AN ADDITIONALL REMONSTRANCE To the Valiant and well-deserving SOLDIER, And the rest of the CREDITORS OF THE COMMONWEALTH: CONCERNING The Public Faith; Soldiers Arrears; AND Other Public Debts, and GRIEVANCES of the NATION.  
With a little friendly touch to L: Coll: JOHN LILBURNE.  
Written by Samuel Chidley of London Gent.  2 King: 6.5. And he cried, and said, Alas master, for it was borrowed. 
LONDON: Printed for the Author. 1653.   

AN ADDITIONALL REMONSTRANCE TO The valiant and well-deserving Soldier, and the rest of the Creditors of the Commonwealth; concerning the Public Faith, Soldiers Arrears, and other Public Debts and Grievances of the Nation. With a little friendly touch to Lieut: Coll: JOHN LILBURN.  
WHereas upon the dissolution of the lare Representative, I published a Remonstrance, the 22th of April last, which was resented beyond my expectation, and acknowledged as a true token of my real affections to the Public. The People's daily experience of the sad condition of the Creditors of the Common wealth of England, to whom it was principally directed, confirming the same. Yet affecting brevity therein, because I expected a Declaration from the Officers, I did forbear to enlarge myself, lest I should stand in their way, who are furnished with variety of intelligence, and better able to make a rehearsal of the transaction of affairs from the beginning to the end. And therefore resolved to meddle with nothing for that present, but what most specially, and particularly concerned the business of the Public, relating to my Trust.  
But it seems multiplicity of affairs taking up the General's time, with the Council, matters are not yet in such a forwardness as was expected: And therefore necessity constraineth me to publish this Aditional Remonstrance for further satisfaction to the People, and to ease myself of the trouble of making answers often times, again and again, to so many persons particularly, who are very inquisitive from time to time, to know what's become of the Public Faith, and Debenters, the price of their blood. And truly were it not to satisfy an afflicted, poor, distressed, and needy People, who are almost spent for want of pure Justice, and continually annoyed with the poisonous vapours of corrupt, and wicked Laws, and have spent their money for that which is not bread, and their labour for that which satisfieth not, I should not be so forward to write, and print Books to fill the world more full, who are so glutted already, but rather sit and see at distance, and hold my peace till I have learned wisdom, esteeming it better to live in quietness, and remain private in the watch tower of observation, to take an exact view of all things, by the Rule of Reason, considering, comparing and thereupon concluding, then to spend my time, and strength as publicly as I have done, without more probability of prevailing.  
For whilst Reason is creating new precedents, and working wonders, to set the world in a maze, and put to silence the ignorance of the foolish, producing peace by war, to make men live and learn. It is not for me, the weakest amongst 10000 to power out all my mind at once, but to ponder of that which is represented to my understanding, That my heart may be replenished with wisdom, whereby I may discern both time and judgement, and be enabled to answer the expectations of such a considerable number of the good people of England, who have by word, and writing under their hands, desired, and entrusted me, to agitate their business for the obtaining of their just debts, upon the public account, Looking upon me as their Intelligencer, and sole director, how to steer their course, and to whom, and when to make their applications, who have thought much at my forbearance in not being so forward to press these who are at this present in chief power, as formerly they admired at my patience, and importunate solicitations of those who were in supreme Authority, for the accomplishment of their many fair promises, Declarations, Protestations, and engagements: All of which are now also at this present time expected to be performed, though not by the power that is gone, yet by their Successors, who saw their departure, and remained behind, and have in their Declaration put in a cautious caveat of Administration. And indeed it is but reason that they should administer upon the Estates, and pay the lawful debts of their Predessessors, who had not time to seal their will before their dissolution, Or else declare who are to do it, and that speedily. And to pay all Bonds, and Bills, and other just Debts before Legacies.  
