THE BELGIC SOLDIER: WAR WAS A BLESSING.  2. CHRON. 33. 7. Be strong and courageous: fear not, neither be afraid for the King of Ashur, neither for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us, then is with him. 
Printed 1624.   

THE BELGIC SOLDIER: War was a Blessing.  
WHen Athanatius opposed the multitude of Arrian Bishops, it seemed so dangerous to the established government of the Empire, that his castigation was threatened by expulsion or fear; Yea Liberius that took his part, was checked by the Emperors own letters for affecting the opinion of that wicked man; But when again his fair demeanour and religious constancy drew away the veil of superstition, ignorance, and heresy: whereby the Emperor's eyes were opened to rejoice in the sunny splendour of truth; Constantine admitted him within his embraces: and all those adherents of Arrius were confounded by their own wilfulness.  
Thus hath it fared with all innovations; yea, Christ himself was subject to traducing, for abolishing those ceremonies on which the jews were besotted, for prophesing against that Temple, about which the Priests were so pussled, and for preaching the doctrine of salvation, against which the people were so enraged; and yet in the end, they that were not credulous of his doctrine and miracles when he was alive, believed a few fisher-men's reports after he was dead.  
Thus must I needs incur the displeasure of time servers, the scoffs and derision of Papists, and the repining of Hispanolised English, when I go about to prove, that war hath been better than peace, and the Commonwealth and religion of England, have had their fame and propagation by opposing Antichrist, and in plain terms, must recover her eclipsed prosperity reputing Spain our opposite. Concerning whom, let me remember what is reported of Caesar, who hearing of the death of a Roman Soldier that had lived merrily and securely, yet died greatly in debt and men's dangers: he desired to buy his bed and pillow, deeming some rare virtue to be therein, whereon a man could sleep so sound that lived in so manifest trouble. So though I desire no pillow nor bed from under the King of Spain: yet with Caesar I protest, there is some wonder of nature belongs to him, that can sleep at all, having so many encumbrances to wrestle with, and intricate sedgy weeds of disturbances to wind out of.  
For ever since Philip the seconds marriage with England, and that the ambitious humour in being an Emperor's son, swelled beyond the degrees of comparison with other Princes: how hath Spain bestirred himself to the affrighting of Europe, and moved of purpose out of his own fair and serend element, to look on his neighbours with retrograde aspects in contrarious orbs: so that other Kings may demand, what hath Spain to do in most of the Provinces of Europe: which at this instant toucheth France and England so near, that they had need deal with him; as Henry the 8 did of famous memory.  
At first by reason of consanguinity (yet personal marriages do not rule Princes affairs,) he joined with the Emperor against France, and by his anxiliary forces Charles the 5 not only expulsed the French out of Italy, but at last sacked Rome, and took the Pope and his Cardinal's prisoners; as he had done the French King at the battle of Pavy; but as he was running away with these advantages, King Henry looked about him, and entertained a kind of jealousy against his greatness, as suspecting what an ambitious conqueror might effect: whereupon by degrees he retracted, supposing it high time to rebate his insolency, and lay as it were a cooling card upon his forwardness. So not only the French King was relieved, but Pope Clement ransomed.  
If it be thus, and that there is a kind of political necessity among Princes to watch the affairs of one another; I hope it is now time to look upon Spain's intrusions, and not only provide for ourselves, but relieve our neighbours, lest we have more dangerous neighbours, than we either desire, or shall be able to prevent. But if we be sensible of present losses, wrongs, disgraces, affronts, and intolerable indignities, let us rouse up ourselves, and redeem our lost time with quick and seasonable remedies: and if peace have abused us, let war a God's name repair our credits, and restore our decay. There is no poison against nature, but may be countermanded by an antidote; Yea, it is an axiom in Philosophy, that preventing Physic is better than curing; and the law of preservation is incident to all creatures.  
But here me thinks, some covetous wretch, churlish Farmer, scurrilous Lawyer, or temporizing parasite may interiect these doubts. 1. Whether we have sufficient occasion or no, to fall out with Spain. 2. How shall a war be maintained. 3. Where the seat of this war shall be. 4. Who shall be called to our assistance. 5. And last of all, Whether the Country be willing and able to such a designment. To all which I answer directly, the State, or Council of war must decide these things. For as it is in Martial affairs, let the General be never so wise, and the Commanders never so valiant: yet when projects of consequence are proposed, a Martial Court is called, and an orderly debating the matter concludeth for the best. So I refer this business to the director of princes hearts, and the instrumental cause of a country's prosperity, & wise councillors. And I pray all true hearted Englishmen, let this my discourse discover my good intents; as for other difficulties, I refer them to good success. But because money is the sinews of the war, and that hereat is our stop and repining, I answer the objector. Why should we be more unfortunate now, than we have been? the war hath brought us in treasure: and why should we now despair, or terrify one another with suspicion, or disheartening questions. When the Scripture tells us, that if David will be ruled by joab, and come to the taking of Rabbah, the King's Crown shall be set on his head, which weighed a talent of gold, full of precious stones: besides the spoil of the City, which was in exceeding great abundance. As for the deceits of peace, and those bewitching flatteries of politic insinnuation; let it be the Spaniard, or whom it will, we must not trust either a reconciled enemy, or a dissembling friend.  
But to come to the purpose, and some illustration in the defence of war; He that pleaded for peace, Tully himself I mean, and cried out in an insulting bravery: that the armed cassocks must give way to the Senators gowns, yet says plainly: that wars may be undertaken either for the propulsing of injuries, or procuring of peace, not so much to give way to revenge, as to keep other princes in a good opinion, that we know what is wrong, and when it is time to redress injuries. I could say, that war sometimes may be undertaken for enlarging Dominions. As Solomon made all his neighbour Provinces tributary unto him, and so he ruled from Euphrates to Sidon, and the Mediterranean Sea. I could allege that all the famoussest Commonwealths in the world, have augmented their territories by the active employment of Heroic spirits, and received a fullness of wealth and renown from the raging Sea of turbulence and war. I could produce examples of Scripture, to prove directly that daniel's Monarchies succeeded one another by the prevailing of mighty armies, and the stronger ever shouldered aside the weaker. I could add, that the corruptions of peace in all ages, have like standing pools increased dirt and slime; that is, pleasures and impieties: which have grown to that outrageousness, that men have forgot their first benefactor, and with a luciferion rebellion continually defied God in his Majesty, living as if we should never die, and dying as if there were no after account to be made; And yet we dote on peace. And I am afraid, will rather leap on shore to be destroyed by the incantations of the daughters of Achelous, then tie ourselves to the mast of Ulysses ship, to be secured from the temptation.  
