The Discoverer, VVHEREIN IS SET FORTH (to undeceive the Nation) the reall Plots and Stratagems of Lievt. Col. John Lilburn, Mr. William Walwyn, Mr. Tho­mas Prince, Mr. Richard Overton, and that partie. And their severall seditious wayes and wiles a long time practised by them to accomplish and effect the same.

Namely, Under the pretence and colour of LI­BERTIE, and to take off the Burdens and Grie­vances of the People, a most dangerous and de­structive designe is carried on to deprive the Na­tion of their Religion, Rights, Liberties, Proprieties, Lawes, Government, &c. and to bring a totall and universall ruine upon the Land. And so much is here clearely proved.

Rom. 16.17, 18. Marke them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the do­ctrine which yee have learned, and avoyd them: For they that are such, serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and faire speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

The First Part.

Composed and digested by some private per­sons, well-wishers to the just and honourable pro­ceedings of the Parliament and Councell of State.

Published by Authoritie.

LONDON; Printed by Matthew Simmons, 1649.

THE AUTHORS To all the well-affected Peo­ple of this NATION.

AS no Nation hath met with more dangerous ene­mies, and against whom, greater, sorer, and deep­er designes and plots have been attempted for the ruine and destruction thereof, then against this Common wealth: so (all things duly con­sidered) there is no people under Heaven unto whom the Lord hath vouchsafed greater delive­rances: And a [...] we thankfully observe the good hand of the Lord go­ing alwayes along with us, so we are perswaded from the feeling ex­perience of former mercies, that he will never leave us untill he ha [...]h perfected his good worke, marv [...]ilously begun in the Land.

And howsoever, we know the Almightie God without men or meanes, is sufficient to carry on his own worke, and to effect the same, when, and how, as it seemeth good in his fight: Neverthelesse, we take our selves bound, in obedience to him, and of tender-respect to the Nation, both to foresee the danger, and to provide all seasonable and lawfull helpes for the timely prevention thereof.

Now whereas among other Artifices and cunning courses, whereby this Generation of men (going under the name of Levellers) have corrupted and deceived the minds of people, and drawn them to dis­affect the present Government, and to make Commotions and hurli­burlies in the Land. One main and speciall way hath been, by spread­ing seditious and scandalous Bookes, wherein are many faire pre­tences [Page] of Libertie, freedome, safetie, &c. with much regret, tender­nesse, and fellow-feeling of the Oppressions, Burdens, and Taxes of the People.

This being so, and a thing well knowne to us, wee have thought it necessary (whilst the Parliament and Councell of State are imployed with the great and weighty affaires of the Nation) to doe something in the like way of writing, thereby to undeceive the People, by a [...], plaine, and full discovery of the deceits and falshoods of these man: and that it may most evidently appeare to all judicious and ratio­nall People, that wheresoever in their Papers and Pamphlets, they most shew themselves to be lovers of their Countrey, and professe grea­test desire to have all things well setled, even there under Good words they meerely deceive the simple, and carry on a trayterous de­signe, against the peace, freedome, and safetie of the Nation.

And wee have the more hope that this worke will doe much good in the Land, because there is nothing here produced upon hear-say, or taken up as a report from others (howsoever much could be spoken this way, and for their proofe it is little else) but all out of their own Bookes, which are extant, and in many mens hands, so that what conspiracie, sedition, treason, or other mischiefes are here dis­covered and charged upon them: themselves are brought in, (even their own mouths and hands) as witnesses.

For the rest which is to follow, (as we have promised it, so) we shall further the expedition what we can. For the searcher of all hearts doth know our sense, our sighs and deepe apprehensions, that any ho­nest and simple hearted should be mis-led and ensnared by such perni­cious men: But as for such, as are thus single and sincere, we make no question but by comparing things with things, they will now see a great deale of seditious plotting and conspiring against our Religi­on, Lawes, Libertie, &c. which before they saw not, because covered with the specious pretence of seeking to settle the Common-wealth upon Ground of peace, freedom, and safetie.

The Discoverer. Wherein is set forth (to un-deceive the Na­tion) the real plots and Stratagems of Lievt. Col. John Lilburn, Mr. William Walwyn, Mr. Thomas Prince, Mr. Richard Overton, and that Partie: And the severall seditious wayes and wyles a long time practised by them, to accomplish and effect the same; Namely, under the pre­tence and colour of Libertie, and to take off the Burdens and Grievances of the Common-wealth, a most destructive designe is carried on, to de­prive the people of their Religion, Rights, Proprie­ties, Freedome, Lawes, Government, &c. and to bring a totall and universall ruine upon the Land. And so much is here clearly demonstrated, by reason and proofe abundantly. The First Part.

AS all vices use to clothe themselves with the habits of vertues, that under those Liveries they may get countenance, and find the more accesse in the w [...]rld: so especially in a Com­mon wealth Treason and Sedition doe com­monly present themselves under this colour and cloake; taking up the Politick pretence of Native birth right, common freedome and safety, as a weapon of meer advantage, whereby ambitious, discontented, and self-conceited men, use to make Commotions, and Mutinies, and to disturbe (if not destroy) the present Government.

And this is well knowne unto all men, who have any know­ledge in Historie, whether humane or divine, ancient or modern, forrein or domestick; that under the plausible, sweet, and much taking name ofPalam specio­sa praet [...]xunt nomina & [...] ­ber [...] a [...]m p [...]ae se s [...]nt. [...]u­rum, e & in­v [...] um [...] v. tu­tis [...]ugum de­testantis. Frid. Wen­delli [...] [...]rtir. Pol [...]. l. [...]. 2.2. The. 8. p. [...]94 LIBERTY, with crying out against Tyran­ny, A [...]bitrary power, Taxes, Oppressions, &c. Many pernicious plots have been c [...]rried on, to the great hurt and prejudice of the whole Nation: yea, and unawares many honest and well-mean­ing people, have been brought into a snare and pit [...]. Like thou who followed Absolom in that unnaturall conspiracy against his father,2 Sam 1 [...].11. in their simplicitie, and they knew not any thing.

Thus the Pazzians at Florence to draw the people to their Conspiracy,Histo y of Flor: and Ven. Cryed out in the Market-place, Libertie, Libertie, although indeed it was to b [...]ing them from freedome to very sl very. So Munzier seeking the ruine of Germanie, and to raise himselfe a [...]d his Confederates out of the dust and ashes thereof, laid this down as his principle;S e den C [...]m­men [...]. l [...]b. 5. Free Commoners, an equall and just G vernment, and every man a like in respect of libertie, freedome, and safetie. And this pleased the multitude so well, that they fol­lowed him in rebellion and treason against the State, till at last falling under the hand of Justice, came to see and acknowledge their great wickednesse.

We shall not mention any thing now out of our own Stories, but come to the Sowers of discord and sedition amongst us. That these men c [...]mplaine against tyranny, oppression, slavery, Juris­diction of he sword, &c. andThe picture of the Councell of State, second E i [...] ­on, [...]ag. 14. call on people in [...]ll places to joyne with them gainst Robbers, Theeves, Rebels, Murderers, A Decl [...]rati­on of the free C [...]mmoners of England. for the Settlement of this Common wealth, upon the foundations of an equall and just Governm nt. It is w [...]ll k [...]own, and so much their papers and writings doe declare. So that the worke which we have here taken in hand, is to Represent (in way of A DIS­COVERY) to the Nation, what mischiefe and misery lies hid (as a dunghill under snow, or a hooke covered with a ba [...]) and is daily acted and cun [...]ingly carried on, under a fal [...]e pre­tence of se [...]king th [...] publique good: and this we shall doe (by the good hand of G [...]d assisting us) in a temperate and sober way, leaving opprobrious and bitter speeches to such men who ha­ving a bad cause cannot otherwise uphold the same.

But before we come to particulars, we shall observe some few [Page 3] generall things, as giving much light to our present Disco­verie.

1. Prudentiall and wise Statists and Polititians have well ob­served, that a conspiracy or sedition lies hatching a while like the Cockatrice eggs, and usually before it breakes forth, it dis­covers it selfe by certain symptomes or signes: and these ten are noted as most especiall and un-fallable.In lotibulil suis indagenda haec fera, quae plerum (que) ante­quàm er ū [...]at, al [...]quibus se p [...]o lit indici­u: n [...]mpe el [...]n­dest [...] [...]uen­tibus, call [...]s, que elis, pro­f ss [...]e od [...] praesentu sta­tus fassidio & cōtēptu minu, contradictio­nibus, muta­tionibus à m [...] ­g stratu immi­nentis ex [...]gge­ratio e [...] obstae­cu [...]is lepū exe­cution [...] positis, & turba me­t [...] vulg. Frid. Wendellin: Instit. Pol. l. 3. c 2 p. 494. 1. Private Conventicles. 2. Calumniations and vile aspertions. 3. Complaints. 4. A profes­sed hatred against some men in authoritie. 5. A dislike and contempt of the present Government. 6 Threatnings. 7. Contradictions. 8. Discontent at the change of Magistrates. 9. Putting obstructions to the ex [...]cution of the Law. 10. Troubling and disquieting the minds of the vulgar sort. That these, even all of them, a [...] in those m [...]n, and not a little, but as clea [...]ly to be seen, as wa [...] Gehazr's Lepro­sie on the forehead, we shall manifest in this following Treatise, and doe d [...]sire the Reader to take good notice of it; for doing so, he shall the better know the tree by the f uit.

2. That they may bring th [...]msel [...]es into the esteem and fa­vour of the people, they pretend and make an outward shew, as if no men in the Land w [...]re so tender and sensible as they, of the heavie burdens of the Nation, and se [...]ke to have the peo­ple dis-affict [...]d towards the present Government and G [...]ver­nour [...], by false and sl [...]nderous insinuations, as if the P [...]rliament m [...]gh [...] and could ease them, of Tithes, Excise, Free Q [...]rter, and o [...]her Taxes and grievances, and will not. But this is no new thing; for A [...]s [...]lom did the like long agoe;2 Sam. 15.4. Oh that I were made Judge in the Land: Good soule, how he pitties the people, and grieves to thinke that there are no better men in place; and were he on his Fathe [...]s throne, the Kingdome should be setled upon the grounds of Common Right, Freedome, and Safetie. But for an [...]wer to their accusation, which is both false and trea­cherous.

False; for 1. Not onely hath the Parliament declared at sundry times, that there shall he upon the people no burden which they possibly can remove: but likewise it is their worke and daily study, to improve all lawfull wayes and meanes, to the utm [...]st of their power, for the settlement and constitution of this Common wealth, in safety, peace, and freedome.

[Page 4]2. For the things which they complaine of, as the Oppres­sions and Burdens of the people; If the particulars be rightly understood, as Taxes, Tithes, Excise, and the rest; truly more for the present cannot be done: and if men would but confi [...] in what condition wee are, and how matters stand with us, both at home and abroad, they would not blame the Parlia­ment for this grievance, or that burden, which as yet cannot be otherwise, nor remedied: These are Rules and Maximes in Law, Reason and Nature.Ad impossibi­le neminem ob­l [...]g [...]s. l. si quia ut gravia Syl­l [...]. No man can be bound to an impossibiliti [...]. Likewise,Rationes na­turales pro [...]e­g bas amplec­tendas. L. Cum Ratio de [...]o [...] ­da [...]. Naturall Reasons are to be received for Lawes. So a­gaine,In necessitati­bus leges non servari. l. ut gradatim, sect. 1. de Man. & honor. In necessitie the Law lawfully may be broken. AndOmne incō ­modum aliquo commodo com­pensandum. l. 1. sect. fin. de a­qua pluu. there is no discomm [...]ditie, but hath amends made with some commoditie. All which holds true here, and rightly may be applyed.

3. And let it be well observed, how their practice here for all the world, is as if a man should binde another, hand and foots, and afterward beat him, because he doth not goe. Who but th [...]se men are the chiefe obstructors of Reformation, and the settle­ment of the Common-wealth, and by their conspiracies and treacherous designes, increase the Grievances and Burden of the people: and then strike the Governours, because the work is not done. It can be prov'd, if need be, that the Land is put to an hundred thousand pounds yearly charge by their me [...], besides much prejudice and sufferings otherwayes: and there­fore the free Commoners of England have just cause to declare and pronounce against this Faction, for oppression and crueltie exercised upon their fellow-brethren; and that Excise, Sesments, Free-Quarter, &c. are the longer continued, and things tending to publick good not don, because of them.

It is a notable shift sometimes practised by an old thiefe, be­ing pursued with hue and cry, to cry out, Stop the thiefe, stop the thiefe; thinking that no body surely will suspect him to be the man, whilst they heare him to cry out thus after another. These men have learnt such a trick; Lord, what a noyse they make against Tyranny, Oppression, Crueltie, &c. Charging o­thers therewithall; supposing, no doubt, that no man will ima­gine that they are the THIEVES, the Tyrants, Oppres­sours, Murderers: howsoever the truth is, the Robberie is com­mitted by themselves.

[Page 5]2. Treacherous, to conspire against the Supreame Authoritie of England, and to stirre up the people,Picture of the Councell of State, pag. 14. to declare and protest against the same; yea, to moveA Declarati­on of the free Commoners of England. Souldiers as well as others to rise up against the Parliament men, as so many professed traytors, theeves, robbers, and high-way-men, and to apprehend, secure, and bring them to Ju­stice in a new Representative: And all this, for no other cause, but because such things are not don, which at the present they can­not doe, yea more for such burdens and sufferings which by their occasion and meanes are necessarily increased and conti­nued in the Land.

3. Whosoever shall peruse their Pamphlets, shall see that they alwayes speake h [...]gh words, and give out the reproachfulst termes, and vilest expressions that ever mouth uttered: Even as the swine spareth not his mouth from any filthy and uncleane thing; so they spare none, whatsoever their worth, place, or deservings be, if they stand in opposition to their designe: they are Tyrants, Nimrods, Beasts, Beares, Wolves, a pack of fawn­ing and dawbing knaves: The Parliament for seeking to suppresse their treacherous and dangerous plots, are said to bePicture of the Councell of State, se­cond Edition. p. 14. 17. the greatest Traytors that ever were in this Nation, a dead and stinking carkasse; a factious company of men, treacherously combined together, to subdue the Lawes, libertie, and freedome of England: Greater Tyrants then ever the King was, or that cruell Tyrant Duke D Alua: bloudy Queene Mary (in comparison) was a Saint to these men. A Declarati­on of the free Commoners of England.. All their Votes, Orders, Ordinances, Declarations, and Acts, or that hereafter they shall passe; they declare and protest against, as not binding to the people.

It is farre from our purpose to render evill for evill, or ray­ling for rayling: to undeceive the people by a plaine and true Discoverie of them, Is the thing we onely ayme at. And for this end we desire it may be here observed.

1. It hath been the common practice of such men formerly, wanting Reason, to use Rayling: as froward men in suits of Law when their case fails, endeavour to piece it up with rage and pas­sion: Or like Cocks feeding upon garlick, overcome others with ranknesse of breath, not with streng [...]h of body.

2. Although there have been in all ages some who have de­spised dominion, and spake evill of dignities: yet we may affirme it [Page 6] with all confidence, that there is no president or example of any who have been formerly so immoderate, and such excessive ray­lers against the highest and supreame Authoritie of a Nation as these men are. When people are sincere, and are indeed against all tyranny and oppression, and for Common-right, freedome, and safetie, God is with their mouth, and gives them what they shall speake, and it is [...]ot his manner to leave [...]hem to such a sinfull and most abhorred course. There is a Beast called D [...]ron, being pursued, and seeing no way to escape, by a naturall craft casteth forth her dung against the hunters following her, and so hinders them from com ne neer, by reason of the corrupt smell and stink: thereof. It would be a pretty devise, if these men a­gainst whom the Parliament is now proceeding, cou [...]d by cast­ing forth reproaches and vile slanders, escape out of their hands.

