An observation and comparison between the idolatrous Israelites, and judges of England. A word to the Army. A memorandum, with twelve propositions, tendered to the Parliament; and an encouragement to all faithfull hearts in Parliament, Army, and Common-wealth. Lastly, a call to all those that will follow the lambe: publisht for the satisfaction of all well-minded people. By H.N. a well-wisher to Englands freedome and prosperity.

An observation and comparison between the idolatrous Israelites, and judges of England. A word to the Army. A memorandum, with twelve propositions, tendered to the Parliament; and an encouragement to all faithfull hearts in Parliament, Army, and Common-wealth. Lastly, a call to all those that will follow the lambe: publisht for the satisfaction of all well-minded people. By H.N. a well-wisher to Englands freedome and prosperity.

Table of contents

Title page

In the first place, we present our friends with an observation of the power of the living God, from the year 41. till 59. with a Comparison between the Idolatrous Israelites, and the back-sliding Army and Judges of England.

A Word to the Army.

A Memorandum to the Parliament, with twelve Propositions, tendered to their speedy Consideration.

Twelve Propositions tender'd to the Parliaments speedy Consideration, from many Thousands in and about the City of LONDON.

We conclude with a Call to all those that will follow the Lambe.

FINIS.

§

§

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AN OBSERVATION AND COMPARISON Between the Idolatrous Israelites, And Judges of England.

A Word to the ARMY.

A Memorandum, with twelve Propositions, tendered to the Parliament; and an Encouragement to all faithfull hearts in Parliament, Army, and Common-wealth.

Lastly, a Call to all those that will follow the Lambe: Publisht for the satisfaction of all wellminded People.

By H. N. a well-wisher to Englands freedome and prosperity.

‘Non nobis solum natisumus.’

LONDON, Printed for L. Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-headalley, 1659.

In the first place, we present our friends with an observation of the power of the living God, from the year 41. till 59. with a Comparison between the Idolatrous Israelites, and the back-sliding Army and Judges of England.

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DEar Friends, and Fellow-sufferers, if you do but consider the power of the living God, you cannot but acknowledge, That unlesse the Lord had been on our sides, when men rose up against us, they had swallowed us up quick; and if you observe the Kingly Prophet, Psal. 105. 14. how he declares the mercies and wondrous works of God, who reproved Kings for their sakes, how he delivered them out of bondage, bringing forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness, giving them the lands of the Heathen, and they inherited the labours of the people: you may see the reason wherefore he did it, at the 45. verse of the 104. Psal. viz. That they might observe his Statutes, and keep his Laws. But take notice, Psal. 106. 13, 39, 40. verses, they soon for at his works: They waited not for his counsel: They were defiled with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, and he delivered them into the hands of those that hated them. O. C. Neverthelesse he remembred for them his Covenant, and repented according to the multitude of his mercies.

Now compare and call to mind, had not the enemy, that inhumane enemy (which neither feared God nor respected man) swallowed us up quick, if the Lord, the Lord of hosts, had not delivered us, reproving Kings for our sakes, bringing us [Page] forth with joy and gladnesse? Ought we not to have executed judgement and justice? Was it not our duty to have delivered the oppressed, to have broken every yoke? But alas! you may read our condition first and last, 106. Psal. 10, 11. He saved them from the hand of him that hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. The waters covered their enemies. And thus the Lord deliver'd us, in 46, 47, 48. Then observe how exactly we imitated them at the 12. verse, Then believed they his words, they sang his praise: so did Oliver. But Mark! at the 13. verse, They soon forgot his works, they waited not for his counsell, but lusted, &c. And as the Israelites made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the Molten Image: So the Judges of this Nation made a Protector, and waited upon his counsel; and when he died, they made an image of him in whom they trusted; and brought it into the house of their priests at Westminster, where it remains to this very day: 106. Psal. 21. to the 29. They forg at God their Saviour: Thus they provoked him to anger with their inventions, and the plague broke in upon them, vers. 30, 31. Then stood up Phinehas and executed judgement, and so the plague was stayed: And that was counted unto him for righteousnesse, unto all generations for evermore.

Let this example therefore of Phineas stir up all faithfull hearts, both in Parliament, Army and Common-wealth, speedily to execute Judgement and Justice upon evil doers without partiality. Considering that the Lord may justly bring a plague upon us, for our notorious wickednesses and abominations.

A Word to the Army.

