THE RIGHT WAY TO PEACE: showing the Art of Overcoming one another by LOVE: In a Dialogue between a Friend and his Neighbour.  
Humbly presented to the Right Honourable THE LORDS and COMMONS IN PARLIAMENT: AND To the whole Nation; by their old and faithful Servant in the Public, THEODORE JENNINGS.  
London, Printed for Giles Calvert. 1647   

THE Right way to Peace, showing The Art of overcoming one another by Love, In a Dialogue between a Friend and his Neighbour.  Friend. 
WELL, overtaken neighbour, whither away.  Neighbour, 
I am going to bear God's Word preached by a very ●●lous, and powerful Preacher.  Friend. 
I pray you show me wherein his zeal and powerful preaching consisteth.  Neigh. 
He deals very sharply against those that dissent from him, telling us that such blasphemous Heretics, will corrupt as who are ignorant, and saith, that like an ill weed, they have overrun all the Land, but especially the Army.  Friend. 
Is this all his zeal, and powerful preaching: and wherein doth he say those Heretics do blaspheme?  Neigh. 
No, he is learned, jealous, and powerful in elegant expressions, showing how Christ died for us upon the Cross, and hath justified us from our sins, and that if we will believe, we shall be saved and accepted by his Mediation and Intercession for us unto God the Father: Wherein he showeth us, how the blasphemous Heretics say, moreover, that they are led by the spirit, and that all men that shall be saved, must have the Spirit of God, and an inward principle of new ●ight, and they say, they are carried out no further to do, or act, any thing to God in Jesus Christ, then from what they Receive into them by the Spirit, and say they have the mind of Christ, and do thereby know and understand the things of God, which othe●●●●ith●● do, 〈…〉 know; and he 〈…〉 were but zealous, and faithful to God, and their own 〈◊〉, they would suppress these blasphemous Heretics  Friend. 
There are many now adays that can story out the Gospel with very elegant expressions, to catch the ignorant, with the ●nticing words of man's wisdom, yet these do persecute Gods faithful one, with 〈◊〉 of spirit: stirring up others to join with them, and are not afraid to bring r●●ling accusations against them, which the Archangel 〈◊〉 not do against the Devil; 
Judas 6.  and by this manner of teaching they rob God of his honour, and the Gospel of its power. And unto such the Apostle Paul saith, My speech, and my preaching was not with the enticing (or persw●sible) 〈…〉, but in demonstration of the spirit, and power: 〈◊〉 your faith should not stand in the Wisdom of men 〈◊〉 the power of God. And therefore Neighbour, I pity you for your ignorance, in calling his bitterness zeal, and his elegant expression, powerful preaching; and I pray such as he is, for 〈…〉, subtlety, and cruelty, in persecuting the Saints, and leave 〈◊〉 to God the righteous Judge of all 〈…〉 will 〈…〉 or rebuke them.  Neigh. 
I thank you for your plain 〈…〉 me, because of my ignorance, I would 〈…〉 the truth. I pray you 〈◊〉 me the error of 〈◊〉  Friend, 
The 〈◊〉 is in giving Gods 〈…〉 and not Gospel names, as Believers, 〈…〉 and Brethren, all names showing forth God's 〈…〉 in Jesus Christ, and their 〈◊〉 towards one another, 〈…〉  
A second 〈◊〉 is, 〈…〉 they are led by the spirit, and that all men that shall be saved, must have the Spirit of God, and an inward principle of new light. Whereas the Apostle Paul, Rom. 8.14. saith, As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. And vers 9▪ If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  
Again, All God's people must have an inward principle of new light, 2 Cor. 5.17. If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away, behold all things are become new. And if all things are become new, God's people must have an inward principle of new light. Know therefore, that what we receive from the first Adam by generation, is old; and old things are passed away. Only what we enjoy in the second Adam by ●●generation is become new: So that there is no truth 〈◊〉 from God's Word, than this: that all God's people are to have an inward principle of new light; New in Christ: If 〈…〉 Christ, he is a new creature: And not become new in some things, but in all things; Behold, all things are become new: behold it with admiration, and pry into it believingly, Thou art wholly become new, thy light is become 〈…〉 all that is in thee is new: Thou art born again, 
John 3.36. 1 Pet. 2.2. Ephes 4.23. 2 Sam. 16.23.  Thou art born of the Spirit, Thou art new born, Thou art renewed in the spirit of thy mind: And if not; That light which is in thee is 〈◊〉: and then how great accomplishments soever thou 〈◊〉, of humane learning, and wisdom, though thou speakest as an 〈◊〉, yet with A●●itophel, thou art but miserable: And then as our Saviour saith, 
Mat 6.23, etc.  If therefore that light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness.  
