MY dear Friend, how is it with you? me thinks you look somewhat sad and dejected, as if all were not well?

Sir, I suppose I am a stranger to you, and therefore I wonder you should salute me as your friend, or take notice of my sad looks: Indeed Sir, I know you not; I am bold therefore to crave your Name?

My name is Time-server; I was very well acquainted with you some years ago.

I pray you sir, where?

Sir, in the Army, when the Engagement was made at Tri­plo heath, and the Remonstrance at St. Albans; and at the signing of the Engagement to be true to the Common-wealth, as established without King or House of Lords; then was I intimately acquain­ted with you, and your Brother Sincerity, and all the rest of those good souls, which endeavoured Englands freedome; then I was as forward as any to propose good things to make the Nation happy, and to secure the Liberties of every English man: and to root out Monarchy, root and branch, and settle the government by way of a Free State.

I perceive by what you have said, that heretofore you and I have been acquainted: what is the reason we are not so still?

Indeed sir, the reason is, because the times are altered, for my care is to comply with great mens actions, be they good or bad: When they were for good things, then I like a son of thun­der, cryed down Oppression, whether it lay upon the Conscience or the bodies of men? but especially that grievous burthen of Tythes, which the people were forced to pay to the National Ministery, that I may seemed to hate with a perfect hatred, and made that an argument, why the Old Parliament should be broken, because they had not removed that insupportable burthen: but when I perceived the General had changed his minde, then I altered my course in the twinckling of an eye, and presently, that I might keep pace with the times; I commended the thing that I once disprai­sed and justified, that which I once condemned: so that having [Page 3]changed my principles, and the place of my aboade, I am somewhat grown out of your knowledge.

I pray sir, where is the place of your aboad?

Sir, I am at present a Courtier, and dwell at White-hall.

Indeed that is a place which I have not been at great while, for I was banished from thence, at the first errecting of the new Court: for none of my name, viz. Plain-heart could abide there any longer, without making Ship-wrack of Faith and a good Con­science, in conniving at the great mans wickednesse, which is grown to that magnitude, that it may be descerned with out any Spectacles. And more then this, I could tell you, which would make your great Masters ears tingle, and you blush if there were but a dram of honesty in either of you.

I pray you go on, and speak your minde freely, and I shall consider what you shall say?

But sir, there is no wisdome in that, unlesse I were sure you are not a Spie, or an Emisary, employed by his Talnesse to en­snare the plain-hearted, for he keepeth a great herd of such beasts, who are to feign themselves just-men, though when the plain-hearted cast their Pearls before them, they may turn again and rent them; and therefore I am not free to discourse, unlesse you give me assurance you will not betray me.

Sir, I can give you no assurance, but my promise and my oath that I am no Spy, and if that will not serve, you may do as you please.

And that is not in my account worth two straws, for did not you Swear and Vow, Covenant and Promise against those ve­ry things, that are now done by you, and this accompanied with Prayers, Fastings and appeals to heaven, that God would give Te­stimony to the sincerity of your intentions; and yet for all this, you have dissembled with God and men, as thousands of this Na­tion can witnesse and do with grief of heart, and sadnesse of Spirit; and therefore, why may you not forswear your self and deceive me?

Sir, I can excuse my self very well from being a Covenant breaker, although I have acted contrary to my former engagements, I being necessitated to do as I have done: but it may be you will say the necessity was of our own making, but leaving that I desire you to resolve me these ensuing questions, which I shall propose for no other end then satisfaction.

If your Questions be of publick concernment, I shall en­deavour to resolve them, come on it what will.

They are of such concernment, that they reach him which sitteth upon the Throne, and the poorest Peasant in the three Na­tions.

Then go on and speak your mind freely, and though I have cause to suspect your intentions, yet seeing we shall confer of matters relating to the good of my generation, I am the more willing to proceed.

Whether the General since he assumed the government of the three Nations, or took on him that Protectoral Office, do in any way, in your judgement differ from the King (except in name:) or the things so long practised by him.

