NOt only importunity from friends, but necessity in regard of others of various wayes and spirits, doth compell me to give in a true Narrative according to my knowledge and best intel­ligence, concerning the proceedings of the three Armies con­joyned (vid. the Lord Generals, my Lord of Manchesters, and Sir William Wallers) both when the Battell was fought at Newbery, and since the Enemies retreat from thence. For not only the re­ports of many, but also a Letter sent unto me, doe suggest; that my silence, now, when my testimony may doe good service, doth give occasion both to my No­ble Lords foes and friends, to suspect his faultinesse (if not unfaithfullnesse) in a great measure; because heretofore I openly appeared in relating his actions in the North, when there was no need to vindicate his reputation; but now I am mute, when his fidelity to Church and Common-wealth is questioned, and when he is censured, yea clamoured against, as the only blame-worthy cause of the disappointments lately in the West. For my silence hitherto, I can make this just apologie. 1. In regard of the daily intelligence, which went from the Army to London, either by Post or otherwise, I conceived it not necessary, or much usefull for me to be a weekely Intelligencer to my friends in the City, as when the Army lay before York. 2. Neither was I altogether silent, when I espied occasion and a call to speake: For within few dayes after the releeving of Dennington Castle, when I understood what clamours and censures were in London, through the misreport and mistake of our actions, I gave a short and true Relation of our Occurrences, for the satisfaction of private friends, which Relation, was the summe of that which I shall now report: and at that time I was very farre from imagining, that my Lord, the Earle of Manchester, would by any Officer of the Army, be accused, as lesse faithfull, or lesse carefull then others, in promoting the Kingdomes good. 3. Since the Accusation charged upon my Lord, in the Honourable House of Commons, I have held my tongue, lest I should incurre displeasure, by seeming pragmaticall, in intermed­ling in a businesse, committed by them to examination, with expectation of a [Page 2]report. But now hearing, that the businesse there is suspended (some say si­lenced) and knowing that the lowd cryes of people, either ignorant, or disaf­fected to my Lords credit, doe sound farre and neare, to his dishonour, I have resorved to take the boldnesse, to represent what I know, both to vindicate my Noble Lords honour, and to undeceive them (if my testimony may be of any credit) who are too apt and easie to beleeve calumnies cast upon well-deser­ving men, wanting patience to waite for truths discovery, by a full and im­partiall triall; which in this businesse, cannot be more earnestly desired by any: then it is by my Lord himselfe, and by his best friends.

I wish that these things may be premised, which I suppose cannot with any colour of truth be contradicted. 1. That no motion, no march, no service of the three Armies after their first conjunction, was made or undertaken, but ac­cording to the relust of the Councell of Warre. 2. That the Earle of Man­chester, never assumed to himselfe, to be accounted or observed, as Comman­der in Chiefe, but alwayes voted, as one that had but equall authority with the rest, and acted accordingly in observation of the orders, concluded by com­mon Councell. 3. That he often professed unto the chiefe Commanders; that because himselfe was no experienced Souldier, therefore he would rather be gui­ded, then guide; rather be acted by their counsels, then act on either himselfe or them, according to his own private thoughts.

Upon Friday Octob. 25. we hoped (from the newes brought in by our Scouts) the day following, to fight with the Enemy; but the next morning drawing up our whole body, we found that the Enemies had in such sort blockt up the way to Newbery by many works, that our hopes of engageing with them were disappointed. Hereupon it was resolved at a Councell of Warre, that to force the Enemy to fight, our Forces should in this manner be divided, (vid.) All my Lord Generals Horse and Foote, the greatest part of my Lord of Manchesters Horse, and almost all the Forces under the Command of Sir William Waller and Sir Arthur Heislerig, together with the London Bri­gade, did march to Speene hill: But the Earle of Manchester; Foot, with a small body of Horse, was left in the field on this side Shaw (a little village) neare to M^r Dolmans house, which was possessed and fortified by the Enemy. When the Army was thus divided, this order was left with my Lord of Man­chester; that so soone as he heard of the engagement of our Friends on Spcene hill (by the discharging of the Canon) he should fall on the Enemy on this side the River, that he might divert the strength of the battell, from them there.

I will forbeare here, to relate the hardship which both parts of our Army met with, that night; because that would be a digression not to my purpose.

