The Samaritans Box Newly opened: Pouring his Oil into the wounds of a distresled Kingdom; And communicating wholesome advice to all Estates, especially to his Excellency Sir Thomas Fairfax, the Honourable Council of War, together with the Agitators of the ARMY. Wherein is laid down 1. The particular causes of all our calamities. 2. Divers Considerations tending to Moderation. 3. Rules to prevent growth of Evils. 4. Assured means to procure Peace, and put an end to all our Troubles. By WILLIAM LEVITT. I speak it to your shame, is there not a wise man among you, no not one that can Judge between his brethren, but a brother goeth to law with a brother, & that under Insidels. 1 Cor. 6. 5. 6. The Prophet is a Fool, and the spiritual man is mad, for the multitude of thine Iniquity, therefore the hatred is great. Hos. 9 7. Let your Moderation be known to all men, the Lord is at hand. James 3. 17. Beati Pacifici. Matth. 5. 9 LONDON, Printed by James and Joseph Moxon, at the sign of the Sugar loaf in Hou●s-ditch. 1647. Gentlemen and loving Friends, THat due and Dear respect I owe to you all, together with that Obligation lies upon me, in regard of God and my Native Country, enforces this undertaking: and indeed such is my interest in, and affection to you, so far as God hath made you Instrumental to clear the Kingdom of those Caterpillars that threatened consumption both of Church and State, that I desire death, rather than detract the least iota of your noble deservings: such having been the footsteps of God with you, that no power could stand before the awe and Majesty where with your Army was clad: witness those many matchless Victories and Successes obtained by God's blessing upon your un-defatigable and undaunted resolutions, so that generations to come may bless God for you, and from whom, under God, the well-affected receive their present protection. Notwithstanding, such are the various occurrences of Church and State, that all the vast expense of Treasure and Blood, and all your unparallelled pains, to deliver this poor Kingdom from oppression and Tyranny, is like to be utterly lost, if God unexpectedly strike nor in, i● s●●nders by may say or see any thing. I dare not have the least thought of any ill Intent, in your meanest Instrument; yet our divisions and distractions are so great, their consequences so destructive, that your faithfullest ●●●ends fear overthrow of all. Time was, when our externals only were corrupted, the disease not half so dangerous; but now our very Vitals are infected, and we become more destructively incurable. The difference is not now between the Malignant and well-affected; but the envious man hath sowed Ta●es among the ●ain●s, who under God, are the life and being of a Nation; Nay, and these unhappy jars in a time when all expected Peace! Thi● hath been the stratagem of Satan from the first rise of our unhappy commotions, to set the Godly together by the ears; he well knowing the design would not stand with his honour: neither could he so easily effect to divide his own, they being wiser in their generations then the children of light. I have adventured his prevention, either by an endeavour of reuniting the dissenting parties, (viz.) ●he Presbyterian and Independent; or at least, a moderation of that violence which is too too apparent in each, when prevalent. And although I may meet not only with misapprehensions, but harsh Censures for my pains, and peradventure accounted a Self-seeker, although (impartially considered) there's little cause. I am in this, as in all other my public undertake, armed against both good and evil reports; and would willingly have shunned that occasion, had not the Ordinance of Parliament forced me to be more public than otherwise I would. I thank my God, I never was sinister, or do I at all plead for employment: I am not so low wintered to seek an Office, (I abhor the thoughts) being better able to pass by personal injuries, then to see general despite cast upon the well-affected, who for some circumstantial difference, are generally cast out of places of Honour and Trust, or shamefully neglected; in whose behalf, I have taken upon me this thankless task: In prosecution whereof, I shall lay down, 1. The particular procuring Causes of all our Calamities. 2. Divers Considerations tending to moderation. 3. Rules to prevent growth of distempers. 4. Certain approved means, to put an end to all our Troubles. Only let me premise that I detest to speak one word in behalf ofany man of public disaffection: or justify the illegal proceed of any, of what Judgement soever, utterly disclaiming that giddy engagement, although divers honest men were drawn in to it: and condemning that unparalled piece of violence offered the Parliament so dishonourably permitted, neither the Actors enquired after, or the actions declared against; I mean when the Votes were forced, by which the second Militia sat the second time: neither do I in the least own the declining and neglect of our Independent friends, who had both in Militia and Command sufficiently declared their fidelity: But as I said, in behalf of such as have been found faithful, and are either by misrepresentation, or only for that they are Presbyterian, dishonourably entreated; being willing to own a Godly man of either Judgement. 