To the most noble, famous, renowned, invincible and victorious Realm of England: Be all flourishing felicity, happy prosperity, and matchless tranquillity long to endure.  
TO manifest the poor good will & dutiful love I own thee (O famous and renowned England). for that I perceive thine extremities are dangerous, I have presumed (though more presumptuous I confess then skilful) to present thee with this potion, compounded of gentle persuasions and charitable exhortations, which although it be somewhat bitter and unpleasant to thy taste, yet doubt I not (it being taken as it ought) but in operation it will effect thine amendment, or at least expel (in some measure) the mischievous humours that causeth thy drowsiness, and procureth thy danger. And that it may so do: I will not cease to pray unto him that neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, but watcheth over thee vigilantly for thy peace and safety, who is all in all, and thy God for ever.  
He that is always priest to die to shield thee from danger: john Davies:   

A private man's potion, for the health of England.  
Now Gallants to you, 
job, 22, 13 14, and 24, 1 2, 34, 19 Psalms, 10, 4, 13, & 14, 1, & 53. 1, & 73. 11.  that say in your hearts there is no God: and so consequently no Heaven, no hell, no resurrection, no judgement. And why? because (say you) we have the world at will: we give our eyes their desires, our bodies their appetites, and our lusts their delights, and yet we wallow in all worldly prosperity, yea we flourish like the laurel, our leaves are always 
Not to be tempted & exercised with afflictions, is rather an argument of reprobacie, than a testimony of God's favour. For the cross of affliction is laid on all true believers. Gen, 4 8. & 27, 41, & 37, 18 Exod. 2, 15 1 king. 19, 2, Matth. 10, 9 10, 16, & 24 9 Mark, 13, 9, 13. Luke. 14, 26 & 21, 17 john, 15, 18 & 16, 2 Acts. 9, 14 Gal. 4, 26 1 Thes. 3, 3, 4 2 Timon, 3. 12 1 Pete, 4, 22  green and fade not. We are not pinched by poverty, crucified with cares, martyred with miseries, tormented with troubles & crossed with mishaps as are these precise livers. What need we fear the vengeance & judgements of God so terribly thundered forth against us by our preachers or rather praters, when as our minds are quiet, our hearts merry, our thoughts pleasant, and none of all those calamities befall us nor ours. What reason have we then to fear their menacings, or believe their sayings, when as they rear up their voices aloft and say the kingdom ofheaven is at hand, and the day of judgement draweth near. Tush so said the prophets and Apostles many hundred years since, and yet hath no such matter come to pass, & therefore, those were nothing else but the imaginations of a vain thing, their prophecies fantasies, their preaching leasings, and their religion most ridiculous. Therefore we will fill up the measure of our earthly happiness, with all that may content our humours, and live in all carnal liberty, for upon earth alone is man's chief felicity. Oye Atheistical reprobates, what manner of reasonings & observances are these? What infernal fury bewitcheth you that you thus harden your hearts to persevere in your wickedness? know you whom ye provoke, by this your cursed conclusions? or know ye whom ye incense by these your rebellions? If you do not, or at least will not: then know ye, & weet ye well it is the holy one of Israel, from 
Exod 29. 45 Deut, 10, 15 Psalm. 148  whose bosom all beginnings took their beginning. It is a majesty unspeakable, mighty in power, whose name is jehovah: dreadful, wonderful, and 
Gen, 1  very much to be feared. He it is that by his only word created heaven & earth, with all that is in them contained, and with half a word can destroy the same again. He whose breath shaketh the mountains 
Esaie, 66, 1 Matth, 8, 26 & 14, 32  & maketh the foundations of the earth to tremble and quake. He whose seat is in the glorious heavens, and whose foot stool is the round world. He that stilleth the raging of the seas, & rebuketh the winds when they arise. He at whose presence the earth melteth like 
Dan, 7, 9, 10  wax, as not being able to endure the brightness of his countenance. He whose throne is a flame of fire, his chariots burning fire, from his face issueth a flame of fire, a thousand thousand do serve him and ten thousand hundred thousands do assist him. He that dwelleth in unaccessible light, which 
1 Tim, 6, 16  no mortal man can abide to behold. He unto the least spark of whose glorious majesty, the majesty and glory of all the kings of the earth may not be compared. He whom angel's praise, dominations adore, the powers do tremble and the highest heavens together with the Cherubins and Seraphins do uncessantly lawd & magnify. 
a jere, 23, 24 Ecclus. 16 verse, 17, 18  He whose power replenisheth heaven and earth, and from whose knowledge nothing can be concealed. 
b Mat, 19, 26 Luke, 18, 27 Mark, 10, 27  He with whom all things are possible, and whose power no violence is able to resist. 
c Deu. 32, 39  He that only afflicteth and healeth, that killeth and givetl, life again. 
d 1 Kings. 18 ve. 36, 37, 38  He that sent fire to consume Eliahs' sacrifice, to declare himself thereby to be the only God of gods, and Lord of lords. 
e Isa. 4 2, 8 & 45, 23  He unto whom all knees do bow both in heaven and earth, and unto whom alone belongeth all honour and glory. 
f 2 Chro, 36 verse 23 Est. 16, 16  He that is the preserver and guider of kings and kingdoms, and establisheth or subverteth them at his good pleasure. He upon whose virtue, 
Matt, 10, 26 Acts, 17, 18  power & providence all the creatures in heaven and earth do wholly depend, and by whom alone they live, and have their being, & without whom they would all utterly perish. He at whose commandment the sun do 
Gene. 1, 14 15, 16. 17, 18  arise to manifest the day, the moon and stars do lighten the night, & never fail nor be weary in their watch. He from whom every good and perfect 
Genc. 33. 11 james. 1, 17  gift proceedeth, who is the father oflightes. He that ofhi mere love 
Genes. 1, 26  and unspeakable good will, bestowed upon thee thy creation, making thee of nothing, like unto himself, breathed into thee a living soul, capable of immortality, & created all the creatures under heaven, beside for thy only use and service, and putting them all under 
Mat. 27, 46 47, 48, 49 Romans. 5. 8 1 Cor. 15, 3 2 Cor, 5, 15 1 Peter, 3, 18  thy subjection. He that of his unutterable goodness and mere mercy, laid the torments due to thee, upon the shoulders of his dear and only son, which were so great and grievous, that the agony thereof, constrained his blessed 
Exod, 14, 21 22, 23, 27, 28 29  body to sweat blood and water, for thy sake: He that gave the children of Israel passage through the red sea, as upon dry land, and enclosed Pharaoh and all his host in the bowels thereof. He that speaketh the word and it 
Gen, 1  is done: and as he will so cometh every thing to pass. He that opened 
Gen, 6, 17, & 7, 10  the windows ofheaven and drowned the world, and preserved Noah with his family to replenish the same again: He that rebuketh kings, for the love of 
Dan, 6, 16, & 14, 16, to 31  his chosen, making them to tread upon the Lions without fear or danger. He that stayed the sun in the midst of the 
josua, 10, 12  firmament at the desire of josuah, and gave him victory over his enemies before the setting thereof. He on whom the eyes of all living things do wait, and he giveth them food in due season. He at whose presence the very angels do tremble, and all the powers ofheaven do praise uncessantly. He unto whom the Cherubins and Seraphins continually do cry, holy, holy, holy, Lord God ofSabaoth. He in whose land the saints evermore do sing, & whose only sight is their unconceivable solace. He that confoundeth the devices of the proud, 
Gen, 11, 9  & scattereth the imaginations of their hearts. He that bruiseth his enemies 
Psal, 2, 9  with a rod ofIron, and breaketh them in pieces like a potter's vessel. He whose outstretched arm turneth the wheel of providence, and keepeth all things in a wonderful order. He that 
Exod, 8, 2. 3 4, 5, & 9, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 10, 5 6 Dan, 4, 3, 4  did many wonders in the land of Egypt and showed many mercies in the land of promise. He that humbled Nabuchadnezar, for all his pride & plagued him right sore for all his tyranny. He 
Gen, 19, 24  that reigned down fire and brimstone upon Sodom and Gomor, and preserved Lot from the fiery storm. He that saith ofhimselfe I am Alpha and Omega, 
Revel, 1, 8, 11, 17, & 21, 6 1, Cor, 8, 6 Ephes, 4, 6  and he that is father of all, above all, through all in all, yea all in all, and the same for ever. He: yea even he it is (O earth & ashes) whom thou dost provoke by thy lewd inventions and incense to wrath thy licentious living, and careless security. O crooked and perverse generation! do ye make the merciful forbearance of so great a majesty, an occasion of sin, will you for that he is full of long suffering (and not as a mortal prince revenge by death the least injury offered) more and more offend him. Will you for that the king prorogeth his great session of parliament, for your only good and gain (because he would have you repent and not die in your sins) conclude there shall be no such session, yes sure there shall or else the 
Matt. 24, 30 31, 39  son of God is a liar, which to think were in the highest degree, most blasphemous, etc. Therefore omitting all that, which might procure you to love him, where is become the natural care you have to avoid punishment, which might provoke you to fear him, if not as children yet as servants or subjects. Think you (O ye obdurate Libertines) that because GOD (if you think there is a God) is merciful, he is not therefore just, O know (ye athists) his justice is as great as his mercy, and either of both as great as himself. For as soon can he cease to be God as cease to be just, justice and mercy are properties peculiar to him and deny them by your words, and deny him, as (to your greater damnation) you do by your works. If this be true (as most damnable it were to doubt thereof) what fury then so bewitcheth you, that you can cast off all care, yea and that natural fear, whereof the very brute beasts are not deprived. And with such greedy appetites, from day to day seek to fill up the measure of your iniquity to the brim. As though indeed there were no God, or as though there were no future reckoning to be made. As though you could keep your transgressions from his knowledge, or as the eye maker, did not or could not see your abominations: he both knoweth them & seethe them (though with grief) and will in the day that you so doubt of, & least suspect, pay you home with a vengeance (if you prevent it not by your speedy repentance) which day though it hath pleased him to delay for the trial of his chosen, yet for their 
Matt, 24, 22,  sakes he will shorten it, and he that is coming will come, and bring his reward with him: Most joyful to the godly, but woeful to the contrary. And therefore ye wanton worldlings, whose eyes do as it were swell with fatness ofyour abundance, and surfeit with all worldly delight: call to mind your mortality: abandon your iniquity: forsake your infidelity, and so remember God's mercy, that you forget not his justice, being his property, which is a depth without bottom, it glorifies the godly, and confoundeth the wicked. Trust not unto thy riches, and say not 
Eccle, 5, 1, 3. 4, 6. 7, & 7. 3  I have enough for my life, for it shall not help in the time of vengeance and indignation, and say not I have sinned and what evil hath come unto me? for the almighty is a patiented rewarder, for he will not leave thee unpunished. Say not the mercy of God is great, he will forgive my manifold sins, for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation cometh down upon sinners, make no long tarrying to turn unto the Lord, and put not offfrom day to day, for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord break forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and thou shalt perish in time of vengeance. Sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, least thou reap them seven fold. 
