Viridi latet Anguis in herba.

NOthing is more evident, then that London hath been long in dispute, what Colours to hold forth, that should demon­strate, who they were for, and who they were against; and loe, now they are resolved to beare the very same with the Ma­lignants in Kent, the Common-Councell having so determined it, the Petition of the one and the other, being both of one and the same Colour and frameing.

But good, honest, understanding London, (I pray thee) wilt thou now suffer thy selfe to be thus cheated, surprized, and abused, by a confe­deracy of Malignants crept into thy Common-Councell? Hast thou so many yeares been a maintainer of the Liberties of the people, and that with the strength of thy youth, thy blood and trea­sure, against all arbitrary power in whomsoever; and wilt thou now be made more instrumentall in the thraledome and miserie of the peo­ple, then any other part of the Nation? Wast thou first in opposi­tion to oppression; the first example and leader towards freedome? Didst thou burne as a clear light unto others, to goe out thus like a stinking snuffe thy selfe? Oh, farre be it from thee! shame not thy [Page 2] judgement and conscience thus to all Posterities. Let it not be said, that London was so foolish, so mad, as wilfully to betray it selfe and the whole Nation into bondage; and through ignorance and sot­tishnesse to run headlong into those traps and snares, which no terror or danger could ever drive them into: nay, to beg, petition and give thanks for being put into the most ready way to be made irrecove­rable slaves. Open your eyes and see, if it be not so: and if you find it so, consider what those men deserve, who have thus abused and de­luded you.

In the first place, ye are made to fawne and prostitute your thank­fulnesse to the Parliament, for their many favours, in granting sever all of your Petitions; but sure you are not so farre blinded, as not to see this palpable juggling. Do you not know, that divers in the Parlia­ment and Common-Councell are confederates to deceive you, and all that have opposed the King throughout the Land? Do you not see they are resolved to do that for him by craft and fraud, that he was never able to do for himselfe by force? What Petitions did they ever grant you, that were not first contrived and plotted by themselves, and then cunningly laid to be acted in Common-Councells, and so to come in State and formall Equipage presented by your Aldermen and Common-Councell-men, and then be printed with an Answer sutable, to beget repute and credit abroad, and consequently, the like Petitions, from all parts?

Just thus it was with that great Remonstrance of your City, which bred the first scab between you and that worthy Army, which under God preserved you, your wives, children and estates, from that mi­sery and ruine lately threatned against you by the King, (though these deceivers would make you forgetfull of it) and which bred you so great mischiefe, that it's wonderfull the same deluders should pre­sume, you could be so so one again liable to the same deceit.

Is it possible you can forget the late dismal time you were in, when, by the insolence and treachery of these violent and treacherous men, the Army was inforced to march to London. You cannot but remem­ber the many scandalous reproaches they then cast upon them, under what bloodie and ravenous shapes they presented them to you, on purpose to engage you into a warre against them: And when their orderly and harmelesse march through your wealthy City, had pro­ved them all to be false, how suddenly did they turne this their good­nesse [Page 3] into poison, perverting, what they did (meerly to let you know the Army intended not your spoile or ruine,) into an Argument of their Pride & Haughtinesse, as if they had done it in way of triumphing over you, manifesting that nothing can be in it self so innocent & harm­lesse, but malice can turn, into the most hellish Construction.

Then the decay of trade, deernesse of food, continuance of the Ex­cize and all the burthens of the Land, must still be laid to the charge of this Army, not that they deserved such a charge; but because this Ar­my must be made odious, before the People would be induced to rise, or a cleare way be made for the King. And this work is plied all the winter long, girding at, and provoking the Army beyond all patience. Which, (as one evill ever begets another) brings a part of the Army to White-Hall and the Mewes: And oh, with what art this was de­scanted upon and heightened! This was such an affront, as was not to be borne. Then after a while comes the tumult, no way to be appeased but by the Army, none other regarding it. And the very appeasing of it, is with all possible skill made a crime equall to, nay, surmounting the tumult it selfe.