3. Howsoever their accusa ions are heavie and many, yet their pro [...]fes a [...]e still light and few: usu [...]lly [...]t isJ [...]stin. Insti. l. 1. Tit. 10. Dom sticum T [...]stimo­nium, or hearesay, or their own supp [...]sing grounded upon no like­lihood or probable Reason at all: or whatsoever is produced for proof [...], relates not to the matter for which it was brought: and whosoever reads ouer their papers shall finde their d [...]ng to be thus every where. These men pretend much skill in the L [...]w, now the L [...]w saith,Pro [...]at ones deb [...] esse luce cla [...]or [...] L. Sciant C. Proofes ought to be cl [...]rer then the noon­day T [...]stes singu­lar [...]t non pro­b [...]nt.: Single testimonie [...] prove nothing: Testis depo­nens de auditis non p [...]b t. I witnesse d p [...]sing upon hearesay is no proofe: [...]estis debet deponere per corporis sen­sum, & non jud c [...]um in­tellectus. l. T [...]st [...]. & l. qu Te [...] [...]. sect. A [...]. F. d [...] T [...]. not what a man thi [...]kes, but knows, stands good in Law. It is a true saying,N [...]c [...]ns esse [...]e [...]o pa e [...]t si [...]usasse s [...]ff [...]et. None should be innocent, if it be enough, to accuse. How weak, uncertaine, improbable, yea most untrue their proofes are, wee shall shew hereafter to the full.

But 4. this reviling men in authoritie, and to ca [...]l them ty­rants, traytors, theeves, murderers, &c. is an old State-destroying Strat [...]gem. Mutineers and Incendiaries have made much use of it, and had great advantage by it. Machiavel himselfe hath it, and for ex [...]mple insta [...]ceth one M [...]lius Capatolinus, who be­ing overcome with envie, and not able to endure the honour and renown given by the Citizens of Rome to Furius C [...]melus for his valour and good service, addresseth him else to the Com­mon people, as well knowing their temper,M [...]ic pa [...]e v [...]eus prorū ad susp t [...]es. Tac. Hist. 11. Prone to suspition, [Page 7] Vulgus cu­jus (que) motus novi Cupidum. Tac. 1. hist. desirous of every new motion, Non dilectu aut sapientia ducitur od ju­d [...]candum, sed impetu e [...] qua­dam [...]tiam te­me [...]ita [...]e. Cic. pro. planc. and to judge things headily and rashly: and amongst them gives out many slanders and fals­hoods, against some eminent and chiefe men, as to be Traytors, Tyrants, The [...]ves, &c. Whereupon the people run together, make head, and fill all places with tumults, and uproares, and no d [...]ubt gre [...]t m [...]schiefe would have followed, had not the Senate created a Dictator, who by examination sound the trea­cherou [...] conspiracie of Manlius!

So againe speaking of Florence (his own Citie)M [...]ch [...]ls Discourses. li. 1. c. 8. Such men (saith he) as had served the State best, and been imployed in the greatest affaires, were most slandered: of one they said he had robd the Common treasure; of another that he had not performed his trust in the Armie; of another that through covetousnesse and ambition sought his own Interest: hence grew hatred, thereupon division, from division to faction, from faction to ruine. And a little [...]fter, And this course (saith he) namely, to raise up false reports against men in authoritie, is a ready way whereby many doe serve themselves, as steps and helpes to their ambitious end [...]: For being to encounter with p [...]werfull men, they make the people their friends, by telling them they will take their part against the Tyrannicall Ʋsurpation and Incroachment of Great ones, and procure their Rig [...]ts and Freedome out of their hands. If we compare time with time, and things with things, we shall finde, that saying most true; There is nothing new under the Sun; as the plots, conspiracies, and treason of men now, are the very same with what formerly hath been, so the very way and course whereby former I [...]cendiari [...]s and Conspirators have used to ef­fect the same, is at th [...]s day, and by this partie practised to a hair.

4. In the last place, we shall observe what they say;Manif [...]stati­on, pag. 8. Could we have had any [...]ssurance that what is d sired, should have otherwise or by any have been don, and had not had some [...]aste of the relinquish­ment of many good things what were proposed, we should not have been so earnest for the doing thereof. To which we answer.

1. Howsoever the Parliament hath sate long, and not so much don for publ ck good as hath been expected: neve [...]thelesse, this cannot be justly cha [...]g d upon the present House of Commons: for it is well known, the freedome and power, which now they have, it hath been but a little while in their hands: neither have [Page 8] they been long in that capacitie as now they are to manage and settle the affaires of the Common-wealth: whosoever therefore shall duly consider, the shortnesse of the time, the many opposi­tions, obstructions, and discouragements, which the Lord hath brought them through, and in what disorder and confusion things lately were, what divisions in the Land, and the many strong parties against them; and lastly, the many good things which they have don, he shall see more cause to blesse God for his goodnesse and mercy towards us, in preserving us from the snare and pit, then to murmure or complaine against men, b [...] ­cause this, or that, is not also don. There may be no fault either in the Physick, or Physician, and yet the patient remaine longer si [...]k, then he desires to be.

2. For the many good things which they speake of, we shall shew by and by what they are, as the dissolving of the Councell of State, breaking of the Army, neglecting and loosing Ireland, opening the Presse to all scandalous and seditious Libels, and turning the Land into a wildernesse. For other things which truly tend to the free­dome and safetie of the Common-wealth, the Parliament hath not Relinquished, nor any one of them, nor ever will: but daily endeavoureth, to free all men from all burdens and oppressions, and no doubt (as was said) the Peoples Enlargement and Com­fort this way, would be much the sooner, were it not for the conspiracy and sedition of those men.

3. As delayes are dangerous; so sometimes hast makes wast: Festina lente, was Augustus Emblem. Great stones are not laid in the building without some time and great labour, because of their weight, but once placed remaine long. Charles King of Naples was surnamed C [...]nctator, Delayer, because he stayed till opportunitie was past: But Fabius the shield of Rome, was so called, because he onely stayed, till opportunitie was come.

From Generals, we come now to a more particular Dij veri [...]. Till we saw their Manifestation, we could not well tell, nor hard­ly guesse, what for men in many things they would have the world thinke them to be. There indeed theyManif [...]stati­on, pag. 6. professe that they beleeve there is one eternall and omnipotent God, the [...]ther and pre­server of all things in the world: And denie to be either Atheists or Antiscripturists. But what Athieist for advantage and to serve [Page 9] his own turne, will not professe as much, and more too?Valerius Max. l. 9. De­mosthenes being asked what in speech was most effectuall, answe­red, [...], hypocrisie, and being demanded the second and third time, gave the same answer. Whether there be not hypo­crisie here in their speech; Let these things be noted.

1. It is asserted by them, thatNew Law of Righteousnes, pag. 64. Truth lifting up his head above scan­dals, pag. 2. Reason is God, and out of this Reason came the whole Creation.

2. TheSee Overiös booke concer­ning this thing. immortalitie of the soule they flatly deny, and scoff as such people as beleeve the soules immortalitie.

3. In the Levellers Creed, there is no Jesus Christ, no concepti­on, birth, life, death, buriall, resurrection, or exaltation of such a one; New Law of righteousnes, p. 98, 99. 1 [...]1 No heaven nor hell, No Angel, good nor had; No resurrection of the fl [...]sh; for to take it so in the letter (they say) is a dreame of our Preachers.

4.New Law, &c. p. 97. All that we call the history of the Scripture is an idol; for there is no other Adam, or Christ, Cain or Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Canaanites, Amalekites, Philistims: but what is seen and felt within every man. Hence they say,New Law, &c. p. 78. the publick Preachers have cheated the whole world, by telling us of a single man, called Adam, that killed us by eating a single fruit.

5. By their Principles men must leave off,New Law, pag. 112. all teaching and instructing each other. Ibid. p. 115. There is no use of Sermons, Sacraments, or prayer, Ibid. 82. Preachers are the curse, and the spreaders of the curse, standing ponds of stinking water; yea Ib d. 135. 138, 139. 141, 142. the zealous Preachers, are no other then Scribes, Pharisees, Judas, Traytors, Witches, Sorcerers, Decei­vers: Ibid. 115. They and the people joyning together in publick worship is an ab [...]mination. Ibid. 121. 138 Gathering Congregations, Church-fellowship, and all outward formes this (say the Levellers) is to betray Christ into the hands of flesh, a deceit of the Devill, the Government of the Beast, Antichristian captivitie, and tis to be under the tyrant fl [...]sh, a new bondage, a wrapping men in confusion, the mystery of iniquitie, and onely to hinder Christ the great Prophet from rising.

It hath formerly been held, thatProspera [...]ue­niunt colenti­bus deos, ad­versa spernen­tibus, Liv. lib. 5. Religion, and the true wor­ship of God, is much for the safetie and prosperitie of a Com­mon-wealth, and mensRel gio negle­cta aut pro [...]ap­sa, traxit sem­per r [...]m [...]: secū, & trabit. Lipsius Polit. notae. in c. 3. pag. 4. departure from the practice thereof, and falling to hereticall, atheisticall, and blasphemous w [...]yes, brings Gods curse and plagues upon a Nation: and indeed the Heathens thought so too.Dom. l [...]a neg­le [...] dederu [...]t hesp riae maia [...]uctuosae. Ho [...]at. When God is neglected, the Land is [Page 10] corrected. Into what pernicious and damnable errours these men are fallen, and daily seek to draw others, what heart with­out breaking almost can thinke thereof? and so much the more, because God is highly dishonoured, and exceedingly provoked to wrath, and the whole Nation, for it suffers bitter things.

There is a Citie called Zaiton in India, where they bring hot meats to their Idols, feeding their dumb-gods with the smoake, and eating the meat themselves. Whatsoever these men professe concerning one eternall and omnipotent God, yet they serve him just as the Heathens do their idols, give him no meat, no worship, service, or religious dutie, all that he hath from them is onely smoake, and fitly may it be named smoake, for in truth their prin­ciples are nothing else but the smoake of the bottomlesse pit.

6. That they are Atheists and Antiscripturists, or little better: Men who regard not God, neither the Scriptures, nor any reli­gion; it may be clearly seene by the Agreement of the People, which they call,Manifestati­on, p. 7. the standard and ultimate scope of their designes. Amongst all their Proposals and Articles (which are thirty a [...] least) there is not one thing proposed, for the holding forth and furtherance of Gods publick worship and service. Now who knowes not and beleeves (except an Atheist) thatRel gio & ti­mo [...] [...]ei solut est, qui custo­dit h [...]minum i [...]er se socie­ta [...]m. Lactan. d i [...] ap. 13. Reli­gion and the feare of God preserues the societie of men among them­selves. It is the speech of the Philosopher in hi [...] Politiques, when he giveth a rule of Policie: [...]. Arist. 7. Pol. c. 8. First, there must be a care of di [...]ina things, and that is the best Policie. For [...]. Arist. [...]h [...]. ad Al [...]. God loves such m st, who are carefull to serve him best.

Neither shall we finde any where (saving among this genera­tion of men) of a modell and platforme of Government (though drawn up by Heathen) where Religion was not looke after, and had not the preheminence and fi [...]st place.See Jewel defence of the Apol [...]gie, 6 part cap 1 [...] p [...]g. 644. 64 [...] Reade the li [...] of King Inas, Elfrede, Edward, Eibelstane, Edmund, Edgar, C [...] ­nute, they did not use to treat of ma ters touching the Com­mon State, before they had concluded what they thought fi [...] ab [...]ut Religion. Thence grew that custome to say, Jam seq [...] ­tu [...] Institutio legu [...]rs Sacul [...]rium. Now fol [...]oweth an order for Tempo­rall lawes.

They will have tithes taken away: it is well, but marke, whil [...] they doe a good works of [...]asing the people of [...], [Page 11] they will do [...] something that shall deprive them of the know­ledge of the truth. And this is apparent; For they will not have it in the power of the Parliament to impose Ministers upon any of the Respective Parishes, but shall give free libertie to the Parishioners of every Parish to choose such [...]s themselves shall approve. Here (Anguis latet sub herba) is an artificiall devise to fill all places with A­theists, hereticks, blasphemers, &c. and there is no remedie: For in case the people of some Parishes will not choose any one to instruct them in the knowledge of Christ, but will rather choose to live without Christ and instruction (as no doubt ma­ny would doe so in this case) or suppose they will choose one that shall instruct them in the Turkes Alcoran, or the Jewes Tal­mud, or which is as bad (if not worse) teach them the Leaven of Levellers; That there is no saving Christ, no heaven or hell, no Angel or Devill, no resurrection of the body, and much more to this purpose (of which we shall speake presently) now sup­pose all this, yet the Magistrate must not stirre, though it be in a publick way to hinder the spreading of any damnable heresies, or to promote the truth.

And this is one of the good things for which they complaine against the Parliament, as to relinquish: To grant men libertie of Conscience is not enough, but they must not intermeddle at all in matters of Religion; but leave things unsetled in the publick, that so the people every where may turne Atheists, or become Hereticks.

Ne [...]ther is this practice of theirs without example, the Mun­ster Levellers did theNec enim id vertiginosis hominibus & ad tu [...]as & res nova [...]d [...]s crectis satis videbatur, Libertatē con­scientia [...] sibi su squs impe­trasse, qui [...] potius ad [...] ­nimo [...] omnia pro [...]rbitrio regend [...], [...]er­s [...]nd [...] (que) lu [...] ­tiam [...]. same. Libertie of Conscience granted them will not serve their turne, but delighting in noveltie and mu­tinie, and being ambitious, they must govern and dispose of all things, and set down what rules and Lawes they judge fit.

What they are for Religion you have heard; wee are next to consider how they doe expresse themselves concerning Level­ling. N s [...]u reg [...] ­ [...]e, qu [...] nes [...]t d s [...]la [...]e. We prosesse (say they) that we never had is in our thoughts to levell mens estates, is being the uttermost of our ayme, that the Common wealth be reduced to such a p [...]sse, that every man may with as much securitie as may he enjoy his proprietie. Before wee come to discover what this Levelling is, we d sire it may be noted, that these s [...]e men doe grant the thing lawfull in it selfe; for having [Page 8] [...] [Page 9] [...] [Page 10] [...] [Page 11] [...] [Page 12] set down what they understand by Levelling, Namely, an equal­ling of mens estates, and taking away the Right and Title that [...] man hath to what is his own: They say to attempt an ind [...]ing t [...] same is most injurious, unlesse there did precede an universall assent thereunto from all and every one of the people. As if they should say, the thing is good, onely wanting meanes and power at present it must be left till there be a fitter opportunitie to doe it.

It is one of Machiavels Principles, thatDiscourses, l. 3. c. 6. in a Conspiracy against the State, the Complotters thereof must not passe the number of thr [...] or foure. That there is a L [...]velling designe carrying on, dangerous to the Common-wealth, it is too apparent, and howbeit, bu [...] few are acquainted with the bottome of the worke, yet many are, much use of women as well as men: some to dig, others to dreame, some to raise sedition and hurliburlies in Citie, Town [...] and Countrey, others to cry out against tyrannie, and for li­bertie. And all this is to effect one thing, which is, as they say themselves, thus.

