By the Lord Lievtenant Generall of Ireland.
WHereas our late Soveraigne King Charles of happy memory, hath been lately by a party of his rebellious Subjects of England most trayterously, maliciously, and inhumanely put to death and murthered: And forasmuch as His Majesty that now is, Charles by the Grace of God, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, is Son and Heire of his said late Majesty; and therefore by the Lawes of the Land in force, and practised in all Ages, is to inherit: We therefore in the discharge of the duty we owe unto God, our Allegiance and Loyalty to our Soveraigne, holding it fit so to proclaime in and through this His Majesties Kingdome, doe by this our present Proclamation declare, and manifest to the world, That Charles the Second, Son and Heire of our said late Soveraigne King Charles the First of happy memory, is by the Grace of God the undoubted King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, Defender of the the Faith, &c.
Given at Carrick this 16. day of February, 1648.
The Marquesse of Ormonds Letter to Colonell Jones.
I Have not thus long forborn to invite you, with those under your command, to a submission to his Majesties authority in me, and a conjunction with me in the waies of his service, out of any the least aversion I had to you, or any of them, or out of any disesteem of your power, to advance or impede the same, but out of my fear that (whilest those that have of late usurped power over the Subjects of England, held forth the least tolerable shadow of moderation in their intentions towards the settlement of the Church and State, and that in some tolerable way, with relation to Religion, the interest of the King and Crown, the freedome of Parliaments, and the Liberty of the. Subjects) any addresse from me proposing the withdrawing of that party from those; this professing (from whom they had received some, and expected further support) would have been but coldly received, and any determination thereupon deferred in hope and expectation of the fore-mentioned settlement: or that if your self (who certainly have not wanted a foresight of the sad confusion now covering the face of England) would have declared with me, the Lord Inchiquin, and the Protestant Army in Munster, in prevention [Page 3]thereof: yet my fear was it would have been as difficult for you to have carried with you the main body of the Army under your Command, not so clear-fighted as your self, as it would have been dangerous to you, and those with you wel inclined to have attempted it without them: But now that the mask of Hipocrisie (by which the Independent Army hath ensnared and enslaved all estates and degrees of men) is laid aside, now that bare-faced they evidently appear to be the subverters of true Religion, and the protectors and invitors of all false ones, but even of Irreligion and Atheisme: Now that they have barbarously and inhumanoly laid violent sacrilegious hands upon, and murthered Gods anointed and our King, not as heretofore some patricides have done, to make room for some usurper, but in a way plainly manifesting their intention is to change the Monarchy of England into Anarchy, unlesse their aim be first to constitute an elective Kingdome, and Crumwell or some such John of Leydon being elected, then by the same force by which they have thus far compassed their end to establish a perfect Turkish tyranny. Now that of the three Estates of King, Lords and Commons, whereof in all ages Parliaments have consisted, there remains only a small number, and they the dregs and scum of the house of Commons, packt and awed by the Army, a wicked remnant left for no other end then yet further (if it be possible) to delude the people with the name of Parliament. The King being murthered, and the Lords and the rest of the Commons being by unheard of violence at severall times forced from the Houses, and some imprisoned; [Page 4]and now that there remaines no liberty in the Subject, but to professe blasphemous opinions, to revile and tread under foot Magistracy, to murther Magistrates, and to oppresse and undo all that are not like minded with them; now (I say) I cannot doubt but that you, and all that are with or under you, will take this opoitunity to declare and act against so monstrous and unparallell'd Rebellion, and that you and they will cheerfully acknowledge, and faithfully serve and obey our gracious King Charls the second, undoubted Heire of his Fathers Crownes and Vertues, under whose Right and Conduct we may by Gods blessing restore Protestant Religion to purity, and therein settle it; Parliaments to freedome, good Lawes to their force, and our fellow-Subjects to their just Liberty; wherein how blessed and glorious a thing it will be to be so considerably instrumencall, as you may now make your self, I leave to you to consider. And though I conceive there are not any motives relating to particular interest to be mentioned after these so weighty considerations (which are such as the world hath not been at any time furnished with) yet I hold it my part to assure you, that as there is nothing you can reasonably propose for the safety, satisfaction or advantage of your self, or of any that shall adhere to you, in what I desire, that I shall not to the uttermost of my power provide for, so there is nothing I would or shall more industriously avoid, then those necessities arising from my duty to God and Man, that may (by your rejecting this offer) force mee to be a sad instrument of shedding English blood, which in such case [Page 5]must on both sides happen. If this ovorture find place with you, as I earnestly wish it may, let me know with what possible speed you can; and if you please by the Bearer, in what way you desire it should be driven-on to a conclusion; for in that as well as in substance you shall find all ready compliance from me that desire to be
Carrick March 9. 1608.
