THE PREFACE.

As we have been in the practice of searching the scriptures, with other histories; and viewing the movements of mankind, it appears there are certain prevailing errors among us, which, without divine assistance, it is impossible to remove.

Among which is Priest-craft; which, in its erroneous nature, is extensive, almost without bounds, and of long standing. It is difficult fully to hold up before the world the unlawful and detestable proceedings of this set of men, and to show what influence they have had, and still have, over the rest of mankind; for they come to us like lambs, and tell us for our money they can pray us out of purgatory, preach the Gospel to us, &c.

It might strike a terror upon us never to be forgotten, to see how they manage their craft; and quote the scriptures which speak in favor of the true ministers, whose travels, toils and poverty have reduced them to be objects of our charity; and who yet are so free from covetousness, that they will not receive a gift, unless their necessity is greater than that of the rest of their poor neighbors. Following the example of Christ, who taught us that he that was greatest among us, should be servant of all. But these, like beasts of prey, to uphold themselves and families in honor and pride above the rest of mankind, will hold before us a bottomless bag, that we may ever be filling, and still be in debt to the Gospel. But those sons of Belial, being filled with the detestable instigations of their Father, have had such influence over the world that they have been able to gratify all their abominable lusts, and yet appear to the world to be the true ministers of Christ. We refer the reader to the book entitled "A master key to Popery". But, as it may be objected that we are not so much deceived by that class of men, as people were in times past under Popery; therefore, we shall relate sundry instances that happened of late, within the limits of our knowledge; facts that we can prove; having been all transacted in the town of Groton, in the County of New-London, Connecticut, where we dwell, which may introduce the reader to a sight of the mystery which this mischievous art is attended with, which would excite alarm in the human mind, were it not lulled to sleep by the sorcery of the author of that dangerous system.

There was a Priest under the profession of the Separatists, and man of gravity, being much esteemed and adored as a true minister of Christ; drawing after him multitudes of hearers, and continuing many years, until he became an old man. This man had such an excessive inclination after women, that for many years, even during the time when he was highly engaged in officiating in the Priests office, and visiting the people of his society; he would beset married women, exhibiting such beastly behavior as modesty forbids to relate. And he no doubt was often gratified in his abomination; for each one of those women that was chaste in her behavior, unto whom he offered his abuse, knew not but she was the only one; and therefore dared not make it know against such a man of honor, for want of witnesses. But his wicked behavior became so common, that private conversation among the women and their husbands, brought the fact to light; which silenced his preaching. But what was more strange than the rest, he would solemnly deny the fact before the multitude, in opposition to a number of candid witnesses, and continuing his affirmation to the day of his death. And would have continued his preaching, were it not forbidden by justice, reason and every thing else, except his own seared conscience. But he is now deceased and gone, leaving his life an example to those that shall hereafter live ungodly.

Another fact that we shall mention, is of a Priest under the Baptist profession, who employed a man to finish a house. When they were concluding on the price, as they both appeared to want nothing but justice and equity, they each agreed that if it proved hard on either side they would make it equal afterwards. While the man was performing the work, it was reported by other carpenters he was giving a great sum to the priest; but the man went on and finished the house in a faithful manner. But the house being constructed in a form that he was not acquainted with, he found it as the carpenters said. –So he told the priest that according to the price talked of he was likely to lose a great sum. The priest replied; why should you not give something to support the Gospel as well as others? So he never paid the man for all his labor. But the injustice of it made some talk in the neighborhood; so the priest went about slandering the man, to justify himself.

