ZIONS' thankful Echoes from the Cliffs of IRELAND.  
Or the little Church of Christ in Ireland, warbling out her humble and graceful addresses to her Elder Sister in England: And in particular, To the Parliament, to his Excellency, and to his Army, or that part assigned to her assistance, now in her low, yet hopeful Condition.  
Printed for Richard Harper at the Bible and Harp in Smithfield. 1648.   

The Messengers humble Presentation.  

REnowned Christians, what I here present,  
As from a persecuted Sister sent  
By my rude hand, to your judicious eye,  
Please to accept, and graciously survey:   

'Tis neither hyperbolical; nor news  
From either Turks, Antipodes, or jews;  
But Echoes sounding, what you ought to know,  
The state of Zion in a Land you own:   

Her sighs, her suits, & in the same made known  
Her thankful spirit for your kindness shown,  
And hopes of comfort by you late assigned,  
And blessed assistance to relieve her mind.   

As in this humble tender you may view  
In her own language; Characters full true;  
Which I her servant, though the most unmeet;  
Am thus enjoined to offer at your feet,  
Which Heavens make powerful in your hearts, so be't.   
EDWARD CALVER.   

Zions' thankful Echoes from the Cliffs of IRELAND.  

To her Elder Sister in England.  

OH, thou my English eldest sister dear,  
Who hast taken notice of my troubles here,  
These times of sorrow, and hast had a heart  
To yield me secure, (which thou hast in part,)  
But wanted power to make thy purpose known,  
By reason of distractions of thine own.   

Thou hast again recalled my cares to mind,  
And such assistance to my aid assigned,  
That, if that malice do not it prevent,  
I may be happy in your blessed content.   

But thou that hast this blessed help assigned,  
Wilt not, I see, by a contrary wind  
Be beaten off thy purpose, when I see  
The winds again do with thy will agree.   

No, no, dear sister, thou hast more respect  
Unto my case, then to my cares neglect,  
Thou wilt not so our sisterhood betray;  
Nor doth thy safety stand with my decay.   

Our heavenly Father, in his tender care,  
Doth to his children like affection bear;  
And hath us tied by his most sacred laws,  
We one should venture in another's cause.  
But I have sinned, 'tis true, but I repent,  
And tears have virtue to dissolve a flint.  
But tears distilled from tender children's eyes,  
They stir the fountain where compassion lies.  
God such affection to his children bears,  
That, out of question, he bewails their tears;  
And in his time, will also still their cries,  
And grant their suits, and wipe their watery eyes.   

But in his wisdom, he for us thinks meet,  
We should have here much bitter with our sweet:  
His grapes must be the most exactly pressed,  
His wheat must be with greatest labour dressed:  
His Dove must live where Ravens and Vultures fly:  
His Lambs must feed where Wolves in covert lie:  
His Lilies must amongst the thistles grow:  
His Rose of Sharon, with the briers blow:  
Ishmael and Isaac must be kept alive;  
Esau and Jacob must together strive.   

And therefore it is policy divine,  
That Isaac should with Israel combine  
And be united in a mutual band,  
Who have such potent forces to withstand.   

Besides, our concord and our mutual care,  
They are the garments we are bound to 〈◊〉  
By Heaven's injunction, that we may thereby  
Appear we do belong to the most High:  
Whose children here are clad in peace and love.  
To make them fit to dwell with him above,  
Where faith, and hope, and patience shall surcease,  
But love, and peace, and unity increase.   

Faith, hope, and patience, are our we●pe no here;  
But Love the spirit that gives life and cheer.  
And we shall fail in all our other parts,  
Unless that sacred fire enf●ame our hearts.   

But wherefore, Sister, should I go about  
To bring thy love and care of me in doubt?  
When as I see thy love is so divine,  
Thou canst not from that principal decline.    

To the Parliament of England.  

