I. VVHilst the Lords own People in these Three Nations were in a very Low Con­dition, and state of Persecution, conti­nually hunted by Cruel Adversaries, through the Treasonable Practices, Oppression, and Tyranny of the late King; and the Cruelty, Rage, and bloody Perse­cuting Spirit of the Bishops and Prelates; insomuch that the Land was filled with Blood: See large Petition to Parlia­ment 11. Sept. 1648. And the people of these Nati­ons inslaved to the Lust and pleasure of the King (‘The freedome of the People being directly Opposite to the Prerogative of Kings.’) in their Estates and Liberties; Rob­bed, and Spoiled of their Common-Rights and Priviledges; and their Representatives deprived of their Law-making-Power, and subjected to the Negative-voice of a single Person, and Dissolved at Will and Pleasure; so that a perfect Yook of Bondage was upon the Bodies and Consciences of men: The Lord by his wise Providence raised up an Instrument to worke Deliverance and Salvation from the hands of this Common-Enemy (in which should we note the won­derful passages of Providences from time to time would be marvellous.) Afterwards (i. e. about the midest of the War) ‘The Instrument became more refined:See Speech to l. Parli­ament p. 2, 3. The Lord winnow­ing the Forces of this Nation, and putting them into the hands of men of other Principles, than those engaged at first:’ Soe (crossing the designes of men, and causing his own to take place, which he carried on in all the late warres, yea to this day; ‘So the thoughts of his heart take place in all Generations) he raised up a poor and contemptible com­pany, neither vers'd in Millitary affairs, nor having much natural Propensity no them; and this through owning a Principle of Godlinesse, of Religion. This Army Declared, They were not meer mercinary men,Declarat. June 14. 1647. hired to serve an Ar­bitrary power of State:’ But took up Arms in Judgement and Conscience, for the defence of the peoples just Rights [Page 2] ‘and Priviledges, and to vindicate the power of the Nation in Parliaments against all Arbitrary Power, Violence, and Oppression,Declarat. in Scotl. Anno. 1650. and all particular parties and interests: And being perswaded in their consciences that the King and his Monarchy was one of the 10. hornes of the Beast spoken of Rev. 17 &c. And being witnesses to so much of the innocent Blood of the Saints he had shed in supporting the Beast, and considering the loud cries of the Soules of the Saints under the Altar, they were extraordinarily carried forth to de­sire justice upon the King, that m [...]n of blood:’ Withall de­siring to let those of Scotland know ‘That they were not Soul­diers of fortune, nor meerly the Servants of men, having not only PROCLAYMED Jesus Christ King of Saints, to be their King by profession, but desired to submit to him upon his own Tearms, and to admit him to the EXERCISE of his ROYAL-AƲTHORITY in their hearts, and to follow him whithersoever he went, &c.’ And the work with this Army was generally owned, and acknowledged, as the Cause of God: Which, so soon as it came to be owned, The state of Affairs put upon that foot of Account, the Lord blessed them in all their undertakings; Insomuch, that after the Army was New-modelled, and the war put upon an Offensive, and purely Active Account, with Execution upon the Adversa­ry where ever he was found; they never lost one Field-Bat­tail in any of the three Nations.

II. The Lord having thus Owned and Blessed this Cause in the hands of this Army: The King brought to Tryal, and Justice Executed upon him, as a Murderer, a Traytor, and an Oppressor, and Common-Enemy of the Nation: A Sta­tute in Parliament, made against his posterity, and any other that should now pretend to be Chief-Magistrate, and so de­clared of these Nations, condemning them guilty of high Trea­son, after these wonderful successes: The great Deliverance, and marvellous Solvation (to use the words of the General) wrought at Worcester by a signal hand were it weighed:See Speech to l. Parli­ament p. 5. The Old Parliament (notwithstanding God had used them E­minently in the wars against the King) Dissolved, as (in [Page 3]the Judgements of the Saints, and Churches) Unfit for the fur­ther carrying on the Worke and Cause: These poor Nati­ons freed from their Yoaks and Bands in a great measure, and in a very hopeful, and blessed way to obtain a very tho­rough Reformation, and perfect deliverance: The Lord Jesus Christ unanimously owned in the Army, and in many of the Churches of the Saints, and in the several parts of the Nation as LORD and KING: The Power therefore, was now, by the wonderfull providence of God, given into the hands of this professing, victorious, overcoming Army; And there­by an opportunity given into them to serve the Lord fully, according as they had Declared: Accordingly, ‘The Gene­rall and Officers of the Army, to manifest to the world their singlnesse of heart, and integrity,pag. 18. and that they did not grasp after the Power their selves, to keep it in a Milli­tary hand, no not for a day: were incouraged, (as in the Dissolving the old Parliament, The consent and affections of the Officers of the three Nations at land,pag. 26. and their Bre­thren at Sea (though no Artifice had been used to perswade their approbations to this work) flowing into them from all parts, beyond their expectations, besides their approba­tions and consent unsought for, to the other work: And above all (which is esteemable) very many Papers from the Churches of God throughout the Nation, wonderfully ap­proving both what had been done in removing Obstacles,pag. 17. and approving what herein was done.) To the Exercising an extraordinary way and course, beyond and contrary to the ordinary way of Elections, and constitutions of Par­liaments, in calling together a company of men,pag. 23. such as knew the Lord (for they allowed not themselves in the choice of one Person, in whom they had not this good hope, that there was faith in Christ, and love unto all his Saints and People) and which had made observations of his marvelous Dispensations, and might be trusted with this Cause: And therefore, (as being brought into their hands by Gods owning, blessing, and calling out a Millita­ry Power: And comming together through difficulties, through strivings,pag. 25. through blood)’ The work hitherto on foot; This precious cause, sealed too by the blood of thou­sands [Page 4]of Saints, prosecuted with the Millions of Treasure of this Nation; And the sole Power and Government of these Nations was committed and given up into their hands, by the Generall and Officers of this Army, which was de­clared by an Instrument in Parchment under Seal: who professed the Eminent hand and Call of God in bringing them together;pag. 18. ‘That they were called to that Work by as wonderfull providences as ever past upon the sons of men in so short a time.’ That they were called by God to Rule ‘with him,pag. 19. and called to be faithfull with the Saints, who had been Instrumentall in their Call: That God hereby did manifest that day to be a day of the Power of Jesus Christ,pag. 22, Psal. 110.3. having through so much Blood and tryals as have been upon these Nations, made this one of the great Issues thereof, to have a People called together to the su­pream Authory upon an Avowed account: That they were as like the forming of God as ever People were:pag. 22. That they were called with a high-Call; That their power might be a way and doore to usher in things that God hath promised,pag. 24. and prophesied of, and to set the hearts of his People to wait for and expect, not vainly looking on that prophesie in Daniel, pag. 25. THE KINGDOME SHALL NOT BE DE­LIVERED TO OTHER PEOPLE: (i. e. then Saints) That therefore they own their Call as marvellous,pag. 24. and of God, and being unprojected, unthought of by them, and those then called: Accordingly the whole number being 140 all save two accepted their Call:’ So that now, as the Lord (whose paths are wonderfull and unsearchable) had put the Forces into the hands of Saints, and made them Over-co­mers, and so instrumentall herein; He also by his great Providences (which look so directly like the exalting of his Son and Interest: The giving the Power unto Saints; and the breaking worldly Constitutions and Powers.) Now gave the Millitary and so the Civil power of these Nations at Sea and Land into the hands of Saints, upon this avowed ac­counted for our Lord Jesus Christ, his People, and the good of these poore Nations. Wherefore both scripture and providence doth call the Saints to the work of the Kingdom of our Lord and the power of the Nations. So then, hither­to [Page 5]there was great cause to say EBENEZAR.