Wisd. 2, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 10.   
Say not with yourselves, our lives are short and tedious, and in the death of a man is no recovery, neither was any known that hath returned from the grave.  
For we are borne at all adventure and we shall be hereafter as though we had never been: for the breath is a smoke in our nostrils, & the words as a spark raised out of our hearts.  
Which being extinguished the body is returned into ashes, and the spirit vanisheth as the soft air.  
Our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and come to nought as the mist that is driven away with the beams os the sun, and cast down with the heat thereof. Our name also shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance.  
For our time is as a shadow that passeth away, and after our end there is no returning for it is fast sealed so that no man cometh again.  
Come therefore let us enjoy the pleasures that are present, and let us cheerfully use the creatures as in youth.  
Let usfill ourselves with costly wine and ointments, and let not the flower of youth pass by us.  
Let us crown ourselves with rose buds, afore they be withered.  
Let us all be partakers of our wantonness, let us leave some token of our pleasure in every place, for that is our portion and this is our lot.  
Therefore let us oppress the poor that is righteous, let us not spare the widow, nor reverence the white hears of the aged. O debate not on this wise with yourselves, but fly from evil and do good: for God regardeth thee deeds of every man.  
Call to remembrance the perilous times wherein we live, and the uncertainty oflife. How near Gods judgements (if not his general judgement) approacheth us. If we with a sound discretion consider it, we shall find great cause to fear it, and prepare ourselves to preveut it. Our lives (as by hourly experience we prove) hangeth by a slender twine by reason of our mortality incident to all men generally. But our lives hangeth by a weaker twine, incident to us in England (as our case now standeth) especially. Which are compulsionsforcible enough to draw reasonable men to integrity of life and holy conversation. Yet fareth it with us as with senseless pictures, that have eyes and see not, ears and hear not, heads and conceive not, the imminent dangers hanging over our heads. We harden our hearts with Pharaoh against the God of Israel, they are not touched with threats, nor terrified with torments, till they be inflicted upon us, as now they are too too near us.  
Now the xxxiii. Sun most happily environeth in the firmament, since our blessed deliverance out of the power and grievous thraldom ofPharao and Egypt. The governess of this thrice happy land (for so it may be said in regard of such a governess) being not only the instrument of our so happy deliverance: but also the sole and absolute cause (under God) of this our matchless tranquillity. Our God by her as by one for whose sake we (beyond the measures of the graces of our brethren and the prosperous course of our fathers) enjoy this peace and plenty, hath in the abundance ofhi ineffable grace and mercy, continued and prospered the same upon us hitherto. And what other blessings he hath like the dew ofHermon distilled upon our Zion (as that of the free passage of the gospel and infinite others) the whole world can witness, and we to our unspeakable consolation have experienced. He hath not left us an Anarchy, and heedless dissolution, as to the Cannibals a most preposterous and misshapen government, streming with blood, and smoking with the mist of palpable error and ignorance. Nor as to the Antichristians, seared in the forehead with the mark of the image of the great whore of Babylon. Not a barbarous waist and heathenish estate, as to the Tartarian herds of cursed Cham and unto the miserable inhabitants of Meschech, or to the ravenous swarms and turbulent hosts of Tubal-gog. But contrariwise he hath by her led us forth as a flock of sheep, and fed us upon the pastures of his own Gosen, giving unto us for wars, peace: for barbarous brutishness, humanity and gentleness: for gross ignorance, pro found knowledge: for painted superstition, sincere religion: for scarcity, plenty: for unprovidence, civil policy: for jarring discord, uniformity & concord: making us to dwell in safety under her gracious government as under the wings of his Almighty protection.  
In these her blessed years hath been seen, the golden days of her father David, & the no less prosperous than peaceable regiment of Solomon. The earth hath yielded her fruitfulness, the sea her store, the clouds their drops, the heavens their oriental beauty, the sun his heat, the year his increase, the val lies covered with corn, the furrows moistened, the woods and groves crowned with joy. The mountains sing with mirth, our folds replenished with cattle, our sons and daughters flourish like the ceadars of Libanus, our young men see visions, and our old men prophesy. Whilst the sword of the destroyer hath smitten the neighbour nations, from the first borne sitting upon the prince's throne: unto the slave grinding at the handmill, whilst the firm lands adjacent have been overflown by the rage of the seas, our Island have dwelled in peace, sent her ships into Ophir for gold, and prepared her Navy against the enemy. This worthy instrument then of God's goodness, and express image of his majesty, have been and yet is (as erst I said) the only organ and instrumental cause of all this our fore-remembered felicity; and who is also the very breath of our nostrils, the light of our eyes, and the total sum of our welfare. If then it pleased God in the severity of his just conceived displeasure against our sins, to call her from this her earthly Monarchy, to rain with him in his heavenly Hiarchie: what day I pray you might the day ofhir departure be called? might it not be properly said to be a day ofiudgment? a day of dole, of wrath and of vengeance? It might well be so called, for the effects proceeding from it. For if our lives and livings, and consequently all that here content or delight us, depend upon hers (as truly they do) that precious life (which I pray God long maintain) giving place to nature, as once needs it must. For Death is the way of all flesh. Tell me I pray you, in what predicament were we, where were then our lives, our livings, our pleasures and contentments? where is then our tranquillity, peace and plenty? where is the government become, whereby the nobles were kept within their compass and the commons slept in safety. Where is then the fear of magistracy and the regard of our prelacy. Where is become the due execution of wholesome laws and statutes and the force of our statutes whereby the commonweal did flourish like a Palm and spread her branches over the whole body of this realm. Where is the knowledge of mine and thine: and lastlly where is the due administration of God's word and sacraments whereby he was glorified and our consciences comforted: are they not all to be feared (except God be now merciful than we deseru) last the violence of foreign invasion, or the sword of domestical dissension should cut them of, and quite subvert them. Well wantonness well, I fear your comical progressions would be then changed into tragical conclusions. For my own part so my wish might be with God's good will) I would I might not live to see that day, though I am persuaded not only my life but many thousands more would be even determined with that day, that yet notwithstanding (with long desires) expect that day. But foul befall (as daily do befall) such wild bores of the forest, that would so feign (if so they durst without danger) spoil this vineyard which Gods own right hand hath planted, confounded be they and put to shame together with as many as have evil will unto our peace. But how far these calamities are from our considerations, our perseverant pride, and perverse behaviours daily do manifest which the more God blesseth us with earthly benedictions, the more freely we run into our own destructions. How true it is, our manifold rebellions against God & his anointed daily do testify: Such and so great is man's improvidence, that he is only carried away with the prosperity of the time present, but the calamities of the time future, he never thinketh upon, until their sudden approach, admitting no time for repentance) drowneth the simple secure liver in many seas of miseries: even so were the days ofNoah, & such were the wicked ones in those days, they did wallow in the mire of sin and iniquity, as we do now: they eat and drank and made merry as we do now, they bought and sold, and chopped and changed as we do now, they had prosperity, peace and plenty, as we have now, they abused and mispended the same as we do now: they were unthankful for those benefits and blessings as we are now: they provoked God by their licentious living: as we do now, they were disobedient to his word as we are now: they mocked his prophets, and believed not their threatenings, as we do now: they hardened their hearts, to effect their misdeeds as we do now: they lived secure and careless as we do now, and all was hushed as it is now: and God's vengeance came upon them una wares, as it may do now. O therefore think upon these & such like examples mentioned in the mirror of truth, God's blessed book and true chronicle, and so think upon them, that we may profit by them: that is, to learn by their harms to avoid the like: for though God's plagues be long in coming (by reason ofhi great patience) yet when they come, they come with a witness, they come with a terror, they fall with a mighty & insupportable weight, yea with such a weight as on whom soever they light, they will grind to powder.  