A third error is, in his taxing such of Heresy, as say they are no 〈◊〉 out to believe, or act any thing to God in Christ Jesus, then from what they receive into them by the Spirit, and that they have the mind of Christ, and do thereby know and understand the things of God; which others neither do, nor 〈◊〉 know: Whereas this truth also hath appeared in the 〈◊〉 in all ages, and is asserted by the Apostle Paul, where he saith, We leaving the same spirit of faith, 
2 Cor. 4.13.  according as it is 〈◊〉, I 〈◊〉 believed, and therefore I have spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak, 
Rom. 8.15.  and again, 〈…〉 received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, 〈◊〉 Father It is the 〈◊〉 privilege of the Apostle and all the Saints with him, we●●ven we are no further carried out to believe, or act any 〈◊〉 to God in Christ Jesus, then from what we receive into 〈…〉 the Spirit. 
1 Cor. 6.19, 20  Again he saith, What know ye not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghost in you, which ye 〈◊〉 of God and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with 〈◊〉 therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God.  
Again, They that are joined unto the Lord, are one Spirit and therefore they have the mind of Christ, and do 〈◊〉 know and understand the thiings of God, which 〈◊〉 wether do nor can know: this most blessed 〈…〉 truth will clearly appear in the Saint's Union with 〈…〉 He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit, and he 〈◊〉 Spirit hath the same mind; and therefore hath 〈◊〉 Christ●t is an impression of the same Spirit that malt●●●●●●●●ness, in the Spirit of the Believer, with Jesus Christ: 〈…〉 what the Lamb's mind is, in giving glory to God, the 〈◊〉, and hath been the mind of the Saints in all ages, 〈…〉 suffering days of the victorious Saints: For the Scripture 〈◊〉, they that had gotten the victory over the beast, 
Rov. 15.2, 3.  and 〈◊〉 image, and over his mark, and over the number of his 〈◊〉, stood on the sea of glass, having the hurps of God: And they sing the song of Moses the servants of God, and of the 〈◊〉 So that you plainly see, that the Saints, and Moses, and the Lamb are all of one mind: they sing the same song with the lamb in all ages. And although none know the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him: yet many, even all the Saints, know the mind of the Lord and are instructed by him: for they 〈◊〉 receive the things of the Spirit of God, and know and understand the things of God, and have the mind of Christ; which others, even all others, who receive the Spirit of the w●●ld, and are called the natural man, have not; neither do not 〈◊〉 know or receive the things of the Spirit, because they are Spiritually discerned: as it is written: Eye hath not seen, 
1 Cor. 2.9, etc.  nor as heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, (to wit, 〈◊〉 man, who is here opposed to the spiritual) the things which God hath prepared for them that have him: But God 〈◊〉 revealed them 〈…〉 by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, 〈◊〉 the deep things of God. Now we have received, 〈…〉 spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to 〈◊〉 of God, But the 〈◊〉 man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him: neither can be know them, because they are spiritually discerned: But he that is spiritual judgeth (or descendeth) all things, yet be himself it judged (〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 man. For who hath 〈◊〉 the mind of the Lord that he may (or shall) instruct him? But we 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of Christ. His last Error is his teaching his 〈◊〉 that if they were but zealous and faithful to God and their own 〈◊〉 they would suppress these 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 first to judge those brothers for whom christ died; not in an ordinary way, but with the highest 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 of spirit: for he knoweth that those, whom he 〈…〉 will with the Apostle 〈…〉, That after the way which they call Here●●● 〈…〉 the God of our father believing all things which are 〈…〉 and the Prophets; 
Acts 24.14, 15 16.  And have hope towards God, which the 〈◊〉 also allow, that there 〈…〉 of the 〈…〉: And 〈…〉 have always 〈…〉 god and towards men. 
Rom. 14.3, 4. 11, 12, 23.  For whether 〈…〉 the Lord: or whether 〈◊〉 die, we die 〈◊〉 Lord; whether we have therefore or die, we are the 〈◊〉. I 〈◊〉, with the Apostle Paul, say 〈◊〉 all such, 〈…〉 his own master he standeth or falleth: 〈…〉 shall confess to God; 〈…〉 bling block, or an occasion to fall in his brother; way: which such Ministers do in● notable manner, by calling God's 〈◊〉 one's blasphemous Heretics. And  
Secondly, by stirring up their hearers unto solition; under pretence of zeal and faithfulness unto God and their own 〈◊〉 to suppress them but tell me by what means you 〈…〉 would have them suppress.  Neigh. 
