Antichristian treachery discovered and its way block'd up in a clear distinction betwixt the Christian apostolical spirit, and the spirit of the antichristian apostate : being an answer to a book put forth by William Rogers, falsely called, The Christian Quaker distinguished from the apostate and innovator ... In three parts ...

Antichristian Treachery Discovexed, AND Its Way Block'd up:

IN A clear Distinction betwixt the Christian Apostolica Spirit, and the Spirit of the Antichristian Apostate; BEING

Something in Answer to a Book, put forth by William Rogers, falsely called The Christian Quaker distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator.

The Second Part;

VVherein it is plainly demonstrated,

First. That John Story and John Wilkinson, in a dividing Spirit (together with the aforesaid William Rogers, who hath espoused their Cause) with those of party with them, have opposed the visible Rule, Discipline and Order used in the Church of God, the true Christian Quakers: Wherein they have been the Exercise and Grief of the Faithful, through the offence they have caused in the Church of Christ, to the breach of its Peace.

Secondly, A sincere account is given therein of the care and brotherly treating, ac∣cording to Gospel Order, that hath been used in a Christian Spirit (as the Exer∣cise and Travels of many dear Brethren sustained do demonstrate) concerning the aforesaid John Story and John Wilkinson, and others of party with them, before the Judgment of Truth, according to Church Power and Order, was given forth against them.

By Thomas Pearson, John Pearson, Robert Tompson, Robert Battow, Brian Lancaster, Joseph Baines and John Blaykling, on behalf of them∣sels and many other Brethren of the Quarterly Meeting in Westmerland.

Now I beseech you, Brethren, mark them which cause Divisions and Offences, contrary to the Dectrine which ye have learned, and avoid them,

Rom. 16. 17.

Blessed are the Peace-Makers, for they shall be called the Children of God,

Matth. 5. 9.

Antichristian Treachery Discovexed, AND Its Way Block'd up: IN A clear Distinction betwixt the Christian Apostolical Spirit, and the Spirit of the Antichristian Apostate; BEING Something in Answer to a Book, put forth by William Rogers, falsely called The Christian Quaker distinguished from the Apostate and Innovator.

The Second Part:

THAT Eternal God by whom the World was made, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, with the blessed Message of Glad-tidings to our Immortal Souls, appeared amongst us here aways in the North, and in the glory of that eternal Word, by which all things are upheld, broke in upon us, to the opening our Hearts, and giving us the knowledge of the heavenly Light and Life in Christ Jesus; through which (by believing in it) we were brought back again unto God, from whom the Alienation was in the Sin and Unbelief, and we became a People, and were (through the Truth which we had received) gathered into a visible Society and Profession thereof, (the visible Cha∣racter of the Family of God, during the Tabernacle in this World) we were set∣tled through the power of our Principle and Spirit of Truth, in the comely Disci∣pline and Order in the Church of God; and that no neglect might be in the con∣cerns thereof, in the Spirit of Jesus, accompanying us, (as in the Apostles care in his day, that Elders every where might be appointed) faithful men were chosen to attend and inspect the matters thereof, and the principal weight of matters about the concerns of the Churches affaires, for a time lay upon them, till Truth grew up in the Hearts of many; so that many became meet in the power to ap∣pear in the service of Truth, in a Gospel care; and then our Meetings became more free for any of the Faithful to be concerned amongst us, to the strengthen∣ing and encouraging in the way of Truth, to Gods praise; and while all kept to the first love and regard to Gods glory, according as the Lord was pleased to

concern us, all things were well; and we were comforted together in the obe∣dience to the spirit and Truth received, our Testimonies sincerely born, and the Sufferings attending the same patiently undergone, and we were each others help and encouragement, and strength, and the Unity and Concord that we mutually enjoyed was our refreshment, glorying, and our rejoycing; yet in succeeding days, the Temptation that ever was from the old Adversary of the Lambs 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the Churches Peace, begun to creep in and prevail upon some of the antient Professors and Sufferers for the Truth, and set to work according to his kind, to draw back from the antient Integrity formerly kept to; and some that were to have been as Watchmen in Israel, and Valiants for God, and were appointed at the first, or early of the day, for that very end, let the Standard of Gods power fall, and gave their glory to the second Beast that arose out of the Earth, and instead of keeping to the antient power, in it to be as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on Mount Sion, Instrumentally in Gods hand, for the glory of his People; some became Instruments to lead several back from Truth's Integrity, by an evil Example laid before the weak and unskilful, the ancient Record against all Antichristian Bondages being discouraged, they became wofully to be let fall; the nobility of Gods power being much de∣parted from, even in them that should have been as Pillers in the House of God, the weaker and younger sort, whose hearts were enclined to Liberty and Ease, again looked out, and took example at them they had esteemed of, and became subject to a timerous distrustful Spirit of the earthly One, shrunk in the day of Tryal, and started aside like broken Bows in the suffering times, to the causing our Enemies to Triumph, and make their boast of a Conquest got upon us, to the spreading our disparagement abroad in many parts of the Nation; and amongst this unfaithful and shrinking sort was John Story concerned, and overcome, and led aside with them, from the Integrity of the Lambs Life and Dominion; these things grieved the Church of God in many parts of the Nation, where the noise of them was gone, through the Magistrates means, or others that had taken notice thereof, to Truths dispraise and the Churches exercise and grief; for some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ready to take example thereat, to let the like Temptation prevail over them in suffering times, because John Story was conversant amongst them, and justified the same; so also John Wilkinson encouraged the like things, and gave his advice to others accordingly, proved by a Certificate under the hand of a faithful Friend: These things were the Exercise and Grief of the upright-hearted to God amongst us, and of our neighbouring faithful Brethren of other Counties, and the Churches concern was great because thereof, in a tender desire that such as had been over∣come with the Temptation on that wise, might see it, and in a tender acknowledg∣ment thereof, clear the Truth, and the Nobility of the Principle we had received, and the Testimony we had born in Doctrine and Practice accordingly; at this the Disobedient started, and the Rebellious to Truths ancient Power, such as likes not sound Judgment, were grieved thereat: Then John Story of party with them in that creeping work appeared, with his old slavish shrinking Spirit, which he was generally known to be a man of, and demonstrated the same upon several eminent occasions, that the very principally concerned now in this Spirits work knew well enough, and took example by him: Now, we say, he appeared with a more open Face to vindicate the said shrinking work to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Innocent, to discourage the Testimonies born for God and his Truth; so that they, of the Meeting he belonged to, had many of them, almost lost all relating to Truth, but

the form of Words and outside Profession (and in that also a grief to the Faith∣ful) which many of the simple hearted amongst them (came off from them since with Joy) in true brokenness do tenderly confess: And in this shrinking work John Wilkinson also publickly appeared to stand by them, to the grief of many for his sake: On these occasions (as that which was needful, least the Life of Christi∣anity (as William Rogers applies to the Faithful) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be quite let fall, and extinct amongst us) the Lord stirred up Zeal and Care in the Church of God, amongst the Faithful, and the Spirit of the Lord strove in that day with a gainsaying back∣sliding People, who would not be subject to him in the spirit of their own minds, and many Exhortations and good Advice they had in Love, and Mercy mixed with sound Judgment, upon the Spirit that had prevailed over them, and upon the works thereof; and the Hearts of many, in other Countries, were touched with sorrow for the Glory of Gods sake, which this perfideous Spirit was striking at; and in an holy Zeal for God many Brethren that came amongst us were moved, in a Testimony for him, to clear their Consciences in Gods sight, to the comfort and heart breaking gladness of the upright amongst us, but to the grief and vexation of the other sort; whereupon they cryed ou against 〈◊〉〈◊〉, over-driving and urging things with Severity: And Margaret Fox, and some other Friends, being come to visit Friends at our Quarterly Meeting, very tenderly signified to us, That she heard there was Divisions amongst us, and that she partly believed it, and was sorry therefore, she desired also, That if there was dissatisfaction in any, on any account relating to Church Care and Gospel Order, that they would speak, that things might be openly Discoursed, and none go privately under hand to work Discontents in any on the account thereof; or words to that purpose. John Story was not then amongst us, but John 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 himself, and them of party with him, replied, saying, 〈◊〉〈◊〉. What 〈◊〉〈◊〉 have we to practice things imposed upon us by man, or in the will of man, that there is no Scripture Proof or Example for? In reply whereunto M. Fox asked him, If 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would say that our Meetings re∣lating to Church Care was set up in the will of man? or words directly to that pur∣pose; unto which he gave no direct Answer, neither would plainly and openly declare what it was that he and they took occasion to stumble at; yet that which principally was upon him to make an opposition to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 afterwards was observed) was Womens Meetings on the account of Church concerns, thinking thereby to under∣value & lessen the esteem and authority of our whole concern in the Church of God, which practice in the Church was vindicated by the honest hearted as a very proper concern for them (according to the measure of the Spirit received) in their Place, Order and Sex: It seemed strange also to many, why John Wilkinson propound∣ed such a Question in opposition to Women's Meetings, seeing that he, & twenty three more, at a former Quarterly Meeting in Kendal, had subscribed a Paper signifying their consent to the Womans Meetings, with several Expressions in it tending greatly to encourage the same. And upon the occasion of a Paper from G. Fox, read in the said Meeting, to encourage Women Friends to meet together on the account aforesaid, the Meeting with an unanimous consent (as appears by the Subscriptions) expresses themselves thus, viz. —

It is further agreed upon, that this Paper be read in every particular Meeting. — That the Women Friends, who are faithful, may be stirred up into a serious consideration in the Light of the Lord, — To answer the Lord with diligence, &c. — And in the Womens assembling together to see and consider that all Women Young and Old who pro∣fess

the Truth do walk therein, in Order and in Modesty, out of the Customs and Fashions of the World. — Herein Male and Female are serviceable, in our Place and Calling, in our Day and Generation, &c. — So all Women Friends, who feel secret desires in themselves to be Instruments of good unto others, let them meet together as aforesaid, and in this desire certainly the Lord will assist you in his Wisdom and Counsel, &c. — And so all the faithful Women, who are thus enclined, and affected herewith, may signifie their Minds and Intents to the Mens Meetings, and so be encouraged by us whose Names are hereunto sub∣scribed, viz, John Wilkinson 1st. Henry Story, John Clearkson, R. Pinder, and 20. more.

And yet notwithstanding the said Paper, it did appear, that it was Womens Meet∣ings that they were dis-affected with, and smote at in their minds, (in the same Spirit that disliked also our Mens Meetings, but that they were afraid to appear so openly against them) for afterwards they broke forth into more disdainful terms against the Womens Meetings, calling them an Idol, a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Invention, Imposition, and the like; yet contradictorily to their own approbation and well-liking thereof, as the aforesaid Paper demonstrates.

That earthly loose, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spirit, that had been all along stirring in some of the Rich and wiser sort, in the VVisdom that is from below, against the Churches Care and Discipline thereof, was offended with it, because of the Inspection of it, and limit thereby to their wrong Spirit; yet durst not publickly appear in oppositi∣on to it, but in a private 〈◊〉〈◊〉 manner was working Contempt and Dis-esteem thereof, where it could prevail, till on these occasions it was forced either submis∣sively to bow and fall under, (which it was not willing to do) or else to appear with its open Face to manifest it self, and stand up in its own defence. The Lord suffered these things to be, that Esau's hidden Guile might be found out, and the way thereof blocked up, what ever it cost the Innocent to God to accomplish the same; and blessed be God, things have wrought well, and will do, to the Glory of that Name, that is the Strength and Crown of the Righteous, that shall never Rot: For in the Exercise that the Faithful met withal, (through this Spirit) which the Lord hath blessed to us, Life sprung in the Hearts of the Righteous, and ma∣ny Souls was tenderly concerned 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God and his antient Truth, which had been the Glory of the North, where many living VVitnesses had been raised for God, to the glading of many Thousands; and from amongst whom faithful Labourers sprung, for the publishing the everlasting Truth, where the Lord hath called them: And the Glory of the Eternal Truth appearing even to lie at stake, the Lord put Courage into the Hearts of several younger Brethren, that from Babes and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Lords Praise might be perfected: And the more the Lord appeared a∣mongst us, the more was the backsliding sort with grief concerned, seeing their Spirit Judged, and the way of it like to be blocked up: Now was the time of their looking about, and to speak after the manner of men, to their Arms they betook them, John Story making his boast what he could do when he put on his Sword in opposition to Church Care, the Inspection, the Discipline and the Judgment there∣of, for that was it that alone was in their way; and now John Story and John Wilkinson buckled them to it, and as leading men assumed a contest against the Faithful, on behalf of the withering backsliding sort, which the Lord did not

bless them in, but withdrew by little and little till he left them (as to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Power) and their Hosues desolate. It cannot be expressed what work they begun to make, and appear in against the Exercises that the upright were concerned in, in the Church of God, what finding fault therewith; its admirable to think what Obstructions they lay in our way, and instead of being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Governments amongst us, became our Burden and 〈◊〉〈◊〉: Our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings was that which was their Grief, and the very name of them therefore dispised, (〈◊〉〈◊〉 Story calling them Courts and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and our General Meeting the higher Court of Judicature, to make the 〈◊〉〈◊〉) as being grieved therewith, as that which was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ready in their way to inspect miscarriage in Doctrine and Life, and upon an orderly proceeding to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Judgment thereupon, this could not be digested of their foul corrupted Stomach, of which the Hony-Comb is loathed: They rendred our Meetings on 〈◊〉〈◊〉 wise, for Friends concerns, Formal, and not Gospel-like, and moved; that we should not keep them so constantly, but as occa∣sion offered (and if this loose Spirit had prevailed there, when should an occasion have been seen, and made use of, let the upright Judge;) they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not allow that Marriages should be twice published, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of in our Meetings (unless there happened to be occasion) before the accomplishment thereof, which sor clear∣ness sake the Church of God judgeth a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thing: They allowed the accom∣plishment of a Marriage upon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 first times proposing it, which within 〈◊〉〈◊〉 days was efsected; and yet they were signified to, that the Man was not clear of another Woman to whom he had promised Marriage; and they were desired by many Friends to put a stop to that, till things were clear on the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 account, but they, took no notice thereof: They disliked our Womens Meetings, and spoke 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them, (though contrary to many of their own Subscriptions once, as afterwards may be spoken to) and would never allow Marriages to come before them; which we account a decent thing, that every one, Male and Female, who have received of the good Spirit may keep in the exercise of it, to a profiting 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in their place in Gods House: They would not allow that the Church of God should be concerned with any of the weaker sort, when Temptations had prevailed upon them to draw back the Testimony for Truth once born; but would have those things left to the publick Preaching, or any ones particular motion: They would not have any made mention of in the Church (though in subjection to Gods Power) for any such affair, contrary to the Churches antient practice, who said, It seemed good to the holy Ghost, and us to send chosen men, &c, In a word, to slubber over things, and indulge Deceit was their design, as their practice and their degeneration from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Life and Testimonies demonstrates: They would not admit of the recording Scandalous and Reproachful Transgressions of any, and the Judgment of Truth upon them, though with the Repentance of such as had found a place for it: John Wilkinson alledging That it tended to render 〈◊〉〈◊〉 maen an Apostate in his day, and an Knave to Posterity; contrary to the sence of the holy men of God, who gave forth the Scriptures, and have recorded Noah, Da∣vid, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Peter their Weaknesses and others, with their acknowledg∣ment thereof with Grief, and their Repentance also; who stand not recorded as Knaves to Prosperity; nor is the Record 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Truths dispraise; but tends to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Righteousness of God in his Judgments and Mercies, for the further∣ance of the Gospel, and the work of God among all, both in our Day, and in Ge∣nerations to come; and John Wilkinson, yet in Contradiction again, and Confusion,

〈◊〉〈◊〉 like, up and down, off and on, expresseth himself thus, after his denial allowing it again, saying, He would have the Condemnation to go no further then 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Knowledge of the Transgression, nor the Record of it to remain any longer then the Memory of the Offence: Thus he confutes his own assertion in his denial, in saying, It renders a man a Knave to Posterity: But we looking over this, as the product of his inconsiderate haste, in venting such Confusion, and granting the other, which indeed we do, and is that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we aim at: We ask, How will John Wilkinson, with∣out a Record of the Transgression, Condemnation, Repentance, &c. keep the know∣ledge of the Judgment and Repentance to go as far as the knowledge of the Offence; or the memory of the one out-live the memory of the other; when as the Envious one, on the one hand, will not cease to keep in remembrance that which may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Truth, but to have that alive which may clear the Truth, and give God the Praise, will be his Grief, and his utmost endeavours will be to obstruct the same; let the Wise Judge whose work this Spirit of theirs is concerned in.

A large Catalogue, might be here inserted, of the contentious Works, by them of this seperate Spirit, wrought amongst us, animated and strengthened by John Story and John Wilkinson, as our Quarterly Meeting from sad experience 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Testifie; an account whereof we have in readiness at large to publish as occasion may be seen, plainly demonstrating the Slight, the Contempt and Dis-esteem of that Gospel care we were concerned in for Truths Praise, which produced in them the great Opposition that was made to our tender justifiable practice therein, which oc∣casioned great Content and Satisfaction to the loose & backsliding sort from the holy Way and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God, and the great sadness of Heart to the Innocent amongst us, on theirs and the Truths account, — Resolved they seemed to be, not to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the wholsom practices we were concerned in, according to the example of the most of the Churches of Christ throughout the whole Nation; and if they could not with open Face, and with the Instruments they made use of, stop our way, but that Truths care, Inspectision and sound Judgment must be placed in the Order and Discipline thereof, and that they could by no means obstruct the same, because of that Eternal Power that accompanied Friends care and courage therein, to the causing of them, when they could not prevail on that wise, with conquest over it, to bethink them how to betake themselves to another Course, as hereafter shall appear.

And thus much at present in short, as a little of the Flood that broke forth upon us (to have been our ruin) from that Spirit of Enmity that has been at work against the appearance of Truth, (ever since God gave us to believe therein) and would not have had the Lord Jesus to Reign, nor the Government to be established upon him whose right it is; which we are sufficiently able to demonstrate to all, in relation to the Exercises we met withal thereby, and through the partakers with it against our godly concerns for Truth and the Family of God, to the unut∣terable Grief of many Hearts, before they broke off from us; and we desire in the Love of God, that from what we have said (and of which proof hath been already made, as the occasion offered, demonstrable to the upright that have been concerned therein, and indeed we say it is but a little of what we have to say and publish as occasion may fall out, which we may expect, and are ready for it, be∣cause of the restless state that this Spirit is in, under the torment that is upon it, that's sooner come for its destructions sake then it looked for, and will not cease to fret and some, till amongst the Swine it make its end, and be no more seen) we

desire that all the upright hearted to God, we say, would but consider and give 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Judgment in the Light of Christ Jesus, whether these things hinted at, in relation to the Troubles that have been met withal in the Church of God in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, through the Spirit that hath wrought in John Story and John Wilkinson (with those encouraged by them to appear in the Quarrel, and dividing Work against the Family and Heritage of God, in the matter of their Order, Discipline and Government amongst them, as a visible People gathered into an heavenly Society, therein to be Truths Praise) do not manifest them to be in a backsliding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from Truths Life, and Love to Righteousness, and against the Government of Truth in the Kingdom of Jesus, and apparently concerned to Indulge and Gratifie the Spirit of Death, and the Grave of Sin that would come over again, if the Lord and his People in his hand were not zealously concerned in the defence of Truth, and the holy way and practice of it, against every con∣trary thing? And whether William Rogers is not a man given up to great Delu∣sion, that stands so much in the vindication of these two men (thus charactered according to the naked Truth) as if none did exceed them in Doctrine and Life? And whether he has not set himself with open face against the antient Truth and Life of Religion in the practice thereof, that has espoused to himself the manage∣ment of such a Cause as they of the separation in the North have been concerned in? And whether he hath not (as obvious to every Eye) Blasphemed the Lord and the honourable way of Truth, & abused Gods People against whom he, together with them of party with him, have set themselves as to render them Apostates from God, & such as in whom the Life of Christianity is extinct, & yet for no other cause, then that we are established through the Spirit of Truth, and in subjection to it; in a Christian care for Gods Glory, in the practice of that Religion which is Justified of all that loves Righteousress, that is to say, to visit the Fatherless and the Widow, and to keep our selves unspotted of the World.

Now we come to speak something of what more particularly relates to them of the seperate Spirit, on the account of their opposite dividing Work in seperating from us, as to concerns relating to us, as a Family and visible Society, gathered into Church 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to be each others Help, Com∣fort and Joy.

