gnashing of Teeth for grief they are far beyond expression To a gainsaying Rebellious Spirit the Testimony of Light that condemns for Sin is an hateful thing and the Ministers of Antichrist have bent themselves against it and against them the Testimony is born by And seeing that Early of this our day it was first and principally born by him how could he escape the wrath of Man that produceth evil things and avoid the fury of it Nay this was his Lot with others of Gods faithful Servants whom God hath upheld and delivered through all and he hath seen the travel of his Soul and the fruit of his labour into his bosome manifold in recompence for all to his hearts Joy whatever the worst of Men imagine against him The same enmity lodgeth still and venteth it self again and again through any new occasion given to it or that it can get hold of in the wilful resisters of our principle and lifes appearance and in all them that Backslides therefrom and enters again into the old Cainisn Murthering Spirit that crucifies the Lord of Life again and would put him to open shame Never a publick opposing Apostate from the life of Truth that hath risen up in Judgment against it since we have been a People but in the old Enmity of the cursed Serpents Image he hath run against George Fox Oh it s admirable to us and renders William Rogers in this cursed work of his to be a Man running on to Ruin that he does not take notice and that with Terror of the breakings forth of the eminent hand of the Lord against such to their misery and shame that thus tempts the Lord to deal with him as hath been dealt with his predecessors gone before whose footsteps he follows with all the haste and fury he can appear in let him take heed though his presumption be great in defying the Work of God in his Servants let him vapour with the Bulk of the Weapon his ungodly Book he hath formed in his stout and ambitious mind the Lord is risen to dash in peices and is upon the Throne who with the Antient though dispised Instrument of simplicity and the naked truth which he hath in his Hand will wound the head and glory of this uncircumcised One to its utter Ruin and the perpetual reproach of all them that lean upon it the Mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it and it shall surely come to pass And as to the particular matters of Accusations by William Rogers cast upon George Fox we do testifie and in the Truth affirm and can commit the same to the tryal of the righteous principle of God and equal Law of doing as one would be done by that if many of the matters in charge against him were true which we believe are malicious and false the malice the rancour of his Spirit that appears in his perverting George Fox his words his misconstruing and putting his own corrupt sence upon them disingeniously and unlike a Man and then placing a Judgment thereupon his disorderly bringing them forth having not first examined the truth of matters and dealt with him face to face as in the sequel of our matter may be manifested he hath not done His publishing in Print and exposing the same to publick view by sale or allowing thereof in Shops so that it is come to the view of the great enemies of Truth and us and the applications he puts upon our tender care in the Church of God as Antichristian and Rome-like with the invectives and malicious Smitings he can invent renders him plainly to be an Apostate from Truth an enemy to God and the Principle we have believed in an accuser of the Brethren not fit for Christian Society but to be rejected as reproachful thereto and left to the righteous God of Heaven and Earth to reward him according to his works Friendly Reader our Testimony is for the sake of that principle of Light and Life in Christ Jesus our Lord and Law-giver in which we have believed and are bold to Testifie to and stand in the vindication of against all the opposers thereof as that which is our life and the comfort of our days through the Salvation that we have known thereby wherein we have peace and for the sake whereof reproaches are not hard for us to bear and for the removing of the Stumbling-blocks out of the way thereof that if it were possible all Men might walk therein and find mercy We say in a godly concern that lies upon us we intend through Gods assistance a little to discover the Face and Image of a Ungodly Backsliding Separate dividing Spirit by rending off the covering it hath got upon its head to hide its nakedness and shame withal in the departing of those it hath prevailed upon from the living God from the way of Truth and from the unity of the Brethren to the casting off the Subjection to Gods power which they once knew and unto which also Obedience should be given and giving way to a corrupt mind in themselves and to a false Liberty that Truth leads not to have set themselves being of that sort that loves not found Judgment against the rule and government of Christ Jesus whose right it is in the Spirits of their own minds and against the Discipline of the Church of God according to Gospel-order and the practice of the Church in the Apostles dayes and thereby encouraging a loose and licentious Spirit in others that would draw back into the liberty of the flesh again to satisfie the Lusts thereof and thereby bring a reproach upon that eternal name in which we have believed and testified Salvation to be thereby as if it were not Sufficient to compleat the work thereof by us expected and waited for which we Testifie against whoever otherwise say Reader If thou dost but duely consider as before the Lord of William Rogers's Book thou mayest easily see whatever he pretends to its liberty for the Flesh that the design of him and others in this their work tends to and for that cause is it that the Churches care is undervalued by them despised and maliciously reproached under the denomination of over-driving imposing lording over Mens Consciences setting up in the Church another Government then that of the Spirit which we testifie to be false and a malicious smiting accounting the wholsome directions according to Gospel-Order taken notice of and practized amongst us that in all things we may be of good report the bringing in of Ceremonies Mens Prescriptions and the like thereby to put a dis-esteem upon them in the minds of such as are unto liberty in the flesh inclined whence the opposition hath sprung and the dividing Spirit has sought to prevail to the exercise of rhe true and upright to God and the Churches grief the looseness also of this Spirit and its design to gratifie the Flesh which produceth contempt and opposition to the Churches care that the Author to
the aforesaid Book is charged with and its dis-regard to Truths praise and the glory thereof is plainly manifested by the Work William Rogers hath made to defame with all possible reproachful Speeches slanderous and lying accusations such as have kept their first love to Truth unchristian-like yea unhumanly and contrary to all Gospel-order and Rule of common Societies Printing and publishing the same against the Antient and Elder Brethren without hearing or convicting after any human or Gospel way such as have been made more particularly Instrumental in the matter of setling thereof in the Power and Spirit of Jesus in the Churches justified owned and practised amongst the upright-hearted to God to their unspeakable comfort for the Glory and blessings 〈◊〉 that attends the concerned therein particularly George Fox is the Man that his venomous Darts are shot at which his corrupt heart hath been filled with which through his Printed Book he hath let fly with all the eagerness and extravagancy of Spirit that he can work himself into to bring a reproach upon and make him contemptible to all to the undoing of him if it were in his power both as a Man and a Christian and supposing in his 〈◊〉 and fall to throw down the Discipline and the Order of Truth amongst the faithful to the letting go from the Bond of the Power such as would be from under the yoke thereof which the pure God blesseth the faithful with as Instruments in his hand for discouraging of Sin and Wickedness and incouragement of Christian Vertue Purity and Holliness The tendency of this our Adversaries Spirit to liberty in the Flesh and to gratifie the Backsliding 〈◊〉 that 's going thitherward Reader thou mayest be more fully satisfied thereof if thou do but take notice with what vigour and the might he hath he appears to stand by to applaud and to proclaim John Wilkinson and John Story for two Antient and honourable Labourers in the Gospel whose Conversation and Doctrin I have not known or understood saith he to be exceeded by any mortal man whatsoever Which by several passages relating to them in William Rogers's Printed Book inserted and explained in the Answer to it called The Accuser of our Brethren cast down thou mayest detect and plainly see it s but a meer flattering boast of his unbridled Tongue and that they are no such ones as he would render them to be And when through Gods help we shall have laid open the exercises and griefs we have met withal in the Church of God in Westmoreland through the opposition that these two Men have made to Friends tender Care amongst Gods People for the promoting the honour of his Truth in Righteousness and Holiness of Life and against our care that all might keep faithful in their Testimony for the Truth as received of God and the obstructions in our work and concerns relating thereunto wrought by them and others of a wrong and loose Spirit encouraged thereby to stand by them which by sad experience we have found and are able to demonstrate as in plainness and according to the naked Truth through Gods help we intend to do of this Spirit and of its work we shall then leave thee as more capable to judge and doubt not but to give thee also cause to say and conclude that the Author of the aforesaid Book hath been Malicious Partial and Fallacious in the work he hath had in hand and that it is no matter whom he Blesseth and whom he Curseth whom he Justifieth or whom he Condemneth Now as to 〈◊〉 off the Fig-leave covering of this Apostate Spirit which its fallen to be our Lot to be concerned with amongst the many perils we have been carried through by the Arm of Israels God and to manifest to all its nakedness and shame to be the more detestable because of the impudency it appears in the cause whereof William Rogers hath presumed principally to espouse and appear in the defence of to the utmost of the Breath and Force that he hath and that he is a man departed from the Faith and the good 〈◊〉 standing by a Rebellious loose sort despising the dignity of Gods Power and though talking of the Light and antient Truth yet out of the Life of it an Opposer of Gospel-Order and wholsom Discipline in the Church of God a discourager of the weak in their antient Living Testimonies for the Truth an encourager of the Backsliders from the Life of God and a separate faction from the Fellowship of Truth in the visible concerns of Gods People relating to the honour of Truth and that he is a false Accuser of the Brethren a malicious Slanderer of the Innocent and one that hath set himself to do the mischief he can to the defamation of our holy Principle and Profession and to bring an Odium upon all those that will not adhere to his Spirit and abet him in his contentious Work but 〈◊〉 against the same in their Testimony that stands sure and shall never be shaken by him and that he is a man rejected of the Lord for his works sake and shut out from the fellowship of the Saints in Light and his Works cast out as the unsavoury Salt good for nothing but to be troden under foot of men And for a further proof thereof several things are materially necessary to be made good reduced into these following heads First That under a Gospel dispensation visible Order Discipline and Government in the exercise of the Spirit is necessary justifiable and ought to be found in Subjection to Gods Power amongst Gods People according to Christs Doctrine Apostolical care and the practice of the Primitive Churches of Christ proved by Scripture Record Secondly That the care of the Churches of God in this our day amongst the Children of the Light with respect to Discipline according to the order and rule of Truth and their practice accordingly stands justified as consistant with the Apostles Doctrine with the command of Christ Scripture Example and the primitive practice touching this matter Thirdly That William Rogers in his Book though after a broken contradictory manner and very much inconsistant with himself hath denied the care discipline and order used amongst us in the Church of God and hath Judged the same And that John Wilkinson and John Story with them of the Separation in the North and of Party with him in an opposite Spirit thereunto have sleighted despised and laboured to put a dis-esteem thereupon and have laid Stumbling-blocks in the way of the weak in relation thereunto and have laboured to obstruct the care and exercise of Gods People in relation thereunto Fourthly That George Fox and others of the Antient Brethren their care and exercise as Instruments in the Lords hand to see the Churches of Christ every where in this our age setled in the aforesaid Order and Discipline as the Apostles care was in his day hath been Justified Embraced and freely closed with as that which has
much Confusion he seems to prosecute his opposite work One while against all outward Rule Order and Discipline c. another while as bringing in Prescriptions Innovations or Dictates of Fallible men Another while as being Imposed with too much Severity or imposed on Fellow-members without Conviction see the Treatise subscribed by Ellis Hookes c. Therein are even a Catalogue of the Confusions Contradictions and Mistakes he hath run himself into which we do impute to have happened 〈◊〉 him as said before under the Discomposure he is plunged in and 〈◊〉 Distractedness as to the weighty things of the Spirit of God that he is taken with otherwise with respect to his antient Love to Truth and Regard to the Unity of Brethren and the Qualifications in that day that accompanied him he would have trembled as before the Lord and have been ashamed as a Member of Christ to have appeared on such a Subject as this to wit Opposition to Truths Life and the Churches Care and the manner of his proceeding in the matter of it would have been unto him as a man an Horrid and Detestable Thing This then we may gather from the matter and manner of his discourse in relation to the good Order and Discipline in the Church and visible Family of God That it 's being established amongst us although in the Power of the Spirit which is the Torment of a Loose and Corrupt Mind is that which he is grieved with and having put the Odium upon it which by all means he can devise to marr the face and beauty thereof as if we were run into Forms without the Power and so gone from the inward teacher we were first directed to Then on the score thereof render us Apostates Innovators and what not And this leads us to the matter that the first part of our treatise relates to formerly made mention of as upon us a little to speak to Viz. That under the Gospel-Dispensation 〈◊〉 Order Discipline and Government in the exercise of the Spirit is necessary Justifiable and ought to be found in Subjection to Gods Power amongst Gods people that we may be Truths Praise in the Tabernacle God has given us as that which Answers the Doctrine of Christ the Apostles Care and the Practice of the Primitive Churches according to Scripture-record This is the plain and a positive Truth consistent with the pure Religion to visit the Widow and the Fatherless and to keep unspotted of the world and hath been the Constant practice of the Churches of Christ since there was a people that believed in him and gathered into a Society in the Profession of Truth which the primitive Churches were zealous in the matter of And the very 〈◊〉 Christians have been ashamed as men not to be found in the form thereof And the Reformers of Latter days according to more modern Records have been as incumbent upon them exercised therein in the several visible Societies they have been gathered into And until the Lord was pleased to establish this people W. Rogers inveighs against through the elder Brethren as Instruments in his hand in the matter and practice thereof which could not be till we became a people considerable in relation to it We were under a 〈◊〉 thereof in order to our more compleat mutual 〈◊〉 Strength and Comfort each to other so far as the matter thereof relates thereunto As also with respect to the honour of God Truth our Repute and the Churches Comfort and Ease All which in the Record we have to bear for God we can truly say hath Attended us in our Exercise and Concern in Relation to this matter So that in the sweet and comfortable Order in which the Lord hath placed us in a tender Care for Truth 's Praise we have the sense of God's Love and Delight with us in Blessings upon us and the Work we are concerned in as a Reward into our Bosom manifold and our esteem and good report in many Consciences both amongst them that are saved and amongst them that perish hath greatly been enlarged hereby So that we say as to the proof of this certain Truth and Justified Practice in which we are found although our Adversary William Rogers doth despise the same and reviles our Practice and concern therein much needed not be said it 's so plain and obvious to all Yet in short the tender Reader may take notice not knowing into what hands this may come that Christ Jesus our Lord and Law-giver confirms the Truth of this 〈◊〉 in that saying Matthew 18. If thy Brother Trespass against thee go and tell him his Fault betwixt him and thee alone If he hear thee then thou hast gained thy Brother If he hear thee not take with thee one or two more c. And if he shall neglect to hear them tell it to the Church But if he neglect to hear the Church let him be 〈◊〉 thee as an heathen-man This Implyes positively Church order 〈◊〉 yea Church-power and Government in the Spirit which he promised to give and the Determination and sentence thereof requireable The Offender for not hearing him was not to be unto him as an heathen-man till he had refused to hear the Church and until the Sentence given by it William Rogers one while sayes and so also John Wilkinson hath preached That the Church-power on that wise 〈◊〉 only to matters Criminal and in Difference about outward things And yet contradicts himself again and sayes on the same subject giving Judgment in the case of not hearing That every Case of one Brother's Trespassing against another according to right reason may be comprehended Again it 's said in 1 Cor. 6. 15. The Spiritual man Judgeth all things and it 's said That the Saints shall Judge the world And Paul said Know ye not that we shall Judge Angels how much more the things that appertain to this life Is not here Order and Discipline to be used in Relation to the Judgment that the Church was to give Paul again writing to the Hebrews said obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch over your souls as they that must give an Account c. See what Care in the Church was used and what a 〈◊〉 conferred upon such whom the Lord in his Power made Overseers and what a Duty incumbent upon the younger of Submission in the Lord to the Brethren as those that watched over them and as for whom they must give an Account But William Rogers is of another Spirit then the Apostles and Overseers were in that day the Tendency of his Discourse is to undervalue to lessen and to make contemptible the Church's Power Paul said Obey them that have the Rule over you William Rogers sayes Nay this is an Imposing and resists on this account viz. We do not see it our duty nor a requiring upon us so to do we are not inwardly perswaded in our Conseiences concerning it This we say were indeed to set
called The Christian Quaker distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator The Second Part VVherein it is plainly demonstrated First That John Story and John Wilkinson in a dividing Spirit together with the aforesaid William Rogers who hath espoused their Cause with those of party with them have opposed the visible Rule Discipline and Order used in the Church of God the true Christian Quakers Wherein they have been the Exercise and Grief of the Faithful through the offence they have caused in the Church of Christ to the breach of its Peace Secondly A sincere account is given therein of the care and brotherly treating according to Gospel Order that hath been used in a Christian Spirit as the Exercise and Travels of many dear Brethren sustained do demonstrate concerning the aforesaid John Story and John Wilkinson and others of party with them before the Judgment of Truth according to Church Power and Order was given forth against them By Thomas Pearson John Pearson Robert Tompson Robert Battow Brian Lancaster Joseph Baines and John Blaykling on behalf of themsels and many other Brethren of the Quarterly Meeting in Westmerland Now I beseech you Brethren mark them which cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Dectrine which ye have learned and avoid them Rom. 16. 17. Blessed are the Peace-Makers for they shall be called the Children of God Matth. 5. 9. Antichristian Treachery Discovexed AND Its Way Block'd up IN A clear Distinction betwixt the Christian Apostolical Spirit and the Spirit of the Antichristian Apostate BEING Something in Answer to a Book put forth by William Rogers falsely called The Christian Quaker distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator The Second Part THAT Eternal God by whom the World was made the Alpha and Omega the First and the Last with the blessed Message of Glad-tidings to our Immortal Souls appeared amongst us here aways in the North and in the glory of that eternal Word by which all things are upheld broke in upon us to the opening our Hearts and giving us the knowledge of the heavenly Light and Life in Christ Jesus through which by believing in it we were brought back again unto God from whom the Alienation was in the Sin and Unbelief and we became a People and were through the Truth which we had received gathered into a visible Society and Profession thereof the visible Character of the Family of God during the Tabernacle in this World we were settled through the power of our Principle and Spirit of Truth in the comely Discipline and Order in the Church of God and that no neglect might be in the concerns thereof in the Spirit of Jesus accompanying us as in the Apostles care in his day that Elders every where might be appointed faithful men were chosen to attend and inspect the matters thereof and the principal weight of matters about the concerns of the Churches affaires for a time lay upon them till Truth grew up in the Hearts of many so that many became meet in the power to appear in the service of Truth in a Gospel care and then our Meetings became more free for any of the Faithful to be concerned amongst us to the strengthening and encouraging in the way of Truth to Gods praise and while all kept to the first love and regard to Gods glory according as the Lord was pleased to concern us all things were well and we were comforted together in the obedience to the spirit and Truth received our Testimonies sincerely born and the Sufferings attending the same patiently undergone and we were each others help and encouragement and strength and the Unity and Concord that we mutually enjoyed was our refreshment glorying and our rejoycing yet in succeeding days the Temptation that ever was from the old Adversary of the Lambs 〈◊〉 and the Churches Peace begun to creep in and prevail upon some of the antient Professors and Sufferers for the Truth and set to work according to his kind to draw back from the antient Integrity formerly kept to and some that were to have been as Watchmen in Israel and Valiants for God and were appointed at the first or early of the day for that very end let the Standard of Gods power fall and gave their glory to the second Beast that arose out of the Earth and instead of keeping to the antient power in it to be as 〈◊〉 on Mount Sion Instrumentally in Gods hand for the glory of his People some became Instruments to lead several back from Truth 's Integrity by an evil Example laid before the weak and unskilful the ancient Record against all Antichristian Bondages being discouraged they became wofully to be let fall the nobility of Gods power being much departed from even in them that should have been as Pillers in the House of God the weaker and younger sort whose hearts were enclined to Liberty and Ease again looked out and took example at them they had esteemed of and became subject to a timerous distrustful Spirit of the earthly One shrunk in the day of Tryal and started aside like broken Bows in the suffering times to the causing our Enemies to Triumph and make their boast of a Conquest got upon us to the spreading our disparagement abroad in many parts of the Nation and amongst this unfaithful and shrinking sort was John Story concerned and overcome and led aside with them from the Integrity of the Lambs Life and Dominion these things grieved the Church of God in many parts of the Nation where the noise of them was gone through the Magistrates means or others that had taken notice thereof to Truths dispraise and the Churches exercise and grief for some 〈◊〉 ready to take example thereat to let the like Temptation prevail over them in suffering times because John Story was conversant amongst them and justified the same so also John Wilkinson encouraged the like things and gave his advice to others accordingly proved by a Certificate under the hand of a faithful Friend These things were the Exercise and Grief of the upright-hearted to God amongst us and of our neighbouring faithful Brethren of other Counties and the Churches concern was great because thereof in a tender desire that such as had been overcome with the Temptation on that wise might see it and in a tender acknowledgment thereof clear the Truth and the Nobility of the Principle we had received and the Testimony we had born in Doctrine and Practice accordingly at this the Disobedient started and the Rebellious to Truths ancient Power such as likes not sound Judgment were grieved thereat Then John Story of party with them in that creeping work appeared with his old slavish shrinking Spirit which he was generally known to be a man of and demonstrated the same upon several eminent occasions that the very principally concerned now in this Spirits work knew well enough and took example by him Now we say he appeared with a more open Face to vindicate the said shrinking work to the 〈◊〉
and came no more But for their occasional Meetings were designed and took one with all expedition wherein they made a disposal of Friends Monies in some of their hands without our Meetings privity or consent One other after a while we heard of in which they did admit the aforementioned Marriage to be accomplished within ten days after its being at all proposed and yet were told That the Man was under a promise of Marriage with another Woman which under several of our hands we did 〈◊〉 unto them That the Woman did so affirm desiring a respite in the case of their allowing the same till she had right done unto her but no notice was taken of that Peradventure they were afraid that Wickedness had been committed or might be in the mean time if any longer delay was made as one of the principal of them alledged and put the Query on the Meetings agreement according to an established order amongst Friends That Marriages should come twice to be examined and searched into in relation to clearness every way before they were allowed to be compleated saying in opposition to the order in that case What if Wickedness were committed in the mean time Mark the Spirit of which they are and when their occasional Meetings are and what concernes they have therein its best known to themselves we hear little of them This we have understood that what Books or Papers they have any way tending to Division and Strise in opposition to Church Order and Care they are diligent in handing them forth amongst the loose sort and William Rogers's Book in Print they busie themselves withal and most of them we perceive have each of them one and indeed they had need to do so to get them off the first Promoters hands for we hear not of a man in all these parts but them of party with John Story and John Wilkinson that will be at cost to buy one yet they are so kind open in this concern it were well if they had but an open mind to promote the pure Truth that they dispirce them either on Gift or Love to any of Truth 's open Enemies that will but hold out an hand for them as we understand and do in a great measure perfectly know it but if they think that best let them hold on we cannot kelp it neither are we troubled with respect to our own peace And what they intend to do let them do it quickly for their time grows short Vengeance is the Lords that takes notice of these things and he will repay it We have given a brief account with respect to what might be said touching the same of some of the Exercises that the Church of God in Westmerland met withal through the dividing Spirit that John Story and John Wilkinson were principally concerned in the work of in opposition to the Brethrens care therein by reason of which Spirit many Grievances were sustained by us to the grief of the Righteous Souls of all the sincere to God and to the breach of the Churches Peace And that which hath been said already concerning the same mostly relates to the time wherein the aforesaid Exercises and Troubles occasioned through the aforesaid Persons and them of party with them was most what the particular concern of Gods People of the Monthly and Quarterly Meeting in Westmerland aforesaid during the time of the aforesaid Persons continuing with us in those Meetings and upon the occasion of their breaking off from us into their separate Meeting amongst themselves upon out ward visible concerns with a touch of something done by them at such a Meeting after they had set it up And what the Churches of God any way in the South met withal where John Story' s and John Wilkinson's Travils have been we shall leave to what the Brethren in those parts have upon them to speak And from what hath been said we shall leave the Reader to Judge who they are that have been drawn back into the Apostate state and have declined their first Love to the ancient Truth and care for Gods Glory and who they are that may be justly called the true Christian Ouakers that retains the Life and Kernel of Christianity and keeps to the Exercise of the Power in the Churches concerns and who they are that have great swelling Words and fair Pretences of keeping to the ancient way of Truth and yet in Works deny it and as every one hath a sence thereof so let them speak VVe shall now also give a short Relation of the tender concern of the Church of God in these parts in true Love on the account of the aforesaid Persons in covering their Weaknesses for their reputes sake really desiring their deliverance therefrom 〈◊〉 any hopes remained with us Also we shall manifest the orderly and brotherly dealings with them all along since the Temptation was laid before them whilst it was only our concern with respect to dealings with them together with some Exercises and Travils that many dear Brethren of the Churches of God in other parts of the Nation sustained and were concerned in for the recovery of them if they had not hardened themselves against all as followeth It was not only our frqeuent course in the time of our Exercises with them after they began to set themselves against several Practices used amongst us to signifie our discontent for their so doing because of the obstruction they laid in our way in the service of Truth desiring their for bearance on that wise and compliance with us in the Churches concerns and God is our Witness it was in true respect in which we could have preferred them as such whom we once accounted our ancient Brethren their weaknesses we could have hid and looked over for their sakes and the Churches Peace and in that Exercise we have gone from our Meetings many of us very frequently with sorrowful bowed down Hearts considering what hurt to many simple Minds who had eyed them for their Gifts sake the prevailing of that Spirit over them would produce what dammage it would be to their own Souls to the loosing their Crown and perpetual Peace what a Feast it would be to our open Enemies and an occasion for them to clap their hands for Joy to hear of Divisions amongst us what a grateful thing it would be to the loose and earthly minded amongst us to the hardening of them against the Reproofs and Judgments of the Church of God in their Exercises in the affairs thereof and what a weakening of the feeble Knees of such as in a measure of true Love to God and his Truth were steping into the way thereof all these things and many more with sadness of heart entered our thoughts and consideration in many crys to God to block up the way of this dividing and soul devouring Spirit yea often we admired how Blindness entered them that they did not see how the Loose and Disobedient hung upon them for shelter
from the Inspection Reproof and Judgment of the Church of God which they were often minded of and yet would not regard verified was the saying upon them There are none so blind as those who will not see Thus were we concerned on their behalf in Long-suffering and Patience many Months and some Years some laboured to cover them until they became their shame our Exercises and Sufferings sustained by them and the wrong done to the Church of God and the offence to his People was so open and publick among us by their means that the Exhortations and tender Reproofs upon J. S. and J. W. and them of party with them were so publick also that with respect to orderly dealing with them Friends were clear on that score if any breach of order was it was on their parts that went privately insinuating into the minds of the weaker sort to work a dislike of and a disrespect to the Churches care the Discipline and Order established throughout the Nation and would not concern themselves with our Antient Honorable and Elder Brethren in the matter thereof who had been Instruments in Gods hands for settling the Churches therein and from our Brethren at London many good Exhortations and Encouragements we had received on account thereof we often desired them that is any discontent was in their minds upon the account of any Practice that we were desirous or concerned to promote that they would be pleased to let the hearing thereof be referred to our Friends and Brethren of our general Meetings in order to a determination thereof which they would not be perswaded too neither did they after their opposition begun come there or concern themselves therewith Now besides these publick concerns amongst us in the North occasioned through the means of these two men together with their adherents that joyned with them J. Wilkinson may remember the Exercise that a Friend and Brother had with him in the Town of Kirbylonsdale in a private Chamber about the time of the said Friends going to London it was towards the beginning of the opposition to Friends care in the Church and the division occasioned by him and them of party with him And he may remember what a tender frame of Spirit the Friend was in towards him we are bold to give a relation of it here having a tender account from the Friend concerned with him which John Wilkinson may have liberty to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he please Was he not told what a danger he was running himself into through the straitness that he had let in upon him against the practice of the Church in the Discipline thereof which through evil Surmisings and groundless Jealousies had prevailed upon him wherein he was not only a discourager of the tender hearted in relation to their concerns in the care and order of the Gospel but an encourager of a loose sort that were gratified thereby and emboldned to make Opposition and work Strife Was he not also told that there was upon that Friends Heart and many more a sence of the decay of Life and the fresh power of God in their publick Preaching and Testimony for Truth which formerly had accompanied John Story and him and that into the Letter and Wisdom of the Flesh their ministerial Exercise was of late Years much what turned to the trouble of many so that the pure Wisdom being withdrawn in a great measure they were darkned as to the knowledg of the sufficiency of that Grace which preserved pure to God in his Service and to his Praise all that keep to it in whatever Exercise they were concerned and on that account had the groundless Jealousies risen and wrought them into a fear of that to enter amongst us on the account of Order and Discipline in the Church of God which he was 〈◊〉 could never do on that occasion as Friends kept to the Power and Grace of God where no Apostacy could every prevail John Wilkinson may remember how his Heart was broken then into many Tears without a word of reply in opposition to what was said on that account And we do testifie that the Opposition that hath been in the Church hath not been from a real fear of a going back into the Apostacy again through the Churches being settled in Order and under a Government in the Family of God but a wrong loose backsliding Spirit from the Power and Life of Truth that would be at Liberty from under the Yoke thereof pretended a fear of settling of Forms and visible Order amongst Gods People to be the way to introduce the Apostacy again that on that account it may slight and reject the same to have its Liberty in that which the Truth and the pure Gospel doth condemn But to go on let John Wilkinson be asked whether he was not desired to go to London to discourse these matters amongst the Brethren there by reason whereof his and others Discontent and Straitness had risen which would work them under into Misery and Ruin as to Truth it was told him if they were not aware that if possibly amongst the many Brethren there satisfaction might be given him as to any matter which he scrupled Many ontreaties there were we have cause to believe on that wise yet none could prevail with him to make him willing to go Yet notwithstanding in a tender broken frame of Spirit at that time was he subjected through that eternal Power that was over all in which the Discourse ended and they parted asunder Little did our Friends and Brethren at London think that things were working thus in the North amongst the ancient Brethren where Gods Power and blessed Gospel had gloriously broken forth and been received and testified to and loath were the Innocent to divulge it there or else-where for the Unities sake which is a precious thing amongst Brethren and to have had matters composed amongst our selves in Westmerland was our desire and our hopes as yet failed not and the more because of that tenderness and bowed sence John Wilkinson was wrought into which for a time did continue with him to the glading of Friends on his and the Churches behalf and although the Brethren at London had had some little knowledge of these things amongst us yet they also under an hope that matters in time would be allayed amongst us were not enclined to make any publick concern thereof therefore nothing unless in private was said or done in relation to it which was then but as a Spark with respect to the Flame of the Exercise it wrought in the Church more generally afterwards through them betrayed into that Spirit that would work mischief if it could get entrance any way But to go on in short with the concerns in the North with these two men as them on whom here the dependency of those hung who to work Distraction and Trouble among Friends were set at work It fell out that John Story who had been in the South 〈◊〉 to his Faction secretly as
and this Separation will apparently wither and come to nought And we must tell you that some of us hoped and expected that ere this you would in the Fear and Dread of the Lord have born a publick Testimony against that Spirit of Division and Meeting of Seperation in those Parts And we are livingly assured in the heavenly Counsel of God that is now with us that in all places where any hurt hath come and entered by this Spirit through you the Lord first requireth this at your Hands and in the Name Power and 〈◊〉 of the God of Truth and Peace we are constrained to press you to be first reconciled to your Brethren and in your Spirits and Practices be united to the Church of Christ before you offer your Gift or excercise your selves in publick Testimony among Gods People and so no more leave that Country in 〈◊〉 and Seperation for otherwise the Breach will become wider and you more discover your selves to be of that Spirit which would augment Contest and Division which we desire that God in Mercy may deliver you from for against that Spirit the sharp Sword of the Lord is drawn and thus far have we cleared our Consciences in his sight and presence whose ancient Power gloriously springs and reigns amongst us Eternal Praises to his his Name forever George Whitehead Iohn Burnyeate William Gibson Robert Lodge Alexander Parker Thomas Taylor Iohn Bowren Iohn Tiffen William Penn. We whose Names are here under Written being at London at this Yearly Meeting having heard the above written Letter twice read at a second days Meeting in the City being the 22d of the 3d Month 1676. do hereby declare that it contains the real sence of our Hearts as was expressed by several Testimonies there given to that purpose from Gods Truth in many of us and therefore are in unity with it Pattrick Livingstone George Hutchinson Richard Pinder Hector Allen William Fallowfield Samuel Cater Iasper Batt Samuel Thornton Thomas Cooke Iohn Lanstaffe Edward Edwards Iames Claypoole Brayan Doyley William Peacke Richard Webster Francis Moore Iames Parke Richard Samble William Mead Leonard Fell Stephen Smith Iames Sikes Charles Floyd Daniel Smith Thomas Salthouse Stephen Crisp Anthony Thompkins Iohn Haywood Ellis Hooks Authur Cotton Let God be witness this Day betwixt the Church of God and these two Men and them of Party with them whether in the tender Love of God and of dear Brethren they have not been delt withal in Compassionateness through great long Suffering and Patience beseeching them in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ and Gods manifold Mercies and Forbearances towards them that they would be reconciled to God that they might find acceptance with him as that which was a Soul Concern yea the concern of eternal Recompence World without end and that which hath been testified in many Labours and Travels Night and Day on their accounts and how unwilling Friends were that they should be rejected and cast aside and their Names blotted out from the remembrance of the Righteous and out of the Number of the Worthies of Israel whom the Lord Blesseth and makes as Saviours on Mount Sion to his Eternal Praise and the Comfort of the Church of Christ and the Peace of the Immortal Soul forever So that we have a Record from God upon our Spirits in true satisfaction that we have discharged a good Conscience in the Lords sight with respect to them and that if any of them Perish it shall lie at their Doors the Lord is clear and his People thus far clear let them look to it as they will answer at the dreadful Day Yet after all these Labours and Travels in the Love of God and Spirit of Grace and Supplication towards and in behalf of them they still continued in the Alienation from Truths Life in their separate contentious Work and the more the Lord and his People strove with them the more obstinate and hardned they grew and where the Apostacy which William Rogers is pleased to charge us with will be seen to center a little time will declare further So it was that as the evil Men and Seducers that grows worse and worse they put on resolution and Courage to stand it out John Story betook himself into the South-West to keep the Design on Foot there and to muster up all whom he could draw after him with the Pollicy and Might he had he set himself William Rogers ratled about with a dishonest Narrative that he himself had drawn up of the Transactions of the Meeting at Draw-well as his prejudiced jealous Mind acted him and sent it abroad up and down the Country where any would take notice of it took off the beliefe or hopes where any in kindness to John Story and John Wilkinson had been begot of any submission given by them or any real acknowledgement made by them there notwithstanding the paper they had given forth and at that time under an exercise if they had stood to it which William Rogers set at naught accounting it but a Rattle to please Children with John Wilkinson also as he had before denied that they had Condemned any thing writ to some of the Brethren at London very comtemptibly in a slight of all their Love Labours and Travels concerning them in the North inveighing against the Relation given and subscribed there of matters transacted amongst us and the product thereof calling it a lying Narrative c. And that Courage they took to themselves and cambined Resolution to stand to their Work that he together with about eleaven more subcribed a Book written by them and sent it abroad in Manuscript up down the Nation amongst those that had entertained Jealousies and let in Prejudice against the Antient Brethren who kept true to God and had let in Murmuring and Discontent against the Order and Discipline used in the Church of Christ. The said Book called or at least rendred to be their Remonstrance or Declaration pretending therein to stand to the antient Principle of Truth and Faith therein as also speaking of certain Practices used amongst them Directed to Monthly Quarterly Yearly and Second Days Meetings in a bold and open Contest with the whole Church of God throughout the whole Nation in which they possitively declare themselves and those of party with them to be that part of the whole Family of the Children of Light that keeps their antient Integrity and Stability in the Truth and for that cause say they are they called by the rest Separates meaning by the Monthly Quarterly Yearly and Second Days Meetings they are also bold to say that we that is to say all those that are in faithfulness to God careful with respect to Church Order and the Discipline thereof unto which the aforesaid Meetings relate and not of party with them are departed from our first Principle of Light and Life in Christ Jesus and setting up Forms and outward Methods in the Church and the like And for no