I shall tell you what I heard reported of one of these Ministers, that week when the Parliament and their Speakers were driven away by that Riotous insolency of those 〈◊〉, from Westminister to the Army: How he was seen to go from house to house, unto those members that were 〈◊〉 in that Junto during the Parliaments absence. And the Lords day following, being the first of August, one that was in his Congregation the proceed of the Londoners, the Apprentions and that Junto: for the prayed God to turn the hearts of the 〈◊〉, and that they, and those that were fled unto them, would take example by the Parliament (for so he was pleased to call them) and by the Citizens of London, to live in godliness, unity and peace: and prayed also that the Country might come in to the timely ●yd and relief of the City: whereby I suppose that these zealous would have their hearers to use all possible means by the dint of the sword to oppose and suppress such whom they asperse with Blasphemy and Heresy, as an acceptable service, thereby to procure peace from God unto the Land: as it is written, The time cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth God service: and therefore show me by what rule you pity such, who are bend against you with such error and rancour, that if it were possible they would 〈◊〉 your name, not sparing any cost or design 〈◊〉 by the sword or any ways to do it.  Friend. 
I shall satisfy you one of the Old and New 〈◊〉, both by precept and example that we are to pity to pray for, and to do good, to our 〈◊〉.  
〈…〉 and love 〈…〉 and put the gainsayers to silence: I pray therefore proceed.  Frien. 
In the Law, Levit. 19.18. it saith, Thou shalt not avenge nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself; I the Lord. Here we have the duty of love in the extent of it, doing our enemies no evil; loving them as ourselves: and we have the command and example from Jehovah, the Lord; I am the Lord; & therefore, my command & example are unquestionably to be obeyed.  
Secondly, Our Lord Jesus Christ makes out this truth in the Gospel most clearly, saying, But I say unto you, 
Mat. 5.44, etc.  Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you: That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: And he giveth the reason why we should follow God's example, from other convincing Arguments; although that were enough, That he is our Father which is in heaven. Ye we are to observe him in his gracious workings towards all men upon the earth: For he maketh his Sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Again, he appealeth unto the testimony of our consciences from the entireness of our faith and love, in singleness of heart doing what we do unto the Lord and not unto men: looking for our reward from God only: For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not the Publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you 〈◊〉? Do not even the Publicans do so? And then we have the highest rule and clearest demonstration of a Christians love in our Father's perfection, Be ye therefore perfect, as your Father, which is in heaven, is perfect.  
Again, We have the example of Elisha, in the Old Testament, bidding the King of Israel set bread and water before his enemies, 
2 King. 6.22, 23.  the Syrians that they may eat, and drink, and go to their master. And the King prepared great provisions for them, and when they had eaten, and drunk, he sent them away.  
And also we Gentiles, who at that time were without Christ, being aliens from the Commonwealth of Israel, 
Eph. 2.12.  and strangers from the Covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world. Yet then, even then, the Church of the Jews pitied us, and did remember us at the throne of grace, saying, We have a little sister, 
Cant. 8.8, 9  and she hath no breasts; what shall we do for our sister, in the day when she shall be spoken for? If she be a wall, we will build upon her a palace of silver; and if she be a door, we will enclose her with boards of Cedar.  
And in the new Testament we have the example of jesus Christ, and his servant Steven, pitying, and praying for their enemies. Our Lord jesus Christ being persecuted in his own person, and in his members; pity them often, and most tenderly, saying, 
Mat. 23.37.  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, and stonest them which were sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not? And when they were come unto Calvary, there they crucified him: 
Lu. 23.33.34.  Then said Jesus, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.  
And when those, that were esteemed the learned men of those times, 
Acts. 6.9.10. etc.  disputing with Steven, were not able to resist the wisdom, and the spirit by which he spoke: They suborned men, and stirred up the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the Counsel, and set up false witnesses, which (accusing him of blasphemy) said, this man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the Law. For we have he●●d him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. And then Steven answered and spoke unto them, not with the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit, and of power. 
Acts 7.59.60.  Yet they stoned Steven, calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit, and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sin to their charge. So that here we see Steven, though not in degree, yet in truth is perfect in love, even as our Lord Jesus Christ, and our father in heaven is perfect. So that although he is stoned to death, and by the Testimony of false witnesses, yet he pitieth them, and prayeth for them, that God may do them good in the highest degree, even by pardoning this, even this their great sin, and thus in his life and death, he is made conformable to our Lord jesus Christ. And when Steven had thus prayed, he fell asleep, his spirit reposed in rest and peace. And our Lord jesus Christ, and blessed Steven obtained their requests. For Saul, who consented unto the death of Steven, at whese feet they that stoned him laid down their , though now a persecuter, is, after this, by our Lord jesus Christ called unto grace, and made Paul a faithful Apostle, even a preacher of the Gospel of our blessed Lord and Saviour jesus Christ, And many of them that crucified our Lord jesus Christ, even about 3000, were added unto the Church at one Sermon. O therefore, let us live in love even towards our enemies, praying for pitying, and doing good to them that hate us and despitefully use us. By this we shall bring glory to God, and have peace in ourselves here with rest, and sweet repose to our spirits at our death, and declare ourselves to be the children of our heavenly father, by being perfect in love, and not only so, but in truth and acceptance also, we are perfect, even as our Father which is in heaven is perfact.  Neighbour, 
O blessed truth. I hearty desire the father, and our Lord jesus Christ, by the spirit of grace to form me, and all his, into this blessed frame of love. I pray you, show me how we may become instrumental, to reclaim and reduce our enemies from the Error of their evil way.  Friend. 
