Henry Drummond, albury Park. SURREY.    

A twofold Shaking Of the EARTH: OR, An Exposition on Heb. 12.26, 27.  
Wherein is showed, The FIRST SHAKING OF THE EARTH, seems to be meant the putting down of the late King and Bishops: the later Shaking, a change of the present Government. And Reasons given for both.  
ALSO How, and in what manner this later Earth-Shaking may be according to SCRIPTURE-PROPHESIE: Namely, by that Earthquake, Rev. 11.13 which is likewise opened.  
Lastly, Here are many Reasons given, why it may be HOPED that this PRESENT PARLIAMENT will prove to be that EARTHQUAKE (or at least begin the work) whereby the GOOD OLD CAUSE will be revived, the just Rights of the People restored, and the Nation settled upon a lasting and durable Foundation of Truth and Righteousness.  
BY JOHN CAN.  
Printed for L. Chapman at the Crown in Popes-head Ally. 1659.   

To the Reader.  
Reader,  
THou must be a stranger in our Israel, if thou hast not heard of a people called Commonwealthsmen and Fifth-Monarchy-men, and what grievous things are laid to their charge. Now I care not who thou art that shalt read this brief Apology for them, if thou be not like him, who said, He would not be convinced, though he were convinced. The great accusation raised up, and spread all the Nation over against these men, is, That they allow not Magistrates, neither would they have the people be un-under Laws and Government. I think I may confidently say, The Devil (who is the father of liars) never brought forth a greater untruth, nor had less whereby to palliate and hid his falsehood, then in this particular. For not only do these men approve of Laws, Magistrates, and Government, but there are none in the Nation, that do more desire, pray for, and press after uncorrupt Magistrates, good Laws, and a righteous Government, than they. But this is true (and the Court-party knows it) they are not for Tyrants, neither to have an Arbitrary power exercised over the lives, Liberties, and Consciences of the people; but would have the undoubted Rights and Privileges of the Nation settled upon a lasting and durable foundation of truth and righteousness: they would have no violence or oppression done to any man, but all men, as men, enjoy their Birthright; yea, and if it were possible, to deliver the whole Creation from that bondage and groaning under which it lies, into the glorious liberty of the children of God, Rom. 8.20, 21, 22.  
If a man dislike the standing of weeds in a garden, doth it follow he is against the sowing and planting it with herbs and flowers? Reader, open thine eyes, and look up like a man; here thou hast the Case truly stated: these Commonwealthsmen and Fifth-Monarchy-men are not well pleased that the English Garden (or Commonwealth) should be overspread with the vines of Sodom, and the sour grapes of Gomorrha, Isa. 1.10. That persons of corrupt interest should impose (at their pleasure) heavy yokes upon the necks of the freemen of England. That the proud are called happy, and they that work wickedness are set up. That judgement is turned away backward, and justice stands afar off: That truth is fallen in the streets, and he that departeth from evil, maketh himself a prey. That such weeds and trash should be in the GARDEN they do dislike it, this is true: they both speak against it, and mourn for it. But will any man of reason or sense therefore conclude they are against all Magistracy and Government, but rather thus, they would have these hurtful weeds plucked up by the roots, that righteous things might be planted in the room of them?  
The next thing that I shall speak a little to, is to give the Reader some Reasons of publishing this Treatise.  
1. After some seeking of God, and searching the Scriptures; this I humbly conceive, that the Lord will begin to revive his Good Old Cause again by the Representatives of the people. As he honoured and blest the long Parliament, with a good progress in the work of Reformation: so I think he will make yet further use of Parliaments for the public good of the Nation. I shall not be absolute what will be done at this time; but I have great hope something will be done for the restoration of the Civil Liberties of the people. A wise General will hearken to the advice of a mean Soldier: I desire no more but what is here set down for public good may be considered.  
2. It is a special work of Parliaments to consider the grievances of the people, and to be most severe (so Parliaments were wont to be) against such men, who through the greatness of their power and place, take occasion to oppress and wrong people the more. In this regard, I have thought it my duty, publicly to declare what injustice and hard measure we have had; as to be banished, imprisoned, cast out of our callings and livelihood; but never knew any Reason or Cause why they dealt so cruelly with us. It is said of Herod, And he sent and beheaded John in prison, Mat. 14. after such a manner have our New masters used us; sent their Soldiers to our houses, plucked us out of doors, thrown us into prison, but never told us for what, nor brought us to any Trial. It is possible these things may meet with some Parliament-men; if it do, I shall humbly propound this, Whether in point of Law and Conscience, those public oppressions whereof we complain, should not be examined; and if found true, Whether such men be fit to have the chief rule of the Nation any longer? Major General overton's Case will speak loud enough to this Parliament, what New Masters are lately started up.  
3. Howsoever hitherto the sons of Zeruiah have been too hard for us, and not only so, but of such imperious and high spirits, as Pope-like, no man might say to them, Sir, Why do you so? There is some hope now (a possibility at least) that a Parliament may give them a check: true it is, there hath not been for some late years a door open for the oppressed to bring in their complaints against such persons as did them the most wrong. So that the public sore hath ruined still, because there was not a coming upto the Cure. But it's hoped this will be a free Parliament, out of which di●ributive Justice will flow, to the great refreshing of the oppressed every where: it is to no purpose to cleanse the pipes, and leave the fountain dirty; to sweep down the cobwebs, and leave the spider to make more. Never had the long Parliament wrought that Reformation in England, and restored the People's Liberties in that measure they did, had they not fallen upon the SPRINGHEAD, and caught the SPIDERS.  
4. To wipe off that common scandal which by Apostates is cast upon us; i e. that it is only our frowardness and discontents that make us complain, otherwise we have nothing against them, nor any harm done us. Micah thought it a very strange thing in the Danites, when they had taken from him his Priest and Idols, then to ask him, What he ailed? We cannot take it little better than a scoff, when they robed the people of their goods and freedom, and oppressed them several ways by an Arbitrary power, then to twit them in the teeth with complaining. Just like a child, who having scratched his mother, then cries, as if the wrong had been done to him. Thus having scratched and torn the Mother Commonwealth; yea, upon the matter murdered her, They cry out against the people, as being pettish and froward, know not what they would have, etc. whereas it is only themselves that have done the evil. But if this Parliament shall sit to judge between the Mother and the Child; we are sure the Mother will be quitted, and the Child shall have his due payment, not only for scratching, but for crying too.  
But 5. And indeed this is a main Cause; that is, to show, that in taking off heavy yokes, and executing justice upon oppressors, whereby righteousness may be exalted in the Nation: here a scripture-prophecy will be fulfilled.  
I have not mentioned the Laws and Statutes of the Land, because this by others is already done. Mr. Pryn in a Book printed this year 1658. (and to which he sets his name) affirms, (quoting many Acts of Parliament for it) That the persons now in power are thiefs and robbers; yea, usurpers, and have set up a new usurped power, and have committed the highest Treason, and act against all Law both of God and the land. And for that Parliament, which, they say, gave them power and Authority: He saith, It was but a pretended Parliament, and a mock-Parliament; and by the Acts of lawful Parliaments they were all Traitors. This is public, and known to the Judges and Lawyers of the Nation; and what may we think, but by their silence they give consent? See his Book Demophilos, Appendix.  
Now howsoever the Parliament having Law and equity on their side, have ground sufficient to be up and doing; yet it cannot be but some encouragement unto them likewise, if they understand it is such a work as the word of God in a special manner calls them to it. Doubtless it is an honour to be called unto such a service; but if it be done faithfully, not like Jehn for self-ends; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, not only shall their memory be blest, but the Lord will remember them for good, and reward their work and labour of love.  
I shall say little more: Righteousness (saith Solomon) exalteth a Nation, Prov. 14.34. Again, The Throne is established by Righteousness, Prov. 16.12. Note, it is not Ahitophels' counsel, nor Machiavels Head-piece will do it. I say further, It is not raising money, and increasing heavier burdens, or settling things this way or that way, will do it without Righteousness. Of a truth, God looks for righteousness and judgement from us, Isa. 5.7. To do justice and judgement is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice, Prov. 21.3. This is better than fasting or praying; better then a morning Sermon at the Abbey, or praying before the House sits. It is so good, that if justice and judgement be not executed, the Lord abhors all sacrifices, see Isa. 1.15, 16.  
When Joshua and the rest of the Congregation knew who was the TROUBLER, had they only acknowledged that great wickedness, and mourned for it, and done no more, the Lord would have withdrawn himself still from them, Josh. 7.12. So when it was told David, The three years' famine was for Saul and his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites, 2 Sam. 21.1, 2, etc. Had there been no more than confessing the sin, and ask pardon, the Lord would not have been entreated for the Land. So it may be said of our present condition; should there be a public confession made of our late Apostasy, Covenant breaking, Treason, Oppression. etc. before God, Angels, and men, and solemn days appointed by the Parliament to mourn for it nevertheless except the accursed thing be destroyed from amongst us, it may be questioned, whether God will be with us any more. Faithful are the wounds of a friend: but the kisses of an Enemy are deceitful, Prov. 27.6.   

A Twofold Shaking OF THE EARTH: OR, An Exposition on Heb. 12.26, 27, etc.  
IT is a common received opinion, that Alexander the Great was encouraged in his Persian Wars, by the light and information which he had from Jaddus, the Highpriest of the Jews, who opened unto him the Vision of the Ram and He-Goat, in which Daniel had foretold the overthrow of the Medes by the King of Grecia. Dan. 8. I know it comes many times to pass, howsoever men in their actions fulfil the purpose and design of God, yet think not so, neither do it to that intent: Isa. 10.7. Notwithstanding the Lord (who is good to all) rewards them sometimes largely for the work-sake. And so much appears in the Prophet: Son of man, Nebuchad-rezzar King of Babylon caused his Army to serve a great service against Tyrus; every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his Army for Tyrus, for the service he had served against it. Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I will give the land of Egypt unto Nebuchad-rezzar King of Babylon, & he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her prey, and it shall be the wages of his Army; I have given him the land of Egypt for his labour wherewith he served against it, because they wrought for me, saith the Lord God, Ezek. 29.18, 19, 20. Now had he and his Army done that service conscientiously, and in obedience unto God's appointment, and therein singly have sought the glory of God, and not their own profit and interest; would they not much more have pleased him, and done a more acceptable service, and received a better and far greater reward?  
Hence this may be gathered: As there are great things to be done in the last days, by the Representatives of the People, and by such as shall have the Power of Nations in their hands (especially, when it is to execute the vengeance of the Lord and the vengeance of his Temple upon any part of Babylon) that they have some understanding in the Prophecies of the last days, whereby they may know what their work is, and that they are called of God to it, and when and how to move in it. For so not only shall they be encouraged to take it in hand, but have assurance of good success, and a full reward for their service.  
Object. But we have not now men of Prophetical spirits, to open unto us the dark Prophecies of the Scriptures concerning the last Times.  
Answ. 1. Let this be granted, yet I humbly conceive, a man may take liberty, and that very warrantably, to declare his opinion of the darkest and difficultest places of Scripture, in a sober and modest way; and for this he hath a Cloud of witnesses.  
But, 2. It will be granted (I think) by all, when there is some part of a Prophecy already fulfilled, there is much light given to the knowledge of the rest: I say, by that PART which is fulfilled, he that is wise, and observes the ways and works of God, may the better and easier understand what remains to be accomplished. Though a brutish man knoweth not, neither doth a fool understand this, Psal. 92.6. yet who is wise, and he shall understand these things; prudent, and he shall know them, Hos. 14.9. So then, this I would say, Though a man profess not infallibility, nevertheless, from a due and serious observation of a Prophecy in part fulfilled; it is probable (being a person that fears God, and in daily communion with him) what he apprehends by a diligent search concerning the rest, will prove to be a Truth.  
3. Do not Stargazers and Monthly Prognosticators take large liberty at this time to publish to the world their predictions concerning the alteration and change of States and Policies? as, what Kingdom and Commonwealth shall rise or fall in such a Year, or such a Month; and what Desolations there will be, by Pestilence and Famine, by the sword, and by fire and water; in such countries', Towns and Cities: Notwithstanding it is well known, (and confident I am it is a Truth) the first invention of Astrology is by many learned men attributed to the Devil. This is the judgement of Tertullian, lib. de habitu muliebri; and again, de Idolatria: and of Origen, Hom. 13. in Num. and of Clemens Alexandrinus, in Eclog. and Lactantius writeth, as Coelius Rhodig. hath observed, Lib. 2. cap. 12. Astrologia, Auspicia, Auguria, & Oracula esse Daemonorum inventum. And King James calls Astrology, the Devil's School, Daemonol. lib. 1. cap. 3, & 4. I might add, how their profession and practice hath been always condemned, for Imposture, Juggling, Superstition, and Vanity, not only by the Fathers (as some call them) but by Councils, and divers learned later writers; yea, and more than all this, plainly forbidden in the word of God, Leu. 19.31. Deut. 18.10, 11. Isa. 47.11, 12, etc.  
If this be so, that howsoever their profession be condemned by God and men, yet there is freedom given them to publish their Astrological predictions, of the alteration and change of States and Policies: It will then be thought far more lawful, for any of the Lords servants to have the like freedom to declare his judgement concerning the alteration and change of States and Policies, taking his light and ground from the word of God.  
