A TREATISE CONTAINING THE AEQVITY OF AN HUMBLE SUPPLICATION WHICH IS TO BE EXHIBITED UNTO HER GRACIOUS MAJESTY AND this high Court of Parliament in the behalf of the Country of Wales, that some order may be taken for the preaching of the Gospel among those people.  
Wherein also is set down as much of the estate of our people as without offence could be made known, to the end that our case (if it please God) may be pitied by them who are not of this assembly, and so they also may be driven to labour on our behalf.  
AT OXFORD, Printed by JOSEPH BARNES, and are to be sold in Paul's Churchyard at the sign of the tigers head. 1587.   


TO ALL THAT MOURN IN ZION UNTIL THEY SEE jerusalem in perfect beauty, & namely to my Fathers & Brethren of the Church of England, grace, mercy and love in the Lord jesus be multiplied.  
IT hath been the just complaint (beloved in the Lord) of the godly in all ages, that God's eternal and blessed verity, unto whom the very Heavens themselves should stoop and give obesiance, hath been of that small reckoning and account in the eyes of the most part of great men, as they valued it to be but a mere loss of time to yield any attendance thereupon. Hence it cometh to pass that the truth being at any time to be countenanced, none very often are found in the train thereof, but the most contemptible and refuse of men. And because these also being guilty unto themselves of great infirmities (and foul sins many times) and not ignorant that affliction is the sequel of earnest and sincere profession do pull their necks from the yoke, and their shoulders from the burden: the Lord is constrained very severely to deal with them before they can be gotten to go on his message. Whereupon also followeth their endeavours in Gods own cause not to have the events which they expect. Example hereof jonas may be one for all. And which is far more lamentable, in as much as the drowsy and careless security, the cold and frossen affections of the godly themselves in most weighty affairs is never wanting, their careful diligence, and earnest zeal joined with hearty, and vehement prayers always desired, the Lord suffereth his own cause, to contract some spot from their sinful hands. These considerations beloved, but specially the later, kept me back a great while from this action, which I have now by the goodness of God brought to this pass you see. It would be a grievous wound unto me all my life long if the dignity of a cause worthy to have the shoulders of all the princes under the cope of heaven for it footstool should be any whit diminished by my foul hands, which notwithstanding I protest to have been washed as fair as their stains would permit. But I am not a little comforted, two manner of ways. First that the Lord knoweth he thrust me almost against my will hereunto. And for as much as I see the honour of jesus Christ (in whose countenance God the father hath lovingly winked at my sins, and whose is all that I have) standeth upon the progress of the word preached among us, my silence, though to the danger of my life, shall not be trey his honour. Is not he a God? Will he not be religiously worshipped? Will he not have this religion framed according unto his own mind? Hath he not regard whether his true service be yielded him or no? if he have, woe be unto that conscience that knoweth this and keepeth it secret, or is slack in the promoting hereof.  it pleased him, who also separated me from my mother's womb to stur me up hereunto, I doubt not but he will give that success of my labours, that may be most to his glory. Surely by his assistance I neither can nor will be slack. The dignity of the cause (I hope) will be regarded: if not, importance must take no denial in the matter of our God. My second comfort is, that what effect soever shall ensue my pains, I seek not my own but theirs whom it concerneth, namely my parents and brethren according to the flesh. Whose state is so miserable at this day, that I think it were very great undiscreetness for me to spare any speech that were likely to prevail. Nay I would to God my life could win them the preaching of the Gospel. Our sickness is at the heart, it must not be dallied with, either present remedy or undoubted perdition. And so will they judge, who view our estate offered unto her Majesty and the Parliament. Which was not published only lest posterities should know such dishonour of God either at all to have been, or in 28. years not redressed under Queen Elizabeth our sovereign. As for the adversaries who understand our estate too well and rejoice at our silence, I regard them not at all, for what have we amiss at this day, which flowed not out of the midst of their inheritance, cursed Rome, that bottomless pit & furnace of idolatry? I have only therein touched our calamity, & not touched a great part thereof. To come unto you beloved of the church of england, I know our cause shall come through many of your hands, I do with tears beseech that it may have all the lawful favour you find of your hearts to afford unto Christ in his poor members. It may stand in some one to dash the whole. Therefore in the name of God I require all of you, that you hinder not his honour, the salvation of perishing souls, & the good to the common wealth hereby intended. If you do otherwise, I pray God, so many souls, as perish in miserable Wales for want of preaching, be not required at your hands in the day of judgement. But beloved I promise all good things on your parts, and crave not only prayers, unto the Lord for the speedy erecting of our jerusalem; but all other helps of speech and countenance, of motioning the matter unto her Majesty & the Parliament; showing the danger, of denying the great profit, and necessity of granting our petition. It is your duty which cannot be shaken off, as it appeareth by the example of Ebed-melech, 
jerem. 38.9.  jeremy 38.9. The like act done by the Princes and Elders of the Land, jeremy. 26.16, 17. When the Princes hard Baruch read in their ears, the words of the book containing all the curses jehovah had determined to bring upon Israel and juda etc. it is recorded by the holy Ghost, that they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, we will certify the king of these words, and did so. Wherein they performed nothing but that which every one of you before the Lord is bound to do. God's people requireth this at your hands. The state of the common wealth and her Majesties (whom the Lord in mercy deliver from all foreign and domestical treasons) cry unto every one of you that can give any counsel, 
Iliad. 3. A counsellor must not sleep all night.  〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. You must not sleep all night, in this case, but entreat the Lord, her majesty, and this honourable court, to raise the ministery of his word in Wales. This matter concerneth all very nearly. The way to procure to yourselves favour with the Lord, and credit with her Majesty, is to solicit our cause, and so you shall find it. The more earnest you be herein, the more honour shall be unto the Lord, and her Majesty will be the more beholding unto you. Nebuchadnezzar an idolater blessed the Lord, because Shadrak Meshak and Abednago the servants of the living God, 
Dan. 3.9.  changing the king's decree, did yield their bodies, rather than they would worship any other God. If they had been as backward as were other jews in this case, how had that notable decree to the honour of God been promulgated? ver. 29. Where had been their commendation? No other way conveyeth the true favour of any prince unto the subject. 
Prou. 10.22.  God's blessing which maketh rich and honourable is joined hereunto. Though it were otherwise, yet this thing is laid upon you, be not disobedient. And likely it is to be otherwise. For (I am afraid) behold that which the Lord hath built, he will destroy, that which he hath planted he will root up. 
jerem. 45.45  And do you seek for great things unto yourselves? Seek them not. If in the day of trouble you will be hidden, you must be Jeremy'S, you must be Hebedmeleches, you must be Barucks. In these three men the Lord showed, that even in this life, he maketh great difference between the zealous and lukewarm professors. jeremy for his roundness in his office was beaten and put in the stocks, 
jer. 35.15.16 jer. 29.26.27.  jere. 35.15.16. judged worthy to die, jer. 29.26.27. accounted a raver and one that made himself a prophet, jer. 29.26.27, a man that sought not the wealth of his people but the hurt, jere. 38.4. Hebedmelech was a noble man, but some thing over zealous, and one that would not stick to tell the king himself that he had yielded unto his noble men in a thing that was evil in all that they had done to jeremy the Prophet, jer. 38.5.9. Baruch was out of favour both with prince and priest, jer. 36.19.26. because he favoured jeremy. But when the land was made desolate, and the words of poor jeremy became true, who then went unto the wall? Verily the king and his nobles, priests, and prophets. And jeremy the true servant of the Lord, must have a whole senate of noble men sent to take him out of prison and to know his will, Nebuzaradan, Nebushasban, Raebsaris, Neregal, 
jer. 39.4.13.  etc. the king of Babeles' princes. Hebedmelech should not be given into the hands of the men whom he feared, but be surely delivered because he put his trust in jehovah. 
jerem. 45.45.  Baruch should have his life given him for a pray. howsoever it goeth therefore, your service in our cause shall be recompensed. They that know what it is to have their iniquities forgiven, and their sins covered by the sufferings and passions of jesus Christ will be wounded, to see others under the curse. The Churches of God round about us go to wrack in France, Belgia and a great part of high Dutch, I would Scotland had continued in her first love, and that the hands of the builders were strengthened among you. Come what will come, stand you manfully in the faith, my fathers and brethren, and according to the counsel of Jude 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  renew the battle again with your spiritual enemy, 
jud. 3.  and contend with earnestness. It may please God though the lively branches be cut off, to quicken us dead boughs, by the virtue of our head jesus Christ. I doubt not by the Lord's goodness, if the truth be established among us through continual preaching, but that all which profess Godliness in Europe, shall heartily thank the Lord for our zeal and courage therein. Our nation are full of dross I grant, as all the sons of Adam are by nature, and very stony hearted. But the word of God is a fire for the dross and an hamber for the stone jer. 23.29. And the weapons whereby the man of God warreth, are not carnal, but mighty through God to cast down holds, and to bring under every imagination that is against the knowledge of God. 2 Cor. 10.5. when all things shall be measured unto us by the measure of the sanctuary (as all must be or else the building prove ruinous) our God will be for a diadem of beauty unto us, and for a spirit of judgement, he will give us his spirit to please him. I thought it needless to put her Majesty and the Parliament in mind that every thing amongst us must be ordered according to the word itself. For otherwise both the word and the Minister shall want a great deal of the dignity due unto both. Suffer the sceptre of the word to rule, & this will not be derogatorious unto man, much less unto the word. It will be hard to find a yoke fellow for that, which can neither abide superior nor brook an equal. My brethren for the most part know not what preaching meaneth, much less think the same necessary to salvation. Though they grant it needful, they think it sufficient to hear one sermon once perhaps in all their life. Therefore was is needful for me to set down the necessity of preaching, and of continual preaching, that if they labour not for the same, their blood may be upon their own heads. For they cannot deny themselves to be put in mind hereof. If there be any other point of doctrine touched it tendeth also to this end. The diligence beloved which I hope your learned Bishops, Doctors and other great Divines men of famous report have taken in England, cannot suffer you to be ignorant in these points. Therefore take them not as written unto you. For the case itself you know what it is, even that which the Lord of host will have most seriously thought upon, & granted without all nay. In respect whereof it cometh with Gods own letters patents, wherewith all estates in the world, nay all the Angels in heaven cannot dispense. Concerning the handling of it by me a wretch, I protest myself to have laboured according to the example of the Apostle, to speak as I have been allowed of my God, seeking to win the favour of none, much less the disliking of any, lest man's unequal displeasure would be contented with no less satisfaction than the blood of many a thousand souls. God forbidden man's infirmities in me should bring this effect. Nay it must not. For be I the son of Adam ten thousand times, compassed with never so many infirmities, never so base, vile, polluted, and defiled, yet the preaching of the word in Walls is God's glory, and therefore must stand. And yet it may be the Lord by this supplication doth but try the good wills of those small or great through whose hands it shall come, and never meaneth to have any such thing performed: as being out of hand to make an end of all, and to come himself to sit in judgement, where his word shall be surely countenanced. The consideration whereof should make men enter deeply into their dealings herein. O why should the curse of any damned soul among us pursue the withstander of our salvation? To make an end, pray for us brethren and now pray, and pray again that our God would incline mercy unto us in the sight of the Queen her Counsel and all the Queen's mighty princes, and that builders may be raised among us. So let it be our God, Amen.   

