The Honest Soldier, OR, A VINDICATION OF THE Reduced-Officers, otherwise called REFORMADOES; AGAINST The blast of most gross Untruths, wherewith they have been Aspersed: OR, The honest Soldier, that between Jerusalem and jerico, fell amongst Thiefs, who rob him of his Arrears, stripped him of his livelihood, and wounded him in his Reputation.  PSALM. 44. vers. 14. 
All this is come upon us, yet have we not forgotten thee; neither have we dealt falsely in thy Covenant.  Vers. 18. 
Our heart is not turned back, neither have our steps declined from thy way.  Vers. 26. 
Arise, for our help and redeem us for thy mercy's sake.  
LONDON, Printed in the Year, 1648.   

The Honest Soldier, OR, A Vindication of the Reduced Officers, otherwise called Reformadoes, against the blast of most gross Untuths, wherewith they have been Aspersed.  
TRuth is my Witness (which needs no Screen) a saying (both old and true,) If believed, I have my aim, otherwise, I have performed my endeavours; let such as scruple it speak impartially, and (I am confident) when time and their own experience shall ripen the event, haply then, they may (though late) credit him whose daily wishes are, the God of goodness may speedily assist his distressed Church and Kingdom.  
It hath been observed by divers obliged Officers, such as at S. Laurence Church London, entered into a Protestation, by Commissions from his Excellency the Earl of Essex; afterwards, and lastly, by their Solemn League and Covenant; That although they have cordially acted accordingly (God protecting their endeavours through much peril,) yet have they not transgressed against those Engagements (either in their affections or actions) really for the Parliament of England, or against its Enemies. And notwithstanding the fidelity of such Officers (to so strong Engagements,) most faithfully and dutifully performed; others have obtruded into, or have conferred on them the most eminent Commands of the Kingdom, (who do not only refuse to join in those Engagements, but do detest and abhor the thing and all that have submitted thereunto;) although it can never appear that those men shown themselves more faithful, or deserved better from the State or people of England; but to the contrary, very many amongst them have disobliged the Kingdom etc. and never looked an Enemy in the face, in any Expedition or Field (where Field Service was,) being taking into Service since the Kingdom's Enemies were quelled and all danger past: Besides, it is observable, that the condition of such Officers as acted (to the hazard of their lives, and loss of their blood) for the Parliament of England, are worse and in less esteem, then theirs that acted against them; (O most unnatural times!) It is undeniable, that the Parliaments Interest became dubious, and few had engaged for them, had not the Champion of England's Liberties (the Earl of Essex) undertaken it; A man of unparralled worth, Galentry, Noble birth, fixed principles, and known experience in Marshal affairs; whose person only and alone form an Army, for their (and the Kingdoms) Service; when neither the Power, Declarations, or Remonstrances of Parliament, (in all visible appearance) could effect it: But how that matchless man (and such gallant spirits as as did engage with him) have been gratified, let the covert and hidden thoughts of those that then voted to live and die with him speak, (as in the presence of the allseeing God) to which I shall submit.  
And although matter of much discouragement might also have been observed (in the Occurrents of such times) after that excellent man (and the faithfullmen that served the Parliament under him,) had with indefatigable pains raised and marched with a formidable Army, to ballence their numerous and potent Adversaries, and had constrained them to acknowledge the Parliament at Westminster, and encouraged their Masters (the State of England) to own that name, until his Excellency and they had peaceably laid down their Commissions, and surrendered their Power into the hands that gave it; It, yet being from my purpose and a task to hard for me, I wave it: Only that this may redound to his perpetual and never dying honour (upon whom every days additional experience multiplies the dear affection of his perplexed Country,) that having in sundry great Battles faithfully performed his Trust, fortunately Conquered their Enemies, and triumphed in the love and hearty affections of all; this Champion of his Country surrendered his Charge into their hands that gave it, with as much content and quiet, as he had with magnanimity and courage at first undertaken it; although had he disputed the thing, rubbed up past injuries, or demurred until reparation or satisfaction had for himself and others, whose injuries and just Demands were also great, and might more justly have challenged that, than some have since done; certainly, he could never have wanted for power, credit, or greatness to support his undertake therein, and Vindicated himself and them: But he owned not so vile and low a thought, self respects, or other ends than what did wholly tend to his first undertaken Interest, either to enthrone himself, or purchase other being, than what he was born unto, the heir which he aimed to enrich, was the Kingdom and People of England only; for whose weal he contended, and with that contentedly laid down and died.  
