Loves Advocate, OR Certain Arguments tendered to the serious Consideration of all that truly fear God, either in Parliament or Army, concerning M. Christopher Love Minister, now a condemned Prisoner in the Tower, for the utter repealing, or at least the moderating that sad sentence under which he now lieth.  
With clear satisfaction to all contrary Scruples to unbyasled Spirits.  
By a faithful friend to the Parliament, one who never yet declined their cause to the right or left, but hath continued in their service from the beginning of their troubles to this very day.  Matth. 5.7. 
Blessed are the Merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.  Isa. 16.5. 
In mercy shall the Throne be established.  Iam. 2 13. 
For he shall have Judgement without mercy that hath shewed no mercy, and mercy rejoiceth against Judgement.  1 Pet. 3.8. 
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as bretheren, be pitiful, be courteous.  1 King. 2. 26. 
Then the King said to Abiathar the Priest go to Anathoth, unto thine own fields for thou art worthy of death, but I will not this day kill thee, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast suffered in all wherein my father hath been afflicted.  
LONDON, Printed by James Moxon, 1651.   

To the Supreme Authority of England, the Parliament assembled; Grace, Mercy, and Peace.  
Right Honourable,  
ALthough the ensuing Arguments may be useful to all, yet my aim is principally to satisfy you, who by the unspeakable Providence and goodness of God to this Common-wealth, are become its Protectors, and in whose breast only under God it lieth either to save or to destroy; Far be it from me to open my mouth in the least to justify the practise of the party for whom I make bold to pled, but utterly abominate the very thoughts of such horrid and sinful associations; but considering it will both consist with, and conduce to the glory of God, the peace of the Church, the honor and safety of this Commonweal, I am encorag'd, not in the least doubting, but as ye are in the place of God, and may not improperly be called gods, if it appear to you that the fore-mentioned ends may be attained, you desire to be like that God who delights in mercy, to which purpose I have undertaken to improve my poor talent: And although the Application of so many of your faithful friends have yet procured nothing but a short Reprieve, which might discourage, yet knowing that the Lord can work without, nay against means when his time is come, can do what he pleases by the most contemptible instrument; and that he who hath the hearts of all Magistrates in his hand, can turn them as the rivers, causes me to cast the care upon him, who is able to bring it to pass, which is the earnest prayer of  
The unworthyest and meanest of all your Servants, G. L.   

Loves Advocate. To all that love Peace and Truth.  
WHen I consider what great advantage the common enemies of this Common-wealth have reaped by the unnatural and unchristian contention of those who are no doubt many of them precious in the account of God; to wit, the Presbyterian and Independent parties, in which lies our greatest unhappiness; and likewise considering how destructive this design of M. Love and his Associates might have proved, had not the Lord broken the net of their device, by which means( through mercy) a wide door of reconciliation is set open; I could not but break silence, hoping hereby not only to convince the discontented offending party of his error, but to obtain, as a right understanding between the dissenting Brethren, so also( by God's blessing) mercy to the condemned party; desiring to effect both.  
Therefore before I begin to pled for M. Love, or any of his Associates, I would gladly know what peace or security he or they could promise to themselves in a design of this nature:  

1. Either in respect of God. Or,  
2. In respect of the Church of God. Or,  
3. In respect of the Nation. Or,  
4. In respect of themselves.   
1. In respect of God. Could it be possible to enter into the heart of M. Love, that the Lord who had given so many signals of his singular care of this Common-wealth, and those engaged in their Cause, would ever look with a favourable aspect upon the arch enemies of him and his people?  
Could any man persuade men in their right senses, that M. Love,( a man holy, godly publicly and eminently engaged for Church and State) should side with a generation of men, whose ungodly and debauched conversations carries inevitable ruin in their very fore head?  