To which I answer, the difference that is lyeth onely in this, that his little finger is thicker than the Kings loins, as will appear by these considerations. First, his imprisoning of men con­trary to law, at his own will and pleasure; yea, many of the Com­mon-wealths best friends, and have kept them in prison many moneths together without seeing the face of any accuser or com­ming to any triall at law, the truth of which may be evinced by many instances, viz Major Gen. Harrison, Major Gen. Ov [...]rton, Lievt. Gen. Ludlow, Quarter-master General Courtu [...]y, Coll. Rich, Coll. Aldered, Coll. Burch, Lievt. Coll. Lilburn, Major Wildman, Mr. Carry, Mr. Feake, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Spittlehouse, Mr. Stirgion, and o­thers, which I shall not name at present, that are forced to drink of the same cup of his Will and Pleasure: so that we may say, the King chastised us with Whips, but Cromwel chastiseth us with Scor­pions: Secondly, the King assumed a power to levy money upon the people without their consent in Parliament, and in this Crom­well is not wanting; for where the King raised a shilling without consent in Parliament, he raiseth ten to maintain himself and fa­mily, and his Allies in pride pompe and pleasure; so that he out­stripeth him that dwelt in White hall before, in doing that the King durst never do. Thirdly, The King dissolved but two Parlia­ments in 20 years, but this strange Monster have destroyed 3. in lesse then 3 years, the first of which raised him from a poor mean fortune, to be first the Captain of a Troop, and then a Coll. and at last to be their General, who most unworthily turned his batteries upon his Masters, by which act of his, the old proverb is verified, That [Page 5]some bring up a Bird to pick out their own eyes. Fourthly, The King sent out Fleets & Armies, with out consent in Parliament, as appeareth by the businesse of Rochel and the Isle of Ree, for all which he was judged an Offender, and lost his head as a Traytor to the Common-wealth: But in this, O.P. is not behinde his Predecessor (except in the punishment) who sent a Fleet of ships to Hispaniola, to fetch some Spanish gold and silver, which was most shamefully beaten by a few Cow-killers, and many of them slain if not all perished, whose blood I believe wil [...]ly at Cromwels doore. Fiftly, The King stoped the free course of Law, that so his tyranny and Oppression might be the better hid from the eyes of men; and in this O. P. hath kept pace with the King, for he put three Counsel­lors into the Tower for pleading in Mr. Conys Cause, that so he might not onely stop the free course of the law, but also fright the people from seeking any redresse that way.

Indeed you have spoken plainly to the question, and doubt­lesse, there is some truth in what you have said? but his Highnesse having fixed a pair of silver Spectacles upon my Nose, through which I discern his actions to be of a better complection then you have presented them: but my desire is to go on to the next question?

Indeed sir, you are like to Pilates Souldiers, who although they were convinced of the truth of Christs resurrection; yet larg money made them say the contrary: yet go on and propound your question?

The question is, whether his Highnesse have not sufficient warrant in the scripture to justifie him in the things he hath done?

To which I answer, doubtlesse the scripture is so far from owning his actions, or the things he hath done, that they doe con­demn him for so doing; as appeareth, Deut. 17.16. and 20. vers. contrary to which he hath acted in three things: First, he multi­plyeth great revenues to himself: Secondly, he causeth the people to return to their old Ægyptian bondage, (viz.) the will of a sin­gle person: Thirdly, He hath exalted himself above his brethren; yea, above his Masters. And in 2 Sam. 23.3. to which he is unsu­table in two things, for saith the Text, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God, which he hath not in all the fore-mentioned things done; for had he feared God, he would not have cast away his good old Cause and the interest of Gods people. Secondly, nor have done so many unjust things as he hath done.

I pray you sir, resolve me this question, whether the known or good laws of England will not justifie his Highnesse in assuming the government, and in the things he hath done for the maintain­ing of the same?