And herein as I intended not a scrutiny of his Excellencies particular sufferings, so neither have I purposed to numerate or sum up theirs subordinate to him, although their discontents were infinite, (to their perpetual dishonour be it spoken, that have ungratefully reaped the haverst of their so perilous, pious, and faithful endeadeavours;) but where Religion and our duty to God comes into neglect and derision, the pious Professors thereof slighted, scorned and abased, our great and admirable deliverances ungratefully received, and in stead of Reformation (according to Protestations and Covenants promised,) a licentious Toleration of Sects, Schisms, Heresies and profaneness; O where the sacred Ordinances of God have been sacrilegiously trampled upon! what can men (although never so well deserving) expect.  
But hence to my further purpose (that is to say) how and in what manner the Services and expectations of the Kingdom, became fruitless under the hands of those men commonly called Reformadoes, is that intended here:  
This afterwards, there arose another Pharo in Egypt that knew not joseph, whose Tax-Masters became cruel etc. Those impose impossibilities, Bricks are expected without Straw; new Lords new Laws, new Mouldings for new Designs.  
Now Committees (a new and Arbitrary device) have the Kingdoms sole Power, commonly chosen in every County of the 
* No general rule without exception etc. for both the Kingdom and Soldiers have found some noble conscientious Gentlemen amongst those, as the Committees of Hampshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Buckingham, and some few besides that were civil to the Country and paid the Soldiers.  lowest and meanest men (as most proper for the purpose intended) neither shuting with civility etc. or any property becoming so honourable a charge, these have the Kingdom's sole Power in laying Assessments for Contribution, Excise, 5th and 20th part, Delinquents Fines, Compositions, and Sequestrations; by virtue whereof, as if it had been unanimously agreed upon where ever they came, they make short and clear work of the Kingdom's Treasures, which they hoard up and bank improperly, and the better to shelter their close and fraudelent purposes herein; the Commanders and Officers Military (for whose support and entertainment primarily such assessments were intended,) are vilified, aspersed, neglected, thwarted, and discouraged; their wages, pay, and subsistence detained from them, and in a very large measure converted to the unsatiable use of those Vermin; after their supporters, etc. (men generally known) of a strain above those men, and two strains in Covetousness before them (under whose screen those Caterpillars are propped up) had been gratified with the more solid weighty part; a practice so fully known to the Kingdom, especially, the Counties where these men are; and to the Searchers of Gravesend, Dover, and other Ports of this Kingdom, that I shall not need express here more of it.  
And wherein the Soldiers (for better satisfaction) have been necessitated to enter into a scrutiny or closer discovery of such practices; their persons have been calumniated, detracted, affronted, scandalised, discouraged, and so much made unserviceable; that the time which they should have better bestowed in service against the Enemies to manage their weighty employments in; they must be feign to convert into Solicitations, assume the garb of an Agitator, or humble Orator at a Committee-mans' Lodging; their Clerk or Doorkeepers Chamber, trace Westminster Hall, or by favour crowd into the Lobby and there cringe, flatter & faun to the Members for a nod (which happily may be obtained by the favour of their Servant, Footman etc. a favour beyond their merits or former Service,) a garb most improper and unbeseeming Soldiers, men of Honour and Gallantry, that would in the face of an Enemy rather breathe their last, then deign so low and ignoble an employment, chief from those men for whom their blood and lives was not thought dear to purchase peace; (but what will not necessity force men unto, especially, from seeming friends) whose civility oblige very much, especial when strengthened with a conscientious Cause, endeared by Protestations, Covenants, and a faithful winning General; wherefore that not just stain might stick upon their Honours, or blemish their Integrity, in dischage of their duty to God, and their trust to man, the necessities of effecting both being so prevalent, viz. Recruts of men, money, horses, arms, ammunition etc. without which undoubtedly the Kingdom's Expectations was not to be satisfied, or the Soldiers wished for Victory completed? and is there any honest minded man, but would rather undergo any difficulty, to support and carry on a concernment so high and pious, than desert it thus for a puntilio of honour, although indeed the posture be beneath a Soldier, and although also the causes of their attendance ought to have been provided to their hands (by those men unto whom they became Petitioners;) Nevertheless such was the gallantry, fidelity, and piety of most Commanders, Officers and Soldiers, (disdaining those discouragements and infinite more besides) they resolve rather to submit, cast themselves upon the worst of miseries and try all conclusions, than desert their Covenant or quit their Trust.  