The Authority of Gods Power continuing with us (blessed be his Name) with an encrease thereof, to our unspeakeable Comfort and Strength, so that many were knit together in the vindication of our Cause and Concern, to the great Grief of the other Party, and a disappointment to their Expectation, to have driven down before them, and to have made us subject: The course they now consulted to take, as appeared, was a seperation from us; and that they might do it upon some seemingly justifiable account, some of them drew up a Paper, and got what hands they could to it, of any sort that had any shew of profession of Truth in them; in which several Proposals was offered to us, and Conditions upon which (assented too by us) they alledged an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to abide with us, otherwise to with-draw and do their Business amongst themselves: By their Proposals unto us, we were to covenant with them, That none of our own Country should be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in Church affairs, but our chosen men to whom we had given Power: This was to debar the fresh and living Witnesses of the younger sort to be concerned with us, (such as

were grieved with the disturbance they had made) and that the old backslided ones, at first chosen of the Rich and Wiser sort in the Wisdom that is from below, might over-rule and carry matters as they would: We were to covenant with them, according to their terms, That none should come out of other Countries, nor of our own Country not chosen by the Churches, and sit amongst our chosen men, &c. But if they had any thing to offer there, they might declare their Messuage and with-draw, and such as did otherwise come amongst us, though in the Spirit of the Lord Jesus, which is but one in all, and is not to be limited by mens Laws and Prescriptions, were to be looked upon as usurpers of Authority, having no Power given them by the Churches, as they alledged; and several other things, as in the said Paper at large is inserted, tending to the limiting of the Spirit and Power of God, and to bring in such Prescriptions, indeed, as the like has not been heard of, among a People professing the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and universal Spirit, and to be in the Life of Christianity, as is pretended too. Its a shame to think what Tyes and Bondages they would have brought in contrary to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the universal concern of the whole Family of God, which is but one if ten Thousand, and contrary to the Rules of Common Societies, and the Liberty granted in places of Judicature: What a Jurisdiction would this have been, and a Lording it to purpose over the Exercise of the Spirit in the Conscience? By this rule Paul might not have come (although the care of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was upon him) into any Church but his own, to see the order that was among them, and sit amongst them, but have been ac∣counted an usurper of Authority, as one to whom the Churches had not given power so to do: Was there ever the like of this Prescription, and yet these are the men that crys down Church Government and Church Order under the name of usurping Authority, or Invading Christs Prerogative, and bringing in of mens Edicts, Laws and Prescriptions, and mens Inventions, &c. VVhat an Invention was this against the Prerogative of Christ Jesus by his Spirit in the Saints, that none must sit or act in or about the Church affairs, but their chosen men to whom they have given Power? May not William Rogers be ashamed of clamouring so much against Church Government, and applaud John Story and John Wilkinson at such an high rate, when he considers what a Paper of Proposals, Resolves and Covenants for Rule and Government John Story and John Wilkingson have subscribed (and very probably invented and framed it up ready for the Subscription) and upon not being closed with in the Bargain they would have made with us, would Excommunicate us, as not worthy of their Society, and from whom they would with-draw, and do their Business amongst themselves? VVill not John Wilkinson and John Story blame their Correspondent and Agent in their VVork, for mani∣festing in Print such a Paper as this, destructive to the whole design he hath taken in hand, and to the undermining the whole Fabrick of the Cause that he hath espoused to himself on their behalf? For who can observe these things, and not conclude that William Rogers must either let his work and design of Judging and Inveighing against Church Government quite fall, or else judge John Story and John Wilkinson, and all them of that Party in the North, who subscribed the said Paper, to be the Apostates also, amongst them he brands with it, on the ac∣count of Order and Discipline in the Church, and no other thing; and then who will William Rogers have to stand by him but Apostates, Innovators, and the like? What Confusion is here! and Inconsistencies with themselves amongst them? it makes their work 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to all that takes notice of it.

But as to the matter before us, in short, to bargain with them on these terms it was far from us; neither had their Company of late, amongst us, been so comfortable to us (their contentious work was such) that had their terms been far below that hight of Imposition they appeared in, and Lording over the Consciences of the Upright, yea the very Spirit of God, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it was: Their Spirit was such in the ground, from whence this work sprung, that no bargain we could be enclined to make with it: So that our Answer was a positive denial on any such termes, as those proposed by them; as in a Paper given forth by us (on the ac∣count of many particulars in theirs expressed) is inserted at large, ready for the service that it may be of, if any desire to see it, or if occasion be for publishing the same; with many more in readiness by us, relating to the Strife and Troubles they have occasioned in the Church of God, during our many Exercises on this wise, which will be their Burden one day.

And to further this contentious Work and seperate Design, John Story's great work, when in the North, was, and much of his time taken up in going too and again, from House to House to proselite to his Faction, amongst such as he had hopes to get any entrance upon, buzing into Peoples Minds the danger which the Churches were entering into, on the account of our Church Government and Gospel Order, for nothing else he had to accuse us of; the danger of it he re∣presented to such as were infected with a dislike thereof, and enclined to reject it; and like the unskilful Physicians of no value, applyed deceitfully to work 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gangreen to utter Ruin. Had he been a man zealous in the matter of it, as Paul was in his day, (and the Faithful still are) and that he had seen some too eager in the concern of it; then a word on that wise in Gods Name had been aptly spoken, as the Aples of Gold, spoken of, in Pictures of Silver; but he was not of that Spirit; neither was it the Upright and the Entire to God that he dealt with in such a concern, for they saw his Snare, and in vain would he have laid it in their sight; it was the profidious & the looser sort he generally dealt with, others would not take any notice of him; he brought into our Meetings, for the Contentions sake he was entered into, such as had never appeared in the matter of Truth's concerns, to speak of, in all their days before; the Shrinkers in the suffering times, the Tyth-payers were fit for his Faction; they hung upon him as their God, and the Artist for their concern; cunning and nimble hath he been in the matter of the War and seperate Work he hath been in hand with, but there is an Eye that hath seen him: Poor John! whether can he go for help? or who can appear to do him good? Many Hearts fail them, and escape for their Lives; and the Champion he hath had de∣pendance upon, and hath done what in him lay, and as much as one could do with such a Spirit as he is of, he Reels and Staggers, and as a drunken man jumbles him∣self with his offs and ons, one while yea, and then nay; the Contradictions, the Im∣pertinences, the Inconsistances with himself, and with them that have trusted their Cause in his hand, that his Book abounds with, manifested at large in Ellis Hook's, on behalf of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. days Morning Meeting in London, demonstrates the Con∣fusion the Lord suffers them to run into, so that their way is block up; let them struggle and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 whilst they have Breath, backward must their Spirit and Work go, into the Pit again from whence it came, the Lord of Hosts, that's Israels God, will work it down, and none shall hinder.

We may tell the Reader, that its true, they got a List in the North to make a shew and clutter withal (at a distance, whence Trees look like Men) for their confe∣derate

work to appear as popular as they could; but were they searched into, and known what they are, many of them are such as their Cause would be disparaged by, and none that truly love God, and Sion's Welfare, would 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to have any such concerned in the defence thereof to appear with them. There are many come off from them that have condemned the work thereof, and declares, That the Paper they grounded their separate design upon scarcely any of them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 heard, or read, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 privy to the matter of it; but a few got it drawn, and Agents they had to get it subscribed here and there, mostly upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that J. Story and J. Wilkinson, and others had done it, as hereafter may appear; and of what pitious sort many of the Subscribers, and some few others that joyns to them are, (since those whom God hath redeemed from amongst them came off) as occasion may be seen, an account thereof is ready to be given.

But to go on, upon our denial to submit to their Terms, they being as much as their word in that matter, they with-drew and came no more: But for their oc∣casional Meetings were designed, and took one with all expedition, wherein they made a disposal of Friends Monies in some of their hands, without our Meetings privity or consent: One other, after a while, we heard of, in which they did ad∣mit the aforementioned Marriage to be accomplished within ten days after its being at all proposed, and yet were told, That the Man was under a promise of Marriage with another Woman; which under several of our hands we did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 unto them, That the Woman did so affirm, desiring a respite in the case of their allowing the same till she had right done unto her; but no notice was taken of that: Peradventure they were afraid that Wickedness had been committed, or might be in the mean time, if any longer delay was made; as one of the principal of them alledged, and put the Query (on the Meetings agreement (according to an established order amongst Friends) That Marriages should come twice to be examined and searched into in rela∣tion to clearness every way before they were allowed to be compleated) saying, in oppo∣sition to the order in that case, What if Wickedness were committed in the mean time? [Mark the Spirit of which they are] and when their occasional Meetings are, and what concernes they have therein, its best known to themselves, we hear little of them: This we have understood that what Books or Papers they have any way tending to Division and Strise, in opposition to Church Order and Care, they are diligent in handing them forth amongst the loose sort; and William Rogers's Book, in Print, they busie themselves withal, and most of them we per∣ceive have each of them one; and indeed they had need to do so, to get them off the first Promoters hands, for we hear not of a man in all these parts, but them of party with John Story and John Wilkinson, that will be at cost to buy one; yet they are so kind & open in this concern (it were well if they had but an open mind to promote the pure Truth) that they dispirce them either on Gift or Love to any of Truth's open Enemies, that will but hold out an hand for them, as we under∣stand, and do in a great measure perfectly know it; but if they think that best, let them hold on: (we cannot kelp it, neither are we troubled with respect to our own peace) And what they intend to do let them do it quickly, for their time grows short; Vengeance is the Lords, that takes notice of these things, and he will repay it.

We have given a brief account (with respect to what might be said touching the same) of some of the Exercises that the Church of God in Westmerland met withal, through the dividing Spirit that John Story and John Wilkinson were principally

concerned in the work of, in opposition to the Brethrens care therein, by reason of which Spirit many Grievances were sustained by us, to the grief of the Righteous Souls of all the sincere to God, and to the breach of the Churches Peace: And that which hath been said already, concerning the same, mostly relates to the time wherein the aforesaid Exercises and Troubles (occasioned through the aforesaid Persons, and them of party with them) was most what the particular concern of Gods People of the Monthly and Quarterly Meeting in Westmerland, aforesaid, during the time of the aforesaid Persons continuing with us in those Meetings, and upon the occasion of their breaking off from us, into their separate Meeting amongst themselves, upon out ward visible concerns; with a touch of something done by them at such a Meeting after they had set it up: And what the Churches of God any way in the South met withal, where John Story's and John Wilkinson's Travils have been, we shall leave to what the Brethren in those parts have upon them to speak: And from what hath been said we shall leave the Reader to Judge, who they are that have been drawn back into the Apostate state, and have declined their first Love to the ancient Truth and care for Gods Glory, and who they are that may be justly called the true Christian Ouakers, that retains the Life and Kernel of Christianity, and keeps to the Exercise of the Power in the Churches concerns; and who they are that have great swelling Words, and fair Pretences of keeping to the ancient way of Truth, and yet in Works deny it; and as every one hath a sence thereof, so let them speak.

VVe shall now also give a short Relation of the tender concern of the Church of God in these parts, in true Love, on the account of the aforesaid Persons, in co∣vering their Weaknesses for their reputes sake, really desiring their deliverance therefrom, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 any hopes remained with us: Also we shall manifest the order∣ly and brotherly dealings with them, all along since the Temptation was laid be∣fore them, whilst it was only our concern, with respect to dealings with them; together with some Exercises and Travils that many dear Brethren, of the Churches of God, in other parts of the Nation sustained, and were concerned in for the re∣covery of them, if they had not hardened themselves against all: as followeth.

It was not only our frqeuent course, in the time of our Exercises with them, after they began to set themselves against several Practices used amongst us, to signifie our discontent for their so doing, because of the obstruction they laid in our way in the service of Truth, desiring their for bearance on that wise, and compliance with us in the Churches concerns; and God is our Witness it was in true respect, in which we could have preferred them as such whom we once accounted our an∣cient Brethren, their weaknesses we could have hid, and looked over for their sakes, and the Churches Peace; and in that Exercise we have gone from our Meetings many of us, very frequently, with sorrowful bowed down Hearts, considering what hurt to many simple Minds, who had eyed them for their Gifts sake, the prevailing of that Spirit over them would produce; what dammage it would be to their own Souls, to the loosing their Crown and perpetual Peace; what a Feast it would be to our open Enemies, and an occasion for them to clap their hands for Joy to hear of Divisions amongst us; what a grateful thing it would be, to the loose and earthly minded amongst us, to the hardening of them against the Re∣proofs and Judgments of the Church of God, in their Exercises in the affairs thereof; and what a weakening of the feeble Knees of such as in a measure of true Love to

God and his Truth, were steping into the way thereof; all these things, and many more, with sadness of heart, entered our thoughts and consideration, in many crys to God, to block up the way of this dividing and soul devouring Spirit; yea, often we admired how Blindness entered them, that they did not see how the Loose and Disobedient hung upon them for shelter, from the Inspection, Reproof and Judgment of the Church of God, which they were often minded of, and yet would not regard; verified was the saying upon them — There are none so blind as those who will not see — Thus were we concerned on their behalf in Long-suffer∣ing and Patience many Months, and some Years; some laboured to cover them until they became their shame, our Exercises and Sufferings sustained by them, and the wrong done to the Church of God, and the offence to his People, was so open and publick among us, by their means, that the Exhortations and tender Reproofs upon J. S. and J. W. and them of party with them, were so publick also, that with respect to orderly dealing with them, Friends were clear on that score; if any breach of order was, it was on their parts that went privately insinuating into the minds of the weaker sort, to work a dislike of, and a disrespect to the Churches care, the Discipline and Order established throughout the Nation; and would not concern themselves with our Antient, Honorable and Elder Brethren in the matter thereof; who had been Instruments in Gods hands for settling the Churches there∣in; and from our Brethren at London many good Exhortations and Encourage∣ments we had received on account thereof; we often desired them that is any discontent was in their minds upon the account of any Practice, that we were desirous or concerned to promote, that they would be pleased to let the hearing thereof be referred to our Friends and Brethren of our general Meetings, in order to a determination thereof, which they would not be perswaded too; neither did they after their opposition begun come there, or concern themselves therewith.

Now besides these publick concerns amongst us in the North, occasioned through the means of these two men, together with their adherents that joyned with them, J. Wilkinson may remember the Exercise that a Friend and Brother had with him, in the Town of Kirbylonsdale, in a private Chamber, about the time of the said Friends going to London; it was towards the beginning of the opposition to Friends care in the Church, and the division occasioned by him, and them of party with him: And he may remember what a tender frame of Spirit the Friend was in towards him, we are bold to give a relation of it here, having a tender account from the Friend concerned with him, which John Wilkinson may have liberty to 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 he please: Was he not told what a danger he was running himself into, through the straitness that he had let in upon him against the practice of the Church in the Discipline thereof, which through evil Surmisings and groundless Jealousies had prevailed upon him, wherein he was not only a discourager of the tender hearted, in relation to their concerns in the care and order of the Gospel; but an encourager of a loose sort, that were gratified thereby, and emboldned to make Opposition, and work Strife? Was he not also told that there was upon that Friends Heart, and many more, a sence of the decay of Life, and the fresh power of God, in their publick Preaching and Testimony for Truth, which for∣merly had accompanied John Story and him, and that into the Letter and Wisdom of the Flesh, their ministerial Exercise was of late Years much what turned to the trouble of many? so that the pure Wisdom being withdrawn, in a great mea∣sure, they were darkned as to the knowledg of the sufficiency of that Grace which

preserved pure to God in his Service, and to his Praise, all that keep to it in what∣ever Exercise they were concerned, and on that account had the groundless Jea∣lousies risen, and wrought them into a fear of that, to enter amongst us, on the account of Order and Discipline in the Church of God, which he was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 could never do on that occasion, as Friends kept to the Power and Grace of God, where no Apostacy could every prevail. John Wilkinson may remember how his Heart was broken then into many Tears without a word of reply in opposition to what was said on that account: And we do testifie that the Opposition that hath been in the Church, hath not been from a real fear of a going back into the Apostacy again, through the Churches being settled in Order, and under a Government in the Family of God; but a wrong loose backsliding Spirit from the Power and Life of Truth, that would be at Liberty from under the Yoke thereof, pretended a fear of settling of Forms and visible Order amongst Gods People, to be the way to introduce the Apostacy again, that on that account it may slight and reject the same, to have its Liberty in that which the Truth and the pure Gospel doth condemn: But to go on, let John Wilkinson be asked, whether he was not desired to go to London, to discourse these matters amongst the Brethren there, by reason whereof his and others Discontent and Straitness had risen (which would work them under into Misery and Ruin as to Truth (it was told him) if they were not aware) that if possibly amongst the many Brethren there, satisfaction might be given him, as to any matter which he scrupled: Many ontreaties there were (we have cause to believe) on that wise, yet none could prevail with him to make him willing to go: Yet notwithstanding in a tender broken frame of Spirit at that time was he subjected through that eternal Power, that was over all, in which the Discourse ended, and they parted asunder.

Little did our Friends and Brethren at London think that things were working thus in the North, amongst the ancient Brethren, where Gods Power and blessed Gospel had gloriously broken forth, and been received and testified to, and loath were the Innocent to divulge it there or else-where, for the Unities sake, which is a precious thing amongst Brethren; and to have had matters composed amongst our selves in Westmerland was our desire, and our hopes as yet failed not, and the more because of that tenderness, and bowed sence, John Wilkinson was wrought into, which for a time did continue with him, to the glading of Friends on his and the Churches behalf; and although the Brethren at London had had some little know∣ledge of these things amongst us, yet they also under an hope that matters in time would be allayed amongst us, were not enclined to make any publick concern thereof; therefore nothing, unless in private, was said or done in relation to it, which was then but as a Spark, with respect to the Flame of the Exercise it wrought in the Church more generally afterwards, through them betrayed into that Spirit that would work mischief if it could get entrance any way: But to go on, in short, with the concerns in the North with these two men, as them on whom here the dependency of those hung, who to work Distraction and Trouble among Friends were set at work: It fell out that John Story (who had been in the South 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to his Faction secretly, as he used to do in the North, where he could prevail, which the sad experience afterwards that some of the Churches of God had in those Parts of this Spirits work does declare) came into the North (who of a certain truth hath been the Grandee in the whole Design) and blew up the Sparks 〈◊〉〈◊〉 kindled by him and others, into a vehement heat of Discon∣tent

and Grief, because of our Gospel concerns, having encouraged himself, with those who were entred into Faction with him, where his Travel and Work had been, he set a work to drive all before him, discouraged the concern and tender practice of Friends in relation to Testimony against Tythes, & judged the recording Condemnations, with the Repentance of such as had been out of the way of Truth, to the open blemish thereof; judged the Paper in relation to Womans Meetings, which John Wilkinson (as said before) with many more had subscribed encourage∣ment to, some of whom he afterwards brought off to abet his Design and Work; so that Friends Books were to have been altered according to his motion; but that being stopt, one of Party with him (and a princiqal Stickler and Preacher amongst them, but since quite turned out) tore his Condemnation for being Married with a Priest out of the Book, and such work as this he occasioned amongst us; and John Wilkinson turned his back-side of that tenderness that had been upon him, and became with him a resolved man to stand it out; several Friends had a private Meeting with him in Kendal, to have done him good, occasioned through George Fox's means; but he shewed himself an angry perverse man: When Friends tenderly asked him whether such or such things were true, which he had said or done, as was repeated, in relation to a manifest mark of his being departed from the Life of Truth to oppose the order thereof; in order whereunto Friends desire was to have dealt with him as a Brother, and an Antient amongst us, and the brokenness that was on Friends in their Exercise with him testified the same, and the Bowels that earned towards him that day would have broken many Hearts; yet in a wilful, stubborn, disquieted frame, and indisposure by reason thereof, he broke away very aburtly, and unchristian-like, treading upon his Brethrens Care and Good-will towards him, telling them, That he would stand upon his own Legs, and not be beholden to them for their Curtches.

Not long after John Wilkinson being grieved, and his Spirit much discomposed, writ a Letter to one of us, which he called, The Word of the Lord, (and by his order to be shewn to many Brethren) full of enveighing Language, such as be∣comes not a Minister and Servant of Christ to his fellow Servants; telling us, That we had begged Authority from others, to make our selves work withal, and to be com∣missionated. to act therein, to get favour of Persons, or an Office, or a piece of Bread, and was puffed up therein; and then places this Judgment upon us and our work, say∣ing, That our Office would cloath us with Raggs, and that Worms would breed in our gathering, and that our Bread should consume; with this final Sentence upon us, That the Lord would break us. The Friend to whom this was directed to be com∣municated to others, writ privately to him, before he shewed it to any, and desired him to take it back again and consider better of it, otherwise it would be his shame, & tend to his great dammage many ways; but nothing would serve him, but that it must be delivered: [Mark the end of it] So that it plainly appeared they were resolved to try their strength with that which proves too strong for them.