Well, in this time motions are made for a reconciliation, the Mili­tia is to be changed, the Mayor and Aldermen in the Tower to be re­leased, the 11. Members and others to be restored, and the like. And all this and more is done and the Army opposes not, nor repines, as being willing to passe by as much as is possible. But no sooner is this done, but to the old work againe. And this City, that in most dangerous times, could send a full relief to Glocester, affords no assistance for subduing either the Kentish or the Colchester malignants, nay, suffers Goring, that arch Malignant and old Projector, to nose them at Bow for many daies, without any check or controule from this City. Which yet in these mens conceit and resolution, must eat up and devoure the whole Army. But all parties are not yet agreed, neither ever will be, to so base, so ungratefull an end.

And now in this nick of time, whiles the Army is imployed part into Wales, part into Kent, part into Essex, & another part in the North; whiles the Scots and other forreigners are expected, and danger every where threatneth; now, now onely is the time (as these men would make you believe,) for you to petition for a personall treaty, as the onely meanes to put an end to all these differences and disputes. And cer­tainly so it would; but how? Not as you expect, but as these deceivers [Page 4] intend: for you and they are not one in this businesse, how faire soever they pretend. For you have (even multitudes of you) voluntarily and faithfully expended of your estates and ventured your persons in the late warrs against the King. Many of you have spoken largely, and some of you have bin instrumentall in bringing his instruments and a­gents to condign punishment. Many of you have served in Committees as assessors Sequestrators or Collectors; With most of these you will find it otherwise. When plots to destroy you have been deeply laid and lists found; they have been far enough out of danger. The sad con­dition of Major R [...]lph (being a health, ye must all look to pledge, when it comes to your turnes,) they have (ye see) fine contriving wits, and want not swearers on theirside, O Wretches? Moni [...]s tis confest, they have disburst, but how much to the King more then to the Parli­ament (in the time of its integritie) they feare will one day be dis­covered, except by a personall treaty, they and their friends get above you all.

Now, that you may not (if possible) suspect their pernicious meaning, (knowing that neither Aldermens and Commons-Councel­mens gowns will cover their grosse hypocrisie) they put on that Cloake of Religion that seldome hath failed them in hideing their de­ceits; makeing very sowre faces (in this second page) for the growth of superstition, Heresies, Shismes, and Prophanenesse, occasioned (forsooth as they say) by the long unsettlement of the Churches. O the growth of Hypocrisie and Presumption, thus to glosse their treacherous and bloody intentions with pretences of Religion!

But what mean they by the growth of Superstition, except the re­viveing of the Service-Booke, which in their Hearts none love more then most of these? As for Heresies and Schismes, though most of them understand not truly what those words meane; yet, 'tis easie to discover they intend thereby, to make odious all that have cordially opposed the King, or shew any respects to this Army. And as for pro­phanenesse, certainly they mean neither lying, nor over-reaching nor de­ceiving in traffique, neither pride, nor covetousnesse, nor abusing the name of God and Religion to villanous purposes; and you will easily believe a personall treaty will occasion neithe [...]lesse swearing nor lesse drinking, nor any fewer of these vices, insomuch as if they are taken, as they seem to mean by contraries, they will then appear rather to intend the growth of all these, then of the contrary vertues.

[Page 5] As for the unsettlement of the Church, they use this phrase of speech, as the rest, even meerely to deceive. For assure your selves, you intend one thing and they another, except you mean the re­storing of Episcopacis or Prelacie, and of all their sequestred delin­quent Ministers, whom you know they dote upon and idolize a­bove measure.

And for the late Commotions in severall Counties, which have been faithfull & serviceable to the King and Parliament (I, there's the Snake in this grasse green,) King and Parliament. O that was wisely remembred! The Parliament to the hearts griefe of these his trusty-servants, have too long forborne this Oracle-like expres­sion, by which so many thousands were in snared: wherefore these men longing to see them at it againe, doe help them to one per­sonall treaty, that it may be so for ever, King and Parliament, which by the way is an Hysteron Proteron, the Cart before the Horse, not thought on.

