THE PLOT DISCOVERED AND COUNTER PLOTTED Commended in a Letter to a private Friend, from a truehearted wellwisher to great Britain's happiness.  Psal. 124. 1.-6. 
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, may Israel now say.  
If it had not been the Lord who was on our side when men risen up against us.  
Then they had swallowed us up quick when their wrath was kindled against us.  
Then the waters had overwhelmed us, the stream had gone over our soul, than the proud waters had gone over our soul.  
Blessed be the Lord who hath not given us a prey unto their teeth.  
LONDON Printed for Tho. Vnderhill, and are to be sold at the Bible in Wood-street.   

A Letter to a private Friend.  
Sir,  
WHiles I look on the Lady of Islands, I mean great Britain, and see her clothed with the mourning weed of so many sad, strange, and dishonourable accidents which have fallen out in these latter times, mine eyes run water, and my head is a Fountain of tears. So that one while the unhappy occurrences of State do make me desire a sequestered and contemplative life, that I may with freedom bewail the sin and dishonour of our Nation; another while I seem transported with zeal for God his Church, and glory of our Nation; pressed in spirit with renewed thoughts of indignation against the instruments of this present distraction.  
Sir, In my retiredness, me thinks I have discovered the plot of Britain's ruin (as you may perceive by the ensuing discourse) together with the contrivers of it and their principles.  
Afterwards I shall propound unto you the way for the Counterplot, which may be well contrived in these times, suiting that high and honourable Court of Parliament, whose wisdom is sufficiently able to discover the ill intentions of enemies to Church and State, and provide means of prevention seasonably.  
Sir, When I look on that illustrious Assembly, I consider it as a well constituted body, having right symmetry in all parts, the humours well tempered, so that there is no fear of any excessive predominancy of one above an other; their senses internal and external active, fancy nimble, intellect profound and serious, memory strong and retentive, besides their hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, and feeling very good and quick; so that it seems presumption for one that moves in the inferior orbs to present objects to such accurate and high intelligences; Yet Sir, whiles passion, judgement, sense of mine own insufficiency, together with loyalty to my God, King, and Country, struggle thus in the womb of my conceptions, I am at a stand, and almost resolving to dash my thoughts in the shell, and crush them in their embryo, but at last considering these present Halcyon days, wherein the Kings-fisher gins to make his nest upon the waters, I cannot but promise myself serenity in bringing forth my conceptions, especially having so fair opportunity to put them to nurse, and education in your bosom, whose wisdom, learning, tenderness, and particular faithfulness, I value as sufficient obligations of trust and confidence.  
Nevertheless Sir, it is not mine intentions, so to confine my conceit unto your private acquaintance and tuition, but if it find favour in your eyes you may present it to the view of Sr. Edward Deering, Sr. Walter Earl, Sr. William Bruerton, Sr. Nathaniel Barnardiston, Mr. Pim, Mr. Hambden, Mr. St. John, Mr. Purphry, or others of the Commons house, whose names are precious with me, and their minds so stored with the grounds of all true nobility, that I doubt not but they will know how to give a favourable acceptance, or else to pardon the errors of well intended fancy.  
In the mean time I commit the tuition and administration of my conceptions to yourself, if you see cause, to strike them in cunabulis afore they be presented to any further view, yet be pleased to give them a burial, beseeming such as are descended of one of your faithful friends, of Christian and true English parentage.  
In my discourse I shall describe, first the Plot, secondly the Counterplot; in the Plot I have considered the Plot itself, the Contrivers, the Principles.  
