A NEW PLEA FOR THE PARLIAMENT. AND THE Reserved MAN resolved: From the serious consideration of the state of Controversy between the KING and the PARLIAMENT.  
Together with Several Answers to some common Objections about this SUBJECT. As also, Advice to those who are yet unsettled in their thoughts hereabout.  By a Well-willer to KING and PARLIAMENT. 
AS Zeal without Knowledge argues the weakness of the Head; so doth Knowledge without Zeal the rottenness of the Heart: the lightness of the Head, and the unsoundness of the Heart, are the two Epidemical Diseases of this Kingdom: Ignorance and Hypocrisy as they are the greatest Enemies to Truth and Piety, so are they the chief causes of the Kingdom's misery; all men would sceme to be what few men are in truth: but though Dissemblers are great in number; yet are the upright stronger in power: there is nothing that hath more pretended friends and real enemies than Peace and Truth; though the Heart of the wicked hateth the Power yet the conviction of their Head would feign palliate their wickedness with the Form of Godliness: all would wear RELIGIONS Livery. but few will observe Religions Laws; if Picty be good in profession it is better in practice; but the profession commands almost every man, and the practice scarce any at all: of the things of this World men had rather have the substance than the shadow; but of the things of Heaven, the shadow gives generally better content than the substance; the form rather than the power of Godliness: every man by profession will make Christ a King; but by practice crowns him with Thorns; the Gospel and the Kingdom have few Enemies in show, but fewer Friends in truth.  
The whole Kingdom is divided into two parts, both professing contention for one common Cause; every man hath his Sword in his hand, and would fight for God and the Kingdom, but knows not where to rank himself: Law and Religion, the Kingdom and Gospel, are the mutual pleas of each party; who but a villain will fight against his King? who but a Devil will fight against his GOD? who but a Rebel, will strike at his King? who but a Rascal will strike at his Country? A good King is the breath of our nostrilts, the God of goodness, the life of our souls; our Kingdom is divided; so saith King and Parliament; it cannot long so stand; so faith God and Reason: our Kingdom is in danger, so saith King and Parliament; we must not sit still, so saith Law and Conscience: I would defend both, and offend neither, but if I now sit still I am not a friend to either; here are two Armies each against other to which to join myself I know not whether; I am called to help by the one and the other, and therefore I must not now be a Neuter, they both prefesse they fight for to preserve the same Religion, the same Law; I must not judge the heart, what shall I do?  
1. For resolution of this doubt let us consider these 2 parts.  

First what is this 

1. Law?  
2. Religion?     
2. How may I most probably judge, which party is cordial, with whom I ought to join myself?  
First by Law, as is controverted, is meant, all those former Acts of Parliament never yet reversed, together with the Privileges of Parliament, (the fountain and life of Law) the chiefest whereof, is to reverse, repeal, ordain and enact what Laws and Statutes, old and new, they shall think fit, for the present benefit and welfare of King and Kingdom.  
This is the Law now in controversy, viz. The Statute Law of the Land, the Power and Privilege of Parliament, which is the great Inheritance of the Kingdom, and that which doth distinguish us from slaves and vassals.  
Secondly, by Religion is meant the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of God, as they have, and shall find it agreeable to the word of God.  
This is that Religion which they both say they fight for.  
God and the Kingdom; is this the Cause? Religion and Law, is this the Quarrel? Piety and Humanity, grace and iugenuity will not admit of an unworthy neutrality. I will fight for God for I haa rather die a believing Christian, then live an Atheist, or Papist: I will fight for my Country, for I had rather die a freeman, then live a slave or vassal; but if both Parties fight in the behalf of the same Cause, whence is the rise of the Quarrel?  
The Parliament affirms their Adversaries to be a Malignant Party, which often apart, and now together do strongly oppose the life and power of Religion and Laws and this is affirmed by the adverse Party against the Parliament.  
Both affirm the same thing, I am where I was, I cannot judge the heart, what shall I do.  
For further direction herein, consider the second Part and that is.  
How may I judge which Party is cordial, with whom I ought to jonee?  
For Answer hereunto, consider two things.  
First, who and what are the Parties on each side.  
Secondly, what are their practices in the managing of their Quarrel.  
First, for the Parties on each side: On the one side, we have a lawful freechosen Parliament, consisting of the King, Lords and Commons of the Land; (we will not understand the King as the head of a Faction) we have moreover all known, godly learned Ministers of the Kingdom, together with all godly conscieneious People. both Gentry and Commons, of all sorts, ranks and conditions whatsoever.  
2. On the other side, we have most of the Papists of the Kingdom many whereof are chief Commanders, together with the Popish party of Lords, Gentry and Commons, with all the Praelaticall Faction of Bishops, with their Dependants, all Popish superstitious, idle, deboist, scandalous Ministers, Priests and Cathedral finging-fellowes in the Land, with divers proclaimed Traitors, once fled from the Justice of the Parliament, and now in great power and Office in their Forces: as also some lately in Rebellion in Ireland together with the quondam grinding oppressing Judges, Pattentees; all Delinquents, never Parliament proof, with many ignorant, silly and not a few curling, swearing banning blaspheming wretches of all qualities from the King's Court, to the Country Cart. These are the Parties on each side.  
Are these the Parties? Malignity in the one party is as hard to be believed as Sincerity in the other; that the one party should intent mischief, and the other preservation to Law and Religion; it is hard to say which is the greatest wonder, that there should such a general Apostasy from Religion, and morality to baseness, and impiety, as is implied in the Parliaments party, was never known, no not in the days of Julian: and such a general conversion, from profaneness, and malignity, to grace and ingennity as is implied in the second party, was never known, no, not in the dates of Peter, that such an Apostasy of the one party, and such a conversion of the other, should at once meet together, seems as strange, as if the Inhabitants of Heaven and Hell, should change qualities and habitations; well, once Angels, are now Devils, once Devils, are now Saints the later days shall produce great matters of this nature, the first shall be last, the last shall be first, I am still where I was, how shall I judge? For further direction herein:  
Consider secondly, having seen the Parties; what are their practices in the managing of the Controversy; here let us observe two things.  
