Mercurius Cambro-Britannicus. Or, Nevvs from Wales, touching the glorious and miraculous propagation of the Gospel in those parts. Being a clear discovery & manifestation of the late invented trade of tith-gathering there, intended by some persons to be suddenly set on foot and established over all England. Well worthy of the serious and timely consideration of the Parliament, Army and nation, and every individual member thereof. Griffith, Alexander, d. 1690. 1652 Approx. 63 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 15 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2011-04 (EEBO-TCP Phase 2). A85695 Wing G1987 Thomason E674_25 ESTC R29650 99872238 99872238 166287

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Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A85695) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 166287) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 103:E674[25]) Mercurius Cambro-Britannicus. Or, Nevvs from Wales, touching the glorious and miraculous propagation of the Gospel in those parts. Being a clear discovery & manifestation of the late invented trade of tith-gathering there, intended by some persons to be suddenly set on foot and established over all England. Well worthy of the serious and timely consideration of the Parliament, Army and nation, and every individual member thereof. Griffith, Alexander, d. 1690. [6], 23, [1] p. [s.n.], London : Printed in the year, 1652. "The authors apologie" signed: M.C.B., i.e. Alexander Griffith. Annotation on Thomason copy: "Sept: 4". Reproduction of the original in the British Library.

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Mercurius Cambro-Britannicus. OR, NEVVS from WALES, TOUCHING The Glorious and Miraculous Propagation of the Goſpel in thoſe parts.

Being a clear DISCOVERY & MANIFESTATION Of the late invented Trade of TITH-GATHERING there, Intended by ſome Perſons to be ſuddenly ſet on foot and eſtabliſhed over all ENGLAND.

Well worthy the ſerious and timely conſideration of the Parliament, Army and Nation, and every individual Member thereof.

MAL. 3.7, 8, 9, 10.

Return unto me, and I will return unto you, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts: But ye ſaid, Where ſhall we return? Will a man rob God? yet ye have robbed me: But ye ſay, Wherein have we robbed thee? In Tythes and Offerings: Ye are curſed with a curſe, for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation; bring ye all the Tythes into the ſtorehouſe, that there may be meat in mine houſe; and prove me now herewith, ſaith the Lord of Hoſts, if I will not open the Windows of heaven, and powr you out a bleſsing, that there ſhal not be room enough to receive it.

London, Printed in the Year, 1652.

P. P. to the indifferent Reader.

THis ſober honeſt Mercury coming to my hands, I thought it no great Error if I gave it that entertainment which I ſometimes give even the Phrantick Bedlam Pamphlets: I muſt confeſſe it was to me a kind of Eye-ſalve, for I looked formerly at the wrong end of the Perſpective, and the tranſgreſſions of our Welſh Itinerants, palliated with the name of Saints, ſeemed but ſmall Atoms in a large Sun-ſhine. This Book is a new Teleſcope; it diſcovers what we could not ſee before; and the Spots in this Spiritual Moon, are Mountains.

1. Theſe Saints have a certain pious Wawle in the Pulpit, but out of it they are all Clutch and Claw; they are as Lucian diſcovered poverty, full of Hooks; and they fiſh for this world, not for that which is to come: I did ſometimes wonder why they were ſo buſie with South-Wales, and was about to conſult with the Map, if Mount Sion were not there: But I underſtand now there is a more preſent bleſſing in thoſe parts; there is 20000 l. per annum, for all the learned Miniſters are ejected; the Church is a meer Carcaſſe, which makes theſe Ravens flock towards it: and now they flutter and croak over the Inheritance of God. Certainly the Author of this diſcourſe deſerves the ſuffrages of all honeſt men, and even ſome Gratulatory returns and encouragements from the Patrones of the People; for in my opinion, the Parliament is beholding to him for diſcovering the Obliquities, and dark carriages of the propagators, who being ſo remote from the Cognizance of the Houſe, have made uſe of their Authority for their own private contrivances, to the diſhonour of their Maſters, and the Scandal of true Religion and piety.

2. The Army is beholding to him for diſcovering thoſe that ſwallow up that Treaſure which ſhould either be employed for the end it was deſigned by Parliament, or elſe for the payment of their Arrears: Thoſe men of War that now receive it, having ſcarce loſt one drop of bloud in the late quarrels, nor had any greater enemy to conteſt withall then Black-coats, and the bridge of Roſſe.

3. The Nation is indebted to him in making a timely diſcovery of the purpoſe of theſe Itenerants to procure the like Propagation in all England, hoping that the Parliament being made ſenſible of the ſad Conſequences of this Itinerary courſe in Wales, may not be ſo eaſily perſwaded to paſſe the like Act for England, but rather to continue the publique Worſhip of God in ſetled Congregations.

4. All Wales are become Everlaſting debtors to him; For a word ſpoken in ſeaſon is like apples of Gold: and who knows not but the Lord may encline the hearts of the Parliament to provide for their future ſupply of Godly Miniſters and School-Maſters, by appointing ſome other Perſons by whom the Lord will have his Work to be done. And perhaps ſome good men hearing of this Spiritual famine, may out of Charity come in, and offer themſelves to labour in the Lords Vine-yard, for the Harveſt is great, and the Labourers very few.

5. All the Miniſters and Scholers in England are not a little beholding to him: For if this Itinerary way of Congregating perſons, and Gathering of Churches ſhould be once ſetled, or permitted here, there would be little uſe of Ministers or Scholers in that expedition.