other cause we say it is that they thus render us but because we are a People orderly setled as becomes the Family of God under a Government and Dissipline relating to us as Men in the Tabernacle God has given us wherein to be his Praise In their Book it is Inserted No Authority to be used in the Church but the Power Nothing to be set up there but the Spirit of Jesus Must there then in the Power and Spirit of Jesus be no visible Order or Authority used or placed amongst us as the visible Family of God This is clear contrary to the Command of Christ with respect to the Churches dealing with the offending Brother and Sentence upon him if he hear not the Church This is contrary also to what the Apostle Paul said who said Submit your selves one unto another and unto them that have the Rule over you as they that must give account to God that watcheth over your Souls They say in their Book The Gospel that brings 〈◊〉 is inward and its Order must be inward And must there therefore be no Care visible No visible Inspection No Discipline visible amongst us No care over the Weak Nothing to do visible with the Loose and Scandalous Nothing to do with the Heretick Paul said otherwise Cast out the Incestuous person The Heretick after the first and second Admonition Reject What will this Doctrine of theirs lead to in the end but to Stubbornness and Obstinate Rejection of the Care the Admonition the Advise Counsel Reproof and Judgment yea the Authority of the Spirit and Gospel of Christ in the Saints to whom Judgment is given and so lead at last unto Loosness and Ranterisme Yet when they have made all this Clutter and Bauling against Church Order and Care c. like our present Adversary William Rogers they consider better again or else forgets clearly what they said and tells us what Orders they have had amongst them these twenty Years and says they use the same still And so gives a Relation what they do about the Poor about Marriages about Condemnations and the like though wonderfully deceitful and dishonest in the matter thereof and talks of things after such a rate and manner not at all consistant with their Practice as in the Answer to it is manifested it would make the Heart sad to see it and also what abuses they put upon the Church of God and the tender Practices of Gods People used and practiced amongst us as our Quarterly Meeting Books will demonstrate and it may be noted that all this Clamour that 's made against the Order Discipline and Government used in the Power of God in all the Churches and Assemblies to which their Book of Remonstrance is directed to wit monthly quaterly yearly and second days morning Meeting whom also they place a Judgment upon as departed from their first Principle and this Cluttering and Exclaming we say against these things as setting up Forms and outward Rules and Orders and the like and says the Gospel is inward and the Order of it must be so and as much as to say no way else is made by the very Persons that listed a number of pittiful unfaithful Men many of them in a Subscription to such Orders Rules and Prescriptions as the like we have not heard of amongst the Children of God to wit that none must come and 〈◊〉 amongst them about the Concerns of the Curch but such as they chuse and those to whom they have given Power and complains of some coming amongst them not 〈◊〉 by the Churches in Westmerland and unto whom they had not given Power in that they allow none to come but those chosen by them though never so undetectible in every respect out of other Countries nor of their own Country to sit amongst their chosen Men but if they have a 〈◊〉 they must declare the same and with draw The most 〈◊〉 Impositions tending to limit the Spirit of God in his People that have been heard of amongst Men in a profession of Truth and amoust such as pretend a keeping to the first Love and Life of the Principle believed in and besides such Contradicting Confused Distracted and Jumbling Work as is made by them from their offs and on s confessing and denying in and out so that it is admirable to think whither they are gone or what it is they would be at The aforesaid Manuscript of their Remonstrance we have by us and the Answer at large given to it ready for the view of such as may desire the same or otherwise to be made use of as William Rogers or any of party with him gives us occasion Yet before we altogether leave making mention of the aforesaid Manuscript we would give the Reader a little notice of one or two material Pasiages therein relating to somthing that their great outcry hath been against the Church of God in the Practice of and for which the Character of Apostates is given us First The Recording of Condemnations for publick Transgressions which John Wilkinson says Renders a Man a Knave to Prosterity Which Practice we do grant we use together with the Repentance of such as comes to it to out live the Memory of the Sin and thereby to take the Blemish from off the Truth that was cast upon it thereby The Subscribers of the said Book of Remonstrance say most slanderously of us That when any have done a publick scandalous Evil upon a few Words writ of their confessing their Fault though they be not in any measure by Sorrow and Repentance brought to God and restored to him again they are right enough again for our Society Which we say is an impudent false Aspersion which they can never prove against us but we say we deny no Papers given forth whereby to clear the Truth and our holy Profession although the Sin be not repented of nor Remission come to and let that go after the Transgression and remain on Record as a Testimony for the pure Truth and the justness of the Judgment of the Lord thereupon which may also be of Service as a Caution to others in Generations to come and if the Transgressors do not thus the Church of God is concerned therein in a clear denial of any such Transgressions with a Judgment thereupon as also of any Fellowship with them found therein till true Repentance be wrought and a signal Testimony thereof manifested and our Records Practice and Fellowship will and doth demonstrate the truth hereof Now a few Words to what they say is their Practice in this matter inserted in the aforesaid Manuscript They mention there what a care they have if any run into Sin to stir up the Witness of Life in them and that when any upon Repentance finds the Mercy of God again arise to them and that they find the Lords requierings to renew their Peace with him and clear the Truth and give out a Paper to tell of his Judgments and Mercies and leave
it upon Record and publish it to the whole World such they say are living Testimonies and they own them and can with Joy receive such into Fellowship again but they say they trample upon all Inventions as 〈◊〉 upon the Earth Answer First take notice here is Order and Care visible amongst them which overturns all their clamoring Work against Order and Government in the Church And Secondly here is Condemnations to be Recorded to Prosperity to testifie of Gods Judgments and Mercies and to clear the Truth c. which grants the matter against themselves and their trampling upon Records on that account as the Dung upon the Earth Yet we ask them What shall become of the Scandal to Truth in that matter till such Repentance be wrought or such a Requiring felt suppose it never be as many are never Renewed by Repentance John Wilkinson Preacht that we must wait two Years nay if it be seven Years as hath been Testified by Ear-Witnesses expecting such a State again in order to the matter but not a Word of allowance of any Paper to be received from the Party if he feel it on him under Judgment to go forth to clear the Truth nor of the Church doing any thing if the Party will do nothing Let all consider what regard to Truths sweet Savour and Repute remains among them who would leave such scandalous things upon the Family of God Uncondemned But we say What do they as to Practice in this matter How many of them that justified flying from their Meeting Houses in time of 〈◊〉 or of them that let fall their Testimony against the Anrichristian Yoke of Tythes or of the Drunkards or Swearers whom they listed into their consederate Work and Subscription against the allowed Practices of the Church of God in our Quarterly Meetings and thereby would have limitted the Church of God as said before by their Orders and Prescriptions Which of them we say for we have heard of none in true Brokenness and Repentance have given forth such living Testimonies of the Lords Judgments and Mercies to be 〈◊〉 on Record for clearing of the Truth before they entered into that Fellowship with them again in subscribing with them And when did John Scorife who became so hatefully Scandalous to the grievous reproach of Truth in the sorrow of his Heart give forth such a living Testimony against himself and his reproachful Work and leave a Paper thereof on Record notwithstanding all the care they say they have on that wise besore they allowed him to be a Subscriber amongst them against the Fellowship of dear Brethren in the Service of Truth and before he became a Fellow-Traveller with one of them in the concern of Preaching and Praying to their shame It s a wonder they are not ashamed to cry against Church Order at this rate and yet confess they have Order amongst them but of what sort it is let it be considered John Wilkinson also says They would not have Condemnation go further then the knowledg of the Offence nor be remembred af er the Lord hath remitted We say so too But how shall this be done without keeping a Record For the Man of Sin that pleads for an hold for it term of Life will not loose the remembrance of the Transgressions of such as have struck at his Kingdom in Doctrine and Life must the Church of God then follow with the Condemnation thereof and with the Testimony of Gods Judgments and Mercies to the Penitent only in loose Papers that may be soon torn or lost and if the Transgressions must not be remembred after the Lord remits and a Testimony be out accordingly how is it then that William Rogers like-minded with them and a Leader publisheth Solomon 〈◊〉 Weaknefs far and near and leaves a Record thereof to Prosterity in his Printed Book after that Solomon did acknowledge his mistake in one Circumstance of the matter and shewed his sorrow for it as he manifested in a Letter under his own Hand to John Story on that wise long before William Rogers published the same if here be not grosse Darkness and heaps of Confusion manifested we know none But to go on they tell us what their Order and Practice is about Marriages who are offended at us in that we would have all to publish their intentions of Marriage twice in our Men Womens Meetings whether there be occasion seen at present or not before they be allowed to be accomplished which they call a new Invention we have found or the Inventions of others we follow We say 〈◊〉 Their telling us that they have an order in this case signifies that they have such a thing among them then contradictory to all the noise they make against Orders c. But we will take notice of their Order and see if they practice according to their own Rule in this matter They say If two come before them to propose Marriage Examination is made as to clearness from all other Persons and if consent of Parents be in the case c. And they say If they declare themselves clear and none hath ought justly to object c. Yet a little respite was to be meaning before the accomplishment that Friends might enquire whether things were so or no But there is not a word thus far of bringing the matter again to another Meeting for they say If nothing appeared to obstruct then it was orderly to be accomplished But they say If either Parents or Relations or any other Man or Woman had any reasonable Objection whereby to obstruct them then they were not to proceed till the Objection was cleared Look their Book before mentioned if any question be made of the Truth of this which is the very substance of the whole matter in relation thereunto First We say here is not a word of coming twice unless there be occasion and if any then in that little respect which they say they cause before the Accomplishment have any thing justly to object we ask to whom must the Objection be made or who that 's hasty in such a matter will take notice of such an Objection being they are not ordered to forbear till another Meeting and when the other Meeting will be who knows because their Meetings as they have often declared are to be only upon occasion And what a 〈◊〉 and cumber will there be about the matter of any ones Objection whether it be a just Objection or no and whether a sufficient Objection or Occasion to call their occasional Meeting upon what Distraction and Confusion is this not like Gospel Order though such they confess they have we are bold to declare But what did they practice in the Case of Thomas Wilson who is since come off from them to his Comfort and we do not upbraid him with it having acknowledged his Weakness in that and other matters He had been concerned with another Woman of whom he was not clear when he proposed his Marriage before
Brethren Judge Had you not an equal priviledge in and use thereof whilst you kept in Unity with us c Are you not broken off and separated from us and your Seperation judged by many faithful Brethren as many of you know Are you owned of any one Church of God in the whole Nation in this your Seperation c Is it a just thing in you thus to foment Strife in standing by and encouraging a Separation by such Demands Have you not in Gods sight and according to equity forfeited your former right in the Churches Priviledges by separating from her Might not the worst of Hereticks and Apostates from God the False Church that may keep up Meetings make the same demand as you do because that once they had been concerned in the true Church Affairs Were it a just thing in them to say Let the Churches Books in which the weighty Concerns of Truth were Recorded be where we may have the use of them as well as you What an Expedient were this to prevent the great Inconveniences you talk of Is it a right thing that Apostates and Hereticks should be concerned in and privie to the true Church Cocerns we would know what 〈◊〉 would acrew to the Church thereby as to let in such Defilements and 〈◊〉 things upon her or what Inconveniences are they you talk on may be avoided by this your Expedient as you call it we can truly say they 〈◊〉 Blessed that keeps their Garments clear from the Defilements of this dividing Spirit and their Advantage in the Lord is great by reason thereof and we 〈◊〉 you the 〈◊〉 are great you are run into you are catch'd in a Snare the more you strugle the faster your Feet are hel'd it were well for you to be still and so you may get out again least you perish 〈◊〉 evermore And as to your demand which you call Just in a few Words we tell you we deny it to be so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we countenance your division thus we say as we said before to you the 〈◊〉 Church is but one led by one Spirit its Unity stands in the Power that knits 〈◊〉 and is honour in unity it cannot be divided its Covering is without 〈◊〉 or Rent no division can be admitted of in it either are we broken off and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 share in the Churches Priviledges and if you judge so of us why do you 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 us plainly that we may plead that with you and if you had demanded things on that account and could prove it against us then your demands of the Books from us were just and otherwise you may as well say nothing or 〈◊〉 its you that are broken off from us and this is plainly evident by your 〈◊〉 from us and the Testimony of many faithful 〈◊〉 is and hath been against you and not one of the Church of Christ in the whole Nation do 〈◊〉 you in this your Work nor any of them that will own you in this your Demands But you say We grant you to have right in the Books why because we say if you bring us a Bill of what Mony you laid out for them or your share came to you should have it repaid we say what right soever we have granted you in that it had been more commendable for you as Men to have made that your demand then to have demanded the use of the Books c. to be abused by that Spirit as 〈◊〉 they were or if you say we grant you a continuing right in them by this our profer you are under a mistake and do abuse our good will to you if you say we grant you a Title in profering you Coppys of the Record of any Birth or Marriage if you desired it In this also you wrong the Case and abuse us to strengthen your Cause by and neither of both wil answer the thing you aim at or justify your Demands that no Age past that we know of can paralel and succeeding Ages wil be ashamed of it In their Paper they have very abusively clamored against us in saying we retain their just Right from them To which we answer thus We challing the Right to them and use of them in the Churches Right assembling together monthly and quarterly as our Words plainly imparts for the Service of Truth and for which Services in such Assemblies they were with an unanimous Consent procured and for the said Use and none other are they stil kept And notwithstanding this in that we cannot grant you the use of them at your Will in your Separation and Strife you exclaim and say by the same Rule and in as much Justice we may take away any other thing due to you if we can but secure it into our Possession To which we also said Is not this great Darkness c. Have you not only lost the sence of the Churches Priviledges and Power over Dissenters c. But your Words savers of great Prejudice and Envy and want of common reason c. Dare you say when you consider again That we as the quarterly Meeting in the Sense that our Words and Actions carries along with them have no more right to keep the said Books having the Possession of them for the Uses aforesaid from you so separated and broken from us and out of Unity with us then to keep any other thing justly due to you if we had but the Possession of it c. We do commit the Judgment in this case to that in all Consciences as such an absurd thing as no more need be said to it by us And as for the great Injustice you say we do you in not answering your Demand We say notwithstanding your reproachful Words we are not ashamed of the Proposals tendered you in this matter and are willing to refer it to the Consideration of the most antient and faithful Brethren to judg of And if these things will not satisfy you it 's a Shame to trouble us any more with your Papers we shall take little notice of them for the streess of the matter lies 〈◊〉 The Right you quarrel about is in the particular Church of Christ in Westmerland assembling Monthly and Quarterly for the publick Service of Truth as cannot justly be 〈◊〉 if you say they belong to you as the Church tho in the Separation we 〈◊〉 it who shall hear and give Judgment in the case of Difference in any particular Church but the Spirt of the Lord in the grave and faithful Members of the Churches general Assemblies for the general Service of Truth and Concerns of the whole Body and this we have lovingly profered you which argues no Guilt upon our Spirits but this you dare not submit to but in a Disrespect in a slightful scornful manner puts it off not Truth like c. It 's a shameful thing even amongst Men to cry out of Injustice and yet will not come to Tryal in God's Way Christ said if thy Brother trespass againct thee
Robertson 〈◊〉 Fell. William 〈◊〉 Samuel Genings Finias Bell. Cudbert Hayhurst James Fletcher Thomas Brasey John Tiffin Thomas Burr Gyles Barnardison William Fallowfield Jonathan Jonson James Claypoole Richard Snead John Wyford John Elson John Due Francis Finsher William Whatey Thomas Elwood Anthony Tomkins John Bure Charles Marshall William Penn. Francis Moore John Higgins Ezakiel Wolly Oliver Samson Christopher Taylor Benjamin Antrobuss With several others From a Meeting held at Elis Hookes Chamber in London the 12 th of the 4 th Month 1677. And there were several Brethren that had left the City before this Meeting wherein this Epistle was subscribed who at other Meetings had testified against this separate Spirit in the Power of the Lord and so are one with us herein and some there were who have already cleared their Consciences at the last Years Meeting and since at other Meetings both by Epistles and other Manuscripts in a full and saithful Testimony against this Spirit of Separation and Opposition of his heavenly Truth After all these Exercises of Soul and Spirit amongst the Lord's People even the afficted ones with respect to Sion's Troubles that attended them through the Spirit of Strife though the Upright to God were comforted in the midst of all in him in whom Salvation is The Separation in the North still continued amongst the backsliding sort and as the Mercies of the Lord and the former great Forbearances of God's People towards them was made ill use of and the Concern of Friends despised thereby taking Opportunity the more quietly to abet and strengthen their Work Even so was the pure and sound Judgment of Truth through God's People and the Sentance now given against them in the Spirit of Christ Jesus trampled upon by them hardening themselves against all as the evil Men and Seducers that grows worse and worse And all Hopes concerning them being much dispaired of Friends here in the North who had kept their Habitarions in God and in it their Fellowship one with another in their Quarterly 〈◊〉 when together and the Care for Truth upon them under the weight of this opposit Spirits Work and their Division with them therein In relation to the things of God did agree together to send some saithful Brethren to the Meetings which they of the Separation did frequent to let them know that unless they that were led aside into the Temptations and the Snares of that dividing Spirit whereby they were led from us into a Disconcern on that account of the Affairs of the Church of Chrict into a slight thereof would condemn their Weakness therein and break up the separate Meeting which was become the stumbling and the Hurt of many and tended to the Reproach of Truth Friends were inclined and resolved as agreed upon amongst us to withdraw Meetings from the Houses of such as were in the Strife and Separation and the Upholders thereof as that which was not consistent with Unity of Brethren nor the Repute of our uniting healing Spirit and principle of Life which we had 〈◊〉 to and made a good Confession of before all with whom we had to do 〈◊〉 that believed and kept Faithful to God had their Communion and 〈◊〉 in to the Comfort of our Souls and the honour of that one Spirit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Life our Support and the Comsort of our Days and that it was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for them to expect our 〈◊〉 in that Joperdy with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 meet at their Houses on the account of worshiping God which 〈◊〉 we did so granted greater Fellowship with them than in the Truth 〈◊〉 be allowed seeing they had withdrawn themselves from the Brethren of the monthly 〈◊〉 quarterly Meetings in the visible Exercises relating to the visible Concern in the Church of God and that the Order Desipline and Government used amongst us in subjection to God's Power and Rule they had despised and slandered and reproachfully abused us besides their Disconcern amongst us And as it was the Agreement of the Meeting aforesaid they who had that Service upon them went amongst them with the Testimony that they had upon their Spirits touching that matter many of the most tender-Hearted of them signified their Unwillingness to be parted from Friends on that wise but chused and moved in the Meeting accordingly the rather to go after the other and meet at their Houses than break off from them and meet among themselves At that Meeting that John Story belonged to John Wilkinson was that Day and he knows in his Conscience if he did not put a total stop to those Desires and the Motion on that wise which most of the Meeting closed with but himself and if he did not say That if Friends missed that Opportunity take heed when they meet with such another so that was it which prevailed upon that sort of them that were the Leaders and Sticklers in the contentious separate Work For from that time they drew to themselves into a distinct Meeting which they of that loose backsliding sort from their first Testimonies and from the Life of Truth keeps the Form of to this Day But upon that Occasion several of the honest and tender-Minded to God that loved Righteousness and them that kept true to the Life of it came away from them separated and condemned in a seasonable time their former adhering to them of the Subscription to their confederate Design the ground of the separate Meeting and in the Power of God were renewed into Love and Care for Truth and God s Glory and manifested their Sorrow and Grief of Heart for their former Weakness and were received again into Unity with the Faithful to their Comfort and Hearts-Joy as some of them under their own Hands have given a Testimony of to the glading of the Hearts of the Faithful every where who have the Knowledg thereof and poor Men are they that remains behinde with respect to the Riches of God's Kingdom and how they are scattered and divided and broken asunder they might see if they did not 〈◊〉 their Eyes and how many of them are taken away of the greatest of them by Death and others become loose and gon back so their Number decays apace and the Generation of them is passing away that their Memorial may rot and never rise again After this it was presently noised abroad up and down the Nation amongst this sort of Professors of Truth upon a Letter sent out of the North with no Name to it That we had excommunicated them of that Party in the North and that we had forbiden them to come to our Houses and such like Discourse they had amongst them to make our Care and Exercise for Truth God's Glory and the Honour of our holy Fellowship hateful if possibly they could The Relation of our Concern in this Matter from which they grounded these lying Reports we thought meet a little here to insert for the satisfaction of the honest unprejudiced People that in sincerity of Soul every one may
the Paper in the North against the Practice of our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings and intimating their purpose to withdraw and do their business amongst themselves with their chosen Men without us c. and their withdrawing upon it and setting up a Meeting amongst themselves to do business in as there might be occasion and keeping the same up occasionally to this Day demonstrates the Charge to be true against John Story of having a hand in the aforesaid separate Meeting how can it rationally be otherwise concluded John Stories Hand being at the Paper the principal Man of all the separate Company and according to their determination expressed in it withdrew John Wilkinson his fellow Companion and an Assistant in all the contentious Work constantly meeting with them neither of them ever that ever we could hear of shewing any dislike thereof but associating themselves with them of the Separation in their opposite Papers and Works as a Captain Leader and chief Agent amongst them at every turn surely there is not a rational Man that hath had knowledge of the transactings of matters amongst them here distinct from the Brethren and John Story the Man in their Eye for the carrying on their Work but he will conclude John Story is so far from being disconcerned in the separate Meeting that he is the Man upon whom the dependance in order to success in the Design hath hung And William Rogers confesseth That when they heard that John Story had been at a separate Meeting at VVilliam Chambers ' s House it went far with them c. But John Story denying that ever he had been at any made the Certificate of no credit to them Their Case is bad we say that makes Lyes their Refuge We are loath to say it though it hath been too usual with John Story so to do well then by William Rogers's own Words the proving John Story to have been at some of those separate Meetings might have much satisfied them that he had an Hand in the setting up thereof Then as we said in our former Paper given to them Three years ago and more let John Story be asked and 〈◊〉 his Conscience speak whether he was not at a Meeting amongst them of the Separation at 〈◊〉 upon business relating to Church Affairs and another time at Robert Atkinson's about the matter of the Separation separate Work let him deny it 〈◊〉 he hath a Face so to do Yea and that their Meeting was upon business as a Church as they esteemed themselves though distinct from the ancient Meeting in a capacity to do business as justifiable in their Eye though separated from us as they of the Quarterly Meeting could be c. We appeal to the honest Hearted whether this be not 〈◊〉 Scraffling the Work of John Story' s creeping Spirit Were it not more Manlike in him to confess and stand by it as the rest have done seeing they will not condemn it And do they not manifest a blind besotted Heart and Spirit that have chosen such a one as this for their Leader Well then the weight of the matter for Evidence against John Story as touching this Point of his Being concerned in the separate Meeting and a Leader therein hangs upon his being or not being at any such Meeting amongst them of the Separation as William Rogers's Words implys saying The Certificate under the Hands of six Friends proving that he had been at such a Meeting had some weight with them as to that matter till John Story had denied And it stands not upon John Stories having been or not been at the Meeting at William Chambers's House but upon his being at any of those Meetings with them yea or nay Then to determine this matter we require William Rogers or any of them that have been too much enclined to believe Lyes for their satisfaction if they desire any and will not wilfully shut their own Eyes to ask John Story once again and bid him let that in his Conscience speak whether he was not at one or both of these Meetings aforesaid we have yet hope that he hath not that impudence as to deny it although this be the third or fourth time in opposition to this Charge that we have required them to take John Stories Answer once more on this account and yet we never had any Word to the contrary of what we have said touching this Matter And as to our naming William Chambers's House for the Meeting that Day there was this Ground for it seeing several of them that Day met at William Chambers's House first an honest Friend seeing several of them going in thither not knowing but that it had been a Meeting upon the account of Worship had thought to have gone into the Meeting but they would not suffer him but said It was a Meeting of Business Yet afterwards it appeared they went to Robert Atkinson's House and kept the Meeting there for more conveniency as we judge and that John Story was with them let him deny it if he think meet and if there was a little mistake in the Relation touching the place that the weight of the matter hangs not upon that all this ado hath been made of proclaiming Robert Barrow and the rest Givers forth of a false Certificate we leave it to the Judgment of Judicious Men And William Rogers in his Conscience knows that this Information he hath been privy to three times once in the Answer from us to his Narrative and in another Book in Manuscript in Answer to one of theirs dated from John Ayrey's House in Kendal and Thomas Cam also by Words signifing the same to some of them in the South And yet after all this to put in Print to Posterity the said Accusations against us of giving forth false Certificates and never contradicts our Relation which proves the whole substance of the Charge as relating to evil Fact neither shews so much Humanity as to insert also our Answer to the Charge which clears the matter as in Conscience and according to the equal Law of doing as we would be done by he ought to have done We commit the consideration of these things with all the rest of his malicious evil Work to that in all Consciences to take notice of in relation to Tryal and Judgment Whether the Matter alledged in Charge against William Rogers be not certainly true to wit of An Antichristian Apostate A False Accuser of the Brethren An Enemy to the Life and Government of the Spirit instrumentally amongst Gods People the Church of Christ A Layer of Sumbling-Blocks as much as in him lies in the way of Truth the Principle he pretends to A Discourager of Christian Care in the Church of God An Encourager of the Rebellious and Lose Sort An Obstructer of Zion's Peace to the hardening of the Hearts of them that believe not against the way of Truth One that Gratifies the Common Enemy that hath watched for Evil against us and
he was at Draw well the place of his Residence at the Meeting there with many Brethren on John Story 's and John Wilkinson's Account the sence which he had of him then as he testified to several hath not produced such an effect as this which Testimony that he then had for John Blaykling though he smothers it now shall be his Torment and this Testimony we have to bear on his behalf as a Man far remote from such a Spirit or deserving any such Reflection c. And John Blaykling is the same in his Spirit that he then was though prejudice hath blinded William Rogers his Eye c. And William Rogers further upon the occasion of his smiting Query in Relation to George Fox's being of a careless negligent libertine and dark Spirit that was 〈◊〉 or departed from the Truth saith That in my Answer I say Might not William Rogers have applyed this at home who knows in his Conscience what a Libertine loose and dark Spirit he is of in departing from his subjection to Truth to give way to and hath taken a Liberty to make away part of his visible Estate to 〈◊〉 it from the Spoylers in the times of Suffering for the Truth 's sake To which in his Rejoynder it s observ'd William Rogers saith John Blaykling cannot 〈◊〉 his prophane Charge at my Doors with respect to my securing part of mine Estate but contradict his own Testimony for George Fox's keeping his Integrity because George Fox denieth not but that he advised Mary the Wife of Jsaac Pennington to secure her Estate from the Spoilers Answer First William Rogers here doth not deny but that his said Query was an implicite Charge against George Fox and therefore no lye in George Fox to call it so And Secondly He doth not deny but that he did secure part of his Estate and therefore the Fruit of a Libertine Loose Spirit departing from the Antient Nobility of Truth and he did not well in calling it a Prophane Charge from me because he hath confessed it and pleaded for it saying That it was better so to do then so c. as before is cleared only says John Blaykling cannot lay his Prophane Charge at his Doors but contradict his own Testimony for George Fox who says he denyeth not but that he advised Mary Pennington to secure hers c. Well then let the case with respect to this matter stand here William Rogers granting the case as to matter of Charge of securing c. against himself And as to my contradicting my self with respect to my Testimony for George Fox's Integrity because William Rogers charges him in Mary Penningtons case c. I say let William Rogers make good any matter of evil Fact against George Fox relating to Mary Pennington which he hath not yet done neither hath George Fox confessed to any and there will then be a further concern about it as 〈◊〉 case may require And Thirdly It may be observed in my Answer 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Rogers that I applyed to William Rogers the case of a loose libertine Spirit and his departing from his Subjection to Truth not only with respect to his 〈◊〉 c. but also with respect to his making it a great part of his concern to 〈◊〉 by and strengthen a Spirit of Strife and Separation the great and 〈◊〉 receptacle of all the loose libertine dark contentious backsliding sort of Professors of Truth so that what woful sad contemptible Work this Spirit of Separation William Rogers hath been so deeply concerned in managing the cause of hath wrought it cannot be expressed Again William Rogers exclaims against me after a very abusive manner for speaking plainly to him and telling him That from a Spirit of Envy against the Government of Christ Jesus Instrumentally and visibly in Gods Power amongst them that believe he ceaseth not to Calumniate the Instruments whom God is pleased to concern in that matter This he storms at and makes a large Discourse what he hath said in the Vindication of the Government of Christ both in Word and Writing but surely we may say and it will ere long appear that he mean's immediately only and not by Instruments in relation to Gods visible Family for otherwise he will contradict his whole design and overthrow the fabrick of all his Work He saith He hath stood for it in his Answer to Robert Barclay's Book The Postscript to the Narrative about the Meeting at Draw-Well His Answer to the Brethren's so termed saith he Narrative at Draw-Well His Dissatisfactions subscribed by him and others at Bristol and several other Papers saith he by all which it appears that I have contended for the Government of Christ. Answer I say what is it for William Rogers to contend for the Government of Christ and his Kingdom which stands not in Words but in Righteousness and Peace when he together with John Story and John Wilkinson have acted so clearly otherwise gratifying and serving an ungodly Spirit in opposition to the Churches Care Labour and tender Exercise in the Spirit and Power of Jesus in order to the keeping down the Spirit and the Works of the Flesh wherein the Kingdom of Sathan stands and is upheld Yea through all his late Work Papers and Books it may be seen how contemptiously he reviles and sets himself against the Instruments which the Lord more 〈◊〉 makes use of in the Church under the Government of his dear Son and in the Power thereof to be a Terror to the Evil-doer and the praise and encouragement of that which is Good and of them that do well William Rogers his 〈◊〉 Book called The Christian Quaker distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator manifesteth what Work he hath made against Church Government and the Care and Order of Truth therein which appertaineth to the Kingdom and Government of Christ Jesus as relating to the visible Family of God I do affirm its meer Deceit and a false Pretence to keep the Head of a false Spirit from under Truths Yoke and the Judgment thereof to talk of standing for the Government of Christ with that Spirit that 's not subject to him nor hath any regard to the unity of Brethren in their Exercises that relate to the same in keeping all things Decent Comely and of good Report in the Church of God to answer the Pure Religion the glory of Christs Kingdom in visiting the Fatherless and the Widow and keeping our selves unspotted of the 〈◊〉 how dare William Rogers say that he stands for the Kingdom of Jesus whilst he lets his Testimony fall in Suffering times in making away his Estate and says in 〈◊〉 It s his Principle so to do and thereby leaves an example for others to fall under Sathans Power to give him that appears like the Second Beast the Power again It s a shameful thing to pretend to stand for Christs Government with such a Spirit as this His Confederates at Chippenham and his great Abettors in the Work he hath had