For, 1. Howsoever there is nothing written upon the Stars or Planets of the rise and fall of any Power or Government, Civil or Religious, yet in the holy Scripture it is. Here we have the Fourth-Monarchy, and the ten Kings, the little Horn, the Dragon, the Bottomless Beast, and the two other Beasts; the former rising up out of the Sea, the later coming up out of the earth: not only written at length and fairly to be read, but the time exactly set down of their rise, and how long they shall continue, and the period and end of them: Dan. 7.25. and 12.7, 11, 12. Rev. 11.2, 3, 9 and 12.6, 14. and 13.5. Hab. 2.3. Psal. 102.13. Dan. 8.14.  
2. Though men are forbidden to search the Planets, and the Eclipses of the Sun and Moon for those things, yet they are commanded and encouraged to search the Holy Scriptures, even the Visions and Prophecies which concern the last days, whereby to know the Time of the End, Rev. 1.3. and 22.10. and 13.10. Dan. 12.9, 10. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secrets unto his servants the Prophets, Amos 3.7. Thus Noah knew the time when the Flood would come, before it came, though the ungodly knew it not. So Daniel knew the deliverance of God's people, a little before they were delivered, not by gazing upon the Stars, but by the light and direction which he had from the Word of God, Jer. 9.1, 2. But this shall serve for the manuduction to our discourse.  
The Scripture which I shall first mention, and speak a little to it (according to that measure of Grace which I have received) is Heb. 12.26, 27. Whose voice then shook the earth, but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the Earth only, but also Heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken, may remain.  
But before I come to the opening and applying of this Scripture, I think it necessary to set down a few things, both to prevent objections, and for the Readers better understanding the matter treated of.  
1. It must be minded, that Scripture-Prophesies have several accomplishments; that is, they are sometimes fulfilled over and over, as to times, places, persons: and therefore it cannot be fairly concluded, Because such a Prophecy hath been once fulfilled, therefore ' it cannot be fulfilled again. I could instance several Prophecies, which already have been fulfilled more than once, and yet are to be fulfilled again. To let pass many others, when Moses blessed the twelve Tribes, for Judah he prayed thus: Hear Lord the voice of Judah, and bring him unto his people; let his hands be sufficient for him, and be thou an help to him from his enemies, Deut. 33.7.  
This Prophetical prayer of Moses, sometimes in the whole, and sometimes in part, hath already at several times been fulfilled, and yet the Prophecy runs on for a further fulfilling. Read and compare these Scriptures, 2 Chr. 13.14. & 14.11, 12, 13, etc. Rev. 5.5. Psal. 2.6, 7. and 72.15. 2 Sam. 19.26,— 31. Dan. 7.13, 14. 1 Tim. 6.15. Act. 3.20, 21. 1 Sam. 22.35, 40. Rev. 19.15, 16. Psal. 45.4, 5. & 110.5, 6. So in that blessing which Jacob gave to the same Judah, Gen. 49.8, 9, 10, etc. what he there by the Spirit of God Prophesieth of, hath been fulfiled; and yet we are sure there is much in the Prophecy to be fulfilled. For the Readers satisfaction, I have thought good to mention these places: 1 Chron. 5.2. Heb. 7.14. Hos. 11.12. Judg. 1.1, 2, 3. 2 Sam. 17.10. & 22.41. Phil. 2.10. Rev. 5.5. Mat. 28.18. Luk. 1.32. Ephes. 1.20, 21. 1 King. 4.25. 1 Cor. 15.25. Isa. 11.10. Rom. 15.12. Hag. 2.7. Mat. 12.21. Zech. 9.9. Joh. 12.14, 15. Isa. 63.1, 2, 3. Rev. 19.13. and 14.20.  
2. Whereas some think in applying Scripture-Prophesies to a particular State or Nation, this is too strait, and misseth the mind of the Spirit; To this I answer: If in applying a Prophecy to a particular Nation, it be there confined, than I grant there is a mistake, if there be not a restriction in the Prophecy. But though the Prophecy be general, and have a large extent, yet it is no straitning of the Prophecy, to say, that in respect of the rise and beginning of it, it will not be universal, but in such a Nation at first. As light, though it spread itself over ●e face of the whole Earth, yet in the ●●wning it breaks forth and appears ●●t in one place. The Lord saith, I ●●ll pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, Joel ●. 28. Again, I will shake all Nations, ●ag. 2.7. Now I do not think that ●●ese things shall be done at one time ●●d all together; I mean, either of them; ●ut gradually; that is, he will begin somewhere first, and so proceed from ●●esh to flesh, and from Nation to Nation, till the whole be accomplished.  
3. But the greatest difficulty is, to ●nderstand where the Lord will begin 〈◊〉 pour out his Spirit, and to shake all Na●ions: For my part, I think, as the history of the old Testament respected ●he Jews, and we have little recorded ●here of the affairs of the World, but ●s the Church and people of God were more or less concerned therein: for howsoever there were great transactions of things in the world (as we find in humane Histories) all the while the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah stood; nevertheless, what respected not the Church, the Holy-ghost takes (as it were) no notice of. 〈◊〉 the Visions and Prophecies of Scripture 〈◊〉 specting the last days, do concern t● Church and people of God; They 〈◊〉 written for their learning, Rom. 15.4. A●● therefore where the Church's a●● there may we certainly expect the a●●pearance of them, especially a beginning. And if this be so, I have the Reasons to think, that the pouri●● out of the Spirit, and the shaking of all N●tions will begin here in England.  
1. Where the Lord draws o● the heart of his Children to seek h●● face for any particular blessing, the● usually he grants it; Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear 〈◊〉 hear, Psal. 10.17. Now I think, th● I may boldly say, Never were th● hearts of Saints in any age mor● strongly carried forth by the Spirit o● God in prayer, than some have bee● these late years, for the particulars before mentioned.  
2. Where may we expect th● work to rise and be revived, but where 〈◊〉 was stopped, and had a Death (as it ●ere) put upon it? What a Glorious ●●use the Lord had in this Nation, and ●ow eminently he appeared with it, it 〈◊〉 well known: and also who they ●ere, who through their hypocrisy ●nd Apostasy, most unworthily be●ayed it, and put an unblessed stop to 〈◊〉.  
3. If Scripture-Prophesies respecting ●e last times, do most concern the Churches, and such as make the greatest profession of Religion; surely then ●or the Lord to begin the Earth-Quake ●ere, I say, Judgement at his house and sanctuary, it will make very much for ●he glory of his Wisdom, Justice, Ho●●ness.  
For, 1. This I will say, and stand ●y it against all gainsayers, That the Apostasy of English Professors hath brought more dishonour to God, and general scandal ●o Religion, than ever was done by any people professing Godliness these thousand years: ●dd to this, How they glory in their shame, and declare their sin as Sodom, and ●ide it not, Isa. 39  
2. They have brought (as much 〈◊〉 in them lies) all the Blood shed in t●● three Nations, upon the good old Caus● and seek to acquit the King and h●● Party, by building again the Tyrant and Idolatry which was destroye● and suppressing with both hands, th● truth and Righteousness which they pr●tended to.  
3. The gross hypocrisy of Professors hath made more Atheists within these four or five years, then have bee● heard of in many ages before. Som● I could name, who have confessed, tha● observing the Horrible falsehood, treachery, lying, selfseeking, etc. among Professors (especially in the Officers o● the Army) are become stark Atheists for they thought it was not possibl● for men professing so much Godliness and acting so much wickedness, to b● suffered upon the face of the earth, I there were a God of Judgement, Mal. 2.17. Reader, wonder not at this, but wonder there are not more Atheists, I had almost said, all Atheists. For is there any thing that can occasion men sooner and more effectually to turn Atheists, then to see great Professors of Religion; yea, Church Ministers, and Army Officers, even whilst they are talking of Godliness, Justice, Honesty, and whilst they are fasting praying, and preaching, live in the practice of such horrid sins as heathens would abhor, and be ashamed of? I remember what a Turk spoke to an acquaintance of mine at Constantinople, when he had bid him less for his commodity than he asked: I am no Christian, (quoth he) to ask otherwise then I mean to have. What would a Turk have said, had he seen the actions of some Professors of late years? I am no Christian, to break all vows, oaths, promises, engagements: I am no Christian, to cheat and cousin my Brethren, under pretence of long prayer: I am no Christian, whilst I talk of Law and Justice, not to make conscience of any thing: I am no Christian, to preach against pride, covetousness, selfseeking; and in practice, no man more proud, more covetous, and more selfseeking than myself.  
4. Howsoever the Good old Caus● hath met with great opposition; ye● none have done that wrong and prejudice to it, as Apostate Professors: though the Scribes and Pharises, with Pontius Pilate crucified Jesus Christ, yet it was Judas, one of the twelve that betrayed him, and delivered him up into their hands. It is true, Christ in his good old Cause hath been crucified by all sorts of enemies; the old Malignants and Cavaliers trample it under foot, and laugh it to scorn, they shoot out the lip, and shake their heads at it: but who first betrayed it? who were they that delivered up the interest of Christ and his people into the hands of wicked men? It was not an enemy, than we could have born it; But they were Disciples, and such as we least thought would have been so unfaithful unto God and their Country. Let death seize upon them, and let them go down quick into Hell: for wickedness is in their dwellings and among them, Psal. 55.15.  
5. What will more silence them that are without, and awaken the Nations abroad, then to hear that judgement is begun at the house of God: surely if any thing will waken them, this will.  
Lastly, It is to be heeded, though there are no people, Nation, or Language under Heaven, but more or less are concerned in the Prophecies of the last times; yet every Prophecy is not to be carried to every Nation: neither do some Prophecies (as I humbly conceive) belong at all unto some people. The five first vials (as I understand) will extend no farther than the Dominion of the Beast; neither shall any part of the world be the subject of these vials, but the Antichristian State or Kingdom. Again, whereas Christ saith, there shall be Earthquakes in divers places, Mat. 24. And certain it is, there is no Civil power, Government, or State upon Earth, but shall be broken to pieces, and utterly perish; yet touching that Earthquake mentioned Rev. 11.13. it will not be universal, but rather a State Earthquake, in one Nation; although the effect of it will be wonderful, even to the shaking and overturning of all the powers of this world.  
Moreover, as in Scripture we find many times part taken for the whole: so in Prophecies, as appears, Act. 2.16, 17. with Joel 2.28, etc. Though there be but a part of a Prophecy fulfilled, yet Peter expresseth all. True it is, in all Prophecies, that which is done last, will be more full and perfect then the former; yet so, as we must remember they have their morning or dawning, as their noon day. It is said of the Angel, the Earth was lightened with his glory, Rev. 18.1. not at first, nor all at once, but by degrees: it will be so at last. It is said, the ten Horns upon the Beast shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire, Rev. 17.16. now this shall not be done by all of them; for some of these Horns will never forsake the whore, but shall go into perdition with her, Rev. 18.9, 10. and 19.18. To be short, whosoever would inform himself in the prophecies of the last times, let him observe these 5 things.  
1. The Lord will begin his work, his strangework, amongst that people where Religion is most eminently professed, Jer. 25.18, 28. Ezek. 9.6. 1 Pet. 4.18.  
2. Though he shake Earth and Heaven together and at one time, yet the Earth first. As a man lays first the foundation, and afterward builds upon it; so the Lord will have righteousness and justice first established in the Earth, and then men shall fear the Lord, (that is, worship him in spirit and truth, Isa. 28.13. with Mat. 15.9.) as long as the Sun and Moon endure, thorough all generations, Psal. 72.1, 2, 3, 4, 5.  
3. There must be a diligent and watchful eye to observe the first appearance of Scripture-Prophesies; that is, how any Providential Dispensation gives forth the matter of the Prophecy. For this is certain, if we see the Lord hath begun a work in order to the fulfilling of his Counsel and Decree, contained in any vision or Prophecy, though there may seem to be some obstruction, or a death upon it, notwithstanding he will carry it on in spite of all opposition men and Devils: Exod. 5.1, 2, 20, 21. and 5.1. and 12.30, 31. When I begin, I will also make an end, 1 Sam. 3.12.  
And truly, I am of the opinion which the Army was of before their Apostasy, That the late King was one of the ten Horns, Rev. 17. And whereas he and his Monarchy were plucked up by the root, and a Commonwealth established; here I take it, was a fulfilling of a scripture-prophecy, I mean a beginning of that good promise, Rev. 17.14. where it is said, The Lamb shall overcome the ten Kings. And whereas there hath been a THING lately set up (I know not what to call it; for it is neither formally a Monarchy, nor a Commonwealth; but tohu and bohu, without form and void:) To me it signifies no more than the house of the foolish builder, built upon the sand; the wind and floods nigh at hand, will blow and beat upon it: and if so, it must fall, and great will be the fall of it. But the Lord (as I said) will go forward to fulfil and perfect the rest of that Prophecy: so that it is neither the house of the Stewarts, nor the corrupt interest of any other man, that shall frustrate the Counsel of God concerning the Government of this Nation; but the good old Cause shall rise again, and be more glorious than ever it was before.  
4. The Prophecies of the last times, as to their accomplishment at first, they will be very dark and dubious. Truly, I think, without special enlightening by the Spirit, few of the Lords people will have a clear sight and knowledge of what God doth, till a great deal be done.  