As God shall enable me by the word of truth, and his spirit of truth forming me into the truth, I shall dedare it unto you; and in this respect, let us be careful in our Conversations to follow Righteousness, faith, charity, peace, 
2 Tim. 2.20.  with all that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Look how others have been instrumental in following Righteousness, faith, charity and peace, praying and calling upon the Lord for their enemies out of a pure heart; and be you the like in calling upon God for your enemies, and as you have the practice of our blessed Saviour, and of his servant Steven. So be sure that you pray without wrath, for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. 
Jam. 1.20.  And in this you will show forth your righteousness, faith, charity, and peace towards your enemies, in the sight of God, when you call upon the Lord for them, out of a pure heart. But be sure to follow this manner, of calling upon the Lord for them: 
* Tim. 2.8.  Every where lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting.  
Secondly, In order to our enemies themselves, when they show much hatred and cruelty against us, take heed that we show much love, patience and kindness unto them; when they curse let us bless; follow the Commandment, pursue it, obey it in the Lord, for this is right: Thus let us follow righteousness and peace towards our enemies, and in nothing be provoked either by their unrighteous words or deeds; but exercise faith, in believing that God, who out of the riches of his freegrace, when thou wast an enemy and ungodly, did then call thee out of thy natural and sinful condition unto the grace wherein thou standest, the same God may call him also unto the same grace together with thee. Again, in the exercise of thy charity and peace towards thine enemy, be exceeding tender unto him or her in the day of distress; this may work high thoughts in them of God's goodness, who hath kindled some sparks of his goodness in thee, and discovered it by thy conversation unto them: If thine enemy hunger, give him meat; if he thirst, 
Prov. 25.21. Rom. 12.20, 21  give him drink: this will extract goodness out of him towards thee; and by this means, thou heapest coals of fire upon his head, not to consume him, but to save and to refine him from that dross that is in him, even as the refiner tries the gold from the dross, by heaping coals of fire upon the head of it, in the refiners vessel: go thou and do good in like manner, but be sure thou be drawn forth in thy spirit with much love to thine enemy, in showing him what great things God hath done for thee: breaking and breathing forth unto him in high expressions of God's love in Jesus Christ, towards wretched sinners: Do as the Lord did with the woman of Samaria at the Well, and draw Waters of Salvation out of that Well, to quench thine enemies thirst after sin: And as thou dost feed him when he is an hungry, and give him drink when he is a thirst; so clothe him with the like affection when he is naked: and thus supply thine enemy in every distress, according to the kind of it: this may work much good in thine enemy, for it is God's way thus to refine his heart from its corruption: if thine enemy be in prison go unto him, if he be sick visit him: but still, what ever it be thou dost unto him, or for him, or her, be sure to carry the tender bowels of Christ Jesus with thee in thine heart: and still drop out the sweetness of wisdom and love unto him, or her, in the free love of God and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ unto sinners, it is possible that God may discover himself unto them, by the work of his Spirit in them, and so what thou hast done shall be laid up with the Lord Jesus Christ and imputed unto thee, as it had been done unto himself, although thou knowest it not.  Neigh. 
Many now adays oppose the ways of God, with foolish and unlearned questions, which savour nothing of God's spirit at all, but do only gender strife, what are we to do in this case?  Friend. 
We are to consider we are Gods servants, and are to act only according to his Commands, which in this case is, That the servant of the Lord must not strive: but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patiented, 
2 ' Tim. 2.24 etc.  In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.  Neigh. 
There are many that oppose that sweet and spiritual conversation, and affirm that they only are in the truth, and ought zealously to contend, and to hate such as oppose them with a perfect hatred; and they make it their work to sow sedition amongst brethren; and make contention amongst the loving Saints, they themselves professing godliness. What are we to do in this case?  Friend. 
We are still to have recourse unto the holy Scriptures, 
2. Tim. 3.15.  which are sufficient to make us wise to salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus. And if any man lack wisdom, let him ask it of God, who gives liberally to all men, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him. But in no case decline God's counsel, but hear and do. And to this purpose the Scripture saith; 
Jam. 3.13, 13, etc.  Who is a wise man, and enduod with knowledge amongst you, let him show out of a good conversation his works, with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, (natural) anddevillish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion, (tumult, unquictnesse) and every evil work. But the wisdom which descendeth from above, a first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality (or wrangling) and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that make peace. 