First for the Plot it is Mahomet's, the introduction of a new form of government; wherein Mahomet borrowed à Judais, à Gentibus, à Christianis, from the Jew, from the Gentile, from the Christian, so our last years have borrowed in their imaginary form from three several Places, Sodom, Egypt, Babylon: From Sodom, pride, idleness, fullness of bread, inordinate lusts, intemperance, etc. From Egypt, cruelty, oppression, tyranny over God's Israel, and ruling in Church and State without any rule, but will, like Pharaoh in Egypt. From Babylon the Merchandise of Gold, Silver, precious stones, and Pearls, Revel. 18.12. besides these, Beasts, Sheep, Horses, Charriotts, slaves, and souls of men vers 13. without question Sir, Sodom, Egypt, Babylon, or Rome, were the precedents or copies of our latter times, according to which they have drawn upon our State, to the life, the Atheism of Sodom, the tyranny of Egypt, the idolatry of Rome or Babylon. A most hellish device to squeeze the Juice of three such vicious governments into this of ours, which before the late times of degeneration was the fame and glory of the whole World. The truth of this will appear by the voluminous Testimonies of the grieved party, before the high and honourable court of Parliament.  
Secondly, the Contrivers of the plot, whom I shall refer to these seven heads. First the scandalous Minister; Secondly the corrupt Magistrate; Thirdly the innovating Prelate with his officer; Fourthly the professed Papist; Fifthly the Popish Protestant; Sixthly the rigid Arminian; Seventhly the Libertine.  
First, the scandalous Minister, I mean such as preach very seldom, and then very coldly, happily far above the capacity of the hearer, or if he preach often, his preaching and practice cross the one the other, he preacheth against swearing, and yet is a common swearer himself, against drunkenness, and yet is a common drunkard himself, at leastwise a common bibber, an intimate friend and ordinary acquaintance of the common Tosspots, making the Sack-shop the chief place of Study and contemplation; accounting those the finest fancies which are begot over a sparkling cup, and those divine raptures which are occasioned by exhalations drawn from the good Ale and Sack; my meaning is not Sir, to wound any moderate man, who upon just occasion of business may look into a Tavern, or sometimes to express humanity or courtesy to a friend may sometimes take or give a cup of wine, provided it be inoffensively carried, in regard of time, persons, or company, place, moderation, and the like. Such only I intent Sir, who delight more in chirping company in the Alehouse or Tavern, than they do in Communion with the Saints, or their Wives and Families at home; that account their own houses prisons, and taverns paradices, whose defaults in this kind, such Ministers own wives, and Tavern Boys are best able to discover.  
Besides these such also I reckon amongst scandalous Ministers as do fill their Neighbours ears, and eyes, with obscaen & wanton words and carriages, making lascivious ribaldry the fittest music at a table-meeting, Tom Trinkilo was never more acted to the life, then by many of these, who go under the name of the Angels of the Church of England, and by their mimical, apish, and ridiculous carriages, seek to please the humour of the brave sparks and gallants of our times.  
Lastlie such also are scandalous ministers as are carried with bitter and malicious spirits, against the strict and more exact practice of Religion, which can scarcely forbear to disgorge their foul stomaches in the pulpit against them who walk closer with God than themselves, which can find more Rhetoric to advance ceremony then substance, which can find no honesty in a man that practices in all the main points of Religion, if tender in conscience about a ceremony, but copious and full in testimony of a good fellow, a boon companion, a common swearer, if zealous only in matter of ceremony, such as cannot suffer a pious conscientious man to pass without a jeer, nay haply persecute him, out of his parish, if he conform not in folio to all indifferent ceremonies, such bitter spirits as these give great offence, whiles they arrogate the names of Christ's Ministers, and Ambassadors, and in their lives show neither humility, nor supernatural charity and love of their Master: These and such like are they which pull down more by their practice than they build up by preaching. These are the watchmen on the wall which meeting with the Spouse of Christ pluck her veil from her, wound & buffet her, Cant. 5.7.  
Secondly, the corrupt Magistrate, such I mean as buy, and therefore must sell Justice, which makes the face of his prince, not the laws, the rules of Justice, which in a trial consider more the person than the cause, such as delays or hastens an hearing according to his satisfaction of the sense of feeling, such as wry Justice upon a great man's letter, or private information that the person before him is a Puritan, as if he that were a Devil should not have his due.  
