A BEAM OF LIGHT, SHINING In the midst of much Darkness and Confusion: Being( With the Benefit of Retrospection) An ESSAY toward the stating( and fixing upon its true and proper Basis) The Best Cause under Heaven: VIZ.  
The Cause of God, of Christ, of his People, of the whole Creation, that groans and waits for the manifestation of the Sons of God.  
By CHR. FEAKE, Preacher of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.  The Light shineth in Darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not, Joh. 1.5. Unto the upright, there ariseth Light in the Darkness, Psal. 112.4. 
LONDON, Printed, by J. C. for Livewell Chapman, at the Crown in Popes-head Alley. 1659.   

THE PREFACE, TO All the Children of Light, who are not yet so wise in their Generation, as are the Children of this World. Grace, Mercy, and Peace, &c.  
AS the Light of the Day dispels the Darkness of the Night; so the day of Truth and Wisdom, returning upon the world, beings to chase away before its face, the Night of falsehood and folly.  
The Dragon, the Beast, the false Prophet, the Mother of Harlots, the Kings of the Earth, who commit Fornication with her, have had a long time to act their part upon the face of the earth: but their time, and their Domination are both Bounded, and must ere long expire.  
The Lion of Judah's Tribe, the Lamb of God, ( that takes away the sins of the world) the True Prophet, sent from God; the Bride, the Lambs wife; The Kings and the Priests which are to reign upon the Earth, will take their opportunity to supplant the supplanters, and put them all out of possession: behold, it will shortly come to pass. Amen. hallelujah.  
For the Lord is returning to visit and Redeem his people. 
Luk. 1.68, 69.  He is raising up an Horn of salvation for us, in the house of his servant David, &c. Now though these good words and these comfortable words were primarily intended for the Jews, that waited for the Messiah; yet we Gentiles may pled for a portion also: 
Rom. 3.29.  for, is the Lord the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? yes, of the Gentiles also. 
15.12.  As it is written, There shall be a Root of Jesse, and He that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in him shall the Gentiles trust. And again, he saith, rejoice ye Gentiles with his people.  
We, who dwell afar off from Judea, in these Islands of the Sea, have seen, in our Daies, very strange and extraordinary Mutations and shakings, as if the old Heaven and Earth were giving place to the new Heavens, 
2 Pet. 3.13.  and to the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. But suddenly, a sentence of Death seems to be passed upon all our hopes, by a violent Hurry back again towards our House of Bondage. In which Hericane, many professors, both Ministers and people, have made shipwrak of Faith and of a good Conscience. The true Disciples have obtained a check upon the winds and the seas, and there begins to be a great calm. In this happy interval, some of us desire, before the next storm ariseth, to be searching out those rich commodities, which in the late tempest were almost heaved overboard, and to be securing them in a place of safety.  
That which maketh manifest, is Light: And therefore, in our search after the Glorious Cause pleaded in these Nations, it was judged necessary to bring Matters of Fact into public view, in order to a distinct understanding of that particular Interest which God himself hath owned and pleaded over and over, upon his British Stage.  
It's hoped, that what is written, may be somewhat useful in such an hour as this is. Some, it may be, will take offence; but blessed is he that is not offended at the Prince of Princes, nor with his Cause. 
The Army cannot recall their words.  The Word is passed out of the Armies Mouth, it cannot be recalled.  
There are a People, resolved to improve their Declarations, which they themselves, for ought appears, have no heart to improve or promote for the present; the language of their late papers, being as a Barbarian to their Papers nine or ten years since.  
Some other passages, it may be, will be looked upon, as not so sober and so serious, as they ought to have been: but to deal ingenuously, we must needs say, that the Ridiculousness of the spirit of High Presbytery, 
The Spirit of High Presbytery very ridiculous.  was such, at some certain times and seasons, as that we could not, but laugh it to scorn, even as before the Lord: for, was it a Time, when the promised Liberty of the Sons of God was coming forth in power and great glory, for our equals to design a Superintendency over us, more strict and rigid, then that of the late Episcopacy? No, no, we could lawfully laugh at that folly: they expected to have been the Domineering Prelates Heirs and Successors, and so to have reigned in their stead, as Lords over Gods Heritage: but stay, Sirs, 
1 Pet. 6.3.  that must not be: Lordly Prelacy was not thrown out of the saddle, that High Presbytery might be mounted like a Knight with his gilded spurs. The Honest Sectaries could not dream of becoming so tame a Beast, as to be ridden and spurred by their fellow-sufferers: we could tell them,( with good reason too) No more Sectaries then themselves. But, as for those Brethren of the Classical-way, who are of a modest, sober spirit, and who live in true Self-denial and tenderness of Conscience, ( being altogether unquainted with the workings of a pert, imposing Disposition) We are one with them in the Centre and Root of Brotherly Love. And, if Misunderstandings could be removed, are ready to live and die with them for the Lords sake, and his Cause sake, &c.  
The reason of mentioning the Meeting of some Sectaries at Alhallows and Blackfryers, in the time of the Armies Declination; is, because there was, in those Assemblies, kept up and maintained a public Testimony to that very Cause which they had declared for, and afterward turned their back upon: and we are persuaded, it was of great use to the faithful Remnant, who had escaped the corruptions which were in the world through lust, and did love the Lord Jesus Christ and his Cause, in sincerity.  
One principal Reason of penning the ensuing Treatise, was the great silence in that noble and notable cause contended for; little or no mention being made, in any of those many Papers which have passed through City and country of late daies, concerning it; and therefore it was agreed among us, that something for the Name and Interest of the Approaching King of Saints, should be published to the world.  
It's more then probable, 
Gal. 4.13, 14.  that as Paul preached the Gospel to the Galatians through the infirmity of the flesh, so we shall be found to pled this Cause, with much of human frailty intermingled: but as they did not despise his temptation which was in his Flesh, because of the excellency of the message which he brought; so it is to he hoped, that for the Cause sake, which is in itself so very glorious, the children of the Free-woman, will over look and wink at, those Imperfections and Impertinencies which may be found in the Instrument that serves the providence of God in this matter. However, all is submitted to the deliberate Judgement of him that is spiritual, who being of perfect age, hath by reason of use, his senses exercised to discern both good and evil. And the Lord do with us, and with this Essay, as seemeth good in his own eyes.  
London, 20. 3. m. 1659. Signed in the Name, and on the behalf of a little Remnant of the Lords People, CHR. FEAKE.   

THe Author and the Printer are very unwilling the Reader should be hindered by any faults or mistakes that usually and unavoidably do occur in all Books that pass the Press: Wherefore it is desired, the Amendments following may be observed and inserted, as is directed.  
page. 8. line 30. for proceeding, red proceedings. pag. 19. l. 1. &c. red Model. p. 20. l. 16. for of Wales, red in Wales p. 31. l. 5. for mens, red men. p. 31. in the Margin, last line save one, for them, red that. The intelligent Reader will observe the Points, and every defective Parenthesis, as he meets with them.   

A BEAM of LIGHT Shining in the Midst of Much Darkness and Confusion: Being,( With the Benefit of Retrospection) An ESSAY toward the stating( and fixing upon its true and proper Basis) the Best Cause under Heaven.  

SECT. I. A Preface or Introduction, toward the stating of the Cause; the low condition of the Puritans, a little before the Troubles in Scotland; the Insolency of the persecuting Party in Church and State; the Short Parliament, April the 13. 1640. Long Parliament, Novemb. 3. 1640.  
ALthough we are most unworthy of so rich a mercy; yet having found favour in the eyes of our Dear Lord Jesus, to be kept( even by himself) from this hour of temptation which is come upon all the world, 
Rev. 3.10. The Lord Jesus is wont to keep them in all ages, that keep the word of His Patience.  to try them that dwell upon the Earth: we cannot be altogether silent in such a time as this; but desiring to come forth, in the Name and fear of the Lord, to pled that public Cause, which by the Army, and their late General, was once frequently dignified with the title of Honourable, Blessed, and Glorious; we do hope for some measure of Divine Assistance in our stating, asserting, and pleading for it, as the most noble and excellent Cause, extant in the world at this day: for it is worthy of no less Appellation, then the Cause of God, of Christ, of his People, and of the enslaved groaning Creatures, 
Rom. 8.19.  waiting for the manifestation of the Sons of God.  
And, that we may, with best advantage to that Cause, bring forth what the Lord hath been giving in unto us from year to year, 
Retrospection and consideration, very useful toward the stating of the Good old Cause.  from Revolution to Revolution, we must( in the Spirit of our minds) look back and consider the wonderful things which have been done under the Sun, in the sight of this and the neighbour-Nations, this last twenty years, or thereabouts. And for our encouragement herein, 
Psal. 111.2.  we are  told in a certain place, that the WORKS OF THE LORD are GREAT, sought out of all those that have pleasure therein: and again, he saith, HIS WORKS ARE HONOURABLE AND GLORIOUS, He hath made his WONDERFUL WORKS to be remembered: and again, He hath shewed his people the POWER OF HIS WORKS, that he may give them the Heritage of the Heathen. Wherefore, let all the Children of the Free-woman, who, by reason of use, have had their senses exercised, in observing those Things which have come to pass in these daies, Call to mind that state of bondage and oppression, 
Bondage and oppression very heavy at the beginning of the Scotish War.  under which the Lords Remnant groaned in the year 1640. crying mightily unto their God for a glorious full Redemption: which sad Condition of the true spiritual Church of Jesus Christ, termed( by the Court, the Prelates and their party,) Puritans, Sectaries, schismatics, and Brownists, is set forth fully, though briefly, by the under-Officers and Souldiers of the English Army, 
Declarat. of Muscleb. Aug. 1. 1650.  in their Answer to the Scotish Papers; to which we refer the Reader, as to a very choice piece, for his better Information. Indeed, 
Earnest & uncessant Prayer made by the true spiritual seed, for Deliverance.  most earnest and uncessant prayers were made unto the Lord, for Deliverance from under that Antichristian tyranny and persecution, which was then managed with a very high hand, and very presumptuously, by the late King and his Prelates( particularly by Laud and Wren) by Pillories, scourgings, imprisonments, &c. while jesuits, Priests, Drunken debauched Parsons, 
This is a known Truth.  Vicars and Curates, were connived at, tolerated, yea countenanced at a very high rate.  
It is of very great concernment also, to call to mind the lively and courageous Spirit that this persecuted and reproached people were filled withall, in believing, 
A sparkling Spirit of cheerfulness,( through Faith) a little before Deliverance.  notwithstanding all the endeavours used by their proud and potent Adversaries, to weary them out, and to rid the land of them, if it had been possible.  
And, 
The first stirring of the best Scots, increased the Saints hopes in England.  when the best Ministers and people in Scocland, did suddenly betake themselves to Arms, upon occasion of the new Service-Book and Prelacy, imposed upon them, from the King and his Lord Bishops in England; oh how did the faithful Remnant here, begin to look up, and to lift up their heads, 
Luk. 21.8.  with hope that their Redemption was drawing very near!  
And therefore, 
The Convocation House sit after the Parliament is dissolved: this was murmured at by all well-affected people.  although the King permitted the Convocation-house( after the short Parliament was Dissolved by him in 1640.) to sit and make new Canons; and amongst others, the Oath &c. with an intent thereby to engage all leading men in the Nation, never to endeavour, or give their consent, directly, or indirectly, for the abolishing of Episcopacy, 
Episcopacy begins to stink in all mens nostrils,( except interested men).  and its train of Archdeacons, Deans and Chapters, Rural Deans, &c. Nevertheless, they were so far from obtaining their end in the establishment of their Prelatical Government and power; as that now the generality of the vulgar people began to abhor them and their Domination; 
The vulgar people begin to show rage against the proud Lord Bishops.  yea, the very rude Souldiers, which were levied by the King and the Bishops, to settle their Power and Service-Book in Scotland; fell foul upon their high Altars, and affronted the Pontifical Clergy, 
The rude Souldiers also.  in many places, as they marched towards their Rendezvous; which still wonderfully rejoiced the Puritans, 
The praying Puritans rejoice.  Brownists, and Sectaries, as they were still called by the Prelates and their Abettors.  
We who do well know and remember these things, 
Bless the Lord for such a day.  do declare to the Glory of our God, at this day, that our hearts and spirits were unspeakably refreshed and comforted, in the observations of the footsteps of his Providence, towards his own people, and against his and their enraged Adversaries, the hour of whose visitation( and utter dissolution) did make more then ordinary hast upon them. For, 
The Bishops going about to remedy these mischiefs threatening their Kingdom, are confounded in all their Counsels.  notwithstanding all the politic plotting and combinations of the Court-party, and the prelates,( who were professed States-men, and ruled the Nation under their Master, by a most Arbitrary power, managed by a most insolent and imperious spirit, intending to suppress the Puritans, and indeed all others that were engaged for the public good in all the Kings Dominions): The Lord so ordered it, that they were confounded in all their Counsels; and the King their Master, compelled to call another Parliament, about the space of six moneths after he had so hastily dissolved that before mentioned. Which, 
The Long Parliament is called about half a year after the other was dissolved  because they could not be legally dissolved without their own consent, and continuing their Sessions above 12. years,( the Lord having much work to do by them as Instruments in his hand) are for Distinction sake from others, still called the LONG PARLIAMENT.  
This Assembly, being thus called together, in such a juncture of Affairs, 
Not such a time for Armies and high spirits since Q. Maries time, that I can call to mind.  as the like had not been( in several respects) in an hundred years before; were surrounded with very great difficulties, at their first sitting down, the 3. Novemb. 1640.  
The Kirk and Kingdom of Scotland in high discontent with the King and the English Bishops, because of the late violent Proceedings against them.  
A great Scotish Army to be paid off; a chargeable English Army to be paid and disbanded, which quartered in the Northern parts of England.  
The proud Prelates both of England and Scotland full of the desperate spirit of revenge for the Affronts put upon them every where; bearing themselves high and bold upon the Authority of the King. 
The Earl of Strafford a great support to Monarchy and Prelacy.  Dangerous Counsels and preparations in Ireland, under the Government of the Earl of Strafford, a great Assertor of Arbitrary power, and subverter of those laws which were the Subjects Buckler and bulwark against Tyranny and oppression; partly by his power, as Lord Deputy of Ireland; partly by his policy, being a Privy counselor. Nevertheless the better part of the House of Commons, with some few in the House of Peers, 
The Long Parliament have a glorious Anointing upon them.  having an Anointing upon them from the Lord, and courageously encountering, in the power of that Anointing, with all these, and many other Difficulties, judged almost insuperable, they overcame them all at length, to the amazement of their friends and foes in all parts.   

