IT might be remembred with what cheerfulnes of heart out of love, to the Lord & his work (when the last invasion was from Scotland, many of the choisest spirited Saints, came out of severall parts of the Nation to ingage against them; What their entertainment also was from the Army, those at Warrington bridge very well know. The new Moddel was never so slighted, scorned and reproached by the old Officers, and Army as these were; who instead of receiving acknowledgement for their so seasonable appearance in the common-service; were returned under as great con­tempt, as could be possibly laid upon them: Its worthy to be observed, that this en­mity (now more heightned) in some Of­ficers and others of the Army, against that spirit (now more refined) which then appeared in these godly persons be­gan to shew it self, not only at Warring­ton-bridge, but also when M. G. Harri­son was with his Horse in Scotland, which was some time before. The good People bearing all with meeknesse and patience, unwil­ling to harbour a hard thought of him, who yet gave countenance to all the unworthy dealings they met with. Upon his return from the Battell at Worcester, severall Persons (eminent for godliness) of the Con­gregations in and about London came to him, as to acknowledge the Lords goodnesse in that his wonderfull appearance, so also that he would im­ploy his utmost endeavours with the Parliament, for the further improve­ment of it to answer the Lords designe, and the great expectations upon the hearts of his people. When some complained of the so long de­lays of busines in the Parliament, In an­swer thereunto; he did declare there was not above six men (if so many) in the House that had a heart (or minded) to any thing. And when such told him that there­fore it was very requisite a period should be put to their sitting; and others more fit, to be chosen in their rooms, and that the most publique spirited people of the Nation did much desire it: This he could not but acknowledge ought to be so; yet did so fear that honest spirit which prest after it, that he durst not venture to go about it, least the power coming too much into their hands, he should be hindred of what we may now perceive he had then propounded to himself. And therefore did go on with the Parliament, though they had not a heart to do any thing till such time (as is well mentioned) they begun to entrench upon him; the plain truth is, there was such juggling (in the letting them sit so long, afterwards dissolving them; in chu­sing the Little Parliament, and some of them contriving to bring the Power to him) that it would take up too much time and paper to declare it. To which he replyed amongst other things, that there was no more hopes of drawing on the Parliament there­unto then was of making a Bar of Iron become a Lute string; but de­sired that they with the Congrega­tions to which they did relate, would seek unto the Lord, to know his pleasure in what was to be done and to let him know, what upon such seeking should be set upon their hearts, which accordingly they did; and waiting again upon him, gave this as the sum of what had been set upon them. That though they de­sired [Page 3] to acknowledge the Parlia­ment in those many worthy things, wherein it had pleased the Lord of his grace to own them; yet were they perswaded, that he had cut them short of spirit to the residue of his work; and therefore did pro­pose that a short time of six Moneths or thereabouts might be put, beyond which the Parliament might not sit, and in the interim care to be take for qualifications of persons to be elect­ed to succeed in the Government; which might be furnished by the Lord, for the carrying on of his work, whereupon by very harsh (not to say re­viling) speeches, he soon discovered that he was altered from what he see­med to be when formerly they had been with him, being fallen with some of the grandees of the Parliament, by whose means as was then feared and as since evident ground is given to judge, he hoped to bring about some ends of his own, and so slighting them and the advice so solemnly brought unto him, having formerly ingaged them to aske councel from the Lord, they were dismissed; but left this behind with him to pause upon; That seeing he would not hear, they would turn unto the Lord, whose ears are alwayes open to the cryes of his People: And its observable that hence forth instead of improving the Talents God had put into his hands for advance of his Work, the good of his People and the whole Nation, he rather put himself into a contrary course appearing with an uncontrow­lable violence for the carrying on the Act of Oblivion to ingratiate him­self, which effectually he did) with that generation, from whom all our troubles arose; wherein was forgiven to them; three times more then would have paid many poor and well-affected; the mony due to them upon Publique Faith, (which in the Parliaments streights had been ad­vanced) and other publique debts, and they put into a capacity of oppres­sing their well affected Tenants and Neighbour, as by sad experience hath been found, besides many other mischiefs that Act produced; and though there wanted not those who in love and faithfulness, desired to deal with and perswade him to desist his violence in that which was to gratifie the common enemy, and grieve the Saints and well-affected: he turned the deaf-ear to all, laying hold upon every thing that tended to please the multitude, rather then the good People of the Nation (and termed them a discontented blood thirsty people, that would never be satisfied till they had raked out their bowels,) living at a rate far above the ordinary sphear, carrying it yet faire with the Parliament; who would not deny him (or rather from whom he would not be denyed) any thing wherein [Page 4] he appeard, untill it pleased the Lord to engage us in a War with Holland, which those who were chiefly entrusted with the management of it, (I mean the Commissioners for the Admiralty and Navy) endeavoured to carry on effectually, and so as might not increase the charge of the Com­mon-wealth, and to that end reported their opinion to the Parliament, that (the work now lying at Sea) the defect of a sufficient number of Sea­fairing men might be supplyed out of the Land-army, which accordingly was done once or twice; but this continuing, he easily perceived would eclipse his greatnesse, and indeed frustrate his designe of setting up himself, and 3000. more of his Army being voted to go to Sea, he (who before re­viled the Messengers of severall Church for but mentioning that the Par­liament should set a short time for their own sitting, and so go off with honour) with a Junto of his Officers resolves the dissolving of them, which is accordingly put in execution, but under a very specious pretence as by the Declaration of the Army upon that occasion, and by his Speech to those who succeeded in government appears, which compared with these his after actions too manifestly declares that all was but a Vizard to cover his ugly designe of enslaving the Nation to his lust; whereby (which is the bitternes of it) is brought such a reproach upon the Name, Wayes and people of God, as none but himself in respect of his high profession was capable of bringing the like.

