AS Zeale without Knowledge argues the weaknesse of the Head; so doth Knowledge without Zeale the rottennesse of the Heart: the lightnesse of the Head, and the unfoundnesse of the Heart, are the two Epidemicall Diseases of this Kingdome: Ignorance and Hypocrisie as they are the greatest Enemies to Truth and Piety, so are they the chiefe causes of the Kingdomes misery; all men would sceme to be what few men are in truth: but though Dissemblers are great in number; yet are the upright stronger in power: there is nothing that hath more pretended friends and reall enemies then Peace and Truth; though the Heart of the wicked hateth the Power yet the conviction of their Head would faine palliate their wickednesse with the Forme of Godlinesse: all would weare RELIGIONS Livery. but few will observe Religions Lawes; if Picty be good in profession it is better in practice; but the profession commands almost every man, and the practice scarce any at all: of the things of this World men had [Page 2] rather have the substance then the shadow; but of the things of Heaven, the shadow gives generally better content then the substance; the forme rather then the power of Godlines: every man by profession will make Christ a King; but by practice crowns him with Thornes; the Gospel and the Kingdome have few Enemies in shew, but fewer Friends in truth.

The whole Kingdom is divided into two parts, both professing contention for one common Cause; every man hath his Sword in his hand, and would fight for God and the Kingdom, but knowes not where to rank himselfe: Law and Religion, the Kingdome and Gospell, are the mutuall pleas of each party; who but a villaine will fight against his King? who but a Divell will fight against his GOD? who but a Rebell, will strike at his King? who but a Rascall will strike at his Country? A good King is the breath of our nostrilts, the God of goodnesse, the life of our soules; our Kingdom is divided; so saith King and Parliament; it cannot long so stand; so faith God and Reason: our Kingdom is in danger, so saith King and Parliament; we must not sit still, so saith Law and Conscience: I would defend both, and offend neither, but if I now sit still I am not a friend to either; here are two Armies each against other to which to joyne my selfe I know not whether; I am called to help by the one and the other, and therefore I must not now be a Newter, they both pre­fesse they fight for to preserve the same Religion, the same Law; I must not judge the heart, what shall I doe?

1. For resolution of this doubt let us consider these 2 parts.

• First what is this
  • 1. Law?
  • 2. Religion?

2. How may I most probably judge, which party is cordiall, with whom I ought to joyne my selfe?

First by Law, as is controverted, is meant, all those former Acts of Parlia­ment never yet reversed, together with the Priviledges of Parliament, (the fountain and life of Law) the chiefest whereof, is to reverse, repeale, ordaine and enact what Lawes and Statutes, old and new, they shall think fit, for the present benefit and welfare of King and Kingdome.

This is the Law now in controversie, viz. The Statute Law of the Land, the Power and Priviledge of Parliament, which is the great Inheritance of the Kingdom, and that which doth distinguish us from slaves and vassalls.

Secondly, by Religion is meant the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of God, as they have, and shall finde it agreeable to the word of God.

This is that Religion which they both say they fight for.

God and the Kingdome; is this the Cause? Religion and Law, is this the Quarrell? Piety and Humanity, grace and iugenuity will not admit of an unworthy newtrality. I will fight for God for I haa rather die a believing Christian, then live an Atheist, or Papist: I will fight for my Country, for I had rather die a free-man, then live a slave or vassall; but if both Parties fight in the behalfe of the same Cause, whence is the rise of the Quarrell?

The Parliament affirmes their Adversaries to be a Malignant Party, which often apart, and now together do strongly oppose the life and power of Religi­on and Lawes and this is affirmed by the adverse Party against the Parliament.

Both affirm the same thing, I am where I was, I cannot Iudge the heart, what shall I doe.

For further direction herein, consider the second Part and that is.

How may I judge which Party is cordiall, with whom I ought to jonee?

For Answer hereunto, consider two things.

First, who and what are the Parties on each side.

Secondly, what are their practises in the managing of their Quarrel.

First, for the Parties on each side: On the one side, we have a lawfull free­chosen Parliament, consisting of the King, Lords and Commons of the Land; (we will not understand the King as the head of a Faction) we have moreover all knowne, godly learned Ministers of the Kingdome, together with all godly conscieneious People. both Gentry and Commons, of all sorts, ranks and conditions whatsoever.

2. On the other side, we have most of the Papists of the Kingdom many wher­of are chiefe Commanders, together with the Popish partie of Lords, Gentry and Commons, with all the Praelaticall Faction of Bishops, with their De­pendants, all Popish superstitious, idle, deboist, scandalous Ministers, Priests and Cathedrall finging-fellowes in the Land, with divers proclaimed Trai­tors, once fled from the Justice of the Parliament, and now in great power and Office in their Forces: as also some lately in Rebellion in Ireland together with the quondam grinding oppressing Judges, Pattentees; all Delinquents, ne­ver Parliament proofe, with many ignorant, silly and not a few curling, swea­ring banning blaspheming wretches of all qualities from the Kings Court, to the Countrey Cart. These are the Parties on each side.

Are these the Parties? Malignity in the one party is as hard to be believed as Since­rity in the other; that the one party should intent mischiefe, and the other preservation to Law and Religion; it is hard to say which is the greatest wonder, that there should such a generall Apostacy from Religion, and morality to basenesse, and impiety, as is implied in the Parliaments party, was never knowne, no not in the dayes of Julian: and such a gene­rall conversion, from prophannesse, and malignity, to grace and ingennity as is implied in the second party, was never knowne, no, not in the dates of Peter, that such an Apostacy of the one party, and such a conversion of the other, should at once meet together, seemes as strange, as if the Inhabitants of Heaven and Hell, should change qualities and habitati­ons; well, once Angells, are now Divels, once Divells, are now Saints the later daies shall produce great matters of this nature, the first shall be last, the last shall be first, I am still where I was, how shall I judge? For further direction herein:

Consider secondly, having seene the Parties; what are their practises in the managing of the Controversie; here let us observe two things.