And what lets, but that the Public Faith, and old Arrears of the Soldiery, etc. should be paid with all convenient speed? I hope the Officers of the Army who found fault with the Parliament for neglecting such things of great importance, will not hinder, but rather further it, as much as men in their condition can do, lest the world should brand them for notorious Hypocrites: For who stands in their way to oppose them now the Tree of Regal Power is cut down, And the Branches of Parliamentory Authority cropped off, the leaves thereof shaken to the ground, and the fruit scattered And the Beasts of the field, who had shelter thereby, and the fowls of the Heaven which lodged in the branches thereof, and were continually fed therfrom, all gone to shift for themselves elsewhere, and nothing left but the stump of the three States, King, Lords, and Commons, I say the very stump, fastened (as it were with a band of Iron, by the decree of the watchers, and according to the words of the holy ones, to the intent, that the living may know, that the most high ruleth over the Kingdom of men, and giveth it to whom he will, and setteth over it the most abject among men. Dan. 4.14.17.  
The Lord General, and his Council of Officers in their Declaration of the 22th. of April last, manifested their intentions, to call to the Government, persons of approved fidelity and honesty, and in a short time, more particularly to show the ground of their proceed, and the reasons of the late action, and change.  
Hereupon I was resolved to have a little patience, for a short time to see what would be more particularly produced, it being a matter of great concernment to the whole Nation, that such a Narration should have been published to the People, which might be both seasonable, and satisfactory, and so skilfully contrived, and wisely composed, that every sentence might be full of substance, to the rejoicing of the hearts of all the good People of England, and striking the Enemy with amazemrnt and terror, and weigh down in worth, all the Acts and Ordinances which have been made by any Parliament from the time of the 25. Kings of England.  
This being done, there might have been ground enough for us to us to have builded upon.  
For who knows not that the Parliaments neglecting of Justice, 
The caunse of the Parliaments dissolution.  and not regarding the payment of the Public Faith, Soldiers Arrears, Kings debts, and particular losses upon the Public account, alienated the hearts of their old, and best Friends, and fellow soldiers, and sufferers both in Town, and Country from them, so that they had none to stand by them, and God had forsaken them: for they had sinned against him, and deeply corrupted themselves, all which made preparation for their removal without the least resistance, yea and I am confident, if Joab and all his Train had been 100 times weaker than they were, they might have done this work with ease, no man would have risen up against it, but rather have taken up this Proverb against them.  
How hath the Oppressor ceased! 
Isa. 14.4.   
The golden Parliament ceased!  
And whereas it is supposed, 
The General's Declaration of the last of April how to be understood.  That the General's Declation of the last of April last, is a sufficient ground for us to proceed in making applications to the Council of State for the Public Faith, as before to the Parliament, yet upon serious perusal thereof, I find no such visible power conferred upon them, further than, to take care of, and intent the peace, safety, and present management of the affairs of the Commonwealth.  
But waiting for the Narrative mentioned by, 
What is expected next.  and expected from the Lord General, and his Council of Officers, I have no mind to interrupt their serious thoughts, with frequent applications, but wait still till the same be published.  
Nevertheless, in the mean time, I shall prepare things in relation to our public business, and lest this should not be thought sufficient, for peradventure some will say, what if their Narrative never come forth, shall we therefore be neglected, and prejudiced by your forbearance? Therefore to manifest to my integrity, I do here declare by the assistance of God, that if the Ld: Gen: and his Council of Officers do not publish their Relation within the space of 40 days after the printing, and publishing of this Remonstrance, I purpose (by the advice of a certain number of men, whom you the Creditors of the Commonwealth shall make choice of, to consult and advise withal) immediately without delay, to proceed as formerly I did at the Parliament, and if possible in a more effectual way, to make my application to that man, or those men whom God raiseth for the supreme trust of this Nation, as I promised in my Remonstrance of the 22th. of April last.  
In the mean time I desire you to live in peace, 
Good Counsel in your applications.  and arm yourselves with patience, to bear your burdens as cheerfully as you can, without murmuring, or repining, knowing that affliction ariseth not out of the dust.  
And let all wrath, and bitterness be put away, and put on the ornament of a meek, and quiet spirit, and use gentleness, and moderation towards all men, for the wrath of a man doth not accomplish the righteousness of God.  
My council is when you apply yourselves to the General etc. his Council, or his or their successors for justice, Be unanimous, 
Pro. 25.23.  Turn away the backbiter and breedbate with an angry countenance: Fall not out among yourselves, but stand for one another's good, And be not unequally yoked with troublesome persons. If any dog doth wag his tongue against you, suffer him to bark so long as he doth not by't. 