1. They will New Law of righteousnes, pag. 65.58. have no man to call any thing his: For it is tyran­nie that a man should have Omnia n [...]tura C [...]a esse & communia. Tho. Munt­zers Princip. any proper Land; particular proprietie [...] devilish, the mystery of Aegyptian bondage, a destroying of the Crea­tion, a lifter up of the proud covetous fl [...]sh; a bringer in of the curse againe, a mortall enemie to the Spirit, and that which hath brought in all misery upon the creature.

Here they shew what their mea [...]ing is, when they say,A Declarati­on of the free Commoners of England. Wee declare and protest against all Inclosure of Fennes, Forrests, Fields, Moores, Heaths, Woods, Parks, Chases, which have been taken from the poore of this Land: Wee are resolved to doe our utmost to restore them againe for the good and benefit of the poore. That is, seeing no man may chalenge either house or land as his own, they will be ay [...]i [...]g and assisting each to other, and to all and every man that shall j yn with and assist them in this their Engagement, to thrust every one [...]u [...] of his proper and lawfull possession, and take the same for the good and benefit of themselves.

2The true Levellers Standard. pag. 18. Labourers and such as are called poore people, they ought not to worke for any Land-lord, or for any that is lifted up above others. The new law of righteous­n [...]sse, p. 63. 64 He that workes for another, either for wages or to pay his rent, workes unrighteously, and still lifts up the curse, and by his labours holds the Creation under bondage, and the hand of the Lord shall be against [Page 13] such labourers. Againe, they say, it is A Declarati­on of the free Commoners of England. a tyrannicall usurpation, and Incroachment of Lords of Mannors, to lay Fines and other services upon their Tenants. When as by right they are as free as themselves.

3. Levellers doe not allow, neither will they haveLight shin­ing in Back­por. 1. p. 3. any buy­ing or selling, no Markets or Faires to be kept, nor any Civill trading at all: for to doe so, it is to take the Beasts Marke: New Law of righteousnes. pag. 47. When a man hath need of any Corne or Cattle, he is to take the same from the next store-house be meets with.

4. It is another doctrine of theirs, contrary to the Law of God, of Nature, and Nations, thatNew Law of righteousnes, pag 60. 61. 69. no man is to be put to death for murder, or any unrighteous crime whatsoever: nor to be imprisoned or punished any way; onely such are to worke and eate their own bread; and be or they that shall inflict any other punishment upon fellow-creatures, is an unrighteous actor in the Creation: for it is a mightie dishonour to our Maker, that one part of the Creation should destroy another. Againe;The true Levellers Standard. pag. 9. He that will rule over, imprison, oppresse, and hill his fellow-creatures under whatsoever pretence, is a destroyer of the Creation, and an actor of the curse, and walkes contrary to the rule of righteousnesse.

5. If their designe hold, they will so Levell the Nation, that there shall be noLight shin­ing in Buck. 1 par. p. 10, 11. Corporations, Pattents, Charters throughout the Realme, in any Citie or Town, as some to be free, others not: There shall not be Mayors, Bayliffes, Aldermen, Common. Councell-men, nor any Judge or Justice of Peace left amongst us. These as the reliques of conquest and tyrannie, they will plucke up by the roote.

6. For our Termes and Lawyers (whom they terme the A Declarati­on of the free Commoners of England. Ver­min and Caterpillers of this Common-wealth:) Heare what they say;Light shin­ing in Buck. par. 2. p. 14. Would it not be a notable bootie for the Souldiers, when so ma­ny cheating Lawyers are together at the Terme, to d [...]ive them out, or else ship their long taild gownes over their eares: O Souldiers, you could never doe a better piece of service, then to put down all the Law­yers, and all their Courts, with all Patents, Grants, Records, &c. and suffer not one Terme more; and we in the Countrey will assist you with what power we can: so that let us acquit our selves like men, and be no more slaves: this were Prosperum ac fal x set his, virtus voca­tur. Sence. Herc. Fur. an excellent worke indeed.

Thus they intend we shall have the usage which Travailers sound at the hands of Seyron and Procrestes, famous Robbers in [Page 14] Attica, who by cutting shorter the taller, and stretching [...] lesser, brought all to one even length with their bed of [...] It is true, these things in the eyes of all sober and judic [...] people, are most vile and detestable: Neverthelesse, th [...] A [...] ­phali, headlesse hereticks doe use severall crafty wiles and w [...] that this Common-wealth may be tohu [...]ib [...], without other or forme, even an unfashioned masse or lump.

1. By spreading abroad certain visions and voyces heard [...] a trance: As among others; 1.The true Levellers Standard. pag. 17, 18. The New law of Righteous­nesse, p. 57. Worke together, eat together, [...]d declare this abroad. 2. Israel shall neither take hyre, nor give [...]. 3. Whosoever labours the Earth for any person or persons, that [...] up to rule over others, and doth not looke upon himselfe as [...] to others in the Creation, the hand of the Lord shall be upon [...] [...] bourer: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will doe it. Now ho [...] ver it be a righteous thing with God, to punish the hypoc [...] and apostacie of men by such delusions, and to give them [...] to lyer, and to their own lusts, because they received nor [...] love of the truth; Neverthelesse, many corrupt and false. [...] people are hereby drawn in to helpe forward the consp [...] against the State: neither are the Grand Incendiaries ignor [...] howEt cum in­scripto dei ver­bo nullum er­roribus & turbis à se concitatis pra­sidium reperi­rent, ad novas se & surores suos [...]uendi ar­tes confug [...]unt, Enthusiasmos & inspira [...]io­nes secretas f [...]ctant. Spanhem. others, (seditious as themselves) have formerly [...] like; by which meanes their faction and treason hath glo [...] the stronger.

2. That this Levelling may goe forward, and so the [...] ruined: they addresse themselves for the most part to the [...] ­gar and poorer sort, and to stirre up such men unto [...] and sedition; observe what great things are presented to th [...] as, Fennes, Forrests, Fields, Heathes, Woods, Parkes, Chosel, [...] Commons of all sorts: To which is now lately added, the Kings Revenues, Bishops, Deanes, and Chapters Lands. All this the [...] labourer shall have, and such as are become poore through [...] nesse, suretiship, riot, or what else. It is a Maxime amongst the Jesuites, and they observe it when they choose a person or p [...] sons for treason, and to make a conspiracie against the Com­mon-wealth.Qui sperat nihi [...] desperat nihil. He that hath nothing, feares not to doe any things For such kinde of men,Inopes boris invide [...]r, vete­ra odere, nova expetunt, odio suarum rerum m [...]t [...]re o [...]nia student. Sallust. Rebus turbatis alacres, & per inc [...]r [...]a tutis­simi. Tacit. envie the rich, hate old things, and [...] of a dislike of their present condition, desire to alter all things.

To these therefore are their Emissaries specially sent; to [...] [Page 15] the servant against the Master; the Tenant against his Land­lord; the buyer against the seller, the borrower against the lander, the poore against the rich, and for encouragement Eve­ry beggar shall be set on horsebacke.

And this was no other but what theEquibus non minima fuit publicatio dog­matis de com­munione hono­rum quod pro­nis auribus & animis excep­tū fuit a pro­miscua homi­num call [...]vi [...], eut res p [...]va domi, & omni­bus i [...] alie [...]o spes erat. Germane Levellers did, and by publishing so much, such as had little meanes of their own, and all their hope was upon others, most readily re­ceived it.

But you heare them say, they approve not of this L [...]velling, unlesse there did precede an assent from all the people: Here is a cloake so thinne, that a man may see thorow it; As if these men did not know and love Figures, though they are ignorant of other learning, and generally hate it. All must be understood re­strictively, that is theSo said the Levellers in Germinie; Se ad ege [...]s potissimu [...] & abjecter fortis homines sub­misses profite­ri. Spanhem. disp [...]. poore Commoner; for rich man, and such as have Lands, and Estates, and claime a proprietie in things, they doe declare and protest against; for having [...] raised tyrannie, oppression, and crueltie upon their fellow-brethren, and free Commo­ners of this Nation. Now who makes question but this ALL, will assent to an equalling of [...]ns estates, and taking away the right and title that every man hath to what is his own. And then as the Law saith; Fundamente deficitate omnia ru [...]t. And England may say with theVenit summa dies: & in e­luctabile tem­pus dardaniae: suimus Troes: fuit Ilium, & ingens gloriae Tenerorum. Ferus omnia Jupiter Argos transtulit; in­censa danai dominantur in u [...]be. Virgil. Aeneid. l. 2. Poet;

Englands fearfull fate is come, this day's our lost;
We once were English, and faire this Iland was;
But Englands glory now, her joy and blisse i [...] go [...],
Our Countrey ruin'd by Levellers, all's undon.

In our Discovery, we shall now in the next place take notice, what these men say of themselves, for their peaceablenesse, as to reconcile differences, and to heale all breaches on all sides.An Agree­ment of the People. p. 1. Wee blesse God (say they) our Consciences are cleare from adding afflicti­on to affliction, having ever laboured from the beginning of our pub­lique distractions to compase and reconcile them, and should esteeme it as the crowne of all our temporall felicitie, that yet we might be instru­ments in procuring the peace and prosperitie of the Common-wealth, the Land of our nativitie. Besides their Agreement in rendred as a Peace-offering; and this Scripture especially they assume to them­selves, [Page 16] and apply it to their practice; Blessed are the [...] makers.

I [...] this be so, what meaneth then this bleating of the [...] our ears, and the lowing of the oxen which we hear [...] [...] comes it to passe, that all Countries are full w [...]th their [...] racier, and their worke hath still been to make division betw [...] partie and partie, which cannot be denied, for then [...] prove it.

1. To stirre up the people every where against the [...], they say, thatPicture of the Councell of State, se­cond Edition. p. 13. the faction of a treacherous partie of Officers of [...] Armie, hath twice rebelled against the Parliament, and broken [...] to pieces. Now here let it be observed, that none in the [...] did more violently presse and urge the Armie to what they [...] this way then themselves: and after it was done, they sh [...] great discontent, that they wereA plea for Common Right and Freedom, pag. 2. condemned in their [...] endeavours for purging the House of these corrupt Members that [...] ted the King to London, and denounced warre against you. For [...] Contradiction here, we let it passe (as but a more in their [...]) their treacherous and seditious designe we shall onely to [...] First, that the Army may engage, they shew the necessitie of [...] thing, thatThe Juglers discovered, pag. 10, 11. Mr. Pellams Juncto blades, are usurpers of Par [...] power, a factious, treacherous Juncto, traytors, and enemies to [...] Countrey, and the trust repos [...]d in them, by whose illegall, pretended, and unbinding votes, a new warre was de facto raised and [...] the Kingdome, to the visible hazard of the raine and utter destr [...] on there: fit to be severely punished, and not fit to be contin [...] [...] longer as Judges in the Kingdome, or their own cause. Hereup [...] advise them to presse vigorously for the totall purging of the H [...]se, and not to let the Parliament-men goe free without punishment ( [...] it would be the greatest injustice that could be acted in the world) that so there may be way made for the exemplary punishing of the [...] Mayor of London, and all the chiefe Ring-leaders, actors in the [...] desperate and treacherous ingagement.

This being don according to their own desire, they afterward reproach i [...], and terme the very same thing the faction of a [...] ­terous partie of Officers of the Armie rebelling against the Parlia­ment, &c. of pu [...]pose to flatter the Malignants and Cavallier [...] and by collouging with them to move them to sedition. W [...] [Page 17] shall not call this a Machiavillian or Jesuiticall plot, for its too grosse, onely it shewes how desperate they are, as not caring what they say or unsay, so it he for advantage, and to serve their own turne.

2. How busie they have been in the Army to raise sedition and mutinie amongst the Souldiers, it is well known, neither hath there been any remarkable distraction or division therein, but by their meanes: and surely had not the p [...]ovidence of God wonderfully appeared, they had [...]re this time broken and scattered the Army by their falshoods and vile aspersions: they have acted by that Principle, Make division and get Dominion. If a streams be divided, it is weakened, and it will not be [...]avi­gable when it is cut into many rivers. We could give many In­stances of their trayterous working to cut the Army into many parts, and that constantly, and in all places through the Land. Besides their Pamphlets and Libels dispersed amongst the Soul­diers, speaking thus.

J [...] [...] covered, pag. 1 [...]. Those proud hypocriticall Officers that are amongst you, that are against That is, a­gainst the [...] v [...]lling, men­tioned before. Freedome, and would doe the worke of the Lord by ba [...]es, put them off, and choose honester in their roomes This is spo­ken to the pri­vate Souldi­ers that they rise against their Officers., and the onely way is to take downe their great pay, let them serve as you doe. Againe,English Soul­diers, St [...]n­d [...]rd, pag. 9. Suffer this, and suffer any thing, experience shewes, he that takes one box on the eare, invites another; and when Souldiers that should be [...] in all things, stand still, and suffer their fellow Souldiers to be thus abused by a pack of Officers, no marvaile if their Officers turne Tyrants, presume to doe any thing to any man. And a little after; If you be wise, march not out of London, nor undertake for Ireland, or any other s [...]vice, till there be set up a new Representative of the Army.

These are the men that would be Instruments, so procuring the peace and prosperitie of this Common-wealth, and call themselves Peace-makers. Whereas no Malignant can shew selfe good will to the Land, or doe more trayterously to bring ruine and misery upon it. Neither is Mr Walwyn be [...]nde-hand in this worke▪ He likewise calls upon the Sould [...]ers to mutinie▪ for he knowesConcordia minima res crescunt, dis­cordia maxima d [...]tuntur Gloss. in Ec­cles. [...]1. by con [...]d the least things en [...], by discord the greatest [...]ome to nothing; and that a Kingdome divided [...]. The bloudy Proje [...], pag. 1 [...]. Let not the covetous (saith he) the proud, the bloud thirsty m [...] [Page 18] sway amongst you, feare not their high lookes, give no part is [...] charmes, their promises or teares, they have no strength with [...] [...] forsake them, and yee will be strong for Levelling he means. good; adhere to them and [...] will be strong to evill.

This needs no explanation, 'tis in plain English; Sould [...]rs re­bell, and cast off your Commanders. Reader, thou must know [...] for freedome he speakes thus, and the Nations safetie: [...]st [...] the Germane-Levellers, their Conspiracy went underLibertatis in­staurationē & vindicias sub­dicorum à jugo & tyrannid [...] profiteri ausus est. the [...] ­ring of Libertie, and to set the people free from their y [...] and [...] rannie.

3. Having raised a mutinie in the Army, by setting the So [...] ­diers against their Cōmanders; their next worke is, how to [...] ­tinue and encrease it, and this they doe by severall [...] wayes.

1. By commending and justifying the seditious S [...] calling themEnglish new Chaine second part, pag. 14. honest and worthy Souldiers, the good men in the [...] ­mie, The Peoples Prerogative, pag. 42. English new Chaine, pag. 9. the honest Ne [...] substantives, men most cons [...] [...] [...] ­dially acting for common good, and resolved to stand for true [...] ­tie. So that how trayterous and dangerous soever their [...] are, they shall be yet handsomely covered over: they are Cap­taine Mend-all, Souldiers. Thus if a man will [...] and give eare to their report; for bread, he shall have a [...] for fish, a Serpent.

