TRUTH'S MANIFEST REVIVED, OR A farther discovery of Mr. Stucley and his Churches causeless excommunication of Mrs. Marry Allein.  
WHEREIN The former Narrative and observations on Mr. Stucleys' Sermon, are reprinted and his late Scandalous Pamphlet, falsely entitled (Manifest Truth) answered and refuted.  
By TOBY ALLEIN of Exon.  MATTH. 16.2. 
They shall put you out of the Synagogues; yea the time cometh that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth God service.  PRO. 10.18. 
He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a Slander is a fool.  
LONDON. Printed by R. D. for Francis Eglesfield, at the Marigold in S. Paul's Churchyard, 1659.   

An Advertisement TO THE READER.  
FOrasmuch as my Narrative was soon out of print, and came not to the hands of many, that desired a sight thereof, and many that have seen it may perhaps, desire fuller satisfaction in the case, especially considering, that my fierce Adversary, by his new erected Pamphlet called (Manifest Truth) by unsufferable falsities and odious reflections represents us, and it, unworthy of any credit to all, designing thereby to veil and vizard his and his Churches unwarrantable practice, after seeking and sending unto him to condescend to a true stating of the case, and a fair hearing, and debate of the business by godly Ministers and Christian friends of each side, in order to peace; all being rejected by him, I am (for the farther vindication of Truth, satisfaction of others, and reparation of our bleeding names and Reputations so massacred and torn in pieces by this Land-Leviathan) forced a second time to the Press, to reprint my Narrative, together with some few sheets by way of reply and answer to his scurrilous Pamphlet: nothing but truth is presented, and your patience and impartial consideration is desired by Thy friend  
TOBY ALLEIN.   

WE under-written Neighbours to Mr. Toby Allein Citizen of the City of Exeter, having for several years now last passed had knowledge of him, Do bear Testimony that he is of good name and reputation, well esteemed of, and beloved for his godly conversation, and his honest and just deal towards men, to whose words credit is given, and his actions well resented, And hath been entrusted with, and executed the public Office of one of the Stewards or Bailiffs within the said City, elected thereunto by the Major and Common Counsel of the same: And always well-affected to the Commonwealth, and very active in, and as Captain, raised a Company for His Highness' service.  


james Pearse, Major.  
Henry Prigge, Sheriff.  
Thomas Bampfylde Recorder.  
Thomas Westlakes, Town-clerk of the said City.  
Thomas Ford Alderman.  
james Martial.  
Simon Snow Alderman.  
Christopher Clarke, juni.  
james Gould Alderman  
Bernard Bartlet.  
Ralph Herman Alderman.  
john Pym.  
Richard Evans Alderman.  
William Bruen  
Richard Crossing Alderman.  
john Aclaud  
Nicolas Broking Alderman.  
Walter Holditch.  
Richard Sweet Alderman.  
Thomas Tack.  
Henry Gaudy Receiver.  


Stewards of the City of Exeter.  
john Gupwill.  
Edmond Star.  
William Pynny.    
Edward Anthony.  
William Pyne.  
William Shewer.  
Henry Mills Notary Public.  
john Goswell.     

To the READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
AS I never deserved, so I never desired to be in Print; But necessity that knows no law, hath compelled me; And that I hope may be a sufficient excuse for me, I am the husband of one of those poor women whom Mr. Lewis Stucley and his Church in Exon; (as much as in them lay) lately delivered unto Satan, and not content by that unrighteous censure to defame her. Mr. Thomas Mall, (assistant to the said Church) hath since (questionless with Mr. Stucleys' consent and privity) published the notes of the Sermon (preached upon that occasion, and at that very time) to spread those false Reports they have raised, as far as possible they can. The Sense of this dishonour, and Reproach upon my Wife and myself in her, hath occasioned me to make a true report of all transactions of theirs in and about that matter: So to vindicate my nearest relation, and undeceive those who otherwise are in danger of believing lies. I shall not trouble the Reader with Mr. Malls' impertinent quotations of many learned and reverend men, because what he saith from them, is nothing to our purpose. The question is not what Excommunication is, or whether a particular Church may excommunicate, or (if it be) let the Learned dispute it. The only question is, whether Mr. Stucley and his Church have walked by the rule of Christ, in the Application of that Censure to these persons; And this I deny, and say, there were no crimes proved that might argue the parties guilty, or deserving such a Censure, in the judgement of any impartial and understanding men; and their unblamable walkings before, and since, may justly challenge Mr. Stucley, and his Church to answer what they have done, before the Tribunal of him, who shall judge the World in righteousness. For this I appeal to all that shall be pleased to exercise their patience in perusing the following Narrative together with those short observations that I have made upon such sad passages in Mr. Stucleys' Sermon, as have an odious reflection upon the censured parties beyond all truth and reason. I shall no longer detain the Reader, but only desire him to consider impartially of what is here offered and judge accordingly.  
Thine and the truth's friend TOBY ALLEIN. Exon. May 10. 1658.   

THE NARRATIVE.  
ABout the year 1648. the Ordinances of Christ, being all of them administered by Mr. Mark Down in his Church at Exeter, I, and my wife considering with ourselves, that for the space of two or three years then last passed, we had not partaked of the Lords Supper, and being desirous to partake thereof, we thought it our duty to endeavour to be admitted to join with that Church in that Ordinance, and having made our addresses, we were (after examination) admitted, and did partake in all ordinances with them.  
About two years after, Mr. Stucley beginning to gather a Church in Exeter in the congregational way, A friend of ours, telling us what purity of Ordinances and excellent Administrations they had amongst them, even to admiration, And desiring me to ride to Bideford to behold the Gospel-order they had in Mr. William Bartlet's Church there, and the excellent manner of administration of the ordinances by him, we being by this great report of purer ordinances and administrations, rapt up into a fools paradise, forthwith desired our friend to propose us to Mr. Stucleys' congregation for our reception, which he did accordingly, And upon notice from him at the day appointed, we presented ourselves at their meeting; And (being desired) we spoke our experiences, and so were dismissed until another time, when we were sent for by them, and accordingly came, and were admitted; and continued in fellowship with them about four years; After which time during our said fellowship: There was a Petition, in the name of the Church, brought to my house for me to sign, The substance of which was to pray the Lord Protector not to accept of the Kingly Office, And it was said, there was a clause in it, to pray the Lord Protector to dissolve the Parliament. Whereupon I told the party that brought it, That the Parliament were wise enough for state-affairs, with which they were entrusted, And for me, or any private person, to meddle with such great matters, were very foolishness, and so refused to sign it; The party that brought this petition told me, that it was to be signed only by seven of the Church in the name of the whole; And accordingly it was signed by some few of the Church, and sent up, others of the Church not knowing thereof, until the rumour thereof was spread about the whole City, The which my wife observing, said, This is no fair dealing, and desired me to be wary what I did. This being the first disrelish my wife had of their proceed, it was seconded by a friend that came to my house, who asked me whether I had signed the Petition that the Church had sent up? To whom I answered, I had not, he replied I am glad with all my heart you did not, for (said he) there is that in the Petition for which some eminent Statesmen have lost their heads, and said, It was judged by the long Parliament to be Treason for any one to Counsel or persuade the King to dissolve the Parliament, as you may see in the Cases of the Archbishop, and Strafford. My wife hearing this discourse, her heart began to grow, and could not but vent herself a little, saying, that she feared the Church carried on some particular man's interest, and begged me I would be exceeding wary what I did, and have respect to myself, her, and our children; But yet (as to the Church was very quiet) the next time that we went to the Church-meeting, was a day of prayer; At which time, one amongst the rest prayed much after the rate of the Petition; And had this passage concerning the Lord Protector: Lord humble him, what would he have? Is he not high enough already? And a great deal more of such stuff, when I and my wife came home, she asked me how I like those passages, and said me thinks it is like Mr. Feaks praying; I answered her, and said, If he pray so again, I will never hear him more: Hereupon my wife began to flag in her affection towards their way, and now every thing that was amiss began to be thought on by her, and in particular, the expressions of some of their members, who, in making out their experiences at their admissions, spoke of such sins as are not to be named, which thing she said bordered too nigh Auricular confession.  
The next time my wife went to the meeting, was a day appointed by the Church for thanksgiving, for that God was pleased to prevent some insurrection by the fift-Monarchy-men, & for that the Lord Protector would not accept the Kingly office, when she had waited long at the place, the people were dismissed without doing any thing for that time, for that the Lord Protector had then given but his first negative answer. My wife returned home much discontented that I had not told her the occasion of that days meeting before she went, and said, that for her part, she apprehended that some of them did carry on a selfish carnal design.  
After this there was a Covenant brought into the Church, to be debated in order to the taking there of, and all or a great part thereof was assented unto by them; but my wife having a Copy thereof from the Elder, she utterly disliked it, especially, two particulars therein; The one whereof was a Tying of them up wholly to hear them when they preached, and no other without their leave; and the other was, that we were to expect a greater blessing from God on their Ministry then any others.  
All these particulars being laid together made such impressions on her thoughts, that she resolved, not to join any longer with them on such terms, or in the manner as formerly, But forthwith went and joined herself to Mr. Mark Downs Church from whence she formerly departed, professing her hearty sorrow for her departure thence, and saying, she was persuaded the Lord had manifested his displeasure against her for the same, which she apprehended by reason of those many visitations on herself, and the death of her children; The Thursday next before the Sacrament at Mr. Stucleys' Church, I did notwithstanding desire her to go with me to the meeting in way of preparation thereunto, but she refused, alleging the reasons before mentioned; whereupon one of Mr. Stucleys' Church, that was likewise absent from the meeting, seeing my wife at work in her porch, asked her, what was the reason that she was not at the meeting; she answered, I think I shall not come there any more, thereupon he asked her, saying, why then did you come among us, you may go among the Presbyterians to Mr. Ford, who is for general admission, as (said he) he declared, at the last general meeting of the Ministers in Exeter: hereupon my wife desired me to go with her to Mr. Ford, which I did, and she asked of him, whether he did ever declare himself to be for general admission to the Lords Supper, who answered, he was never of that opinion, and whosoever said that he was, did much wrong him. This traducing of Mr. Ford, and their common slighting of others, that are not of their way (though never so godly) helped to heighten her dissatisfaction.  
Within few days after came one (now an Elder of their Church) to admonish my wife for not coming to their private meetings; To whom she answered, she intended to come no more amongst them; for that there was such kind of praying and carrying on designs, that she could no way close with, and referred him to me for the farther knowledge of her mind: shortly after he brings with him one more, and after that others came, but she would give them no other answer then formerly, nor admit of any other private discourse, with them (remembering how Mr. Parr was entangled by them) unless they would admit two persons, whom she should appoint to hear their discourse; This would not presently be granted, pretending, that no others were to have to do with the business of their Church, which I look upon as a dangerous principle; but at length they consented; and when both parties met together; They were asked what they had to lay to her charge, who answered to this effect, that they charged her for going from their Church; which they said was Schism, and no other thing had they to charge her withal; to whom the other party answered, saying, you are the Schismatics in rending from other Churches, and produced Mr Cawdries Book to prove the same; which was all the substance of the debate at that meeting. Shortly after this, Mr. Stucley desires to speak with my wife, who sent him word that she would not come to him single or alone, but if he & Mr. Mall pleased to meet two other Ministers with her, that she should nominate, she would submit to their joint determination: But this was utterly refused by him; although it was offered him again & again. After the former Admonition by those of the Church, I myself used arguments to persuade her to return to Master Stucleys' Church; pressing them with so much eagerness, and harshness, that I have cause to repent, for straining the strings so high, that it broke out into some words of heat, and discontent; but at length, I and my wife accorded to have the Case justly stated, whether those things before mentioned, at which she was so much offended, were sufficient cause to withdraw from Mr. Stucleys' Church, and go to another. Now where to find fit persons for the resolving of this question, we knew not for the present, being both of us tender to engage the Ministers of this City, lest it might prove of ill consequence, or beget some Animosity between them upon the determination of the question; and therefore we mutually agreed to go to Taunton; where we thought we might be well satisfied by some friends there, without more ado; the time for our journey was prefixed and the day came, but a friend that was to accompany us, being employed upon some public business, our journey was put off, and no other day appointed; My wife having waited about ten days longer, and I too often pressing arguments against her withdrawing from Mr. Stucleys' Church, she became impatient of farther delay, & told me that she would go somewhere to be resolved, and rising early in the morning, having given a charge to her chiefest Servant-maid to be careful of her children until her return, she went away, but whether she went I knew not for the present, which exceedingly troubled me; I then apprehending the ill use would be made thereof. Towards the evening of the same day I understood that my wife was gone to Honiton, whether I road that evening unto her, and we lodged there that night in a very friendly manner, and the next morning when I awaked, ask her whether she intended her journey, she told me that I had too long delayed her, and that she was now resolved for Taunton to her friends, to be satisfied about the former question; and for that purpose had sent to a Kinsman of ours in Somerset, to bring my Mare, which he there kept, and furniture with him to Honiton, to carry her to Taunton; which was brought that morning accordingly; And I had then a great mind to have carried her thither, but our friend with us, having urgent occasions to return to Exeter, we willingly came home together with him; resolving upon another journey thither afterwards; which we undertook accordingly. But failed of that full fatisfaction we expected▪ Mr. Stucley having been there with our friends before hand, and (as I have cause to suspect) had tampered with them about our business; Shortly after we were returned from Honiton, I remembered my wife of her failing or miscarriage, in not acquainting me with her journey, who answered (with tears) that she was sensible of the evil thereof, but intended no harm thereby, and desired the Lord to humble her, and forgive her for it, and prayed me to forgive her, which I did with all my heart.  
