FIrst of all, at the Election of the Knights for Darbyshire, after the long debating of the matter, the Town being not so convenient, they went into a peece of ground called the Hulmes, and after some time spent there, it growing towards dinner time, and great Dinners provided, they began to draw away; I went to Sir Iohn Curson, he being on the top of a little hill with Mr. Manners and divers other Gentlemen; where I requested these three things of them.

First, that they would not leave us till such time as we had made them sure. Secondly, that Proclamation might be made that all those that were for Sir Iohn Curson, and Master Manners would re­paire unto them into the Hulmes. Thirdly, that Robert Bennet who kept the Records of convicted Papists, might bring them thi­ther, and as the Papists came to give their votes, we would reward them according to their deserts, and send them away; for I tould them that Papists had no vote in the election of Knights: All this was granted; and witnesse Sir Iohn Curson and divers there, whether God in mercy did not make these requests effectuall for accom­plishing of what we were there met together for: and I am sure I was soundly threatned by some in Darbie, they telling mee that I had made the worst daies worke for my selfe, that ever I did in all my life, but if the Lord please he can make it the best: Its true, that after the last request was made knowne: Papists that came to vote for one man, whose name I omit to mention, fled out of the towne as fast as they could, I would they would packe as fast out of the Kingdome, for they have, and ever will be enemies to the Church of God.

[Page 4] And at the Election of the Burgesses for the Town of Derbie, I thinke my endeavours were not wanting therein, as either one or both can witnesse: but for the Recorder he turned Delinquent: for his Records I doubt they are gone, and for the Evidences of his lands they will do him little Good, except he come in to make his peace, according to the last Declaration set set forth by both Kingdmes.

After this I doe confesse I had a long time of rest, wherein I might have followed my calling to have advanced something for my good wife, and four sweet children, but truly I had no power to do almost any thing but hearken for newes, concerning the good successe of this honourable Parliament; The continuation of Newes was such, that many said they were perswaded there would be a speedy and peaceable Reformation, I ever replying, that if there were a sound and thorow Reformation without shedding of blood, it would be such a thing as selldome had been heard of, alleaging this, that the Divell seeing his Kingdome to begin to fall so fast, would not be wanting to stir up divellish and Malignant spirits to do what mischief they could, and it is apparent, they have not been wanting: But it may be truely said, that the pits they have digged for others, they have fallen into themselues, and surely the Bishops cannot chuse before this time but to have wished that they had ta­ken the wholsome advice of Mr. Brightman, to have repented, and made themselves in equall rancke to their fellow brethren, and not to Lord it over Gods heritage, they have had this forty yeers to re­pent in and yet have not repented. For it is too well known they were like Princes, and you know, that if pride get into the heart, it is an hard thing to get it out; and I know, that except they repent and make themselves in equall rancke with their fellow brethren, they must fall and never rise againe: As for Papists, one would think that they before now should wish they had sate still with the third part of their estates, & have left off plotting, & contriving mis­chiefe against King, Parliament, and Kingdome, becuase of the ill successe they have had in all places, and at all times in their wicked and Devillish designes: but the foudation of their Religion being laid upon the great sins of the world, that is, Killing Christian Kings, blowing up of Parliaments, and destroying of Gods people, which they call Hereticks, it is a thing not to be wondred at: For as the old saying is, the Devils Children, the Devils nature: But they being fallen into the pit they digged for others, some of them, with some other Incendiaries of the Kingdome like the Frogs of Egypt, except into the Kings chamber, & would never suffer him to have rest, til they had gotten him to the City of Yorke, to take up his stands: I hearing of it went to Newarke, where I saw his Majestie, and returned home again, I relating what I had seen, and what I thought, namely, that I saw the King, who looked very pale, as [Page 5]though he were much troubled in minde, and thought that the Queene, the Papists, and Prelaticall faction, had prevailedd with the King to do that which was a great trouble unto him: and I suppose here was a great be­ginning of the great troubles of this Kingdome, yet here stands the com­fort of Gods people, that all things doe and shall worke for their good.

My next indeavour, according to my poor ability, was, to buy some Armes, which I did accordingly, for I thought there would be great use for them, seeing a little cloude rising in the North like unto a mans hand, which would have spread it selfe over all the Kingdome, had not God in his mercy prevented it: And herein I can never sufficiently set forth the honour due to Sir Iohn Gell, for his love, courage, and zeale, for maintenance of the truth, to the Town and Countie of Darbie; for had but some Gentlemen made good their promise unto him, he had endeavoured­ed the cloude, that no part of it had come into Darbieshiere.

