A declaration of a small society of baptized believers, undergoing the name of Free-willers, about the city of London
         Adis, Henry.
      
       
         
           1660
        
      
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             A declaration of a small society of baptized believers, undergoing the name of Free-willers, about the city of London
             Adis, Henry.
          
           1 sheet ([1] p.)
           
             printed for the author Henry Adis uphouldster, living in Princes Street, and published the 12. day of the 11. month, heathenishly called in houour [sic] to their God Janus, January,
             London :
             1659 [i.e. 1660]
          
           
             By Henry Adis, whose name appears in the imprint.
             Publication date given according to Lady Day dating.
             Reproduction of the original in the Henry E. Huntington Library and Art Gallery.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           A
           DECLARATION
           Of
           a
           small
           Society
           of
           BAPTIZED
           BELIEVERS
           ,
           undergoing
           the
           name
           of
           Free-Wil●…s
           ,
           about
           the
           City
           of
           London
           .
        
         
           WE
           well
           knowing
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           and
           have
           been
           mis-represented
           to
           the
           people
           of
           this
           and
           other
           Nations
           ,
           as
           well
           by
           particular
           Letters
           from
           friend
           to
           friend
           ,
           as
           by
           publick
           intelligence
           in
           pamphlets
           and
           news
           books
           ,
           by
           which
           means
           we
           have
           been
           rendred
           odious
           in
           the
           eyes
           almost
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           as
           it
           were
           made
           a
           by-word
           ,
           and
           a
           hissing
           to
           all
           ;
           Were
           notwithstanding
           willing
           according
           to
           the
           requirement
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           Luke
           21.19
           .
           
             In
             our
             patience
             to
             possess
             our
             souls
             ,
          
           and
           silently
           to
           wait
           upon
           our
           God
           ,
           for
           a
           clearing
           of
           our
           innocency
           ,
           and
           the
           cleanness
           of
           our
           hands
           in
           his
           eye-sight
           ,
           but
           lately
           having
           had
           a
           view
           of
           a
           Declaration
           ,
           dated
           the
           12
           of
           December
           last
           ,
           made
           by
           some
           persons
           of
           the
           particular
           Judgment
           ,
           in
           which
           some
           others
           of
           another
           perswasion
           have
           joyned
           ,
           to
           the
           which
           in
           several
           particulars
           we
           cannot
           in
           the
           least
           assent
           to
           ;
           we
           therefore
           thought
           it
           our
           bounden
           duty
           ,
           for
           the
           vindication
           of
           that
           truth
           which
           we
           are
           in
           present
           profession
           and
           practice
           of
           ,
           as
           also
           fearing
           lest
           they
           having
           declared
           to
           publick
           view
           ,
           we
           by
           our
           silence
           should
           be
           looked
           upon
           ,
           either
           to
           be
           of
           the
           same
           Judgment
           with
           them
           in
           what
           they
           have
           declared
           ,
           or
           else
           guilty
           of
           all
           or
           some
           of
           those
           five
           particulars
           they
           in
           that
           Declaration
           say
           the
           Baptists
           in
           general
           are
           charged
           withall
           ;
           have
           therefore
           set
           pen
           to
           paper
           ,
           and
           shall
           first
           give
           a
           particular
           of
           the
           said
           five
           charges
           ,
           and
           then
           as
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           lay
           down
           our
           real
           Judgments
           ,
           and
           perswasions
           grounded
           upon
           Scripture
           record
           ,
           to
           those
           charges
           ;
           by
           which
           it
           will
           be
           apparent
           that
           we
           are
           not
           guilty
           of
           them
           at
           all
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           differ
           from
           the
           said
           Declarers
           in
           point
           of
           Judgment
           ;
           and
           if
           we
           shall
           in
           any
           thing
           therein
           derogate
           from
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           shall
           desire
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           love
           to
           be
           rectified
           by
           better
           Judgments
           from
           the
           word
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           shall
           think
           our selves
           happy
           gainers
           in
           such
           a
           Christan
           reproof
           .
           Say
           they
           ,
           we
           being
           mis-represented
           to
           the
           Nation
           ;
           
             
               1.
               
               
                 As
                 such
                 as
                 are
                 opposite
                 to
                 Magistracy
                 .
              
            
             
               2.
               
               
                 That
                 we
                 would
                 destroy
                 the
                 Publick
                 Ministry
                 of
                 the
                 Nation
                 ,
                 who
                 differ
                 from
                 us
                 in
                 some
                 things
                 about
                 Religion
                 .
              
            
             
               3.
               
               
                 That
                 we
                 do
                 countenance
                 the
                 people
                 called
              
               Quakers
               ,
               
                 in
                 their
                 Irregular
                 practice
              
               .
            
             
               4.
               
               
                 That
                 we
                 do
                 endeavour
                 a
                 tolleration
                 of
                 all
                 miscarriages
                 in
                 things
                 ecclesiastical
                 and
                 civil
                 ,
                 under
                 pre●ence
                 of
                 Liberty
                 of
                 conscience
                 .
              
            
             
               5.
               
               
                 That
                 we
                 desire
                 to
                 murder
                 and
                 destroy
                 those
                 that
                 differ
                 from
                 us
                 in
                 matters
                 of
                 Religion
                 .
              
            
          
        
         
           To
           the
           first
           ,
           we
           positively
           say
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           so
           far
           from
           opposing
           Magistracy
           ,
           as
           that
           it
           would
           be
           to
           us
           matter
           of
           great
           rejoycing
           to
           know
           who
           were
           our
           Magistrates
           .
           But
           far
           greater
           to
           see
           such
           set
           up
           who
           are
           men
           fearing
           God
           ,
           and
           hating
           covetousness
           ,
           that
           so
           Justice
           might
           be
           duly
           executed
           without
           respect
           of
           persons
           ,
           and
           Iudgment
           run
           down
           like
           water
           ,
           and
           righteousness
           like
           a
           mighty
           stream
           ,
           that
           so
           there
           might
           be
           no
           more
           leading
           into
           captivity
           ,
           and
           that
           complaining
           in
           our
           streets
           might
           have
           an
           end
           ;
           But
           for
           our
           parts
           to
           take
           a
           ca●nal
           weapon
           in
           our
           hands
           ,
           or
           use
           the
           least
           violence
           either
           to
           support
           or
           pull
           down
           the
           worst
           ,
           or
           to
           set
           up
           or
           maintain
           the
           best
           of
           men
           ,
           we
           look
           not
           upon
           it
           to
           be
           our
           duty
           in
           the
           least
           ;
           much
           less
           to
           have
           a
           thought
           of
           endeavouring
           to
           set
           up
           our selves
           ,
           either
           directly
           or
           indirectly
           ;
           for
           were
           we
           Abillitated
           and
           furnished
           with
           such
           endowments
           as
           might
           render
           us
           capable
           of
           being
           Rulers
           ,
           yet
           could
           we
           not
           allow
           our selves
           to
           act
           as
           Magistrates
           ,
           because
           we
           are
           a
           people
           
             chosen
             out
             of
             the
             World
             ,
             Iohn
          
           15.19
           .
           And
           look
           upon
           our selves
           as
           
             Pilgrims
             and
             strangers
             in
             the
             earth
             ,
             Heb.
          
           11.13
           .
           1
           Pet.
           2.
           
           ●1
           .
           But
           this
           we
           know
           to
           be
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           Rom.
           13.
           the
           beginning
           ,
           1
           Pet.
           2
           :
           13.
           
           T
           it
           3.2
           .
           that
           we
           are
           to
           be
           
             subject
             to
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             resist
             the
             powers
             ,
          
           because
           they
           be
           
             ordained
             of
             God
          
           ;
           and
           as
           God
           sets
           them
           up
           ,
           so
           he
           requires
           his
           Sons
           and
           daughters
           to
           render
           to
           them
           
             Tribute
             ,
             Custome
             ,
             Fear
             and
             Honour
             ,
             Rom.
          
