THE COMPLAINT OF THE BOUTEFEV, Scorched in his own Kindle. OR THE BACKSLIDER Filled with his own Ways:  
In two LETTERS of the Ministers of the PRESBYTERY at CARRICKFERGUS, to the Lord of ARDES, Now in Rebellion in ULSTER, in IRELAND, against the Commonwealth of ENGLAND: WITH HIS ANSWER TO THE FIRST of those LETTERS.  
Together with some Animadversions upon the said LETTERS.  
Published by Authority.  
London, Printed by Matthew Simmons, 1649.   

TWO LETTERS FROM THE PRESBYTERY OF CARRICKFERGUS, to the Lord Ards, and his answer to the first of them.  
Right Honourable,  
THE present strange alteration of affairs, moves us to write our mind freely to your Lordship; especially since (as it appears now clearly) you have been the chief Author of all those calamities: We would first put your Lordship in mind of the hazard you were in, before the Covenant was renewed, and how ye complied with us then, for your own safety, with solemnity and forwardness ye renewed the Covenant; Ye yourself first moved and framed a Declaration in opposition to Malignant courses, and all the present enemies of the cause of God. In the Propositions to be offered to 〈◊〉 King, you agreed that these concerning Religion should be first offered, and if these were not granted, no other should be presented: Your Declaration also bears very large profession, both in general, that ye would do nothing in reference to Religion, without our consent and advice, and that least God should leave you to fall in error, and particularly that ye would acknowledge the King's Demands, when he should give satisfaction in securing Religion, before he were admitted to the exercise of his Royal Power, you all along show yourself ready to subscribe all Orders against Malignants, and so by ample professions, engaged us the more deeply to give credit to your Declarations, and trust your faithfulness: Yet nevertheless your Lordship hath had secret dealing to bring in Malignants, and had correspondence with them, and all this time has been dealing subtly in your heart, professing one thing, and intending another; which has been a most notorious deceit, to ensnare the people of God to advance your most synistrous ends; Who cou●● have believed that your Lordship would have avoided a Commission from the King, when he yet ●●●●●ses as much as his Father, to secure Religion, 〈◊〉 follows wicked counsel, and so avowedly to violate that Article of your Declaration; or that ye would own a wicked association of Irish Papists, and under colour of strengthening, should have betrayed that Garrison of Belfast. We must be faithful in warning your Lordship (though the Lord knows what heaviness it is to us) that the Lord will reward you if you repent not for such a betraying of the faithful servants of God, who would have plucked out their eyes for you, and the Lord will visit your Family with sudden ruin, and irreparable desolation for that you have been so grand an instrument to destroy the work of God here. We exhort your Lordship in the Name of the living God, to whom ye must give an account, in haste to forsake that infamous and ungodly course you are in, and adhere to your former profession, otherways all the calamities that will ensue, will be laid on your score. The Lord himself and all the faithful will set themselves against you, and we will testify of your unfaithfulness to the World so long as the Lord shall give us strength, we shall yet continue to pray for your Lordship's conversion, and shall expect your Answer, remaining.  
Your Lordship's servants in all duty, the Ministry of the Presbytery. At Carrickfergus, June 29. 1649.  
HAD not the strange and treasonable Libel of the Scots Presbytery at Belfast, by them there published, the 15. of Feb. last, prepared that simple people to put on the yoke, who are always ready to be fired by such Boutefeux, and led by those Demagogues from their duty, and their Interest, to their ruin, there had not been at present, that strange alteration of affairs in the Province of Ulster; nor the Ministers of the Presbytery at Carrickfergus (the same men, or some of them who were at Belfast) had been furnished with an occasion to write so freely to his Lordship, and to tell him that he hath been the chief Author (though themselves were the pri●● one's) of all these Calamities: That Libel of theirs against the Parliament of England, the Supreme Authority, under whose protection these Incendiaries lived, hath been Declared against by Parliament, and also examined by a private Pen, and the Treason of it laid out to the World, before these effects were visible to all, though they might then have been foreseen, and were so in the tendency of their cause. They then must needs cry down the Sectaries, that is (as themselves interpret) the Parliament of England) and will determine that the Fundamental Government of England and Ireland is by King and Parliament, and stir up the people, not to departed from it; believing (like clear sighted men) that Charles the second, the hastily proclaimed King of Scotland would most readily embrace, and Cordially maintain their Idol Covenant: Yet he that could see but as fare as a Bat at Noon, may very well judge (though he should only take the ground from the people that are about him) that Cu●●. loves the Covenant, as well as a Scotch Priest loves a Bishop: But their obedient Son Montgomery, the Lord of the Ards, is so well Catechised with that Doctrine of the Classes, that he accepts a Commission from the same Charles the second