2. Their manner is, when any private Souldiers are [...] punished for mutinie don by their occasion, to urge and [...] gate their fellow-Souldiers to take revenge upon their C [...] manders for it.The Engl [...]sh Souldiers Standard. pag. 8. It is not a shame (say they) that your fe [...]-Souldiers should undergoe, so slavish, so severe, and painfull p [...] ment, as to ride the Woodden horse, or to run the G [...]untlet, [...] whipt for small particular offences: and that you should suffer [...] mean time your Officers and Commanders to turne Tyrants, and [...] ver punish them as all for it. Is this to take up Armes, when one [...] being your Commander, may (at the Proverb saith) [...] a [...]rs [...] and you will hang a private Souldier for looking over the [...] For what comparison in there between a private Souldiers [...] and an officers turning a Beare, a Wolfe, a Tyrant?

Now can there be a plot more dangerous and destructiv [...] then this to the Army and Nation? What open and prof [...] [Page 19] enemy can say worse, or move in a way more trayterous? And that the Common Souldiers may be the more [...]sperated and desperate, they tell them, that their Chiefe Commanders are The Peoples Prerogative, p. 45. 4 [...]. new Tyrants, Turkish J [...]s [...]ies, English now Chai [...]e, pag. 4. euen that walke by no rules [...] princi­ples, either of honestie or cons [...]; sub [...] of [...] and Liber­ties; The hunting of the Fox, pag. 4. s [...]ters up of the highest c [...]tie, villany, slavery, that can be imagined, even tyranny as the highe. The bloudy Project. pag. 15. Insu [...]ing oppressors, Pag. 14. bloud-thirsty-men. Peoples Soon [...], [...]. pag. 4. The very Jesuits seeme but [...] to them; Tray­tors, Theeves, Murderers, the sonne, risse r [...]sse, and trash of the earth. As Nero when he hurled the Christians to dogs, seeing the Ma­sti [...]es would not touch them, he [...]ad them in Beares-skine, [...]o kindle the fury of the dogs, that they might [...]ake them to be beasts, and not men: So doe these, to set the Souldiers (like dogs) on their Officers, for [...] and devour them; they first cover them with B [...]are-skins of their sland [...]o [...] and fals [...] [...]:The hunting of the Foxes, pag. [...]4. All English Souldiers (say they) that have the l [...]st spark of true love to themselves, and their Countries freedome, are [...] [...] ­ver to unite themselves against these ( [...]rke how they clad them in the B [...]are-skins) Apostolies, those Jesuits and T [...] to the pup [...]: Those are the [...]: for what have they [...]? There is no trust or [...] any more to be bad in [...]hem: for they have broken their f [...] with all parties, &c.

Neither doe the seditious Souldiers depart a whit from what i [...] taught themThe [...] [...] ­ration of Go­ [...] [...] and [...] ­sary [...] Regiments be a R [...]ndezvous at old [...] M [...]y 11. 1649. they [...] doctors, that the [...]nd of their Conspiracy and Insurrection as to f [...]e themselves [...] of the [...]d of Tyrants: all their endeavour is the [...]ling of this poore Nation, and the resti [...]er of their sha [...]ing freedome: they are [...]or [...]d (poore hearts) to deny obediences to [...] tyra [...]call Officers, whose [...]suffe­rable proceedings, tend manifestly to the obstruction of their [...] est repu­ [...], [...] sub ejus [...] l [...]icet Bellum. Cl [...], Phi­lip. 12. P [...], the hin [...] [...] of the re [...]se [...] of the consuming Nation. And howsoever they shall be burden [...] [...], and persons for [...] yet that may be well blowe with all, seeing (by ra [...]ing a new warre, and making a Com [...]on in the Land) they seeke the peoples [...]olt [...] [...] Virgil. 11. case, and their freedom from those in­tolerable bur [...]ens [...] their shoulders, whereof they are [...]y sen­sible.

Here Reader, with thy patience we shall make a little dis­covery.

[Page 20]1. Doth not thy minde give thee, that those [...]uld [...], [...] so Lilburn, Overton, &c. are very sensible of the, burdens and grievances of the people, as, Tithes, [...], Free Quarter, [...] considering they never felt them, but (as fishing [...] troubled [...] ­te [...]) from the distractions and calamities of the [...], have [...]d their maintenance and livelihood, and got [...] som [...] whereas before they were poore and had little or nothing.

2. Canst thou not beleeve them, that they are deeply [...] with Irelands condition, and would willingly [...]ther the [...] ­ving of it? seeing not onely they refuse to goe thither th [...] ­selves, but discourage all others from going what they can, [...]d by their sedition and rebellion hinder the State in the [...] [...] ­faires.

3. How blind are people as not to see, that it is for these [...] and to be free from burdens, when private Souldiers [...] from their Commanders, make a mutinie and Commotion in the Land, for hereby the Countrey and places wheresoever th [...] come, must needs be impoverished and undoe, and the Com­mon-wealth put to more expence and greater charge, [...] scattering and suppressing of such Inundiaries.

4. There is nothing said by these men, but whatN [...]c dest [...]tit de mag [...]st [...]atus [...]y anuide pa­ [...]gaediare, [...]ncultare pleb [...], Omnia na [...]ura libera esse & Com­m [...]d: ex [...] ­tiendum esse princip [...] aque ac pontificis Romani Jug [...], & quia illi b [...]ndis monitis baud quaquam ceda [...], se [...] b [...] ­no & cupita subditorum li­bidini sua ve­ct [...]galia esse ve­lut, justissimis armis id omni­bus vindicon­dum esse, quod [...] esse deus voluerit. [...] and destroyers of States have alwayes said: They have p [...] sed as in the presence of Almighty God, that all their en [...] ­vours should be, for Religion, freedome, peace, and pros [...] of the people, by removing tyrannie, oppression, cruel [...] [...] yeaMuntza [...]is aperte profite­ri capi [...], se di­vino mandato excitum tum magistratibus impi [...] [...] dis, tum mu­tando regimini politico. given out as if in a speciall manner they were called [...] to such a worke, but their hypocrisie and treachery hath [...] discovered, and the Lord laid a sensible and visible judg [...] upon them for it.

And 3. That the fire which they have kindled in the A [...] may burne till all be consumed, they have now lately found [...] a notable devise; namely, to keepe away the water whereby i [...] might be quenched: No otherwise then as a Thiefe, who ma [...] ing with a traveller well arm'd, and perceiving himselfe t [...] weake for him, would perswade him, that his weapons are [...] ­lawfull, and therefore should lay them down; and this he doth purposely to rob and kill the honest man. So these men would perswade the Army, thatThe Peoples Prerogatives, pag. 53, 54, 55. &c. The hunting of the Foxes, pag. 18. there is now no Marshall Law; but [...] [Page 21] is absolute murder in the Generall and Councell of Warre, to put any Souldier to death for any crime or offence whatsoever; A Letter written to the General from Lieyt: Col. John Lil [...]urn, M [...]. Rich. O [...] ­ton, April 27. 1649. and th [...] Soul­diers onely are punishable in the Courts of Justice, and according to the Lawes and Statutes of the Kingdome: so that the Co [...]cell of Wor [...] hath no more right to inflict Justice, then a thiefe or robber hath to a purse which be takes upon the high way.

But wherefore is all this? but for this end, viz. when they have wrought sedition and treason in the Army, there may be no meanes, course, or way sound out, for to stop the b [...]ch, till all be lost, scattered, and destroyed.

Here we shall againe passe over theirIn a Booke Entituled, A plea for Com­mon Right, presented to his Excellen­cy Decemb. 28. 1648. pag. 5. There they approve of the Commis­sion Officers and Marshall Law, onely desire some­thing to be amended. grosse Contradiction, as saying, and unsaying; one while justifying, another while condemning the same thing for advantage, and to serve their own turne. Neither is it worth the while to mention theirAt no merci­nary Souldi­ers, and yet take pay: no States Army: ye [...] [...]an Ar­my; Ergo; it must have Law Marshal. 2. Raised by the Parlia­ment, and for the Parlia­ment. Peo­ples Preroga­tive, pag. 57, 58, 59. Non-se [...]ie, at obsurdities and childish passages concerning this thing. There is enough said by themselves, even where they speake most against Marshall Law, to justifie the Armies pro­ceeding by Marshall Law, and out of their own mouth to con­demn themselves, of ignorance, or malice, or both. For ob­serve, every Reader that hath sense; Their [...] and grand Ob­jection is, Thus no person ought to be judged by Law Marshall, except in times of Warre: When there is no burli-burlie in the King­dome, no professed or declared enemy against the peace thereof, ready to destroy it with fire and sworn, but all things are pe [...]ble and quiet, &c. Marshall Law is not lawfull.

Hence we gather (not as Petitio principii, but argumentatio ex­concess [...], as they use to say) the lawfulnesse of Marshall Law by their own Grant. For seeing they make burli-burlies in the Common-wealth, and declare themselves enemies unto peace, are In [...]ndlar [...] and Mutiners every where, seeking by fire and sword to ruine all things, of necessitie there must be Marshall Law; their seditious acting is enough to warrantie: and had we no other apparent enemies [...]ut They, it would sufficiently prove, that there is no Act or Statute which doth prohibit the same in this very case. All that they say, may be framed thus: If Marshall Law at sometimes, and as the condition of a Kingdome maybe, is not to be exec [...]ted: [...]hen is not Marshall Law at any time lawfull, in what condition [...] ease soever the Kingdome be: such rea­soning, and theirs is all one.

Besides, it [...]ost evident, that they understand [...] Marshall Law is; for if they did, they would not sp [...]ke [...] [...]o [...]ntly ofNote, that there is no Statute which prohibits Mar­shal Law to an A [...]mie that hath been in service and once used it, so long as the State hath upheld it, and stood an Ar­my formaliter. S [...]tutes prohibiting the [...]s [...] [...]her [...]f: con [...] Marshall Law is grounded upon pure reason, a princi [...] [...] ­ture, and common to all Nations; it [...] [...]ssentiall [...]o an [...] hath its proper rise and residence there, and so cannot [...] away as long as it remaines a formall Army; and [...] execution should be hindered, yet the right and power of [...] ­shall Law an Army alwayes hath. Now the Law saith;N [...] [...]ju­ria s [...], qui jure suo [...] ­tur. L [...]rora­lus L. flumi­num de damn: infect. [...] jurious to none, who makes use of his own power and right.

4. Howsoever, hitherto they have acknowledged the P [...] ­ment to beEnglands new Cha [...], pag. 1. The hunting of the Foxes, pag. 25. the supreame Authoritie of England, yet now [...] they deny it, and title them,The Picture of State: Se­cond Edit. pag. 14. The Gentlemen sitting at W [...] ­ster. And because they perceive there are many in the Land [...] ­mies to the Parliaments proceedings, to [...]nco [...] [...] such in their malignancy, and to helpe forward [...] and trayterous plots they have in hand against the p [...] [...] safetie of the Land, they joyn with them hand in hand, [...] [...] ­clare themselves to be the chiefe Incondiarius, and the [...] of conspiracy, perswading others as one [...] to ri [...] [...] Parliament, and as so many professed traytors, [...] high-way men, to apprehend, s [...]ure, and bring them to Ju [...] [...] new Representative.

The [...] John Lilburn semper idem. Contradictions we still let passe, we shall onely [...] ­ver to the Nation the Reason o [...] cause wherefore it is, [...] Parliament, which is called by them the supreme [...] England, and say, We own this honourable House ( [...] of right [...] true Guardians of our Liberties and Freedomes. Lievt. Col. Jo. Lilburne speech at the end of Eng­lands new Chaine. In a [...] is said to be absolutely deg [...]ated into pure tyranny, and thereby [...] lost the essence and soule of authoritie, and are [...] [...] ing carkasse, and all their commands to be cont [...] [...] illegall in themselves. Take noti [...], they were p [...] [...]pon this of [...] ­cessitie: For considering what they had trayterously [...] acted against the Parliament, to acknowledge th [...] (is they [...] before) the supream Authoritie of England, the R [...]p [...] of [...] people in Parliament assembled, they became by their [...] a [...]kno [...] ­ledgement, actuall Traytors and Rebels against [...] State [...] and therefore perceiving so much, they doe recall it, as not having [Page 23] don any thing against lawfull Magistrates, but to Beares and Wolves, and the greatest Traytors that ever were in this Nation.

It is reported of one Theodorius, that having spoken reproach­fully of Christ, to excuse himselfe he taught, that Christ was meer man, and not God: So these men, having notoriously a­bused the Parliament, to defend themselves, say that they have not spoken against authority, but those Gentlemen stiring as West­minster, who have forfe [...]d their trust, and so the people disabled from all obedience and subjection to them. And here is Ma [...]vels Maxime followed: [...] Discourses, [...] Those that mean to effect great matters, must not make reckoning of their words, and know by their craft how to turne and wind about at all times. And the Jesuits doe [...] allow ly­ing, if it be for safetie, profit, and advantage. They doe set open a Schoole for deceit, in which they teach an are of lying, [...] bene­ficio, qui ad nor [...] [...] perjurii aut [...] Abbot A [...]. log. adv. [...] Joana c. [...] by the helpe whereof he that can lye and forsweare by the Rule, shall be free either from lying or periurie.

5. It would aske too much time, to mention all part [...]; for where hath not this party b [...], and earnestly att [...]pted to raise sedition, and to fill all places with op [...]oated and Commo­tion. They have sought by false suggestions and scandalous Writings, to set strife and division between his Lu [...]ll [...], and the chiefeOder [...] th [...] ­ment [...] Commanders of the Army, in publishing to the world, thatThe Picture of the Coun­cell of S [...] se [...] [...] pag. 14. the Generall is but their stalking horse, and a Cypher: andThe Peoples Prerogative. pag. 15, 56. [...]ut whom they lead hood [...] it the pits brink of his out [...] and de­struction: Their furlorn, unjust, and illegall proceedings, in shedding innocent bloud is don by vertue of his authority, which lies very deepe upon him, and in conclusion m [...]y c [...]st him deare, yea the head upon his shoulders.

What can be spoken more seditiously, and more discovering a malicious and malignant spirit? and did not the Generall well know their treachery, and the conscientiousnesse of h [...] Officers, it were enough to produce a sad consequence. The spokes of a wheel must be all united into one na [...], or it will never serve for motion: so long as there is an accord and harmony, betwixt the head and other parts, the whole body [...] sweetly, suc­cessfully, prosperously. But they being grieved and vexed at this,Pa [...]rsus [...] ore fue potus so [...]d [...] in la [...] [...] Cypr. Ep [...]. 55. prope fin. Pro. 16.28. have by falshood and slander don what they could, to separate and cut asunder.

Againe, they have sought to make discord between the P [...] ­liament and the Councell of Warre, by a subtile and dangerous Stratagem, namely, thatEnglands new Chaine, pag. 6. the Parliament should app [...] a C [...] ­mittee of their own Members, to heare, examine, and [...] Controversies between Officers and Officers, and between Officers and Souldiers. Whosoever observes the thing well, shall plainly [...] that their main designe here, was to set the Parliament and Ar­my at strife, to the prejudice of both, and the whole Na [...] It is said of C [...]te, that he would closely make contention amo [...] his servants, and keepe them so, because he thought the [...]r agr [...] ­ing together would be some hurt and damage to him. This [...] ­tie apprehends well [...]ough, thatAfflicts sides est in pace, su [...]t (que) rebus turbatis ale­cres & per [...] ­cert [...] intess [...]m [...]. T [...]c [...]eti [...]. pea [...] is a le [...] to their desig [...] it must be by divisions, seditions, and breaking the [...] powers, if ever their destroying plots be effected. And this [...] been the practice of Ambitiosi a­liqu [...] homne [...], qui privati [...] degene [...]ed, in publicum exi­tiosi [...] nih [...]l spei [...] nis [...] per discor­dias haben [...]. Lips. Polit. l. 6. c. 4. p. 266. many ambitious men (being privately has [...] [...] of no worth) to be mutinous and seditious in the Common-wealth, a having no hope but by divisions and discord to raise themselves.