Now, Reader, I have given thee the true and impartial state and story of the occasion, manner & end of my wife's going to Honiton, which Mr. Stucley hath represented by a false perspective, or multiplying-glass, and most unworthily terms, running away from her husband; whereof she never had the least thought. Behold, and wonder, this is her capital crime, that he parallels with incest, This (by his doctrine) is a sin unpardonable by a husband, without his Church's satisfaction: But (that I may not digress, but go on with the story) take notice, that his Church (poor souls) being possessed & bemisted with prejudice, though they knew neither the occasion, nor end of her journey, they too gladly take advantage thereby, and hereupon two others of his Church were sent to my wife, with whom she refused conference, unless upon the terms before expressed, and began to be very rough with them; telling them, that they should forbear her house, for that she apprehended they did set her husband at variance with her, she having seen a letter of Mr. Savery, one of their members, written unto me, carrying so much (if not more) in the sense thereof; and she having likewise heard the expression of another member of theirs, who, speaking concerning my wife; said unto me, if the unbeliever departed, let her departed: After this Mr. Stucley, with Mr. Mall, pretended they had a mind to treat with two other Ministers (but such as themselves should nominate) about the premises, whereupon my wife proposed Mr. Ford and Mr. Mark Down to treat with them, both of which Mr. Stucley refused, saying, he had burnt his fingers with Mr. Ford already, and Mr. Downe was an Engaged or a prejudieed man. So that proposal took no effect: Hereupon reports were printed, by several of the members of Mr. Stucleys' Church; That they had an intent to proceed against my wife, by way of excommunication, whereat I took occasion to abstain from their private meetings, at which they were much offended, and sent to me, to come to the Church, which occasioned me to write them this following letter in answer, which I thought good here to insert at large, that the Reader may see the truth of what Mr. Stucley says, that I never did or said any thing to prevent it.  
A letter from Mr. Toby Allein to Mr. Lewis Stucley to be communicated to his Church, before they excommunicated his wife.  
CHristian friends, The occasion of my writing to you is this, Mr. Rolls and Mr. Eveleigh were with me yesterday, desiring me to come to your meeting this day, which I was minded to do, but considering with myself, what was best to be done, I chose rather to write because of my unfitness to speak, especially before some, who have already much defamed me, as to make me a perjured man; And why? Because Mr. Mark Down baptised my child, other defamations there have been, but I spare, and forgive without their ask me mercy, If you desire a reason of my forbearance of your company, It is this, when my wife and you differed, I could seldom meet with any of you, but a little after salute, presently the discourse was about my wife, in which I could take no felicity, it being but as vinegar or gravel to my teeth, especially the saying of one, If the unbeliever departed, let her departed, This and such like say begat in me some dissatisfaction, which, for want of better observation, I thought zeal, which, when my good father heard of, I remember his advice was this, next to peace with God, and your own conscience, which is the effect of the former, preserve peace in your family, especially with your wife, which I have done, and shall maintain, and if any be offended thereat, let them be offended, although you be very dear unto me still, for whom I suffer daily; As for my absence from your private meetings, to me it seems unreasonable any one should ask a reason thereof, you know what debates and discourses you have had about my wife, and how disagreeing to a husband's affection would it have been, if I should have been there, especially, being of another apprehension as to that thing, than you were, for I perceive after long and serious consideration, that the first ground of my wife's distaste with you, was her earnest love to me, fearing some evil might happen as to my life, or estate by joining with you in a Petition you sent up to my Lord Protector, which was occasioned thus: There was a man of good understanding came to visit me, Amongst the rest of our discourse, he asked me whether I had signed the Petition the Church sent up, I answered, no; He replied, I am glad with all my heart you did not, for there is that in it, for which some eminent Statesmen have lost their lives, And that was for seeking to dissolve the Parliament, which my wife hearing desired me I would have a care. After wards other things followed, which increased this dissatisfaction; and truly made me to stagger; Such things as these (indeed) are the only way to break and Ruin the Church; Besides this, how am I perplexed to hear daily the Scoffs and Taunts wherewith some of our brethren have every where at their doors, and shops, and tables vilified her, for whom I am to leave father and mother: For my Forbearance of the Lords Table, I have (I confess desired to be humbled for it) abstained too long, too long. But you know who is unsatisfied with me (Thomas Savery) and as I suppose, can hardly sit with me, And as to the other Churches of Christ here, I have forborn in part to partake with them, because I would not offend you; But having well consulted with those more wise and godly than myself, I have taken up this resolution to seek the Lord to prepare me to partake with both, as occasion offers; and I shall endeavour to wipe off (what I can) that ill name, which I fear is too justly laid on us (separatists.) Now, I shall desire you to send me word, whether I shall meet you at the Lords Table the next time, that I may dispose of myself according as I shall hear from you, & If you have any thing to offer me in writing, I shall kindly receive it, and return you answer with all humility; praying daily for you all, I recommend you to God, & remain,  
Yours to command in any service for Christ, Toby Allein. Exon. 4. Feb. 1657.  
To my honoured friend Mr. Lewis Stucley to be communicated to the Church, who (they say) are unsatisfied.  
This Letter was sent and delivered into Mr. Stucleys' hands, at the meeting of the Church; who did not communicate the same according to the direction thereof (and therein (I think) was neither faithful to me, nor his Church) But the reason thereof (as one of the members told me) was, for that he apprehended there wes somewhat in it that might dissatisfy the Church; But what that should be, I know not, unless he feared it might hinder their proceed against my Wife, neither could I ever get their answer thereunto, whether I might partake with them, and other Churches of Christ also, as occasion should present, whereof I speaking to some of their members, their answer was, That they were loath to admit me to partake with them in my sins: and I demanding of them, what were the sins they charged me withal? they told me it was disorderly walking; and being asked in what particulars; They did instance in my carrying my child, and baptising it at Master Downes Church, and my not coming to their private meetings. The next news we heard, was a Summons in writing, sent by Mr. Stucley unto my Wife, giving, her notice of his Church's resolutions to proceed to Excommunication of her, on Monday the eighth of March then following; which was in these words.  
The Summons.  
Mrs. Allein, This paper is to give you notice, that all our endeavours for the reducing you having proved ineffectual, The Church is resolved to proceed upon you, on Monday next, and then to Excommunicate you, unless the Lord give you grace, to endeavour the satisfying of the Church before that day; And this I thought fit to inform you of, that you may attend the said meeting; my prayer is daily for you, for surely whatever you think, I am  
Your soul-friend, Lewis Stucley. March 4. Exon, 1657.  
To Mrs. Marry Allein, at her house. These in Exon.  
My Wife having received this Summons, did, for the present return answer to Mr. Stucley, by the messenger that brought it, only by word of mouth; That before he proceeded to the work, he should read the 58. of Isaiah, But afterwards she understanding that he had sent the like Summons to Mrs. Parr, who was also a late member of his Church, & long since deserted them; The said Mrs. Parr and my Wife, being willing to do what (they conceived) becomed them in such a case, and (if it might be) prevent their violent proceed, sent unto them this ensuing Letter, in answer to their said Summons as followeth.  
Mrs. Parr and Mrs. Allein, their answer to Mr. Stucleys' Summons.  
SIr, having received a summons under your hand, we have sent you our answer as followeth: That we know ourselves guilty of no crime, that may justly deserve Excommunication from any Church of Christ: However, as we desire not to be judges in our own cause, so we think it not equal, to be put upon trial by you, and your Church, who are also parties, as well as we; we desire to have our cause heard by understanding and impartial men, whosoever they be, and when we shall see reason from Scripture, to convince us, you may rest assured, that we shall submit to the Law and will of Christ; If this will not satisfy, but that you, and your Church will proceed against us, we hope to suffer with more comfort than you can lay on your censure, because we remember what Solomon saith, Prov. 26.2. And know what our Saviour foretold, joh. 16.2. And that even God's servants have suffered, as much as this, from God's enemies, we tremble to think you are not afraid to draw that sword against us; who (through grace we hope) are no way faulty as those were, whom we read to have been delivered to Satan, 1 Cor. 5. and 1 Tim. 1.20. We hope we have, and desire still to lament, and repent those evils we know ourselves guilty of before the Lord; But we think it no evil in us, to communicate in the Ordinances of Christ, with any of God's people, that will admit us into communion with them, and therefore we desire you seriously to consider what you do; And this we desire, as those that wish very hearty well to your soul, and all the souls that are of your Church.  
Susanna Parr. Marry Allein. Exon, March 7. 1657  
These for Mr. Lewis Stucley, Preacher of the Gospel, and his Church in Exon.  
This Letter was carried and delivered unto Mr. Stucleys' hands, when he was assembled with his Church, at the house of Mr. Andrew Raddon Postmaster in Exon, the Eighth of March 1657 to excommunicate Mistress Parr, and my Wife, in the morning before he began his own exercise, in order to that work, And the messenger (according to directions) at the delivery thereof spoke aloud, so as all the people might hear him, saying to Mr. Stucley, Sir, here is a Letter from Mrs. Parr, and Mrs. Allein, which they desire may be communicated to the Church, who thereupon opened it, and he (with two others of his Church, having looked it over) pocketed it up, and did not communicate the same to the Church, but afterward told the people, that he had received a paper, that had more of design in it, than any show of humility, or repentance, and that he thought it not fit to be communicated to the Church: And so proceeded on in his Sermon (since in print) wherein having desamed them, with the highest defamations almost imaginable, he stood up and pronounced the sentence following.  
The Sentence.  
FOrasmuch (Brethren as) Mrs. Susanna Parr, and Mrs. Marry Allein, have been convicted of great sins, and forasmuch as they have neglected to hear the Church, we therefore, in the name of Christ, deliver them over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of Christ.  
Upon pronouncing of which Sentence, the Church made a hideous howling cry, that did even astonish divers then present which occasioned the party that noted Mr. Stucleys' Sermon, to write his prayer, which he made after he had pronounced the Sentence; which was as followeth.  
The Prayer  
BLessed Lord, we have left them where thou bidst us leave them, and we pray thee let them have such awakenings by Church-censures, that they may not stay long there. Lord, O that God would be pleased for them, fetch them away thence, Lord, there-hence, Lord, if they belong unto thee, fetch them back again, Lord, back again. O let them not rest there, O let them have no quiet in their spirits there, Lord, O let Satan torment them home, O let them be driven by Satan among us, we pray thee Lord, if they had not fallen out with thy Law, they had not fallen out from thy house, they begun with thee, yea long time before, before we gave this sentence. And now it is given, the Lord second it upon them, that they may know, that we have not done it in a revengeful way, give them to understand that we have wished well to their souls to day, and that we had not set upon this work, but that we know not how to answer the contrary, we know not how to answer the neglect thereof one day longer, and therefore we delivered them up, that their souls may be saved in the day of Christ, we beseech thee that thou wouldst make them know, that they are under the curse of God; Let them know that they are gone out of this place accursed; O let them know that all their prayers, are accursed prayers? and all the bread they presume to eat is accursed bread to them: And let them know, that their estates and privileges are accursed to them, and that if they live and die in their sin, they are accursed for ever; Awaken them throughly, O Lord; would to God they had been here to day, but they are gone with the curse of God at their heels, all their company will be accursed company to them, and we can see them no more; we may not go unto their houses any day more, we may not come near them, as in the days of old. O Lord, That they might be ashamed, let them be ashamed, They have foreheads of brass, but O that they might be ashamed; O Lord, how glad would we be to see these poor worms crawling to this house another day; surely, there is that upon their backs that they will not get off, till they repent; there is that upon them will damn them, unless they return, there is that upon them will cost them eternal flames, unless they return. Now the Lord pity them, we would fain have these wretches, their flesh destroyed; some of us have seen a great deal of pride, and a great deal of self conceitedness, and a great deal of hatred, and a great deal of self confidence, and a great deal of deceit, and a great deal of hypocrisy; O how hath Satan befooled these creatures, they thought to have gotten themselves a name in thy house, and thou hast turned them out of thy house, thou wilt not allow them a name in thy house; they shall not be so much as within our gates; O for aught we know, they shall be no more dwellers where God dwells; what a sad thing is this; but Lord, pair off that flesh, and then they may return and stand at thy gate, & beg a blessing; O that this day may come, O this ordinance hath been strangely wronged in our days, neglected by some, and despised by some, and wronged by others, But it is thine own appointment, Lord, And good Lord, If it be thy will, let this be the fruit, the return of their Spirits to thee, by giving them repentance, and endeavours to be brought in, and reconciled to the house of God, that they might know what it is to break covenant with thee; good Lord, let them never be quiet, O, we know there be many Agents here will be endeavouring to bear to them this very sentence, O, let them remember to write down in their books this days curses. let it lie upon their hearts when they lie adying; O let not thy name be taken in vain this day, It will not, there is a righteous God in the heavens, in the heavens, their is a holy God above, a God that will find out this sin, and make them know that they have offended one of thy little ones; O it were better a millstone had been hung about their necks to day; O surely this is worse than a mill stone, a heavy millstone, and therefore likely they have offended many little ones in so doing: we shall pray for aught we know no more for them, let us not pray for them, avoid their company, but remember in ours prayers that such and such persons are this day accursed, and the influences of heaven shall be taken from them, their reading hours shall not prosper to them, and their hearing hours shall not prosper to them, before they hear his Rod: all the influences shall be stopped till they return to thee; God is banished out of their presence, O we pray thee, let us beware to look to our feet, to walk in thy ways, and be with us in the remaining part of this day; we bless thee Lord we have done the work, we were long a doing of it, and blessed be God we have some peace in our consciences since we have done it, yea blessed be God, we have done it, and blessed be God we go according to our light, and blessed be God we do not endure a Rebel among us, a Rebel among us; make us fathful to thee, & upright before thee, and to live as becometh thy people, and so pray and engage together, and Covenant with thee, and one with another, that this might be the last hour that we take the rod into our hand; O we pray thee, let this be the last Excommunication, let this be the last rod we take into our hand, and let it be the last hour we are put upon cursing work, we pray thee, let's be put upon blessing work, the Lord be with us in the remaining part of this day; And all we beg for the Lord Jesus sake.  
The prayer being ended Mr. Mall stood up, and said to the Congregation, Now we have separated the precious from the vile, let's renew our solemn league and covenant.  