of Scotland, which he yet conceals; going first, out into Rebellion with the most of his Nation there (if not all) upon the account of the Covenant, to prevent those dangers from the wicked Sectaries, of which he had so zealous and pious warning from his received Ghostly Fathers: Mean while thereby (besides their own Rebellion) giving such a Diversion to those forces of the English Nation in Ulster, as held faithful to their duty, that they were not able to contribute any assistance to Colonel Jones for resistance of Ormond, and Inchiquine, and the rest of the Irish Rebels that now entered Colonel Jones quarters, took in many out Garrisons, and among other, Drogheda, and Besieged Dublin itself, which also had been in great danger to have been lost, had it not been with great prudence and foresight cleared of all suspected Vermin within, and with much Courage, and Gallantry defended against all efforts without, by that worthy Governor Colonel Jones, now Lieutenant General of the Horse in Ireland, who ought to be loved, and honoured of all true English, that would promote the Interest of this Nation. Thus these Sons of Bichri, have blown a Trumpet of Rebellion to all that Kingdom, which themselves (poor men!) now see is not like to establish their blessed Covenant, or their Canonical Presbytery. For whil they had thought their well taught Son of their Kirk, the Lord of Arder had been only in Arms against the Sectaries; He, though a young man, yet was too old for them, he conceals his Commission from C. S. till George Monro with his Brigade of Irish from Ormond was come to Carrickfergus, and then he declares himself, what Authority he was clothed with; and what help the poor Covenant and Presbytery is like to have from him, being Commissioned from him, whose Lieutenant General professes to maintain the Christian Religion in the large Extent, and not under a strict notion of new invented Names, themselves begin to suspect; and George Monro was no Dissembler with them, when they lately at Carrickfergus asked him, whether he would take the Covenant or not. He ●●●●●ed The Devil take the Covenant and you too. These are the sweet effects of that Consisteriall Libel, which yet by accident, and no thanks to them, may in time prove of advantage both to England and Ireland. But no more of that now: It is worth the observing how these Backsliders from their duty, are filled with their own ways. And 'twere good that others of that Tribe would give over their trade of Intermeddling with Civil affairs, for they find that Young men can over reach them.  
'Twere perhaps good that their Brethren of Scotland would for their better information consider what may be their case, if Montrosse should bring but a small strength into the North of Scotland, to join with the malignants there; or if George Mo●r● Having seiled his business in Ulster should transport thither his Irish Brigade, might there not be found, men enough in Scotland to bring things there once again to the condition they were in, before the ●●●tell of Kilsyth (consider it!) And 'tis ten to one, Montrosse hath made so good Obserutaoin of the cause of his misfortune at Phillips-bough that you would never take him in that condition again, deceive not yourselves, you that are the conscientious Presbytery in Scotland (if any such there be) either your Civil or Kirke ruin is inevitable in the way you now go, you may yet establish hath if you will; there is one way, and it cannot be hid from your eyes, but who can help it if you will not see, He had need be a good swimmer that dare embrace a sinking man.  
And perhaps some would say 'twere no bad counsel, if I should advise some of our hyper-poly pragmons, the St. politics of the Pulpit, to meddle only with their proper work, lest they do like their poor silly Brethren at Belfast, raise more such Devils than they can conjure down: If they be up, they will break into their Circle; there is nothing so sacred, which these they plead for will not proph●●●e, Oaths, Covenants, Priests, Pulpits, any thing, take heed you raise not a new War, for if you do, 'twill be most miserable to yourselves.  
So much of the Alteration of affairs, and the cause thereof.  
[We would first put your Lordship in mind of the hazard, etc.] Why do you not speak it once, it may be his Lordship knows no such hazard, and how was it avoided; by renewing the Covenant? That same can admirable Panpharmacon, it cares all diseases infallibly: But what 〈◊〉 was he in danger to lose his Estate in Ireland to the Sectaries, because he was a Religious Presbyterian; I do not hear that any of them have such opinions: Certainly he is in danger to lose it now to the Commonwealth of England for his Rebellion, to which you his Ghostly Fathers instigated him; you tell him of his Declaration, that he would do nothing without your advice, lest God should let him fall into error▪ Pray where learned he, that your advice was like to be so sure a preservative, was it not from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉? (his cautelous Uncle could have taught him better; he hath no such Hyperbolical opinion of you) Are you not ashamed thus obliquely and 〈◊〉 to insinuate your own infallibility? Do you● 〈◊〉 think you have led him sufficiently into error, when you led him into ●●bellion against the Commonwealth of England, he must needs be a wise man that gives up himself to your leading: When the blind leads the blind, you know the event; and this is like to prove a woeful one to you both.  
