CErtainly it can never be forgotten , That ( to the great dishonour of this Nation ) in the late distracted times , the Dissenting party from the Church of England , under the specious pretences of Religion and Liberty , ( a constant Cloak of Rebellion ) not only barbarously Murdered the best of Kings , destroying thereby for some time as much as in them lay , the Ancient and wholesome Government of Monarchy it self ; under which this Nation for some Ages hath been most prosperous and happy ; But likewise pull'd down Bishops , silencing them , and all the honest Orthodox Clergy , dividing the Crown and Church-Lands by good pennyworths among themselves , as a convenient Inheritance , only fit for the Godly ( as they termed each other ) to enjoy .

After which upon his Majesties blessed Restauration , he was graciously pleased to grant them an Act of Indempnity , pardoning many of those very persons , who had been active in destroying his Royal Father of blessed memory ; endeavouring also as much as in them lay to keep him from his just right of Inheritance , and to extirpate the whole family , Root and Branch : ( as they zealously ingaged by wicked Oathes ) taking away the Estates , plundering , Imprisoning , Banishing , and putting to death ( in cold blood ) many of the true hearted Nobility , Clergy , and Gentry ; by an Arbitrary Power , contrary to ( and against ) the known Lawes of the Land , for no other Crime , but being Loyal .

Since which , his Majestie Indulged those Dissenters with a liberty to have their private meetings in all places ; his party being likewise ( as Charitable Christians , and good men ) willing to forget many past injuries , treating them with all imaginable friendship , both in neighbourhood and conversation , hoping thereby in time to bring them from their seditious principles into the bosome of our Holy Mother the Church ; and to their due obedience to so merciful a Prince .

Notwithstanding which , on the contrary it evidently appears , no Act of Indulgence ( or kindness ) whatever , can or will oblige them , to be obedient or morally civil ; for no sooner was there a late hope of playing their old Game , but they immediatly unmask themselves , boldly flying as much as in them lay in the face of Authority , by their scandalous libells and seditious discourse in all places : Thereby endeavouring to corrupt ( with ill principles ) the minds of many well meaning Subjects , combining in all places to get power into their hands , and to promote in Elections , both public and private , all such persons though never so ignorant , or unqualified , as they believe to be favourers of , or inclinable to their faction .

So that had not the prudence of his sacred Majestie timely prevented their wicked designes , by stopping them in their full Cariere , we might possibly before this day , have fallen into a sad relapse , and been again at their Mercy , which is no better than Misery and Thraldome , as by woful experience hath been felt .

But now that the Laws are timely put in Execution , to secure our happy Peace and Government , they have no other Language in their mouths , but Persecuti●● is come upon the Saints . Not looking back upon ( or considering ) their ow● Actions for several years continuance , when so much Villiany and Cruelty was committed by them , against and contrary to all known Law or Justice whatever ; dissembling all their false and perfidious dealings , with a plausible pretence of Liberty , and Reformation in Church and State : And yet in that very time for near twenty years Rebellion , where was the Subjects liberty and property ? ( so much discours'd of now ) was it not utterly destroy'd and lost ▪ and by a usurp'd power plac'd in the hands of known Mechanicks , and unreasonable men , supported by a Mercenary standing Army ?

So that let the world , nay these very pretended Reformers themselves , impartially judge , who may most justly and truly be Branded with Persecution ! They in the late times for Committing such horrid impieties before mentioned , against and without Law : Or those at this time who have a legal Authority to put them in Execution , as in duty bound , to preserve the common Peace . Heartily wishing that the very persons , ( at least the misled Number of them ) would seriously consider the happy Government they and we live under , and not continue in a willfull obstinate disobedience to the same : But rather joy● with us both in heart and hand , to defend those Lawes ( as we are Obliged ) with our Lives and Fortunes , which give us an assurance ( if it be not our ow● faults ) to enjoy Peace and Plenty , with what ever otherwise is near and dear unto us , under a most Gracious and Indulgent King , whom God long preserve to Reign over us : And let all the people say , AMEN .