After a while, at the request of some of our ancient Brethren, and sincere to God, who had private knowledg of the difference amongst us, it being also our inclination, a Meeting was had with them of that Spirit, John Story and John Wilkinson being amongst us, we being desired also to have with us other three Neighbouring Friends, who had been true and faithful to God from the begin∣ning, never detected upon any account, who being come, and set amongst us,

they also being privy to the Transactions amongst us; John Story and John Wil∣kinson shewed their dislike of having them with us, and resolved not to concern themselves with any discourse relating to the matter, unless the said Friends would with-drew; but those Friends having a sincere Exercise in the motion of God, as by them it was signified to us, durst not with draw upon the motion of that wrong Spirit, being otherwise preswaded in their Hearts, consistant also with the afore∣said Brethrens request, as also comfortably agreeable with the sence and desire of the sincere hearted, and truly sensible of that Spirit's opposite work amongst us; whereupon John Story and John Wilkinson with-drew any further concern in the matter, and took a party of the dark sort after them; so that after a while the Meeting ended, without any effectual work relating to an Agreement and Peace amongst us: The Spirit of Contention prevailing in them, animated also through the Adherents John Story had wrought into the Strise with them in the South, (where his and John Wilkinson Travels had sometimes been) such as they had stampt their Image upon, and that readily complyed with them against the Unity of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Exercise and Practice of Truth in the Church of Christ; the Brethrens Troubles hereaways encreased, and our Tryal became great; John Story making his boast vainly how many he could have to stand by him, and yet have but proved as Egypts broken Reeds unto him, for all his boast; and the same Spirit in William Rogers, and others thereaways, that espoused the Quarrel on the two John's behalf (of whom he became chief) fell upon us with such Force and Courage, as if nothing could stand in their way; but the Lord was in our Eye, and our expecta∣tion waited on him, who had been our help and refuge to that very time, to whom be Praise for evermore; so that now the Exercise in the North became such, which we had long born in the Patience which God gave us, and in which we desired to see the end of that Spirits Work, which had occasioned the same, and that the knowledge of the Differences hereaways might not be spread abroad; and the Strise occasioned through them being risen to that hight; and the distance with respect to Unity became such, and the knowledge of it abroad, that it began to touch the Hearts of many Brethren in several parts of the Nation, seeing that the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of this Spirits work would be sad, if the way of it were not blockt up.

And now our Friends and Brethren at London having a certain knowledg that the Difference in the North was come to be such, as that it appeared to grow higher, rather then an end thereof was like to be suddenly composed, they writ to Friends, and desired that we would appoint a Meeting on purpose with John Story and John Wilkinson amongst our selves only, to see if vve could yet so order the Busi∣ness (by information to such as vvere out of the vvay) that if possible an end of all Differences whatsoever amongst us might be made, without any further trouble to the Churches, and if at that Meeting there was not a determination concluded amongst us, we might afterwards appoint another Meeting for the same end, and take to our assistance therein some faithful Brethren of other Countries, that mat∣ters might be heard before them, who had personally been uuconcerned with the Exercise amongst us, and this they judged might be orderly and seasonable, because that they of us, who where not of party with John Story and John Wilkinson, &c. were rendred in many parts of the Nation, by their means to be in the wrong, and condemnable, and not they.

A Meeting amongst our selves was first agreed upon to be at the Draw-Well in Sedbergh Yorkshire, at the House of John Blaykling, and Friends being come toge∣ther

and the Meeting set, after a while John Story (and some of party with him) asked, What we had in Writing against him and John Wilkinson: it was replyed, That it was not our desire or purpose to exhibite matters of charge one against an∣other in Writing, if it could be avoided (for we desired no memorial of any thing of that tendency to remain) we were there met amicably, as became Gods People, to discourse of matters in which we were not at one amongst our selves, by reason of which, grievous Exercises and Divisions had been amongst us, to the grief of the Innocent and Upright to God; and we desired that things might be fairly spoken of, that so we might come (through Gods help) to have a right understanding of one another, that if possible the occasion of Differences might be removed, and the ancient Unity might arise again, and remain with us to our Comfort and Truths Praise: But notwithstanding, they said, That they would not concern them∣selves with any discourse of that nature with us, unless every thing to be discoursed upon were put in Writing: We shewed our dislike thereof at present, and desired that we might speak of things, to see what could be done on that wise first, and then, if nothing were done this way, as to satisfaction to us, against the next Meeting it might be considered upon vvhich method to take, or Words to that purpose: But the conclusion on their parts vvas, no discourse to be, unless vvhat vve had to say against them vvere put in Writing: We instanced some things that vve vvere dissatisfied vvith, vvhich they had spoken in opposition to the Churches Concerns in the order thereof, vvhich had been a great block in our vvay in the Work of God, such and such passages had happened concerning them, and such things done by them, as vvas the Churches Grief and occasioned the breach of its Peace; but nothing vvould they concern themselves vvith, because they vvere not put in Wri∣ting; only in some casual discourse amongst us, at that time such Words came from them as gave great dissatisfaction to many there, to the breaking their Hearts into Tears, through a Testimony from God against them; they reflected upon our Meetings, to be Formal, and not Gospel-like, being constantly kept in the freedom of Gods Truth, to be ready to attend Friends Concerns, vvhen, or of vvhat sort soever they might be; they called our Practices therein, Ceremonies brought into the Churches; as they have often called them, Mens Prescriptions, other mens Lines made ready to our Hands, Dictates of fallible men, and the like: And when all was done, nothing did appear to us, and many more there present, of tender inclination in them to Reconciliation and Peace in any Gospel-Way; and so we seeing clearly, that they were resolved in relation to hearing of Matters, to have all written down that must be spoken to: We let them know that accord∣ing to our Brethrens desire, another Meeting was intended by us to be had with them, with the assistance of some other Brethren of other Countries with us; and then although it should be our last expedient, we intended, God willing, to write down several things with respect to the Opposition made by them in the Church of God, to the Order and Practice used amongst us therein, and this was the issue of that days Meeting; and let the Upright, and the Lovers of Peace amongst Gods People consider, whether this Spirit of theirs, which is acted on this wise, be that which is pure, peaceable and easie to be entreated; which through the Exercise of our next Meeting in relation to them and their work will be more plainly discerned; a faithful account whereof we intend through Gods help to give.

At our next Quarterly Meeting in Kendal, Friends being met there, and in the sence and weight of the Truth, amongst other things, in persuance of the aforesaid

desire of our Brethren at London was another Meeting agreed upon to be had with John Story and John Wilkinson, and some Friends of other adjacent Countries, who were nominated by the agreement of the Meeting, and some were ordered to send word to the said Friends, desiring them, as they felt freedom in the Lord, to come to be assisting to us: The Meeting was appointed to be at a place called Pow-Bank in Westmerland, the 24th Day of the 5th Month 1675. of which Meeting John Story and John Wilkinson (they not being with us) by the order of the Quarterly Meet∣ing were to have notice, as in the aforesaid Epistle from Lo don was desired; and during the time before the said Meeting, it was given out by them, after they had notice of it, That they did not intend to come at any more Meetings on that Occasion. The certainty of their resolve not being known, or if they had in their haste said so, seeing it had been better to have judged that rashness, then to have stood in it; John Blaykling wrote a particular Letter to them, desiring them upon several Con∣siderations and Accounts to be there; John Blaykling's Letter is as followeth,

Friends and Brethren,

THe Meeting agreed upon at the last Quarterly Meeting, upon the account of the unhappy Difference amongst us, although I heard that you had sufficient notice there∣of, yet I perceiving you had little purpose to observe, although agreed upon according to our Brethrens desire at London, in manner and form according to our sence of their Letter in that case to us, and according to the order of Truth, and you having notice given thereof accordingly, and the election made of undetected Men amongst us, and several others of our unconcerned Brethren; wherefore I could see no justifiable Plea you could have, in the sight of God and Friends, to absent your selves: Wherefore it was upon me to get Joseph Baynes to come over to one of you, to advise you to take into considera∣tion, in self-denial, what you do in this case, least you render your selves to all the Bre∣thren more and more otherwise then I have desired you should have done, to your further disparagement and great loss; it is upon me once more to let you know that it seems strange to me, that it should be so upon you, being, as you may remember, at the last Meeting we had, I told you, seeing no other means would do, we must now be constrained to bring things to open view against you, which I desired we never might have been caused to have done, if it could have been avoided, and should be our last shift; I told you also, that all that ever you have by any of us been charged with would be proved against you, and you have altogether accused us, both before that Meeting, and since for not do∣ing so; wherefore now in our own defence, and in the defence of Truth's Testimony, at this Meeting you may expect sufficient proof of such things as I know the Brethren will be sorrowful for, upon your accounts, considering the honorable esteem we have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of you, unless you can pretty much clear your selves, and as I judge that which will be your strongest plea in your defence in the case, will be to make out that against us, or others of the Brethren, which (in many Expressions and Passages that have come from you, in opposition to Friends holy Care and Exercise) you have pointed at (to wit) our imposing things in the will of man, which undoubtedly in the straitness and opposi∣tion of you Spirits you have rendered us to be in, both hereaways, and in many parts of the Nation, which charge, if you can make good against us, then you may be some little more excusable (though not one fold of many sufficiently) in what you have done; which said Charge against us and the Unity of the Brethren hath such a reflection upon us, and hath jumbled the Minds of the Weak, to the Churches great Trouble & breach of its Peace, that it is expected you should appear to make it good against us if you can; which, if so,

that it can be proved against us, we shall willingly acknowledge, if required, and no occa∣sion of Discord shall remain upon our part; otherwise (and that which I doubt not but we shall be able to do through Gods help) we may clear our selves of all such Aspersions, in the sight of the Lord, and before our dear Brethren, to Truth's Satisfaction; and in the Unity of Gods Life we may stand, to go on in our Exercise for God against whatever may oppose the same; wherefore Friends, in true love I would have you to mind things, and consider what you do in these cases, for undoubtedly the God of Heaven is at work to carry on his own Cause in Righteousness, who will be found too strong for all that lifts up a hand against him, and the Unity of his own Life; I am thus far clear in the Lords sight concerning you, remaining still,

Your Friend, in singleness of Heart,

John Blaykling.

The Meeting gathered at Pow-Bank aforesaid, and many good Friends there, with them also of other Countries (agreed upon to be with us, as the Lord made way) John Wilkinson and John Story came not, but only sent a Paper of slight and disregard of Friends weighty concern in relation thereunto, alledging, That at the Meeting at Draw-Well we had no matter in charge against them in Writing, which in Truth and Righteousness was no plea for their absenting now, because we told them, how unwilling we were to appear on that wise, if it could be avoided, and an end put to things without it; but seeing they said they would not take any notice of any thing we would say, unless it were writ, we told them then, before the breaking up of the Meeting, that we would do it at our next Meeting which we were to have with them by the advise of our Brethren, seeing nothing would be effected there that day; we told them also, we did believe forty matters would be brought against them, to manifest their Opposition; and John Story replyed, You must prove them; it was answered, he need not question that, for it was so in∣tended; and several things we told them then by word of Mouth, when together, in order to the proof that should be made thereof: They alledged also in the said Paper, That they told us at that Meeting, that they intended to meet no more about such matters; the truth of which we own not, for we cannot hear that any one of all the Meeting heard any such Words amongst us, and if any thing of that nature was spoken, vve believe it vvas privately to some after the Meeting broke up, upon their jealousie hovv things vvould go. All vvhich signifies nothing but meer Deceipt, and an absolute unvvillingness to come to Tryal at all, as aftervvards vvill be more clearly manifested; alledging also, That if they had been clear of the purpose of giving no more Meetings, they did not find themselves obliged to take notice of our sum∣moning of them, who were both Accusers and Witnesses, and chose the Judges: Which is all impertinent and silly Discourse, seeing the Persons chosen vvere chosen by the agreement of the Quarterly Meeting, long before they separated from us, and they might have been there (as usually they vvere vvont to do) if they had not at that time absented on purpose; and vvhat vve did vvas also in persuance of the Brethrens request from London; and to object against the Witnesses, vvas not only 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as amongst men, but also frivolous & inconsistant with Truth's Power and order thereof, as also insufficient in the sight thereof to ground a plea upon, for their contemptuously absenting themselves, and thereby avoid the Tryal and Judgment (as probably they expected it might do) in that it vvas the Cause of Almighty God, the King of Heaven, and his Subjects Peace; hovvever, right or vvrong, it served

them to absent upon: But to proceed, the Exercise that the Friends (chosen for to hear and examine matters, in order to give their Sence and Judgment as they found the Case) had that day, and the day following at Milnethorpe, a Meeting being there appointed for that end, we shall refer the knowledge thereof to what hereafter follows, as an abstract taken out of the former part of their own Paper, to which their Sence and Judgment is 〈◊〉〈◊〉. The Friends of Westmerland, according to what was intimated at Draw-Well asoresaid, and in persuance of Friends advice from London; as also what John Story and John Wilkinson called for at the said. Meeting, had there fairly writ down several matters in charge against them, which they gave to the Friends there; which (notwithstanding the two John's abstance, in contempt of the Churches Order and Care) they the aforesaid Friends, chosen by the Quarterly Meeting, could not but take notice of, it being the general con∣cern of the Church of God, taking notice also what proof could be made thereof: which said matters alledged in charge related to prove, viz.

First, That John Story and John Wilkinson had opposed our Monthly and Quar∣terly Meetings, with reflecting words against them, calling them Courts and Sessions, and of our Citing into them, and the like.

Secondly, That they had discouraged Friends Testimonies against Tyshes, with re∣flecting opposite loose Words.

Thirdly, That they had opposed, reflected upon, and greatly discouraged Womens Meetings.

Fourthly, That they had opposed recording Condemnations upon scandalous loose Practices in such as professed the Truth.

Fifthly, That they had discouraged and weakned Friends in their Stability in the time of Persecution, and had justified leaving their Houses, and going into pri∣vate places, in the time thereof, to keep their Meetings.

Sixthly, That they had disorderly and irreverently judged Friends tender Exercises in breaking forth in Mellodious Singings and Soundings to Gods praise, in their Meetings, under the exercise of the power which breaks and fills the Heart, out of the abundance whereof breaks forth Sighs and Groans, and Spiritual Songs, as the Lord is pleased to exercise them that waits upon him.

The Reader may observe that in the former part of the aforesaid Paper it is ex∣pressed — That John Story and John Wilkinson not being there (viz. at the said Meeting at Pow-Bank) the Friends were enclined, as also desired to hear what was writ in relation to charge against them, which being 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and though good proof was made thereof accordingly, yet they were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to see John Story and John Wilkinson Face to Face before they gave their Judgment thereupon; wherefore they took the pains that Night to go to find out John Story at Kendal, six Miles off, and perswaded him to go to John Wilkinson's House next Morning, which accor∣dingly he did, where they (meeting with them both together) told them, that they had heard read several matters alledged in charge against them, relating to Friends disatisfaction, & desired them to go along with them to the Meeting at Milnethorpe which was that Day appointed again, on purpose to hear what they had to say in their own Defence, or to alledge against any proof made of things, or against the Witnesses, in order to any thing acted by them, or any other Friends, that might occasion their Discontent or Opposition, as the charges seemed to import, or

words to that purpose; but they refused to go on that score, they proffered only to refer the hearing of the matter to two men chosen by each Party one, and that, in relation to that, they might have a Coppy of the Charges; but Friends seeing that it was not only a disorderly thing in them to absent themselves from the afore∣said Meeting, appointed by the Quarterly Meeting, but also to make such a mo∣tion as that, in opposition to Friends care and endeavours amongst them for Peace, as their travels and seeking of them did imply: Friends refused (as in all reason they ought to have done) to take any notice thereof; yet told them, They should have a Coppy of the Charges at the Meeting if they would go, if when they were read they desired the same, to make their defence the better, and they should have time also if there was need for it: But go they would not, as they had resolved, and said, That they would come at no more Meetings upon such matters: But poor men they forgot that, or else mattered not what they had said on that wise, for they offered to refer the matter to two, &c. which is not Truth-like, Orderly or Discreet, in the case of Gods Truth, many Brethrens Testimony and Concern, and the Churches Peace: The Friends proffered to read them the matters in charge against them if they pleased, as in the aforesaid Paper is expressed; but they refused to hear the same: Now let all sober and discreet men, that fear God, consider what this Spirit is, whether it be not the same as was said of it before, not Pure, not Peaceable, nor easie to be Entreated; but Wilful, Stubborn and leading to Strife, and to work Distractions in the Church of God; it is evidently seen to have had a design: But blessed be the Lord its way is blockt up, it hath done its worst there, its turned out now too, amongst the Gainsayers, to get an entrance amongst them that are in the Unbe∣lief, and Rebellious to the Truth's Life, and there it makes a Clutter and Noise as the Wind, which the Lord weighs as a little thing, and its passing away, that Truth may Reign, and take the Dominion over all for evermore.

Here follows that part of the Paper given forth at Milnerhorp, in relation to the opposite Spirit against Friends Practices in the Church of God, which demonstrates the sence of the aforesaid Brethren, viz.

— After all which Travel and Labour, in the Love of God, for no other end, but that Differences might be ended, Unity and Peace come into, & lived in; we having used all endeavours that was in our power at this time to enform our selves of the truth of things relating to these Differences as before Written; we judge it our Duty that in defence of our godly Order, and holy Practices, which by the Power of God we are led into, owned and justified in, to give our Judgment upon such Words and Passages as hath been charged upon the abovesaid John Story and John Wilkinson, and evidenced before us by many Witnesses, that whether from them or any other such have proceeded, it is clear that they cannot come from any Spirit or Mind, but such as is in real opposition to the Spirit of Truth, and Power of God in his People in this Age manifested, by which we have been led into the heavenly and holy Order of the blessed Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to bear a faith∣ful Testimony unto him, and of his coming, and appearance; to end all Types and Shadows; and also into such Practices as is according to the Example of those good Men that were before us; for we find that it expressly strikes against us in the ground, in our godly order and proceedings, which is for no other end, but for the putting forward and keeping up of Rightcousness, and a holy and un∣spotted Life amongst us, and the maintaining of our Testimony without Violation,

as we received it from God in the beginning; and this may all understand, that do but read the Charges, as they were evidenced unto us, how that they tend to the weakening of Friends Faith in their Testimony against Tythes, which by the Faithful hath been born from the beginning, for which many have suffered deep∣ly even unto Death; and also what opposition doth appear against recording of Confessions and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Transgressions, which is no other but according to the former example of them that gave forth the Scriptures; and how such Words and Passages doth shew forth opposition, and a contrary mind to Gods Faithful Children, in that profitable practice and godly order of Mens and Womens Meetings, as now according to the Wisdom, and in the Power of God is set up amongst us, for the advancing of the honour of the heavenly Truth of God, in which we have believed; which Words and Passages doth also tend to the weakening Friends in keeping up their Testimony according to the nobility of the heavenly Truth of God, which we have received, in which our Faith stands, in that honourable practice of our open and publick Meetings in times of Persecutions as at other times; as also to the quenching and stopping of such holy Breathings, Groanings and Living Sounds which may arise and pass through one, while another is Praying, Preaching or Prophecying, which is not inconsistant with the Truth, but in unity with those that act therein; and therefore in the love of God, we entreat and beseech all Friends to beware of that Spirit, where-ever it is, that doth bring forth such things either in Words or Actions as have this tendency in them, so much to undervalue and overthrow our heavenly Testimony, that we have to bear for him, and for the appearance of his blessed Son in our Age, by which the evil one labours to weaken the hands of Gods faithful Witnesses, that so he might bring back again into an Apostacy from the nobility of that Life by which all the Faithful must be upheld in their living Testimony for God, which he hath raised them up unto; as also the obstructing of the Lords faithful Children in their holy Zeal for God in the performance of their duty in the Mens and Womens Meetings, and to the discouragment of any to be concerned therein, which are for no other end, but for putting forward and propagating of Truth, Righteousness, Mercy and Justice amongst us, that so as the Lord hath called us to shew forth his Praise, in all things we may endeavour the promotion of that which rends unto the same; and surely we can say with the rest of the Faithful, That the holy God doth own us with his Presence, to our great Refreshment and Confirmation in this our holy Practice and heavenly Order; and therefore we cannot but in the Power of God place Judgement upon the Head of that Spirit, where and however it doth appear, that would put stumbling, Blocks in the way of Gods People, to cause any to stumble, or to weaken their Faith in those things that tends both to their comfort and growth, and the Unity, and the edification of the true Body; and so as such who have had experience of the evil tendency of this Spirit, and the sad effects it hath brought forth in all its appearances, to the overthrowing of the Faith of some, and to the making of Rents and Divisions in the Body; we desire that all may keep to the Power of the Lord God, who will preserve in the Unity of the Spirit, and Bond of Peace, where the Body will edifie it self in Love, that there may be always a building up in the most holy Faith; which Faith will forever give us the Victory over the World, in which our Testimony

standing we shall not be overcome: So with our Love to you all we re∣main,

Your Friends and Brethren in the holy fellowship of the Gospel,

Milnethorpe the 24th of the 5th Month 1675.

John Burnyeat, Richard Robinson, Robert Lodge, John Grove, and the rest.

