Reply.

The Authors of this Pamphlet would have the World to believe that their act in Printing was an act of necessity,Themselves confess this. and that their desires were not to cast aspersions upon others: but if so, why did they take up a report from Ralph Halls wife? which reflected upon Mr. Eaton (an Elder, and their teaching Officer) as if he had told a lie, and as if he had been unrighteous in a summe of money received by him: And [Page 2] why did they carry that report a­broad, and divulge it in places where they came, so that many within the Church to which Mr. Eaton relates, and many also that appertain not unto it, had the knowledge thereof to the wounding of Mr. Eatons re­putation, before ever he had heard any thing thereof,Tho. Partington Will. Thomson. Will. Linney. Rob. Warmsham Tho. Newton. Iohn Warmbee. Peter Fernhead. Tho. Gellibrand James Walker. and the other forenamed, and many other be­sides. as by his grief up­on hearing of it did appear to us? And why did they not first acquaint him with it, and satisfie themselves concerning the truth of it before they had published it? Yea, why did they make additions to that re­lation they had from her? which rendred the matter more vile and foul, then all that she presented to them, as will hereafter appear.

And was it not high time to print Certificates, when the report of Mr. Eatons unrighteousness was so far disperst abroad in these parts, that one could scarce go any whither, but he might meet with it, and Pa­pers of it read in publick assemblies?

And what if some of them (or all) whose hands are at the Certificates, were ignorant of the Printing there­of? were any ignorant of the Certifi­cates themselves? did not all certify as are mentioned in the printed papers? And did they not there­fore certifie, that others might know how unjustly Mr. Ea. had suffe­red under such reports whi [...]h were of him, and with a designe to wipe a­way the reproch that lay upon him? [Page 3] And was not Printing (the slander having been made so publick) the most likely expedient to accom­plish that end?

As for the relation which these persons have made concerning the discourse betwixt themselves and Ralph Halls wife, it is partial and deceitful, it doth not contain the whole, nor the principal part of what she spake, and of what they repor­ted; yea, it is not a true relation, for it containeth not any part of the discourse betwixt Ioyce Hall and them,See the Certifi­cate of the El­ders. which the Certificate doth point at, as they themselves very well know; for they have in it pre­sented something that hath the face of a lie, but not any thing of unrigh­teousness, which is the onely thing the Certificates m [...]ke mention of: yet because they have produced this to the view of the world, with design (as may well be thought) of casting further filth up­on Mr. Eaton then onely of unrigh­teousness, there shall be a true an­swer returned to it.

Let it be granted that Colonel Venables gave that forty shillings to Ralph Hall, and that Mr. Eaton said it was but lent, and must be repayed by the Church, yet there is no lie in this, for thus it was; Mrs. Venables intreated Mr. Eaton to procure for­ty shillings from the Church for Ralph Hall, and urged him with this Argument, that he had recei­ved [Page 4] forty shillings from Colonel Ve­nables, and it was lent, and must be repaid; whence Mr. Eaton conclu­ded, that it was lent to him, and must be repayed by him, or by the Church for him. And Mrs. Venables did not clear it up at that time, how or by whom it was lent, or how or by whom it must be repayed, nor afterwards, till Mr. Eaton came to be defamed about it, and then she declared how it was, and cleared him from a lie in it by a Letter under her own hand.

This business cost the Elders (some of them) a journey to Chester to search out the truth,William Barret. Willi. Thomson and they found it to be a mistake, into which Mr. Eaton was in a sort unavoydably led by Mrs. Venables her dark and defective expressions.

But this is not to the purpose in hand; there is another part of Ioyce Halls relation, which is wholly supprest in the account they have given. Their report (as from her) was this, that Co­lonel Venables had told her, that he had formerly sent to the Church from Ireland such a summe of money, and did ask her whether she had her share in it, and that she answered no, she had not so much as heard of it; and that thereupon Mrs. Vena­bles said to her husband, sure you sent it to Mr. Eaton, did you not?William Barret. Tho. Partington. Willi. Thomson. Joh. Wharmbee. Wil. Linnie. Edward Hall. Rob. Warming­sham. Tho. Gillebrand John Harrison. John Wharmbee. Jam. Walker. Joh. Sidebottom Tho. Goodier. Joh. Warburton. and that he replyed no, not to Mr. Eaton, but to the Church, and that Mr. Eaton knowes well enough, for I sent him other monyes. In these last expressions lies the gross lie and forgerie which the Certificate speaks of; for Colonel Vena­bles professeth that he never uttered any such word, and that the thing it self (viz. of sending other monies) was altogether false; and Ioyce Hall denies that ever she made any such rela­tion to thes [...] persons: and upon examination, it did appear to us (she and they being brought together) that it was framed out of their own brain: but take it as themselves present it, if the thing were so odious, that unless a man were out of his sen­ses, it could not be thought that Mr. Eaton would say it, why then was it blazed abroad to render him odious, they not ha­ving spoken unto him any thing of the matter? it was but one [Page 5] person, and that a Sister (as she is called) that did assert it as from Colonel Venables unto them; and the Scripture saith, Re­ceive not an Accusation against an Elder under two or three witnesses, much less divulge it.

Reply.

But to come to the Certificate it self; they say none of the persons we intended in it did ever mention the 28 l. But we assert, that menti­on was made of both the summes, but with uncertainty whether 26 l. or 28 l. as will be proved by wit­nesses.Will. Barret. But it was never said by any of us, that they were liars upon that account, (that is language more fit for their foul mouths) for that might be onely by a mistake.

