A declaration of the Right Honourable ROBERT, Earl of Warwick, Lord High Admiral of ENGLAND, and of all the Plantions belonging to any his Majesties, the King of ENGLAND'S Subjects upon the Coasts of AMERICA, Governor of the Company of LONDON for the Plantation, of the Summer ISLANDS; And of the said Company: To the Colony and Plantation there AS the Happiness of a Christian People is ever best advanced, by their constant Progress in the ways of Peace and Holiness: So are they in nothing more miserable themselves, and offensive to others, then in their uncharitable Contentions, and Discords interrupting the same. We have therefore thought meet, out of our most affectionate desires of your Welfare, to make this ensuing Declaration; wherein, first, and above all things, we do, with all earnestness, bespeak all, and every one, That in their several Places and Conditions, they will endeavour, by following the Truth in Love, to advance the Glory of God, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We intent not to anticipate, or prevent the Honourable Houses of Parliament, in any their Determinations, in matters Ecclesiastical, or Civil; but with Prayer, and Patience attend that Resolution, which it shall please the Lord to direct them unto. And whilst we thus wait, we desire, and hope that you will do the like. What the thoughts of the Parliament have been, and are, for all the Plan●●tions upon the Coasts of AMERICA, The Ordinance of Parliament therewith sent, will abundantly declare; And what our endeavours are for your happiness, this writing is a Witness; wherein we shall express our Desires in some particulars. We have thought meet, for the present, to continue the Government, as now it stands, by Commission, together with all Officers, and Commanders formerly chosen by us, until we shall give further direction therein; as to prevent that disturbance which an alteration might occasion; so for the better moderation, and improvement of Authority, to encourage Piety, Goodness, and Industry, and to suppress Profaneness, wickedness, and idleness in all sorts of People, and places of the Colony. We think it not meet, for the present to give any intimation, either to Ministers or People, touching the the public Administration of God's Worship, being in expectance of that Directory, which the Parliament, with the advice, of the Assembly of Divines, shall hold forth according to sacred Scriptures. In the mean time, we desire you would follow Peace with all men, and Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord; looking diligently, lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of Bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. As a good means to promote Piety in the minds of all, and to prevent profaneness: we do, in a special manner, recommend unto your best care, the observance of the Lords day; whereon, as we hope the Ministers will so improve their Labours at every Church within their several Tribes, that all the people may have the best conveniency to hear the Word of God Preached: So we also trust, that Masters of Families will be careful by Catechising, and otherwise, so to instruct their Children, and Servants, that all may come to the knowledge of God, and of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whom rightly to know is life eternal. And that both Magistrates, and Masters of Families will restrain them under their Commands, from careless and sinful expense of that precious time, in sloth, idleness, or any way to God's dishonour, and their own hurt. For your better direction herein, we herewith send you an Ordinance of Parliament. The Company is very sensibly affected with your want of a Minister: And that thereby any particular person, or part of the Colony should suffer a Famine of the Word of God, is very grievous unto us. We intent, God willing, by the very first opportunity, to supply your want herein. In the mean while, we earnestly desire the Ministers would double th●ir diligence in teaching the knowledge of God through the Land; knowing, that as their Labour therein cannot be in vain in the Lord; So shall they thereby exceedingly endear themselves into the good Affections of the Company, who desire nothing so much as the Salvation of your souls. For Counsellors, Captains, and all other Officers, as we require all due honour, and respect to be given them: So, as a means thereof, we desire they may be as a Sanctuary, and City of refuge to all such as love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; improving all their Power, and Authority, as for the securing of the Islands, preserving of Peace, and promoting the power of Godliness in all places, and Persons; so, for suppressing of all manner of sin and wickedness. And, for that Tippling Houses, Idleness, and ill Company, are those Anvils, whereon Satan, with our own Lusts, Forgeth out all manner of sin and wickedness; We desire great care be taken to prevent the same: That so, by the Officers faithful performance of their Duties in their several places, The people being kept in Peace and Amity, The multitude of Indictments and P●esentments, commonly brought to the publi●● Assize●, may be prevented. And though we would not encourage Appeals, which proof so troublesome, and chargeble to them that make them: Yet in that case, we shall expect to receive from the public Officers what ever may clear the business to us; who, by God's Grace, shall proceed according to the merit of the Cause, without respect of Persons. In all Causes wherein Oaths are Administered, we desire great care may be used to inform both the Jury, and Witnesses, of the horrible sin of Perjury, with the dreadful severity of God's punishments thereupon, That so they may not adventure to swear, but in Truth, Judgement, and Righteousness. We had