First how each Enemy hath beene detected to other.

Secondly, how each Enemy hath proceeded against other.

First, the Parliament Party &c. by the severall complaints, cries and Peti­tions of the People for redresse hath found out their Adversaries, utterly mal­lignant against Religion and Law.

Religion, in Doctrine, in Discipline.

In Doctrine, they arfirme and appeale to the knowledge and experience of al men to give testimony to the truth hereof, that their Adversaries in the chiefe and prime Leaders, have for a long season endeavoured to undermine the fun­damentall points of the Protestant Religion, by silencing our godly, learned and painfull Ministers by corrupting our Universities with Popish and Armi­nian Governours in most Colledges by placing superstitious, idle, scandalous ignorant, non resident and non-preaching Ministers, throughout the King­dome; by committing the power of Printing and the Key of the Presles, in­to [Page 4] the hands of Popish, Praelaticall, Arminian, Domestick Chaplaines: by to­lerating, and countenancing preaching, and printing Popish, Arminian, and licentious Tenets: that the Pope is not Antichrist, nor Rome Babilon; with the like Popish Tenets: that men may fall from grace, and be for heaven to day, and for hell to morrow, with the like Arminian Tenets: That Sunday is no Sabbath, and men may spend it in pastimes and sports with such like licenti­ous Tenets, &c.

Thus they have been malignant against the Doctrine of the Church.

In Discipline:

Secondly, they likewise affirme (with the like appeale) to the knowledge of all men, that their adversaries have been alwayes malignant unto Religion, as in Doctrine, so in Discipline; by prescribing altering, and corrupting formes of prayer in the Church, by turning Tables into Altars, and placing greater degree of holinesse in one part of the Church than another, by command in cringings, bowings, duckings: by introducing many guegaws and ridiculous Innovations of copes, pictures, crucifixes, crosses candle-stickes, tapers, &c. into the worship of God. Thus they say, they have been malignant against Reli­gion, in Doctrine, in Worship,

Secondly, they have discovered their adversaries malignant against Law, by endeavoring to bring in an Arbitrary government, as is evident in in the charge of Srafford and Canterbury, prime quondam agents of this present faction, which hath had a being, and a working in capite long agoe: and we know that operaetio alicujus rei conseq [...]tur essere [...]; by pleading for and pressing Ship moneys, coat and conduct moneys. Arbitrarie taxations Monopolies, Pat [...]n [...]s, almost for every thing by re [...]arding Parliaments (the onely remedy of the Kingdomes miserie) before we had one by endeavouring and bringing to passe the disso­lution of them when we had any; and now the destruction of this present Par­liament which they connot dissolve:

Thus the one party hath discovered their enemy.

Secondly, the other Party affirme the same against the Parliament &c. viz. that they are enemies unto Religion, and unto Law; unto Religion here they alleadg nothing in poyn of Doctrine, but for discipline, they say that they goe about to al [...]er and change the well order'd Government of the Church by Bishops with their dependants, a Government honour'd for so many hun­dred yeares antiquity with so many godly and learned Divines, which hath made this Church famous in the world, with so many Martyrs, and holy men, &c. Moreover, they affirme, that their Adversaries now discourage Learn­ing, favour ignorant fellowes, Preachers in Tubs. &c. countenance Brow­nists. Anabaptists, Schismaticks, Separatists, Sectaries, &c Thus they are Ma­lignant against Religion.

Secondly they say; they are malignant against Law going about to bring in an Arbitrary Government by voting and making Ordinances, as binding, without the King and by vertue thereof, to seize upon what is the Kings; therefore the Subjects may now looke to themselves, by compelling men, that are not willing [...]o assist in this quarrell, by demanding the twentieth part of their Estates, by voting men Malignants who have not and doe not accor­ding to their Estate, contribute freely to their assistance, by seizing upon their [Page 5] Horses, Armes, Plate, Money, casting their persons into Prisons, &c.

Thus are they malignant against the Lawes of the Land; and thus each Partie hath found out his Enemy.

Is this thy case? Alasse poore England, thy wound is deepe, thy remedy dangerous; why hast thou taught thy Children no better? Doe all plead for truth? Doth Truth plead for all? Truth is one, and so are her Children; how is it they are now fallen out? Truth makes peace, Errour contention: all is not well; where is the fault? good is the Cause and one party with it; each is not right: one party must fall; I guesse which it is; I know what I think, but I may be deceived; Ile suspend my opinion till know their pro­ceedings.

2. For further satisfaction herein, consider, how each Party, having disco­vered, pursues their Enemy.

First, the Parliament, &c. have pursued the Cause of Religion, in point of Doctrine, after this method, by opening the mouthes of godly, learned, and silenced Ministers, by granting liberty without interruption, for the frequent and powerfull preaching of the Word, wherever men will maintaine it; by promising and preparing for the removall and just punishment of wicked scan­dalous Ministers, by discountenancing Popish Arminians, and encouraging knowne, godly, and Orthodox Preachers.

Secondly, they pursue the Cause of Religion, in point of worship, after this Method; by prohibiting all Popish superstitious Innovations, by tolera­ting the bare omission of Ceremonies, confessed to be unnecessary, and but indifferent things; and therefore not to be prest upon any men whose consci­ences cannot beare them; by resolving upon the best means they can think of, to find out the will of God concerning his worship, being very doubtfully disputed amongst the godly and learned Ministers viz the choosing of an as­sembly of godly and learned Ministers of different judgements in that point to study, dispute and the best way they can to find out the will of God herein, whose power is onely declarative and therefore can there be no prejudice by the overtopping number of any of one judgement by voting the abolishing of Bishops, being found a chiefe spring of all our troubles, in the three King­domes: and therefore this Kingdome hath as much reason with joy and gra­tulation to accept of this Act and the King to confirme it here in this King­dome, as in the Kingdome of Scotland and our King in Scotlans had in the same case and upon the same grounds.

