Vox pacifica a voice tending to the pacification of God's wrath; and offering those propositions, or conditions, by the acceptation, and performance whereof, in some good measure, a firme and continuing peace may be obtained. It is directed to the King, Parliaments, and people of these islands: By Geo. Wither Esquire, (a commander in this war) heretofore their unheeded remebbrancer [sic] of plagues and deliverances past; and their timely forewarner of the judgments now come. He hath disposed it into six books, or canto's, whereof foure onely are contained in this volumne; and the other deferred to be hereafter published, as there shall be cause.

VOX PACIFICA : OR , A VOICE preparing the way of PEACE : AND , To that end , dedicated to the KING , Parliaments and People of these British Isles .

The Contents , of the first Canto .

First , here is to your view prefer'd When , where , and how this VOICE was heard : What kind of Muzings were the ground : What worlds , and wonders , may be found Within our selves : what safe-Retreats From those oppressions , frauds , and baits . Which are without : how little feare Of Terrours , which affright us here : How plainly , there , a man may see The villanies , that acted be For private ends , with publike showes : How generall the mischiefe growes : Why , to acquaint you with this VOICE , GOD by so meane a man makes choice : Then , shewes how our grand-hopes deceive us , And , prayes his aid , that must relieve us . I Who ( before my Harp was tun'd or strung ) Began to play a descant on the Times . And was among the first of those that sung The scorn and shame of VICE , in English Rymes . 〈◊〉 , that have , now , just halfe the Age of Man , Been slashing at those Hydro's heads of sin , Which are , yet , more then when I first began ; And more deformed growne , then they have bin . I , that have spoke of Truth , till few believe it ; Of taking heed , till Follie hath her doome ; Of Good-advice , till no man will receive it ; And , of Deserved-Plagues , till they are come : Once more appeare , with an intent , to say A needfull Word in season , if I may . The Sun hath run his course through all the Signes , And , thirteen times the Moone renew'd her light , Since last I limb'd my thoughts in measur'd lines , Or , felt my heart for Numbers tun'd aright ; For , ever since my Musings in the Pield , The close whereof , a Voice of PEACE fore-tells , With such disord'red thoughts I have been fild As use to thrive where sad distemper dwells : And , we have , All , so broken that Condition , On which our wished Comforts founded are , That , of accomplishing our hopes fruition , Not many certaine symptomes , yet , appear ; Though , therefore , I have silent been till now , My slownesse blame not , neither murmure you . The Muses are not still at my command , Whereby those Informations are acquir'd , Which many have expected at my hand ; ( And somwhat out of season too , desir'd . ) The VOICE , there mentioned , was but a Sound , Not then , articulated into words ; The perfect Forme thereof I had not found , Nor what interpretation it affords . If I had spoken , e're I had mine Arrant , Beyond my wit , my forward tongue had went ; If I had run , before I had my Warrant , Well might I , for my labour , have been shent . There is , for all things an appointed houre ; And , Times , and Seasons , are not in my power . My Vessell stirreth not , till that Wind blowes Which never blowes but when , and where it list : Drie is my Cisterne , till that Fountain flowes , Whose flowings-forth , I cannot then resist . Somtimes , in me , so low the Waters lie , That every Childe and Beast is trampling on me ; Somtime againe , they rise , they swell so high , That Princes cannot make a Bridge upon me . Had King , and Parliament , the other day , Commanded from me that which now I write , To save my life , I knew not what to say Of that , which was inspired yesternight : And , being , now , as full as I can hold , Though none they please , my Musings must be told . Mistake not tho , as if it should be thought , That by Enthusiasme , now , I write ; Or , that the matter which to me is brought , By GODS immediate dictates , I indite . Far is that Arrogancie from my Pen : The Objects of my Contemplation , be The same which GOD affords to other men , The Muses challenge a peculiar phrase And freedomes , not so well becoming those , Who are confined to observe the lawes Of common speech , and tell their minds in prose : For , whereas these have but one worke to do , I have , in my Intentions , often two . To reason out a Truth , is their perfection ; That , so , mens judgements terrifie they might : Thereat , I aime : But , how to move Affection , And set the motions of the Will aright , Is my chiefe work : And ; to that end , I catch At all advantages of Place and Time , Of Actions , or Expressions ; and , I watch For ev'ry meanes of well improving them . By which endeavours ( and , for ought I know , By some aid , more then ordinary too ) Mixt with mine own Conjectures , I fore-show Some things , which GOD requires , or means to do . And , when I apprehend such things as these , They neither are conceall'd , nor told with ease . As when a portion of new spritly-wine , Is in a close , and crazie Vessell pent , Which neither can sufficiently confine The working Liquour , nor well give it vent ; Ev'n so I far'd : For , ( though I felt my breast With matter fully stor'd ) seaven daies I strove My swelling Thoughts , in Words , to have exprest , Yet neither could desist , nor forward move . But , on that night in which our Monethly-Fast Had swallow'd up our greatest Festivall , My Muse broke loose : And , now the stop is past , Will run her Course , what ever may befall ; And ( since to speak her mind she hath begun ) Resolves , She will be heard , e're She hath done . Once more therefore , yee BRITAINS lend an eare ; KING , PRIEST , & PEOPLE mark what now I say , And , if you shall be pleas'd this VOICE to heare , Take heed , you harden not your hearts to day . For , if your pride , and follie , shall despise The gentle VOICE , that now salutes your eare , Ere long , there shall another VOICE arise , Which will not such a peacefull note preferre . It shall not move with so becalm'd a Breath , Nor be dilated through so milde an ayre , But , from the wombe of Hell , and Jawes of Death , Be thund'red forth , with horrours and despaire : And , few shall hear that VOICES dreadfull sound , Without a smarting , and a curelesse wound . Though you my former Warnings did abuse , It brookes excuse : Because , I so fore-told Ensuing things , as yet , no Moderne-Muse Hath done the like ; and few in times of old : But , now , by seeing those Predictions true , You , as it were , an Earnest have receiv'd , And an assurance , tendred unto you , That , what is here declar'd , may be believ'd . By vertue , therefore , of that Seal , and Signe , I challenge that beleefe , and that respect , Which appertaineth to this VOICE of mine , Till , thence , I seeke to draw some ill effect ; By making that , which hath fulfilled bin , An Argument to warrantize a sin . If an advantage I shall take from thence , To tempt , from any duty to be done ; To act , what gives the Deitie offence , Or any unbeseeming Course to run ; Let me be censur'd as Impostors ought , That woo the world , by seeking Heaven in show : Or as a man that 's by delusion taught , To take more paines for Hell , then others do . But , if this VOICE , by Truth shall stand approv'd , And by your Consciences allowed be ; Resist not that , whereto you shall be mov'd , Nor of my Hopes , at this time , hinder me : For , in their prosecution , I 'le proceed , How e're you practice , or how ere I speed . The twentieth year , tenth moneth , and sixteenth day , With carefull thoughts , and thoughtfull heart opprest , Near to the fruitfull Banks of Thame I lay , With waking eyes , whilst others were at rest , It was that day , on which they mournd apart , By whom this Realm hath represented bin ; ( Thereby , instructing ev'ry Single-heart , Which way , the Peace desired , must begin ) With private griefs , I had enough to do , To rob my body , and my mind of rest : Yet , I had many publike sorrowes , too , By which , my other suffrings were increast : And , who was ever unafflicted known , That beareth others burdens with his own ? Were I but onely rob'd of my estate , And , thereby brought in danger to be poore ; Or of such other mischiefs , as of late These warres have brought on me , and many more : Could I no other miseries conceive , Then those , which make our carkasses to smart , Our children crie , our tender women grieve , Or trie the stoutnesse of a manly heart : Were but the outward glories of this Realme , Or of this Church , indanger'd , and no more ; Our wounds had needed but a common balme , A sigh or two had blown my sorrowes ore : Because , for shells , but little care I take , Save onely for the precious kernell sake . But , though the happinesse of Realmes and Men , Doth not , alone , in outward things consist ; ( Nay , rather gaines perfection , now and then , By having some externall blessing mist ) Yet , he to his experience little owes , Who sees not , that defect of needfull things , Breeds incivility ; and overthrowes That industrie , from whence well-being springs . And , he to our condition is a stranger , Who knowes not , that , by these distractions here , Reformed-Churches are ( this day ) in danger To suffer , in our suffrings , ev'ry where : And , that , if our confusions we pursue , Meer Barbarifme will ( ere long ) ensue . Who , can behold the spirit of contention Still active ; and , all overtures of Peace Retarded still ; or , poysoned with dissention , Yet not bewaile our miseries increase ? Or , who laments not ? that may feare he carries Within his loynes , the seed of Generations , That may be bred for Romish-Janisaries : And , nursed up in their abhominations ? For , though GOD may prevent what we may dread , ( And will perhaps ) yet none should senslesse grow Of that wherewith our Land is over-spread ; Nor of those Plagues , which these may bring us to : But , rather , labour for , by sighes , and teares A publike Freedom from our private Feares . For , who now dreads not , that upon this Age , Worse Plagnes are coming , then as yet , we view ? And , that the things we suffer , do presage Far greater mischieves , will on those ensue ? Loe , that great Festivall , which by this Nation , Was ev'ry yeare observ'd , upon this week , With such magnificent solemnization , That through the world , there hath not been the like : That Festivall , which memoriz'd the birth Of our great Pastor , and ( for no small while ) Did fill each Temple , and each house with mirth , Through ev'ry Shire , and Village , of this Isle : That Feast into a Fast , our sins now turn ; And , where we have triumphed , we now mourn . The Feast of Ashuerus , was to this A petty banquet ( if considered In ev'ry circumstance ) though great was his , And many people for a long time fed . The Jewish Passover , which did surpasse The most for some respects ; in all of them , By out great Festivall , exceeded was , As well in Plenties , as in Place , and Time . For , therein , all Provisions did abound : It was throughout all places , too , extended ; With some , it ent'rance in November , found ; And not till February , fully ended ; But , universally , twelve dayes , at least , Throughout the Land , it was a yearly Feast , That Festivall , ( which till it was polluted With Bacchanalian Rites , and Superstition , A pious Observation was reputed ) Is now exploded , as a vaine Tradition . Our Triumph-day , by Providence , is come To be the day of our humiliations . The Glorie , now , is quite departed from This Kingdome , for our great abominations . The pleasant things , in which we were delighted , Are took away . The costly trimmings , which To Superstition , Ignorance invited , And which began to cozen , and bewitch , Are broken down ; Our brave rich-Robes are gone , And , all of us , have Mourning-Garments on . For our abuse of them , GOD , takes away The chiefe of our Melodious-Instruments ; And , they who heretofore did sing and play , Now , sadly sigh ; or , howle forth discontents . Our Lutes and Violls , ( which were wont to sound Eare-charming straines ) are broke and throwne aside : Or , by the noyse of Drums and Cannons drown'd , In whose loud thundrings , terrour doth reside . The Peace , which we supposed everlasting , Is fled away : Our Iubilees are ended : Our Horne of plenty , ev'ry day is wasting , Our Foes are strong , and we are ill befriended : Our fruitlesse hopes , have utterly undone us ; The things we feared , are now come upon us . Our many great and unrepented crimes , The Plagues that Sin hath multiplied here ; The wilfulnesse and madnesse of the times , So represented to my fancie were , That , through this Island , I ( me thought ) could see No Worke secur'd from being overthrown ; No act , or counsell , from confusion free ; No place , that was not metamorphos'd grown : No man , almost , that had not chang'd his mind ; No principle , that was not call'd in doubt ; No course , in which we might a safetie find ; No vertue , in all trials , holding out ; Nor any hope of being freed from Our present evils , for the time to come . That Cloud of Plagues , which fill'd in Embleme-Wise , The Title-page , of my REMEMBRANCER , ( To set before this heedlesse Nations eyes , A glimpse of Judgments , then , approaching near ) That horrid-cloud , through all these Iles disperst , Me-thought I view'd ; and showring on these Lands , The black effects , which I long since rehearst ; And , all the Plagues attending GODS commands . Not only Famine , Pestilence , and Sword , With such , as bring on outward Desolations ; But , Plagues appeared also , more abhord By those , who cherish noblest expectations : For , though these harmfull are , more hurt they do , Which murther us in Soule , and Bodie too . I saw so great , so many our Distractions , Such Discords , rising up between the Nations ; In ev'rie Shire , in ev'rie Towne such Factions ; In ev'rie Person , such dissimulations : Among the Wise , I found so little Reason ; So little goodnesse , left among the Best ; In fairest shewes of Trust , such reall Treason ; And so much Fraud , where Truth was most profest ; That , neither want , nor wealth ; nor wit , nor Folly ; Nor Vice , nor Vertue ; Love , nor Hatred , neither , Nor sanctified things , nor things unholy Distinguisht were ; but , shuffled so together , That , all things in this world , appear'd , me-thought , Into a Soul-confounding Chaos , brought . Which melancholy Apprehensions rear'd Such crotchets , and such whimsies in my braines ; That , many sights , and sounds , I saw and heard , Like those which Feare begets , or Fancie faines : Before me , as a shadow seem'd to passe , Things present , past , and coming ; till I saw Quite out of sight , all that which IS , or WAS , And , to an end things Future , also , draw . Strange sounds and noyses , heard I round about me , Or , in me rather ; such as did begin From those which rumbled ev'rie day without me , Before a troubled Fancie let them in : Which , though to be uncertaine Sounds , we grant , A Mysterie , not one of them doth want . One while , me thought , Wolves , Foxes , Dogs , & Swine , A greedy , craftie , currish , nastie rabble , Did howle , bark , snarle and grunt ; and sometime joyne In consort : Musike most abominable ! Sometime , as when an Angrie Lyon roares , Or , as when Thunder breaks out of a cloud , Or , as when raging Billows teare the shoares , I Voyces heard ; so shrill , so deep , so loud . I heard , me thought , the Voyce of Desperation , The crying Voyce of Sin , the Voyce of Bloud , The Voyce of Death , and utter Desolation ; The Voyce of Iudgement , from an angrie GOD , And ev'ry Voyce , and ev'ry Cry and Sound , In which amazement , dread , and death is found . Which , had it sounded to an Outward-eare , ( As , by my Vnderstanding it was heard ) The noyse , had made both dead and living , heare : The Spheres to shake , and Earth , and Hell afeard : The terrour of it , made my Soule to flie Beyond the limits of corporeall things : Sometimes descending , sometimes mounting high , To shun the din , which doubt and horrour brings . But , whatsoever way her course she stear'd , Confused noyse did ev'ry where abound ; Confused actions ev'ry where appear'd ; Which caus'd my strong distempers to abound : And , almost curelesse , made I my disease , By asking of my heart , such things a these . Why is this World ( a Scene of sin and paine ) Fill'd full of shadows , which no substance have ? A place of time and labour spent in vaine ? And where we lose our selves , a Toy to save ? From thence , where we nor smart , nor griefe did feele , We through the womb come crawling weakly hither ; Then getting strength , we scratch and fight a while ; And , through the grave , passe on , we know not whither . If we pursue what nat'rally delights us , And walk that course , which gives the flesh content ; Our Conscience , or some Powre-divine affrights us , With inward feares , and threats of punishment : And , if our selves we virtuously dispose , The World , and all without us , are our Foes . Disgracefull slanders , ev'ry where attend us , Though none can , justly , any where accuse us : They , who are most obliged to befriend us , When we expect best usage , most abuse us , They , who to all enormities are prone , And make no conscience , of the foulest crimes , ( If they suspect us guiltie but of One ) Mis-judge us , as off-scourings of the Times . While for their peace , our studies we employ , And spend our selves , to propagate their good ; They , labour our Well-doing , to destroy , And staine their murth'rous weapons , with our blood , As if those portions they regarded not , Which were not torne , out of a brothers throat . Since Kings , and Princes , were at first promoted , Nor for their owne , but for the Peoples sake , Why , on their trappings , have all Ages doted ? How , did our Creatures , slaves of us , first make ? How grew man-kind so mad , to flatter them Vp to that needlesse height , of pomp , and powre , Which makes their Arrogancies to contemne Our Freedomes ? and our Birth-rights to devoure ? How , are they still so fool'd , as not to know ( By that which they have heard , and read , and see ) That , Tyrants alwayes have an overthrow , When great'st their Hopes , and their Oppressions be ? And , justly , lose their Honours , Crownes , and Lives , By struggling for unjust Prerogatives ? Since GOD , for MAN , at first , this world did frame , ( And made it principally for the sake Of those who serve him and adore his Name ) Why , doth his Foe , possession thereof take ? How comes it , that the Serpent , and his breed , Lords Paramount through all Earths Kingdomes are ? And , that the promis'd and the blessed Seed , Enjoyes of this vast Globe , so small a share ? Yea , since the Earth is GODS , and they are His , To whom , by free donation , it was given : Why , is their due infringed , as it is ? And , why are they from their possessions driven , Scorn'd , injur'd , and abus'd , as abject things , Where they should honour'd be , as Lords and Kings ? Why is the chosen flock of Christ so few , And , they so numerous , who them despite ? ( The Pagan , the Mahumetan , the Iew , The Papist , and the Bosome-Hypocrite . ) Since GOD made Man , for good , and not for ill , ( To be in him , and with him , ever blessed ) How did his Foe first captivate his Will ? How , of his Creature , is GOD dispossessed ? How , is he glorified , while those Fiends Do persecute , insult , and domineere In mischieves ? and in ruining his Friends , Who said , Their Lives and Deaths , to him are deare ? Since GOD is good , why , so prevaileth evill ? Since he 's Almightie , how , so thrives the Devill ? Whilst these Expostulations I pursu'd , A BOOKE to me appeared , fairly writ ; In which , I satisfying answers view'd To all the Questionings of Carnall-wit . Wherewith , my Soule remained satisfide , And drew her selfe from these wild Contemplations . ( Which , else perhaps , had carried her aside From better , and from safer meditations . ) Then , from all outward Noyses , to be free , Into my Selfe , I further did retire ; Ev'n to that Closet , which is call'd in me , The INNER-MAN , to seek out my Desire : And , being there , enough I heard and saw , To teach , to comfort , and to keep in awe . For , then , my Heart , ( which did before appeare A little , narrow , lonely , darksome Roome ) Was filled with a Light , that shin'd so cleare , And made the same so visible become ; That ( looking inwardly ) I saw distensions So boundlesse , in their Width , their Depth , and Height , That , weighing well a fleshly Hearts dimensions , It might be thought an admirable sight . For , were you on that mountaine , or high cliffe , Whence you might farthest round about you see , ( Suppose it were the famous Tenariffe ) The Prospects , there , to those that In-ward bee , To me , no more to be compar'd , appeares Than that within a Nut-shell , to the Sheares . It shewes a Place ( if Place we call it may ) Within the Concave of whose wondrous Orb , The Eye of Contemplation may survay Sights , which no Bounds , or Shaddowes , do disturb . There , may be seene the meanes which doth disclose , Though not the Essence of Eternall-things , So much at least , as ev'ry notion showes , From whence , beleefe of their true Being springs . There , may the Soule that hideous Downefall see , Which leadeth to the brinck of Desperation : There , may that Entrance plainly viewed be , Which guideth to a blessed Exaltation : And , there , the Spirit , to our knowledge , brings The Good and Ill , of all created things . For , hitherto , I never heard of ought In Heav'n , or Earth , but I perceiv'd it there : Yea , many Novelties from thence are brought , Which have no Being , any other where . It is indeed , another WORLD within The World without me ; and I thither go , When I to loath externall things begin , And , doubtfull am , what in this World , to do . I sometime there have entertainments had , Like those which may in Paradise be found : Sometime againe , 't is like a Chaos made , Wherein deluding Fancies do abound . Sometime , the Light of Heav'n there seems to dwell , And , other while , it is as dark as Hell . Within our selves ( as GOD vouchsafes his grace ) That Blisse , and that true happinesse is found , Which men seek after in that Time and Place , Which have not much relation to this ROVND : I being thither guided ( by that Light Which faileth none ) there , found out an abode Quite out of hearing , and beyond the sight Of those distractions , which I saw abroad . There , found I out , a Resting place to hide me From scorne of Fooles , and from the Strife of tongues : From their despight , who slander and deride me ; From private mischiefes , and from publike wrongs ; From all the menaces , my eares have heard ; From all the perils , which my heart h●th fear'd . There , I with sportive sleightings , did peruse That , which their malice , who these times do flatter , Have spewed forth against my blamelesse Muse , In lumps of scurrill , base , and witlesse matter : And , am content to let the OVRS alone , Though loud they snarle and bawle ; because I find Those Beasts are by their Masters seized on ; And , do but bark ▪ according to their kind . Though not their wit , their malice might , perhaps , Deserve a Rating ; and , I could have flung them A Bone , that would have broke , or gagg'd their chaps ; ( Or , throwne the Wild-fires of my Brain among them ) But , they in vaine shall bark ; in vaine they raile : To scratch the Scabs , I scorne to foule my naile . For , I , in that Retirement , seem'd no more By such decrepit - Malice , to be hurt , Than is a well compacted Rockie-shore , On which , the Billows cast up Foame , and durt . There , shewne I was , the high prerogatives , ( The priviledges ) of my Second-birth ; And , from what noble Root , my Soule derives Her Pedigree , though she be cloath'd with earth . And , could I still ( when I from Contemplation Returne to Act ) retaine in me that height Of Spirit ; and the reall estimation Of that , wherein at those times , I delight ▪ I never more , an earthly hope should cherish , Or , prize the honours , of the Beasts that perish . There , on a Throne , above the world I sate , Beholding , with disdaine , Terrestriall things ; The fruitlesse love of Mortals , and their hate , The Tyrannies of Subjects , and of Kings . There , I beheld ( without those perturbations , Which vexed me abroad ) how Pride and Folly Support each other , by their combinations , In wicked projects , and in works unholy . There , spi'd I , by what secret Links and Ties , The cursed-Counsell which deludes the King , And , that false-pack which in our bosome lies , Their dark Designes together closely bring : And why so many moneths in vain are spent , Their treacheries and treasons , to prevent . There , can I sit obscur'd , and spie what ends Are closely follow'd by the Politician ; Who , seemingly , the common-Cause befriends , That he may ruine it , without suspition . There , I descrie , what avarice , what frauds , What spight , and what hypocrisie doth lurk In many , whom the publike-Voice applauds , As faithfull men , in carrying on the Work . Without distemper , there , I think upon Their pride and envie , who had rather see Three Kingdomes universally undone , Then , wained from their wilfulnesse to be : Because , I know , GODS Worke will be effected , In spight of what their madnesse hath projected . There , without breach of Patience , I can heed , How impudently some have sought to seem Of eminent desert ; who are indeed More worthy of contempt , then of esteem : How quaintly other-some can mischief do ; And then , by policie , and frauds contrive To purchase thanks , and pay , and favour too , For that , which , rather , should a halter have . Yea , there , without offence , I notice take How zealously Malignants are befriended ; How sleight account of their deserts we make , Who have , with life , and goods , the State defended : And , with what confidence , we still confide On those , that will be true to neither side . There , likewise , without wrath , I view , and heare How senslesse many , who are counted wise , Both of advantages , and dangers are , Which ev'ry day appear before our eyes . How needlesse good Advice , by some , is thought Till 't is too late ; how , to prevent a Wound They lose a life ; and , ( to be thriftie thought ) How , they to save a groat , mispend a pound . How desp'rately they somtime take a Fall , To scape a Slip ; how , other while , to save Some Rotten-Members ▪ they adventure all Which we by Grace ▪ or Natures Charters have . All this , in my Retirements , I can see , Yet , nothing vexeth , or aff●igheth me . For , therewithall , such meanes appear to show That both the good Endeavours of our Friends , And all the Counterminings of the Foe , Shall work out that , at last , which GOD intends : And , that , if we contented can become To beare our Burthens , but a little longer , His Grace , will render them , lesse troublesome , Or make us , to sustaine them , daily stronger . Wherewith well pleas'd , I totally resign'd My Will to his ; And , by that Resignation , Delightfull Calmes within my heart did finde , So freeing me , from former perturbation , That , all within , and all without me , kept Such silence , as if all the world had slept . As at high Midnight in a Desert Vale , Or'e-hung and bordred by a Double-Hill . On which there blowes not any whistling-gale , Down which , there flowes not any murm'ring Rill , Near which , nor Bird doth sing , nor Beast doth play , Through which , no Travailer doth ever passe ; By which , there growes no rusling leafe or spray , In which , no noise of Creature ever was ; Such seem'd that Calme , which , then , I did possesse , ( Or deeper , if it might a deeper be ) And , that the Silence , which I now expresse , May not prove empty both to You , and Me , In this Retreat , from ev'ry other noise , As from a farre , to me there came a VOICE . A VOICE there came ; From whence , I will not say : Judge yet , to whom I shall report the same ; For , if you mark the sense , conceive you may Aswell as I , from whom and whence it came . So still a VOICE it was , that with mine Eare , I heard it not ; nor made it such a noise As that , which our corporeall sence doth hear ; Nor was it an articulated VOICE : But , such a VOICE as when the Spirit brings A Message down from GOD ; and , to the heart Doth whisper those intelligible-things , Which words do but imperfectly impart ; Or , such a VOICE , as from GODS written Word , The Genuine sense well heeded , may afford . And yet it spake so plainly , and did shew Those Informations which I gain'd thereby , In ev'ry Circumstance , to be so true , That of no branch thereof , misdoubt have I. Thus , it began . Thou Off-spring of the earth , Whom Providence designed , in this Nation To have thy temp'rall Being ; and thy Birth In this D●gree , and in this Generation : Suppose not , that , in any worth of thine There could a merit , or a motive be , Which might Eternall-Providence incline , To cast so gracious an aspect on thee , As to descend so low , as to thy heart , The knowledge of his pleasure , to impart ▪ For , from thy Childhood , he thy thoughts hath seen , Heard all thy words , observed all thy waies ; Can tell how vaine thy youthfull years have been , And , how thou hast defil'd thy elder-daies . He knowes thy seeming vertues imperfections ; He saw what evill secretly thou didst ; And ▪ made thee likewise feel by due corrections , That , he beheld what from the world thou hidst . The Folly , Fraud , and falshood of thy heart ; The vices , and the vainnesse of thy tongue ; How false to others and thy selfe thou art , How slow to good , how swift in doing wrong , He truly knowes ; and , findes thee apt to do No dutie , but what he compells thee to . And , he observed ( though thy guilt he smothers ) That , thou to whom he better things hath taught , Art in those Crimes as deeply di'd as others , Who on this Isle , these present Plagues have brought . Observ'd he hath , how fondly thou hast striven With Wordlings , in their lusts , to have a share ; Although , to thee , experiments were given , What empty , and pernitious things they are . Yea , with some indignation he discerned That , madly , thou didst many times partake In provocations , whereof thou hadst warned This Land ( even those thou vowedst to forsake ) And , that , with greedinesse thou hast pursud'd , Those vanities that ought to be eschew'd . Although thy heart inform'd thee , long agoo ( By an indubitable information ) That , all the services thou couldst bestow Vpon the Minions of this Generation , Should nothing profit thee : Thou , nerethelesse , ( Forgetting what was counsell'd , and resolved ) Didst fawne on some of them , in thy distresse ; And hadst , no doubt , thereby thy selfe involved Within those Nets , which at their Boords are spred ; But , that , GOD did permit them to contemn Thy honest Muses : who a plot had laid , Into those vertues , to have flatter'd them , Which they regard not : otherwise that Course Which nothing better'd them , had made thee worse . When thou hadst , in thy Poems , vice reproved , He search'd thy heart ; and saw it was not , then , Meere love to vertue , whereby thou wert moved ; Or , that thou hadst lesse guilt then other men . Somtime , that fickle bubble , Reputation , Sometime that hope which thy vaine Fancie gives thee ; Sometime , applauses , sometimes , indignation , Into a just reproofe of sinners drives thee . Some other by-respects , oft wrought upon Thy heart , to rouze up in thee an indeavour In things , that seemed worthy to be done : But , thy performances proceeded never From that true love , and that sincere affection Which thou didst owe to Him , and his perfection . And , for these things , their mouths wide op'ned be , Who seek to turn thy glory to thy shame : Those witlesse Railers are let loose on thee , Whom , in thy Measures , thou didst scorn to name . For this , thou sufferest by the sharp despights Of open-sinners : and much more , by farre , Through those malicious , and proud Hypocrites , Who kindled first , and still foment this warre . For this , thou ( who for others couldst espie Conceal'd events ) hast oft so blinded been In matters of thine own , that what thine eye Seem'd fixed on , thy wit hath over-seen ; Till , to thy mind , they through those meanes were brought , By which each Foole , and ev'ry child is taught . For this , wert thou deservedly depriv'd Of blessings , which thou els mightst have enjoy'd : And , for that cause , hast worthily surviv'd , To see thy hopes , with other mens , destroy'd . For this , thou ( with the first ) hast plundred bin ; For this , thou both by Friends and Foes art torn ; For this , where thou hadst hopes , respects to win , Instead of honour , thou reproach hast born : For this , thy best endeavours have been crost , By them , whose power could els no spite have done thee ; For this , those paines , and those designes are lost , Which otherwise had grea● advantage won thee ; And , but that whom GOD loves , he leaveth never , For this , rejected thou hadst been for ever . Yet such is his compassion , that his love Still seeks to reingage thee by his graces ; Beholding thee with favour from above , In wants , in suffrings , in all times and places . According to thy trust in him reposed , ( When thy Remembrances did first appeare ) As with a wall of brasse he thee inclosed , From those who at thy Muse inraged were . The Prelates and the Nobles , who conspired To ruine thee , and thereto did comply , Obtain'd no power to act what they desired , Though open to their fury thou didst lie ; Although some suffred , then , ( for milder lines ) By Stygmatizings , Banishment , and Fines . When thou wert grasped in that Dragons pawes , Who sought thy spoil ; GOD , strangely charm'd his rage : He from devouring thee restrain'd his Jawes , Even while he rav'd , and storm'd at thy presage , Yea , whereas thou didst imprecate on those , Who should malitiously thy lines defame , ( And without penitence their Truth oppose ) A Publike Marke , to brand them for the same ; Ev'n so it came to passe : For , scarcely one Of those Oppressers are at this day free From having those just Censures undergone By which , the publike-Foes , now marked be ; And , to the chief of them , this mark GOD gave , That , He with shame , went headlesse to his grave . In all the changes of this toylsome life , He kept thee with an honest Reputation . He , was thy comfort still , in times of griefe , In dangers , he hath been thy preservation . He sav'd thee from the furioust Pestilence That ever in this Clymate did appear ; And , hitherto , hath by his Providence , Secur'd thee from the Sword , yet raging here . Now , when they lack , who surfeted of late ; When Bread , with men more worthie , groweth scant , ( Yea , though the Foe hath spoiled thy estate ) He keepes thy family , from pinching want ; And makes thee hopefull , whatsoere betide , That , he for thee and thine will still provide . Moreover , when thy patience was nigh tir'd ; When thy estate , the world did most despise ; GOD gave thee that which most thy heart desir'd , ( And , of all things terrestriall , most hath priz'd ) He , likewise , hath preserv'd thee to behold Those things , in thine own life-time verifide , Which seem'd as dreames , when first by thee fore-told ; Which fooles did sleight , and wiser men deride . And , not thus only , was he pleas'd to do ; But , now , hath also call'd thee , to prepare The Way of Peace , and , to reveale unto These British Isles , what those Conditions are , Whereon , it is his pleasure to return That Blessing to them , for which , yet they mourne . It is not for thy sake , that , now , his eyes He fixeth , not on persons eminent ; Or , hath not chosen one more learn'd and wise , By whom , this weighty Message might be sent : But , rather , to abase and vex their pride Who carnall Pompe , and outward showes adore , ( Vouchsafing scarce to turn their eye aside , To heed the suits , or counsells of the poore ) And , that ( to humble them ) they may be faine Perforce , to hear , and to accept from him , ( Whose guifts and person , most of them disdaine ) The Way of Peace , which he shall offer them ; Or else , through pride , grow hardned in that sin , Which bringeth Desolation faster in . This is the Course , which Providence hath took When selfe-conceit , and sin , befooleth Nations ; And Carnall policie , doth over-look The lowly meanes , of timely preservations . Thus , that the Jewish-pride he down might bring , When they the pompe of heathenish-Kings affected , He made , one Seeking-Asses , their first King ; And , them unto a Shepheard , next , subjected . When their proud Pharisees , and Priests , beleeved , That He , who came the Kingdom to restore , Should from their power and wisdom have received Chiefe aid thereto ; he rais'd it by the poor . From their formalities , his eyes he turn'd , And chose the meek-ones , whom their pride had scorn'd . And , GOD thus dealeth still , when he intends To purge a People , and refine a State ; Making one motion , move to sev'rall ends , As it to sundrie Objects may relate . Who should have thought , that saw a while ago The Prelacie in pompe ( advancing thorow This potent Isle ) it should be baffled so In height of all it pride , at Edenborough ? Who could have then supposed , that a Stoole , Flung by a sillie woman , in her zeal , ( When policie did labour to befoole Your brethren , and the Dragons wound to heale ) Should have , in thousands , kindled such a flame Of zeale , as from that meane occasion came ? Who would have thought the late despised Scot , ( A Nation , whom your elders dis-esteem'd , A Nation , whom your Fathers loved not , And , of whose friendship , carelesse you have seem'd ) Should first have rouz'd , a passage to have broke Through that Attempt ; which , will ( if unrepented And wilfull sins obstruct not ) breake that yoke Which Heresie and Tyranny invented ? Who would have been perswaded , but erewhile , The Scot should faithfully for you have kept Your nigh-lost footing in the Irish Ile ? And , while the Flame into their borders crept , Should , brother-like , contribute their chiefe powers , To quench the Burnings , which your Towns devours ? Or , who would have beleeved ( having heard The scandals , and malignant jealousies , Wherewith some do their love , yet , mis-reward ) That Scotland should for Englands aid arise , And in their marches through your fruitfull lands , More conscience make , than you your selves have shown , Of laying violent , and griping hands , On them , whose wounds and losses are your own ? But , GOD is pleas'd these things should come to passe , To humble and abase that high conceit , Which falsly of your selves admitted was ; And , that both you and they might have a sight Of his great Providence , in so proceeding ; And , Good , and Bad , confesse it merits heeding . For , by this course , he doth effect his will Within them , by them , and upon them too . Both Friends and Foes , all actions good or ill , Promote the work which he intends to do . They , who , long time , have wilfully persisted In crooked paths , from which they call'd have bin , And , in those Calls , the Spirits Voyce resisted , ( Or carelesly proceeded in their sin ) Shall ( blind with malice , and obdur'd with pride ) Sleight all the counsels , tendred now by thee : The Tenour of this VOICE , they shall deride , And , madly , stubborne in their Courses be , Till on their heads , those judgements down shall come , Which are an unrepentant Sinners doome . And , when with plagues deserved they are stung , ( In stead of Penitence , or filiall awe ) As doth a Dog at whom a stone is flung , So they shall snarle , and so the weapon gnaw . Or , rather , as it was fore-told of those , For whom , GOD , his fifth Violl should prepare , The greater , still , their feare or torment growes , The lesse to be reform'd will those men care . They ( to the Throne and Kingdome of the BEAST True Vassals being ) will GODS name blaspheme ; Or , else be stupified , at the least , When GOD with stripes , or counsells visits them . To these , this VOICE , will no good Omen sing ; To these , no Peace , no Comfort , will it bring . But , they who by their chastisements for sin , Are humbled so , so school'd , and made so meeke , As to admit that true repentance in , Which makes them gladly , Truth , and Mercie seeke , Ev'n they shall from this VOICE , receive content ; And not disdaine the Wine of consolation , Though in an earthen Vessell it be sent ; But , take it with a thankfull acceptation . And , if of these , that number found shall be , For which , three wicked Kingdomes may be spar'd , You shall from Rulne , once againe be free ; To show the World , that , what few now regard , Prevents more mischiefe , and more safetie brings , Than potent Armies , Parlaments , and Kings . For , Kings , and Parlaments , and Armies , too , When crying sins in any Realme abound , Advantage not , so much as they undo ; As , by a late experience , you have found . A King you had , who was , at first , conceiv'd , To pitie , and to pietie enclin'd ; ( Such , he was really of thee beleev'd ) Yet , of those Vertues , now , small signes you find . The Cup and Fornications of the WHORE , Do seeme to have bewitcht his royall brest : With bloudy sins , his Realmes are flowed o're , ( Defil'd with crimes , that cannot be exprest ) And , more in danger to be quite undone , Than , ever since , a King first fill'd this Throne . He takes a Course , which if pursu'd , will do him More dammages than all his forraigne foes : And all their malice could have brought unto him . Yea , so improvident a path he goes , As if by his Fore-fathers , or by Him , Some sin had been committed , which hath shaken His verie Throne , defac'd his Diadem , And , for which , Vengeance must ere long be taken . For , though he knowes the peoples griefes and feares , Though sprawling in their bloud he sees them lying ; Though he beholds the flames about their eares , And , in their deaths , his honour daily dying ? Yet , seemes he nothing to heare , know , or see , Which for your safety , or his own may be . The Royall Pow'r , that should the Realme have guarded , Is to the ruine thereof , mis-imploy'd ; The Perquisites , allow'd to have rewarded Deserving-men , by Ruffians are enjoy'd . The Dignities , ordain'd to have been placed On them , whose deeds their noblenesse declar'd ; To Slaves are prostituted ; and disgraced , By being on Buffoones and Clownes conferr'd . His Councell-Table was become a snare , His Court , a Sanctuarie for Transgressors ; The Iudgement-Seats , were engines to prepare Advantages , for Bribers and Oppressors : The Soveraigne , from the Subject is estranged ; And Kingship into Tyranny , is changed . But , though the King be partner in these crimes , 'T is you , who have your selves , and him undone : For , as Idolaters in former times , First , made carv'd Images , of Wood and Stone , ( Perhaps , but meerly for Commemoration Of some deceased Worthy ) and , at last , Improv'd it into sottish adoration ; So , Those , on whom the Government was plac'd , ( By prudent Counsell ) Base men , by degrees So idolized , and with flatteries So long , in servile manner , bow'd their knees To their Self-will ; that , first , to tyrannize The peoples blockishnesse , and basenesse brought them : Yea , how to be Oppressors , they first taught them . And , when Kings saw , the peoples foolishnesse Did make themselves beleeve , that their owne Creature Had therein , an inherent awfulnesse , Advancing it above the humane nature ; They , quickly from that folly , and that feare , Advantages assumed to improve Their pow'rs : It made them greater to appeare ; And in a more Majestick Orb to move . The slavish gestures , and the servile phrase Long us'd in Court , did thereto so much add , That , he who like a man , declares his cause , Is judg'd unmannerly , or somwhat mad : Nay , to that height the , Royall claime is brought , That none , but Slaves , are now true Subjects thought . A Parliament you have , which you obtained , When you were most desirous to have had it ; You , thereunto a priviledge have gained , Which , now , more fixt than formerly , hath made it . The House of Peeres is of a party cleared , Whom , leaning to your , Common-Foe you doubted ; Whose power you felt , whose policie you feared , And , whom , long since , some gladly would have outed . Yet had Corruption over-fill'd it so With honour'd Titles , worne without deserts ; And , with so many , raised from below , To sit on Princely Seats , with Slavish-hearts , That , when your troubles well-nigh cur'd you thought , Far greater mischieves , were upon you brought . Your House of Commons , ( though when first convented , It fill'd you with a hopefull expectation ) Hath ev'ry way so truly represented , The Common Constitution of this Nation ; That , little hitherto hath been effected To mitigate your Feares , or settle Peace , According to the issue you expected ; But , ev'ry day your sorrowes more increase . So great an inundation of confusion Is broken in upon you ; that , in vaine You hope or labour for a good conclusion , Till GOD himselfe make up the Breach againe ; And , you ( with more sincerity ) confesse Your Guilt , your Weaknesse , and your Foolishnesse . Betwixt You , and your King , there is of late A cursed Fire broke forth , whose raging flame Each others ruine threatens , like to that Which from Abimelech , and Shechem , came . So damnable a Spirit of Contention Is conjur'd up , that , his designes are brought Past all those remedies , and that prevention Which by the wit of mortalls can be wrought . So madly , you each other do oppose , That ev'ry one consults and acts in vaine : What one reares up , another overthrowes ; What one destroyes , another builds again : And nothing is the vulgar expectation But ruine , if not utter Desolation . For , crying-sins do gen'rally prevaile , The Rules of Order , quite aside are laid : The prudence of the Counsellour doth faile ; The honestest-Designes , are most gain-said ; The Grossest Falshood , soonest is believ'd ; His cause best speedes , who aimes at basest-ends , The worst-Transgressour , shall be soon'st repriev'd ; The veriest Knave shall find the Lordliest friends : And , when Foundations thus are overthrowne , What can the Righteous do ? what likely hope Have Husbandmen , when all is over-growne With Briars and Thornes , to reap a thriftie crop ? Or , what can by a Parliament be done , Where all are with Corruption over-grown ? With Warlike Forces , too , now strongly arm'd You do appear ; and Martiall men abound , As though each Township , Bee-hive-like had swarm'd , And Horse , and Armes , sprung daily from the ground . But , what have these availed , in regard Of expectation ? Nay , how multiplide Are these afflictions , rather , ( which you fear'd ) By their dissensions , insolence , or pride ? Your Treasures , Stocks , & Fields , they have nigh wasted , Their avaritions fury to allay ; Yet , as if they had Pharoah's kine out-fasted , So greedie , and so hungrie , still are they , That , all the plenties of your peacefull years , Will hardly quench that vast desire of theirs . Want of sincerenesse in your chiefe Commanders , Too much ambition , much respect of friends : ( Most men that hear this , know these are no slanders ) Fraud , Envie , Cowardice , or private-ends ; And , gen'rally defect of Discipline : Or , ( to be plaine ) want of that honestie , Which these Forth-breakings of the Wrath-divine Hath , now , required in your Soulderie , Have set licentiousnesse so much at large , And made most Officers , presume upon Such loosnesse ; and so slackly to discharge Their duties ; that , you likely are to run , By your owne Forces ( as the matter goes ) Not much lesse hazard , than by open Foes . Your Common men , ( this will disparage none Among you Martialists , that blamelesse are ) Have not in misdemeanours , been out-gone By many , who the States opposers were . They cheat , rob , lye , curse , sweare , blaspheme and rore , They equally oppresse both Friend , and Foe ; They plunder , scoffe , insult , game , drink and whore , And ev'rie day corrupt each other so ; That , if this plague continue but a while , You and your King , so many Rogues will arme , That , throughout ev'rie Township of this I le , This curse brood of Lice will crawle and swarme , Till they have quite devoured those that fed them ; And , pine in that starv'd Body , which first bred them . For , though the highest honours temporarie , On Souldiers are conferred , whose true worth , Whose vertues in employments militarie , With an illustrious candor shineth forth : Though they , who to defend their Countries cause , Themselves to death and dangers do expose , ( Observing duly , GODS and Natures Lawes , Not only to their friends , but to their foes ) Though these , deserve all honours ; no expression Is full enough to make an illustration Of their ignoble , and their base condition , Who triumph in their Countries desolation : And , as the raskall sort of Tinkers do , Pretend to mend one hole , and then make two . For , these foure yeares of Discord , have so changed , The gentlenesse , already , of this Nation ; And , men and women are fo far estranged , From civill , to a barb'rous inclination : They are so prone to mutinous disorders , So forward in all mischievous projections , So little mov'd with robberies or murthers , And , so insensible of good Affections ; That , they whom you have arm'd for your defence , Will shortly ruine you , unlesse preventions Be interposed by that Providence , Which frustates diabolicall intentions : And therefore , now , Conditions are propounded , On which , a Restauration may be grounded . Yea , now , when Med'cines ( that most soveraigne were At other times ) have multiply'd diseases : When all your Policies quite routed are ; To intervene , a Timely-Mercie pleases . Now , that your Armies , King , and Parliaments , Which were your hopefulst meanes of preservation , Are made , by Sin , imperfect Instruments , And , leave these Iles almost in desperation : Thou , shalt once more , to dis-respective men , A Herald-extraordinarie be ; And , carrie them conditions , once agen , Whereby they from these troubles may be free ; And , that those Angels which now smite these Lands , From Desolation , may with-hold their hands . Now , then , for Overtures of Peace provide ; Silence thy Trumpets , let thy Drums be still ; Furle up thy Colours , lay Commands aside , Sheath up thy Sword , resume againe thy Quill ; And , make thou such an entrie on Record , Of what thou intellectually dost heare , That , to these present Times , it may afford A legible Expresse , of what they are : That , thereby , meek men may have information , What humble service , and what sacrifice May best promove that reconciliation , Which will conclude these bloudy Tragedies ; And , that it may , by working upon some , A Blessing , unto all these Isles , become . To that intent , once more , thy selfe prepare , To heare inraged Tyrants madly rave ; The envious to detract , the proud to jeer , And Fooles to shew how little wit they have . Prepare thy selfe , to suffer what disgrace The spight of secret malice hath begun ; And , all those injuries , which , to thy face , May , by an open enemy , be done . And saulter not : but , plainly publish thou , What is , and shall be spoken to thy heart ; That , if these will not , time to come may know , By what good Spirit thou inspired art : And , that men may , unto GOD's praise , confesse , That , He , in Justice , is not mercilesse . And be not sway'd by any by-respect To King , or People , Persons , or Estates , From uttering ( to thy power ) the full effect Of whatsoever , now , this VOICE relates . Nor be thou so presumptuous , as to add One syllable ( beyond what shall be true ) Through feare ; or , that some profit may be had ; Lest thy vaine feares , and thy false hopes thou rue . But , speak what truth shall whisper forth to thee , In so impartiall , and so bold a straine , That , to their soules , it may a terrour be , Who still , in their impenitence remaine : And , therewithall , those consolations bring , Which make the meeke , and broken-hearted sing . Feare neither Peeres , nor Commons , Friends , nor Foes , So long as thou thy duty shalt performe ▪ Nor feare the threatnings or the frownes of those , Who , at thy publishing this VOICE may storme , For , of whatever they shall thee deprive , Who , therewithall , are spitefully offended , Thou for the same shalt seventie fold receive , In life and death , by all good men befriended . And , if by thy Detractors ought be spoke , Which this thy warrantable dutie wrongs , Their malice shall quite vanish into smoke , And for the same , ten hundred thousand tongues Shall censure them , who now mis-censure thee , Ev'n while they are , and when they shall not bee . The VOICE , here made a pause : For , though I had Myselfe , into myselfe retir'd , as far , As a Retreat could possibly be made , From things , that Bars to Contemplation are ; Yet , thither carried I so much about me , Relating to the Flesh , which I have on me ; ( And also to the World that is without me ) That she , with violence , broke in upon me ; And came so over-joy'd with fruitlesse newes Of an approaching Treatie , and with hope Of Peace thereby ; that she disturb'd my Muse , And brought those Revelations to a stop , Of which , this I le shall never heare againe , Till she hath prov'd all other meanes in vaine . Your wits , yee Politicians therefore trie , Yee Mightie , thereunto your Forces joyne , And you , that with a Formall-pietie , Or morall-facings , your projections line . Pursue your waies of Peace , till you are gone So far , that you no forwarder can get ; And find , that when your wilfull course is done , You , like wild-Bulls , lie tumbling in a net : For , then , perhaps ( though but a Moufe it were , That gnaw'd the snare ) your pride would be content , The meanes of your deliverance to heare , By whomesoere the Message shall be sent . When that hour coms , the VOICE that spake before , Will speak again ; and , then I le tell you more . Meane-while , I purpose to returne unto Those other under-takings , wherewithall I am intrusted ; or , those works to do , For which , the Common-danger , first may call . And since I ought not wholly to neglect , Their private wants , who on my care depend , I will be bold , a little , to respect My own Affaires , which few men , yet , befriend ; Lest , e're I finish what I have begun , I may incurre some sudden detriment ; Or , else , by my Oppressors , be undone . For , he that makes no conscience to prevent His private ruine , shall be seldom heard In any publike matter , with regard . LORD , by thy power ( for , by thy power , alone , Such Plagues are cur'd ) recure us e're too late , And , once again , in mercie , looke upon This heart-sick , languishing , and dying State . Once more be reconcil'd : ( Once more at least ) To these distracted , these divided Lands , Let that Preserving-Mercie be exprest , On which , the safety of a Kingdome stands . Abate those Earth-quakes , which have made unsteady The Pillars of this Church and Common-wealth ; Disperse those Vapours , which imve made us giddie ; Purge out those Humours , which impaire our health : Support the Limbes , which must prevent our fall , Cut off , those Members , which may ruine all . And , give me Courage , Wisdome , Grace , and Pow'r , So , to discerne thy Will ; so , to expresse What is inspir'd ; and in so good an houre , As , that it may prepare the Way of Peace . THOV , that , by Babes , and Sucklings , dost restore Decayed Strength ; and , by dispised things , Advance thy Kingdom , and thy Glory , more Then by the Councells , and the Pow'rs of Kings : So , make this VOICE to speak ; so , make men heare ; That , both Times present , and the Times to come , May love thy Mercies , and thy Judgements , feare , Throughout these Islands , till the day of doome : And , let this VOICE'S good effects be showne Most clear in Him , by whom , thou mak'st it known .

The second Canto .

The Contents .

This Canto's Preface being done , The VOICE , to these effects , goes on ; Tells , how unworthy we are yet , For Peace desired , how unfit : How vain , how harmfull Treaties be , Till both Sides , in one Third agree ; And ( laying by ignoble ends , ) Vse likely meanes of being Friends . Shewes , that the Peace , which most pursue ▪ Will be nor permanent , nor true . Then , that some Cures may heappli'd , Declares which Parts are putrifi'd ; Which must be purg'd , without delay ; Or , cauteriz'd , or cut away , If we will , e're it be too late , Recure this weake , this dying State . THe VOICE and Muzings , hitherto exprest , In me , so sad , so serious Thoughts had left , And , stamped them so deep into my brest , That , of it health , my Body they bereft : And , e're my former strength could be renew'd ( Or those Affaires dispens'd with , which deny To be , at will , delayed or pursu'd ) Three moneths of Relaxation passed by : And , in that space , was op'ned such a Sluce To Interruptions , discomposing so My meditations ; that , them to reduce To their late temper , I had much adoe . Oh GOD ! from me , how fast good motions fly ! How long are they unborn ! how soon they dy ! My heart , that is corrupt enough to know What any wicked man can think or say , Before my feet , began harsh rubs to throw , And , cast great stumbling blocks orethwart my way . When I had some remov'd , Loe , ( with a jeere ) A thought within me said ; If nothing else But Vertue guides thy Pen , what needed here , All that , which of thy Selfe , this Poem tells ? Why mention'st thou ( as if thou wert afraid Thy Readers knew not , or forgot the same ) What thou fore-toldst ? what thou hast thought or said ? And what events on thy Predictions came ? And , in a Magisteriall-straine hast spoke , As if thou for a Prophet wouldst be took ? Indeed , my Vanities , I find to be More then enough , my Musings to expose To mis-constructions ; and , to bring on me The sharp result of such like thoughts as those : For , never could I fix my mind upon GOD'S Work so closely , but , Charrs great or small , Have still been there with brought me to be done , By those old Haglers , whom I live withall . Ev'n in this Taske , ( though GOD stands over me With Fire , and Sword ) such failings will appear , And , so imperfect my endeavours bee , 〈◊〉 , much I grieve , to think how vain they are ; And feard , they had been but effects of pride , Till thus , for me , another Thought replide . GOD , pleased seemes , to make thy Vices do Those duties , which thy Virtues leave undone . And what though this may add ( if it prove so ) Dishonour to thy self , so GOD have none ? If thou thy Thoughts , hast cloathed in such words , And , them in such a dressing , forth shall send , As best advantage to thy Selfe affords , Why should it any other man offend ? Or , if thou addest ought for thine own praise , Why should an envious Reader grudge the same , Since Malice , and Dispight , have many waies , To turn such empty Glories , to thy shame ? Or , why shouldst thou forbeare , if cause thou find , To make thy words help fortifie thy mind ? Thine own expressions , are sometime the Charmes Which waken thy Resolves that were asleep : Thy Heart , the repetition of them warmes ; Thy Spirit from dejection they do keep . The mentioning what GOD hath for thee done , Or , what he hath inabled thee to do , May to his glorie be insisted on ; And , otherwhile , to thy advantage too . Why then , through Feare of witlesse Censurers , ( Or , of an ayrie scoffe , shouldst thou omit Thy selfe to mention , or thine own affaires , When thou ( on good occasion ) thinkst it fit ? Since , if thy Muses would be so confin'd , They to themselues were traytors , or unkind . And , to make voyd what shall well purpos'd be , There intervene so many casualties , By mis-conceiving , or mis-knowing thee , Sometime , such Inconveniences arise , As that , it may essentially advance Thy Work in hand , if some few lines be spent , To add , or to inlarge a circumstance , Which captious men may think impertinent ; For , when the Matter moves not that respect , Which is desir'd , perhaps , the Manner may : And , if thou honestly thy hopes effect , What though Fools think , that thou the Fool didst play ? Although harsh doomes , this age to thee affords , The Times to come , will give thee better words . Thus spake my Thoughts ; But , little do I care How I am judg'd , save only for their sake , On whom those Verities , which I declare , May thereby , more or lesse impression make . The care I tooke , was how to hear again The VOICE , which I conceiv'd had much to say , That to this Islands peace doth appertaine ; If , what is councelled , men would obey . For , well I saw , although unseen it was By many , ( and too well perceiv'd by some ) That such a Time , was well nigh come to passe , As my preceding Canto , said should come , Before , the VOICE I heard , the rest would say , Of that , which was begun the other day . Yea , I discovered them , on either side , To be distracted and confounded , so , By that which falshood , policie , and pride , Selfe-will , and Avarice , hath brought them to ; That , I began to feele my selfe affraid , Destruction might or'e-whelme this Generation , Before there would be meanes to hear , that said , Which may , perhaps , prevent out desolation . Assoon therefore , as GOD to me restor'd Decayed strength , and my infirmities , Did Opportunities , and time afford , I recompos'd my scatt'red faculties ; And , being then retir'd , and noise alaid , The VOICE that spake before , thus , further said . Come Weakling , fit thy soule , prepare thine care , Gird up thy loines , and set thy selfe apart , That thou , the more intentively , mayst heare What , shall be further spoken to thy heart . That TREATY , now , is at a fruitlesse end Which interrupted what I had to say : That Hope , whereon so many did depend , Is , like a faire bright Morning , past away And , leaves you in a Cloud , that seemes to threat A terrible tempestuous After-noone ; Which , you with many Feares , will round beset , Before the Day of Triall , shall be done : And , therefore , that which will be now declar'd , May , peradventure , find the more regard . You look for Peace , ( and he who well can sing That Song , deserveth highly to be priz'd ) But , who can thither such a blessing bring , Where all Conditions of it are despis'd ? Or , what , as yet , have they to do with peace , Whom these Corrections , move not to repent ? Whose Wickednesse , doth rather more increase , Then seem abated , by their chastisement ? Who can expect , the fretting Corosives Should be removed from your Fest'ring sore Vntill the skillfull Surgeon first perceives , It may , with healing salves be plaistred o're , Vnlesse , he rather hath a minde to see The patient ruined , then cur'd to be ? How few hast thou observ'd , whose former course Is better'd by those Plagues , which now are on them ? How many , rather , do appear the worse ? And , to be more corrupt then thou hast known them ? In what perpetuall broiles are they involved , Who , for the publike welfare , most endeavour ? How friendlesse are they , who are best resolved ? And , in good resolutions , dare persever ? How many , into Parties quicklie band A questioned Malignant to protect ? How few men , for that Innocent , will stand , Whom Malice doth accuse , or but suspect ? And who now lives , and loves the Common-Right , Who suffers not some insolent despight ? Though most men see distractions hanging over Their giddie heads ; their Tragedie begun ; And , round about them , nothing can discover , But universall Ruine drawing on ; Ambition , Malice , Avarice , and Pride , Selfe-will , Selfe-love , Hypocrisie , and Guile , As arrogantly still on horse-back ride , As if no Plague had seized on this Isle . This man for Place ; that , striveth for Command ; Pretends the Publike-weale , but , seekes his Own ; And cares not , so he profit by the hand , Though Law and Gospell too , be overthrown : And , He that in defence of them doth come , Findes furious Foes abroad , and worse at home . In ev'rie Shire , in ev'rie Town and Citie , The Kingdoms discords are epitomiz'd : In everie Corporation , and Committee , Some Engine for Division is deviz'd . Occasions daily spring , each man ingaging , To side with , or stand leaning , to some Faction , And , by new quarrells , more and more enraging Their Furie , to the heightning of Distraction . An Emblem of which madnesse , he might draw , Who saw , within an old thatch'd Barne on fire , Poore beggars quarrelling for lousie straw , ( Or dunghill rags , new raked from the mire ) Who will nor heed their harmes , nor leave to brawl , Vntill the Flames consume Rogues , Rags , and All. How can calme Peace be timelie wooed thither , Where men so brutish are in their dissentions , And , where the meanes of knitting them together , Are still occasions made of new contentions ? How can these Iles have Peace that are so vitious ? And , who have Factious Spirits rais'd on them , As wilfully dispos'd , as those Seditious , Who brought destruction on Hierusalem ? How can they looke for Peace , while they contrive Designes , enlarging , still , their discontent ? While Policie , doth wedges daily drive , Twixt ev'ry joynt , to make a curelesse rent ? And , while to mend the breaches of this Land Ther 's nothing brought , but pebble-stones and sand ? Who can unite again a Broken-bone , Whose parted ends , are set the from ward way ? How long will oyle and water mix in One ? Or , things quite Opposite together stay ? There are betwixt you such Antipathies , And such abhominatings of each other , That , in no ordinarie Power it lies , To knit you in a perfect League together : And 't is not possible , your fest'ring sores , Should ever heal , while in them there is found That putrified flesh , and rotten cores , Which keep from closing , and from growing sound ? And which will suddenly break forth again , Augmenting more your hazzard , and your pain ? How can these miserable Isles have Peace , While Justice , nor Compassion find regard ? While they who should protect , do most oppresse ? Where sin scapes blame , and Virtue wants reward ? How can he hope for Peace , that would enjoy His wish on any termes ? And , for the Shade , The Substance of that mercie quite destroy , Which might by patient Industrie be had ? Or , how can he be worthy of that Blessing , Who ( knowing how much , lately it hath cost , In bloud and Treasure ) would the repossessing Of that deare purchase , for a toy , have lost ? And , everlastingly , himselfe undo , To satisfie his Lust , a yeare or two ? Who knoweth not , that much more dread you have , Lest of Estate , or Person , you should lose The loved Freedomes ; then to be a Slave To him , whose Tyranny , the Soule undoes ? For , to that end you Give , you Lend , you Pay ; To that intent , strict Covenants you make ; To that intent , you sometimes Fast and Pray ; To that intent , much Paines and Care you take . Yea , many goodly things to that intent You daily do , and many moe , intend : But , your Peace-offrings , all in vaineare spent , Till you direct them to their proper end ; And , till the Peace , for which your Suits you make , Shall be desir'd for Truths , and Mercies sake . Who sees not , that a Peace you now desire For nought , but that you might againe enjoy Your lusts ; and , to those Vanities retire , Wherein you did your former dayes employ ? Who seeth not , that , like to those Israelites , Whom from th' Aegyptian Bondage GOD redeem'd , You have the pleasing of your Appetites , Much more than your Deliverer esteem'd ? Their Garlick , and their Flesh-pots left behind , They thought on more , than on that Servitude , From which they came ; and , more than they did mind , Those Wonders , and that Mercie , which GOD shew'd : And , you have acted , as in imitation Of that perverse , and foolish generation . You have forgot , already , to what height Of Tyranny and Pride , the Court was rear'd ; What Projects for Oppression , were in sight ; What Injuries you felt , and what you fear'd . You seeme to have forgot , to what degree Of Insolence the Prelacie was come : How , generally , you began to be Bewitched , by the Sorceries of Rome . You , have not so observed , as you ought , How neare , unto a helplesse overthrow , You ( by your Foes confederacies ) were brought , Before their purpose did apparant grow ; Nay , you yet heed not , what will soone betide , If , now , from good-beginnings back you slide . But , as afore-said , like the sottish Iewes , ( Who , of the Humane-nature , and of You , Are perfect Types ) GODS favours you abuse ; And , so , your owne Inventions , you pursue . Though like their Fierie-pillar , and their Cloud , A speciall Providence hath been your Guard ; An unbeleeving heart , your deeds have show'd ; And , you of ev'rie Bug-beare are afeard . Like them ( ev'n while the Law to you is giving , And all this Iland , like Mount Sinai smokes ) New Worships , and new GODS you are contriving ; Like them , you sleight his Benefits , and strokes ; And , in your Provocations , are as daring , While he is Rest and Peace , for you preparing . So , you forget , how great your Bondage was , And whereunto you fear'd it might encrease ; So , those great Marvailes you still over-passe , Which GOD hath wrought , to perfect your release : So , when by some new Streight , your Faith he tries , You wish that in your Bondage , you had staid : So , your Deliverers , you scandalize ; As if by them , your Freedomes were betray'd : So , murmure you , when any thing you lack ; So , you , despaire , when carnall props decay ; So , ev'rie difficultie turnes you back , And stands like Seas , and Gyants in your way : And , so , through mis-beleefe , your selves deprive Of Blessings , which your Children shall receive . And , thus it comes to passe , because , like them You are a stupid and a foolish Nation , Who your Deliverances do contemne ; And , are like them , without consideration . Else , grudge you would not , for that , you are more Imbroyl'd by seeking to preserve your due , And put to greater charges , than before Your Vindication you did first pursue : For , Prudent men , will while they are at ease , Be willingly made sick ; and beare the cost Of Physick , for the cure of that disease , Through which , ere long , their lives might else be lost : Yea , ev'rie rustick Seed-man , sowes in hope , ( Advent'ring much ) e're he receives a crop . You justly might suppose , that Patients wit Much craz'd , that when good physick works upon him , Straight wisheth , he had never taken it ; Cries out , that his Physitians have undone him ; Because , they made him sick , e're he was so : Drinks , eats , and acts , both what and when he will ; Yea , thereby makes himselfe more sick to grow , And causes that which would have cur'd , to kill . Yet , this is your condition : and , if , now , In this distemper'd , and unto ward plight , Your kind Physitian had deserted you , ( As for your peevishnesse , he justly might ) Your labours past , and those you shall bestow , Will prove like Arrowes , from a warped Bow . You mark not , what great wonders GOD hath wrought , To move your hardned Pharaohs to relent ; And that from slaveries , you might be brought , Nor heed you , what your Foes , for you invent . A thousand things , unthought on , you let go , Of consequence , which wrought for you have bin , Since your Deliverer began to show An Outlet , from the Bondage you were in . As , in what dreadfull manner , in one place , He seized by an unseen-messenger , A bold Transgressor ( who so daring was , As to provoke the Devill to appeare ) And , smoth'red him in loathsome smoke and stink , Whilst he presum'd blasphemous healths to drink . You do not mark , how oftentimes the Plot , Against you layd , hath crossed been by Him , When , else , you had no knowledge thereof got ; Nor , to prevent it , either Pow'r , or Time . You have not memorized , as you ought , How , GOD himselfe , when your own strength did faile , For you , against your Enemies hath fought ; And made you conquer , when they did prevaile . How wondrously , a Remnant , for a Seed , In Ireland , he preserves : how oft from spoile , Your Garrisons and Armies , he hath freed , When they have been in hazard of a foile : Nor do you mind , how oft , him thank you may , For saving , what , you would have fool'd away . You ponder not , how often he hath sav'd , Where no Salvation was ; how neare at hand , He still was found , when you protection crav'd ; And , when destruction over-hung the Land . You have not heeded , how the Saplesse-brest Of wither'd Age , ( when raging crueltie The child of murth'red Parents had distrest ) Did wonderfully , thereto milk supply : Nor , for how many thousand Families , He food provides , whom War hath quite undone : Nor , how his Grace restraines their Poverties , From Outrage , whereinto they else had run ; And which , ere long , attempted you will see , Vnlesse more Iust , and Mercifull you bee . You , hardly yet believe , that , in conclusion The mischiefs , by your Adversaries done , Must be the Ground-worke of their own confusion ; Or , that your Peace is by this War begun . You mark not , that when first the sottish Dane , Preparing was , your causlesse Foes to aid , GOD , then , to call him to account began , For all that bloud whereon his Throne was laid : Nor how , ev'n then , GOD fastned in his nose The Swedish-hooke , and found him work at home , To shew , that He of Princes doth dispose ; And , what of wilfull-Tyrants will become , Though , by permission , for a while , they may The Fooles , or Mad-men , on their stages play . You mark not , with such thankfull observations , As would become you , that , GOD's providence , ( Though you are threatned by some other Nations ) Hath ( by ingagements ) kept them yet , from hence . And many other things unheeded are , Which must consid'red be , ere you aright Your hearts , and your affections can prepare , For such a Peace , as will be worth your sight . Yea , many things must be repented too , And much amended , ere you may expect , That either swords , or words this work will do ; Or Blowes , or Treaties , bring your wisht effect . The Peace of GOD you never can possesse , But , by attonement , with the GOD of Peace . You , by a Treaty , had a hope to see A Peace concluded on . But how alas ! How possibly may that accomplisht be ! Till means is found to bring it well to passe ? The Mediums to that work , are wanting , yet , By which , the Parties who at variance are , Should reconcile ; and they themselves have set Too farre asunder , to be brought so neare . There wants a Third , by whom they should unite : For , most who are imploid as Instruments , To joyne them , in Divisions take delight : And , private-interests , that work prevents ; Because , when these , the way to Peace shall take , Themselves obnoxious to the Lawes they make . The chiefest outward-Instruments , whereby To joyne a King and Subjects disunited , Was wont to be that Christian Charity , By which the neighb'ring Princes were invited To mediate , and labour to compose Their diff'rences . As first , by friendly Words , And prudent Arguments , perswading those Who seem'd unjustly to have drawne their swords . By threatnings , next : And , if nor argument , Nor intercession , nor sharp menaces Prevail'd ; they then , to help the innocent , As they inabled were , would somtimes please ; Lest , an unbounded , and usurped pow'r Should all oppresse , and all at last devoure . But you have no such hope ; For , all the States , And all the Kings and Princes , near , or farre , Which were your Friends , and your Confederates , Neglecters of this pious duty are . The Swedes , the Germans , and those other Nations , Who really compassionate your griefe , Are so ingag'd , for their own preservations , That , thence you neither can expect reliefe , Nor means of an Attonement . From the Dane , ( Your old Oppressor ) you long since , had found What he resolv'd ; unlesse , the Swede had tane Occasion to imploy him in the Sound : And , should the French , or Spaniard intercede , Against their own Designments , they might plead . Th' Vnited Netherlands , who to pursue This dutie , are oblig'd , beyond them all , And , who ( unlesse they prove both false to you , And to themselves ) themselves remember shall : Ev'n they have hitherto but only sent Iobs comforters unto you : or , perchance To practise here , some peece of complement , Which they have newly learn'd from Spaine , or France : Ot , else , to see a patterne of that Plague , Which must , from hence , translated thither bee , When they have quite forgotten their old league With you , who spent your bloud , to set them free ; When they , in danger were to be enslav'd , As you are now , and , for assistance crav'd , Now , whether these are blinded by some sin That cals for Vengeance ; or , by some poore hope , New works on this Iles ruines , to begin ; Or , whether Providence hath made that stop , To frustrate such like meanes , that , you might flie To him alone ; it doth not yet appeare : But , will ere long . Meanewhile , the certaintie Of this , becometh manifestly cleare ; That , GOD suspendeth ev'rie help to Peace , Which forraine Aid , or forraine intercession Are like to add ; and , suffers an encrease Of jars at home , which threaten your perdition : For , ev'rie thing essentiall to that blessing , Are , well-nigh , taken out of your possession . Most Circumstances , thereunto pertaining , Are missing too . For , on th' one side , at least , There 's not so much as willingnesse remaining , To further what they have in word , profest . The Spheres in which they move , divert them from A true Coujunction ; and , from all Aspects , From whence good Influences use to come , Or , any lasting peaceable-effects . It is destructive to their maine Defigne , And to their Principles , to make true Peace ; Or , with a faithfull purpose , to incline To seek this Islands reall happinesse . Nor should you think such purposes they had , Till , in their course , you see them retrograde . As soon shall he that Westward alway goes , Meet him , that still an Eastward point doth steere , As your two Factions firme together close , Till they , in their chiefe-aimes , approach more neer : For , th' one is bent , the other to inslave ; That other , is resolved to be free : The Last , would keep what GOD and Nature gave ; The First , would seize , what ought not theirs to be . And , these , from reconcilement are so farre , That , all their kindnesse is but to betray : When most they talk of Peace , they purpose Warre ; When they embrace , they meane to stab and slay : And , when they make you think the Warre is done , The greatest mischiefe will be but begun . Beside , as yet , nor th' one , nor th' other side , Nor King , nor People , Commoners , nor Peers , Nor Flocks , nor Shepheards , have the course yet tride , By which you can be saved from your feares . A TREATIE may complete it : But , before You venture that , you must be fit to Treat . For , then , the work were half-way done , and more : And , till that be , no step you forward get . In heat of quarrells , nothing done or spoke , Can reconcile : a friends words move them not : The more they talk , the more the peace is broke , Till they their lost consid'ring-caps have got ; Till their hot bloud is cool'd , till rage is gone ; And , Reason doth examine them alone . Then , peradventure , they with shame will view Their oversights , their furiousnesse repent , Distinguish Truths , from things that are untrue ; And , by that quarrell , future jarres prevent . Thus likewise , when GOD , thereto saies Amen , Your Disagreements here , shall have an end : Your Discords will be then allaid agen , And , he that 's now a Foe , shall be a Friend . But , you must find , before this can be done , A Preparation , and a Ground-work laid , ( With such an alteration wrought upon Your Hearrs ) that Reason may be more obey'd : GOD , make this Preparation ; For , by none But by himselfe , this work may now be done . When you may hope a Treaty will prevaile , Good Symptoms , you to usher it shall see ; Inducing you to hope it shall not faile : And , for a taft , they such as these will be . Both sides will to some Course themselves apply That shall declare their hearts are growing-lean ; Themselves they will endeavour to deny ; Their tongues will nothing speake , but what they mean . You shall perceive more Justice , to be showne ; More Charity among you will appear ; They will be meek , who to be proud were knowne ; Contentions will be fewer then they were ; And , they who on the Publike-Trust attend , Will lesse abuse it , for their private end . A Change , thus wrought ; these Virtues , in a while , Will every where , beget themselves esteem : By their esteem the Fire-brands of this Jsle , Will daily more abhominable seem : That loathing of those Monsters will increase The number of true Converts : By that number , The growing of Malignancie will cease , And Newters be awakened from their slumber : By their awakening , such will be affraid Who have not gone malitiously astray : That Feare will quickly make them well apaid To leave their standing , in the sinners way , And , when these from that Station shall be gone , It will bring scorne upon the Scorners Throne . Thus , as at first , Malignancie was bred By ill example , and mis-informations ; So , Good affections , will revive and spread , And strengthen by their changed Conversations . Then , will arise a longing to be free From your Imbroylments ; with so true a sight Of present mischiefs , and of what may be , That , in the meanes of Peace , you will delight . And , then , both Parties will be pleas'd to meet On one set day , to fall with humblenesse , For their foule bloudie sins , before GODS feet , Whose Mercie , far exceeder their wickednesse ; And he , perhaps , will make that complement , An earnest of your generall assent . When such like inclinations do appear , ( Both parties moving on , in some such way , As here is pointed at ) they who draw neare At first in generals , will every day , Assent in some particular or other , Till they who now so much divided be , Shall lovingly unite again together , And in one Discipline and Faith agree . But , doubtlesse , not till they themselves deny , And more forbeare , when they negotiate , From seeking in their publike Agencie , To serve and save themselves , before the State ; Whose weale , to all men should be dearer , far , Then their estates , their lives , and honours are . Nay , till both Parties do , at least , agree In all those common principles , whereby Humane Societie , preserv'd may be , With Nations Rights , and Christian Libertie ; All Treaties will be mischeevous , or vaine , To men adhering to the better Course : For , by such Threatnings , Polititians gaine Advantages , to make your being worse . Yea , by that meanes , these find occasions may To gaine , or give intelligence ; to make New plots , and friends ; to hasten or delay , As cause requires ; and , other wayes to take For their availe , which els they had not got : And which true honesty alloweth not . Nor can , in any cause , a Treaty bring More mischief then in your ; till on each side The Parties treating , are in ev'ry thing ( Thereto pertaining ) rightly qualifi'd : Because , when Forraigners alone are Foes , T is hard corrupting more then one or two ; Whereas , here want not multitudes of those , That , willingly , their Countrey would undo . Nay , some among you are so void of reason , To buy their Traytorships ; and other some , By conscience , seem obliged to the treason : And , these will to a Treatie never come , To make true reconcilement ; but , to gather Advantages , for some new mischief , rather . You are this way , and many other wayes , Corrupted so , so false , and so unfit For Peace desired ; and for those assayes , Whereby you may acquire that blessing , yet , That you must cleansed be from that pollution Which brought this curse upon you ; and whereby Those means are vainly put in execution , Which might procure a blessed Vnity . There is so little honesty among you , And your discretion is become so small , That they who most apparently do wrong you , ( And seek your Souls and Bodies to inthrall ) Have more incouragements , to help undo you , Then they , who offer means of safety to you . Instead of being linked fast , in one , Against the common-Foe , you have permitted That band of amity to be und one , Whose preservation had these times befitted . You , that in Fundamentalls do agree , Are so divided about Circumstances , ( Which might , at better leisure , setled be ) That your Destroyers projects it advances : And , if with speed you cement not the breaches , That which ( ere long ) must thereupon ensue , Experience ( which the veriest ideots teaches ; ) Will , to your greater sorrow , daily shew ; Till you of all , are by those foes despoil'd , Whom you by good attonement might have foil'd . You are a fickle , and inconstant Nation , Your serious promises deserve no trust ; Your words are full of base dissimulation , Your thoughts are vanity , your deeds unjust . Your vertues are but few , your vices many ; Great is your Folly , and your Wisdome small ; Your Principles are such ( if you have any ) That , from your best resolves you quickly fall . With jealousies , each other you pursue ; You misbelieve , and find , as you believ'd : You , nor to GOD , nor men continue true : And , therefore , of much comfort are bereav'd , Which by their friendship might have been possest , Who keep to you , that Faith which they profest . Betwixt you , and your Brethren of the North , The seeds of Discord secretly are sown : Much paine some take to make them tillow forth , Dissentions coales in ev'ry place are thrown ; And these by Folly , and by Malice , too , So wilfully are blown by either side , So scattered , and tossed to and fro , And so much fewell is to them appli'd ; That , if the patience of the Stottish-Nation Exceed not Common-measure : If more true They prove not to their Vowes , their Protestations , And Christian-principles , than some of You , A worse Division will betwixt you spring , Than this , between the People and the King . For , this will in another Age abate , But , that , unlesse GODS grace prevent it shall , Will grow into an everlasting hate , Or , bring a speedy ruine on you all . Now therefore , in both Nations , let those few Who faithfull are , firme in their Faith abide . Now , let them to their Principles be true ; Now , let the Patience of the Saints be tri'd . His last great Batt'rie , ANTICHRIST now reares , His deepest Mines , against you sinking be , His pow'rfull Army , mustred now appeares , His chiefest Cunning , now , employeth he . Oh! let him not by Force your Strength dis-joyne , Nor , by his fraud , your Counsels undermine . But , let your Faith and Courage so prevaile , That you may better Fixed-Stars appeare , Than they , who daily by the Dragons-Taile , Are smitten , or affrighted from their Spheare ; That , you may those Elected-Ones be sound , Who cannot by Deceivers , be deceiv'd ; That , with those Conquerours you may be crown'd , Who shall not of their Garlands be bereav'd : That , of the Kingdome , seizure you may take , Which GOD , on Perseverers doth bestow ; And , not be shut from thence , by looking back , When you have set your hands unto the plough . In this Back-sliding , some already are : Some , nearer to it , than they are aware . For , so imprudent are Men discontent , That , to avenge their personall neglects , Complaints for private injuries , they vent As Nationall-affronts , and dis-respects ; Whereas , it is apparent ev'rie day , That , many members of each sev'rall Nation , Do suffer , by their owne , as much as they , In Person , in Estate , and Reputation : And , that both Nations , mutually have showne , ( Vnlesse , perhaps , among the baser sort ) As loving a respect as to their owne , And , therefore , let not Prudent-men retort Mistaken wrongs ; or quarrels be begun 'Twixt them , for that , which Fooles and Knaves have done . Let not those jealousies , which were perchance Devis'd by them , who in your spoiles delight , Make you , imprudently , their ends advance , And you , to their Advantage , dis-unite . If some of them , discourtesies have showne , To some of yours ; or , injuries have done ; It is no more than you , unto your owne Have offred oft , since first this War begun . An Army cannot possibly be free From all Injustice ; and , yet , oftentimes Ill-will , and men who dis-contented be , Will make complaints , much larger than the crimes . But cursed be their malice , and their tongues , Who Nations would divide for private wrongs . Your Fathers felt , and some of you have heard , The Deadly-Fewds , betweene you heretofore ; Which , if your owne well-being you regard , Would make you glad it might be so no more : And entertaine , and cherish with all dearnesse , The brotherly Affection , which that Nation Hath late exprest ; and with a true sincerenesse , Be carefull of your mutuall preservation . Yea , if the sons of Belial , and of Blindnesse , On either Partie , rightly understood , How greatly , to perpetuate this kindnesse Between the Nations , it concernes their good , ( Ev'n in those outward things which they respect ) They would not your dis-union , so project . Believe it , this is not the way to Peace , But rather , to an never-ending war ; And likelier new troubles to increase Then set a period unto those that are . And , they who willingly shall tind such flames , Or , wilfully foment them , merit well To be esteem'd ( to their perpetuall shames ) The Plagues of earth , and Fierbrands of hell . For , of your Scottish-Brethren , wherefore , now , Yee English-Britaines , are ye jealous growne , Who have exprest more faithfulnesse to you , Then you your selves , unto your selves have shown ? Or , wherein have they seemingly abus'd Your trust , whereof , they may not be excus'd ? They would appeare to be confided in With lesse distrust , if ever you had heard On what conditions , they allur'd have bin To be dishonourable , for reward . For , when the Prelates-War had them constrain'd To arme themselves against the superstitions Intruded on them ; when they had regain'd Their Peace with honour , and on good conditions ; And , when your Army could have been content Vonat'rally ( on promise of reward ) To turne their Swords upon this Parliament , ( And so had surely done , had they not fear'd The Scots , then , on their Rear ) they were the men who kept you from the mischeef purpos'd then . Had they been trustlesse ; or , had aim'd at ends , As base as many of your own have had ; Your Foe , e're this , had done what he intends : And you and yours , perhaps , had slaves been made . For , to allure them , four brave Northerne Shires Should have annexed been to Scottish-ground : To beare expences ( and to pay Arreares ) A paune to be three hundred thousand pound In Jewells , was design'd . York , should have had The Soveraigne-Seat of royall-Residence ; The Scottish Generall , should have been made The chiefe of both your Armies ; and , the Prince In Scotland , should have had his education ; All which , together , seem'd a strong temptation . Yet , more was offred : For , to each Commander Revenue , Office , yea , and Honour too Was promis'd ; and th' unvaluable plunder Of London , to both Armies : What to do ? To force the Parliament , to make the King A Monarch absolute ; and you , and your , Into perpetuall slavery to bring , By an ill-gotten Arbitrary power . But , these temptations , their brave minds abhor'd : Of which their noblenesse , this VOICE shall be An everlasting Trophee , and Record ; Wherein , these times , and times to come , shall see How , we to sale were offred ; and , how these Disdain'd to thrive , by base advantages . If they be faithlesse , and you shall be true , GOD , will with shame and vengeance send them home . If , you unfaithfully your Vowes pursue , Possessors of your Land they shall become . In spight of all your policies and power , Here , they shall settle ; whither they were set , To do the work of GOD ( as well as your ) Who will requite the kindnesse you forget . But , if without hypocrisie and guiles , You , Brethren-like , shall strengthen one another , In setting up his Throne , within these Isles , By , and in whom , you seem , now , kn●t together ; Both , shall thereby , that happinesse enjoy , Which all the powers on Earth , shall not destroy . Look therefore , well about you , and persever In your vow'd union : For , the maine designe Is to divide you ; and , to that indeavour Your Foes , withall their Faculties combine . Yea , and of such like projects , there are other , Through levitie , or malice so promoted , As if to ruine these three Realmes together , It were almost unanimously voted . No Chronicle hath showne ; no age hath seen An Empire so divided , and yet stand ; Or that a Nation so corrupt hath been , Whose desolation was not near at hand . And , if you shall escape it ; be it knowne To all now living , and that shall be borne , A greater Mercie never was bestowne On any Kingdome since a Crown was worne : And that no Nations , who so much professe In outward show , did ere deserve it lesse . Although by vowes , and dutie you are tide , Yet , you are carelesse in pursuing either ; And play at fast , and loose on ev'ry side , Fair seeming friends to both , but , true to neither . He , that 's within your Covenants , and conceives Himselfe ingaged ; by those Obligations , To bring to triall those whom he believes Injurious to the safety of these Nations ; Oft into greater danger thereby falls , Of secret mischiefs , of reproofs , or troubles , Then they whom justly to account he calls : And , by this meanes , your Foe his power doubles , Takes courage , and accomplisheth his ends , By making you to ruine your own friends . ▪ T is , oft , more safe , to let the Commonweale Be ruin'd , or betraid , then to oppose A Traytor ; or with freedome to reveale That , which your vowes oblige you to disclose . Your personall immunities , of late , Are so insisted on , that many feare The Publike-Priviledge to vindicate ; Least they Infringers of the first appeare . And , if there be not some provisions made , Whereby free-men their minds may freely say , When probable suspitions they have had , That some intrusted , do their trust betray , Your Priviledged Persons , will advance Their freedomes to the Publike hinderance . Through some obstructions , your most noble Court Which is the Sanctuary , whereunto Oppressed men , by multitudes resort , Yeelds lesse reliefe , then it had wont to do . For , publike Greevances are so increast , That , time and leasure , hardly can be gain'd , To heare how men are privately opprest , Till they are quite undone who have complain'd : Beside ( which in Committees oft is done ) By making friends , to come , or keep away , Vnwarranted advantages are won , To wrong the Truth , or Justice , to delay , Thus , when the Peeres or Commons are but few , A mischiefe unexpected may ensue . For , when Reports or Motions should be made , If they who make them will deceitfull prove , Occasions doubtlesse , may be watch'd , and had , Injurously both to report and move ; Since they who shall report ( if to their choice The times be left ) may their designes propose , And get it passed by a Major-Voice , E're their appearing , who the same oppose . Yea , 't is nor hard nor strange to watch and wait , A we●k or two , for such advantages , And gaine a Vote for that by this deceit , Which in a Full-Assembly would displease . Thus , by mans wickednesse , a mischiefe springs , From justest Courts , and from the noblest things . And , if you soone returne not from your height , Of Falshood and Injustice , that which was Your Idoll ( and the Glorie of your might ) Your hope of bringing mightie things to passe ; Ev'n , that shall also fail you , in the end : That , shall augment your manifold vexations : That , shall become unable to defend , Or save it selfe , among your desperations . Nay , that , shall by degrees it selfe corrupt To such a Monster , as will fright you more , More grieve , and more your quiet interrupt , Than all oppressing Tyrants heretofore . For , when in sinning , men presumptuous grow , GOD makes their strength to be their overthrow . It was not meerly in the Government By Kingship , that you were opprest of late : It was not that , which brought the Detriment Dilacerating so , both Church and State . The Princes errours , and the Peoples crimes , ( Increasing by their aiding of each other In wickednesse ) have made them , in these times , A mutuall scourge ; and both now smart together . By godlesse counsells you misled your King : Then kept him , standing in the sinners way : And to the scorners throne him now you bring ; Whereon if once he settle ( as he may , If God prevent not ) you , as yet , but see Beginnings of those plagues that felt must be . Vnlesse by penitence you break off sin , Your Parliamentall Members ( when long sitting , And fewnesse of the number , shall bring in Both meanes , and opportunity , begetting Such knowledge of each other , as is now In some Committees ) shall much represent The Lands Corruptions ; and make perfect show By whom , and from what body they were sent . For , then on Priviledges to insist Meer-personall , more then on Publike-Right : To say their pleasures ; and do what they list , In Lawes contempt , and Equities despight ; Shall grow in use , till you and they shall run Another Course to be , yet , more undone . You , then , shall see ( though under other notions ) Your old Oppressions to return again : As much false-play for profit and promotions , As when you to your King , did first complain : Then , you shall see your monstrous - high-Commission , Your Councell-Table , your Star-Chamber too , New-shapes assuming to their old Condition , Revive , and act as they had wont to do ▪ That Insolence , that Pride Prelaticall , Those corporall and ghostly Tyrannies , Which in your Clergie lately had a fall , Shall rise again , cloth'd with a new disguise , And act , what they who plaid before did mean . Although they change their Habits , and the Scoene ▪ For , then some Priestlings , who as guiltie are Of your Divisions , as the Prelates-traine , ( First kindling , and fomenting , still , this warre , As much as they ) will make their meanings plaine . Yea , by divisions , and by subdividing , According as their maine designe requires , Opposing some , and with some other siding , ( As best may serve to compasse their desires ) Shall Schismes , Sects , and Fancies multiply . Beyond compute ; and from the truth shall steal So many hearts by fained sanctitie , By counterfeited honestie and zeale , That , all your other Foes shall not disease Your private , and the publike Rest , like these . For , ( though enacted - Law , doth now of late From Secular-employments them exclude ) To intermeddle with Affaires of State , They will , by many meanes , themselves intrude . By gath'ring Parties , they will plots contrive , To make those greatest , who will them obey ; To make them rich , by whom they hope to thrive , And to such ends will study , preach , and pray ; Joyne hands , sollicite , covenant , petition ; ( The Publike-good , still their chiefe aime pretending ) And , whatsoever stands in opposition To their Designe , shall want no such commending , As floweth from implacable despite , Or , from the malice of an Hypocrite . And , if e're long , there be not some endeavour , To keep them to their Calling , ( and to bound Their meddling with Lay-matters ) you shall never Be free from Faction , while the Spheres go round . Like Salamanders , these can never live , But in a Flame ; nor , long themselves conforme To any Reformation : For , they thrive In Changes best , and swim best in a Storme . And , many diffring Sects of these there are ; Some to an Independancie incline , Some to a Presbyterian-way adhere ; Yet , really , themselves to neither joyne : But , rather , take advantage to make use Of that , which to their ends , may best conduce . To limit these to some Parochiall Charge , Were to imprison them : For , they well know From Congregations gather'd up at large , What Profits , and Advantages do flow . A Parish Income , though they largely grant Both Tythes and Pensions , is but verie small , Compar'd to what that Priest itinerant , Can gather up , who hath no bounds at all . A Parish is too narrow for his Pride , Or Avarice : And , in one place , perchance , Should he be long compelled to reside , He could not so conceale his ignorance , Or cover failings in his Conversation , As , by an Vnconfined-Congregation . Had these been regulated , and reduc'd , To that Conformitie , which Reason would , The Simple had not then been so seduc'd : Nor , had the Common-People so been fool'd . Had these , and their Antagonists been charm'd By prudent Discipline , and made agree , Your King and Parliament had not been arm'd Against each other , as this day they be . Had these been conjur'd downe ; that Pietie , That Prudent-meeknesse , and sweet Moderation , By which a Part of that Fraternitie Doth wrestle for a blessing on this Nation , Should more be honour'd ; and , ere long , prevaile , For curing of those Plagues which they bewaile . For , these , oft suffer the deserved blame Of Demas and Diotrophes ; and share , ( By being of their Calling ) in their shame , When of their Faults they no way guiltie are . And , these , are they , whose Prayers and Examples , Whose good advice , and whose well-temper'd Zeale Shall keep your State , your Cities , and your Temples From desolation , and your Plague-sore heale . If therefore , Wit profane , or Scurrile tongue Shall any of our censurings apply , To do their worth or innocencie wrong , Let it redound to their owne infamie : Let ev'rie check , from which they shall be free , An augmentation to their honour be . And , let it not discourage them , a whit , That , now , those temp'rall Dignities are gone , Which , oft , in their possessors , pride beget , And , really , are honour unto none ; Since , by their lives , and doctrines , they may more Their Persons and their Callings dignifie , Then Wealth and Titles have done , heretofore , And , reach true honours highest pitch thereby : For , who , when Prelacie did highest seem , Were honour'd by the People , or the Peers , With more unfain'd affection and esteem , Then they are now , whom reall worth endeers ? Oh! let this honour still on them attend ; And , let their counsels move you to amend . For , every one hath erred in his wayes ; King , Priest and People have alike misgone ; As doth the Flock , ev'n so the Shepheard strayes ; And , there is no man perfect , no not one . It is not in the pow'r of words to tell , How farre below esteeme your vertues are : Or , how in wickednesse you would excell , If wholly left , to your own selves , you were . Could you but look into your hearts , and view How many villanies those cavernes hide , Beside all those , which words and deeds do shew , Or , may by circumstances , be descride ; You could not but unfainedly confesse , That you are , yet , uncapable of peace . Could you permit your blinded eyes to heed , How , while you smart , you multiply offence ; How , that , which awfull penitence should breed , Hath changed errour , into impudence : Could you perceive , before it were too late , How fast you fell away , since you began To faile in your professions to the State ; And , to be faithlesse , both to GOD , and Man ; You would abhorre your selves , and be affraid Your soules , by transmigration , would ere long , Passe into sottish Beasts : For , you have straid Beyond that blockishnesse which is among The noblest Brutes ; and , hardly do escape With so much of true manhood , as the shape . There is no pittie of the Fatherlesse , Or , of the poore afflicted Widdowes teares ; No charitable heed of their distresse , Whose miserie , most evident appears . They , who have gladly , lent , and spent , and given Goods , Blood , and best-assistance , to defend The Common-safety , ( till they have been driven To want of Bread ) have hardly found a friend : Some other , who oft hazzarded their lives , For your protection ( and have quite undone Their dearest Children , and beloved Wives , To do you service ) have been look'd upon Without regard ; and worse , by far , have sped Then they , who nothing have contributed . Nay ( would it were but so ) their , and your Foes , By your injustice , or your heedlesnesse , Finde meanes to spatter , and to ruine those , Whom , to defend , you did ( with vowes ) professe . And ( though their deeds have through this Isle proclaim'd Their faithfulnesse ) you gladly suffer them By cunning whisperers , to be defam'd ; And , Falshoods words , Truths actions , to condemn Before due trialls , you ( through Avarice , Or , Envie ) with contentednesse , can heare Desert traduc'd ; and , with such prejudice , Receive Detractions , as if glad you were , Of such false Quittances , to make a show Of having paid that debt which , yet , you owe ▪ It is , indeed , the Polititians way , Thus , to requite : And , therefore , he that bring● Obligements , greater then discharge they may , On thanklesse Nations , or on fathlesse Kings , Instead of due reward , shall be repaid With causlesse jealousies , and with suspect , Of having either failed , or betraid Their Trust , by fa●shood ; or , by some neglect . And , then , it must a Mercie be believ'd , If He , for all the service he hath done , ( In lieu of wh●● he thought to have receiv'd ) With life and losse of honour , may be gone : And , this , will , now , the portions be of some Whom better usage , better will become . And , how can GOD have peace with such a Nation , In which this b●senesse , and this falshood lurks , Which is rejected with much detestation Among the brutish Salvages and Turks ? Or , how can you to other men be true , Who to your selves are false , as may appear By many practices , which you pursue , Through wilfulnesse , through follie , or through feare ? For , whosoever tyranny defends , And sets himselfe that Party to oppose Which for the Publike Libertie contends , Betrayeth his own person to his Foes : Or ( if perchance , his person free he saves ) Himselfe , in his Posterity inslaves . Nay , you , who seem the better part to take , Ev'n y●u , are to your selves , as false as they : The Price of blood , a thing of nought you make , And complement Advantages away . Your Passes , and Protections , you bestow , Nor , as though to your safety they pertain'd ; But rather , your Authority to show , Who gave them ; Or , that profit might be gain'd To Clarks , and Secretaries . And , your care Is not , at all times , how you may supply A place of Trust , with such as fathfull are ; Or , fittest for the States necessitie : But , soonest they , those favours do obtain , Who sell the Publike for their private gain . Nor Ablenesse their duty to discharge , Nor losse , nor suffrings , for the common Cause , Nor of Integrity , good proofes at large , Respect to such a mans preferment drawes : Nay , he that by a generall assent Was nominated , ( and petition'd for ) Without his seeking , in the Parliament , To services of Trust ; and , which is more , Had these imployments , also , recommended By Order thence ; hath , now , a year unheard For answer , from those Referrees attended , Without so much as hope of their regard : Because , though to the Publike-weale it tends , 'T is found it will disprofit private friends . Your Indiscreet Indulgence , suffers those Who loose their Bloud , and Liberties for you , To lie in worse condition , then your Foes , To whom an equall usage seemeth due . Yea , while in loathsome dungeons , they remain , Who captivated in your service were , Sweet Lodgings and respect their Foes obtain , When in your Quarters they imprison'd are . By which unequallnesse , ( till their side please To show more mercy ) much discouragement , Your Partie findes ; and , disadvantages Which moderate severenesse might prevent : And , you more Cruelty , then Mercie show , When Mercy you on Cruell-men bestow . He that to ruine you no spight hath spar'd , If he submit , although but to deceive you , Shall find more courtesie , and more regard , Then he , who never left , nor meanes to leave you . He , that with Outrage hath your townes embroil'd , He , that hath in your blond , his hands imbrew'd , Your friends of their chiefe livelihood despoil'd , And , to his utmost power , that course pursu'd : He , if for favour ( though constrain'd ) he come , Shall not alone finde meanes to set him free , With his Possessions , for a triviall summe : But also quickly countenanced be With Friends , and Favours , him inabling , too , Your faithful'st friends , and servants to undo . False to your selves you are , in not assaying To execute the fulnesse of your power , In these Extremities ; and , in delaying To take those Freedomes which are justly your . The Members of your Body wasted are ; And , such as are of that consumption glad , ( Vnlesse prevented ) will the cure defer , Vntill it cannot possibly be had . By raising feares of some supposed-thing , Which neither is , nor was , nor shall be done , Vpon your selves , you many mischiefs bring , Which by a prudent-Stoutnesse you may shun : For , when you make an unexpected pawse , You weaken your Assistants , and your Cause . You act not out your parts , as if you thought , A Tragedie in earnest , now , were plaid ; Or , that upon the Combat to be fought , The Triall of your whole estates were laid : For , to advance a frivolous designe , To please a knave , that is a friend in show , To feed some lust , whereto they do incline , Or , shun the fury of a feared Foe ; Advantages you daily fool away . Which by no humane pow'r can be recal'd ; Eternitie , you venture for a day , And , when you might with brasse be double wal'd , You seek to fortifie the Kingdomes Cause With paper-works , with rotten sticks , and strawes . Those Places and Imployments , whence arise The greatest profit , rarely are confer'd , With conscionable care of their supplies , By faithfull men : but , thither are prefer'd Those , rather , whose chief aimes are how to make Their private Fortunes ; and , to that effect Know how to move ; and how to give or take , To gaine themselves advantage , and respect . Yea , though there be suspitions , and perchance , Good evidences too , that some of these The Cause of your opposers , will advance ( When they an opportunitie may seize ) To Offices of Trust , you these commend , Before your suffering and deserving Friend . Who their estates have now increased most , But , they who for the publike ventur'd least ? Whose paiments and preferment● more are crost , Then their , who ( to their power ) have serv'd you best ? In what Committees now , or in what Shires , Are not , this day , a multitude of those , Whose faithfulnesse undoubtedly appeares , Disabled , and discourag'd , by their Foes ? How gen'rally do you in ev'ry place , Begin , well-known Malignants , now , to trust With your Affaires ? And , suffer , with disgrace . True Patriots from imployment to be thrust ? And , by this madnesse , how are you betraid ? How open to destruction are you laid ? They , who were first in Armes , for your defence ; Who , first , their Free-will-Offerings to you brought ; And have continu'd faithfull , ever since , Ev'n they are now , unserviceable thought . Contrariwise , they , who at first refused To lend you aid , in Person , or in Pay , They , who in word and deed , your cause abused ( And are unfaithfull to you to this day ) Ev'n they have now insinuated so By helpe of their Protectors : And , of these So over-confident you daily grow , That your best friends , you ruine , and displease ; And , on your selves a greater hazzard bring , Then all the armed Forces of the King . For , those accursed Vipers , are with you , So intermingled in your consultations , ( Nay , rather , so incorporated now , In private , and in State negotiations ) That , by a miracle it must be done , If any good Designe to passe be brought , Or , for the publike-safetie be begun , Which will not , e're performed , come to nought : And , if you are not pleas'd to have it so Why did you ? and why do you still , permit , Those men whom faultring ( if not false ) you know , In Counsell , ev'ry day , with you to to fit ? And , why for those , do you your Friends neglect , Vnlesse your own perdition you affect ? Why else when Forts , or Forces to command , On which the Publike-safety much depends , Do you commit them rather to their hand , Whom neither proofe , nor likelihood , commends , To such a Trust ? Why not unto their care And keeping rather , who have courage showne ? Of whose fidelitie , good proofes appear ? And whose experience hath been wel made known ? This could not be , but that you do preferre Your sons , your nephewes , and your friends , before The Publike-weale , or els perswaded are That , your Destruction will afflict the more , Vnlesse , your own devises help undo you ; Or , some who are both near , and deare unto you . How can there be among you those foundations , Whereon , your Peace or Safety , may erect , While most men , for their own accommodations Designments to the Publike losse project ? And , while to compasse their desired ends , They do not onely mischief , and delude Themselves , their kindred , neighbourhood , and friends , Or mis-inform the brainlesse multitude ; But , by their cunning , also do contrive Those Engines , which good Discipline deface ; The State into unstable postures drive , Raise jarres , and jealousies in every place ; And spread abroad the Devils Axioms too , The unitie of Doctrine to undo . These Engineers , your power infeeble more , And weaken more your hands , then all yet done , By other adversaries heretofore , Since this unhappie Warfare first begun . These , while to build among you they pretended , As partners in the work of Reformation , Have secretlie their private Aimes befriended , With hindrance to your wished Restauration . Sanballats , and Tobiahs , you have had , Who , by dissembling with you , to unite Have rent you from your selves ; and , thereby made Both Parties feel the common Foes despight ; To be each others whip , and make the Truth A theame of scorne , in everie drunkards mouth . There are so manie failings in the best , Such needlesse , and such wilfull breach of Lawes ; So carelesse are you , of your Faith profest , To those , who have been faithfull in your Cause ; So hath your Falshood , and your follie blended Both right and wrong , both good and ill together , That , both must be opposed or defended ; Or , els you must declare your selves for neither . And ( whether with the one , or t'other side You shall partake , or for a Newter , stand ) No humane wisdom , can for you provide , A being , with true safety , in this Land : So little wit , hath ordered this Place , So little honesty , so little grace . And , these great mischeifs rose , from giving way For every man , at pleasure , to deface Those Out-works , which ( though faultie ) were a stay Not uselesse , till some better came in place . For , he that would prevent an inundation ( By false-built Sea-banks ) lets not every one Teare down the Piles , and breake the old Foundation , Lest that which he would make , might be undone : Nor for a Cobler , or a Fidler , sends ; But , men experienc'd in such works , doth call ; And , with such warinesse the fault amends , That , no disaster may , mean-while , befall : And , that the Old-worke , and the New-worke , may Begin , and end together , in one day . You thus proceeded not , but ( with more heat Then prudence , hurrying on ) in hast , you tore The wharfage down ; ev'n while the floods did threat To drowne the fields , and Billowes rent the shore . The furious Souldier was , with commendation , Permitted to reforme , as he thought fit ; ( Forbidding or affording toleration , According to the modell of his wit ) And , he that was not mad enough to run Their wildgoose-chase , and set the world on fire , To suffer by suspition , streight , begun ; And , forc'd was , from imployment to retire , As not right principled , or drawne aside , By Balaams wages ; or , unsanctifi'd . And , these Reformers , not enough content , To carve out Discipline , as they shall please , ( And Doctrine too ) will on the Government , Vnlesse it be prevented , shortlie seize . For , having no Foundation , like a feather , Which from the bodie of a Fowle is torne . They to and fro , are turn'd with everie weather ; Else , up and down , still wrestlesly are borne . And , by these foolish Fires , ev'n as you see By shining-vapours , rising in the night , Mis-led from safe high-waies , poore people be , To fall in Pits , and Ponds , by their false light ; So these , and other , have by their delusions , Brought on these Nations , mischieves , and confusions . And these confusions , not alone befall The Civill State ; but , have disord'red so Your Discipline Ecclesiasticall , That Church affaires , are out of order too . Each one sets up their private Idoll , there . That man , contends for this ; this man , for that . Some , would have new things ; some , for old things are , Some , would have somthing , but they know not what . Some , care not what they have : and some there be , That would have nothing , which might them confine , In doing , or believing ; but , live free In ev'rie thing , a perfect Libertine . And , most , in such a posture do appeare , As if the Towre of Babell raising were . Some , to no Congregation , will repaire , In which their duties are extemporarie ; As if ( because some call vaine bablings , praier ) No man possest that guift in ordinarie . Some , do abhorre Set-Formes ; as if they thought The Spirit , whereby they were first indighted , Dispis'd the words , which by it selfe were taught , If more then once , though with true zeale recited . Some , care not how GODS Fields are over-grown With Briars , and Thornes ; some others , are so strict . That , for his Vineyards , they no place will owne , But those , from whence all weeds , and stones , are pickt ; As if they , for a Church , allowed not , What hath a scarre , a wrinkle , or a spot . A Militarie-Church , was well exprest , In ancient Hieroglyphicke , by the Moone ; To shew , that when her light was at the best , ( And when her brightest glorie she puts on ) Some shadowes , or some Waynings , will declare , That , in this world , she hath not her perfection : And , that the Sun , from whom her beauties are , Conveigheth light unto her , by reflection . Somtime , that Sun , doth hide his face away , Lest men ascribe to Her , what is His due : Somtime , her proper motions , her convey Too high , or els , too farre , beyond the view Of private-spirits : And , somtime , from sight Earths Globe , and somtime Clouds , obscure her light . Which , many , not consid'ring , are offended Without a cause ; and indiscreetly marre That Beauty , which to polish they pretended ; And 'twixt her Members , raise intestine warre . Some Weeds , and Corne , are in the blade so like , That many Weeders have deceived bin ; And , oftentimes , good corne away do pick , And make the crop , at harvest , very thin . A spotlesse Church , or perfect Disciplines Go seek at None-such : For , they are not found In any place , between the Tropick-Lines , Or any where , upon this earthly Round ; Though some have shaped modells , in their braine , Of that , whereto , they never shall attaine . On speculations , these have doted so , ( Which their own Fancies forme ) that , they have lost The Body of Religion ; and let go That Forme thereof , which must enshrine the Ghost . And , he ( who being in the flesh ) believes The soule of Worship can retained be , Or known , without a Forme , himselfe deceives ; Yea others , with himselfe , deceiveth he : And , wanders ( restlesse ) in perpetuall motion , In quest of empty-shades ; and to pursue Each flitting dreame , and ev'ry changing Notion , Which comes within his intellectuall view : Till Pride , upon his Fantasie , begets High thoughts of his own light , and in his brest Stirres up , and kindles those distemper'd heats , That keep the mind and body without rest ; And , then perchance , he to a meteor growes , Which Fooles , to be a Starre , a while , suppose . But , if you mark such well , their new-borne-blaze Is quickly out ; and you shall see , ere long , Some Evills follow , whereof they were Cause As well as Signes . And take you this , among Your Notes ; that , when your Marches furious be , Like Jehu's , in Religions reformation ; ( And so pursu'd , as if you said , Come see Our zeale for GOD ) that , but for ostentation , Or , for your own advancements , you become So zealous : and , that ( when you execute GOD's mandates , Jehu-like ) you , for the same Shall tast , of his false zeale , the bitter-fruit ; That , other men may learn , his will to do , For his owne sake ; and , with due meeknesse too . No few disosters had prevented bin , If in the Worke now doing , you had learn'd With whether part , 't was fittest to begin : Which might in GOD's own works have been descern'd : For , though this World , in worth inferiour be To Man ; and , though the Body be below The soule , in value ; yet , created He The meanest of these first : And , that may show How men should work . For , had Man been created Before the World ; or , had the Soule been made Before the Body , where had they been seated , To exercise the Faculties they had ? Though noblest works should first be thought upon , Sometime , a meaner work should first be done . A Common-wealths , blest being , doth depend Vpon the Church : the Churches Reformation , You , therefore , principally should intend : And yet , your zeale may merit commendation , Though to reforme the Civill-government You first begin , and waive a while the other ; If there shall happen some such accident , As hinders the reforming both together . Else , peradventure , while you are contriving , Your Forme of Discipline , there may begin A mischiefe , not alone of Peace depriving , But , of a Countrey to professe it in : And , so , with you it hath almost succeeded ; Because , this freedome was not timely heeded . For , had you tim'd , and ordered aright The Civill-Part ; and , therewith brought along The Church-Affaires ( as by degrees you might ) The Work had prov'd lesse grievous , and more strong . Or , had true Prudencie directed Zeale First , to reforme some things pertaining to The safe well-being of the Common-weale ; Both , had not been , at once , distracted so . And , yet , in this , the wisdome of the State Deserves no check ; but , rather , that Defection Throughout the Land , which doth irregulate The Works in hand , and keep them from perfection , By multipli'd Obstructions ; and , sometime , By streightning , and necessitating them . For , such is your corruption and your folly , So false and hypocriticall you are ; So brutishly profane , and so unholy , ( Though you Religious-Nations would appeare ) That , had your temp'rall grievances been eas'd , And all those Priviledges been secur'd , For which , to be at cost , you yet are pleas'd , ( And many Deaths and dangers have endur'd ) Most would have hazarded nor life , nor limb , Nor Goods nor paines , the Church to vindicate From her enthralments ; but , to sink or swim , Had left her in a deplorable state : And , therefore , GOD permitted the pursuit Of Counsells , which have brought forth bitter fruit . Ev'n as a Worldling , who hath spent his dayes In carnall Pleasures ; and hath partner bin With lewd Companions , in their wicked wayes , ( And in the practice of each crying sin ) When he doth feele the stroke of some disease Portending Death ; and that the self-same houre Those horrours on his conscience also seize , Which threaten Soule and Body to devoure ; Desire of Life , and fearfulnesse to die Distracts him so , that heat once for aid , Both from Physitians , and Divines doth crie ; And , having both , becometh so dismaid , That he receiveth benefit from neither : But , hazards Soule and Body both together . So , while you laboured at once to heale The desperate Diseases , which of late Endangered both Church and Common-weale ; Such longings , then , your double-zeale begate , To cure them both together ; and so strove Your Zelots , that , from both at once , they mought The Cause of their distemperatures remove , That , great Confusions upon both , are brought : Yea , both of them , are now exposed more To scandals , losses , errours , perturbations , And hazards of destruction , than before : That , whether now you seek their preservations Together or apart , you shall not , yet , Obtaine that blessing , which you hope to get . For , you must first be cleared of the sin , Which hinders from enjoying your desire : And , that which lately might have cleansed bin With water , must be purged now with fire . Yea , since your follies and your sins have brought Those great Confusions both on Church and State , For which the meanes , that might their cure have wrought , Are now too feeble , and will come too late ; Since , into such a Chaos all is changed , That , all endeavours usefull heretofore , Have , daily , you from Concord , more estranged , And made your mischiefes , and your sorrowes more , No ordinary-course , can set you free From those distractions , wherein , now , you be . This , being knowne ( and in what great distresse You plunged are ) to you it appertaines With penitencie , humbly to addresse Your suits to him , in whom your help remaines . And ere you make approaches to his Throne , There must be ( as was told you ) some purgation , From those omissions , and those deeds mis-done , Which make your prayers an abhomination . The Zimri's and the Cosbi's of the time , Of whose uncleannesse and whose impudence , You talk of , yet , but as a Veniall crime , Or , laugh at , as a triviall offence , Must with more zeale ( more speed ) receive their due ; Or , else , their sins , GOD shall avenge on you . For , these are so impure , that , in their Sin , They are unsatisfi'd , unlesse the same H●th with some circumstances acted bin , Which proves them double-guiltie , without shame . They are not pleas'd in Simple-Fornication , Vnlesse thereto , Adulteries they add : Nor seemes that , now , sufficient violation Of Chastitie , unlesse , the Crime be made , Yet more abhominable , by beguiling Some Innocent ; or else by ( offring force ) The Bed of Honour , with bold vaunts defiling : Nay , there is found among you ( if not worse ) Vncleannesse more unmanly , and more strange ; Adult'ries by consent , and by exchange . But , these are the defilements of your Peace , Where yet they have not felt the rage of War ; Where , yet , the Course of Justice doth not cease , And where great shewes of Pietie yet are . And , if such impudence may there be found ; If there , you so corrupt already grow , Oh I how do those Vncleannesses abound , Where cruell Outrage her grim face doth show ? Sure words are insufficient to expresse The Rapes , the Ravishments , and loathsome sins , Where War gives way to all Vnrulinesse , And Tyranny and Lust the conquest wins : When sin and impudence is acted there , Where Justice on her seats doth yet appeare . Behold , this day , ev'n whilst with Desolation , The Land is threatned , you have now let in , A crying witkednesse , which to this Nation , Was ever thought so hatefull to have bin ; That , though among the Jewes , a Law they had , Inflicting Death upon it , you have none ; Because , a Law is verie rarely made , Concerning things unlikely to be done . Who would have thought , there being neither Beare , Nor Wolfe , nor Lyon on your English ground , To seize upon your little Children there , That many Beasts and Monsters should be found , In humane shape , to steale and beare away Your Infants , whilst before your doores they play ? Who would have thought , that for so small a price , So many , could so quickly have been got , To joyne in perpetrating of a Vice , So horrible , and yet abhor it not ? That , their hard hearts could heare poore Children crie Vpon their fathers , or their mothers name , Till , peradventure , in an agonie Of extreme passion , livelesse they became . Or ( which is worse ) preserv'd them , to be sent To Bondage , whilst their Parents ( almost wild ) Were left in everlasting discontent , By musing , on their lost-beloved-child ? This Crueltie hath in your streets been seen ; Thus high , have your corruptions heightned been . In these sad times , while GODS afflicting hand Lies heavie on you , and with sword and fire , Pursues , through ev'rie Corner of the Land ; And , reall Penitencie doth require . In stead thereof , the People now begins To grow more daring , and to practise crimes ( Beside the old , or Epidemick sins ) Which were unheard of here , in former times . Blasphemous Heresie among you growes , Like Sprouts at Spring-tide , from a new lopt tree : And , so detestable , are some of those , That , pious men afraid to name them be : Lest they , who love the sinfulnesse of Sin , Should , thereby , let such mischiefes further in . Death , was the punishment , which for this crime Was judged by the Law of Moses due ; And , well it would become you at this time , That Law , among these Nations to renue . And if you should observe , how little sense Of Perjurie , men seeme to have of late ; And what bold use is made of that Offence , To serve the will of Malice , and of hate ; Or , with what ease , Oppressours , thereby may , ( And sometimes do ) not only ruinate And honest Fame , but also take away , As well their pretious lives , as an estate From Innocents ; Death , would not seem a Law Too strict , to keep those Wicked ones , in awe . The Land , through Oathes and Curses , also , mournes : For , some have learn'd new oathes , and imprecations , Not heard of heretofore ; and , GOD returnes On their owne heads , their wished-for Damnations . In Cursings they delighted ; and they soke Like Oyle into their bones . They took a pride In wishing Plagues ; and , lo , as with a cloke Therewith , now , wrapt they are on ev'rie side . You lov'd not Blessings : but , when you enjoy'd Peace , plentie , health , and safetie , you despis'd Those Mercies ; and behold , they are destroy'd , That they , hereafter , may be better priz'd . You , long have partners been in ev'rie sin , And , now , each others Hang-men , you have bin . When ev'rie neighb'ring house is in a flame , You store your owne , as if no danger were . In Honestie 's , and in Religion's name , You credit get ; and publike Robbers are . To lye , and to be perjur'd for the Cause Of GOD , your King , or Countrey , is a gin To catch Opixion ; whereby , most , he drawes , That is most bold , and impudent therein . By some pretence , to benefit the State , Religion to promote , or aid the King , You colour your oppressions ; slander , cheat , And , put in practice almost any thing : You , by a shew , the Gen'rall to preserve , Particulars , unmercifully starve . You wrong the meaning of your Parliament When their estates you seize who are their Foes ; To their undoing , who are innocent , And blamelesse , though the Creditors , of those . And , were it our Designment to accuse Particulars ( as to informe and warne , In gen'rall termes ; that , they , who yet abuse Their power , more humanitie might learn ) We could have instanced in many things , Discov'ring , that , their number is not few , Whose Crueltie , Reproach , and Curses , brings On those Proceedings , which they did pursue With Prudence , and with Mercie , should relieve The Publike , more ; and , private men , lesse grieve . One part of you , contributes to the King ; The other Partie , to the Parliament : To these , you personall assistance bring ; To these , you liberally your goods have lent : Yet , most of you , who thus ingaged are , Are both to King , and Parliament untrue : For , many signes your faithlesnesse declare , And many things your giddinesse doth shew . You are most firme to that , which you conceive Your private weal , or safety , best promotes : While that is doubtfull , you , Demurs can weave ; When that is plaine , you quickly turne your Coats ; And , to that end , you craftily provide Quaint shifts , to serve your turnes , on either side . Some , by Intelligence , themselves indear ; Or , by some service acted under-hand . By secret Favours , Friends you can prepare , Who in the Gap , for you , at need shall stand . Some , have a Son , a Father or a Brother , Who Ledger with your Adverse-party , lies ; To make good Terms of Peace , for one another , According as Occasions may arise . And ( to advance this Project ) they , who spend Their Blood , and Fortunes , with a single heart , ( Indeavouring truly for the noblest end ) Engaged are , to act a desp'rate part ; Which , into present mischiefs , them doth cast , And , into feares of greater , at the last . You , have not Faith enough , in GOD , to trust ; ( Though , wonder-working Faith , you do pretend ) And , that , hath tempted you to things unjust : That , makes you on your arme of flesh depend . That , makes you bold , when you should rather feare ; And , fearfull grow , when you should bolder be : That , makes your Foe so vigilant appeare ; And , you , so many things , to over-see . That , makes you , for your Ayd , poor tricks devise , And take that Course which Scandall on you draws : That , makes you think , that false Reports , and Lies , Are meritorious in an Honest-Cause : And , by these fallings , you your peace delay ; And justifie your foes , in their lewd way . They , who abhorre Pluralities in other , And in your Clergie hate non-residence ; Can , Office unto Office joyn together , And , in themselves , suppose it no offence . Some , can heap up Command , upon Command ; Share , or take all the honour , and the pay , ( When but for cyphers , nay for lesse they stand ) And other mens true value take away . Some , when the Publike was in great distresse , ( Though they Commanded few , had pay for many ) Yea , some of you ( who better minds professe ) Were paid for souldiers , when you had not any : And , some have took , ( who yet for payment call ) In Plunder and Free-quarter , more then all . Of Orphans cries , and of the Widdowes tears , Whose Fathers and whose Husbands for your sake , Have spent their lives , and fortunes in these wars , More heed , more care , more pitie , you must take . When at your doores , and at your feet they lie , To crave a part of that which is their own , To feed them in their great necessity , More Bowells of Compassion , must be showne . And , they who , to contribute , have not spar'd Paines , Councells , Prayers , Persons , nor Estates In publike duties , must finde more regard , Before the furie of this Plague abates : For , who can hope the GOD of Righteousnesse , Will shew forth mercie , to the mercilesse ? They , who in Peace , the blood of War have shed As Ioab did ; or , have expos'd their friends , And faithfull souldiers , to be murthered To hide their Plots , or to effect their Ends , Must not be winked at : nor they , who dare So partiall in their judgements to become , As to inflict on those that equalls are In their transgressions , an unequall-doome : For , of this partiall dealing there is found , A murmur in your streets : and , Common-fame Reports , injustice so much to abound ; That , he speedes best , who merits greatest blame : And , that , for sin , when Accessaries bleed , The Principalls find favour , and are freed . Your Beasts of prey , who live upon the spoile , And , by the publike ruines , fat are growne , Must either quite be chased from this Isle , Or , from their dens , be rouz'd , and hunted down . Your Ambodexters , who are neither true , To GOD , nor Man , to King , nor Parliament , Must learn a better temp'rature to shew , And of their fraud , and ficklenesse repent . Those Rotten-Members , those false Officers , And those Committee-men , who have deceiv'd The Kingdomes Trust , must for that guilt of theirs , Passe other doomes , then yet they have receiv'd , Before those wrongs , and practices , do cease , Which keep away your much desired Peace . They who have almost perfected the times For desolation , by habituating Themselves in Sodom's , and Gomorrah's crimes ; And , by an impudently imitating Of their impenitence : ev'n they , that had The pride of life , sacietie of bread , And liv'd in idlenesse ; must , now , be made To taft their suffrings , who are hunger-fed : To feele the paines of their laborious life , Who , sweat in good employments ; and the scorne , Which humble-men have long without reliefe , By their oppression , and ambition , borne . These must be humbled , and perhaps destroy'd , Before your expectations are enjoy'd . Your counterfeit and rash Reformers , too , Must change their hearts , and regulate their zeale , Ere you shall compasse what you hope to do , In matters of the Church , or Common-weale . Your Scribes and Pharisees , who by long prayer , Devour poore Widdowes houses ; and by shewes Of honestie ( and by pretending faire To pietie ) good meaning soules abuse : They , who in tithing mint , and annise , are More strict , then in the weightie points of Law ; And , burthens great , for other men prepare , When they themselves will hardly lift a straw : These , must , e're perfect Peace you here shall see , Be more unvizarded , then yet they be . Your pettie-Tyrants , must be likewise fewer , Then now they are ; e're GOD will condescend , To ease your burthens , or your griefes to care ; Or , bring your dis-agreements to an end . For , how , in equitie , can you expect Your GOD should free you , from those injuries , That Sov'raignty-abused may inflict ? Whilst you , on one another , tyrannize ? Or , how can , possibly , true Peace be there , Where well nigh all are Tyrants to their power ? And , as they get advantage domineer , Insult , oppresse , impov'rish , and devoure ? For , this oppression you may plainly see In some of everie Calling , and Degree , Nigh ev'rie one the King exemplifies , In usurpation of Prorogatives , Above his due : Nay , that which he denies Vnto his Prince ; injuriously , he strives To take unto himselfe . The Peer , upon The Commoner usurps : The Husband , so Vpon the Wife : The Father , on the Son ; And , on their Servants , thus , the Master , do . In everie Corporation , thus presume The Governours ; yea , thus the Magistrate Of lowest ranke , doth on himselfe assume What , in his Chiefe , he will not tolerate : And , they who their own Freedoms , fain would save , Are alwaies willing , others to inslave . These , and such Scabs , and Tetters , must be sear'd E're they will heal ; And , you must cut away Those Members , whereon Gangrieves have appear'd : Which , els , this Kingdoms body will destroy . For , multitudes of those , among you , hide Their Addle-heads : yea , many such as these ( Corrupting , both the one , and other side ) Do keep incurable this Lands disease . And , to your safetie , it would most redound , ( And your desired Peace , the more assure ) If , by each partie , their own faults were found ; And , they themselves , endeavour'd their own cure : Which , shall perhaps , begin , when on one day , Both Parties , for this Grace , shall Fast , and Pray . But , why shouldst thou be kept attending , here , What further ( to this purpose ) may be said , And be the while ( when thou no harm dost fear ) Injuriously rewarded , and betraid ? Lo ; they that hate thee , while thou art imploid To seek their Peace ; have now prevailed so , That , if their plot thou quickly make not void , They , whom thou honour'st most , shall thee undo . That mischief to prevent , make therefore speed ; And , mark , when thy endeavour thou hast done , What justice or injustice shall succeed : For , guesse thou mayest , by what befalls thereon , How safely thou hast ventur'd thy estate Vpon the publike-Faith , or publique-Fate . The VOICE here paws'd againe ; and , forth I went To see , how I requited was by them , In whose defence , my fortunes , I have spent ; My life adventur'd , and consum'd my time . If they deceive my hope , my greatest grief Will be for them ; because , I plainly see Their failing me , of promised relief , Will more dishonour them , then hinder me . For , nor on Peeres nor Commons , I depend : But , on his pow'r , and on his love alone , Who , ere I had my being , was my Friend ; And , shall be , when my Foes are all undone . By Him , in all oppressions , I am eas'd ; With whatsoere he pleases , I am pleas'd .

The third Canto .

The Contents .

Here , whether you be plea'd , or no , This Author , maketh bold to show Those Portions of his Private wrongs , Whose knowledge , and redresse , belongs To Publike Justice ; that , her eye May through his wounds , her owne espie . The VOICE , then speakes againe , and schooles , In Him , all other froward Fooles , Who , with impatiencie , do vent Their private wrongs , or discontent : As if their Trifles could be heard , When Kingdomes cannot find regard . It shewes , our Senate blamelesse are , Of those Distractions , raging here ; And , where the Fault , and Fountaine lies , From whence , our present plagues arise . EXcuse me , if your longings be delai'd , Mine owne Affaires , a little , to review ; And , if , here somewhat of my selfe be said , Before my former Subject I pursue . For , though I know not many , much encli'nd , To heare , or speak , of what may profit me , And see most pleas'd , when I am as unkind , Or failing to my selfe , as others be : Ye● , though sometime I have appeared such , Yet , now , my meaning to my selfe is better ; And , therefore , whosoever thinks it much , My selfe , I finding , to my selfe a Debter , Will here presume ( because I justly may ) To do my selfe an Errand , by the way . I know it will not relish well with some , When , of my selfe , they this Digression find ; But ( seeing Charitie begins at home ) When others do not , I , my selfe will mind . My wrongs do not alone extend to me ; But , on the Publike Rights take , likewise , hold : And , for my sake , since heard they cannot be , They , for the Common-Safetie , shall be told . Most famous Prophets , and renowned Saints , And many other of approved wit , When they oppressed were did make complaints , And in their Volumes of themselves have writ . If therefore , any of my Readers grutch , The time of reading , some few leaves , to spare , Concerning me , who have not thought it much , All this , for his Advantage , to prepare ; I leave him to his pleasure , and his case , And bold will make , to do as I shall please . The VOICE dismissing me , as in the Close Of my preceding Canto , you have heard , From Postures of Retirement , I arose , To see , in what Designes , my Foes appear'd . And , saw indeed my selfe so ill befriended , That ( whilst I mused with a serious thought , What to the Common Peace and Safetie tended ) My Ruine had maliciously been sought . And , that it hath been follow'd , ever since My first engagement in these fatall wars ; By reason of an evill Influence , To me directed from malignant Stars , Who shining , openly , with faire Aspects , Produce , in secret , mischievous Effects . Which , if I should endeavour to expresse , The paines , a small Advantage would returne ; Since , they who might my Grievances redresse , Might grudge to heare so much as I have borne . For , by Oppressions , manifold and great , Remonstrances are often made so long , That , when Redresses we suppose to get , Our just Complaints , unheard , away are flung : And , Malice can with so much impudence Invent , and vent untruths , ( in hope thereby To disadvantage truest Innocence ) That , Patience is our cheapest remedy : And , he who seeks for other Cures , oft doubles His Grievance by Expence , Affronts , or Troubles . There are so many Passages awry , In ev'rie Action ; and , in ev'rie Cause , So many Tricks , to put a Hearing by ; To blind the Judges , and pervert the Lawes : So many Fees and Charges , to be paid To Witnesses , to Clerks , and Counsellours , Which quite are lost , when Hearings are delai'd ; ( Ten times , perchance , before an end appears : ) Nay , often , Partialitie and Pride , ( In stead of Justice ) gives that provocation , Which no free Spirit , alwaies , can abide , Without some shewes of our ward Indignation ; Whereby , he peradventure , doth augment That mischiefe , which he labours to prevent . At first , I hoped better , and I strove In humble Supplications , to declare My suffcings ; and , their burden to remove . Where likel'est means of such atchievement were . But , there I saw such throngings with Petitions ; So small assistance , and so much ado : There , saw I , in all private Expeditions , And , in the publike , such Obstructions too : Such waiting , such solliciting by friends ; Such mis-informings , makings , and unmakings ; Such partialitie , for private ends , Such thwartings , such Opposings , and mistakings : And , had so difficult a Course to run , That , e're I could be heard I was undone . A place of Profit , or of Reputation , I never , hitherto , from any sought , Vntill my selfe thereto by invitation ( From those whom it concern'd ) I called thought . And , when I have a matter to be heard , I can enforce my selfe to little more , Than ( after I my suit have once ●eterr'd ) To wait for hearing , at the Counsell doore . Perhaps , when long unheeded I attend , I give remembrances that I am there ; Or , for dispatch , a word or two can spend : And , if I speed not , much I do not care . By which blunt course , I past , with little fruit , Through many an honest Cause , and hopefull Suit . When long Attendance , no dispatch affords , My Passions , peradventure , overflow ; And , boyle up into those impatient words , Which more Corruption , than Discretion , show . And , then , they who , before , to do me right , Could find no leisure , straight at leisure be , To heare enough to do me a despight ; And , to my temper , that reduceth me . For , though they , with a mischief , send me home ; Yet , many good effects , thereout arise : Of them , and of my self , I , there , become A Censurer : and , studie to despise Those Things , and those Affaires pertaining to me , Wherein , a Foole or Villaine , may undo me . I cannot , though my life it were to save , Sollicite , as I see most Suiters can ; And , rather than repulses I would have , Vse ev'rie means , almost , to ev'rie man . When I bring in a matter to be tri'd , I hope , that all my Judges will be just : And , ( though , this way , much failing I have spide ) Till he deceives me , no man I distrust . To presse meer strangers , I , too modest am ; Wise men , regard not much solicitation ; To urge my Friends , their friendship seemes to blame ; To Court a Foole , is my abhomination : And , favours to implore from persons evill , To me appeares , a praying to the Devill . This Inclination , ar it keeps me poore , So , it preserves me out of many Snares : It makes my inward quiet much the more , When outwardly , my rest disturb'd appeares . And , therefore , when away I have been sent , With lesse then nought , when more then all was due , One puffe blew off , my greatest discontent ; And , e're I slept , I pleas'd , and merrie grew . But , I of late , before I was aware , That Object of my Contemplation lost , Which teaches how affliction I should beare : And , being with a sudden storm , then tost , Opprest with wants , and with unkindnesse too , It made me vex my selfe , as others do . And , much adoe I had to keep my tongue From speaking out the murm'rings of my heart ; And wonder not , that , others , having wrong , Do somtime act an unbeseeming part : No marvell , though a wiser man then I , Was causlesly a mad-man term'd of late , By reason he had with impatiencie , Oppos'd some grosse abusings of the State : And , that , the wisdome of the Holy Ghost , Hath said , Oppression makes a wise man mad : For , though true wisdome never can be lost , A fit of madnesse may be thereby had ; And , so I think had I : and , so may you , Who read me , being us'd as I am now . For , when I came abroad and saw the spight Which had been done me : And , when done it was How much contentment , and how much delight The Doers took in what they brought to passe ; Although I sleighted them , as foolish men , ( Who had no sense , how I aveng'd might be , Nor worth , to move my anger , or my pen ) Vnkindnesses , in others , troubled me . And , though my service merit not so much As an Acknowledgement ( much lesse reward ) I thought , my love unto my Countrey such , As might , at least , have purchased regard , And friends enough , for me to have injoy'd More grace then he , that would have her destroy'd , Which finding otherwise ; as one amaz'd , I sate a while ; not well discerning whether Griefe , Shame , or Anger , that demurrer caus'd ( Or all those passions mustred up together . ) But , when I call'd to minde how many years The Brunts of opposition , and of scorne , Indur'd I have , for what , to me , appeares To be the chiefest work , for which I 'm borne : And , when I minded , that , nor Peace , nor War , Prelaticall , nor Presbyterian dries , Nor youth , nor age , to me propitious are ; That King nor People , favour'd my essayes : And , that nor Friends , nor Foes , nor Wrong , nor Right Befriended me ; it broke my patience quite . And being much distemper'd , thus my thoughts Began to grumble , ( having drawne together A crew , of Riotous distrusts and doubts , Which , in such cases , call forth one another ) Art thou ( said they to me ) for all thy paines , Thy losses , and adventures , thus rewarded ? Is this , the well-affected Parties gaines ? Are thus , our Vowes and Covenants rewarded ? Have we the tricks of Hocus Pocus learned At our Committees ? And , can some convay A mischievous Designe , so undiscerned , That , Honestie nor Wit , discover may How impudently they abuse the State , For private profit , or through private hate ? Was I , the first of those , who , where I dwelt , To guard our Liberties , and save our Lawes , An uncompelled Contribution dealt ? And , who first there was armed for this Cause ? Was I , among the first , who did withstand The secret plottings of Malignants , there ? And , Horse , and Foot , and Castle did command , When fewer Friends , than Foes , about me were ? Was I , among the first , of whose estate The furious Adversarie made a prey ? Did I expose my selfe unto their hate , Who offred me , a fairer-seeming way ; Wherein appear'd , what chance soever came , A likely means , to get a saving-game ? Have I , my life adventur'd often too , Through much discouragement , and without pay ? Done everie thing my strength or with could do , To keep the Weak , from falling quite away ? To help confirme the Strong ? To bring them home , Who by Seducers have been led aside ? To make our Newters , Zelots to become ? And mark-out Foes , that , here , as friends abide ? Have I , with patience view'd my selfe bereft , In Taxes and Free-quarterings , by our owne , Of what to me , the plundring Foe had left ? And , suffred other Injuries unknowne In publike ? and ( it may be ) now conceal'd , That , they more seasonably may be reveal'd ? Have I , upon the Publike-Faith reli'd , And on the Commons Order , fairly granted , Vntill my Children might for bread have cri'd , If I my self , had private credit wanted ? Have I , to serve my Countrey , so engaged My Fortunes and my selfe , that , Open Foes Against me are implacably inraged , And , Secret-Ones , as virulent as those ? Have I , adventured , likewise , therewithall Hopes present , and in expectation too , Resolving , with this Cause , to stand and fall , And ( though abus'd ) my Dutie still to do ? Yea , thus have I resolv'd ? thus done ? thus borne ? To be repaid with injuries and scorne ? Behold , Malignancie is growne so strong Within our Quarters ; and , hath so made voyd The Publike Faith , that , I am lately flung Quite out of that , which I , thereby , enjoy'd : And , it hath acted with such insolence , By colour of Authoritie abus'd , That , it proceeds to warlike violence ; And like a Foe , the Kingdoms-friend , hath us'd . Before I knew , that , any man appear'd Against me there , where I was overthrowne ; Before that I was called to be heard , Before my claime or answer , could be knowne ; I was expell'd unjustly , from my right , With all the circumstances , of despight . For , He that hath been armed to bereave me , Of what by publike Order I possest , And , where with ( if good hopes do not deceive me ) That , Order shall , ere long , me re-invest ; Seem'd not enough content that he so sped , Vnlesse by boasting of his Conquests too , The Well-affected he discouraged ; And , shew'd Malignants , what his Friends could do : Nor was it without much discouragement , To all the Faithfull-Partie thereabout ; For , when they saw my hopes had that event , It made them partly feare , and partly doubt ; Lest he , who for the Publike most hath done , May live , till he shall least be thought upon . For , nothing was considerable shew'd , In him , to whom I did perforce resigne ; But , that his hands were in their bloud imbrew'd , For whose defence , I have adventur'd mine . I , put on Armes , to serve the Common-weale ; And , for her safetie offred all I had : He , raised Forces , but to rob and steale ; And , to his pow'r , a spoyle thereof he made . Nor , came he hither , as hath been surmiz'd , With such Repentance , as he ought to bring ; But , to pursue a Stratagem , devis'd , To have betray'd my person to the King : Which not succeeding , and , he finding friends Among my Foes , pursued other ends . For , Friends he found ( as most Malignants do ) So forward our Ill-willers to protect , So pow'rfull , and , withall , so cunning too , Their ends , by faire pretences , to effect ; That , though I were their neighbour , and their friend ; Though my endeavours had been truly done , To further that , whereto they love pretend ; And , though before this War , I knew not one , Whose malice , in those parts , suspect I mought ; Nor any person , who suspected me To them injuricus , in word , deed , or thought : Yea , though , by Covenant , oblig'd they be On my behalfe ; They , naythelesse , did grow Confed'rates with this Stranger , my knowne Foe . Else , when they heard how first the Plot was layd For my surprisall ; where , it was begun ; To whom , he meant I should have been betrayd ; By whom , and how , and when it should be done , Averr'd on oath , me thinks , in such a case He should not , then , so suddenly , have found So many fav'ring him , to my disgrace , If all of them had at the heart been sound . Nor , would you think , if everie circumstance Were fully told , that Charitie first drew So many to afford him countenance , Who was their Foe , if they to us were true ; And , who may thank the spite they bore to me , That , they , to him , so kind and friendly be . And , on some likely Grounds , conceive I may Those friends of his were they , who first convay'd Those notions to him , which first shew'd the way , How to my Foes I should have been betray'd . For , from our Quarters , he so far , then , liv'd , That , else , our Posture , and Affections , here . He had not so well knowne , to have contriv'd A plot , which did so feizable appeare . And , when he came ( as if his coming thither , A blessing to the Countrey had been thought ) To further his Designes , they joyn'd together ; They strength'ned him , against me , what they mought : And published of me , to my disgrace , What neither done , nor spoke , nor purpos'd was . And , that they with their Grandees might comply , My Neighbours turn'd about , I also find ; They whom , in Peace , I alwaies lived by , And , unto whom I never was unkind ; Ev'n they , who true respect from me have had , And , till this War , the like to me did show , Are of my losses and disgraces glad , And , to my causlesse wrong , befriend my Foe . They mention me , when they together sit , As if it hardly could allowed be , That , of Religion , Souldieries or Wit , There appertained any share to me ; And speak for truths , what they themselves do know They may with safety sweare , is nothing so . My greatest wrongs , and suffrings , now , be there Where best I have deserv'd : My greatest scorne And dis-respect , is in those places , where My dwelling was ; and there where I was borne . They who are most obliged to befriend me , Have most abus'd my patience , and desert ; They , who have made a Covenant to defend me , Have with my chiefest haters taken part . Yea , now , when my affronts are to the wrong Of Publike-Justice ; and , when my defence Vnto the Publike-safety doth belong , They have expos'd my well-known innocence , To his despight , gainst whom , erewhile , I thought I needed not , protections to have sought . In some respects , their cruelties are more Then theirs , by whom my dwelling wast was laid ; For , ( though they rob'd my house , and left me poore ) To bar reliefe , no spightfull part they plaid . But , these trod on me , when they saw me down ; And , lest I should finde pitie in distresse , A false report by them abroad was blowne , As if my well knowne losses had been lesse Then I can prove them ; For , I offer here That if my hindrances ( well weigh'd ) be found One mite below what I affirm'd they were ; For ev'rie shilling I will give a pound , If they will my true dammages defray When I have prov'd that true which they gain-say . Yet , some , to that intent , did late suborne The most defamed Varlets of the Shire To sweare against me , and to be forsworne , By crossing what they formerly did swear : To that intent , while our Committee sate , The Kingdomes Foe , had leave in person , there , To mannage witnesses , as for the State , And , them by leading questions to prepare , For proofe of what they falsly did suggest , To my dishonour : But , they could not bring Their witnesses , against me , to attest , One culpable , or one materiall thing ; Nor was it worth regarding if they had , Consid'ring , of what persons , choice they made : For , one of those , unto that village came Where now he lives ; due punishment to shun , Or , to escape a just deserving shame , For what he in another place had done . He , now , in part by labour , part by prowling , ( With other courses to his neighbours knowne , As lawlesse fishings , and unlawfull fowling ) And taking somwhat more then is his own , Makes shift to live . Another of this Pack , Was he , that should have been the Instrument Of my betraying , who like course doth take ; And , lately , to avoid the punishiment Deserved long , is married to a whore ; With whom he lived like a knave before . The third , a Labourer of evill fame , Whom I five years together had imploy'd ( To keep his brats from starving , him from shame , And , that , he other mischieves might avoid ) This Beast , when I was plundred by our Foes Of what they found , made offer ( for a sum , By him desired ) that he would disclose A parcell of my goods , then hidden from Those Vultures eyes ; who , readily agreed To promise much : But , when the work was done , And , this false Traitor came to aske his meed , Some blowes they gave , but , money gave him none ; And , told him , hanging was the fittest pay For him , that such a master would betray . The fourth of these , had been my servant too , Whom ( though he had deserved publike shame For doing more then honestie should do ) I put away , without an open blame : And , at that time his faultinesse conceal'd , Because he seem'd religiously inclin'd ; But , shortly after , other men beheld Apparent proofe of his dis-honest mind . For , in the night felloniously he broke A Colonels Field Waggon of our side Then quartering at his Masters ; and thence took Some things of worth ; for which , he did abide Correction in the Bilboes , for a day , And after , by connivance , ran away . These were the witnesses , which forth were sought By some who for the Parliament pretend , In hope their power , should more effects have wrought On those choice Instruments to worke their end . These ( whom I 'le prove charactred thus to be Without the least addition of a lie ) Are they , whom now my foes , to scandall me , Have rak'd out of the ditch of infamy . These , are encourag'd to devise and say Of me their pleasures : and to bring and carrie What ever to my wrong convert they may , Or to the profit of my adversarie ; Whom , to the States dishonour , they protect , And meerly , in dispight of me , respect . When informations , were against him laid , And his reply required thereunto ; From just restraint , his person they convaid , Before cause showne , or order so to do . On his behalfe they have subscribed hands , Thereby deluding , wilfully , the State : He had our soulderie at his commands , To execute his pleasure , and their hate . And , hath so far prevailed , that unlesse The mercie of the State vouchsafe with speed The suffrings of her servant to redresse , And him , and his oppressors better heed ; For ought he sees , his Countrey he may serve With faithfulnesse ; and yet his houshold starve . Why should my person from that place be driven , In which I best know how to serve the State ? Of what to me , by publike grace was given , Why should I be depriv'd , by private hate ? What knew they in him , whom they more befriended , But that he was this Realmes professed foe ? Or why to do me wrong have they contended , Except because I never will be so ? They who were wont to gloze and fawne upon me , When I was arm'd among them ; and while they To their Designes were hopefull to have won me , Now snuffe , and turn their nose another way . And think , that they themselves now quite have freed , From him , who mark'd and hindred their proceed . For , that Confed'racie within those parts , Where then I liv'd ( and maugre whose intent I there commanded ) having rotten hearts Vnfaithfull , alwaies to the Parliament , Perceiving me unlikelie to be made Their Instrument ; and , that my presence , there , ( With such repute , and power as I then had ) Might marre their works , which they contriving were ▪ They so prevail'd , that from my Garrison I was removed , if thence not betray'd : ( For many things suceeded thereupon , Which made me think , that so it may be said ) And all our neigh'bring Countrie , ever since , Hath dearly paid , for my removing thence . When I was gone , a part of those arose ( Encourag'd by some other underhand ) And my estate , ( as chiefest of their foes ) First seiz'd ; and then , the place of my Command . In which forth-breaking , some went on so far , That , ever since , they open foes have been : Some went as far as fooles , and cowards dare ; And then slunck back , in hope they were not seen . But , some of them so cunningly did act , That , though they are as guilty as the rest , By circumstances ; yet , by open fact Their falshood is not perfectly exprest : And , these by cunning , such effects have wrought , That knaves and fooles , our faithfull men are thought . These , have a way invented how to arme The dangeroust Malignants of the Shire , And , make men hope their Foes will do no harme , Till sheathed in their Chest their swords appeare . These , have a trick to make their neighbours dreame , A double Taxe increaseth not their cost , And , that though their designes have begger'd them , Their wit , alone , sav'd all from being lost . These , have so laid their Scoene , and acted so , That , though we daily heare , and plainly see , What course they bend , and what they mean to do , ( When all things to their purpose rip'ned be ) We strive in vain their projects to prevent ; And , gaine but mischieves , for our good intent . Nay , this new Junto , doth so strong become , By their conferring Offices and Places , By adding-to , and by removing-from , By secret-commendations , and disgraces ; And by deluding of a simple crew , ( Who , by these Polititians , may be brought Their own perdition fiercely to pursue ) That , they have almost compast what they sought ; And , they will gain the rest , if not prevented ; For , by their diligence , they have removed , Vndone , discouraged , or discontendted Most men , whose faithfulnesse was most approved : And , they , whose power , these cannot yet destroy , Do act with small successe , and little joy . Had I conceiv'd , that , now it would have been , As needfull as I find it , to collect Such proofes of that which I have heard and seen To prove their faithlesnesse whom I suspect , Or know unfaithfull : that , I might have made Such proofes to others , as I have whereby To prove it to my selfe ; I should have had Enough to make me able to unty That knot of Vipers , which now to unknit Is not so easie . But , my aime hath bin To mend particulars , and bend my wit , In generalls , alone , to strike at sin : And , that hath rendred , now , my power the lesse , The mischiefs of this Faction to suppresse . These , having long , and many severall wayes , To root me from among them , tride their wit ; And failed heretofore in their assayes , At last , thus hapned to accomplish it . Within that Village , where my Spoilers made A prey of that estate which I possest , A Captain of the Kings a Chattle had , With which , the Parliament did me invest . He , is that person who protected was , As I have here exprest : had they a thought , By countenancing him , to bring to passe Their purpose ; and have gained what they sought , For , I , who serv'd my Countrie , thence am chas'd ; And he that spoild it , in my room , is plac'd . I grudge not mercie when it should be showne , Nor is my heart so churlishly inclin'd , As not to spare , a portion of mine owne , Where , Objects fit for mercy , I shall find . But , when I see my selfe ungently us'd , Those favour'd , who my life would have betray'd , Authoritie deluded and abus'd , And plots to ruine , and disgrace me , laid , I cannot think it Patience to be mute , In such a case ; or , that with charitie , Or with a manly prudence it can suit , To passe , at all times , such abuses by : Or , that we may not , justly , on our foes Repaire what in this lawfull war we lose . Why should it grudged be , that by the Sword , We , by the Sword , our losses repossesse ? Why should our Partie to their friends afford Lesse favour , then to those that merit lesse ? So well deserving , wherefore should he seem Who put the State to hazzard , and to cost That all his great estate he should redeem For lesse , then at one skirmish I have lost ? Of those reliefes , why should I be defeated , Which do , by right and grace , to me belong ? Thereof , why should I be dispoil'd and cheated , Both to the States dishonour , and my wrong ? And , wherfore should I not expect , and have A confirmation , of what once they gave ? For , who will in our Senators confide , Or prize their Orders which are made by them , If they permit them to be vilifi'd ? And , their Ioynt-Votes , loose Members to contemne ? To say , they heeded not what things they granted , So prudent an Assembly , mis-became ; To say , they power to make it good , have wanted , Would wrong their power , and bring us all to shame : And , to affirme that they regardlesse are To vindicate their grant , for his relief , Who to advantage them , his life could spare , Were to averre , what merits no belief . How comes it then , that , I dispights have born ? And that their favours , now from me , are torn ? Why hath it openlie , by some , been spoke Ere question put , or anie vote made known , That , there is an intention to revoke What by the Commons , was on me bestown ? How dared he ( who rather should uphold The Commons lawfull Right in what he may ) How dared he ( assoon as it was told By whom I claim'd ) in sleighting wise to say , T was but the Commons Order ? as if that Were not an Act sufficient to confer , For my Recruit , the personall estate Of any trait'rous Rebell-Commoner ; Vntill a time return , in which , men may Have Justice done them , in a legall way . Why are false rumours rais'd and entertain'd , As if I manie thousand pounds had got ; Whereas , of hind'rances by me sustain'd , To me , the tenth as yet returneth not ? How comes it , that attendance , nigh two yeare Procureth me ( although my wants be great ) No pennie of two thousand pounds arreare ? Nor an imploiment , that affords me meat ? Why speed I thus ? And wherefore , notwithstanding The remnant of my ruines forth I laid , Thereby to keep my souldiers from disbanding , Is nothing , in requitall , yet , repaid , But sleights , and slanders ? yea , though use I pay For manie hundreds of it , to this day ? Indeed , my house GOD hath refurnished ; And , of his Love , to give me outward showes , Hath cloath'd my Bodie , and my Table spred , As well in spite , as presence of my Foes . Yet , when I shall account how I have liv'd ; Of what I have been hindred , since these wars ; How , much was lost ; how little is receiv'd ; How , my successive-wants supplied are : How , my engagements ev'rie day encrease , How destitute , my Wife and Children be , Of outward Portions ; and , how mercilesse This world , hath all my life time , been to me : They , who their favours , have on me bestow'd , Shall find no cause to grudge the Mercie show'd . And though ( as some conceive ) I have obtained A full repaire , and therewith somewhat more Than my bare losses ? what , had I then gained , Respecting all my damage heretofore ? Against those Traytours to the Common-Good , Who , now , apparent Enemies are found , Nigh thirtie yeares , a Combate I have stood : So long ago , I to these Iles did sound A warning Trumpet . So long have I borne The frownes and furie of the wanton Court , The Prelates malice , the despitefull scorne Of wealthy Fooles , and of the vulgar sort . Yea , though I know a path applauded more , I took the course , I knew , would keep me poore . And , why should any man be discontent , That for my damages , and service then , My charges , paines , and close imprisonment , I , now have bread , and clothes , like other men ? Why is a trifle thought too much for me ? When , one sleight Officer can in a yeare , Cheat up a Sum , that shall sufficient be , To pay my damages , and my Arreare ? Why , grievous doth it seeme , that , out of that , Which was by him possessed , who compli'd With those , who robbed me of my estate , A part of my great losse should be suppli'd ? He having spoyl'd my Friends of ten times more , Than , ten times that small part , he should restore . Since , we for Traytours , and for Cut-throats , here , ( And for their wives , and their malignant brood ) Provisions make , when Converts they appeare ; Why should there not , of raiment , and of food , For us , our Wives , and Children , some supplies Be likewise made ? yea , since they were the Cause , That , on our backs , the work so heavie lies , Of holding up our Liberties , and Lawes ? Why are we poorly cloth'd , while they are brave , By whose unfaithfulnesse we are undone ? While we want bread , why should they fulnesse have , By whom , these wars and troubles were begun ? And , till a Restauration may be had , Of what we lost , why should they rich be made ? Since by our Adverse partie , our estate Is given and possessed : Since we are Assured of their everlasting hate , So long as we have either peace , or war , Or Being in this life : yea , since our Cause Is knowne unto us , to be just , and right ; Since for our Conscience , Liberties , and Lawes , Against oppressing Tyrants we do sight : Since to avenge the Saints , we do oppose , Not meerly Cananites , whom for their sin , The Land would vomit forth ; but , also those , Who without cause , this war did first begin : Why should we not out of their Barnes be fed , By whom we have been robbed of our bread ? Nay , since our Charitie doth portions give , To feed their wives and children , while among Our Adversaries , in that course , they live , Which this unhappie Warfare doth prolong , Why should not we and ours , as well as they , Be cared for ? since with a willing heart , We bore the heat , and burthen of the day , And , from our duties , mean not to depart ? Why is our equitie , and our discretion So small , that till our losses be repai'd , We suffer for a trifling composition , Their whole estates , by them to be enjoy'd ? And , their full freedome , who , for ought we know , Are here , but Spies , or Agents for the Foe ? He , whom , that true Repentance bringeth home , Which makes a reall Convert to the State , Not for his Lands , but Conscience sake doth come ; And , such an one , if we redintegrate , When , of his penitence good proofes appeare ; Of Charitie , both to our selves and them , An honourable Evidence it were , Which no man should repine at , or condemne . But , when we unadvisedly shall part With large Possessions , for a Person , which Brings to us , neither wit , nor honest heart , Nor Pow'r , nor any thing to make us rich , But poorer ; and , it may be weaker too , How reasonlesse , is then the thing we do ? When we receive to Mercie , those who seek No more , but how they their estates may save ; To compasse by that match , what are we like , But an estate to lose , and find a knave ? They , strength receiving , from our false-ones , here , Restrengthen them ; and are so knit together , That , we who to this Cause most faithfull were , Are much disabled by their coming hither . And , what advantage had we lost , I pray , If of those few , who reconciled seeme , None had return'd ? what lost we , if you weigh , How uselesse to that partie they did seeme , From whom they came ( while they continued there ? ) And , what they are to us now they are here ? Who shall at last our private losse repay , If this course hold ? who shall the charge sustaine Of all our future detriments , but they , Who of the cost already do complaine ? Why should a perjur'd Commoner , or Lord , ( Who , peradventure , did but stay behind , That some advantages it might afford , To those departed ) suffred be to blind The Publike Eye , in favour of our Foes ? Defraud the State ? And in our competitions Sleight , and affront us , for the sake of those , Who wilfully endeavour'd our perditions ? And , only , come ( for ought yet knowne unto us ) That , at our cost , they safely may undo us ? When of my goods , the Foe had me dispoil'd , ( For doing faithfull service ) and when I , To seek an habitation was compell'd , And had provided for my Family , By publike Order ; why neglected so Was I , and mine ? That ( knowing not else where My wife with her big belly to bestow ) I was displac'd , and forc'd to habour there , Where desolation dwelt ? And , in that place , Why was the wife of him that plund'red me There setled ? why , to my disgrace , Must I the second time removed be , And made a Shuttle-cock , or Tennis-ball , For ev'rie Foole and Knave to play withall ? As I have hope to live , and see an end Of these Distractions ; and , as ere I die , I hope to see our greatest Foe our Friend , ( Which are my Hopes , though yet I know not why ) Vnlesse the Civill Justice shall ere long , Restore my Right ; If all the braines I have , Can in a martiall Posture make me strong , My Tamenesse , shall no longer me inslave . But , what the Commons pleased to afford ( My losses in their Service , to repay ) I le repossesse , and settle by the Sword , Or , in that place , my bones I meane to lay . No run-away Commander of the Kings , Shall baffle me , although unto his aid , A Troop of those Committee-men he brings , By whom the best affected are betrai'd ; But , I will make it knowne , if urg'd thereto , I dare do that , none think I dare to do . My heart thus murmur'd : And , I know not well , To what it would have stirr'd me ; for , my blood Began to boile , my veines began to swell , And , in mine eyes , a flaming furie stood . But , ere this great distemper , to it height Was raised up ; I felt into my brest Another Spirit entring , which made sleight Of all , which in this rapture was exprest . With many secret checks my heart it strooke , ( Which no man but my selfe do much concerne ) Out of my soule repining thoughts it shooke , It taught me my great failings to discerne ; And , then , the VOICE late heard , did thus begin , To speak againe unto me , from within . Impatient , foolish , and forgetfull man , If , now , thou hadst been left to thy career , To what conclusions had thy folly ran ? And , what wouldst thou have made thy selfe appear ? These are , indeed , such musings as the times Are busied in . This , is the common note ; Thus go the Citie , and the Countrey chimes ; And , this , without book , now , most men have got . Your private wrongs , and injuries are minded , With such a partiall , and self-seeking heart ; That , in all publike matters , most are blinded , And , act a carelesse , or a faithlesse part . Yea , so much after private ends men run , That little publike service can be done . In such a blustring tone , thou here hadst shew'd Thy private wrongs , as if thy passion meant , By furie , some short passage to have hew'd , Through all Opposers , to thine owne content . This will not be the Way , to break asunder The Lincks of Tyrannie . Among you , be So many stormes of lightning , and of thunder , Already raised , that no Coast is free . The calmest tempers , and the sobrest wit , The self-denying , and the suffring hearts ; The Worke , the Time , the Place , now best befit : And , if by these , you play not forth your parts , The Tragedies , now acting on your stage , Prolong'd will be , with an encreasing rage . In ev'rie Publike Work ( as here thou dost ) Each one , some way or other , still contrives How , thereinto he that Designe may thrust , Whereby , his private Trade he forward drives . Yet , these your failings , Providence Divine Employeth , oft , to further his intent , And , shall by this Digression now of thine , Make better use , than thy corruption meant . For , thereby both to others , and to thee , Occasion will be offer'd , to discover Some Observations , which will helpfull be , Your Wits , your Peace , and patience to recover . Oh! how can praises due to him be sung , Who , thus , extracts you gold out of your dung ! By this thy giddie Rage , and blunt relating A branch of thy oppressions , wise men may Perceive on what their hearts are ruminating , Who twice as much have borne , yet lesse can say . And , thence , perhaps , their wisdome will collect , What may succeed , unlesse their care prevents The likely consequence , and ill effect Of Foes prevailings , and Friends discontents ; From thence , it may be , they some hints will take , To mark proceedings better than they did ; And , for the publike safetie , notice take Of Snakes , which underneath faire flowers lye hid . Thus , otherwhile , the failings of a Foole , By Providence , may set the Wise to schoole . But , why wert thou enrag'd ? what wantest thou , That , with impatiencie , thou dost repine ? What Peere , or Prince , in all these Ilands now , Enjoyes a Fortune that surpasses thine ? Hast thou not bread , and cloaths enough , and more Than for the present day may well suffice ? And , by that Friend , who kept thee heretofore , Assurance ( for the future ) of supplies ? Hast thou not had a Promise of Protection , In all thy waies ; assuring thee , that neither The Rage of War , of Famine , or Infection , Nor , all those joyned in one Plague together , Shall do thee harme , if thou in him confide , Whose aid to no Beleever is deni'd . Why shouldst thou feare , though thy estate is gone , ( And Mercie fled ) that thou , or thine , may want ? Who know'st , man liveth not by bread alone , And , where , for asking , all things may be had ? What need'st thou care , though they at last deceive thee , On whom thou didst repose an ample trust ; Who hast an able Friend , that will not leave thee , Though all hopes else were buried in the dust ? Why shouldst thou vex , to see Oppressours flourish , That hast beheld so many , in thy daies , Arise from nothing , and to nothing perish ? And that the Part which ev'rie Tyrant plaies , How gloriously soever he ascends , In certaine shame , and sudden ruine ends ? Wouldst thou be rich ? what riches canst thou find Of greater worth , than truly to enjoy , At such a time as this , a setled mind , And such a state , as no man can destroy ? Some thousands , who but few weeks past could say , That their Revenues , and their Incomes , were Enough to furnish them , for ev'rie day , With more than thine affordeth for a yeare ; Have nothing left them now . Why striv'st thou then ▪ To seek a certaintie , where can be none ? To catch at that which flies from other men ? To save thy selfe , when all is overthrowne ? And ( knowing what thou knowest ) to desire To take a house , where all the Towne 's on fire ? Wouldst thou be honourable ? where is he , That by the Bodily , or Ghostly Line , Derives his Being by a Pedigree , That ancienter , or nobler is , than thine ? What more heroicall can be atchiev'd , Than , what no King can give , or take away ? And by the King of Kings to be receiv'd Into that Order , whose true Badge , none may So much as know , but he that weares the same , And was twice borne ? What honour is so great , As his , whom Povertie , Reproach , and Blame , Still more ennobles ? And , who doth beget His honours out of those , who most contemne His Reputation ; and , in spite of them ? Thou hast been taught ; and , thou dost seeme to know This Path to Honour ; and yet taken art , With such vaine Bubbles , as from fancie flow : And , whereon , ev'rie worldling sets his heart . Cannot thy contemplations thee enable , To let the simple people dote upon Their Hobby-horse , their Fooles Cap , and their Bable , Because thy Fortune will afford thee none ? Canst thou not passe , except a stone thou throw At ev'rie Cur that bawles ? Nor , yet , forbeare Impatient , for those vanities , to grow , Whose emptinesse to thee discover'd are ? For shame , let more conformity be shown , In practice , unto that which thou hast known . Who can exp●ct ( when they shall see or hear , With what distemper thou hast here exprest Thy private wrongs ) that other men should bear Their sufferings well , when they are so opprest ? If thou who know'st , what comforts do attend A calme , and patient bearing of the Crosse , What blessing crownes the Meek mans latter end , And with what riches GOD repaies his losse ; Art so inrag'd ; no marvell , if nigh mad Some others grow , who are as greatly pain'd , And want th' experiments which thou hast had , Whereby the wrongs may better be sustain'd . Is this the power ? is this the strength of him , Who , somtimes , thinks he could the world contemn ? Is this a time for thee , who hast made show Of better hopes , to scramble , with the Boyes , For Nuts and Apples ? wilt thou struggle now , With Fooles and Slaves , for bables and for toyes ? Contend thou not with Children , in their play ; Nor strive thou their vaine longings to possesse : From Micah take thou not his Gods away , Lest they may bring thee to unhappinesse . Endeavour what is comly to be done , To reap the profit , which to thee belongs . Vse prudent meanes Oppressors pawes to shun ; Or , to remove , or mitigate thy wrongs : And , to that purpose , having done thy best , Be patient , and to God commit the rest . And , to preserve this temper , warie be ( Above all other times ) when their despight And envie shall be exercis'd on thee , Who think , the Publike-Trust belongs , of right , To so much by the yeare : These , have so long Inslav'd the people ; that themselves disgrac'd They do conceive , if , to do right or wrong , Inferiours , in Authority be plac'd : And , these have lately censur'd it unfit , That , with so reverend a thing , as Wealth , Such strangers , now , as Honesty , and Wit , Should called be , to serve the Common-wealth , Or lend a helping hand , to save , what they Have took a course to ruine , many a day . These , value men , according to the Rent Their Fathers left them : and , these cannot brook Without vexation , and much discontent , That , notice should of other worth be took . And , therefore , if it must be as these will ; If your besotted people have a minde To be oppressed , to be fooled , still , And , to be kept , perpetually blinde ; Straine not thy selfe , to helpe unlade an Asse That loves his burden ; nor , his drivers trouble ; But , let them , and their silly creature passe , Till they have made their scornes and mischiefs double . For , he that meddles with them , nothing gains , But kicks , and evill language , for his pains . Cast quite behind thee , what of their despite , Or injuries , to thee , hath been reported : Their open hate , with secret love requite ; For evill , let not evill be retorted . Fret not thy self , although thou see them jeer , And Thee , and thy Authority deride : For , most , to whom their envy shall appear , Will laugh to scorne , their folly , and their pride . And , as thou soughtst it not , nor dost , yet , know ▪ By whom , that seeming-honour was confer'd ; So , whether thou continued be , or no , In thy imployments , give it no regard : For , thou shalt sit ere long , above their hate , And , their Commissions shall be out of date . While thou remain'st amongst them , do thy best To side with innocence ; and do not there Of wicked prophanations make a jest ; Curse those that curse ; or swear at those that swear . Abuse not thy Authoritie or Place To favour knaves , or put good men to sorrow : Plead not for law , this day in one mans case , What , for another , shall be none to morrow . Vse not thy power , thy neighbours to enslave , As manie do who bettet things pretend , And , when thou chargest others , care to have That they against their Oathes do not offend , Take heed , thou mak'st more conscience of thine own Then others of their oathes , have lately showne . For , some of those , who fluently can preach Vpon the Bench , as tho ( if need had bin ) They could the Parson of the Parish teach To do his dutie in reproving sin : Even some of those , at that time countenance Known Malefactors , there , indicted for Crimes then in charge : and , shamelesly advance In practice , what in words , they do abhorre . When there , they have inveighed at abuses , Occasion'd by permitting an excesse Of licenc'd and unlicen'd tipling-houses , ( And their suppression , urg'd with earnestnesse ; ( Instead of what they would appear to do ) They seem to put downe one , and set up two . These are not pleas'd , that an observing-eye Is plac'd among them . And , perhaps , to prove Thy patience , these , their power ere long will trie : But , Thee to no distemper let it move . This , is a time of suffring : and , though men Are instruments each other to correct ▪ Yet , GOD , himselfe employes them . Suffer , then , Without repining , what he shall inflict . Although thy foes oppresse , and friends forsake thee , Let no ill tydings make thy heart affraid , From thy first principles , let nothing shake thee , What ere against thee , shall be done or said : But , further what to Publike-peace belongs , And leave thou unto GOD , thy private wrongs . For , though it may be granted , that , if here Thou should'st illustrate all things which concern Thy usages ( but onely in that Shire Where thou hast liv'd ) thy Readers might discern In what condition manie others are Who truly , serve the Publike : yet , take heed Lest following thine own suffrings over-far May tediousnesse , or sleighting of them breed . Be watchfull too ; lest by much musing on Thy personall affronts , a selfe-respect May cause mis-censures to be cast upon The Publike Justice , to her dis-respect . For men opprest , and griev'd in an extreme , Look , not alone with sullennesse , upon Those Parties that are thought to injure them , And on their own oppressions , as if none Had borne the like ; but , also , as if cleare They from all blame , in all their suffrings , were . And , in a publike Grievance , scarce a man Among a thousand , searcheth out those things Which mis-befall , so farre as they began , To find the Fountaines , whence the mischief springs . Most men ( and thou among the rest for one ) Can spie out many others , much to blame , But , few men heed what they themselves have done , Whereby the Plague so generall became . And , whence soev'r it comes , the Male-content Though in the Persons he the cause may find , Fomes out his venome on the Government , And , to a change is presently inclin'd . Whereas , the mischiefe , still , the same will be Vntill there be a change in such as He. Ev'n some of you , ( and manie is that some ) Who to the skies , this Parliament have rais'd , With whom , it was almost a GOD become , And such , as never could enough be prais'd . This Parliament , in whose defence you stand Till all your pretions things , are well nigh wasted , Till warre , hath marched quite through all the land , Till bitternesse , in all your sweets is tasted ; Till into piece , Families are torne , Vntill with blood , your wayes , and streets do run , Till Towns , and Towers , and Temples down are borne , Till Prince and Peasant , are almost undone ; Till Famine , too , beginneth to appeare , Which in long Warfares , bringeth up the reare . This Parliament , for which you suffer so , And for whose preservation beare you would Ten times as much , might you before-hand know , What , ( if it prosper'd not ) ensue there should ; Ev'n to this Parliament , so highly priz'd , You in your former love are growing slack . This your Diana , is by some despis'd : Of your Distractions , her the cause you make . On her , you laid the burthen and the blame , ( As if due care she wanted , or fore-sight ) When disadvantage , or dishonour came By ill successe in counsell , or in fight ; And murmured , as if your hearts had said , That , by your Parliament , you were betrai'd . Such is your folly , ( madnesse I might say ) That , some among you , so your selves expresse As if you thought it much advantage may The Publike Cause , to bring her faithfulnesse , Or prudence into question : For , you heare , Collect , report , and have dispersed , so , All scandalls , and dis-trusts , which malice reare ; And , daily give such credence thereunto , That , you ( who seeme to be unfained Friends Vnto this Parliament ) have , thereby , done Those mischieves to it , which the Foe intends ; And will destroy it , if this course you run : Yea , this your folly , will more weaken it Then all your cunning Adversaries wit . For , this imprudencie will by degrees Your bones unsinnew , and your joynts untie : By this , you both their hands and hearts will leese , Who , in your Quarrell , vow'd to live and die . What Devill then hath tempted you , in this , To sin against your soules ? and , blinds you so That , you observe not whose design it is Which you now further , and whose work you do ? The honour of that Senate , is the power , And life thereof ; and , on the life of that , Dependeth ev'ry Priviledge of your , Belonging to your temporall estate ; And , peradventure , some way doth extend , That being , to concern , which hath no end . It is your duty , therefore to discerne And labour the defence of that which may Your being , and well-being so concerne : And , to that purpose , there is much to say , For , though it be your strongest Creature-guard Against Oppressors ; yet , you can expect No safer Tutelage to be confer'd Thereby , then what a Creature may effect . It labours your protection ; but , alas ! The worke is great , and through much opposition , And manie difficulties , they must passe , To bring this Land , into a safe condition . For to restore you to your peace agen , 'T is now , a work for GOD , and not for men . You heed their failings ; but , you heed not yet ( Nor fullie can conceive ) how hard a worke They have to do , nor how they are beset With enemies ; nor what obstructions lurke In these proceedings , which make show to be Without a rub , to them who stand a aloof , And have not opportunitie to see What stops may rise , before they come to proofe . Their own infirmities , as they are men ( And which you ought to wink at ) may perchance In this great enterprize , be now , and then , Occasions of no little hinderance : For , who but GOD , alone , can perfect be ? Or , who is fit for such a work , but he ? The haynous sins , and manie obdurations , Of that great Bodie , whom they represent , And of those froward , and divided Nations , Which are concerned in their Government , Give being unto many sev'rall things , And actions , whence , oft-times , an accident Vnlooked for ; or some hid mischiefe springs , Which humane policie cannot prevent . When Israel sinneth , Benjamin that hath A wicked cause , their Brethren down shall smite , To expiate the just avengers wrath , Before the cause prevailes , that is upright : Whilst in the camp an Achan doth remain , These Counsell , and your Souldiers fight , in vain . Though Moses govern'd you , though Josuah were Call'd up to be your Armies Generall ; And Davids Worthies now revived , here , To be your Colonells , events would fall Below your hopes , whilst unrepented sin Is , wilfully , conniv'd at : For , that , made Your Parliaments unprosprous ; that , hath been Chiefe cause of all their failings they have had . And , then , beside this hindrance , and this bar To their successe , they have a powerfull foe Opposing them as well by force of war , As by what fraud and tyrannie can do : And , that their Faith and stoutnesse may appear , A muster of their foes I give you here . Their Generall in chiefe is ANTICHRIST , And , he the main Battalia , now , commands : Which , of those armed Locusts doth consist On whose Activitie his Empire stands . Lievtenant-Generall , is he that strives A conquest of your Liberties to make ; And counts it one of his Prerogatives , As he shall please , your goods , to give and take . He leads the Van ; in which , with him appeares Those Princes , and those Nobles , who still are , And were at first , the wicked Councellers , Who did encourage him unto this war ; And he of broken Courtiers , up hath made ( And of some beggar'd Lords ) all this Brigade . The Major-Generall , ( who bringeth on , The right wing of this Armie ) is the Prince Of broken fortunes ; who still falls upon The Carriages , and Baggage , that from thence He may recruit . His ragged Regiments ( Beside those lousie , and those tatter'd fellowes Late pressed for him , out of Beggers Rents , And freed from the prisons , and the gallowes ) Were patch'd up , out of Bankrupts , cast-Commanders , Cashier'd Bandettees , Fellowes of the pot , Debauched Players , Tapsters , Gamesters , Panders , With such , as in a drunken fit were got To beare them companie . And , these are they Who first made plunder seem a lawfull prey . The left wing , by Pope would be , ordered is ; A stately Prelate , and one , for whose sake , ( Though he the Triple-crown is like to misse ) The war , now rais'd , did first beginning take . He , heads a Partie of as desp'rate mates , As e're drew sword : and , manie of them be Both disciplin'd to make Assasinates , And readie for it , when their time they see . Among these , march some prudent-seeming men , Some , that , more honestie then wealth do want : Some wittie fellowes ; but , not one for ten Of those , that are extreamlie ignorant ; The openly prophane , the closelie vitious , The Papists , Atheists , and the Superstitious . The Rear is brought up by a Libertine , That is for anie Doctrine or opinion : For any Government or Discipline , For Protestant , for Brownist , for Arminian , Or , anie thing he pleases . And , he gives This libertie ( so far as they are able To make it good ) to all , whom he receives Into his Troopes ; which are innumerable : For , all that would their wicked lusts fulfill , All they , who Law , and Order do contemn ; All they , that are ambitious of their will , Ev'n all of these , unite themselves to him : And , in his quarters , manie women too Are found , who , not a little mischiefe do . These Forces , both asunder and united , Have so obstructed , and so manie waies , This Parliament opposed , and dispighted , In all their consultations , and assaies ; They have by sleight of wit , by strength of hand , By Treacheries , by Treaties , and by Spies Abroad , and here at home ; by Sea , and Land , By Protestations , Promises , and Lies , And , by a thousand other tricks , beside , Pursu'd such meanes and courses to distract , Affright , discourage , weaken , or divide , And , frustrate what they shall advise oract ; That , 't is no wonder you have sped no better , But , rather , that the mischieves are no greater . For , if beside the disadvantages Which have occurred to this Parliament , ( By open enemies ) you now shall please To take true notice of the detriment Sustain'd by them , who seeme no adversaries ; Or them , who friend-like in your Quarters live ; Whose hand , at once , both fire and water carries ; And , mean worst actions , when best words they give : If you shall heed , how they have cheated bin With honest showes , and outward pietie , When there was little , or nought else , within But rotten falshood , and hypocrisie , You would not murmur , as if you had thought , This Parliament had failed you in ought . Nay , you their power and prudence would extoll , Or his great wisdome , rather , and his power , Whose mercies are exceeding wonderfull , That , quite you were not ruin'd , ere this houre : And , marvaile that your Senate could subfist Another day ; if trulie you did know How manie moneths , a dang'rous Vipers-nest , Did in the verie bosome of it grow ; Or , if you had a perspective , to see What Engines are still moving to unfix them ; What failings , yet , in their own Members be , What foolings , in their fav'rites , to perplex them , And , what a New Division now they run , Vnthought on , when this Parliament begun . For , that divided Clergie , out of whom ( As thou fore-saw'st , and didst , long since , fore-shew ) The present Plagues upon these Lands are come , ( And by whose factions they will endlesse grow , If not prevented ) have betwixt them got Another Quarrell , and another Creature , Of which , the world abroad yet heareth not ; And which , till now , among the things of Nature Had not a Being . Nay , it hath not yet , So true a Being ( though it hath a name ) That any man may so discover it , As truly to expresse , or know the same . For , 't is not what it was ; nor will it stay To be to morrow , what it is to day . It is indeed a Thing , which neither had , Nor shall , nor can have any certaine shape ; A thing , in making still , but never made , A Card drawne out of some Vtopian-Map , To make your Pilots steere they know not whither , Till they arrive at the Antipodes To saving Truth ; or , else be carried thither By many changing winds , on moving Seas , Where they shall split upon the rockie shores Of Heresie ; or suffer ship wrack there , Where melancholy Desperation rores ; Or else , into those Creeks be driven , where They moored lye in dull Securitie , Or , land upon a Carnall Libertie . Your Linsie-woolsie Faction ( not appearing So Jesuited as they are ) made use Of Simon Magus ( a bewitching hearing ) And , by that Sorcerer , did late infuse This fancie , and it hath occasioned Such difference in Opinions , and so rent Men from each other , that the same hath bred Obstructions , which disturb the Parlament , In their proceedings . Yet , your enemie , By whom this late unlooked for Offence First came , shall not effect his end thereby . But , they who are to be approv'd , shall thence Draw Observations , and a pious use Of meanes unthought on , which will Good produce For , at the present , though Offence be given , And , men of Belial , by Deceiving-lights , Have , to their pow'r , endeavoured and striven , To work their ends , by cheating of your sights , With false appearances , and shewes of Good , And , though right pious men , who see faire showes , And , have not yet their purpose understood , Do , for a little while adhere to those ; Yet , when ( by triall , and assisting-Grace ) The bottome of it , fully is discern'd , The work desired shall be brought to passe : Yes , by this wrangling , somewhat shall be learn'd , To bring a prudent Reformation in , And make it purer than it would have bin . The Publike Peace , then , interrupt you not , Nor vex your private spirits , to promove Those Fancies , which Distemp'rature begot , And will , at last , not worth your owning prove . Let not Demetrius , to maintaine his trade , Make up-roares in the Land ; as if more care Were of his Occupation to be had , Than , of those things , which of most value are , But , let Discretion teach you to appease Tumultuous spirits , by some sweet allay ; Which , peradventure , shall prev●ile with these , Not only , to give eare to what you say ; But , also , for the Truth , to be ere long , As zealous as they were , to do it wrong . So foolish be not , as to shut your eyes , Or stop your eares , from all that seemeth new ; Or , all things , as new sangles , to despise , Which , at first sight , seeme