THe world cannot choose but take notice, of a strangely malitious and scandalous Pamphlet, Intituled, (Walwyn's Wiles, &c.) the particular slanders whereof, though heretofore privately, yet industriously lisperst, accompanied with many more of a lighter nature, but more easily discoverable, which are therefore in this book left out, yet have the pollitick Authors not thought fit to collect and publish the same, till they knew Mr Walwyn was much straitned from the means and opportunity of Vindicating himself; and till they judg'd by such slanders, they should render him odious to all Religious people, and so fit him for that destruction, they do secretly, but most laboriously en­deavour to bring upon him.

He has been hitherto silent, and when importuned to clear himself; he has ar­gued, That it was not the way of Christ or his Apostles; that we read of no Apologies of theirs, though in the same manner with himselfe, but in a more plentifull measure loaded with obloquies and reproaches: That the best use he could make of such hard speeches, was to be more circumspect in his waies, and not to deviate from the path of righteousnesse, that so by the innocence of his life, and unblamablenesse of his conver­sation, he might give check to such rumours and evil reports. That he knew very well what was the root from whence such bitter fruits proceeded: viz. his engageing for the people, and discovering a resolution in himself to persevere in the same. In­deed neither he nor his friends did ever thinke they would have proceeded so far in these crosse and rugged paths, as to prosecute him to the very death; for who could but suppose that either the precepts of Christianity that are in direct oppo­sition to such courses, or at least (if nothing else is prevalent with them) that the outward reputation of their Religion would have restrained them. But when once the innocent and harmelesse path is forsaken, whether then? but into a sea of evil, where one bad action necessarily drawes on another; and one injustice enforces the committing of another, for support and protection of the first? When Religious men become spies, and make use of friendship to betray; when they shall hunt their Brethren like Partriges, ransack their whole lives, insinuate themselves into their acquaintance purposely to ensnare them, and justifie them­selves in so doing: wrest mens sayings to the worst, forge and fix upon them things of greatest antipathy to their spirits; what is this but to blast the name of Christi­anity, and the profession of Religion, and to make it evil spoken of all the world over? yet this hath been the practice of the Authors of that Pamphlet towards Mr. Walwyn, who has patiently bore all hitherto, and is now undergoing the high­est proof of his vertue (which his Adversaries make his crime and disadvantage) and of his Christian fortitude (with which I well know he is amply endowed) as in these latter times I thinke any man has undergon. They have seasoned this project of theirs to the purpose; took a course for restraining him▪ and then they revile him; knowing well that other men, though of never so great acquaintance and intimacy with him, cannot so clearly discover the mistakes and fallacious de­livery of those speeches that are fathered upon him, as he himself could.

However I judge my selfe bound to do my best (though weak) indeavour for his Vindication; out of my hearty respects to that Innocency and reall Goodnesse that is so visible in his life and conversation, as one would thinke should answer all objections.

Indeed I judge that Pamphlet more properly a designe, then a discourse; the politick contrivance (most of it) of other kind of adversaries then have subscri­bed [Page 2] their names to it, for that the end cannot be out of conscience to prevent the perversion of honest men; for then they would have published it when those spee­ches are pretended to be spoken; but to fit the people to bear his destruction patiently, and to make him (if possible) so odious as that they may cry out for it themselves, and urge, as the deluded Jews did against Paul, away with him, 'tis not fit such a man should live upon the Earth.

And that which the more confirmes me therein is, because one maine drift of the book is to take off the People from complaining of their Burdens and pres­sures, and rendring all them as suspitious of some dangerous designe, that shall give advice for the doing thereof; fixing an evil sence upon all the motions of theirs to that end, especially upon such as give them Councel, or are most able amongst them, to thinke of wayes and means for getting relief, or deliverance. Now because Mr. Walwyn has been alwayes a ready friend to all sorts of people usu­ally suffering in any kind; and is stil putting such as are in Authority in remembrance of their duty, and has been a most unwearied solicitour these 8. years, for the just rights and liberties of People: hence is it that as heretofore he was made the marke of bad mens displeasure: so even now, when we hope to see better times, is become the common Butt against which all harsh censures are directed; and all this to over-awe mens spirits, and, by frighting him and others from doing their duties, make them submit to any yoaks that shall be brought upon them.

Henceforward to Petition will be rendred a matter dangerous to the State, and he that shall set himself to frame and manage such things, may in like manner as Mr. Walwyn, be said to insinuate into, and mislead the people; to study their tempers and complexions, the qualifications of their spirits, their humours and passionate inclinatioins, their externall quality and estate, purposely to deceive them: he that shall urge the pressures and excessive burthens we groane under, and insist upon the causes and remedies thereof, must by this way of judging, be a seditious person, an incenser of the people against Authority; a politick perver­ter of man-kind, which is such a machiavilian way of stopping our mouthes and making us stoop under every yoak that may be laid upon us, as no sort of men hitherto arriv'd unto.

'Tis well the Author of that Pamphlet and his accomplices are so wel pleased with the present sad and deplorable condition of the Common wealth: the world goes wel with them it seems, so they enjoy the eare and favour of Authority; and have faire hopes of advancing such of themselves as are not already advanc'd into places of profit; what care they though the poor starve, though all kinds of op­pression be trebled and ten-coupled upon the Common-wealth: the fish is caught and therefore away with the nets, there must be Tyranny (so they now argue) and why not in these rather then in any else? changings are dangerous, and in time all that is desirable shall be established; and therefore let us as it becomes Chri­stians, waite with patience upon Authority and see what they will doe: Thus they perswade most to a yeilding contentfull submission to the yoak, who once taken off, are ingaged for justification of themselves, to plead and argue against those who see through the subtiltie of such deceptions, and continue notwithstanding all hazards, watchful and industrious as wel to manifest and bring to light what is be­hooful, as to discover what is pernitious to their Country.