THE NECESSITY laid upon man to 
a 2. Thes. 1.8. Isai. 53.11.  know aright, the eternal, his creator, & redeemer, & to seive him according unto that knowledge; which is done of that people alone, 
b Ephes. 2.12. 2. Tim. 19.10. 1. Cor. 1.22.  amongst whom, the light of the Gospel doth shine, as is not obscurely showed, by the Lords severe punishment, upon them that are either 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. jud. 4. & 15.  irreligious, or negligently regard, & desperately contemn the truth, being offered unto them: so doth it most lively appear, by the Lords free and undeserved 
d Ezek. 36.32 1. Cor. 4.7. Rom. 4.2. jam. 1.17.  (yet rewarding blessings) upon all such, as in an holy obedience conform themselves according to his will. What flames of unquenchable vengeance, careless negligence of God's service, & the wilful rejecting thereof, hath stirred in former times amongst nations; and will, as long as the just God justly requiteth the contempt of his word, kindle for ever amongst posterities, I wish all men duly to consider. The Lord's anger, for the sins of his own people, the children of Israel, was executed upon them to the full: even because, they hardened 
e jerem. 19  their necks, and would not hear his word. The 
f jere. 22.5.7.  Lord swore by himself, that the Temple should be laid waist, that he would prepare destroyers against it: 
g jerem. 21.5.  he himself with a stretched-out hand, and with a mighty arm, would fight against them, even in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation. And because 
h jerem. 26.2.  they would not hear him their City should be a curse unto all the nations of the earth. The whole 
i jerem. 24.9.  people should be given for a terrible plague to all kingdoms, for a reproach, for a proverb, for a common talk, and for a curse unto all places whither he should cast them. Coniah 
k jerem. 22.24  the King himself should not escape, no though he were the signet of the Lords own right hand, yet should he be plucked thence. These plagues with many others most heavy and wonfull, did the Lord denounce against them by the hands of his Prophets, and performed by the hand of Nebucadnezzar king of Babel: Because 
l jerem. 40.3.  they sinned against the Lord & obeyed not his voice, therefore these things came upon them as it is manifest jeremy 40.3. Which are not so lightly to be set by of any, as though they belonged properly unto that time, and people, especially seeing the Lord judgeth 
m 1. Pet. 1.17  without respect of persons; and seeing that nation, kingdom and people that sinneth against the Lord; shallbe destroyed, as it appeareth by the tenor of his judgement executed upon Tyrus, Niniveh, Babel, and other Monarchies of the world. There is no exception of the 
n Deut. 7.26. & 30.15.19.  blessing and curse; life and death; but the blessing and the life shallbe to him that obeyeth, the curse and death shall be upon the disobedient soul. Neither was the gross Idolatry of this people the only cause of their ruin; but the Lord would have them acknowledge 
a jerem. 2.19.  that it was an evil, yea a bitter evil that his fear was not in them. This also did the levites 
b Nehem. 3.9.  after their return, confess to have been the cause of their banishment, even that their King, Princes, & Priests did not diligently attend, diligently attend I say upon the commandments of jehova. And in that great day, all wicked men shall know, that the Lord will surely render confusion in flaming fire, not only unto wicked doers, but also unto them 
d 2. Thes. 1.8.  that know not God. Nothing therefore but shame, indignation, and wrath, 
e Rom. 2.8.9.  tribulation, and anguish of soul in this life, can be expected for of those people, whose tongues & works are against jehova, to provoke the eyes of his glory, 
f Isai. 3, 8.  and after this life, a tormenting portion in that lake that burneth with fire & brimstone, which is the second death. Of which sort all they must needs be, which never heard of that, which is the 
g Rom. 1, 15. 1. Co. 1.21.  power of God to salvation to as many as believe. On the contrary side the prosperous estate of that nation, language, and people, whose God is the Lord jehova, what heart will not rejoice to see? If you will know therefore the root of the flourishing estate of any kingdom, David 
h Psal. 44.15.  telleth you that it is, in having jehova to be your God. The children of Israel upon this foundation were thought to be such a gorgeous 
i Deut. 4.6.  building, that all other nations seemed to be but cottages, and wormes-houses in respect of them. For in that they 
k Deut. 26.16.17, 18, 19.34.26.  had set up jehova to be their God, and to walk in his ways; to keep his ordinances, laws, and statutes, and to hearken unto his voice, the Lord also had set them up that day to be a precious people unto himself; & to make them high above all nations in praise, in name and in glory. A large declaration of the privilege of such a people is recorded Psalm. 33. Behold the eyes of jehovah do look upon them that fear him, and wait for his kindness, that he may deliver them from death, and keep them alive in the time of famine. And in the life to come john saith of them in the Revelation, 
reve. 7.16.17  that they shall not hunger any more, neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat, for the lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall govern them, & lead them to the lively fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Oh than what Christian, yea ingenious, human, natural heart will not be grieved to see any people in such a forlorn case, as not only to be bereaved of those unspeakable blessings of the Lord, whereof all they shall be partakers that fear him, but also laid open unto the weapons of his revenging and consuming anger in this world, and in that to come, to his eternal and never ending wrath? And who would not strain himself to the utmost of his ability, and beyond all his might, to make known the case of such a people, unto those who both can, and also would find a remedy thereunto? For mine own part, because I see the spiritual misery wherein we now live in the Country of WALES, for want of the preaching of the Gospel and the great plagues that are like undoubtedly to fall upon us for the same; I cannot but be so asfected toward these our calamities, as in respect of the Lords honour, the desire of the salvation of my brethren, my loyal obedience unto her Majesty, and the discharge of my own conscience, I do always from the bottom of mine heart wish and pray for the redress hereof, & now by writing with all humility and submission in the fear of God, lay open our estate, first unto the consideration of your excellent Majesty my dread sovereign Queen Elizabeth, unto whom only of all the potentates of the earth, I own all obedience and service in the Lord jesus, and next unto the view of your high court of Parliament, desiring you upon my knees in the name of the great God the creator and preserver of heaven and earth; whose honour is now in hand, that our petition may be so thoroughly weighed, as our necessity requireth. The sum whereof is; that it would please your Majesty, & this honourable assembly, in a zealous and a godly compassion, to regard the lamentable and woeful estate of us your poor subjects, & brethren, which live at this day altogether without the knowledge of 
a Isai. 43.11. ●  a saving God, because we have not 
b 2. Chro. 15.2  teaching Ministers among us, & that some order may be taken by your Majesty and the estate, whereby we may be freed from that destroying gross darkness of ignorance, wherein we now are bewrapped to the woe of our souls for ever: And so by our true conversion unto the Lord, we may avoid everlasting death, and prevent the fierceness of the wrath & indignation, which we see justly to hang over us in this life. The remedy of this our grievous case, is only had (and no other way) by speedy 
d Luk. 10.2. Matth 9.8.  providing unto us such pastors, as may feed us with the food of life, the pure word of God, and bring us home unto the only 
a 1. Pet. 5.4. Heb. 13.20. Luk. 22.25. Mark. 10.  Lord of pastors, & shepherds, the Lord jesus. This is the sum of all (my dread sovereign) that I your base vassal have emboldened myself to offer unto you, and this your high court of Parliament; wherein I protest that in respect of my weakness all manner of ways; the baseness of my condition, I entreated the Lord to send unto you by the hand of him whom 
b Exod. 4.13.  he should send, that is by one endued with such gifts, and authority also, as whereby the suit might have purchased some countenance, and so be found more available, and plausible. But considering that this mine endeavour might be a means to stir up some such, and that the Lord, is the Lord of countenance, credit, and favour, & therefore can add unto his own cause; the good liking of men either more, or less, as seemeth best unto him, which only guideth the hearts of the children of men. And that he is then fully seen for his own glories 
c Rom. 4.2. Ezek. 36.32.  sake to bring the work to pass that tendeth to the salvation of any, when he useth most abject, and unfit tools, I do not doubt if it be his good pleasure, but that this supplication, though put up by a sinful weak hand, shall have all the entertainment that the message of the living God desireth to have. And although our estate being duly weighed, doth with most pathetical, & piercing cries, (that may move again the very flinty rocks) make entreaty for itself, and declare the unanswerable necessity either of having our petitions granted, or of the torments of our souls in hell fire for ever, and our fatal ruin in this life: yet I thought it most needful in this brief treatise to set down some of the reasons whereupon our petition is grounded, that by the view of them, it may appear how dangerous a thing it is in the sight of God and man to deny our suit. And here verily the cause may be seen at the first sight to be environed with a twofould wall (as it were) of most just, and apparent equity. First in respect of the honour of God, whereat especially it aimeth. Secondly in regard of man, whom it doth not a little concern. Whether therefore you do consider the Lord himself whom we disdain, and contemn (for want of better instruction out of his word) by our ungodly lives, or her gracious Majesty and this honourable assembly, who are bound before the Lord with an uncancelable band to see the eternal verity of the Gospel of jesus Christ taught unto, & obeyed of all the inhabitants within the precincts of her majesties dominions; or my dear brethren and countrymen, whose joyful and happy felicity is this way sought for, you shall find the supplication to be full of dutiful endeavours towards the maintenance of God's glory, the safe estate of this kingdom, & our sovereign, (whom the Lord long preserve over us) & hurting none, full of equity on all parts. We desire to have the knowledge of our God, and the Laws of his kingdom (whose subjects in name we profess ourselves, and in deed ought to be) made known and taught unto us. We desire that the tyranny of Satan, who 
a 2 Cor. 4.4. Ephes. 6.2. & 2.23.  exerciseth a regency in the hearts of all them (amongst whom God's truth hath not been taught) may be overthrown 
b Rom. 1.16. Heb. 4.12. jer. 23.29.  by the powerful arm of God the word preached, 
