LANCASHIRES' Valley of ANCHOR, IS England's Door of Hope: Set wide open, in a brief History, of the Wise, Good, and Powerful hand of Divine Providence, Ordering and Managing the Militia of Lancashire; Not only to the Preservation, but Exaltation of a Poor, and Praying people, in two Hundreds; Against, and above a considerable Army, of Popish, and illaffected persons in four Hundreds: Wherein the strife of Piety and Providence, with impiety and humane strength, in the weakness of means, unto gradual, and complete Victory, is laid out; to advance God's praise, and advantage England's Faith.  
By a wellwisher to the peace of the Land, and piety of the Church.  Isa. 8.9, 10. Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces, gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces, gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. Taken council together, and it shall come to nought, speak the word and it shall not stand, for God is with us. Psal. 46.7, 11. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of jacob is our refuge. Selah. The Lord of hosts is with us, the God of jacob is our refuge. Selah. Jer. 30.16, 17 Therefore all they that devour thee, shall be devoured, and all thine adversaries, every one of them shall go into captivity and they that spoil thee shall be a spoil, and all that prey upon th●e will I give for a prey. For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they called thee an outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after. 
LONDON: Printed for Luke Fawn, and are to be sold at his Shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Parrot. 1643.   

THE EPISTLE To the Reader.  
Good Reader,  
THou hast a willing (though weak) Discovery of God's foot steps in Lancashire, according to best information. Some ornaments of the History were laid aside for reserved Reasons. God's Praise, and thy Profit were specially intended. Pray that the means may be assisted to these ends: So shalt thou engage, to add, or alter, upon Information, what may honour God, and help thee. I have performed what was proper to mine own profession, leaving the Soldier's part, wherein men, and things were notable, to the Soldier's performance.   

LANCASHIRES' Hour of sad Temptation, AND Joyful Issue.  
GOds eternal Counsels about his Church, are in time turned into Promises, Promises into Prayers, Prayers into Providences, and Providences into Praises. Providence is the glass of God's Attributes, and Promises, of the Saints grace, Graces and Prayers: It is the wealth and wages of time present, the treasure and encouragement of time future. The recording of providences is not the least portion of God's praise, of our duty, of posterities patrimony.  
The free, and full, and joint trading of spiritual Merchants, in the precious commodity of Prayers in these last years, (wherein sin in the enemies, and grace in the Saints strove for victory) was sure to bring in with returns. Is it not even so? Let Scotland speak, England, the City, the Parliament. And can Lancashire say nothing? I am charged to bring in this Testimony, which I shall do (God shining upon my way) orderly and clearly, according to best information.  
The wise God (resolved to raise a double-glorious work in this forlorn County, of ruin to the evil, and of rest to the good) forelaid a double-foundation, of sin in the enemy, and humiliation in his people. That was a Series of injustice, with the effects and attendants: This a course of repentance in public Fasting and Prayer; both held parallel from first to last.  
The much to-be-lamented Lord Strange (not of his native disposition (as is hoped (if the height of the Sail did not overtop the Ship) ●ut through the force of evil Counsels, (the common calamity of great personages) was carried down those strong streams of Arbitrary government, and advance of Popery. Witness his Taxations as Lord-Lieutenant, his Popish officers, his injurious interceding in the election of Knights, & ●. The injured, petition the the● exact and dreadful Court of Justice, enforce their Petition by Declaration. The wisdom of that just Court (at once to express their disrellish of these do, but hopes of that no●le person notwithstanding) do subtract the power of L●ncashir●, and cast in the power of Cheshire. But correction is grievous to him that forsaketh the way. When ●ust and moderate senten●● proves the food of corruption, it gathers sudden and great strength. He that formerly withdrew his influence from the County, now denies it to the Kingdom, leaves the House of Loras, ●reaks that honourable Union, increaseth the Dissension, joins with the North against the South, receives Commission from the King to cross the Parliament, seeketh to subject and enslave them (the best amends the oppressed must expect if strength prevail) who had given no cause, save only they complained th●y were wronged, and sought redress. The spirit of the commission will not suffer it to rest: There must be a general Muster at Pr●ston, the people must be thrust into a crowd, that th●y who desire, might securely rob them of their Mag●zin, reposed (as their proper goods) in Liver-pool, Presto●, W●rrin●ton. Herein the Lord himself, the Sheriff, the Commissioners, had and acted their several parts with success, little imagining that so close a business should be told in Manch●ster. But J●bs messenger escapes to bring tidings, though but sad. Now a Ray of divine Providence broke forth, in the wise and peaceable way of securing Manchester Magazine; which was this; The well-affected in M●n●hester and thereabouts, appear in the following Petition to the Committee and Deputy-Lieutenants.  

To the Right Worshipful, they of the Committee, and the rest Deputy-Lieutenants, entrusted by the Honourable Houses of Parliament, for the Militia of the County Palatine of Lancaster.  
WE, whose hands are hereto subscribed, apprehending eminent and imminent danger concerning the Magazine here in Manchester, do humbly beseech your Worships to give command (if in your judgements you think fit) That the same may be removed from the present place of fear, and placed where you may confide. And upon intimution thereof, we are all unanimously concluded to be aiding and assisting in the execution thereof; we humbly conceiving our proper interests to be in it, not only as subjects, but also as having born our proportioable parts of charge in procuring the same. And we shall ever pray, etc.   
This preventing Petition found this satisfying Answer.  

