Truth and innocency vindicated against falshood & malice exprest in a late virulent pamphlet intituled, (A true account of a most horrid and dismal plague began at Rothwell, &c.) without printer's licenser's or author's name thereunto) : together with an account of the Kettering visitation / by R. Davis ... ; to which is added, Mr. Rob. Betson's answer to so much as concerns him in the said libel.

An Answer to some part of that Pamphlet, Called; A Plain and Just Account of a Plague being at Rothwell, &c. Wherein it will be manifest, that they that gave the Account gave a very unjust Ac∣count in some Matters, as in others they Charge as Errors the great Truths of the Gospel of our Lord.

By Rob Betson, Pastor of the Church of Christ in Wellingborough.

OH that my Head was a Fountain of Tears, that I could Weep Day and Night for a Generation of Men professing love to Christ and Souls, and yet their Mouths are full of Revilings, and their Pens dipt in Gall as the first Page testifieth, and several other places in the Book; where∣in they act like that Orator Tertullus in Acts 24. 5. We have found this Man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of Sedition among all the Jews throughout the World, and a Ring-leader of the Sect of the Nazarens, &c. Thus he accused, and the Jews assented, saying, That these things were so, vers. 9. And thus do the Writers of this Pamphlet accuse God's Servant, Mr. Davis; with many others, which I question not but they are dear to our Lord Jesus: But yet the People are ready to say all is true that can be spoken; yea, this I observe, these Men will believe the Reports of the worst of Men against him, when they will not believe their nearest Friends, that speak for him, tho what they speak they have seriously weigh'd, which shew∣eth them to be of their minds Jeremy complaineth of, Chap. 20. 10. Re∣port, say they, and we will Report it. But I believe the Lord in his own time will vindicate the Faith and Order of that Gospel, which is now op∣posed by a Generation of Men, that have not the Power of Godliness: However I earnestly intreat all that fear the Lord to cease Reviling and take Paul's Counsel, Ephesians 4. 31, 32. Let all Bitterness and Wrath, and Anger, and Clamor, and evil speaking be put away, and be ye kind one to an∣other—And if you yet be in doubt, take Gamaliel's Counsel, Acts 5. 38, 39. For we are very willing that whatever there is that is not of God should fall, and we are also sure, that whatever is of God you cannot overturn it, therefore pray have a Care you be not found fighters against God: And pray weigh very seriously what Mr. Davis hath written in answer to what is charged against him, for I do trust that in the Fear of God he hath an∣swered what he intended to answer. I shall therefore leave his Answers, and give some Answer to another part of the Pamphlet where they seem to leave him, and begin to rail on others, as you have their Words in Page 16. where they say,

You may now sake a taste of the Doctrins of some of his Journey Men the Shoemakers, Joyners, Taylors, Diers, &c. which he hath sent forth to Preach as an Apostolical Tribe, for like Number, Preheminence, and what not. Thus far their own Words. Now let the Reader judge.

1. Whether what is spoken be not in a malicious disdainful way, and whether it be not like that, Matth. 13. 55. Is not this the Carpenters Son? And Mark 6. 3. Is not this the Carpenter? I do believe they will find it so, when what they boast, it shall be brought down, and the Lord alone ex∣alted,

it may be by mean Instruments, as he was at first by Fisher-men, though the Learned of the Age could not then bear it; But sure Chri∣stians should not follow the Pharisees steps.

2. Consider whether there is not a Blasphemer's Reflection upon the Twelve Apostles of our Lord, in comparing our Number to that Num∣ber, seeing they have no reason for it, there not being such a number of us, only some Wicked Persons were pleased to say, There was Davis and his Twelve Apostles; but must Professors follow their steps? I think that Word of Christ should stop them, Rev. 2. 9. I know the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and are not.

3. Consider whether they be not guilty of Lying, in saying that he sent them out as an Apostolical Tribe.

But I shall now answer what followeth concerning my self, who they name by Name, though with many wicked false Reflections, which might have been better to have been spared than vented by those that pre∣tend Christianity, unless they think their Tongues are their own, and there is no Lord over them.