Nevertheless, here resteth not the violent and piercing malice of those beginnings, but daily became more heightened upon them, as well to the increase of their discontents, as to the ripening of some hidden mystery, then enforcing admiration (but at this day unvailed, and with colours displayed open,) which then caused their more narrow and particular scrutiny, where in it is discovered, that the longer they struggle or strive to steer fast unto their commands, the more they are ensnared, until the ends are obtained, which is either to wrest their Commands out of their hands, or become dejected Slaves, and hold by villinage from real Villains their dunghill Committee Lords.  
And when it succeeds not effectual to their expectations thus, secondary attempts are endeavoured, either maliciously objecting (or putting into the mouths of their impudent and brazen fore-headed crew of Varlets 
a Tub-Preachers Male and Female.  to object,) that such and such, are Persecutors of the Saints, debauched, profane etc. or they are treacherous, and may endanger their Trust to the Enemy; the Malignants have access and favour more than fitting etc. with infinite besides, the least of which being sufficient cause without Examination, & legal trial or proceeding Marshal or Civil to deprive them of their Commands, if by tedious attendance full of perplexities, wants and miseries, they have not been forced to quit them or starved out of them.  
And wherein such or like practices come short of their expectations, jealousies and discontents are fomented between the Officer in Chief, and such as are subordinate unto them; especially, where there they find inclinable men and ambitious spirits, to such offers of perferment are made, as their superiors commands etc. apt suell, and very catching amongst Soldiers, and the only alluring bait to rend and divide Officers and Soldiers. Or otherwise thus, viz. In favouring such men (as are conceived fittest to bring on their Design) with more constant pay or greater allowance, whilst the Chief Commander or Officer, on whose shoulders lie the greatest charge (and who frequently have employed with their purses and credits to furnish the defects incident to their Commands) are unjustly slighted and aspersed.  
And again, where a Brigade or other distinct Command have been united by special Order for particular Services, yea, and where their duty have been one and the same; notwithstanding, the one as of the Corum or greater Trust, have been constantly paid; the other (although without exception inferior to none in courage, activity, and integrity,) nothing, of purpose to invite or allure the Soldiers of the one to desert them and inlist with the other.  
And to this I add another as probable, viz. such a Garrison, Fortresse, etc. is superfluous, useless, and such Forces Supernumerary, and therefore to be slighted or Reduced out of hand, though with as much dexterity, a pretended sanctified brother again repossesses that Garrison; and the Reduced Forces by another brother of the same stamp are again inlifted, that the Kingdom may be eased of Supenumeraries, Reprobates as they call them, to enlarge the Dominion of their Saints.  
But now to another; That is to say, when by Order or Ordinance of Parliament, effectual Authority hath been granted, to such or such to Command such a Garrison, Castle etc. wherein much fidelity and care was performed in many straits and difficulties, where not only Garrisons, but strong filled Forces of the Enemy have continually been (whilst any Enemies did appear in any part of the Kingdom:) Nevertheless before both Houses had thought expedient or fit to Demolish or slight such Garrison, Castle etc. or Reduce such Forces, a single Order of the House of Commons hath been by strong Forces of Horse and Foot forced upon them; yea, and often before any Order at all for that purpose, whole Regiments of Horse and Foot have surrendered their Quarters, and lain upon them so close, as at a Leaguer, when by the encroaching Enemies, they had been left scarce bread, and what the Enemy in their height of prosperity durst not attempt; those brethren of fraud, by a pretended friendship obtain, thinking thereby to necessitate a Disbanding, and this when the Kingdom was Reduced and wholly at their dispose to Quarter where they would.  