WHereas there have been heretofore divers great Levies of Moneys laid upon this County of Lancaster by the Lord Strange, late Lord-Lieutenant of the said County, and his Deputy-Lieutenants; for their manner of disposing of which, they have been pleased to give an account unto us, and have repaid several Sums of money in some parts of this County, acknowledged by the account to be in their hands th●n undisposed of; and by their said account did aver●, They had bestowed 440 pounds in Powder, Match, and the like Ammunition, which they delivered up in several Towns of this County, in other part of re-payment of the said moneys so levied by them. And whereas the Sheriff of this County, and some others, have lately seized into their hands and possession the said Powder, Match and Ammunition in the Towns of Preston and Leverpoole, and have threatened and attempted to do the like in Manchester, without giving any account, either by what Authority, or for what us●, they did and do the same: We therefore tendering our own interest, and poss ssion of this small remainder left at Manchester, have thought good to take it into our hands, for the defence of the King, both Houses of Parliament, and this County of Lancaster.   
Thus wisdom and honesty, in a way of manifest authority, got the leading of subtlety and injustice; the Snare at last is broken, and a Seed of defence happily sown. But if Manchester will not be cheated of their Magazine, they shall be forcibly despoiled; Forces are summoned to Bury for that end, but the confluence of the well-affected to Manchester for defence, did them the favour of disinission for that time: And lest this business should appear in its own colours, it is coloured over by a meeting of the Array at Wigan; the sleeping Magazine is adjudged to travel, part to Bury, part to Ratchdale, and part to lie in Manchester, upon an order from the King, published at Manchester Cross to that purpose: Under this new colour the Lord Strange returns with his Forces to Bury, calls a second Muster; some of the Town of Manchester, and thereabouts, (more forward in this than forecited) attend his Honour, think to make all well by engaging themselves to buy so much Powder, and lay it in the empty place, and to sweeten and sink all former bitter and clogging passages, they invite him to a Banquet, upon condition that he come peaceably with his own attendance; they unhappily forgetting, or not considering, that it was not a little Powder that was sought, or the submission of a few fearful men, but a Town, and not a Town only, but a County, nor that only, but the honourable rule and government of it; things out of the teach of their arm, but hopefully within the compass of his own power. According to this desire, (not according to the condition) was the march for Manchester ordered; his Honour came attended with many Horse, they entered the Town in an Hostile and insulting manner, with cocked Pistols, and shouts, that the town was their own, their own. The Sheriff read the Commission of Array, which evidenced a composition for War, not for Peace. Some wise and well affected, (foreseeing what others did not believe, till they sadly saw) had laid in some Musquetteers and Pikemen against such a time, resolving to lie hid, if not forced out of Peace. But the unconditioned carriage of these in-comers, beats the Drum, to bring our men in sight, only to put them in remembrance of the conditions agreed on: They will not remember, but forcibly ride upon our men, give them course language, strive to disarm them, sorely wound one, and cruelly slay another; and had not God mercifully sent water from heaven to quench this fire, and moved them to be the Peace-keepers, which were not the peace-conluders, they that have since sought our blood, had themselves been satisfied with blood. But blessed be God that heaven and earth did concur to quiet this dangerous Commotion. Let Manchester and the neighbourhood never forget how their hands were blest from blood, whilst the hands of those that strove with them, were imbrued therein. By this time the Array had gotten enough done; the unappeasable cry of blood is against them, seconded by the bitter cry of some truly pious in the Town, who were in extreme danger to be pulled in pieces, they and their houses, by the partaking and incensed Rascality, the admirers and adorers of greatness, being feasted with the Crumbs that fall from their Tables.  
God fore-appointing the hour of Temptation, and resolving in a course of ordinary (though to us unusual,) means, to show us his salvation, sent a man before, a skilful and faithful Engineer, to be ready to concur with our necessity, and desire, to take course for our own defence, which now will admit neither dispute nor delay. This prepared and provided instrument is entertained, falls to artificial and restless motion, till the Mud-wals at the several passages were finished, when God gave an Alarm from the plundering, disarming Array in Cheshire, Sept. 13. being Tuesday, to heighten the spirits of the well-affected in the Town, above the opposition of the malcontent, that the opposed stoops might be set down, and the chains, coupling the Works, completed, he wellknowing they had almost as much work to do, as time to do it in. All this time that God was contriving our preservation in a way of probable means, Satan in a contrary course was plotting our subjection or desolation, and when the door of our defence was once shut, not before, (oh the waking watchull providence of God) but presently after the floodgates of our opposition were opened; for it was about Friday night, Sept. 23. ere the Works were finished, and the Lord appeared on Sabbath-day morning, and it was Friday night, if not Saturday night, ere the defendants were anchored against winds and waves.  
Thus we are come to Manchester Siege, of which I will not give a full and particular account, because it is already performed by several good hands; only observe three things;  

1. The time in which it fell out.  
2. The several temptations in it, with their Issues.  
3. And some remarkable passages.   
THe time when it began was September the five and twentieth, the Sabbath day, about nine of the Clock, Church-time. God was fo●ced, as sometimes Paul, Galath. 4.20. to change his voice, to awaken and enliven his sleepy and dead-hearted people. sabbath-days Alarms, of all Alarms, are never to be forgotten. Several Battles have been fought, and several Assaults made in several places on the Sabbath day; let England study the meaning: Our Saviour tells us there is an affliction in the time, Mat. 24.20. Pray that your flight be not on the Sabbath day. God hath a controversy with the people for their Sabbath days services. Yet observe the breath of the enemy. Saul breathed threaten and slaughter against the Disciples of the Lord: The enemies mocked at their Sabbaths; Their breath blasteth holy persons, times, actions. The Episcopal breath fetch him out of the Pulpit, scatters the people, suspend him, suspend the place. This Seige-week was unskilfully joined with the Nationall Fast-week; for thus succours came into Manchester from all parts of the Kingdom, Armies of Prayers, Legions of Angels. The enemy's Lot, so warily cast, fell not unlike to Hamans' Lot, Esther 9.1. The enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, but it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them.  