Are there Commotions in severall Counties? no mervaile, when both Parliament-men and such grand Cittizens as these, foment them. No doubt, the Counties had continued faithfull still, but for these faithlesse ones; and the blood that is spilt in them, will at the end be seen at these mens doores; though now lap-wing like they by their crying and condoleing would put it farre from them And it's hoped those Counties al [...]eady see their errour, and will be wiser for the time to come, and listen to more honest and wholsome Councels.

And who will believe, but the revolt of the ships is a whelp of the same litter. For who have hitherto bin more faithfull to the interest of the People and freedome of the Nation, then the Ma­riners in generall have bin? And who more rejoyce in their revolt then these men, who are chiefe stirrers in this Petition, and hopeing thereby a necessite of compliance in Parliament to their desires? But how abominably base is it to plot these things, & then to cry out, that this threatneth the eminent destruction of trade? O friends! could these rich and wealthy. Aldermen and Common-Councell­men, as ill brooke these stops and decayes of trade, as most of you can, they would not be so brisk upon these disasters, nor so for­ward [Page 6] in these wicked practises. But by this they evidence, that they regard not the good of Mariners nor Cittyzens, but would by all possible meanes, though by impoverishing and beggering all sorts of inferiour people, necessitate them to promote their wills, by crying out with violence for any thing, as impatient of delay; and rather then faile, to rise in tumults and uproares, to force these wicked mens ends. But it is hoped both sea-men and Land-men, Cittyzens and Country men, will be warned out of hand, and returne to their first love, even the freedome of the Common wealth.

But this grieves them not so much, as that it also tends to the utter ruine of King, Parliament and Kingdome. Here are two Carts before the Horse. For in true Heraldrie, the Kingdome or People should have bin first, as the originall of power, and next the Parliament as representing them, and last the King, as being at most, but the chiefe officer of the Common wealth, and only singulis major; But it seems this will not disgest with Alder­men.

O, but all this while, the King is in danger of ut­ter ruine! I pray you friends, enquire how. In whose hands is hee? What hath the man done, that any one should thinke him worthy of ruine? Alas, the King can doe no wrong, nor hath done any in these mens Divinity and Morality too. (Say you) What hath the Man done? O blasphemy! Here's prophanenesse in­deed! The King a man? He must surely bee more then a man, that can doe no wrong. But so it is, or no credit is to bee given to these his deare friends. All the deferrings, dissolvings, and abolishings of Parlia­ments, with all arbitrary Patents, Ship-money, and all sorts of other Projects were no crimes in him. All this long and bloody warre carried on by him is nothing. All the Plots against this City and Parliament, nothing. All [Page 7] these late Commotions and Insurrections, nothing? All the blood of Rochell, Ireland, England and Scotland, spilt by his meanes and procurement, nothing? yea, and in a word, all the Parliaments heavy accusations, of all the hainous, odious, and bloody crimes against him nothing. and so we must all sweare, they are, if not lesse then no­thing, if now after all, nothing can preserve us nor settle the peace of the Nation, but a Personall Treaty with him.

Oh, thou just and righteous God, that seest and knowest these things, and who in this their Petition art made use of frequently to serve the wicked ends of these men, do thou blast them with the breath of thy mouth, and turne all their Machiavilian stratagems upon their owne heads. And we beseech thee (in such measure) to open the eyes and en­lighten the understandings of those whom thou hast authorized with power, that they may not onely see and consider, that thou judgest righ­teous judgement without respect of persons, and bindest Kings in chains, and Nobles in fetters of iron, but that they may learne also to judge rightly without respect of persons, and reward every man according to his works.