But so it was, that his Majestie came to Nottingham to set up his Stand­ard, and the day being made known, many Darby men came thither and shewed themselves before the King in a bodie, for fear lest they should suffer in a good cause, I met even then with an honest Citizen (who was my neighbour formerly in Nottingham) that was sent as Messenger from the Parliament, the private conference hee and I had I passe by, one­ly I shewed him some reasons that it was no hard thing with 200. men to surprize the Castle and the Magazine, that it might destroy none of Gods people. But the Standard going up to be reared, I went to see the man­nor of it; It did much resemble blood and gold, I hardly saw any man so busie as Sir Iacob Ashley, evill Commanders matters not to shed inno­cent blood, so they can get gold, neither will they be wanting to spinne forth the Kingdomes misery: But reared it was, and after that the Cloud grew to that greatnesse, that it reached from Nottingham to Darby, and so to Hopton, where there was such a divellish storme in it, that it tooke away all that was in Sir Iohn Gells house, I thinke saving onely a man and a maide; the newes whereof presently came to Coventrie to Sir Iohn, and he seeing an honest Minister, that I love well, called him unto him, and told him the newes, he answered, and said he was heartily sorry, but Sir Iohn himselfe answered him againe, and protested that it did not trouble him a jot, as the Minister after told mee: truely Gods providence is much seen in divers places, where I have beene, to keep up the hearts of Multitudes that wish well to the Cause, un­der great Crosses of this nature, God is alwaies as good as his promise, and he will support his own people in time of their greatest troubles: After that the King came to Darbie, whom I pray God to blesse in all lawfull designes, and to make his Crowne to flowrish upon him, and his posterity after him: Proclamation was made upon paine of death to bring in all their armes, some men were observed to carry them willingly, and others unwillingly, some ho­nest faithfull men kept theirs, but the rest would learn wisedome of Sir Iohn Gell, who valued his armes more then his estate, for truely the cause being well considered, the losse of armes in a house, is more then the losse of the house it selfe, and the losse of the armes in a garrison towne is more then the [Page 6]losse of the towne it selfe: For if the Devill and Papists could have had as many arms as they would have had, what had become of Protestants before this day? But herein take notice of the Parliaments care of the Magazine; for my own part, I would carry in none, for my beleefe was and is, that armes being put into Papists hands cannot be imployed for the good of the King, Kingdome, or protestant religion.

Not very long after, Sir Iohn Gell received Commission to be Colonell, and then his endeavour was not wanting to the utmost of his power, to set for­ward that great work, I mean the Militia, the setting whereof forward at the first was something hard & difficult, and the harder it was the more it makes for his honour, and I hope God will honour him for it; for those that ho­nor God, he hath promised to honour them: After that he had broken the Ice, some others were willing to goe the same way; but it is thought by some, that had not he been active in the businesse, the Commission of Aray might have endangered both the Town and Countie, for it is too apparent, that af­terwards divers of our great men turned Array men: and some that wee thought would have been faithfull to us, by reason of their great protesta­tions: but he that will protest he will go to London with speed, and goes to Yorke, What thinke you by him? Or he that protests he will stand for the true Protestant Religion, and his actions manifest the contrarie? What think you by him? Surely I thinke you will hardly believe him, some such as these I my self am able to witnesse against: The noble Colonell beginning to set for­ward the Militia, I sent unto him, that if he pleased, all the Armes I had and my selfe also were at his command; he indeed did not send for them, but after he came to Darbie to be resident, some Captains under his command had them, so they are imployed in his Regiment. My next poore endeavour was to finde an horse, and armes for his rider; after this being sent a messen­ger to the Committee of Nottingham, and having dispatched the thing I went about; One whom I do much honour, Mr. Iames Chadwick, told me he had a great desire to speak with me, saying that base Towne of Newark did much trouble him, and he had a great desire to go to get some forces to joyne with them against it, he asked me if I would go with him to Man­chester, I answered him through the whole world, if God inable, for the advancemt of the cause: I also told him I had been lately at Manchester, and I heard there was a Regiment disbanded, partly for want of pay and partly for want of Imployment: The next morning wee went to Darbie, and he acquainted Colonell Gell with it, who highly approved of it, Sir said I let us neglect no opportunity, there is a considerable force at Chesterfield, & a com­panie of stout blades at Sheffield, and it is not much out of the way: he a­greed to it, and we went to both places, and he wanted for no accommo­dation, in promise: but Sir, said I, I cannot see how you can undertake a bu­sinesse of this nature, for if the Designe should miscarry, you will be in dan­ger to be questioned, except you have the approbation of my Lord Fairfax, he being Generall of the North, and said, I hear he is not farre off, and it may be you may receive a greater accommodation there then you are aware of; said he, thou sayest well, but wilt thou undertake the businesse at Manchester? [Page 6]Sir said I, Take no care for that, for I am acquainted with many of the Com­mittee there; so went thither and received an answer of a large accomodati­on, after one designe was past, so I returned to him to Sheffield, as he ap­pointed.

