IF a Commander doe faithfull service for a space, and afterward revolteth and fighteth against that cause which erst he maintain­ed, must the memory of his former Service hinder the course of Justice? surely no; if Lievtenant Colonell Lilburne, sometime an obscure Apprentice in London, have formerly done Acts for his Countrey, worthy acceptance, though it may be evidently pro­ved, the maine reason why he accepted of the Parliaments Service, was not so much out of an affection he bare to the Parliament and their cause, as to protect himselfe against his creditors Arrests, I say is he therefore to be excused, if he degenerate, and become an open and profest Enemie to that state, whose cause, hee erst seem­ed so stiff [...]y to maintaine?

Was there ever Papist, Malignant, Royalist, or Cavaleer did demeane himselfe so libellously, slanderously, contemptuously, and ungratefully to the Parliament as this Lilburne hath done? and indeed the man understandeth not what he speaketh, nor whereof he affirmes, he hath erred from the truth, and is now turned unto vaine Ianglings, not knowing the end of the Commandement is love, 1 Tim. Chapter 1. Which commands him not to Raile on Dignities, and speake evill of Governments; this is the man, and that, the first, that findeth fault, and proclaimeth it a breach of Magna Charta, which himself had yet never Law enough to understand, because he was cited to come before Authority, before he was acquainted with his Accuser, or accusation, whereas the meanest capacities know, that there is nothing more usuall then for Judges, Justices, and all superior, or inferior Offices, or Courts of the Realme, upon credible infor­mation, not onely to Summon, but to Attach men by Constables, and other Officers, to appeare before them to answer such matters as shall be objected against them; and this none ever deemed (Lil­burne excepted) to be illegall, or contrary to Magna Charta, or the Subjects Liberty; and shall not the Parliament, the Supreamest of all Courts, claime and have the same Priviledge, that under and [Page 4] inferior Courts enjoy, this superbious, most egregious, malapert, upstart Lilburne, whom Satan so often as he listeth inciteth, and prompteth, to compile seditious Pamphlets, destructive to the Peace of the Kingdome, this man out of his private spleene to Co­lonell Edward King, a man under whom once he served, wrote a scandalous Pamphlet wherein he taxeth the said King for a be­trayer of the trust reposed in him by the Parliament, that through his default, many Townes of worth became a prey to the Enemy, with divers other, which were notoriously knowne to be false and suborned; in the same Pamphlet, he Rayleth against the Lawes, terming them Norman Innovations, with many other strange, and unparreleld speeches, all which he sent to Judge Reeve, who him­selfe, or some other for him, made a complaint to the Lords; who Immediately summoned the Libeller before them; their warrant this

Lilburne having received this Warrant by the Officer, raged and after his wonted manner, bewailed the breach of Magna Charta, and denied to appeare; but on better consideration he resolved to obey, and coming to Westminster, and being brought to the Barre of the Lords House, he carried himselfe before them, in a most contemptuous, and vile manner, and being demaunded, by the Earle of Manchester their speaker (who, caused Master Smith to draw forth his Libell, whether or no, he did not leave that Pam­phlet at Judge Reeves his House, for the Judge himselfe; he would not deigne to answer to that, but with erected Front, and like a wily Sophister, demanded, if they had any formall or legall charge a­gainst him; if they had, he desired to see it, and then he would answer to their question; to whom the Earle of Manchester said, Lievtenant Colonell Lilburne, the Lords Command you to answer positively to the question; to whom Lilburne replied, my Lord, the paper in Ma [...]ter Smiths hand is my answer to the question and [Page 5] no other answer will I give you, whereupon he was Commanded to goe forth, upon the perusall of which paper full of reproachfull speeches, and lying vanities before unheard of, he was by the Ho­nourable House of Lords, againe committed to Newgate, by ver­tue of this Order.

Since those that sit at the sterne of Government, the Right Ho­nourable Lords Assembled in Parliament, cannot keepe themselves from the obloquies, of such as owe their lives unto them, for their care and watchfulnesse for their good, we that are of low degree, ought not to account our condition deplorable, when we are scan­dalized and contemned, when we see even our Magistrates, and chiefe Rulers of the Kingdom, not only in talke, but even in Printed Pamphlets, traduced by the seditious and vile slanderers, of whom one of our moderne Poets faith truly.

But to the matter in hand, on the 22. of Iune 1646. the Lords sent an order, to the Keeper of Newgate to bring Lilburne before them, now such was the obstinacy and Rebellion; of this Such a de­spiser and con­temner of au­thority as him­selfe was never knowne. Lil­burne, that he not onely Railed afresh against the Lords, but keeping his Chamber loked, utterly refused to obey the Or­der, whereupon the Officers brake open his doore and tooke the Libeller with them to Westminster, where being arrived hee was called into the House of Lords, and commanded to kneele at their Barre, which Liburne, tho [...] sometime mentionedst Scripture to confirme thee in ill, couldst thou not then have thought of one place of Scripture, where thou are commanded even by Chris himselfe, to give Honour, to whom Hon­our is due: but thou and thy fellow Sectaries, agree with the Papist in this, in that ye al­low of the Scriptures no farther then they by you wrested will maintaine your Schisme and Faction. he utterly refused to doe; after some urging, and his constant deniall, the Earle of Manchester de­manded [Page 4] a reason, why he refused to kneele, to which our Sim­plicius, answered, that he had learned both better Religion and man­ners then to kneele to any humane, or mortall Power, how great soever, with many other peremptory, and unbeseeming speeches, which none save Lilburne durst have uttered, for which he was againe returned to Newgate by a stricter Order then before.

During the Imprisonment of this transcendent Iyar and Libeller Lilburne, who ought by the Ancient Lawes of this Land to have his tongue cut out; for * this it runnes, that the Author and spreader See the Laws of King Al­ [...]ed Chap. 28. See Bracton, 2. Tit. decri­ [...]ine l [...]s [...] Ma­ [...]statis. [...]ee Stamfords [...]leas De co­ [...]nes l 2. [...]l. 110. of False Rumors among the people, had his tongue cut out if he redeemed it not with the price of his head; that at the common * Law before and since Magna Charta, it was High Treason, for any man to Assist, or give consent to any thing tending to Sedition, in Realme or Army; which what more surely or speedier canseth then Seditious Libells? of which whether Lilburne be guilty or no, I appeale to all that have Read his Answer to nine Arguments, His Englands Birthright, &c. I say during the Imprisonment of this Lilburne, without License or name, there have come forth two Printed Pam­phlets; the Authors taking upon them to vindicate their Brother Iohn Lilburne, throughout almost their whole Pamphlets, vent nothing, but Railing Accusations, against the ever honoured House of Peers, the first whereof I intend first to answer, and after God willing the other; I shall begin within his owne words verba­tim, as they were by him published.