It may be observed also, that besides some Letters tending to Peace, that George Fox writ to them from Swarthmoore, where he was about this time weak in Body, he sent to them also to desire them to come over to him there, for he had a desiro to speak with them about the matter of Difference amongst Friends in Westmerland; he was neither of ability to come to them, nor to the Meeting at Pow-Bank; but they did not take any notice thereof, nor went to him, though we are fully satis∣fied, that what he did was in his tender care for their Preservation and the Churches Peace; but this William Rogers (our present Adversary) accounts in George Fox Ambition, in his sending for them, but where the Stoutness and Ambition was its easily seen, for the time was when they would have gone much further, when they were Poor and Low in their own Eyes; but now being Full and Rich in their own Esteem, thinking they want for nothing, will not step out of their way, nor turn aside for Truth, nor the unity therein, because of the Ambition they are filled with; and therefore will the Lord scatter them with all the Imagi∣nations of their corrupt Hearts: And instead of giving the Friends a Meeting as aforesaid, they put an evading slighty Answer to the Charges against them, and sent it abroad amongst those they hoped to make of party with them; which with a large Answer thereunto is ready to be seen, when a further occasion by William Rogers, or any of them is given.

And not withstanding all this care and tender respect used, and reached out to∣wards them, they still heardened their Hearts against the Lord, and the fellowship of Brethren in the Churches concerns, stuck to the loose and unfaithful ones, as was said before, and grew more and more opposite to Friends in their Exercise for Truth, and sit in the Confederacy that was hatched amongst themselves, and the design laid to break off from Friends, into an open Seperation they betook them∣selves, and up and down the Nation was the cry amongst those of party with them, (from an unchristian mis-representing of things by them here in the North) That a Judgment was out against them, without hearing, upon the evidence of Persons being both the Accusers and Witnesses; of which, as the matter is in short truly stated, according to the Circumstances relating to it, we desire the honest and impartial Reader to judge, Whether the Persons before mentioned are justified in the sight of God, the order of the Gospel, and amongst Gods People, according to the rule of Truth, in the aforesaid matter and transactions relating to them? Or whether they are manifested by their doings to have the pure peaceable Spirit that is easily entreated, and that they have upon them any design for the Churches Peace? Or whether they are not the Self-Willed, the Heady and High-Minded, who have the Form of Words only, without the Power, (that unites and knits together) and whether to work Distractions in the peaceable Family of God their design be not laid? And whether their plea for their not receiving dear Brethrens Advice and Care over them, and orderly proceedings to have done them right every way (if

they could have manifested the contrary) and their obstinately absenting them∣selves from the Meeting aforesaid on any such account, be not a very ridiculous thing amongst men, and not worth taking notice of? For it is according to our Judgment, that the just Law of Nature and Nations (that gives an 〈◊〉〈◊〉 priviledge to be heard before Judgment be given, if he will accept of it upon notice given according to the rule of it) is contemned by an obstinate wilful, and on purpose absenting himself, and the want of his privile 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereby, of being heard, is his own default, and not imputable to the Law, nor the Executors thereof; nor in the Kings Cause, and the Nations Peace, is the Witnesses Evidence, although Complainers detectable, nor the Sentence given accordingly to be Condemned; and that this is the state of our Cause, on the account of the God of Heaven and Earth, the King of Saints, & his Peoples Peace; and that our proceedings have been justifiable on the account thereof, we do leave it before the Lord to be Judge; and its very clear that William Rogers has gained no credit to his Cause of Vilifying and Condemning the Discipline and Order used in the Church of God, by his proclaim∣ing these men, in his Printed Book, to be such, as that he hath heard of none to exceed them in Doctrine and Life, who are thus Stout and Ambitious, Stuborn and Self-Willed: And on what justifiable account before the Lord, or amongst men, he placeth the dreadful Judgment upon us, of being Apostates from God, and the Life of Christianity (as he is pleased to do) we yet see not; let them ap∣pear boldly and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 themselves that do, and give over this deceitful hidden Guile and creeping Work, which the holy and just God abhors, as an hateful thing, and our first Principle condemns forever.

But to go on, things running at this rate, and they growing up to this height of Impudency in their opposit Work; it now became the great concern of our Brethren at London and other parts of the Nation, seeing what a Combination there was amongst John Story's Adherents to rebel against the Lord, and the ancient Truth, that keeps in Unity such as abides in it; and that it was the Practice of the Church of God, throughout the whole Nation, that (with respect to our Monthly, and Quarterly, and General Meetings, in order to the Discipline of the Church of God) they were resolved to set themselves against, with the might and force they could engage themselves into; and that according to their former declared purpose, they had set up a sign of defiance, in a separate Meeting, to be kept when they saw meet, or as occasion offered, as they themselves declared was intended by them to be done; and they seeing, that it was not the rafling loose sort that were readily drawn into their Snare, that the Temptation only reached unto; but that several also of the more Innocent to God, that loved Righteousness, were hurt thereby, whose Names they had got into the List, to subscribe amongst them to their Paper, in their contentious Work, many of whom (blessed be the Lord) to their Joy are comfortably come off again, as hereafter may be more fully declared; and they seeing also now how the design lay, of gathering to them every where, as the op∣pertunity served, and knowing that their contentious Papers were sent abroad up and down the Nation, where any reception could be obtained for them; and that John Story, principal in the whole design, was very officious in the matter thereof, in the Western parts where his Travels were wont to be, and that in those parts he then was, and had proselited into his factious Work several of the Earthly-wise and looser sort, and that the Innocent also were in danger to be betrayed, the Temp∣tations being so guilefully laid; whereupon at a Meeting, on the account of suffer∣ing

Friends, held at the House of James Claypoole, Merchant in London, the 18th of the 8th Month 1675. It was agreed upon amongst the Brethren there, and concluded as followeth.

Whereas there hath been depending an unhappy Difference between several Friends and Brethren in the North on the one Party, and John Wilkinson and John Story on the other Part, and that all the Endeavours hitherto have not pre∣vailed to that healing composure desired; and since the said Brethren in the North, for the more effectual conclusion of the said matter, have desired the Brethren of this Meeting to take it into their serious Consideration, that if any thing can be further offered by them, then what has been already done, for the Service of the Truth, and Peace of the Church of God — It is from the deep sence of the thing, and the sad consequences thereof, unamimously desired by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brethren, that — George Whitehead, John Whitehead, William Gibson and Alexander Parker, or Gerard Roberts go from London, and two from Bristol, to be chosen by the Persons hereafter nominated, either out of themselves, or any other Friends of that City.

The Friends nominated to chuse two Friends, as aforesaid, are as followeth, Dennis Hollister, Thomas Gouldney, Charles Hartford, Richard Snead, Richard Vickris, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Love, William Ford, Charles Jones, William Rogers. The said two Friends with the four before named to go into the North, to give the Bre∣thren a Meeting with John Wilkinson and John Story (if they will be perswaded to return) for the assisting the Church and Friends there, to hear and determine the said Difference, as in the Wisdom and Council of God they shall be directed, for Peace and Unity in the Church. Stephen Smith, Stephen Crispe, Thomas Green, Ambrose Rigg and William Penn, desired to meet together this Evening, and draw up two Letters, one to John Wilkinson and John Story, and an other to Friends at Bristol aforesaid.

It may be taken notice of, that Friends in the North, although they were satis∣fied with the Labours and Travels of the Brethren concerned in the afore-mention∣ed Meetings, from a true sence of the presence of Almighty God with them, as also with the Testimony and Judgment aforesaid, (upon the afore-mentioned Spirit of Opposition and Strife, and against all whomsoever, that were found in the Works thereof) being one and the same with that which had lived on their Hearts, in relation to that Spirit, as that which the pure God would never bless, nor the Works thereof; as also in a sence and knowledge of what a Noise was gone out through them of that Spirit, against the aforesaid Proceedings of our Brethren, and Judgment on the case, to the leaving a jealousie upon the minds of some, that probably things might not be so bad, with respect to John Story and John Wilkin∣kinson, as matters seemed to import, and the Judgment given did imply: We being also conscious to our selves of any deficiency on our parts, whereby to invalidate the Judgment given, or to have our selves detected in the matter of the occasion of the Difference amongst us; having also a sincere desire that what dissatisfaction re∣mained upon any, with respect to the Judgment given without hearing, &c. al∣though the default in that matter lay on John Story and John Wilkinson their part, & that our Innocence before the Lord (which our Consciences bore record to) might also the more appear, and that whosoever had a mind might have the oppertunity

of hearing matters relating to us on the score of being culpable as well as they (as we had been rendred up and down the Nation by them of that Spirit) and having also a sence of the continuation of the Exercise and Sorrow that we were yet likely to be exposed to, through the separate Meeting, to the blemish of Truth, and our holy Profession. Its true we did signifie our inclination, yea our desires, that on some or all the aforesaid accounts our dear and respected Brethren might have under their tender consideration our continuing Exercises through the hard∣ness and obstinacy of that wrong Spirit amongst us, which as yet was likely further to occasion the Churches Trouble, and the want of its Peace, and for that end we moved (if they pleased) that some might come down into the North, for their and others further satisfaction, if they desired, or saw cause for a further examination and hearing of matters relating to the depending Difference.

In order unto which Meeting (agreed upon at London amongst our Friends there) they signified unto us what was intended, God willing to be done by them, if all concerned would signifie their free and acceptable complyance therewith; in an∣swer whereunto, Friends in the North signified, by a Paper under many Hands, a free and ready closing therewith, unto the Meetings satisfaction there, as in an answer to ours from them was signified: It may be noted also that the Brethrens tenderness towards John Story and John Wilkinson was such, they being then both in the West parts, as also that they might the more readily be perswaded to submit to an hearing of matters and things relating to the Difference with Friends here in the North Face to Face, which formerly they had refused to do, in a resolve to come at no more Meetings on that score; but that they again a little retracted that re∣solve, and proffered, as aforesaid, to refer the matter to two chosen, by each party one: We say the afore-mentioned Friends, being iealous whether they would sub∣mit to a Meeting or not, for condescention sake gave the Friends at Bristol liberty to chuse two, &c. where John Story s and John Wilkinson's great Interest (as was then expected) stood; and in persuance of the aforesaid agreement amongst Friends, at James Claypool's London, two Letters were writ, Coppies whereof we have not inserted here, but are produceable, with many more material Letters of Advice, Answers and Replies, in Papers and Books in Maniscript, Material and Satisfactory, in order to the concern of a more large Hystorical Relation of matters on the account of the unhappy Differences, occasioned through this ungodly Spirit, as the day will declare; which aforesaid Papers and Books in Maniscript are pre∣served ready for the service of Truth, against the coming forth in Print of William Rogers s Book in Maniscript, so often made mention of by him, or upon what other occasion (as the Lord may direct) shall be seen meet, with respect to all which this our present Relation of things may be taken only as a small, yet per∣fect and impartial Abstract.

Yet upon the matter of the two Letters being sent as aforesaid, the one to John Wilkinson and John Story in the West, and the other to the Friends at Bristol; William Rogers happening to be one for the Journey into the North, on the aforesaid account, (without whose Company and Assistance 'tis likely John Story had not been prevailed upon to have come) being a man of a Turbulent Boysterous Spirit, and one that likes the Applause of men, and loves Preheminence, as in his quarrel∣ling contentious Work, in the Ambition and Stoutneses of his Mind, in several Papers and Concerns observable, he hath manifested himself to be, as many Ear and Eye Witnesses will Evidence, to which also some of us are not Strangers, with

respect to our particular knowledge; he now buckled himself to carry on the espous∣ed matter of f. Story's and J. Wilkinson's Cause, even with all the eagerness he could work himself into, like a Champion for the Work and desparate Design con∣trived and taken in hand, which in plain words tended (if the Lord had not blockt up their way) to have laid waste the whole Heritage of God, and not have left his People a-name where by to be known; So that many opposite wrangling Papers and Letters past from him, with some few more of his Adherents, tending to delay the Jour∣ney into the North, as was desired on the Meetings account to be had there, which together with John Story's and John Wilkinson's aversness, and perverse replies to the London Brethren, that were tender and friendly to them-wards, gave daily a more and more perfect knowledge of what sort they were, and what their Work tended to; many also of the truly conscientious sort, who were of their Adherents, once having been hurt by them, in and about the City of Bristol, and the Country adjacent, became in measure satisfied that they were wrong, and that their Work did to Strife 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and began to draw back in the Spirit of their Minds from any such complyance with them as formerly they were inclined to, and many in those parts, of the upright hearted to God, and lovers of Righteousness, are come away from touching with them any more, and are truly and livingly concerned in a Testimony for God against them, and the Work they are concerned in, which hath been their Hearts Joy, and the Comfort of the Ransomed Ones.

Much ado 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was before any solid hopes our Brethren could be wrought in∣to, that any Meeting with them would be got; but at last about the first Month. in the Year 1676. George Whitehead, on purpose coming by them, with the influence 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had upon them, got John Story perswaded to give up to the matter desired for their lakes, and for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of all Differences whatsoever, that the Church might again enjoy its Peace.

The four 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from London, and William Rogers only from 〈◊〉〈◊〉, being come into the North, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Benson of Kendal in Westmerland was added to them, to be concerned in the aforesaid matter. John Story and John Wilkinson being now come into the North also, a Meeting was agreed upon to be the third Day of the second Month 1676. at the House of John Blaykling, at Draw-well, in Sedbergh in York-shire, and accordingly that day begun, and many good Friends and Ministers of the blessed Truth, out of several parts of the Nation, were there together, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the nine Friends that had heard the matters alledged in charge against John Story and John Wilkinson at Pow-Bank asoresaid, and had given their Judg∣ment upon that Spirit from which the said matters and things had proceeded, not leaving John Story and John 〈◊〉〈◊〉 uncapable of clearing themselves thereof, if they were able to do it, and many Friends to the Truth were also come from Westmerland to the Meeting. Gods eternal Power evidently broke forth through many in Living Testimonies for God and his Truth, and in Heavenly Supplicati∣ons that the Presence of the Eternal God might be with his People in that Exercise, for which that Assembly was gathered, which to the Comfort of many there present was truly felt, during four days Exercise, for the space of ten or twelve hours a day; as to the matter of the Articles in charge alledged, and writ down against J. Story and John Wilkinson, little was said of them the first day; but some other Discourse the Friends of London had with them, relating to the ground of the Controversie depending, in relation whereunto there was two Queries proposed by J. Story and 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Wilkinson writ down, desiring that the Friends there would give their Answer to

them, whereby it was supposed they expected to have an understanding given them of Friends 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Aim with respect to Church Government, and the Or∣der and Practice of Friends in relation to it; about which the Wrangling and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by them had been made, and against which the Opposition in them had stood, to the Exercise and Grief of Gods Faithful People, and upon the Brethrens-Resolve and Answer thereunto no Dissatisfaction from them appeared in any respect, and John Story 〈◊〉〈◊〉 acknowledged his good Satisfaction therein: After all this concerne, Friends desired to come to the matters in charge, John Story and John Wilkinson seemed unwilling, on a jealousie that remained with them, that the Friends con∣cerned in the former Meetings intended (with the six last nominated as 〈◊〉〈◊〉, &c.) to concern themselves in the present hearing of matters amongst us in order to a final determination, and shewed the same by some words cast out by them now and then; although the said Brethren did not at present appear to concern themselves in the matter of the tryal relating to them, concerning which, as the Friends in the North did not desire to put them thereinto, neither did in their minds conclude it rational, nor according to the order of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to have them excepted against from any concern therein, without their own desire or free con∣sent thereunto, being formerly chosen by the Quarterly Meeting for that affair and exercise therein, and what had been done by them in that case not detectable in the Truth, nor their Sence and Judgment impeached in the matter thereof, or which to be cast out; and our Brethren of London shewing also their desire that many weighty Friends being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 occasion, which was the Churches 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ral concern, they might in the exercise of the universal Spirit of Truth have a share with them: So that as to that objection against any from being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in measure with others, in the case of hearing and giving Judgment, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 matter was that Night letalone until the next Day.

On the Morrow Friends being assembled and the Lords Power with us to the breaking many Hearts 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 tender frame of Spirit, and in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 desires that a sweet composure might be wrought, to Friends 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Churches peace; after a little time the hearing and Tryal of matters in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was fallen into, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concerned in the matter 〈◊〉〈◊〉 against John Story 〈◊〉〈◊〉 John Wilkinson, and those of Party with them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of heart, that if in any thing it could be made appear that they had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 just cause of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to them from whom the opposition had arisen, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on that occasion by them given, they had appeared on that wise, and that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they also had been the cause of the Brethrens Trouble, and the obstruction 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Churches Peace; they should freely acknowledg the same, and give the Church and the Children of God that saisfaction which the Truth should require of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, that so no occasion of discord by them, or disunion with the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should re∣main on their part.

The first and second matter (as with down) in charge against them was read and heard amongst all there, and proof made thereof to the satisfaction of them concerned; whereupon William Rogers having a sence (and as we may reasonably conclude) afear and jealousie upon him how things would go on John Story's and John Wilkinsons account, withdrew himself into the Garden, and sent for a Friend to come to speak to him, who (when the Friend came to him) told him, He was sencible that John Story and John Wilkinson were under, a mistake, thinking that none but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 six last named Friends would be concerned in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and giving judgment 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉

and yet, said he, it was by them appearing against them, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the other that former∣ly had the matter in hand should be now also equally concerned with them, (which was a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 needless evading scruple, that John Story and John Wilkinson, during the time of the proof aforesaid, seemed not to take any notice of, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had any of those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Brethren as yet given any cause for it, that we know of) William Rogers desired the Friend to come in and clear that point, but the Friend 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to do it, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Let things go on, all is quiet and cool, or words to that purpose; and said, If this would not satisfie him he might go and speak himself: Whereupon William Rogers 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for John Story and John Willkinson, or at least they wanting him, drew forth to see what the matter was, or to consult with him, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a little while came in again, and one of them or both signified, That 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they might be 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 beforehand that those nine formerly concerned should not meddle in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of examining matters concerning them, &c. they would for 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 more 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to it, and also would with-draw, and did not 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 into their places; but they and their Company 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ready to go away, and the most of Friends expected the same, seeing what 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in their Minds they were 〈◊〉〈◊〉 into, as appeared by 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 resolve a∣bout the matter, for there was a secret Dread and Terror upon them, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 but sometimes surprize such, more especially on such a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 as they 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 come unto.

The Lords Power arose amongst Friends under 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 way of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Peace for them should be blockt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 if they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not: And it was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of them in the Name of 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, to give up themselves to the Exercise 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 upon them in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 for 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Good, in which they had a 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 God to lay before them, for their Souls sake, and if they did so 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 the same, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Words and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to import, it should 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 a Lamb Slain at their 〈◊〉〈◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 also, that in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Love and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God, the Brethren 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 on that concern 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 therefore 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 A 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Christ Jesus, and in the Authority of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spirit, they required and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that things might go on as to hearing and examination on all sides; 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 to a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof; or Words 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to that 〈◊〉〈◊〉: The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Lord (that subjects, and none else) was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all, Knees 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was given, and that by 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Rogers (to give all men their due) 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 his consent and free closure with that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was proposed; and then 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 John Wilkinson acquiessing in it settled down again in their minds, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 things were to go on to be heard and examined in order to Judgment on 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 matter, and then to speak any more of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and nine was at an end, but 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was to be the Brethrens, the Church of God their assembled in the universal Spirit, in which we are one through Christ Jesus, who keeps their parts 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, Where the good Understanding is received, & 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Judgment is given which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sure; the matters in charge alledged being 〈◊〉〈◊〉 through that day, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 two next days also, and spoken to on all hands 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 was seen, and as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 required in order to proof on the one hand and liberty of desence on the other, for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 up of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the Impartial 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉; and let it be remembred the days we have to Live, and let 〈◊〉〈◊〉 memorial thereof never Rot when this Generation is 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for the Praise of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God for ever, and the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of his precious Truth, and the value of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the

Comfort enjoyed therein; for the cause whereof the Lord, the God of the Spirits of all Flesh, unto whom Reign and Dominion belongs forever, did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ap∣pear amongst us in those four days Exercise, in relation to the work in hand, and determined the matter depending amongst us, in the Hearts and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the un∣right to him, to their Comfort: It cannot be forgot what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and rowling Bowels broke forth in those days Travels, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Wounded and the Scattered Ones (who were once in Unity with the Lambs in the safe Fold) for the healing, recovering and gathering back again of them, that they might find Pasture and feed therein, and lie down with them; the Power and Life that sprung up on this wise melted the Hearts of the Sincere with Joy, in the sence of Gods preserving hand over them, yet to their 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, and the pity of their Souls, in relation to them that had been hurt by a wrong Spirit; for there did not appear in them that bowedness of Soul, nor heart 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, as with respect to the offence to God and his People, that they had given through the Distractions they had wrought in the Church of God, was desired and expected from them; yet such was the wonderful melting Glory of Israel's God amongst us, that at last John Story and John Wilkinson were a little bowed down in their Spirits, to the causing of them in some measure to see their Weak∣ness, and make some acknowledgment thereof, as in a Paper given forth by them (and here inserted) doth appear, viz.

We are sencible that in the hour of Temptation, that hath appeared through us, which hath given occasion of offence to the Charches of God, unto whom the knowledg of the Northern Differences are come, and since the inward sence of our Brethren (who we are sencible have a travel on their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Peace and Unity in the Church of God) concerning 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is such that Jealousies have entered us, and that we have been at 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in things tending to oppose Friends in the practice of those things 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are commendable in the Church of God: We are sorry that any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 should appear in us to give occasion for any such Offence, and as satisfaction to our travel∣ling Brethren, and the Church of God in general, we do from the very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of our Hearts condemn that very Spirit, whether it hath appeared in us or any that hath given offence to the Church of God in general, and that opposes the order of the Gospel, or any faithful Brethren in the practice of those things they believe are their Duty.