SECT. II. A brief Account of those principal good Acts of Justice, Equity, and Mercy, whereby the Long Parliament did arrive to a very great height of reputation among all sorts of well-affected people, from their first sitting down, to the beginning of the bloody Conflict betwixt them and the late King; worthy to be recorded at large, in an Accurate History, to future Ages.  
FIrst, their proclaiming Liberty to the Captives and Exiles; their opening of the prison-doors to their suffering countrymen, who had been, by the prelates, and their Faction at Court, pillored, 
Mr. Burton, Mr. Prynne, Doctor Bastwick, John Lilburn, released and discharged with wonderful acclamations of Joy from all lovers of Justice.  stigmatized, scourged, imprisoned, banished, reproached, and otherwise oppressed, contrary unto the righteous Laws of God, and of the Land; principally, for their Faithful testimony, against the superstitious Innovations of the Lord Bishops: which Act of the Parliament, was resented and acknowledged with the highest satisfaction, and Acclamation of the best people of the Land, that could be well imagined.  
Secondly, Their Impeachment of some principal Ministers of State, 
Strafford, Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, and others. ( who were the chief Instruments of Tyranny and oppression) as guilty of high Treason; whom accordingly they prosecuted with a most noble Spirit of courage and high resolution; until they brought them to condign punishment, for their Treasons, and other high crimes and misdemeanours, in the open sight of all men.  
Thirdly, their owning, countenancing, and encouraging, those Non-conformists, 
Godly Ministers come out of their corners where they had been hide; and look Episcopacy in the face without fear.  both Ministers and People, who during the Reign of King James, and of King Charles, had been silenced, degraded, deprived, persecuted, and otherwise abused by the prelates.  
It would have done a good mans heart good indeed, to have seen Ancient Preachers, and other Christians, appear in public, without danger, after so many years obscuring themselves from the knowledge of men, because of the rage of the prelates and their pursuivants, watching always an opportunity to catch and crush them; who now, were instrumental several ways, to undermine the prelates and their rabble of Romish Ceremonies, and that publicly, and to purpose.  
Fourthly, Their setting a sharp edge upon those Laws, which had been made against Priests, jesuits, and other Romish Recusants; who by means of the Queens, 
Papists afraid.  Lauds, Cottingtons, and Secretary Windebanks Interest, were grown very insolent and daring, in this Nation; but now began to hid their heads.  
Fifthly, Their Damning that illegal Imposition of shipmoney, 
shipmoney drowned.  and relieving such worthy Patriots as were imprisoned, and otherwise abused for refusing to submit to that Arbitrary Tax. Questioning and punishing those Judges also, 
Corrupt Judges impeached.  who, by their suffrage, had strengthened the hands of the King, and of his council, in these and other ways of unrighteous usurpation.  
Sixthly, Their suppressing, and utterly destroying those Arbitrary oppressive Courts, 
High Commission Court, Star-Chamber, new Canons, and other Innovations dissolved and destroyed.  oaths, Superstitious Customs, Canons, and Constitutions Ecclesiastical; which were a snare, and a wonderful terror to the good and free People of the Nation, every where.  
Seventhly, Their turning the Lords Spiritual out of doors, from the House of Peers, namely, the Lords Archbishops, 
prelates sent packing out of doors, with their Rochets and Tippets.  and Lords Bishops, who were bold enough,( even to impudence) on the behalf of their own Prelatical Interest; but great obstructors of any motions for the relief of the poor Puritans, oppressed by their Hierarchy: which disgraceful expulsion, they pulled upon themselves, by their presumptuous Protestations against all proceeding that should pass in their absence; pretending they were affrighted by the Londoners coming to Westminster, to call for Justice upon those who were Traitors to the true Interest of the good People.  
These, and many other memorable Actions thus managed, by this generous and heroic Spirit, 
The Court-party, and Pontifical Clergy enraged to find their usurpations opposed by their Temporal and Ecclesiastical subjects. ( which then appeared to animate and Actuate the House of Commons) did put the King, the Queen, the Papists, the prelates, the Hectors of the Court, and other sons of Belial, into outrageous Passions of vexation of spirit, wrath, revenge, and great hatred; resolving, if it were possible, to put a Check upon that popular Spirit, for the security of his Monarchical Prerogative, against this threatened Inundation: which purpose of his, was brought to light, 
The Five Members in great danger to be surprised.  by that first extravagant march of his, into the House of Commons, with armed Cavaliers at his heels, to lay violent hands upon some of their number, ere they were a ware: from which signal Circumstance, 
Manifest symptoms of the Dissolution of the Government.  the most intelligent By-standers did rationally conclude, that a very high and sharp contest, betwixt the King and the Parliament, was even at the door.   

SECT. III. The King and Parliament disagree about Breach of privileges, in the case of the Five Members. The Londoners own the Parliament, against the King in that matter. The face of a Civil War. The Cause is stated. Armies raised. A Scotch Army brought in upon the Account of a Solemn League. Some godly persons scruple the taking of it. This kindles a fire in the Parliaments Quarters. Their Cause brought low. Prayer made in these streights by an hidden People.  
THe Five Members being sheltered in the City of London, 
The Five Members sheltered and secured in the City, against the King.  out of the Kings reach, and after a few daies, put into their places by strong hand, in contradiction to the King, and that his desperate Design; 
Brought in triumph to the Parliament, in Affront to all the Kings Power.  He discerned an impossibility to destroy them, by any assistance near at hand: Whereupon, forsaking White-hall, and passing by degrees to the City of York, did by and by, betake himself to Arms: Whereupon, it came to pass, 
He being thus bearded by his subjects, makes hast in fear from Whitehall.  that a most expensive, bloody War was Commenced and violently carried on, betwixt the King and Parliament, for divers years; which occasioned a stating of the Cause on both Hands; 
War commenced, the Cause stated on both sides.  Both Parties endeavouring to insinuate and infuse into the People of the Nation, the Justice of their Cause, each of them according to their proper Interest.  
The Parliament, stating their Cause with reference to the true Interest of the people, did so express themselves, as that we understood their full purpose was, to recover and secure the Just Liberty, safety and happiness of the well-affected of the Nation: So, as that they might not be swallowed up in the Gulf of Monarchical Prerogative and Arbitrary power, any more for ever; as they had been endangered, for many years before. And, the better to effect the matter, 
The Magazine at Hull seized by the Parliament.  seized the Magazine at Hull; Declared for the true Protestant Religion, the Laws of the Land, privileges of Parliament, and Liberties of the People; not excluding at the same time, 
The Parliament did not at the beginning Declare against the King, but Orders were given forth in the name of King and Parliament.  the Person and just Prerogative of the King; affirming frequently, they were not only willing, but Ambitious to make him a more Glorious Prince, then any of his Predecessors, if he would comply, and harken to their Counsel. 
They had no thoughts at the first, to ruin him and his Family, But the Counsel of God takes place, not their Counsel.  So far were they from any purposes to destroy Him and his Family at that time, and many years after: although in process of time, it came to pass, by the Determinate Counsel and fore-knowledge of God, beyond their own Intentions or expectations.  
The King( and his evil Counsel) likewise, the better to engage his Subjects, set up his Standard, and stated the Cause, even in the self-same words( for it was esteemed his proper interest also in that Juncture): stamping upon his new coin, For the Protestant Religion, the laws of England, 
Both Parties make their appeal to God, and to the People.  and the privileges of Parliament: this superadded Circumstance, from both parties was observed, viz. their making solemn Appeals to God, and to the People, to judge betwixt them.  
The generality of the Puritans and Sectaries, 
The Puritans of all sorts, & all who had groaned under oppression, cle●●e to the Parliament.  together with other honest and well-affected of the Nation, believing the Declarations and Remonstrances of the Parliament, engage themselves to strengthen their hands in this Noble Cause so stated and declared, 
And bring inall kindes of Contributions.  with all sorts of Contributions; and, which was the life of all, with Faith, Spirit, and Courage, in abundance.  
The Papists, 
The Delinquents. The Royal and Prelarical party come in to the King.  the prelates, and all Cathedral men, the Chancellors, Surrogates, Archdeacons, Apparitors, with all that depend upon the Hierarchy, a great part of the Nobility, the debauched Gentry, many of the Commons, give credit to the King, and cry him up, as engaged in a most righteous Cause; 
The Puritans and all that joined in the Parliaments Cause, are now frequently called Roundheads and Rebels.  bidding the people take no care; the Roundheads( as now they were called, the word Puritan growing out of date) shall never prevail against the Lords Anointed: no question but the King shall prevail against all his Adversaries. And the truth is, if by hellish oaths and curses, if by horrid blasphemies and outrageous threatenings, what they would do to the confusion of the Roundheads, they could have overcome them; they were the only men of war, alive, meet to fight the battels of their sovereign Lord the King.  
But to proceed: 
Souldiers of Fortune on both sides.  both Armies being filled up with Commanders from foreign parts, the War was drawn out after the manner of Mercenaries. The Scotish Covenanters in a short time are by Treaty brought in upon the terms of taking a solemn League and Covenant, 
The solemn League enters England.  enter England in the Parliaments Cause, against their own Native Prince. The Issue was doubtful, Treaties were fruitless; the Northern and Western parts were possessed by the Kings Forces, after several battles, Skirmishes, Sieges. At length, the Parliaments Army, under the Earl of Essex is taken in a share in Cornwall, and the Parliament Cause and Interest appeareth at a very great loss, which was the occasion of hellish Blasphemies among the Cavaliers, both in the English and latin Language: For, 

