AN OLD SHIP CALLED AN EXHORTATION To continue all Subjects in their due Obedience, or the reward of a faithful Subject to his Prince. To the Bishops and Clergy. To the true Nobility. To the Civil Magist●a●e. To the true and faithful Subject. What a faithful Subject is? The description of Loyalty. New Rigid by a Wellwisher, to his Prince and Country, never more need to be set forth to Sea▪ then in these distracted times. Behold your King THE I'll OF WAIT Printed in the Year 1648 To the Reverend Bishops, and Clergy, FOr as much as your eclesiastical office is given you from God, as the next Principal members (under the head) to govern the Common wealth of this mystical body: And that their is required at your hands an Extraordinary duty touching the Function of the soul. Let me entreat you to be as vigilant as the five wise Virgins, having oil always in your lamps, against the Bridegroom comes forth of his Chamber, your office is the soul of the Laity, the heart of Government, and the very Epitome of all obedience, from you as the Moon borroweth her light of the Sun, all inferior ministers take their Order of perfection, let then your doctrine be pure, and steadfast like Moses' Bush, that always burned but never Consumed: your preaching in Season, and out of Season, and your Conversation as spotless as the sacrifice of ●urtles. You best know what plenty of Manna hath reigned in Israel, and how many omer full every man ought to gather: be not any of you the first that gather more than is commanded, and in mistrust of God's benefits in f●ct the whole Land with the vice of Avarice. You ought rather to be like Pelicans in the wilderness, who in tender love peck the blood from their Breast to feed their young one: you see with your visible eye; how wonderful Almighty God, hath always preserved the King's Majesty, from the snares of his manifold Enemies. And in you principally lies the sacrifice of thanks giving, it is you that ought to dance before the tabernacle, Num 17. 8. v. and to go with the people to the Ark of the Covenant: that your righteousness may bud like Aaron's ro●, it is you that ought to fly forth from this tossed Ark, and like the dove, bring the olive branch Gen. 8. 11. of peace in your mouths, and tell the people, that if they return God will be their God; and send a truce to their distressed souls by you his Ambassadors: Fly not to Tharsis, when you are sent to Niniveth, least devouring distraction attend you, nor with the man of God go not out of the way, Lest a Lion tore you in pieces, but still be conversent with the Lord, that Exod. 34. 30. your faces may shine with Moses, when he came from the mount, and bring the Image of God's glory to the People in your foreheads: you must bear, with Aron Exod. 38. 3. the breast plate of Judgement upon your hearts, there must be graven upon your forefronts, holiness to the E●●d. 35. 39 Lord, and your sounds must be heard when you go into the Holy places before him: So shall ye stand like Mount Sina, never to be removed, and your Golden candle stick shine in the Temple of the Lord remember the charge your Mr. Christ gave to his servant Peter, binding him three times, above all things by his fervent love and the dear affection he bore to his Mr. to feed his sheep; to be with Paul, the faithful Ambassadors of Jesus Christ, as though God did beseech you through us; we pray you in Christs-stead, 2 Cor. 5. 2. that ye be reconciled to God, with Paul, likewise to Phil. 3. 14. be an example of life and doctrine as in these words and follow hard toward the mark, for the price of the high calling of God in Christ jesus, let us therefore as many as be perfect be thus minded, if ye be otherwise, God shall reveal, even the same unto you. Ye are Mat. 15. 13. most Reverend, the salt of the earth, which wanting savour is to be trodden under foot; ye are the light of the world a City that is set on a hill cannot be hid, let your light therefore shine that they that see your good works, may glorify your father which is in Heaven. This unworthy to council so grave advisements, as if the body should instruct the soul, I only like a traveller in his pilgrimage, seeing a King go out of his way, tell him there is a better, a more perfect and a straighter: so referring you to your master's reward who hates a hidden talent, I beseech that God, who Exod. 13. 21. guideth Israel by day in a pillar of cloud, & by night in pillar of fire, to direct your earthly bodies and spiritual souls to his service, Amen. To the true Nobility of this Realm. TO ye Right honourable, that are the props and supporters of a Kingdom, that like Atlas should bear the weight of heaven one your shoulders, give me leave to stretch forth the atires of my heart, and as in these tempestuous times, unite yourselves together in peace like one body, obedient to one principal head, in the worthy member the heart, the Monarch seat of our Microcosmos, should be your residence, within whose centre as in a Prince's Court, are divers receptailes for you to inhabit in, then as branches extending from the lofty Cedar▪ being sed by one root, do notwithstanding cherish one another wi●h their natural sap: so like the true