Rom 12.18.  We are to follow the rule, and that is: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Sow the fruit of righteousness in peace, while others sow the fruit of unrighteousness, in raising sedition and contention. Be meek and wise towards them that oppose and contend, but give them no advantage in any thing. Be wise as Serpenes, yet innocent as Doves. Thus Paul took the Corinthians in a wile, while he transfers their error, who were misled by the enticing words of man's wisdom, not unto their unfaithful teachers, but in a figure unto himself and Apollo's, 
1 Cor. 4.6.  that the Corinthians might lean in them, not to think of men above what is written: and that no one of them be puffed up for one against another. And thus the Apostle takes down the spirit of envying, and strife, and the divisions that were among them: that they might learn, not to exalt one for his humane eloquence, nor despise another, because he taught them plainly, but in demonstration of the spirit, and of power.  
Secondly, sow Peace among these envious and contentious ones, by making them to understand that thou hast so much charity as to believe they are Christians, though as yet but babes in Christ, and such as are not spiritual, but very carnal in comparison of grown and strong Christians, and that they are to be fed with milk, and not with meat: And the Apostle gives the reason, saying, I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hither to ye were not able, 
1 Cor. 3.2, 3.  neither yet are ye able. For ye are yet carnal, for while there is envying and strife, and divisions (or factions) are ye not carnal, and walk as men? Let us therefore receive them as brethren and babes in Christ, while they are yet men in corruption; and have not overcome that wicked one, as those young men, and strong, and Fathers that are experienced in the exercise of faith and love, have done; who do not live after the flesh, as these babes do in strife and debate. but after the spirit, and our Lord Jesus, in all wisdom, meekness, love, and forbearance towards them, because their sins are forgiven them; condescending unto their weaknesses and infirmities, as much as may be: but let us by no means despise them, although they do judge us, Rom. 14.3, 4.  Neigh. 
You know that many in their rash zeal have been as earnestly bend against this army, as Saul was to root out the Gibe onites from among Israel. I pray you show me what God hath done by, for, and in this army.  Friend. 
From the beginning God hath appeared much by, for, and in this Army, in carrying them on in his own way: when they were first modelized, the godliness of their Officers and Commanders many of them, and the inexperience of the common soldier was derided of many that were esteemed Some body in the first army; who threw up their Commissions, and with the rude multitude sentenced all, both Parliament and Army, to be in a lost condition: But who art thou that despisest the day of small things, for not by might, nor by power, but by his own strength and wisdom hath God done all. O therefore, give him the whole glory in all those great things which at first he did in this Army, in making them as holy and faithful as ever were any, who by faith subdued Kingdoms, 
Heb. 11.  and wrought righteousness.  
Secondly, God hath done as much, by, and for this Army, as might convince all the gainsayers, if their eyes were not wholly blinded, that God is with them of a truth: they obtained a most glorious victory and deliverance at Nasby field, the first fruits and earnest of God's present goodness and future ●●●sence of love, unto them; in so much, that many of them that believed, were then effectually established and grew confident, that the same God that had been with them, would still be with them, and deliver them by his own assistance of them, unto the end; and the Lord their God did so; yea, they took his counsed, and sought him in all things, even him alone, in whom they always bousted, saying, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, therefore will not we fear. And when they obtained any victory or de●●●ance, they not only themselves, gave God the glory, but also strirredup others to do it, saying, Come behold the works of the Lord, 
Psal. 46.1, 2.8, 9  behold what desolations he hath make in the earth, he maketh wars to cease unto the ends of the earth.  
O sing unto the Lord a new song, 
Psal. 89 1.  for he hath done marnellaus things: his right hand and his boly arm hath gotten him the victory. Then, when God had put all, that did openly resict, to glence by them: Yet still they saw an enemy, and weiced upon the Lord for his salvation and deliverance, not only unto themselves, but even unto the whole Kingdom, for whose sakes they first engaged, and in whose cause they had spent, and were ready to spend their dearest blood, to setile a firm and well-grounded peace: Believing that although they were but as the worm Jacob in comparison of their politic & potent enemies, who swarmed in al●pares and places, even in the chiefest Chamber of strength and Judicature; that God would by them instrumentally recover and preserve this languishing, sick, and perishing Kingdom, and that they should become useful in reviving the dying hopes of the Liberties, Rights, and Interests of this wretched Nation: Whereunto the politic Enemy had inter-woven themselves, and like the moth, not only almost eaten them into pieces, but also, with them, out free Parliament, who have been the strongest, richest, and preciousest covering and clothing that ever God gave unto this Kingdom, even then when they were in their weakest, poorest, and nakedest condition that ever they were in: Yea, also the power of the Enemy was prepared as a Lion readyto rend and tear in pieces, and to take all away; saying, None shall be able to rescaes, save, or deliver the prey out of our paw: Yet then, even than God performed, unto his servants, all his goodness according as he had made them to put their trust in him.  
