THE commonwealth's REMEMBRANCER FOR DISCOVERY OF THE Disturbers of her Peace.  
WITH A loving Reproof to such offenders. AND A Caveat to others to beware of them.  
By a Friend to Peace, with Truth, and true Liberty, R. H.  
LONDON Printed for G. Calvert, and are to be sold at the Black-spread-Eagle, near the West end of Paul's, 1659.   

The commonwealth's Remembrancer, for discovery of the Disturbers of her PEACE.  
FRiends and persons, you have divers years been under the Rod, chastised by the Almighty for amendment, and many of you seen his Great and Marvellous Works done amongst you, even in the view of some that remain as Brands plucked out of the Fire, and have need of Monitors to remember them of their Leader therein, and there-thorow, least matters of less moment cause him to slip out of their minds.  
But I am here chiefly (by way of Queries) to put you in remembrance how to consider of, and find out the Enemies of your Peace, Rights, and true Liberties, with their End● therein, (as manifested by their Actions) yet only so, as if it concerned some other persons, (and not yourselves) lest you should be misguided thereby, and not rightly discern between persons and things that differ, nor the Designs of such as lie in wait to deceive; wherein all plainness is (in love and a public way) used for their Reproof, Repentance, and Amendment, and your Care and Caution to prevent the like for the future, when truly sensible of what is but in part past; and herein also take heed of being hasty to censure, lest you miss of the author's meaning, and the benefit hereby intended you, and take offence before you know by whom the offence cometh, and what that is in you that is so offended; for Offences do come, and the woe is to them by whom they come, not to him that in love mentions them for amendment and, caution to others therein concerned.  
Are not such to be considered who spend a great part of the yearly increase of your Lands, Stock and Labours, (in riotous living) as they can contrive to get it from you, either by force or fraud, to uphold themselves in Authority over your Souls, Bodies and Estates, so as not to suffer you to come or go, buy or sell, dwell or abide in Peace, unless you give them what they ask, fall own and worship before them, and (at their pleasures) bea●, 〈…〉 e forth of your Meetings, stone, impris●●, 〈◊〉 otherwise abuse persons that (for conscience sake towards God) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, but declare against them as evil doers, the great Enemies of Peace, Christ's Righteousness, and your Souls, former●y called P●●sons, V●c 〈…〉 s, ●urates, Priests, Clarks, &c. 〈…〉 themselves Ministers, or Presbyters; but how like Ministers (〈◊〉, servants) divers of them have behaved themselves (towards God or man) in former times, Histories show; and in ●atter times, your own Memories (even woeful experience) may be to you a true Testimony; Assuming to themselves the sa●d Title of Presbyter, with Authority to 〈◊〉 and ordain others by laying their fleshly hands upon such other persons heads; and saying some invented forms or Words over them, all by a carnal Commandment at 〈…〉 Head of their Church cut off, the Root extirpate● because bad and bitter? and are the Branches sweet, and the Fruit good Food for nourishment? Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Now let all such as feel themselves truly touched and pinched by that of God in their consciences, 〈◊〉 in their minds, and wait diligently on him that the●e smiteth them and showeth them their deeds of what sort they a●e, and would cleanse them from all unrighteousness; but if such harden their hearts, and endeavour to excuse themselves by accusing others, than own Rod w●ll be their ruin.  
The ensuing Queries (I suppose) concern not all alike, but some more, some less; some in many, and some but in few of the ensuing particulars, and so to be remembered and soberly considered, the Great Contrivances having always been by a few leading Priests, and then afterwards carried on by a more general Consent, concurrence and Activity of others, with some contradict●on amongst themselves, and that being p●st, soon (like Herod and Pilate) they became friends to p 〈…〉 e ●●e the Righteous Seed and Son of God in his innocent and beloved Lambs, their main business being to supp●ess the Power of godliness, and every thing of conscience contrary to their human Inventions and Constitutions, thereby to keep you in darksome ignorance, and a superstitious, awful reverence of persons, places and things, ever to take advantage against you, and put Chains and Fetters upon those that have the true zeal of God in some things above others, striving by all means to break that zeal, and bring under that Spirit in the Lord's Servants (what ever it cost them) lest they should (by that) be discovered and made manifest, and therefore ever seeking to keep under and out of Authority all such persons and men of sober, serious, and public spirits, strict lives and manners, and to get preferred into Authority others of servile spirits, that have a mixture of ambition and vain glory, with other Vices fit to serve and support them and their Authority over men of tender consciences, and cause the faithful upright, and just, to be derided, scorned, abused and vilified, as in former and latter times is most manifest to all persons whose minds are not dark, troubled, and blinded by their deceivable inventions.  
1. Whether the said men are taught by, and come to you in the Wisdom, Will, Power and Authority of God, or of man? And what Rule have they to walk by, save only Interpretations, Inventions, Meanings, and Conclusions, raised and composed (by themselves and others) as out of, and from the Scriptures, to justify their Doctrines, Precepts, Practices, and Conversations? And do they agree with the Servants of Christ, or one with another, (all speaking the same things?) Or are they not therein contrary, and one contrary to another, and different, according to the times, occasions, and respective Governments, one while praying, preaching, and contending for a Religion, Way or T●in●, and at other times, otherwise, or against the same, frequently intermeddling with Affairs of Civil Government, and other men's private Concernments and Conditions, thereby occasioning strife and debate amongst you.  
Who, or what was it that confounded your understandings, disquieted your minds, and exasperated your spirits (so exceedingly) one against another in the beginning and continuance of these late Wars and Troubles, (the sad effects whereof you yet in part feel) as to begin with those sports and pastimes whereof they had Books, which they generally read and published in their Meeting-Houses, (called Churches) about the latter part of King James' his Reign, for Encouragement of Minstrels, Dancings, revelings, May-Games, Stage-Plays, Morris-Dancers, and such like Exercises to be frequently performed on the first Days of the Week, (called Sabbath Days) to the high dishonour of God, (whom they those days also would seem especially to Worship and serve) and grief of the persons then scornfully called Puritans, and others the sober minded amongst you, which then were by that means cruelly mocked, contemned, scorned, despitefully used and abused, because they ran not with others into the same excess of riot; and (those of you that remembers these things) consider who the profane, the then irreligious and vicious persons did applaud and rejoice in, for publishing, encouraging, and joining with the said Exercises they then called lawful sports and pastimes.  
2. From whence, and by whose Ordination, Concurrence and Agreement (in the late King's reign) were the than Altars? and by whose Practice, Example, and Commands, the frequent bowings thereto, and at such distinct distances and differnt manners, with other the Inventions and Actions then and there performed with so great zeal for their new high places, Rails, Garments, and other Innovations? And who were they that in those performances, and in visiting Crosses, Wells, and other places, in Preambulations, singing the litany, &c. were adorned with Canonical Coats, Girdles, Surplices, Rockets, Tippits, Hoods, and the like, besides the great reverence said to be due to their persons, Office and Ministry, which (their Followers) were directed to manifest by distinct Bowings, standings up, and kneelings down before them, when, and as they pleased to teach, order, and command to be performed in their Meeting-Houses and elsewhere?  