Sir, you may have an answer to this question, and fully satisfie your self in fourWhich acts make it high treason to proclaim Charls Stuart, or to set up any one man in the supream Magistra­cy. acts of Parliament, the one made in Jan. 30 An. 48. another in March following, the third act in May 1649 the other in July 17. An. 49. besides the body of the anci­ent laws of England for the violating of which Strafford, Canterbury, & the very King of England suffered death; all which laws cry out against your Master and say, that he had no encouragement from them to do, as he hath done: for they which made those laws did appoint them to stand in the Gap, to keep out all such intruders, but he hath troden them down like mire in the [...] if they were not longer usefull, and they are so far from owning his acti­ons, or the things he hath done, that they say he is a traitor for so­doing.

If neither the word of God or the laws of the Land will own his actions, I pray sir, what will?

Sir, the Earle of Straffords instructions to the King, that grand piece of state policy or machivils Prince will own his Lord­ships actions; they being the fruits of none other, but such cor­rupt Trees; and doubtlesse his talnesse hath consulted with them once and again, how he should manage his affairs, and carry on his designs to enslave the people, and to make them vassals to his own Will, Lust and Pleasure; and from them he hath received more counsell then from any divine Oracle; so that if Strafford were now alive, he must needs salute your Master as his elder brother; for he hath sucked the breasts of his mother, and been baptised into the same spirit, even the spirit of oppression: but it may be you will call for proof of this? To which, I answer, three things: First, There is a Bookseller as I am informed, that bound up Straffords Instructions for your great Masters use. Secondly, he was com­manded to keep it very secret, which intimateth that he intendeth to draw the water of state policy out of Straffords Wels: Thirdly, the actions he doth & the measures he makes to the people, do fully declare, that he measureth by Straffords rule; and there is a maxime in Muchivel, that he which knows not how to dissemble, knoweth not how to rule: but your Master is excellently accomplished for [Page 7]the businesse of dissembling; for he hath the most excellent art of equivocation, and can lie most misteriously; he can invent Engage­ments for the people, and dispence with them when he pleaseth; swear and forswear as the winde turns for his own advantage: he can turn up his eyes, and lift up his hands, and appeal to heaven for God to witnesse to the sincerity of his intentions, and use sweet and Saint-like expressions, as if his words were tempered with nothing but Oyle, Butter, and Hony, and cry aloud for the Cause of God, and the good of the people; and all this to make himself great; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple: an excellent man to make a Prince according to machivels rule: thus you have my perswasions concerning the last thing you proposed.

I shall consider of what you have said, and if I finde that I may be of your mind, and keep my honour, and profit, and place, under his Highnesse; and let me tell you privately, that I could say Amen to what you have said, were it not that I love the honour and praise of men more then the honour and praise of God. But I pray sir, resolve me this question: Whether his Highnesse may not expect better success in these his late undertakings then that which befell Strafford and the King?

To this I answer, that his successe will be the same or worse if worse can be, as will appear by these following conside­rations: First, he that walks in Jeroboams sins, shall partake of Je­roboams plagues: secondly, he knowing the judgements of God, that they which doe such things are worthy of death, doth not on­ly the same, but have pleasure in them which do them; therefore his successe will be the same, Rom 1.32. Thirdly, He that judgeth and condemns an other for doing unrighteous things, and he him­self do the same, doubtlesse he shall not escape the judgment of God. Rom. 23. Fourthly, if Strafford the grand master of state policy could not keep his own head upon his shoulders, nor escape the hand of vengeance, that God hath stretched out against Op­pressors: Then doubtless the Scholler will not go free. Fifthly, If the King which was a great student in the politicks, yet could not keep himself from bowing down to the block of destruction, that just reward for his unrighteous deeds; from all which, I con­clude your Masters portion will be the same, if not prevented by timely repentance.

Sir, as to these thing, I will say more when the times are altered, for you know my manner is to be for any thing that is profitable, although its contrary to equity and justice, but we will passe to the next question. Whether his Highnesse did not speak like a gracious man in reproving the last Parliament for put­ting their finger on their brothers conscience?