III. This Assembly comming together according to the Call and Providence of God, after much seeking the Lord by prayer; ‘They Voted, and afterwards Declared themselves the Parliament, and supream Authority of this Common-Wealth:’ Afterwards, according to their Trust, proceeding to redresse those great Evils and grievances, which lay as Burthens upon the neck of Gods people, and the Nations; ‘As the abolishing the Court of Chancery;pag. 13. the regulation of the Law (of which the General complained to them in his Speech, as much groaned under:’ But now sworn to Rule according to that pattern.) ‘The taking away the Power of Patrons to make Presentations: And to remove that Antichristian way of Ministers maintenance by Tythes &c.’ (Upon the passing whereof, The contrary party, not­withstanding that which had been Declared before the Lord, and to the Nations; consulted the dissolution of that Power: Whereupon, without either Debate, Vote, Order, Act, or Ordinance, of that Assembly they pretended to Re­signe their Power to the Generall: Who had for some time designed the setting up of himself, and his party, and had now for that purpose, prepared in a readinesse his Instrument of Government, now bound upon the neck of this People for whom God had thus appeared. Therefore) A Collonell with a Leivt. Collonel and their Souldiers, came to the House (the faithfull party sitting) whilest the other party was scarce­ly got to Whitehall, and forcebly broke and Dissolved them, turning them out of doores. And onely for proceeding in those things, for neglect whereof the Old Parliament was pre­tended to be Dissolved.

IV. That those Members of the House pretending to Resigne their power, by subscribing an Instrument at White-hall, there prepared for that purpose, comming to the House car­ly in the morning, and from thence going away before ma­ny of the members came together, without any consent, or hearing of their fellows then in the House; wat onely in a [Page 6]private or single capacity when out of the House; And their Act at White hall onely a personall Act. So that the Right which Oliver Cromwell pretends to the Government of these Nations, upon this account is invalid, without face of Au­thority or power. And the necessity he pretended thereunto, a Designed and created necessity.

V. That hereupon the said O. C. contrary to the dispensati­ons of Gods glorious providences which these Nations were under: his own professed, and avowed Principles: The frequent Declarations of the Army, ‘Against Absolute Pow­er in the persons of any, as rendring that state where it is no better than Tyranny, and the people subjected to it, no better than Vassals, and for free Councels and Parliaments:’ His own ‘Engagements, Covenant, Promises, and Oath:’ The Trust committed to him: The known Lawes of the Nation made against Lordship and Monarehy, after the very wonderfull out goings, and appearances of God, and still in force: against the law of God: The tennor of Scriptures: the exaltation of the Lord Jesus upon the Throne of these Nations: The Interest, and Rights of the Saints: the privi­ledges of the people, and the good of the Creation: Hath exal­ted and lifted up himself, and his own interest: Vpon the glorious Victories and marvellous deliverances, no other­wise wrought, then by the Lord Arm for these in slaved Na­tions; upon that blood of Saints and others, which hath been poured out so plentifully, so freely in the late Wars for the purchase of those things we are once more robbed of: up­on the Millions of Treasure expended in the late Wars. The free-will Offerings of Saints, and the good people of these Na­tions: Vpon the very inheritance, the Rights, the Mercies of the People: And those fruits of Righteousnesse and truth, which all hoped to reape from the blood of their Friends and Brethren, their Treasure, and these tedious wars, but now robbed and spoiled of them.

