IT cannot lie unobserved to any pious or prudent Heart with what an out-stretched hand ( by signes & wonders , the Lord hath brought his people of these Nations , out of that darknesse in their Minds , and bondage in their Consciences that hath been only felt in former times , and whereinto we cannot but fear our fatall return , should we make us Captaines to lead us back to Egypt .

Neither is it lesse obvious how oft we have seemed near a Canaan of Rest and Settlement for our selves and Gods Ark in the midst of us , and yet as often have the passions and private interests of some , and the sins of us All , brought us back again into the Wildernesse . Parlaments have been in travail but have not brought forth any salvation ; God hath looked for Grapes from us , and behold wild Grapes ; And we have looked for healing , but behold a Cry !

How beit although we have been emptyed from Vessels to Vessels , we are not as yet spilt upon the ground ; This is the Lords doing and it is deservable marvellous in our eye● . The power , the plenty , the purity of the Gospel of Salvation which we yet enjoy , is more then most others have ; and our Peace ( in this juncture of time ) more then what most of our selves could have

The Civil Government is peacefully devolved into that Hand ( wherewith the Heart of these Nations , by the many affectionate Addresses , both of Cities , Counties and Townes-Corporate , appeares to be combined ) which seemeth every day more strengthned for the holding of that interest ( which must be the Pillar of our Civil Weal ) the interest of our Lord Iesus Christ .

And now that a generall Addresse is to be publickly made throughout these three Nations to the Throne of grace for a blessing upon the appointed Parlament ; may it be as much our CARE as it is our CONCERNMENT ( as near as we can ) to choose whom the Lord hath chosen , and to send thither by our Votes such onely as we can most comfortably follow with our Hopes and Prayers . That is to say , Men of Wisedome and Knowledge in the Great Things both of true Religion and righteous Government , understanding the Times , and what Israell ought to doe .

Men ( like Moses ) of a zealous , yet a peaceable and healing spirit , ( willing to stand in our Breaches , and to endeavour the cementing our differences ) that our wound ( if the Lord please ) may be bound up and bleed no longer .

Men Free and willing to reform all grievances in the Administration of Law , till Righteousness be as a River amongst us , the streams whereof may make glad the Citie of our God .

May our Elections have respect to these few qualifications , and what ever else may truly commend men before the Lord , may it recommend them to our choice for that high trust wherein the great Name of our God , and what ever is deare to all that love and feare him , is so much interested . And may it be laid seriously to heart what a dreadfull Account wee shall give to God , ( THOSE especially who not onely as being members of COUNTIES have power in choosing Knights in common with others , BUT also as being Members of CORPORATIONS of choosing for themselves Burgesses who are not the least considerable number in Parlament ) If through either a supine Carelessness or other Carnall respects , we should betray into unfaithfull hands those great Talents wherewith the Lord hath graciously entrusted us , not onely for our selves , but for succeeding generations .

't is easily foreseen how slender an entertainment such a short Paper-messenger may find with many , but the Case it selfe speaketh though we should hold our peace . And assuredly should we herein prove unfaithfull , Salvation would come some other way ( for if we slumber , yet God will watch over his own Cause ) but we and our Families shall be troden under foot as unsavoury salt .

And who knowes but he who chooseth the weake things of this world , and the things that are despised , may direct so plain a word to the awakening and provoking of some , to the carefull discharge of so great a Duty , that the Children that shall be borne , may call us blessed .