Thus they have pursued the Cause of the Kingdome in respect of Religion.

Secondly in respect of Law, they have taken this course, by taking notice of all these incursions, which have been made upon the Law, by illegall taxati­ons. and oppressions of the Subjects, by finding out and removing the roots, springs and causes thereof, as the Star chamber, high Commission, &c. by discovering, and bringing to condign [...] punishment the underminers of Law, whereof there have been Nobles Bishops Lawyers, Judges, Pattentees. Delin­quents of all ranks some wherof have fled away beyond Seas, and others into divers parts of this Kingdom, have indeavoured to raise up forces and strength to over-aw, and overthrow this present Parliament, and have brought t [...]is de­signe to great perfection; all which is known and evident in the sight of all men: [Page 6] For the suppressing of which power, and the further prevention of their in­crease by forreigne force; the Parliament hath endeavoured the best way they can, by securing the Ships and Sea-Ports of the Kingdome in the hands of a faithfull and trusty Admirall, and other Officers, by disarming knowne Pa­pists and Malignants interested and active in the Quarrell against them, and by raising up an Army for the suppressing of that Malignant party, raised up for the ruine of Religion, and Lawes of the Kingdome.

Thus the one Party hath managed their Controversie against their Adversary.

Secondly, the other Party hath prosecuted the purity of Religion before the Parliament in point of Doctrine; by advancing, and encouraging Arminian and Popish fellowes, and Tenets throughout the Kingdome as all men know.

Secondly, in point of worship; by introducing, and maintaining many foolish, superstitious, and ridiculous Ceremonies, and Innovations, as is likewise hid from no man, and their method, since they have gotten into an Army, in the prosecuting the purity of Religion, is by cursing, banning, blaspheming, swea­ring God sinke me, God dam me, the Divel ram me &c. with such like horrid oathes, as I tremble to think of; together with mocking, jeering, scoffing and deriding at those who make conscience of their wayes, calling them Puritans, Round-heads, Schismaticks, Separatists, Brownists, Sectaries, &c. the very name of an honest man, that will not sweare, lye and prophane the Lords day, is ground enough for their cruell and inhumane dealings against them, where ever they come. Thus they prosecute the purity of Religion.

2. They have endeavoured to maintaine the life and power of the Law, Li­berty of the Subject, and Priviledge of Parliament before the Parliament by all kind of injury, against Law, Subjects and Parliaments, as all men know: and sithence the Parliament by disarming the Countries under the pretence of (a most illegall) Commission of Array, which none of the Lawyers and Judges of the Kingdome dare avouch; but wee must believe the Kings word for it, though he say he is no Lawyer: well, the Country's disarm'd, and their Arms put into the hands of Papists and Malignants now in the Army, hereby they are disinabled to defend themselves, but now must quietly suffer themselves to be plunder'd, rob'd and undone, the Countreys assest to pay so much now and so much then; and an Army on foot to compell them to pay it, (as absolute tyrranny as any is in Turkey) and a tast of the Law of the Land, and Liberty of the Subject, which we are like to have hereafter, if this Partie get head: Againe, they (having by wicked Counsell gotten the King from his Parlia­ment, and so sheltring themselves under him) have prevailed with him, with­out the least pretended cause, to put honest and blamelesse well affected Justi­ces of Peace, out of the Commission, throughout the Kingdom, (a sad Omen of the Subjects good to any discerning eye) and put in known Malignants in their roome, to prick men for Sheriffes, throughout the Kingdome, knowne like­wise to be Malignants &c. and for the Priviledges of Parliament, they main­taine these by declaring and publishing both Houses guilty of high treason, and the Earle of Essex General of the Forces, raised for the defence of King, Parliament, and Kingdome, a Traitor, and all his assistants, (comprehending thereby the Parliament) to be Rebels and Traitors; by prevailing with the King, to cast off his great Councell the Parliament, in all matters of Church, [Page 7] and State, to keep from the judicature of the Parliament, known Traitors, and Delinquents, accused by the Parliament, the Priviledges of the Parliament have been maintained, by abusing, beating and scorning messengers sent from the Parliament, by calling those that stand for the good of the Kingdome, and Parliament, Rogues, Parliament dogs, &c. in all these things, and in ma­ny more of this nature, doubtlesse, the Law of the Land, the Liberty of the Subject, the Priviledges of Parliament, are aim'd at, and endeavoured with all sincerity, and truth of heart, and let any man of the meanest capacity judge the contrary.

Thus wee see how each Party hath discovered, and pursueth their Enemy.

Is this the cause? are these the Parties? are these their practises? what but stupidity can now be deceived? Will Traitors fight, for justice? Delinquents, for the Law? the thiefe, for the halter? Papists, for purity of Religion? How is the World turn'd upside downe? is Religion preserved by transgression? Piety, by iniquity? Purity, by Popery? then is the Divell become a convert. Is the law maintained by illegality? the Subject by oppession? the Parliament by destruction? then are the Turkes as free as the English. Shall I now question which side is right? then let me question my judgement and reason. I will fight for my God, who gave me my being; I will fight for my Countrey, who gave me my breeding: God and my Countrey gave what I have; God and my Countrey shall have what they gave: Religion binds me unto God, Duty to my King, Nature to my Countrey: If the King calls me to fight against, and the Parliament for God and my Countrey; I can­not obey my King, I dare not deny the Parliament. That this is our case, is as cleare as the Sun; let us hears what Objections can say to the contrary.

Objections are some in reference to the King some in reference to the Par­liament, first in reference to the King.

Object. 1 First, it is objected that the King hath made many Protestations, strong asseverations, fearefull imprecations against him and his, if ever he in­tends the least wrong, but all good both to Religion, Law and Parliament; and shall we not believe the King?

