IN the 28. Psalm, Verse 6. the Spirit of God speaking there of Judges and Rulers, saith they are Gods, and all of them children of the most high; but he telleth them they shall dye like men, and fall as one of the Princes. We unhappy men of Eng­land have at this time a generation of ambitious imperious men, some of both Houses of Parliament, whose names ye may elsewhere find; who by their power and subtill practises, do frame and assume to themselves a supreame power over us, and would faine be taken for Gods, and sonnes of the most high by us; yet they neither rule us like Gods, nor demeane themselves amongst us as children of the most high: but rule us like Tyrants (a degenerate kind which God never made nor owned) and demean themselves more like children of disobedience (serving their own base lusts and pleasures) then children of the most high: for were they such, they would seeke the will of their Fa­ther in heaven, and good of his People. But the Spirit saith they shall dye like men; the which it may be doubted these men believe not; but rather with the Athiesticall Epicure thinke they shall dye like Beasts, and that the soule, aswell as the body returnes to the (pri­mam materiam,) and so, if they can but escape the stroake of justice here, they dreame not of hearing of their wicked deeds hereafter: and therefore they have resolved (it appeares) for the accomplishment of their own unrighteous ends, (after the manner of all Athiesticall Statesmen, who cast the feare of God, and consideration of death and judgement behind them) to assay all wayes and meanes of wickednes, as to vow and not pay, to promise and not performe, sweare and forsweare, covenant and breake, to feign, flatter, and play the hy­pocrite, (I had almost said the devill) to betray, destroy, rob, spoyle, oppress, and violate all law and rule of government, infringe all rights, and liberties, imprison, persecute, deceive their trust, requite evill for good, and do all manner of mischiefe and injustice, even what­soever Sathan, and their wicked hearts shall prompt them unto; insomuch that whatsoever they say or make shew of, their evil doings declare that they believe not an immortallity and judgement: they profess themselves Christians, but if yee observe and consider their a­ctions, you must say (and if you were a stranger you would sware) they were heathens; yea they do worse then heathens; for did ever heathens take the name of their insensible Gods of wood and stone, so frequently and solemnly into their mouthes, by way of oath and cove­nant, as these men have done, and had it so little in reverence, and so little respect to what they have sworne; as these men have had the name of the great and terrible God of heaven, and of their oathes made unto him? read all Stories, and search all Centuries of Ages, and if there be any such example of perjury, and swearing falsly by their God, equivalent to the example of these men, of this generation, I will freely offer my selfe for a sacrafice, to ex­piare my offence against their holines: and yet they are ready with Agurs Harlot Pro. 30. 20. to wipe their mouthes, and say we have done no wickednes. But that the truth may be made apparent, and expatiated, let us heare their promises, vowes and speeches, and compare their deeds and practises.

First they do in the Protestation, promise, vow, and protest, in the presence of Almighty God (whom sure they thinke is like the God of Baals Priests, that could neither heare nor see) to maintain and defend with their lives, powers, and estates, the true reformed Protestant Religion, expressed in the doctrine of the Church of England, against all Popery, and Po­pish innovations within this Realme, contrary to the same doctrine, &c.

Yet they are now setting up, and have set up so farre as in them lyeth, a Religion never before heard of within this Realme, and quite contrary to the professed doctrine of the Church of England, it being wholly opposite unto Christ, and a meere Popish innovation, brought out of Scotland, and violently imposed upon us: And thus it comes to pass, by the [Page 4] confederacy of a haughty trayterous Party in the Houses of Parliament, of which are the Earles of Manchester and Stamford, Sir Phillip Stapleton, M. Hollis, and others, with the proud covetous Priests, for the advancement of their designe of usurpation and lordlines both over his Majesty and us, vow and protest in like manner, to maintain and defend the Kings royall person, honour and estate, and the lawfull rights and liberties of the Subject, and every one that should make the said Protestation, in pursuance of the same; and that they will not for hope, feare, or other respect, relinquish this promise, vow, and protestation. And do they not accordingly maintain and defend the Kings royall person, honour, and e­state? His person with a company of Commissioners of their own stamp and temper, and with a guard of able Horsmen and Souldiers, (debauched Graves his Regiment) as if they were affraid to intrust any of the honest Commanders about him) as if he were rather a Prince of Theeves, then a Prince of three Kingdomes, or of a free People? and his honour and estate they defend with all the power and might they can; taking the Supream power upon themselves to grant Pardons, sell the Lands purchased with the lives and money of the People, without the Peoples consent; make Judges, create Lord Keepers or Chancellours, (and yet the King in presence, for they cannot now pretend a necessity by his absence) and making use of his name to violate all Law; oppress the People; and to commit all injustice: in a word, to destroy our liberties, and to execute their own Arbitrary wills. They speake of having the Kings power with them virtually; but wee can neither see nor find any of its proper vertue either among them, or from them; for his Majesties Regall power is just and mercifull, regulated by Law, preservative and corrective; and not unjust, cruell, irregular, and illegall, defacing and destructive; as the effects have been of the power which the Par­liament hath exercised. And concerning the Kings estate and revennues; no question but it is accumulated, and that they have it in banke, for they have been very parcimonious Stew­ards; they can hardly spare either the master money for his necessities, or his Servants any for wages: He, like a Ward, or Pupill, is at their set allowance, and content with the pittance his late Tutors and Guardians will allow him; I doubt not but it will prove that some of them have made better allowance to themselves both our of his estate, and the Republiques also.

Second, how by reason of the predominancy and power of this tyrannous Party in both Houses, whose malignant pernicious influence hath been, and still is diffusive throughout all the Parliaments actions; all those which have taken this Vow and Protestation, are and have been defended in pursuance of the same, it is sufficiently manifest: For who but they that endeavour to maintain the true reformed Protestant Religion, according to the doctrine pro­fessed in the Church of England, in the power and purity of it, are hated, illegally prosecu­ted, and persecuted, vilifyed, and reviled, and he is most favoured, and soonest preferred, that can shew himselfe most virulent, and violent against them? And if you do but sken, or looke (like a Hare) on the one side, at the Kings Crown and dignity; you presently incurre through the powerfull Votes of this Party, the Parliaments high dislike and displeasure, and it is a sufficient badge, that you are an enemy, (because you are so to Traytors to the State; witnes the high dislike of the Armies wise, and just demand, of his Majesties royall assent to an Act of indempnity: and truly if they take a bare Parliament Ordinance without the Roy­all assent, I will not give them one farthing for their security; and it will be found that their Judges, Chancellours, Excise men, and Sequestrators, are in the same case as the Souldiers: And to endeavour or petition for liberty, according to the Protestation, is as much as to beg a Prison, to sue for justice, is to be accounted seditious; in a word, to be sincere and honest, is to be adjudged worthy of no trust, imployment, or preserment.

But to make the truth, and the wicked practises and purposes of this destroying Party in both Houses, yet more plain and open; these cunning contrivers, of our intended Vassalage and thraldome, frame a combination and confederacy by covenant with the Scots, and by power and subtilty surprize and insnare therein the whole Parliament and Kingdome: (the which I pray read, and observe;) In their feigned profession of sorrow they acknowledge, that their not prizing the Gospell, nor labouring to receive Christ into their hearts, (and they say truly) hath been the cause of all other fames amongst us: And therefore with their [Page 5] hands lifted up to the most high God, they do solemnly sware sincerely to endeavour a re­formation of Religion in the three Kingdomes, in doctrine, worship, discipline, and govern­ment, according to the word of God, and the example of the best reformed Churches: now what meanes this juggle, and to the example of the best reformed churches? above they sweare to endeavour a reformation, and what sincerity is here, to make mens impure in­ventions, equivalent to the infallible rule of Gods word? to make (dogma presbyteri) the opinion of the Priest, adaquate to the unalterable last Will and Testament of Jesus Christ? only here by this Foyst, these deceitfull Spirits endeavour to bring in something of their own, that with their claw-back Priests, they may seem to have something to do with Christ in his Church government, and to sit cheeke by joule with him in his throne: and thus they do still dis-esteem the inestimable benefit of the Gospell, and oppose it in the power and puri­ty of it; even as their Fathers did, so do they, harden their hearts against the Lord. If the word of God be a sufficient rule to reform and govern the Church by; what need then of any other pattern or platforme? The best reformed Churches which are this day in Europe need reformation, yea the pure Church of Scotland, notwithstanding all their pretences.

