The accuser sham'd: or, A pair of bellows to blow off that dust cast upon John Fry, a Member of Parliament, by Col: John Downs, likewise a Member of Parliament, who by the confederacy and instigation of some, charged the said John Fry of blasphemy & error to the Honorable House of Commons. Whereunto is annexed, a word to the priests, lawyers, Royalists, self-seekers, and rigid-Presbyterians. Also a brief ventilation of that chaffie and absurd opinion, of three persons or subsistences in the Godhead. / By the accused John Fry.

A true Narrative, according to the best scrutiny I can make into my thoughts, of what past between Col: Downs and my self, upon which he accused me.

IN January last past, about the fifteenth day, I was with many other Gentlemen of the House of Commons in the afternoon, in the Committee-Chamber above the Parliament-House, by a fire there; one Cornelius Holland, Esq; a worthy Parlia∣ment man, and true Patriot to his Countrey (who Moses-like, chose rather to suffer with the people of God, then to be one in the Kings Court, and enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, as manifestly appears by his taking part with the Parliament, and good peo∣ple of this Island against the King and his God-dam∣me

blades) came to me, and desired me to go to the Committee of plundered Ministers, to help free a Mi∣nister that had lyen in Prison two or three years for denying the personality of Christ, to which I gave my ready concurrence, being one of that Commit∣tee: Col: Downs standing by, and hearing our dis∣course, brake out into passionate Language, saying, He deserved to lye by it, and to have far greater pu∣nishment; I would be loath to abuse the Gentleman as he hath done me, but I take it, he said, he deserved to be hanged; to which I reply'd, I do not see any ground for such a hard censure; for I did think, that according to the common acceptation of that word, it could hardly be defended by Scripture; and for my part, I was altogether dis-satisfied with those ex∣pressions of three distinct Persons, or Subsistences in the God-head: to which he reply'd, I do not care for the word personality, but said, Jesus Christ was God, which I did not apprehend to be the questi∣on before us, and this was all that past at that time.

About two or three days after, I met the said Col: Downs in the Painted-chamber at Westminster, whe∣ther we came as Members of the High Court of Ju∣stice, for the Tryal of the King, but being some∣what earlier then others, I spake to him thus, If it please you, since we have opportunity, for I suppose the Court will not sit yet, let us calmly make a far∣ther progress into that discourse we entred upon the other day in the Committee-room, and had not time then to prosecute; to which he consented: but where∣as I desired him to dispute without heat, he could not forbear that. The two main things we insisted upon, were these:

First, the Trinity of persons in the Unity of the Godhead.

Secondly, what the Union was between Christ and his Saints.

But as I did not deliver my Opinion positively in either, but onely Argumentatively, so neither was there any method in our discourse, which hardly can ever be obtained from a passionate man: After I had gained his consent to speak together, as aforesaid, I began thus, Truly, I do not believe Jesus Christ to be God, after that maner which some do hold him forth, for according to my best understanding of their words and expressions, they hold forth three Gods, and I would fain know how it can be demon∣strated, that there can be three distinct persons, or sub∣sistences in one entire being; and for the word Sub∣sistence, it holds forth no more, in my judgement, of Christ his being in the Godhead, then may be affirm∣ed of every Creature, according to that in Acts 17. 24. In him we live, move, and have our being. I offered to his consideration, touching the Saints Union with Christ, those Scriptures where it is said, That Christ is the head, and the Saints are the members, which is in many places of the New Testament, and then said, That whatsoever the head did partake of, that did the mem∣bers also, and my foot was as really of my body as my head, but not indeed in so excellent a maner: I quoted that Scripture also of 2 Pet. 1. 4. Whereby are given to us exceeding great and precious pro∣mises, that by these you might be partaker of the Divine Nature: And walking in a round in our discourse; for as I have said, it was very immethodical, I spake of that word Subsistence again, saying, That accord∣ing

to my understanding of that word, I might be said to be God too, as well as Jesus Christ, and the like might be affirmed of all other Creatures what∣soever; to which he said, You had best say the Devil is so too: After he had spoken this, there was not a word more past between us at that time, for the Lord President came into the Chair, which ended our dis∣course. I suppose many more words past between us, but this is the substance of what I spake. Had I ima∣gined I should have been called to an accompt for it, 'tis very probable I should have thought upon it more then I did, and so have been fitter to give a more large and punctual relation, but I have not dealt unfaithful in any material thing. I have often discoursed with many, but I was never so injuriously and discourte∣ously dealt with in all my life, that I remember; which whether it was not far beneath the part of a Gentle∣man, I leave to the world to judge.

