About the same time I had occasion in London coming not at any time there meerly upon the account of this business to which this discourse doth relate Mr Holland which I crave leave of him to make publique profest it was his Judgment as it was and is I am sure my desire that this Name and Title of Vicar may be in the Land wholly at an end as indeed it is high time it should at this I confess I was not a little glad for it seemed somewhat strange and a matter indeed much to be lamented That after all this ado and turning as a door upon the hinge we should be found both in form and practice not one Iota moved from what we were ten years ago SECT X. HAving had this account given me I returned as heretofore with delight and diligence to the work I was concerned in and as I remember was in particular engaged to the Tuesday Lecture where I confess I appeared though few were there to hear me I will not refuse to make mention of the Text which I judged meet to be minded especially in the times that now are Zeph. 3.18 I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn Assembly those that are of thee to whom the reproach of it was and is a burthen At this discourse some offence was taken but alone of the Preachers for opening that of Solomons Song as I did Chap. 3. v. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7. especially Vers 7. That the Spouse never found her Beloved till she had gone one step beyond the Watchmen of whom she sought him but found him not Verily I was greatly moved and grieved in my heart that they should take offence at this for without all doubt such as they are should not seek their own but the honor of him they say have sent them that is to say the Lord himself which gave me occasion to remember and present the speech of that old dying but wicked Bishop in Queen Maries time when one it seems pressed in spirit said to him Doubtless it were better that the Scriptures were allowed in English replyed with some heat If that door were once open then indeed farewell all as though nothing were more prejudicial to the Clergy then the knowledg of the People At the house of Mr Bream At this meeting I came being particularly invited thereto which is I confess the rule I have hitherto walked by as to those entertainments SECT XI WIthin a little while after this I had occasion and was bent in my heart for the West not onely so much for the cause of other matters as to have a renewed taste of the fruit I hoped and have much longed after to partake of among the people with whom I have had my conversation in times past upon the account of the testimony of the Coming and hope of our most dear Lord and Saviour Among them I was a while with great delight finding them in full expectation of what was much in my heart the dawning of the Day of God and their gathering together in one in him upon that account Before I undertook this I had some promise of supply of one suitable to me and known and much desired of the most enlightened of the people in this place Mr S. but to make it yet more sure I endeavored with some of our Neighbors at Eaton whom I have with a ready minde heretofore served upon the like occasion that in my absence if they thought meet they would stand in my stead but having no promise I could not assure my self of any wherefore as upon the account aforesaid viz. my longing after the people in the West as also because of my assiduity and diligence among the people here unthankfully that I say no more at present entertained of them I resolved to take the opportunity and leave the event and guidance of the matter and people to God himself alone the great Shepherd of the sheep in whose custody alone I am sure we are all safe SECT XII YEt being as far as Newport and Cardiff in Wales I was of the Lord after the second Sabbath strongly moved in my heart to return so as to be at Windsor on the third which was the time is as yet call'd easter-Easter-day for we have in the Land as yet so little of the substance that we are fain still and do with much zeal as elsewhere so especially here retain not the Jewish by no means forsooth that must be said yet it cannot be denyed but that we hold fast to the Popish new-invented Jewish as well as the Heathen types and shadows In my absence they were destitute of one to fill the Pulpit the first day on the second they got with much endeavor having a fit opportunity Mr Kind having been all this while as it were to this place fast asleep but he is awake of them and brought with all speed here when doubtless upon consultation had one with another he gave notice of a Sacrament should be on the next day sure as a seal of that union of theirs which was not is not in God for which intent all things at least without them were made ready the Innen wash'd and the plate and other utensils made bright for the purpose and the wine bespoke because such as they would have was not ready for they must needs have Muskadine there was to be something at least like it made of the Vintner that week at the end of which I unlooked for and unwelcom as to these people came some saying I was sent for and came post-haste though I had no intimation saving onely in my heart from above neither was it possible I should Wherefore others that were as glad of my return likened it somewhat to the man Moses his coming down from the Mount