To this I answer, his tongue was like a good Samaritan, but his heart like a Jew, which have nothing to doe with one ano­ther; he spake like a Saint, but acted like a Serpent, as appears in that, the same man which the Parliament imprisoned for his con­science, hath he imprisoned since for the same, and after ten or twelve weeks restraint commanded him to be carried by his mer­cenarie fouldiers to Portsmouth, and there snipt him and sent him to a remore Island to be kept in streight and close imprisonment; & yet could reprove the Parliament as confidently, as if they had committed the greatest abhomination in putting their finger, on their brothers conscience; although he can thrust in his whole hand.

Sir, but what end should his Highnesse have in reproving the Parliament, for that which I confesse he himself hath done since?

To this I answer, first ingenerall that his own Advan­tage was his end more then any good to the freedome of mens consciences. 2. More particularly, first, he knew he had dissatis­fied many honest men by his first Speech, and that there was none other way to draw them in, but putting on his old vaile of godly pretences in speaking for liberty of Conscience, and reproving them which would have infringed it. Secondly, that he might commend himself to the people, as one that was tender of their consciences, and that his large hollow heart could hold all that were godly, though differing in judgment, and that they need not fear to put their trust under the shaddow of his wings, for he was willing to be their servant for their goods. Thirdly, that he might the better perswade the people that Parliaments were of little use, as they might see by the actions of the last, who spent their time about errours in Religion, and neglected the taking a­way the great errour in the state. Thus you have my perswasions to the last question.

Sir, I see you are like your name, viz. Plain hearted, and that you are not afraid to turn your inside outward, which is a [Page 9]thing that my soul dreads, because all my beauty lyeth in the out­side, you would hardly believe how the news of the Protector be­ing unvailed, made my very heart shake; also I must tell you, I am more free to discourse in private than in publique; therefore I pray at this time resolve me this question: What the reason is, his Highnesse put in execution that bloody Ordinance, which was made in 48 against the things they call blasphemy and heresie?

Doubtlesse you are not ignorant of the great service this Ordinance might doe your Master, for it concludeth a man to be an heretick, which holds that a man is not to believe more than his reason can comprehend: Now this is of singular use for your Master, for he that believes God called him to the government, must believe more then his reason can apprehend. Secondly, he that be­lieves there is a spark of honesty or christian goodnesse in the great man before mentioned, must believe more than his reason can com­prehend. Thirdly, He that believes that O.P. intends any good to these three Nations, he must believe more than his reason can com­prehend. Fourthly, He that believes England is in a better condition, then it was in the dayes of the long Parliament, he must believe more than his reason can comprehend. Fifthly, He that believes himself and his posterity are any better than slaves, and meer vassals to the will of O.P. he doth believe that which he hath no reason, for as you may perceive by that which fell from his own lips, viz. That he had an unlimitted power till he was pleased to limmit himself, in the paper which he calleth the Government: which puts me in mind of an old Maxime, that he which bindes may loose, and he that hath power to loose can binde; from which you may easily discern, that our Lives, Estates and Liberties depend upon his will and grace. therefore he that believ [...]s we are any better than slaves, believeth more than his reason can comprehend; and there­fore O. P. had need to make this Ordinance passe for good law, that the people may be bound to stretch their faith beyond their reason, that in so doing they may believe Cromwel to be that which indeed he is not, an honest man.

Sir, I have a word to speak on my Masters behalf, and that is, he is bound by his Oath to maintain all the Laws, Statutes and Ordinances as well as any one of them; and therefore he must maintain this before mentioned.

Suppose that which you have said were true, yet you have not acquitted your Master from being a transgressor for the act of [Page 10]Parliament, that establisheth two shillings six pence a day for the Horsemen, and ten pence a day for the foot is already broken: and this is as good law as that before mentioned (if not a great dealt better) yet your Master can dispence with his Oath at this turn, and reduce the Horse to two and three pence a day, and the foot to nine pence.