'Gainst such as these, what means more effectuall then scandals? and what scandals more odious then Atheism and Communitie? By the first, all that are religious are incens'd, by the lust of all that are rich. And though the whole progresse of Mr Walwyns life and conversation doth clearly evince the false imputation both of the [Page 3] one and the other; yet having happily scattered in familiar discourses, some words, that by the extremity of wresting and mis-application, for want of observation of the coherence, by taking a piece only, or part of his speech; all which, such as came purposely to betray, must needs be supposed to be very much inclin'd unto; 'tis no wonder, if in so many years watching and way-laying him, some words be not gathered, which in a perverted sense may look that way.

Our blessed Saviour, notwithstanding the Divinity of his Nature, was frequently so mis apprehended; and though his design in this world was only to do good, and die for mankind; yet was he rendred by the policies of the Jews, a Subverter of the Law, an enemy to Moses and Cesar: When a liberty shall be taken to scru­tiny and comment upon other mens lines, and to judge of their ends and intenti­ons, what man of parts and businesse in the world, but may be rendred odious? Who is there but may have such a glosse put upon his actions, as to make him appear a man of wicked designs? 'Tis a course, indeed, that if we should retaliate in the like kind, would in time heighten us to the extremest acts of vio­lence one towards another, and beget everlasting feuds and enmity amongst us. If they suppose we want matter; we answer, that 'tis not good for them to trust to it, for we have a Bedrole of such enormities in some of the chief of them, that had we not great respects to peace, and reluctancy within us to discover the weak­nesses of other men, we could make them ashamed of themselves: But suppose we did want matter, we answer, so also do they; and we, as well as they, may make it, and no lesse plausibly: If we would take upon us to judge Mr John Goodwin, might we not say, he is a Time-server, and visibly so? That his Doctrines are con­tradictory, not framed by the Line of Truth, but the probability of successe in each Party? That therfore when there was hopes of the Kings Restauration, he ar­gued him to be unaccountable to any earthly Tribunall, and, as the consecrated corn, to be cut only by the hand of God: That he abhorred both the Jesuiticall Doctrine and Practice of taking away Kings; and yet afterwards, when the hopes of his return was over, and that he knew not only the prosecution of his Person, but also an abolition of the Kingly Office intended; who then became a more stout Arguer for the same then he? And though these things in a candid sense may be said to proceed from a further dicussion and consideration of the point, and the appearance of light in him, yet allowing every man the liberty that the Author of the Pamphlet takes: how easie is it to fix such a censure upon him?

So in like manner Mr Goodwin having said, That no Translation of the Bible, nor yet no Copy in the Originall Languages, can be truly called the Word of God: how clearly does it follow, that then we have no Word of God amongst us, since we have nothing that can in any sense be called Gods Word, but either the Copies or Translations, the Originall being kept from us? Neither doth he, when he comes to explain himself, much mend the matter, since the spirituall sense, and Divine interpretation, which only in his judgment deserves the name of Gods Word, is divers in every man; and that opinion the way to make our apprehensions the the Judge of the Scriptures, and not the Scriptures the rule of our apprehensions. Hereupon, if, as the Author of the Pamphlet, a man may take liberty to assert, that when those things were spoken, it was Mr J. Goodwins intention, to subvert the very Foundations of other Divines, and of the Scriptures themselves, because the Li­berty of Conscience was then denied him; how obvious would the inference be? And though he hath since evinced the Divine Authority of the Scriptures in wri­ting, yet since Mr Walwyn hath done the like, and never said so much, nor so clearly to the contrary: what reason is there, but that he may stand as fair in the opinion of mankind, as Mr John Goodwin in that point?

For the scandalous speeches that in the Book are Father'd upon Mr Walwyn, though I cannot expresly and circumstantially manifest, that they are all false and forged, yet for the chief of them, which are of the foulest savour, I shall: For the rest, I shall either passe them over, and leave them to Mr Walwyn's own confu­tation; or from my knowledge of his opposite judgment in the particulars, evince the improbability of his ever speaking them.

For the first, 'tis thus far true, That Mr Walwyn, and a Member of Mr Goodwin's Congregation, together with my self, did upon a Fast day (as it hath been the u­suall manner of many of his Members) (an eie witnesse may speak it, and as Mr John Price's Pulpit Incendiary doth abundantly evidence) go to hear Mr Cranford, and some others, it being the time when the contests about Conformity and To­leration were very high: 'Tis likewise true, that we did all agree, comming after­wards home to Mr Walwyns, that the Ministers did severally spend their time either upon uselesse subjects, such as did little tend to edification; or about advancing their own interests and reputation with the people; and that Gentleman was as forward in such expressions as we. 'Tis true, that Lucian was taken off a shelf ei­ther by me, or Mr Walwyn, I can't say which, and that we read one of his Dialogues, which was the Tyrant, or Megapenthes; and afterwards commended it as very use­full in the time he lived; when by setting forth the foulnesse and deformity of Ty­rannie in a third person, he informed the people of the wickednesse of such under whom they lived: but that any comparison was made between that and the Bible, is as false as in it self ridiculous.

