IT hath pleased Heaven to visit us of late with his heavy and astonish­ing Judgments. The year before he swept away our Citizens from their houses; The last year he swept away our hou­ses from the Inhabitants; And this year who knows what and who may be swept away by that diva­station which accompanieth the Sword? If there be not a spark, as there is not a Sparrow, lights [Page 4]on the House, or the Mast top without the Divine Will, me­thinks it will neither be unseaso­nable to lay his Providences to heart, nor unsuitable to make use of them, unto acts of mercy and commiseration of others.

I am a person that am not very careful how I appear to you, and if it were a light matter I had to speak about, you might turn away your ear from it, and regard me as little: But if it be a business of the greatest consequence (as I am perswaded it is) that can be ten­dered at this present for a healing of the Nation, I hope you will both spare me a reasonable hear­ing, and a candid interpretation.

There hath passed of late some Acts, whereby you have been ve­ry [Page 5]severe against many innocent persons that fear God, and do you no harm. I am loth to declare my resentments in particular, un­less I have further necessity: But I will pursue in the general those ends I have in my purpose, which are the happiness of our State, the peace of the Church, the safe­ty of the King, and preservation of the Nation, not in that way which hath been trodden hither­to in late proceedings, but in the paths of moderation, which some have not known, and some will not know, who have already per­haps imposed too much, and would not (I hope) be imposing more on us.

It shall be an Argument good enough for me from this late ca­lamity [Page 6]on the City and upon our Ships, to alarm you to the quench­ing those Flames which we have helped to enkindle by the over-rigour of such Acts in the hearts of the Nation. God Almighty's righteous dealings towards us, may bring our own toward others into remembrance, and his seve­rity teach us indulgence. It can neither be an unchristian or un­wise admonition, when our Chur­ches, with other buildings, are laid in heaps, to look after our Religion, & to prevent the ruine, which therein also doth threaten us, by beginning our repentance in those ashes.

I shall be clear and plain. I desire to be faithful to my Coun­try, to my King, and to my God [Page 7]I hope, though I know not how I shall approve my self in the de­livery. In magnis, pejus est illud, non voluisse, quam quomodo facias, non intelligere. We are at this time involved in Warrs abroad with our neighbours, and we are incompassed, as our Island is, with a Sea of intestine dangers amidst our selves in the divisions of our people. There is the subtilty of the Jesuite, with those many, too much to be feared advantages of that party; and there is on the o­ther side, the wildness of the Se­ctary, with their multitudes, and high exasperations. Both these are, as it were, the upper and ne­ther jaw of destruction opening her mouth upon us: If we do not finde out a way to reconcile [Page 8]the sober Protestant, that we may have their combined strength to oppose these extreams in case of inundation, I know not how soon these jaws may shut upon us, and overwhelm us in our confusion.

The Motion therefore I have to make is for moderation in the business of Religion, first seri­ously debated, and then prudent­ly concluded, in an Act of Ac­commodation between the Con­formist and Nonconformist that are sober in their principles, and In­dulgence toward others who are so in their lives: So far I mean as ever it will stand with the Rules, both of Civil and Religious Pru­dence, and the good Order of the Land.

I am sensible of what a pause [Page 9]there will be on some mens spi­rits at this Motion. I am with Coesar at the flood of Rubicon, and the Dye is cast.

I will confess ingenuously, I know not how it fares with others, but there is a company of people about us in the Country of diffe­rent perswasions, who meet some­times many hundreds together, that our Justices have been in perplexity what to do. The most of them for ought I perceive are certainly inoffensive persons; and they have really no more against them than Pliny against the Chri­stians of old when he sent to Trajan about them, that is, only that they meet, and preach, and pray together. And if that excel­lent Prince was ashamed after this [Page 10]report he gave him of them in his Epistle, to have these good men sought out any more unto punish­ment, I cannot but favour those inclinations, which are averse from the like inquisition. I pro­fess to God it is such an ungentle­man-like thing methinks to trou­ble ones Neighbors, that I should be glad to rid modest men of that work. It were better all these Acts suffered at once a due and Christian Regulation, than we should be still put upon this unto­ward dragging innocent folks thus to prison, for doing nothing in earnest but endeavouring to save their souls. In the name of God take you your Psalter, and let them say their prayers as they will.

I have made my Proposition, I shall now offer you my Argu­ments. Visa est enim mihi (with the forementioned Author) res digna consultatione, maximè propter peri­clitantium numerum; Multi enim omnis aetatis, omnis ordinis, utriusque sexus etiam vocantur in periculum, & vocabuntur. Ne (que) enim Civita­tes tantùm, sed viros etiam atque agros superstitionis istius contagi [...] pervagata est, quae videtur sisti, & corrigi posse.

My Arguments may be redu­ced to these heads. The course you have taken in your former Acts, will not reach the End you have designed in them. The way I propose in this Act is liker to do it. The present consideration and exigency of affairs requires [Page 12]the same of us. One more, The present juncture of affairs, and conscience toward our Brethren requires it. These heads I will wrap together in my discourse, and leave the Analysis to your acuter Judgments.

If it were not a time to speak now, we might lay our hands up­on our lips, and our mouthes in the dust. I said, Dayes should speak, and years teach wisdom. But there is a spirit in man. Great men are not always wise, neither do the Aged alwayes understand Judge­ment. I am sorry to understand such a reverend silence to have been on the spirits of both Houses at the present prevailing Coun­sels of some great Persons, which if I may speak it with lowliness [Page 13]to them, as with zeal unto God and my Prince, are not good at this season, nor will answer their entendments. I wonder really in whose Shops they have bought their Spectacles (not of Menante I believe or Tacitus) that they can see this great thing Unity (of folks spirits) in Uniformity, and the esta­blishment of old Foundations in new Impositions.

It is a principle of the serious tender Christian, which he layes as a Rule to himself for practice, That he will not do any thing for fear, which he would not out of conscience; And it is a deadly temptation against present Injun­ctions, that they have a penalty annexed to them. For besides that the sense of the unreason­ableness [Page 14]and cruelty of such Acts are effectual wires upon the affe­ctious, There is a spirit in man, and resolution of integrity, Not to do evil that good may come of it, as forestalls the mind with a steel­ing against it, instead of submis­sion. If therefore in lieu of pro­posing such a piece of Banish­ment to fright the Non-conformists into the late Oath, enjoyned in the Act at Oxford, there had been offered a Liberty of the Ministry on that condition, without any penalty, the Act had been per­haps to purpose. Conscience up­on Conscience would do some­thing, when Force upon Consci­ence will do nothing.

