was kept some nine hours and when he was released was not suffered to come into the Town though it was late in the night-season such entertainment they give to Strangers in the City of Westchester Then the next day in the morning it lay heavy upon William Simson to go to Peter Leigh Mayor to demand of him in much meekness to shew him what Law he had broken telling him it was the Magistrates place to convince him of the Law he had broken being he had suffered so much hardship under him the two foregoing dayes the Mayor gave him no answer to that but queried of him who sent him to this City William answered He was moved of the Lord the Mayor said By what Spirit He said By the measure of his Spirit which he hath manifested in me The Mayor said It was by the Spirit of the Devil There standing by Thomas Robbinson one of the Sheriffs of the City who was stirred up with envy and cruelty to such a height that he Thomas Robbinson did strike William Simson over the face with such a violence that the blood burst forth in the presence of Peter Leigh mayor and John Taylor a Constable yet did the Constable its like by the mayors Order pull him who had his blood drawn forth off the Shop and took him and put him into Little-Ease who bled all-along the Street which is one of the longest Streets in the City and some more and after he was put into the hole to the great astonishment of the people who many of them cryed out of them shame for using him so barbarously Now let any sober-minded man judge what a magistrate Peter Leigh is and who he bears the Sword for and turns the edge against when a man for demanding after he is punished to know that which was the mayor or magistrates place and duty to have told him before he had punished him what Law he had broken and yet instead of shewing him the Law suffered the Law to be broken in spilling his blood and the shedder of blood not punished but punishes him whose blood was shed as is declared Upon the same day after that William Simson was released out of Little-Ease as aforesaid he went to a friends house where Rich. Sale was come who that morning was moved to come five miles to that City so both being moved of the Lord went into the Streets with much boldness and declared against their deceit and cruelty until a Constable came and took them to the mayors house who when they came there were not admitted to come before him but he sent word to the Constable he should put them into prison Richard Sale he put into Little-Ease where he was kept four hours and William Simson he put into the City-Goal where he was kept seven days Thus saith the Lord I will make my people as Signs and Wonders in this wicked and adulterous generation and they shall see it yet they shall not believe but trust in the imaginations of their own hearts until they sink down into the pit This is a true declaration of the manner of my being a Sign in the City of Chester as I Richard Sale was moved of the Lord and it I declare for the satisfaction of the innocent to remove all occasion of stumbling out of the minds of any which might lend an ear to the wicked one to think or conceive that I was mad but what I did was in obedience to the Lord whose commands and ways are strange unto the children of darkness and was and is a true sign of the state and condition that all men are in who are erred from the light being in the dark Night of apostacy The manner is as followeth VPon the 3. day of the week being the 10th of the first month 1656 there being a monthly meeting of priests in the City for they have a custom for every new moon to observe a day of worship so upon one of their new-moon-new-moon-days I was commanded of the Lord to be asign in the city the burden of which I had born for the space of 6. weeks the command of the Lord coming unto me upon the 2. 1. day of the 11. month as I was passing along the East-gate-Street with Candles in my hand it being the 4. d. of the week the word of the Lord came unto me saying Return again and light up one of thy Candles and carry it in thy hand into the streets of this Gity and say Behold ye despisers and wonder for the Lord is working a Work in this your day though a man declare it unto you yet you will not believe it And they shall say unto thee again What art thou mad to come with a light Candle into the street at mid-day And thou shalt say unto them again What use is all your Candle-light for now who are in the night of Apostacy Now the Light of the Son of God is come which hath given his people an understanding to discern betwixt things that differ and the Temple now is witnessed which neither needeth the light of sun moon or candle for the Lord God and the Lamb is the light thereof and no more use it all your Candle-light-worship for now then my Candle is in your streets at mid-day So I having undergone the terrors of the Lord for my disobedience was now made willing by his Power to do what I was commanded of him being that he would not free me from the same And on the third day aforesaid I lighted up a Candle and went into the Street and was to have gone into the Steeple-house amongst them at their new-Moon-Worship but I was prevented by a rude multitude and strucken by a professing Woman who hath strucken others of the Lords