And one great Reason is, because many think the slaying of the witnesses, and their rising, the Reign of the Little Horn, the last Apostasy and Earthquake, will make such a noise in the world, as the deafest and blindest amongst the sons of men will be able to hear and see such things. But I cannot find in the word of God any footing for such an opinion; but rather, that darkness shall cover the Earth, and gross darkness the people, even then, when Zions' light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon her, Isa. 60.1, 2.  
5. Beware lest thou stumble here with the multitude; that is, to think such and such Prophecies are not fulfilled, because thou canst not satisfy thyself, when, where, and how they were fulfilled. That saying in the Prophet holds true here, Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known, Psal. 77.19. A man that shall see the Sun at noonday, though he were asleep when it risen, will he conclude it is not the Sun, because he saw it not at its rising? Reader, if thou shalt see the Earthquake whereby the Power of this Apostasy is broken, the good old Cause on foot again, and righteousness exalted in the Nation; such as have basely betrayed the Rights and Liberties of the people deservedly punished, and so a way prepared for the 144000 to do the rest of the Lords work, of higher and greater concernment: I think thou mayest very well conclude, that the reign of the bottomless Beast, the Little Horn, the slaying of the witnesses and their rising, all these things are past, though thou slepst when they were doing. Now for the Text.  
1. By Earth and Heaven, here, is meant States and Policies; the first, what is Civil and Temporal; the other, Ecclesiastical and Religious. By Shaking, is meant alteration and change; that is, removing and taking away all forms and kinds of Government which now stand, Isa. 2.19. and 13.13. Joel 2.16. Hag. 2.6, 7. Rev. 21.1. Isa. 65.17. I know by others this is otherwise interpreted, i. e. a Shaking of the material Earth and Heavens, with all the Inhabitants thereof, Angels and men. But under favour, there is nothing in the Prophet nor in the Hebrews, that hath any reference to the judgement of the great day; and therefore this Shaking cannot be applied to that time, but must be before.  
2. By once more, I understand two things.  
1. A State or Government changed; yet so, as there is something afterward set up in the same Nation, so displeasing unto God, as THAT also shall be be destroyed, That those things which cannot be shaken may remain. What the things are which shall remain after a twofold shaking, is showed in Daniel: And in the days of these Kings shall the God of Heaven set up a Kingdom, which shall never be destroyed, & the Kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these Kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever, Chap. 2.44.  
By once more, is signified the great difference between the two-shaking: For howsoever the Lord doth both, and in the first shaking there was great expectation and hope of much good by it; yet through the hypocrisy and falsehood of some men, things proved altogether otherwise: He looked for judgement, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry, Isa. 5.7.  
Now howsoever the Lord was pleased to suffer such corrupt men to carry on their wicked design, and to set up themselves against his Son and Zion, that the Scripture might be fulfilled; yet after the second shaking, it shall not be so: but the work of Reformation (begun) shall go forward and prosper; yea, and in spite of all Apostates and Hypocrites, under what profession and form soever truth and righteousness shall rise and flourish for ever.  
Now indeed here lay the occasion of a former mistake generally among the Lord's people: we thought when the King and Bishops were taken away, and the form of Government changed from Monarchy to a Commonwealth, that we should presently have seen good days, and that tyranny and persecution would have ceased; but we did not consider the word here, YET ONCE MORE; i. e. there must be two shake. So that the good days (or, the days of the Son of man) spoken of in Scripture, do not belong to the first shaking; neither may any that truly fear the Lord, and keep the commandments of God, and have the Testimo-of Jesus Christ, expect any better time, till after the second shaking: when this yet once more is over, then comes in the time, that the Lord will not be wroth with his people any more: violence shall be no more heard in the Land, nor destruction within thy borders. Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken, neither shall thy land any more be termed desolate. He will break all bonds, and strangers shall no more serve themselves of thee. Then the house of Israel shall go no more astray, neither be polluted any more with their transgressions. The Lord will no more make his people a reproach among the Heathen, neither shall the wicked any more pass over thee, but be utterly cut off, Isa. 54.9. & 60.18. & 62.4. Jer. 30.8. Ezek. 14.11. Joel 2.19. Nah. 1.15. precious Promises! Oh, how should we desire this ONCE MORE! Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.  
3. By Voice, I understand the Instruments which the Lord hath raised up and brought together to shake the Earth, and his powerful presence with them, enabling them effectually to perform the good work he calls them to.  
Methinks there is something here (though it lie like gold close in the Earth) very observable. There are two shake, but the word VOICE is but once mentioned, and joined with the first: the later brings a promise with it. As if the Lord in this later shaking would be more engaged for the interest of Christ and his people than he was before. Though a man do something freely and of his own accord, yet where he stands bound by promise, there he takes the more care to have the thing done. This may serve for our comfort and encouragement, the Lord will not fail us in this second shaking. He seems to give us more than we had before; I say, more ground and reason to hope that this present Apostasy in Church and State shall be shaken, than we had formerly to believe the shaking of the King and Bishops.  
But seeing our business at present, lies not so much in explanation, as application; I shall therefore come now to set down what I humbly conceive, may be from the forenamed Scripture rightly gathered. Not restraining the Text to our present time, or only to that which is here asserted (for as I have said, so I say again, both this Prophecy and others may be fulfilled over and over.) But that which I take the Holy Ghost hath some respect to in this Prophecy, & foretells should come to pass, is this.  
The first shaking was, when the Long Parliament voted down Kingly Government, and plucked up Monarchy root and branch, and constituted a Commonwealth, and enacted, that the Supreme Authority of the Nation should be in a Parliament, without a King and House of Lords. Add to this (as proper to the same shaking) the extirpation of the Government of the Church by Archbishops, Bishops, etc. The shaking which is yet ONCE MORE, is the utter abolishing of that THING, which now stands. Reader, thou must bear with me: for truly I know not what to call it, except the LATE state-apostacy: neither that THING, which is managed by the Tryers, unless I should say, it is one of the names of blasphemy, which the great whore carries upon her forehead, Rev. 17. (as I am persuaded it is,) yet it hath no proper name. But to proceed, these two things (call them what you will) being (as it were) the two present States and Policies of the Nation; the one Civil, the other Religious, these both will the Lord shake; I say, Overturn, overturn, overturn. Reader, let me request this of thee, forbear thy censure till thou hast perused my Reasons for what hath been asserted: I hope thou shalt see I am not like the Apostates of this age, to give railing for Reason.  
1. It is without dispute that among all Nations professing Religion, there hath not been the liker State-shaking as was a while since in England. For not only was he (who was acknowledged by many LAWFUL PARLIAMENTS, the Supreme Magistrate) brought as a Delinquent before a High Court of Justice; but had sentence of Death passed upon him, the which was soon after put in execution; yea more, to the end that Monarchy might for ever cease in the Nation, and the very name of it forgotten, there were four Acts of Parliament (all standing yet in force, for aught I know) which make it high Treason, for any man to take upon him the name of a King or Supreme Magistrate, without consent of Parliament.  
The first Act saith thus: Be it enacted and ordained, that whosoever shall declare, publish, or any way promote any person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or Ireland, etc. without consent of Parliament, shall be judged and deemed a TRAITOR to the Commonwealth, and shall suffer pains of Death, and such other punishments as belong to the Crimes of high Treason. Act of Parl. January 30. 1648.  
The like Act was made March 17. 1648. and May 14. 1649.  
Again, July 17. 1649. It was enacted, That if any person shall maliciously or advisedly, publish by writing, printing, or open declaring, etc. That the Commons in Parliament are not the Supreme Authority of this Nation; or shall plot, contrive, or endeavour to stir up, or raise force, etc. that every such offence shall be taken, deemed, and adjudged by the Authority of this Parliament to be high Treason. But there is more yet; there was an Engagement, which was drawn up and sent out by the Parliament for all the Nation to sign, which went thus: I do hereby declare and promise to be true and faithful to the Commonwealth, as now established without a King or House of Lords. And this Engagement was generally taken by such as were then counted well-affected.  
Object. Though it cannot be denied but this was a most eminent Shaking; yet how is it proved, that in the Change of the English-Monarchy to a Commonwealth, a scripture-prophecy was fulfilled, and particularly, Heb. 12.26, 27?  
Answ. If it be granted it was a SHAKING (and an eminent one too) it will easily be proved (being in England) a scripture-prophecy was fulfilled, and particularly, Heb. 12.  
For the Scripture-Prophesies of the last times, concern the Churches and people of God; and where these are, there may we expect will come to pass what things are foretold in the word of God: there are many changes and alterations of States and Policies in the world at this time, of which nothing in Scripture is foretold: nevertheless where God's people are, and Jesus Christ is truly worshipped, there cannot be any such shaking (I speak according to that light I have in the things of God) but in order to the fulfilling of some Prophecy. What thou seest, writ in a Book, and send unto the seven Churches in Asia, Rev. 1.11.  
2. If England be one of the ten Kingdoms, in Dan. 7.7, and Rev. 17.12. as it is generally held; yea, the first that constituted itself a free and absolute State when the Roman Empire was broken to pieces; then I think it may certainly be concluded, that the Holy Ghost in Heb. 12. hath reference to the shaking of which we speak: my reason is this; What was revealed to Daniel, John, and Paul, was by one Spirit, and concerned one thing, as to the shaking of the ten Kingdoms.  
3. That the first shaking was by a VOICE, I think there is very much in it (as I have hinted before,) Truly more VOICE than PROMISE; My meaning is, that many people in their rising against Monarchy and Episcopacy were carried forth beyond their own principles: A VOICE there was; that is, God mightily appeared in them and by them; but no Promise; that is, they had no Scripture-light for what they did, but only followed Providence, opportunity, victory, self-interest. Reader, mistake me not; I do not say there was not Scripture-ground for putting down Monarchy and Episcopacy (I believe there was:) but this I say, many who had a great hand therein, did it not upon that account; for there are many at this day (and some I know) who were as active and forward as any in the thing, and gave their Vote against the King, the Bishops, and House of Lords; yet now, none more earnest for a King and House of Lords than they; yea, and for Episcopacy too, if it fall in with their Interest.  
4. Whereas it was God's voice that shook the first Earth; I hope none will be offended (neither Independent, Presbyterian, or Baptised) if we say, such as account themselves the Lords Ambassadors, Angels of Churches, the Ministers of Jesus Christ, etc. are the persons by whom the Lord chief speaks; and his VOICE, as John was in the Wilderness. This being so, by whose voice then was the Earth shaken?  
I answer, By no voice so effectually as that voice which came out of the Temple. Oh! how did this VOICE ring thorough the Nation, calling upon the good people every where, in their Sermons and Writings, to come forth and help the Lord against the mighty: never did this VOICE cease, but was still crying in the ears of the Parliament and Army, SHAKE, SHAKE, SHAKE, till they had shaken King and Bishops out of the three Nations.  
It is very requisite, as we have mentioned the Voice from the Temple, so to give some instances how shaking it was, to have the late King cut off. I will begin with Mr. Burroughs, because (I suppose) what he wrote, was the VOICE of all his Independent Brethren in that particular. Thus he tells us:  
You must observe, That every one is subject to the Higher Powers: Mark, it is not to man first, but it is to the Power. Let every soul be subject to the Higher Power, wherever this Power lieth. It is not to the will of man, that hath Power, but it is to the Power of the man. Now the Power, the Authority, is that, THAT A MAN HATH IN A LEGAL WAY.  
Again, in another place, There is (saith he) no Authority we are subject to now, but according to the Laws and Constitutions of the Country where we live. When things are brought into a Law, and be according to the Agreements and Covenants of the place and Country wherein we live, etc. then the power of God is in it. But we must inquire whether it be a Power. On Hos. Chap. 1. Lect. 6. p. 157. and Lect. 4. pag. 111. and Lect. 3. pag. 65.  
Mr. Bridge his Voice shall be next, in his answer to Doctor Fern, thus: Did not Athaliah remain as a conqueress six years? and who knows not that she was lawfully thrust from the Throne again by a stronger hand than her own? Mere conquest being nothing else but an unjust usurpation. And if the Conqueror rule the whole Kingdom, & keep them under by conquest only, WHY MAY NOT THE SUBJECT RISE, AND TAKE UP ARMS TO DELIVER THEMSELVES FROM THAT SLAVERY? Mr. Bridge against Dr. Fern, Sect. 4. pag. 42.  
But one thing is remarkable, what searching Books there was, and citing the opinion of men. Truly, I think there was scarce a learned man (whether Papist or Protestant) if he had written against Usurpers, Tyrants violalating the Laws, Rights and Liberties of the People; but he was brought forth by those who defended the Parliaments cause against the King. To omit many, how often is Alstedius quoted, for saying, A Tire an't without Title, who is an Invader, every private person may and aught to remove: for he is not a King, but a private man, who doth invade the Country as an Enemy. Alsted. Cas. Con. cap. 16. Reg. 8. p. 341.  