Your affectionate friend to serve you, ORMOND.
For Colonel Michael Jones Governor of Dublin, these.
Colonel Jones his Answer to the Marquesse of Ormonds Summons.
YOur Lordships of the ninth I received the twelfth instant, and therein have I your Lordships invitation to a conjunction with your selfe (I suppose) as Lord Lievtenant of Ireland, and with others now united with the Irish, and with the Irish themselves.
As I understand not how your Lordship should be invested with that power pretended, so am I very well assured, that it is not in the power of any, without the Parliament of England, to give and assure pardon to those bloody Rebells, as by the Act to that end passed may appeare more fully: I am also assured the Parliament of England would never assent to such a Peace (such as is that your Lordships with the Rebells) wherein is little or no provision made either for the Protestants, or the Protestant Religion; nor can I understand how the Protestant Religion should be setled and restored to its purity by an Army of Papists, or the Protestants interests maintained by those very Enemies by whom they have been spoiled, and theirs slaughtered: and very evident it is, that both the Protestant, and Protestant Religion are in that your Lordships Treaty left as in the power of the Rebells, to be by them borne down and rooted out at pleasure.
As for that consideration by Your Lordship offered of the prosent and late proceedings in England, I see not how that may be a sufficient motive to me (or to any other in like trust for the Parliament of England in the service of this Kingdom) to joyn with those Rebels upon any the pretences in that Your Lordships Letter mentioned.
For therein were there a manifest betraying that Trust reposed in me, in deserting the service and work committed to me, and in joyning with those I should oppose, and in opposing whom I am obliged to serve.
Neither conceive I it any part of my work and care to take notice of any whatsoever proceedings of State forraign to my charge and trust here, especially they being found hereunto apparently destructive.
Most certain it is, (and former ages have approved it) That intermedling of Governors and parties in this Kingdom with sidings and parties in England, hath been the very betraying of this Kingdom to the Irish, whil'st the Brittish Forces here had bin therupon cald off, and the place therein layd open (as it were) given up to the common Enemy.
It is what Your Lordship might have observed in Your former Treaty with the Rebels, that upon Your Lordships there-up withdrawing, and sending hence into England the most considerable part of the English Army, then commanded by You, thereby was the remaining Brittish party not long after overpowered and Your Quarters by the Irish over-run, [Page 10]to the Gates of Dublin; Your self also reduced to that low condition as to be besieged in this very City, the Metropolis and principal Citadel of this Kingdom, and that by those very Rebels, who till then never could stand before You; and what the end hath been of that party also, so sent by Your Lordship into England (although the flower and strength of the English Army here both for Officers and Souldiers) hath been very observable.