Have we never read the Eccle­siastical Story, or heard at least of [Page 15]the ten Persecutions, how the Church grew in those times, and what was the Seed of it? I will tell you a way that a Politick Prince took in ill doing, that you may take in doing better: The great Julian, that wise Apostate and cursed brave man, when he saw that all the cruelties of pre­decessors did but encrease the vigour and life of Christianity, The more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew, and they were grieved because of the Children of Israel; He took this course, he would not let any Christian have Dignity or State-preferment, no not so much as to be one of his Souldiers, unless they came over to his Religion; they might have their liberty to [Page 16]use their Consciences to them­selves without persecution, but they should have none of his Fa­vour or Countenance. By this means he did so starve any brave attempt of Christian Sufferings, and kept them so low and out of heart in their Profession, that it is judged he made more waste upon Christianity in a few years, than all the Sword, Fire and Torments could before in two or three Ages. Lo here a line of Chalk, after which your Timber must be cut that goes to the building the Ecclesiastical State in this Nation. If there be any can cut it better by aim of his own head, I am mistaken.

There are but two wayes, re­solve upon it. In the Kingdom of Japan I heard lately there was some Jesuites had crept in and planted the Christian Religion. Their King hearing this, sends a present terrible Persecution, what­soever man is found Christian, they execute him presently: This not serving the turn, they do not execute the man only, but all the house where he was found to be harboured: This not rooting them quite out neither, the King commands that both that house and the next two houses on both sides of it, should be all put to ex­ecution: The terrible dread here­of seizing upon all, there is not a [Page 18]man can escape the discovery, and the Sect is immediately ex­tirpate. Could your hearts now endure to do this? or could your hands serve you? Lay that right­hand on your breasts, weigh what I say; You must either come to this, if you see to the end, or you must come to an Accommoda­tion.

And what are those things I [...] pray, you would have of them, or destroy them? It is not the [...] Dignity of the Bishops, their Lordships and Revenues; It is not their Cathedrals, Organs, and their Divine Service in what state and magnificence they please; I [...] is not Comman-Prayer, no no [...] any Ceremony of the Church whatsoever for all its significancy [Page 19]if it be but a circumstance of wor­ship and no more, that could hin­der most of the judicious and so­ber Non-conformists to come over to you; but it is these Declara­tions, Subscriptions, and Oaths which you impose on them in your Acts, as for which I will shew you they are one of the worst ways that could be devised [...]o take or hold any. I will con­vince you. There is nothing un­der the Sun makes such a bruit and stir in the hearts of People [...]s these Declarations and Oaths, when it is no less than the Con­cience of a Lye, before the face of God and men, in a case too of Confession, and the fear of Per­jury with it, that makes them leave their Livings and Ministry, rather [Page 20]than keep them on such condi­tions: and yet when all is done, be they taken or be they not ta­ken, it signifies nothing. I will make this appear, And that not onely because there is no hole whereout a man can creep that has taken a former Oath, but he can get out of the same, or find another like it, in any new Oath you put upon him: but because there is nothing that is a man's duty, or unlawful, before he hath taken the Oath, but it remains a [...] it was, after he hath taken it; and he will be obliged neither more nor less, (I speak as to the thing [...] not degree) whether he take i [...] or not take it. Let a man be con­vinced in his conscience that E­piscopacy is Antichristian, and tha [...] [Page 21]it is much for the Glory of God, and his Duty, to extirpate it root and branch, let him take a thou­sand Oaths, yet so long as he re­tains his Principles, and he ac­counts his Conscience stands bound by a former Obligation, [...]he latter Obligation can hold him nothing. What is the Co­venant to an Episcopal judgment that hath taken it? and what will be the late new Oath to a contra­ [...]y judgment? What, but a few new Withs on Sampson's hands, that brake like Tow, when the Philistine comes upon him?

Again, there is another thing [...]pon this, that is a dreadful thing, [...]nd that is, When a man hath [...]osned the reins of his Consci­ence a little too slack, in swallow­ing [Page 22]a forced Oath, there is no­thing so like to imbitter his sou [...] as this, against those that impose it: Like a Lion in a chain, which not only holds no longer than he can break it, but Wo be to the [...] he meets next, when it is broken.

A certain plain honest Neigh [...] bour of mine, coming to Church constantly as others did, it cam [...] to his turn to be chosen Church [...] warden; He goes to the Court a [...] long with others; when he come there, they tender him the Churc [...] wardens Oath; he knowing n [...] well what to make of it, nor ho [...] to avoid it, takes it as the rest do [...] when he comes home, the Oa [...] lies in his stomack, and he can fin [...] no rest until he leaves both h [...] Church wardenship, Church a [...] [Page 23]all, and goes to the Anabaptists, and never since came there more. Do not think those persons that take this Oath, do love you or the Oath ever the better for it. I will appeal to the bosom of an honest­hearted person, who stands at as great an Elongation from the [...]hing Hypocrite, as the most of [...]en alive I am perswaded, what­ [...]ever else he be, whether his be­ [...]ng caught into that Oath once, as [...]e was, makes him love the Co­ [...]enant, the takers and imposers, [...]e dearer since, yea or nay? I [...]ould to God there had never [...]ath, besides the Assertory Oath, which is for the end of all strife, [...]een known amongst men; for [...]is counter-swearing, the Cove­ [...]nt, and the new Oath, and the [Page 24]like, doth make such debauchery work amongst honest minds, that we shall rue the time that eve [...] they were born into the World.

It is not long since when many a worthy Gentleman of the Par­liament have bitterly complaine [...] of the injury of that late Cove [...] ­nant and Engagements forced o [...] them, who for their Conscience sake would hazard their Estate rather than take them: And ho [...] shall these consciencious person then, as Christians, be content t [...] have opposit Oaths and Subscrip­tions new coined in our Acts, an [...] imposed upon others? Therefo [...] art thou inexcusable, O man, w [...] doest the same things, which tho [...] hast condemned? You may b [...] easily s [...]re to find Daniel a Tran [...] ­gressour [Page 25]if the great Ones will contrive a Law on purpose; and that too in the matter of his God, when otherwise, there is nothing [...]o be found but innocency in him.