Much more might be here inserted, touching the severity of God's justice, and our sinful carelessness. But what hope may I conceive, that my persuasions (being a man as corrupt as the corruptest) should prevail with the wantoness of this world, when neither the powerful persuasions, sweet promises, sugared allurements, nor thundering threats, which (with an heavenvly eloquence) are written (by the spirit of truth) in the sacred bible, together with so many learned and godly treatises, all tending to this purpose now extant cannot prevail: no not in the least measure, with this froward generation: How be it though there be nothing more common than books of such importance, yet have I thought it convenient to publish this brief, bearing myself in hand, it shall rather amend many than offend any: except such as unto whom Christ himself is become an offence. For such as I covet not to please, so care I not to displease.  
A contemplation full of heaviness of mind and anguish ofspirit it is, to consider the hugeness of the iniquity of this present age, the weight whereof makes the earth to groan as not being able to sustain so intolerable a burden. It compelles every man regenerate and truly mortified to say. O that my soul had wings like a dove, that I might fly away from this wicked and stiffnecked people, and escape the vengeance to come, this people of uncircumcised hearts and ears, whose consciences are seared with hot irons, 
Phil, 3, 19,  whose God is their belly, whose glory is their shame, and whose ends are damnation. They do as it were oppose themselves against the Lord of hosts, and with might and main persecute his saints. They are so fraught with pride, lust, envy, and gaullie bitterness, & so full of mischief, & devilish practices, that they offer violence to their own souls, in effecting their abominations, and stand at open defiance with heaven, the sempiternal seat of the highest. Their vineyard is the vineyard 
Deu. 32, 32, 33  ofSodomites, their grape is the grape of gall and their clusters of grapes are most bitter. Their wine is the gall of Dragons, and the poison of Cockatrice's uncurable. They put their 
Esaie. 59, 4, 5. 6. 7. 8. 9 10. 11  trust in things of nothing, and do talk vanities, they conceive labour and bring forth iniquity: they break the eggs of serpents, and weave the webs of spiders: he that eateth their eggs dieth the death, and that which is hatched thence is a Cockatrice: their webs make not cloth to cover them, for that their works are all unprofitable, and the work of iniquity in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood, their thoughts are wicked thoughts, desolation and destruction is in their paths.  
The way of peace they know not, & there is none equity in their goings, they have made them crooked paths: whosoever goeth therein shall not know peace.  
Therefore is judgement far from us, neither doth justice come near unto us, we wait for light but lo it is darkness for brightness, but we walk in darkness.  
We grope for the wall like the blind, & we grope as onewithouteys, we stumble at the noon day as in the twilight, we are in solitary places as dead men.  
Weroare all like Bears and mourn like Doves, we lookefor equity but there is none, for health but it is far from us.  
But O sacred Sovereign, and my peerless Princess, in whom, for whom and by whom we enjoy these blessed benefits of peace and plenty, with infinite others. Let it please thy Royal Majesty, of thy superabundant clemency, to take in good worth these few aduisementes fent from the senter of a poor subjects heart, that reverenceth thee (as it is most bounden) in greater measure than words can posfibly express. And albeit the rare and admirable discretion, which is always resident in thee (as in the local place, where it of right aught to be) together with the most sound advise of those prudent Senators, which are of the council, can and do foresee with great circumspection, the imminent dangers ensuing thy absence and cut off (with such due regard as well befeemeth them) all occasions that may prejudice thy sacred life, crown, and dignity: yet o yet give thy poor subject leave (with all humility prostrate upon my face, I beseech thee) to mind thee of that, which (in respect of earthly welfare is our summum bonum: namely, thy safety whereon dependeth the safety, lives, and livings of so many thousands. If then the head cannot perish, but the members must needs come to nought, and that the loss of thy dear life, is the catastrophe of ours. It standeth me in hand to the uttermost of my power, to practise by all possible endeavours (though conscience compel me not) all that might tend to the preservation of the same. And therefore I beseech your majesty, in the bowels of a dutiful and loyal heart, to restrain the access to your princely presence, of such as may any way be suspected of disloyalty, be they high or low, or of what condition soever. and although my request seem unto your great wisdom needless in respect of your own proper care, yet have I some reason to mind you of this, for that it is well known you have been heretofore (with your merciful leave be it spoken) too too affable unto the bloodthirsty, and overbold with such as have intended your destruction and ours, which although it be a gracious disposition in you: yet to us your poor subjects it is no small danger, & although the innocency of your heart make it void of fear and suspicion, how beit in regard of our sins, and God's justice, be yet the more circumspect.  
And albeit (by reason of humane ignorance) you cannot understand the thoughts of their hearts, that intent mischief, yet with heedful regard (the power which have hitherto preserved you pulling their masks from their faces, and discovering their hands) you shall apparently perceive their treacherous countenances, and plainly descry their butcherly hands imbrued with blood, and all outrageous villainy. Take heed therefore good Queen again I say, take heed, give not the unknown or suspected opportunity, lest the Lord in the heat of his wrath now justly kindled by reason of our sins, deprive us of you, to the end he may be avenged on us as on a people unworthy of so praiseworthy a princess, and so pay us home with such insuiug plagues & calamities as since the calling home of our grand ancestors to humaino civility, was never seen in our land. Therefore o sweet comfort of Israel, as much as in you lieth, prevent these miseries if not so much for your own sake, yet for your poor subjects, and the gospel sake, that we may live in safety, and long enjoy this thrice happy tranquillity.  
ANd you Ladies of honour and others, that live under her obeisance, speak honourably, and think reverently of her: for whose sake and by whose means you are so highly honoured and reverenced. Backbite her not, no not in your privy chambers: for the doore-cheekes of those closets will blab it abroad, to your perpetual shame and deserved destruction. Please God and this renowned Paragon, by your unfeigned obedience: so shall you prevent these calamities, we shall live in safety, and enjoy this blessed peace and tranquillity.  
ANd you o (noble Lords of England) let neither the cause of conscience, ambitious desire of honour and sovereignty, conceived unkindness or secret envy, nor ought besides that may be imagined, falsify the faith and allegiance you own to her majesty, her crown and dignity, but prevent these calamities, in being honourably resolved to die in defence of her, and your country, containing yourselves within the lists of loyalty. So shall we her subjects live in safety, and enjoy this blessed peace, and matchless tranquillity.  
YOu Lords spiritual unto whose vigilant regard our souls are committed: see well to your charge, and as your callings are, so let your conversations be, instruct your flock'es as well by works as words, Plant sound and sincere doctrine, that it may fructify and increase knowledge. Abandon sloth and covetousness from your houses. In steed whereof entertain holy exercise and hospitality for their relief and comfort that are in adversity. Suffer none (by any means) to enter the ministery, but such as you shall find by the touchstone of trial, to be sufficient for so high a function, whose gifts may every way answer the sincerity of their calling, and ifyou may or can expel all those that are already entered, which either are ungodly or unlearned. Set your affections on things invisible (for so it well beseemeth you) and not on things mortal: for so the heathen do. And for that our merciful God many times converteth the practices of the wicked, to the profit of the godly, and would that they should make the most of this profit. Imagine it pleased him (in his inscrutable wisdom) as knowing what is most behoveful for you, to suffer a pack of puritants (falsely so called) to revile and slander you, yea and to put forth libels against you, thereby to awake you, and to make you attend the work of your vocation more diligently and carefully. Now therefore, let this be to you an advantage make your profit hereof, and if you so do, rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so slandered they the Prophets and Apostles which were before you, and practise henceforth by preaching and prayer to prevent these calamities, that we and you may live in safety, and long enjoy this peace and tranquillity.  
OYe grave and learned judges of this land, pervert not the laws for love of lucre, let not the glorious glass of gold, which is but painted earth, dazzle the eyes of your understanding & corrupt the secret corners 
Wild. 6. 2, 3. 4, 5. 7.  of your consciences. For Solomon the prince of prudence speaketh unto you on this manner. Give ear ye that rule the multitude, for the rule is given you of the Lord, and power by the most high, which will try your works and search out your imaginations, because that ye being officers of his people, have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the will of God.  
Horribly and suddenly will he appear unto you: for an hard judgement shall they have which bear rule. For he that is Lord over all will spare no person, neither shall he fear any greatness: for he hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.  
Take no bribes therefore, neither by yourselves nor by substitutes: for though by that sleight you can avoid a check ofhir majesty, you cannot escape his curse that rains in eternity. But measure your sentences by the line of equity, suppress vice without partiality, and advance virtue with all possible industry. So shall you please God, and prevent each calamity. We shall be safe, and live in peerless prosperity, and long enjoy this peace and matchless tranquillity.  
YE knights, Squires, and Gentlemen ofEngland, O surcease your civil dissensions, whereby the greater number of our shires are divided and mightily disquieted, to the utter wrack and ruin of many partakers, and whereby also the most Honourable industrious, and worthy Lord Chancellor with others in authority (that else should otherwise be occupied) spend most of their time in appeasing of discords and making of concords. Surcease I say, these uncharitable contentions, embrace each others love & friendship, ofreconciled foes become unfeigned friends and in amity's band. Knit all your powers together, to repel and subdue the power and pride of the common enemies of us all. So shall you by your charitable dispositions each to other, and byyour knightly prowess and manly resolution, each for other and each with other, prevent their purpose, that would procure this calamity. So shall we live in peace and safety, and long enjoy this prosperous tranquillity.  