But I purpose no such discourses, only a small encheridion, to prove that war was a blessing, and hath been allowed from heaven: and that a corrupted peace hath increased sins, and sin brought God's vengeance upon such tainted Kingdoms. There was a war in Rebeccas' womb between her children: and jacobs' blessings proceeded from wrestling with God. There was a war in delivering the Church out of bondage, or else Israel had been still moiling in the brick-kills of Egypt, but at last Canaan was subjected, and God's people made glorious for ever. It was a war that charactered Solomon the Prince of peace: or else why are David's worthies, and their actions set down by name. It was a war that finished Octavius troubles, and surnamed him Augustus. And in many places you shall read, that God did fight from heaven against his people's enemies; What shall war come from heaven, and shall we be afraid of it on earth: God forbidden. Considering that in the times of peace, when the wars had set the people of Israel down in the chair of tranquillity, even than forgot they both God and themselves, stretching out their limbs on beds of ivory, carousing in goblets of gold, and killing the fat lambs of the flock: but no man remembered the affliction of joseph; may I not well then conclude, that war was a blessing. And thus much for war before Christ.  
Now you shall see what war and peace have both done, since Christianity took a fairer progress, and God had determined that his Church should flourish through the dissension of the Nations; For although by the first persecutions it had a fearful disheartening, and by the augmentation the pompous Papacy, a more fearful suppression and martyrdom: yet such was the will of God. That as Syria, Edom, Moab, Egypt, and the Island Gentiles, one were their own enemies, and Gods instruments to destroy one another. So in the beginning of Christianity, the barbarous nations that possessed Europe, although they made themselves fortunate by the wars: yet in the end they consumed themselves; and from their ruins the Popes of Rome became great, and from their greatness, through the swelling prosperity of peace, the true Church of God by little and little dispelled the clouds of their contempt, and dejected: and so at last obtained that fair sunshine, which is now so translatent.  
Some 300 year after Christ, or there about, you shall read that in Goteland, and those northern regions now called Finmarck, Norway and Sweden, the peace had so multiplied the people, and those remote healthful Countries afforded them so long life's, that they could not live one by another: so that the aged, impotent, and beggars swarmed in every place; at which time one Stenio was the principal Monarch, who called a council to redress these inconveniences, and they concluded to take them all that were so unprofitable to the Commonwealth, and tying them back to back, throw them into the sea. But when the Queen whose name was juditha, heard of so cruel and unmerciful a doom, she could not contain herself, but at the Kings return kneeled before him, desiring to have it reversed: for she had found a better way of prevention and effect of charity: which was to ship the people, and let them try their fortune in other places: which was both nobly apprehended, and effectually practised; and so in process of time they possessed those Countries which you now call Servia, Bulgaria, Moldunia, Pedolia: and at last became famous Nations of Goats and Lombard's, infesting Italy and Spain, and dispossessing the Emperors, who had called them into their succours; thus the wars made them famous, till by the wars of Christian Emperors they were dispelled and extirped again. Afterward the Ottoman family, coming out of that Country you once called Scythia, augmented their reputation by the wars of Asia. So did Tamburlaine conquer Persia, and claimed renown to his Actions by famous battle. So did the Turks come into Europe. And all the beggarly Nations of the world became rich and potent by raising of war, and were diminished and consumed to nothing by the corruption of peace, and bewitching of pleasure.  
Thus received the Papacy the fullness of her progression by the wars of the Countries, especially after the Germane Eagle had afforded her some feathers of her wings: then took she a flight beyond reach, and at last stradles over Rome, making Rome have room of precidency before other Kingdoms. So that I may well say, the barren soil of their potency was watered and manured with the blood of Soldiers, as the Provinces of Europe gathered together the scattered bodies of Pelops, and made a more perfect body then the first. Thus did the Pope's flourish by foreign wars, and setting Emperors on work to destroy one another.  
But now what became of their own peace and established greatness? they fell to pride, gurmundize, and riot, they supplanted one another, they proved incendiaries to Christendom, they entertained newmantict spells, with devilish and exoptick Arts: they practised murder, whoredom and incests, they deposed one another, they attempted the humiliation of Emperors, and made a sport at the inauguration of Kings and Princes, as if it lay in their power with a Prophet's hand, to tumble aside their fastest Diadems. In a word, they grew proud with peace and plenty, and as war had caused their greatness, they caused their sins to be more great through the corruption of prosperity: so that from mortified Preachers and Ministers of God's word, they grow Statists, and devilish Politicians: then from Scholars, they proved proficients in Villainy; raising Quarrels against Princes, and exciting Princes one against another; So that I may well say according to their own computation, that war was a blessing. And if the Nations had maintained their pristinate quietness and idolatry, they had never flourished in such outward bravery, and visibility as they now boast of. And thus you see how the wars have been beneficial to the Papacy.  
Now it remains to prove, how the true Church of God hath received her best flourishes by wars; It is but superfluous to repeat what other men have written in the defence of our Church, proving directly, that from the Primitive Church to this hour, God ever had a remnant of people: and in most Countries there were such as professed the truth in despite of fire. But I refer you to the History of the Church, and other learned tractate composed by religious men.  
I come to the days of wickliff, after whom followed the Bohemian wars: which were the first apparent wars for the Gospel that I read of. For the great Zisea proved a conqueror; and although john Huss, and Hierome of Prague sacrificed themselves, and were exposed to the fire for Christ's sake; which might have deterred men from taking their parts, and professing the truth: yet did the Gospel increase over Europe, and the wars taught thousands of people a song of constancy: and a burning zeal made their hands fight for the liberty of their consciences.  
But when Luther came to act his part, the wars of Germany made way to the peace of the Protestants; And as you read of many, that hearing Plato's discourse of the immortality of the soul, longed for the same, and wished, yea, procured to die. So whole multitudes exposed themselves to torture for Christ's sake: and as the wars and persecutions augmented their punishments, they augmented their joy for being so persecuted, and took a pleasure in the displeasure of princes against them for God's sake. France became a rare precedent, and very quickly the Protestants multiplied so fast: that with the jews they forgot the ceremonies of the Saboth, and applied the Law of preservation, whereby nature taught them to take up Arms in their own defences; then stood Geneva on their guard: then Denmark, Norway, Sweden, England, Scotland, and diverse Lands and Towns from being slaves to the conclave of Cardinals, sent defiance to Rome, and break the yokes of their captivity: from impoverishing their Country, enriching their own treasures, to the augmentation of the dignity of Commonwealths: from prostituting their wives and daughters to the libidinous lusts of Priests cleansed themselves with the water of chastity, and took a pleasure in undefiled beds: from the terror of the Cardinals, and thundering of excommunication, they went with peace and contrition of foul to Gods alter, obtaining so remission of sins, and assurance of salvation. So that I may well say, the hand that stretched to pull the Prophet by the throat, is withered and dried up: yea, except the Prophet pray to God, jereboham shall not recover, not be able to lift it up again. If it be thus, was not war a blessing? and hath not Religion been propagated by that means.  
