THE DIGNITY OF KINGSHIP ASSERTED: In Answer to Mr. Milton's Ready and Easy way to establish a Free COMMONWEALTH.  
Proving that KINGSHIP is both in itself, and in reference to these Nations, fa●●e the most Excellent Government, and the returning to our former Loyalty, or Obedience thereto is the only way under God to restore and settle these three once flourishing, now languishing, broken, & almost ruined Nations.  
By G. S. a Lover of Loyalty.  
Humbly Dedicated, and Presented to his most Excellent Majesty CHARLES the Second, of England; Scotland, France and Ireland, True Hereditary. KING.  
London, Printed by E. C. for H. Seile over against St. Dunstan's Church in Fleetstreet, and for W. Palmer at the Palmtree over against Fetter-late end in Fleetstreet, 1660.   

To the most Illustrious for Virtue, Constancy in Religion, and Heroic Patience, under the most sharp Trials, and extraordinary Afflictions, wherein (in imitation of his truly Magnanimous Royal Father) he hath appeared more than Conqueror, To the Glory of God, Honour of Religion, admiration of Strangers, joy of Friends, confusion of Enemies, silencing of Scandals, and the Heart-reviving refreshment of his truly Loyal, and for his long p●st, and present Afflictions, cordially Afflicted SUBJECTS, CHARLES the Good, Hereditary KING of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland.  
Most Gracious Prince,  
THat I so mean and unworthy a Subject, (yet a Cordial wellwisher to your Royal Majesty, and who is one, among many thousands of your faithful Subjects, who daily pray for, and constantly hope, and expect to see your restitution) should address myself thus to Majesty, I neither know well to apologise for, nor yet to omit. It is not, most Illustrious Sovereign, that I either account myself a competent Champion, to manage your most just, and Princely quarrel, nor yet that I think your cause (in itself considered) to need any defence, much less so weak as mine; (for whom God protects, he certainly needs none of man's Patronage) nor that I account the Author's scurrilous impertinencies (so far as immediately they concern your Sacred Majesty) worth the Answer, nor is it an itch or ambition of appearing in public, that hath ivited me to this Reply, least of all, is it any esteem of, or conceit of worth in myself, that could make me presume to present this inconsiderable mite of my Service to your Princely view, or that I should dare to imagine your Majesty's present Afflictions, so to concern your esteem and Royal worth, as that any of your Subjects might presume more now upon these exercising Trials of God upon your Majesty, then if you were seated upon your Hereditarily due, and justly deserved Throne, in magnificent Splendour. God forbidden that my Breast should Harbour such an unbecoming thought to Majesty, yours especially, which by your Afflictions, hath been really made, and apparently is seen more glorious, as Gold by the fire is purified, or a precious Diamond upon the wheel is polished, and made sparklingly resplendent. Since then, Royal Sir, It hath been none of the mentioned Considerations, give me leave with your Pardon to show your Majesty the true Cause, First of this undertaking, and next of this boldness of Address, in itself a Presumption not to be pleaded for, but only through your Princely goodness pardonable. How your Majesty's Royal Father was dealt with all is England's ignominy, your Subject's infamy, Religion's Scandal, and the wonder, amazement, and astonishment of Europe, and the Actors eternal reproach among all Naions, the Abettors Confusion, the punishment of all our sins, and the inlet of a flood of miseries upon us ever since. This detestable, execrable Murder, committed by the worst of Parricides, accompanied, with the diselaiming of your whole Royal stock, dishinheriting your Majesty's self, and the rest of the Royal Branches, driving you and them into Exile, with endeavouring to expunge, and obliterate, your never to be forgotten just Title, tearing up, and pulling down the Pillars of Majesty, the Nobles; garbling, and suspending from place of Power, all of the Commons House, that had any thing of Honesty, or relenting of spirit toward the injured Father of three Nations, and his Royal Posterity, Acts horrible to be imagined, and yet with high hand most villainously, Perfidiously, and Perjuriously, prepetrated, by Monsters of mankind, yet blasphemously dishonourers of God, in making use of his name, and usurping the Title of Saints, in these never before paralleled, nor ever sufficiently to be lamented, and abhorred Villainies, this Murder I say, and these Villainies were defended, justyfied, nay extolled, and commended, by one Mr. John Milton, in answer to the most learned Salmasius, who declaimed against the same, with most Solid Arguments; and Pathetical Expressions; in which answer he did so bespatter the white Robes of your Royal Father's spotless life, (humane infirmities excepted) with the dirty filth of his satirical pen, that to the vulgar, and those who read