And it is but a subtil evasion to propose it in form of a Question, whether it be a grosse lie forged by persons of a distempered spirit, to testifie what they were informed of;The persons that witnessed to the last, are witnesses to this also. for they very well knew that it was not charged upon them for lying, because they related what they were informed of, but because they had reported what they were not informed of; for to say that Col. Venables had sent other moneys to Mr. Eaton, to cut him off from claiming any part of the 24 l. he sent to the Deacons, was a grosse lie forged by persons of a distem­pered spirit; for Colonell Venables himself (as hath already been pre­sented) denied it, and Ioyce Hall gain-said it. And notwithstand­ing [Page 6] what they speak of William Barret Will. Barret. and Katharine Ashton, as witnesses, that Ioyce Hall hath clea­red them, (which will not prove so to be, but the contrary) yet they know that Ioyce Hall did deny it to their faces, in the presence of the Church, when that businesse was examined, and their allegation of the strength which we our selves have acknowledged to be in two affirmative witnesses above many negative witnesses, will not serve their turn nor stand them in stead; for they had been the divulgers of a slander, and consequently the slan­derers, till they could find an au­thor, and upon that account, be­cause they had reported such a thing abroad (though in the report­ing of it they might mention Ioyce Hall) they were sent unto to come unto the Church, and William Bar­ret undertook to speak to them; and when they came, the Church looked upon them as Accusers of Ioyce Hall, rather than witnesses, till she came to speak for her self; and much more when she was come (together with them) and with high appeals to God (as they know) gain-said them. And her husband also came in (being an ear-witness of the first relation she made unto them at Chester) and declated that his wife spake no such thing of Colonell Venables his sending other money but that they themselves imagined such a thing,The same wit­nesses as in the fourth page at bottom. and spake their imagination, and that his wife opposed them therein, and told them Colonell Venables did not declare so much to her; yet they notwithstanding did afterwards boldly repo [...]t what they themselves had devised: Might it not then be said in the [Page 7] Certificate, that it was a grosse lie forged by persons of a di­stempered spirit? let intelligent men judge. What relates to Iohn Dand must receive this answer; It is not known who put his name to the Letter, nor acknowledged that it was put unto it without his knowledge, though he doth not remem­ber it; for Iohn Dand himself confesseth that he was spoken unto about the businesse, and gave answer to the things con­tained in the Letter, suitably to those that subscribed the Let­ter, upon which account he conceives his name was affixed to it with the rest of the persons whose names are in it: a pa­per of his own writing declares so much, which is with us.

Reply.

It is Mr. Eaton's portion which the Lord at this time hath measu­red out unto him, to lie under the scourge of bold, yet false Accusers: We were present, and very many more besides us (for it was at a Church-meeting it seemes) that these words should be spoken (as was confessed at Northwich) and we professe that we remember not that any such thing was spoken by Mr. Eaton; William Linnie. Tho. Partington. Tho. Newton. Pet. [...]earnhead. Tho. Gellebrand Rob. Warming­sham. James Walker. Joh. Sydebottom Tho. Siddall. John Brombell. and it is so remark­able a thing, that we know not how we should all of us forget it, if such a thing had been; for Mr. Eatons voice is audible enough, that all might hear that were present, and some of us more easily than Robert Ridgeway, who is the onely person that asserts it against Mr. Eaton, and sate at further distance from him that day than many of us did. And Mr. Eaton himself protests against it as a notorious untruth; and Colonell Venables, to whom this [Page 8] Letter should he written,Th. Partington. Joh. Sydebottom said, he knew nothing of the matter, or words to that purpose: so far is he from acknowledging that he changed his mind about it. And the Letter that is extant and owned by him contradicts it; for it speaks of no money sent, but of some that was owing to Mr. Taylor, which Mr. Eaton was intreated to get him; and Col. Venables upon the receit would pay so much to Mr. Tay­lor there; and when gotten, it was to supply the defect of his contribution in the time of his absence, and then it could not possibly be to the use of the Church, excluding Mr Eaton; the Queries then which they make are causelesse, foolish and frivolous, wanting a foundation. If Mr. Eaton wrote no such Letter, and if there was no such change in Colonel Venables, what Author then could there be of it? what ground could there be for it? what transgression could there be in it against Acts 5.4? Thus they trouble the Reader with their sense­lesse fictions. This was charged at Northwich before the Com­missioners, but they fell in it.

Reply.

They are fruitfull in invention, and do find out new things to pro­secute Mr. Eaton with, which nei­ther he nor we heard of before, but as abusive to him as any thing hi­therto, & as little suitable to truth, but very suitable to that evil spirit of wresting and perverting the most candid expressions, which have come both upon him and o­thers, wherewith of long time they did disturb the peace of the Church.

Mr. Eaton (that time which they intend) called us together, that he might clear himself from such [Page 9] scandal as was upon him through them, in reference to that money;Will. Barret. Tho. Partington. William Linnie. Tho. Newton. Peter Fernhead. Tho. Gillebrand Rob. Warming­sham. Jam. Walker. Joh. Sidebottom he spake nothing of taking it upon one account or other, but told us that the Deacons had disposed such a sum of money to him, and that it was no more in proportion then what was due unto him, because Mr. Venables when present did contribute two shillings six pence each Sabbath, and in his absence his wife at that time did it; and since her death it hath been neglected, and Colonel Venables in that summe which he sent at that time, had onely supplied that defect;William Barret. Tho Partington. William Linnie. Willi. Thomson Edw. Tipping. Iohn Warmbee. Tho Newton. Edward Hall. Ralph Dickenson Joh. Sidebottom Pet. Fernehead. and all other members of the Church. for if it were computed, it would arise to such a summe. This we know to be true, for Colonel Venables was, and is a member of our Congregation as well as she was, and under­stood the Rules according to which we walked in those times, and knew (as these persons do, at le [...]st one of them) and were not ashamed to own them and with joy to walk in them, though they now expose them to the scorn of the world, that the burthen in maintaining Officers and relieving persons in necessity, was born by a joynt shoulder: And whether pre­sent or absent relation did oblige unto it, if there were abili­ty. And thence it was that having been long absent, he orde­red four and twenty pounds to be given, to supply the defect of his contribution in the time of his absence, therein mani­festing what sense was upon him of a duty to be performed by him, so that those words, who ever will take the pains Mr. Eaton did, may know how long Colonel Venables paid for a dead wife; are but a scornful, unjust and unchristian scoffe and jeer, for which, without repentance they are like to give an account. It is dreadful to be considered of, when persons turn persecutors of that way which so lately they owned and rejoyced in as the way of righteousness.

Reply.

And if Colonel Venables did not send other monies to cut Mr. Eaton [Page 10] off from having any share in the twenty four pound, as they are now forced to confess, then the greater was their guilt in forging and devi­sing, in reporting and publishing so great an untruth,Will. Barret. Tho. Partington Will. Linney. Will. Thomson. Edw. Tipping. Joh. Wharmbee. Tho. Newton. James Johnson. Edward Hall. Ra. Dickison. Joh. Sydebottom Pet. Fearnhead. Tho. Hughs. Edw. Bradban. &c. and the more have they abused his innocency; And why then do they quarrel at the Certificate that mentions it? and then also Mr. Eaton had undoubted right to the greatest part of it, though he had never been mentio­ned. As for the furrs of value spoken of as a gentile present, what time they came they were kindly accepted of; but had it been foreseen that he should have been upbraided with them so ungentilely, they would have been rejected with dis­dain; they were some Fox skins undressed, too long kept at Chester before he had them, and moths were got into them, and to prevent annoyance and further damage that might be sustained by their hanging within the house, they were carried to the Kilne, where they continued a time, and at last were cast out to the dunghil, as some persons that are now at Har­den can attest. Nor doth this story of Furrs help at all against the guilt of the lie about other money, because Furrs are not money, and because Colonel Venables neither made mention of the one or of the other in this discourse with Ioyce Hall; neither did she in her relation to them, nor either of them in their relation to us. All that were at that Church-meeting when the slander was enquired into, do witness the truth of this; nor was this these persons subterfuge, at that time when questioned by the Church, though now they would shelter themselves under it, that the nakedness of that gross lie and forgery they were guilty of might not appear.