1. For the Causes of our Calamities. 1. The original and ●oot of all our maladies, as they proceed from God, is sin, both Nationall and personal: as pride, profaneness, Idolatry, uncleanness, fullness of bread, Contempt of the poor, oppression, violence, light esteem of the Gospel, formality, unthankfulness, unsuitable walking with God in the midst of manifold mercies and deliverances; for these things the land mourn. 2. Carnal Confidence, too much trusting in an arm of flesh, one Idolising a King, another a Parliament, a third an Army, a fourth a Synod, (in reference to Church settlement peradventure) a fifth a Common Council: God now lets us see all is vain, He infatuates our Counsels, shakes our foundations, so that our Prophets are as in the days of Hosea, turned Fools, the spiritual man is mad, all our Champions from whom we expected deliverance, become rotten reeds, all telling us there is no trust in secundary causes: God hath been, God will be our Reformer, our Deliverer: He it is must speak Peace, and he only must settle the affairs of Church and State, that his Name may have more praise. 3. Idolising our own opinions, though never so monstrous, every one hugging his own Apes, because they are his; and hence is it not only the Godly Learned, but the balance of the Sanctuary are so much slighted. 4. Corrupt men in places of Honour and Trust, seeking themselves, not the public. 5. Ingratitude, and more than ordinary incivility and dishonour offered those that under God have delivered us from our common enemies, not taking care either for their payment, or making sufficient provision for Indemnity, or Tender Consciences, before endeavours of disbanding. 6. Jealousies, misunderstandings, and misrepresentations of each others words and actions. 7. From our corrupt hearts, each party being partial to itself; the Presbyterian slighting and outing men of Independent principles, although never so faithful and Godly; the Independent as unworthily slighting and outing all that correspond not with them, although otherwise without exception: Certainly these warrings and jarrings proceeds merely from our Lusts, and it's in vain to expect peace so long as any one party seeks to set up itself. 8. Too much indulgency to Delinquent Clergy, who in all places rake up their old Relics, and poison the people with their Egyptian hotchpotch, emboldened hereunto by hope of general Toleration. 9 Ignorance of that small difference that's between Presbyterian and Independent discipline. Certainly if the generality of each knew the Government to be one, only in point of appeal, as indeed it is; they would never be so mad to emulate: they must have both Pastors, Teachers, Elders, Deacons, the same Officers, the same Ordinances, the same Church Censure: to speak truth, the Independent Churches are all Presbyterian, but Presbyterian as now stated, not Independent; yet easily might be reconciled if the Lord would open our eyes, and ●●cline ou● hearts to Love and Peace. 10. Want of Christian affection, which breeds ill constructions on each side. If a Godly Minister shall zealously press on to that government to which his principles and Conscience leads, without which, he cannot be found faithful, this must be called rigour, malice, violence, etc. both charging that upon violence, that's often done out of pure zeal to God and his Cause. 11. Playing so long Fast and Lose with the King: Certainly the expense of less Treasure and Blood, would have served turn, if we had dealt roundly with him at first; neither would our wars have worn out one General; the truth is, we sought him so long, till we have almost lost the Kingdom; believe it He shoots well in the Long Bow; yet let no man mistake me, I wish his Majesty as much honour and happiness as he that peradventure may shoot his first bolt; but I wish also for his and his posterities and kingdoms good, that speedy provision may be made for the Kingdom's Indemnity and future security, without which, we have been fight to small purpose. 12. Former suffering so many base scurrilous scandalous Pamphlets, so frequent about City and Country, nursing corrupt humours in malignat and discontented spirits, and deluding abundance of ignorant people, bringing the Vulgar sort generally into dislike both of Parliament and Army. 13. Permitting so many corrupt Magistrates, and notorious Delinquents in offices of Trust, in most parts of the Kingdom, who have (as much as in them lies) made the well-affected objects of their revenge. 14. Accounting all Presbyterians that are not Independants, and all Independants that are not Presbyterians, when the major part is owned by neither, nor sit for Communion with either; nay, indeed are enemies to both: the Independent reckoning all Profane to the Presbyterian; the Presbyterian accounting all men of rotten and unsound judgements Independants; and there is a great fault in both, for their indulgency one to the profane, and the other to the erroneous in not declaring against them. 15. The Pride, covetousness and Profaneness of the generality of our Clergy, who have thereby caused many (otherwise well-affected) not only tobecome enemies to government but even to loath the Ordinances of God for their sakes: yet blessed be God we have as many Godly learned whose hearts mourn in secret for these things, as any Nation under the Sun. 2. Divers Considerations tending to Moderation. 