Do ye forget, O ye Right Re­verend! how the Oath of Et [...]aetera made more wrinkles in [...]he brows of men, than is in that [...]haracter it self? It cost Philip [...]e Valois dear, that he made our Edward the Third swear him fealty. Indeed an Oath in civil [...]hings that is taken with a good [...]ill, is of moment, but an Oath [...]pon constraint we abhor. Ruit [...]manum genus per Vestitum. To [...]ommand a thing wherein be­ [...]re we were left free, is enough [...] whet our humane nature un­to [Page 26]opposition. To prohibit it, wil [...] make it coveted, and we can [...] have no desires for that which is easie of access. If these few sheets which I write do get, and may come with an Imprimatur [...] out of the Press, they will hard­ly be read; but if they be seized on as dangerous, they will be sought. If many of the ejected Ministers who are flockt to now when they venture to preach had liberty to say on, till they had wearied themselves and Au­ditors out, we should see how the rouling Snow-balls would melt, and, excepting a few o [...] the eminent of them, their Con­gregations quickly would b [...] thin enough. If any of ou [...] Episcopal men would be follow­ed, [Page 27]let them get those loose. It is true, we are indeed mad alrea­dy in Schism and Faction, but it is this Restraint, like the fetters of Bedlam, makes us madder.

And alas Sirs! if there were only wilfulness in it, it were an­other matter. But it is mens Brains are infected; and after that way you call Heresie, they worship the God of their Fa­thers. Their judgments, their consciences and hearts are con­vinced and engaged. I remem­ber in Sfetigrade a Town of Epi­ [...]us, in Scanderbeg's time, which was scituate strongly on a rock, [...]nd in which he placed much [...]rust; when the Turks came into [...]is Country and besieged it, a [...]ertain Villain who had com­pacted [Page 28]Treason, throws in a dead Dogg into the Common-Well, which one was all the City had. The Souldiers came in the mor­ning for Water, and finde the Carrion; upon this sight there is not one of them will drink one drop: Their Captain comes and beseeches them; He takes of the Water and drinks first himself; but do all he could by threats and entreaties, nothing would serve, but through a more than Jewish Superstition, that i [...] was polluted to Christians, the Town must be delivered up and all lost, rather than any of them can be got to do it. The re­membrance of this Story make [...] me pitty the imagination of th [...] Sectary, and reflect on my ow [...] [Page 29]spirit. I do verily hope in the Lord, that there is nothing in these fears & dreadful abodings of many good mens hearts, a­bout the Discipline and Way of Worship in our Church, but a Conceit. The Lord knows, I do not know, but this I am sure, it is not these Laws and Penal­ties from without, have any ten­dency to the cure of them. Can you remember when you were Children, and had heard some [...]ale of Sprights and Ghosts over­ [...]ight, and then waking about [...]welve, how you have lain sweat­ [...]ng with your fears at somthing [...]ou knew not what? There are [...]s certainly such impressions of [...]read and superstition on many [...]ens consciences, no less strong, [Page 30]but more lasting and waking, that are as irresistable and hard to be helpt. And you may as well expect the most fearfull Child should go and abide in the dark by it self, as that such should do those things that are enjoyned, untill these imagina­tions get off. It is Time and Li­berty and Custome must prevail with these, as the Candle, and Day and growing to be men will with the other.

It is the common opinion of our Protestants that the Pope is Antichrist and the Beast in the Revelations, whereof such terri­ble things are spoken. For my own part I know not that the Pope is that Beast any more tha [...] Wat Tyler or Jack Cade was; Ye [...] [Page 31]when I see our Divines so ordi­narily say and believe so, it hath begot in me such apprehensions, that I think I durst not take up­on me the profession of Popery and the practice, which I must accordingly fancy to be the mark in the forehead and in the right­hand, in the Text, out of that fear only, if there were nothing to offend me in their tenents else, that it is possible it may be so. There are many serious men living and dead, that have joyn­ed Prelacy and Popery together in the same rank, and if there be a dread upon the hearts of many that fear God in sincerity, lest this be Antichristian and the Beast, as well as that, and Con­formity to each, the character of [Page 32]either, who can help such sick thoughts? and how shall Acts and Punishments do any thing here, when the rankling of the wound is within and hid from any? unless you could tender them something more dreadfull than that fire and brimstone in the presence of the Lamb, wherein that man and woman shall be tormented for ever and ever, and have no rest day nor night, who worship the Beast and his Image, and whoso­ver receiveth the mark of his name, you can do nothing at all this way. Lo here what you are to do if you go on thus.

I tell you, what perhaps you may have thought too mean for your notice; You will not by Violence under present circum­stances, [Page 33]bring People to Uni­formity. The great thing that keeps these Fanaticks from the Church and Common-Prayer, lies in such private odd impres­sions on their thick beliefs and dark minds. I tell it you, and it were well if none of the most se­rious and learned are not touch­ed after a soberer fashion, with the same malady. Find out a way now to root out such principles, such fearful conceits, and super­stitious jealousies of you; To meddle with their persons is but to torment the body, not heal their conceptions. You must take another course than quite, that you may do this. For what [...]s that, which can make these men with any appearance of [Page 34]Truth, think our Governmen [...] Antichristian, unless it be the persecuting them by your Acts which they lay all upon the Pre­late, and look upon it as the spi­rit of Antichrist, and our Church as Babylon, opposing the Powe [...] of Religion? That you perse­cute is Faction, and the factiou [...] spirit; but they take that Spir [...] to be the Power and Life o [...] Christianity. The natural way it follows; to convince them t [...] the contrary, is, a Cessation [...] these Acts (that when there [...] no rage or persecuting, the may believe there is no Bea [...] nor Antichrist;) a conjunctio [...] with the sober of them (that the may see you advance, and n [...] hate true Piety;) and overco [...] ­ing [Page 35]the rest in their weakness, with forbearance, long-suffering and gentleness.

There are none ignorant of one piece of advice that was gi­ven by an honourable Lawyer among the Jews, where the holy Apostles, those Fishermen-Prea­chers disturbed the World. There was one Theudus rose up and boasted himself (saith he) and one Judas, and these came to nothing: wherefore I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or work be of men, it will come to nought, as o­thers did: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthro [...] it, lest happily ye be found even to fight against God. I wish to the Lord, the great Ministers of our State would be [Page 36]content to be no wiser men than Gamaliel: If these Sects and Se­ctaries in their union against Pre­lacy, how contemptible soever in their dispersion, are indeed of God, or a Counsel of his, then shall not Prelacy stand before them: But if they be all nothing but the imaginations of divided mortals, without the power of Religion as their center, Then refrain from these men, and let them alone, (according to the ad­vice of that time) and you shall see how much more easily they will break all to pieces of them­selves, than by your keeping a stir with them.

Let me offer you one presi­dent to your conviction. When Vespatian and Titus came to the [Page 37]last Destruction of Jerusalem, there was three factions of the Seditious, called the Zealous; the one held the City, the other two divided the Temple. At the Roman Army drawing up be­fore the Walls, all these factions agree unanimously, & withstood them with equal courage and bravery. The General hereupon takes this advice, he withdraws his Army from their Territories for a season, leaving them to themselves purposely; They pre­sently upon his removal, fall to­gether into their former discords, till they had almost wasted and ruin'd one another; and then comes he with his Army back, and after a cruel siege, takes the City. There are more than three [Page 38]Factions among us, who are zea­lously united against Prelacy; If you could find a way to divide them and break them, you must withdraw these Acts against them. It is your Laws combine their interest, that otherwise was divided. A strange piece of Po­licy that proposes safety to Epis­copacy in the union of the Ad­versary, and Peace to the Nation in their highest exasperations.

