Manifest truth: or An inversion of truth's manifest: Containing, a vindication of a Church of Christ in their proceedings on March the 8. 1657, against Mrs Mary Allein, from the false and injurious aspersions of her husband Mr. Toby Allein. By Lewis Stucley, pastor of a congregation in Exeter.

REader, I shall not tire thee and my self, to follow this Phamphleter line by line; instead of other par∣ticulars, take notice, that whereas the certifiers testifie, that to his words credit is given, I have therefore annex∣ed, what I find in his sheets, that in my apprehensions cross such a testimony, and without offence may be called mistakes or lies. Which is the second general observati∣on.

1. In his Epistle to the Reader, he saith, that Mr. T. M. hath published the notes of my Sermon, to spread false reports as far as possibly the Church can: When he knows in his own con∣science, that persons were imployed to write after me, and boasts were made, that they would publish that dayes work to the world for my defamation, and that he was not contented to be very In∣strumental in spreading false copies of my Prayer, but also im∣ployed some to write out my notes, in order to the press, and therefore to prevent his farther defaming me, I gave way that M. Mall should publish my Sermon.

2. He saith also in his Epistle, That he hath made a true report of all transactions relating to his wives excommunication; whereas he might have published to the world all my care that I exprest to him, and all the Counsel I gave him to prevent this censure.

3. He saith in his Epistle, That he saw no crimes proved either against Mris. Parr or his wife that deserved such a censure; and yet this very Mr. Allien acted in the suspending Mris. Parr, as farr as any of the brethren, and until the eighth of March, and since, we

never heard of any the least dissatisfaction, at our proceedings against her; and though he now pretend that his wife walked so unblamably before the censure, yet he hath often professed, in the hearing of several persons, that her carriage to the Church was (next to his own sins) the greatest affliction that ever he met with.

4. Whereas in the epistle, he calls it, an unrighteous censure, he was so farr convinced of his wives failing toward the Church, that when I told him at Mr. Eveleighs house, whether his wives carriage would lead her, and assured him, that for his sake we yet spared her; he was so far from declaring a word of dislike, that he told me (with outward expression of griefe) he was sen∣sible of that, an•••••••• ••ired only our forbearance of proceeding against her, till she was delivered of the child she went with.

5. In p. 1. whereas he would make the world beleive as if he were a (fixed) member 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Mr M. Down his Church, he hath of∣ten expressed the con•••••••• that he and his wife Received the Sacrament upon conditi•••• to joyne to a Congregation of their own principle, when God 〈◊〉〈◊〉 give them that liberty.

6. In p. 2. He affirmes, that he and his wife Communicated their experiences to the Church, and were not admitted, That's false, they were admitted (though with much difficulty) as is to be seen in Mr. Malls account p. 21.

7. p. 5. He saith, that all the greatest part of a Covenant was assented to by the Church: in which words, there are no less then two lyes; it was no Covenant, and very little of that paper so much as debated, and what was assented to, was not disliked by himself.

8. p. 5. In the same page he would have the Reader beleive, as if his wife joyned to Mr. M. Down his Church, before she was ad∣monished, which is also full of falshood.

9. In p. 6. The traducing of Mr. Ford I beleive to be a lye; but that we slight the Godly, is undoubtedly an egregious lye and slander.

10. p. 8. 9. He tells us, that his wife acquainted him, That she would goe some where to be resolved, and rising early in the morning, she went her way; whereas the search he made for her, and the teares for her departure, evidenced the contrary, and so did that consolatory language (if spoken to him) if the believer de∣part let her depart.

11. Whereas p. 11. He pretends, that upon reports bruted that the Church had an intent to excommunicate his wife, he there∣fore abstained from our private meetings: this is also false, for he confest to several of us, that the reason of keeping off, was

the better to prevail with his wife to return.

12. p. 12. 13. He saith, the reason of his forbearing our company both in a private, and more publick capacity, was, our discourses about his wife; whereas several of us are ready to prove, that the reason he gave, was, he hoped thereby to bring his wife to the better complyance with the Church.

13. He saith also, That he was of another apprehension then we were of as to the matters in controversie between us and his wife; this is a witnessing to the truth of what his wife charged him with, that he was of her opinion, which he often denied.

14. p. 19. He saith, After the Letter from Mrs. P. and Mrs A. was delivered to me, I opened it, and with two others of my Church looked it over and pocketted it up; whereas I did not open it at all, until I withdrew, and I remember not of persons that saw it then.

15. p. 20. He saith, that my prayer after Excommunication, was as there followeth; which differeth from Ratcliffs own copy, and from another copy that I have seen, but most of all from the Pray∣er it self, as appears by a Certificate.

16. p. 24, 25. It is false that which he saith concerning M. Malls standing up after the prayer was ended, and saying to the Congregation, now we have separated the precious from the vile, let us renew our solemn league and Covenant; there are no less then two untruths in this, the one as to the posture, and the other as to the words.

17. p. 28. He saith, that neither his wife nor Mris. Par were looked on as refractory, and rebells to God and man, till they had no more a∣ny mind to stay with them, and for this they were excommunicated: this is false. Mrs. Par was dealt with by the Church, before ever she declared her self altered in her Principles, neither did Mrs. A. declare any dislike of us, or our way, before she was admonished for neglecting Church-meetings.

