THE VOICE OF THE Iron ROD, To his Highness The Lord PROTECTOR: BEING A seasonable Admonition presented to him, and to all Judicious men:  
By Arise Evans.  Mica. 6.9. The Lord's voice crieth unto the City, and the man of wisdom shall see my Name. Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it. 
London, Printed for the Author. 1655.   

To the most discreet and valorous people of Englan●, both Soldiers and others: ARISE EVANS wisheth you grace, peace, truth & glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.  
BEleved, the good effects that my Books which I wrote from tim● to time had taken upon his Highness the Lord Protector, and upon his party, hath always been crossed by such Plotters as have sought the life of his Highness, & to involve the Kingdom in blood again: the Plotters foolishly thinking, that God is well pleased with blood, and that it is impossible for the King and his Highness to agree and come to be in mutual love and peace again. And this I speak, because I find the too too sad consequence of the late Plot, that hath altered the good affection of his Highness, & of others that are about him, that was wrought on them by God's blessing on my book called The Voice of Michael the Archangel, and those motions for peace which besides I propounded then to them by word of mouth, tending to union between the King & his Highness. And these motives about three months ago, when I was there, were well resented. Upon which reception, I wrote something accordingly, to show that I found those motives good effect. Which conception of mine, (to the honour of the true, peaceable, loyal affections of his Highness and of his party, shall be discovered hereafter, if God permit. But now having a further discovery to show his Highness, even that which he should speedily do, to prevent an ensuing evil, I wrote and went to the Court, not doubting but that my way to his Highness was as passable as before: yet coming there, I found no passage, by reason the unsavouriness of the late Plot was so heinous among them, that all we now which mention their peace with Charles the second, are counted their adversaries; though haply his Highness is of anether mind. Nor because I was not admitted, am I persuaded that his Highness is unwilling to hear me in a matter of so great concernment; but I look upon it as the fancy of the others that kept me from him. Therefore blame me not (being debarred from him) for printing it, that it may come to his hand. And though you do blame me, I had rather suffer, then that his Highness should be ignorant of God's mind showed in the foresaid Writing; which is as followeth.   

To his Highness OLIVER CROMWELL, Lord Protector of Great Britain and Ireland: The humble Service of Arise Evans presented to your most serious consideration, in these lines following.  
My Lord,  
A Month ago I should have come to your Highness, but I was loath to be troublesome: for than I had a Vision to charge you not to seek the welfare of these Sectaries, whose spirits are fired to do evil, and to bring evil upon themselves and you. And now after that, I had a Vision which shown that the King was come in to you upon an agreement, and that all the haters of the Lord were to be destroyed. I had also a kind of a Vision in the Chapel on the Lord's day, Feb. 18. 1654. when the man preached upon 2 Chron. 15.2. who at length, as he mentioned the Rod of iron, I held up my Cane; and I believe you took notice of me: for you removed upon it, and sat back, so that I could not see you. And there stood before me a young man with his sword g●ded upon his thigh, much resembling the King, Charles Stuart, to my thinking; who then asked me what is the text. And I answered, putting my hand upon the hilt of his sword, saying, The Lord is with you, while you be with him. And upon that, a portly ancient man which was next to him, fell down flat as a dead man: and he took him up in his arms, and the man was revived again: and most in the Chapel saw the man fall, and taken up again, but few saw me hold forth my cane: nor could any that saw it, gather any thing from it, except yourself, it was so softly and civilly done: and I had not thought much of it, had not God providentially completed the Vision, by those actions in them two strange men; what they were, I know not.  
Now all that I thought by holding out my Cane toward you, upon the Preacher's mentioning the Rod of Iron, was to put you in m●nde of what I had formerly delivered unto you touching the bringing in of King Charles, and settling the Church-Government: but God gave you a further testimony of his will, by his providential actions in those two men, as a sign to confirm what I had said. For the man that had the sword, and resembled the King, signifieth that the King will come in. And the man which fell, signifieth your now tottering falling condition, and that the King is he that shall raise you up again. Let none despise these signs▪ for that sign of Abraham's servant, by some would now be rejected as an accident, or as a fancy, Gen. 24.13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Neither would they count the sign on Gedeon's fleece but an accident, though Gedeon grounded so high a design upon it, that he went out against the Midianites upon that score, Judg. 6.36, 37, 38, 39, 40. And wherefore are these things written, but that sometimes we should use the like means, as occasion serves? For Gedeon then had the Scripture to direct him, and an Angel was sent to him, Judg. 6.11, 12. yet notwithstanding the sign confirms him at last, and then he goeth on his way. My Lord, mistake me not: I do not say that this was a sign as gedeon's sign was, of man's choosing, to resolve his doubts; but I say, This sign or vision was given of God alone, to show the things to come. And the Church desireth to see such signs of deliverance, Psal. 74.7, 8, 9, 10. Of such signs our Saviour speaks; Luke 21.25, 26. Acts 2.19, 20. gedeon's sign was a plain thing; but this sign or vision is matter of judgement, much like that of Belshazzar, Dan. 5 7. which needed an Interpreter: therefore, my Lord, lay it the more seriously to heart.  