And taking his text out of Nehemiah, 9 last ver. preached thereupon, and vented most uncharitable and invective passages, and reflections on my wife. Some of which are insinuated in his pretended reasons, set down in the Book after Mr. Stucleys' Sermon, the particulars whereof, I shall here omit, as too tedious to relate; and in regard he was so modest, as to print but a piece of his Sermon (being it seems ashamed of the rest, as he might well be) I shall here pass it over without troubling the reader therewith, it sounding much to the same tune with Mr. Stucleys' Sermon; of some part whereof, I shall give you a brief account by and by.  
And now having given you a true account of the whole story and state of the business as to the matter of fact, that hath been so transacted and falsely represented by Mr. Stucley, I leave it to all  judicious Christians; to consider and judge upon the whole matter; whether there were any just cause or ground, etc. warrantable by the Laws of God, or man, for this their practice and proceeding, or whether it was not merely and only for her deserting them, and returning to her former Pastor.  
And so having finished my Narrative, I now come to take notice of, and make brief answers or solutions to some of the most notorious passages, and pieces of defamation, set down in Mr. Stucleys' printed Sermon, and herein, it is not my purpose to take any notice of such passages therein, as seem to Reflect upon the Presbyterian Ministers in general, or those of this City in particular: Only, (as I am bound in duty) I shall endeavour to clear the innocency of her, who is in so near relation to me. And this, if I should forbear to do, well might the world think me an unworthy man, in suffering my wife's reputation, and honour, to be buried under the reproach, and calumny he hath cast upon her.  
In Mr. Stucleys' printed Sermon in Mr. Malls' Book, pag. 7.  
The ground of our union with them was their visible closing with Christ; now when that visibility ceaseth, the union is to be dissolved, etc.  
Solution.  
What visibility, or outward appearance of Religion ceased in my wife, except that she for just reasons, refused any longer to hold communion with Mr. Stucleys' Church; and betook herself again to her former Pastor? It seems by this, that visible holiness ceaseth in all, that have no longer a mind to continue in their separation, what a reproach is here cast on all the Churches of Christ, that are not independent that there is no visible holiness in the members of them: nay more, that they oppose God and Christ in his Laws, as it followeth in the same, 7. page: for my part, I know no opposition my wife hath made to the Laws of Christ, more than formerly whilst she was a member of Mr. Stucleys' Church, but that she hath of late left them, I am sure her behaviour towards me, and my family, is with the same circumspection as formerly; cannot a person outwardly close with Christ, except in Mr. Stucleys' Church? must they needs be held to cast away Christ's cords, to have broken the covenant with God, and neglected his house, that like not the ways of Mr. Stucleys' congregation? Reader, this might serve to satisfy the members of that Church, who were engaged as far as himself, But (I hope) will not  any understanding and indifferent men.  
But she contemned admonition private & public.  
Sol. The Truth is this (whatever Mr. Stucley was pleased to say) that she did not refuse admonition, even by them, Only, Knowing that they waited for her haltings, she refused to appear before Mr. Stucley, or to talk with any of his Church; unless she might have leave to bring some Ministers or friends with her; and there was good cause, for she knew that Mrs. Parr going to, and treating with them alone, had been overreacht by them, whilst they had witnesses of what passed, and she had none. Besides, what if she had refused admonition from Mr. Stucley and his Church, so long as she was no more a member of it, but was in actual communion with her former Pastor, she had left Mr. Stucleys' Church, and all communion with it, and therefore was under no special obligation to receive admonition from him, or any of his Church, and to speak the Truth, that was her only fault, that she left them; And her refusing admonition was, her not submitting to be treated withal alone, for fear she might be again entangled by them. Neither my wife, nor Mrs. Parr were looked on as Refractory, and Rebels to God and man, till they had no more any mind to stay with them: this was their fault, which (I hope) God hath forgiven them, though for this they are excommunicated by Mr. Stucley and his Church.  
These reject him as their Lawgiver and head, etc.  
Sol. What? because they refuse to be of Mr. Stucleys' Church? that's the matter that hath kindled all this fire, there's no Church, but Mr. Stucleys and such like, all other are looked upon as Babylonish, and Synagogues of Satan; wonder not I so charge them, Besides many expressions sounding this way: Consider how Mr. Stucley applies, 2 Cor. 6.14, 15, 16. And to put it out of all doubt when I myself was reasoning with Mr. Stucley to this purpose, That I thought I might communicate in the Lord's Supper with his Church, and others also, meaning the rest of the Churches in Exon, He told me, that I could not partake of the table of the Lord, and of the table of Devils. And whereas Mr. Stucley makes it so intolerable an evil, for good men to be forced to live amongst wicked men, I grant it, But say withal, that these excommunicate persons as they communicate in ordinances with godly Christians, so they have frequent civil society with no other than (if comparisons be not odious) give as good Testimony of the grace of God, as Mr. Stucley himself, or the best of his Church. He styles them Dogs, etc.  
Sol. 'Tis an Easy matter for Mr. Stucley, to call these poor oppressed women dogs, he and his Church only, are the children and Saints; But if thou wilt set aside their leaving his Church, There is nothing in them, for which they may not compare with the best Saints in his Church, And I dare say this City, in which they were born and bred, and have ever lived, can say no otherwise, I appeal to all that know them; But it's policy for him, first to debase and vilify those, that he intended his Church should Curse; He that will kill a dog, must give it out that he is mad.  
Pag. 9 Mr. Stucley citys Prov. 5.8, 9 Remove thy way, far from her, etc. And adds, that 'tis dangerous to come near the house of such, etc.  
Sol. What is this but to insinuate my wise, such a one as is spoken of in that place i. e. a very strumpet.  
I cannot forbear to say (it so nearly concerns me) that this insinuation, is a base and slanderous belying her, who never came into the least suspicion of any such crime, Had Mrs. Parr been guilty of such lying, as this, I, and others had been more satisfied in her excommunication than we now are, or can be.  
Pag. 9 Whereas in the same page towards the end, Mr. Stucley saith, He ought to pull off the masking robes and vizards, etc.  
Sol. He discovers himself, what many before now never believed him to be (viz.) A man that cares not what dirt and filth he casts on any that cares not for his independent ways. They have deceived him (as he saith,) But the truth is they were deceived in him, and his Church, expecting when they entered into fellowship with them, that purity which they never found, And now when they were disappointed, and so apprehended their oversight, and went about to mend their fault, by returning to those congregations to which they formerly belonged, he judgeth them causelessly.  
Pag. 10. He calls my wife a Lawless woman, that knows no subjection, etc.  
Sol. I cannot forbear to say, this is a most notorious belying her, whom I know to be far otherwise, I have cause to bless God for so good and obedient a wife, and one that order the affairs of my family and calling, with so much care and diligence as my heart can wish: Insomuch that I have often left the whole management of my trade and employment on her head & care, for a whole month together, in my absence, when I have kept above 500 people on work; For what he charges her, about her going once to Honiton, I have sufficiently answered in the Narrative, to which I refer the Reader.  
Pag. 10. Again, These have turned their backs on pure ordinances, etc.  
Sol. As if no pure ordinances could be found, but in Mr. Stucleys' Church, or some other of the same edition. Reader, be pleased to take notice, They were in actual communion with the rest of God's people in this City, before they were excommunicated, And therefore did not turn their backs on pure ordinances; but such is the pride of Independents, they think there are no pure ordinances but in their own Churches.  
Pag. 12. The like stuff you have page 12. That now my wife and Mrs. Parr are not in Mr. Stucleys' Church, they are not amongst God's people, Cannot enjoy the benefit of the covenant, See in what a sad condition all are, that are not Independents. But I hope God and good men will judge better than Mr. Stucley and his Church.  
Pag. 13. They are turned out from beholding the conversation of God's people, etc.  
Sol. Sill Mr, Stucleys Church are God's people & no other. But for that which he so much commends, I do assure thee, neither I, nor my wife could ever see such eminency of godliness in their conversations, I shall not asperse them, I will only say, I know many, very many no Independents in this City, of as unblameable and godly conversation as any of them, And my wife may see the conversation of those (I hope) notwithstanding she is excommunicate by Mr. Stucley,  
Pag. 13. In the same page, God will lose us, this day from that particular tie, etc.  
Sol. My wife (I hope) is not in so sad a condition because Mr. Stucley and his Church are lose from their tye, If she have other as godly and honest to admonish and exhort her, as ever she had, I forbear comparisons.  
Pag. 14. I have no mind to discant upon Mr. Stucleys' fancy, in the fourteenth page, where he frames a parley between God and the Devil 'tis absurd enough.  
Sol. Only I must say, he hath again slandered my wife, In saying she hath removed the bounds, and that she is a Lawless woman; The contrary to my knowledge is most true, and for this there are in this City as many godly Christians to witness, as far exceed the number of Mr. Stucleys' Church. I know it is a sad thing to be justly excommunicated, Matth. 18.18. But I know many have been excommunicated by the Pope, and some by the Pharisees, The question is whether those persons were justly excommunicated? And that I deny, And leave it to the Impartial Reader to Judge by the Narrative.  
Pag. 15. He citys Mr. Grenhams opinion of excommunication. They are among Zijms and jijms, etc.  
Sol. He need not cite Mr. Grenhams opinion to persuade me or my wife, what a sad thing excommunication is. I only say the curse that's causeless, shall not come: The Pope's Bull is but a beast, when it roars the loudest.  
Pag. 17. Whereas contumacy is urged as the reason of excommunication, and Mr. Rutherford is quoted, with a sufficient slur upon him and the Presbyterians.  
Sol. I Reply that cannot be contumacy, For that one act of indiscretion she hath acknowledged to myself; And (if an error) 'twas such (I hope) as was pardonable by the husband, without Mr. Stucleys' indulgence. There was no persisting in any crime, but only her not coming to Mr. Stucleys' Church, And Mr. Stucley cannot but remember the many overtures she made, for a meeting of him and Mr. Mall, with other Ministers, and her willingness to submit to their determination, which he refused, as if he had been Lord Bishop Paramont, and his Church infallible, for which I refer you to the Narrative; But now (forsooth,) Contumacy must be the foil to set off the fact, and a decoy to draw the Church, into this unwarrantable practice.  
Pag. 19 My wife is accused for neglecting fellowship, and covenant breaking, and running away, etc.  
Sol. I answer she holds fellowship with the people of God, And for covenant breaking, she is so far guilty, as she was no more willing to be confined to Master Stucleys' Church, but indeed, of her own accord went from it, for reasons mentioned in the Narrative before.  
If she had made a covenant (which yet she never intended) to walk with Master Stucleys' Church, and not with other people of God, It is an unlawful covenant, and so better broken then kept.  
For her pretended scandalous running from me, I have given a satisfactory answer in the Narrative by which the Reader may judge what a scandalous abusing her it is, to charge her with deserting her husband, and family, when in mine own conscience, I know the contrary, and that she never entertained the least thought of it, And except Master Stucley, and his Church, there is not one sober man that knows her, ever saw cause to suspect her of such an unnatural act. She continueth to dwell with me as a dutiful and obedient wife, she never ran from me, but only went as far as Huniton with a purpose to go as far as Taunton, There to entreat the advice and assistance of some near relations for satisfaction touching those differences, occasioned upon her deserting their Church.  
Pag. 19 Whereas he charges her with her companion, whom he sets off with a dash.  
Sol. I answer that the woman hath been her keeper for many years in childbed, as she was of many other women of good account and quality in this City, and was my wife's keeper (when in child bed) all the time she was in Mr. Stucleys' Church, and yet then no exception against her; Besides she being a midwife, was a fit companion for my wife then great with child, for what Mr. Stucley hints, and some of his members have said of that woman, I am persuaded they can never prove it, but do very much abuse and slander her therein.  
Pag. 19.20. When Mr. Stucley presses Tit. 2.5. Know Reader that he hath omitted somewhat that he spoke in preaching to insinuate into his Auditory a suspicion of my wife's chastity, wherein he did most unworthily abuse her. Sol. And so hath he done in what is printed Pag. 20. where he accommodates D. Tailors words; to insinuate her to affect merriment, and expensive company, and account the house a prison which I can truly say she is so far from as (if comparisons be not odious) I know none farther; and she utterly detests it.  
That which follows is to the same Tune, All that I will say is, that it is clean contrary, she never looked on me as a Nabal, but hath ever showed me as much tenderness; and affectionate kindness as my heart could wish; she never left her trust, otherwise then any good housewife must do, when she is forced to be from home, she went out in a journey, which she intended to dispatch with all speed, & then to return again to her family; of whom she gave a special charge to her chiefest maid-servant at her going abroad: How scandalous a report have they made of what had nothing blamable but a little indiscretion in the manner of it, and of this she was presently sensible, and cried me mercy.  
Pag. 20.21. For Mrs. Parr who is charged with lying, etc. you may see by what is said in the end of the 20. page, she was not well pleased with the proceed of Master Stucleys' Church, and for that let her answer.  
Sol. Only this I can say, she was looked on by them as a precious soul, till she had a mind to hear some other Ministers, and here began the quarrel which could not be ended but in her Excommunication, because she was peremptory in her resolution, not to be tied from hearing of others; how far she might forget herself in discourse with them, which they call tripping in her tongue, etc. I cannot say, only (if she did) it was partly occasioned by their tampering with her, for going out sometimes to hear some other Ministers of the City, in which she was so resolved, as she chose to leave Mr. Stucleys' Church, and so did, and was in communion with other Churches in this City for a long time before they excommunicated her.  
Pag. 21. He saith, for my Wife's coming amongst them, it was somewhat observable, etc.  
Sol. It is observable indeed how Mr. Stucley persists in his unworthy design and endeavours to slur and vilify her, whom (whatever malice says) I have cause to say to the glory of grace, God hath blest with some good measure of knowledge of him and his will, and of herself, and her duty, which she hath manifested in the general course of her conversation (the best character of a Christian) as all that know her, can bear her witness.  