4. Who were they that (as the aforesaid services were increased) flocked to London, Westminster, and Lambeth, to have their Wages also increased to ten Groats▪ or at least eight Groats out of each pound of every man's Lands, Stock, and Labours, and a part of poor servants Wages, not then esteeming tithes, G●ebe-Land, and other their Offerings, Incombs, and several plurallities, a competent or sufficient maintenance; but they (being over hasty therein, and the time not judged seasonable) failed in that particular, and then what frequent Counsels and Consultations held those men in the several Count●es and corners of the Land (under colour of Lectures, Em●er-Week-●asts, and otherwise) to consider of, consult, and find out s●nse other way for Augmentation to their Authority and Maintenance?  
4. Who were they that began and continued such, and so many vexations Suits in Law with their Patrons, Parishioners, and others, wherewith the Courts at Westminster, the Great Assizes in Counties, and other Inferior Courts were even pestered (as Records may manifest) besides their frequent Suits and Summons before, and in the than Bishop Courts, sometimes for small tithes, working upon some Popish Holy Days, (though but in repairing a Fence to save Corn, and preserve peace amongst Neighbours) for not g●ving them timely notice when tithes were to be set forth to them; for going from some of them to hear in other Parishes; for Meetings (by them called Conventicles) or for not allowing Servants to join in the before mentioned sports and pastimes, and oft times obtaining Excommunications therefore, and speedily turning them into Writs, and thereby causing men's bodies to be attached and imprisoned, whereby many conscientious persons were (in a manner necessitated to leave their dwellings, and this Land, to seek peaceable Habitations elsewhere, which divers of the said active persons made use of as an encouragement to their then design, some boasting thereof, and that they hoped to have another Authority before it were long, wherein their labours have not been lacking, neither at their then High Commission Court, nor other places, as hath notably appeared to all that have been willing to see it.  
Who served, assisted, and encouraged the late Bishops in making the Cannons, Liturgy, and Service-Book, (little differing from the Mass-Book) to be imposed upon Scotland, and preached against the Scots, (when that Book was refused by them, endeavouring to make them, their Religion and practice seem odious, & their own (new-invented) Altar Worships, forms and bown●, acceptable services to God, thereby then obtaining a Declaration against the Scots, whereby (with great zeal) they proclaimed them Rebels; and after that a Form of Prayer against them, which divers of the said men as zealously read and seemed to pray in their said Meeting-houses. And who (after that) preached up an Army of Londoners and others, to enforce the said Book upou the Scots; and for the maintenance of those Forces, did the like to have ship-money paid by you; as also concerning Grants to patentees, and pleading for such and other Monopolies and Arbitrary Inventions, all oppressive to tender consciences? Besides the many Articles (the Bishops and they) then set forth, so numerous and contradictory that they could not be performed by the churchwardens (so called) whom they caused (or rather forced) to swear to present men by; nor could others find how to escape the Snares thereby laid for them.  
6. Who, or what sort of men continued the Convocation-House ut Westminster about the year 1640. (after the than Parliament was dissolved) by a Commission obtained of the than King, (under the Name or Title of a Synod) and thereat made new Constitutions, Canons, &c. Armed with Censures, Deprivations, and Excommunications, whereat was the then new Oath made for establishing their usurpations, and to justify their Altar-Worships, Inventions and Innovations? And who of them there imposed that great Tax upon themselves in general, and on divers others, for the raising of more Forces (as an Additional-army) to go against the Scots, and procured divers of their Creatures to go, and send forth men Horses and Arms, to carry on that their Design, all contrary to Law, and your Rights and Liberries, and (for the raising of those differences) so far prevailed, as to obtain the discountenancing and putting out of favour, trust and office in the commonwealth, divers of the most conscientious, sober, discreet, and fit persons for those services, and thereupon procuring others (that they knew would comply with them) to be settled in such Offices and employments, thereby uniting a sort of the Nobility and Gentry to themselves, as also the generality of the profane, ignorant & negligent professors; but these then called Puritans they found themselves unable to seduce. Have I need to remember you, or ask you concerning the charge of those Forces, what, or how many hundred thousand pounds was paid the said Scots afterwards, or who paid it; or of those other Matters of dangerous consequence, (by the said Convocation or Synod contrived) whereof all other sorts of persons (besides themselves) have sufficiently tasted? Or how they so continued acting until the next Parliament called them to account, and punished some few of them, but the generality escaped, and ever since have stood in the way of, and endeavoured to prevent all just proceedings tending to your Rights and Liberties? Was not your fire hereby kindled, unto which the Authors have ever since been adding Fuel of one kind or other, to this very day? Were they not of this sort of men that made Libels against the Parliament in the year 1642. imputing it as a crime that the King was not then believed, and those with him trusted, several ways charging them, and provoking the people to disobey that Authority, supposing to carry on their design by interrupting and preventing the Parliaments proceedings in order to your Rights and Liberties.  
7. Who were they that seeing they could not be advanced by means of the Bishops, preached against, railed on, and earnestly endeavoured to have them suppressed, (whom but little before they prayed for, as their Right Reverend Fathers) saying, The Bishops did them wrong by taking upon them as they did; that as Presbyters they (the said men) ought to have been authorized and called for to join in the choice and ordination of Ministers? Did it not thereupon generally ring in their Sermons, That Presbytery is the true Clergy, and the Church of Scotland a true Church; then contending for the Scots and Scottish Religion (which but a little before they cried outagainst, and also proclaimed the Scots Rebels, and prayed against them) because that then seemed their hopeful way of rising into the like Authority as the Bishops had, each to be at least a Master, Bishop, or Presbyter in his Parish, and the chief men there, his Lay-Elders; and yet herein they did not then very well agree amongst themselves.  
8. What sort of men, and who were they that divided themselves (as nncertain whether by the help of Rome or Scoeland, might be their readiest way of rising into Authority and Estates) into several Parties, and by Writing, Praying, Preaching, and pressing Arguments, persuading you to go forth from your dwellings, some to fight ●or the King, some for the Parliament, others taking all advantages in their Parish-Meetings, and elsewhere, to stir up discontents and enmity in your spirits one against another, thereby hasting you into a bloody and desperate War one party against another? And what was this for, but the obtaining of their ends by the first Way of Rome, or the other of Scotland? Either of which (it seemed) would have served their turns to maintain them (their Wives and Children in ease, pride and idleness) with Authority to punish all such as should presume to contradict them, or deny what they would have by way of tithes or otherwise, or impose any public Charges on them: Thus prevailing with you to enlist yourselves into two great bodies or armies one against another, and by several inventions and execrations against those that were afraid or unfree to go forth in Arms to shed the blood of their Neighbours, Brethren, Fathers, &c. one party of the said men crying, Come forth, fight for God and your King, the Lord's anointed, and the Protestant Religion; come forth willingly, you fear not God unless you serve and honour your King. The fearful shall have their portion in the Lake, &c. (said another party.) Come forth, fight for Christ, your Religion, Laws, and Liberties, &c. And a third party so on both sides by Preaching, Praying and Writing, as they stood affected, and as either Army came near their beings: I say, Was not this the means used? And who were those men that then took this way to beget and increase your enmity and hatred one against another, so between nearest Relations as is scarce to be found or named amongst sober men, (such as some call Heathens, that have but natural affections) to the end that through these storms they might find out an easy way to their desired Haven, wherein to sport themselves, and rant it over other persons souls, bodies, and estates, and this all under colour and vizard of Religion, duty to God, and your good; so must the King (by some of these men) be persuaded to take Oaths and Protestations, and set forth Declarations that all he did was for the Protestant Religion and your Liberties, thereby to strengthen his Party, and persuade you to believe it; and also persuaded him to seem to comply in several Treaties with the Parliament, even to the very last at the Isle of Wight, &c. Shall I need to ask, or remember you how active some of these men were in plundering on each side, and encouraging Officers & soldiers thereto, under pretence of weakening that party they set themselves against? Or of the Contrivances, Means and Friends, many of them made use of to get into each others Livings or Benefices (if greater than they had before) of some, thereby so entering into two or three such Benefices? Or how divers of these men strove to give content to both Armies, to pray for, preach for, and sometimes give thanks on either side, as they come near the places of such men's residence, and either had prevailed in any storm or Victory, or did but say so: Were not some then so forward as to commend any killing of English men on the one side or other, for exrellent service, and thereupon rejoice and give thanks (as they called it) in somuch that sometimes there hath been such Thanksgivings and Rejoicings on both sides for one and the same Victory? Or shall I need to remember you of their Railings, Revilings, and evil● speakings against those they called Antinomians, Anabaptiss, Arminians, Sectaries, schismatics, heretics, &c. Or some of these men's petitioning against such sundry times, blowing the coals on both sides the fire, as they got room, and still adding Fuel thereto, for their design sake, when a fit opportunity might serve, the particulars whereof (when collected) may swell to a very great Volume; which Work (its like) may be by some other more diligent observer thereof, their Ways and Deeds of darkness being not easily discerned, and therefore I mention some most obvious, lest they should think them altogether buried in oblivion, and continue impenitent, and you in security. Let me here add this also, (not to be forgotten) that the Parliament were necessitated for your, and their own safeties, rights, and liberties, to call upon you to enlist and maintain each other in a defensive way, when the late King had set up his Standard, and proclaimed a War in his own Land, amongst, and against his own Subjects, was not this the real difference between his Case, and their endeavours for you; but how far that will justify any the aforesaid men's designs, I leave to you to consider of, and them to the light of Christ in the conscience, &c. Which of these parties of this sort of men are your Ministers of Christ? Or did he or his Ministers at any time so seek to destroy men's lives?  