uselesse , or untrue . So furious be not , as to prosecute , With an uncharitable prosecution , All those who ( in opinion ) shall not suit With Disciplines , of your own Constitution . Nor , be so mad , as , wholly , to deface All Superstructures , on the true Foundation , Which are not uniforme , to that which was ; Or , that which shall be setled in this Nation . For , to avoid great inconveniences , Wise-men will beare with inconformities . Those Doctrines , that make void the Morall-Law ; Those , that the Fundamentalls do infringe Of saving-faith : Those , that mens hearts withdraw From Pietie , or , give the flesh her swinge : Those Disciplines , that breake the bands of Peace ; That interrupt the Civill-Government ; That sleight the meanes of Pieties increase , Or , courses , that Ill-manners may prevent : These , are not to be borne with . These , you may , Nay , these you must , ( with all your power ) suppresse ; And fine , confine , cut off , or send away , And , so , that you may therewithall improve GODS praise , the Kingdoms Peace , & Christian love . And , if that anie one can means propose , Whereby your duties may be better done ; If anie person , can a truth disclose , Which hath been clouded , since the Day begun : If he can tell you , or , believes he can Informe of anie thing , that may concerne GODS glorie , or the saving health of man ; And , thinks himselfe ( to teach , and you to learn ) Oblig'd in conscience : And , if he shall so Proceed , ( in doing that which he supposeth , The Will of GOD requireth him to do ) That , no ungodly aime his Course discloseth , Or , ought which doth your , Publike-peace annoy ; Why , such a Freedom , should he not enjoy ? If anie man a tender conscience hath , Which makes him fearfull , to offend the same , And , therewith walkes in so discreet a Path , That , he deserveth not a publike-blame , In anie point aforesaid : Why should he Be wrought upon , by anie other course Save that , whereby the heart may wooed be By Grace , and Faith , and Reason , without Force ? How shall the Gospells passage be so cleare , As is desir'd , and as thereto is due , If all men be not free to speake and heare , On such conditions , as before we shew ? Since , to the Church , compulsion none invites , But , some few fooles , and manie hypocrites . Coercive power indeed is to be us'd In things which to the Outward-man pertaine ; And wherein Words or actions have abus'd Those Lawes , which words or actions , do restraine ; The plots preventing , or the practices , Which root up those Foundations , whereupon You are to build up Piety and Peace ; Or , remedie an evill , being done : Or , for expulsing , or correcting those , Whose principles , whose practice , and profession , Doth diametrically , that oppose Which GOD and Nature , puts in your possession ; As Popelings , or such like , who do resist Essentially , the Government of CHRIST . But , he that dreames , by anie Humane-Law , To force Belief , or bind the Inner-man , To think , to hope , to love , or stand in awe ; Dreames , to effect , what none accomplish can . For , this , would be a tyrannie far worse Then to inslave the bodie . This , doth lay , Strong fetters on the Soule ; and , would enforce The Reason , if not , take it quite away . By this , you , to dissemble , may be brought , Or , else , to feare : But , never to beleeve , Or hope , or love aright , or , Change a Thought . Nay , this would , rather , so inrage and greeve , As that , in stead of propagating Peace , Your Quarrells it would ev'rie day increase . Make then , in things Divine , GODS Word your Law , In Naturals , let REASON be your Guide ; And , from no Civill-Pow'r obedience draw , Which doth conformable to these abide . Heare all ; but , give assent to what is best : Prove all , who in the name of CHRIST shall come ; But , choose that , only , which abides the Test : And , Truth once found , the same depart not from ▪ Let no true Principle be chang'd , or shaken , Let not an ancient Bounder be removed ; Or , Ceremoniall-Precepts be mistaken , For Moralls ; nor a Shaddow be improved Before the Substance . Quarrell not away The Essence of Religion , or of Peace , For Tristes ; which , though them enjoy you may , Will never bring thee to that happinesse , Which you expect : And , which will make you sorrow , No lesse to day , and more , perhaps , to morrow . Be not so foolish , as to pull downe all , That was set up before ; as if you thought The Government , because Prelaticall , Was not to be adhered to in ought . For , therein , without question , have remain'd ( Among their vaine Inventions ) many things , Which , to the Church , in purest times , pertain'd ; And , whereto , none a just exception brings . Be not so indiscreet , to sweep out these , Among their rubbish ; or , to take away Those Vtensils , or those Indifferences , Which for conveniencie , still keep you may , ( And edifying too ) without abuse ; Or , anie vain or superstitious use . Be not so sottish , as to think , the Way Now termed Independent , nothing hath By which the Throne of CHRIST advance you may , Depresse his foe , or else prepare his path : Or , that , GOD may not , yet , some beame reveale , Or , branch of truth , unto his Church disclose , Which he hath hitherto kept under-seale ; Or , whereof yet , he scarce a glimmering showes . Nor , let those whom you Presbyterians name , Of their own structures be so confident , As to conceive , there may not to that Frame Of Discipline , which they to you present , Additions or substractions , yet , be made , To make more perfect , that which they have had . So inconsiderate , let no man grow , As to believe it ever was intended , By taking of your Covenant and Vow , The Scots-Presbyterie should be befriended Without respect , to whatsoever might Be found , upon due triall , to accord With those instructions , which to set you right , GOD giveth , in the Canon of his WORD : Nor , misconceive you so that noble Nation , As to suppose , they think their Church is growne To such perfection in true Reformation , That , thereon , nothing more may be bestowne : Or , that ; they come to set you one way free , That , you , another way , inslav'd might be . Mistake not so their pietie and love ; But , be assured that what you and they Vpon deliberate advise may prove , To be the safe , unquestionable way Wherein you ought to walk ; that they will joyne , ( Whether unto the Civill-Peace it tends , Or , unto Doctrine , or to Discipline ) As your aff●ctionate , and faithfull Friends . Nor , let them so mistake you , or these times , Of publike Visitations , as to dreame , That either private weaknesses , or crimes , Shall hinder GODS intended work , in them : But , let both Nations labour to excell , In right beleeving , and in doing well . The way to Peace is rather to be just , And faithfull in your selves , and to rely On GOD ; than to suspect , or to distrust , Or quarrell with anothers honestie . The way to Peace , is downe along the Vales Of Meeknesse , leaving quite behind your backs The hils of Pride , and those partition wals , Which Selfe-conceitednesse , and Selfe-love makes . The way of Peace , is to examine more Your owne Offences , and your neighbours lesse ; To learne more Charitie than heretofore ; To be in Deed , what you in Word professe ; And not to strive who long'st shall keep the field , Against the Truth ; but , who shall soonest yeeld . Thus far , is this Discourse , now , carried on , That , it may shew both what is pertinent To Outward Peace , and what is to be done , The losse of outward quiet to prevent . For , as there be False lights , of late , set out , Which give occasion unto some to wander In giddie paths , to make some also doubt , Where is no cause ; or , else to bring a slander On sacred Verities ; ev'n so , there are True-lights , of late discover'd , which long since By evill-meaning Builders , stopped were : And , they who would nor give , nor take offence , Must learn , more perfectly , to understand ( Then yet they do ) those things they take in hand . Desire of Vniformitie , doth carrie So great a sway with some , as if it were Vnto the Church of CHRIST , as necessarie As VNITIE , or , did the same appear . But , they are wide : For as within a pallace , There may be more conveniency , more state , More beautie , and more pleasure for the solace Of him that builds it , when there are , in that , Some equall Structures ; higher some , some lower , Some pyramids , some flats , some rounds , some squares , With here a single , there a double tower , And such like , as in Princely Piles appears ; So , in the Church , true comlinesse , may be , And Vnion , without uniformitie . Nay discords , do not generally marre Essentiall unity : For , as you finde Some notes , which founded , by themselves , do jarre , Make up , when they are musically joyn'd , A perfect Diapason : so , may they The unitie of love , and faith retain , Who walke not uniformly in the way , Yet , on the true foundation , fixt remain . And , as for those poore creatures , who through pride , And ignorance , have now impostumations Of fancie broken in them , which they void At mouth , upon the sillie Congregations Collected by them ; be not discontent That , they with others , their corruptions vent . For , such like bubbles , still , were wont to rise In such disordered times : And , they will fall Of their own selves . The wind that yet supplies Their tumour , when Peace coms , quite break them shall The Devill of their proud simplicitie , Makes use , at present , to delude that rabble , Which are in love with their owne vanitie , And , in the waies of Pietie unstable . Because , a Prudent-Preaching wonders wrought , And Carnall wisdome judg'd it Foolishnesse ; By foolish preaching , these have , therefore , thought , Their Arrogancie shall prevaile no lesse ; But , GOD , when they repent , will free these Nations , From all such failings , and Infatuations . Observe this well , and , in true patience , beare With one another , till God shall make knowne , To what intent these broiles permitted are ; And , let your discontents be rather showne , Vpon the Common Foe : Yea , do your best , ( Whilst you have meanes ) to settle outward Peace , According to your pow'r ; and , for the rest , Depend on GOD , who sees the faithfulnesse Of ev'rie Soule : And , suffer not vaine jars , Among your selves , to multiply contention ; Lest you , thereby , both make these present wars , To bring forth an incurable dissention ; And , hinder ( as you have already done ) That Work , which God , among you , hath begun . Such differences , obstructions have begot Retarding Peace . But , doubtlesse , for the same , To your great Senate , there belongeth not An imputation of the smallest blame . Nor , were it faultie , though it could be said , And proved too , that some among them , now , Their weightie consultations had betrai'd , And , to your Foes , their secrets daily show . Nor , ought they to be blamed , though you see A Spider sent among them , for an Ant ; A Butterfly , or Hornet , for a Bee ; Or , those that wit , or honestie , do want : For such , when they are found , they still cast from them , With as much forwardnesse , as doth become them . But , they , they only , do deserve the blame , ( Of all those falshoods , which these Lands disease ) Those brainlesse fellowes , who had so small shame , And little grace , to make their choice of these : Those ( falsly termed ) free-men , who , for porredge , Would sell their birth-right ; and , who , to uphold Their lawfull freedomes , have not so much courage , As to maintaine them , though they see they could . They , whom a pettie Justice , by the nose , May lead to what absurdities he pleases ; And , make them think , he favour to them showes , When he their losse , and slaveries increases : These , and their fellow Burgers , have undone you ; Their slavishnes , hath brought these plagues upon you . These , to the House of Commons , sent that Rabble Of Runawayes , and Traytours , which betrai'd Your liberties , as much as they wereable : And , on their heads , the bloud is justly laid , For what you suffer . These were , first , unjust , In sending in , to be their Deputies , In stead of men , Pride , Avarice , and Lust , Oppression , Folly , Fraud , and Vanities . These , having neither honestie , nor wit , Nor care to make a prudent choice of those , To whom so great a Trust , they should commit , Some persons , for the publike service , chose , So like themselves ; that , wonder it is none , To see so many do , as they have done . For , such a choice they passed , that unlesse Some prudent Boroughs , and some wiser Shires Had made elections with more warinesse , And sent brave spirits forth , to ballance these , You had been quite undone ; and you , and yours , Of all the Christian world had been the scorne ; Perpetuall Bond-slaves to malignant Pow'rs ; And , hated of your children , yet unborne : For , ever , therefore , let that providence Which so provided for you , be renown'd : And , let there be a blessed difference On them , and on their seed , for ever found , To honour them , and mark them out from those , Who to the publike welfare , now , are foes . And , let your Burgers , and Free-holders learn In time to come , how much , how neare it may The publike , and their private weale concern , To be advis'd , on whom their trust they lay : For , what is more unsafe or more unwise Then to commit ( as manie times they do ) Their goods , their persons , liberties , and lives ; Yea , and the meanes of their salvations too , To their disposures , whom they rather fear , Then well affect ? of whom no good they know ? Of whose corruptions , frequently , they hear , Of whose injustice , sinsible they grow ? Whose worths , are their revenue ? and whose wait Is meere formalitie , or nev'r-a-whit ? What can be more absurd , then to suppose They are the wisest men in all the Shire , And fit'st for publike service , to be chose , Who wisest , in their own opinions are ? Who come uncall'd , and shuffle out their choice By suit and friends , or having got , perchance , The overplus of one poore single voice , With much ado , their purpose to advance ? Or , what a greater indiscretion showes , Then to elect for Giver of your Lawes , A fellow , that nor Law , nor Gospell knowes ? Nor difference , 'twixt a good , and evill cause ? And , till that day , pursued no other course But , hunting , hawking , or else somwhat worse ? What , more dishonourable can be thought , Then , to your Court and Senate most supreme , ( For which the worthiest persons should be sought ) To send a foole or knave , to sit with them , Whose reverend presence should not be polluted With such companions ? or , what one thing may A truer signe of madnesse be reputed , Then thus to foole their dignitie away ? For , since they cannot their debates decide , But by most Voices , what else will ensue , ( If manie places , be with such suppli'd ) But , those events , which all the Land will rue , When worst designes , are by the most promoted , And , reason shall , by noise , be over-voted ? There never was a time , in which you ought To be more carefull of your choice then now , If you recruit your House : For , men are taught By this long Parliament , so well to know Each others minde , each others interest And inclination ; that , unlesse you see The number wanting , in due time increast , And made compleat , by men that worthie be ; You will be as assuredly undone , As if the King had tyranniz'd ; nay , more : For , to oppresse you , there had been but one , But , then , you shall , perhaps , have many a score . And therefore , as you here fore-warned are , In your elections , use more prudent care . Thy Letters of Advice , ere while directed To those in whom the choice of these doth lie , Have partly signifi'd what was effected ; And , what events will still ensue thereby , While such are chosen ; And , what Caveats ought To be observed , that a better choice May be hereafter ; and , that men be sought Who wit and conscience have , aswell as voice . For , these defects breed vip'rous wormes within The verie bowells of the Parliament , More dangerous then outward foes have bin . And , if the Members wanting , be not sent With better heed , then heretofore you tooke ; For peace embracing truth , in vain you looke . Let therefore , those true Patriots which are left , Put forth a strong endeavour to compleat Their wasted number , e're they are bereft Of power , and meanes , themselves to re-beget Into a perfect bodie . And , let none By fallacies delude you , with a feare , It may not now as legally be done , As when the Members first convented were . For , that they are lawfull Parliament , ( Although the King be absent ) 't is confest Ev'n by the King : In whom , now to prevent Their being so , the power doth not consist , Nor ever did , of right ; while cause you know , Why SALVS POPVLI , should have it so . Believe it , whosoever shall pretend This Parliament , hath not a legall power Her bodie to recruit ; is no true friend , Nor fit to be a Councellour of your . For , seeing they have power to make a Seale , It were a great absurditie to dreame , They had not legally , a power , aswell To use , as make it . And , if you in them , Allow an use thereof , that private men , The benefit of justice might obtain ; It should much rather be allowed , then , In things , which to the Publike-right pertaine : And , most especially , in all affaires Concerning their own being , and repaires . If really , a Parliament they be As ( without peradventure ) they are One , Then , without limitation they are feee To do , what may by Parliaments be done . And , that is , ev'rie reasonable thing Which to their weale and safety may belong ; ( And their abilitie to passe may bring ) If to Divinity , it be no wrong . And , whosoe're , in these extremities , Perswade , that they should take upon them lesse ; Vnto the publike peace , are enemies : Yea , they deferre , or marre your happinesse , By weakning of their hands , who are your friends ; And , strengthening his , who now your spoile intends . Let them not therefore act , as if they had But halfe a power , or seemed to be lame ; Or , as if they a Parliament were made , To be no more , but only , so in name . With prudent conscience , and with confidence , Let them proceed in what they undertake ; And , in what e're pertaines to their defence , On just resolves , let them no haltings make , Through want of presidents : For , power they have To make new presidents , as well as they Who liv'd before them . And , if they will save Their Countrie and themselves , this is the way : Since , in an extarordinarie Cause , True Reason , binds as firmly , as the Lawes . And , though it greatly grieve you ( as it ought ) Yet suffer not the absence of the King , To foole you , with so frivolous a thought , As that , a diminution it may bring To their authority . For , wheresoe're He bideth , when his Parliament shall sit , The Kingship , vertually , is alwaies there , And cannot possibly divide from it . The Person of a King , may ramble forth , As his own fancie hurries him about , Or do things derogating from his worth , Or die , or from the Kingdome be cast out ; And , yet the Kingdome , and the Kingship too , Continue still , as they were wont to do . The life of Bodies-naturall , indeed , Departs out of them , when their head is gone ; And , thereunto , no other can succeed , To make it live , or , not a headlesse-one . So 't is not in this Bodie-politike : The vitalls of it in the body lie , Not in that head-ship : and , though it be sick When that falls from it , yet , it doth not die . A King , is but a substituted-head , Made for conveniencie : And , if thereby The bodie seem to be indangered , ( If Power it hath ) it hath Authoritie To take one off , and set another on ; Aswell , as , at the first , to make it one . And when that Body shall be represented , As this hath been , according to the Law , Or , shall be by necessity convented ; Therein resides , that Soveraignty , that Awe , And Rule , whereto the Lawes of GOD and nature Injoyne obedience ; and not in that thing Corrupted ; which was but that Creatures creature , And , which to serve it , was first made a King . When , therefore , GOD injoynes you to obey And honour Kings ; these duties , are not meant To those who from their Kingships run away ; But , rather , to th' essentiall Government Of whatsoever kind , by Law ordain'd ; Or , by a strong necessity constrain'd . For , were it otherwise , the pride , and lust Of an injurious Arbitrary power , Would all men out of their possessions thrust , And all the freedomes of mankind devoure . Let therefore , neither fear nor flattery , Prescription , or vaine custome , make you cleave Vnto an accidentall Majesty , And , that which is substantiall , quite to leave . At this time , chieflie , take a speciall care ( As , of what verie much conduceth to Your Peace and Safety ) that , as now things are , Your just advantages you let not goe ; Lest , by a faint , and conwardly endeavour , You loose your freedoms , and be slaves for ever . And , yet take heed , that zeal to Innovations , Nor private fears , nor hopes incline your minde To subjugate these Kingdoms , or these Nations , To Governments of anie other kind . But , rather use your utmost diligence To rectifie those things which are amisse In that which is establish'd : and , from thence Cast out or purge , whatever therein is Repugnant to those Charters , which by grace Or nature were confer'd : And , let your care Be so to settle it , that place you make The Throne of CHRIST , among you , up to reare ; Lest , when his Kingdome comes , you els be fain To pull your new-devices down again . Take likewise heed , that you no meanes neglect , Whereby the King may be reclaim'd and won , GODS honour , with your safetie to respect ; And do the duties , he hath left undone . For , by rejecting him , how just soe're The Causes be ; you shall delay the peace , Which is desir'd : And make your quarrell , here , With much more difficultie to decrease : But , if your industrie shall win him home , And , he return sincerely to his charge , It shall a blessing to these Isl●s become ; Your honour , and your joy it shall inlarge , And , as CHRISTS Vice-Roy , he shall sit upon A righteous , and an everlasting Throne . Walk , therefore , prudently in this straight path , And , turn not to the left hand , or the right . That pow'r , which GOD to you committed hath , Improve for him , according to your might ; Him , in the reasonable-meanes attend With Faith , and Patience ; that , he may , at last , Your King new-moulded , back unto you send , Your King new-moulded , back unto you send , Or , him , out of his ruin'd Kingdome cast . If , possibly , he can his course repent , GOD , will restore him , yet . If you amend , Then , all these Troubles , and this grievous Rent , Shall in true Peace , and sweet agreements end . If both conforme ; Both , shall true Peace enjoy : If both be wilfull , GOD , shall both destroy . But , heark ! my Scribe , I heare a dreadfull crie Of wounded men ; and , therewith , as it were , The shouts of those that have a Victorie , Of much concernment . Therefore , go and heare , What now is done : For , somewhat hath been wrought , From whence , if well it shall improved be , Enlargements of those meanes will forth be brought , Which may effect , what thou desir'st to see . As soone as thou hast Information had , Of what is rumoured , and duly weigh'd , What profitable uses may be made Of that , which either hath been done , or said : Retire thou hither , and give eare , again , To that , which to your Peace , doth appertaine .

The fourth Canto .

The Contents .

While here , our Authour doth recite His Musings after Naesby fight , The VOICE returnes ; and , doth begin To shew us , what must usher in Exiled Peace . Then , told are we , How kept our Vowes , and Covenants be : How we reforme , and fast , and pray : What Thankfulnesse we do repay : What , must in generall be done ; What , by each Jndividuall-One : What course both King and State must take , E're they their Peace with God shall make : What he expects from ev'rie Nation , From ev'rie Towne , and Corporation , And ev'rie House , in some degree , Before our Peace renew'd will bee . WHen from attention to that Silent-tongue , ( heard , Which , without words , reveales what you have I came abroad ; the Streets , and Temples rung Of Victories : and , Signalls there appear'd , Not only , of a valiant Resolution , In those that conquer'd ; but , of some divine Disposure of them , too , for execution Of that , which GOD himselfe , did fore-designe . The scornfull Adversaries rushed on , To Policie , and Strength , themselves commending . The LORD of Hosts , our Friends reli'd upon , With Prayers fighting , and with Faith defending : And , lo , GOD gave their Foes into their hand : For , when he sighteth , who can then withstand ? The Victorie was great , and ev'rie one Observ'd what circumstances pleas'd him best ; But , that , my thoughts did most insist upon , ( Which others , peradventure , minded least . ) These Royall-Ensignes from the Field were brought , The Lion-Rampant , and the Dragon-flying , The Roses , and Portcullis ; which , me thought , Were Pledges , future Mercie signifying . And , so , no doubt , they shall be , if that Race , To which GOD calleth us , we now shall run ; And better heed the tokens of his Grace , And , Earnests of his love , than we have done . For , valiant Fairfax , now , hath sent us home , In Hieroglyphick , signes of things to come . The Ramping-Lion , ( which doth fignifie A Raging-Tyrant ) may an Earnest be , That , GOD will from oppressing Tyrannie , Vpon our Good-abearing , set us free . A Dragon , is that most prodigious Beast , Whereby the Holy-Ghost hath typifi'd That Foe , by whom the Saints are most opprest ; And , by whom , daily , they are crucifi'd . The taking of that Ensigne , may fore-shew , That ( if we faithfully the work endeavour ) The pow'r of Antichrist we shall subdue , And , from these Islands , cast his Throne for ever . Vouchsafe us pow'r , ô GOD ! vouchsafe us Grace , To drive him , and his Angels , from this Place . The joyning of the Roses , doth declare , That GOD will to those honours us restore , Wherewith he crown'd us , when in peace , and war , We on our Crest , those lovely Flowers wore . Their blushing Beauties are , to me , a signe , Of that delightfull , and soule-pleasing grace , Which will make lovely our Church-Discipline , When GOD hath chang'd our Discords , into Peace . The sweetnesse , and the vertues of the Rose , Do seeme to promise to us those effects , And fruit , which from internall Graces flowes ; Yea , and their prickles are , in some respects , Significant ; for , I by them fore-see , That his corrections , alwayes , needfull be . By taking their Portcullis from the Foe , It may portend ( and if with penitence , We prosecute the Work , it shall be so ) That , we have taken from them their defence . It may betoken also , that GODS hand Will bar our Gates , and make our Citie strong , And , by his Mercie , fortifie the Land , Against all them , who seek to do us wrong . But , for a surer token of his Grace , GOD sends us home , among the spoiles of War , That Cabinet of Mischiefe , wherein was The proofe , of what our Foes intentions are : And , that , their projects , GOD will still disclose , And foole their Policies , this Prize fore-showes . I then observed , in that Victorie , ( Wherewith GODS hand , at that time , magnifi'd The Peoples-Tribune ) how much vanitie Is in the Arme of flesh , and vaunts of pride . And , with what good successe , he shall advance , Who seconded with Meeknesse , Faith , and Pray'r , Doth fight against the rage of Arrogance , Of Guilt , of Selfe-Dependence , and Despaire . I , furthermore observed , that this stroke Was given , by a Hand contemn'd of those , On whom it fell ; and , that their strength it broke , When , to themselves , great hopes they did propose : Yea , when they seem'd assured of our fall ; And thought to ruine , and devoure us all . And , they received that amazing-blow , From those Vnited-Brethren , whom they thought , Their policies had dis-united so , That , ruine on themselves , it should have brought . But , this , by their agreement , GOD prevented ; And gave that victorie to be a signe , That , if we shall hereafter be contented , In love , against the Common-Foe to joyne ; And , trust him with our Conscience , and our Cause ; We , by that blessed union , shall subdue Th' opposers of our Liberties , and Lawes ; And feel the droppings of Mount-Sions dew Be sprinkling all these Islands , with increase Of saving-knowledge , joyn'd with endlesse peace . I mustred up , the manie black-events , The manie jealousies , and new-made factions , The discontentments , and discouragements , The frights , the losses , dangers and distractions That might have follow'd , and o're-whelm'd us all , If but that day , our spoilers had prevail'd ; If on that day , GOD had not heard us call , If on that day , to help us he had fail'd . And I desire , that we could thanks expresse For such deliv'rances , aswell , in deed , As in a Verball-form of thankfulnesse ; That , GOD might alwaies our devotions heed , And answere us , when in distresse we pray , As he our prayers answered , that day . My heart rejoyced much in that salvation , Because , I knew it greater then it seem'd ; And , that it wrappeth up a preservation , To few men knowne ; of fewer men esteem'd . So much , I joy not in the victorie , As in that good , whereto it may conduce : For , in GODS Judgments , as much joy have I , As in his Mercies , when I see their use . I laugh not , as when I have outward ease , When I do feel GODS hand correcting me : Yet , inwardly , it comforts , and doth please As much , as when more glad I seeme to be . And , more I feare a failing , on my part , When I am most at ease , than when I smart . And , I have seene , so frequently , a failing , In prosecuting publike executions ; And , such neglects ( upon a small prevailing ) Of good Designes , and prudent Resolutions . With such a dull proceeding in pursuit Of those advantages , which GOD bestowes : And find them , still , produce so little fruit In substance , answerable to their showes ; That , when I should expresse my joyfulnesse , With such a sense as other entertaine : A melancholly doth my soule oppresse , As if it fear'd my joy would be in vaine ; But , at that time , some better hopes I had , And , in those hopes , my Prayer thus I made . Eternall GOD ! as mercifull , as just , And , of both these the Essence in perfection : Thou know'st my heart , and know'st I nor distrust Thy Pow'r , thy Providence , or thy Affection ; Though outwardly I do not much rejoyce , It is not an unthankefulnesse to thee , That sads my Soule , or silenceth my Voyce , Whiles others tuning Hymnes of Praises be . For , oft , my heart , enjoyes thee all the day ; Aloud to thee , my Spirit often cryes , When , with my mouth , I not a word can say , When not a teare will trickle from mine eyes : And , though I neither pray , nor praise thee , then , As I am bound ; I do it as I can . Thy mercies I confesse , and am as glad Of Thee , and them , this day , as he that sings ; Yet , when I mind what use of them is made , And , what effects from thy compassion springs , It mars my mirth : And therefore , now , in stead Of their thanksgiving Psalmes , I sacrifice My heart in Prayer ; which , vouchsafe to heed , And , do not LORD , my humble suits despise . For , if thou grant them , it shall praise thee more , Thanif that favour , by ten thousand tongues , Were , at this present time , repeated o're , And celebrated in a thousand songs . That hath begot thee , one Thanksgiving-day . But , this , shall make thee praised , here , for aye . The many Mercies , LORD , I do confesse , Which , by thy Bountie , we have here enjoy'd ; And , do acknowledge , with all thankefulnesse , That , ere this day , we had been all destroy'd , Vnlesse thy Goodnesse , and thy Providence , Had curb'd the furie of the raging Foe ; Yea , thy Abounding-love was our defence , Or , we had , else , been our owne overthrow . From thy free favour , and preventing-grace , It doth proceed , that our despised Host Fled not before their Adversaries face ; Or , fell not by them , who the field have lost : And , that , the Joyes which now our Citie hath , Are not , this day , in Askalon , and Gath. But , what will these prevailings be , at last , If Grace thou , likewise , give not to pursue Those victories , which thou bestowed hast ; And , to improve the mercie thou didst shew ? What will our sad rejoycings , at the length , And bloudy enterchanges , prove , O LORD ? But , an impairing of our native strength , To make a passage for the Forraine-sword ? And , what from our divisions , and the spoiles , Torne daily from each other , can arise , But utter devastation of these Iles ? And , ( which is worse than forraine enemies ) Selfe-murthers ? Or , perhaps , a Dearth so great , That , men shall kill each other for their meat ? Such things have been ; and such , for ought I see , May here befall us , ere these wars be done , If , thou permit our cruelties , to be As wilfully pursued , as begun . Thy judgements teach us , therefore , LORD , to feare ; So , make us , thy forbearances to weigh ; So , let thy kindnesses our hearts prepare , That , we no longer foole our Peace away . Let not the sighs , the prayers , and the cries Of thy afflicted children , be in vaine . Behold , how desolate their dwelling lies ; Look on their wounds , observe how they are slaine ; How many , of their Fathers , are bereft ! How many widowes , desolate are left ! Or , if this move thee not , mark how the Foe Blasphemes thy Name : See , with what height of pride Against thy Truth , his malice he doth show , And , how thy holy things , he doth deride . Mark , what damn'd Oaths , and curses forth they roare , And , with what lyes and slanders they do wrong us : Mark , how they scorne the counsels of the poore , And , to betray us ; how they lurk among us . Mark , how they play the hypocrites , array'd Sometime , like Bosome-Friends ; sometime disguis'd With outward Sanctitie , while snares are layd , That , unawares thy Saints may be surpriz'd : And , let not us , who in thy Truth have joy'd ▪ By those , who persecute it , be destroy'd . If not on us , yet , LORD , compassion take On those that shall out of our loynes descend ▪ If not for our , yet , for thine Honour-sake , To these destroying times , impose an end . Ev'n for the sake of thy Beloved-One , Who , through our sides , is wounded by our Foes , Behold , what spoyles , what mischieves they have done , And help us , ere our sorrow helplesse growes . Teach us to see , and know , how miserable We are , and may be , if we persevere , As we begun ; informe us how unable We are to save our selves , from what we feare : And , to consider , too , how worthlesse , we Are of that mercie , which I beg of thee . Vaine is the help of Armies , Foot , or Horse ; Vaine is the pow'r of Nations , and of Kings ; Vaine is united policie , and force ; Vaine is the aid of all terrestriall things : Thou makest War ; thou only makest Peace , And , out of nothing , canst create the same ; Nay , out of that , which discords doth encrease , An everlasting Concord thou canst frame . Although the people , like huge waters , rage ; The mountaines , yea , these Islands moved be ; Thou , in a moment , canst the storme asswage , And , make all quiet , when it pleaseth thee . O LORD ! command a Calme , command a Peace , That our unnaturall debates may cease . To us be reconcil'd , and ( to begin That reconcilement ) let us so endeavour , To breake the league , which we have made with sin , That Thou , and We , may now be friends for ever . Make , for us , an Atonement with our King , Let him perceive , in what his course will end : What Mischeeves evill Counsellours do bring , What Vengeance doth on Tyranny attend . Give him both sight , and sense , of that huge floud , Which threatens daily , to o'rewhelme his head ; That roaring torrent , nay , that sea of bloud , Which , in these Iles , hath wilfully been shed . And , with his wronged , and enraged Nations , Make thou , for him , his Reconciliations . His heart , is in thy hand ; and , if thou please , Thou canst returne him to us , wholly changed . Thou canst yet make us mutually , with ease , As deare , as if we had not been estranged . Thou that restor'dst Manasseh , canst restore Him to Himselse , to Vs , and to thy Grace ▪ And , it may glorifie thy goodnesse more , Than to advance another in his place . Yea , and for us , it shall be better too , If , with a true forgivenesse of each other , We , that have lately been divided so , Shall lovingly unite againe together . For , what more sweet , than when unkindnesse ends , In reconciling of divided friends ? Thou know'st , O GOD ! that we have no desire , To take from Him , or His , the Royall Throne , Or , pull it lower ; but , to raise it higher , And , set him , rather , faster thereupon . Thou know'st , that though his courses we abhor , We love his Person , and would faine prevent That mischiefe , which he seemes to labour for . By hunting after his owne detriment . If , by his wilfulnesse , that bloud be spilt , Which we would save ; of them require it , LORD ! Who make him to be Patron of their guilt ; Or , bring him within danger of the Sword : And , keep us , and our children , ever cleare , From all the bloud , that shall be spoyled , here . And , as for me , whom our Opposers blame , As having my first principles forsaken , ( Because I , now , against the Royall-Name , With Reall-Majestie , a part have taken ) Thou know'st my heart , had never an intent , The Shadow , for the Substance , to adore : And , that if I , so foolishly had meant , Discretion , bids me so to think no more ▪ A Single-Person , or a Factious Rabble , The King , by Armes , opposing , acteth Treason ; But , Kingdomes joyn'd by Counsells-warrantable , Against a Tyrant , do the work of Reason . Yea , 't is the hand of GOD , that strikes him , then , Although he doth it by the sword of men . Thou know'st , O GOD ! that , not a hand of our Is rais'd against his Person , or his Seed ; Or , to diminish any Royall pow'r , Which to discharge his Office he may need . Or , for due honour . But , we , rather , fight ( As he would know , if undeceiv'd he were ) To save his Dignitie , to do him right , And , keep him from Destructions drawing neare . Thou know'st , we no offensive War intended ; Nor , armed came , for any private Cause ; But , as our dutie binds , to have defended Thy Truth , our Countrie 's Liberties , and Lawes : And , to remove the wicked from the Throne , That , he may rule , with righteousnesse , thereon . And , though to fright us from this dutie , LORD , The sons of Belial , whom we pursue , Cast termes on us , which better do accord With their proceedings , as to them most due : Yet , thou canst witnesse , that we called are , And , come in true obedience to that Pow'r , Of which , He but the name doth only weare ; Whilst he abuseth his owne Rights , and our : Thou know'st his Wilfulnesse doth us compell ( Since nor his Parl'aments , Thy Lawes , nor His , Nor , other course prevailes ) now to appeale ( In that , which at this time , depending is ) To thy Arbitrement : and , that , the Sword May to our differences , an end afford . Wherein , we pray thee , pass● thy Sentence so , That , in thy Judgements , Mercy may abound ; Lest , though but small Severity thou show , The innocentest party , may be found Vnable to abide it . For , mine eye , Which only can behold the scam , or skin , Of our Corruptions ( and not much espie Of those Pollutions , which lie hid within ) Perceives the best so faulty ; that , by thee , If so put off this Bloodie-Triall were , That , we might , now , some other way , agree : It would the safest course , for both , appear . But , LORD , thy will be done , though it be that , Which flesh and blood , most feares and trembles at . For , who , that loves thy Attributes and Thee , And sees how they are sleighted ? who , that viewes , How impudently broke thy Precepts be , How spightfully thy foes thy friends abuse ; And , how presumptussly