For if you observe our bretherens various double dealings, turnings and windings, self-see­king, and advantage-making in every busines they transact, or negotiate with us, farre unbe­seeming men pretending so great conscientiousnes in all things, and so highly professing the power of Religion, in purenes of life and conversation. At first they were against the King; then while he was with them, they speake and write highly for him, and now they have made the most they can of him, they are again become adversaries to him; one while they press one part of their deceitfull Covenant; as at first The Scors have made more of the King, then Judas did of the King of heaven. they did that part, for bringing evill instruments unto condigne pu­nishment, whilst that Delinquents troubled them: Afterwards, when by craft they had gotten the King among them, hoping thereby to have had him established their Presbyterian Church-government within this Kingdome, they were very zealous for that part of the Covenant which concernes the preservation and de­fence of his Majesties person and authority. Now both the former are forgotten, and they are at this instant extreame urgent, and importune for that part of the Covenant which con­cernes the reformation of Religion in the three Kingdomes, in doctrine, worship, discipline and government, according to the word of God, and the example of the best reformed Churches: by which words, (the example of, &c.) they would have it granted that their Kirke of Scotland is the best reformed in all the world, and therefore we are bound by this clause of the Covenant (they conceive) to reforme by their pattern, and to make their go­vernment our example; as if they, (blind Beetles) had attained the very Summum gradum of the government of the Church of Christ comprehended in the Gospell: thus using the Co­venant as a Waterman doth his Saile, to turne every way, and hereby they justify the Scrip­ture which saith, a double minded man is unstable in all his wayes, Jam. 1. 8. but not one word do they speake for justice, or liberty of the Subject, though they see all oppression and violence rage and raign amongst us, this part of the Covenant they lifted up their hands as high to God, and swore as solemnly to performe, as any other, but because they have no use for it, they regard it not: the truth is, they profess they know God, but in workes they de­ny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and to every good worke reprobate.

But to speake more particularly of our own Presbyterian Reformers, the Scotists of our Kingdome, M. Hollis, Stapleton, and the rest of the zealous hipocrites, (with their Antichri­stian Priests) Covenanters, they sware you see my Friends to endeavour a reformation in Re­ligion according to the word of God; and the Parliament as seeming to adhere only to this sure and alone necessary and sufficient rule for reformation, and not to take the bare opinions of men for granted truths, without justification from the word of God: to which end they long since propounded queries concerning the said government, for the Assembly to prove by the word of God, for the justification of it: the which queries I have here inserted, for every mans better information, and consideration, to wit:

First, whether the Parochiall, and Congregationall Elderships, appointed by Ordinance [Page 6] of Parliament, are jure divino, by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?

Secondly, Whether all the members of the said Eldership, are members thereof, or which of them are, jure divino, and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?

Thirdly, Whether the supreame Assemblyes, or Elderships, viz. the Classicall, Provinci­call and Nationall, whether all, or any of them, or which of them, are jure divino, and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?

Fourthly, Whether appeales from congregationall Elderships, to the Classicall provinci­all, and Nationall Assemblies, or to any of them, are jure divino, and by the will and ap­pointment of Jesus Christ?

Fifthly, Whether Oecumenicall Assemblies, are jure divino, and whether there be ap­peales, from any of the former Assemblies to the said Oecumenicall Assemblies, jure divino, by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?

Sixtly, whether by the word of God, the power of judging and declaring what are notori­ous and scandalous offences, and of conventing before them, tryall, and actuall suspending from the Sacrament such offenders accordingly, either in the congregationall Eldership, or presbytery, or in any other Eldership, or presbytery Presented to the Houses, as the advice of the Assembly, and whether such powers are in them only, or any of them, and in which of them jure divino, and by the will and appointment of Jesus Christ?

Seventhly, Whether there be any cettaine and particular rules expressed in the word of God, to direct the said Elderships or Presbyteries, or any of them in the exercise and exe­cution of the powers aforesaid, and which are those rules?

Eightly, is there any thing contained in the word of God, that the Supreame Magistracy in a Christian State may not judge and determine what are the aforesaid notorious and scan­dalous offences, and the manner of suspension from the same, and in what particulars concer­ning the premises, are the said Supreame Magistracy in the word of God excluded?

In answer of which particulars, the House of Commons desired of the Assembly of divines (falsly so called) their proofes from Scripture, and to set downe the severall texts of Scrip­ture in the express words of the same. And it was also ordered that every particular Minister of the said Assembly, that was, or should be Present at the debate of any of these questions, should upon every resolution that was to be presented to the House concerning the same, subscribe his respective name, either with the affirmative or negative, as he should give his vote; and that they which should dissent from the major part, should set downe their posi­tive opinions, with the express texts of Scriptures upon which their opinions were groun­ded.

Here you see an excellent way for the proofe of this Scotish creature prescribed, and a great deale of seeming care in the Parliament to set up a Religion according to the word of God, and not according to the Church of Scotland: and yet though these severall queries or questions were by the fallacious Assembly never answered unto this day, nor are they able to answer them satisfactorily, for they can neither immediate, or mediate; directly, or by con­sequence, prove by the word of God, and Gospell of our Lord Jesus Christ, their so much pres'd Presbiterian government to be jure divine, by divine Law or right, as they most pre­sumtuously and andatiously have alledged: yet nevertheless, although these queries were ne­ver resolved, nor the Parliament ever satisfied by sufficient proofe out of the word of God, of the lawfulness of this government, whether it be the government of Jesus Christ or not; hath this evill party (whereof Mr. Hollis a man ever factious) is reputed chiefe) by their heady presumptuous courses, to raise to themselves a faction from London and the Scots, for their owne security, and to drive on their owne premeditated designe of dominion and sove­raignity, prevailed to have it established by Ordinance, enjoyning it in all places, and upon all persons, with as much rigour and severity as ever the Bishops did their conformity, all which (ye see) is directly against their Covenant, and no other then plaine perjury: but un­less they can establish this Scotish Presbiterian government, they can never absolutely esta­blish tyranny, for the expedients of this Presbiterian government conduce directly unto ty­ranny, even to abolish all rules of Law and civill liberty, it is an antipathy to Monarchy, and [Page 7] the legall power of civill Magistracy, and brings under a yoak (where it is predominant) both King and People (as shall God willing be demonstrated fully in due time) and by this means these asspirers hope through the helpe of the Priests to order King Charles, (as the Presbi­terians in Scotland did King James) whom they did restraine, affront, disobey, and raise tumults against) if he prove refractory to any of their arbitrary Councels; and to suppress and curb us the free Commoners, that we shall not be able either to helpe him, or remedy our selves.

Yet questionless, if ye aske any of these our master Reformers, if when they made and took the Covenant, they did not intend to make Gods word their direct rule of Reformation? They will answer, yes: otherwise they must confess themselves most hatefull hipocrites; denying the truth and sufficiency of the holy Scriptures; men that intend no Religion; but a treasona­ble designe against King and People under that notion; and I wish it doe not prove so in the end by some men. If they did intend (as they will not deny) to make Gods word their Rule, to Reforme by: why doe they make the Church of Scotland, the rule of their Reformation, and cast the word of God behind them? Why doe they enforce upon us the reformation (or rather deformation) of another Kingdome, no waies justified or approved by the holy Scrip­tures, and not endeavour (as they have sworne) sincerely, to seeke out what the good will of the Lord is, concerning his Church, and worship, what order and rule he hath prescribed and left us by his owne Sonne in the Gospell? Doth not God the Father say This is my belo­ved Sonne heare not the Scots, nor the Priests. him: Marke 9. 7. And is it not written, And Moses truly said unto the Fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, like un­to me, him shall ye heare in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you; marke & tremble all yee Priests & Presbyte­rians, and it shall come to pass, that every soule which shall not heare that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people Acts 3. 22, 23. And doubtless, Christ who was a Sonne, was not less faithfull in Gods house then Moses, who was a servant. And againe Yee have a sure word (saith the Apostle) unto which yee doe well to take heed: 2 Pet. 1. 19. Yet doe these presumptuous men despise this command of God, and neglect this sure word; hearken to their owne corrupt humours, take heed to their owne ambitious covetuous desires, and so proceed in dispight of God and his Christ, to erect a government after their owne inventions: But they will tell you that the Assembly have searched the Scriptures, and had respect to the word, in framing this government: I beleeve they have: but as the Devill did, to make use of them for his owne ends, against Christ; for they did not search to find what government it was the Gospell did hold out and warrant, and propound and promote that: But they first resolve upon and propound such a government as will serve their purpose, and then they apply themselves to make it good by Scriptures, or to enforce the Scriptures for a warrant: thus have they made their forme of Church-government the rule of Gods word, and not Gods word a rule to their forme of government; having done no otherwise then many Atournies and Clearkes doe, who often draw Declarations and writings by another mans president or pat­terne, without examining or consulting the Law, in the case; which is just as if a Taylor should first make a Suit, and then make use of his measure. And grant that this Presbyteriall government be according to the word of God, is it so (in toto?) Is it so absolute that there is no degree of Reformation above it? if so, then the Scots have exceedeed that grand planter of Churches, Saint Paul; for he told the Corinthians, That he would yet shew them a more excellent way, Cor. 12. 31. And that wee know but in part, and prophecy but in part, but when that which is perfect is come, that which is imperfect shall be abolished: 1 Cor. 13. 9, 10. And Saint Peter and the Prophets, spake of a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwel­leth righteousness. Of such a beautifull and perfect Reformation and change, as if it was a new world. 2 Peter 3. 13. and Esay. 64. 17. I hope no proud Priest or Presbyterian, dare affirme that there is yet any such Reformation or change in Scotland; righteousness dwelleth not there I am sure: and I would it was not almost banished out of England. For as much then as there is a Reformation more true and excellent then theirs (or else theirs is none at all) why may not the Independants (so called) or some others, approach neerer to it then they? with­out controversie, there appeares more of God, and of Christ, in the Independants order and [Page 8] waies, then doth in the waies of the Presbyterians: unless the Presbyterians will affirm themselves the only wise and that the Spirit of the most high God, dwels only in them: but then they must give me leave to aske them Saint Pauls question, 1 Cor. 14. 36. Came the word of God out from you? Or came it unto you only? Or did the Bishops seale unto the Presbyterian Priests the holy Spirit, when they sealed unto them their Ordination, and so they have kept it ever since close up in a box, to be brought forth in these times? Truly (my friends) as learned Rabbies as they are, they erre, not knowing the Scriptures: To the Law (therefore) and to the Testimony, if they speake not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them: Isay. 8. 20. The Devill preached truer doctrine, when he said that Jesus was the Sonne of God, Mat. 8. 29. then these Priests when they say that the Presbyteri­an government is jus divinum, the law and government of Jesus Christ; but this is as true as that the Church of Rome is a true Church, the which they doe now Mr. Seymour one of the Assem­bly affirmes it in a dispute. af­firme, to prove their antichristian standing true. And now here by the way I will occasionally put a few queries.