It was magnified when it came into England first, as the very Ark of Gods presence.  
And many were persuaded we should prosper upon the Account of the Covenant.  
Divers ref●se to take it, and thereupon lose their Trusts.   notwithstanding the assistance of the Solemn League and Covenant,( the great Idol of both Kingdoms, at that time,) the affairs of the Parliament were at so low an ebb, by the concurrent force of several Causes, that many good Men did begin so far to despair of victory, or salvation, that they were transporting themselves on the other side the water. And now, what some few, precious hearts did foresee, did accordingly come to pass; namely, that the Solemn League and Covenant would not be found a fit weapon in this warfare: & therefore, could never be persuaded to enter into it, or to suffer it to enter into them. Although Order upon Order issued forth, from the Scotish Spirit in English-men, to constrain all the Commanders and Officers, to submit unto it, or otherwise to quit their places and trust in this Common Cause.  
This new Intestine contest among the Parliamentarians, riseth high: 
Division betwixt the Covenanters and the Non-Covenanters.  Will you not take the Solemn League and Covenant? all the good wise men of the Kirk of Scotland have taken it: their best Ministers, their chief Elders; and the good wise men of both Houses of Parliament, the Reverend Assembly of Divines, they have all taken it, and it doth very well with them all; 
Uniformity pressed.  they are presently better upon the taking of it: more zealous, more trusty, more capable; Nay, your own party, the Heads of the Congregational way, say it may be taken very safely, without any danger at all. 
Uniformity rejected.  It is answered by the Sectaries,( but, they are very conscientious ones), We cannot take it, we dare not take it; we desire the Liberty of our Consciences, 
The royalists glad of the Division.  &c. Now the difference betwixt the Presbyterians and the Dissenting Brethren breaks out into a flamme; and the Kings party being quick of apprehension, do presently begin to warm themselves at that Fire.  
The firm Covenanters, both Scotish, and English, they are now the only Orthodox Divines, and the sound Protestants; In contradistinction to the Cavaliers on the one hand, and the Sectaries on the other. But the Sectaries, that will not take the Covenant, they must be discountenanced. 
Sectaries discountenanced.  Divers eminent men among them are laid aside, Division aboundeth; this poor people that desire Liberty of Conscience, 
Tormented with a strange Gangrena.  are hugely tormented with a cruel Gangrena,( a Book so called) whereby they are rendered so far as ill-will, and lies, and slanders, and backbitings can prevail, a very monstrous people: all kennels are raled, for dirt, to throw in their faces; they are not worthy to come near the houses, 
Note this well.  or be in the neighbourhood and company of the Orthodox; so that the poor Independents, and other good men, Non-conformists to the Presbyters ( as the Presbyters were formerly, Non-conformists to the prelates) are exceedingly slighted and grieved. Nevertheless, some of them, by the means of some moderate and prudent men, 
Some of the best Sectaries connived at, by means of moderate men  are continued in employment, because of their Abilities and Activity against the common Enemy, and for the true Interest of the English Nation.  
However, the Cause was given for almost lost by those, who being of a weak Faith, had thoughts of retirement. 
Many of a weak faith were ready to give all for lost  Despondencies appeared every where( for a little space) because of Divisions in the Parliament, Army, Assembly, City, &c.  
In this interim, there were a hidden People that plied the throne of Grace, pleaded our Cause, there at that throne, 
An hidden choice People had recourse to Prayers.  with all Scripture-Arguments, the Glory of God, the promised Deliverance of his People; the insolency and blasphemy of the Adversary, if he should prevail after so many battels and appeals; the increase of bondage and persecution after victory on the Kings side; the Prophesies, concerning the destruction of Antichrist, the faithfulness of God, for the finishing of what he had begun, our being taken as firebrands out of the burning, but the other day, as it were, and will the Lord throw us in again? These pleadings and expostulations were not known publicly; but it was given us to believe that the work should prosper, though there were at present a dismal death upon it, and many had joy and peace in so believing, blessed be the Name of our God and Father, for ever and ever, Amen.   

SECT. IV. The new Model brought forth in a needful season, becomes wonderful victorious. The King goes in a disguise to the Scotish Army. They deliver him up to the Parliaments Commissioners at New-Castle. Brought prisoner to Holmby-House : afterward the Army, upon Disgust given from the Parliament, take him into their custody, and treat upon terms. Afterward prisoner in the Isle of Wight: a second war. That is ended with success also, to the Sectaries. At length it's resolved to bring the King to a trial for his life.  
ALl on a sudden, while the affairs of Parliament are so perplexed, and upon a Precipice, within a step of ruin, behold, there appeareth a New modeled Army, 
The new Model.  notwithstanding all the aforesaid Difficulties, Discouragements, and Disadvantages; but how doth it appear? A foolish thing, a weak thing, one of the despised things of this World. For now the Covenanters and the Cavaliers agreed against this unexpected appearance of Divine Providence on the behalf of the true seed; 
It's accounted, and called by Covenanters and Cavaliers, The new Noddle.  they both called it in scorn, The new Noddle, the Common By-word of the Carnal seed, both in the Kings and Parliaments Quarters. 
The Sectaries own it a fruit of prayer.  But many honest hearts, being persuaded that it was the product of Faith and Prayer, had joy and peace in believing( as was said even now) that the Lord would make use of it; and the rather, because, it was so exceedingly despised in the eyes of those that magnified the solemn League and Covenant; which after a short space of time, began apparently to abate of its lordliness and Imposing Spirit, to the great ease of many good hearts, especially such, 
The Interest of the Kirk of Scotland, and the Interest of Christ, distinguished.  as began betimes to distinguish, betwixt the Interest of the Kirk of Scotland, and the true Interest of Jesus Christ.  
For while both the Covenanters and Cavaliers were scofsing at this new Model, and expecting a sudden destruction to overtake it, upon a distinct account;( these, by reason the old experienced Commanders were either laid aside, or had withdrawn themselves, except mayor General Skippon, who( in this desperate Paroxysme) had been exceeding Instrumental in the forming this new Militia: those, because it was so full of Sectaries and Enemies to the solemn League and Covenant) behold, 
A glorious victory given to the new Model.  a very glorious Victory did( suddenly and wonderfully) fall as it were into their laps, from the hand of the Lord of Hosts; which being seconded and followed, with a continued series of extraordinary successses, 
The Mockers amazed.  to the Amazement of the mockers, now become more serious and sad; the solemn League and Covenant became at last, a very Cheap Thing, allover England, and was no longer adored as a Goddess, by the Parliament, 

The Covenant lamented by the Orthodox, & slighted by the Sectaries.  
The new Model bears the Kings Forces every where.   as aforetime; onely, the Engaged, Orthodox Divines and their admirers, made great Lamentation over it, for a long season, even till the death of the late King, and some time after.  
But to pass on: when all the Kings field-Forces were beaten, his garrisons surrendered for the most part, Oxford, his Head-Quarters( where was his personal Residence) beaten up; and the controversy betwixt Cause and Cause, so far decided, after so many solemn and bloody Appeals on both sides; He disguises himself, 