1. Consider the Presbyterian hath gone hand in hand with you, against the Common enemy, have neither spared person or purse; but have been as prodigal of their bloods for you, as you for them; I mean the well-affected: therefore let us take heed of that foolish pastime of taking one another by the beard, etc. 2. Remember you cried out on them that cast out your Independent friends, for non-correspondency in opinion: Why then will ye write after so foul a Copy? I dare presume you cast out many that were hearty grieved for that miscarriage: Thou that sayest a man should not steal, wilt thou commit Sacrilege? 3. Although all Independents are not Saints, nor all Saints Independents; yet you pro●esse Sanctity, and I hope, not in vain; and if so, be merciful as your heavenly Father is: and remember the Apostle James tells us all, that the Wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, without judging and hypocrisy. James 3. 17. 4. Consider the things for which many are now condemned, was (when acted) very disputable, not things ordinary in our Kingdom, for an Army not to dis-band when commanded by the State, by whom raised, employed, and from whom they received their power and entertainment; the demanding the Impeached Members with a menace; the change of the Militia in like manner; the seizing the King's person, and disposing of him contrary to command, etc. things which men of ordinary capacities could see neither Law nor Precedent for; nay, of that nature that I believe puzzled both Parliament and yourselves to accommodate: Your best plea than necessitas non habet: although blessed be God well blown over: and although men wi●●ed you never so well, and your intentions were never so good, yet many of your best friend's were dubicus: now in such cases best constructions should be made of men's disp●●es and actions: and if when such an Army move toward such a considerable City and Garrison as London then was, men were willing to be put into a capacity to receive Friend or Foe, Certainly they might, they ought to do it, and remain your Friends, much less be accounted traitors; especially men of known sidelity and trust, not guilty o● mis-demeanour: you may please to take notice, at that time the City was utterly out of all military capacity, their Commanders all outed by change of the Militia, and indeed had not (the power by which they sat, viz.) those forced Votes, been questionable, which was one grand cause why myself and divers others declined the business; the law of God, Nature and Nations, would have rendered them ridiculous, and they had certainly swerved from the principles either of So●ldiers or sensible Creatures, had they neglected a business of such concernment; If any had any further design, I will not open my mouth in their defence: I am sure when the question was put to the Militia, they protested against any further proceed, Calling God to witness their Integrity. 5. Consider ●ear of Non enjoyment of your own liberties, estates, etc. was one grand cause of your non disbanding, and might not the Cry upon like reason, put themselves in a posture, without breeding ●o much ill blood? You feared all in the Parliament were not your friend●; the City that all in the Army neither were or could be expected faithful; whether they might have commanded their commander's at the sight of Bo●ty, who knew? (Opportunity makes a Thief) However, God be thanked for so real a Remonstrance to the cont●a●y, as neither we nor you could promie. 6. That that gave you entrance into the 〈◊〉, was the good affection of the Citizens, who would not engage against you, who are now put into the scale with ne●te●s and malignants, who opposed you most. 7. In ridged proceed you imitate the Malignant, not the Godly party of the Presbyterians, who were much grieved at that sudden outing of your and our Independent friends. 8. Consider you are now upon the Pinnacle of temptation; A man is never tried till he hath power to do good or hurt, to be merciful or oppressive; the eyes of the whole Christian world is upon you. Suppose ye were naked, and those ye now look upon as enemies, were armed: Thi●k upon that good old rule, What ever ye would mwn should do to you, do ye to them, for this is Law and Prophets. 9 Hereby ye exasperated the spirits of Neuters and Malignants, who would be glad of opportunity to be avenged both upon you and the Presbyterian Godly, and who only wait a turn of the wheel, now by dealing unworthily with the Godly party, although different in Judgement, you give but occasion of more violence if opportunity serve, unless God be the more merciful, the breach will be then more wide than ever. 10. This causes men to say, You seek yourselves, not the public, when men of Gallantry and Fidelity, (otherwise without exceptions) are neglected, because not of opinions with you in all things; and putting into place of Honour and Trust, men of sinister and unworthy principles, some of them who (to my knowledge) never lent Ten groats freely to the public, either hazarded life or fortune in the Kingdom's cause, or could (till very late) give you a good word, while many neglected have pleaded your Cause before God and man, when you were at greater distance and less strength: and let me tell you, in such general negotiations you were better spare ten knaves then deal unworthily with one honest man. It is true, the City of late have kept their purses, whatsoever is said to the contrary, not being so able as formerly the well-affected in it; having had divers occasions of weakening, yet peradventure some others have too unworthily dealt this way; doubtless Nabal dealt as unworthily with David, and it never repent him to spare the Churl's blood. 