John Story, John Wilkinson.

This was publickly owned by the said John Story and John Wilkinson in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Meeting at Draw-well in Sedbergh.

After Friends unwearied Travels in the Love of God that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 all things and is not easily provoked, but keeps in the Patience and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not, in which they were concerned; the foregoing submission to Gods Power, and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 sence concerning them, was all 〈◊〉〈◊〉 John Story and John Wilkinson were at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 inclined to demonstrate; which said acknowledgment of the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 surprised with and their Condemnation of themselves because thereof, Friends for their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 were in some 〈◊〉〈◊〉 glad of, hoping that afterwards they vvould 〈◊〉〈◊〉 see hovv a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 over them, in which 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉

Work had broken forth through them, and that in time they would more manifest the same, to Friends more full content; and upon the product of all those four days concern, on the morrow after Friends being again come together, that they might demonstrate to all the honest hearted how things were in relation to the whole matter, many of them that had heard of the aforesaid Divisions being under a concern, and therefore desirous to hear what might be the Issue of this Meeting, they unaminously agreed together (William Rogers being gone, and came no more) to draw up this following Relation, for Friends to make use of in the Wisdom of God as they saw meet. viz.

Dear Friends and Brethren,

In the universal Spirit of Life and Truth which from the God of Heaven is richly poured forth upon us, and by which we have been quickned into a lively sence and hope, and peaceable Fellowship is the endeared Greeting and Salutation of our pure and servent Love unto you all.

Whereas a long and lamentable Difference hath depended between several An∣tient Friends of the Quarterly Meeting of Westmerland on the one part, and John Story and John Wilkinson, of that County, on the other part; and that the said Division hath done great Mischief amongst the Friends of God in several parts of this Nation, by filling their Minds with unprofitable Surmizings and dan∣gerous Jelousies tending to absolute Rents and Divisions, as too palpably appeareth in Westmerland to be the product thereof.

And after that the endeavours of the faithful Friends of the Quarterly Meeting of those parts, both within themselves, and by calling in to their assistance several faithful Men of adjacent Countries, proved not so effectual as was desired, by reason of the said John Story's and John Welkinsons absenting themselves, though in much tenderness sought to, and entreated to appear by those chosen Brethren, for the Churches Peace sake and their own real good in the Lord, and though their refusal to meet those Brethren, and denial of their Authority to examine the matter in difference, and theirs that nominated and chose them, to wit the faithful Friends of the Quarterly Meeting; yet out of a deep sence of the Burden of honest Friends in those parts, by reason of the Division, and forefeeing the ill conse∣quence to the Church of God, of leaving such an example uncensured, they passed a general Judgment upon that Spirit which led into Division and Separation, leaving the said John Story and John Wilkinson to clear themselves, if they could, of such matters of fact (as they then stood charged with, as they have plainly signified both by Word and Writing) but since a dissatisfaction remaineth in the minds of several, in some because of so proceeding against John Story and John Wilkinson, and in others because of their going to offer their Gift abroad whilst unreconciled at home: And forasmuch as the Friends formerly concerned against these men upon an Information given them of the said dislike of several Friends about these pro∣ceedings, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to a rehearing of the matters, which being laid before the general Meeting, at London, for National Sufferings, Assembled in the eighth Month 1675. a deep Concern and godly Care fell upon many Eminent Labourers in the Church of Christ, then and there met together; and they desired certain approved Brethren to go down, and in the Wisdom and Counsel of God to assist the Churches and Brethren there in the rehearing and ending of the matter: The Meeting for this purpose was at Lrawell, in Sedbergh Parish, in Yorkshire, upon

the 3d. of the 2d. Month 1676. and continued until the 7th. of the same, whither resorted several antient and honourable Brethren not particularly nominated, that had nevertheless a Concern in their Consciences, a Travel in their Spirits, and a Testimony to the antient Unity.

In which Assembly the Matters in Controversie were read, and the Eviden∣ces of both Parties called; and upon the whole Examination of their Allegati∣ons and Evidences, we did find, and therefore declare, both from external Testi∣monies and our own inward Sence; that John Story and John Wilkinson were really Faulty in the most material things exhibited in Charge against them; to wit, that they have been discouragers of and opposers to the present blessed Order, and Practice of the Church of Christ, with respect to monthly and quarterly Meetings, Womens Meetings especially in the Country, recording Condemnations, weakening the Hands of Friends in their Testimonies about Tythes; and justifying the manner of Friends Meeting about Preston in the time of the late Act: And to us it plainly appeared, that a wrong dividing Spirit hath entered, and the Enemy of the Churches holy Union and Peace hath been at work in them, by which they have grieved the Church of God, espe∣cially in those Parts; and encouraged the late Separation made in those Parts from the antient and faithful Friends and Brethren of the monthly and quar∣terly Meeting; which Spirit, wherever it appears, or hath brancht forth it self; in the Name and Power of Almighty God, whose Councel was and is with us, we do reprove, condemn and judg. But so it was, that after four days deep Travel, unwearied Patience, tender Bowels of Mercy, and a mighty and manifest Operation of the glorious Power of the Lord, as in frequent Testi∣monies against that Spirit of Division, and in the Visitation of true and ten∣der Love to them; so in many strong Cries and heart-breaking Supplications to the God of our bowed Spirits for a prosperous Issue.

It pleased the Lord to bow the said John Story and John Wilkinson into some degree of Submission; So that at length they produced a Paper containing a Con∣demnation against themselves and that Spirit: And as we do believe and there∣fore testify, that the Door of Gods Mercy is not shut against them; so we earnestly desire, and are not without some Hope, that they may give a more compleat Satisfaction in time (as John Story said he would as the Lord should give him a further Understanding) that Truth and Friends may be more ef∣fectually cleared, and that it may be well with them for ever.

And for as much as the Friends and Brethren of Westmorland, who have been concerned against John Story and John Wilkinson, did formerly freely offer that if in any thing charged they had mistaken or exceeded, they would endeavour to make them such Satisfaction as Truth required: We finding two or three Particulars of lesser Moment, wherein there appeared some Oversight and Shortness, as to orderly Proceeding, the two Friends concerned therein, did freely acknowledg it according to Truth; and more particularly as to that Passage alledged against John Story, That Women had nothing to do with the Essential part of the Worship of God, because it was charged but by one Wit∣ness, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 renounced, and the Doctrine imported thereby plainly deny∣ed, and judged by John Story as contrary to his Judgment and Principle, it 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Tenderness let fall, and no further to be insisted upon.

And whereas it hath been suggested and reported that Margaret Fox was the

cause of the Difference in Westmorland; it was plainly disproved before us by many Witnesses, who affirmed there were Differences about some of the afore∣mentioned Practices of the Church of Christ long before she was concerned.

And further, we hold our selves in Conscience obliged to commend the Care, Travel and Zeal of the Friends of these Northern Parts in the Affairs of the Church for settlement of Godly Order: We have a real Sence of their Good∣will and labouring therein for the Lord his Truth and People.

And now Friends in Gods Love, we desire you to suppress all Papers of Con∣troversie relating to this Difference, that the Minds of Friends be not farther troubled, nor any defiled, nor this Controversie kept any longer alive; but that all may sink down into the simple Truth, and in that feel the pure and sweet Union, which being lived in preserves out of those Doubts, Distrusts, Jealou∣sies, carnal Reasonings, and evil Watchings, that harm the immortal Soul; and in that pure Fellowship all are cheerful, tender, and open-hearted, full of Love and Brotherly-kindness, watching over one another for Good; in which the Lord God Almighty establish us for ever.

And we do hereby warn all to have a care, that they be not lifted up by rea∣son of the Temptation and Hurt that's come upon these Men; nor yet insult over them for that Spirit is not of God) but rather let all watch in the Fear and Dread of Almighty God against that Spirit, that they enter not into Temp∣tation.

Thus, Friends, have we given you a brief and faithful Narrative of what hath past in these four days of great Exercise, in which the Lord gave us blessed Uni∣ty in the sensible Enjoyment of that Life which was before the World began; pure Praises, pure Honour, and eternal Glory and Renown, be to his own Right noble Arm that never failed his distressed, bowed and travelling People through all Generations.

This we desire may be communicated so far only as the knowledg of this sad Difference hath been spread.

God Almighty keep us by his heavenly Power always near himself and in Unity one with another, Amen; says

Your faithful loving Brethren

Alexander Parker. George Whitehead. Iohn Whitehead. William Gibson. Robert Lodge. Richard Robinson. Peter Hardcastle. Iohn Burnyeat. Iohn Tiflin. Iohn Bowren. Richard Watson. Thomas Taylor. Iohn Banks. Iohn Steel. Hugh Tickell. Thomas Laythes. Iames Harrison. William Whaley Leonard Fell. Iohn Moore. Iohn Abrams. Roger Haddock. William Penn.

And in this was the honest-hearted to God truly comforted (whatever the Issue of Matters would be, with respect to those entangled in the Snare of a guileful Spirit) that it was well with them, in that they had a certain Know∣ledg of the Peace and Blessings of God into their Bosoms; who had aceompanied them with his glorious Power, and over-shaddowed their Exercise therewith, to their Hearts Joy, and to the causing of them to give God the Praise, who is wor∣thy for ever; and in the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, upon the 5th. day of that Exercise Friends parted asunder, being the 7th. day of the Week. Several of our travelling Brethren stayed some days in the Country amongst Friends, and had several blessed Meetings here-aways in a Travel upon their Spirits, during their abode in the Country, for the Churches Peace, and the Return of the stray∣ed ones, and giving up the whole Concern to Almighty God, and to the Word of his Power, who alone gives the Encrease of all planting and watering, and spiritual Exercises on every Account, God over all in Heaven and Earth, blessed for ever.

In many particular Exercises, that the aforesaid Friends had with John Story and John Wilkinson, and them of Party with them, they were very desirous that they would break up again their separate Meeting, as that which they testified against; which also God would never bless.

There was that measure of Love and Tenderness raised up in John Story and John Wilkinson in the aforesaid Meeting, that they took an Occasion to go to George Fox then at Swathmoore, who, we perceive by good Information, was ve∣ry loving to them, and tender on their behalf, letting them see the Danger they were in if they did not return to the antient Power, in it to become one with Gods 〈◊〉〈◊〉 again in the Service and Labour of the Truth, and for that end desired them to break up the separate Meeting, &c.

But upon the matter thus it was, that the separate Meeting they still conti∣nued; and the Expectations of dear Brethren became frustrated on John Story's and John Wilkinson's account, for any thing that could be observed; for they quickly trampled upon the whole Concern, and Endeavours that had been had with them, and used towards them: John Wilkinson presently denyed that they had condemn'd any thing at Draw-well, or that they knew of any thing of which they were guilty that was condemnable.

At the next yearly Meeting, being about the 3d. Month 1676. The Concerns of the Church of God throughout the whole Nation, and of many Countries and Islands beyond the Seas, being under Friends tender Care and great weight of Spirit, the estate of the Church of God in Westmerland came before Friends (as some of us were Ear-Witnesses) and an Exercise of Mind was upon them in relation to the Grievances that Gods People in these Parts were still exposed to, through the Spirit of Contention and Strife that had led into Separation from the antient Brethren in the Service of Truth; and the deplorable State also of John Wilkinson and John Story with them of Party with them they were touch∣ed with: In the Consideration of their trampling upon all the tender Endea∣vours used towards them at Draw-well, in the 2d. Month of the same Year, and their obstinate and wilful rejecting the Admonition, the Reproof, the good Ad∣vice and Councel of their antient Brethren, in order to a happy Return of them to God again, and into the Unity of the Spirit with the Faithful, in the practice of things relating to the Concerns of Truth, and the Church of God amongst

them: And understanding that the separate Meeting continued still (contrary to the general and particular Advice of the Friends when in the North more par∣ticularly on the account of their Souls Concern tenderly laid before them) to the great danger of their utter undoing, over and besides the Obstruction which that Spirit laboured to make in the way of Truth; with respect to a gathering more unto God, as also the Hurt its Design tended to produce amongst the young and tender not fully established upon the Rock, the Habitation whereupon cannot be shaken: The Brethren with respect to that secret Hope that sprung up in them at Draw-well when there, concerning these two men in particular (and on be∣half of others greatly hurt by the same Spirit) that the Lord might have wrought them into a further sight and sence of things, as to their inward (of late Years) deplorable State, and into a tender acknowledgment thereof, under the hand and stroke of Gods Power, to the working of them from the Bondage thereof, that the liberty of the Power in the love 〈◊〉〈◊〉 God they might again come to par∣take of; and so be brought into Fellowship with Gods People again, to their Comfort and the Churches Ease and Peace.

On these Considerations it was yet upon their Spirits, to visit them with a ten∣der Epistle of Brotherly Advice from the yearly Meeting under the great Lamen∣tation that the Souls of many were bowed in, because thereof.

The Epistle from the yearly Meeting the 22d. of the 3d. Month 1676.

John Story and John Wilkinson.

FOR whom our Souls have travelled as for our own, the God of Heaven is Record; yea, bitterness and anguish of Spirit hath overtaken us for your sakes that in the blessed Unity of the Life and Love of God with the Brethren you may come and dwell for ever. And let us tell you in all plainess; for we are bound, yea, we are bruised men for your sakes, and deeply afflicted to hear by your Northern Brethren of the continuance of the Separation in those Parts; for that Sp rit despiseth our Travels, tramples upon our Labours, sets our Life and Love at nought; and with that Spirit hath God a Controversie and Will forever.

Ah! what do you mean to do: Oh! our antient Friends, Sorrow girds us to hear that you are got no nearer your antient Brethren, nor receive our Councel while our Life strives with you, least your Day go off and our Bowels be shut up against you: Bow to that Power that visited you at Daw-well, and let not up any Slights against it in your Minds: For we are satisfied in our Souls 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it was the Day of your Visitation. And in the Name of the Lord away with that Separation, which to our great Grief we hear is not only continued but counte∣nanced, at least by one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you, for the Determination of the Lord is to blast it for ever.

Ah! you and they are sought in the Spirit of Meekness and in Love unseign∣ed, and in that Patience that was not provoked: Oh! strive not against your own Mercies; neither exclude your selves from the Fellowship of your Bre∣thren, but judge down all Strife, Jealousies and Surmises in the name of the Living God, that you may be made nigh, and be Instruments to bring those

nigh, that are also with you at a manifest distance from us, otherwise the Jea∣lous God will stretch 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Hand against you, and you and this Separation will apparently wither and come to nought.

And we must tell you, that some of us hoped and expected that ere this you would in the Fear and Dread of the Lord have born a publick Testimony against that Spirit of Division, and Meeting of Seperation, in those Parts. And we are livingly assured in the heavenly Counsel of God, that is now with us, that in all places where any hurt hath come and entered by this Spirit through you, the Lord first requireth this at your Hands; and in the Name, Power and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the God of Truth and Peace, we are constrained to press you to be first reconciled to your Brethren, and in your Spirits and Practices be united to the Church of Christ before you offer your Gift, or excercise your selves in publick Testimony among Gods People, and so no more leave that Country in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Seperation; for otherwise the Breach will become wider, and you more discover your selves to be of that Spirit which would augment Contest and Divi∣sion, which we desire that God in Mercy may deliver you from; for against that Spirit the sharp Sword of the Lord is drawn; and thus far have we cleared our Consciences in his sight and presence, whose ancient Power gloriously springs and reigns amongst us, Eternal Praises to his his Name forever.

George Whitehead, Iohn Burnyeate, William Gibson, Robert Lodge, Alexander Parker, Thomas Taylor, Iohn Bowren, Iohn Tiffen, William Penn.

We whose Names are here under Written, being at London at this Yearly Meeting having heard the above written Letter twice read, at a second days Meeting in the City, being the 22d of the 3d Month 1676. do hereby declare, that it contains the real sence of our Hearts, as was expressed by several Testimonies there given to that purpose from Gods Truth in many of us, and therefore are in unity with it.

Pattrick Livingstone, George Hutchinson, Richard Pinder, Hector Allen, William Fallowfield, Samuel Cater, Iasper Batt, Samuel Thornton, Thomas Cooke, Iohn Lanstaffe, Edward Edwards, Iames Claypoole, Brayan Doyley, William Peacke, Richard Webster, Francis Moore, Iames Parke, Richard Samble, William Mead, Leonard Fell, Stephen Smith, Iames Sikes, Charles Floyd, Daniel Smith, Thomas Salthouse, Stephen Crisp, Anthony Thompkins, Iohn Haywood, Ellis Hooks, Authur Cotton.

Let God be witness this Day betwixt the Church of God and these two Men, and them of Party with them, whether in the tender Love of God, and of dear Brethren they have not been delt withal in Compassionateness? through great long Suffering and Patience, beseeching them in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and Gods manifold Mercies and Forbearances towards them, that they would be reconciled to God, that they might find acceptance with him, as that which was a Soul Concern; yea, the concern of eternal Recompence World with∣out

end, and that which hath been testified in many Labours and Travels, Night and Day on their accounts, and how unwilling Friends were that they should be rejected and cast aside, and their Names blotted out from the remembrance of the Righteous, and out of the Number of the Worthies of Israel, whom the Lord Blesseth, and makes as Saviours on Mount Sion, to his Eternal Praise, and the Comfort of the Church of Christ, and the Peace of the Immortal Soul forever: So that we have a Record from God upon our Spirits in true satisfaction, that we have discharged a good Conscience, in the Lords sight, with respect to them, and that if any of them Perish it shall lie at their Doors, the Lord is clear, and his People thus far clear, let them look to it as they will answer at the dreadful Day.

Yet after all these Labours and Travels in the Love of God, and Spirit of Grace and Supplication towards, and in behalf of them, they still continued in the Alie∣nation from Truths Life, in their separate contentious Work; and the more the Lord and his People strove with them, the more obstinate and hardned they grew, and where the Apostacy, which William Rogers is pleased to charge us with, will be seen to center, a little time will declare further.

So it was, that (as the evil Men and Seducers that grows worse and worse) they put on resolution and Courage to stand it out, John Story betook himself into the South-West to keep the Design on Foot there, and to muster up all whom he could draw after him with the Pollicy and Might he had, he set himself, & William Rogers ratled about with a dishonest Narrative, that he himself had drawn up, of the Transactions of the Meeting at Draw-well, as his prejudiced jealous Mind acted him, and sent it abroad up and down the Country, where any would take notice of it; took off the beliefe or hopes (where any in kindness to John Story and John Wilkinson had been begot) of any submission given by them, or any real acknowledgement made by them there, notwithstanding the paper they had given forth (and at that time under an exercise, if they had stood to it) which William Rogers set at naught, accounting it but a Rattle to please Children with.

John Wilkinson also as he had before denied that they had Condemned any thing, writ to some of the Brethren at London very comtemptibly, in a slight of all their Love, Labours and Travels concerning them in the North, inveighing against the Relation given and subscribed there of matters transacted amongst us, and the product thereof, calling it a lying Narrative, &c. And that Courage they took to themselves, and cambined Resolution to stand to their Work, that he, together with about eleaven more, subcribed a Book written by them, and sent it abroad in Manuscript up & down the Nation, amongst those that had entertained Jealousies, and let in Prejudice against the Antient Brethren, who kept true to God, and had let in Murmuring and Discontent against the Order and Discipline used in the Church of Christ. The said Book called, or at least rendred to be, their Remon∣strance or Declaration, pretending therein to stand to the antient Principle of Truth and Faith therein; as also speaking of certain Practices used amongst them: Directed to Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly and Second Days Meetings, in a bold and open Contest with the whole Church of God throughout the whole Nation, in which they possitively declare themselves, and those of party with them, to be that part of the whole Family of the Children of Light, that keeps their antient Integrity and Stability in the Truth, and for that cause (say they) are they called, by the rest, Separates, (meaning by the Monthly, Quarterly, Yearly and Second

Days Meetings) they are also bold to say, that we, that is to say all those that are in faithfulness to God, careful with respect to Church Order and the Discipline thereof, unto which the aforesaid Meetings relate, and not of party with them, are departed from our first Principle of Light and Life in Christ Jesus, and setting up Forms and outward Methods in the Church, and the like: And for no other cause, we say, it is, that they thus render us, but because we are a People or∣derly setled as becomes the Family of God, under a Government and Dissipline relating to us, as Men in the Tabernacle God has given us, wherein to be his Praise.