'Tis at least 4 or 5 years that the Gentleman hath charg'd his memory with this; in all which time, his hatred and enmity against Mr VValwyn being in its growth, (for he is of the Councel and Faction) 'tis no wonder if he be biass'd thereby to find that which he came purposely to look for, whether it were really there, or no.

Besides, Mr VValwyn prefer'd Lucian (as the Pamphlet saies) for wit, before the Bible: 'Tis well known, that Mr VValwyn hath the lowest esteem of wit that may be, counting it the lightest, volatile and superficiall part of a man; whence his ob­servation is, that commonly those that have most wit, have most wickednesse: He distinguishes between Wit and Wisdom, and prizes only the latter, as of reall be­hoof and benefit to mankind; it being that, which through the concomitant bles­sing of the Almighty, bears a man through all the straits and exigencies of this life: whereas Wit is but the exuberance of light and unsteady minds; which since he in all other matters dislikes; for the truth whereof, I appeal to all that know him: What ground is there for the least supposall that he should for that prefer Lucian before the Bible?

For his opinion concerning Hell, 'tis clearly thus: Though he judges every wic­ked man to have, intus Gehennam, a Hell in his own Conscience; as on the contrary, every good man to have the Kingdom of God within him; yet upon strict search, which we to-gether have made into the Scripture, we have concluded, that there is another Hel succeeding judgment, convinced by those places of Scripture, Psal. 6.8. Mat. 25.41. 2 Thess. c. 1. So that the mistake is, that because he said, there is a Hel within man, therfore he concludes, there's none without him: And though it seems contrary to reason, that a man should be punished everlastingly for a little sinning in this world, in which sense only he spoke it: yet have we both submitted our Reasons to Gods Word, the places fore mentioned being expresse for the same.

For Books of Morality and History, though Mr VValwyn gives them their doe esteem, and judges that the peoples reading them would very much advance their knowledge, and enable them to preserve themselves in freedom, by seeing through [Page 5] the policies of bad men and their many sleights by which they abuse and enslave the people, which are plentifully described in those Books: And thus far the Author speaks truth of him. Yet hath Mr VValwyn never elevated them beyond their proper sphere, or desert, nor made comparisons between them, and that Book which he ever hath accounted, [...], the Book of Books, and truly deserving the name of Bible, or the Book, in com­parison to which, all others, though good and usefull in themselves, do not yet deserve any esteem: This I do as truly know to be his judgment in this particular, as I know 'tis day when the Sun shines amongst us.

That he hath blamed the simple practice of this Nation, in bringing up their Children to learn Latin and Originall Languages, is most false; but that he hath and doth condemn the tedious and tiresome way that is taken in doing the same, is most true; his judgment in this particular being, that Children may be taught Latin, Greek and Hebrew, in a fourth part of the time that is now spent therein, and that purposely for the gain of the School­master.

It is as true, that he dislikes in the education of Children, that the Languages only are proposed, and not the principles of Divinity, and the precepts of Morality, in such a man­ner, as that their understandings may be possessed therewith, whereby they may be made both religious and true Common-wealths-men. And that also some Art, Mechanick or Ma­nufacture, be taught according as their genius and disposition of body shall encline them; that so they may be both able to provide for themselves, and serviceable to the Common-wealth.

How easie in these particulars it is for other men to mistake him, that continually lie up­on the catch, and are ready to interpret every thing he speaks to the worst, let the world judge. And consider likewise, how exceedingly it doth mis-become those that professe Christianity, especially a more pure and refined way then other men, to lie lurking privily to destroy the innocent. That the Scribes, Pharisees and Lawyers should ask questions, and insinuate themselves into good mens company to betray them, is no wonder: but that it should be done, and professedly done by such as would be thought of a near relation to God, such as separate from others because they will not have a profane person among them, doth to my understanding call in question the sincerity of their assembling, and import the end thereof to be, not the edification one of another, but the undermining of all other men and waies, that are in any opposition to them. I speak not this of the generality of the Mem­bers, who questionlesse have good and Religious ends in congregating together; but of that Vestry or Conclave of them, that sit as Judges of every mans fame and reputation, and have for that purpose their Emissaries to bring them in matter to raise Batteries against any mans good name, they would make hatefull: They have indeed too exactly learn'd Machiavel's rule, to spare not to scandalize and traduce their adversaries; for that though some of the dirt may be wiped off, yet part of it will stick, and they shall be sure not altogether to lose their labours.

Where by the way, let every good man consider, whether their mixing with other men, under the notion of Friends, their getting into familiar acquaintance, eating and drinking together, and all this to betray, be not like Judas, kissing our Saviour, and in effect the dis­solving of all society and friendship: For how should I, or any man know, but that every man, though seemingly a bosome Friend, is indeed a Traitor? How can this choose but take away the sweetnesse of friendship, and make us every one jealous one of another? Seriously I think they could not have done an action so discordant to Religion, nor of so evil conse­quence to mankind.

For the Objection in the generall, That Mr VValwyn labours, and makes it his main busi­nesse to bring people out of love with Religion and the Scriptures, is a thing in it self so ab­surd, as I think nothing can be more; For what can be the end of a man in doing so? And [Page 6] certainly every wise mans actions are directed to some end: What would mens Athe [...] advantage him, since 'tis clear as day, and all his endeavours manifest it, that he strives to have every man good And since he knows, that Religion doth restrain men from committing those evils, that otherwise they would rush u, on, were that necessary Tie of Conscience ta­ken off. Besides, I professe as in the presence of Almighty God, that I know no man that endeavours with more exactnesse to square his life according to the Rule Scripture, then Mr Walwyn doth; which is the clearest argument in the world, that they are dear and precious in his eies; and all those I know, that are observers of his life and conversation, will give testi­mony thereunto.