A little before Arch-Bishop Lauds time the Puritans had got a fashion of wearing their hair so short, as above their ears. They placed matter of Conscience in it, and there was few but were careful observers of it. It plea­sed God that Dr. Laud took a humour to approve short hair [Page 39]for the Ministry, which he requi­ring more than ordinary strictly as Canonical, This presently has a contrary effect on our zealous Brethren, who plead for their li­berty by their practice, and none of late were seen to wear their hair more long than those who were for a Gathered-People. If I know any thing of the spirits of men, it is Rarity and Difficul­ty that whets the appetite, and it is Satiety and Liberty asswageth them. And if some such way as this, could it be hit upon did not prevail more toward Uniformi­ty, than the flat severity of direct Injunctions for it, I will shut up my Table-Books, and take no more reckoning of Experience.

It may be there are some please [Page 40]themselves in the thought, that the new Oxford Oath hath divi­ded the Non-conformists, seeing part of them do take it, and par [...] do not. But what is the division of men, into some taking the Oath, and some not taking it any more than some of the [...] Presbyterians, some Anabaptists so long as they retain the sam [...] heart and principles as to thei [...] common concerns? While thei [...] combined Interest is all one, th [...] dividing them in their single In­terests, and little angers, is bu [...] multiplying parties against you [...] and playing with their distur­bance.

I know some Politicks ma [...] direct you, that when there is [...] growing Party or Faction unde [...] [Page 41]any State, to keep a severe hand [...]ver them for their suppression: [...]ut this must be understood be­ [...]ore those parties be grown, and [...]ou be sure that they are the [...]sser number. If such Factions [...]e considerable and equall, a [...]eutral kind of unconcernment [...]d indifferency, makes the chief [...]agistrate strong, while he keeps [...]s interest in all of them; where­ [...] an espousing of one, doth [...]oth bandy the others against it, [...]d makes his Horses to be but [...]eir Horses, and his Chariots [...]eir Chariots. It is not a few [...]considerable Ministers onely, [...]e engagement of whose souls [...]e against these late Acts, but [...]ere are many worthy Gentle­ [...]en, and grave Citizens, and [Page 42]sober Persons, besides the mul­titude of multitudes of such tha [...] are mixt with the Sectaries. [...] wish heartily that our Sovereig [...] Lord the King could but mak [...] one equal tryal of the gener [...] inclination: Suppose he shoul [...] give Commission to the Sheri [...] of any County pitched upon i [...] differently, granting leave to th [...] people promiscuously to me [...] together, and give their Vot [...] freely, whether they would hav [...] an Indulgence and Liberty [...] Conscience or no? Let us hav [...] but fair play for it, and if we [...] not carry it in the Hearts an [...] Votes of the good Subject, [...] will neither move the wing, n [...] open the mouth, nor peep more [...] this business.

It hath pleased God at this [...]eason to bring us into that con­ [...]ition, that an Agreement of all [...]ersons, to the strengthening of [...]ur hearts and our hands for his Majesty, would be seasonable. And were I asked, what means were most likely to do this? I [...]o think verily there is nothing [...]nder the cope of Heaven com­ [...]arable to such a passing a really [...]ee and ingenuous Act of Grace [...]r Indulgeance in matters of Re­ [...]gion; The King would see, and [...]e Nation would feel another [...]pirit running in their Blood, [...]d what a difference there is [...]etween a Man whose heart is [...]ld at the thoughts that when [...]e hath fought for his King, and [...]eaten his Enemies, he must [Page 44]come home (as it were) again to his bonds; and of his, whose spirit is flush with assurance that after Victory abroad, he shall return to the enjoyment of that thing that is dearer to him than his Life, the Liberty of his Con­science.

O Sirs! Is there never a drop of English Blood in the Veins of the Sectary? How shall that thing you call Obstinacy and Fa­ction, when they suffer the vio­lence of your Laws, and are un­moved, appear to be the most undaunted Courage of the Eng­lish Spirit, when it shall shew it self in the Field? Are there no sober men amongst all the Male­contents, whose advice, assistance and prayers would do you no [Page 45]harm, to take them with you? It was not the Cause, but the Par­ty, and this thing, Liberty of Con­science, that got the better of the King in our late Insurrections. It was Laberty of Conscience got into the House, and pull'd down the Bishops; that went with the Parliaments Army and won all. It was Liberty of Conscience came back and pull'd up the Parliament, and then sate down and reign'd with Cromwel. It is this piece of single policy, the raising up such a Principle in base and mean fellows, to mate the Bravery and Spirit of the Gentry, shall eternallize that Mortal. It was Liberty of Con­science, when our Religion was at stake in those Confusions, that [Page 46]tack't about and restored the King. And if his Majesty wil [...] hearken to the counsel of a mean person, rather than to the person of mean counsel, let him keep this wild thing, Liberty of Consci­ence, on his side. This Liberty of Conscience, let me say again [...] is that mad Earl of Warwick i [...] the time of Edward the fourt [...] and Henry the sixt, call'd Make King, that the gain or loss o [...] him on either side, was the gai [...] or loss of the Kingdom with him▪

It may be there is some grea [...] Prelate or eminent Statesman a the Helm are too hard for you [...] inclinations, which steer & by [...] them unseen, into other Coun­sels; I will therefore humb [...] argue with them. Behold I w [...] [Page 47]be to them in your stead; I am framed also out of the clay. Let me [...]ot, I pray you, accept any mans [...]erson, neither let me give flatter­ing titles unto Man: for I know [...]ot to give flattering titles, in so [...]oing my Maker might soon take [...]e away. Ye have said, We are [...]e men, we have found out wis­ [...]om. I will reprove them. Great [...]en are not alwayes wise.

