A NARRATIVE

Of the late proceedings of some Justices and others, pretending to put in execution the late Act, against Conventicles, against several peaceable people in and about the town of Lewes, in Sussex, only for their being quietly met to worship God; together with a brief account of the like proceedings against some at Brighthelmston, and others at Chiltington, in the same County.

Cui plus licet quam par est, plus vult quam licet. Sen.

Ecc. 5, 8.-If thou seest the oppression of the Poor, and violent perverting of judgment and Justice in a Province, marvel not at the matter, for he that is higher than the highest regardeth, and there be higher than they.

Isa. 59, 15.-Yea truth faileth, and he that departeth from iniquity maketh himself a prey, and the Lord saw it and it displeased him that there was no judgement.

1st Peter 3, 17.-It is better if the will of God be so, that you suffer for well doing, then for evil doing.

Printed in the Year 1670.

READER,-Thou art here presented with an account of some proceedings, pretended to be grounded upon the late Act against Conventicles. Of the Act itself I say nothing at all, nor do I call these proceedings pretended to be grounded thereon, either arbitrary or illegal, read and be judge thyself. Only to be sure of this, that thou hast a faithful narrative. What you find therein relating to the conviction of these persons, was reported by some officers then present, or dropt from the informers themselves, and the witness of an enemy (we use to say) is a double testimony. That of the unreasonableness of the distress, &c. will (if occasion require) be attested by many who were both eye and ear-witnesses, for these things were not done in a corner. Many material circumstances are herein for brevity sake omitted, none but what are upon due examination found true, inserted. The design of this narrative is not to imbitter the spirits of any against lawful superiors, and I dare be so charitable as to judge, that such a design would be as contrary to these sufferers themselves, being Men that are peaceable, and faithfull in the Land. In matters of the Kingdom malice itself can find nothing wherewith to accuse them, only in this matter of their God; and when they suffered thus the spoiling of their goods, they endured it with patience and joyfulness. But my end in this relation is for the general information of all; that those who are fellow-sufferers with them in this cause, may not think strange of these fiery tryals, knowing that the same are accomplished in their Brethren that are in the world, who are with them, filling up that which is behind of the sufferings of Christ, besides hereby these harsh proceedings against a peaceable people, may come to the ear of some in authority, who may out of pitty to the distressed, and justice to their righteous cause, redress these grieveances, and who knows but that (as Mordecai said of Esther) Some of them are come to these places of trust for such a time as this. Wishing (whoever thou art that readest these lines) that thou maist never meet with the like severity from any, that these have done from some, I refer thee to the narrative itself, which immediately insueth.

The Narrative.

On the 29th of May, 1670 (being the Lord's day,) some Christians, in and about Lewes, in the County of Sussex (to the number of 500, say their adversaries,) were met together to hear the word of God. And that they might, if possible, avoid exasperating their enemies on one hand, and provide for their own security on the other, the meeting was appointed at 3 o'Clock Afternoon, (by reason of the Peoples being at the Publick) an hour of the greatest privacy. People were appointed to go to a house where usually they met within a mile of Lewes, but from thence were directed to a private By-lane, within a quarter of a mile of the house.

This may be enough to take of that imputation of contempt of Authority so frequently cast upon them by some, and that of rashness as frequently objected by others.

But as Christ suffered when his hour came, even so must his servants expect to do, and how can it be supposed otherwise, for the Disciple is not above his Master, nor the Servant above his Lord, and if these things were done to the green tree, how much more to the dry? And if the Captain of our Salvation, amongst but twelve, and the Select Diciples found one treacherous Judas, shall those listed under him think it strange to find two betrayers amongst 500 common followers, especially considering how the price of their betraying exceeds their Masters. Two persons there were, one of which (Relf by Name) was never observed to be at Meetings of that kind before, the other (whose Name is Goring) had been amongst them only once, before the late Act took place. These were both Inhabitants of Lewes, and seeing persons go that way, followed them to the place of meeting.