CAINES BLOUDY RACE Known by their FRUIT OR A TRUE DECLARATION OF The Innocent sufferings of the Servants of the living God by the Magistrates Priests and people in the City of Westchester who lives in a profession of God Christ and the Scriptures as their forefathers did who sâ—â—w the Prophets persecuted Christ and the â—postles as is declared in the Scriptures of truth c. They persecute him whom thou hast smitten and they add unto the sorrow of them whom thou hast wounded Psal. 69. 26. Bloady men hate him that is upright but the just have care of his soul Prov. 29. 10. Remember the word that I said unto you The servant is not greater then his Master if they have persecuted me they will persecute you also if they have kept my word they will also keep yours Joh. 15. 20. Blessed are ye when men shall evile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your ye ward in heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you Matt. 5. 11 12. LONDON Printed for Thomas Simmons at the sign-of the Bull and Mouth neer Aldersgate 1657. TO THE READER Reader AMongst the many sad objects of pitty and commiseration which these dayes afford and do bring forth here is one not of the least where thou may behold the sad and woful sufferings of many of the dear and precious servants of the Lord who have denied themselves and the glory of this World that so they might be followers of Christ and doers of his Will that so they might receive peace with the Father through Jesus Christ who hath called us to suffer for his Names sake and be conformable unto his Will that so the Crown of Glory may be received which is laid up for all them that keep the faith and doth not deny it nor him in whom-they have believed before men as these Cloud of Witnesses and faithful suffererers have done who have kept the Faith and confessed him before men and among such also where the Devil hath his Throne and rules as King and by his unrighteous Scepter hath the Rulers of Chester acted as the Discourse hereafter will manifest wherein thou may see the Image of the Father in the sufferers and of the Lamb who was dumb before the Shearer and opened not his mouth And in this after written thou may see the Scriptures fulfilled as it is written by the Prophets They eat my people as men eat bread and they chop them in pieces as flesh for the Caldron and the time which Christ spoke of is come that they that kill you shall think they do God service all these things they wil do unto you for my Names sake and they shall shamefully entreat you cast you into prison speak all manner of evil of you falsly for my Names sake but blessed are they who are not offended And in those blood thirsty inhumane Magistrates so called who have done all this violence and cruelty thou may also read the image of the Devil brought forth for their works that they have done and wrought are of him and as Christ said to them who would have been counted holy who said God was their Father but their Works manifested them to be of the Devil and he was their Father who abode not in the truth And that which makes the violence cruelty more intollerable of these men is because they profess themselves to rule for God are christian Magistrates but their actions that they have brought forth will Christ never own for he came not to destroy mens lives but to save them neither did he ever set up any such rule as to slay his servants nor any such Magistrates who are a terror to them that do well and therefore they must be recorded among the Adversaries of the Lord whom the Lord will dash to pieces What! Is this the reformation brought forth in their City imprisoning them that reprove sin in the Gate and set drunkards at liberty Oh preposterous and prodigeous cruelty In the time of the King and in the time of the Bishops never such presidents of cruelty was found and this hypocritical generation will be lesse excusable then they they in ignorance but these in the day when light is declared abroad and have been warned they never professed liberty of concience but these do they never professed toleration or protection unto any but them that conformed to them in all things but these do Oh England Is thy Sun set when it was but new risen and utter darknesse coming upon thee again And must this be fulfilled upon thy Rulers and among them They are all evening Wolves who devour so greedily that they gnaw not the bones till the Morrow Oh unheard-of cruelty unparelell'd Wickednesse violence is broken forth into a Rod and now smiteth the just in great cruelty and the innocent in great rage but all these things are recorded and taken notice of by him who weighs all things in an even ballance and will scatter the wiced and ungodly as Chaff and as dust shall they be blown away but all the stripes reproaches sighs tears and sufferings of the upright will he reward when their enemies shall sink as a stone into the Sea and be overwhelmed in the pit of everlasting vengeance wo and misery which is prepared for the old Dragon the Devourer and all his Seed and Race for ever who would not have Righteousnesse to rule nor Innocency to live but subtilty and craft pride and arrogancie in which the Kingdom of the Devil stands and envy murder and oppression and he that hates his Brother is a man-slayer And when thou hast read over this Discourse and sees the envy wickedness and madness and cruelty of these Rulers their spirit thou will see and cannot but abhor as detestable and may truly say While such bear rule the Land cannot but mourn but the mischief they have hatched shall fall upon their own pate and peace shall possesse the reins of the just and the heart of them that have suffered shall rejoice and be glad in him who hath counted them worthy to suffer for his Names sake and great shall be their reward for they shall reign with him for ever and ever over all their Enemies and shall trample them down under their feet which if thou believe and in patience endure and suffer with them that suffer thou shalt rejoice with them that rejoice in the joy which is unspeakable and full of glory and know the Dominion which is everlasting when all those unrighteous powers and dominions shal come to an end and all that endure to the end and keep the faith this shall see fulfilled and the Lord is hastening it for Wiekedness is near at the heighth and then his Wrath shall consume his Enemies and they shall melt away that hate the Lord F. H. CAINES BLOUDY RACE Known by