Thirdly, innovating Prelates with their Officers, whether Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, Archdeacon's, Commissaries, officials, etc. such are they which manage jurisdiction Ecclesiastical, whether Excommunications, Visitations, Synods, Corrections, and other Courts, ad collectionem nummorum non ad correctionem morum. They rather visit men's purses then their persons, spinning their Cannons and Articles like the Spider his web, where little flies are caught but great ones break through, these are such as have learned in these latter times, the art of commutation, they had rather have a hundred commutations then one public satisfaction and acknowledgement. They will connive, dispense, and what not, so that they may have Dr. Argent to make the motion; Lords, Knights, Gentlemen and others, may whore, be drunk, and what not, so that the fat of their sins may come ad culinam Episcopi, to the Bishop and their Officers Kitchin. Such I suppose are our corrupt Prelates as know how only (if they preach at all) to speak placentia, to sow pillows under the armholes of Prince and People, such as use Rhetoric to screw Prerogative as high as Tyranny, and conclude as much to belong to the King in way of command as to God Almighty.  
But, O wonder of ages, I mean our gracious King, whom God hath preserved so, that he hath no more been poisoned with Episcopal flattery.  
Examine all ages, was there ever precedent for so many suspensions in these Christian Churches, as by our late Bishops? was there ever such a fire kindled as in these our days by Prelates, to the hazard of three Kingdoms at once? were there ever Prelates and their officers so gross for notorious lusts, for oppression, extortion, rasing fees, picking advantages, preaching seldom or never? Were there ever any Bishops since the time of Edward the sixth, and the reformation in those days, that have brought us so far back to a violent necessity of such usages as might more nearly conform us to the Romish Religion and Ceremonies, bowings, ducking, cringings, Images, etc. These Sir and such like are they who have improved all opportunities and diligence to discourage and supplant all Scholars in the Universities, and Ministers in their several Dioceses, who have been orthodox and industrious, Queen Elizabeth's Protestant's, if moderate about the ceremonies, and have planted right men (as they call them) in the room of Orthodox and Pious men, haply learned, but ambitious, simonical, scandalous, and inclining to all Romish corruption, whereunto their Ecclesiastical Patrons, I mean the Bishops, have invited them, either by their precepts or examples. These Sir and the like are those who are the innovating Prelates, and have quantum in illis brought ruin upon Church and State, and laid the Plot for an universal alteration of both.  
Fourthly, The professed Papist, I mean such whether convict or not convict as acknowledge the Pope's supremacy, never come to our Churches, admire their Popish priests, especially their Jesuits (those infernal Locusts which have come out of the bottomless pit) as their holy fathers, such as account Protestants Heretics, and it a sacred point of devotion to kill Protestant Princes, though in a barbarous, base, and treacherous way, such as serve God by Images, and account ignorance the mother of devotion, costly, unnecessary, and uncommanded ceremonies the glory of the Church. These are they who are fallen into the great conspiracy against great BRITAIN'S prosperity.  
Fifthly, The Popish Protestants, I mean such as are excessively charitable concerning the professed Papist, they love not to come to Church oftener than the laws enforce, if the State will give them leave they will conform to any Popish usage, and are indeed Papists in every point but Supremacy, and priests marriages, and in these likewise in their judgements they are very favourable to the Romish way.  
Sixthly, The rigid Arminian, who accounts no Doctrine sublime but what advances his own opinion about predestination, freewill, falling from grace, and the like.  
These account all men unsound, not rightly informed, or very dunces, that are not of their opinion, these find no music in a Sermon, where the Minister gives not a touch upon the Arminian string.  
These pretend the advancing of good life by their doctrine, while in the mean time if you observe them generally, there are none more dissolute, proud, vain, and scurrilous, than they that prate most in the Arminian cause.  