c jam. 1.21.  who can save our souls. Now therefore to you right honourable, worshipful, and reverend of this Parliament (with all humility be it spoker) in the audience of our God, in the presence of jesus Christ, and in the witness of every child of God, who shall read this little treatise, we most earnestly and vehemently as in the cause of jesus Christ, and in the cause of our souls, entreat and beseech you, cry and call upon you to do your endeavours, that Satan may no longer keep us in bondage, which ought to be employed in the service of our God, and that the Lord jesus his throne may be established in our hearts, 
d 1. Cor. 6.19. & 3.16.  as it ought to be in those which are his members. What interest hath sathan in us, that we should be permitted to be at his beck, and leave undone the duty we own unto our most beneficial & loving God, even by the law of creation? Why should he prevail more with you which continually seeketh your destruction & ours, than jesus Christ, whose love towards us was sealed with the loss of his life, even then, when we were his enemies? Will you reward his unconceivable kindness in such sort: as to suffer any that you can hinder, to be sworn servants of his professed enemies? Sworn servants I say, for whosoever serveth not the Lord Christ in 
e Rom. 6.16. & 7.5. 2. Pet. 2.20.  newness of life, and holiness of conversation, hath taken the oath of a soldier to serve sin under Satan's banner. Why should the son of God be bereaved of the title that he hath in his people, & conveyance thereof made unto a damnable creatire? Consider I pray you the weight of the cause in this one point: it is concerning no less matter than a kingodme, yea the kingdom of the God of all kings, jesus Christ: the contention is between the most glorious in heaven & earth, and his own slave, where the indignity of the usurper ought to move you. We are weary of the heavy bonuie bondage of the one, and desire the easy yoke of the other. In the absence as it were of our Lord and king, we have none to run unto for help, but you, whom he hath placed above us. Pity our condition, nay rather let it be seen that you rejoice to have such opportunity to enlarge, and make conspicuous the glory of your redeemer, that it may be a witness unto your souls whensoever you depart this life, that indeed you have quited yourselves like men in the places whereunto he hath enjoined you, by defacing the kingdom of Satan. You are now to declare unto which of the two you would have us subjects, who shall be king, Satan or the Lord Christ: and therefore whether of the two can prevail more with you Not that the devil is able, or dareth withstand his maker, or that the Lord needeth the help of man, to overthrow his forces, as not being of power to rule, unless man set the crown upon his head: but because he hath taken this course in the government of his Church here upon earth, that unless the Magistrate do uphold his honour against Satan, it will fall to the ground for aught men can see, and he having commanded men of authority to be zealous in his cause, will reward them according unto their love towards him in this point. For hereby he doth try their good wills, in that he declareth his honour to be usually measured in the heart of the people, according unto the proportion of the magistrates love towards him: reserving always unto him nevertheless the power to beget his love in the subjects, whose prince may be an Idolater: and to bridle the fury of his enemies when he will, without the assistance of man; and to re-edify his Church, though all the kings under heaven gainsay the same. But this not proceeding from them will be to their greater condemnation, because they chose rather to have their people in the slavery of Satan, than in the liberty of Christ. For one of them will, yea must needs bear rule in the hearts of all men; either the Lord by his spirit conveyed unto them through the ministry of his word: or the old serpent, by his devilish illusions. That both cannot rule together, 
a Mat. 12.25.29.  it is apparent, because they are so contrary the one to the other: the subjects of both kingdoms disagree, the laws be diverse. If you choose the son of God, and place him in his throne among us, by the preaching of his Gospel (for otherwise you cannot be said to make choice of him) then assure yourselves that the Lord will 
b 1. Sam. 2.30  honour you, because you honour him, and not forget the upholding of his kingdom by you, especially in such an age: as wherein most of the estates in the earth have bereaved him of his right, and given their crowns unto the beast. Then happy be your names and memories, and the memories of your posterities for ever. And happy be the days that ever we were borne to be governed by such a godly Prince, and godly counsellors. But if you make worse than Claucus' his change, and as much as in you lieth rob Christ jesus of his kingly dignity, what are you to look for at his hands, but the cruel destruction that is prepared for those, who will not suffer the son of God to rule over them, or theirs? Consider, and consider again, that they deny jesus Christ a kingdom over theirs, and consequently prefer Satan before him; which deny the ministry of the Gospel unto the people, under their government. The reason of which assertion appeareth not only by some places of Scripture before quoted: but also in that the word preached, is called the 
a Matt 13.19. Luke 8.11.  word of the kingdom by our Saviour himself: and the glad tidings of the Gospel called the 
b Luke 8.4. Matth. 3.1.  kingdom of heaven. By the parable of the vineyard which is said to be the inheritance of the son of God Matth. 21.38. and whereof he accounteth himself rob when he hath not fruit yielded unto him; 
Matt. 21.38.  which only is done where the Gospel flourisheth. In that the Gospel is called the Gospel of the 
c Mat. 24 14.  kingdom. Wherein politic Gamaliel also 
d Act. 5.39.  guessed aright that the High-priests and Sadduces should be found to do nothing less than 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, that is, fight against God, if they withstood the course of the Gospel. To be short 
e verse 31.  Peter in the very same chapter a little before maketh it a part of Christ's prerogative royal, to work repentance in the heart of man, and assurance of remission of sins, which no Christian will say to be otherwise effected, than by preaching. In so much as they must needs be convinced to enervate, and weaken the same sovereignty of the Lord of life, who any way refuse to have them for whose wealth they are to provide good laws, instructed by the Gospel. If this conclusion be true (as in very deed it is most true) oh how ought you of this honourable assembly to labour, for the erecting of the ministry of the word in Wales, seeing they that will be slack in the same detract from the honour they own unto jesus Christ, and plainly show how little they care whether his kingdom sinketh or swimmeth. As for these that withstand this, I dare boldly affirm them to conspire with Satan about the invading of Christ's kingdom, and most contumeliously to tread his crown under foot. Where by the way they are entreated with all reverence to look better unto their dealings, who under the name of conformity, and obedience, stay the course of the ministry in any place, & desired to acknowledge this unity to be nothing else but a consent with Satan to wrest the sceptre out of Christ his hand, and undermine his chair of estate; if they have done heretofore foolishly, let them now, (following the counsel of the wiseman) lay their hands on their mouths, and take heed least by defending former practices, they add drunkenness unto thirst. It may be if men knew the sin of resisting the Gospel to be so heinous, they would perhaps further our suit; or at least not hinder it. But because the preaching of the word is thought no better than folly of worldly wisemen, it cometh often to pass that the rejecting of a suit tending thereunto, is made a thing of small moment. And although in very deed this sin be high treason against the Lord, yet the offenders herein will avouch themselves to seek the honour of God, no less than the earnest furtherers of the word preached, yea though they throw all their blockish, and wilful reasons in the way, to stop the passage of it. And least men should term them by their rightname, they think the excuse will stand in good steed, to say, they cannot see how the hindering of the Gospel should be so odious in the sight of God, and therefore no reason why they should be thought kickers against the heaven, seeing they in every point favour the proceed of their Prince. But how vain and ridiculous is their excuse? For shall a traitor be therefore acquitted, because he offending against the Laws of God, and his sovereign (as in transferring the prerogative due unto his Prince unto a foreign Idolatrous shaven priest) protesteth that he neither acknowledgeth not seethe his actions therein to be traitorous? Or shall Pellagians, Papists, Arians, etc. avoid the names and punishments of heretics, because they affirm nothing but that whereof, by the strong delusion of Satan they are persuaded? I trow not. No more can he be said to do any thing less than to justle against the heaven, and him that dwelleth therein, which putteth his shoulder against the progress of his word, though his own corruption will not suffer him to perceive this his raving madness. As therefore you of this honourable assembly would not be taken defacers of God's glory: so in most humble wise I admonish you not to oppose yourselves in any sort against this our petition: and as you would find favour at the hands of the judge of all the world in the day of judgement, and be acquitted before jesus Christ, and by him, further his honour to the uttermost of your power. Regard whose cause it is; what account he maketh of it: how derogatorious it is unto his glory, for you to deny us the Gospel. I know it will be answered here, that her Majesty and the Parliament deny the true service of God unto none, and have taken order that no false religion should be used of any subject in this land. Which thing also I do affirm from my heart, and thank God for, and the Lord will not forget Queen Elizabeth's kindness in this thing towards his house. I add moreover, that if any the people of this Realm want the same in particular, which he hath granted all in general, it is her will they should acquaint the Parliament with their cause, where they ought to be heard Hitherto therefore tendeth my speech. If we th'. people of Wales making our estate known, shall not have it redressed by this assembly, that then the overthrow and weakening of Christ's kingdom is intended through this means (by them that shall hinder preaching to be granted unto us) our calling adding great strength thereunto. Let all know therefore how greatly it tendeth to the honour of the most high God, (which he will maintain as the apple of his eye against all the evil willers thereof, unto their utter ruin and shameful confusion both of body and soul) that the lamp of the Gospel should be set on fire amongst us, and that a repulse should be given to jesus Christ by repelling this our cause. Good my Lords, whose honour in the fear of God I desire, think with yourselves that the Lord of heaven, being now rejected of most nations of the earth is thrust into this poor Island of England, as