6. The Lawyers of England ought to pay him Tribute: For Law and humane learning are inconſiſtent with the Itineraries Principles; and they hate all ſtrifes and contentions, other then what ariſe out of their own Doctrine. If then, Reader, thou art one of thoſe that would be undeceived Conſider what thou readeſt: See how one Diurnal of Aug. 2. 52. (half whereof is filled up with ſome late news from Wales) is Stigmatized for an Impoſture in the very front of another of the very ſame •• ate. give me leave to invite thee to this Book with that Call in the Revelation, Come and ſee. It is a ſight deſerves thy beſt conſiderations, and the time thou doſt ſpend about it cannot be loſt: Here thou ſhalt ſee the Wolfe diveſted of the Fleece; thou ſhalt ſee him in his own Symmetry, in his own humours, without that Sheepiſh formallity, that fraudulent pretended Perſonated piety, which he holds forth as a blind between him and the world: Here the Whore is ſtript of her Fucus, not ſhee that ſits on ſeven hills, but an other more impudent Whore that ſits on ſeven ſcore hills in South-walls: Here thou ſhalt ſee that Propagation of the Goſpel, is a Propagation of Land and Money; for the Saints have advanced from 7. l. per annum to 1500. l. and he who had ſcarce Frize for his breech, ſtruts it now in Holy lace and Scarlet. Had their valorous atchievements in the field gained theſe goodly things, as other gallant Commanders and Officers had done, they had been well worthy of honor and wealth: But the mighty men of Wales found a more eaſie and ſafe way to attain both, viz. by pretence of holineſſe, and outward form of piety, which hath been no ſmall advantage unto them: but I ſhall forbear any further mention, becauſe I will not detain thee from the book it ſelf. Read thou the Truth and aſſiſt it; for if thou haſt any intereſt in the Church of Christ, it concernes thee; but defraud not the Diſcoverer of his juſt Commendations. I have no more to trouble thee withall at preſent, unleſſe thou art a Britan, if ſo, make true Ʋſe and Application of the two lines underwritten, Da iw'r Kelwydd trâ i Koylîr Ʋid. 1 Eſdr. 4.38, 39, 40, 41. Pen elir ym-hell gwell iw'r Gwîr.

The Authors Apologie. Courteous Reader,

HAving been an eye-witneſs and ſpectator of the ſad deplorable condition of Southwales, in relation to the Work of the Miniſtry, ſince the Commiſſioners for Propagation were impowred in thoſe parts, I have not been a little troubled with thoughts of heart what to do, and how to act and demean my ſelf towards the perſons impowred, who being many of them my friends and acquaintance, from whom I received civil reſpects, craved a ſilence from my pen. Other conſiderations I had, that ſome prejudice might befall them, by laying open theſe miſcarriages, which might have ſome reflexion on thoſe that have been leaſt culpable therein, if at all; And the regard I have of thoſe amongst them (who in the ſimplicity and integrity of their hearts, acted clearly for thoſe ends they were intruſted, receiving no worldly benefit thereby) hath much obſtructed my purpoſe; Eſpecially, leaſt this Treatiſe might any wayes give offenſe to thoſe who are no titular Saints, but really godly, who count godlineſs gain, and not gain godlineſs; But I do cordially profeſs, I have no deſign of prejudice, nor do I bear the leaſt ill will to thoſe who are truly ſuch, but wiſh their number may be daily increaſed: That which moſt of all troubled me, was the conſideration I had of the uſe and advantage that the Malignants and Ill affected perſons to the preſent Government would make of this diſcovery, againſt thoſe who attribute to themſelves the names of Saints and people of God; Primam & perpetuam eſse constat hiſtoriae legem, nihil falſi audere dicere nihil veri-non audere.; All which, together with ſelf-intereſt and self-preſervation were no ſmall motives to blast the good intentions of the Author. Nevertheleſs finding no hopes of redreſs of the abuſes herein complained of; but on the contrary, it being viſible and apparent that their main deſign and purpoſe was to root out all the Miniſters and Miniſtry, not only in Wales, but in England alſo; to leave the Churches empty, and with the fatneſs of the Tithes, and the fruits of other mens hard labours, to Propagate their Eſtates, not ſtumbling at Sacriledge and Spirituall robbery, mentioned in Malach. 3.7, 8, 9, & 10. verſes: And hating all perſons with a perfect hatred, who in the ſpirit of love and meekneſs, have friendly rebuked them, and minded them of theſe things; It was more then time for ſome good man to ariſe and ſtand up in the gap; who although Eliah may be miſtaken in conceiving he only was left, when the Lord had ſeven thouſand that had not bowed their knee to Baal, 1 King. 19.14, 18. He cannot (as he hopes) in theſe ſubſequent paſſages, which are too well known to the inhabitants, and all the Judges publique Officers of State, and other unbiaſſed ſtrangers, who have travelled thoſe parts. And although this ſmall Treatiſe may offend ſome, yet ſince it is the cause of God, who commands him to ſpeak theſe things, leaſt his people die for want of ſpiritual bread, whilest others ſurfet on the heavenly manna: he cannot, nor may not withſtand the dictates of his conſcience, nor reſist the motions of his holy Spirit, chuſing rather to obey God then man, Act. 5.29. though to his own particular and private diſadvantage, counting worldly gain but loſſe, in competition with the things of God, who doth with all humility acquieſce in his righteous judgement, hoping and waiting for a happy iſſue and ſucceſſe, according to his omnipotent 〈◊〉 pleaſure, not doubting but the Lord will in his due time anſwer our expectations, in reſtoring the light of his Goſpel to thoſe that now ſit in darkneſſe and in the ſhadow of death; and will preſerve and continue the candlestick, where it is, and refreſh his diſtreſſed, oppreſſed people, with his ſpirituall joy and comfort; Which is the hearty wiſhes, prayers, and endeavours, and the main and only end of this Treatiſe, and the Author thereof

M.C.B.

Some Errata's have eſcaped the Printer in this haſtened Impreſſion, as Rogers for Roberts in many Copies at the end of the Marginall Notes, pag. 15. for winde r. come. pag. 16. l. 4. for expect r. exhibite. pag. 18. l. 24. &c. Theſe and others may be eaſily corrected by the Pen of the candid Reader, at his largeſt leaſure.

Mercurius Cambro-Britannicus.

MR. Cradock, Mr Valvaſor Powel, and others of their Tribe, having ſeriouſly conſidered of what great advantage it would prove unto them, in caſe they could obtain a power in themſelves and Colleagues, for diſpoſing of all Tythes, Glea s, Impropriations, and Eccleſiaſtical Revenues, in the thirteen Counties of Wales, conceived it the onely way to accompliſh their deſires,

1. To make the Parliament believe, that their Countrymen were Pagans and Infidels, and a People that underſtood nothing of God, or of the Power of Godlineſs, and ſo had need to be converted to the faith.