Seventhly, the Libertine, such I understand to be the swearer, drunkard, whoremaster, profaner of the Sabbath, scorner & despiser of others, following no calling but their sinful lusts, harsh & cruel in their deal, as though God had granted them a charter to do what they list, for these and the like doth the land morn, many are the Princes thereof, and a fruitful land doth God make barren, for the sin of the inhabitants that dwell therein.  
Sir, I can never look on these seven sorts of men, but I call to mind that Septemfluus Amnis the River Nilus which swelled and overflowed all EGYPT.  
Yet if it please his Majesty, and this high and honourable Court of Parliament, that three sorts of the seven, viz. the scandalous Minister, the innovating Prelate with his Officer, together with the rigid Arminian be well disciplined, you shall observe the other four, the corrupt Magistrate, the professed Papist, the popish Protestant, and the Libertine presently brought in by the power of the Gospel, and if it please his Majesty with the Parliament to plant in the rooms of the scandalous Ministers and Arminians, approved ministers for doctrine and life, it would be a true piece of policy beyond the Bishop-craft practised in these later times for the advancing of their Hierarchy.  
And if it so please the wisdom of the State to bestow the Lands and Impropriations belonging to the Bishops and great Churches (besides what shall be thought fit to settle on the Crown) upon Ministers conscientious, industrious, able, and learned, where means is most wanting, to make some provision for Ministers widows and children, as they do in the French Churches, to maintain Scholars in the University, and enlarge Schoolmasters allowance, I dare confidently undertake, that learning would not be discouraged, but the present generation would pray, and posterity for ever would rise up to praise God for such a blessed King and such a happy Parliament.  
In the mean time, Sir, Three discouragements whisper in my ears, all pretending that this alteration is not safe nor feasible.  
Ob. 1 First, if Ecclesiastical government be altered, why may not the civil also be desired to be altered upon the same terms? Ans. First, there is more general grief, and desire of alteration in the Ecclesiastical government then in the Civil. Secondly, the conscience is more concerned in the one then in the other, the purse is pinched in the one, the conscience in the other; examine this well you shall find something worth notice. Thirdly, the Scripture seems to prescribe more for Ecclesiastical government then Civil, leaving all Nations to liberty for their several laws, provided none cross his own eternal commands.  
Ob. Secondly doth not reason require a level in the Commonwealth as well as a parity in Ecclesiastical dignities? Ans. I am confident no moderate wise man would desire such a level as to have all Ecclesiastical grounds lie in a flat, high Mountains are fit for barren Wales, then fruitful England, little hills do not disparage the most fruitful grounds. If some Minister have one, some two, some three hundred pounds per annum, haply more, such hills will not be complained of, only let the Mountains be thrown into the Seas, I mean the greater promotions, then shall the little hills skip like lambs, when the World is more equally divided one grain of faith may remove these Mountains into the midst of the Sea.  
Ob. 2 Secondly the Church may be called the younger sister of the commonwealth, there was a Commonwealth in Israel before the Priesthood of Levy, Commonwealths were before Apostles, Pastors, or Teachers, seniority usually gives dignity, though Rachel the younger sister was fair and more admired by Jacob, yet Leah the elder sister was preferred, for it was the custom of the Country (said Laban.)  
Thirdly much advantage may come by levelling the Church, but unconceivable mischief by levelling the Commonwealth, sandy Hills may be easily leveled, high stony Rocks cannot without difficulty. Verbum sapienti.  
Ob. 3 Thirdly the King will not easily consent? Ans. Sir, I fear it not, never was better King upon the Throne than our gracious Sovereign, never any more deeply engaged to maintain Episcopacy, but I am confident that God who hath given him a gracious heart, will give him a discerning spirit, to see the evil consequences of degenerate Episcopacy by the clear information of his great Counsel.  
Sir, excuse me for that my Remora hath stayed my ship a little longer among the projectors than I did intent, I will now come to the principles by which they have wrought.  
First no ceremony no Bishop, no Bishop no King, a principle it is true, which (it may be) pleased the palate of a wise man, but as it hath been used and applied it hath opened a gap to destruction, schism, ruin, and danger.  