The several Temptations that straightened this Siege, with their present and proper Issues, were,  
The Temptation. 1. The unskilfulness of Commanders and Soldiers, being bred and educated in a land of Peace, where no enemy was left (as sometimes in Israel) to teach them war. They knew not to take advantage, or prevent disadvantage: They were fit to hurt themselves, and one another, as they did. And that very day the enemy appeared, hearts were down, because their number to man their works was no greater.  
The Issue. But when God put the work into their hands, he put in skill, Psal. 144.1. If ever it were given a people in that hour how to do, both hands and skill, now was the time. So that in a short time (even to admiration, men of all callings were skilful, ready Fire-men. And on that five and twentieth of September came in new and considerable Forces: whereupon the soldiers thanked God and took courage.  
The Temptation. 2. What the enemy cannot do by force, he will do by fraud, he sets fire on poor houses, and rich barns (any thing to advance the Catholic Cause) hoping by the light of the fire, and darkness of the smoke, to see to hit, and 〈◊〉 be hid from shot. Fire is a cruel Lord, and dreadful object to fresh and low-water soldiers. The wind blows right to help the enemy, to heat and blind the assaulted. And now fire to fire: a fierce assault, to a flaming fire, will destroy all opposition.  
The Issue. Faith, that sometimes quenched the violence of fire, did no less now. It quenched the violence of fear in our soldiers, the zeal of the Work consumed them, whilst the fire consumed the buildings. And though the fire heated our men to strive for the Wall, and to give the more ready fire, yet the smoke did not hid their enemies. And when the wind had blown so long against us, that we might be sensible of a Turn, he that gathereth the wind in his fists apparently turned it to our advantage.  
The Temptation. 3. They had a Town of advantage. Salford is open, affords them entertainment and assistance, proves their stalking-horse, brings them near, and gives them shelter; faceth us, and opens them a backdoor. God complains of his evil neighbours, Jer. 12.14.  
The Issue. They sought help by fire; God helped us by water. The rain poured down, raised the water, and parted the Army, nearer neighbours than Manchester and Salford. They fought from heaven, the Stars in their courses fought against Sisera. The river Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the river Kishon, Judges 5.20, 21. Hither they came, to lay their dead in sight, and to let them lie with shame. The Canonneer had much ado to Charge, and more ado to Discharge. If they peeped out of the houses, they were unhoused.  
The Temptation. 4. They had means of advantage, many roaring, thundering, terrifying Canons, we had but one small Piece. We have heard the report of them, and our hands waxed feeble.  
The Issue. The Canons did but play, they did no work, no execution. They had no Commission but to strike thorough houses, which could neither bleed nor weep: Only one Lad stood in their way, who was out of his own way, and (as they say) timely prepared by his wickedness for such a stroke. It was a wonder to see when they came into an house, what haste they made out, as afraid there to stay: and how strictly they kept their Lane, lest by turning aside, they should harm any in the house. Surely the joint praises of Gods rejoicing people; as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, Rev. 14.2. did drown the noise, and remove the terror of the Canons.  
The Temptation. 5. Though the enemy's fire was quenched, and the force of their Canons broken, yet we wanted fuel, Match failed, and Powder grew scarce.  
The Issue. He that could find so many Soldiers when there was none, was not to seek for one Matchmaker in time of need. He finds a Common-Souldier, and makes him to find Match.  
Some Malignants houses contributed Powder, and some Marched to Manchester from neighbour places, in the face of the enemy, who looked and fled; and again looked and fled: They saw it, and so they marvelled, they were troubled and hasted away, fear took hold upon them there, Psal. 48.5, 6.  
The Temptation. 6. Though we be supplied with Match and Powder, yet we shall be overcome with waking, we want rest, and cannot find it.  
The Issue. God gives his beloved rest. To that end he moves the Lord to found for a Parley. Upon which, a Cessation of Arms is concluded, from five at Night till seven in the Morning, that our men might rest, and be refreshed. And ere this release came, God (that can nourish without meat) gave rest without sleep. He held their eyes open, and created new spirits! They waked and watched from strength to strength. They that wait upon the Lord shall change their strength, as a man doth his suit, to fit a new occasion, Isa. 40.31.  
The Temptation. 7. This new bodily rest may serve to strengthen a restless mind. It is now harvest time, our Corn, the livelihood and subsistence of our families, is in the field, ripe and groaning for the sickle.  
The Issue. Whilst the Siege lasted against Manchester, the heavens held a sympathy with the well-affected in and about Manchester: God melted them into a wet and weeping frame. There was little harvest weather that week: Which did evidence, the work of God's people, did not now lie in the Field, but in the Town, in the Barn. It was not reaping work, but threashing work: God's work was to Inn the Corn, their work to Thresh it: He shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor; Arise and thresh, Micah 4.12, 13.  
The Temptation. 8. We are defending the Town, and the Cavaliers are Plundering our houses, or at least we leave wife, children, and estate to their mercy. What portion have we in Manchester? every man to his Tent.  
The Issue. O peace, private spirit. The people in Nehemiahs' time had a mind to work, Nehem. 4.6. a strong mind; and therefore the discouragements of the illaffected could not weaken their hands. Manchester-work was public work; and the spirit of the work did generally rest upon the people: Sometimes Foot, sometimes Horse issued out, and drove in the Plunderers. Sometimes the Country Spirit, guarded with Bills, and Staves, and ●ick-forks, risen to that height, that it subjected horse and man, to the wonder of the Cavaliers. Some houses were safe, others willing to suffer the less, to save the greater.  
The Temptation. 9 Some, sensible of the danger of neighbour-Villages, that had emptied all their defensive power into Manchester, made motion that their lent assistance might be loosed for home, and neighbour defence, against the wild and wandering Horse. This motion seemed reasonable, and by consequent, the defence of the Town unreasonable.  
The Issue. When this Reason came to be handled, it proved a shadow, and soon vanished. Near home this motion felt heavy, but abroad, where greater matters were in hand, it was found light. Private and particular interests are wrapped up in the Public, not so much public, in private. Hear the remembrance of Parliamentary engagement, and an honourable esteem of the Public Faith did no little avail.  
The Temptation. 10. But after all, there is an uncertain blast of the spirit of Faith and Courage in our Leaders, being in the infancy of the Work; and not discerning (as afterward) that God had raised them up to be Saviour's on mount Zion. This was David's sin, when he had escaped so many dangers, and was now out of pursuit, (for Saul sought no more after him, 1. Sam. 27.4.) yet he could not believe his safet●e, but feared, (though he had long escaped, yet) he should at last be taken, 1 Sam. 27.1. We may sooner be free from trouble, then believe we are free. Troubles may come and go, but sin will stick fast.  
The Issue. God kept up the Souldiering spirit, by Prayers and Psalms, mutual encouragement, and the blast of the Silver Trumpets (the Ministers of God) sounded by a Divine breath. When the Temptation was at highest, and their spirits at the lowest, that very night something should have been done by man, to have undone, in a few hours, all that God had been doing in a week (that man might be humbled, and God the more magnified) the tide of our oppression turned. They moved homewards, both sides were in despair, we would have manifested ours, but God hide it; They hide theirs in the Night, but the Morning brought it to light.   