Another fact that we shall mention, which was the moving cause of our writing, although it may appear to the reader to be a cruel, wicked act; yet it is surprising to think it is so completely veiled that it is not called in question by any member in fellowship with the church, in which the crime was committed. –The author of said crime is a member ad pillar of a Baptist Church in the town aforesaid; belonging to the Stonington Association; a man of property and highly esteemed for his religion. This man owning sundry mills, let one of them out to a poor man for on half its income. Sometime after he had taken the mill he found that he repeatedly missed grain out of the mill, which he often mentioned to the owner, not mistrusting where it went; at length, to his great surprise, it was privily told him that the owner himself was the author of taking the grain out of the mill in the dark. The poor man then closely conversed with said owner to get some satisfaction, but could get none. He then concluded to settle with him and quit the mill. So he settled and paid the owner for the grain; who was afterwards openly proved to be the aggressor. And when the thing came to light by sufficient proof, the poor man called on him again of some redress; but the rich man, not being willing to submit to his own dirty case, raised himself up as though he was highly imposed upon, –that his honesty was so suspected. Then the poor man complained to the deacon of the church, but finding no satisfaction, he complained to the priest, who answered him with that politeness which men of his rank generally know how to use; and signified that it was his delight to see justice between man and man; and, as it is supposed, advised the rich man to settle it; for soon after he went to the poor man and offered to settle, if it could be done privately. He said he had taken no more than what was proved against him, which was but little more than three pecks. The poor man replied that the case looked very dark, he wanted nothing but justice, but wished to settle before witnesses. The rich man, however, would not agree to that, but went away without settling. The poor man, being in low circumstances by reason of infirmity of body; and his children being in a helpless condition; two of whom being seven or eight years old never walked on their feet; was advised by friends, seeing the wrong the rich man had done him, to lay it before the church. So he went to their conference meeting to lay his grievance before them. But the priest, perceiving that they must come out with shame to retract, (having communed over it after it was made public,) with a countenance of disdain, waived and shunned his complaint. Again the poor man went and laid the case more and more open, but the priest only made a mock of his complaint. Then, with the advice of his friends, he drew up a complaint and carried it to the association; and at the meeting offered to present it; but the priest and deacon perceiving what it was, whispered together, and one of them cried out and made such an uproar among the people, that the poor man was obliged to withdraw. So the matter ended, it being easier to trample on the poor, than to bring the rich to justice.

Such, reader, is the conduct of those we take to be our guides, who must go to judgment to be tried before a righteous judge, unless repentance should follow, –as in the case of King David, who was convicted by Nathan the Prophet, with the parable of the rich man who spared his own flock, but slew the poor man's lamb for the wayfaring man. When we saw the matter thus disposed of we were led to a determination to publish our sentiments on the present standing of mankind; apprehending, that, such false ministrations as have appeared in these cases, may be more common than people in general are award of. But when we had written on the subject and made application to four of the neighboring printers of our state, they were so priest-ridden that they dare not print it. And when the priest's party heard thereof, they triumphed over us, and reported many things against us, both in public and private, which were ridiculous and false. And when we saw all the people bending under priest-craft; and that the truth could not come forth; we undertook printing ourselves. And although we had neither equipage nor discipline, yet we are content to put ourselves in the front of the battle; let our (now) fellow printers should be exposed. or their hearts appalled at the presence of a grave and angry priest. –Therefore, they may excuse us if we are not found in uniform; for we were not trained to war. Neither are we armed with a coat of mail. Nevertheless may we sling stones to a hair's breadth, until our enemies shall fall on their faces to the earth; although they curse us in the name of their gods – for the case is such, we are sure if we sling any thing but the truth we shall not hit them in the forehead. But we are not afraid to challenge every one of them to come forward to public view; and we will look them in the face; and if we have wronged them, we will publish out own errors as faithfully as we have theirs; for we envy the person of no man; yet we are ready on such an occasion to strike a blow at priest-craft. We know the danger that attends us by looking up to pastors from whom we receive our food, who mix their corrupt fruit with the precepts of the Hold Bible; while their consciences are stained with such wicked deeds – which we have here related, not so much to under-value the character of individuals against whom we have no prejudice; as to lead to a perception of that wily, dark and wicked spirit by which they are attended – that with the help of the morning light, we may discover the Battle-axe and Weapons of War, which is the Truth, in the hands of them that make use of it in all ages, and which shall at last prove the final destruction of Priest-craft.

May light arise before our eyes,
And every shadow flee;
May sin depart and leave our heart,
And may our thoughts be free.

May men in years, each one that hears,
Have an impartial view;
Let no proud veil cause light to fail;
Let every thought be true.

May men in prime discern this time;
We cannot cheat the Lord;
An upright heart makes guilt depart, –
But not a flattering word.

May every youth promote the truth;
Nor with false worship stray;
Let not those spies eclipse your eyes;
From the approaching day.

The night is gone, the day doth dawn;
Let every one stand clear;
Take a new broom and cleanse the room,
Let no more filth appear.

Return to QUAKERTOWN Online