First how each Enemy hath been detected to other.  
Secondly, how each Enemy hath proceeded against other.  
First, the Parliament Party etc. by the several complaints, cries and Petitions of the People for redress hath found out their Adversaries, utterly mallignant against Religion and Law.  
Religion, in Doctrine, in Discipline.  
In Doctrine, they arfirme and appeal to the knowledge and experience of all men to give testimony to the truth hereof, that their Adversaries in the chief and prime Leaders, have for a long season endeavoured to undermine the fundamental points of the Protestant Religion, by silencing our godly, learned and painful Ministers by corrupting our Universities with Popish and Arminian Governors in most Colleges by placing superstitious, idle, scandalous ignorant, non resident and non-preaching Ministers, throughout the Kingdom; by committing the power of Printing and the Key of the Presles, into the hands of Popish, Praelaticall, Arminian, Domestic Chaplains: by tolerating, and countenancing preaching, and printing Popish, Arminian, and licentious Tenets: that the Pope is not Antichrist, nor Rome Babylon; with the like Popish Tenets: that men may fall from grace, and be for heaven to day, and for hell to morrow, with the like Arminian Tenets: That Sunday is no Sabbath, and men may spend it in pastimes and sports with such like licentious Tenets, etc.  
Thus they have been malignant against the Doctrine of the Church.  
In Discipline:  
Secondly, they likewise affirm (with the like appeal) to the knowledge of all men, that their adversaries have been always malignant unto Religion, as in Doctrine, so in Discipline; by prescribing altering, and corrupting forms of prayer in the Church, by turning Tables into Altars, and placing greater degree of holiness in one part of the Church than another, by command in cringings, bowings, duckings: by introducing many guegaws and ridiculous Innovations of copes, pictures, crucifixes, crosses candlesticks, tapers, etc. into the worship of God. Thus they say, they have been malignant against Religion, in Doctrine, in Worship,  
Secondly, they have discovered their adversaries malignant against Law, by endeavouring to bring in an Arbitrary government, as is evident in in the charge of Srafford and Canterbury, prime quondam agents of this present faction, which hath had a being, and a working in capite long ago: and we know that operaetio alicujus rei conseq●●tur essere●; by pleading for and pressing Ship moneys, coat and conduct moneys. arbitrary taxations Monopolies, Patents, almost for every thing by re●arding Parliaments (the only remedy of the Kingdom's misery) before we had one by endeavouring and bringing to pass the dissolution of them when we had any; and now the destruction of this present Parliament which they cannot dissolve:  
Thus the one party hath discovered their enemy.  
Secondly, the other Party affirm the same against the Parliament etc. viz. that they are enemies unto Religion, and unto Law; unto Religion here they allege nothing in poyn of Doctrine, but for discipline, they say that they go about to al●er and change the well ordered Government of the Church by Bishops with their dependants, a Government honoured for so many hundred year's antiquity with so many godly and learned Divines, which hath made this Church famous in the world, with so many Martyrs, and holy men, etc. Moreover, they affirm, that their Adversaries now discourage Learning, favour ignorant fellows, Preachers in Tubs. etc. countenance Brownists. Anabaptists, Schismatics, Separatists, Sectaries, &c Thus they are Malignant against Religion.  
Secondly they say; they are malignant against Law going about to bring in an Arbitrary Government by voting and making Ordinances, as binding, without the King and by virtue thereof, to seize upon what is the Kings; therefore the Subjects may now look to themselves, by compelling men, that are not willing ●o assist in this quarrel, by demanding the twentieth part of their Estates, by voting men Malignants who have not and do not according to their Estate, contribute freely to their assistance, by seizing upon their Horses, Arms, Plate, Money, casting their persons into Prisons, etc.  
Thus are they malignant against the Laws of the Land; and thus each Party hath found out his Enemy.  
Is this thy case? Alas poor England, thy wound is deep, thy remedy dangerous; why hast thou taught thy Children no better? Do all plead for truth? Doth Truth plead for all? Truth is one, and so are her Children; how is it they are now fallen out? Truth makes peace, Error contention: all is not well; where is the fault? good is the Cause and one party with it; each is not right: one party must fall; I guess which it is; I know what I think, but I may be deceived; I'll suspend my opinion till know their proceed.  
2. For further satisfaction herein, consider, how each Party, having discovered, pursues their Enemy.  
First, the Parliament, etc. have pursued the Cause of Religion, in point of Doctrine, after this method, by opening the mouths of godly, learned, and silenced Ministers, by granting liberty without interruption, for the frequent and powerful preaching of the Word, wherever men will maintain it; by promising and preparing for the removal and just punishment of wicked scandalous Ministers, by discountenancing Popish Arminians, and encouraging known, godly, and Orthodox Preachers.  
Secondly, they pursue the Cause of Religion, in point of worship, after this Method; by prohibiting all Popish superstitious Innovations, by tolerating the bare omission of Ceremonies, confessed to be unnecessary, and but indifferent things; and therefore not to be pressed upon any men whose consciences cannot bear them; by resolving upon the best means they can think of, to find out the will of God concerning his worship, being very doubtfully disputed amongst the godly and learned Ministers viz the choosing of an assembly of godly and learned Ministers of different judgements in that point to study, dispute and the best way they can to find out the will of God herein, whose power is only declarative and therefore can there be no prejudice by the overtopping number of any of one judgement by voting the abolishing of Bishops, being found a chief spring of all our troubles, in the three Kingdoms: and therefore this Kingdom hath as much reason with joy and gratulation to accept of this Act and the King to confirm it here in this Kingdom, as in the Kingdom of Scotland and our King in Scotlans had in the same case and upon the same grounds.  