VI. Afterwards, greatly to the aggravation of his horrible sin, [Page 7]wherein he hath justified the wicked and condemned the Genera­tion of the just, he put a stop to the work which God had been carrying on with such blessings, such Victories in the wars against the Dutch at sea: Concluding a peace with that Na­tion upon very Low, Unsafe and dishonourable Tearms: Whereby the Blood spilt in that war, and the Treasure spent, seems to be altogether lost as to the good of the Nation, and the guilt thereof lies at his door.

VII. That the said O. C. hath Apostatized from his professions and avowed principles: Hath left the Cause and Work the Lord so eminently owned him in, whilst he yet seemed to walk with him; hath contracted the guilt of Bloodshed un­to himself; hath thereby justified the Tyrants and Persecu­tors in all Ages which have hunted the true Seed: That his persecution of Gods witnessing people; his establishing and upholding the corrupt interests of the Clergy and Lawyers in these Nations; his Oppressing the people by Taxing them to maintain a constant standing Army to uphold his Interest, and Lordship over them (from which there is not hopes of De­liverance, for, as in the ‘29. Article of his Government, if there shall not be cause to keep up so great a defence at Land and Sea, but there be an abatement, the money saved thereby is to remain in banck for publick service, as its Termed) doth exceed (considering the hand from whence it comes) the Rage, Oppression and Treason of the late King, for which he was brought to Justice:’ That he is guilty of high-Treason in the account of God and Man, in the erecting of his Government, binding his Iron-Yoak upon the neck of the poor captive daughter of Zion, See Speech to l. Parli­ament p. 22. whi st she had thought Summer had been come, from the voice of the Turtle heard in our Land, and upon the people of these Nations: And of Tyranny and Cruelty in the excrcise thereof: Whilst (as himself said) ‘One of the great issues from the Blood and Tryals of late upon these Nations,See In­strument of Govern­ment. was to have a people called to the Supream Authority upon an avowed account:’ But he, without Call from God or man, hath imposed a yoak, hath continued our burthens, swearing to Govern according to the [Page 8]Lawes, which are so corrupt, so degenerate and but then­some, maintaining the Prerogative and unlimitted power of LORDSHIP, and against which we have contested: That he is a Truce-breaker and a False-Swearer: And hath justified ‘Amaleck that smote and oppressed Israel in their coming out of Egypt; Exod. 17.8, 14, 15, 16. Deut. 25.17, 18, 19. and against whom God will have war to all Generations.’ So that he hath sinned against the Lord Jesus Christ, against his people, the dispensations of his power, ‘The cries of the Souls under the Altar, the blood of all Saints, and the Martyrs of Jesus; hath transgressed in the acoursed thing; hath dealt treacherously with the people of these Nations; hath not judged the cause of the Fatherless, nor the right of the Needy;Jer. 5.28, 30. but hath overpassed the deeds of the Wicked, so that a wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the Land. And we may say as of the sin of Gibeah, There was no such deed don,Judges 19.30. nor seen, from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the Land of Egypt unto this day.’

VIII. That since this grievons Apostacy, we have been retired into ‘the clefts of the Rock,Cam. 2.14. Isa 9.6. Jer. 30.5, 6. and secret places of the Stairs: The Lords people have been in pain, as for the bringing forth of the man childe, every mans hands has been on his loyns as a woman in Travel, and all faces are turned into pale­ness, because the voice of Trembling, of Fear, & not of Peace:’ The Testimony hath also been continued by the Lords people against this wickdnesse ever since the visible turning aside both in private and publick; to which the Lord hath also given his Witnesse and Seal, by his very marvellous appearan­ces against them from time to time, in blasting their De­signes,Mich. 5.9. Zech. 2.9. Zeph. 3.8. as in that of Hispaniola (for his works we are not to forget) whereby ‘He has shaken his hand against them, and seems to be arisen to the Prey:’ We are therefore per­swaded, that no surther Addresses ought to be made unto him,Prov 29.1 ‘For he that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, to do yet more weckedly, shall sud denly be destroyed, and that without Remedy:’ But that, as Samuel (Saul ‘Aposta­tizing, and breaking the Commandement of the Lord, in [Page 9]not destroying the sinners the Amalekites, and fighting a­gainst them until they should be consumed,1 Saem. 15.18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 35. but flying upon the spoyle, and doing evill in the sight of the Lord, and yet withall justifying himself in his evill, as going in the way of the Lord, for which he was left of God, rejected the Kingdome, and his name blotted out; though afterwards he said I have sinned; and acknowledged his evill in trans­gressing the commandment of the Lord, withall praying for pardon of his sin, and desiring to worship the Lord)’ for sook Saul in his ‘Apostacie, and came no more at him, till the day of his death, and tooke an horn of oyle and a­noynted David, a man more righteous, with whose seed the Lord hath made an everlasting Covenant,1 Sam. 16.1. 2 Sam. 23.5, Psal. 89.3, 4, 34, to 38. Prov. 8.20. ordered in all things and sure;’ A Government more pure, more just, wherein is promised ‘The wisdome, the spirit of God, to lead in the way of Righteousnesse, in the midst of the paths of judge­ment:’ So the people of God preserved yet faithfull, and un­sported, from the defilement and pollutions of this Apostacy through the grace of God, seeing God had given his people victory over their enemies, and by his Providence had given the power of these Nations into the hands of Saints, as had al­so the General and his Officers, who now we contend against; May in the Name and Authority of the Lord of hosts, for our Lord & King Jesus Christ, his Saints and People; for his Cause now buried in this Apostacy; & for the people of these Nations; ‘RISE ƲP unto the PREY; unto the work, as JO­SHƲA and ZEROBBABEL did, with all the Remnant of the people whose hearts God had stirred up in their work: May rise up against the evill doers,Hag. 1.14. Ps. 94.16 See Decla. Iune 14. 1647. and stand up a­gainst the workers of iniquity:’ And (according to his own principles, the principles of the Parliament and Army the ‘Par­liament Declared it no resisting of Magistracy to side with just principles: The safery of the people being above Law, as in the large Petition 11. Sept. 1648. especially an unjust and wicked Law:’ And so the ‘Army,Remonst. Albans 16 Novemb. 1648. if any Arbitrary power be attempted to be exercised over a people, the people are not bound thereby but free: And if a Person trusted with a limmitted power to rule according to Law, shall abuse that power, and fly to the way of force upon his trusting peo­ple [Page 10]he thereby forfeits all his Trust and Power, and (ab­solving the people from the bonds of Covenant and Peace betwixt him and them) does set them free to take their best advantage, and (if he shall fall within their power) to proceed in judgement against him, even for that alone, if there were no more) may proceed against the said O. C. by like force & means as against the late King and his party; and afterwards against his Son, & those of Scotland, to recover the name of God, his righteous Cause, the Redemption of Saints, Se. Declar. of Generall & Councel of War. and rights of the people.’ For as the Army said, ‘What remains to this poor Kingdome, and all true hearted Eng­lishmen, but to joyne together as one man with their Coun­cels, Estates, and Lives, in this way as their last Refuge un­der God; so say we to all Saints undefiled, or to any o­thers not guilty of this Apostacy, that will help the Lord against the mighty.’