Antichristian Treachery DISCOVERED AND Its Way Block'd up In a clear Distinction betwixt the Christian Apostolical Spirit and the Spirit of the Antichristian Apostate Being an Answer to a Book put forth by William Rogers falsly called The Christian Quaker Distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator Shewing the backsliding State of him the said William Rogers and them of party with him from the Gospel Spirit the Life of Truth and the first Love Wherein he tother with John Story and John Wilkinson as principally concerned in an Apostate Work have set themselves in opposition to Evangelical Church-care and have asperced and abusively slandered the Instruments which God hath made use of touching the same In Three Parts First shewing that under the Gospel despensation Church-Government Discipline and Visible Order is justifiable necessary and commendable in the Visible Family of God according to the Doctrine of Christ and the Apostolical practice Being brought forth by and practiced in the invisible power of God Secondly That John Story and John Wilkinson together with William Rogers who hath espoused their Quarrel and others of party with them have opposed the aforesaid Visible Discipline and Order used in the Church of God to the grief of Gods people and to the Breach of the Churches peace Shewing also what Godly care and brotherly Treating according to Gospel order hath been used to and concerning the aforesaid John Story and John Wilkinson and others of party with them before the Judgment of Truth according to the power of God in his people was given out against them Thirdly That William Rogers in a prejudiced malicious mind that watcheth for evil hath laboured to Asperce and abusively to Calumniate the Church of Christ with respect to the Government and Order setled therein and particularly George Fox by name and divers others whom by name he hath also with false Accusations treated on that wise Several whereof are herein Inserted and spoken to for the Satisfaction of the honest hearted to God where this may come Behold the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the Table Luke 22. 21. For if they had been of us they would no doubt have continued with us but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us 1 John 2. 19. THE PREFACE Tender Reader THou mayest be satisfied that it hath been the Lot of Gods People the Birth of the Righteous Seed ever since Abel to this Day who have desired to live a Righteous and Godly Life void of Offence towards God and Man during their abode in this World and to leave a Memorial that might not rot to suffer Persecution of which the Scriptures of Truth doth largely make mention being also demonstrated by the Testimonies of Antient and Modern writers touching the Affairs of the Church of God from Age to Age even to this Generation of which we are And that we the People called by the Name of Quakers who have believed in the Light of Christ Jesus and testified thereof in Doctrine and Life have had a large Portion thereof let the many Reproaches Mockings Reviling 〈◊〉 the watchings for Evil the Hatred the Fury of malicious Men we have undergone the many Slanders and false Accusation that have been cast upon us being numbered amongst Plotters and Peace-breakers and the like though not any thing of that Nature was ever proved against us or we guilty of And for the Testimony of Jesus and Word in the heart have we been hated all the Day long by a wicked and perverse Generation Yea let the spoyling of our Goods and Imprisonments that we have sustained that we might keep our Consciences clear in the Lords sight testifie on this wise concerning us ever since we have been a People for the space of nigh Thirty Years And blessed be the Lord who hath been our Defence our Hiding-place our Refuge and the Rock of our Salvation unto this present time that notwithstanding the many perils and dangers we have met withall to the undoing of us as Men and to the causing of us to decline the Testimony God gave us to bear if that Spirit had prevailed we are a People at this Day saved by the Arm of the Lord who is God and changeth not let him have the Praise for ever The good Apostle and faithful Servant of Christ Jesus and one who laboured truly in the Gospel had his share in the tribulating Exercise that attends Gods Heritage and making mention of the Perils that he had met withal in his Travels and concerns for the Gospels sake speaks on this wise Often in Perils of Water Perils of Robbers Perils by my own Country-Men Perils in the City in the Wilderness Perils on the Sea and Perils amongst false Brethren It may be taken notice of that amongst the Exercises that had happened to him in his Day for the Gospels sake he closes up the matter of his Lamentation and Grief because thereof with this viz. And Perils amongst false Brethren God hath suffered the like Exercise to befal his People in this our Day and of all the Enemies that we have met withal according to Antient Experience the greatest with respect to every particular Exercise for God and his Kingdom have been them of our own House And with respect to the general concern of Truth the furtherance whereof is more in our eye then human Repute that which we have met withal from the Treachery of False Brethren led aside from the Simplicity of the Gospel to the wounding of their own Souls and tending to the breach of the Church's Peace hath been our Sorrow and Grief That God which brought Israel out of Egypts Land and was their Rock and sure Defence their Walls and Bulwarks against their Foes their Conduct Deliverance and Rest to the Joy of that People and his own eternal Praise hath been the God of our Salvation and none other whose eminent Hand hath so appeared for us that not a Tongue that hath in Judgment risen hath prevailed nor a Weapon formed against us prospered And this is the torment of the cursed Serpent the old Enemy to that innocent Life Man was placed in in the beginning and he hath once more attempted to set himself against the Lord and his People who in sincerity desires to be approved in his sight and hath a Witness in many Consciences accordingly and to break in upon the Heritage of God by his subtil Satanical Transformings when by no other means he can prevail is the design that of late he hath had in Hand and hath entered a few that came out with us and were Eye-Witnesses of that inestinable Glory through the bright shining whereof many were turned from Darkness to Light to behold the excellency of that Kingdom that never hath an end and yet through an evil Heart of Unbelief are departed from that eternal Power which once they knew and from the fear of his name that appear'd for them and only
Pride and Spiritual Ambition prevailing instead of Humility in the Lords 〈◊〉 the safe Habitation the Lord became grieved to the greatly withdrawing of his good Spirit from them so that their 〈◊〉 to others came to be in the Wisdom which is from below and is Earthly Sensual and Devillish of which some of the principal of them were told and warned of the Evil thereof many Years ago So that the mystery of Gods mind which is revealed to Babes in Christ they became shut up from and the concerns of the Kingdom in the life thereof they became strangers to and as to the concerns relating to the visible Family of God being at a loss in relation to they became partakers with the loose sort in the opposition thereunto till strife entered and to work Discord in the Church of God their Design broke forth of which more may be said afterwards Secondly This opposite Spirit to Church Care entred amongst such as became unfaithful in their 〈◊〉 Testimonies for God and the honorable Truth once born and suffered for to their Comsort and Peace and to Indulge a wrong Spirit that began to draw back pleading for a false Liberty calling it Christian therein to gratifie the Flesh and that Sufferings might be avoided thereby which the care in the Church of God could not but inspect and Friends be concerned therein Thirdly The opposition prevailed upon such as became in departing from Truth 's Life and the pure fear vain in their Minds and inclined to liberty in the Flesh again in the Worlds Spirit becoming Enemies to the Cross and casting off he Yoke of Christ to which Subjection is to be given and entering into the Worlds loose Spirit again a reproach to Truth which the godly care for God's Honour and Truths 〈◊〉 in the Faithful could not let pass unreproved which became the Torment of all such Fourthly This Spirit of opposition to Church care that whatever things were decent might be cherished and the contrary Judged hath wrought in such and drawn them into a Separation as through the Imaginations of a corrupt Mind and in an airy Spirit would have entertained things to be put in practice in relation to the honourable State of Marriage inconsistant with Truths sweet Savour with respect to Man and Womans duty therein or were inclined to inconsiderate 〈◊〉 undertaking to accomplish the same without bringing them twice before the Mens and Womans Meetings which for Inspections sake as to clearness therein we account a very necessary decent and comely thing a froward loose and fleshly Spirit would not be thus limited and under pretence of seeing no need of these things or not seeing it a duty c. Crys for Liberty of Conscience and let me be 〈◊〉 to freedom although in a wrong Mind which Gods Truth gives no liberty to and the care of the Church of God would limit that in all things we may be kept of the praise of Truth We desire that in every Country or Place where a knowledge of this Separation from the fellowship of the Church of God happens to be or where the aforementioned Book of William Rogers's comes to be seen all would take notice if they that are fled off through a backsliding Spirit into a distance as to the Antient fellowship of Brethren and become disconcerned in Church affairs amongst Gods antient People and labour to promote the Publishing of William Rogers's ungodly Book be not clearly manifested to be some of the fore-going sorts of Professors of Truth which as any finds them to be let that which is pure peaceable and easie to be entreated judge what they are and what this Spirit and Work would lead unto Thou needest not Reader think it a strange thing with respect to this backsliding People whose Reproach to all hastens on For Righteousness doth Establish a People or Nation when Ignominy is the Portion of Fools for the like hath happened concerning the Rebellious to Gods Mind and Will made 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 amongst such as have known the Lord and the Work of his mighty Hand in Generations past and gone which holy Men of God have left upon Record to be a warning to such as may come after and may meet with like Temptations First Of them that came out of Egypt through the Arm of the eternal God under the conduct of Moses a Servant of the Lord and an Instrument in his Hands and of them that had seen the mighty Wonders God wrought for their Deliverance Two Hundred and fifty of the Princes of the People mighty Men Men of Renown Rebelled against the Lord and despised his Servant Moses confederated together to Work mischief in the Camp and stood in their opposition till the Righteous God caused the Earth to open and Swallow them up Amongst the Twelve of Christ's own choise one of them became an Enemy to him to the betraying him into the Hands of Sinners Some are made mention of to have tasted of the good Word of God and of the powers of the Life to come and yet afterwards might fall away and hard to be 〈◊〉 by Repentance It were well if these could yet find any place Paul made mention of the falling back of the Galatians from the Simplicity of the Gospel and lamented the case of their being Bewitched and he Travelled that the Seed Christ might be again formed in them He also made mention of false Brethren that had been his Exercise and Grief The Lord suffers these things to be and such to be over-taken on this wise whose Hearts do not abide upright to God who have known God in his Power and yet do not Honour him as God It is considerable and worth the notice taking to see what effects the Lord hath wrought and what he hath suffered to be through such Exercises as these are And First with respect to the Heretage of God the Family that does Believe through the exercise that is met withal from false Brethren whose backslidings and opposite Work and the tendency of it to Strife is the Churches Grief there is a tender concern in all such wrought upon the observation of it to have a more inward Eye to God by whose Grace all are saved that believe therein that they may be kept to him in the feeling of that Power which preserves every one upon the Rock for help and salvation So that the Lord being more eyed the more he comes to be feared and dependency comes to be laid on him and on this occasion all confidence in the 〈◊〉 comes to be laid down seeing the Mighty and the Wise amongst Men are overcome and a retirement to that antient Arm that brought Salvation in the beginning is wrought upon the Souls of them that believe that Spirit in Children of the Night that would divide being seen and in Gods Name resisted the Children of the Day are the more knit together in Soul and Spirit and the delight of the Lord comes to be with them and his Glory
such as goes from the Power of God and from the Life and Kernel of Truth and to none other as in the Scripture-Sense it is clear and as later experiences also have demonstrated and to apply that State to such as have the Kernel of Christianity and are in the Truth in the Doctrine of Christ and in the Practice of things that the Truth in the members of the Heavenly Body leadeth into is 〈◊〉 Confusion a false Application and a ridiculous thing amongst all sober Conscientious People and renders the asserters ' thereof in a state of Distraction as to the Knowledge of God ready to be cast aside not worth the taking notice of What further need were there may many say of any further Proof of the matter against him and them of party with him as to the trampling upon this false and malicious charge but hold him to his and John Wilkinson's grant concerning us and then see how he 'l prove the accusation against us Unless we are willing to give them leave to retract what they have confessed Which seeing we see not that he is willing to call back his charge for the further manifesting his confusion his folly his malice and his envy and for the Vindication of our Innocent Life and care in the Church of God which Grieves the Backsliding sort we are inclined to do And shall proceed to examine farther what is the matter on the Churches account or what hath he against us for which he thus renders us in Print and leaves it on record to posterity that we are Apostates Innovators and such as in whom the life of Christianity is extinct and Intruders into the Government that belongs to Christ Imposers bringer's in of mens Prescriptions with what Inveterateness he can in the height of Malice appear in In order to which we say thus it may be observed through his whole book what work he makes against the Order and Discipline used and practised amongst us in the Church of God under the exercise of the Spirit which God hath given us a knowledge of and a Portion in and we Testifie that none other Government but that of the Spirit of our Lord Jesus do we as the Children of God maintain and stand in the vindication of to which subjection we owe for Conscience sake and under which we desire and are concerned as Instruments in Gods hand to be helps in Government in the Church to the keeping down that which would not be subject to Truth That so in all things we may be decent lovely and of good report keeping ourselves unspotted of the World according to that holy Profession we have maintained and confessed to before all It 's admirable to take notice what ado he makes against Discipline and Order in the Church and what contemptible Terms he puts upon the Directions and Instructions Justifiable and commendable therein to be get a disesteem thereof in the minds of people let but his book be perused through it will manifest it together with what is observed out of it by the Authors of the Accuser of our Brethren 〈◊〉 down Subscribed by Ellis Hookes c. therein Inserted and fully spoken to Demonstrably so that much here on that wise need not be inserted reference being had unto the a foresaid Treatise because whereof we shall much what pass by the trouble of recollecting the same or much concerning our selves therewith It 's obvious to all what down-right slighting he is in and what Inveighing he makes against any concern on that wise in the Church of God under a Gospel-Dispensation in many parts of his Book there is scarcely one Page without reflections on that wise See Page the 4 th in the first part of his Book Whosoever should endeavour by Outward Ways and Means to establish an outward Government outward Laws Rules and Orders c. under the Notion or pretence of Christ's Government would be found Invaders of Christ's Prerogative And in page 43. of his first part he says And if we do but consider how fruitless in days and years past as well as in this present Age all mens outward endeavours have been under the notion of Church-Government to preserve in any true Real and Heavenly Society c. and from thence places upon all concerns on that wise the badge of Apostacy Thus he manifests his slight of the Care of Gods people in the Church with respect to the outward exercises we should appear in for God and our mutual help comfort edification and building up one another and to render the same the more contemptible and useless he brings in a false Instance from the Apostate State that the Churches in days past according to what John saw coming over them fell into who lost the Power and only kept the Form in which all their endeavours could not be successful to preserve in Love nor any Christian heavenly Society and as this is not only an unchristian Comparison and a Reflection also upon the Primitive Care and Endeavours on that wise before the Apostacy was which the Churches were zealous in and God blessed their Endeavours in that day but also it is inserted here by our Adversary and the Adversary to the Churches Life and Peace in a Contempt of that good Order Discipline and Care used amongst us in the Spirit of Truth for Gods Glory and one anothers comfort in the Fellowship of the Gospel in which is peace and thereby doth he plainly demonstrate that the Tendency of his Spirit is to Emmulation and 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 loose of a corrupt mind that is gratified therewith So that it may be concluded that Church-Government in the Spirit under which there is a godly care for one another in Righteousness and a tender Inspection in relation to it and sound 〈◊〉 to the limiting of the Flesh that likes not subje ction to Truth is that which is in his way and the great occasion of the Discontent of his Mind as the like also we have met withal from them of his Spirit and Party with him in the North which through sad experience we have had a certain Knowledge of and are able to demonstrate as in the sequel of our discourse God willing in Sincerity we purpose to do And on this score has the discomposure grown in the mind of William Rogers under which he hath vented the heat and rancour of his Spirit in opposition to Church-order and Discipline and his contempt of the good and wholsom Directions observed and used amongst us called by him Mens Prescriptions other mens Lines made ready to our hands Dictates of Fallible Men Dutward Rules Orders and the like under which discomposure of Spirit he hath run himself into grievous Mistakes and Contradictions in relation to Government and 〈◊〉 Directions and Rules observable and practicable therein and not like a man of his parts as he would be rendred nor like a man stedfast in the good understanding God gives but very brokenly and under
the Spirit of Truth in the younger against the same Spirit in them that watched over their Souls and so to set Conscience against Conscience and the Spirit of God against it self Is not this the way to let in Liberty in the 〈◊〉 Atheism and the like amongst God's People that again would creep in on this wise under pretence of Want of Inward Conviction and the like and so under colour of Conscience draw back again out of the first Love Care and regard to God and the Spirit of 〈◊〉 in his People and lead into Rantertism and what not It 's a meer Slander in William Rogers to say and gather from hence That we would force a Blind Obedience without conviction Nay There is his mistake being gone from the Spirit 's Life and Sense of it's Motions and Requirings Exhortations Councel and Advice which in the Spirit of Truth we commend to that in all Consciences with whom we have to do in relation to Church-Rule 〈◊〉 der and Subjection Discipline and Judgment We deal with a people in this Matter not as blind but as having a measure of the Spirit which discerns the things of God The Apostle said What have we to do to Judge them that are without speaking in Relation to Church-power Discipline and Subjection in the Lord. It is a shame for William Rogers to talk on this wise and renders him a man that has lost his sight in the Spiritual concern of the Lamb 's Innocent life in which the exercise of the Church of God consists according to the manifestation of the Spirit as every one hath received in which the Rule the Government the Order the Counsel and the Judgment in the Saints in light standeth and in which the mutual Edification is the Helps the Governments in the Church the Unity the sweet Society the subjection one unto another to be each others Joy where the Lord is known to be One and his People one But William Rogers and they of his Party say That the Setling of the Churches in the Order and Discipline that we have amongst us is the way to introduce the Apostacy again yea we are proclaimed already and recorded to posterity to be the Apostates and 〈◊〉 and we see not yet upon what other ground then because we are a People in the Spirit of God Zealous in the matter of Discipline and Order in the Church to Answer the pure Religion in Body Soul and Spirit God requires of us For he hath confessed 〈◊〉 have not lost the Kernel of Christianity neither do we differ in that from them he accounts have kept the Life of it but in the Shell John 〈◊〉 sayes We hold the Truth 's Principles and the Doctrine of Christ and are in the Practice of those things that the Truth in the members of the Heavenly body leadeth into neither do we differ in those things but in Methods and Forms c. So then it must needs be in their Sense that the Church of God being Setled with the respect to the concerns of it relating to us as the visible Family of God under an outward Discipline and Order although the exercise therein be in the Spirit for we own none other i st he Mark and Badge of an 〈◊〉 and that thither we are gone as he Asserts Let us consider and take notice what was the Apostle's sense in his day with respect to that Gospel-order that he laboured for and was 〈◊〉 concerned that in all places it might be setled among the Churches He was of another mind then William Rogers and them of Party with him manifest themselves to be of For although he saw as 't is left upon Record that after his dayes grievous Woives would enter and that there would be a great departing from the Faith and that there would an Apostacy come over many Yet it may be observed what Care he used in the Churches as the opportunity served him that the Order Discipline and Government of the Spirit might visibly Demonstrate it self amongst them in the Tabernacle God had given them in it to be his praise the Godly fear that was upon him in Relation to an 〈◊〉 State was a departing from the Faith to fall among them And as he was desirous that if it was possible they might be kept there from for the Gospels sake and Glory of God it was his desire that every one in the exercise and Service of Truth according to the manifestation of it under a Gospelcare might be concerned and in it fastened and knit together to be each others help and directed them accordingly and that which they had heard and received from him with respect to Order in the Church they were to observe and hold fast and Answer the same in practice and writing to them on that wise with a 〈◊〉 of on such as were wilful and not subject to the Truth but caused Divisions amongst them which they were to beware of he said The rest will I set in Order when I come Much might be said with respect to this matter from the Charge he laid upon Titus and for which cause he left him in Crete to appoint Elders every where and to see that nothing was wanting amongst them Paul never feared the Apostacy to enter through a Setling the Churches by Instruments in Gods hand in that Order he was concerned in the matter of neither did the Churches that kept their first Love ever Brand them with the Character of Apostates for their Labour and Travel on this wise Neither do we read that the Faithful whether Elder or Younger did ever 〈◊〉 at their so doing nor ever slandred those Instruments in Gods hand for any Directions or Orders in Relation to discipline with the bringing in of mens Prescriptions Pauls Orders Lines made ready to their hands Innovations or the like as William Rogers presumes to do which will be his Burthen and 〈◊〉 shame in the end But in the Uuiversal Spirit which is one in all that believe was the Unity preserved and the Comfortable Society held under the Rule and Government of Christ 〈◊〉 and if any would have 〈◊〉 Dissension among them they were to be 〈◊〉 and withdrawn from according to Gospel-Order Hath not William Rogers shamed himself amongst all sober and Judicious people both as a Christian and as a Man to make all this Fluttering 〈◊〉 work against the Government of Christ Jesus in the Church of God which we do affirm is both immediate and Instrumental and that he Rules and Governs in his people the Church of God Immediatly and Instrumentally by his Faithful Servants as well as he instructs both Immediately and Instrumentally And as for this Cause he hath Ministers Pastors and Teachers Instrumentally to turn many from darkness to Light and from Sathan's Power to God to edifie and to build up in the most holy Faith So he hath Overseers Elders Helps and Governments in the Church Instrumentally to see that all things may be kept and
Light with Respect to Discipline according to the Order and Rule of Truth and their Practice accordingly Stands Fustified as consistent with the Doctrine of Christ the Aposties Command Scripture-example and the Primitive Practice amongst the Believers touching this Matter By that Eternal Word that was man's Life and Glory in the beginning before Sin and the separation from God was a Remnant that have believed and have been gathered home again unto God In which Word our Fellowship stands with the Father and with the Son according to Antient experience and through the Holy Spirit are we brought into Unity one with another in that Invincible life which they that believe not are strangers to and in the Tabernacle the Lord hath given us in this World as the Family of God we are in that Society wherein in the Love that we bear one unto another and in that Godly care we have amongst us for God's Glory and Truth 's Praise our desires are to be one anothers help and advantage every way so as that in all things we may be as becomes the Heritage of God And for this cause is it that we are a people Setled through the Power and Spirit of Truth in that good Order and Discipline as becomes the Family of him who hath chosen us That Love and Care none other we have laboured to preserve amongst us according to Christ's Doctrine and the Primitive Example as that we may Glorifie God in Body Soul and Spirit and by reason whereof all men may know that we are Christ's disciples and that we are in that Faith which works by Love And in the same eternal Power by which we are a People and in which we are made HelpGovernments in the Church of God an eye is open and an Inspection given us in which what ever is decent comely and of good report is cherished and approved of and what ever is contrary is seen whether in things appertaining to Doctrine or Practice Conversation and Life And in the same Power which is the Terrour to the evil-doer is the exercise of God's People in relation thereunto according to the Blessed Order Christ 〈◊〉 directed unto in the Case of Trespass of one Brother against another where the Church might come to be concerned as to hearing the Matter and giving judgment in the case as the Lord might direct according to the Power and Authority given in which the Sentence might be passed for want of the Church being heard by the offending Brother let him be unto thee as an heathen-man This Order and Discipline was directed to to be in the Church and this Government and Judgment by Christ Jesus given unto them who had received of his good Spirit in which Spirit of Truth that leads into all Truth it is and in none other that in our tender care in the Church of God we are concerned and have a Witness in the Consciences of all the tender-hearted before the Lord. And whatever William Rogers sayes in his Malicious Slandering Mind God is our Witness we have no care upon us in Relation to the Church of God but in that Love in which we were beloved of him and in which we are knit together We have no concern but in the Power our Eye is unto that There is no Rule Discipline or Government amongst us but in the power in which our Souls are Subjected unto God and in which we are Servants one to another In which power we do 〈◊〉 as given us of God for his Glory's sake Authority to hear Determine and give Judgment not only in matters relating to the outward man in cases of Difference brought before the Churches and upon the case of any not hearing the Church to declare him as not worthy of the Fellowship of God's people but to be unto us as an Heathon-man But also in matters relating to Conscience or the Inner man As the Apostle said A man that is an Heretick after the First and second times 〈◊〉 reject And as we have a concern upon us to stand approved in Gods sight and in all Consciences in the matter of Doctrine and Principles of Truth so also with respect to Conversation and Life to live void of offence towards God and Man in that Pure Religion we are brought into to visit the Fatherless and the Widdow and keep our selves unspotted of the World whose Care and Order relating thereunto is no way Inconsistent with the Apostle's Counsel and the Churches Practice in his day The Apostle said to the Corinthians Dare any of you having a Matter against another go to Law before the 〈◊〉 c. And that the Care of the Churches of Christ in this matter amongst this people whom William Rogers presumes to render as Apostates and Innovators and their Order and Practice is consistent with the Apostles advice let the Records of our Meeting-Books Testifie and let our disconcern with any other People save them of our Principle and Profession in any matters relating to 〈◊〉 amongst us speak in all men amongst whom our residence is The Care and Order we have in relation to the Widdow and Fatherless and them that are in necessity let our Practice touching that matter declare thereof Unto whom are we Burthensom in that case Unto what Magistrate have we complained or 〈◊〉 relief from in the case of any Brothers Indigency or want save in the case of laying before them the Oppressions and sufferings that we have been exposed to for our Testimonies sake that the cry of the Poor the Widow and the Fatherless on that Account may not enter the Lord's ears to bring his wrath upon them because thereof Or which of the Widows that are Widows indeed or of the Poor amongst us that keep faithful to Truth have found fault with us and complained of Neglect amongst us concerning them Wherein are We Inconsistent with the 〈◊〉 Practice in Relation to dealing with such as become any way Scandalous to Truth let our Records in that case speak for us in bearing a Testimony against the same and publishing of it according to the Merits thereof and the Knowledge of it abroad for the clearing of Truth and declaring our disowning of such as are led aside on that wise till Repentance be wrought and the Lord's Forgiveness be felt concerning them Let the Care and the Order we have and the Practice we are found in in Relation to the Inspecting Marriages as to clearness every way consistent with Truth 's Life and the Churches allowing or disallowing as matters are found in relation thereunto being twice brought before our Men and Womens Meetings and our decent comey and orderly proceeding with 〈◊〉 of Parents c. in the Accomplishment thereof before many of the Lord's People in publick Assemblies for the most part gathered for that very occasion that they may be Witnesses thereof We say let our practice in these matters Testifie to our consistency with the Care that 's incumbent upon us as God's
People and with the primitive Care Order and Practice and in which we are of Good Report every where And for the more perfectly Answering the Care that 's upon us 〈◊〉 the aforesaid matters and things and the like and the effectually compleating the Work relating to it are our Men and Womens meetings our Monthly and Quarterly meetings setled in the Unity of the Life and observed that we may be in readiness to attend every Concern that may fall amongst us relating to the Tabernacle in which we are in it to be Truth 's Praise Our constant Opportunities of our Setled Meetings attends the exercise of inspecting Marriages of putting a stop to every appearance of any difference to arise amongst any professing Truth and putting a timely End to all such as through mistakes or otherwise may have risen Our 〈◊〉 Meetings in Relation to the Churches concerns attends the occasion of any 〈◊〉 that any way may happen to any through Sufferings and the like that Assistance may be readily Administred accordingly Our Constant meetings are ready to Answer the Order of Truth in the case of any publick Scandals thr ough any one's Misdeameanor that have been 〈◊〉 Profession with us In which we have felt the Presence of the Eternal God with us and his Blessings attend us to the comfort of the Family of God and to our Repute every way Now we appeal to that in all the Consciences to Judge and Testifie what cause William Rogers hath and they of 〈◊〉 with him on whose behalf he says the Printing of his Book was as that which was a great concern of Conscience upon them to publish us and leave a memorial of it to Posterity Apostates and Innovators on the account of the aforesaid Care Order and Discipline amongst us in Relation to the Concerns that as a Society necessarily attends us And whether in the practice of things relating thereunto we are not consistent with our first Principle our Antient Love to God and to the Brethren and our care for Gods Glory as also with the Churches-practice in the Primitive 〈◊〉 and that on these Accounts We can be no way detectable of having the life of Christianity extinct amongst us as William Rogers hath asserted us to have And whether the clamorous work he has made against Church-order and Government in the Ground as also against our Care Order and Practice touching the same be any thing else but the fruit of his wicked malicious opposite Spirit to the Life of Truth And that all his cluttering work on this wise signifies nothing with respect to his charge against us but that in the matter thereof he hath rendred himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to all 〈◊〉 people and Christian Societies more especially because that he goes not about to detect us on the account of having lost the Kernel of Christianity nor to be gone from the principles of Truth or the Doctrine of Christ or the practice of what the Truth leads the members of the Heavenly Body into but by him and John Wilkinson under their own hands are we cleared thereof Now we come to touch a little of the Second particular Head by us made mention of before in this First part of our Treaatise to be spoken to That our present Adversary William Rogers in his aforesaid Book hath denied the Care the Order and Discipline used amongst us in the Church of God and hath Judged the same And that John Storv and John Wilkinson also with them of the Separation in the North and of Party with them have slighted despised and laboured to put a dis-esteem thereupon in an 〈◊〉 Spirit there-unto and hath laid Stumbling-blocks in the way of it and thereby obstructed the Care and Exercise of God's People in Relation thereunto To which we say that in Relation to William Rogers his Denial of the Order of Truth setled amongst us to be consistent with our principle and first love as also his Judging the same much need not to be said in this place That which is already herein Inserted out of his Book as also what may at large be observed in the Answer to his by Ellis Hookes c. Demonstrating that a great part of the Tendency of his whole work therein relates thereunto And to manifest the contempt thereof that hath been also on John Story and John Wilkinson their Spirits together with them of Party with them in the North and the opposition they have made thereunto to the Church's grief and the breach of its peace more may be said afterwards when we give a Relation of the exercise and concern we have had with them by reason thereof which in the Sequel God willing we Intend to do As to William Rogers we say his clamouring against us alter an abusive manner on this account in his Book is so frequently used by him that it 's obvious and clear to the view of every honest man who hath had a view thereof that Contempt scorn and derision is that which he is filled with on the Account thereof Whosoever saith he shall endeavour by outward ways to establish an outward Government and outward Rule c. they are Invaders of Christ's Prerogative And again saith he that Spirit that would remove u from our teacher c. to follow the Dictates of fallible men c. In the first place we deny his charge as applicable to us we have no such design God knows before whom we stand it 's a meer unjust reflection for we Commend all to the teachings of the Grace of God and the guidings of the Universal Spirit in which the Unity stands in the Order and Rule of Truth to be Helps and Governments in the Church Neither do we lay before one another in the Church of God any thing but what is answerable to Truth and is freely received of the Innocent to God we disown the Dictates of fallible men neither doth he give us a Catalogue of those Dictates he so much talks of and therefore we take the less notice of the cluttering work he makes on that wise Secondly It is clear that all those Reflections he useth he aims them at us and upon our Order and Discipline in God's House and the directions relating thereunto otherwise there had been no occasion of his so often reiterating thereof in this his undertaking to detect us as Apostates on the account thereof He further says see page 16. of his first part That our Meetings in a reproach thereof are made up of men uncertain as to Number and Qualifications and under the notion of the Church of God assumes power over Conscience and again he says He appeals to the Intelligent if those there assembled pretending to be Members thereof meaning the Church of God have not been false Accusers and men-pleasers and many of them a sort of Persons that have loved preheminence and time-servers Now we say this is a malicious Slander which we deny and we ask what greater contempt could he appear
Methods they intended therein invisible and their Records and Orders invisible Surely the said Paper of theirs with the limitted prescriptions therein was not invisible any more then the Persons that formed them Will his Correspondents and Abettors in the North be pleased that he should in Print lay open their Contradictions Confusion and Inconsistencies with themselves as well as with himself and his Arguings in such distraction as this we commend these things 〈◊〉 the wise in heart to consider of and judge as they see cause Now are we come to the 3 d and 4 th things formerly inserted material to our present concern to be treated on in this First Part of the Antichristian Treachery Discovered and its Way Block up viz. That Gorge Fox whom William Rogers so inveterately inveighs against and others of the Antient Brethren their Care and Exercise in the Church of God as Instruments in Gods 〈◊〉 to see the Churches of Christ every where in this our Age settled in the aforesaid Order and Discipline as the Apostle's was in his Day hath been justified embraced and freely closed with as that which hath tended to Friends Advantage in the Truth and the Honour thereof by the Churches of Christ throughout this Nation and in many other Nations And that notwithstanding W. Rogers and others of Party with him their abusing G. F. with Malicious Slanders and Lying Accusations as one that would Introduce his own Prescriptions and Orders and invade Christ's Prerogative and in a wrong Spirit exalt himself over the Heritage of God with many other Aspersions that are cast upon him as hereafter we shall make appear G. Fox ' s Advise and Directions in Relation to the Duty of Gods People in the Tabernacle God hath given us visible to appear in hath been acceptably closed with and Testified to both in Word and Writing amongst the Faithful and upright hearted to God as in the sequal of our Concern shall be made appear To which we say in as much Brevity as the Evidence and Proof thereof will admit without damage to it and the satisfaction that we desire all may receive that in any measure desire to be informed thereof seeing we are daily the more satisfied how this envious Spirit for that is the mark it deserves to bear labours to asperce him every where where his Book can get reception for into the hands of the publick Enemies of Truth of many sorts it s already gone the reward of which work shall be surely repaid We say we need no better proof in relation to the matter on Gorge Fox's account then the publick Records of our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings throughout the Nation and other Nations and the Testimonies of many Thousands of Gods People every where where the Lord hath gathered them of which we having a Seal and Evidence in the Spirit of Truth in which the Saints were when absent in Body yet present in Spirit and as living Epistles in one anothers Hearts we do believe will evidence to the truth of the aforesaid assertion concerning him And as to the proof of the publick Records in our Meeting Books on this wise we do affirm that the Order and Practice of Friends every where accordingly which we have the knowledg of Testifies thereunto and we also dare in the sence of the Fellowship that we are in through the power of God give W. Rogers leave to disprove us in this matter and vve see not but that if this he could effect he vvould be as diligent in the matter of it as the eagerness of his Spirit could vvork him to be And until W. Rogers hath effected this let all the 〈◊〉 minded conclude that the undertakers of the design against Church Government and Discipline thereof and against the Instruments in Gods hand are only a fevv broken shattered and separate sort that 's dravvn from the simplicity of the Gospel of Christ and the povver of their first Principle and have set themselves against the Dignity thereof unto which every Soul should be Subject as that which comes from God and is of him and that their designs tend to gratifie Youth in a false Liberty and to indulge the backsliding sort from the Life of Truth and his pretences to be abetted by such as in whom the Life of Christianity is not extinct and that he has undertaken things on a Consciencious Account on behalf of many Brethren is but a deceitful flourish and a false thing arising from his viz. W. Roger' s own corrupt Heart and a lying Spirit which the Lord will not bless but will become his shame let the Patient wait and mark the end of it We have been comforted in our Souls to have an Account from the Faithful Brethren of most of the Countries throughout the Nation and other Nations of the prosperity of Truth and the amicable peaceable fellowship therein and the sweet society amongst the Brethren notwithstanding the worst of W. Rogers and his Spirits Work and to hear of the good Order of the Churches every where settled therein and concerned in the Spirit of Truth in the exercise thereof to shew forth the pure Religion to all of visiting the Fatherless and Widow and to keep our selves unspotted of the World this is our Comfort and the cause of our Joy as that which is laboured for and the Lord supplicated in the behalf of We tread upon W. Roger's aspersions and clamorous work which is but a blast of Wind that will over our Redeemer Lives The stability of the Faithful in the Life of Truth and in their Antient Testimonies for the same and in it their tender Care in an Innocent Life in the Church of God their Order and Discipliue therein and the Blessings of God that will and do attend the upright in the concerns thereof to the encrease of Love to God and regard amongst us of his Glory through us in Body 〈◊〉 and Spirit will work through this Babilonish Apostate Work to Truths honour and the renown of the Government of Christ Jesus amongst the ransomed Ones and to the Confounding of all his Foes who alone shall Reign whose right it is Hath W. Rogers in this corrupt and detestable Work against the Churches Care Power and Government and against the Instruments in Gods hand in the matter thereof and most especially against George Fox whom he hath set himself against as a mischievous Person to work the worst he can We say has he forgot when he was of a better mind before the evil thus prevailed over him what he himself with many other Brethren Subscribed at London the 26th of the 3d Month 1673. on G. Fox's behalf as an Instrument in Gods hand and on the behalf of the tender care that was on the Brethren at that time in the Church of God in relation to the Order Discipline and Government thereof W. Rogers with above Thirty more Friends Testified on this wise Dear Friends Let the Authority of Gods Power heavenly and