18. In the same page he saith, that we look on all other Chur∣ches (that are not Congregational) as Babylonish and Synagogues of Satan; this is an egregious lye, we hold communion in all or∣dinances, with some Presbyterian Churches.

19. p. 29. He saith, that upon his reasoning with me about com∣municating in the Lords Supper with us, and others also, (meaning the rest of the Churches in Exon) that I should tel him be could not par∣take of the table of the Lord and the table of Devils: to which I say, that it is noe wonder, if I understood not his meaning, he hath been such a Proteus; sure I am, I understood him not of the Churches in Exon; I do not at all remember any discourses with him about his Communicating with them; most sure I am, that I never called their Communicating Table, the Table of Devils, and as an evidence, that this is not my judgment, I

dare challenge all the people in Exon, that have had discourses with me about Church affaires, to be my compurgators: this I have evidenced to some Ministers in Exon in my papers to them, (before this lying Pamphlet was writ) in not admitting a fit per∣son of one of their Congregations to joyn as a member with me, which doubtless I should not have refused, had it been to have delivered him from the tables of Devils. Yea, this Mr. Allein in a letter to me, bearing date, April 19. 1658. draweth an argument from my acknowledging the Churches in Exon to be true Churches, to shew how unreasonable it would be, if I should be offended with him for his holding communion with them.

20. Whereas he saith p. 30. I insinuate his wife to be a very strum∣pet: this is no less then a lye: I must needs give this cerificate in her behalfe, that before March 8. or on that day, I had not a thought that she was such an one, and still wish, that her hus∣band had as much truth, as she honesty: and whereas he suggests p. 35. that I omitted somewhat that I spake in preaching, to insi∣nuate into my auditory a suspition of his wives Chastity, I aver it to be a most notorious falshood.

21. In the same page he saith, I care not what filth and dirt I cast upon any that care not for my independent wayes; this is a broad-faced lye.

22. He saith in the same page, that the two censured persons, being disapointed of purity amongst us, went about to mend their fault by returning to those Congregations to which thy formerly belong∣ed; this is also a lye, That Mris Parr owned any of the present Ministers in Exon, as pastor, before she joyned with us; the same I can prove of his wife.

23. He saith in the same p. that it is a most notorious belying his wife to say she is a lawless women, that knoweth no subjection, &c. whereas he knowes, how she hath taken the power of rule out of his hands by turning off a servant or servants for hearing of me, and discountenancing her own sister, almost to the turn∣ing her out of doores, even then when he manifested high affections to me and the Church: I wonder what Conscience he hath got, to account me a defamer of her, by reporting her lawless toward him? Besides I may not omit her journey to Hanni∣ton, and her reflections on her husband another time, at Mr. Eveleighs house, when we were debating the matters in difference betwixt her and her sister.

24. p. 31. He saith, that such is the pride of the Independents, that think there are no pure ordinances but in their own Churches. I doubt not but he accounts me one of those Independents, and therefore must profess this to be a putid lye.

25. In the same p. he saith, in what a sad condition I put all that are not independents, as if such are not among Gods people and cannot enjoy the benefit of the Covenant: this is also a falshood of the grea∣test magnitude.

26. In 31. 32. p. He would make the Reader beleive, as though none were Gods people but my Church, according to my teaching; this is another lying defamation.

27. p. 32. He assures the Reader, that neither he nor his wife could ever see such eminency of Godliness in our conversations; and yet whilest his book was printing, he profest to two brethren (that were sent to admonish him) that we were the honestest peo∣ple he ever came among (setting aside this business of Excommunica∣tion.)

28. p. 33. He saith, I Slur Mr. Rutherford in my sermon; it is false, and I here publish it to the world, that I have high thoughts of him, his pious works praise him in the gates.

29. p. 34. He tells us, that in his own conscience he knows his wife never deserted him and his family, and that she never entertained the least thoughts of it: the contrary to this is proved already from her own mouth by two witnesses, to whom he confest that she had left him soon after her threatning to leave him.

30. p. 35. He saith there was no exception against Dame, whilst his wife was amongst us, and had her for her keeper: to my knowledg this is false, and he himself was sufficiently burdened with her, and hath been heard to call her old whore.

31. In the same p. he is perswaded that what I hint and some of our Church-members have said, we can never prove, but do very much abuse and slander Dame therein, when (as hath been said) it can be proved, he called her whore, nay old whore; yea, his Br. in law Mr. Mongwel will be found a lyar, if he be not able to prove it.

32. In the same p. he saith, his wife hath ever shewed him as much tenderness and affectionate kindness as his heart could wish, and yet p. 8. confesseth words of heat and discontent towards him.

33. p. 36. He saith in the behalfe of Mris. Par, that the quarrel between the Church and her, began in this, she had a mind to heare some other Ministers; this is also false, the quarrel began in her contentious spirit and sowing divisions, and was increased, by ly∣ing, as you may see p. 18. & 20. of my Sermon: she was never questioned by the Church for hearing other Ministers: that is also a lye which he adds.