Answ. First the Law of God, Nature and Nations doth not binde mee to believe any thing against experience (though affirmed by a King and upon no better ground than his bare affirmation.

Secondly, we question not the Kings intent against God and the Kingdome; but we know that the Army raised up by his Authority is for the subversion both of Religion and Lawes; and that those that are now the Kings Counsel­lours, have alwayes and now doe endeavour the rooting up of both.

Thirdly the King may be deceived by false Prophets and wicked Lawyers, who may suggest this to be Religion, and that to be Law, which is nothing but Popery, and illegality, and so he may protest, and that from his heart (being deceived) that he intends nothing more than such Religion and Lawes.

Fourthly, it is not unknowne what Protestations were made to maintaine Religion and Law, the Property of the Subjects, &c. even in the height of all former Popish Innovations and illegall taxations.

Obj. 2 Another Objection is, that the King pleads personall wrongs in ta­king away his proper Rights his Cinque-Ports, his Navy, his Magazine bought with his owne money, which are his owne as properly as any mans Jewells or Plate is his owne.

Answ. First the King had nothing of this kind, but either it was committed to his trust by the Kingdome, or purchased by his moneys: if committed to him by the Kingdome, it was for its preservation, not for its destruction: if so be that that was committed to the King by the Kingdome for its preservati­on, is it by the Votes and Apprehensions of the representative Body of the Kingdome (the best Judges herein) like to be perverted to its ruine and destru­ction? the preservation of the Kingdome being the chiefest Law, doth dictate unto the Kingdome its owne security, by seizing upon those Weapons, Armes, Magazines, &c. which (prepared for their security) are now intended for their owne misery.

Secondly, if it were bought by the Kings proper moneys, it was bought for the good or hurt of the Kingdome, if for the hurt of the Kingdome, the re­presentative Kingdome, that knowes no Law, but salutem populi, apprehending our misery ought to prevent it by seizing upon their Ammunitions; for if a Master of a Family, by Neighbours, should bee stirr'd up against his Family, even to kill and murther his owne Famaly▪ is it not lawfull for his servants to seize upon those weapons which he had bought for the same purpose, and pre­vent such a designe?

Secondly, the Parliament is the Kings greatest Counsell, by whose advice he ought to be guided; if he will suffer himselfe to be ruled by a knowne Malig­nant Partie against the Parliament, and by this meanes they procure the strength of the Kingdome into their owne hands to ruine and destroy the Par­liament: is it not lawfull to prevent it by securing the Ammunition? Just so is our case as may be at large shewed.

Thirdly, the Parliament is to judge both what is good for the King and King­domes welfare: if Enemies to the King and Kingdome shall by secret insinua­tions get into his favour and suggest those Designes which will utterly undoe the Kingdome, and the King shall with all Preparations addresse himselfe, ac­cording to these suggestions; ought not the Parliament (if possibly, out of loy­alty to the King, and love to the Kingdome) to prevent this by seizing upon those weapons, that may further the same?

Object. 3 Another objection is, that the setling of the Militia is not in the Parliaments power, and that the Parliament cannot doe it without the King.

Answ. There have been sufficient Answers for the legality of it by the Par­liaments Declarations alreadie: but now for the rationality and equity of it, much may be said: the King hath been sought unto for his consent therein, and will not not grant it; what must be done?

Either the King must settle it without the Parliament or the Parliament with­out the King; the Parliament cannot consent to the King to settle it without them; because he will not hearken unto their advice (as he should) but unto the advice of those who will settle it to the Kingdomes ruine: for let men of any indifferent judgement give out their opinions into whose hanes the Mili­tia had beene setled and what the issue thereof had been before this day, if the King (mis-led by such a Counsell as he is) had settled it, surely the Commissi­oners of Array will dictate to any discerning eye what kind of parties they should have been▪ therfore the Parliament, necessitatis causa, & ad salutem populi, (their only rule) must settle it without the King.

Object. 4 The lawfulnesse of taking up Armes in this case is very questiona­ble, because it seemes to be against the King and many Preachers both by their Sermons and Writings determine it Rebellion and utterly unlawfull: and that wee should suffer, rather than resist, according to the practice of holy Mar­tyrs in Queene Maries dayes, &c. and the very Cavaliers demand with what conscience can we take up Armes against the King &c.

Answ. First, it would not be amisse to observe those Preachers, who are so carefull to resolve doubtfull Consciences in this case, after this manner; surely if we note how tender they have beene formerly unto weake and scrupulous Consciences, we have more reason to suspect, that their designe is rather to raise up and make scruples then to answer them at all.

Secondly, it is good to observe all what interest they have in the Cause it selfe; surely if the Cause be against Popery and Praelacie it is no mervaile that the Popish and Praelaticall faction (who knowes little Conscience out of their owne Cause) pleads conscience so much; enquire of them whether it be law­full to joyne with the worship of God corrupted with superstitious and hu­mane inventions; they wll tell you you are more precise than wise. and what need you be so scrupulous, &c. but now they are of another mind, and it is ob­servable, that men of no Religion or Conscience in Gods Cause would faine make Religion and Conscience plead for them in their owne Cause.

Thirdly It is good also to see how carefull these men have been to informe the [...]ing in his duty (having the best opportunity hereunto) and in matters of Conscience about this Warre; no in this case, as in the controversie with our Brethren the Scots, they say to our King as the 400. false Prophets said to Ahab goe up to Ra [...]ot [...] Gilead and prosper; and it is observable also, that these men (who pretend so much zeale are most seditious factious and schismaticall fellowes in the Kingdome and chiefe causers of the present divisions amongst us.

Fourthly, Those Preachers that plead it to be Rebellion to take up Armes in this Cause against the King (as they please to miscall it) doe not plead it re­bellion in the States of Holland nor in the Prince or Orange to be the Rebell generall against the King of Spaine, although they take up Armes against him, and although we have every way as much warrant from the Law of God, our Nation and Nature it selfe so doe as they have, they know this Doctrine is re­pugnant to their designes and will not please.