Sir, you endeavour to insinuate that my dear Master is par­tial in the law, which is a thing that must not be admitted, for I can shew you good reasons of State, why the souldiers pay should be reduced.

Let me hear them, and I will consider them?

First, The souldiers being insensible of the grievous bur­then of Tythes that the Country-man lyeth under; his Highnesse to make them, if not sensible, yet conformable to the rest of their neighbours, thought good to take one penny off ten out of the souldiers pay; that so they may, if they please, tell their country landlords, we are become like you, for now we also pay Tythes. Secondly, His Highnesse being necessitated to raise money to main­tain his Court in that splendor which becommeth a Prince of his extraction; and in some measure to be like the Kings of other na­tions; and let me tell you a Protectors necessity is above law. Thirdly, There being many of the old souldiers which served the Parliament against the interest of a single person, which now serve him onely for a present livelihood, which his Highnesse well e­nough perceiving, took away part of that, that so he might be rid of them. Fourthly, That he might ingratiate himself in the affe­ctions of the people, that rather than he will oppresse them, he will pinch a penny a day out of the bellies of the poor foot souldiers; and if they will take care to keep themselves honest, he will keep them poore; thus I have given you my reasons of State, to justifie my Master in taking off a part of the souldiers pay.

Let me tell you that you speak very much like a Cour­tier in what you have said: and truly neither I nor my brother Sincerity, nor any of the good honest soules that ingaged with us in the late war, did ever think to have been so absolutely cheated by you till we saw all your Prayers, Fastings, and Appeals to heaven, turned into an Engine of State policy; and if these be your Court tricks, I hope my soul shall never enter into your secrets; and tru­ly my bowels yerns for the poore souldiers, who have run so many [Page 11]hazzards, and fought so many famous battels, stormed so many towns, waded through so many Rivers, with the losse of limbs and blood; besides all the hunger and cold, and lodging on the ground, which they have gone through, doing summer service in winter season; and after all this, to have the tenth part of their pay taken away, and spent upon your new Court, that the Gentle­men Ushers, and Gentlemen Waiters, the Grooms of the Stoole, Gentlemen Sewers, beside the Fidlers, and others that I could name, which shine in their gold and silver; and that this might be main­tained, the poore foot souldiers must contribute a peny a day, to­ward the deffraying of this charge: but time calling me away, if you have not else to say, I will be gone.

I would have you resolve me this question, whether or not, it had been more just and honest for his Highnesse to have reduced some of the great Officers (which some think might be very well spared) and some of the pay of them that remain, then to have taken three pence a day from the Horse and a peny from the Foot.

To which I answer, it had been more just and honest so to have done, but it would not have conduced so much to the settle­ment of his greatnesse, which is a thing that must be prized and pre­ferred before all the justice and equity in the world: as appeareth, First, the Officers have taken a great deal of pains and care to exalt him, and therefore he must take heed he doth not displease them, for fear they which did ex [...]lt should abase. Secondly, they are con­tent that he should have 200000. pound a year; and therefore he must let them have good round summes. Thirdly, The losse of one Officer may be more detriment to him and his affairs, then the loss of a hundred private men. Fourthly, the private souldiers never found the sweetnesse of great revenue as the Officers have done; and therefore they may part with their tenths with the lesse grief: Thus I have given you my resolve as to that question.

Sir, I see you have some Inspection into our actions at Court, which maketh me the more willing to confer with you; and I desire you to resolve me this question, which depends upon a saying of my Master to the godly people, which petitioned him to make void the Ordinance of Blasphemy and Heresie; the words were these, That if they took care to cleanse the Churches by Ex­communication, he must take the like care of the Common-wealth: My desire is to know of you what you think his Highnesse will cleanse the Common-wealth of?