We might mention likewise, the stirre and tumults wh [...] have been lately made, byWherein you shall find high termes, and trayterous in­sinuatiōs, Ista quide [...]u [...]s est. Petitions brought to the P [...] ment, by Women, Prentises, and ou [...] of some Coun [...] [...] a meere devise to carry on the project, and to prepare and [...] pen the people for an insurrection, whensoever an opport [...] serves.

Last of all, and which may serve as a proofe for all: th [...] as much published by this partie, as we doe here rel [...]e even Re­bellionSee their De­claration of the free Com­m [...]ners of England, tou­ching their Engagement. protested and declared, and when they have gather [...] hands and are a considerable number, theUtinam Po [...]: R [...]: unā cir­vicem h [...]beret. C. Suecon C. Coes. Caligal. Gentlemen the [...] sitt [...] as Westminster shall be apprehended for the present usurpation and sur­prizall of the Name, stampe, and authoritie of Parliament, and they will take all power and rule into their own hands, and order the affaires of the Common-wealth as they thinke good.

By this which hath been spoken, the Reader may perceive, whatImpi [...] sub dulci [...]elle [...]e­nena latent. Orid, lib. 2. Eleg. Peace-makers they are, and how they have laboured from the beginning of our publick distractions, to compose and reconcile them. No otherwise then like a Mountebank, who gives a poyson so [...] potion to a poore sick man, whereby his sicknesse is strengthen [...] and increased, and the state of his body growes worse & wor [...], and at last kills him out of hand.

Before we come to a new discovery, there is one thing here observable: They have published (and as they thinke) greatly to the dishonour of Lievtenant Generall Cromwell, a speech of his spoken at the Councell-Table, and as they set it down, it should be to this effect.Bona est mise­ricordia sed non quum est con­tra judicium. August. qu. 88. in Ho. Pro. 18.6, 7. & 22.10. I tell you Sir, you have no other way to deale with these men, but to The Picture of the Coun­cell of State, second Edit. pag. 12. beate them in pieces: Sir, let me tell you that which is true, if you doe not breake them, they will breake you; yea, and He might well say so, knowing them to be a gene­ration whose teeth are as swords & their jaw-teeth as knives. being all the guilt of the bloud and treasure shed and spent in this Kingdome, upon your heads and shoulders; and See before their Princi­ples touching Religion and Civill Govern­ment; and Wahryns wiles, pag. 9, 10, 11. frustrate and make voyde all that worke that with so many yeares industrie, toile, and paine, you have done, and so render you to all rationall men, as the most contemptible generation of silly low-spirited men in the earth, to be broken and routed by such despiseable contemp­tible generation of men as they are: and therefore, Sir, I tell you a­gaine, you are necessitated to breake them.

Now be it so, that thus he hath spoken: What ha [...]h he don? Was there not a cause? Is not the thing true, and very necessary it should be don? Is there any thing in the speech, but what Re­ligion, Reason and Law allow, and strictly call for it? If Sheba blow a Trumpet of rebellion, Joab justly may require his head, and it is fit he should die for it. It is an undoubted Rule of Di­vinity and Policy, that it isJohn 11.50. & 18.14. more expedient that one man die, yea, ten, an hundred, a thousand, then the whole Nation should perish.Melius est ut pereat unus quàm pereat unitas. August. Better one, then out-nesse. Ʋ [...]e, seca u [...] memb [...]o [...]ion po­tiús ali [...]d, quàm t [...]tum corpus intereat. Cic. Philip. 12. Better one corrupt and putrefied member be cut off, then the whole body thereby should be infected and destroyed. It is a remarkeable saying,Punian [...] a te, ne tu [...]o [...]t. is p [...]niaris Cyp [...] de [...]d pa. [...] te [...]. Let the Magistrate punish malefactors (as Incendiaries, and Traytors to the Common­wealth) least they for them be justly punished.

Whosoever they are that stand for such a generation of men, are like Tiberius, who would have Caligula to reigne, that be might destroy the people. It is true, If men be ill affected to their Coun­trey, and would have all setled Formes of Government over­throwne, Christian Religion extirpated, all humane societies destroyed, and men deprived of their lawfull Liberties, Rights, and Estates, they cannot desire or wish for fitter Instrument [...], and for men that will surer or sooner bring such mischiefe and misery upon a Nation.

Having answered to such things as they speake of themselves: [Page 24] [...] [Page 25] [...] [Page 26] [...] [Page 27] [...] [Page 28] [...] [Page 29] [...] [Page 26] Our next worke shall be to observe what they say of others; and here we purpose to take an exact and full view of all theirTanto falsi te­stes pe [...]o [...]es sunt, quanto p [...]pin­quare ve [...]tati per calumniam v [...]lunt. August. de Festo San­cti Steph. Hom. 9. Papers, Pamphlets, Petitions, &c. which they have published to the world, and wherein they lay grievous things to the Parliament, the Councell of State, and the Councell of Warre, with high charges, and accusations, against severall persons: and this we will doe the more fully, distinctly, and in order, to the end the Innocent may be quitted and cleared, their ca­lumniation, falshood, and trayterous designes discovered, and honest-minded people no longer deceived, through the hypo­crisie and deceit of such men.

Two things are extant, Entituled, Englands New Chaines dis­covered, the first and second part: A title importing great oppres­sion imposed upon them by the present supreame Authoritie of this Nation: but wherein they felt or suffered any such thing, as yet they have not shewed, neither doth their serious apprehen­sions, or sad Representation manifest so much. Some children will teare and scratch their Mother in the face, and then cry out as if they had been beaten or abused; whereas there is nothing don to them, but onely they wronged their Mother. Many wrongs and injuries have they offered unto severall men, and afterward have cryed out and complained, as if they were the sufferers; WhereasWitnesse L. General Crom­well, who hath patiently born Lilburnes re­proaches and scandalous speeches, and d [...]n him good for evill: as he acknowledg­eth himselfe thus: I must ac­knowledge you took compassion of me in my bonds and chaines, even when I was at deaths do [...]e, and was princi­pally instrumentall in delivering me from the very gates of death, in An. 1640. And setting me free from the long and heavy Tyranny of the Bishops and Star-chamber, even at that time when I was al­most spent: and many particular respects since then, and one large token you sent me since I came, &c. J [...]nahs cry out of the Whales belly, pag. 2. nothing by the others was don to them, but a pati­ent passing by of all th [...]ir insolencies and abuses; and making good that Maxime, much agreeable to wisdome, that just deeds are the best answer to injurious words.

We shall speake first, to the first part of their New Chaine: Omitting nothing, saving their vaine repetitions, calumniati­ons, idle, frothy, and impertinent passages. First, they com­plaine against erecting a high Court of Justice for tryall of criminall causes. To which we answer.

1. Were th [...]y not bent to sedition, they would not mention a thing which by the Parliaments power may lawfully be don (andThese will n [...] allow of tha [...] Rule; Auth [...]tiatem ma [...]um etiam in illicius ex­c [...]sa [...]e. C. Dixit 14 q. 5. they know it too) and for no other end, but to sooth and [Page 27] flatter Malignants, and to provoke them to greater rage and wrath against the Parliament, and High Court of Justice, for their late just proceedings against capitall offendours.

2. Whereas they speake of persons pick [...] and chosen as a usuall policie to introduce by such meanes all usurpations. Herein they dis­cover great uncharitablenesse, and extreme malice, and walke contrary to Scripture and Law: The word of God teacheth us when speeches or actions doubtfull in themselves, and may be taken either well or ill, we are to interpret them in the1 Cor. 13.7. Deut. 22.25, 26, 27. best part. So saith the Law;Dubium in meliorem par­tem accipien­dum L. cum creditor. de furtis. A doubtfull action is to be taken in the better part. In re dubia be­nigniorem sem­per fieri inter­pretationem. L. proxime C. de his quae in­test. del. Againe; In a doubtfull thing, the fairer interpretati­on must be made: So againe;Nobiliores prae­sumptiones sem­per in dubiis eligendas: L. merito pro socio. In doubts the nobler presumptions are to be chosen. But these Rules are never followed by Conspi­rators against the Common-wealth: but on the other hand, actions howsoever in themselves very good, (as was this high Court of Justice) and cordially don, shall be depraved by mali­cious insinuations, as if by-ends and self-interest were intended, or some publick detriment would follow: and this hath been practised formerly by2 Sam. 10.3, 4. & 15.3, 4. Incendiaries, proudMat. 9.34. hypocrites, and by theJob 1.10. Rev. 18.10. Devill ( [...]) the false accuser or make-bate taught them. Besides it is well to be noted, how in all the things set forth by this partie, there is little said, savingInserunt que­relas, & am­biguos de Ma­gistratu sermo­nes, quae (que) alia turbulenta vul­gi. Tac: hist. 1. forged insinuations against the Parliament, the Councell of State, and the Armie, as if they would doe this, and that, to oppresse the people, whereas no­thing was ever so intended, neither had they any ground or cause for such jealousies and aspersions, but have given them forth, of purpose to disturbe, unquiet, and trouble the Na­tion.

3. These men doe seeEnglands new Chaine, pag. 3. the way of tryall by twelve men to be a Constitution so equall and just, as that they conceive it ought to re­maine unalterable.

But first, What if there should be thirteen or thirty, or more or lesse, were it not as well and just: Rationall men can distin­guish between substance andDe minimis considerationem non habendam. L. scio de integ. restit. circumstance, between what is ne­cessary and essentiall to a thing, what indifferent, and so may be don or not don (without danger) as occasion is. 2. In other Countreys for tryall of criminall causes, their proceeding is not [Page 28] by Quere, If the Judge onely should exa­mine the wit­nesses, and therupon pro­ceed: whether it would not be for the pro­fit and ease of the people: b [...]s [...]ness [...] soo [...]er [...] p [...]ch­ed, and p [...]oba­bly more just and legall tryals. twelve sworn men, but otherwise, and yet equall and just in it selfe. And howsoever we shall not speake against this way, yet this we affirme, it is to be reckoned among theError in syl­la [...]a n [...]n vit [...]at actum. L [...] qui habebat: A le Manu test: doc. adiaphorme [...] or Ceremonies of the Law, a thing so indifferent, whether the number be twelve or twenty, that the Magistrate may salely ei­ther continue it, or change it as he sees cause. But 3. was it ever known before, that men should be blamed, for their study, care, and wisdome, to doe a thing well. If their objection here a­gainst the high Court of Justice be duly weighed, it will appeare as evident as the Sun at noon day, that bec [...]use the Parliament made choice of, able, judicious, and conscientious men, and cal­led many such together, to the end they might proceed legally, impartially, as of sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God, there­fore they speake evill of them. Things looked on under water, howbeit streight, smooth and faire, yet standing so, appeare as if they were crooked, rough, deformed: So this Generation of men, looking upon the actions of the Parliament, the Councell of State, and Army, with an envious eye, they turne (like Spiders) the best and most wholesome things into poyson: For what the one doth faithfully, uprightly, and for publick good; the other cals it hypocrisie, tyranny, self-seeking, New Chaines, &c.Pro. 27.4. [...]r felle ama­ [...]um per lingu e [...]mentum [...]ge [...]e n [...]t a­ [...]ara non po­test. Bernard. But who is able to stand before envie?

2. They complaine for censuring a Member of the House for de­claring his judgement in a point of Religion.

Answ. 1. Here we may see, that saying to be most true;Fact [...]tus da [...] [...] [...]nem, [...] super [...]. It is easier to finde fault, then to give a reason for it. What the Parliament did in this thing, it was upon that ground, and Maxime i [...] Law, thatD [...]l [...]o [...]iarum [...] peni­tus remnē las. l ae [...]uissimum [...] usu fruct. l. [...] pater sect. [...] simis de l. [...] 2. all occasions of discord ought altogether to be taken away. The speech was neither usefull, nor seasonable, no way tending to the publick good, but dishonourable to the House, scandalous to our profession, and Religion, obstructive to the present worke of Reformation, andRom. 16.17. causing divisions and offences. 2. For the Reserve in the Agreement concerning Reli­gion: If they mean that the Parliament hath agreed that any blasphemous and hereticall doctrine shall be propounded and defended in the House, weNaturalis ete­ [...]n & jus gen­ [...]n dictat ac [...]s [...]it, ut religio nobis cu­rae sit, & omnia quae ad eam pro­movendam ac conservandam spectant pro vi­rili procuremus. J [...]ach [...]m: Shō ­husi de Blas­phem. l. 3. c. 35 p. 426. know of no such thing: neither doe we know what Reason that Member had, to speake there what he did, untill the House had declared that it should be free for [Page 29] every Member to propound in Parliament points of that na­ture. 3. Here we desire that all people in all places, will take notice, what Englands new Chaine is, and what the burden and oppression is, which they so much speake of: Because the Par­liament will not countenance blasphemy and heresie, suffer it to be just fi [...]d in the House, and taught publickly cum privilegio, they cry out, Tyrants, Murderers, Theeves: Indeed this is the great and grand businesse, Religion and Orthodox Doctrines are not (as they desire and seeke for) cast off and utterly rejected.

A third thing which hath brought England into new Chaines, it, the Act for pressing of Sea-men, directly contrary to the Agreement of the Officers.

Answ. 1. There is Nulla tam sancta lex est, quam non opor­teat, si salus po­puli postulet, ur­geat (que) necessitas mutare. Bod. de Repub. l. 4. Herman: Ki [...]chner. Re­spub disput 6. Thes. 6. p 87. no Law so firmely made (much lesse an A­greement of Officers) but when the peoples safetie, and necessitie re­quire, may lawfully be changed. Decret. 4. Quod non est licitum in lege, ne­cessitas facit licitum. Besides, in the Statutes which they them­selves have (The Peoples Prerogative, pag. 8. s [...]me where) cited; it is expresly said, that where nec [...]ssitie requires, men may be compelled to arme themselves and goe to warre. It is true, such as are fit and serviceable, whether for. Sea or Land,Opera milita­ria debentur quoque Magi­stratus, ut per et defendatur Respubl: et con­netur tran­quillitas civi­um. Frid: Wendelin: Inst. Polit. lib. 2. c. 17. pag. 242. should serve the State willingly, whereby the Common-wealth might be defended, and peace preserved: N [...]ver­thelesse, in case of refusall, they may be prest and compeld, Reason and Religion say as much, if necessity and the present safety of the Land call for it. But this was the Parliaments case, and the reason of that Act, namely,St. 15. Ed. 3. 7. St. 4. Hen. 4. 13. 25. Ed. 3 8 For the defence of the Realme, and sudden coming of strange enemies into it.

But 2. As in other things, so in this, their conspiracy and treason against the Common-wealth, notably appeares, in seek­ing the destruction of it both by Land and Sea: For howsoever (as we said) the safety of the people requir'd this Act, neither was there any other way or meanes visibly to prevent eminent and sudden danger. Neverthelesse, they speake against it, cry ou [...], New Chaines, Tyranny, Bondage, Oppression, &c. And why all this? But to make the Sea-men mutinous and seditious, as they have don the Souldiers: by falshood and trayterous insinuation to have them beleeve, that it is indeed oppression and tyranny for the Supream Authority of the people, to presse men upon any occasion, and by this means cause the Sailers to turne against [Page 30] the Parliament, as against Tyrants and Oppressours, and not obey them as their right and lawfull Rulers: and this is their work all along. And therefore high time it should be lookt in­to; for as one truly saith,Unhappie Prosperitie, first Historie, pag. 180. Indulgentia & lenet de Magi­stratus [...]min sed tionis ansa praebit: quia dum quicsc [...]re magistratus of­ficia plebs vi­d [...]t, nullis (que) le­gumse coercere r [...]p [...]gulis ani­madvertit, ipsa sb [...] rapere gu­bernacula & quidvis audere incipit, con­tempto magi­stratu, vel spe impunitatis concepta Frid. Wendellin: Instit. Polit. l. 3. c. 2. p 492. A Magistrate who hath discovered a Conspiracie, and seemes fearfull to remedy it, is as faultie as the Con­spirator himselfe.

