THE IMPROVEMENT OF MERCY: OR A short Treatise, showing how, and in what manner, Our RULERS and all well-affected to the present Government should make a right and profitable use of the late great Victory in Ireland. August 2. 1649. ALSO Here are several things propounded to all such as are dis-affected and enemies to the State (whether Presbyterian, Royalist, or Papist, etc.) Being both useful and seasonable upon this occasion, of so wonderful and glorious a Victory.  
BY JOHN CAN.  Exod. 15.11. 
Who is like unto thee, O Lord, amongst the Gods? Who is like thee? glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders!  Deu●. 32.31. 
For their Rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being Judges.  
Published by Authority.  
LONDON; Printed by M. Simmons in Aldersgate-streete. 1649.   

THE IMPROVEMENT OF MERCY: OR A short Treatise, showing how, and in what manner, our Rulers and all well-affected to the present Government should make a right and profitable use of the late great Victory in Ireland. August 2. 1649.  
IT hath been the custom of men in former time, as we find it recorded, both in divine and humane History: when the Lord had given them any remarkable and special victory, to erect some great Monument, whereby the Remembrance of such a Mercy might continue from Generation to Generation.  
As I consider our late victory in Ireland, how wonderful it was, and how seasonably God gave that blessing to us, with other circumstances; I find my spirit much let out, to move and desire, that some thing now may be done by this Nation (who enjoys the fruit of that happy harvest) to keep up the memory of it, that our Posterity hereafter may know, what the Lord did for us at such a time, and may say, We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old, Psal. 44.1.  
And I am the more encouraged to take this work in hand, and have the greater hope, that England will be an example to the whole world, of minding God's providence, and improving this mercy, because no Nation like England for many years, hath had so large experience of GOD'S power and goodness.  
And that I may the better obtain the thing so much desired, I shall in an humble and submissive way; first propound a few things to the State. My Lords, I need not tell you, how much you are concerned in this Victory: What an Interest you have in it; I know you do observe how wonderfully herein God hath honoured you, owned your present Government, and done more for you, than was expected. But now what will ye render to the Lord for so great a benefit toward you? What Pillar or Monument of Praise will you erect to continue the memory of this Victory. I shall not take upon me to prescribe the particular, nevertheless, it cannot be thought either presumption or boldness in me, if I deliver mine own opinion, and set down what I humbly conceive, will be a fit Monument; acceptable to God, honourable to you, and whereby your names shall be a blessing to posterity.  
First, Seeing the Lord hath so really appeared to enlarge and establish your Commonwealth, is it not fit that you should be as real for him in advancing the glorious Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. There have been several Petitions presented to the Parliament, from many godly and well affected people, whose bowels do earn to consider, what multitudes of people sit still in darkness, and have not the glorious Gospel preached unto them. Thanks indeed they had, and fair promises: now we know a man may draw a thousand prints in water, but as soon as his finger is off, all is out. Sirs; our hope is, that you will now do something effectually towards the salvation of such ignorant and poor souls.  
Secondly, It will manifest both your acknowledgement and improvement of this mercy, if you honour such, whom God hath so fare honoured, as by them to bring over several Victories to you. When tidings was brought to Philip of Macedon: 1. that Parmenio had got the victory over the enemies. 2. Alexander his Son was borne. 3. That his Chariots won the priz: at Olympus; and all in one day; he called for some cross, that these things might not make him forget himself: howsoever, we wish you no crosses, but increase of blessings, and all good things, yet withal we desire, that what success soever God gives you, you may not so fare forget yourselves, as to forget your friends, such as have ever been cordial and faithful to you, carried their lives in their hands for you, and thought nothing too dear for your sake.  
Thirdly, In this victory you may behold God's displeasure against Malignants, he will not take them by the hand, neither should you into your bosom. Is the Lord pulling of them down, be not you then setting of them up. If a spider can prevail so much as come into the hive and wove a cobweb within it, he will kill all the bees, there is no remedy. We hope you will take care to keep such spiders out: to wit, of place and office in the Commonwealth. We would count him unwise, that would feed rats, mice, and such vermin, to destroy his bodily estate; but it is greater folly to nourish such as seek to destroy the Nation.  
Fourthly, Hath the Lord compassed you about with songs of deliverance, and filled your hearts with joy and gladness; do something now for the people, I mean some remarkable thing, that so by you they may be glad and rejoice likewise. I need not tell you whose hearts are sad, nor why, and what would comfort them: open but a door to them, and hear what they would say, how many weeks and months some have waited, and can find no way or passage to have their heavy condition and case come before you. It would therefore be a notable Monument to continue the memory of this Victory, if some present course were taken, that the case of the poor and friendless might be heard as soon as others; and people not suffer so extremely as they do, in that their businesses are not speedier dispatched. Augustus' thought that day ill spent, in which he had not helped some poor person: Mark that, (not himself, not his brother or sister, not such a Lord or Lady, etc. but the poor who had no friends,) consider he was a Heathen, you are Christians.  