9 When many of the aforesaid sort of men saw they were not like to obtain their desires by the King in the way of Rome, What Art, Industry, and Diligence did they use in their next design to have the help of their said Brethren of Scotland, which they saw could not be plausibly carried on and established to their Wills without some consultations about it, and therefore would needs have it by an Assembly of themselves, which they called a Synod or Assembly of Divines, scarce taking rest until they were so owned, (though called together upon their entreaties, only to offer their humble Advice to the Parliament) and how Authoritatively did they then act, (as if they had been again in Convocation as, and with Bishops) and as if no man were to doubt of their Determinations, or question their contrivances, some Writing, and others speaking as in Acts 15. that it might be said of their proceedings, It hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to them, to order, direct, &c. so that every man should receive rules from them in all things pertaining to the Worship and Service of God: But he that sits in Heaven laughs them to scorn. It is (also) like many of you may remember what great hast they then made to have their Decrees established accordingly, and bow they took their opportunities for it, when divers Members of Parliament were employed in the country and Army, their favourites (for the most part) being then in the House, thereby to settle themselves so, as to be able (with assistance of their Lay-Elders they would choose) sufficiently to Master, and deal with all Sectaries and other persons that should prove refractory, or any way disobedient to them or their Decrees, either by their Parochial; Classical, Provincial, or National Inquisition, or High Commission Courts.  
10. Is it here requisite to be remembered what Charge that Synod was to you at 4. s. per. diem each man, and large Benefices, besides the Allowances given to some of them by the Committee they obtained, called, The Committee for plundered ministers, when few of them were plundered; and in case some one of many did lose that way, he must be speedily and sufficiently repaired out of your moneys, or else that would serve for a railing Theme, to fill up divers of their Hour-Sermons. Are not these persons the now great Plunderers in all parts of the commonwealth, forcibly taking (and causing to be taken) away men's Corn, cattle, and other Goods, what, and when they please, under colour of their Office and Ministry, and nevertheless now prevailed to have their said Committee revived as for plundered Ministers, whiles thousands of poor, (whereof divers have been plundered, and remain without any relief) not only want Bread, but employments whereby to labour for the relieving of themselves, Wives and Children.  
But what at last did the said Assembly or Synod bring forth but a National Covenant, a Chatechize, and a dead Directory for the living God to be worshipped by, with their establishing themselves as rightly ordained before by the Bishops, and a new Way, Method, and Manner of ordaining others, wherein their Brother Calamy led them to begin with seven young men in his meetinghouse at Aldermanburic in London, for an introduction into that new devised Way and Worship, (wherein the Lord God is not so mocked, however they deceive themselves and others:) but as for any Benefit, Commodity, or Advantage unto you concerning your souls or bodies, that seemed not their business; neither would they willingly then (nor since) suffer other persons to do their duties therein, and deal plainly with you concerning your souls, (when they could or can prevent it) lest they should thereby lose their praise with men, their Fame, & fat Benefices; for they well know that when you shall withdraw your breath from them, they presently wither, die, and become as empty Idols, so that all men will then see whereof they are made; but while you put into their mouths, (what they would have) fit yourselves in gay and gaudy Apparel, and so fall down and worship before them, own them (because of their Book-Learning) to be the only persons to speak to you from God, and to God for you, give your honours, Wisdoms, Wealth and strength (that the Lord God hath given you for his service) to them for the service of their lusts, (and excessive pride of their Wives and Children) and pay all Military Taxes and other-like Charges for them; and they have the glebe-lands, tithes, Stocks, Estates and Incombs (they get from you) altogether free to maintain them in ease and idleness, (without working with their hands (the thing that is good) and eating their own Bread) when many of the poor amongst you (labouring and toiling hard) must pay Contributions and Taxes over and above what may, or can be well spared from the thin backs, and hungry bellies of their Wives and Children; I say, While you thus do, no wonder if you continue in blindness, errors, and ignorance, without the knowledge of God (to your shame) and neither see, nor desire to be free from these afflictions they bring upon you, which on you are just that so uphold and maintain the Enemies of Christ, of your own souls, and the Nations peace. Need I yet further remember you how some of them have struggled for, and got Augmentations to their former Benefices? How divers also have got fifty pounds each man to carry them for Ireland, and when there 100 l. or 200. l. by the year, and some more for preaching, or rather deceiving that people with their lying Inventions, and causing punishments to be inflicted upon those that shall therein contradict them, whereby it is evident that whosoever hath gained by these times of Trouble, they have not lost theereby, nor their favourites failed them therein, though it is, or may be clearly seen, that far greater things have been expected by them.  
