The three Kingdoms Case: OR, Their sad Calamities, together with Their CAUSES and CURE. Laid down in a SERMON PREACHED AT A Public Fast at Kingston upon Hull. With some very remarkable Passages of Providence worthy of general Observation.  
By JOHN SHAWE M. A. sometimes of Christ's College in Cambridge: and now Lecturer at Hull aforesaid.  JER. 12. 10, 11, 12. 
They have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness— being desolate it mourneth unto me, the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart: the spoilers are come upon all high places through the wilderness, for the sword of the Lord shall devour from one end of the land even to the other, etc. no flesh shall have peace.  
Nullus ferè credit quod propter peccata nostra variis modus Deus animadvertat in homines hujus secule: maior pars securè praeterit quaecunque profert Deus irae suae iudicia, alii fortunae tribuunt quae videntur in orbe conversiones ac mutationes: in summâ pauci sunt vel propemodum nulli qui manifesta dei iudicia expendant,  Aug. 
Plectimur à Deo, nec flectimur tamen; corripimur, sed non corrigimur,  Salu. 
London, Printed by T. B. for John Bartlet, and are to be sold at his Shop in Paul's Churchyard, at the Sign of the gilt Cup, under Saint Augustine's Gate. 1646.   

To the Christian and well-affected READER, especially to my worthy and loving friends, both the Inhabitants within the Town and Country of Kingston upon Hull, and also the Parishioners of Bradfield, in the West-riding of Yorkshire: Grace, Mercy and Peace be multiplied.  
Christian Readers and friends,  
I Have looked with Elijah's servant more than seven times, to see what would be the issue of these troubles, 1 Kin. 18. 43. and I long since espied a great cloud (bigger than his, ver. 44. yea, like that ver. 45) and trembled because of this matter, and for the great 〈◊〉, Ez. 10. 9 & myself have felt neither few nor small drops of these troubles (as you know;) and truly still, if I did not see that the great and wise God had a special hand in carrying on, and ordering all these wars and combustions, I yet see so much malice, private spleen even in those who return home and sit still, such factions, scisms, and upon (any occasion) apostasies; in a word, so much of that manyheaded Monster Self, yet in the Kingdoms, that I could hardly expect fair, quiet, sunshine days of long, but that the Lord reigneth, and therefore may the earth rejoice, and this poor Island be glad thereof, Psal. 97. 1. I have in the ensuing lines, opened and applied, as I could, what the word and sword, my Text and times hold out unto you. My Text tells of war, plunderings, spoilings, which 
a In locum.  Hierom refers to the overthrow of Jerusalem after Christ, by Titus, because the Jews rejected Christ, the Son of God, and salvation by him, (ostendens ferociam Romanorum (saith he) in populum Judaeorum qui idcirco punitus est quia Dei filium non recepit.) Piscator refers to the troubles of the Jews by Zenacherib and the Assyrians, Calvin to the plague, famine, wars and all such miseries laid on them by the Lord at several times; others, to Nebuchadnezars desolating wars, and the Jews seventy year's captivity; Musculus to the war and misery which Israel endured by the Philistines, Idumaeans, Amorites, Moabites, Syrians, Assyrians, etc. notwithstanding all which troubles, Israel could not be persuaded that sin was the cause, but either chance, or because they wanted their number of men, and were not strong enough; but the Prophet prophesieth sin to be the true cause, and confesseth, that he living among them, had contracted sin and guilt, so as that he had a hand in bringing down these Judgements, (we have sinned) yet presently in the same verse, changeth the person, his sin not being so wilful, contemptuous, and perserved in as theirs, ver. 24. (they would not walk) yet in these sad wars and combustions of ours in England (like those in the Text) I see some grounds of hope; as first, a budding generation coming up, hungering and gasping after Christ and the means of grace (a good sign that God is not leaving our land, but that the time of the promise draws nigh, Acts 7. 17. Isa. 49. 20, 21.) Secondly, many active and eminent spirits raised up like Moses, Aaron. Phineas, like Zerubbabel and Joshua, for the work of the Lord in Church and State with boldness, Hag. 1. 12, 14. Jer. 50. 2. Micah 5. 5. Thirdly, clearer light shines in the Kingdom (even by contentions which satan stirs up to overthrow the truth) and in many dark corners, Dan. 12, 4. add to these, that the iron and clay break asunder daily, Dan. 2. 41, 42. and the stone cut out without hands grows more and more, Dan. 2. 43, 44, 45. and I see all this carried on above, and contrary to the power and policy of the subtlest heads, by the marvelous hand of God, Zach. 4. 6. let me to the only praise of the wonderworking God, and the better to perpetuate the memories of his miracles of mercies to this Town of Kingston upon Hull (which place, if ever any is most infinitely indebted to God, who hath showed mercies indeed to other places, but to this town miracles) let me (I say) instance in some particular mercies which God hath afforded to this town, wherein it appears, that God himself hath bared his arm and saved it beyond, and contrary to the wit and will of the subtlest enemies and seeming friends, and made the very enemies to help on your safety, and their own ruin; as appears, first, in that a little before these wars began, your Castle and blockhouses were out of repair, and too much (through long peace and dis-use) unfit for service; upon which pretence, some of the King's Coachmen begged them of the King, and sued you for them; whereupon you presently repaired them; which Forts, thus on this occasion repaired, helped now to keep out the King's party: Secondly, whereas formerly you had no draw-bridges to keep out an enemy, Captain W. Legge and others of that party caused draw-bridges to be made about the Town, on purpose to keep out our Brethren of Scotland, when first they came into this land for our assistance; but these bridges kept out Captain Leg and that party: Thirdly, Arms were also sent hither for above 20000. men, under the managing of the said Cap. Leg; & after that, a Garrisonof 1000 should. here planted (having not been any here for many years before) under the command of Sir Tho. Glenham, by the direction & advice of the Earl of Strafford (for the same purpose aforesaid) and yet all this turned to keep out that very party: Fourthly, in the dawning of these troubles, Captain Leg being settled in this Town, and having this strength and power aforesaid, and the Earl of Newcastle being also sent hither by the King, with his Commission to be Governor here (who came into the Town by the name of Sir John Savage) but the town demurred upon their answer to him, till they heard from the Parliament) both these persons (viz. Earl and Captain) thus in the town, upon a bare summons from Parliament, left the Town and posted to Westminster (a thing which I believe both of them have forethought an hundred times since.) Fifthly, the day before the King came first to Hull, to demand or command entrance (Sir John Hotham being then Governor here) the King sent the Duke of York, the Prince Elector, the Earl of Newport, the Lord Willoughby, Sir Thomas Glenham, and others, into Hull, which caused some jealousies in the Governor and Townsmen, whereas if the King had come suddenly to the gates, without any warning, when the Duke and the rest came, I am confident none had then suspected his coming, nor would any soldier have hindered his entry at the gates (such a work was then rare.) Sixthly, the next day after (viz. about Ap●●● 25. 1642. being saturday) the King with some hundreds of attendants, came to enter the Town of Hull (the Governor being busied in entertaining the Duke of York, the Prince Elector, and their Company) and had the King still come without any further warning, suddenly to the gates, I am confident no soldier would have hindered him; but the King sent Sir Lewes Dives two hours before him, to tell the Governor that the King was within four or five miles off, and would dine with him (and this time and warning had Sir John Hotham to advise and hearten himself and his soldiers, to keep out that company that came with the King, and to draw up their bridges, etc. Seventhly, add this for a wonder, that Sir John Hotham should then so resolutely keep these persons out, having such a numerous party of the contrary mind, most active that day; both within and without against him (a work at that time not for every man's spirit) himself, as since it appears, proving so unfaithful; of whom and which work, I may this say, that when he could have ruined the Town, and endangered the Kingdom thereby, he would not, and after when he would have done it, he could not: Eighthly, when the King's Army came first against this Town, they (thinking thereby to have compelled you to yield) burned your Mills, but this did wonderfully set the hearts of all, both rich and poor against them (their food being endangered) whereas some of them before were not so fully affected to the Parliament and that cause. Ninthly, the Earl of Newcastle after this, having overmastered all the North, save Hull and Wresle Castle, and having got so great and formidable an Army, with which he might in probability have gone through most parts of England then, and have ruined or endangered many a City, Town and County, yet were his old, wisest and subtlest soldiers so far befooled, that they persuaded him to bring this Army against Hull, in August 1643. and lay a second siege here; but partly by the shot and sallies out of the Town, partly by lying in wet trenches (the Country round about being drowned at springtides) their whole Army was brought almost to nothing, and those that were left of them (now no way formidabe) after six weeks and odd day's siege, went away with infinite shame and loss, October 11. 1643. (for which mercy you still keep on that day an aniversary thankful commemoration.)  
Tenthly, In all these six week's siege, though the enemy shot many fiery hot bullets into the Town night and day, yet very few of you were hurt; sometimes many well-affected persons were met in a chamber to repeat sermons, and pray, as soon as ever they were departed and gone down the stairs, (and not till then) came a red hot bullet through the place where they met; so in another chamber where children went to school, came another of those fiery messengers as soon as ever the children were gone from that place, and none hurt.  
Eleventhly, on Thursday, June 29. 1643. when Sir John Hotham was conceived treacherous, he being always very active and vigilant, and especially then, yet were the Magazine, the several guards and forts of the garrison seized on by the Townsmen and others (no experienced soldiers) within the compass of less than an hour (and that before Sir John Hotham was ware) without the loss of any blood (which great and hazardous attempt, one would have thought, and it was feared, would have cost many a man's life.  