But I bless the Lord, who inableth me to rejoice, that I am counted worthy to suffer for his Name sake; for upon diligent Search, I know no reason those Men have thus to revile me; for as for my manner of Life, the Lord hath not yet left me to be blamed, for which I bless his holy Name, and desire still to be kept [and whereas they call me Ape] I ne∣ver yet was left to follow any Man in things wherein I did not conceive they followed Christ—but

Whereas they say Mr. Davis set me up a Pastor to some conceited Peo∣ple in Wellingborough—I answer,

First, It is false, for Mr. Davis did not set me up a Pastor, for we In∣churched together according to the Rule of the Gospel, and being In∣churched, I was set apart with Fasting and Prayer in the Church, ac∣cording to the Primitive Pattern, and Mr. Davis, Mr. Bear, and Mr. Greenwood, all Elders of other Churches, and several Members of other Churches, were by, as Witnesses and not Actors; the manner of our act∣ing, I shall readily relate more fully to any that desire it, if it might stop the false Accusations of Unreasonable Men, so that by this you may see it is a false Accusation.

2. It is a reproachful Reflection, for I do believe they that be of us fear God, and will one day stand at the Right-hand of Christ, and then it will be dismal to be found one that did revile them; Now followeth what they said was my Doctrins, and my Answers to them.

1. That I said, God's Word doth not tell us how we must believe, and they refer to Head 25. where you may see their Revilings, where they say, that I said, If a Revelation of the Spirit will not satisfie you, we cannot satisfie you.—I Answer,

1. To the former part, when I first heard it, I did declare that I did look upon the holy Scriptures to be the only Rule of Faith and Practice, (and so I do still) and I offer'd them to meet any Man to Discourse with him that would say that ever I did affirm the contrary; and Mr. Alen that was at Northampton sent to them to meet me, but they would

not, but disagreed among themselves, and are now broken by their Wickedness: But I am troubled to hear, that they should falsly Charge me▪ their Conversations gave great Ground to suspect that the Word of God is not a Rule to them.

2. That if a Revelation of the Spirit do not satisfie, we cannot. I do say, That Faith is a Revelation of Christ by the Spirit to the Soul, and a Persuasion by the same Spirit to leave Sin and Self, and trust in Christ so revealed. And by this Revelation and Persuasion of the Spi∣rit, the Soul is satisfied, and not by any human Testimony without it; Math. 11. 25. Rom. 8. 16.

3. Doctrin, they say, I said [God commended that which Simeon and Levi did, notwithstanding Jacob cursed them]—and that I should make as if God commended by Judith's Mouth what he cursed by Jacob's, &c. Answer,

1. I never did say that God Commended Simeon and Levi's Actions, who in their Rage did what they did in breaking in upon the City; only I plead this by way of Allusion, their taking their Sister out of the House of Sechem, and not dealing with her as with an Harlot; from which I pressed the Church of Christ in Cambridge-shire, to use the Means Christ hath appointed in his Gospel, Matth. 18. 15, 16, 17. for the recovery of those that had offended. Mr. Holcraft and Harris were then present with the Church, and Mr. Holcraft on that day, with the Churches con∣sent called me to Minister the Word among them, in order to my being called to be Pastor to a part of them; and sure if there had been such things delivered, they would have discerned them, and not so far as they did, have signified their Approbation: But truly with Grief I write, if the Person that drew this Conclusion from my words is so filled with Anger, that it appeareth on more accounts than one he careth not what he saith; The Lord forgive him.

2. I never did make use of Judith's Name nor Actions, neither did it ever come into my mind; so that I am called villanous for that which I never was guilty of; but the Lord humble them for their Evil Speaking.

Then they ask the Question what I would gather from it, and say that my next words tell; Therefore my Friends buckle on your Swords and fetch your Brethren back from Idolatry; to which they add many wicked scornful Speeches.

Ans. I never did advise to this way of fetching back Brethren, for it is against my Judgment to use it in matters of Religion; indeed I did put them upon Reforming, (and I earnestly wish all in England would Re∣form, for I am sure there is need of it) and I am willing to go with them (tho I go under many Reproaches) for it is Reformation my Soul breatheth after; but I need no Carnal Weapons, but am well satisfied, the Sword that goeth out of my Lord's Mouth, will finish the Work in his own time; and then shall be fulfilled many Scriptures on them that go on in their Scorning.