this age goes on , ( Ev'n while th' avenging Angell is abroad ) To do as wickedly as it hath done , Without regard of man , or feare of GOD ? Yea , who , that loves thine honour , grudgeth now Thy saving of it ? or , who wisheth good Vnto thy Saints , who grieveth to allow Thy Justice , in avengement of their blood ? Or , who can thinke thy judgements have exceeded , That hath our great offences duly heeded ? I do confesse , thy coming to this Nation In these unlook'd-for Judgements , maketh it To be a sharp and dreadfull visitation To those , that in security did sit , And , liv'd at ease . But , they who long have born The violent oppressions of thy Foes , The insolence of Tyrants , and their scorn , At thy approaches , tremble not , like those : For , their Deliverer , and Friend appears , And , therefore , though we stand in awe of thee , It is with conjug all , and filiall fears , Mixt with whose tartuesse , sweetuesses there be : Yea , though thy judgments , fright us , when we hear them Yet , LORD , we love them , more then we do fear them . Whilest thus , or unto such effects I prai'd , And meditated , by my selfe alone , The VOICE began to speak again , and said ; Thy GOD observeth , what thou musest on , And will not faile thy hopes , if thou believe , And persevere . For , he is readier farre , His blessings , and his benefits to give , Then , they , who want them , to desire them are . And , when he doth deny them , or prolong them , It is not out of back wardnesse in him , To condescend ; but , that you might not wrong them , Or entertain them with a sleight esteem . Most , little prize good things , till much they cost , Few , know their happinesse , till it be lost . You may perceive , by that , which GOD hath wrought For these afflicted Isles , in their distresse ; By manie things , which he to passe hath brought , When mischiefes were , almost , beyond redresse : By those diliv'rances , which you have had , When to the brink of ruine you were come ; By those escapes , which he for you hath made , From plots , which none but he could save you from ; Yea , see you may by his oft freeing you , When , carelesly , advantages you lose ; And by that mercie , which he sheweth , now , That , he would soone secure you from your Foes , Could you so mind , what doth to you belong , That , mercie might not do his justice wrong . Alas ! he takes no pleasure in your cries , By your afflictions he can reap no good ; Your wound , are not delightfull to his eyes , Nor joyes be in the shedding of your blood . He better likes of Feasts , then Fasting-dayes , If you could use them , to your more availe , Your mournings would not please , like songs of praise , If you had fewer failings to bewaile . He is not such a cruell GOD , as manie , Blasphemouslie , have fained him to be , Delighted in the death , or griefe , of anie ; But , Love , and Joy essentiallie is he : And , gave his Dearest to be crucifi'd . A saving-health for sinners to provide : Of him , if peace you rightlie seek , believe it , He will vouchsafe it , when you shall appeare A people qualified to receive it : And , to expect it sooner , vaine it were . Your pride is not , as yet , enough abated , Your wisdom , is not , yet , enough befooled , Your own deservings , are , yet , over-rated , You , by the rod , are not , yet , throughly schooled . You have some ayerie Castles , yet , in building , Some false dependencies , yet , undestroy'd , Some groundlesse hopes , not to despaire , yet , yeelding , Some lusts , and some vaine pleasures , yet in joy'd : And , manie such obstructions , making , yet , These Kingdoms , for that happinesse , unfit . Your lofty minds , must , first , be stooped lower , Your separations , must draw , somwhat , nigher , Your Formes of godlinesse , must get more power , Your base affections must be lifted higher : Your headstrong wilfulnesse , must more be tamed , Your Anchor , must with deeper hold , be grounded , Your Charity , must farther be inflamed , Your Faith , must on the rock , be better founded . Your selves , must , by your selves , be more deni'd , More care of publike duties must be took ; Your wanton flesh must more be mortifi'd , And , for your sins , your hearts must more be broke , E're these afflicted Isles will repossesse A safe , a reall , and a lasting peace . Delude you not your selves , with guilefull showes ; For , when they promise most , they most deceive . To win , is , manie times , the way to lose : And , Victories , of safety may bereave . Security , may lose you , in a day , What , watchfulnesse was gaining , many years ; And , in a moment , GOD may take away Your greatest strength , when strongest it appears . Were now , your adversaries in your power ; Were not a dog , to barke against you , left , And , Peace confirm'd ; you might , within an houre , Of all that happinesse , be quite bereft . Yea , and it should be lost again , e're long , Vnlesse , on better tearmes , you made it strong . Vpon the justnesse of the Cause , some trust ; But , that , a vain dependence may be found : For , if they , who defend it , be unjust , A righteous Cause , may fall unto the ground . The Jewes did flie before the Canaanites , While but one Achan , in their Camp , remain'd ; They fell before the wicked Benjamites , While , their impenitencie they retain'd . Some think , because the Word of Truth , is here , GODS Ordinances , and his holy-things , That , you a priviledged people are : But , no securitie , at all , this brings : It , rather , calls for vengeance on that place , Which answers not , in fruits , their meanes of grace . The Arke , it selfe , from Israel , was borne , And , they who kept it , slaughtered , for their sin ; Ev'n GODS own House was ra'zd , and made a scorne , And , they inthral'd , who served him therein . GOD , for his Temples sake , spar'd not oppression , Nor , for that Worship which they did professe : But , them he turned out of their possessions , For acting sin , in cloakes of holinesse . Do you suppose , that , GOD , will for the sake Of those few righteous men , that , yet , remaine , The present troubles from these Islands take , And , settle all things here , in peace , again ? How can you such a benefit expect , Till righteous men , you better do affect . If you , by them , such blessings may enjoy , Why are you not , to those , more faithfull friends ? Why seek you to undo , or , to destroy Those men , on whom your weale so much depends ? Though , for their sakes , you reap , at other times , Great benefit ; and often are secur'd , From publike mischiefes ; yet , there have been crimes , For which , this priviledge is not procur'd . Though Noah , Job , and Daniel , interceded At such a season , grace should not be showne : They should not get a pardon , when they pleaded , For anie soules offending , but their own . And , so it may be , for ought yet , you know , With everie unrepentant sinner , now . Some , of you , have a hope , as vain as this , Another way ; for , manie men suppose To be secured , by the wickednesse , And crying sins , of their blasphemous Foes . But , Edom did Jernsalem suppresse , Although the former had transgressed more : The Saints , although their errors may be lesse , Are daily murther'd by the Scarlet-Whore . GODS Magazine , hath punishments enow , To seize on all at once , that him offend ; He Scorpions hath for them , and Rods for you , And , both will scourge , if both do not amend . He , as he lists , can make you whip each other ; Or , spare the one , or , punish both together . Indeed , a Kingdomes laying-wast , hath bin , And , is sometimes , deferred for the sakes Of righteous men , inhabiting therein : But , that , but little for the safety makes , Of Individuall sinners . For , you see , They , by the Sword , are pick'd out everie day , Their habitations daily ruin'd be , And their posterities are swept away . Yea , when , quite round them , all the neighbourhood Stands unimpaired , they are somtime seized , That , others may observe it , for their good , Or , that GODS wrath may , thereby , be appeased : And , otherwhile , the just are taken from A wicked-place , toscape the plagues to come . But , what , or whom , need you suspect , or feare , Though both your Horse & Foot , this day were routed ? Of your own selves , you well-conceited are Of your own courses , nothing is mis-doubted . You have designes , wherein you can confide , Though GOD be verie little in your thought : You , in a blindfold hope , can quiet bide , Though , in due meanes , his aid you have not sought . You seem so knowing , that none must advise ; So righteous , that , you reformation hate ; So holy , that , your brethren you dispise , So powerfull , as if you preserv'd the State : And beare your selves , as if unto these Nations GOD , were oblig'd , by speciall obligations . And , if but with a superficiall look A view of you were taken , on that side Which fairest showes , you might be , then , mistook , For better then you 'l prove , when you are tride . You are now frequent in humiliation , You are profest Reformers of your waies ; You are become the longest-praying Nation , And , holiest-talking people , in these daies , Your simplest tradesmen are grown mighty Preachers , Your souldiers guifted are with double power , Young silliest women are admired teachers , And speak , and pray among you by the houre . The chiefest places in your Common-weale , Supplied are , with men of noted-zeale . The godly party , now preferments gets , ( At least , they who the form thereof put on ) And , when some of them , are prov'd counterfeits , The honest party will be thought upon . To keep the foremost-table of the LAW Inviolate , you care , of late , have took ; And , many think , it showes you stand in awe Of GOD ; and , that you at his honour look . And , peradventure , ( if it hinder not Your lusts or profits ) when you are at leasure , Some Orders or Provisions may be got , To make you carefull , in some better measure , To keep the second-Table : wherein , lies The proofe of your faire-seeming sanctities . You zealously have , likewise , overthrowne The monuments of Popish superstition ; Pull'd Crosses , Images , and Altars down , Even those things that gave but just suspition Of an Idolatrous or fruitlesse use ; As well appeareth , in not lettting passe ( When you demolish'd them , for their abuse ) The guilded Organs , and the painted glasse . You have for ev'rie week a Sabbath , now ; For every moon a Fast ; in private , more : Thanksgiving daies , you likewise do allow , For holy-daies , observed heretofore ; Which , of those feasts , will well supply the room , Vntill you wearie of them shall become . These works are found among you , and of those Some part from upright-heartednesse doth flow , And from those rectified consciences , Which do a reall Reformation show . And , though the works themselves have no deserving In their own nature , or , through imperfections , Concomitant : yet , GOD , in you , observing A will renew'd , and following his direction , According to your power , accepteth so A fraile performance , from a weake intent , That , he as much , by Grace , imputes thereto , As if it perfectly were done , and meant . And ( for a few thus qualifi'd ) GOD hath Deferr'd full prosecution of his wrath . But , so far off , your Reformations , yet , And pious showes , are from deserving ought , Or from a likelihood , that they will fet The peace , for which , you have both pray'd and sought ; That , if more mercies GOD vouchsafe not to you , Then by your Sanctitie deserved are , Your holy-things , would utterly undo you , Though all your other sins remitted were . For , as , before their thrall , the wicked Jewes , Did act a seeming-sanctified part , Approaching near to GOD , in words , and shewes , Yet , kept themselves , far from him , in their heart : So , most of you have done : And , GOD therefore , Your Sabbaths , Fasts , and Praises doth abhorre . To him , your hands you lifted in a VOW ; A serious Covenant , with him , you made , You made it also , not without a show , As if unfained purposes you had To do , as you profest : And , you have seem'd Not only to have rightly understood That League , and highly thereof to have deem'd , But , thereby , likewise you receiv'd much good . Yet , as if , with well-doing , tir'd you were , ( Or , rather , as if you besotted grew ) To tender it , you very little care , Or , thereunto , conformity to shew . A needlesse duty , this , by some , is thought , Or , pressed farther , then of right , it ought . But , if it hath impos'd unduly been , Why were two Realms , so unadvis'd , to make it ? If righteo , us in your eyes , the same still seem , Why is not everie man requir'd to take it ? If , necessarilie , it was injoyn'd , And lawfully , why should you suffer them Both libertie , and favour , too , to finde , Who , therein , shall your Ordinance contemn ? Why , is there not a difference put , 'twixt those Who take it ; and all those who shall refuse it ? And , punishment why do you not impose On them who take it , only , to abuse it ? Since , breach of publike Cov'nants is a sin , Which , alwaies , brings a publike vengeance in . A Cov'nant broke , through with the Gibeonites , ( Who gained it a surreptitious way ) Brought down a Plague upon the Israelites , Which cost , the bloud of Princes , to allay . No branch of this , is anie way unjust , Or inconsistent , in the least degree , With anie dutie , which performe you must As Christians , or , as morall men you be ; Nor is it ( being understood aright ) A barre to anie Christians Libertie , Or , humane Priviledge ; though , at first sight , To some , these , may appeare infring'd thereby : For , by that Covenant , you vow'd no more , Then , what you were obliged to before . It binds you no profession to imbrace Of Doctrine , Manners , or , of Discipline , Ought farther , then conformable it is Vnto the Canon of the Word-divine : You vowed nothing to reject , but what Shall prove , upon due triall , to be found Destructive , or repugnant unto that ; Or , to the Bond , wherewith you should be bound : And , as you are obliged , by the same , To nothing , any way unwarrantable ; So , likewise , you thereby , ingag'd became No further to performe , than you are able : Nor harme , thereby , to any can befall , But , praise to GOD , and safetie unto all . And , yet , this sacred Covenant , and VOW , Which tendeth to the prejudice of none , Which Law-divine , and humane doth allow , Which need constrain'd you to have undergone ; Which was resolv'd on , by two prudent Nations , Which , by the highest Senates , in both Lands , Was made , and took , with due deliberations , And , sign'd with twentie hundred thousand hands . Those Vowes , which you have sealed with your bloud , Those Vowes , which in ten thousand Congregations Attested were ; and which you call'd on GOD To witnesse too : These Vowes , and Protestations , Vow'd so religiously , and so attested , Regarded are , as if you had but jested . Who dream'd to see a VOW , cri'd up like that , Observ'd no better , than conditions made By Boyes , or Girles , at Push-pin , or at Cat ? Who could have thought , that Christians should have had Of conscience , or of credit , so small care , As to forget , nay , so much to despise A Dutie , wherein so concern'd they are ? And , whereupon , Life , State , and Honour lies ? He that your Ordinances doth peruse , With your instructions , and marks what is done ; Can find out nothing , whereby to excuse Your ill pursuit , of what you well begun . Or why , he should , till you reforme your wayes , Much heed , what such a Nation , doth , or sayes . For , both so negligent , and false are you , In what you vow'd : yea , both to GOD , and M●n , So foolishly , so shamelesly untrue , Most have been , since this Covenant began : That ( if you soon repent not ) this one sin Will make a curelesse Breach : yea , this offence Will bring incurable-Destruction in , Without a speedy , and true penitence . Thus , that , which might have much advanc'd your peace ▪ Is like , by your corruption , to procure , In stead of what you hope for , an encrease Of Plagues , and Troubles , longer to endure : Yet , this is not the only meanes of Grace , Which is , by you abused , in this place . Your Provocations are as much , or more , In other sacred things : For , though some few Have better out-sides , now , than heretofore , They are not really , the same they shew . The hewing out of Reformation makes Good chips ; and , for each Carpenter , such Fees , That , whatsoever paines therein he takes , No feare of any outward losse , he sees . In setting up of publike Disciplines , There are Devices , to contrive it so , That men shall thereby act their owne Designes ; And few perceive , what they intend to do : For , underneath a cloke of outward-zeale , More projects are pursu'd , than they reveale . And , otherwhile , GOD bringeth so about His purpose , that , he makes men Instruments To plot it , work it , yea , to fight it out , Against the current of their owne intents . Sometime , the furious zeale of Hypocrites , Or wilfulnesse of Tyrants , by the wages Of Balaam , to his service he invites ; And , them , against his enemies ingages . By these , he Superstition doth deface , Pulls down Idolatrie , and way doth make For them , to build his Church , up , in that place Who seek to do his will , for Conscience-sake . Yea , thus , he more then once or twice hath done , Where famous Reformations were begun . Thus Iehu , in a Fierie zeal , destroy'd Baals Idols , with his Prophets : and , for this , That Crown , which by his Master was enjoy'd , GOD , for a while , entail'd on him , and his . Thus likewise , in this Kingdom , your eighth Harrie Made way for that which he intended not : And , then , from manie a wealthy Monasterie Both Lands and goods , for his reward he got . Yea , manie others furthered that work Beneath whose outside zeale , much avarice , Much pride , with much hypocrisie , did lurk , And , manie another secret lust , and vice . For which , now draweth near , the fatall day , Of rooting them , and all their seed away . Yet , their example makes not These times free From those corruptions : for , much dawbing , still , With an untemper'd mortar , you may see ; And , with pretence of good , much doing-ill . Much show of Reformation , here , is made In civill-matters ; ev'n by them , that steale , And suck the nourishment it should have had , From this distrest , and sickly Common-weale . Yea , where it is expected , that extortion Should most be punished ; there , now , are fees Exacted , in the most extreme proportion : And , He , that everie secret action sees , Will , shortly , find out some among them , too , With whom , a Bribe , can more then conscience do . Yet , such as these ( when they are in the Chaire Of Judgment , Equitie , Examination , Or set in some Committee ) offer faire , In zealous language , toward Reformation ; These look big on offenders ; threaten vice , And make some honest men , who come before them , To take them for the birds of Paradise ; And ready , for their Virtues to adore them . They grow familiar with your ablest Preachers ; They hear them often ( in appearance gladly ) They thanke them , praise them , as most powerfull Teachers : They can bewaile the Times ; look verie sadly , And seeme to be exceedingly affeard , When they the threatnings of the WORD have heard . Yet , when all this is done , they passe away , Through all these threatnings , and through all their fears , To prosecute their lusts , the selfe-same day , In which GODS wrath was thundered in their ears . Yea , thus they do , when vengeance on the Road Is marching towards them , and in their view ; Thus brazen-fac'd , thus fearelesse of their GOD , And thus irrationall , themselves they shew . Their fasts and praises are but complements , With GOD and men , to furnish out their scoene , Or , serve to cover-over their intents : But , little to that purpose they should meane . What e're the Preacher or the Propher saies , Resolv'd they are , to follow their own waies . The Times , which you have either for confessions Of sins , or publike mercies , set apart , Are solemnized with such dull expressions , As if they were perform'd without a heart . And , though your Fastings , as Kings Ahabs , had Some recompence obtain'd in outward things , In lieu of Outward-showes , that you have made ; Yet , little reall fruit that dutle brings . You fast not from Oppression , Fraud , and Strife , Nor from your Avarice , and base-designes ; You fast not , from a wicked course of life , Nor from those lusts , whereto your flesh inclines : Your heads , you , in the morning , humbly bow : And , look , e're night , with an imperious-brow ▪ GOD cares not for your solemne Fasting-day , Except you come before him , more prepar'd : You meet , and grant the Preacher leave to say What he shall please ; but , give it no regard . Once , in a Moone , what is it , to repaire Vnto the Church ; and , there , sit out a meale ? Sleep out , perhaps , a Sermon , or a Prai'r ; And , then come home , and fill your bellies well ? Or , what availeth it , to sigh , and groane , And , make a crabbed face , an houre or two ; Or , whine out words , in some affected tone ; Or , yawne out Lamentations , as some do ? What will all this availe , if you depart With an unsanctifi'd dissembling heart ? When , on the set Humiliation-dayes , Your well-affected Brethren fast , and mourn ; When ev'ry Congregation weeps , and prayes , That , GOD , in mercie , might , to them , return : Some ( as if in despight of that Decree , And , in contempt of GOD ) dance , feast , and sing ; Or , drinking healths , to their confusion , be , Who , for the Publike-Weale , Peace-Offrings bring . And , many , who would seem to sacrifice A contrite-spirit , and a broken-heart , Come , loaded with so many vanities , That , back , unto their dwellings , they depart , Not onely , lesse accepted then before ; But , more despised , and polluted more . It is not to be thought , GOD doth regard A Formall-habit , so you do appear With hearts reform'd , and with a soule prepar'd , His holy-Word obediently to hear . Yet , know , that he expects , when you professe A sorrow for your sins , you should put on That outward , and that inward humblenesse , By which , the dutie may be truly done . He doth expect , that , when you near shall draw Vnto his Throne , you should approach thereto With so much reverence , and filiall awe , That , to the same , you no dishonour do ; Nor , make prophane Beholders , to contemne His Worship , by your meane esteem of him . For , some would scarce believe , you serv'd a GOD , Who hath a power to punish , or to save ; Or , be perswaded , that you fear'd his rod , Or , that you need of his compassion have ; If they observ'd , how cloath'd to him you come , Or , heeded your behaviours , in his sight , Or , saw you , after you returned home , And , what your conversations were , that night . For , many , of you , habited appeare Like those , which to the Revells are invited ; And , not , as if you men of sorrow were , Or , with GOD's anger , or your sins , affrighted ; But trim'd with toyes , which , at that time , and place , Shewes , either want of wit , or , want of grace . And , when you should appear , with looks compos'd . According to the service you pretend , Your thoughts , by your deportment , seem dispos'd . As if imployed to some other end . Your voice is more imperious , and more loud , Then , well befits a Fast : you laugh , and grin , And , often , have those looks , and gestures , show'd , Which fitter for a Theater have been , Then for a Temple , in a day of Fasting : Which , if GOD should , severely , look upon , Your dayes of mourning , would be everlasting ; And , your afflictions never would be done : For , he would see ( not without Indignation ) You come , but , with a fain'd Humiliation . And , then , among those errours , and presumings , Which make your holy-things abhominable , ( And , which you must repent ) are your assumings Vnto your selves , what you are never able , Nor , warranted to practise . For , the Pride , Which hath begot this Boldnesse , doth bring on Those dreamings , and o're-weenings , which divide , Distract , and trouble you , as they have done . You , missing his true meaning , who hath said , You should be Priests , and Prophets to the LORD , From Truth , and Decencie , have lately strai'd ; And , made your Pray'rs , and Preaching , so abhorr'd , That in the stead of what you have expected , Increase of Plagues , and Discords , is effected . And , some of you , this Ignorance hath brought To such presumption , that you vilifie That PRAYER , which by CHRIST himselfe was taught , And , turn'd Devotion into Blasphemie ; You , have not only offered strange-fire , But , also , things uncleane : for , you present Your Lusts unto Him ; and , those things require , Which , make Him with your offrings discontent . When , therefore , you present the Sacrifice Of Prayer , know , that as you are not bounded To Verball-Formes ; so , you should not despise The Rule , whereon that dutie should be grounded ; Lest that , which might of Blisse , a meanes have bin , A meanes become , of letting Curses in . Of GOD , they seeme not prudently conceited , Who think , that those Petitions he despiseth , Which his owne Spirit hath , for us , indited ; And only likes of those , which man deviseth : Or , that , he will impute it as a Vice , If in those wants , which formerly you had , You shall present him one Petition twice , Or , oftner , though with true devotion made : Or , that , at all times , all men , should repaire Vnto his Trone , with suits extemporarie , Because , those few that have the gift of Pray'r , Can , quickly , to fit words , their meanings marrie ▪ For , this is but a novell-imposition , Arising out of Pride , and Superstition . ( As of Virginitie , long since was said ) Let them to whom GOD gives the same receive it . But , let it not on any man be laid , To whom it hath not pleased him to give it . To speak in publike , Moses was lesse able Than Aaron ; and , yet , GOD did him endow With kowledge , and with gifts more honourable ; And , from his Holy-Spirit they did flow . The wisest heart , hath not the nimblest tongue : Nor is it , still , the Spirits inspiration , Whereby , so many preach , and pray so long : But , Memorie , upon premeditation , And , that , makes oft a fairer shew , in words , Than Grace , with gifts more sanctifi'd , affords . And , by this help of Nature , carnall men , Not only gain esteeme beyond their merit ; And , Player-like , act parts , which , now and then Are , falsly , thought out-flowings of the Spirit : But , by this qualitie , have , also , brought Contempt on better men : and , oft , thereby , Into their simple hearers hearts , have wrought , In stead of Truth , bewitching heresie . Yet , this their Tongue-craft , now , hath such esteeme , That he , who to himselfe , assumeth not This gift , doth scarce to them a Christian seeme : And , therefore , many , now , the same have got , Who care not , though these offrings of the tongue Be wholly Non-sense , so they may be long . GOD values your Devotions , by their strength Of Faith ; and by your pious inclination ; And , not by that tautologie , or length , Which hath , of late , begun to be in fashion . It was a Pharisaicall-Tradition , Arising partly from hypocrisie , And , partly , from a Jewish superstition , Which fool'd their Feminine simplicitie , As it doth ours . And , therefore , though he seeme Almost a Reprobate , who dares reprove That custome , ( which those men do most esteeme , Who , with their owne conceptions , are in love ) Yet , many of them , as your Saviour said , Have only prated , when they thought they pray'd . Let , then , your Praying , and your Preaching , too , Be such , as may True-Pietie advance : And , not the work of your Destroyer , do , By pleasing Self-conceit , and Ignorance , In giving leave to ev'rie giddie braine , To preach what ever Fancie shall invent ; And , heaps of those false-Teachers entertaine , Who bring you Tidings , which were never sent . A mysterie , I will to you unfold , Whereof , if you take heedfull observation , A glimmering-light , you shall , thereby , behold , To help promote both Peace , and Reformation ; And , give some hint , whereby you may provide , Against those Errours , which do much divide . There were two SIMONS , in the primitive , And purer times , who typified that Which doth concerne you : For , you do derive Your Evill-being , and your Good-estate , From what they signifie . The Name imports In English , HEARING ; and , these did fore-show , That , in the Church , from Hearers of two sorts , Great Schismes , and much Heresie would flow . From SIMON-PETER , which is in your tongue , Hearing-the-Rock , the Faithfull-Hearers came : From SIMON-MAGVS , all those Hearers sprung , Which were seduc'd , according to his Name : For , by Interpretation , 't is as much With you , as if yee said , Hearing-the-Witch . As Simon-Peter , and the Sorcerer , Long since contended , whether of the two , Should get possession of the Peoples eare , Ev'n so those hearings , at this present , do . As Simon-Magus , untill Peter spoke , Had so bewitch'd the common-people , then , That , for the POW'R of GOD , they him mistook ; So , Formall-hearing , now , bewitcheth men . So , it is idoliz'd : and , some have thought , When , formally , that Dutie they had paid , The Holy-Ghost might for the same be bought : But , as then , Peter of the money said , Their Hearing with them perish , who suppose , That , GOD his Graces , for such wares bestowes , You , of this itching , this bewitching Hearing , Have had Experiments : and , at this day , There are such bitter fruits therof appearing , That , you had need be watchfull : and , to pray , That , GOD would please , to sanct●fie the eare , And , circumcise your hearts , that you may know , When , you the Witch , and when you Peter heare , That , you , in Grace , may edified grow . And , that this Information make you not Respectlesse of that Hearing , or that Preaching , Whereby , that Saving , knowledge may be got , Which no man hath , but by the Spirits teaching : And , that , you so may Heare , that GOD may blesse Hearing , with Faith , & Faith with Truth-full-Peace . Take heed unto your Prayers , that they reach not Their length , that Widowes-houses do devoure ; Take heed unto your Preachings , that , you preach not The Spirit weak ; and raise a fleshly-power . Take heed in Giving thanks , you do not say , In heart , when GOD hath victories bestowne ; That , of your Foes , his hand did thousands slay , And , that , there fell ten thousands by your owne . Vnto your Fasts , and your Humiliations , Take , likewise , heed , lest by your negligences , Those Duties may be greater aggravations Of your , but , seeming-sorrow'd-for-Offences . And , take heed , lest hypocrisie may breed Obstructions in you , of due Taking-heed . If truly you desire a happie-Peace , Repent your false Repentance ; and , in haste , Your suits , with true sinceritie addresse , Before the Day of mercie shall be past . Reforme your Publike Fasts ; and let them show , Ev'n in the Out-ward-man , so truly sad , That , others may your inward-sorrow know , And , by the same , so sensible be made , Of what you feele ; that it may make them find A change in their owne hearts ; and , by that change , Become to pious dutie so inclin'd , That , them from Vanitie , it may estrange ; And , ev'rie day , one , thus , draw on another To Penitence , till all repent together . To make this dutie further to extend , ( And , grow more generall ) you shall do well , Vnto your Adversaries to commend , ( And unto those , who in your quarters dwell ) This motion : That ( since both of you professe One GOD ) you might assemble on one day , To meet before his Presence , to confesse Your wickednesse , wide open , there , to lay Your Causes ; And , for judgement , to referre Your selves to him . For , such an introduction , A meanes to draw you somwhat nearer were , And , to remove , it may be , some obstruction Which hinders Peace ; or , els , to bring that , on , By which , your work , the sooner may be done . If , they that have the better Cause , think fit ( With some such meek and pious invitations As they might frame ) for this end , to admit That day , whereon their Foes humiliations Pretended are ; it either shall allure Your Adversaries to that Penitence , Which will a speedy amity procure : Or , aggravate , so greatly their offence , That GOD shall quite reject them , as if they Refused your Appeal ; or , to abide His Doome : and did intend some other way , Or , by some other Censor , to be tri'd : And , what event will thereupon ensue , It were a needlesse matter to fore-shew . When all are thus assembled , on one day , Or els , of all , so many as GOD's grace Shall make , therewith , content : ( For , though it may To you , be somwhat , yet nor Time , nor Place , Are , in respect of Him , considerable ) Yea , when you in his presence shall appeare To this effect ( as he shall you inable ) Fall down before him , with all meeknesse , there . Together then ; with seriousnesse , begin The Fast anew . In true humiliations , Let all bewaile their errours , and their sin , Till , in their mournings , and their Lamentations , The famous mourning , equallize they shall Of Hadadrimmon in Megiddo Vale. Let , joyntly , People , State , and King , unite In penitence , as they in sinne have done . Themselves , let them , for all their sinnes , indite . ( Their new and ancient sins ) before GOD's Throne . And , forasmuch , as in this later-Age , And , in this place , he seemeth , as it were , To bring all things , again , upon the stage , Which , heretofore , in action , did appeare : ( Yea , since they , who will heed it , may behold All that concernes th' Estates , or conversation Of Saints , or sinners , in GOD's Word fore-told , Epitomized in this Generation ) Let not his warnings , both by Word , and Deed , Be frustrated , through want of taking-heed . Remember to be waile your Gentilismes , Your Babylonish-whoredomes , heretofore , Your ancient-heresies , and moderne-Schismes , That , GOD , for these , may judge these Isles no more . Observe , and well observe it ; that , because : You govern'd lesse by Law , then by your will ; That , GOD , almost , depriv'd you of those Lawes : And , that , because ( your projects to fulfill , Or , to promote your carnall-Policies ) Morality , and Piety , by you , Were made but stales : the worlds old-Heresies , And Heath'nish-manners , are sprung up anew , To interrupt , and marre the publike-Peace , For your dissembling , and unthankfulnesse . Remember , that , like Israel , you have spar'd The Canaanites , that should have been destroi'd : That , like rebellious Saul , you had regard To Agag , and forbidden spolles enjoi'd . Remember , how you stagger'd off , and on , Betwixt the LORD , and Baal , in ancient-time , And , how farre , you , in later yeares , have gone To repollute these Islands , by that crime . Remember , that , like Judah , you have made . Confed'racies , with such as are GOD's Foes ; Though warnings , counsells , and commands you had To shun their friendships , who the Truth oppose : And , mindfull be , how you on them reli'd , Whom Egypt , and whom Asbur , typifi'd . Remember , that , you have , like Solomon , ( Though you had his example to beware ) Been carelesse , those Alliances to shun , Which , both pernitious , and forbidden were . For , all this Empire , guiltinesse contracted , As well , by heeding not , to have prevented What , by your Kings , and Peeres of State , was acted , As , in not having , yet , this sin repented . Repent , that , as in Judah , by her Kings , You have , by halves , reform'd Religion too : Call , therewithall , to mind , what fruit it brings , The work of GOD , with negligence , to do . And , humbled be , for ev'ry other sin , Whereof these Isles have , jointly , guilty bin . Let those three Parties , which have made , this day , These Islands wretched , by their great Transgressions , And , chas'd their Glory , and their Peace , away , Make , jointly , and asunder , their confessions : For , all have much offended , ev'n the best Are guiltie of enough , to have destroi'd The temporall well-being they possest , And , all their hopes of what may be enjoi'd . Let luke-warme Newters , those poore-spirited , Degenerated Britains , without heart , ( Who , as ignobly , have demerited , As those , who persecute the guiltlesse part ) Repent , and change their temper , out of hand , Lest they be justly spu'd out of the land . Let them , that are supposed best affected , And , who , the best approved Cause befriended , Examine , how their duties are neglected , How false they are , in what they have pretended ; How faintly they the publike-Guard began ; By what ill meanes , they their Good-Cause pursu'd ; How little trust in GOD , how much in Man , ( And in an outward aid ) hath oft , been shew'd ; How heedl●sse , of their Covenant , they grow ; How many of them sleight the Vow they took ; How they inlarge , how they contract it , now ; How wilfully , how frequently , 't is broke ; And , how the publike sorrow they prolong , By doing Pi●●● , and Iustice wrong . Let your Malignant-partie ( or , of them , So many as are , yet , not gone so farre , That they all timely warnings must contemne ) Remember , of what crimes they guilty are . Let them consider that to have their will , Or , that ambitious humours they may feed , Or , that some other lust they may fulfill , How , they have made their Countrey smart and bleeed . Let them consider , that they have pursu'd Their tyrannies , in these unhappie wars , As if they meant a pattern to have shew'd , Of Rehoboam , and his Councellers ; Or , how King Ahabs party went to fight At Ramoth-Gilead , as in GODS despight . Let ENGLAND mourn apart , for all those crimes , Which do poilute her at this present day ; And , those committed in preceding times , That GOD may take his heavie hand away . Her ficklenesse , in faith , and in attire ; Her great abuse of plenties , by excesse ; Her persecutions , both by sword and fire , Of those who did the holy faith professe . Her wantonnizing with the meanes of Grace , Her thanklesnesse for that long Peace she had , Her sleighting it when she forewarned was Of that great breach , which GOD on her hath made . Yea , all her other sinnes let her lament : Let her , all Nationall-defaults repent . Let SCOTLAND mourn apart , and search , wherfore Her sinnes upon her face , and on her back , GOD , at this present , doth so deeply score , Now , when she doth of sin most conscience make . Let her examine , if she hath no End To seize on some advantage , for her owne ; While , her distressed Sister to defend , She , piously , a readinesse hath shown . If she be guilty , of so base a thought , Let her repent it , e're GOD search it out : If she be cleare , Truth shall to light be brought ; And , they who of her faithfulnesse , now , doubt , Shall praise her Children ; if they have a care , Their lying , and their bragging to forbeare . Let IRELAND mourn apart ; and , not , alone , For her late Trecheries , and for the guilt Which her inhumane Natives brought upon Their heads , for bloud of Innocents new-spilt ; But , also , for the sinnes of all those Nations , Within her borders , who , for their oppressions Were cast out of their ancient-habitations ; And , lately , driven from their now-possessions . Let her , that brutish Ignorance lament , Where with , she , many ages , was polluted ; That Heath'nish-Christianity repent , Which , her blind Children , piety reputed ; And , her Rebellions , and Idolatry , Let her bewaile , with true humility . Let her observe , what her Transgressions be ; That She , unto the praise of GOD , may say ; In all his judgements truly just is he , And , that , with Mercies , he did them allay . For , if a strict inquirie he had made , For all the Bloud , th' Oppression , and the Guile , Of which , he , Information might have had , There had not one been living in that I le . Both Scot , and English , verie studious were , To plant themselves upon her fruitfull plaines ; But , how , Religion might be planted there , They tooke but verie little care , or paines . To save the