First, Whether in case a forme of Church-government and worship, contrary to the word of God, be by force put upon us, against our con­sciences, by the Parliament and Presbyterian Assembly: It be not by the same reason, as lawfull for us to refuse and resist it (Viet armis,) by force And the ra­ther because it is enforced by ano­ther Nation, and without the Kings approbation. as it was for the Scots in like manner, to reject and resist the forme of Church-government, and worship put violently upon them against their consciences by the King and Bishops?

Secondly, whether the Scots ought, or have any more authority or right, to prescribe or endeavour an imposition of Church-government and worship upon the People of England, then the People of Eng­land have to prescribe and endeavour the imposition of the like upon the People of Scot­land?

Thirdly, If not: Whether the Scots goe not beyond their Last? Doe not move out of their sphere, and intermedle with what they ought not?

And now seeing there is (as cannot be denyed) a more high pitch of Reformation in re­ligion and holy worship, then is yet attained, or discovered; I hope it is no offence nor trans­gression against the State, for any true Christian or servant of Jesus Christ to press hard after it, and not to conforme himselfe to fixed formes, bounds and limits, thereby to confine Gods holy Spirit: Yee stiffe necked and rebellious (Priests) of uncircumcised hearts and eares, ye have alwaies resisted the Holy Ghost; as your Fathers (the Bishops) did, so doe yee. Acts 7. 51. I have insisted the more upon this particular that the truth herein might be cleare; be cause of the great delusion put upon the People by many of our pretending Reformers, through their grand Oaths and pretexts, of expelling all popery and popish innovations, e­ven whatsoever should be contrary to sound doctrine (for so I understand those words in the Protestation, contrary to the same doctrine) and to reforme Religion according to the word, of God, and to establish it in the power and purity of it, and yet notwithstanding apply all their interest and power to support an If the stand­ing of the Bi­shops were anti­christian, what is theirs who stand by their ordinati­on and power. anti­christian Ministery, and to establish Church-government, whose fruites and effects are nothing but impiety, and hipocrisie; a Religion which con­sists more in outward formes and Rites, after the manner of Moses, then in power and piety according to the Gospell: which conduceth (as appears) more to tyranny, then Christianity.

And so I will pretermit their Vowes and Oaths, and come to some of their speeches and sayings: and here I will shew you another truth, by the discovery of another falshood, and tracherous vanting act, of the same traiterous party or fa­ction, which serves as a patterne, representation, or Image, of the forme of the yoake of bon­dage, which (it may be suspected) they study, and intend to put upon all the Counties and Corporations in the Kingdome, and by which, with the helpe of their determined new Ar­my, of Horse (it is probable) they purpose if they can, to subjugate the whole Land, and to [Page] conforme the People to their arbitrary wils, [...] to pay, and beare, [...]e and suffer, what­soever they shall thinke for to enjoyne them, or exact upon them, as well in respect of things spirituall as civill. In the Parliaments Remonstrance of the 2 [...] of November 1642. Booke Decl. page 700. they tell us, That all Rights or interest of publicke trust, be only for the publicke good, and not for private advantages, (nor to the prejudice of any) [...] particular interest, much less of the publicke. And in May 1642. Booke Decla 172. They call God to witness, that the safety of the Kingdome, and peace of the people, is their only aime; and because the King would not believe them therein (and well had it been for us if we had ne­ver so done) not trust them wholly therewith, great grew the contestation (as yee may well remember) between the King and the Parliament, about the setling of the Militia of the Kingdome, and indeed, it was one unhappy cause of the quarrell between them. The Parila­ment then pretending that the King ought not to settle it without them, that it behoved them to have the nomination of such persons as were to be intrusted therewith, in whome they might confide: the Kings affirmes (and they afterwards grant) that the whole power thereof was intrusted by Law in him, for the preservation and defence of the Kingdome; yet because the King would not pass the Ordinance in Febn. 1641. for the setling it in such forme as they desired, though the persons they nominated were not refused; they presently protest (I wish they were as quicke to doe justice, as they are to take exceptions) to dispose of it without him, and accordingly resolve. (Rebus sit stantibus, [...] nolenti Regi) that is, they express, In extreame distraction, when forreigne forces are probably invited and a malignant popish party offended &c. the ordering it to be in them for the (observe) preservation of the Republick, and to prevent the turning the Armes of the Kingdome upon it selfe, see the Parliaments answer to their own question: page hundred and fifty of the Booke of Decl. But I hope the case is now altered, for although our distractions be still continued by the destructive Councels of a pernitious factious party in both Houses (the heads of which were, and are the cause both of those distractious and these, who like katchers of Eeles, love to fish in troubled waters) here is now no feare of invited forreigne forces, and as for that ma­lignant popish party then so much condemned, it is utterly subdued and suppressed; and therefore in all reason (rebus nunc sic stantibus) that is) the so much feared publicke ad­versary being long since conquered, all visible danger removed, and the King recovered out of the hands of evill Counsellors, and at present with themselves, and not legally divested of his Regall power and right of trust; in a word, all just pretext, and colour of extremity being taken away, they take too much upon them, and abuse both King and People, who in this opportunity, wherein the royall assent may be had, doe dispose of the Militia without him, neither requiring his consent therein, nor admitting the people according to the Law, to the election of (a thing the King allowed them) the persons who are to be in­trusted, with the dispose and command of their strength and armes, and so by consequence of their estates, liberties and lives: I am certaine, in case (as God forbid) the royall Throne should by exigent become void, the Parliament are not their owne Masters, not can by the fundamentall Law and constitution of this Kingdome, dispose of us the Com­mons of England, and our power, armes, or interest, without our consents; how much less at this instant: All the Commons of England have more just ground of jealouse from them in now so doing, and of complaint and accusation against that malevolent ill-affected party among them, by whose power and influence it hath beene effected, considering the persons unto whom the Militia and strength of the Kingdome, is in divers places of late committed, then the Parliament ever had from and against the King, for refusing onely to grant it in their way and manner: for they chose the persons, and he approved them; but the Parlia­ment are herein both choosers and approvers (as in many things, many of them are both Judge and Witness) though we neither approve, nor [...] wee, as well as the King, are in this particular debarred by them, of our rights and priviledge: but this is not the greatest detriment we sustaine, and are likely without prevention to suffer, and which this predominant malicious party intends, hereby: for doe but cast your eye, and see and consider what persons are put out of the Militia; and what persons are continued, admit­ted, [Page] and intrusted, and yee will presently judge by a little what the whole meanes For ex­ample, first for an introduction, the pretended Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common Coun­cell, must petition in the name of the City, though the City never propounded it to them, to have the Militia setled in their own hands, (at they had formerly) and why not then to have it by their Charter, but by Ordinance for a certain time? and this by the power and prevalency of the malevolent party is forthwith obtained, because it tends to their predomi­nant, tyrannous ends: approved Alderman Pennington, who stood in the breach when they all were affraid, whose fidelity and ability was throughly experimented, at such time when as the winds blew highest, and the stormes grew strongest; a man adjudged by the City wor­thy to be their Parliament man, and by the Parliament worthy to be Lieutennant of the Tower of London, is now no longer worthy to be intrusted with the Militia, but turned out as a man suspected; so are the Aldermen KFoulk, Weaver and Kenrick, Col. Wilson, though a member of the House, also Col. Player, Tichburn, and others: And why? they are not ab­solute for the Faction; they were oposite to Bunce, and Beliamy, the Court of Aldermen and Common Councell, in the prosecution of their last indirect, illegall, and factious Remon­strance and Petition; by which meanes they discovered themselves opponants to their Scotch design of Presbyterie, and therefore they are not any longer to be confided in, or fit to have the command of any power: howsoever they had a parcell of dry thanks from the House for their former fidelity and paines: it is better I confess then a Prison (as Lilburn, Tuleday, Ro­binson, Nichols, and multitudes more have had) for their good service. Yet I must tell them, it is but after the old manner of the Court, who used to put a man off with an hypocriticall complement, when they had no further occasion to use him, or were desirous to be quit of him: and it is observed, that empty thanks is a sufficient reward from the House, for any ho­nest man, though his service hath been never so good, and superlative, unless they have some other design or ingagement upon him: but to Knaves and fooles they have been very for­ward and free, (witnes the 10. l. given to the two Officers that brought up Ensign Nichols; & the arreares lately ordered to be paid two great ones, for discovering two great lyes: by which you may see, they can pay whom they list, and whom they list they will not:) I could in­stance you some examples of late, and their own nests are generally so well feathered, that many, or most of them are almost smothered, they can neither see, heare nor speake. Alas poore Commons of England, your backs in the meane time are left bare and naked! But to proceed; marke what honest men are continued, put in, and intrusted with the Militia, for the honest men that are put out and distrusted: Aldermen, Bance, Adams, Langham, (e­very man of knowledge can read them) Colonels, West, and Bellamy, the one an oppressive Goaler, the other an arrogant Mag-pye, and Bromfield that ran away at Newberry: the Lord Major Sir John Geere, who was plundered for his 20th. and 5th. part, who maliciously cir­cumvents men, that he may like the devill take them in a snare, and then imprisons them, contrary to law, (as he did Master Tew, and then sent his Marshall to apprehend him without a Warrant) a hopefull Magistrate, and fit to be intrusted with the publique Sword, for the ex­ecution of the Lawes, and defence of the Subjects just Rights and Libertyes: and that Sir John Woolaston, who by the Law is more worthy to be arraigned before a Bench of Assize for buying stoln It is truth and when time serves will be pro­ved. Plate of the Kings, then to sit upon the Bench of Judgement to oppress and do injustice, as his common practise is, or to be intrusted with the Militia; for it is contrary to all principles of reason, that a Magistrate, or publique Minister, who is unjust to the People in his place or practise, will ever be faithfull to them in time of trouble or distress, or defend either them or their liberties, whensoever they are assayled; the Hawke will as soon defend the Dove, and the Kite the Chickens: this is that Sir John Woolaston, who right or wrong commits all to Newgate that come before him, for the benefit of his brother the head Goaler there; who is as diligent to starve and destroy them when he hath them un­der custody, (as he did one Sparks lately, and hath done many more) as the other is to com­mit them. As for Alderm-Gibbs of the Militia, he hath a good stock of money in the name of his Sonne, beyond the Seas, he need not care which way the world goes; good Sir John [Page] Woolaston and he, had their singers both in one Pye; I hope they lick'd them cleane, and themselves (like Bullocks) fat, though they have lickt others leane: their silver tongue ac­quit them well in Rylees busines, and they have you know been esteemed honest and trusty ever since: I could read you a character of most of them, but to avoid prolixity I will now forbeare till a more convenient time: and will only tell you what I apprehend to be the end of this sudden, and so happy settlement of the Militia of London; the effect and what you may expect by it.