AND You, whom God, who passeth all selectors,  
Hath made his choice of to be our protectors,  
To labour to defend us by your Laws,  
Who have besides, some interest in our cause.  
I bless the Heavens that you have heard our cries  
Which have been earnest with you for supplies:  
And out of sacred sympathising care,  
Have taken in hand our low estate to rear,  
And still are acting, and in counsel sit  
To add more comfort to our causes yet;  
Like brave and Christian Senators in trust,  
That fear no danger in a cause so just.  
Most brave resolve, ride on and prosper still,  
And what you have so well begun, fulfil:  
No doubt, but God, who set you such a hard  
And tedious task, hath set out your reward,  
And will bestow it on you, if not here,  
Yet when it shall to all the world appear.   

Indeed, 'tis true, your weighty labours call  
For great rewards, which yet have been but small;  
Unless reproachful language and disdain,  
With deadly hatred, may be counted gain:  
For this from millions hath been all your pay,  
Unless what force from such hath fetched away.  
Whose tongues envenomed with malignant spite  
Have breathed out vapours to obscure your light;  
Infusing into foolish people's brains,  
That stead of freedom, you procure their chains.   

These, and too many such like scandals base,  
Have vented been, to further your disgrace,  
By such as have been enemies, and stood  
Against the progress of all Christian good.   

Nay these reproaches have so public been,  
And so enticing to suspect herein,  
That many Christians, and good Christians some,  
Have so suspicious by this means become,  
As if they had deluded been, because  
Their expectation could not brook a pause,  
And wait with patience for those things which will  
Be worth a wonder, if an age fulfil.   

Nay in this nature, I myself have been,  
Too much forgetful; pardon me therein;  
Poor wretch, because that in my state of grief,  
I had not from you, as I wished; relief:  
But, notwithstanding many speeches fair,  
I still lay under notions of despair;  
I grew impatient, and was much inclined  
To many perturbations in my mind:   

One while resolving that you were my friends,  
And would declare unto no other ends,  
But looked upon me with a melting eye,  
And were resolved that I should have supply,  
And to my comfort would yourselves enlarge,  
Both out of pity, and your special charge.   

Another while these hopes of mine were shaken.  
And I begun to think myself mistaken;  
And that you did not, as I hoped, respect me,  
But either did delude me, or neglect me;  
And that the voice of people in this kind,  
So common, was not all malignant wind.   

Thus like the Phoenix, feeding on the air,  
'Twixt heaven and earth, twixt hoping and despair;  
My thoughts were restless, and my time was spent  
In various musing upon the event.   

When I considered what you had begun,  
And had already for my comfort done,  
Together with your promised supplies.  
My heart got comfort, and my hopes did rise;  
And hourly looked you should my aid renew  
By every wind that from your confines blue.   

But when, alas, I looked, and looked again;  
And yet at last I saw I looked in vain:  
No colours for me on my coast displayed,  
But winds and tides came empty still of aid.   

Whiles what I had already did abate,  
Through the increase of such as do me hate,  
Who still persisting, and my life pursuing,  
With Oaths combining to effect my ruin.  
My heart oft fainted, and my fears got ground,  
And sometimes cast me into such a swound,  
That I did almost all belief refrain  
Of ever seeing good day here again,  
And that it was but trusting to a reed,  
To wait for help of mortal men at need,  
Whose strength was like their promises, but frail,  
And at most need, most likely then to fail,   

Thus like a Turtle mourning for her mate,  
Or like an Orphan in a helpless state:  
Or like a Captive in a Tyrant's hand:  
Or like a Virgin in a Brutish Land:  
In forced silence, with my face obscured,  
Through tears distilled, and griping woes endured,  
My life hath long time in sad discontent,  
And fears, and cares, both night and day been spent.   

Thus, worthy Patriots passion hath been strong,  
And caused me sometimes to conceive you wrong,  
And look upon you with a frowning brow,  
Neglecting what I had more cause to know,  
Which were mine own infirmities, my sin,  
In viewing which I have too partial been,  
When under heaven's correction for the same,  
I laid on others (not myself) the blame.  
Nor did I duly, as indeed I ought,  
Regard the task wherein at home you wrought;  
How hard it was, how difficult, and vast,  
And through what care and dangers must be past;  
How many hills and mountains levelled be,  
Before you could have passage unto me.   

Besides, my elder Sister in your hand  
Must be secured, before you took in hand  
To state the younger in her freedoms fit,  
Which would another tedious work beget.   