And how much the dangers are at present, more then in former ages, of hazarding the English interest in this Kingdom, by sending any parties hence into any other Kingdom, upon any pretences whatsoever, is very apparent, as in the generality of the Rebellion now, more then formerly; so considering Your Lordships present Conclusions with, and Concessions to the Rebells, wherein they are allowed the continued possession of all the Cities, Fores, and places of strength, whereof they stood possessed at the time of their Treaty with Your Lordship; and that they are to have a standing force (if I well remember) of 15000 Foot, and 2500 Horse, all of their own party, Officers and Souldiers; and they, with the whole Kingdom, to be regulated by a Major party of Irish Trustees, chosen by the Rebels themselves, as persons for their interests and ends, to be by them confided in, without whom nothing is to be acted. And here I cannot but minde Your Lordship of what hath been sometime by Your self delivered as Your sence in this particular, That the English interest in Ireland must be preserved by the English and not by [Page 11]the Irish, and upon that ground (if I be not deceived) did Your Lordship capitulate with the Parliament of England, from which clear principle I am sorry to see Your Lordship now receding.
As to that by Your Lordships menacing us here, of blood and force, if dissenting from those Your Lordships ways and desigues.
For my particular, I shall (my Lord) much rather chuse to suffer in so doing (for therein shall I do what is becoming and answerable to my Trust) then to purchase to my self, in the contrary, the ignominious brand of perfidie by any allurements of whatsoever advantages offered me.
But very confident I am of the same Divine power which hath still followed me in this work, and will still follow me, and in that trust doubt I nothing of giving Your Lordship plainly this my resolution in that particular. So I remain,
Dublin, Mar. 4. 1648.
Your Lordships humble Servant. Signed, Mic: Jones.
ORmond is now at Waterford attended by the Commissioners of Trust, (which is the title given theseof the Irish named in the Articles of Agreement,) He hath there been preparing for his Armies, and out of that place (whether by loan or otherwise) hath raised 9000 l. towards their setting forth, and hath taken up 1500 Barrels of Rye, and 1000 of Wheat; He expects the like proportion from the other Cities and Towns, according to their respective abilities, and to that end is now upon his journey to Limbrick, and thence intendeth towards Galway.
Ruperts Fleet, being sixteen sale, (now victualled) is set to sea; We expect to hear of them suddenly on this coast, as being a matter of greatest moment and advantage to their present undertakings.
The Ulster Scots have now declared, and that whole Province (as to your interest) is lost in a moment. They have declined Col. Monk, and chosen the Lord of Ards for their Commander. Eniskillin is still as it was, holding for Ormond, Sir Pheelim Oneill with about 700 men, is marched Northward for assisting them of Eniskillin, if it be requisite. Ormonds Rendezvouz is set to be this moneth towards Catherlagh, and Inchequin, with Clanrichards Forces have their Rendezvouz this day at Burb. We shall have work enough on all hands; and (without a Miracle) shall not be able to subsist long without Relief of Men, Mony, and Provision from England. We are to conflict [Page 13]not only with the danger of Enemies without, but also within, upon discovery of a designe against Lexlip a strong Castle within five miles of this City: We have blown up the place, which if it had fallen into the Enemies power, had been to us of great annoyance. We are now driven to the last refuge for maintenance of our poor Army; 360 l. a week is assessed upon this City, who are no more able to bear it, then the Souldiers can be without it.
The Enemy begin to make some attempts upon our Fronter Garisons, & have surprized the Castle of Drumcree, a place of great advantage to them; the Lord put it into the hearts of those in power to think upon themselves and us speedily; for no less are they, then our selves (their servants) concerned in this business; for I am confident the Enemy eye not so much the ruine of us, and the subversion of the English interest in this Kingdom, as the invasion of England it self, which they may full easily do if We be lost. I am,
SIR,
Your very humble Servant.
Articles of Agreement made and concluded betwixt the Lord of Ormend, and the Roman Catholiques of Ireland. With a Denotation of such additional Articles as was not included in the last Agreement betwixt them.
Art. 1. THat the Roman Catholiques of Ireland bē freed of all Laws, imposing mulcts, penalties or restraints on them, as to their Religion: The said Laws to be repealed in the next Parliament to be held in this Kingdom of Ireland.
That the said Roman Catholiques shall not be obliged to the Oath of Supremacy.