into the furthest western parts (savage America, and that continent excepted) but surely his entertainment here, if one handmaid had not better cherished him, had been very cold. He hath often threatened us to departed, by taking her with him from such ungrateful subjects as we are. Particular men he hath by his several blessing, and the sound of his word, from the highest to the lowest solicited unto his service. Alser the most part refused. This one time he will try whether the whole estate of the land will allow him any larger domains, than hitherto he enjoyed. And therefore he now knocketh by this our suit, at the door of the Parliament, to know whether we the people of Wales shall be granted him, as his heritage. If it be denied, he protesteth that he will stay no longer. He expecteth an answer: Have a regard what ye do. A greater matter cannot be consulted upon. What a shameful thing were it for man to deny his God, that which most concerneth his glory? Alas the day what hindrance will it be unto any of you to have us poor Welshmen celebraters of the honour of our God? And what pleasure will it be unto you to have him departed from this kingdom in a rage, because he is not heard in that thing, wherein he most delighteth? And believe me, I am highly afraid he will take your denial so unkindly, that England shall feel, by the taking away of his Gospel, what a gest it ungratefully lost. Therefore, as I said before, so I say again, that our suit is not slightly to be looked unto, much less denied: because upon the granting of it, not only the salvation of many thousand souls; but also the glory of the most mighty God relieth. It were extreme madness for us to be cold in that suit, wherein we would have others whom it concerneth not so much, to be vehement and earnest. And we might justly both before God, and men, fry again in our condemnation, if we were not most earnest in a matter of such weight. Salvation is not bestowed upon them that care not whether they have it or no: Nay our Saviour setteth down, that seeking for it will not serve, but there must be great striving used; and that with agony, and contention. 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  Strive saith he 
b Luk. 13.24  to enter in at the straight gate; for many I tell you will 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  seek to enter, and shall not be able. Marvel not therefore if we leave no stone unturned to come by that which is so precious, and so hardly found. But the objection ministereth greater strength to our argument. For either the Parliament must deal most injuriously with her Majesty, and say it is not her will to have Christ jesus reign over us, (which far be it from entering into any man's heart) or that they will in a cause so directly tending unto God's glory, and the good of the weal public, resist that, which she most of all would have decreed. This later hath not been found, and I hope never will be in the Parliament of England, as long as Queen Elizabeth hath the sceptre in her hand. And can any man admire that we have all this while of her majesties ragine been by the just judgement of God, without the word preached, and also read, as shall be showed, whereas we never as yet opened our mouths for it? I am so far then, from conceiving any undutiful thought of my sovereign, and this high Court, as transferring the cause of our ignorance upon them, that I protest in justly resteth on ourselves. For when did that day shine this twenty eight years, and above, that any among us, (whom the Lord had endued either with authority or gifts of learning) have moved this cause effectually unto her Majesty, or the Court of Parliament? Though I would wish we had found the favour in their sight, (howbeit unworthy of ourselves) to be driven unto the marriage of jesus Christ, against our wills, that some more might solemnize the same, than do at this day, to his honour and their own eternal felicity. If any man will here demand, whether the Lord requireth any more at the hands of this high Court in the cause of religion, than is already performed, seeing there is not only permission granted, for all that will to profess the truth; but also a commandment, that none adventure the contrary, I answer he exacteth a great deal more. As to see that every inferior person, have done his duty in the performance of that, enjoined unto him, for the planting of religion. To see, whether such Laws, as have been already provided, in that cause, have been put in practice, if not to consider where the fault was, and see it amended. To consult whether a better order may be taken for the progress of true religion, than hitherto hath been, and being found to put the same in execution. Again, for as much, as the work is the ruling of God's people, especially to provide, that the government may be according to the Lords own Laws. Briefly where the word is not preached, there to establish the same with speed. Our whole country of Wales, as yet, being altogether in ignorance, to endeavour themselves in deed, to see the same called. In a word to order every thing in every particular parcel of this Island and the other according unto the Law, and testimony (for the declining therefrom argueth great oversight and folly, as it is set down Isai. 8.20. Otherwise the Lord should enjoin, more unto a father, or master in the government of his family, than unto a magistrate in the common wealth. For a father and so a master, is not only bound to see, that his son be no idolater, or swearer (which would to God all fathers performed) but also to bring them up, in 
2 Ephes. 6.2.  instruction and information of the Lord. Did Abraham no more, think you, than command his servants, that they should take heed, they served not the gods beyond the rivers, and will them in some general sort, to serve jehovah? You shall find it otherwise recorded of him, Genesis 17.19. Good jehoshuah protested that he, and his house, that is, all those that were under his government would serve jehovah. In whose example the doubt will not be worth the answer, 
jehosh. 24.14  that jehoshuah doth content himself in this place, only to have barely offered the truth unto his people, and given them the choice whether they would profess it or no, whereas his protestation importeth, that as many as would be governed by him, should serve jehovah. If they did otherwise, such rebels against God, were not fit to be his people. To omit, that the case is far unlike, in the people of Wales, and the Israelites at this time, I would, that all, which be are the chief sovereignty of any commonwealth christian (whether monarchy, Aristocracy etc.) would plainly declare, that they should not be their subjects, who would not be obedient unto the Lord, as did jehoshuah in this place. David took a band of himself, 
Psal. 101.7.  to keep no such in his house. Wherein it appeareth, that he did both deny the same, to be a cage for idolaters, and in like manner would have all things there according unto the will of God. His care was no less in the common wealth, as may appear by his great solicitude, in bringing home the 
a 1 Chro. 13.5 1. Chro. 15.13  Ark, confessing & amending his careless oversight herein before committed, by his earnest desire to add as much dignity as he could unto the service of God, in offering to build him an house.  
Lastly the exhortation he made at his deathbed, to the rulers, & his son Solomon proclaimeth openly, what a care he had to see the Lord honoured of every man in his kingdom. I thought good in this place to set down David's words. 
b 1. Chro 28.8.  Now therefore (saith he) in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of jehova, & in the ears of our God, keep and make diligent inquiry, for all the commandments of jehovah, your God, that you may possess this land, and leave it for an inheritance unto your children after you, for ever. And thou Solomon my son, know thou the God thy fathers, and worship him with an upright heart, and with a careful soul, for jehovah searcheth the hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts, if thou search for him, he will be found of the; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever. I see to whom I speak, and therefore application needeth not. Only you are to mark, that no service by picce-meale, but according unto all the commandements is allowable, and that the Magistrate must practise all that God requireth of him. The will of God in any particular point of religion being unknown unto him, he must make diligent search and inquiry for it himself (keep & seek all the commandments saith he.) In which words the holy ghost noteth, that a good magistrate may be ignorant of his duty, but giving this caveat withal, that as soon as he is put in mind thereof, 
We must seek until we find, and having sound, keep the commandments.  though by an inferior person, he must not be borne in hand by any other that all is well (for how can that be well and in good case, which is not according to the Lords will?) but see reformation out of hand. The necessity of obeying, is set down, in that the Lord would not spare Solomon if he did the contrary, no, though he had made a promise of favour unto him. Further concerning the magistrates duty in this particular care, that God be honoured through his charge, we shall find in the example of good jehosaphat, who, having in the third year of his reign, most 
a 2. Chro. 17.9 2. Chro. 19.5.  notably established religion. (sending levites about throughout all the Cities of judah to teach i'th' people) notwithstanding, in the 18. or 17 year confer 2. Chr. 16.5. 1. Kings 22.41. with the 1. Kin. 16.29. went through the people from Bersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them again unto jehovah the God of their fathers, so little a thing was it in his eyes, to have once very notably reform his people, unless he did the same, as often as need required. Religious joshia, 
2. Chro. 33.29.  carried the like heart with him. The good king rend his clothes, his heart melted within him with weeping, and wring of hands, he humbled himself before his God, and immediately set upon the reformation of every thing amiss, as soon as he perceived the Lord to be dishonoured by neglecting the performance of his will, in any point. But what needed he to have taken all these pains? He had a promise, all should go well in his days, and after him, his people were sure, to smart for their former sins. He had done well for his part, fals-religion was expelled in the 1. year of his reign (this being the 18.) judah & jerusalem were purged from their high places, time would not serve to establish every thing, according unto the law of Moses, the people were simple, not capable of the government, required by the word of God, his nobility, by reason of their long continuance in Idolatry, not so well persuaded of the true religion, he sought to establish. It was very new unto them, their weakness were to be born-withal: Yea they must have the liberty of their consciences. Perhaps they who should have been most forward, as the high priest, and others, were found very great enemies, unto all good proceed. It may be they looked, that all should be committed unto their hands, as the pope hath done in times past. For what had a civil magistrate to do with setting in order things belonging unto religion? These and many other hindrances, he had I grant. 