It was by some vehemently suspected that they might prove Informers, they being persons very likely enough for such a design, some therefore took occasion to question with both of them about it; who stoutly denyed that they came out of any such intent. Relf was observed to give very diligent attention, and when he came home, commended it for the most excellent sermon he ever heard in all his life. But the next day, or before, these treacherous Judases, either voluntarily went to Sir Thomas Nut, a Justice in Lewes, or (as it is rather probable) were sent for by him and threatned on one hand that, if they would not turn accusers, he would make the County of Sussex too hot for them; but if they would, he promised on the other hand, that it should be worth them at least five pound a man; and now these fellows being Balaam-like as willing to receive, as this Justice, (if it be no injury to call him so is) Balaak-like ready to give the wages of unrighteousness, stand ready prest for their service. Yet one obstacle there stands in the way; Relf having had no long acquaintance in Lewes, knows not above seven of the hearers, and so can swear against no more, yet at last this slack string is screwed up to an harmony with the other, or at least this expedient is found, both of them swear Liturgy, and practice of the Church of England, and then Goring's single oath against single persons is judged a sufficient ground for their conviction. For Relf's part, he hath since, in the hearing of many, oftentimes said that he knew not the Minister, and but seven of the hearers, and had not sworn against them neither, but that he was forced by the Justice, as any one else (said he) might have been. Upon this, Sir Thomas Nut, with three other Justices, whom he had drawn into a complyance with him, convict the Minister, with above 40 hearers, without sending for them, and hearing what they had to offer in their own defence, that there were no more of them served thus, most impute it to the want of memory, not mallice. These hearers were fined five shillings a piece, besides which the Minister's fine of 20 pounds is layd upon five of them, viz.-On Walter Bret, grocer in Lewes, Thomas Barnard, and Richard Barnard, draper, five pound a piece: on Richard White, brasier, and John Tabret, carrier of the Cliffe, near Lewes, each of them fifty shillings.

Further, whereas they concluded sixteen of the hearers insufficient, they laid their fines, being four pound, on four others, most of whom were the persons upon whom they had laid the Minister's fine, viz.-On Walter Bret, and Thomas Barnard, 20 shillings a piece, with which their five pound for the Minister, and five shillings for themselves, made the sum total, of each of their fines, 6 pound 5 shillings; 20 shillings they laid on Richard White, which, with 50 shillings for the Minister, and 5 shillings for himself, made his fine 3 pound 15 shillings; the other 20 shillings was laid on Thomas Ridge, of the Cliffe, draper, which, with 10 shillings for him and his wife, made his fine 30 shillings. These were the extraordinary fines, whereof the highest was 6 pound 5 shillings, other there were downwards of all sizes. The fine for the place, being a common way, was clear saved. It is very observable that those who lived farthest from Sir Thomas Nut sped never the worse, the highest fines being imposed on his nearest Neighbours, whilst the cause stood on its tryal, many both false and malitious insinuations were suggested to the Justices to exasperate them against the parties accused, which would have been easily wiped off, if the Judges, when they lent one ear to their accusors, had referred the other for them; but Justice, instead of weighing their cause in her ballance, immediately fell to make use of her Sword.

The conviction thus past, Warrants, under the Hands and Seals of the said Justices, are immediately issued out, for the recovery of the said fines by distress and sale of Goods, which Warrants were directed to the Constable of the Hundred of Ringmire, and the Church-wardens and Overseers of the Parish of Mauling, for in Mauling Parish, within the hundred of Ringmire, the meeting was. After one of the Warrants, and beneath the Hands and Seals of the Justices, was written as a Postscript somewhat to this purpose:-That all other Officers whatever were required within their Libertyes, to assist the said Officers in making the Distress. Sir Thomas Nut sends out these Warrants by his Clerk, who carrying them to the Headborough of Ringmire, told him, That Sir Thomas had sent him those Warrants, and that if he knew of any others that had been at the meeting, he must put in their Names and levy 5 shillings a piece of them; the Headborough telling him he was at Church, and so knew not who was at the meeting, the other replyed, that if he heard of any that were there, he should put them in.

The Constable declared to one of the Justices that he would rather to forfeit his 5 pound then act, the Justice told him he was only to go with them, and see the Peace kept, it was the other were to distrain, which he did accordingly, but would not meddle in the distress. Charles Buckland, the Churchwarden of Mauling, or if you will that Mauling Churchwarden, was every way qualified for his work— one of a very hot and fiery disposition, and withall sufficiently, though causelessly, prejudiced both against the persons, and cause against which he is now ingaged.

Besides Relf the informer, who is to have a share of the fines, is Buckland's wife's Brother, and which we may add to the rest, the Law not obliging how to return any overplus, he hopes hereby to furnish himself with money, a commodity which he sometimes wants. The overseer of Mauling, that is in the warrant joyned with him, is a person not overmuch read, nor practised in politicks, more apt to confide in the Counsel of others, than trust to his own. It is at this time his unhappiness that the Oracle he consults is a Justice whose hand is to the warrant.