manner is and committed to the County gaol for one day and then by the same power that committed him was released for that thing so the Law being satified he went to his own house Then upon the second day of the second moneth 1656. Richard Sale being commanded of the Lord to come to Chester citty and by the Lord commanded to reprove sin in the gate he being in the liberty of the County about Glovers-stone he then was pulled by violence into the Liberties of the City and delivered to one of the Mayors Officers so he was taken before William Wright Major who committed him to prison Demand was made what he was committed for Answer was given For speaking before the Judges though he had as aforesaid satisfied the Law for that before and yet for the same thing was committed to prison again and there kept in a most cruel manner 33 weeks in all which time he might not be suffered to have a little fire though none of their charge he being in a cold open room and the coldest time in all the year such was their cruelty then at last they released him privately without any tryal at Law The Innocent sufferings of the People of God in Chester cicity under Peter Leigh Mayor of the same who in a most cruell bloody and mercilesse manner hath executed his power against them UPon the ninth day of the tenth month 1656. Edward Morgan had a servant wrought with him whose name was William Fletcher who had stole a peece of Leather from him which was worth two shillings or thereabouts Edward being informed thereof by one of his servants called Thomas Edwards then Edward Morgan asked Fletcher why he stole his Leather from him Fletcher denyed it and did begin to quarrell with him Insomuch that another of Edward Morgans servants went and informed Peter Leigh Mayor unknown to Edward the Mayor sent for them both who came before him the first word that the Mayor spake was to Edward Morgan asking him if he was not a Freeman of this City being he came so unreverently before him and farther said Are not you sworn to be obedient to Magistrates he answered What I do is contrary to my own will in obedience to the Lord the Mayor said The Scripture saith Honour thy Father and Mother Edward said I honour my Father in that I am obedient to that of God in my Conscience then the Mayor said to Edw. That unless he would put off his hat he would not hear his cause so Edw. came away and the man that stole his Leather escaping punishment for stealing because he whom he stole it from could not in conscience put off his hat Vpon the fifteenth day of the tenth moneth 1656. Peter Leigh Mayor commanded Edw. Morgan to come before him who as it will appear hereafter had laid a snare to entrap him because he had escaped imprisonment before when he was before him last seeing he would not put off his hat The Mayor had sent for Rich. Bird formerly Mayor who was an approved man for his purpose to persecute the innocent without a cause and John Johnson as bad as he so they being met together in the Pentice sent for Edw. Morgan as aforesaid pretending to punish him that stole his Leather if he desired it Here all may see how unfit these men are to be Magistrates for they that know any thing pertaining to the Law know this that a Magistrate in his place ought to be a terror to him that doth evil and is upon all occasions to use his utmost endeavour to find them out and them to punish according to their offence and in so doing becomes a terror to them Nay further if any man hath so much respect to him that hath transgressed the Law as to conceal it such a time as the Law sets down according to the offence he makes himself equal transgressour with him that hath transgressed Now these Magistrates are so far from this that they told Edw. Morgan that if he desired the Thief to be punished they would punish him so ignorant are they of their places that because Edw. Morgan did not desire it from them they did not punish him for stealing but this was but their pretence to ensnare him as their actions hereafter will appear Then the Mayor asked him if he was not a perjured fellow to come before them so unreverently and many such like words he used but in short according to their design on him they began to cast how to bring him under their Law there being a bench at the lower end of the room Edw did sit down Tho. Robbinson one of the Sheriffs called to him and said Dost thou know where thou art and told him that was not a place for such fellows as he to sit on and said he should be taught better mannors for they would put a bridle on his head and many such like unsavoury words he used not worth repearing over so in the end they got John Taylor John Knowles and John Whitley to swear against Edward Morgan To