2 Sam. 16.5.— 14.  A better man than the Capt: General of an Army of a thousand thousand valiant men, hath been exposed to the teeth of envy, and the jaws of malice. It's no news for the best of men to be afflicted with the scourge of the tongue, 
1 King 2.9.  therefore suffer such evil doers patiently for a while, when your work is done, you may find a time to talk with them; Then cursing Shemey will go near to crouch, and cast no more stones, nor fling dust in your faces, but rather fall down before your feet, and acknowledge his offence in discrediting such Persons of credit, who have so much credited the Commonwealth. Let Rabshakah rail, 
2 Kin. 18.36. Zech 3.2.  but you may refuse to answer him a word, let the Lord alone to rebuke him, and so for the rest, doubt not but every sinner shall be served in his kind, and the same measure which men measure to others, 
Mat. 7.2,  shall be measured to them to the full, heaped up, and running over, therefore have a little patience, be merry and wife, though the malignant People mock and despise you never so much, for your forwardness at first, and slender satisfaction, and poor rewards now.  
And let me advise you, not to make yourselves work, Be individual, and joint in one Petition, and not several in many Petitions, for the Persons to whom you Petition are flesh and not spirit, and if you break their hearts with too much work, before your business is done, you may be broke yourselves thereby.  
One man with an Engine, may do more than 100 without.  
Ergo. One thousand may do more than 100000.  
And so strong you are, if you be wise.  
And be not discouraged by any Diffidents, who commonly affirm that the Public Faith will never be paid. For what you ●en●, hath done the Commonwealth more good, then if it were given them now. And there is enough to pay you, fear not, think your penny good silver, you will have it, at last, for the Rulers of the Earth must be honest, or else the just God will bury them in the dust, Only have a little patience, And have honourable thoughts of those men who are in present power, till there be ground to alter your opinion, and in your addresses save them, and yourselves, as much labour as may be; And let all your actions savour of discretion, And observe an orderly course in your proceed: And be not too hasty, lest you stumble in the way. You were better fit still, then walk in the dark, In the light you must look before you leap, I would not have you to run in vain, but obtain, And so speak as to speed, knowing that there is a time for all things, 
Eccles 3.7.  yea, A time to keep silence, and a time to speak.  
Take heed of boasting, which is not seemly for an afflicted People.  
Believe not an accusation against them from any one, 
Deut. 19.15.  When you admonish the Supreme, order your speech that it may not savour of pride, or passion, or contempt of their person, 
Pro. 17.10.  or Authority. A word to the wise is more, than an hundred stripes to the foolish.  
When you rehearse your cause, be not too tedious in your relation, Let others have time to speak as well as yourselves.  
But prefer matters of life, before liberty, and Estate; And whatsoever the supreme doth, If it may bear a charitable construction, where there is no cause of jealousy, trouble not yourselves with it, Nor find fault without a cause.  
TAke heed of that dangerous practice of flattering men in high degree. For the places whereon such great men are set, are slippery enough, without dropping butter and oil, 
Job 32.21, 22.  instead of tears, upon their footsteps. Give not flattering titles, lest it cost you dear, lest your maker soon take you away.  
Put no confidence in Princes, 
Psal 62, 9 Prov. 29.25. Isa. 23.9. 1 Cor. 1.31. Deut. 22.10.  nor be afraid of an arm of flesh, lest you be deceived and ensnared God hath purposed to stain the pride of all glory, that he who glorieth, may glory only in the Lord.  
Use no comparisons between one man and another, unless you be very well acquainted with their Natures, and dispositions, their actions, and affections, and the Laws by which both must be tried, with their callings, works, and maintenance, which will much help you to make, and mend, if you be an exact observer, and that with ease.  
I shall not spend much time to contend with those Ministers who would make the Lord General Cromwell like unto Moses.  
It may be he is more like unto Moses, 
Rom. 13.1. Ephe. 4.11, 12, 13.  than they are like unto Aaron.  
Moses was the meekest man upon the Earth, zealous against idolatry, and for the setting up of God's public worship, 
Numb. 12.3. Levit. 24.12.  A merciful man, and very cautious of putting men to death, contrary to the right manner, and was a lover of the People, and would have them saved, though himself were blotted.  