O all ye faithfull in the Army,

THis is the time wherein you must either act like men, or as meer Mercenaries & Vassals, both enslave your selvs and us your oppressed Countrey-men, & quondam-fellow-Souldiers, with whom we formerly engaged, for that Good Old Cause, for which the lives of thousands of our friends and relations have been couragiously lost, and their blouds freely spent, to redeem, and set at liberty the good people of this Nation, from Tyranny and oppression: In the accomplishment [Page] whereof, after we had so undauntedly, and resolvedly ventured our lives and estates; Neverthelesse, like the children of Israel, we were reduced and carried back from that good work; and when we lookt for Judgement and Justice, behold oppression, and Tyranny; for Righteousnesse, and behold a cry. At which time, a selfish power, and deluding spirit, stealing the hearts of the Army, got the upper hand, thinking thereby to establish and set up it self, and its own Interest, above the Interest and kingdome of Jesus Christ: and who more active in that work, then the Priests of this Nation? and who more satisfied with it? or countenanc'd from it, then they? They were the men would have maintained it with their lives and estates: and soon after their Lord Protector Richard was proclaimed, and that they thought he would never be removed; O then what feigned demonstrations of joy they made, what flattering Addresses, what hypocriticall prayers and wishes they had; and how they daubed with untempered Morter, most men have taken notice of; and those that please to read the Diurnals, may find this truth. And when any of the honest godly people reproved them, and told them of their horrible wickednesse, Tyranny and hypocrisie, then had they framed mischief by a Law, imprisoning, hanging, murthering, starving, and destroying them. There is a people can produce the names of twenty odd in fellowship with them, who have been murthered by them, besides such as are imprison'd for conscience sake; who to this day, lie groning and lamenting in dungeons, without any consideration had of their sufferings, who are still travelling with us, to be delivered from bondage and slavery. Now behold you faithfull in the Army, where is your bowells of compassion? declare whether we, having lost our limbs, relations, and estates, in the quarrell, have not an Interest in, and among you, whether you will own and follow the Lamb Jesus Christ, and whether we may exepct from you, that Freedome, Justice, and Equity, we have (with you) so long contended (and are still contending) for, or no. If it will be your ends, and design, in a new method and way of policy, still to enslave us; Behold, deliverance shall come some other way, for our Redeemer is mighty.

A Memorandum to the Parliament, with twelve Propositions, tendered to their speedy Consideration.

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Gentlemen and Fellow-Commoners:

IN the beginning of that unnatural War, Anno 1641. We were called forth and conjured by several Declarations of Parliament, to the defence of your, our own and the peoples just Rights and Priviledges. And, as you may read in the beginning of a Remonstrance of many thousand Citizens, and other Free born people of England, directed to their own House of Commons, occasioned through the illegal and barbarous imprisonment of that famous and worthy Sufferer for his Countreys Freedom, Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburn; You may there finde the power we intrusted you withal, which follows in these words.

Note: Vide a Remonstrance Anno 1646. We are well assured, yet cannot forget, that the cause of our chusing you to be Parliament-men, was to deliver us from all kinde of bondage, and to preserve the Commonwealth in peace and happiness▪ for the effecting whereof, we possest you with the same power that was in our selves to have done the same: For we might justly have done it our selves, without you, if we had thought it convenient; chusing you (as persons whom we thought fitly qualified, and faithful) for avoiding some inconveniences.

But ye are to remember, this was onely of us but a power of trust (which is ever revokable, and cannot be otherwise) and to be imployed to no other end, then our own well-being: nor did we chuse you to continue our trust longer then the known establish'd constitution of this Commonwealth, will [Page] justly permit; and that could be but for one year at the most: for by our Law, a Parliament is to be called once a year, and oftner (if need be) as ye well know. We are your Principals, and you our Agents; it's truth which you cannot but acknowledge: For if you or any other shall assume or exercise any power that is not derived from our trust and choice thereunto, that power is no less then Usurpation, and an oppression from which we expect to be freed, in whomsoever we finde it; it being altogether inconsistent with the nature of just Freedom, which we also very well understand, &c. But how ye have discharged this our trust, let the righteous God judg between you and us; for though we are willing to go backward, and cover your shame, yet we know your works: be watchful aud strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die, for we have not found your works perfect before God: Remember therefore how ye have read and heard; and hold fast, and repent, for behold, the Lord hath heard our cries, and is come down to deliver us. And you are brought back, either to perfect that Good Work which hath lyen so long in your hands, or else that the Lord may make known to you (as he did to Pharaoh) his Almighty power and Omnipotency.