wit He said his Conscience told him he could not bow to deceit so this was the ground for which they committed him to prison because he could not bow to deceit and made a warrant which was signed by John Johnson and Rich. Bird the sum of which was that Edw. Morgan misbehaved himself before the Mayor so to prison Edward was sent straight way but he that stole his Leather found favour from them and was not punished at all for stealing though he confessed so far to the stealing of it that of himself he brought part of the Leather back again to Ed. Morgan but not by any constraint of either Mayor or Justices so now that for which they sent for Edward Morgan hath fully appeared Now Ed. Morgan lying in prison as is said many as he dealt with in things belonging to his trade understanding the grievous wrong he had done him went of their own accord unknown to Edw. Morgan unto Peter Leigh Mayor to desire Edwards enlargement from him the Mayor told them in a fawning hypocryticall manner he did not desire to keep him in prison and told them it was Rich. Bird and John Johnson that did commit him they seeing how uncivilly he behaved himself before me and said if they would release him he would be content therewith this the Mayor did say in the hearing of many Witnesses Then David Bathow who was one that heard him say so went to Rich. Bird and told him what the Mayor had said when Ric. Bird had heard him tell what the Mayor had said to them he did deny that he was cause of it and said that he had rather have gone 20 miles another way then have gone about any such thing when the Mayor sent for him and farther said he did not desire any poor man should be kept in prison said farther if any man would but come and passe his word for his good behaviour
Wife and many small children such is their cruelty had they not been prevented by George Minshall one of the Protectors servants who coming to the Town at the time of the General Sessions holden for the County and hearing of their usuage of him was moved with pitty and fetched forth a Habeus Corpus and brought his body before the Judge for the County out of the hands of those bloody and cruel men to answer the Law who finding no just cause of imprisonment proved against him and being moved with pitty towards him understanding how cruelly he had been used by them did freely release him to their shame and trouble Tho. Yarwood was moved to go to the Steeple-house and stood till the Priest had done what he had to say and then he spoke to the people but he was haled forth and ill abused by the baser sort and brought before Edward Bradshaw and by him committed to prison where he was kept most part of two days he being a Souldier under Command his Officer sent to him to know why he had imprisoned his Souldier and fetcht him out of prison Edward Bradshaw sent him Word He came in amongst them with a laudable Voice and disturbed the Assembly before the Minister had done though he spake not till the Priest had done as before is said John Owen being in his own house following his lawful imployment there was a stone flang at his Window and missed it then he and his men went off the Table they sate on which was close to the Window who were no sooner off the Table but a great piece of a Brick-stone was flang through his Glasse-Window which broke it in pieces and had not he and his men as is said come from the Window it might have killed some of them it came with such force into the House so he seeing who threw it took the stone in his hand to Edward Bradshaw and shewed him the stone and who it was that threw it into his House and brake his Window as is said who said Do you come to complain before a Magistrate in such an unreverent manner and said I will neither heare your cause nor right you and with his own hands christ him forth of his doors and charged him to come before him no more The innocent sufferings of the servants of the Lord in Chester City under Richard Bird Mayor of the same EDmond Ogden being moved to go to a Steeple-house spake not a Word until the Priest had done and then spake some Words to the Priest to make good what he had said but he was drawn forth into the Street by the hair of his head and then sent to prison by Richard Bird and kept nine Weeks Richard Bird sent for Edward Morgan forth of his own House and committed him to prison when he had not spoke to any nor to this day knows what he was imprisoned for onely it was reported by some he did it because Edmond Ogden had been at the Steeplehouse At another time Rich. Bird caused Edw. Morgan to be taken out of the Street who neither said or did to any yet he caused him to be put into the Grate where for the most part Thieves and Murderers are put Mary Endon came to this City to see her Husband who was in bonds for the truth she was then moved to go a Steeple-house and asked the Priest a question but she was exceedingly abused by the People and taken before Rich. Bird and by him committed to prison where she was kept four dayes William Sarrot passing through the street with a piece of cloth John Poole called to him and asked if he would sell his cloth who said Yea John Poole asked him his price he said So much the Yeard John Poole said he would have it William Sarrot hearing him say so hastily he would have it said Friend do not mistake thy self I ask so much the yard John Poole said Thou lyest thou asked me so much an â—ll but William denyed it and said as before then Iohn Poole struck him very