34. In the same p. that because Mris. Par was peremptory in her resolution, not to be tyed from hearing others, that therefore she was excommunicated.

35. p. 37. He impudently chargeth me with neglecting the duty of reproof towards his wife, for the space of four years. How dare this bold man assert this? but now that credit is given to his words, he takes this unchristian liberty to defame me, as he plea∣seth.

But know, Reader, that I have admonished her, and more then once, for the neglect of that duty towards her (supposed) offend∣ing sister: but besides in p. 21. of Mr. Malls book, my words are these, I think this I may say, there is not a brother or sister here that can bare wittnesse of her performing any Church duty to them of admonition, exhortation or reproofe, and if any of you can wittnesse for her in these things, I charge you to discover it. I speake this because if she hereafter fling dirt in this, or that, or the other persons face by reports, you may look on such things as slanders, or on her as a Covenant-breaker in not observing the rule of Christ: what little reason then hath this pamphleter Ironically to note, what a good shepheard I am &c. or to say that I can find it in my heart to curse her for neglecting to admonish others.

36. In the same p. he chargeth me with a partial and untrue re∣lation between his wife and her sister in law. I doe professe, with all sincerity, that there was noe untruth in that relation, or any partiallity, unless in omitting some Circumstances, that would have aggravated her guilt; and many are ready to affirme the same.

37. p. 38. He speaks of his wives love, to her brother and sister in law and desire of their thriving &c. whereas this is so contrary to truth, that she perswaded her husband to be at no small charges to be rid of their company, and she said to their freinds in Wilt-shire, that she would give an hundred pound out of her purse to be rid of them, and keep a day of Thanksgiving to boote.

38. That's also false in the same p. concerning her advising her sister against carelesness in her calling. For when the differences between them were debated, it being demanded of her, by her brother, why she would goe into Wilt-shire to speak evil of her sister, and had not rather (if she had ought against her) told her of it privatly? she answered, she would have so don but her husband would not suffer her: False also is what is annexed, con∣cerning her sisters taking great distast at her for any such Counsel; how could she take great distast at that which was never spoken to her?

39. That's a lye which followeth, that when she was in the Ea∣sterne parts she was soe careful of her sister as to wish her mother to give her such good Counsel: whereas the maine end of her going into those parts was to ease her stomack against her sister, and

she then told her sisters mother, that her sister had almost broke her husbands heart, and brought him into a Consumption, and would undoe him, &c. and whereas he suggest, that her Mother gave her also such advice agaiast the same fault; this ill agreeth with that letter, that followed upon it, from her Mother Mris. Thur∣man, which is as followeth.

Poore Soul,

Be content to bear the burden, which it shall please the Lord to lay upon thee, it will turn to thy comfort at last. Your Sister Allein might have imployed her self better when she came into our Country, then she did; but I think she came to rout all the generation of you; she thought to rout me too, but I beare of what condition she is, and I take her to be as she is, and I desire thee to take no care for what she saith, &c.

40. Whereas he saith, that his sister in law had engaged a strong party for her. Sure I am, that his own wife had vented her dis∣contents and slanders to many, and had so far possest me with prejudice against her sister in law, that I have confest in my Ser∣mon p. 21. that at that time, I came engaged to her as the party innocent, rather then the other.

41. He saith they frequented each others company in a friendly manner for the space of above a year, it is false.

42. p. 39. Whereas, he saith, the offence of his wife in that businesse was taken and not given, it is very false. It was given and in several particulars.

43. Whereas he saith, this offence of his wife was printed three years after they were reconciled: It was not a year and halfe.

44. In this p. he is guilty of lying, in charging me with un∣truth; he would insinuate, that we had nothing against his wife untill she had left her relation to us. Whereas she was admonished by several persons, for her neglecting the Church, before ever she deserted the Church.

45. p. 40. He assures us, that his wife had not left us, if we had allowed her to communicate in the Ordinances with other Churches as there was occasion. This is also very false, she never desired it, and we never did forbid it.

46. He saith in the 41. p. He and others know as bad as lyars (if not lyers) tollerated in the Church and nothing said to them: I know non such, and have publickly profest and since suffered it to be printed in Mr. Malls book, p. 90. That I know none such in our assembly, if we know more such offen∣ders, by the grace of God we shall so proceed upon them; and for a trial, if any of you have any thing to lay as a charge, do but observe the rule that Christ hath appointed of private, and then of more publick admonition, and see whether there shall not be impar∣tial procedings against them, if not, then condemn us of partiallity.

47. In p. 42. It is an abominable lye, that we have such great thoughts of our selves as if we were the only Church and people of God in Exon.

48. He closeth up all with a lying reflection upon Mr. Mall, that whole ••••••ft of her discourse, on March the 8. aimed at this, that we or ly were Sion and the Israel of God, and all others as had as she strangers from whom Israel separated in Nehemias times

if this man forsake the Devil and all his works, who hath so lived in the constant neglect of brotherly admonition, and hath vented more lyes, then he hath pages, to the number of about fourty eight let the judicious Reader determine.