IX. That the Lords people may be gathered together into one, united, and come to a consistancie together for, and in this work, aswell against the enemies of our Lord in other Na­tions as in this;Ps. 60.1, 3, 4, 5. ‘The BANNER which God has given unto his poor scattered people, unto whom he has shewen hard things, who he has made to drink the wine of astonish­ment, may be displayed, and lift up because of the truth▪’ By a handful of Redeemed ones, such as are the ‘First fruits to God and to the Lamb: That Christs beloved may be deli­vered: That unto him as LORD and KING the ga­thering of the people may be:Rev. 14.4 That the Saints may all come to this BANNER: That those which have made a Covenant with the Lord by Sacrifice, may be gathered to­gether unto him in this work:Ge. 49.10 That (judgement being re­turned unto righteousnesse, the standard set up, and some beginning had) all the Vpright in heart may follow,Ps 50.5. Ps. 94 15 Ps. 149.7. To Execute Vengeance upon the heathen, and punishment upon the People.’

X. Now therefore, that we might not now loose the price of [Page 11]Blood, of Treasure, of the Prayers, and Tears of Saints, (for therein, though the least in our Fathers house, we claim an interest and share.) We shall (in order to this blessed work, and a beginning thereof, so longed, so prayed, so hoped for) state, under some generall heads the Cause we plead for, and the work we desire to prosecute, wherein we are of one Faith, and one hope: And shall also, to the end all stumbling blocks may be removed, more particularly (in our poor weak measure, according to our present light and apprehen­sion of things) give our judgement in respect of POWER, LAWS, GOVERNOVRS, EXERCISE of CHIEF MAGI­STRACY ADMINISTRATION OF JVSTICE, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEDGES: yet notwithstanding this, consi­dering our imbecility and darknesse, we premise, that we are apt to think, That when the spirit of discerning of judgment, of truth, bearing fruits of righteousnesse unto all Nations, comes forth as the spirit and light of this kingdom, our present ap­prehensions compared thereto are but as darknesse to light; Therefore we professe, in the sence of our own unworthi­nesse, and want of that heavenly skill and understanding, that we are waiting for a clearer light from the Son of righte­ousnesse in his arising upon his poor Spouse, now in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs: for the wisdome and revelation of that spirit, the hidden misteries of that Word: And to be going out and coming in,Rev. 16.5 6, 7 Ier. 50 28. Ps. 58 10. Isa. 34 8. Jer. 51 11. Is. 35 4. Ps. 149 7, 8, 9. Ps. 45.5 Rev. 18.6, 7. Mat. 23.35. Rev. 6 9, 10. ch 18, 20, 24 c. 17.6, & in the discerning Autho­rities, majesty, and grace of that spirit.

1. ‘That the righteous judgement s and vengeance of the Lord may be executed (according to that which is written) upon the Beast and false Prophet, the kings of the earth and their Armies, and all the Inhabitants and powers of Babi­lon, by the hands of the Saints unto whom God hath gi­ven that honour: That she may be rewarded double accor­ding to her works: That upon her may come all the righte­ous blood shed upon the Earth, from the blood of Abel unto this day: The blood of the soules under the Altar, slain for the word of God and for the Testimony which they have held for our Lord and King in their Generations: The blood of the Saints, the holy Apostles, the Prophers, and Servants, and Martyrs of Jesus, who have been as sheep [Page 12]for the slaughter, ch. 19.2, to 6, Isa. 26.21 Dan. 2.34, 35, 44, 45. ch. 7.26, 27. Rom. 8.17. Joel. 2.28 Psal. 72.6 2 Sam. 23.4, 5. Mich 5.7. Isa. 28.6. ch. 11.2, 1 Kings 3 9, 11. ch. 4.29.30, 31. Rom. 8.15. Zech. 12.10. Eph. 1.13 17. Rev. 19.10. Joh. 14.17, 1 Pet. 4.14. Rev. 2, 26 Reev 14 6, 7. comp. Mat. 24, 14 Isa 52.7. Mich 4.2. Ps. 68.13. Psa. 102.14. Mal. 4.2. Isa 60.1, to 7. Zech. 8.20, 21, 22. Rev. 15.4. Isa. 28.6. Zech. 9.13. Isa. 45.5 ch. 41.18, 19. ch. 44.3. Gal. 5.22.23. Their blood powred out like water in the bloody persecutions at Rome; The Massacres of France; The Murder­ing Inquisition of Spain; And the blood shed at the stake in Smithfield.’ ‘That the stone cut out of the Mountain with­out hands may smite the Image upon its feet: And that all earthly Governments, and worldly constitutions may be broken and removed by the first administration of the Kingdome of Christ, appointed unto him by the decree of the Father, and is the inheritance of the Saints, as joynt­heirs with him.’