The King gets out of Oxford by stealth. Goes to the Scots in by-paths.  
They deliver up the King at New-Castle, and are to receive 200000 pound.   and with one or two in Company, conveys himself through the dark, and in by-paths, to the Scots Covenanters at the Siege of Newwark; who, marching with him to New-Castle, make a very good Market of him, selling his Person, in effect, for 200000 pound, and for quitting England; the King delivered up, carried Captive, and Imprisoned in Holmby House, Northamptonstire. Any one may imagine now, that the Scots Covenanters were Odious and Abominable to the Cavaliers of the right stamp; calling them Judasses, onely they sold, say they, their Master for a greater price then He did his, so long ago.  
It may be easily conceived, 
The Lambs of Christ leap for joy.  how all those Lambs of Christ, that before the War, had been worried by the Prelates, under the Countenance and protection of this unhappy Prince( now taken Captive) did leap and skip for joy, that the beasts of prey were thus subdued and recompensed before their eyes. Now was Joy in the Tabernacles of the Righteous; and how did they eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 
Acts 2.46.  praising God, and having favour with all the people, that did Cordially adhere to the Cause of Freedom and righteousness, now so prosperous in the Nations! the certain knowledge and remembrance of those works of wonder, are very sweet at this day, to many hundreds.  
But in process of time, 
The spirit of the solemn League displeased, and Plot the Disbanding of the Army. 1647.  the Spirit of the League( aforesaid) did again bestir itself so far in Scotland and England, particularly in the Houses of Parliament, and among the Orthordox Divines, that the Cause was exceedingly endangered the second time.  
For the new model should have been immediately disbanded, 
The new model to be disbanded, are a ware of the Plot.  upon pretence there was no visible Enemy, and so, no need of a standing Army: and another was to be formed of a Presbyterian make, to keep down the Royal party. Skippon was to draw a part into Ireland, &c. Colonel Graves, having private Orders to convey the King suddenly to the Parliament, to Head the Presbyterian party against the new model: 
The King suddenly taken out of Holmby House, and brought into the Armies Quarters.  but Cornet joice was an instrument at that time, to prevent that dreadful Relapse into Bondage, under the solemn League-men; which was more feared and hated by the Children of the Free-woman, then death itself.  
After the new model had thus gotten the King into their possession, so that the solemn League-men both Scots and English were thus disappointed( as it were by a most wonderful interposition from Heaven) they, according to that principle, which was held and owned by them, 
The King hath Liberty of Conscience granted him by the Army.  were willing the King should have the Liberty of his Conscience; and thereupon permitted him to enjoy his own Chaplains, and some friends, the sight of his Children, &c. which he had not obtained before. This wrought in the King, an Apprehension that his state was bettered, by the late change. Insomuch that he had rather be a Prisoner to the new model, then to the solemn League and Covenant, as finding fairer Quarter.  
But now was the hour of temptation upon the new model: for the King, 
An hour of temptation upon the Army, by the Kings company among them.  with his friends about him, insinuating himself into some Leaders of the Army, had prevailed with them so far, that they began to Tamper and Trinkle with him about his Return and Restitution, in Freedom, safety and honour; so that the fears of some choice Christians were renewed, lest some mischief might befall the Cause and Them, by means of that carnal and worldly Compliance with such an Arch-enemy of Jesus Christ, guilty of so much blood and persecutions: and thereupon made their prayers unto God, that their feet might not be taken in that snare.  
The Issue of all which noise and danger, about the bringing home the King in the Freedom and pomp aforesaid, with his Queen and Children, was his sudden flight into the Isle of Wight: 
The King in the Isle of Wight. A second War  where he remaining firm to his own Regal Interest, did by degrees( though in prison) raise a second War exceeding dangerous, by Commission given to his Son the Prince; whereupon followed the Revolt of the Navy, the Revolt of Wales, the Insurrection in Kent, the Scotish Invasion under Duke Hamilton, &c. several Tumults and Risings in and about the City: all which happening, as it were at once, the Army had their hands full in all places: not to mention his Commission to Ormond, and the Irish, about the same time. Insomuch, that it is ascribed to the especial loving kindness of the Lord, that those of his People which continued faithful and unshaken in this day, had not been utterly overwhelmed by the King and Covenanters in Conjunction, 
King and Covenanters join in the second War.  in this Juncture likewise.  
And therefore let us now remember, with a mixture of Joy and wonder, that although the public Cause after several considerable Advances, 
The public Cause in danger again.  and sometimes by fraud even ready to expire and breath its last; yet by unexpected and secret operations of Divine Counsel, it did as often revive, and regain its former( yea greater) strength and beauty, to the joyful observation of all its Advocates, and great indignation of its Adversaries. Which assertion was made evident, with a witness, in a short time, after the second War was happily waded through: for now the New Model, having been warned, by the mischief of their former tampering with the King; and having( before they had any courage to engage in the second War aforesaid) humbled themselves before the Lord for three daies together, 

The Army humbled and ashamed for their tampering with the King.  
See St Albans Declaration. See Allen's Memorial.  
They resolve to bring him to Justice.   waiting at his foot( before their march into the field) for counsel and blessing, did come at last to such a result,( Agreement & engagement) among themselves at Windsor-Castle, as that the Cause seemed now to be a New Cause, or, the Former raised in glory. For now, it is resolved that the King is a man of blood, and therefore a Son of Death: that if ever the Lord condescend to go forth with their Armies, and prosper their enterprise, they would certainly endeavour to do Justice upon him, as a person, who, according to the Law of God, must die the Death.  
And upon this Advance of the Cause, 

The Covenanters Generally discontented at the noise of trying the King for his life.  
The Solemn League dismembered, when the King was dismembered.   we do reckon the Generality of the Covenanters fell off, and were left behind: for then there was a principal Clause in the Solemn League and Covenant torn in pieces; The honour and power of the King, being utterly and for ever Abolished and Disannulled: see it pleaded in the Armies Remonstrance from St Albans, in these words, Proposal the first: That that Capital and grand Author of our troubles, the person of the late King, by whose Commissions, Commands, or procurement; and in whose behalf, and from whose interest( only) of will and power, all our wars and troubles have been,( with all the miseries attending them) may be speedily brought to Justice, for the Treasons, blood and mischief, he is therein guilty of.  
It is to be remembered, 
The personal Treaty dangerous to the whole Cause.  that at this very time, the Parliament was treating with the King at the Isle of Wight, by their Commissioners, for his return in safety, freedom and honour: and had not the Army seconded their Proposition aforesaid, 
The March to Westminster for secluding the corrupt Members.  by an immediate and swift March from St. Albans to Westminster, the whole Cause in human probability had been again lost; which the new model had now twice rescued and recovered for themselves and the best-affected people to the Cause of Christ, out of the hands of the Cavaliers and Covenanters, 
Hosea 14.9.  with wonderful success. Who is wise, and he shall understand these things; prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them; but the transgressors shall fall therein. 
The Scotish and English Covenanted, troubled for the King.  The angry Spirit of high Presbytery stirs again; for now the public Cause prospering and prevailing above and beyond the Scotish Interest in this Nation, the League-Men are become now again, a very peevish Generation, not enduring the product of their own Sermons and Papers: for how many hundreds, yea, thousands of ear and eye-witnesses are there, that can testify how bitterly Meroz was cursed by them, 
judge. 5.23.  for not coming to the help of the Lord, 
The Presbyters Text turned upon them, for turning head upon it, after they had stirred up the people by it, against their King.  to the help of the Lord against the Mighty? and now that the Lord was helped against the Mighty,( the high and mighty being brought down from their Seats) what frowardness of Spirit did break forth from those principal Preachers, which in the beginning of the war, stirred up the people to fight against the King! But the sentence against the evil work, and the evil worker is executed, at length, the Solemn League and Covenant notwithstanding, and notwithstanding all their prayers, now all too late, and all too weak, to save him whom they had formerly prayed against:( for many mens prayers alter with their worldly Interest, and so do their preachings also, whereby they undermine the reputation of their own doctrines & Integrity, 
Rom. 3.4. Monarchy laid aside.  and Consult shane to their own Ministry) but let God be glorified, and every man a liar. This unhappy King, being so cut off, as appears by the judgement, trial, Sentence and Execution upon Record, for this and the next Generation to gaze upon, 
A republic introduced.  with passions suitable to their different principles) the Government is changed from Monarchy to a Commonwealth; and an engagement imposed upon all, to submit to the present Power, who expect protection by it: fair promises were made, by the remaining part of the Long-Parliament, how happy a people we should appear to be, under them and the Keepers of the Liberties of England; as may be seen in their public Papers at that day.  
But verily, if poor men be vanity, 
Psal. 62.9.  we are sure great men are a lie: and they themselves( if Ingenuity be permitted to speak freely in their Breasts) will confess, 
But not promoted in any proportion to promises and expectations.  they answered not the mind of the Lord in any proportion to all those signs and wonders which they were witnesses unto, during the bloody contest betwixt their enraged Adversaries and themselves. There were, indeed, a Generation of Ransomed and Redeemed people, for whose sakes principally the Lord reproved the King and Bishops; and after them, the carnal Covenanters, who NOW began to state the Cause according to its proper worth and excellency; for they being after so great experience, made wise with the wisdom of God in some measure, now proceed in a more distinct manner to try the things that differ, and to approve the things that are most excellent, as the Apostle exhorts the Saints at Philippi, 
Phil. 1.10.  with the Bishops and Deacons: and therefore, for the more particular and effectual pleading that which we call the Glorious Cause, &c. we must Recapitulate some precedent passages.   