Twelfthly, that on the very day after this (viz. Friday, June 30. 1643.) the right Honourable and Noble Lord General Fairfax had that great loss at Atherton More, and when he was retired from the field into Leeds, and was in danger, yet more sad and troubled (as his Lordship said) for the loss of his men and the danger of the Country (and not well knowing which way, or what course to take the next day) a Boy came just in that nick 
b Like the case of Mordecai, or the Shunamite, Est. 5. 14. with 6. 1, 4, 6, 10. 2 King. 8. 5.  of time, with a Letter from the Major and Aldermen of Hull, acquaitnting his Honour, that Hull was open for him if he would come thither, and that the town and ammunition were seized upon, as aforesaid; Sir john Horham fled, and in his flight apprehended in Beverley, (a joyful message at that time, though till then, neither had his honour heard thereof, nor the town, when they sent, of Lordship's loss.)  
13. Though it was generally said and thought, that if the wars should continue, and Armies should lie in Yorkshire but one year, there could not possibly be any provision or food left; yet have Armies been here almost six years already, in Yorkshire, sometimes six Generals and their Armies at once, often above 20000d. soldiers abominable firing, spoiling, plundering, etc. yet seldom have we seen meat & drink more cheap or plentiful here, then still it is (blessed be God:) This is the Lords own doing; thus have you Seamen, seen God's wonders as much by Land 
c Psa. 107. 23 24.  as by Sea, and this Town sometimes a poor Hamlet called Wyke, after, in Edward the second his time, called the King's Town (upon the River Hull) which is a greater honour, then if by the cowardice or treachery of any, it had been turned to be (in that sense that some badly mean it) the Queen's Town, may now justly be called God's Town, because of the miracles God hath wrought for it. (Oh that it appeared to be so by our holy practice answerable 
Psal. 116, 12, 13.  to such marvelous mercies!)  
To conclude, let me for the same end acquaint you, the Inhabitants of Bradfield, with another instance, though of a lower rank, viz. the marvelous delivery of a Minister of Christ's Gospel, born in your Parish, wherein you may still see God's hand; learn to trust and praise him more: 'tis this, When the Earl of Newcastle besieged Rotherham in May 1643. at last, the Town wanting powder (which was taken at Gainsborough, as it was bringing to them) and some bouses being on fire by the enemy's Granades, the Town was forced to entertain a parley with the Earl, who after some shameful repulse and loss) assured them under his hand, that upon laying down their Arms, they should have their estates, lives and liberties safe; but as soon as be entered, fined, imprisoned, plundered many, and as it seems had a special intent to ruin the Minister of that place aforesaid; yet, first, that Minister went through the midst of the Town (than so thronged) undiscerned by any; secondly, he hide himself in a vault of a house not inhabited (after he heard of the enemies base unfaithfulness and cruelty) which house (the enemy pulling down the Works about the Town) came into, and kept as their main guard night and day, and lay close by him (which thing he neither did nor could suspect before-band;) thirdly, the enemy proclaimed him traitor by a crier throughout the Town, yea, and all others traitors also, who knowing of him, brought him not in to them within 24. hours; in the aforesaid house the soldiers seeking him most diligently, thrust their swords betwixt the Loards frequently, yet neither found, nor hurt him; fourthly, at last they looked up to a vault above their heads (which lay visibly open to view, by the space of three yards and more, where himself and his man lay indeed) and swore that he was there, whereupon they instantly ran up their stairs (which they kept) broke open the door (entering to the vault which they saw, and where he was) found it locked, and the key in the door on the inside, sought him five several times, the great windows all open round about, be and his man lying on their sides, could have taken hold on them, yet never found either of them (no cause but that Jer. 36. 26) fifthly, he having lain there on the stones most part of three days and nights, viz. from Thursday May 4. 1643. (when the Town was taken) till Saturday evening May 6. could not stir, scarce cough or spit, left be should be heard, and no friend, meat, drink or relief could come at him (the enemy keeping the Town, that house and stairs to the vault) be resolved that night, rather than starve, to go down and yield himself to their cruel mercies (for be might hear them swear his death with many dammees) presently, that very afternoon they went away (be cannot to this day learn any reason why) for they came thither again the next day, and stayed there constantly long after, as if they had meant (as indeed the good and wise God did) to give him just a fit time and space to get safe away, for neither before nor after could be get away thence, nor longer stay here: sixthly, when he was come down the stairs from the vault, though the enemy be found removed, yet were the doors lock; but the enemy had caused a Carpenter to pull up two boards of the floor to seek for him in a hollow place underneath, and left them unnailed down again; through which space (as if they had meant to have made him away forth) be got out: seventhly, when he came forth 
Acts 12. 7, 10.  by that hollow aforesaid, he came through the midst of the Town again to his house undiscerned; and as he was stepping into the Hall (not knowing now who lived there or in any other house) there were seven Cavaliers billeted (having formerly plundered him sufficiently) amongst whom he was just stepping, had not a friend of his pulled him by the shoulders into another Room next the Hall: eighthly, yet durst he not carry there, but got to a vault in another house, and lay upon an earthern floor the remainder of three weeks in the midst among them, yet never got cold, nor was the least sick, no not so much as usually before: ninthly, after this he got safe to Manchester, & after some cumbers, is safely returned to his nativeCountry; for all which, he entreats his friendly neighbours and readers that praises may be returned to the only wise God, and sole and lively confidence put in him for ever and ever. Which passages (Christian Reader) together with the ensuing notes, bade I not been importuned to publish, till I was in Elishah's case, 2 Kin. 2. 17. nor thou nor I had had this trouble: however, if God may have glory, his Cause any furtherance, or any of his people profit by them, I have all my aim, and rest  
The unworthiest of the least of God's mercies, J. S. Hull Novemb. 17. 1645.   

The three Kingdoms CASE, with their CAUSES and CURE. OR, A SERMON Preached at Kingston upon HULL.  ISA. 42. 24, 25. 
Who gave jacob for a spoil and Israel to the Robbers? Did not the Lord, he against whom we have sinned, for they would not walk in his ways, neither were they obedient unto his Law?  
Ver. 25 Therefore he hath poured upon him the fury of his Anger, and the strength of battle, and it hath set him on fire round about, yet he knew it not, and it burned him, yet he laid it not to heart.  
I Need not (right Honourable and beloved) to use any other motive to bespeak your attentions then the words immediately foregoing my Text, verse 23. Who among you will give ear unto this? who will hearken and bear for the time to come? Only give me leave for the clearing of the words, to acquaint you (and that very briefly) first, with the Prophet; secondly, the time when; thirdly, persons to whom he prophesied; fourthly, the substance of his prophecy. Divines use to cast the sixteen Prophets (whose prophecies are recorded in the old Testament) into three ranks; first, some prophesied before the Jews seventy year's captivity in Babylon, as Jonah, Hosea, Isaiah, and some others: Secondly, some of them gave cordials in the time of the captivity, as Ez●●iel and Daniel: Thirdly, others quickened them after the captivity, and their return, as Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Amongst these, our Prophet is of the first rank, yet though his prophecy be ranked in the first place, it's not probable that he was the first of them in time that prophesied, but rather Jonab, who prophesied before (or at least in the beginning of) the reign of Jeroboam the second, 2 King. 14. 25 (whereas Hosea, though you grant him to be a Preacher seventy years, began but in the latter end of his reign, Hos. 1. 1.) so in the new Testament its thought by the History in the Acts of the Apostles, that not the Epistle to the Romans (though placed the first) but that to the Thessalonians was first writ; also, not the book of Malachi, but Nehemiah was the last book in order of time and story in the old Testament.  
This Prophet Isaiah was nobly borne, by both births, of nature and grace, being of the royal blood both of Heaven and earth (let no man think himself too good, by reason of his birth or estate, to be God's Prophet, see David, Solomon, Isaiah, etc. God calls to this office, sometimes men of greater birth and estates, as this Isaiah son of Amoz, sometimes poorer, as Amos, a poor Neatheard of Tekoah, Amos 1. 1. which two names 
a Robustus fortis, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Onustus durus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hie●. in Isa. 1.  differ much both in the Hebrew writing and signification) Isaiah prophesied above sixty years to a stubborn people of the Jews, that profited little (so did Hosea to Israel above seventy years) yet would not leave off his Ministry; to leave off ones Ministry because he cannot see it do that good which he wisheth (saith old Latimer) is a naughty, a very naughty deed.  
After all his toil and pains, he was sawn asunder by his near Kinsman; let us learn to be content, though ill rewarded by men, seeing this Evangelicall and noble Prophet was so used, after so long and great pains for their souls good.  
The sum of the Prophecy is a discovery of the abominations of the Jews, and of God's judgements against the impenitent for those fins, together with a promise to the Elect, and prophesy of the Lord Jesus Christ; his birth, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession.  
In this chapter, the Lord holds out Christ full of beauty and bounty, goodness and pity, ver. 1. 10. exhorteth the Jews to prize and praise him, ver. 10. 13. but foreseeing their contempt and rejecting of such an invaluable mercy, he denounceth heavy judgements against them, ver. 13. to the end, whereof my Text is part. In which, consider, first, the punisher, the Lord; secondly, the punishment, battle, war, with the fruits of it, robbing, firing, spoiling, etc. And thirdly, the punished, not Heathens, but the Members of God's visible Church, Jacob, Israel; fourthly, the meritorious cause of this punishment, sin and disobedience, neglecting Gods ways; fifthly, the People's incorrigibleness and unprofitableness under all this, they consider not, nor lay it to heart. I will grasp as much together as I can, and collect some observations as suitable to the Text, occasion and time, as with conveniency I may. And first this:  
Observe. 1. That war with the fruits thereof, robbing, firing, spoiling, are very sad and heavy calamities, yet such as may befall a Nation professing the true Religion.  