2. Chro. 34.3.  But look when the zeal of the Lords house hath eaten up any, how easily they swallow all occasions, that might hinder the true worship of God, in any that belongeth unto them. And therefore, that very year, even then, when he was farther instructed, by examining the book of the Law of Moses, concerning his duty, he gathered the people from the greatest, 
vers. 30, 31, 32  to the smallest, priest and Levite, read the word, of the covenant in their ears, and made a covenant before jehovah to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his testimonies, with all his heart, and with all his soul. He cause all, that were found in jerusalem, and Benjamin, to stand unto it. So far was he from bearing with any in their Idolatrous persuasions, that could not (for consciences sake forsooth) but turn back from jehovah the God of their fathers, that as it is recorded of him he 
a verse 33.  compelled all that were found in Israel, to agree unto the covenant, & to serve jehovah their God which they did all his life. In which action (religion being now received by public consent) he did not only according to the commandment 
a Deut. 13.69.  & the example of his predecessors the 
b Ius. 22.21.19  whole congregation in the book of joshua and godly king Asah 
c Chro. 15.13  (who decreed that whosoever would not serve jehovah, should be stoned, whether he were small or great) but also, that which the wonderful, and great works of God, wrested from 
e Dan. 3.29.  Neubuchadnezzer, and almost nature itself showed unto king Artashash. 
f Ezra. 7. a6.  God's honorbeing precious in the eyes of this assembly, as I hope it is, will drive them to follow these godly examples, and to look with the eyes of an Eagle, into the estate of our Church in Wales, yea compel us, by authority rather than fail to honour & sanctify the Lord, by the knowledge of our salvation. For then, he is said to gain a name, and majesty to himself, when he is seen, to forgive sins, not for man's desert, but for his own 
g Isai. 4.8.9.12  glory sake: and he is then known to be the Lord, when he is 
h Ezek. 76.23  sanctified in his people. For indeed none is able, either to forgive sins or to sanctify the profane heart of man, but the Lord himself. Therefore the prerogative above all others given to out saviour christ in the revelation, is, that when there was none found in heaven or earth, or under the earth, worthy to look upon the book sealed with seven seals, much less able to open it, he the lion of the tribe of judah performed both.  
But who knoweth this save they, 
Ephes. 2.13  that are redeemed by his blood? And his blood cleanseth none, but these ⁱ which heard the word of truth, even the gospel of salvation preached unto them. The way then to procure, that the people of Wales may cry with a loud voice, Worthy is the lamb, to take the book, & open the seals thereof, 
Revel. 5.12  because he was killed, and hath redeemed us to God out of every kindred, and tongues, people, and nation, is to bestow the word preached upon them. And how greatly the calling of men unto salvation augmenteth both the might, and the exceeding riches of God's strength, shallbe easily gathered, if you do but consider that the treasury, the jewel house, and wardrobe (as I may say) of God's glorious in heritance, in the Saints, and the exceeding greatness of his power towards them, that believe, is no other way discerned, but by the spirit of revelation, through the knowledge of god; as the express words of the Apostle do enforce, Ephes. 1.18.19. All which proceed from hearing the word of truth, 
verse. 13  as he set down before. The words which the Apostle useth to express the meaning of the holy-ghost doth most evidently convince that they who felt not this power in themselves, count the Lord to be but a weakling. For although the contemplation of nature, 
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc.  the moving of the heavens, and the creatures therein contained, may afford some glimpse of the might that is in the creator; yet this is not indeed so much as a shadow of the other, wherein the Lord is said to exercise the power of his own right hand. As first in giving the Lord jesus a conquest over all the 
k Coloss. 15  principalities, and powers of his enemies, making him to triumph over them, and that 
l Heb. 2.10 18.4, 5. & 5.7  by weakness, sufferings, crosses, calamities, temptations, yea and death itself: then in raising him from death, to give him a name, above all names, and to make him the head of al. Secondly in us, his poor members saving our helpless, and damned souls, working mightily in our sinful & stony hearts, by the conversion of us unto him▪ giving us poor flesh and blood, a conquest also over our own flesh, and the rebellious motions thereof: and which is more, over the prince of the world himself. Assuring our unbelieving hearts, of his love towards us, showing how mighty his spirit was in the Lord jesus; who had it powered upon him, without measure, seeing we that have but a dram thereof, and that in a body of sin, are not without some rejoicing effects by the power of God's mighty spirit. Herein and in such actions the power of God, to a believing heart, showeth itself, to be ten thousand times greater, than in creating a thousand worlds. Can the Parliament of England be desirous to glorify their God, and not decree, that this power of his be manifested unto us, by delivering every of us out of the tyranny of that mighty potentate, who is even the God of this world? Our saviour Christ, even in respect of his manhood is so glorified of his father; that man cannot augment the same, yet the Apostle is plain, that his honour consisteth in no other point, than that every tongue should confess 
a Phil. 2.11.  him to be the Lord, to the glory of God the father, And least carnal men should think, the Lord smally to esteem the glory he gaineth, by these, that are called unto the knowledge of his truth, the regard he hath hereunto, is two manner of ways showed. First, in that he, which was the substance, and essence of the Lords own glorious Majesty 
b Phil. 2.6.  equal with God, 
c jer. 2.3. I say 44.26 1 john 1. Rom, 9.5.  God himself, made himself of no reputation, taking upon him the form of a servant, became vile, & bale, as we read, isaiah the 52 14.15.3. Phil. 2.7.8. only to the end he might reserve from hell, some of the lost sons of Adam, by whose salvation he should be glorified. Secondly for as much, as the chief end of his coming to judgement, 2 Thess. 1.9. in that great and glorious day, wherein the secrets of all hearts shall appear, is to be made glorious in his Saints, and marvelous in them that believe. It is out of controversy, that on this day the Lord will make the majesty of his son Christ, so glorious, and of such rare excellency, as the very Angels themselves shall wonder and be astonished thereat: and yet there be none others set down, in whom he shall be glorified. but only those that believe. Shall we say then, the training up of such is of small acceptance in his sight? God forbidden. Shall we think, that their estate will be any thing tolerable, who in this life, though they do not further the Gospel, yet will not hinder the same? No truly. For here be only two estates of men spoken of, either those, in whom Christ jesus shall be glorified (in every of whose hearts, the Lord hath so wrought, by his spirit, that they desire nothing more, than that he may rule the souls of men by his word) or the other whose portion shall be woe of soul. And who are they? only turks, infidels, papists, traitors, adulterers, thieves, murderers, and such like workers of iniquity? These I grant indeed, but not these alone. For the Apostle giveth no such mark unto all, but he comprehendeth both the one, and the other, in this, that they obey not the Gospel. Be a man therefore accounted never so civilly honest, talk he never so well of the Church, and the dignity of the Gospel, be he in show never so good a subject unto his prince (for the devil is not so unwise, as he will have all his limbs, manifest breakers of the commandments, but he will use some visured oppugners of God's glory) yet if in any sort, you can perceive, that he useth any other behaviour towards God's truth, than he ought to show there, whereunto greatest obedience, and duty is to be yielded, take him by and by for one, whom Paul meaneth. Because he obeyeth not, but undutifully handleth the gospel. Slips I grant the children of God may have, and that very foul ones: but few of them so fall, as they must needs have that to accompany them whereunto the honour of God is tied. We may see then what reckoning our saviour Christ maketh of the fruit he reapeth by the ministers labour. And he will maintain his honour in this point, by the utter ruin of all the clippers thereof, and be smally beholding (as we hear) in heaven, unto them that negligently labour for the same in earth. Here mark I beseech you, that for as much as Satan is permitted among us, not only to lift up his heel against his Lord, but even to outface him in his own inheritance, the Lord threatened very lately and doth every day to measure our punishment, by the same line. How likely was it, had not he in mercy choked with their own raiging spirits, these unsatiable bloodsuckers, Babington, and his adherentes, that we should have had in this kingdom the hand of the vile, against the honourable, the base against the noble, 
isaiah 3.4.  the indign against the worthiest of the land? Yea and the Lords anointed, the very 
a Lamen. 4, 20  breath of our nostrils, she under whose shadow we have been thus long preserved from heathen popish tortures, was like to fall into their hands. The Lord grant you of this honourable assembly wise hearts before it be to late, to examine aright the cause of these ungodly attempts, & to prevent the issues of them. Which shall never be done as long as the Parliament will permit Nonresidences, impropriate livings, swarms of ungodly ministers, the insolent, and tyrannical proceedings of some, joined with pomp too too unreasonable, to keep out a learned and godly ministery, by whose means the Lord jesus would recover his own again. Persuade yourselves, that the Lord may justly give our possessions to strangers, because an enemy is tolerated in this land, quietly to enjoy the right of jesus Christ, and by suffering such ungodly practices countenanced in the action. If the Spaniard, French, or any the forces of Rhomish Cain have their desire upon us (as I hope in God they never shall) how shall pluralities of impropriations, & other Church-livings etc. defend us & ours from their fury? To shut up this point, all the former things considered, is not our petition most reasonable in regard of God's honour? Well in respect of her Majesty, it hath many reasons whereupon it may be grounded. Can we ever hope to have the tidings of salvation proclaimed in Wales, unless this be performed in her days? And have we a lease of her life? Would it pleased God we had. Rather the door of our hope is every day threatened to be shut. Now therefore the Lord warneth us, to take the opportunity while it is offered. Now he taketh heaven and earth to witness that at this instant, at this Parliament, at this time of her majesties prosperous reign, he layeth before us life and death good and evil, salvation and damnation, and that for ever. We shall never have the time to choose again for any thing we know. And how effectual for the preservation of her highness think you would be the prayers of so many thousand of her people, even of the whole welsh nation? Which she now wanteth in as much as they know not themselves bound by reason of 
a 1 Tim. 2.2  the commandment, to pray for their Prince, because the same was never taught them. When I consider that an infinite number of us truly converted (in the feeling of such a great benefit received at her hands) would give the Lord no rest day or night, but still be begging of him to bless our virtuous Queen Elizabeth with the blessings of a regenerate heart, and a prosperous quiet government: when I call to mind, what an earnest and ardent affection, a true Christian beareth unto his Prince (especially who bestowed on him the means of salvation) and the promise of God, annexed to such prayers, I cannot in duty but beseech her Majesty not to be wanting unto her own safety even in this one thing. Which should not a little move her, seeing it was of such great moment to stir up 