So Chamier: All Citizens, or free Subjects, have a right or warrant to rise up against Tyrants, who by open force possess the Kingdom. Tom. 2. Lib. 15. cap. 12. Sect. 19 Again, Dr. Willet: Where the Kingdom is usurped without any right, as by Athaliah; or where the land is oppressed by Invaders, as in the time of the Macchabees: in these Cases there is less question to be made of resistance by the general consent of the States. On Rom. 13. pag. 592. Neither is King James left out: The public Laws (saith he) make it lawful and free, for any private person to enterprise against an usurper of the Kingdom. Every man, saith Tertullian, is a Soldier enroled to bear arms against all Traitors and public Enemies. In his Remonstr. pag. 216.  
I shall not name any more cited by them. Touching this Temple-Voice, (wherein Mr. John Goodwin was louder than most of his fellows) there are 5 things to be seen in their writing, (when they stood with the Parliament against the King) as their State Principles.  
1. That an Usurper hath no Authority, is a mere private person.  
2. That no obedience is due to an untitled or illegal Power.  
3. That the sword is peculiar to a Magistrate lawfully called, and not else.  
4. That to the being of a Magistrate, is required a lawful calling.  
5. To the making of a Supreme Magistrate, is to go the Vote and consent of the people.  
I do not mention this Voice to asperse it in the least; neither do I think, they who stood with the Parliament against the King had a bad Cause; nor do I condemn any man for the Public Testimony which he bore against the exorbitancy and arbitrary actions of the late King: yet this I may say, and none will be offended at it but the guilty:  
1. It cannot be justified in any man, to call that railing, and speaking evil of dignities in another, which being done by himself, was then according to Scripture, Law and Conscience.  
Neither 2. can I judge it otherwise then a fault, for any man to write against Tyranny, and preach it down in reference to the King, and afterward in another allow and justify the like Tyranny; yea, greater by many degrees.  
But 3. And this indeed I most mislike, viz. that such men, whose Voice never ceased against the King and Bishops, till their places were no more, should be the forwardest to have that Tyranny up again, and exercised over the Bodies, goods, and Consciences of the people, for which the King and Bishops were removed.  
Now for the next particular, i. e. our Grounds and Reasons why by yet once more, the second shaking is meant; the shaking of this present state-apostacy: I shall only touch one thing which lies in our way, and so hasten to it.  
As under the word Earth, in the first shaking, not only Kingly-Government is signified, but the Hierarchy also, called Earth; not only because it was interwoven with the other, but ascended out of the EARTH; was merely carnal and earthly, and had nothing of Heaven in it. So I take the matter here: Though this state-apostacy have something in it that pretends to Religion, as the business of the Tryers, yet this comes under the word Earth: so that Heaven afterward said to be shaken, is another thing, in which the Tryers are not concerned.  
What was said before concerning the Bishops, that their Government was earthly, carnal, etc. is as true in the other; It is a plant not of God's planting: yet in one thing the Prelates were to be commended, to the shame of these men; for that party would many times publicly undertake the justification of their calling, and would quote Fathers, Councils, Scripture, for what they did; but this later earth (as it seems by their silence) dares not put any thing forth for their justification. They know they have no Fathers, Councils, Precedents, or Scripture to warrant their unsanctified place and standing. And in John there is a good Reason why these Tryers come not forth to the light: For every one that doth evil, hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved or discovered, as hath the Margin, Joh. 3.20.  
Concerning the second shaking of the Earth (for of Heaven I shall speak nothing now) here I will follow the former order: 1. Prove, that the present state-apostacy shall be shaken. And 2. in this shaking, Scripture-Prophesle fulfilled, and particularly, Heb. 12.  
First, If the Rights, Liberties, and Privileges of the people shall again be restored, and the work of Reformation go forward to a good settlement of the Nation; then necessarily must this later Earth be shaken: for as darkness vanisheth when light breaks forth; so all falsehood and treacherous designs of men must end and perish, when truth and righteousness take place: when the Lords time came that Joash should be brought out of the Temple, and set upon the Throne, it could not be otherwise but Athaliah and her confederates must suffer deeply.  
And this is the reason why some endeavour what they can to uphold unrighteousness and all manner of oppression, and cannot endure to hear of good Laws, and honest things, but hate such persons as would advance them. They tremble (like Felix) to think of righteousness, and that there should be such a thing as men call a FREE-PARLIAMENT, and not under the power of the sword. And no marvel: for being conscious to what they have done, they cannot but expect to be rewarded according to their works. But let these know, notwithstanding all their crafty counsel, and joining hand in hand; the good old Cause which was in the Nation, shall rise and prosper, but they shall fall and perish. Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces: Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought: Speak the word, and it shall not stand, for God is with us, Isa. 8.9, 10.  
I was speaking just now of Joash: ●ethinks in him we have something ●at resembles our good old Cause: A●aliah doubtless thought she had de●royed all the seed Royal of the house of ●udah, and there was none left to have punished her murder and Treason. But ●he was deceived, and found it otherwise. It is sure enough, some thought ●ey had utterly destroyed the Commonwealth, when they made one man Chief Magistrate; but these workers of iniquity will know ere long, it was a lie, ●nd they wrought a deceitful work: ●or the Commonwealth (though an In●ant) was hid, as Joash, in the Temple: What if you say, By the Temple is ●eant the hearts of all the good people in the Nation? Again, though A●haliah cried, Treason, Treason, when ●oash was brought forth, yet it was no ●reason in the people to set up their lawful King, and put her to death for 〈◊〉 bloody Traitor. So, if the Representatives of the people shall punish Traitors, and Crown the Commonwealth with her just liberties and freedom, there will b● no Treason in 〈◊〉 though hypocrites an● Apostates, cry, Treason, Treason.  
Object. There is no question, if 〈◊〉 Commonwealth be established with th● Rights and Liberties of the people but the Thing now up, must and will be sha●ken. But how doth it appear, that th● good old Cause (like Joash) will b● brought forth, and crowned with righteousness and truth? If you prove no● this, you say nothing.  
Answ. It is very true, and I grant it therefore to prove it, these Argument and grounds I give.  
1. This Bitter root shall certainly be plucked up, when those things are done, for which the only wise God suffered it to rise. And no doubt, among many other ends he had, it was,  
1. To discover a multitude of rotte● hearts, whose hypocrisy before lay hid, either under a form of godliness, or a● pretended zeal against the Tyranny and Idolatry of the King and Bishops, and to have Church and State reform; and having made their folly manifest to all men, to lead them forth with the ●orkers of iniquity.  
2. That a scripture-prophecy might ●e fulfilled; namely, the coming in of ●he second Apostasy, foretold in 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3, etc. the which Apostasy (to me) is as clear to be now in this Nation, as the Sun that shines at noonday. But of this more by and by.  
3. To make proof of the faith, love, and obedience of his little flock; and in very deed, as the Trials and Temptation's of the Lords witnesses, have been these four or five years, many ways very great; So they have showed much faithfulness to the Lord, and to his Son and Zion, that they have chosen bonds, banishments, close imprisonment, and loss of trade and livelihood, rather than with base time-servers, and merce-mary flatters, to betray the Liberties, Laws, and Rights of the Nation, for filthy lucre sake. If a maid, that she might be such a man's wife, should refuse a great estate, and live very poorly with him, would not this argue she married him for LOVE and nothing else? How many are there to my know ledge, would they have broken the● Vows, Oaths, and Engagements, an● joined with others, to build again what before they had destroyed, the● might have had what honour, preferment or place they would? But the● would rather be imprisoned and banished, and suffer with joy the spoiling of their goods, then turn Judasse● for a few pence. But what love an● affection have these persons in thi● showed to the good old Cause, and th● just Rights of their Country!  
4. That Hypocrites having gotte● by the present Apostasy fat pasture might the sooner fill up the measure of their wickedness, and so be prepare for the day of slaughter. As the Lor● will have the harvest and vintage rip● before he cuts them down: so there i● nothing will sooner ripen corrupt me● then greatness, honour, riches, etc. Swi● will not fatten faster by acorns, then will a● hypocrite by Court-preferment. Now Reader, consider, as the Lord had these and other such ends for which he suffered this root of bitterness to be among us; so having had his END, what is now to be expected but a sudden plucking of it up?  
Then 2. What is it that hath occasioned profane persons to blaspheme the holy name of God, more than the late destroying of that good work of Reformation begun in the Nation? What saith the Scoffer at it! This man began to build, but was not able to finish it, Luk. 14.30. It is not man now, but God, the living God, that is derided and laughed at: he began to build, etc. he made a fair beginning (saith the MOCKING-APOSTATE) to have had a Commonwealth; he seemed as if he would have made a righteous Nation. and the people no more under the lust and will of men. But some were too hard for him, and out-witted him, and undid all that he had done before, with the infinite expense of Blood and Treasure. But know (thou Atheist) Jehovah is more jealous of his glory and great Name, then to give it to another. Though he have kept silence, and thou thoughtest that he was altogether such an one as thyself; yet know, he will arise for his Namesake. For so is his promise, I will sanctify my great Name, which was profaned among the Gentiles, which ye have profaned in the midst of them, Ezek. 36.23. But never will the name of God be recovered in this Nation, to the stopping of the mouths of Apostateblasphemers, until that blessed work of breaking Tyranny and Idolatry (begun in the Long Parliament) be on foot again. I say once more (as a truth which I hope the Lord will enable me if called to it, to seal with my blood) That the precious Name of God profaned in this Nation by Apostate Professors, will not be sanctified, till the good old Cause be revived, the Freedom and just Liberties of the people restored, a Commonwealth settled upon right principles of truth and righteousness, and those who have been the cause of the late horrible revolt brought forth to Justice.  
3. Such are the wounds in the Body of this Nation, and the grievances and Breaches so many and great, as I am persuaded, all the State-Physitians (I speak not of Mountebanks and Quacksalvers) will perceive (when they shall come to the Cause and Cure) there is no healing of the whole, without cutting a part off; and what that part is, they will soon see. The Prophet Ezekiel speaking of the false Prophets of his time, saith, One built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar, Ezek. 13.10. He alludes unto a foolish builder, who coming to a wall with his tools, sees it is so rend and torn, as it cannot stand, but must be all plucked down, and a new wall rais'din the place of it; nevertheless, he only plasters it over, and so seeks to cover the fault, but not to mend it. Who should be bvilders, if not the Representatives of the people? And therefore if the wall before them (which others built) be so weak, sandy, and tottering, that it must be shaken; ought they not to beware of daubing it with untempered mortar? and the rather, because the Lord wants not labourers, but if one company of men prove unfaithful; that is, will be daubing a rotten wall, when they should cast it down, he will DISSOLVE THEM with more shame and dishonour, than any Protector could put upon them; and call such to the State-work as shall be more faithful, and well rewarded for it. Say unto them which dawb with untempered mortar, that it shall fall, there shall be an overflowing shower, and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall, and a stormy wind shall renit. Lo, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said unto you, Where is the daubing wherewith ye have daubed it? Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it, Ezek. 13.11, 12, 15.  
4. It may rationally satisfy all  persons, that God's actings and appearances were formerly such for the interest of Christ and his people, as it cannot possibly be, that he should leave it afterward. What! was the King taken off? his Posterity laid aside? the Bishops and their Government put down, for this end, that there should rise up in their places, a Generation of men more corrupt than they were? Indeed, if we will give credit to the blasphemous speeches published to the world by Apostates, it should be so; that is, all the victories and deliverances which the Lord gave unto his people in the time of the Long Parliament, was for them; that is, for their particular interest. They blush not to tell us in print (as may be gathered from their words plain enough) that Gods helping us in our several straits, was to keep up the Lawyers in their corruption; Priests in their oppression; the Magistrates in persecution; the Tryers in their beastly invention; and the old Malignant to take his revenge on honest men, for their former good service to God and their Country. But I shall leave these mockers to him that will not be mocked by them, but one day stop their mouth with a witness.  
For conclusion, If the Lord were pleased to kill us, he would not have showed us all these things, Judg. 13.23. We may be confident, never would he have drawn out so many heart-groans from his people, much less so much blood from them, even heartblood (willingly sacrificed in the high places of the field) for the good old Cause, had he not intended to crown it with glory and honour in the end.  
5. And here is a fit place to remind the Reader; as the Lord eminently appeared with us in the time of the long Parliament: so on the contrary, since this OTHER THING came up, how visibly and sensibly hath he showed his signal displeasure against us, for our base backsliding; laying a curse (as it were) upon all public affairs almost, (as he did on the figtree) that nothing should prosper which they took in hand? I shall not speak of that Golgotha in Hispaniola, the field of English skulls and blood; nor the many millions of Treasure, wasted merely to satisfy the lusts and will of some men; nor what shame and dishonour the Nation lies under, being some years past a terror to all Enemies about us. Let us come to consider the present condition of the Nation: Ask the Soldiers what their Arrears are? Then inquire among the Seamen, how many months pay is due to them? and while you are there, cast an eye upon the Navy, and see in what a pickle that is, and whether there be any provision to set out a Fleet either offensive or defenfive. Add unto all this, the extreme poverty of the people, as having neither trade nor money.  
It is probable, there will be in the next sitting, some that were Members of the Long Parliament; these men do know in what a rising and flourishing condition the Commonwealth was, when they were dissolved. But how are they like to find it now? as a poor sheep full of worms; the worms are fat and lusty, but the sheep lean, languishing and ready to perish. So they shall see now (and not a few) persons that are grown fat and full, by devouring the flesh of the Commonwealth; I mean her Laws, Liberties, Rights, and Privileges; but for the Commonwealth, so maugre and lean, as it cannot be long lived, if the Lord raise not up some good shepherds, to look after it.  