The Parliament being dissolved, In a short time after, the supream Au­thority (by him and his officers is put into the hands of a certaine num­ber of persons in an extraordinary manner brought together for the exer­cise thereof, as appeares by his speech to them, who at their first meeting wanted a name (and many yet are to seek what to call them) though after debate by a Vote of the major part (for they themselves divided about it) they were called (though very unlike to it) a Parliament: He with the Councel that had mannaged affaires in the intervale were called to sit with them, which all but himself and M. G. Lambert accepted of; Good people who rather suspect themselves then others (could not give way to any jealous thought of him) Judged his staying away was that he might not greaten himself, rather then that it was in order thereunto; but though he absented himself from the Parliament: where (to use his own terms) he would have been rendred very cheap (unlesse his sincerity to the worke and cause of Christ appeared) some there honoring men so farr as they honor the Lord, (and having mens persons no further in ad­miration (yet he failed not to ply the Councel where businesses of greatest concernment were transacted, which he kept much under his own girdle, and wanted not a daily account of what passed in the Parliament from his Brothers, Allyes, Officers and others, whose endeavour it was upon some pretence or other to obstruct every good businesse that came into de­bate, and so to render all their endeavours ineffectual for answering the [Page 5] great ends of their assembling, and beget some colourable ground of re­turning the power into his own hands, That meeting (as the sequel de­monstrated) being designed, but [...] stirrop for him to mount into the Sad­dle, and all things being prepared in a morning (two hours at least ear­lier then ordinary) these get together into the Parliament-house and with as much gravity as for mality, move the resigning the power accordingly, but this as early as it was, met with opposition, so that they durst not hazard a vote in it, but sneakingly withdraw without vote or adjourn­ment to any other place or time, leaving a considerable number behinde, who were soon turned out by Musqueteers and the afore said run-aways subscribe a thing called a resignation, which is as significant, as if so many Porters or other persons had met to set up one of their own choose­ing: This resignation (contrived in private and subscribed at White­hall) being brought to him (as one surprised in the businesse) cals upon his innocent Officers to go together, and pray that he might be guided what to do in it; And since upon occasions hath made very solemn Pro­testations of his ignorance in it, untill the resignation was brought to him, though its well known, he was acquainted with the contrivance long before. And himself had spoken to Sr. Gilbert Pickering to go to a meeting where the thing called the Government was framing, which also was read to him before the dissolution of that assembly; and the day before, (even the Lords day at his house) were met of his Brothers, Allyes, Officers and dependents, about the number of forty, who there agreed their early meeting at the house the next morning, to vote (as is aforesaid) the translating [...] him, but they fayling, by the opposition they met with, his Souldiers were ready to force, what by fraud the others could not bring about. The vaile being now taken off, he sits down in the Seat of them (to wit, the late King and his race, whom the Lord had plucked up, and presently appears acting their Principles, casting off the work of God, seeking nothing but his own settlement: for which he knew in rea­son he had laid a good foundation by the Act of Oblivion, and other po­pular Acts; but especially by setting the edge of his Power against the poor despised people that had been faithfull to the Lord and his work in the former wonderfull dispensations, and reproaching those honest hearts of that Assembly (called the little Parliament) who were turned out of the House as enemies to Magistracy, Ministry, and Propriety, because they agreed not to gratifie him in his lust.