Reply.

And because they demand of William Barret things reflecting [Page 11] reflecting upon Mr. Eaton greatly to his dishonour, and because we are assured that William Barret hath been satisfied all along of Mr. Eatons integrity and innocency from the time that Mr. Eaton knew what scandalous reports were against him, and had liberty to clear himself from them, (which was done pub­likely at a Church meeting;) and be­cause what he spake was before that time, and was in private conference with them, and what truth or false­hood may be therein we understand not; therefore we leave him to re­turn his own answer, which may be at the end of this Paper.

And if Colonel Venables say in his Certificate that he sent it to the Church, yet he makes mention of a Letter which he authorised Mr. Taylor to write in his name long be­fore his Certificate, in which Letter is the first mention of the twenty four pound, and in it he committeth the money whol­ly to the dispose of the Deacons; and this they know well enough, having heard the Letter read, but they have a mind to calumniate, therefore they conceal that part of the Letter which would clear the business, and they express themselves with an (if) when they speak of Colonell Venables his sending of it to the Deacons, as if it were uncertain: and they demand, if sent to the Deacons, why were not they acquainted with it? they are willing the Reader should conceive they were not acquainted with i [...]; which yet is a monstruous untruth,Edw. Tipping. Tho. Newton. Joh. Wharmbee. for three of them not onely knew of the money, but concurred in the dispose of it; and though the fourth remember it not, yet it is probable he was not ignorant of it, nor dissenting from it. For it is likely Mr. Eaton and the other Deacons would tell [Page 12] him of it; or if there were any oversight, yet his brother in law, Laurence Owen, who received it, would declare it to him, for it was not made a secret. However it was, yet since it came to be questioned he hath declared to the equity of such proportio­ning of the money, and hath signified that either he knew and concurred with the others therein, or if he concurred not, it was because he knew it not.

Reply.

And we do say, that Mr. Ea­ton took it not, but that it was ordered he should have it by the Deacons; but these persons, while they do withstand it, do shew a lordly and masterfull spi­rit, wherein little of the fear of God or reverence of men ap­pears; for without respect had to Place, Office, Parts, Worth of any kind, they do with uncivil language entertain one another as if underlings to them. They are offended because the word Deacons is so often, though most righteously & necessarily used for the clearing of Mr. Eaton; they would make us to be guilty of forgery, because they believe things to be so and so, not be­cause they prove it; they de­mand of us things that concern them not, as though they were set over us to take an account from us, being (indeed) Busie-bodies in other mens matters. They condemn, censure, and scandalize us, for things of which they inquire of us how they be. [Page 13] They revile us and vilifie us, charging simplicity, slavery, and want of charity upon us, because we have done our duty. They have evill surmisings in their hearts against us, and thereby would beget an evil opinion in the breasts of others against us, because we have not given an ac­count to them how we have dis­posed of the money; a thing that we never did, that was never ex­pected from us by any particular person, one or other, unlesse the Church call us to it. It was once otherwise with them, or at least one of them; but an evil spirit hath now possessed them.

But to answer them what they charge upon us; they say they believe that none of the Dea­cons knew of the money but Thomas Newton. We say they believe a falsity therein:Tho. Newton Edw. Tipping. Joh. Wharmbie Deacons. Will. Linney. Tho. Partington R. Warmingsham Joh. Sydebottom James Walker. James Bradbury they say the other Deacons de­clared, they never heard or knew of the money; we say it is falsely and impudently spoken, and we and many others are witnesses against them: They would have us to speak one by one, and not in dark expres­sions as (by us, and some of us) and they call upon us to speak punctual­ly, when this money was given to Mr. Eaton, and whether in 1651. They might do well to take their seats and places, and we will come before them, and submit to be exa­mined. [Page 14] However, if they be high and lofty, we are conten­ted at this time to be lowly, and doe declare particularly, that we three, Edward Tipping, Thomas Newton, and Iohn Wharmby, in the latter end of 1651. disposed twenty pound of the twenty four pound to Mr. Eaton, and we divided with much uprightness of heart, without partiality, betwixt him and others which might be in want, according to the utmost of our understanding; in reference unto him we looked up­on it as a businesse of righteousnesse, that he should have ho­nourable maintenance upon the account of his labours amongst us, and that in the first place he should be provided for (for debts must first be paid) and after that all that could be spared from his just maintenance should go to the poor;William Barret. Wil. Linnie. Th. Partington. Willi. Thomson. and in the Certificate it is declared, that he had but twenty pound to shew: how little truth there is in their reports! for they have very slanderously given it out that the summe was at least twenty six pound, and that he had in a surreptitious way con­verted it all to his own use, that all the world may know what evil tongues they had, we did insert the particle, (but) we grudge not the poor, but wish we had more for them; and we think, that considering the poverty of our comparatively little society, there is more given to them then could be expected. It is a light thing with them in this time of their temptation and deep Apostasie, to judge of us, and to represent us to the world as persons not worthy to be trusted, neither Elders nor Deacons, with the receiving or distributing of such monies as come to our hands, unless we give an account to them, to what persons and in what proportion we have given what we have received, though it be six or seven years after. But when we are called unto it by those that have power, we doubt not but we shall be able to do it with good satisfaction; but through Gods grace the Church hath alwaies entertained better thoughts concerning us, and because they have judged us faith­ful, they have not rekoned with us from the time that we first united unto this day, according to what is asserted of some in Scripture, Rom. 2.12, 15. and chap. 22.7. and Nehemiah 13.13.