It is judged he engageth in this design, not so much on desire to be medling with other men's Estates, as to secure his own, he being threatened to be fined in case of neglect.

These two being coupled together, the one drawn by his love to the work and wages, the other driven by fear, quickly after they receive the warrant set upon the execution of it. On the first of June, they begin in the Cliff, a Parish adjoining to Lewes, they first set upon John Prior, where for 10s., for his, with his wives fine, they took four Cheeses out of his shop, which, when they carried away, he told them. He never sold anything for so great advantage, for this would bring him an hundred fold. Within few days after Sir Thomas sends a warrant, for this poor man, to bind him to the good behaviour, for bidding Goring, one of the informers, repent of being such a Judas, and warning him of the Judgment to come; he was excused from being bound, but forced by Sir Thomas to pay 2s. for the warrant. One Battlemer, who informed against a meeting at Ditchling, 5 Miles from Lewes, being since apprehended for fellony, [viz. (as I think) for robbing of Fish-ponds] declared to some, asking him of his late informations, that he knew not what he swore, but that he put his hand upon the book and swore what the Justice would have him. This Justice was not Sir T. N; but this which follows, is true of Sir Thomas himself; Goring going to Mr. Spence, with a complaint against the church warden in the Cliff, and he not giving the informer what incouragement he expected, the said Goring is reported to cast it in his teeth, how much more active he would have been in former times, (these Gentlemen bring up cubs that will pick out their own eyes) at which displeased in anger turned him off, who going to Sir Thomas Nut, procured him a warrant from him to this effect, viz. That whereas oath was made to him by two witnesses, that James Emroy, a Churchwarden of the Cliff, had wittingly and willingly, permitted a meeting within his Parish, at the house of Mary Achurst; Therefore the officers to whom the warrant was directed, must levy 51. on the said Emroy's goods, which they must speedily sell and return the money to Sir Thomas. The Constable receiving the warrant, unwilling to execute it, went to Sir Thomas his Clark, telling him that Emroy was not at home when the said meeting was, and so could not permit it wittingly or willingly, and hoped Sir Thomas would pass it by; the Clark replyed that he was confident the informers were never sworn, (though the warrant were granted and it specified that they were) and he did believe that Sir Thomas might be prevailed with to remit it; which by the mediation of some friends he was pleased to do. Next to John Prior they proceed to his neighbour Thomas Ridge, a draper, where they took as much goods out of his shop, for thirty shillings fine, as amounted to about fifty shillings, (to use his own expression) he parted as willingly with it, as with any goods he ever sold. They went to Richard White, Brasier, the same day, but did not distrayne at that time. This was the Chief of that day's work, which like Church work goes on but slowly.

They thought to have lodged their spoil at the sign of the Cats in the Cliff, but the master of the house (though no fanatick) said he would let no such goods come within his Doors, which made them take up quarters at another place. Glutted with that dayes prey, they for a time lay dormant. The tenth day of June they went where fines were laid, and made a demand of them. This day's work turned to little account. Some thought they would meddle no more, but being already over the shoes, they resolve to venture over the boots too; on the 17th of June they came with a full carreere, and having fasted so long, fall on now the more eagerly; they begin where they last left off, and distrained from Richard White, aforesaid, as many brass kettles, as (with a still they took after they acknowledged themselves satisfied with the other) were worth ten pound thirteen shillings, though his fine were but three pound fifteen shillings; indeed he needeth good store of brass that shall take such a piece of work in hand. They now approach the Town of Lewes, the Constable and Headborough of that Burrough assisting them, but a far greater number of Children gazing and wondring after them. From Richard Thomas, a butcher, they take his weights for five shillings. They approach the house of Edward Henly a shoemaker, and though they saw five pair of shoes hanging out of his stall worth double his fine, yet they fall a breaking open his door, which they split in sunder, and had one blow been given more, they had made the lock fly, but at length they better bethought themselves, and took the other shoes without entring, his fine was five shillings. From Samuel Cruttenden, a haber

dasher, they took three hats worth fifteen shillings, for five shillings his fine. From Thomas Elphick a shoemaker, (the Constable of Lewes first unbolting his door, and then entring his shop,) they took three pair of shoes worth nine shillings, for five shillings his fine. At Richard Benets a Taylor, they stoutly battered his door till opened to them withinside, there for his and his wives fine being ten shillings, they took goods of several sorts, such as the kitchen would afford. At Edward Whiskets, a Victualler, they took goods to a considerable value, some of his own and some of another's, that was laid in there, for five shillings his fine. At Nicholas Grisbrooks a Blacksmith, they brake open his doors, and now the poor man can now no longer save his Bacon, they take amongst other things a good part of a flitch, one would not think they wanted a Rasher, that saw how rashly they acted.Thus ended this day's distress.