YOu Landlords of this land, improve not your rents nor enhance your fines, but afford your poor Tenants (that always rests at your disposition) a livers bargain: entreat them as neighbours, and not as villains, extend not your power to oppress them by might, but stretch out your hands to defend their right, that they may hereby be enabled to pay your rent, maintain their families and answer her Majesty such taxes and impositions as shall be laid upon them, for the defence and preservation of our safety, that we may enjoy this happy tranquillity.  
YE Councillors and learned in the laws of this land, be ye more industrious in dispatch of your poor clients causes, use no procrastination painful to them, though gainful to you. If neither law nor conscience favour their case (as many such Cases shall come to your handle and most commonly prosecuted by the wealthy worldlings) O then flatter them not in their perverse proceed, but a duise them to cease their suits and misdoings, yet for that many causes are so ho nest and laudable in appearance at the first, (though in truth they are nothing less) and therefore you cannot discern the right from wrong, until by due course oflaw it be discussed. O yet when you shall perceive (by exami nation of every circumstance in particular) that you have the weaker side, by reason of the weakness and insufficiency of the cause, o then: even than I say, advance not the glory of your wits in the maintenance of falsehood and dishonest actions. Think it not a discredit to give place to truth, but rather a fowl impiety to oppose you against her: wander not in the wilderness of sophisticall sorceries, nor deck your speech with flowers of eloquence (compassed about with presumptions and shows of probabilities) to enchant the judge with such magical trumperies. And although hereby your profit shall be somewhat lessened, yet your praise amongenst good men shall be greatly augmented. So shall ye please God who will prevent these calamities, and every man possess his own in safety, to enjoy this most joyful and gladsome tranquillity.  
YOu Merchants, tradesmen, and Citizens of London (for to you especially I direct my speech) o carry a conscience to speak the truth, much more to swear the truth (though your oath ought to be but yea, yea, and nay, nay.) Make not fraud your broker to utter your wares: but when true meaning cheapeneth them, let plain dealing price them at a reasonable rate, & for a computant gain. Employ not your heaps of coin to usury, no although it be (as your fleshly reason judgeth) for mean profit, and such as our statutes tolerateth: yet know the statutes of God, do utterly disannul the ninth part of a farthing to be so taken, and pronounceth them accursed, that setteth out their money for such considerations. But lend thy money to thy needy brother freely, & relieve his wants with thy necessaries and God will repay it thee again, in his high Exchequer of heaven. Nor utter your wares and commodities to young gentlemen (upon statute Merchant assurance) for double and triple value; whose forwardness many times to run into your debt and danger, to maintain their prodigality and inordinate expenses, is the cause of the ruin and utter extirpation of them and their houses: & yet you think it justifiable before god & man to make the most of your wares in what sort soever. O deceive not yourselves by practising to deceive him that neither can deceive, nor be deceived, your thoughts are known unto him, much more your deeds. In a word, GOD here with is grievously offended, poor gentlemen and others greatly impoverished, and these calamities violent lie hastened. Therefore, if not for shame and conscience sake, yet for fear of God's vengeance, forsake this manquelling mischief, think not that well gained, that is evil gotten; and though you could be content to offend your Prince and oppress her people for your private profit, yet grieve not God for any earthly benefit. Be sorry for what is past, and make amends by restitution. So shall they not need to fear executions, but injoyethis tranquillity without molestation.  
YE Angellike youths ofEngland, in whose beautiful forms the wondered workmanship together with the unspeakable glory of the creator shineth: oh seeing he hath so richly adorned you with the ornaments of nature, do nothing undeacent or ill beseeming your comeliness. But alas, it is to true (the more it is to be lamented) that what God hath form, you have by your brutish behaviours and reckless insolence deformed, for what ungraciousness is resident on earth, unto which you are not inclined: yea and unto what lewdness may the sons of Adam be inclined, but you in the fullest mea sure and highest degree are thereto addicted, bearing yourselves on hand with a vain persuasion, that all your faults are taken and imputed perfections, & all your bad properties are esteemed as good qualities, if so they be (as I nothing doubt but so they are) it is with those whose faults are as great as your follies, whose affections are full fraught with all imperfections, and whose lusts are as lewd as your lives. And though through the corruption of this age, things that are not, are call led and reputed as if they were, for each proud man termed a proper man: each murderous manqueller, a courageous caviller: and each blasphemous swearer, a man of good demeanour: yet shall these trim titles falsely given nothing avail in the day of visitation, the naked truth of things, & not the painted show of things shall then be in high est regard.  
My heart (as being plunged in the depth of dole) is over whelmed with waves of woe, yea and my soul is sore vexed and unquiet within me, when I consider amongst the multitude of evil customs, wherewith this ungracious age is polluted, the impious, odious and most damnable custom of swearing, the wrong whereof the Saviour of the world sustains, in requital of his unutterable good will towards unkind mankind: and art thou o sacred saviour, thus injuriously dealt withal in recompense of all the injuries suffered in thy precious passion? Nay have I, wretch that I am, that presumeth now to reprehend others with such monstrous impiety, so aquitted thy great kindness, than which none can be greater: for greater love can no man show, than to suffer death, yea a most odious, bitter, and reproachful death to testify his love? then o my soul, my oversinfull soul, by whom (during the good pleasure of him thou so offendest) my body hath his motion and being, crucify thyself with anguish and sorrow, and seeing thy power hath such dominion in my wretched trunk, express thy sorrow by sending to mine eyes a fountain of tears: wherewith I may wash away (in some measure) thy loathsome filthiness, if thou do it not, the very steel & adamant, yea and stones of hardest temper shall rise against thee in judgement. For had they reason they neither would or could refrain from tears, yea and that in great abundance, to behold thy wilful and outrageous insolence.  
O Gentlemen and loving countrymen what fury so enchanteth me, and you, that we make no conscience of so great a sin, that so greatly grieveth the holieghost: for though before I have (in the vexation of my soul) reprehended in sort the enormities of our time, yet no one before touched, in extremity of evil, is to this iniquity comparable. For here with the king of glory is eftsoons tormented and crucified in heaven, as before he was by the cruel jews on earth, that heart, which before Longious spear wounded, is hereby again, violently rent. The precious blood, wherewith miserable man was (from the misery whereunto he was fallen) redeemed is through our wilfulness in this respect, rigorously effused, the wounds pierced again, the face buffeted again, the body scourged again, the head pricked again: and in disdaining the rebuke of the godly which in the zeal of his soul, for this sin of sins he giveth, we spit on him again and contemteously mock & deride him again. How cometh it to pass the devil so prevaileth, that for every trifling occasion: we vomit up such execrable oaths against the harmless and innocent lamb of God, in whose precious blood and holy wounds the sins of the whole world are coveted from the wrath of his father, alas how happeneth it that that blessed body, which in the heaviness and dolour of his spirit, sweat the most unkind sweat of blood and water for our health, is so unkindly dealt withal by us, we are (to our shame I speak it) we are more cruel than the jews against the Lord of glory. For they crucified him but once, but we every day, (yea every hour of the day) crucify him again and again: he sitteth at the right hand of his father, making intercession for us in heaven: we like unnatural paracydes tear and pull in pieces his blessed members on earth, yea and martyr him in more despiteful manner than the unbelieving jews. He blesseth while we ban, he prayeth for us earnestly while we swear, and dishonour him contemptiously: and finally we requite all his sufferings with scoffings, his merits with mocks, his torments with taunts, his love with hate, and his humility with pride and all impiety, and in a word, his holy and virtuous living, with wilful and horrible swearing: o cruel tormentors, o unkind and pitiless tyrants: how can we hope to have the benefit of his death, that as much as in us lieth, daily put him to death? but far is it from us to hurt one hear ofhis head, saving that he is grieved to behold our ungraciousness, and much displeased with our unthankfulness. We are forbidden in his gospel, to swear by aught that god made, yea by the least hear of our head, because (for so it yieldeth the reason) we can make neither of them white or black, but what is forbidden us that most willingly we do.  