And here observe the fraudulent usage, these reduced Officers met with all; Ordinances of Parliament, strong Declarations, Covenants, Promises of constant Pay, Honour, and infinite other the like plausible pretences, to raise or induce them to raise and take up Arms, are cast before their eyes; but the danger past, Enemies quelled, and those men triumfantly settled in a flourishing condition of ease and profit: A bare Mandamus from the House of Commons is then thought sufficient Authority to Disband them, without performance of any thing; where to the contrary, their Model brethren receive encouragement, are applauded and deemed men of much holiness, for being disobedient and refractory: The other reputed for obedience, a reprobate and profane Rabble. But that it may appear, these men of disobedience have been of more repute and better provided for, let the Ordinance of Decemb. 24. 1647. bear witness, wherein as a frontispiece or usher of good hopes, two Ordinances of the same Date, seemingly proffer an ample provision for the generality of Reduced Soldiers, out of the Excise, Delinquents Estates, but presently in the Rear marched a third Ordinance of the same Date, which not only cuts of the Reduced Soldiers hopes therein, but gives the said Excise and Delinquents Estates, with the addition of Bishop's Lands unto their godly, as they call themselves, though indeed the children of disobedience, (most conscientious dealing) those being in standing pay, the other long since reduced and having not wherewithal to buy their bread.  
And lastly, although these men have neither deserved well from the Parliament, of whom they are ill members and worse principled, bringing dishonour upon that Honourable Assembly, because of their base ends, their Country for whose good they pretendedly sat; or to the honest Soldier who deserved better from them; yet that their qualities and not their names may appear (although both are well known unto me, and could justify the verity of each particular herein Charged, have pointed at the time, when, where, and by whom, but unwilling to act by their example, & to asperse or lay so gross calumny upon the particular person of any with whom in a cause so pious we did partake, although degenerate & fallen from good principles, & at a most vast distance from us & honesty. Nevertheless, purposing rather to drive home to their consciences their numerous errors & atheistical actions, and to excuse the innocent, then accuse any, I have therefore thought fit to add their ensuing deal with us, which to the judicious may suffice to clear and vindicate the reduced Officers from that most unchristian like aspersion of protracting the War, suggested purposely to effect the designs now on foot; and which with much greater reason should be charged upon the Sectaries, who unjustly assume the honour of their Country's Saviour's as their due, and only proper to them: Although the Covenanting reduced soldiers in all Services, to the finishing or full completing of the War, are known to have born the greatest share; having during three or four years continually, and in the strength, heat, cream, and gallantry of their enemies (whilst foreign and home Recruits of money, horses, plate, etc. came abundantly to their aid) withstood them, and spun their gallantry, even their prime gentry etc. into a desperate, destitute, and dejected condition, although not without much peril and misery on their part. And though I am not ignorant that these may come into such hands as will joy in our divisions, (having spared my pains herein a long time for that very purpose); yet rather than suffer so unjustly, and that perpetually, and knowing likewise that those men are not ignorant of those harsh practices against us, I thought fit publicly to appear in our vindication (which indeed comes not forth without extreme necessity) hoping our long patience under such heavy aspersions may justly excuse us. And here 6 ways are to be taken notice of whereby deserving men have been injured.  
1. The constant practice of detaining pay, that their soldiers might desert them, and repair unto others which were better paid, even those very men, or like them, that are now in high esteem; viz. Sectaries.  
2 Shortening Relief or Recruits of horse, arms, etc. whereby the Enemy may get an advantage against them, that they might come to dishonour or disgrace; which being once got into the mouths of such instruments as are for that purpose set on foot, those honest soldiers are nipped off, and the other renowned champions spoken of are straightways engrafted in their stead.  