Pag. 21. And whereas in the same page, he charges her for omission of the Church-duties of admonition, etc.  
Sol. Note, what a good shepherd Mr. Stucley is, that in the whole space of about 4. years, whilst she was of his Church, he could never spy this fault, so as to reprove her for it, till she had left his Church, and then he can find it in his heart to curse her for it.  
Pag. 21.22 Mr. Stucley tells another story, but very partially and untruly, charging my Wife with abusing her sister, etc.  
Sol. The truth of the story is this: About four years since, I observing my brother not to thrive in his way of husbandry, which he then used, out of my affection to him, and care of his good, I set him in a way of Sergemaking, wherein neither he, nor his wife, having any insight, I gave them all the encouragement and assistance I could, both by my advice and instruction therein, and sparing him mine own servants of all sorts, to carry on his work, and took off all the serges he made, and sold them at the same prizes with mine own, which otherwise he could not possibly advance to that rate, and my Wife being also very loving to him, and his Wise, her sister in Law, and desiring their good, and thriving in their Trade, and knowing their gains, ad observing her sister in Law not to be so careful and industrious as she should be, and as that Trade required, and their expenses rising somewhat high, she advised her said sister, to have a care that they did not spend more than they got, whereat her sister took great distaste, but shown no more care then formerly, my Wife fearing their going back in Trade, when she went up into the Eastern parts, wished her sister's mother to give her the like advice as she had done, which, I apprehended she did, and her said sister being much offended as it, instead of embracing this counsel, which would have done her no hurt, she complains to several of the members of Master Stucleys' Church, and had engaged a strong party for her, before my Wife knew thereof, insomuch that it came to a hearing before Master Stucley, and by his means they were reconciled and in token thereof, kissed each other, and afterwards frequented each others company in a very friendly manner, at the Lords Table, and their own Tables, upon occasion, for the space of above a year together, even until the time of my Wife's withdrawing from Mr. Stucleys' Church.  
Reader, judge how fit it is for Mr. Stucley to rake up this petty business, an offence indeed taken and not given, and to aggravate it in pulpit and print beyond all truth, near three years after they had been reconciled, and the same had been buried in oblivion, of purpose to bespatter and abuse my Wife; But I wonder not at it, when I consider how suitable it is, to what himself once told me upon occasion of writing a Letter to Mrs. Parr, That when he wrote Letters of that nature, he would have as much of reflection in them, as he could, that they might be ashamed to show them.  
Pag. 23. My wife (I can truly say) puts a great price upon all God's Ordinances, and in particular on excommunication; she is not so ignorant as not to know the consequence of it, only she might perhaps speak slightly of their excommunicating her, when they threatened her with it, as a man may slight the Pope's Excommunication without any prejudice to God's Ordinance.  
Pag. 23. Whereas Mr. Stucley. pag. 23. in his comparing her sin, with the sin of the incestuous person, saith, The incestuous person did not separate from the Church to avoid the censure, but so have these, etc.  
Sol. Reader, take notice of a gross untruth: How can it be said, that my Wife separated from the Church to avoid the censure, whereas, (themselves being judges) they had nothing to censure her for, before she left them, they never so much as pretended any cause or ground for a censure until she had deserted them, and long after, although they most unworthily sifted my late domestic servants to find somewhat to accuse her of, but could find none. Note, the pretended crime or cause of Excommunicating her, was in time, long after she had left Mr. Stucleys' Church; when she left Mr. Stucleys' Church she had done nothing in the least that might incur a Church-censure, & therefore it could not be rationally imagined, that she should desert the Church to avoid a Church-censure. To this I say no more, but liars need good memories.  
For their perjury, Covenant-breaking, and schism which are charged on them, in pag. 23.  
Sol. I confess they have relinquished Mr. Stucleys' Church, and that's their fault, and yet I dare assure you, my Wife had not done this had they not meddled with state affairs, and had Mr. Stucley and his Church allowed her to communicate in the Ordinances with other Churches, as there was occasion: They held it their sin to be tied to one Congregation, and to be debarred fellowship with others, especially there being so many opportunities of it in this place.  
Whereas in the application, pag. 24. Mr. Stucley charges other churches and Ministers for want of discipline; I shall leave it to those Ministers to vindicate their own practice: I do not pretend to so much knowledge and learning, as to meddle at all with it, only I wish, that they were all free from lying, that Master Stucley gives the Sacrament unto in his Church, I know none that's offended at their exercise of discipline, only I, and many others think we have cause to be offended at these their proceedings, because we know as bad tolerated amongst them, and nothing said to them, because they have a mind to stay with them, which these poor women had not; Alas (poor souls) that they must needs fall into those foul faults, that Mr. Stucley, and his Church can by no means brook or endure.  
For this third use of Information, pag. 27. we desire to apply it for the comfort of these poor oppressed and despised women; made as the Scum and offscouring of all things, by his and his Churches abusing of God's holy Ordinance, hoping the wise disposer of all things will order it to their spiritual advantage, by giving them grace to cleave to God, when they are cast off by men, and to hold communion with others of God's people to better purpose now they are excommunicated by them. Once we are sufficiently informed, that they may be cast out of Mr. Stucleys' Church, and yet be in the readier way to heaven.  
For the last use of Exhortation, I must needs say it is very proper for himself & his Church, I wish them to take it home to themselves, they have need enough of it, 'tis very true, as he saith The leaven is among them, the leaven of the Pharisees, etc. There are none that know them, but are too well acquainted with their great thoughts they have of themselves, as the only Church and people of God in Exon, and what other Churches have been called and counted by them, That God will in due time discover the hypocrisy of liars I know well, and that God would bring to light their proceed is my hearty desire and prayer; I pray too, that their may be no more liars found amongst them than their are as yet, nor any that are disobedient; for my Wife, I know she hath kept her bounds at home so well, as I desire nothing more than her perseverance in that obedience and duty she hath yielded me hitherto.  
I shall not trouble the Reader any farther with Mr. Malls' reasons, that are annexed to Mr. Stucleys' Sermon, only I desire him to consider, how the whole drift of his discourse, which was a kind of Sermon on that sad and black day, aims at this, that they only are Zion, and the Israel of God, and all others as bad as the strangers, from whom Israel separated in Nehemians time.  
For their renewing their Covenant that day; I wish they have done it hearty, and remember what they are bound to by their Covenant in Baptism, (viz.) To forsake the Devil and all his works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, and the carnal desires of the flesh, so as not to be led by them. So I say, Amen.  
FINIS.   

To the READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
UPon first view of Mr. Stucleys' Pamphlet called (Manifest Truth) as I could not but wonder, so I could not easily resolve, whether his pride and arrogance, or his passion and impudence were most predominant, each appearing at such a magnitude, which at first made me think that as it deserved, so it needed, no other answer but silence, which (as the Philosopher says) is the best answer to foolish questions: And the rather for that he hath therein so portrayed himself to the life, that all that are judicious may read what is the man by his manners. But in the second place considering that this Lion couchant, contents not himself to rend my Wife in pieces, but also sucks the blood of my reputation, to satisfy his greedy Appetite, and makes lies his refuge for all his unjust actings, it being granted to every man to speak in the defence of his own innocency, publicly questioned and wrongfully slandered: (this wound reaching to the very soul) I have resolved (by God's assistance) in a few following sheets, to discuss and examine his late precious piece or Pamphlet, and to discover both it, and ' its Author to the world in their Proper colours. And herein' its not my purpose to deal with every thing that lies fair to exception: were I every way as able as my Antagonist, much less is it my purpose to write after his blotted Copy; I have learned better of my Lord and Master Christ, when I am revilea not to revile again, remembering what one says, that no Adversary (suppose the Devil himself) is to be answered either with affection or passion; but by sound reason and Religion, and I have reason to believe, That Mr. Stucley might have done himself and his Church better service by his silence or a modest Retractation, than he hath done with all his passion and bitter Exclamations. I hope all men are not so prepossessed to look upon all he says, as Oracles; nor every one bound up, by an Implicit faith, to believe as he and his Church believe. Wise and impartial judges are wont to reserve an ear for the defendant, ere they determine the Cause: All that I expect, is the like common justice from all, that shall be pleased to exercise their Patience in perusal of my ensuing defence, which how weak soever, it, or the Author be, yet having Truth and innocency for our support, which is strong and prevalent, is commended to thy impartial consideration by thine and the Truth's suffering friend  
TOBY ALLEIN.   

IT would be to little purpose to spend time, in descanting on the borrowed Title, and many passages in Master Stucleys' Book, that discovers more frothy wit, than Christian wisdom or gravity.  
It would be also tedious and troublesome to enumerate the odious railing names and Epithets of Cham, Ishmael, Shimei, Rabsheka, apostate; broadfaced lie, brasenfaced lie, putid lie, egregious lie, with such like excrementitious stuff, that hath dropped from his venomous pen; and wherewith his Book is full fraught, as if composed at Bedlam or Billingsgate, unbeseeming any sober Christian, much more a Pastor of a congregation.  
I pass by the taking notice of his many quibbles, scoffs, and jeers, his pride and arrogance, his passion and impudence so obvious in every leaf, that he that runs may read; And with reference to these things, content myself only to say (as Catalus to his insulting Nonius) what a deal of dung doth this cart carry, such unsavoury unsanctified language suits not a sanctified spirit, fit for the cookingstoole than the press.  
But to come to particulars; In the first place, I shall only glance on some passages of his Epistle.  
That there is poison and gall in ink (as he affirms) I shall not question, sigh his Book puts it out of question, the Reader will find it growing upon his dung-heap.  
In the next place Mr. Stucley presents himself unto the Reader, as in a great strait or dilemma; whether he should be silent, or answer my Narrative (which he styles a false report) and lays down reasons; pro and con.  
But why is this preamble?  
I tell thee Reader, Hypocrisy was never more in sashion then in our times: The vilest, & most abominable practice & design in the world must have this preface and varnish of Religion and conscience to cover ' its ugly face and form. 'Tis sad to see how men cover wickedness with holiness even the garment of God; But how think you, shall Mr. Stucley gain reputation to his ensuing report of 48. lies, without painting the rotten post, and making a fair prologue to so foul a piece.  
And therefore it is, that first he insinuates himself to be a man of peace, he tells you that he takes little pleasure in a Salamander life, Though in the mean while, we all know, that it was his first work, after his coming to Exeter to vent his Antinomian Tenants, and that in pulpit in contradiction to Mr. Bartlet's Orthodox Divinity and sound practical truth; And who knows not who hath been the firebrand, that hath kindled the coals and blown the flames of contention in Exeter ever since Mr. Stucley set foot there; And yet this is the peaceable man you must take his own word for it, for he says he is a Minister, but first he should have done well to have taken (Ordination) along with him, and yet I should have much doubted of his hundreds of Ministers; that he boasts, he could have to certifiy for him, I think the number would have fallen very short, only some few of his votaries that he hath helped unto, or kept in good benefices and places, and some others for fear of ejecting probably might have done him that Office, we well know, who rules the roast in these parts.  
I shall for brevity sake pass over his reasons for his silence, as not bearing weight with his more preponderating considerations, to excite him to answer.  
Answer he must, first to prevent the Gospel's suffering, secondly for his Church's satisfaction.  
The Gospel will suffer, and his labours be obstructed, if he be silent under Calumnies and misrepresentations (as he insinuates my Narrative to be) And therefore (he says) he is bound in conscience, But what to do? what bound in conscience to lie for God? he needs it not, what, bound in conscience to deny and evade Truth by shift and shufling? To maintain unwarrantable practices by impudence and insolent carriage, denying to give any account or satisfaction to any for your actings? what to slander censure and trample on poor honest Souls justly dissenting from you, thereby to raise and keep up your own and your Churches tottering Independent interest, on the ruins of their persons and reputations? Surely the Gospel needs no such support.  
Mr. Stucleys' Pamphlet (in the eye of judicious Christians) gains little glory to God, little advantage to the Gospel, little credit to his Ministry, or edification to his Church, and Christ will give him little thanks one day, for such imprudent and preposterous zeal, being not according to knowledge, and will say, who hath required these things at your hands.  
Pray Sr. Tell me, where was your conscience and zeal to preserve the Gospel from suffering, when you raised that false report on Mr. Ford, reporting to one of Taunton that he said, That lying was the property of a woman: and when you abused Mr. Down & Mr. Bartlet by reports to my Brother at the same time? where was your tender respect of the Gospel, when you too frequently aspersed Mr. Ford, and would be picking of holes in his Sermons, and telling your members, that he was much dissabled by his sickness, whereby many refused to hear him for near two years together? Who taught your members to call his Sermons preachments, Rail &c. Is not this your very shiboleth to distinguish a right Independent? And why have you and Mr. Mall, now also withdrawn from his Lecture: is it not to confirm your disciples?  
Reader, Note, this is the man that is so careful that his own name be not reproached, lest the Gospel suffer, and yet whispers and broaches untruths against three godly Ministers to take away their good names, without any respect to the Gospel's suffering; how stands this together?  
In the next place, whereas Mr. Stucley tells you, how he adores God's goodness to him, in hiding his infirmities from me, whom he styles a Cham, that would soon have published it to my Brethren.  
I answer, that 'tis not I, but his own harsh irregular actings that have proclaimed not only his infirmities but enormities also to the world; For my part I am convinced, 'tis sinful to publish others infirmities, much more to curse them for it. But I adore the divine providence, in that Mr. Stucley himself should occasion a discovery of his own fowl enormities. God hath a time to discover the Hypocrisy of liars: A time when they shall proceed no farther, but their folly shall be manifest unto all: God will bring to light the hidden deeds of darkness in due time, 'tis neither pride nor policy can hinder. Had I published Mr. Stucleys' privity to the uncommissionated opening of other men's letters, and taking Copies of Master Snows, and Mr. Westlakes Postletters, to lay up by him; suggesting to his Church members that these men endeavoured the ruin of the Church, and that God had broken their designs: and appointing thanksgiving days for the same (a mere trick to alienate their affections from them) I say, had I published these pranks; I suppose they would not come under the notion of Mr Stucleys infirmities but somewhat of a higher nature. Is it not a petty piece of Burglary think you, to unlock and break open the closed Cabinet of another man's breast and bosom, to rob him of his secrets, his heart jewels? is not this somewhat above an infirmity? If not I should have concealed it, but I dare not be accessary to such things, & therefore I say, My Masters beware of your letters.  