The first considerable fruit [...] Government, after he had sworn to govern according to Law, and the Paper called the Instrument of Govern­ment, is contrary to them all, the imprisoning Mr. Feake, Mr. Powell, and Mr. Simpson, persons unspotted in their lives and conversations, all Mini­sters and labourers in the work of the Gospel, and such as are not inferi­our to many in the Nation, having been eminently owned by the Lord in [Page 6] his work, much more of the like nature after appeared M. G. Harrison, Col. Rich, M. Cary, Quart. M. G. Courtney, M. G. Overton, Cornet Day, Mr Spitle-house, John Jones, Col. Allured, [...] to this day remain in prison a­gainst whom no crime is objected, but its said they may have their Liber­ty if they will, though when that is inquired into, it cannot be, unlesse they will engage to the present Government; which is contrary to their consciences, to acknowledge him as an authority, much less a rightful Au­thority over them, and which is worse, to binde them up from follow­ing the Lord, how signall soever his appearances should be: With all hast, also in order to settlement at home, the peace must be concluded with the Dutch, and that upon tearmes sufficiently dishonorable, after all the eminent appearances of the Lord, in every engagement; leaving the guilt of bloud, in a very great measure, at the door of this Nation; which both the long sitting and the litle Parliamen [...] did abhor to assent unto, being throughly sensible that the finger of God, and not their lust had led them into that war, but this must be done also under fair pretence of having peace with Protestants, that the more vigorously a war may be carried on against Antichrist, but was not this to make himself wiser than God, and indeed is it not plain, that the meaning of it was, that he might have ships and men to bring home gold from the Indies, whereby as he had set up himself, so he might maintain himself in despight of all; and this being blasted, the return of gold failing, no stone must be left unturned, for getting it nearer home, the good and well-affected will not be deluded by him; and now he that would not be disswaded [...] [...]arrying on the Act of Oblivion (though told that thereby he would be cast out of the hearts of good people, which he himself confessed, that he thought it would tend much thereunto) with a high hand unjustly and unrighteous­ly breaks the same, to raise a revenue, whereby he may be enabled further to oppresse them and others. This together with his [...]educing the forces, and abridging their pay for his own ends, and self preservation, which he would never be drawn unto for the sake of the Lord, his work, and the Nations ease, doth evidently to half an eye declare by what principle he acted. Upon the same ground and principle (Jeroboam like, whatever is pretended) the National Parochiall Clergy, in their corrupt and Anti­christian standing and maintenance; are upheld and imposed upon the good people of this Nation, and the succession thereof provided for, in a way as bad if not worse, then that which derives it self through the Papa­cy, and of this he greatly boasts in [...] page of his first Speech to the Parliament, as a blessed fruit of Government, to put a stop to that heady way (as he phrases it) of every one making himself a Preacher. When he hath been often heard in England, Scotland and Ireland; but especially up­on Pencland hils in Scotland, at Glascoe to the Presbytery there, and at Edin­burgh, when he would maintain laymens preaching in opposition to the [Page 7] Scots that spoke against it, to urge that scripture, Num. 26.27, 28, 29. where word was brought to Moses that Eldad and Medad prophesied in the Camp, and that Moses (though his servant desired him to forbid them) did say unto him envyest thou for my sake: I would all the Lords people were Prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them; and as Mo­ses did judge his servant to be of a ridgid narrow spirit, because he would have them forbidden prophesying; so himself judged the Scots and Pres­byterians to be of the same spirit, who would speak against laymens preaching, of which see move in a Book intituled, Several Letters and Pas­sages between the Lord Gen. Cromwell and the Governour of Edenburgh Castle, with the Ministers there, Page 10 Let the Saints and Churches (even all that fear the Lord in these Nations) well weigh those his words, its to be fear­red he can turn himself into any shape, as may best serve his designes; ha­ving formerly said of the Earl of Manchester, that [...] would never be well so long as he kept those hedge Priests about him, reflecting upon Mr. Ash and Mr. Good, persons of approved gifts and grace, who then waited upon his Lordship: yea, let this be compared with his Speech to the little Par­liament, fol 2 [...] But when it came to other tryals as in that of Wales, which I must confesse for my own part, I set my self upon; if I should in­form what discountenance that businesse of the poor people of God there had, who had watchings over them: Men like so many Wolves, ready to catch the Lamb assoon as it was brought into the World; how signally they threw that businesse under foot, to the discountenancing of the ho­nest people there, and to the coun [...]enancing of the Malignant party of this Commonw [...]al [...]; I need but say it was so, many have f [...]lt it by sad ex­perience, who will better impart that business to you, which for my self and fellow Officers, I think was as perfect a tryall of their spirits, (mean­ing the old Parliament) as any thing, it being known to many of us, that God hath kindled a seed there not to be parralleld, since the Primitive times of this seed are those, that have lately declared against him, by their Paper intituled, A Word for God, or a Testimony on Truths behalf, to which the Reader is referred for further satisfaction. Now its needfull you should know what that businesse in Wales was, that he would have you understand, met with such opposition from that Parliament, as mini­stred occasion to him and his Officers to break them; It was upon the best information, I can get, briefly thus: An