2. That in order to this Converſion, they ſhould perſwade the Parliament to paſs an Act, called, The Propagation of the Goſpel in Wales: And that for the better effecting and carrying on of thoſe ends propoſed by theſe Prieſts themſelves, and ſome others of their Nomination and Recommendation, ſubject to their commands, ſhould be named with them in the ſaid Act: And that to carry a greater countenance of Authority to the intended executioners thereof, ſeveral emminent and worthy Members of Parliament, Lawyers, and Commanders ſhould be named in the Frontiſpiece thereof, well knowing, thoſe Gentlemen could not diſoblige their other great Truſts and publique Imployments to act with theſe Prieſts and their Confederates; ſo that the whole game ſhould be played by one intire party, which being acted ſo far diſtant from the cognizance of the Parliament, where the poor Inhabitants want Repreſentatives to ſtand for them, and repreſent their grievances to the Supreme Authority, they doubted not but to manage their affairs in ſuch a way, as nothing ſhould thereafter ariſe in judgement againſt them in this world. And after ſerious debate and conſideration had, how inconvenient it was to continue the old Miniſters in their reſpective benefices, which if admitted, would ſwallow up the Tythes, and hinder the pretended Saints from propagating their Eſtates: It was Reſolved upon the queſtion:

1. That for the better Propagation of the Goſpel in Wales, all the Miniſters ſhould be ejected and ſilenced, ſave only ſome of the moſt ignorant and illiterate of them, that would comply, and either farm their own Tythes, and accept of good bargains, or elſe accept of ſmall inconſiderable ſtipends.

2. And for the more formal ejection of the Miniſters, that certain blank Articles of courſe, ſhould be drawn and applyed as an Engine to remove them from their reſpective charges and benefices. And for incouragement of Informers and Deponents, that the Sequeſtrators ſhould offer good bargains of the Tythes to any that would come in, and help them to do the work of the Lord, for ſo they call the ruine and deſolation of the Miniſters and Miniſtry, and the extirpation of the Goſpel: And that certain Journey-men Pedlers, or Itinerant Tobacco-mongers, and others of like quality, ſhould perambulate ſeveral of the Counties at 18d per diem, to make feigned diſcoveries of the pretended obliquities of the Miniſters, and return an accompt of their proceedings to the new Inquiſitors, otherwiſe called Sequeſtrators of the Tythes, &c.

3. Reſolved, That the ſame courſe ſhould be uſed in the ejection of the School-Maſters, and that ſome of the Commiſſioners Clerks and Servants, that were in a capacity to read Engliſh, and make a warrant, ſhould be placed and ſtipended to ſpare charges, and the overplus of the moneys to go and relieve the poor diſtreſſe Saints. or the more needy number of the gathered Proſelytes.

4. That in order to the letting and ſetting of the Tythes, &c. Reſolved, That certain grand Farmers or Sequeſtrators, Receivers and Collectors ſhould be appointed in every County, choſen out of their Tribe of Gad, and that they ſhould have power to let, ſet and diſpoſe of the ſame to the pretended godly party, or any of thoſe that have congregated themſelves for that purpoſe, at half the value or leſſer, and that none of the old Miniſters, or others of the Inhabitants, ſhould farm their own Tythes &c. at any rate, though they offered double the value paid by the pretended godly party. It being alſo reſolved, that none but thoſe that call themſelves Godly, ſhould live by, and feed of the Altar, it being a grand Tenet held by them, That thoſe onely who are outwardly Righteous, ought to inherit the earth: And having taken into conſideration the great charges they would put themſelves unto, in caſe they ſhould ſupply every County with a competent number of godly, able, orthodox preaching Ministers and Schoolmaſters, whoſe parts deſerving ſtipends accordingly, would leave too ſmal a remnant to relieve the pretended Saints of Wales, they Reſolved:

5. That three or four Itinerary Teachers ſhould be imployed in moſt of the Counties, to ſupply the ſame, and becauſe it ſhall not ſeem too hard a work for ſso few to ſupply a whole County, which ſome of them conſiſt 120 Pariſhes, and the leaſt of 50 or 60. Reſolved alſo, That in their expedition, they ſhould be ſupplyed with freſhHad they provided horſes for their Auditors to, it had not been amiſs horſes at every ſtage, which commonly are 10 or 20 miles, and ſometimes more, to ride poſt from place to place, to ſpread their Doctrine, which for the moſt part conſiſts of theſe heads,

1. Invectives againſt all the old Miniſters and School-Masters, and to perſwade the people, that their calling and miſſion was Antichriſtian; and that all theWitneſs a bold univerſal challenge of Mr Valvaſor Powel, Iune 11 1652. ſent to Dr George Griffith, together with ſeveral letters thereupon, all publiſhed in print for publique ſatisfaction of the people, and vindication of the truth, and true intent of theſe Itineraries. Miniſtry of England were in the ſame condition; and that none ſhould be ſaved but Itineraries, or ſuch as ſhould liſt themſelves under them; and to gain credit and belief to what they taught, they declared, that this was the ſenſe of the Parliament, and that the ſame courſe ſhould be ſettled all England over, and all Parochial ſettled Congregations ſhould be quite abrogated.

2. To rail againſt the Lawyers and Profeſſors of the Law, and that they were all damned and accurſed, that would go to Law, either in the great Seſsions, or at Weſtminster-Hall; and that the Propagators were the onely fit perſons to decide all ſuits and differences: And Mr Valvaſor Powel by name, did, and uſually doth in his invective Sermons, rail againſt and vilifie the Lawyers in general, more particularly at Llandſanferad in Elvel Pariſh, in the County of Radnor, on the 25 of June laſt, when and where in his ſermon amongſt other railing expreſſions, he ſaid, That all the Lawyers in England and Wales, were worſe then Theeves or Pick-purſos, and that there were but two or three honeſt Lawyers in all the Nation, where he was ſo beſet by ſome of his own Proſelytes, and ſo whipt with arguments by thoſe ſpirits which he himſelf firſt raiſed, who for three hours objected againſt the doctrine then taught by him; in ſo much that Mr Valvaſor Methinks Mr Valvaſor you ſhould have bred up your ſcholars to better manners; But the old Proverb is herein verified, Trim Tram, Like Maſter, like man. made a hard ſhift to get from them to his retirement, which made the Gentleman very ſick next morning.

3. That all thoſe that were not liſted of their particular Congregations, were little better then Pagans and Infidels, and perſons that were out of the Pale of the Church.

4. That all thoſe Miniſters that did formerly preach and officiate, were only formall Teachers and Learned men; and therefore declared humane Learning to be the greateſt obſtructor of the work of Propagation, and that acquired Learning is anMr W. Cradock at Presteigne. eſsential part and limb of the kingdom of Antichriſt.

