A TRUE RELATION Of the Strange APPARITIONS Seen in the Air, on Monday 25, February, in and about the Town of Bolton in the Moors, in the County of Lancaster at midday, to the amazement of the Beholders.  
Being a LETTER sent from ELLIS BRADSHAW OF THE Same Town, to a Friend in London, WITH OBSERVATIONS Thereupon, what probably they may signify, and what Use may be made thereof.  
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Brewster and Gregory Moule, and are to be sold at the three Bibles in the Poultry, under Mildred's Church, 1650.   

SIR,  
THere hath appeared to us such visible characters of the Infinite power here, of the mighty, miraculous, and clear Demonstration of the hand of God, which as visible signs of his invisible Power, and of his Will and Decree, he hath held forth to us perspicuously and apparently in the open sight of all beholders, that did but lift up their eyes to behold the same in the azure Sky, that the like hath not been seen in any Age, that is as yet recorded in any History that I have ever read or heard of, either here, or in any Kingdom: And though, it may be, that the same was visible as well with you, as in our horizon, yet because we know not how far it appeared, as it did unto us, I could do no less then write the Relation of such strange Apparitions, in regard the publishing thereof, if you think it convenient, might greatly tend to the glory of God, and the good of all those that desire to observe, and to consider the operations of his mighty hand, which he holdeth forth as a warning to us, of some great thing that he is about, and hath fully determined to bring to pass within a short time, even in this our Nation, if not in this our County, to whom this Apparition was miraculously visible. However it appeared, or whether it appeared or no unto other people, for we cannot tell; and therefore if it be no news nor strange unto you, it may well excuse me for writing of it, that if it be news you might know it first, and so declare it first, if you think good, as I shall here relate it, and descant upon it, what it may possibly signify, according to my apprehension.  
The thing was thus, Yesterday being Monday, February 25. 1650. being our Market day at Bolton in the Moors in the County of Lancaster, betwixt ten and twelve of the clock, and much of that time there appeared to us, yea to all in the Town, or in the way thither, that look so high, A white Circle, compassing directly from the glorious Sun shining in his strength, (the Sky being clear, and not overspread with clouds, or mist, etc.) strait into the North, as it were of a level height, with the height of the Sun, compassing round to the Sun again, as if it had been a wall, and the Sun a Postern in the side of it. And besides the true Sun, there appeared also a great way distant on either side the Sun, a bright place in the aforesaid Circle, not unlike in greatness to the true Sun, but not so bright nor formable, but rather red and changeable, especially at its vanishing; like part of a bright Rainbow, or as we call them, Weather-Galls, though far brighter, and more clear and splendorous to all beholders when they were at brightest. There appeared also in the Northern parts of the same Circle, two other likewise, which like bright places of the same colour, but not so bright and splendorous: All which four were set directly in the white Circle, like so many Postern Towers in the walls of a City, a great way distant each from other,  
There appeared likewise directly over our heads, two fair Rainbows in the clear Sky, the one tending with either end of it, towards the two bright places, that were next to the Sun, though they did not reach them. And the other tending with both its ends, as directly pointing to the other two places, that were in the Northern parts of the white Circle, that shined also as hath been said; So that these two Rain-bows, that were directly over our heads, tended with their backs together, and their ends directly one from the other; the one Southwards, and the other Northwards; the one as inclining to embrace the Sun, and the other to embrace the North Pole.  
All these visible Apparitions continued a great while, some say two hours, but of the certain time I am not certain, for I saw them not at first: but I saw them vanish by degrees away, beginning in the North; for the North-side of the white Circle began to vanish first, and then the two bright places in the North of the Circle did also first vanish before the other, and so also did the North Rainbow, and then by degrees the other also, so that the nearer to the Sun, was the longer visible, not only of the Rain-bows, but of the bright places, and of the white Circle.  
From all which visible appearances, if I may not seem overbold and presumptuous, being but such a man: I shall desire to descant, and conclude thus far, as my own apprehensions, what these things mean, or at least, what use we had best to make of such strange visions and signs in the Heavens, as are so frequently seen in these days of ours in our own horizon, and by our own eyes.  
And first then, in my apprehension, These visible Apparitions are held forth to us, as admonitions of some great displeasure, and of wrath kindled, that must be executed in its time and season.  