1. By this meanes, the Earle of Manchester, M. Hollis, Stapleton, Earle senior, and the rest of this nayterous faction; who have occasioned the violation of all our Lawes and Libertyes, be­trayed their trust; and are the chiefe obstructers of the course of justice, and redress of grie­vances; promoters of all evill councels, and the cause of the continuince of all our troubles and distractions; who among other things drive a design to save their own Stakes, and secure their own lives; for that they know they are for these things lyable to question, and abnoxi­ous to justice, do conceive they have well secured themselves from all invasion, by petition or cry for justice against them, from any party within the City.

2. That they shall by this meanes the more easily erect their new formed Monster of pres­byterie; for what they cannot perswade, they will inforce, and who (thinke they) now dare, or can resist it?

3. They conceive they shall easily suppress the independent party (as they terme them) and divert them from petitioning for Law and liberty, to both which these vile men are al­together averse; and that if they do notwithstanding, continue such their petitioning, yet may they the more securely deny and distaste their petitions, and punnish their persons: for is not the Militia in their hands? and if they will not submit like slaves, but beginne to stir and struggle; then the Militia is ready to oppose them as Rebels and Traytors, although they challenge but right and justice, of their servants, who are many of them become Traytors: and this is apparent by their late declaring their high displeasure against that just petition, & the Petitioners, for divers points of liberty and justice, which was preferred by a multiude of well affected Citizens: first it was intercepted and anticipated, contrary to the course of Parliaments, and the liberty of the Subject, by the meanes of Recorder Glin, (who hath shewed more favour to Captain Evans wil­fully killed a man, and being brought be­fore the Re­corder, he basely reviled the poore widow, and freed the murtherer. Thomas Evans, a notorious murderer, then ever he did to poor Orphans, for whom he should have been a just Advocate) witness the Orphans of M. Bury, against whom he tooke Fees (if not bribes) by which meanes (notwithstanding many petitions, and as many faire promises from the then temporizing Lord major Adams, and others of that Orphan de­vouring Faction) the said Orphans to this day can obtain no justice, nor part of their fathers personal estate, unless they will take fourscore for foure hundred pounds, and thus are the poore Orphans miserably ruin'd having spent the great­test part of their annuall revennue for five yeares together, to obtain justice, but by the corruption of Brigandine (who squares his actions by his Masters Rule) and power of the Recorder who is the Executors friend, nothing can be done,; all passages are blockt up; honest men dare not speake, and knaves will not, & so the poore orphans are left altogether remidiless:) but to proceed, the aforesaid Petition being referred to a Committee, and the Citizens put off with faire words, till this grand Ordinance for the Militia was passed, and then presently they thundered as if the Petition had tended to the prejudice of Church and State.

4. If they want money, or a new Army to secure themselves, that old Asse the City must raise men, or send out their trained Bands for them; and the poore Commons of London must pay and beare, or else be plundered, and what remedy; and whatsoever the Parliament will exact, and the Military men execute, the Commons of London must obey and submit to, though never so unjust a tax, or imposition: But you will say, the trained Bands will not be all of a mind; but this Party having prevailed to new Modelling of the Commissioners, you shall see them new Model the train Bands also, and here is the first piece of the frame of Eng­lands slavery; & must serve (if they can carry it) for a leading cast unto the whole Kingdome.