Fiftly, as for their instances of holy Martyrs in the time of Queene Maries dayes (after whose example they would have us yield passive obedience, and not resist as they themselves have followed the steps of those who did perse­cute these holy Martyrs ever since to their power) they are to little purpose; for the Lawes and Statutes of the Kingdome are altered and reversed which gave life unto this Argument: and that which was lawfull then is unlawfull now, and that which is lawfull now, was unlawfull then; for which we may thanke a Parliament: and in fighting for the Parliaments Cause, wee fight not against, but to defend Authority, and for the King and not against him, having what Authority he hath confirmed and established by the Parliament.

Sixtly, there have beene sufficient Answers to this Objection, to prove the lawfulnesse of taking up Armes in this Cause, for the satisfaction of truly ten­der [Page 10] Consciences, by divers Bookes made by godly and learned Ministers, viz.

Booke intituled Anticavalier s [...]e, made by Mr. Iohn Goodwin, and Mr. Bur­aough his Postscript to his last Booke upon the name of the Lord of Hosts; in Answer to Doctor Ferne &c. Besides many other Bookes and Sermons of this kinde, where men might have satisfaction in abundance; &c.

Seventhly, as for an Answer to the Cavaliers themselves, who demand with what Conscience we can fight against the King as they are taught to miscall it) they are capable of no other but this; that when they will satisfie you with what Conscience they will drink and be drunke whore and bee damn'd, and choose rather to goe to Hell with their Comrades, than to Heaven with the Round-heads, with what conscience they blaspheame God, curse, sweare, rob, plunder, kill, murther, &c? Then will you tell them, with what conscience you take up Armes in this Cause, surely. if the tongues of all the blasphemers amongst them were bored with an hot iron, and of the Swearers were clipt, you should hardly from the greatest to the least of them understand whether they speake English in asking, with what Conscience you doe so.

These were the Objections concerning the King.

There are likewise Objections concerning the Parliament.

Object. 1 The King is not with them, nor many Lords and Commons, &c. This hath beene suggested if it were possible to blind, poore ignorant people and to possesse them with a conceit that therefore they are no Parlia­ment, though in plaine termes they will not affirme so much.

Answ. VVell, what then? are they no Parliament? th [...]y will not t [...]tidem verbis affirme this: they have more wit [...] but they would have others make that inference; for they buz this abroad, that the greatest part of the Parliament are with the King, and many now in the Parliament doe not consent to the Votes that are past; and yet they put forth their Votes. Ordinances &c. in the name of both Houses of Parliament; and therefore they would have you make the inference, viz. that they are not the Parliament; therefore it is not amisse to answer this tacite and silent Objection; for Answer therefore.

First they were a Parliament, none will deny that.

Secondly, an Act hath been past that they shall not be dissolved but by an Act made in Parliament by the major Vote; and is there such an Act yet past? no man can prove that.

Thirdly though many are not in the Parliament, which are Members, vet they should be there, and they have been summoned to be there: and it is their delinquency and carelesenesse of, or malignity to their Countries good, that they are not there; and some of them most unworthily and unnaturally are in actuall War against the Parliament are they no Parliament, because such as these are absent?

Fourthly, the King doth alwayes call them his Houses of Parliament, and therefore who can question it? but the truth is, they suggest many things to deceive the common people, as if we were the only Nation of Fooles in the world.

Object. 2 Some furious spirits in the Parliament compell the rest to doe what is done, and those are put out in name of the Parliament &c.

Answ. First, doth not this cast an imputation upon the Nobility, and the [Page 11] greatest part of the commons, of weaknesse, if not of absolute folly, that they should be led by a few factious spirits in all their Votes and determinations?

Secondly, were not the unjust and illegall dissolutions of Parliaments grounded upon exceptions against some particular Members, under the name of a few factious and seditious persons? as all men know.

Thirdly, suppose that the rest were advised and mis-led by the Counsells of those few, against their owne judgements who are called factious and sediti­ous (which can never be granted untill a Parliament be chosen of such as will believe it) are they not the Votes of the Parliament, when the major part shall passe them? truly, [...]argues they want matter of accusation that make use of such silly shifts as there are.

Object. 3 The Parliament goes about to alter Religion, to bring in Brow­nisme, Anabaptisme, &c.

Answ. First, it is false for none can accuse them in respect of the Doctrine of the Church of England which is the maine of Religion; and seldome are men said to alter Religion but in point of Doctrine.

Secondly, it is reformation of government (confest on all hands to bee cor­rupted) which they endeavour; and if there be no need of Reformation, why were there so many complaints made hereabout?

Thirdly, suppose they should goe about to alter Religion (which we will ne­ver grant, except they were such as their accusers) who could hinder them? may not they (if they see cause) alter Religion aswell as former Parliaments?

Fourthly, as for those scandals of their intentions to bring in Brownisme, and Anabaptisme. &c. it is notoriously knowne that under the name of Brow­nist, and Anabaptist. by the Praelaticall Party (the Oracles of the Court) are alwayes understood all such who dare not out of Conscience submit to those unwarranted Ceremonies by them introduced into the worship of God. Men that will not sweare and lie, blaspheame Gods name and prophane his day, are the Sectaries, Brownists, and Anabaptists of these times.

Lastly these men either understand not what Anabaptists are; or else speak very unadvisedly in charging the Parliament with Anabaptisme: for one of the maine points of Anabaptisme, is that no man ought to take up Armes in the cause of God at all, but rather to suffer, to plead and contend for the truth by no other weapon than lachrymis & precibus, and if the Magistrate should take away our Religion, yea cut our throats in that cause, we must pa­tiently submit, &c. Now if we consider what Doctrine of this kind the Prae­laticall Party have lately broached abroad, they may better learne to charge Anabaptisme.