In these respects I was, indeed, too blind,  
The woeful sense of present grief of mind,  
So far my senses, and my soul oppressed,  
That I thought little of ensuing rest.   

But you, whose judgements are profound and wise,  
And foresee dangers, you have cleared my eyes,  
And made me see and sensible in fine,  
That you did never purpose to decline  
Or slight my cause, but only were withheld,  
Or by a strong necessity compelled  
To rest content, till Heavens should permit  
Both time and opportunity most fit.   

But now so soon as that eternal hand,  
Which turns and orders all things at command,  
Hath set his wheel of providence some stay  
Within that Nation where you do bear sway,  
You have, unto your everlasting fame,  
To my rejoicing, and unto the shame  
Of such as have most wretchedly belied you,  
Assigned me, by that providence that guide you,  
So brave an Army, such a strong supply,  
To aid your part here, and my cause to try,  
That if brave Worthies; here may be no want  
Of those supplies you have been pleased to grant,  
I doubt not but my cruel foes ere long  
Will prove as weak as ever they were strong,  
And fly as fast, and faster out of fight,  
As ever they did gather and unite.   

For though the Heavens have used them as a rod,  
Yet in their hearts, they fight against God,  
He hearing his afflicted one's complain,  
Will cast his tod out of his hand again,  
And make it known his children are beloved,  
Though by the wicked, for their good, reproved.   

This is most certain, therefore you that have  
So kindly sent to raise me from the Grave,  
And give me life and freedom, once again,  
In spite of all my enemy's disdain;  
I bless you for it, and beseech you still  
Persist therein, and now the work fulfil.  
And let not such impediments prevent,  
As spring from mere sinister discontent;  
But let the dread of the divine displeasure  
Which is concerned herein in such a measure,  
Exalt your thoughts above such trivial causes,  
As may incite you unto needless pauses.   

That God, whose hand did ever so appear  
To aid at home, will not be absent here:  
Your case is still the same it was before,  
And your engagements equal, if not more.   

What though your foes be numerous? alas,  
Heavens, by your hands, bring miracles to pass:  
And though the work you have to overcome.  
Doth threat to shake the very walls of Rome,  
And seems a Writ of Privilege now hurled  
Amongst the Saints throughout the Christian world;  
Yet fear not, 'tis not multitudes nor art,  
Can rout that side, with whom the Heavens take part.   

Let not your hearts then, nor your hands decline,  
That work shall prosper which is Heaven's design:  
You have a warrant that will bear you out  
In any Christian work you go about;  
Especially that work above the rest,  
Suppressing of the Antichristian beast.   

And you, whose wisdoms have so well been tried  
In circumventing of this man of Pride,  
You having courage, need not counselled be  
Which way to act to set me soon free.   

Yet, out of feeling of my former woes,  
Admit me leave to show what I suppose  
Hath been a special or the master plot,  
Whereby the Papists here such part have got.   

The watchful soldier that doth centre keep,  
When foes are waking, will not be asleep:  
The skilful boatsman that would make to shore,  
The winds not serving, plies his Oars the more:  
The Garden-dresser, that sows tender seeds,  
Takes the more labour to prevent the Weeds:  
The prudent Husband that hath Corn to sow  
On grounds are doubtful, the more seed doth throw;  
And when with care he hath bestowed his cost,  
He still doth labour that it be not lost.   

Even so, this many an unhappy year,  
The Romish seeds men, Seminaries here  
Have been most active, diligent, precise,  
By art and labour, what they could devise  
To sow this Land with their corrupted grains,  
And through their subtle and uncessant pains,  
This work hath so far prospered in their hands,  
That crops are plenteous in the very sands.   

But, to the scandal of the English care,  
Good seeds men in this Nation have been rare,  
And that amongst the English too, a shame  
That English Christians, who desire the fame,  
Of the Professors of the truth indeed,  
Should take so little pains to sow good seed;  
For want whereof so many grounds lie waste,  
So many souls are barren, or at least,  
Let lie, as Land that hath on purpose been  
Designed the foe, to sow his tares therein.   