have presumed to place a belief upon our Spirits with respect to a Testimony bearing by you on G. Fox his account whom the Apostates that have risen at any time since we have been a People have ever ran upon with all the bitter Revilings that through malitious Accusations they could devise more impudently then many that never knew the Lord and his Power durst have adventured lest the hand of the Lord should have smitten them to their 〈◊〉 and Wo for evermore We are bold to put the matter to the test concerning him on this wise we have a concern upon us you must bear with us the honourable Truth Gospel Order and the repute of our elder Brethren whom God regards seems to many that are not settled in the power of Truth to lie at Sake through the Impeachment W. Rogers hath appeared in for whose sake we ask you Are you not sensible that as the Lord made him an Instrument in his hand early of the day to gather many to God out of Darkness and from under the power of Death and that since we have been a People in the Truth and gathered into a Society in this earthly Tabernacle that the care of the Churches have been upon him Hath not a Record dwelt upon your Hearts in in the Spirit of Life that the Lord hath been with him in this matter Have you not had an answer in your Consciences unto which he hath ever appealed for a Witness there that the Instructions and Directions with respect to Church order and the Discipline thereof hath been commended to you in the Spirit of Truth as the Lord might direct to be put in practice amongst you Have you not 〈◊〉 the Spirit of Truth in your selves sealing to that eternal power that hath been upon him and other dear Brethren in the matter thereof Have you felt any straitness upon your Spirits or want of freedom in the Lord when you kept to the power to be concerned in the Church of God according to the order growth and place in the Truth whereinto the Lord hath brought you Have you not felt the Blessings of the Eternal God with you in answering the Care the Advice the Counsel and Directions of the Brethren in the matters thereof Are you not comforted with respect to your own inward Advantage the furtherance of the Gospel amongst you and the Truths honourable esteem amongst men through your Exercise Labours and Travels therein so that you can say to Gods praise your Labour of Love hath not been in vain We are bold to appeal on this wise unto you in Truths behalf Have we not a Record in all your Hearts of you that are saithful to God and have received of his Spirit as a cloud of Witnesses in this matter for us who have set our Signets thereunto Deal ingeniously with us as in the Lords sight in this matter its integrity to God our Souls delights in and an evidence in that we crave of all whether with us or against us touching the same however W. Rogers renders us we abhor Flattery or having mens persons in Admiration any further then the honourable Image of God appears in them as their Habitation abides in that to which the honour is due We leave this matter with you and before all whom it may concern where-ever any exercise may fall in relation thereunto and as you Hear and Learn of the Eternal God so Judge and Speak We might in this place very fitly fall in hand with the many Accusations Reproaches and Slanders that William Rogers hath malitiously the matter of his Work gives it this Character devised and raised up against G. Fox through his perversions and inferences that he hath put on his innocent clear sence and Christian Exercise about matters he was concerned in from which he deduceth very wicked and horrid charges against him in that old Cainish Spirit in which he would utterly destroy his Repute if it were in his power before all the fallacy whereof we doubt not but detect in the considerable matters thereof to the satisfaction we hope of all the innocent where this may come Yet we chuse first to give a true and sincere Relation of the many grievous demonstrable Exercises that the Church of God in Mestmoreland hath met withall more or less for the space of six or seven Years or upwards through this Spirit which secretly hath wrought in too many to draw them from the first Love and ancient regard to God his Truth into a kind of libertine loose sort of Life animated and strengthened we dare boldly say though with grief by John Story and John Wilkinson who having declined their antient regard to that Eternal Power and Innocent Life in which once they were truly concerned for God amongst his People and leaning upon the Wisdom that is from below in the mans part and not rightly discerning the things of God became darkned in their Minds and in that state discouragers of the antient Zeal for Truth and the honorable Testimonies born therein amongst the Faithful to the gratifying a People backsliding from the Lord and the holy way of Truth whereupon we have livingly seen and some have warned them of it the Lord withdrawing of his good Spirit by little and little from them as he did from Israel of old whose Backslidings he would have healed but they regarded not but hardened their Hearts more and more to their Irrecoverable Ruin in which declining state they became the wounding of their own Souls and the piercing the sides of many of the weaker sort to the Churches grief We also together with the concern on this wise shall manifest to all what care was used in the Church of God and with several in particular for the preservation of these two men the principal abettors of the dividing Spirit with tenderness towards them with desires and travels both in Soul and Spirit and in many bodily labours in relation to them with many cntreaties for and patient waitings over them that if possible they might be saved The Contest and Exercise in relation to it broke forth first in the North through them William Rogers that we know of was not at first so early concerned in the matter of the aforesaid contentious Work but became an espouser of it to himself on their behalfs being a man of an arragant Spirit and appeared to love being popular and in the height and restlesness of his mind undertook the work that the Lord blessed him not in but being drawn aside from the simplicity of the Gospel to abet a wrong Spirit in himself and others of the loose sort is become the Evil-man and Seducer that grows worse and worse heaping up Damnation to himself that slumbers not Antichristian Treachery Discovexed AND Its Way Block'd up IN A clear Distinction betwixt the Christian Apostolica Spirit and the Spirit of the Antichristian Apostate BEING Something in Answer to a Book put forth by William Rogers falsely
was the backsliding sort with grief concerned seeing their Spirit Judged and the way of it like to be blocked up Now was the time of their looking about and to speak after the manner of men to their Arms they betook them John Story making his boast what he could do when he put on his Sword in opposition to Church Care the Inspection the Discipline and the Judgment thereof for that was it that alone was in their way and now John Story and John Wilkinson buckled them to it and as leading men assumed a contest against the Faithful on behalf of the withering backsliding sort which the Lord did not bless them in but withdrew by little and little till he left them as to the 〈◊〉 Power and their Hosues desolate It cannot be expressed what work they begun to make and appear in against the Exercises that the upright were concerned in in the Church of God what finding fault therewith its admirable to think what Obstructions they lay in our way and instead of being 〈◊〉 and Governments amongst us became our Burden and 〈◊〉 Our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings was that which was their Grief and the very name of them therefore dispised 〈◊〉 Story calling them Courts and 〈◊〉 and our General Meeting the higher Court of Judicature to make the 〈◊〉 as being grieved therewith as that which was 〈◊〉 ready in their way to inspect miscarriage in Doctrine and Life and upon an orderly proceeding to 〈◊〉 Judgment thereupon this could not be digested of their foul corrupted Stomach of which the Hony-Comb is loathed They rendred our Meetings on 〈◊〉 wise for Friends concerns Formal and not Gospel-like and moved that we should not keep them so constantly but as occasion offered and if this loose Spirit had prevailed there when should an occasion have been seen and made use of let the upright Judge they 〈◊〉 not allow that Marriages should be twice published or 〈◊〉 of in our Meetings unless there happened to be occasion before the accomplishment thereof which sor clearness sake the Church of God judgeth a 〈◊〉 thing They allowed the accomplishment of a Marriage upon 〈◊〉 first times proposing it which within 〈◊〉 days was efsected and yet they were signified to that the Man was not clear of another Woman to whom he had promised Marriage and they were desired by many Friends to put a stop to that till things were clear on the 〈◊〉 account but they took no notice thereof They disliked our Womens Meetings and spoke 〈◊〉 of them though contrary to many of their own Subscriptions once as afterwards may be spoken to and would never allow Marriages to come before them which we account a decent thing that every one Male and Female who have received of the good Spirit may keep in the exercise of it to a profiting 〈◊〉 in their place in Gods House They would not allow that the Church of God should be concerned with any of the weaker sort when Temptations had prevailed upon them to draw back the Testimony for Truth once born but would have those things left to the publick Preaching or any ones particular motion They would not have any made mention of in the Church though in subjection to Gods Power for any such affair contrary to the Churches antient practice who said It seemed good to the holy Ghost and us to send chosen men c In a word to slubber over things and indulge Deceit was their design as their practice and their degeneration from 〈◊〉 Life and Testimonies demonstrates They would not admit of the recording Scandalous and Reproachful Transgressions of any and the Judgment of Truth upon them though with the Repentance of such as had found a place for it John Wilkinson alledging That it tended to render 〈◊〉 maen an Apostate in his day and an Knave to Posterity contrary to the sence of the holy men of God who gave forth the Scriptures and have recorded Noah David 〈◊〉 and Peter their Weaknesses and others with their acknowledgment thereof with Grief and their Repentance also who stand not recorded as Knaves to Prosperity nor is the Record 〈◊〉 to Truths dispraise but tends to 〈◊〉 the Righteousness of God in his Judgments and Mercies for the furtherance of the Gospel and the work of God among all both in our Day and in Generations to come and John Wilkinson yet in Contradiction again and Confusion 〈◊〉 like up and down off and on expresseth himself thus after his denial allowing it again saying He would have the Condemnation to go no further then 〈◊〉 Knowledge of the Transgression nor the Record of it to remain any longer then the Memory of the Offence Thus he confutes his own assertion in his denial in saying It renders a man a Knave to Posterity But we looking over this as the product of his inconsiderate haste in venting such Confusion and granting the other which indeed we do and is that 〈◊〉 we aim at We ask How will John Wilkinson without a Record of the Transgression Condemnation Repentance c. keep the knowledge of the Judgment and Repentance to go as far as the knowledge of the Offence or the memory of the one out-live the memory of the other when as the Envious one on the one hand will not cease to keep in remembrance that which may 〈◊〉 the Truth but to have that alive which may clear the Truth and give God the Praise will be his Grief and his utmost endeavours will be to obstruct the same let the Wise Judge whose work this Spirit of theirs is concerned in A large Catalogue might be here inserted of the contentious Works by them of this seperate Spirit wrought amongst us animated and strengthened by John Story and John Wilkinson as our Quarterly Meeting from sad experience 〈◊〉 Testifie an account whereof we have in readiness at large to publish as occasion may be seen plainly demonstrating the Slight the Contempt and Dis-esteem of that Gospel care we were concerned in for Truths Praise which produced in them the great Opposition that was made to our tender justifiable practice therein which occasioned great Content and Satisfaction to the loose backsliding sort from the holy Way and 〈◊〉 of God and the great sadness of Heart to the Innocent amongst us on theirs and the Truths account Resolved they seemed to be not to 〈◊〉 to the wholsom practices we were concerned in according to the example of the most of the Churches of Christ throughout the whole Nation and if they could not with open Face and with the Instruments they made use of stop our way but that Truths care Inspectision and sound Judgment must be placed in the Order and Discipline thereof and that they could by no means obstruct the same because of that Eternal Power that accompanied Friends care and courage therein to the causing of them when they could not prevail on that wise with conquest over it to bethink them how to betake themselves to
he used to do in the North where he could prevail which the sad experience afterwards that some of the Churches of God had in those Parts of this Spirits work does declare came into the North who of a certain truth hath been the Grandee in the whole Design and blew up the Sparks 〈◊〉 kindled by him and others into a vehement heat of Discontent and Grief because of our Gospel concerns having encouraged himself with those who were entred into Faction with him where his Travel and Work had been he set a work to drive all before him discouraged the concern and tender practice of Friends in relation to Testimony against Tythes judged the recording Condemnations with the Repentance of such as had been out of the way of Truth to the open blemish thereof judged the Paper in relation to Womans Meetings which John Wilkinson as said before with many more had subscribed encouragement to some of whom he afterwards brought off to abet his Design and Work so that Friends Books were to have been altered according to his motion but that being stopt one of Party with him and a princiqal Stickler and Preacher amongst them but since quite turned out tore his Condemnation for being Married with a Priest out of the Book and such work as this he occasioned amongst us and John Wilkinson turned his back-side of that tenderness that had been upon him and became with him a resolved man to stand it out several Friends had a private Meeting with him in Kendal to have done him good occasioned through George Fox's means but he shewed himself an angry perverse man When Friends tenderly asked him whether such or such things were true which he had said or done as was repeated in relation to a manifest mark of his being departed from the Life of Truth to oppose the order thereof in order whereunto Friends desire was to have dealt with him as a Brother and an Antient amongst us and the brokenness that was on Friends in their Exercise with him testified the same and the Bowels that earned towards him that day would have broken many Hearts yet in a wilful stubborn disquieted frame and indisposure by reason thereof he broke away very aburtly and unchristian-like treading upon his Brethrens Care and Good-will towards him telling them That he would stand upon his own Legs and not be beholden to them for their Curtches Not long after John Wilkinson being grieved and his Spirit much discomposed writ a Letter to one of us which he called The Word of the Lord and by his order to be shewn to many Brethren full of enveighing Language such as becomes not a Minister and Servant of Christ to his fellow Servants telling us That we had begged Authority from others to make our selves work withal and to be commissionated to act therein to get favour of Persons or an Office or a piece of Bread and was puffed up therein and then places this Judgment upon us and our work saying That our Office would cloath us with Raggs and that Worms would breed in our gathering and that our Bread should consume with this final Sentence upon us That the Lord would break us The Friend to whom this was directed to be communicated to others writ privately to him before he shewed it to any and desired him to take it back again and consider better of it otherwise it would be his shame tend to his great dammage many ways but nothing would serve him but that it must be delivered Mark the end of it So that it plainly appeared they were resolved to try their strength with that which proves too strong for them After a while at the request of some of our ancient Brethren and sincere to God who had private knowledg of the difference amongst us it being also our inclination a Meeting was had with them of that Spirit John Story and John Wilkinson being amongst us we being desired also to have with us other three Neighbouring Friends who had been true and faithful to God from the beginning never detected upon any account who being come and set amongst us they also being privy to the Transactions amongst us John Story and John Wilkinson shewed their dislike of having them with us and resolved not to concern themselves with any discourse relating to the matter unless the said Friends would with-drew but those Friends having a sincere Exercise in the motion of God as by them it was signified to us durst not with draw upon the motion of that wrong Spirit being otherwise preswaded in their Hearts consistant also with the aforesaid Brethrens request as also comfortably agreeable with the sence and desire of the sincere hearted and truly sensible of that Spirit 's opposite work amongst us whereupon John Story and John Wilkinson with-drew any further concern in the matter and took a party of the dark sort after them so that after a while the Meeting ended without any effectual work relating to an Agreement and Peace amongst us The Spirit of Contention prevailing in them animated also through the Adherents John Story had wrought into the Strise with them in the South where his and John Wilkinson Travels had sometimes been such as they had stampt their Image upon and that readily complyed with them against the Unity of 〈◊〉 in the Exercise and Practice of Truth in the Church of Christ the Brethrens Troubles hereaways encreased and our Tryal became great John Story making his boast vainly how many he could have to stand by him and yet have but proved as Egypts broken Reeds unto him for all his boast and the same Spirit in William Rogers and others thereaways that espoused the Quarrel on the two John's behalf of whom he became chief fell upon us with such Force and Courage as if nothing could stand in their way but the Lord was in our Eye and our expectation waited on him who had been our help and refuge to that very time to whom be Praise for evermore so that now the Exercise in the North became such which we had long born in the Patience which God gave us and in which we desired to see the end of that Spirits Work which had occasioned the same and that the knowledge of the Differences hereaways might not be spread abroad and the Strise occasioned through them being risen to that hight and the distance with respect to Unity became such and the knowledge of it abroad that it began to touch the Hearts of many Brethren in several parts of the Nation seeing that the 〈◊〉 of this Spirits work would be sad if the way of it were not blockt up And now our Friends and Brethren at London having a certain knowledg that the Difference in the North was come to be such as that it appeared to grow higher rather then an end thereof was like to be suddenly composed they writ to Friends and desired that we would appoint a Meeting on purpose with John Story and
Monthly and Quarterly Meetings with reflecting words against them calling them Courts and Sessions and of our Citing into them and the like Secondly That they had discouraged Friends Testimonies against Tyshes with reflecting opposite loose Words Thirdly That they had opposed reflected upon and greatly discouraged Womens Meetings Fourthly That they had opposed recording Condemnations upon scandalous loose Practices in such as professed the Truth Fifthly That they had discouraged and weakned Friends in their Stability in the time of Persecution and had justified leaving their Houses and going into private places in the time thereof to keep their Meetings Sixthly That they had disorderly and irreverently judged Friends tender Exercises in breaking forth in Mellodious Singings and Soundings to Gods praise in their Meetings under the exercise of the power which breaks and fills the Heart out of the abundance whereof breaks forth Sighs and Groans and Spiritual Songs as the Lord is pleased to exercise them that waits upon him The Reader may observe that in the former part of the aforesaid Paper it is expressed That John Story and John Wilkinson not being there viz. at the said Meeting at Pow-Bank the Friends were enclined as also desired to hear what was writ in relation to charge against them which being 〈◊〉 and though good proof was made thereof accordingly yet they were 〈◊〉 to see John Story and John Wilkinson Face to Face before they gave their Judgment thereupon wherefore they took the pains that Night to go to find out John Story at Kendal six Miles off and perswaded him to go to John Wilkinson's House next Morning which accordingly he did where they meeting with them both together told them that they had heard read several matters alledged in charge against them relating to Friends disatisfaction desired them to go along with them to the Meeting at Milnethorpe which was that Day appointed again on purpose to hear what they had to say in their own Defence or to alledge against any proof made of things or against the Witnesses in order to any thing acted by them or any other Friends that might occasion their Discontent or Opposition as the charges seemed to import or words to that purpose but they refused to go on that score they proffered only to refer the hearing of the matter to two men chosen by each Party one and that in relation to that they might have a Coppy of the Charges but Friends seeing that it was not only a disorderly thing in them to absent themselves from the aforesaid Meeting appointed by the Quarterly Meeting but also to make such a motion as that in opposition to Friends care and endeavours amongst them for Peace as their travels and seeking of them did imply Friends refused as in all reason they ought to have done to take any notice thereof yet told them They should have a Coppy of the Charges at the Meeting if they would go if when they were read they desired the same to make their defence the better and they should have time also if there was need for it But go they would not as they had resolved and said That they would come at no more Meetings upon such matters But poor men they forgot that or else mattered not what they had said on that wise for they offered to refer the matter to two c. which is not Truth-like Orderly or Discreet in the case of Gods Truth many Brethrens Testimony and Concern and the Churches Peace The Friends proffered to read them the matters in charge against them if they pleased as in the aforesaid Paper is expressed but they refused to hear the same Now let all sober and discreet men that fear God consider what this Spirit is whether it be not the same as was said of it before not Pure not Peaceable nor easie to be Entreated but Wilful Stubborn and leading to Strife and to work Distractions in the Church of God it is evidently seen to have had a design But blessed be the Lord its way is blockt up it hath done its worst there it s turned out now too amongst the Gainsayers to get an entrance amongst them that are in the Unbelief and Rebellious to the Truth 's Life and there it makes a Clutter and Noise as the Wind which the Lord weighs as a little thing and its passing away that Truth may Reign and take the Dominion over all for evermore Here follows that part of the Paper given forth at Milnerhorp in relation to the opposite Spirit against Friends Practices in the Church of God which demonstrates the sence of the aforesaid Brethren viz. After all which Travel and Labour in the Love of God for no other end but that Differences might be ended Unity and Peace come into lived in we having used all endeavours that was in our power at this time to enform our selves of the truth of things relating to these Differences as before Written we judge it our Duty that in defence of our godly Order and holy Practices which by the Power of God we are led into owned and justified in to give our Judgment upon such Words and Passages as hath been charged upon the abovesaid John Story and John Wilkinson and evidenced before us by many Witnesses that whether from them or any other such have proceeded it is clear that they cannot come from any Spirit or Mind but such as is in real opposition to the Spirit of Truth and Power of God in his People in this Age manifested by which we have been led into the heavenly and holy Order of the blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and to bear a faithful Testimony unto him and of his coming and appearance to end all Types and Shadows and also into such Practices as is according to the Example of those good Men that were before us for we find that it expressly strikes against us in the ground in our godly order and proceedings which is for no other end but for the putting forward and keeping up of Rightcousness and a holy and unspotted Life amongst us and the maintaining of our Testimony without Violation as we received it from God in the beginning and this may all understand that do but read the Charges as they were evidenced unto us how that they tend to the weakening of Friends Faith in their Testimony against Tythes which by the Faithful hath been born from the beginning for which many have suffered deeply even unto Death and also what opposition doth appear against recording of Confessions and 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 and Transgressions which is no other but according to the former example of them that gave forth the Scriptures and how such Words and Passages doth shew forth opposition and a contrary mind to Gods Faithful Children in that profitable practice and godly order of Mens and Womens Meetings as now according to the Wisdom and in the Power of God is set up amongst us for the advancing of the honour of the
heavenly Truth of God in which we have believed which Words and Passages doth also tend to the weakening Friends in keeping up their Testimony according to the nobility of the heavenly Truth of God which we have received in which our Faith stands in that honourable practice of our open and publick Meetings in times of Persecutions as at other times as also to the quenching and stopping of such holy Breathings Groanings and Living Sounds which may arise and pass through one while another is Praying Preaching or Prophecying which is not inconsistant with the Truth but in unity with those that act therein and therefore in the love of God we entreat and beseech all Friends to beware of that Spirit where-ever it is that doth bring forth such things either in Words or Actions as have this tendency in them so much to undervalue and overthrow our heavenly Testimony that we have to bear for him and for the appearance of his blessed Son in our Age by which the evil one labours to weaken the hands of Gods faithful Witnesses that so he might bring back again into an Apostacy from the nobility of that Life by which all the Faithful must be upheld in their living Testimony for God which he hath raised them up unto as also the obstructing of the Lords faithful Children in their holy Zeal for God in the performance of their duty in the Mens and Womens Meetings and to the discouragment of any to be concerned therein which are for no other end but for putting forward and propagating of Truth Righteousness Mercy and Justice amongst us that so as the Lord hath called us to shew forth his Praise in all things we may endeavour the promotion of that which rends unto the same and surely we can say with the rest of the Faithful That the holy God doth own us with his Presence to our great Refreshment and Confirmation in this our holy Practice and heavenly Order and therefore we cannot but in the Power of God place Judgement upon the Head of that Spirit where and however it doth appear that would put stumbling Blocks in the way of Gods People to cause any to stumble or to weaken their Faith in those things that tends both to their comfort and growth and the Unity and the edification of the true Body and so as such who have had experience of the evil tendency of this Spirit and the sad effects it hath brought forth in all its appearances to the overthrowing of the Faith of some and to the making of Rents and Divisions in the Body we desire that all may keep to the Power of the Lord God who will preserve in the Unity of the Spirit and Bond of Peace where the Body will edifie it self in Love that there may be always a building up in the most holy Faith which Faith will forever give us the Victory over the World in which our Testimony standing we shall not be overcome So with our Love to you all we remain Your Friends and Brethren in the holy fellowship of the Gospel Milnethorpe the 24th of the 5th Month 1675. John Burnyeat Richard Robinson Robert Lodge John Grove and the rest It may be observed also that besides some Letters tending to Peace that George Fox writ to them from Swarthmoore where he was about this time weak in Body he sent to them also to desire them to come over to him there for he had a desiro to speak with them about the matter of Difference amongst Friends in Westmerland he was neither of ability to come to them nor to the Meeting at Pow-Bank but they did not take any notice thereof nor went to him though we are fully satisfied that what he did was in his tender care for their Preservation and the Churches Peace but this William Rogers our present Adversary accounts in George Fox Ambition in his sending for them but where the Stoutness and Ambition was its easily seen for the time was when they would have gone much further when they were Poor and Low in their own Eyes but now being Full and Rich in their own Esteem thinking they want for nothing will not step out of their way nor turn aside for Truth nor the unity therein because of the Ambition they are filled with and therefore will the Lord scatter them with all the Imaginations of their corrupt Hearts And instead of giving the Friends a Meeting as aforesaid they put an evading slighty Answer to the Charges against them and sent it abroad amongst those they hoped to make of party with them which with a large Answer thereunto is ready to be seen when a further occasion by William Rogers or any of them is given And not withstanding all this care and tender respect used and reached out towards them they still heardened their Hearts against the Lord and the fellowship of Brethren in the Churches concerns stuck to the loose and unfaithful ones as was said before and grew more and more opposite to Friends in their Exercise for Truth and sit in the Confederacy that was hatched amongst themselves and the design laid to break off from Friends into an open Seperation they betook themselves and up and down the Nation was the cry amongst those of party with them from an unchristian mis-representing of things by them here in the North That a Judgment was out against them without hearing upon the evidence of Persons being both the Accusers and Witnesses of which as the matter is in short truly stated according to the Circumstances relating to it we desire the honest and impartial Reader to judge Whether the Persons before mentioned are justified in the sight of God the order of the Gospel and amongst Gods People according to the rule of Truth in the aforesaid matter and transactions relating to them Or whether they are manifested by their doings to have the pure peaceable Spirit that is easily entreated and that they have upon them any design for the Churches Peace Or whether they are not the Self-Willed the Heady and High-Minded who have the Form of Words only without the Power that unites and knits together and whether to work Distractions in the peaceable Family of God their design be not laid And whether their plea for their not receiving dear Brethrens Advice and Care over them and orderly proceedings to have done them right every way if they could have manifested the contrary and their obstinately absenting themselves from the Meeting aforesaid on any such account be not a very ridiculous thing amongst men and not worth taking notice of For it is according to our Judgment that the just Law of Nature and Nations that gives an 〈◊〉 priviledge to be heard before Judgment be given if he will accept of it upon notice given according to the rule of it is contemned by an obstinate wilful and on purpose absenting himself and the want of his privile 〈◊〉 thereby of being heard is his own default and not imputable to
hours a day as to the matter of the Articles in charge alledged and writ down against J. Story and John Wilkinson little was said of them the first day but some other Discourse the Friends of London had with them relating to the ground of the Controversie depending in relation whereunto there was two Queries proposed by J. Story and 〈◊〉 Wilkinson writ down desiring that the Friends there would give their Answer to them whereby it was supposed they expected to have an understanding given them of Friends 〈◊〉 and Aim with respect to Church Government and the Order and Practice of Friends in relation to it about which the Wrangling and 〈◊〉 by them had been made and against which the Opposition in them had stood to the Exercise and Grief of Gods Faithful People and upon the Brethrens-Resolve and Answer thereunto no Dissatisfaction from them appeared in any respect and John Story 〈◊〉 acknowledged his good Satisfaction therein After all this concerne Friends desired to come to the matters in charge John Story and John Wilkinson seemed unwilling on a jealousie that remained with them that the Friends concerned in the former Meetings intended with the six last nominated as 〈◊〉 c. to concern themselves in the present hearing of matters amongst us in order to a final determination and shewed the same by some words cast out by them now and then although the said Brethren did not at present appear to concern themselves in the matter of the tryal relating to them concerning which as the Friends in the North did not desire to put them thereinto neither did in their minds conclude it rational nor according to the order of 〈◊〉 to have them excepted against from any concern therein without their own desire or free consent thereunto being formerly chosen by the Quarterly Meeting for that affair and exercise therein and what had been done by them in that case not detectable in the Truth nor their Sence and Judgment impeached in the matter thereof or which to be cast out and our Brethren of London shewing also their desire that many weighty Friends being 〈◊〉 on that 〈◊〉 occasion which was the Churches 〈◊〉 ral concern they might in the exercise of the universal Spirit of Truth have a share with them So that as to that objection against any from being 〈◊〉 in measure with others in the case of hearing and giving Judgment 〈◊〉 matter was that Night letalone until the next Day On the Morrow Friends being assembled and the Lords Power with us to the breaking many Hearts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tender frame of Spirit and in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 desires that a sweet composure might be wrought to Friends 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Churches peace after a little time the hearing and Tryal of matters in 〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉 was fallen into and the 〈◊〉 concerned in the matter 〈◊〉 against John Story 〈◊〉 John Wilkinson and those of Party with them 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 of heart that if in any thing it could be made appear that they had 〈◊〉 just cause of 〈◊〉 to them from whom the opposition had arisen and 〈◊〉 on that occasion by them given they had appeared on that wise and that 〈◊〉 they also had been the cause of the Brethrens Trouble and the obstruction 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Churches Peace they should freely acknowledg the same and give the Church and the Children of God that saisfaction which the Truth should require of 〈◊〉 that so no occasion of discord by them or disunion with the 〈◊〉 should remain on their part The first and second matter as with down in charge against them was read and heard amongst all there and proof made thereof to the satisfaction of them concerned whereupon William Rogers having a sence and as we may reasonably conclude afear and jealousie upon him how things would go on John Story' s and John Wilkinsons account withdrew himself into the Garden and sent for a Friend to come to speak to him who when the Friend came to him told him He was sencible that John Story and John Wilkinson were under a mistake thinking that none but 〈◊〉 six last named Friends would be concerned in the 〈◊〉 and giving judgment 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and yet said he it was by them appearing against them 〈◊〉 that the other that formerly had the matter in hand should be now also equally concerned with them which was a 〈◊〉 needless evading scruple that John Story and John Wilkinson during the time of the proof aforesaid seemed not to take any notice of 〈◊〉 had any of those 〈◊〉 Brethren as yet given any cause for it that we know of William Rogers desired the Friend to come in and clear that point but the Friend 〈◊〉 to do it 〈◊〉 Let things go on all is quiet and cool or words to that purpose and said If this would not satisfie him he might go and speak himself Whereupon William Rogers 〈◊〉 for John Story and John Willkinson or at least they wanting him drew forth to see what the matter was or to consult with him and 〈◊〉 a little while came in again and one of them or both signified That 〈◊〉 they might be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beforehand that those nine formerly concerned should not meddle in the 〈◊〉 of examining matters concerning them c. they would for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 more 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 to it and also would with-draw and did not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 into their places but they and their Company 〈◊〉 ready to go away and the most of Friends expected the same seeing what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 in their Minds they were 〈◊〉 into as appeared by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 resolve about the matter for there was a secret Dread and Terror upon them which 〈◊〉 but sometimes surprize such more especially on such a 〈◊〉 as they 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 come unto The Lords Power arose amongst Friends under 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 way of 〈◊〉 and Peace for them should be blockt 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 if they 〈◊〉 not And it was 〈◊〉 of them in the Name of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to give up themselves to the Exercise 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 upon them in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 for 〈◊〉 Good in which they had a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 God to lay before them for their Souls sake and if they did so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the same as 〈◊〉 Words and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to import it should 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a Lamb Slain at their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 also that in the 〈◊〉 Love and 〈◊〉 of God the Brethren 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on that concern 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therefore 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A 〈◊〉 of Christ Jesus and in the Authority of 〈◊〉 Spirit they required and 〈◊〉 that things might go on as to hearing and examination on all sides 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to a 〈◊〉 thereof or Words 〈◊〉 to that 〈◊〉 The 〈◊〉 of the Lord that subjects and none else was 〈◊〉 all Knees 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 was given and that by 〈◊〉 Rogers to give all men their due 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his consent and free closure with that 〈◊〉 was proposed and then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 John Wilkinson acquiessing in it
they then stood charged with as they have plainly signified both by Word and Writing but since a dissatisfaction remaineth in the minds of several in some because of so proceeding against John Story and John Wilkinson and in others because of their going to offer their Gift abroad whilst unreconciled at home And forasmuch as the Friends formerly concerned against these men upon an Information given them of the said dislike of several Friends about these proceedings 〈◊〉 to a rehearing of the matters which being laid before the general Meeting at London for National Sufferings Assembled in the eighth Month 1675. a deep Concern and godly Care fell upon many Eminent Labourers in the Church of Christ then and there met together and they desired certain approved Brethren to go down and in the Wisdom and Counsel of God to assist the Churches and Brethren there in the rehearing and ending of the matter The Meeting for this purpose was at Lrawell in Sedbergh Parish in Yorkshire upon the 3d. of the 2d Month 1676. and continued until the 7th of the same whither resorted several antient and honourable Brethren not particularly nominated that had nevertheless a Concern in their Consciences a Travel in their Spirits and a Testimony to the antient Unity In which Assembly the Matters in Controversie were read and the Evidences of both Parties called and upon the whole Examination of their Allegations and Evidences we did find and therefore declare both from external Testimonies and our own inward Sence that John Story and John Wilkinson were really Faulty in the most material things exhibited in Charge against them to wit that they have been discouragers of and opposers to the present blessed Order and Practice of the Church of Christ with respect to monthly and quarterly Meetings Womens Meetings especially in the Country recording Condemnations weakening the Hands of Friends in their Testimonies about Tythes and justifying the manner of Friends Meeting about Preston in the time of the late Act And to us it plainly appeared that a wrong dividing Spirit hath entered and the Enemy of the Churches holy Union and Peace hath been at work in them by which they have grieved the Church of God especially in those Parts and encouraged the late Separation made in those Parts from the antient and faithful Friends and Brethren of the monthly and quarterly Meeting which Spirit wherever it appears or hath brancht forth it self in the Name and Power of Almighty God whose Councel was and is with us we do reprove condemn and judg But so it was that after four days deep Travel unwearied Patience tender Bowels of Mercy and a mighty and manifest Operation of the glorious Power of the Lord as in frequent Testimonies against that Spirit of Division and in the Visitation of true and tender Love to them so in many strong Cries and heart-breaking Supplications to the God of our bowed Spirits for a prosperous Issue It pleased the Lord to bow the said John Story and John Wilkinson into some degree of Submission So that at length they produced a Paper containing a Condemnation against themselves and that Spirit And as we do believe and therefore testify that the Door of Gods Mercy is not shut against them so we earnestly desire and are not without some Hope that they may give a more compleat Satisfaction in time as John Story said he would as the Lord should give him a further Understanding that Truth and Friends may be more effectually cleared and that it may be well with them for ever And for as much as the Friends and Brethren of Westmorland who have been concerned against John Story and John Wilkinson did formerly freely offer that if in any thing charged they had mistaken or exceeded they would endeavour to make them such Satisfaction as Truth required We finding two or three Particulars of lesser Moment wherein there appeared some Oversight and Shortness as to orderly Proceeding the two Friends concerned therein did freely acknowledg it according to Truth and more particularly as to that Passage alledged against John Story That Women had nothing to do with the Essential part of the Worship of God because it was charged but by one Witness and 〈◊〉 renounced and the Doctrine imported thereby plainly denyed and judged by John Story as contrary to his Judgment and Principle it 〈◊〉 Tenderness let fall and no further to be insisted upon And whereas it hath been suggested and reported that Margaret Fox was the cause of the Difference in Westmorland it was plainly disproved before us by many Witnesses who affirmed there were Differences about some of the aforementioned Practices of the Church of Christ long before she was concerned And further we hold our selves in Conscience obliged to commend the Care Travel and Zeal of the Friends of these Northern Parts in the Affairs of the Church for settlement of Godly Order We have a real Sence of their Good-will and labouring therein for the Lord his Truth and People And now Friends in Gods Love we desire you to suppress all Papers of Controversie relating to this Difference that the Minds of Friends be not farther troubled nor any defiled nor this Controversie kept any longer alive but that all may sink down into the simple Truth and in that feel the pure and sweet Union which being lived in preserves out of those Doubts Distrusts Jealousies carnal Reasonings and evil Watchings that harm the immortal Soul and in that pure Fellowship all are cheerful tender and open-hearted full of Love and Brotherly-kindness watching over one another for Good in which the Lord God Almighty establish us for ever And we do hereby warn all to have a care that they be not lifted up by reason of the Temptation and Hurt that 's come upon these Men nor yet insult over them for that Spirit is not of God but rather let all watch in the Fear and Dread of Almighty God against that Spirit that they enter not into Temptation Thus Friends have we given you a brief and faithful Narrative of what hath past in these four days of great Exercise in which the Lord gave us blessed Unity in the sensible Enjoyment of that Life which was before the World began pure Praises pure Honour and eternal Glory and Renown be to his own Right noble Arm that never failed his distressed bowed and travelling People through all Generations This we desire may be communicated so far only as the knowledg of this sad Difference hath been spread God Almighty keep us by his heavenly Power always near himself and in Unity one with another Amen says Your faithful loving Brethren Alexander Parker George Whitehead Iohn Whitehead William Gibson Robert Lodge Richard Robinson Peter Hardcastle Iohn Burnyeat Iohn Tiflin Iohn Bowren Richard Watson Thomas Taylor Iohn Banks Iohn Steel Hugh Tickell Thomas Laythes Iames Harrison William Whaley Leonard Fell. Iohn Moore Iohn Abrams Roger Haddock William Penn. And in this was the honest-hearted to God