The true ground of this bitternesse of spirit against him may well be supposed to be, be­cause he cannot associate into a Church way, upon their grounds; as not knowing any per­sons to be so quallified as Ministers of the Gospel ought to be; which he thinks is essentiall to such an association, and is in expectance that in time it will be so. In the mean time, he approves Congregationall Assemblyes for instructing the people, and for the consideration and right understanding of the Scriptures; as also, for the making every man in love with true piety and virtue, and to loath whatsoever is evil: But because he can no more approve the Divine Authority and Saintship of the Independent Pastours then of others before them; and reckons, that they are such but in pretence and shew only, and is esteemed able to ma­nifest and evince the same: Hence have they drawn out their sharpest arrows, even bitter words, and let them fly at him, hoping thereby to make invalid whatsoever he shall say in order thereunto.

And this indeed, appears to be the true ground of their persecuting him, and making use of all means, direct or indirect, to blast his spotlesse reputation, and which hath made them gather up that heap of forgeries and calumnies which in that Book are contained.

For these speeches which are said to be other mens whom he hath perverted; although I very much question, whether they were ever spoken by any man, they are so abominably profane and wicked: yet 'tis most clear, that for Mr John Price, or whoever is the Author of the Pamphlet, to suggest that which he cannot know, namely, that such wicked speeches have proceeded from the mans acquaintance with Mr Walwyn, doth clearly discover the ma­litiousnesse of his heart, and the Un-Christian spirit that is within him: which indeed is more evident by these bitter expressions that are scattered through his Book, as, English man Hun­ter, Factor for the Devil, Cunning and Hypocriticall Jugler, Wretched man, Journey-man, and Apprentice to the Prince of darknesse, Artificiall and great Imposter, &c. all which com­ming from within him, do clearly manifest the defilements of his soul, and from what ran­cour all the rest hath proceeded.

But the height of his bitternesse is discovered in a story concerning a Gentlewoman, whom he is said in her great paine and distemper to advise to make away with her selfe: a thing so false and scandalous, as I know not what can be more; For Mr. VValwyn hearing of her di­stemper, and melancholly resolutions, did out of the respects he bore unto her (being a Woman of so much goodnesse, and with whom and her husband, he had been of long inti­mate acquaintance) frequenty visit her, and advised me to do the like purposely to for­tifie her spirit against so harsh and sinful a resolve, which we both did; and as her husband knowes to good purpose, that she was often much more chearful and better dispos'd after our being with her then at other times: Insomuch that he has often desired both Mr. VVal­wyns and my frequent visitation of her. For a fuller testimony thereof, I intended that the Gentleman himself should have attested so much: but he being very sick in the Country, and his Sister and servants urging to me the danger of bringing to his remembrance his Wives sad disaster, and telling me, that probably it might be his sudden death, I have forborn for a time, till God shall give him more strength and health.

But forasmuch as Mr Walwyn hath been often with him since his Wives death, and been as [Page 7] fairly accepted as ever (as his Son and servants know) What cleerer Argument can there be, but that he does acquit M. Walwyn of any such horrid action, as per­swading his wife to make away with her self?

Besides, if M. Walwyn had bin so wicked as to urge her, can he be supposed to do it before I know not what stranger that told them the business; when the Gen­tle-woman that was alwaies with her, her Sisters and servants, do none of them know any thing of the business, but are ready to attest his frequent perswading her to the contrary.

By the falshood of this particular slander, a man may guess at the truth of all the rest; for they that will be so forward to divulge a Forgery so exceedingly tending to the discredit of another, and make expostulations thereupon, and appeals as the People; advising them to judge of the Frame, Temper, and Spirit of the man by this action; where will they stick? Or what will they not do to take away his life, which when a mans good name is gone is not at all to be valued? For a good Name, what is it, but the life of a mans life? I am very sorry for Religions sake, which I fear will very much suffer by this demeanor of men, whom I wish I could alwaies have accounted Religious. But I see, it is not an habit of Speaking, gain­ed by Study and Custom, nor an Ability to Dispute or Discuss a point in Contro­versie, that truly denominates a man such; but the inward sweetness and calmness of Spirit, that Christianity prescribes; and which indeed, is more eminent in M. Walwyn, then I have known it in any man; whose way hath alwaies bin, to take the injur'd mans part, to diminish the aggravations of an accuser, slowly and un­willingly to hear any thing that tends to the preiudice or dis-repute of another: as knowing well the aptness and propension in most men, to give credence when they hear o [...]hers ill spoken of. I cannot chuse but upon occasion break out into these Speeches concerning M. Walwyn (and I question not but good men will excuse me for it) because I am so experimentally sensible of the Truth thereof: Indeed, if I were to chuse a true Friend, a vertuous and Religious Associate, addicted to no vice or extravagancy, the most averse from contention, the most cheerful and plea­sant (but for the disturbance of his Spirit to see the Common-wealth still in so sad a condition) If I would chuse a man to be readily assistant to his power in any distress, and that makes Conscience of his duty to God and man: It should be M. Walwyn: And I heartily bless God, that he hath afforded me the enjoyment of his Society for these eight yeers together, and upward; which I do reckon a­mong the prime blessings of this life, and which I would not utterly leave, for any worldly Temptation whatsoever. God knows, I flatter not, for what need have I to flatter? but speak the truth of my heart, being inwardly conscious both of his innocence and goodness, of the many pressures that undeservedly ly upon him; out of which I hope God almighty will shortly free him, by cleering all Scruple, and false Apprehensions concerning him. But to proceed.