The instruments, yea the cursed instruments, wherewith satan provoketh us to offer such violence against our Christ, Is cards and dice, which though for recreation they may in decent sort be used, yet a wiseman was of opinion that no wise man ought to use them, were it for aught or nought, because they are the very elements and first beginners of this blasphemy. For when the games will not frame in sort as we desire: and if the play that is offered us, be not as square as the die, but through the one and the other we are without further trial of law, dispossessed of our proper right, then do we curse and ban, swear and stare, yea with variety of oaths (which are thundered forth with all asperity) we blaspheme the blessed body and precious blood of our dear Saviour, reputing it but a sport or at least a petty offence so to do: and he that can most terribly tear him, we have in highest estimation, and without he can so do, he is too too simple to be a gamester, nay if such a one lose (as commonly those that pertains to God's election seldom win, because by their losses he would wean them from it) it will be said he looseth for want of swearing, & with such words of contempt be openly derided: As once I heard that a gentleman in name though (otherwise in condition) the dice bereaving him of more money than stood with his patience to lose) should burst forth into a marvelous great outrage of swearing and impatiency, amongst the rest of whose blasphemous oaths, he swore some fearful & unaccustomed oath which greatly offended the ears of a kinsman of this, that reproved him in this man ner: O cousin (saith he) what madness moveth thee so to blaspheme thy god, beyond the measure of all that ever yet blasphemed him; be sorry for thy fault, & God forgive thee: unto which he replied, let him never forgive me, for I swore it willingly. I wondered greatly at his reply, but I wondered more, that God in his just & severe judge meant against sin, (especially of so odious a nature) did not open the bowels of the earth to swallow him up quick as he did Chore, Dathan, and Abiron. But wonderful yea and unspeakable is the greatness of thy mercy and long suffering O Lord, which doest permit vile dust and ashes to abuse thy sacred Godhead and almighty Majesty: how unsearchable is the depth of thy patience, that canst endure so to be provoked, and how unspeakable is the brutish boldness of man's heart, that dare presume so to provoke thee. But O miserable man, thinkest thou that for because God prolongeth his punishments (as erst I said) thou shalt escape unpunished? or thinkest thou that for because his lightning and fearful thunderbolts lighteth upon trees, herbs, stones, & other sense less creatures, which might more deservedly light upon thee, that thou shalt avoid his final judgement? O no, it stands not with God's justice (if thou prevent it not by repentance) so to acquit thee. Excuse these faults how thou canst, they are utterly inexcusable, wilt thou answer it as thou art wont? and say it is good to have the name of the Lord always in mind and the blood of Christ still in remembrance, or when thy brother charitably rebuketh thee for swearing by him wilt thou reply (as often thou doest) what hast thou to do with the man or the matter, I swear by no friend of thine? if so thou wilt, thy will be done; but hereof I can assure thee, that that wilful will of thine, which is so repugnant to God's holy will, will in conclusion procure thy damnation. It is good indeed to have the name of the Lord always in mind (as thou sayest) and the blessed blood of Christ ever in remembrance as thou allegest, but it is not good to have it in so evil a manner; nay far better it were, that thou never name him or think upon him, than so to name him or remember him.  
But remember thou the fearful example of Senacherib king of Ashur, mentioned in the xviii. and nineteen. chapters of the second book of Kings, who for that he blasphemed the God of Israel, and with an high hand & outstretched arm opposed himself against him and against his servant Hezekiah, king of juda, was first bereft of an hundred four sc over and five thousand solemnising dyer's of his camp, by the visitation of an angel, at what time he besieged Hezekiah and his city jerusalem, and after murdered by Adramelech and Sharezer his own sons, as he was in the temple worshipping Nisroch his god. The great Antiochus, in like sort, breathing out blasphemy in the pride of his heart against the Lord of hosts, was smitten with an incurable and invincible plague, for even with the fault, a remediless and peerless pain of the bowels, and sore torments of the inward parts came upon him, & was thrown from his chariot in the swift course thereof in such sort, that all the members of his body were sore bruised with the fall; whereof it followed that worms came out of the body of this wicked blasphemer in great abundance, and whilst he was yet living, his flesh fell from the bones, with pain and torment, and all his army was grievously annoyed with his smell: so that no man, nay he himself could not abide his own stink, that a little before thought he might reach to the stars of heaven, command the floods of the sea, and weigh the high Mountains in a balance, so proud was he, beyond the common condition of man. Thus the blasphemer died a most miserable death in a strange country amongst the mountains.  
Nicanor, for his presumptuous blasphemy against the God of Israel was likewise in the battle which he fought against the jews (after five & thirty thousand of his host were slaughtered) slain himself, his head, hand, & struck off, and his blasphemous tongue cut out, and divided in small pieces and given to the fowls of the air, as a just recompense of his outrageous madness.  
These with many thousands more, whereof written verities maketh men-have been even in this life plagued with strange torments & unacspected deaths for their great wickedness in this behalf, it have brought the vengeance and just wrath of God upon whole countries and nations: and for that no laws are made to suppress and punish this offence on earth, God himself will punish it with vengeance from heaven.  
But O dear father I beseech thee, in the abundance of that great mercy, which thou (the almighty creator ofheaven and earth) extendest toward us the banishedbrats of Eve, at what time thou sentest into the world, the lively image of thy own substance, even thy word of promise, thy dear & only Son Christ jesus, that he by poverty, humility, meekness & charity, by buffers, whippings and torments, and finally by the most cruel and shameful death of the cross, should redeem and ransom unrighteous mankind, being in captivity (fast bound with the chains of sin) under the great prince of darkness & of death, that it would please thee in the greatness of that mercy and goodness of thine, to spare this Realm of England from the punishment, which we (through our wilful perjuries and odious blasphemies) worthily deserve, and as it were with strong hand pull upon us: Spare us good Lord, spare the English nation, and especially the supreme head and gracious governess thereof. Pardon our sins, and defer thy vengeance, till thy wrath be overpassed, and our penitency purchase thy pardon. Consider o almighty monarch of the celestial world, how prone all mankind is to sin, by natural corruption, engrafted in their flesh by Adam's disobedience, therefore & for the innocency of thy son jesus (which by firm faith is ours) grant us grace leisure and respite, to arise out of the cradle ofsecuritie, in which we are by sins delectation rocked asleep. Let thy great mercy exceed thy high justice to us wards, and let thy holy Spirit (which we beseech thee power on us abundantly) so prevail with us, that henceforth we refrain our tongues from blasphemous swearing, & our lips from leasing, that we may speak of thee reverently as becometh christians, & think of thee religiously as becometh thy servants. So shall it come to pass that living (as we ought) virtuously, we shall possess this peaceful plenty & long enjoy this peerless tranquillity.  
YE contentious wranglers, & restless busibodies, which under the show of simplicity harboureth hypocritical dissimulation, and under pretence of plainness do shroud much perverseness, prosecuting law for each lawless occasion, devising drifts, to deceive each other by guile and falsehood, bending the powers of your wealth and wits, to effect your contentious cavillations, regarding nei there the duty of christian love & charity, the admonitions ofholy writ, nor the comfort of neighbourly society, but with inward delight, and outward cheerful semblance, pursue your wilful purposes, with such earnest desire of each others downfall, that until your purses have cast up all their pence, no composition nor agreement will be had: and when beggary hath attached you by writ of want, then untimely repentance strikes the stroke of agreement. Mean while the lawyers laughs, when you have cause to weep, they smile to see you sad, they solace themselves in your sorrow: whose peevishness have occasioned your own impoverishments, whose coin have caused their credit, and whose wealth have supplied their wants, yet to prevent the sentence of law, you think yourselves happy if they discover aught that may procure delay, whicha shallow student may easily do, for though the laws in themselves be perfect, yet he that will be contentious (having the golden engine, which is of force to wrest them awry) may find starting holes a number: for the galls of the laws are as bitter as worm wood, which to my pain I have too lately proved: for which (as for my greatest cause of grief) all the Rhubarb in Alexandria, will scarce purge my melancholy.  
And therefore my good and loving countryman, attend that I shall (in a word) unfold unto thee. I speak by costly experience, to the end thou mayest eschew the like experiments. Our Lawyers for the most part will more regard thy money then the matter, for after he hath once set down the circumstante of thy cause in his baneful book of Mementoes and therein entered thy name: take this of me as long as there it remaineth, thou shalt never thrive, till either neighbourly concord cross thee out, or beggary blot thee out: for though the laws ought to be free for all the Queen's natural subjects, yet neither sergeant, chancellor, or attorney will understand the cause without thy coin: for his case is best, that is best underlaid with wealth and worship, for though it be dark, the glittering shine of gold can illustrate the same, yea and though it be bad, yet if that sovereign metal be thereto applied, it will mend it much, and cover the defects: for doubtless the lawyers plead are most effectual, and his proceed most judicial, when he finds the gifts to be most liberal: then will they with their painted eloquence, and rhetorical words ofslender substance, put such a glorious gloss upon thy matter, that the dark shall seem light, and the wrong right.  
Hereof I advise thee, that thou beware and be warned by me and other poor men that too late have experienced the same, let it not grieve thee to lose a penny, to spare a pound. Oppress not each other by riguor oflawe, and be not avenged on every wrong, remembering that proverb which saith: He that will be avenged on every wrath, the longer he lives the less he hath. Consume not thy goods in such unhappiness, expel those cotentious affections which wasteth thy substance, so shall the same be multiplied abundantly, thou shalt have God's blessing, if thou live in charity, and have a good report of all men generally, and long enjoy this peace and happy tranquillity.  