SECT. V. A brief Recapitulation of some passages; for the better stating the controversy betwixt the Covenanters and the Sectaries. The Covenant differently interpnted. The Scotish Spirit, in English men, blows the coals of Division. The Sectaries not willing to be under the power of Presbytery. The Classical Cause stated in 7. Heads. The honest Sectaries engrave the Name of Christ upon the forehead of their Cause, in seven distinct Propositions: but feigned friends desert it.  
THere was a very fair Gloss put upon the Solemn League and Covenant at the beginning, 
Some Sectaries took the Covenant in simplicity, not then knowing the grand Design.  and many dear Servants of Christ took it in the simplicity of their hearts, because it seemed to set up the word of God as Umpire in the Dispute of Reformation: the principal Clause that satisfied their Spirits, was, a Covenanting to reform in Doctrine, Worship, and Discipline, according to the Word of God, and the example of the best reformed Churches. Which General terms left it under suspense, 
It's Disputed which are the best reformed Churches.  and undetermined, which of the Reformed Churches had attained the highest degree of Reformation: the Scots and their friends judged the Kirk of Scotland the best reformed; the Dissenting Brethren approved the Reformation in New-England to be the more excellent: but in the common calamity and danger, they did not at the first so openly and particularly assert each of them their opinions and persuasions, but kept their faith to themselves; and when upon several emergent occasions, some smoking firebrands were cast in amongst them,( by weak or subtle Instruments) to set all in a flamme, they were presently quenched by the prudence and authority of some principal men,( Friends to the Common Cause) as foreseing the Common Enemy by such Division, would be in a Capacity to destroy them both; and so to triumph over the Covenanters, as well as over the Sectaries, as being enraged against them all. But it is to be remembered also, that the Prebyterians( a little before, and) after the trial and Death of Charles Steward the Father, discovering themselves as passionate well-wishers to Kingship or Monarchy, for their own Interest, 
The Covenanters very zealous for the King after his death.  as the Cavaliers( and afterward ventured their lives many of them, for the bringing in young Charles) and looking upon themselves, as the elder Brothers to the Sectaries, hoped the inheritance should have been theirs; and therefore, did state and illustrate the Cause of Common right and Liberty, with a very full and favourable aspect upon their own Classical concernments, expecting at the Kings return and compliance, the greatest portion( if not all) of the blessings of Liberty and Government both in Church and State, to fall to their share: 
The Sectaries Joynt-purchasers with the Presbyters  although all was purchased, at as great a proportion of blood and Treasure, issuing out of the veins and purses of the Sectaries( consideratis considerandis) as they themselves had partend with, toward the purchase, as aforesaid.  
The Sectaries perceiving the tendency of such Principles and Designs, as now began to appear and operate more openly, then at the beginning, did for some space of time before the Kings death, prepare to distinguish betwixt Cause and Cause, betwixt Interest and Interest; and came to this result, that the well-beloved interest and Cause which the Covenant did intend to set up and stand by, was plainly, a worldly, carnal, selfish Cause and Interest; and accordingly resolved to undermine and supplant it all they could in a lawful way, without disturbance of that little breathing, now vouchsafed, upon the death of the late King.  
The Cause( that is, the Cause Ecclesiastical) stated and owned by the Classical Ministers and their Friends, appears to be this.  
In stead of having the King head of the Church of England, as he was by Law before the war, they would have the King, but a Member of the Church, as it was in Scotland, or at the most, but a chief, ruling Lay-Elder.  
In stead of the old Service-book, Ordination of Priests and Deacons, Marriages, Visitation of the Sick, &c. A new invented Directory must be framed, to teach the Clergy how to Preach, Pray, mary, & visit the sick, according to their vain Inventions.  
3. And whereas heretofore the King, as being head of the Church of England, did use to censure any Church-officer and Minister in the Land, in his High Commission Court: now for the Advancement of the Classical Cause, it is very meet, he himself should be obnoxious to the stool of repentance, and any other Censure of the Kirk, as any other Member.  
Again, whereas Church-Government before, was by dioceses, Provinces, Convocations Episcopal; now there must be a Government of the Church of England, by Classes, Provincial Synods, and General Assemblies: both on the backside of the Bible.  
Moreover, instead of the Title of Lord Bishops to Govern the Church of England in state, now turned out of their Chairs, by these supplanters, they will be content with the Honour of Knighthood: Sir John Presbyter shall serve the turn, instead of my Lord Bishop. We mean, the outward, worldly honour of High-Presbytery must be a Degree below that honour which the late Lords spiritual did possess: a Knight spiritual is to be accounted to stand one step lower, then a Lord spiritual, in all National Churches, where such worldly honour doth prevail.  
Instead of the Bishops Lands, which were sold for the further carrying on the Common-Cause against the Prelates and the King, as the head of them, to the prejudice of Presbytery, they will be content with the Deans and Chapters Lands,( if they could have gotten them) as sufficient to bear up that Port and Grandeur, that will appertain to their new Dignity and Jurisdiction; but to sell those Lands away from the new Church-Governours, will be horrible Sacrilege, and very destructive to the cause of high Presbytery.  
And seventhly, for a Close in stating this new Interest, the Parish Churches, Parish deuce, Tithes, Obventions and Oblations, Easter Books, and other Perquisites, shall be as they were in the dayes of the Lord Bishops their Predecessors; with this consideration added, that every one, who will be person, Vicar, or Curate from this time forth, shall submit to the new Ordination; which shall be as good, to all Interests and purposes, for making them capable of spiritual promotions, as that which was conferred by any Lord Bishop, or Archbishop of them all. Let the Churchwarden, clerk, &c. continue as of old. Funeral Sermons and Marriages, and all the Parish-Fees must not be diminished; and the Parish-Church, and not go astray under pain of Church-censure, to be inflicted according to the new Classical Institutions.  
I apprehended this to be the sum and Quintessence of the Covenanters Cause, which they desired to promote in both Nations, in opposition to the Lord Bishops, on one hand, and the poor Sectaries on the other. Esteeming Prelacy the Centre of Superstition, calling Independency the sink of Schisne; but their own Model must be the Mirror of Reformation. Now whether it be not stated aright, and( if it be,) whether it doth not appear to the seeing eye of equal Judges, a poor, low, carnal Cause, let any man that will, freely declare his mind.  
But however, we may be mistaken in stating and judging of it; many of the Choice followers of the Lamb, found cause to disown Scotish Presbytery, as well as English Prelacy, especially in the particulars before mentioned; and therefore a little before, and after the Kings death, the name of the Lord Jesus is engraven upon the forehead of that Cause, which from about that time, began to be, and to appear, as distinct from that of the Presbytery, as that of Presbytery, from the Cause and interest of Lordly prelacy: witness the Spirit, which in some few from the beginning of the war, lifted up itself, in the strength of Christ, against the King with his party, as against a desperate enemy to the Lord Jesus his true seed and Kingdom, and a great friend to Antichrist and the carnal and persecuting Church, in all his Kingdoms.  
And, because we would now Demonstrate( for now it is time) that the Cause promoted in the Army was utterly another Cause, from that carried on by the Kirk of Scotland and its friends in England, we shall endeavour to state and pled it so, as that the Army, the separated Congregations and their Friends, shall know where to find it in the midst of all these shakings and turnings of things upside down, which have come to pass in these daies; provided, they seek for it, with their whole heart, and inquire after it, with their whole desire.  
First, The under-Officers and Souldiers, 
The Sectaries Cause stated from the Armies Papers.  give us light towards the stating of this glorious Cause, in that their best Declaration at Muscleborough, August 1. 1650. when the light of the Lord seemed to shine upon their tabernacles, with greatest splendour: Declaring in one place, They were abundantly satisfied in their Judgements and Consciences, that they were called forth by the Lord to be Instrumental to bring about that which was their continual prayer to God, viz. the Destruction of Antichrist, and the Deliverance of his Church and People; and they call this, the work of Jesus Christ. They go on to tell us, that they had singly in their eye the Destruction of Antichrist, and the Advancement of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, &c. And they are so far from resting satisfied in the Solemn League and Covenant, as any way useful to these ends, as that they intimate their fears, that the Interest of Jesus Christ, is only pretended to, and the Interests of this world, yea of Antichrist himself, was carried on, under a Vizard. Nay, more then this, they declare, they were persuaded in their consciences, that he and his Monarchy was one of the ten Horns of the Beast spoken of Rev. 17.12, 13, 14, 15. and that he had  shed much of the innocent blood of the Saints in supporting the Beast; and therefore desired Justice, upon extraordinary Impulses from the Lord, &c. So that it is plain, that the under-Officers were sensible ( if they spake the truth from their hearts unto their Neighbours) of a Cause vastly differing from what Mr. Prynne hath lately stated, and the Kirk of Scotland in any of their Papers: stating it( in their Declaration before mentioned) so high and full, as if they were Fifth-Kingdom-men at the highest rate, with this superaddition, in so many words, viz. We have not only proclaimed Jesus Christ, the King of Saints, to be our King by profession, but desire to submit to him upon his own terms, and admit him to the exercise of his Royal Authority in our hearts, suitable thereunto, and to follow him whithersoever he goeth, &c. Exceeding good words! we wait to see Actions proportioned to those words. If it be asked, whether the General and the great Commanders did own this excellent Declaration of his under-Officers; 
From General Cromwel's Letter.  our Answer is ready: For Oliver cronwell Esq; the Captain General, in a Letter of his, tells the Scots, that  
the under-Officers & Souldiers in the English Army, had desired him to sand to them this their Declaration: and to prove that he both red and approved this choice Paper, he tells the Scots, It is not a crafty politic one, but a plain, simplo, spiritual one, such as it is, God knoweth, and God also will in due time make manifest. And do we multiply these words as mens? Or do we them for the Lord Christ and his peoples sake? &c. Concluding,  
Your humble Servant, O. cronwell.  
Thus far he: the History of whose Life and Death, since the Victory at Worcester, September 3. 1651. to the 3. of September, 1658. if described in lively colours, would exceedingly commend this glorious Cause, and justly condemn the Infamous apostasy of this day: but however, he was one with this Paper, at that day, as is well known. And, as for the great Commanders, 
From a Paper sent by the gteat Officers to their friends to pray for them.  there is a paper printed by them likewise, before their March to Scotland,( though almost forgotten) which will help to state the Cause, as the most noble Cause under Heaven; and that in such variety of good and full expressions, as may also answer the Fifth Kingdom-mens largest principles and Expectations. 
From the Generals Speech to the little Assembly.   
Beside these two Papers from the Army, 
From the prayers and other exercises of the Messengers of several Churches meeting at blackfriars, London; and before them at Alhallows.  there are several passages in the Speech made to the little Assembly, by the late General: and there was a noble witness in the same Assembly, which will countenance the Cause stated and asserted by the people aforesaid: not forgetting that testimony which was given to it from several separated Congregations, and their Messengers in and about this City, for several years together, before the interruption( as it's now called) of the Long Parliament. From all which premised Considerations, and Survey of the Cause from the beginning of the War, we may safely conclude, that it is to be taken for granted, among the Inhabitants of these Nations,  
First, That Jesus Christ is the Lord, to the Glory of God the Father: that is, the person of the Lord Jesus Christ was exalted, to sit upon the throne of his Father David, at his Ascension into Heaven, and is now at Gods right hand, invested with all power in Heaven and Earth.  
Secondly, That in all Ages since his Ascension, he hath had a Cause of his own to Assert, pled, and Defend against all opposition, on the behalf of himself and people, in distinction from all other Causes, concernments and interests in the world.  
Thirdly, His Cause is the most glorious under Heaven, being also of a very vast extent, and branching forth its self into many distinct Heads, answerable to the particular truths of the Gospel( or the New Covenant) to be pleaded and promoted, in every Age, according to the Counsel of his own will.  
Fourthly, This Cause( or any part of it, so glorious in itself, and in the eyes, both of the holy Angels, and of his true, illuminated Disciples) is not owned, entertained, or understood in the least, by the whole world that lieth in wickedness: the Jews, Turks, and Heathen, have no knowledge of it.  
Fifthly, the Papists, and their Church-officers, have been all along, enemies to that Cause or Interest of Christ and his people, which we have been promoting of late years, calling it Honourable, Blessed, and Glorious. The heretics Cause is none of their Cause; and their Cause, is not our Cause.  
Sixthly, It is very improbable, if not impossible, that this glorious Cause should be rightly understood and esteemed by those Protestants, which are so far from walking worthy of the Gospel, the Cause and the Interest of our dear Lord, as that they are filled with all unrighteousness and ungodliness, and scoffers at the Cause, and the people that assert it.  
Seventhly, So that this precious cause of Christ, with all its native Beauty, and superadded Ornaments, must be apprehended to be esteemed and received among THOSE ONLY who are one Spirit with the Lord Jesus Christ in this day, having the Spirit & principle of it in the power of God, and not of man( & his teachings, or example): they alone, are able, & have been enabled all along, not only to understand and believe it, but to suffer for its sake. And all others who, in good Expressions, by tongue or pen, have been forward to assert it when it was in Reputation, 
Feigned friends to the Best Cause, are its worst Enemies,  and yet have not written or spoken for it in true light and love, but with secret respects to worldly Advantages, are in danger, at one time or other, not only to decline and turn away; but also, to set up and Adore any other new Interest that will Accommodate the Flesh and the Lusts thereof. 
Rom. 13. ult.   
So that it is no marvel, that the former Language( at the Head-quarters, in the Gathered Churches, in several papers of the Army, in several printed Sermons and other Treatises) which sounded through the three Nations & beyond the Seas, hath been almost forgotten, and lost, for want of use, of exercise and improvement: the Reason is ready and at hand; Many were called( stirred up and gifted) to own the Cause of Christ, 
Many called, but few chosen to pled the Cause of Christ in perilous times.  to pled it, to contend for it, to exemplify and adorn it; but few were chosen: for in time of temptation, many pretended friends were found to fall away, and embrace the next opportunity of worldly profit, honour, and power, to them and theirs.  
But, 
The Spirit of the true feed will not abate the Army one tittle of their Papers for the Cause.  know this for your better Information, Oh all you Leaders of the Army, both great and small, there is an ESCAPED REMNANT, that will not abate you so much as one sentence or phrase, no, not one Iota or tittle, of all those many excellent passages wherewith those your Papers are richly bespangled, as with so many Rays of pure gold: concerning the ADVANCEMENT OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST, the DESTRUCTION OF THE KINGDOM OF THE BEAST, your FOLLOWING OF THE LAMB, your being THE ARMY OF THE LAMB: touching the WORK OF CHRIST, THE INTEREST OF OUR LORD; and whatsoever more there is of that nature: these are the SUBSTANCE and SPIRIT of the Good true Cause of God, of Christ, of his spiritual Church, of the oppressed groaning creation: there is neither sap nor savour, neither juice nor spirit in all your papers, in comparison, if these and such like choice expressions of your love and good will to this Cause of Christ, were wanting in them. 
1 Tim. 2.7.  Consider what is written, and the Lord give you understanding in all things.   