And, my Lord, know also, that Church-government is the foundation of all Governments; so that neither the Civil nor the Military Government can possibly stand without it: for by Church-government men are brought to be of one mind, and of one spirit, to unity and peace. So that it, and none else, is the Government of Christ; and he that wants it, (except he keep the Scripture from them) shall not be able to rule his people. You may as well think to make a rope of the driest sand, which when you take a handful of it, do what you can, it will slip thorough your fingers, as think to rule this Nation without a straight Church-government, even such a Government as your Army hath; and that duly and diligently it be executed upon offenders.  
But you will say, There was no such Government in the Apostles time: I answer, No; for they were but as men that beat for Volunteers, and that list men to go into a strange Island; which cannot prescribe absolute Laws for them whilst they remain in their own native Land: but when they are come to the intended Island, than they have Laws given them, which if they transgress, they must suffer accordingly, though it be to the death.  
Or, to speak more plainly, in your own Military language, the Apostles were as men when at first they are raising an Army, who put their Soldiers immediately in Companies under some inferior Officers, and there they let them rest a while; yet it is then intended, that the Soldiers shall not remain so always, but the intent is, that there shall be a General in chief over them, besides Colonels and Majors, and a complete Government among them. So likewise when the Church at first by the Apostles were in gathering, and put under such Government as then (being persecuted) they best could do, they doubtless then intended for it a Government that should be complete, even such a Government as we had, not long since, here in England. Therefore stand for Church government, and for Charles Stuart, or else you cannot stand: proclaim him speedily, lest some Parliament-men do it before you, and then you be undone: for that party which proclaims the King now, shall increase like a snowball; and, I tear, all that you can do, shall not be able to dissolve it.  
My Lord, the people generally look upon you now, as one that can show no colour for your Authority to rule them: for since the last Parliament disowned you, (whom we looked upon as honest men) all do disown you; and the most judicious say, that nothing will bring you into favour with them again, but your speedy restoring of the Church and King.  
Oh do not let your adversaries prevail against you through your neglect. You know Samson slept so long upon Dalilah's knees, until his locks were cut off, that when he, poor man, awaked, and thought to go out and prevail as at other times, alas, he was soon overcome, and had his eyes put out, and was put to grind in a mill, like as if he had been a foundered blind horse, Judg. 16. 19, 20, 21. So these Colonels dally with you, but in the mean time they cut off your locks in the Army; and they know already, that they have more of the Army on their side, than you have, besides their furious party abroad; else would they not be so bold with you as they are. They say, Treason never prospers; and why? because if it prosper, none dare call it Treason: Therefore, what is Law to day, may be Treason to morrow. I know there is no truth among the Sectaries, but that of the Anabaptist, which did all: for rebaptising is a truth, as I shall make it appear by Scripture, by Reason, by ancient Records, and by Saint Augustine's own confession: but their denial of Infant's baptism by their Sureties, is an error, as I have and shall make it appear with as full proof, at large. Therefore the Cause (as we call it) is a controversy which God had with his people for their sins, Mic. 6.2. and though he gave them into your hands for a time, do not you go, as the Heathen did go beyond their Commission in afflicting God's people. Zech. 1.15, 16.  
My Lord, to deal plainly with you; do you think that the people are so abased now through the fear of you, that they will maintain your 30000 men, besides the great Navy, and a great Court for you, at their own cost and charges? whereas they know, that by their exchanging you for King Charles, they shall be freed from all that cost and charge; (judge with reason; is it wisdom for you to think so?) for then the King's Revenues and Church-Revenues running in their own channel again, will make the people as free from Taxes as they were before these Troubles began. And many that have bought of the King and Bishop's Lands, to my knowledge, are so honest, wishing it were come to that pass, though they should lose their money by it.  
My Lord, I have been told by discreet men of all parts in England, which are no enemies to you, and therefore they bid me tell you, that they perceive there will be a sudden general Rasing against you, at one day and hour, in all the Counties of England: and by Visions also and Scripture it is confirmed to me, that it will be so, if you do not prevent it, by the speedy proclaiming of Charles Stuart. It is true, Jeremiah was favourably used by Zedekiah, (and so was I by you) therefore Jeremiah shown him the way how to save himself, his City and family; and he seemed to be well pleased with it: but notwithstanding, Zedekiah went in his own way to do it, and you see what became of him, and of his City and Family, Jer. 38. & Jer. 39 and I beseech you consider, that if the Country will not pay the Assessments, as I hear many say they will not, because you had no power, say they, from the last Parliament to raise money: I say, If they will not rate it, how can you raise it in equity? And if you want money, what will become of you? The late King lost all upon that score, going to raise Ship-money without consent of Parliament. Take heed what you do: for I believe your Soldiers consider all these things, as well as others, and that though for the present they obey you, to see what you will do; yet they will not serve you to keep their native Country in such bondage. Therefore trust not to them upon such an account; but do righteous things, and then they will gladly follow you.  