For although the Enemy had forced our Parliament, and as they thought, accomplished their work, and fully obtained their desired design: Yet now, even now, at this very time, God made the Army instrumental and useful in our greatest distress, and restored the Parliament by their despised Army, unto their former freedore, splendour, beauty and glory; and have cleared up their own faithfulness and godly integrity unto all men, maugre the malice of all their enemies, who rewarded their good with evil. But yet they contiuned good and peaceable unto them: Yea, our Parliament is secured, God's people in all places revived and greatly comforted, the Enemy taken in their own craftiness, and fallen into the pit which themselves had digged, are greatly discouraged; and the Kingdom, we hope, in a good way to be delivered, secured and settled: For God hath said, I am thy God, I will strengthen thee: yea, I will help thee: yea, I will up old thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Fear not thou worn Jacob, and ye men of Israel, 
Esai. 41 10, 14 15, 16,  I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the holy one of Israel. Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument, having teeth; thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff: thou shalt fan them, and the win! shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the boly one of Israel.  
Now therefore give me leave to say, O ye his holy ones, O ye his People, in the Parliament, in the Army, in the City, and the whole Kingdom: Stir up yourselves in the Lord, and be ye thankful, yea, be yestrong, courageous, and very unanimous; with one shoulder to go on, and finish the work of your God; for he hath promised, that he will be with you, and that he will never leave you, nor forsake you.  Neigh. 
It comes to my mind how I have heard that the Army were divided and dispersed, at above one hundred in let distance, in their quarters, at that time when the Parliament and their Speakers were most barbarously driven from Westminster, unto them; and that the Junto and the City of London, with all their prepared forces, contrary to the Ordinances of Parliament, being b●●ted to make war against them: Yet than the Lord wrought marudlousty, in returing the Parliament, and their Army together with them, within one week, in peace and triumph to sit in their places, in Westminster, without the least appearance of opposition, these Army marching peaceably thorough London, without doing the least injury or affront to any; shilenced the Enemy: their gentlenesle, meekness, and quiet order, was admired of all: And yet now again many do speak against, and repine at the Parliament, and their Army; may we not fear that this is one cause why God's hand is out in wrath against us, by the present dispersed Pestilence.  Friend, 
The people murmuring and practsing against the Parliament and their Army, whom God hath eminently exalted with his own right hand by many signs and wonders, may be one cause of wrath upon us, both in the being, and continance also, of the so much dispersed Pestilence, as it was with Israel in the Wildemesse, first they believed the evil report, 
Numb. 13.32.33. & Chup. 14.  the Spies had brought upon the Land of Canaan, and then they murmured against Moses and Aaron, and they said one to another, Let us make a Captain, and let us return to Egypt. They intended to make war against them that should resist their design; but Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and Calcb spoke unto them saying, only rebel not ye against the Lord & although they persuaded them in much love and meckness of spirit, yet they bade stone them with stones. But the Lord said unto Moses, how long will this people provoke me, and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs that I have showed among you? I will smite them with the pestilence and disi●●●eril them. Even thus it is with those that have received on evil report, and believe it against the Lord's people; here they rebel against the Lord: Their  slavery they esteem their liberty, and in their hearts they are turned back into Aegyp●; they lust to follow their old manners in life and Religion: seeding upon garlic and omons, and do loath those pure and heavenly dispensations of spiritual truth, where with we are said daily; and call the spiritual food light manna; desiring to live in darkness and consusion in their own understandings; despising, rejecting, and persecuting the Lord jesus in his members; and therefore they are spiritually called Sodom, and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified; but though Lord faith unto all such, he will smite them with the pestilence, and difinherit them; and it may be so because of their great wrath and hatred against the Lord's people, who are very d●●● and render unto him; 
* Exo. 4 22. & 19.5. Zech 2.8. Ephes. 5.30. 1 Cor. 12.12. & 6.17. & 2.16. ult. 1 John. 2.27. Psal. 105.14.15.  They are his first born, his pec●●d●●●-treasure, and jewels; and who so toucheth them, toucheth the apple of his eye; they are flesh of his flesh, and bone of his bone; they are one body, and have one spirit, and the mind of Christ, having the same anointing; God hath rep●●●ed Kings for their sakes; saying. Touch not mine annainted, nor do nay Prophets no har●●. And yet some who are their servants, act most against them: for about five years' since. December next, a messenger of special trust in the Parliament service, going in at the head quarters at Windsor, was by a Lieut. of Dr●goons and some of his company then with him in the Parliament service, surprised and drive● back to Slo●gh, where the said Lein. took the State Letters, from him: broke them open, Communicated them to ethers, and kept them together with the messenger in ducance all night: Some of the King's forces then quartering at Maidenhead, and the Leiut. at Horton, near Windsor: Most part of the night being spent in Carousing of healths, ribaldry songs, and discourses between him and his Souldery. Mean while one of his company told the messenger, that he knew no reason of the War between the King and the Parliament, except it were to exhaust the treasure and strength of a generation of Tub-preachers, who at present disturbed all things in the Parliament, the Army, in London, and in the whole Kingdom: and he said, these Tub-Preachers intended to abolish the book of Common-prayer, to put down Organs in the Ministers, and did preach in house●; pers●●uring Gods faithful Ministers with imprisonment, and named Doctor Oldsworth, and some others. And said, that when these Tub-men were brought l●w,) he did not doubt but the King, the Army, and the Parliament would agree in one, for they were all of one Religion, and would suppress all who were contrary unto them. The said messenger procured the said Leiut. to be taken into custody the next morning, until he should be tried by a Counsel of War for his said fact.  