Was it, in the first place, con­ [...]lted wisely, when we restored [...]piscopacy in this Nation, to re­ [...]eive a company of men as low [...] their interests as in their con­ [...]tion, unto such vast Emolu­ [...]ents which never were, and are ever like to be again, being [...]e fruits of twenty years toge­ [...]er in one, unto which (excep­ting [Page 48]a very few of them) they had no relation in the Earth to challenge the least penny before actual possession? How wel [...] might such persons have been contented to have entered th [...] present Revenews & Honours and left the Arrears for publick accounts, or good works? Thi [...] possibly was not wise (Sirs), no [...] only for the improvidence, bu [...] for that envy and just kind o [...] disdain, that so excessive Riche [...] (thrown upon men so undese [...] vedly) hath raised in the sto­macks of others (to the Functi­on it self for the Covetousness o [...] the Persons) especially of tho [...] whose high merits for the Kin [...] and his Cause did require som [...] other gratification, than a lan­guishing [Page 49]looking-on, and repi­ [...]ing at their fortunes. Great [...]en are not alwayes wise.

Was it, in the next place, wise­ [...]y consulted (wherein yet, above [...]ll, you would seem most wise) [...] making such a stir with the Covenant, as hath been done in [...]ur late Impositions? It was the Visdom of the Antient Church, [...]stead of contention about the Jewish Ceremonies, to take a [...]pecial care that they might have [...]n honourable burial, and there­ [...]y have they bin all husht with­ [...]ut trouble for many Ages. Me­ [...]inks, if the wisdom of these [...]eat and wise men, were not [...]iser than the ancient Wisdom, [...]ey might, at least for his Maje­ [...]es sake, have dealt according­ly [Page 50]with the Covenant. The might have laid it in a state of silence, without light, and with­out words, evermore to be for­gotten, and never would it have done them further hurt. But now have they raised it twice or thrice up (in a former Subscrip­tion & the late Oath) as a dread­ful Ghost out of his Grave, to do what mischief, or raise what troubles for the future I cannot tell, but to little end at present for ought I see, only to terrifie mens Consciences, and keep a­live the memory of it, which were fitter to die, & be thought on no more. Great men are not alwayes wise.

Once more: There was a time when these wise and great men [Page 51]might have compounded for E­piscopacy with the pious and lear­ned of her Adversaries, upon as high advantage and a sure foun­dation, for themselves and the peace of the Nation, as could be well wished or desired in any reason; But they outstood their market, and slipt the opportu­nity. Great men are not alwayes wise.

They have slipt it, yet may we redeem one lock of it; to wit, It is better the Parliament com­pounded them, than that a for­eign Enemy, or the Papists should do it. We know when it was our Ridley & Hooper were agreed. I draw up this: If the greatest Seers may fail in their Politicks and erre in Vision, in [Page 50] [...] [Page 51] [...] [Page 52]some things, when there is no man doubts of their integrity otherwise than of their ability, why may they not possibly have been out here, in their advising us to these Acts about Religi­on?

Come then, and let us set the Sun and Wind to strive again for mastery. You see what the cold boysterous blasts of these late Acts have done on the Travel­lour, that they have made the most but hold their Cloaks the faster about them. Now let us have some gentle rayes and warm beams from his gracious Majesty and his loving Parlia­ment, in an Act of Indulgence and Concord that shal please his People, and you shall see them [Page 53]all, not only to throw down their Cloaks and Estates, but their Hearts and Lives at his feet, say­ing with Amasa in holy Story, Thine are we, O David, and on thy side, thou Son of Jesse; Peace, peace be unto him, and peace to those that help him.

I will here turn, and look back on the way I have come. You have my Motion and my Argu­ments under the three first heads mainly, at first named; I must explain my self a little upon the Motion, and offer the other. Namquid facimus, id nisi utile sit, stultae omnis atque inanis inde est gloria.

To eke out then this Propo­sition. I will take breath, and not be afraid to shew you also my [Page 54]Opinion. There are the learned and sober Godly amongst us, which are to be compounded with as your Brethren: And there are the Zealous and Giddy in lesser Fractions, which are to be born withal in mercy, & won over with patience & gentleness.

For the former. There was a Declaration of his Majesties a­bout these Ecclesiastical Affairs before black Bartholomew, where­in a composition is drawn up to our hands, well and wisely: and there are Laws in our Statute-Books against Pluralities. If that Declaration were passed into a Law, with as little canvasing and alteration as may be, though with no less than is necessary to calm the withholding party, we [Page 55]need no more to do our busi­ness. And if those Statutes were refresht into a new Act, that no mortal breathing should hold more than one Living and one Dignity; that is, one Cure of Souls (upon which also he should ordinarily be resident) with one Canonship, Prebend, or the like, which is a sine-Cure (as a reward of special merit or favour): then should you not, onely do God right, and render the Hire to the Labourer, which cryes for justice, but you would make an Act of Grace or Accommodation sig­nificant, while you put the means into his Majesties hands to gra­tifie his Restored, and make him bountiful with their leavings. I know who will be ready to stamp [Page 56]here, and fling dirt in the Air. This is a kind of Clergy-Trea­son. But it is no matter, I will leave it upon Record for his Majesties service, that if there be occasion or exigence for it, what is prepared may be used.

For the latter. Let us suppose a Liberty granted to these per­sons for their Assemblings ac­cording to their Consciences, provided by Law, that for secu­rity to the State, and upon ac­count of that Rule, Not a No­vice, (which modesty should teach those who are without learning, to hold themselves to be so much longer than others) lest being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the Devil, they do not permit any [Page 57]to be their Pastors, or to speak in their Churches, but such as are of gravity and years as is fitting; and that, lest they should med­dle about State-matters, their Meeting-places (as they would have them) should be open for any that will to hear them, and implead them if guilty; I hum­bly conceive, without any policy more, that when the present Zeal of this Generation had beat [...]t self out a little season, and [...]here be none of the heat of the Young man (which runs out in [...]ese persons unto the itch of reaching, as it doth unto amo­ [...]es and the like in others) to keep alive the strange fire, which [...]eaking against Government sually enkindles: Before these [Page 58]men that are so hot upon it unto four or five & twenty shall come to have fourty years hairs upon their beards (or thirty five, if they will be content at least but to stay so long) they will get, it is likely that discretion to see how contemptible is their stuffe in comparison of the grave studied Minister; and being cold more­over to applauses by that time, They will be so ashamed and flat to such an insolence, that as soon as ever a few of those that are now living shall give up their Churches and Ghosts together, there shall not hardly in a little time be any found more to suc­ceed them.

I heard, to strengthen this, i [...] fared so with one of their Chur­ches [Page 59]of great resort in London, that was a fierce Revelation-mans, one Mr. Strange, who be­ing taken away by the Mortali­ty, they having not his Peer left to take his Bishoprick, dissolved immediately, and their place knew them no more: Had that person, as he was often sought, chanced to have been taken, and put up in Newgate, it is like they would have been provided of a Substitute. It is not there­fore your haling these men and women to Goal that will dis­perse them; for when you have them in Prison, they will Con­venticle there, and the rest be at the next Meeting: but if you refrain from these men, and let them alone, (as that grave Gen­tleman [Page 60]before in Scripture ad­vised) till a few of the more stanch and considerable do die, they will come to dissolution of their own accord.