his book with prejudice, he represented him, a most debauched vicious man, (I tremble Royal Sir to write it,) an irrelegious hater, and persecutor of Religion, and Religious men, an ambitious inslaver of the Nation, a bloody Tyrant, and an inplacable Enemy to all his good Subjects, and thereupon calls that execrable, and detestable horrible Murder a just execution, and commends it as an Heroic Action, and in a word, whatever was done in prosecution of their malice toward your Royal Progenitor, and his Issue, or Relations, or Friends, and asistants, he calls restoring the Nation to its Liberty. Yea to make your illustrious Father more odious in their eyes, where he by any means could fix his scandals he would not spare that incomparable piece of his writing, (his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) but in a scurrilous reply thereto, which he entitled (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) he would not spare his devout Prayers (which no doubt the Lord hath heard, and will bear) in all which he expressed, as his inveterate, and causeless malice, so a great deal of wicked desperate wit and learning, most unworthily misbestowed, abused, and misapplyed, to the reviling of his Prince, God's vicegerent●on Earth, and the speaking ill of the Ruler of the People. Now although your Majesty nor your Royal Father, neither of you need vindication, (much less that elaborate work of his) nor doth any thing he hath written in Aspersion of his Sovereign, deserve Answer, (absolutely considered) yet forasmuch as he hath in both shown dangerous wit and wicked Learning, which together with Elegance in expression is always, (in some measure at least) persuasive with some, and because in these last and worst days, those dangerous times are come, in which many account Treason to be Saintship and the madness of People like the inundation of waters, hath for many years overflowed all the bounds of both duty, and obedience to Superiors, and Subjection with Loyalty to their Sovereigns, but especially because in these your Kingdoms, by due title, and birthright, Allegiance conscientiously adhered to, is reputed malignity; and treachery only, and rebellion hath for many years been the badge of a confiding man, or a modern Saint, the poison of such books in short time creeps fare, and infects many, who perhaps before reading of them were conscientiously Loyal, insomuch that I account it no Soloecism to affirm, that dangerous, villainous wits misapplyed, have done more mischief with their Pens, than the Soldier with his weapons, to your Majesty's cause, for by such Books and pamphlets the inconsiderate Soldier, that before was but your mercenary Enemy, is now persuaded, that in reviling your sacred Person, casting off your Authority, and resisting your restauration, he both serves and pleaseth God, on which Considerations dread Sovereign, I oft wished, with sighs, that still some able pen would undertake to confute such tractates, which together with malice to your Cause and interest, manifested dexterity of wit in glozing their Arguments, and traducing your sacred Person, royal stock and family, but alas, to my grief, I found all men afraid and deserting, or at least forbearing with their Pen to defend that Majesty, which God hath for so many years so graciously defended by his providence, by which means your Enemies grow numerous, strong, and confident, being so backed, and abetted, by such who make it their Work to fill men's ears with surmises, and false Rumours concerning your Majesty's Person, and inclination, as taking for granted your Royal Father was indeed such as he was represented by these defamers and Scandalisers of not only most innocent, but most piously excellent Majesty, and upon this score they have kept out your Majesty thus long, until according to what the Apostle determinately concludes of such persons as have been your excluders, These evil men and seducers have so daily grown worse and worse, and their impiety, and villainy, not to your Majesty's Royal person only, and Relations, but to the whole Nation in general, and at length the City of London in particular, is made so apparent to all men, that now many of your Majesty's Subjects, begin to be undeceived by the unmasking of your Enemies, who of late with the Devil have apparently shown their Cloven Foot, so that your Restauration is generally wished, and hoped for, and expected of all, but such whose Villainies have made them every way so obnoxious, that they stand in fear of all Lawful Authority, and therefore fear the return of your Majesty, as inconsistent with their safety; which makes them leave no stone unturned to hinder (if possible) this so great expected happiness to these sadly languishing, yea even almost ruined Nations, whose Cure under God lies so in your Majesty's Restitution, that scarce any but sees it evidently. Yet these Jugglers of State, use their utmost endeavour to cast a Mist before the people, and by Sophistry would persuade them, That that is dangerous for them, which