The next newes I heard was, my Lord Fairfax had given him Commission to raise forces in any part of the North, there were divers Gentlemen there­about that had raised forces for the preservation of the Countrey, who took a love unto him and desired he would be resident with them, who were all willing to come under his command, so that by that meanes he had 1200. raised in a weekes space, the like hath hardly been seen in any place, Sir said I, seeing you have received so large accommodation, the Countrey will ex­pect you should doe them some good, moreover, I said, here are two pettie Garrisons, Welbeck and Boulsover which trouble them, and there are two implacable enemies to the Truth, the Lord Davincourt, and the Earle of Kingstone: pretend as you would go against Boulsover, and fall upon the E. of Davincourt, make him and his wealth sure; and next pretend you will go against Welbeck, but fall upon the E. of Kingstone, For truly said I, if they be not looked unto in time, they will do a world of mischiefe; He anwsered and said it was his intent, but that he could not as yet set upon any Designe for want of Ordnance, whereupon he gave me a Diurnall of his Endeavours, how God had blessed him, and withall sent me to Darbie, to Colonell Gell, who was not wanting to helpe forward so good a worke, for he sent his Lieute­nant Colonell, two peeces of good Ordnance, and very nigh three hundred men.

The designe being set upon, and Colonell Chadwick being on the top of Staley Hall, and seeing the Ordnance to give over playing, I praid him to send a messenger, he did so, and he brought newes that wee had some men slaine, and that my Lord had made his peace, and brought forth some four­score pounds, swearing it was all the money he had in the house, with pro­mise of some two thousand more, I protest said I, this will prove a se­cond peece of Businesse, for this will undoe all, for I will not give two pence for that promise, if my Lord goe to Newark: I pray you, said I, let the De­signe be renewed againe, say but the word, and I will go and quarter all your men there all night, and we will seaze upon my Lords body, which will be much for the honour of the cause, and if we do not finde money and gold good store, to helpe to maintaine the cause, never trust me gaine: but it was not granted, then my Lord goes to Newarke, and three dayes after, sends three Troopes of horse and fetcht away eight or nine horse-loads of money, gold and plate, that was hid hard by the Communion Table, it seemes some great men make an Altar of it, for it was partly laid Altar-wise, Also Boul­sover Scouts fetcht away great store of Bacon, Butter cheese and corne, which I would have had carried to our Garrison at Chesterfield, but it was not; the designe fel between two, where the fault was I can tel, let others judge, but had the L. Davencourt, and the Earl of Kingston been made sure, it had been bet­ter both for them and us, as the event since hath made it good but the pack­ing to Newark of Puesey, Davincourt, and Kingston, were as a Loadstone, [Page 8]that drew so many great ones, and so much mony, gould and plate with them, that hath been the very subsistence of the towne, so that here you may see, that in the negligent doing of the work of God, in the sparing of Malig­nants, we have been the best friends to that Town, and the worst to our own Counties: After this Colonell Chadwick went to Nottingham to keep the Sessions, and for Magazine, but sad newes came, that the Earle of New­castles Forces coming, and ours going unadvisedly against them, and wanting Orders and ski fall Commanders, were utterly surprised. Indeed I alwaies thought we should be crost in our proceedings, for I often desired that the Word and the Sword might go together, but could not obtaine it, but great accommodation in the setting forward of great Designes, requires great hu­miliation, and humiliation being joyned with the Sword, is the onely way to helpe forward a good cause, for those that have entertained faithfull Mini­sters in the keeping of this duty afoote, God hath blessed them the best in their undertakings, this is for the comfort of England, that God hath an humble and a praying people in it.