In their Book it is Inserted — No Authority to be used in the Church but the Power — Nothing to be set up there but the Spirit of Jesus. Must there then in the Power and Spirit of Jesus be no visible Order or Authority used or placed amongst us as the visible Family of God? This is clear contrary to the Command of. Christ, with respect to the Churches dealing with the offending Brother, and Sen∣tence upon him if he hear not the Church: This is contrary also to what the Apostle Paul said, who said, Submit your selves one unto another, and unto them that have the Rule over you, as they that must give account to God, that watcheth over your Souls. They say in their Book, — The Gospel that brings 〈◊〉〈◊〉, is inward, and its Order must be inward. And must there therefore be no Care visible? No visible Inspection? No Discipline visible amongst us? No care over the Weak? Nothing to do visible with the Loose and Scandalous? Nothing to do with the Heretick? Paul said otherwise, — Cast out the Incestuous person. — The Heretick after the first and second Admonition Reject. What will this Doctrine of theirs lead to in the end? but to Stubbornness, and Obstinate Rejection of the Care, the Ad∣monition, the Advise, Counsel, Reproof and Judgment; yea, the Authority of the Spirit and Gospel of Christ, in the Saints, to whom Judgment is given, and so lead at last unto Loosness and Ranterisme: Yet when they have made all this Clutter and Bauling against Church Order and Care, &c. like our present Adver∣sary William Rogers, they consider better again, or else forgets clearly what they said, and tells us what Orders they have had amongst them these twenty Years; and says they use the same still: And so gives a Relation what they do about the Poor, about Marriages, about Condemnations, and the like, though wonderfully deceitful and dishonest in the matter thereof; and talks of things after such a rate and manner, not at all consistant with their Practice, as in the Answer to it is manifested, it would make the Heart sad to see it, and also what abuses they put upon the Church of God, and the tender Practices of Gods People used and practiced amongst us, as our Quarterly Meeting Books will demonstrate; and it may be noted that all this Clamour that's made against the Order, Discipline and Government used in the Power of God, in all the Churches and Assemblies to which their Book of Remonstrance is directed, (to wit, monthly, quaterly, year∣ly, and second days morning Meeting, whom also they place a Judgment upon, as departed from their first Principle) and this Cluttering and Exclaming (we say) against these things (as setting up Forms, and outward Rules, and Orders, and the like, and says, the Gospel is inward, and the Order of it must be so, and as much as to say, no way else) is made by the very Persons that listed a number of pittiful unfaithful Men, many of them, in a Subscription to such Orders, Rules and Pre∣scriptions, as the like we have not heard of amongst the Children of God, (to wit) that none must come and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 amongst them, about the Concerns of the Curch, but

such as they chuse and those to whom they have given Power, and complains of some com∣ing amongst them not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by the Churches in Westmerland, and unto whom they had not given Power, in that they allow none to come but those chosen by them, though never so undetectible in every respect, out of other Countries, nor of their own Country, to sit amongst their chosen Men; but if they have a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they must declare the same and with draw. The most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Impositions, tending to limit the Spirit of God in his People, that have been heard of amongst Men in a profession of Truth, and a∣moust such as pretend a keeping to the first Love and Life of the Principle be∣lieved in, and besides such Contradicting, Confused, Distracted and Jumbling Work as is made by them, from their offs and ons, confessing and denying, in and out, so that it is admirable to think whither they are gone, or what it is they would be at.

The aforesaid Manuscript of their Remonstrance we have by us, and the An∣swer, at large, given to it, ready for the view of such as may desire the same, or otherwise to be made use of, as William Rogers or any of party with him gives us occasion: Yet before we altogether leave making mention of the aforesaid Manuscript we would give the Reader a little notice of one or two material Pasia∣ges therein, relating to somthing that their great outcry hath been against the Church of God in the Practice of, and for which the Character of Apostates is given us.

First, The Recording of Condemnations for publick Transgressions, which John Wilkinson says, Renders a Man a Knave to Prosterity: Which Practice we do grant we use (together with the Repentance of such as comes to it) to out live the Memory of the Sin, and thereby to take the Blemish from off the Truth that was cast upon it thereby.

The Subscribers of the said Book of Remonstrance say, most slanderously of us, That when any have done a publick scandalous Evil, upon a few Words writ of their confessing their Fault (though they be not in any measure by Sorrow and Repentance brought to God, and restored to him again) they are right enough again for our Society. Which we say is an impudent false Aspersion, which they can never prove against us; but we say we deny no Papers given forth, whereby to clear the Truth and our holy Profession, (although the Sin be not repented of, nor Remission come to) and let that go after the Transgression, and remain on Record, as a Testimony for the pure Truth, and the justness of the Judgment of the Lord thereupon, which may also be of Service as a Caution to others in Generations to come, and if the Trans∣gressors do not thus, the Church of God is concerned therein, in a clear denial of any such Transgressions, with a Judgment thereupon, as also of any Fellowship with them found therein, till true Repentance be wrought, and a signal Testimony thereof manifested, and our Records, Practice and Fellowship, will and doth de∣monstrate the truth hereof.

Now a few Words to what they say is their Practice in this matter, inserted in the aforesaid Manuscript: They mention there what a care they have, if any run into Sin, to stir up the Witness of Life in them; and that when any, upon Repen∣tance, finds the Mercy of God again arise to them, and that they find the Lords requierings to renew their Peace with him, and clear the Truth, and give out a Paper to tell of his Judgments and Mercies, and leave it upon Record, and publish it to the whole World; such they say are living Testimonies, and they own them, and can with Joy receive such into Fellowship again, but they say they trample up∣on all Inventions as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the Earth.

Answer, First take notice here is Order and Care visible amongst them, which overturns all their clamoring Work against Order and Government in the Church. And Secondly here is Condemnations to be Recorded to Prosperity, to testifie of Gods Judgments and Mercies, and to clear the Truth, &c. which grants the matter against themselves, and their trampling upon Records on that account, as the Dung upon the Earth. Yet we ask them, What shall become of the Scandal to Truth in that matter, till such Repentance be wrought, or such a Requiring felt? suppose it never be, as many are never Renewed by Repentance. John Wilkinson Preacht that we must wait two Years, nay if it be seven Years. (as hath been Testified by Ear-Witnesses) expecting such a State again, in order to the matter; but not a Word of allowance of any Paper to be received from the Party, if he feel it on him, under Judgment, to go forth to clear the Truth; nor of the Church doing any thing, if the Party will do nothing: Let all consider what regard to Truths sweet Savour and Repute remains among them, who would leave such scandalous things upon the Family of God Un∣condemned.

But we say, What do they as to Practice in this matter? How many of them that justified flying from their Meeting Houses in time of 〈◊〉〈◊〉? or of them that let fall their Testimony against the Anrichristian Yoke of Tythes? or of the Drunkards, or Swearers, whom they listed into their consederate Work and Subscription, against the allowed Practices of the Church of God in our Quarter∣ly Meetings, and thereby would have limitted the Church of God, as said before, by their Orders and Prescriptions? Which of them, we say (for we have heard of none) in true Brokenness and Repentance have given forth such living Testi∣monies of the Lords Judgments and Mercies to be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on Record for clearing of the Truth, before they entered into that Fellowship with them again, in subscri∣bing with them? And when did John Scorife, who became so hatefully Scanda∣lous, to the grievous reproach of Truth, in the sorrow of his Heart, give forth such a living Testimony against himself and his reproachful Work, and leave a Paper thereof on Record (notwithstanding all the care they say they have on that wise) besore they allowed him to be a Subscriber amongst them, against the Fel∣lowship of dear Brethren, in the Service of Truth, and before he became a Fellow∣Traveller, with one of them, in the concern of Preaching and Praying to their shame.

Its a wonder they are not ashamed to cry against Church Order at this rate, and yet confess they have Order amongst them, but of what sort it is, let it be considered.

John Wilkinson also says, They would not have Condemnation go further then the knowledg of the Offence, nor be remembred af er the Lord hath remitted. We say so too. But how shall this be done without keeping a Record? For the Man of Sin, that pleads for an hold for it, term of Life, will not loose the remembrance of the Transgressions of such as have struck at his Kingdom in Doctrine and Life; must the Church of God then follow with the Condemnation thereof, and with the Testimony of Gods Judgments and Mercies to the Penitent, only in loose Pa∣pers that may be soon torn or lost, and if the Transgressions must not be remem∣bred after the Lord remits, and a Testimony be out accordingly; how is it then that William Rogers (like-minded with them, and a Leader) publisheth Solomon 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Weaknefs far and near, and leaves a Record thereof to Prosterity in his

Printed Book, after that Solomon did acknowledge his mistake in one Circum∣stance of the matter, and shewed his sorrow for it, as he manifested in a Letter under his own Hand to John Story, on that wise, long before William Rogers published the same; if here be not grosse Darkness and heaps of Confusion mani∣fested we know none.

But to go on, they tell us what their Order and Practice is about Marriages, who are offended at us, in that we would have all to publish their intentions of Marriage twice in our Men & Womens Meetings, whether there be occasion seen at present or not, before they be allowed to be accomplished, which they call a new Invention we have found, or the Inventions of others we follow: We say 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Their telling us that they have an order in this case, signifies that they have such a thing among them, then contradictory to all the noise they make against Orders, &c. But we will take notice of their Order, and see if they practice according to their own Rule in this matter.

They say, If two come before them to propose Marriage, Examination is made as to clearness from all other Persons, and if consent of Parents be in the case, &c. And they say, If they declare themselves clear, and none hath ought justly to object, &c. Yet a little respite was to be (meaning before the accomplishment) that Friends might enquire whether things were so or no: But there is not a word thus far of bringing the matter again to another Meeting, for they say, If nothing appeared to obstruct, then it was orderly to be accomplished.

But they say, If either Parents or Relations, or any other Man or Woman, had any reasonable Objection whereby to obstruct them, then they were not to proceed till the Objecti∣on was cleared. Look their Book before mentioned, if any question be made of the Truth of this, which is the very substance of the whole matter in relation thereunto.

First, We say, here is not a word of coming twice, unless there be occasion, and if any then (in that little respect, which they say they cause before the Ac∣complishment) have any thing justly to object, we ask to whom must the Ob∣jection be made? or who, that's hasty in such a matter, will take notice of such an Objection? being they are not ordered to forbear till another Meeting, and when the other Meeting will be, who knows? because their Meetings (as they have often declared) are to be only upon occasion: And what a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and cumber will there be about the matter of any ones Objection, whether it be a just Objection, or no? and whether a sufficient Objection or Occasion to call their occasional Meeting upon; what Distraction and Confusion is this? not like Gospel Order (though such they confess they have) we are bold to declare.

But what did they practice in the Case of Thomas Wilson, (who is since come off from them, to his Comfort, and we do not upbraid him with it, having ac∣knowledged his Weakness in that and other matters) He had been concerned with another Woman, of whom he was not clear, when he proposed his Marriage be∣fore them; upon which proposal a Letter was sent from the Meeting which the Woman belonged to, signifyng, that he was not clear of her, neither did the Woman give him up to marry another; Friends also of the Meeting he belonged to, gave notice thereof to some of them before whom the Marriage was proposed, and desired them to put a stop to it till matters were cleared concerning the other VVoman, and that Objection removed, and that the VVoman might have right done her which made complaint. They were so far from being answerable in

Practice to what they presumed to say is their Order, that there was no notice taken of it at all, with respect to respite, after Friends had sent them that notice, but within a few days the Marriage was accomplished.

Let the sober Reader consider, whether these doings be Gospel-like, and whe∣ther such work as this, doth bespeak a People faithful to God, according to their first love and care for Truth, and the sweet Savour of it; and whether it bespeak solidity, and weight in and about the things of God, to make such a noise against Church order, which is practised amongst the Faithful; and for which cause William Rogers proclaims the Children of God Aposlates to Prosterity, in a Printed Publick Record; and John Wilkinson signifies no disowning of it; and his Abet∣tors in these Parts spreads them abroad, and yet confesses to Order, declares what Order they have among themselves, least they should be rendred Loose and Care∣less with respect to Truth; and yet when their Orders, in the practick part of them comes to be search'd into, what sorry VVork they make, which indeed can∣not but in the Eye of the Simple, the Honest and VVise in God, render them not only Obnoxious to the Order and Discipline in the Power used in the Church of God amongst us, but also a sort of People that through their jumbling, wrangling VVork they have had in hand, have lost not only the Savour of Truth, but even a great part of those parts, as Men, which the Lord endued some of them with; and for the clearing up of these matters, a little spoken to, and several more rela∣ting to them, and their Practice now a days, we refer the Reader to our Answer in Manuscript, to the aforesaid Book, Subscribed by Edward Burrow, Richard Stephenson, John Wilkinson, and several more. The Title of our said Answer is called, The Answer to the Remonstrance of them of the Seperation in the North.

And further, it may be observed, That as a People resolved to stand by them∣selves, they continued meeting together now and then as they had occasion, and kept their Meeting at an House which Friends of the Quarterly Meeting had withdrawn from a long time before, partly on the account of the disorderly walk∣ing of him that lived therein. And that confidence they had in the matter thereof, that they sent to our Quarterly Meeting, claming an equal right with us to our Quarterly Meeting Books of account, of the Transactings of the Affairs of the Church from time to time, together with the Records of our Births, Marria∣ges and Burials; and by vertue of their pretended Title claimed liberty to an equal use thereof, as well as we, from time to time, as they might have occasion, and for that end demanded that the aforesaid Books might be brought to, and kept at the House, where they kept their Meeting, that Friends had withdrawn from, long before they parted from us, on the occasion of his disorderly walking. (Yet well enough still for their Fellowship in that Spirit they are gone into) Friends gave them a plain and sober Answer, in a measure of denial of their Proposal as stated, desiring them to condemn the wrong Spirit that had led them away from the Brethren, and break off from the Separation, and their Meeting in it, and in that which was good associate again with Friends from whom they were goue, then would the joynt Right and Priviledge therein be enjoyed amongst us.

But this gave them no Satisfaction, but a more peremptory demand they then made, signified in a Letter to us, Subscribed by John Wilkinson, William Cartmell, Richard Stephenson, William Chambers, Thomas Hodson, and the rest to the number of Thirteen, in which several reproachful Terms given to our Quarterly Meeting is inserted, — As if the Name of it must be bowed to, and on that account seek Prehe∣minence

over the Brethren, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their just right from them, &c. with much of that Nature; and at last comes to an expedient as they call it, to avoid greater In∣conveniences as they say, viz. If we will be pleased to re deliver the Books to John Airey from whence they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 taken, &c. [Note that's the Man whose House Friends left, as to the Meeting, and took away the Books also; for he was a Man Scan∣dalous to Truth in his Conversation] That (say they) we may have the use of them as well as your selves, and for which end they were purchased, &c.

The Reader may take notice, that upon the first demand of the Books, when we denyed them an equal use of them; being the Churches Records, which they were gone from, we told them, if they would not be pleased to condemn their ab∣senting in a tender mind, and come again in the true Love; if they would be pleased to send us a Bill of what they had laid out on the account of them, or what Charge had been contracted on them, by reason of any Record therein, they should have it returned to them again, and if they pleased to have a Copy of any, or all the Records therein, of Births, Marriages and Burials, that appertained to any of them, they should have a Copy thereof given them; but these things would not give them content; but the asore-mentioned Paper they sent into our Quarterly Meeting without any Name or Hand to it, which we returned again without taking any more notice of it, then having such a knowledge thereof as that we perceived it was the same that afterwards they sent to us, Subscribed as aforesaid.

An Answer whereunto we returned to them from our Quarterly Meeting the 〈◊〉〈◊〉. of the 7th. Month 1676. and because of the grievous out-cry they made against us of Injustice, after a very abusive clamorous manner, who are not negligent in spreading abroad Papers of that tendency, we think good here to in∣sert some part of our said Answer to their demand about the Books, that the Reader may be in a better Capacity to judge of this matter in relation to us.

We having answered several abusive Speeches and Reflections cast upon our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings in their aforesaid Paper of Demand, in our Answer we insert their demand, 〈◊〉〈◊〉

That Churches Books of Records should remain at the aforesaid John Airey's 〈◊〉〈◊〉, (from which Friends had withdrawn, because of the Scandal he had brought to Truth.) To which our Answer is thus, Whether this be a just demand let the Witness for God and all Faithful Brethren Judge. Had you not an equal privi∣ledge in, and use thereof whilst you kept in Unity with us, &c? Are you not broken off and separated from us, and your Seperation judged by many faithful Brethren, as many of you know? Are you owned of any one Church of God in the whole Nation, in this your Seperation, &c? Is it a just thing in you thus to foment Strife, in standing by, and encouraging a Separation by such Demands? Have you not in Gods sight and according to equity forfeited your former right in the Churches Priviledges by separating from her? Might not the worst of Hereticks and Apostates from God (the False Church) that may keep up Meetings, make the same demand as you do, because that once they had been concerned in the true Church Affairs? Were it a just thing in them to say, Let the Churches Books (in which the weighty Concerns of Truth were Recorded) be where we may have the use of them as well as you? What an Expedient were this to prevent the great Incon∣veniences you talk of? Is it a right thing that Apostates and Hereticks should be

concerned in, and privie to the true Church Cocerns? we would know what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would acrew to the Church thereby, as to let in such Defilements and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 things upon her? or what Inconveniences are they, you talk on, may be avoided by this your Expedient as you call it? we can truly say, they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Blessed that keeps their Garments clear from the Defilements of this dividing Spirit, and their Advantage in the Lord is great by reason thereof, and we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are great you are run into, you are catch'd in a Snare, & the more you strugle, the faster your Feet are hel'd, it were well for you to be still, and so you may get out again, least you perish 〈◊〉〈◊〉 evermore. And as to your de∣mand, which you call Just, in a few Words we tell you, we deny it to be so, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 we countenance your division thus; we say as we said before to you, the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Church is but one led by one Spirit, its Unity stands in the Power that knits 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (and is honour in unity) it cannot be divided, its Covering is without 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Rent, no division can be admitted of in it; either are we broken off and 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 share in the Churches Priviledges, and if you judge so of us, why do you 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 us plainly, (that we may plead that with you) and if you had demanded things on that account, and could prove it against us, then your demands of the Books from us were just, and otherwise you may as well say nothing; or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 its you that are broken off from us, and this is plainly evident by your 〈◊〉〈◊〉 from us, and the Testimony of many faithful 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is and hath been against you, and not one of the Church of Christ, in the whole Nation, do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 you in this your Work, nor any of them that will own you in this your Demands.

But you say, We grant you to have right in the Books; why, because we say if you bring us a Bill of what Mony you laid out for them (or your share came to) you should have it repaid; we say what right soever we have granted you in that, it had been more commendable for you, as Men, to have made that your demand, then to have demanded the use of the Books, &c. to be abused by that Spirit as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they were; or if you say we grant you a continuing right in them, by this our profer, you are under a mistake, and do abuse our good will to you; if you say we grant you a Title in profering you Coppys of the Record of any Birth or Marriage, if you desired it: In this also you wrong the Case, and abuse us, to strengthen your Cause by, and neither of both wil answer the thing you aim at, or justify your Demands, that no Age past (that we know of) can paralel, and succeeding Ages wil be ashamed of it. In their Paper, they have very abusively clamored against us, in saying we retain their just Right from them: To which we answer thus, We challing the Right to them, and use of them in the Churches Right, assembling together monthly and quarterly (as our Words plainly imparts) for the Service of Truth; and for which Services, in such Assemblies they were, with an unanimous Consent procured, and for the said Use, and none other, are they stil kept: And notwithstanding this, in that we cannot grant you the use of them at your Will, in your Separation and Strife; you exclaim and say by the same Rule, and in as much Justice, we may take away any other thing, due to you, if we can but secure it into our Possession.

To which we also said, Is not this great Darkness, &c. Have you not only lost the sence of the Churches Priviledges and Power over Dissenters, &c. But your Words savers of great Prejudice and Envy and want of common reason, &c.

Dare you say, when you consider again, That we, as the quarterly Meeting

(in the Sense that our Words and Actions carries along with them) have no more right to keep the said Books, having the Possession of them, for the Uses aforesaid, from you so separated and broken from us, and out of Unity with us) then to keep any other thing justly due to you, if we had but the Possession of it, &c.

We do commit the Judgment in this case to that in all Consciences, as such an absurd thing, as no more need be said to it by us: And as for the great In∣justice you say we do you, in not answering your Demand: We say, notwith∣standing your reproachful Words, we are not ashamed of the Proposals tendered you in this matter, and are willing to refer it to the Consideration of the most antient and faithful Brethren to judg of. And if these things will not satisfy you, it's a Shame to trouble us any more with your Papers, we shall take little notice of them, for the streess of the matter lies 〈◊〉〈◊〉: The Right (you quarrel about) is in the particular Church of Christ in Westmerland, assembling Monthly and Quarterly for the publick Service of Truth, as cannot justly be 〈◊〉〈◊〉; if you say they belong to you, as the Church (tho in the Separation) we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, who shall hear and give Judgment in the case of Difference in any particular Church, but the Spirt of the Lord in the grave and faithful Members of the Churches ge∣neral Assemblies, for the general Service of Truth and Concerns of the whole Body; and this we have lovingly profered you, which argues no Guilt upon our Spirits, but this you dare not submit to, but in a Disrespect, in a slightful scorn∣ful manner puts it off not Truth like, &c.