SECT. VI. The Advance of the Cause after the Kings Death; prosperous success in Ireland, putting a fresh lustre upon it. New Confederacies against it, betwixt the Scots and young Charles Stuart. The war in Scotland. Victory at Dunbar: that Day twelvemonth, another at Worcester. Mr. Love beheaded: other Presbyterian Ministers Imprisoned. Addresses to the General, after his return home, without effect. Addresses to God, with good effect. The Sectaries begin to Differ among themselves, after these glorious salvations. The honest Sectary presseth forward. The selfish Sectary well satisfied with his present Attainments. The meeting at Alhallows, with its nature, and its consequences. The reviving of it( after its decay at Alhallows) at Blackfryers.  
NOt long before that notable Act of the Army in secluding those Members, which were basely Bargaining with the King at Newport, for all the blood, Sweat, and Treasure expended in the first and second War, The Good old Cause( as it is commonly called) was become( through ill-management, and the prevarication of some pretenders) a very Pitiful, Dull, Dry, Lean, Barren, Ill-favoured Thing; in a deep Consumption, without Life and Spirit, beauty or comeliness, ready even to give up the Ghost. But upon the Recovery of it afterward, when the great Adversary was removed, by that fatal stroke, it became and appeared on a sudden in the eyes of thousands, the most lovely, lively, growing, sparkling, prosperous Cause in all the earth.  
For all its faithful friends and Advocates, 
The Relief of Ireland.  cannot, must not forget( though others do) how the Lord went forth with our Armies into Ireland: what a sudden turn of Affairs there was at Dublin, by a most wonderful Defeat immediately before their Transportation, is most worthy of thankful remembrance at this day: That City being one of the two last Morsels of all their prey and spoil in that Nation; how was it taken from between their teeth, as they were ready to swallow it whole? What WRITTEN VENGEANCE was executed at Drohedah, 
Justice at Drohedah, and Wexford.  at Wexford, and at other places? The power and spirit of our Cause, was great and high after the Kings Death, more then at any time before. We looked upon the work of Justice in Ireland, as prospering under the Standard of the Interest of Christ, professedly displayed against the Interest of Antichrist and his adherents in that whole Expedition.  
But whilst this Glorious Cause of Christ is thus pleaded with such wonderful success( now in Ireland, 
The War with the young Scotish King.  as formerly in England) the Solemn Leaguemen, in England, Scotland, and Holland, are combining against the Sectaries, once more. After many Overtures, Treaties, and Proposals to and fro, betwixt young Charles and Them; the State of his Affairs constrains him to entertain their Terms, and to join with the Scotish Kirk, and their friends in England. The Royal Diadem being full in his eye, and they engaging to put it upon his head, it's the less to be wondered at, that he should think meet to pretend a compliance with them. A STOOL OF REPENTANCE is made ready for the poor young man, wherein to counterfeit a kind of sorrow for his own sins and the sins of his fathers house. Hereupon Arms are raised, another war is commenced, not now betwixt the King and Bishops, on the one part, and the Parliament with the Puritans of all sorts, on the other part; nor betwixt the Parliament and Duke Hamilton, as in the second War; but betwixt the most Orthodox Kirk of Scotland, with their new young King in the Head of them; and the Infamous Army of Sectaries sent thither, by the Parliament of England now ruling, without a King or House of Peers.  
The common people of Scotland were possessed by the herdmen, that these heretics and Sectaries, 
The English Forces called an Army of Sectaries.  were not like others of the children of men, but strange kind of ugly Monsters, so deformed, that it was dangerous to look upon them, or come near them: That it was their duty to join as one Man, to cut them off from the face of the earth; with a thousand Instigations of like import. But the Issue at Dunbar was glorious on the Sectaries side. We carried the Cause, 
Dunbar battle and Victory.  in the strength of Christ, whose it was, against the whole power of Scotland in Kirk and State; blessed for ever be his glorious Name. But within the compass of one whole year, the Scots so bestirred themselves, that they marched with another Army into England, and were high in their hopes, that the most Orthodox, reformed Church in Europe, should carry it at length against a People that were King-killers, Blasphemers of Christ, enemies to his Kirk, &c. But the same Cause that prospered and prevailed Sept. 3. 1650. did likewise prevail Sept. 3. 1651. 
Worcester fight and Victory.  It may easily be conceived, how the hearts and mouths of the Dissenting Brethren, and all their fellow Sectaries were fil'd with joy: Daies of great solemnity in blessing and praising the Lord, with Psalms, and Hymns, and spiritual Songs, being observed by several separated Congregations.  
Hitherto the Lord hath wonderfully helped the poor people, reproached under the name of heretics, schismatics, and Sectaries; not by the prelates so much, as by the Presbyterian Brethren: but the Lord looked upon it, and required it.  
General cronwell( accounted the Head of these Sectaries) comes to Westminster in Triumph, 
O. cronwell Returns home in Triumph.  met and attended on by many thousands of people; and among others, by the New-Church-Regiments, raised and armed by Authority of Parliament, as a Reserve to the Army, when it was in Scotland. Which Brigade of London-Sectaries, was a Grievous Eye-sore to the Classical Ministers and people of the same City.  
It is to be remembered, that many of the Presbyterian Ministers were, not long before the battle at Worcester, accused of High Treason, for holding correspondence with young Charles against the Infant-Commonwealth. Several eminent Ministers were Imprisoned; 
Mr. Love Beheaded a little before Worcester fight.  Mr. Love, after trial and Condemnation was Beheaded. These passages were very strange, and Ominous to the declining Cause of the Scotish Covenant; but looked with a benign Aspect upon the Separate Congregations; where the Cause was kept alive in England at that day.  
The Captain General a foresaid, coming home, thus laden with laurel, upon the Account of all his victorious successses first in England, 
O. Cromwell● congratulated by the Parliament.  then in Ireland, and last of all in Scotland; was entertained by the Parliament, as a most worthy and prosperous Captain. All their Forces having been committed to his Trust and Command,( with confidence of his faithfulness and Integrity) he having made, from the beginning of the War, a great and high profession of Godliness. He was likewise entertained with congratulatory speeches by the Messengers of several Churches, 
And by the Churches.  expressing their high esteem of him, as one of their Best Friends; and had accordingly, with great importunity, besought the Lord on his behalf, and of the whole Army, when venturing their lives in this glorious Cause.  
Not long after his return, 
Some honest Sectaries desire him to prosecute the Cause of Christ. ( the solemn Day of public praise and thanksgiving being over) it came to pass, that divers Officers and Members of several Congregations meeting privately together, who by the free Grace of God, had been preserved from the snares and temptations of this day( we mean, the great preferments to honour, power, profit, and other pleasing Delights of this wicked old world, wherein many of the Sectaries had lately been taken and entangled) did verily believe, upon prayer, conference, and consideration, that it was their present work and Duty, to be stirring up the General and his great Commanders, to press forward in promoting that glorious Cause,( which they had declared for, before and after their march into Scotland) every where, and every way; and particularly, to quicken the Parliament to do some honest and honourable works, before they went off the public stage: for now there was a general Rumour of their putting a Period to their own power, in some convenient time.  
At the first, we found the General willing to hear us; 
Their hopes frustrated.  desiring us to seek the Lord solemnly in a day of prayer; and he and his Officers would seek the Lord likewise by themselves: but not finding that acceptance afterward, which we hoped for, considering the many Promises, engagements, Letters, and other Papers which had come to our sight and hearing, concerning his and their readiness to serve the Lord and his People, if ever they should return in peace; we perceived, that Others about him, who had his ear, did instil and insinuate into his spirit, some principles and other matters of a tendency very different from our proposals. 
They cease their Applications.  Whereupon, after two meetings with him at Suffolk-house, we left him, and made no further Application to him; finding that divers self-seeking Officers and Members of the Churches were willing to take up their rest, and pitch their Tents, where it was so good for them to be, in the midst of their new-gotten honour, power, and profitable places.  
Nevertheless, 
The meeting for Treating with the Army, dissolved. New considerations and counsels, how to pled the glorious cause of Jesus Christ.  after we had dissolved our first private Meeting, taken up as aforesaid, Two or three of us did, within a short space of time, consider what was meet for us and others, yet further to do, for the effectual prosecution of our blessed Cause, and the further service of our Lord Jesus Christ, in such a Day of mercy as this was. The Result was, that although our best friends, in whose hand there was power, did turn the deaf ear to our Proposals, yet there could be no ground to fear, that we should be so dismissed from the Throne of Grace, if we would make our prayers unto God, for the bringing forth of those blessed and excellent good things, which we had been lately labouring after, at the Head-quarters, and Suffolk-house, in vain, and without effect. It was accordingly agreed by those two or three, that, having no encouragement given from any Man or Men on earth( now that the General had thus frustrated all our hopes, so soon after Worcester-Fight) we would proceed in our intended course, and joining with those of the same mind, would make earnest and uncessant Prayer unto our God and Father, for a gracious Answer in those particulars, which we had spread before the General, and all to no purpose.  
Immediately hereupon, 
Another meeting is set on foot publicly at Alhallows.  there was another Meeting of divers Officers and Members of Churches, among whom some were Souldiers; & in the close of a day of solemn seeking the face of God for wisdom, Counsel, and Direction to our present Duty,( considering how hard it was like to go with the Cause of Christ) we did, in less then half an hours time, agree upon Six General Heads of Prayer, 
The Cause is pleaded before the Lord in six Heads of Prayer.  of common concernment to the friends of that our present Cause; and to which Petitions, they could not but hearty say, Amen.  
They are these which follow; we mean, in respect of the spirit and substance of them.  
First, That the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ may be exalted speedily in these Nations, and also in all the earth; and that whatsoever stood in the way of it, might be utterly pulled down, and brought to nothing.  
That all Corrupt, Wicked, and ungodly Magistrates might be removed, and put out of place and power; and that a Righteous generation of Rulers might be set up in their stead.  
That the Idle, Ignorant and scandalous Ministry might be laid aside, and put out of their respective Parishes; And that in their stead, the Lord would anoint and sand forth Pastors according to his own heart, such as might feed his people with knowledge and understanding.  
That that spirit of Division and Animosity which was found among his own People, might be destroyed, that so we might all serve him with one consent.  
That the Lord would effectually stir up the Parliament, the Army, and the Churches, to remember and perform all those just and good Promises, engagements, and Declarations, wherein they were openly and solemnly engaged, in the dayes of their Distress.  
That, whereas there were Ambassadors coming from Holland, to Treat with the Parliament about some growing Differences and Discontents betwixt us and them; the Lord himself would so interpose by his special Providence, that no terms nor propositions might take place, which were in the least Derogatory or prejudicial to the Cause of Christ, and his Kingdom, now carrying on in these Nations.  
We, 
A sweet Harmony among Saints of different forms and persuasions.  who were present, must not bury in Oblivion, what oneness of heart there was in this matter, and what rejoicing, to observe of what consequence this might be in process of time, if a proportionable measure of the Holy Unction should be given forth, for the promoting of this Gospel-DESIGN so dangerous to all the kingdoms; wicked Rulers, and ungodly Ministers, in all the world.  
Accordingly, by the grace of God, 
A lively Spirit at the first coming together.  with some light and liveliness of spirit, the first meeting was at All-hallows, Thamestreet London; The latter end of December 1651.  
This new thing in the Nation, gave an Alarm to Parliament, Army, and those Churches and Officers which had very far forsaken the Cause contended for, and had loved this present world. It was very offensive to all those selfish Sectaries, which had begun, and were going on, to enrich themselves, out of the public ruins. Those, who carried on this work, could not through grace be charged with those common Evils of covetousness, ambition, and screwing themselves into great places of profit, though it was endeavoured; and therefore, were the more bold to speak the word, without fear of such imputations. Very many honest hearts, that frequented the meeting, did confess they found the presence, and spirit, and power of God more here then elsewhere, it being Generation-work, and the proper business of that Day.  
We gave an account of these things to divers at Somerset-house, 
We give an Account to Dissatisfied Brethren.  who were much offended at this sudden and loud Alarm to the Selfish part of the Redeemed people: and in conclusion, having in a brotherly way, rehearsed the Matter unto them from the beginning, we  told them, that by the Grace of God, we were resolved to follow the Lord in this matter.  
To this very day, many of us cannot tell where our blessed Cause was witnessed unto, so openly at that time, as it was in that Assembly.  
Yet afterward, 
A Death overtakes this work also.  upon some particular emergent occasions, divers Leading men fell off, who at the first rejoiced and joined in it: but the Truth is, it was plain afterward, that the spirit of the world carried some of them away: others, by the scruples of their friends, did receive impressions of Discouragement, and so gave over. Insomuch that within the space of a year, or thereabout, there was a very sensible decay of Spirit in that meeting, to the grief of divers faithful friends.  
But it pleased the Lord to stir up two or three, 
Another-Essay by Messengers of Churches to pled the Cause.  to consider again what the true remnant of Jacob were capable to do for the Name and Cause of our Lord, so little spoken of and pleaded for at that time: for it is to be remembered, that the Great, and other Commanders of the Army, were for the most of them so employed in settling and securing their Arrears, 
Great Officers otherwise employed.  in parting and dividing their Parks, and their great Houses, that they had no leisure to appear in the work of Christ. And indeed, what could they do more, as Souldiers? considering there was no open potent Enemy to oppose them.  
Wherefore, it was a very difficult matter to understand where the Lord did delight to manifest his presence, 
War with the Dutch.  at that time, until the war with Holland was brought upon us by an irresistible Dispensation: for by the Generality of the Parliament, it was avoided by all means. But there were some who did verily believe, that the Lord would reckon with that people, for the blood of his Saints, which had been  shed by those weapons that had been bought of them by the Queen of England: for if they had not furnished the King with weapons and Instruments of Death, it had been very Difficult, if not impossible for him to have destroyed the lives of so many of his Best Subjects.  
Those very few above mentioned, invited six several Congregations, who were least leavened with the spirit of self-seeking, and most affencted to the work of the day, to agree, and sand each of them some of their number; who having most spirit and light, might appear as the Messengers of the Churches, and the Glory of Christ, in a public way.  
Accordingly, 
The fast friends to the Cause come together with a fresh Spirit.  after once or twice meeting at London-house, and afterward at Blackfryers, We found some of the true Seed flocking together afresh, in a way of waiting upon the Lord, partly to hear those Scriptures opened, which concerned the blessed Interest of Jesus Christ; and partly to wrestle with the Lord again( after our former neglect) for the fulfilling of his Word, in the Destruction of Babylon, and advancement of the Kingdom of his dear Son. With other Petitions of General concernment to the Cause of God in these Nations, and beyond the Seas: for now, or about this time, the War with Holland was begun; whereupon, some of us, Girded up the loins of our minds, and thanked God, and took Courage,( as Paul did when the Brethren met him, 
Act: 28.15.  before he came at Rome).  
The proper work of these Messengers of the Churches aforesaid, 
The Work of the Meeting at Blackfryers.  was publicly to own, and pled that glorious Cause of Christs Kingdom and Interest in the Nations, which had been declared for by the whole Army in the day of their straits, with great power and spirit; but now was very little considered and prosecuted, in comparison of their former forwardness and affection.  
Accordingly, There was a loud Testimony given, by the Assistance of the Spirit, unto the Work of the day; although withall, we must confess, that the Gospel of the Kingdom was published with a great mixture of human frailty, 
Gal. 4.13. ( or the infirmity of the stesh, as the Apostle speaks). It may be the Lord so ordered it, that it might be for judgement to those poor wretches whose hearts began to wax dull and hard, and were become weary of the spiritual worth of that Truth and work, which God was then, and is still, lifting up, and bringing forth in the sight of all the Nations.  
The Spirit which prevailed at the Head-quarters, 
The General vexed at the Testimony managed at Blackfryers.  and elsewhere, was wonderfully displeased with us, for so publicly witnessing against those palpable self-seeking practices which were pursued with great eagerness in the Army, the Parliament, and the Churches, to the great dishonour of that blessed Cause, which yet they pretended to love with all their Hearts. Oh the Lukewarmness of that time, compared with former life and warmth! Oh the covetous practices in all Committees, Courts, Offices! how did the Speaker upbraid and reproach the gathered Churches, when he  told some of us to our faces, that the Parliament had bestowed upon divers of the Members of the Churches aforesaid( and the Best of them too, that they could hear of) several places of Trust, of great trust in the Commonwealth, and yet within a little time they were found as Arbitrary, and oppressive, and self-seeking, as any other! and we knowing it to be too true, that divers made more hast to be rich, then to do Justice, were ashamed, and could not pled their Cause; but were constrained to bear our public Testimony against such public unworthy Miscarriages of our Brethren, so very like those unworthy Jews, who began to oppress the people as soon as they were come out of the House of Bondage: see Nehem. 5. But observe the Issue.   