when in his absence Aaron and the people had agreed to make them a Calf in stead of God in Christ to go before them Hence there was not a little ado and talk of the people some advising and they none of the meanest of them to defer it at least to another time others were as much resolved have it they would now what ever it cost them I hearing this on the next day minded to have sent to the Mayor or rather to have come unto him and to have got some five or six more of the chief of the Town to have conferred together to prevent any inconvenience that might hereby arise and for that intent the chief man in this cause as to activeness came to me into a place in town to which I sent for him and told him my resolve wherefore we going together he indeed unwillingly but I of a ready mind Rand. to an ancient man and Professor but he not being within some say willingly I was urged to go to and speak with the Steward but staying a while in the street he being calld came to me with whom after a little discourse I abruptly I confess
left him he calling in question that which was to me certain and I am perswaded to him also in his heart By all which I understood an agreement was already made and backed by all the power they had or could but secretly make to meet the next day to the purpose abovesaid wherefore on the morrow I came somewhat timely willing not to be prevented as I was before I found the doors shut but within a while came the Sextons boy and told me the Churchwardens had secured the keys that the doors could not be opened till they came wherefore staying a while there not a few persons of very rude and unbecoming behavior came neer reproaching and reviling me openly to my face one of them at length swearing but not in truth that what ever come of it they would I should have nought to do there that day for however it was with me yet their conscience was to do as they said but said I is your conscience well informed to which was made this answer they could not tell whether it were yea or no at length came one more ancient then wise whom God forgive Mr. G. upbraiding me with teaching them what he said they did not at all understand unless it were this that I made them to be all either Jews or Gentiles yea plainly telling me as I remember some have said of old they called the Disciples first of all Christians i.e. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Christs Asses at Antioch it being given as is believed as a name of reproach there that I was one of the veriest Asses that ever he knew or to that purpose Now O God said I in my heart yea and tongue this people talk of what they understand not speaking evil of what is the alone help and healing of them the Lord and his love The Churchwardens coming and seeming to entreat my allowance of them had in mean time at another door let in Master Kind to the Pulpit where he no sooner came but he had his guard of rude men about him to secure him there which when I had perceived I withdrew to a place convenient to hear having a little before had occasion to tell them that sure enough it was manifest they wanted what they could not deny was needful at such a time as that to wit Love or as it is rendered and now termed charity they I mean two of them that were Church-wardens for so they wil needs be called though I am sure they are no such thing as the word imports told me indeed that for that alone cause they purposed as they said that day not to come to the Communion meaning the Idol they had made ready to fall down to and adore For I had a little before told them however they made boast of amity and love it was manifest enough they had none in their heart to afford me which indeed they did not refuse to confess yet forsooth they could notwithstanding pray and do other things well enough pleasing to God though in mean time they remained professedly in the hate of him in me and me for his name sake After the lesson read by one that hath in like manner forced himself to that service I took my opportunity when there was some silence in the Congregation to speak as followeth sitting in the gallery and seeing every thing carryed on there by force through a manifest opposition against the authority both of God and man as is evident and confest I desired the Preacher would give out to the people the minde and meaning of this text and words of Samuel to Saul which he spake upon his rebellion against God and him To obey is better then sacrifice and to harken as I am sure they did not to God then the fat of Rams upon this one stood by and said I disturbed the Congregation others began to make a noise under the gallery and our singing man calling to Master Kind to go on which he did having yet no warrant either the one or the other and might with as much pretence possess the Castle yea the whole Nation to which it doth directly tend and to which it must needs come in conclusion if it be thus let alone but I held my peace Sermon ended in the which was an exhortation to the Sacrament which they had in their way made ready for them I went as the Lord knows in love to the Vestry where I no sooner appeared but Master Kind as moved at my coming being putting on his gown which for the greater solemnity of the business he had brought down with him for where the truth is not it must be piec'c up with such toyes as these