11. Give the Presbyterians their due, although they neglected your and their Independent friends, yet they loved them better than to send them by Troops (as it were) into prison: therefore take heed while ye plead against persecution and tyranny, you yourselves act not that part. 12. Did your Master the Parliament forgive you ten thousand talents, when ye refused to disband, seized the King's person, changed the Militia, demanded the impeached members with a menace, and will you pull your poor brother by the throat for an ●undred pence, for one act, yea so disputable, they acting by Command, you contrary? Gentlemen, I must deal plainly with you, I cannot, I may not, I dare not to speak Soldierlike, I will not flatter; and I am confident I speak to those that regard more the reproof of a friend, than the flattery of a foe. 13. This makes Religion ridiculous, in that there is no forbearing one another, not a wise man amongst us to moderate, but we must jar before the uncircumcised, that would gladly see us both ruined: for shame let not this be told in Gath, or published in Askelon: Let not the daughters of the Philistims rejoice in our divisions. What, shall we now at last, that have been joining against the Common enemies, become the devils Pack horses to drive on the design of him and his? God forbidden: What (say they) is this your harmless Army? Is this your Reformation? Have we not a Church and State well settled? Is this the fruits of your Fast, and Prayers? these are your brethren the Saints; Marry God send us a King upon any terms. This is the Language of your and our enemies at home and abroad; and I verily believe our divisions adds more to the strength of Antichrists Kingdom, than all his Champions; and I do as verily believe, that he hath a competent number both in City and Army, (viz.) Jesuits, that are the fomenters of this mischief; God grant the Parliament be clear of them. 14. Consider how wide a door our domestic dissensions sets open to a Foreign Adversary: Certainly, but that God unexpected and undeservedly on our parts hath engaged them one against another, we had heard more of them ere this. 15. Take notice the hand of God is upon us, he's pleading with us by his Judgements: the sword hath devoured much flesh, and still threats his pestilential arrows are flying about us, striking on the right and lesc hand, and although the season promise better than a famine, yet price of bread corn etc. is such, as that the poor are not a little pinched: I God's controversy on foot, and shall we provoke him by our unnatural conte●tions? I look upon the jarrings of the godly, as a spiritual and heavy Judgement: Surely our hearts are divided from God, therefore he divides us. Let us not be in ensible of his hand, and take heed of biting one another, lest we be devoured one of another, 16. Violence and Oppression are grand causes of Civil commotions and insurrections: believe it, the whole Kingdom is in hardly disturbed: Oppression makes a wise man mad. Our studiet erefore should be, to ease, not burden; if fire break out, it's not easily quenched. 17. Shall Pagan's, Papists, Heathens and Tu●ks agree, and shall Christians be the only men of contention? Let us not give occasion to blaspheme. Are the arch enemies of God and Kingdom overcome, and shall we now breatne out threats and slaughters one against another? Remember the Apostle saith, If any man lust to be contentious, the Churches of Christ have no such custom. 18. Consider you have a har● task to undergo; I believe in the accomplishment whereof, you I●ave need enough of the assistance of all the well-affected in the Kingdom: work which would have been carried on with les difficulty, while the affections of the Kingdom were warmer toward the Parliament, and you also, then now. 19 Hereb, you sad the hearts of many faithful Instruments of Church and S●a●e, and discourage divers of those you employ 〈…〉 with ife: a ●minister much matter of mirth to a lmalignants, to see ●uch now slighted by you, who were ever envied by them for their activity and sidelity. 20. Fear of violenc● both from within and without, caused the City to endeavour a capacity of defence; no● this being over sufficient satisfaction to Saints, is vindication of their own innocence, not revenge. Have ye done all for God? Trust all with God. 21. Forget not W●at the City hath done for you and the Kingdom: A man will ever be tender of a friend, and make best constiuctions of his actions: Suppose that with Diogenes it hath once in its size gone backward, me thinks that ever forwardness and freeness that hath been found it it, should cover one fault. 