After this a letter came from the Parliament, and the Earle of Essex, not onely a request but a command for sixe Counties to joyne together, which was one great and chiefe worke of the Kingdome: Colo­nell Chadwick conceiving it to bee a worke of such great consequence, as I my selfe said, it was a chiefe designe of the Kingdome: and as I heard Co­lonell Gell say, that except that course was taken the Kingdome was in great danger to be brought to povertie: colonell Chadwicke having a great desire to helpe forward this worke spared neither paines nor cost, but went from Nottingham to Darbie, from darbie we went to Manchester, from thence to Nantwitch, and from thence to Stafford; and to Mancester againe, and so to Nantwitch: But one countey promising large, and not performing, hinde­red the worke for going forward. (Lankashire.) I pray God it be not laid to their charge; But when they have all done, to quit and demolish pettie Gar­risons, and to get into great bodies will be found the way to do the worke, and to save the Kingdome, for being undone: After that colonell Chad­wick went to Leeke, where the they tooke a love to him, and defired him that he would be resident with them, who granted unto them: but what was done from that time, til General Fairesax came to Leeke, I forbear to re­late, except, I be requested, we went along with the Generall to Manchester, who went to raise forces for the reliefe of Nantwitch, the countey did ac­commodate him, with a considerable force, two dayes were set apart toge­ther for humiliation, and prayer, the third wee marched forward; eve­ry Randezvouze, nothing but praying and singing; not one oath that I heard in all the way, truly it thought I was the most comfortable time that ever I had since I went forth, although I lay upon the ground, and was glad to drink fair water; For Gods cause was prosecuted in his own way, and he blessed it accordingly, to the good of severall counties, and the rejoycing of the Kingdome, my hearts desire, and prayers to God, is for the Generall, for he is a true souldier of Iesus CHRIST, and certainly he is guarded with a guard of Angels, God in mercy long preserve him. The next day after the [Page 9]relieving of Nantwich, I was sent a Messenger to some of the chief of them that belong to the Generall: After I had delivered the Message, I requested I might move one thing unto them, which was this; Gentlemen, said I, God hath made the Generall and you, all faithfull instruments for the good of the Country, for the relieving of the Town, and for the setling again of Sir Wil­liam Brereton; but I fear except one thing be done, that is the demolishing of petty Garisons, for after the Generall is gone out of these parts, they will endeavour the taking of them again, and then they will endeavour to glean up all the provision they can, between them and Nantwitch, that at the last, they will endanger to make them come forth for bread: But however you will acknowledge it a great mercy to have strong holds delivered into your hands, then cast your eyes upon this; We had Litchfield close, Tutbury Ca­stle, Chillington House, Biddulph Hall, Winckfield Mannor, and Sheffild Mannor. Now judge you whether we have made use of Gods mercies or not; for had these been demolished at the first when we had them, much bloud had been saved, which is and may be shed, many mens goods would have been saved, which are and may be taken; besides, free Trading had been laid open betwixt the South and the North: And I am heartily sorry, that the faithfull Citizens should be so much prejudiced, through our negligence; for Trafficke is to the Kingdome partly as Water is to a Mill, take away the Water, and the Mill will do but little good: You see we have been the worst Enemies in this, to our selves. Better it is that strong Holds were demoli­shed, then the Kingdome endangered. For King Iames himself was once in that minde, I would King CHARLES were also, but I hope the Parliament will: For Castles or strong Holds will do no good in this Kingdome, ex­cepting Port Towns, but spin out the Kingdomes misery, especially in these distracted times. Wherein you may see we have not made such use of mercies as we might have done. God is said, to curse the stones and timber of the house where Idolatry is committed; but you may see what we have gotten by sparing of them. He that seeks for a petty Garison, is either a Coward, or seeks him­self, and so farre as any man seeks himself, he is no friend to the Cause, King, Parliament, or Kingdome.

Two dayes after, a Messenger came to Sir William Brereton and told him, that the Scots of a certain were come in, and said that Generall Lestey sent unto Collonel Rigbey, that if there were any speciall designe to set on, he would send ten thousand with speed, something was said. Gentlemen said I, there is a great providence to be observed in this, for ten thousand being with discretion conducted into Wales, will prove very serviceable; first, for the bringing in of those malignant Counties, for the temper of the Welchmen is such, that if a considerable force come amongst them, they will side with them: Witnesse Sir William Brereton that holy man, upon a small entrance he made, how they came in to him, and condiscended to a Weekly pay. Se­condly, they vvill be serviceable to stop up the passages against the Irish Re­bels; for it is reported the Queen is going for them, and the Divell and all, to come to cut honest harmlesse Protestants throates in England: if they come, I vvill vvarrant you the Divell vvill be conducter. Thirdly, they vvill [Page 10]be serviceable in preventing Prince Rupert or any of the Popish Army, for securing themselves, or recruting themselves in those Counties, vvhich they ever have and vvill make the chiefest use of, if they be not prevented. Fourth­ly, they vvill be serviceable if the Earle of Nevvcastles forces make a retreat out of the North, as it is thought that it being too hot for them, as I believe it begins to be, they vvill be ready to joyne vvith our forces, for the prevent­ing of the spoiling of some Counties; If the North grovv too hot for him, vvhat do you think the South vvill do? But I vvill tell you, except he do re­pent of the mischief he hath done to the poore flock of Christ, he must have a hotter place then either of them.