3 Not enabling men (of integrity, without exception) with power to punish for any crime, purposely that their Soldiers might grow licentious and unruly, thereby hoping dishonour may come unto their Commander, and Petitions from the Country, or the parts where such Commander served, to request his removal, that so, etc.  
4 The sending forth their renegado Tub-preachers, male and female, into every Garrison, etc. not only to instruct and teach licentiousness amongst the Soldiers, but to try the Commanders how they did affect that Doctrine, that where they were despised, they might not only shake the dust off their feet against such men, but hasten into the Army to—, and with him, and others of his cut, raise infamous reports against whom they pleased; which must be swiftly carried about, that no author may be catcht with it: and thus unheard, unseen, these guiltless souls are betrayed, whilst up comes a brother, ut supra, etc.  
5. That soldiers should more cheerfully decline their employments, and less earnestly proceed in demand of arears: the Irish service is seemingly offered, to which (being exceedingly devoted) they do with as much reality tender themselves, and with all diligence speedily endeavour to strengthen their forces, still screwing up their credits aswel to recruit as to keep on foot those they have, when words and promises, their remaining remedy for several months, are threadbare worn, and can prevail no longer, whilst nothing of consequent as to the accomplishing of such proposals comes to their relief, until the Country distasting the pressures of free quarter, rise against them, and force them to disband, or their other necessities dissipate or disperse them. Colonel Devereux, Colonel Mydhop, and sundry others have suffered much herein: and others there are which obediently quit their commands in the model Army according to order, aswell to show their obedience, as to take on that service, met with no better usage herein; let Colonel Sheffield, Sir Robert Pie, Quartermaster General Fincher, Colonel Butler and many besides, add to this their knowledge.  
6. To bring up the rear with the single example of a singular deserving man (the Van in spite of malice without exception) Colonel Graves is ordered to guard the King's person: but whether doubtful his command might become permanent or lasting, and in time by his gallantry extinguish those new lights, he is designed to be surprised by a crew of & c's. without order, and hardly escaped with his life: his soldiers, like as Col. sheffield's, Sir Robert Pies, Col. Poynes, and many gallant men besides put on and encouraged to mutiny against them. To these I could add infinite other examples; but let these suffice at present.  
And though I have willingly passed over many unsupportable sufferings of those Reformadoes or reduced Officers, because I would hasten unto the obstructions they met withal after reducement, until when General Fairfax and the Council of the Army set forth their Representation to both Houses of the 7 of Decemb. 1647. in which their Saintlike charity, with the fruitless attendance, and future expectations of those wanting Gentlemen may appear.  
And thus having been despitefully dealt withal by their tax-masters, and with menaces unsupportable compelled to quit their fair though deer bought holds in Goshen, neither furnished with jewel etc. or other borrowed stuff to support so endless a journey, yea without consideration had of their salary, arears, or other maintenance either for the present or the future, they remove and march on towards the Land of promise at Westminster-hall, under the conduct of much promised hope where they encounter not only with a large and deep sea or gulf full of miseries far unlike that the children of Israel quietly marches over & more in resemblance to the other which met with Pharaoh and his host in the rear) but a wilderness of endless scarcity, (where in stead of better meat, they are fain to feed on fraudulent Orders, scornful answers, and lying promises; or, what is worse, the pillar, cloud, light, their director, is endeavoured to be vailed from their eyes, and pillars of New light from Satan obtrude, who guide the Kingdom's treasure and these men's wages into his Infernal Country, for the security of these his Saints the blind guides): A wilderness not improperly to such as since this reducement have made trial of Westminster-hall, and numerous removes to the several Committees of Associated Counties and others, chief that of Accounts at Freeman's Hall, London, a Labyrinth, with the several wind and turn whereof, never yet bottomed by any; where they are upon Oath to accuse themselves, and never the nearer to effect their purpose; and where also, although they bring good Certificates for actual service, from their chief Officer, sufficient Avouchers, perfect Audits, and full and just Testimonials under the hands of Country standing Committees or Sub-Committees for Accounts; (things past thorough and gotten with exceeding great difficulty and expense from those two last sorts of men especially, who are continually averse and at enmity with Soldiers; it may justly be suspected by order or instruction from their Masters:) difficult indeed, I say, to be attained unto by the reduced Officers; although the