he demands of me preventing me what I had to say to him Why truly said I that you read over your text again which was this for an Easter days Sermon Come see where the Lord lay Now said I your text is not as you expounded it an exhortation to come to Christ much less to the Sacrament unless in another sense then you meant it but that the women should see as the Disciples did afterwards that he was not in the Sepulchre where they thought to have found him now said I as your text led you to shew where Christ is not so if you be able to shew where he is you say something or else you do nothing at all at which he seemed much moved and would he said dispute with me about the matter before the Assembly of Divines distinguishing immediately upon our discourse of the Sacrament betwixt as they say Corpus Christi Sacramentale reale professing his knowledge and power only to meddle with the former but having no sence or perceiving of the latter now the former without this latter is nought at all spells nothing is nothing save a bare sign or cypher which makes no number Neither is there any Christian whether Popish or Protestant Lutheran or Calvinist that doth or ever did hold the Supper of the Lord to be a bare and only sign so that I might truly say the thing was not there Christ was not there of which he spake i. e. the Lord or his body or which is all one caena domini the Supper of the Lord which is no other then as himself saith the daily but supersubstantial and caelestial food of them that beleeve or are born from above whilest I had thus speech with Master Kind came in looking pale our Unknighted Gentleman Master Bream charging me with a disturbing of the Congregation and letting of the Preacher in the service he was bound for and they both together multiplied in their unbelief and ignorance of God many words oppressing me as much as they could with them that I sought out a place convenient where to retire my self till their speech should have an end but Mr. Bream denyed me that rest which he could not give unto me laying hold on my arms and cloak and by force I not much I
the awakening of the rude and heady people of this place p. 5. Sect. 5. The Discourse had at a certain meeting or vestry of the people assembled for the having of a Vicar p. 6. Sect. 6. Vpon what account and why withstood in this of the Authour viz. because they went about to make them a Captain to lead them back again into Aegipt p. 6. 7 Sect. 7. A second letter with the occasion of it directed as a case of Conscience to be determined of the Preachers and of their silence as to it p. 8 9 Sect. 8. A Relation of the Discourse had with the new desired Vicar together with a taste of his Doctrine and manner of thrusting himself upon the people p. 9 10 11. Sect. 9. How this matter was represented to the Lord Whitlock and Mr. Holland the Burgess of this place by a letter to the latter with the event thereof p. 12 13 14 Sect. 10. A digression touching an exception taken at the Authours Sermon by the Preachers here with the account and ground why p. 14 15 Sect. 11. An account of the Authours Journey for a visiting of the people that know and fear the Lord in some part of the West and how it doth relate to this discourse p. 15. Sect. 12. The offence taken at his unexpected return and for what cause likened of some to Moses his sudden coming down from the Mount with the manner of the rude people their behaviour towards the Authour with the event of his being among them as to the Sacrament and their taking the name of God in vain with their leader in that thing p. 16 17 18 c. Sect. 13. Of the endeavour of the people by all means to defame the Authour especially by a note procur'd by one Mr. Baker from as 't is said the Assembly of Divines concerning which something is spoke as to vindication with a Letter of Mr. Bachilers to Mr. Holland upon that occasion p. 21 22 Sect. 14. Of the great abuse of all humane as well as of the divine Authority of God his Word at Windsor with a Letter to the Mayor from the Burgess of this place and the Authors Observation Testimony reproach and Reason of his crying out under all now at last p. 23 24 25 c. The first Postscript Containing A Letter giving light to the fore-past Discourse to the Councel of State p. 29. A Letter to the Lord General Cromwel p. 30 31 A Letter to the Governor C. Whitchcot p. 32 33. A Letter in the name of the Town to Mr. Holland p. 34 35 The Authors two Protestations p. 36 37. The second Postscript Touching a report given out by one Mr Wood now of Eaton against the Author with a true Relation of the manner and ground of it p. 38 39 40 c. Errata Pag. 17. lin last read 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pag. 28. l. 35. for una r. vera Pag. 37. l. 8. r. as I and some others A taste of the Spirit of God and of this World as they have appeared in opposition heretofore so now latest of all at New Windsor SECT I. HAving been now these many years conversant through the Grace of God in giving testimony in the things that concern the life that is for ever as in my youth at Oxford afterwards at Bristol Wiltshire Glocester London and now these last five years at Windsor in all which as I have tasted felt and found opposition wrath fury yea Phrensie from some of all sorts and degrees of men the chief and Ringleaders being in all