SInce this worthy Gentlemans case is Lilburn. mine, and every man [...], who though we be at liberty to day, may be in Newgate tomorrow, if the Onely [...] own and [...] compl [...]ces. house of Lords so please, doth it not equally and alike concerne all the people of England, to lay it to their heart and either fit both our minds, and necks to Indure Siavery, or otherwise thinke of some speedy and ef­fectuall meanes, to free our selves and our posterity therefrom?

Marke I beseech you how, (prophetically) the Pamphleter be­gins and fortelleth his own dole, that though hee be at liberty to day, he may be in prison to morrow; and good reason Sir; for the doers and assisters are all one, and ought be alike punished; yet though it may be and is your due, yet not every mans; for I hope there will never be a generall declaring; for then we might expect a totall destruction; therfore it is enough and one too many, that your selfe, according as you seeme to feare, commit such vile crimes, whereby you are made capable of imprisonment; and whereas you as it were in scorn say, if the Lords please, know Sir it is the pleasure of God the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, that such Achans as you and your brother Lilburne should be brought to condigne punish­ment, and therefore if the Lords should neglect so necessary a duty, as is the punishing of such wretches, they would be guilty of hey­nous sin before God, and be the occasioners of their own contempt by men; but see he taketh in hand, by way of insinuation, to cause the people to thinke themselves vassaliz'd, because Justice is exe­cuted, and exhorteth them to resolve to be slaved, or to take some speedy course to free themselves; the malevolent, and wicked spirit of the Author, under pretence of enlightning the eyes of the subject, would put them out clean, for except the Lords stick to the Commons, and the Commons to the Lords, there wil never be peace or joy in England; but I make no doubt but the subjects of this Kingdome respect more the glory of God and their owne welfare, then to give eare to this wicked incendiary. The Pamphleter pro­ceedes.

The power of the Lords is A profe simile. like a shallow uneven water more in noise then [Page 6] substance; if we could distinguish between what is theirs of right, and what by encroachment, we should finde that they have decked themselves with the Commoners Fe [...]thers, which being reassumed, they would appeare no better arrayed then other men, even equall by Law, inferiour in upright­nesse and honesty of conversation.

See here the ignorance of the Pamphleter, the power of the Lords, saith he, is like [...] and uneven Water, whereas the power of the Lords may be rather resembled to a deepe Sea, whose force (out that themselves graciously limit it were able to sinke and over­whelme the libeller Lilburne, and this lying Pamphleter, with their complices, even to Abysse, they being in the nature of a body Ari­stocraticall, and indeed the strongest prop the people have. But to proceed, if faith he) we could distinguish; I but it being beyond your reach, you shew great simplicity to meddle with those things you know not, and it appeares you cannot distinguish by the ensu­ing words, we should finde that they b [...]ue decked themselves with the Com [...]oners feathers; very pretty, doth the King receive his Honour from the Subject, or the Subject from Him? surely all Honours flow from Him the most Honoured, and He advanceth and setteth up; and as he by God Reignes, so they by Him Rule; therefore you ignorantly erre in saying, That they are decked with borrowed Feathers. Againe, whereas you say, that if every Bird had one feather, they would appeare no better arrayed then other men, I answer, that who so goeth about to unplume them, and instead of Reverence doth use Violence, sinneth against his owne soule, by disobeying the Com­mandement of God by the mouth of Paul, who writing to certain overseers of the Church, chargeth them to put the people in mind to OBEY RULERS; nor would they be equall with the Com­mons, were they stripped of all, for there is an innate heroiek nature residing in all descending of Noble blood; so that they affect nothing but that which is Noble and high; and for that you basely alledge, They would be inferiour in honesty and uprightnesse of conversation, it is a grosse and manifest lie; the whole Kingdome may judge how faithfully, valiantly and piously they have borne themselves, in go­ing in and out before the people, since this war; and by the past we may judge of the future. But see more insolencies.

We should finde that they are but P [...]inted properties, Dagons that our superstition and ignorance have erected, no naturall Issues of the Lawes, [Page 7] the ex [...]ube [...]ences and Mushromes of Prerogative, the We [...]s of just G [...] ­vernment, putting the body of the people to paine, as well as occasioning deformity; sonnes of conquest they are and usurpation, not of choice and election, intruded upon us by power; (not constituted by consent) &c.

The power of the Lords, as aforesaid; is essentiall, as deriving their power from him who hath it from God, and though it be very true that the Commons have in them Ignorance and Supersti­tion enough, yet their wisdome or true beliefe could never have erected The first i [...] stituted Lord them, by reason that many headed Beast the Commons, seldome abide constant in one Faith, and retaine for the generall little or no wisedome, save sufficient perhaps to buy and sell and get gaine. The Lords are constituted and ordained by the Lawes of our Land, which hath forever been guided by King, Lords, and Com­mons in Parliament assembled. They are so farre from being the wens of just government, or putting the people to paine, that they are the soveraigne Balm, and preserving Antodote thereof; example, the Earle of Essex, one of those famous Peeres whom you maligne, who first sounded the depth of a dangerous Sea, and gave notice of those whirlpooles which else perhaps might have swallowed his successor, now a triumphant conquerour, they are not occasion of the least deformity, but rather of lustre and glory to the Common­wealth, appearing like so many Ioshuahs with their Swords drawn, ready to lead the people forth, against Gods enemies, or to govern them at home in peace and happinesse. They are not usurpers, for they claim not in the least respect any of the peoples right, but what they have they enjoy, as being the sonnes of their glorious Fathers, who merited more honour then was heaped on them, it being but a Recompence in some nieasure for the good that through their means, as Gods instruments, the people enjoyed; nor accepted they their honour at first without consent of the people, for that which is not gainsaid, is assented to.

Lay to heart I beseech you, O you House of Commons, that neither your selves nor children can plead any immunity or security from this oruelty of the House of Lords, if now you be slack or negligent, but that you may justly expect, and feel the smart thereof upon you and your prosperity, as well as we upon us and ours, at least after you are dissolved, and dis [...]sis­sed from your Authorities; is not this one of the main points for which [...] have put your selves and us, and so many of this Nation as stand for [Page 8] your defence, to the effusion of so much blood, and multitude of estates?

