An antidote for Newcastle priests to expell their poyson of envy which they vented in a letter to the L. Generall Cromwell and in their articles which they exhibited against Capt. Everard : with an answer to their scandalous exclamations to their shame, the cleering of himself and satisfaction of his friends / by Robert Everard.

To the Impartial Reader.

Reader,

THe ensuing Discourse is intended as a check to a malicious and unquiet spirit, savouring of perfection; which hath ever been incident to a sort of people, who assume to themselves the ho∣nourable Title of the Ministers of the Gospel (though very improperly appropriated to them) whose constant practise throughout all Ages and Nations, hath a tendancy to advance their own Power and Domination, though in the destruction, blood, and ruine of whole King∣doms and Commonwealths. Whatever opposeth them in the Designe of their own glory, must be accursed with Anathe∣ma Maranatha. The forementioned evil Spirit, hath (up∣on what account, or for what cause I know not, excepting difference of Judgement in matters of Religion) accord∣ing to its accustomed manner, virulently calumniated the Author in his Name and Reputation; having so far prevailed upon the minds of seven Gentlemen in and about Newcastle, (who pretend to be Mini∣sters of Jesus Christ) as to engage them in the promotion and prosecution of that unworthy Designe and Undertaking, complained of, and detected in the subsequent Treatise. But how disproportionable such proceedings are to the meekness, love, and tenderness of our Saviour; as also to that universal Rule of the Gospel, Do unto all men as you would they should do unto you: and how unlike to the gracious and prudent car∣riage of the faithful followers of the Lord Jesus, let all sober minded men judge.

It is the saying of the holy Ghost, Oppression makes a wise man mad: and I observe some men are so mad to oppress and persecute the Saints and People of God; that (like Paul before conversion, Acts 26. 11. they think as himself confesseth v. 9.) they may do things con∣trary to the way of Jesus Christ. But for my part, I take it as my Duty (in order to the command of my God) to plead the cause of the Oppressed, and vindicate the Innocent.

Therefore being sensible how much the traduced Author Captain Everard hath been impaired in Reputation, I could do no less in point of common Justice, then manifest my knowledge of him, whose faithful and constant service to the Commonwealth, and sufferings for the things

of Christ for some years past his integrity of life and sobriety in declaring his judg¦ment during the time of his aboad at Newcastle, of which experience hath informed me, was sufficient to have exempted him from the scandal of the pens and tongues of his enemies. And although the Author suffereth in his reputation, by the misappre∣hension of divers, who take him to be that Everard that is reported to be deeply af∣fected with the Ranting Principle; yet all that are acquainted with his person, judg∣ment, and practise, know him to dissent as much, and to be as great a discountenan∣cer of that way and opinion, which the other Everard professeth and practiseth as a∣ny, of those who asperse him in writings, or otherwise.

As touching my self, though I am wrongfully blamed for countenancing Cap∣tain Everard in that which I apprehend to be just; yet I am the lesse carefull in my own vindication, considering I am responsible for my actions to their Superiours, in whose eys I hope I shall app••ar more innocent then my accusers.

As to the ensuing Treatise, I shall say no more, but desire thee (good Reader) du∣ly to weigh the charge, seriously consider the answer and measure both by the rule of Christian Charity, and judge of the equity of the case betwixt the accusers and the accused. If thou perceivest in the answer any thing capable of thy exception, deale with the Author as thy self wouldst be dealt withall in the like case.

My soul desireth to see an end of these un-Christ- and un-Saint-like carriages among the people that professe to own the Son of God. I hope the time is neer at hand, wherein the Lord whom we serve, will give us one heart, one mind, and one lip in the things that concern his glory and Kingdom, and the mutuall good and prosperi∣ty of all his Saints, which shall be the incessant prayer of him that is the Authors Friend and thine in all Christian service,

L. Col. John Mason.

Notes

• Witness the late treasona∣ble Designe of M. Love, and his Adherents.