Therefore take heed that you harden not your hearts, lest the Lord bring upon you as great plagues, as he did upon Pharaoh: let justice and truth be countenanced, and not Laws made, making men offenders for a word, laying snares for them that reprove in the gate. Let not Oliver Cromwel (who provided for the widow and fatherless) rise up in judgement against you, and condemn you.

Finally, we complain at this present, as the good people complained 1646. viz▪ that ye are extreamly altered in your demeanor towards us: In the beginning, you seemed to know what Freedom was, made a distinction of honest men, whether rich or poor, all were welcom to you, and ye would mix your selves with us, in a loving and familiar way, void of courtly observance or behaviour.

Ye kept your Committees doors open, all might hear and judge of your dealings; hardly you would permit men to stand bare-headed before you, some of you telling them, ye more regarded their health, and that they should not deem of you as of their domineering Courts: ye and they were all one, all Commons [Page] of England, and the like ingenuous carriage; by which Ye wan our affections, to that height, that ye no sooner demanded any thing, but it was effected: Ye did well then, who did hinder you? To pass by the multitude of pretious Lives have been lost, and the mass of monies which have been raised, and for all that, the noble, patient, faithful Souldier's forced to sell his Debenters (the price of his blood and travels) at 2 s. 6 d. per pound, or 3 s. 4 d. at most, would make rational men almost mad to consider. The Customes were thought an oppression at the beginning, nevertheless is now confirmed with many augmentations; truly it is a sad thing, but too true. A plain quietminded man in any place in England, is just like a harmless sheep in a thicket, can hardly move or stir but he shall be scratched, and lose his wool: and none are so ill used, as honest Godly men. And now if ye believe there is a God, ye must believe it; and if you do believe it, and consider the wayes ye have trod, and truly repent, shew it by walking contrary to what ye have done, and let us quickly and speedily partake thereof; For God is a God that taketh vengeance, and will not suffer you to go on to our Ruine.

Twelve Propositions tender'd to the Parliaments speedy Consideration, from many Thousands in and about the City of LONDON.

1. THat all which profess Jesus Christ, may be assi [...]ted, defended and incouraged, of what opinion soever. But as for blasphemers, or such whose lives and conversations are not agreeable to their doctrines, we detest and abhor, as enemies to the Cross of Christ.

2. That Justice and Equity may be equally, impartially and speedily distributed; that the honest people be no longer defrauded and ruined: and let this be your work, and go thorow with it; refer it not to this day and that day, for it is the greatest oppression this day in England, and far more insupportable [Page] then either King or House of Lords.

3. That none may be imprison'd for conscience sake, or suffer as Malefactors, but by due process in Law, and a Jury of their equals. And that all such as have been spoiled, illegally imprisoned, banished or abused, may be forthwith recal'd, the imprison'd freed or condemn'd, their cases heard, their suffering and ruines repair'd.

4. That such as have purchased vast Estates by defrauding the souldiers of their Debenters (the price of their bloods) or have by any unjust wayes or means, couzened and cheated the Nation, either as Committee-men, Excise-men, Treasurers, Sequestrators or Collectors, may be examined how they have gotten such Estates, and by the mouths of two Witnesses and a Jury of their neighbours, they may stand and abide such sentence as shall be agreeable to Equity.

5. That such as have betrayed the Liberties of the People so long contended for, and such as have been impeached and secluded the Houses of Parliament for Treason, may be brought to Judgement.

6. That the Estates of all dishonest unconscionable persons may be sold, who have put themselves prisoners into the Upper Bench, of purpose to defraud their honest Creditors, who out of love and good will, in their necessities, trusted them with their monies, and goods; in thankfulness whereof, they thereby cheat and couzen them, instead of a recompence. There they lie drinking, swearing, and consuming other mens Estates: and in our judgements, are far worse then thieves, or high-way men; What think you English men? ought not this to be redressed, and satisfaction made to honest Creditors?

7. That none be impressed or compelled to serve as souldiers in the Wars, (except in case of necessity, by reason of forraign Invasion) nor yet be forced out of the Nation upon forraign Services.

8. That speedy course may be taken for paying and satisfying the Army, who are so much in arrear, that some of them are forced to great wants and extreamities; that so they may discharge their Quarters honestly, and not be beholden to Tapsters and Ostlers.

9. That all differences in Law may be heard and determined in every County, without fraud or delay; to the end that [Page] all honest laborious people in this Nation, may enjoy that little which is justly their own, with peace and content: which will be the greatest good any Parliament can do.