           13.7
           .
           And
           we
           further
           declare
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           our
           bounden
           duty
           in
           obedience
           to
           our
           God
           ,
           to
           
             pray
             for
             Kings
             ,
             and
             all
             that
             are
             in
             authority
             ,
          
           1
           Tim.
           2.2
           So
           that
           we
           are
           so
           far
           from
           opposing
           them
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           say
           it
           is
           our
           duty
           to
           obey
           them
           ,
           in
           all
           civil
           things
           ,
           that
           are
           agreeable
           to
           the
           mind
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           if
           they
           shall
           require
           any
           thing
           from
           us
           that
           is
           contrary
           to
           his
           mind
           and
           will
           revealed
           in
           his
           holy
           Scriptures
           of
           truth
           ,
           we
           say
           we
           are
           not
           to
           resist
           them
           ,
           but
           if
           in
           conscience
           we
           cannot
           obey
           them
           ,
           then
           we
           are
           patiently
           to
           suffer
           under
           them
           ,
           whatever
           they
           shall
           inflict
           upon
           us
           for
           our
           non
           obedience
           to
           their
           requirements
           :
           and
           to
           this
           ,
           we
           yet
           further
           declare
           ,
           that
           it
           is
           ,
           our
           real
           Judgment
           as
           to
           things
           spiritual
           ,
           not
           to
           own
           them
           as
           our
           Law-givers
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           
             for
             there
             is
             one
             Law-giver
             which
             is
             able
             to
             save
             and
             to
             destroy
             ,
             Iam.
          
           4.12
           .
           which
           is
           the
           Lord
           ,
           Isa.
           33.22
           .
           And
           therefore
           if
           they
           shall
           at
           any
           time
           impose
           upon
           us
           ,
           Laws
           in
           point
           of
           worship
           ,
           that
           is
           either
           to
           worship
           a
           false
           God
           ,
           or
           the
           true
           God
           after
           a
           false
           manner
           ,
           we
           by
           Gods
           assistance
           shall
           tell
           them
           with
           
             Shadrach
             ,
             Meshach
          
           ,
           and
           
             Abednego
             ,
             Dan.
          
           3.16
           .
           That
           we
           are
           not
           careful
           to
           answer
           them
           in
           that
           matter
           ,
           yet
           shall
           not
           violently
           resist
           ,
           but
           with
           them
           patiently
           suffer
           under
           them
           as
           aforesaid
           .
        
         
           To
           the
           second
           ,
           
             That
             we
             would
             destroy
             the
             publick
             Ministry
             of
             the
             Nation
             ,
             that
             differ
             from
             us
             in
             some
             things
             about
             Religion
          
           ;
           We
           do
           declare
           ,
           that
           if
           there
           be
           a
           destruction
           intended
           between
           us
           ,
           we
           must
           leave
           it
           at
           their
           doors
           ,
           and
           desire
           them
           to
           Judge
           between
           the
           al-seeing
           God
           the
           searcher
           of
           all
           hearts
           and
           their
           own
           consciences
           ,
           what
           they
           have
           intended
           by
           their
           so
           often
           pressing
           Parliament
           men
           from
           time
           to
           time
           ,
           for
           a
           suppression
           of
           all
           that
           are
           not
           of
           their
           Judgment
           in
           matters
           of
           Religion
           :
           and
           upon
           search
           made
           ,
           if
           they
           find
           themselves
           guilty
           of
           a
           desire
           of
           any
           such
           destruction
           to
           us
           ,
           we
           shall
           beg
           them
           in
           Gods
           fear
           ,
           to
           break
           off
           that
           evil
           by
           timely
           repentance
           ,
           and
           make
           their
           pe●ce
           with
           God
           ;
           as
           for
           our
           parts
           ,
           we
           are
           so
           far
           from
           desiring
           any
           revenge
           against
           them
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           that
           shall
           desire
           or
           endeavour
           our
           ruin
           ,
           as
           that
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           we
           shall
           rather
           pitty
           then
           envie
           them
           ,
           and
           according
           to
           the
           requirement
           of
           our
           Law-giver
           ,
           Mat.
           5.44
           .
           
             pray
             for
             them
          
           ,
           and
           their
           conversion
           ,
           not
           at
           all
           in
           the
           least
           desiring
           or
           endeavouring
           their
           confusion
           :
           That
           there
           are
           many
           things
           wherein
           the
           publick
           Ministry
           of
           the
           nation
           and
           we
           differ
           ,
           in
           matters
           of
           religion
           ,
           both
           in
           doctrine
           and
           discipline
           ,
           is
           very
           clear
           ,
           and
           that
           we
           design
           or
           so
           much
           as
           desire
           the
           destruction
           of
           them
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           persons
           whatsoever
           ,
           for
           such
           differences
           ,
           or
           any
           other
           matters
           concerning
           our selves
           ,
           we
           hope
           in
           our
           further
           answer
           to
           this
           ,
           and
           to
           the
           fourth
           and
           fifth
           particulars
           ,
           we
           shall
           manifest
           to
           be
           as
           clear
           ,
           and
           also
           therein
           discover
           our selves
           to
           be
           the
           
             peaceable
             Lambs
             of
             Christ
             ,
             Iohn
          
           21.15
           .
           
             the
             great
             Shepheard
             and
             Bishop
             of
             our
             souls
             ,
          
           1
           Pet.
           2.25
           .
           1
           Pet.
           5.4
           .
           Heb.
           10.22
           .
           Who
           doth
           require
           us
           to
           
             learn
             of
             him
             ,
             for
             he
             is
             lowly
             and
             meek
             ,
          
           Mat.
           11.29
           .
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           we
           do
           declare
           ,
           when
           or
           wherever
           some
           of
           us
           shall
           conveniently
           meet
           with
           any
           of
           them
           ,
           either
           in
           private
           or
           in
           publick
           ,
           we
           shall
           resolve
           (
           God
           assisting
           us
           )
           to
           
             contend
             earnestly
             with
             them
             for
             the
             faith
             once
             delivered
             to
             the
             Saints
             ,
          
           according
           to
           that
           exhortation
           of
           the
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           by
           his
           Apostle
           ,
           Iude
           3.
           and
           against
           them
           and
           all
           oppositions
           and
           opposers
           wha●soever
           ,
           as
           good
           
             Souldiers
             of
             Iesus
             Christ
          
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           2.3
           .
           
             fight
             the
             good
             fight
             of
             faith
             ,
          
           1
           Tim.
           6.12
           .
           In
           which
           combate
           we
           are
           confident
           ,
           we
           neither
           shall
           hazard
           life
           ,
           nor
           draw
           blood
           ,
           for
           through
           mercy
           we
           can
           say
           ,
           with
           our
           Apostle
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           10.3
           ,
           4
           
             that
             though
             we
             live
             in
             the
             flesh
             ,
             yet
             we
             warr
             not
             after
             the
             flesh
             ,
             for
             the
             weapons
             of
             our
             warfare
             are
             not
             carnal
             .
          
        
         
           To
           the
           third
           ,
           
             That
             we
             countenance
             the
             people
             called
          
           Quakers
           
             in
             their
             Irregular
             practice
          
           ;
           To
           this
           we
           answer
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           our
           witness
           we
           lie
           not
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           so
           far
           from
           countenancing
           the
           Quakers
           or
           our selves
           in
           any
           Irregular
           practice
           ,
           as
           that
           if
           we
           our selves
           be
           found
           in
           any
           such
           actings
           ,
           we
           shall
           not
           violently
           oppose
           ,
           but
           patiently
           subject
           to
           such
           penalties
           as
           the
           breach
           of
           such
           Laws
           cals
           for
           ;
           it
           would
           have
           been
           well
           ,
           if
           the
           assertors
           had
           declared
           wherein
           this
           Irregular
           practice
           doth
           consist
           ,
           that
           so
           we
           might
           have
           given
           a
           more
           particular
           answer
           ,
           yet
           we
           hope
           by
           what
           hath
           and
           shall
           be
           declared
           ,
           it
           will
           easily
           be
           judged
           ,
           that
           we
           for
           our
           parts
           are
           not
           such
           people
           as
           the
           Baptists
           generally
           are
           reported
           ,
           and
           some
           shew
           themselves
           to
           be
           .
        