stock of Nobility▪ descended from your worthy ancestors, be you combined in a conjunction of unseperable aid, that the body of the tree may be comforted in so happy an Issue, and in the proudest blast of conspiracy, keep you still unremovable, be you like faithful Mardocheus, spotless in your ways, when traitors like proud Haman shall perish in their own complo●s▪ For if you please to peruse our Histories, both eclesiastical and profane, ye shall find that never traitor to his native Prince, but had his reward threefold returned into his wicked bosom, and though it hath pleased God sometimes to suffer them, (the cause best known to his sacred pleasure) to bring to pass their hateful purposes: yet as a woe pronounced to them by whom such evils come, their mischief hath not passed without great mischief reguerdond, their is none of your honourable society, but knows that treason is the devider and seperater of all good things, and a fatal disjoyner of perfection, bringing with it ruin, and the merciless substitutes of war, where one the contrary, obedience is the finewes of the State, and glewes the hearts of Nobility together, like one indivisible substance, and as the seven lean ●ine in Pharaohs dream, devoured the seven far, yet themselves not the fatter: so stands it with treason, like a cormerant, it devours all: yet is itself the better by nothing. What greater pattern of misery can there be, than a Kingdom divided in itself, it is like the dangerous Eclipse of the Sun: nay like the unnatural separation of heaven, that brings all danger and destruction, no plague of Egypt comparable to that misery, for Civil dissension is the gate to let in ruin, and foreign invasion, it is like a wedge of Iron, that entering into an oak, dissevers both sides in several pieces, and makes them both fit for the fire. The flourishing State of Rome was devoured by that Monster, and all tranquillity swallowed up at a bit by that hideous Leviathan, it is like the blind Mole, that loveth still to be mischievously labouring, tosseth up her own destruction. Let then, Right honourable, that acceptable sacrifice of your hearts be offered to our gracious Sovereign:, which far exceeds the external offices of feigned affections, who with an eye of vigilancy will, no doubt, regard your virtues, and like the cheerful comfort of the Sun with his blessed countenance, make your young blossoms come to pleasant fruit, and bring the fruit by comfortable warmth to full maturity. By this means, shall your Phoenix live still, and you be made most happy in his fresh renewing, God so direct your hearts to work in you unfeigned loyalty to his sacred Majesty, and deadly hatred to self devouring treason, Amen. To the Civil Magistrates, the Lord Majors, Mr. Majors, and their Sheriffs of London, York, Newcastle, Carlisle, and other inferior Officers. THe natural care and loyalty, your Ancestors have ever borne to their Sovereigns, since their first flourishing time, both in peace and war, hath in ages past, (as deeds worth Registering) been Recorded: for it is manifest when Princes, that heretofore have governed, have held their Reigns with a more severe hand, then in our times (God be thanked) yet they have without repining willingly sustained, as giving place to time, to fortune, or both. And as in all dangerous commotions, they have made apparent their forward loves and loyalties, to their Prince and native Country, so it were to be wished, that you that are their successor, would follow their examples, and with aperfect resolution, and vigilant care, unite yourselves in love together, and lend your helping hand, when occasion shall serve, to restore our to much wronged Sovereign to his Rights again; for their is no other Balsam, will heal the wounds of our long languishing and bleeding Country, if so you do, you shall find your Sovereign like a careful mother, with Hester, be ready to offer himself for his people, and with judeth to dread no danger to preserve his own Nation. The Titants Dioclesian Nero, and Phalaris, who most blodily dived into the bowels of their friends and subjects, were obeyed both in love and fear: though their Tyranny extended to all licentious and uncivil proceed, how much more ought ye, having a most Christian Prince ●o govern ye, that tenders the Pricking of yourfinger, more than a wound from his own hart to prosecute his Princely thoughts and pure integrity, I am constrained to urge this as a thing which cannot be two often mentioned; considering the crafty and many subtle of the disloyiall Saduccs in these times, and strive as much as in them lieth, to bribe and turn the hearts of his highness' loving subjects, against him, (as the Devil which showeth darnel amongst the best wheat) with counterfeit shows and deceitful practices, or like the craccoldaile in Niclus, which weeps like a Child till she allure some passenger, and then returning in the nature of her ugly shape, her hunger bitten Paunch, and presently devours of such pestiferous sstuffe are all glozing sycophants that gild their pretences (to keep the counterfeit unspied) with such false suggestions▪ carrying neither honesty, reason, or truth, but like the