Thus they have pursued the Cause of the Kingdom in respect of Religion.  
Secondly in respect of Law, they have taken this course, by taking notice of all these incursions, which have been made upon the Law, by illegal taxations. and oppressions of the Subjects, by finding out and removing the roots, springs and causes thereof, as the Star chamber, high Commission, etc. by discovering, and bringing to condign punishment the underminers of Law, whereof there have been Nobles Bishops Lawyers, Judges, Pattentees. Delinquents of all ranks some whereof have fled away beyond Seas, and others into divers parts of this Kingdom, have endeavoured to raise up forces and strength to over-aw, and overthrow this present Parliament, and have brought t●is design to great perfection; all which is known and evident in the sight of all men: For the suppressing of which power, and the further prevention of their increase by foreign force; the Parliament hath endeavoured the best way they can, by securing the Ships and Seaports of the Kingdom in the hands of a faithful and trusty Admiral, and other Officers, by disarming known Papists and Malignants interested and active in the Quarrel against them, and by raising up an Army for the suppressing of that Malignant party, raised up for the ruin of Religion, and Laws of the Kingdom.  
Thus the one Party hath managed their Controversy against their Adversary.  
Secondly, the other Party hath prosecuted the purity of Religion before the Parliament in point of Doctrine; by advancing, and encouraging Arminian and Popish fellows, and Tenets throughout the Kingdom as all men know.  
Secondly, in point of worship; by introducing, and maintaining many foolish, superstitious, and ridiculous Ceremonies, and Innovations, as is likewise hid from no man, and their method, since they have gotten into an Army, in the prosecuting the purity of Religion, is by cursing, banning, blaspheming, swearing God sink me, God damn me, the Devil ram me etc. with such like horrid oaths, as I tremble to think of; together with mocking, jeering, scoffing and deriding at those who make conscience of their ways, calling them Puritan, Roundheads, Schismatics, Separatists, Brownists, Sectaries, etc. the very name of an honest man, that will not swear, lie and profane the Lords day, is ground enough for their cruel and inhuman deal against them, where ever they come. Thus they prosecute the purity of Religion.  
2. They have endeavoured to maintain the life and power of the Law, Liberty of the Subject, and Privilege of Parliament before the Parliament by all kind of injury, against Law, Subjects and Parliaments, as all men know: and since the Parliament by disarming the Countries under the pretence of (a most illegal) Commission of Array, which none of the Lawyers and Judges of the Kingdom dare avouch; but we must believe the King's word for it, though he say he is no Lawyer: well, the Country's disarmed, and their Arms put into the hands of Papists and Malignants now in the Army, hereby they are disenabled to defend themselves, but now must quietly suffer themselves to be plundered, robbed and undone, the countries' assessest to pay so much now and so much then; and an Army on foot to compel them to pay it, (as absolute tyranny as any is in Turkey) and a taste of the Law of the Land, and Liberty of the Subject, which we are like to have hereafter, if this Party get head: Again, they (having by wicked Counsel gotten the King from his Parliament, and so sheltering themselves under him) have prevailed with him, without the least pretended cause, to put honest and blameless well affected Justices of Peace, out of the Commission, throughout the Kingdom, (a sad Omen of the Subjects good to any discerning eye) and put in known Malignants in their room, to prick men for Sheriffs, throughout the Kingdom, known likewise to be Malignants etc. and for the Privileges of Parliament, they maintain these by declaring and publishing both Houses guilty of high treason, and the Earl of Essex General of the Forces, raised for the defence of King, Parliament, and Kingdom, a Traitor, and all his assistants, (comprehending thereby the Parliament) to be Rebels and Traitors; by prevailing with the King, to cast off his great Council the Parliament, in all matters of Church, and State, to keep from the judicature of the Parliament, known Traitors, and Delinquents, accused by the Parliament, the Privileges of the Parliament have been maintained, by abusing, beating and scorning messengers sent from the Parliament, by calling those that stand for the good of the Kingdom, and Parliament, Rogues, Parliament dogs, etc. in all these things, and in many more of this nature, doubtless, the Law of the Land, the Liberty of the Subject, the Privileges of Parliament, are aimed at, and endeavoured with all sincerity, and truth of heart, and let any man of the meanest capacity judge the contrary.  
Thus we see how each Party hath discovered, and pursueth their Enemy.  
Is this the cause? are these the Parties? are these their practices? what but stupidity can now be deceived? Will Traitors fight, for justice? Delinquents, for the Law? the thief, for the halter? Papists, for purity of Religion? How is the World turned upside down? is Religion preserved by transgression? Piety, by iniquity? Purity, by Popery? then is the Devil become a convert. Is the law maintained by illegality? the Subject by oppession? the Parliament by destruction? then are the Turks as free as the English. Shall I now question which side is right? then let me question my judgement and reason. I will fight for my God, who gave me my being; I will fight for my Country, who gave me my breeding: God and my Country gave what I have; God and my Country shall have what they gave: Religion binds me unto God, Duty to my King, Nature to my Country: If the King calls me to fight against, and the Parliament for God and my Country; I cannot obey my King, I dare not deny the Parliament. That this is our case, is as clear as the Sun; let us hairs what Objections can say to the contrary.  
Objections are some in reference to the King some in reference to the Parliament, first in reference to the King.  