         
           To
           the
           fourth
           ,
           
             That
             we
             endeavour
             a
             tolleration
             of
             all
             miscarriages
             in
             things
             Ecclesiastical
             and
             Civil
             under
             pretence
             of
             Liberty
             of
             Conscience
             .
          
           If
           by
           indeavouring
           a
           tolleration
           of
           all
           miscarriages
           in
           things
           ecclesiastical
           ,
           the
           assertors
           intend
           amongst
           our selves
           in
           our
           own
           assemblies
           :
           we
           shall
           answer
           them
           as
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           the
           searcher
           of
           all
           hearts
           :
           That
           we
           are
           so
           far
           from
           any
           such
           toleration
           ,
           as
           that
           we
           at
           this
           very
           day
           go
           under
           a
           reproach
           by
           that
           people
           we
           formerly
           walked
           withal
           ,
           because
           in
           the
           reality
           of
           our
           souls
           ,
           and
           the
           integrity
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           we
           cannot
           allow
           of
           some
           things
           ,
           that
           we
           judge
           to
           be
           of
           that
           nature
           amongst
           them
           ,
           we
           well
           knowing
           ,
           that
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           requires
           a
           perfect
           observation
           of
           ,
           and
           a
           universal
           obedience
           to
           all
           things
           whatsoever
           he
           commanded
           ;
           Mat.
           28.20
           .
           And
           that
           as
           well
           to
           what
           hath
           been
           laid
           down
           by
           his
           Apostles
           ,
           given
           in
           by
           the
           incomes
           of
           that
           Spirit
           that
           was
           to
           lead
           them
           into
           all
           truth
           ,
           and
           to
           shew
           them
           things
           to
           come
           ,
           Iohn
           16.13
           .
           which
           are
           also
           the
           commands
           of
           Christ
           ,
           1
           Cor.
           14.37
           .
           as
           to
           those
           that
           were
           laid
           down
           by
           himself
           ,
           Iohn
           18.12.15
           .
           so
           that
           we
           positively
           say
           ,
           that
           if
           we
           shall
           allow
           of
           any
           miscarriages
           either
           in
           Doctrine
           or
           Discipline
           amongst
           our selves
           ,
           to
           thwart
           the
           mind
           of
           Christ
           revealed
           in
           his
           Scriptures
           of
           truth
           ,
           we
           can
           expect
           no
           better
           answer
           from
           him
           ,
           then
           a
           proclamation
           of
           our
           worship
           to
           be
           a
           vain
           worship
           ,
           as
           once
           he
           declared
           against
           the
           Jews
           ,
           Mat.
           15.9
           .
           And
           therefore
           if
           miscarriages
           rise
           amongst
           us
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           bring
           such
           miscarriages
           to
           the
           touch-stone
           of
           Gods
           word
           ,
           and
           so
           weigh
           them
           in
           the
           ballance
           of
           the
           Sanctuary
           ,
           and
           finding
           them
           either
           too
           heavy
           or
           too
           light
           ,
           that
           is
           ,
           either
           adding
           or
           diminishing
           from
           or
           to
           the
           mind
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           are
           then
           to
           repair
           to
           those
           wholsome
           laws
           left
           us
           in
           Scripture
           record
           ,
           for
           the
           regulating
           of
           such
           miscarriages
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           nature
           
           of
           them
           ,
           as
           they
           are
           private
           or
           publick
           ,
           or
           more
           or
           less
           in
           their
           several
           agravations
           ;
           and
           as
           they
           are
           committed
           by
           persons
           standing
           in
           such
           or
           such
           relations
           :
           we
           say
           the
           more
           of
           this
           ,
           because
           most
           persons
           think
           ,
           and
           many
           do
           not
           stick
           to
           say
           ,
           that
           we
           live
           and
           act
           in
           things
           Ecclesiastical
           as
           Libertines
           ,
           and
           without
           Church
           government
           ,
           because
           we
           withdraw
           our selves
           from
           the
           publick
           assemblies
           ;
           But
           did
           such
           persons
           rightly
           consider
           ,
           what
           the
           discipline
           of
           the
           Ministry
           of
           the
           Nation
           is
           ,
           in
           their
           Parochial
           assemblies
           ,
           who
           profess
           themselves
           to
           be
           the
           true
           Spouse
           and
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           compare
           It
           with
           the
           mind
           of
           Christ
           revealed
           in
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           truth
           ,
           who
           gives
           Laws
           to
           his
           Church
           ,
           which
           is
           that
           body
           of
           which
           he
           himself
           is
           the
           head
           ,
           Ephes.
           4.15.21.22
           .
           Col.
           1.18
           .
           ●
           .
           19
           .
           They
           would
           then
           find
           themselves
           to
           be
           the
           Libertines
           and
           not
           we
           ;
           and
           therefore
           we
           shall
           earnestly
           desire
           all
           that
           are
           unacquainted
           with
           the
           true
           discipline
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           well
           to
           weigh
           and
           seriously
           to
           consider
           these
           statute
           Laws
           of
           Christ
           ,
           in
           that
           case
           provided
           ,
           2
           Tim.
           3.16
           .
           2
           Tim.
           4.1
           ,
           2.
           
           Ephes.
           5.11
           .
           Mat.
           18.15
           .
           1
           Tim.
           5.12
           ,
           19
           ,
           20.
           1
           
           Tim.
           6.5
           .
           1
           Tim.
           1.20
           .
           Tit.
           3.10
           .
           2
           Thes.
           2
           15.
           2
           
           Thes.
           3
           10.
           1
           
           Cor.
           5
           4
           ,
           9
           ,
           11.
           
           The
           which
           as
           we
           will
           answer
           the
           contrary
           at
           the
           great
           day
           of
           account
           ,
           we
           dare
           not
           in
           the
           least
           wilfully
           violate
           or
           neglect
           .
           But
           if
           by
           miscarriages
           in
           things
           Ecclesiastical
           ,
           they
           mean
           that
           we
           endeavour
           a
           Tolleration
           of
           all
           miscarriages
           amongst
           them
           in
           their
           assemblies
           ,
           we
           shall
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           clear
           ourselves
           and
           say
           ,
           we
           have
           nothing
           at
           all
           to
           do
           with
           them
           ,
           in
           such
           matters
           ,
           for
           we
           say
           ,
           they
           are
           without
           as
           to
           us
           ;
           1
           Cor.
           5.12
           ,
           13.
           
           And
           so
           we
           look
           upon
           our selves
           to
           be
           as
           to
           them
           :
           And
           if
           any
           one
           shall
           seem
           to
           be
           troubled
           at
           this
           term
           Without
           ,
           and
           object
           and
           say
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           all
           the
           Creation
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           what
           need
           these
           expressions
           of
           ,
           
             stand
             at
             a
             distance
             ,
             I
             am
             more
             holy
             than
             you
          
           ;
           To
           such
           we
           shall
           answer
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Love
           and
           Meekness
           ,
           and
           God
           is
           our
           witness
           without
           AUSTENTATION
           ,
           That
           it
           is
           true
           ,
           all
           the
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           of
           Adam
           ,
           are
           the
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           of
           God
           by
           creation
           ,
           but
           few
           by
           regeneration
           and
           adoption
           ;
           for
           
             many
             are
             called
             but
             few
             are
             chosen
             ,
             Mat.
          