Fiftly, Dublins Enlargement may serve to put you in mind of the poor prisoners for debt: I know you have spent some time about this business, but I pray consider with what celerity and quickness, God did that great work in Ireland for you: and therefore you shall do well to follow God, as in matter, so in the manner of doing good. Say not unto thy neighbour, go, and come again, and to morrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee, Pro. 3.28. Jam quando suppetit, quid probibet, quo mini●s liberaliter impertiare? Nun inops adest? Nun plena horrea? Nun merces à domino parata? Nun mandatum manifestum? Esuriens fame absumitur, nudus frigore rigescit, & tu eleemosynam in crastinum differs? Basil. homil. 6. ex varijs.  
Among such as are well affected to this present Government, I have thought good to mention the Lord Major of the City of London, with the Court of Aldermen, and Common Council. I know you are much affected with this Victory, judging it one of the greatest Mercies, that ever God gave to his Church and people in this Nation. And it being so, I hope than we shall have some Monument erected by you for a memorial of such a remarkable blessing, fit to be transferred to future posterities. We see in nature when the Sun shines upon those inferior bodies, if solid bodies, when they reflect their beams, they cast their light and heat upon other bodies that are nearest about them: but if they are empty and hollow bodies, and such as have no solidity, they take all into themselves, and reflect not. The Lord by this victory hath in a special manner shined on your City, on your families, callings, estates; blest you in cursing the enemy. Now in charity I am bound to believe, that you are men solid, sincere: and as the Moon taking light from the Sun above her, bestoweth it upon the creatures here below, so you will make others partakers of the good blessings of God bestowed upon you. And here I shall desire with your leave and patience to propound a few things briefly to you, as the use of this victory in relation to your City.  
1. As God hath been zealous for you, so be you zealous of his glory and name. 2. Let there not only be kept days of feasting, and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor: but let something now be done for the poor, and in such a way, as the victory may be remembered in all ages hereafter. 3. Let the Army be still dear and precious to you: for God's presence (you see) is amongst them wheresoever they are: and whether they are English, Scots, or Irish, which come against them, they are bread for them, God scatters their enemies, and they fly before them. Who would be unwilling to give wages and large recompense unto servants who are faithful, prosperous, profitable? 4. The consideration of this victory may encourage you, to hold your own, and stand fast to the Parliament, Council of State, and the present Government, and not to fear the secret plots and designs of the adversary, neither their number nor forces. Let them associate themselves, and they shall be broken; take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. 5. Methinks this Victory should move you to be now very active in suppressing lewd and scandalous Pamphlets, and that roguish generation of Ballad singers, such varlets were not suffered in many Heathen-Common-wealths, and truly it is much to be wished, that more diligence and greater severity were used to remove from your City and suburbs, these base vermin, viler than the earth.  
Sixtly, We shall expect now, as a proper improvement of this victory, that you will no longer suffer in your City Pulpit-Incendiaries, men who turn praying and preaching into rebellion. As for their aspersing the ways of God and his people, we let it pass (as the fruit whereby they are known to be—) But to hear them revile the Rulers of the people, and to speak traitorously against the present Government, it is unsufferable. A Magistrate (saith one) who hath discovered a Conspiracy, and seems fearful to remedy it, is as faulty as the Conspirator himself. But here is no cause of fear, the thing now may be easily remedied without any danger, or difficulty. We see the bladder is puffed up with a little wind, and if two or three beans or pease be put into it, they make a mighty sound or rattling, yet prick the same but with a pin, and instantly it falls flat, and comes to nought: I leave the application and use to yourselves: only take notice, that in Christian policy; Init●o seditionum, quamprimum apparuerint comprimantur. Clem. Templ. pol. lib. 4. c. 7. p. 424.  
For the rest of the Nation, who are well affected to the State, to the end they may make a profitable and good use of this great victory, I shall set down before them these observations.  
1. About the time that the Lord scattered his enemies, they were boasting what they would do with the Roundheads and Sectaries: Into England they should not go: Ormond as he was playing at Tables swore, he would send them all into America: Another in his cups vowed, he would try if they could swim thither. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil: my lust shall be satisfied upon them: I will draw my sword, mine hand shall destroy them. Now no sooner were these words out of their mouth, but the wrath of God fell immediately upon them, and they were all, either slain, taken, or put to flight. So let thine enemies perish, O God.  
2. If we consider, the several advantages of the enemy, as their number, place, provision, and other circumstances; and how notwithstanding they were totally routed, it is matter sufficient, to persuade every rational man, to believe, that God was an enemy to them, and to the cause they stood for, and that he owned the others, by an unheard of victory and deliverance.  
3. In this victory we may behold a full victory over the enemy, both there, and here, and else where: For as soon as they heard of this thing, their hearts melted, & such a terror is fallen upon them, as they have no mind to engage again, nor to prosecute any more their new plots and designs against this Common wealth.  
4. Upon the Affairs of Ireland, the enemies to this State much depended: it was indeed as the great Wheel of the Clock: For many made full account to move here, if the Rebels there prevailed. But as it's said, Many of the people of the Land became Jew's, for the fear of the Jews fell upon them: so this victory in all places where it comes, brings people over to the Parliament, as well knowing, it is their best and safest course.  