Object. 1 First, it is objected that the King hath made many Protestations, strong asseverations, fearful imprecations against him and his, if ever he intends the least wrong, but all good both to Religion, Law and Parliament; and shall we not believe the King?  
Answ. First the Law of God, Nature and Nations doth not bind me to believe any thing against experience (though affirmed by a King and upon no better ground than his bare affirmation.  
Secondly, we question not the King's intent against God and the Kingdom; but we know that the Army raised up by his Authority is for the subversion both of Religion and Laws; and that those that are now the King's Counselors, have always and now do endeavour the rooting up of both.  
Thirdly the King may be deceived by false Prophets and wicked Lawyers, who may suggest this to be Religion, and that to be Law, which is nothing but Popery, and illegality, and so he may protest, and that from his heart (being deceived) that he intends nothing more than such Religion and Laws.  
Fourthly, it is not unknown what Protestations were made to maintain Religion and Law, the Property of the Subjects, etc. even in the height of all former Popish Innovations and illegal taxations.  
Obj. 2 Another Objection is, that the King pleads personal wrongs in taking away his proper Rights his Cinque-Ports, his Navy, his Magazine bought with his own money, which are his own as properly as any man's Jewels or Plate is his own.  
Answ. First the King had nothing of this kind, but either it was committed to his trust by the Kingdom, or purchased by his moneys: if committed to him by the Kingdom, it was for its preservation, not for its destruction: if so be that that was committed to the King by the Kingdom for its preservation, is it by the Votes and Apprehensions of the representative Body of the Kingdom (the best Judges herein) like to be perverted to its ruin and destruction? the preservation of the Kingdom being the chiefest Law, doth dictate unto the Kingdom it's own security, by seizing upon those Weapons, Arms, Magazines, etc. which (prepared for their security) are now intended for their own misery.  
Secondly, if it were bought by the King's proper moneys, it was bought for the good or hurt of the Kingdom, if for the hurt of the Kingdom, the representative Kingdom, that knows no Law, but salutem populi, apprehending our misery ought to prevent it by seizing upon their Ammunitions; for if a Master of a Family, by Neighbours, should be stirred up against his Family, even to kill and murder his own Famaly▪ is it not lawful for his servants to seize upon those weapons which he had bought for the same purpose, and prevent such a design?  
Secondly, the Parliament is the King's greatest Counsel, by whose advice he ought to be guided; if he will suffer himself to be ruled by a known Malignant Party against the Parliament, and by this means they procure the strength of the Kingdom into their own hands to ruin and destroy the Parliament: is it not lawful to prevent it by securing the Ammunition? Just so is our case as may be at large showed.  
Thirdly, the Parliament is to judge both what is good for the King and Kingdom's welfare: if Enemies to the King and Kingdom shall by secret insinuations get into his favour and suggest those Designs which will utterly undo the Kingdom, and the King shall with all Preparations address himself, according to these suggestions; ought not the Parliament (if possibly, out of loyalty to the King, and love to the Kingdom) to prevent this by seizing upon those weapons, that may further the same?  
Object. 3 Another objection is, that the settling of the Militia is not in the Parliaments power, and that the Parliament cannot do it without the King.  
Answ. There have been sufficient Answers for the legality of it by the Parliaments Declarations already: but now for the rationality and equity of it, much may be said: the King hath been sought unto for his consent therein, and will not not grant it; what must be done?  
Either the King must settle it without the Parliament or the Parliament without the King; the Parliament cannot consent to the King to settle it without them; because he will not hearken unto their advice (as he should) but unto the advice of those who will settle it to the Kingdom's ruin: for let men of any indifferent judgement give out their opinions into whose hanes the Militia had been settled and what the issue thereof had been before this day, if the King (misled by such a Counsel as he is) had settled it, surely the Commissioners of Array will dictate to any discerning eye what kind of parties they should have been▪ therefore the Parliament, necessitatis causa, & ad salutem populi, (their only rule) must settle it without the King.  
Object. 4 The lawfulness of taking up Arms in this case is very questionable, because it seems to be against the King and many Preachers both by their Sermons and Writings determine it Rebellion and utterly unlawful: and that we should suffer, rather than resist, according to the practice of holy Martyrs in Queen Mary's days, etc. and the very Cavaliers demand with what conscience can we take up Arms against the King etc.  
Answ. First, it would not be amiss to observe those Preachers, who are so careful to resolve doubtful Consciences in this case, after this manner; surely if we note how tender they have been formerly unto weak and scrupulous Consciences, we have more reason to suspect, that their design is rather to raise up and make scruples then to answer them at all.  
Secondly, it is good to observe all what interest they have in the Cause itself; surely if the Cause be against Popery and prelacy it is no marvel that the Popish and Praelaticall faction (who knows little Conscience out of their own Cause) pleads conscience so much; inquire of them whether it be lawful to join with the worship of God corrupted with superstitious and humane inventions; they will tell you you are more precise than wise. and what need you be so scrupulous, etc. but now they are of another mind, and it is observable, that men of no Religion or Conscience in God's Cause would feign make Religion and Conscience plead for them in their own Cause.  
Thirdly It is good also to see how careful these men have been to inform the ●ing in his duty (having the best opportunity hereunto) and in matters of Conscience about this War; no in this case, as in the controversy with our Brethren the Scots, they say to our King as the 400. false Prophets said to Ahab go up to Ra●ot● Gilead and prosper; and it is observable also, that these men (who pretend so much zeal are most seditious factious and schismatical fellows in the Kingdom and chief causers of the present divisions amongst us.  