It hath been used as though a King could not rule without the help of a Bishop, whereas Kings swayed their sceptres before the Episcopal dignity was ever known in the World, and as like themselves as ever since, and as though a Bishop could not subsist without a ceremony, whereas the Bishops of the Apostles and primitive times (as they were then called) had few or no ceremonies at all. The further you come from Christ, the Apostles, and primitive times, the more ceremonies you shall find, in Augustine's time there were but few in comparison of after times, yet he complains of a Judaisme, and multitude of ceremonies, above that which is meet, that in a few hundred years were crept into the Church.  
I conceive the Apostles and primitive Bishops were more pious, more conscientious, more industrious, and did more good, in feeding and governing the Church of God than our late Bishops, and yet they used few or no ceremonies in comparison. Sir, these Septemvirated conspirators if you observe, have all admired this principle, witness their inordinate zeal for the ceremonies as though there were no Religion but in the practice of these; have not the laws of God, I mean the express moral Commandments, been slighted and neglected, the breaches of it easily dispensed withal? The fundamental laws of the Kingdom shaken, while these ungodly projectors have advanced their Ceremonies and Canons? for my part I have ever took a King for a beam of the Deity cast into an angle of the Earth, and that Judgement and Justice make the throne stable, ruling according to Law is the greatest honour and safety of a Prince, and therefore God requires by Moses, that the King shall read in the book of the Law night and day; there are two sorts of Laws, Gods own Laws, and the fundamental laws of a Kingdom or State, the King is to see the execution of both these, and it is most safe to preserve them with all tenderness, so that if a King have a care of these, he may be sufficiently supported without the help either of Bishop or Ceremony; methinks it is a disparagement to the Crown to be supported by Bishops; sure I am Solomon's throne was supported by Lions; and for Ceremony to support Bishops, It seems such a sandy foundation, that with a violent storm the foundation may be washed away, and the whole building may easily fall. Go through all the seven sorts of men whom I have charged for the conspirators of State, you shall hardly find a man but working a great deal of trouble, by virtue of this principle; I will close all with crossing and thwarting of the proverb, A King may be without a Bishop, and an Apostles Bishop without a Ceremony.  
The second principle, that a papist is much honester than a puritan, and much more to be favoured; a damnable principle according to the intention and application of it, and of the effects that have followed in this Kingdom. No question Machiavil, Ignatius, or the Devil began to apply this old Heretical name in such an extended and general way. For in these latter times every man that subscribed unto the Doctrine of the Church, if he was tender in matter of ceremony hath been reputed a Puritan, nay, every man that will not swear, be drunk, wanton, scoff and jeer others, he is a puritan, though conformable to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England, so that the late projectors have united together in this principle and by it have much advanced their designs: upon this ground, the Papist hath been cherished as the honester man, men of most refined life, and exact godliness and have showed forth eminent virtue in practice, have been browbeaten, discountenanced, and persecuted, drunkards have been the good Sons of the Church, temperate men the stubborn children of their mother; O Tempora, O Mores, what strange times were we fallen into, when light was called darkness, and darkness light, sweet sour, and sour sweet, good evil, and evil good, when the wicked shall be justified for a reward, and the righteousness of the righteous shall be taken away from them? This principle hath been followed with such hellish zeal that Religion and Virtue are almost bereft of life and sense, for this principle hath put out the eyes, cut off the legs and hands of Religion and Virtue, Help Lord for faith and truth are almost perished, and discouraged for looking amongst the sons of men.  