But because you look for more modern particulars, let us come nearer home, and observe how Religion hath prospered, and the Nations been enriched by the wars and contentions with Spain, Austria, and the Papacy, 1. in Germany, 2. France, 3. the Low Countries, 4. and England itself: and how peace, or if you will dissembling contracts of peace, have abused us at all times.  
Concerning Germany and the Empire; when Carolus quintus perceived the sunny splendour of Protestantisme to be more and more radiant, for all he had interposed diverse clouds and misty vapours, and became suspicious of sundry Prince's greatness, after the Duke of Saxonies protecting of Luther, as observing that the wars would not only make them factious, which appeared by the imprisonment of the Lantsgrave of Hesse, but teach them a way both of defence and opposition; he took another course to corroborate his own greatness, and extenuate the strength of Religion, and this was by making a peace, and withdrawing himself from the troublesomeness of State: wherein, as it often happeneth with cowardly politician's, who by seeking to hide their fear, discover more the same. So played this Emperor, after many famous exploits and flatteries of fortune, he made the Germans believe he was so indulgent over the Commonwealth, that he would affright or trouble them no further, but leave them in peace and liberty of conscience: when yet they knew he departed in a rage, as disappointed in his pretences, that he could not incorporate the Empire to his Family. Understand then, that in his latter times he had some checks, and his peace shown not so beautiful a face as his wars. So that he plainly saw, that if other blocks and hindrances were not cast into the smother walks, to hinder Religion from her handsome progress, and debar the Protestant Princes from uniting, the Majesty of Austria would be diminished, and their potency frustrated; yea his own renown obscured with malignity of time, and cloudy threatenings of a fatal end; which though it came not to such a misery as Pompey's losing his head: yet might prove as bitter a receipt as Scipio's confining himself to a country grange, who had in his life obtained the surname of Africanus, and in his actions the renown of a remarkable virtue. All which came to pass in the harvest of this Emperor's husbandry. So that now you shall have some particulars concerning his discontents and observations, which he himself proposed for the establishing the house of Austria in the Empire.  
Touching his discontents; First, Though he kept correspondency with the Duke of Saxons humours, yet he much repined at his audaciousness, that durst maintain a Friar against the Pope and himself, as by Luther's coming to Worms was apparent. Secondly, It amazed him to see a greater neglect of the princes towards him (for all the uniting of Spain, Burgundy, and Austria) then was before, and that the declaring himself an eneny to the Protestants, declared them the firm friends of the Gospel of jesus Christ. Thirdly, He thought there was no proceed in the high projects of Germany. For questionless King Henry of England would take the Protestants parts, and provide that the Empire should be still Elective. Fourthly, That when the Princes had denied the Diadem, and investure to Philip his son, as discovering that he went about to make it hereditary, and so kept all Europe in awe by his treasure and dominions, he stomached their repugnancy, and would peradventure have threatened, if his power hand kept correspondency with his willingness to revenge. Fiftly. That when the Pope and the conclave of Cardinals would by no means consent, to have him sit in such a chair of greatness, as Spain, the Indies, the Empire, and the Low Countries; he wreaked his rage from Rome; and Bourbon in his behalf sacked the City, imprisoned the Prelates, and set the Pope at a ransom; whereupon followed the excommunication both of himself and Philip his son, and the election of his young brother Ferdinand Emperor; all which augmented his discontents. Sixtly, That having heard of the loss of his Navy at Algiers, he suspected a change of fortune, and grew so disquieted and melancholy, that coming to Milan, he forgot the state of an Emperor, and they forgot the duty of observation; For when the people perceived that he was careless to satisfy their expectation, they were as careless to gratify or glorify him as a Magnificent prince; for in the City they left him all alone in his black Spanish cape cloak, and would not attend him down to his Galsies. Last of all, Coming into Spain, he found the Clergy humorous against him for his ransomming Pope Clement, and other contumaces against the Church: whereupon perceiviug his peace to thrive worse than his wars, he left all his honours to his son and brother, and retired himself to the Monastrey of Saint Laurance, or Escurial: where within three years he finished his life: and yet he lived to say, that war was to him a blessing, fare beyond his peace.  
2. Touching those fruits of policy, it is well known. First, That he not only projected himself, but instructed his son Philip to make the Empire hereditary to the house of Austria, and all Europe to depend upon Spain's Monarchy; as by the subsequent actions of King Philip was apparent. Secondly, That Ferdinando Emperor, be especially careful to firm and contract unto himself by one means or other (especially consanguinity) the King of Poland, Saxony, and Bavaria: as within short time after came to pass. Thirdly, That of all other things a peace be ratified with the Gran Signeur, and correspondency kept between them. Fourthly, That a jealous eye be had over Prague, Presburg, and Glatz. For Prague was the absolute commander of Bohemia: and the Provinces durst not start, if the other Cities were Garisond with Spaniards. Fiftly, That the jesuites be countenanced in their designs; For although the Pope and conclave of Cardinals might repine at their intrusion, and intermeddling with matters of State: yet by their means, and sanctified religious devotion, such businesses might be effected, as should ever tend to the augmentation of Spain's greatness. Sixtly, That an Imperial faction be ever nourished in Lusatia, Silesia, and Moravia: especially that the Catholic Bishops be maintained in the suppression of the Protestants: who else will follow the former Bohemians, in taking up Arms against their Princes; and therefore the safest way were, to disarm them by one means or other. Seventhly, That the Governor of Milan in his due time labour to get a footing in Swittzerland, by building some fort or fortress to secure the passages: that so the Armies in Italy might march in peace, or without prejudice over the Alps into Germany. Last of all, That the Grizons escape not without visitation, although it cost pentions, reward, and flattery; and if the protectors, which must be either Imperial or French, name it an intrusion: means must be wrought, that neither of both have leisure to prevent it.  