Addition. In this Article the granting of Churches or Church-livings, or the exercise of Jurisdiction excepted from the said Roman Catholiques, yet the said Roman Catholiques not be molested in the possession which they have at present of the Churches, or Church-livings, or of the excercise of Jurisdictions, until his Majesties pleasure be declared concerning a free Parliament in this Kingdom.
Art. 2. A free Parliament to be held in Ireland within six moneths after the date of these Articles, or as soon as the Lord Viscount Dillon of Costillogh, Lord President of Conaught, Viscount Muskovy, Lo. Baron of Alheurs, Alex: mac Donnel Esquire, Sir lucas Dilson Knight, Sir Nicholas Plunket Knight, Sir Richard Barnwel Baronet, Jeffery Brown, Donough o Kallagban, Tirlagh o Neil, Miles Reils, and Gerald Fennel, Esquires, or the major part of them will desire the same. And till such Parliament, these Articles to be held inviolably as if enacted in Parliament.
Addition. And if no Parliament be called within [Page 15]two years after the date of the said Articles, then at the request of the said Lord Viscount Dillon, &c. or the major part of them, an Assembly to be called of the Lords and Commons, &c.
Art. 3. All Acts, Ordinances, and Orders, made by both or either Houses of Parliament, to the blemish, &c. of the said Roman Catholiques, since the 7. of August, 1641. to be vacated, &c.
Art. 4. All Indictments, &c. against the said Roman Catholiques to be vacated.
Art. 5. Addit. All impediments to the said Roman Catholiques fitting in the next Parliament, to be removed before the said Parliament.
Art. 6. All debts to remain as on the 23. Octob. 1641. notwithstanding any attainder, &c.
Art. 7. The Estates of Conaught, Lo: of Clare, Limbrick, &c. to be secured. Addit. Plantations of Kilkenny, and Vicklow left to the King to consider of in the next Parliament: And will pass an Act of Limitation, as was enacted in England in the 21. year of King James.
Artic. 8. All Incapacities on the Natives of the Kingdom to be taken away.
That they may erect one or more Inns of Court and free Schools, &c.
Art. 9. The Roman Catholiques to be employed and intrusted in all places in the Army, or Commonweal, indifferently with others,
Addition. That until the next Parliament, an Army of 15000 Foot, and 2500 Horse, of the Roman Catholiques to be the standing Army; the said Lord Dillon, &c. or the major part of them, having power [Page 16]to diminish or adde to the said number as they shall see cause from time to time.
Art. 10. That his Majesty be secured of 12000 l. per annum, and in liew of the Court of Wards, &c.
Art. 11. No Nobleman to have more proxies then two in Parliament. No Nobleman to sit in Parliament, which hath not an estate in the Kingdom: and that they who have none at present shall purchase within five years after the date of these Articles: A Baron 200 l. per annum: A Viscount 400 l. an Earl 600 l. a Marquess 800 l. a Duke 1000. per annum. otherwise to lose their Votes, &c. None to be of the Commons house but such as are estated and resident in the Kingdom.
Art. 12. Both Houses of Parliament here to declare, according to the Laws of the Kingdom, concerning the Independency of the Parliament of Ireland, of the Parliament of England.
Art. 13. That the Councel Table, and Courts of Presidency be confined, &c.
Art. 14. Some Statutes concerning Wooll, &c. be repealed, &c.
Art. 15. Addit. All offices, &c. since 1. Jan. to be upon Petition examined, and all in them injured be repaired according to Justice and Honor.
Art. 16. Addit. Certain named persons may Petition in the next Parliament, and to be righted as shall be fitting.
Art. 17. Addit. The Inhabitants of Cork, Youghal, and Dungarvan to be restored to their possession, so far as shall stand with the security of the said Garrisons.