After this, I vvent to Stafford vvith an Order from the Generall; I moved a vvord or two concerning the demolishing of petty Garisons; But noble Collonel Ridgley, being truly sensible of the Kingdomes misery, made a short Speech, vvhich he deserves to be highly honoured for: After, I vvent a long journey to know the truth, concerning the people that I have long since spo­ken much of, the people of my desire, the people of my delight; I mean, the honest Scots, vvhich are the noble Philadelphians: for the Relation, I forbear till hereafter. Being imployed as a Messenger, and having been resident in severall Counties, some things I have observed; I vvill relate but little. I have heard many aspersions cast on Colonell Gell, but he hath acted like a Souldier, and in the last conclusion, he will get more honour, than many that I know, whose names I forbeare to relate, because of their honest de­sires; For they that will think to save a Countrey in a time of War, with­out raising men and money, doth as a man that takes in hand to build an house without either wood or stone:

For Nottingham they have not been wanting according to their strength, being almost surrounded with the Enemie, they have received some losse, but I hope God in mercy will make it up again; for the love that I beare to that towne, I could wish that the great Army that lay so long there the last Sum­mer, and did so little good, had spared the Towne and quartered their Ar­my about Newarke, God in mercy send good Commanders in chiefe, that may faithfully set forward the worke with speed: For the right Honourable the Lord Fairfax, and that faithfull souldier of Iesus Christ his sonne, who is able to expresse their zeale, their courage and their Faithfulnesse, to the Cause, and to severall counties, God in mercy preserve them, and I trust ere long he will give them their hearts desire: And For Manchester, God was pleased to make an handfull of people to stand against a potent Enemie, and to make them the chief Instruments, for the incouragement, in the setting forward of the Militia, let them be highly honoured for their workes sake; For Sir William Brereton, he hath been a faithfull Instrument of much good, God in mercy bring him safe againe into the County, for I doubt there vvill bee need of him: For Stafford I leave it to the judgement of Colonell Greaves, and others: For the honest and willing Morelanders, They have fermerly suffered sore losse, not for the want of honest, but carefull and skilfull Com­manders, but this is for their comfort, they have gotten more then they have lost, and in time no doubt but God will teach their hands to War, and [Page 11]their fingers to fight: I will tell you now what I could desire, it is that the King would be pleased to seale an Act for the banishment of Papists and for the bringing of the great Incendiaries of the kingdome to condigne punishment, and then who will not beleeve what the King hath protested.