Truly Sir, you have put me to a stand, for I cannot ima­gine what he should intend in that saying, for if he should cleanse the Common-wealth of Hypocrites, then there would be one lesse at White-hall. Secondly, if he should cleanse the Common-wealth of Oppressors, then the Broom would sweep it self away. Thirdly, If the Common-wealth should be cleansed of Covenant-breakers, then where would he finde a habitation? Fourthly, if of such as devoure the man that is more righteous then himself, then our new Monarchy would receive a blow? Fifthly, if the Common-wealth should be cleansed of such a fast and pray, and under that pretence devoure Widdows houses, then it is to be feared, we shall loose him? so that I shall lay down no resolve to this question; but leave it for you to enquire of your great Master, what the Com-wealth shall be cleansed of?

Sir, I could have given a better answer my self then this which you have given?

I pray you Sir do, and I will consider it?

Sir, first, His Highnesse will cleanse the Common-wealth of her money, the love of which is the root of all evill: secondly, he will cleanse her of super fluons members, and send them to Hispa­niola, either to be killed by the Spanyards, or else to starve there for want of bread: thirdly, he will cleanse the Common-wealth of Justice, that it shall be no more heard in our land: fourthly, of the greatnes of T [...]ade by letting in the French upon our Merchants and Manufactors, that the French by having a free-trade may re­duce the English men to like poverty; and consequently to like vassellage with themselves: and without doubt, the people being brought low, will be the easierly ruled: Fifthly, he will cleanse it of the benefit of her known law, especially, that which provi­deth against paying of Taxes and illegal imprisonments; witness his dealing with the Lord Gray of Grooby. Sixthly, He will cleanse the Common-wealth of Parliamentary Priviledges, that they may be no more a burthen to him: and now I will proceed to may last question, whether or not you think his Highnesse Kingdome will continue long?

To this I answer, his Kingdome is like to a man that is born of a woman, which continueth but a few dayes and is full of trouble, it came up like a flower and will vanish like a shaddow, and my reasons why I think so, are these: First, because the Spanyard will not part with his Mines in the West-Indies, which was inten­ded [Page 13]to be obtained for the support of this kingdome of his. Secondly, Ge­neral Blake is come home without his Plate-Fleet. Thirdly, The City is not willing to part with much money upon trust, except the East Indian Mer­chants have some more money in Controversie, which they are willing to deposite in his hands, till they have wit to agree about it. Fourthly, The peoples eyes begin to be open, and they can now see and do say there is no law that requires Taxes to be paid. And upon that account many do re­fuse as justly they may. 5. The soldiers grumble for the losse of the tenth part of their pay, and are ready to serve a better Master if occasion be. 6. His own fears are such, that he is a terrour to himself, and dare not go forth with­out strong guards to defend him; and as his fears increase, and his hopes faile, his guards are strengthened; and doubtlesse if this new Government were of God, there would not be all this stir to support it. Seventhly, Ma­ny of the Officers and souldiers are so convinced in their Consciences that this kingdome is quite contrary to the things they engaged for; that there is not one in five, that will strike a blow to maintain it, if it should be put to a decision that way; so that I am perswaded it is very crasie and will not continue long.