5. That five thousand men, should take and kill seven thousand, and put thirteen thousand to flight, who sees not that it is the immediate finger of God. And it is worth the observing, that since this later Army was raised, God hath given us many such wonderful victories: not only for the comfort and encouragement of the well-affected, but to let the enemy see, that God is against them, and that they shall never prosper in such a way. When thy judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness, Isa. 26.9.  
6. Here we may observe, God's revenging hand upon Apostates; not to speak of Inchequeen, that Grand turncoat, there were in Ormonds' Army many Soldiers who had basely and treacherously a little before deserted the Parliaments service: but see how the Lord dealt with them for their perfidiousness: he delivers them up into the hand of Justice. A fair warning to others, to take heed, that they keep themselves with that party where they see God is, and still crownes with victory, and not to join with a rebellious rout, who have not his presence, but are forsaken of him, and prepared for the day of slaughter.  
7. Whereas we hear of some unclean spirits, like frogs, going forth unto the Kings of the earth, to gather them to battle against this Commonwealth: there is so much of God to be seen in this victory, as that no man needs to regard, whatsoever is reported concerning this thing. When other Nations shall hear how wonderfully the Lord goes along with us in the work of Reformation, it is probable they will keep at home, and seek to pull their necks out of the yoke of Tyrants, as we have done. But howsoever, we shall never hereafter be afraid of multitudes, the number shall not fright us: for we are confident, upon the experience of former victories, that God will still make good that promise and blessing to us; Five of you shall chase an hundred: and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword, Deut. 28.8.  
From the well-affected to the State, I come now to the illaffected: and first to you of the Presbyterian party: And here that I may not be mistaken, I only intent such men, as do vilify and reproach our present Government. And as for such we have thought good from the occasion of this victory, to frame something like a lookingglass, wherein they may see themselves; specially at such times, when instead of preaching the doctrine of the Gospel, and praying in the Spirit, they speak false, scandalous, and seditious things, tending to a new war, and hindering the relief of Ireland.  
1. Consider, England hath received a mercy, in spite of you: you may remember the other day in your talk (I dare not call it prayer) how you told the Lord you knew not into whose hands to pray Ireland: only you would not, that he should give it up into the bands of the Independents. Besides, we are not ignorant, how proudly you contemned Authority, and when others sought the Lord for Ireland, you most profanely and irreligiously, like Haman and the King sat down to drink: you made it a time of feasting, joy, and gladness, when others by Commandment kept a day of public fast: not unlike to that in Isa. 22.12, 13. Behold now, we have a return of our prayers, our petition is granted, and the Lord hath looked on our tears, and the Lord hath requited good for your cursing that day.  
2. You have struggled a long time to destroy this present Government, but do ye not see now, how ye kick against the prick: As he that moves the weik of a burning Candle with his finger, blacks it, and burns it, and causeth the light to shine the more clear: So all your mutinous and seditious attempts, turn to the burning and blacking of yourselves. As for the State, opposed by you, Lo it shines more and more in strength, glory, and beauty.  
3. But whither will ye run? do you not see how you are already fallen? here is a victory, one of the greatest mercies that ever God brought from Ireland over to this Nation; nevertheless, you see it not; nor thought it worth thanksgiving in your Churches the other day. Some report of the Manna, that at first it was sweet and tasted well, but afterwards through the murmuring and unthankfulness of the people, it was either bitter to them, or it had no savour. I believe the time was, when such a public blessing as this, (yea much inferior to this) was counted sweet: you could razed then how good God was to his people, in giving them victories; but now such Mercies are either bitter, or you feel no savour in them: Sirs, you may thank yourselves for this change: For the truth is, your great murmur and unthankfulness against God and man, hath brought you into this unhappy and sad condition.  
4. Methinks in this victory you should see the snare and pit before you. Milo Crotoniatas, whilst he was tearing asunder the stock of an Oak, his strength sailing him, the cloven suddenly closing, was so held fast by the hands that he became a prey to the Beasts of the field. You have been a long time trying to tear asunder this Commonwealth, and great hope you had, that Ormond with the Rebels there would work wonders for you, but you see that strength now fails you, take heed then, lest the cloven close, and you are held fast by the neck.  
5. This victory gives me an occasion to remember that saying of Solomon; Who so rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not departed from his house, Pro. 17.13. Howsoever, these men will not acknowledge that they are beholding to the Parliament and Army, for their present peace, liberty, livelihood, yet the thing is so: yea more, under God, by their care and wisdom, these rash and heady men, were kept from bondage and slavery, into which they (poor fools) most willingly and greedily would have thrust themselves. It is reported of one Balthasar Gerard (who named himself Francis Guyon) that with the money which the Prince of Orange gave him for his relief, he bought pistols, powder and shot, and therewith killed the Prince: The Presbyterians (I mean not the moderate and sober sort) would serve our Governors and Soldiers so, even murder them if they could, for purchasing liberty and peace for them.  