Thus ended this great Projector his days; but then began his Family: their Phaeton's flourish of mightiness, which questionless had run over the banks of Europe like an inundation, had not that miror of mankind, (I mean Queen Elizabeth) with the States of Holland, kept King Philip and his son play 50. years at least; whereby they were hindered from either sending forces into Germany; or growing to fast, like broad spreading burrs, which are not only noisome in themselves, but spoil the sweeter grass which neighbours them. Notwithstanding Ferdinando, Rodulphus, and Mathias, proceed in the affairs of the Empire, with the former cautions, and outward lenative courses, laying aside all forcible Arms, and imperious overruling the Princes: whereby by in less than forty years many things are effected, tending to combustion of government, and overthrew of true religion: which may be contracted to these heads, and serve to prove, that War was a blessing: and peace a mere enemy to their proceed.  
First, Certain marriages augment the incests of Spain, and reconcile Poland and Saxony to the house of Austria. Secondly, Under the colour of securing the confines of Hungary and Poland, against the incursions of the Turk, Spanish Garrisons are admitted into Rab, Camora, Presburge, Camisia, Glatz, Vienna, and Prague itself. Thirdly, The free Cities of Germany put up a 100 grievances against the Papists, and never desisted, until they had obtained their own manustions, to have the excercise of religion. Fourthly, The Protestants increasing both in Prague and Vienna, a certain trick of the Pope's is discovered by admission of the jesuites and Priests into Poland, Hungary, and Germany: whereby Saxony was poisoned with the infections of Popery: as diverse other Provinces. Last of all, The Inquisitors and Catholic Bishops grew so presumptuous of their papal authority, and potent adherents, that they began to tyrannizr over the Protestants. And when Mathias had overcome the jealousy between his Brother and himself, whereby he was invested King of Hungary in Rodulphus life time, and within a while after absolute Emperor; they fell from threatenings to bloody executions, not sparing the lives of men, women and children; nor desisting from opening the graves of the reverend defunct, and burning their bones; yea the variety of tortures, and exasperating displeasures was so forcible: that all sorts exclaimed on their cossening peace and prosperity: confessing, war was rather a blessing unto them.  
Shall I follow now with Bohemia's story their distasting of Mathias government, the repine at the inauguration of his cousin Ferdinand, now Emperor; their resolution to reduct the government to elective Suffrages, their apprehension of the Palsgraves' worthiness, their presumption of England's coadjutement, and at last their raising of several forces under the government of the Protectors of Prague: in all which, War was a blessing indeed, and the dissimuled peace of the Provinces with the confederate Princes tripped down (as it were) the standing or rather staggering glory of Bohemia's proceed. For while England's embacies and slender preparations made Vienna smile at the protraction, Bavaria enters the Palatinate on the East, Leopoldus of Elsac Saveren on the South, and Spinola with Gonzales de Cordua on the North: yea before the revolt and taking of Prague, the mystery of war was not searched, and the hope of peace overclouded King Fredercks' good parts with parcemonie and neglect of execution of discipline, whereby the City of Prague grew factious, and the inhabitants suspected themselves, yea were angry with their former judgements, that had elected a man, who staggered in his opinion between peace and war, and committed a great sollecisme in State, as leaving his country unfurnished, and Heidelberg in a manner unfortified; when yet there was nothing but war, either to support him standing still, or further him advancing forward. But there is no reviving of fearful accidents, and unsavoury contingents to dejected Princes. Yet come to mansfield's coming into the Palatinate, and Prince frederick's return with brunswick's heroic and noble opposition: all the while the armies lay watching one another, there was hope of recovery, and the enemy seemed so fare from insulting, that he feared their incursions into his own country of Bavaria. Yea Vienna knew not what to say to the dangers threatening her triumphs: and although the soldiers played the fiery meteors on every side with mischief and terror, with afflicting the towns, with exacting disbursements, and other inconveniences of a cruel misery, yet did the war keep Bavaria, Tilley, Leopoldus, and the Catholic Bishops in awe, and might have procured a blessing to the much humbled Prince Palatine, if the Fox had not brought the Lion into a trance, or if you will, a labourinth. For no sooner were the armies recalled, and the Princes removed, but Bavaria for himself, and Tilley for Bavaria ran in fury to extinguish his brand of light, and put out the glory of the Palatine. So that I may well conclude, War was a blessing; and the dissemble of peace have with jacobs' subtlety prevented Esau from isack's benediction, who once thought it meet that the first borne should have the pre-eminence of being fortunate. And thus for Germany.  
Shall we step into France, and that with easy paces, to take the better survey of those times and actions. Believe it then, the cruelty of persecution and variety of turmoils have dragged Religion by the hair, and brought her out as forlorn and contemptible before the people, of purpose to stone her, as if Susanna had committed folly in Israel: but those eyes that burned with revenge, upon her approved innocence were turned to compassion; those hearts which murmured at her hypocrisy, were leniated with a more justifiable triable; and those hands which had stones ready to dash out her brains, returned them upon her accusers, and made them repent the wars, and curse Spain, whose treachery and ambition only weakened France by intestine combustions, that France might not weaken Spain by public hostility.  
I will not deal with the French inventory, nor make the long shadows of story make you believe, there is some ill luck behind you: but that you may see how many worthy men have taken up perspectives, to show the true hearted French man a far off, upon surmises of Spain's coadjutement, or augmentation of his own territories. For the Spaniards would serve him, as they once did the Duke of Calabria against Charles the fift, to forsake him in his extremity. And when Francis the first sent an army to recover Navarre, and Fonteraby upon Spanish instigation, in the tumultuous times of diverse insurrections in Arragon and Castille, the troubles were soon appeased, and the French driven out of the Land.  
But let us come to the tripping Pheries of all times, whereby Princes are seduced to flattery and private respect; How hath Spain dealt with all Kings and their Minions, ever since the Duke of Guise's tyrannous Massacree at Vasti, and that unfortunate marriage of Navarre, and the cunning baits of the King of Spain's Pensioners in the Court of France: which I am afraid are still so venomous to all Nations, that they will corrupt the soundest hearts, let there be never so great policy or conveniency at their admission. What say you to the house of Lorraine, the Cardinal, and Dukes of Guise? What think you of the Duke De Maine, and the Holy League? Shall I name Hespernon, and the advancing of his Family? Shall I recount the fearful story of Birone? The life and death of the Marquis De Ancre. The falls of Luisnes and Cadinet his Brother; With diverse other, whose lives made France afraid: and actions were so many tortures to the hearts of solid Christians, and loyal Protestants. Were not all these the instruments of Spain's, to keep France busied at home: though fortune jeered at the temerarious proceed of the Princes against their own subjects, and divert the several Kings from looking toward Navarre, Milan, Naples, the succoring of the Swissers, Grizons, and those territories: yea if you will, the patronising of the Palatinate itself: which was once under the covert of the French confederacy. Thus hath the cannon battered their own towns, and the misled Kings unsheathed their own swords of vengeance, to sheathe them in the bowels of natural and loyal subjects; wherein yet they have prevailed no further, then to increase an internal hate and jealousy against Rome, Spain, the Inquisition, jesuites, Priests, and all the rabblement of Locusts, who like vermin in a standing stinking water, infect the air with fulsome and ill vapours.  