Behold the libellers Master-piece; here he goeth about to raise discord betwixt the Lords and Commons, perswading them be­cause * they have justify punished a seditious and infamous person, [...]he Lords. according to their duties, and the Lawes of the Kingdome, that therefore the Lords intrench on the liberties of the Commons, and intend to bring the subjects of this Kingdome into bondage, the SECTARIES and their Abettors are so enraged, that they have not in all things their swinge and sway, that they could wish out of ven­geance, the Kingdome were on fire, while they warmed themselves by the light ont: and therefore they leave no projects unattemp­ted, no Falsities unsaid, to raise Discord and Division. And to make his argument invincible, as he supposeth, he insinuateth that maine ground of this more then unnaturall Warre, was to abolish illegall and tyrannicall power, which is most true; but doth it therefore follow, that we having cut the throat of Innovation, should forsake the worship of God? or that' cause we have crushed to pieces Aristocraticall or Tyrannicall power, we should not now make use either of Law or Justice? GOD FORBID.

If yee did intend to expose this Kingdome to the miseries of war, for no other end, but that one kind of Arbitrary government, Star-obamber Cham­ber, and High-commission power might be abolished, and others of that kind established over us; why would ye not tell us, that we might have both spared our lives and estates?

Now steeres the Pamphleter another course more irregular then before; now he exclaimeth on the house of Commons, that they did not give advertisement; that having puld down one Arbitrary power, they would erect another; the rancorous and evill minde of the Pamphleter, how many waies trieth he to worke contention and confusion, because Lilburne is not countenanced in his perni­cious waies, as he hath been formerly too too much? now they are netled to the purpose, and they care not what they affirme; and therefore forsooth the House of Commons, ' cause they not oppo­sed the House of Lords, in their legall tryall and just censure of Lilburne, are taxed; that though they have abolished one kind of Arbitrary power, they are props of another: and therefore the trayterous Pamphleter seemeth to lament, that they had not [Page 9] more timely notice, thereby to have prevented the great effussion of blood, and losse of their estates. All these questions and affirma­tions had not been thought on, had JOHN LILBURNE been walking abroad.

But if ye would either free your selves from suspition, or us of these just fears, then shew your selves such Worthies as doe truely deserve the title, by using this happy opportunity, which God hath put into your hands, and making us Free men, it being the maine cause for which we used, and intrusted you; and as a present signe of your fidelity and magnani­mity, let all your reall intentions in the generall appeare, by the exactnes and speedinesse of your delivery of your own and his Countries saith­full servant JOHN LILBURNE, from prison with all due repa­rations.

I told you before the cause of all this trouble in print was for Namely Lilburnes b [...] soundly ch [...] sed for his orbitancy, his slande [...] and lies, [...] stir [...]ing up people both words and [...], to Re [...] ­lion agains [...] PARLI [...] ­MENT, [...] God [...] preservers. Lilburnes imprisonment, which here the Pamphleter plainly confesseth, and saith, that if they will cleare themselves of the feares, the Pamphleter and his complices hath, that then they should set at liberty Lieut. Col. LILBURNE, And then all Acts for the good of the Subject are ratified and confirmed, and then they shall truely de­serve the title of Worthies, and be Worthies indeed. Into what a further labyrinth of misery were poor England involved, if the Par­liament should allow and take the advice of these malevolent Idi­ots; certainly, although we are greatly impoverished, and brought low, then we should not faile to become the most wretched and abject people in the world; which evill, God divert.

SUre the Author of that Dunghill * piece before answered, was [...]he just man [...]onds. the Author also of this scurrilous Pamphlet entituled (A Pearle in a Dunghill) save that this is a little more finely spun then the other, He begins thus: [...]o be [...] in an ill se is wo [...]s [...] [...]n cower.

Although most States and Statesmen be of late turnd upside downe, like a wheel [...]; yet this worthy, * valiant and publique spirited Gentleman, unto whom this Nation is as much bound to, at least, as unto any one, all things considered, is the very same man both in principles and practice,Rom [...] wa [...] [...].whom the Bishops so long imprisoned in the Fleet, by a most cruell and barbarous censure, caused to be weary of his life; which censure they pro­cured in the Star­chamber against him, and so he was whipt, gag'd, and pinni [...]n'd, and in his close imprisonment, almost famished, and mur­thered.

This, this is the man that thinketh he indeed hath proved, and that with one Argument of Lilburnes quondam sufferings, that he hath been faithfull to God and his Countrey to the death, in times past, and in the same stedfastnesse remaineth to this day; now therefore that his Country may see and know how deeply they stand ingaged to the said Lilburne, let us search diligently, and shew,

First, the eminency of the party, the sufferer.

Secondly, the cause of his so suffering.

Thirdly, the quality of the paine suffered.

The discovery hereof I know he will exclaime against, and say, it is a breach of MAGNA CHARTA, according to his won­ted manner.

First then, for the eminency of his person, we must know, that it is even JOHN LILBURNE, during his minority an Apprentice of [Page 11] London, and being of an insinuating spirit, he ende [...]red himselfe and wan the love of some silly Schismaticks, who for his strange yet empty expressions, deemed him one inspired. So that by that time he came out of his time, and had served his apprentiship, who but Lilburne of note amongst the Sectaries, his approbation desired, and his counsels followed in all things.

Secondly, the cause of his suffering, during the imprisonment of Doctor Bastwicke by the rigorous censure of the Prelates, divers persons affecting the said Doctor, out of their love resorting to him; amongst the rest, one of them tooke John Lilburne with him as his associate: after plenty of cheere D^r Bastwick to solace his guests, read to them his merry A Book [...] laying [...] the pride, [...] leachery, [...] abominal [...] acts of the [...] [...]ts in [...] Lettany, which highly pleased them all. Lilburne also hearing the said Lettany read, and knowing that Whatsoever was written in defiance of that power, then generally hated, would be very acceptable, he desired of Dr Bastwick to have a copy of one of them, with which he would travell beyond Sea, and cause it to be printed, not doubting to be enriched by it; the winde of this fancie transported him over Sea, accompanied with a fellow whose fidelity he doubted not; there he printed many Bookes, and by them got much money, selling them even at what rates he pleased; afterwards comming into England, bringing with him many Bookes, hoping to have a new Mart, the fellow that accompanied him was his betrayer, who gave information to the then William [...] Archshop of Canterbury, both where Lilburne and his Libels were, who immediately dispatched a Pursevant with ple­nary authority, who attached Lilburne, and seised on his Bookes, which were all consumed with fire. So much for the cause of his suffering.