I could desire also that they that have taken up armes aginst this Parlia­ment, and yet professe themselves to stand for the Protestant Religion, that they would restore honest people and faithfull Ministers to their own cures and habitations, and then we will have a charitable conceit of them, that they stand for the protestant religion, but not before: I could also desire that Gene­rall Hastings would give the first president, because his Fathers house hath bin so hnourable for Religion, witnesse Mr. Eldersham, Mr. Ash, and divers others, and that he would no longer dishonour that which God hath ho­no [...]ued, and that Ashbee which is now a cage of uncleane spirits, may be­come a place for Gods people to assemble in as it hath been heretofore: I have knowne him a good Instrument for the good of the Common-wealth, and I hope God will open his eyes, and make him one for the Church, I have heard many a prayer put up for him, and I have heard many pray that if they were ordained to be taken prisoners, they might fall into his hands, for the mercy that he hath shewed to honest prisoners, I hope God will shew mercy to him, for the promise is, that the mercifull shall obtain mer­cy; I have heard many say, he is the greatest plunderer in the Kingdome, but give me leave to speak one word for him; he hath done it by vertue of a Proclamation set forth by the King; But when open warr is proclaimed against an Honourable Parliament, and proclamations issued forth, for taking of honest mens goods, that the Kings best subjects cannot have free traffique one with another, these things cannot but procure a judgement, but woe be to the authors; they say plaine dealing is the best, then I will tell you that there is more Noble and Gentile Theves made in England, the last yeere and this, then ever there were before, but who made them, be angry with me, if I do not tell you: But there is some hopes, that that may be made good which is spoken in a passage by Mr. Burton, that God will make King Charles a chiefe instrument to give the Pope a deadly blow, you know there hath many a petition been put up to his Majestie; and I am sure there hath been many a faithfull praier put up to the Lord of Hostes for him: If he forsake the Pa­pists and returne to his great Counsell, and all those that professe themselves to stand for the protestant Religion, would joyne themselves in sincerity and truth of heart, with our loving brethren of Scotland, according to their loving invitation, in their last Remonstrance; Do not doubt of it, but the Pope will have such a blowe, as he dare never looke up again in England; now what do you thinke is worthy to be done to all those that will not helpe forward so good a worke; as Newters, and the Prelaticall faction, and those Muck­wormes that thinke to get all by following their callings in these distracted times, and cannot be content but they must be pratling against the faithfull Citizens, and honest men in the Countrey, that are willing to spare neither time nor paines, nor lives nor estates, but to lay downe all for this Cause, that will be saying its fitter for them to be following of their Callings at home, [Page 12]and looke to thier wives and Children, but they would be taught what Christ saith: That he that loves father or mother, or Wife, or children, or lands, or livings, or life it self better then him, is not worthy of him; and what David said when he was going to fiht, and his brethren, said as these men do, that it was fitter for him to follow his calling in tending of his fathers sheepe, he answe­red and said unto them, is there not a cause? Doth not now lives and liber­ties, and all that true Christians have, lie at the stake? And is there not a cause? So the true calling of a Christian is to vindicate this Cause to the ut­most of his power, and ability, Christ saith that he that is not with him, is aginst him, and truely if Ordinances of Parliament, had been better executed in setthing forward of the Covenant, and some other things, we might more cleerely have seen by this time, who had been for Christ, and who against him. It hath been a trouble unto me in some places where I have been, and a Committee of Parliament there present, and yet these things neglected, the life of the Lawes and ordinances lies in the Execution of them, I would I could see the neglecters punished, that do not execute the Parliaments com­mands, according to the utmost of their power: in many places where I have been, I have heard some to desire peace, almost on any tearmes, some againe have desired peace with holinesse, or no peace, for the first, if the Par­liament would have had peace with Monopolizers, Papists, the Prelaticall Faction, and the great Incendiaries of the Kingdome, the first had had their desire, but it is the second that must have their desire, for let them not doubt but God will make this Parliament chief instruments that they may injoy Christ in the puritie of his Ordinances, and then they will have a tenfold re­quitall for all their faithfull endeavours, for whom God gives Christ unto, with him he gives them all things, for Christ is all things to all them than truely do injoy him.

And you, Noble, Faithfull and true hearted Citizens, that have been wil­ling to purchase the truth at any rate, chere up your spirits, for sure your re­joycing draweth neere. I have heard many accusing the King for having the papists in his Army, and I thinke not without cause, and also the Parliament for having the Separates in their Army, For the Papists, I hope it will not be long before an order be taken with them, and if there be any that will deny the Church of England to be a true Church, as it stands joyned to the Church of Scotland, in worship and discipline, it being judged to be the best reformed Church in the World; I hope the Parliament wil take an Order with them, but give me leave to speak one word for those that have been called Separates under the Prelaticall governement, you know there was so much rubbish brought into the church, that tender Consciences could hardly get into it, but blessed be God, this Parliament having made an Ordinance for the taking of all things out of the Church that are offensiue, and wee being joyned to the Church of Scotland, in Discipline, Worship, and Government, I cannot see that any can lawfully absent themselves from that assemblie, where this is performed, but I will tell you, what I could desire, and it may please God that some good effect may be produced by it: It is that every faithfull Minister would refuse that call which he had by the Bishops, and be willing to be [Page 13]called by the faithfull congregation, or a selected company chosen for that purpose.

I could also desire, that where the Minister is called, a day of humiliation may be set apart; That God would be pleased to inable him with guilts, for the faithfull discharge of his place: And whereas it is said that Churches were builded by Papists, and God is said to curse the stones and timber of the house where Idolatry hath been committed, that God would be pleased to sanctifie that place for his own worship; for it is said, That all things are san­ctified by the Word and Prayer. So that where these things are performed, what is worthy to be done to them, that will absent themselves from that Assembly?