6. The backslider (saith the Wiseman) shall be filled with his own ways, Pro. 14.14. What generation of men are more revolted than these, from their own grounds and former Principles: For have they not desired, that Ireland might be relieved, and that the Protestant blood shed there, might be revenged upon the barbarous Rebels? But behold their Apostasy, when they see this don, they vex and murmur at it; and are so much the Lord outrageous and invective against the State, by how much the Lord blesseth our Forces there, and honours them with success and great victory. Tame foxes if they break lose, and turn wild, do ten times more mischief than those, that were wild from the beginning. It is very remarkable, that none of the malignant Ministers throughout the Land, who have from first to last held with the King, speak so seditiously, or rail so grossly against the Parliament and Army as these men do; these men, I say, who were once tame and stood for both, but are now broken lose, and turned wild.  
7. These great victories which God gives the Parliament, should cause your hearts to smite you, to consider how by your seditious doctrine many poor and ignorant people are brought to the slaughter, whose blood one day will be required at your hand. The cruelties and infamies of Caligula are imputed to the Nurse that gave him suck, which being cruel and barbarous of herself, rubbed the ends of her breasts with blood, causing the child, to whom she gave milk, to suck them. Such cruel and inhuman nurses are these men: instead of the sincere milk of the Gospel, they give their hearers the bloody Tenants of Rebellion; so that the cruelties and infamies of the people, may be (at lest in a great measure) imputed unto their Teachers: For no doubt the people would be willing to live a quiet and peaceable life under our present Government, but that these Sheba's, these sons of Bieri, blow a Trumpet, to cause hurliburlies and commotions in the Land.  
8. Seeing God hath made the Parliament so victorious, it would not be amiss (when you come to yourselves) to consider whether Christ or his Apostles have left you any precept or example to asperse that Government which is set over you. I cannot find, either in Scripture, or other History, that any Ministers of Jesus Christ (for so you style yourselves) did ever before your time, meddle with civil Government, as to deny the lawfulness of that Government under which they lived. The abuses of Magistrates, and their miscarriages in Government, we grant Gods Ministers have spoken against, (yet so, as always observing time, place, and other circumstances, which you never do) but the Government itself, whether Kingly, Aristocratical, or democratical, they condemned not, neither meddled with the change and alteration of ordinary Government, upon what ground or occasion soever it was. So that there are two treasonable crimes here charged upon you: first, that you are busybodies, as meddling with things wherein you are not concerned. Secondly, False accusers, in calling that State unlawful, which is founded upon Scripture, Law, and Reason. Boiling liquor swelling above the brinks, falls into the fire, and comes to nothing: you are best beware, least by rising above your element you tumble down, and your names perish.  
9 It may be, upon the occasion of this victory, you will be the more willing to take notice how the Malignants make use of you only as Journeymen to serve their turn. Some writ of the Jaccal, as he pursues his prey, barking like a dog, the Lion meeting with the noise, follows it; now the Jaccal having wearied the Beast he chased, the Lion that followed by the cry comes in, when he is at a bay, and takes from the other, what he had before spent his time and labour about. Brethren, suppose by your bawling and barking at the present Government, you should weary it, and bring it at a bay; do ye think to have the prey? not in the least; for the Royalists would take that from you, and not you, but the Prelates should be established, their Courts, Canons, Service-Booke, etc. It is true, you knew in this case how to help yourselves, namely, faces about, turncoats, and as you were before; and so indeed you would far better than the Jaccal, have some of prey howsoever, with the Lion.  
10. I would willingly know, when you are unpowring and speaking evil of dignities, what people do you think are pleased with such vile and wicked stuff. Methinks you cannot be ignorant, that in doing so, you make sad the hearts of the righteous, and are no other, than servants to the base lusts of unholy and profane men. The Indians have a fruit which they call Yogma, it fattens swine, but men loathe it: The Idolater, Adulterer, Swearer, Drunkard, Sabbath-breaker, Atheist, Papist, etc. delight to hear your railing at the State; indeed they flock after you merely for this Yogma: But I must tell you in the mean time, the godly of your own Congregations cannot abide it: so that by this means you lose them, and are cast out of their hearts and affections, though you seem to gain the favour and applause of some Malignants.  
11. In this lookingglass, you may see two faces under one hood: you think to please the Royalists, by crying up a King, a King: and your brethren the Scots by crying out, The Covenant, the Covenant: but do not cousin your own souls, for you cannot any longer herein deceive rational and knowing men: they perceive well enough your game and aim: it is your outward pomp and worldly preferment that ye seek after, under such pretences. The Pope will have Kings and Princes to kiss his feet, and to draw them on, did use to have on his pantophile the Crucifix or picture of Christ hanging on the Cross: that forsooth he would have reverence done unto. The truth is, you would feign be Popes, and have every man to kiss your feet; our Parliament, Council of State, and the whole Nation bow down to you: and to draw them on, you tell some of a King, others of a Covenant, a mere cheat, for 'tis your feet you would have them kiss, submit to your arbitrary power and lawless will.  