them upon which proposal a Letter was sent from the Meeting which the Woman belonged to signifyng that he was not clear of her neither did the Woman give him up to marry another Friends also of the Meeting he belonged to gave notice thereof to some of them before whom the Marriage was proposed and desired them to put a stop to it till matters were cleared concerning the other VVoman and that Objection removed and that the VVoman might have right done her which made complaint They were so far from being answerable in Practice to what they presumed to say is their Order that there was no notice taken of it at all with respect to respite after Friends had sent them that notice but within a few days the Marriage was accomplished Let the sober Reader consider whether these doings be Gospel-like and whether such work as this doth bespeak a People faithful to God according to their first love and care for Truth and the sweet Savour of it and whether it bespeak solidity and weight in and about the things of God to make such a noise against Church order which is practised amongst the Faithful and for which cause William Rogers proclaims the Children of God Aposlates to Prosterity in a Printed Publick Record and John Wilkinson signifies no disowning of it and his Abettors in these Parts spreads them abroad and yet confesses to Order declares what Order they have among themselves least they should be rendred Loose and Careless with respect to Truth and yet when their Orders in the practick part of them comes to be search'd into what sorry VVork they make which indeed cannot but in the Eye of the Simple the Honest and VVise in God render them not only Obnoxious to the Order and Discipline in the Power used in the Church of God amongst us but also a sort of People that through their jumbling wrangling VVork they have had in hand have lost not only the Savour of Truth but even a great part of those parts as Men which the Lord endued some of them with and for the clearing up of these matters a little spoken to and several more relating to them and their Practice now a days we refer the Reader to our Answer in Manuscript to the aforesaid Book Subscribed by Edward Burrow Richard Stephenson John Wilkinson and several more The Title of our said Answer is called The Answer to the Remonstrance of them of the Seperation in the North. And further it may be observed That as a People resolved to stand by themselves they continued meeting together now and then as they had occasion and kept their Meeting at an House which Friends of the Quarterly Meeting had withdrawn from a long time before partly on the account of the disorderly walking of him that lived therein And that confidence they had in the matter thereof that they sent to our Quarterly Meeting claming an equal right with us to our Quarterly Meeting Books of account of the Transactings of the Affairs of the Church from time to time together with the Records of our Births Marriages and Burials and by vertue of their pretended Title claimed liberty to an equal use thereof as well as we from time to time as they might have occasion and for that end demanded that the aforesaid Books might be brought to and kept at the House where they kept their Meeting that Friends had withdrawn from long before they parted from us on the occasion of his disorderly walking Yet well enough still for their Fellowship in that Spirit they are gone into Friends gave them a plain and sober Answer in a measure of denial of their Proposal as stated desiring them to condemn the wrong Spirit that had led them away from the Brethren and break off from the Separation and their Meeting in it and in that which was good associate again with Friends from whom they were goue then would the joynt Right and Priviledge therein be enjoyed amongst us But this gave them no Satisfaction but a more peremptory demand they then made signified in a Letter to us Subscribed by John Wilkinson William Cartmell Richard Stephenson William Chambers Thomas Hodson and the rest to the number of Thirteen in which several reproachful Terms given to our Quarterly Meeting is inserted As if the Name of it must be bowed to and on that account seek Preheminence over the Brethren and 〈◊〉 their just right from them c. with much of that Nature and at last comes to an expedient as they call it to avoid greater Inconveniences as they say viz. If we will be pleased to re deliver the Books to John Airey from whence they 〈◊〉 taken c. Note that 's the Man whose House Friends left as to the Meeting and took away the Books also for he was a Man Scandalous to Truth in his Conversation That say they we may have the use of them as well as your selves and for which end they were purchased c. The Reader may take notice that upon the first demand of the Books when we denyed them an equal use of them being the Churches Records which they were gone from we told them if they would not be pleased to condemn their absenting in a tender mind and come again in the true Love if they would be pleased to send us a Bill of what they had laid out on the account of them or what Charge had been contracted on them by reason of any Record therein they should have it returned to them again and if they pleased to have a Copy of any or all the Records therein of Births Marriages and Burials that appertained to any of them they should have a Copy thereof given them but these things would not give them content but the asore-mentioned Paper they sent into our Quarterly Meeting without any Name or Hand to it which we returned again without taking any more notice of it then having such a knowledge thereof as that we perceived it was the same that afterwards they sent to us Subscribed as aforesaid An Answer whereunto we returned to them from our Quarterly Meeting the 〈◊〉 of the 7th Month 1676. and because of the grievous out-cry they made against us of Injustice after a very abusive clamorous manner who are not negligent in spreading abroad Papers of that tendency we think good here to insert some part of our said Answer to their demand about the Books that the Reader may be in a better Capacity to judge of this matter in relation to us We having answered several abusive Speeches and Reflections cast upon our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in their aforesaid Paper of Demand in our Answer we insert their demand 〈◊〉 That Churches Books of Records should remain at the aforesaid John Airey ' s 〈◊〉 from which Friends had withdrawn because of the Scandal he had brought to Truth To which our Answer is thus Whether this be a just demand let the Witness for God and all Faithful
c. at last tell it to the Church This is such a clear Case that even Children in the Truth are not Strangers to it If we have done you Wrong why do you not tell it to the Church according to Christs Rule but exclaims thus and nothing will satisfy you but your own Demands in your own Case c. We tell you for Conscience Sake the Authority of Gods Power and the true Churches Right we cannot do it we cannot give away its Priviledg at the request of a dissenting Spirit This is our Answer and is the second or third time we have told you so if this will not satisfy you tell it to the Church if the Spirit of Jesus be in you and give over this wrangling If the Church judg us in this matter and we hear it not let us bear the Burthen of the Wrong done unto you there you may have Right done unto you This we grant you for your Satisfaction and to remove the Prejudice you have begot in some of the simple-minded against us through your crying Injustice which is very abusive seeing you will not come to Tryal c. And if none of these Proposals will finde an Entrance upon you and work in you Satisfaction then will it be plainly manifest to all that knows these things that you are not onely separated from us in the Exercise of Truth 's publick Concern but also gon from the Nobility of the Power some of you were once honourable in in the Day whereof this detestable Work would have been cause of Lamentation to you and the Advice and Unity of Brethren precious in your Eye which you now detest and for your reflecting Postscript in which you shew a Discontent that we returned to you your unsubscribed Paper You may say we delt sivily with you that did not return it with the Name of idam flet that the Author therof were either ashamed of or timerous to stand by and doth argue a secret Guilt upon the Spirits of such as were principally concerned in it and good Cause had we to desire to know whose they were as thereby manifested to be the great Fomentors of the woful Strife and Division you are entered into and the principal Leaders of the Separation you persist in that such may be marked and taken heed of by the simple amongst you and by all every where that loves Sion s Peace and its Welfare in the Lord whose Blessing will attend such for ever more c. From our quarterly Meeting the sixth of the Eighth Month. Thomas Pearson Thomas Langhorn John Blayklinge Joseph Baines and Thirty more on behalf of the said Meeting It may be observed that the aforesaid Paper being delivered to them they returned no Answer to it to this day neither heard we any more of that 〈◊〉 Work they had before made about the demanding the Books as aforesaid 〈◊〉 for the Reasons we gave them as expressed so that what they do with respect to Business or when they keep their 〈◊〉 we are Strangers to them and with respect to our Meetings we can say of a Truth the Glory of Israel's God is with us and the shout of aking and in Dominion through God's Eternal Power our Life reigns over all dissenting backsliding 〈◊〉 and evil surmising Spirits and the Works thereof and in the Exercise of the Spirit in our men and womens Meetings a Care is amongst us for God's Glory and one anothers Advantage and Comfort to the Joy and rejoycing of our Hearts in the Unity of that Life and Fellowship of that blessed Spirit in which our Hearts are made right glad and have cause to bless the Lord the Days we have to live and now having cleared our Consciences in the Lord's Sight thus far concerning them of the separating wrong Spirit who will not hear and return to God that they may finde Mercy we are in perfect Peace in the Spirit of our Minds And they being gon out from us because they are not of us c. their Contentious troublesom Spirit and their Strife we being quit of the Children of God the Church of the First born injoys their Peace sitting under their Vines and Figtrees in that sweet Repose that does our 〈◊〉 good and with respect to the Churches Concerns and Care in the Exercise and Practice therein we do injoy that inward Satisfaction and that outward Quiet and Peace that we have long waited for Glory to God on high for ever more Several of the Innocent that loves Righteousness and waits for God's Salvation comes off again from that Spirits Work and from touching any more in the Defilements of it acknowledging the Weakness they gave up themselves into in which they became the Churches Grief and in a signal Testimony of their Repentance condemned the Spirit that betrayed them and the Fellowship of the Spirit with God's People are come again to injoy to their unspeakable 〈◊〉 and Joy beyond what can be uttered Our Meetings are become quiet and we are unanimously and 〈◊〉 Sociable in our Work the rending troublesom Spirit being gon out never to return And if any who have been of it should desire to come again it must be through Judgment and the Spirit of burning through which whosoever of them draws near again it will be our Joy and the Answer of our Souls Desires and that 's the Exercise we are now concerned in in relation to them being thus far Clear in the Lord's Sight Little more Occasion on the account of the outward Concerns of the Church of Christ have Friends with them but that as to Meetings on the account of Worship They of the Separation and other Friends continued yet together Friends 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all the Bowels that possiblely could be on the account of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gods People Ministers and Messengers of 〈◊〉 out 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 had it on their Spirits to visit the Church of God in 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Advice to all and in a Reproof upon the Spirit of 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Advice to them in a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the antient 〈◊〉 and the comfortable Society and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 therein 〈◊〉 hearty 〈◊〉 for reuniting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 several wholsome Admonitions Counsel and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by such as came amongst us besides the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 yet 〈◊〉 with us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Parts concerning them Several printed Books came amongst us in relation to the matter occacioning the starting aside in Vindication of 〈◊〉 Care and Government amongst Gods People for the 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉 and tender of them that were led aside particularly Roburt 〈◊〉 Book of Government and Georg Fox's Book in 〈◊〉 to Womens Meetings in order to the 〈◊〉 of their Service in the Church of Christ in the Capacity under which they 〈◊〉 having 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 Spirit in which to be prositable as the Lord should instruct 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of the Gospel of Christ
Simple in many places where reports of this Spirits Work came were filled with various thoughts concerning them with respect to the real state of matters not knowing well how things were in relation to them on which account many might become hurt and darkned in themselves and an occasion thereby given for a Vail to come over under which those Temptations might enter which might produce the hurt of many wherefore in persuance of the many blessed and living Testimonies that arise among Friends in the breaking 〈◊〉 of the Glory of the Lord upon Friends in relation to a Testimony to go 〈◊〉 in the Name of the Eternal God against the ungodly backsliding rending Spirit that had prevailed over many to draw them out of the Fellowship of the Spirit in the Church of Christ into Strife and Contention and into a Separation from the Antient Brethren together with the Abettors every where perticularly against John Wilkinson and John Story as the great Fomenters thereof and the Pillers of the 〈◊〉 Destracted Work that had been occasioned and brought forth amongst the Lords People unto which Friends there present unniamiously agreed together with a joynt consent that this follwing Paper should be given forth and signed to go abroad throughout the Nation as in the Wisdom of God might be seen meet Our dear Friends and Brethren THE Lord who is the Antient of Days the Unchangable and Holy One of Israel that was and is and is to come our Rock and Strength for ever hath graciously brought us together by his own Power and is with us yea and hath covered us with his Love and Spirit and filled our Hearts with his undeclarable Kindness the sence of his Mercies hath exceedingly over come us and the remembrance of his ancient Goodness hath even melted us and semented us together and Blessed and Sweet and very Precious to our Souls is the Heavenly Unity of Life amongst us wherein at this Meeting the Lord our God hath Crowned us with Glory Dominion and Peace Blessed forever be his pure Name Oh how good is it for all to keep in the living sence of God and his Truth where plentious Redemption and Preservation is known where the Murmurer and Repiner c. can never come therefore all that are in the Muttering Dissatisfied and Jealous Nature full of Doubts Reasonings and Objectings goe from the pure Eye and out of Truths Habitation in themselves and so come to suffer Loss Dear Brethren at this time as on the like occasions has been frequent with us the care of the Peace and Welfare of the Churches of Christ came upon us and blessed be the Lord things are generally well and florishing and Truth grows Famous though Sufferings abound in several places yet it is well with Friends and the Lords Power reigns and great hath been the concern of Friends about the Sufferings of our Brethren and other things and blessed Meetings have we had wherein things have been clearly opened sweetly and tenderly treated on and in much Love and Brotherly Kindness concluded for which blessed be the Name of the Lord whose living antient fresh Power and Presence was with us but truly with bowed Spirits and grife of Heart have we perceived the obstinacy and obdurateness of some that have gone into the Self-will and dispising heavenly Dignities and casting tender Love and Intreaties behind their Backs setting up contriving and promoting false and pernitious Jealousies Murmurings and Smitings whereby they are darkned in their Understandings and so have through the Power of the Enemy against the King of Righteousness and his Peace set up a kind of Standerd of Separation from the blessed Fellowship and Communion that the Churches of Christ sweetly possest together to the dishonour of God his Truth and People more especially John Story and John Wilkinson notwithstanding the many Visitations and Admonitions of Love and Life even in deepest Travels and that from time to time and from year to year particularly the Sence and Admonition of the last Yearly Meeting writ in great Love that they might return and be reconsiled before they offered their Gift which they have Rejected And forasmuch as it appears to us that they will not come at us nor near us in the peaceable Truth which we have frequently and truly desired for their good but that they go on in their Opposition and evil Surmisings against the faithful Brethren and practice of the Church of Christ refusing to desolve their separate Company in the North or clear their hands of them by a faithful Testimony against them or so much as blot their Names out of their Paper of Separation and because we are sencible they have made evil use of our Forbearance even to strengthen themselves in their Separation and cover their evil designs the more amongst some simple-hearted Friends preserving therein by Word Writing and Practice we are constrained after this continued Waiting and Exhortation thus slighted by them for the Glory of the Name of the Lord the Sake of the Peace of the Churches of Christ and that we may stand clear in the Power of God of the Blood of all in the great and notable day of account more publickly to reprove them in those things and we do hereby reprove and judg that jelous rending and separating Spirit and them and their separate Company as being in that Spirit of Separation and that by the Power and Spirit of our God and we do warn all to whom this comes to beware of the said John Story and John Wilkinson whose ways at present is not the way of Peace and Christian Concord for if it were they would not offer their Gift till reconciled to their Brethren therefore Brethren every where stand up in the Power and Wisdom of God for the Testimony of Truth against that wrong jealous murmuring and dividing Spirit and when they come warn them in the Name of the Lord to go home and be reconciled to their Brethren and not go thus up and down to offer up their Gift which in their State is not a Peace but a Division Offering contrary to the Precepts of Jesus our Lord of being first reconsiled whatever their pretence be and therein will you acquit your selves in Gods sight and shew true Love and Friendship unto them and those that may be hurt by them which our Souls most earnestly desire yea that it may be truly well with them both here and forever and from the Lord we say had they loved the Prosperity of Sion and the Peace of Jerusalem more than their own Self-will and Separation and had they sought the Unity that is in the Truth and sweet Communion of Brethren which stands in that Love which thinks no Evil and that Wisdom that is gentle and very easie to be intreated by the Brethren sweet and precious had our Fellowship been together at this day and it is our godly Exhortation to you Friends and Brethren of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings that you watch
〈◊〉 thereof For notwithstanding our Friends withdrawing from their Huses aforesaid yet they were so far from hindering or forbiding them to come to their Houses whose Dores are open to all that they had Word several times sent them of Meetings when some of our travelling Friends came amongst us And this is the Work of John Wilkinson and them of that Party with him and on this wise with Witchery have they gon about to further their Design which the Lord will break in pieces It 's already begun let them look about them that they may escape the Wrath and perpetual Reproach that 's coming upon them let the Patient wait but a little and they shall see the end thereof The Relation at large we have by us with many Hands at it ready for a surther Service as Occasion may require however from what hath been said touching this matter it may be easily seen whether John Wilkinson be not a principal Leader in this contending separate Work and what treacherous lying Reports is 〈◊〉 abroad by him and others of that Party to work in the Mindes of People a 〈◊〉 of Friend's Exercise in the Church of Christ according to the Discipline and Order thereof And whether William Rogers in his applauding such so 〈◊〉 and none to exceed them in Doctrine and Life that ever he hear'd of is not very much under a great Mistake let the Reader consider when such Work as this is acted by them However this we can truly say these things have greatly wrought the Churches Peace and Quietness and now we are become very Peaceable in our monthly and quarterly Meetings they of the dividing contentious opposit Spirit having left us and the Power and Glory of God overshadowing our Meetings and those Blessings 〈◊〉 on high we are daily made so to enjoy 〈◊〉 our Labours and Work that a true Delight in God and his pure Truth springs up amongst the Faithful and Amiable and Sweet Our Society is without the least appearance of any Jarr or Division amongst us and our Meetings on the account of the Worship of God Friends are truly comforted in in the sence of a daily Increase in the Power and Dominion of God So that Friends Testimonies for the antient Truth are sweet and easy to many notwithstanding what is suffered therefore and several are added to us from off the barren Mountains and gathered home to the true Sheeperd who leads his Flock into green Pastures by the Pooles of Water to our Hearts Comfort and the Glory of him who is worthy for evermore And this we have to say upon the whole matter in relation to the many grievous and sore Exercises that we meet withal for several Years through the occasion of this dividing separate Spirit which had 〈◊〉 the Churches Sorrow and the Breach of its Peace The Lord hath turned the same to our great advantage many ways as hath been demonstrated and livingly felt to the great Joy and Comfort of our Souls that into an holy retirement of the antient Power by which we were first a People all the Innocent to God are brought that thither all might be scattered that had any depending upon any other thing and the Salvation which God revealed in antient days is become precious indeed and which livingly springs to the establishing of all whose dependency wait on him in those antient Testimonies which the Lord hath called us to bear for his Name-Sake so that Peace is become our Portion and the Blessing of God our great Reward And with respect to any publick appearance of opposition by them of that sort as to concern themselves on that wife in our Exercises for Truth the Glory of God in the Order Discipline used amongst us Friends are become here-a ways in the North much what quit of it for they begun to see it was in vain for them to resist and strive with that which they say was too strong for them and their Spirits fainted through the dread of the Eternal God they were in war with and their Hearts failing them in the day of Battel and having much what now given up the management as was said before of the Work and the Design in hand to them of that party with them in the Southern parts with whom John Story much what did remain some cluttering work William Rogers and some of party with him made in those parts but principly he was the man took the matter into his concern and a deal of stir with writing and such like wrangling work he made in some of Friends Meetings and others sent Papers to London and into the North against the Testimony given at Ellis Hooks's Chamber made mention of before with many scornful Terms and malitious Smitings ready also to be produced and many more such-like with Answers and Rejoynders as occasion was which to speak of and insert at 〈◊〉 is not much upon us as not altogether necessary with respect to our concern for that which hath been already said about matters of that nature may be we judg sufficient in the Eye Heart of the Upright to God to leave William Rogers and them of party with him convicted of the matter alledged in charge against them with respect to manisest Opposition to Church Care amongst Gods People and the Order Government of Jesus Christ instrumentally in the Family he hath made choice of to be Glorified amongst during the Tabernacle which God hath given And this we can say and evidence according to Truth that grievous Work William Rogers and his Abettors made against God's innocent harmless People in the South with bawling cluttering Work such as we have met withal in the North The Relation whereof we shall mostly leave to our Brethren in those Parts as they see an Occasion for it In the mean time this may be noted that when they had done all they could both in North and South to beget a Dis-esteem of Friends Care under the Government of Jesus in the Church and Family of God and thereby thinking to obstruct the Order Rule and Judgment thereof and to leave themselves thereby at Liberty in the Flesh and at ease that the Stroak of Gods Truth should not come upon them which is seen to be that Spirits Design they have been acted by Yet all would not do for they were in War with that which was too strong for 〈◊〉 the Glory of God 〈◊〉 over the Darkness they were strugling in and the Church of Christ continued in its antient Glory and beautified she became in the Hearts of Thousands through the Care and Labour the Travel the many Exercises in all Diligence Meekness and Patience used and born in the Concerns and Work thereof and many became more and more established in the Sence thereof even the more that the wrong Spirit and them of it set themselves against it and Fear and Jealousy of the success of their Work no doubt surprized them because of the 〈◊〉 Glory that attended
the one when the Lords secret Hand smote the Hearts of the other so that to another kinde of working in the fame Spirit they betook themselves as 〈◊〉 shall be made appear But first we defire that on the Consideration of what hath been said at large and yet things but hinted at with respect to the multitude of Exercises that have been met withal in relation to the Sorrows Grievances various Troubles and great Afflictions that hath attended the peaceable People of God these several Years through the Spirit of Opposition 〈◊〉 and Mischief that hath wrought amongst them by a sort that hath been acted thereby having let in an evil Heart of Unbelief in departing from Gods eternal Power and with respect to the Care long-Suffering Forbearance and great Patience that hath been used towards them with Exhortations Cautions Counsel and Advice in the day of their declining Age and with Reproofs of Instruction and the pure Judgment that hath been ministred in unto them with Line upon Line Precept upon Precept here a little and there a little as it was in the Prophets days in the case of the rebellious and backsliding People We say it s our Desire that these things being tenderly weighed in sincerity of Heart amongst all where-ever this may come and Occasion may be given to inspect the same may speak whether William Rogers whom we are 〈◊〉 with have justifiable Cause to render this Family in the Church of God and tenderly bowed down and broken with respect to them of his Party whilst a Door was seen to be set open to them the Apostates from God and such as in whom the Doctrin and Life of Christianity is extent and to publish the same in Print and leave the infamous Badg thereof upon us to Posterity or that the Witness of God in all your Consciences do not testify that he is a man of a corrupt Minde and hath set himself to work Mischief amongst the People he was once in Unity with and to work Destractions amongst them and expose a People more justified in Gods sight and amongst the honest hearted than 〈◊〉 to as much Infamy and Disgrace as he can any way do and to bring an Odium upon their Principle and Practice as much as in him lies and that he appears to be in the Enmity of his Minde against them he hath turned his Back of and the just Principle also in himself that would rejoyce to see Evil of any sort befall them and therefore hath set himself to render them the worst 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 devise we leave it also for them to judge whether the Apostate and turning back from the Doctrine and Life of Christianity be not truly applicable to him and them of that Party with him which in the Sequil of this our Concern we shall further demonstrate as the Lord shall be pleased to give us Leave Now to go on and that which is before us further to do is to manifest What other Course William Rogers hath betaken himself unto in the matter of his proving this People whose Testimony and Practice stands to maintain that 〈◊〉 a Gospel Dispensation through Gods invisible Power Church Order and Government visiblely and instrumentally is justificable and commendable amongst Gods People during their Abode in this World as a visible Family to shew forth Gods Praise The Course he takes to effect this matter if he could is to asperse and caluminate with malitious Accusations with all the Eagerness he can devise and work himself into such as the Lord hath been pleased to make most instrumental in the matter of setling the Churches in the aforesaid Order of the Gospel and Government of Christ Jesus many whom he names not yet palpably known to many of Gods People who they are he smites at and several whom he by Name makes mention of and for the cause of his looking upon them to be such as there are no Hopes of any Recovery for meaning out of the apostate State he declares and publishes in Print they are gone into and particularly George Fox he hath very abusively and not like a Christian or a sober Man inveighed against and cast very odious Aspersions upon him to his 〈◊〉 as he intends thereby and indeed if true did very much leave him under the aforesaid Character that he hath given him and many Thousands more It is our Purpose God willing to insert herein the principal Accusations which in his printed Book he hath published against George Fox and to demonstrate by Answer thereunto to all conscientious sober People the Fallacy thereof together with his ungodly perverting George Fox his honest and Christian Sence and Intents in relation to Matters and Words upon which William Rogers grounds his Accusation which his aforesaid Sence and sineere Intents in any charitable and Christian Construction is naturally deducible from 〈◊〉 Fox's Words and Exercises 〈◊〉 thereunto from which William Rogers having perverted them draws his 〈◊〉 Inference whereupon he often makes an Occasion against him It may be observed also how unbrotherly and unchristianly he hath appeared in the matter of the aforesaid Charging of him contrary to all Gospel-Order for the most part and the rule of all profest Christian Societies yea beyond all Bounds of humane Sobriety and Moderation so that if he could but get any colourable Occasion from whence to ground his open and implicit Reflections and malicious smiting Charges against him that as much as in him lies he may bring a Defamation upon his Christian Repute and also a Blemish upon him as a Man thereby also to invalidate the Esteem that remains in the Hearts and Consciences of many Thousands of Gods faithful People of the Christian Care that lives upon his Heart in an innocent Life in relation to Church Government and Order and Discipline thereof setled amongit Gods People in this Gospel Day It is also with us to manifest what malicious smiting Accusations he hath cast upon several others of our Friends that tenderly and yet in a godly Zeal for God the ancient Truth and Unity for Brethren have stood in the Vindication and in behalf of the Government of Christ Jesus instrumentally and visibly amongst Gods People relating to the Tabernacle in which we have a Day therein to shew forth the Glory and Praise of him that created us against the ungodly Workings of a wrong Spirit in Opposition 〈◊〉 And more particularly have shamefully abused 〈◊〉 of our Brethren in the North on the account thereof In relation to which also through Gods Help we doubt not but give the unprejudiced Reader that Satisfaction by a plain and honest Relation of Matters which he grounds his Accusations upon that an Understanding will be opened in them rightly to judge and testify that there is abundantly more Malice against the Particulars he is set against in his Clamouring Work than any real Matter upon which to ground the base Reflections and abusive Accusations that he hath treated them with which declares
him plainly to be an Enemy to his first Principle and the Lise of Truth and an accuser of the Brethren and given up to make Variance and Dissention in the Family of which he once was One that devises to do Evil and so properly may be termed as the wise Man said a mischievous Person and that to be blessed of God he cannot expect whilst such Works he hath in hands as his corrupt Minde hath led him to all which we having effected as we purpose to do we shall commit it to Christian Sence and righteous Judgment to determine what Cause William 〈◊〉 hath to publish in Print those he hath set himself against Apostates from the Life of God and the Christian Religion or that 〈◊〉 Sentance he hath given against others and committed the same to Record for Ages to come be not justly applicable to himself and them of that Party with him It may be noted that the foregoing Relation concerning the Ex rcises that the Church of Christ hath met withal through the Spirit that hath entered into and principally prevailed upon John Story and John Wilkinson in which they became the great Occasioners of the Opposition made these late Years against the Care and Exercise of the Church of Christ on the account of Church Government and the Order of the Gospel settled through the Spirit of Truth therein as also the tender Endeavours used towards them and the Dealings with them according to Church Power which we have given a short account of in all Sincerity according to the naked Truth was totally finished before John Story' s Death ready for the Press and had been abroad ere that time but for the additional Matter occasioned through William Roger's malicious Smitings and false Accusations cast out against the Servants of Christ Jesus inserted in his Book printed and published to Posterity which it was upon some of us to put an Answer to and hereunto annex it contained in the third part of this our Treatise Several Occasions of Disturbance he gave in the Assemblies and Meetings of Gods People through his preaching amongst them after that he had given up himself to work Mischief in the Church of God and after the Testimony of the Truth was given forth against him and besides several Exercises occasioned by him on that wise in the Southern and Western parts of the Nation which we have omitted to insert here yet the Reader may take notice of one material Exercise Friends had with him and others of party with him in a publick Meeting at Kendall a little before his Death which we think good to give a short Account of together with the manner of his Death to demonstrate That as he had spent the latter end of his Days and Years out of the Unity of Truth and the Fellowship of Brethren in the Spirit of Christ Jesus in the 〈◊〉 he had given himself up unto and had fomented amongst them he had drawn aside after him even so he ended his Days as hereafter may be seen Antichristian Treachery DISCOVERED AND Its Way Block'd up c In a clear Distinction betwixt the Christian Apostolical Spirit and the Spirit of the Antichristian Apostate Being something in Answer to a Book put forth by William Rogers falsly called The Christian Quaker Distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator The Third Part. Shewing that Willim Rogers in a prejudiced malicious Spirit that lusteth to Envy and watcheth for Evil not contented in the work he hath made to asperse and abusively to caluminate the Church of Christ in general with respect to the Government and Order settled therein hath most wickedly slandered George Fox particularly by Name and several others whom by Name he hath also with false Accusations treated on that wise several of which Accusations and high Charges are here inserted and spoken to for the satisfaction of the honest hearted to God where this may come Wherein also we have inserted part of an Answer given forth in Maniscript to William Rogers's Rejoyndere often in his Book made mention of to George Fox's Answer to William Rogers's Paper of smitting Queries and high malicious Charges against George Fox which said Rejoynder he hath put in Print in the 5 th part of his Christian Quaker c. On which occasion the Answer to it given forth two Years ago we have herein also exposed to publick view that the Innocent may take notice and judg as they see meet By John Pearson John Blayking Joseph Bains Robert 〈◊〉 Behold he travelleth with Iniquity and hath conceived Mischief and brought forth Falshood Psal. 7. 14. His Mischief shall return upon his own Head and his Violent Dealing shall come down upon his own Pate Psal. 7. 16. Antichristian Treachery DISCOVERED AND Its Way Block'd up c. VVIlliam Rogers in the Title Page of the Fourth part of his Christian Quaker c. saith wherein a Relation is given of several 〈◊〉 Since George Fox's Wife caused a Paper to be read against John Story in a quarterly Meeting in Westmerland And is chiefly to discover that George Fox hath erroniously concerned himself in the Division amongst the People called Quakers Now we desire that the Reader may take notice that William Rogers designes to give an historical Relation of several Proceedings amongst the People called Quakers relating to the Division 〈◊〉 we say through John Story and them of Party with him as in the Second Part of this Treatise is demonstrated and is chiefly saith he to discover that George Fox has been erroniously concerned therein c. Against whom he inveterately sets himself with all the Aspersions he can devise and in the eagerness of his Spirit therein And that George Fox may appear more 〈◊〉 in the Matter thereof brings a smiting 〈◊〉 also against George Fox's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 causing a Paper to be read against John Story c. In Answer to which we say If William Rogers had intended to have begun his historical Relation of Proceedings relating to Division c. as became a sincere upright and impartial Man void of Prejudice and watching for Evil he should not have begun the same with this Accusation against Margaret Fox as in his Con 〈◊〉 he knows he intends it and as many Passages in his Book doth declare 〈◊〉 he should like a just Man have fully examined the Occasion given by John Story for her so doing and when he had so done if that John Story had been 〈◊〉 so 〈◊〉 to Truth and Gods People that the Proceeding with him after the manner that she with other Friends were concerned were justifiable in the Truth then should he have begun with John Story first and have given a fair and impartial Account of Matters relating to him occasioning the aforesaid Paper to be read against him We take Notice William Rogers only makes mention that the said Paper signifies that John Story had judged the Power of God as it broke forth in Hyms and spiritual Songs as if that only