places some of those commonly though abusively enough cal'd the Clergie See ancient Gildas his epistle the latter end for so it is as it hath been said Clerus Angliae stupor mundi for as for others in comparison of these it may be said alas what evil have they done so I have had in all these places and conflicts a seal of Gods love and powerfull quickening presence to enliven me in death for I have been in deaths oft and to enlighten and support me in the midst of those many clouds and darknesses have so often come upon me so that as the Almighty hath been and doth remain and ever will the same to me so have I through his grace and most effectuall love remained being kept in his Son entire and true to him though through many difficulties dangers temptations tryals weaknesses reproaches contradictions as are and hath been the faithful in all ages more or lesse SECT II. I have judged it in my heart before the Lord meet in this juncture of time for the furtherance of the cause and Kingdome of God now much talkt of and in some degree come in our own Land to make publique this last encounter I have met with now last of all from the combined and fully it seems resolved and rude people of New Windsor But as leading to that I will mention the matter briefly as it hath related to me there from my first coming to this place to which I was importun'd by the then and as yet Governour of this Castle as likewise by the Mayor and Gentlemen of the Town and others in the which Mr. Bachiler now Fellow of Eaton Colledge was principally instrumentall there was then living one Mr. Cleaver who according to the account of the Nation had the Name Title and Place of Vicar during his life almost constantly I taught every morning on the Sabboth day in the Castle a while in the stead of Mr Bachiler but his Chaplainship failing I continued in so doing for the continuance of the solemn meeting upon mine own offer and the Governours acceptance and desire almost till the death of Mr. Cleaver and till a little after the coming of Mr. Simons About this time there was offence taken and no little ado made as touching my Doctrine Purpose Faith manner of Life the particulars whereof I lift not now to make publique but shall if God will hereafter but the event was that as to Ministry and preaching I was to be no more in the Castle for it was determined none was better then that which was judged worse even worse then nothing the price at which the Son of God himself was and at this day is of the world rated Upon this there being a vacancie in the Town in the morning through the death of the forenamed Vicar I was to my seeming somewhat gladly as wel as oportunly desired and did offer my self to be with them then aswell as in the afternoon in this service I continued a while till it was bruited that I had no Warrant from the Nation in this thing my former order expiring together with Mr Cleaver it being onely to continue during his encumbencie but this to my hand was renewed with this clause To Officiate there notwithstanding the death of Mr. Cleaver in this work I continued with much gladness and delight in the Lord who had appointed and called me of his grace thereunto till some
other and new offences arose for it is necessary that offences be but woe unto them by whom for which cause and upon which account I was a while suspended by the Military power here it being the first and the last exercise of it that way as I have heard of in the land that the doors were forcibly shut a while against me and the whole town so that the Church it self as they call it was for a while as by the Pope of old Excommunicate till it was opened again by the endeavor and authority of that worthy and faithfull Gentleman * Mr Holl. the Burgess of this place This conflict being over which yet continued long and extended somewhat far for the debate of it was through complaint against me had in the Great and high Council of State in which interim I had opportunity a while to visit on the first day the Neighbour Towns especially on the morning for it was agreed on for a while that I should be deprived of the morning Exercise here for it was judged it might be for the greater esteem honor and use of the morning Exercise in the Castle which was a while upheld by some of the Fellows of Eaton but not without an Order from as they say the Council of State which at length centred but did not long continue in Mr Lockier who was not long after called away for a more publique and special service of the State so that had there not been a supply by me in the Town there had been silence as to matter of preaching either in Castle or Town in this I continued faithful to God this Nation and this place but not in peace or quiet save onely in my heart and life to God for in this time it was agreed on that the people should come together to make choyce of a Vicar who coming together more headily then advisedly for their time was not yet fixed on a certain man Mr D. who was as they say faulty as to the State and suffered and doth suffer upon that account a deprivation as men speak of his spiritual promotion so that as they were disappointed so they did disappoint them that set them upon the thing so that upon the disagreement they had among themselves as it fell out for Paul sometimes I had a further liberty among this people though