Nor lies this blemish only here, no doubt,  
But partly upon such as sent these out;  
Those Pilots that sat at the helm to guide,  
They should this Charge with more respect have eyed;  
They should as well have took the work in hand  
For to convert, as to subject this Land;  
Have sought to save the precious souls of men,  
As well as seize the substance was therein.   

And questionless, the want of this same care  
Of gaining souls, converting people here  
Hath moved that God who gave us this possession,  
Thus now to bring our holding it in question.   

But herein you that now are at the stern,  
I mean you not, this doth you not concern:  
This fault is ancient, these are passing by's,  
Or doors left  before you had the keys.   

But now you are in trust in like condition,  
Your care already may prevent suspicion;  
That when you have possession in your hand  
Of this rebellious, and revolting Land,  
You will proceed in what you have begun,  
And no good action shall be left undone,  
That heavens agreeing with your resolution,  
May by your means be put in execution.   

And in especial that your care will be  
So far extended in respect of me,  
That you will use all diligence and speed  
To sow this Land with uncorrupted seed;  
Will plant a plenteous Ministry herein,  
And far more faithful than before hath been,  
That every cornet of this continent  
May have a watchman from your confines sent.   

Or that some happy nursery of wits  
May here be founded, as indeed besits;  
From whence, as from a sacred ford, may flow,  
Such streams of knowledge, and such seed to sow:  
This void, or rather this corrupted Isle,  
That it in time may prove a fruitful soil,  
Or second Canaan, where may safely dwell,  
The seed of Abraham, sons of Israel  
Without disturbance by the native part,  
The sons of Belial, or the Romish art.   

This famous Founders, I ●xp●ct●● s●y  
If ●●●vens again shall give you here the d●y;  
L●● in a pl●nteous Ministry, and sound  
In lifland Doctrine pious, and profound,  
D●●ssenting not in judgement, as of lat●,  
Consists the safety both of Church and St●te,   

And when an able Ministry is planted,  
As it is sit such maintenance be granted,  
As may both keep their spirits up from filling,  
And add a glory to their sacred calling:  
So it is needful, on the other side:  
That it relates not to excess, or pride.   

For what especially but the desire,  
And avaricious longing to aspire,  
And be above all moderated scope,  
Did first incite, and now hath set the Pope  
Upon the head of Emperors and Kings,  
Yea climbs above all sublunary things?   

But you that do these weighty causes ponder,  
And whose especial charge th●y do lie under;  
I need not question that you will be just,  
And wise, and watchful in your charge in trust,  
Not only in relation to that hand  
That made you great, and put you in command;  
But also in a serious respect,  
So many eyes upon your acts reflect,  
That almost all the Christians of this age  
Are gazet on the Actions of your stage;  
And lastly in regard unto the cry,  
My elder sister, in your arms, and I  
Within your trust, upon our knees do make,  
That you will not our case in hand forsake,  
But speed and prosecute it in that kind  
And blessed manner that you have designed.   

And that division, that same bane of Peace,  
And foe to virtue, do not make you cease  
That work you have begun, and so far wrought  
Until it be unto perfection brought.    

To His Excellency the Lord FAIRFAX.  

MOst Noble Champion, England's chief Commander,  
Who in the tedious dangerous Meander  
Of England's winding, waving, desperate ways,  
In wars intestine, have got through with praise;  
And brought those swelling, raging, roaring Seas,  
Through God's assistance to a calm, and peace.   

For which your Kingdom, and therein my sister,  
That through your labours, God hath late so blest her,  
Are bound to write your name in gold so pure,  
That time, nor envy, may the same obscure;  
But after ages may so happy be,  
To read your worth, which we are blest to see.   

And now you have those craggy mountains passed,  
And gained a valley, well secured at last,  
Whiles friends at house are singing your deserts,  
Your care is how to secure other parts.   

A truly worthy General indeed,  
Whose actions are so generous at need,  
That no good motion can have your denial.  
To aid where Christian quarrels are in trial.   

Of which brave Warrior I have cause of boasts,  
Or c●use to bless you, and the God of hosts,  
Who in my great necessity and grief,  
Have out of pity thought o● my relief;  
That I who long time have been forced to shifts,  
And driven for safety to the rocks and cliffs,  
Am now in hope I shall ere long disclose,  
And show myself in presence of my foes.   

