‘Now whereas it is a general outcry among the teachers and people of this nation, and also is doubted, and hath been sometimes objected by thyself, that the people called Quakers, are deluded and deceived, and in error, and such like: and now, if it be possible, that thyself and others may be resolved concerning us; put therefore all thy objections and doubtings into plain positions, or let the wisest of thy teachers do it for thee; that whatsoever thyself, or any for thee; can object against us, or what thou doubtest of, or stumblest at, either in respect of our doctrines or practice, let the matter be stated in plain words, in positions, or queries; and if God permit, a sufficient answer thou mayest receive, to remove all conscientious scruples, and to confound all subtle allegements and evasions; whereby hereafter for ever thou mayest be altogether inexcusable of all doubting, or speaking against us, or suffering evil to be done, or spoken against us upon that account. And this I am moved to give forth and send to thee, that thou mayest be satisfied; and all things tried and made manifest in the sight of all men; and that all rash judgment, and false supposition, which lodgeth in the hearts of many, may be confounded and brought to nought; and let it be left off, to cry out deceivers, and heresy, &c. and causing any to suffer on suspicion thereupon; but bring all things to light, and true judgment; that what is proved to be the Truth may be owned and not persecuted any more; for we are willing to be made manifest to all men; and if any thing be objected against us, which may not be sufficiently answered, and resolved to sober men, then our enemies are more free, and have whereof to glory in against us; but if all occasion of stumbling be removed by answers, according to the Scriptures, and our principles, practices, and doctrines thereby vindicated, then let all the teachers, and all our adversaries, shut their mouths from biting at us, and railing against us, and accusing of us to thee; and let thy ear be shut from believing lies against the innocent; and let none suffer in thy dominion under the cruelty of men, upon such a ground. Hereof I shall be glad to receive an answer, and to join issue in this cause; and in the meantime, and always, am a lover of thy soul, but a witness against all oppression. E. B.’ This was delivered to his hands at Hampton Court, in the Fourth Month, 1658. I never understood that any thing of moment followed upon this; but about two months after he wrote another letter to Cromwell, which was delivered to him at Hampton Court, in the sixth month. _To the Protector._ ‘FRIEND,