Art. XVIII. An Act of oblivion to passed the next Parliament, &c. for all things since Octob. 23. 1641. and to discharge the Kings Rent, &c. before or since Octob. 23. 1641. till the date of these Articles, excepting the Kings Debts and Subsidies due before the 23. of Octob. 1641. before Levied and not accompted for.
That such barbarous and inhumane crimes as shall be particularized and agreed upon by the Lord Lieutenant, and the said Lord Dillon, &c. or any seven or more of them, as to the Actors and Procurers thereof, shall be left to be tryed and adjudged by such indifferent Commissioners as shall be agreed on by the said Lord Lieutenant, and the said Lord Dillon, &c. or any seven or more of them, the power of the said Commissioners to continue only for two years, beginning within six moneths after the date of these Articles.
Art. XIX. That the chief Governor, Lord Chancellor, Lord High Treasurer, Vice Chancellor, &c. farm not his Majesties Customs.
Art. XX. For recalling Monopolies.
Art. XXI. For regulating the Court of Castle-Chamber.
Art. XXII. For repealing two Acts concerning ploughing by the tail, and for burning oats in the straw.
Art. XXIII. For redressing those grievances presented to his Majesty by the Agents of the Kingdom, and Committees of the Houses.
Art. XXIV. Maritine causes to be heard in the Kingdom. Maritine causes until the next Parliament, to be Ordered by the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Dillon, &c. or any seven or more of them.
Art. XXV. All increase of Rents on the Commission [Page 16] [...] [Page 17] [...] [Page 18]for defective Titles to cease.
Art. XXVI. Interest of Money since Octob. 23. 1641. till these Articles, to be forgiven, and but five pounds per cent. for three years, after the date of these Articles, &c.
Art. XXVII. The said Lord Dillon, &c. to have power as followeth, and any of them dying, or miscarrying themselves, &c. the Lord Lieutenant to put in another who shall be allowed by seven or all of the Survivors.
They to have power to raise and Levy money on the Persons or Estates of any in the Kingdom, with consent of the Lord Lieutenant.
To call in all Arrears of Excize, &c. imposed by the Roman Catholiques.
Addition. To dispose of the Estates of all adhering to the adverse Party, the profits thereof to be for the Army, &c.
To levy Arrears for buying Arms, &c. and for entertaining Frigots', &c.
To lay up such Arms and Ammunition in such Magazines, and under such persons as they shall think fit, with consent of the Lord Lieutenant.
To raise money of the Estates of the Roman Catholiques, for disengaging the Roman Catholiques, before the conclusion of these Articles.
To call the Councel, Congregation, and respective, supreme Councels, and Commissioners General, before appointed by the Roman Catholiques, to an accompt, &c.
Art. XXVIII. The said Lord Lieutenant, and Lord Dillon, &c. to agree who to be Justices of the Peace, &c. during pleasure.
Art. XXIX. Until the setling of all in these Articles by Act of Parliament, the Possession of his Majesties Cities, Garisons, Towns, Forts, and Castles, [Page 19]now in the Quarters of the Roman Catholiques, to continue in the said Roman Catholiques, the same to be commanded by such as shall be approved by the said Lord Dillon, &c. and authorized by the Lord Lieutenant, &c.
Art. XXX. That all Customs and Tenths of Prizes belonging to his Majesty, to be for publique uses until the settlement by Parliament.
Art. XXXI. The Kings Rent from Easter next, not to be levyed till a settlement in Parliament, &c.
Art. XXXII. The power of Commissioners of Oyer, &c.
Art. XXXIII. For appointing Judicatures, the persons to be named by the Lord Dillon, &c. Addit. and authorized by the Lord Lieutenant, &c.
Art. XXXIV. The Roman Regular Clergy to hold the stile of Monasteries belonging to Roman Catholiques. Addit. And that until the next Parliament, provided that the said Regulars be conformable to these Articles.
Art. XXXV. All other demands of the said Roman Catholiques not assented to in these Articles to be referred to his Majesty.