I must confesse that when I consider of these things, it puts me into a grievous agony, so that my bowels are pained, and my heart trembleth, and my bones shake at the very thoughts of an alteration: Alas, alas! what will become of my dear Master, when his Kingdome is weighed in the Bal­lance and found to light? who will have the fine Houses, the brave Parkes, the pleasant Fields and delightfull gardens, that we have possessed without any right, and built at other mens cost, who shall enjoy the delight of the new Rivers and Ponds at Hampton Court, whose making cost vast sums of money, and who shall chase the game in the Hara-warren, that my dear Ma­ster hath inclosed for his own use, and for ours also that are time-servers? Oh how shall we be able to see our pleasant things taken from us, to be im­ployed to better uses & all our pleasant [...] songs turned into mourning, & in Whitehall shall sound no more the Trumpet, Harp, Lute and Organ, besides other instruments of Musick in which we took much delight; those will then be taken from us, and our brave Vellory of singing Birds will be despi­sed amongst the Commons; because it was built at their great charges, and all our male dear Does and Prickets will then be meat for Velder mouths; What cause shall we have to curse our Court Chaplines, which sewed pillows of security under our arms, as if we should never be moved? who made us believe that God had made an everlasting Covenant with us ordered in all things and sure: and that our exaltation was no humane contrivance, but the good pleasure of God, which said they brought us to this dignity, and that no instrument formed against us should prosper, but we should long en­ [...]y the works of our hands, and alwayes rancked us amongst the Saints, as [Page 14]if we had been really godly; and as they tickled our ears with these sayings, even so the Confectioners with their sweet meats, and delicious Wines did please our pallates; besides all our other dainty dishes, fitly composed for carrousing gallants, and dainty Ladies: Oh what will become of this court­ly brood, when a Common-wealth will be in fashion? and a Parliament to call all our actions into question? how shall we answer one action of a thou­sand? Oh, misery to think! and grief to consider our condition: the earth will shake at the sound of our fall, and few will bewaile our sad disaster, and one thing that troubleth me more than all the rest, which is this, that if I should alter my course, and change my name from Time-server to Rofer­mation, yet none will believe me, because I have betrayed the dear purcha­sed liberties of my Country, into the hand of an Usurper; and broke all my Engagements, performed none of my promises; and when good men were sent to prison, I have given my voice against them; so that I am exceedingly afraid, that all my feigned tears and long prayers, frequent Fastings, solemn Oaths, large promises will signifie but very little; because we Time-servers gilded over all our unrighteous actions with such lovely things, by which we have [...] deceived the good meaning people; so that being once discove­red we are quite undone; for doubtlesse the same measure that we have made to others, will be made to us, even to be cut up from cumb [...]ing the ground: And thus I have discovered my fears to you, and I pray make a good con­struction.

Sir, you have made a very large complaint, and I must tell you, the thing you fear will doubtlesse come upon you; for the wicked will be sna­red in the works of their own hands, Psal. 9.16. and taken in their own counsels, & the cup which they have filled to others shalbe doubled to them, to the exceeding joy of the righteous, the very thoughts whereof maketh my heart to leap for joy, that the house of the wicked shalbe overthrown, but the tabernacle of the upright shall flourish, Prov. 14.11. and then shall I and my brother Sincerity have our mouths filled with praise; when the captives shall be released with honour, even them which suffer for bearing testimony a­gainst your great Masters wickednes: Oh, the sweet peace of a good consci­ence, which is a continuall feast, its liberty in prison, its joy in adversity, life in death; therefore lift up your heads you prisoners of hope, for the day of Redemption is near, and then shall that word be verified, that the rod of the wicked shall not alwayes rest upon the back of the righteous; and though your great Master may oppresse for a time, yet he shall come to his end and none shall help him: This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the almighty, if his chil­dren be multiplied, it is for the sword, and his off spring shall not be satisfi­ed with bread, though he heap up silver as the dust, and prepare raiment as [Page 15]the clay: he may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall devide the silver: Men shal clap their hands at him, and hisse him out of his place, Job 27.13. to the 23. The righteous shall see this and be glad, but the wicked shall tremble and quake, when this great mans hypocrisie shall be fully laid open and detected, and his secret disignes and his subtill contri­vances to vassellize the people shall be obvious to every eye, and every fowle shall call for his feather, which he hath plucked from them by violence, to adorn that despicable brood of vain Courtiers: and then all the time-servers will mourn, weep and howle, for anguish of spirit, when they shall fall un­der sequestration; glory be to Jehovah, that will bring down the mighty from their seats, and exalt the humble and meek, even so let all thine ene­mies perish oh God.

Sir, I can no longer stay, for my heart is sick, and my head is heavy with the thoughts of these things; and I have nothing to comfort me but this hope, that I shall go to my grave in peace before the evill day come, and so farewell.

If you or your Master go to your grave in peace, then God hath not spoken by me: And so I take my leave, and remain an enemy to your Court, but a friend to the Common-wealth.