Next Mr. Stucley proceeds to rejoice, That Shimei his railing tongue, and Rabshekahs' letters should conduce to his and his Church's reputation.  
Stay Reader, peruse my Narrative: where I pray doth Mr. Stucley find Shimei his railing tongue or Rabshekahs' letters? doth he not dream? Is it not in his Pamphlet, he love to triumph before the victory: first let him take my answer intended for his conviction, and then if it conduce to their reputation, much good do it them, I hope God will work good out of it, when his eyes shall be opened to see his error, and to make him sensible of his high flown conceits of his; and his Church's infallibilities, & to make him really to adore the divine justice towards him, who seeks to advance his & his Church's glory and greatness, by the defamation of honest conscientious Christians, who endeavour to walk honestly both in the sight of God and men.  
In the last place he ends his Epistle with an Apology for his tartness in his ensuing Book; and pleads the Law of nature for doing right to himself, forgetting) it seems) the Law of grace, that forbids wronging his Neighbour, God is not to be found (as one says) in the raging fire of opposition, but in the sweet breathe and soft voice of Truth and love.  
I leave his Epistle, & proceed to take a short survey of what follows in his Pamphlet.  
In his first page, he cavils at the Title of my Book in that ' its called, Truth's manifest, and seeks to cloud it, with a thick fog or mist of 48. lies which I doubt not ere I have done, will call him father, and be justly laid at his own door: of these in their proper place.  
In his second page, he hath a firivolous quibble or exception against the Author, in that, 'tis said Toby Allein a (late) member etc. which he says denotes; either my excommunication, or dismission, or Apostasy from them, etc.  
I answer I was in the first place denied Communion with his Church, some of them told me, they were offended at Mr. Downs baptising my child, and at my forbearing them private meetings, and I must not be admitted in such sins; In the next place I gave them notice that for their unjust excommunicating my wife, and refusing to give any reason or satisfaction about it, and for other reasons (which the reader will see ere I have ended) I did withdraw from them, and could walk no longer with them; and so I styled myself (a late member) as I hope was proper enough, though not actually excommunicated, nor dismissed by them; and yet for all this I hope, I am not otherwise an Apostate, than Luther was, who said he was an Apostate, but it was from error to truth.  
But Mr. Stucleys' Church is now become offended and must be satisfied, ere they will say farewell to Toby.  
Well satisfaction must be had, and I hope I shall satisfy those that are capable of satisfaction; The Church requires satisfaction because I say; They have unjustly cursed my wife; And I require satisfaction because they did unjustly curse her.  
Mr. Stucley pray Sr. be ingenious; have I not offered by word and writing; that I was ready to receive your charge (if you had any against me) and to submit to the determination of godly judicious, and indifferent Ministers or private Christians? And have you not refused this; Calling them foreigners; and will refer it to none but your own Church, Mr. Eveleigh, Owen, etc. parties as deeply guilty as yourself, in this male administration, these must be the indifferent Judges. To determine whether you and themselves have done right, or wrong in your proceed, none else must intermeddle in your Church affairs, and why? 'Tis your principle, a principle without Scripture precept or precedent, a punctilio, or device to wave and evade the hearing of the Judicious, lest the nakedness of your cause appear, and your shame be discovered. Sr. I hope you did Reverence learned Mr. Burroughs, if so, pray take the pains to look into his Heart-divisions pag. 43: where he says.  
Those in the congregational way acknowledge, that they are bound in conscience to give account of their ways to the Churches about them, or to any other, who shall require it, this (saith he) not in an Arbitrary way, but as a duty they own to God and man.  
Observe, he makes no distinction, but says to the Churches about them; or any other, that shall require it. And this he speaks not only as his own opinion, but as the judgement of those of the congregational way in general. Pray tell me, how you will reconcile your practice with this judgement? I would willingly know why? or upon what different principle it was, that you refused to give Mr. nicols, Mr. Bartlet, Mr. Down any account or satisfaction touching the reason & grounds of those your proceed, when those three Ministers desired it, after you had sent them your monition (in the nature of a mandatum) that they were to take notice that you and your Church had Excommunicated Mrs. Parr and my wife: did you advise with any of the Churches in Exeter or elsewhere before your precipitate proceed? Pray let's know in your next how it was resented by your brethren of the congregational way, at your late convention, at the Act in Oxford (if truly stated by you which I must suspect) did they commend your practice (as it is reported) and intent to draw it into precedent, or did they blame you for it? Have you known any power either Episcopal, or archiepiscopal, (but only Papal) that claim such an absolute Independent jurisdiction, as to deny all Appeals; and refuse to give any account of their ways, and administrations) when desired) before Independency was set up? Pray what meant you by your notice to the Ministers in Exon, was it not, that they should deny these poor souls communion upon pain of your and your Churches high displeasure, must your (Ipse dixit) satisfy, without ground or reason? If this be your principle, we doubt not but within a few pages to show who are the Schismatics, whether Mr. Stucley and his Church, or Toby Allein; But of that by and by, I pass on to his observations on my Testimonial.  
Reader, here see (this peaceable man) how his heart rises and swells against the chamber of Exon. (as he calls the Subscribers to my certificate) he will not be guilty of such a piece of incivility, as to suffer them to pass without abusing them, he must have a fling at them, now they come in his way.  
In the first place he gibes at their Administration of justice, we must (says he) carry ourselves warily, lest we be bound to the good behaviour warily, not honestly, he gins with a jeer.  
Pag. 3. Next, in his third and some ensuing pages; He calls them my Compurgatours, prolocutours, Seconds, guard, etc. and tacit'ly represents them, as men dissaffected to the Supreme Magistrate, with his jeering (Spectatum admissi, etc.) and that his Highness' affections to him, is an eyesore to the chamber, etc.  
Reader this is the peaceable man still, If thou wilt believe him, he takes no pleasure in a Salamander life, and yet Toby Allein and his wife are not subjects high enough to wreak and fret his malice upon.  
No, the chamber: they must know that he is offended at them also, and they and all the world must know, what a favourite of the Protectors, Mr. Stucley is, he put's it in print. But alas (poor man) how vain is it to be angry with those that care so little for it: doubtless the chamber takes notice of it, so fare, as to be sorry for his simpleness, and that such a spirit of envy and contention should lie Couchant, and discover itself from under Mr. Stucleys pastoral Robe, They can bear a few gibes and jeers from Mr. Stucley, and look on it as his weakness, and that it would be weakness in them to engage in a Contest with him about such things so inconsiderable. The Eagle scorns to catch flies; I shall only say, that had I said & insinuated so much of the chamber of Exeter, as Master Stucley hath done, It might have been called, an Impudent lie.  
But we leave him in his sweat of discontent against the chamber, and shall speak a word of his query, why I had not gotten a Certificate from the Ministers or from his Church, I having (as he says) reported his Church to be the honestest people that ever I came amongst.  
To this briefly, That as for the Ministers— Certificate I might have had it, had I needed it; And as for his Church's Certificate, I left it for him to take the benefit of that, being the best he can get; And as for his Church, If I reported them to be the honestest people, etc.  
I do now find I was in a great mistake, and must retract and ask them forgiveness; I shall promise to say so no more till I have better evidence for their honesty: I am not the first that have been deceived by these Independents; and therefore I hope I may expect a pardon of Course. Next Mr. Stucley raises queries, upon the contents of my Testimonial, (simple ones God knows:) how easy is it to pay him home in his own Coin; May it not be asked of him, 1. whether he as not an unrighteous Steward in his causeless cursing my wife? Secondly whether he be not better affected to his Independent party and interest, then to the Common wealth? thirdly whether he hath not raised more divisions in the Churches of Christ in Exeter by gathering a Church out of other Churches, than ever was known in Exeter before? But to let that pass, I shall only add,  
That the Certifiers (however Mr. Stucley represents them) are known to be men of that worth, loyalty and integrity, that they disdain for any respects whatsoever to certify any thing but what they know to be really truth: And had they not been so, doubtless he would have long since informed against them; or else had neglected his duty.  
Pag. 4. Whereas in his fourth page he insinuates that I am to have a trial at Law against him, etc.  
Reader, be pleased to take notice, that after Mr. Stucley had libellously slandered my wife in pulpit and print, before I printed my Narrative I demanded (by several letters) satisfaction for this public defamation, as a breach of the Laws both of God and man: Telling him, that if he would show the matter of fact truly stated, and a positive Scripture, or Law of man, for such a procedure on such a fact or ' its parallel, he should convince me.  
I likewise sent him a charge; consisting of four particulars, (to wit) first his application of Prov. 5.8.9. and Tit. 2.5. to my wife, insinuating her to be a harlot and unchaste: Secondly his reporting her to be a woman knowing no subjection at home or abroad, Thirdly, his saying, that she went from them to avoid Curch censure: Fourthly his reporting that she never gave any reason for her leaving them: I charged him that in these particulars he had scandalised my wife, and therein broken both the Law of God and man. I desired a debate of these particulars by himself and Master Mall (his assistant,) and two others whom he thought fit with myself and three other godly Christians that I should bring, promising that if he could prove either of them, nay, if I did not disprove all of them, I would lay down and beg him mercy.  
His answer was, that this charging him with particulars, he did not like, and that it was not the way of gaining him; But that I was to tell him his fault between me and him alone; And failing in that first assay; Then I was to take with me, one or two of that particular fellowship (meaning his Church) and that until than he saw no reason at all to call in foreign helps.  
Note Reader, this learned Rabbi, he tells me that I must first tell him of his trespass privately, which himself hath published on the housetop, in pulpit and press.  
I thought he had known better how to distinguish, as to the Application of Admonitions, and that there is a vast difference between the case of private personal wrongs; And public Church male administrations.  
Next (says he) I must take two or three of his Church; They were partakers in the fact of cursing my wife; And they are to admonish him for that, which they joined with him to do.  
Note, he wholly declines my proposal, and hath found out this shift, he tells me the Church are offended, that I take offence at their proceed; And summons me to his consistarie before Mr. Eveleigh, Owen, and the rest, judges in their own cause: for them to debate, and determine whether he & they had done right or no: you may imagine what a piece of justice I might expect from them. Right Lidford Law. Hereupon I gave notice to the Church by letter, that forasmuch as they had abused the Ordinance of Christ, in Excommunicating my wife on such pretended crimes as were apparent falsities; I had therefore withdrawn from them, and could neither in reason nor conscience join with such a Congregation as live wholly under an Arbitrary form of Church Government, and admitted of no appeals in the case of unjust excommunication.  
And so, after Mr. Stucleys' denial of a friendly debate often proposed by me, I was enforced to commence my suit at Law, to right myself in way of a legal proceeding. And this is the action of the case, he there speaks of.  
It would be almost infinite to follow him in every of his impertinencies and frothy fancies, I purposely wave many as inconsiderable, and shall speak only to the most material, that I tyre not the Reader.  
Mr. Stucley hath done with my Testimonial, and now taking leave of the chamber, with his pace tantorum virorum, a jeering farewell, he passes to my Epistle.  
He gins with a whipper: Scandal & contumacy (says he) was proved against my wife, and therefore her censure was not unrighteous: good Logic, were it true; yea, but he will prove it by his Sermon notes (alias) his printed libel: I refer you, says he, to the notes of my Sermon in print. A very strong evidence, a cogent argument. He and his Church must curse my wife for deserting them and joining to her former pastor, but scandal, and contumacy must be the gloss and pretence for their proceed. Mr. Stucley preaches, & prints her guilty; And that's his proof. They say so; And therefore 'tis so; they are satisfied, and therefore others must me.  
The Pharisees say that Christ had a Devil, and therefore it must be so; probatum est.  
Suppose a vile wretch (being met with a parcel of his Desciples, as bad as himself) do preach and print blasphemy (as many do in these days) is it true? or is it ever the less blasphemy, because he preaches and prints it, and his Desciples own and maintain it? This is sorry stuff.  
Next we are now come to the point, the whole stress of the business in difference between Mr. Stucley and myself lies in this, namely, whether my wife were guilty of Crimes deserving excomminication, or not deserving? whether guilty of contumacy, or not guilty? in a word, whether his curse be causeless or not?  
I am not ignorant that I am to encounter, one, that Goliah-like seems to be armed Cap-ape; He is a Scholar, which I pretend not to, therefore the disadvantage lies on my side; But I trust my cause is good, and my design is satisfaction, and therefore shall not fear to take leave humbly to propose a few queries to serious consideration.  
First, whether a particular Church may impose, press or practise any thing that is not warranted by Scripture precept, Apostolical iustitution, or primitive Church practice?  
Secondly, whether, If such things be imposed pressed or drawn into practice, by a particular Church, the Church members may not refuse it as arbitrary and after their declaring dissatisfaction in point of conscience may not withdraw from such Church, till they receive satisfaction; and for non-satisfaction, wholly desert it.  
Thirdly whether a particular Church denying, or tying up its members by Covenant, compact or otherwise from communion with other Churches of Christ in the ordinances, and it's refusing to admit the members of other Churches of Christ (professed believers and orderly livers) to communicate with them, in the ordinances, be warrantable by Scripture rule, Apostolical institution, or primative practice, or on the contrary, be separation & schism in such particular Church.  
Fourthly, whether there be any Scripture Rule, or Parsident, for a particular Church, to erect private meetings, and there to pray, preach, and carry on designs and particular interests, relating to state affairs to promote self-edification in stead of sole-edification?— and if not.  