It's a shameful thing, even amongst Men, to cry out of Injustice, and yet will not come to Tryal in God's Way: Christ said, if thy Brother trespass againct thee, &c. at last tell it to the Church. This is such a clear Case, that even Children in the Truth are not Strangers to it: If we have done you Wrong, why do you not tell it to the Church according to Christs Rule; but exclaims thus, and nothing will satisfy you but your own Demands in your own Case, &c.

We tell you for Conscience Sake, the Authority of Gods Power, and the true Churches Right we cannot do it, we cannot give away its Priviledg at the request of a dissenting Spirit.

This is our Answer, and is the second or third time we have told you so, if this will not satisfy you tell it to the Church, if the Spirit of Jesus be in you, and give over this wrangling: If the Church judg us in this matter, and we hear it not, let us bear the Burthen of the Wrong done unto you; there you may have Right done unto you: This we grant you for your Satisfaction, and to remove the Prejudice you have begot, in some of the simple-minded, against us, through your crying Injustice, which is very abusive, seeing you will not come to Tryal, &c. And if none of these Proposals will finde an Entrance upon you, and work in you Satis∣faction, then will it be plainly manifest to all that knows these things, that you are not onely separated from us in the Exercise of Truth's publick Concern, but also gon from the Nobility of the Power some of you were once honourable in, in the Day whereof, this detestable Work would have been cause of Lamentation to you, and the Advice and Unity of Brethren precious in your Eye, which you now detest; and for your reflecting Postscript, in which you shew a Discontent that we returned to you, your unsubscribed Paper: You may say we delt sivily with you that did not return it with the Name of idam flet, that the Author therof, were either ashamed of, or timerous to stand by, and doth argue a secret Guilt upon the Spirits of such as were principally concerned in it, and good Cause

had we to desire to know whose they were, as thereby manifested to be the great Fomentors of the woful Strife and Division you are entered into (and the princi∣pal Leaders of the Separation you persist in, that such may be marked and taken heed of by the simple amongst you, and by all every where, that loves Sion s Peace and its Welfare in the Lord, whose Blessing will attend such for ever more, &c. From our quarterly Meeting the sixth of the Eighth Month.

Thomas Pearson Thomas Langhorn, John Blayklinge, Joseph Baines, and Thirty more, on behalf of the said Meeting,

It may be observed that the aforesaid Paper being delivered to them they return∣ed no Answer to it to this day, neither heard we any more of that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Work they had before made about the demanding the Books as aforesaid, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for the Reasons we gave them as expressed, so that what they do with respect to Business, or when they keep their 〈◊〉〈◊〉, we are Strangers to them, and with respect to our Meetings, we can say of a Truth, the Glory of Israel's God is with us and the shout of aking, and in Dominion through God's Eternal Pow∣er, our Life reigns over all dissenting backsliding 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and evil surmising Spi∣rits, and the Works thereof, and in the Exercise of the Spirit in our men and womens Meetings, a Care is amongst us for God's Glory, and one anothers Ad∣vantage and Comfort, to the Joy and rejoycing of our Hearts in the Unity of that Life and Fellowship of that blessed Spirit in which our Hearts are made right glad, and have cause to bless the Lord the Days we have to live; and now having clea∣red our Consciences in the Lord's Sight thus far, concerning them of the separating wrong Spirit, who will not hear and return to God, that they may finde Mercy; we are in perfect Peace in the Spirit of our Minds: And they being gon out from us, because they are not of us, &c. their Contentious troublesom Spirit, and their Strife we being quit of, the Children of God (the Church of the First born) injoys their Peace, sitting under their Vines and Figtrees in that sweet Repose that does our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 good, and with respect to the Churches Concerns and Care in the Exercise and Practice therein, we do injoy that inward Satisfaction, and that outward Quiet and Peace that we have long waited for, Glory to God on high for ever more. Several of the Innocent that loves Righteousness and waits for God's Salvation, comes off again from that Spirits Work, and from touching any more in the Defilements of it, acknowledging the Weakness they gave up themselves in∣to, in which they became the Churches Grief, and in a signal Testimony of their Repentance condemned the Spirit that betrayed them; and the Fellowship of the Spirit with God's People are come again to injoy to their unspeakable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Joy beyond what can be uttered: Our Meetings are become quiet, and we are unanimously and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sociable in our Work, the rending troublesom Spirit being gon out never to return: And if any who have been of it should desire to come again it must be through Judgment and the Spirit of burning, through which, whosoever of them draws near again, it will be our Joy and the Answer of our Souls Desires, and that's the Exercise we are now concerned in, in relation to them, being thus far Clear in the Lord's Sight.

Little more Occasion on the account of the outward Concerns of the Church of Christ have Friends with them, but that as to Meetings on the account of Wor∣ship: They of the Separation and other Friends continued yet together, Friends

〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 all the Bowels that possiblely could be on the account of 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉: 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Gods People, Ministers and Messengers of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, out 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, had it on their Spirits to visit the Church of God in 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Advice to all, and in a Reproof upon the Spirit of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 and Advice to them in a 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 the antient 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and the comfortable Society and 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉 therein, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hearty 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for reuniting 〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 several wholsome Admonitions, Counsel and 〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊◊〉, by such as came amongst us, besides the 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 yet 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with us 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Parts concerning them: Several printed Books came amongst us in relation to the matter occacioning the starting aside, in Vindication of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Care and Government amongst Gods People for the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and tender of them that were led aside, particularly Roburt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Book of Government, and Georg Fox's Book, in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Womens Meetings, in order to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of their Service in the Church of Christ, in the Capacity under which they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 having 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spirit, in which, to be prositable (as the Lord should instruct) 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Gospel of Christ Jesus; and many Papers and Epistles from several Brethren, was the Assemblies 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gods People 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with, that all might fear, and be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that was coming on, upon the rebellious and self-willed, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 might 〈◊〉〈◊〉 clear of the Blood of them that would not take Councel in their 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And altho some of the honest-minded of them was bettered thereby, and the Testi∣monies of the Power became a Savor of Life unto Life unto them, to the working 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 them, yet with many of the old Subscribers against the Unity of 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the concern of Church Affairs, it was not so; but they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hard and seared, as with an hot Iron, and Incouragers still of the Separation. John Wilkinson continued still in the Conspiracy with them, manifested by his usually frequenting their occasioned separate Meetings, as we have been credibly in∣formed, after their Meetings have been past: And John Story, being never willing (that we could understand) to shew any Dislike thereof, and therefore, a con∣tinuing 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of that Spirit and Work of it, his Name and Spirit being in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Foundation thereof and Subscription to the agreement and resolve, in relation to it. But as to any publick, or great matter of Work, they of that Par∣ty in the North, did, or could do, for the annimating or furthering the Design thereof in these Parts, it was not much, save what they did privately underhand, with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the Faithful to God and the Churches Care, thereby to in∣sinuate upon the Assections of the weak and loose sort, whereby to keep their Confederacy on foot, and their Design alive; which, with whisperings and watch∣ings for Evil, and making lies their Refuge, they laboured to do, and were as in∣dustrious in that matter, and in spreading abroad any of their abusive 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Papers and Books, where they would be received of them, they could work them∣selves into.

But the Life of their Business, and the ground of their Hopes, in order to the carrying on, and compleating the same now, depended on the supposed Strength that 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 in the West Parts of the Nation, where John Story's Time was most∣ly spent, and of whose Cunning and Craft, in the matter, they in those parts were no 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to; and the Aid that attended him, through William Rogers Spirit, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, in the espoused Cause he had taken upon him, and the politick furi∣ous and ambitious Minde he carried with him, in the management of the Work

they had in hand, kept up their Heads here, and their Eyes abroad, to see what would become of the matter of it.

And now it became the Concern of them in those parts, in a few Hands, on whom the design hung, and William Rogers buckled him to it, with the pollicy and might he had; he writ a Book in Answer to Robert Barkleys Book of Government, which in this his Printed Book he often makes mention of, and with clamorous 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 sets himself against the Testimony by him born therein, (inserted) for the Government and Dissipline of Christ Jesus, Instrumentally and Visibly amongst his People; yet (as said before) clearly detected, William Rogers stands in the Hearts of all sober Consciences and humble minded Men, who have seen his Book and Work, and the Answer to it, called, The Accuser of the Brethren 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉, to the satisfaction of them that love God and a Christian Life: And he is plainly manifest∣ed to have had an evil Design, in his Bosom, against the Image of God, and an unspotted Conversation, and which Christ Jesus the head of the Church, and the sirst born of many Brethren, hath the concern of upon him, as appointed of the Father for that end, to bring a People into the enjoyment 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whom he hath ruled by his Grace, and hath accounted worthy to be blest with the priviledg: and unspeakable Gain that doth attend the same for evermore; and that his said Book of Answer, William Rogers hath sent abroad, to and again, to the great reflection on Robert Barklay, very abusively, and not according to any Gospel Order, or the just Law of doing to all as one would be done unto, nor as becomes Brethren and the true Christian Quaker, on the account of this Spirit and its Work; many Trans∣actions in Words were had, and Writings were sent to and fro in the South, to the great Exercise of the Church of God there, and the Grief of the Upright-hearted every where, (who hath the knowledge of it) because of the Destractions that this William Rogers and John Story made there aways, with Books and Papers, labou∣ring to Proselite into their Faction, and make Parties against the Unity and Body of Friends where they could prevail; and after this manner Passages were the lat∣ter end of the Year 1676. and the beginning of the Year following, at the gene∣neral Meeting 1677. the Concerns of the blessed Truth, and the Affairs of the Church of Christ every where (through the hand of the Almighty an oppor∣tunity being given) being under the Care and Exercise of Friends; and amongst other things, the State of the Church in general, on the account of John Story and John Wilkinson, was at several Meetings upon the Spirits of many dear Brethren, with respect to the Grieveances and Pressure it lay under, on the account of the disregard that had been upon them, of all the bowed Exercises, the Labours and Travels, and unwearied Indeavours that had been used towards them, and their obstinate resisting of Friends Advice and Counsel to them, to do their Indeavours to break up the separate Meeting in the North (greatly occasioned by them) and themselves to be reconciled to the Brethren before they any more offer 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gift, as also under the sence of their obstinacy in refusing to take notice thereof, but on the contrary did the utmost, as it appeared, to beget more and more into the minds of the Weak through their evil 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and ungodly Surmisings, in relati∣on to Order and Government in the Church of God, (comfortably settled amongst us) with Whispering and open Reflections against the Instruments the Lord had made use of in the Work thereof, whereby many dear Friends, throughout the whole Nation, (as it was demonstrated by many living 〈◊〉〈◊〉) was grive∣ously afflicted therewith, for the sake of Gods People, his Heritage, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Soul destroying Spirit would have laid waste; and in as much as that Friends Labours, Exercises and Travels, Counsel and Advice, had been such in pure Love and Patience, Long-suffering and Forbearance, concerning them which they had trampled upon, and took advantage thereby to prosecute the design of Evil and Mischief which they were filled with; that Friends unanimiously signified their sence that the Lord and his People were clear of them, and if that Indignation from Heaven (as the just desert of a Stiffnecked and Rebellious People) were re∣veiled from the hand of the just God upon them; the Lord should be clear, and his People clear, and in as much as that it was fully declared by the Brethren, that the Minds of the Simple, in many places (where reports of this Spirits Work came) were filled with various thoughts concerning them, with respect to the real state of matters, not knowing well how things were in relation to them, on which account many might become hurt and darkned in themselves, and an occa∣sion thereby given for a Vail to come over, under which those Temptations might enter, which might produce the hurt of many; wherefore in persuance of the many blessed and living Testimonies that arise among Friends in the breaking 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Glory of the Lord upon Friends, in relation to a Testimony to go 〈◊〉〈◊〉, in the Name of the Eternal God, against the ungodly backsliding rending Spirit that had prevailed over many, to draw them out of the Fellowship of the Spirit in the Church of Christ into Strife and Contention, and into a Separation from the Antient Brethren, together with the Abettors every where, perticularly against John Wilkinson and John Story, as the great Fomenters thereof, and the Pillers of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Destracted Work that had been occasioned and brought forth amongst the Lords People, unto which Friends there present unniamiously a∣greed together with a joynt consent, that this follwing Paper should be given forth and signed to go abroad throughout the Nation, as in the Wisdom of God might be seen meet.

Our dear Friends and Brethren,

THE Lord who is the Antient of Days, the Unchangable and Holy One of Israel, that was and is, and is to come, our Rock and Strength for ever, hath graciously brought us together by his own Power, and is with us, yea and hath covered us with his Love and Spirit, and filled our Hearts with his undecla∣rable Kindness, the sence of his Mercies hath exceedingly over come us, and the remembrance of his ancient Goodness hath even melted us and semented us toge∣ther, and Blessed, and Sweet, and very Precious to our Souls is the Heavenly Unity of Life amongst us (wherein) at this Meeting, the Lord our God hath Crowned us with Glory, Dominion and Peace, Blessed forever be his pure Name.

Oh how good is it for all to keep in the living sence of God and his Truth, where plentious Redemption and Preservation is known, where the Murmurer, and Repiner, &c. can never come; therefore all that are in the Muttering, Dissatisfied and Jealous Nature, full of Doubts, Reasonings and Objectings, goe from the pure Eye and out of Truths Habitation in themselves, and so come to suffer Loss.

Dear Brethren, at this time, as on the like occasions, has been frequent with us the care of the Peace and Welfare of the Churches of Christ came upon us, and

blessed be the Lord things are generally well and florishing, and Truth grows Famous, though Sufferings abound in several places, yet it is well with Friends, and the Lords Power reigns, and great hath been the concern of Friends about the Sufferings of our Brethren and other things; and blessed Meetings have we had wherein things have been clearly opened, sweetly and tenderly treated on, and in much Love and Brotherly Kindness concluded; for which blessed be the Name of the Lord whose living, antient, fresh Power and Presence was with us, but truly with bowed Spirits and grife of Heart have we perceived the obstinacy and obdurateness of some that have gone into the Self-will, and dispising heavenly Dignities, and casting tender Love and Intreaties behind their Backs, setting up, contriving, and promoting false and pernitious Jealousies, Murmurings and Smitings, whereby they are darkned in their Understandings, and so have, through the Power of the Enemy, against the King of Righteousness and his Peace, set up a kind of Standerd of Separation from the blessed Fellowship and Communi∣on that the Churches of Christ sweetly possest together, to the dishonour of God, his Truth and People; more especially John Story and John Wilkinson, not∣withstanding the many Visitations and Admonitions of Love and Life even in deepest Travels, and that from time to time, and from year to year, particularly the Sence and Admonition of the last Yearly Meeting, writ in great Love, that they might return and be reconsiled before they offered their Gift, which they have Rejected.

And forasmuch, as it appears to us, that they will not come at us nor near us in the peaceable Truth, which we have frequently and truly desired for their good; but that they go on in their Opposition and evil Surmisings against the faithful Brethren and practice of the Church of Christ, refusing to desolve their separate Company in the North, or clear their hands of them by a faithful Testi∣mony against them, or so much as blot their Names out of their Paper of Se∣paration, and because we are sencible they have made evil use of our Forbearance even to strengthen themselves in their Separation, and cover their evil designs the more amongst some simple-hearted Friends preserving therein, by Word, Writing and Practice, we are constrained after this continued Waiting and Ex∣hortation thus slighted by them, for the Glory of the Name of the Lord, the Sake of the Peace of the Churches of Christ, (and that we may stand clear in the Power of God, of the Blood of all, in the great and notable day of account) more publickly to reprove them in those things, and we do hereby reprove and judg that jelous, rending and separating Spirit, and them and their separate Company, as being in that Spirit of Separation, and that by the Power and Spirit of our God; and we do warn all to whom this comes to beware of the said John Story and John Wilkinson, whose ways at present, is not the way of Peace and Christian Concord, for if it were they would not offer their Gift till reconciled to their Brethren; therefore Brethren, every where, stand up in the Power and Wisdom of God for the Testimony of Truth against that wrong, jealous, murmuring and dividing Spirit, and when they come warn them in the Name of the Lord to go home and be reconciled to their Brethren, and not go thus up and down to offer up their Gift, which in their State is not a Peace but a Division Offering, contrary to the Precepts of Jesus our Lord of being first re∣consiled whatever their pretence be, and therein will you acquit your selves in Gods sight and shew true Love and Friendship unto them, and those that

may be hurt by them, which our Souls most earnestly desire, yea, that it may be truly well with them both here and forever, and from the Lord, we say, had they loved the Prosperity of Sion and the Peace of Jerusalem more than their own Self-will and Separation, and had they sought the Unity that is in the Truth, and sweet Communion of Brethren which stands in that Love which thinks no Evil, and that Wisdom, that is gentle and very easie to be intreated by the Brethren, sweet and precious had our Fellowship been together at this day; and it is our godly Exhortation to you Friends and Brethren of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, that you watch in the Light and Power of God, against this separating Spirit that smites at the blessed Fellowship of the Churches of Christ, and where it enters any, in Gods Love to Admonish, Exhort and Warn such to take heed of that ravenous Spirit, and to keep in the Peace and Unity of the Family of the Lord, the Househould of Christ, which we are; and if notwithstanding your tender Christian dealing and forbearance, such Persons persever and go on in their seperate Spirit and Practice, let Gods Truth be cleared of them, and Truth set over their Heads, according to the order of the Gospel of Christ setled amongst you, and dear Brethren be careful not to suffer your Meetings which were gathered up, not by the will of Man, but by the Power and Wisdom of the Lord God, to be disturbed, over-ruled and spoyled by heady, obstinate and contentious Persons that disturb the Peace of the Church of Christ; neither fear Man, but eye the Lord, and wait in his Power and Wis∣dom to be guided and ordered, and so go on to your Work in the Name of the Lord, for the Seed of Life (and not the wisdom that's below) must rule and have the Dominion for ever; but for as much as the way of the working of this subtil Enemy hath been to suggest, that it is the design of some to make themselves Lords over Gods Heritage, and to set up a Worldly and Arbitaray Power in the Church of Christ, and then to run out into severe Ex∣clamations against Impositions, crying up Liberty of Conscience, thereby casting a Mist before the Eyes of the Simple, and Stumblingblocks in the way of the Weak: Thus we feel our selves concerned in the Love of the Lord, for the good of all to declare; and the Lord hath gathered us and preserved us to this day, and his Spirit is our Record, that we deny and abhor any such thing, for we have our Lord, Judge, King & Lawgiver in the Church, and that is Christ Jesus, unto whose Light, Power & Spirit we have been turned, & in that have Worship∣ed him and had Fellowship together to this very day, and are your Servants for his sake; and we are assured in the Lord that they that keep in the Light, Life and Power of Jesus will have Fellowship with us, and truly our Fellowship is with the Father and the Son, and though it is far from us to bruise or hurt the poorest or least Member in the Church of Christ, who may not have that clear∣ness of Sight and strength of Faith which the Lord hath brought us to; but that they may be Cherished: Yet by that Salt which we have in our selves from the Lord are we enabled to savour between the Transformations of the Enemy and the Scruples of the Innocent, and as to be tender of the one, so to give Judgment against the other, and our Day and Age hath lamentably shewn us the effects of that Spirit, that under pretence of crying down Imposition, and pleading for Liberty and doing nothiug but what it is free to, hath endeavoured to lay waste the blessed Unity of the Brethren, and to ove-rrun the Heritage of the Lord (that lived together as an orderly Family

under the Law of Life and living order of the Gospel) with a loose and unsub∣setled Conversation which would bring Confusion in the Church, and make us a Derision to the Heathen, and to the end that these very 〈◊〉〈◊〉 concerned in this Separation may appear to be no true Lovers of Christian Liberty, and Gos∣pel Priviledges, as they pretend, let their own Paper, which is a Declaration of the Reasons of their Separating, be read and weighed in the universal Love and Life of Christ Jesus; and therein, we will suppose, will be found the true Na∣ture of Imposition, in that none of their own Country are allowed to be of the Monthly and Quarterly Meeting, but such as are appointed and chosen by the perticular Meeting. (Next,) That none of their own, or other Countries, though publick Labourers in the Gospel, are to be admitted to be in their Meetings, unless it be to tell their Message and immediately to depart. And these, with such like things, Eighty seven subscribed, as the Reason of their Separation and Foundation of a new Government themselves, which is a plain Independensie from the Life and Practice of the Church of Christ throughout the World.