must be under God their only Cure, and sole Remedy, for these (otherwise fatal) Distractions. Among many of whom, Mr. Milton comes on the Stage in post hast, and in this juncture of time, that he may (if possible) overthrew the Hopes of all Good men, endeavours (what he can) to divert those that at present sit at Helm, and by fair pretences, and Sophisticate Arguments, would easily delude an inconsiderate Reader into a belief, First, That the Government of a Republic is in itself, incomparably to be preferred before Kingship, whether we respect men as men, or as Christians. But Secondly, as the Case stands with us, he would strike us into a fear, namely, That to re-admit your Majesty, is unsafe, and hazardable, at the best, and may prove dangerous and ruinous to all: Conclusions which a Loyal Breast would at first hearing, both abhor and tremble at: Yet (as he with his fallacious pretences seems to varnish them over) not hardly to be distilled into such especially, who in these times of antimonarchical Principles, have been before poisoned with prejudice against your Majesty's Royal Father, who lost his Life in defence of that, which Sophisticate Scribblers have since persuaded the deluded Vulgar, was attained by his Death, namely Liberty, the name and pretence of which (but real slavery) hath been pursued with vast Expense both of Blood and Treasure, so undiscerning are the Vulgar. No marvel then, if they be easily deluded by specious fallacies, instead of Solid Arguments, betwixt which they are not able to discern; which I taking notice of, and meeting with this forementioned Pamphlet of Mr. milton's, and upon perusal of it, finding it dangerously ensnaring, the fallacy of the Arguments being so cunningly hidden, as not to be discerned by any, nor every Eye; observing also, the Language to be smooth and tempting, the Expressions pathetical, and apt to move the Affections, but withal the drift of it to be of desperate consequence, namely to undo (if possible) all our hopes, to continue our misery, still upon us, nay to settle and fix it irreparably, I thought it my duty (in these respects) to undertake this professed Republican Champion, and to discover his fallacies, by which he labours at unawares to ensnare (if it may be done) such who are otherwise Judicious: And this I judged my duty more especially, because it was received by many with Applause, and stumbled several whom it could not seduce, if not to reject, yet to suspect and be jealous of Monarchy, or at least to lay aside your Majesty, as an unsafe person, and set up another. This (most Judicious Prince) was the true Inducement of me to this Undertaking, especially because I saw none of a more dexterous Wit, to save me the labour, by appearing in your Majesties (accidentally necessary, but absolutely most just) Vindication, which though the Accomplishment of your Princely merits need not in the least, yet your Subjects want it, lest by the poison of the Times they be infected, and for the Recovery of such, who are stumbled as to their Resolutions, notwithstanding their Affections may be Loyally Cordial: To which end if any Pains of mine may conduce, though but a little, I shall have sufficient reward in the satisfaction that will thence redound to my spirit. In addressing to your Majesty this inconsiderable Labour, Pardon Dread Sovereign my presumption, since my real Intentions herein were not to expect your acceptance of it, but to beg humbly your Royal Pardon for this boldness, the first being far beyond my deserts, and the other genuine to your Natural Princely Disposition. My chief fear is, (most Gracious Prince) lest I deservedly reap your Majesty's disfavour, for attempting a thing, the due performance whereof, (considering the ability of the Author to whom this is returned in Reply) might call for a fare more ready wit, and solid judgement than I can without folly ever hope for; however, what is done, I can seriously profess in doing of it, my most unfeigned Desire to have only been to serve your Majesty's most just Interest, and as far as in me lies, to undeceive as many as I can of your Subjects, who by such injurious, and most unworthy Endeavours, to darken your Royal Lustre may have been staggered, either in their cordial Affections, or unsettled in their Constant Resolutions toward you; for whose prosperity, and speedy Restitution to your Just Hereditary Rights, and long, and happy enjoyment of the same, hath been, is, and shall be (God assisting) the constant Prayer of  
Most Illustrious Prince, Your Majesty's most faithful And Loyal Subject, And humble Orator, G. S.   

A Serious and Seasonable WORD TO A Sober People.  
BEfore I come to what I intent shall be the subject of this ensuing Discourse, I think it very necessary to make way for what I shall hereafter say, by removing in the first place whatever in probability may raise a prejudice against what I am about to write, that so nothing of exception may lie against any circumstance, after once the matter of my Discourse is allowed.  