By faith Moses when he was come to years, 
Heb. 11.24.  refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter.  
Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.  
Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.  
By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.  
Through faith he kept the , and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn, should touch them.  
Now I do profess that God hath not revealed it unto me, nor do I see how it can be proved, that his Excellency's Declarations are like unto Moses Law, 
Deut. 33.4. Psal. 119.  Or that the Acts of Parliament (confirmed by him) are like unto the Statutes and Judgements of the holy and blessed God; Or that Moses hanged the poor thiefs merely for theft, 
Exod. 22.3.  and let the rich thiefs go free, I find not that he ever was so unworthy as to press his poor Countrymen to death for not pleading guilty, or not guilty; His meekness and gentleness would not admit of forcing any in a tyrannical way, to accuse themselves; 
☝  He scorned to cut any man off upon one single testimony; He was no Libertine, 
Deut. 12.30.— 32.  nor gave any lose liberty for the Magistrates to follow the old Cananitish customs; He had more compassion in him than to suffer the prisoners to starve in his sight for want of bread.  
Now until it be made appear, that the Lord General is more than a Prophet, and hath talked face to face with God, 
Numb. 12,6-8  and beheld his similitude, I hope no godly man will be offended with me for my negative voice, 
Matt. 22.21.  but give unto Cesar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things which are Gods. Let Moses have his wages for his work, 
Heb. 3.5.  for he was a faithful servant. And let Cromwell be Crowned with the honour that's due unto him, and suffer me to declare my opinion, and afterwards let the flatterers speak.  
My mind gave me long ago, that the LORD GENERAL CROMWELL was like THE KING, 
2 King. 9.20.  THE LORDS ANOINTED; I mean Nimble John the son of Nimsby, who drove furiously, and said, come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD, Doubtless he was a brave, stout, valiant Soldier, and a victorious Conqueror of God's enemy's, 
Chap. 10.  an utter enemy to the ways, and ruiner of the House of his Master Ahab. The destruction of Jezebel, and rooter out of Baal, and made his great Cathedral a very jakes; A man who wrought much by policy, and was very honest, and for aught I know, observed THE LAW OF GOD much. But he walked in the sins of Jerohoam, and yet God remembered his good old service, and let him sit upon the Throne to the fourth Generation. And who knows what good things God hath laid up in store for our Capt: General.  
But the best provision which I can make for him, 
Psal. 141.5.  for the present, is the precious balm of plain and righteous dealing, which shall never break his head.  
And (humility adorning him like the lilies which grow best in low places) the entertainment which I shall give him in these sad, and unsettled times is to lead him by the waters of Marah, in the valley of weeping, to the house of mourning, the storehouse for tears, where the hearts of the wise frequently retire, and the Widows by the sides of the house, are set like weeping Vines, and the Fatherless children, like the plants thereof, round about the tables of contempt, feeding on the bread of sorrows, and drinking tears in an abundant measure, Where the rooms are paved with love, and the flooers strewed with ashes, the Chambers hung with sackcloth, the flat battlements for defence, covered with coals of fire against the approach of the Enemy, in the wardrobe sheep's kins, and goat's skins, the outhouses dens, and the chambers caves, to lodge pilgrims, and strangers who feed continually on the bread and water of affliction, to whom a prison is a palace, death life, and the reproach for Christ great riches, the sellars beneath filled with bottles of tears to quench all Tyrant's thirst. There is the cup of trembling, and the wine of astonishment for the King of Terrors.  
NOt far from this Mansion-house, there is a place where is the throne of Judgement, with six steps, but he that goeth up must put off his shoes from off his feet, for the place where he standeth is holy ground; and every step hath its particular name.  
The first step is called Repentance from dead works.  
The second is Faith towards God.  
The third is the Doctrine of Baptisms.  
The fourth is the laying on of hands.  
The fifth is, The resurrection from the dead.  
And the 6th. is, Eternal Judgement. And there above, is the Throne of Judgement set.  
At the end of the said steps are twelve Lions, six on the one side, and six on the other, answerable to the 12 Princes of the Tribes of Israel, or the Lambs twelve Apostles: And there is no other Jury. Privilege of Parliament cannot here be pleaded, there being a prerogative power above it.  