11. You may not forget the said Solemn League and Covenant, nor need I further tell you who brought forth that birth, and gave it that Name, as also sometimes calling it the Oath of God, and National Covenant, (as their Brethren of Scotland had) but so cunningly contrived of ambiguous Words and Terms, to answer all the author's ends, as no Antinomian, Independen, Anabaptist, Seeker, or other Sectary (by them so called) or person (in any kind or sort differing from them) might find a way to escape out of their net, with full confidence also that they (the said Authors) should be the only interpreters thereof, whereby they might turn the sense and meaning, any way at any time, or on any occasion to serve their turns, and teach their younger Brethren to do the like, assuring themselves that none they called Lay persons ought or would presume to interpret or give the Meaning of any part of so Excellent a Piece of their workmanship; and then how highly did they extol that new Idol (their Covenant) and preached it up, as a thing so absolutely necessary that none ought to refuse it, remaining as restless until they had prevailed with most of the Members of Parliament to lift up their hands to it, and subscribe it, and therewith got the stamp of Authority upon it, That all men in the Nation should be called, to lift up their hands to the most high God, before that Covenant, and swear etc, and then how was the sound of that solemn League and Covenant in every man's ears (of Cities, Town, country and Army) by the makers thereof, and their younger Brethren riding and running from place to place, from one part of the Army to another, in all haste to surprise men thereby, eagerly pressing, and earnestly persuading men speedily to take that solemn Oath; and many that could not be so brought under their yoke must be enforced thereto, some by loss of Estates or liberty, others by loss of their Places, Offices and employments, and all refusers thereof styled Malignants and enemies to the Common Wealth (though many such refusers were then with their Swords and lives as in their hands for the Parliament and your Liberties) whereby divers of your friends and faithful servants were displaced and rejected as Offenders, and then under this Cloak and Mask (of naming the most high God and that Covenant) all other their inventions must be sheltered, ushered in, and carried on, and the greatest part of their Sermons be of the excellency of your so entering into Covenant (as they said) with God, and of the benefits thereby accrueing to them that so did, and the danger of refusing such an opportunity so to do; and this being thus carried on to the height, in the next place they could tell you how the Oath of God was upon you, how you had lifted up your hands to God, and of the great Danger of breaking Covenant with him, with their then new sense and Meaning thereof (according to the then occasion) to be observed upon the highest penalties, although it may be boldly asserted, and let that of God in every man's Conscience answer him, whether themselves that made it (taking them severally and jointly) or any other persons (that took it) then did, or yet do understand it, so as to say positively, this and no other is the meaning of any one of the six branches thereof, the interpretations thereupon may be, and are so particularly various: Neither is it to be supposed that the Contrivers thereof ever intended it should be understood by any man, but that all should admire it, and be satisfied with their respective meanings thereupon, however differing therein, not only one from another at one and the same time, but on all occasions using the same as a Ladder to climb up into Authority over your souls, bodies and estates, (more generally and Tyrannically then the later Bishops exercised) could they have gotten up to their intended height. And were not some of these the men that stirred up discontents in the Citizens of London against divers faithful men there entrusted with the Militia, persuading that none were fit to have to do with the Militia in that City, that were then of the Parliaments Army (they called Sectaries) or disaffected to the ends of their said Covenant, holding forth this Covenant to make way for them in all their Designs, new Canons, Constitutions, directory, &c. whereby their congregational, classical, provincial and national Courts were to take their Rise, and be established to enslave and vex you with continual suits and attendance from one of their said Courts to another, and all under the specious pretence of Religion, Rules and Ordinances for the worship and service of God, and good of his Church?  
12. When the faithful servants of the commonwealth (in the Army and elsewhere) were discouraged, and divers of them displaced (as aforesaid) where, or what sort of men procured also the bringing into these places many loose, profane, and disorderly persons that could comply, take Oaths and Covenants as directed?  
And were not the Parliaments then three Armies thereby speedily brought into a kind of Confusion amongst themselves, and rendered unfit for your service, and on the other hand the King not only became Master of the considerable Garrisons, but also of the field itself and was it not (even then) many of these men's great cry: that God was against the Armies▪ and they prospered not, because their Covenant was not generally taken, and strictly observed, and that the Government of the Church was not established (as they advised and directed) whereupon the Parliament was necessitated to take notice of the approaching danger to themselves & (you the Lord in mercy directing) then drew forth of those three Armies one entire Army, and therein again employed these faithful and valiant men (that before were so put forth) and others like faithful persons were therewith joined, and united hearts and hands together, under their then truly noble, faithful and self denying general, their Lieutenant general, and Major general, and other like Officers, and obedient valiant Soldiers, to the great and general dissatisfaction of those Covenant Makers; yet still they press to have their Covenant enforced upon that Army also, as knowing no other way to break it, and that at such time when (under God) the very safety and external welfare of this commonwealth lay at the stake upon that Armies Proceedings, and here none else to stand in the gap, &c. and when some of the said covenant-makers' (and others of that sort) had by their endeavours (as was then said) prevailed with the Scots Officers and other old soldiers to withdraw themselves from, and leave that Army, as designed for destruction, (whereof the Lord of Hosts was pleased to make another manner of use contrary to their expectations) and when that Design took not, how shamelessly did divers of those men rail against, revile and asperse that Army, labouring by all means to bring an Odium upon it, by false Reports and slanders; and who were they that then prevailed with the said Scottish Officers and others to wait in London and Westminster until they should see the destruction of that Army they called the inconsiderable number of Rawheads new Noddle, &c. whom (said some) the King's Party will soon make an end of, and then the said Officers would be sought to, might make their own conditions, & be employed according to their desires. What should I say more of the railing accusations then brought against that Army they called Sectaries, prophesying the ruin of the whole, &c. in case these men were continued in Arms, thereby to weaken all hands in the time of the Parliaments greatest weakness, how many of these troubles, did manifest their grief and sorrow of heart when they understood the King prevailed not against that army (they called sectaries) at Naseby fight; (much taken notice of, in, and about the said Cities at that time,) whereby it is evident that these (of that sort of men) with the King, and others from him, were then indifferently agreed any way to do their own business, as hath appeared since, to your sorrow, sad sufferings, and loss.  
13. Who were they that held correspondence one with another, and employed spies in all parts of the land under colour of getting intelligence of errors and heresies, held (as they said) by some Officers and others of that Army, which one called Dr. Edward's (a Priest then in London did especially manage; and what strange things had they thereby invented to charge that Army with, and which were then put into print in several books (one after another) by the said Edwards, called his gangrenes, stuffed with Mistakes, forged inventions, and filthy lies, still pressing their Covenant to prevent errors and Heresies, as they said, and labouring with the Parliament for an Ordinance to inhibit private Meetings, (they called Conventicles, as the late Bishops had done) which they had oft before sought for, when the former Armies were at a distance from London and they supposed the time seasonable, but as oft prevented by some considerable losses in the Army or forces, when in any measure the Parliament incline to such persons therein.  
And who (about the same time) stirred up those called the Clubmen in many parts of the Land (and some priests with them) under colour of defending themselves, and estates from plunderers, even when this sort of men saw the Parliament like to prevail, and their ends not accomplished?  