If you read the life of Henry the fourth, you shall see how famous were his actions, and remarkable his renown all the while the wars lasted, insomuch that the attribute of greatness was made a Trophy of his everlasting fame: and yet stood like an impregnable rock, against which the waves did rush impetuously, but to the breaking of themselves in pieces; but when peace was contracted, his honour was distracted, his Country defiled, his Towns vitiated, his faith violated, his Preachers shed tears, and Molines wept over him for temporising: his great officer Byron fell into the snare of perfidiousness, the Protestants hung their heads for his lukewarmeness, the Papists gnashed their teeth for his policies, the newters feared him, the Atheists abhored him, his Wife dissembled, and an Italian upstart contrived his destruction: as for his Son and his unlimited youthfulness, that must needs cast a chain over the necks of Rochel, Monpelier, Montalbon, Nismes, Chartres, and other Protestants Provinces and towns; what did those attempts beget but the fair birth of increase of religion, and firm opposition against unprincely cruelty, and unnatural enforcement? and he went away affrighted at his own handiwork, and cursing the motives and setters on of his presumption: which abated his malice, and taught him to know there was a God above princes, which could make the war as a blessing to propagate true Religion, and augment the glory of the Church. So that I may well say, that peace to France proved like the Asps of Ethiopea, who do not sting at all, but by licking and tickling break their bladders of poison, which from itches grow to rankle the flesh, till at last it exaestuates and by burning heats proves incurable. Why then should we be afraid of war; or for any cause temporize with God's enemies, and a dangerous Nation: for whose sake we have suffered the Palatinate to be lost, and seen a Noble Prince dejected, as if we were glad, that by such courses there should no envy be raised for his thriving in greatness, or going to fast in his race of sovereignty and powerful Majesty. But I dare say that the Angel did curse Meros' for not assisting of Israel.  
Concerning the Low Countries, I cannot compare them better, then to Camomile, which the more it is trodden, the more it springeth. For whether war hath been a blessing unto them, judge yourselves, considering they have augmented their fame and renown abroad, and increased their wealth and territories at home. Abroad, the West Indies have been frequented with their Navies; and the storms at seas are not so formidable to the mariners, as their approaches to the Spaniard; insomuch that his plate Fleets are many times detained in harbour from their ordinary courses, to the disappointing of his Garrisons in Europe, which hath caused many mutinies and innovations amongst the soldiers. The East Indies have been visited by them, and so visited, that they have planted Colonies in the Lands in despite of opposition; they have dared the Portugeses, and overtopped the English; their ships exceed in number, and their Merchants in industry and husbandry: their labours have made way unto continual thriving; and the several Kings of the nations have reputed them greater than the English. The Philippines and Molunes have been searched by them, and neither Island nor harbour but rejoiced at their trade and traffic. The South seas with the straits of Magellane have been adventured on, and their voyages set the pens of learned Chronologers on work. Both the Guincies and the coasts of Africa are explored by them; and if there be no more in the satisfaction of expectation, than knowledge, experience, and augmentation of wealth: they attained to all by their naval encounters and adventures. The Levant is stored with their ships, and the straits of Gibraster are not so strait, but in their defiances with Spain they rushed them open to give them passage: so that both Turkey and Italy have admitted their factories, and opened the laps of their plenty, to bid them take the blessings by ships full. If you step into France, you shall find, they not only stepped thither, but visited every town of importance, yielding an honest account of their traveles. What think you of the fishing in Newland, of Whales in Greeneland, of the commodities of Island, Freezland, of the Herring of Scotland, Ireland, and England, of the coasts of America, and all those Nations which are accessable, yielding either pleasure or profit, they have every where sucked the honey with the Bee, and extended their travail with the Ant, so that the summer's labour hath fed and clothed them in winter, and the winter itself never had such fearful blasts, but the wind either breathed good upon them, or drove them to seek it in all the corners of the earth. If you are not afraid of the Eastern violence and mountainous ice of Russia, you shall find that they are not afraid of winter's snow, nor summer's contagion: but visit Norway, Sweden, Goteland, the sound of Denmark, the Haus Towns, Prussia, Poland, Muscovia, and all maritime coasts; Insomuch, that like the honest explorators of the land of Canaan, they not only return with clusters of grapes, but continue undaunted. So that I may well say, war hath been a blessing unto them, and the God of all blessings hath multiplied Israel even under their grievances.  
But now if they kindly let you within their doors, you will be amazed at the furniture of their houses: I mean the success of their affairs, and the noble proceed of the wars, which hath made them famous in the success, and left their honest defences exemplary to all posterity. They have expulsed the Spaniard out of Zealand, & Holland, and as it were exprobrated great Princes for not being content to insult over the obedienc of their subjects, but they must tyrannise their souls, either by Inquisition or change of religion; is it any other than the working of slumbering patience, which being abused turneth to fury & disobedience; They have not only preserved their virgin provinces from the ravish of Burgundy, but revenged the usurpation, which challenged their captivity by hereditary birthright: yea, besides their own ordinary walks to visit Vtreck, Gelderland, and many fortified Towns, they have made larger steps upon their enemy's Countries, and by main force shouldered open the castilian gates, and thrown the Portcullis on the ground which boasted of Austria's fasting, and the Pope's Benediction; so they entered Hamlers, and still keep Sluice and the adjacent places to depend upon their garrisons; they possess Breda; diverse Bergens the fort of Lillo: and above 20 forts and fortresses in Brabant. What have they done in Cleve, Munster, Westphalia, the Land of Luke, and those places of Freezland, wherein the Spaniards are now politic intruders?  
For what Papist or Hispanolized temporiser, can yield an accou●t of any thriving action, or prevailing success against them these 50 years; yet the Pope curseth and excommunicateth, the Emperor threats, the Archdutches proscribes them, Spain assembles armies, the jesuites conjure, the Priest's imposture: and all the practices which policies, mightiness, treasure, or friends have hatched and brought forth, was but to amaze them with some monstrous birth of treason, and perfidious revenge; yea, those strange hindrances of diverse revolts and covert supplantations, have proved their own shame.  
