Mene, Tekel, Perez, OR, A little Appearance of the HANDWRITING (In a Glance of Light) Against the Powers and Apostates of the TIMES. By a Letter written to, and lamenting over Oliver Lord Cromwell.  
BY JOHN ROGERS.  
In this woeful Hour of his Temptation, and of Zions sore pangs, and Solemn Appeals; and of the precious Saints imprisonments and persecution for this most Glorious, betrayed denied, and crucified Cause of Christ Jesus  
KING OF SAINTS AND NATIONS.  
There sin is written with a Pen of Iron, and the point of a Diamond (ungue adamantino 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) whiles there Children remember their Altars and Groves, again.  Jer. 17.15. 
Why do ye persecute me, as God? and are not satisfied with my flesh? oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a Book! that they were graven with an iron pen in the Rock for ever! For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand in the latter end upon the EARTH, etc.  Job 19.22, 23, 24, 25. etc. 
Heu pietas! ubi pri●●a? prosing o tempora! Mundi Fax: Vesper! prope Nox! o Mora! Christ Veni! Sinite Virgam Corripientem ne sentiatis Mailcum Conterent●●. B●rn.   

A word by the way to the Reader,  
SInce the time that I was lately so illegally & arbitrarily plundered (without any Cause shown or known) by this Unrighteous (selfcreated) powers that is got uppermost. I have with the words of Jeremy, Ch. 20.8, 9 cried out violence and spoil! violence and spoil! because the word of the Lord is made a Reproach, and Derision daily. Then I said, I will not make mention nor speak any more in his name; But his word was in my heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay. But constrained in spirit wrote this Letter, yet seeing by several Messengers I have assayed, and that several days together to get it delivered, and finding it so difficult, that it is doubtful whither it be safely conveyed to him or no; you find it printed, as the most probable means of having it presented to his eye, for that many Flatterers are ready to run with the news to their Master, as v. 10. REPORT, say they, and we will REPORT it, all my Familiars watched for my balting, saying peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall PREVAIL against him, and take our REVENGE on him. Well, if they do so, welcome CROSS of Christ! for my next Petition to thy Kingdom come! is thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven! yet who knows but this weak word may awaken him a little! For, Aegros, quos potus fortis non curavit, ad salutem pristinam Aqua tepens revocavit, warm water hath sometimes recovered men to their former health; but whither this do or not, my Conscience is (now) so well satisfied, my heart be refreshed, and my spirit so warmed in the strength of our dear (despised) Christ, that I hope to go on with Jerem. 20.11. For the Lord is with me, who is the terrible one; therefore my PERSECUTORS stall stumble, they shall not prevail, but they shall be greatly ashamed, for they SHALL not prosper (long) and their everlasting Confusion shall never be FORGOTTEN! this is the victorious, overturning, already, triumphing Faith of 100ds (Blessed be JEHOVAH besides.)  
JOHN. ROGERS.   

MY LORD,  
While the souls of many of the Lords dear Servants (who sit weeping over you) are in Travel, and struggle for you in this hour of Temptation. I most humbly beg (as upon my knees) for your own Soul, and Family, and for the poor afflicted Saints sake, that you will but weigh these few Lines of our present Lamentation, in the balance of your heart and Conscience (one part of an hour which you may best spare and be most serious in 〈◊〉 which (if the Lord, whom I serve) require it, I think I could as freely write with my Blood, as with Irk, in tears and gall of grief) O our bowels! our bowels! our hearts ache, and are pained within us, to hear the doleful groans and cries! tears! prayers! and solemn Appeals of godly people in the Nation round about to the Righteous judge of the whole Earth! which (doubtless) will be Answered with a dreadful Dispensation, and severe Decree upon those that be found the Enemies to the Lord jesus, and his Exaltation: The Apprehension whereof hath so ceased upon my Spirit, that I should sinne (if some way or other) I gave you no notice thereof, for that your own person is (yet) so dear in our very souls, that Bowels of Affection are frequently seen to you in mourning, praying, and wrestling for you (if possible) to recover you out of those bottomless Snar●s wherein you are so deeply ensnared by the evil Counsel of Parasites, subtle and self seeking Flatterers, Dawbers, and Deceivers, who have not that lively Sense to the Lord jesus, his poor Saints, and Interest, nor yet to your Soul (so despately engaged we humbly conceive) as we who are counted enemies for the Truth's sake (as the Lord will witness) have: Of whom as 3 Phil. 18, 19 I have told you often, and now tell you again even weeping, that they are enemies to the Cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is their shame, who mind earthly things, Jeremiah 9: vers. 1.2. Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a Fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the Daughter of my people, that I might leave my people, and go from them; for they be all Adulterers, an Assembly of treacherous men. I cannot speak with you in person, therefore I beseech you read these words, which our tears and prayers are the Ambassadors, and Forerunners of Mittamus pre●es & lachrymas cordis l●gatos (Cyprian) for that we havenot the least grain of ill will, hatred or malice (as some suggest and say) against any people, but only against the sins and evil of this change of government, which God will (and if Righteous we are sure must) Judge and then, as once you said in your Letter to the Ki●ke of Scotland, God who knoweth us, will in his due time 〈…〉 manifest whether we do multiple these things as men, or do we them for the Lord Christ and his poor people's sake. Wherefore  
1 Be pleased (we beseech you with weeping tears) to compare a little present transactions with former Engagements, and with the Armies Declarations, etc. as that of june 14. 1647. in page 6. declaring that you took up Arms in judgement and Conscience for the people's Just Right and Liberties, 
Your own Declarations,  and Resolved to assert and vindicate them against all Arbitrary power, violence, and opposition; and against all particular parties, and interests whatsoever. So page 7. that it is no resisting of Magistrary, to side with those just Principles being these upon which you assi●●ed the Parliament: And that the glory of God was not wanting in such cases to set a price upon such proceed, it being one witness of God in the world to carry on a Testimony against the injustice and unrighteousness of men: And against the miscarriage of Governments, when corrupted and declining from the primitive and original glory. So page 9 We are so fare from designing and complying to have an absolute o● arbitrary power sig●ed or settled for continuance in any PERSONS WHATSOEVER; at that (if we might be sure to obtain it) we cannot wish to have it so in the PERSONS of any, 
Against absolute Government. in one Person.  whom we (our selves) could most confide in, or who should appear most of our PRINCIPLES and Opinions, or whom we might have most personal assurance of, or interest in: but that the Authority of this Kingdom in PARLIAMENTS may ever stand and have its course as the supreme power and trust, with many other things in that Declaration. So in the case of the Army stated and proposed by the Agents from Gilford, Octob. 9 1647. page 4. We took up Arms in judgement and conscience for the people's Just Rights and Liberties, & not as mercenary soldiers hired to serve an arbitrary power, So page 13.14. The people shall see we minded not our own interest, 
For successive Parliaments.  but the Good, Freedom, and Welfare of the whole Nation, which in the same page is declared particularly to be in new Successive Elections of Supreme Assemblies of Parliaments at Periods of times, and that it ought not to be denied them, this being so Essential to their Freedom, that without it they are no better than SLAVES, that therefore it be insisted on so positively and resolvedly, as not to RECEDE from it, So page 15. That PARLIAMENTS rightly constituted are the Foundation of our hopes of Right and Freedom to the people; that therefore the constant SUCCESSION of PARLIAMENTS be so resolvedly insisted on that a law PARAMOUNT be made for it. And whereas all power is originally and essentially in the people; and whereas their free choice or consent by the Representors is the only original and foundation of all Just GOVERNMENT, that it be insisted upon positively, that the supreme POWER of the people's REPRESENTORS in PARLIAMENT be forth with declared for, as their power to make LAWS, or repeal Laws, and to call to account all Officers in this Nation whatsoever. So page 16. This supreme and sole Power in Parliament being the thing against which the King contended, and which the people have defended with their lives, and therefore ought now to be demanded as the PRICE of their BLOOD. So page 17. The many oppressions of the people, and the danger of absolute tyranny were the occasion of the expense of so much blood, so that the people have bought these their Rights and Freedoms by the price of blood, etc. Since that the Remonstrance of St. Alban, 
Right and freedom where it lies.  1648. pag. 14.15. The sum of the public Interest of a Nation to COMMON RIGHT and FREEDOM (which has been the chief subject of our contest) and in opposition to TYRANNY and INJUSTICE of KINGS or others we take to lie in these things following.  