14. Whose design was it to have the late King carried to the Scots, when the whole Nation was even brought (almost) into obedience of the Parliament, and great hopes of a speedy settlement (As supposing themselves sure that way to make their own market by and with him?) and who were they that so earnestly persuaded to have the said Army speedily Disbanded, (when the King was bought and brought, back again from the Scots, and nothing else seemed to stand in their way) persuading there was then no need of that Army, and no way would serve to Disband it, but by troops & companies, apart one from another, before due satisfaction given them, or any satisfaction of them in what they had done, or any the Rights and liberties, (for which so much blood had been spilled, and Treasure spent) so much as ascertained, much less settled and established, unto you and them, arguing that the great Taxes might then be much abated, bloody Ireland relieved by these that should after be enlisted under other Commanders for that Service; some soldiers go back to their former employments, and others (of their choosing) be employed here by this means to have broken all in pieces, and set one party against another, rather than to fail of their intendments, further pleading how dangerous it was to continue that army, or to send them together for Ireland under their own Officers, how soon they would so conquer Ireland, and fill that land with sectaries, and then how should they be dealt with here at that armies return, when their doctrine should likewise further spread over England; some saying (though they could not but confess that God had manifestly appeared in, and by them, and they had done great services) they were not to be continued, and therefore nothing could satisfy but such a disbanding as might disperse, & discourage them &c. whereupon some officers of the said Army, and soldiers, having notice of the design, the designers prevalency, and evil consequences thereof to the whole Nation, advised together how to draw up a Petition to their then General for satisfaction in a few particulars, whereof some of the said persons got intelligence, and without any certain knowledge what the said Officers intended to Petition for, first had an Order got to suppress the said Petition, and thereupon a Theme to preach of, and cry out of dangerous principles in the Army, and designs to oppose the covenant, labouring to have the Petitioners censured as enemies to the State; and how then, and by whom did the slanderous libels and Pamphlets fly abroad, divers Officers of the Army imprisoned, and after released without being told the cause of their commitment; and when (in much mercy to this Nation) they were prevented therein, how did some prevail with divers Londoners to prepare a Remonstrance against the army, and then stirred up Refarmado Officers and others, to enlist men, and there got up another Army, and prevailed so far as to have the Militia there taken out of the hands of faithful men, and put into other hands to carry on their design by heading forces against the Army, and set on foot a new war which might have proved more bloody, and terrible, then that before; but the Lord of all the earth pleased to turn their counsels (like that of Achitophel's) into foolishness, and direct the Army (in obedience to the Parliament) to do their duties soberly, so as that (in a mild way of prevention) things were brought back into their former condition of peace, and the said Militia again into safe hands.  
15. Who in the next place procured the said Reformado Officers, (whereof some had been disbanded, some cashiered, and some served the King,) with divers Londoners to force the Parliament to pass several votes, &c. which was so great a breach upon the privileges of Parliament, as that the Speakers and members of both the than houses were necessitated to repair to their said Army for safety, and when returned (at their then next free sitting to recall these votes so by these pastwhile under that force, and also dispersed these Offisers (so made use of to put that force upon them) but the many Contrivers & Abettors escaped, though much then spoken of, because of the State of affairs at that time; but rested they here? or did they not rather wait for other oppertunities wherein the Lord by his wise providence prevented them sundry times? yet for all this they were not willing to see his hand stretched out against them, and turn to him, neither do they yet seem willing: now all you that in any measure are turned into the light, brought into the fear of the Lord, and did see his mercy and marvelous works in these times, forget not all his benefits, his deliverances (in your low estates) from intended deaths, when that Army was so despised and railed on (by scorners that oft sought their lives to take them away) low and weak in their own esteem, than did the Lord strengthen and put courage into his servants that truly trusted in him, and believed his salvation, cleaving unto him, and one to another with all their hearts; Yea truly then blessed were they, while many others before mentioned were exercised in cursing them, and sorrowing at their safeties, and successes, and when the Lord enabled ten to chase hundred, and a hundred to put a 1000 to flight, for that was the Lord's doing, & marvelous in the eyes of many beholders, being in order to the great war (manifestly begun) between Michael and his Angels, and the Dragon and his Angels, in this day of God almighty, to the terror and amazemen of all enemies that would not Christ should reign over them, but stand in the enmity, equally fearing, and hating the goodniss, wisdom, and mighty power pf God in his sons and daughters.  
16. Who, and what men were they that in the heat and height of these Military affairs, and taxes upon you, were so restless, until they obtained an ordinance for tithes, (with treble damages, or value for nonpayment) foe far prevailing, that those who had not wherewith to pay should be imprisoned &c. he that remembers these things need not be farther advertised of that sort of men's practices, or prevalency that could obtain such an ordinance (never before heard of) at such a time, in such a manner, and only upon their bare words, that tithes are due to them, that they are the Ministers of Christ, or that tithes are ordained by him for their maintenance, &c. being a task they never could, nor now (by Scriptures) dare take upon them to prove, but they can tell you one while that they are due to them by Divine right, another while by some authority of man (though no act of man makes them due; but supposing them due did order the setting forth thereof) that their predecessors received tithes of their parishioners for many generations; that tithes are not now to be questioned; that several Parliaments have Judged them due, & ordered payment accordingly; that the Israelites paid tithes by special command from God, and would you (now under the Gospel) pay less to Christ's ministers? that glebe lands and tithes are their freeholds &c. while all is but deceit and covetousness; for they have no colour to demand any thing, but as Officers or servants for performing service, and that from the Persons they serve, and during such respective times as allowed, and therein continued; but as for Christ's work or wages, they neither know the one, nor will be contented with the other.  
17. Who were they that encouraged the raising of forces in London, and the adjacent counties, as also in Wales, and other parts, and that then took and caused Oaths to be taken (with him they called Lord Capel, and other Officers for the King) and gave their assistance therewith against the Parliament accordingly, and about the same time held correspondency with them of the Kirk, or Clergy of Scotland, whereupon an Army of Scots were raised and came (under command of Duke Hambleton) to join with others here, and invade this Land, hasting so far● towards London, as Stafford-shire, before the Parliaments Forces could meet with them by the than directions given therein; and what, or who occasioned the long dispute between the Nobility and said Kirk of Scotland, whether should appoint a Commander in chief of that Army, some of that sort of men here being not ashamed to say, that Duke Hambleton died a Martyr? (It is is like they meant for that intended service) and who were they that deluded the late King by their Sermons, and otherwise seem to accomplish, but not to consent to several things proposed to him by the Parliament; some telling him it stood not with his honour as a King, so to yield to his Parliament; asking him whether he would make himself a Subject, &c. and at other times so craftily acting and advising between both (for their own ends) until he was thereby brought to his last gasp? and who in like manner lulled asleep, and misled the Parliament several times, until, & c? And who since have prevailed with, and misled their late Great Benefactor and Protector, and those with him, until he also fell? and so shall all such Builders of Babylon, and upholders of her Merchants, even they that help, and they that are holpen, shall speedily fall together.  
18. Who were they that preached up the aforesaid Covenant in opposition to the Engagement, To be true and faithful to the commonwealth, as established, without a King or house of Lords) both in the year 1648. and 1649. & c? Who sent Letters and books into the English Army (when going against the Scots) to discourage and divide them, and thereby to disable that Army and prevent their Proceedings, and all whose charge, pains, and diligence was that correspondency held between the Presbyters in England, and Sco●land, in and about the yea 1650 & 1651, and who so generally then preached up the Scots religion, Church-government, Worship and discipline, here in England, and likewise in Ireland, and all the time the Kirk of Scotland were carrying on their Design with ●harls Stuart, whom they afterwards crowned there, and (then with all their might) hasted to bring him into his late father's Throne (by way of Conquest) with that potent Army of Scots, and others here prepared to assist therein; and how sad and unquiet were this sort of men (in all the three Nations) upon the defeating and routing of the said Army at Worcester? and who were here the chief Actors therein, that sent intelligence and timely notice of the fittest season and way of that Armies so coming for which some (of the most notorious) were called to account, and (its like) one or two suffered, but the generality of them remain the same to this day, as they can find out opport●nities in like manner to act for their own ends, whether by such correspondency with any like men in Holland, or else where? And who caused the Turkish Koran to be Printed in English after the Parliament inhibited the so Printing thereof and to what end, and who are the men subject to changes, and alter and change those they call Religions (in all ages) when, and as they see it may be most pleasing to Kings, Queens, or Rulers, and profitable to themselves, and augment their Authority over the bodies and Estates of others, and (upon such changes) Preach that for the Word of God, and true Gospel, which seems to lead to their preferments, by taking best with such Authority; and in Authorities greatest weakness, and Distempers to take advantages over and against it, as who is able to make mention of the many factious Sermons in the times of your late troubles preached before authority, for which (they were so cunning therein) they rendered thanks, seldom reproofs; but have they not often thereby hindered business of importance, because not suitable to their intentions?  