5. That all thoſe Miniſters that ſhould either Preach, Pray or ſpeak any thing againſt this work of Propagation, were enemies to the godly party, and uncapable of enjoying their fifths, though allowed their wives by the ſaid Act of Propagation.

6. That all thoſe that were not liſted of their particular Congregations (or rather Martiall Troops and Companies to execute the commands of theſe ſtone-Prieſts, who ride them like Mules and Aſſes) were incapable of bearing any Office or place of Truſt in Wales.

Theſe and the like Tranſactions being the ſad conſequences of the work of Propagation in Wales, which now hath reigned nigh three years, I now behold Religion and Learning decaied, and the light of the Goſpel almoſt quite extinguiſhed there, the poor ejected Miniſters with their wives and families ready to periſh, particular perſons enriched, and the pretended godly party in new Dreſſes and Attires, having changed their poor Frizado, for rich Scarlet and Pluſh, that would make Satan himſelf to bluſh to ſee this ſudden alteration. New ſumptous, coſtly houſes are built and erected, great purchaſes made; ſome that were born but to 7 a year, become puchaſers of Lordſhips and Mannors of above 1000l per annum; and all ſtriving who ſhall outvy and outbid the other in their purchaſes; witneſs thoſe hot incounters at the Box, in Worceſter houſe, Drury houſe, Gurney houſe, and other places; ſome purchaſing in their own names; others more ſubtle, in their friends and ſervants names. The Gentry and all the conſiderable perſons of Wales dejected and oppreſſed, ready to ſell the remnant of their eſtates to come and inhabit in England, being not able to live in this ſad, dark, oppreſſed condition their Country is brought unto: And if this Propagation be once ſetled in England, good Lord where ſhall we then fly for ſuccour, but unto thee? Great thoughts of heart and heart-burnings amongſt all ſorts of people, who are ſadly aggrieved to pay their Tithes more ſtrictly then ever they did, and yet have neither Preaching, Praying, Chriſtening, decent Burials, or other ſpiritual Rights or Comforts adminiſtred unto them; and finding no hopes of redreſſe or relief herein (all addreſſes to the Propagators, as in other caſes, ſo in theſe, proving fruitleſs.) The inhabitants of the ſix Counties of South-Wales, and County of Monmouth reſolved to make their humble ſuit to the Supream Power of the Nation, the Parliament, by Petition, ſetting forth the Heads and ſubſtance of theſe their grievances, praying that great Councell to take ſome courſe for the future ſupply of their Country with ſuch a competent number of Godly, Able, Orthodox Miniſters and School-Maſters, ſuch as the Parliament ſhould approve of: And for an Account of the Profits of the Tithes, &c. received for the two laſt years, in the ſaid ſeven Counties, charged to be worth 20000l per annum and upwards. Whereupon the Parliament out of their pious inclination to advance Religion and Learning, and in order to a Redreſs of the ſaid ſad grievances complained of in the Petition, referred the ſame to the Honourable Committee of Plundered Miniſters, with Power for them to ſend for Perſons, Papers and Witneſſes, and examine on Oath, and Iſſue forth Commiſſions to the Country (where the Witneſſes and matters of fact do lye and ariſe) to examine Witneſſes touching any of the matters contained in the Petition, and to return thoſe Examinations to the ſaid Committee, who were thereupon to ſtate matter of fact, and Report the ſame to the Parliament. Which ſad news coming to the knowledge of the pretended Godly party in Wales; It was reſolved by the Itinerant Synod (nemine contradicente) as followeth,

6. That the Petitioning the Parliament without their leaves and permiſſion, was a high breach of the Priviledges of the Godly party.

7. That the Petitioning the Parliament for ſupply of Godly, Able, Orthodox Ministers and School-Maſters, ſuch as the Parliament ſhould approve of, was a high contempt againſt the Act of Propagation, and that ſuch the Petitioners deſires and intentions ſhould be declared, conſtrued and expounded, and ſo rendred by them to the Parliament, to be a petitioning for the reſtauration of Malignant, Drunken, Unpreaching, ejected Curates Witnes thoſe ſeveral ſpeeches and expreſſions delivered at the Committee of Plundered Miniſters; March 16, May 18. & 21. where and when the expreſs words and true meaning of the Petition & Petitioners were moſt groſſely miſrepreſented. Where Mr Peters, uncalled, unſent for, and unconcerned, did voluntarily declare all the Miniſters of Wales to be drunken, debauched, ignorant and illiterate, not fit to be truſted to keep a kennell of Hounds, or a dozen of Sheep. Are theſe words becoming a holy man, Archbiſhop and Metropolitan of England? or do they become a ſober man and one that owns the Name of a Chriſtian, to traduce his brethren in general, many whereof of he never ſaw, having only travelled Pembrokeſhire, and ſojourned at Mr Lort's for a ſhort time: and what good he did in thoſe parts, with an anſwer to theſe his unchriſtian expreſſions, there will ſhortly come forth a Paper from one of thoſe he traduced, to let Mr Peters know they are not ſo illiterate and ignorant as he would render them..

8. That to call the pretended Godly party to account for any thing by them received, for which they ought to be accountable to the State, to be a ſowing of ſedition betwixt the Parliament of England ſitting at Weſtminſter, and the moving Aſsembly of Wales. And that all the Contrivers, Subſcribers and Promoters of the ſaid Petition, and Agents therein imployed, ſhould be declared againſt as diſturbers of the peace of the pretented Saints, and obſtructing them in their receiving the publique Revenue of the Church in peace, and that they ſhould be proceeded againſt as Malignants and Delinquents, and diſaffected perſons to the proceedings of the pretended Godly party in Wales.

9. Reſolved, That Mr Valvaſor Powell, Mr Cradock, Mr Jenkin Jones, and all the wandring Prieſts and Goſpel Poſtmaſters in South-Wales ſhould ride Poſt from County to County, and Pariſh to Pariſh, to threaten all the Petitioners and their Agents with damnation, Sequeſtration and ruine. Nevertheleſs with this Salva Conſcientia, that thoſe that would repent by denying their hands, and diſowning the Petition, ſhould be taken into their conſideration, and favourably entertained.