You all heare, (friends) how things go in Scotland, that they have had a Malignant Parliament, endeavouring might and maine to raise forces and bring an Army into England. To doe what? why to establish Religion, and for defence of the Kings honour and greatnesse according to the Covenant, just in the very language of these Petitioners; and especially for a personall Treaty with his Majesty. 'Tis marvell the word Sacred is not added by them or our Aldermen. But it seems that's forborne, till his Majesty have left swearing at every other word, or till after the personall Trea­ty, and then the King shall have all his greatnesse, honour and prerogative againe.

But sure the Parliament of Scotland is not malignant. They are abused and injured. It's not possible, after all their strivings and opposition to the King, that those people should be so foo­lish as to choose a malignant Parliament. Yet, so it is, the weak­nesse of well-meaning people hath been such, that for feare of [Page 8] choosing such as favour Sectaries (by whom they as well as we have been preserved) they have chosen absolute Cavaliers and Malignants, sworne vassalls to the lusts of the King, such as hope to be sharers in the spoile of his future Tyranny, and to be petty-Tyrants under him themselves, which is the great interest of all the degenerate Gallants, that formerly have or doe at pre­sent warre against the Common-wealth on his behalfe: This the honest party have perceived too late, to their griefe.

For already, they begin to imprison the best-affected and most zealous Ministers and others; and it is repor­ted, they have executed some of the Ministers. But sure they are not as yet so impudently base, though it bee much to be feared, they will doe it, if timely help ap­peare not here; which must be, even by your disclaim­ing and renouncing these wicked men, and this their accursed Malignant Petition, which is a thousand times worse then that which was called the Plush Petition, and would have been so taken, but that some of you who (otherwise are godly minded) are seduced to appeare therein. Nay, if both Lords and Commons were now, as in the time of that Petition they were affected, in stead of thanks, they would have shewed them their errour, and how contrary such a Petition is to the freedome of the Nation.

But it is evident, they are now Confederates with these men, and intend under the cunning plot of a personall Treaty, fairely and handsomely to seale and deliver up to the King, not onely the just Free­domes and Liberties of the people, with Excize, and all their oppressions to boot unreckoned for, and unpunished: but also the lives and estates of you, and all that have cordially opposed him.

[Page 9] And for this end it is, these false Common Councellmen, and Aldermen (who to distinguish them from you, shall henceforth be called Common-Hall men, for that you know is their right title) for this end (I say) did these Common-Hall men so earnestly petition for a personall Treaty, and continuance of the brotherly union between the two King­doms of England and Scotland. Their meaning is, between the Malignants Parliaments in both, According to the Covenant, O [...] that was well remembred, that covers and colours all Malig­nancy. O this Covenant of ours, serves for many good purpo­ses. For we can neither preserve our Enemies in our own bosomes, divide amongst our selves, nor find quarrell enough to destroy our friends, without the help of this Covenant. Which though many of us have taken in the sincerity of our hearts, yet we see it is now made use of, to all sorts of ungod­ly, close and treacherous designes.

And what is there now wanting, but that by the happy union (of the Malignants in both Nations) between the King: Majesty, and the Honourable Houses of Parliament, all whom they call Round-heads in England and Scotland, shall very speedily be destroyed, even with as good a riddance as the Pro­testants in Ireland were, by His Majesties good catholick Sub­jects there, who may hereafter be invited to compleat this happy union? Yes, this is yet wanting: the Committee ap­pointed, must first agree at what place and time this personall Treaty must bee. Then the King must be demanded out of the hands of the Army. This they suppose, will be som what dis­puted, as tending to the ruine of the Army, of all the honest party in England, and of the cause for which so great floods of blood hath been spilt, and oceans of treasure spent, and being no lesse in effect, then to give up their Swords into the hands of their perfidious vanquished enemies. But here is the plot; if the King be denyed, then presently flies out Declaration upon Declaration, against all the Officers and Souldiers of this rebellious and disobedient Army, declaring them once more traitors and Rebels in the highest degree; denouncing death and sequestration, to all that shall any wayes assist [Page 10] them with Men, Horse, Money, or Plate, in these their trea­cherous and rebellious practices, tending to the dissolution of all Government, and the u [...]ter ruine and decay of Trade; (for it must be in the Kings old tearmes.) And then up goes another Army under Major Generall Brown, the Presbyterian Cou [...]tier, whom t'is thought you that are honest will so farre favour, as to assist in raising of those new forces, which if you do, then they are past doubt of carrying on their work against the Sectaries, (according to the Covenant) not seeming to be against you, but rather for you, till they have got you all within their clutches, and caught you it this Trapp. For if you that are godly countenance not their work, all is lost; the Trained bands and Auxiliaries will not then go out, not with­standing all endeavours and Devices to engage their Com­manders, the Countries will not be deluded not come in to any purpose.