Fiftly, whether a Churchmember, seeing the danger, and taking offence at such practices, having declared against it, may not in conscience abstain and withdraw from such, and join in the ordinances with other congregations of God's people, without incurring the guilt of Shcisme.  
In the next place I shall point Mr. Stucley, to some passages of the late reverend and learned Mr. Burroughs in his heart-divisions pag. 173. & 174.  
If (says he) the cause of leaving communion be just, than those who gave this cause are the schismatics, not those who withdraw upon it, thus the Governors of the Church may be the schismatics and a private member withdrawing may be free.  
And again, if Governors impose that which is not necessary (though in itself not sinful) and will not bear with the weaknesses of such, as think it to be evil, if upon that, they be forced to withdraw in this the Governors are the Schismatics.  
And again in pag. 50. The power of the Church (says he) extends not to the punishment of every thing, that either may by the Governors of it be conceived to be evil, or that is indeed evil, but only such things, as some way or other appear to be against conviction and are obstinately persisted on, etc.  
And in pag. 52. those that will go farther, they will punish for every evil, and if they use means to convince them, and they be not convinced, they will judge them obstinate, & proceed against them accordingly, those challenge & exercise not the power of Christ, but Antichrist.  
And again pag. 67. this is generally held by our Brethren (saith he) If a man be rightly cast out of communion with one Church, he is thereby cast out of all. If this be so (says he) then surely many things must be suffered, before we proceed to cast out a member, it must not be for every error of miscarriage, thus also Bp. Davenant in his rules for peace, these may not be cut off from communion with particular Churches, who remain joined to the Catholic Church.  
And again pag. 90. Prelatical spirits indeed account it their honour to force men to be of their mind; 'tis their glory, that they can say to the consciences of men, bow down before us: a gracious spirit abhors the thought of such a Tyranny.  
These things thus-premised and considered, I apply it to the case in hand, in these few ensuing queres.  
First I inquire, what other meaning or construction but imposing and pressing things unnecessary, can be made or put on those passages and practices in your Covenant (for so your Elder Mr. Eveleigh named it to me and my wife) (viZ.) that we should hear you, when you preached, and no others, without your leave, and that we must expect a greater blessing on your Ministry, than any others, and that we must frequent your private meetings, or be accountable to you and your officers for our default? Have you any Scripture-rule or primitive Church practice for these, and for such pressing of them (as your Elder did) on me and my wife to subscribe unto them? and as for your denying liberty to communicate at the Lords table with other Churches of Christ, where is your Scripture-rule or reason for it? Is not this an imposing and pressing of things unnecessary.  
In the second place I inquire, whether I and my wife did not refuse to subscribe this Covenant upon grounds of dissatisfaction, in point of conscience: pray ask your Elder, did I not tell him I must first see direct proof, or sound consequence from Scripture, to convince me that this was an injunction of Christ and not arbitrary, ere I could submit to it.  
And pray ask him farther, did not my wife tell him that she found no such rule of Christ, not obligation upon Christians, and could not in conscience submit or yield to be so tied up, but desired to stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ had made her free, or that effect, this, I say we did refuse to be engaged unto in point of conscience.  
Thirdly, I inquire farther, did not my wife tell Mr. Eveleigh and Mr. whitehorne, two of your members, that came to admonish her for not coming to your private meetings, that she was offended at your carrying on selfish designs and interests, under pretence of serving God, at such times, appearing both in your prayers and practices, and that she could not, with a good conscience join with such, but would leave you, especially after she had heard Capt. Rolls his strange praying, and the Churches perilous petitioning the Protector, which you sent me to subscribe, whereof the danger was represented to her as my Narrative doth express, had she not just cause to take offence at this? were not such things enough to stumble a woman, to make her fear & in point of conscience and prudence also, to avoid this apprehended danger, both to soul and body? Pray let it be considered.  
But now I mention this petition, I must take heed for Mr. Stucley is offended as you may see in page 7.  
Where he makes the Reader believe he hath gotten me into his Net, into a dilemma inextricable; That unavoidable I must be either a Traitor, or a liar, here he puts a bold face on a bad matter; But pray not too fast, let's along with you.  
Reader take notice that in my Narrative I was telling the grounds and occasion of my wife's withdrawing from them, That she heard a friend say, that there were dangerous passages, in their Church Petition, which they brought me to sign; And in particular a clause, to pray the Protector to dissolve the Parliament, and I told you also that this (amongst other things) did, (as it well might) trouble her, and cause her, to cautionate me to be wary what I did, and at length for this and other reasons before recited, to withdraw from them.  
For my part I never read the petition, nor knew ' its contents whether there were any treasonable undertaking in it or nor, let the contrivers and subscribers look to that, I did mention it in my Narrative only to show the occasion and ground of my wife's dissatisfaction, and one reason of her deserting them, I had not the least design to alienate the chief Governors affections from him & his Church (as he suggests) I fear not the guilt of misprision of Treason; But yet seeing Mr. Stucley puts me so hard to it, I shall see whether we can extricate ourselves out of Mr. Stucleys' dilemma, and that I may not be guilty of misprision of Treason, and others may see who is the Traitor or the liar, I shall here insert what I have heard (and doubtless Mr. Stucley will not deny) was the heads or substance of their Church-petition as followeth.  
Should this change be (viz.) the Kingly office be accepted, how much will the liberty of the Saints be hazarded; And will you put on the yoke of intolerable slavery on their necks with your own hands, and rivet it fast by a Parliamentary Power from falling of.  
Can your Highness be ignorant, that there is too much of an imposing spirit in matters of conscience, still remaining in the midst of us, who would gladly deny liberty to those who have earned it with their blood; and must we again forsake our inheritances & estates, etc.  
We cannot but remember your Highness; That the itch that was upon the spirits of men (nothing could satisfy them, unless they could put their fingers on their Brother's conscience to pinch it) is not yet healed, what assurance will the Parliament give, that your Army, who are at present a fence between us, and fiery spirits) shall be continued?  
And is it not sufficiently known that many of those persons that cry up Monarchy, as hereditary, are crying down of a Military Basis, as inconsistent with magna charta and the liberty of the Nation?  
If the Militia be kept in your Highness' hands, it was that which was thought unreasonable for the King to pretend to: If left in the Parliament, so chosen by the Nation as now qualified; may it not easily be presaged how suddenly they shall be disbanded? or what ground or hope hath your Highness, that the spirits of the Common people are now more wary in picking and choosing Representatives then of old?  
Did you not lately see what need you had of your counsel to set guards on the Parliament, to keep out Malignant and violent spirits, though we fear, notwithstanding all their vigilancy, there are but too many crept within those doors.  
How unreasonable is it, that they who came together by virtue of this Government should now be permitted to pull it down?  
If it were thought unreasonable that any should sit without a recognition: Is it not most intolerable (pardon our boldness) that the subverters of the Government, should be let alone their months being long since expired? Doth it lie in your Highness' breast to secure the Government against such Invadors? Will not this as dangerously disappoint, and discompose the Nation as any thing that could have been invented, by the greatest enemies to your peace and welfare?  
Lastly are not the same weeds, nettles and briers thriving under this Parliament as under tholast; And are there not the same reasons, for their dissolution, as for the former?  May it therefore please your Highness to lay these things close upon your heart, and not to consent to such alterations and subversions of Government, etc. 
Reader; there needs no Paraphrase; These heads were given by one of their own members (no Apostate) and therefore I think Master Stucley will not say, 'tis a lie or a false copy, only I cannot pass it by, without a query or two.  
First I ask why Mr. Stucley himself, had not printed their petition in his Book, he says he was not ashamed to tell the world of it, and yet conceals it; If it were so honest why had you not printed it?  
Secondly I would ask him, whether it were recomended to him and his Church by his holiness from Rome; or was it composed within the walls of Mr. Raddons Posthouse in Exeter at their private meetings?  
Thirdly, I would know whether those that subscribed it were Englishmen, Italians, or Spaniards.  
Fourthly whether Religion doth challenge any other place then to be a settler, no sticker in the State?  
Fifthly whether some eminent Statesmen did not discourage Mr. Mall (your Agitator) from presenting it, and whether it were not turned back to be laid aside, or amended?  
Sixthly, whether such Church work might not justly offend weak members, and put them upon thoughts of satisfaction before they join farther with such a Church?  
Doubtless Mr. Stueley will take some pains to give some solution and satisfaction to these queries in his next, which I shall content myself to wait for with patience; And that I may no farther digress, I return to examine his allegations of my wife's supposed crimes and contumacy, deserving excommunication; and here I find he would make the world believe, that 'twas not for deserting them and going to her former Pastor: this he thinks will not hold, though this in truth was at the bottom. But now (forsooth) it must be running away from her husband.  
Reader for satisfaction in this, read my Narrative, which shows the true cause, manner and end of my wife's going to Honiton, which he falsely calls running away.  
The truth is, her spirit was troubled at those sorry actings in the Church, which I have before set forth; she saw mad Church work a-making, she feared entanglements and could not in conscience continue longer with them as I pressed her to do; therefore she desires satisfaction, and on that occasion and no other, she went to Honiton in order to go to Taunton to Mr. Newton, and my Brother Allein, Ministers of Taunton for solution of her doubts. I appeal to the impartial Readers.  
What think ye? might not this intended tying up by covenant to a particular Congregation, & debarring her of the liberty of Church privileges in Communion with other Christians; and their engaging in State affairs in so unheard of a manner, make a good woman to use means for satisfaction, and quiet of her conscience, when she had told them and me, she could not in conscience continue with them? and she was told, she could not leave them: might not this, I say, cause her to be importunate for satisfaction without danger of excommunication?  
Object. But they object; she went away, and I knew not of it.  
Ans. I answer; she had told me before that she would go somewhat for satisfaction; and I had before agreed to her going to Taunton for it. But suppose I did not for present know whether she was gone; what then? must she therefore be run away? None but an Independent will judge so.  
Object. But 'tis farther objected, why then did ye grieve at her going away and said, she would leave you?  
Ans. To this I answer, 'tis false, I never said she would leave me, whatever you vouchers Capt. Rolls, and Owen do tell you. They are your own Disciples; and have been her accusers and judges.  
Secondly I say, I had reason to be troubled: first at the ill use and advantage I apprehended such as you (who watched for her haltings) would make of it. And again secondly, because I had no sooner complied & condescended to the healing of her troubled spirit, but had too much harkened to some of your cruel counsels and instigations against her.  
Let me put Mr. Stucley a query or two?  
First let me ask him did I ever complain to him or his Church or any other, that my wife was run away, and require a Church proceed about it? or did he or his Church ever ask me whether she did run away or not, or whether there were a reconciliation, did any of them examine the case before they proceeded to curse her?  
Secondly, did not he and his Church (being madded at her leaving them) in point of policy or rather revenge conspire to spread and foment this false report, and then call it a public Scandal, past her husband's pardon, and such as he and his Church must take cognizance of ex officio, and curse her, for unless she would cry peccavi, though innocent. This will be the case another day, whatever they pretend to hid it now. She had left them: they could not brook it, therefore they seek occasion and finding none, They feign and frame somewhat that they may have some show for the work: it must be done in Terrorem. Strict Discipline against the wife, may chance deter the husband from going away; for they now fear his departure too. To lose a Church member may be ominous.  
Thirdly, I ask Mr. Stucley this question, If he and his Church had so good a cause, and could prove their pretended crimes against my wife, why was this conscientious Pastor so rigid, as to refuse a hearing and debate of their accusations before Mr. Ford, Mr. Down, and others nominated by my wife, whereby he and his Church might have been cieared and justified in their proceed, had their pretended delinquent been convicted?  
Where was this man's wisdom or charity (I would fain know?) who rather then he would abate a hairs breadth of his greatness and honour (that proves his shame) he will give my wife to the Devil, send her packing to hell; where is this man's Scripture-rule, or Church precedent for such a wilful procedure?  
Hear learned Zanchie, treating about Church power in the point of excommunication.  
What is more grievous (says he) to the whole body of the Church, then to cut off a member from the Body? If a Church (saith he) be small and consists not of many learned men, (as Mr. Stucleys I am sure doth not) excommunication ought not to be done, unless the neighbour Churches be first consulted withal. A chirurgeon (if he fear God and be wise) doth not cut off a hand or an arm, before he hath first heard the judgement of the skilful neighbour physicians.  
And the late reverend Mr. Vines in his Treatise of the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, pag. 212. says.  
The proper and Adequate, and immediate object of debarriment from the Communion of the Church is a Sandalous person, that holds either a course, or hath committed the act of a scandalous sin, which he explains to be, some Atrocious or grievous sin of the first magnitude, If any that is called a Brother be a fornicator, Idolater, covetous, etc. 1 Cor. 5. and 1 Cor. 6.9. Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God, nor fornicatours, Idolaters, adulterers, abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thiefs, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, and such were some of you, etc.  
And pag. 213. He tells us it must be an open and manifest sin, else it is not Scandalous: And known it must be either by evidence of fact, confession or conviction.  
Now let Mr. Stucley show wherein my wife was guilty of any such Atrocious or grievious sin, and if not, why falls he upon this highest work of excommunication?  
Little flies (says Mr. Vines) must not be knocked down with so great a hammer.  
Object. True (says my Adversary.) But there was contumacy that your wife was guilty of.  
Ans. I answer first, if no crime, no contumacy.  
But secondly suppose a fault, I deny any contumacy: what contumacy? when she had made so many overtures to be tried by indifferent judges, godly indifferent Ministers or people: what contumacy? when the poor women wrote to Mr. Stucley their desires, to be communicated to his Church, to have their cause heard by understanding and impartial men whosoever they be, and gave assurance, that they would submit to the Law and will of Christ, which letter, this faithful Pastor pocketed and concealed from his Church, you see what a good will he had to the work; he would curse them right or wrong, where is the contumacy in her? was it not Tyranny in him? doth he not deserve a Bishopric.  
By this time (I suppose) the Reader sees, how pertinent and applicable Mr. Malls' quotations are to the case of my wife's unjust excommunication; And whether she were guilty of crimes or contumacy deserving such a cruel censure, unjustly inflicted by Mr. Stucley and his Church, I leave it to the judicious to consider.  