10. Reſolved, That all the reſidue of the ancient Divines and unejected Miniſters in South-Wales ſhould be forthwith ſilenced, and neither to have liberty to Preach, Pray, Adminiſter the Sacraments, Bury the dead, Marry, or viſit the ſick, or Officiate or perform any other charitable and Chriſtian work, leaſt they ſhould promote or advance the Petition. And the better to provide for the ejected Miniſters wives and families, that they ſhould be turned all out from their houſes and habitations, to travell into ſome other Forreign Plantation, to propagate there; and for their incouragement in their voyage, that the Fifths allowed their wives by the Act of Parliament, ſhould thereafter be kept back from them, and that they ſhould, as in the Primitive times, carry neither Scrip nor Wallett, but only live by the Alms and Charitable benevolence of the people.

Information being given by one of the gadly Scouts, that North-Wales were reſolved to take good courage and example by South-Wales, and were preparing the like humble addreſs to the Parliament, ſetting forth the work of propagation there.

11. Reſolved, That Mr Valvaſor Powell do ride Poſt to North-Wales, to inform the inhabitants there, That the Parliament had declared the Petition of South-Wales, Scandalous and Seditious, and that all the ſubſcribers and promoters thereof ſhould be ſequeſtred and proceeded againſt as enemies to the Parliament and preſent Government; and to threaten all thoſe that ſhould ſubſcribe or promote the like Petition there, with Damnation, Sequeſtration and ruine, which falſe Allarum hath in ſome meaſure obſtructed the inhabitants of North-Wales Nevertheleſs all North-Wales are very active and zealous in preparing an humble addreſſe to the Parliament, ſetting forth the myſtery of the Work of Propagation there, which will be ſuddenly preſented by perſons of eminency, and of known worth and integrity to the Parliament and preſent Government., from repreſenting the Parliament with the true ſtate of their Country, in relation to the propagation of the Goſpel there, and made Mr Valvaſor Powell Print his Letter in the Frontiſpiece of a Diurnall come out very lately, to undertake to give the Parliament an exact account of North-Wales, and the propagation there, wherein he goes about to confute the Petition of South-Wales, and all that is there declared, he undertakes to make good upon the word of a Christian, and a Goſpel Minister. A bold and high preſumption, and too hard a task for him to perform: And a ſober man would count it little better then madneſs in a profeſſed Chriſtian Miniſter to undertake to make good and juſtifie the actions of all thoſe perſons intruſted therein, which are many, amongſt whom it is not very unlikely but ſome miſcarriages I wiſh Mr Powell may be able to juſtifie himſelf, and I ſhall make bold to minde him of his proceedings againſt old Hugh Lloid in Breckon in impriſoning & keeping him there without Bayl or Mainpriſe, untill he paid him 100l, & this done on a bare Arreſt, which proved to Mr Powell an effectual execution, for none durſt Bail him. And divers more of Mr Powels pranks that might be inſtanced. may be; for there were but twelve Apoſtles, and yet amongſt them one Judas. But this I obſerve by him, he hath dealt friendly with his Countreymen in North-Wales, who cals all their Miniſters and Teachers, Such as have not the power of Godlineſs, and very few the form thereof, or that have been firm and faithfull to the Parliament, but moſt of them unpreaching Curats, ſcandalous in their lives, &c. Wherein he learns of the ſcolds at Billinſgate, to cry whore firſt: but I leave that Letter, or rather Mr Powels Creed (for it runs all on beliefs and hearſaies) to be anſwered and unfolded by ſome of his own CountrymenReade Mr Griffiths Letters, and a ſober Reply to Mr Powels Paper againſt the Petition lately Printed.: But this i'le tell him by the way, that if he preacheth no more truth in his Pulpit, then he halth broached in Print, I ſhould be ſorry to ride Poſt with him up and down the Country to hear him Preach, for the beſt bargain that he hath procured to the holieſt of his friends.

But the Gent, would fain make you believe that this Propagation in Wales will laſt long, and therefore recites next his Creed, certain Propoſals, tending to bring in the like Propagation all England over. Well done Mr Valvaſor, will not the Tithes of Wales ſerve you and your friends, but you muſt creep into England to ſhare of the fruits of their labour alſo? But certainly Mr Valvaſor would be ſatisfied with the Tithes of Wales, if he were ſure the Trade of Tithe-gathering would long continue there, but he thinks that the Act of Propagation in Wales hath but a ſhort time to live, expiring the 25th of March next, unleſs it be ſupported and continued, by procuring the like Act over all England; for his Countrymen are very angry that this way of Propagation of the Goſpel ſhould be practiſed only amongſt them, and that England ſhould be ſupplied with a competent number of Godly, Able, Orthodox Schoolmaſters and Teachers. Surely Wales do conceive that the Parliament are as highly bound and concerned to provide for the ſupply of their ſpiritual neceſsities, as for England; eſpecially if it be true what the promoters of the Act, and the perſons that reap the benefit thereof did inform the Parliament, That their Country doth abound with ignorance and prophanneſſe. But hold Mr Valvaſor, they are not ſo ignorant but they can ſee who thoſe Rats are that eat up their ſubſtance, and thoſe Caterpillers that devour the fruit of their labours.

Information being given that that ever to be honoured Gent. Coll. Edward Freeman, Attorney Generall for the Commonwealth in South-Wales, and a Gentleman that hath hazarded his life and fortune to ſerve the Parliament and Commonwealth of England, was intruſted as Counſellour for the Petitioners; It was Reſolved, That all the Itineraries ſhould publiquely Preach in all places againſt the Law, and all the profeſſors thereof, eſpecially againſt Collonel Freeman; and that their earneſt prayers ſhould be to the Lord, to puniſh him in his perſon, power, and in his place Valvaſor Powell in his invective Sermon before the Judges at Preſteign Seſſions laſt. It is no great wonder that he would rail againſt Collonel Freeman, when he durſt call the States of Holland Embaſſadors, drunkards, and wiſh them to go home with this Anſwer, That Sion is built; beſides other words by him uſed, tending to the ſcandal and diſhonour of the Nation and civil Government. Well done Valvaſor, to ingage two States in a bloudy, cruel War againſt one another, to the hazard of both Nations, which all the Holy-water wherein he dips his liſted Congregators cannot appeaſe, unleſs God in his mercy do it, maugre the endeavours of theſe Firebrands. Factet ſe miles glorioſus oratorem potentem, quoad hoc ſaltem vix ſe praebuit prudentem, V.P.. And ſhortly after Collonel Freeman falling ſick of a Fever and Pluraſie, after a dinner made at Cardiff,

12. It was likewiſe Reſolved, That publique thankſgiving ſhould be given to the Lord in all the particular ſeparated Congregation in Wales, for hearing the prayers of the Saints.