           20.16
           .
           for
           not
           the
           
             hearers
             of
             the
             Law
             ,
             but
             the
             doers
             shall
             be
             justified
             ,
          
           Rom.
           2
           13.
           
           And
           not
           every
           one
           that
           saith
           ,
           
             Lord
             Lord
             ,
             shall
             enter
             into
             the
             Kingdome
             of
             Heaven
             ,
             but
             he
             that
             doth
             the
             will
             of
             the
             Father
             ,
             Mat.
          
           7.21
           .
           We
           well
           know
           ,
           that
           many
           will
           say
           these
           are
           hard
           sayings
           ,
           and
           cannot
           well
           bear
           them
           ;
           But
           to
           such
           we
           shall
           give
           a
           direction
           in
           our
           Post-script
           ,
           where
           from
           one
           of
           us
           they
           may
           expect
           ,
           and
           we
           hope
           also
           find
           good
           satisfation
           as
           to
           the
           tearm
           Without
           .
        
         
           That
           we
           own
           Liberty
           of
           Conscience
           we
           confess
           ,
           but
           under
           that
           or
           any
           other
           pretence
           ,
           to
           endeavour
           a
           toleration
           of
           any
           miscarriages
           either
           in
           things
           Ecclesiastical
           or
           Civil
           ,
           we
           have
           given
           (
           we
           hope
           )
           full
           satisfaion
           ,
           for
           seeing
           it
           is
           the
           will
           of
           our
           Master
           to
           have
           the
           Tares
           and
           the
           wheat
           grow
           together
           till
           the
           Harvest
           ,
           Mat.
           13.30
           .
           And
           that
           our
           Heavenly
           Father
           doth
           exercise
           his
           long
           suffering
           to
           the
           
           whole
           bulk
           of
           man-kind
           ,
           
             not
             willing
             that
             any●…d
             perish
             ,
             but
             that
             all
             should
             come
             to
             Repentance
             ,
          
           2
           Pet.
           3.9
           .
           We
           look
           upon
           it
           to
           be
           our
           duty
           to
           follow
           God
           as
           
             dear
             Children
          
           ,
           and
           ●…
           to
           
             walk
             in
             love
          
           ,
           Ephes.
           5.1
           ,
           2.
           and
           therefore
           are
           
             like
             minded
          
           ,
           having
           the
           same
           love
           Phil.
           2.2
           .
           And
           therefore
           do
           further
           declare
           ,
           ●…
           we
           are
           as
           free
           ,
           that
           all
           others
           should
           injoy
           their
           Liberties
           as
           we
           our selves
           ,
           of
           what
           Judgment
           soever
           they
           be
           ;
           we
           well
           knowing
           ,
           ●…
           some
           are
           called
           at
           the
           eleventh
           hour
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           at
           the
           first
           and
           third
           ,
           Mat.
           20.1
           ,
           6
           ;
           And
           had
           the
           Apostle
           Paul
           been
           plucked
           up
           w●…he
           was
           a
           tare
           ,
           a
           persecutor
           ,
           a
           blasphemer
           ,
           1
           Tim.
           1.13
           .
           and
           the
           chief
           of
           sinners
           ,
           vers
           .
           ●5
           .
           he
           had
           never
           been
           such
           choyce
           wheat
           ,
           ●…atisfie
           ,
           Refresh
           ,
           Enable
           ,
           Inliven
           ,
           Inlighten
           ,
           Encourage
           ,
           build
           up
           and
           Instruct
           ,
           Corerct
           and
           Reprove
           ,
           the
           building
           of
           God
           ;
           ●…
           1.3
           9.
           the
           house
           of
           God
           ,
           Heb.
           3.6
           .
           the
           houshold
           of
           God
           ,
           Ephes.
           2.19
           .
           the
           Sons
           and
           Daughters
           of
           God
           ,
           2.
           
           Cor.
           6.18
           .
           Nor
           that
           b●…of
           which
           Christ
           is
           the
           head
           ,
           Col.
           1.18
           ,
           and
           therefore
           we
           cannot
           but
           say
           again
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           as
           free
           that
           all
           others
           should
           injoy
           ●…r
           Liberties
           in
           the
           things
           of
           God
           ,
           as
           we
           our selves
           ,
           We
           well
           knowing
           ,
           that
           every
           one
           must
           give
           an
           account
           of
           himself
           to
           God
           ,
           Rom.
           ●…
           12.
           
             for
             every
             one
             shall
             receive
             the
             things
             done
             in
             the
             body
             ,
             according
             to
             what
             they
             have
             done
             ,
             whether
             it
             be
             good
             or
             bad
             ,
          
           2
           Cor.
           5.
           
           ●…
           Mat.
           25.34
           ,
           41.
           
           But
           either
           to
           procure
           or
           maintain
           our
           own
           or
           others
           Liberties
           by
           force
           of
           armes
           ,
           or
           the
           least
           violence
           ,
           we
           can
           ●…
           no
           warrant
           from
           the
           Scriptures
           of
           truth
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           which
           is
           that
           only
           and
           alone
           rule
           that
           we
           walk
           by
           ,
           for
           all
           the
           remedy
           that
           we●…d
           there
           recorded
           is
           ,
           that
           if
           they
           
             persecute
             us
             in
             one
             City
             ,
             we
             may
             flee
             into
             another
          
           ;
           and
           this
           we
           see
           acted
           by
           our
           Saviour
           himself
           ,
           
           Iohn
           ●…
           and
           by
           his
           patents
           ,
           Mat
           2.14
           .
           and
           the
           Apostle
           
             Peter
             ,
             Acts
          
           12.17
           .
           and
           Saint
           
             Paul
             ,
             Acts
          
           9.25
           ,
           26.
           1
           
           Cor.
           11.33
           .
           And
           to
           fo●…w
           our
           Master
           ,
           and
           to
           tread
           in
           the
           foot-steps
           of
           the
           flock
           of
           God
           gone
           before
           us
           ,
           we
           Judge
           it
           very
           safe
           ;
           but
           to
           resist
           by
           force
           of
           ●…nes
           ,
           or
           use
           the
           least
           violence
           ,
           we
           judge
           unwarrantable
           .
        
         
           To
           the
           fift
           and
           last
           particular
           ,
           
             that
             we
             woun●…urther
             and
             destroy
             those
             that
             differ
             from
             us
             in
             maters
             of
             Religion
             .
          
        
         
           To
           this
           we
           cannot
           but
           answer
           ,
           that
           so
           to●…e
           Judge
           were
           not
           so
           much
           as
           Common
           humanity
           ,
           much
           less
           religion
           or
           Christianity
           ;
           but
           our
           Religion
           is
           ,
           
             pure
             and
             undefi●…
             before
             God
             and
             our
             father
             ,
          
           which
           is
           to
           
             visit
             the
             fatherless
             and
             widdowes
          
           ,
           not
           to
           make
           fatherless
           and
           widdowes
           ;
           and
           to
           visit
           them
           in
           ●…eir
           afflictions
           ,
           not
           to
           murther
           and
           destroy
           their
           Relations
           ,
           to
           bring
           them
           under
           afflictions
           :
           but
           to
           this
           we
           further
           answer
           ,
           that
           t●…
           and
           the
           fourth
           particular
           we
           judge
           seem
           to
           contradict
           one
           another
           ,
           for
           murthering
           and
           destroying
           for
           difference
           in
           matters
           of
           R●…igion
           ,
           and
           liberty
           of
           conscience
           cannot
           stand
           together
           ,
           nor
           in
           the
           eye
           of
           reason
           can
           they
           be
           charged
           against
           one
           and
           the
           same
           per●…ns
           ,
           for
           murthering
           and
           destroying
           for
           difference
           in
           matters
           of
           religion
           ,
           destroyes
           liberty
           of
           conscience
           ,
           &
           liberty
           of
           conscience
           sw●…ows
           up
           &
           drowns
           murthering
           ,
           &
           destroying
           for
           difference
           in
           matters
           of
           religion
           ;
           so
           that
           it
           argues
           ,
           that
           the
           assertors
           of
           these
           things
           ●…re
           yet
           in
           Babylon
           and
           confusion
           ,
           with
           those
           our
           Apostle
           writ
           of
           ;
           in
           1
           Tim.
           1.7
           .
           not
           
             knowing
             well
             what
             they
             say
             ,
             nor
             whereof
             they
             do
             af●…e
          