A man that hath spent much time and labour, and been at great cost in a work, and no sooner hath done it to his liking, but should see it presently broken before his eyes, would not this extremely grieve him? such as sat in the Long Parliament, and stood faithful to the good Cause, do well know, before Monarchy was shaken, and a Commonwealth established, they had hard work, and it cost the Nation not a little blood and treasure: for such men therefore to see all that they did broken to pieces before their eyes, methinks it should much affect them. What else they should do, I leave it to themselves, or rather to divine Providence: For God standeth in the congregation of the mighty, he judgeth among the Gods, Psa. 82.1. Saul a little before his end fell into such straits, as he knew not what to do. I know who have formerly pretended necessity, when there was none: but now it's fallen upon them to the full; for had it not been NECESSITY, this Assembly had never been called: what the issue will be, a little time will show. The Scripture saith, The wicked is snared in the work of his own hand, Psal. 9.16.  
It is very observable, that the Lord meets with oppressors and deceitful men, one of these two ways; that is, either they shall take the better way for his people, or the worse way for themselves: When Herod charged the Wise men to bring him word where the young child was, Mat. 2. here he shown himself not a subtle serpent, not wise in his generation: for to have had his bloody design done indeed, he should have gone himself, or sent some of his guard to have done it. But in this way God blinded him, and kept it from him, that he might take a better way for Christ's preservation. So Jezebel, had she sent some of her Priests with Soldiers to Elias (when she sent only a messenger to tell him what she would do by to morrow) that had been a sure way to have dispatched him presently: but God would not suffer her to take that way; she must choose another way, and a better way for the Prophet's life.  
Again, Tyrants many times choose the worse way for themselves; thus it was with Pharaoh at the Red Sea; he had two ways to choose, either to return the way he came (which indeed was the better way) or to go forward and follow Israel into the great waters; but he will into the Sea: now in this he appeared more blind and hardened then before; for he might well think, the Lord had not made a way thorough the Sea for him, but rather had laid a snare for him and his Host. I am now waiting to see what will be the carriage of such men, who have betrayed their country: they have methinks (like Pharaoh) two ways; the one is to RETURN, or PUBLIC REPENTANCE, that is, make a free and ingenuous confession of their former treason, oppression, Covenant-breaking, etc. and to give up all their pretended Authority and Power into the hands of the People's Representatives. Doubtless of the two ways, this is the better: the other is Pharaoh-like to go forward, though they cannot but think that this Great Assembly (like the Red-Sea) will save the Rights, Liberties, and good Laws of the Nation, and drown Arbitrary Power, oppression, treason, etc.  
If the Power and Majesty of English Parliaments (which have been) be seriously heeded; it would not seem altogether improper to liken them (at least some which have been the best and most glorious) to the Red-Sea. For many proud Pharaohs with their Hosts have been swallowed up in England's Parliaments! Had not I seen so many unworthy Addresses, I should not have thought there had been so much base English blood in the Nation, men of such mercenary, low, servile, and slavish Spirits; so far from following the steps of their Ancestors, in standing up for the Freedom and just Liberties of their Country, as they have attempted to maintain a private interest against the power of the people and Privileges of Parliament. But it is well that there is a Public Attestation against them, of many thousands Religious and well disposed people, who say, We testify and declare against the late flattering Addresses, which have been contrived and carried on by interested persons, as tending to the preventing the Assembling of a Parliament; as also anticipating (if not concluding) their sense and judgement when assembled. And having in them a tendency to the dividing of the people, and consequently raising a new war, if God do not wonderfully prevent. Attestat. Novemb. 20. 1658.  
Before I end, there is one thing I desirously desire the Reader to observe (especially if he be a Member of this Parliament:) in all their late Addresses, we do not find, that a Parliament is so much as named, or once desired: Hence it may appear, who were the contrivers and promoters of them, and for what end they came forth; not to have any oppression or heavy burdens taken off; not that the People's Rights and Liberties might be restored, the several grievances in the Nation might be looked into and remedied; not that corrupt men lately crept into places might be removed, and better chosen: No such things were aimed at; for had they not intended to keep up the grievous corruptions in the Nation, they would not have discovered (as they did by their silence) such a slighting and disregarding of Parliaments.  
Having given many Reasons that this Earth-Power will be shaken; The next thing is, to show how in this shaking, a scripture-prophecy is fulfilled, and particularly Heb. 12.27.  
Here I must re-mind the Reader of what was said before, That Scripture-Prophesies do especially concern the Church and people of God: and it is for them to heed and observe, how the Lord in his Providential Dispensations brings them to pass, whether it be in beginning, proceeding, or ending.  
Our first Argument is thus: Whatsoever Earth-shaking comes not within the verge of the Text, Heb. 12. yet that Earth-government doth; namely, which shall not only be first shaken, but also whereby a way is made and prepared for the Lord to proceed to the shaking of Earth-Powers in other Nations: But such is this Earth-power or present Government, Ergo.  
I shall only endeavour to prove that part of the Argument which is questionable; that is, how this shaking asserted will be the first, and make way for the rest, foretold Heb. 12.  
1. If the Lord begin a work, and something stop it, his manner is to remove that stop, and there to take up the work again and proceed: thus it was in the building of the second Temple; after there was some good progress made in the work, Ezr. 3. by Artaxerxes command the people ceased, Ez. 4.23, 24. But the Lord (whose counsel shall stand) took off (by Darius) that stop, and so they went forward with the building, Ezr. 6. I have showed before, that God's work began, concerning the overcoming of the ten Kings, and preparing the way for the glorious and visible Kingdom of Jesus Christ, when the Old Parliament razed down Kingly-Government, and constituted a Commonwealth: that there was a stop made, it is true, and we know who were the occasion of it.  
Truly, so wonderfully did the Lord of Hosts go forth then with our Parliament and Army, as among the Heathen they began to say, The Lord hath done great things for them, Psa. 126.2. Not only were the Nations awakened about us, and began to consider, whether the day of the Lamb and his great power were not come: but likewise the Enemies amongst us, began to give Glory to God, and would often confess, that God was with us and against them. What shall I say (ah! these things cannot be remembered without great thoughts of heart by all that are truly godly!) That blessed cause of truth and righteousness did so prosper both at home and abroad, that had there not been an unhappy stop put to it (through the hypocrisy and falsehood of some men) it would have been ere this time in other Nations, conquering and to conquer; yea, probably before now, more of the ten Horns had been cut off. For we were as a Beacon upon a hill, all people looking on, to see what would be the event of this Act, this strange Act in England.  
This puts me in mind of the Philistims, when they were smitten with Emerods', they take counsel, to know, whether the God of Israel had done it or no: having therefore put the Ark of the Lord upon a new cart, and sent it away, thus they speak one to another: If it go up by the way of his own coast to Bethshemesh, than he hath done us that great evil. But if not, than we shall know it was not his hand that smote us, it was a thing that happened to us, 1 Sam. 6.9. Whilst the nations abroad, and the Enemies at home were musing about the great cause we had in hand, what it should mean; If it had gone directly forward, as the kine took the straight way to the way of Bethshemesh, and turned not aside to the right hand or to the left, v. 12. in all likelihood there would have remained by this time no more doubtings concerning the work; but they would have been fully satisfied (as the Philistims were) that it was the Lords doing; but when they saw the work went not the straight way, but there was a grievous turning aside, no less than building again the things which were destroyed, and destroying what was built; this took them quite off, and so blinded them, as now they can see nothing of God in the thing, but cry out, It was a Chance, neither was the Lord more with the Parliament then with the King: but all is now, It was the Fortune of War.  
Thus have the Apostates by casting the Lords work behind their back, and setting up their own interest, occasioned many thousands (far and near) not only to speak evil of the Good Cause itself, but to deprive the Lord of his due Glory and praise; for that honour which men would have given to the Lord (and it was even upon their hearts and in their mouths to do it) is now by this turning aside, denied him, and given to Idol-Fortune. Besides, what dread and fear was there somwhile since upon the hearts of Cavaliers; no other than a kind of convincement, that to vote or fight against our good Cause, was to vote and fight against God: but since this late Revolt broke forth, that fear (I believe) is over. So that now, if there be a door open for them in Parliament or Army, they will as readily vote and fight against the interest of Christ and his people, as ever they did before. O wretched Apostasy!  
2. The Lord will begin to shake the Earth the second time, where he sees it is first ripe. As a husbandman that hath much corn to reap, cuts it not down all at once; but where the ripest is, there he gins. Now among the Regions of the Earth, that Field is nearest the sickle, where Religion, Conscience, and the worship of God are made cloaks for fin and wickedness: SIN may be considered as single or double: if it have Religious hypocrisy mixed with it, it is a double sin, and so ripens the sinner, and hastens his judgement the sooner.  
Had the Scribes and Pharisees which devoured widows houses under a show of long prayer, Luk. 20.47. picked these poor women's pockets, or cut their purses, their sin and condemnation had not been so great, as to cheat them in the way they did. It is said of Herod, He sent and Beheaded John in prison, Mat. 14.10. though this were a most cruel act in the Tyrant, yet (I think) it was not half so bad, as that in Jezebel, who took away Naboths life and goods under pretence of Law, Conscience, Religion: It was no marvel, that God's revenging hand was presently upon her for it; for such a sin as that was, made her soon ripe for cutting down. Among other Reasons persuading me to think some terrible Earth-shaking is upon us, truly this is one; namely, that never so much National wickedness was in any age, as hath been of late committed in these three Nations under Religious pretences, viz. fasting, prayer, weeping, talking high of God, and his Son and Zion; just as did the Pharisees: all devouring of late times (not of houses alone, but) of the lives and liberties of the people, is ex parte altissimi, for the most high God. As Graserus describing the Little Horn, saith, he is one, Qui impietati suae Dei nomen pretendit, which shall pretend the Name of God in all his impieties. Add to this, 1. The number of Sycophants and flatterers every where (especially Churchmen) who cry up the oppressors of the Nation as the only men for justice, mercy, piety, etc. 2. By how much the crying sins of the Nation are witnessed against, the more do men rise and grow worse and worse in the practice of them. Now what do these things presage, but that God is ready to lay the axe to the root of the tree? Shall I not visit for these things, saith the Lord? and shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation as this? Jer. 5.9.  
3. It is usually Gods dealing with his people (as I said before) when he draws out their hearts to an earnest seeking of him, to grant them what they ask. Paul saith, He was the Spirits prisoner, Act. 20.22. The like is the case now of many precious Saints: Such a powerful-commanding impulse they find upon their Spirits, that they cannot rest day nor night, but must be sighing and groaning, that the Lord would suddenly make this second shaking, and remove unrighteous persons and things, and make the Nation happy and glorious, by establishing truth and justice in the midst of it. I know these are reputed (by the thriving party) madmen, giddy-heads, fantastics, the greatest fools of the time: But God ere long will put the Question out of question; that is, whether those who prayed against oppressors, and to have Magistrates and Judges as at the first, did well, and therein pleased God; or such as did flatter them, and would have them still continue, to the end they might serve themselves upon them.  
And as the Spirit puts a holy force upon them to pray continually, so they have many weighty encouragements not to faint.  
For 1. It is generally believed by this Generation of Seekers, That England will never be beautiful and lovely, but rather her present blackness and deformity increase, until those be shaken, who have made her most unlovely; yea, vile in the sight of the world.  
Neither 2. will there be any State-shaking in other Nations, as to the cutting off of Tyrants, and planting righteousness among them, until some eminent work be done here first, concerning a righteous settling of a good Commonwealth.  
3. It is their belief, That the Lord ere long will so honour a Government and Governors here established, as they shall be very useful and instrumental to carry on his great work in the World; that is, destroy Babylon, bring down the Enemies of Christ under his feet, promote righteousness every where; yea, and help the Lords Ancient people when their day shall come.  
Lastly, They are persuaded, The Lord will not be turned from the fierceness of his anger, and entreated for the Land, until there be a public check given to the late Apostasy by the Representatives of the people. They hanged Haman, etc. Then was the King's wrath pacified, Esth. 7.10. So they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea, and the sea ceased from her raging, Jon. 1.15.  
If we see a man whet and sharpen a tool, we conclude he intends to do something with it: as the Holy Ghost speaks of shaking the Earth yet once more, Heb. 12. so I think the Lord is now preparing Instruments for it. The work is such, as it needs no fine tools; rough tools will serve well enough, especially being to be used by so strong & powerful an hand: when God shown Zecharie the Horns, he shown him the Carpenters too, Zech. 1.19, 20. Elias in a little cloud saw abundance of rain. Methinks in this National cloud I see both rain and hail; Rain for the refreshing of the Earth, after more than 3 years and an half drought. What thinkest thou, Reader, would it not be a pleasant sight, to see our Rights and Privileges again to spring: it is now towards the Spring, and who knows, but we may have a GOOD SPRING of it; yea, and a fruitful Summer too? I mean, such provision and care taken, as to have no more such destroying winter (as we have had of late) by putting too much trust in the hands of deceitful men.  