Observe. 2. That when such wars befall such a Nation, it's God that sends them, and gives up a people to them (Who gave Israel to the robbers, did not the Lord?)  
Observe. 3. When ever God sends such wars and calamities on such a Nation, their sins and iniquities were the procuring and meritorious cause.  
Observe. 4. That when a people have such judgements poured upon them by God, and yet do not consider rightly thereof, and lay it to heart, it much provokes and anger's God.  
For the first, that the strength of battle, robbing, firing and spoiling, are sad calamities, it needs no further proof, it's too apparent already; I may say of this, as our Saviour, Luke 4. 21. this day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears; yet that this point may prove more useful to us, let me a little cut it up, and show you the miseries of war; first, by the precedents or occasions of it; secondly, the nature of it; thirdly, the consequents, especially of a civil war (such as ours now is.)  
And first, for the occasions of war, I will name some; as it's a sad thing when King a and people fall out, and clash one with another till one weaken another, and endanger the ruin of both; thus Abimilech and the men of Sechem, the Lord sent an evil spirit of dissension betwixt them, Judg. 9 22, 23. after Abimilech had reigned a while, ere long both parties took up arms, so as no man could safely travail on the highway because of the Soldiers, ver. 25. the event of this war was this; first, the people were ruined, ver. 44. the City destroyed and sown with salt, ver. 45. the Tower, a strong hold of Sechem, burnt, and a thousand men and women in it, ver. 49. and ere long, the King was ruined, and that dishonourably, ver. 53, 54. a sad and heavy case, to see a body tearing out its own bowels, to see a Kingdom, like Judas or Achitophel, making itself away when the Lord sends a spirit of perversities amongst a people, Isa. 19 14. (the Lord hath mingled a spirit of perversities, etc.  
Secondly, it's a sad thing when Courtiers and favourites of a King, who much mind not any Religion, yet come to Church and perhaps take a Protestation, the better to please men and keep their places a while, but as soon as they espy their time, take advantage upon a King, and labour to seduce & draw his heart from God and his truth, to idolatry, and to raise up arms and make war upon his Subjects, and this hath been done, see 2 Chron. 23. 16. in Jehojadas days the Courtiers and people entered into Covenant to be the Lords people, and opposed idolatry, ver. 17. but assoon as Jehojada was dead, 2 Chro. 24. 15. the flattering CGurtiers with their congees, obeisance and cringes, vowing they would serve King Joash for ever, ver. 17. and espying their advantage with the King, wrought upon his nature, and drew him away with them from the pure worship of God, ver. 18. but see what wars followed, and what became of those Courtiers, ver. 23.  
Yea, sometimes a Queen, the wife of his bosom, may draw a King away, as Jezabel to Ahab, that was an high addition to all his other sins, that he took Jezabel to wife, 1 King. 16. 31. and there was none like him, whom his wife Jezabel stirred up: 
b 1 Kin. 21. 25  so Solomon's wives, 1 King. 11. 3, 7, 8. and rending his Kingdom followed upon it, ver. 11, 13, 14, etc. so Ezra 9 2. 14. thus the Son of godly Jehosaphat did evil, because led away by a bad wife, 2 Chron. 21. 6. we read 2 Chron. 22. 1. that the 
c So the people met to make Rehoboam King 1 King. 12. 1. See Deut. 17. 14, 15, etc.  people made Ahaziah King (called Jehoahaz, 2 Chron. 21. 17 and Azariah, 2 Chron. 22. 6.) but two things drew him away, a bad mother, and her bad kindred and Counselors, 2 Chron. 22. 3, 4. (if not a third, 2 Kings 8. 27.) and these cause wars and divisions.  
Thirdly, it's a sad thing when some young flattering Courtiers be near about the King, that persuade him to stand upon his points and prerogative, and not to condescend to his Subjects petitions at all, but either to rule by his own will (an arbitrary government) or else venture his Kingdom and all; thus did Rehoboam's young Counselors, 1 King. 12. Solomon was the wisest of mere mortals, he had a thousand Wives and Concubines, 1 King. 11. 3. and yet had but one son, and he foolish; when his Subjects came humbly petitioning his Majestly, Rehoboam takes the advice of Malignant young Counselors, who tell him, would I have my neck under my Subjects girdles? either rule at your own will, and keep them under, or adventure all, 1 King. 12. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. and see what rends in the Kingdom followed, ver. 16.  
Fourthly, it's a sad thing when malignant Counselors and parasites about the King, who study the humours of Princes, lie at watch to spy an advantage, while they may take the King in a fit mood, to persuade him to ruin the Church and people of God, yea, subtly entrap the King, and get his hand and seal (or else sign it themselves, and counterfeit his hand) to a decree destructive to the honest party, and by their deep plots draw the King's heart away from them; thus did the enemies of Daniel subtly work upon King Darius, and got a decree signed for daniel's ruin, though against the King's mind, whose conscience told him, that Daniel was a faithfuller and honester Subject than they, Dan. 6. 5, 6, 9 they pretend they stand for the King's honour, and that this decree is only for the King's greater glory, ver. 7. the King ere long saw himself abused by them, but could not mend it, ver. 14.  
Fifthly, it's a sad thing when flatterers about the King persuade him that those who are Gods best servants, and the King's faithfullest Subjects, are Rebels and Traitors, and the King's enemies; thus they accuse Christ to be enemy to Caesar, and that he would hinder his tribute and revenues of the Crown, Luke 23. 2. and they that favoured him were no friends to Caesar (that word struck deep) John 19 12. thus the three children's enemies persuade the King, that they are enemies and rebels against him, Dan. 3. 12. so did daniel's enemies, Dan. 6. 13. thus At halia cries treason, treason, (but who was the Traitor?) so foulmouthed Rabsbekah cries rebellion, rebellion, 2 King. 18. 20. thus Courtier Haman would preswade King Ahasuerus that the Jews (God's best servants, and the King's best subjects, whereof one Mordecai had done more faithful service to the King, than an hundred flattering haman's) were a factious, perverse people, regarded not the King nor his laws, and were against his profit, Ester 3. 8.  
Sixthly, it's a sad thing when those that are near a King, not only whisper and tell lies and tales to draw his heart away from his best Subjects, but also use all means, yea adventure purse and life and all to ruin such: Balaam the Witch (Josh. 13. 22. Numb. 24. 1.) would seek to Heaven and Hell to ruin Israel; Moabites and Midianites were content to make their daughter's whores to ruin them; so desperate is the old Serpent's malice, (see Numb. 25. 1. Rev. 2. 14.) thus Haman, who would never give a penny to a good cause (not only makes the King glad with his lies, Hos. 7. 3. as before) but will give ten thousand talents to the Church's ruin, Ester 3. 8. so that cursed Edomite Doeg (a stranger, but now made a Courtier) not only lies against the honest party, and sets on the King (who of himself was eager enough against them,) Psal. 52. 3. but himself (when the rest refused) plays the Butcher, not only slaying the Priests (as he was bidden, 1 Sam. 22. 18.) but also man, woman and child beyond his commission, ver. 19 and so brings much crying guiltless blood upon the King and his own head.  
Seventhly, it's a sad thing when Ministers (that should be men of God) advise and hearten a King on to such a war as a matter of conscience; thus Zedekiah with four hundred Prophets, or rather satan by them, 1 King. 22. 21. persuades Ahab to go up to a battle, which proved destructive to himself, 1 Kin. 22. 11, 12. and how bitter was Zedekiah against the true Prophet, ver. 24. (a godly Minister hath not a worse enemy in the world, than a wicked, wretched Minister, see Jer. 26. 8, 11. with ver. 16.) hence followed a war that ruined King Ahab.  
Eighthly, it's a sad thing when some bloody minded men even force a King (for their own safety, gain or ends) beyond his own inclination. Let me put a case; I can tell you of a King that had two Nephews, his own sister's sons, the elder of these was General of the King his Uncle's Army, he was a furious, bloody-minded man, yet oft times the King his Uncle could not restrain him, but at last the King and he fell out, and the blood that he shed, falls in time upon his own head; my meaning is, David the King had a sister called Zerviah, 
d 1 Chron. 2. 15, 16.  she had two sons, (for the third was dead, 2 Sam. 2. 18, 23.) Joah the elder of these was David's (his Uncles) General of his Army, he was bloody, very bloody, 1 King. 2. 5. yet his Uncle sometimes could not rule him, 2 Sam. 3. 39 at last they fell out, 1 King. 2. 5, 6. and his cruelty is revenged upon him, 1 King. 2. 32, 34.  
Ninthly, it's a sad thing when there is emulation and envy amongst Commanders in Armies, or betwixt chief persons of the same side, so that out of envy some desert the cause, leave off, or turn to the other side; how did Aaron and Miriam envy Moses, Numb. 12. thus great General Abner makes Ishbosheth King, 2 Sam. 2. 9 (as the great Earl of Warwick said, it's more honour to make, then be a King) Ishbosheth afterwards reproves this Soldier for whoring, 2 Sam. 3. 7. presently Abner takes this in snuff, and revolts to the other side, and loseth Ishbosheth his Kingdom, 2 Sam. 3. 9, 10. ere long Joab and Abner (too great Commanders) envy one another, and Abner is slain ver. 27. see Achitophel and Husha●s clashings.  