and what Dishonesty it manifests in him to require George Fox to procure him so many fair Copies of his Rejoynder to go abroad in which he saith he hath detected him of Lies and Forgery c. when he hath not for ought we know sent forth one of the Answers thereunto nor put it in his Book which in Conscience he ought to have done having the Opportunity for it that the Judgment given by the impartial Reader might not be upon the hearing of the one Party which otherwise must of necessity be if any concern himself therewith seeing William Rogers hath printed his Rejoynder and not the Answer to it and where also the Apostacy is entering and upon whom it prevails apace unavoidably A little time with what hath been said will declare a great Clamour hath been made and abominable Abuse put upon George Fox in relation to this Matter and many have taken hold thereof and upbraided him and Truth on that Score and hardens themselves thereby in their prejudiced and surmizing Minds which we should be glad were removed therefore have we been the longer on this Point which the Reader is desired to excuse The next thing we take notice of relating to William Rogers's smiting Accusations against George Fox is out of the 4 th part of his Book called the Christian Quaker c. which he saith in the Title Page thereof is chiefly to discover That George Fox hath been erroniously concerned in the Difference amongst the People called Quakers c. In his 〈◊〉 Part of the Christian Quaker c. pag. 7th I shall now proceed saith he to lay down a few of those things which are in some measure an Evidence to me that my aforesaid Sence is true c. First I take notice of Seven Questions propounded to John Wilkinson by Robert Barrow and others c. Who said they were desired by George Fox so to do In answer whereunto we say That we who were concerned to deliver a tender Paper to John Wilkinson which came from George Fox an antient in the Truth and one whom God according to John Wilkinson's Confession had made an Instrument to publish the Word of 〈◊〉 unto him and many thousands more to the turning of them to God from Sin and the Snares of Death do testify That we had an eternal 〈◊〉 of the Power of the Holy God with us therein in a Testimony also to the same Power which had moved in George Fox as an Elder in the Truth and one whose Care was over the Church concerning him And as a Father would have done to his Child overtaken with Weakness as John Wilkinson of a certain Truth was in relation to his inner Man who in the antient Bowels of Life that was reached unto him therein having heard as the Apostle said of the Divisions occasioned by him and John Story as also of several Words and Passages spoken and done by him relating thereunto desired to be informed whether it was so yea or nay as to those things concerning him that in the tender Care Advice and Councel of a Father he might have been dealt withal We say God was with us of a truth when we were with him on that account which broke many of our Hearts in which we desired that he would be coole and quiet in his Spirit that we might speak of things as became Brethren But instead thereof he obstinately resisted our tender Advice to him and brake forth into a perverse froward Frame of Spirit to our Grief and Sorrow and hardened himself against us and our tender Care concerning him God knows and in a pitious Passion went away from us in a sliting manner with contemptible Words in his Mouth saying He would stand upon his own Leggs and not be beholden to us for our Crutches We are bold to affirm that the Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ was not with him in that Concern but a stubborn Self-Will which he hath given up himself to serve and which grew upon him after that Day to the marring the Image which in measure he once bore And we do testify in the unity of the Power if these were our last Words for which Account must be given That George Fox and we were justified before the Lord and in our own Consciences in the matter thereof and we have our Peace and Reward when John Wilkinson's Obstinacy and Ambition will be his Burthen and Torment in the Day of God And William Rogers's Perversion in a prejudiced Minde of George Fox's sincere Intent and Fatherly Exercise in the matter of those Questions put to him on that wise toucheth him not his Life is over it and William Rogers's Sence touching him and his Judgment upon him and us we tread upon for God never made that Spirit that William Rogers manifestly bears as his Book and Work demonstrates judge over the Heritage of God the Judgment shall return on himself again from the just God which he will one Day finde heavy upon him to bear And all John Wilkinson's shifting evading Answers and William Rogers his paraphrasing thereupon and drawing his 〈◊〉 upon Matters on both sides in that wicked Minde he hath will not 〈◊〉 them in that Day To this Testimony we set our Hands in the Power of that Life that was with us to our Reward and Peace Thomas Lowes Robert Widder John Blaykling Robert Barrow with several more The like clamorous Work William Rogers makes against George Fox for that he desired to be satisfied of several things from John Stories own Mouth that he had heard of him manifestly rendring him in Opposition to the Life of God breaking forth in his People according to the dispensation of his Grace suitable to the State of such as waits upon the Lord whose Care for Truth Gods Glory and the good of his People many Thousands have Experience of in Gods Power and are Witnesses thereunto And we do affirm in the Faith we have in God That if John Story had in a tender broken Frame in subjection to Gods Power in himself given a naked Account of these Matters and things proposed to him and had acknowledged his Weakness wherein he was overcome in the Concern he had appeared in relating thereunto it had been his Gain and his great Advantage in God the Days he had to live for the Visitation of God was upon him that day But instead thereof in a stubborne and perverse Spirit he despised the same and hardness of Heart the more prevailed over him to his great Disgrace as by the Evasions and mental Reserves in his Answers thereunto he hath appeared in he plainly demonstrates to such as were Eye and Ear Witnesses against him to the Truth of those Matters chargeable upon him which he hath made a slighty Denyal of And the more William Rogers appears in his Vindication in relation to those things that many are sufficiently able to detect him of the greater will his Burthen be and in the Account to be given
before the Lord he will be the more unable to appear when all his daubing and slubbering-over 〈◊〉 and covering such guileful Work as John Story and John Wilkinson for several Years were concerned will not be to his Repute amongst the Innocent to God nor hide the Head of an opposite contentious Spirit under which John Story and John Wilkinson were brought in Subjection and notwithstanding the evading deceitful Answers John Story had made to those things queried of him whether they were true concerning him or no several of them 〈◊〉 to matters of Faith which he hath denyed he stands convicted of as 〈◊〉 at large in the Reply in Manuscript to their Answer to the Articles in 〈◊〉 alledged against them which they never yet made Answer unto And 〈◊〉 was also proved at the Meeting at Drawell before many Brethren against 〈◊〉 which Reply is ready by us for the Service that it may be allotted for And further we say we are willing to put it to the Evidence of Gods Witness in all Consciences to declare if these fatherly and brotherly Exercises upon George Fox and others thus concerned on John Story and John Wilkinson their Behalf do declare them Apostates for the Life of God or the Occasioners of the Strise and Division in the North Or that George Fox hath been as William Rogers abusively renders erroniously concerned in the matter thereof And further William Rogers says 〈◊〉 appears that George Fox hath been principally concerned in the aforesaid Difference because in a 〈◊〉 writ by John Blaykling Note That the said Postscript was writ by John Blaykling and annexed to a Reply to a salfe 〈◊〉 smiting Accusation exhibited by William Rogers against George Fox in which he would unjustly have brought John Blaykling as a Witness for him against George Fox which John Blaykling solemnly denying queried of William Rogers if that was the 〈◊〉 they were put to to make good John Wilkinson's lying Prophesy viz. That God would break us because of the Testimony born against their opposite Spirit as to set us at Variance one against another if they could from which Passage in the 〈◊〉 William Rogers saith John 〈◊〉 who appeared in the 44 Articles against John Story and John Wilkinson rechoned George Fox one of those unto whom John Wilkinson's 〈◊〉 reached and therefore by Consequence he argues that George Fox was principally concerned in the Difference To all which we answer thus There hath been an eternal Sence in George Fox John Blaykling and Thousands more of a wrong contentious dividing Spirit entering John Story and John Wilkinson tending to divide and scatter the Lambs of God And that George Fox and many 〈◊〉 have been concerned in Care over and Regard to them In which many Exhortations and Cautions hath been given and laid before them many tender Papers writ to them by George Fox and John Blaykling and others yea Councel from God ministred to them by many dear Brethren whilest the Day of their Visitation continued unto them and the Lord waited to have healed them Many Reproofs have been upon them for their disorderly contentious Work in many Exercises and Concerns relating to them and orderly Dealings have been with them and upon their not hearing the Judgment of the eternal Truth through Gods People placed upon them satisfactory to the Life and eternal Sence of George Fox and of the Church of God every where who have been concerned in the Knowledg and Exercise thereof We 〈◊〉 not ashamed with respect to the tender brotherly Dealings with them as before is 〈◊〉 nor of the Testimony that has been born against them and that stands over the head of the Spirit they have been led and acted by to the Churches Grief and the Breach of its Peace On this wise we have been concerned in relation to this Spirit and its dividing Work and have been unanimously knit together in such our Concern in the Fellowship of Gods Power in which we are one in the Service of Truth for the Churches Peace against every Appearance to the contrary And God hath blessed us therein with an Increase of Life and 〈◊〉 to the establishing the Feet of the Innocent in God in the Mountain of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 House on the top of all the Hills and mountanous Imaginations that 〈◊〉 Rogers hath a spired unto in his ambitious Mind and proud Attempts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 eternal God with the Stone cut out of the Mountain without Hands is 〈◊〉 at and will dash in pieces and be the Confusion of all them who take 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him And the Prophesie vainly and blasphemoufly delivered by John Wilkinson against the Innocent and upright to God will be found true as daily Experience manifests upon themselves whose Breach and downfal perpetually cometh on apace and there is none found able to deliver And as for the Matters in charge against John Story and John Wilkinson alledged in Writing on the 〈◊〉 aforesaid they who were concerned in the Exercise thereof are vindicated by the Witness of the Eternal God in their own Consciences and justified before many Faithful Brethren And the matters thereof was sufficiently proved at Drawel against 〈◊〉 in the order of Truth and presence of the Almighty God whose righteous Judgment accordingly stands upon the Head of them being convicted thereof which shall never fall to the Ground and this 〈◊〉 Work which William Rogers hath made in this matter against George Fox 〈◊〉 him not For God we say again hath not made William Rogers Judg over him And we do affirm That if George Fox be detectable in the matter of the 〈◊〉 which John Story and John Wilkinson have occasioned in the Church of Christ then was the Prophets of the Lord detectable in the matter of Israel's 〈◊〉 from God who were sent early and late in the Lords willingness to heal them to forwarn them of the Evil that would come upon them if they repented not The like Testimony whereof in relation to John Story and John Wilkinson and the backsliding sort George Fox and many more of Gods People and Messengers of Truth in the Dominion of Gods Power have been concerned in in a Warning to them from the Lord by reason whereof God and his People are clear of them Let those of them unto whom God as yet giveth time look to it as they will answer him in the dreadful Day In his Fourth Part page 36. and so on William Rogers surther goes on in the matter of charging George Fox with an erroneous Concern in the Difference amongst the Quakers in the North implying thereby That John Story and John Wilkinson have been falsly reputed the principal Occasioners thereof c. For which cause William Rogers hath inserted a Paper given forth by them and 〈◊〉 he saith at the Meeting at Drawell as their Judgment in relation to the Five Heads that the 44 Articles alledged there against them related to viz. I Their Opposition to Monthly and Quarterly Meetings II. Opposition to Womens Meetings
their Weakness in some Measure c. so that then Why are they not since received into Unity and the 〈◊〉 and Division put an end to In Answer whereunto we say If their Hearts had been upright to God in what they declared and if they had continued in a tender fear and submission and in a disconcern with respect to any discouragement to others in the Exercises accounted needfull in the Churches and if they had broke off the separate Meeting and joyned with the Church of God in their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in the service of Truth as their Words did there import an inclination to do in several of the a foresaid matters as they acknowledged their duty to do it had been well with them and many more at this Day on the account of the Life 〈◊〉 Truth it had been also the 〈◊〉 Joy on their behalf and their Gladness 〈◊〉 the sake of the Churches Peace which would greatly have been gained thereby besides the occasion that hath been given by the contrary to the Enemies of Truth to speak 〈◊〉 of the way thereof But we desire that all may consider either what abominable 〈◊〉 was in the matter of these smooth and glosie Words or else how little notice they took to answer in Practice in what they seemed to affirm For 〈◊〉 hstanding this John Wilkinson encouraged the Separation he being principally concerned amongst them and a Leader thereof 〈◊〉 when in the Country 〈◊〉 the most part amongst them John Wilkinson also denyed to one of us that they had condemned any thing or that they knew of any thing acted or spoken by 〈◊〉 worthy of Condemnation He writ into the South in a contempt of the Travels at Drawell against the 〈◊〉 Concern there He called the Relation a lying Narative as said before and their 〈◊〉 of seeming acknowledgement William Rogers called it but a Rattle to please Children withal They in the North John Wilkinson being one of them became 〈◊〉 Opposite and 〈◊〉 then before they writ a Remonstrance to the Monthly Quarterly and Yearly Meetings in which they Condemned them all to be gone from the Antient Principle and as if themselves alone were 〈◊〉 that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Antient way of Life And therefore say they were they called Separates by them of the Meeting they writ to c. So that we say that with Guile and 〈◊〉 they have carried on the Design contrived amongst them and their Posterity hath been accordingly for their way is blockt up and they can proceed no further the Snare is broken and Deliverance wrought to many innocent Ones that might have been betrayed into the 〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉 and fall on every side and their Calamity hastens on which they will not see nor be able to avoid and what advantage these things afford to William Rogers's Design of proving those two men with them of Party with them the Christian Quakers and all the whole Family besides those scattered ones Apostates from God and such as in whom the Life of Christianity is extinct we desire the Reader to consider and what ground William Rogers hath to render George Fox erroniously concerned in the aforesaid Difference because that in the Word of the Lord God he sent to them to call in their 〈◊〉 wicked Papers of Strife and tending to work the 〈◊〉 they could devise thereby we see not William Rogers in his smiting Work against George Fox in his fourth Part page 27. saith That what ever was pretended to be John Story 's and John Wilkinsons failings yet nothing would give George Fox satisfaction but submission to him and his Orders c. Because saith he in his Letter last mentioned he writes of them and says Had they been right and in the Light and Power of God as at the first they would have come to me when I sent for them To all which we Answer let the Reader consider whether William Rogers doth not befool himself in raking up in an evil mind that watcheth for Evil such a sorry proof as this whereby to render George Fox an Apostate or one erroniously concerned in the aforesaid Difference that would make an Accusation against him on the score of George Fox's desiring to see John Wilkinson and John Story when by reason of the Weakness of Body that he was under for several Weeks together 〈◊〉 able to walk to the Door and therefore sent for them if that by any means he could instrumentally in Gods Hand have perswaded them to 〈◊〉 their striving contentious Work whereby they had occasioned Trouble in the Church of Christ which was his sorrow for its Peace sake and sor the sake of the Innocent Lambs of God that were hurt thereby and whether it did argue a Stout Lordly Spirit in George Fox that would have submission to him as William Rogers renders him to have who innocently and in self-denial came so far under that wrong Sprit as to desire them to come over to him who could not go to them because of his aforesaid Weakness or whether it was not a Lordly Stubborn and Selfwilled Spirit in them who when in good heath and ability of 〈◊〉 would not so much as travel a few Miles to Visit him when also they were tenderly desired that they would do it and without any respect also to that Eternal Power wherein George Fox hath been an Instrument to gather many 〈◊〉 them from the ways of Perdition into the knowledge of the way that Leads to Life and Peace forever to which also John Wilkinson himself as said before did confess and whether William Rogers doth not rake up any thing that he can any way through perverting and deducing falce Inserences to make up some matter against him to smite withal let the unprejudiced observe Further we observe how William Rogers picks something here and there out of the Charges against John Story and John Wilkinson and out of our Reply to their Answer thereunto alledging that there is no matter of evil Fact therein whereby to slander and asperse Robert Barrow and others concerned in the Exercise relating thereunto and by the said aspersions cast on them would maliciously stretch the same to Accusations against George Fox relating to his Charge against him of being one erroneously concerned in the aforesaid Difference Because saith he it s not like that Robert Barrow and them would do any thing on that wise without George Fox ' s consent or to that purpose Answ. We say first If George Fox had been privy to Robert Barrow's and 〈◊〉 aforesaid their Concern and had been an encourager thereof and that to have done so were matter of Evil and Condemnable which we deny and William Rogers hath yet to prove yet were it uncharitable and untruth-like in him to charge George Fox therewith from his own supposition that Robert Barrow and the rest would not be so concerned without his consent Now we say Where is the Life of Christianity Where is the Love that thinks
no Ill Where is the Charity without which all that 's done is accursed before the Lord in this Work of his William Rogers hath clearly manifested himself void thereof and to be one that watcheth for Evil to smite withal and when he wants matter of Fact against him he strikes at brings Accusations upon this Evidence If Reports be true or its likely so But let us see what the matter is on the account of the Charge that Robert Barrow and others have alledged against John Story and John Wilkinson that hath no matter of evil Fact in it and therefore Robert Barrow and others are Condemnable and consequently George Fox as concerned therein as William Rogers upon his unchristian supposition concludes The first Charge William Rogers inserts for that end out of the forty four Articles alledged against them is thus John Story speaking amongst many Friends of the danger of Forms because of the consequences thereof said That amongst the Christians of Old the Differences that did arise were about Froms which William Rogers saith seemeth to have no matter of evil Fact in it Answ. First We say the Words there are not stated as they were given in Evidence nor according to the first Copy but the Words were That great Differences did arise among the Christians about Forms And Secondly We say that although the Words be true in themselves and that they differed about Forms yet they were not seasonably spoken nor from a right Spirit by John Story as the scope of the Words in the Charge and the Reply inserted demonstrates We prove it thus Friends were in the Exercise of Church Care and Gospel Order in the Discipline in the Church of Christ Friends were zealous therein in opposition to a loose Spirit that did not like the Inspection nor Judgment thereof and it was an evil thing in John Story and matter of Fact chargeable upon him to lay stumbling blocks in the way thereof by presenting the danger of Forms and at this season and on such an occasion to tell of evil Consequence to arise out of the Order of the Gospel settled amongst us and on the account of the Government of Christ Jesus instrumentally in the Church for thereby he gratified a wrong Rebellious Mind and Evil Heart of 〈◊〉 against that justifiable Practice of the Faithful and upon which occasion all the loose sort stuck to him and became of Party with them and cryed against George Fox's Orders and against our Meetings as Formal and not Gospel-like c. And we do affirm that the ground of the Apostacy and Difference about Forms amongst the Christians of Old was the departing from the Power and Life of Truth and from their first Love and Care for God in which Church Government and Discipline was settled in Gods Visible Family 〈◊〉 an outward visible appearance as in the Apostles days from which Power and Faith they being departed the Form which the Life brought forth and they had been Blessed in only remained and then they strove about Methods and outward Forms having nothing else left where the Apostate Christians at this day are and are in their lo here 's and lo there 's and this Form and the other Form without the Life and Power where the Forcing and Compulsion stands that is Accursed before the Lord. But to come to the Matter we say because that in the Apostate State there hath been a false Church and a false Government and Rule exercising Lordship over the Conscience which is come up since the Apostles Days Must there therefore in the true Church come up again out of the Wilderness leaning on the Breasts of her Beloved be no visible Government in subjection to the Power and subservient thereunto Must there be no visible Form or outward Exercise relating to it no Order no Rule or Directions received or practiced therein but the tenderly concerned in it must be run upon as Apostates and Innovators and bringers in of a new Form of Government and of Impositions and Dictates of Fallible Men c. Oh abominable Wickedness that tends to Liberty in the Flesh and a leading back again into Death and the paths thereof Was it justifiable in John Story in this day of the true Churches concern on this wise to go creeping up and down from place to place and sometimes more openly buzing into the minds of the weak and carnal sort an opposition thereunto and telling People of the danger of Forms and the consequences of them to draw from subjection to Gods Power and into a contempt of the Church Care in the Gospel Day and Power thereof We say this was John Story' s Work as the scope of those Articles that belong to this Head tends to prove the same against him and if William Rogers had been sincere in the matter of his inserting the aforesaid Articles and the Reply to their Answer he might have manifested the same as clear as the Sun at Noon-Day to which Articles we refer the Reader together with the Reply at large to their Answer thereunto which we have in Manuscript ready to be produced if any do desire a sight thereof Now what Repute doth William Rogers gain to himself in the matter of his charging the Faithful for their Care in the Church of God or what Credit doth he bring to John Story that gives us cause to Publish on this wise his contentious opposite Work against the Life and Practice of the pure Religion which hath been the greatest part of his Concern these many Years or is Robert Barrow and others detectable on the score of the aforesaid Article against John Story or wherein is George Fox detectable of being an Apostate or one 〈◊〉 concerned in the Difference or wherein yet is he manifested to be one that would have all to submit to him as William Rogers maliciously would render him therefore brings up whatever he can get any way to detect him 〈◊〉 through perverting or 〈◊〉 inferring from his sincere and upright Intents Labour and Work in the Church of God let the Reader consider One other thing we take notice William Rogers hath taken out of the Reply to John Story and John Wilkinson their Answer to the Charges against them and in his Book hath Inserted the same to bring an Aspersion upon Robert Barrow and others concerned therein as also upon George Fox in that it relates to him against whom William Rogers principally in this and other things Smites William Rogers says John Story is accounted a man of a dark Spirit and in Confusion 〈◊〉 he did not believe that what was given forth by George Fox was by him intended to be urged with Severity upon any of Gods Faithful People but as Instructions and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to the Churches 〈◊〉 This is a wrong stating of the Matter and thereby made a malicious 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against Robert Barrow and others First we say John Story is not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spirit for his so saying but he is
judged as a malicious perverter of George Fox's sincere Intent in the aforesaid Directions and his drawing his false 〈◊〉 there from tending to make People believe that George Fox's Directions were 〈◊〉 forth with Severity to be urged upon People as he hath often said and as William Rogers hath Suggested and Printed that George Fox's 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 are urged to be Practiced before Conviction and before they 〈◊〉 it their duty to observe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we say William Rogers his Inserting John Story' s Words on that wise as it tends to a malicious Charge against George Fox its false and abusive as we have often 〈◊〉 for George Fox's Testimony for Truth and his Directions in relation to Church 〈◊〉 and Government have ever been commended to the 〈◊〉 leaving the Issue to the Lord alone and to his Faithful Witness in all and the Faithful to God do receive the same with Gladness as that which answers their Consciences with Satisfaction in the performance whereof as they have felt it their Duty they have found the Presence and Blessings of God with them We say again it is the Fruit of a dark Spirit and imports great Confusion as the reply at large manifests to make this jumbling Work about a clear and plain Truth which would darken Knowledg How can George Fox in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus or any other Instrument in the Lords hand be moved to give forth any Directions or Advice to the Church to be observed and put in practice but there is a necessity thereof and so consequently to be practised amongst Gods People in his leading Grace And what is that Severity they are offended with and thus clamour against Is it any thing else but the laying things home upon the Consciences of them who make mention of Gods Name What other Severity have we used or ever appeared in When William Rogers Prints again let him tell us if ever George Fox or any of us were otherwise concerned in the matter of the Directions which John Wilkinson once confessed to but in commending them to the Conscience and to be led in the Practice thereof by Gods leading Grace as their Duty and if any in a wrong fleshly mind resist the same to declare Dis-union with such as not worthy of that Fellowship which the Faithful are in as William Rogers in his Christian Quaker hath confessed may be done Paul charged before God and the Elect Angels to observe the things he had directed to in the Spirit which he knew would attend them who were innocent in the Practice of those things which he was moved to lay before them But let us ask William Rogers or any of Party with him Do they think that George Fox was moved of God to give forth things to be practiced in the Churches in the Spirit of Truth that fleshly minds should be justified in Gods sight in putting a 〈◊〉 thereupon as John Story did as the Fruit of his dark Mind in any smooth ungodly pretence whatsoever And shall any be Blessed in saying That George Fox only recommended these things to our Consciences to be practiced as we saw need and that we see no need of Womens Meetings or of Monthly and Quarterly Meetings so constant as both John Story and John Wilkinson have said And we see no need of keeping our Meetings in our Houses when twenty Pound Fine is imposed on them that do so We see no need of such Inspection or such Strictness with respect to the bringing of Marriages twice to the Meetings unless there be 〈◊〉 apparent Cause Under these pretences hath Disobedience been sheltered and Loosness nursed up and Weakness prevailed in the time of Persecution and on the score of other antient Testimonies sor God And we testifie that the great ground of Dis-satisfaction about Church Care which John Story and others of Party with him wofully fell into and the great cause of all the Contention which hath been made by them spoken of and which William Rogers says George Fox hath been erroneously concerned in and whom he and John Wilkinson would charge to be the occasion of was the Churches practising in the Life of God those things that were commended to the honest Hearted according to the Directions given forth by George Fox and other Brethren on which occasion the Unfaithfulness of many came to be searched into and found out and judged in the power of the pure Truth which they liked not they could easily have born the reading of them and their being commended to Friends Consciences so that the Practice might have been suspended and not come into but room left for their loose Minds and backsliding Work for John Wilkinson said Thas those things which George Fox 〈◊〉 commended to the Churches were necessary and good things But when Friends desired that all might be found in the Practice thereof and accordingly were concerned and their flying in Suffering times and their backfliding from other Testimonies once born for the precious Truth coming to be spoken to that Judgment might be felt thereupon then John Wilkinson struck in with John Story and others of the same Spirit and of the loose sort and hath continued since in the Opposition and Strife which led into the Separation in which they are unto this Day Divers other smiting Reflections against George Fox William Rogers appears in in his tedious Observations on John Story and John Wilkinson their Answers with his deducted Inferences from George Fox's Words and sincere demeanure in the Church of Christ which he would draw his Accusations from which are not worth the Trouble that we might put our selves and the Reader unto if we should take notice of every circumstance thereof the which we intend not in this place seeing the most that he hath said or can say in his own defence and on the behalf of them of party with him is insufficient whereby to acquit him and them of the Charge that we are bold to stand to against them of Opposition and labouring to work strife amongst Gods People which all who have seen his Book and what hath been said in Answer to it and have a true sence of his Spirit and Work may easily see as insufficient also to detect George Fox of being erroneously 〈◊〉 in the aforesaid Difference as he very abusively hath accused him of and Condemns him and others of the Brethren for their appearing in Judgment against the Spirit that John Story and John Wilkinson have been led by William Rogers goes on and Inserts an Epistle of George Fox's occasioned through an Objection he frames up Object Thy whole Discourse seems to carry a kind of an Edge against the Spirit that of late Years had acted through George Fox 〈◊〉 whom its certainly known from his Writings yet extant that he hath thus Advised Take heed of Judging one another and Judge not one another I command 〈◊〉 in the Presence of the Lord neither lay open one anothers Weaknesses behind one 〈◊〉 Backs
he had wrought Dissatisfaction and Strife in the Church of Christ heading and standing by a Contentious Party with him and leading them into a Separation from the ancient Fellowship in the Truth and Services relating to it and an acknowledgment of the wrong which he had done to the Truth and Gods People we expected and the Spirit that led him to it to be Condemned by him this the Lord and the Truth first looked for from him as we told them And also we say William Rogers hath dealt very Disingeniously with us in his Printing thus to our Defamation in that he hath not also Printed the Reasons we gave him and them why we could not take any notice of Advice or Councel from him or of his Expedients for Uniting c. in the Capacity he stood We asked him that brought the Paper into our Quarterly Meeting whether it was directed to the Meeting from John Story or whether it was a Testimony from John Story of Judgment against himself for the abusive Work he had made amongst us of neither of which any account could be given us which if it had we should readily have received and embraced the same but otherwise we could not do it for the order of Truths sake he being a man that had run himself out of the Unity of Brethren and disconcerned himself in the Church Affairs and the Judgment of Truth through the Brethren being gone out against him and he continuing in the Separation and Strife still we say and we appeal to Gods faithful Witness what notice could we take of any Papers from John Story unless it were to acknowledg his runnings out and condemning himself therefore that so he himself might come again into Unity with us which we truly desired and then we should be glad of his Advice and Proposals in the Spirit of Truth for the helping back again of such as he had helpt to lead 〈◊〉 and thus we proposed to him as most proper for his Concern with much more in the Love of God and Sincerity of Soul being desirous with all our Hearts to receive him and them in again at the right Door that so we might have been comforted in our Souls therein which we have at large to shew in the Copy of a Paper sent from our Meeting to him and them as 〈◊〉 in Manuscript for what further occasion may be seen for it After all this nothing could we hear of from John Story or any of that Party of any submission in him to the Order and Judgment of Truth but in obstinacy of 〈◊〉 in Contention and Separation growing worse and worse he continued for all his smooth deceitful Words and Work that we have had too much of to our Grief Notwithstanding a Meeting was appointed amongst us in relation to the tender hearted amongst them of the Separation in whom the Witness and Life of God was not yet Slain to be at the House of Thomas Camm desiring and word sent them accordingly that all those who had any sence of their Weakness on the account of the asoresaid Division and Separation and were willing to ackowledg the same might come unto it and giving the Brethren that satisfaction as the Truth did expect we should be glad thereof and receive them in amongst us with Joy and if they pleased to bring John Story' s Paper thither for their satisfaction probably we should be willing to have it read but none of the Stout or Stuborn of them came nor any such Paper heard we of however God was with us and our Labour was not in Vain in the Lord for several of the Upright amongst them who loved Righteousness in Heart and Soul came to see from whence they were fallen and returned to their first Love and have done their first Works and the Lord hath Healed them to their Hearts Comfort and the Churches Joy giving God the Praise who is worthy Here follows a Paper given forth by them that came off from them of the Separation To the faithful Flock of God the Children of Light every where the dear and tender Salutation of your Friends whose Names are here unto Subscribed your little Brethren through the Redeeming Hand of the Lord most dearly reacheth you SIgnifying that we are given to understand that there are Copies of a Paper formerly subscribed by many professing the Truth in this our County of Westmerland 〈◊〉 and spread up and down the South and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 England and what farther we know not directly opposire to the Exercise of the Church of God in its tender Care in these Parts upon which said Paper was grounded the unchristian and disorderly 〈◊〉 from the ancient 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Exercise and Service of Truth faithfully continued amongst them to Truth 's great Blemish principally occasioned by John Story and John Wilkinson and some other chief Abetters thereof and Pertakers with them And whereas we also understand that all the Names which at the first were inserted in the said Paper of Subscription do continue thereat as if no Testimonies had been given against the same by any of the said Subscribers that thereby the Leaders in that said Work of Separation and Strife might hold their Interest in the Minds of such as are led away by the same Spirit to persecute the design and Work thereof And in as much as our Names were once put to the said Paper and thereby were Encouragers of them that were the Fomenters and Upholders of that Spirits Work which we now see would have laid waste the Heritage of God if it could have prevailed we are heartily sorry that ever we should be any encouragement thereof or that ever our Names should be put thereunto And as formerly several of us have given forth Papers to the same effect to follow the said subscribed Paper we do now from the bottom of our Hearts and with one Heart and Soul condemn that Spirit that led us thereunto which was the very same Spirit that led some of us to leave our Houses in the Worship of God in the time of Persecution and to meet together in private hidden Places to our shame which thing also we do really judge together with a Paper given 〈◊〉 in vindication thereof and the aforesaid Paper of Subscription against the Brethren of the Monthly and Quarterly Meeting and Exercise thereof we do bear our Testimony against as Inconsistant with the Honour of the Naked Truth and Order of the Gospel in the Power of God and the Unity of dear Brethren having a true sence of what evil report it hath been and what hurt we our selves incurred thereby together with many simple Ones who were offended and 〈◊〉 by it and what Exercise Gods faithful People have met withal by reason thereof and we desire that our Names may be rased out of the said Paper where-ever it may be met withal and that where this our Paper and Testimony may come Copies of it may be sent abroad where any occasion
may be seen for it amongst such as may feed themselves in the wrong Spirit by the said Subscription and we desire our good Friends to take occasion to read the same to such as opportunity serves as also amongst the more simple minded that have been any way hurt thereby that the ancient Truth and sweet Society in the Gospel of Peace all who have ever known the same may be restored into again and blessedly kept therein to the Honour of God's Name and the Delight of Him who hath Loved us which to the breaking of our Hearts in the sence of Gods free Love we can say in the humility of our Souls the Lord hath given us the enjoyment of beyond what we can declare and in the Testimony of the Spirit we do really say that next unto our sweet and comfortable Peace with God which is blessedly renewed in our happy return unto him and hath rested with us since that day that the holy Fellowship and Unity of Spirit with our dear Brethren in the Life and Service of Truth which God hath given us again to pertake of is that which we highly Prize and do desire to Live in whilst we have a Beeing Subscribed by sincerity of souls and in true fear by William Ellery Richard Tompson Thomas Moore Richard Cadeson Simon Tompsou Charles Story Myles Bateman Thomas Pearsou Richard Atkinson Thomas Scaeife ' Authur Barrow Edward Sutton John Prestson Henry Skyring Edward Cragge We desire also that it may be further taken notice of that many more who were not concerned in puting their Hands to the said Paper that did adhere to them of the same Spirit in the hour of Temptation are clearly come off from them in their Hearts and Souls to their own great Satisfaction and Friends Refreshment as several of our Families and others for which thing we our selves have cause to Magnifie the Lord while we have a Beeing And also some there are who have declared that though their Hands were put to the said Paper yet they knew nothing of it neither had they ever seen or heard of the said Paper till long afterwards Here follows divers particular Heads taken out of the aforesaid Paper of Subscription and Ground of Separation And whereas it is said in the aforesaid Paper of Subsciption thus we whose Names are hereunto Subscribed do declare our utter dislike of the Late Proceedings in the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings c. And for that reason we met together to consider what was to be done in that Case c. And for the time to come do resolve that neither they so appointed by us nor we do trouble our selves any further c. And if things must continue thus we hope to do our Business our selves in our Respective Meetings c. We desire that all may take notice that as upon this Resolve inserted in the said Paper the Separation begun it may be seen what Dissimulation and Guile was in the Foundation of this ungodly Design thus to belie their own Consciences in saying That they whose names were underwritten met together on that Occasion or resolved together on that Wise as is therein expressed For we who have hereafter put to our Names do declare that although our Names were in the said subscription yet we never were at any such Meeting nor knew any thing of it as is made mention of in the said Paper neither were any of us ever acquainted with any such Meeting nor had we the opportunity to consider or discourse of matters of that Nature with them but were unadvisedly Surprized with it as the principal Actors therein met with us here and there on the high way or when we were upon some outward Business or coming from a Meeting c. and by their Subtil Allegations and pretences perswaded us to put our Hands to it William Ellery Richard Candeson Myles Bateman Thomas Scaife Authur Barrow John Preston Simon Thompson Edward Cragge Thomas Preston Henry Skyring Richard Sleddale The particular account of the manner of the 〈◊〉 Friends Subscribings was annexed to this Paper when first given forth in Manuscript which for Brevity sake we have forborn to insert here William Rogers in his Book also makes mention of a Letter from John Wilkinson to George Fox with George Fox's Answer to it upon which 〈◊〉 he hath abusively 〈◊〉 which we take no notice of as not worth regarding not questioning but that George Fox's aforesaid sincere and tender Letter unto John Wilkinson will have an Influence upon the Consciences of all the upright and tender Hearted to God where it may come with a Judgment also upon William Rogers his wicked and surmizing Spirit as his pervertions false Inferences and hellish Jealousies therein plainly observable fully demonstrate unto which we can freely refer the honest Reader for his Satisfaction William Rogers also Inserts in his Book two Letters of his own to George Fox and sayes George Fox would not Answer them and a great clamour he and those of party with him makes about that Matter We hope the honest Hearted Reader will excuse this if he doth but consider what care had been used concerning W. Rogers John Wilkinson and John Story and them of party with them from time to time as in this Treatise is declared what abuse William Rogers put upon the Brethrens Care and bowed Exercise in the North concerning them What a Seorn he put upon the Labours and Travels of Friends at Draw-well rendring them though the Antient and grown in the 〈◊〉 Truth like Children pleased with a Rattle that John Story and John Wilkinson with his assistance had given them and an abusive Narrative of the Transacting of the Affairs there himself gave out John Wilkinson if not he also calling the Relation given by all the 〈◊〉 Friends there a Lying Narrative his abusing the Brethren at London and others for their Exercise there in Relation to them and their separate 〈◊〉 with Bowels of Love and Life extended towards them manifested in a tender Epistle of Caution and Advice to them Yea if the honest Hearted do but take notice as is inserted in this Treatise how the Life of God in all the Churches throughout the whole Nation had a Testimony in Life and Practice against their opposite contentious work of Strife and 〈◊〉 and never a Church to stand by them as they have been often required to bring forth one of all the Monthly or Quarterly Meetings throughout the World that would own them considering also how the Testimony and Judgment of the eternal Truth was gone out against them through many Brethren Subscribed at Ellis Hooks ' his Chamber in London which William Rogers clamours against and would tread upon And minding also that they were cast out of the Fellowship of Brethren for their Works sake We can appeal to that in the Consciences of all sober People what Cause had George Fox or what necessity was there for the Brethren to take notice any more of the