Again, methinks I see in this cloud some hail; and why not that Prophecy here to be fulfilled, Judgement also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; AND THE HAIL SHALL SWEEP AWAY THE REFUGE OF LIES, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place, Isa. 28.17. But I shall refer the Reader to the REASONS which he shall find in the close of this Treatise, wherefore I have great hope that the Nation will reap much good by this present Parliament.  
Our 2. Argument is, If this present Government be that state-apostacy of which Paul speaks, 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, etc. Then is the shaking of it intended in this Text. But the first is true: Therefore the second.  
This I shall take for granted (for I am sure no understanding Christian will deny me it) that the shaking of the two grand-Apostacies foretell in Scripture, are certainly meant in Heb. 12.27. And therefore leaving that part of the Argument which is without dispute; I shall endeavour to prove the other Part.  
1. That there should be in Gospel-times, two notorious Apostasies, is evidently showed in Scripture. The first in the later days; and this in Doctrine; that is, a departure from the faith, 1 Tim. 4.1, 2. 2 Thes. 2.3. 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. Act. 20.30. The second Apostasy, in the last days, and this to be in practice; that is, a corrupt life or conversation: 2 Tim. 3.1, etc. 2 Pet. 3.3, 4.  
2. As the first Apostasy was a State or Kingdom, and had a HEAD appointed to it, and Laws made suitable to that Head and State, Rev. 16.10. and 13.2. So the second Apostasy is to be a State, a Body, or Dominion, Dan. 7.11, 26. and to have a Head or Protector set over it, and such Laws devised, as may best fit the interest of the Head and Body: and so much lies plainly in the Text; Perilous days shall come; intimating a power in the Apostasy, to act wickedness by a Law, in spite of all opposition, so long as the Apostasy should continue: for had it not been so, it could not have been perilous days, as the Text holds forth.  
3. The first Apostasy had its rise in the Church, occasioned through the covetousness, pride, selfseeking, Covenant-breaking, etc. of professors, 2 Pet. 2.3. Act. 20.3. So the second present Apostasy, had its rise in the Church, and among eminent Professors of Religion; and the Cause of it the very same mentioned before, because they were lovers of themselves, covetous, proud, etc. 2 Tim. 3.1, 2, 3. observe then, this Apostasy cannot be made by Jews, Turks, Papists, etc. It must rise in the Church, and among Professors of Religion, who have the right worship of God, in form at least.  
4. As they gave to the Head of the first Apostasy all power, and to do what he would, being above all, and to be obeyed of all, and not subject to any Council, power, or Authority on Earth; so the Head of the second Apocie was Dominus omnium temporalium, Lord of every man's goods, he might do what he would, supra jus, contra jus, & extra jus, above Law, against Law, and without Law; he was allowed to be above the people in their Representatives, and to call Parliaments when he pleased, and to break them as oft as he would.  
5. Upon the Head of the first Apocie, is characterized the number of the Beast, Rev. 13.18. VICARIUS DEI GENERALIS IN TERRIS; which according to the numeral Letters is, 666. The very same number is on the head of the second Apostasy, DUX GENERALIS ET PROTECTOR; that is, 666. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding, count the number of the Beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred threescore and six, Rev. 13.18. The English of the first is, God's General on Earth; the other, Captain General and Protector.  
6. It is a wonderful thing to consider, when the Heathen Roman Emperors were subdued, the Idols of the Gentiles thrown down, Persecution taken off from the Church, and liberty granted unto tender Consciences in the exercise of Religion; that just then, the Let should be taken out of the way, 2 Thes. 2.7. and the first Apostasy rise in the Christian Church. Who would have thought when the King's head was taken off, and with it that form of Government; When the Bishops were put down, with Altars, Crosses, Service-Book, Ceremonies, and other Popish-Idols; Persecution stopped, and liberty given to tender Consciences: I say, who would have thought that Professors of Religion (yea, those who had the greatest share and advantage in such mercies) would have brought forth instead of grapes, the wild-grapes of the second Apostasy? as if there had been no time for them, till just then, to have showed their hypocrisy, falsehood, pride, covetousness, treason, etc. But besides the parallel between the two State-Apostacies, that we have the second Apostasy at this time among us appears thus.  
First, We see plainly, though they left the power of godliness, and became self-seekers, covetous, proud, traitors, covenant-breakers; yet they held fast the form, or outside of Religion: as men that have sores and ulcers upon their bodies, throw not away their clothes, but keep them on for covering. And here the Reader is to observe, that this second Apostasy cannot rightly be applied to any but to Professors of Religion; for such as have neither power nor form of godliness, cannot be charged with it; they may be among the Apostates and helpers of the Aposta●ie, but not proper members.  
2. It must be understood that the men in the Text said to be lovers of themselves, covetuos, proud, etc. did formerly seem otherwise, and condemned these very vices and corruptions in others; for else it could not have been an Apostasy or falling from righteous Principles, to a scandalous and corrupt walking. Now who more complained against the King and Bishop for their miscarriages whilst they stood, than those men, whose miscarriages since, have been far worse in the very same particulars wherein the others were charged. I need not give instances; it is possible this Parliament may have occasion to remember the old Court and the new; and the old Bishops and the new Bishops. If they do, there is hope then, that the greatest grievances of the Nation will be removed, and the Liberties of the people restored.  
3. In that way which Apostates seek to cover their Apostasy, doth the Lord discover both it and them. What is the way they take to have their Apostasy hid, and not known? it is by taking up a form of Godliness. And how doth the Lord unmask them, and make their Apostasy known? by that form of Godliness which they have taken up. And the truth is, were these men more selfseeking, covetous, proud, etc. then they are, yet this alone would not prove them to be the later Apostates, unless with those vices and sins they had also a form of godliness; that is, did preach, pray, fast, and made a great noise and show of the outside of Religion.  
4. I know no better way for a man to have satisfaction in this thing, than first to consider what the sins are set down in 2 Tim. 3.2, 3, 4, 5. foretold should be in the later state-apostacy, and then to look about him, and see whether they are not all, and every one of them to be seen, as visibly and plainly as was the leprosy in Gehazi's forehead. If the Reader do desire more to inform himself in this matter, I shall refer him to a Treatise, entitled The time of the End, at pag. 36, etc. where all the Characters of the last Apostasy are fully opened.  
Having spoken of the first and second shaking of the Earth, I come now to deliver my thoughts concerning the manner of the second shaking (for of the first I have spoken) and by whom the work will be done. And lastly, my Reasons, wherefore I think the time of this later shaking is nigh. The Scripture which I shall a little treat of, is in Rev. 11.13. And the same hour was there a great Earthquake, and the tenth part of the City fell, and in the Earthquake were slain of men seven thousand; and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.  
I have thought sometimes, that this Earthquake, and the pouring out of the first vial, had contemporized, and been all one thing; but seriously observing again the places, it seems to me, that this Earthquake will be before any vial is poured out, and shall be a forerunner (as John Baptist was to Christ) that is, prepare or make way for the Vials. About the time of this Earthquake (in the same hour, saith the Text) the witnesses ascend up to Heaven in a Cloud. If by the witnesses here, we understand fifth-Monarchy-men, and their work to be about the more pure and spiritual part of the fifth Kingdom, I conceive then, these do remain in Heaven, or the Temple, Rev. 15.6. (for I take it to be one thing) until the Earthquake be made by the Commonwealths-men, as making way for the seven last plagues.  
I desire I may not be mistaken in mentioning fifth Monarchy-men and Commonwealth-men distinct; I do it not as if they were not one people, and their work all one in respect of pulling down and building up; but in reference to the manner and way, how these things shall be done. The Earthquake will be (as I said) before the vials, for these Reasons:  
1. Howsoever there are many differences among the Lord's people, as what is Babylon, and so to be destroyed; yet in this they are all satisfied, and do unanimously accord, That all heavy burdens should be broken, Tyrants (new as well as old) removed, the just Liberties of the people restored, Righteousness settled in the Nation, and the good old Cause up again, conquering and to conquer. Now as the Lord in these things hath made his people of one mind, so he will have them join together in the prosecution of them: for things farther off (as about the vials) they shall likewise have light in them, Rev. 18.1. and accord in the work, when the time comes to put them in execution. Nevertheless whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing, Phil. 3.16.  
2. It seems to me, that this Earthquake will be before the Vials; because the Earthquake is under the second woe, Rev. 11.13, 14. but all the vials (as I conceive) fall under the third woe (which is the last) & therefore are said to be the seven last plagues, Rev. 15.1.  
3. If the Scriptures be heeded which treat of the fifth Kingdom, it will appear, that the great work which the Lord will bring to pass for his Son and Zion in the last days, will begin at righteousness among men; that is, to destroy oppression and Tyranny in every kind; all corrupt Laws, and wicked Orders and Customs, and to have things so settled, as every man may have his due and just Rights: Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins, Isa. 11.5. A sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy Kingdom, Heb. 1.6. There is a voice of many waters, before the voice of a great thunder, Rev. 14.2. Waters are below, thunder above; the work gins below at the waters: let us therefore take heed, that we miss not the proper work of the day, in not beginning where we should.  
4. As God is a God of order, not of confusion; so I think the great work of the times will be carried on in a beautiful and comely order. It is said, The stone was cut out of the mountain, Dan. 2.45. Observe, it is CUT; so that it is not without form, it hath some comeliness, fashion, and order in it. I see no obstruction, why all that is written concerning the execution of vengeance upon Babylon, or what is to be done by Saints as Saints (of public concernment) till Christ personally appear, but may very well stand with good order. For example: Is it not possible that a Government may be rightly established, and such Governors chosen, as the tenderest conscience may safely act under it?  
It is said, The ten horns shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire, Rev. 17.16. I do understand this of a State or Government (let it be part of the fifth Kingdom) and the meaning to be this: when the Lamb hath overcome any Nation, there shall be that Government erected, and such Governors set up, who will proclaim open war against the great whore, and raise up forces to reward her double for the blood she had shed, and other abominable wickedness. This being so, it must needs follow, that the Earthquake will be before the vials; for it is not to be imagined that the Representatives of a Nation, if they are wise and sober, will meddle with Babylon abroad, until they have made a good Reformation, and things well settled at home.  
5. If God have a voice in humane affairs, and to be harkened to and followed, than I conceive this Earthquake will be next; that is, a purging out of the dross and filthiness amongst us, that righteousness may dwell in the Land; this indeed we may now expect: for the harvest of the later Apostasy is ripe, and the Lord seems to have prepared some sharp sickles for the cutting down of it. But for any other public work at present, I do not see the like fitness either in things or persons.  
I have spoken the more of this, to the end, that whilst we are looking at things further off, we do not forget our duty and work in things nearer home. I have read somewhere of an Admiral, when he should have gone presently in with the rest of the fleet to fight the Enemy, he turned aside and wheeled about so far, that he never came in, to give a stroke. If we take not heed, our darling conceits will turn us aside, and cause us to wheel off from the fight, i. e. our present Generation-work. If so, whosoever the Lord shall honour in following him to the Battle and for his faithfulness in it, we for our parts can expect nothing but shame and dishonour.  
Quest. What is meant by the Earthquake in the Text?  
Answ. The Representatives of the people assembled in Parliament, by whom the later state-apostacy shall be put down. So I take it. But,  
1. I do not restrain this Earthquake to our Nation: I have showed before, that one Prophecy may be often fulfilled. Thus, for aught I see to the contrary, the slaying of the witnesses, and their rising, may be done over and over; one while in one Country, and sometimes in another, in respect of time, persons, and place. But what people soever are left out of these Prophecies, we are not. For there is none of them (which concern the Gentile Saints in the last times) but they will have some accomplishment here; yea, many of them more eminently here then elsewhere, especially at first. But of this I have spoken before.  
Neither 2. do I fix any time when this Earthquake shall be. For howsoever I have strong persuasions that the work will begin at the sitting of this present Parliament; yet I am not so certain that the Lord will honour them in so noble and glorious a Cause for their poor country, as I am confident he will do it by others, if they neglect their duty. For the needy shall not always be forgotten; the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever, Psal. 9.18.  
Quest. But why is the laying aside of the present state-apostacy, and bringing the Nation to a Commonwealth again, set forth by an Earthquake?  
Answ. 1. Because in all likelihood before it be over, it will make a dreadful and terrible shaking: Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the three Nations; who knows but this Earthquake will raze the foundation of our new Nobility, reach the Tryers, Lawyers, Sessers, Addressers, Excise-men, Custome-house-men, Corporations, etc. in a word, all the devouring vermin in the Land, such as have taken away men's goods contrary to Law, Isa. 33.1.  
2. To show when the Lord will raise up instruments against this Apostasy, they shall prevail, notwithstanding all Ahitophels' and Machiavels, in spite of Hell and all powers of darkness. It is an Earthquake: Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries, wherein thou hast laboured from thy youth; if so be thou shalt be able to profit, if so be thou mayest prevail. Let now the Astrologers, the Stargazers, the Monthly-Prognosticators stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee, Isa. 47.12, 13.  
3. It may denote the cause of the shaking; that this state-apostacy is removed, it is, that oppression and tyranny may cease, and all people have their rights. Now howsoever this be a good work, and aught to be done, yet it riseth no higher than Earth, and therefore fitly called an Earthquake.  