devils that entered into the heard of Swine, when they cannot have liberty or licence to do one mischief, covet to enter into another; so their malice may be set on work, but to withstand such I know your civil judgements are able if your minds were willing: Herein you ought the rather to be thoroughly confirmed, seeing how God hath from the beginning of his Majesty's reign, defended him against all manner of envious assaults, and laid their own evil, upon the wickedness of their own heads. This should make you (methinks) chary to discover to your dread Sovereign, any mischief lurking like Poison of▪ Asps under their lips, call to mind his Majesty's gracious Proclamation; wherein he hath declared himself, and now showeth it to the world to be more careful of your wellfaire then his own (I should think) you seeing the abuse and slavish servility that your native Country is brought unto by your disobedience should stir you up to gain what is lost, and England, nay O English men where have you lost your hearts of loyalty? or what is become of your eyes, that you see not, yourselves oppressed with such tedious burdens and clogs, as to be constrained to pay tribu●e both for your appetile and sustenance, your King imprisoned in the Isle of Wight, your Prince forced to live in another Kingdom, nay more what can be worse, all these things are by our fellow subjects, which in all righr should be our servants, but now they are become our Lords, and taskemasters, for they which will trample their head under their feet, will not use the body other ways, all these things and many more well weighed, we cannot say otherwise, but it is a thorough Deformation both in Church and State. This as one servant in affection, advising even as you would have your souls l●ft upon high, and your coffers enriched on earth: as you look to have your War-houses filled full of Godsblessing, to have your wine good, and your ale fat; once again I stir you up, like a flame that is quickened with blowing, to have God obey your Prince, and do good for your Country so shall his proudest enemies die at his feet, and ye be made worthy Instruments like (a Tower of Marble) to defend his sacred Majesty, whom God continue with long health and prosperous life. Amen. To the true and faithful privet subject both in the North and South parts of this Kingdom; my dear Countrymen, whose loyalties to their Prince and Country will never be forgotten. AND now beloved Countrymen to you in general, that carry with you the full Currant of affection, the swiftest stream of deep guiding love, not to be revented or turned back by the vehement opposition of my resisting wind, to you as to the open mark; whereto my heart leavile her pretended aim, being the upshot of my exhortation, I send this my friendly Council, like as a City well fenced about with impregnable walls: so ought ye to be in time of domisticall rebellion or foreign invasion; ye are the main Battle, the strength and trust of this Kingdom, and to you belong a chief trust in the required renovation, as his highness may well be compared to the apple of our eye, which naturally (by reason it is tender unto us) we have most care: so ought ye to join your whole bodies, goods, Arms, Legs, Feet, and hart, to protect his Royal person, without secret grudging, private muttering, or uncivil controversy. Ye ought to be like steadfast Rocks in the sea, to affront every storm, and to withstand (without muttering) the most bitter blasts, that either winter or foul weather can afford. To conclude, I beseech God in his infinite mercy stir up your dear affecting love to His Majesty; mercy hath always sitten at his Right hand, and honoured about him like a continual Handmaid, mercy is the wedding King, that like unspotted Virgin, hath (married him to our Saviour) and hath settled his highness the faithful precedent of his true Church, wherein may his Maj. continue many happy days, to the glory of God, and the comfort of his faithful loving subjects. Amen. What a faithful Subject is: A Good subject, next to the diadem that a dornes a Prince's head, is the chiefest Ornament that decores his dignity; he is the precious balm that anoints his brows, and is never to the hart, than his Sceptre to his Right hand, as sweet in his nostrils as the groves of Gillead, and more precious in his ●ight than Solomon's yourythorne covered with purest Gold. His heart is clothed with peace, like mount Olivet, & his eyes as harmless as the sight of a Dove: his tongue sounds like the Harp of David: and his lips deliver the happiness of loyalty: his ears are the portals that receive understanding and all perfection from thence is conducted to the hart: his hands are ready to fight the batailes of the Lord, and his feet shining the steps of blood, are bend always to walk in the paths of innocence, thus excellent in the sight of the Prince shines a faithful Subject, more gorgeous than the Ephod of Aron: and more sumtuous than Solomon in all his Royalty, who so is this to this his Prince and Country, the Lord will prosper him, and he shall be blessed in everlasting generation: and for one of these benefits he receives in earth, he sh●ll have a million