3. They say I said, They that die doubting and Fearing, are Damned. And they charge me with Barbarity.

Ans. I never was so barbarous as the Writers would make me, but I had

and have Bowels for poordoubting dejected Souls, as many can Witness, nei∣ther did I say these words alone, but this I said, They that live and die Doubting, and never believe on the Lord Jesus, are Damned s And so saith the Scripture, Without, are the Fearful and Unbelieving; and he that Believeth not shall be Damned.

4. They say, I said, Christ tore himself.

Ans. When I broke the Bread according to Christ's Institution (tho they Revile on that account also) I did in setting forth the love of Christ in laying down his own Life for us, say thus, Christ gave himself; but presently added, That tho there was a Sovereign Act of Christ, in laying down his own Life, according to that Scripture, John, 10. 15. 17, 18. yet it was the wicked hands of the Jews that Murthered him.

5. When we find our Hearts most wicked, then to Believe in Christ, is Pure Faith.

Ans. I remember not that I said so, but if I had, I know not what cause any have to be Offended, unless it be those that think to make themselves good before they Believe: David would trust in God, when the Iniquity of his Heels compassed him about: And whether should a poor filthy Sinner go, but to the Blood of Christ for Cleansing? but, I find the Accusers would be acting like Naaman the Syrian, that thought the Waters of his own Country, better than the Waters of Jordan: But Paul saith, (this is a faithful Saying, and worthy of all acceptation) That Christ Jesus came into the World to save Sinners, of whom I am chief, 1 Tim 1, 15. And if Christ Jesus came to save the chiefest of Sinners, then certain∣ly when I see my self the chief of Sinners, and yet Believe in Christ, this must be pure Faith that looketh through all to Christ; and I am sure, was there more of this Faith, there would be more Holiness in Heart and Life.

6. That there is no use of the Law. This they say I said at Oundle; but when I said it, or on what account, I know not, neither do the Accu∣sers tell me.

But this I do declare as my Judgment of the Law,

• First, That it is Holy, Just and Good.
• Secondly, That those that Believe not, are under the Condemnation of it.
• Thirdly, That it is a Rule of Life to Believers.

But yet this I must say, it cannot give Life to dead Souls, and therefore not of use on that account, Gal. 3. 21.

Again, there cannot be Righteousness attained by it, on which account a Sinner may be Justified, Gal. 2. 21. For if Righteousness came by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain.

7. That the 42 of Isaiah 19 ver. is meant of Christ, That Christ was Blind and Deaf, and did not know what he should suffer when he came into the World.

Ans. I did say, That that place spake of Christ, and I judge still that it doth; but I did not say, That he was Blind and Deaf, and did not know what he should suffer when he came into this World: And pray Reader consi∣der that Verse, and the 20. 27. with the first Verse, Behold my Servant:

And in this 19 Verse the Lord's Servant: Again he is said to be Perfect: And again, there is difference between the 18 Verse and the 19. The 18 Verse speaketh of the People of Israel, that were Deaf and Blind, and cal∣leth upon them in the Plural Number, saying, Hear ye Deaf, and look ye Blind: But this 19 Verse speaketh in the Singular Number My Servant, and he that is Perfect: Again it is said, Seeing many things, but thou observest not, opening the Ears, but he heareth not. Now, how can this be meant of wilfully Blind Israel, or their Priests? for tho it be granted they were Deaf and Blind themselves, yet they could not open the Ears of others, therefore I take the Words to be meant of Christ; that tho he did foresee all his Sufferings that he was to pass through, yet he did not so observe them as to hinder him in his carrying on our Redemption; tho he did hear the contradiction of Sinners against himself, yet he suffered patiently for them, according to the 38 Psalm, 12, 13, 14 ver. They all seek after my Life, &c. But I as a deaf Man hear'd not, and I was as a dumb Man that opened not his Mouth; thus I was as a Man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no Reproofs. Compare this with Acts 8. 32. and 1 Pet. 2. 2.