Information being alſo given, that Mr Gunter and Mr Roberts (perſons of known integrity to the Parliament and preſent Government, and ſo had been from the very beginning of the late Wars to this day) were imployed Agents by the Countrey, to agitate for them in their abſence, in relation to the ſaid Petition; and to uſe their utmoſt endeavors to give a right information to the Parliament and Committee of plundered Miniſters, of the ſtate of the Countrey, whereby to draw it to an iſſue and examination, that the truth might appear by teſtimonies of witneſſes.

Reſolved, That Mr Watkins, Mr Lewis, Mr Creede, Shony Morgan, Hugh Rogers, and others of the beſt Beagles, ſhould be imployed to hunt dryfoot, to finde ſome Articles againſt Col: Freeman, Witneſs thoſe frivolous falſe, ſcandals Articles exhibited before the Lords Commiſſioners, by that Spawn of Religion, otherwiſe called vix credo, by direction from the ſtony Gallory in Whitehall. Mr Gunter, and Mr Roberts, if poſſible, to cloud and eclipſe them, and render them odious to the Parliament, hoping by this means to deter them from acting for the Petitioners, according to their conſciences, and the truſt repoſed in them, or elſe to blemiſh the good intentions of the Petitioners: But the Gentlemen for their integrity are ſo well known to Members of Parliament, and all their Countrey in general, that their endeavors hitherto have proved fruitleſs, and their progreſs therein cannot promiſe them ſucceſs, if the Gentlemen have equal right and justice done them.

And for the better carrying on of this their deſign, Reſolved alſo, That means be uſed as well by the Pulpit knockers, as by the Dreadful Sequeſtrators, to force ſome of the Petitioners to deny their hands, and renounce the Petition: And that it ſhould be ſpoken at the Committee, how eaſie it is for one Welſhman to ſubſcribe another Welſhmans handWitneſs a paper, intituled, An humble acknowledgement of the Inhabitants of Southwales, and county of Monmouth, for the bleſſed work of Propagation there, preſented the Parliament in June, 1651. by the chief perſons that reap the benefit of this great work of Propagation, ſuppoſed to be ſubcribed by 19000. 18000. whereof never ſaw or heard of it. A pretty knack to blinde the eyes of the Parliament, and abuſe the poor Countrey..

Reſolved, That all poſſible means be uſed to intercept all Letters betwixt the Petitioners in the Countrey, and their Agents in London, to prevent a true information and repreſentation to the Parliament, of the ſad grievances of the Countrey; and to that purpoſe, orders were given atWitneſs the intercepting of the very orders and ſpecial directions of the Commiſſioners of Haberdaſhers Hall ſent down to Mr. Harard, and Mr. Thomas, their ſub-Commiſſioners, and divers other papers of publique and private concernment, all letters being opened, and ſuch onely intercepted, which made diſcoveries of the good proceedings of the godly party in Wales: A pretty way to prevent a true information to be given to the Parliament of their bleſſed doings in Wales. Hereford, Monmouth, and all other places, inſomuch that the Petitioners and their Agents could not with ſafety write any Letters to or fro, either by the Poſt or Carryer, or any private Meſſengers.

And whereas it was alſo informed, That the Petitioners did make a voluntary contribution to defray the charges of Counſellors Fees, and other neceſſary charges incident to the proſecution of ſo weighty and neceſſary a buſineſs, as a Petition from ſeven Counties, which concerned the ſalvation of their ſouls.

Reſolved, That it ſhould be conſtrued and declared to be a raiſing of moneys to levy War againſt the Parliament and preſent Government; and that Hugh Rogers a quondam arrant Cavalier in Arms for the late King, but lately converted, and others of the parties concerned, ſhould exhibit an information Vide, The fooliſh, inconſiderate information exhibited before the Committee of plundered Miniſters, wherein Mr. Gunter and his confederates (meaning the Petitioners, are charged with framing, contriving and ſubſcribing the Petition, which he deſires may be put in a way of examination: Good Mr. Rogers, you may ſpare this labor, for the Petitioners and Subſcribers have, do and will own it, and Mr. Gunter, Mr. Rogers as their Sollicitors or Agents, with others intruſted therein, act publiquely, and will never deny the Petition, or renounce their honeſt, pious and Chriſtian appearance, in their civil proſecution and mannagement thereof. in the name of the pretended godly party, againſt Mr Hugh Gunter and his confederates (for ſo he is pleaſed to call the Petitioners) of a dangerous deſign in all England and Wales, to obſtruct the Trade of Tyth-gathering, which Mr Rogers deſires may be univerſall over all England, as well as Wales. Well done Hugo to complain first, leſt your quondam Cavaliering Trade, and your late Actions in your under Sherifft altry be ript up, to manifeſt your holineſs, but all will not do, you muſt winde to it at laſt with the reſt of your late converted Brethren, who finde Tyth-gathering a more ſafe beneficial and ſweeter trade, then plundering of the Parliamenteers, and the well-affected party, from whom your noodle received ſore knocks for your ſawcineſs; and have ſince your pretended Converſion, gained more by your ſeeming holineſs, then ever you did by pillage under the power of the late King. And whereas one of the pretended godly party had abuſed one Captain Jones, who is a Gentleman, that was always faithful to the Parliament, and bore Arms for them in the firſt and ſecond War, yet was by the procurement of one of the ſuppoſed Saints, and the aſſiſtance of ſome of the grand Cavaliers there (with other Gentlemen of quality well affected to the Parliament) cruelly impriſoned at Cardiff, without a Charge or Articles proved material to warrant the ſame, who deſiring civil ſatisfaction for his wrongs ſuffered, and demanding a reaſon why he ſhould be ſo dealt withal, and ſo ill rewarded for his former good ſervices to the Parliament.

17. Reſolved, That the pretended godly party, were in danger of their lives; and that this was the beginning of levying War againſt the gadly. And becauſe the Titular Saints could not ſufficiently Tyrannize over the Inhabitants, nor carry on their gainful deſigns without Troops of Horſe, and Companies of Foot in each County, which would alſo bring good gain to the Officers and SouldiersWell done Jammy, this is a wel contrived plot to inlarge your pover and propagate your eſtates, by going about to abuſe the Parliament, and oppreſs your poor Countrey, by drawing a needleſs charge and trouble upon them..