What M. Walwyn has said concerning Professors, I know not; but sure there is much to be said, and much in them to be amended; haply in this particular he has bin more earnest than ordinary; because he sees so large a disproportion between the Rule and their Practise: and since this is true and acknowledged so by the Author, how uncharitable must he needs appear, in judging M. Walwyns urging the same, to proceed from a designe to disparage Religion, and the Profes­sors thereof? Sure I am, that if any man could be so wicked as to propose such a designe to himself, as the disparagement of Religion and its Professors, he would [Page 8] not check, but countenance their wickedness; then which, nothing can [...] discreditable to Religion.

M. Walwyns next drift [...]s said to be, to procure the trouble, misery, and mi [...]e of this Common-wealth: A goodly work indeed, and which is likely, that a [...] which hath spent himself for the Parliament, and in endeavouring a good and hap­py settlement of the Common-wealth, should ever admit into his thoughts. For what end should he attempt any su h thing? If for wealth or greatness, was an improbable way is that to get e ther? Besides, he has hitherto bin regardless of both: and certainly, if they had bin his end, he has brain and ability enough to have compassed them both, by striking in with any party that has had the dispen­sation thereof. But in this the calumniation of M. Walwyn is not so principally intended, as to startle the people from finding fault with any thing that is aunswer from complaining of the failings and undue management of things, by such as [...] or may be in Authority; for this he cries out upon, as the means to carry on his private designe, which will questionless, be extended to any who sit not down contented with whatsoever happens, but appear in never so moderate desires for the rectification of what is amiss. How has he by this means, fitted every man with a way how to find fault with Petitioners; to stilo them of Walwyns gang, deceived by his Wiles and Impostures; and so to take away that last human Re­fuge which good men have left them, viz. of making their Grievances known, and desiring Redress? For the waies which he is said to use to seduce the poor and indigent, is by telling them that vertue and ability for discharge of a Publike trust, ought to be the characteristical tokens of fitness to bear Office, and places of Go­vernment, and that it is a most unfiting thing that one man should have thousands to spend upon his lusts, and another want necessaries; though neither of these I think have so much irrationality or unchristianity in them, as to deserve to be cryed down by a Member of a Church, and are as uncharitably urged as supposed weapons M. Walwyn fights withal, in order to an imagined design, their either weak or wicked thoughts have invented. Yet can I truly say of M. Walwyn, as from my own knowledge, that he hath ever protest and proposed not to supply poor men by injuring the Rich, but by reducing the Common-wealth to so good a pass, that every man by care and easie labour, might have wherewithal to main­tain himself and his Family in some comfortable manner.

To take away from any man what is his by inheritance, or by his trade or in­dustry, or any other way, is so visibly contrary to the equity which he hath ever (according to his understanding) held forth, not onely in the front, but in the very heart of his designes (or what you please to call them) which makes me think that book was compiled by some-body that knows him not, but has had a h [...]p of matter at random, gathered up and given him by such as knew him able to make inferences, and contrive a subtle Pamphlet thereupon; not onely to ca­lumniate M. Walwyn, but to stop the mouth, of all the aggrieved and discontent­ed people of the land, and for that end has he marshall'd all the several oppressi­ons and burdens of the Common-wealth, into several ranks; as if they were not real things, but inventions of M. Walwyn, to irritate by some of them, the poor; by others, the rich; by some, the rash and cholerick; by others, the discreet and apprehensive; to discontent and dis-affection against such as are in Authority. So that questionless they hope by this means to terrifie all now from opening their mouths, be they under what oppression soever; though for my part, I think it [Page 9] will work a contrary effect, when men shall see the Arts and Stratagems that are used to make them stoop under their burdens Issachar-like; and that the private Church-men are become the Sluggards of their fair and lawful endeavors, to redeem themselves from those pressures that ly upon them.

Did not in like manner the King and Bishops make the Scots odious, and the Puritan Party in England, a by-word, urging such like slanders of them, and say­ing that it was the designe of some discontented spirits, to alienate mens affections from their Governors, and that by private discourses, by printing and publish ng Books, sending into several Counties, and slinging them into mens houses, as this Author imposeth upon Mr Walwin? Nay, did not the Presbyter Party, in parti­cular Mr Edwards, Mr Jenkins, and others, do the like upon the Independents, Sectaries, Seekers, &c. inventing strange Designs, like these father'd upon Mr VValwin, and casting them upon any that they had a mind to make odious? And did not Mr Goodwin himself bear an ample share of these Calumnies, being stiled by them, The Grand Heretick of England, a plucker up (presumptuously) of the Fun­damental Priviledges of Parliament by the roots: and is not this work of our Au­thor the very same in effect, manner, and design? the tide being now turn'd, and the stream of profit runing into a new Channel; the only difference being a more subtile contrivance in this pageant of scandals, then hath yet by any of them been produced.

It will be needless for me to run over more particulars, the Principal having been already cleered, and the Remainder being but of the same batch and leven with the other; and if true, as in the rankness of their expression they are not, they cannot beget that abomination against him, which they expect.