12. This seditious course of yours hath brought you already into a great straight: And I believe, it will require some meetings at your Synon-house, to resolve what to do upon the Thanksgiving day near at hand: If you obey the Parliaments Order, and keep the day, you know what the Cavaliers and Royalists will say of you: Neque fidei constans, neque strenuus in perfidia: as it was said of Claudius Apollinaris, A man that neither constantly kept his promise, (as you have not yours to the Parliament) nor stoutly maintained his treason, (as you not yours, if ye keep that day). Again, if not, you know there is great danger in that. For howsoever upon the fast day, for Ireland, you proudly contemned the Magistrate, and made it a day of recreation, yet I would not wish you to presume now upon the like impunity or indulgence. And if you fall into the hand of Justice, and so suffer, consider before hand, what comfort you can take in such suffering.  
Now it follows, that I speak something (as occasioned by this victory) to Royalists and Cavaliers. We see by daily experience, if the coin be good, men are contented to receive it from any hand: I shall not propound any thing to these men, but what is profitable and good for them, if the Lord be pleased to give them understanding hearts to embrace it, and make a right use thereof. Thunder (they say) falling upon a Serpent, takes not away the life, but her venom: The searcher of all hearts doth know my desire is, so to apply this thundering-victory, as their malignity, obstinacy, blindness, etc. may be removed, and they live happily, and in a comfortable and prosperous condition.  
1. Consider how such as have engaged, and have been most active in the cause you stand for, have in the end (as the just recompense of such service) undone themselves, and brought ruin and misery upon their wives and children. There is no Pilot in his right wits, when he sees Sea-marks purposely set up to give warning of rocks, sands, or shelves, will thereby take occasion to run his vessel upon them, but rather will employ all his care and skill, that by avoiding them, he may escape the danger. To what end hath the Lord set before your eyes, the desolation of many honourable and great families, the precious blood of several thousands shed on a day; but to be a warning and caveat unto you, to keep off from such dangerous and destroying rocks, and not to run yourselves vainly and foolishly, as they have done, into a way and course, which is neither honourable nor profitable for you. The bird will not fly into the net, or light on the limebush, or run into the snare, when he sees another bird flutter before her: The horse as you are travelling will not follow the tract of another horse that sticks fast before you: you are men, and should be rational: Will ye then seeing others before you in the pit, fall likewise into the same? if you do, you are the more to blame, and the less to be excused. You know that lesson; Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.  
2. Methinks by this time you should perceive, that the matter you stand for, is not good, and so much the Lord from time to time hath made known unto you by many clear and plain demonstrations. Take notice of the late King, how apparently God was against him; fought against him, cursed his blessings, scattered his counsels, so that nothing indeed prospered under his hand. How dare ye then carry on the same work, and his design, knowing by former experience, in doing so the Lord will not prosper you. I cannot more fitly liken this generation of men, then to Bowlers, who having delivered their Bowl, use to follow it with bowing their body, to have it fall in towards the jack, but it keeps her bias, goes off, and runs another way. Much struggling and striving there hath been to bring the conquest in, on the King's side, no plots or devises have been wanting, what sea and land could do hath been done: but providence still carried it another way, and this they saw, and could not but acknowledge that the Lord was not with them, although they parsisted, and still do in their froward and crooked courses.  
3. This victory gives me occasion to put you in mind, how your principles and grounds are false, concerning forms of civil Government. The Israelites living poorly in Egypt, thought no kind of food better than Garlic and Onions: so you, having lived long under hingly Government, and not acquainted with a free State or Commonwealth, conceive Monarchy to be the best kind of Government, which undoubtedly is the worst: and my Reasons for it are these.  
1. The great Revenues which are wasted to maintain this King ship, unuseful Creature, a thing which the Land hath no need of, but can do much better without it, (as Courts, Palaces, Castles, Manors, Parks, Forests, etc.) if converted to a public use, will be for the great profit and general good of the whole Nation, poor and rich; whereas formerly, as employed, did little service, but fed Locusts and Caterpillars, who destroyed the people.  
2. How chargeable to a Kingdom are Kings children, through their pride, pomp, and excessive riot? and what is expected from them for all this? truly, if they be not a curse and plague to the Nation, men think it a mercy, as for comfort and profit they expect none. Now how many Orphans and poor children by such charges might be charitably and largely relieved, and would bless God for it; whereas the others devour all, without saying, Sirs, we thank you: as if they were not at all beholding unto the people for the same.  
3. When corruptions and abuses break forth, they are easier and sooner suppressed in a free State, then in the other. For 1. As they have their original and rise usually from the Court, so the King (as we have had experience) will seek to defend the same. 2. Put case, the King hath no hand in such abuses (which would be a strange thing) nevertheless, considering he sees and hears with other men's eyes and ears, they are not easily or thoroughly reform. But in a Commonwealth well settled, it cannot be so.  
4. It is seldom seen in a Monarchy, but the Officers and Ministers of State, are corrupt men, chosen by Princes, not for the public good, but to serve their turn and interest. Whereas in a Commonwealth, the people choosing their own Magistrates, are careful to choose such as shall do just and right things for them. Besides, If Magistrates be corrupt, the people can sooner help themselves by removing them, and choosing better, in a free State, then under Kings.  
5. In no Commonwealth is there such sufferings of good men, innocent blood spilt, unlawful and unnecessary wars raised, intolerable taxes imposed, undue and illegal courses taken, as where Kings do reign.  