Thirdly, liberty is sweet, a principle which is acknowledged most true, provided it be not extended in longitude and latitude above the true natural dimensions of it; If it had been stretched no further than God's service it had been perfect freedom, but let it be only understood of the satisfaction of the carnal will and sensual appetite than liberty is dangerous, and of bad consequence. Now Sir, survey seriously the latter times, you shall observe the scandalous Minister, the corrupt Magistrate, the innovating Prelate and his Officers, the professed Papist, the Popish Protestant, the rigid Arminian, and the Libertine, all sailing in one and the same channel of carnal liberty, and crying out, Te, te, nos poscimus omnes, all of them with one consent desire liberty, not freedom of conscience in indifferent & undetermined things, for this you shall scarce have one hand amongst them, but liberty to sin, to have their lusts, their heterodox and unsound opinions, liberty to cast off the bonds of truth. This principle doth cement their affections one to an other, and unite them more strongly against all divine obedience, and hath hitherto made the late conspiracies against Church and State more formidable and dreadful. These and the like diabolical principles our late projectors have managed with what faithfulness they can, against the God of order, the law of charity, the rules of piety, so that the beauty of these glorious Islands by these and the like devises is much defaced and obscured. Sir, having thus surveyed these Projectors and their principles, methinks it seems our duty, and the duty of all good Christians and true English hearts, to Petition unto the high and honourable Court of Parliament against these, as underminers of State happiness, either for their reformation, or else punishing or discountenancing of them; for so long as these have public encouragement in our State, neither can religion be secured, nor the throne and tranquillity of the Kingdom well established.  
It's true, whiles we look upon the numbers of these confederates, upon their strength (for they look like the sons of Anak) or upon their union, for they seem like the scales of a Whale which a sword cannot pierce and divide easily, they render themselves to our eyes like the Moabites and Amonites to Jehosaphat in a very terrible form, and for our parts we seem a little flock of sheep, and like grassehoppers in comparison: Yet me thinks (under correction of your better judgement, unto whom I render myself as a learner) there is hope in Israel concerning this thing provided the countermine be well wrought and managed, I shall therefore crave your assistance to make up by your mature thoughts what is wanting in my conceit of a Counterplot.   

THE COUNTERPLOT.  
SIR, there is no better Counterplot to the workers of iniquity then for the opposite side to work contrarily, to countermine errors with truth, unrighteousness with righteousness, uncharitableness with charity, violence with moderation, and all sin with a sincere practice of piety. This for a general will hold as the great mine which the Church of God is to raise against the enemies of it.  
But besides this there are three particular mines which I conceive are most fitting at this present, to raise against the aforenamed confederate projectors against great Britain.  
The first a well managed Commission, the second is a well constituted and ordered Church-assembly, the third is a right frame of Ecclesiastical government. First a well managed Commission, I understand by that, first Commissioners chosen by the house of Commons, approved by the House of Lords, which shall be no parties nor delinquents as far as can be discerned, these chosen out of every Shire or Diocese. If the Shire be barren of able and sufficient men, then to appoint strangers rather then delinquents, and those qualified with integrity, wisdom and resolution.  
Secondly when the Commissioners are thus chosen for both the houses, to move his Majesty for sufficient authority for the managing of the said commission. That the Commissioners may be enabled to give oaths, to call before them any parties offending or others for witnesses as they shall see cause, and to have as large power to punish contempts, non aparences, or abuse of the Commissioners, as the Archbishop's Visitors were wont to have, in their Metropolitical visitations.  
Thirdly, when the Commissioners are thus chosen and armed with authority, then to have a book of Articles according to the tenor of what I shall propound in the latter end of the discourse, and the said Commissioners to have power to admonish, to enjoin recantation, and to deprive Ministers, or else to return their names into the House of Commons to be censured there, and haply it might conduce well to the work, to have a Register allowed to the Commissioners for every Shire or Diocese, and some small fee to be paid to the said Commissioners towards the charges of the said Commissioners and Register, by every delinquent, as in like cases hath been allowed in Bishop's visitations.  
Secondly a well constituted assembly or Synod, I mean an assembly of godly, orthodox, learned, wise, and well tempered Divines, gathered by the singular prudence and providence especially of the House of Commons, which haply might be done most opportunely, when the commission hath first discovered the innovating Prelates, the scandalous Minister, Arminians, and Popish Protestants within these Churches, and disabled them from judging, advising, or determining in any Church affairs till their reformation be eminent and well noted in the World.  