4. They tells us, theyEnglands new Chaine second part, pag. 14. want freedome, and are in Chaines, be­cause the Parliament stops their mouths from printing.

Answ. 1. Here we may use their own words, That it is a sure and radicall Maxime in Law, Nihil quod est contra rationem est li­citum: Nothing which is against reason is lawfull. To which may be added;L [...]vim de sust. & sur l. scien­tiam §. cur ad A quid. Against force and injury it is lawfull to use defence: Likewise, Licet vim vi repellere. When Demosthenes would set forth the improvidence and incircumspection of the Athenians, presented to them an innocent Foole, who being smitten on the cheek, laid his hand on the place where he had received the blow; and being stricken on the other cheek, did the like, never using any of his hands to defend himselfe from further blowes. Such Idiots and Silly-bodies they would have the State to be, stand still, and suffer them, with their seditious and scandalous Libels to strike them as often as they please, and through their sides to wound and destroy the Common-wealth. But observe what they say in their own case;Overtōt Ap­peale, pag. 3, 4. It is a firme Law and radicall principle in nature, ingraven in the Tables of the heart by the finger of God in the Creation, for every living moving thing, wherein it the breath of life, Overtōs Ap­peale, pag. 3. to preserve, award, and deliver it selfe from all hurtfull things, destructive and obnoxious thereto, to the uttermost of his power. If this be true, surely then, the Parliament should not follow a radicall principle in nature, to suffer them to publish their tray­terous and licentious Pamphlets, seeing there is nothing more hurtfull, destructive, and obnoxious to the peoples safetie then the same.

2. Such as prescribe Remedies against Conspiracies, give this as the first and principall, namely,Petrus Gre­gorius, lib. 23. de Remp. To prevent and cut off (if pos­sible) the occasion, that it may not breake forth. Clem. Templ. Polit. lib. 4. cap. 7. pag. 424. Initia seditionum, quamprimum apparuerint, comprimantur. Where the burning of a house is seated, there the smallest sparkles of fire are quenched: to whomsoever stormes and tempests are dreadfull, the first and [Page 31] least signes thereof are observed by them. Now they are very ignorant in State-affaires, whoQuicquid id est, [...]m [...] Dana­os & dona se­rentes. Sic no­tus ul [...]sses? Vir. Aeneid: 2. see not that Books and Papers, containing calumniations and falshood against Authoritie (un­der what colour or pretence soever, as for libertie, and to have taxes and burdens removed) are fire, even wild-fire in a Com­mon-wealth, a storme and whirle-wind indeed, enough (if not prevented) to burne and throw down all things: and to prove this, we need not goe further, then the present example of theseAs the fire­fly leapes and dances in the fire: so it is their rejoy­cing to see cō ­motions and stirres in the Land. unhappy men.

3. Men who have acted by the Principles of Reason and Na­ture, (knowing praevisa minus laedunt, things foreseen doe lesse hurt;) have alwayes been carefull to stop the publishing of seditious bookes: HencePlato l. 10. de Republ. Plato, Plutarch. lib. de Civils ad­ministrat. o [...]e. Plutarch, and the wisest of the Gentiles, in their Models and Platformes of Civill Govern­ment, have evermore given order, thatFamosi libelli convitia, con­tumelia, detra­ctiones publicae sunt a magi­stratu coercen­dae, ut pax inter cives maneat. Plato. l. 11. de legibus. infamous Writings should not be permitted, such as contained calumniations and reproaches, and tended to mutinie and division; but the Au­thours and Promoters thereof punished. Neither are there any ChristianLibellos fa­mosos, sive pas­quillos magi­stratus spargi prohibeat, eo­rum (que) autho­res & dissemi­natores gravi­ter coerceat. Keckerm. Sy­stem: Polit. l. 1 c. 22. p. 358. Statesmen, but in their Republicks and Polities doe say as much: And so much hath been ever practised by all States. And in some of our own Statutes it is declared, that5. Ed. 6.11. Whosoever by Writing shall affirme the King to be a Tyrant, an Ʋsurper, &c. it is high Treason. Againe;Philip and Mar. 3. 1 Eliz. 6. If any by Bookes, Rymes, Ballads, Letters, or Writing, shall publish false, seditious, and slan­derous things against the King or Queen, his right hand is to be stricken off for it; and if he doe so againe, to suffer imprisonment during his life.

And here we may Reason from the lesse to the greater; if for Writing falsly or seditiously against the King, it be a crime de­serving the cutting off the right hand, or perpetuall imprison­ment; and to call him Tyrant or Usurper, be high Treason by Law, it must needs then in our understanding necessarily follow, that to write the like against the supream Authoritie of the people, whose power is greater then the Kings, and their place above him; is as high and capitall a crime, y [...] and by the same Statute deserves the like punishment. The tru [...]h is, it is beyond our apprehension, how for words wri [...] against theSo have the Kings of Eng­land been ser­vants, Ste­wards, and Ministers to the people. servant, the Writer by such a Statute shall commit high treason, and [Page 32] yet the same words written against theSo is the Parliament being the Re­presentatours of the whole Kingdome. Master not found so by that Statute. If Law be reason (as it must be, or else 'tis no Law,) then thus speakes Law with Reason.Si id quod minus verisimi­le est, verum est, & id etiam erit, quod ma­gis verisimile videt [...]r. Pet. Fonsec. Instit. dialect. lib. 7. c. 29. If that which is lesse likely be true, then will that be also, which appeares more likely. That Statute which finds a man guiltie of high treason, and just­ly condemns him for it, for words against the infectour and lesser power: that same Statute will finde a man also, guiltie of high treason, and justly condemn him for it, for the like words against the superiour and greater power.

4. Whereas they would helpe themselves by mentioning Sta­pleton, Hollis, the Prelates &c. This is not tali modo, but a So­phisme, [...] ad illud quod dictum est [...]. Because Pilate did not well in condem [...]ing Christ: therefore he did ill to con­demn the theeves. But here we cannot but smile, to observe wherefore they would have the Presse open to them; namely be­cause, so they would discover all treacherous and tyrannicall designes. And is there not probability for this? Will not Satan cast out Satan? Hath not the Parliament reason to beleeve, that they who call them Theeves, Tyrants, Murderers, &c. declare and pro­test against all their Votes, Orders, O [...]dinances, Declarations, and Acts, as not binding to the people: Provoke the Souldiers and Com­moners every where to insu rection and rebellion: If they had more liberty to print their Conspiracies and Falshoods against the Parliament, Councell of State, and the Armie, and to spread them all the Counties and Countrey over, they would doe the State lesse hurt, and better service.

5. We suppose they will now object no more against the Parliament for imploying thatEnglands new Chaine, part second, pag. 14. Apostate Judas (as they call him) at an Ex [...]cutioner to search after unlicensed Bookes: beingOne Mr. Hai­de [...] whom the Levellers have lately secretly murdered; and Thomson the Arch-traytor was a chiefe actor in it. them­selves have don execution upon him; murdered him in a most barbarous and cruell manner: and therein shewed to the Nati­on what the Native birth right is, the Common-Freedome and safe­tie they talke of: If th y get power into the [...] hands, to stab and kill whosoever opposeth them: and why not? seeing (according to thei [...] Beliefe) there is no Heaven nor hell, no punishment or suffering after this life, for murder, or any wickednesse what­soever. And so much appeares by that Atheisticall and hellish Counsell suggested by Walwyn to a Woman lying under a sore [Page 33] and heavy temptation.Walwyns Wile pag. 12. Note, that the poore woman did as the wretched man perswaded her, strangled her selfe. That it was [...]b [...]se and ignoble thing for any one to lie under such trouble, anguish, and perplexitie, as could not well be endured, having so easie and speedy a way of riddance out of it, as is before every man, and that it was an honourable and valiant thing, for a man in such a case to put an end to his life, by laying vio­lent hands upon himselfe, being a farre shorter w [...]y of ease, then any other way.

We hope theAnd so for the rest fol­lowing take notice how we shal shew thee their conspi­racy against the State in every parti­cular, one af­ter another. Reader doth all along take notice, that there is not one thing which they doe take up against the Parliament, as pretending it to be a new Chaine, oppression, tyrannie, &c. But it is clearly to be seen, that thereby some great mischiefe and trayterous designe is intended to the Land: There is nothing of late more complained of, then this, about stopping the Presse: But how justly we have shewed, and shall onely adde, that these men, who by their seditious Writings, and other treacherous wayes, have already made Commotions and hutli-burlies a­mongst us, and have sought from time to time to destroy this Common-wealth, are so farre from being suffered to doe so againe, as that they ought to suffer death for what they have don already: and so saith theReus est laesae Majestatis, qui sed tionem in Remp: cōcitat, eam hostibus, patriaeve reli­gionē aut Reip: hostibus nomen dat aut aliud quid vis ad Reip: statum e­vertendum mo­litur. l. 1. 10, 11. hic. l. 5. cod. vult. Althus. D locis vid. Dam­houd. c. 63. diss. aliqui per l. 21. §. 1. de cap & postl. Law: yea, and further saith, that Conspirators against the publick Peace, are to be Frequeatius vivi sectione in partes emi­nentioribus lo­cis suspendendas Clar: d: num. 8. Damhoud. c. 62. out asunder alive; and the parts of their bodie to be hanged up in the most noted and speciall places of the Land. And likewise saith,Argum. l. 234. de V.S. l. 3. §. ult ad l Corn de sicar Gothost ad l. 7. hic Clar. d. loc. in fin. Cuiac 15. Observ. 33. Transfugas etiam & proditores, perduellium instar, à quovis impuné occidi posse; Meaning as Jurists Comment, Si de facti notorietate constet.

5. But the great businesse is about the Councell of State; at this they are extreamly offended: and no marvaile, for they who seek to have all Lawes, and old Courts of Justice Levelled and put down, cannot take it well, that any new should be erected, especially such a one, as they see is a main obstacle and let to their Conspiracy and Treason, and a Court which they feare will be (Jachin and Boaz) as two Pillars for the establishment and strength of the Nation.

But let us now see their Reasons, wherefore they would haveEnglands new Chaine, pag. 12. this present Councell of State dissolved.

[Page 34] Ibid. pag. 2.1. Because as the cause now stands they MAY designe to per­petuate their power, and keepe off Parliaments for ever.

Answ. 1. Howsoever the Wolfe sometimes keepes in, and shewes not his cruelty and rapine by his bloudy mouth, yet long he cannot dissemble, but what is within will appeare: We have before given a hint of their slanderous insinuations: Where things are right, and very good, and no just exception can be made against them (as in this case here touching the Councell of State) then they seeke to possesse the people with jealousies and feares, as what MAY BE. The plot indeed is too sh [...]llow, too absurd and foo [...]ish, wher [...]by any judicious and knowing men should be deceived. It being no more then thus; A man should throw away his meat, money, armour, &c. because such things may doe him harme: the expression whereof is conviction suffi­cient.

But 2. were not these men, either blinded with prejudice, or thought that the people would take every thing from them without any consideration, it could not be, that so groundlesse, ir [...]ationall and sencelesse an objection would have been made: For what can the Councell of State doe in relation to the Parlia­ment, as either to keepe off Parliaments, or to keepe them on. The truth is, they might as well haveThey a [...]e against all Courts and Magist [...]ates, as against the Councell of State; onely they perceive the [...]e is no need to med­dle with such things; for if they can break the Par­liament, Coun­cell of State, and Armie, all the Courts & Magistrates of the Nation must fall and be dissolved therewith. Petitioned the House, to dis­solve the present Courts of the Chancerie, Exchequer, and put down all the Judges, Justices, Mayors, and Constables in the Land, for the C [...]uncell of State can no more hinder or keepe the Parliament from sitting then they: nay, if divers circumstances be weighed, they are lesse able to doe the thing here suggested then the others can doe; especially some of them.

Thus not onely doe they declare a malicious heart, to make conclusions in the worst part before they know any thing; but also shew themselves desperately seditious, as not to regard how improbable and impossible the thing is, so it may make di­sturbance, and raise up the spirits of the people against their Rulers. But enough of this; we will leave them to the censure of thatCalum [...]to­res f [...]at [...]m & d t [...]a [...]lo [...]ts Infam [...]s c [...]n­se [...]t [...]r. Caus. 6. Qu. 1. C. Infames. Law, who being calumniators and detractors, set Burne Markes on their forehead for infamous people.

2. They doe object against the Councell of State, because they areEngland n [...]w Cha [...]e, pag. 7. p [...]ssessed with power to order and dispose all the Forces apper­taining [Page 35] to England, by Sea or Land, to dispose of the publick treasure, to command any person whatsoever before them, to give oath for the discovering of truth, to imprison any that shall disobey their commands, and such as they shall judge contumatious.

There is nothing in this which requires an answer,Would it be a good argu­ment to prove Mr. Lilburn a Coward or tray [...]or to the Army, because he was chosen Lievt. Col. or rather because he was chosen to such a place it argues he was thought then valiant, faithfull, &c. for the greater the matters are which are referred to the Councell, it argues the abilitie and faithfulnesse of the men to be the more, and the Parliament knowing so much, hath committed such great things to their trust.

But 1. Were not these men ignorant of Maximes in Law and Reason, they would observe, thatCui Jurisdi­ctio data est, ci quoque con­cessa esse viden­tur sine quibus Jurisdictio ex­pl [...]cari non po­tuit. Digest. Jurisdict. Tit. 1. to whom a Jurisdiction is gi­ven, unto it such things are necessarily granted, without which no­thing can be don. When a man is Constituted, a Judge, Justice of Peace, or Mayor, it must be presupposed, that he hath power gi­ven him, to officiate and act such things as appertaine to that function or calling. But observe the absurditie, and stupiditie of these men; they doe not deny (That which is don by the Parliament is called first stable and san­ctum, and is taken for Law. Sm [...]th: Com­mon-wealth of E [...]gland. l. 2. Ch 2. neither indeed can they) but the Parliament l [...]wfully may erect such a Councell, onely they finde fault, because they have power to act the things which properly belong to such a State.

2. It seemes there is no way to escape the scourge of these mens tongues; Because the manifold pressures and sorrowe [...] of the people are not removed, peace, libertie, freedome establish­ed; the Parliament for this, is every where reproached by them. Againe, Whereas the Parliament endeavoureth (and for that end, is this Councell of State erected) to take away the burdens, oppressions, and miseries of this Nation, and to settle the Com­mon-wealth of England upon Principles of Righteousnesse, free­dome, and safetie, according to their severall Expresses and De­clarations: for this also doth the same partie speake evill of them. This shewes they are men of some par [...]s, that they can as handsomely put a reproach and scandall upon the Magistrates, for doing well, as for doing nothing. But in the meane time, their hypocrisie and basenesse is the more obvious and manifest to all unbiassed and impartiall people: for who, unlesse men most impudent, would pretend a desire, to have burdens remo­ved, Ireland relieved, our Forces by Land and Sea well looke unto, and provided for, the publick treasure carefully disposed [Page 36] of, and when they see all this is don, to speake evill of the State, and for no other reason, but because the same is don as they desired, or at least pretended so.