6. That must be best, which is a mean between two extremes, and thus is a free State, between Monarchy and Anarchy: that one should rule alone, is against the common Maxim; Plus vident oculi quum oculus; two eyes see more than one. Again, that none should govern, or all, is absurd and senseless.  
7. It is rightly observed by Bodin; We commonly see (saith he) in the changing of Princes, new designs, new laws, new Officers, new friends, new enemies, new habits, and a new form of living: For Princes take delight to change and alter all things, that they may be spoken of, which doth many times cause great inconveniences, not only to the Subjects in particular, but also to the whole body of the State. De Rep. l. 6. cap. 4. But no such prejudice or peril is incident to a Commonwealth, if any thing be publicly altered, it is maturely done, and upon good ground, and for the general profit and safety of the people.  
8. In a well governed Commonwealth, great men as well as others, are encouraged unto the study of virtue, wisdom, Justice, because there, not titles or birthright, but abilities and good parts make them capable of preferment: in such a State there is no door open to come into places of authority, by bribery, flattery, friendship, but as men are fitted and gifted. Whereas in Kingdom's men come to have Offices and preferment by succession; a fool, or a knave, will challenge authority by being the King's cousin.  
9 We know by experience, that in all ages the Gospel and way of Christ hath been most withstood and opposed under Kings. As on the contrary, in Commonwealths the same hath found greatest favour, furtherance, and enfargement: And hence it is, that our Pulpit-Incendiaries, with their brethren the Scots, cry out so much for a King; they well know such a form of Government, is fittest for them, and will best serve their turn, whereby to suppress the truth, persecute the Saints, under the name of Sectaries, and to erect a form of will-worship, forcing all both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to fall down and worship their Image, if not, neither buy nor sell, but killed for heretic.  
In the writing of these things, it makes me call to mind the condition of the people in the Low-Countries, living in a Free State, such there, as are Papists among them, will not have the King of Spain, to reign again over them, but desire rather to be under the present Government: yea though they are Papists (I say) and have not liberty granted them for the free exercise of their Religion, yet by no means will hear of a King any more. And no doubt the like ere long will be the case of the people of this Land, when they have once tasted the sweetness of a Free State (as I hope they will every day more and more) and have their present grievances and taxes taken off, every man enjoying his own without molestation, and have justice speedily done them, they will no more desire a King to Rule over them. And to have it so, the way is, for every one to submit to the present Government, live peaceably, and do what he can, that all things may be effectually and well settled amongst us.  
4. And lastly; it is not possible that this victory should do you good, or any counsel given you from the occasion of it, so long as you make lies your refuge, yea delight to be encouraged and strengthened in falsehood: do not many of you, take pleasure in scurrilous and base Pamphlets, and by reading the filthy and scandalous things in them, are hardened in your dangerous and bad condition? I have read somewhere, when the Soldiers of Avidius Cassius opened a Chest, which they found in Apollo's Temple at Seleucia, that there came forth such an infection, as thereby they were all poisoned and killed. If you will not be murdered, then look not into their venomous and abhorred Libels, for these villains only study, how by lies, slander, and calumniation, to make you dis-affected to the State, and act against it, and so to be undone in body, soul, and estate. They which hawk for birds, do of purpose make a stolen of the Owl, for whilst the silly birds come flocking and staring about her, unawares they are taken: The Libeler against the State, is the Devil's Owl, whilst the foolish and silly people are looking upon him, and harkening to him, he takes them in his snare, and holds them fast. I shall say no more but thus; A prudent man forseeth the evil, and bideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished, Prov. 22.3.  
As for Papists, it is to be feared, they will make no good use of this great victory: but as a furious mastiff is the madder for his chain: and iron hardens under the hammer: so the Angel of God, now pouring out his Vial upon the seat of the Beast and his Kingdom, will cause them the more to blaspheme the name of God, his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. Neither indeed may we wonder, that such woeful blindness hath overtaken them, considering they are given up, by divine justice to the lusts of their own hearts, and to strong delusions. Besides, the damnable doctrines which they embrace, puts them forward to destruction. Nevertheless, upon this occasion, something we will say, concerning them; leaving the issue to God.  
1. They may clearly see, the Lord is now making inquisition for blood, & the day of recompense is at hand; They have shed the blood of Saints, & of Prophets, & thou hast given them blood to drink, for they are worthy. Green wood which is long in kindling, continues longer than the dry, if it have once taken fire: The Lord hath a while forborn to revenge the horrid cruelties of that barbarous and savage Nation, but now he is fallen in amongst them, and woe, woe, woe, to the Inhabitants. As the Galli-Senones, after they had laid Rome waste, were so overthrown, that their name was not left in the world: So it may be, that the memory of such an inhuman and cruel Nation shall be bloved out from under heaven. Wolves and Foxes make many turn forward and backward, run into brakes and briers, hid under bushes, fly from one starting hole to another: but all will not serve the turn, the dogs follow incessantly, and never give over till they overtake them, and devour them: So evil pursueth, sinners, even the Irish-sinners, those Rebels, murderers, monsters, monstrous Monsters, I know not what to term them; the Lord (I say) hath now set his judgements after those Wolves, and it is not their bogs or woods that shall save them from the wrath of the Lamb, but they shall become as dung for the earth, and their hope as the giving up of the Ghost.  