10. That trading (the externall life of the Commonwealth) may be reviv'd and encourag'd; and some present course taken for the advance thereof: which will add new life to this languishing Nation, and induce the people to follow their callings with delight and comfort.

11. That all poor, old, blind, lame, sick, and imprisoned, which lie begging and crying in the streets, may be carefully provided for, both as members of Jesus Christ, and your fellow Christians; That there may be no more groning, nor complaining in our streets.

12. That this present Parliament may have bounds, and be subject to the Laws of this Nation, as well as others; and that some period and term of time be set down (as a year) when they shall be dissolved: That thereby they may taste of subjection as well as rule; and know how to consider other mens cases, as what may come to be their own. Otherwise, in stead of one Tyrant, we shall have a thousand.

And you shall perceive, we have not yet left our true English confidence, but are willing, that both you and all our neighbour Nations, shoud know, that we both see and know all stratagems and policies that are laid in wait to entrap, and so to enslave us; and that we bid defiance (now, as formerly) to the worst our enemies can do. And we would not have you to be discouraged in attempting whatsoever is evidently just: for we will therein assist you to the last drop of our blouds. Fear neither the Anakims, nor the sons of the Giants, for the Lord our God, he will stand by you in all things that are just, and will blesse and prosper you therein. Forsake and utterly renounce all crafty and subtil intentions; hide not your thoughts from us, and give us encouragement to be open breasted unto you.

And now, if ye shall conscionably perform your trust the year ensuing, and order the Parliaments to succeed as aforesaid, then we shall not doubt to be made absolute freemen in time; and become a just, plenteous, and powerfull Nation. All that is past will be forgotten, and we shall have cause to rejoice in your wisdome and fidelity.

We conclude with a Call to all those that will follow the Lambe.

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ANd we hereby cry and call to all those that will follow the Lambe Jesus Christ, and own him to be King, Priest, and Prophet: O come, come quickly, and his Banner over you shall be love: stand no longer disputing and catching at shadows, but unite as one man for Justice and Righteousnesse: O how good and joyfull a thing it is for brethren to live together in unity! Love and unity, like arrows in the Quiver, are not to be broken; one by one, is the conquest of a finger. But if no arguments can move you to love, we pronounce that you have no Interest in Jesus Christ, you are none of his Disciples. You know many brave English spirits which would yet never bow their knees to Baal, who have suffered both imprisonment, banishment, and death it self: And shall we now give over? shall we now give over the work of the Lord? shall any thing separate us from the love of Jesus Christ? shall tribulation or persecution? we are perswaded, neither life nor death, principalities nor powers, Parliament nor Army, things present, or things to come, shall be able to hinder us from following that Lambe. And now to the end we may, like true English men, consider and compassionate one anothers burthens and sufferings, we desire that those noble spirits would meet every Thursday or Sunday, about 7. of the clock in the morning, at the Tomb of Mr. Jo. Lilburn, in order to concord and unity; and that we may be better known one to another, and that we may comfort and encourage one another in the work of the Lord, as the Lord hath commanded by the Prophet I say, saying, Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees, say to them that are of a fearfull heart, Be strong, fear not: Behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence, he will come to save you, Isa. 35. 3, 4.

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Title statement

An observation and comparison between the idolatrous Israelites, and judges of England. A word to the Army. A memorandum, with twelve propositions, tendered to the Parliament; and an encouragement to all faithfull hearts in Parliament, Army, and Common-wealth. Lastly, a call to all those that will follow the lambe: publisht for the satisfaction of all well-minded people. By H.N. a well-wisher to Englands freedome and prosperity.

H. N.

Edition statement

1659

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Text Creation Partnership,

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2008-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A89808

ID [STC]

Wing N20

ID [STC]

Thomason E983_29

ID [STC]

ESTC R207776

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99866807

ID [PROQUEST]

99866807

ID [VID]

119093

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A89808)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 119093)

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— An observation and comparison between the idolatrous Israelites, and judges of England. A word to the Army. A memorandum, with twelve propositions, tendered to the Parliament; and an encouragement to all faithfull hearts in Parliament, Army, and Common-wealth. Lastly, a call to all those that will follow the lambe: publisht for the satisfaction of all well-minded people. By H.N. a well-wisher to Englands freedome and prosperity., H. N..

Extent

[2], 9, [1] p.

printed for L. Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-head-alley,. London :: 1659.. (Annotation on Thomason copy: "May 25"; "May. 25".) (Reproduction of the original in the British Library.)

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