19 Who were they of the presbyters Kirk of Scotland that acted and contrived their Intendments so mysteriously during all the time of England's troubles, bookingin all interests with their like Brethren here, as also in Ireland, Hell and Hagu●, and other parts for the carrying on of their designs; Their railing accusations and slanders, so oft raised against the English Army while here; As also, when at Glascoe, or other parts of Scotland, their occasioning the poor people there to hide their goods in the earth, and their bodies also, by persuading them that the English Army of Sectaries would kill them, and take what they had; the said sort of men exalting themselves against the Civil Authority there in matters of the greatest moment: their raising of Forces, giving Comm●ssions in the name of the Kirk and kingdom, their inviting young Charles Stuart to them, putting him to take their Covenant upon his own Constructions, and then Crowning him to strengthen their Party and Cause: their disagreements amongst themselves about him and his, and otherwise their seeking assistance from France; their treacherery against the English Army by their Kirk Army at Dunbar, and other parts, &c. yet could they not have much harmed or troubled you (what ever they intended) had not many of their said like Brethren here fomented Differences and assisted them for the more easy accomplishment of their Kirk-Design in a general way.  
20. To pass by the Popish Clergy (so called) in Ireland, with the cruel murders, and bloody Massacres by their instigations committed in that Land, during that late, horrid Rebellion, Call to mind and remember who they were, that (about the tenth year of the late King before the said Rebellion broke forth) assembled in Dublin, Composed an Instrument, and thereby raised a Subsidy, called a free Subsidy of four shillings out of each pound of all their promotions and spiritual Livings (so called) in order to a War, that had such an inordinate desire to bear Rule, and exercise Authority, thereby to maintain and support their new sound Altar-Worships, Bowings and other their then then Inventions, their frequent Disturbances by meddling with matters of Civil Government, so by writing, preaching, and otherwise, of what they liked or disliked in Magistrates or others, the several Inventions and Designings in the time of the said Rebellion, the solemn Oath many took and preached up, and which many of the people there did take in the latter end of the year 1648. to be true and faithful to him they called their young King Charles the second, how they would fight for him, assist him, &c. Who were they that before and about that time, Preached for, extolled and encouraged, those they called their Excellent and Right Honourable Lords (Ormond and Inchequin) to make Leagues and Cessations, and join in amity with the said Popish Priests, and Irish Rebels, and that about the same time in 1648. Composed and set forth in Print certain Prayers (so called) for their said young King, and therein such execrations and expressions against the said Parliament and their Armies, as I find not freedom here to name, then and in these times frequently read in their Congregations; and yet since how forward and prevalent have some been in preferring their friends and favourites (Several that assessed them in those their former actings) into employments of public trust, by having divers faithful servants of the commonwealth, put out of such employments to make room for them, and because of not complying to do such unfit things, as some of that sort of men desired, whereby Justice hath been turned into wormwood and gall, and of such persons (so brought into Authority) have they several times prevailed (by letters, preaching, and otherwise) to have men chosen as Members to serve in Parliaments, there also to carry on their Designs. Not to say much how the said sort of men have been enabled to do such things by their large Salaries, or how frequently divers of them have caused the public Peace to be broken by the rude people, in and near their Meeting-houses, in beating, stoning, and abusing sober persons that did but tell (or offer to tell) them plainly of their Deceits and lying inventions (in love and for amendment) that the people might cease from these that so beguile unstable Souls; the time being come that Christ Jesus will have all spirits to bow and bend to his spirit, which is, if they were acquainted with, they would not only favourably resent, but lovingly entertain such discoveries and Counsels as tend to their own, and the people's knowledge of him, of whom many have as yet got but a sound of words, not knowing whereof they affirm.  
1. Ob. But divers of the before mentioned men would not have so taught, encouraged, or done the things they did in the Bishop's days, but that they were then under the Bishop's Commands, and liable to their Censures, so that they durst not disobey them, lest they should be silenced and lose their Benefices, whereby themselves, Wives, and Children might have come to want, and they ought to provide for their Families; he denies the faith, and is worse than an Infidel, which doth not that, and the like may be said in the beginning and time of the Wars, some of them dwelling under the King's Power, and others where the Parliament had power, and likewise where both Armies came upon occasions; and further, that their affections led them, some to encourage and assist the one side and the other as they could have opportunities, &c. which I take to be their strongest Reasons; for I suppose none of them will now say, their Altar-Worships were done for Conscience sake, much less will they say, they so laboured to set men to kill one another for Conscience sake, or thereby to exalt themselves into greater Authority and Estates, and therefore briefly answer.  
An. It was Christ's meat and drink to do the will of his Father, (who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them) and his love in all his Ministers constrains them to be obedient to him, and labour even so to walk as he walked, in all things seeking the good of others that they might be saved, but never did, taught, or allowed the doing of such things as these in any Nation, or amongst any people upon any accownt whatsoever, much less for a worldly maintenance, Wives, Children, or like affections to any man or thing; and they that are such lovers of their own selves, fear outward wants, or so please men, cannot be the servants of Christ, his Ministers were never such, and therefore let no man deceive you so any more with vain words— Besides this, who, or what enforced any such men so to preach or incite men to Wars on the one side, or on the other? or who occasioned such sidings, making Parties, and causing enmity in each against other? surely this Parliament did it not, for that it was begun some years before they sat; besides they were necessitated to make use of all means and helps they had or could conveniently have for their own and your safeties, and preservations, when the then King would not be persuaded to Peace, but raised a War (by means of many of these men) in his own Land, with and against his own Subjects; and yet where, or when did the Parliament so much as imprison any of these men, because they would not preach in their names for Wars, provided they sat quiet, and meddled not against them.  
2. Ob. But the Priests or Ministers are not to be blamed in such cases, because what they do, is for the good of the people's Souls, to have them of an uniform Religion, whereby to prevent Sects, schisms, Heresies, and all sorts of Divisions amongst ●hem, wherein the Magistratate is to take the said men's Advice, and they to assist and help the Magistrate therein, they being so useful in Government for support of Authority, that all would fall into confusion without them, it being their duties to satisfy men's Consciences, that all Governments are of God, and to direct their minds to Obedience and Subjection to every Ordinance of man in every change of Government, and governors, and to help therein by inciting to Wars or otherwise, as they shall see occasion.  