2. That the Lord would poure out his blessed Spirit, & the gifts and graces thereof suitable to the Ministration we are under: And that he would come down as rain upon the mown grasse: By a spirit of Judgement and Councell of wisdome discerning, and understanding ‘To them that shall sit in Judgement: By a spirit of adoption, a spirit of grace, the holy spirit of promise, of wisdome and Revelation, in the knowledge of Christ, of Prophecy, of Truth, of Glory, of Power upon his Messengers:’ That the glad tidings of the EVERLASTING GOSPEL; ‘And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem’ may be borne ‘to them that dwell on the Earth, to eve­ry kindred, tongue, and people, and Nation,’ especially to those which shall be saved ‘according to the purpose of his grace;’ That have been so long among the Pots, & Rubbish, obscured from the ‘Healing beams of the Sun of righteousnesse: That the glo­ry of the Lord may be seen upon Zion: That the Gen­tiles may come to her light, and Kings to the brightnesse of her rising: So that the abundance of the Sea shall be con­verted, and the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto her. And by a spirit of might The spirit of the Lyon of the tribe of Judah,’ upon those that ‘Turne the bartail to the gate: That the Arrowes of the Almighty may be sharp in the hearts of the Kings Enemies: That rivers may be opened in high-places, and Fountains in the midst of the Valleyes:’ His spirit poured out upon his seed, and his blessing upon his Off-spring.

[Page 13]3. That the BRANCH ‘of righteousnesse may grow up unto David to execute Judgement and righteousnesse in the Land, upon the Throne of David, Jer. 33.15, 16. ch. 23.5. Isa. 9.6, 7. ch. 1.26. ch. 60.17. ch. 32.1. Deut. 17.15. ch. 1.13. Jer. 3.15. Isa. 10.27. Exod. 30.23. Isa. 61, 3. ch. 60.18. Zech. 9.8. Psal. 72.4.12, 14. Amos 5.24. Isa. 33.5: ch. 32.16. Psal 94.15. Mat. 12.20. Psal. 119.19, 54. Heb. 11.13. John 10.4.5. Zeph. 3.9. Isa. 11.13. Jer. 32.38, 39. Cant. 6.9. Phil. 2.20. Psal. 102.14. Eph. 2.20, 21. Rev. 16.12. compa Isa. 11.11, 15, 16. ch. 27.12, 13. Rom. 9.4. and upon his King­dome:’ To order it with judgement and with justice: In whom there is mercy for Saints as Saints, for men as men, and for the whole Creation: ‘That we might have Judges as at first, and Councellours as at the beginning: That our Offi­cers may be Peace, and our Exacters righteousnesse: And that we might have Pastors according to Gods heart, to feed the Flock with knowledge and understanding.’ And that all yoaks upon the inward and outward man, may be destroyed because of the Anoynting, the holy Spirit, the Myrrhe of Liberty, & Oyl of joy poured out into the wounds of the persecuted and bleeding Flock, and the groaning Creation: ‘That violence be no more heard in our Land, wasting nor destruction within our borders: But that we may call our Walls Salvation, and our Gates Praise: And that Judge­ment run down as waters, and Righteousnesse as a mighty stream: Dwelling in the Wildernesse, and remaning in the in the fruitful Field.’

4. That Judgement may be returned unto Righteous­nesse, and brought forth unto victory, ‘That all the upright in heart may follow it: that the Lambs of Christ, Torne, and scatered by Wolves, and the rage & cruelty of’ Antichrist, now as Pilgrims and strangers in the Earth, may be gathered out of their several formes, and from their holes and corners, at the voice of their great Shepheard, and may serve the Lord with one consent, and may all call upon his name: My Dove, my undefi­led is but one: That the whole building of the spiritual Tem­ple (for whom we naturally care, ‘As taking pleasure in her stones, and favoring the dust thereof.) Upon the foundati­on of the Apostles, and Prophets, and Christ the chief-cor­ner stone, may grow up unto an holy Temple in the Lord.’ And that (according to the many Prophecies and Promises in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.) ‘The way of the Kings of the East might be prepared:’ The Jews and Isralites, ‘To whom pertaineth the Adoption, and the [Page 14]Glory, Isa. 43, 5, 6. Ezek 36.24. ch. 37.14.15, 21. & 34.12, 13 14. Ier. 23 7, 8. ch. 32 37. Ier. 30 18. Isa. 66 12. Dan. 2 35. Is. 2.2 Coll. 1, 15 16, 18 o 1.1, 2 3. Heb. 1.2. Rev. 19 13. 1 Cor. 1.24. Pro. 8.22, 23, 30, 31. Mark 1.11. John 1 14. Rev. 1.5. Heb. 1.2. Eph. 4.8. Coll. 2.15. Heb. 1 4, 8. Ps. 45.6 Joh. 5.27. Rev 19.16. c. 17.14. Phil. 2.9, 10. Isa. 45 33. Matt. 28.18. Gen. 22.17. compa. Gall. 3.16. Luke 1, 32 33. Dan. 7.27. Ps. 2.7, 8. Isa. 53.12. Rev. 11.15. Isa. 9.6, 7. and the Covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises, may be Redeemed from their long Captivities, and gathered from the Isles of the Sea, and from the four corners of the Earth, and so all Israel may be saved, and restored to the possession of their own Land: And with the fulnesse of the Gentiles being ad­d [...]d to them as a [...]owing stream, They may together become a great Mountain, filling the whole Earth,’ with their power and glory, ‘And may be established in top of the Mountains, and exalted above the Hills.’