June the 20th, John Tabret of the Cliff, for fifty-five shillings fine, hath a cow distrayned from him, at a farm he useth within Mauling Parish, that night the Cow returned, but was quickly sent for by them that first took her. This is the only distress the officers made in their own Parish. The next day being June the 21st, they visit Lewes again; if I mistake not it was this day, that they took from William Humphrey, a Barber Chyrurgion, a fair seeing glass of a considerable value, with other things belonging to his imployment. Entring the house of Benjamin Wood, a Mason, they refuse what the kitchen would afford, and take to the chamber, where (not but that there were other things) they took a pair of sheets out of the bed, and four new shifts, the woman of the house seeing what havock they made, gave them the five shillings for which they distrained. They had been with John Knappe a Barber, the time before, he then put them off with this, that his name was not in the warrant, it being Nape; to which the headborough of Lewes replyed, that if it were not his Name, he could take the warrant and make it so. They now for five shillings his fine, distrayned what they could find in his shop, he desired them amongst the rest to take Mr. Dod's Sayings, which were by, but them they refuse, knowing belike, that they prophecyed no good to them. At Henry Owdens a Carpenter, for five shillings they discharged him of a good musket, besides which they took a Jack worth 10s. I think it was the same day that these with the Officers of Lewes, distrayned for five shillings, a horse of Thomas Tourl's, a butcher, they took him out of the Burrough of Lewes, and yet the Officers of Lewes brake open the gate belonging to the field in which he was, the gate being lockt, though the party distrayned had goods within the Burrough more meet for such a distress. From Richard Mantle they took a horse for the like fine.

They now begin to distrayn those on whom the highest fines were set, it seems to be their lot though first set, yet last served. This 21st of June, they come to distrain Walter Bret, Grocer, for 61. 5s. being his fine; the hatch of his shop they found bolted, and entrance denyed them, unless they would give him a copy of their warrant, which they denyed. The Constable of Lewes puts over his hand and unbolts the door, at first they were pleased to say, they saw nothing there worth the fine, yet they found a But of Currants worth 201., which proved too mighty for them and their assistants to remove; the Constable being a Grocer, told them that some sugar standing by would be enough, (he might have said too much) to satisfie the fine, for they took in two barrels as much as cost 151. odd money. Two days after, these Mauling Officers rally their forces, consisting of Relf the Informer, a Brother of Gorings the Informer, and another, who (incouraged by Sir Thomas Nut) is newly entered on that imployment, to which the Constables and Headborough of that hundred, within which Northease Farm, in the parish of Radmill lyes, being added, they intend to make a distress there, for 111. 10s.; being the fines imposed on Thomas and Richard Barnard of Lewes. The distressors pretend that these brothers were with their mother partners in the Stock, and the goods by partnership distraynable; it was offered to be made appear that Thomas, upon whom 61. 5s. of the fine was laid, had no propriety in the stock for above three years past; but it seems they think it as good reason, that his mother (though not at the meeting) should pay for him, as that he should pay for others; besides when these things were questioned to Sir Thomas Nut, he bid them distrain however, for, said he, come the worst they can but appeal to us; the distressors comfort themselves also with this, that how illegally so ever they act, persons can but appeal to the Sessions, and they have four of the Justices hand to their warrant already. Sir Thomas told one, whilst this distress was in levying, that if he pleased he would levy their fines upon him, and how would he help himself, though the party were not at the Meeting. Before these Blades could make up their full company, the Oxen (which Buckland had especially threatened) were by the Servants belonging to the Farm lockt up. When the Constable came, Buckland commands him to break the door, the Constable demanded of him a Warrant to impower him to do it. Many sore strains Buckland himself gave the door, but finding himself prevented here, in a fume he steers his course another way, threatning he would take the whole herd of about 20 Cows; upon which, the dairy-maid is said to tell him, that then, she believed, they would have store of Sillibubs, having gotten so much Sugar of Mr. Bret. The Bars where the Cows were being lockt, the Constable durst not break them open, at least not without a warrant; Buckland took his old warrant out of his pocket, and (purposely misreading it) would have the Constable believe that he was included in the warrant, and producing the Act (at the rate he read it) made as if that