SECT. VII. The Long Parliament Dissolved. The little Assembly set up in their stead. The Generals Speech to them. The Cause prospers all the time of their sitting, in the War with Holland: they are dismissed the 12. Decemb. 1653. The glorious Cause of Christ betrayed by its pretended friends. The sum of all the Causes which have been pleaded upon the stage of Great Britain, and Ireland, this last twenty years.  
IT pleased the Lord, 
The Parliament Dissolved.  in the deep Counsel of his wisdom and will, to necessitate the Parliament and Army into mutual unkindnesses and Jealousies: that seeing they would not agree together to lift up his Son, and exalt his Interest, they should so far disagree amongst themselves, as that a dangerous rapture should follow unavoidably: which accordingly came to pass, April 20. 1653.  
The Contempt, 
Under great Contempt.  under which the Parliament-men did then fall, was very exceeding great and strange; the hand of the Lord is to be acknowledged by them and us, with Reverence and godly Fear. Was it not wonderful, that such a renowned Senate, so prosperous and victorious over all their Adversaries, should be pulled out of their places, and put out of doors by their own Servants, whom they had so carefully paid and provided for? What ever secret Design was underneath, yet certainly there was some accursed thing in the midst of them, which provoked the eyes of his glory, who is a Jealous God, and will not be mocked by those who were so often saved by him. Oh that they might not be found stumbling at the same stumbling ston, the second time!  
In the next place, 
The little Assembly.  a new Face of affairs appears upon the stage, such as had not been seen or red of in any former Generation.  
The Kings Prerogative is utterly perished. The privileges of Parliament are broken with a great breach, which will never be thoroughly healed. And now the Liberty of the people( upon the old Account of choosing their Representatives) is also made voided, and of none effect: for the Army pretend to roll the Government of this Nation upon the Saints, as Saints. And to that end, call together a company of them from all parts of the Nation, to undertake, and to exercise power and Authority over the Nation, in the Name of the Lord Jesus, as if they would introduce the Kingdom of Christ, or the fifth Kingdom.  
These things are declared by General cronwell, unto those persons met together by virtue of the Call given to them, in that Speech of his in the Councel-Chamber, upon the 4. of July 1653. some of the words and passages are worthy to be transcribed.  
And give me leave to begin thus. 
Part of the Speech to the little Assembly by Gen. cronwell.  I confess I never looked to see such a Day as this,( it may be, nor you) when Jesus Christ shall be owned, as he is this day, and in this world: Jesus Christ is owned this day by you all, and you own him by your willingness in appearing here. And you manifest this,( as far as poor Creatures can) to be a Day of the Power of Christ, by your willingness. I know you remember that Scripture, Psal. 110.3. Thy people shall be willing in the DAY Of THY POWER; God doth manifest it to be a Day of the power of Jesus Christ. He goeth on. Having, through so much blood, and so many trials as have been upon these Nations, made this to be one of the great Issues thereof, to have a People called to the Supreme Authority, upon THIS AVOWED ACCOUNT. God hath owned his Son by this; and you by your willingness do own Jesus Christ: and therefore for my part, I confess, I did never look to see such a fight, &c. And a little further, He tells them upon that place of Isa. 43.21. You are as like the forming of God, as ever people were, &c. I say, you are called with an high Call: and why should we be afraid to say or think, that this way may be the door to usher in things which God had promised, and prophesied of; and to set the hearts of his people to wait for? We know who they are that shall war with the Lamb against his enemies, &c. He brings in that of Daniel, And the Kingdom shall not be delivered to another people. Truly God hath brought it into your hands, &c.  
Then he proceeds, after two or three Scriptures quoted, in his own Name, and in the Name of his fellow-Officers, to Commend them to the Grace of God, and to the guidance of his Spirit; having thus far served you, or rather our Lord Jesus Christ in it, we are( as we hope) and shall be, ready in our stations, according as the providence of God shall led us, to be subservient to the work of God, and the AUTHORITY WHICH WE RECKON, GOD HATH SET OVER US. And so the Instrument, by which he delivered up the Supreme Power and Government of these Nations( out of the hands of the King, the Parliament and Army) into the Hands of This Number of godly men, as such, being received and red( or red and received) they were left to the guidance of God.  
Undoubtedly, Here was more of the Counsel and Providence of God in this solemn Speech and Action, then he himself, or any other then present, did well understand, or, then is understood unto this very day.  
What Underhand dealing there was in all this, is best known to the Lord; but the Lord hath regard to the Thing itself. And we are persuaded he will make it signify something yet more, before he hath done Changing the Nation from vessel to vessel.  
This People, 
The Cause prospereth in the time of the little Assembly.  though they were so yoked and mingled as they were, did set their hearts,( I mean, the faithful among them) to follow the Lord, and to serve him in the Kingdom of his Son: and notwithstanding all the crafty contrivances of the Serpents seed, yet the work and Cause prospered in their hands: the War with Holland was signally owned and carried on, even to the amazement of all. We know what kind of people they were, that apprehended all was lost. We remember the occasion of their pulling down, after the Army had so solemnly given up all into their hands. We have not forgotten who made Bonfires for joy at this Change: nor can we choose, but observe and consider( with some awe upon our hearts) what is become of those, 
whaley, Goff, White.  who were instruments to scatter those Disciples of our Lord which were so cordial to that blessed interest of Christ, pretended to, a little before, by the General and his Officers. The Lord well knows, who prevaricated with that glorious Cause, after so many pretences of friendship to it. And the inhabitants of England shall know it, in due time, if they do not yet understand where the miscarriage was, at that day.  
But now, 
The apostasy of the Army.  we want words whereby to Represent that Abomination that made Desolate, and laid in the dust the most honourable Interest under Heaven. The same persons that had cried, Hosanna to the son of David, did afterward, cry, crucify him, crucify him. That General, Those great Commanders, Those under-Officers and Souldiers, which had publicly owned and submitted unto the Lord Jesus, by word and writing, in as choice and full expressions as any in the New Testament, do now, all on a sudden( without consulting the light, the prayers, the spirit, the faith, the wisdom of the true Remnant) lift up an Idol into the Throne of supreme Authority in these Nations, which were to be Governed by none other then the Lord Jesus Christ himself. And being absolved from their former solemn engagements against Kingship( by a new kind of Papal Dispensation) they do not onely relinquish and renounce the Cause, the Interest, the service and work of Him that was their Saviour and Lord Protector, in all their late Dangers and Distresses, and to whom, they had, as it were, sworn fealty and allegiance; but also, do set up, after their Own Inventions, that new, upstart Instrument and Interest, which( like other works of darkness) was conceived, formed, and brought forth by the power of that Spirit which worketh effectually in the Children of this world, in opposition to the Children of light, and the Spirit which is of God. And having so done, 
An engagement contrary to the former.  A new Engagement is formed, for the binding of the Army fast and firm for the Defence of that Treasonable usurpation.  
This private, proud, self-Interest and Cause, getting upon the Stage, Oh how did it vaunt itself? how uncomely did it behave itself? how did it Brow-beat the friends of the former noble Cause with all manner of supercilious disdains? what Oratory and Tears, what threatenings and flatteries were made use of, for the magnifying of this PITIFUL CHANGELING, as if it had been the Goddesse Diana, 
Acts 19.35.  and the Image which fell down from Jupiter? What reproachful language against all Valiant asserters of former principles of Justice and true freedom, in opposition to this Monstrous Government? They are Traytors, and shall be dealt with as Traytors. How many pursuivants and Men-catchers, Spies and Emissaries are employed to lay Snares and Traps for those, who will not fall down and Worship this ugly Image? And which is the most confounding consideration of all, how, Oh how was the Name of God blasphemed among the Cavaliers, and the Neighbour-Nations, because of that hypocrisy and deceit, that falsehood and Treachery which appeared in the forehead of the Army, after they had with one accord declared for the Interest and Kingdom of Jesus Christ? And now to set up the most Monstrous Monarchy, the most Arbitrary power that could be invented by a perfidious Generation of Professors, how did this cover their faces with shane, who were upright of heart, and desired in good earnest to follow the lamb whithersoever he should go?  
But, This abomination is thrust headlong off the Stage, by the wonderful power of our God. There are and were an hidden people that would give the Lord no rest, till vengeance was executed upon that spirit of hypocrisy and apostasy, which was carrying us back to the garlic and Onions of Egypt. Salvation, and Glory, and Honour, and Power be unto the Lord our God, and to the Lamb, for ever and ever, Amen.   