to my disadvantage greatly as to my outward estate yet the Lord being in it I had joy sufficient for a recompence of all I had sustained or should sustain in time to come About this time or a little before there was a Lecture begun in the Town which was judged meet to be the day before that I was assign'd and desired to I confess I suggested my willingness of the Neighbor-Preachers concurrence with me which was a little after layd hold on both of them and those that particularly applyed themselves to the thing but so as that I might be excluded as was well agreed on among them though an humble address were made to them without either my knowledg before-hand or desire and that by two of the most grave men of the Town Mr D. and Mr R. but the Preachers having a man engaged as they were engaged to him to vote as they pleased they gave * The Gov. him the chair that would have had it themselves a little before to determine for them it being indeed his design by them the better to remove me SECT III. AFter a while and being often in their company invited where they were and reasoning with them as I had allowance and liberty given me inwardly in my heart of God not ever intending in the least degree contention or strife with them or other I at length writ as followeth to them to which I had no Reply Sir In the behalf of God his Church this Nation and in particular this Town and my self I desire by this Assembly in account and I hope in truth the Ministers of Christ to be resolved by the Word of God in this Enquiry Whether my forced silence in this place as to the work I was conversant in and exclusion from your Company in that work be according to the Scriptures and the minde of God there declared This I humbly desire for a double cause 1. Because if I should be and willingly abide in Transgression it would be the damnation of my Soul 2. Because you cannot * * Which I spoke not as out of doubt but to urge an answer from them possibly be conceived to be onely lookers on but must needs be judged if not promoters of yet such as consent to the silencing of me in this place unless you declare your selves to the contrary but if you have consented this I lay at your feet begging you to shew cause by the Word of God why that if I am in an error I may by the Grace of God be Revoked Yours in the Truth of our Saviour R. BACON It was not long after this but there was an endevor to invite and bring in sometimes one and sometimes another of the Lecturers and at length the broad Seal was got and 5 li. more then ever was given I think for a Bishops License payd by a very forward Gentleman of the Town one as will anon appear more hasty in his undertakements then beleeving or successful though in this they say his wisdom hath secured him for he hath got his mony again of our body corporate This undertakement failing rather through the ill accommodation and undesire of the people then by any endevor of mine to oppose it it hath been upon second thoughts of me which they say are best agreed on at length I should take my turn which as not being ashamed of my Testimony rather then of a willing mind otherwise I yeelded to In this I have been thrice only in their hearing and have at least appearingly and I hope in truth some acceptance with them which I desire not for mine own sake so much as theirs lest they should become guilty of disowning the Love of God which is true in me to them SECT IV. THese things I have written briefly as Introductory to that which followeth these being onely the wounds I have received in the house of my friends for my Mothers Children have been all along more or less offended with me But as it was said of the Lord to Jeremiah If in the Land of Peace wherein thou trustedst they wearyed thee or were an offence to thee How wilt thou do in the swellings of Jordan for behold the Tide is turn'd among us and we are as it were on a sudden as We Were before this War began I mean as to attainment in the matters of God The people that have been in a sort these many years asleep unless only in some few heads of them to their loss and prejudice are anew awake among us some say by the sound of the late Act of Pardon These people are so many
and Canons Lands of Windsor in this Borough of new Windsor we further imbolden our selves upon you the only Instrument whom God in his good providence hath preserved to forward so glorious a work And do give you a short account of our endeavours and proceedings therein we had an eye upon Mr. Symonds of Holland and made it our business to have brought him to this place but God hath otherwise ordered first him and then our selves Providence after our longing desires to settle this work of the Gospel in this Town of Windsor hath ordered that Mr. Robert Bacon Master of Arts coming to supply the * Being indeed of him to that intent invited there room of Mr. Bachiler in the Castle where he being well approved of and well known some ten days past we made our desires known unto him to preach also in the Town this last Lords day so that not only that good report we have had of him but also that experience we now have of his sound Orthodox judgement in the truth of Jesus Christ preached unto us confirmeth us of his ability and worth so that we meeting together upon the debate of the whole business he is made choice to be nemine contradicente