Before I pass, I take notice that in his 5. pag. he tells you, that I am willing to wave the question about the impertinency of Mr. Malls' quotations, and to refer it to the learned, and says that I should have studied the question, and not contented myself with an implicit faith in the learned, etc.  
To this I answer, I think the question is now put out of question, and by what hath been cited out of those learned men before named, it plainly appears that his quotations are frivolous and impertinent to the case in hand, let the Reader judge.  
And as for an implicit faith in the learned, I say an implicit faith in Church affairs, is no way satisfactory unto me; And therefore I desire Mr. Stucley to satisfy me; whether he did not tie up his Church-members to an implicit faith in him, when he did upon that black day of his curse, make his members subscribe a Church-covenant or oath, That they would submit to his guidance and teaching as their Pastor, (absolutely) without any restriction or limitation? why had it not been added, he guiding and teaching according to the rule of God's word? what is this but to pin their faith on his sleeve? what is it but an implicit faith on Mr. Stucley. St. Paul durst not be so bold; he bids the Churches be followers of him; and the other Apostles, as they are followers of Christ; are we not bid, to the Law and to the Testimony? bid search the Scriptures, bid try the spirits? Must we take up all you say upon Trust? are there no deceivers gone forth into the world, and into the Church too? Wolves in sheep clothing such as (like the Devil) transform themselves into Angels of light, creep into houses & captivate silly women, etc. Pray Sir tell me why was this omitted in your Church-covenant or oath, which Mr. Mall hath inserted in his Book? should not oaths and covenants be plain and express? or will you supply it with an & caetera. Have you not herein outwitted the Pope, and made him a younger Brother? Surely there is somewhat lies in this pad, pray explain yourself next.  
Reader I am sensible that I have been too tedious hitherto, and should I trace this fox in his wiles and cunning fetches in every page, I should tyre both you and myself to unkennel him; I profess I am hearty sorry to see his impudence; he would make the world believe the Crow is white, and that 'tis night at noon by his Logic all are lies, but what he himself says; he sees he is engaged head and ears; and must make lies his refuge to maintain his and his Churches unjust act, like the boy that bid his mother call whore first.  
For a man to Cloister himself up, and like the Owl to decline the light of a hearing, and to be ashamed to give account to Ministers and others that are dissatisfied, doth not this in the eye of every judicious Reader speak him guilty and unworthy?  
What hath been already said, answers many of his foul Aspersions I shall now contract myself and cursorily run over the rest.  
And first for his affirmation that I and my wife consented to Mrs. Parrs' suspension, in pag. 8. I profess we never knew of any suspension of her, much less joined in any; her answer was (as to me) fair and satisfactory, (Viz) that she remembered not the things for they accused her, and if she were convinced of it, she, would be sorry for it. I never voted it satisfactory and neither knew nor joined in any such suspension, therefore that's an untruth on Mr. Stucleys' part.  
And next as for Mr. Stucleys insisting on my wife's neglect of admonition. etc.  
I answer that she did declare unto some or one of the officers, her dislike & dissatisfaction at their carriage in several particulars assoon as she had a convenient opportunity, which proved fatal to her in the end.  
Take notice reader, it was not a Brother or a Sister singly, or a few members, but 'twas the whole Church ', they were all as it were hung together in a string. Their tying up the members by compact; their intermeddling in State affairs, their carrying on self designs, their practical forbidding communion with other Churches; their traducing those that are not of their way, was a disease epidemical, that run through the whole body, and was discove'rd by degrees to be the very product of their private meetings, as if it had been a part of their Religion. And would it not have been looked upon as a piece of pride & presumption for my wife to reprehend a whole Church; & should she not (think you) have been accounted against (as Mrs. Parr) for a contentious woman, that raised discord and disturbance in the Church.  
I shall (for brevity's sake) leap over many of his pages, the sum of what he there alleges; being answered occasionally in my former sheets.  
I also pass by his silly probabillities in the 14. page; which he brings to induce a belief in the reader, that my wife ran away, and intended not for Taunton, 'tis fully answered.  
His Queries; whether dame must ride upon the Mugle of the Mare? and whether Honiton be in the way to Taunton, and the like are so sordid and ridiculous, as ti's unworthy an answer, better be fitting the Tongue of a stage-player then the pen of a Minister, every child sees ' its weakness; and therefore I content myself with the saying of the wise man, answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him.  
‛ Its merely forged to say, that john Mongwell reported that Dame ran to Ireland with another woman's husband.  
'Tis false also that I could not for a while be admitted into my wife's chamber at Honiton: & also false that my wife confessed that she had left me because of a different way: and that Honiton and Exeter rang of this Scandal; all of this stuff proceeded from Mr. Stucleys' forge.  
'Tis likewise most untrue that he affirms in the 16. page, that my wife refused conference with those of the church that were sent unto her: she would have conferred with them, if others might have been present: she well knew they came to intrapp her, as they did Mrs. Parr, dealing with her singly.  
I only add, that the action of my wife in going to Honyton was not Scandalous. It was honest and upon conscientious grounds and ends, as in my Narrative is set forth.  
In his 17. pag. he falls upon me for neglecting Church-fellowship i. e. Neglecting their Conventicles at Mr. Raddons posthouse, to hear my wife vilifyed and abused, and others reproached and slandered; and see self designs promoted. Reader thou hast heard what broth is boiled at those meetings.  
Note; these subtle foxes must have their private meetings, to distil their principles, and gradually to discover their practices among their choice disciples of their own gang, that make no bones to swallow any thing that their infallible Master doth impose or command: witness their Subscripsion to his imposed Covenant, binding them to follow his guidance and teaching absolutely without any restriction or limitation: witness, their stickling Church-state petition and the like, of which thou hast already heard.  
For my part I am far from decrying or declaiming against the meetings of God's people, either in public or or in private, as there is or may because or occasion.  
But what need this private meeting, so constituted by strict injunction and to be frequented upon pain of Castigation I profess I can see neither warrant for it, nor good of it: what is done: there you have partly heard is it not to strengthen the members in their separation from other Churches of Christ, and to infuse farther dividing principles, to widen the Breach, that they may work their own ends? why not public meetings that all God's people may see and hear what they do, what they pray, and what they preach and practise as other Churches do.  
I am of opinion that we ought to admonish, instruct, comfort & edify any of God's people of what society soever, at all times as there is occasion & opportunity. But not of your vowcher Mr. Owen's opinion, that we are to love those of your Society, as a man loves his wife above other women, I know no such rule.  
I must confess, I am very much for public meetings, since I so much observed their private transactions; I much better like our public administration of justice in open legal Courts in the face of the country, since I have taken notice of some chamber proceed before private Comittes. Mr. Raddons Posthouse was the Conclave, where Mr. Stucley and his Church did curse Mrs. Parr and my wife.  
As for Mr. Stucleys cavils, and exceptions against me for my pretended neglecting Church fellowship; I refer the Reader to my letter in my Narrative, which was to have been communicated to his Church; had he been faithful, which will give a satisfactory answer.  
I must say somewhat to Tom Savery's letter, which for the excellency of it Mr. Stucley hath put in print, pag. 19  
The very reading of it with observation and reference to the matter then in Question, makes good what I have said concerning it in my Narrative.  
Note in the beginning of his letter, he says, His soul is grieved for my disorderly walking, I mean (saith he) your absenting yourself from our private meetings etc. Then follows; if the wife of your bosom divert you, etc. That is (see the scope of his letter) divert you from our private meetings, what then? he tells me out of Luke 14.26.27, 33: if any one come to me and hate not his father and mother and wife etc. he cannot be my disciple. See his good Application: If my wife divert me from their private meetings (you have heard what they are) If I do not hate my wife I cannot be Christ's disciple. An excellent conclusion, a very sound inference. I hope, notwithstanding his doctrine) that I may come to Christ without coming to such private meetings as theirs are: and I hope my wife may divert me from error, from danger, from their private meetings, and yet not divert me from Christ, or from his ordinances, so as to give me occasion to hate her. Doth Tom Savery think that to be at Mr. Raddons chamber in praying and preaching up self interests, and promoting dividing principles, is a waiting on God in his gallories? if it be so to him, 'tis not so to me; pray give liberty of conscience to others, as well as take it yourselves. Mr. Stucley hath well vindicated Tom Savery.  
I take no farther notice of his descant on my letter to him and his Church, or of Tom Saveries letter to me; a common eye sees how frivolous his exceptions are.  
But now he comes with his Kill-cow in his 22. page.  
Behold yet greater abominations (says he) Well, what's the matter? He saith, that I fear at the workings of the spirit in those mournings and lament which God was pleased to bestow upon his people upon that sad day; And that I blasphemously called it a hideous howling cry, and accounted so just a censure to be like the Pope's bull, a beast, when it roars the loudest.  
For answer, I bless God, I am not ignorant, how horrid a sin it is to jeer at the workings of God's spirit in the mournings, sighs or groans of his children; and 'tis not Mr. Stucley, nor the Devil himself (the grand accuser of the brethren) can justly accuse me for any such thing. I can (I bless God) appeal to the searcher of hearts, in the uprightness of my heart, that I am free from any such sin, or the least thought thereof; And I do not in the least recant what I said, I did say, and do say still, that they made a hideous howling cry or noise; in so much that one of them fell down in a swoon, or counterfeited; and others told me, that they were fearful to tarry longer among them, and truly I was and am serious, and do not jeer: I think they might well make a hideous howling cry, when they were about such hideous work; They were not about God's work, I dare say, it was the Devils. They were perverting and misapplying God's Ordinance.  
What to curse, and cast out God's servants to the Devil, unjustly denying them an indifferent hearing: and when they had no warrant from Gods revealed word, to pretend an immediate word, an Enthusiasm or Revelation for it? what else meant your fictitious Parley between God and the Devil in your printed libel, telling your Church that the Devil demanded those women to be given him by God, and that God bid your Church give them to the Devil, and bid the Devil take them, and torment them, representing them as the immediate subjects of the Devil's fury and vengeance by your unjust curse, pray what meant your, take her Devil, was not this enough to make your members (if conscientious, any of them) to make a hideous cry? yea to howl too, for fear that the Devil would have visibly appeared to encourage you in such a work, as (it is credibly reported) he hath since given you a visit in your house. 'Tis well you have gotten an inspiration, I am sure you had no written word of God, applicable to this case; and therefore what if I compared it to the Pope's Bull, I think it very near of kin: yours as just and Right as his, and no otherwise.  
And as for the copy of your prayer, It was taken by a man, who (whatever Mr. Stucley says to disparage him) hath been & is esteemed by honest men to be honest and religious, such as will not falsify any thing therein; But the truth is, 'tis such a misshapen piece that Master Stucley is ashamed to father it; and therefore in his pag. 24. he brings in his compurgatours: and who are they? his Church Officers and other complices in this unjust act; they are birds of a feather, they must witness that it was not his prayer, and say they, somewhat was inserted, and somewhat was omitted; but they set not down a word what this Somewhat was: a very fair testimonial, ask my fellows, etc.  
As for the story of my wife's abusing her Sister, I have made a true report thereof in my observations on Mr. Stucleys' printed Sermon, to which I refer the Reader, assuring him that 'tis not all Mr. Stucleys' shuffling untruths and evasions can acquit him from unfaithfulness and unworthiness in that business.  
And the like I say of his reflections in his letters: what I have averred touching it, is true; and 'tis sufficiently verified by himself in his scurrilous Pamphlet against me and my wife, in which you see that practice exemplified to the life.  
And as for his charging me with neglect of fraternal correption in 18. Particulars in his 28. pag.  
I shall only give this short answer, that it is a false charge; Liars need good memories.  
Reader cast back thy eye, and peruse my letter in my Narrative and see how many of these things I complained of, that concerned him and particular members of his Church; what was this but admonition, and what effect had it? 'twas clapped up and not communicated, lest it should dissatisfy the Church: a fine shift to stifle my complaints and hid them from the Church, and after charge me with neglect of fraternal correption.  
Mr. Stucley may also remember that I told him that I heard that the Church had sent up a dangerous petition, and that it was ill resented: And that he was so far from disowning or disliking it, that he wished that he were in London, to present it with his own hands. And since he knows that I have sent him several letters showing him the particulars wherein the unrighteousness of his censure lay, and yet he most impudently denies all?  
I could go through all the eighteen particulars, and show how I have discovered to the parties concerned, my dissatisfaction, and reprehended them for their practice as occasion did serve. But in regard most of these are answered in my precedent sheets, as I have occasionally met with them, and others of them will fall in to be spoken to in my answer to his 48. pretended lies, I do (for brevity sake) wave them here, and shall proceed to his Catalogue of lies, to give brief answers to such as are not already spoken to; as followeth.  
And as for his first pretended lie. That his Sermon contained many foul untruths and base reflections, who sees it not? And that he printed it, what was it, but to spread false reports? I utterly deny that any person was employed by me to write his Sermon or prayer, but after I heard what good stuff it was, I was willing to have it written out fair, that myself and others might read it, and where is the lie in all this?  
To his second supposed lie, I do still aver that my report in my Narrative of all transactions relating to my wife's excommunication is true. And for his pretended care or counsel to prevent this censure I know none, but only his desires for my joining in that cruel act were sufficiently evidenced; but the Lord in mercy prevented it.  
To the third, I say still, and that truly (and think the Reader is convinced) that there were never any crimes proved against Mrs. Parr or my wife deserving such a censure. If he can make any appear, why doth he yet lie in his hole, and refuse to come forth before the judicious to evince it, and answer what he hath done: he thinks his pen must plead for him, and he may print lies, Cum Privilegio.  
I utterly deny that I ever joined in Mrs. Parrs' suspension; I was satisfied in her answer; and if she were suspended, it was unjustly done.  