godly party (that since the Kingdom's reducement have became their Country's defenders, and neither before or since purchased it at so dear a price) have found better success: But, as I said, where Reformadoes with much expense, and postings into the remotest Countries of the Kingdom, have at last perfected their desires abroad, and full of hopes returned to Freeman's hall; there yet again they are retarded: either there wants an Establishment, a full Committee, their Clerks servants and doorkeepers are grown Masters, and cannot be compelled to attend unless they may be better paid: a just exception, and more becoming a Soldier to have stood upon, when his wages was detained, and his life in hazard, than such petty Clerks, and a causeless complaint too, if well examined: for it is well known, that there are Soldiers have sold or pawned their clothes to purchase dispatch and access from those Leeches: but there is yet a remora which retards their proceed: either it is Termtime, and the Counsellors Members of that Committee (without whom their Colleagues, Tradesmen and Citizens, ignorant, and not so well versed in that calling (it should seem) fearful to outstrip their knowledge, dare not proceed) must attend their profit at Westminster: or it is Exchange-time, and the vacation of the other concerns them as much: Which shuffle and pack really comes from Westminster, and but in species from those Gentlemen of that Committee, of whom in this I have not the least thought of guilt, only that they dare not offend—▪ Which may the better be discovered, if observed how often they petitioned for redress herein, but never received satisfaction, neither could they ever understand of any Order, Ordinance, or other Instructions of Parliament in their behalf, until Birch his Ordinance of the 28 of May, 1647, fast and lose: fast, I say, as to the completing or besting any man's Accounts complete or perfect (an ingratiating policy of a seeming Presbyterian, who needed no Ordinance for audit of his accounts, being well paid before, or he is extremely belied); but lose, and very clear, as to any thing that could entrap or beat down the Soldier's accounts: all which did give them just cause to suspect that nothing less was intended, then by such delays they might be enforced to contract debts upon them, whereby at length they should be necessitated to flee their demands, and quit further claim; or (as by my experience I may speak it) be forced to contract with— for a small part in satisfaction of all.  
And thus, whilst they lie under the greatest and highest rage that malice can inflict, still chaste and unmoveable to their Covenant, its Parliament and friends, modestly expressing their unfeigned necessities by Petition and other deportments of civility, they reserve rough and slighting answers, gestures and looks of reproach (fit objects for scorn and revenge in high spirits, and may not unjustly be suspected intendedly to have been put upon them to enforce mutiny, or some act properly fit or apt for Question, and loss of their Arrears: witness the black list, and other menaces many, bugbears that frequently stand aloft to affright Reformadoes.  
But that these great professors of Zeal (full as impious in their pretences, as blasted in their piety) could strain at a gnat and swallow a Camel full glib, let the Records, Orders and Ordinances of their Derby-house and— etc. bear record with their unsanctified consciences and come in Judgement against them: what vast gratuities of thousands have been dared over & tossed from one member to another & jointly (none dissenting) to their godly deserving brethren, in recompense of pretended (though false) losses, and as many (falsely usurped) services, performed by more deserving men, and by Peter's the Post snatched from them and presented to the— you may imagine in another shape: some of which members had never been worth the 20 part of the gratuities given them, and others whose estates were , full as great in avarice, without remorse of Conscience or thankfulness to God, or those wanting soldiers (that as a scrine stood between the enemy and them, their lives and estates) heard up their wages, and the Kingdoms treasurs, that rather should (out of their own plentiful estates presented to their hands) have contributed to the relief of their necessities. And here likewise the ungratefulness of many Divines is not to be passed over, that in an audience proper, at seasons fit and apt, upon texts of Scripture, rather complain of Lean Benefices, promote themselves and their interest, boast what miraculous victories their prayers have wrought, how they stood in the gap, and what God hath done for them in this work, in every pulpit enforcing their own praise, and artributing to the soldiers nothing, (where they might have told him to be contented with his wages when he can catch it:) It is undeniable that the prayers of many godly men prevailed much, to which the courage strength activity or force of the Soldiers, (I mean chief the first undertakers) was not compatible: for a Horse is a vain help, and shall not deliver any by his great strength: (nevertheless herein are not such praise worthy instruments (that courageously endeavoured to perform their obligation to God and their Country) to be forgotten.  