Could M. Love find in his heart to associate with the Scottish King, and those old Malignant Popish English Emissaries, Jermyn, Percy, & c? and must these be now his Factors that formerly were Agents for him who M. Love most eminently opposed and whose Principles are as opposite as light to darkness? Could he expect any better reward then Jehoshaphat? 2 Chron. 19. 2. Wouldst thou help the wicked, and love them that hate the Lord? Therefore for this thing the wrath of the Lord is upon thee. Hath not the Lord said else-where, I will destroy both the house and the help of the evil doer? Isa. 31. 2. Therefore saith the Prophet in vers. 1. Wo to them that go down to Egypt for help.  
And although I earnestly desire those considerations that moved the Lord to show mercy to Jehoshaphat, 2 Chr. 19. 3. for that good things were found in him, and that he had been instrumental to destroy the groves; as also that that caused Abiathar notwithstanding his compliance with the Usurper Adonijah, to find favour with Salomon, to wit, Because he bare the Ark of the Lord before David his father, may also prevail for him, now in time of his distress, yet I earnestly desire to convince his heart of the unspeakable mischief wrapped up in this design.  
2. In regard of the Church.  
Could M. Love, or any rational man in the world, expect such to promote the work of Reformation, who are the archest enemies of it? Had the design prospered, had not all the expense of Treasure and Blood for these dozen yeers together, to propagate the Gospel, to promote the cause of God, not only been lost, but the Common-wealth turned to a Chaos or Acheldama? Was it possible those Blackmoors with whom he joined could change their skins? Or would those old Birds( nay Beasts) of prey have ceased to devour when their jaws were unmuzzell'd? Certainly had they prevailed, their gums would now have been harder sure, then their teeth before knocked out.  
Were they enemies to all godly men formerly, and would they now love any godly man? Certainly we may say now as the Lord said long since; The days of England's Visitation are come, yea the days of recompense, England as Israel shall know it; The Prophet is a fool, the Spiritual man is mad, otherwise it were not possible. Hos. 9. 7.  
When Popish and Malignant Cavaliers become reformers of abuses in Protestant Churches, itis like to be well done. If the devil turn Divine, we shall have good Doctrine: good Gospel! and if Lucifer turn Lawyer, we shall all have Justice!  
And withal, let M. Love consider, and bewail what a general odium they have brought upon the very government of presbytery; Certainly although there are many godly and moderate men that are hearty to that government, yet they are as faithful to the Common-wealth as any other, and who as much abominate this ungodly stratagem, and yet by this very undertaking, are laid under a thick cloud, if the wisdom of the Parliament prevent not; the design carried on in the name of the Presbyterian Party, when many thousands nay the mayor part, abhor the thoughts of any such compliance.  
3. In respect of the Nation.  
Were not these principal Instruments to promote the troubles of the Nation? Were not Digby, Jermyn, Piercy, this Scots king confederates with his Father to destroy all? and can we expect better if they should prevail? Must not then the well-affected be well paid for all their Treasure and Blood spent and spilled to defend the Common-wealth from those Vipers? and must not we then lay down both life and estate to pay the arrears of their rage, and engagements of those Cut-throats?  
4. For themselves.  
What peace or personal security could M. Love or any godly man whatsoever expect from such as are utter enemies to godliness, nay against all such as have sided with the Parliament against their old Correspondencies and Interests? Could M. Love pled( had they prevailed) that he had now done them so much service in promoting this design, as that the business of Uxbridge, and all his former assistance to this State should be forgot? I fear he would be choked first: Certainly M. Love must have been one of the first Presbyterian favourites they would have sacrificed to their lusts. But to pass this, for that I would not make the Purge so strong, that the Cordial should not operate, neither lay more weight upon him that's overladen; I know M. Love hath something to say, which I could as easily answer; but for that my purpose is to become his Advocate, and the rest of the godly that have been mis-led by their own deceived hearts; I humbly pray the Lord to give them hearts of repentance, to give glory to God by an ingenious acknowledgement, and for time to come( if the Lord vouchsafe to incline the hearts of the Parliament to grant them their lives for a prey) they may become again Instrumental to promote the cause of Church and Common-wealth.  
To which purpose I humbly offer to consideration; however his sentence is most just.  