On Sabbath day morning early, my Lord of Manchester, with the Forces remaining under his command, were in readinesse to assault the Enemy, expe­cting [Page 3]from hower to hower, to heare of the engagement at Speene hill: And here to witnesse the Earle of Manchesters willingnesse to fight with the Enemy, let this be noted, which is a known truth (vid.) that in the morning, he com­manded a party of about 400 Musketeeres to fall on, over the little River, on the left hand of Shaw, that he might soon enough divert the enemies strength from Speene hill: This party of ours, tooke two of the Enemies workes, one Cap­taine, and severall prisoners; but marching too farre, contrary to order, they were beaten back with some losse; by this service, the greatest part of the Kings Foot was drawne towards us, and so the worke to which we were de­signed, was accomplished long before our friends on Speene hill did engage. In this place, I might take occasion truly to report, the great paines which my Lord Manchester tooke from morning till evening, often exposing himselfe to very much danger (the Enemies Drakes playing frequently upon us) in ri­ding from Regiment to Regiment, to encourage the Souldiers, and to keep them in due order, fit for that service which every moment almost was expected: but there are many hundreds, I might say, divers thousands, who can tell the truth hereof, which proves, that my Lord was not so backward to fight, and so regardlesse of the Kingdomes service that day, as many would have the world to believe. About 4 a clock (as was guessed) we heard the Canon be­gin to play on Speene hill, at which time, my Lord commanded 2 Drakes to be drawne forth (though our Canon hitherto had not beene altogether idle) and to be planted in a convenient place to doe service against the Enemy at Dolmans house, and to make way for the falling on of our Foot there, accor­ding to the order given, when our Army divided. Those Drakes did good exe­cution upon the Enemy divers times, forcing their retreat to their works about the house. Now we saw the fieting of the Muskitieres on Speene hill, which discovered the service there to be very hot; and not long after, with joy and thankfulnesse, we beheld the hasty, disorderly retreat of the Enemy to­wards Newbery, wondering that our party did not pursue the victory. It is besides my intention in this Relation, to report the posture of our Army on Speene hill, or to give by a full report, the due praise to my Lord Generals Foot and others, who then and there, did excellent and praiseworthy service: Neither indeed, need I, to bestow words hereon, because the world hath been acquainted with these things heretofore. But my Lord of Manchesters Horse, commanded by Liev. Col. Cromwell (from whom very much was expe­cted) did little service, gained no honour in this worke this day. For my part, I know not whom to blame, I will asperse no man, but leave it to their judgement, who were on the ground, to judge who were blame-worthy, in being backward to pursue that happy opportunity, upon the flying, fainting Enemy. Notwithstanding, let me here tell you, what many speake; That it [Page 4]my Lord of Manchester had now been in his own person, at the Head of his body of Horse, this neglect would have been charged home upon him, and con­clusions would hence, confidently and clamorously have been inferred, that my Lord of Manchester was unwilling to bring the Kings Army too low, other­wise, now the woefull wasting warres, might in all probability have been ful­ly well ended.

But to return unto my work. You must not imagine that my Lord of Man­chesters Foot were all this while idle spectators on this side the River (although as I told you before, the Enemies best Foot were diverted from Speen hill, which might have extenuated the seeming fault of some delayes) for while our Drakes (before mentiond) were at work, a commanded party of 500 Muskiteers was drawn forth as a Forelorn-hope, to assault the Enemy, who being seconded with the several Brigades of Foot, continued in hot service, until for want of day light to direct, our Souldiers wounded & killed one another. The undaunted va­lour of our Foot was admirable, they were indeed too forward too adventurous, overrunning their commands, unwilling to be called off. And here this is nota­ble, that when one company of our Foot had taken one of the Works of the Enemy, another Company (through overmuch forwardnesse and mistake) did beat them out againe. So that our greatest losse, both in regard of men wound­ed and slaine, was from our selves. All this while, my Lord of Manchester was with his Souldiers, (as mine eyes, and thousands more can witnesse) to countenance and encourage the service: and those who know what dangers he then adventured upon, and how long he continued in the field that night, yea, what care he took to prevent the mischiefs of the night from a Neighbour Ene­my, and to prepare for the continuance of the battell, which was verily expe­cted by us the next morning; those many (I say) who understood and remem­ber these things, will not easily believe that his Lordship was averse to fighting, and unwilling speedily to end these warres, though multitudes, through igno­rance, rashnesse, and misbeliefe, do in this manner asperse and calumniate him.