For the Ware business, it is so base and abominable a Fiction, so apparently the wicked ofspring of a Politick brain, that little needs to be said to it, only thus, That if there had been any such design of the Agitators at Ware of the Outing the Lord General, destroying the Lievt. General, and forcing the Parliament to prose­cute the King, and Mr Walwin privie to it; the whole town should certainly have rung of it before now, and not only so, but the Designers should have been prose­cuted for it, since there is Law sufficient for that; (Civil Law I mean, without the help of Martial) and since neither Power nor Authority hath been wanting to see so plain a piece of Iustice executed; what therefore doth the not doing there­of more cleerly argue, then the present forgery of this present fable, for their friend Mr Walwins sake, whose spotless innocence leaves them without any ground to raise their batteries against him, but with what comes out of the Mint of their own inventions.

Besides, the Author saies not that Mr Walwin was of, or privie to that Design, but only layes it upon certain Ag [...]tators at Ware; and yet he craftily and mali­ciously inserts it amongst other things he hath fram'd and father [...] upon Mr Wal­win, of purpose to make the world believe that this is also his.

If People knew how fertile their brains have been with Fictions of this nature, they would say all were not Christians that took that name upon them, and seem'd so zealous for the honor of God and dignity of the Scriptures: There is indeed scarce any thing that concerns a mans life, but Mr Walwin hath been abused in, by soul Reports: to some he is said to parat his face, having heen hitherto of a ruddy complexion; and the Reporters have been tric'd from one to another, till one would go no further, but only told him, That he heard it of credible men.

Others report him loose in his Life, and one Mr Woollastone meeting M [...] Cobet, bid him beware of Mr Walwyn, for he was a dangerous man, a Iesuite, as Anti-scripturists; and to make the last good, said, That a Woman being tempted by him to lewd [...]ess, she reply [...]ng that it was against Gods Word which saies, that Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge: Mr Walwyn (as this bade man re­ported) made answer, What telst thou me of that idle Book? Whereupon Major Cobet told Mr Woollastone that he would tell Mr Walwyn of this, and that he should [...]o [...]k to be called to an account for it: Within a while after, a Meeting being at the W [...]ndmill in Lothbury about a Petition, Major Cobet told Mr Wal­wyn of it before six or seven other men, at which M. Walwyn wondered he should be so abused, having no other way left to cleer himself but by a denyal and abomi­nation of the thing: But it so fell out, that imediatly after Mr Woollastone came into the Room, and be [...]ng urged by Major Cobet to make good what he had reported to him concerning Mr Walwyn before those six that were present; Mr Woollaston Answered, That he confest he had injured Mr Walwyn in the Report, and desired his Pardon, for the words were true of another, but not of him: In Witness of the truth of what is here Related I Subscribe my name.

Notwithstand [...]ng all which, both this and other scandals of the like nature are still scattered against him, so that if he would cleer himself, be must be ever wri­ting in his own Vindication; this sinck filling with such ditch-water faster then any one man can pumpe it out. In the mean time, what are they? or what do they deserve? or for what end can all this be supposed to be done? but to villifie and render contemptible a man, that in his heart abominates all unjust wayes, which they know they are deeply engaged in.

Then again, there are divers that make it their business about the Town, to close with such as they have any hopes will be flexible, and to advise them that they be cautious concerning Mr Walwyn, for knowing men say he is a Iesuit, and 'ti [...] probable enough say they, for no body knows where he was born, or how he maintains himself; and that tis verily thought he was born in Spa [...]n: Some six or seven men that have been thus Accosted I know, and can produce, which shews that these things are not Casual, but proceed from Design, and Pre-medi­tation.

How many are mis-led into a belief hereof, and of the former Scandals already, I know not, but that no more may, and that such as are, may be better informed: I hope without offence to any, I may give a brief and cursory Description of Mr Walwyns Life and Disposition, which is as follows;

Mr Walwyn was born at Newland in Worcester-shire, of Mr Robert Walwyn Esquire, a man of good Life and Repute in his Country, and of between three and four hundred pounds Annual Estate, that his Mother is still living and was Daugh­ter to Doctor Westphaling Bishop of Hereford: his Brothers and Sisters are like­wise in that Country; But he being a yonger Brother, was bound Apprentize in London, and served out his Time with a Silk-man in Pater noster-Row: A while after, he was made Free of the Merchant Adventurers Company, and hath since traded as Merchant about seventeen or eighteen yeers; dur [...]ng all which time, his aboads have bin known and certain, and his residence in Lon­don constant, except two or three journeys into his owne Country, and one or two to the Army, before its first comming to London. That he was never over Sea in any Country whatsoever. That he has from the [Page 11] profits of his Trade, maintained his Family in a middle and moderate, but contentful condition; having bin much wasted, but never gained one penny by these eight yeers distractions, nor ever desired it; his only end, being that the Common-wealth might be so setled, that men might with comfort and alacrity set themselves about their particular Callings and employments. That he is most strictly abstenious, and though of an open hand, and a large heart to his ability, yet did I never observe in any man so cautious and constant a Temperance.