18. Reſolved, That a Letter be written by the gadly party, and the particular Congregations in Southwales, directed to the ſtony Gallery in Whitehall, to move the Councel of State, that certain Gentlemen,Have you not already oppreſſed them ſufficiently with falſe impriſonments in Cardiff, and other places, grounded on your own feigned ſuggeſtions and falſe informations, firſt laying the plot, then diſcovering it, and making the innocent ſuffer? have you more of theſe Devices in ſtore in your Black Budget? who had ſubſcribed the Petition, ſhould be therefore brought up by ſpecial Meſſengers before them, to anſwer why they ſubſcribed the Petition, and do go about to call the people of God to an accompt: And that for the future ſecurity of the gadly party in Wales, ſome Commiſſions ſhould iſſue down to ſome of the gadly, to raiſe Horſe and Foot to carry in the Tythes, &c. to their Barns and Store-houſes, their own horſes being unable to perform ſo great a ſervice, and the Pariſhioners ſo malignant, that they refuſe to lend their aſſiſtance therein, ſince they cannot Farm their own Tythes at any rate, although they offer twice as much for the ſame as it is now let at. But the Councel of State had other affairs of greater concernment, and ſo adjourned the buſineſs till further time.

Reſolved, That the like Letter be written to put all theſe Gentlement that had ſubſcribed the Petition, out of the Commiſsion of Peace, the Act of Aſſeſsments, and all other places of truſt and imployment; the Ambulatory Aſſembly at Swanzy having declared them uncapable to bear any office or truſt in the Commonwealth: Which Reſolve was in part executed, and Mr Gwin, Mr Walbeith, Mr Havard, and Mr Lloyd (though perſons well-affected to the Parliament, and of conſiderable fortunes) immediately put out of the Commiſsion of Peace in Breckon ſhire, and ſeveral other Gentlemen in other Counties, without Articles, Proofs or Examinations to ſhew any cauſe for it, except onely for ſubſcribing the Petition; and that it was the deſire of the pretended godly party it ſhould be ſo, and divers other Gentlemen put out of Commiſſions in other Counties, and ſeveral inconſiderate inferior perſons placed in their rooms, to the diſhonor of Authority, and apparent wrong and oppreſſion of the Countrey. The Committee of Plundered Miniſters, having read the Petition and Reſolves of Parliament, did order the Propagators of Southwales to Anſwer the Petition, and bring in their Accompt by the 18th of May laſt, which put the Welſh Saints to a pittiful cold ſwet, in riding up and down, and ſetting up day and night to patch up their broken accompts: And though they had ſeveral private and publique meetings for that purpoſe, all produced by the 18 of May but a ſheet of paper, and a few general negativesMemorandum, there was a Book fairly written, with a hanſom title to it, produced before the Committee of plundered Miniſters, purporting a particular accompt, but never read nor lodged there, whereby copies thereof might be had, and the Petitioners enabled to ſurcharge the ſame (as is uſually in all other caſes relating to accompts). But the curtain was no ſooner drawn to ſhew this fair picture but as ſoon withdrawn, it being unſafe to leave matters of that concernment to publique view: So that the Petitioners cannot get a copy thereof to this day, it being reſolved by the Saints to make their Accompts at the laſt day of judgement. therein contained, with a confeſſion of 20000l or thereabouts, received for the two laſt years, but never ſay out of what received in particular, whether they made or received, or might have made or received more of the Tythes &c. nor do they expreſs what is become of the 20000l nor how they have diſpoſed of the ſum, &c. nor expreſs any thing in paticular. It being Reſolved at Swanzy, as the onely way to ſave their credit, to put in a few generals, ſtuffed up with a parcel of godly words, to make ſome pretence and ſhew to the world what good ſtewards they have been, it being dangerous and unſafe to expect a particular Accompt, leaſt there ſhould come a particular ſurcharge, and after that, which is worſe, a Commiſſion to prove it: And though one of the Propagators confeſſed there was a particular anſwer and accompt in Town, and in their abſence ſhewed, yet the Petitioners could not obtain that favor as to have it brought in, nor ſo much as a Copy of that general accompt remaining with Mr Phelps, until the 16 of July after their particulars put in; but inſtead thereof, the Petitioners required to bring in within two days after, ſuch particulars contained in their Petition, upon which they did deſire to examine witneſſes: The Petitioners not conceiving that they ſhould be required to exhibite any new charge, not required, ordered or directed by Parliament, did accordingly inſiſt on all the particular heads of the Petition, and offered to prove the ſame, and every particular and ſillable thereof, ſo as they might have (according to the Reſolves of Parliament) a Commiſſion to the Countrey to examine where their witneſſes, and matters of fact do lie, the neareſt to Weſtminster being an 100 miles, and ſome 200 miles diſtant, which was all as they conceived was their duty to do, or could be required or expected according to thoſe Reſolves.