One thing yet I will tell you further, which you perhaps think not of. Suppose this Freedom in the Worship and Service of God according to mens inclina­tions: Those that are for the Congregational way shal draw the most considerate and moderate from the Sectary; and those that are the Presbyterian Preachers shall drain the Gathered Congre­gations; And then the most eminent and judicious of the Presbyterian coming over to the Liturgy upon a little condescen­tion to them in a few of their [Page 61]most material exceptions, This thing, Liberty of Prophecy, which you so mortally dread, as the enemy of Conformity, shall hap­pily become one of the most po­litick, apt, and kindliest means, that can be thought upon at this season to bring up the people to it.

There is a block after this, which I foresee will be laid in the way, and pretended to ener­vate this discourse. It cannot stand with ingenuity for any that plead in general for Indulgence in regard of their own Consci­ences to put in any barr against others that are consciencious; and consequently the door here­by will be opened for the Papist to under-set and over-run the [Page 62] Protestant Religion. But this is a Cloud that need not be feared by a Wind that blows so oppo­site to it. For besides that the Act moved for, is an Act for Concord and Indulgence in the Reformed Causes, and this Li­berty of Conscience must necessa­rily include that of the Magi­strate, aswel as the Subject, which cannot allow of Idolatry, or any thing of that nature by Publick Sanction, when it may conde­scend much in matters of indif­ferency: The thing we know is to pass the debate and delibera­tion of both Houses, who will provide well enough beyond doubt in that matter. Neither am I much moved if you say, that the Arguments I use for the [Page 63] Non-conformists may be applied [...]o the Papists; for though some of them indeed may, many of [...]hem may not, nor the main heads of them. These are not like to be reduced this way. The interest of State consists not with the Jesuite, as the King's Supre­macy does not with the Pope. O­therwise, were there no more danger to mens souls and lives [...]n prevailing Popery than in Pres­bytery or the Sectary, I am not the man that could find in my heart to persecute any harmless peaceable person, for doing his devotions another way than I do.

I know there will be this, and twenty things perhaps more said to traduce and choak this Moti­on: [Page 64]But I oppose the same buckler, to wit, The Motion as it was at first stated, and the De­bate of Parliament. There is no [...] Act of Grace can pass the two Houses, but it will prevent the inconveniences, and answer for it self against Exceptions. A le­gall stated Toleration will not undermine, but uphold Religi­on; and be no friend, either of Superstition or Confusion.

To return from this pursuit. It hath been I see the policy of late transactions, to endeavour to root out those Principles from mens minds whereby they have maintained the lawfulness of for­mer Sedition and Rebellion, and hereupon hath the renunciation of the Covenant been so pressed [Page 65]in our Oaths and Subscriptions: But if the Policy of those first Wheels that move others, had bin rather to root out the Causes from us, which make men wil­ling to entertain such Principles, I do humbly suppose that Poli­cy to have been the deeper. The way to establish the Kings Throne in the hearts of his People, and to do it for ever, is this; to make it appear that all that Good (to wit, substantial Good) which they ever expected (or can expect) from a change of the Govern­ment, or a Commonwealth, may be had from Him (or from a Prince) in the Acts of his Parlia­ment. This saying I will leave upon file as digested; and I will adde something (though more [Page 66]rawly) hereunto; that those Good things mainly which se­cretly have been and lie on the hearts of the Commons, may be reduced to these: An Enfran­chisment of Servile Tenures. A [...] commutation of Tythes (suppose by a Law enjoyning every man to buy out his own, and the mo­ney be laid out in Glebe.) A Re­gister of Estates. A Tendernes [...] towards mens Consciences in matters of Religion.

Where there are no hopes from Inovation, no body wil go about to make it. But when a People have all can be had, all that can come to a settlement with Judg­ment and Righteousness by the present Government already then will there be no hopes from [Page 67] [...]novation. Ergo, When those [...]ings are taken into considera­ [...]on by the Parliament (or Par­ [...]aments) and after mature de­ [...]ate and consultation, come to [...]e concluded upon ingenuously [...]nd sincerely, wisely and righte­ [...]usly, which have been on the [...]earts, and in the design of the [...]ore publick-spirited in these [...]te times rudely and wildly: [...]en shall our Government of Monarchy in this Land (leaving [...]e persons of our successive So­ [...]ereigns unto Providence and [...]heir chances) be out of danger [...]r future Generations.

I descend to what remains, [...]at is the last head unto which reduced my Arguments.

Hitherto then I have spoken [Page 68]to you as Men, I will speak to you now as Christians and Belie­vers of the World to come; and if I differ something in my stile upon that account, I hope you will bear with it. O you Go­vernours and Rulers, let me ad­dress you as fellow-mortal-men, who must appear before the great Tribunal one day to give an account of your Stewardships unto Jesus Christ your Prince and Lord, as my self must, who am not able ever to stand there but by infinite exceeding mercy in the bloud of the Lamb, who was slain for the remission of ou [...] sins. I know not any kinder of­fice can be done you than this in all humility to advise you to let none prevent you, but be [Page 69]your selves the Authors of that Grace and Benignity which is [...]o absolutely necessary to the Nation.

It will make the dignity of [...]our high places, and the face [...]f your lives past look more [...]hearfull to you, when Death [...]all bring his Leaden Mace to [...]change with your Golden­ [...]itles, if you shal have the Testi­ [...]ony of your Consciences, that [...]ou have been content to deny [...]ur selves in this thing, and [...]splease some men for the sake [...] our Lord, who was so mer­ [...]full and good to every body, at he exercised Indulgence all [...]s life long, and then died that [...] might obtain more, for you, [...]d me, and such as could not [Page 70]receive any of him while he wa [...] here.

There is a Person I hope you would do a kindness for with a [...] your heart, and you have rea­son, it is for your dear Lord tha [...] bought you, and there is no [...] thing in the World you can d [...] I am perswaded that he wil tak [...] so kindly from you at this time as to be pittiful to his Servant who are distressed about you Acts in point of Conscience and who the more despised the are and like unto their Lord the fitter subjects they are fo [...] your compassion. Neither w [...] it hurt you in another piece [...] tenderness towards the Peopl [...] to prevent Insurrection, and [...] tifie against Invasion; securin [...] [Page 71]hereby both the Bad from pu­nishment, and the Good from danger.