My Lord, you are designed for higher things, then to live so dishonourably at Whitehall, as to, be counted a Tyrant, and the very enemy of your native Country. My Lord, you are to look higher than on such a low contemptible way of living: you are to do the work of God, for which you were designed and called; and you are to have the dominion (though not for yourself) over the chiefest City in the world, afore it be long, as I told you in my former books. And wherefore was Darius his age ●et down, Dan 5. 31. but that you might know when it shall be? your own age will tell you that; keep it secret. Come not short in these virtues of a Heathen Captain, Alexander the Great, who did excellent things for his own vainglory; but do you the like to the glory of God▪ therefore you must exceed him in such godly virtues, which he by nature did the things contained in the Law, as Saint Paul saith, Rom. 2. 13, 41, 15, 16. Three things which I have heard of Alexander, are most excellent and remarkable Christian virtues, in which you ought to follow him.  
First, Alexander going out against a mighty King who fought stoutly, yet being overcome at last, he was brought before Alexander, who asked the King what he would have him do to him. Said he, I would have you use me like o King. Whereupon, Alexander being taken with the valour and worthiness of the person, he gives him his own Kingdom again, & two other great Kingdoms besides. My Lord, here is a fair precedent for you, that have seen at Worcester the valour and gallantry of King Charles. Do you also the like unto him: and if ye do it, be sure you will have Kingdoms enough ere long be, at your pleasure, as Alexander had: for God loveth such noble actions, and giveth riches to such as can part with them freely, and are valorous.  
Secondly, Alexander being in his glory, a poor man, named Puplius, who had been an old acquaintance of his, came to see him: and he being glad to see him, that he might do something for him, he gives him a great City. Alas, said the poor man, this is too great a gift for Puplius to receive. Alexander replied, Though it be too great for Puplius to receive, it is not too great for Alexander to give. Here is a gallant mind, my Lord; imitate him therein: for this is according to the rules of Christianity in the highest degree, Luk. 6. 30, 38. And who is more worthy of the world than he that is liberal? As the Prophet saith, The liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand, and be established, Isai. 32.8.  
Thirdly, Alexander, when he had conquered the world, sat down and wept. His friends asked him wherefore he wept. Said he, Because I have conquered the world, and now there is no more worlds for me to conquer. Here is a gallant heroic mind! What and if this man had been a true Christian? surely he would not have rested, until he had brought all the world under the Sceptre of Jesus Christ. And will you now leave the work of God, for to enjoy vanities and unrighteous mammon for a moment? Jonah 2.8. Luke 16.9. Your Sword hath been ever victorious; not that there was much need for you here, but that here you might have experience of God's presence with you, and that ye might know that he hath raised you up to conquer the world, and to bring it under his Sceptre.  
My Lord, it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgement. Heb. 9 27. Death cometh upon all; we are mortal; and our lives now (though Sectaries think not so) are bound up in yours. Therefore I beseech you, consider, if God should take you away, what confusion and cutting of throats would be among parties in this Nation, who then will not acknowledge what your Council do. And therefore, I beseech you again, make your peace speedily with the King; and to end all controversy, proclaim him, and so secure yourself and all peaceable men. Which if you do, you will please God by it, and gain the highest repute as can be in the world, who cannot but look upon it as the highest act of Godliness and Nobility in you, as can be in man.  
If you think I can do you any service, I am ready for you. However, I shall do what I can for you: and the Lord give a blessing to it. Amen.  
Arise Evans. Blackfriers in Long-Alley, Feb. 22. 1654.  
The Postscript.  
Beloved,  
IT is not easy for a tenderhearted man, to hear the voice of innocent blood continually sounding in his Ears, and to see the Poor oppressed by the Mighty. Therefore being troubled with these things, and having abundance of revelations and visions of late, by which God shown me that now he was arising in all the Counties of England, to execute judgement for the Oppressed: I could not rest till I had wrote them as above said, that his Highness might see them; who, the last time that I was with him, when I gave him thanks for the liberty that I had to ease my troubled spirit, that foresaw these things, bade me write again, and let nothing trouble me. Wheresore I had reason, for that cause, to let him see them in the first place. And again, I had reason to let him see them, in regard he is most concerned in them. But with all that I could do, by waiting a whole week at Court, I had no admittance to him, neither could I have a perfect answer from one of his chief Gentlemen that attends him, which received my Writings, what was become of them; so that I by no means could have them again. Now if these Writings be gone forth, and divulged abroad, it is not only a wrong to his Highness, but also to me; though the Gentleman that received them of me, might be ignorant of the consequence following; for a man's enemies many times are of his own house. So that if he shown them to some private enemy to his Highness, he did not well. And intentively to prevent the mischief that may ensue, I do print them now: That again, while there is hope, his Highness may know how to save the blood of this Nation. which if not, I am free from their blood, and from the blood of all men. Let it fall upon the heads of them that will not ohey the truth manifested.  
Arise Evans.  
FINIS.