Lastly, Consider which of these two parties are most likely to goe about to alter Religion, either that party that consists of knowne Orthodox, Godly and Religions men, whose judgements and practises have alwayes been towards pi­ety and purity? or that party which consists of the Popish and Arminian fa­ction? and whereunto all the Papists of the Kingdome personally and vertu­ally come to yeeld their assistance: which is the very case of the adverse par­ty against the Parliament; that there is a going about to alter Religion by them is evident and therefore if Popery be worth fighting for let them not be ashamed of it, but let them speak plainely by their words, as well as their acti­ons: [Page 12] but the truth is, if they should doe so, they could not procu e so many to help the whore as they do.

Object. 4 Another objection concerning the Parliament is this: That they goe about to bring in Arbitrary government; to impose taxations upon the Subjects without the King; to demand the 20th. part of mens estates; to seize upon their Armes, Houses, Moneyes, Plate, &c. and all without the Kings consent.

They pleaded for Property; loe where is Property?

1. We have committed unto them all that we have; to be disposed of for the publique good as being confident of their love unto us; which we never did to the King: We have committed unto them the safety of the Kingdome, and that is the Rule they should walke by (if they discharge that trust committed to them) suppose the King misled by wicked Councell, should make Warre against his Kingdome; the Parliament must endeavour to preserve the King­dome; this they cannot doe, but by forces raised to that purpose; and this will require moneys and the King will never grant moneys to bee raised for any such defigne, will he thinke you? If the Parliament hath nor power ther­fore to impose raxations to raise moneyes to maintaine the Warres, for the preservation of the Kingdome especially when men will not voluntarily give their assistance; then is the Kingdome without a Remedy in such cases, and so a Parliament is but a meere cipher and of no use.

2. Suppose that a wicked faction should counsell the King to set up Prerega­tive above Law, and to make his will the Law of the Land; and they tell him he hath but the name, and not the power of a Prince, except he doth so: Well, it is replyed this cannot be done except that power be conterred up on him by Parliament otherwise the People wil not beare it. They advise him further to call a Parliament and tell him they will use such meanes for the election of such throughout the Kingdome which shall be willing to such a designe: well the King calls a Parliament their design in election failes; this Parlia­ment now called seeke not the subversion but the confirmation of the Law of the Land Liberty of the Subjects &c. Well these wicked Councellours sug­g [...]r unto the King, to take away five or fix at a time of the chiefe Members (whom they conceive to stand so much against this designe) under pretence of accufing them of high Treason &c so that the rest may feare, and yield to his well: well this Councell is taken but the Parliament will not part with their Members in any such ill g [...]il way; what must be done now? well, they tell the King they will raise some Forces for they are many and great Per­sons, and if the King will be with them in this design they have a thousand lies to deceive the people; the Counseil is taken an Army raised, they grow big, and appeare strong; if the Parliament now hath no power to tax the King­dome without the King in this case to raise moneys to maintaine an Army for its defence, then is the Kingdome utterly undon.

3. The Army raised up against the Kingdome consists of our owne unna­turall Country-men and the maintenance thereof hath an influence through­out the Kingdome; it concerneth therefore the Parliament to finde out and Consure Delinquen's herein Now having a long time required voluntary as­sistance from the Subjects for the defence of the Kingdome, they Vote (as very [Page 13] well they may, being the onely Judges in this case) those to be Delinquents that have not lent the 20th. part of their Estate, and directly or indirectly to assist the adverse Party of our unnaturall brood, who endeavour the destru­ction of the Kingdom and I hope in such cases at least they may censure such Delinquency, and seize upon their Arms, Horses, Moneys, and Plate, and se­cure their persons, lest they prove our ruine and destruction.

4. Let all men consider, whether the Subjects good and benefit be the ground of all those cautions and caveats concerning the Parliament, which we have from many Declarations & Expressures set forth under the Kings name; sure­ly if we look back upon the demands of no lesse then 12. Subsidies to undoe u in maintaining the War against the Scots; If we look upon the present illegal assessing of severall Counties, and compelling them by an Army on foot to pay it &c. we have very little reason to judge any such matter.

These, and many the like objections are made and easily answered by any judicious and reasonable man.

My present satisfaction is beyond my present doubt; could I alwayes thus be satissie in my doubts, I should not be to seeke in my Resolutions, but thus is my case; what purpo­ses are built up by such as is my present satisfaction are throwne downe againe by politique and cunning future Declarations and expressares from the adverse Party.

A present continuall remedy for that will be the sodaine summoning up of your experience in these short and briefe considerations.

• 1. Of what the Parliament hath done already for us, which malice it selfe cannot deny.
• 2. Of what they may doe every day against us if they please.
• 3. Of the sad consequences of their dissolution, as the case of the Kingdom stands.
• 4. Of the sad usage of those, in severall parts of the Kingdome, who have beene deceived by their Declarations and promises, where ever they come.
• 5. Of the qualify, Religon and practises of the adverse party, and their re­lation both by Religion and otherwayes to the Rebells in Ireland.
• 6. Of former like Procestations Imprecations, promises cunning and poli­tique Declarations, in the cant oversie between us and the Scots &c. Digest these and the like consultations seriously in your thoughts, and when you can perceive satisfaction herein be deceived if you can.

From the present state of the Kingdome, we cannot but take notice of these particulars.

1. We now see the grounds, ends and aimes of the over spreading of this Kingdome with ignorant and non preaching or Popish and superstitious Mi­nisters; namely that by the ignorance of some and idolatry of others this de­signe of bringing in Popery and slavery into the Kingdome might prosper; for none but ignorant fools will fight for slavery and inperstitious Formalists for Popery, or superstition.

Where prayers and preaching are all in formabey, where Sabaths are spent in sports and sensuality there is a foundation laid for Popery and slavery: and by these weapons hath the Pope subdued the greatest part of the Christian world: God and the Kingdome have now no such enemies; as where men have bin poysoned with a superstitions ignorant Ministery.