Thirdly, for the quality of the paine suffered, it was no lesse then pillorying, whipping, gagging, and to say truth most wicked abusing of his person. Here I beseech the Reader to take notice, that not onely this Pamphleter, Lilburnes vindicator but himselfe also in all his seditious Pamphlets maketh it an argument infalli­ble, because of his cruell handling by the Bishops, to prove his ex­traordinary zeale to God, and his Countrey, when it was his affe­ction to attaine riches, and the desire of gaine that brought those calamities upon him; for had he sate at home, and not transported himselfe beyond the Seas to have printed that L [...]ttany, or if being [Page 12] there he had stayed; or else, if comming over had left behind him those instruments of his destruction, Dr Bastwicks Bookes, he had not now been reputed so famous a sufferer for God, and his Coun­trey: but had remained, as he still is, in the account of all wise and truely religious men, a * MECHANICK, FACTIOUS, SLANDEROUS, LYING LIBELLER. [...]LBURNS ARACTER

His Defender goes on,

And now if you will begin to think how a * man so faithfull in all his waies, should be so liable to trouble, as he hath been, for he hath been di­versWoe unto [...]e, saith P [...]phet, [...] call bl [...]ck [...]ite, & wh [...]e [...].times in Pur [...]ev [...]nts hands, and so committed by Committees, if you shall consider how this Pearle comes to be cast upon this Dunghill, you will finde the faithfulnesse of his heart towards God, and all good people, the ☞ freenesse of his tongue, against all kind of injustice, or unworthy­nesse, in whom soever, is the onely cause and no other.

The lying Pamphleter having before told you that the suffe­rings of Lilburne in the Prelates daies, was onely for God, and his Countrey, which egregious and monstrous lie I have already canvasd; now he proposeth a Riddle, and asketh how it should come to passe, that a man so faithfull in all his waies, &c. I answer, giving my judgement what might be the reason thereof, perhaps one reason might be, for that he the said Lilburne wrote and di­vulged a seandalous Pamphlet, intituled, An answer to NINE ARGƲMENTS, wherein he intolerably railes against our Church, Ministers, Worship, Government, reporting them to be Antichristian and Diabolicall; or perhaps it might be for his se­ditious and base Libell, entituled, MARTINS ECCHO, or for his malicious and trayterous Libell, entituled, ENGLANDS BIRTHRIGHT, with many other seditious and scandalous Libels, for which he ought, though his punishment were then mitigated, to have suffered condign punishment, and that after a severe manner, by Statutes at Westminster, first made 3 Edward 1. c. 33. 2 R. 2. c. 5. 12, &c. and Eliz. c. 7. it is enacted and streighly defended, upon grievous paine, That from henceforth none shall be so hardy to contrive, speake, or set forth any false newes, lies, or tales, of Pre­lates, Earles, Dukes, Barons, Nobles, or great men of the Realme, whereby debates, discords, or slanders may arise, between the King and His People, and the Lords, Nobles, and Commons, whereof great perill and mischiefe might come to all the Realme, and quicke destruction, [Page 13] if remedie were not provided: and he that shall offend herein, shall bee kept in prison untill he hath brought him forth in Court, that first did speake and report the same, and if he cannot bring him forth, then He shall be grievously punished according to the nature of the Offence, by the Councell; and all Justices of the Peace, throughout every Shire, City and Towne Corporate, are enabled to heare, examine, and determine the said causes, and enjoyned to put these Lawes in the due execution, that from henceforth condigne punishment be not deserred from such, Offenders.

But now the Pamphleter explaineth his Riddle himselfe, and saith, you finde the cause of his trouble, to be (the faithfulnesse of his heart) ô Sir, you injure him greatly to charge him with that The cause o [...] Lilburns trou­bles. whereof he is not the least conscious; but contrary the basenesse and treachery of his heart, against God, and his Rulers, BLAS­PHEMING the one, and CALUMNIATING the other, the freenesse of his tongue according to your owne phrase, in revi­ling his Lord the KING, of whom he ought not to thinke an evill thought, is the cause that brought his former, and present calamities upon him, and maketh his name become odible to all vertuous; but let us traverse the Pamphleter.

And if you seriously weigh things, you will confesse, that it would grieve any good mans heart, that Treachery, Cowardise, Cruelty, Plun­dering, and Covetousnesse, have been very slenderly punished, and faith­fulnesse so many wayes discouraged, and that it is a very sad thing, in a time so zealously pretending REFORMATION, that any quiet peo­ple should be punished and reproached for worshipping, and serving God A Dom [...]sti [...] Phrase. according to their Conscience: and that TROUBLE­HOUSE CON­FORMITIE, as much cryed up, as in the Bishops times.

All wise men will seriously weigh and consider things as they are, and as they may be caryed, that men in Authority may rule over the bodies of men, but not over their minds, and therefore not able to prevent Treacherie, Cowardise, or Cruelty, the committers whereof often escape unpunisht contrary to their will, which if so neglected, ought not to be charged on them; & againe that it is not alwayes seasonable to punish crimes, though never so heynous, and that is when the offenders are For so the cure may prove worse then the Di [...]ease. potent, a­ble to withstand, and perhaps (Their Arme of Flesh considered) over-power their Judges: but it is evident to all the world that since the si [...]ting of this PARLIAMENT, they have not been p [...]rtial [Page 14] in the least regard, witnesse the two The Father and the Sonne, [...]ho both lost their heads on [...]ower Hill for betraying the [...]ust was repo­ed in them. HOTHAMS, & never was faithfulnesse better rewarded then by them who have on the meanest subject bestowed honou [...]s, if found faithful, and have re­warded each Officer fighting for them according to his Degree, and this is no sad thing in a time of Reformation, but a glorious Animation to the Just: nor are the quiet people punished or re­proached, for serving God, those Disturbers of Sions Peace, the Sectaries, are only opposed, their errors being opposite to God, & destructive to the Peace of the Kingdome, who if they should be suffered, would be an occasion of the inevitable Ruine and Destruction of this Nation; for as long as there were divers Sects, there would be Division, and a Kingdome divided cannot stand: God himselfe hath pronounced it, and that without which God can­not be zealously served, nor the Common­wealth possibly pre­served in peace and tranquillity, which you contemptuously and wickedly call The Author of the just man [...]n bonds. TROUBLE-HOUSE CONFORMITTE is cryed up, for the Reasons aforesaid and no other.

The Imprisonment of Lilburn you must know, is a sore corra­sive to the Pamphleter, as erst to his ‖ Predecessor, and therefore he also will have a fling at the House of Lords, thus:

And why presume yee, O yee Lords, thus against us, set forth your me­rit before the people, and say for this good it is, that wee will Reigne o­ver you? Remember your selves; or shall we remember you? which of you before this Parliament, minded any thing so much as your Pleasures, Playes, Masques, Huntings, Feastings, Gamings, with the Appurte­nances? If you owed any man money, or abused any man, what Law was to be had against you, what Patents and Projects did you suppresse, or so much as move against, nay had not an hand in? What fearfull enemies were you to Ship-money, & to the proceedings of the High Commission, Star Chamber and Councell Board? indeed your goodnesse was unexpres­sible, and undiscernible, before this Parliament.

