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LIBELS NO PROOFS.
VVHereas I lately published a Just Complaint against the partial Pro∣ceedings of several of those called Anabaptists against us, at their Meeting in Barbican the 28th of the last Moneth, with a Solemn Offer for another, upon Just and Equal Terms, in order to debate such Matters of Difference as are now depending between us, it hath pleased Some-Body (but we know not who) to attempt the Answering of it, in a Sheet, called, The Quakers Last Shift Found Out. And because I knew not but the Baptists might own it (a Defence 〈…〉〈…〉 their Actions being thereby en∣deavoured) To the End the World might not be Abused by Shifts under the too common, but base Disguise of Reprehending them, I replyed, shewing, that not one of the several Reasons inducing me to the Publicati∣on of my first Paper was enervated; with a Renewal of my former Solemn Offer for a Publick Meeting, and much more, requisite to our Just Defence, and the Peoples further Information.
Since when, I perceive, a Rejoynder is abroad, made up of Folly, Fals∣hood, and those mean Shifts his former would undeservedly have fastened upon us, and the whole wrapt up in a bungling sort of Drollery. But I am to tell the Man and the World, that I am not obliged to wait the Motion, or watch the Bark of every Libeller: Let Men shew their Faces, & tell their Names, or fight with themselve••. Common Charity should protect every Man from the At∣tacques of a Nameless Author, especially, when against a People that are inno∣cent. Nothing but Malice, or Money, or some evil Thing can encourage any to such base Practices. The Worthiest of Men and Actions have no out∣ward Fence against this Flail; but with the Worst must walk unprotected from such Assassinates. A Just Disdain is the best Answerer; and that is what I now make him. My Complaint is out, and my Solemn Offer abroad, and that with my Name at length: It lyes at the Baptists Door, and we wait for their Result. And if this Libeller will dare to tell us his Name, who covereth his Un∣truths by concealing it; I do hereby offer, either in Print, or at that so much desired Meeting, to prove him guilty of Folly, Lyes and Slanders, which now it can be of little Service to attempt, since, when that is done, at this rate No-Body will appear guilty. These Unchristian and Unmanly Practices on all Hands against us, we patiently undergo, having full Confidence in God, that he will yet give us an Opportunity, in which to prove our Innocency, and detect our many Adversaries of foul Injustice towards us.
the 21. of the 7th Month, 1674.
William Penn.