1. That all Matters of supreme trust or concernment to the safety and welfare of the whole, be in a common and supreme Council or Parliament, &c  
2. That the power of making Laws, Constitutions, and Affairs (for the preservation and government of the whole) and of altering or repealing, and abolishing, and power of final judgements concerning War or Peace, the safety and welfare of the people, and all civil things whatsoever, and the supreme Trust in relation to such things rest in that supreme Council of Parliaments. So as 1. the ordinary ordering and government of the people may be by such Offices and Administrations, and according to such Laws and Rules as by that Council or Representative have been prescribed or allowed, and not otherwise. 2. That no extraordinary or ordinary powers (as above mentioned) may be exercised towards the people by ANY (as of right) but by that supreme Council or Representative, nor without their advice and consent, may any thing be imposed on or taken from the people, or if it be otherwise attempted by ANY, that the people be not bound thereby but free. So page 16 That it may not be left in the will of the KING, or any particular person whatsoever (standing in their own Interest) to oppose, make void, or render ineffectual such determinations or proceed. So page 21.22. Where any person is trusted with a limited power, according to Laws to preserve the Rights and Liberties of the people, and abuses of power to their hurt, or by the advantage of that power shall rise to assume hurtful powers, which they never committed to him, and indeed to take away all those Foundations of Right and Liberty, of Redress and Remedy, and to swallow up all in his own absolute will and power, to impose, take away, and destroy at pleasure, 
They fought against personal Interest.  etc. Such person doth (ipso facto) forfeit all that trust and power he had, etc. Further in p. 65.66. That satisfaction & assurance be given that what they have contended for against the King (which is our humble suit now) for which we have been put to so much trouble, cost and loss of blood, hath been only for the Liberties and common Interest, and not for your personal Interest and Power; that there may be a sound settlement of the peace, and future government of the Kingdom upon grounds of common Right and Freedom, as followeth.  

For Parliaments Annual or bionnual.  1 That there be a certain succession of future Parliaments (Annual or Biennuall) with secure provision, that none who have engaged or shall engage in war against the right of Parliaments or Interest of the people therein, or have adhered to the enemies thereof may be capable of electing or being elected (at least during a competent number of years) nor any other who shall oppose or not join in agreement to this settlement; and that it be declared that such Representatives have and shall have the supreme Power and Trust. Besides [much more in these other Declarations] that upon the Armies march into Scotland, 1650. pag. 36. We found our hearts extraordinarily stirred up by the Lord to assist the Parliament against the KING being abundantly satisfied in our judgements and Consciences, that we were called forth by the Lord to be instrumental, to bring about that which was our continual prayer to God: viz the destruction of ANTICRIST, and the deliverance of his CHURCH and people. And upon this simple account we engaged, not knowing the deep Policies of worldly Statesmen, and have ever since hazarded our lives in the high places of the field against all the opposers of this work of jesus Christ. And having those things singly in our eye, namely the DESTRUCTION of ANTICHRIST, and the advancement of the KINGDOM of JESUS CHRIST. 
Against King, and against Antichrist, and for the kingdom of Christ.  So pag. 38.39. A second war more dangerous than the former was contrived against us by them that hated us of this Army of England under the name of SECT ARIES, and a second testimony was given from Heaven to justify the Proceed of his poor Servants, against the bloody Antichristian BROOD, though with the loss of many precious Saints; we were then powerfully convinced, that their purpose was to deal with the LATE KING as a man of blood, and being persuaded in our consciences that he and his MON ARCHY was one of the TEN HORNS of the BEAST spoken of in Revel. 17.12, 13, 14, 15. we being witnesses to so much innocent blood of the SAINTS that he had shed in supporting the BEAST, and considering the loud cries of the SOULS of the SAINTS under the ALTAR, we were extraordinarily carried forth to desire JUSTICE upon the KING. But if there be any that have taken Council against the Lord and his Anointed, whom the Lord hath decreed to set up in the holy Hill of Zion, we are persuaded the Lord has brought us as INSTRUMENTS, through which he will speak to them in his wrath, and vex them with his sore displeasure; we desire it may be known, we are not Soldiers of Fortune, & are not merely the SERVANTS of men, 
And for the Monarchy of King Jesus alone.  we have not only proclaimed JESUS CHRIST the King of Saints, to be our King by profession, but desire to submit to him upon his own terms, to admit him to the exercise of his ROYAL AUTHORITY, and with much more to that purpose: yea, to name but one more (the Declaration of April 22. 1653. pag. 6. After much debate it was judged necessary and agreed upon, that the supreme Authority should be by Parliament devolved upon known persons, men searing God, and of approved Integrity, and the Government committed to them for a time, as the most hopeful I way to encourage, and countenance all God's people reform the Law, and administer Justice impartially, hoping thereby the people might forget MONARCHY, 