YOu English Romanistes, you that play inordinately before the golden calf, of your own inventions, and commit spiritual fornication with the great whore, who (like herself) in censeth you to seek, by sundry practices, the ruin and subversion of our gracious Queen, her state and kingdom, o seeing she hath dealt so mercifully with you (as had you not first attempted violence against her sacred person) you might have enjoyed your livings and liberties, both of bodies and consciences. Surcease your treacheries & touch not the Lords anointed, for Christ jesus will suffer no violence, (as we to our great comfort have seen and perceived) to be done unto his dear spouse our Queen and governess, but will manifest your conspiracies be they never so secret to your confusion and ignomies. But ifGod, for our deserved plague, should suffer you to prevail in your tyrannical attempts, o what are your hopes? or what should you gain thereby. Think you not to participate with us the ensuing calamities? O yes no doubt, for those that makes no conscience to set you on work, to effect so damnable a villainy will make no conscience to deprive you of lives and living for their own commodity. And therefore most lamentable it is to see, how foully you are bewitched and misled, by the instistigations and hand leadinges of such unholy holy ones, who seek to plant religion with the sword (utterly forbid den by God) and to moisten the same with thebloud ofhi dear saints. O cast your eyes upon the miserable plight of your native country, that have nourished, fed, and brought you up, if your treasons should (but I hope never shall) take effect: what havockes, what spoils what ruins, what rapes, what merciless massacres, what consuming with fire, what cities laid waste, what towns overthrown, what famine in our coasts, what misery in our streets, what lamentations on our walls, and finally what calamity is there on earth, that shall not in England then plentifully abound? Can you that seem so holy, professing Christ as we do (though not as we do) for common humanity sake, (if not for our sakes whom you hold heretics, endure so ruthful sight, or brook such barbarous cruelty. If so you can, then dare I avouch there remains in you, neither fear of God, saint, or devil. But I know (as far forth as man may know) some of you are better disposed though too many ofyou be traitorously minded, which better sort, I beseech God, as in duty and charity I am bound, in his good time to enlighten with his truth, that the mist of error and ignorance, being taken from their eyes, they may behold the bright sunshine of his sons glorious gospel, that we with them, and they with us may, in unity osfaith, pray for the peace of lerusalem, all the days of our lives: so shall God be pleased with us & preserve us from such calamities, that we may live in safety, and enjoy this peerless tranquillity.  
ANd lastly let us protestants be thankful to God, for that it hath pleased him in his unrecountable largesse and good will towards us, by means of Elizabeth our Queen, his dear daughter, to prosper the passage ofhi sons sacred Gospel, and let each of us in our several degrees, and callings walk worthy of so blessed a benefit than which none can be more blessed, let us express our faith as well by deed as words (because our good 
Phil. 19 10. 11  works setteth forth the glory of God) 
1. Pet, 2. 12.  that by our virtuous conversations, and charitable inclinations, we may stop the mouths of Christ's enemies and ours, and by our good example of living, they may be alured to embrace the faith of Christ, not in variety of kind, but in unity and concord, that love and charity may hold us all together in band of peace, that the church militant may flourish, and the church triumphant rejoice, that sovereign Elizabeth may joy in our obedience, and we rejoice in her gracious government, that the cloudy pillar go not from us by day, nor the fiery flame by night, that a sweet harmony may be heard amongst us, and disonnancte be utterly banished from us. That love may inflame our hearts with desire of each others good, and envy excluded that would each others harm. That the lion may be reconciled withthe lamb, and the wild ass pastured with the silly kid. That the pool of grace may flow over this realm, and the flames of our enemy's furies be quite extinguished. That the abomination of desolation may be removed from the holy temple, and the son of man exalted in his own kingdom. That Babylon may put on Zion, and Egypt become our own. That of wild olives we may become the true garden plants ofMiscreantes, Christians, of Ishmael, Israel, ofheathenish Idolaters and Antichristian Romanistes, evangelical & sincere worshippers of God in spirit and verity. That he may bless our Queen with a long and prosperous reign for our sakes, and we her subjects with peace and plenty, for her sake. That our souls may be fed with the heavenly Manna, and our bodies with the fatness of earthly abundance. That neither cost be spared, time overpassed, pains taking omitted, nor occasion neglected, to win that is withholden, to bring home that is strayed, to find that is lost, to repair that is decayed, to refresh that is wearied, to heal that is wounded and to restore that is ruined. That we hereby may prevent these calamities, live without fear of treason or treaherie, and long enjoy this thrice happy tranquillity.  
O that it would please God to honour me so much, as to give power to the persuasions in this book contained, to touch the heart but even of any one whose conversion might be wished, and whose amendment might ensue, I should then think the hour of my birth as happy as myself, whose hap pinnace herein cannot be expressed. O that I had (to this end alone) the tongue of an angel, that my words might be powerful, to bring them to knowledge, that their greatzeale might inviolably be coupled therewith. O that I had the spirit of God in as great measure as had blessed Paul, that my exhortations might pierce their breasts and altar their minds to this resolution. So should my soul be ravished with joy, and all my veins replenished with un speakable consolation. But forsomuch as I am unlearned, my words (I know) shall be contemned, and for my presumption I shall be condemned and for that I am young, I am the more unfit to advise the old. And for that I am myself, beyond all measure sinful, I doubt my persuasions will be the less powerful, because I have here tofore shaken hands with vanity, I shall be deemed most unmeet to deal with Divinity. But be it as pleaseth God, who knoweth the care I have of my Sovereign's safety, the zeal I own to my native country, the desire I have of my brethren's conformity, hath caused me to publish this little treaty. Which although it be not fraught with the enticing words of man's fleshly wisdom, yet is it replete with plain persuasions, tending to good purpose. The argument where of (being for reformation) than which nothing is more common, yet nothing more needful (Quia mundus totus in maligno positus est) which although I may wish it, yet can I not procure it, but to my power I will ever seek it, though I cannot but confess, myself do greatly need it.  
But by the way, I deem it very convenient to speak (though to very small purpose I doubt) of that wherein the devil is so much delighted, and where withal the world at this day is so grievously infected. Namely, the impious, deadly and damnable sin of pride and vainglory, which is the root of all unrighteousness, and the very key that openeth the gate which leadeth to eternal destruction: the least jot of whose venom if it once but touch the heart (except the precious oil of God's grace be thereon speedily powered) it will never cease swelling, till both body and soul be brought to confusion. Howbeit the noblest hearts are herewith bewitched, and with the poison thereof, even as it were suffocated, pride is the confounder ofmeekenes and virtue, it subdueth the souls and bodies of many, that otherwise are nobly minded, and causeth them many times to do that, whereof ensueth their downfall and destruction. For true is the proverb prove it who shall, that at first or at last Pride will have a fall. The first offendor in a sin of this kind as the scriptures testifieth, was Lucifer; which not being contented with the glory of the highest heavens, and the society of Archangels, Cherubins and Seraphins, would yet presume to make himself equal with God his creator: for which his pride and ambition (as being well worthy) he was thrown headlong from the height of heaven, to the depth of the bottomless pit of hell, where now he is damned perpetually, there to abide and endure the violent pains which God hath ordained for him and his damnable associates; and he that before shined in heaven as bright as the sun in his highest beauty, is now through pride, transformed to a fiend yea and that a most ugly and fearful fiend; whose horrible shape no mortal man can abide to look upon. Let a man have wisdom, beauty, strength virtue, knowledge, honour and riches, and he shall utterly obscure & eclipse the glory of them all, by vain glorious pride and stateliness of mind. But this sin generally hath more domination in women than men, which plainly appeareth by their high looks, sumptuous ornaments, and fantastical attire, that it may truly be said, pride hath so infected them, that they be even sick of the fashions; whence it cometh that men are alured to lust that else might live chaste, the blazing beauty of women brightened by art, so dazzle the eyes of their minds and bodies, that they are thereunto subdued and unto wanton desires captivated. As Holofernes the proud Assyrian, with the comely shape and beauty of fair (yet chaste) judith, by whose feeble hands (God so preordaining) his hateful head was divided from his shoulders, so greatly was he overcome with her beauty.  
Cruel jezabel (that Devil incarnate) which through pride painted her face, thereby to allure and betray jehu with her fairness (although it nothing availed her for God procured jehu to abhor her) was for her pride and tyranny, by God's just judgement, thrown down from an high window & dogs did devour her, as he before had promised.  
Had not Bersabe in bathing herself negligently discovered her beauty, David had not committed the foul offences of murder and adultery, and consequently Israel had not been plagued with such calamity.  
Therefore gaze not over greedily upon the frail beauty of a woman, lest thine heart be entangled therewith, and so thou become a slave unto sin, & thy soul a subject unto Satan, their shows are but shadows of a vain substance, the reward of whose pride is eternal pain.  
Pride is a sin of sins, fro whence (as branches from the tree) all and every sin proceedeth: it troubled the angel's ofheaven, yea and Christ's dear saints and holy disciples on earth. It offendeth the majesty of God, and plungeth man in main seas of sin and waves of wickedness. Happy is the man or woman, whom this unthrifty vice of pride and vainglory, hath not bewitched: & happy is he, whom titles of pre-eminence hath not led captive to so odious a sin, & earthly pomp that procureth pride is unstable and subject to sudden alteration, for when it is at the highest, it will suddenly descend, as it fared with the proud Babylonians, at what time they purposed to raise their tower to the top ofheaven, that so they might prevent the purpose of the highest, who seeing their pride and ambition, brought up on them such confusion, that the whole world to this day participateth thereof.  
O pride! thou damnable and infernal fury, bred in the deepest bottom of the lowest hell, fie on thy frailty; that hast destroyed so many kings and mighty potentates with thy poison, for wheresoever thou goest shame ensueth. By thee is Lucifer damned in hell, and perpetually excluded from the presence of God. By thee all mankind endureth misery, for that thou provokedst Adam to desire the know ledge of good and evil; and so consequently to disobey the commandment ofhi creator, for which he and all we his unhappy offspring are accurssed, and (without faith in Christ) for ever damned.  