Act was obtained enabling Com­missioners to eject ignorant, scandalous and insufficient Ministers and Schoolmasters, and to place in their rooms such as sho [...] be approved of for that high calling or to imploy some in an Itenerary way, as should be judged most conducible for the spreading of the Gospell. These Com­missioners vigorously put in execution this Act, so that in some Countries there were not left above 5, or 6, of the old stock, few were found fit or willing to be settled in the room of the ejected, but many were encouraged [Page 8] and received maintenance out of the publique treasury to preach in an Ite­nerary way, whose labour were successful, and Schoolmasters fearing the Lord were setled in all Market Towns, and many considerable Parishes, the benefit whereof had they been continued, would soon have been dis­cerned; but this Powers continuance was onely for 3. years, which expi­red the March before the Parliaments dissolution. Many clamours (for lesse was not expected) were against those Commissioners, and Petitions fomented against them by the disaffected and Malignant party there. So that the Parliament, thought not fit to renew the Act (no other discou­ragement then this the wel-affected in Wales received from them) howe­ver the sequell declares, that if the Parliament laid their little finger for the crushing that seed (as his expression is, not to be parrelleld since the Primative times) I am sure he hath laid his loyns, and if their but looking a litle asquint upon them d [...]clared they had no spirit to the further work; his setting himself in direct opposition thereunto, demonstrates what spi­rit he is acted by; and I doubt not, but the Lord in due time will give a Resurrection to that seed, both there and in other parts of the Nation. And it may not be forgotten, that it being perceived [...] fearing the Lord, and waiting for the salvation of Israel, that the [...] Parliament were declining in their zeal to and for the Lords Work and Cause; they appointed a Meeting at Alhallows (and from thence afterwards removed unto Blackefryers) once a week) to pray unto the Lord for the pouering out of his spirit, the comming of Christs kingdome, and the performance of Promises and Prophesies relating to the same, and consequently remo­ving out of the way whatsoever might let, and for the executing his judg­ments upon Babylon. This Meeting was under the discontin [...]nce of the Parliament; things being reported in the worst sence to several eminent Members thereof, though occasionally there were reflectings upon them, as a block in the way of the Lords work: but the touching upon their declining was so acceptable to him, that he incouraged his O [...]s and others to frequent the same; and Major Packer can tell you, that the Ge­neral told him, he was a Rogue and Knave if he did neglect [...] them; but not long after, when the pride, pompe and avarice of him and his Army, and their sleepinesse in the Cause of Christ came to be touched upon, and toge­ther therewith a jealousie that not with a right minde the Parliament had been dissolved, was discovered (as then and since appears, there was ground sufficient for such thoughts) he set himself in opposition to them, not contenting himself with railing and reviling speeches against the most eminent of them (for whom time was he had better words) but declaring that he would have his hands up in their blood to the sleeves, and would lay down his old bones in opposing them, venting many bitter and bite­ting reproaches (if not blasphemies) against the Lords Spirit, by which they were acted, calling it the spirit of the Devil, the ministration of evill [Page 9] Angels, a thousand times worse than the spirit of Antichrist, though he never went to hear and try, as faithfull friends of his had earnestly de­sired him; and though formerly he had so much applauded the meeting, yet now sayes that from the first time of their meeting, the spirit of the Devill and not of God acted the same; at last he stirred up the Councell, during the sitting of the little Parliament to send for Mr. Simpson, and Mr. Feake by Warrant, who appearing thereunto, no matter being found to make good a charge against them, they were for that time dismissed, one­ly it is observable, that in this meeting Mr. Feake with much solemnity exhorted that as he should, they also would so speak and carry themselves as in the presence of God, the holy Angels and men, for that which should be said would be recorded in heaven, upon which Mr. Feake proceeded to deal faithfully with him (the then General) but was interrupted by him, and charged with falshood; Mr. Feake having among other things mentioned how much he was grieved for him, in tampering with the King, and that since Worcester fight the Army minding the dividing the Kings Lands, Houses and Parks, the spirit of Prayer was gone off from them, and that he had observed the Lords way in carrying on his work had been to furnish some to one part, and some to another part of it; some to that in England, others to that for Ireland, and others for Scotland; these three things the now called Protector objected against, as falshoods in these words, or to this effect: ‘I speake as in the presence of God, An­gels and men; yea, saith he, I call God to record upon your soul and mine; yea, I speak it in the Holy Ghost that these particulars are not true,’ affirming that he had not so much as a thought in him of tamper­ing with the King, whilest one might to half the length of the Table; though it is well known that he with the Officers of the Army had kept three dayes at Winsor to shame and humble themselves for that their evill in the Proposals they had tendered the King, which was the onely thing Mr. Feake mentioned to demonstrate that their tampering; but besides this the Lord knows and himself knows, that he hath to several persons acknowledged what offers he had from the late King, as to Honours, &c. mentioning a George and Blew Ribbon, such simple knacks sutable to King-ship or Monarchy, if he would have complied with him, and said that his foot had almost slipt, and that he had faln into those temptations, but