The remarkable Passages were these.  
A Reverend and grave Divine, who had long been a blessing to the Town, and had seen a resurrection of it from the Plague, nigh forty years before, was lifted up from the gates of death, and raised in the Spirit to promote this Work.  
A spirit of Piety and Devotion in Prayers and singing of Psalms rested generally upon persons and families, yea Taverns and Inns, where it might not put in the head formerly. As when David in his trouble went and dwelled with Samuel at Najoth in Ramah, the Spirit of Prophecy came upon saul's Messengers, the first, second, and third time, and upon Saul himself. David's spirit rested upon his enemies, when God will have him to rest. They say, The Parliament hath made many Converts; but here Papists and Atheists, and profane, made many Converts, no better yet, then Parliament Converts. Many of them have proved practical Arminians, practising falling from Grace; so many of our Soldiers and people have been worse since, then in the Siege.  
A Gentleman employed in the Service (not so religious as were to be wished) professed he had seen much of God, and hoped it would do him good so long as he lived: Friends told him he wanted Armour; He answered, He saw God's protection was in stead of Armour.  
September 30. reported, That the Cheshire Trained-Band brought into Stock-port, under the command of Master Leigh of Adlington, had promised one another not to go over Lancashire-Bridge. And his own Tenants Petitioned, They might be excused from this Service.  
Twelve men, the Butt of enemies before, and friends behind, were Shot-free from both.  
The greatest hurt they did was by fire, and that to one conceived to be too good a friend of theirs. They lodged with him, in a place (if report lie not) free for all manner of sin, 
A fair house called, the Lodge.  and before their departure paid a good round reckoning in smoke and ashes, since which a cooler fire took down their lodging.  
A neighbour in imminent danger, had emnient preservation; five of the Earls Soldiers came to the house where he was, he seeing their approach, thought a chamber was fit than the house; four pursue him to his hiding place; three of them drew their swords, swearing to slit out his heart; the fourth, having a Musket, resolved to do the execution; God sends up the fifth, in the nick of time, who in his coming up, moved the Musquet-man, and removed the mouth of the discharging Musket to another White, one of their own company, whom God gave in ransom for this man appointed to die.  
Three neighbours returning from Manchester home, were pursued by a Troop of Horse: one of them was taken and wounded by part of the Troop. Another part continue their pursuit of the other two: one of them casts a shoe: yet by the enemies missing the way once or twice, and casting a shoe also, and one telling them they were a mile before, when the enemy was hard at their heels, they escaped, and the taken and wounded was rescued by the Billmen.  
It was observed, That Christians nearer and further off, were united in one argument of support; viz. That God had not mustered his precious servants, from all adjacent parts, in Manchester, to shut them up into the hands of the enemy, but rather to show them his salvation.  
Thus we leave Manchester, compassed about with songs of deliverance, keeping (I believe) a more waking gladsome Sabbath, October 2. the day after their release, then of many years before, compassing the Throne of so great Grace with high sounding praises, with the Soldiers, as they could, October 3. and more solemnly October 6. when our Drums and Muskets, that had formerly sounded terror to our enemies, kept silence in the Church, whilst the Saints sung the Song of Moses, and when their time and turn came to utter their voice in the open air, with a loud voice and one consent, clapping their hands apace, they reported God fearful in praises, working wonders.  
Though the Devil let pass the Monday Thanksgiving, which was more confused, yet he was ill pleased, and laboured to mar the mirth of Thursday-Thanksgiving, which was intended to be more Orderly, and Solemn. An Alarm was given October 5. that they were coming against the Town the second time. This bred some disquiet, but served to awake unto, and to sweeten the following day of Thanksgiving, which was kept without distraction, blessed be God. This false Alarm repeated October 10. God advantaged to lay a Garrison in the Town, which God intended to use for offence, as well as defence, as will afterward appear.  
About October the eleventh, some Powder coming from the South to Manchester, was stayed by the King's Forces, but some came safe from the North, from Hull, the fourteenth of October. The two and twentieth day, store of Powder came in, and the four and twentieth day some coming was stayed. The joy of this last supply, was sadly tempered with the accidental, but mortal, wound of a skilful and active Soldier.  
When God had thus gloriously appeared in Salford-Hundred, the first and forwardest Hundred, he went and displayed his Banner in Blackburne-Hundred, that only other Hundred in the County, that appeared in the same Cause.   