good hope that ere now, by the small quantity, mean condition, and short returns you have found of Tobacco, you would have been put upon that diligence and industry, which might have introduced some more profitable and staple Commodity: whereunto, as we formerly have, so we are still ready to afford all possible encouragement, and assistance. We shall now desire all those that have made any essays therein, with such others as have affection thereunto, That they would improove their best Observations, and Experience, to find out somewhat which may be of more benefit to you, and satisfaction to us; which, as we shall accept as an evidence of Affection to the Public Good; So, we shall consider of some way for compensation, according to their charge, and endeavours therein. We have just cause to complain of the wrong we have suffered in the Case of Wrecks; not only by more private persons, but by public Officers. And, truly, we are much troubled to find so great injustice among you, as might occasion us to revoke that Law, which, in great favour, allows a Moiety to the Recoverers. We shall expect, and hope for better Accounts than yet we have received, both of that which lately happened, and what hereafter may. We have seriously considered of the want of Linen Cloth, and other necessaries, by the public Letters, intimated to be in the Colony; which seems the more strange unto us, when we hear the Adventurers declare, that of great Proportions of Goods which they have sent to you, they have received very short Returns. If there be a scarcity, we conceive it ariseth from yourselves, ●●●●est Factours are so unfaithful in making returns; private Persons so backw●r● in paying their deuce; public Officers so remiss in executing Justice herein; and all or most so desirous to trade rather with Strangers then with the Company, which appears by keeping their Tobaccoes until our Ship be come away; whereby, both the Merchant is discouraged from sending, and the Company prevented of the duties. If any complain, that the Adventurers, or their Factours do overprise their Commodities, we fear your slow payments are accessary to that error, which we are so fare from excusing; that, when you have taken order, that speedy Returns be made, we shall endeavour, what is in our power, that no oppression be used. And, because we would remove all colours of complaint, we have desired particular Members of our Company, that they will, at present, send such Proportions as may supply your occasions; We hope they shall receive such Returns by this Ship, as may both manifest your good Affection, and encourage their future 〈◊〉 others. We are not unmindful of your desires for a free Trade, which you have both intimated to us, and sought for from the Governors with you: But the truth, is for the present, the Constitution of the Company, the Obligations upon them, and the propriety of the Owners are such, as be inconsistent with that freedom of Trade which is required. When, upon a serious consideration of all particulars, with a disengaged respect to the common good, it shall appear, that what is required, is according to Right and Justice, and such as the Company can in faithfulness assent unto, you may rest assured, That we shall be most ready to manifest our Affection to any Liberty or Privilege, which is for the good of the Colony: In the mean time whilst we concur in allowing freedom of Trade for such Proportions of Cattles, Hogs, Fruits, and other Provisions as may be very well spared, without damage to the Colony, danger of a Famine, prejudice to the poorer sort, or preventing the Owners of their deuce; and, until farther order hence, only restrain Trade for Tobacco, which (as necessity compels) we do hereby absolutely prohibit; That so, both we may receive our Rents; and by the duties thereupon, the Ministers may have their exhibitions, Ammunition, and other necessaries for the safety of the Lands, satisfaction of the Officers there, and the charge of the Company be provided for, we hope no man will find just cause of Offence. But however, we desire to approve ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God, and so to carry on all matters, as that we may be free from each man's want, and from neglect of any thing, which is in our power to procure, for the good and happiness of the Colony; whereto, as we are in nearness of relation, so we desire to manifest our good will and affection in every kind of way. We shall conclude with that of the Apostle, Finally, Brethren, Far ye well, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in Peace; and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you. Given under the Hands, and common Seal of the Governor and Company at a general Court, the 23 of October, 1644. Warwick Governor. Wil: Say and Seal. Arthur Wodenoth, Deputy. Thomas Allen, Treasurer. Perien Trot, Husband, Gilbert Gerard. I. Danvers. Ben. Rudyerd. Richard Knightley. 〈◊〉 Holland. john Heydon. Anthony Wither. Edw. Carter. Owen R … e, Gabriel Barber. Richard Casewell. Gedeon de Lawn. Maurice Thompson. Fancis Allein. john johnstoun. William jessop. john Grant. Robert Coytmor. William Felgate. George Turbervile. john Alcock. Robert Haughton. George Prynne. Anthony Pennyston. Elias Roberts. john Welden. William Web. William Burges. Nath. Hawes. Tho. Turner. George Ward. William Price. Will. Wilkinson. joseph Todd. Michael Evans. Richard Hunt. Abra. Shears. john Bardwell. Charles Calley. which have 〈◊〉 her breathe and … ved as their natural, so the … 〈…〉 birth 〈◊〉, ●f ever they were new borne. We ought to acknowledge, with thanksgiving the abundant grace and mercy of God towards the Church of England; who hath made it no less honourable than any other Reformed Church whatsoever, whether we consider the first Reformers, being men of singular