It were better certainly for any one mans own part, that there never had been Bishops, than that he should be one con­demned hereafter for taking that course in establishing of them, as thereby to have sinned without repentance, against the souls of many whom Jesus Christ [...]s not ashamed to call his Bre­ [...]hren, and so against him, who [...]hall be our Judge, and will take whatsoever we do unto them, [...]s if we did it unto Himself. [...]f you had no need of mercy [...]rom God, it were tolerable then [...]or you to be extream towards others, But if you are ready to [Page 72]indulge your selves too often in many things that are not allow­ed by him, when permitted by you: methinks the way to en [...] gage the Lord unto pardon should be in bearing with them in these things which are disal­lowed only by you, and permit­ted by him. If you forgive no [...] your Brethren their trespasses neither will your heavenly Fa­ther forgive you your trespasses He shall have judgement without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.

Do you know that many o [...] these things which are imposed are really against mens Cons [...] ­ences, and would you indee [...] have any such to do them thoug [...] they be so? Do you conside this, and what it is? If it b [...] [Page 73]better to be drown'd in the Sea with a Milstone, than to offend [...]ne of God's little ones, what is it [...]o offend multitudes, that is, so [...]ffend them as to inforce them [...]o sin against their Consciences, which is to wound them and to [...]uine them? Why Sirs! if one [...]f these men on the sudden, to [...]void the penalty, shall do what [...] enjoyned unsatisfiedly, his soul when he reflects on it is smitten, [...]nd he can hardly again ever re­over it perhaps all his life. I [...]rofess to you, it is better in this [...]ase really you had taken a Po­ [...]iard and stabb'd him to the [...]eart, it had been less pain, and [...]e stroke of lesse deadly conse­ [...]uence to him. If you sin against [...]e Brethren, and wound their weak [Page 70] [...] [Page 71] [...] [Page 72] [...] [Page 73] [...] [Page 74]Consciences, you sin against Christ. Do you believe the Gospel, or that there is such a thing as sin? what then is stealing, and drink­ing, and lying with women, i [...] such damnable untenderness as this is, be nothing? Is it a sin to kill a man, and no sin to dam [...] him everlastingly? On my con­science, you would be grieve [...] all your life if you had murdered any man; and shall you really b [...] the occasion of murdering the souls of many, and not once con­sider what have we done? I hop [...] and am perswaded that many o [...] these things at which some good men are stumbled, are nothing yet to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, it is unclean. And what if upon a mans yeelding to [Page 75]one thing that is against his con­science, being put upon distress, he shall make shipwrack of his present Faith, & departing from it now, never be regardful of it more, & so become irrefragably damn'd? Is there no pitty and turning of your bowels at the thought to have such a one cry­ing out eternally upon you, that if it had not been for your Acts, [...]he had never come into that place of torments?

Give me leave then, for anti­cipation of this cry and guilt, in the behalf of many, of thou­lands, of many thousands of in­ [...]ocent people, men and women [...]n the Land, to beg Quarter of you for their Consciences. They are not able to yeeld to the things [Page 76]you impose upon them. Though they be lawfull or indifferent in themselves, yet so long as they are against their consciences, He that eaveth and doubteth, is damned if he eat. O do not force their souls upon damnation. You may be perhaps of a strong Minde and hardy Conscience, and others weakness and fear of Sin may be but a Romance to you. We might instance in some, who little thought at the Kings Return, of their after-experience, that they should fall down slain at Con­formity, who might expect some other fruit from thence, & were not able to reap it. I profess to you, the most, I believe, are not capable indeed to judge in this matter. You have not been [Page 77]wounded or lain under those ter­rors, to know what Tenderness in this kind is; yet have you sin­ned against the Lord Almighty, as well as others, and have need of his indulgence.

It was the determination of Mi­randula, that no man can make himself believe what he will. It is not consequently the severity of Laws that can do any thing with the Mind, though it may with the Outward-man. Force may make men Hypocrites, not Converts to a Faith which is en­joyned. Neither is the penalty indeed of our Acts, as it relates to the Minister who conforms not to them (which lies mainly in the deprivation of their Ministry and their serviceableness to God [Page 78]in their place) such, as is fit to have been promoted on some of them, or like to have effect on others.

I know not how well those may like of themselves in their Sacerdotal Function, who can be a Bishop here, and a Dignitary there; a Dean in one Church, a Canon in another, a Preben­dary in a third; the Rector of such a Parish, and Parson of such; who can shovel-up their Preser­ments together in heaps, as if the Cure of Souls were indeed no­thing else but the Care of Mo­ney, or the raising of their Fami­lies: But as for those men that expect none of these things, but are intent on their work, their business & account, which makes [Page 79]them groan under the weight, I cannot conceive any temptation so shrewdly grateful to flesh and blood as what you have been of­fering them by your Acts. And will you indeed conspire with Satan, and with the flesh of sin­ful men, to rob the people, who are innocent and have not offen­ded, of that serious, faithful, pain­ful Preaching of many of these Men, for want of which you know not how many of their souls may perish, and how much sin may abound, the guilt where­of may be laid to your charge; and in the mean while only plea­sure these whom ye account the Offenders themselvs so extream highly, as to set them at perfect ease; free them from their care [Page 80]and study, and give them the most voluptuous enjoyment of perpetual leasure? A very little whereof, without our Acts, their busie Consciences would per­haps let them have.

They may thank you. But I will tell you a better course to punish a good Preacher for his Nonconformity than to pleasure the flesh, & discharge him for it. Onely I must plead with you a little from the Argument I am upon (that is, Conscience) in the way. Have there not been some, nay many of those Ministers, whom you have ejected by your Acts, serious Persons, faithfull Labourers, and worthy of the Vineyard? And why have you imposed such conditions to the [Page 81]entrance, or continuance of their Ministry, as they cannot yeeld unto without going against their Consciences? Can you say that in these conditions you have re­ally condescended to them as far as possibly you could without sinning against yours? And that you have done moreover all that you are able for their Restituti­on? Why then is your Peace with these men laid upon the ap­probation & use of those things which in their nature are dispu­table and unnecessary? The Church is a company of persons professing the belief and practise of those things which Christ hath appointed to Salvation, & when no more can indeed be required unto union than a joyning in the [Page 82]owning and practising all things that are such, why is there any thing that is not necessary to Eternal life made the condition to a man (after trial of his suffici­ency and allowance by Orders of performing his Ministry, any more than of his Communion with the Congregation?

Let a man then, once ordain­ed, any way, be still held, and retained for a Labourer in the Harvest. Let not the Master be offended who hath imployed him, nor his Talent be wrapped up: But let him be made a Gi­beonite to the sons of the Church, that they may use him as an As­sistant for their burden, while Institution and Induction is con­ferred only according to Law. [Page 83]This will satisfie the sincere Non­conformist, who will obtain here­by his main end, the glorifying God in his Calling: and this is the best way to fetch in others, who certainly will grow weary at the long-run, when they shall have Work provided them as Mini­sters, but no Benefice until they conform.