Against this Monarchy again, and for Parliaments.  and understanding their true Interest in the Election of successesive PARLIAMENTS, may have the Government settled upon a true Basis, without hazard to this Glorious CAUSE, or necessitating to keep up Arms for the defence of the same. Though much more of the same import out of sundry other Letters and Declarations: We might produce, yet for fear of being too tedious) our souls would rejoice, and be abundantly satisfied to see an Harmony between these Declarations, and the present Actions of this present Government, seeing (as Solomon saith) Ecclesiastes 4.5. When thou vowest (or art devoted or engaged) to God defer not to pay it: Better it is that thou shouldest not vow, then that thou shouldest vow and not pay, suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin, neither say thou before the Angel that it was an error, wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands: Oh! my Lord! let the blood, lives, and tears, be thought upon that have sealed to these Declarations, and engaged for Christ his cause: and the Liberties of the people by Parliaments, etc. O be not offended with us whose souls mourn for these sins and transgressions, and are weaned (as then you would have us) from Monarchy, or any such like GOVERNMENT! seeing in some of them (as in the Declaration, April. 2. 1653 and Iwe 14. 1647. page ult.) you press it upon us to stand for these things, and you say you expect it of us, and of all that are well affected to the Public, but now we are declared offenders for so doing! Oh dear! honoured Sir, what shall we say but your own words in page 52. of the Remonstrance of St. Albon. Your bare retracting or changing your cause (without better or any reasons giving) cannot put out the light which your former Declarations with reasons have let in, and which God hath so eminently owned and given his seal and increase unto. O my Lord! that these things might be cleared to the poor! unsatisfied people of Go●! whose hearts are bleeding under the sense of them day and night! Zedekiahs' case and calamity for his breach of Covenant, and his imbondaging again the people after Liberty proclaimed and declared, jer. 34 vers. 15 16. And ye were now turned and had done right in my sight, in proclaiming Liberty every man to his Neighbour, and ye had made a Covenant before me in the House which is called by my name. But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom he had set at Liberty at their pleasure, to return; and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants, and for handmaids being often in our remembrance.  
2 Be pleased (my Lord) a little to revise or reason, with the rise of this change upon the breaking up the late Parliament, taking its being there, (but for this end) to keep up the carnal interests the Parliament had voted down, viz of Clergy, carnal Church State, Tithes, Presentations etc. which was according to the several Declarations of the Army, as in the Case of the Army stated Octob 9 1647. page 2.8.10. and Declaration of August 1. 1647. from Colebrook page 13. the 5 Proposition is the present ●nequall, troublesome, and contentious way of Ministers maintenance by Tithes be considered of, and remedy applied; so the 6th: is that the Rules and Course of Law, and the Officers of it be reduced and reform, and concerning the Clergy with then carnal Church State the Remonst. of St. Alban page 10th. Declares it the Parliaments part to take away these corrupted forms of outside religion and Church government, 
〈◊〉 he Rise of this G. upon the ruin of the last Parl. how? and why?  whether imposed without law, or rootea in the law in times of Popish ignerance or idolatry or of the Gospel's dimmer light, by we ans whereof snares and chains were laid upon conscientious and zealous men, and the generality of the people held in darkness, superstition, and blind reverence of persons and outward things fit for Popery and Slavery; and also to take away and losen that dependence of the Clergy and their Ecclesiastical affairs upon the King, or that interest of the Clergy in the civil laws and affairs which the craft of both in length of time had wrought for each other; and that it was the King's part to uphold and maintain this dependence of the CLERGY their MAINTENANCE and CHURCH MATTERS; and were it not too tedious, I should name many more of your Declarations, against these very things: Now for the Parliament to do that which the Army and good people round the Nation have declared to be their duty, viz. to take off the civil dependence of the national Clergy, with their national Church St. and to vote a new model of the Law, viz less intricate, uncertain, Tyrannical, and unjust, and more consonant with God's word, Statutes, and judgements, and right reason; and more plain, and easy, and clear. And to take away corrupt and simonious presentations, whereby souls & people are bought, and sold to great men's lust, etc. For this (formerly judged, their duty to be dissolved and broken, yea at that time too (when this longed for mercy after many years was brought to the birth, by some faithful servants of the Lord (precious round the Nation) after many pangs, much opposition, yea and after the long sitting Parliament, was broken too for their neglect of these very things (with others;) seems strange to us, 
Rev. 18.13. being Merchandise of Babylon.  and the more dissatisfies us, for that we see this Power succeed for the support and upholding of those things which that Parliament had voted down; and which the Army and good people had so often declared, prop● of Antichrist; this makes the Rise o● it more grievous to the souls of some of the Saints, then in that the people's choice was not in it, though sums Declarations required that also, 6. Micah 16. The Statutes of Ou ri are kept, and all the works of the house of Alab, and ye walk in their counsels, that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an bissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.  