Now when as much time had been spent in expectations, and many lean faces did express the wants they met withal at Westminster (whether ashamed such objects of pity came so frequent into open view, or of purpose to decoy them into the Country, amongst their friends and kindred for recrute of flesh and ) the deluding Ordinance of the tenth of December 1646, is prepared, which directs them for pay to the Countries or assocaitions in which they had formerly served, where those perfidious Committees in obedience to the private instructions of their Masters above, are prepared with delays for all, but pay to none, and at the last after much chargeable time spent and more experience gained to no purpose, they return to Westminster; where objected to grow numerous, new plots are sooner projected then discovered, the houses are in danger, and those quondam friends the Reformadoes must now be reputed new enemies, or to judge more charitably, (the houses being careful of their safety in a time of enraged sickness (that had rather by much open their treasures to bury a starved soul of them, then to preserve him alive) they must not endanger their persons within 20 miles of London, unto whom the Royalists are thought fit to be coupled, whose penalty extends only to imprisonment, but to the other (viz) their old friends the Reformadoes they add besides imprisonment the forseit of their arrears, whereas had they in answer to any of their modest petitions or humble requests received but any assurance that they should have been paid or provided for, most of them had of their free accord quit the City and their chargeable attendance at Westminster.  
Here I though improper to my tax, yet being proper to this subject, I could have spoken on an object of far greater piety, (viz Gentlemen and others that have lived in good repute in Ireland, which here have neither friends to recrute flesh or  with, or houses that they can confidently put their heads into & also forced to wander in the same progress at Westminster-Hall out of their zeal & affection to the truth, (which you seemingly profess) that nevertheless daily pass by their wounded brethren full of anguish as the Priest and Levit did, Luke 10. when with Charity and justice, they should have been employed into their country against the enemies of God and their Peace before any: And had I not undertaken to conceal names, such high crimes happily had forced me here to have culled out certain of their unworthy country men, men in power and full of envy that comply with any for profit though to the ruin of their country and these poor souls; but this subject requires a volume, and therefore I am forced to shorten it here with this digression. Only let me say, thus much; I find in Fame's record Mr. Anesly and Sir William Persons honest truehearted men and beside them few.  
Forasmuch therefore as their afflictions have been untolerable in the eyes of just men (unto whom only they appeal and before whom they shall always endeavour to approve themselves candid in their actions, and contienscious to their undertake) they cannot conceive wherefore any just guilt should stick upon them, being unchangably the same, always as willing and ready as ever they have been, with their blood and lives to stand up in defence of their Covenant and in it, their Religiion &c: their King &c: the Parliament of England &c: the Subjects etc. and all the Covenants Legitimate brethren, defenders thereof against violence and oppression: unless it be a crime to acknowledge this, as many reduced officers by their petitions did the last of june, unto the Parliement then full and under no force, And within a little after, with their City brethren at Saint james-fields, Guild-Hall, and other places (from whom they expected a fuller measure of love and fixed performance for their kindness; But I wish in my heart they may not repent it, or gratfully remember it when God shall please to visit them with better times:) by an order of both Houses should have manifested (and believe it) shall again Nemine contra dicenti whensoever that cause and the like authority shall require them: If I say this be a crime wherefore was It Imposed, and being imposed we and not you are the Judges of our own Consciences, you might have made Interpretation of it to your ends, and our satisfaction in ease of conscience before it came to be imposed; but by your leave being taken, your sophestry may not excuse us before God, he beareth record with our consciences in what sense we received it; which accordingly by the Almighty help with life and limb we will maintain. To impose it (if a crime) was yours, and the breach thereof shall never be laid to our charge God willing but how that may, be exacted from you, after this life, may be supposed; but because that may be lest feared I wave it; however I dare confidently tell you there is in this life a day of account like to come and that speedily, where that packhorse for carrying on designs, even that very slighted thing will Enforce their humble submission, even theirs that so much scorned and derided it, where the abuse of Religion, King, Kingdom, and its  treasures for self ends, will come in judgement against them; in the mean time it behoveth your Committees, Excise men, Sequestrators, and vasalised Rabble &c. to press hard for an act of Indemnity, and it will as much concern you at that day to make strong provision for them as for yourselves, for through them your nakedness will appear, and your galled sides will sore trouble you. I say no more, a few words to the wise, etc.  