Thus by the corruption of Spanish rewards, have diverse English themselves proved traitors to Holland, and only abused their honours and loyalty by such inconstancy: which yet ended with Spain's scorns, and their Country's eternal hate and banishment. Yet for all this have the Low Countries thrived by such exasperating difficulties, and the following wars have been a blessing unto them: insomuch that the Spaniard hath not only admired theirs, and England's happy estate: but blasphemed heaven, to suppose we had a pulling hook to bring prosperity unto us.  
In the time of Don Lewis Requescens, Commander and Captain General for the King of Spain, by the exciting of diverse Priests, certain English revolted: which added life to the Spanish affairs. After this Aegremont, Ratelife, Grey, and some others, Gentlemen of Noble Families in England, went from the Low Countries, and fell into the service of Spain, as if they had fallen into a devouring grave. At the siege of Audenard, 600 English under Norris, Barney, Cornish, and Gipson, proved traitors to the States, and violated their first allegiance, to be afterward abused by them which set them on work. Alost was betrayed to the King of Spain by a whole Regiment of English, over whom Pigot commanded, who with the association of Dalton, Tailor, Vincent, Smith, and We●sh, thought to pull away the stones of the high built walls of the Low Country's bulwarks. In my Lord of Leicester's time, Deu●●ter and Zutphen were delivered to Stanley and York in the Queen's name, who in the devil's name redelivered them to Spain. Grane was betrayed by Hermit the Governor. Venlo sold by the Burghers, before the enemy approached. Newis lost by treachery. Berck besieged, and so abandoned. And many other places and persons left the service of the States, to state themselves in the King of Spain's entertainment. Yea by perfidious practices another Regiment under Sir William Stanley, whose Captains were Scurlock, Peter Winn, Hart, Guin, Salisbury, Eton, Reignolds, and Harison, forsook their first faith, and flattered themselves with the hope of great treasu●es of Spain's Indies. I could also name the failing and falling away from England's love, and the Low Country embraces of the Earl of Westmoreland, Lord Paget, Charles Paget, Sir Francis Englefield, Hugh Owen, Dakers, Tempest, Norton, Harman, Markenfield, Tremaine, straddling, Carew, Allen, Southwell, Fleming, Bulmer, with diverse others, whose revoults might have been great discouragments to the States. But for all this, they proved like the women of Israel, strong and quick in their travel, and do what Pharaoh could, they multiplied exceedingly: and God built the Midwives houses for being honest to his people.  
I have not I protest cited these particulars by way of renovation of displeasure, and distasting between the Dutch and us: but merely to show the error of inconstancy, and the vanity of despairing men, who by overprising Spain's potency, disinherited the Low Country's weakness, or dazzled with a mist cast before their eyes, or led on by wicked angels, mistook shadows for substances, and thought to repair their decayed estates, by repairing to a Prince, whose petty officers laughed them to scorn, and in their greatest extremities saw them die in the streets without compassion: as for religion, it was a poor shift, and idle motive to forsake the pure streams and clean waters, by the reason of the coldness and asperous quickness, to fall into the pudled dirt of Atheism, superstition, and corruption; what is this but with Swine's to wallow in the mire, and lie basking in filthy puddles, and besmeering tromperies. But was it thus with Soldiers in those days, and men of fiery spirits? I pray God it be not so still with with effaeminate Courtiers, and temporising officers, who to maintain their own greatness and glory, wish Nehemiah to fly from his enemies, when they intended only his shame and disgrace, and projected their own supportation by taking part with Sandolet and To●iah: by flattering and extolling the great King: by presuming on pensions, honour, and glorification from the idolatrous Monarchs' of Persia.  
But to proceed, shall I recount the several tragedies of Antwerp. First, Under the Regency of Lady Margot, Duchess of Parma. Next, At the coming down of the Duke of Alva, whose tyrannous pride might have startled and amazed a greater State, than the Government of the States. Thirdly, Afuerca Villacoes by the Spanish Soldiers for want of pay under Don Lewis de Requescens. Fourthly, Another mutiny upon the death of Don Lewis during the authority of the King's Council. Fiftly, The invasion of the French, and the valiant resistance of the inhabitants. Last of all, The tedious siege of Alexander Farnese Prince of Parma, with the yielding of the Town by reason of famine, and wretched extremity which they endured. Shall I conclude with other petty treasons, and practices of murders upon the persons of William of Nassaw, Prince of Orange. The innovations and rebellions of Leiden, Vtrech, and other Towns. The murders of Counts Egmond and Horn; and at last the Prince of Orange himself; the sundry conspiracies against Mauritius, and his Brother Grave Henry; the Armenian sect; the policies of Barnevelt, and the projects of his faction, with his Children, to be revenged for their Father's death; the still supplying of the Archdutches Armey with discontented English and Irish, under pretence of assisting friends: hope of extraordinary salu●y, affecting the Catholic religion, diffidence of our Country's ability, suppossition of Spain's greatness: with other by causes: in all which, and through all which common reason and enforcements of policy, would affright the natural man; and make the Low Countries stand amazed at there enemies threatenings, and prospering in the peace of their neighbour kings; yea we in England that behold the menaces and mightiness of Austrian Family, to mount like the billows of the ocean, and with a kind of inundation, to keep so many Countries under water: may tremble again to think how slender a Nation should bear a head against the impetuous assaults of the wars.  
Yet for all this, experience goes beyond precept, and examples overcome positions. For if we may apply a sentence of divinity to worldly affairs; as there is no coming to heaven with dry eyes, or with out the endurance of afflicton in this world. So hath the glory of the States been raised out of difficulty; and as we see a radiant sun dispel misty vapours, and foggy exhalations. So hath the wars wiped away all those impediments of the Low Countries: and their constancy in religion, made religion to flourish.  
So that if the Mines of gold by the searches and industry of men, affood their ore, and plenty through the unboweling of the earth, and making wars (as it were) under ground; The Low Countries have raised their fame, and amassed their treasure by opposition position to Spain, and war with Austria, telling him to his face with the vision: there is no kicking against the prick; and that goes about to grasp too much, will at last reserve nothing.  
So that I may well say it, and I think none can deny it, that war was, and is a blessing to the Low Countries.  