[Your Lordship hath had secret dealing with Malignants, etc.] And you have openly been so, unless Treason, Rebellion, and to stir up to it, be Anomalous, and excepted from that General rule. And with what face do you tell his Lordship of his dissembling, and subtle dealing, professing one thing, and intending another, to ensnare the people of God to his sinistrous ends; why may not his Lordship do it as well as you, whose whole course is nothing else, but masking under the vizard of the Cause of God, and reformation of Religion; to impose upon all who have the weakness to trust you, while you carry on your own ends. But to your Express, His Lordship were best consider whether there be not something of an Omen in it; perhaps while he pursue the Course you put him into, his END may be SINISTROUS. It seems incredible to you, he would take a Commission from the King, while he refuses as much as his Father, to secure Religion, and follow wicked Counsel. Why may not the King of Scotland follow other men's wicked Counsel, as well as your wicked Counsel; for who shall assure us, you will give him better than you gave the Lord of Ardes, when you put him into Rebellion against the Commonwealth of England.  
But because you talk of securing of Religion, tell us what that same Religion is, that needs to be secured by Kings? was't not that true Religion that once grew and spread in the World, and made a Conquest of the Roman Sword, against all the power of the Empire, set on work by the Devil to oppose and endeavour to root it out: Religion properly so called, can maintain itself without Externall power; 'tis their Religion that calls for defence from the secular Arm, that is not able to defend itself from the appearance of truth, which is great, and will prevail over all Antichristian forms and clouds. But [you will be faithful to his Lordship now] 'tis well you will at last, you should have been so, when you put him into Rebellion. For your denunciation and Prophecy, we will not much contradict it; your Grandsire Caiaphas hit it once, and so did that shadow raised by the Witch of Endor, when he told Saul, that to morrow, he and his Sons should be with him; but if this be his doom for his Rebellion, what will become of you that put him on to it.  
The Lord of Ardes Answer to the Presbytery at Carrickfergus.  
Reverend Friends,  
I Cannot but with unexpressible grief resent the bitter expressions, and ill grounded wrong aspersions you are pleased to cast upon me in your Letter, as if I had secretly brought in Sir George Monroe his party into this Country, and so have been the chief Author of all these present distractions; whereof God, the searcher of hearts is my witness, I am free (notwithstanding of the jealousies raised upon some expressions in that Letter of Sir George Monroe to Sir Robert Stewart which was intercepted) and that among other, many prevalent reasons and motions (too long here to express) induoing at this time, to own his Majesty's Commission. It was not the betraying, but the securing of these Garrisons from Sir George his party; which in our distracted and disjointed condition, for want of Authority, and by reason of the Soldier's affection to their former Officers, were likely to be rendered to him. The Lord he knows, that the preservation of the established Church-government, your peace, the good and quiet of this poor corner, and the advancement of Religion, according to the Covenant (all which by private underminers, to your own knowledge, were in apparent hazard of ruin) are the chief reasons which induces me to this course, of making use of that Authority, as the only mean to secure us, (being so united under command) from the violence of opposers hereunto. It request you therefore, and until my carriage (after that now I am clothed with Authority) may witness whether my intentions and resolutions be not according to my profession, you would be pleased to have more charitable thoughts of me, and rest assured that I am,  
Your affectionate faithful Friend and Servant, MONTGOMERY. Belfast, June 30. 1649.  
THE poor Thunder-stricken Lord answers with the humility that becomes a good Son of the Kirke, he now owns 〈◊〉 his Commission, and thereby confesseth himself guilty of Treason to the Commonwealth of England, but dare not own his juggling with George Monroe, and Sir Robert Stuart, because perhaps that might be Treason against the Presbytery, and Covenant, which may not be forgiven him, neither in this World, nor that to come; neither dares he tell the reasons why he did not declare his Commission till then; nor is it convenient for me to tell them, though they cannot be unknown to him that is acquainted throughly with the state of those affairs: The poor Man hath learned from them to appeal to God too; take heed my Lord, you know who was wont to do so, and the World hath seen that God will not be mocked, nor is an 〈◊〉, but an Omnipotent, and Omniscient God, that judgeth in the Earth, whether the New Rebels of Ulster believe it or not. But now your Lordship is clothed with Authority, we shall see how Georg Menro will give you leave to use it, which the Presbytery have told you in their next Letter, they do not believe will be for the good of Religion, and the Covenant, being Associate with the Enemies of them both, indeed your Lordship is in bad terms with them, and with all men else, you had better been still persevering.  