           ;
           yet
           notwithstanding
           ,
           seeing
           we
           are
           there
           with
           charged
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           the
           discharging
           our selves
           of
           this
           confused
           burthen
           ,
           we
           ●…all
           in
           the
           singleness
           of
           our
           souls
           yet
           farther
           discover
           our
           real
           judgments
           ,
           as
           to
           the
           main
           intent
           of
           the
           charge
           ,
           which
           is
           murthering
           a●…
           distroying
           ;
           and
           add
           this
           further
           ,
           that
           we
           read
           of
           a
           three
           fould
           sword
           in
           Scriptures
           .
           
             
               1.
               
               The
               Sword
               of
               the
               Spirit
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               wor●…
               of
               God
               ,
               Ephes.
               6.17
               .
            
             
               2.
               
               The
               Sword
               of
               Justce
               ,
               which
               is
               the
               Magis●…rates
               sword
               ,
               Rom.
               13.4
               .
            
             
               3
               :
               The
               Sword
               of
               steele
               ,
               usualy
               so
               called
               ,
               whic●…
               is
               the
               sword
               of
               slaughter
               ,
               Isa.
               1.20
               .
               Ezek.
               9.1
               ,
               2.
               
            
          
        
         
           The
           first
           of
           these
           we
           are
           required
           to
           take
           to
           us
           ●…nd
           
             put
             on
             ,
             Eph.
          
           6.12
           ,
           13
           ,
           17
           and
           Thus
           to
           
             be
             strong
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             power
             of
             his
             might
             ,
          
           whose
           might
           was
           evidenced
           once
           ,
           again
           an●…
           again
           ,
           by
           using
           this
           sword
           skilfully
           Mat
           4
           4
           7
           ,
           9
           ,
           
             for
             it
             is
             mighty
             through
             God
             ,
             to
             the
             pulling
             down
             of
             strong
             holds
             ,
             casting
             down
             immagina●…ions
             ,
             and
             every
             high
             thing
             ,
             that
             exalteth
             it self
             against
             the
             knowledge
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             bringing
             into
             captivity
             ,
          
           &c.
           and
           having
           in
           a
           readines
           to
           revenge
           all
           disobedience
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           10.4
           5
           ,
           6.
           and
           is
           
             profitable
             for
             doctrine
             ,
             for
             reproof
             ,
             for
             correction
             ,
             for
             instruction
             in
             righteousness
             ,
             tha●…
             the
             man
             of
             God
             may
             be
             perfect
             ,
             thorowly
             furnished
             unto
             all
             good
             workes
             ,
          
           2
           Tim.
           3.16
           ,
           17.
           
             for
             we
             wrastle
             not
             with
             flesh
             and
             blood
             ,
             bu●…
             against
             prinscipalities
             ,
             powers
             ,
             the
             rulers
             of
             the
             darkness
             of
             this
             world
             ,
          
           Ephes
           6.12
           .
           not
           for
           nor
           against
           the
           Magistrates
           ,
           Parliaments
           ,
           no●…
           Armies
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           the
           best
           of
           whose
           strength
           is
           flesh
           and
           not
           spirit
           ,
           who
           shall
           be
           destroyed
           together
           ,
           Isa.
           31.1.2
           ,
           3.
           
           Mat.
           26.58
           .
        
         
           As
           for
           the
           sword
           of
           justce
           ,
           or
           the
           Magistrates
           sword
           ,
           we
           are
           to
           be
           subject
           to
           it
           as
           we
           have
           fully
           declared
           ,
           and
           not
           to
           resist
           it
           ,
           which
           sword
           takes
           revenge
           on
           no
           man
           before
           he
           be
           apprehended
           ,
           charged
           ,
           heard
           ,
           and
           by
           good
           evidence
           convicted
           ,
           and
           sentence
           according
           to
           the
           fact
           proved
           given
           ,
           and
           then
           an
           immediate
           commission
           given
           to
           an
           executioner
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           fact
           and
           sentence
           ,
           for
           the
           putting
           this
           sword
           in
           execution
           .
        
         
           But
           the
           sword
           of
           slaughter
           without
           examination
           or
           due
           consideration
           ,
           is
           many
           times
           put
           in
           execution
           to
           the
           slaying
           and
           destroying
           of
           friends
           as
           well
           as
           enemies
           ,
           witness
           those
           slaughters
           ,
           and
           〈…〉
        
         
           And
           for
           our
           acting
           in
           this
           sword
           ,
           we
           can
           find
           no
           warrant
           from
           Scriptures
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           for
           that
           sword
           being
           〈…〉
           Peter
           and
           another
           of
           the
           disciples
           ,
           and
           that
           by
           an
           immediate
           commission
           from
           Christ
           ,
           the
           work
           being
           finished
           for
           which
           it
           was
           intended
           ,
           we
           find
           an
           immediate
           and
           peremptory
           command
           for
           the
           sheathing
           it
           again
           ;
           and
           this
           reason
           rendred
           from
           the
           lip
           of
           truth
           it self
           ,
           
             for
             all
             they
             that
             take
             the
             sword
             shall
             perish
             with
             the
             sword
             ,
          
           Mat.
           26.52
           .
           
             for
             whosoever
             will
             save
             his
             life
             ,
             shall
             lose
             it
             ,
          
           Mat
           16.25
           .
           and
           we
           find
           no
           tolleration
           in
           holy
           writ
           to
           the
           people
           of
           God
           for
           the
           drawing
           it
           again
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           neither
           by
           precept
           or
           example
           .
        
         
           But
           least
           this
           countermand
           ,
           should
           not
           be
           looked
           upon
           to
           be
           a
           sufficient
           warrant
           for
           its
           continuance
           in
           its
           place
           by
           the
           people
           of
           God
           for
           the
           time
           to
           come
           ,
           the
           Lord
           Christ
           amongst
           several
           other
           weighty
           things
           ,
           sent
           to
           the
           seven
           Churches
           in
           Asia
           ,
           and
           in
           them
           to
           us
           ,
           by
           Iohn
           the
           Revelator
           ,
           is
           not
           backward
           to
           remind
           them
           and
           us
           in
           them
           of
           it
           again
           ,
           as
           a
           matter
           of
           no
           small
           concernment
           ;
           (
           And
           as
           we
           judge
           )
           least
           it
           should
           not
           be
           taken
           so
           much
           notice
           of
           by
           us
           in
           this
           our
           day
           ,
           as
           he
           would
           have
           it
           ,
           he
           bringeth
           it
           in
           ,
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           a
           discourse
           ,
           not
           long
           before
           the
           rise
           of
           the
           man
           of
           sin
           ,
           when
           one
           of
           the
           heads
           of
           the
           beast
           is
           wounded
           ,
           as
           it
           were
           to
           death
           ,
           and
           that
           deadly
           wound
           was
           healed
           ,
           Rev.
           13.3
           .
           Intimating
           thus
           much
           as
           we
           apprehend
           ,
           that
           as
           Kingly
           power
           hath
           had
           a
           wound
           in
           these
           Nations
           ,
           even
           as
           it
           were
           unto
           death
           ,
           so
           we
           know
           that
           the
           design
           of
           God
           shall
           be
           brought
           about
           ;
           and
           the
           Scriptures
           must
           be
           fulfilled
           ,
           for
           that
           deadly
           wound
           shall
           be
           healed
           ,
           Rev.
           13.3
           .
           and
           we
           finding
           the
           spirits
           of
           the
           generality
           of
           the
           people
           of
           the
           three
           Nations
           ,
           very
           high
           in
           this
           juncture
           of
           time
           ,
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           Kingly
           Government
           ,
           like
           Israel
           of
           old
           ,
           1
           Sam.
           8.
           so
           that
           by
           the
           face
           of
           things
           as
           they
           appear
           to
           us
           in
           this
           last
           change
           ,
           we
           do
           discern
           as
           through
           a
           glasse
           darkly
           ,
           that
           the
           deadly
           wound
           is
           now
           going
           to
           be
           healed
           ,
           although
           we
           do
           really
           judge
           ,
           that
           several
           that
           are
           in
           present
           eminent
           power
           ,
           intend
           no
           such
           thing
           ,
           no
           more
           then
           the
           Jews
           in
           the
           crucifying
           of
           Christ
           ,
           intended
           the
           bringing
           the
           great
           design
           ,
           and
           fore-appointment
           of
           God
           about
           ,
           Acts
           2.23
           .
           by
           all
           which
           we
           judge
           ,
           that
           caution
           was
           intended
           cheifly
           to
           us
           ,
           