ill and thrust him out of his shop and kept his cloth though his Wife and Mother would have had him to have given him his cloth again they being its very like sensible how it was but he would not give him his cloth again but said he would teach him to be a Quaker many people cryed out against him for so doing but for all that was said to him he was shameless and would not part with the cloth So William Sarrot came and informed some of his Friends who had him go to the Mayor and inform him thereof who did the Mayor was high with him because he could not give him that honor he expected from him but in the end did send for John Poole who came and as soon as he was come the Mayor and he went a-part and discoursed a while but when they returned to VVilliam the Mayor said to VVilliam unless he would put off his Hat to him he would do him no justice but would send him to prison for coming before a Magistrate so unmannerly but in short he sent VVilliam Sarrot to the common Goal and not in the least reproved John Poole who would have cheated him of his Cloth So the third day after VVilliam was put in prison the Mayor sent for him forth to his own House where Pool had sent the Cloth so when VVilliam Sarrot saw his Cloth upon the Table he said Friend is this Cloth of so much the Ell as Pool said he would have it for The Mayors Wise said it was better worth then the Mayor gave VVilliam his Cloth again and discharged him paying his Foes he denyed to pay any Fees then the Keeper took him to prison again but when he saw he would pay him no Fees he turned him forth without The innocent sufferings of the people of God under William Wright Mayor of Chester City SArah Adgit and Margret VVood coming to this City were moved to go to a Steeple-house Sarah spake a few Words when the Priest had done Margret spake not in the Steeple-house at all they both were taken before VVilliam VVright and by him committed to prison and kept above four Weeks though as aforesaid one of them spoke not at all in the Steeple-house Upon the 8th day of the first Month Richard Sale was moved of the Lord to come to the City and to go to a Steeple-house where the Judge for the County and many more of the City and Countrey were assembled and Nathaniel Lancaster Priest found in the steps of the Scribes and Pharisces who in the highest place of the Assembly was found exalting himself as their Teacher So Richard Sale stood so long as he could and opened not his mouth until at last the burden of the word of the Lord burned as fire within him that contrary to his own will he was forced to speak but before he could utter many words he was violently halled forth as their
he would undertake to prevail so far with Mr. Mayor as to procure his enlargement and likewise said if any man would come and passe for him as is said he would pass his word to him he should never be troubled for so doing Vpon the 21. of the tenth moneth 1656. Some of those that had been with the Mayor before went to him again about the same business but he would not suffer them to speak with him but sent them word by his door-keeper that they should attend him upon Fryday it being the three and twentieth of the tenth month and bring a surety with them and he should be released so as they were appointed they came to the Pentice and brought a surety with them as the Mayor had appointed them to do now the Mayor and many more being present they made known their businesse to them so they said as they had before not knowing there was any to passe for him that if any would passe for his good behaviour he should be released or else not Then the man spoke and said he would passe for his good behaviour when the Mayor and the rest heard that any would passe for him they then denyed to release him upon sureties unless Edw. Morgan would come himself before them and desire it with his hat in his hand if so then they would release him upon sureties or else some of them said there he should rot so they were all dismissed Now any who are in the least measure turned to the Light wherewithall Christ Jesus hath enlightned them may see their deceit for at the first the Mayor said it was John Johnson and Richard Bird that committed him and he could not release him because they did it Rich. Bird said What they did was by the Mayors appointment but both said Bring a surety to passe for his good behaviour and he should be released but when a surety came none would release him unlesse he would come before them with his hat in his hand and desire his enlargement of them himself or else some of them said he should rot there but in the end all were made manifest to be lyars for upon the second day of the first month 56. After he had endured eleven weeks imprisonment the Mayor sent a Constable to the keeper of the prison to release him privately it is beleeved because the general Sessions for the County drew neer least their actions there should have been made publick In the time of Edw. Morgans inprisonment as aforesaid he sent a modest Letter to Peter Leigh Mayor by the hands of Deborah Maddock she finding him in the Pentice did deliver the Letter he asked her from whence it came she told him he said What dumb Spirit hath set them on work now then the Mayor said unto her That such Huswifes as she was fitter for the stocks or to be ducked in a Cuck-stool then to carry letters and come before Magistrates to deliver them so unreverently she said There is no respect of persons with God the Mayor called