That night, the daunted Enemy did in the dark steale away from Newbery; what no tice our friends at Speen, had of the marching away of the Enemy, I cannot affirm, for reports are various; though all acknowledge, that they had some noise thereof: but this I am sure of, that my Lord of Manchester had not the least hint of the Enemies retreat, till near day-break in the morning; and his intelligence then, was single and uncertain, from a stranger. Yet upon this intimation, his Lordship hastned into the field, to improve opportunity, there the newes was confirmed, that the Enemy was gone indeed. Hereupon our whole body was called together; and so soon as we had in the field (near the dead bodies both of friends and foes, which lay on the ground) made our ad­dresses to God, both by praise and prayer, according to the present affecting [Page 5]providences, we marched over the River to Newbery: all this while we nei­ther met with, nor heard from our friends at Speen, whereupon we hoped that they were in pursuit of the scattered flying Enemy. My Lord of Manche­ster rested not, till he met with some of the Commanders, who had been upon the service at Speen, and with them returned to Newbery, to consult about the improvement of the present Victory. These particulars, which I knowingly do report, may evidence my Lords forwardnesse, to husband advantages and opportunities, for the promoting of the publick service. But though my Lord Generals Horse, and Sir William Wallers Horse were gone some hours before after the Enemy, yet my Lord Manchesters Horse, (commanded by Lieu. Gen. Cromwel) we found in the field near Newbery, together in a body.

It would be impertinent, for me here to speak of by-businesses of small im­portance, which common fame hath trumpeted abroad. The taking of the Coaches, with the Men and Horses attending the persons in them, was effected by my Lord of Manchesters forwardnesse, to furnish Col. Birch with a party of Horse for his assistance, whereof I am a witnesse, being used as a messenger unto my Lord to expedite that work.

And whether his Lordship during our stay at Newbery, was not as desirous as any others, in every kinde to serve the publick, I refer it to the judgement of them who were daily conversant with him. We having after some dayes, full intelligence, that the King was at Oxford, there recruting his Army, and hearing also, that he intended to fight, so soon as the additionall forces sent for, came to him, our Army marched from Newbery on Saturday towards Oxford, and that night the Head quarter was at Compton. Upon Sabbath day the Army marched towards Blewbery, and the Head quarter that night was at Harwell, and the Army quartered in adjacent Villages, untill this time the Lord Warriston and Mr. Erem (who came to us at Basing, being sent from the Committee of both Kingdomes, to assist the service of the Army by their counsell) can testifie what was my Lord of Manchesters care and carriage in his place, and unto their testimony thus far I might refer them, who are unsatisfied. This day at a Councell of Warre (before these our friends left us) it was found impossible for us to march with our Carriages beyond Abbington, because the wayes, were judged deep and unpassable.

On Monday my Lord with some few who attended him, went to Abbing­ton to expresse his respects to Major Generall Browne; and that acquainting himself with the state of that place, he might the better know, how to be service­able to it, and to the Kingdome in it, as occasion might require. On Tewsday, all our Horse were called to a Rendevouz upon Chilton-plaine (if I forget not the name of the place) where all the chief Commanders of the Army, at a Councel of Warre, concluded our returne unto Newbery, the next day. Now [Page 6]because this act (as I heare) is much censured (though it was the result of the Councel of Warre, and we had also the expresse approbation of the Committee of both Kingdomes, I will therefore make bold to suggest the grounds thereof as they were related unto me. 1. That corner of the Countrey (being bare be­fore we came thither) could not afford means of subsistence for our Army, and we had small hope of receiving seasonably sufficient supplyes elsewhere. 2. By continuing there, we should wholly devoure those provisions whereby our friends at Abbington (being Neighbours) might expect some reliefe. 3. Because there was no hope of getting over Wallingford-bridge, to fight with the Ene­my on the other side the River; and the Enemy might, by making overtures of engaging, and yet deceiving our hopes, have wasted our Army through una­voidable wants, without striking one blow. 4. And our forces did daily weaken very sensibly, through the great scarcity of provisions of all kindes, our Souldiers being under much discontent and discouragement.

These reasons (as I believe) moved our return to Newbery, upon Wednesday, and the same night some of the Enemies came from Wallingford, into the same Quarters, from whence we were removed. Upon Thursday, our Scouts brought newes to Newbery, that the Kings whole Army was come over the River, with a parpose to relieve Dennington Castle. And although many amongst us, gave little or no credit to these reports; yet (of my knowledge) my Lord Manchesters cautiousnesse was such, that hereupon he moved the drawing up of all our Horse to a Rendevouz the next day, that we might be ready to prevent the relieving of the Castle.