That I never observed in him the least unseemly gesture towards women, being a man noted by such as intimately know him, for a most precise and exemplary modesty, naturally expressing it self (even at his yeers, which are almost fifty) at any obscene word or behaviour, by a blush: which is an outward manifestation of the inward distast and reluctancy of the mind, against the evil of the present object. That he has lived 21 yeers and upward with one woman, and she a truly good one; between whom I have observed so constant, so growing an affection, as that I have not known in my 8 yeers aboad with them, a hasty word pass from one to the other: By her he has had almost twenty children; that before the Parliament, he informed himself of all the extravagancies and oppressions of the King; and out of dislike thereof, and in hope that his Country should by the endeavors of the Parliament be freed from them, he engaged with them; that he has continued so doing till this day; and though he hath bin much disswaded by his friends from crossing the stream, and advised to swim in it; yet could he never bring his mind to it; the light of his own Conscience guiding him otherwise. In this case, Charity (he thinks) ought not to begin at home, but at his Country; for though a mans self may be allowed to be deerer then another, yet not then all. For the publike Liberties, he hath not onely constantly appeared, but rescued most of them out of a heap of contrary Doctrines, and Politick concealments. And for Liberty of Conscience, there is a book (the first that was brought to light upon that Subject, since these Troubles) doth ow much to his Industry: And though he is not so much concern'd in the point as other men, especially his Adversaries (he having never bin of any private Congregation) yet did he one of the first break the Ice in that point, since this Parliament, and to the utmost of his power, both by writing, and by frequent and very hazardable Addresses to Authority, la­bored both to evince the equity of the thing in it self, and procure a Liberty for the Exercise thereof; as judging it a mans duty to move not onely for those things that are of immediate concernment, but in those also, which be­ing good and just, conduce to the more immediate benefit of his Brethren.

If I should reckon up all the good things he hath engaged in, I should haply be too tiresome to the Reader. I will therefore say onely this, that I never knew him engage in any thing that could (except in a wrested sense) be said to advantage a corrupt interest: He hath studied the Peop es Free­doms so radically, and hath brought to light Principles so supportive there­of, and so essential thereunto, that no other Designe but their good, can with any pretense be fixt upon him; except to the mis-leading those that know him not, or do not well k ow him. I wish with all my heart, the necessity of writing thus much, had not bin enforced upon me: For there is not any man I think, which loves [...]tireme [...], and the not being seen in this kind, more then I do.

Neither doth Mr Walwyn take the least pleasure in applause, or the [...] good opinion of him, which no man hath more slighted; but expects his [...] ­pense from Gods love to him (which certainly he will amply find, if not [...] hereafter;) from the calmness of his own Conscience, and the respects of [...] godly and ingenuous men; who not by hear-say, a casual expression, or slip of his tongue, do suppose they know him; but of such as are neer and narrow observers of his Discourses, Life, and Conversation.

The other pass many expressions of the lightest nature in the Book, that are not within the reach of my knowledge to disprove. Some of them I have heard of from them, and that 5, or 6. yeers ago (which shews that the Timber for this Structure has bin long cut down, and that they have had time enough to shape it to their own purposes) I suppose they will, if there be further need, receive an­swer by M. Walwyn himself.

For the particulars that concern Levelling mens Estates, &c. M. Walwyn has given such ample satisfaction, I conceive, in the Manifestation, which the Author too conceives to be principally his, that I wonder old expressions in beat of Dis­courses (who knows how long ago) drops from him (as who knows too how slight­ly and mistakingly since reported) should be now urged upon him: But in order to a Design, what must not be done? But 'tis talks abroad, they can be proved; that is, that credible people have heard them, and will attest the same. To that I shall say,

1. That M. Edwards had witnesses for attestation of many strange [...] he reported of pious and honest people, and yet how deservedly were his slanders slighted, upon this ground, that men of different spirits do very familiarly hear with too open ears, and report with such additions as their spleen and dis-affection suggests against him they maligne? And as M. John Goodwin (whose hap it hath him to suffer much in this kind with M. Walwyn) well expresses himself in his an­swer to M. Edwards Ch [...]gre [...], p. 2. Sect. 3. There is no reasonable m [...]n but will a­bate and deduct, and that to a good proportion, from such Reckonings and Accompts, which are drawn up and given into him by the hand of envie.

2. That in many particulars urged upon M. Walwyn, the offence lies not in the things, but in the end for which they were done; which the Author takes upon him to judge; and does he not thereby (as M. Goodwin saies of M. Edwards in his Innocencies Tryumph, p. 3.) claim part or priviledge with God himself, in his Omniscience or heart-searching, which is (as he goes on) to magnifie himself above all that is called man, and to set himself down in Gods chair.

3. Of what credit pray is the testimony of an enemy in matters of obloquy and reproach, tending to the disparagement of another; M. John Goodwin frequently tells you in his Hagiomastix, and his Cretenses, or answer to M. Edwards u [...]er one Treatise, especially (I may add) when the memory is long charged therewith and when discontent, and new enmities do in the intervalls arise.

4. Let it be considered how unlike it is to the way of Christ and his Apostles, to have Eve-droppers, Agents, or Factors, to gather up, and furnish themselves with the sins and infirmities of good men, who never took a report into their lips against any man, upon loose or malicious suggestions, that pleaded the cause even of an A­dultress, and stopt the mouths of her Accusers: yet here hath our Author ransackt all corners, sifted every mans knowledge of M. Walwyn, and then taking onely the [...] or dregs of his life, hath with the unworthy addition of the slime of his brain, [Page 13] made up a dish for his own and his friends eating; and hopes that by the large commendations he gives of it, it will find acceptance among all other good people.