The effects (yee Commons of London) which yee may expect hence, are the vtter [...] ­lition of your free elections of your Mayors, Aldermen, Sheriffs, Common-councell men, and other publick Officers, of your body and Corporation, so that now ye may bid all you priviledges, adue, and the free, borne Apprentices after seaven yeares hard servitude, Marke yee Apprentices. expect a perpetuall vassalage; by this meanes the hopes yee had of the recovery of ancient Rights and immunities are srustrate, and yee (after all your costs and adventures for your liberties) become the first absolute slaves in England, if God doe not otherwise prevent, or raise up some Othniel, E­hud, Shamger, Barak, or Gideon to deliver you. And in such hands as these, this desperate domineering faction; by all symptomes and signes, purpose to settle the Militia, in all the Counties and Corporations of the Kingdome and have already in Durham, Cumberland, and other places northward, put it principally into their hands, who are declared Traytors and e­nemies to the State, Malignants and Delinquents, some of which have been actually in warre against the Parliament and their Country, as Sir George Vane, old Sir Henryes Sonne, who was in armes with the King, and is now made one of the Deputy Lieutenants of the Militia for Durham, a Justice of Peace, and a Committee-man, and yet scarce good commodity for the hang-man, S. Wilfrid Lawson of Cumberland such another, yet by the prevalency of this party, intrusted with the posse-Commitatus, whereby he may raise the County, and cut all honest mens throats, if he imagine cause: To tell you of the commands and power where­with Lieutenant Col. Offeere, Cap. Musgrave,, Story, Stoddert, and divers others are inve­sted and intrusted in those parts, who have beene in armes against the Parliament and their Country, to the great trouble, hazard, and affliction of all the faithfull and wel-affected there, besides many others in other places of the Land, would be to tedious; let these for present suffice for example: And all, rather then to trust the honest and approved in the Land, be­cause they are contrary to their treasonable designes and practices, and will not suffer them­selves nor the Country to become their vassals and pack-horses. I wish those Northern Coun­tries had no just cause of complaint against that deceitfull double dealing. Lord Wharton, I will for speciall cause (not that I fear or regard him, or any man, farther then he is sincere and vertuously honourable) spare him; but it it is good both for him and others to repent, and doe their first workes, lest a worse thing befall them; there is nothing hid, but it may be made manifest, to runne away from a fight for feare, is tollerable, and is contingent to the greatest Witnes Ge­nerall Leshley. Generall, but for a professed Souldier of Je­sus Christ to turne his back and flee from the truth, is to be abhorred. Hath not Christ said, He will be ashamed of such, when he shall come in his Fathers glory with the holy Angels? Marke 8. 38. And did Jehosaphat prosper, that tooke part with Ahab? Or did ever any escape by iniquity? And if Meroz was cursed, yea, bitter­ly cursed, because they would not helpe, what are they that doe hurt? and are not they al­so cursed (though they be doing) that doe Gods worke negligently; Consider these things seriously all yee that are sunke and setled upon the lees, all ye Neuters and indifferent ones, that plead moderation, non-season, and prudence, for your baseness of Spirit, negligence, and cowardice, in the great cause of God, and this distressed Kingdome, and yee (Timidi) yee fearefull ones, who are more afraid of the face and displeasure of man, whose breath is in his nostrels, and whose councels perish, then of the power and wrath of God, Who is a consu­ming fire, and whose councels abide forever: That feare more the loosing of your places and profits, then the losing of Gods favour and countenance, and the peace of a good consci­ence. Read that 21. Rev. 8. and tremble, remember your selves, rouse up your spirits, and shew your selves couragious for truth and justice, and zealous for the glory of the Lord of Hosts; if yee will not, know that deliverance will come to Gods People some other way, and yee shall not escape. As for M. Hollis and others, whose councels and practices tend princi­pally to treason and tyranny, injustice, and violence (I know what I say, and doubt not yet but in time to see it proved so) who live without Law, and act contrary to Law, like tray­tors and Rebels: Let such men know, that God will render unto them according to their workes; and I am confident, that they shall never be able to accomplish their wicked enter­prize, [Page] and that the pit they have digged for others, they shall fall into themselves. God will take them by their own counsels, as he did in old time, Achitophell, and Haman; and as he did Strafford, and Canterbury, in these dayes: yea, in those two presidents, they have pre­pared a halter for their owne necks, and their owne words shall be their Judges: Strafford, and Canterbury were condemned for treasonable councels and speeches, endeavours, and intentions of subverting the fundamentall Lawes, and frame of government, and of setting up an arbitrary power, and rule of government: And whether Hollis and others, his pre­sumptuous complices, have not been, (not only the intenders and indevourers, but) the re­all authors and actours of these things, I doe appeale to all inteligent men, who have taken any cognizance of their councels and actions? So that if the King (as it is a question) did want just matter of occasion in his charge of treason against M. Hollis, and others in 1641. both he and the whole Kingdome may without much search, find enough doubtless at this time; yea, have not M. Hollis and others, his complices and confederates, not onely verifyed many or most of those Read & con­sider them, and compare them with their acti­ons, B. Decla. page 34. articles of Treason and misdea­meanours; but also augmented and exceeded them in many things? I could (but at present for speciall reasons will not) particularize: in the mean time, (my friends) make use of your owne observations, call your me­mories to account, and compare things with things, advise well, make your selves strong, and feare not. Why should the old English proverb (for our love and faithfulness) be made true upon us? Save a traytor or theefe from the gallowes, and he shall be the first that shall hang you: indeed we are neer it, if wee doe not bestir our selves and prevent it: But it is better that a few presumptuous men, whose Lucifer-like pride and ambition, hath lifted them up to Heaven, should be cast down into oblivion and darkness, then the whole Nation perish.

And therefore yee free Commoners of England up quickly, and looke about you; consi­der seriously the snare prepared for you, and compare the vehement endeavours of these trayterous persons, to disband the Army, (which hath fought and is resolved to stand for your liberties) with this their patterne, and first piece of thraldome, in setling the Militia thus at this time in such mens hands in London, and their putting power into the hands of such as are enemies to the publicke in the Country; and see if these men intend any thing to you, and yours but bondage and slavery, and this is part of that ye are told in the Both worth your notice. books called the Warnings for all the Counties of England, and the New found Stratagem upon the Petition of Essex. Be vigilent there­fore and assistant to keep the Army on foot, for your owne defence, and preservation of your selves, your estates and liberties, Country, and posterities, from inex­tricable vassalage, and irrecoverable ruine; for that once downe, this ambitious party, who aime at Soveraignity, to make the King their scorne, and us their slaves, will presently not only turne the Militia in every place upon the Country, (as they have already designed in the City) but raise horse also after the manner of Germany, in all Counties of the Kingdome for the better securing themselves, and this their forme of tyranny, and if such men be not traytors who be? Where shal we find any? and if this be to imploy their pub­licke trust, for the Book Decl. page 700. publicke good, and whether their Page 172. onely alme, be herein the Kingdomes safety and the peoples peace, as they have declared and spoken, let all England judge? And thus yee see they falcify their words and Declarations, as well as breake their Oaths and Protestations: but in their Booke of Declarations page 207. they say, That in case of extreame danger, and his Majesties refusall to settle the Militia of the Kingdome, the Ordinance, (that is the Ordinance which was then made in that time of such extreame danger) agreed upon by both Houses for the Militia, doth oblige the people, and ought to be obeyed by the fundamentall Lawes of the Kingdome, but now (blessed be God) here is no such case of extreame danger, nei­ther hath the King been so much as petitioned, or sought unto for this Ordinance of the Mi­litia of London, and therefore it doth not bind the People, nor can they by the fundamen­tall Lawes of the Land, be compelled to obey it, besides they ordering the Militia to the [Page] publicke hurt, and not to the publicke good, contrary to the intent and equity of the law, and the end of their trust, the people are (ipso facto) discharged of their obedience to their Ordinance, for wee are not bound to obey to our own damage and destruction; see this pro­ved by their owne distinction and argument in Book of Decl. page 150. But to make a far­ther discovery of the truth, by discovering more of this evill Parties falshoods, breach of trust, and traiterous practices against us: take notice, that in the Booke of Declarations pa. 720. the Parliament declare, That it is the liberty and priviledge of the People, to petition unto them, for the ease and redress of their grievances and oppressions, and that they are (marke) bound in duty to receive their Petitions: here is a faire acknowledgment; but I pray you marke their actions: many thousand honest and really affected to the publicke li­berty, in the City, had prepared a petition to have beene presented to the House of Com­mons, for redress of some grievances and oppressions, and restoration of some liberties and priviledges, comprehending nothing but things legall and just, what they ought to grant: this Petition, contrary to all course of Parliament and the liberty of the Subject, was by the power and subtilty of the aforesaid faction or party, (who have their setting dogges and bea­gles to discry and hunt for them) intercepted (as thus they anticipated the Armies Petition) before it was perfected, and made ready to be presented, the copy of it was read in the House, and referred to a Committee (whereof fierce fiery M. Lee was Chaire-man) to exa­mine and report it (they did not so by the factious Petition and Remonstrance framed by the pretended Lord Mayor and common councell men) against which they then nor finding a­ny just cause of exception, held the vowchers thereof with faire words in hopes of an an­swer, untill they had mounted their late new Ordinance of the Militia for London, and then they declared their distate and displeasure against it; the which injust dealing, and violation of our native liberty and priviledge, the Petioners not brooking, presented a Petition to the House of Commons for justice and redress, and desire that their former Petition might not be censured before it was in due order presented, hereupon Hollis, Stapleton, and the rest of that faction (traytours to their Country) according to their usuall course through their malignant influence prevalency, procured this latter Petition to be voted seditious, and that both it and the former should be burnt by the hands of the hang man (was there ever such a thing done before by a Parliament in England, sure not) and that to question any act done in the House, was a breach of the priviledges of Parliament: but by cunning to intetcept the former Petition, and tyrannically to suppress and reject it, and illegally to imprison some of the Petitioners for it (as they have done M. Tue, and M. Browne) was no breach of the priviledge of the subject? No, deare friends and fellow Commoners, unless ye have (like fooles) resolved with your selves, after so sharpe and bloody a contestation, for your Law, and your liberties, to relinquish, your claime by Magna Charta, and the good old Law; and to hold your lives and liberties, and all you have, by the Arbitrary Votes of the House of Commons, and to become Tenants at will, unto a company of traytors, and ty­rants: Vp in Gods name, up, demand redress, and vindicate your selves, and native rights, against Votes, and Voters, (hodie mihi, cras tibi) what these men doe, to this or that parte, or place of the Kingdome, and people to day, they may and will doe to another parte or place to morrow. And they have injustly refused more then a few (as that of the Counties of Bunckinham and Hereford, and divers others from all parts) petitioners for redress of grie­vances, and granting of liberties already, and in this late particular president, is the very essence and end of a Parliament perverted; the rights of Parliament, and the ancient course of Parliamentary proceedings subverted, and our native rights and priviledges, so much as lies in this distructive party, wholy vacated and destroyed. And whether this strange Vote and fact, doe not justifie the fifth article exhited by the King against Hollis and others 1641. (Book Decl. page 35.) by which he chargeth them, To have trayterously endeavoured, to subvert the very rights and beings of Parliaments? I beseech you all yee lovers of Englands liberties, consider, and judge: And also part of that first seaventh Article exhibitted by the House against the Earle of Strafford. Yea, consider I beseech you, compare and see, if the words, waies councels, and practices, of the Earle of Manchester, Hollis, Stapleton, and o­thers, [Page] their complices and confederates, doe not fully answer the 1, 2 5. and Part of the 6. Article exhibited in 1641. by the King: and to the first, and part of the 2, 3, 4 6, & 7. Arti­cles, and some others (only mutatis mutandis) which were exhibited by the House of Com­mons, against Strafford and also to some which were exhibited against Canterbury, even as face answereth to face, in water? Truly wee are no longer free, but absolute slaves already: if wee may not Petition for our liberty, what? unless wee will first aske them what we shall petition, we must not it seems at all petition? Away with such Traytors from the Earth.