When the Persians had made a Bridge over the Hellespont, and the Grecian Commanders were consulting to break it down, it was Themestocles's advice, by all means to let it stand; which when he perceived they were not like to entertain, he sends privately word to the Enemy, what they were consulting to do: They fearing thereupon lest [Page 84]they should be prevented, march back suddenly in those numbers which (if they had not had the means of returning) must have swallowed up the whole Coun­try. The Counsel of this Athe­nian shall be a President to me in what I have been offering at this season. There was a Bridge at his Majesties return, in a trea­ty between the Bishops and their fellow-endeavourers of his hap­pie Restauration, that was on building; a Bridge, not for any to depart Enemies from us, but for those who are Brethren (of the same Religion, differing only in some circumstances) to come over to You into Union and Concord with You. I know not by whose advice it was bro­ken [Page 85]down; It may be, really, not by his Majesties any more than by mine, who do study thus (if possible) to set it afoot, and would be content to have it re­built any way, rather than not at all. Let me hear that gracious word, Thus saith Cyrus, Arise and Build; and when 'tis builded I would have that Motto on it, as my Lo. Bacon hath on his House (now the worthy Master of the Roll's) of Goram, being a modest but fair structure, In the front of it there is this written, Medio­cria firma.

If the Bishops will not, yet may they at least hear a little of his Majesties, or the Nation's mind about it; That they may write down in the Book of what [Page 86]hereafter shall befall them, Mo­niti meltora.

There are, I perceive, many fears and hopes upon the minds of people, and the presages of their hearts are many. I do not know whether there be any dark Notices from some Spirits that preside over us, of some great Events sometimes when they are near us: But methinks the minds of some have of late aboded us some very great Evil, or great Good, not to be far from us. For my own part as I am a Chri­stian, and born under the con­stitution of this State, I must profess and declare, that it is un­lawful for any to expect Delive­rance (I speak it as to the Op­pressed in the chiefest of their [Page 87]possessions, their Consciences) from any hands whatsoever, but his only, in whose are the heart of the King to turn it as the Ri­vers of Water. The Supream Authority lies in his breast, and if we go any way that is not in order to the attaining the stamp of his Will, a le Roy [...]e Veult, we go out of the way of our Consti­tution, and consequently against the Ordinance of God in our Nation. Let every soul be subject to the higher Powers; for there is no Power but of God; and the Powers that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the Power, resisteth the Ordinance of God; and they that resist, shall receive to themselves Damnation. But now, if it shall please Al­mighty [Page 88]God to touch that Heart he hath in his hands, the Heart of his Sacred Majesty, our Lord and King, with the prevalent sentiments of Clemency and Mercy, of Nobleness and Pitty, of Righteousness and Peace, so as he shall come to see, that this narrow uncatholick spirit, that would have the minds of all per­sons, of every sect and conditi­on, to be of the size of theirs only, is unbeseeming his Royal Grace and Influence, who is not the Father only of the Circum­cised, but of the Uncircumcised also: Then shall the Salvation of God come out of Zion, and the Captivity of his People be turned back. Then may those blessed Seeds that were sown in [Page 89]his Majesties wise and gracious Declaration so long since, revive, take root and spring up. Then may the Ejected Ministers, and other Civil Officers worthy of trust, that, like the Witnesses in the Revelation, have lain dead for these three dayes (a day for a year) and half ( [...], not a half, but half three dayes more) by their Civil death (insomuch as others have come into their places, as dead by the Act) in a Street ( [...], a certain Street) of the great City, (The great City, sayes Mr. Mede, is Rome with her ten Tributary Kingdoms, whereof Britain was one) have a Spirit of Life enter and set them on their feet (that is, raise them from this conditi­on) [Page 90]and they ascend up in a cloud to Heaven (that is, with remark, to preferment) by the call of a Voice from thence (which can be no other than that of the Su­pream Magistrate) saying, Come up hither.

Pardon the Allusion, which seeing others are, or have been too apt to make use of, to the entertaining such hopes and thoughts that are perhaps of dan­gerous consequence, I would di­rect unto a Hope that is lawful, if at all there be any: while so many distressed Consciences lie bleeding, and know not whither they are to have recourse for succour. May it therefore please his most excellent Majesty, with the Lords and Gentlemen of [Page 91]both Houses, to take this Moti­on at their Session into conside­ration, that the matter being first duely weighed, debated, digest­ed, for the agreement of things [...]hat seem to differ, the difficul­ties may be cleared, inconveni­ences prevented, none displea­sed: and so the Proposer may have pardon, and the Proposition a soit fait comme il e desirè.

Give Indulgence (stated con­sultedly) and you remove Dis­content. You put an end for e­ver to Sedition and Rebellion; You root out the seeds and fo­ment of them; You take away the very pretence. You pre­vent the Evil, you encourage the Well-meaning and Good. You will establish the Church. [Page 92]Do all good, No hurt. You will win our hearts; You will unite us at home; and for our Ene­mies abroad, if they dare, let them come. Ecce quam bonum & amaenum est, habitare Fratre [...] etiàm unà.

VVhen Popilius came from Rome to Antiochus he declares his message, that the Senate re­quired of him to withdraw his Armies from Egypt, for Ptolomy was their Friend and Confede­rate. The King answers, he will take respite and consider of it. Popilius with the end of his Rod draws a Circle round about him upon the ground, Before you pass this Circle (sayes he) resolve, that I may declare you Friend or Ene­my to the Romans. Antiochus, [Page 93]whether daunted at their known Power, or affected with the Bra­very; or whether (as is not un­likely) out of the Native good­ness that accompanies Princes, which makes them receive such unexpected Actions with grace, candour and generosity, he see­ing indeed it was best for him; answered immediately, He would do as the Romans would have him.

Great Sirs! I am come to You this day from an Authority more mighty than the Senate of Rome, in the Name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel. There are a People you prosecute in your Acts, that make conscience of their wayes, and live peace­ably. Withdraw this Hostility of yours; for they serve God, [Page 94]and are his Confederates, as well as you, or others; and he will bless those that bless such, and be an Enemy to their Enemies. Thus saith the Lord, Be merciful as your Father in heaven is merci­ful. Before you pass over these few Lines that are left, Resolve, whether you will be like him, or like him not? Resolve, that I may declare you to be his Sons; and him no Enemy, but a Friend, to our Sovereign, and to his People. And it came to pass as he was speaking, Amaziah said unto him, Art thou made of the Kings Counsel? Forbear, why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the Prophet forbare.

June the 18th. 1667.