b Ezra. 6.10  Cyrus to the speedy erecting of gods honour at jerusalem. Moreover you may be assured, dread sovereign, both that we and our children for ever will bless our God, that he hath inclined mercy unto us in your eyes. And also our calling will be a testimony of your burning zeal unto the truth among all the ages to come, even to the enemies of your good name. Whereas on the other side the continuance of our blind ignorance will be I fear me a blemish unto your credit (in obedience I speak it) among our woeful posterities, and the enemies of God for ever. For what will our children that rise after us and their children say, when they shall be brought up in gross superstition but that it was not Queen Elizabeth's will, that we their Parents should have that true religion she professed, made known unto us. Will not the enemies of God's truth with unclean mouths avouch that she had little regard unto true or false religion any further than it belonged unto her profit? I would some of them did not slanderously cast abroad amongst our people, that she careth not whether the gospel be preached or not preached. If she did we also should be most sure to enjoy it after twenty eight years and upward of most prosperous reign. These things derogating from her majesties honour in a most villainous sort, must be withstood through herself and this whole assembly, by making provision for us betimes of the food of our souls. Because I see this most notably detracteth from her, I cannot in duty but repel and gainsay this slander, and with as loud a voice as ink and paper can sound, affirm and publish that she would have the truth made known unto all her people, and wish all of them to be prophets. Which thing I trust in God shall be manifested unto the world even at this Parliament, wherein Wales shall be allotted unto jesus Christ for his inheritance. And good reason why it should be so, because thereupon standeth the maintenance of her credit. Of all the men in the world therefore she may be least beholding to them that will not deal earnestly in our behalf. And we the inhabitants of Wales may think that very strange that one suit, tending generally to the benefit of us all, will not be granted unto us in twenty eight years, and that under her Majesty, whose good will towards us is no jesse we are assured then to the rest of her subjects. If we doubted hereof, behold at this time, opportunity is offered to take away all suspicion. whereas the neglecting of our cause (being general as it is) will not be without some occasion of jealousy, as though we were contemned & not accounted of but as thrown into the most barren corner of the land, so thought unworthy to have the seed of God's word sown amongst us, unworthy to have the service of the same God with her Majesty and the rest her subjects. You that are godly wise counsellors in matters of estate, look whereunto the shutting out of our most humble petition may tend. For all the good faithful service that ever her grandfather, father, brother, kings of eternal memory, her sister or herself have found at the hands of any of our nation, we beseech her this one reward, that we may enjoy the word of God, and leave it for an inheritance unto our children, with this memorial also, that it is Queen Elizabeth's reward aswell for the faithfulness she herself found in us, whereof we are already by her prosperous Reign recompensed, as also for the good will our poor parents have declared to the loaf of their lives unto her noble progenitors. This would never be forgotten, and I know it will be answered again with the forwardst readiness to yield dutiful service unto her highness that any prince could hope for at the hands of her or his most loving subjects. It might grieve us the less to be denied the gospel, unless the same were the inheritance which our forefathers the Cymbrûbrittons many hundred years ago possessed in this land. For although at this day we cannot call true religion by the right name, yet are not our superstitious observations the blossoms of that ancient truth our forefathers professed and sealed with their blood. But the imps of that lifeless and brutish stock of Rome, planted in England by Augustine that proud friar, whose tyrannical proceed our divines in Wales resisted even to the loss of their lives. That these trash be but of small continuance among us in respect of the antiquity the truth hath had, I prove because the vetie mother of them, the execrable Mass, was but yesterday, as it were known unto us. showed by two reasons. First among the cartloades of oaths which we have, our people cannot tell for their lives how to swear by the mass. Secondly we have the mass at the end of none of our holy days. For Christmas, Candlemas etc. we name the day of the nativity, the holy day of Marie etc. Which things do prove the Mass to have had but cold entertainment among us, but within this later age wherein ignorance and idolatry by the just judgement of God took such deep root in England, that it can over our land also. The equity then of our petition appeareth also in that we ask nothing but the possession and inheritance of our fathers to be restored unto us, which they could not alienate from their children. This were a sit place to stir up my dear countrymen to be earnest in obtaining that jewel which is worth all their riches besides, being their own right: but their forwardae, in other causes persuadeth me they will not be slack in the matter of the soul. And why should they not be earnest? Do they not see our danger to be so manifest that no wise man would spare either words or life to be delivered therefrom? Are they not assured they shall be heard? The reason amongst many that might persuade them of her majesties readiness to yield unto their petition is this. Either it must be said that her highness would not have the Lord honoured with our salvation that hue in her days, and that she envieth us that good, nay envieth herself, yea rejecteth the infinite reward in the life to come, and assurance of safety, with diverse other benefits in this life freely offered unto her, for adding us unto the kingdom of his son (which assertion I know they will detest and gainsay:) or that she greatly longing for the honour of God and our unspeakable good, desirous of the crown that shall be given her in the life to come, will be most careful incontinently whatsoever may ensue, to plant the word in Wales. This later is to be embraced & affirmed. Neither can it be said that she will take leisure herein, for that were plainly to say, her Majesty weighed not the honour of jesus Christ, because many a thousand of us should die before he were known to be a saviour of distressed souls. She hath otherwise learned Christ, and therefore knoweth that the Lord must not stay man's leisure when he would have any thing performed towards his service. If one will not do it, he can find another whom he will honour ●●●h the deed. She hath learned that it is to w●●ken the lords omnipotency and to teach him wisdom and discretion to go no farther in a matter required by him than man's reasons seethe good likely to come thereof. She assureth herself the Lord is discreet & wise enough in commanding, and therefore will do h●● will though her kingdom should be endangered. For he sufficiently recompenseth the loss that befalleth to any, while the execution of his will is attended upon. This course she took at her first coronation. This course I doubt not she will take at this Parliament, even this I say: for who knoweth whether the Lord jesus meaneth to keep his before we have a second proclaimed? Will you therefore good gentlemen (I speak unto you my fathers, my brethren, my kindred, and what name of love else can be invented, my dear countrymen) be mute where there is no question you shall be hard, unless the fault be in you? Indeed it concerneth us poor inhabitants of Wales very nearly to be hard, as well in respect of our present misery, as of the wonderful calamity that is to fall upon us. Our case now is to be especially pitied in respect of the inner man. For how many souls do daily starve and perish among us for want of knowledge? And how many are like still to tread the same path? It grieveth me at the heart to consider how hell is enlarged to receive us. And here the Lord knoweth and our sovereign with this most honourable assembly shall know that I do not complain without cause. For our estate is such, that we have not one in some score of our parishes, that hath a saving knowledge. Thousands there be of our people that know jesus Christ to be neither God nor man, king, priest nor prophet: o desolate and forlorn conditiom! yea almost that never heard of him. If any by the great goodness of God be called, this came to pass not by the diligence of their pastors which are either dumb or greedy dogs that delight in sleeping, as saith the Prophet (a few honest men excepted) but either extraordinarily through reading, or by means of their re●●●t and abode in some corner of the Church of ●ngland where the gospel is preached. And l●●g ●ay it be preached there, to the glory of G●d, the felicity of our sovereign, and the everlasting good of that whole nobility, and people ●hose kindness towards strangers, the Lord wil●●ot forget. And our Godremember Queen Elizabeth herein, and wipe not out her kindness showed toward thy people, show mercy unto her, i● that day good Lord, and forget her not in this life also, seeing by means of fostering thy Gospel in her land, some of us a people not regarded▪ have known the remission of our sins, even of our great sins. Let this never be forgotten good Lord. I am carried I know not whither from my purposed intent. These latter sort are some few gentlemen, or such like. The rest of our people are either such as never think of any religion true or false, plainly mere Atheists or stark blinded with superstition. The later are of 2 sorts. The first crew is of obstinate idolaters that would fain be again in execrable Rome, & so hold for good divinity whatsoever hath been harched in that sacrilegious nest. But these may do what they will with us: for nether civil magistrate nor Bishop will control them. They may be, even of the Parliament house, lest that congregation should be without some Achan, that might give the Lord just occasion, to execrate his whole host. Hence flow our swarms of south saiers, and enchanters, such as will not stick openly, to profess that they walk, on Tuesdays, and Thursdays at nights, with the fairies, of whom they brag themselves to have their knowledge. These sons of Belial, who should die the death, Leuit. 20.6. have strooken such an astonishing reverence of the fairies, into the hearts of our silly people, that they dare not name them, without honour. We call them bendeth û mamme, that is, such as have deserved their mother's blessing. Now our people, will never utter, bendeth û mamme, but they will say, bendeth û mamme û dhûn, that is, their mother's blessing (which they account the greatest felicity that any creature can be capable of) light upon them, as though they were not to be named without reverence. Hence proceed open defending of Purgatory & the Real presence, praying unto images etc. with other infinite monsters.  
The other sort is of good simple souls, that would full gladly learn the way unto salvation, and spend their heart blood, for the safety of their godly Prince, in whom they do claim more interest than the rest of her subjects whosoever. And this is almost the only happiness they have. These poor souls, because the Idol pastor can teach them nothing, entering more deeply with themselves into the consideration of things, find by the small light of religion we enjoy through the means of her Majesty, & by the instinct of nature, that there is a divine essence who must be carefully and religiously served and prayed unto for all blessings that would be obtained. Which things they see unperformed publicly, therefore privately they assay what they can do.  
But woeful estate, they being not taught out of the word of God, what he is, that must be served, & how he requireth this to be done, invent unto themselves, both their God, and the manner of his service: concerning salvation they either think, that the Lord is bound to save all men, because they are his creatures, or that all shall be saved at the later day, at the entreaty of the virgin Mary, who shall desire her son, after judgement given, to save as many of the damned as may be covered under her man till: this being granted all the damned souls shallbe there shrouded and so saved from helsiar. This is the cause why our people make but a mock of sin. They think the soul only shall go to heaven & not the body also, whence it cometh that they say, they care nor what becometh of their bodies, so their souls may be saved. They ascribe savage cruelty unto God the father, because he punished man's sin so severely, even in his son Christ, the Lord jesus they commend. Nû wa●th genûf●●him any tady gwr ●r●ûlon hinnû●onûd cydymmaith da ûwr mab: I care not saith one for the father that cruel man, but the son is a good fellow. Durst we once conceive these base cogitations of our Prince, I know it would not be tolerated. And I hope this religious and wise assembly will procure that the Lord may have some more reverence at our hands. Because the poor creatures can hear nothing at the mouth of their minister, how their sins may be hidden & their iniquities covered, it is a common saying even among those who care not for Rhomish Antichrist, that it was a good world then when a man might have a pardon for his sins in such and such a place for one 4 d. They see no felicity where mere ignorance of salvation is. A false persuasion thereof they think better than none at all. Man must have religion true or false.  