Pray are not those reduced officers obliged to defend the Parliaments rights and privileges? what then is the jealousy? do they not know for whom they acted, how dangerous and fatal it may prove unto them if they should advance any other interest? where then lies the distrust? Is not their pay and arrears the fruits of their hard service utterly lost if they should relinquish the Parliament of England? what then on their part can be feared? O mystery, how is this riddle to be unfolded? marry I conceive by the said Representation of General Fairfax and his council of the Army, and a gratifying Ordinance from the Parliament formerly expressed which tells you of no other arreras or admittance to any audit for arrears but his army and such as did adhere to them, when they marched up— you know when, where and how, etc. how? adhere to that army with whom they had no authority of Parl. to join? the army by order of Parliament, moulded to a number certain in officers & soldiers, and then complete (if not exceeding their number) in both? that army which contrary to its orders from the Parliament refused to disband, marched up beyond its bonds; forced, awed, and gave orders to etc.— their Masters? An Army that abhor the covenant and such as adhere unto it; disoblige government and all of its tenant? An Army that prize none but sectaries and libertines who only are advanced by it and none but they from such good Lord, deliver my Reformado friends Say, what have those reduced officers or soldiers gotten, that were not of you, but for a time and necessity marched with you? What preferment, what arrears, what expected satisfaction? were they not presently after excepted against and disbanded as supernumeraries, went off without their pay which others had? With such comrades and of such principles, I am confident the reduced Officers will be exceeding cautious hereafter to join.  
But as to those that have been of a long time reduced from other commands, recruted or ignorant at first of the designs, did insist in the Model army (which are at this day the better part of their Army's horse and foot) old Soldiers who had been marshilled, exercised and drawn forth, under the Earl of Essex and other faithful Commanders of the Covenant stamp, of which sort I say at this day is the better part of the Army (other Officers excepted) to whom as they are honest men and of the first principles, from my heart I wish increase of happiness and honour (things never to be attained unto in that Army) and now as their real friend let me advise them to be both vigilant and very circumspect how to take for currant such dross as their mechanic Officers would force upon them or through their strength and power, build such strong fabrics for their Officers greatness upon the destruction of Covenant, King and Kingdom: be wise in time my friends, come out of her, lest you share in her plagues: It is generally known that the cup of her filthiness fornication etc. is brimful: there fore return in time to your first principles.  
And in conclusion I shall request that the plainness or naked truths of my expressions may be excused in two respects, and not at all imputed to concern a third. First for the anguish of our present sufferings; which was hoped that no heart so adamant in tyranny but would have relented, or relieved ere this, our wants: the other being the continuance without intermission of that spirit of inveterat spleen & malice with which we were reduced, (remors in neither appearing though long & until this present which with much patience and constancy expected,) forced these desperate truths with as much modesty as could be is performed, (our sufferings balanced) but if any part therein may seemingly reflect upon the Parliament of England or its friends (for when we were by Covenant bound to fight and, pray,) and shall accordingly God assisting) being that meant in the third place let it be clear from my purpose or theirs for whom this is undertaken and put upon the score of such degenerte brats who design and practise what to the utmost extent of their power may to overthrow Parliament, King, Covenant and Kingdom: Ingeniously those are the men meant and no other, over whom in balance of that black list prepared for us here a Scottish black list or mist stands touring for them and their generation from whose plots, practices and designs  
Great Samaritane preserve us.  
FINIS.