By thee, Nabuchadnezer was transformed from his former fashion, unto the shape of a brute beast.  
By thee Agar advancing herself, for that she had conceived, & contemning her lady and mistress, was sharply punished as she well deserved.  
By thee Moab, Holofernes, Hamon Nicanor, Pharaoh, Balthasar, Antiochus, Herod & many thousands more mentioned in the old and new Testaments, were brought to shame & utter confusion.  
Thou bereavest men of their wisdoms, and women of their wits, as now (to the great grief of the godly) is daily experienced, for this part of the world, where Christ is and aught to be professed, seemeth rather to be the local place ofhel, than a state of christianity, so great is the superfluity used in apparel, and so monstrous are the fashions wherewith both men and women are now commonly attired: and where before our fathers coveted garments only to cover their nakedness: now we rather desire such, wherein our nakedness may be most discovered.  
But no more of this, lest this treatise be therefore despised, for hardly can it come to the hands of any, whose hearts surfeit not with this sin, whose eyes are not blinded with this vanity, and whose minds are not addicted to this enormity. But in a word, to shut up all: if the tavern be known by the luy bush, & an Inn by the sign: then verily a mind unchaste, inclined to wantonness, is by no one thing better known then by the outward habit, for they whose garments are new-fangled and sumptuous: most commonly their minds are unstaid and lascivious. Frame thou thy communication (saith a wise philosopher) according to thy garments: but if men and women in these days should follow his advise, (being appareled as they are) they should speak as if they were (as indeed too too many are) deprived of their wits, if their speech should be as fanatical, as their garments are fantastical, hardly should they be understood without an interpreter: for as there is no mean, nor measure in the one, so should there be no rhyme nor reason in the other, but God end it or amend it, or else it will never be amended, till all be ended. And to return where (by occasion of this vanity) I left) Call to mind, gentle Reader, the tyrannical persecutions, and cruel martyrdoms perpetrated in the bloody and pitiless reign of Queen Marie, imagine withal thou seest (as then to the grief of many thousands was seen) the tormenting furnace of Nabuchadnezer glowing hot, scorching and consuming the flesh and bones of Christ's dear saints and blessed martyrs. For professing the truth ofhis Gospel. Imagine thou hearest and seest (though to thy small edification or profit) the administration of his blessed word and sacraments in a tongue to thee unknown. Imagine thou seest divine honour and spiritual adoration performed to stocks and stones, and other senseless shadows, and thou (on pain of death) compelled to perform the like. Imagine yet further thou seest thy Christ rob and despoiled ofhiss honour to be given unto saints and other his creatures, & thou not only to be in danger of life: but to be excommunicated and held accursed, if thou do not participate of this blasphemous impiety, and when thou hast called to thy remembrance these, and thousands such like extremities, then compare that time of tyranny, with this sweet time of mercy: and thou wilt be constrained to say. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his people, & hath raised us up a Queen, by and under whose godly and gracious government we may serve him without fear, in true holiness and righteousness before him all the days of our life. And therefore let all true Israelites pray for her, from whom (as from the instrumental cause) these manifold benefits and irrecompensible blessings, are devolved to us. Let us not not with Isops frogs grow weary of her gentleness, lest jove in requital of our great ingratitude, send the stork to devour us. No man hath managed the charge of any one private household more duly & orderly then (since the beginning of her reign) she hath done this populous kingdom.  
Therefore O England, let thy young men and maids, old men and babes, thy beasts and cattle, thy fish & foul, thy mountains and hills, thy rivers & wells, thy plants and trees, thy corn and grass, thy fields and meads, thy cities and towns, thy woods and groves, thy downs and dales, each in their kinds laud and praise the Lord; for giving us such a Queen, in and by whom we are so happy; for & through whom we are blessed, and in whom as in a stream of Majesty and princely magnanimity, all the gifts and graces which God bestoweth upon the children of men do swim, and to his praise and her perpetual renown (with out fault or imperfection) do superabound. O but some will say (if so they durst) Sir you are too too extreme in her commendation: you infringe the bounds of truth, whereby it seemeth you aim at her favour by the level of flattery. She is not so endowed with gifts and graces as you vainly and most untruly affirm. Neither is she so faultless and praiseworthy, as you make her. Indeed, did not her deserts merit my praises, my flattery were too too palpable, but being no more than her proper right, the repetition thereof (I know) is utterly repugnant to her pleasure, and therefore they are deceived, which imagine, that I (poor snake and contemptible worm) aim at so high a mark, with so gross a shaft.  
But for that which first I did attribute unto her, besides her zealous forwardness, in the execution of God's will, and the matter of her and our soul's welfare, her exact knowledge of the tongues, her deep sight in the sciences, her quick capacity, her swift understanding, her mercy to offenders, her care of her subjects and her peaceable regiment, do plainly manifest: All which and many other such like, as invincible arguments do prove mine assertion.  
To the second, be it granted, that she is not utterly faultless, and therefore not utterly blameless, I reply: she is (though a most gracious Queen as I said) a mortal creature, framed of the same substance that we be, and therefore subject to those passions and infirmities that we are. But so was David of whom GOD said, I have chosen a man according to mine own heart, even David my servant, yet whether he were faultless or no, his own words do manifest, when he said. The wounds in my soul do fester and stink even through my 
Psal, 38, 5,  own faults, and offences, and again. Turn thy face (O Lord,) away from my sins, and blot out all my misdeeds, and again, My sins are more in number than the hairs of 
Psal, 51. 3,  mine head. And again I acknowledge my faults, and my sins are ever before me, and they thrust me down even as an intolerable burden: but if thou wouldst know wherein he offended, the holy Ghost will resolve thee in the second book of Samuel, and the 11. chapter. And letting pass all the holy kings and prophets mentioned in the old Testament, that acknowledged their infirmities, and yet God tendered as the apple of his eye: come we to saint Paul, who although he were no king, yet was he a blessed Apostle, and had the spirit of God in great measure, yet said he ofhimselfe, as his own Epistle to the Romans testifieth. The good that I would do, that do I not. But the evil that 
Rom, 7, 18, 19  I hate: that do I. If then it appeareth by these and such like undoubted testimonies, that mankind under heaven are sold under sin, who can then be so malicious to entwite her maiestywith that which is proper to all in general? Neither can she be touched with any blot of infamy, other than that which is incident to the most uprightest livers. If this be true (as what man liveth, & findeth not the same so to be be.) O than ye privy whisperers, and secret backbiters whose tongues are as the stings of Scorpions full of deadly poison, cease to sting her, whom youshal never hurt, or have power to defame, though like unnatural parricides, you seek it with all greediness, and as by her gracious government you breath & have your being, so acknowledge it, and be not such ungrateful monsters as to render her evil for good, but requite her loving kindness, with thankfulness, & her princely beneficence, withal dutiful obedience. Think reverently ofhir, for God's sake, and in respect of the great perils she still sustaineth for our sakes: for the pains she taketh for our only profit, and for the weighty charge, imposed upon her, and if (as one wise man saith) the cares that attendeth a crown were duly considered, it is not worth the taking up if we found it in the streets: then what a worthless jewel hath she ofhir crown, in respect ofhir cares, no one can express them, save she that hath them, and for our sakes do endure them. Therefore malign her not by word nor thought, But wish her well, and say, Good luck have you (O gracious Queen) with your honour, according to the great renown, wherewith the king ofkings hath ennobled you. Peace and prosperity, be unto them that love you, but confusion of face, and horror of conscience be unto all them that hate you. For your divine gifts and graces all people do praise you, and for the peace and plenty we enjoy by your means, we will ever honour you. Whereby you shall highly please God, in accomplishing his will, who hath by the mouth ofhi Apostle commanded all men to pray for kings and princes, and all that are in authority, to the end they may live a godly and peaceable life under them. According to which commandment, let all that be truly English fall prostrate before God's mercy seat, with all fervent devotion, and say.  
HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE. DIEV ET MON DROIT.   

The Prayer.  
COme down o Lord, come with thousands of thy Saints, come down I say, O God of jacob, and bless Israel, yea come and bless thy chosen and dear beloved servant Elizabeth our Queen, whom thou hast set up a mighty prince and mother over thy people and city Zion, and made the chief governor among the nations. O let Elizabeth live and not die, neither let her Honour be any thing diminished for our sins and offences. Hear O Lord the voice ofhir humble and daily prayers, and let her continue a prince of peace and Royal Ruler over thy people. Her hands shall be good enough for her, if thou help her still as thou hast done against her enemies. Right and light be with thy gracious handmaid, whom thou didst prove with great temptations and trial as thou didst Io seph, before thou didst anoint her Queen, and whom hitherto thou hast preserved a pure and undefiled virgin to promote thy glory, as thou didst thy servant David. She that in all her manifold afflictions, hath more esteemed the serving of thee her God, than saving ofhir self, and loved not her life so dear as she loved thy law: yea that preferred thine obedience before sacrifice: O let her our gracious Queen Elizabeth who hath thus done her duty, be plentifully rewarded of thee from heaven with the perpetual crown of glory and palm ofvictorie.  
She, even she hath taught jacob thy judgements, and Israel thy law: She hath put incense be fore thy face, and the burnt offering upon thine altar. She, even sheO God, hath with Hezechias restored thy sincere religion, and worshippeth thee aright with eve rye one that is godly.  