Fourthly, Those Preachers that plead it to be Rebellion to take up Arms in this Cause against the King (as they please to miscall it) do not plead it rebellion in the States of Holland nor in the Prince or Orange to be the Rebel general against the King of Spain, although they take up Arms against him, and although we have every way as much warrant from the Law of God, our Nation and Nature itself so do as they have, they know this Doctrine is repugnant to their designs and will not please.  
Fiftly, as for their instances of holy Martyrs in the time of Queen Mary's days (after whose example they would have us yield passive obedience, and not resist as they themselves have followed the steps of those who did persecute these holy Martyrs ever since to their power) they are to little purpose; for the Laws and Statutes of the Kingdom are altered and reversed which gave life unto this Argument: and that which was lawful than is unlawful now, and that which is lawful now, was unlawful then; for which we may thank a Parliament: and in fight for the Parliaments Cause, we fight not against, but to defend Authority, and for the King and not against him, having what Authority he hath confirmed and established by the Parliament.  
Sixtly, there have been sufficient Answers to this Objection, to prove the lawfulness of taking up Arms in this Cause, for the satisfaction of truly tender Consciences, by divers Books made by godly and learned Ministers, viz.  
Book entitled Anticavalier s●●e, made by Mr. john Goodwin, and Mr. Buraough his Postscript to his last Book upon the name of the Lord of Hosts; in Answer to Doctor Ferne etc. Besides many other Books and Sermons of this kind, where men might have satisfaction in abundance; etc.  
Seventhly, as for an Answer to the Cavaliers themselves, who demand with what Conscience we can fight against the King as they are taught to miscall it) they are capable of no other but this; that when they will satisfy you with what Conscience they will drink and be drunk whore and be damned, and choose rather to go to Hell with their Comrades, than to Heaven with the Roundheads, with what conscience they blaspheme God, curse, swear, rob, plunder, kill, murder, & c? Then will you tell them, with what conscience you take up Arms in this Cause, surely. if the tongues of all the blasphemers amongst them were bored with an hot iron, and of the Swearers were clipped, you should hardly from the greatest to the least of them understand whether they speak English in ask, with what Conscience you do so.  
These were the Objections concerning the King.  
There are likewise Objections concerning the Parliament.  
Object. 1 The King is not with them, nor many Lords and Commons, etc. This hath been suggested if it were possible to blind, poor ignorant people and to possess them with a conceit that therefore they are no Parliament, though in plain terms they will not affirm so much.  
Answ. Well, what then? are they no Parliament? th●y will not t●tidem verbis affirm this: they have more wit● but they would have others make that inference; for they buzz this abroad, that the greatest part of the Parliament are with the King, and many now in the Parliament do not consent to the Votes that are past; and yet they put forth their Votes. Ordinances etc. in the name of both Houses of Parliament; and therefore they would have you make the inference, viz. that they are not the Parliament; therefore it is not amiss to answer this  and silent Objection; for Answer therefore.  
First they were a Parliament, none will deny that.  
Secondly, an Act hath been past that they shall not be dissolved but by an Act made in Parliament by the major Vote; and is there such an Act yet past? no man can prove that.  
Thirdly though many are not in the Parliament, which are Members, yet they should be there, and they have been summoned to be there: and it is their delinquency and carelessness of, or malignity to their Country's good, that they are not there; and some of them most unworthily and unnaturally are in actual War against the Parliament are they no Parliament, because such as these are absent?  
Fourthly, the King doth always call them his Houses of Parliament, and therefore who can question it? but the truth is, they suggest many things to deceive the common people, as if we were the only Nation of Fools in the world.  
Object. 2 Some furious spirits in the Parliament compel the rest to do what is done, and those are put out in name of the Parliament etc.  
Answ. First, doth not this cast an imputation upon the Nobility, and the greatest part of the commons, of weakness, if not of absolute folly, that they should be led by a few factious spirits in all their Votes and determinations?  
Secondly, were not the unjust and illegal dissolutions of Parliaments grounded upon exceptions against some particular Members, under the name of a few factious and seditious persons? as all men know.  
Thirdly, suppose that the rest were advised and misled by the Counsels of those few, against their own judgements who are called factious and seditious (which can never be granted until a Parliament be chosen of such as will believe it) are they not the Votes of the Parliament, when the major part shall pass them? truly, ●●argues they want matter of accusation that make use of such silly shifts as there are.  
Object. 3 The Parliament goes about to alter Religion, to bring in Brownism, Anabaptism, etc.  
Answ. First, it is false for none can accuse them in respect of the Doctrine of the Church of England which is the main of Religion; and seldom are men said to alter Religion but in point of Doctrine.  
Secondly, it is reformation of government (confessed on all hands to be corrupted) which they endeavour; and if there be no need of Reformation, why were there so many complaints made hereabout?  
Thirdly, suppose they should go about to alter Religion (which we will never grant, except they were such as their accusers) who could hinder them? may not they (if they see cause) altar Religion aswell as former Parliaments?  
Fourthly, as for those scandals of their intentions to bring in Brownism, and Anabaptism. etc. it is notoriously known that under the name of Brownist, and Anabaptist. by the Praelaticall Party (the Oracles of the Court) are always understood all such who dare not out of Conscience submit to those unwarranted Ceremonies by them introduced into the worship of God. Men that will not swear and lie, blaspheme God's name and profane his day, are the Sectaries, Brownists, and Anabaptists of these times.  
Lastly these men either understand not what Anabaptists are; or else speak very unadvisedly in charging the Parliament with Anabaptism: for one of the main points of Anabaptism, is that no man ought to take up Arms in the cause of God at all, but rather to suffer, to plead and contend for the truth by no other weapon than lachrymis & precibus, and if the Magistrate should take away our Religion, yea cut our throats in that cause, we must patiently submit, etc. Now if we consider what Doctrine of this kind the Praelaticall Party have lately broached abroad, they may better learn to charge Anabaptism.  