Here followeth a Table of the several and joint Interests which have been upon the public stage, since 1640. Computed and cast up in a Readiness, principally for the use of the Fifth-Kingdom-men, or the subjects of Messiah the Prince.  

The Interest of English Monarchy and Prelacy, 1640.  
THe distinct Interest of the King of Great Britain and Ireland, was( 1) to fortify and defend to the utmost extremity, his own unbounded Prerogative, against the long threatened, and now near approaching Inundation of a very highly discontented and oppressed populacy. And in order thereunto,( 2.) to subdue and keep down the Puritans and other public-spirited men, Lovers of true liberty and righteousness: which the better to effect, it was necessary for him to maintain the Star-Chamber and High Commission Courts, as having a Notorious Antipathy to that noble and Masculine Spirit, which now began to struggle and to stir strongly, in several corners of the Nation, Night and Day.  
The Distinct Interest of the Lord Bishops, was, with all their might, to maintain the Ancient Dignity, and power of the Spiritualty, against the Invectives and oppositions of the Puritans and their partakers; and in order to that design, they in endeavoured all they could, to put manacles worse then those of Iron, upon those hands, which they suspected would take the first opportunity to pluck their mitres off their Heads.  
The joint Interest of King and Bishops, was to employ their All of power and policy, for the mutual succour, support, and advancement of each other, above and against all opposers: And that upon this foundation; No Bishop, no King: and è converso; No King, no Bishop. And so it came to pass: for the Crown and the mitre, the sceptre and the Crosier, did flourish and fade together.   

The Interest of the Long Parliament, 1640.  
The Interest of the Parliament, at the beginning, was to recover and secure their own and the free-peoples privileges, liberties, properties, out of the reach of Monarchical and Prelatical encroachments and Innovations; and to that end, the Puritans( both Conformists and Non-conformists) which were an illightened, stirring spirited people, and other honest and generous persons, affecting the noble Principles of Freedom, Justice, and good Laws, and withall, mortal enemies to the Interest of Court-Tyanny, Lust and Luxury, were called upon and encouraged to join with them in the prosecution of those public and common concernments for the Free-people.   

The Interest of the Puritans and their Abettors, 1640.  
It was to obtain Liberty of Conscience out of the hands of the Romish-English-Hierarchy, which had continually vexed and persecuted them for righteousness sake; and to reduce the Kings prerogative to a narrower compass, within the Bounds of Law and Reason: and for more then these things they did not hope, at that day; but joined with the Parliament upon that account, as appears by the Protestation.   

The Interest of the Covenanters both Scotish and English after the war begun.  
The Interest of that party, was to overturn the Ancient, superstitious imperious form of Church-State in Doctrine, Worship, and Government by Prelacy, Service-Book, and Canons, compelling to a CONFORMITY in all thing; and in stead thereof, to erect and introduce a New Carnal Church-state in Doctrine, Worship, and Discipline, by a Confession, Directory, and Synodical Assemblies, with a Proviso for UNIFORMITY in those things, the better to order their Brethren, who were not free to walk with them in those untrodden paths.   

The Interest of the Non-conformists and Sectaries at the same times.  
Their Interest was to take hold of the present opportunity to stand upon their Guard, in Defence of their Just Liberties( purchased by Christ, and permitted by the Parliament) against both Prelatical and Synodical, pretended Jurisdiction over them: And beyond this, they did not seem to desire to attain, in that Day.   

The Interest of the Remaining part of the Long Parliament, which cut off the late King, 1648.  
Their Interest was to abolish King-ship with its chargeable Appurtenances, and to introduce the Government of a Free-state in stead thereof; which made a substantial Alteration in the Cause carried on till that Day. And the better to effect this Alteration, as also to secure themselves and their friends; It concerned them to engage their Army and the Nations, in this new Establishment, without a King or House of Peers.   

The Interest of O. P. commonly called in the three Nations, &c. Their Lord Protector.  
His proper Interest was, so soon as he had usurped the supreme civil Power, to secure and to establish it to Himself, and to his Family, against the Interest of the Stuarts and all their friends; as also against those Dissatisfied and Discontented Spirits, which hated Tyranny of a New Edition, with a more deadly hatred then that of the Old Form. In order unto which Security and Establishment, It concerned him to engage the Corporations, the Judges and Great Lawyers, the Time-serving, Self-seeking Divines of all sorts and forms, the Souldiers and all, to stand by him, till he could procure or make ( viis & modis) such a Parliament, as would confirm him in the Throne, according to his own mind and will: and in the interim, it was his business, by Law( calculated for the Meridian of his own exaltation) to apprehended, imprison, and put to death, all his opposers, whether friends or enemies to the Commonwealth. The Instruments used by him, for the enforcing of which Law or Laws against pretended Treason and Traitors, were multitudes of pursuivants, Catchpoles, Spies, Spirits, Trapanners, and suck like Base Vermin, that use to creep and sneak in every corner, for the service of usurping upstarts in all Generations.   

The Interest of the True Commonwealthsman, at this Day.  
His Proper Interest, is to preserve, defend, and promote the public, and, in that, his own Good, by all honest and honourable means, against the private Interest, of those two Families, which would have put and kept an intolerable yoke of Bondage, upon the necks of the well-affected people of these Nations, so wonderfully saved by the Lord.   

The Interest of the Real Fifth-Kingdom-men, in this day.  
Their proper Interest is, in the nobleness of a True Gospel-spirit, and in proportion to the measure of Grace and gifts bestowed upon them for the service of their Lord, to endeavour the supplanting and destroying of Antichrist and his Interest, both at home and abroad, & to improve with all diligence their Time and Talents for the Advancement of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, throughout all the earth. In order whereunto, They are to save themselves from that untoward Generation which will not have Christ to reign over them: And uniting together in one Spirit, to become a peculiar people( or, as it were, a Nation in the midst of the Nation) waiting for the word of Command from their Leader, to execute the vengeance written against Babylon, for being drunk with the blood of the Saints, and with the blood of the Martyrs of Jesus. Amen, hallelujah.    

The Conclusion.  
THis Cause and Interest of our dearest Redeemer and his faithful servants will appear again, even in its RESURRECTION-GLORY, ere it be long. He must increase, His proud Competitors must still decrease. Prepare,( Oh all ye hidden Ones!) for those shoutings, and those Acclamations to the King of Saints, which will make the earth to shake, which will shake the very foundations of the Kingdom of the Beast.  
The Cause and Interest last stated, will be Amiable in the eyes of all the Nations in due time. It will swallow up into victory all contrary Causes and Interests whatsoever, as Aarons Rod devoured the Rods of the Magicians of Egypt, in that day.  
It is built upon a Rock, the Rock of ages; the winds and Waves cannot undermine it, or overthrow it. The Immutability of Gods Counsel bears it up.  
The wisdom of God, the power of God, the faithfulness of God is engaged to promote this Interest. How many have spoyled themselves and their politic Designs, by falling upon this ston! It will at length, in the appointed Season, fall upon all its enemies, and grinned them all to powder.  
Whosoever pleads This Cause, and is called of God to be an Advocate for This Interest, in the light and power of the eternal Spirit, will find such glorious encouragements, that he shall not fear the face, the power, the Designs, the Enmity of any Person or People whatsoever.  
Courage, Courage, dear Hearts! The Great Whore which hath corrupted the earth with her fornications, and hath  shed the blood of the Saints of the most High, for so many hundred years, is to be stripped naked, is to be made Desolate; Her flesh is to be eaten; she is to be burnt with fire, and the Lord God Omnipotent is to reign immediately hereupon: see Rev. 19.6.  
You are invited to be in a readiness, and at an hours warning, to pled and to promote this blessed business: you shall have the Assistance of the Elect Angels, who have long since voted it before the Throne, that the Lamb that was slain is worthy to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. Let us echo Back to them the same language, and say with them, and all the Saints, in faith, and hope, and love; Amen, and Amen.   
FINIS.