             upon
             whom
             the
             ends
             of
             the
             world
             is
             come
          
           ;
           and
           least
           we
           should
           not
           be
           so
           mindfull
           of
           our
           duties
           as
           he
           would
           have
           us
           ,
           he
           makes
           as
           it
           were
           a
           Proclamation
           ,
           to
           bespeake
           our
           better
           attention
           ,
           to
           what
           he
           intendeth
           and
           saith
           ,
           Rev.
           13.9.10
           .
           
             He
             that
             hath
             an
             eare
             to
             hear
             let
             him
             hear
             ,
             he
             that
             leadeth
             into
             Captivity
             ,
             shall
             go
             into
             Captivity
             ,
             he
             that
             killeth
             with
             the
             sword
             ;
             shall
             be
             killed
             with
             the
             sword
          
           ;
           here
           is
           the
           faith
           and
           patience
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           that
           whilst
           others
           are
           leading
           into
           coptivity
           and
           killing
           with
           the
           sword
           ,
           to
           pull
           down
           or
           set
           up
           this
           or
           that
           Power
           ,
           man
           or
           Government
           ,
           to
           give
           a
           deadly
           wound
           to
           Kingly
           power
           ,
           or
           to
           heal
           that
           deadly
           wound
           again
           ,
           that
           then
           the
           People
           of
           God
           should
           in
           their
           
             patience
             possess
             their
             souls
          
           ,
           &
           in
           the
           midst
           of
           these
           revolutions
           ,
           exercise
           their
           fai●h
           as
           once
           that
           Prophet
           did
           ,
           Heb.
           3.17
           .
           and
           faithfully
           to
           depend
           upon
           God
           for
           his
           preservation
           and
           protection
           ,
           keeping
           themselves
           pure
           and
           undefiled
           from
           leading
           into
           captivity
           ,
           or
           killing
           with
           the
           sword
           ,
           least
           they
           themselves
           be
           led
           into
           captivity
           ,
           and
           be
           killed
           by
           the
           sword
           ,
           thereby
           evidencing
           themselves
           to
           be
           the
           
             peacable
             flock
             of
             Christ
             ,
             chosen
             out
             of
             the
             world
             ,
          
           Iohn
           15.19
           .
           and
           following
           their
           Master
           the
           
             Lord
             and
             Prince
             of
             peace
             ,
             Isa
          
           9.6
           .
           2
           Thes.
           3.16
           .
           being
           regulated
           by
           his
           requirements
           in
           the
           
             Gospel
             of
             peace
             ,
             Romans
          
           10.15
           .
           Ephesians
           6.15
           .
           having
           received
           from
           the
           
             God
             of
             peace
             ,
             Rom.
          
           15.33
           .
           Rom.
           16.20
           .
           2
           Cor.
           13.11
           .
           that
           spirit
           ,
           whose
           fruits
           is
           
             love
             ,
             joy
             ,
             peace
             ,
             long
             suffering
             ,
             gentleness
             ,
             goodness
             ,
             faith
             ,
             meekness
             and
             temperance
             ,
             against
             which
             there
             is
             no
             law
             ,
          
           that
           as
           they
           are
           Christs
           ,
           so
           they
           should
           evidence
           that
           they
           have
           
             crucified
             the
             flesh
             with
             the
             affections
             and
             lusts
             ,
             Gal.
          
           5.22
           ,
           23
           ,
           24.
           but
           lust
           being
           not
           crucified
           it
           breaks
           forth
           into
           wars
           and
           fightings
           ,
           for
           when
           
             men
             lust
             and
             have
             not
          
           ,
           then
           they
           
             kil
             and
             desire
             to
             have
             ,
             Iames
          
           4.1
           ,
           2.
           and
           when
           the
           people
           of
           God
           shall
           act
           thus
           ,
           the
           spirit
           of
           God
           brands
           them
           wi●h
           those
           Ignominious
           names
           of
           adulterers
           and
           adultresses
           ,
           informing
           them
           ,
           that
           what
           they
           are
           fighting
           for
           is
           enmity
           against
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           if
           they
           obtain
           it
           they
           aret
           enemies
           to
           God
           ,
           Iames
           4.4
           .
           and
           we
           well
           knowing
           ,
           that
           whilst
           we
           are
           friends
           to
           the
           world
           we
           are
           enemies
           to
           God
           ,
           dare
           not
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           have
           to
           do
           in
           the
           world
           ,
           so
           as
           to
           set
           up
           our selves
           ;
           or
           to
           side
           with
           any
           either
           in
           setting
           up
           or
           pulling
           down
           ,
           and
           how
           can
           a
           mans
           love
           to
           the
           world
           be
           evidenced
           more
           ,
           then
           in
           ventering
           his
           life
           for
           it
           ,
           according
           to
           that
           
           saying
           of
           our
           saviour
           ,
           Iohn
           15.13
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           further
           declare
           ,
           that
           as
           we
           are
           to
           be
           a
           peaceable
           people
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           action
           ,
           so
           we
           look
           upon
           it
           to
           be
           our
           duty
           ,
           to
           keep
           our selves
           from
           oaths
           ,
           Ingagments
           ,
           and
           Covenants
           ,
           either
           for
           or
           against
           this
           or
           that
           person
           Government
           ,
           or
           Persons
           whatsoever
           ,
           
             For
             because
             of
             SWEARING
             the
             Land
             mourneth
             ,
             Ier.
          
           22.10
           .
           
             For
             the
             Lord
             hath
             a
             controversie
             with
             the
             Inhabitants
             of
             the
             Land.
             Because
             there
             is
             no
             truth
             ,
             nor
             mercy
             ,
             nor
             knowledge
             of
             God
             in
             the
             Land
             ,
             for
             by
             SWEARING
             ,
             and
             lying
             ,
             and
             killing
             ,
             and
             Stealing
             ,
             and
             committing
             Adultery
             ,
             they
             break
             forth
             ,
             and
             blood
             toucheth
             blood
             ,
             saith
             the
             Prophet
             ,
          
           Hos.
           4.1
           ,
           2
           ,
           3.
           and
           saith
           the
           same
           Prophet
           ,
           Hos.
           10.3
           ,
           4.
           
             they
             have
             spoken
             words
             ,
             SWEARING
             falsly
             in
             making
             a
             Covenant
             ,
             THUS
             judgement
             springeth
             up
             as
             Hemlock
             in
             the
             furrows
             of
             the
             field
          
           ;
           and
           we
           not
           knowing
           what
           the
           Cabbinet
           Counsell
           of
           God
           is
           in
           this
           our
           day
           upon
           the
           account
           of
           Goverment
           ,
           dare
           not
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           have
           so
           much
           as
           a
           thought
           to
           ingage
           in
           any
           such
           thing
           ,
           
             least
             we
             be
             found
             fighters
             against
             God
             ,
          
           according
           to
           the
           saying
           of
           Gamaliel
           ,
           though
           in
           another
           case
           ,
           Acts
           5.39
           .
        