The Statutes of Omri are all here condemned to be burnt in great contempt.  
And a Law established which will serve all Nations.  
This is a Court of Justice and Equity too, where whores and harlots, and all others may have free liberty to plead their causes without seeing a Lawyer, and may have a speedy dispatch there, without going elsewhere.  
ANd now to conclude: Whereas at the end of my last Remonstrance, I prayed for the holy separated Church, and some think it strange, that I did not mention the CATHOLIC, I did it purposely to distinguish between the Separatists on the one part, and the ENGLISH AND ROMAN CATHOLICS on the other part. The term Separate being frequently used in the Scripture in the best sense, 
Exod. 33. 1●. Levit. 20.24. Numb. 19.20. 2 Cor. 6.17. Deut. 7.6. and 14.2,  and especially by the greatest penmen of holy Writ, Moses, and Paul, clearly demonstrating that God's people have been from the beginning, and aught to be an holy, special, and peculiar people, separated from sinners, though not always in temporal government, yet in spiritual worship. Now seeing the Chuech of God are not Catholic Papists, but separated Saints, therefore I thought it most meet, and very seasonable, publicly to give them this title of Holy Separated Church, because they are clearly separated from the Papists, of which there are 4 sorts.  
The first sort are Catholic Papists worshipping by the Latin Mass, and persecute the other.  
The second, Prelatical Papists, worshipping by the English Mass, or Common Prayer, or Liturgy, and persecute these following.  
The 3d. sort Presbyterian Papists, worshipping by a Synodical Directory, or prescripts of men, and are persecuters of the Independents, etc.  
The 4th. sort are Independent Papists, who will hear the Ministry of some of the former, and join in prayer with some of the former Sects whom they account to be godly, and frequently worship in the Idolatrous high places which the Papists builded, dedicated and consecrated to Idolatry.  
And every one that pretendeth never so much sanctity, & joineth in the worship of the first Table, with anyone of these Papists, becometh a Papist with the Papists, for he that touched the unclean thing in the time of the Law, 
Numb. 19  was unclean, cerimonially, And in the time of the Gospel, he that worshippeth God with a wicked man is unclean, 
☝  And he that worshippeth with him, who worshippeth with him, is unclean; although they pretend never so much knowledge of God, 
Isa. 58.2.  and seek him daily, and delight to know his ways, as a Nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the Ordinances of Justice, and ask of God the Ordinances of Justice, and take delight in approaching unto God, Yet when they spread forth their hands, 
Isa 1.15.  God will hid his eyes, and although they make many prayers, he will not hear them. For the sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, how much more when he bringeth it with a wicked mind. 
Pro. 21.27.  Yea he that sacrificed an Ox, it was imputed as if he flew a man, he that sacrificed a Lamb, as if he cut off a dogs neck, 
Isa. 66.3.  he that offered an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood, and he that burned incense, as if he blessed an Idol.  
And when they fast (saith God) I will not hear their ery: 
Jer. 14.12. Isa. 1.14.  And their solemn Feasts my soul loatheth.  
As good therefore never a whit as never the better.  
For we know that God heareth not sinners, 
Joh 9, 31.  but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doth his will him he heareth.  
God accounts Religious men's Preaching, no better than prating, and their praying vain babbling, 
Isa. 58.9. O mind this well.  till they remove from them the yoke the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity.  
THe Lord General, and his Counsel of Officers, in their Declaration of the 32th. of April last, gave Order for all Judges▪ Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Majors and all other Officers to proceed at large in their several places as formerly, but they forgot their old, and honest principles, Agreement, 
See their Agreement of the People.  and Engagements, mentioned in their book Declaration, wherein they declare against hanging men for stealing, and against pressing men for not accusing themselves.  
Hereupon the same day, even the 22th. of April last, a man was Pressed to death in a tyrannical manner, for not answering guilty or not guilty, And two more were put to death the week following for theft, And the last Sessions after that, six stout men were hanged for stealing, which might have done good service for the Commonwealth at Sea, instead of pressing honest housekeepers against their wills, And some of these poor thiefs suffered the pains of death for very small matters, All which is against the most righteous law of God, and is no better than murder, as I have proved in my CRY AGAINST THAT CRYING SIN, and in my black book which I delivered in at the Parliament door, And if so much was done at London, what hath been done elsewhere.  