Tenthly, it's a sad thing when Soldiers make but a play of war and kill men, 2 Sam. 2. 14. Let the men arise and play before us:] and care not how long the wars last, or what ruin is done, so they may thrive, saying with Demetrius, by this craft we get our wealth, Acts 19 25. all these are sad things, which are but the beginnings and occasions of war: But the point will further appear, if we consider war itself, especially ours, and that but in a word (for I at once consider my time and your occasions.) Therefore  
Secondly, view a little what a sad thing war is; first, of all judgement's war seems to be the sorest, by David's choice, 2 Sam. 24. 14, etc. secondly, of all wars civil wars 
e Graved. Sacrifice.  are wont nothing got but grating one upon another, like millstones without grist (as I have showed elsewhere 
f Summum (Brute) nes as Civilia bella satenuer, Ceto. apud Claud. 1. 2.  in many particulars at large;) thirdly, of all civil wars, English war is 
g Bella pox Emitheos' plus quam Civilia Campas. See Mark 3. 24, 25.  the worst, see the Baron's war compared with foreign troubles; fourthly, of all English wars these present wars is worst, if we consider, first, the trowel bloody minds of the adversaries, who profess they had rather the Turk or Devil prevailed, than the Roundheads; secondly, in former times of calamity (as in Queen Mary's days) there was an Ireland to fly to, not now, then sixty or seventy suffered, now so many thousands, than lands descended to the Martyr's heirs, but if this Parliament be by force brought down, you may write upon the doors of your Liberties and estates, Lord have mercy upon us.  
A●●●e 3ly the consequents of war (I will clean but a few) as, first, plague; secondly famine 
h jer. 14, 3, 4, ●. & 52. 6. Lam 4. 7, 10. & 2. 20. 2 King. 6. 26, 30. 2 Sam. 24. 13, 15.  (read Jeremy and Josephus for both these on Jerusalem once and again;) thirdly, firing, Jer. 52. ●3. Judg. 1. 8. & 20. 48. etc. fourthly, plundering, 
i Where is strife there is every evil work, james 3. 16. Isa. 13. 16.  many godly men left thouslesse, without Harbour, victuals, goods, money in an hour, by one party nor by another, what the palmer-worm leaves; the locust, ranker worm or caterpillar eats, Joel 1. 4. we whose goods escape the sword of Hazael, yet plundered by Jebues, etc. Sabenns, Chaldeans, etc. fifthly, want of means of grace, 
k Amos 8. 11, 12.  neglect of studies, Pastors dare not come at their Flock, but hid themselves, Jor. 36. 26. nor Flocks at the Congregation; the ways to Zion mourn, Lam. 1. 4. Psal. 74. 7. sixthly, want of execution of good 
l judg. 5. 11. & 17. 6. Lam. 2. 9 Inter Arma silent leges.  laws, where all things are lawful, nothing is right; seventhly, want of christian society of Saints, who are scatteved, perhaps never meet together again, husband and wife, parents and children in this world, Acts 8. 1. Math. 2. 14. eighthly, want of treading, none dare pass the highways, Judg. 5. 6. Levit. 26. 22. Lam. 4. 18. Isa. 33. 8. 2 Chron. 15. 5. ninthly, many like Mephibosheth, lamed, wounded, want arms, legs, etc. tenthly, many (whose blood is precious in God's sight) are slain, and their blood run down the street, part from their friends, and never return again, Acts 12. 2. 2 Chron. 35. 23, 24. Judg. 20. 
Isa. 3. 5. Lam. 4. 5. & 5. 8.  21, 25, 35, etc. and many of the beggarly and base sort, rifle houses, and domineer over the persons of such worthies, whom they durst heretofore scarce look at.  
But I have much work yet to do, and little time, I adjourn the reasons; the truth of the point is apparent, and I accost upon an Use or two.  
Use. 1. Ad Magistratum, all you that be in places of authority and power, use all lawful means, do what in you lies for the sheathing up of the sword, the preventing plunderings, spoilings, etc. and removing these sad calamities, etc.  
Secondly, Ad Clerum (as we use the phrase) pray we, and preach, and use our best endeavours for the composing of these differences, preventing these spoilings and robbings, to our grief we see it; the Papists take away the second Commandment, the Courtiers did take away the fourth Commadement, Plunderers the eighth, and the abuse of these wars in many places the practise of all.  
Thirdly, Ad Populum, and that in divers things; and first, be we all affected with mourning spirits for these sad judgements, war, and the fruits of it, as were Vriah. Nehemiab, Jeremiah, etc. Jer. 4. 19 Ezek. 21. 9, 10. My bowels, my bowels, etc. Should we now make mirth? etc.] take we up the lamentation, Lam. 3. 48, 49. 51. Look away from me, I will weep bitterly, etc. Isa. 22. 4. considering first, what a land we lately had, like the Garden of God before these wars, Joel 2. 3. secondly, how woefully now spoiled especially in many places, like a desolate Wilderness, ibid. 2 Chron. 15. 5. no peace to him that goes out or comes in: Thirdly, by whom all this is, viz. one neighbour against another, yea, and by Papists (and their confederates) who in quieter times burned living men, women and children, and digged others out of the grave to burn their dead bodies; what would they now do? Fourthly, how long it may yet last, 
m The first Carthaginian war lasted 23 years, that betwixt the Hollanders and Spain about 70 years,  we see the differences are greatned, miseries heightened, and gape, widened every day, divisions in Church grow greater, and divisions in the State not lesser; see also how long the calamities were upon Israel in Egypt, upon the Jews in Babylon, upon Germany of late years, etc.  
Secondly, pray hard for those of our Brethren, that be in, and under the fury of battle, and the cruelty of the enemies; and that first, they may not sin, that they may keep a good conscience; alas, this is their hour of temptation and sore trial, Satan is winnowing them, pray their faith may not fail, Revel. 3. 10. Luke 22. 31, 32. see our case, Ezek. 22. 26, 31. Isa. 62. 6, 7. pray God to keep them from sinning, Psal. 74. 20, 21. Jer. 14. 19, 21. Secondly, pray God to sanctify these troubles to them, to take away the scum, Ezek. 24. 6. to fan away the chaff, purge away the dross, Isa. 27. 9 Mal. 3. 2, 3. Thirdly, in due and the fittest time to deliver them from their troubles, and recompense the enemy, Psal. 79. 11, 12.  
Thirdly, endeavour in thy place and calling, to stench these wars, this bleeding wound, by first, repenting towards God: secondly, not willingly assisting the Enemies of the Commonwealth, so as to hinder Delinquents from justice, or in what we are able any other just way.  
Fourthly, Prepare for the worst, who knows what sad days we may yet see, Jer. 25. 15, 16. especially if we seriously look at, first, our sins and abuse of great mercies; secondly, what far better men than we have suffered before us; thirdly, how many clouds and mountains seem yet to be betwixt us and a quiet end; fourthly, how sins in every part of the Land yet increase; fifthly, how all Treaties and probable means of reconciliation still knap asunder; we thought if ever the Armies met, one battle would do it, but, etc. sixthly, what selfishness and ends are yet in men, what envy and emulation, that sometimes we cannot agree to follow the probablest means close.  
Therefore prepare (I say) for the worst that can come, and trust not, first, to policy (how little hath been done in these wars, by the deepest dungeon politicians (those who were thought the wits and Achitophel's of our time) even as much as Balaam and Achitophel did; God hath befooled men, I Cor. 1. 19) secondly, nor to riches, ofttimes they make men far the worst, as at Jerusalem, 
o 2 King. 25. 9, 12.  and massacre at Paris; thirdly, nor to strong walls & works (as was said to Phocas) Nahum 3. 12. fourthly, nor to multitude of soldiers, strength of men and horse: But first, turn to him that smiteth speedily, cordially, throughly, Isa. 9 12, 14. Hosea 6. 1. Secondly, get into the Ark, Noah's , Jesus Christ by faith; then safe, if floods come, Isa. 26. 20. thirdly, take heed of lying in any sin securely, Amos 6. 7. fourthly, look to uprightness, that fundamental grace of sincerity, pluck up a good heart; so Hezekiah, Isa. 38. 3. fifthly, keep peace with Heaven and conscience, however things go here below; sixthly, gang loof off from the creature, take heed of being ensnared now, Jer. 45. 5. Seventhly, hid thy treasure in Heaven, where no plundering, etc.  
Use. 2. Reproves those that delight in war, and are the wicked incendiaries of these troubles, and still add (for their own ends) fuel to the fire, Psal. 68 30. And this delight is furthered, either, First, by custom in the wars; about five or six years ago, what a strange thing was it to hear of a man slain, or especially if twenty or thirty slain, now (to many once fleshed in it) but a play, 2 Sam. 2. 14, 15, 16. or secondly, treachery; should two Neighbours have walked together seven years ago, and one of them should have wept; his friend asks him, why weepest thou? the other should answer, I foresee within these four or five years the Papists and Atheists in Ireland, will raise a horrid rebellion; and I foresee, that though thou and I walk to Church together, eat and drink together, yet thou wilt join in the same cause with them, and wilt plunder my house, seek to betray me and mine, yea, to slay me, etc. this would have been thought strange, yet now proved true in many; see this 'twixt Elisha and Hazael, 2 King. 8. 11. how true is that now in many, Psal. 55. 12, 13, 14. God hath opened a window in men's breasts (as sometimes through the wall to Ezekiel in a vision, Ezek. 8. 8.) whereby their hollow-heartedness hath been discovered: Thirdly, gain, as Demetrius said, By this craft they get their wealth.  