5. ‘That as all things that are in Heaven and in Earth, visible and invisible, whether Thrones, Dominions, Prin­cipallities or Powers were created by our Lord Jesus’ As he is the Word, the Power and the Wisdome of God; and for him as ‘He is the only begotten Son of God, the first born from c­ry Creature, the image of the invisible God, the head of the Church, the Beginning, the first born of the Dead, that in all things he might have the preheminence, the head of Principallities and Powers:’ That, as he is by the wise pur­pose of the Father, appointed heir of all things: And, having triumphed over Satan, Hell, Death and Sin; ‘And having spoiled Principallities and Powers, hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than that of the Angels: whose Throne is for ever and ever, a Scepter of Righte­ousnesse is the Scepter of his Kingdome: Ʋnto whom also is given Authority to execute jugement, because he is the Son of man:’ On whose Vesture and Thigh is a name written, KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS: Un­to whom is given all power both in Heaven and in Earth: And unto him is also promised ‘The Gate of his Enemies:’ The THRONE of his Father David: The Kingdoms of this world: ‘A portion with the great, and the spoyl with the strong: Therefore, That all the Kingdomes of this world should become the Kingdomes of our Lord Christ: The Government put upon his shoulders, who is called Won­derfull, Councellor, mighty God, everlasting Father, [Page 15]Prince of Peace: 2 Kings 19 31. Isa. 37 32. Eph. 6.10. Mic. 5.4. Psa. 72.1, 8. Zech. 9, 10. Ps. 72, 9, 11. Luke 19.27. 1 Tim. 6.15. Jer. 23.6. ch. 33.16. That his THRONE may be establish­ed with Judgement and Justice, by the Zeal of the Lord of Hosts, and the power of his might: That he might be great unto the ends of the earth: That the Lords righteous judg­ments might be given to the king, and his righteousnesse unto the kings son: That he may have his Dominion from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the Earth: That they that dwell in the wildernesse may bow before him, and his enemies may lick the dust: And that all kings may fall down before him, and all Nations may serve him, who is the onely and blessed Potentate, THE LORD OVR RIGHTEOVSNES.’

6. That the supream absolute LEGISLATIVE POWER and AVTHORITY to make Laws for the governing of the Nations, and the good and well-being of man-kind,Isa. 9 6. c. 32.1. & 33.22. Jer. 10.7. Ps. 2.7, 8. Acts 2.30 c. 3.22, 23 Iam. 4.12 Mat. 29.18. is ori­ginally and essentially in the Lord Jesus Christ, by Right, ‘Conquest, Gift, Election, and Inheritance,’ who is the onely absolute single person, whom the father hath ‘loved, decreed, sworn to, anointed, and given all power unto in heaven and in earth.’

7. That the ‘scriptures (being given by inspiration of God, with his holy spirit)’ are the revealed Will and Rule of this LEGISLATOR, to be constantly owned, and submit­ted unto in [...]imes of War and Peace, as a constant standing Rule, for the inward and outward man (wherein are Laws,2 Tim. 3.15, 16, 17 Isa. 42.4. ch. 8.20 Deut. 4.7 8. Gal. 6 16. Luke 16.29, 31. Mal. 4.4. Isa. 42.21 Mat. 15.13. 2 Tim. 1.13. Statutes, Precepts and Judgments for all cases, conditions, and actions, of civill, millitary, and spirituall concerns, ei­ther in particular or more generall tearms.) For so they were to the COMMON-WEALTH of Israel, the onely type of the LAMBS GOVERNMENT: Though doubtlesse in the Anti-type, light and perfection, will more exceedingly abound. So that now the bowels of the poore, the needy, the afflicted, the languishing, the thirsty souls; the oppressed and almost devoured People, shall all be refreshed, revived, by the constant administration of Justice, the sweet current of judg­ment, and streams of righteousnes, that shall flow down ever into their bosoms and wounds, from this fountain, and spi­rit of this Law.

[Page 16]8. That a SANHEDRIM, or SVPREAM-COVNCELL, (this Interest now up once removed) men of choicest light and spirit; ‘indued with judgment, righteousnesse, wisdom, knowledge, understanding; able men, men of truth, and of known integrity,Numb. 11.16, 17 Isa 32.1. c. 33 5.6. c. 9.7. Exo. 18.21, 22. Deu, 1.13 2 Sam. 23.3. Phil. 1.11. Iam 3 17. Isa. 11 2. ch. 28.6 fearing God, haters of Coveteousnes, be­ing filled with the fruits of righteousnesse, full of mercy and good works, without partiality, and without hypo­crisie:’ In whom may abound the spirit of Councell and might: And upon whom may abound and abide, the Lords spirit, which shall be the wisdome, light, life and glory of this day: be duely chosen and constituted, upon, and ac­cording to the principles of Right and Freedome.

9. That such a Councell so constituted, shall be the RE­PRESENTATIVE (for our Lord and King) of the whole Body of the Saints, (whose Day this is,) and people in the Nations.