Piety, and blessed Martyrs of Christ; Or the purity of Doctrine there publicly professed even to this present. Or the number of holy Martyrs who have advisedly sealed that Doctrine with their blood: Or the eminent lights in the Ministry successively shining there in great number: Or the many and sincere Professors and Practisers of Religion there, ever since the Reformation; Or lastly, if we consider the many great Deliverances which the Lord hath vouchsafed us, from the wicked plots and hostile attempts of the common adversary, crowning all with much prosperity, and causing the fame and glory of it to be spread throughout the world. These and the like have not been seen in their separate and Independent Churches. In the mean time, we deny not, but that besides our many other grievous sins, there have been also many gross faults and intolerable in the Ecclesiastical Policy and Discipline, as it was abused by those that were entrusted with it, and many foul effects have thence proceeded, which have (especially of late years) corrupted Religion, eclipsed our glory, and laid it in the dust, caused the Lord to hid his gracious and loving countenance from us: And was like to have proved the remidilesse ruin of Church and Common Wealth: Of which sins though we all stand guilty before God, as having been Authors or Procurers of them; yet it becomes not any, that is, or lately was a member of that Church, to upbraid her with these things in a despiteful manner: Such men according to that saying of the Apostle, Are jealous over us amiss, yea, they would (alienate our affections, Gal. 4. 1● and) exclude us (from the Church of England) that we should altogether love them. But these corruptions as they have been for the most part forced upon the Church, by the usurped power of those which were entrusted, and pretended the greatest care of the Church; so they have been, and we trust will be cast out and Reform by the present Parliament. How I would not be mistaken, as if I desired to derogate any thing from the dignity of that most eminent calling of the Ministry; I have no such meaning, neither do I think a worthy Minister to be unworthy or unfit for ●●ther the most eminent Offices or callings in Church or Commonwealth, were it not that he hath a most eminent calling already sufficient ●o take up ●he whole man, and unmeete to be yoked with other callings, as the Apostle saith, who is sufficient for these things; 2 Cor. 2.16▪ And the Apostles do reject such employments with a kind of contempt saying. It is not meet that we should leave the word of God to serve Tables, and a little after, Act. 6. 2● we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the Ministry of the Word, intimating that these things would hinder them from prayer and the Ministry of the Word; whereby it appears, they would not be Deacons, nor take upon them any other Office in or over the Church, but ●pend themselves wholly in the 〈◊〉 and prayer; the like might be manifested by s●nd●● other Scriptures. And the evil of it hath been so generally observed in England, that (as I heard) Queen Elizabeth, when she had conferred upon a Minister's authority and power to rule, was wont to say, I have spoiled a good Preacher to day. And surely (if we observe it) the desire of Superiority and Dominion in or over the Church, in Ministers and Clergymen, and the readiness of Princes and people to confer it upon them; hath been a principal, if not the principal cause in corrupting Religion from time to time, and of setting up the great Antichrist, and many others, as might easily be showed if it were not an argument too long for this place. Thus fare (through the gracious assistance of God) I have expressed my mind in this matter, to the intent I might stop, so much as in me lies, the setting up of a new Discipline and Government of our own framing, seeing we are already freed of all those things that have usually been burdensome and offensive to good Christians in England; and that we expect daily the further determination and decree of the Honourable Assembly of Parliament in these things. Or if I cannot prevail so fare as to stop it, yet that we might look before we leap, and understand well what we do before we do it. O● if neither that may be obtained, yet hence it will appear, that myself and some others deserve no blame, much less such evil speeches as are usually vented against us by some, because we will not rashly run with them we know not whither. And lastly, I desire that this may be a public testimony of my judgement in these things. For to be present, and hear them daily pressed, and to be always silent, is taken for a sign of consent and approbation. March 1. 1642. RICH. NORWOOD Postscript. SInce this Advertisement of mine came abroad (though but a month,) what horrible forespeakings, threaten, imprecations, and censures have been publicly denounced against me in several parts of the Country, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 not need to repeat, being too well known. Neither will I answer t●●● accordingly lest I also be like them; I will only in the fear of God, 〈◊〉 by the comfortable assistance of his holy Spirit apply that saying, Num. 23.8. How ●●●●ld they curse where God hath not cursed? Or how should they detest wher●● 〈◊〉 Lord hath not detested? 