1. That as all men aclowledge, so I verily believe him to be a man precious in God's account; and for that he is so, I humbly offer this, that difference may be put be those that are common enemies to God and his Cause and People, and such who are otherwise truly godly, and that they may not fare-worse then the arch enemies of this Common-wealth. How many Grandees of all our unhappy troubles, that have been actually in Arms against the Parliament, that have with their own hands  shed the blood of many precious Instruments of State, have been spared, and found mercy upon their laying down of Arms, and promise not again to engage against the Parliament? and shall these be in worse capacity whose design never came to maturity, and who are of the same faith, who will not only promise never to engage against but for future promote the common Cause; in whose word there is more trust then in a thousand oaths of Rupert's, Maurice's, or any their confederates? As the Lord puts difference between an Egyptian and an Israelite, and Salomon made a difference between Joab and Abiathar, 1 Kin. 2. 26. so ought we also, Exod. 11. 7. Deut. 32.5. for their spot is not like the spot of his children; nor the spot of God's children like theirs.  
2. However M. Love and the rest were drawn in to that desperate design, and condemned for it as Traytors, yet I believe he had no treasonable intent; it's true I believe he had correspondence with the Scottish King that how is when he was Prince, and with Massey, the Presbyterian Ministry, and others in Scotland; his intent was, to take off the Prince from that popish hispanioliz'd faction, Dighy, Cottington, &c. among whom he was, that had done so much mischief to the Nation, to become a Covenanter; that thereby he might be instrumental to promote the government of the Church, to which he was so strongly devoted, that so( according to the Covenant) there might be an uniformity in both Nations; and although the instruments were such from whom I wonder how he could expect such ends, yet he aimed to effect that which they had least thought of, and so became utterly obnoxious, although acting upon religious principles.  
3. Consider how instrumental he hath for merely been to promote the cause of this Parliament, and let that not be forgot to be put into the scale of this late disservice; and truly, impartially considered, it may be a means to poise the business; He was actually, visibly, and publicly engaged for the Parliament, he hath only privately had some compliance with their enemies in a corner, in a business never perfected or effected.  
4. Consider he had not engaged at all, had his Conscience been so well satisfied as now it is concerning the lawfulness of the present Government; and truly at that time when first set up, when the House was garbled by an unaccustomed way, that England never before saw, it stumbled many honest godly Christians and faithful friends of yours; however some have been better able to satisfy themselves then others have; and I believe that that is so disputable in this age, to wit the present government will in succeeding ages be out of question; mean time so long as those that are not so hearty to it, or are not yet persuaded, are quiet, let as free construction as may be made of mens words and actions, who are otherwise truly godly, and in time may see their own mistake.  
5. Consider who they are that intercede for him, and you will find them the most faithful knowing Christian friends you have; and therefore think not they would desire any thing of you that may derogate either from your dignity or common safety; those who do daily pray for you, and as much as in them lies, propagate the common cause to the utmost both in person and purse.  
6. By showing mercy to him, you will utterly disappoint the hopes and expectations of your as well as his adversaries; for indeed many are his utter enemies for your sakes, who you gratify exceedingly if you suffer him to dy, and who gape-greedily after his blood, and would as willingly have yours also if opportunity served.  
7. Frustrate not the prayers of many of your dearest friends, who have sought the Lord in his behalf, and whose hearts are yet let out for him, which is a ground of further hope.  
8. Consider Although he be an able Minister, yet he's but a weak Statesman; I could wish he had kept more close to his Calling in preaching Jesus Christ &c. and meddled less with State matters; therefore look upon this offence as a fruit of his ignorance in Civil affairs.  
9. He is a public instrument of the Church, one doubtless that hath converted many souls to Jesus Christ; one that by his life may bring many out of the ways of death, and one that if he suffer, doubtless many poor souls must suffer with him; this Argument prevailed with Salomon to spare Abiathar the Priest let it prevail with you.  
10. You are the Parties offended who are his Judges, and therefore for you to show mercy in your own cause is most honourable.  