O my Lord, that the opening and bleeding of our Bowels for these things might be a little regarded and pitied!  
3. May you be (most humbly as upon our bended knees) entreated to take a little account of the already fruits and effects of this alteration, which (the Lord knows) we bitterly bewail before the great God, 
3. The already effects & fruits of this change, most grievous to the faithful & Godly  as more heavy to us, than the precedent changes in shutting up the doors of our public meeting place, hindering us in God's Worship; imprisoning our dear Brethren, & friends, plundering reproaching & grieving them (and them only) that have been, all those wars and yet are (and we hope ever will be) faithful to the Cause, and Kingdom of Christ, threatening to take away their lives, and endeavouring to stone and stab them, aspersing them with most palpable loathsome, and notorious falsities, to possess good people in the Countries with prejudice against them, as if they were against all Magistracy, Ministry, and Property, which with a wondrous and wicked confidence some write and spread about (the Lord lay it seriously to their hearts and humble them for it!) but we cannot be suffered to Print the Truth, or to answer their cruel and unjust Calumnies or Accusations, whilst we desire no other weapons, (the Lord knoweth) for our warfare, but the Word of Truth, (which shall be our defence!) yet we are not suffered to print, but plundered of our notes and writings, whiles all manner of lies, slanders, and injurious reports, are printed and divulged of us. This was counted Tyranny in the Papists, and after in the Prelates, and declared against page 10. of the Case of the A●my stated October 9th, 1647. viz [to lock up the Printing Presses, against whom they please was in the Bishop's time complained of, as one of the great oppressions, etc.] and yet (to hinder truth) it is now made Treason to print or preach it; so that we are forced to conceal truth from the world, and the witnesses lie a● it were dead in the streets, by such Political combinations (as these are) who do all they can to keep out the breaking forth of that light and truth, which suits not with their present purpose; wherefore our only remedy left us is faith and prayer, and solemn Appeals to him that judgeth righteously: yet the Lord show mercy to our unkind brethren in the day of his appearing! And in the mean time declare whether they do well or not to cry out (so cruelly and raise; lie against us in this our new captivity) and to stir up the people against ●s (as evil doers) by the advantage which they have in w●iting what they will against us, whilst our hands are tied behind us, and truth is bound! Besides oh! oh! are not men of corrupt principles and carnal interest up again, with the highest confidence! malignants countenanced? and such encouraged as were (not long since) declaimed against? whilst only the little remnant of the Lords faithful ones are frowned upon! brow beaten! threatened! grieved! & wounded to the very souls of them for these things! but our great comfort and confidence is, that in this Day which will burn as an Oven (when all the proud, and all that do wickedly shall be as stubble) the son of righteousness shall arise with healings upon us.  
4 Lastly (my Lord) may you be pleased but to see a little in the midst of our Agony and trouble, how l●ke this present Government looks to that which the Lord (by the faith and prayers of his despised people 11. Heb. 33.) hath so eminently engaged against, laid in the dust, and stamped upon with disdain (fullfilling his word therein) and whilst you were with the Lord (therein) he was with you but oh! is there no danger to fit in the same seat? be under the Predicament? walk in the same Ways? keep up the same interests? with them that were (for example sutely) so visibly destroyed and cut off. The former K. (cut off) had his Courts, Counsels, State, Pride, Idleness and vanity in persons about him, rich beds, hang, Coackes and Attendants, evil Councillors, Politicians, and wise men put him upon imprisoning, oppressing, and persecuting the poor despised Saints, under the name of Deceivers, Hypocrites, and Fanatic spirits, etc. that were not of the same principles with him, and his Court, ruling for his own interest, more than for the people's Liberties, etc. and (O my Lord) but a little consider, is it not so in all or most of the same points, pleaded against him so long together, by the sword, by the word and faith of God's people, 
How alike this G. is to it which God hath thrown down before our eyes.  thousands of whom lost their lives and dearest blood, and friends to free us from all these things; O my Lord, make us not your enemies, by telling you the truth, with tears, and bleeding Bowels! (the Lord knows) for you and yours; whom the Lord hath so highly owned and honoured in his design against this very kind of G—. be pleased to use your own words, page 12.31: 38, 39 of the Declaration of the Army going into Scotland, 1650. wherein you declare against any government by one man or K. unless it be Christ Jesus, and you tell the Brethren of Scotland, if they proceed in any such design, to bring in such a Government as King upon us, they will blot out not only their former merits but undo the noble achievements of the English Patriots and Parliaments in this & former Generations: For we know (say you) how easy a thing it is to raise a Monarchical spirit, but how hard it is to keep it within the circle, we know the common & old Plea is necessity; which, with sound Christians, cannot now satisfy as a competent Apology; for that Machivil hath ever made that a Cloak for his exorbitant actions; 
