J. ALLEN-GRANTHAM. 457 his work he had the honour to be classed among the sufferers for Christ and his cause ; for he soon became the object of cruel persecution, and was cast into Lincoln jail, where he continued some time, during which period he wrote his first piece, entitled, ' The Prisoner against the Prelate." This book contains the reasons ofhis separation from the church of England ; and, though it is written in verse, the argument is said to be close and nervous. Crosby says, there is extant a manuscript of Mr. Gran- tham's, entitled, 6, Christianitas restaurata, or Christianity restored ;" from which it appears, that, about the year 1644, there was a reformed christian church gathered in the south marshes of Lincolnshire, the ,members of which endured great persecution, in their names and substance, by slanders and confiscations ; because they could not in conscience conform in all points to the national establishment. These pious and holypeople, being zealous in the service of God, firmly adhered to the holy scriptures, and readily carried forwards the work of reformation. At length a separation took place in the society, when four of the members, who had espoused the sentiments of the baptists, formed them- selves into a distinct society. Among these Mr. Grantham exercised his gifts privately, and procured ministers to dis- pense the word to them publicly. By the blessing of God upon their co-operation, the society soon increased in number ; 'and, in the year 1656, Mr. Grantham was chosen to the pastoral office, though he was only twenty-two years of age. This christian society, being settled in the order of the gospel, like a fruitful vineyard, grew and multiplied, and sent forth several ministers to preach the gospel. While these zealous christians were respected by the friends of true piety, they met with uncivil and unkind usage from others, particularly the bigoted clergy ; who, by warrants, carried Mr. Grantham and several others before the magis- trates ; but having only falsehood to Support their accusa- tions, the wisdom of the magistrates soon perceived their innocence, as well as the malice of their persecutors, and immediately set them at liberty. Their release was no small reproach to th6ir adversaries, and comfort to them- selves. They went on cheerfully and prosperously, not only at Halton, but at many other places, though they receivedmuch rude treatment from those of the baser sort, who sometimes dragged them out of doors, and stoned them with stones; all of which they received with patience and 1111..Mmomprt tarsigarwtM., tEgv-e,r,geSEV,
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