And to the end their malice and mischiefe to the Land may the more appeare in reproaching the Parliament for erecting this Councell of State, Let it be considered: 1. What [...]. Ze­nop: 8. Poed. necessitie (as [...]ur present condition is) there was of such a Councell. 2.Brach [...] Da lassae potius pendend [...] n [...] ­tan [...], Nec p [...] ­geat m [...]to supposu sse manum. Ovid. l. 2 de Pont. The many, great, and weighty affaires, which cannot pos­sibly be well effected and don, but in such a way. 3. How con­sonant and agreeable this thing is to the constant practice of all well governed Republicks, past, and present. And 4. no other, but what is agreeable toMagn [...] nego­ti [...] magnis ad tutoribus egere. Vell [...]ius l. 11. Hominum na­tura, & ipsa aequitas, leges & reipub: for­mam excudit & invenit. Plat. l. 3. de Leg. Reason andPublicam u­tilitatem pri­vato [...]um com­mod [...] praefe­rendam. Authent: res quae C. Com: de Legat. Law, yea, altogether bottomed upon such Grounds. And lastly, according to the Principles and Maximes set down by all judicious and learned Politicians in the world. These particulars we could enlarge, but it needs not; for envie it selfe can finde nothing here, whereby to oppose, or to raise any contradiction, or objection against these Assertions.

But 3. Their objection seemes to lie chiefly against the per­sons, that is, some particular Members of the Councell of State, and this is more then likely, even certaine; and gives us an occa­sion to remember a pretty fable of Demosthenes, how the Wolves made a league of peace with the Sheep, so that the dogs might be removed; but when the dogs were put away, the sheep were worried. There are in the Parliament, Councell of State, and Ar­mie, some men whom they perceive are speciall barres and lets to their pernicious designes: these they would willingly have re­moved, to the end they might easily devour the poor sheep of this Nation; their safety, freedome, lawes; and so their Estates become a prey to them.

But let us see who they are that the Wolves would have re­moved.

1.Englands n [...]w Ch [...]ne, p [...]g. 8. The chiefe of the Armie: And this we verily beleeve: for as none have had more experience of their conspiracies and sed [...]tions from time to time then these, so hath the Lord al­wayes made them chiefe Instruments to preserve this Land from their horrid, inhumane, and bloudy wiles and workings against it. John of Leiden, [...]nd theSenatores ple­ri (que) urbe exce­dunt, x autho­ritate rel [...]qui, urbis f [...]cies in­novatur, C [...]n­su [...] novi Cre­antur a pro­phetis & inter [...]as Be [...]nhar­dus C [...]pper­dell ng, Homo novandi v [...]us ma [...]u promp­tus & ad tur­bas factus. Spa [...]hem. disput. Anti­anabap: Prim. Gen Thes. 18. Munster Levellers with him, did the [Page 37] same thing, which they here desire, (and no doubt would doe had they power) displaced all such Officers as stood in their way, and set others in their room, whom they thought would help forward their designe, to ruine and destroy the Common-wealth.

2. The Judges of the Law. Here likewise we know their mean­ing: Its confusion they would have, this Land,Job. 10.22. a land of dark­nesse, as darknesse it selfe, and as the shadow of death, without any or­der, and where the light is as darknesse: neither are they ignorant of the ready way and means how to bring it in, and make it so: take the light away, and darknesse must needs follow: Remove men skilfull and expert in the Law, and there will be no need to bring in absurdities, non sence, fooleries; for these things of themselves will flow fast enough, and over-flow the Nation. Againe, that men should be excepted against, as uncapable to be members of any Civill Court, or Councell of State, because Judges of the Law; it is an objection we are confident, never before heard of, or propounded by any one. What may be objected in regard of personall unfitnesse, is one thing: butDomus Juris-consulti, est to­tus Oraculum civitatis. Cic. 1. de Orat. [...]. Ad salutem ci­vium, civitū (que) incolumitatē, vitam (que) homi­num & quie­tem & beata, conditae sunt leges. Cic. 1. de leg. in reference to his profession, Quatenus, as a Judge of the Law, and therefore unfit, it is the most sencelesse thing that ever was uttered. It is no otherwise then to make a man unfit to take the charge of a Ship, or to be appointed the Pilate, or Master, because he is a skillfull and experienced Sea-man.

3. Treasurers of money: And why not? It will be time enough to give a farther answer when we know the cause and ground wherefore such are excepted against. In the mean while, we en­treat the Reader to observe one thing usuall with these men, which is to mention many things, but not at all to the purpose for which they bring them. Onely amongst the [...]t is a Can­non amongst the Papists, De judicio summi Pontifi­cis disputare non licet. Gra­tian: decret: pars 2. caus. 17. Quest. 4. cap. si quis & nomini. If some people did not walke by such a blind rule, they would see such froth and vanitie in these men, W [...]ll [...]ngs as they would reject them for shame. ignorant, whom they seeke to beguile, they thinke it is enough if any thing be spoken, because they will [...]ot, or cannot consider the impertinencies, flashes, and nothings, which they finde in their Papers.

Their fourth Exception is against Members of the Lords House, and some of th [...] House of Commons, [...]orward men in the Treatie, and decliners of the last proceeding, concerning the King and Lords.

To wh [...]ch we answer.

[Page 38]1. These give occasion here, of verifying that Proverb; a [...]er hath need of a good memory. The Parliaments proceeding with the K [...]g, is one thing against which they doe Englands n [...]w Ch [...]i [...]e, s [...]cond part, [...]g. 17, 18. protest; and yet in this place d [...]e blame others for decli [...]ing it: thus the thing which in themselves is a vertue and good, the very same in another is a vice, and a fault: So that they are not in practice like a Ship in the midst of the Sea, but rather run like Cart-wheels, easily to be followed by the f [...]ule tracts ofNote, none called more upon the Par­liament for Ju­stice against the Earle of Cambri [...]ge, the Earle of Hol­land, the Lord C [...]p [...]ll, then this partie, and acted more strongly for the accom­plishment: and when it wa [...] don, to compl [...]e with the Malig­nants, and to imbitter their spirits, they say, it was d [...]n for no o [...]her end, but to make way for t [...]eir a [...]solute Dominion. Englands new Chaine, se [...]ond part, [...]g. 17. contradiction, falshood, and hyp [...]crisie.

2. They are here at their old game, to make division be­tween the Parliament, and the Councell of State: you have heard before, how they have been every where else, and something they must doe likewise here; for nothing is more grievous to them, then to see an accord and union between our Rulers. Nei [...]her doe they regard to play the hypocrites before the world, so they m [...]y th [...]re [...]y raise contention. But the truth is, their wiles and way [...]s now are so palpably gr [...]sse, as there is little feare that any hereafter will be deceived by them, unlesse it be some of their own faction, orWe meane the Cavaliers. such as seeke to take advantage by their treachery to b [...]ing to passe their own designes.

But 3. there are [...]one [...]f the Lords House, neither of the House of Commons, Members of the Councell of State, which did any thing in rel [...]tion to the Treatie, or declined that last proceeding, but doe rest satisfied in what is don, are reall, cordiall, and true to the Land, and cl [...]ze unanimously with the rest for common good: and therefore t [...]eir scrupling formerly of some things, doth no way dis [...]bl [...] them from the present service of the State; especially having been approved men, knowne to be faithfull, and of right and good Principl [...]s. Indeed had they been Level­lers, restlesse and treacherous, and sowers of sedition, there had been just cause of excepti [...]n against them: but being men altoge­ther of an [...]ther spirit, peaceable, and Peace-makers, it was well they were chosen; for n [...] doubt (through Gods blessing on their labour) mu [...]h pr [...]fit and comfort will follow.

5. They except against such as were Judges in the Star-cham­b [...]r, and approvers of the bloudy and tyrannicall sentences issuing from thence.

Answ. We shewed just now, that it isIf the Reader desire to see this to the life, let him observe their Booke, entitu­led, The pic­ture of the Councell of State; Where­in they have blotted foure sheets, & pub­lished two E­ditions, and not one word from first to last which comes neere the matter to which they should have spoken: and so much we shall manifest presen ly. all one to these men, [Page 39] whether there be something, or nothing in their Writings: for to a simplician, a superficious and shallow Reader, there is no d [...]ff [...]rence or distinction made: sense or non-sense, reason or rayling, all is alike. Can there be imagined, an exception, more light, irrationall, groundlesse: For what if a man had been a member of the High Commission Court, or of the Popes Conclave, this could not be any just barre, whereby he should be disabled from any future office, place, or imployment, if no­thing else did appeare, and the person otherwise in every respect fitted and qualifi [...]d for the worke.

Thus we have answered their Exceptions, and vindicated the Councell from their Calumniati [...]ns. One thing yet remaines, which concernes their Booke, Entituled, The Picture of the Coun­cell of State. Here is a fit place to discover the vanitie and folly of it, especially so farre as the Councell of State is any way concer­ned in it.

And here in the first place we shall desire the Reader to take notice, of the originall and moving cause, wherefore t [...]e State apprehended them.

Not onely had these men a long time, to the certain kn [...]w­ledge of th [...] Councell of Warre, attempte [...] We h [...]ve for­merly in p [...]rt manifest [...]d so much, to wth shortly a mo e full and large Di [...]v [...]ry shall be a [...]ded of their trayte­rous d [...]signes to b [...]ake the Armie. by severall wayes to make divisi [...]n in the Armie, [...]nd likewise by the Parliam nt were look'd upon (and that for many reasons) to b [...] g [...]e [...]t I [...]c [...]dia­ries, men most d [...]ngerous and seditious: but withall had m [...]de a trayterous Booke, and spread it abroad, and sought to draw others into the Conspiracy with them; clearly tending to the losse of Ireland, and the utter ruine of this Nation by a n [...]w warre. This being known, and the gre [...]t perill and mischiefe apprehended, the Parliament thereupon (anPe [...]arū irro­gatio tam [...]t c [...]ns [...]vandae R [...]p: [...]e [...]essa­ri [...], [...]uam est co [...]a [...]ibus Chi­ru [...]g [...]i s [...]tio & initio qu [...] utilitas m [...]xi­ma, cum pl [...] ­m [...] sine ad [...]x­ [...]um p [...]r [...]i­n [...]t. [...]li à fa­ [...]ri [...]is d [...] ­ [...] rea [...]r. Reck Po [...]l. 1. fit they should, and high time it was) gave Comm [...]ssion and Order u [...]to the Councell of State for the apprehending and securing of these mu­tineers. The Councell accordingly appointed some Officers of the Armie to see the Parliaments command ex [...]cuted: and b [...]cause it was well known, that there were some se [...]i [...]us people in a [...]d about the Citie, confederates with them, and ready to make any hurli-burlie and commotion: it was thought the best and safest way to prevent tumult, and other i [...] c [...]nv [...]ce, to apprehen [...] them in the night; the which being done, and the [...] [Page 40] brought before the Councell, it was there shewed them by the Lord President, by what Authoritie th [...]y were sent for, and the reason why: Unto which their Answ [...]r was required: And thus much in briefe for the occasion.

Now for their Answer, if it be obse [...]ved, either what they spake to the Councell, or is contained in their additions since, with the many quotations of Statures and marginall notes; it amounts to just nothing; for fi [...]st i [...] pag. 3, 4. there is onely a frivolous relation, as when, and how they were apprehended, and by whom, from pag. 5. to 17. Whatsoever carries any shew of something, it is thus, and nothing else: Wee are Englishmen, and so in a legall capacitie to claim the utmost punctilio, benefit, and priviledge, that the Lawes and liberties of England will afford to any man in the whole Nation. Wee know not what to make more of you, then a company of private men, being neither able to own you for It is publish­ed by them­selves, that the L. Presidet did not aske them any question, as in way of tryal, so as to proceed in Judgment, but to report it to the House: In which words (howbeit, but few) there was enough said to justifie the Councell, and to shew their igno [...]āce, that they should not observe them, as to speake some­thing thereto. a Court of Justice, because the Law speakes nothing of you. Againe, The people of this Nation have not betrusted the Parliament with a Law-executing power.

This is the most, and all, in all their tedious and long Dis­cours [...], w [...]ich lookes like something, the rest is either rayling at others, or boasting of themselves. But is there one word in all this to the cause in hand? Is it not Ignorantia Elenchi? and as the Proverb is,Ego de alliis loquor, tu re­spondes de ce­p [...]. One askes for Garlick, and the other speakes of Onions.

For 1. Let it be granted, they are Englishmen, and so may claim the liberties and priviledges of the Law: yet it doth not follow, but for Conspiracy and Treason against the State, they lawful­ly may be apprehended. Againe, say the Parliament be not in­trusted with a Law-executing power: yet no man will deny, but the supreame Authoritie of this Nation, are intrusted with a Law-making power; that is, they mayNote, that th [...]re was no­thing don by the Councell of State against those mē, inte­fe [...]ēce to their own jurisdi­ction & pow­er, but as they were the Par­liaments Com­missioners, and had command & order from them to act so and so: and therefore that which the Councell did herein was no more but what any other men in the like case might & ought to have done. For the Par­liament, with­out dispute, can impower and authorize any man or men to appre­hend and exa­mine traytors, and finding cause, by the said delegated power to com­mit them, that they may be tryed after­wards accord­ing to Law. designe and appoint whomsoever they thinke best and fittest to apprehend such men whom they understand to be making sedition and raising warre in the Land, to the end they may be brought forth to tryall, according to the known Law provided in that case. But here they are silent, and no wonder, for indeed a plaine relation of the thing as it stood, had been enough to prove their apprehen­sion, examination, and commitment, all to be legall: But their manner is, what is cleare, to darken with a heap of confused [Page 41] words, or omitting the matter unto which they should di­rectly speak, to run away with some impertinent and by­thing.

There is no other thing that we know charged upon the Councell of State, as for the slanders, falshoods and treason set forth in that book, we shall very shortly come to the disco­verie thereof: with the rest of their conspiracies and sediti­ons in their other Papers. At this time it shall suffice that we have wip'd off all their calumniations and reproaches a­gainst the Honorable and great Councell of this Nation.

The next place unto which they bring us, is the Councell of Warre: and here we finde their main bodie, and the great ord­nances planted, of untruth, treacherie, contradiction, sedi­tion, and what not? In the first part of their new chain there is very little, comparatively, to what is published in the second part. We purpose (if God will) in our Discoverie, to go tho­row both, that so the Nation may the better see and judge what a generation of men they are.

First then of the Councell of War, this they say: by their meansEnglands new Chaine, pag. 9. after these fair bloss [...]mes of hopefull liberty, breaks forth this bitter fruit of the vilest and basest bondage, that ever English-men groaned under.

Answ: 1. We may see in these men whatVincere con­suetudinem, du­ra est pugna. Aug: super Psal. 30. an hard thing it is, to leave a bad custome: when it is to plead for mutinous Souldiers, and to encourage them in their refractorie and seditious courses, then we shall hear them speak of good dayes,In their Let­ter to his Ex­cellencie, A­pril 27. 1649. Times of peace, all Courts of Justice are open. But if it be to reproach the Army, they can make their tongues to say quite contrary, nothing then but bondage; yea, the vilest and basest that ever English-men groaned under: not regarding what hypocrisie they shew by their grosse contradiction, so they may do some mischief one way or other.