4. That the infamous memory of this last Apostasy, and the happy downfall of it may continue to all future Generations; Such desolations and ruins as formerly were made by Earthquakes, we find them recorded in Histories both Divine and Humane, Amos 1.1. Zech. 14.5. to the end that such things might not be forgotten. It is true, many National Earthquakes hath this Island suffered, viz. by the Romans, Saxons, Danes, Normans, etc. Besides several Earthquakes among ourselves, by Parliaments and Civil Wars. Nevertheless, I am very confident, that the memory of none of them will so long last, as the rembrance of this present Apostasy, and that SEASONABLE GOOD-EARTH-QUAKE, which not only shaked it, but swallowed it up. My Reason is, because the honour of God's great Name, the Cause of Religion, and the interest of Christ and his people, have more suffered by this present Apostasy in four or five years, than ever they suffered under the Romans, Saxons, Danes, Normans, put them all together, and all their time too: Some report the prints of Pharaohs Charriot-wheels did remain in the sand of the shore at the Red-Sea, and was to be seen many hundred years after. I shall not stand to the truth of that: but this is a truth, and I shall abide by it, That the print of this Apostasy is so deep in Church and Commonwealth, made by selfseeking, covetousness, hypocrisy, Covenant-breaking, treachery, etc. that it will remain to be seen many ages hereafter.  
5. To show, that the Apostasy was such a BURDEN as the Earth could no longer bear it, but must needs quake under it, and so shake it out. The land is defiled, therefore do I visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants, Leu. 18.25. The earth is utterly broken down, the Earth is clean dissolved, the Earth is removed exceedingly. The Earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage. The transgression of it shall be heavy upon it, and it shall fall and not rise again, Isa. 24.19, 20.  
6. To answer an ancient Type in the old Testament: For in the Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, was clearly shadowed out the last Apostasy. Amongst many other parallels which might be noted, take these few:  
1. That Rebellion was made a little after the Lord had given a wonderful deliverance to his Church, and when they should have passed over Jordan to the Promised Land.  
2. The occasion of it was ambition and love of pre-eminence in some persons, not contented with that form of Government which the Lord a little before had appointed.  
3. Howsoever the Action was wicked, (no less than high Treason) yet the chief Authors of it are said to be famous in the Congregation, and men of renown.  
4. That this Apostasy might the more effectually be carried on, the Liberty and Freedom of the people was pretended: and that Moses and Aaron had taken too much upon them.  
5. Howsoever few at first had a hand in this Rebellion (by the Hebrew Text it seems to be only Korah) yet thorough the hypocrisy and falsehood of these few, many afterwards were ensnared.  
6. The Earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up. An Earthquake indeed; yet a just reward for such Rebellion and Treason.  
Reader, The Sentence is left to thee, only be honest; did not this Apostasy rise assoon as the Lord had delivered us out of the hands of our Enemies? and when in duty and Conscience we should have gone forward in his work? And was it not through the base pride of some men (to have all power in their own hands) that the Government of the Nation was changed from a Commonwealth (which the Lord had owned and blessed) to a THING which we cannot tell what it is? Again, though by three Acts of Parliament it was made Treason, to promote any person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England or Ireland, without consent of Parliament: Yet this was done; But by whom? Men famous in the Congregation, and of great renown. And that they might the more prevail in their Rebellion, was not Liberty promised, and taking off the grievances of the People? Is not this very true likewise, that this state-apostacy was first set on foot by a few (some say seven or eight, but more probably it was but one) yet afterwards Multitudes, multitudes fell into the sin and snare? In conclusion then, wherein agrees not the Anti-type with the Type, but that the Earthquake is not executed upon the later Rebellion? Consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds, Judg. 19.30.  
Quest. It is said in the Text, The tenth part of the City fell, and in the Earthquake were slain of men seven thousand, etc. What is meant by it?  
Answ. 1. As there are two Apostasies foretold in Scripture; so I find two Cities mentioned in the Revelation: First, the GREAT CITY; signifying, the whole Dominion and jurisdiction of the Papal Beast; that is, all States and Policies, Civil and Religious, under the See of Rome, and acknowledging the Pope Head of the Church. And note, when ever this Kingdom or State is meant by the word City, it is always expressed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, That great City, Rev. 11.8. & 18.8. and 16.19. and 17.18. and 18.10, 16, 18, 19 and 21.10. By which we are to understand the first Apostasy: As for the second Apostasy, is called a City likewise; but the word GREAT is left out, and there is great Reason for it.  
For 1. This later Apostasy shall not be so large as the former, in spreading itself over all peoples and Nations and Tongues; All the world wondered after the first Beast.  
Neither 2. shall the later Apostasy have that honour and homage done to it, as had the former: For the Kings of the Earth shall give their Kingdoms unto the first Beast, Rev. 17.17.  
3. The first Apostasy is to continue 1260 years, but the later not above three years and an half, till the Lord doth begin to strike it with a Consumption. So that the word GREAT, seems to be left out here, to distinguish between the two Cities, or two Apostasies; and this in the Text is to be understood of the later state-apostacy. Moreover, we have some light here how to understand that place, Rev. 11.8. where it is said of the witnesses, their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great City: it is well observed by many, that the Greek 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (i. e. a broad or spacious place) doth not signify any place, Marketplace, or broad place within the walls of the great City; but it is without the great City, as no part of the building. Hence we may conclude two things.  
1. The two Witnesses are not slain (in their Testimony) by any Civil Powers that hold the Pope Head of the Church; neither lie their dead bodies in any Country formally subject to the See of Rome. For their slaying and lying dead must be without the walls of the great City. Indeed the blood of the Martyrs will be charged upon the first Apostasy; but the slaying of the witnesses, upon the second Apostasy. Therefore let Church-Members and Church-Officers, and other Professors of Religion look to it. For to speak soberly and in the fear of God, this is my opinion (and I think grounded upon Scripture and practice) The blood of the witnesses will be required at their hands: for never had the bottomless Beast murdered so blessed a Cause, and so glorious a Testimony for Christ and his Kingdom (as was in this Nation) had they stood faithful to the good old Cause.  
2. Though the Power by which the witnesses are slain, is not from the great City, yet it is for it; that is, it doth more strengthen and support the great whore then any State or Government properly the whores. Where lies now the stop, that the Lords work goes not forward, to remove oppressions and heavy burdens, and to establish righteousness among men? Not in Rome, Spain, Germany, France; the stop is nearer home: remove this Apostasy, and you shall soon see the good Cause revived again, and the hearts of all good people revived with it.  
2. Whereas it is said, The tenth part of the City fell, and the remnant gave glory to God; this cannot be meant of the great City, for that sinks (every whit) like a great millstone to the bottom of the Sea: Besides, I do not read of any giving glory to God in the great City when her plagues are upon her. But contrary (it is expressly said) they repent not, to give glory to God, but blasphemed the God of Heaven because of their pains and their sores, Rev. 16.9, 11. Now the Reason is, because the Lord will bring his people out of the great City Babylon, (as he did Lot from Sodom) before he burns her to ashes. I will not say, among that huge heap of chaff, there will be no corn; yet I think, if any of God's elect shall perish (as to the outward man) in that common destruction; they will be very few, yea, in those few, no repenting and giving glory to God, visibly will appear, Rev. 18.4. Jer. 51.6.  
But the Case here is otherwise: for howsoever the whole Apostasy will fall, yet in the Earthquake all will not be slain that are found in the Apostasy. When Absalon made that unnatural Rebellion against his father, it is said, two hundred followed him in the simplicity of their hearts, and knew not any thing, 2 Sam. 15.11. that is, they were ignorant of the wicked plot he had in hand; namely, under pretence of devotion and conscience to destroy his own father, and make himself king or Chief Magistrate. No doubt many two hundreds, thousands, I may say, through the dissimulation and lying of their Leaders and Teachers, have fallen in with the Apostasy, simply and ignorantly, knew nothing of their design, that is, how under a cloak of Religion, and the safety of the godly party, the mother Commonwealth was to be murdered, and an Absalom-like interest to be set up. Therefore by the Remnant here, I understand these ignorant and simple ones; not the OLD SERPENT, the seducers and ringleaders, who thought they had done their Country and themselves good service, when they sought to destroy the lives and Liberties of the people.  
3. Whereas it is said, In the Earthquake was slain of men 7000. the Greek hath names of men; meaning, men of note, renown, famous, Gen. 6.4. contrary hereto, is men without Name, Job 30.8. alluding to the Rebellion of Korah, etc. Num. 16.2. & two things seem to be held forth.  
1. This Earthquake (that is, the Representatives of the people) shall be men of courage, and of public spirits, such as shall have Lion-like hearts, fear no man's face, nor respect any man's person; but will cut down Cedars, assoon as shrubs, if there be cause for it. Indeed no people in the world formerly have been more honoured than the English, for men of resolution, and of high and noble spirits, in standing up for their freedom and Rights, against intrusion and usurpation of all sorts and sizes. But, How is the faithful City become an harlot? it was full of judgement, righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. Thy silver is become dross, thy wine mixed with water. Thy Princes are rebellious, and companions of thiefs; every one loveth gifts, and follow after reward; they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them, Isa. 1.21, 22, 23. Oh! that it should be said, ICHABOD, The glory is departed from England. For have not men of late showed themselves to be of low, base, and servile spirits, in preferring their own particular interest, before the public good of the Nation? And in stead of contending for our Birthright (which but a little before was recovered with the Blood and Treasure of the Nation) to give it up (or rather sold it) Esau-like, for a mess of Pottage? But God will raise up a better Generation of men (and why may not we hope it is now?) who will recover the Glory of the English nation again, by exalting truth and righteousness among us.  
2. By names of men, is not meant the old names of note, renown, and famous in the days of the King and Bishops; for they concern not the later Apostasy: but the new names; that is, Lords, Knights, Esquires, etc. of the last edition. Those who were poor the other day, and have made their families great by hypocrisy and lies, and betraying their Country, must expect to fall by this Earthquake. For the number seven thousand, it is probable before the Earthquake be done, not fewer will be shaken; for it must go round the Nation, and follow the Apostasy from end to end. And I hope the appearance of it will be suddenly; we are waiting for it, and praying for it. So come Lord Jesus. Amen, Amen.  

Reasons, Why it may be hoped, that the present Parliament will begin the Earthquake, or Second Shaking of the Earth.  
FRom the late experience we have had of some men's unfaithfulness and falsehood, and seriously weighing what a pitiful choice some have made: this could not but altogether discourage me of Hope, were not my eyes upon the Mighty Creator, and so better bottomed, then to put confidence in man. What my Reasons are, I shall here set down, and so leave it to the Readers judgement, Whether from such grounds, there may not be Hope of reviving the Good old Cause by this Parliament.  
Reas. 1. The Lord taking away that HEAD-STOP lately from us, seems to speak much good in it to all Lovers of Righteousness in the Nation. Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel; for they are dead which sought the young child's life, Mat. 2.20. What otherwise was the Lord voice in that Signal Providence, but a● if he should say to the Representatives of the People, Arise, take the Mother Commonwealth, and her young child, i. e. her Rights, Privileges, etc. and go into London: i. e. let things be settled and established as before: for they are dead which sought to devour Mother and Child, so that there is no fear in returning to the good old work and Cause again. Thou brakest the heads of Leviathan in pieces, & gavest him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness, Psal. 74.14. The meaning is, God's revenging hand upon Pharaoh, was to nourish and strengthen Israel afterward; as to believe the Lord would not have done that great thing for them, had he not meant to bring them to the Promised Land. Truly, that Stroke to me hath been meat in the wilderness; and I cannot but think, as it was the Lords doing, so it was done, that the three Nations might the sooner enjoy their just Rights again.  
It is the opinion of many, that in Saul and David (as to their Kingdoms) is shadowed out two States to be in the last days: when Saul was dead (the great Block in David's way) it is said, Abner the son of Ne'er, Captain of saul's host, took Ishbosheth the son of Saul, and made him King, 2 Sam. 2.8, 9 Note three things in this business.  
1. What Abner did herein, was contrary to his light; for he knew well enough, that God had appointed anoother man to reign; only his relation to the house of Saul (for he was saul's uncle) and his own base interest, made him do what he did against knowledge and conscience, 2 Sam. 3.17, 18.  
2. It appears by the Text, that this Ishbosheth (which is by interpretation A MAN OF SHAME, and his end proved so) was a fellow of a low, fearful, and weak spirit, not like his father Saul, neither for valour nor policy; merely set to serve a Court-interest, and that a company of corrupt men might serve themselves upon him, as not liking David and his way; for they knew David was a man more honest and conscientious, then to suffer such locusts & caterpillars to spoil & devour the Commonwealth, 2 Sam. 3.11.  
3. Not only in the end is this mock-King left of his RAISER'S, but hath his head taken off by two of his own Captains; a just reward for him, and for all such who will take upon them the power and Government of Nations, against the manifest appointment of God. What may be in the application, time will show. In the mean time, take notice, if the time be come, That the Kingdoms of this world are to be the Kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, Rev. 11.15. and that righteousness is to be exalted in the Nations; then none of the House of Saul shall long reign, but the House of David will grow stronger and stronger, and carry it in spite of all opposition.  