Lastly, Consider which of these two parties are most likely to go about to alter Religion, either that party that consists of known Orthodox, Godly and Religions men, whose judgements and practices have always been towards piety and purity? or that party which consists of the Popish and Arminian faction? and whereunto all the Papists of the Kingdom personally and virtually come to yield their assistance: which is the very case of the adverse party against the Parliament; that there is a going about to alter Religion by them is evident and therefore if Popery be worth fight for let them not be ashamed of it, but let them speak plainly by their words, as well as their actions: but the truth is, if they should do so, they could not procu e so many to help the whore as they do.  
Object. 4 Another objection concerning the Parliament is this: That they go about to bring in Arbitrary government; to impose taxations upon the Subjects without the King; to demand the 20th. part of men's estates; to seize upon their Arms, Houses, Monies, Plate, etc. and all without the King's consent.  
They pleaded for Property; lo where is Property?  
1. We have committed unto them all that we have; to be disposed of for the public good as being confident of their love unto us; which we never did to the King: We have committed unto them the safety of the Kingdom, and that is the Rule they should walk by (if they discharge that trust committed to them) suppose the King misled by wicked Council, should make War against his Kingdom; the Parliament must endeavour to preserve the Kingdom; this they cannot do, but by forces raised to that purpose; and this will require moneys and the King will never grant moneys to be raised for any such defigne, will he think you? If the Parliament hath nor power therefore to impose raxations to raise monies to maintain the Wars, for the preservation of the Kingdom especially when men will not voluntarily give their assistance; then is the Kingdom without a Remedy in such cases, and so a Parliament is but a mere cipher and of no use.  
2. Suppose that a wicked faction should counsel the King to set up Preregative above Law, and to make his will the Law of the Land; and they tell him he hath but the name, and not the power of a Prince, except he doth so: Well, it is replied this cannot be done except that power be conterred up on him by Parliament otherwise the People will not bear it. They advise him further to call a Parliament and tell him they will use such means for the election of such throughout the Kingdom which shall be willing to such a design: well the King calls a Parliament their design in election fails; this Parliament now called seek not the subversion but the confirmation of the Law of the Land Liberty of the Subjects etc. Well these wicked Counsellors sugg●●r unto the King, to take away five or fix at a time of the chief Members (whom they conceive to stand so much against this design) under pretence of accufing them of high Treason &c so that the rest may fear, and yield to his well: well this Council is taken but the Parliament will not part with their Members in any such ill g●il way; what must be done now? well, they tell the King they will raise some Forces for they are many and great Persons, and if the King will be with them in this design they have a thousand lies to deceive the people; the Counseil is taken an Army raised, they grow big, and appear strong; if the Parliament now hath no power to tax the Kingdom without the King in this case to raise moneys to maintain an Army for its defence, then is the Kingdom utterly undone.  
3. The Army raised up against the Kingdom consists of our own unnatural Countrymen and the maintenance thereof hath an influence throughout the Kingdom; it concerneth therefore the Parliament to find out and Censure Delinquen's herein Now having a long time required voluntary assistance from the Subjects for the defence of the Kingdom, they Vote (as very well they may, being the only Judges in this case) those to be Delinquents that have not lent the 20th. part of their Estate, and directly or indirectly to assist the adverse Party of our unnatural brood, who endeavour the destruction of the Kingdom and I hope in such cases at least they may censure such Delinquency, and seize upon their Arms, Horses, Moneys, and Plate, and secure their persons, lest they prove our ruin and destruction.  
4. Let all men consider, whether the Subjects good and benefit be the ground of all those cautions and caveats concerning the Parliament, which we have from many Declarations & Expressures set forth under the King's name; surely if we look back upon the demands of no less than 12. Subsidies to undo u in maintaining the War against the Scots; If we look upon the present illegal assessing of several Counties, and compelling them by an Army on foot to pay it etc. we have very little reason to judge any such matter.  
These, and many the like objections are made and easily answered by any judicious and reasonable man.  
My present satisfaction is beyond my present doubt; could I always thus be satisfy in my doubts, I should not be to seek in my Resolutions, but thus is my case; what purposes are built up by such as is my present satisfaction are thrown down again by politic and cunning future Declarations and expressares from the adverse Party.  
A present continual remedy for that will be the sudden summoning up of your experience in these short and brief considerations.  

1. Of what the Parliament hath done already for us, which malice itself cannot deny.  
2. Of what they may do every day against us if they please.  
3. Of the sad consequences of their dissolution, as the case of the Kingdom stands.  
4. Of the sad usage of those, in several parts of the Kingdom, who have been deceived by their Declarations and promises, where ever they come.  
5. Of the qualify, Religion and practices of the adverse party, and their relation both by Religion and otherways to the Rebels in Ireland.  
6. Of former like Procestations Imprecations, promises cunning and politic Declarations, in the cant oversie between us and the Scots etc. Digest these and the like consultations seriously in your thoughts, and when you can perceive satisfaction herein be deceived if you can.   
From the present state of the Kingdom, we cannot but take notice of these particulars.  
1. We now see the grounds, ends and aims of the over spreading of this Kingdom with ignorant and non preaching or Popish and superstitious Ministers; namely that by the ignorance of some and idolatry of others this design of bringing in Popery and slavery into the Kingdom might prosper; for none but ignorant fools will fight for slavery and inperstitious Formalists for Popery, or superstition.  
Where prayers and preaching are all in formabey, where Sabaths are spent in sports and sensuality there is a foundation laid for Popery and slavery: and by these weapons hath the Pope subdued the greatest part of the Christian world: God and the Kingdom have now no such enemies; as where men have been poisoned with a superstitions ignorant Ministry.  