How this his Lordships motion took with others I cannot say; but that it was disliked and gainsai'd by Lieu. Gen. Cromwel, my self, and many others can testifie, who heard him earnestly disswading it, by words to this effect; My Lord, you Horse are so spent, so harrassed out, by hard duty, that they will fall down under the Riders, if you thus command them, you may have their skin [...], but you can have no service.

Although I dare not say, that Lieu. Gen. Cromwel did from unfaithfulnesse to the publick, thus disswade the drawing up of our Horse on Friday. Yet this my self, and many thousands are most confident of, that through this neglect fol­lowed the advantage of the Enemy, in relieving the Castle, and our disappoint­ments. For our Horse being (through the searcity of provisions) quartered at a great distance from one another, and some of our Troops being 10 miles, some 12, and some 14 miles from Newbery, they could not possibly (after the A­larme on Friday in afternoon) come in soon enough to prevent the Enemies coming to the Castle, much lesse to fight with the Enemy in a convenient ground, before he came thither: whereas, if our Horse had been brought together upon Friday (according to my Lord Manchesters motion on Thursday, before men­tioned) [Page 7]we might have met the Enemy with a timely and successefull resistance (through Gods mercy) at least for the preventing of the Castles reliefe.

But I will look backward, and take up my Relation where I left it. The former intelligence received from the Scouts, and the motion from my Lord made on Thursday, not being improved, we waited, to un­derstand, what another day would bring forth: and when certaine un­questioned tydings came on Friday in the afternoone, that the whole Body of the Enemies Army was on their march towards the Castle; then Posts were dispatched to the severall Quarters of our Horse, to com­mand them to come in early the next morning: but the Enemy having gained the opportunity which we lost, the Castle was relieved, before we were ready to make resistance: yea, the Enemy had placed themselves in Battalia, in the field betwixt Dennington-Castle and Newbery, be­fore our maine Body of Horse were in any posture for service. It would not be to my purpose in this Relation, to specifie how bravely a party of the Enemies Horse did assault a party of ours, routed them, and did beat them to our Foot, who received the Enemy with much courage, and repulsed them bravely, who took away with them (as we heard after) the dead and wounded bodies of many, who were much esteemed. Neither doe I intend here to tell, how the severall Commanders, had now disposed of themselves and their forces. My Lord Manchester was with Major Skippon in the field, where all the skirmidge was that day betwixt us and the Enemy, and they both often and earnestly cal­led and sent for Lieu. Gen. Cromwels Horse, (as I am credibly infor­med) but they came too late; for before they marched through New­bery towards the Army, the Sunne was set, the Enemy was making his retreat out of the field, which mine own eyes and others beheld with much grief of heart. Major Gen. Crafford (who is knowne to be suffici­ently forward to engage) though his command was over the Foot, yet upon my Lord of Manchesters cummand, himselfe also being moved in the approach of the daring Enemy, did with 9 or 10 Troops (some or most whereof he rallied amongst them formerly routed) charge a body of the Enemies Horse, and caused them to give ground. By this it may be guessed what good service might have been done, if more Horse had been at hand. That night, I hearing many accusations charged upon the Horse which came not in, I made bold for mine owne satisfaction, [Page 8]to enquire (of a valiant Commander my worthy friend) the reasons wherefore those Horse kept at such a distance from service that day, from whom Ireceived these. 1. Because there was not field room for our whole Body to serve in. 2. Because (if they had come in) in that ground, they should have been exposed to the Cannon, playing from the Castle, which would in probability, either have broken, or disorde­red their severall Bodies before they could engage. You see, that I am desirous in my Narration, to give all men their right, and to keep off groundlesse censures. And here I wish, that it may still be impartially considered, whether yet it appear by this true relation, that the Earle of Manchester was more averse to the Kingdoms service, then other men, when either necessity or opportunity did require it.

The Castle being relieved, and the Enemy retreated, our Com­manders in chiefe, upon consultation resolved that night to send forth about 4000 Horse with some Foot, to fall upon the Enemies Rear, so soon as the Moon did arise, hoping by this means to regain what we had lost the day before: but the Enemy continuing all night in a full body, that designe was disappointed.