that the Lord delivered him, and seemed very much to blesse the Lord and rejoyce therein, whereby it plainly appears, he had not only thoughts of so doing, but did really tamper with him, which of necessity must hold longer than whilest one might go the length of the longest Table in England; with the like confidence he affirmed, that the spirit of Prayer was not gone off from the Officers, or that they had so minded their arrears, though the eminents for godlinesse amongst them frequently be meaned it, that their meeting to seek and serve the Lord had been neglected; and for [Page 10] their minding their arrears, sure it will not need that more words should be used, their present possessions sufficiently demonstrate; nor will any of them that have but the least spark of ingenuity deny the same. And for the third particular, sayes he, you mean my Lord Fairefax (though Mr. Feake affirmed, he did not think of him, or had he any individuall in his eye) he good man (as his expression was) by reason of his many bodily infirmities, and upon no other account declined that service. But those of the old Parliament who attended that godly renowned Person (for whose faithfulnesse and usefulnes the Lord is ever thankfully to be acknow­ledged) are able to affirm his answer to be to this effect. That he looked upon the People of Scotland against whom they were to ingage, as having many godly amongst them, and that willingly he would not have his hand in the blood of any such; neverthelesse did conceive that the Parliament were the Lords people, and might be carrying on the cause of God, where­in he should gladly have been further serviceable; but that the Lord did very much cut him short of spirit for that work, which (in humility) he conceived was, that some more worthy than he, who would bring more glory to God might be imployed in it; and that all might know, the work was Gods, and no mans, former experiences were sufficient to evidence that, if he had been satisfied in his minde, bodily infirmities (under which he had laboured in the most of the War) would not have hindred his proceedings: This is the more largely expressed, because he hath been fre­quently found in high asseverations, whereby he used to obtain credit, when its to be feared, he little considers what he speaks; and at this time he had also prepared an Auditory of Aldermen, Citizens, Ministers, and Of­ficers of the Army, who doubtless (there not being time given to open this as now it is) went away taking for granted, that Mr. Feake had been left to speak vainly and unadvisedly in these things; and there was and is cause to think that so solemn an appeal as this of his was, when he should say he speaks in the holy Ghost, and yet speaks falsly, will not fall to the ground. And is not his profession of love to those he now persecutes and imprisons a proof of his readinesse to protest and affirm, what yet he hath little min­ded, for did he weigh what he sayes, how durst he boast, he loves some of them as his own soul; and yet when no crime is objected (though indea­vours were not wanting by his own instruments to have drawn them, as others have been into their snares and intanglements) separates them from the fellowship of Saints and other dear relations, hurrying them to remote and obscure Prisons, without giving them notice to accommodate for the same, or let any know whether they were to go, though the tender yoak­fellow of one of them was at that time in hourly expectation to be brought to bed, which more then in humane carriage [had not the Lord mercifully prevented) might have produced (as it greatly indangered) the death of Mother and Child; is it a fruit of such love to be feasting at Hampton­court [Page 11] Hamman like, Ester. 3. 15. the same day he sends them to prison, and doth not the removal of M. G. Harrison from Portland where the Governor shewed him common respect) to the Isle of Wight (as hath been boasted for his better accommodation) spring from the same root seeing that since his comming thither, he might not receive a Letter from any or send so much as to his own wife, and this by special instructions from Court unlesse the Officer there have the perusal of it, and his wife com­ming to visite him (besides other great incivilities to her as well as him from the Commander there) must not stir out of the Castle until she will go for good and all, or a servant to go forth to bring in necessarys or any friend speak with him but under a guard.

Is the adding of Bannishment to Mr. Rogers his bonds after more then 12. months causelesse Imprisonment, when his wife being but three dayes be­fore delivered of Childe, lying weak of a Feaver, a fruit of such love; what Gospel-rule is there for such expressions of Love? did the primitive Saints so manifest theirs? but the Scripture saith your Brethren that hated you cast you out for my names sake, &c. Esaiah 66. 5. if they proceed to lay violent hands on, and beat their fellow servants, though they pretend to be brethren (yet the hol [...] spirit (who best knows their deceitfull hearts) affirms they hate them, and though his words at some times, and to some persons be smoother and softer than Butter and Oyle; yet War and a drawn sword is in his heart: therefore at other times (for he can change his language [...] company [...] occasion serves) he hath given his mouth to evill, and his tongue to slander, reproach and revile those whom yet he will call Christian friends and brethren. What shall we say to these thing he who time was (none more than he) quickned and invited others in streights (and when the Lords work laboured under many dif­ficulties) to assemble together to seek the Lord, is of a sudden grown jea­lous of all such meetings, and gives occasion for the greatest scandall that ever was upon them, as if their tendency were onely to sedition, and in­stead of acknowledging the Lord and waiting for his councel, Juntoes are held for the carrying on things according to the craft, wisdome and poli­cy of the world; It is termed no lesse than Hypocrisie in the little Parlia­ment to set apart and keep dayes of Humiliation within themselves; and when any met