Object. But if sword and war be such sore judgements, Ezek. 14. 21. is not war then simply unlawful? Answ. so said Cyprian and Lactantius of old, so Erasmus and others of late, others affirm it unlawful only to Christians in the new Testament (as Anabaptists formerly) but he that considers that war is an art, first, of Gods teaching, Psal. 18. 34. & 144. 1. secondly, of Gods directing, 1 Sam. 23. 2. thirdly, commanding, Numb. 31. 1. Josh. 6. 2. himself Captain, Josh. 5. 14. fourthly, practised by choicest Saints, with good approof from God, as Abraban, Joshua, Gideon, David, etc. Secondly, ye war with men professing the same true Religion with you is lawful, Jndg. 20. 28, etc. 2 Sam. 2. 13. & 18. 7. yea thirdly, in new Testament lawful, as appears, first, by Christ's direction, Luke 3. 14. and secondly, the Magistrate's Commission, Rom. 13. 14. and thirdly, by the Saints practise allowed, as Centuriou, etc. Matth. 8. 10. Acts 10. 1, 2, 4. Revel. 17. 14. he needs not doubt the lawfulness of it.  
Qu. 2. But secondly, the greater Quere is, When, and in what cases war is lawful? An. first, in general (for we speak of ordinary war) when it's necessary, and when no other means can obtain our just and necessary desires; but in particular, our Casuists require four conditions to a just and lawful was: First, lawful and sufficient authority requiring it; secondly, a just cause; and not only so, but weighty (not the l●na capitan) but first, for defending of our laws, lives, liberties, etc. as a Sam. 3. 1. & 18. 7. secondly, for taking just revenge upon such as do public wrong, outface justice, Malignancs, Delinquents etc. Jud. 20. 8, 18. 1 Sam. 15. 2. 2 〈◊〉. 10. 7. or 3ly toregain something unjustly taken or detained by Land or Sea, 2 Sam. 7. 14. etc. 2 Chr. 13. 5. Thirdly, a right end, not to maintain a popish Diana, nor any faction, or private opinion, not enrolled in sacred writ (such as of which Chrysippus used to say, that many times he wanted new opinions to broach, but if he had the opinion, he never wanted arguments to defend it) not to maintain monopolies, great places, to get other men's estates, to revenge private spleen, etc. but to obtain a just peace, 2 Tim. 2. 2. so 2 Sam. 11. 2. it's there said, that David demanded of Vriah, how the war prospered; in the Hebrew it is [of the peace of the war] i. e. in what readiness the war was for a peaceable end; the end of suits is to be quiet; and of physic is health: Fourthly, a right manner of managing the war for such an end; as, first, undertaking it by prayer in the fear of God, Judg. 20. secondly, when we go along in a just manner, not to fancy a man guilty for a word, Isa. 29. 31. or for praying Dan. 6. 5. thereby to plunder him, not to accuse men falsely, but be content with their wages, Luke 3. 14. not to whore, be drunk, steal, etc. holiness should be on the bells of the horses, and soldiers blades, as well as Priest's frontlet, Zach. 14. 20. Deut. 23. 9, 14. thirdly, firsttender terms of peace, Deut. 20. 10, 11, 12. fourthly, carry it wisely, Josh. 1. 7. Deut. 20. 38.  
There is yet a third Quere, more difficult than the two former, and that is;  
Qu. 3. What may be said for the lawfulness of these wars which the Parliament now maintain; are not those against the King, and so unlawful?  
Answ. I have elsewhere said my thoughts, 
p Britain's Remembrancer.  at present take this; first, that there should be Rulers, or superiors over men, 2 Sam. 23. 3. is Jure Divino, all lawful government, whether Monarchy, Aristocracy, Democracy; whether Kings, or (which were before them in Israel, Judges, Patriarches; whether by Consuls, Dictator's, Tribunes, etc. in a word, all lawful government is of God, and the Ordinance of God, this is clear by the light of nature, reason, Scripture, old Testament and new: But secondly, whether this or that Kingdom (or any particular Nation now) shall be governed by Kings, States or Consuls, by a Monarchical, Aristocratical, or democratical government, this can be but Jure Humano, according as that people at their first union, coalition and fundamental constitution, did bargain or agree; God never by his Word or Revelation said, that France and Spain should be governed by Kings any more than Holland, Venice, etc. when Rome was governed by Consuls, Dictator's, &c. it was lawful, according as they did agree for the public good and safety of the State; the world hath yet not stood six thousand years, and the greater part of this time that the world hath stood was spent, ere God's Israel had a King, 1 Sam. 8. 5, 6, 7. yea, among the Jews, where they needed no Parliaments (for God him. self made and gave them their Law of the Land) and God had a special hand in choice of their Kings (more than can be said of any Kings now) yet even then the people had a hand and consent in the choice of their Kings, Deut. 17. 14, 15. 2 Chro. 22. 1. 1 King. 12. 1, etc. much more in any other Kingdoms) the institution of government is of God; but the constitution of this or that particular government, is from men.  
Thirdly, if any Nation be governed by Kings, yet what line or family shall be the Kings or chief governor's there, this is from man, or according as the people first made their compact, gave their binding consent and choice: Marriage is God's Ordinance, but whether this woman shall have this man to be her head, is by her own choice and consent; God hath not said, thou such a one, be thou King of Spain, etc.  
Fourthly, suppose this line or family, King of this or that Nation, yet whether he shall be King for years, or for life, or to him and his heirs, or to him and his heirs males for ever, this is Jure humane, a humane Ordinance, 1 Pet. 2. 13. according as that Nation first made their bargain, agreement, etc.  
Fifthly, what privileges, Prerogatives such a King shall have, what liberties immunities that people under him shall have, this is Jure humano, according as they have, and do make the bargain, according to the fundamental constitutions, agreements and laws of that Land (for France, Spain, Denmark, Hungary, etc. are not all bound by any word of God to have just the same liberties, laws, prerogatives, etc. but according as themselves agree, so they be not against the general rules in Scripture; so that I herein concur with the Lord Digby, that our case is not so much to be resolved by Divinity, but law; and properly to be determined by those who are Judges of what is, or is not law; what are, or are not the fundamental constitutions of our government: Now to the case in England, the King was never made or esteemed Judge of Law; men used not to go to the King to know what is Law; & if he said this or that to be Law, it was but his own opinion; neither are our Lawyers or inferior Courts the ultimate Judges, but the last Judge from which there is no appeal with us, is the supreme Court of Parliament: (now no Court of the Kingdom is null, or the acts of it void, because the King's person is not there, or his mind against it.) This supreme Judicatory affirming and declaring to me, that by the fundamental constitutions and constant agreements and laws of this land, we may defend our laws, liberties, lives, estates, etc. by arms, and that now is this case, and necessity thereof; I believe it, and have no further to go for resolution in this case: The objection of conquest is fond and frivolous; an unjust conquest without just title (merely because another is stronger) gives a man no right to my purse, without my consent some way, much less to a Kingdom; should the Turk or Spaniard unjustly make wars upon our King Charles, and conquer him, have they a just right therefore to his Kingdom?  
But secondly, I conceive a man may very much see the hand of God in these wars going along with the Parliament; if we consider, first, the beginning of them, and that first, when we were very low, when by reason of flatterers, etc. many were banished and terrified, so as it was thought no man durst lift up his head, Zach. 1. 21. yet thousands appeared presently; secondly, when it was thought that by idleness and long disuse we were grown so effeminate, rusty and unfit for war, yet have we found men not bred, but made as gallant soldiers on the sudden, as any in the world; thirdly, when we were embroiled in a war with our brethren of Scotland, yet some of both Nations delivered, like brands out of the fire, for this work, Zach. 3. 2.  
Secondly, if we consider the growth of them, first, God hath wrought upon men's spirits, and that is above man's work, Haggai 1. 14. God touched men's hearts, Ezra 1. 1. 1 Sam. 10. 26. and hath fitted men like Bezaleel and Aholiab, Exod. 31. beyond their natural temper for this work; of weak, made strong; of dull, made quick, see Judg. 6. 1, 6. a strong, potent enemy, ver. 5. yet a poor Leader (a thrasher) Gideon, mean person, mean family, mean furniture, weapons, etc. prevailed.  
Thirdly, consider how God hath befooled the strongest wits and subtlest, deepest plots in this business, how little men's deep plots have done in this work, but God hath carried onthings beyond the wit of man, 1 Cor. 1. 19 Isa. 44. 29. had those reaching wits many a time taken a quite contrary course, how much in probability, had we been endangered?  
Fourthly, we have gone most forward by going backward, gained most by our losses, like that plot, Josh. 8. 20. 22. at our loss of Albertan, Bristol, Leicoster, etc. how did our seeming friends turn, and were discovered, and when we were weakest, we did most; in most great victories, we almost quite lost all, ere we conquered, as Keinton, Newberry, Hessam-More, Naseby, etc. at Atherton we first won, than lost all.  
Fifthly, our enemies have helped and furthered us much in this work; how came the Bishops to be shut out of the House of Lords, Delinquents from the House of Commons, but by their own deeds? treacherous persons and plots discovered the enemy's victories and plots knit the Houses firmlier together when any breach, and won them a peg higher (see daniel's three children's, and joseph's enemies raised them, this is Digi●● Dei.)  
Sixthly, Religion's purity, the plots and filth of popery more discovered; tell me of any war in all the world (Grecians, Romans, etc.) that ever looked at the power and purity of Religion so much as this:  
Seventhly, the work is done, not by might or by power, but God's way, by God's spirit, Zech. 4. 6. like Jericho's wase, the way that Babybon must down, Revel. 14. 6, 7, 8. and Antichrist fall, 2 Thes. 2. 8. Ezra 5. 1, 2.  