Your foes at home are forced now to sooth,  
And out of fear do give you language smooth,  
Dissembling in your presence sugared Notes,  
Hiding like Asps, the poison in their throats;  
Which in your absence they are bold to vaunt  
With secret friends, to your disparagement;  
And if they could advantage find, and place,  
Are ready yet to spit it in your face.   

Whiles such as are your foes abroad, no doubt,  
In your disgrace are ready to speak out;  
And do proclaim their malice, and invite  
All others they confide in to unite;  
That it concerns you to have Argus ey●s  
To foresee dangers, and their plots surprise.  
But heavens, upon the other side I know  
Do aid you, and the better part below  
Are on your side, and do esteem you dear,  
And out of doubt, are ready to appear  
With help, and hearts united to assist,  
And take your part, in whom they have been blest.   

And therefore fear not such as shall oppose;  
You yet have made them all subdued foes  
That have adventured to resist your hand,  
And out of question shall do whiles you stand  
In the defence of Truth and right, although  
The world should join to work your overthrow.   

And for that strength you have assigned to me,  
Your force thereby shall not enfeebled be,  
The heavens herein will make supply no doubt,  
Whose case to aid you, send a party out,  
For God himself doth still assistance lend  
To aid all such as in his case contend.   

And what brave Joshua, can be judged hath been  
The cause that since you did your task begin  
You have so prospered, and achieved such fame  
That Europe wonders, and admires the same?  
But only that the active hand of heaven,  
By which success and victories are given:  
Hath still gone with you in each enterprise  
In an especial and most powerful wise.   

To withstand which in any time of trouble,  
The arm of flesh is but like straw, or stubble  
To withstand fire; or like a drop of rain  
Let fall to still the raging of the main.   

To order battles, and give victory  
Is the prerogative of the most high,  
To show his greatness, who is strength indeed;  
That so no flesh should glory in their reed.   

Only amongst men where he doth affect,  
As instrumental he doth some select  
To fight his battles, and infuseth skill,  
And care, and force to execute his will.  
Which in your person doth appear at large,  
He having granted to your noble charge  
The greatest work for latter times, that yet  
The heavens did to a humane hand commit:  
And in the same hath hitherto no less  
Renowned you with miraculous success.   

I long indeed have sighed for relief,  
And filled the air with echoes of my grief,  
In hope the winds would on my woes so smile  
To bear the sense thereof into your Isle.  
But long I looked for what I longed to hear,  
A sweet return of what the winds should bear,  
A happy answer of my heavy cry,  
Before my woeful wants could have supply.   

But now I see and to my comfort find  
The cause my suits have been so long declined,  
Was not for want of pity in the rest,  
Nor want of courage in your noble breast,  
But want of opportunity to send  
Such aid and comfort as you did intent.   

Let glory then eternallize your fame,  
Whose courage, whiles the cause remains the same,  
Doth constant hold, and 'tis not distance, fate,  
Nor fear, nor danger, can the same abate.   

Proceed and prosper then as you have done;  
Here is another conquest to be won,  
Which heaven I hope which have the same in birth,  
Will add unto the Trophies of your worth.   

What though my state hath been full bad? you know  
The case of God can never be too low  
For him to raise it, but the lower cast,  
The higher he doth raise it at the last.   

Besides, the wisdom of our Maker waits  
To t●ke a sweet advantage of our States,  
And then his help and comforts do explain,  
When help and hopes with men are counted vain.   

That so the world may see his working hand;  
His foes thereat the more amazed stand:  
And those whose state so desperate he raises,  
May be engaged unto his greater praises.   

Thus God proceedeth often, as full well  
You by experience of the same can tell;  
Which is enough for ever to incline  
Your dauntless spirit to a just design,  
How hard so ere it be to undergo,  
If God shall please to call you thereunto.   

Now in assurance of the same I stand,  
Attending on God's pleasure in your hand,  
And in submission to the same shall rest,  
Presenting of my most entire request  
Unto the heavens, that they your part may take,  
And favour all that sight for ZIONS' sake.    