Bless therefore, O Lord, her substance and first fruits, & accept the works ofhir hands. Smite through the loins of them that rise up against her, & of them that hate her that they rise not again. O let the beloved of the lord dwell ever in safety, yea do thou o lord, vouchsafe to be her vail and defence all her life long, and dwell with her here in the church as her beloved spouse, head and governor.  
Lay thy left hand, O Lord, under her head, and let thy right hand embrace her, that she may find continual comfort in thy presence  
O fountain of the gardens: O well ofliving waters: arise o north and come o south and blow upon thy spouse, which is as a goodly & pleasant garden enclosed, and as a fountain sealed up for thyself, and water it with the springs of Lebanon, that it may grow great, and the sweet spices and smell thereof may flow out into thy nostrils, and thou eat of the pleasant fruit in her.  
Kiss her with the kisses of peace and righteousness, and let her two breasts satisfy thee, and be like two yongroes that are twins feeding upon the lilies.  
Let her be a sure wall and foundation, whereupon thou mayest build a golden palace, and let her breasts be as towers unassaultable, that she may be meet for thee her spouse to dwell in and be in thine eyes, as she that findeth perpetual peace and quietness.  
O God in whose sight her fathers did walk. Thou O GOD, which hast fed her all her life long unto this day, and delivered her hitherto from many treasons and dangers. Bless her still even with the blessing of Abraham, Isaac, & jacob, and all the patriarchs, with all the blessings of thy mercy's pro missed unto her father David.  
In her let Israel also be blessed: in her let thy graces so plentifully and manifestly appear, that the people may thence take a pattern ofblessing thee: and teach their posterity to bless and praise thee for thy goodness and mercy, both towards her and them.  
For she is to us thy might, thy strength, thy nobleness of dignity, and the excellency of power. She as a Lioness is laid down and couched safely, after the spoil Who shall stir her up? her enemies do all fear her: and do thou still charge the daughters ofIerusalem that they stir not up thy love, nor awake her by troubling her quietness and peace, until she please. O let not the brethren of evil, the revengers ofbloud, nor the instruments of violence and cruelty be in her court and habitation. O let not cruelty or falsehood come into her soul: into their secrets let not her soul come, neither let her glory be joined or stained with the assembly or damned crew of the wicked.  
Curse them that curse her, and bless them that bless her: divide them in jacob and scatter them in Israel, which shamelessly in their rage dare cruelly attempt any treacheries or treasons against her innocent and royal person: yea let them be condingly punished, who soever go about to trouble the state or overthrow her kingdom.  
The time is now come that the blessings of God showed unto her father shall take effect, and be stronger in her than the blessings ofhir elders, unto the uttermost ends of the world, they shall all beblessings upon the head of Elizabeth, and on the top of the head of her that is separate from her birth, and consecrated from the womb to dignity and honour, far above her fellow virgins and made the anointed of the Lord, to bear rule and to have dominion over men.  
Her beauty and glory let it be like the first borne bullock, and her strength as the unicorn, with the horn ofhir power let her smite the people together, even the ten thousands of Ephraim, and the ten thousands of Manasses.  
Bless her going out and coming in, and prosper her at home and abroad, in all her affairs both by land and sea.  
Make her glad joyful and willing to call thy people unto thy holy hill of Zion, and there in thy Church to offer with them together, the offerings of righteousness, that she and they may suck of the abundance of the sea, and the treasures hid in the earth.  
A lion's whelp let her be, to leap from Basan, and make her strong enough to defend herself from Balaaks curse, and against all the treasons of Zimri and Achitophel.  
O satisfy her with thy favour, and fill her with thy blessings, let her possess both the East, West, South and North parts of the earth.  
Bless her with people and make her acceptable unto her brethren and sisters, and to dip her feet in oil.  
Her shoes let them be iron & brass, and her glory health, wealth and strength to continue as long as the sun.  
Who is like thee, O GOD of Israel, which though thou sit upon the heavens, and ride upon the Cherubins, yet art thou our help and Saviour, whose glory is in the clouds and Celestial places.  
The Eternal God be still her refuge, who hath established her throne amongst the English nation, to his own glory and their unspeakable comfort.  
Thou hast restored again, the liberty of our country, and the sincerity of doctrine with peace and tranquillity. Thine, thine O Lord was the benefit, the means, the labour and service was hers, a burden too heavy, alas, for a woe man's shoulders, yet easy and tolerable by thy helping hand.  
assist her therefore O Lord, neither respect her offences, or the deserts of her parents, or the manifold sins of us her people, but think upon thy wont compassion, always at hand to thy poor afflicted.  
That Israel as even now at this present, may still dwell alone in safety and the fountain of jacob be plentiful in issue in the land of wheat and wine, and the heavens drop the dew of thy blessing plentifully upon her and her country.  
Happy and blessed art thou, O Israel, that hast such a Queen, that is so honourable among women.  
Let not the Sceptre depart out ofhir hand, nor kingdom be diminished: but let this thy most wise lawegiver, our meek Moses continue amongst us with honour to judge the people and gather them unto thee long in rest and peace, even until Silo our saviour jesus come, to crown her in his everlasting kingdom with honour and triumph.  
Bless her still O Lord, and give power unto thy Queen, that she may bestrong to keep the feet of thy saints within the walls of thy Church, and cause the wicked for ever to keep silence in darkness: Amen, quoth john Davies.   

The Author's submission.  
WHen I considered the variable disposition of the sons of vanity, together with the cross constructions of the overthawart carpers of our time, I had well near withdrawn my purpose in publishing this treaty. But when I called to mind, the causes that made me first take in hand this thankless task (which is expressed upon the forefront thereof) it emboldened me to prosecute what erst I had intended, and presuming upon mine innocency in that whereofis may any way be suspected or maliciously misconstred, I have (under the protection of my prince and country's favour) published the same, to such end and purpose as in it is men tioned. Howbeit if I have spoken any thing, unfitting so unlearned a clerk or contrary to the truth & mine own experience (which are the soundest averments) I humbly submit myself, and refer my little book to be reformed and corrected (according to the rules of perfect piety) by those of greater learning, & more approved judge meant. But for that I chiefly aimed at (namely the security of my sovereign and the prosperity of my country) I hope God stirreth up (by more worthy instruments) far better means daily for the continuance thereof. This shall be nothing prejudicial, if it in that respect, prove not so behoveful as God grant it may. The ch urch militant, whereof I hope I am a silly member, shall not hereby be impaired, if not reedisied, the godly offend d if not amended, nor the ill disposed made worse if not bettered For mine own part, if the least jot of any good that may be imagined, proceed from my small pains herein taken, to the Church aforesaid or to the least member thereof I shall think myself, yea though I endure (as I know I shall) the taunts of evil tongues, and the bitter fcofs of the scornful: and if I do endure them (as I am well contented so to do) the world gives me no worse measure, than it did the Saviour of the world, whose holiness and innocency oflife (which I wild earth and ashes cannot imitate) could not shield him from wrongs of like nature, but out it breathed all bitterness against him, yea though he came to redeem it from the bitterness of bondage, whereunto it was by transgression worthily fallen, and therefore far be it from me to grudge to drink of Christ his cup, that grudged not to drink of deaths doleful cup for my misdeeds. So commending my country's protection to the power inscrutable, and my sovereigns safety to the deity unutterable, I rest to her and it, the same I seem, or as I ought to be.  
john Davies.   

Hail SACRED SOVEREIGN, THE COMFORT OF ISRAEL.  

Joy thee betide, O England's Paragon,  
Whose grace preserves her glory undefaced:  
Whose sacred heads the royal seat whereon  
Rich Conquests Crown, triumphantly is placed,  
Whose lucky life prolongs thy peerless peace,  
which God maintain with high renowms increase   

O England, England, ten times happy Isle,  
Rejoice thou mayest in this thy gem ofioy,  
On whom the king of heaven in love doth smile,  
And foils her foes that would thy peace destroy.  
Then sith a king and Queen thy state doth stay,  
O bless them both, with condign praise alway:   

And cast thine eyes upon thy neighbour's woes,  
Behold the plagues, wherewith each land's oppressed,  
With judgement then compare thy state with those  
And thou alone wilt think thyself art blest,  
Bless him therefore, that so hath blessed thee,  
And thou from age to age shalt blessed be.   

Compel thy peers, to keep obedience bounds,  
That they may love their sooner aign as they ought  
Pen up thy pleasures in repentance pounds,  
one that is good, abandon that is nought:  
And from thy coasts expel Hypocrisy.  
In steed whereof embrace sincerity.   

Beware of pride, eschew the sap of sin,  
How sweet so ere it seem unto thy taste,  
With oil of grace, now let thy lamp begin,  
To give a light to all the world at last,  
That such as are in darkness may thereby  
Attain the light that lasts eternally.   

Unto which light, thy light thou shalt extend,  
If in this light, thy light be not suppressed,  
Then with this light, let thy delight ascend,  
Unto that light, which light alone is blessed,  
Thy light a loadstone leading to that light,  
Which light is light of lights, still shining bright.   

More bright (without compare) them burnished gold,  
More glittering gloriousthen the sparkling sun,  
So bright that mortal eyes cannot behold,  
The light thereof, until their light be done:  
Unto which light, as to our chiefest good,  
Bring thou us all, that boughtest us with thy blood.   
john Davies.