Surely, it will not be ill taken, to desire that a speciall care may be taken for the setling of a faithfull Ministry, and that rather a place may stand void, then be imployed by an insufficient Minister. Land had better be untild, then to be plowed and then sown with that which is naught. And that care may be taken for the maintainance of the Ministery, that he that hath the least, may have sufficient. That in every particular County, those which are called Church-livings, as Prebendaries, Parsonages, Vicarages, Tithes, Impropria­tions, and all of that nature, faithfull men may be chosen to collect into one; and out of that the Ministery to have sufficient maintainance established, and the rest to be imployed for good and profitable uses: As the maintaining a Navie on the Sea, or the bringing up or putting forth of poor Orphans, or se­verall stocks for the imployment of the poor, or in danger of a forraign inva­sion: So will that which hath been ill imployed be well imployed, so will frivolous sutes be prevented betwixt Minister and people, and so will the Mi­nistery have nothing to care for, but to feed the flock of Christ, of whom they are made overseers. So will the Gospell flourish, so will the hearts of Gods people be chereed, so will God be glorified, so will the Lord delight in us, he will love us freely, he will heal our backslidings, he will dwell in the middest of us, and do us good.

I could desire that all true Christians would give the Lord no rest, till the platform and discipline of the Church be established, according to the rule of CHRIST, then would it go well with the Church, and when it goes well the Church, it will go well with the Commonwealth, but not before; so will the Lord make his promise good unto us, and our posterity after us, and our seed shall injoy the blessing.

I have heard some say, it is not possible that ever we should see good days, till the King return to the Parliament; But know this, that there is nothing impossible with God: The Parliament being the representative Body of the whole Kingdome, it will be proved the King is present with them, and what both the houses do conclude on, it may be truly said to be the Kings own act: The comparison will not hold, which I heard made by a Minister in Derb [...]y in his Pulpit, where he compared the King to the Sun, and the Parliament to a company of dark confused stars, that have no light but what they borrow from the Sun: He was active also in reading the prayer against our loving bre­thren in Scotland; but from such preaching and such praying, the Lord deli­ver [Page 14]me, and God in mercy make the King, as a Sun to cheer up and revive the hearts of his poor people, in these dark and sad times, and as a shield to de­fend the true Protestant Religion.

I will tell you still what I could desire▪ if I desire amisse, I pray you pardon me; for it is from a heart sensible of the Kingdoms misery, and in love to the Cause that the Parliament vindicates, which is for the Truth; It is, that in all Counties, when we are Masters of the field, there may be chosen a faithfull Generall or Commander in chief, and in every Hundreth, an able Colonel, and Captains proportionable, such as the Country is willing to approve of, and to venture their lives with; and that all that professe themselves to stand for the Cause, may be listed under those Commanders the nearest residing to them; being all ingaged in the cause, it being the publike cause, and that they may not lye by great companies in Garison Townes (especially in Summer aime) to consume the Kingdomes money, but that there may be preparation for severall Counties to joyn together in Association, with wisdome and dis­cretion, in prayer and humiliation, and that we may come forth with zeale and courage to help the Lord against the mighty: And also that the covenant may be set forward with speed, the neglecters punished, and refusers, made known; that so our loving brethren that are come so willingly to help for­ward the work of Reformation, which may be said to be next to the worke of Creation may see more cleerly how to proceed; that so the Kingdom be­ing scowred of Idolatry, Superstition, and Will-worship, and Christ set up in the purity of his Ordinances, then will the promise be made good; which is, of a new heaven, and a new earth, wherein dwels righteousnesse; and then will the honest Protestants, that have been willing to lay down all for this cause, take up the Song of Moses, and sing aloud the falvation of their God. I would desire one thing more, it is that the Book set forth by Ordi­nance of Parliament, be read once a Week in our Army, for regulating our forces, and the punishing of offences both in Commanders and souldiers, may be made more use of. For in some places it hath not been set forward, nei­ther Protestation, nor Covenant; and that a Committee of Parliament and commanders there resident, I could desire that commanders would endea­vour to reform themselves, and then our Armies would be better reformed, and some more time spared out of the Ale-house for exercise in the house of God, and in the field; So should our campes be purged, then we should car­ry none of our Achans into the campe, our loving brethren, whereby the worke may be hindered.