In an assembly or Synod thus constituted, me thinks Sir it would do well to have the Doctrine of the Church well determined and explained, so that in matter of Doctrine we might consent with all Protestant Churches, and (if it were possible) that an agreement might be laboured for betwixt us and the Southern and Eastern Churches, and all Churches to be accounted Christian, which shall be found to agree in matter of Doctrine; who knows but the singular industry and wisdom of such a well constituted assembly, may fetch in the Asian, African, European, and American Churches into greater unity and brotherly correspondency, and haply to the incredible strength of the Christian party against all the sworn enemies of Christ Jesus, Nay, who can tell but that such a reconciliation wrought in matter of doctrine may be a special means to undermine the walls of Babylon, to bring under the Mahometan, and to render the Lord Christ as a more acceptable Messiah, to his old and forsaken people the Jews. But now, Sir, I cannot but pause, being transported with such high thoughts, and designs; but are not we the tools and instruments to serve divine providence? Doth not Creation, Redemption, & the constant benignity of God's providence engage us to serve God in his highest and greatest ends? Is there any part of the World where God hath ground better furnished with men of parts, Learning, Tongues, Arts, Sciences, brave and Noble Resolutions, Ancient, and Renowned Valour, and Honourable Achievements, then in these British Isles? Hath God so honoured and qualified Great Britain, with such sufficiency and eminency in all things? And shall not Great Britain reach out its Virtues to serve her Lord and Master in his greatest and highest Designs? Well, Sir, Let us not be discouraged, let us do, quantum in nobis, for our God hath often honoured himself by the weakest Instruments.  
Secondly, I desire the old boundaries and meres, between actions necessary, and indifferent, may be searched out, well viewed, restored, and determined; the loss of Mere stones oftentimes occasioneth quarrels betwixt nearest Neighbours, and dearest Friends, for many hundred years bypast, the Meer-stones betwixt necessity and indifferency have been (for the most part) lost and buried under ground, so that necessity hath encroached upon indifferency, or indifferency upon necessity.  
Heavens help us in this, for in earth we could never find, for many hundred years, men of such moderate and temperate spirits as would allow necessity and indifferency their own, without wrong to the one side.  
Sir, I profess, I would not have God to lose one foot of his own ground, nor the Conscience its Christian privilege, neither yet the Magistrate the least due that God allows him; only I could wish it well determined in a competent and impartial Church Assembly.  
First, whether the Conscience be tied to obedience in any thing, but what God requires in his Word, by way of precept, or natural and necessary inference, and whether it be fit to strain an inference too far and too curiously?  
Secondly, whether all things be not indifferent, wherein the Scripture hath not determined, and the Conscience free to use them or refuse?  
Thirdly, whether the liberty of Conscience in indifferent things was not purchased by Christ?  
Fourthly, If it be the Church's privilege what man, or civil Magistrate, hath power to take away my privilege by Christ, without my own consent, testified by myself, or others trusted in my behalf?  
Fifthly, whether a Nationall Synod (after the Church is well purged) be not a fit way to conclude our liberty in indifferent actions, especially there being some to represent the people (haply a Committee of the House of Commons, assisting in the Work) for the finding out of the bounds of indifferent actions, and the prescribing Laws concerning them?  
Sixthly, whether any such assembly may make any Law for indifferent actions, but with a Protestation of Revocation upon inconveniences observed, and general scandals?  
Seventhly, whether charity be not as necessary together with other general Rules, Phil. 4.8. and as order or subjection to Magistracy, and how these can be all managed without crossing, or violence to some side?  
But now (me thinks) whiles I look into the Ark, I cannot but tremble and cry out with the Apostle, O the depth; these are arcana Ecclesiae, or fit for a well constituted Synod, then for any particular, or private person to search into them, neither are they fit to be discussed in such a Synod without singular moderation, charity, humility, profound judgement, and integrity.  