Necessity no good Plea.  yea the Jews to crucify Christ pretended thus, O 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but (as one said) there is no NECESSITY to sin, but against it, and the Saints necessity in a civil reference (as well as spiritual) is to exalt Christ and his Kingdom. But for this we only fly to your own words again. [Remonst. St. Alban page 5th. He that engageth (upon pretences for public ends) and that upon public necessity or extremity (all which say you must concur to their full satisfaction therein) he will first try all honest ways possible with due regard to, and concurrence with the preservation of the Magistracy, and Government under which God hath set him, before he will fly to any ways of extremity, neither will he (when engaged therein) proceed further or longer in that way against or without the Magistracy, than that first necessity, or some other (emergent (upon the proceeding) does justly lead, not driving the pretence of Necessity, further to serve or advantage himself, or perpetuate those ways of extremity) but when the necessity or danger is over, will return again to Magistracy & Order (i.e. now by Parliam. as before) we desire no more than your own words. But seeing some of your Court do cast in Reason of State (as well as necessity) for this Alteration, 
Reason of State dangerous.  we wish (in the travel of our souls for them) that their eyes were opened, to seethat this hath been, & will bethe ruin of all States & Governors now in the world, viz. their Reason of State! carnal or worldly Policy and Wisdom, this brought the blood of jezreel on the house of Jebu (though he executed Justice on the King and his house according to God's command) yet he walked in the same ways, got up upon the same Throne, and into the same Kingdom, and kept up the same Interest! and Idol worship his Predecessors (cut off by the hand of Justice) did, and did the work but by halves; and all by reason of State. This Reason rejected Saul, and made him disobedient; this was that Reason that led Pharaoh and his Host into the bottom of the Sea, in his bitter heat against the work of God in that day; and this was that principle that made Sihon, King of the Amerites, and Og King of Bashan, Num. 21. oppose Israel, and the work of God in that Generation to their lamentable ruin. Yet this was the Wisdom principle and light that lead the grave Council, John 11. into that cursed Vote of crucifying Christ! And is not this warning enough for us? Then see in all Ages how the results of the purest reason of state have proved dangerons, yea destructive to Governors and Governments, ever oppugning the present work and desigue of God in these ages. Therefore O my Lord, let not this principle deceive you, lest it destroy you! May I speak Luther's words to you (in Epist. ad Melanst.) Sed scribe he frustra, si tu secundum Philosophiam vestram, has res ratione regere, hoc est cum rations insanires, perges & occides to ipsum, etc. I writ these things in vain if you will resolve to Rule by Carnal reason, and according to the corrupt Dictates and the Philosophy of Sophisters, about you, which if you do will fall inevitably, sad to you one day, and too too probably, will prove, your Ruin, which we beseech our God in mercy and time forbid. Ergo certe are prote & dol●● te meas preces si● irritas facere. Oh! make not our daily prayers for you of no effect to you; and because many Good men, as well as Great, were prestred by the pernitions Counsels and Suggestions of some Ambitionists and selsish Teachers, and Scholars in Luther's days, he was wont to pray, [a doctore gloriese & a pastere contentiese libera nos dominus, the Lord deliver us from such glorions Rabbis, and self-seeking contentions Teachers? And must we not pray that you may be freed from such as have subtly insuared you, 
Our Weapons of war far & our adversaries what they are  and do Prelate like possess you, and others against us? that we are Fanatique, mad men, Fools and heady enemies to Magistracy, Ministry, and all, etc. for which our hearts are pained within us whiles we ponder these things, & our spirits grieved, that men, of so much former Merit and Eminency, should so sinfully, and unchristianlike condemn and accuse us of thing our hearts abhor, and loath within us: And call for severity, under the name of Justice, and 〈…〉 Persecution against us in the matters of our Faith and Consciences, merely and alone for the exalting of Jesus Christ, in the things which they themselves have formerly preached and professed to others; yea, which the whole Army have frequently declared for many years together, till it came into Fashion to hold an Epheram religionem, a Court Religion which will turn with the times! but the Lord humble and break us for it: But wisdows (says Solomon) is better than weapons of war, Ecclesiastes 9 and as we have so we desire no other weapons but Gods owns word and spirit, having our Loins girt about with Truth and having on (blessed be our God for it) the Breast plate of Righteousness in this business, wherein our Brethren are against us.  
