Twenty-One Divines Cleared, Treatise · To the reader
XXI. DIVINES (Whose Names are here-under affixed) CLEARED, Of the Unjust Criminations of Will. Penn; IN HIS Pretended JƲST REBƲKE for their Epistle to a Book, entituled, QƲAKERISM NO CHRISTIANITY.
And William Penn proved neither Christian, nor a man of Common Modesty, or Honesty.
The Names of the Divines vindicated,
Dr. Tho. Manton,
Dr. Tho. Jacomb,
Dr. John Singleton,
Mr. Thomas Cole,
Mr. Tho. Doelittle,
Mr. Samuel Smith,
Mr. Ben. Needler,
Mr. Richard Baxter,
Mr. Thomas Gouge,
Mr. John Yates,
Mr. John Sheffield,
Mr. Anth. Palmer,
Mr. Richard Mayo,
Mr. Andr. Parsons,
Mr. Will. Jenkyn,
Mr. Geo. Griffith,
Mr. Matth. Barker,
Mr. Tho. Watson,
Mr. Will. Co…er,
Mr. Stephen Ford,
Mr. Will. Ca…e.
By JOHN FALDO.
2 Tim. 3. 9
For their folly shall be made manifest unto all men.
Similia loquentes (haeretici) fidelibus, non solum dissimilia sapiunt, sed & Contraria; & per omnia plena blasphemiis, per quae interficiunt eos, qui per similitudinem verborum diss…mile assertionis corum in se trahunt venenum. Ir…n adv. haer. l. 3.
LONDON: Printed by J. D. for Dorman Newman, and Jonathan Robinson, at the Kings-Arms in the Poultry, and at the Golden-Lyon in S. Paul's Church-yard. 1675.
One and twenty Divines cleared, of the unjust Criminations of William Penn.
Christian Reader,
IF I were addicted to Controversie, and took pleasure therein for its own sake, it were an Affection enough Culpable: And to chuse the Quakers Principles and Concerns for the Objects of my Inspection, and Opposition, to that end, would sufficiently detect me of Imprudence. But duty to God, and love to Truth and Souls, hath engaged me in that Work, which (howsoever unpleasant in it self, and below the notice of men, who cannot relish any thing relating to those they esteem (and that justly) a Brain-sick People) would be a just reflection upon the Generation wherein we live, if none should industricusly undertake, and thorowly manage it; so many thousands being infected with that Mortal Delirium.
When I first entred upon the Detection, and Confutation of the Quakers Principles, I was not so ignorant of their Distemper, as to promise my self an Immunity from the highest affronts, that their vilifying and reproachful Reflections could put upon me. But as my design was not only just, but also necessary; so my Conscience in its management, hath been so clear from doing that People any injustice, that all the Bryers and Thorns of their Invectives have not made the least scratch in my inward Tranquillity. The Lord is my witness, how careful I was to represent their Principles and Manners with all Candor, and to produce proofs proper, faithful, and convincing. How many tedious hours were spent to that end, let the Work it self inform thee.
I have once vindicated my Book, entituled, Quakerism no Christianity, from William Penn's pretended Answer; not because his Answer merited a Reply, but rather to confirm my first Charge, by exposing the weakness, and shuffling (to say no worse) of my Adversaries Defence and Criminations. I have offer'd my Citations, and the most horrible Principles I have charged the Quakers with, to a personal debate with William Penn, the greatest Undertaker for the Quakers. But this, though tendred with the most prudent Circumstances, for avoiding Inconveniences, and rendring the Contest effectually satisfying; he hath as industriously avoided, as if the day were a terrour to him: And hath rather chosen with Shimei, to keep his distance, and so go on Cursing, Reviling, and castong stones.
Many Worthy Persons, whose Reputation is above the reach of Wil, Penn's Calumnies, having written an Epistle, as well Monitory to all professing Christianity, as Recommending my Book; William Penn hath given them a taste of his gall, and loaded them (so far as his credit will pass) with crimes to be abhorred; besides his usual Exclamations to beget an opinion of their undoubted guilt, with such as can hear and understand a noise, better than Demonstration. And in very deed, the greatest advantage of Penn, and other Quakers, lies in their high Professions, vehement Protestations, and seemingly most serious Appeals; there remaining that innate Charity in most of Mankind, as will hardly permit them to believe, that any man should be so vile, as to cover Fraud and Wickedness under such Pretences. But as the most guilty Malefactors (having learned that Maxim, That Impudence is the Perfection of Vice) do most abound with Protestations of their Innocency, and Exclamations on their Accusers; so wary persons will not have their judgments thereby determined, omitting that Test which will better enable them to give a just Sentence.
The like Wisdom and Justice I intreat of all men, who are concerned to judg between us in this Controversie; which I should hardly have repeated, but for the Vindication of so many Divines, whose Reputation Penn hath endeavoured to wound through my sides, and whose Works praise them in the Gates. I desire those who have my Books by them, to compare Mr. P's Accusation and them together, according to his directions in his margin, and let their own eyes be their Judges. To reproach, is an easie way to confute; and Satan hath changed his nature, if he rage not most, where his cloven foot is most discovered. My labour herein is my duty; my reproaches for well-doing, will be my crown. And now Reader, I leave thee a Spectator, and address my self to William Penn, the man of my present Controversie.