Blackburne-Hundred.  
ABout November the seven and twentieth, the Array, with some three hundred armed men (as is conceived) besides Clubmen, possessed themselves of Blackburne, whence they sent a party to disarm whaley. This Alarm awaked the Militia, to awake the people by precept. They being awaked were soon up, and marched toward Blackburne, about two hundred armed men, some companies of Clubmen, and some Horsemen, but without Arms. The want of skill in Soldiers, and skilful Captains to supply that want, caused a consultation on Hinfield-Moore, which received Determination (not from the Discovery of hidden skill, but from the resolute will of these stirring Soldiers) to dispossess those forcible Tenants. They speed on with shouting, dividing themselves unto the conduct of two chosen Captains, and come within sight of the Town about eight of the clock, when the Queen of the night, that had shined upon their March, did discover them to their enemies: who soon let fly from the Steeple, which ordered one Captain and his company to the Southside of the Town, and the other Captain with his company to the East-end of the Town, where they found, (though not so high, yet) as hot entertainment out of the Town, for the space of two hours. But God that varieth his providence according to his people's occasions, and had maintained the passages of Manchester, (that a rightful people might not 〈…〉) did now open a difficult passage to let in his friends, from whom the Array hasted, having disburdened themselves of their Arms, and restored what they took from Wh●●ley. Now had God added an experience of favourable providence, in a new kind, formerly in a way of Defence, now in a way of Offence, declaring his all-sufficiency and co●● pleatnesse for War, to those two united Hundreds, giving a Shield to Manchester, and a Sword to Blackburne, hereby assuring them from heaven, That if they would cleave together, and be mutually assistant in his Cause, they should be variously, but suitably and completely assisted and saved, he would be their All-sufficient God, their God indeed, and to purpose.  
By this time the Most-High had lifted us aloft, that we might through weakness of head, or neglect of our footing, have fallen dangerously, had not God as carefully taken us down, as he lifted us up; which he did about the sixteenth of December.  
The Plundering Array issued out of Wigan, to provoke the anger, and stir up the courage of the neighbourhood, who to maintain their Protestation in their own defence, resolved to be mutually encouraging and assistant: but apprehending themselves too weak, requested two Captains out of Manchester, with their companies, to Quarter with them for their security; which was granted. This new strength was augmented by forces raised thereabouts. They wax bold to face Wigan, and come off fair. They go to Plunder a Papists house near Wigan. The enemy sends a party after them, and is advantaged by their security; But leaving their Plunder, and taking to their Arms, they redeem their liberty for this time.  
The enemy hath not thus done with them, he will be better provided for a second encounter; he Warrants the adjacent parts to come in to his help: 
Houghton Common.  Our Captains and Companies go to plunder another Papists house; the Enemy with about a thousand horse and foot, makes after them, (as if they had chosen to relieve their confederate Papists.) Our Forces will not fly, though but about eighty Musquetteers, no not from strength, though as yet a door was open, but having drawn their companies into a Close of ground upon the side of Houghton Common. They confidently conflict with the enemy, to his great loss, towards three hours; but lest they should escape, (as they were nigh to do) God fires their Magazine, and cools their courage; they sound a Parley, have quarter given them for their lives, but lose their Arms and Liberty; three Captains and eightscore soldiers were shut up into the hand of the enemy, the first and foulest blow God gave us in this kind in the County; an humbling blow, and lasting warning: To this day we halt of this blow though most of our Captains and Soldiers be released, (blessed be God) and well it is if we carry not the mark of this wound when it is healed.  
Upon this sad occasion, God made a comfortable appearance, that he had not saved Manchester to the intent they should sit still, nor had he placed a Garrison there, to make their mountain to stand strong, but that they might be ready for action at the beat of his Drum, which struck up, after a reconciliation sought with him by fasting and prayer. The project was for Leigh, 
Leigh.  our marching out (as they say) caused the Earl to retreat from his purposes and beginnings against Bolton. The day of assault, the weeping heavens changed their cheer for our encouragement, looked fair upon our enterprise, and triumphant return. The doubt of falling first upon the town, or some malignant houses, the clearing of Cho-Bent in the way, made it high Christmas Eve ere our men could fall on, (an infortunate time for us, as the Papists would judge) but it quickened resolution, and sped action. The Enemy suffered them to come within half Musket shot ere they discharged, and then played desperately upon our men, in a full Body, to the present lose of only one. Our men divided themselves, that they might clasp hands at a distance, and compass the Town, God intending to shut up the enemy into their enclosure; which done they parted again, and marching up at several places, at the call of the Drum, met at the Marketplace, to receive from the bounty of the God they had sought, the repair of their lost Arms and the price of redemption for Captains and Soldiers: This Victory founded in humiliation, was completed in thanksgiving. It is not to be passed by, what a change of Christmas was now made in the County and Kingdom, such a change in the emptiness of great men's houses, in the places and occasions of concourse, in mirth and provision, in idleness and recreation, as expressed a people very sinful, and a God very angry, to imprint both which there was much in the time, if much considered.  
The like Christmas kept our Forces at Blackburne; The Militia having in the Town four hundred armed men, and some Clubmen, the Array came against the Town on Christmas Eve with five thousand, and three field Pieces, very early in the morning, they shot off their pieces, with shouting, saying, Take heed you Roundheads. God took heed for us, for we were not afraid of the noise, nor hurt once by the eight pound Bullet, though directed against us eight and twenty times. We called on them (in vain) to come within Musket shot. About twelve a Clock they called a parley: The pretence was, if we would yield the Town, and the Arms, and submit to the Earl of Derby, they would meditate with him to supplicate the King to grant a Pardon. The intent was to carry their god (the greatest Field-Piece) nearer the Town, he was too fare off to do any harm. We (Scot-like) knew not the meaning of a Pardon, professing ourselves to be for King and Parliament. When we would not Pardon, they laboured to punish us, having set up their Idol nearer, by the counsel (as they report) of four or five Priests and Jesui●es, and other great Papists, whom they had at hand in a tithe Barn: Till Sunsetting both sides played fiercely, but then taking advantage of the darkness, they fled in fear, and overrun their great Pieces, trusting more to the night for protection, than to their own courage or strength.  
The seventh and eight of February were devoted to God in Fasting and Prayer in Manchester, to succeed our Forces that were upon their march. The first day was spent, and gave strength to our men to march all night, 
Preston.  and to set upon Preston by break of day, the next mornidg, the second day of fasting, when some of our men soon advantaged themselves by taking of Rible-Bridge, and with unspeakable courage set upon the Town, well fortified and manned, which God gave them in two hours, as a present return of prayers. Such courage was raised in the Soldiers, that they dared to take hold of their enemy's Muskets put thorough the Loopholes, as if the miracle of mercy had been again revived, Psalm 91.19. Thou shalt tread upon the Lion and Adder. And when the Pikes kept them off from the Mud-walls, yet by breaking thorough an house some twenty entered the Town; which small number drew down a Troop of Horse to take a Prey. But Moses, Aaron, and Hur being on the top of the hill, whilst Joshua was fight in the Valley; the Captain of the horse was killed, and the Troop scattered. Then came up the rest of our men, killed the Major and some others, chased the Enemy, and commanded the Town. Here Divine Providence took a noble Captain off his feet before the dangerous discharge of a Bullet, he stood not to fall, but fell to rise. We lost few men in this dangerous assault, took store of prisoners and Arms, and came in the nick of time to relieve the well-affected in Preston, and thereabouts, upon whom the Array were prepared to impose an Oath and heavy Taxations. This prey God plucked out of the teeth of the Lion, and paw of the Bear.   

Haughton Tower.  
It was not long after, that this glorious victory was clouded by a dark and terrible blow at Haughton Tower, where the miscarriages of great and small in the taking of Preston, did us more mischief, than all our enemies from the entrance of our hostility, to that time; as sometimes Israel's sin thorough Balaams' counsel, prevailed to punish them more, than War or Witchcraft.  
Our men going down to take the Tower, and finding it prepared for entrance, possessed themselves of it, till being burdened with the weight of their swearing, drunkenness, plundering, and wilful waste at Preston, it dispossessed them, by the help of Powder, to which their disorders laid a Train, fired by their neglected Matches, or by that great Soldier's Idol, Tobacco. However it was, sure it is, that the place so firmly united, chose rather to be torn in pieces then to harbour the possessors. O that this thundering Alarm might ever sound in the ears of our Swearing, Cursing, Drunken, Tobacco-abusing Commanders and Soldiers, unto unfeigned Repentance. For do they think that those upon whom the Tower fell, and slew them, were sinners above the rest of the Army. Let Christ that asked a like question, Luke 13.4 5. give the Answer: I tell you nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish: In the day when the Lord visiteth, he will visit their sins upon them, Exod. 32.34.  
Though our sins thus clouded our Sun in the clear day, yet was not the praise of God's glorious goodness and power to be darkened, but to be held forth two several days, to hold proportion with the time of our humiliation: which (if I mistake not) was done.  
The latter day of thanksgiving was at Manchester, the sixteenth of February, the unhappy time that the Earl chose to recover his Prestor-losses, in the gaining of poor and pious Bolton, which would have been a backdoor to Manchester. The relation of that business stands thus:   

bolton's first assault.  
THe Earls Major General, with about one thousand Horse and Foot, Marched towards Bolton, surprised their Scouts in the way, and discovered themselves to be within a mile of the Town, about nine of the clock, little suspecting that the Bolton Soldiers were that while at Prayer in the Church, nor the Soldiers knowing what need they had by Prayer to prepare for Fight. Had they presently come down upon the Town, they had taken them unprovided of Ammunition; But fetching a compass, that they might come on in a more ominous way, by Great-L●aver, the Bishop's house, the Soldiers were furnished to resist. The assault was fierce and threatening, the Outworks outed our men to entertain the Enemy, who stayed not there, but followed to the Town, fired an house near the Sentinel, wherein the wind served them to carry the smoke upon us; But God presently commanded the wind to blow from another point, to darken and smother the fire-kindlers.  
Then the Enemy took an house that joined to the Mudwall, and had Windows above it, which gave them advantage, to beat our men from the Wall, and a Stable that opened into the Street, whence they shot the Major through the Arm, and had Commission to kill his Horse, but to save him. This door they opened to enter, but God so faced and feared them by our men, that they turned their backs and shut the door, found passage out, and place for retreat. Whilst the Fight lasted, the vapouring Horse prevented assistance, so that they compassed the people of God a●out, yea, They compassed th' m about, but in the Name of the Lord they did destroy them, Psal. 118.11. Whilst God's people at Manch●ster did Sing and Praise, the Lord set ambushments against their enemies at Bolton; and, They were smitten, 2. Chron. 20.21, 22. Here the Canons roared often, but still played children's play, for they mortally bitten but one lad, reported to be of their own side.  
Hither their witty malice brought a new-invented mischievous Instrument, which received this description at Bolton; An head about a quarter of a yard long, a staff of two yards long, or more, put into that head, twelve i●on pikes round about, and one in the end to stab with; This fierce Weapon (to double their scorn) they called, A Round-head; But no weapon that is form against thee shall prosper, Isaiah 54.17.   