In the remarkable greatness, and admirable reign of Queen Elizabeth: may I not say, that War was a blessing, when all Nations were blessed by her; The rebellions of Sweden appeased; The Protestants of Germany releiued; The pride of Poland abated; The passages of Switzerland defended; The holy league in France counter-checked; Henry the 4 assisted; The Low Countries in a manner made high w●th honer; The Spanish Armado dissipated; The intrusions and rebellions of Ireland annihilated; The rages of many treasons confounded: and the practices of 23 murders upon her person frustrated; As if the Angel of the Lord should stay Abraham's sword from killing of Isaac. Yea a very Italian writes of her: that she grew to such greatness, and was so guarded about with the love and observation of her subjects, that all the world admired, and exalted her.  
Observe the noble Voyages and explorations of her time, by jenkinson, Borog, Forbisher, Haukins, Drake, Fenner, Grenuilde, Candish, Michelborn, Raleigh, and diverse others: the brave actions and exploits of our Nation, the solid and pious renown of her government: did we not search all the harbours of the world, and made English Merchants and Adventures deserve a character of renown? did not our inferior ships scorn the Spanish galleys and galleons, yea, thrust open the straits to pass into the Arch? did not we visit India without the trick of factory, or exportation of money? did we not search the South seas, and passed the S●ieghts of Magellane? did not Michelborne and others b●ing Spice out of India without paying for it; Candish Silks without bleeding for it; Drake Bullion without digging for it? did not our English surprise the Town of Sanctus, and Saint Sebastian in Brazile? did not Raleigh begin a plantation in Guiana, and made his very name odious to the Spaniard? did not our Merchants employ many brave sea men, who returned with great booty, and prizes of all sorts? did not Essex knock at the gates of Lisbon, in the behalf of Don Anthonio King of Portugal? did not a slender Navy and unprovided, overcome that invincible Fleet of Spain? was not Ireland reduced, when it lay sick of a consumption by Montioies fortitude, fortune, and patience? was not Cales made our own, and Civil itself affrighted with our approaches? was not Spain and all Spanish actions like unfethered shafts, which could not fly to any purpose. And though in the Island Voyage, Fortune seemed to give Virtue the check; yet it was a brave attempt, worthy of memory and Illustration. Remember the batteries of Roan, and the besieging of Paris; the many exploits and Marches of our Soldiers, the admiration of our Kingdom, and unmatchable glory of our Queen; all which proceeded from the wars, and the Heroic spirit of a woman. Whose virtue proved like an Vberant spring, the more plentiful and sweeter by agitation and extracting. Yea, her Countries was made famous, and illustruous to foreign Nations, by the endurances of her Gentlemen and Soldiers.  
I have not breath enough to tell the rest, but for these and the rest I will be bold to say, we were beholding to the wars and such Martial spirits: who took example from ancient Patriots, to be indulgent over their Country's renown and enriching: and yet withal was joined the glory of God, the Prince's honour, the Kingdom's prosperity, and their own increases of nob enesse, and generosity.  
But what hath the peace done? it hath made us drunk with ease and carelessness, forget our God, be uncharitable to our neighbours, neglect our calling, sleep in security, accustom ourselves to foolish exercises, and by studying every man for his private, the whole kingdom is confounded with poverty and wretchedness; insomuch, that the complaints fly about like flies; and policy is ashamed of her own fallacies: for you see it hath invented a trick by factory, and drawn diverse worthy men into the net of covetousness, to adventure the Indies: when I must say it, the very exhausting of our treasure will be the discomfort of our souls, I insist not upon the remoteness of the place, loss of ships, decay of men, abuse of time, unwholesomeness of women, danger of shipwrecks, and the want of our account in our own channels, things subject to fearful construction, and sensible to examination: but say plainly, that the bringing in of a million of commodities, is not, or cannot be so beneficial, as the exportation of 30000 l. sterling a year (besides the conveniency at many greater sums) is prejudicial to the Commonwealth: a great disparity I confess, but experience goes beyond apprehension. For it is well known, that Henry 8. from one of the richest and mightiest Kings, became the discontentest and merely indigent to the turmoil of the subject, by reason of the ransom of Pope Clement, so foolishly and treacherously sent out of England. And in former days was not the wealth of this Land almost in the hands of the Romanists, and how poor were our people by reason of Peter pence paid unto Rome. Look into the story of Solomon, you shall read of great store of gold brought into the Land, but never any sent out, or permitted to be transported: only commodity for commodity, or necessaries for their gold and silver in such Countries as wanted them. As for their objections, or cossenning their own hearts, that say, England hath no gold growing, and therefore we may spare a little of a great deal which is brought in; I answer, that because England was sometimes barbarous, full of bogs, woods, and a wilderness for beasts: therefore it matters not to have brave Cities, a reduction to civility, and an extraordinary beauty of Magnificense and glory: we should be no worse than we were before; I hope such arguing is weak, poor, and full of morosity: seeing all the Majesty of Europe receives exornation from the various commodities of other Country's, whom it hath pleased God to deny the use of his creatures, that they might serve such as serve him in holiness and righteousness. And then shall Isaac sow in the Land of Ab●melech, and receive a hundreth for one. But to our peace again.  
Now since our peace, what hath that done to us, or we done to ourselves? hath it not proved our sickness, and wrought upon our corrupt bodies like a fever, not only obnoxions in itself, but bringing on apace other diseases. And have not we taken a liberty to sin, because no punishment followed suddenly. But harken how the vengeance of God comes upon us: the cry goes, the country is weighed, and found lighter by 14 Millions in 15 years; we are haunted with Beggars, undone in our Trades, pestered in the prisons, the Commonwealth overrun with poverty, the people cry out of misery, and fear and terrors make us all amazed, insomuch that in many Country Townes, such idle, lazy, discontented vagabonds abound, that the inhabitants are afraid of spoils and rapes, even in the face of justice: that is, though there be officers to threaten them, so that if it were not for foreign plantations, and compulsive sending some people away, we might devour one another. But mark withal, to what inconveniences we are driven in our chiefest Cities, there are so many of all Trades, who confound one another by underworke and indirect abuses, that the wealthy are made poor, and the poor in a manner labour for nothing: beside, young men are grown so proud and savering of liberty, that they must be housekeepers the first hour, and consume themselves with comparative expenses to their superiors: filling their houses with children, and the Commonwealth with banckerouts; so that there is no preventing of these mischiefs but war, war must cure this sore, which if we look to in time, we may find remedy with ease: either by disburthening the Common wealth of unnecessary people, or enriching the Commonwealth with surprisals unlooked for.  