But they proceed to imagine falsi­ties, and to provoke the God of truth against themselves, they add sin to sin, one untruth unto another, while they say, none but Thomas Newton knew of the Letter written by Mr. Taylor in Mr. Venables name; Edward Tipping Edw. Tipping. and Iohn Wharm­bee John Wharmbee. had also the knowledge of it, and all of them their direction from it, to dispose it as they did, before Mr. Eaton received any part of it.Edw. Tipping. Joh. Wharmbee. Tho. Newton. Nor did Mr. Eaton keep up the Let­ter, for besides the Deacons, Mr. Iones saw it, and many others which cannot now particularly be mentio­ned. Nor was it for Mr. Eatons ad­vantage to keep it up; for the scope of Colonell Venables and Mr. Tay­lor is thereby most clearely discer­ned, and serves to justifie both him and the Deacons above all other things. It appears by the Letter that it was contribution money that was sent, in the distribution of which there hath been alwaies an inequa­lity, and a greater disproportion ma­ny times then in this money. A bare better half was never thought sufficient to maintain a preaching Ministry. The Church in its contri­butions looked mainly, if not solely, at them that were the teachers, and never interposed to abridge them, were grieved they could not aug­ment them; but the ordering of them they left to the Deacons per­petually without intermedling. The [Page 16] Letter was directed alone to Mr. Eat. who then should have the kee­ping thereof but he? all that could be expected from him was but to shew it to such who were concerned in it, which were the Deacons prin­cipally, who were to act by it, and not the Church at all; yet wretched collections are made from it, as first, the Church would not have been so uncharitable as to make so unequal a division, when yet it never did nor doth meddle with divisions at all. Secondly, though it be not cal­led Church-robbing, yet it was a covetous interposing in Mr. Eaton betwixt the poor and the money; and why so? the onely reason that is rendred is this, because he had his own letter in his own keeping, and shewed it unto all who were concerned in it, and to some be­sides.

Nor had Mr. Taylors direction been answered if Mr. Eaton had barely had the better halfe, because Mr. Taylor knew that contribution money (which he mentioned this to be) was not so divided, neither was it Mr. Taylors direction to con­sider all that were poor and in debt first (for then Mr. Eaton must have had nothing at all) but those brethren onely whose wants were exceeding pressing.See Mr. Tay­lors Letter. As for Colonel Venables, of whom they say that he intended not that the money should be so divided, this we know that he had notice of it how it was divided, and declared himself well satisfied in it, and since this business was questioned. he said to William Barret, [...]illiam Barret. that if the Church (meaning the Deacons, for to them he sent his [Page 17] direction) had disposed of it all to Mr. Eaton, he should not have been offended. And the truth is, amongst all that have contributed to the uses of the Church; not so much as one hath been found idterposing betwixt the Deacons and the exe­cution of their office by way of direction, in reference to what they have contibuted, but onely Colonell Venables in the one summe of mony, which hath occasioned all this contention, &, as he saith in the other, though it be denied by the Deacon that received it. The conclusion which they make of this Section is very remarkable, after much complaining that Col. Venables his intention, and Mr. Taylor his direction was not observed by the Deacons in the distribution of the money that was made by them, they bring an argument fetcht from the office of a Deacon, that the poor should have it all, and Mr. Eaton none at all, by which they themselves would overturn and ut­terly subvert and destroy the intention and direction of them both: For, say they (or he that hath formed this business for them) where find you that Deacons should have care of Church-officers? so would they say of all kind of maintenance, that no care at all might be had of it, either by Deacons or by any other, that all office and Ministry by that means might fall, no provision at all being made to support it.

Reply.

Malice is ever working and is e­ver unresonable, not admitting of an apology from them against whom it acts, how just soever: had it not been so with these persons, they would have been ashamed to argue so foolishly and perversely as they have done. If there be a fault, and that favour hath been shewed in this distribution to Mr. Eaton, let it but appeare and we who are the Deacons wil bear the blame and the shame of it; but if we have kept to the old way, which hitherto we have walked in, and which delibe­rately [Page 18] we took up, and which an­swers Congregationall principles, which you your selves, till cast out, have professed; why doe you raile thus upon us? If there must be teaching officers in a Church, then there must be suitable provision for them: For who goeth a warfare of his own charge? Such which preach the Gospel must live of the Gospel. Neither is there any iniquity in di­stributing with disproportion, when the persons which are distributed unto fal under a different considera­tion; and unequall distributions in such cases have the greatest equity in them. Doth any Steward distri­bute to the poor alike proportion of his Lords moneys as he doth to his Lords labourers, or hired servants? or which of these persons having work-folks, doth give unto the poor as they give unto them, unlesse they know they have enough for both? Will they put difference be­twixt their hired servants and the poor, dispensing their bread and money with disproportion? and do they cavill at us, and brand us with unrighteousnesse for carrying our distributions in like manner? Shall not we have as much care of the Lords labours as they have of their own? They would closely insinu­ate, as if there were a robbing of the poor in this distribution, but they dare not speak out. But shall we rob the Lords servants that worke in his vineyard for the [Page 19] sake of the poore? or doth this high contest for the poor, in which they so greatly vilifie us, arise out of that tender respect they bear to the poor, and not rather from their spleen and rage against Mr. Eaton, & envy against Ministry? For do not we know that for many years the one of these left off contributing,Edw. Tipping. James Johnson. Joh. Wharmbie. Tho. Newton. and the other never came up to it (so far as we remember) or if he did, he soon desisted; by which means neither officers nor poor have received that which hath been right; and what they will call this let them consider.

But they would bear themselves out in theier unreasonable and un­just accusation of us, by minding us what an estate Mr. Eaton hath by his wife; which were it true, (as it is v [...]ry false, for instead of 40 l. per annum he hath not made (as him­self saith, and some know) 30 l. of clear profit) yet it is not to the pur­pose, for the labourer is worthy of his hire, notwithstanding any pro­per personall estate he hath of his own. And we do assert, that at that time when we alotted this 20 l. to M. Eat. he had not any allowance for preaching, but what came through our hands, which at that time was not 28 l. per an. for what h [...] had from Chester was while Mr. Taylor was with us, who divided it with him, and was soon at an end, and was some yeares before 1651. and what he had from sequestrati­tions, [Page 20] which was also in Mr. Taylors time, and ceased long before the a­bove mentioned yeare of 1651. was (while he enjoyed it) but the half part of 32. l. That the profits that came from the State, and the purchases that were made, were either be­fore or after 51. these witnesses: Will. Barret. R. Warmingsham James Walker. Joh. Wharmbie. Tho. Newton. Th. Partington. Will. Thomson, and many more. As for his purchases that in Irleand is in­considerable, yielding trouble without profit. These persons that mention it may ask their friends which have p [...]rt with him whether they ever received one pennie: and as it is yet at present (if duely paid) his p [...]oportion would be under 10. l. per ann. No [...] was this p [...]rchase made at this time when this mo­ney was given to Mr. Eaton, but several years after; and that purchase in Cheshire was made very lately, and a mistake there is in the valuing of it, which being so frequent in this Paper we wonder not at; not hath he acted cunningly to hide any of these things, if he had, he might habe escaped the scourge of these mens tongues and pens, who are watching for all advantages to render him odious; and though he ha h not children, he hath had, and yet hath kindred which have and do fetch much from his estate: and if he hath not kept house, the weakness of his wife (who of long time hath been infirme) and more especially of late) and her desire to be freed from cares (being indeed unfit for them which do necessarily attend house-keeping) hath been the reason, William Barret. Tho. Partington Will. Thomson. Wil. Linnie. Joh. Wharmbie. Tho. Gellibrand Tho. Goodier. John Bagly. Pet. Fearnhead. Tho. Birch. John Harrison. Ralph Bagly, and all others of the Church that have been with us. and o­thers of greater estate, and in other respects, more fit, have yet without any scandal upon them lived in the same way: nor was he ever ch [...]rged with covetousness (so far as we have heard, unless it were by some parti­cular person, which h [...]ve h [...]d a mind to asperse him without cause before this time: But malice and spleen will ever find faults; h [...]s wife hath said many times (and those that are acquainted with her know her to be of a free spirit and not covetous) that more is spent in the way they now live in, and by giving where need requires, then would keep house in good manner; and what a pattern of forwardness he h [...]th been in the Church upon all occasions of contribution, and how he hath excited us to every good work of that kind, and been presidential unto us therein, when any poor have been to be relieved, we can all testifie: but it is a light and easie thing for these persons to disparage others, what worth soever may be in them.