22. Herein you seem to pr●fer shadows before substance: Is there any man slighted that is Independent, though never so erroneous and unsound in his opinion? while men though never so Orthodox, if dissering in that punctillo, are neglected: so that it seems a less matter to be an Anabaptist, Antinomian, Anti Scripturian, Anti Sabatharian, an Anti-God, or an Anti Christ, than a Semi-Anti Independent. 23. This mightily corrobocats and confirms all the Roman Catholic crew: nay the profane wretches in the world are encouraged hence to abominate our Religion, and the very name of it; while they are unanimous, though never so Idolavous and profane; and we thus extremely filled with contentions and divisions. 24. Consider harsh dealing from friends goes harsh, goes nearest the heart: What thou my familiar friend that sat at my Table, that are my bread, with whom I took sweet counsel, with whom I ven uredlife and fortune may this City well say, especially the well affected in it: Truly should Cavaliers and Malignants oppose the godly, it were no wonder; for wolves to ●●vour sheep is natural, but it would astonish a man to see one sheep shouldering and devouring another; I am sure our shepherd will not well like it. 25. Let the City's former service prevail so far with you, as to b●●ish: he th●ught● of billerting upon i●; i●s very fit the soldier should have his pay: but I hope the Parliament both can and have made better provision than billet, of Ordinances are not obeyed where men are able, let them suffer distress: for want of which, many does affected laugh at such, whose freeness and obedience to the State, hath does enabled them to do as formerly, while others malignantly disposed are much in arrear, with whom speedy and strict course should be taken: but the houses and shops of Citizens are fit to entertain better guests then common soldiers. 26. Lastly, although not the least consideration, Poor bleeding dying Ireland which lies gasping for our help, while we lie causelessly contending one with another: Woe be to them that are cause of that ●ad retard of their relief, I believe if God call him once to account, who ever it be, it were better that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the Sea, then to bean Instrument of shedding so much Christian blood, we●l is it while we in effect say it shall be destroyed, the Lord saith not, in the absence of humane help I will save and deliver it. Friends, I pray God grant when he makes Inquisition, that Ireland's blood be not charged upon England's account, for all we do is to talk of their relief; we say to the hunger starved, be ye warmed, and be ye filled, and to the naked, be ye clothed, and to the wounded, be ye healed; but who administers help? Surely we are all Priests and Levites. 3. Remedies to prevent growth of future evils. 1. Take heed of too much listening to whispering Informers, who do more hurt in private, then ever they'll do good to public; especially give them no ear when they strike at men of public Trust, fidelity, and spirit. 2. In placing or displacing, consult not with men of self-ish and peevish spirits, although otherwise godly: he is fittest to advise withal, that loves a godly man, let him be Presbyterian or Independent. 3. Let not a single report serve in point of public concernment. 4. Judge no man by a particular word or action, that generally hath appeared faithful. 5. Make best constructions of the words and actions of any godly man, of what opinion soever in circumstantialis. 6. Condemn no man till called to answer his charge, nor g●ve much he●d to one that gapes for preferment. 7. If the Parliament would acquiesce in their own Judgement and determinations, it would prevent much discontent, they being the proper trusties and Representative Body of the Kingdom, and not the Army; and then would likewise the Kingdom acquiesce in them. 8. Avoid all things that may breed dis-union, and listen to any thing that may promote peace, or tending to a Religious accommodation. 9 If they would be more caresul to keep their credit in payment of the public faith, then solicitous to reward themselves, t●ere would be less heart-rising against them: Take heed of cutting too large thongs, neither slay the poor man's Ewe-Lamb. 4. Means to put an end to all our Troubles. 1. Let us break off our sins by righteousness, and our iniquities by showing mercy, for they are cause of all our troubles, Corrupt Counsellors and Statesmen have slain their thousands, but our sins their ten thousands. 2. Let every one of us in particular seek the Lord, call upon him, and wrestle with him by prayer, for settling Peace and Truth, and let both Presbyterian and Independent jointly and solemnly seek the Lord in public, for his direction and blessing, that however our opinions differ, our affections may be one for God; like a wise Father, if he see his children altogether by the ears, will never leave lashing till he make them agree. 3. Let the difference be publicly debated, by men of moderate spirits, able and Godly, that the Kingdom may receive satisfaction. 4. Every one deny himself, Let all Estates, King, Parliament, Army and City too, smite upon the thigh, all confessing their mistreading, for so long as each stands upon his own Justification, there can be no true Peace. 1. For the King. None can deny that his do have been destructive; the sad stories whereof, may be yet read in lines of Blood. 