In witness whereof,
The Lord Lieutenant Signed and Sealed for his Majesty, this remaining with the said Roman Catholiques.
And Sir Richard Blake, Knight, in the Chair of the general Assembly of the said Roman Catholiques, by Order of the said Assembly, to that part remaining with the Lord Lieutenant hath put his hand, and the publique Seal hitherto used by the said Roman Catholiques, 17. January, 1648.
A necessary Representation of the present evils and imminent dangers, to Religion, Laws, and Liberties, arising from the late and present practices of the Sectarian Party in England; together with an Exhortation to duties relating to the Covenant unto all within our charge, and to all the well-affected within this Kingdom, by the Presbytery at Belfast, Feb. 15. 1649.
VVHen we do seriously consider the great and many duties which we owe unto God, and his people, over whom he hath made us overseers, and for whom we must give an accompt; and when we behold the laudable examples of the worthy Ministers of the Province of London, and of the Commissioners of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, in their free and faithful Testimonies against the insolencies of the Sectarian Party in England. Considering also the dependency of this Kingdom upon the Kingdom of England, and remembring how against strong opposition we were assisted by the Lord the last year in discharge of the like duty, and how he punished the contempt of our warning upon the despisers thereof, we finde our selves as necessitated, so the more encouraged to cast in our Mite in the Treasury, least our silence should involve us in the guilt of unfaithfulness, and our people in security and neglect of duties.
In this discharge of the Trust put upon us by God, we would not be looked upon as sowers of Sedition or Troubles of National and devisive motions; our record is in Heaven, that nothing is more hateful unto us, or less intended by us, and therefore we shall not fear the malicious and wicked aspersions, which we know Satan by his instruments, is ready to cast not onely upon us, but upon all who sincerely endeavor the advancement of reformation: what of late have been, and now are the insolent and presumptuous practices of the Sectaries in England, [Page 21]is not unknown unto the world, for not withstanding their specious pretences for Religion and Liberties, yet their late and preseat actions being therewith compared, do clearly evidence, that they love to wear a rough Garment, to deceive, since they with a high hand despised the Oath in breaking the Covenant, which is so strong a foundation to both, whilest they load it with slightive reproaches, calling it a bundle of particulars, and a contrary interest and a snare to the people, and likewise labor to establish by Laws an universal Toleration of all Religions, which is an avowed overturning of unity in Religion, and so directly repugnant to the Word of God; The two first Articles of the Solemn Covenant, which is the greater wickedness in them to violate, since many of the chiefest of themselves, have with their hands lifted up to the most high God Sworn and Sealed it.
Moreover, the great disaffection to the settlement of Religion, and to their further breach of Covenant, doth more fully appear by their strong oppositions to Presbyterial Government (the hedge and Bulwark of Religion) whilest they express their hatred to it more then to the worst of Errors, by excluding it under the name of compulsion, when they embrace even Paganisim and Judaism in the Arms of Toleration, not to speak of their aspersions upon it, and the asserters thereof, as Antichristian and Popish, though they have deeply sworn to maintain the same Government in the first Article of the Covenant, as it is established in the Church of Scotland, which they now so despitefully blaspheme.
Again, It is more then manifest that they speak not the vindication, but the extirpation of Laws and Liberties, as appears by their seizing on the person of the King, and at their pleasure removing him from place to place, not onely without the consent, but if we mistake not, against a direct Ordinance of Parliament; their violent surprising, imprisoning and secluding many of the most worthy Members of the Honorable House of Commons, directly against a declared priviledge of Parliament (an action certainly without parallel in any age) and their proposal of abolishing of all Parliamentary Power [Page 22]for the future, and establishing a Representative (as they call it) instead thereof; neither hath their fury stayed here, but without all rule or example, being but private men, they have proceeded to the tryal of the King, against both the Interest and Protestations of the Kingdom of Scotland, and the former publique Declarations of both kingdoms (besides their violent haste, rejecting the hearing of any defences) with cruel hands have put him to death, an act so horrible, as no History Divine or Humane hath layed any president of the like.