But be you sure, to keepe Scotlands proceedings in your eye, and look no other way. Think upon their imprisoning of godly men already, and adhere no longer to these wicked dissembling Common-Hall men, but separate your selves from amongst them; do not you assist these workers of iniquity, & you shall see them confounded. But if you give them the least countenance, you will find such a confluence of mad and rude people instantly flock to them; that, though they are never sikely to prevaile against the Army and their friends, yet so great may be the disturbance, that your City will be much indangered, your wives and Families affrighred, and what will then become of Trading? Certainly this is not the way to a speedy end, (except by your destructions) but to the leng­thening of your distractions. For it cannot be immagined, that the Army and honest party throughout the Land, will be so easily vanquished, as these hot-spirited men conjecture. It will cost hot water, before that be done. They have not yet shewed themselves either Fooles or Cowheards, neither hath the providence of God been wanting, to further their just and honest undertakings. And if these new stirrers had either Wisdom, Grace, or Thankfulnesse in them, they would [Page 11] consider their lenity and unbloody disposition when they pre­vailed, and not provoke them into a worse and more violent temper.

But what meane the Petitioners, by grounding their hopes upon severall expressions of his Majesty and both Houses of Parliament, in their severall and respective Declarations? A Declaration there was indeed lately of the Parliaments, set­ting forth divers high crimes and offences of the King, and re­solving to make no further addresses to him, but to settle the Kingdom without him. There was also some time since ano­ther Declaration that told him, it was not safe for him to come to the City or Parliament, untill he had given satis­faction for all the innocent blood that had been spilt.

Had our Common-Hall men (think you) these Decla­rations of both Houses in mind, when they framed this Peti­tion? The King also hath set forth so many Declarations of his love to this City, that its hard to judge which they mean. As when this City was in most straights, and he in greatest hopes and power, he declares it death for any to hold Trade with the City, or to bring any kind of provision to it. And he gives them another secret token of his Kingdnes at the same time, in the Plot of Tomkins and Challoner, and declares the Parliament to be no true, but a counterfect Parliament, and sets up another at Oxford, by Declaration too. And now of late came out a Declaration of his, of the old stampe in high prero­gative termes, as high as Kent or these Common-Hall men could wish or desire. Be like Osburn was then at work, and this language of the Kings was coined for the head of an Ar­my, what Declarations they mean, they have not exprest, and till they do, it will be good for every wise and Religious man to be mindfull of these, and to consider whether the Le­opard be yet without his spots, or the Black-more have changed his skinn, and by wisdom to prevent the great mischiefe in­tended; And be not now, after so many years experience, like young birds, to be caught with so palpable chaffe as this.