11. The effects of that favour already granted him are such, as that I hope will pled for a further act of grace; For by this means the Presbyterian and Independent Ministry petitioning together, have ever since held correspondency, and do weekly meet to seek God for a happy reconciliation of the difference between them, which is the greatest advantage the enemy hath upon us; and truly I understand there is great hope of making up that sad breach, even by this means; Certainly he that can bring light out of darkness, nay heaven out of hell, can out of this eater bring meat, out of this evil bring much good both to Church and State; and I verily believe a more ready expedient to gain the hearts of all the Presbyterian godly to you; and to make them all serviceable, is to be gracious in this particular: Ingenious spirits are wrought more upon by cords of love, then by thousand stripes.  
12. Consider you are in the place of God, and as not improperly called gods, labour to be like that God who is very often in Scripture called the God of mercy, but never the God of Justice; it was the honour of the Kings of Israel that they were merciful, and it will be yours also, especially to such who you are persuaded( however by a misguided principle driven aside) are precious in God's account, faithful to his cause and people; the Lord in wrath remembers mercy, his mercy endures for ever, his mercy is above all his works; it's his mercy that we are not all consumed, because his compassions fail not; the Lord incline your hearts to be merciful as your heavenly Father is merciful, Luke 3. 36.  
13. Consider cursed Shimei had the favour to build him a house, and live in it, and had not he broken his conditions made with the King had enjoined, it had not been destroyed; and shall a Saint fare worse then a persecutor of the Saints? Abiathar one of Adoni●ah's confederates in his usurpation, yet for that he was a Priest, and bare the Ark before King David, was afflicted with him, &c. he had liberty, notwithstanding he deserved death.  
14. Remember how kindly Joseph dealt with his butcherly Brethren, who had cause and power enough to use them as they were, and his heart was willing enough to fly out upon them, but the fear of God kerbed his revengeful disposition, Consider how kindly David dealt with Nabal, when God gave the kingdom into his hand, it never repented him that he spared the churl his blood, although the Lord met with him.  
Lastly, Consider what may be the cause the godly Ministry, or any part of them should decline you. Certainly there is something in it, they have not used it; The dumb Ass reproved the Prophet even by this rule, it was not his custom to be unserviceable, there was a cause; and surely something is now the matter, give me leave to tell you in their names what I think it to be.  
1. Your approving, and after long debate with the Assembly about Church government, settling that which you take little care to protect or countenance,  
2. Suffering Errors, Heresies, and most horrid blasphemies to go uncontrolled, as it were cum privilegio, zealous to promote your own Interests, relations, and edicts, while God is blasphemed daily to his face by a hellish generation of wretched Ranters, &c.  
3. Leaving them destitute of competent livelihoods, insomuch that in many places they have nothing to live upon but the good will of such who have no will at all to that that's good.  
4. By their mistake about the Covenant, thinking and pleading many of them in positive terms for the King, when as that part of the Covenant that concerned him was merely conditional and was broken by him in every branch thereof, and whose taking off was as judicial an act as any ever you since your first sitting accomplished.  
I am not ignorant there are divers desire his dispatch, and their grounds are either  

1. Prejudice against the government of presbytery. Or,  
2. Ignorant of the small difference between Presbytery and Independency. Or,  
3. Slighting the Independent by the Presbyterian party when in Power. Or,  
4. Too much liberty given to such as despise all government. Or,  
5. Because of his former zeal for Parliament, therefore is he become the very object of the rage and malice of all the Malignant and Royal party both in City and country.   

The Objections against him are not many.  

Object. 1. He hath been instrumental, and cause of much bloodshed.  
2. Impartial Justice ought to be administered.  
3. The soldier will be unsatisfied if he be spared.  
For the first, It's true, had the design taken effect, it might have caused much bloodshed blessed be God it did not.  
2. He is not so instrumental that way as rendered; it's true he was instrumental I'believe to unite the King and the Scot in one Covenant; but had not M. Love been, it had been effected by the Scots Commissioners themselves, and the Scots were in Arms long before the King came to them, or M. Love meddled in the business.  
3. God that brings good out of evil, hath so ordered, that the blood that is spilled is the blood of his enemies, and very little else is  shed, blessed be his name.  