2. Neither let them expect relief from other places; as for their new King, and his adherents, they shall stand either a fare off, for fear of their torments, saying, alas, alas; or what assistance and aid soever they have, it shall but add to their plagues, and further their destruction. As a we sack, wherein a naked man is covered, is so far from defending him against the cold, as it increaseth his shivering; so their help from others will prove their greater ruin. Ormond and Inchiqueen, the two Apostates, may shortly expect the just reward of perfidious traitors.  
— Raro antecedentem scelestum  
Deseruit pede poena claudo.  
Seldom Revenge, though slow of pace,  
Leaves ill foregoing men to trace.  
As the Egyptians going after the Israelites, as they passed thorough the Red-sea, could not but behold their death before them: So these men in lifting up their hands against this State, may see (if they were not stupid and senseless) they are dead man, and that God will put them to shame, and confound them for ever.  
3. What men (unless given over to a reprobate sense) would not plainly apprehend, that the Lord hath a quarrel against them, hates their persons, their course and cause; to consider the time, when they were scattered: namely, when they were grown into a numerous body, by uniting the false Scots, and Renegado English, with the Irish. When all Munster was theirs, all Connaught lost, and all Ulster, except Derry, and Lempster, even to Dublin. When all the English Interest in Ireland was reduced and shut up in those two towns, and the latter straight besieged by 19000 men, according to their own accounts. Then the Lord looked down from heaven (as the Parliament in their Declaration have piously expressed) the habitation of his holiness, and his glory, and defeated them; Then he sent forth his wrath and consumed them as stubble or as chaff before the wind. And here I challenge, all Papists, Royalists, and Malignants, to produce, if they can, the like example, where and when, Jebovob jireh, God was ever so seen in the Mount for them, and appeared even so miraculously, since the wars began. Who so is wise will observe these things: But, A brutish man knoweth not, neither doth a fool understand this. As he that will not go out of darkness cannot see the shining light of the Sun: So the Papists, unless they come out of Babylon, the kingdom of darkness, death, and hell, they will not observe, neither indeed can they, the works of God, though they shine and are as clear as the Sun at noon day.  
We may not (upon this occasion) altogether forget our dear Brethren in Scotland; Now a word is enough to the wise.  
1. We understand that this victory is not very welcome to them, and no marvel, for it tends not to the advancement of their Interest here in England, and they see, whom they curse, God blesses. It hath been their endeavour a long time, that our Magistrates should persecute God's people. Their laws (say they,) are divers from all people; neither keep they the King's laws, therefore it is not for the King's profit to suffer them. And as Haman prevailed so far with Abasuerus, as there was an Act made and published, that the Church and people of God should be destroyed; yet afterward by a mighty hand of providence were preserved and honoured; so that Nation (with others) wrought with our State, that something was done, for the suppressing of many godly and faithful Christians: insomuch, as they despaired of life, liberty, safety: but God (who abhors the bloody man) frustrated their purposes. The truth is, our Governors have had so much experience, of the fidelity, trust, and conscientiousness of such men, whom they brand for Sectaries, and of many victories and deliverances under God by them, as they cannot hearken any more to their Antichristian and bloody counsel: neither will they be brought into a snare by their general humiliations so often talked of. The Wolf ordinarily washeth his mouth after he hath preyed, lest he should be discovered by the colour of his blood: It is worth the noting, when the Scots have aspersed our Nation, and urged the State to persecution, immediately they cry, a fast, a fast, as if such innocent blood were wiped off by hypocritical fasting.  
2. The modesty and patience of our State, is much to be admired; being so often provoked and occasioned by the Scots, that they say nothing in relation to the condition of that people. For otherwise they might soon stop their mouths, and put them to shame and silence for ever. They cry out against England, because of Sectaries, as Separatists, Brownists, Anabaptists, etc. But suppose there are such, yet these Independents, are not false, not liars, dissemblers, flatterers, deceivers, swearers, drunkards, whoremasters, and irreligious and profane persons, as it is well known who are such, for the generality and greater part of the Nation. Now is it not better and more for the safety of a Commonwealth, to have therein, men, known to be faithful, just, true, upright, religious: then a kind of people who are neither honest nor godly, neither make conscience of what they do or say?  
3. This victory, it may be, will cause our brethren to keep at home, and meddle no more with us; but leave our State to order their own affairs. An Ass will not go by a pen or place where she once fell: I know they have not forgotten the place where they fell: I do not say like Asses: only under favour I may say, they will show themselves little better, if they come again into the same place and case.  
4. But how comes it to pass, that since this victory, the Scots complain of great persecution in England: and that their Presbyterian brethren here suffer exceedingly for the truth. Some children will tear & scratch their Mother in the face, and then cry, as if they had been beaten or abused; whereas there is nothing done to them, but only they wronged their Mother. The men for whom the Scots are now praying, as under sad and heavy sufferings, they revile the Magistrates, despise their Government, set at nought their lawful and just commands, and stir up the people to rebellion: and then cry out, Persecution; ah how their mouths are stopped, they cannot deliver the whole counsel of God, their forefathers were never under the like Tyrants, etc. Whereas there was nothing in the world done to them, but only they abused the State.  