2. From the State of the Kingdom we may observe the great Hypocrisy of these times: Lies and hypocrisy have begotten an Army against Truth and Sincerity; Nature asequaur semina quisque sua. It's no marvane that that party speak lies in hypocrisy in all their words; writ lies in hypocrisy in all their Declarations, act lies in hypocrisy in all their conversations; fight for lies and hypocrisy in their contentions, which is begotten and maintained by lies in hypocrisy; this party where ever they come it is for the good of that place, the preservation of those Countries, if you will believe lies and hypocrisy: this party if you will yeeled yourselves up to them, will not plunder you, will not prejudice you will pay for all that they have, do no man wrong: If you will believe lies and hypocrisy; this party fights for the true Protestant Religion, the Law of the Land, Privileges of Parliament Liberty of the Subjects: If you will believe lies and hypocrisy this party say the Parliament would make you slaves, change your Religion, destroy your King undo your Kingdom: If you will believe lies and hypocrisy: This party where ever they come, will tell you, that they have prospered in all the Controversy, had the better by much at Keynton Battle, that they might have easily come to London when they came to Braiford if they pleased: but they had not the least thought of plundering the City if you will believe lies and hypocrisy: This party will tell the places where they are, that London is divided, and cutting of one another's throats; that they have 30 or 40 thousand there on their siaes; that London is almost starved for want of Victuals, if they will believe lies in hypocrisy: Never such an Army of profane liars and hypocrites, but it's no marvel since lies and hypocrisy brought them together.  
3. The present state of the Kingdom showeth the great and dreadful blood-guiltiness of our times; the blood of Christ the blood of Saints, the blood of many poor ignorant people lies heavy upon some great Persons and Families in this Kingdom: when the blood or Christ, of Cain, of good, of bad shall jointly sorich in God's ears, how shall he not hear? The cry of the Widows and Fatherless calls for vengeance, how shall he not hear? What murder did ever swim to Heaven in blood? Murder (though secret, and but once) seldom escapes underected, unrevenged; what vengeance might those expect, who have been the proper causes of the bloodshed of thousands? God give repentance unto life, that blood-guiltiness follow them not to death.  
4. From the State of Kingdom we may observe, the damnable contempt of the Gospel of grace in this Kingdom: O ye wretches! what injury hath the Gospel of Grace done you? wherefore go you about to kill it? many good works it hath done for you, for which of these would you destroy it? Is it because it would teach you to be happy for ever? Is it because it would save you? Is it because it hath brought along with it peace, plenty preservation? Is it because it hath made you the only Canaan of the World? the envy of Nations? a terror to your enemies? the delight of your friends? for which of those good works would you destroy it? Have you not wronged it enough already by stopping the current of it? hindering the progress? darkening the glory? banishing, imprisoning abufing, mocking and persecuting the Children of it? But must you now seek the life of? and will you do this under the pretence of fight for it? What? Indas' with a Kiss? What? Crown Christ with Thorns again, in opposing his Truth.? spit in his face again, in despising his Word? dissemble like Iewes with Hail, Hail, and hang him on the Cross? take heed, the Gospel may save those that killed Christ; but Christ will never save those that kill his Gospel: hath not this tied fast the three Crowns upon the head of your King? succeeded you in all your enterprises? made you famous in all the world? hath the Gospel or its Children done you any hurt, that you now go about to ruin both? have you not fins enough to plead against you? but you must engage Christ, and his Gospel, and his people against you at the great day? would you make sure the deepest, the hottest, the dreadfullest part of Hell? is this your ambition? What? is your aim at the heart of God, his Gospel? at the eye of God, his people? God give repentance unto life, before this also pursue you to eternal death.  
5. From the present State of the Kingdom we may with admiration behold God's mercy to unworthy England, O England wherefore art thou not destroyed? is it from the cart of thy Governors? the wiled me of thy Counsellors? the faithfulness of thy State Officers? is it because thou hast wanted enemies abrord? hast no Traitors at home? art at union with thyself, that thou art not destroyed? is it because thy Prophets have been fatchfull? thy Judge's impartial? God's worship purely administered? his Sabbaths sanctified? is it because thou hast been thankful under mercies? Truthfull under means? kindly entreated Gods Ministers? loved his people? if not for these; wherefore art thou not destroyed? have thy Pilots sought to split thee upon the Rocks? and yet art thou not destroyed? have those who should have been thy Fathers, thy protectors ●●ld thee, tempered with other Nations for thy ruin? and yet art thou not destroyed? have all the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of ruin been upon thee? and ye art thou not destroyed? hast thou b●n more sinful than many Nations laid in the out, and yet are thou not destroyed? have there been so many plots and projects, so contrived, to carried on, and ye nor destroyed? hast thou been so near; 〈…〉 many times, and yet not lost? have there been so many factors for the destruction, so many Traitor to thy pea●●, scattered throughout the three Kingdoms, and yet preserved? If thou hast any ingenuity, any morasity, any grace, admire God's mercy and be thankful.  
6. From the present State of the Kingdom we see what will suddenly become of us, if God doth not give us hearts to prevent it; all you that would not be Papists, stand forth now, if ever and fight for your Religion, all you that would not be slaves stand forth now or never, and fight for your liberty. Consider the consequenees.  


1. Of losing The day.  
2. Of getting The day.    
1. If you lose the day, you lose all; you are undone in your estates, undone in your liberties, undone in your poor posterity; you and they were as good be in Turkey, nay which is worst of all undone in your Religion, you may write Ichabod upon all.  
2. If you get the day, you and yours are made for ever, your freedoms will be recovered, and confirmed, your estates secured, Religion purified; you shall see such days of light and life, as will make you forget all your nights of grief and sorrow.  