Object. But Antichrist seems to befar from his fall and going down.  
Answ. Consider if as great things, and as unlikely have not been done in England within these few years, he that should have told thee but six years ago, that we should have an indissoluble Parliament (save by its own power) that it should 
The Lord is gone out before us, judg. 4. 14.  last above five years together, that there should be never a Monopoly or Bishop in England, that the Book of Common-prayer and twenty such things should be removed; would you have believed them? may not we say, God hath done wonders that we looked not for, Isa. 64. 3. B●●d. 15. 11. and who knows but God may say, thou shalt see greater things 〈◊〉 these, John 5. 20. then may we change our praises as they, Jer. 16. 14.  
Secondly, when Antichrist goes down, he will go down suddenly, like his Master, Luke 10. 17. like Pharaoh, Human, Belshazzar, unexpectedly, see Revel. 18. 8, 10, 17, 19, 21. like a great millstone thrown down violently.  
Eightly, God hath done much already, he hath already made that good to us in Isa. 14. 2. that God's people take them captives, whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors: but the time warns me, let this serve for the first point, and I will dispatch the rest in few, or else prorogue them. The next is,  
Observe. 3 That when wars, plunderings, etc. befall a Nation, it's God that sends them, that gives up a people to them, 2 King. 24. 3. 2 Chron. 15. 5, 6. Amos 3. 3. the enemies are God's rod, Isa. 10. 5. God's sword, Psal. 17. 13. God's battle-Axe, Jer. 51. 20. And this is not without reason, if we look at God's glory, on his people's benefit: Reas. 1 First, at God's glory; he hereby manifests wisdom, in discovering the cowardly, treacherous and rotten-hearted, the plots of open enemies, and falsehoods of seeming friends, are in times of wars and plunderings much discovered, many such visions like that Ezek. 8. 8. hath God revealed to us.  
Secondly, his power; that he can make medicines of poisons, bring light out of darkness, and much good to his people and Church by wars and losses, 2 Chron. 12. 9 and in the first time (eft times as worst, as Isaac) deliver them, 1 Cor. 10. 13. 2 Pet. 2. 9 make devouring Whales and Lions help and save them, as Jonah, Daniel.  
Thirdly, his love; when the wars and spoilers have left them nothing but a God to live upon, yet oft times than have they most enlarged, full comfort, as John in Patmos, etc. Apostles Acts 4. ●●●.  
Reas. 2. In regard of his people, God suffers plunderers; and that, First, hereby to put them in mind of their former abuse of their houses, lands, estates and liberties, therefore suffers them to be plundered of them, and to teach them to prize and value them better another time, and God in them.  
Secondly, to prevent some spiritual disease, or sore evil that he sees would else grow upon them, perhaps pride, carnal security, looseness, therefore he hedgeth their way with these thorns, Hos. 2. 14. 2 Cor. 12. 7.  
Thirdly, to quicken them to duties with more heat, to cry more hearty, Hos. 5. 15. to take away their scum, Ezek. 24. 6. to make them shine brighter, Dan. 11. 34, 35. Isa. 4. 3, 4. Zech. 13. 8, 9 Isa. 1. 25, 26. & 27. 9 and other such good ends, which I have formerly mentioned.  
Use 1. To apply it briefly, first, art thou rob, plundered, spoiled, look up higher than man, as Job did, Job 1. 21. & 2. 10. as David, 2 Sam. 16. 10. Psal. 39 9 not like dog at the stone.  
Use 2. Snarl not, but learn patience, it is God hath done it, who is just and wise, who may do what he will, who will do what is best; it's a father's cup and rod; any thing on this side hell is mercy; thou art no poorer yet, than thou came in, and must go out of the world: Consider first, such a submitting patiented frame of heart God loves and likes, and looks for, 2 Sam. 15. 26. secondly, such a frame of spirit hath a promise of ease and delivery, Levit. 26. 41, 42. thirdly, with such submission cast thy care on God, and thou needest take no distracting care in the worst times, 1 Pet. 5. 6. Phil. 4. 5, 6, 7.  
Use 3. Is it God? here is a cordial in the worst times; he can take off these spoilers, plunderers again (who sent them) when he will; go to him, he can hook back a Zenacherib, bring down a Pharaoh, Herod, Haman, when he pleaseth, by Angels, Stars, winds, reins above; by Lions, Whales, lice, frogs, etc. below; weak means, contrary means, no means, Job 34. 20. when past hope in man's eye, Deut. 32. 36, as Isaac, Jonab, etc. wait on God then in these hardest times, and comfort we ourselves: for first, are there not a great number of Abel's slain, whose blood cries under the Altar, Revel. 6. 9, 10. and will not God avenge his elect speedily? Luke 18. 7, 8. Jer. 51. 35.  
Secondly, many Saints (though dead) have left prayers for these times, and for this work, who sowed what others must reap, John 4. and laid the first stone of this work, and these prayers are upon the file.  
Thirdly, there are many thousand Saints alive, for whom God will do much, as for ten righteous in Sodom, for the wheats sake, yea, many young ones coming on (and we use not to execute a woman while great. with child;) the Lord often blesseth a Potiphar, a Laban's house, for a Joseph, a Jacob's sake; when the great men of a Kingdom be in a combustion, yet the Saints than are the strength of a Land, Zech. 12. 5, 6.  
Fourthly, we have a thousand of wrestling prayers go to God daily for this cause, if one poor widow can so prevail with an unjust Judge, Luke 18. one Jacob, Gen. 32. 26. how much more the Armies of prayers that begird Heaven; the thing that we aim at, that Christ may reign, is the desire of the godly in all Nations, Haggai 2. 6, 7.  
Fifthly, we have many sweet experiments, tastes, and beginnings of what we desire already; the bush is not consumed, two Kingdoms reconciled, much done already, many grievous yokes we are freed from.  
Sixthly, God's Name is much engaged in this work, Exod. 32. 12. Numb. 14. 15, 16.  
Seventhly, enemies sins ripen apace, Gen. 15. 16. Zech. 5. 9 Ephah fills apace.  
Use 4. Learn to profit under God's rod; and that first, by seeking our ways more than formerly, Haggai 1. 7. Lam. 3. 40. (you hear my haste;) secondly, accept the punishment meekly, Micah 7. 9 Levit. 26. 41. thirdly, learn obedience, Heb. 12. 10. & 5. 8. fourthly, learn reformation, Josh. 7. Isa. 9 13, 14. Hos. 6. 1. fifthly, prise mercies more hereafter, and use them better. For first, this is God's end when he sends these robbers and troubles, Zeph. 3. 5, 7. secondly, it was the Church's way, david's Psal. 13. 1. Isa. 26. 9 thirdly, than the plaster will fall off, etc. But to end it:  
Use 5. Lastly, art thou, thy friends, or Church distressed, look up at him for cure that made the wound, meet God, Amos 4. 12. seek his face, 2 Chron. 7. 13, 14. Psal. 80. 3. yea, cry to God for help now; for first, the enemies are very cruel, Ps. 83. 3, 4. secondly, Church in much need, like a woman in travail, ready to bring forth an excellent birth, but a Dragon stands ready to devour it, Revel. 12. many are like those wicked spirits, Mark 9 when they see they must be cast out, they rend all (though a Kingdom) in pieces; thirdly, God expects thy cries for his sick Spouse, Ezek. 36. 37. fourthly, Church expects and calls for it, Isa. 51. 18. Lam. 1. 1, 2, 17. But may I but have leave to give you a brief of what I should have said to the other points, and I have done.  
Observe. 3. jacob's sins and iniquities are the procuring and meritorious causes of jacob's punishment, Micah 6. 9 Jer, 9 12. Lam. 3. 4. Isa. 59 1, 2. and no wonder; Reas. 1 first, it's but just that God should send plunderers and spoilers to rob us; when we by sin do what in us lies to plunder God of his Sabhaths, of his pure worship, of his praise, of his obedience, of his goods, our souls and body: Secondly, sin gives God the lie; it is so saith God; it's not, saith sin; let me have my will, saith God; nay, but I will have my will, saith the sinner: There is no peace to the wicked, saith God; I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my own heart, saith the sinner: Such and such persons cannot be saved, saith God, 1 Cor. 6. 10. oh but they shall, saith the sinner: thirdly, sin would take away God's sovereignty; a wicked wretch could with there was no God, and will not have Christ to rule over him: fourthly, sin crosseth the nature of God; he is not only holy, but holiness; not only righteous, but righteousness, Jer. 23. 6. but sin is unrighteousness, it's a very opposition to infinite truth and justice, etc. fifthly, sin kicks God upon the bowels, abuseth infinite kindness, patience; for which of my good works do you stone me? wherein have I wearied you, etc. no wonder then if this procure sore punishments: A word or two of Application shall shut up this point.  
Use 1. See then whom to blame for all the miseries that have and still do befall us; all the Nations in the world could not have put us into that condition that our sins have, and that justly; we but drink as we brewed; clear God in all, he hath done nothing without a cause.  
Use 2. It informs as also, who is the greatest Malignant in all England, Scotland, Ireland, etc. truly sin; there are bad Courtiers, but sin is worse, else all hell could not have made us thus miserable and distracted.  