Before I conclude, a word or two, to that noble Jones, and the victorious Soldiers with him.  
1. There was a law among the Persians, if any man were unmindful of a benefit, he might be called to Law, and found so, was punished for it: We are very sensible of the blessing which the Lord hath given us by your hands; we are thankful to God, mindful of you, and do desire to Improve the mercy in the best way and manner we can. The Jews use to say, of him that hath done any memorable thing for his Nation; Zicrono libraca; Blessed be his memory: your memory amongst us is blessed, your names precious, and all well-affected people love and honour you. Si omnes qui reip: consulunt, cari nobis esse debent: certe inprimis imperatores, quorum consilijs, virtute, periculis, retinemus & nostram salutem & imperij dignitatem. Cic. de Orat. lib. 2. If all those that care and have the charge of the Commonwealth, aught to be dear unto us; then especially ought our noble Captains, by whose counsel, prowess, and peril, we maintain the estate and honour of our Country.  
2. For the General, employed in that service, it doth appear, he hath the parts and qualities of a right Commander. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. Diodor. Sicul. Captains in war must look both forward and backward, and every way whence any danger or advantage is towards. They ought to know when to march, and to fight with advantage; where to employ horsemen, where shot, and to understand the advantages of all sorts of grounds; neither to be ignorant of any stratagem of war. Liv. 9 Now in these particulars, and many more, hath Jones showed himself a worthy and gallant Soldier; neither may it be said of him untruly or unfitly, what is written of C. Caesar, in his actions be was most considerate, in hazard and danger most resolve, in executions speedy, oppressing his enemies many times before the coming of the news were heard. Sueton. in vita Caes. So of Cato, in watch and labour he went beyond the common Soldiers. Liv. 34. Monstrabat tolerare labores, as Lucan reports of the younger Cato in that painful march thorough the deserts of Africa, he by his patience and example shown what others were to do. As Valerius Corvinus used no other encouragement to his Soldiers then this; Facta mea non dicta sequi volo, nec disciplinam sed exemplum a me petere. Liv. 7. So hath Jones always encouraged his, saying, they should imitate not his words but his deeds, and do as they saw him to give them an example.  
3. For the rest, whether Officers or private Soldiers: In this victory you may behold, how wonderfully the Lord hath honoured you for your fidelity to your Country: and because you did not, when ye were low, and the enemy at the highest, forsake the Parliament, or your trust, as others basely did, who since have seen and felt the revenging hand of God upon them for it. And no doubt, this great deliverance will not a little encourage you, and the rest of our English there, to stand firm and fast together against the Irish Rebels, not only to revenge the Protestant blood, which they have shed in a villainous and barbarous sort: but also for the safety of your Country, your families, friends, wives, children, kindred, and what else may be thought precious and dear to you. For the heads of the Rebels there, as Rupert, Ormond, Inchiqueen, etc. intent further than our loss of Ireland, they seek the ruin and overthrow of England, even our persons, estates, yea and our souls too. Dulce & decorum est pro patrio mori.  
It is a sweet and noble Gain,  
In countries' quarrel to be slain.  
King Leonidas comforted himself and three hundred more of his servants, who were killed at The●mopilas, fight for the defence of his Country, as appeareth by Simonides his Greek Epitaph, turned into Latin by Tully, thus.  
Dic hospes Spartae, nos te hic vidisse jacentes,  
Dum sanctis patriae legibus obsequimur.  
Lastly, to close this Discourse: As we have showed how this Mercy should be improved at home, so we hope our Army there, will use this victory to purpose, and be careful still to maintain that which they win. Vincere scis Annibal, victoria uti nescis; as Maberbal said to Hannibal, he was not so well able to make use of his victories, as to obtain them. Caesar having obtained a great victory against the Helvetians, ceased not to pursue the remainder so long, until all yielded. And afterward having foiled Vereingetorix in the field, and caused him to retire with the rest of his Army, He did not leave him until be bad forced him to take Alexia for his defence: nor then neither, until such time he had the town, and all within yielded to his mercy. Vanquishing Pompey in open field, he would not suffer him to take Sanctuary in his camp, but drove him thence, and rested not, until he had taken his flight, nor before the relics of his Army that fled to the hills near by, had yielded, being cut from water. Three things ought to be done when an Army is victorious. 1. Not to suffer the enemy to gather head, but to scatter his forces. 2. To befiege the chief City, and to cease the Country into their hands, not suffering the enemy in any place to rest. 3. The General's care ought to be, how to take off the enemy's subjects from them, and to deprive them of the aid of their Confederates. A matter easily done, if he proceed wisely in war and justly after the victory. For as good success procureth the Conqueror friends: so men are ready to abandon and forsake such as are overcome. Now for the good will of him that dwelled in the Bush, let the blessing be upon the head of our Army.  
FINIS.