10. That the said Representative (as Princes under Christ, from whom (with his People) their Power is derived,Isa. 32.1.) shall Rule in judgment; or have the exercise of the chief-magistracy and the power of Administring the laws residing in them: Shall Consult and provide, for the safety and welfare of the State and People: shall determine and give judgment in all supream matters of civill councell (not to prescribe forms of Worship for their Brethren;Deut. 16.18, 19, 20. Isa. 11, 4 nor to take the Power upon them given to the Church) according to their present light: And ‘shall Rule and Govern the People with just judgment;’ And that freely without respect of Persons, or taking of gifts or bribes; ‘And the poor with righteousnes and equity; And shall save the children of the needy,Ps. 72, 2, 4 12, 13. with him that hath no helper.’ So as that all just and honourable ends (for which they are intrusted) may be answered.

11. That the power of ordering and disposing the Militia, and forces of Zion at sea and land (so as the great and glo­rious ends for which they are raised, i. e. the glory of God, the enthroning and glorifying of his son, ‘The doing of his will on earth as it is done in heaven;’ The carrying on of his work in other Nations, the lifting up of truth, the redeeming of whole Zion, into one ‘as the middle wall of partition is broken down, the manifest good of mankinde,’ [Page 17] The restoration of the whole Creation. Be not obscured or hin­dered, neither in any degree Ennervated: But that according to the will of God; u [...]to all these Interests in their several capacities, degrees and stations, the fruits of Righteousnesse, of Truth, of Judgement, of victory be borne) be in this Re­presentative.

12. That for the most equal and constant administration of Justice, and execution or Judgement, and ease and benefit of the people,Deut. 4. [...] 7. Deut. 16 18. Exod. 18.21. that the blessing of the Lord may be upon this Common-Wealth, and God nigh in all things we call upon him for; there may be a Court of Judicature in each respe­ctive general division of the nation or Counties (so called) to sit once in every three Monthes (or oftener if it shall be found necessary) at the chief City, or other place of such Division. To Determine, and give Judgement in Capital Crimes and Causes, whether civil or criminal, without respect of persons. Yet so as all hidden, hard, and high matters, ‘That ariseth between Blood and Blood, between Plea and Plea, and between Stroak and Stroak,’ or other wayes, mat­ters of controversie, be brought before the SƲPREAM COƲNCEL, who are to direct, or give Judgement there­in, according to the Property, Nature and Reason of the Case, so as that there be not a Deviating from the Law or the Testimony. And if any find themselves to be grieved or op­pressed, or if there be any other wayes just cause, there is li­bery of appeal reserved from them to the SƲPREM-COƲNCEL.

13. For that Israel in their Common-Wealth had not only Rulers of Thousands, but of Hundreds, Fifties and Tens, Exod. 18.21, 22. that the people might have justice at all seasons,; therefore there be Judges Authorized, and appoynted for every Mar­ket-Town or Town of Value, for the said Townes and the Villages nere unto them; to sit constantly once in every Moneth (if need require) to hear and determine Civill Cau­ses, Pleas of lesse value, and Crimes not Capital, and which deserve corporal punishment, Fine, or the like. So that we may have Judges and Officers in all our Gates, which Iehovah may give unto us, Deut. 16.18. Y [...]t reserving libertie of appeals from them to the Court of Justice in the County.

[Page 18]14. For the better current of Justice and Righteousnesse, and the most speedy dispatch of all affairs incident to these re­spective Courts; each Court to make choice of such Officers and Ministers of Justice from among their Brethren, as shall be needful and warrantable by the Law and the Testimony.

15. That the power of all subordinate Courts, Judges, Deputies, Assistants, &c. shall be derived from the Supream-Councel; who are to issue out Warrants for their Elections, and meet Qualifications. And whether some of their own Number, with Assistants to be chosen by the Free-men, may be Authorized for the purposes aforesaid, or otherwayes, is left to the judgement and wisdome of the Councel.

16. That every man Plead his own Cause: And that there be no Councel Retained by any:Exod. 23.2. Lam. 3.36 Judg. 19.30. ch. 27 7, 8. Numb. 22.7, 17. Acts 24.5. But in doubtfull matters, and other necessities, the Pleaders be-rewarded by the State, and imployed as Assistants to the Judges, as indifferent per­sons to finde out the truth of the Cause, and not to obscure and overthrow it, as has been too often seen.

17. That, (it having been found by experience incon­sistent with the good and welbeing of the governed) the su­pream power actualy in the great Councel, as the Representees of the whole Body of the Saints, be not perpetuated upon the persons of any during life, o [...] any Tearm of years, or lon­ger then they shall be found fit for, or faithfull in, & to their worthy service, and that great trust reposed in them by Christ, his Followers, People and Subjects. But that at the end of twelve Moneths (to be accounted from the first day of their call, and Assembling together) the said Power in course fall into the Body, at every one of the said Periods of time.

18. That upon the last day of the said Tearm successively (or sooner if it shall be determened) the LORDS-FREE­MEN (i.e. Those that have a right with Christ in and ac­cording to the New-Covenant. ‘For whom the Sun maketh free, are free indeed, And the servant abideth not in the house for ever, but the Son abideth ever, John. 8.35.36.) shall be assembled together, and shall then make their new-Election of Members (with respect to the Qualifications a­foresaid) to serve in the Supream Trust;’ either of those [Page 19](with others) formerly chosen (if excelling others in their measure of Spirit, and light from the holy one) Or else of others not formerly called, when found meet for so high a service. And so successively and constantly from time to time. That those so chosen (The power remaining with the old Magistrate upon the day of Election, who are to take care that the people be duly Assembled as aforesaid: Or in case of fails herein, the people (knowing their concernment) do of course come together for the said Elections) be duly admit­ted to succeed in the Government, the next day after their choice or otherwise. ‘So the Law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.’