And that especially against all such, who have laid aside their Covenant-Engagement, whereby they were united each to other, and jointly bound in their places and callings, even to the Lord himself, to seek and endeavour a full Reformation both in Church and State, according to the word of God, and not to their own inventions, nor as might best serve for their own interests, nor the interests of others, either Civil or Ecclesiastic: For in so doing, we lay aside our Covenant and the Interest of God, who hath hitherto saved us from our common Adversaries.  
And therefore, it is observable, that these two Rainbows were not set in the Sky directly upwards in the usual manner arch-wise, but they were both in appearance to us as laid aside, like two fallen arches, and that with the backs together, so that their four ends were at the furthest distance each from others that they possibly could be; Which may well signify, that if such who have Covenanted shall desert each other, in regard of mutual assistance, against the common Enemies of Reformation, they utterly cast down their supporting Arches, and lay aside their Covenants, so that in respect of the Ends of our Covenant-Engagement, they utterly frustrate their mutuality, and set them directly at the furthest distance each from other that they possibly can.  
For our Covenant-Engagements were chief intended for the supportation, strengthening, and encouragement of one another, for else we had not needed any express Covenant, being already bound in duty unto God, and each to other, before we entered into such Engagements, even by the Law of God, which is the Law of Love, and obligeth deeply unto mutuality in all lawful things.  
And I hope no man will say that ever any Rainbow was set in the Sky, but it something concerned Covenant-Engagement betwixt God and man, for there is no other end Recorded in Scripture; and therefore I dare conclude, that it being always set by the hand of God by way of Memento both to himself and us; We ought to consider these visible mementoes and admonitions, and bethink ourselves ere it be too late, and not turn our backs each from others; for any self-respects, or private Interest, turning our ends, through self-ends, to their furthest distance from mutuality, in our common cause, to wit (a throughout Reformation.) but to draw if possible to a nearer distance in our public ends; and that our Covenant-Engagement might not make us two; but unite us together according to its end, and make as one. That so it might be represented by the sign of the Covenant, to wit by one Rainbow, and that also, set directly upwards as a supporting arch, and not so unnaturally by two parts or pieces of a Rainbow, and those laid aside, as writhe about and wrested asunder each from the other, at the furthest distance that can be devised by the art of man: for just so we are, as, if time would permit, I could show at large; for there is division, and that most sad and lamentable, even amongst those who are not only brethren in name and profession, but in nature also, yea even truly spiritual, and Christian brethren, and that of the very chief and of the most eminent in the Church of God, insomuch that it is to be feared, if they take not warning by these visible Characters, but remain stubborn, and obstinate therein, it will end in blood, and that of one another; of which these are warnings to all that will observe.  
There is cause that those divisions of Reuben should cause sad thoughts of heart.  
One calls that perjury, and Covenant-breaking, which another counteth but the necessary keeping of their Solemn Covenant, in bringing Delinquents to condign punishment.  
One calls that murder, which another accounts a Judicial execution of a grand murderer.  
One counts it a breaking off the Parliament, which another accounts but a necessary restraint from enslaving of the Kingdom, which is their (Lord) as some affirm.  
One proclaimeth a message as from the Lord of Host, which another saith is a clear inhibition of his express command, Numb. 35.16, 17, 18, 19 to wit, that the revenger of blood himself, shall slay the murderer, when he meeteth him: see also, verse 20.21. and 30, 31, 32, 33.  
One seemeth zealous for pious Reformation; and another thinketh that he doth but fast for strife, and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness.  
One calls that Tyranny, Oppression, Cruelty, Wrong, Persecution, etc. Which another thinks but a necessary losing of the bands of wickedness, and an undoing of the heavy burdens, and freeing of the oppressed; yea a breaking of every yoke, as Isa. 58.6.  
Some are consulting with the Kings of the earth, and the Rulers thereof, against some men whom they think are plotting to ensnare, and bind them to their own wills.  