This Act and Vote, answers those trayterous speeches of Harvy and Solloway, two cor­rupt men of the House of Commons, who impudently said, (note) That the Parliament might doe what they would, and were not to be questioned for it. One of the Articles of high treason charged upon the Earle of Strafford, was, as appeares in the fourth article of his second impeachment or accusation) that he should declare and say, That Ireland was a con­quered Nation, and that the King might doe with them what he pleased; and is not here as much spoken, and more by these two trayterous spirits, Harvy and Solloway? For Ireland was indeed a Nation by us conquered, and his speech related to the King, who was their head, and had a Power over them: but these mens words are spoken of us a free People, who though formerly conquered, yet have long since redeemed our liberties with our swords, and relate to a company of men, who are but subjects, and the Kingdomes servants, only cal­led and chosen to councell and advise; not to reigne and tyrannize. But let us argue it, all o­ther Courts in the Land whatsoever, have rules of jurisdiction and limmits, and hath the su­preame Court of Parliament none? It is very unreasonable even against all rule of reason, that, that Court which prescribes rules to all other Courts, should be without all rule it selfe. The Lord chiefe Justice Cook, in his treatise of the jurisdiction of the high Court of Parliament declares, and proves otherwise: and I am certaine that it is against the very constitution and being of it. for there is both See Cooks Instituts, Rotu. Parli. (Lex & confuetudo Parliamenti) both a Law and a custome, or usage of Parliament, Besides there is a fundamentall Law of the Land, against which the Parliament cannot (that is lawfully as a Parliament) act, for whatsoever act is made or done in Parliament that is contrary to Magna Charta, is void, no Law, and not to be See 42. Ed. 3. chap. 1. obeyed (and what force then if well examined are most of our present Parliament Votes. Orders and Ordinances?) by which it is evident that the Parliament is not * But new Lords new laws. without a law and rule, nor may doe what they will, nor any thing (onely in case of extremity, and then also for good of the publicke, and not unto example) contrary to the fundamentall Lawes and constitutions of the Kingdome. And was not one Wentworth of the House of Commons questioned, yea, and committed in the daies of queen Elizabeth, for his words and deeds in the House? And can they themselves deny but that for Treason, fellony, and breach of the Peace, they are questionable? By all which it is cleare, that the proudest of them may be questioned, and is accountable for any misdemeanour, or illegall unjust act done by them within the House. They say to question them for any thing out of the House, is a breach of their priviledge: and must we question them neither in the House? What is a Parliament man lawlels? Neither without nor within? there is a new priviledge (as their Ordinances are a new manner of Lawes) it was not so of old. The King who is the Supreame head, is not without the Law, he may not doe what he list: Sure then much less may they, who are but subjects and only councellers not Commanders, Servants not Masters. But is not this strange doctrine, my friends, that a Parliament man must not be questioned for whatsoever he doth in the House? Lo here is a new hidra-headed prerogative, for you to suppress, which yee never expected. Lop it betimes: for this position, tends directly to the subversion of all our Lawes and liberties, and the exaction of an arbitrary rule over us. And if this Vote Be not treasonable what is? For by this rule they may within the House, consult, contrive and act, high treason, againg King, and Kingdome, commit murder, pick pockets, and breake the peace, devise and conspire to destroy and massacre us, to robbe and spoyle us, and not to be questioned: because it was resolved, and done within the House. Brave Par­liamentary principles!

Is it not more then high time fellow Commoners to rouze up our spirits, and bestir us to to bring such as are the authors and promoters of these, and such like destructive comands and actions to condigne punnishment? shall not the Judge of all the world (saith Abraham) do right? and shall not the Court of Courts, the supreame Court of all the Kingdome (we may say) do right? Woe is to us, for lamentable is our case; our streame must needs be puddle & dirt, when our very fountain is filthy and corrupt: (Corruptio optima est pessima) that which is best, being corrupted is the worst: that which was formerly Englands Balsum and Anti­dote, is now become Englands greatest Coros;ive and poyson: yet not in it selfe; but by acci­dent, through the boundles ambition, and insatiable avarice of an company of trayterous per­sons in both houses of Parliament; the chiefe of which are Manchester, and Stamford, Staple­ton, and Hollis, Merrick, and some others; who have runne themselves by their wicked deeds against the King and Common Wealth, into a desperate condition; and therefore endeavour by all meanes to bring the Land into a confusion, and so to make our latter end worse then our beginning: This Stapletons Speech verifies, who lately said, (It is now come to this, that either we must sinke them, (meaning the Army) and their friends, or they sinke us;) unto this end it seemes they have so highly provoked the Army: For prevention of which cala­mity, and to procure our selves ease and remedy, we must take them away, charge them home and demand their persons to be delivered up to justice: why feare we? what power hath any Parliament man, that he hath not received from them that chose him? And if a King so soon as he ceaseth to rule by the known Law, doth degenerate into a Tyrant, and is worthy to be ejected; what are those Parliament men, Manchester, Hollis, Stapleton and others of this Faction, who have so probably, contrary to their Oathes, trusts, and duties, left all rule of Law and Justice, and by their power and prevalency have dealt with us, and disposed of our estates and libertyes, after their own wicked, crooked wills? and what are these men worthy of according to law and reason? expulsion is too little, and beheading is too honourable: But happily some of them may say by me, because I declare that which they can no wayes colour, that I am mad; I am sure they are, and their madnes doth appeare to all men, other­wise some of them would not have so basely reproached his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax (who came to London only because of his disease, and staid there a while for his infirmity and weakenes) in saying it was fitter for him to be with his Army, which is in a distemper, then to be in Hide Parke courting of Ladies. If the Army be distempered, hath not Manchester, Stapleton, Hollis, and that turbulent faction distempered them, by their im-parliamentary Declaration against them, and ingratefull abuse of them? Nay do they not distemper and trouble the Parliament, and whole Kingdome? are not they the only obstructers of our setle­ment in England, and of the reliefe of distressed Ireland? are not these I say the cause of all our distraction and disturbance? I wish they were not; and as for Sir Thomas his courting of Ladies, I would Sir Peter Temple, Sir John Merrick, Sir John Hipsly, M. Moyle, Moore, Bell, Bowyer, and too many more among them, did not more court Harlots, visit Whores, and exercise drunkennes, Foth what a stinke is here. and other basenes, then honourable Sir Thomas, worthy man doth delight in courting of Ladies? I do remember when the Earle of Essex, and his chiefe commanders, Merrick, (one of the trayterous crew) and the rest, came to London, to laze, smoake tobacco, and Oh sweet Reformers. drinke Sack, court, complement, vaunt and vapour of that they never did, and a potent enemy at hand in the field, who came up to Brainford, to the hazzard Army and Citie before they were discovered, and no chiefe Officer there, ei­ther of the whole to command, or deliver forth * Ammunition: and when not only the Ge­nerall but all the chiefe officers, while there was a destroying enemy in power Thanks false Merrick, thou didst the like and worse at Edge-hill. abroad, came and staid their own time in London, to revell, ramble, and rore, drink, domineere, and whore; while the souldier was left without restriction or order, to range, raven, and plunder, spoyle and make waste, at Saint Albans, and in the Country thereabouts, and no complaint made of distemper, or dis­order, either by the House or any of their Members: but the Proverb is, that some may better steale a Horse, then others looke over the hedge. If Sir Thomas his officers [Page] or souldiers were like wicked Col. Graves, then this evill Faction might say they were di­stempered indeed: yet this lewd shameles man is Stapletons only Minion, and the prin­cipall instrument, (as truly most fit for their wicked purpose) in the Army, for this mali­cious, malevolent party: but these men like Toads are so big swoln with pride and de­spite, that they are ready to burst; and their poyson will never be purged out, nor we freed from the diffused venome of it, till some of them be highly exalted, and made an example. Take away the wicked from the King (saith Solomon) and his Mhrone shall be establish­ed in righteousnes: take away the wicked and trayterous out of both Houses of Parlia­ment, and the Parliament shall be upright, and prosper, and wee poore Commons be soone established in peace and happyness.