To the fourth, I have answered before in my Book, and (I think) have sufficiently evinced it to be an unrighteous censure: I shall say little more to that before I see Mr. Stucley prove it to be righteous, which he can never do: he shuns the light, for my part I little thought that he and his Church should ever have been so far left to themselves, as to proceed so unrighteously.  
I did not desire their forbearance of my wife upon any such account, as he pretends; 'tis true, that I wished them to forbear their vexings of her (almost daily) as they did, for fear lest she, being big with child, might have miscarried by reason of their continued vexations.  
To the fifth, I say, we were fixed as members to Mr. Downs Church, as really as any other members of that Church, & did receive the Sacrament there, and that without any such conditions as he supposes: yet I conceived, and was resolved by an able Minister, that I might (notwithstanding) sit down with God's people in any other congregation, as providence should order, or as occasion was offered.  
To the sixth, I say we were not admitted of Mr. Stucleys' Church, until almost a year after we had spoken our experiences; and for the difficulty of out admission, if it had been either for ignorance or scandal, Mr. Stucley was often enough with us, and might in all that time have told us so much; But never a word of any such thing till he had a mind to curse my wife for deserting him.  
To the seventh, I say Mr. Eveleigh one of the Church-officers, and others called the paper which was brought into the Church to be debated (a Covenant) & told me that the greatest part thereof was assented unto, & therefore if it be lies, you see who was the Author, and that I did dislike it I have already demonstrated.  
To the eighth; I say, my wife did join to Mr. Downs Church, as in my Narrative is expressed, and that which Mr. Stucley calls Admonition preceding it, was only Mr. Whithornes ask her the reasons of her absence from their Thursdays private meetings, when she had been absent not above three or four times, for which I think the reader is satisfied she had some reason to abstain.  
To the 9 the traducing of Mr. Ford & slighting of honest godly people different from your principle, hath been too frequent among you, and the lie and slander returns on yourselves.  
To the tenth, I say I have sufficiently set forth, the occasion, manner, and end of my wife's going to Honiton, which is the Truth, and will stand firm another day, when all Mr. Stucleys foisted probabilites, will be found to be nothing but the scum of his malicious Calumniating spirit.  
To the 11th. and 12th I say I deny not that I had hopes to prevail with my wife to return to Mr. Stucleys' Church, as my Narrative shows, but when I had considered her grounds of dissatisfaction, and their harsh proceed in order to excommunication, I abstained from their private meetings, especially after that one of the honestest of the confederacy had counselled me to pluck up my spirits; and hold the reins of Government strict in my hands, and to forbid my wife's brothers, Sisters and friends to come near my house, and to turn away such servants as would not be pliable to this work, and to take in others, and to bear a stiff hand on my wife, and that then she would go from me, and I should not look after her; and that then she would be weary and repent, and I should receive her on mine own terms. I did presently guess from whom this counsel came, for ask the party when he was with Mr. Stucley, he answered he had been with him about two hours before, and would needs engage me to go to Master Stucley; which I thought to have done, but my heart failed me, and I durst not go, fearing lest he should engage me to some such wicked course as was proposed. You see where to repair for good counsel how to order your wives.  
The thirteenth, hath neither head nor tail, I shall answer it when Mr. Stucley explains himself, if it be then worth an answer.  
To the 14. I aver that he opened the letter which Mrs. Parr and my wife sent, and most falsely and unfaithfully told the Church, that it had more of design then humility in it. If it had any design, it was to prevent his and his Churches harsh and heady running into a mischievous act: and if it be (as he says) that none of the Church saw it, I say, the worse, the more unfaithful, and inexcusable was Mr. Stucley for that: it was sent, and directed to be communicated to the Church, and he would not show it them, nor ask counsel of any in so weighty a business, but lead his Churchhead long into sin. The letter concerned them all, but he conceals it: and did he not therein show himself more a lord and Master, than a Steward and dispenser of God's Ordinance? If this be his faithfulness, let me never be under such a faithful Shepherd.  
To the 15. To this I have answered already, I only add, that Ratcliff that noted Mr. Stucleys' prayer, and others also that heard it, do a verre it to be his prayer, such a one as it was.  
To the 16. I answer I have examined more narrowly this particular and find, that Mr. Malls' doctrine was, that there is great reason, Scripture reason, when in severing the precious from the vile, the Church should renew their covenant: and he applied it to the business of excommunication then acted, and pressed the renewing of their covenant. Pray where is the great difference from what I have set down in my Narrative that denominates it to be a lie? And as for his posture, whether he sat down or stood up, ' its not much material. If I mistake in that, I am sure I am right in all the rest.  
To the 17. I suppose Mrs. Parr is answering for herself: and as for my wife I say again, she found faults and saw cause enough to leave them, and did desert them before she was admonished for neglecting their private meetings  
To the 18. I answer, that if you did not look on other Churches as Babylonish, etc. Pray tell me how do your words and opinions agree? pray what meaneth your cry? come out of Babylon, what meaneth the saying of one of your officers, to one that was going to the Sacrament at Mr. john Bartlet's Church (viz.) what will you never come out of Babylon? and what meant that Independent Book, One blow more to Babylon?  
To the Nineteenth I answer, hear Mr. Stucley shifts, and pretends he understood not my meaning; and that he meant not the Churches in Exon, when all this while his conscience tells him, that I was meaning and speaking to him of the Churches of Christ in Exon, could he think I was speaking of communicating in Spain or France in their mass. I remember well, he spoke these words to me, without intermssion; Can you (said he) partake where there are Drunkards? can you partake where there are liars? can you partake of the Table of the Lord, and the Table of Devils? and as for the argument you recite out of my letter; of your acknowledging the Churches in ‛ Exon to be true Churches. Reader it is well known, with how much ado he shown them as much; Note, this was spoken by him above two months before he owned the Churches here to be Churches of Christ: the associated Ministers in the County of Devon, know enough of Mr. Stucleys' mind. About owning other Churches I need say nothing.  
To the twentiteh, I say, let the judicious Reader judge, What other construction can be made of Mr. Stucleys citing of Pro. 5.8.9, and Tit. 2.5. and his applying Doctor Tailor's Exposition thereupon to my wife, then to insinuate and beget in the Reader a suspicion of my Wife's chastity? and by spreading his false and scurrilous Pamphlets into Dorset, Cornwall and other places in the west to induce the people to believe those honest women to be as vile and notorious as is imaginable.  
To the 21.th there needs no answer, but the experience of the people of this place; let them judge if I lie in this.  
To the 22th I answer 'tis well known that my wife was of Mr. Downes congregation, and received the Sacrament there before she joined with Mr. Stucleys' Church: and for Mrs. Parr she attended on the other Ministers. And therefore I think owned them: sure there were no others in Exon that she owned, till Mr. Stucley came.  
To the 23th imputed lie, Mr. Stucley, Pray be not angry, I must tell you again, that your saying that my wife is a lawless woman, that knows no subjection, is a most notorious belying her indeed, and to persist in it as you do, in saying that she hath taken the power of rule out of my hands (in the particulars you there instance) is a bold untruth. I am sorry and ashamed to see you so impudent in averring such apparent falsehoods. Pray tell me, did I ever complain to you of my wife's disobedience? what tattling gossip was it from whom you had this tale? did she not tell you, 'twas not I, but my wife that put the girts into the pot? why had you not printed that also, to prove my wife's taking the government out of my hands? well, this looks but like a sneaking trick, to pry and peep into other folk's cupboards and kitchens to discover their houshold-affaires; but I am sure all is but a false gossopps tale at best.  
As for the 24.25.26. pretended lies, I refer the reader to my answer to the 18th.  
To the 27th. I have answered already, and begged them mercy for my mistake, if I did so far forget myself as to say that they were the honestest people that ever I came amongst: I have recanted that error.  
For his denial of slurring Mr. Rutherford in calling him the Champion of Presbytery, I shall refer it to the judgement of the Reader, that considers how Mr. Stucley esteems of the Presbyterians, and what a stickler he is against that way.  
To the 29th. I have sufficiently spoken, and shown his base abuse of, and blind proceed against my wife, and challenged him to a public debate of it, which he refuseth; I am sure he can never prove what he says in his pamphlet, unless he can get some Knights of the Post to be his witnesses.  
To the 30th. I tell Mr. Stucley that I was never burdened with old Dame, but once when he told me a lie upon her, and then I was so zealous as to call her Naughty woman, but my mouth was never so foul as to call her whore, as he suggests. Had I done so, I would have begged her mercy, for I believe, she is as truly honest as Mr. Stucley himself. But had she been such as Mr. Stucley reports, yet why might not my wife go with her, with less ignominy than Mr. Stucley may keep such a one for a Nurse in his house constantly for a year and more. As for Mr. Mongwell, he hath given it under his hand that Mr. Stucley hath slandered both him, and her in his false reports.  
To the 32. 'tis not worth an answer, yet I say, I might well avouch the tenderness and kindness of my wife, which I had ever found, though his and his Churches deal occasioned a sudden heat or discontent for once.  
To the 33 and 34. I say Mrs. Parr was questioned by the Elder of their Church for going to hear Mr. Ford, to the neglect of their own officers, & was told that she should be called to account for it, I have spoken to this already, and therefore shall only ask this question, if she had been so guilty of lies and devisions as they charge her to be, why were those things let alone, some of them for two years and more, and then they must prove so mortal? why did they let her lie so long in her sin? but I doubt not she will sufficiently clear herself, therefore I forbear.  
To this 35. I say Mr. Stucley repeats false. Reader, look into my Narrative, I do not there say that he never reproved my wife in four years; but that he never reproved her in that time for her neglect of admonition of others.  
To the 36. 37. 38. 39 & 40. pretended lies, all which do concern the story of the difference between my wife and her Sister in Law, I answer that what I have set down in my Narrative relating to that business is the very truth; and yet observe how confidently this bold man speaks passages in that business, as if he had been present and privy to every thing spoken or done about it, when in the mean time, he prints all this merely upon relation and hearsay, and hath no better authority for it then if he had taken it out of Esop's fables.  
To the 41.42. I answer that my wife and her sister were reconciled friends; and feasted, talked, journied, and went to the Lords Table together many times, and how durst this pastor suffer them, if he knew them to be enemies all this while.  
To the 43. Imputation; I confess I was in a mistake, but no wilful one. I said it was near three years when as it was not above a year and half: this was a mistake only in point of time which I have now rectified, but I am sure 'twas long enough, the differences were dead and buried by an amicable composure, but Mr. Stucley must rake up any thing to make a stinking stir withal.  
To the 44. I shall only bid my adversary repeat right: my words are; they had nothing to censure her for, before she left them; And this is the Truth. I have and do challenge him to bring forth any crime that deserved Church censure, before she deserted them: as for her forbearing their private meetings, which Master Stucley calls Church meetings, I think the Reader is convinced, She had sufficient cause.  
To the 45. I say, that I lament his impudence: 'tis known to the whole City that 'tis their principle, and practice to deny their members to communicate in the Ordinances with other Churches. I can prove that some were refused by him, only because they would not be confined to his Church, and he hath denied it me as I have already shown, can ye partake of the Table of the Lord, etc.  
To this 46. I shall only wish Mr. Stucley to be as good as his word, I make no question but you have heard how your member Mr. Robert Spragne was convicted for two lies against the chamber of Exeter: I fear they had another original, and his was but the second edition, however they were public offences, and therefore pray instruct him to go to the chamber and acknowledge his error in spreading two lies against them, that they may forgive him, or else according to your doctrine, he will be in a sad case, for you told me lately, that we ought not to forgive, unless the offending party ask us forgiveness.  
To the 47. for answer I refer the Reader to my answer to his 18th pretended lie, I only demand whether you would grant that there was any other Church of Christ in Exeter, till about the beginning of April last, did you not before that time style yourselves (the) Church of Christ in Exeter? pray what means your calling those of your own Church and no others, Brother and Sister by way of contradistinction? what means that Tenent of some (if not all) of you, that you must love those of your own fellowship above any other of God's people, as a man loves his wife above other women? and why should not Mr. Savery grant Mr. Ford the Minister, to be one of the visible Church of Christ, when he was so hardly pressed to it?  
To the last I shall only say, That as for Mr. Malls' Sermon, I refer it to the Reader to judge by his reasons that are extant in his Book; And if any other construction (than mine) can be made thereof I shall be well content: for the Truth is, I believe the poor man was merely drawn in.  
And now to conclude, Reader do but reflect, and consider the whole story and state of the business laid before thee, and then judge impartially of Mr. Stucley and his Churches proceed, and at whose door all the lies and foul practices must be laid. I profess 'tis fare from me to take any content to imbroile in differences; or to make discoveries of others nakedness, could I avoid it, as all that know me can bear me record: but in this case, I may truly say, he hath compelled me, 'tis no time for truth and innocency to seek out corners, and to hold ' its peace, when falsehood and upstart Novellisme is so clamorous and impetuous.  
Mr. Stucley, (you see) hath declined a hearing, and denied satisfaction to the unsatisfied, and plays the part of the Athenian Commander, who having ill stewarded the Treasury of the Common wealth, studied not so much how to give an account, as not to give any account at all, which hath necessitated me to this work.  
Pardon me (right courteous Reader) If I have been a little exasperated by Mr. Stucleys' intemperate dealing, and if I have uttered aught, more fit for him to hear, then me to speak, It being almost impossible for any man that is conversant in his writings, but to contract somewhat of his eloquence: consider the case in hand, and it is such as will even put words into the mouth of Cr●●sus Son, who (as 'tis storied) was dumb from his Nativity. Public Injury calls on me to speak more loud and largely in mine own cause, but modesty bids me forbear. My design is not to derogate from him, but (if possible) to convince him and to satisfy others, truly honest and conscientious. I deny not his personal abilities, yet (without presumption) dare appeal and say, he hath neither shown that soundness of judgement, that is to be reverenced in some, nor that meekness of spirit that is required in all: my prayer therefore is, that God will give him these and all others graces that may make him more instrumental for his glory and the good of his Church.  
FINIS