But my Lord, may the presented Truth (or poor crucified Jesus) beg this favour to give it as much liberty, as his adversaries have for their gross lies and falsities, in printing or otherwise; therefore will you be pleased, (though but for a little time, a month or two) to release those laws that hinder the liberty of publishing the Truth, Let our Brethren or any that will oppose, us convince, or corquer all they can with the good word of God, & we shall be satisfied to try it out with them so; but not with the weapons of the world, as they have them (now) all on their side, to imprison persecute, or put to death, etc. for that is Antichrists (not Christ) way of warfare. In this sense (says Luther in Epist. ad Erph.) consider with what sword I have conquered sin, and overcome errors, and subdued policy, I have never touched you with a finger, but with the spirit of Christ's mouth, viz. the Word of his Gospel, so Z●inglius resp, as Sirothin to●…. 2. fol. 302, declares the Word of God the mely instrument to overcome with, onica ●a que viasola est, etc. The word is the only way to subdue errors; therefore, saith he we suffer all the writings of the Papists to be spread and read, for the sword of the spirit shall destroy them all; what cause then, saith he, is more suspicious than ours, who would have even the Adversaries Doctrines publishea, that we may overthrow them with the word? or your who reproach us as heretical and will not suffer ours to be published? this is our case now. Therefore as Luther wrote to the Dukes of Saxony, Epist. Tom 7. fol. 209, so do we humbly to you my Lord, I would not, saith he, but all have free Liberty, yet if any transgress Gospel bounds, and would raise up seditions or wars against you, than you may suppress them. So, my Lord, if we stir up people ●o ●…sings, tumults, or carnal warfare, as men falsely charge us, then punish us a● you please, for it is contrary to our principles so to do) but to the spiritual works and warfare, wherein we are now engaged, viz faith and prayer. Furthermore O 〈◊〉 that you would not believe every report of the Rontis●ous or Fire-blowers of these our new troubles, against us. For as it was once said, the way to get preferment and places is to write or rail against Luther, as Eccius Coccius, etc. found it, Pauper Lutherus multes ficit divites, so do many Money Merchants, and Mercenarians, see it at this day, the way to get prefermeus is to be forward against us and the poor despised Remnant. Now, my Lord, let not your ear be open to all their lies, and not once open to the Testimony of Truth on our side. will you be pleased to peruse a little those writings taken out of my S●udy, and satisfy your self concerning the truth of them, oculo irretorto, and not believe those bits and parts, which some Sycophants; probably, will acquaint you with, on purpose to irritate and enrage you against the truth, and Asserters of it. Too too many such Flatterers are about you my Lord! which makes our hearts to bleed for you! that justific the wicked for reward, and take away the righteensnesse of the righteous from him, Isayah 5th But if we have no hopes left to prevail with you, yet our hairs are filled with hopes, and sure we are to prevail with God; our Appeal is in heaven, and the faith and prayer; which are up, (as high as ever since the world stood) either will bring forth your conversion; for Luther saith the Church converts, totunmundum sanguins & oratione, or your confusion. For the death and destruction of the Persecutors, was as it was said of the death of Arrius, precationis opus non morbi. But if it be asked, what we would have you do, our present or Answer is; first advise with the Lord by faith and prayer, about your former Declarations, and the good people's expectations in your Closet a little) for it is said of Carelus Magnus (oh that the like might be said of you!) Plus cum Deo quam cum hominibus lequitur, he loves more to be taking with God then with men, or any of his Court. 2. And then Proclaim Fast or solemae day of humiliation for the errors and sins past, as 1 Kings 21.27.29. it came to pass when Ahab heard those words he rend his clothes and fasted, and lay in sack cloth, etc. and the Lord said, seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself, because he humbleth himself before me I will not bring the evil in his days. And in 1 Sam. 12.19. The people said, Samuel pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God that we die not, for we have added unto all our sins this evil, to ask a King, and why was this so great a sin? see Sam. 8.5. they said make us a King, like as all the Nations about us have) And the Lord said, vers. 7. They have not rejected thee but they have rejected me, that I should not Reign over them; this was their great sin, seeing the Lord himself would have ruled them, and redeceived the alone Absolute Government over them, upon which account Gideon (good man) refused it) judges 8.23. saying. I will not rule ever you, but the Lord shall rule ever you, 3. Furthermore, let a solemn day and duty be set apart to seek the Lord, for advice and Council what to do; which good Princes and people always did upon straits and emurgencies of old, as judg. 7.23.27. shall we go forward or cease (say they) so 2 Chron. 