Thus the streams of blood are poured upon the head of the Army, and how can we expect the Wars to be ended, before the World is amended. But it's hoped that the next Representative will take better care, to put God's Laws in execution concerning men's lives, liberties, and estates, than the former have done, And so there will be general satisfaction to the People.  

THE APPENDIX.  
YOu well affected and valiant Soldiers, who have made way of old for your fellow Soldiers: I know you are discontented, and indeed I do not see how you can be well pleased without satisfaction for your Arrears, the price of your blood, which is precious; There is something in agitation for you by the Counsel, prepare the chambers of your heart for content, for I hope it shall not be long, but you will have your wages for your faithful service, and be content therewith.  
And you that have lent your estates, moneys, plate, etc. for the Commonwealth's use, when a new Representative is established, you will have it all again with advantage, doubt it not. And he that regardeth not the Public Faith, you know is not meet for public trust, but hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel, And so is not qualified aright, according to the Lord General's Declaration: for such a man hath neither fidelity nor honesty, If such take the trust upon them, they should be taken notice of, as Enemies to the Commonwealth.  
And you well-affected Creditors of the late King, etc. and you Sufferers who have been plundered by his party; Consider what I told you in my former Remonstrance, and declare your mind freely, For such loser's must have leave to speak.  
And all you that are weary, and heavy laden with the unrighteous decrees, and grievous prescriptions of unrighteous men, whereby the needy have been turned aside from justice, and the right taken away from the People, that Widows may be the Tyrant's prey, and they may rob the Fatherless. O how have you been afflicted, tossed with tempests, and not comforted. But now pluck up your spirits, and Petition presently, and I do promise you shall not want my assistance freely, if it be requisite, without expecting any satisfaction from you, but acceptation only of my good will for you, looking for a better recompense of reward, than all the earthly Generals in the world can give.  
My opinion is that you need not trouble the Lord General or his Counsel with many Petitions, but make a forlorn List of your names, (and places of abode) who groan under oppressions by false and pretended actions, and illegal, chargeable, and delatory practices, and proceed in the Law; And let there be one general Petition drawn up, which is as good as a thousand, and let it contain the substance of your complaints, and what you desire; and let the same be presented with speed to them who have power to redress your grievances; That they may appoint a certain number of honest, and faithful men to sit early and late, as Commissioners; Fully to hear, and finally to determine all manner of grievances depending in suits of Law, which shall not happen to be ended by Law within a certain convenient time limited, and thereby they may probably dispatch 100 Causes in a day, which will be a great ease to the People, they sitting daily, so long as there is any business for them to do, that all men may enjoy their just rights without molestation. That Justice may be no more clothed with sackcloth, nor judgement turned into wormwood, and gall, That truth may be no more blemished by falsehood, nor equity kept out by inquity.  
O ye mighty ones who sit as Gods, defend the poor Widows, and the Fatherless: do justice to the afflicted, and needy. Deliver the poor and needy: rid them out of the hand of the wicked; It concerns you to double your diligence in well doing, for all the foundations of the earth are out of course, and the dark places thereof are full of the habitations of cruelty.  
Shall the desolate Widows, and Fatherless be made the chief marks for injustice to shoot at▪ And be continually vexed, and tormented by the most cruel, illegal, and delatory proceed in the Law, and the Woman, though she brought 10000 l. portion to her Husband, and could have no claim in his real estate, but for her life time, & that but a third, and though never so aged, yet upon the death of her husband, she required by the Law, to deliver up all to the Heir, saving the dwelling House for 40. days, and if she pass the time of 40. days, must still be liable to action; And before she can compel the Tenant to plead, with terms of Law called Assoynes, Adjournments, and Views, shall a whole year be spent then in the fire of contention, to make them spin out the rest of their days in vanity, and years in trouble? and than if the Sheriff or Crowner fail to return the Jury, (which is a common thing) a fine is set upon them indeed, but a four penny matter will take it off, and this is enough to put off the poor Widow another year, Shall such evil customs still remain up and down the Land?  