2. The Army. However happily owned by the Parliament since their refusing to disband, etc. although the most renowned in the Christian world: I believe no age can produce so many sump●ome● and trophies of Honour in so short a time as they; yet this cannot be reckoned less than a digression. 3. The City extremely too blame In permitting it not countenancing that mischievous combination and engagement, that horrid riot and violence upon the Parliament, neither punished, nor declared against: As also in outing the Militia, and their Commands, their Independent brethren, who had been faithful and active in worst times. 4. The Parliament. 1. In slighting such an Army, who under God, were their and the Kingdoms deliverers, endeavouring their disbanding, before sufficient provision, either for Pay, Indemnity, or Tender Conscience. 2. In pleading a Force, some of them saying they were forced to Vote: a shameful plea for any man entrusted with a Kingdom: Conscience certainly cannot be compelled; were the sword at the breast, a man ought rather lose his life then betray a Kingdom: if a man could not sit without apparent hazard of life, he were better of the two, protest and withdraw: but if there come li●e or death, he ought to sp●ak his Conscience. Now if all this would c●use out a Committee of able, godly, 〈◊〉, considerable m●n, confess all their failings, and let their business be only to accommodate, using ●hose foregoing 〈◊〉, of Fasting, Prayer, Repentance. etc. I am confident a short and seasonable period would be put to all our Troubles. 5. Let after all this provision be made, if both parties agree not, for the dissenting: What though they cannot join with us in our Discipline, cannot we allow our own Countrymen as much privilege as the Dutch and French had in the Bishop's days, whose discipline ever differed from ours? That which is of God will stand, if not, it will undoubtedly fall. Lastly, Short and seasonable advice to the suffering Party, whether Presbyterian or Independent. 1. Take heed of suffering as an evil doer, and then be not at all troubled, it is and hath been the portion of the most precious, to be evilly entreated: neither art thou alone. 2. Be comforted in that God is the avenger of the oppressed, neither do extremes last long. 3. Be comforted that thou hast discharged a good Conscience while entrusted. 4. Let this thy condition be so far from causing thee to take part with malignants, which thy corrupt heart will be apt to, that it cause thee to walk more closely and circumspectly with God; and let patience have its perfect work. 5. Be not perplexed for that providences are promiscuous, or for that God's dispensations are mysterious, in that, notwithstanding all our expense of Treasure and Blood, after so much wrestling with God in public and private, our hopes of Reformation is so much clouded, but honour God in staying thy heart upon him in most unsettled times, yea even in the dark, who is able to bring light out of darkness, life out of death, nay heaven out of hell: consider he that is faithful hath promised, no cross occurrences can alter his purpose: He that preferred Joseph by the prison, Led Israel to Canaan through the Sea, Created all things of nothing, can, nay doubtless will, after a while exercise of our Faith and Patience in the wilderness of our unhappy divisions and distractions, bring us to a blessed Land flowing with milk and honey of peace and truth. Yet will he give us pure Ordinances, perfect the work of Reformation; yet will he set his Son upon his holy hill of Zion, It is good to see Zions beauty in the very dust thereof. Object. If any shall object I have pleaded the Presbyterian cause more than the Independent. Answ. 1. I answer, At this time there is more need the Presbyterian being most despicable. 2. Time was not many years since, when the Independents were as much despised, when (under God) I was as instrumental for their entertainment; I desire to look upon the suffering party whichsoever, desiring to heal and compose, not to make wider the wound. Thus having freely unboweld myself, (peradventure not without displeasure on all sides) some will say I have spoken too much against the Army: another that I have wronged the King: others that I have wronged the City: others I have abused the Parliament, which is the least of my thoughts in any particular, I honour them all; only I love them all too well to flatter any: and if every one will but enter into his own heart, and smite upon his own thigh, I know none will condemn me. However, if I have come near the quick, I hope all will consider that a faithful Physician takes more care to cure then please his Patient; neither is he a good Chirurgeon that cannot cut and lance when need is: the ●ore must be thoroughly searched lest skinned over, again putrify: I● I have by this poor ●ling and stone, struck our Giantlike joying in the forehead: I● by this clay and sp●tl● God please to open our eyes, and in●l●●e our hairs to a happy accommodation: i● I have pleased my God, and been faithful to my Country, I pass not: and if the physic be not so toothsome, I am sure it is wholesome; The Lord make it effectual to the l●easing our unhappy differences. FINIS. Imprimatur JOHN DOWNAME.