In the Booke of Declarations, pag. 207. they seem to cleare themselves of a charge laid upon them by the King, saying: That there was no colour, that they went about to in­troduce a new Law, much less to exercise Marke. an arbitrary power, but to pre­vent it. How true this tax or charge hath since proved, let the whole Land judge, and their own actions witness: for if they have not brought in a new Law, I am sure they have made no use of the old, unless it hath been for evill. And whether they have exercised an Arbitrary power, I need not aske the question, for it is past doubt or scruple. But they say in the same Declaration, That this Law is as old as the Kingdome, To wit, That the Kingdome must not be without a meanes to preserve it selfe: It is well (yet truly grant­ed.) By their own principle you see, the naturall or reall body politique, in case the Representative, or virtuall faile, and deceive their trust, Marke and make use of it. hath power to preserve it selfe: Marke yee free Commons of England, here is a sure ground for yee to stand on, yee are not yet past hope, nor destitute of meanes of helpe: therefore cheare up your spirits, and quit your selves like men: imploy ahd improve your just powers, for the preservation of your selves against all those selfe-seeking, ambitious, trayterous, tyrannicall spirits in both Houses; who have forsworn themselves, betrayd their trust, and imployed all their power and interest, where­with yee intrusted them, for your good and safety, to your woe and misety: And yee faith­full in the House of Commons, whose hearts have ever been upright, (although yee have been awed, and overpowred) to God, your King, and Country; beware of these sedu­cers, who would involve you in the same treasonable works with them, that so they like Pick-pockets, may the better scape in a crowd unseen: rather protest against them, and their proceedings; and declare them to the Kingdome, serve them as they have served o­thers: thus ye will acquit your selves of jealousies, and guilt, discharge your trust and du­ties; and endeare your selves to your Countryes: otherwise you must expect to suffer as partakers, and to undergo the censure of confederates, and compactours: Sure and stable is this principle, (Salus Populi est suprema Lex, The welfare and safety of the People is the supream Law: and therefore where this end is by Trustees perverted or neglected, the People by the Law of nature have power to preserve and secure themselves: and as certain is that Rule, that (Major qui facit, quam quod fit: He which makes is greater then that which is made; and therefore is to be preferred: and in case that which is made prove useless, hurtfull, or unprofitable, he which makes hath power to modifie, restraine, remove, or nullifie, even as seemeth good unto him, and may most conduce to his good and benefit: And therefore in case we cannot receive justice from the Parliament, let us force our powers, and apply our selves my friends and fellow Commoners, to have justice upon the Authors of our injustice and oppressions? and no longer stand still like People without life and spirit, and suffer our just and reasonable demands and tequests to be di­stasted and despised, as dung or dirty our Petitions for liberty and justice, to be illegally [Page] censured and sentenced to be burnt as some horrid, treasonable and blasphemous opini­ons, or papers, and our neighbours friends, and fellow Commoners, to be tyrannical­ly imprisoned: and barbarously used before our eyes, for standing up in the behalfe of the Kingdome, and petitioning for our native and lawfull rights and liberties; by a des­perate wicked party of false perfidious men in both Houses, Machivilians and Traytors: whose Votes and Councels, waies and workings, tend only to secure their guilty carcases from justice, and to enslave and destroy us, and our rights and freedomes, who have no feare of the Lord before them, nor any compassion or tender respect to their native Country this distressed Nation.

And now yee grave and wealthy Citizens of the Presbyterian faction, whose eyes are swolne with fatnesse, and whose hearts with pride and ambition: Who happily according to the generall fortune of the great men of London, are endued with a greater portion of riches, state and presumption, then of prudence, integrity or wisdome: Give me leave to tell you an Itinerant story, or a paraboricall tale of two Travellers: There were two Travellers met upon the road, and passed friendly along time in silence together; at length they discover to each other whether they are going, and the end and intention of their travell, and the way, they would walke, and they agreed both in one mind, and upon one thing, and so they ratifie their association and friend-ship: but the one was not only wea­ry, but -ore weakned (at least he so appeared) both in strength and purse, by reason of his long journy and the many difficulties and dangers, he had already incountered, and overcome; and very knowing was hee of the way that was yet to be travelled, and of the dangers and difficulties which would oppose them therein, before they should come to their journies end: the other albeit he had come as farre, yet by reason he was through­ly well furnished and provided of moneies and all needfull supplies at his first setting forth did retaine the more ability and strength, and had the most monies for his support throughout: but alas he was not so knowing in the way, nor skilfull as the other, to avoid the dangers therein: whereupon he promiseth the other assistance with his purse, and strength, to carry him through all straits, till they come to their journies end, so that he would be aiding and assisting to him with his Councell and advice, for the suppressing and passing of those oppositions and perils, which were in the way yet unpassed; both agreed rejoyced, and on they journied, with all reciprocall officiousness, and respect each to o­ther (the weake man he wanted not supply or support, the other he wanted no comfor­table words, councell, or politick advice) untill after many extremities and straights past) they came to the last and greatest; and that was a steepe craggie mountaine, full of straight passages, slippery by-waies, and dubious windings, with desperate precipices on each side, the faire and safe way which lede to a better end, lying direct in the mid­dle. Here these two Travellers were put to a stand, the weake wearied man was not able of himselfe to assend, the other notwithstanding his strength, durst not adventure alone, lest he should slip and fall, or loose his way, and become a pray at length, the weake man lends the other his staffe to stay him up, and defend him, and the strong man by his strength takes up the weake, and so they both with much hazzard and trouble gat up to the top of this incacessable Mountaine; and now they might see the long desired end of their journy, and themselves past all danger, which made them both glad, and to congratulate: Observe. But the weary weake man, having now beene brought as the charge and by the strength and support of the other, through all straites and difficulties, and knowing himselfe to be much in arreare to his friendly fellow Travel­ler, and that he would expect satisfaction and recompence, and like benificence from him, when they were at rest, and all things were accomplished: He tooke his staffe from [Page] him, (which he had lent him for a stay and defence unto him untill he had carried him up the hill) and taking an occasion to quarrell with him, about some slip, denyall of some monies, or neglect of his advice, fell upon him and beate him, bound him, and robbed him of his mony and treasure, and so left him in the middest of a thicket, destitute and so destroyed and undone. The weake weary man, yee may suppose to be the Parliament: The stronger and better provided, to be the wise Lord Major, Aldermen, and Common­councel-men, with the rest of the Presbyteriall faction in London: The Mountaine to be the Presbyters designe: and the Staffe to be the Militia, which is now put into the hands of the Presbyterian party in London. The application I leave to the appeheesion of them, and of all judicious Citizens, And Commoners of England. And will conclude with wise Solomon. There is no new thing under the Sunne: that which hath beene is now: And what is there that hath beene, which may not be againe? Pramoniti proemu­niti, fore warned halfe Armed, and (proevisa minus loedunt) things fore-seen doe less hurt. I wish you really well, yee grave Citizens of London, both for your owne and Eng­lands sake: and God make you discerning and wise, that yee may not by the dissembling epistles and speeches of a deceitfull hypocriticall Nation, and the subtill sophistry of an ambitious aspiring party in both Houses of Parliament, such as Stapleton, Hollis, &c. and of the proud, covetuous Clergy, be made the instruments (after you have served their turnes) of your own ruine, and the Lands.