Soule , not many were employ'd , And , therefore , many Bodies , were destroy'd . Had her late Planters , as industrious bin , Her Natives , with Religion to enrich , As how to make themselves great men , therein , ( Or , if their care had been but halfe so much ) Some hundred thousands had , this day , possest Their lives , and livelihoods ; who , at their cost , For times to come , Examples have increast Of goodly-hopes , through want of Prudence , lost . And , therefore , let them learne , who yet survive , Not to neglect CHRISTS Kingdome ; if they would , Their Kingdome , or their Heritage should thrive ; Or , that , their Hopes , or Labours prosper should . Yea , if they seek on Earth a firme possession , Let them not build their houses by oppression . For , not a few of her Inhabitants , Both out of England , and from Scotland came , Meane in esteeme ; opprest with many wants ; And , many of them , many wayes to blame ; Some , with projections , nor discreet , nor just ; Some , to defraud their Creditours , and Friends , Of their estates ; some , to enjoy their lust , And , other some , for other such like ends , Came over to that Kingdome , nor much knowne , Nor much regarded ; who , in little space , Were not alone exceeding wealthy growne , But , made both Earles , and Barons of the Place : And , they , who suddenly , aloft did clime , Were pulled to the ground in shorter time , They , whose ●bundance , over-night was more , Then they could value ; e're the following day Disclos'd it selfe , were made exceeding poore ; And , glad from all their wealth , to run away : Scarce leasure had they ( lest they lost their lives , With their estates ) to take , of all they had , Enough , wherewith their children , and their wives , Might clothed be , when their escapes they made . The losse , the frights , the blond-shed , and the cries , Felt , suffered , seen , and heard , in those black-nights , Present O Ireland , still , before thine eyes : Stil , I let thy children keep them in their sights . That Visitation , let them so bewaile , Especially , the sins that caused it , That , they , nor their posterity , may faile To mind the same ; and , let them not forget To mourn apart , for that sad desolation , Nor to be thankfull , for their Preservation . Let every Corporation , Town , and City , Within these Islands also mourn apart ; That , their Inhabitants may find more pity , Then may be challenged , by due desert . Some , of them , have the benefit enjoy'd Of GODS protections , both from fire , and sword : Some of them , have been touch'd , but not destroy'd , For which , what can they lesse then thanks afford ? Let them acknowledge his preventing-Graces , Who , yet are safe ; and , that , GOD pleas'd hath bi● To keep Dstroyers from their dwelling places , So oft , so much polluted , by their sin : And , let all those whom he began to smite , Be thankfull , that , they were not ruin'd quite . For , great are those oppressions , which , of late , Have cri'd for vengeanch , on some Governours , Of Mysteries , and Townes-incorporat● , Who have abused both their Trust and Powers . Those Priviledges , which to them were deign'd , With chiefe respect unto the Common-good , Are oft insisted on ( yea , and maintain'd ) As if their Granter should be understood , To meane some favours to particular Places , With damage to the Publike ; which , makes void His CHARTERS , ipso facto : For , such Graces Are by their owne excessivenesse destroi'd , If Reason may be Judge ; which , heretofore , The greatest sway , in humane Actions , bore . Yet , you have Cities , Townes , and Mysteries , Which do not only , by such Grants , as these , Oppresse the Publike , without Remedies ; And , injure Strangers , by their Franchises : But , also by mis-usage of their Grants , And , by their Pow'r do many times oppresse The poorest of their owne Inhabitants ; Enslaving them , by wrongs , without redresse . For , of those profits , which conferred were ( As well their needy members to sustaine , As , decently , that port and charge to beare , Which , to those Corporations do pertaine ) Most part is swallowed , by a private purse ; Or , spent in Feastings , which is somewhat worse . And , when so bad a Corporation growes , As to oppresse a Stranger , or their owne , He , that their tyranny then , undergoes , Is irrecoverably overthrowne , For , to a Body-politike belongs No Soule : And , if no Soule , what Conscience , then ? And , if no Conscience , how can it , of wrongs Be sensible ? when it had wronged men ? It doth consist of many , and can raise The larger Bribe ; the sooner find a friend ; Or , search out , by what persons , or what wayes , It may ( him whom it profecures ) offend : And , which is worst ( when other enemies ; Time , slaies ; ) This , is a Foe that never dies . Let , therefore , all your Bodies-Politike Lament their sins apart , lest GOD destroy Those Priviledges , which , without desert , And , to the wrong of others , they enjoy . Among the rest , let ev'rie Academ , Lament apart , till they , are purged from Their great corruptions , lest , from out of them , Your bane , as from a poison'd Fountaine come : For , their pollutions one maine cause have bin , Of all your present mischiefest yea , from thence Proceeded not alone much of that sin , Which hath defil'd these Isles ; But , that offence , And , those divisions , also , which of late , Have almost ruined both Church , and State . For , there , through want of prudent Government ; Good principles , and pious education , Your youth , which were , for knowledge ; thither sent , Lost civill manners , wit , and reputation . Thence was it , that your Clergie-men became Such Roarers , and such Tosse-pots , as they were . Their Life , and Doctrine , growne so much to blame , Was first corrupted , and perverted there . There , they were taught to fawne , and flatter , well , For their preferment ; and , how to become Fit Priests for Ahab , Baal , and … abel . Or , Pimps , and Panders , for the Whore of Rom●s GOD grant , that for their sins , they so may mourne , That , they to GOD ; and , GOD , to them may turne . Let your Assembly of Divines , ●●part , Repent and mourne ; themselves , examining , What aimes , what hopes , what purposes , what heart , And , what desires , they to their meetings , bring . Let them consider , whether , none advances Traditions of their owne , to be received , And to be practis'd , as Gods Ordinances ; Which are ; in truth , not such to be believed . Let them examine , whether they do carrie A due respect to Christian-Liberty , If they inforce those things , as necessary , Of which there is no true necessity ; And , whether , they have not removed hence , What , might have edifi'd , without offence . Let it be heeded whether they have care , As CHRIST himselfe , and , his Apostles had , What things the people , and the times , can beare , E're they impose them ; lest ; they make them mad , Instead of right reforming : Let them trie , Their spirits well , and search , if there be none Who dare pretend divine Authority For that , which GOD commands , not to be done . Let search be made , if any Discipline Hath been projected , for a private end , Or , to advance a politike Designe , Which needlesly , weak Christians might offend ; Or , which may causlesse jealousies increase , Inlarge your troubles , or deferre your Peace . Let all their Brethren of the Clergie , too , In every Faction , seriously repent , And mourn apart ; This , let them chiesly do , Who look'd one way , while they another went . Let them consider , whether they pretend not Great diligence , and zeale , to bring to passe That just , and pious work , which they intend not So much , as that , which therewith cover'd was ; Let them examine , also , if the while They cozen others , others will not seek , With falshoods , their Deceivers to beguile , And , to requite their practice , with the like , Till all these Kingdoms , and these Churches , rue The pathes and vanities , which they pursne . For , as they had designes upon the State . Their aimes to further ; so have others had Designes on them , whereby they have , of late , To wicked purposes , advantage made . Some , to the Presbyterian-side adhere , Some to your Independents : But , with those , Who , busiest , in partaking , do appeare , Another Faction , secretly , doth close , Which parts it selfe among them , and , thereby , Spies out the strength , and weaknesses of either ; Foments their quarrellings , and , doth comply , As friend to one side , yet , is true to neither ; But , covertly , by means of those two Factions , Increaseth publike dangers , and distractions . These , by this craft , have made the zeale of those , On either side , whose purposes are good , The Kingdomes peace , unheeded , to oppose , With such , as , openly , the same withstood . So that , if Envie , Avarice , and Pride , Whence sprung that Aconite , that Clergic-bane , Which hath your Clergie , lately , giddifi'd , Shall not , by penitence , away be tane , Your quarrells will perpetuated be ; And , neither Church , nor State , nor Corporation , Nor Families , be from divisions free . Now , therefore , in a true humiliation , Let ev'ry one of them , prepare his heart , For his transgressions , to lament apart . Your Militarie-Men , apart , must mourne , Aswell as these . And , therefore , that , they may , With true compunction , from their wayes returne ; Let them , to heart , their many failings lay . Let your Commanders mourne , for all those harmes , Which have been suffred , under their Commands , By their neglecting of that Law of Armes , Whereon , the honour of a Souldier stands . Let them bewaile the plunders , rapes , and murthers , The Breaches of Lawes-morall , and Divine , The violences , riots , and disorders Commited tho of Di c And , for their Avarice , and their Ambition , Whereby , they do prolong your sad condition . Let them not thinke , that none so worthie are To be advis'd withall , ( or of esteeme ) For Souldiery , as they that boast , and sweare , Or arrogate to be , what they , but seem . Let them not think , they better may confide In Officers , who have not so much braine To keep their legs from slaggering aside , Then in a Souldier of a sober-straine . Or , that this War had e're the worse went on , Had all been countenanc'd in their Command , Who , for the worke-sake , ventur'd thereupon ; And did , aswell as others , understand The moderne-Discipline , and , therewith , too , Knew what the Greeks , and Romans use to do . Let them repent their treacherous complying With your professed foes ; their favour-showing To men suspected ; and their grace-denying , Where be●ter trust , and more respect was owing . Let them be sorrie , that the faithfulnesse , Or , at the least , the prudence , which they wanted , Made publike charge , and dangers to increase By Passes , and Protections , lightly granted . And , let their hearts of adamant , and steel , Be prick'd with such remorse , and penitence , That , in themselves , a loathing they may feel Of their inhumane spoiles , and insolence Committed in that Countrey , which hath bred them ; And , on their friends , who payed , arm'd , & fed them . Moreover , let the Gentrie of the land Bewaile their many vanities , apart ; The duties of their calling understand , And lay their many failings more to heart . For , most have liv'd , as if to idlenesse , And to debaucherie they had been borne , And large estates , for nothing , did possesse , But , for supplies of lust , to serve their turn . A die , a cocke , a hound , hawke , horse , or whore , Were chiefest objects of their contemplation : Their sinnes alone , are , though you had no more , Enough to bring a Land to desolation : And , they have been chiefe cause , and instruments Of all these Plagues , for which this Realme laments . But , much will want of perfecting a peace , Vntill your Men of Law perswaded be To mourn apart . For , they will re-increase Your quarrells , else , assoon as you agree . By their formalities , and slow proceeding , Your remedie , for injuries is made A mischiefe , the disease , oft times , exceeding : And , if some eye , unto them , be not had , So many places in your Parliament They will supply , and fill so many Chaires In your Committees ; that , much derriment Vnto the Subject ; and some close impaires Of publike freedomes , ( e're you be aware ) Which slip upon you , if you have not care . They have , already , made the common way Of Trialls , very greatly , to inlarge Your troubles , by impertinent delay , And circumstances , to the suiters charge . So strong a party they have alwaies had , That your Great-Charter , which doth interdict Delay of Justice , was , in that point , made ( E're since the grant ) a Law without effect . But when their Courts , and practises have reach'd Oppressions height ; They , as the Clergie were , Shall downe , into another Orb , be fetch'd , And taught to keep a constant motion there . This Work , upon some Courts , hath been begun ; Another time , it shall be fully done . Let ev'rie Oiconomick-Government , And ev'rie single person , through the Nation , In ev'rie Family , apart lament , And take his wayes into examination . For , all Estates and Common-weals , that be , Consist of these : And , whensoe're you shall Those Pettie-Governments reformed see , You , then , are in the way , of mending all . If ev'rie Houshold-Prince , and Officer , Within his Jurisdiction , would but please , To make compleat a Reformation , there , The Work-desired , should be done with ease . Let each one , therefore , take the same in hand , In all relations , wherein he may stand . Let ev'rie Master , prudently direct ; And , ev'rie Servant , faithfully obey : Let ev'rie Husband , husband-like affect , And , ev'rie Wife , a wife-like love repay . Let Parents , parent-like , their hearts enlarge , Their filiall duties , let the Children do ; Let , singly , all of these their parts discharge , Both to the Family , and Strangers , too . Yea , let each person , individually , Now , take himselfe , apart , and , all alone , His heart examine , what Impietie , By him , hath been occasioned , or done , Whereby your Peace was broke ; and , then assay , To help renew it , by what means he may . But , chiefly , let the Royall-Family Admit this Discipline , that others may Receive encouragement , and light , thereby , To find a Penitentiarie-way . Oh I let the King , if ever he expect , To see the Citie of his Throne , in peace , Go mourne apa●● ; and , let his thoughts reflect Vpon his folly , and unrighteousnesse . Let him like David ; ( and not Ahab-like ) Take meekly those reproofs , that GOD shall send , And , let them on his heart so kindly strike , That , he enraged grow not , but amend . With that great Patterne , of true Penitence . When he , like sheep , beholds his people slaine ; Let him not look , too much , on their offence , But , rather , let him of his own complaine , That , they may do the like ; and , GOD perceiving True penitence , quit both , by free forgiving . Let not the Jezabel of Rome delude him , With her black witch-crafts , and her fornications , The cup of her delusions ; if in vaine His warnings prove , the deepest he shall sink , Into that Lake , whence none can rise againe . Because , he hath not only had a sight ( Beyond them all ) of her seducing waies ; But , also , hath acknowledged that Light , And , wilfully , himselfe to her betraies : Yea , and to make his sin , and shame the more , Betraies the bloud of others , to the Whore . Yet , that he may have all the meanes to fetch him Back from perdition ( if he be not gone So far , by wilfulnesse , that none can reach him ) Let him be personally call'd upon , To look unto his waies . And , since you know , His Flatterers , present him their false glasse , Himselfe , thereby , unto himself , to show , And make him seeme the man he never was ; Help thou to undeceive him ; lest he may , With his three earthly Kingdomes ( now halfe lost ) Fool desp'rately , a heav'nly Crown away And , think , he shall redeem it , at the cost Of trimming up the Western end of PAVLS , By Fines , extracted from afflicted Soules . First , bid him call to mind ( with mourning for them ) The sins which did his Fathers-house pollute ; And , in his heart , so seriously , abhor , them , That , it may bring forth penitentiall fruit . The bloud of War that hath in Peace been shed ; The manifold uncleannesses therein ; The superstitions , thereby , cherished ; Offences known , and those that hid have bin : The prosecution of the royall-bloud In Arabella ; ( guilty of no crime , Except it were offensive , to be good , And , to have had her being , in his time . ) . The matchlesse prophanation of a Day For Gowries death : his many great oppressions ; The fooling of the Kingdomes wealth away , And Subjects lives , by cheating Expeditions : With whatsoe're offences , of this kind , He shall , upon a strict enquirie , find . Wish him , with like affections , to recall The slips of his own Reigne , and of his life ; The mischiefs , which to Him , and you , befall , In hunting for a superstitious Wife : His making of Nobility a scorne , By dignifying men of base-condition ; By choosing Counsellours , to serve his turne , In setling things , unworthy his fruition . By suffring of his royall Proclamations To be abused to injurious ends ; By making showes of verball Reformations , For publike good , when rapine he intends . By faining fears , when cause of feare , none give him ; And , by protesting , untill few believe him . Let Him consider , that , all those , for whom Against two Kingdome , he , in Armes , appears , And , whose Protector He is now become , Are men , whom nothing , but their sin , endears . Let Him consider , what a sea of bloud , In his three Kingdomes , hath , of late , been spilt , For those , who share among them all his good , And , make him culpable of all their guilt . Let him consider , that , what , now , he strives , And fights for , is , but , power to be undone ; Or , that he may , by his Prerogatives , Without controule , unto the Devill run : For , unto him , that power , or that supply Which may be for his good , none shall deny . Let him remember , what the German-horse Should have been sent for : Let him call to minde Distressed Rochel : And , that , which will worse Afflict him , when his feeling he shall finde , Poore gasping Ireland ; whose wide-gaping wound Calls out for vengeance , and , his honour taints With deep-di'd staines . His flat'rers feigne a sound From Straffords bloud ; and other such black-Saints ; But , that Illusion will not keep him long From hearing Ireland : For , two Kingdomes more Have sent in bloud , to make a triple-Song ; Which , will , so dreadfully , so loudly roare , That , he shall heare ( unlesse repent he do ) Ere long ; and heare it , with a vengeance , too . Let him repent , his having , long , attempted His loving-people , to inslave , and grieve : For , he from vengeance will not be exempted , By pleading an usurp'd Prerogative . Let him repent , the cov'ring his intents With Protestations , and religious showes : Since , these are made such thred-bare complements , That , ev'ry one , almost , their meaning knowes : Nor let him longer foole himselfe , to think , The World perceives not , what his projects be : For , he is blinde , or , wilfully , doth wink , Who cannot , at a hundred loop-holes see , That , many yeares , before this war begun , He purposed the course , he , now , doth run ▪ Then , that he may , without despairing , heare , Let him , with penitence , before it comes , To all those wholsome Counsels lend an eare , Which , timely , may prevent ensuing doomes . To mollifie his heart , let him present Before his understanding , and his eye , How spoiled , and how miserably rent His three late-happy-Kingdomes , now , do lie . Let him give eare unto those just complaints Which his distressed Subjects have prefer'd ; Let him regard the suffrings of the Saints ; Let living-moanes , or , dying-groanes , be heard : The Widdowes prayer , and , the Orphans cries , Lest , GOD , to hear him , in distresse , denies . Let him remember , that , they , who complain , And , of whose Townes , he , now , doth ashes make , Are those , who , for his safe return from Spaine , Made joyfull-Feasts , and Bonfires , for his sake . Let him consider , that , these are the Nations , ( Ev'n these , whom , now , he tramples under-feet , ) Who him received with glad acclamations , And him did , oft with love-expressions , meet . Let him consider , that , they , who enjoy His presence , now , are those that prey upon him ; Ev'n some of those , who lab'red to destroy His Fathers house ; and , those that have undone him , Both in his reputation , and , estate ; And , merit not his favour , but his hate . Let him take notice , that , by his digression From prudent Counsells , his most cruell Foes Have so imprison'd him in their possession , That , of himselfe , he cannot , now , dispose . And , since all Europe knowes it , let him know , That , though they flatter , and , upon him fawne , He , despicable , in their eyes , doth grow ; And , is , by them , esteem'd but as a pawne . Yea , let him also know that , he hath got So little credit , upon either side , That , as the Parliament , now , trusts him not . So , but few other much in him confide . Nor will his lost repure , to him return , Till , for his errours , he shall truly mourn . Let him consider , that , whereas he sought To multiplie wild-beasts , within his land , That , GOD , in justice , now , the same hath brought Almost into a Desart , to his hand . To nourish Beasts , his Huntsmen took away His peoples birth-right : And , behold , now , he Is , therefore , hunted , like those Beasts of Prey , By which , the neighb'ring towns molested be . When he was in his artificiall-heav'n , Which flatring Poets , and his Painters made , Let him re-minde , what Attributes were given ; With what high Epithetes , they made him glad ; What joy , in vanities , he , then , did take ; And , what a GOD of him , his Priests did make . Let him take notice , that , there was a doubt , His Father came not , fairly , to his end ; And , that , when meanes was made to search it out , And , Witnesses commanded to attend , The Parliament , abruptly , up was broken ; And , no proceeding , afterward , therein . Let him consider , what this may betoken , What jealousies , it , justly , might let in . If any were suspected , without cause , Their Innocence , by triall , had been clear'd : If justly tax'd ; why had not , then , the Lawes Their course ? why was not that accuser heard ? Cleare , or not cleare , some body was to blame , That , such an accusation quasht became . Nay , these three Kingdomes did neglect , in this , Adutie , which they , questionlesse , did owe : And , partly , for that negligence it is , That , GOD , for bloud , doth make enquirie , now . For , of each Subject of the meanst respect , Ev'n of the Beggar , by the high-way side , The King hath an accompt , upon suspect , That , by the hand of violence he di'd . And , should a King , that , living , had protected So many millions , dying , so be fleighted , That , when he to be murther'd was suspected , Not one should be examin'd or indited ? Believe it , this Neglect is , now , rewarded : For , thousands die , and petish , unregarded . In all three Kingdoms , was there never a one To second , the Physitians , Eglesham And Ramsey ? had he not a powerfull Son ? And his Beloved servant , Buckingham ? Were there not some about him , who then had No hopes , but those which on his life were laid : Had he not Lords , and Earles enough , then , made , Who , by this dutie , might have partly paid For his respects ? Could none of all those things Call'd Bishops , upon whom in life he doted ; Whom he esteem'd the Angell-guard of Kings , Whom he , out of the dung-hill , had promoted , To sit with Princes ? could of all these , none Repute him worth regard , when he was gone ? Let him remember , and consider well , What judgements , have , on that neglect , ensu'd ; How suddenly , the Duke , soon after , fell ; What direfull vengeance hath this Land pursu'd Ev'n to this day : and know , there is a GOD , Who ( though Kings do neglect it , or , assay To hide it ) will be searching after bloud ; And , all concealed mischiefs open lay . This , let him do ; lest , he , that might have worn The glorious'st Christian Wreath , ere long , become To be abroad , 〈◊〉 laughing-stock , and scorn , And , past regaining honour , here , at home . For , yet , he may return ; and , if he do , He shall recover all his Honour , too . There is a way ( if he will seek to finde it ) To greatest Honours , thorow this Disgrace : There is a meanes ( if he will , truly , minde it ) By which , this wonder may be brought to passe . To no worse end , this VOICE doth , now , discover His failings , but , to drive him to this course . To no worse purpose is he , thus , blackt over , But , that , he might not be defiled worse . And , this VOICE prophesies , that , if he shall With upright-heartednesse , pursue that Path , He shall not onely be restor'd to all His honours lost , and be redeem'd from wrath , But , also , farre more honourable grow , Then all the Kings of Europe , raigning now . Belief works greater wonders ; let him then , Believe it may be ; and , it shall be done . He hath , too much , believed many men , Whose Word was lesse to be reli'd upon . The precious'st Pe●rles lie deepest in the Seas , The richest stones from hardest recks are hew'd , The darkest mornings have prov'd glorious dayes . Great mercies to great Sinners , have been shew'd . When , to repentance , GOD was pleas'd to call Manasseh , few were better Kings then he : When he converted persecuting Saul , A glorious change in him , the Church did see ; And , so there may be , now : For , who can tell , But , that , to make you rise , your Sov'raigne fell ? If he suppose , that , he may find evasions ▪ From any thing , against him , here , exprest ; Yet , of offences ; since he gave occasions , Let him not , in his own uprightnesse , rest : But , since GOD , both with Scandalls , and the Sword , Pursues him at the heeles , let him repent . Let him indeavour , in a true accord , To meet him in his lawfull Parliament : For , if , with humblenesse , he can submit To GOD's corrections , he will , soon , forgive him : He hath another blessing ; for him , yet ; He , unto favour , will , again receive him : And , when his Sov'raigne shall , thus highly grace him , With their old love , his Subjects shall imbrace him . But , ere this reconcilement can be had , His Parliament , reform'd must , also , be ; And , their Attonement , must , with GOD be made For , him they have provok'd , as well as he . And , though the better Cause their partie hath ▪ And , prosecutes it , stoutly , now and then , Their failings , also , have deserved wrath ; And , many of them , are no better men . The greatest Counsells , in the world , may erre In Judgment , and in Fact : For , they consist Of many men , among whom , some there are , Who do not what they should , but , what they list . And , such , have , in your choice Assemblies , bin Occasions of much errour , and , much sin . Then , let the Bodies-Representative Of these three Kingdomes ; but especially , Thy Parliament , O ENGLAND , now , receive This summons to a true humility . Let ev'rie Individuall Member , there , Lament apart . Let him , both as a Man And , as he qualified , doth appeare , For publike service , do the best he can , To purge out , by an humble penitence , What guilt soever , he , by wilfulnesse , Or weaknesse , hath incurred , ever since A place in that High-Court , he did possesse : And , let him not disdaine , who ere he be , To take this counsell , though it come by thee ▪ Remember him , if he be of the Peers , The dutie of his Peerage : For , betweene The Sov'raigne-Person , and the Commoners , He standeth , as an Honourable Meane , The Body-Politike , to temper so , That , ev'rie Part , and Member , of the same , May , to that due , and faire proportion grow , Which will be most convenient for the same . For , while they keep their Station ; and so long , As , in the Three-Estates , there is retain'd A comely Symetrie ; there can no wrong , By either , from the other , be sustain'd : Nor , can all humane policie invent , A nobler , or a safer Government . But , if those Parts encroach upon each other , Or , act to other purposes , than those , For which they were ordain'd , they 'll fall together , Into that Chaos , from which first they rose . If therefore any Peere , through some distrust Of others , or corruption of his owne , Math any way been failing , in that Trust , Which GOD , by birth-right , hath on him bestowne , Or , if for his advantage , he hath sought , To gaine a pow'r , or priviledge , whereby A dammage , on the Publike , may be brought ; Let him repent him , of that injurie ; Lest else GODS justice , and the Peoples wrath , Teare from him , that poore honour which he hath . Bid them not think , that their Immunities , And their large Priviledges granted were , That , they the common people might despise ; And , wrong that pow'r , with which they trusted are . Bid them take heed , they do not so comply , To help enlarge an uncontrolled Pow'r , That , they at last , enable Tyranny , The Lords , as well as Commons , to devour . For , by that meanes , they shall not only bring The Commons into bondage ; But , make way For him , that is a tyrannizing-King , Their honours , also , in the dust to lay ; And , to advance those Vndeserving-Groomes , That , shall out-brave them , and possesse their roomes . Is' t not enough , that some of them , of late , Were lifted to their Station , from among The Commons , for their falshood to the State ? And doing Innocence , and Vertue wrong ? For , some of them , at this day , had not won The honour of a Lordship , had they not , With stoutnesse , for the Common-wealth , begun ; And , by betraying it , their Titles got . Is' t not enough , that , by such meanes as these , They have attained to that high degree , Those Freedomes , and those Princely Priviledges , Which due unto the noblest Virtues be ; Vnlesse , now they are up , it seemeth meet , To let them tread the Kingdome , under feet ? Is' t not sufficient , that nigh fortie yeeres , Most Honours , prostituted did become To sale ? and , that so many of your Peeres Have raised been , out of the verie scum Of all mankind ? Can they not be content , With what they have acquir'd , to go away ? While they are wink'd at , cannot they repent ? That , what they have , they may , in peace , enjoy ? But , will they , still , endeavour to oppresse , And , to encroach upon the publike right ? Vntill the People , stirr'd with furiousnesse , Deprive them of their May-game-Honours quite ? Let them , with wisdome , rather be content , To save what they have gotten , and repent . For those exorbitancies , let them mourn , Whereby they have irregularly mov'd . Let them , with meeknesse , now , to GOD return , And not be mad , because they are reprov'd : Lest , if this VOICE displease them , they enforce , E're long , the sending of a Messenger , Which will afflict them , and enrage them worse , Than he , whom at this present , they shall heare . Let them , their Persons , and their Families , Hereafter , with that vertuousnesse ennoble , Which getteth favour in good peoples eies ; And , spite of envie , makes their honours double : So , they a reall-Honour will possesse ; And , none shall thrive , who seeks to make it lesse . Let ev'rie Member of the Commons-House , For his Transgressions , also , mourne apart . Let him , in secret , by himselfe , peruse The thoughts , and inclinations of his heart . Let him examine , how he first came in , To be of that Great-Councell : whether he Was not begotten , and conceiv'd in sin , A Member of this Parlament to be . And , if it hath been so ; then , all alone , Let him that Crime-Originall repent ; And , all that he hath actually mis-done , Since he hath sitten in this Parlament : For , till these be repented , all the fruit Of his endeavours , will be like the Root . As , he were verie foolish , who supposes , Where he but Brambles , or but Nettles planted , To gather Tulips , Violets , and Roses ; So , out of question , they no folly wanted , Who could conceive , that Burgesse , or , that Knight , Whom , first , corruption chose ( and who still dotes On that which gave him power ) can be right , To Pietie , or Justice , in his Votes . Let him search , whether that strict Oath he took , At his Admittance , and the VOW , since made , Hath not been either negligently broke , Or , wilfully , some violation had : And , if he find it so , let him condole His failings , with repentance , and be whole . If he hath more pursued his owne ends , Than publike services : If he hath striven For feare , for gaine , or for respect of Friends , That , an injurious censure should be given : If he hath found himselfe , since his Election , Puft up with that intollerable pride , Or , that opinion of his owne perfection , Which is in some of them , with scorne , espi'd : If he hath , by his Pow'r , or by his Place , Occasion took , on absent men , to throw Aspersions undeserv'd , to their disgrace ; Or , damage , e're themselves they wrong'd could know ; Let him be sorrie for his impudence , And , seek to make amends , for that offence . If he hath injur'd any , by delay ; Or , by unfit advantages , or times , Procured Votes , a surreptitious way ; Or justified sinners in their crimes : If he hath crossed Vertues due reward , By plotting , packing , siding , or partaking ; By hiding that , which ought to be declar'd , By cowardly , an honest Cause , forsaking : If , he hath under blame , or censure , brought Those innocents , who , meerly , out of zeale Vnto the Publike , have , sincerely , sought His folly , or his falshood , to reveale ; And knew it true , ( although their proofes did faile ; ) Let him , his cruelty , in that , bewaile . And , let your Parliament take speciall care Of this abuse ; lest , els , a ground be lai'd , Whereon , their cunning foes may engines reare , Whereby , they may be wrong'd , if not betrai'd . For , though in justice they should vindicate The honour of their Members , whensoever Rash levitie , malignancie , or hate , To injure or asperse them , shall endeavour ; Yet , when good probabilities , induce The well-affected , to mistrust , or feare , Some publike dammage , danger , or abuse , By that , which they shall either see , or heare , By any Member , either done , or said ; Why should it not , unto his charge be laid ? If , where , it ought , a secret be reveal'd ; If , for the publike , without private spleen ; If , past due time , it hath not been conceal'd ; If , probabilitie thereof hath been ; If , he that speaks it , be no way defam'd , And , of concernment if the same appears , Why should the speaker , be reprov'd or blam'd , For thus disclosing , what he thinks , or hears ? If it be false , th' accused , need not feare it ; For , if he be not otherwaies suspected , None , without proof , unto his wrong , will heare it . And , if he blamelesse be , and well affected , The zeal of his accuser , hee 'l commend ; And , count him his , because , the Kingdoms friend . Your Senators , their priviledges have , Not for their own , but for the publike sake ; And , they abuse the trust their Countrey gave , Who , any further use , of them shall make . And , who can judge it reasonable , then , To make the people more afraid to wrong The priviledges , of your Single-men , Then those , which to the Commonwealth belong ? Were it not fitter , to adventure on Dishonouring a Commoner , or Peer , Then suffer all of them to be undone , Through want of speaking that which you shall hear ? Let them , who Freedoms-personall would cherish , To publike dammage ; with their freedoms , perish . This way , the Royallists did first begin To screw up their Prerogative , to that , Which , made it more indulgent to have bin , To serve their turnes , then to secure the State . And , if there be not still a prudent care That , Priviledges clash not ; and , that they Which are subordinate , may not appeare In force , untill their Betters , give them way ; Destruction will succeed . Let , therefore , so Each Member , on his Priviledge insist , That , both by claime and practice , he may show , They are not to be used , as men list ; Or , turned into Bug-bears , to affright The Common-wealth , from claiming of her right . Let , therefore , care be took , and , quickly too , That , her due rights the Common-wealth enjoy ; That , private men their duties better do ; And , that , divisions do not all destroy . Let not those foolish Toyes , who do besot Themselves , with arrogance , presume to prate , As if a Parliament had them begot , To be the heires-apparent to the State . Permit you not Religious-Melancholy , Phlegmatick-Av'rice , or , Zeale-Cholerick , Nor an excessivenesse of Sanguime-Folly , To make both Church and State grow deadly sick , Nay , rather mad ; and , in their mad distractions , To teare themselves , into a thousand fractions . Let not your King and Parliament , in One , Much lesse apart , mistake themselves , for that , Which is most worthy to be thought upon : Or , think , they are essentially , the STATE , Let them not fancie , that , th' Authority And Priviledges upon them bestown , Conferred , to set up a Majesty , A Power , or a Glory , of their own . But , let them know , 't was for another thing , Which they but represent ; and , which , ere long , Them , to a strict account , will , doubtlesse , bring , If any way , they do it wilfull wrong : For , that , indeed , is , really , the Face , Whereof , they are the shadow , in the glasse . Moreover , thus informe them , that , if either , They , still , divided , grow from bad , to worse ; Or , ( without penitence unite together ) And , by their sin , provoke him to that course ; GOD , out of their confusions , can , and will Create a cure ; and , raise a lawfull-power , His promise to his people to fulfill ; And , his , and their Opposers , to devour . Yea , bid both King , and Parliament , make hast , In penitence , united , to appeare : Lest , into those Confusions , they be cast , Which will affright them both ; and , make them feare , And , know , there is , on earth , a greater-thing , Then , an unrighteous Parliament , or King . More might be said ; but , that which is behinde , Requires another season : Thou , therefore , Another opportunity must finde , If , thou desir'st to be informed more . Perhaps , thou hast , already , more exprest , Then many will approve , if thou reveale it : Yet , if thou look for any temp'rall-rest ; Let hopes , nor fears , compell thee to conceal it ▪ Thy Scorners , in derision , lately , said , Thou art a Prophet ; but , when all is told Which is behind , their pride will be afraid , Tha● , some ensuing things , thou didst behold , And , that , what e're thou art , thou hast declar'd Those Councells , whereof notice should be took ; Those warnings , which are worthy of regard ; And , like a true-man , and a free-man spoke . Let it be therefore , spoken , without fear : And , Let him , that hath eares to hear it , hear . The VOICE here , left to speake ; and , here , will I For this time , leave to write ; and , fit , and mourn For Britains , and mine own iniquity , Vntill , that VOICE , with perfect Peace , return . O GOD ! returne it , quickly ; and , let not This portion of it , be divulg'd in vain ; Or , so despised be , or so forgot , That , Words of Peace , we never heare again . Speak Peace , how ever , to thy Servants heart ; Speak to his Soul , in grace and mercy , LORD ! That , from thy wayes , he never may depart ; Or , dis-obedient be unto thy Word . Forgive him , all the vanities , that lurke Within his heart ; All deeds , by him , misdone , And every word , and thought , whereby this worke Defil'd hath been , since , first , it was begun . Of outward-mercies , and , of some more ease From his afflictions , too , he should be glad : But , since ther 's as much bane , as blisse , in these ; Give , what thou knowest fittest to be had . And , let an Eccho , from this VOICE , redound Vnto thy praise , an everlasting-sound . Amen .

FINIS .