Right Honourable,  
WE received yours, wherein you with grief resent our bitter expressions, and ill grounded wrong aspersions, (as much as to call them false) which you say we cast upon your Lordship. Truly our expressions flow from the bitterness of grief and sorrow, and not disaffection towards you: You have often known our abundant affections, and endeavour to serve your Lordship in our stations. These which your Lordship calls wrong aspersions, are the words of truth and soberness, Intercepted letters from that party, together with Colonel Conawayes discovery of that which is now clear, w●● many other circumstances of your Lordship's latter carriage, and the exact correspondence between Colonel Monro's motions and yours, does evince the reality of our assertions, as well as his own Letter, which we believe spoke neither affection, nor a conjecture of your Lordship's design, being written to such a close friend. It is a sad jest to your Lordship to tell us that it was the securing of these Garrisons from Colonel George Monroe that moved you to put on that commission; whereas by the conjunction of your Lordship's forces and command, he lies before this Garrison to destroy it. It were a good proof of the reality of your purpose, if ye should with your whole power urge him to remove, which if ye were cordial in, were easy to do. Neither know we how to believe that your Lordship's present course is intended for the good of Religion and the Covenant, when ye are not only associate with the enemies of both, but your commission, as we are informed, subjects you to the immediate commands of the marquis of Ormond, whose infamous and irreligious peace made with the Rebels, may easily tell us what establishment to the Covenant, or Presbyterial government we may expect from his Orders and Authority, his own printed speech to the council of Kilkenny, explains to us his real resolutions concerning Religion, to maintain Christian Religion in the large extent, and not under a strict notion of new invented names, and besides the King yet refusing to secure Religion, how shall you establish it, except ye do very far transgress the limits of your commission: which we believe you desire no man to think. In a word your Lordship hath but reassumed the old quarrel which the Engagers the last year, and before them, James Grahame and the Malignants in England were of old pursuing: Neither we are confident, will it prosper better in your hands nor it did in theirs. The Lord in Justice hath declared his displeasure against that course, & will do so against all them who seek to advance the King against Christ's throne, and even while he refuses to give Christ his due first. We would therefore yet again as lovers of the standing of Christ's Kingdom and of your Lordship's salvation, as the Messengers of God beseech your Lordship before you run a further hazard of the Lords wrath, to leave of that ungodly course, and take better means to effectuate the good of Religion. Remember those who honour God he will honour, and those who despise him, shall be lightly esteemed of: Whereas your Lordship desires our charity towards you; truly as we have ever testified a due respect to yourself and family, we shall yet continue▪ but you have involved your Lordship already so far in the guilt of unfaithfulness to the cause of God and your own subscriptions, that we cannot but testify against the course you are in, and denounce judgement upon your person, family, and all your party, till the Lord persuade your heart to return, which shall be our fervent desire, and shall remain,  
Your Lordship's servants in all dutiful observance, the Ministers of the Presbytery. At Carrickfergus, the 2 of July, 1649.  
TO the reply of the Presbytery, there remains little to say, they here discovered his falsehood, and tell him by whom, and all his humble and calm language gains him nothing of credit with them, they now see, he that could be drawn from his fidelity to the Commonwealth of England, by the Presbytery at 〈◊〉 may also be drawn from them, by the glorious ●●●mises of a pretended King; they will trust him no 〈◊〉 they are inexorable. And so do the Presbytery 〈…〉 deal with those that will not serve their turn 〈…〉 shadow of it here in England, though they want a 〈◊〉- story for the forming those dreadful Thunderbolt, 〈◊〉 they make the Pulpit serve for a shift, to blow the Tr●●pet to Rebellion, and a new War; what would our 〈◊〉 do, if they had the power of the Kirk of Scotland; T●● poor Viscount Montgomery lies under their Prophecies and Fulminations, which may be like 〈◊〉 come upon him, though he should repent his s●ule ●gainst the Covenant.  
And for a close of all, I shall ask them only these Questions. Whether it be not as dangerous for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of men, as for another, to set up themselves against the Throne and Power of the Lord Jesus Christ? And whether it be not a great part of his Kingly office, to rule in the understandings, and consciences of Men? Whether the true light that lighteneth every one who cometh into the World, may not give out that light in what ●●●ner and measure, and by what means he pleaseth? And whether they do not usurp his Throne, that seek to oppose those beams, or limit and present the 〈◊〉  
And whether the Presbytery be not every where more employed in this work, then is for their safety, if the wrath of the Lamb be kindled?  
FINIS.