more privately, as some did, that is branded with division and carrying on designes, and this even to this day with more then ordi­nary confidence urged as true: May it not be feared that none would so report of and suspect others, but such as had themselves abused the blessed ways and ordinances of God to bring about their own contrivances; and if this should be so, sooner or later they will feel and others shall see that God will not be mocked, who will bring hidden things to light, which is the joy of the upright, but the hypocrites fear. Now considering what comliness the Lords work had put upon this man, his great aptnesse to de­ceive by his plausible way of speaking, the high profession he made, and his [Page 12] too frequent calling God to witnesse, in all which most good men were more ready to condemn themselves than suspect him; it is no lesse then a very good finger of the Lord, that so far makes him manifest, as by the few forementioned particulars, though but as it were a comparing himself with himself, and that there hath been more rottennes in his way than any man (most curiously observing the same) is able to hold forth, The all-see­ing God who searcheth and revealeth secrets, seemeth to declare, in as much as he hath most evidently turned his hand against him in most or all things, this man hath set his hand unto, since his more grosly turning off from the cause of God, which by what ensueth may a little appear. The Sandy bottom (his accesse to the Government, is grounded upon) being formerly touched, I shall here onely mention the aforesaid in significant resignation, being in the Preamble of his Oath, laid as the foundation, and indeed that a busines so hatched and continued, and so early a comming to the House for a Vote to invest the Power in his hands should be frustra­ted, may not be esteemed lesse than a disappointment upon him from the Lord. And seeing also in the Preamble of his Oath is alledged, that upon full and mature consideration had thereof, and by the desires and advice of Persons of interest and fidelity in this Commonwealth, he had undertaken the government: there is the more ground to conclude, that in this, he and they were much left to themselves, that provision should not be made against that law which enacts, The Office, stile, power, dignity, or Autho­rity of King in this Nation, shall not reside in or be exercised by any single Person, and makes it treason for any by force of Arms or otherwise to be ayding or assisting to any persons, that shall by any way or means be pro­moting any to that Office, but the same remains and was a law in force when he lifted up his hand unto the Lord, that he would govern thereby.

And may it not be feared, that he rather designed to arrogate to himself the glory of these sucesses at Dunbar and Worcester, both given upon the 3. of Septemb. (the latter whereof when standers by, knew not the meaning of it, he tearmed the crowning mercy) rather then to give the same unto the Lord from whom they came, otherwise he would have remembred to have kept holy this day, which without due respect unto him, he assigned for the assembling his Parliament, the prophanation and prophaners of which day have been generally overtaken with signal judgments; and it was observed that the late King suffered in his reputation amongst the so­ber people of this Nation, and was ever on the declining hand from the time of his manifest neglect of that day. Who may not see that the Lord blasted this mans expectations from his Parliament, so on that day assem­bled, to whom in his first Speech, he sayes, That to see a free Parliament, he had desired as his life, and to keep them so, should be more then his life; and yet some faithfull Patriots, but using freedome in debate, which con­trary to Parliamentary Priviledge he takes notice of, upon the 9. day (for [Page 13] wonders are not of long continuance) though sworn not to imploy the Militia (the Parliament sitting) without their Consent, contrary to that Oath, and those high professions; he locks up the door of the House, and by his Souldiers keeps out those that will not comply with his interest. And was it not the Lords doing though the House was so garbled, whereby at least two part of three were his Councel, Allyes, Officers, and their relations; yet should not confirm his Govern­ment, the onely and chief thing he aymed at; And no lesse is the Lord to be acknow­ledged in turning their edge against himself, who had so much irritated them a­gainst those, whom he tearmes the Fifth Monarchy men, a praying faithful (though a despis [...]d) people, whose chiefest crime occasioning his rage upon such, will be found witnessing for the work of the Lord against his Apostacy and Usurpation. To whose eare in Europe hath not the report reached of the Lords lifted up hand against him in the India undertaking, which is the more to be noted by us, in regard that he and all his Courtiers, upon all occasions boasted of it, as that whereby it should appear he had not Apostatized, but effectually in the most prudent and best way was carrying on the Cause against the common enemy, which others by their giddiness would have dishonored and lost. And that none might share with him in the honour of it, even his garbled Parliament (without whom they sitting nothing of that kind ought to have been done) by the old tricks of the Courtiers comming earlier than usuall to the House, must Vote (upon pretence of keeping under secre­sie) the management of that Expedition to him and his Councel, who were not­wanting to make all necessary Provisions for such an undertaking, and might well conclude (as they did) successe answerable to what their hearts could desire, unlesse being faln under the Lords displeasure their disappointment should be, (as by a mi­racle from him.) His Fleet and Forces go forth with all renown of former suc­cesses and victories reputation, of wisdome, courage and valour; and at their first arrivall before St. Domingo, the place designed to be possessed, the inhabiting Span­yard struck with terrour, for sake the town for 3 days together, this advantage not being improved, they take courage