In the morning our whole Army was drawne forth, with intenti­on and expoctation to fight with the Enemy, before his removall out of our reach. This being noised, my self, with other Ministers who atten­ded the Campe, did our duty by prayer and exhortation, to prepare them for the expected battell. But when our Commanders had viewed the strength and posture of the Kings Army, and the advantage of ground which they had gained, together with the dangerousnesse of the passages to the Enemy (being both near Dennington Castle, and through Lanes) they with one minde at a Councell of War, judged it unsafe to engage. What passed in conference at the Councel of War, I know not, neither did I judge it meet for me to enquire after those matters: But this I professe, that I heard not any, either Officer, or other, to blame my Lord of Manchester, as more backward at that Councel of Want then others, to engage with the withdrawing Enemy. Afterwards, while the Army continued at Newbery, and the parts adjacent, I re­member nothing of moment to be reported, but this one thing, (which if not rightly understood, may occasion mistakes, no prejudice) that whereas 3 Regiments of my Lords Foot, were ordered to march unto Basing, to assist the Horse in the service there, they were commanded [Page 9](when on their march) to returne back, according to the counsell of Sir W. Waller and Lieutenant Generall Cromwel (as they were going with my Lord in his Coach to Aldermarston) upon these grounds, as I was informed. 1. Because there would not in likelihood be any need of that strength there at that time. 2. Because their comming thither would straighten the Quarters of those who were already there, and consequently, make their continuance more uncomfortable. When upon an Alarm, that the Kings whole Army, was on their march to re­lieve Basing-house; it was ordered, that our Forces should remove from Newbery to joyne with our Horse sent to Basing before. Now I was necessitated through bodily distempers, to withdraw from the Campe, and therefore cannot from observation speak of the passages afterwards. But I have been told againe and againe, that the calling off of our Horse and Foot, from Basing, was from the order of a Councell of War, no man deserting; and also, that no man was more forward in giving his vote, for that Order, then Lieutenant Gene­rall Cromwel.

This is the summe of what I have to say, concerning the chiefe Oc­currences in our Westerne expedition; wherein, though we had not such happy successe, as was desired and expected, yet therein, those acknow­ledged much of Gods goodnesse, who did most exactly observe his providences in our motions and adventures. Herein I have faithful­ly, according to my observation and best intelligence, represented things, with speciall references to my much Honoured Lord, because through misreports, and misbeliefe, his Lordship is rendred to the world, under the black clowd, of sad reproaches. His Honour I confesse, is very deare unto me, and the heavy censures with which many doe loade and wound his estimation amonst men, doe much afflict me: yet (I blesse God) the cause, wherewith his Lordship hath been trusted, and wherein he hath successefully appeared, is much more deate and pretions, yea (if I know mine own heart) I would desert his Lordship, and my self also, deserting that glorious cause of Jesus Christ. I well remember, those words, Job. 13.7. Will ye speake. wiekedly for God, and talke deceitfully for him? And therefore I am awed with the feare of God, while I am pleading for man. Yet this I doe most seriously professe, as in the presence of the heart-searching Majestie, that I know no cause, wherefore I should once question his Lordships sidelity to the cause of Reformation, and that service of [Page 10]the Kingdome, wherin he hath been prosperously imployed. But as the matter of his Accusation is to me most strange and unexpected; so the manner of managing it, by many, who are accounted not only in­genious but eminently pious, is to me and many, a matter of much wonder: For should not those who have received favours from my Lord of Manchester, and have solemnely professed truth and strength of respects to his Lordship, rather have signified in private their suspi­tion of his faithfulnesse (if they apprehended cause) then proclaime to the world, offences, whereof he never heard? Might not his known meeknesse and sweetnesse of disposition, have encouraged them, to per­forme this office of faithfulnesse, who often had the opportunity of secrecie to have performed it? Would not such a course rather have answered that rule of our Saviour: If thy brother offend, goe and tell him his fault, between thee and him alone, &c. then to divulge (I will say no more) in a publick way, those things wherof his own heart never suspected himself to be suspected? What Christians, yea what men doe not looke for such friendship, such ingenuity, from them who converse with them daily, and ordinarily come to eate meate at their tables? And had the prejudice of the publick long been feared, through the apprehension of any ill principles possessing the Earle of Manchesters breast, why was not this sooner suggested, for the preven­tion of publick prejudice?

I will not dare to guesse either at the grounds, or ends of that which now is broken forth, but shall leave secrets unto the Lord, who in his own time will make the counsels of all hearts manifest, and bring to light the deeds, the designes of darknesse.

Neither doe I thus expostulate, as yeelding to the truth of the matters, which are commonly charged upon him: for I have many reasons to believe the contrary, some whereof, I shall briefely mention.