To the English Commanders and Soldiers assigned forth relief of Ireland.  

Welcome that will come, noble friends indeed,  
That will vouchsafe a visit where is need:  
The rich, 'tis true have many friends, but such  
As do want riches, do want friends as much.   

But with you, Worthies, it is otherwise,  
You seem to grace where others do despise.  
Oh that I had but means unto my mind,  
To welcome you, and those that are behind,  
That you might taste my thankfulness, and they  
Might hear thereof, and make no more delay!   

But though my hand be empty, I am poor,  
Yet there are riches plenty on my shore:  
Such as have robbed me, they have riches left  
They stole from me, to take which is no theft;  
And what is missing, 'tis but justice shown,  
If they make restitution of their own.   

Besides this Island is a fruitful field.  
Or pleasant Garden which doth plenty yield:  
The Sun, the Moon, the Stars consenting be;  
The Elements do all therein agree.   

The fire is not predominating here;  
But cold and heat do moderate appear:  
The Air so far an Antidote and pure,  
That nothing poisonous can the same endure.  
The water sweet and pleasant streams abound,  
Where fowls and fishes are in plenty found.  
The earth a Garden, from whose fatness springs  
A blessed fullness of terrestrial things.   

Besides these strong inducements which invite  
In the respect of profit, and delight:  
You also have some interest here, 'tis known,  
That you, in part, contend but for your own:  
Your own by conquest, and should that be lost  
Through want of care, which in achieving cost  
Your noble and renowned fathers dear,  
The price of blood, the work of many a year?   

Should that, I say, then, which bold fathers got  
Be lost by children? Oh! it were a blot,  
A scar, a shame, a scandal to your deeds,  
That England's Cedars should become such reeds,  
The offspring of such active, valiant, strong,  
And conquering hands, should put up such a wrong:  
Besides the loss; which is so great, that sure,  
True English hearts will not the same endure,  
They will not have it in records to find,  
That English spirits can be so declined.   

But valiant Leaders, you whose acts declare  
That English hearts are still without compare,  
And will not have your reputation stained,  
By losing honour your forefathers gained;  
If you thus claim an interest in this Land,  
You have a greater prize than here in hand:  
And what more deeply doth engage your fame  
Unto the prosecution of the same?   

God's case is your case, as his instruments:  
And he in his especial providence,  
Hath called you hither, as it doth appear,  
To fight the battles of Jehova here.   

His holy word, his worship, truth, and name,  
With all sincere Professors of the same.  
Have here a long time persecuted been  
By Antichrist that active man of sin,  
And his adherents, who have here of late  
Prevailed insulted, seemed predominate.   

But now I hope the heavy sighs and groans,  
And cries and tears of Gods afflicted one's;  
Together with the jealousy and care,  
He doth unto his word, and worship bear,  
Hath wrought upon his clemency so far,  
That he intends to be at open war  
Against his, and my enemies, and yours,  
And will reprove them, and confound their powers.   

This God can do, and will do too, although  
The times and seasons when we do not know,  
But when 'tis most unlikely in man's eye,  
'Tis then Gods usual opportunity.   

And why not now then, may not we conceit,  
When as our foes were got to such a height?  
For my part I remain undaunted still,  
Because I know God can do what he will,   

He now I hope will in his tender love,  
His power and wisdom in this Land improve,  
In once more sowing it with holy seed,  
His sacred truths, and the most saving Creed;  
His worship, Sabbaths, Sacraments and Saints,  
In purest sense, and without sad restraints;  
And make this Kingdom (which hath been a cage  
Of unclean spirits, and a very stage  
For Antichrist to Act upon at pleasure,  
Too many years, and in too great a measure)  
To become now an holy Land, excelling  
In virtue, truth, and righteousness; a dwelling  
For God himself, in holiness and grace,  
An earthly ZION for his Saints, a place  
Where I in peace, may henceforth sit and sing  
The holy praises of my heavenly King.   

Most glorious work! what heart that is upright,  
Can think upon the same without delight?  
Or yet what hand can closed up be found  
Against a work so pious, and renowned?   