Lancaster.  
THe report of our taking in of Preston flew to Lancaster, and prepared the Town and Castle for our entrance. Thither was sent a company of Foot and a Troop of Horse to take possession.  
This new and enlarged possession, was enriched, honoured, and secured by the God of the sea, who had provided for our welcome, 
The ship laden with great pieces.  and Warlike entertainment, a Dunkirk Ship, a man of War, that came from Spain, furnished with 21 Pieces of big Brass and Iron Ordnance, fit to supply the Castle, and fortify other Garrisons. Desire to see this Foreigner, and care to secure this captivity, led some of note and worth into a tedious and removing captivity; yet could not the enemy be thus satisfied, for the miss of such a prize, they labour to destroy that by fire which God had sent by water. But God that sent the Pieces, saved them; The most came whole and safe to the Castle, before and after their Lodging was fired: But malice and envy followed them.  
The Earl attended with great strength, besets Lancaster, and sends this Summons.  

To the Major and Burgesses of the Town of Lancaster, these.  
Gentlemen,  
I Am come into these parts by His Majesty's special command, to free you from the bondage of these declared Traitors, that now oppress you, and endeavour your destruction, by bringing you into their own condition; I will not now mention your former neglect of the King's Service, nor I hope I need not tell you what Forces I have, or might have upon occasion; nor how joyfully all the Country in my March have joined themselves unto me. If you will submit the Town and your Arms unto me, and likewise endeavour with me to reobtain the Castle, you shall have all fair usage from me: if not, expect from me, what the Law of the Land and of War will inflict upon you. Thus expecting your answer by ten of the Clock this day. I rest  
March the 18 eight a clock Your friend Derby.   
This Summons came first to the hands of our Commanders of the Castle, who gave the Town leave to return this Answer.  

Right Honourable,  
WE received yours of this instant, and do return this Answer; That all our Arms are under the command of Officers now within our Town for the King and Parliament; so that we have not the disposal of them, and at their coming they took and fortified the Castle, which was never in our command: and by reason thereof, have our Town likewise at their pleasure; so that both the Town and Castle are now at the disposal, and will be (by God's blessing) kept for his Majesty. And thus we humbly take our leave, and rest  
Your Honours in all due respects.   
THis Answer pleaseth not, th●y must expect the punishments of War, which they found. They fiercely assault for an hour in vain, they turn their rage upon houses, 
Lancaster 〈◊〉 fired.  and by Commission on the sudden become ready firemen all of them. They fire Houses and Barns without the sentinel, in which they sacrificed their dead bodies. Thus they heated and smoked our valiant soldiers from their Sentinel, and when they were entered the Town, Papist-like, they continue to burn, and butcher, denying Quarter to our men, but rather cursedly quartering them; from which cruelty (raging mad) the most of our Forces retired into the Castle.  
The account of this cowardly Conquest is thus given in from Lancaster; The dwelling houses that were burned, were in number fourscore and ten, containing three hundred Bays of building: The Barns, Stables, Cow-houses, replenished with Corn, Hay, and Cattles, that were burned, were eighty six, containing two hundred and forty Bays of building, and one Malt-Kiln of four Bays of building, with three hundred Windles of Malt therein. By all which it evidently appears, that they displayed the Banner of the Scarlet coloured Beast.  
A miracle of mercy was wrought in midst of this undoing and heart-breaking misery. They purposely and industriously gave fire to two houses of persons well-affected to King and Parliamentt, but they would not take fire, no by no means, though they renewed their endeavours several times in several places, though the next houses were burnt down to the ground, God restrained the remnant of their rage, he remembered his promise, Esay 43.2. The flame shall not kindle upon thee; faith quenched the violence of fire, this Shield quenched the fiery darts of the Devil.  
March 19 2000 of our Forces marched out for the timely relief of Lancaster, 
Preston recovered. Blackburn risled.  but how they were divided and diverted, walked and breathed too and fro, whilst the Earl fires Lancaster, recovered Preston, and rifled Blackburne; I have no mind to inquire, but do sadly remember; and cannot easily forget how these tidings affrighted our Commander's out of Lancaster Castle, and exposed the Castle, so well appointed, to the will of the Enemy, had not the mighty GOD, by the assistance of a minister, doubled the spirit of the hearty (though headless) Soldiers, to maintain with utmost hazard so great a trust. Thus GOD set our Sun bacl many degrees, but not in manifest favour, as to Hezekiah; yet he brought us to himself in Fasting and Prayer the seven and twentieth day of March, that we repenting he might repent.  
This very night came a Messenger from Lancaster Castle, reporting the safety of the Castle, the heartiness of the soldiers, and their comfortable provision.   