for a Constable and sent her into little ease the hole in the Rock where she was kept about 4 hours Richard Sale being a Freemans son of this city went to Peter Leigh Mayor to demand his Freedom as in right it could not be denyed him upon the one and twentieth day of the tenth month the Mayor asked him his name he told him the Mayor said I thought you had been in prison long enough to have learned better manners but seeing you have not I will teach you some if I can Rich. Sale answered Evil words corrupt good manners and thou hast heard none from me yet the Mayor said he would teach him to com with more reverence before Magistrates and called for a Constastable but being none ready he sent him to a Constables house the Constable asked the man that brought him what he must do with him he said bring him to prison R. Sale said thou received no such orders then the Constable went to the Mayor himself to know what he must do with him so when he came back he came to R. Sale and said If he would promise him not to trouble the town any more neither meddle with their Ministers he might go his way but he denyed to condition with him at all who when he could get none let him go without Vpon the 4th day of the 11th month 56. it being the first day of the week Rich. Sale as he was waiting upon the Lord in a meeting in Chester then was commanded of the Lord to go to a place in the City called the Minster so he comming there he met John Glendall Priest and was moved to speak to him there passing by a Constable one told the Priest thereof the Priest bad the Constable take Rich. Sale to the Mayors house and keep him there untill he came to him So the Constable being ignorant of his place did take him as the Priest commanded him and there kept him a great while but the Priest came not as he said he would for to them it is a light thing to lye then at last Rich. Sale was taken before the Mayor who asked him Why he disturbed the Ministers of the Gospel â—he answered He did not disturb any Ministers of the Gospel then the Mayor demanded of him sureties for the keeping of the Peace he told him he had not broken the peace therefore he denyed to put in sureties to keep that he had not broken so the Mayor commanded him to be put into prison untill the next day so the next day he sent for him forth of prison and gave order he should not be brought before him but put into little ease the hole in the rock where he was kept about 8 hours it being a very cold day in which place he could not sit kneel stand nor lye yet before they would let him forth they would have had him to have promised them not to have disturbed their Ministers nor Magistrates or else they said they must not loose him forth But he denyed their propositions and was made rather willing to give his body up to be murdered by them then to yeeld to their wills Then to cover their cruelty they said he pulled Priest Glendals cloak from off his back when he did not so much as touch any part of his garments unless they meant it by laying open the fruits of his Ministery and pulling off his Cloak of hypocrisie and if so they meant we shall not say against it Then Peter Cowsnock being in the Town and seeing how the Mayor had used Edw. Morgan and Rich. Sale it lay upon him of the Lord to go to the Mayor and to speak to him concerning his usage of them as is said so upon the 5. day 11 month 56. the Mayor and Sheriffs and many more being met together in the Pentice he went in amongst them and spake to the Mayor his message once and again the Mayor seemed as
Messengers and slat dirt in the faces of some of them and yet by the Priests in this City and other professors is accounted a religious Woman her name is Kathern Hinde and my Candle was pulled forth of my hand and I ill abused but I declared the Word of the Lord in much power until I was taken up by the Sword-Bearer and delivered to a Constable to be brought into prison where I was kept about a Week the same corrupt Will which imprisoned me sent for me forth I neither being convinced accused nor examined what Law I had broken but turned me out privily whose actions would not abide the light to discover them From him who is a sufferer for the testimony of the Truth Richard Sale NOW while Rich. Sale and William Simson were in prison as aforesaid they sent two several Letters to Peter Leigh Mayor to put him in mind of his unjust dealing with them but the Bearers of both he caused to be put into Little-Ease for many hours though neither of them knew what was written in the Letters having not heard them read over Upon the next third day of the VVeek after VVilliam Simson was released forth of prison he was moved of the Lord to go into a Steeple-house in the City where many people were assembled where he stood peaceably among them until the Priest had done then another Priest stept up and desired the people to stay the Ordinance of baptism which was the sprinkling of an Infant in which discourse he laboured to confirm that to be an Ordinance of God and the child thereby made a Member of a visible Church VVhen he had done this Discourse VVilliam Simson desired Priest Nab in moderation to clear those things by Scripture to wit That the Church of God is visible and sprinkling of Infants is an Ordinance of God but no answer could he get from him but was ill beaten by the people and thrust forth of the doors then the Priest came forth and passed by him he desired the same thing of him that so the people might