Let us then resolutely assist the Dutch, they and we are all one, good neighbours and friends: and so no doubt France will come in: and then a three fold cable will be very strong; otherwise, who would not condemn his negligence that standeth still, while his neighbour's house is on a blaze. But if we now take opportunity by her fair foretop, and join heart and hand, wealth and courage, prayers, and preventions against the practices of Spain, whose very look discovers the pride of his heart: we shall find his treaties are treacheries, his speeches deceit, his devices scorns, his heart hollow, his dealings double, and his whole course of his proceed, make but so many discourses of abuses and deceit; In a word, they are the great dissemblers of the world; but let us not dissemble with ourselves, especially take heed, and prepare against them.  
Let us then take a view of our Countries, especial- Ireland and the Lands, fortify our Harbours repair our Castles, double our Garrisons, Muster our Soldiers, visit our Navy, store our armouries, countenance the Merchants, strengthen our passages, disarm our Papists, change their dwellings, dissolve their meetings, break the knot of their factions, watch their ways, and discover the villainy of their dark lanterns: so shall their insulting pride and treacherous hearts be kept under, and a●l the rest be sure and safe again from home disturbances. But yet this is nothing, except you banish the Priests, hang up the jesuites, imprison the false hearted, and prevent the discontented Hispanolized faction; so shall we be sure of them from annoying of us, that would else make us sure from defending ourselves.  
Let us with the Belgic Soldier always be in a readiness, keep good watch and ward, stand upon our guards, and look to our charge, the King, the Prince, the State, the Church, the Commonwealth is our charge: yea, our Neighbours are our charge, whose Countries have been lately overrun, their Villages destroyed, their houses burnt, their Cattle pilledged, their Wives deflowered, their Daughters ravished, their Infants brained, their Children starved, and their Husbands taken prisoners; and thus while they have (I mean their enemies and ou●s the Spaniards) been treating a peace and contract with us, they have established a war against them: and so by degrees will at last set upon us, if we prepare not to set upon them.  
Look over stories, and peruse them with judgement, and you shall find that Spain hath over reached all Nations with treaties, because he found himself to weak to deal with active employment; so that his greatness hath been the well spring and head of all mischief, the foundation and ground of Europe's troubles, and the mere author and projector of Religion's ruin; I will go no further than 88, while we were treating of a peace, the Armado comes upon us; while France looks for a pacification of troubles, the jesuites invite the King to a bloody war.  
While we are sending to the Emperor for a restitution of the Palatinate, Bavaria enters, and is not only Lord of the Country, but made the Electorate. In 23 he treats of a match in sign of love, but prepares powder and match as effect of his malice. In a word, we must look about us to overmatch this match, and so no doubt every true English heart will afford his helping hand, heart, purse, prayers, and all he hath to overthrew the boasting pride of this running enemy, and teach him a new lesson for his great ambition, and forward presumption.  
As for me an old Belgic Soldier, I will pray from my heart, with sorrow in my soul, and sadness from my conscience, with a lively spirit, and passionate affection that my King, Prince, and native Country: that a●l may jointly conform themselves to the fashioning a work, which may tell the Princes of Europe: how patiences abused, turns to fury; and the King of Great Britain is not a subject for Spanish scorns and indignities. Me thinks I hear his Majesty say, you have my good will: the Prince cries out, take my true heart with you: the Council warrant their judicious consent, the Clergy assure their unfeigned prayers, the Nobility and Gentry propose their revinues, the Countryman expose his body, the Citizen proffer his wealth, the Merchant yield his wars, the Drum ready to beat, the Trumpet ready to sound, the Horse furnished: and all sorts are ready with their best endeavours, except Hispanolized Papists, and temporising covetous wretches.  
What then do we stay for? but provide our t 〈…〉 sure, prepare our arms, reconcile our hearts, and pray to God, that we may be strong enough with Abraham against the five Kings, to recover his Brother Lot's substance. And so may we gain and regain what hath been lost: and by an honest and justifiable war repair all our ruins and damages, over-working and overweying us by a dissembling peace.  
To conclude, the Belgic Soldier once again entreats the reverend Bishops and Clergy to prepare their prayers, the Senate of wise men their council, the Nobles and Gentry their courages, the true Courtiers their loyalty, the commonalty their arms and provision, the Merchants their Shipping, the Citizens their means, and the very Usurers their money; That every one may be ready with the Macchabees to defend the Sanctuary of the Lord; And with true English hearts, not only fight in the defence of their Country, but when God commands, not to spare, to go on and prepare, and let every one prepare himself; For the Belgic Soldier is prepared, and made ready to go to the battle. And the God of heaven prepare your hearts, ways, words, deeds, and dealings, to be vigilant and careful to provide for us: and we with gods help, will be careful to fight for you. And so the God of heaven Fight for us all.  

A Prayer.  
O Lord, glorious God, and everlasting Father, we entreat thee mercifully to look down upon us, and hearken to our complaint and desires, and grant we beseech thee our request; O gracious Father thou knowest our sins, and our iniquities are not hid from thee, they lie open to thy judgements: yet we know that thy mercies are the cure of our miseries, and when we fly to thee, thou drawest near to us; we beseech thee now to be favourable, and spare us for all our sins past, and be ready to deliver us from sins to come; look down in mercy upon us, and as thou hast been our everlasting defence, so now defend us from the rage of our Enemies. Go in and out O Lord before our Armies, before our General, and grant we may he thy Soldiers, to fight under thy banner: stir up our hearts and strength against the enemy; defend thy afflicted flock; Remember we beseech thee the burden of misery laid upon the Church at this time in Germany, and in thy due time restore it to his former glory: settle our hearts and affections to regain and recover that which hath been lost by their treacheries: and now we see their double dealing, grant we may no longer trust to them which have no truth, they imagine mischief in their heart, and are set on fire to do ill; but break thou the knot of their malice, lay open their plots, discover their devices, weaken their Armies, and overthrew their inventions, confound their counsels, and consume their numbers. O Lord thou hast in times past made the Stars to fight in order, the Sun to stand still, the Seas to devour, the Winds to overthrew thy enemies; so now O Lord prepare these thy creatures to assist and help us, that all the world may know it is thou that fightest our battles. Finally, O Lord bless we beseech thee us, and every one of us, in what we shall take in hand for defence of thy Church. Bless we entreat our King, our Prince, our State, our Clergey, our Commonalty, and give thy blessing unto us all. And last of all, bless we beseech thee all that worthy and excellent Companies of the Artillery, and Military exercises in London, and also in this Land: bless O Lord we entreat their new inventions of war, and mike their practices expert, make them skilful and full of knowledge, that all the world may know that thou conductest our Armies. Grant this dear Father, and all other good things unto us, now and for evermore. Amen.  
FINIS.