2 Sam 16.12. And those words of David, It may be that the Lord will look on mine affliction, and do me good for his cursing this day. A desperate thing it is for men to blaspheme against some good light; and what is it, to acknowledge the good gifts and graces of God in those which they so bitterly preach against; and to overwhelm them all with most foul and feigned susspitions and aspersions without cause? As when they say, Satan will not use profane and wicked men, but he makes choice of those that are of good and able parts, men of a religious life, of a blameless conversation; these close hypocrites ●e makes his instruments to oppose the Kingdom of Christ (that is their intended Discipline) etc. with other like speeches. I say it is very dangerous for men thus to give way to wrath and malice. The Scribes and Pharisees did see, and would no doubt have acknowledged the eminent gifts and graces that shined in our Saviour, if he would have applied them to the establishing of their Faction. But because he would not do so, they maliciously traduced him, and said he had an unclean spirit; but he reproves their desperate wickedness, showing how nearly they did approach, or became guilty of the sin against the Holy Ghost. And let every man take heed how they do cunningly fasten slanders, or otherwise show despite unto the spirit of Grace, because it would not be subordinate unto their ends. I could wish also they would consider the words of Marsilius Patavinus, in his Book entitled, Defender of the Peace. Where speaking of those that presume to frame or press Orders, Decrees, and other parts of Discipline, without licence of the true Lawgiver or Prince, a●d endeavour to draw people to the observation of them by surreptitious words, as it were compelling them by threatening eternal damnation to such as transgress them, or denouncing execratious▪ reproachful speeches, excommunications, slanders, revile, or other maledictions against them, or any of them, in word or writing; such (saith he) are to suffer corporal punishment in a most high degree, as conspirators and stirrers up of civil schism, or division in a Commonwealth. For it is saith he, a most grievous kind of treason, because it is committed directly against the Royal Majesty of the Prince and his Sovereign Authority; and tendeth to set up a plurality of supreme authorities or powers, and so of necessity to the dissolution or overthrow of every civil Government. They object also, that I am but a Layman, and therefore should not meddle with matters of Divinity, applying that Proverb Ne suitor ultra crepidam, and saying, that even the Sun, Moon, and Stars, wherein he hath skill, should teach him that lesson, which always move in their own spheres, except they be wand'ring stars, for whom the blackness of darkness is reserved for ever, with many o●her bitter expressions. But this is an old plea of the Popish Clergy, to hold the people in ignorance and thraldom, and should not be taken up by those that would seem to be more opposite to Pope●y then Protestants are. That eminent and blessed Divine Doctor Sibbes was of another mind, who speaking in commendation of Mr. Sherland (that was no Preacher) disdains not to say he had good skill in controverted points of Divinity, and that he was a good Divine. And surely the calling of a Christian is of that importance, that he must, if need so require, omit whatsoever calling he have besides, to make good that one most necessary, neither can he justly be charged to move out of his sphere whensoever he meddles with matters of Christianity and Religion, especially such points as he is pressed to embrace and submit unto. The Apostle exhorts us all, that we should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the Saints. And I may fitly answer them in the words of that renowned Soldier of Christ Doctor Bastwicke, who being checked by the Bishop of Canterbury in like sort as I am by these that he being a Physician, a Layman, should 〈…〉 points in Divinity, answers in Latin, to this purpose 〈…〉 I writ a Book (saith he) not to find myself employment, or to stir 〈◊〉 strife, but of a Christian mind and affection, according to my duty to Go● and my Prince. The reproach of a Layman toucheth not me, for he which hath vowed himself to Christ is one of God's Clergy. The ancient Church doth not acknowledge that surname of a Layman, but reckons it among the Solecisms of the Beast. We have given, promised, and vowed unto Christ in Baptism our name and faith; and have solemnly denounced battle against the flesh, the world, the devil, heresy, etc. against which we must fight unless we put off the reverence and respect of our Vow. How unseasonable is it then to ask by what authority we fight against these? (And a little after) shall that be a fault in me, which is a praise to Divines? They exercise Physic, Grazing, merchandise, they husband their grounds, plant, gather in their fruits, they all may do 〈◊〉 things, I envy not; yet I wonder we should be so straightened, whilst they have such liberty. But if some blunt fellow should ask a Divine, Hearest thou good man, what hast thou to do with the Court, with privy Council, with seats of Judgement? wha● hast thou to do with renting lands, with planting vineyards, with breeding cattles, with money the provocation of al● evils? would he not check such a bold question with some sharp answer? yes, doubtless he would. What then should we do when we are asked, What we have to do with God, with Christ, with Religion, with the Truth? We will laugh to scorn such envious questions, and perform with diligence what God calls us to. We will endeavour with all cheerfulness the defence of the truth, the conservation of Religion, the observation of our fidelity and allegiance to that Sovereign Authority which is over us; rendering an account of our endeavours to him, to whom we have vowed ourselves etc. He that desires to see his defence more at large, may peruse his Apology to the English Prelates. Rom. 16.17. Now I beseech you brethren, mark them diligently which cause division and offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them 18. For they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but ●●●ir own bellies; and with fair speech and flattering, deceive the hearts of the 〈◊〉 March 30. 1643.