2. From the State of the Kingdome we may observe the great Hypocrisie of these times: Lies and Hypocrifie have begotten an Army against Truth and Sincerity; Nature asequaur semina quisque sua. Its no marvane that that party speak lies in hypocrifie in all their words; write lies in hypocrifie in all their Declarations, act lies in hypocrifie in all their conversations; fight for lies and hypocrifie in their contentions, which is begotten and maintained by lies in hypocrifie; this party where ever they come it is for the good of that place, the preservation of those Countries, if you will beleeve lies and hypocrifie: this party if you will yeeled your selves up to them, will not plunder you, will not prejudice you will pay for all that they have, do no man wrong: If you will beleeve lies and hypocrifie; this party fights for the true Protestant Religion, the Law of the Land, Priviledges of Parliament Liberty of the Subjects: If you will beleeve lies and hypocrifie this party say the Parliament would make you slaves, change your Religion, destroy your King undoe your Kingdome: If you will beleeve lies and hypocrifie: This party where ever they come, will tell you, that they have prospered in all the Controversie, had the better by much at Keynton Battaile, that they might have easily come to London when they came to Braiford if they pleased: but they had not the least thought of plundering the City if you will beleeve lies and hypocrifie: This party will tell the places where they are, that London is divided, and cutting of one ano­thers throats; that they have 30 or 40 thousand there on their siaes; that Lon­don is almost starved for want of Victualls, if they will beleeve lies in hypocri­sie: Never such an Army of prophane liers and hypocrites, but its no marvaile since lies and hypocrifie brought them together.

3. The present state of the Kingdome sheweth the great and dreadfull blood­guiltinesse of our times; the blood of Christ the blood of Saints, the blood of many poore ignorant people lies heavy upon some great Persons and Fami­lies in this Kingdome: when the blood or Christ, of Caine, of good, of bad shall joyntly sorich in Gods eares, how shall he not heare? The cry of the Widdows and Fatherlesse calls for vengeance, how shall he not heare? What murther did ever swim to Heaven in blood? Murther (though secret, and but once) sel­dome escapes underected, unrevenged; what vengeance might those expect, who have been the proper causes of the bloodshed of thousands? God give re­pentance unto life, that blood-guiltinesse follow them not to death.

4. From the State of Kingdom we may observe, the damnable contempt of the Gospel of grace in this Kingdome: O ye wretches! what injury hath the Gospel of Grace done you? wherfore go you about to kill it? many good works it hath done for you, for which of these would you destroy it? Is it be­cause it would teach you to be happy for ever? Is it because it would save you? Is it because it hath brought along with it peace, plenty preservation? Is it because it hath made you the only Canaan of the World? the envy of Nations? a terrour to your enemies? the delight of your friends? for which of those good workes would you destroy it? Have you not wronged it enough already by stopping the current of it? hindring the progresse? darkning the glory? banishing, imprisoning abufing, mocking and persecuting the Children of it? But must you now seeke the life of? and will you doe this under the pretence of fighting for it? What? Indas with a Kisse? What? Crowne Christ with [Page] Thornes againe, in opposing his Truth.? spit in his face againe, in despising his Word? dissemble like lewes with Haile, Haile, and hang him on the Crosse? take heed, the Gospell may save those that killed Christ; but Christ will ne­ver save those that kill his Gospel: hath not this tyed fast the three Crownes upon the head of your King? succeeded you in all your enterprises? made you famous in all the world? hath the Gospel or its Children done you any hurt, that you now goe about to ruine both? have you not finnes enough to plead against you? but you must engage Christ, and his Gospel, and his people a­gainst you at the great day? would you make sure the deepest, the hottest, the dreadfullest part of Hell? is this your ambition? What? is your aime at the heart of God, his Gospel? at the eye of God, his people? God give repentance unto life, before this also pursue you to eternall death.

5. From the present State of the Kingdome wee may with admiration behold Gods mercy to un­worthy England, O England wherefore art thou not destroyed? is it from the cart of thy Governors? the wiled me of thy Counsellors? the faithfullnesse of thy State Officers? is it because thou hast wanted enemies abrord? hast no Traytors at home? art at union with thy self, that thou art not de­stroyed? is it because thy Prophets have beene fatchfull? thy Judges impartiall? Gods worship purely administred? his Sabbaths sanctified? is it because thou hast beene thankefull under mer­cies? Truthfull under meanes? kindly entreated Gods Ministers? loved his people? if not for these; wherefore art thou not destroyed? have thy Pilots sought to split thee upon the Rocks? and yet art thou not destroyed? have those who should have bin thy Fathers, thy protectors [...]ld thee, tempe­red with other Nations for thy ruine? and yet art thou not destroyed? have all the [...] of ruine been upon thee? and ye art thou not destroyed? hast thou b [...]n more sinfull then many Nati­ons laid in the out, and yet are thou not destroyed? have there bin so many plots and projects, so contrived, to carried on, and yee nor destroyed? hast thou bin so neere; [...] many times, and yet not lost? have there bin so many factors for the destruction, so many Traytor to thy pea [...], scatte­red throughout the three Kingdomes, and yet preserved? If thou hast any ingenuity, any morasity, any grace, admire Gods mercy and be thankefull.

6. From the present State of the Kingdom we see what will suddenly become of us, if God doth not give us hearts to prevent it; all you that would not bee Papists, stand forth now, if ever and fight for your Religion, all you that would not be slaves stand forth now or never, and fight for your liberty. Consider the consequenees.

• 1. Of losing The day.
• 2. Of getting The day.

1. If you lose the day, you lose all; you are undone in your estates, undone in your liberties, undone in your poore posterity; you and they were as good bee in Turkey, nay which is worst of all undone in your Religion, you may write Ichabod upon all.