Our people learn one of another most blasphemous prayers. This they do so much the rather, because in them they commend themselves, families, etc. unto the tuition of some saint whom they think most favourable unto them and best able to grant their petitions. My heart bleedeth to think how these villainies with other ungodly songs are learned of good painful souls with greediness. I know masters of families that teach these unto their households. If they meet with any who can write and read, they will demand of him whether he can teach them ever a good prayer against such a disease in man or beast. ungodly welsh books are fraught with these Idolatries. If conscience would not keep me from uttering an untruth before my sovereign monarch, yet fear of punishment should contain me. But this I protest before jesus Christ who shall judge all even according unto their words, and in the presence of all the world, that the only staff & stay of all private religion among our people (the 2 sorts of men before named I exempt, are latin prayers) praying unto Saints, superstitious observations, with ungodly welsh songs and books. If these things 〈…〉, meat Atheism would over grow us. Surely the reading ministry hath nor so much as wrought in the hearts of any almost, the persuasion of one true God. It were folly to go about to heal the disease and let the cause remains. Concerning that which is read, there is no man but thinketh very reverently thereof. And we praise the Lord● that we have so much publicly by means of his highness, whereas in the days of blindness we had nothing but professed idolatry. Take but a view of our lives, and you shall see also what effect reading hath brought to pass. There be many sins essential almost unto our nation. Profaning the name of God in common talk is prodigious, a● affirmations or negations will bring thirty ●●●hes out of a great many. Some shires of South w●les have gotten them an ignominious name by this sin. I dare write that which I durst not utter in words. They are called g●ûr eig Dû●. Look the punishment of swearing Deut ●8. 5●. Levit 〈◊〉 15.16. This is the 〈◊〉 book Zach. 13. Look the Law of concealing an oath Leu. 5. ●▪ and you sh●●● find that the Parliament should have great ●●gard to dam the springs of this sin by the word preached. What a hand we have had in adultery & fornication, the great number of illegitimate and base born among us do 〈◊〉. I would our Princes and Levit, had not beans chief in this trespass. The punishment hereof in the Bishop's court is derided of our people. For what is it to them to pay a little money; or to run through the Church in a white sheet? They have made 〈◊〉 and songs of this vulgar penance. Neither justice of peace not minister will see the execution of the laws provided in this case. Though they did, seeing the Lord's ordinance is not observed, it would not prevail. The seat of judgement in our common courts is turned into wormwood. A man cannot have his right in a year or two, though his evidence be unanswerable. They have gotten many shifts, & when all fails one will stand viz. excommunication. The plaintiff without all right may be excommunicated in the Bishop's court, and so not absolved in a whole year. All which time he is no person fit to prosecute his right in the common law. It is irksome to think how hardly a poor man can keep any thing from the eves of great countenance. Though he seethe his own sheep or other cattle feed within two miles of him in some men's pastures, he dareth not ask them. Quaffing & surfeiting is too too common. All are become Ismaels'. Every man's hand against them, and theirs against all other. Church men and all will have their right by the sword, for by the word they never seek it. These things I do not set down to disgrace my dear countrymen. I bear them another heart. My purpose is to show that all the good politic laws in the world cannot wash away these our stains. The nitre that washeth purely the word of the Lord must do it. A conscience must be wrought in our people, else they will never leave their idolatry, swearing, adultery, and thee very. They that know the country know how little hold the straightest and seve rest laws in the world will take on a great many. If it be the will of the Parliament therefore we shall be bettered, let the word be preached among us. We have preaching. How often? Quarterly. It is not so▪ For to that one parish where there is one ordinary quarter sermon, we have twenty that have none. The number of fit preaching ministers in wales can easily prove the truth hereof. We paietithes always, and therefore we should have preaching always, for he that laboureth not must not eat. 2. Thess. 3.8.10. continual preaching is Gods ordinance. Eph. 4.12. therefore man must not dispense with it. Confer Rom. 8.9. with Eph. 13.2. Tim. 4.2. Acts. 20.18.19.20.31. 1 Thess. 2.10.11. Heb. 5.12. Acts. 20.16. Colos. 3.16. 1. Pet. 1.23. Matt. 9.38. The several reasons drawn our of these places of Scripture may prove the necessity of continual preaching, either in respect that it is God's decree, or that man's nature requireth it. They that dense this may learn their duty by jacob's diligence in keeping of sheep Gen. 31.40. So may they that set others to take the oversight of the lords sanctuary Ezec. 44.8. and blush. Preaching is granted convenient, but so as reading will serve the turn. I marvel the face of mortal man will be so brazen as to affirm this, the immortal word of god loudly gainsaying it, 1 Cor. 1 21. Rom. 1.16. jam. 1.21. I will not light a candle before the sun. Though preaching be granted necessary, and the word read no means to salvation: yet there be three difficulties that infer an impossibility to have the same in Wales.  
The word in welsh neither must not can be gotten. Must nor, because all should be brought to speak English, of the condition the truth were made known unto them, I would it were brought to pass. And shall we be in ignorance until we all learn English? This is not her majesties will we are assured. Raise up preaching even in welsh, & the uniformity of the language will be sooner attained. But why can we not have preaching in our own tongue? Because the minister is not able to utter his mind in welsh. He may. For we have as many words as in any vulgar tongue whatsoever and we might borrow from the latin etc. The strange words would become familiar through custom. They that defend the contrary are slow bellies and not well minded to do their country any good. A good excuse for the soul quelling none resident. Admit we cannot have welsh preachers, yet let us not be without English where it is understood. There is never a market town in Wales where English is not as rife as welsh. From Cheapstow to Westchester (the whole compass of our land) on the Seaside they all understand English. Where Munmoth & Radnock shiers border upon the marches, they all speak English. In Penbrok shire no great store of Welsh. Consider Anglisey, Ma●gy●●û C●●rnarûon, & see if all these people must dwell upon mount Gerizzin and be subject to the curse, because they understand not the English tongue. The second difficulty is want of sufficient number of ministers. The answer hereunto may be diverse. First the harvest is the Lords, therefore if he be sought unto, labourers shall be sent Matt. 9.38. And extraordinary blessings may be expected, if his ordinance shall take place and man's removed. Might it please her Majesty and the Parliament to take this course, the Lord would raise those saviours Haba. 21. that are unlikely in the fight of man. Further the a Universities are able to send out at this time three hundred for the work of the ministry able men every way with a little practice. We need not have all welsh preachers, therefore these also might serve our turns, and it would be very hard if a dozen of them were not of our own people. Thus many being now provided for, would be such an encouragement unto students, that at the years end twice as many would be ready to consecrat themselves to this holy labour. What an encouragement also would this be for men to send their Sons to the Universities, whereas they could no sooner send them thither, than Colleges would have places void for them? Now alas our Universities decay in number of students. They that are already placed, either dally with their studies, or not apply them at all to divinity, because they see no end thereof. Some bound by reason of their fellowships to enter into the ministry, will make any shift to be dispensed with, nay they will give ever their places rather than undergo this calling. The reasons hereof be two. First the id●ll priesthood hath made the most glorious function under the sun, most contemptible. Secondly they see the minister hath no assurance of that living whereunto he is inducted. Every tristing matter it now made deprivation. If it shall please her highner and the Parliament to decree that euer●● godly learned minister may have as good assurance of his siving for term of his own life, as any subject in the land hath of his fee simple, unless he be found such an offender as his ministry will be a reproach unto the Gospel, I doubt not but the ministry would be soon furnished with able men. A number of the idle drones now in our ministery would become fit for that work in one year, if preaching were but here and there scattered among us, and they weekly driven to exercise. Where it may be seen that their undoing is not intended, but their good. There be many worthy men in the Church of England, that now exercise not their public ministry, these would be provided for among us. I hope they will not be unwilling to come and gain souls unto jesus Christ. Private men that never were of Vniverfity have well profited in divinity. These no doubt would prove more upright in heart, as the levites in the like distress 2. Chr. 29.34. than many of our learned men. For the preaching in Welsh, order might be taken that our brethren which are of the ministry in England should be sent home. Their flocks might be otherwise provided for, & they depart with consent: Because the necessity of the Church requireth it.  
One of the 2. Universities since that joyful 17. day of November 1557. have sent into the common wealth, 3400. Graduates: all these number of graduates, a good course being taken, might have been found in the ministry of her majesties own planting, & not so few as 2. thousand overplus might have been employed in other functions. Fourhundred of these would have been since that time well placed in Wales, whereas at this day we have▪ not 12. in all our country that do discharge their duty in any good sort. The proof hereof I offer to stand unto against all gainsayers.  
I hope this will be considered of. If not, we may be eight and twenty years more without the word preached. The last difficulty is the want of maintenance for our ministers. This is but a mere shift to bereave the Lord of his honour, and us of salvation. Ezechia and josia could allege the like, better than we can. The people of the jews being in captivity, had nothing of their own to build the Temple: yet because they sought the Lord in truth, he stirred up Cyrus to provide for them out of his own revenues, Hesra. 6.8.9. So would he stir up Queen Elizabeth, if we sought him with an upright heart. They whose hearts the Lord hath touched, would thrash to get their living, rather than the people should want preaching. Our gentlemen and people, if they knew the good that ensueth preaching, would be soon brought to contribute. They should be constrained thereunto. Salvation were not bought too dear with the very flesh of our arms.  