8. That we are Adopted from Eternity.

Ans. I did Preach our being Predestinated unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ, according to the Good pleasure of his Will. And if any will contend against it, let them know, they contend against that plain Scrip∣ture, Eph. 1. 5. For my part I am well satisfied that there are a number Chosen in Christ their Head, and fore-appointed by the Father to this Relation of Son-ship in Jesus Christ, and because they are Sons, he send∣eth forth the Spirit of his Son, crying Abba Father, Gal. 4. 6. And pray let it be considered, it is one thing for us to be took into favour by the Father in Christ our, Head; and another thing for us to have this kind∣ness of God manifested and help given to us to receive it, Gal. 4. 5. that we might receive the Adoption of Sons.

9. That People must not rest on Promises, and think to renew their Comfort by them.

Ans. I did not say these words separate from others; and if prejudiced People will run away with half Sentences, and be offended, I cannot help it: I have been as wary as I could, notwithstanding the Unchri∣stian Reflections that the Accusers cast upon me. This I have said, That People must not rest on Promises separate from Christ; for tho God hath given to us exceeding great and precious Promises, yet those Promises are Yea, and Amen in Christ, 2 Cor. 1. 20.

So I have said, They must not renew their comfort by the promise separate from Christ, and that fullness of Grace in him that the Promise speaks of. I do say, the Word is as it were the Breasts, but the Sincere Milk of the Breast, is Jesus Christ, 1 Pet. 2. 2. As new born Babes desire the sincere Milk of the Word. What this Milk of the Word is, you may see Verse 6. wherefore it is contained in the Scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief Corne-stone, Elect, Precious, and he that believeth on him, shall not be confounded. Therefore you must renew your Comforts in Christ by the Promise. And whereas they say, Head the 25. Doth not this make void the Promise? I say no, for it bring∣eth you to the Promise in it's right Place; but I will return the 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Doth not their way in Arguing for Comfort by the Promise separate from Christ, make Christ of none Effect?

But if any ask who argueth so? I Answer, many that I have known, which hath been the cause of our thus Preaching; there are many that have great Notions of the Word, and take their Comfort from their Notions, which notwithstanding reject Christ, and count it Presumption to Believe; and it plainly appeareth by their wicked Carriages and ungodly Reason∣ings and hard Speeches against the Saints: I say, it appeareth that they have not Faith, neither know what it is to Believe, notwithstanding all their Notions. Thus the Pharisees they took Comfort from the Promise made to Abraham, and they boasted they were his Seed, and thought to have Eternal Life in the Scriptures: But Christ telleth them, That they would not come to him, that they might have Life. And here I intreat all that are high in their Notions, to look to it that their Faith in Christ be ac∣cording to their Notions concerning him.

And here also I beseech poor drooping doubting Souls to learn to take hold of Christ in the Promise, and rest on him that speaketh yea, and re∣new your Comforts in him; learn what that meaneth, Matt. 11. 28. Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you Rest.

Lastly. They speak of many such Doctrins that I have delivered, but when I know what they are, I shall Answer them as the Lord shall help me: But I hope those that are concerned in writing the Pamphlet, will learn more Wisdom in their next; and as in this they concealed their Names, as being ashamed to be known, like Thieves that Disguise them∣selves when they have a mind to Rob their near Neighbours; so in their next, they conceal their Wickedness, lest that they thought to do to others, be done to themselves, by the Lord's leaving them to fall under Re∣proaches and Shame, according to that Word, Isa. 41. 11. Behold, all they that were incensed against thee, shall be ashamed and confounded, they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee, shall Perish. Read the next Verse.

But I shall leave the Pamphlet, with the Writers and Abetters of it, and earnestly desire the Reader to Pray for, and endeavour to understand the Truth, and comply with it, tho Men and Devils strive against it; and I earnestly desire thee wherein thou thinkest I am out, thou wilt Pray for me, and take the first opportunity to deal with me according to the rule of Christ, Matt. 18. 15. that if I am out, I may be informed, or if I be not out, thy Thoughts may be governed, because wrong informed.

I shall add no more, because I would not make our Answers too Bulky, but earnestly desire the Prayers of the Godly for me, under all my Re∣proaches for Christ, who do and shall Pray for thee and my Enemies.

FINIS.