be satisfied but he would not answer but the hireling fled because he was an hireling and went into an house then VVilliam Simson spake a few words to the people in the street but a man shortly took hold on him and put him into Little-Ease the hole in the Rock where he was kept eight hours or thereabout Upon the third day of the fourth Month 1657. Edward Morgan being peaceably at his outward imployment there then came Joh. Fletcher who was il drunken a notorious common drunkard known to be all the City over this Fletcher came and called Edw. Morgan Cuckold and his VVife a VVhore in the presence of many people and railed so on Edw. that he could not in quiet follow his imployment then at last Edward went to Peter Leigh Mayor and informed him thereof and told him he was now at his shop ill drunk the Mayor said to Edward Will you swear he is drunk he said Nay what need I to swear when the man is to be seen said the Mayor I will order you both and called for a Constable and called Edward Morgan a perjured fellow for his unreverent coming before him and straightway sent him into Little-Ease for no other cause then as is said For complaining of a drunkard who had abused him but the drunkard was not at that time questioned Many being sensible how it was and saw Edward punished and the drunkard go free cryed out against it and their cry coming to the Mayors ear three dayes after he sent for the drunkard and sent him to prison until he had drunk a pot or two of strong drink and then released him Little-Ease being too course a place for a drunkard And now let all honest hearted people judge if ever the like thing was done by any Christian Magistrate as he professeth himself to be yea or by Heathen Magistrate either that a Drunkard should go free and he that was abused by him and made complaint against him should be punished because in conscience he could not doss his hat when he made his complaint He that justifieth the wicked and condemneth the just even they both are abomination to the Lord Edmond Ogden coming to a Meeting of the people of God in Chester City one first day and another man came with him of Cains generation into the Town and was with him when the Constable took Edmond up yet they suffered the other man to go and took Edmond Ogden before Peter Leigh Mayor who committed him to the Stocks where he sate about half an hour and then taken and put into Little-Ease four hours or thereabout Upon the 10th of the 4 month 1657. it being the 3. day of the VVeek Richard Sale was moved of the Lord to come to Chester City and to go into Pepper-street where he found it his place to abide and there fate down and within a short space after there were carryed forth a dead Corps out of Richard Golbornes house and two priests going before it and as they passed by him he was moved to charge them in the Name of the living God to make good their practice by plain Scripture and shew by it where ever any of the Apostles or holy men of God preached any Funeral-Sermons but they returnd him no answer then he was made to declare against them and their practice they being found out of the Doctrine of Christ and practice of the holy men of God Then there following after them a company of proud ungodly ones he was made to cry out from the burthen of the Lord against their pride covetousnesse violence and oppression which many of them lived in and was made to declare that all their worship and sacrifices offered up in that nature they lived in was but as a smoke in the Lords Nose all the day long Then one Ionathan Goldson being more cruel then all the rest though one of the chief pillars of the pharisaical church came out of the company in great rage and laid violent hands on him calling him Rogue and giving him many more unsavoury speeches holding his hand up many times as if he would have strucken him and gnashed upon him with his teeth and took him to a constable and he brought him before Peter Leigh Mayor he ordered him to be put into Little-Ease who did with much cruelty where his body endured the strength of four men before they could get the door to lock in which cruel place they kept him four hours neither his friends nor others being admitted to come to him but by the power of the living and unchangeable God he was preserved without pain declaring his word in much power to the confounding of all gain-sayers Then when he was released the constable offered to take hold on him thinking he was unable to stand but he denied his help and was made in the power of God to go as well as before though his
for passing quietly through the streets to a meeting to wait upon the Lord all which things before mentioned which this is a short relation of hath been done by the command of Peter Leigh Mayor of the City of Chester and suffered by the innocent people of of God in this Little-Ease or hole in the Rock to the truth of which lest any should doubt as they might do if they were not witnessed to by some they being such unheard-of cruelties as never were acted by any who profess themselvs to be Christian Magistrates nay nor by the worst of Heathen Magistrates that ever I read of and I being an eye-witness to most of them as they were executed upon the innocent shall be ready if called thereunto to answer to the truth of them Anthony Hutchins You that be Magistrates in the City of Chester who hath thus acted with prejudice against the people of God and servants of God you have turned your Sword backwards against the