About nine or ten days after, I was going in the morning from my Lodging at Westminster, up into the City, about some occasions I had there, and by the way I met with a Noble Lord, my very good and much honored friend, and after I had humbly saluted him, he said he would tell me some news, I listned to him, being very willing to hear what it was, he told me that Col: Downs had advised with Mr. Speak∣er, to frame a charge against me of Blasphemy, which was, That I should say, That Jesus Christ was not God: I must confess, I was somewhat affected with it upon the sudden, but I thanked his Lordship, and told him, I doubted not but to answer it well enough, and took my leave of him, hasting about my business, that I might return, if possible, before the House sate,

that in case they were resolved to charge me, I might be present at the report to make my defence; but yet I must profess, when I had considered it, I did not think Col: Downs could be instigated, upon a private broken discourse as that was, to charge me in the highest Court of England: For, knowing with what minde I discoursed, and the confusedness of it too, it seemed to be so far beyond the Rules of Civility, Christianity and Prudence, that I thought it incredi∣ble, that a Gentleman should so much forget himself. But the Gentlemans zeal, or rather weakness (for I profess I think he was abused by those that set him on, they feeling his pulse, made a Mountain of a Mole-hill, and so heightned his spirit, that, poor Gentle∣man, he thought himself bound in Conscience to pro∣secute me as he did) transported him beyond all rules. I may be bold to say, without partiality, because I have heard divers Gentlemen of that judgement, That he much transgressed the bounds of Civility; and certainly, it was not done like a Christian, for they will admonish one another, and use all fair means of conversion, and upon good grounds; so that they are incorrigible, before they will lay open their faults to those in Authority. And if it were prudentially done to engage his Reputation in a business of this na∣ture, upon his single Testimony, I am much mistaken. I think a wise man, if he had thought me of that opini∣on, by what discourse he heard from me, & conceived himself obliged in Conscience to discover it, would have asked me before witness, whether I did hold that Opinion, or no? that upon my owning of it before others, he might with clearness have charged me, without the least appearance of reflection upon him∣self.

I shall recommend that place of Scripture to him, and all of his minde, for their direction for the future, it is Gal. 6. 1. Brethren, if any man be over∣taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering thy self, lest thou al∣so be tempted. I made so quick a return out of London, that I came to the House before the Speaker was in the Chair; I looked over all the House for Col: Downs, to speak with him about it, but he was not there, but about half an hour after the House was sate, he came in; I removed where he was, and sate just behinde him, and there being a great silence in the House, while the Clerk was looking for an Order by Mr. Speakers direction, I spake to Col: Downs with a very low voyce, thus, Sir, I understand you have a charge against me, you will do me a favor to give me a copy of it before you report it, that I may be the better enabled to make my defence; he answered not a word: whereupon I asked whether he did hear me or no; and withal, said, I do not desire this as an argument to have you wave it, or that I am careful to answer what you shall charge me with, but if I know beforehand what you will say, I shall be the better prepared to speak to it (and for this I have a witness that sate by, Col: John Bingham by name) he started up immediately in a great fit of passion, and cryed out, Mr. Speaker, to the Orders of the House; Master Speaker, to the Orders of the House; leave being granted him to speak, he said, you were speak∣ing but now that your secluded Members did you ill offices without door, but I much more fear your Members within door. I do not often trouble you with Speeches, neither would I at this time, but that

the Gent. whom it concerns prest me to give him a Copy of what I am about to speak: I must confess it lies heavy upon my Spirit, and I can no longer be burthened with it; I acquainted some of this House with it some days since, hoping I should have been called up to make this report, but failing in my expe∣ctation, and having this opportunity offered me, I shall discharge my conscience. About nine or ten days since, in the Painted-Chamber, this Gentleman behinde me, Mr. Fry, engaged me in a discourse, in which he delivered as his Opinion, and maintained it with Arguments, and quoted Scripture for confirma∣tion of it, That Jesus Christ is not God; That Jesus Christ was no more God then he was, but he said, 'tis true, he hath more of God in him then I have, but so far as God giveth forth himself to me, I am as much God as he is: and this I do positively charge him with. To this I immediately answered;

This Gentlemans memory serves him well, that he could keep this in his minde nine or ten days without any addition or diminution, but with his favor, Mr. Speaker, his report is very untrue; for first, I say thus, That I did not believe Jesus Christ to be God, after that maner some held him forth; 2. That according to that word Subsistence, no more was imported of Je∣sus Christ his being in the Godhead, in my judgement, then might be affirmed of me and all other Creatures, according to that in Act. 17. 24. In him we live, & move, and have our being: And touching the Union of the Saints with Jesus Christ, I said, he was called in Scri∣pture, the Head, and the Saints the Members, now we know that the hand is of the body as well as the head, though the head is more transcendently of the body,

and it is said, we are made partakers of the Divine Nature; This I spake in the Painted-Chamber, by way of Argument, not delivering my Opinion po∣sitively in any thing, and Mr. Speaker, if you can make any thing of this, I must submit to you.