Boltons' second Assault.  
THe Earl encouraged by so manifold success, hopes to gain all; he brings on Boltons' second hour of sore Temptation, yet in an unhappy season, March twenty eight, the day before the Nationall Fast; and immediately after the Fast, March 27. at Manchester, because of the Design in hand, and also when the Town was well provided with Soldiers, and Bury also furnished for their succour. The Enemy made no near approach till three of the Clock; so soon as they began to draw into a Body upon the Moor, our Cannoneer drew his Cannon into a Croft on the backside of the Town, and at the second shot killed two horses near a mile off. Then a Messenger came to summon the Town to submission, but they resolved not to change the tenure for King and Parliament. When Sun was set, and it began to be dark, the Minister of the Town prayed with a company of Soldiers, most of them Townsmen. The end of Prayer was the beginning of the Fight, and where the Soldiers had even now prayed, they had a furious Assault: The Enemy came on desperately, even to hand-blowes, and some of them leaped upon the Works, where they found Cluo-law. The enemy retreated, and left ten men dead. After this they made no assault till Bury Forces were come into the Town; for this second time they were more favourable to leave an open passage to our succour. Then they made an assault upon the South end of the Town; by the advantage of the darkness they come close to the Mudwall. Here they hoped to prosper by fire, as at Lancaster, but the light discovering their nearness to danger, they fled for safety. After this they marched towards the West, but finding it a busy and warm corner, they hasted off, and came on no more. The Enemy left upon the ground at this Assault three and twenty men. Bolton lost not a man, nor had any hurt done save only one youth shot through the arm. O admirable! In Judah is God known, his name is great in Israel, Psalm 76.1. Many a time have the afflicted me (may Bolton now say) yet they have prevailed against me, Psalm 129.1, 2.  
It was the aggravation of Solomon's sin, and God's anger, That GOD had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11.9. pray God it prove not Boltons' case.  
This Star appearing promised day to succeed our night, as it did in the taking of Wigan, April 1. that impregnable piece, the Enemy's pride and presumption, our fear and despair; of which we sometimes said, It was not possible to take it by assault, or not without much blood, though indeed the sinfulness of the place did render it the weakest of all others.  
Though our Horse made a retreating onset before our Foot came up, though two Soldiers were slain with a Cannon Bullet in their marching up, yet so venturous and daring was the stirring resolution of our Soldiers, that they were suddenly engaged so fare, that they must go on, or lose their lives.  
They go on and enter, whilst the Enemy opens a back door to go out, that the Town might be free.  
A bright beam of this shining victory was, 
This was the Nationall Fast-week.  that God by a merciful recompense gave it into the hands of Bolton Soldiers, who had been twice infested from Wigan, an evidence that God's side will prosper, be the disproportion what it will, poor Bolton shall abide a double storm when GOD is with it; proud a●d powerful Wigan shall fall at once and with ease, when GOD is departed from it.  
This glorious victory found us not gracious enough, it was too much for us well to manage; it was not so gloriously achieved as obscurely left; it was turned into mourning by the too-impressive report of the Earls returning upon us. The Town, that strong and advantageous Town, was left that ●ight.  
But I love not to rake into, and gaze upon the infirmities of men taken at advantage; in general I conceive the case was that of Barak, Judge's 4.8, 9 the work was undertaken in unbelief, so that though we g●t the day, yet we lost the honour. Had we been soaring upon the wing of Faith, we had not fallen so low in fear.   

Warringtons first Assault.  
IN great unpreparedness, in debt for Wigan, in neglect of means of reconciliation, in disorder and confidence of our Soldiers, we assaulted Warrington the fift day of April, about four of the Clock, till the might took us off. Thither we came to leave our dead, to distress the well-affected in the Town, to shame our cou●age, and in all to suffer the punishment of former miscarriages, wherein Cheshire deeply shared with us. Now we had the greatest strength abroad, partly our own, and partly borrowed: But God delighteth not in the strength of the horse, he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man; the Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy, Psal. 147.10, 11. Wigan (thought impregnable) proved easy; Warrington (thought easy) proved now impregnable: This seasonable check, chode us to duty, to public thanksgiving for Wigan-mercy, the eleventh of April; to humiliation, under Warrington-displeasure, the thirteenth of April. The day of thanksgiving was made joyful by the incoming of Ammunition; the day of humiliation was delivered of that wonder, or confluence of wonders about Padiham.   

The rise of Blackburne.  
THe Earl, accompanied with 2000 (●s is judged) came to Rihchester over night, to Whalley by eight of the clock, to a Green not far from Padiham: Our side had but two or three hundred Fire-men, and fourscore or a hundred Horse, so that in means there was no possibility of safety. When we went out first to meet them, there was not above an hundred Fire-men, yet such resolution God gave them, above and against all sense and reason, that they would needs let fly at them, and God suddenly turned them to flight: Our encouraged Soldiers pursued them to whaley (where their two or three shots of Powder (all they at first had to accomplish so great a work) were well increased by their enemy's store) from thence to the Sands, thence to Lango Green, thence to Rible side, called Salisbury Boat: The Horse and Foot took Rible, many of the Foot wading to the chin. In all this Chase, being about five miles in length, they often turned their faces, but as often turned their backs, and hasted away, till they had quit the Hundred, and no more infested it.  
Thus God remembered us in our low estate; he chose the w●ak things of the world, to confound the things that are mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence; O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength, God hath delivered Sisera into he hand of a woman. H●ve they not sped? have they not divided the prey? (they boasted in the morning what they would do, and directed their Warrants to the Country to come in the day following, to compound with the Earl for their liberty) So let all thine enemies perish, O God; but let them that love thee be as the Sun when he goeth forth in hi● might, rising higher and higher, till he come to a Noonday Victory.   

Lancaster Voyage.  
OUr desire to secure our Garrisons, to relieve Warrington, which we had occasionally oppressed, and to improve those new Talents lent us by God, and sent us by Sea, made us think upon a Voyage to Lancaster; the fairness of the weather, and dryness of the way were strong encouragements. We began our March the eight and twentieth day of April; the presence of God was fought for safe Convoy; and so terrible was the presence that accompanied our March (what else c●n it be imputed to?) that our Forces passed safely thorough Wigan (though the enemy found his former nest after we had taken it) Prescot, Ormeskirk (where we marred an intended Muster) and Preston (that recovered Preston) Whence (hearing our friends in Lancashire were in some danger (though it was nothing but the Earls hasting into Yorkshire, and the rest of the Forces speeding to Hornby Castle) we stretched our march to Lancaster.  
In all this way, as we moved, so the enemy removed; we saw nothing remarkable in them, but cruelty and cowardice: For some Troops of Horse meeting a poor boy unarmed, which outwent his company, clavae his head, and barbarously mangled him: Also thereabouts the enemy ●fter a sl●ight skirmish, overcame by flight.  
Our arrive at Lancaster was welcomed with the safety of the Castle, the good posture of the Garrison, their comfortable provision, and the well nigh preparedness of the Carriage: And after we had refreshed our Army a few days with the sight of Tburland Castle, and the report of our foreigners against Hornby Castle, we advanced homeward the ninth day of May, and under the former gracious Conduct came safe home, though laden with the weight of twelve whole Pieces, and two broken ones (the rest fortifying the Castle) all which we acknowledged in solemn thanksgiving in Manchester, the fixteenth of May.   