Sure you that are admitted to the same,  
It will for ever add unto your fame,  
And if your hearts do answer this design,  
Your works will surely render you divine.  
Brave and approved Commanders ther● proceed,  
The case requires your diligence, and speed.  
Your hearts did never fail you, and I t●ust,  
Your hands, your help will to your hearts be just.  
What though your foes be numerous or mad.  
And shall prove desperate? yet their case is bad,  
And that which God doth, out of doubt detest,  
Which is enough to warrant you the best;  
For where, and only where the heavens oppose  
That side proves ever the subdued foes.  
You have experience hereof and can tell  
God's wonder working in this kind full well;  
Which cannot but your noble breasts inspire  
With such a valiant resolute desire  
To take his part, who still did succour grant you,  
That fear nor force, nor danger now can daunt you.   

But what need other arguments herein,  
Then the suppressing of the man of sin?  
Who in this nation, and in other parts,  
The truths of God, and souls of men subverts.   

What can be more encouragement than this?  
No combat half so capable of bliss.  
The honour both of this world, and the fame  
Of that which is to come attends the same;  
Where such as have been soldiers in the wars  
For God, and souls, shall shine above the stars,  
And wear the crown of conquerors, more worth  
Than all the Crowns, and Diadems on earth.   

Can you fear danger then in such a strife?  
In which to die, admi●● a better life?  
I trust you cannot, nay by trial know it.  
Your constant actions do directly show it.   

Then, to plead further in this cause I need not,  
You so fear God, the face of men you dread not,  
That God who can, who hath, and sure who will  
Whiles you stand for him stand up for you still.  
And you the Soldiers under this command,  
Who are assigned to redeem this Land,  
And that indeed which is by odds most dear,  
Profession of the true Religion here:  
By rooting out of Popery, that spell  
Of Antichrist, that active charm of hell.  
Wherewith this Kingdom is become enchanted;  
Nay most of Europe by this fury haunted.   

You ever have most willingly appeared  
And resolutions readily declared  
For the defence, and manfully to fight  
For true Religion, piety, and right:  
Here you may have your element for this,  
Of all things here, such noble minds I miss:  
For true Religion here hath been disdained,  
And Popery hath domineered and reigned,  
And I that have inhabited this Isle,  
Have been as banished, driven into exile.   

Consider this, and out of care Divine,  
And pity to this sad estate of mine;  
Together with the garlands you may wear  
If you persist; but shame if you forbear.  
And rouse your warlike spirits, and be seen  
In holy zeal, above malignant spleen,  
Or superstitious jealousy, that fire;  
And make the world take notice and admire.  
That Jesus Christ hath better soldiers far  
Then Antichrist hath any in his war.  
Besides, you know that savage beast of Rome  
Is sentenced by irrevocable doom,  
To be subjected, weaken and decline,  
And be a prey unto the Saints in fine,  
And Rome shall fall, and sure God is not slack  
Concerning this; do you not hear it crack?  
Sure if your ears were opened aright,  
To heaven's predictions in this thing, you might.   

Can you be without comfort then, or cold?  
Or will you not be resolute and bold?  
In such a quarrel as hath such a warrant,  
As is in holy records so apparent?   

Yes, yes, brave Soldiers, these are sure such ti●s  
As will constrain you, make your spirits rise,  
And stir your veins, and Christian valiant hearts  
In this design to show your true deserts.   

And stop the mouth of envy, and make known  
Those fatal blasts malignant breath hath blown  
Into your faces, are but out of spite.  
And false reports, which tell men that you sight  
For neither faith, nor truth, nor to def●nd  
The true Religion, as you do pretend.   

But Christian Soldiers, though these be some scars,  
Or scandals vented to disgrace you● wars;  
Yet I am hopeful, nay, am confident,  
That these were never heads of your intent,  
Nor ever shallbe: and indeed I tremble,  
To think you should be thought so to dissemble.   

Moreover had God's case been h●er let fall,  
And I left helpless now in hopeless thrall,  
I had not o●ly seemed a sad compliance  
With Antichrist (whom God hath in defiance)  
But in the loss of this Land had be shown,  
The hazard if not losing of your own.   