I could here take occasion (as there is good reason, howsoever what is for present pre­termitted, is not forgot) to shew you (deare friends and fellow Commoners) how ye have beene abused and betrayed, by this very party and faction in both Houses, their A­gents and instruments from the beginning, at Sherborne, Morthampton, Worcester, Edgehill, Kingston, Bramford, Mewarke, Exeter Reading Thame, (O Thame) the Devizes, Chalgrove field, (whete S. Philip Sta­pleton was there also, & beheld a­far ffo twas he that would not suffer the queenes Regi­ment to be charg­ed at Salisbury or Blandsord. noble Hampden, it is conceived, and who knoweth but it may in time be proved, was delivered to death) Lincoln, Boston, Crowland, Cornwall, Dening­ton-Castle, (where Manchester acted Treason) Newarke againe, and Oxford: Durham, Cumberland, Westmerland, even in every place, and all along, untill the Lord raised up Sir Thomas Fairfax to be a Saviour to the People, and that he is so these wicked men are offend­ed. But me thinkes I already see this serpentine brood (like the old Serpent) casting a flood out after-me to destroy me and their defiled consciences being like the Sea troubled: they send forth mire and dirt; wrath, and revenge, reproches, curses, beagles, and blood-hounds, Votes, Orders and Messengers, like the Popes execrations, with bell, book, and candle. Alas, bene la­tet qui bene vivit. I wish these miscreants (for their soules sakes) had no more cause to be afraid then I the righteous is as bold as a Lyon, but the wicked flees when none pur­sues. the theefe thinks every bush, and every bulk a Constable. and a gaulled horse hath no patience, when his sore is rubbed: this Sir Phillip Stapleton knowes, for he hath good skill in horse-flesh. But seeing these vile men will dare to sinne openly, and to deale fals­ly before the World, why should we be afraid to reprove them openly, and to declare it to the World? They declare their sins as Sodome, they hide them not. Isai 3. 9. they have (as the Scripture speaks) a brazen face, and a Whores forehead; and why should we be silent, and connive at that which all Christendome sees. or turne our backs, and be pymps and panders to out own ruines? Why should we be more afraid (whom it con­cernes) to publish their robbery, oppression, injustice, and Treason, then they are to act and execute it contrary to their Oaths and duties?

Our Law condemnes no man for saying the Cole is blacke, or calling a Spade a Spade, although of late many have been * imprisoned and punished for no more, nor other Such works, such waies, & means. Marke thing in effect: yet the looser will speake, and the oppressed will cry out: nor by the power of heaven shall my tongue be silent, or my Penne be flack, for the cause of God and this miserable land; untill they do set themselves in a way that is right, and execute justice and judgement.

Is it not more then high time to speake and stirre, when our just and lawfull Petitions are not only rejected, but infamously burned as feditious, our inveterate Enemies armed our persons for presenting our grievances, illegally imprisoned: when we are voted out of our Rights and Priviledges contrary to all Law, and custome of Parliamente. All men may now see, and plainly understand, that it is altogether vaine, any longer to use Peti­tioning, for that due right and liberty is denyed and debarred. We must, I say we must, if we will recover our selves and our Priviledges, use action. Necessity hath no law, and extream danger, driveth to extream means.

And now know for certain: ye Trayterous party, ye false deceiptfull men, whose hearts are set upon wickednesse, and whose heads devise mischiefe, and violence that it is not your Without the King meere trea­son, and with­out his as­sent worse then no­thing. breaking open of houses, taking away mens goods by force, spoyling of Printing Presses, and imprisoning of the Prin­ters, without proose or cause, and punishing poore soules, who carry Books to sell, will or can hide your shame, the day of your judgement is comming: your wickedness is manifest as the Sunne, and your actions both publique and private are so abominable, that they stink in every reasonable mans nostrills: yee are become odious, and have made your selves a reproach and a hissing, and the very abjects disdaine and scorne, yee, insomuch that the name of a Parliament man, is as contemptible in the thoughts of most, as the name is generally of a Committee-man. And thus doe the good and vertuous of the House, suffer in their repute and esteeme, by your vitiousnesse. yea, your beloved friends and favorites cannot justify you, nor open their mouths clearly for yee, and what will yee do? what can yee doe. when God shall stirre up the People to revenge? Remember Straford and Canterbury, Finch, and Windebanke: Yee have de­ceived the People, and falsifyed your trust to them: yee have broken oathes, promises, and all manner of assurances with them, under a pretence of redeeming their liberties, and making them free, yee involved them in an unnaturall and bloody Warre against each o­ther, and now yee your selves exercise more abundant tyrannie, and keep them in most strict and intollerable slavery, under the pretence of paying the Souldiers, yee have by your Committees, and instruments, oppressed and robbed the Countries; and notwith­standing there is no Army paid, no reparations made, no debts satisfyed, and thousands of Widowes and fatherless and maimed souldiers unprovided for: under pretence of pre­serving the people yee have destroyed them, and under the colour of establishing Law and justice, yee have taken away both: and although yee raysed Armes to redeem the King from his wicked councell, and have solemnly sworne to maintaine his Crowne and digni­ty, and declared Book Dec. pag. [...]4. that what you did was for his honour and greatnes, and the weale of his Kingdomes. yet though he be redeemed, he is not restored, nor is his Crowne and dignity maintained: Nay yee your selves exercise the Kingly office; yee I say it again, yee your selves exercise the Kingly office: For yee make Lord Keepers, Judges and Barons, grant Pardons, and give Commissions of Oyer and Terminer: I have known a meane man dye as a traytor for doing less: nor are the Acts or Process passed under the broad Seale of any vallue: In all which ye are but usurpers (I should not mistake if I said Traytors) I say [Page] usurpers, and take too much upon you; for by Law there is no such power or right belonging to you, or invested in yee: You keepe the King under restraint, and with-hold him from the execution of it, and do not satisfy the World wherefore ye do it: you are like the Dog in the manger, which will neither let the horse eat the hay, nor eat it himselfe: yee will neither admit the King to do justice, and redress our grievances, nor will yee your selves: yee have made no other use of the Kings power and name, then to deceive, oppress, and abuse the People.

Is this to do for his honour and greatnes, and the good of his Kingdomes: contrarium verò est verum, the contrary is true, by true.

I speake not in favour of his Majesty further then conscience and Do unto all men as ye would be done unto. equity, the Lord my maker knowes I am sincerely for truth and justice, without partiallity, and against the contrary, wheresoever, or in whomsoever I find it: but a traytor or felon by the Law looseth not any of his franchizes, possessions or estate, be­fore he be convict: let Cesar have his due, and us the free Commons ours: if not, I do not doubt, but you will in due time have yours: If the King be King let him raign: if he have otherwise deserved, why proceed you not legally a­gainst him, that the World may see and judge, and yee be cleared of all callumny and a­spersion? But as you do, and deale with us, so yee deale with him: Us yee do unjustly imprison and oppress, rob, and spoyle, destroy our Liberties, take away our estates, and undoe our Families, and shew us no Law, Cause or Reason, but a tyrannicall, unjust, ille­gall, or treasonable Vote, Order, or Ordinance: (Sic vultis, sic jubetis, stat pro ratione voluntas:) Your Arbitrary wills are become Englands Lawes.

And would yee know yee Commons of England, why the King is not in all this time brought home, nor any thing resolved nor determined of him? I will tell you (deare friends) what I conceive I see: The Earle of Manchester, M Hollis, Stapleton, and o­thers, who are absolutely the chiefe instrumentall causes of all the evils, wee have lately suffered, and do still sustaine, and some of which have received vast summes of monies, whereof they know themselves unable to give any good account, are in danger to be pu­nished as traytors: and deceivers, and be sacrificed to justice: and therefore through their power, prevalency, and pollicy, a settlement betweene King and Parliament is deferred: because by reason of the Army, whose integrity and zeale for justice they feare (and therefore only would disband them) they cannot impose such particular, peculiar condi­tions upon the King, as will fully secure them, and conduce to their Presbyterian designe: this I doe beleeve, is the summe of all. But must the King and his People be still divided, the breach lye open, and the difference uncomposed, the Kingdome unsetled, the peoples peace and happiness still delayed, and our miseries still prolonged and continued, to sa­tisfie the unjust desires of a company of matchless Machiavllian traytors, who to save them­selves, have endeavoured by all meanes to destroy us: Must wee languish in our sufferings and sorrwes, to waite their opportunities? It is neither meet nor right it should be so, nor prudence or wisedome to permit it so, let us therefore have an end of our troubles and distractions, or else apply our selves to put an end to their tyranny, treason, and Lordliness, that they may not wholly and utterly lay us wast, and ruine us. And if in case of the Kings failing of his trust, and denyall to settle the Militia or strength of the King­dome in such hands, and in such a way, as the people may be thereby safe and secured, the Parliament (the representative body) may for the safety of His Majesty, and Kingdomes, take the dispose and ordering of it into their hands: then by the same rule, forsomuch as the Parliament have failed of their trust, and put the Militia and strength of the Kingdome into such hands, and in such a way, as wee cannot confide or be safe in: Wee the free [Page] Commons of England, the reall and essentiall body polliticke, or any part of us, may or­der and dispose of our owne Armes and strength, for our owne preservation and safety; and the Army in particular (without question) may lawfully retaine, order and dispose of their armes and strength, to and for the preservation and safety of the King and King­dome, the principall end for which they were raised. This is the Parliaments owne do­ctrine, as you may read in Booke Declarations page 93. and 150. and therefore I hope neither heresie nor schisme, blasphemy nor treason. I have done, and a rush for him that is angry, and as much for him who is fearefull in a just cause: Let such weigh well that saying of the holy Spirit, Prov. 29. 25. and then happily they may looke up and take courage: The feare of man bringeth a snare, but whosoever trusteth in the Lord shall be safe. (Timida probitas, nunquam Reipublicae, est utilis.) Cowardly honesty is never profitable, to the Common-wealth.