Warrington Siege.  
ALl this while the cry of oppressed Warrington importuned heaven, and compassion wrought in us; and having this farfetched terrifying assistance, we entered upon a new and prosperous Voyage the twentieth day of May: The three and twentieth of May was designed for Fasting and Prayer in Manchester, to meet with the beginning of the enterprise against Warrington.  
Whilst the duty was in performing, tidings came of the taking of Winwick Church and Steeple, they on the Steeple standing on terms, till God sent a deadly messenger out of a Fowling-Piece to one of them; also a strong Hall possessed by professed Roman Catholics, and stored with Provision, as if it had been purposely laid in, both for our supply and ease.  
In this Warrington Siege, so good a friend was God to our faith, that the greatest Piece was made unuseful, the second time it was in use; and without the terror of those Idols, the living God gave us the Church and Steeple the 26 of May, with the loss of one man; and that strong Hold upon terru●●, M●y 28.  
A Providence much to be observed in this Siege, was this: One night our men were to work within half Musket shot of the Town; It was a great calm, that they could not work, but the enemy would hear: When some went to work, others went to prayers; and God raised a great wind, that took away the noise: a Providence not altogether unlike what I have heard in Boston: The Chancellor gave Organs to Boston; before they breath in that new world, the well-affected pray▪ after their prayers, a mighty wind forceth its passage into the Church, blows down the Organs, broke them, and stopped their brea●h.  
That which ripened the enemy's ruin, was their hard usage of prisoners, and well-affected in the Town, their extreme cruelty in the Country, killing a godly man and his wife in their own house; and their professed confidence and pride in their strong Hold, appearing by their hanging out a Flag of Defiance upon the highest Chimney.  
At this time waited a Ship at Liverpoole, watching this friendly opportunity to unburden itself for Cheshire, and to supply us with Powder, Liverpool readily giving entertainment and assistance to it and us. Some recompense God made to tired Warrington, in the shortness of the Siege, and security from spoil, which we charitably made an Article of our Peace: This Return of Prayers, called in our Vows in Manchester, June 1.   

Lancaster succoured.  
ABout this time Lancaster, that had relieved us, called aloud for relief, having been begirt twenty days, the report of our march raised the siege, and strongly garrisoned Hornby and Thursland Castles; the rest of the Forces marching into Westmoreland, and thence into Yorkshire, to join with the Queen of Armies. Having relieved our Garrison, we marched toward the Castles; the attempt upon one, was blessed to win both. 
Hornby Castle.  Three foot-Companies being drawn out to view Horneby Castle, they fell upon an Ambuscado of the enemy within half Musket shot, they gave Fire upon the whole Body of Horse and Foot; But GOD made all shot-free, a promising Providence.  
This attempt was judged dangerous in the undertaking, and dishonourable in the Issue, but encouraged by a weighty and seasonable word of a present Divine.  
The Onset was led on, not altogether unlike that of David upon the Amalekites, 1 Sam. 30.11.  
Our Scouts took a soldier that had escaped out of the Castle, who gave us true information of the state of things, taught us rather to enter in by the Window (a great Window at the end of the Hall) and undertook to lead the Forces to this place of advantage.  
The Companies drawn out for this Design, accommodated with scaling Ladders, great Hammers, Ropes, Mattocks, and some combustible matter for the Gates, were appointed to play on that side towards the Gates, to draw them from that side, where the rest were to force their entrance. The fore Forces played upon the Castle and Church, not without great danger of Iron and Stones, till they put fire to the Gates, which smoked them further off: The back-forces were as busy at the Window, scaling and hammering; Which undaunted resolution to enter by the Gates and Window, sped the cry of the Enemy for Quarter, which was speedily granted, the gates opened, and the Castle entered.  
In this assault, for two hours' space, we lost but two Common soldiers, a third dangerously wounded, some other hurt with stones, but not mortally.   

Thursland Castle.  
THe next day Thursland Castle was delivered upon unkept conditions, which would be a wonder here and elsewhere, did we not know the principle, No faith is to be kept with Heretics.  
By this time mercy hath set, as a Crown upon the head of poor Lancashire, the rich blessing of dying Moses, Deut. 33.29. Happy art thou, O Lancashire who is like unto thee, O people! Saved by the Lord, the Shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency, and thine Enemies shall be found liars unto thee, and thou shalt tread upon their high places. And I may revive Habakuks' Song, Hab. 3.12, 13, 14. Thou didst march thorough the land in indignation, thou did thresh the Heathen in anger, thou goest forth for the salvation of thy P●●pl●, even for salvation with thine Anointed; thou woundedst the h●ad out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the foundation unto the neck. Selah. Though didst strike thorough with his staves, the head of his Villages; they came out as a whirlwind to scatter me, th●ir rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly.  
When God had thus road thorough our County upon his Horses and Charets of Salvation, the whole County triumphed in his praise, july 5. For our mouth was enlarged over our Enemies, our heart did rejoice in his Salvation.   

Having thus led the Reader over the several Beds of Flowers in this Garden of Providence, I will gather and bind up a Posy of select and fragrant Flowers, and sweetly conclude this comfortable History.  
1. Our Nobles have been of ourselves, and our Governors have proceeded out of the midst of us, Jer. 30.20. Some of them the subject of earnest Prayers, Public, Private, Ordinary, Extraordinary, for seven year's space, if not for ten.  
2. Our Commanders and Leaders have had unparalelled preservation, we lost but one man of note, but one Captain in all our conflicts, and him, through extreme cruelty; he asked quarter, but all was on fire in Lancaster, and they would give none, but sought rather cruelly to kill him; then to kill him, to kill him by many rather then by one: God covered their heads in the day of battle, Psal. 140.7. He gave them the shield of his salvation, Psal. 18.35.  
3. Duties of humiliation and thanksgiving (which were cooped up in corners, as deeds of darkness, by the Bishops, were now by the countenance of authority brought into the open assembly, as the only way of success and prosperity, in our just defence and offence.  
4. Evident undeniable answers of Prayers, sometimes at present, sometimes soon after.  
5. Mercies denied at one time with strokes, have been granted at another time with full-handed favours.  
6. God hath remembered us in our low estate, our highest Tide hath followed our lowest Ebb, God's power hath been perfected in our weakness, his beauty hath shined in our confusions.  
7. God hath shared his employments and successes in a kind of proportion, amongst our Commanders and Soldiers, that all might have some, and none might have all, that all might be humbled, and none discouraged; Herein hath God wisely wrought for their unity, mutual respects, assistance, encouragement and honour.  
8. Mercies and afflictions have counterpoized one another; In all this way of providence mercies have been embittered, and crosses sweetened; comfort and humiliation have watched and waited on each other. God's constant project hath been, to nourish grace, and subdue corruption at the same time▪ a work no less happy than hard.  
ALL I would say more, is to the County; much hath been said of it, and of GOD in it: Let me speak samuel's counsel, 1 Samuel 12.14. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth, with all your heart, for consider how great things he hath done for you. Add Joshua's warning, Josh. 24.20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then will he turn and do you hurt, and consume you after he hath done you good. Which GOD forbidden for his Christ's sake.   
FINIS.