But this, may you & Scotland see, comes of warming Snakes [Page 12] in your bosomes; no sooner get they heate, but they swell with venim, and threaten your destruction. Who would have thought the late exiled Members, and the late imprisoned Major and Aldermen would so so one have returned to their old Vomit, and so greedily, lick up the filth of their former Remonstrance? O shame! O ignorance! O ingratitude and sottishnesse! why, what do they immagine? can they think, that all the wel-affected in England will not gather themselves together from all places and corners of the Land, and unite with the Army, rather then to be over run & over reacht thus? What? to be petitioned out of their lives, liberties, Estates; to be cove­nanted into bondage! No, may he be beared through the eares, nay through the nose, and burn'd in the forehead for a vagabond, that wil not come forth to help the Lord against the mighty. Yea, curse them bi [...]terly that comes not forth now to help the Lord against these, who are so mighty in their deceit, and bloody in their intentions.

See, but where these men would have this personall Trea­ty; in the City of London. That's their desire, though the words following shew they are ashamed to speak it absolute­ly, and therefore add, or in some other convenient place; con­venient for raising of Tumults, else what ailes the Isle of Wyght? No, but where it may be most for the honour and saf [...]ty of his Majesties Royall Person. What could Goring have said more like a flattering Courtier?

And unto this personall Treaty, they humbly desire, that the it brethren of Scotland (that is the Malignants, especially Duke Hamilton) may be invited, that so according, to the du­ty of their Aliegiance, Protestation, solemn League and Cove­nant, his Majesties Royall Person, Honour, Greatness and Estate may be preserved, even to the use and benefit of the Malig­nants, that so they may be inabled to revenge themselves up­on the Lives, Liberties, and Estates of the Roundheads and Sectaries, and all peaceable people under these titles; and at best, bring them to sequestrations and compositions; to hang up the Ministers (after their brethren of Scotlands Method) and so restore the Bishops; for that is it, they really intend, [Page 13] though their words be smooth and faire as the greenest grass, and garnished with His Majesties own flowers, of preserving the power and priviledge of Parliament, the just rights and li­berties of the Subjects being restord, the establishment of Reli­gion and Church-Government in purity, and the continuation of tho union of the two Kingdoms: (O admirable Hypocrites) according to the Covenant. (But here peepes the Snake) All Armies disbanded, and all your Souldiers just Accompts satisfi­ed, the Kingdoms burthens cased. What a turning and win­ding this Snake keepes to hide himself King [...] Viper! so full of goodnesse, so many seeming good desires heapt together Appear boldly as at first. Men are but Adams, and Women Eves; thou needest not dispair to deceive. But as that old Serpent thy Father, make account to deceive thy selfe most. Thy Head, thy Head proud Hydra-Monster, by this thine own malicious policy, shall receive the forest bruise. And then (as at first) from the same seed of the wom [...]n, God, to thy torment (thou shalt see) will raise up a seed, even a Generation of men, that shall discover where thy Skalie Helme is penetrable and smite thee there, so that thou shalt stumble and fall, and never rise again; but upon thy belly shalt thou creepe, and dust shalt thou eat all the dayes of thy life: and that be­cause thou hast lied and desembled in this Petition and the like, in the name of the Lord, and hast again lifted up thy hand against his dearest and most precious Servants.

O ye Men of the Common-Hall, flatter not your selves in these your mischievous practices, but speedily repent, for so sure as God is in Heaven, he cannot suffer you to prosper in it. All the people will see, that most ungreatefully ye seeke re­venge and power, that you may have your wills without any regard at all to the Common-wealth, which but for you, would be quiet enough. This way which you take is a way that no considerate man can once immagine, will tend to peace; but that it is a meere trick and device to raise a new Warre against the Army, and all those ye call Roundheads; it being impossible to do it by any other meanes, and which being done, what then will become of Trade? what then will become of [Page 14] Peace? why, then the Scots must be called in, and the Irish with other Forreigners. For what? To make Peace. Excel­lent Peace-makers to this poore Nation, they have prooved indeed. No, rather, call in Rupert and Maurice and they will do it, as soone and as effectually.