and return for the defence of it. Near 10000. men are landed who marching towards it are incountred, repulsed by about 300. a second attempt is made, and again they are put to flight, and near 1000. slain by fifty poor Negroes, I [...]fidels and Idolaters, which in a sence may be called the people of Gods curse. Having in these incounters and by sicknesse lost neer 3000. men or more, and so dismaid, as that the shaking of the leaves, and the noise of Crabs be­come an affrighting to them, all courage and wisdome being taken from them, quitting Hispaniola they reimbarque for Jamaica, where they are sure to meet with no opposition; but what be the Lords further pleasure concerning them is yet hid from us, onely note, soon after their arrival there, one of their Ships, which had in her greatest store of provisions is set on fire, consumed and lost, and in return of part of the Fleet for England, [...]he Vice-Admiral, a Ship of the 2 d. rank perishes in the Sea by fire, with about 150 men in her, so as the common Sea-men did observe and say, sure this was no other then the Lords own finger against them; the certain account of Gods blasting this expedition thus miraculously (so contrary to what he at the putting on of his Harness, had so vainly boasted off) was brought unto him, when he was speaking Peace and safety; and that none should make him a­fraid, [Page 14] having broke in pieces the plots (as they are called at Court) that were a­gainst him by some Officers of the Armies of England, Scotland, of the Fleet, and that of the Caveleers; whereupon he vaunted, abusing that word, That no weapon for­med against him should prosper: whereas it is conjectured, that the contrivance and management of the foresaid attempts were his own designes, and acted by some of his own Agents; at the same time also he had secured such of the 5th Monar­chy-men (so called) of whom he had any jealousie, or could not be drawn to serve his lust; and having now (self-denyingly) disposed the government of Ireland to his son Henry (none like him for such a trust;) and that of Scotland also in hands fitted to answer his ends; it remained only, that he should make himself Lord Para­mount, King or Emperor over the whole, and the succession in his heirs; for co­lour whereof a Petition was carrying on in the Army, City, and diverse Countries, yea, in Prisons. All which well becomes him, that hath not stuck to say of Ambi­tion, as Luther of covetousnesse, The Devill had never tempted him to it; yea, that he could say in the same spirit David did. He was not puft in minde, he was as a weaned childe, he [...]aught not high things. Now doth not this so signal a frustra­tion of his hopes, give us grounds to judg that the Lord hath set himself against him for evill, and this being a stroak of his sending, there shall be found no healing of it, which through the pride and stoutness of his heart, he will not see nor acknowledg but sayes, He will repair the fallen Bricks with Free-stone, the Cicamore with Ce­dars. And as Baalam did beat his Asse though the Angel withstood him, he impri­sons the instrument, Venables and Penn (who formerly whilest in the Lord work were found faithfull and often blessed with successe) as if the miscarriage had been through their treachery, when every eye may see, it was from God, who withheld wisdome and courage; but whilest his Physitians are applying plasters, and he is licking himself whole, Gen. Blake (which few have observed as they should) missing the Provisions sent to enable his continuance out, untill he should meet with and catch the Spanish Plate fleet (for which he had waited some time) returning empty handed. And thus when there is none shut up or left the mighty Lord, the Lord of hosts pleads the cause of his people, giving him a miscarrying wombe, and dry breasts, and so blasts him in both the ends of the earth, whereunto he had spread his wings to get name and fame, by two such Fleets, as scarce ever any King of England had at once upon the Seas; the charge of which Expedition a Million of mony did not desray. At last gold and silver every way fayling, we have an acknowledgment in the Preamble of his declaration for a Fast, that rebukes from God are upon him, but those for the evill and apostacy of others; not giving glory to God in confessing his own, and adding to this his riotous Feasting, and as is boasted with rare Musick, entertaining the Popish Ambassador of France, the day seven night before his fast, which is far from telling the Nations the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor 'of his people shall trust in it, Isa. 14 32. Is there not strong ground of jealousie ministred to fear, that [...] heart is hardened rather than humbled under the Lords mighty hand, who assuredly will not be mocked by him; and its to be hoped, his People will not be further deluded; for can any reasonably think, the War brought upon us from Spaine, which his lust provoked unto, and for which the anger of the Lord hath so smoaked against him, is (as in his Declaration, he would perswade) [Page 15] principally for the advancement of the kingdome of Christ, when at the same time, which is worthy observation, he makes Peace with France, a popish Nation, guilty of much blood of Saints, the forces within whose territories (among others) so late­ly and barbarously embrued their hands in the blood of the poore Waldenses, and by whose Ambassadour such grievous condition hath been obtruded on the re­mainder of them. Having thus opened the foregoing particulars, some whereof were not so generally known; and others (its to be doubted) not so duly observed, I shall now for the sake of those who would not be swayed by their fond affections, but their judgements grounded upon the word of truth, which is able to make the man of God perfect readily furnished to every good work, present a few scriptures which if the Lord please to open by his spirit (the best interpreter) may be of further use unto them. ‘Gal. 2.18. If I build again the things destroyed, I make my self a transgressor.’ ‘Isa. 31.1. Wo to them that go down to Aegypt for help, and stay on horses, and trust on charriots, because they are many; and in horsmen, because they very strong; but they look not to the holy one of Israel, neither seek the Lord.’ Read Isa. 30.3 first verses, ‘They take councel but not of me, and cover with a coveting, but not of my spirit.’ ‘Hab. 2. 9. Wo to him that coveteth an evill, covetousnes to his house, that he might set his nest on high. v. 6. Wo to him that encreaseth that that is not his, how long; and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay. v. 15. Wo to him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him and makest him drunken also.’ ‘Hos 8.3. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good, the enemy shal pursue him. v. 4 They have set Kings but not by me, they have made Princes and I knew it not.’ ‘Amos 6. 1. Wo to them that are at ease in Sion, &c. v. 3. Ye that put far away the evill day, and cause the seat of violence to come near. v. 4. That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lamb [...] out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall. v. 5. That chant to the sound of the Viol, and invent themselves instruments of musick like David; that drink wine in bowls, anointing themselves with the chief ointments; but they are not grieved for the afflictions of Joseph. v. 12. For ye have turned judgment into Gall, and the fruit of righteousnes into H [...]mlock. v. 13. Ye which rejoyce in a thing of nought, which say, have we not taken horns unto us by our own strength.’ ‘Hos. 5.6, 7. They shall go with their flocks and their herds to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him, he hath withdrawn himself from them; they have dealt treacherously with the Lord, for they have begotten stron children. Now shall a month devour them with their portions.’ ‘Isa. 65. 11. But ye are they that forsake the Lord, that forget my holy mountain, that prepare a table for that troop, and that furnish a drink offering for that number; therefore will I number you, &c.’ v. 12, 13, 14, 15, compared with cap. 66 v. 3, 4, 5, 6. ‘Isa. 29. 15. Wo to them that seek deep to hide their councel from the Lord, & their works arein the dark; and they say, who seeth us and who knoweth; surely your turning things upside down shall be esteemed as the potters clay, &c. v. 21. That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him hat reproveth in the gate; and turn a side the just for a thing of nought.’ ‘Mat. 2 [...] 48. But and if that evill servant shall say in his heart, my Lord delayeth his comming, and shall begin to smite his fellow servant, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he [Page 16] looked not for him, and in an houre that he is not aware of, and shall cut him in sunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.’ ‘Isa. 30.8. Now go write it before them in a Table, and note it in a Book, that it may be for a time to come for ever and ever.’

[Reader, wanting room at present you may please to reade th [...]s [...] scriptures in order at large, as they stand, for they should have come in here: viz Isai. 30 v. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17. and 2 Chron. 36. v. 16. Isa. 26. 11. Psal. 14. 6. and Prov. 1. v. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.]

If that which is written be for our learning, then where we finde like sins, we may with sobriety & humble reverence apply such judgments and sentences to them as the holy spirit in the scripture hath given in like cases; if it was so fatall to Pharaoh though a heathen for not letting Gods people go free (he being come down to deli­ver them, Exo. 3. 8.) as brought upon him all those sore plagues; if God reckoned the Amalekites interruption, because he had begun to deliver his people, a laying their hands upon his throne, Exod. 17. 16. And therefore would have war with them for ever. If God was so angry with the Congregation of Israel, when they but spake of making them a Captain to go back into Aegypt, whilest their chief Leaders mourn­ed before him for the same. Num. 14.4, 5, 6. 32 37. What shall we say of the present transgressions, when after the mighty God hath bowed the heavens, and may be said to have come down, as in Isa. 64. 13. after he hath begun to deliver his people out of Aegyptian bondage, even to the drowning of Pharaoh and his host, when the Captain of the Lords Army, the General himself, shall not onely return to Aegypt, but beat them of the congregation, that will not return with him, having thereby, brought so evill report upon that good land (to wit) the glorious Cause of God and his Christ, that the wisdome, powerfulnes and love of God (which were fairly written upon his late works) the Kingdom of Christ and his poore people waiting for the same, were never under so great a reproach; too many now questioning whither there be either God, Christs Cause or People, or all be not a devised fable, onely for men to attain their lusts by. Seeing then things revealed belong to us, and where we finde on the house top breach of Promise lying, hypocrisie and perjury, departing away from God, hating of brethren which is Murder. 1 Joh. 3. 15.) Op­pression, Revolt, Persecution, love of this world and the things of it, where judg­ment is turned backward, where justice standeth a far off; where truth is fallen, where equity cannot enter; yea he that departeth from evil and will testifie for good, maketh himself a prey; I say of such persons and their things, Gods people are taught by Moses and the Prophets, by Christ and his Apostles how to judge of them, that their way is displeasing to the Lord, they are enemies to the Crosse of Christ, a shameful spuing will come upon all their glory. Therefore all that love their God, their own souls, & the good of their own Country, ought to depart from the tents of such men, least by their complyance, that wo of calling evill good befall them, & so pertaking in a measure of their sins, they partake in their plagues also; Rather if the God of all grace so please; and oh that it might seem good in his sight, that judgment might return unto righteousnesse, and that all of each judgment, that are upright in soule with one heart might follow hard after the same.