The audacious and impudent Pamphleter, not considering the Lords Thou shalt [...]ot speak evill of the Ruler of [...]y people. commādement, chargeth the honourable House of Peeres with an heap of known falsities, he taketh in hand to shew, that before this Parliament began, they were no other then persons giving themselves over wholly to pleasure, and that they plaid Rex over the people, doing with them as they listed, that in stead of suppressing, they caused to be extorted those unknowne vast lones of money levied by the terme of Ship-money, that they [Page 13] were the upholders of those tyrannizing Courts, the High Com­mi [...]ion, the lively Effigies of the Spanish Inquisition, Star-Cham­ber, and Counsell board, &c. It is knowne to all men, not wil­fully blinde; for there is a sort of men that see, and will not; such is this our Pamphleter and his Complices, that the Lords in generall, I meane those now assembled in Parliament, were ere this Parliament was thought on, men renowned through the world, men singularly vertuous, men fearing God and eschew­ing evill: and what though they beheld Masques, do not all wise men know, that a Morall Masque is profitable to see? and though to the unlearned, who may refraine the sight of them, they seem Riddles, and Nulls, yet to the knowing, who are able to explaine the sense and meaning, and to crack the shell, they finde a sweet and pleasant kernell: and whereas you taxe the use of Hawking, Hunting, and such like Princely sports, it were a sin for them to refraine; but to use them, no sin at all, the whole scope of their Intentions, using the said Games, being for the Recreation of their bodies, by which they become lively, and are more apt and able to serve their Maker, and to manage the Publike Affaires to which the Lord hath called them.

And it is also very well known, that the Lords now Assembled in Parliament, were the happy Instruments of procuring a grant for a Parliament; their Inventions in so doing, wholly out of zeale towards God, and love to their Countrey, that the wor­ship of the one, then too much corrupted, might be purified and refined, and the burthens under which the other groaned to be taken off; and is this their Reward, ô yee unstable, ungrate­full, and giddy Sectaries, whose tongues are set on fire of hell, to maligne and vilifie those that are the most upright, and for whom ye ought to blesse the Lord, as being, part of those Instru­ments to get for you, with the hazzard of their lives and states, the worship of God, according to the purity thereof, that Liber­ty and Freedome which your Fore­fathers have sighing wished for, but could never attaine? but oh the wickednesse, wilfulness, and pride of heart that is in some, that they rather then lose one jot of their new fancied Liberty, (indeed a slavery, would they duly consider it) chuse to be guilty, both of their owne, and an whole Nations fall; Besides, are there not Thousands, whose The Royall party. vanquisht Persons live in hope, to see the second part [Page 16] of the destruction of Germany acted in England. And that the hatred now betwixt the Independents and Presbyterians, will prove as fatall, as whilome that bloudy The occasion whereof was two German Brethren, the one whereof mantained the Popes honour to be above the Emperors, the other aver­red the Empe­rours dignity exceeded the Popes; where­upon they fought, and the one slew the o­ther. Their quarrell was spread through out all Italy. Diffention betwixt the Guelfes and Gibellines: the enormities that attend DISSEN­TION, the most excellent Poet VIRGIL admirably describeth, where he maketh Iuno seake to Alecto. Aeneidos lib. 7. saying,

But we have yet more of the devills language, who no doubt Dictated to the Pamphleter, as hee hath often done to Lilburne, and his complices, and it is worth your observation that Satan by his Delusions maketh them to bee the props, and stayes of his now tottering Kingdome; for he perceiveth, and gnasheth his teeth for ire, that the power of those, whose Innovations set up, caused many thousands to fall, who ere they could recover themselves, were plunged in the depth of Abysse; and that now the spirit of truth so prevaileth, that Gods true worship is like to be erected, according to the originall purity; He now therefore, the power of Hell assisting him, tryeth all the wayes, to hinder and impede so glorious a worke; he therefore hath di­spatched his Agents abroad, giving them commission to enter in­to the hearts of all, void of the Spirit of grace, and to cause them both by writing, and speaking to calumniate, and as farre as in them lyeth, make odible the persons of those who are the chie­fest [Page 17] Instruments of Gods glory; and then without doubt their Persons hated, their Performances will not be acceptable, this will cause contention, and, Divide & Impera, according to Machiavil, Divide, and prevaile. But thou that rulest Behemoth, who laugh­est at the strength of man, put thy hook in his nostrills, and save thy people by thy strong Arme.

Now the Pamphleter citeth an Adage comparatively.

It was wont to be said, when a thing was spoyl'd, that the Bishops foot had been in it: and if the Lords mend not, it will be said so of them, and justly too.

It was wont to be said (A Fooles Bolt is soone shot.)

And, what other have the Lords ever been, then a Clog to the House of Commons, in all their Proceedings? How many necessary things have they obstructed, how many evill things promoted? what devices have they had of Prudentialls, and expedients, to delay and pervert what is good; and subtle Policies to introduce things evill?

It hath ever been the custome of Libellers, and calumniators, when they groundlesly slander, to cite things by the whole, not bringing proof of any one thing: so here the lying Pamphleter taxeth the Lords, & nameth not when, where, or how they deser­ved; the reason you may ghesse, (he cannot) & indeed envy itself cannot challenge the honour'd Lords of the least corruption; I meane, in the way of hindring any one Act for the good of the Subject; nay rather have they not, ere since the time of their fit­ting, and passing through this fiery Furnace, as I may so say, of their opposing the Royall party, been the Agents to procure ma­ny Orders for the good of the Subject? can any say that they have held back, or refused to subscribe to any one paper ten­ding to the good of the Subject? and for their introducing of evill, which the Railing Pamphleter taxeth them of, the mea­nest capacity may perceive; and all Loyall subjects will hisse at so impudent a Lie.

Now you must know the Pamphleter, in his own conceit ha­ving sufficiently vindicated Lilburne; he flyeth high, and hyper­bolically saith,

Thou dost well, ô England, to give up thy first borne Lilburne, the son of thy strength, and high Resolution for Freedome, If thou intendest to become a Bond­slave to either King, Lords, or any others; for hee will never submit either body or minde to any kinde of slavery.