That he hath now an allowance of 100. l. per an. is as false as the rest, The before-men­tioned, so many as were mem­bers at that time are witnesses al­so against the Leavy. and if he had it, he might be thought to deserve it as well as many others that have it; that of a levy from the Church to defray the charge of his journey to Scotland is a nevv business, and united in the brain of those that delight in lies, for there vvas no such thing: and the one of these persons cannot choose but knovv it, and both of them might have informed themselves better before they had publlshed it, that the Lord Protector then General that called him thither did nobly revvard him, hath alvvaies been thankfully ackcovvledged by him.

Reply.

As for Mr. Taylers Letter, which they again speak of, they know it is extant, for they saw it, and heard it read in the presence of Collonel Venables, and we printed a part of it, and left out the principal part of it, (which was that Collonel Venables sent the money to supply the want of his contribution, in that time of his absence) to our own great dis­advantage, so far are we from cun­ning Artifices in acting in our own affaires; and that letter doth fully cleare both Mr. Eaton and the Dea­cons, and they have heard it read, (as was said before) and yet cease not to calumniate: What hope therefore of convincing them by printing it? And yet before that letter was found the Deacons declaring, that they had seen such a letter, and that they had according to it, awarded such mo­nies to Mr. Eaton, (which was in a Church meeting) the Church was generally satisfied therewith,Will. Barr [...] W. Th [...] Will. Linn [...] T Partington Jo. Wharmby Edw. Hall, J. Sydebottom and many more persons might be named. and of all that were present, there was only one man, (the one of these two per­sons, viz. Robert Ridgway,) that ex­pressed himself unsatisfied, to the great offence of the rest, in these words, Mr. Eaton hath made a l ng story, but he is not cleared for all this. And the Letter being found, Colonel Venables gave witness to it, and hath many times declared Mr. Eaton and us to be without blame in that busi­nes: [Page 26] & at the Northwich, where the one of these persons was,Thomas Partington Ja. Johnson. Tho. Newton Rob. War­mingsham. who had accused Mr. Eaton of unrighte­ousness, in receiving that money, and whether also the other came the next meeting, after there had been a full and faire hearing, before Baron Bruen, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Angier, which were Commissioners appoint­ed to examine differences about sums of money, Mr. Eaton was cleared, and the Authours and Fomenters of these slanders, exhorted to repen­tance,The Paper under the Commissio­ners hands declares so much. for scandalizing a Servant of Jesus Christ, and Minister of the Go­spel. And this Letter of M [...]. Taylers was read at that time, and two of the Deacons took their Oaths, that they acted according to the known rules of distributing in other cases, and a third Deacon was at London at that time, but confirmed the same by oath at the next meeting, so that neither words nor wit carried this matter but truth and uprightness, so that if these persons had not been of a bad resolved spirit, and given up to love and speak falshood rather then truth, they would not have de­clined the judgement of these Com­missioners, and after their determi­nation, have published so false and wicked a Pamphlet.

And though they do again accuse Mr. Eaton to be ambitious, after credit in publique, and covetous of of profit in private, and make these two to be like the two Sonnes of [Page 27] Zerviah, too hard for a David, without the help of a heavenly power, (which we hope Mr. Eaton through the help of an heavenly power, will reap great advantage by at the last:) yet we must say,William Barret Will. Thompson Will. Linny Will. Thomson Edw. Tip [...]ing Iohn Wh [...]rmby Tho. Newton. Ja. Johnson Edw. Hall Tho Hughes Jo Sydebottom James Holme, and very many others. that if these two evills be so predominant in him, he hath not taken the course he might have taken, to satisfie him­selfe in either; for he hath had in­vitations to preach in great and pub­lique places, and offers of hundreds made unto him, where he might have had applause and profit, and yet hath rather chosen to sit down in a corner with a few despised ones, and to accept of small things, then to leave us.

And for the Letter of Mr. Tayler, upon which they harp so much, it was discovered to the Deacons and others, as we have declared, and might have been to the Church, had there been any reason for it, long before the money came into question; yea, before received, and was lost again amongst a multitude of pa­pers, till searched out by M [...]. Eaton, upon the rumour of this money got abroad to his reproach. And though every thing be worthy to be observed, which the Lord permits to be, because a wise godly heart, will fetch profit out of it; yet it is not strange, that envy should work upon words spoken, (as Joyce Hall asserted, and these persons witnessed from her mouth,) by [...]ollonel Vena­bles not so considerately, though perhaps not at all at that time,William Barret Tho Partington Wil. Linny Wil. Thomson Edw. Tipping Jo. Wh [...]rmby Tho. New [...]on Ia [...] Iohnson Edw. Hall Ralph Dick­enson, and very many more. with any evil intention to give advantage to others. I sent mo­nies from Ireland, said Collonel Venables, hadst thou thy share in it? And again, I sent the money to the Church, and not to Mr. Eaton not remembring (it may be) what direction he had given to M [...]. Tayler, to write such a Letter. These were the words, and these words it seemes, administred matter to Joyce Hall, and to these two persons, through an old grudge harboured in their hearts against Mr. Eaton, to asperse him with unrighteousness, a­bout this Sum of money. From which to cleare himself, he look­ed through his papers, and at last met with this Letter of Mr. Taylers, and produced it for his own justification, and appealed [Page 28] to the Deacons, whether from the direction they took from it, they had not ordered such monies to him. And there is cause of trembling, to consider, that malice should work so mightily in persons, where much of Religion hath been thought to be (es­pecially in the one of them) as to render them uncapable of re­ceiving satisfaction, after so full and clear a representation of things made unto them. And that they should dare to print such a Pamphlet, after so publique a tryal, which this matter received at Northwich. As for William Barret, his saying that he did not know of the money, we all understand how deeply his memory is charged with multiplicity of affaires, and if his memory faile him, it is not to be wondred at, after so long time elapsed. They know it fayld him in a matter of moment, when he said, That he was not in such a place at such a time, and yet was a principal actor at that time, in that place as was confessed on all hands.