An. Instead of doing good to your Souls or bodies, have they not done the contrary on all occasions, pretending to be Christ's Ministers, to Preach the Gospel of Peace, when they stirred up strife, and prepared for War, and in stead of assisting in Government; been the disquieters of men's minds, disturbers of public Peace, hinderers of Rulers in the making and due execution of Righteous Laws; have not this sort of men been the causers of Sects, schisms, Heresies and Divisions, and the means whereby governors and Governments have been changed, (with great hazard, charge and trouble to you) when not suitable to their dispositions and intentions? and is not this their compliance with, and pretending to assist Magistrates, and do good to people's Souls, their great Engine of Deceit, whereby they invent and contrive your Troubles, and carry on their subtle and crafty Designs, under specious pretences, solemn formalities and ceremonies without spirit or life? Now let the wise in heart judge who in Authority or otherwise have received any good by them or their Counsels; and whence else should your troubles have had their Rise, the King have so raised his Army, or came by his Fall as he did, and (others in) somewhat a different manner) before and since? and contrarily, what peace and concord was in the Parliaments faithful and unanimous Army (in scorn called New Noddle) when this sort of men had least to do therein, & most employed themselves in railings thereat? Doth the Lord God change? or do changes in governors or Governments alter his mind, or the way of his Worship and Service? or is his fear truly taught by the Precepts of men, or are his Ministers subject to changes, as Governments change? from Popery to Prelacy, from Prelacy again to Popery, to Protestantism, Presbytery, Independency, &c. hurrying people (as it were) headlong, sometimes one way, and sometimes another, thereby driving all as into confusion, and causing such to become sad sufferers that follow them not therein. Consider whether these will be sufficient Arguments to justify before the Lord Jesus Christ at his appearing in his glory and pure power to render to every man according to his Deeds; it is most manifest, that Christ's Ministers would have rather suffered, (and do willingly suffer at this day) the spoiling of their goods, imprisonments, and bodily death, rather than yield to any such vile affections in themselves or others.  
Consider also who enforced any of this sort of men, or what necessitated them to become such violent persecutors of conscientious men by the names of Puritans, Precisians, Separatists Nonconformists, Brownists, Anabaptists, Seekers, Quakers, &c. to commence and prosecute such and so many vexatious suits against their Patrons, Parishioners, and others, to haste so earnestly into each others livings, and turning Wives and children forth of doors, to get augmentations unto their former Benefices, to run from a less, to a greater Benefice, to seek and take Pluralities, to entrap men by Oaths and Covenants; to revile and speak evil of persons in Authority, to force men's goods from them without consideration, or such contract made with them, or such men's owning them in their deceitful practices, to cause such and so many disturbances in the Nations, or to become so Nabal-like, that a man may not speak to them; what Rules or directions, are to be found in Scriptures (which they say is their Rule) for these things, & c?  
The restraining of this sort of men, from making disturbances by meddling with State matters, or otherwise; from a forcible taking of men's goods (that for Conscience sake) disapprove of their practices, and leaving the said men in equal condition with others, to prove their Doctrines by their deeds, accordingto the Scriptures, as also clearly ascertaining your other Rights and Liberties, and securing you therein, might be a safe, speedy, and honourable way of proceeding in the cure of the yet unhealed wounds, Ruptures and distempers of this commonwealth.  
And now to your Omen herein (about others) concerned, consider soberly of your respective ways and workings to accomplish your own ends, what your aims are, and how evilly you have required the Lord God and this people of these Nations for all the good things done for you, your Wives, and Children; for I deal plainly with you in love to your souls and bodies, and desire to manifest that I have no hatred to any man's person, nor can be free to let sin lie upon your souls, but put you and others in mind of your former miscarriages, and reprove you soberly, as the only Lord God (the righteous Judge of all the earth) hath commanded me, who is now shaking, not the earth only, but the heavens also, that the things which cannot be shaken, may remain; wherefore deal plainly, truly and faithfully with him and your souls, be willing at last to harken to the voice of Christ in his true light in your Consciences; bring all your deeds to that light, which never did, doth, or can deceive you in any thing, but (as diligent heed is taken thereto) will show you plainly all your deeds (done in your mortal bodies) of what sort they have been, and are, with all your most secret thoughts thereupon, and intentions therein, with what you should do, and what you ought not to do; for that would bring you to true Repentance not to be repented of, teach you to walk honestly, as in the day, to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the Flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof, &c. harken to that voice of the well-beloved Son, and wait for his appearance, that he may harken unto you, and receive you graciously, before the door of Mercy be shut against you, sorrow, shame, and sadness overtake you, and so seize upon you, that you find no place for repentance, though you may seek it diligently with tears; for there is such a day of black and thick darkness hasting upon many evil doers that harden their hearts against Christ, and would not he should reign over them, though that of him in all Consciences shows how to come to him, and learn of him who was lowly, and meek, holy, and harmless, which is your duties in an especial manner, lest (after so many his warnings) he leaves you to your hardness and hearts lusts, and say, why should they be smitten any more; they are turned to Idols, let them alone; and than you justify yourselves, and Act yet greater and greater abomination, in fighting against God, stirring up strife amongst the people, and belying the Lord's Servants, his truth and true Church, that is, without spot, blemish, wrinkle, or any such thing; and what will you do in the end thereof? There hath been a time of ignorance which the Lord God hath seemed to wink at, but now calls upon all men everywhere to repent and believe in his only begotten son, whose Gospel never came in word only, but in plain demonstration of his spirit and of power; nor doth the faith of God's Elect stand (at all) in the wisdom of man, but in the pure power of God; as Abraham believed God, and followed him, not knowing whither he went, so do they that are of the same faith, (Children of Abraham) at this day, being led by his spirit, and fitted with wisdom and great Power for his spiritual work in this his notable day, wherein his Angels appear spirits, and his true Ministers a flame of fire in all Lands, thereby reproving the world of sin, righteousness and judgement, gathering the Wheat into his Garner, and burning the chaff with unquenchable fire; even his day wherein the armies of heaven follow him, crushing down, and breaking in pieces every high thought, lofty look, and deceitful thing, that exalteth itself against the kingdom of Christ, and cannot worship you, nor any Idols that you set up (be they never so fair or well-favoured) but (as Christ's sheep) should greatly rejoice to hear his voice in any of you; but your strange voice they may not hear, nor can own your pharisaical holiness, your mock-fasts for strife and debate; your railing accusations, cursing those that came in the name of the Lord, or other abominable practices, which you exercise yourselves in (without any respect or Reverence to truth) because contrary to what is strained through your muddy brains, wherewith you have so defiled the Nations, that the workers of iniquity have no more knowledge, but to run violently (at your becks) upon the Lord's people, to devour them as a man would eat bread, to condemn and kill the just that resist not, even the able Ministers of the new Testament, not of the Letter, but of the spirit (though some otherwise unlearned men) whereby they approve themselves to every man's Conscience in the sight of God, in Afflictions, Tumults, Stripes, Imprisonments, Labours, &c. Do not your heart's smart within you in thinking on the doleful and deadly Kne●s you have rung, and caused others to ring over this commonwealth, and yet do, ever seeking to put the people upon Acts of violence one against another, thereby taking peace from the earth, under colour of advising some to take heed of being deceived by others? when that of God in your Consciences will tell you that it is by your Inventions they are deceived, that you do or say therein, being not for very love to God and their souls, but for other ends then his Service; and how instead of being a sweet savour to God, as also in them that believe, and to them that perish you are become an evil savour, and stinch upon the face of the earth, in so much that it is sore burdened with you; and can you be so blind, as not to see it, or not to think it high time for you to live quietly, as sober minded men, work with your hands, and eat your own bread, and permit others to do so likewise, or the Magistrate to prevent such Acts of violence, as many of you have, and yet do occasion, that those who have not yielded obedience to the light and Law within, are to be governed by a Law without, and they that observe the royal Law, and live of the Gospel, freely (in all places) to preach the Gospel.  