Reas. 2. Methinks it cannot be, but there is a wheel in the wheel, and the Lords hand moving to the shaking the Earth the second time; in that I see of late a spirit of prayer and supplication poured out upon many choice Christians, whereby they are enabled to wrestle with the Lord in prayer day and night for the public good of the Nation, more earnestly than they did before. I have observed for these four or five years, that it hath not been upon the hearts of the faithful, to expect any good from Parliaments; and therefore most of their praying hath been (and no doubt by the Holy Spirit led thereto) that the Lord would blast them, and break them to pieces, that the stouthearted might be spoiled, and none of the men of might find their hands. But I find it otherwise now; for the Lord of late hath put it upon their hearts with much weight, to be daily groaning at the throne of Grace, that all those who like good Nehemiah, Come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel, and to repair the breaches of the Commonwealth, may through God do valiantly.  
No doubt, honest Hushai prospered the better, when he sought to frustrate the wicked counsel of Ahitophel, that he had David's prayers for him and with him. And David said, O Lord, I pray thee turn the counsel of Ahitophel to foolishness, 2 Sam. 15.31. Let such know, who are our Hushai's at this time, and seek to break the designs of Ahitophels', and all such as would keep up a corrupt interest against the public good of the Commonwealth, there are many tears and prayers poured out for them. And I am confident, they will experience the fruit and benefit of them all along upon their endeavours for the righteous Cause.  
Reas. 3. I have the more ground of hope, considering some persons now sitting, were not only Members of the long Parliament, and sought to extirpate things that stood in the way of a thorough Reformation; but have not since warped and deflected from their former righteous principles. Now how can such good Patriots of their Country but remember the days of old, and the wonderful works of the Lord, how visibly and powerfully his presence was with them, when they contested against the Court party, and how he delivered them from the Lion and the Bear, King and Bishops, and so have it (with much assurance) upon their hearts, that he will help them still, whilst they open their mouth for the dumb, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. If a man see Beasts in his field devouring the corn which himself had sown, he cannot suffer it, but will drive them out. It may be said in a good sense, it was the old Parliament that sowed this Commonwealth with much good seed, in order to the freedom, safety, and welfare of the Nation. I hope therefore such men will stand up again in the good old way, and seek to repair those grievous breaches which have been made since, by a company of corrupt and deceitful men. Should such a man as I flee? Neh. 6.11.  
When Nehemiah upon his return to Jerusalem, saw what great evil had been done in his absence, and how many things through the pride and covetousness of some men were quite out of order, it not only grieved him, but stirred him up to endeavour a present Reformation. And no doubt, that which occasioned him to show himself so zealously earnest in the work, it was, in that they had broken the good Government which he himself (as a principal man) had settled among them but a little before: see Neh. 13. If there be a Nehemiah in this Parliament, (as I hope there are many) men that will seek the welfare of England; it is not an Apostate Eliashib, or a Malignant Tobiah, that they will fear; nor the Rulers, but will contend with them, and never cease, till the Commonwealth be freed from oppression and slavery, & settled upon a righteous foundation.  
Reas. 4. I am the more encouraged to HOPE that this Parliament will be successful in their undertake, and highly blest by Almighty God: Because there are some Army- Officers among them, who have kept their integrity, and have not betrayed the good old Cause, for which they engaged. I know it will be matter of much grief unto such men, that they must now in a little room be standing up for the public interest of the Nation, which could not be obtained, till they had passed thorough many places in blood. Ah honest hearts! they little thought when they left their families, estates, Relations, and what else was dear unto them, and carried their lives in their hands, that they should afterwards sit at Westminster, and hear the very same things pleaded for, which they had before destroyed. For what were the things for which they fought? Was it not against Tyrannical and Arbitrary power? against prosecution of Court-Principles by corrupt men? Was it not to take off all oppressions from the necks of the freemen of England? Was it not to remove the long usurped Authority of Lords Civil and Ecclesiastical over the Commons? was it not that the supreme Authority should reside originally in the people, according to the Law of God, light of Nature and right Reason? That all persons should own, and stand by that Commonwealth-constitution, as then established without King and House of Lords? And that it should be Treason for any man to be Chief Magistrate of England and Ireland, without consent of Parliament? was it not against all Negative voices over the free-people of the Commonwealth? and against the power of the Militia to be settled and kept in the hands of any single Person? Let the enemies themselves be Judges, whether these were not the main things contested for against the late King, and for the recovery whereof, the Nations trusties in Parliament engaged themselves and the good People thereof, in a long, expensive, and bloody War, which (by the good hand of God assisting them) ended in the total subduing of their adversaries, and capacitating them to execute exemplary Justice upon the principal and his abettors. Surely, these old Soldiers knowing this to be true, have not so far left their former valour and resolution, as now to give all up unto men far more inconsiderable than the Royal party was. If men should see a company of Boys over their heads, throwing down stones upon them; I know what they would do in such a case. I shall leave the application to the Reader.  
But I hear the Noble Lord Fairfax is chosen for a Parliament-man. Surely, it was not a personal grudge to the House of the Stuarts, nor any particular discontent he had against the ancient Nobility and Gentry of the Nation, that he cut them down in all places where he came; but rather his love to truth and righteousness. Howbeit his silence of late is much wondered at, and his friends do now expect that he will appear (like himself) against the new Court party, and our yesterday Nobility, and Gentry, (so far as in point of honour and conscience he is bound) and make it evident, it was no personal spite against the King and his party that he fought them, but love to his Country.  
Reas. 5. May not we HOPE now, that iniquity shall stop her mouth? The fear of you, and the dread of you, shall be upon every beast of the Earth, Gen. 9.2. Though there may be in some a will and the sire, that the several burdens & grievances of the people should not be taken off, nor any thing done to settle and provide for the safety, settlement, and welfare of the Nation by common consent; Nevertheless, men of public Spirits, and righteous principles, now speaking for the good old cause, and declaring against the exercise of Arbitrary power over the lives, Liberties, and Estates of the people; Now declaring against setting up a particular interest tending to the reviving of the Barons-wars, by a successive contention between two distinct persons and families for the Sovereignty; Now declaring against persons of a degenerate, slavish, and enslaving spirit, encouraging and joining with the old Malignant, and acting and appearing again, directly opposite to those good principles and things formerly established. When these, and such like things shall be spoken, what may be expected then? A fear and dread, what will follow if there should be any contradiction: and no marvel, the  child fears the fire. It is too well known, how deeply some have suffered already for rash engaging themselves for a Court-interest against the just rights of the people.  
Job saith, When he put on righteousness, and broke the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of their teeth; delivered the poor that cried, and caused the widow's heart to sing for joy: The young men hid themselves, and the aged stood up. The Princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth, Job 29. There hath not been of late time, such a time as this is, for righteous Jobs (especially in Parliament) to plead for Justice. For rationally, no man can think (as the case of the Nation stands) that any person will have the forehead to speak (whatsoever he think) against the freedom, safety, and welfare of the Commonwealth; which yet he must do, if he speak for the present abuses and Court-corruptions, for which the Parliament and Army engaged against the late King. Fear not, there shall not a man be able to stand before thee, Josh. 5.1.  
Reas. 6. It is the hope of many (and herein I am not without hope) under that huge heap of chaff, (I mean the Army) there is some good corn; some fire among the abundance of ashes: if so, it will now appear; that is, such among them as still love the Good old cause, speak high for righteous things, and seem to mourn for the great Apostasy of the Army, they will close with the present Parliament, to have Arbitrary power put down, the people's Birthrights restored, and stand no longer with a corrupt interest against equity, Law, and conscience.  
Before the Lord destroyed Sodom, he brought Lot out of it: who knows but by this Parliament the Lord will deliver his chosen one's in the Army from his wrath he means to pour upon the rest? it is no matter though they are few. There is no restraint to the Lord to save by many or by few, 1 Sam. 14.6. I know some can hardly believe, that the Lord will so far honour them, as to employ them in his good old Cause again. But let no man's eye be evil, because God is good; he is wiser than man, and knows better than he what is to be done. Considering therefore what an opportunity is now put into their hands by this Parliament, there is hope, that our Heavenly Father (who is kind to the unkind) is tendering mercy to them as he did to Lot. Besides, there are few in the Army of honest Principles, but do very well know, if the Parliament do not stand to effect good things for the Nation, there will be little safety for them in the Army. For the contest gins now between the two old Interests, the Court or Commons, Roundheads or Cavaliers; no halting shortly between two opinions, but either back again where we were into the House of Bondage, or forward in a free Commonwealth for more Reformation.  
Again. It must needs be matter of grief to many Soldiers, to consider what sad divisions and rents there are among the people of God about them; many tender consciences not being satisfied to have spiritual communion with them, because of their supporting an Arbitrary power. They may say, it is of their weakness in judgement: let it be so, yet they cannot be without deep sense of these divisions (as I hope they are,) and therefore they will look upon this thing as a great Providence, that they shall now come under the Government of the Parliament, to serve their Country honestly, and not the licentiousness of lawless persons any more. And this will greatly tend to union and peace among Christians. And whereas Parliaments of late have been overswayed by Swordmen; yea, often broken to pieces at their pleasure: it is hoped now, that these Army-men (of whom I speak) will prevent all such fear and danger, by giving up themselves to the obedience of the Parliament, and openly declare, that they will stand with them to have the Good old Cause up again, and the undoubted Rights and Liberties of these Nations fixed upon the right foundation of truth and righteousness.  
Reas. 7. When this Parliament shall understand the straits of the Nation, and how many ways the well-affected to our freedom and just rights have suffered; yea, been undone in their persons and estates, contrary to Law and Conscience, and who have been the cause of all this (as we hope they will hear the grievances of the people) it is not to be doubted, but there will be an Earthquake with a witness: Knowest thou not yet, that Egypt is destroyed? Exod. 10.7. as if they should say, The land is wasted, the people impoverished, and that little which is left us, will soon be taken from us, if thou send not away this people. Thus will be the cry of the Nation to the Parliament (if they sit a little while) and they will hear it with both ears: Sirs, Know ye not that England is destroyed? our Merchants break daily, all trade fails us, many families perish; and that little which is left in the land the Court will devour, if it be not dismissed by your wisdom and care.  
There is one thing (and very probably) this Parliament will remember and make use of; it was the great pretence of some, in breaking one Parliament after another, that they did it for TRIAL. And so this last Government was set up, as judged the best and most expedient for public good. The Long Parliament was too slow, and the little Parliament was too quick, and therefore a new Instrument must be devised to save the Nation. Now I hope there is no wrong done to the Tryers, if this Parliament having found by proof and sad experience, that of the three changes the last was the worst, (I say) granting this, if they should (following the others example) lay it aside, and take up something else. Nay more, how can the Parliament (as the people's trusties) be faithful, if they shall find that the better Government was laid aside, and the worse set up, almost to the undoing of the Nation, and yet let it stand?  
It is a Maxim in State, Religious and Civil, When corruptions and abuses do arise, to reduce things to their first institution. Thus Christ in refuting the Pharisees about plurality of wives, mentioneth the first institution of marriage: From the beginning it was not so, Mat. 19.8. So Paul in seeking to redress the disorders in the Church at Corinth about the Lords Supper, sets down the Institution, 1 Cor. 11. and this I hope will be the practice of the Parliament in seeking to reform the many grievances of the Nation, to bring things to the Original; that is, when the Government was changed from Monarchy to a Commonwealth.  
Reas. 8. I never had of late years more hope than now, of a good accord among all the Godly of the House, under what form or name soever, that they will as one man stand up for righteous things. Indeed matters of Religion in former Parliaments have greatly obstructed the settlement of the Nation. A rock under water is perilous: meddling with Religion is the more dangerous, because it is covered over with specious and fair pretences, as if God would not bless Parliaments, unless they begin at the House of God; and here presently they are at a loss about this House of God, what it is, and where it is, there being so many, Lo here, and lo there. But I shall wave this discourse. Whatsoever duty lies upon Parliaments concerning Religion, I am sure as the affairs of the Nation now stand, there is some other thing to be looked after: and if those who are religious, mind it not, it is possible the Cavalier (watching his opportunity) will deprive both Presbyterians, Independents, Anabaptists, etc. of all their Birthright and freedom here in England; and where will they go next for liberty of Conscience?  
There are (as I said before) but two great Interests in the Nation, the Commonwealth and Cavalier; if the Cavalier get it not, there is no fear, but all truly fearing God, will enjoy much love and peace together.  
Our Chronicles tell us, Never had the Saxons and Danes conquered us, had it not been for our own divisions. If we lose our Commonwealth, and with it our Liberties and Lives, and the Cavaliers have it, and from them Charles Stuart (for they play the old game under a new dress) I say, should such a thing be (which God forbidden) it must be by the subtlety of the Enemy causing division among good men, whereby their hands are made weak: but I hope better things, and speak it for this end, As men are godly, so they should be wise.  
Thus I have showed the grounds of my HOPE: what the actings and appearances of God will be for this Parliament, a little time will show. I know few of them; yet this I know, never did the condition of England require men of large parts, of wisdom, integrity, of public and uninterested spirits more than now. I wish therefore there be no Boys for Men; no time-servers, flatterers, light, careless, and vain persons, instead of honest, faithful, vigilant, sober, solid, and wise hearted. Their work is great, in a manner to save poor England, and to bring her off those rocks whereon she is ready to split, into a safe Harbour. With reverence therefore to the phrase, Who is sufficient for these things!  
FINIS.