I will tell you that they I have so much spoken of, that the work could not be done without them, so long desired and prayed for, I mean the noble Phi­ladelphians, are now come into England. The Lord of Hosts in mercy be plea­sire by night, and direct them that they may carry themselves so in this weighty businesse, that all the black mouths which have been opened so wide against them, may be stopped. If I should tell you that God will make our loving Brethren in Scotland unto England, as a skilful Physitian unto a grosse body, to purge out the corrupt humours, or as Refiners of the drosse from the [Page 15]gold, you wil hardly beleeve it. Or if I should tel you of a warre of Inqui­ries, that God in mercy to his own people, and in justice to the wicked, hath sent and called in England a great grand-Jury, to inquire out new Sences, troublers of the Church and Common-wealth, disturbers of Gods people, and and that faithfull Ministers and honest people, must give informations; you wil hardly beleeve it. Salomon saith, Timo trieth all things, beleeve it as you finde it. Surely it wil not be denied but all those that are Enemies to this glorious work of Reformation, ought to be inquired after, as Papists and the Prelatical faction, and the Incendiaries of the Kingdome, and after such as have spoken more or lesse against this honourable Parliament, and after such as are despisers or evil-speakers against our loving brethren of Scotland, and why not after all such as have received Commissions, and have been active in nothing but for their own ends in seazing upon Papists and malignants goods, and it may be honest mens too, without order from the Committee or the chief commanders from whom they received their commission, and have not brought in such goods to the publike stock, but have converted them to their own private use; because that, that which ought to be imployed in the pub­like cause, ought not to be converted to a private use. And after all such, whose actions makes it manifest, that their desires are to spin out the Kingdoms mi­sery; as all these have done unto others, so let it be done unto them: Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keep­eth back his sword from bloud: Ier. 47. vers. 10.

I say unto you, get into the Covenant whilst you may, if you professe your selves for the truth, lest it fall out with you as it did with them in the old World: For you shal see ere long that the Cavaliers wil leave the word Roundheads, and call us Covenanters, for in calling of us Roundheads, they do but proclaim themselves fooles; as those do that gave their Votes for the election of this honourable Parliament that stands for the truth, and since have opened their mouthes wide against them: And for those that are run away from the truth, I pray you tell me if you think that those be not fools.

I need not tel you that there are great Armies prepared and preparing, but I am perswaded that they are not only to knock the Pope out of England, but Ireland, and France, and Rome, and send him halting to Avanion, whither some of the Papists may follow him like bloud-hounds by the footing, to mourn over his buriall.

Of all things that I have desired, I pray you let this be granted, that the duty of humiliation and prayer be not neglected, pray for King Charles, that God would make him a faithful instrument for his glory, and the good of this Kingdome, and that he would be pleased to take him out of the hands of his and the Kingdomes Enemies, and send him safe to his honourable Parliament; and pray for our loving brethren in Scotland, whom it pleased God to make such faithful instruments for the cal of this Parliament, that God would be pleased ever to protect them, and direct them; and pray for the faithful Ci­tizens, whom God hath been pleased to make so faithful to the Parliament to the King, and Kingdome. Blessed are they that pray for the peace of Ieru­salem, [Page 16]and I am sure that they must be blessed that pray and bend the utmost of their endeavours for an holy peace in England, Peace with Holinesse the Lord send us: Souldiers be content with your wages, and away with this base plundering; what you get from the Enemy with your sword is your own, but if you seize upon Papists or Malignants goods, bring it into the pub­like stock; for that which should be spent in a publike cause, ought not to be converted to a private use. But you will say you have no wages: I will tell you what St. Paul saith, Having food and raiment therewith be content, never desert a good cause for want of pay. Are we not all, and all that we have in­gaged in the cause? Estates and and Liberties, and Lives, and Religion, doth not al lye at the stake? Stand for CHRIST and for his cause and he wil stand for you, for be you sure he wil be a better paymaster unto you then al the world can afford; for his promise is, be faithful unto death and he wil give you a crown of Life.

For my part my poore endeavours have not been wanting ever since the Mili­tia was set forward, neither shall it ever be wanting, God willing, so long as life and estate shall last, I never desired pay but the Parliaments faith, and now I have more then I did desire, for there is a promise made by both Kingdomes, that all that endeavour to bee active and faithfull to this cause shall be no loosers, so that this promise and the promise by Christ, is sufficient to incourage all men that either have or will take up armes in this cause: The poore endeavours and de­sires of one that earnestly desires the advancement of the cause of Christ, the yeer 1644. wherin the troubles, and the troublers of the Church and Common-Wealth will be in turning ore. I could desire to be satisfied in this, whether we un­der. Prelaticall governement were not the luke-warme Laodiceans, and also in this, that we now being joyned to the Philadelpians, in Discipline, Worship Governement and Covenant, and made one with them, and they with us, whether if we were Laodiceans, we be not now made Philadelphians: But I will hearken to the faithfull Ministerie, and if it prove truth, then (see England is Meta­morphized) and I will say to those that are in Covenant, stand to it you couragi­ous Philadelphians, for God will give you to possesse the very Gates of your one­mies; and we shall see that the Parliament hath made use of those words, namely to buy the truth at any rate, and that the field is purchased for us, where the precious pearle lyeth. I meane the pure Ordinances of of Jesus Christ, but I will waite.

Vale.