Whereas others think, that such consultation is against the Lord, and against his anointed; saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us; And that he that sitteth in Heaven doth but laugh at them, yea that the Lord himself, hath them in derision. Expecting confidently that yet ere long he will speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his displeasure, seeing he hath set his King upon his holy hill of Zion, according to Isa. 14.20, & to 28. Some advise the Kings and great men upon earth, to stand it out stiffly, in the maintenance of their Cause, and not to stoop nor submit their Royal Power, and Royal Authority, to the wills of men; who plead for liberty from all tyrannical oppression, or bondage whatsoever, either Civil or Ecclesiastical; And that all might be forced, will they nill they, to such form of Government, as they themselves in conscience, shall think most just and agreeable to the Scriptures.  
But others advise them, to be so wise and learned, as to kiss the the Son lest he be angry, and they perish in his wrath; especially now, when it is a little kindled; yea that they should serve him with fear and rejoice trembling, Lest he break them with a Rod of Iron, and dash them in pieces like a Potter's vessel, as Psal. 2.  
Some advise them to serve the Lord, and to Govern, and Rule over his Church and people, in the old manner and form of Government. But others advise them to bring their glory and honour to the New Jerusalem, and to submit their Sceptres to the Sceptre of Christ, the Sceptre of whose Kingdom, is a Sceptre of Righteousness, and he the King of kings, and Lord of lords.  
One affirms that the oath of Allegiance binds us chief to the defence and maintenance of the persons of Kings, more than their authority, and rather ought to destroy his authority, than not defend his person. And another saith, that his authority ought chief to be maintained, yea though directly against both his life and estate; and that we were tied by our oath of Allegiance to his Just Authority, and not abstractively to his person only, as when acting contrary in a destructive manner, to his Just Authority; And that our Allegiance is no further lawful, then relative to the Kingdom, whereunto even he himself was tied in Allegiance.  
And again that Allegiance, if relative, binds no further than according to the Laws of relations, and that relations are contractive, and the root of all obligations; which whether natural or otherwise, yet when one party shall seek the destruction of the other, the other may justly claim a recess, so far at lest as absolute preservation requires.  
One allegeth our Protestation, that part of it especially which is for the defence of the King's person, and for the power and privilege of Parliament.  
But another allegeth that the sentences are complex, and do take in with them, the King's honour, and estate, the defence of the power and privileges of Parliament, the lawful Rights and Liberties of the Subjects, as well as the person of the King.  
So that if the person of the King be engaged against the Privileges of Parliament, and Liberties of the Subjects, yea or the Parliament themselves plead privileges, against the lawful rights, and liberties of the Subjects, the protestation cannot be obligatory, unto inconsistences. The lawful rights and liberties of the subjects, being the great end both of the King and Parliament, which they ought to seek, and therefore must prostrate both King and Parliament, they having not so much as their being, muchless privileges against the lawful rights and liberties of the subjects; So that by the protestation, the greater being (of duty) to be always preferred before the less; If either the person, or the King, or the privileges of Parliament, stand as a Lion to devour and destroy the Rights and Liberties of the Subjects; we are bound to know neither King nor Parliament, but rather the people, who are the root of them both, so that it were better they both should perish, than the whole body and bulk of the people.  
Again one saith, that our Covenant binds us to our old form of Government, by Kings, Lords and Commons; and that by Kings Hereditarily, whether they be wise or foolish, so that we must have no other, but such, fool or tyrant, or what ever he proves that shall be heir to the crown.  
But another thinks that if we be so bound by our vow and Covenant or Allegiance either; we have therein done as rashly and unlawfully, as those that bond themselves with an oath, neither to eat nor drink, till they had kill Paul. And therefore such an unlawful vow, is better broken then kept, seeing it can never be proved from Scripture ground; but that though Kingly Government in itself be lawful, yet to oblige a Nation, to Hereditary Government, be they wise, or foolish, can never be proved to be either wise, or lawful in the sight of God, nor any rational man, if men once may choose and have power in their hands, through the providence of God, But aught to shake of such necessary bondage, when they can get power, else they are guilty even of self-destruction, through their own counsels.  
And thus our Covenant-Engagment, is parted into two, like the two Rain-bows, and is wrested, and turned for every man's ends; so that the true ends, are removed quite to the greatest distance that possibly can be one from another, and will end in blood, unless we repent and reconcile these things, and study the things that may make for peace, and for love and concord, as we ought to do: Which the Lord grant that we may do in time, ere it be to late; So he prayeth who is your loving friend and brother in the Lord,  
Tuesday this 26. of Feb. 1649. Ellis Bradshaw.  
FINIS.