Reply.

Concerning their being divided, which they quarrel at, the Certifi­cate saith, that the persons that de­vised and first reported these mon­strous untruths were divided amongst themselves, and so it was. They say, it is an untruth, for they were never divided; here is pretty juggling: they mean, they two were never divi­ded, nor was that asserted, but Joyce Hall comes in with them as a third person in the Certificate, and she and they were divided; she against them, and they against her. They say, she told them so, and she saith, she told them not so, but that they imagined it themselves, and then cast it upon her. They appeal to heaven, and she ap­peals to heaven; and their appeals [Page 29] are in that wherein they contradict each other: And where is then the untruth that we have told, must it not be laid at their own door? And is it not remarkable, and may cause trem­bling, for these were three friends, all of them deeply discontented against Mr. Eaton, and watching for advanta­ges. And one reports to the other two, something grosse and bad in Mr. Eaton, as was apprehended, and they readily receive it, and divulge it, and it comes to this at last, that a grosse lie was told amongst them, which was manifest, and did stare them in the face; then they divide, which were one before, and there is affirming and denying one against the other with dreadful words, and a fourth comes in to help her that was alone and was over-matched, and turnes the scale, being not a par­ty, but a witnesse. Was not this the hand of God, that they should be thus confounded, while they were thus maliciously acting against Mr. Eaton? But their enmity against him hath reconciled them altogether a­gain. And this appears in that they say of her, that she spake truth in the main, and that it was a mistake and her infirmity. Which are but fig­leaves to cover their own shame, for it was they that invented it, and the thing consisted not in the change of some words, which might [...] by mi­stake, but in the addition of many words, which were never spoken, and it was the main thing, for [Page 30] had it been true, the unrighteousnesse of Mr. Eaton would much have appeared. But they are forced at last to confesse a contra­diction in her, (and why not in themselves rather) and would take away the foulness of it, by presenting a more grosse and hi­deous contradiction in Mr. Eaton.

This contradiction is one of those lying charges which was contained in a paper of Thomas Wirrall read in the presence of the Church, after he had renounced his membership; for which and for many other grosse miscarriages he was cast out.

The thing was thus, at a private meeting of Elders and some other persons, Thomas Wirrall, and John Bruckshaw being pre­sent, Mr. Eaton spake these words, That if all in the Church were like to some, he should count it as great a mercy as could come unto him, to leave the Church. To which words no reply was made. At the next Church-meeting Thomas Wirral brings in a charge against Mr Eaton, mentioning some of his words, and adding others of his own, viz. unlesse the Church would clear him he would leave them, and should account it a mercy so to do. Mr. Eaton peremptorily denyed such expressions, granted some­thing, but not all as was presented, but neither he nor any that were present at the other conference (John Bruckshaw being absent) could remember what the words were that were spo­ken. After this there was another Church meeting appointed, at which John Bruckshaw was present; but before the day came,W [...]ll. Barrett. Will Linny Edw. Tipping. Will. Thomson. Tho: Newton Iohn Sydebottom Tho. Goodier. Tho. Birch. Iohn Wharmby Hugh Eccles. the very words that Mr. Eaton spake were brought to his mind, which he acquainted several persons with, and on that day, John Bruckshaw read the very self-same words out of a paper which Mr. Eaton had before mentioned to be his words, and up­on his reading of them Mr. Eaton owned them as his, and this was the contradiction which is charged upon him. A most hor­rible abuse, worthy to be punished by a Judge, is herein put upon him, and we are many of us witnesses hereof. That which re­spects William Barret we are not able to say any thing to, but leave it to him to make his own answer.

Reply.

We have indeed presented it to the worlds view, that these two per­sons have been cast out of the [Page 31] Church for that and other miscarria­ges, that the world might know what spirits are abroad, and how great Mr. Eatons sufferings have been from unthankful and unworthy persons; and to shew what a sense the Church notwithstanding hath had of his up­rightness and innocencie, in that they have thought themselves obliged to vindicate him, by a just censure past upon his unrighteous accusers. Whe­ther that which we have charged up­on these persons make them justly the subjects of excommunication or not, might have been brought unto tryal long since, as they know, if they would either have condescended that godly men of sound principles, of the Congregational way, or of the Presbyterian judgement, might have had the hearing of it. And very lately at Northwich, as Mr. Ea­ton hath informed us, the Commissio­ners, Baron Bevin, Mr. Fisher, and Mr. Angier, intreated Colonel Vena­bles to go unto them, and to make the like proposal unto them again, but all in vain; their answer was, they would think of it, as they have said before; but it appeared that their resolution was, that they will either have men that are of corrupt and rotten principles to have the hearing of it, or they will have none at all. And they have found it the safest course for them to plead their cause in print, and to blast the reputations of others that way, then to bring it [Page 32] before upright and unbyassed Judges. for by that meanes their false and slanderous assertions and aspersions may escape a just tryal.

And for the discovery of the mo­ney, which they say was the main thing for which they were cast out; we answer, that it is notoriously false, nor was it any cause at all, nor was there any thing of truth discovered about it, which any of us had a mind should be kept secret; but there is much untruth and falshood discover­ed in these persons, which have made all this noise about it, which might justly fill their faces with shame, & for which with other things they have been justly laid under that dreadful sentence of excommunication, and so they are like to continue out of the Church till the Lord be pleased kind­ly to humble them, which in his own time (if they belong unto him) he will do.

Their leaving of us was to prevent their own being cast out, which they saw was hastning upon them; for we had long been exercised under the distemper of their spirits (which the Messengers of the Church upon a li [...] discourse [...]one discerned, and offences were more and more multiplied, so that there was at last no remedy but to cut them off from the Con­gregation of the Lords people, among whom they were wont to walk and to partake of holy Ordinances. The con [...] deration of which (were their consciences awakened) might be v [...]ry affrighti [...]g to their spirits.