just and ye have not been a praise to them that do well but your fruits and actions have been a shame to men that four God to modesty them that own true justice and equity you make men offenders for words and you persecute them that reprove sin in the Gate and they is made a prey upon by you you have provided a torturing place a squeezing pressing place for such as declare truth amongst you you are become rebels against the truth truth is fallen in the streets and equity cannot enter the door to that is shut ye become abominable amongst men your doings the Lord hath taken notice of ye are boisterous and perverse yea envious in the persecution of the Lords servants and the Lords presence hath been amongst them in all their sufferings yea in the greatest of your cruelty can you be proud and boast when you have done that you would have all to see your peevishness the beholders by that ye may be upon record brought Doth not your fruits and actions before mentioned dishonor the place of a Magistrate We number not the just with the wicked nor the godly with the profane but put a difference What have you gotten by all your actions but shewed forth your spirits whereby they are tryed not to be the spirit of Christ nor the Apostles who saith Love your Enemies but you persecute your Friends the Lord forgive your persecutions persecutors were ever blind you have manifested the end of your Religion in this the day of the Lord and the fruits of your Teachers and the end of your profession and the order and government of your Church and Ministry as before-mentioned declares besides all the abuses the people of God the Saints have had in their Meetings which was never rebuked by the Magistrates George Fox UPon the 28. day of the 6th Month 1657. I sent a Copy of all these things before-written save only some which have been acted against the innocent since and likewise some things which were acted before which was not then in remembrance which is added in this to Peter Leigh Mayor of Chester City The direction that I writ in the beginning was to this effect That if he or any other who was therein concerned could object against the truth of any thing therein written they might do it before I went on with what I intended wch intent of mine was to print the Book though at that time I denied to certifie them so much but the Bearer thereof Peter I eigh Mayor sent into Little-Ease in the Rock but I heard nothing from them until the eighth day of the 7. Month and then the Mayor sent for me up to the Pentice by two Constables and when I came in before them I found Peter Leigh Mayor John Ratliffe Recorder Edward Bradshaw Justice of Peace the two Sheriffs and many more then present the Mayor asked me if I had seen that Book it lying before them which was the same I sent him as aforesaid I said I had He asked me if I wrote that Name at the latter end thereof which was my own Name I said I did not but I told him I had gotten it written fair over after one that I had writ Then he said Do you own it I said I did He asked me if I read it over I said I had Then he gave me many threatning words Then I asked them whether committed the greater evil They that act cruelty or they that write down cruelty when acted by another The Recorder said Who must judge of that I said Let that of God in your own consciences judge whether committeth the greater offence The Recorder said Many a one hath had their ears nailed to the Pillory for a lesse offence I said If he deserved to have his ears nailed to the Pillory that writ these things down what did they deserve that acted them Then they gave me threatning Words I told them I desired no favor from them but that I might have fair Plea in the face of a Court and if I had transgressed the Law I was willing to suffer by it Likewise I told them I judged it not equal they themselves should be Judges in their own cause One of them said they would not twelve men should judge it but the Recorder said twenty four men should judge it Then the Mayor said I was a railing fellow I turned to the people and asked if any of them heard me rail since I came he said I did in the Book I told him if I should say such words to them as Paul said to Elimus they then would say I railed though truth might be written and Names and Titles might be given to men answerable to their actions as Paul said to Elimus whose Name was Elimus yet Paul called him a child of the Devil and an enemy to all righteousnesse but I said I had used no such Words to them The Recorder said Paul might say so to Elimus who was a Sorcerer I said All the Priests in England which preach for hire and divine for money are Sorcerers for thereby the right ways of the Lord comes to be perverted The Recorder said I must not judge them I said Their practice judged them Then I charged them concerning their hard usuage of my Friends in that Little-Ease or hole in the Rock and asked them where they ever read of such a prison as that wch bruised mens bodies in such a cruel manner told them the Law hath so much respect to men though transgressors of the same as to provide large prisons to secure their bodies in and not such holes as these to presse and bruise them in or words to this effect I told them I could see drunkards and swearers passe up and down the Streets but I heard of none of them that was put into that place The Mayor told me if I saw such things I might come and inform him thereof and then see if he did punish them I said So I might