It is incredible that Affliction, & Imprisonment, and feare of death and imminent Warre, should not make those grave an­cient Gentlemen more apprehensive of the danger they are already againe hastily casting them-selves, and the whole Kingdome into, that Men of Estats, Honour and Iudg­ments, should attempt things so hazardous, when as (no doubt) reason is to be had in wayes more safe. Doubtlesse, if they would sit down, and with greatest deliberation, studie a way to ruin the King and his Posterity, to re-embroile this Nation in blood, to destroy themselves and their part­takers, certainly no course would be found like unto this. For what will not those men doe, who have cordiallie op­posed the King in the late Warre, rather then suffer the con­quered Malignants to bee their Masters, as by a personall treaty is really intended.

No matters could be in a fairer way towards an accommo­dation then our differences lately were: They could not but have bin composed by this time, if men would have conten­ted themselves to live as freinds one by another, and to have ceased to strive for Masteri [...], good men there were and are, both in Parliament and Common-Councell, who made it their studie, to have proposed a safe and good condition to King Parliament Cittie and all sorts of People. But this new hurrie and maddness of a generall rising, under the collour of a Per­sonall Treatie, hath put of their endeavours, till this heate be over, and mens experience of the miserie of their owne evill waies, should make them more apt to heare things reasona­ble, and such as really tend to the preservation and just sa­tisfaction of all parties.

Cease therefore, as you love your selves, wives, Children, and Estats, as you love the Peace and settlement of your Na­tive Countrie (too long turmoyled with an unnaturall warr) [Page 15] cease (I say,) and give over this under-hand raising of new forces, under colour of settling the Militia in all Counties and Cities, yee, as well as others will find it bitternes in the end. It will but increase your owne trouble, lengthen out the mi­series of the People, consume their wasted Estats, destroy their trades, which they will soone see, and Curse and hate you for it. The Cry of the poore pei [...]ces the Heavens, the tor­ments of a guilty Conscience are insupportable. Lay to Heart, I beseech you, how drcadfull your condition will be, when you shall be so surrounded with Miseries at once, a never dy­ing Worme, gnawing your hearts within, and from without, the Vengeance both of God and Man, for your Hypocrisie, Treachery, and perfidiousnesse ready to over-whelm you.

Cease for shame, to depend any longer upon lyes and falshoods wherein ye abound; God (ye see) hath already manifested his displeasure against your bloody purposes, giv­ing up your greatest hopes of successe in Wales, in Kent, in the North, and now lately in Surrey, into the hands of those, whom through pride and malice ye dispise; your Dukes and Earles and great ones, (striving against him) being no more then the meanest persons.

And this great heast of the Lords in runing so swiftly be­fore the Commons, and voting a personall Treaty, shewes but whose Lords they are, and whose work they do, and the mischiefe intended thereby, will surely fall upon their own heads.

They also but abuse you and themselves, in plotting to dis­band this Army by tricks and Court Arts; and tis strange ye should not think, that more belongs to it, then now after all Victories, to give up their Swords for a personall Treaty, yet ye are so transported with vane hope, as to believe ye have them upon a free lock: for say you a personall Treaty is vo­ted, and the King must come, and being once out of that pow­er of the Army, is resolved not to treate, untill all forces in all parts be disbanded.

If the Army then refuse, O then say you, the whole King­dom [Page 16] will instantly engage against: but stay a little, surely ye will be mistaken, the whole Kingdom doubtlesse will be wiser and honester, then to expect such folly and madnesse in the Army, and will-be more carefull of their own quietnesse, then to engage themselves into a new Warre, upon such un­reasonable and unconscionable tearmes.

If then ye will be happy, study things more equall and for­sake the Councels of wicked and treacherous men: for how­ever ye may flatter and deceive your selves, yet God is not a God that will be mocked, he that fitteth in Heaven laughes you to scorne, the Lord will have you in derision, and will dash you in peeces, like a Potters Vessell.

Cease therefore, to do evill, learn to do well, seeke Peace and follow af­ter it, least if ye persist in your un­godly courses, he teare you in peeces, and there be none to help you.