20 3. jehosaphat feared, and set himself to seek● the Lord, did proclaimed a Fast throughout judah: so Ezra 8.23. the want of this makes so much complaint by the Lord, as in Amos 6.13. Ye rejoice in a thing of nought saying, have we not taken to us horus by our own strength? And Hosea 8 4 They have set up Kings but not by me, and Princes and I know it not, that it without so much as ask it at my hands, or consulting with my word, or my Seers (as they should do) but of their own heads they have done this. Therefore let the Lord be sought to about these things, 
What to be done in order to return  seeing other things were justly expected from them that professed Christ; but the Summer is ended, yea the Harvest is past and we are not refreshed! O my Lord! trust not to such Flatterers as always speak smooth Things to you, and prophesy deceitfully; O hear a little the Lords own Seers! via. the Ministers of the Unction from an High●…. And therefore let out the Lords Prisoners (whom the Churches are rob of) viz. Mr. Feak and Mr. Simpson & that they may open to you the present vision of God given them in these things! according to the dispensation of the spirit! O hear them! once (at last) preach to you in the power of jesus; ●or whom (alone) they suffer, infirmities excepted, and by the word of the Lord try the spirit whither of God or no? for we are persuaded as long as they be in Prison you will be in blindness to the Truth, (Tanquam ad doctrinam peregrinam) Therefore let them have though but for a month or two, and though but half so much Liberty, to open the word of the Lord to you, as your Chaplains have, if they preach not the very Truth, and prove it to be so before all men imprison them again, 
Let out the Lords prisoners M. Feak M. Simson, Han. Trapnal now in Bridewell for Christ.  & us too with them in this cause; though hitherto we may say, as Luther said, Fideliter praedicare nihil alind est quam furorem mundi in se derivare, our Faithful preaching hath raised up fury against us. O my Lord! think of these things; these are the swords that pierce thorough our very souls, we sue not for our own lives, but for yours herein; did not Pharaoh send for joseph out of prison, to interpret his dream? Gen. 41. and Belshassar send for Dan. chap 5. to open his vision, yea and preferred him too, though Daniel declared his ruin, according to vision; Surely, surely, you will find it then, the wisdom of God is more excellent than the arts & sciences of the wise men about you. But if you will yet go on, adexitium potius quam ad exercitium, after all our bleeding entreaties, and be hardened up by the dangerous counsel of your own Reason or them about you, than my Lord, our souls shall mourn in secret for you, as for one desperately lost indeed, and we shall proceed to bear our testimony against the sins of the times; for our appeals hangs in heaven, and we cannot recall it, yea as Luther once said, Quo magis illi furunt eo amplius precede, the more men rage, the more resolute we hope to be in our Appeals saith & prayer to our JEHOVAH, continuing up the Altar ED for a witness, between us and our Adversaries; yea & come if need be as the Christians did by whole Troops to Arrius Antonious proclaiming themselves Christians, 
Our Resolution  and offering themselves up to the death for the Truth: Being assured in our very souls, though we now mourn we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and ●ull of glory, Luctus in laetitiam convertetur, lachrymae in risum, sa●cus in sericum cineres in corellas & unguentum, jejunium in epulum, et ●anuum retortio in applausum, In the meantime I beseech you my Lord pardon infirmities, for God hath pardoned them, & own what God owns, that's truth: For potius in ardentem regum in siluere, quam ullum peccatum in deum commisero, as one said, I had rather, the Lord knows I think, leap into a bonfire, then wilfully commit wickedness or sin against God, yea mallem obedire quam miracula facere, as Luther said, I had rather be obedient to my God then work miracles, and surely my Lord, will you be a little serious, you will say that it is Conscience to our duty which doth altogether prompt us to this present contest, for the truth, Cause, and interest of our dear Lord jesus the King of Saints, and Nations, wherein I am hearty desirous, to be ready to live or die, which my Master, whom I serve will have me herein, without the least tit●le or compound of Fraud, or Flattery. So far as I may,  
Your True Sincere Servant, JOHN ROGERS.