4. Compare his former services with these present negotiations and they will( I am confident) overbalance( I know, and so do all that know him, that he hath been as prevailing an instrument to promote the Parliaments ends, as most Ministers in England) and when they had most need of help: yea I doubt not but they now reap the benefit of his and many other godly Ministers prayers when they were in a low condition.  
5. However bloodshed might be in the head of the design in those with whom he joined, yet on his part it's rather accidental then intentional; as he and those with whom he joined were of different principles, so also were their ends.   

Object. 2. But Justice ought to be administered without respect of persons.  
Answ. Although justice ought to be so administered as ●ot to respect persons, as to respect a rich man or a great man, and to punish a poor man their fault being both alike, yet respect ought to be had to the nature of the offence in reference to circumstance both of cause, the end, time, place, &c. which may either aggravate or extenuate; as he that sins through ignorance, and he that sins of se● purpose differ; he that offends through a misguided opinion in matter of Church estate, and he that sets himself point blank against God, his cause and people;( although I justify neither) yet there is much difference between them.  
2. Justice appears in his Condemnation and sentence 〈◇〉 Parliament, notwithstanding so many serious solicitations of their known friends; so that if he be saved at last, he must needs aclowledge an act of mere mercy that his life is given him for a prey, which is no more then the archest Traytors or enemies of the State have by their friends solicitation obtained: witness Goring &c.  
3. If any error should be( if it be in showing mercy) especially upon forementioned considerations, it will be no lefthanded error.  
5. Consider, Summum ju● est summum injuria; the extremity of justice is the greatest injustice: as mercy without justice is the greatest cruelty, so justice without mercy is the greatest in justice in the world; therefore as mercy and justice do meet together in God, so he is the firest Judge in whom they are equally mixed.  
5. Doing justice in Scripture language, is not always to be taken for the punishing of offenders, but for uprightness and just dealing in discharge of a good conscience voided of offence toward God and man in the place where God placeth men.   

Object. 3. The Soldiery will be unsatisfied if he be spared.  
Answ. Soldiers for the most part are most severe, especially such as have been so often accustomend to blood, hardened and heightened thereby.  
2. Some there are in the Army, yea too many I fear, that care not if there were neither Minister nor Magistrate in England; and were it not for the piety and prudence of the Lord General and the Commanders near to him, the Parliament would quickly find the woeful effects of it; that that made David unfit to build the house of the Lord, makes these also unfit to be Judges in case of life and death, otherwise( then as in Military affairs) subordinate to higher Powers.  
3. The Soldiery either are or ought to be your servants, and acquiesce in your councils, actings, and conclusions; and so far from being your directors, that I question not but they will sit down under your determinations; not only in this, but all other States affairs.  
Right Honourable, my humble motion in the behalf of M. Love, and those in like capacity, is, that if the Lord shall give them hearts to see and aclowledge their mis-treading, that, then they may not only enjoy the benefit of their liberty, by which they may become instrumental for common good, but also of your savour; if not, yet for that M. Love and some others have born the Ark of God before you and been afflicted with you in all your former afflictions, that they may receive the privilege of Abiathar before mentioned, 1 Kings 2. 26.  
Sure I am you employ many hundreds both in places of profit and trust, that never did you the least service, till their own advantage, and the small hope they had by effecting their ends invited them, who would upon the first opportunity be ready to cut your throats, while many your faithful friends are neglected.  
And now most noble Senators, knowing that God hath given you knowledge and understanding to manage the most weighty affairs both of Church and State( especially in these times) which both have been and are in so great confusion; yet are you by Gods blessing terrible to your, foreign enemies, and honourable in the hearts of all that fear God: The Lord of his mercy incline your hearts( the premiss considered) to pitty this poor man that lies at your mercy, and grant you may never act any thing whereof you may have cause to repent, but may so sway the affairs both of Church and State, as God may have glory, in the establishment of Peace and Truth in all these united islands, to the comfort of all that fear God, and your own eternal honour.    
FINIS.