Thirdly consider, Christ hath forewarned us of the sorrows of latter days, of Wars and rumours of Wars; that the Father should be against the Child and the Child against the Father, that his cause should make a breach in the nearest relations, and of many troubles; but withal adviseth us not to be troubled, but to rejoice and to be exceeding glad, because our Redemption draweth nigh; out of this eater will came sweetness and light out of this darkness the immediate forerunner of a clear and warm day is a misty morning: Christ ascended from his Cross to his Crown, so shall his Churches, though now for a little while the cry of the Churches of Christ be; how long Lord, how long, etc. yet suddenly their songs shall be; Babylon the great is fisten, is fallen; he will shortly take down your harps from the Willow Trees, and teach you to warble out the Songs of Zion in the Land of Canaan.  
Fourthly, consider that God will do his great wonders of judgement upon the wicked of the World by his Church and people etc. at a time when they shall be most confident of utter ruinating his Church; the whole current of the Scriptures declares that God will make his Church his battle dxe and weapons of his Warfare; that by his Churches be will beat in pi●●es all the Nations of the Earth and that he will make Zions horns Iron, and her hooses Brass etc. and that jeralclem shall be a cup of trembling and a hu●chen-s me si ne, and that all that harthen themselves with it, shall be broken to pieces by it and though men gather themselves 〈…〉 form, and for the time of it, it shall be when they say ●●●our our eye look upon zi●n and let her be defiled: It shall be then, when all the who●● Eaten shall be filled, with admiration both of the suddenness and irrecoverableness of their ruin.  
Firstly, Consider that the state of this present time, and the face of things now doth abundantly intimate, that this cannot be long, and that the very quarrel in which Antichrist shall fall, and the Churches of Christ shall rise is now begun in this Kingdom: For  
First, the cause is purely the glory of Jesus Christ his Word and Worship, this is the very quarrel between Christ and ●ntic●rist, M●●●●eil and the Dragon as the word in imates.  
Secondly, the followers and fig●●ers in this Battle are the Angels of Michael and the Dragon, who rank themselves on the one side, but gouly honest men, etc. and on the other, but Papists and Atheists etc.  
Thirdly, this quarrel is general, as the last and greatest quarrel must be; for the good Party now through the Christian world waits with prayers and tears for a good success here in England; and the Pepish party also with all their endeavours, in Spane, France, Ireland, Denmark etc. seek the surtherance of success on their sides.  
Fourthly, God hath hitnerto managed and followed the Cause after the same method as he will in that quarrel: Michael will not go but with his Angels but yet he will so manage the business as that it shall appear that he is Michael, the mighty God: and hath he not done so in all the Battles hitherto in this present Controversy? Hath he not appeared in glory at Keynton Battle, to the terror and amazement of the Adversaries (though like hardened Pharash's) they will not acknowledge God's wonders, how did he appear a Brainford? though our Advertaries brag at the success thereof? as they may with everlasting shame and reproach for their Treachery Cruelty and Cowardizc when they came with a full intent to be drunk with our blood and to swell with our wealth to plunder our City (though they have the face to deny it; when some of the chiefest of them sent word to some of their friends in London to change their lodging, and secure themselves in such and such places, intimating their intentions of blood, etc.) yet how did God drive them away by two broken unprovided Regiments though they came intentionally; the whole Army consisting of many thousands, etc. how hath God appeared at Winchester? at Chichester, etc. surely all this doth afford matter of encouragements in this Cause.  
Therefore, if any considerations of the right or left hand. Liberty or Religion, inward or outward man will take held upon us, we should hold on in the work, and give out ourselves in our Prayers Estates and Persons now or never; better it is to part with some now like men then with all hereafter like slaves; did you but know the consequences of this War, you would count it the best Husbandry to spare from your backs and bellies to maintain it: be not deceived with conceits of a Peace and an Accommodation; let the hateful memory of that man be written in blood who delights in blood; yea let him have blood to drink for he is worthy; let in ward and outward trouble be his portion that desires not Peace with truth and holiness: but there is all improbability (at least as yet) of any such Peace; for the interruption of the Protestant cause in Ireland occasioned by, if not aimed at in these present distractions, the insurrections of the Papists and the rise up of several Armies throughout the Kingdom (besides the greater Body with the King) to wit, the Earls of Newcastle, Cumberland, Wo●cester, Sir Ralph Hoprens, etc. the continual Discoveries of Preparations beyond Seas by Factors gone over to that purpose for Arms and Ammunition, etc. are sufficient intimators to any man of the me nest capacity, that it is very unlikely that we shall have a good Peace from them, as the case now stands. The Peace of the Gospel and of the Kingdom is the Crown we fight for; and therefore our Parliament Worths are now labouring for such a Peace without any more shedding of blood; which if it could be attained, would be the joy of every honest heart; only this we fear, our Enemy's Design in pretending a desire of Peace, is to delay (if possibly until the Spring, in which time they hope to gather strength, and recover that blood, which (though they will not confess) they lost in the Fall. Happily they intent to make up their number again with an Army of Irish Rebels; (for doubtless the Irish and English Rebellion against the Peace of the two Kingdoms is all of a blood and breeding:) but let them come we fear nothing, that blood is as corrputed as the former, and God will let it out: Our Cause is good, God is with us, and their Rock is not as ours, our enemies themselves being judges: He hath showed himself glorious in his belinesse, fearful in praises working wonders: He hath thrown down mountains filled up valleys, renewed his works of Workers: Be bold and confident, that believing in his Name without fear, he 〈◊〉 leave us, until we do enjoy the glory of God in Canaan.  
FINIS.