19. That it be not in the power of the Supream Cowncel to violate, take away, give up, or enervate any of the Founda­tions of Common-Right, and Freedome, which are, or shall be agreed upon; save in case of a further convincing light: And such alterations may be according to Law, and the good of the people.

20. That no person of what Ranck, Degree, or Qualitie soever be priviledged from Law, and subjection, but all to own obedience to the righteous rule of the head of this Go­vernment: That so (the Magistrates and Governors, with o­ther Inferiour officers, tasting of subjection, aswel as of Rule, & Government) no particular or private interests of Lord­ship, Power, and advantage, contrary to that of Publick and common good, be any wayes upheld and maintained.

21. That in this blessed interest of our Lord Jesus, men (as they are men) ‘Shall be Blessed, Preserved, and Pro­tected in their peaceable enjoyment of their Estates,Psal. 72.2, 9, 11, 17 Liberties and Priviledges under him:’ ‘Insomuch that they that dwell in the wildernesse shall bow before him, yea all Kings shall fall down before him, all Nations shall serve him; yea they shall call him blessed. So that when the Lords Judge­ments are in the earth,Isa. 26.9. the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousnesse.’

First, (as under the Law of this Common-Wealth) they shall be freed from violence and oppression, and all Tyrannical and Anti­christian yoaks upon the outward man: He shall break in pie­ces the Oppressor. And,

[Page 20]1. That no man be committed, or det [...]yned in Prisons, without the cause be legally expressed and known. Liber­tie is therefore to be proclaimed to all those that suffer wrongfully upon the will and pleasure of any man.

2. That there be no impressing; or inforceing of men for Souldiers; neither shall it be in the power of the Councel, to constrain men, or impresse them to serve in Forreign wars either by Sea or Land.

3. That there be no longer continuance of that wicked, and unlawfull oppression of Excise; neither of Customes upon the native Inhabitants.

4. That there be no Assesments or Taxes levied upon and compelled from the People in times of peace, neither in time of War, but by their common consent and accord­ing to our law: But that the War (once raised) be prin­cipally carried on at the charge of those that are the occa­sioners thereof, The Beast and false Prophet, the wicked, bloody, Antichristian, ‘Magistracy, Ministry, Lawyers, &c. That have eaten out the bowels of the poore; whose gain shall be consecrated to the Lord,Mich. 4.13 Rev. 11.18. and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth: And the Lord shall de­stroy them that destroy the earth.’

5. That all Oppressions and griev [...]nces in the tenures of lands, Copyhold, and Customary, Heriots, Fines, Amer­ciaments, Perquesites, and profits of Courts, customs, ser­vices, &c. in these or any other respect, be abrogated and clean removed.

6. That there be no place found for TITHES, being judged as Antichristian, and altogether inconsistent with the Go­spel spirit: And that the glorious Gospel of the Kingdome be freely held forth, and preached to all: And to that end that Ministers be sent forth of the Church, according to the Primitive Institution, and Rule of the Gospel; who are to be maintained as the Gospel will warrant; either the labour of their hands, or the free-contributions of Saints and Churches: That grace may abound, ‘Thus saith the Lord God,Ezek. 34.10. behold I am against the Shepherds, and I will require my Flock at their hands, and cause them to cease from seeding the Flock, neither shall the [Page 21]shepheards seed themselves any more: For I will deliver my flock from their mouth, that they may not be meat for them. But that respect be had unto those, who with their own particular esta [...]es have purchased Tithes, Gleabe­lands &c.’ And that they may have satisfaction, according to that which shall be made appear to have been paid for them.

Secondly, Man shall be blessed in this Interest (as in that state of Restitution of all things, Acts 3.21.) In that he shall be restored by God unto right reason, and wisdome: And that beast like and brutish nature and principles (from whence has proceeded al [...] Murders, Thefts, Rebellion, Vi­olence, Oppression, Ravenning and Devouring his fellow creatures; One creature destroying another; whence it is, the Earth is defiled and corrupted, bring­ing forth Thorns, Briers, Thistles, weeds, &c. All ver­mine that increaseth not by generation abounds, &c. And the ‘whole world lyeth in wickednesse:’ Ther [...]fore ‘the Creation groaneth, and travelleth to be delivered from the yoak and bondage of corruption, Rom. 8.21, 22.)’ he has retained ever since the fall of man, shall be in a great measure done away. In so much that when the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, (the old Serpent shall not on­ly be bound) But all flesh shall see it together. For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. A figure of this we have in ‘Nebuchad-nezzar — he was driven from men, and did eat grasse as Oxen,Isa. 40.5. Dan. 4.33▪ 34. and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hairs were grown as Eagles feathers, and his nails like Birds claws. And at the end of the dayes I Nebuchadnezzar lift up mine eys to heaven, AND MINE VNDERSTANDING RETVRNED UNTO ME, and I blessed the most high, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose Dominion is an everlasting Dominion, and his kingdome is from generation to ge­neration.’ So that, man is loudly called upon to come in, and with all chearfulnesse, and readinesse to submit himself unto the Government, and rule of ‘th [...] Prince of the Kings of the Earth:’ THE WISDOM OF WHOSE THRONE SHAL DECIDE ALL CONTROVERSIES: [Page 22]And great will be the Peace of this Day, when the ‘Beast, and the Fals-Prophet is taken in opposing the Lamb with their Armies) and cast alive into a lake of Fire. Rev. 19.19, 20.’