And now seeing that after such a cloud of darkness, which through mischievous tongues lay upon Mr. Eaton his name, God hath been pleased to shew mercy, and make the light of truth [Page 33] break forth▪ and so clear him from such unjust imputations of u [...] ­righteousness in reference to this sum of money which they have made all this stirre about; and also in reference to another sum mentioned in some of the Certificates, they may do well to remember what they have here promised, to wit, to certifie with us, how unjust they have been against him and us, and how justly we have proceeded against them.

As for William Barrett, we leave him again to make his ow [...] answer, not thinking it meet to meddle with that which they say privately passed from him to them, not knowing but that they may be as injurious against him in their relating things as we have found (to our grief and their shame) they have been to us.

Reply.

Whether these persons had a grudge against M^r. Eaton doth not require any special spirit of discern­ing to determine it; nor have we professed to have any such spirit, to give them occasion to say it is a spirit of falshood. It was manifest to all within the Church,Will. Barret T. Partington W. Thomson Will. Linnie Jo. Wharmby Edward Tipping. Edw. Hall, J. Sydebottom Ja: Holme. T [...] Hughes Ralph Dickenson. John W [...]rberton. who we [...]e obser­vers of things; and were unbyassed, that it was so, for he was the person that continually they struck at, and hardly any thing could be spoke or done by him, but they gathered mat­ter of offence from it to themselves. And the hard speeches that th [...]y have uttered in the eares of some of us upon all occasions aga nst him, have witnessed how they have st [...]od affected towards him. But now [...]h y have made it obvious to the world, what a spirit of malignity they car­ry for their searching into all things, [Page 34] and their evil surmising where they can know nothing, and their wrest­ing and perverting things against him, and their striving by all meanes, even u [...]to the frequent violating of truth, to make him faulty, doth de­clare it.

And it was for endeavouring to heal their soules,The fore­mention [...]d persons g ve witnesse to this also. for distemper had (for some time) been growing up­on them, and some temptations had taken hold on them; the publick Ordinance had not been so much frequented, nor private Communion kept up, but much remissenesse there was, and their spirits grew very high and troublesome, and if Mr. Eaton reproved it was not accepted, so that he hath been forced some­times to make knowne the trouble of his heart to others.

And though they say (to smooth the matter over, and to re­move suspition from the Reader) that the one of them answered to the one and twenty sifting Questions, yet we know that the one of them is against baptizing of Infants,Will. Ba [...]re [...] singing of Psalmes, against which reproachfull expressions have been used (as used in the Churches of the Saints) an instituted Ministry and Ordinan­ces, as dispensed by Pastors and Teachers, and withheld his con­tribution upon that account,W [...]ll: Linny Tho: Partington W [...]ll: Thomson J [...]h. Warmby declaring that when M^r Eaton could prove himselfe a Minister, so indued with power from on high, as the Ministers of Christ were in the primitive times, then he would acknowledge those Scriptures to be in force, in reference to him, which speake of Ministers maintenance; Nor doth he acknowledge any such power now in the Church of delivering up to Satan, as the Apostle speaks of in 1 Cor. 5.1. And as for the other, he is not right in his Judgement, nor laudable in his walking, but be­cause he is cast out we shall let him alone.

And though there was a slownesse in the Church in setting upon them a solemne admonition, yet the offences were many which were committed by them, of which we warned them oft, [Page 35] and with much patience laboured to have healed them, therefore it is most untruly represented, that we never laid any thing to ei­ther of their charge, before the one of these admonished us, which gentlenesse, was at last so greatly abused by the one of them,William Barret Will. Linny Tho, Parting [...]on Will. Thomson. I [...]hn Wh [...]mby E [...]w: Hall. Io [...]n Sydebo [...]to [...] Tho. Hughes and very many more. that when the Church reprooved him, he had the impudence to admonish the Church; And in reference to the other of them, when the divulging of untruths against M^r Eaton, was added to many former offences, and being charged with it, and one place mentioned where it was done; when there was perversenesse found in him, and the thing would neither be confessed, nor deny­ed, there was then a solemne admonition set upon him for all his miscarriages together, wherein we conceive we discharged a duty, and offended not.

Reply.

If the righteous proceedings of God may more clearly be beheld by enabling us to give glory to God, by certifying the truth of what we know of our own knowledge, then through Gods grace we can and will give glory to God; for we will certify the truth as it is in our Con­sciences, which is this.

In the latter end of the yeare,Tho. Newton Ed: Typing. Iohn Wharmby 1651, a letter directed to M^r Eaton came from M^r Taylor in Colonell Ven ables name; in which 24. li. was mentioned as sent by him for contribution money, with speciall direction to the Deacons, to consider M^r Eaton, and this money was to be got in by M^r Eatons in­dustry, and we were acquainted with all this very [...]oon after the receit of this letter; and thereupon ordered that M^• Eaton should have 20 li. of it, and the poor the rest, before any penny of it was received! for the letter came over without the money, which was to be received as it could be got. And this we did with [Page 36] much uprightness of spirit, apprehending that it was most suitable to the rule of righteousnesse, and did most answer the mind of the Donor; And there was nothing of privacy intended by any of us, in this transaction.

And we do now further certify, that God may have the glory of it, and that they may have the shame of it, (if by that means they may be brought unto repentance) that they have most groundlessely, and unjustly, made a great stirre and bussle about this matter, and have by their evill surmises and many grosse un­truths, laboured to possesse the minds of men, with an evill opi­nion, both of ours, and Mr. Eatons honest, direct, and above-board dealings, to the great dishonour of God, defamation of Mr. Eaton, and reproach of us who are the Deacons; And that they have great cause to be deeply humbled befo [...]e God, for these their miscarriages, and whatsoever they collect from the rigour or equivocation of the style, wherein they grossely abuse Mr. Eaton, whose plainnesse doth testify for him, that he is a stranger, (as we beleeve, to equivocation, & which we also have in detestation, yet our Certificate is not guilty of it. And we do assert, that we have not been taught by Mr. [...]aton or any other, to speake or act any thing contrary to the truth, as it is in our Consciences.

Reply.

There is much false-dealing in re­presenting things out of the letter & Certificate, they do concut (indeed) and both speak of very pressing ne­cessities of Brethren, and these per­sons leave out the words: very pres­sing, and exceeding pressing. They both say that Mr. Eaton should be very fully considered, if necessities be not exceeding pressing, and these persons change it and say, that necessi­ties must be first considered before Mr. Eaton be considered at all or have any part of it. If they had said that very pressing necessities must be first con­sidered, before he had had any full part of it, they had said the truth, but [Page 37] as they have expressed it,, it is a lye instead of truth.