Observations on the Queries a false Assertion and thereby to make him a Lyer Thirteen times over he says He did not intend the Queries to be Charges The most of what we can reasonably say on his behalf touching this matter is that peradventure he did not think so plainly to have declared them Charges least he should fail in the proof thereof it being a desparate adventure but that the tendency thereof was high Charges and that after a very absurd and unbrotherly manner it s very plain and safe to assert and the Words themselves demonstrates the same so that he might see if he were not wilfully Blind that his Tongue and Pen bewrayes him William Rogers in his fourth Query implicitly chargeth George Fox That he appears in his Epistle which he calls reflecting Queries to be a Man with two Faces Now we desire that William Rogers and them of Party with him may examine whether he be not the Man that hath appeared with two Faces in so highly now applauding John Story as not one equal to him in Doctrine and Conversation excepting John Wilkinson that ever he heard of and in espousing his Quarrel in opposition to Church Care and leading a separate Party in that Design and let his Conscience speak whether or no he hath thus vehemently stood by him therein from any real sence of John Stories Uprightness to God in this his undertaking or from any liking of or unity with his Preaching and let him be asked whether he did not reckon it once to be an empty burdensome dead thing like the Priests Doctrine and whether he said not that he would Preach them all to Death or the like If he remember not this or would make a forget of it we can help his Memory therein and so with respect to his praising of John Story now and standing by him on this wise we would have him consider whether he hath not been a double minded Man and that his undertaking in this Contentious Design against the Churches Care and Peace thereof hath not really been to gratifie a fleshly declining Spirit in himself from Truths Life in which also he 〈◊〉 his Contempt and Dis-esteem of yea his Malice and Enmity against George Fox who hath kept his first Love and Care for Gods Glory whose Person William Rogers runs upon and his Repute too both as a Man and Christian with lying Charges and false Accusations as all or most of the Apostates from Truth have done ever since we have been a People and if William Rogers would but consider the woful end of the most of such he might have great cause thereby to Fear and Repent that he might find Mercy and not perish for evermore We further take notice that George Fox blaming William Rogers for causing so many Smiting Queries and false Accusations to be read against him in a publick Mens-Meeting behind his back when he was nigh Two Hundred Miles off as unbeseeming Truth George Fox knowing of no such thing intended against him seeing also they of Party with him would not allow Thomas Camm to read a Paper concerning John Wilkinson relating to prove him to his Face an encourager of Loose and Wicked Persons c. In a Meeting appointed for that end and John Wilkinson there present To which William Rogers saith This if far remote from his purpose c. The Reader may consider how foolish William Rogers renders himself besides very Partial and Dishonest in this matter Will he justifie his causing to be read such malicious Charges against George Fox behind his Back in the Mens-Meeting where not a Man present would say he owned the reading of it George Fox not being there to make his Defence neither knowing any thing of the matter intended against him for the space of three Weeks time after by any Account from him or from any other by his Order and yet will seem to stand by those that would not allow Thomas Camm to read a Paper relating to make good somthing against John Wilkinson in a Meeting appointed for that very end and John Wilkinson there present We say that the remoteness that is in these Cases which is not a little tendeth to William Rogers his great shame with respect to the matter he hath had in hand Again William Rogers being told by George Fox of his unchristian and disorderly dealing with him about the Matter of causing those smiting Queries to be read against him c. Bray Doiley also speaking with William Rogers about the same disorderly Work William Rogers told Bray Doyley That he had sent them to George Fox three Weeks before they were read in the aforesaid Meeting And yet William Rogers denies this and sayes It s probable he might say it was writ three Weeks before c. In Answer we say It may be noted First William Rogers denies not but that it was read in the Mens-Meeting after the manner aforesaid which is base and unchristian doings And Secondly That it was read long before it came to George Fox's Hands its clear William Rogers's Letter to George Fox being a cover to the aforesaid Paper of Queries bearing Date Bristol the very same day that the Smiting Reflections and Falsly accusing Paper were read against him in the Meeting at Bristol Thirdly It may be noted what an Abominable Lye William Rogers asserts in denying that he said that he had sent the Paper of Queries to George Fox three Weeks before for Bray 〈◊〉 as by his Letter appears doth not only assert the Truth of William Rogers's saying so to him but Richard Snead writing to George Fox about the reading of that Paper in their Meeting against him saith thus I forbear to send thee a Coppy of it for William Rogers told Bray Doyley the next day after it was read that he had seni thee a Coppy of it three Weeks before Charles 〈◊〉 Junior also in a Letter to George Fox signifies thus The Coppy of the Letter read in the Mens-Meetings I had sent thee but that William Rogers told me Yesterday that he had sent thee a Coppy of it three Week before Now if this be not treacherous dissmbleing Work the Just God and the Upright may judg and what will be the end of this Lying Spirits Work a little time will more manifest He saith It s a lye to say that he said he had sent it three Weeks before it was read c. When there are Two or Three antient Upright Men in Truth Men of known credit and repute to restifie the same against him the Letter that came with the Paper inclosed in it bears date the 21st of the 8th Month 1678. And Charles Jones's Letter beareth date the 23th of the 8th Month 1678. And the day before was the day when William Rogers said to him and also to Bray Doyley that he had sent the Paper three Weeks before Such a Spirit as this God cannot bless neither can it ever do any good for God his Truth or People
these Words But did I say 〈◊〉 else but Whisht Whisht I 〈◊〉 desire the Reader saith William Rogers to compare this with his fore-recited 〈◊〉 viz I 〈◊〉 them all to be false and malicious Charges and then consider whether he hath not belyed his Conscience at a large rate Answer We say the Reader may take notice that it appears that that which is in the Mans Heart is not only to charge and 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 upon George Fox to the staining of his Esteem and Christian 〈◊〉 with what he hath raked up for the space of about Twenty Years but to make him a lyer in the sight of all which indeed is a disgraceful thing is that which any way to do he bends himself and touching this matter wherein he thinks he hath him fast to detect him therein he determines the matter 〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉 viz. Whether he hath not 〈◊〉 his Conscience at a large rate seeing he first said That they were all false and malicious Charges and yet saith William Rogers he in part confessed this in that he said Did I say nothing else and let it be noted also with respect to William Rogers's deceitful Work as also to demonstrate that George Fox stands 〈◊〉 in this matter of any Lye that William Rogers in the recital of the Query hath left out that part of it that relates to a positive charge and therefore George Fox no Lyer in Asserting the same viz. William Rogers speaking of some that had made over their Estates as he hath done c. Although saith he 〈◊〉 hast been a 〈◊〉 Now we say what a Face hath William Rogers to charge George Fox with a Lye for calling it a false malicious charge seeing he hath brought forth nothing in his Rejoynder whereby to prove the same but that George Fox should say Whisht Whisht And did I say nothing else Oh! its sad to think what Wickedness the Man is given up to and what scraffling he makes to his shame to make the Innocent guilty if any way he could But what can be gathered that William Rogers would infer from George Fox's Words Whisht Whisht upon the hearing of the matter which William Rogers grounds his smiting Query upon First Doth he think that George Fox's Words Whisht Whisht tended to justifie his making over his visible Estate to his Servants to avoid Sufferings thereby being a Man of a great Estate as he renders himself Secondly or doth he think that George Fox would judge him to be a fit Man to judge in the Meeting about the affairs of the Church with such a Spirit that had laid such an example before Friends to let in weakness amongst them destructive to Truths Life and the Glory of it We say surely neither of these things could be the tendency of the aforesaid Words But according to what William Rogers consesseth George Fox saith in his Reply Did I say nothing else George Fox asked the Man that gave that publick reproof to William Rogers whether he had given him Gospel order Had he dealt with him in private concerning it before the brought it so publickly against him and until that had been done George Fox was the less mindful to make a publick examination of it or debate about it Or Thirdly Dare William Rogers in his Conscience now say when he considers well as he seems to Suggest in his Rejoynder That George Fox was not mindful to or durst not discourse him about that matter because he then put a stop to any publick debate about it we hope William Rogers will not have that Impudence as to make that conclusion about George Fox's tenderness in that matter for William Rogers we suppose cannot forget that George Fox as we also are insormed discoursed him privately about it Much more tender discourse as we understand William Rogers may Remember passed in the said Meeting to keep all cool out of extreams with an Eye to Gospel Order that in all things we may be Decent Comely and of good Report one unto another in the Church of Christ as becomes the Gospel Day Which may be seen by George Fox's tender Answer by way of Reply to William Rogers's simiting Queries which William Rogers consutes not but it stands clear in Evidence against him to his shame as a palpable down-right Accusation and false malicious Charge and William Rogers's concern therein nauseous to Men of sober Spirits and the Lye also that he would charge George Fox with he himself evidently stands detected of The sixth Query the Substance whereof is this viz. Whether thou hast not contrary to thine own Conscience and thy former Counsel written thy Paper of 〈◊〉 meaning George Fox's Epistle before mentioned to gratifie that envious Spirit that exclaims against me for securing part of my Estate c And whether thou hast not 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 behind my Back c And was afraid or 〈◊〉 to speak it to my Face c to 〈◊〉 detected for appearing with two Faces c Answ. This is a smiting Charge and matter of evil Fact if it were proved against him and is denied by George Fox in his Reply and expected to be made 〈◊〉 against him but William Rogers seeing himself not able to effect that passeth by it without any more ado however it serves to leave him detected of shrinking in his Testimony in suffering times as also to demonstrate that George Fox's Epistle 〈◊〉 to Exhortation or Reproof in such cases reached his Conscience and he became touched with it It had been well if in Moderation and Coolness he had laid the same to Heart then would it have done him Good but instead thereof Grief hath risen and in the Anguish of his Mind he hath quenched the good and brought forth all this bad Stuff William Rogers's silence also in the matter of his proof demonstrateth the Bitterness and Venom of his Spirit to be such that in the malide thereof he hath engaged himself at such an extravigant rate as that he is not able to quit the concern in any Christian Repute have gone far beyond the bounds thereof to his shame amongst Men and to the endangering his total Ruin and the Destruction of his Soul forever if with speed he Repent not it were well if he could yet find any place for it The seventh Query Whether it be not better to secure a Mans outward Substance to pay his Debts and maintain his Family when he is capable so to do and keep steadfast in his Testimony in Meetings then when Persecutors come to shift out of the Meeting as thou hast done Answ. This open Charge published in Print to Posterity George Fox denies and no proof William Rogers yet makes thereof and so it lies at his own Door the Fruit of his malicious Spirit and if it could be made good against him which when William Rogers hath said all he can we believe he is not able to do it would not extenuate his own offence to Truth nor answer the wrong he hath done
Land which was given to John Story by one who laid down his Body in the time of his long Suffering by Imprisonment and otherwise for his Testimony against Tythes when it came to be 〈◊〉 to farm by John Story there was some scruple made by the Leasor about the Tythes and John Story told him That his Mother would pay the Tythes unto whom John Story never gave it that we have heard of And a principal Stickler amongst them of the Separation who had a concern upon him because of a Life Estate that was in it before it was to come to John Story payed the Tythes himself for that Land and so the Old Man's Testimony who laid down his Life in it was for that Estate let fall Iseither of them deny that which concerns them in this matter John Story may know it will be proved against them and whether this Work be to be compared with what George Fox did about giving away that Estate to his Kindred which fell to him and as we are given fully to understand was Tythe free we leave it to the unprejudiced Reader to Consider And as to William Rogers's Accusation against George Fox of having twelve or thirteen hundred pound with the encrease thereof well secured from the Spoylers as he saith if any be he hath let him bring his proof let him name the Persons in whose Hands the aforesaid Money well secured is at Interest and tell us where they dwell let him not shuffle with his off's and on 's but tell us the names of such as will make this out against him seeing he hath published such base Reflections in Print to Posterity or bring Certificates under the Hands of such as will take it upon them so to do untill which time it shall stand in our Eye as we believe it will do with Thousands as a false malicious smiting charge all his cluttering Discourse on this wise falling to the Ground as a Nauseous thing not worth regarding William Rogers also reflects upon George Fox for sleighting his Relations accusing him for not taking care of his poor Relations as scornfully he calls them That so their outward Man saith he might be more refreshed and comforted with necessary Food Raiment and Living then of late Years they have been In Answer we ask William Rogers whether ever he saw his Parents and outward Relations and went to visit them and if not let him bring forth his Informers that have given him such an account and let him know that George Fox hath been tender over his Relations and they have still something in their Hands that was his that they would if he pleased let him have which he doth not concern himself with but lets them have it and all these base 〈◊〉 George Fox is 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 Power they touch him not but are accounted his Riches for Christs 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 he hath born for him and abides Faithful in 〈◊〉 all the 〈◊〉 William 〈◊〉 would cast upon him which will be his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a day when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and Howling will come upon him for all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 closing up his Query thus Whether thou art the Man meaning George 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 art 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 viz. as in the smiting Query he renders him spoken to by us yet brings in no proof for any part thereof as relating to Fact 〈◊〉 in George 〈◊〉 which he ought to have done by two or three Witnesses to each charge Then In his Eleaventh Query one of his thirteenth he says thus viz. Whether a Man under the said Qualifications and Circumstances be 〈◊〉 to Admonish a company of Innocent harmless Friends that may have three or four Cows apiece c. not to secure them or can such a one Answer the Witness of God in the Consciences of such to whom he is so known especially he says when no better course is taken by the Admonisher for the Relief of such when their all is gone But Never heed the fleece will grow again do not 〈◊〉 spread abroad your Sufferings before the Judges c. Answer We desire it may be observed whether here be not a grievous and 〈◊〉 Accusation and high Charge against George Fox although he calls George Fox a 〈◊〉 because he Accounts it so and if he had made good his former Charge which he hath not done in any measure it might indeed have been Judged evil Fact in him more especially if William Rogers do prove what he says concerning him in the latter part of the other Query As to the first part of this we say William Rogers hath not proved the matters of Charge against George Fox alledged in the preceeding Query and therefore that which he asserts concerning him being 〈◊〉 being no way-proved it falls to the Ground and this his conclusion therefore falls with it for if George Fox be not the Man so qualified nor under the same Circumstances the smiting Query relates to then by William Rogers own Confession he may be a Man not unfit to admonish others and may Answer the Witness in the Consciences of all those who knows him to be no such a one And as to the latter part of the Query viz. that takes no more care for such as are in necessity upon Sufferings Account or whose all may be gone for the Testimony of Truth but only a bare saying as William Rogers implys Never heed the fleece will grow again Spread your Sufferings before the Judges and the like To this we say This is a malicious scornful charge indeed against George Fox being the Man that in his Conscience he knows he points at all along in his Discourse and mostly Smites at by Name It is also false and Scandalous to our holy Profession and Christian care in the Church of God as Hundreds will testifie to his shame having a real knowledg that George Fox is given up to serve the Lord his Truth and the meanest of his People and that it hath been his particular concern to take what possible care he could for the helping of poor Friends Suffering for the Testimony of Truth and that he himself doth frequently Administer unto such out of those outward things God hath given him many have been 〈◊〉 Witnesses thereof and do bear Record against these false Accusations that William Rogers through his smiting Query doth charge him with neither hath William Rogers in his Rejoynder brought any proof of this charge against him but lets it alone as if it had been none of his which is an absurd naughty thing very nauseous to give him his own Words to men of Honesty but peradventure he 'l fly to his Poor shift viz He charged not he only asketh the Question which makes his Work the more ridiculous and absurd The twelsth Query which William Rogers seems to concern himself with as to prove the matter of charge therein contained against George Fox is thus viz. Whether Sufferings for the Testimonys of such false Prophets as
intended that the said Meeting should have continued longer for being spoken in the plural Number it must not relate to that particular Meeting at that time but to Friends Meetings more generally and many Hnndreds we believe will testifie that George Fox hath said on that wise at the breaking up of many Meetings when no Persecution hath attended them in an Exhortation that many have been comforted in and much more occasion might he then have for such an Advise as is frequent with him to give because that Persecution in those days attended Friends Meetings and surely if this Man had been of a right Spirit and single to God and had had regard to Truth and the Repute of the Church of Christ he would not have aggravated the force of his Evidence against an Elder and an arraigned innocent Person through William Rogers's wicked murtherous Spirit with what Circumstances relating to Charge he could any way do it let him beware least the Lord lay that to his Charge that he will be much less able to acquit himself of then he whom William Rogers and he too have set themselves against Here follows another Certificate to prove William Rogers's malicious Charge against George Fox I Do remember on this occasion that George Fox did depart out of the Meeting aforesaid before the Meeting broke up or Friends departed and at that time Friends were attended with Persecution and as he was departing he said to Friends to this effect Keep your Meetings and I do believe his so departing was to save himself from being taken by the Persecutors 〈◊〉 Day To this we say It s observable that this Evidence is no proof answerable to William Rogers's Charge and doth bespeak abundantly more Prejudice and Malice then any Christian Love or Charity and doth produce no repute to the Author thereof amongst Gods faithful People or amongst sober Men and 〈◊〉 is no Evidence at all to the matter in Charge for he saith not a word of any Persecutors coming up the Stairs whilst George Fox was speaking or of George Fox's leaving of speaking on a sudden and hastening away c. But it is matter of Charge from himself grounded upon his own belief like William Rogers's Evidence viz. If Reports be ture or I firmly believe or It s probable so And as to George Fox's saying Friends keep your Meetings that 's Answered before in the Answer to the other Certificate satisfactorily to such as are of an honest Mind and William Rogers as to proof to his Charge against the Innocent is yet in the foyl and makes his Works and theirs also of Party with him ridiculous in the Eyes of the wise in Heart who cannot but be ashamed of him and his Work too Here is yet one more that appears to his shame in abetting William Rogers in his malicious detestable Work his Words are as followeth I Do on the occasion aforesaid declare that I remember that George Fox did depart out of the Meeting aforementioned a considerable time before the Meeting broke up and at that time Friends were attended with Persecution I do also remember that mine Vnele Dennis Hollister did acquaint me that George Fox did advise him to absent himself from Meetings in the time of Persecution Samuel Hollister Answer This Evidence also is short like the rest and is not answerable to the Charge no mention being made of any Persecutors coming up the Stairs whilst George Fox was speaking or that he left speaking on a sudden and hastened down c. and manifests William Rogers's Charges suspicious if not altogether false which however afterwards we doubt not but to do Who said That the Officers came up one paire of Stairs whilst George Fox was speaking and that George Fox on a sudden left off speaking and hastened down another pair of Stairs c. which manifests either dimness of sight in William Rogers or that his prejudice and jumbling restless Work he hath made in the Envy that lodgeth in him hath infatuated his Understanding and Memory that he forgets himself or otherwise we may conclude that his Wickedness is such that he often matters not what he saith to the running down of such as he sets himself against the Lord doth take notice of these things And it is not proper discreet nor evidential for Samuel Hollister to bring up the Words of his deceased Uncle to make an Accusation thereof against the Innocent who was a Man of that Gravity Wisdom and tenderness of Spirit as some of us can testifie that we believe that he would have abhorred to have appeared on this wise against an Elder but have given him more Gospel Order if true then either William Rogers or he hath done Did Samuel Holister ever acquaint George Fox with what he hard his Uncle say touching this matter that he has brought in Charge against him and put it into the Hands of an open Enemy to Truth and George Fox's Foe to be put in Print on Record to Posterity against him Where is the Christian Dealing and Gospel Order which William Rogers hath blamed others for being deficient in on John Stories and John Wilkinsons account Who in order to get a Judgment against them saith he 〈◊〉 forth Charges behind their Backs that Judgment might be brought forth against them unhard VVe can tell William Rogers that his and his Certificers Case is far remote from that in relation to us whom he hath placed a Judgment upon in Print to Posterity on the account of our dealings with John Story and John Wilkinson as hath been evidently manifested in 〈◊〉 Treatise already for we say John Wilkinson and John Story were acquainted with proceedings intended concerning them by the Advice and Order of the Quarterly Meeting in persuance also of Advice from Grave and Ancient Friends from London a Meeting was appointed that they might be heard and they had liberty granted to make their Defence and to make their Objections against the Witnesses if they pleased and that all things might be examined Face to Face betwixt them and those appearing on the Truth and on the Churches behalf against them which they were acquainted with yet they contemptuously refused to appear in the ambition of their Hearts and shut themselves from the priviledge of being heard and justly therefore exposed themselves to the sentence of Truth through Gods People against them Let these Certificers and Accusers also be asked whether ever they acquainted George Fox with what they intended to do in relation to Charge and Evidence touching this matter Did they give the priviledge of a Friend and Brother in Truth according to Gospel Order Did they give him liberty to be heard and make his Defence Face to Face according to judicial proceedings that he might have the liberty to have cleared himself or given that satisfaction which the Truth and the Gospel of Christ required before they published him in Print to Posterity If they have been deficient in this matter they have
Church of Christ in opposition to the Life of Truth and the Unity of dear Brethren and W. R. also might easily have seen his mistake in giving G. F. the Character of the greatest Flyer in time of Persecution that ever he knew if he do but compare him with J. S. and them of party with him of the Meeting he belonged to there hath been enough amongst them to stop his Mouth with and go no further against him touching this matter and let all William Rogers Certifiers and indeed Accusers they may be reasonably called be asked whether ever any of them spake to George Fox about this matter they charge him with or ever to his Face shewed any dislike of his so leaving the Meeting as they are pleased to assert saying That they believe he left the Meeting that he might not be taken Prisoner that day We never heard of any such orderly proceedings amongst them the Lord in the sight of that in their Consciences will plead with them for such Work as this we desire they might be forgiven and things not laid to their Charge as their desert hath surely been William Rogers makes an Accusation against George Fox also by a smiting Query concerning a Meeting at Ringwood which George Fox was at many Years ago charging him about his flying there and undertakes here to concern himself with it that he may find Work for his smiting Tongue which Accusation being denyed by George Fox in relation to any evil fact done by him touching the same and William Rogers expected to have made sufficient proof thereof which in his Rejoynder he hath not done there being also a Certificate from the Friends of the said Meeting fully demonstrating George Fox's clearness against William Rogers's abusive Charge satisfactory to all the honest hearted Friends to Truth who have inspected the same we shall not therefore much concern our selves therewith 〈◊〉 this may be very reasonably observed that notwithstanding the Certificate from the Friends of the aforesaid Meeting to the clearing of George Fox and William Rogers totally deficient in the matter of proof against him but that he can as he is wont say If Reports be true yet the unplacableness of the Mans Spirit is such that he hath undertaken by perverting George Fox's Words and misconstruing the candid sence of George Fox's relation touching the same to make Deductions therefrom which neither the scope of the Words themselves 〈◊〉 any thing relating thereunto under any Christian and Charitable Constructions in 〈◊〉 and Truth can be deduced We should be glad that the honest hearted had the opportunity of reading over G. Fox's Answer in Manuscript to William Rogers's 〈◊〉 Queries and the Certificate from the aforesaid Meeting touching this matter of Charge about Ringwood Meeting and then to observe the Work William Rogers hath made about the same by his perverting and 〈◊〉 inferring therefrom It may be easily seen from whence he is and whither he goes what his Motion and Center is and by the Work he hath had in Hand many will be made to say from the sence they shall have of him and his VVork That 〈◊〉 hard for Record or Age to find an 〈◊〉 to him The Reader may remember that at the beginning of his Paper of Smiting Queries and Charges William Rogers alledged against George Fox thus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Query of George Fox Whether he doth 〈◊〉 that when the Souldiers 〈◊〉 other Persecutors come to a Meeting in or 〈◊〉 London at a certain time 〈◊〉 he was there he did not go out of the Meeting and 〈◊〉 himself to an upper Room or 〈◊〉 for so I have been 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 Person of known Credit who was at the Meeting This is the substance of the Charge Answer It may be observed here is an 〈◊〉 relating to high Charge against George Fox before one single Witness he pretends to no more contrary to the Apostles Directions which manifesteth him to be of another Spirit then the Apostle had as well as disorderly 〈◊〉 not having first dealt privately with him George Fox also denieth the same as a 〈◊〉 Charge which being matter of high Accusation as William Rogers 〈◊〉 Queries may be in all reasonableness William Rogers ought to have proved it against him or have acknowledged his Spirit wrong in so doing but we find not in all his Rejoynder any proof made thereof nor any Certificate produced from that Person of known Credit as W. R. said of him to make good this smiting Charge We refer the Reader touching this matter also to G. Fox's Reply in Manuscript to William Rogers's smiting Queries for satisfaction This also manifesteth upon the whole matter relating to Charge against George Fox for flying in time of Persecution that the Charge is not only malicious but false and most unchristianly abusive arising out of the wicked prejudice of his Spirit from whence all this bad Stuff hath come in the Face of Meetings Country and Nation thus impudently to impeach an Elder contrary to Gospel Order the Rule of Christianity yea and of human common Societies in opposition to the Sence and Testimony of many Faithful Undetected Impartial Grave and Sober Friends of Gods Truth who in one Heart and Conscience stand up in Evidence for George Fox's clearness in the matter of the Charge against him over William Rogers's Head and Work together with all his prejudiced incompetent Certifiers and Witnesses and it is our firm belief that in the sight of all sober People who have seen and tasted his doings that he stands detected as a false Accuser of our Brethren and one that hath set himself we cannot but often say to work Mischief in the Church of God if possibly he can do it which will be his Burden one day very heavy to bear And his unchristian Constructions which in his jealous Mind he makes from which his perverse Deductions are drawn upon the honest Relations aforesaid by George Fox given and upon the Testimonies of Faithful Men on his account we tread under our Feet as the Works of Darkness and Death it self as to the Life of God and the first Love as by his paraphrasing scurrilous Language in his Discourse is clearly seen William Rogers further goes on to manifest how he seeks occasion against George Fox and saith in his Rejoynder That George Fox informs him that some said his Papers were not worth Answering And seeing George Fox saith he hath acted contrary to their sence What is become of their Unity now and whether this doth not shew their Confusion and the rather because George Fox saith Thy Charges being 〈◊〉 and Malicious I take the 〈◊〉 notice of them And further saith he I take notice that this is one sign that the Word of the Lord in John Wilkinson is fulfilling Answer Whether this be not sorry Work let him bethink himself and then speak he surely loves to be busie one way or other when such poor drudgery Work as this he is glad to
of the Scriptures and of what I have writ and what his Name is to And to prove what he seems to hold forth against George Fox he saith I find no where that ever the Apostle forbad Circumcision in the same case in which he practised it Answer It s to be admired what this Man would fetch up or frame matter of to smite with though thereby he demonstrates sometimes his own folly for we say where doth George Fox say that the Apostle did so Nay we do affirm that George Fox doth plainly shew that the Apostle did not forbid Circumcision on the same Account or in the same case in which he practised it and so for William Rogers to say he finds it so no where is the same and no otherwise then what George Fox saith wherein then is George Fox's Ignorance of Scriptures and what his Name is to c If William Rogers knew rightly what himself says he might see how he runs himself into Confusion and makes himself Work with his own Shaddow George Fox intimates that the case in which the Apostle practised Circumcision and tenderly bore it for a season was because of the hardness of the Hearts of some in the days of the Churches infancy and gathering to God that could not easily be brought off from Circumcision and least his very much pressing the unnecessariness of it might have hardened some that used it against the Truth and because also of the tenderness of some others that had made some Conscience of it in Zeal though without knowledge as some of the Jews were said to have therefore also did he forbear and some little practise it and bid the believing Jews in the day of that weakness amongst them to be cautious of judging one another therein and in Meats and Drinks and the like These were the Cases in which the Apostle practised Circumcision and bore with the tenderly weak in those matters And the other case in which the Apostle judgeth them in it was as George Fox says when some who were come to see the nothingness of Circumcision and observing of Days and the like with respect to a Gospel Dispensatiou and Salvation by Christ Jesus and not of Works c. and afterwards turned thither again pretending it to be their principle and make a Sect of it Then the Apostle expressly forbad it saying If you be Circumcised Christ shall prosit you nothing and he said also And now after you have known God or rather are known of God how turn you back agaid into these Beggarly Rudiments the observing of Days and the like It is one thing we say in the Infancy of Truth not to see ones way out of the practice of some things Erroneous and an Exercise of Conscience may be in relation thereunto In which case great forbearance and render dealing with such in the Spirit of Meekness is profitable It s another cause when after Convincement and an understanding be given of the evil and unprofitableness of some thing in order to Life and Peace and yet to stand in the Observation of those things or being once redeemed therefrom to turn back thither again and say it s their Principle and make a Sect of it in this case Truths Authority comes to be exercised and the Judgment thereof placed And this is the substance of what George Fox intimates touching this matter which William Rogers makes so much quarrelling about And had the case on William Rogers John Story and John Wilkinson their Account in Relation to Church Care Government and Order therein which all this ado hath been made against by them been the case of tenderness or want of seeing the necessity thereof because of the Infancy as to Truth that they might have been in and that they had been tender in their Spirits under a fear to have offended the Lord his Church and People undet a mistake in themselves that Simplicity would have been Jealous of then would they not have wanted all possible forbearance every way to have done them good but this was not their case in any respect as their Testimonies and Works demonstrate They were not the Weak in their own Eyes for when they were in the first Love they were not ignorant of the necessity of Church Care Order and Government amongst Gods People in this Gospel day Witness William Rogers Subscription amongst many Brethren to a Paper for the promoting the same and encouraging Friends therein inserted in the first part of this Treatise and John Story his hand amongst the Brethren also on the same Score John Wilkinson owning the Papers given forth by George Fox as Directions touching the same as very good and useful to be practised They were not humble and passive in the day when they begun to stumble thereat and turned back therefrom to indulge a wrong Spirit in a fleshly ease in themselves and such as hung upon them or were gratified thereby much need not be said here what is already inserted in this is sufficient to satisfie touching this matter and William Rogers's Book also fully demonstrates what obstructions he lays in the way of it and what contempt he puts upon the care in the Church of God used amongst the faithful that all this cluttering Work hath been made by them against in a word they are manifested to be such as are gone back again from their first Love and Aeal for Truth and the Power thereof and the concerns of the Churches Advantage and Peace is not of weight upon them but the old liberty in the fleshly part is that they would be indulged in wherein Antient Testimonies for the Truth comes to be departed from to the dishonour of Truth and the holy way of God to the Grief of God's People who keeps faithful to him and this is the case that the Truth cannot allow any such in but the Judgment thereof in the Spirit of Jesus wherein Authority and Rule stands is placed there But again to the matter we were upon Let us see from what touching George Fox's instancing Pauls sometimes using and allowing Circumcision and in some cases judging it William Rogers fetcheth his smiting blows against him for that 's the Work he is concerned in William Rogers infers from this and saith It appears that the actings in some things according to ones Principle in matters of Conscience were condemnable when the practising things not according to ones Principle in matters of Conscience might be justifiable in George Fox ' s 〈◊〉 or some of party with him Answer we say this is a gross Perversion of George Foxs's Words and a false Application from the Apostles Practice and George Fox's instance nor any way deducible there-from And we require William Roger if he can to make it out that ever George Fox or any of them that are of his Spirit and in Fellowship with him ever justified any in the practice of things against their Consciences or disallowed any thing practised by any who acted