21. But it ſeems the goodly party have prayed they might not accompt, and ſo reſolved at their general Meeting, whoſe prayers prevailed, in ſo much that the Petitioners cannot proceed to iſſue or prove their Petition, unleſs they will follow the example of Coll: Lilburn, in naming perſons and crimes, and particular miſdemeanors, and make way for taking ſhipping to Amſterdam, or to a worſer place, for of neceſſity the Petitioners muſt needs do ſo by offending ſuch as do not love to be told of their faults, or elſe confine themſelves to a few particulars, beyond which they may not examine, and ſo leave the whole truth of the Petition unexamined: And if it ſhould be expected, that the Petitioners ſhould name all thoſe perſons that have acted by vertue of the Act of Propagation, and received and diſpoſed of the Tythes, &c. the qualities and parts of the preſent ſtipended Itineraries and Schoolmaſters, with their number and ſtipends, and by whom paid, and where all the moneys and profits received are lodged, with all the particular miſdemeanors, neglects and miſcarriages in their not executing, and undue executing of the powers given by the ſaid Acts (as it ſeems the meaning of the particulars mentioned in the order of the 18 of May laſt was rendred by ſome perſons concerned.) It would be in the firſt place a work of impoſſibility, eſpecially to be done in two days, as was ordered and required. 2. A work of apparent danger to the Petitioners. 3. A clear advantage to the Propagators, and a means to avoid a true examination of the matters contained in the Petition; wherefore the Petitioners are reſolved to preſent the Parliament with another Petition, deſiring to know their pleaſures, Whether truth may be made evident as againſt the Propagators & Tythe-gatherers? 2. Whether thoſe that call themſelves The godly party, are lyable to accompt? 3. Whether the Taxes and Impoſitions, &c. now impoſed on the Nation, eſpecially poor, diſtreſſed, oppreſſed Wales, be ſo light and eaſie to be born, and the Countrey ſo well able to undergo them, and the publique Treaſury ſo full, as that the Parliament will ſuffer a Revenue of 20000 l per annum and more received for two years and upward, to go to the hands of particular private perſons, to build new ſumptuous houſes, and buy lands without any enquiry after the ſum, or elſe will looſe 20000 l per annum de futuro, for the Tythes &c. of the inhabitants, who are ready to give ſecurity for that purpoſe, if the Parliament will grant it within two years, comes to 20000 l more then the Propagators have accompted in their general anſwer for the two laſt years, which if once granted, will eaſe the Propagators and Tythe-gatherers of a great deal of pains; care and trouble; and leave them to their Divine Exerciſes, who have little leaſure now to attend thoſe Holy duties, performable by thoſe that attribute to themſelves the names of Saints, and People of God, and then it will appear to the whole world, whether they ſerve God for gain or godlineſs ſake: and by this means the ſtate cannot be defrauded, for it will be apparent what is paid out of the Tithes towards the Propagation of the Goſpel, and maintenance of Schools, &c. according to the Act, when there are particular perſons that are Farmers, and particular perſons that are Propagators, whoſe ſeveral Accounts, paiments and disburſments, being compared, will ſoon diſcover how the State hath been dealt withall the two laſt years, which can never be done when the ſame perſons are Farmors, Collectors, Tithe gatherers and Propagators; ſo that it is eaſie, without examination of the truth where matter of fact doth ariſe, and where all particulars have been acted, to blinde the eyes of the Parliament with a generall, plauſible anſwer, made up of Godly words; as one of the Itineraries anſwered an Inkeepers wife in Monmouthſhire near Uske, After he and his company had drunk all her drink, ſhe called for money for the reckoning, ſhe was anſwered by the holy man, That the Saints carry neither ſilver nor gold, nor ſcrip nor wallet: but the poor woman replied, that ſhe could not ſatisfie her Landlord for his Mault with a Scripture phraſe: no more can godly words ſatisfie the defect of the Preaching of the Goſpel, and want of Miniſters and Schoolmaſters, nor maintain Armies, and Navies, or eaſe the poor Country of their Taxations and Impoſitions: It being a ſad thing to ſee ſo great a Revenue really intended by the Parliament, to be converted according to the Act to be ſo ill imployed, and no accompt rendered for it; when the Pariſhioners and Inhabitants cannot Farm their own Tithes at any reaſonable rate, though they are ready to give double the rate, the ſame are let out to the chief Farmers. Their uſuall courſe being to grant one, two or more Churches to one of the gadly party, or other perſon that is liſted of a particular Congregation at leſſe then half the value. This Grandfarmer, or holy man, hath ſeverall Subfarmours and Subtenants under him, who let out the Tithes at the rack rent and utmoſt peny they can make of the ſame to the great oppreſſion and diſcontent of the Inhabitants, and the apparent wrong and prejudice of the State. And becauſe all theſe tranſactions herein before declared, may not ſeem to ſtrangers for a Romanſe or a falſe ſcandalous Libell, or Information (as undoubtedly the Goodly party will endeavour to render it) the Petitioners of the ſix Counties of South Wales and County of Monmouth, have prepared ſeverall particulars of the true State of the ſaid Counties, in relation to the work of Propagation of the Goſpel there, grounded on their Petition, which on the 16th of July inſtant, were offered and exhibited to the conſideration of the Honourable Committee of Parliament for Plundered Miniſters, which they are ready to prove and make good, and much more, if enabled by Commiſſioners to be iſſued to the Country, where matter of fact ariſeth, and witneſſes, reſide, according to the former Reſolves of Parliament in that behalf, which Committee ordered the ſame ſhould be Reported to the Parliament, whereby Commiſſions may iſſue out for a clear diſcovery of the truth thereof, in order to a Religious Reformation of all theſe abuſes, the ſequell whereof I do promiſe to give you in my next. And for the further ſatisfaction of the Parliament and Nation, how well the Inhabitants of South-Wales are dealt withall by theſe goodly perſons intruſted with the Military and Civil Government there; It is ſhortly intended to come forth an abſtract of their late proceedings in relation to the powers given them, as Committee of Indempnity. Arbitrary Commiſsioners. Commiſsioners of the monethly Aſſeſsment. Commiſsioners of Sequeſtration. Commiſsioners of Militia and Juſtices of Peace, &c. which will be, not only averred but proved by thoſe that deſire to give the Parliament and Nation a true accompt of the ſad Conſequents that befell thoſe parts of this Nation, ſince ſome perſons have been intruſted there, with the execution of the ſeverall powers aforeſaid, to this end only, That ſome timely information may be given the Supream Authority of the Nation, the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, hereafter to be more wary and cautious who they truſt, and with what Powers ſo farre diſtant from their Cognizance; The Inhabitants having ſo few Repreſentatives in Parliament to ſpeak for them; their main and only end therein being to prevent future miſchiefs and inconveniences that may befall the preſent Government, and more particularly the Inhabitants of Wales, and univerſally the whole Nation, by the undue and indirect execution of theſe good and wholeſome Powers and Authorities that are or ſhall be given by the Parliament, for the advancement of Gods glory, and the well Government of the Nation, that every one may in peace enjoy his own, and receive incouragement to wiſh well and cordially affect the preſent Government, and faithfully ingage for the defence thereof in the injoyment of true Religion, wholeſome Laws, and just Liberties and Freedoms, which are the Birthright and Inheritance of the people: The Enlargement, Eſtabliſhment and long Continuance thereof being the occaſion of this Diſcourſe, and the hearty wiſhes and prayers of.

Englands, (but more particularly Wales) moſt faithfull and cordial Well-wiſher M. C. B. FINIS.