Lilburne in prison, hinc Dolor, hinc Lachrymae; and therefore to incite the Commons, if it might be, to rise against his Judges, he maketh them interessed in his cause; Alas Sir this wil not do, the dearly beloved inimitable unparallel'd Libeller, must have the reward of his merits. While England will sit still and see, not the Sonne of her Strength, but the Son of her Shame, and Sorrow, brought to condigne punishment; nor doth she feare that thereby Her bon­d [...]ge wil be aggravated, knowing that such are the Bands that tie her hands & feet, not suffering her to atchieve that which would prove to her everlasting Benefit, and honour: and she knoweth right-well, that he that hath already submitted himselfe, and is become a Bond-slave to the devill, to put in Act what ever hee shall whisper to him, cannot be the Agent to procure her Infran­chisement, Liberty, she fits and beholds with joy the unequall'd proceedings of her two Houses of Parliament, and having the spirit of discerning, lamenteth the errors, heresies, blasphemies of the time, taking into consideration those A lively de­scription of these times. verses of the Poet, that,

But whereas the Pamphleter saith that Lilburn will never sub­mit either body or mind to slavery, he insinuateth that some are slav'd: O the incorrigiblenesse of some, if they may not do what, say what, attempt what they list, they cry out they are vassaliz'd and trod on, Magna Charta is slighted, & the liberty of the Sub­ject infring'd! But sure the time will come, that these men, that doe and say what they list, and should not, shall be forced to un­dergoe what they ought, and would not: and now the Pam­phleter having railed sufficiently on the Lords, whose innocen­cy is above his calumnies, hee insinuateth with the Commons, promising himselfe that, which were a wonder to see.

But certainly those Worthies in the House of Commons, that consider what the people have done, and suffered for their liberties, will never suffer so foule a deed: it cannot be, but they intend the uttermost Just freedom is so farre as is consistent with the fundamen­tall Lawes of this Kingdom: which prohi­biteth tolera­tion of crimes under pretence of libertie. of just Freedome to the people, and love those best that most know and affect true Liberty, and are greatest opposers of exorbitant power, in whomsoever, and consequently cannot, but instantly deliver all just men, and hence­forth reduce the Lords Condition, suitable to the Freedome of the People.

To fill up his measure of evill, hee concludeth his Pamphlet with confidence, that the House of Commons will intrench up­on the Priviledge of the Lords, and deliver him whom they have caged: but Sir, your hopes deceive you, for the Honourable House of Commons will not but maintaine, as they ought, the Priviledge of the House of Peers, even as they have hitherto, both Houses having mutually and unanimously proceeded with­out the least perturbation. For should those happy workmen disagree, that glorious and solid Fabrick, which with so much cost and paine hath been erected, would not only be left unfini­shed, but also would be in danger to be utterly demolished; But the Highest divert so great a mischiefe, and let not ô Lord our many and crying sins pull downe so heavy and fatall a judgment! The P [...]idiculous Pamphleter proceedeth in his madness, and hol­deth it convenient the Lords should be reduced: but his combu­stible matter I have so moistned, that it shall never be able to take fire. The mouth of the just shall be fruitfull in Wisedome, but the tongue of the froward shall be cut out, Prov. chap. 10.

THis REMONST [...]ANCE was not penned by L [...] ­burn, but whoever he be that penned the same, * his † Lilburne. spirit was doubled upon him, and it may fitly bee termed the master piece of wickednesse, and the ve­ry quintessence of basenesse, the contents whereof is able to infect the unsetled, and to cause the plague of Dissention to reigne, as hot as ever before: but I shall make known a sove­raign Antidote, that if any be already infected, they may by rea­ding my lines, God willing, receive present and perfect cure, and it will be a preservative also to prevent the further spreading and encrease thereof.

What hath bereft you of your former confidence, the wicked­nesse of your owne spirits will not suffer you to participate of that good which is providing: the men ye have chosen, have not failed to performe their duty in a Parliamentary way: and God hath so aided them, that they have outdone example: the bon­dage, were it a bondage, you so sorely exclaim against, is taken off, and the peace and happinesse you seeme to desire, there is [Page 21] great hopes to injoy had it not beene for your owne cursed Pro­ceedings, Lyings, and Slandering the Authors of your Good, you might have now beene in better state then you are, and yee have shewed your selves unworthy of that Good, got and gaining for you, by your continuall Debates and Dangerous speeches, and as if you were weary of mercies by threatning, That if you have not all, even to a tittle, that your erring Fancies desire, you will by your owne strength procure it. Now, whereas you Boast, that had you thought it convenient, yee your selves could have accomplisht your wish. Vaine men, though it be possible, you may be of Abilitie suf­ficent to measu [...]e Cloth, and to keepe a Booke, your summes be­ing vast, and unknowne, yet with BAKERS Ayde you can substract and multiply, and give the Summa totalis; yet to manage the Affairs of a Kingdome is too high for you, and had not the HIGH-COM­MISSION COURT beene suppressed till by you, we might still have beene cited before a Judge, bearing both Swords as before: it hath alwayes beene the custom of wicked and ungratefull men, such as your selves, the good once attained, to slight the procurers there­of; did you want that you now have? O how acceptable would the least of those mercies be, of which yee now surfeit! and yee ought to know, that mercies abused are often by the Almightie turn'd in­to scourges, for the smart of the wicked and ungratefull.

But, how yee have dealt with us, we shall now let you know, and [...] let the Righteous GOD Judge betmixt you and us, the continuall oppressors of this Nation have been Kings which [...] so evident that you cannot deny it.

Did you as you ought, you would let them know, how they had dealt with you by presenting your selves to them in all Humility, and acknowledge with all Thankfulnesse, that They have under God beene the preserve [...] both of your lives and states: but yee are an unstable wavering-minded people, never contented in one state; selfe-conceited you are, and lea [...]e so much upon that broken staffe of Reed, your wit, that it will be a meanes at length, even to pierce you through; Rash you are, and your Ignorance sputting you on, yee affect Things Inconvenient, and DESTRUCTIVE TO yours SELVES. And whereas you say the continuall oppresso [...]s of this, Nation have beene KINGS, I answer, you commit a grievous sinne, to averre ought contrary to your knowledge: if yee have Read the Chronicles of this Kingdom you will find that the & [...] Kings of this Isle, and that for the major part, have beene nursing Fathers [Page 22] and Mothers, under whose peaceable and happy Government, the people of this Land have sate each man under his figge tree, pray­sing God, and praying for their King: If yee shall Aske what were the names of those KINGS, so good and Gracious, I answer, before the Conquest many, as EDMUND, EDGAR, ATHELSTANE, &c. Since the Conquest, Henry the third, Henry the fifth, Henry the seaventh, and his Son; Henry the eighth, Edward the sixth, graci­ous * Queene Elizabeth, King JAMES, with divers others, whom [...]egina. inarum. for brevities sake I omit, some of Them having augmented the Bounds of their Kingdome, striving to make Their Nation glori­ous and great; others have strove to maintaine what your fore­fathers have got, executing Justice and Judgement: and in truth, never no Nation had more cause to boast, of the Valour, Pietie, and good Government of their Kings then the English Nation; nor hath our DREAD SOVERAIGN LORD KING CHARLES, beene Inferiour to His Pious Predeceslours in the least respect, who for the space of 17 yeares, ere seduced by some pernicious and vile A Spencers, Governed His People in Peace, and under Him They [...]lluding [...]he Father the Son, [...]t Edward second so [...]dly affect­ [...] that he [...]ooke the [...]insell of Counsel­ [...]ts, and was [...]lly Ruled [...]heir gid­ [...]ancies, to unspeak­ [...] trouble [...] vexation [...]he whole [...]lme. Injoyed much Felicitie, and so may againe, this Prodigious and terrible storme o're-blown; but let us returne to the Libeller.