He did also faithfully declare the whole business before a Committee o● Lords and Commons, and the Militia of London, at Haberd shers Hall.  
And the last year, one who had been very lavish in speaking reproachiully against the Parliament, the Kingdom, and this their Army, taxing them with Heresy and Blasph●●●y, urging it without any distinction, in much bietemesses against the godly party in general, being asked what he thought of divers eminent Preachers (together with other Christians) who were then nominated unto him, being persons unblameable and suitable to the Gospel, both for their Doctrine and Conversation? He answered, that those and all such as they were, were the vilest of all men, the basest and very worst of all the rest; and that they would make them appear to be so unto all men very shortly; but God hath disappointed them, and some of the chielest of them, who had brought up an evil report upon our parliament, their Army, and the rest of God's people, ●●rring up the multitude to murmur and practise evil against them, have died of the plague before the Lord, 
Num. 14 37. & v. 20.  even as they did who stirred up Israel to murmur against God's instruments, even Moses and Aaron: whereas the Parliament and their Army also, are likewise instruments in God's hand to accomplish his own work, 
Hab. 2 3.  even his great work in God's due time, For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie; though it tarry, wait for it, because it will surely come, it will not tarry? No, not so much as one day beyond the appointed time. 
Exod. 12.41. Heb. 10.38.  Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back (though unbelief) my soul (saith the Lord) shall have no pleasure in him. But let us not cause to entreat the Lord to forgive the iniquity of this people, that according unto the greatness of his mercy: the wrath may be removed, the nation cured.  Neighbour, 
Seeing we must now part. I pray show what goods means aught all, and each of God's people to use, for the removing of God's Judgements, and the settling of a well grounded peace, personal and national.  Frien. 
I shall conclude this point with some short observations out of these Scriptures; Righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a shame to any people: 
Prov. 14.34. Cap. 10.9.  He that walketh uprightly walketh surely, but he that perverteth his way shall be known: These Scriptures concerns the duty of each particular person: Righteousness and uprightness go hand in hand and they cannot be severed. Righteousness more generally relateth to men of authority, who sit at the stern of Government to guide the public in a right course, by executing justice and judgement to every one in an even and just balance: but as righteousness relates to each particular Christian, being the subject in whom it is, it floweth from an inward principle of the holy Ghost in a sanctified heart, and is one of the pillars of God's Kingdom, which consisteth in righteousness and peace and joy in the holy Ghost: 
Rom. 14 17, 18  For he that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable, to God, and approved of men: Here is peace passing all understanding and acceptation with God: yea this righteousness secureth and comforteth us with joy unspeakable in the holy Ghost; so powerfully from within, acting that outwardly also, which is approved of men; who seeing our good works, even as a light shining before them, do glorify our Father which is in heaven: the righteous have a promise to be kept in the way, even in God's way; for 
* Prov. 11.3.5, 6  the integrity of the upright shall guide them: yea, the righteousness of the perfect shall direct (or rectify) his way, and shall deliver them: such do love God sincerely, and have not only a promise of present grace, but of a future supply thereof; 
Eph. 6.24. and ver. 5, 6.  Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity; sincerity puts the heart into a righteous frame, and keeps it so, such doing all things in singleness of heart, as unto Christ; and not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart: Righteous and just men are obedient unto all lawful and just commands in their several relations and places among men; even as all the creatures do readily obey the word of the Lord. It was the Centurion's argument unto our Lord Jesus, to command, and his servant should be healed, and he gives an instance not only from his own duty, but also from his own command and their integrity that were under his authority, saying, I am a man under authority, 
Mat 8 8, 9  having soldiers under me; and I say to this man, go, and he goeth; and to mother, come, and he cometh; and to my servant, do this, and he doth it: And therefore he much more believeth that our Lord Jesus Christ, by his sovereign authority over all the creatures, having all power in himself, might but give the word of command, and he should be obeyed: and therefore he saith, do but speak the word only and my servant shall be healed: and it was so accordingly unto him: so than those, even all those, who are faithful and upright, will obey the word of Command in their several relations wherein God hath placed them, both in respect of their duty towards God himself, and also towards all men. And thus we see that he that walketh uprightly walketh surely: such decline neither to the right hand nor to the left: but he that perverteth his way shall be known; God will discover him sooner or later, if he walketh in hypocrisy: but if he fall into open profaneness, he discovereth himself, and bearing thorns and briers, is rejected, 
