SIMPSON. 407 First, he professeth himself a fool, for the rising of his heart against that which another held forth not according to his apprehension. Secondly, he said again that he was a fool, for that rigidness of spirit to stick to his own opinion, or to oppose the light that might shine in another. He sheaved further how God had judged that rigidness in prelacy and presbytery, and would also in independency or dippers. But see how the man doth judge and condemn himself, or back- slide into the same sin or folly which just now he confessed. For, as Mr. Feake had truly declared what was said before concerning prayer, Mr. Simpson doth presently censure, and publicly condemn, what his brother hadspoken in peace and truth, and with much submission. I wondered at the magisterial spirit and self-confidence in the honest man. But he confessed himself before to be a fool, and, it may be, he had not thoroughly repented of it. " My spirit, indeed," says he, " was exceedingly stirred ; and though I came thither to hear in silence, yet my spirit being hot, I spake at last with my tongue, saying, Mr. Simp- son, you have preached long. Will you suffer another fool to speak a little concerning prayer ?' There was much reluctancy and murmuring in many, who bid me hold my peace. Then said I, whether you will hear, or whether you will forbear, I must speak a word to the churches. It is this: Prelates had their common prayers, and your prayers are common also. Presbyters had their directory, so have you this day, teaching one another how to pray. I could not be suffered to speak any more, only I told the churches, saying, Sirs, your prayers are legal, and your preaching legal ; I see you are all in the dark ; and so I bid you good night". Such is the curious account given by our author. Mr. Simpson and Mr. Feake preached with great warmth against the protectorship of Cromwell, for which, in the year 1653, they were both apprehended and sent prisoners to Windsor-castle, where they continued for some time.t But, July 26, 1654, Mr. Simpson was released from confinement, and allowed to preach at any place within ten miles of London.t This, however, was not the conclusion of his troubles. He was again cast into prison, most probably after the restoration, when many fifth monarchy-men were apprehended and committed to Newgate, where they con- tinued several months.§ Upon Mr. Simpson's release from Erbery's Testimony, p. 43-46. + Thurloe's State Papers, vol. iii. p. 485. Whitlocke's Mem. p. 564, 519. Kennet's Chess. p. 363.
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