Use 3. Let this show us sin in a right glass, and hereby learn to hate and leave it; we may say of this war as Zipporah of Meses, a bloody war hast thou been unto me, in which some have lost their husbands, some their sons, some their friends, some their estates; but then chief say, oh bloody sins that caused all this: There are four glasses wherein I would show you the baseness of sin: First, in the rise and spring of it, it's a bastard, whereof the Devil is the father & man's naughty heart the mother; who would nurse such a brat, etc. Secondly, in the nature of it, it's a thwarting and crossing God and his law to his face: Thirdly, 
q See two clean Birds.  by way of comparison, dirt, poison, crosses, Devil, hell, are nothing so ill as sin, but shadows of it, etc. fourthly, in the effects of it; see what misery it brought upon Angels; Secondly, Adam; thirdly, Sodom; fourthly; old world; fifthly, what troubles on Jesus Christ: sixthly, on all the world to this day, it's a makebate and break-peace every where, in Heaven, earth and hell.  
Use 4. Exhorts us as ever we would have war removed, sword sheathed, wounds healed, break off our sins by repentance; would you like it to see your Town rob and spoiled, your channels run with blood, your houses plundered? if not, forsake your sins that procure these; then first, acknowledge 
1 john 1. 9 Hos. 5. 15.  thy sin, Psal. 32. 5. and thy worthiness to perish forty sin, come before the Lord like Benhadad, with ropes about your necks, say, Lord if thou wilt condemn me, here I am, thou shalt need no other witness; acknowledge thy sins, national, personal, inside and outside.  
Secondly, break off thy darling sin, that is a main work, this fasting day, Isa. 58. it's not confessing, like Judas, or sackcloth with Ahab, will serve without this, Isa. 1. 11, 15.  
Thirdly, do the contrary good, Matth. 21. 29. repenting was expressed in the sons doing the contrary to his former fins.  
Fourthly, mourn, lend a tear to a poor sick mother when we are almost rob of our God of our King, of our Religion, and our liberties, of our estates, of our friends and lives, and 〈◊〉 still in many 〈◊〉 the growing hand; should we now make, 〈◊〉 1. Ezek. 21. 6. be not insensible; but a word of this in the next point, and an end. Which is,  
Observe. 4. That when God pours these sore calamities of war, spoiling, etc. aforementioned, upon a people, he expects they should be sensible of, affected with them and mourn under them, and is very angry and displeased, if they do not lay them to heart; and no wonder, for first, God calls for this mourning temper, when he afflicts a people, Isa. 22. 12. Rom. 12. 15, 16. secondly, Church calls for it, have pity upon me, have pity upon me, Job 19 21. Lam. 2. 18, 19 thirdly, God complains when we are not affected with the rod, when we lay it not to heart, Hos. 7. 9 Amos 6. 6. Obad. v, 12, 13. so doth the Church also complain for want thereof, Lam. 1. 12. fourthly, the Saints of God have laid God's rod sore to heart, when it hath lain on their brethren, though themselves have been free; thus Nehemiah, though he had provision, wine, etc. enough, and was servant in ordinary to the highest Potentate on earth, Neh. 1. 3, 4. & 2. 2, 3. so Daniel one of the highest subjects on earth. see how he is affected with the Church's calamities, Dan. 10. 3. so Jer. 9 1. witness his Lamentations, see Vriah, 2 Sam. 11. 11. see Elisha, when he but foresaw the miseries that would come on Israel, 2 King. 8. 11, 12. above all, see Christ over Jerusalem, Luke 19 41, 41. And reason good, if we look at, first, God; secondly, our Brethren that suffer, or thirdly, ourselves.  
Reas. 1. In regard of God, it's he that strikes, his rod, his work, his strange work, and should we not be affected then? if a father lash one child, smite another, chide a third, shall not the rest lay it to heart; a child of God trembles at his word, Isa. 66. 2. much more at his blows and judgements; the Church trembled and were all afraid, when but one or two were smitten, Acts 5. 11. how much more when God strikes down thousands, David cries, he was afraid of God's judgements, Psal. 119. 120.  
Secondly, in regard of God also, because in plundering, fight, robbing times, there is much wickedness committed against God; see in our times what open wickedness against both Law and Gospel; what professed Atheism against the first Commandment, like him that was advised to leave sin, else there was hell for him, cried, Tune credam cum illuc venero; or that Soldier that on the one side of his shield (as he fancied) pictured the image of God, with these words under it, Si tu non vis, on the other side, the Devil, and under it these words, Isle rogitat, if God will not, the Devil will; that was all that he cared: So what open Idolatry against the second Commandment (Atheists and Papists being combined together,) what profane swearing, cursing, damning, ramming, banning against the third; so that many men (tolerably civil seven years ago) cannot now speak except they swear; I think verily God hath given them over to that in wrath; which they at first prided themselves in; for the fourth Commandment, we need no books of sports to be read to cry it down; amongst many, it's almost forgot, some denying it in opinion, others in practice; for the fifth, how do the vilest people if stronger, insult over the ancient, rifle his house, so that he whose face they durst scarce (the other day) look at, cannot say, his house, lands, goods, wife, children, etc. are his own, Isa. 3. 5. Lam. 4. 5. & 5. 8. but drag him forth of his house bare, though grey headed and barefoot, and use him villainously, as Phocas did to that good Emperor Mauritius, for murder, whoredom and stealing, (breaches of the sixth, seventh and eighth Commandments) which usually go together; how rarely are these punished? nay, made but a jest? plundering, smoking, etc. lying is grown a trade in word, writing, print, etc. For the Gospel, how do men jeer at it, the gospelers, gospel lives, faith, etc. nay, how do some openly cast off the old Testament & much of the new, both in doctrine and practice? and should we not, nay, can we but lay these things to heart that are practised in these plundering times? if our father, husband, wife, etc. was struck down, we would mourn; and is not God dearer to us then a thousand friends, shall we not lay it to heart when men grow worse than Devils, James 2. 19 neither believe nor tremble?  
Thirdly, when the enemy gets a petty victory, God's name is blasphemed, therefore should we be affected and afflicted, he cannot be content to strip, plunder, beat the poor Saint (whom he blasphemes Round-head) but he must rail on and revile his God; where is your God now? what is become of your Fasting, Conventicles, long prayers, praying by the spirit? alas, this kills a David's heart, troubles old Eli and his daughter, more than other crosses, 1 Sam. 4. 18, 19, 21. Psal. 74. 18, 19 & 79. 10, 11. so Moses, Exod. 32. 11. Numb. 14. 16. so Psal. 3. 2. & 10. 13. & 42. 3.  
Reas. 2. In regard of our Brethren and Country; for first, many are banished, plundered, wounded, slain, their houses burned, themselves outwardly undone, that are very dear to God, whose lives are precious, Lam. 4. 2. blood precious, Psal. 72. 14. death precious, Psal. 116. 15. God's servants, friends, children, heirs, Christ's fellows (fellow servants, fellow sufferers fellow conquerors, Rom. 8. fellow judges, 1 Cor, 6. 2. fellow citizens with the Lord Jesus Christ, Rom. 8. 17. nay, Christ's spouses, partakers of divine promises, divine nature, divine (communicable) privileges of Christ, 2 Pet. 1. 4. and shall we not lay this to heart?  
Secondly, they are near to us, of the same house with us (for all God's Church is but one house, only several Chambers and Parlours, 1 Pet. 4. 17.) nay, members of same body, under same head, 1 Cor. 12. 12, 26. and when these suffer deeply, shall not we mourn? then are we but glassy eyes, and wooden legs, no living members; shall Christ be sensible, who is the head, Acts 9 4, 5. Matth. 25. 42, 43. and not your fellow-members? 2. Cor. 11. 29. 1. John 2. 9, 10.  
Thirdly, in regard of our Country; can we see our native Country spoiled, torn in pieces by its own sons and not mourn? see Neh. 2. 3. Psal. 107. 34. Joel 2. 3. how hath this darling soil and Kingdom been harassed and overrun by the Saxons (Anno 447. after Christ) whom King Vortiger sent for to help him against the Picts and Scots, who came over hither under the conduct of Hengistus and Horsus, with about 9000. men at first, but after they had conquered the enemy, they conquered King Vortiger himself, slew his Nobles, got first a Castle in Kent (Thong Castle) than a County, then most part of our Kingdom, and made seven Kingdoms of it, plundered, banished and spoiled the Britain's: After came in the Danes, fetched in by one of our Nobility, Beorne Bockard (as some say, by occasion of one Lothbroke) under the conduct of two Danish Captains, Hunga and Hubba, upon the Danes coming into England, they slew Osbert King of Northumberland, and so revenged the cause of Bockard, & after shot King Edmond to death with arrows, having bound him to a Tree, therein revenging the death of one Lothbroke (slain by one Beric King edmond's falconer:) These Danes again plundered the poor Inhabitants of this Land, kept them under as slaves, so as they could not drink, but a Dane would cut an Englishman's throat; hence were they fain to get one to pledge them when they drank, to save their throats from being cut. After this, came in the Normans from Normandy in France, in the days of King Harold brought hither by William Duke of Normandy (after called William the Conqueror) landed near Hastings in Sussex, September 28. 1066. Duke William sunk all his ships, that so his men might resolve to fight (for fly they could not) fought with Harold October 14. in the year of Christ 1066. in which battle were slain about 68000. men, William proved the Conqueror, got the Crown, the poor Inhabitants were again plundered, their lands, places, estates were given to the French, many fled to Scotland, to King Malcolme there, etc. but yet these were plunderings from foreign Nations, but now are we tearing out our own bowels in civil wars and broils one with another; it's true also, we have had terrible civil wars in England before this in the Baron's war, in the divisions twixt the houses of Lancaster and York; but still ours are worse; when those wars were at hottest, it's Chronicled for a strange wonder, that in the Reign of Edward the fourth, there were nine several battles fought in that civil war, and yet he reigned (I think) almost 23. years. But I can tell you of nine battles in half a year in King Charles his time, nay three times nine battles in three years of his Reign, and the Lord knows how many more yet may be. In every one of our late Sovereign's Reigns, there hath been some remarkable trouble or danger to this Laud; burning in Queen Mary's days, a Spanish Navy in 88 in Queen Elizabeth's days; a hellish Powder-plot in 1605. in King james his days, but these troubles in King Charles his days exceed all the rest; in Queen Mary's days some three hundred were burnt, in our days above thrice three thousand slain; alas; how is our Country (lately like the Garden of God) now become a desolute Wilderness, Joel 2. 3. that Land that Gregory (after called the great) at Rome called Angel-land, a Land of Angels; which Spain called the fortunate Island; how sits she like a widow? alas, one comes from the Army and brings news like his 1 Sam. 4. 17. there hath been a great slaughter, and thy sons are slain, and then what pity to see how Rachel weeps because they are not; another cries, my Husband is slain; another comes like Jobs messengers, and cries, thy goods are plundered, sheep and  etc. gone by the Sabeans, etc. Job 1. another is shot to death, but locked in the saddle, swags up and down; another hath his arm off, leg off, nose off, hand off, etc. ah, alas ten thousand pities! Cornfields burnt, houses; Churches burnt down, Isa. 64. 10, 11. Psal. 74. 4, 7. thumbs and toes cut off, as in Adonibezek's time, Judg. 1. 7. swords make women childless, as in Agag's time, 1 Sam. 15. 33. cruelty used to living, yea and to the dead also, Psal. 79. 2. which a very Tacitus would have abhorred.  