And some other words which are in Mr Taylers Letter are left out in their mentioning of it, to wit, That the moneys sent by Co­lonel Venables was to supply the defect of his contribution in the time of his absence; on purpose (as may be feared) to darken the truth. For the words carry great light in them unto the ju­stifying of Mr. Eaton in all that he hath received, and of the Deacons in all that they have alotted. But enough hath been said of this already.

Reply.

And now seeing they commit all to the impartial Reader to judge of, if their representation of things had b [...]en without impartiality, they might have done it with more honour and comfort. But having abused the Reader all along with false and ma­lignant repre [...]entations, they have disabled him from making a right judgement, and if he make any judge­ment at all from what they have declared he must see cause (we doubt not) having read this reply to recall it.

By what hath been presented the Reader may easily discerne, that their Answer to the Certificates doth either wholly, or for the most part consist of deceit, untruth, slander, evil surmising, sinful shifting, scorning, malice.

Consider the several pages, and it will appear.

Our desires are not to cast aspersi­ons upon the persons of others, when yet they took up the report of Joyce Hall, and addeth thereto, and divulged it, by which Mr. Eaton came to be much aspersed.

Witnesse the relation which they make of the discourse betwixt Joyce Hall and themselves.

None of the persons you intend in the Certificates did ever mention 28 l.

When they ask, whether it be a grosse lie to testifie what they were informed of, when yet they knew that they were charged with lying, not for testifying what they were informed of, but for speaking what they were not informed of, but had forged and divised.

Will. Barret and Katharine Ashton declared, that Joyce Hall had cleared them.

Mr. Eaton confessed, that the 24 l. was sent to the Church, and not to him, and that he wrote to Colonel Venables, and by that means altered his mind, and got the money.

Mr. Eaton said, if he might not take the money upon that account, yet he might upon this account. Co­lonel Venables his former Wife gave two shillings six pence each Lords day, which computed will come to four and twenty pounds since she dyed.

Colonel Venables had paid for a dead Wife.

They mention Colonel Venables his sending F [...]rrs to hide the lie, which was told when they reported, that he had sent other moneys to Mr. Eaton, to cut him off from claiming any part in the four and twenty pounds which he sent.

The Deacons were not acquainted with the money which was [...]ent unto their dispose.

They believe that none of the Deacons, but Thomas Newton, knew of the money.

All the Deacons, except Thomas Newton, said, that they never heard or knew of the money.

You formerly denied it.

They might have known why; It was to discover an untruth, that they were guilty of in reporting that Mr. Eaton had taken all the money that Colonel Venables sent, when yet it was but 20 li. They would not seem to know it that they might abuse us by it.

It is not known what poor had the three pound, nor who had the other twenty shillings; this is of the nature of a high slander.

None of the Deacons knew of the Letter.

Mr. Eaton kept the Letter in his own custody both from the Deacons and the Church.

Mr. Eaton therefore did it because he knew Mr. Taylers directions were not that he should have 20 li.

Though we call it not Church rob­bing, yet it was a covetous interposing betwixt the poor and the money.

Mr. Taylers directions had been observed if Mr. Eaton had had the better half of the money sent.

Colonel Venables intended not the money should have been so divided. For he intended it should be div [...]ded, as in discretion the Deacons should do it, for he committed, [...]t to them.

If committed to the Deacons, all should have gone to the poor, because Deacons are for the poor: But where find you that they are for Church Officers? In this appears an evil eye; they have grudgings against that they knew Colonel Venables intended him.

You are not ashamed to say, You shewed no favour: herein they make favour, not righteousnesse, to be the rule observed by us the Deacons in our dividing, and us shamelesse in denying it.

They strive to make us guilty a­gainst all reason, we plead we have acted, according to old known rules, deliberately and justly agreed upon at first, and yet we must be guilty.

In the value that they put upon Mr. Eatons estate which he hath by his Wife.

In the forty pounds pey annum spo­ken of, as received by Mr. Eaton, from sequestrations.

In mentioning what Mr. Eaton purchased in the value, and especially in the time.

In applying the forty or fifty pounds received as Chaplain to Che­ster Garrison, especially in reference to the time, for it was long before.

They speak of four pounds to the poor, and adde these words, If they had it, meaning, if they were not cheated of it.

If Mr. Eaton kept close these things, and pleaded necessity, was it not to keep you to your unequal di­vision.

And why do you so, seeing he hath no children, and hath kept no house since he was Pastor, these twelve years, herein they shew a spirit of envy, all is too much that is gi­ven to him.

But the nature of covetousness is, that much would have more.

He hath now an allowance from the State of one hundred pound per annum.

Whether there was not a Levie from the Church for his j [...]urney to Scotland? When yet the one of them knows the contrary.

Your piece meal Collections, un­der which wit and words may make a truth seem a lie, and a lie seem a truth.

Who knows your Author! (they mean Mr. Eaton) knows he is both full of wit and words, to extenuate or aggravate to his own advantage.

His greatest temptation in pub­lick, being credit, and in private, profit.

If it be the goodnesse of God, that the Letter is extant, why was it not discovered before the money came in question?

That it should be now discovered being sent in 1651. bespeaks a just hand of God, that others may fear and tremble and beware of covetous under-dealing.

No cause of fear and trembling to us, unlesse it be for your and his un­righteous dealing.

We were never divided, that is, not we two, Robert Ridgway and John Bruckshaw, but you three, Robert Ridgway, Iohn Bruckshaw, and Joyce Hall were divided, of which the Certificate speaks, as you know.

In charging contradiction, (with appeals to God) upon Mr. Ea­ton.

They will shew in due time, that they were not the subjects of excom­munication, when yet they have a­voided motions of hearing, unlesse men unsound in judgement might be their Judges.

The discovery of the money was the main cause of excommunication; Their conscience knows otherwise: Joyce Hall first mentioned the money to them, and yet she is not cast out.

Your c [...]sting out, was but to [...]st an odium for justly leaving you, and to cover some nakednesse of your own.

Your spirit of discerning is a spirit of falsehood.

You never laid any thing to our charge, untill one of us had▪ admo­nished you.

They intimate that we were taught by another to say that in our Certificate, which was not truth in our own conscience.

The Certificate and Letter testifie, that the necessities of private Bre­thren must first be considered of, be­fore Mr. Eaton was to have any part of the money sent.