388 LIVES OF THE PURITANS: other place in Kent. These persecuted servants of 'Christ; while under the cruel rod of oppression, published a work. entitled, " The humble Petition, and Representation of the Sufferings of several peaceable and innocent subjects, called by the name of Anabaptists, inhabitants of the county of Kent; and prisoners in the jail of Maidstone for the testimony of a good conscience." It is addressed " To his Majesty Charles II. King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, and the dominions thereunto belonging," and is as follows:. " May it please your majesty, " For as much as by authority derived from yourself, several ofus your subjects, inhabitants in the county of Kent, are now imprisoned ; it therefore much concerns the, oh king, to hear whataccount we give of our distressedcondition. Thou hast already seen our confession of faith, wherein our peaceable resolutions were declared. We have not violated any part thereof, that should cause that liberty promised from Breda to. be withdrawn. And now for our principles that most particularly relate to magistrates and government, we have with all clearness laid them before thee ; humbly beseeching they may be read patiently, and what we say weighed in the balance olthe sanctuary, and then judge how worthy we are of bonds and imprisonment. And this we the more earnestly desire, because not only our own lives are in danger, but also an irresistible destruction cometh on our wives and little ones by that violence which is now exercised on us. Disdain not our plainness in speaking, seeing the great God accepts of the like. And now, oh king, that all thy proceedings, both towards us and all men, may be such as may be pleasing to the eternal God, in whose hands thy and our breath are, who ere long shalljudge both quick and dead according to theii works, is the prayer of thy faithful subjects and servants." After stating their sentiments respecting his majesty's authority, they conclude with an earnest supplication to be released from their present bondage, and to enjoy the full liberty of worshipping God. It is signed in the name of the baptists now prisoners in the jail of Maidstone, by W1LLIAM'JEFFERY, JOHN REEVE, GEORGE HAMMON, JAMES BLACKMORE. It does not, however, appear what was the result of this application to his majesty, nor when Mr. Jeffery and his bre- thren were released from prison. He was a person much ivimey's Fist, of Baptists, p. 314, 315.
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