         
           And
           therefore
           do
           declare
           our
           resolution
           herein
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           (
           God
           assisting
           us
           )
           enter
           into
           any
           ingagement
           whatsoever
           upon
           any
           such
           account
           ,
           yet
           shall
           this
           say
           again
           ,
           that
           we
           shall
           not
           violently
           resist
           the
           imposers
           ,
           of
           any
           such
           ingagements
           ,
           but
           shall
           patiently
           suffer
           the
           penalty
           of
           our
           non-obedience
           as
           aforesaid
           .
        
         
           And
           we
           further
           declare
           as
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           searcher
           of
           all
           hearts
           ,
           that
           as
           it
           hath
           been
           some
           of
           our
           great
           trouble
           for
           a
           long
           time
           ,
           to
           see
           some
           of
           those
           that
           are
           in
           the
           same
           faith
           and
           order
           with
           us
           ,
           so
           acting
           ;
           so
           it
           is
           now
           become
           even
           an
           overwhelming
           burthen
           upon
           our
           souls
           ,
           to
           see
           them
           generally
           runing
           such
           a
           precippitant
           course
           ,
           by
           which
           actings
           of
           theirs
           ,
           the
           mouths
           almost
           of
           all
           men
           are
           opened
           against
           them
           ,
           and
           that
           truth
           they
           professe
           ,
           most
           ignominiously
           branded
           and
           reproached
           .
           And
           therefore
           we
           further
           declare
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           Angels
           and
           men
           ,
           that
           we
           bear
           our
           Testimony
           against
           them
           in
           their
           present
           actings
           ,
           and
           cannot
           stand
           by
           them
           ,
           nor
           have
           communion
           with
           them
           therein
           ,
           nor
           with
           those
           that
           strengthen
           their
           hands
           in
           standing
           by
           them
           ;
           and
           must
           tell
           them
           in
           the
           words
           of
           our
           Saviour
           ,
           Luke
           9.55
           .
           
             That
             they
             know
             not
             what
             Spirit
             they
             are
             of
          
           ;
           for
           ,
           
             the
             Son
             of
             man
          
           (
           their
           Mr.
           )
           
             came
             not
             to
             destroy
             mens
             lives
             but
             to
             save
             them
          
           ;
           The
           Premises
           considered
           ,
           we
           shall
           appeal
           to
           the
           judgements
           of
           all
           rational
           men
           ,
           whether
           we
           are
           guilty
           of
           what
           we
           are
           charged
           withall
           or
           not
           ,
           yet
           if
           they
           shall
           still
           go
           on
           notwithstanding
           ,
           to
           use
           us
           reproachfully
           for
           the
           name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           shall
           be
           so
           far
           from
           endeavouring
           or
           desiring
           a
           revenge
           ,
           as
           that
           in
           the
           words
           of
           Christ
           ,
           we
           shall
           in
           our
           requests
           at
           the
           throne
           of
           grace
           ,
           crie
           out
           and
           say
           ,
           
             Father
             forgive
             them
             they
             know
             not
             what
             they
             do
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           POST-SCRIPT
           .
        
         
           FOrasmuch
           ,
           as
           the
           said
           declarers
           in
           their
           answer
           to
           the
           first
           perticular
           in
           their
           Declaration
           ,
           do
           call
           the
           Independants
           and
           Presbyterians
           their
           Christian
           friends
           ,
           the
           which
           however
           it
           is
           they
           so
           complement
           with
           them
           ,
           yet
           in
           reallity
           (
           we
           judge
           )
           they
           cannot
           own
           them
           as
           such
           upon
           a
           Scripture
           account
           ;
           as
           also
           because
           one
           Mr.
           
             William
             Alleyn
          
           ,
           in
           a
           book
           lately
           by
           him
           published
           ,
           intituled
           ,
           
             A
             Retractation
             to
             Seperation
          
           .
           In
           which
           booke
           in
           the
           whole
           currant
           of
           it
           ,
           all
           the
           Scriptures
           that
           he
           brings
           ,
           which
           were
           written
           by
           the
           immediate
           direction
           and
           incomes
           of
           the
           Holy
           Spirit
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           the
           Churches
           as
           they
           were
           in
           the
           faith
           and
           order
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ,
           he
           applieth
           to
           ,
           and
           also
           for
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           behalf
           of
           
             Episcopals
             ,
             Independants
          
           ,
           and
           Presbyterians
           ,
           who
           are
           opposite
           both
           to
           the
           Doctrine
           and
           disipline
           of
           those
           Churches
           ,
           he
           intendng
           thereby
           to
           perswade
           us
           if
           possible
           ,
           to
           a
           beliefe
           that
           they
           are
           the
           true
           and
           visible
           members
           of
           that
           body
           ,
           of
           which
           Christ
           is
           the
           head
           ;
           the
           which
           book
           ,
           by
           Gods
           assistance
           ,
           is
           intended
           suddenly
           to
           be
           answered
           by
           one
           of
           our
           soceity
           ,
           who
           resolveth
           to
           intitle
           it
           ,
           
             The
             Retractators
             work
             Scaned
             or
             the
             conceptions
             and
             supposals
             of
          
           Mr.
           William
           Alleyn
           ,
           
             regulated
             by
             Scripture
             record
          
           ;
           in
           which
           ,
           with
           other
           things
           ,
           a
           Gospel
           believer
           ,
           or
           a
           true
           Church
           of
           Christ
           ,
           upon
           a
           Gospel
           account
           ,
           is
           intended
           to
           be
           stated
           ,
           the
           which
           is
           hoped
           will
           be
           so
           plain
           ,
           that
           it
           may
           prove
           instrumental
           to
           the
           undeceiving
           of
           some
           that
           are
           under
           a
           deceipt
           by
           meanes
           of
           that
           and
           such
           deceiptful
           discourses
           as
           that
           is
           ;
           in
           which
           answer
           it
           is
           farther
           hoped
           ,
           that
           those
           that
           are
           unsatisfied
           with
           our
           tearme
           Without
           ,
           in
           our
           answer
           in
           our
           Declaration
           to
           the
           fourth
           particular
           may
           receive
           also
           good
           satisfaction
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           mean
           time
           we
           desire
           all
           to
           take
           notice
           ,
           that
           though
           we
           thus
           speake
           ,
           yet
           we
           have
           good
           thoughts
           of
           those
           friends
           that
           go
           under
           those
           denominations
           ,
           and
           do
           own
           them
           and
           all
           others
           of
           all
           other
           opinions
           whatsoever
           ,
           in
           union
           ,
           so
           far
           as
           they
           own
           God
           ,
           Christ
           and
           their
           truthes
           ;
           but
           to
           own
           the
           best
           of
           men
           to
           be
           members
           of
           that
           body
           of
           which
           Christ
           is
           the
           head
           ,
           and
           so
           to
           have
           communion
           with
           them
           ,
           either
           to
           make
           them
           our
           mouth
           in
           Prayer
           to
           God
           for
           us
           ,
           or
           Gods
           mouth
           in
           speaking
           forth
           his
           truths
           to
           us
           ,
           or
           in
           breaking
           of
           bread
           at
           the
           table
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           we
           cannot
           own
           them
           in
           the
           least
           ,
           our
           reasons
           we
           hope
           will
           be
           fully
           laid
           down
           in
           the
           answer
           to
           the
           said
           book
           .
        