The honour we publicly yield in Wales unto our god, the word preached being not among us, if the lord be said to allow of (which were blasphemy to conceive) he can be proved to be a mere Idol. If to dislike, where is that son of Adam that will presume to offer him that which he regardeth as the kill of a man, until he may be provided for in a better sort? Her Majesty and this honourable assembly know that the service of the eternal is not to be disperised withal, and therefore out of hand will see the erecting thereof, which shall never ●e do 〈◊〉 as long as any excuse will be admitted to hinder the word preached. If impropriations & Nontesfidencies were not tolerated, a teaching minister in Walls might live well by the Church. Is it not intolerable that some of our Gentlemen should have 6. impropriate livings?  
Our earnest and humble petition unto her Majesty and this high court of Parliament is, that it could please them to decree, that the tenth part of every impropriate living in Wales, may be bestowed to the maintenance of a teaching minister: which is so reasonable, that I hope it will be granted And that then minister finding her Majesty sufficient security, may be her farmer in every impropriate living, that belongeth unto her highness within wales. We humbly entreat, that the same order may be taken with all improptiations in our country whatsoever.  
Non-residencies have cut the throat of out Church. Some that never preached have three Church livings. Many of our livings are possessed by students of either of the Universities: who never come amongst us, unless it be to fleece. This I hope will be tolerated no longer: seeing it is the very desolation of the Church, the undoing of the common wealth, and a demonstrative token, that the Lords will watch over us to evil, and not to good: Our petition is that none whosoever ma●● possess 〈◊〉 one living, and that all may be constrained to be resident on their charges. These reasonable petitions concerning Non residencies and impropriations being granted, a great many livings will be ready to entertain a learned pastor. Thus I hope all the difficulties that seemed to hinder preaching unto us are taken away.  
But I marvel what will be said to be the cause why we have not had public reading in welsh to any purpose as yet. The old testament we have not in our tongue, therefore the 1. lesson is read in English unto our people in many places that understand not one word of it. This reading is taken to be the blasphemous mass. And they give it the very name of the mass. û maû yr offairiad are y fferē, (say they, when the first lesson is read,) that is the priest is at mass. One man seen in the original by the blessing of God would be able to translate the whole in 2. years: more hands would make more speed. The small prophets in welsh might he read unto us until we obtain the whole, which shallbe ready for the Press whensoever it shall please her Majesty and the Parliament to call for them.  
Our humble petition is that the whole work may be set upon incontinently, and that some order may be taken for the charge of the impression. The dialect that every shire hath almost proper unto itself, should not hinder this work. For it preaching were in every Parish, the people would be stirred up to read the word privately in their houses, and so become acquainted with the phrase. Our ministers though never so ignorant, yet all understanding English, might easily remedy this, by conferring the Welsh with the English translations, and so where they understood not their owneroung, the English might direct them, & they their hearers. But they are far from taking this small pains. I would some of them in ●0. years had learned to read welsh at the first sight. They have made the word of God of that base and contemptible account with many of our people, that they will ask to what end many things even in the new testament itself are set down. Because they want preaching, some points of the high mysteries of salvation seem unto them to be but vulgar and common, things not beseeming the wisdom of the great God. Bring some place out of Peter, Paul etc. and their answer will be, ●eth a wodhon ni pûneû bod hwûyn d●edûd gwir eû paidio? What know we whether they say true or no? Is not this our case lamentable? The faculties and dispensations of our Non residentes, whose absence do imprint these scars of spiritual misery unto us, will not deliver us from death. No they will not shield us from the temporal punishments that we now sustain (which is our second misery) for want of their diligence. We feel the Lords hand many ways against us at this time in regard of the scarcity of all things, and especially of victuals, and great number of poor. Every man among us was either wont to sow as much corn as served his family all the year, or to make as much of his sheep and other cattle as might buy the same. The unseasonable harvest 1585. yielded very little Corne. Therefore many were able to sow nothing the last year, because they had not bread corn, much less seed. The winter 1585. destroyed all their cattle well near, so that now the very sinew of their maintenance is gone. Many that lived well and thriftily, are feign to give over both house and home, and to go a begging. They were driven the last harvest to all the shifts in the world. As to rub the standing come being not half ripe to make them some bread thereof. This famine is for our sins, the Lord without our repentance faith it shall continue. Read Deut. 28.15.17.18. Amos. 4.8.11. It were folly to continue in our sin, for the lord will make us sick again in smiting of us. Mich. 6.13 levit. 26.40. As long as the Lords house lieth waste in our land, we shall sow but mere salt.  
Haggai maketh this out of controversy. Read the whole prophesy. All the politic Laws in the world, is not able to amend our estate until the lords house be builded, and those sent among us who may teach us by prayer, and fasting, to humble ourselves before our God. This was the counsel of joel even in the like case, and this we must follow, or abide the smart of it. It were strange that our estate being so many ways pitiful, would nor be redressed. You shall find it as yet more lamentable, by entering into the consideration of that which is like to fall upon us. Here first I will not say, that the estate of that kingdom is very ruinous, where there is not a preaching minister. 2. Chron. 15.2.5. God forbidden that we ever should have occasion to say, that we have no Prince, 
Hosea. 10.3. Ezra. 7.23.  because we fear not jehovah: as did those wicked ones in Hoshea his days. Artashash was afraid that the Lord would be angry with the King, and his children: because speedy provision was nor had for his true service in jerusalem. Confer: Prou. 14.18, with Hose. 7.13. and see whether the estate of that Prince whose people transgress against God as we do even in policy is very dangerous. joshiah was gathered to his fathers, because he should not see the misery that was to fall upon a more religious people than we are. Think not the Lord to wink all this while at our great sins. Nay think rather that the Lord will throw as with a sting the inhabitants of our land, because our pastors are become beasts & have not sought jehovah jer. 10.18.21. There be two Archplagues (undoubtedly to be expected for) of us the inhabitants of Wales, if our petition be not granted. The first indeed containing all the exquisite torments that may be invented: yet leaving a place for the latter. In a word it is the putting out of that small light of religion which we have, the cutting off both of us, and our posterity from belonging unto the Lord. The reason hereof is this: if the knights of our shiers and Bishops etc. will not show themselves desirous to return unto the Lord with earnest labour for the word preached, than they do as much as if they said, the word spoken unto us in the name of the Lord we will not hear, but we will do whatsoever goeth out of our own mouth, as did the wicked jews, jer. 44. But what was replied unto them? Verily this: Vers. 26. Behold I have sworn by my great name saith jehovah, that my name shall be no more called upon by the mouth of any man of juda in the land of Egypt, saying jehovah liveth. Our sins being like unto theirs shall be surely rewarded alike. The other punishment is the utter ruin of our land, the rasing of our names from under heaven, that we shall be no more a people. jeremy maketh it but a small matter with the Lord to overthrow a kingdom for the sins of the people therein. Chap. 18.7.8.9. So doth Amos 9.8. We have not indeed as yet a barren womb given unto us, but I fear me we have brought forth children for the murderers. Though we bring forth children, yet will the Lord slay the dearest of our bodies: yea woe unto them saith he when I depart from them. Hos. 9.21.17.  
Accounted not these I pray you (whom I have before named) to be the visions of the days afar off. Ezech. 12.18. but tremble and fear least the Lord say the words in our days and perform them. Think rather the Lord to expostilate with us: as he did sometimes with the people of the jews. O you inhabitants of Wales, why will you die saith the Lord? Why should I give you for a terrible plague to all the kingdoms of the earth? jer. 12.7. Why should I forsake mine house, leave mine inheritance, give the dearly beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies? jer. 3.12.13. etc. Thou disobedient (saith the Lord) return, and I will not let my wrath fall upon thee, for I am merciful. Be thou instructed lest my soul be dismembered from thee, and I make thee a land without an inhabitant. jer. 6.8. Think these speeches I say to belong unto you & us, & in respect of them be vehement. The calamities of us your kinsmés in the flesh, yea your own and your children's will force you (or else you are unnatural) to unfold our grief unto her Majesty and this assembly. Our case is pitiful you know! Our life short, we know not how soon the Lord will call for us. How soon he will make an end of al. If we have not more knowledge than as yet we have enjoyed means to come by the same, we can hope for nothing at his hand but that deadly voice, I know you not. You have both 
a Herod. in Vra●. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  persuasion and necessity, which drive wise men, to take great matters in hand, to prick you forward. Throw down yourselves before her majesty, and this honourable assembly, and plead for your lives and your peoples: rise not thence, until your suit be yielded unto. We poor people look for nothing else but destruction, except our God grant you favour, at this very instant time, in their sight. I with in the Lord, that if we perish, we may perish ourselves alone: and that Queen Elizabeth and her counsel with the estate, and the whole communality of England, may in a good conscience testify before the Lord, and say, 
b Deut. 21.17.  Our hands have not shed the blood of these men; neither have our eyes seen it. I do most earnestly beseech the Lord jehovah (for his Christ's sake) who is great and wise in counsel, severe in punishing sin: yet abundant in mercy, and kindness towards the bruised, and humble soul, to turn his wrath from us, to give her Majesty and this honourable court his spirit to direct them in every action according unto his word, to make all the enemies of his truth & Queen Elizabeth like 
c jer. 29.22.  Ahab and Zedechiah whom the king of Babel burned in the fire, continue her reign over us, hasten the coming of his Son Christ jesus. Amen. Amen. Yea come quiokelie Lord jesus.    

To the reader.  
Some rumour of the speedy dissolution of the Parliament enforced me from the 32 Pag. or there abouts (so much being already under the press) to cut off more of the book by two parts than is now in the whole. The nearer I came to the end, the more hast I made. I regarded not herein— Amphora coepit  
Institui, current rota cur urceus exit?  
The oversight I hope hath not been very great: if any, I heartily crave pardon. How tedious & ungainful it was for me to dismember the whole and sow together the torn parts, let other men judge. Some thing spoken of in the Epistle, could not be well performed. Pag. 30. l. 22. Read, throughout his dominion.