2. There is a Letter extant of Lilburnes, wherein he ex­presseth himself to his Excellencie thus:Juglers dis­covered. Truly (Sir) give me leave to tell you without fear or dread, had I come, and could have got so many to have followed me, as would have enabled me with my sword in my hand, to have done justice and execution, upon those grand treacherous fellows, and tyrants at Westminster, that have not onely [Page 42] tyrannized over me, but the whole Nation; I should have made no more scruple of conscience with my own hand to have destroyed them, then to have destroyed so many weasels or poulcats.

If he would then have knockt down the Parliament-men like weasels and poulcats, what would he now do? seeing the Nation was never in the like bondage: neitherThe picture of the Councell of State. p 17. was the cruell Tyrant Duke D'Alva, or bloodie Queen Mary so bad as our Leaders: yea theEnglands new Chaine, second part pag. 17. King is much more excusable then they, so Hollis, and that partie. Without question had he assistance enough, he would make no more scruple to destroy the Parliament, Councell of State, and the Councell of Warre, then if they were so many R [...]ts or Mice: and having so done, the people could do no lesse then give him that Title which he hath in Print taken alreadie to himself,An Alarum to the H [...]se of Lords in the T [...]tle p [...]ge he stiles himselfe so. John Lilburne DEFENDER OF THE FAITH: and withall there might be added, John of Leidens Title,Qu: Seeing he will assume some kingly Title to him­selfe, whether there be not more reason that he should t [...]e it from John of Leiden then from the Pope. Johannes Rex N [...]vae Hierosolymae, Rex Ju­stitiae super universum orbem. John King of the new Jerusalem, King of Righteousnesse over the whole world.

But wherein are we brought to the vilest and basest bondage that ever Englishmen groan'd under? Here we shall do them all the right we can, leave nothing out, which they have pro­duced, and set down to prove the same.Englands new Chaine, p 8, 9. At a meeting of No [...]e how they say not a Generall Coun­cell of Warre, but a meeting of Officers: So that there are three Courts wth they deny, and say they are unlawfull, viz. th [...] Parlia­ment, Coun­cell of State, and the Coun­cell of Warre. Of­ficers, on Feb. 22. last at White-Hall, where after expressions of much bitternesse against the m [...]ost They meane such as take their part in conspiracie a­gainst the Cō ­mon wealth. consciencious part of the Souldiery and others, it was insisted upon (as we are from credible hands certainly informed) that a motion should be made to this House for the procure­ment of a law enabling them to put to death all such as they should judge by Petitions or otherwise to disturbe the present proceedings; and upon urging that the Civill Magistrate should do it, it was an­swered, That they could hang twenty ere the Magistrate one. It was likewise urged, that Orders might be given to seize upon the Petiti­oners, Souldiers, or others, at their meetings. A Proclamation was likewise appointed, forbidding Souldiers to petition you, or any but their Officers, prohibiting their correspondencies: And private Orders to be given out for seizing upon Citizens and Souldiers at their meetings.

Answ: 1. Seeing these things were brought to them but by report, it is beyond our apprehension how such a bondage [Page 43] can be sufficiently proved by hear-say. 2. At most (take their own relation which is false) the things were but onely insist­ed upon, and will that conclude the vilest and basest bondage that ever? &c. But 3. for reasoning sake, let it be granted, that such things were not onely insisted upon, but by the Parlia­ment had been granted, and afterward put in execution; yet all this would not have amounted to the vilest and basest bon­dage: for the English, s [...]nce they were a Nation, have many times groan'd under a greater bondage. But we need not fol­low them so exactly, for the truth is, they so much minde sedition and calumniation, as they mind not what absurdi­ties, contradictions and falshoods may every where be ob­served, and noted in their words and writings.

But more particularly: here many things forged and false are heapd together: neither is there any one thing truly rela­ted by them. For, 1. It is an accusation grounded upon a lye, that any thing should be spoken about putting to death and no lesse aReader, we have made a strict enqui­ry about this thing, and it is avowed, that there was not any such speech: what might be in secret they know not: but openly in the Court it is utterly denyed. slander that any man should say, they could hang twenty ere the Magistrate one. We shall give the Reader here a just account of the thing as it was. Upon many complaints made by some Souldiers of severall wrongs done them in the Countrey, it was propounded, whether it were not expedi­ent that some course might be thought of, for to prevent such miscarriages, specially seeing they had not means to follow the Law, neither could they do it, by reason of con­tinuall dutie, and marching from place to place: besides, seeing the Souldier either made satisfaction, or was punish­ed, if he offended: why should not the Souldier in some like speedie way be relieved? This was the whole businesse which they by the Rule of multiplication, call putting to death.

2. For such which they speak of, not of the Army, they are carefull to conceal both what was said, and why: In brief therefore thus: The Officers observing this partie to be con­tinually labouring by their Adjutators to cause more divi­sion in the Army, besides the many former breaches which they had made, conceived it was necessarie that some spee­die course and way should be taken, that themselves, the Army, and the whole Nation might not be undone, through [Page 44] the conspiracie and sedition of a few restlesse and unquiet people, this they call bondage, and probablie to them it seems no lesse. For as a sore eye looks not without pain and grief on the Sun: so no doubt to them it is aQuem me [...]u­unt oderunt: quem [...] [...] ­dit, pe [...]se ex­petit. Cic. de offic: 11. sore, a plague, a tor­ment, an hell upon each to look on the Councell of War (we may adde the Parliament, and Councell of State) in the condition of safetie, peace, and honour, as then it was, and through Gods mercie is so still.

3. Touching seizing upon Citizens at their meetings, andThe English Souldiers Stā ­dard, pag. 5. for a Law to have power in themselves to put to death any person not of the Army as shall hold any discourse with Souldiers about their own and the peoples just Rights and Liberties. To this there needs no further answer: onely this we shall adde, if the insolencies and bold attempts of some speciall Incendiaries, had been in time more lookt too, and supprest, much miserie and mis­chief, which hath since fallen out, would have been pre­vented.

It is true the Commanders of the Army have not been without their fear: for they have fore-seen this rising in se­ditious and treacherous plots from time to time; but observe the notable craft of the Levelling party, whensoever they be­gan to move in a way to suppresse such things, they present­ly put an aspersion and odium upon them, as that the Army would rule all, take all power into their hands, hang up, and put to death all persons, &c. by which devise they went the surer and faster on with their wicked intentions, till it broke forth in­to this flame.

4. Forbidding Souldiers to petition: this also is false as they report it. The Proclamation is extant: wherein they are not prohibited, onely required whatsoever they do this way, to do it peaceably, and in order; that so whatsoever is just and honorable may be the sooner obtained, and all tumults and divisions amongst themselves the better avoided. Thus we have heard their Charge, and seen their proof: For judge­ment we shall leave that to the discreet Reader.

Another cause of their Complaint is, thatNew chaine, first part, p. 7. such Petitioners as have mov'd in the behalf of the people, have had their Petitions burnt by the common Hang-man. LikewiseNew chaine, second part, pag. 4. for passing an Ordi­nance [Page 45] for Tithes upon treble Damages.

Answ: It would seem something strange to hear a man charge the blood of Naboth upon Eliah, who was so far from committing the fact, as that he sharply rebuked Ahab for it. Where shall it be found, unlesse in these mens Papers, that an action never done by a man, nor consented to, shall ne­verthelesse be put upon his reckoning, and others quitted? For the persons whom they doNote how to make division in the Parlia­ment, and to have our pre­sent Gover­nours despise­able in the eyes of the Nation, they alwayes accuse some particu­lar men, as if the rest were onely their creatures, and had neither judgement, honestie, or conscience. accuse all along, naming a prevailing power of the Army, Lords and masters both of Parlia­ment and people, such as have the highest Commands of Military Power, a faction of Officers, &c. they have not had an hand in the things whereof they accuse them: but as the burning of Rome was by Nero layed on the Christians, and the Gunpowder pl [...]t upon the Puritans by the Jesuites; so, and for the same end, that is, to have the guiltnesse condemned, they have spread abroad this horrible falshood: But in the mean time is not that rule usefull in reading their Papers?Nihil creden­do, atque omnia cavendo. Cic. Orat. Post. re­dit. in sen. Nothing be­leeving, all heeding. We have read somewhereLicere Viro. bono Reipub: Causa, Mentiri. Plato. of allowance given to lying, for the good of the Common-wealth: but these men use it another way, even thereby to destroy the Common-wealth, if possibly they can.

And howsoever we are sure, that things of this nature, will find little acceptance any where among people well af­fected; neverthelesse whosoever shall peruse, and well ob­serve all their writings over, shall find little else therein, but false aspersions raised up, without any ground or colour of truth; so that we may more truly say then the Vindicator of Walwyns Wyles, The charitie of Church­men, pag. 5. They have indeed too exactly learnt Machiavels rule, to spare not, to scandalize and tradu [...]e their adversaries; for that though some of the dirt he wiped off, yet part of it will stick, and they shall be sure not altogether to loose their labours.

And for proof hereof, let these particulars (amongst ma­ny others the like, which might be mentioned) bear witnes, where the aforesaid prevailing power of the Army are charged with the intollerable burthens of custome, conferring Offices upon their creatures and relations: donation of hundreds and thousands per Annum, betrayed their trust of Feofees for Bishops and Delin­quents Lands, purchased themselves great Estates, thirst after the [Page 46] blood of such Souldiers and people as are of action for common free­dome and safetie, enslaved the Common-wealth to their am ition, lust, covetousnesse, and domination, discourse that the power must be reduced to one, are without any remorse at the dearnesse of food and utter l [...]sse of Trade; brought a new and dangerous Warre upon the Nation; taken away mens lives f r no other end but to make way for an a [...]solute domination; brought the Land into a more dangerous condition then they found it. All which things are known not onely to be false, but mat [...]ers for the most part wherein they never had to do; and for the re [...]t, such things as they altoge­ther and every way have acted to the contrary.

And no lesse untrue is the thing (as by them reported) concerning some passages in relation to the King: so like­wise for Coll: Rainsb [...]rough, Coll: Ayred, Major Cob [...]et, Cap­tain Bray, William Thomson, Lieu: Coll: Hen: Lilburne, &c. they are all false and forged things as they relate them. When it is their own case to be accused by others, and their Accusers say they have credible people that heard the same, and will attest it, note their way of clearing: of what credit, pray, is the testimony of an Enemie, in matters of obl [...]quy a [...]d reproach, tending to the dis­paragement of another. Mr. Edwards had witnesses for attestation of many strange matters he reported of pious and honest people, and yet how deservedly were his slanders slighted, upon this ground, that men of different spirits d [...] very familia [...]ly hear with too open ears, and report with such additions as their sp [...]een and dis-affection sug­gests against him they maligne: And as Mr. Goodwin well expres­ses himself in his Answer to Mr. Edwards Gangreen. There is no reasonable man but will abate and deduct, and that to a good propor­tion, from such reckoning [...] and [...]e un [...] which are drawn up, and gi­ven in to him by the hand of envie. Is this aIn this little there is e­nough said to [...]ind [...]a [...]e L: Gen. C [...]omwell f [...]om all [...]il­bu [...]nes Aspersi­ous first and last: for sup­pose there had been credible people and witnesses for attestation, yet it is evident the things were drawn up by the hand of envie, & so by their own rule de­servedly to be sleighted: But seeing it is not onely done by a ma­licious enemy, but he brings no credible people, or wit­nesses for atte­station: Our enemies then being Judges of what credit i [...] his testimo­ny in matters of obloquy & reproach, ten­d ng to the d [...]sparagemēt o [...] a [...]other? reasonable Plea, to vindicate a man against whom accusations can be pro­ved by credible people, and there are witnesses for attestation? it will then much more hold good here, where the accusations are not onely from enemies, and men most malicious, but also no credible people, no witnesses for attestations, but such things as their spleen and dis-affection suggests against those they maligne.

There are many other accusations of this nature, brought [Page 47] against the Councell of War, and Commanders of the Ar­my; of all which we shall speak in our next Discoverie, and about Promises and Engagements made at New Market, Triploe beath with the It is well ob­served by Mr. Hen. Den, that seeing most of the Regiments of horse and foot did Peti­tiō his Excel­lency to send back their Agi­tators to their respective Re­giments, and according to their Petitions the Councell of Agitators was dissolved: that his Excel­lency cannot be charged with violati­on of that En­gagement: neither doth there remaine any obligation on his Excel­lency to have continued or revived any such Councel. Much lesse is it warrantable in the Sould [...]ery of the Army to assume that power to thē ­selves, seeing they suffered a dissolution by the same pow­er, by which they had their constitution. The Levellers desig [...]e, p 4, 5. Agitators, a thing much spoken of: At this time we shall onely touch one thing more, which is, that they would have the Parliament consider how dangerous it is for one and the same persons to be continued long in the highest Commands of Military po [...] especially acting so long, distinct, and of themselves, as those n [...]w in being h [...]ve d [...]ne, and such extraordinary wayes, whe [...]eunto the [...] have a [...]ustomed themselves, which was the originall of m [...]st R [...]galities and Ty [...]annies in the world.

Answ: 1. How oft soever in other things they contradict themselves, yet in these particulars we never find them chang­lings: As, 1. in making division, and seeking to set difference and strife between the Parliament and the chief Command­ers of the Army. 2. In raising iealousies, and to have such suspected whom they would have taken out of the way, as that they will degenerate into Tyrants, &c. when there is no ground at all for any such insinuation. 3. In every thing which they speak of, and would have to be done, there is some mischief still intended against the safetie and good of the Nation, let it fall under what pretence soever of justnesse, fitnesse, providence, &c.

But 2ly, was not the motion reasonable and considerable, yea and very seasonable for them to have had it so? For the wicked plot of this present Rebellion was then in consulta­tion, and they could not but see how dangerous it was for one and the same persons to be continued long in the highest Commands of a Military Power: But wherefore dangerous? because having ripened and heightned the Souldiers to revolt from their obedience, there were none so likely to break this designe, and under God to preserve the Nation from that bloodie and cruell faction. And therefore they might well say, how dangerous is it for such persons to [...]e continued long? &c.

Now for conclusion, and to their glorying and boasting that their cause and principles get ground: so that where there was one, twelve months since, that owned their principles, they beleeve there are now hundreds. Howsoever we take not this for a [Page 48] truth, but to be another device of theirs, to blowe up the sparkles of Rebellion, (and for example we refer the Reader to theWhen they had laid such a foundation of lyes and fals­hood (wherein they have not been inferior, if not beyond those enemies we had last to deal with) and had thereby occasioned so many of Com­missary Gene­rall Iretons and Col. Scrcops Re­giments to re­volt, and cast off their Officers (an Act not to be paralleld) and that their businesse began to grow to a head, they sent their Emissaries and Agitators to all parts (as we have good intelligence) pretending from one Regiment to another, that each Regiment had declared, that so by that Artifice they might draw each to declare. To the forces in Wales and the West they gave assurances that the forces about London would revolt, and to those about London, that those in Wales and the West would do the same. And to the forces in the North used they the like arguments, and nourished also the distemper of the forces in the South. A Declaration of the proceedings of his Excellencie, pag 6. margin:) neverthelesse it were no marvell though many (otherwise well-minded people) should be deceived by such evill workers, who have carried on the most dange­rous and destructive designes against this Nation that ever were known, and under the vizard and cloak of setting the Common-wealth upon just grounds of freedome, liberty, and safetie. But we are confident wheresoever this DIS­COVERER shall come, with the rest following, that the number in all places will abate, and the honest minded eve­ry where will see their error, and mistake; and blesse God that the snare is broken, and their souls like birds are escaped.

The end of the first part.
FINIS.

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