         
           
             Henry
             Adis
             .
          
           
             Richard
             Pilgrim
             .
          
           
             William
             Cox.
             
          
           
             In
             the
             behalf
             of
             themselves
             ,
             and
             those
             that
             walk
             with
             them
             .
          
        
      
       
         
           And
           if
           any
           man
           shall
           question
           the
           reason
           why
           there
           are
           no
           more
           Subscribers
           to
           this
           long
           Declaration
           ,
           we
           must
           answer
           them
           in
           the
           sorrow
           of
           our
           hearts
           ,
           in
           the
           Language
           of
           the
           Prophet
           ,
           Micah
           7.1
           .
           
             Woe
             is
             us
             ,
             for
             we
             are
             as
             when
             they
             have
             gathered
             the
             Summer
             fruits
             ,
             as
             the
             grape
             gatherings
             in
             the
             Vintage
             ,
             there
             is
             no
             clusters
             to
             eat
             .
          
           vers
           .
           2.
           
           
             The
             good
             man
             is
             perished
             out
             of
             the
             earth
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             none
             upright
             amongst
             men
             ,
             they
             all
             lie
             in
             wait
             for
             blood
             :
             they
             hunt
             every
             man
             his
             Brother
             with
             a
             net
             .
          
           vers
           .
           3.
           
           
             That
             they
             may
             do
             evil
             with
             both
             hands
             earnestly
             ,
             the
             Prince
             asketh
             ,
             and
             the
             Iudge
             asketh
             for
             a
             reward
             :
             And
             the
             great
             man
             he
             uttereth
             his
             mischievous
             desire
             :
             so
             they
             wrap
             it
             up
             .
          
           vers
           .
           4.
           
           
             The
             best
             of
             them
             is
             as
             a
             brier
             ,
             the
             most
             upright
             is
             sharper
             then
             a
             thorne
             hedge
             :
             the
             day
             of
             thy
             watchmen
             ,
             and
             thy
             visitation
             cometh
             ;
             now
             shall
             be
             their
             perplexity
             .
          
        
         
           For
           thus
           saith
           the
           Lord
           by
           his
           Prophet
           ,
           Isa.
           59.2
           .
           
             Your
             iniquities
             have
             separated
             between
             you
             and
             your
             God
             ,
             and
             your
             sins
             have
             hid
             his
             face
             from
             you
             ,
             that
             he
             will
             not
             hear
             .
          
           vers
           .
           3.
           
           
             For
             your
             hands
             are
             defiled
             with
             blood
             ,
             and
             your
             fingers
             with
             iniquity
             ,
             your
             lips
             have
             spoken
             lies
             ,
             your
             tongue
             have
             muttered
             perverseness
             .
          
           vers
           .
           4.
           
           
             None
             calleth
             for
             justice
             ,
             nor
             any
             pleadeth
             for
             truth
             :
             they
             trust
             in
             vanity
             ,
             and
             speak
             lies
             ;
             they
             conceive
             mischief
             ,
             and
             bring
             forth
             iniquity
             .
          
           vers
           .
           5.
           
           
             They
             hatch
             cockatrice
             egs
             ,
             and
             weave
             the
             spiders
             web
             :
             he
             that
             eateth
             of
             their
             eggs
             dieth
             ,
             and
             that
             which
             is
             chrushed
             breaketh
             out
             into
             a
             viper
             .
          
           vers
           .
           6.
           
           
             Their
             webs
             shall
             not
             become
             garments
             ,
             neither
             shall
             they
             cover
             themselves
             with
             their
             works
             :
             their
             works
             are
             works
             of
             iniquity
             ,
             and
             the
             act
             of
             violence
             is
             in
             their
             hands
             .
          
           vers
           .
           7.
           
           
             Their
             feet
             run
             to
             evil
             ,
             and
             they
             make
             hast
             to
             shed
             innocent
             Blood
             ,
             their
             thoughts
             are
             thoughts
             of
             iniquity
             ,
             wasting
             and
             destruction
             is
             in
             their
             paths
             .
          
           vers
           .
           8.
           
           
             The
             way
             of
             peace
             they
             know
             not
             ,
             and
             there
             is
             no
             Iudgment
             in
             their
             goings
             :
             they
             have
             made
             them
             crooked
             paths
             ,
             whosoever
             goeth
             therein
             ,
             shall
             not
             know
             peace
             .
          
           vers
           .
           9.
           
           
             Therefore
             is
             judgment
             far
             from
             us
             ,
             we
             wait
             for
             light
             ,
             but
             behold
             obscurlty
             :
             for
             brightness
             ,
             but
             we
             walk
             in
             darkness
             .
          
           And
           so
           read
           on
           to
           the
           18.
           vers
           .
           and
           vers
           .
           18.
           
           
             According
             to
             their
             deeds
             ,
             accordingly
             he
             will
             repay
             ,
             fury
             to
             his
             adversaries
             ,
             recompence
             to
             his
             enemies
             ,
             to
             the
             Islands
             he
             will
             repay
             recompence
             .
          
        
         
           But
           lest
           any
           man
           should
           think
           us
           to
           be
           what
           we
           are
           not
           ,
           by
           what
           hath
           been
           inserted
           in
           our
           paper
           ,
           after
           our
           subscriptions
           ,
           we
           shall
           in
           FINE
           declare
           ,
           that
           in
           the
           presence
           of
           God
           we
           fight
           not
           against
           sinners
           but
           their
           sins
           ,
           against
           sinful
           Actions
           and
           not
           persons
           ,
           as
           they
           stand
           in
           such
           or
           such
           relations
           in
           this
           Land
           of
           our
           nativity
           ;
           And
           therefore
           shall
           earnestly
           beg
           all
           of
           all
           ranks
           and
           qualities
           ,
           to
           set
           themselves
           upon
           the
           work
           of
           self
           examination
           ,
           and
           to
           take
           that
           good
           advice
           from
           the
           Lord
           by
           his
           Prophet
           ,
           Isa.
           1.16
           .
           
             Wash
             ye
             ,
             make
             ye
             clean
             put
             away
             the
             evil
             of
             your
             doings
             from
             before
             mine
             eyes
             ,
             cease
             to
             do
             evil
             ,
             and
             learn
             to
             do
             well
             ,
             seek
             judgment
             ,
             relieve
             the
             oppressed
             ,
             judge
             the
             fatherless
             ,
             plead
             for
             the
             widdow
             ;
             (
             TO
             WHICH
             )
             if
             ye
             be
             willing
             and
             obedient
             ,
             ye
             shall
             eat
             the
             good
             of
             the
             Land
             ,
             but
             if
             ye
             refuse
             and
             rebel
             ,
             ye
             shall
             be
             destroyed
             by
             the
             sword
             ,
             for
             the
             mouth
             of
             the
             Lord
             hath
             spoken
             it
             ,
          
           vers
           .
           19
           ,
           20.
           
        
         
           And
           to
           our
           dissenting
           Brethren
           ,
           we
           shall
           give
           that
           Christian
           advice
           ,
           that
           the
           Apostle
           Paul
           once
           gave
           to
           the
           Corinthians
           ,
           2
           Cor.
           7.1
           .
           
             That
             they
             cleanse
             themselves
             from
             all
             filthiness
             of
             flesh
             and
             spirit
             ,
             perfecting
             holiness
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             God.
             
          
        
      
    
     
       
         
           LONDON
           ,
           Printed
           for
           the
           Author
           
             Henry
             Adis
          
           Uphouldster
           ,
           living
           in
           
             Princes
             Street
          
           ,
           and
           Published
           the
           13.
           day
           of
           the
           11.
           
           Month
           ,
           Heathenishly
           called
           in
           honour
           to
           their
           God
           
             Ianus
             ,
             Ianuary
          
           ,
           1659.