Whereas the Author makes a difference between Mr Walwyn and the rest of his Fellow Prisoners, judging him to be the Principal, and they the Accessaries to the Chimetical Crimes, our Authors brains have fancied: to this I say. That they who do know, or do not conceal their knowledge of Lievt. Col. John Lilburn, must needs confess him to be a man the least liable to be moulded or bowed by others, of any man in the world. Who biaz'd him I pray in all his sufferings before in the Fleet, Oxford, Newgate, the Fleet again, the Tower, &c? whose Counsel hath he taken in writing those many Discoveries of bad mens wayes, but God and his own? But our Author writes not so much his knowledge as his guesse, and not so much his guess neither as his Design either to make difference between these Friends, or by laying the whole burden upon Mr Walwyn, to single him our there­by for destruction. For Mr Prince, as he is a man of a single heart, and lamb-like innocence; so is he far from pining his Faith upon another mans sleive, and pro­fesses himself guided in the present dislikes he hath manifested, not by other mens discourses, but by real and sensible sufferings: By what his eyes see, his eares hear of the Peoples sad and deplorable Condition: by apparent contradictions in acti­ons and Engagements, by the benefit of Law taken away, and by abundance of o­ther instances and experimental proofs of things, by which, and the sense of his own duty, thereupon he is engaged, he sayes, to shew himself as he doth. But I shall forbear to speak further to this, since I hear they both intend to write some­thing in Vindication of themselves: For Mr Walwyn in the supposition the world hath of him of being a Politick man; he is as much mistakes as may be; Policy being taken in the worst sense, for an ability to do things good or bad, just or unjust for advantage, and the accomplishment of an evil end. He is the most precisely tyed as to good in the end, so in all the means in Order to that end, that I have often told him of the impossibillity of procuring that for the people his honest heart intended, against powers otherwaies resolved; and here upon I have often perswaded him to decline the Engaging as too difficult for him. To which he hath answered, That his thoughts did not so much insist upon the success, as his duty: the one he was bound to perform, the other was without him, not in his power; and therefore though he should rejoyce at the good event of things, yet should he not be dismayed, when they fall out otherwayes, for that was at the good pleasure of him, to whom he was to submit.

'Tis observable that some of those that Subscribed the Epistle Dedicatory, are his most deadly Enemies; and of those, one hath very busily spread abroad that most malicious suggestion of Mr Walwyns being a Iesuit, although I suppose he himself know, the contrary: othersome, namely the two last, have been very scarce­ly known unto him, or he of them; and yet they tell you too, that they therein Subscribed their own experiences and observations of his general Course in all his wayes, as they are in the Book set forth. If this be the Course that must be expect­ed from these Church-men, whose fame or reputation can be safe? though never so carefully guarded by innocence, and a diligent eschewing of evil? For as Mr Walwyn hath suffer'd, so who may not? or who is not likely to suffer, that stands in the way at least of their prospect? Every [...]e [...]d must raile, and every heart must stoop to the Glory and Sanctity of these Saintly men, that have already suckt in large hopes of being Possessors of the Earth, and begin [...] stretch them­selves, [Page 14] and just [...] out other men as profane, worldly irreligions, and what Treatise they please to defame them withal: Still must it be that new men rise [...] and tread in the same steps of reviling with their fore fathers. Was M. Walwyn a Traytor, Heretick, and Rebel in the Bishops esteem? Was he the Presby [...] Schismatick, Atheist, Anarchist, and what not thats bad and monstrous, beca [...] his Conscience could not stoop to them? And must the sink of every mans [...] lice be still thrown upon him, and his render back prest down with all the oblo­quies that men of more copious and refin'd imaginations can invent and throw up­on him: Must he ever be the man of infamy and disgrace? whither then shall be appeal for relief and vindication, but at thy sacred throne, almighty God, to whose Omniscience the secret thoughts and inmost corners of every heart are like a Text in great Letters, visible and transparent? Thy Majesty hast true and certain know­ledge of every thing done and imagined in the world, thou knewest the innocence of thy servant Stephen, and the maliciousness of the Iews that stoned him; the pur­pose of Tertullus in accusing Paul, and of the forty Iews combin'd to destroy him. There is nothing at present that is hid from thee, no dark purpose or designe (though never so speciously vaild over with good or Religious pretences, but is perspicable by the eye of thy All-seeing Wisdom.

The frailty and dimnesse of our sight cannot distinguish between things that [...] and but seem to be, between Truth and Falshood: insomuch that this vain world frequently mis-calls Good, Evil; and Evil Good: and upon confidence of this common frailty, bad men endowed with craft and vain policy, impose upon the weak and credulous what shape, and imaginations of things their wicked ende suggest unto them Forasmuch as therefore O Lord, thou art the, protectour of all the Innocent, and detector of the false accusers, give some real manifestation to the World, both of the one and of the other; open the breasts of Mr Walwyn and his Accusers: Let their thoughts be manifest, the secret purposes and designe­ments of their hearts written as in their fore-heads; that so thy Name may have the glory in a plain and visible discovery of them both, and the innocence of the one shine more bright by this fiery Tryal it is now undergoing; and the secret ends and contrivances of the other be no longer conceal'd under the painted garment of zeal towards thee and thy Word, which thou knowest O God, is by many of them put on purposely to enable them to destroy innocent men, and to persecute thy Christ in his Members.

But if O Lord thou hast decreed that bad men shall run on in the course of their wickednesse, till their measure be full, and wilt suffer them to be chastizing instruments in thy band, for the many frailties and sinnes of thy servants, thy will be done, only support us we beseech thee with the strength of thy inward consola­tions, with patience to drink of that Cup thou hast provided for thy servants, and to submit all we are or have, to thy hand, thy wisdom, thy will, our Lord, our God, our Father.