And yet yee cannot fight for our Liberties, but it must be in the name of KING and PARLIAMENT, and He, that speakes of His cruelties, must be thrust out of your House, your Preachers must pray for him, as He had not deserved to be Excōmunicated all Christian societie, or, as if you, or They, thought that GOD were a Respecter of Persons in Judgement.

The Honourable Hcuses of Parliament esteeme it not a poynt of Libertie to Fight the Kings Battels, and except His name; the Royall Partie having perswaded the King to Destructive courses, he, ruled by them, fought against His PARLIAMENT; His Parliament, to main­tain the Libertie of the Subject, their own Rights & Priviledges, and to Restore His Majestie to that honour and state He was in, are se­duced, fight against those their opposers; and is it not convenient for Them then, He being the Head, they the Members, to have His name mentioned, for whose honour They fight, as for Their owne Rights?

Kings are but men, and have Their passions and failings as well as others: and moreover, a great and weightie Burthen lyes on Their shoulders, which Subjects doe not conceive; and according to the Poet,

And forasmuch as we are perswaded, that those evill Counsellours were the onely cause and Fountaine whence our sorrowes have slowed, and that we know, and have cause to believe, considering His Majesties frequent and pithy expressions, His heartie desire of Compliance with His Parliament, & of setling a firme & wel-groun­ded Peace: Is it fit that any should speak lightly, or Revile our Lord, whose after-Reigne, we hope, will prove more glorious then H is former? Why should we Doubt, the Evill being taken away, but H is Throne shall be established in Peace? Why should not the Ministers of God, Nay, have they not ample Reason therefore, as they prayed once for H is Conversion, now to give thanks for H is being Conver­ted? And though God, its true, be no Respecter of Persons in Judge­ment, it followeth not that we should imitate our Maker in that, for he commandeth by his Apostle, saying; FEARE GOD, HO­NOUR THE KING.

And have yee shooke this Kingdome like an Earth-quake, to produce no more then this for us? Is it for this that yee have made so free use, and beene bold with our Estates? And doe you, because of our Readi­nesse to comply with you in All Things, esteeme us so sottish as to be con­tented: with such unworthy Returnes of our trust and love? No, it's high time to be plaine with you: We ARE not, SHALL not be so con­tented: We doe expect in the first place, that you should Declare and set forth KING CHARLES His wickednesse openly before the world, and withall, to shew the Intollerable inconvenience of Kingly Government, from the constant evill Practises of those of this Nation, and to Declare KING CHARLES an enemy, and to publish your Resolution never to have any more, but to Acquit us of so great a Charge and trouble for ever, & to convert the great Revenues of the Crown to the publike trea­sure, to make good the injuries and injustices done hereofore, and of late by those that have possessed the same; and till this he done, we shall not think our selves well Dealt withall in this originall of all oppressions, to wit, KINGS.

That this Nation hath of late beene sorely shaken it is most true; and had not Gods mercy surpassed Englands Deserts, it had beene shaken to pieces: but this ungratefull Libeller Asketh, (And is it for this?) for what your fore-fathers would have sacrificed Their Lives with Joy: Had they but hoped Their Posteritie after Them should have gained those rare Immunities and Freedomes which your selves now doe, and are like to Injoy; the Government by Prelates Abolisht, the High-Commission, Star-Chamber, all Courts grinding the Faces of the poore supprest, the Feares of a Combination with Forraigne States taken away, by the Disposing of the Mil [...]tia into trustie hands, such as the Commons shall con­side in, with many other Remarkable priviledges; and are yee so unthankfull yet to say (IS IT FOR THIS?) And whereas you menacing Boast, That you ARE not, nor SHALL not be so con­tented, your Estate is to be Deplored, that you are so voyd of. grace and Reason, than the Sword hath yet a hope to be handled by you: and is it not sufficient for you to Ruine your selves, but you must also seek the Destruction of the whole Nation? For you pro­pose, that King CHARLES should be Proclaimed an Enemy; could we acquit our selves of our Oaths, and the Fidelitie we owe to our Soveraigne, yet policy would per swade us to work more Discreetly, (and not involve in a new warre, a Nation almost Dispoyled) for wee must know, that the Princes of the Royall blood will not sit still and see Themselves Robbed of their Birth-right; neither com­meth, I am sure, so vile a thought into the heart of any Member of Parliament, whose frequent expressions have beene, and still are, in all meeknesse and Humilitie, to desire the King, the spirit of Dis­affection abandoned, to Returne to His Charge, and by Their meanes, God assisting, become a greater, a more glorious and Po­tent Prince then before; all wish I hope, to see effected, to the re­joycing of all Verru [...]us and to the shame and consounding of coun­tenance of all Malevolent wicked Sectaries, that King and Subjects may Rejoyce in each other, the one seeking nothing but the others welfare, and all, that All Feares and Jealousies layd aside the Subjects of this Kingdomes, each man following the workes of his calling, submitting themselves, as they are desired by S. Paul, and that for the Lords sake, not denying to yeeld Caeser his lawfull tribute, fol­lowing the example of their Saviour, knowing, The more he hath, [Page 25] the better he shall be enabled to withstand his and their enemies: To this purpose, one of our moderne Poets saith excellently;

And whereas you desire the House of Commons to publish their Resolution, never to have Kings more; what spirits of Debate filleth your breasts, and with what suries are you inraged, that you dare be so bold, to propose a matter of high concernment. which if but for civill respects as aforesaid, ought not to be hearkned to? your peremptorinesse ought to be punished severely, that instiga­ted by Satan, goe about to disturbe now our almost setled people, who desire to live in subjection to God and their King, as they are bound by Oath and Convenant; and till your rebellious and destru­ctive desires are accomplisht, you threaten, that you shall not bee contented; why then remaine in your obstinacie, untill the rode that you have gathered, lash you severely, while yee shall be repu­ted of all wise and loyall men, a sort of Traytors, Blasphemers, and cursed persons.

But yee have listned to any counsels, rather then to the voyce of us that trusted you; why is it that yee have stopt the Presse, but that yee would have nothing but pleasing and [...]lattering Discourses, and goe on to make your selves partakers of the Lordship over us, without hearing any thing to the contrary?

