A very scarce work written, as some claimed, by fellow Baptist and advocate of religious liberty, Richard Overton [d.1664]. Rogers Williams, author of The Bloudy Tenent and perhaps the most influential early theologian of American religious liberty, was friends with Overton and Overton's writings actually influenced Williams' ideas of religious toleration.
It is not improbably. Both Williams and Overton produced works in 1644 and 1645 reproving the Westminster Assembly [of which the present is Overton's] for their having now embodied the bullying, religious intolerance they had just been opining against two years before. They were against the Baptists, marking the Quakers heretics, and proving themselves to be just as carnal as the Anglican church with regard to religious liberty. The present seems consistent with that populist approach. Overton insistend he was not the author, but agreed with the work strongly enough he said he would suffer whatever punishment was due its author for the views it contained. Either way, the author was a Leveller.
The other candidate often put forward is John Lilburne. He was also a Leveller who was a Puritan / Presbyterian, but joined the Quakers. He coined the phrase, "Freeborn Rights" and has been quoted in the United States Supreme Court regarding personal sovereignty, etc,.
Amon Wilbee [Pseud.]. Plaine Truth without Feare or Flattery: Or a True Discovery of the Unlawfulnesse of the Presbyterian Government, it being Inconsistent with Monarchy, and the Peopls Liberties; and Contrary both to the Protestation and Covenant. The end of Establishing the Militia of London in such Hands as it is now put into by the new Ordinance. The Betraying Votes, and Destructive Practices of a Traiterous Party in the House of Commons Concerning Certaine Petitions for Liberty & Justice, etc., Also, a Vindication of his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, concerning certain Scurrulous Worsd Uttered by some of the said Faction. With. The Meanes and Wayes that must be used to Obtaine Reliefe against the said Tyrannous Usurpers; and for Reducing the Parliament to its due Rights, Power, and Priviledges, in the Preservation of the Kingdomes Lawes and Liberties. Printed and Published for the Inforfmation, Advice, and Benefit of the Poore, Oppressed, Betrayed, and Almost Destroyed Commons of England. 1647. 22pp.
Exceptionally rare, wonderful early Baptist, Leveller, Americana-influence, work on religious liberty. Professionally removed from a larger sammelband and here now presented in archival wraps. Some light stains at extremities. Else very good.