His Lordships former actions and adventures for the publick, ren­dred him in the opinion of the godly party in the Kingdome, as a true, trusty Patriot, both to Church and Common-wealth; and truly, I am ignorant, what should cause people to alter that opinion, though I have of late, had more opportunities to discover him, then other men.

His Lordship hath often, in the hearing of many witnesses, thus ex­pressed himselfe solemnely, I could contentedly part with halft my [Page 11]estate, upon condition the discipline of Christ was established, and a good Ministry setled in every Congregation of the Kingdome, yea with those couditions, how gladly could I betake my selfe unto a Country life, and leave all other contentments in the world. Oh how frequent, how constant have his breathings beene after peace, with the perfe­cting of that Reformation which is hopefully begun. And there­fore it is a thing incredible to them who know him, that he should take any course, to continue the Civill (or rather uncivill) warres of the Kingdome, which doe continue and increase confusions. I know no man, who attends the Campe, lesse self-seeking, and more desirous to issue the Warres, in a comfortable Peace, then my Lord of Man­chester.

And this is to my selfe, an evidence of my Lords innocency, in re­gard of what is laid to his charge; that when friends had suggested to him by Letters, Lieutenant Generall Cromwels purpose to accuse him (as was gathered from intimations looking that way) he so­lemnely protested, that his integrity was such, that he could not be­lieve any such matter: Yea though he did cast about in his own thoughts, what matter of just exception might be laid in against him (for he was farre from expecting false accusations) he professed seriously, he could not imagin what it might be; except it were some old com­plaints, in reference to Major Generall Crafford, and some late estrange­ments from Liev. Gen. Cromwell, since his heates expressed at Lincolne, which gave occasion of just offence.

And when upon his comming to London, his Lordship understood in generals, that unfaithfulnesse, and unwillingnesse to improve oppor­tunities and counsels for the publick good, against the common Enemy, was laid to his charge, by Liev. Gen. Cromwell; this was his Lord­ships answer: I pray God forgive him, for he knowes in his conscience, that he hath wronged me, in speaking untruly. And these words falling from a friend, How much will your Lordship suffer in your honour, by meanes of this aspersion? His Lordship returned this reply, My defence is from God, who saveth the upright in heart. These things, which of my credit are truths (unto which many more might truly be added) I leave to the consideration of the ingenious, calme, unbyassed Christian, how farre they may at least perswade the suspension of censures and cla­mours, till my Lord hath vindicated himself from his accusations.

But it will be said. There is no smoke, but it argues some fire. And [Page 12]the reports of people, yea of good people, against my Lord of Manche­ster are so common, that doubtlesse all is not right.

I doubt not but Gods hand is in my Lords sufferings of this kinde, who hath learned to justifie God when injured by men. He hath ex­pressed his desire to know Gods meaning in the Rod, and hath pro­fessed his willingnesse to see, that he might reforme, whatsoever o­thers espy blame-worthy in his course. But the opinion and lan­guage of the multitude, is no good argument to prove him guilty in that kinde and measure, as charged. It is an evill to be lamen­ted, that people are so apt, with credulity to take up evill reports against their Brethren. Besides, the world understands, that di­vers persons acted by principles opposite to one another, are yet both violently contrary to the wayes of my Lord of Manchester: from hence the dust may be raised and continued, which for the present doth darken his repuration, which was wont to shine forth more brightly, and which God (I hope) in his good time will cleare againe.

I might here take occasion, to mention many strange palpable untruths, standerously raised and spread, yea, conveyed by Letters be­yond the Seas, to blast the credit of them, who desire to walk with God: and no reason here can be imagined, but their difference in indgement and practice from them, in some matters of Church-go­vernment. But that Scripture doth check me. Tell it not in Gath, and publish it not in Ask [...]lon, lest the uncircumcised triumph. The Lord heale our breaches, reconcile our differences, and knit our hearts together in more strong brotherly love through Christ.

My selfe expects severe censure from many people for this ser­vice, which (in the judgement of many worthy godly friends) I had a call to discharge: but I hope the sincerity of my heart through Gods grace will support me under such burthens, if they shall be cast upon me.

If my faultinesse shall be discovered, the Lord I trust will so farre preserve me, that I shall not adde stubbornnesse to weaknesse. And if any shall passionately and unchristianly throw stones at me, and cast dirt in my face, I hope, that my God will make me able to pity them, and to pray for them, and to learn more humility and circumspection in my conversation.