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8. Of the audacious boldnesse of these Secta∣ries at this time.
BEfore you have heard of the condition of these Hereticks in times past: but with griefe of heart I speake it. Now they lift up their heads, they write books and publish them in defence of their detestable opinions, of which I have seen some: the one by one Edw: Barber, and two other by A. R. Anno 1642. A fourth by one Lamb, with others, and this without any controle that I can heare of. Yea, they challenge our Divines openly to defend their Tenets by disputation, and to satisfie the people. Doctor Featly gave them a meeting in Southwarke, where foure of their Disputants appeared on their side, besides a great number of the vulgar: of which meeting the Doctor hath given the world an account. Would to God our Rel••gi∣ous Patriots assembled in Parliament would at length take care (as they have done of the Romish Emissaries) to suppresse these, that the name of God be not blasphemed: that they may not infect the simple people with their abhominable Errorus. Was not all Israel plagued for the execrable things taken by Achan? who can tell whether the plagues of God that are upon us, are for not punishing these detestable Sectaries and o∣thers? Alas our poore Church is oppressed, and who layeth hand to help. The plague of Heresie is among us, and we have no power to keep the ••ick from the whole.
The Wolves that were wont to lye in the woods, are come into our Sheep-fold, and roare in the holy Congregations. Oh thou Shepheard of Israel, why hast thou broken down the hedge of this thy Vineyard which thy right hand hath planted? The Bore out of the wood, and the wild beas•• out of the Field do de∣voure. Oh remember not against us our former iniquities, let thy tender mercies prevent us, for we are brought very low.