the pure Truth and One that would expose the Heritage of God whom he is gone from to Persecution and what not if the Lord were not in his way to block him up whose Impudence hath been such in raking up false and slanderous Accusations bringing them sorth contrary to all Gospel Order and Rules of Christianity or Common Societies as hath 〈◊〉 plainly demonstrated against a People he hath been in Unity with as the like of him hath scarcely been ever heard of in Age or Day And as upon a deliberate weighing of matters and things relating to him and the Work he hath in Hand the Honest Unprejudiced Sincere-Hearted exercised in a Christian Spirit comes to find things before the Lord and their own Consciences let them speak and give their Judgment upon the whole Matter and it is our sincere disire in that Love that 's born by us to all Men that the Consideration and Sence of this Spirits Work may cause many to fear and beware lest the like Temptation should overtake them to their perpetual Ruin World without end And forasmuch as that William Rogers in the last Lines of his aforesaid Rejoynder which he often Mentions in the first part of his Christian Quaker intimates that He together with John Story and John Wilkinson and their separating Party reckons themselves to be the Heritage of God and that they cannot leave the way of the Spirit of Life wherein they have begun in expectation to be made perfect through Conformity to outward Ordinances knowing that those who have begun in the Spirit cannot be made perfect in the Flesh We think meet for the further satisfaction of the Honest Unprejudiced People as formerly we hinted to insert here a Letter which during the time of the great exercise that the Church of God met withal through the dividing seperate Spirit that William Rogers John Story and John Wilkinson gave themselves up to serve to the Churches grief was subscribed by four Men of Chippingham in Wilshire one of whom as we understanding is a Preacher amongst the aforesaid turbulent sort of Professors of Truth in the said Country and John Story' s great Correspondents and Abettors in the confederate contentious Work which said Letter was directed and sent to one Jeofery Bullock of Sudberry in Suffolke whose horrid Tenets and Practices Discovering the Wickedness of his Spirit being manifested by some few Quotations out of one of his Books Printed and spread abroad by Apostates together with the aforesaid letter subscribed by those of Chippingham and sent to him whereby it will be plainly demonstrated to all the honest Hearted that the aforesaid William Rogers and them of party with him are in a backslided State and are not such as they would have themselves rendred to be viz. such as have begun in the Spirit and look not to be made perfect by the Flesh or that they are the Heritage of God or a People that keeps to their First Principle and the way of the Spirit of Life to be made perfect therein as they would be looked upon to be rendring others to be departed there from and to be such as would be made perfect through outward Ordinances c. The Reader may take notice that this Jeofery Bullock is one that Apostatized from the Truth several Years ago and became an open Opposer of Friends in their Meetings Friends gave forth a Paper of Judgment against him several Years since for denying That Christ that dyed at Jerusalem to be the Judge and Saviour In his Book also Entituled Antichrist's Transformations discovered c. These following Assertions are laid down First That the Woman is the Soul Heart and Mind of every visible Man 〈◊〉 It is said therein That there is an Iavisible Woman which God did make and place in every visible Man Thirdly It is said in his Book That its plain in Scripture that there are two Christs Fourthly Ieofery 〈◊〉 querieth What is the Fruit of the Tree of Knowledge and he again gives the Answer in his Book saying It is the Scriptures Fifthly He saith in his Book It was the Man in the Mistery that dyed which was one with the Mistery which was the Christ of God he saith Sixthly Again he saith in his Book It was the Womans part that died which was the Soul and Body for he says Eve was in the 〈◊〉 thus far Ieofery Bullock We say What Horrible Darkness Blasphemy and Confusion is this Now here followeth the aforementioned Letter sent to him Friend Jeofery Bullock Chippingham the 4th of 4th month 1679. FRiends here have seen two Books of thine one Entituled One blow more at Antichrist another Entitled which several Friends have good Unity with But here are also a Company of called Friends which are very much for Foxmans Order which may be called Mens Invention that do make it their Work to 〈◊〉 and Calumniate all them as do not conform thereunto some of which thee and 〈◊〉 of which we are perswaded in our Hearts are the Servants of the Living God amongst whom thou hast a share of being Vilified to be a bad Man although to us it 's no manner of Invitation for us to give credit thereunto but rather to the contrary as well knowing it is one of their stratagems they always use by them they cannot proselite to their faction but as it was once said And my Soul enter not thou into their secrets If thou please to send a few Lines direct it to William Dyer we shall take it very friendll only for a little Satisfaction Barnadiston and another have been here and besides their envious Darts flyes very secretly and swiftly Also if thou please to send half a Dozen of thy Books and deliver them to William Wescott at the Green Man without Aldgate and take Mony of him for them and the Charge of them putting it to John Jones's Account and advise William Wescott to send to him They say of thee that none of thy Neighbours Friends or others can speak well of thee I have forgot the Title of the other Book which defect I believe thou canst make out William Dyer John Jones William Jones Francis Browne It may be noted that since Jeofery Bullock hath received this Letter above written he was so lifted up that he should be so much taken notice of that he hath shewed the Letter to some of the Worlds People and by that means Friends came to get a Copy of it These are of the sort that promote John Story' s and John Wilkinson's Interest in that County of Wilts where their Travels have been and are they that cry down Man and yet what sorry Men even one of the worst of Apostates they set up and are glad of him to side with them in their backsliding and opposite Work against the Truth which manifests plainly of what sort they are and what their Spirit is The Reader also may remember what a boast William Rogers hath made of his standing for the
Power and if any do they are usurpers of Authority they say yea it was moved also by them That no Ministers of Truth should be any of those chosen Men only they come in afterwards with a proviso That if any had a Message from God to deliver amongst them they must declare their Message and withdraw Now let the wise in Heart see What Darkness and Contradiction is this For doth this Proposition and Practice of theirs answer their Conclusion in this Cuestion That all must be left to the manifestation of Gods Spirit and Truth in their own Hearts to Speak and Act therein as ' they are Instructed and Perswaded that would thus limit the Spirit of the 〈◊〉 in his People by shuting out such as might be moved of the Lord to come and sit amongst them to be concerned as the Lord might instruct them And how doth this answer the Liberty and Motion upon Peoples Consciences they so much cry for And how doth this answer those Words in the Narrative That John Story must be left to Act as his Lord and Master should 〈◊〉 him And yet John Story and John Wilkinson by their Order and Prescription will not allow others the like priviledge but says That none must came and sit amongst their chosen Men but such as they have chosen and to whom they have given Power although their Lord and Master by his Spirit should lead them Is not here exercising Lordship over Mens Consciences to purpose even over the Heritage of God And is not this Order and Prescription of theirs which they would have had Gods People to have submitted to worse then the Worlds Courts either such as are called Spiritual or any of the 〈◊〉 Courts or Sessions The second Question proposed at Draw-well aforesaid inserted in William Rogers's Narrative is as followeth viz. Since there are diversities of Talents and Gifts 〈◊〉 ven by the Spirit of God and received by Men whether the judgment of Truth given forth through a part of the Members of Christs Body can become any bond upon any other part of the same Body further then their Vnderstands are enlightened thereby This Question was answered in the Negative and in the Spirit of Truth we have Unity therewith but we do further affirm that whatsoever is given forth in the Judgment of Truth and from the Gift of the Spirit by any of the Members of the Body of Christ that the rest of the Members of the same Body which keep their Eye in Christ their Head have Unity in the Spirit of Christ therewith and if any slight thereof or opposition thereunto do arise in any Members of the 〈◊〉 it is because they are become benumbed Members and have lost the spiritual lively sence of the Truth in themselves and are become thereby Strangers to the mind of God communicated to such as keeps alive in the Body to be distributed by such as Instruments in his Hand for the good of the Body as the Lord sees meet But how doth this Question of theirs answer their Order and Prescription subscribed by them that would have all to submit to what they give out as their Judgment and Order to be condescended to and covenanted in or else they would withdraw from such as would not and do their business themselves amongst their chosen Men and the Order such as would limit the 〈◊〉 of the Lord in the Members of Christs Body and to cause subjection to such their Inventions as Christianity would be ashamed of And yet these are the Men that cry against Orders and for Liberty but that it is the Order of the Gospel the Power of God that they cry against not loving sound Judgment and that the Liberty they would be at and which they are 〈◊〉 after is the Liberty of the Flesh its clear to all that love Righteousness and trace the Path that this unclean Spirit of theirs is treading in Here was no allowing the Tryal of their Prescription and Order by the Spirit of the Lord nor time given to those they presented their Propositions to to have their Understands enlightened touching their Order but a full and positive Conclusion was determined by them on this wise If they were not closed with and covenanted withal they would without any more ado with-draw and accordingly they did and some of them do continue in the Separation to this Day What horrible Confusion Contradiction and Hypocrisie is this In crying against Orders and none scarce ever heard of like theirs and to cry for Liberty of Conscience and yet would exercise Lordship over Mens Consciences on this wise It s a shame for any professing Truth and the Spirit of the Lord to touch with such a Spirit as this Much more might be observed upon William Rogers's Narrative whereby to manifest his Contradiction and the dishonest unchristian yea inhumane Work he hath made in the matter of his relation of the Passages which he saith happened at Bristol at the Meeting aforesaid and how opposite to the Covenants and Agreements subscribed by himself he hath concerned himself therein as cannot but be taken notice of by the Impartial Reader as ridiculous and below morral Honesty and how he together with John Story and John Wilkinson do render themselves inconsistant with themselves in crying out against Orders and outward Ordinances which they say Have been the cause of all the Differences and yet the Order and Prescription that they made and presented to be submitted to being denyed by the Brethren who kept to the Order of the Gospel in the Power of God occasioned the further manifestation of their own disorderly Spirit of Strife which led them into a Separation from the ancient Unity and Bond of Peace to the working Truth 's Blemish and the breach of the Churches Peace to their shame We say much more might be taken notice of as to this matter but that as to the substance of the most material things touched upon in the Narrative it hath been already Satisfactorily writ to by the several Parties principally concerned therein viz. one part thereof by George Fox and another part by Robert Barclay as also considerably spoken to by the Brethren at Bristol and that part of it that concerns the Brethren in Westmoreland answered by them viz. about some of the Articles alledged in charge against John Story and John Wilkinson which William Rogers by his perversions and unfairly dealing therewith would annihilate as relating to matter of Charge against them whose craft in taking out pieces here and there in the Charges and the Reply to John Story and John Wllkinson their Answer and his leaving out the most material Words being discovered in the sight of the single-hearted to God we say they are found still detected of opposition to Church Care and Disesteem of Gospel Order and in a Backsliding state in themselves discouraging the Antient Testimony for Truth in others that the Articles in charge principally against them relate to Unto which
remember and my Answer in Sincerity implies the same that in 〈◊〉 Brotherly Discourse which George Fox and I had in the time of such his Weakness when I was with him one time I speaking of the Exercise the Church of God had in 〈◊〉 with them of the opposite contending Spirit against Church Care and Gospel Order and telling him that some of them had given out reflecting seornful Words against him on the occasion of his not being constantly at the Meeting and had rendered him to have lost his condition as to Truth c. And that they had presented the same to some that were more Honest and Simple then the rest to the hurting of them and to make the Care in the Church of God more contemptible which George Fox had been an Instrument in Gods Hand on the account of and yet neither John Story nor John Wilkinson would come to see him in that State although he had been to their own acknowledgement as a Father to them and many more nor any of them that so wickedly represented him behind his Back would so much as come to see how the matter was but in a base mind that watcheth for Evil smote against him behind his Back which the Lord will avenge Whercupon for the sake of the Simple and for the bringing Shame and Confusion on the other sort and for the sake of the Church of God in general it was desired in secret Cries to God that the Lord might if it was his Will again enable him so with Bodily strength as that the Innocent tender Lambs of God might enjoy his Bodily presence with them as formerly they were wont to do to their Refreshment and Comfort and the Lord blessed be his name heard his Cries and the Groans of the Righteous in that matter to the enlargement of the Churches comfort and great advantage thereby whatever William Rogers and they of that Spirit say in contempt thereof and during his exercise of Bodily weakness at that time I was with him one day in his Chamber during the Meeting in a lower Room and I do affirm if these were my last Words that the Power and glorious Presence of the eternal God was with us to the breaking of my Heart and an Exercise of travel in Spirit was upon him on the account of the Church of God in general its Unity and Peace and with respect to the Backsliding sort of John Storys Spirit that the Lord might forgive them and restore them into the first love and living sence again and if this be the recompence that they render the Lord and him for the Labour of love in long suffering and patience on this wise used towards them I am satisfied that he is truly content and that their Reproaches are not grievous to him in the love of God who hath enabled him to endure all for his and his Peoples sake whose reward is with him and none can take it away And I do declare in the presence of the God of Heaven before whom I stand 〈◊〉 on this 〈◊〉 was the concern bet wixt him and me in Relation to this matter on the score whereof William Rogers thus wickedly appears with his siniting Charges against him which touch him not neither doth it hurt my Life nor my Peace with God whatever William Rogers doth suggest or bring forth against me touching this matter and I do appeal to that in all Consciences whether William Rogers's 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 against George Fox in which also he hath made me concerned 〈◊〉 the same be not false and maliciously alledged against him without any 〈◊〉 Ground seeing that George Fox's Weakness was such as many will evidence if occasion were as that he was as likely in a short time to be taken out of the Body as otherwise and so faint often in his Spirit by reason thereof that the 〈◊〉 Breath of People near him he could very 〈◊〉 endure or what 〈◊〉 William Rogers hath so basely to smite him in his Queries with his 〈◊〉 and And 's or 〈◊〉 John Blaykling hath contradicted himself on this occasion and 〈◊〉 his confusion or that John 〈◊〉 's 〈◊〉 is any way fulfilled hereby the wise to God may consider And as to the latter part of the Charge in William Rogers's two Queries on this occasion viz. Wouldst not thou have accounted this in another the Fruit of a Carless Negligent Libertine dark Spirit that was departed or departing from the Truth Implicitly charging him thereby to be of such a Spirit In the answer thereunto it is denied that this state is applicable to George Fox as Thousands can testifie it is required also that the Man may come forth that can 〈◊〉 charge him ever to have been of such a Spirit from his Childhood nay let his Dilligence in the service of Truth ever since the Lord made him a Minister of it and in all self-denial his exposing of himself in his Testimony therein to the Displeasure of the whole World great and small Professors and Profain testifie to his readiness to Work and Labour in the Gospel let the many Reproaches Buffettings Knockings-down for Dead Stripes and Imprisonments in Dungcons and nasty Places and yet never shrinking nor growing weary of his Exercise notwithstanding all that his Travellings on 〈◊〉 and lyings out of door in the Night-time whilest the Lord was pleased so to concern him let his Travels beyond the Seas in many Countries and Islands yea even of late Years since Bodily Exercise in Pain and Weakness took hold upon him make William Rogers or any that takes his part ashamed to lay a Slothful Negligent Libertine dark Spirit to his Charge Yea let that in the Consciences of all the honest Hearted to God that have known him and his Spirit testifie and give a Record for his care in the Church of God Instrumentally in Gods Hand with many other dear Brethren in the settling the Churches and Family of God under a wholsom Discipline and Order wherein the Faithful have been comforted and made each others Help and Blessing in the Lord who is worthy of the Praise yea blessed be the Lord many have good cause to say for the Instruments that he was pleased to raise up for the publishing the glad tidings of the Gospel-day and for their Faithfulness according to their places the Lord hath set them in as the Elders that rule well and are accounted worthy of Honour yea that Honour which is Eternal that God gives and covers his People withal as it was said in the Scriptures of Truth He that Honoureth me him will I Honour and again This Honour hath all his Saints to bind Kings in Chains and Nobles in Fetters of Iron but saith he I will not give my Glory to another I will not give it to Graven Images Surely if the Lord be pleased to Honour his on this wise and give them his Glory it is not displeasing in the Lords sight to restifie on Gods behalf accordingly but this Honour
me many Months before and then I ask him whether he can say that it was any thing but a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spirit in him that seeks occasion against the Innocent to render 〈◊〉 Paper a false Certificate on the score thereof with many other abusive 〈◊〉 upon me in Print to Posterity and whether he hath done in this case as he would have been done by For I know he is a Man of that understanding as to see and acknowledge that where a Word in a sentence happens accidentally to be on the account of 〈◊〉 or the like that causeth the sentence to carry another signification then the scope of the 〈◊〉 Discourse relates to or where the Speaker or Writer doth signifie that the 〈◊〉 or the intent of his mind therein was not according to the signification of the said Word but otherwise as he then expresseth himself Such an one on such an occasion according to Scripture Rule and the Charity that is to be extended to all is not to be made an Offender and a clear occasion William Rogers had given him by the scope I say of my whole Paper relating to that matter to know my mind therein as also I cannot but believe but that my Answer to this Charge he had received before he needed to have 〈◊〉 this matter in Charge against me in Print and yet for all this he hath made me and Published me to the whole World an Offender for a Word yea I may say for a Letter which is so far from the rule of Christianity Civil Society and Honesty amongst morral Men that its an absurd 〈◊〉 thing for a Man of his supposed Parts and very nausious in the sight of wise and 〈◊〉 Men. And further I may tell William Rogers that had he been a Charitable 〈◊〉 Man and not one that watched for an occasion for Evil or had he exercised the Parts which God gave him as a Man he might easily have gathered that seeing my Name was at the Conclusion of the said Certificate or Testimony then those Words from which he grounds the Charge were not properly like to be mine neither indeed were they any of them nor are they in the first Copy nor in any Copy that came from me but had been put in by the 〈◊〉 without my knowledge in that Copy which it seems came to him which I cannot but say was a little weakly placed there by whom I know not in 〈◊〉 much 〈◊〉 that the Letter 〈◊〉 is at the end of the word Aspertion which should not have been upon which occasion William Rogers very 〈◊〉 with respect to the material 〈◊〉 appertaining to the Case and unmanly hath done concerning me for as I had no Hand in that Word so 〈◊〉 had I any thoughts as my Paper demonstrateth to concern my self in any 〈◊〉 in relation to the clearing 〈◊〉 Fox from the Aspersions cast upon him any further then what the clearing of him from that charge and 〈◊〉 alledged against him might tend as to the invalidating of all 〈◊〉 rest which I must 〈◊〉 and as I believe many will conclude that it greatly tendeth unto And 〈◊〉 to speak as charitably of the Transcribet as in 〈◊〉 we ought to do I say that the little Prologue prefixed to my Paper by him might be very 〈◊〉 done and not worthy of any such occasion to be taken on the Score thereof for to 〈◊〉 at the beginning of the matter being annexed to another's Matter or Discourse was very properly to be done whereby more Intelligibly to distinguish between them for the Words expressed taken in the most charitable sence might not import that it was intended thereby to clear George Fox of all c. but that they tended to clear George Fox of the Aspersions cast against him that the following matter related to so all things every way considered in that Love that thinks no Evil it s clearly seen that for 〈◊〉 of matter William Rogers in the malice of his Mind catcheth at any thing to keep his restless turbulent discomposed smiting Spirit at Work with thereby manifesting that he runs himself into great mistakes touching the same not only perverting thereby the thing he aims at but gives occasion through that means to manifest his 〈◊〉 the more Several other abusive reflections William Rogers hath cast upon me in his Rejoynder or Answer to my Certificate about the matter in charge against George Fox spoken to in the Answer to his Rejoynder which touch me not nor do they hurt my Life and Peace with God viz. That I am puft up with Spiritual Pride my Zeal turned into Envy my Wisdom into Folly whereby I am now become as heretofore in another case relating to John Story so dexterous in giving forth a false Certificate Answer This is my Comfort in the midst of all God hath not made William Rogers Judge over me though he would intrude into the Prerogative of 〈◊〉 Jesus and take upon him that which the Lord hath not given him therefore never reacheth my Life and if for my Testimony for God and his Antient Truth and the Fellowship of Brethren and my Zeal for the propagating the Government of the Spirit and Gospel Order in Gods visible Family and for my tender concern in the holy Exercise thereof I am become 〈◊〉 I am resolved in the Strength of the Eternal God to keep fast my stedfastness therein to the end of my Days that I may lay down my Life in Peace although for my so doing I shall become more vile yet and I am livingly satisfied that all his and others Reproaches which the Lord suffers to be my lot tends to my Advantage in God and the knowledge of Truth and no way lessens my repute in the Hearts of Gods faithful People and let William Rogers and those of the 〈◊〉 Company do their worst the Burden in the end shall be their own And as for that smiting Charge of my giving forth false Certificates against John Story There is none I testifie that I have been concerned in in relation to him but the Substance thereof shall be stood to when William Rogers or any of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lets me see what they are and undertakes to convict me thereof 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 William Rogers mentions none here I take no notice of it any 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to manifest his unchristian Spirit that watcheth for Evil and smiteth 〈◊〉 the Back neither do I believe will it be of any credit with them that fear the 〈◊〉 and love Righteousness and desire to do unto all as they would be done 〈◊〉 And William Rogers hath no good cause to Impeach me thus with respect to John Story for many are Witnesses what Kindness and good-will I did bear with respect to his 〈◊〉 good and keeping his antient Repute in Truth amongst Gods People and that I stood by him in his Weakness so far as any way 〈◊〉 I could in excusing of him until he became my Shame through turning his Back of the Lords Kindness and the Brethrens too and became hardned in Evil till the Lord gave him up to a Reprobate Mind And I bless God that the good-will I bore to John Story and my care whilest his Day lasted and my Testimony born against a 〈◊〉 sort the reward thereof is returned into my Bosom having cleared my Conscience every way thus far concerning him and he rest of them let them consider of it in time as they will Answer the same 〈◊〉 the Lord in the great Day John Blaykling THE END Which wrong Spirit will never give them to see their duty nor lead them into it Printed by John Bring 〈◊〉 These Accusations are 〈◊〉 and his Eyes were evil John Story said He would have his Hand Cut off before he would take his Name from off the Paper for Separation This he said to R. B.
tended to Friends Advantage in the Truth and the honour thereof by the Churches of Christ in this Nation and in other Nations which the practice of our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings demonstrate Fifthly That notwithstanding William Rogers's and others of Party with him their abusing George Fox and slandering him with lying accusations as one that would Introduce his own Prescriptions and Orders and invade Christs Prerogative c. And would exalt himself in a wrong Spirit in Rule and Government Lording it over the heritage of God His advice and directions in relation to the duty of Gods People in the Tabernacle God hath given us visibly to appear in hath been acceptably closed with and testified to by Word and Writings as shall be made appear in the Sequel of our concerns and as the Churches Records in our Quarterly Meetings doth declare Sixthly To prove that William Rogers's Charges and malicious Accusations exhibited in Print against George Fox and others of the Brethren are idle frivolus and fallacious and his exercise in that matter a Scandal to Christianity and ridiculous amongst Men and sober Societies which the said William Rogers hath framed and made up and brought to publick view through his perverting George Fox's Honest and Christian words and discourse and by his uncharitable deductions in a jealous prejudiced mind and putting his own perverted Constructions and Inferrences upon George Fox's sincere and Christian sence of matters his words related to otherwise then ever was intended by him as the plain and charitable construction thereof naturally deducible therefrom demonstrates and then places his own judgment upon him which is an horrid and abominable thing in the Lords 〈◊〉 and detestable amongst Men And through Gods help this is before us to manifest which we Question not to effect to the Satisfaction of all the unprejudiced and upright minded where this Book may come We have also a desire in sincerity of heart to demonstrate to all where the knowledge of any difference amongst this People hath come as the relation thereof may most properly fall in our way the Christian care that hath been amongst the truly established in God who have kept their first love and care for Gods glory and 〈◊〉 habitation upon the Rock abides sure to have preserved this scattered divided People within the Fold of the true Shepherd unto whom the gathering is whilst they were in any measure near unto us before they turned away from Gods Power and broke away as the Israel of old did unto whom the Lord had given of his good Spirit and yet they rebelled against him and therefore the Lord after many visitations and willingness to heal their backslidings which they regarded not withdrew from them and gave them up to a reprobate mind to harden themselves to their utter Ruin We would declare also as that which is material to our present concern and yet as briefly as we well can what exercises particularly and more generally after a more publick manner many dear Brethren have met withal through this Spirit what brotherly treating them that the Temptations of it was prevailed upon with Advice and Councel to remove that groundless ungodly jealousie that entred them in which the vail came over and there the temptation to Strife and Contention got place What care what tenderness and Gospel-Order hath been over them used towards them letting the honest hearted see some part of the honest labours and travels in Soul and Spirit and bodily endeavours that have been indured and used towards them for the Lord and his Truths sake and their Eternal good and how unwilling the Church of God was to have had them rent off from us What patience long-sufferings brotherly 〈◊〉 have been used towards them if possible they might live and find rest in God for their Souls how clear the Lord and his People are of their blood if they perish for evermore what pitty was it hath it been often said that a jealous prejudiced Spirit should prevail upon any who have known God to work them into such a wilful froward perverse state as to let nothing enter that might do them good having rejected that in themselves which God had made manifest in them not liking to retain the same in their knowledge as it was of old concerning such whom God gave up to a reprobate mind and unto great hardness of heart to the filling up the measures of their Iniquities for the Damnation that slumber'd not God Suffers these things to be that they who are approved may be made manifest Considerate Reader If these before recited particulars be made good which necessarily relates to our present work which we doubt not but to be able to do we hope that clearness of understanding concerning the matter in hand will be opened in thee as desires abides with thee to God on that wise as that thou wilt easily judge of the ground of the Controversie betwixt us and our present Adversary whom we treat not with now as a Brother or one of us but as a publick Enemy to the Life of our Principle and holy Profession a caster of Stumbling-Blocks in the way of many to fall upon which will prove a burden too heavy for him to bear And thou wilt plainly see what manner of man he is what Spirit he is of what his design and all his fluttering Work tends to and that upon this occasion if thou hast a Sence of Gods Truth thou wilt be the more confirmed in it and be the more concerned to keep thy Habitation in it for thy Salvation and peace sake or if thou beest one who has not hitherto given up thy self to serve the Truth though convinced by it nor our Lord Jesus Christ We hope as that which we truly 〈◊〉 thou wilt not find by this occasion any ground to continue in hardness of Heart against it but in subjection to Gods Light and Life in thy self thou wilt be given up in self-denial to close with that Principle thou hast the sence of and which we have believed in and testifie of and is our Life and Portion in God and cause of our rejoycing and that thou mayst come to have a share with us in the Inheritance of God amongst Gods sanctified ones which in the universal love God hath appeared in in these latter Days and in which we travel for the good of all we truly breath for as that which will be our Joy and a Recompence into our Bosoms for our Labours Sorrows and Travels manifold We further advise the Reader when this our ensuing Tratise shall happen to fall in the Hands of such as have not received the Principle of Light which we have testified to so as to believe therein or when it comes amongst such as have hurt themselves by too much adhering to a wrong Spirit which very probably it may somtimes do by reason of the endeavours that are used by the promoters of William Rogers's Book to hand it out to
done in Order and that nothing may be lacking amongst his People that may shew forth his Praise that so a sweet Savour may be kept amongst all as the Ornament of the Gospel received and believed in Can it be a Repute to him thus to clamour against the Order and Discipline thereof under this Government and the good and wholsom Directions that appertain to it 〈◊〉 against a People once he was in Society with Zealous in the Matter thereof for a time whom he doth not charge with Apostacy though that 's the Character he is pleased to give us on the account of being departed from the Truth or on any other account but for the Discipline and Government we have amongst us And on that account also would he render us to have lost the 〈◊〉 of Christianity which all his works relates to For he gives not any Account what Principles of Truth we are gone from or wherein we have left the Doctrine 〈◊〉 Christ but retracting again or contradicting himself sayes We differ not about the Kernel but the Shell and John Wilkinson sayes God hath manifested to him that the Caufe is not in the principles of truth nor in the Doctrine of Christ nor any practice that the Truth in the Members of the Heavenly Body leadeth into If William Rogers would have convicted the family he hath set himself against in his 〈◊〉 work of being Apostates and Innovators c. he should not have steered this Course of Inveighing against the Discipline and Order of the Church of God being Justified therein as a commendable and comely thing which hath a sweet Savour in many Consciences even of those that are not of Proffession with us who cannot but see what 〈◊〉 work he hath made about it which declares him to be a man of a loose spirit and that likes not the Inspection nor Judgment of the naked truth Surely it had been more honourable for him to have let alone this clamo ring against us as Apostates c. till he had first convicted us of being gone 〈◊〉 the Power and life of our Principle or from the Doctrine of Christ for there the Apostacy enters But John Wilkinson and he has 〈◊〉 us of that in express words And the Testimony we have in many consciences that the Antient 〈◊〉 Power attends us in our Assemblies to the breaking of many Hearts and the gathering unto him in whom Salvation is known 〈◊〉 as shall be saved confirms this matter on our behalf And if they were not blind they might see 〈◊〉 Barrenness and Deadness attends the Testimonies and Concerns of them of this Spirit and how many scatter and fall away from them several wayes and the most of them that keep to them are but such as are a Reproach to Truth mark the end of them I say could William Rogers have convinced the world where he publisheth the Characterizing of us Apostaces and the like that we had lost our first Love and 〈◊〉 to our Antient Testimony for God and were departed from the Faith and our Zeal for God to satisfie the Flesh and that they were the entire and Faithful to him and the Life of Righteonsness Then had he done something in relation to that which he hath undertaken to do But the Lord will stop him therein and he shall not perfect that which he hath Attempted when he hath done his worst but Truth shall Florish over all when his Name shall be Reproachful every-where But let us go on and consider farther on what occasion we may suppose William Rogers Adventures to lay that infamous charge of Apostates at our doors seeing it 's granted that wee keep to the Principles of Truth and are in the 〈◊〉 of Christ and are in the practice of things that the 〈◊〉 leads 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 that Discipline and Order of Truth in the Church of God the Government thereof and Judgement therein which we maintain and are in the practice 〈◊〉 and in 〈◊〉 thereunto is Justified and commendable in the sigh of God and amongst them that believe according to Christ's Command and the 〈◊〉 Care and Practice in the Church of God and on that account it 's in vain for 〈◊〉 to Charge us with Apostacy if he think that any that fears God will stand by him therein And we take notice also William Rogers seems Doubtful in his own mind what Repute he shall gain to himself on the account of making so much ado against Church-Government lest he should be palpably thereby discovered to all to be a man of too loose a Spirit and pleading for the Liberty of the flesh and thereby throw dirt in his own face which he would cast at others to his reproach And therefore in the very height of his exclaiming against Order and Government wherein he is very abusive and wicked he Retracts again as a Smitten man and grants the Matter that he makes all this stirr in Opposition to See his 1 st Part page 43. and page 52 see also his 3 d Part page 19. And for a more clear manifesting of his Confusion and Contradictions about this Matter of Church-Government we refer the Reader we say again to the Anfwer to William Rogers Subscribed by Ellis Hookes c. He seems doubtful also what the Matter of his exclaiming against Church-Government we stand to maintain as consistent with the Doctrine of Christ and the Apostles practice will make for him on the account of proving us Apostates and Innovators c. And therefore to another shift he betakes himself that is to say to exclaim against the Discipline used amongst us and calling it George Fox's Form of Government 〈◊〉 making also an outragious Clamour against the Directions the Rules the Advice and Counsel given relating to Discipline and Order amongst us calling them Dictates of fallible men Mens Prescriptions Laws and Edicts other mens Lines made ready to our hands Innovations George Fox's Orders c. He is very extravagant also in his Reflections upon our Mens Meetings our Quarterly and our Yearly Meetings manifested at large and spoke to in the aforesaid Answer Subscribed by Ellis Hookes c. In Answer also whereunto we are led to the first particular head formerly made mention of a little to be spoken to that the honest unprejudiced and impartial Reader may consider and Judge whether with respect to what the Church of God directeth to in this our day amongst us and we are in the Practice of in the Discipline thereof William Rogers our and the Church's Adversary hath any cause to render us in Print Apostates from our first Principle and so from God and to leave the Infamous Badg thereof upon us to Posterity as much as in him lies The First Particular thing made Mention of to be spoken to and plainly proved in the First Part of the Antichristian Treachery Discovered and It 's Way Blockt up Viz. That the Care of the Church of God in this our Day amongst the Children of the
peaceable Wisdom be eyed in all your Assemblies that the Government of Truth and Righteousness may be exalted over all and true Judgment and Mercy may have their place and though a general care be not laid on every Member touching good Order and Government in the Churches Affairs nor have many travelled therein yet the Lord hath laid it more on some in whom he hath opened Counsel for that end and particularly in our dear Brother and Gods faithful Labourer George Fox for the help of many and hath in his Wisdom afforded those Helps and Governments which are not to be despised being in subjection to Christ the Head and Law-giver answering his Witness in all and so all necessary Connsel Admonitions or Testimonies that have been given forth and received in the universal Spirit of Life and Unity have their Service for God in subjection to his Light and Subserviency to and in order to answer the great Rule and Law of the Spirit of Life as proceeding from it and they that are spiritual will acknowledg those things spoken or written from the Spirit and for this end to be the requirings of the Lord c. Ellis Hookes and the rest on the Words quoted out of the said Epistle observes thus and that very materially to the confuting of our Adversaries great Work and substance of his whole Book out of his own Mouth as that which his Heart sealed to and made his own subscription unless he hath been an old dissembler before the Lord which God will bring to Light let him clear himself one way or other if he can That W. Rogers and the rest have plainly confessed First To that care the Lord hath laid on some with respect to good Order and Government in the Church Secondly To the Counsel which the Lord hath opened for that end particularly in G. Fox And thirdly That G. Fox is therein owned as a dear Brother and faithful Labourer Fourthly That God hath afforded these Helps and Governments in the Church which are not to be despised c. We say what need W. Rogers grant more then what he hath there subscribed to to the consuting of the greatest part of his whole Book against Church Government and the Instruments in Gods hand concerned therein and against the outward Methods and Rules that he calls G. Fox's Orders in the 86 Page of his First Part. And if W. Roger's object and say as he seems to do in his 4th part page 93. That there are some new Prescriptions which he cannot imbrace for Conscience sake which G. Fox is accounted either the Author of or the Countenancer thereof Yet however W. Rogers produceth none of these new Prescriptions or Methods set up and imposed by G. Fox as the aforesaid Authors of the Book subscribed by Ellis Hooks well observed with other contradictions between W. Rogers and his Friend J. Story relating to this matter to which Book we refer the Reader as worth his observing John Wilkinson also confessed to a Friend in Westmoreland which we hope he hath not forgot if he have we can help his memory therein by the circumstances relating to the time and place where That he had read over George Fox ' s Paper of Directions meaning that which tended to Order and Discipline in the Church of God and Testified that they were all very honest and good things and useful to be put in practice or words to that very purpose So then in short this is the sum of this matter that there was a time when W. Rogers according to the aforesaid subscribed Paper amongst his Brethren owned Church Care and Government in subjection to the Power and the necessary Counsel and Advice therein as Helps and Governments subservient to the Rule and Law of the Spirit and that G. Fox was one in whom most especially the Lord had opened Counsel for that concern and that he was a dear Brother and saithful Labourer c. And John Story confesseth that Instructions and Rules may be given orth commending them to the Church and to Gods leading Grace to be made use of as God shall Direct And John Wilkinson consessed that the Instructions and Directions for that end given forth by George Fox were all very good and useful What is the matter then of all this clutter that 's made by W. R. against care in the Church G. Fox his Directions given forth owned by Friends in their Meetings throughout the whole Nation and what is the meaning of J. Stories and J. Wilkinsons silence under all this ado from shewing as publickly their dislike thereof as William Rogers appears to applaud them and take them in his quarrelsom contentious Work that he thus with his Inconsistances and Confusion gravels himself in May not any that has an unprejudiced mind and considers things conclude George Fox to be the same that ever he was when these men owned him and his concern in the Church of God and his Directions in relation thereunto as all the Churches in the Nation that ever we hard of will Testifie in his behalf And seeing that W. Rogers cannot produce one of the Churches amongst them all that will stand by him nor one single man that we can hear of that doth appear to vindicate his Spirit and Work saving 〈◊〉 Thomas Crispe whose works of Darkness will also be brought to Light of late putting forth the Venome and Sting of the Dragons Tail and those that creepingly abets his work are a few shaken ones who have mostly been the Truths shame and the Churches grief and where the Apostacy stands that W. Rogers makes the Subject of his large Discourse is plainly seen as the Sun at Noon by the matter he is concerned in and the way and work in which he doth 〈◊〉 and whether the Apostacy from the first Principle from his antient regard to Truths praise from his vindication of Church Government and respect to such as were Instruments therein concerned be not justly chargeable upon himself and them of Party with him to be turned back on their own Heads as just from God let the Lord and that which is pure in all Consciences judg who instead of dwelling in the peaceable Spirit and holding fast the unity therein in the bond of Peace in a regard to God and his tender People with all the concerns that belongs to them is become the Champion of a confederate sort in an ungodly Work and one on whom their dependency hangs as ever the Uncircumcised of old did on their great Goliah to make War in Death that 's come over them against the Lord and his tender People to Blaspheme that Name we were Redeemed by The great God that changeth not will visit for these things in the day of Torment that hastens on in which who shall be able to deliver And as to this matter we have yet this further to say to most of the Quarterly Meetings of Friends in Truth throughout the World on whose account we