The fourth humble address of several societies of baptized believers (commonly called Anabaptists) in the county of Lincoln; humbly presented to Charles the II. King of Great Brittain, &c. containing their faithful representation, sober vindication, true thankfulness, peaceable and constant resolution, and humble petition, &c.

THE FOURTH HUMBLE ADDRESS OF Several Societies of Baptized Believers (commonly called Anabaptists) in the County of Lincoln; Humbly presented to Charles the II. King of Great Brittain, &c.

Containing Their faithful REPRESENTATION, sober VINDICATION, true THANKFULNES, Peaceable and constant RESOLUTION, and Humble PETITION, &c.

May it please your Majesty,

VVE are not ignorant of the great and scandalous Reproach∣es, which as well by our Neighbours, as by Publick In∣telligence, hath of late been thrown upon us, in com∣mon with all that are denominated Anabaptists in this Nation, as if we were accessary to some Tragical undertaking, against your Majesties Person and Government, which wicked and indeed altogether Un∣christian-like Practises, we have in divers Petitional Remonstrances, de∣clared our utter disaffection to, and detestation of.

And moreover, these rumoured Rebellions have not onely been laid upon us in a way of Scandal and Reproach, but we are also exposed upon this ac∣count, to many other Indignities, Losses, and Inconveniencies, by Impri∣sonments, and other like Grievances, as if we had indeed been criminal, in those so much by us despised Projects.

The consideration of which Grievances, May it please your Majesty, to∣gether with the Remembrance of your Worthy Princely Promises, and Clemency to us vouchsafed in times past, in order to our Ease and Protecti∣on from those Oppressions, and very grievous Impositions, by some of your Majesties Deputies, exercised upon us (which we desire to mention here with such a grateful mind, due and humble thankfulness, as becomes peace∣able and faithful Subjects, in that behalf) as also the clear evidence of our own Consciences in point of Innocency, as to the evils premised, had in∣deed created in us, your poor suffering Subjects, fresh resolutions humbly to have Remonstrated our Sufferings to your Majesty, as also to persist in our wonted Importunities and Supplications, for the accomplishment of what your Royal Self was pleased Verbally to Indulge unto us, when by your Cle∣mency we were admitted into your Royal Presence; yet so, May it please your Majesty, as that we therein alwaies desired to have our eyes towards Him, in whose hands are the hearts of Kings; and truely this our humble purpose was got to that maturity, as had not our Remonstrance it self been surprized by a Party of Horse, and our selves at the same time Imprisoned, it might have been presented to your Princely hands some Months ago.

But even while we have since been waiting for an opportunity to clear our Innocency to your Majesty and the whole Nation, we have met with your Majesties Declaration of the 26th. of December 1662. the thorow per∣usal and consideration whereof, hath in a measure turned our mournful Re∣monstrance, as it were into an Hymn of Praises to the Most High, who (we hope) hath put it so seasonably into your Princely heart, to renew all those your Royal Engagements, and Promises, which sith it hath pleased God to bring so perfectly to your Majesties Remembrance, we hope it may be an encouragement ministring comfort to all patient Sufferers, and of concern∣ment to those, who have in this respect, been too incredulous touching your Majesty, which peradventure hath proceeded from their not weighing pub∣lick affairs, otherwise than they appeared immediately to correspond with their particular ease and quiet.

But now, may it please your Majesty, we hope that both our selves and others will be abundantly satisfied, that there was a Principle of Truth in your Royal heart, antecedent to those worthy Engagements, the convincing appearance whereof, will yet more lively appear, when they shall branch forth themselves in such an Act, as your Majesty hath so solemnly promi∣sed to promote, to the great content of all men certainly, save such as have not learned to do to others as they would in the same case be done unto.

Under your Majesties favour, we are humbly bold to say thus much of your excellent Declaration, That therein is so much said, and that with so much Equity, Indifferency, Reason and Clemency, as that we ve∣rily think, no good Subject, can tell how with modesty to desire more.

Whereupon we do even heartily pray unto the Father of Peace, That he would vouchsafe to continue your Majesty in those so acceptable Purposes and Resolutions, to the advancing His own glory and the prosperity of your Majesty, and all your peaceable and good Subjects, and to the removal and total extinguishing all those remains of distrust, which the late strange, and indeed harsh Scene of affairs hath contracted in the minds of many good People in these Nations; insomuch, that their eyes were more beyond the Seas, than in their own native Country, for a place whereon to rest the soles of their feet.

Finally, May it please your Majesty, we have onely these things to testi∣fie and request in all humility before your Majesty (viz.) That as we have formerly declared our Resolution (in the strength of God) to live peace∣ably, and either in a passive or active sort, obediently under your Govern∣ment; so upon the occasion of the late Reproaches cast upon us, we do hereby once more sincerely declare the same Resolution to remain in us.

And as touching matters of Religion, we judge what we have therein re∣ceived, to be as pretious as ever, and so as much resolved to continue the same (through Christ strengthening us, as ever) which we humbly hope your Majesty will not deem as an act of disloyalty; and we are the rather induced to believe this, from your Majesties own construction of our Third Petition, where your words are thus recorded (viz.) That you were satis∣fied your Lincolnshire Petitioners were a peaceable People, and good Subjects; which tearm, good Subjects, (we conceive) could not have respect to our relinquishing our Religion (the Heads whereof were long before present∣ed to your Princely hands) for your Majesty knew right well, that at that very time we were in your Majesty's common Goal of Lincoln, for that we could not conform to the Church of England as now established.

Wherefore in all humble Submission, we do earnestly beseech your Ma∣jesty, that it may please you to hasten the Deliverance of your innocent suffering Subjects; who (though Innocent) are yet Imprisoned in your Majesty's common Goal at Lincoln, as well as in several other Places of your Dominions: As also that the intollerable Burdens that lies upon us by the Proceedings of the Commissary Courts, may be removed, which truly are such, as if your Majesty do not remedy, will in a very short time bring us, our poor Wives and innocent Children to utter Ruin; for we are al∣ready by means thereof brought in great straits. Our Neighbours and near Relations are afraid of us, and dare not deal with us, for fear of their Excommunications. But that we be not further tedious, we do in all Hu∣millity present these our sad Sufferings, Resolutions and Supplications to your Princely Consideration, humbly beseeching your Majesty, to grant your poor innocent suffering Subjects the Fruition of your Princely Fa∣vours.

From the Castle of Lincoln, January, 17th. 1662/3.

And your poor Subjects as in Duty they are bound, shall ever pray, &c.

• Tho. Grantham,
• Daniel Cheesman,
• John Thorpe,
• Rich. Drewry,
• Rich. Crawford,
• John Kelsay,
• John Lupton,
• Val. James,
• Will. Burton,
• John Watts,
• Will. Lillie,
• Tho. Muxworth.

In behalf of all concerned in this Petition.

THis PETITION was delivered into His MAJESTIES own Hand, the second day of this instant February; His Princely Answer was, That there should be a speedy and effectual Course taken for the Releasement of Them in Lincolnshire, and the rest through∣out the Nation.