2. If you get the day, you and yours are made for ever, your freedomes will be recove­red, and confirmed, your estates secured, Religion purified; you shall see such daies of light and life, as will make you forget all your nights of griefe and sorrow.

Thirdly consider, Christ hath forewarned us of the sorrows of latter daies, of Wars and rumors of Wars; that the Father should be against the Childe and the Childe against the Fa­ther, that his cause should make a breach in the neerest relations, and of many troubles; but withall adviseth us not to be troubled, but to rejoyce and to be exceeding glad, because our Redemption draweth nigh; out of this eater will came sweetnesse and light out of this dark­nesse the immediate fore-runner of a cleere and warme day is a misty morning: Christ as­cended from his Crosse to his Crown, so shall his Churches, though now for a little while the cry of the Churches of Christ be; how long Lord, how long, &c. yet suddenly their songs shall bee; Babilon the great is fisten, is fallen; he will shortly take down your harpes from the Willow Trees, and teach you to warble out the Songs of Sion in the Land of Canaan.

Fourthly, consider that God will doe his great wonders of judgement upon the wicked of the World by his Church and people &c. at a time when they shall bee most confident of utter ruinating his Church; the whole current of the Scriptures declares that God will make his Church his battle dxe and weapons of his Warfare; that by his Churches be will beat in pi [...]es all the Nations of the Earth and that hee will make Sions hornes Iron, and her hooses Brasse &c. and that Ieralclem shall be a cup of trembling and a hu [...]chen-s me si ne, and that all that harthen themselves with it, shal be broken to pieces by it and though men gather themselves [...] [Page] formed, and for the time of it, it shall be when they say [...]our our eye looke upon zi [...]n and let her be defiled: It shall be then, when all the who [...] Eaten shall bee fil'd, with admiration both of the suddainnesse and irrecoverablenesse of their ruine.

Firstly, Consider that the state of this present time, and the face of things now doth abun­dantly intimate, that this cannot be long, and that the very quarrell in which Antichrist shall fall, and the Churches of Christ shall rise is now begun in this Kingdom: For

First, the cause is purely the glory of Jesus Christ his Word and Worship, this is the very quarrell between Christ and [...]ntic [...]rist, M [...]eil and the Dragon as the word in imates.

Secondly, the followers and fig [...]ers in this Battell are the Angels of Michael and the Dragon, who rank themselves on the one side, but gouly honest men, &c. and on the other, but Papists and Atheists &c.

Thirdly, this quarrell is generall, as the last and greatest quarrell must be; for the good Party now through the Christian world waits with prayers and teares for a good successe here in England; and the Pepish partie also with all their endeavours, in Spane, France, Ireland, Denmark &c. seek the surtherance of successe on their sides.

Fourthly, God hath hitnerto managed and followed the Cause after the same method as he will in that quarrell: Michael will not goe but with his Angels but yet he will so man­nage the businesse as that it shall appeare that he is Michael, the mighty God: and hath he not done so in all the Battels hitherto in this present Controversie? Hath he not appeared in glory at Keynton Battell, to the terrour and amazement of the Adversaries (though like hardned Pharash's) they will not acknowledge Gods wonders, how did he appeare a Brainford? though our Advertaries brag at the sucess therof? as they may with everlasting shame and reproach for their Treachery Cruelty and Cowardizc when they came with a full intent to be drunk with our blood and to swell with our wealth to plunder our City (though they have the face to deny it; when some of the chiefest of them sent word to some of their friends in London to change their lodging, and secure themselves in such and such places, intimating their intentions of blood, &c.) yet how did God drive them away by two broken unprovided Regiments though they came intentionally; the whole Army con­sisting of many thousands, &c. how hath God appeared at Winchester? at Chichester, &c. surely all this doth afford matter of incouragements in this Cause.

Therfore, if any considerations of the right or left hand. Liberty or Religion, inward or outward man will take held upon us, we should hold on in the worke, and give out our selves in our Prayers Estates and Persons now or never; better it is to part with some now like men then with all hereafter like slaves; did you but know the consequences of this Warre, you would count it the best Husbandry to spare from your backs and bellies to maintain it: be not deceived with conceits of a Peace and an Accomodation; let the hatefull memory of that man be written in blood who delights in blood; yea let him have blood to drink for he is worthy; let in ward and outward trouble be his portion that desires not Peace with truth and holinesse: but there is all improbability (at least as yet) of any such Peace; for the interruption of the Protestant cause in Ireland occasioned by, if not aim'd at in these present distractions, the insurrections of the Papists and the risings up of severall Armies throughout the Kingdome (besides the greater Body with the King) to wit, the Earles of Newcastle, Cumberland, Wo [...]cester, Sir Ralph Hoprens, &c. the continuall Discoveries of Preparations beyond Seas by Factors gone over to that purpose for Armes and Ammu­nition, &c. are sufficient intimators to any man of the me nest capacitie, that it is very unlikely that we shall have a good Peace from them, as the case now stands. The Peace of the Gospel and of the Kingdome is the Crown we fight for; and therfore our Parliament Worthes are now labouring for such a Peace without any more shedding of blood; which if it could be attain'd, would be the joy of every honest heart; only this we feare, our Enemies Designe in pretending a desire of Peace, is to delay (if possibly untill the Spring, in which time they hope to gather strength, and recover that blood, which (though they will not confesse) they lost in the Fall. Happily they intend to make up their number again with an Army of Irish Rebels; (for doubtlesse the Irish and English Rebellion against the Peace of the two King­domes is all of a blood and breeding:) but let them come we feare nothing, that blood is as corrputed as the former, and God will let it out: Our Cause is good, God is with us, and their Rock is not as ours, our enemies themselves being Iudges: He hath shewed himselfe glorious in his belinesse, fearfull in praises working wonders: He hath thrown down mountaines fill'd up vallies, renewed his works of Workers: Be bold and confident, that beleeving in his Name without feare, he [...] leave us, untill we doe enjoy the glory of God in Canaan.