'tis time then to be stirring, and resolved  
To quit this cloud wherein you were involved,  
And make it truly to the world appear,  
You are in all such accusations clear,  
And that your hearts do with your case comply,  
And so resolved you will live and die.   

'tis time, I say, but not, I hope, too late,  
Though time delayed, yet not time out of date,  
But that you may recover all this loss,  
Yea make advantage of it, and engross  
The greater honour by your hotter fires  
Of Christian zeal, to show your just desires.  
And pious hearts for peace of Church, and State;  
And that you do abominate, and hate  
All fatal insurrection, mutinizing,  
First heavens abuse, of Lucifer's devising;  
And ever since hath been the overthrow  
Of all that practice in the same below.   

Elisha's servant was afraid, 'tis true,  
When as th●ir foes were only in his view;  
But when the heavens had made his eyesight clear,  
The strongest pa●t did on their side appear.   

That part, indeed, is strongest which is Gods,  
Although it seems the weakest part by odds;  
Nay, God doth mostly multitudes eschew,  
To try his case, and chooseth but a few;  
That so his greatness may the more be known;  
And men not challenge what is not their own.   

Nay God can make his senseless creatures stand  
His friends at need, his Army at command,  
Too great to be resisted, as is found  
In plaguing Pharaoh, and his Army drowned:  
The ●lemen●s, the Sun, the Moon, the Stars  
Are all his host to prosecute his wars.   

That 'tis, indeed his clemency and love,  
To grace and honour men herein, above  
His other creature's, that he gives men art,  
And call them forth, as friends, to take his part,   

When it is known he is sufficient, still,  
Without his creatures aid to do his will;  
His Word is able in a trice to burst  
All earthen vessels, by it made at first.   

Oh! then, you men whom this great God hath chose  
To take his part, as friends, against his foes;  
You cannot sure be faint, or fearful where  
'Tis thus confirmed, you have no cause to fear.   

Or may you not be rather seemly proud,  
That you are to that dignity allowed,  
To help the Lord against the Mighty? when  
The Lord indeed is only Mighty: men  
Are earth, worms, or his earthen vessels wrought,  
Which he can dash in pieces with a thought.   

Besides brav● Soldiers, if you could be faint,  
Or f●lse, or fight but upon mere constraint,  
Or w●ich is wors● be dissolute, and rude;  
To God's dishonour, and your shame, conclude,  
G●● would not own you, though he might employ you:  
B●● h●d a purpose r●ther to destroy you,  
T●en to defend you or to give you part  
Of c●●●●●st with him, who had not your heart:  
But wherefore should I presuppose or question  
Such fa●lings in you who have made profession  
Of your sincere, and Christianlike intents,  
And there to given unanimous consents?   

No, noble Warriors, Christian Soldiers, know,  
I do you better estimation own;  
I cannot construe your intentions bad,  
Who so good Christian discipline have had.   

Proceed, proceed, then doubt not of success;  
Your case in question promiseth no less;  
God will not fail you, nor your spirits yield,  
Which are by God and Conscience clear up held.   

As for supplies, you need not fear delay:  
As for reward, Gods is the only pay:  
His service with the best supplies abound:  
His Soldiers with the richest Garlands crowned.   

And as for men, I dare presume so far,  
That, where their purses to your former war  
Were oft forced : they to relief of me,  
Now out of zeal and pity will be free;  
Their purses, hands, and hearts to this design  
Will freely open, and joyfully incline:  
In which so fully is to be discerned  
Both their own safety, and God's cause concerned.   

Besides, what here you, by your valour shown,  
Shall conquer, shall in part become your own;  
You shall not beat the air, or the wind;  
But booty pray and pay, are yours assigned,  
That with the greater courage you maintain  
This enterprise, the more shall be your gain.  
Do then, oh do then your brave hearts express,  
As to your honour you declare no less,  
And stop the mouth of malice, and compel  
Mere envy on your actions to speak well.   

Whiles I, and all the Saints on earth shall pray  
That you may prosper, and our foes decay:  
That ZIONS' side may have the upper hand,  
And Rome's impostures be expelled this Land.    
FINIS