clause (impowering for the breaking open of a house, in order to the taking of a meeting) had impowered him to break open upon a distress, moreover Buckland offered him his word if not his bond, to bear him harmless, but his word and bond were both of like value in the Constable's account, who willing to have better security for what he did, immediately went to the Justices concerned in the Conviction, desiring a special warrant to break open, if he must do it. Two of them civilly told him they should give out no other warrant. Sir Thomas Nut could say more than both the others, he tells them that the Constables of Lewes had broke open doors, and so might he as well; a further warrant he denyed him; but threatened immediately to fine him, if he did not assist them in the distress. They were from eight in the morning till nigh two in the afternoon, before they made their distress, some intervals of time offered itself for discourse, between the distressors and those whom they were to distrain, who like loosers took leave to speak. The informer who heard the sermon, could not deny but it was the Gospel which was preacht, upon which these sufferers took leave to infer, that then their suffering were for the Gospel's sake. Buckland, amongst other things, being seriously minded of the great day of account, said, they were not to be affrighted with great words, and scoffingly said, if you suffer for well-doing you may suffer joyfully, to which the other replyed, that they would keep their goods as long as they could, and yet then part with them joyfully too. Buckland sent to Lewes, (being about two mile) to inform Sir Thomas Nut, that there was such a company there that he dare hardly to do his office, upon which Sir Thomas was heard to say, that he would make a riot of it, and that it should cost the two Barnards 1001. a man. It seems there were present, most of the servants (few else) and these only to be witnesses of what was done; the best armed amongst them, had only an Oxe-goad, which was he that drave the oxen; it seems Buckland esteemed him a second Shamgar, &c.,-What shall be given thee, or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue. The Constable returns in great perplexity; if he break the door he lays himself open to an action from the owners, if he do not Sir Thomas threatens that he shall be fined, who in such cases useth not to be worse than his word. The Constable chose rather (though importunately desired by Buckland) to break open the bars for Cows, then the barn for Oxen.

They took six cows, three of which indifferently sold, would more than countervail their fines. One of the partyes distrayned, told them, he wondered that men skilled in the worth of cattle, should make such an unreasonable distress. Buckland replyed, but we take one for your peremptoriness, and another for our pains. Some of their own gang report, that the distrayners will get above 101. a piece by the bargain; no wonder the wheels run so fast, when all of them must be so well greased. At their parting, one of the partyes distrayned, told them, he hoped they owned Scripture, desired them to consider a place he should recommend to them. So soon as ever Buckland heard them talk of Scripture, he replyed, that is for you to mind, look you there, the other applyed himself to them still, telling them he would recommend a place, which they might take to themselves without straining, the Scripture he recommended to them, was that in Jer. xvii. 11., As a partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not, so he that getteth riches and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool. There was severally by both the persons distrayned, demands made of a copy of the warrant, which the other refused to give them, they then demanded a sight of it, which was likewise denyed. Before this time they would have distrayned from William Ridge, of Ford, an Ox, for 5s., being therein disappointed they did distrayn a Horse, which they left in his possession, till several days, they came and took him away. Thus their distrayning was at an end; many found themselves aggrieved, but of an appeal none durst venture the hazard.

However, they that dare not appeal to Men on Earth, may enter their appeal in a higher Court: The Judge of all the whole Earth will do righteously. The six Kine aforesaid were driven to Bucklands, who had some land he hired, that wanted Stock; the next Saturday sevennight, being the 2nd of July, these, with the Cow taken from John Tabret, were brought to Lewes Market, and placed just before Sir Thomas Nut's door. It being quickly known upon what account they were taken, they had many spectators but few Chapmen; probably they had lyen in their hands, but that there being at Sir Thomas Nut's, an own brother of his, he becomes the purchaser, buyeth the seven Cows, for what is not certainly known, for 141. 15s. say they that report the highest, though they were not ill worth 271.; having no ground of his own, he first sends them, and then selleth them to one that is Tenant to Sir Thomas. It was stranged by some, why Sir Thomas should, beyond others, bestir himself to procure them distrayned, but now that riddle may be easily read, his brother is to have the first purchase of them, and his Tenant the second. The same day sale was cryed in the market to be held at the Star in Lewes, the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday following, for the rest of the goods, where they sold cheap, I cannot say, good pennyworths. These sufferers are very cheerful, reckoning themselves (if in worldly goods poorer) yet that promise richer. Mark x. 29-39, And Jesus answered and said, &c. The same day with that at Lewes, there was a Meeting at the Town of Brighthelmstone, some six miles off. To take away all occasion of offence, they did lessen their number, and alter their place of

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