The Pamphlet swelleth more and more with Alluding the place where the Prophet David, speaking of the wick [...] sayings of h [...] enemies, sai [...] The porson of Aspes is und [...] their ups. poyson and here it bursteeth forth, able to infect the ayre: have the House of Commons hearkned to any counsels, but what given amongst themselves, the effect and issue of their counsells and consulations, wee see and [Page 26] ought to rejoyce at; but O, here's the cut that divideth the very hearts of the Sectaries, the Presse is stopt, they cannot print Pam­phlets, the contents whereof is more full of lyes then a Dogge of [...]leas; they cannot blaspheme God, and revile their Soveraigne in Print, as they would; and because the Commons (in Parlia­ment) have done this, to wit, SHUT UP THE PRESSE: They have not hearkned to their counsels, but go on to make themselves Lords over them; I [...] SATAN CAST OUT SATAN, HOW SHALL HIS KINGDOME STAND; see the simplicity of the Libeller: should the COMMONS GO ABOUT TO ABRIDGE THE COM­MONS LIBERTY? should they not thereby limit themselves, and goe about to procure their owne bondage? Reason will perswade all men the contrary; but let us still trace the Libeller, who now is arrived at the height of impudencie.

You have now sate full five yeeres, which is foure longer then we in­tended, for we could c [...]use you but at most for one yeer; and now we wish you would publish to the world the good you have done for us, the liberty yee have brought us unto, if you could excuse your selves, as you use to doe (it hath been a time of Warre) for when the warre in the beginning might have been prevented, if yee had drawne a little more blood from the right veyne, and might often ere this have been ended.

Now the House of Commons, as the Remonstrators promise in the Thus cal­ [...]g those [...]eir Com­issioners in [...]arliament to [...] account, [...]w they since [...]e beginning [...] their Sessi­ [...] to the pre­ [...]nt, have dis­ [...]arged their [...]ties to the [...]liver sality the people. title of their Libell, are called to an account, THE COURSE OF ORDER IS CLEAN PERVERTED, WHEN THE SUBJECT SHALL CENSURE THE MAGISTRATE; yet such is the pride and impu­dence of some, that they dare doe it; see here, the House of Com­mons are taxed, that they have sat five yeeres, just foure more then was intended: why then it should seeme, that these men thought at once to throw downe, and set up, to extirpate and Reforme in one day, or at least in one yeare, as here they seeme to intimate; whereas it is and will be recorded, a wonder to posterity, that so glorious a Reformation, being so strongly and fervently opposed, should be gained, confirmed, and setting up, and in the space of six yeeres. But it is desired, they should publish to the world the good they have done, the Liberty they have gained: Doth not your consciences informe you, that that is gained for you, which some yeares since yee durst not wish to attaine; and whereas you affirme, that if a right course at first had been taken the warre had e [...]e this bin ended, and you give your judgement, by what meanes [Page 27] it might have been accomplisht, viz. if a little blood more had bin drawne from the right veyne. At the beginning of this Warre blood was drawne, and too much if it might have been saved with safety; and though DESPERATE WOUNDS aske a DESPERATE CURE, yet to be too sanguine is not good; and if some were spa­red that deserved death, LENITY shall be rewarded, if used with a good intent: but I see your choller rageth within you, that one was exempted, of which thing I tremble to thinke.

For sake and utterly renounce all crafty and subtill intentions, hide not your thoughts from us, and give us encouragement to be open-breasted unto you; Proclaime before-hand what you intend to doe, establishing any thing for the future, and heare all things that can be spoken with or against the same.

Now is held forth in each hand full cups both of sweet water and bitter, first the House of Commons is advised to renounce all crafty and subtle intentions; I told you before, whatsoever they conclude on to the prejudice of the Subject, they surely detract from them­selves; and then insinuation is used, and the utter ruine of Parlia­ments desired, to wit, when they wish the House not to hide their thoughts from them, but to give them encouragement to be open-breasted to them, meaning, that they should in all matters use their advice; which thing, if assented to, what prejudice it would be, what inconveniencies would thereby be occasioned, let the Reader judge? And without doubt the penner of this REMONSTRANCE was an ANABAPTIST, as may appeare by the ensuing words; Pro­claime before-hand what yee intend to doe, establishing any thing for the future, ☞ and heare any thing that can be spoken with o [...] against the same: What hurly-burly would be amongst the multi­tude of Weavers and Mechanicks, sitting in counsell together, a­bout State affaires, while they argue pro and con; O madnesse! shall the supreame Councell, Decree, Order, and Ratifie, and then come and desire your advice; Doth not your folly shame you, and your ignorance cause you to blush?

Now if you shall conscionably perform your trust, then wee shall not doubt to be made You know not wherein freedome co [...] ­sists. Free-men, and become a Iust, Plenteous, and Pow­erfull Nation, all that is lost will be forgotten; and wee shall yet have cause to rejoyce, in your Wisdomes and Fidelities.

Ye are a people, that if a Flye fall in your dish, you will unad­visedly cast away the whole messe of meat, though for hunger yee [Page 28] afterwards pine: It is apparent to all the world, that the PARLIA­MENT have conscionably performed their duty; now performe ye yours also, which is, first to give thankes to God for his great mercies, and then to shew your affection and hearty love to the Instruments of his Glory: And wheras you say, that if your desires were fulfilled, then being absolute Free-men, you should in time become a Just, Plenteous; and powerfull Nation: You intimate in saying (wee) the desires of the whole Nation, wherey your unparalel'd presump­tion is manifest; How dare ye, being but a part of a part, if a part at all, taxe, direct, and advise the High Court of Parliament? and not contented to expresse your ungratefulnesse to your preservers, you would involve the whole Kingdome also in your Labyrinth of errours; and for your owne parts, had ye your wish in all things. it were impossible thereby that yee should become plenteous, or potent; for if in a time of trouble and calamity, when yee expect­ed each day to be ruina [...]ed, yee demeaned your selves wickedly a­gainst God and your Magistrates, would yee not be farre worse. having your wish, and living at ease? mans nature being more apt to bee * in [...]ared by the fruits of Prosperity and joy, then by the Maris eceli­ce temperiem [...]rbincs tem­ [...]states (que) com­ [...]endant, habe [...] [...]s vices con­ [...]tio, mortali­ [...] [...]t adversa cundis, & versis secur­ [...] nascantur- [...]cultat utro- [...]mque semina [...]eus & ple­ [...]mque bono­ [...]m & malo­ [...]m cause sub versa specie [...]ent. Flin. in [...] Trajan. Adversity. frownes of * sorrow.

The Author of this Libell concludeth like a Saint, having railed before like a Furey, and for their more powerfull efficacie, he useth the words of Samuel.