Reas. 3. In regard of ourselves: First, our sins have had as deep a share in bringing these judgements as any, and shall we not be affected then with them? then are we worse than the old Prophet was, 1 King. 13. 30. he hurt the young Prophet, but then mourned; David's sins hurt the people, Actions the Army; the people's sin hurt Vzzah, 1 Chron. 13. 10. a bad stomach hurts a good head, and shall we not mourn then, as Daniel did in the like case? Dan. 9 5, 6.  
Secondly, because that which lies on others to day, may be our case to morrow, ille bodiè ego cras, as Bernard's good old man said, the cup may pass unto us, Lam. 4. 21. we may be forced to drink round of God's cup, Jer. 25. 28, 29. & 49. 12. say not they are greater sinners than we that are sharplier chastised, Luke 13. 4, 5. but lay it to heart as if we were in bonds, Heb. 13. 3. Gal. 6. 1. But I must break up; an Use or two therefore shortly, and I have done.  
Use 1. Of reproof to many (herein nigh a kin 20 Jacob, to Israel) that though we are thus given to the robbers and spoilers, yet consider not, yet lay it not to heart; these are of divers sorts; First, they that are glad of it; en●●●es cry, down with us, down to the ground, Psal. 137. 7. seeming friends, that say, hereby they get their wealth, Acts 19 25. Newters of Gallio's temper, or of theirs, 2 Sam. 2. 14. Obadiah ver. 12. Psal. 35. 15.  
Secondly, they that are sensible of jacob's troubles, but impute them to a wrong cause, they say as Barbarians of Paul, or Job's friends of him, Surely jacobs' cause is naught, be goes in a wrong way, else had never been so given up to the spoilers and robbers; but oh see ere thou judge, Judg. 20. 21, 25.  
Thirdly, they who are sensible of, and affected with the cross and trouble, not the sin.  
Fourthly, they that make it appear they are not affected with our miseries and sins, no not upon our humiliation, fasting and mourning days; for first, some come not, cannot spare time from work; secondly, other game, card, sport this day, which is much more needless than work; thirdly, others feast this day purposely, set up an anti-fast, as well as an antiparliament, see Isa. 22. 12, 13, 14.  
Fifthly, others take occasion this day, while you are shut up here mourning and weeping, and praying, to haunt Alehouses, and whoredom, and pour more oaths out, and more cups in, than we pour out tears, like brazenfaced Zimri, when all the Congregation was weeping, Num. 25. 6.  
Sixthly, they that come hither and sit here, but are not affected, mourn not; fasting days should be weeping days, fasting and weeping used to be joined together, Neh. 1. 4. Est. 43. 1 Sam. 7. 6. Joel 2. 12. many are very eager and earnest in buying, in selling, trading, hunting, coursing, only mighty careless, mindless, in hearing, praying, and when they should be weeping.  
Seventhly, others weep & mourn for a day, but hold not out, are not like wrestling Jacob, or the importunate widow, or like mourning Jeremy, Lam. 3. 50. till God look down and heal his Church: Now this insensibleness in these sad days, this not laying these things to heart, is, first, a walking contrary to God, Isa. 22. 12. Levit. 26. 40. secondly, it argues much folly and blindness of mind, Jer. 5. 3, 4. thirdly, much hardness of heart, worse than Pharaoh, Manasses, Prodigal, they in times of crosses relented, Exod. 9 27, 28. 2 Chron. 33. 12. Luke 15. fourthly, it's a despising God; let him smite and do what he will, saith the sinner, I will not yield, like Balaam, will not turn back for all sword and miracle, Numb. 22. fifthly, it argues a marvelous love of sin, as the child that is whipping for playing with rattles, will still play with them while he is on the knee whipping, sure he loves them dearly, as Balaam did the wages of unrighteousness, so as word and sword could not turn him, 2 Pet. 2. 15. sixthly, it argues want of love to Christ, 1 John. 3. 17. & 4. 20. seventhly, want of love and zeal to God's Cause, Psal. 74. 18, 19 & 79. 10, 11.  
Use. 2. The second Use should have been for trial, whether we are rightly affected with jacob's troubles; first, are we as much affected with them now, as we were at the beginning of these wars? secondly, how are we afflicted on days of humiliation, Levit. 23. 27. Ezek. 7. 16. thirdly, are we affected with sin, the cause of all these troubles? fourthly, do we turn from our evil ways and reform, Jonah 3. 10.  
Use 3. But to end, lastly, be exhorted this mourning day, to consider and lay to heart jacob's troubles; as first, the scattered dry bones of Germany; secondly, the Acheldema and tortures of Ireland; thirdly, the divisions of Scotland; fourthly, the plunderings in England: fifthly, the fury of battle and sword, hacking & hewing amongst us; sixthly, the destroying Angel, the noisome pestilence in many places of our Land and Country; seventhly, the scisms, rents, old, new errors in the Church; eightly the increase of sin daily, of all kinds, as light increaseth; there was light and knowledge in King Edward the fixed his days, more in Queen Elizabeth's, more still in King James his, most in King Charles his days, yet still sin increaseth, yet some do not see, some will not see, some pretend to see that which is not to be seen; ninthly, God draws nearer and nearer with his judgements and warnings, gins now to make his approaches, entrench and make his batteries; he began in Germany, came on to Ireland, then to Scotland, then to England, then to Yorkshire, then to the gates of Hull; and that first, mildlier, when the King came to the gates in April 1642. then sharplier in the first siege, then more terribly in the second siege, from which you were delivered Octob. 11. 1643. beware the fourth time; now God knocks at the gates with a fear of the plague the King called in Anno 1642. the King of Kings knocks now in 1645. tenthly, the danger of continuing these troubles, till all be dashed in pieces, and many such like evils.  
Qu. What should we do? Ans. first, ponder sadly, the lands miseries, the particulars, the quantity, the quality of them, Psal. 41. 1. secondly, ponder thy own evil ways, as sadly, Psal. 4. 4. Ezek. 36. 31. Lam. 3. 40. sift thyself for thy sins (as the word is Zeph. 2. 12.) when God sifts the Land, Amos 9 9 do as the Prodigal, return to thyself, Luke 15. 17. thirdly, clear God in all this, and condemn thyself, Ezra 9 13. though thou art no rebel against the King, yet against the King's King thou hast been; fourthly, have a fellow feeling of thy brethren's miseries Heb. 13. 3. so as to pity them in thy heart, Jer. 4. 19, 20. Lam. 3. 51. and pray for them with thy heart and tongue, Isa. 62. 3. help them in thy life, mourn for them, Neh. 1. 4. and look not only on them, as Priest and Levite did, but to thy power be a good Samaritan; thirdly, you that have power, punish wickedness and vice, let it not be now when the Kingdom bleeds (as a godly Divine saith) as hard to pull down a base Alehouse, 
Mast. Bol.  as to win Dunkirk, etc.  
Motives might be many, but I will only hint at one or two and conclude: First, to lay to heart jacob's troubles, with the cause thereof, is the way to save us in time of danger, Ezek. 9 4. when King Zedekiah would juggle on all sides, mourning jeremy speaks home and plain, yet finds more favour from the Chaldeans heathen Army, than Zedekiah and all the Nobles, Jer. 39 6, 7, 11, 12. so Ester 4. 14. Secondly, we have set apart this day to lay to heart jacob's troubles, let us do the work that we came for: Thirdly, consider how Jesus Christ was and is affected with the church's miseries, Luke 19 41. Acts 9 4, 5. Fourthly, how great things now lie at stake, not an Army only new moulding, but Kingdom, etc. but I to case you, and myself, break off with the sad complaint of mourning Jeremy Lam. 3. 48, 49, 50, 51. Mine eye runneth down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people; mine eye trickleth down and ceaseth not, without any intermission, till the Lord look down and behold from Heaven; mine eye affecteth my heart, because of all the daughters of my people.  
FINIS.   

Decem. 26. 1645.  
Impri.  
JOSEPH CARYL.