These and many other detestable insolencies, may abundantly convince any unbyased judgement, that the present practice of the Sectaries and their Abettors, do directly overturn the Laws and Liberties of the kingdoms, root out lawful and Supreme Magistracy (the just priviledges whereof we have sworn to maintain) and introduce a fearful confusion, and Lawless Anarchy.
The Spirit of God by Solomon tells us, Prov. 30.21. That a Servant to raign it one of the four things for which the Earth is disquieted, and which it cannot bear; we wonder nothing that the Earth is disquieted for these things, but we wonder greatly if the Earth can bear them, and albeit, the Lord so permit that folly be set in great dignity, and the rich set in low places; that Servants ride upon Horses, and Princes walk as Servants upon the Earth, Eccles. 10▪ 6, 7. yet the same wise man saith, Prov. 19.10. Delight is not seemly for a fool, much less for a Servant to have rule over Princes.
When we consider these things, we cannot but declare and manifest our utter dislike and detestations of such unwarrantable practices, directly subverting our Covenant, Laws, Religion, and Liberties: And as watchmen in Slon, warn all the lovers of truth, and well-affected to the Covenant, carefully to avoid complyance with, or not bearing witness against such horrid insolencies, least partaking with them in their sins, they also be partakers of their Plagues. Therefore in the Spirit of meekness we earnestly entreat, and in the authority of Jesus Christ (whose Servants we are) charge and obtest all who resolve to adhere unto Truth and the Covenant, diligently to observe, [Page 23]and conscientiously to perform these following duties.
First, that according to our Solemn Covenant, every one study more to the power of godliness and personal reformation of themselves and Families, because for the great breach of this part of the Covenant, God is highly offended with these Lands, and justly provoked to permit men to be the instruments of our misery and afflictions.
Secondly, That every one in their station and calling, earnestly contend for the Faith which once was delivered to the Saints, Jude v. 3. and seek to have their hearts established with grace, that they be not unstable and wavering, carryed about with every wind of Doctrine, but that they receive the Truth in love, avoiding the company of such as withdraw from, and vilifie the publique Ordinances, speak evil of Church-Government, vent damnable Errors, under the specious pretence of a Gospel-way, and New-light, and honor highly the persons and courses of notorious Sectaries, least God give them over to strong delusions (the plague of these times) that they may believe lyes and be damned.
Thirdly, that they would not be drawn by Councel, Command or Example, to shake off the ancient and Fundamental Government of these Kingdoms by King and Parliament, which we are so deeply engaged to preserve by our Solemn Covenant, as they would not be found guilty of the great evils of these times (condemned by the Holy Ghost) the despising of Dominion, and speaking evil of Dignities.
Fourthly, That they do cordially endeavor the preservation of the Union among the well-affected in the Kingdoms, not being swayed by any National respect, remembring that part of the Covenant, That we shall not suffer our selves directly nor indirectly, by whatsoever combination, perswasion or terror, to be divided or withdrawn from this blessed Ʋnion and Conjunction.
And finally, Albeit there be more present hazards from the power of Sectaries (as there was from Malignants the last year) yet we are not ignorant of the evil purposes of Malignants, even at this time in all the Kingdoms, and particularly in this; and for this cause, we exhort every one with equal watchfulness, [Page 24]to keep themselves free from associating with such, or from swerving in their judgements to Malignant principles, and to avoid all such persons as have been from the beginning known opposers of the Covenant, combining themselves with Papists and other notorious Malignants, especially such who have been chief Promoters of the late Ingagement against England, calumniators of the work of Reformation, imputing the misery of the present times unto the advancers thereof, and that their just hatred to Sectaries incline not their mindes to favour Malignants, or to think, that because of the power of Sectaries, the Cause of God needs the more to fear the Enemy, or to stand in need of the help of Malignants.
FINIS.