Heb. 6.8.  and is high unto cursing, whose end is to be burned: Even as the good tree that bringeth forth good fruit doth inherit the blessing; his uprightness doth bring forth righteousness also: thus righteousness exalteth a Nation, that is, that Nation or Kingdom that is governed uprightly, in righteousness, justice and judgement it is exalted: and thus the Judges, who judged Israel righteously, being set up immediately by God, exalted that nation all their days: And so did David, and Jehoshaphat, and all the good Kings of Israel: (Jehoshaphat set Judges in the Land; and said to the Judges, 
2 Chro. 14.5, 6, 7.  Take heed what ye do; for ye judge not far man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgement: Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you, take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts:) And they exalted Israel all their days; yea righteousness exalteth each person and their family: we see it in Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Levi, Rahab, Ruth, Mordecay and Hester: So that as all unders and governors, even so every one of God's people among us are to show forth righteousness in their several Relations & Callings this is the way not only to exaltation, but also to have the denomination of righteousness: and so it is written, He that doth righteousness is righteous: 
1 Joh. 3.7.  This is the way to exale this nation, and to settle a wel-grounded peace, and to makeall things go well with us, in this, and the other Kingdoms ●. as it is said unto Shallum the son of Josia, Shall thou reig●● 〈◊〉 thou closest thyself in Cedar? 
Jer. 22.15, 16.  Did not thy father 〈◊〉 and drink, and do judgement and justice, and them 〈◊〉 well with him? He judged the cause of the poor and needy, them it was well with him? was not this to know me, saith the Lord: Yea what doth the Lord require of that, 
Mich. 6.8.  but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk hambly with thy God? Again, all those that work righteousness are the Seminaries of peace: the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace: yea, our blessed Saviour saith, Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the children of God: 
Mat. 5.8.  That peace that floweth from righteousness is a sure mark of our adoption, and consequently of a most blessed, 〈◊〉 and lasting peace unto that person or nation: O then, let us henger and thirst after righteousness, and we shall not only be blessed, but also filled with it; then our righteousness will run down as a mighty stream, unto all persons, in all places and rehations: withoutnespect of persont, And the work of right ●●●sne●ss shall he peace, and the effect of righteousness, ●p●ietness, and assur●●de for ever ● 
Isa 32: 17.  Thus shall righteousness exalt our nation But sin is a shame to any people: this is the best fruit of sin, to be ashamed of it: O therefore take heed that thou art not one of them that have a whoresforehead, and refuse so to be ashamed; all such shall become a shame and a reproach unto themselves, and unto men and angels, and before Jesus Christ: sin is a shame unto all or to any people personal or national; when he or they continued in sin, it brought them very low: by sin all nations jointly have been over thrown and destroyed, as in Noah's Flood, Severally, it overthrew Sodom and the Cities about it. Personally, not only Haman, Achitophel, Absalon, Judas and King Herod, but also Achan and his whole family. O how often it overthrew and destroyed Gods own people, the nation of the Jews. Sin overthrew that mighty monarchy of Babylon and all its glory: yea it will destroy all the world of wicked men, and spiritual Babylon shall be quite overthrown by their sin, and become a perpetual shame: Wherefore come out from among them, 
2 Cor. 6.17, 18  and he y● s●●●●r eaten, saith the Lord, and touch not the uncle●● th●●g. 〈◊〉 is an unclean thing: it befits not God's children, who are to be holy, as their Father, which is in heaven, is holy: all unrighteousness is sin, especially the unrighteousness and cruel soul-murthering sin of that scaple● whore, who doth also shed the blood of the Saints, and is therefore most unclean: O let us touch no unclean thing: And I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and you shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 
2 Cor. 7.1.  Having therefore these promises (dearly beloveil) l●t us cleanse ourselves from all filminess of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the f●● of God: Yea, let every one of us in particular, show forth our uprightness in being examples of righteousness unto each other, in our entire walking with the Lord in all his ways, in soul and body and spirit, in our several places and relations: And then our righteous God, according as he hath testified unto us, will exalt our nation, and will settle unto us a firm and wel-grounded peace: Thus righteousness shall exalt our nation: for he that walketh uprightly, walketh surely, Amen.   

Imprimatur,  
Gilb. Mabbot. 14ᵒ Octobr. 1647.  
FINIS.