the Minister to preach in the Parish-Church twice every week viz. once on the Lords day * There being then a Vicar in being and once in the week-days and hope to raise this 50 l. you have so honourably procured for the work to * The fifth part yet I scarce ever had there in any such way 50 l. more by our voluntary subscriptions Therefore we request you further to perfect this work for us and to present him to the Committee of plundred Ministers that they may accordingly appoint him to be the person to officiate in this Parish-Church according to their Order of the 23. of Jan. last and that also you will be pleased to obtain for us the continuance of the yearly payment of 50 l. from the said Committee for which and all your faithful and continued care and respects of us in the saving of souls the Lord multiply blessings upon you which are the earnest desires and prayers of Sir Your very thankful loving friends to serve you Christopher Whitchcot Charles Burges Mayor John Spenser Math Day Rob. Bennet George Starkey Thomas Baker Thomas Redding William Botterel Will Mills Will Church Andrew Plumpton Thomas Chapman Windsor Castle the 13. of April 1647. The Copy of the Order of the Committee we have sent you now by Mr. Mills who is further to wait upon you concerning the Premisses The first Protestation An humble and true Testimony or Protestation concerning the manner and end of my Conversation Octob 7th 1649. as else-where so since I came to Windsor which I was necessitated to give and read this day in the Congregation for the silencing if it may be of the hearts and minds of all that conceive evil of me HAving been conversant the space of two years or thereabouts at Windsor by the Authority of Parliament and the importunity and desire of many of the chief of the Inhabitants of that place as the Governour Col. Whitchcot the Mayor that then was Mr. Day a Justice of Peace for the Town Sir Robert Bennet since dead Mr. Mills Mr. Cleaver since dead Mr. Bachiler Chaplain then to the Garison Mr. Beake Dr. Spenser Mr. Redding and others I have all this while as God shall bear me witness at the great day of his appearing minded designed prosecuted sought to magnifie and bring forth into the hearts lives and Conversations of all sorts and Sexes of persons no other matter or thing whatsoever then the pure and naked testimony of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ for the Reconciliation of men to God and one to another in him that there might be peace on earth as there is good will in God and those that are born of him to men Neither do I know or shall hereafter through the Grace of God design or pursue any other thing So help me God ROBERT BACON A second Protestation made in secret before the Lord and put thereupon in writing and now published as much as in me is for a remora or let to the flowing in of evil in the Land that I and as many as the Lord our God shall call may not be overtaken or overwhelm'd therewith in the which doubtless there be to whom this shall come will with the like readiness and upon the like ground * I mean vow to God and keep it for there be a people that are able so to do do and some others have done Gather my Saints together unto me those that have made a Covenant with me by sacrifice Psal 50. I Do hereby promise and protest that by the help of God Almighty and the obedience and grace of his only Son revealed in me in some measure through his most holy Spirit of light life and love in all things uprightly to demean my self both towards God inwardly revealed in me and man outwardly appearing unto me according to the most holy Law and will of God as it hath been and is witnessed unto by the Scriptures of Moses and the Prophets by Christ and his Apostles and the remnant of the Seed of Abraham that are till now the blessing of all Generations To this of a ready mind in the hope of eternal life in Christ I subscribe my name together with the rest of those are made willing in this day of Gods Grace and Power Amen ROBERT BACON The second Postscript touching a report with great confidence given out by one of our now Neighbours at Eaton not any of the fellows but one whose abiding is there among them concerning whom I will only say this that he being a Companion and a daily guest there as well as their Tenant yea not only a fellow-Member but of late in the great City an Elder of a select Church and Congregation it hath been to me of a very sad and lamentable import that after all these pretences no better fruit then the causless and most unjust reproach of his Neighbor against the mind of the whole Law of God should be yielded of so eminent a plant as he would seem to be truly it minded me of the Text I of late heard the new conduct on there Cut it down why cumbreth it the ground for certainly the ground that bringeth forth nought as saith the Apostle but Bryars and Thorns is near unto cursing yea it is even cursed already This Gentleman hath had some 3. or 4. particular things of offence to charge me with which he did not at all in private open unto me according to a Rule they pretend to demean themselves in things of this Nature by but in the presence of divers especially one whom he knew had some respect unto me for which he seems to be not alittle offended upbraiding him of it as an evil scarce to be allowed rendring for