in Heaven, for one of these perfections he partakes of in this world, numbers above number, shall attend him in the world to come: And his Prince shall thus pray for him, and bless him: As Solomon did his Subjects. And the King turned his face and blessed all the Congregation of Israel, and said blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who spoke with his mouth to David my Father, and hath with his hand fulfilled it. And though myself may say with Isaiah, I am a worm, and no man; yet (I spoke it in despite of vain glory) I would with all my hart as an Isaac in the hands of Abraham, serve as a Sacrifice, to do my Prince, and Country good: for sure he cannot be a true servitur of God, that is not a faithful (subject to his Prince, neither would I judge my felicity i● this world Answerable to that, if once my soul might be Employed to please my Prince, and benefit my Country. For all the offices, of Humanity depend only upon these Principal performances, for I know by that means there comes a Blessing from a far, a reward full of joy, which none else are worthy to obtain, which reward I heartily pray the great Rewarder of all to send to the true, loyal, and Faithful Subjects: of England and so wi●h one voice proceeding from one unity of heart, let us all say Faithfully, (GOD SAVE KING CHARLES:) AMEN. The Description of Loyalty. ABove the Clouds where sprangled troops of Stars, Adorn the precious bosom of the Sky: Where heavenly peace abandons breaking Jars, And all the Consort that is tun●▪ on high: Send forth their melodious sounds, That makes those Crystal vaults with joy abound. With in the bright, Imperial orb of rest, Where souls of Saints one Golden altars set: And in the Lamb's sweet breath are only blest, Where thousand Graces millions more beget: His Loyalty in throne in blessed Chair: Most gorgeous in attire, most heavenly fair. About her head, the Swift wing Cherubins, hover their silver Pinions in her eyes: And the sweet spheres with glorious seraphins, Upon her shining brow with bliss arise: No stormy Cloud can veil her beauteous face, Because their burns the holy lamp of Grace. Truth richly clothed in white ornament, stand at the right hand of this happy Saint. from whom the words of Righteousness are sent, whose cheerful hopes by envy cannot faint. But as the Daughter to the Highest power; She sits defended in a strong built Tower: Upon her left hand hope her anchor ways, One whom her dear success doth still attend. Nor doth she feed her servants with delays, But they that one her sacred state depend. with bounteous hand she gives such rich reward, as vading fame hath neither seen nor heard: And as great Michael with the Dragon fought About the chosen Moses sacred bo●es: So she contends with traitors that have sought, To touch the hearts of Gods anointed one's. And like the Archangel gives them all the foil. That lift their hands a Prince's life to spoil. POSTSCRIPT▪ To his Noble Colonel the Right Honourable Sir. Thomas Gl●m●●●● Colonel General Governor of York Commander in chief, of Westmoreland, Comberland, Northumberland▪ and the City of Carlisle, and lastly, Major General to his Majesty and Governor of Oxford, the true pattern of Loyalty. Sir, I Have ever accounted in gratitude, to be not only the greatest, but the ugliest monster in nature, according to that Ingratum Si dixeris omnio dixeris, wondering at the most sort of men, which in this our age do live, that they take so little regard of it, and not rather, altogether shame and abhor it, but when I particularly muse of some, as of myself I find that either opportunity will not always serve, or ability in most do want, to those that carry willing minds or answerable in deeds, and concerning myself; of wh●ch is now my drift despair, I have often feared least of divers hereof I would as guilty be noted, and of many to whom I have been greatly beholden▪ justly condemned, but of note more than of your Honour: which to me for some years together, you have been pleased to bestow upon me many noble favours, the whilst I was under your command, wherefore having gotten some fit occasion, I thought not to pretermit the same, but therein to view my mind and poor ability, wherein I may do your honour any service, I do here present, small I say in respect of answering any benefit received, but great and precious in regard of the matter therein contained; I having been an eye witness of your Honour's actions for his Majesty's cause, and knowing what great pains and adventures you have undertaken for the defence of it, being always a good account to your Master, as a just steward ought to do, your loyal action which England is not ignorant of, hath embolden me to present this small work to the eyes of the world under good protection, (not to gain A popular applause) but to hinder as far as in me lieth; the trampling so precious a jewel, under the feet of such swine which wallows in the mire of th●se our times. I take leave of your Honour, wishing you all happiness in this life, and in the world to come Eternal Felicities. This is the prayers of one of your Honour's Captains, who will be always ready to observe your command vale. FINIS.