And now Sir, I have done with my second Mine, which being well wrought, will blow up many of the  Conspirators. Only Sir, Let us encourage the work to the utmost for the reconciliation of all Christians in matter of doctrine, who knows but that God, Great Britain's Lord, will account the Indies too mean a recompense for her faithfulness in erecting the Kingdom of Christ through the World, and making the light of the Gospel more glorious? Sure I am, the opportunity for the West Indies is fairer than ever, for my part I dare undertake to clear it, and for nearer Kingdoms, who knows but they may say to us, as those in the Prophecy of Zacharie, We will go with you, for God is with you.  
Thirdly, A good frame of Church-government, which may represent the new Jerusalem, coming down from Heaven, wherein the Lamb may be the light, and that unerring Truth of God's Word the only Rule whereby to work this frame of building.  
Sir, I am confident, we shall never be free from scandalous Ministers, Arminians, Innovators, and Popish Protestants, till a new frame of Government be determined, which may more certainly find out, discover, and suppress the Enemies of God and his Church, than this of ours.  
Sir, my meaning is not to assign any particular form or way for Church-government, that is fit for a Nationall Synod, than myself, only into your bosom I dare vent my conceit in some generals; I wish the three several Governments to be well surveyed, the Episcopal, the Presbyterial, and the Independent ways in New England, to refine them all in a Church Assembly, And wherein all or any of them may conform us, more nearly to the Word, and suit with the disposition and necessity of our church, so much, Sir, desire we may follow in any one or all of them, but where these several Governments, or any of them, do cross the Word, and are inconsistent with the present and distracted condition of our Church, I humbly pray to God Almighty, they may be reprobate, so that Christ only may rule in his Church, according to his commission from his Father.  
Sir, I believe you will find upon the examination of the three several Governments, some thing worthy of admiration, and imitation, in every one of them; None of the three Governments but may have their several defects or superfluities, one out of all would do well, yet so as nothing be taken but what agrees with the Word.  
Sir, by this time, I am afraid I have spent your patience, but if you please well to consider the premises, you shall haply find some Gold, though much dross; some sparks of Virtue, and such notions as being cast abroad, in the World, may beget some Noble and brave thoughts in the minds of our Nation; though I give but hints, profound heads can make larger commentaries, your judgement I know is able to fan away the chaff, and to keep the pure grain to yourself.  
Sir, It were damnable presumption in me to think the Parliament should be bound to my directions, per omnia, yet if such or the like ways were held, I doubt not, but Great Britain would be the wonder of Ages, and a great contributer to the greater light and glory of all Christian Churches in the World; who knows, but God hath humbled us in the eyes of the World, to raise us to higher honour, and that the Northern glory, I mean the Scots, and we should be near a breach, to make way for a stronger, and nearer Union? bones broken and well set are stronger afterwards, so the Scots and we with our brethren in Ireland, may with more constant, and cordial Union, advance the glory of our God, our King, and Country, to make their names famous amongst Christians, Jews, and Mahumetans; the blood of Richard the First, and Edward the First, is not wholly lost amongst us, neither of our progenitors, whose names were terrible as far as the Holy Land; the near Union lately made with the brave, ingenious, and warlike Hollander, I look on as the first-fruits of a greater Union, and a Reconciliation in Doctrine and affections amongst Christians through the whole World.  
Sir, I know you are active, Let us stir and set forward Gods great works in the World; who knows what God would have done? haply in the midst of these great designs, the distressed Palsgrave unto whom our Nation owes much for nearness in blood, may be relieved: mistake me not, let all be deliberately surveyed, my end is not movere quieta, sed quietare motum.  
Sir, we are all God's tools to work with all, let him be the end of all, we may wish and will, but the Kingdom, power, and glory is Gods, let him have the honour unto all Eternity. Amen.