The House fell into some debate of it, and it was moved, since I was positively charged with the afore∣mentioned particulars, though I did as positively de∣ny it, yet for the satisfaction of the House, I should deliver what my Opinion was in that point, which for reasons then occurring into my minde, I declined; Thereupon a Vote passed I should withdraw; and after I was withdrawn, it was Voted, I should be suspended sitting in Parliament, till I gave the House satisfaction: I took the matter into the most serious consideration I could, and supposing if I did not something according to the pleasure of the House, it would be some blemish to my reputation, I drew up my Opinion of the Trinity in the Godhead in a pa∣per, and delivered it into the hands of a Member of the House, my very good friend, to tender it to the House, which accordingly was done; and after the reading of it, and some debate thereupon, I was re∣stored; and for the satisfaction of all those to whose hands this shall come, I have here inserted it verbatim.

The Opinion of Joh. Fry of the Trinity of the Godhead, humbly ten∣dred to the Honorable House of Commons, to take off, if it may be, all prejudice of Error in that point, that lieth upon him by reason of a Charge untruly reported (whether upon mistake or other ground, I know not) by Col: John Downs; Together with his Answer to the said Charge.

BEfore I speak to the abovesaid particulars, I shall take leave to make my apology for not delivering

my opinion at that instant, when I was charged, the reasons that prevailed with me, which occurred then into my memory, were these:

First, I thought my denying the charge was enough to satisfie the House.

Secondly, I thought it would much reflect upon me, to be catechized after that maner.

But consulting since with the Apostle, 1 Pet. 3. 15. who adviseth to be ready to give an account to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, &c. I shall faithfully deliver my Opinion in the point.

I do and ever did, since I knew any thing of Di∣vinity, really believe, That the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God, and that these three are equally God; That God the Son took our nature, and manifested himself gloriously in it, and in a mystery, according to the Apostle, 1 Tim. 3. 16. And without controversie, great is the mystery of godliness, which is, God manifested in the flesh, &c. That the Son remains God for ever, and yet they are not three Gods, but one God.

My Charge as followeth.

FIrst, that I should say, I do not believe Jesus Christ to be God.

Secondly, that I should say, He is no more God then I am: It is true, he hath more of God in him then I have, but so far as God giveth forth himself to me, I am as much God as he is. Thus far my Charge.

To the first I answer, and this I do as in the presence of God, That according to the best of my remem∣brance, I did say, I did not believe Jesus Christ to be

God in that maner that I conceived some did hold him forth; for according to my best understanding of their expressions, they make Jesus Christ a distinct God from God the Father, and God the Holy Ghost, and the like they do of the Father & the Holy Ghost, and so they hold forth three Gods; and this is not my Opinion alone of them, for I meet with others of the same judgement.

To the last I answer, in a word, I deny it totally; for as it was never in my thoughts that Jesus Christ God, is not God, or that I shall ever partake of the Essence of God, so I do abominate the Opinions charged upon me. The end of my paper to the House.

I shall briefly speak to that gross and carnal Opi∣nion of three distinct Persons, or Subsistences in the God▪head, and conclude.

Persons or Subsistences, are Substances, or Acci∣dents; as for the word Person, I do not understand that it can properly be attributed but to man; it is out of doubt with me, that if you ask the most part of men what they mean by a Person, they wil either tell you 'tis a man, or else they are not able to give you any answer at all: & for the word Accident, I suppose none will attribute that to God; for according to my poor skill, that word imports no more but the figure or colour, &c. of a thing, and certainly no man ever saw the likeness of God, as the Scriptures abundant∣ly testifie; and therefore neither of the words, Per∣sons, or Subsistences, can hold forth such a meaning as Accidents in God.

Athanasius in his Creed, saith, There is one Per∣son of the Father, another of the Son, and another of the Holy Ghost; others say, That there are three

distinct Subsistences in God: Well, these three Per∣sons or Subsistences, cannot be Accidents, neither do I think it is the meaning of any: Then certainly they must be Substances; if so, then they must be created or uncreated, limited or unlimited; if created and limited, then the person of the Father is a Creature, the person of the Son a Creature, and the person of the Holy Ghost a Creature, which I think none will affirm; if they are not created or limited, then they must be uncreated or unlimi••ed, for I know no medium between created and uncreated, limited and unlimited: If they are uncreated and unlimited, then there are three uncreated and unlimited Sub∣stances, and so consequently three Gods. For my part, I finde no footing for such expressions in Scripture; and I think them fit onely to keep igno∣rant people in carnal and gross thoughts of God, and therefore I do explode them out of my Creed. I could have come forth in a better dress, if I would have made use of help, which was offered me; but I rather chose to be seen in a true face, homely garb, and russet coat, then a painted face, borrowed accou∣trements, and an hypocritical posture. A russet coat serves the Countreymans turn very well, and suits best for a man of his profession, and he thinks it comely enough, till he stands by a Sattin or Scarlet suit, then he sees what a home spun fellow he is; if there be no other benefit of this, but to be a foil to set off other mens parts, it will not be altogether use∣less.

FINIS.