As for her personal Estate, the Executor he possesseth all, although it be never so many thousands: And then in the mean time the poor widows have no relief but in Chancery, where they must serve a complete Apprenticeship, before they can be made free by Law. And thereby the poor desolate widows, through extreme necessity are forced to borrow, & pawn, yea and sometimes to beg their bread, & sue in forma pauperis, & so the remedy is worse than the Disease; And if the widow die while the Suit is depending, als lost, and then the Heir, or Executor robs all the rest of her children of all, And the Fatherless are constrained to sue for their portion, 21. 22. years, yea sometimes 23. years, before they can recover it. Thus as I said before, the Widows are their prey and they rob the Fatherless. But we unto the Oppressors, what will they do in the time of their visitation?  
O Cromwell the Lord of the Land, lay it to thy heart, Look to these things, redress these grievances in time, unless the prize be gone out of thy hand, and the Crown be fallen from thy head, Work now, O now, before darkness, and the shadow of death seize upon thee in the Land of oblivion, where the light is as darkness, for thou art here to day, but thou dost not know where thou shalt be to morrow.  

A word for L: Col: JOHN LILBURNE.  
LEt Lilburne live, and not die, O let him live, and see better days: For most of his days hitherto have been sorrow, and his travel grief.  
How often hath this pitcher been at the Well! and will it still go well with it?  
And how many knocks hath it endured upon the hard stones, and yet is not broken, but holds tack, and as tough as a leather Jack! But beware lest the fire of contention scorch it, and make it useless.  
O Lilburne, Lilburn, hear what he saith, who said he would be wise, but it was far from him.  
If thou hadst as much wisdom as courage, If as much prudence as confidence, If as much meekness, and gentleness, as strength of memory, If as much depth of apprehension, as ready delivery, Thou wouldst be a rare Phoenix, or Bird of Paradise. But every man hath his proper gift, one after this manner, another after that. And yet thou hast all these in a measure.  
Thou hast done and suffered much, yea so much, that an Enemy of Satan is sent to buffet thee, that thou mayest not be exalted in thyself.  
And why wast thou so ravished with the routing of the Parliament?  
Thou art not the first wise man deceived through confidence in man.  
Be not overcome, or drawn in by every one that speaks thee fair, and feigneth himself just to entrap thee. Believe, not every spirit, first try, and then trust, lest they prove as broken teeth and feet out of joint.  
Thou outcast of England, didst not thou know that the Parliament had erred? And didst thou think the Lord General, and his Council of Officers did well, in confirming their Acts, and denying to break such yokes, or to go against any of them, after their dissolution of a Parliament, or no Parliament, who made Laws, or no Laws, Of force, or of no force, Then in Authority, or not in Authority. And now the same, or not the same. Who had driven thee out, saying: go serve other gods, 
1 Sam. 21.11, 12, 13. and 28.2. and 29.8.  as if they had a design upon thee, to force thee for thy preservation to fain thyself to be that which thou wast not, and to take upon thee, to do that which thou didst not, nor darest do.  
And how didst thou come into this Wilderness, to tread upon English ground to defend thyself, with a sword without a hilt, before thou hadst made thy peace, with men of War, who had armed themselves, and forewarned thee, Will the falling out of lovers be the renewing of love; it hath moved thee to seek to them, and may persuade them to embrace thee.  
If thou desirest the Mercy of God to preserve thee, the Assistance of Saints, and Angels to protect thee; If thou wouldst have thine Enemies at peace with thee, Let thy ways always please the LORD, and strive to outstrip all the world in the choicest wisdom (if possible) Forsake the foolish, and live. My son, fear thou God, and the Supreme, 
Pro. 24.21.  and meddle not with them that be given to change.  
Some men have been almost distracted through oppression, others have learned wisdom by affliction, and thou hast bought experience at a dear rate; and thine enemies have not scaped scot free: Therefore be not passionate, but patiented. And  
When thou art escaped with thy life for a prey, refine what's worth the refining; and when thy cup is full, carry it even, very even.  
Moreover my son, 
Ecles: 12.12.  by these be admonished, of making many books there is no end, and much study is a weariness to the flesh.  
Belsavage, 22 th'. June. 1653. S: Chidley.    
GOD Grant Repentance to our Enemies. GOD Give Salvation to the holy Separated Church. GOD Preserve the peace of the Commonwealth of England. Amen.