Would you have all people to believe, that as you buy Learning, Languages and Arts for money at Schools, that so (therewith also) you receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and after that (having laid your hands one upon another, and are placed in Parishes) what you have, or shall find out, invent and compose, as from books, and so take money to tell of, or teach others, is the Word of God to them for salvation of their souls? or would you have it believed that you have any rule for what you do and teach, save only your own, or other men's meanings and interpretations of the Words and Writings of the Prophets, Christ, and his Disciples, as recorded in the Scriptures, which you make use of as the chief instrument of your Trade or Craft, to get money by, therewith beguiling unstable Souls, that cannot cease from sin; I pray you consider what else doth it avail you to Read, Hear, Study, Invent, Compose, and contend about words, while you abide in the Enmity against God, and wrathfulness of the Earthly Nature, Will and wisdom, even of that spirit which led Gain to slay his brother (Because his own deeds were evil, and his brother's good) the Jews to crucify Christ, and stone Stephen, and all the bloody persecutors (in the Antichristian state) to torment? slay, burn and massacre the bodies of all the Martyrs, and that only for the word of God, the testimony of Jesus; and those persecutors not being able to resist the wisdom of the Holy Spirit by which they spoke, it being the very same spirit in you that hath occasioned some of you to cause such and so many vile things to be done, as would make a man's ears even tingle to hear tell of, which is the cause why you are generally in so great confusion, so ignorant of your duties to God and man, and of the people that are the world's Scorn, that bear the vessels and name of the Lord at this day; and why you conclude yourselves and others are to continue in your sins, be of an erroneous and fallible spirit, while in these Bodies of flesh, &c.  
Must you indeed contiwe in sin, remain sinners of the Gentiles, or worse, for (as it is written) He that commits sin is of the Devil; whhile so, what ground, Rule or Reason have you to suppose people should believe you, or harken to your Talk, or methodical Forms of words, more than unto others? can that be good and pleasing to God that is mixed with sin, and performed by sinners, that take part with the evil one, God's enemy. Doth any unclean thing come near his dwelling? or did not Christ Jesus come to destroy the works of the Devil, and bring in an eversasting righteousness? Be not always slow of heart to believe what is written; these your inventions shall certainly and speedily come to an end; Babylon shall fall and never rise again; and therefore come out of her, make haste, tarry not, nor say within yourselves, Shall we confess our ignorance of what we have so long laboured about, preached and contendded for, as the Gospel of Christ, and for which we have received so great yearly Incomes from the people? Shall we bring so great a shame upon ourselves, our Office and Ministry, as to say, we have been so long deceived, and deluded and deceived so many people's Souls that trusted to us and ou Doctrine; and thereby occasion every one to slight, contemn, and despise us. Must we lose all, part with all, or not be Christ's Disciples? Learn to labour, and live like other men; This is an hard saying, who can bear it? &c.  
Now at your perils be it, whether you hear or forbear, you have been plainly dealt with; and if for all this, you remain obstinate, not willing to become fools for Christ's sake, that you may become wise unto him; not willing to set aside all your ornaments of Learning, Arts, and natural part, and stand single unto him, that he may know what to do to you for your good, but will indeed have your portions in this present evil world, you shall not only have leanness in your Souls, but these things (wherein you take delight, and which your heart's lust after) shall be dead comforts, but living torments to you, and your blood be upon your own heads; when Christ shall say, Depart from me, I knew you not, ye are workers of iniquity: Go to the gods that you have served, and to the men and things that you have trusted in, &c.  
And now, all you people, I say again, harken to the voice of Christ in your Consciences, wait, and watch there, that you may come to see how far you have been guilty against God, and occasioners of your own troubles, and sufferings, as evil-doers; for it is written, that God moved David to number the people, because he had a purpose to destroy them, even so were the able men amongst you numbered before the late Wars; and when so, God will find out instruments, though such may be employed by the evil one to their own ruin. These things before mentioned, were not all done in a corner, nor you remembered thereof to disquiet your minds, or to raise displeasure in you against any person, but as afore is said for their admonition, and your satisfaction, and future caution, wherein take diligent heed at all times, and stand clear of these men; for you may be like to meet with tentations, such as you are not yet aware of; here is the true cause of your troubles and trials, for you to make the right use of, and as any of you become diligent observers of your duty, to God, you will discern things rightly, savour the things God, and fee them as they are, and use them as you ought, and then shall no man need to say to such, Depart from the Tents and warehouses of such wicked men, or enter not into the Idols Temples, lest you defile the Temple of God; For if any man defile the Temple of God, him will God destroy. There is now no serving two Masters, no partaking of the Table of the Lord, and the Table of Devils: Stand therefore in the daily cross unto that, and in that, which is contrary to man's own will, desires, affections, Reasonings, and words of wisdom, and so abide faithful unto him that hath so called, who will also do it, &c. but then look to be made a byword amongst others, a derision to them that are round about you, and it is also like the Devil may cast some of you into Prison, and tribulation you may have, which (according to the integrity of your hearts, and cleanness of your hand●) shall be to your spiritual advantages, whereby to become wiser than your enemies, as continually refreshed and strengthened in the inner man, by the ever-springing fountain of Life and love that runs through the earth, to accomplish that for which it is sent, which many of you yet see not, because your eyes are shut; Christ Jesus came to open the blind eyes, and right blessed are their eyes that see, and receive the inheritance amongst them that are sanctified through faith in him, though derided, falsely accused, and set at nought (as the good way of the Lord, his service and servants have been and are) cruelly persecuted & said to be troubles (as Elijah was) even by many of those men that oft have, and yet do strive to trouble and overtop the whole commonwealth, as others (of that sort of men) before them, though in somewhat a different manner, &c. Have not some such men done more mischief in a few weeks or days, then could be amended in much longer time (besides your sad sufferings thereby) by causing (as it were) the foundations of the earth to be turned out of course, occasioning changes in Governments and governors? and is it not evident, that they who can so far prevail, as to have set up again, and pulled down? (at their pleasures) can also throw the same down again (by like means) when that serves not their ends, whereof not only histories, but your own experience, do (in part) make manifest and discover? by whom, and in what way confusions of men's minds and manners, changes of Religion, Laws, and states, as also was, spilling the blood of the Saints, and other miseries to mankind, have come in all ages of Antichrist.  
Some speaking in your cases, will say that the late Bishops were an inconsiderable number of men, had not many more assisted, and led on others also, as the multitude, to act and carry on their Designs; And as for the late King, he was but one person, and therefore his evil council and assistants were all along chiefly charged rather then he; and will also say, that you (the people) desired peace (rather than War) and a quiet living, until incited, stirred up and provoked to strife, and Intestine Wars, one part against another; and therefore certainly there be yet some men justly to be esteemed great offenders therein, the guiltiness of whose cause and Consciences cannot be separated, and yet have so (fox like) lurked in their dens under the shelter of one Authority after another, as that they have escaped the hand of Justice, and not been dealt with, if discovered, although at some times crying out against Authority, and at other times to authority to help them and defend them from but being soberly spoken to: It is not here said, what such men deserved, or do deserve for all these their sundry sorts of services (when particularly discovered with their respective deeds) nor what is become of the Magistrates, that hitherto have taken such for their counsellors, and patronised them. These are things that the righteous Judge of all the earth will yet further call to account, who hath looked down from the habitation of his holiness and glory, and taken his people's cause into his own hands, and appears therein, with affection to them, (as being afflicted in all their afflictions) and indignation against his enemies, who (if they so continue but a little while shall become like Bell and the Dragon, Empty Idols, (seem they now never so great in this world) so that all others sh 〈…〉 see whereof they are made; for the Lord God of Glory will speedily ●read down Satan under the feet of his Saints that art dear and precious in his sight, what ever others deem of them.  
The fourth Mo●●h. 1659.  
THE END.