Oh Friends, watch in the Power of God against this Spirit that would make them twain that God hath made one, and separate that which God hath joyned together: And you that have any Interest in them, and to whom their Regard is. Oh have a care that you give them no Strength in their manifest Separation, but stand upon your Watch-Tower. Dear Friends, in God s Love touch not with that Spirit, the Enemies of Sion's Glory and their Peace, give not your Strength to them, but deal faithfully with them, and seek them in God's Way and Wisdom, that whatever becomes of them in the End, you may be clear of their Blood in the Sight of the Lord; and they may not say, but that they have had a Day of Love and Visitation. And truly, that which hath incouraged in this Epistle, is that good Success that God hath blessed our like Endeavours (in his Power) with: For many deceived by them, and confederate with them, having seen their Snare, in tenderness of Spirit have honestly consessed their Fault, and are come from them, and have testified both against the separate Company and themselves, for having been of it; and now live in Unity with their Brethren, and feel the Joy and quiet Habitation that in the Communion of Saints and Fellowship of the Churches of Jesus is enjoyed, praises to the Lord for ever; and as we desire, so we hope, that more will be brought to the same blessed Sence. So be jealous for the Lord, dear Brethren, and stand up in his Spirit and Power for the Peace of his Church, and in his precious peacible Life dwell, that keeps in soundness of Mind, then will you shew Mercy to that which Mercy is due, and Judgment to that which Judgment is due, with∣out respect of Persons, and herein our pure true Love is shewn to them, and all mankinde; and the God of our Heavenly Love, Peace and pretious Fellowship be with usall, and bless us and keep us to the Glory of his Eternal Name, who, over all Spirits, Angels and Men, Thrones, Dignities and Dominions, reigns and is worthy and blessed for ever.

We are unanimously

Your dear and faithful Brethren in the Labour; Travail, Tribulation, Patience, Hope, and Rejoycing of the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus.

Thomas Taylor. Thomas Briggs. Ambros Rigg. William Edmonsor. H nry Jackson. James Harrison. Thomas Zachry. John Burnyeat. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Blaykling. William Gibson. John Abram. Samuel Cater. Morgan 〈◊〉〈◊〉. John Bowran. 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉. John Whithead. Thomas Atkins. Rudger Longworth. Luke Howard. Richard Pinder. Joseph Hill. Richard Davis. Nicholas Gaitts. Bray Dayla. Stephen Smith. Thomas Holmes. James Halliday. John Moone. Thomas Robertson. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fell. William 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Samuel Genings. Finias Bell. Cudbert Hayhurst. James Fletcher. Thomas Brasey. John Tiffin. Thomas Burr. Gyles Barnardison. William Fallowfield. Jonathan Jonson. James Claypoole. Richard Snead. John Wyford. John Elson. John Due. Francis Finsher. William Whatey. Thomas Elwood. Anthony Tomkins. John Bure. Charles Marshall. William Penn. Francis Moore, John Higgins. Ezakiel Wolly. Oliver Samson. Christopher Taylor. Benjamin Antrobuss. With several others.

From a Meeting held at Elis Hookes Chamber in London, the 12th of the 4th. Month 1677.

And there were several Brethren that had left the City before this Meeting, wherein this Epistle was subscribed, who at other Meetings had testified against this separate Spirit, in the Power of the Lord, and so are one with us herein; and some there were who have already cleared their Consciences at the last Years Meeting, and since at other Meetings, both by Epistles and other Manuscripts in a full and saithful Testimony against this Spirit of Separation and Opposition of his heavenly Truth.

After all these Exercises of Soul and Spirit amongst the Lord's People, even the afficted ones, with respect to Sion's Troubles that attended them through the Spirit of Strife, though the Upright to God were comforted in the midst of all, in him in whom Salvation is. The Separation in the North still continued amongst the backsliding sort; and as the Mercies of the Lord, and the former great Forbearances of God's People towards them, was made ill use of, and the Concern of Friends despised, thereby taking Opportunity the more quietly to abet and strengthen their Work. Even so was the pure and sound Judgment of Truth, through God's People, and the Sentance now given against them in the Spirit of Christ Jesus, trampled upon by them; hardening themselves against all, as the evil Men and Seducers that grows worse and worse: And all Hopes con∣cerning them, being much dispaired of, Friends here in the North, who had kept their Habitarions in God, and in it their Fellowship one with another, in their Quarterly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 when together, and the Care for Truth upon them, under the weight of this opposit Spirits Work, and their Division with them therein:

In relation to the things of God did agree together to send some saithful Bre∣thren to the Meetings, which they of the Separation did frequent, to let them know, that unless they that were led aside into the Temptations and the Snares of that dividing Spirit (whereby they were led from us into a Disconcern on that account, of the Affairs of the Church of Chrict into a slight thereof,) would con∣demn their Weakness therein, and break up the separate Meeting, which was become the stumbling and the Hurt of many, and tended to the Reproach of Truth.

Friends were inclined, and resolved (as agreed upon amongst us) to withdraw Meetings from the Houses of such as were in the Strife and Separation, and the Upholders thereof, as that which was not consistent with Unity of Brethren, nor the Repute of our uniting healing Spirit, and principle of Life which we had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to, and made a good Confession of before all with whom we had to do, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that believed and kept Faithful to God had their Communion and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in, to the Comfort of our Souls, and the honour of that one Spirit, 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 Life, our Support, and the Comsort of our Days; and that it was 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 for them to expect our 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in that Joperdy with 〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 meet at their Houses on the account of worshiping God, which 〈◊〉〈◊〉 we did so) granted greater Fellowship with them than in the Truth 〈◊〉〈◊〉 be allowed, seeing they had withdrawn themselves from the Brethren of the monthly 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quarterly Meetings in the visible Exercises relating to the visi∣ble Concern in the Church of God; and that the Order, Desipline, and Govern∣ment used amongst us in subjection to God's Power and Rule, they had despi∣sed and slandered, and reproachfully abused us, besides their Disconcern amongst us.

And as it was the Agreement of the Meeting aforesaid, they who had that Service upon them, went amongst them with the Testimony that they had upon their Spirits touching that matter; many of the most tender-Hearted of them signified their Unwillingness to be parted from Friends on that wise, but chused (and moved in the Meeting accordingly) the rather to go after the other, and meet at their Houses, than break off from them and meet among themselves: At that Meeting, that John Story belonged to, John Wilkinson was that Day, and he knows in his Conscience, if he did not put a total stop to those Desires, and the Motion on that wise, which most of the Meeting closed with but himself, and if he did not say, That if Friends missed that Opportunity, take heed when they meet with such another; so that was it which prevailed upon that sort of them that were the Leaders and Sticklers in the contentious separate Work: For from that time they drew to themselves into a distinct Meeting, which they of that loose backsliding sort, from their first Testimonies, and from the Life of Truth, keeps the Form of to this Day: But upon that Occasion several of the honest and tender-Minded to God, that loved Righteousness, and them that kept true to the Life of it, came away from them separated and condemned, in a seasonable time, their former adhering to them of the Subscription, to their confederate De∣sign, the ground of the separate Meeting, and in the Power of God were renew∣ed into Love and Care for Truth and God s Glory, and manifested their Sorrow and Grief of Heart for their former Weakness, and were received again into Unity with the Faithful, to their Comfort and Hearts-Joy, as some of them under their own Hands have given a Testimony of to the glading of the Hearts of the Faith∣ful

every where who have the Knowledg thereof, and poor Men are they that remains behinde, with respect to the Riches of God's Kingdom, and how they are scattered and divided, and broken asunder, they might see, if they did not 〈◊〉〈◊〉 their Eyes; and how many of them are taken away, of the greatest of them, by Death, and others become loose and gon back, so their Number de∣cays apace, and the Generation of them is passing away, that their Memorial may rot and never rise again. After this it was presently noised abroad up and down the Nation, amongst this sort of Professors of Truth, upon a Letter sent out of the North, with no Name to it, That we had excommunicated them of that Party in the North, and that we had forbiden them to come to our Houses, and such like Discourse they had amongst them, to make our Care and Exercise for Truth, God's Glory, and the Honour of our holy Fellowship hateful, if possibly they could. The Relation of our Concern in this Matter, from which they ground∣ed these lying Reports, we thought meet a little here to insert, for the satisfacti∣on of the honest, unprejudiced People, that in sincerity of Soul every one may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereof: For notwithstanding our Friends withdrawing from their Huses aforesaid, yet they were so far from hindering or forbiding them to come to their Houses (whose Dores are open to all) that they had Word seve∣ral times sent them of Meetings, when some of our travelling Friends came a∣mongst us. And this is the Work of John Wilkinson and them of that Party with him, and on this wise, with Witchery have they gon about to further their De∣sign, which the Lord will break in pieces: It's already begun, let them look about them, that they may escape the Wrath and perpetual Reproach that's coming upon them; let the Patient wait but a little and they shall see the end thereof: The Relation at large we have by us with many Hands at it, ready for a surther Service as Occasion may require; however, from what hath been said touching this matter, it may be easily seen, whether John Wilkinson be not a principal Leader in this contending separate Work, and what treacherous lying Reports is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 abroad by him, and others of that Party, to work in the Mindes of People a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Friend's Exercise in the Church of Christ, according to the Disci∣pline and Order thereof: And whether William Rogers, in his applauding such so 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and none to exceed them in Doctrine and Life, that ever he hear'd of, is not very much under a great Mistake, let the Reader consider, when such Work as this is acted by them: However this we can truly say, these things have greatly wrought the Churches Peace and Quietness, and now we are become ve∣ry Peaceable in our monthly and quarterly Meetings, they of the dividing conten∣tious opposit Spirit having left us, and the Power and Glory of God overshadow∣ing our Meetings, and those Blessings 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on high we are daily made so to en∣joy 〈◊〉〈◊〉 our Labours and Work, that a true Delight in God and his pure Truth springs up amongst the Faithful, and Amiable, and Sweet. Our Society is with∣out the least appearance of any Jarr or Division amongst us; and our Meetings on the account of the Worship of God, Friends are truly comforted in, in the sence of a daily Increase in the Power and Dominion of God: So that Friends Testi∣monies for the antient Truth are sweet and easy to many, notwithstanding what is suffered therefore; and several are added to us from off the barren Mountains, and gathered home to the true Sheeperd who leads his Flock into green Pastures by the Pooles of Water, to our Hearts Comfort and the Glory of him who is wor∣thy for evermore. And this we have to say upon the whole matter, in relation

to the many grievous and sore Exercises that we meet withal for several Years, through the occasion of this dividing separate Spirit, which had 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Churches Sorrow, and the Breach of its Peace.

The Lord hath turned the same to our great advantage many ways as hath been demonstrated and livingly felt to the great Joy and Comfort of our Souls, that into an holy retirement of the antient Power, by which we were first a People, all the Innocent to God are brought, that thither all might be scattered that had any depending upon any other thing, and the Salvation which God revealed in antient days is become precious indeed, and which livingly springs to the esta∣blishing of all whose dependency wait on him, in those antient Testimonies which the Lord hath called us to bear for his Name-Sake, so that Peace is become our Portion and the Blessing of God our great Reward. And with respect to any publick appearance of opposition by them of that sort, as to concern themselves on that wife, in our Exercises for Truth & the Glory of God in the Order & Discipline used amongst us, Friends are become, here-a ways in the North, much what quit of it, for they begun to see it was in vain for them to resist and strive with that which they say was too strong for them, and their Spirits fainted through the dread of the Eternal God they were in war with, and their Hearts failing them in the day of Battel, and having much what now given up the management (as was said before) of the Work and the Design in hand to them of that party with them in the Southern parts, with whom John Story much what did remain, some clut∣tering work William Rogers, and some of party with him, made in those parts, but principly he was the man took the matter into his concern, and a deal of stir with writing, and such like wrangling work he made in some of Friends Meetings, and others sent Papers to London, and into the North, against the Testimony gi∣ven at Ellis Hooks's Chamber, made mention of before, with many scornful Terms, and malitious Smitings, ready also to be produced, and many more such-like, with Answers and Rejoynders as occasion was, which to speak of and insert at 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is not much upon us, as not altogether necessary with respect to our concern, for that which hath been already said, about matters of that nature, may be (we judg) sufficient in the Eye & Heart of the Upright to God to leave William Rogers, and them of party with him, convicted of the matter alledged in charge against them, with respect to manisest Opposition to Church Care amongst Gods People, and the Order & Government of Jesus Christ instrumentally in the Family he hath made choice of to be Glorified amongst, during the Tabernacle which God hath given.

And this we can say and evidence, according to Truth, that grievous Work William Rogers and his Abettors made against God's innocent harmless People in the South, with bawling cluttering Work, such as we have met withal in the North: The Relation whereof we shall mostly leave to our Brethren in those Parts, as they see an Occasion for it.

In the mean time this may be noted, that when they had done all they could, both in North and South, to beget a Dis-esteem of Friends Care under the Govern∣ment of Jesus in the Church and Family of God, and thereby thinking to ob∣struct the Order, Rule, and Judgment thereof, and to leave themselves thereby at Liberty in the Flesh, and at ease, that the Stroak of Gods Truth should not come upon them (which is seen to be that Spirits Design they have been acted by:) Yet all would not do (for they were in War with that which was too strong for

〈◊〉〈◊〉) the Glory of God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 over the Darkness they were strugling in, and the Church of Christ continued in its antient Glory, and beautified she became in the Hearts of Thousands, through the Care and Labour, the Travel, the many Exercises in all Diligence, Meekness, and Patience used and born in the Concerns and Work thereof; and many became more and more established in the Sence thereof, even the more that the wrong Spirit (and them of it) set themselves against it, and Fear and Jealousy of the success of their Work, no doubt surpri∣zed them, because of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Glory that attended the one, when the Lords secret Hand smote the Hearts of the other, so that to another kinde of working in the fame Spirit they betook themselves, as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shall be made appear. But first we defire that on the Consideration of what hath been said at large, and yet things but hinted at, with respect to the multitude of Exercises that have been met withal, in relation to the Sorrows, Grievances, various Troubles and great Afflictions that hath attended the peaceable People of God these several Years, through the Spirit of Opposition, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Mischief that hath wrought amongst them by a sort that hath been acted thereby, having let in an evil Heart of Un∣belief in departing from Gods eternal Power and with respect to the Care, long∣Suffering, Forbearance and great Patience that hath been used towards them, with Exhortations, Cautions, Counsel and Advice in the day of their declining Age, and with Reproofs of Instruction and the pure Judgment that hath been mini∣stred in unto them, with Line upon Line, Precept upon Precept, here a little, and there a little, as it was in the Prophets days in the case of the rebellious and back∣sliding People. We say, its our Desire that (these things being tenderly weigh∣ed in sincerity of Heart) amongst all where-ever this may come, and Occasion may be given to inspect the same, may speak whether William Rogers, whom we are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 with, have justifiable Cause to render this Family (in the Church of God, and tenderly bowed down and broken, with respect to them of his Party, whilst a Door was seen to be set open to them) the Apostates from God, and such as in whom the Doctrin and Life of Christianity is extent, and to publish the same in Print, and leave the infamous Badg thereof upon us to Posterity, or that the Witness of God in all your Consciences do not testify that he is a man of a corrupt Minde, and hath set himself to work Mischief amongst the People he was once in Unity with, and to work Destractions amongst them, and expose a People more justified in Gods sight and amongst the honest hearted, than 〈◊〉〈◊〉, to as much Infamy and Disgrace as he can any way do, and to bring an Odi∣um upon their Principle and Practice as much as in him lies, and that he appears to be in the Enmity of his Minde against them, he hath turned his Back of (and the just Principle also in himself) that would rejoyce to see Evil of any sort befall them, and therefore hath set himself to render them the worst 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 devise; we leave it also for them to judge whether the Apostate and turning back from the Doctrine and Life of Christianity, be not truly applicable to him and them of that Party with him, which in the Sequil of this our Concern we shall further demonstrate, as the Lord shall be pleased to give us Leave.

Now to go on, and that which is before us further to do, is to manifest What other Course William Rogers hath betaken himself unto, in the matter of his proving this People, whose Testimony and Practice stands to maintain that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a Gospel Dispensation through Gods invisible Power, Church Order and

Government, visiblely and instrumentally is justificable and commendable amongst Gods People, during their Abode in this World as a visible Family to shew forth Gods Praise.

The Course he takes to effect this matter if he could, is to asperse and calumi∣nate with malitious Accusations with all the Eagerness he can devise and work himself into, such as the Lord hath been pleased to make most instrumental in the matter, of setling the Churches in the aforesaid Order of the Gospel and Go∣vernment of Christ Jesus, many whom he names not (yet palpably known to many of Gods People who they are he smites at) and several whom he by Name makes mention of; and for the cause of his looking upon them, to be such as there are no Hopes of any Recovery for, meaning, out of the apostate State he declares and publishes in Print they are gone into, and particularly, George Fox he hath very abusively, and not like a Christian (or a sober Man) inveighed against and cast very odious Aspersions upon him, to his 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as he intends thereby, and indeed if true, did very much leave him under the aforesaid Character, that he hath given him and many Thousands more.

It is our Purpose, God willing, to insert herein the principal Accusations which in his printed Book he hath published against George Fox, and to demonstrate (by Answer thereunto) to all conscientious sober People the Fallacy thereof, to∣gether with his ungodly perverting, George Fox his honest and Christian Sence and Intents in relation to Matters and Words, upon which William Rogers grounds his Accusation, which his aforesaid Sence and sineere Intents in any charitable and Christian Construction is naturally deducible from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Fox's Words and Exercises 〈◊〉〈◊〉 thereunto; from which William Rogers (having perverted them) draws his 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Inference, whereupon he often makes an Occasion against him. It may be observed, also how unbrotherly and unchristi∣anly he hath appeared in the matter of the aforesaid Charging of him, contrary to all Gospel-Order (for the most part) and the rule of all profest Christian So∣cieties; yea, beyond all Bounds of humane Sobriety and Moderation, so that if he could but get any colourable Occasion, from whence to ground his open and im∣plicit Reflections, and malicious smiting Charges against him; that as much as in him lies, he may bring a Defamation upon his Christian Repute, and also a Blemish upon him as a Man, thereby also to invalidate the Esteem that re∣mains in the Hearts and Consciences of many Thousands of Gods faithful Peo∣ple, of the Christian Care that lives upon his Heart in an innocent Life, in re∣lation to Church Government, and Order and Discipline thereof setled amongit Gods People in this Gospel Day.

It is also with us to manifest what malicious smiting Accusations he hath cast upon several others of our Friends, that tenderly, (and yet in a godly Zeal for God, the ancient Truth and Unity for Brethren) have stood in the Vindication (and in behalf) of the Government of Christ Jesus instrumentally and visibly a∣mongst Gods People, relating to the Tabernacle in which we have a Day therein to shew forth the Glory and Praise of him that created us, against the ungodly Workings of a wrong Spirit in Opposition 〈◊〉〈◊〉: And more particularly have shamefully abused 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of our Brethren in the North on the account thereof; In relation to which also, through Gods Help, we doubt not but give the unpreju∣diced Reader that Satisfaction, by a plain and honest Relation of Matters which he grounds his Accusations upon, that an Understanding will be opened in them

rightly to judge and testify, that there is abundantly more Malice against the Particulars he is set against in his Clamouring Work, than any real Matter upon which to ground the base Reflections and abusive Accusations that he hath treated them with, which declares him plainly to be an Enemy to his first Principle, and the Lise of Truth, and an accuser of the Brethren; and given up to make Va∣riance and Dissention in the Family of which he once was: One that devises to do Evil, and so properly may be termed (as the wise Man said) a mischievous Person, and that to be blessed of God he cannot expect, whilst such Works he hath in hands as his corrupt Minde hath led him to; all which we having effected, as we purpose to do, we shall commit it to Christian Sence and righteous Judg∣ment to determine what Cause William 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath to publish in Print those, he hath set himself against, Apostates from the Life of God and the Christian Re∣ligion; or that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Sentance he hath given against others, and committed the same to Record for Ages to come, be not justly applicable to himself, and them of that Party with him.

It may be noted that the foregoing Relation concerning the Ex rcises that the Church of Christ hath met withal through the Spirit that hath entered into, and principally prevailed upon John Story and John Wilkinson, in which they became the great Occasioners of the Opposition made these late Years against the Care and Exercise of the Church of Christ on the account of Church Government, and the Order of the Gospel, settled through the Spirit of Truth therein; as also the tender Endeavours used towards them, and the Dealings with them according to Church Power, which we have given a short account of, in all Sincerity, ac∣cording to the naked Truth, was totally finished before John Story's Death, rea∣dy for the Press, and had been abroad ere that time, but for the additional Mat∣ter occasioned through William Roger's malicious Smitings and false Accusations cast out against the Servants of Christ Jesus, inserted in his Book printed and published to Posterity, which it was upon some of us to put an Answer to, and hereunto annex it, contained in the third part of this our Treatise.

Several Occasions of Disturbance he gave in the Assemblies and Meetings of Gods People, through his preaching amongst them, after that he had given up himself to work Mischief in the Church of God; and after the Testimony of the Truth was given forth against him; and besides several Exercises occasioned by him on that wise, in the Southern and Western parts of the Nation, which we have omitted to insert here, yet the Reader may take notice of one material Ex∣ercise Friends had with him and others of party with him, in a publick Meeting at Kendall, a little before his Death, which we think good to give a short Account of, together with the manner of his Death, to demonstrate, That as he had spent the latter end of his Days and Years, out of the Unity of Truth and the Fellow∣ship of Brethren in the Spirit of Christ Jesus, in the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he had given himself up unto and had fomented, amongst them he had drawn aside after him; even so he ended his Days, as hereafter may be seen.