First, I question not but my person will be enquired after, and perhaps soon found out, and known, and it may be wondered at therefore why I do not as well set down my name, as the two first letters of it: If so, let me crave of thee (Reader) not to harbour any Prejudice against the subject matter of the following Treatise therefore, which I did for the end to avoid prejudice thereby. For I am not ignorant of the ability of Mr. Milton, whom the Rump (which was well stored with men of pregnant although pernicious Wits) made choice of, before others, to write their Defense against Salmasius, one of the greatest Learned men of this Age, both for reality and reputation, who therefore was Royal prefessor of Philosophy (as I take it, but will not be positive herein) in the United Provinces, and at his Majesties (the present Scotch, and Hereditary English King's) request, undertook the Defense of our Protoroyall English Martyr, against those of his Subjects who with as much Treachery as Perjury, and with as much cruel inhumanity as both, murdered him at his own Gate, in the face of the Sun, and in the presence of that God, and before many thousands of that people, by whom, and before whom they had sworn with lifted up hands, that they would with their lives defend his person, Posterity, and just Power, with many other particulars contained in their Oath, as may appear by itself, known formerly by the name of The Solemn League and Covenant, taken by all the Members of both Houses that remained sitting at Westminster, after such who had left them were withdrawn, and convened at Oxford: Nor seemed it enough to them to take it themselves, but it was by their authority tendered, yea strictly imposed, and upon severe penalties enjoined to thousands of men, all the Kingdom over, besides a Vow and Protestation equally sacred, and binding to the same things, which in the League and Covenant were upon Oath promised, all which notwithstanding, this their Liege King was murdered, being sentenced and executed by those very men that had sworn to defend him, the Parliament Garbled (as to the Commons House) and dismembered (as to the House of Lords) by those very men who had sworn to maintain and defend its Rights and Privileges, and several both Nobles and Commoners lost their lives, being sentenced by an High Court of Justice, (a stranger, and contrary to our known Fundamental L●ws) which was chosen and empowered by those who had Covenanted, and sworn to maintain with their Lives and Fortunes, the Fundamental Laws of the Land. And yet these men thus acting, call themselves by the name of God's people, and the faithful adherers to the work of Reformation, and the Good Old Cause, although nothing appear in their actions, but Treachery, Perjury, Murder and Cruelty. Against which Rebellious hypocrisy, the most learned Salmosius, under the borrowed name of Claudius Anonymus, inveighed most justly and truly, as well as Oratorically, and no less deservedly then Eloquently. Which Defense of his, no less judicious than well-composed, (as for Language) did render the desereudly abominable Actors, both notorious and odious among the foreign Nations of Europe, the fame thereof, by this Learned man's Eloquence (being written in the Latin Tongue) sounding far and near. To remedy which inconvenience (if it might be done) the Rump (which now began to stink in the nostrils of every honest and wise man, this bloody butchery of theirs, vying with, yea outdoing, not only the actions, but the worst of the Jesuits professed Tenants, and therefore to the perpetual ignominy of the Reforming Protestants, justifying the fraternity of Loyola and silencing the others) make choice of Mr. Milton to be their Champion to answer Salmasius; who, as may be conceived, not vulgarly rewarded, for this service, undertakes it, with as much Learning and Performance as could be expected from the most able and acute Scholar living: Concerning whose Answer, thus much must be confessed, that nothing could be therein desired, which either a shrewd Wit could prompt, or a fluent elegant style could express: And indeed to give him his due, in whatever he vomited out against his Majesty formerly, or now declames against Monarchy in behalf of a Republic, he then did, and doth now want nothing on his side, but Truth, and the honesty of his Cause, or Subject on which he did, or doth discourse. So that it was wisdom, as I judge it in me, (being to reply to so acute and universally owned a learned man) to conceal my Name, at least, not to expose it obvious at the first view, that the prejudice, which the known inequality of the Antagonists, at the first sight, begets in a Reader, causing many Tractates to be thrown aside without reading, being taken away, or at least suspended till the Treatise is read; the thing contended about, may be judged according to the weight of the Arguments on either side, and not according to the estimate of the persons, allowing then Mr. Milton all the advantages which an acute wit, ready invention, much reading, and copious expression will give him, I shall only trust to the goodness of the Cause, for which I plead, in which had there been any proportion or equality, between that which he, and that which I contend for, I should not only doubt, but despair of conquest, of which as the case falls out, I am assuredly confident.  
But expecting to be known, both who, and what I am, I must expect to meet with such Questions as these: What need you meddle with affairs not only out of, but so far distant from your Sphere, your profession much differing from Politics, and the Concernments of Majesty being far above your station? This Objection (if not satisfied) because it may much prejudice the acceptance of what I writ, in the opinion, and esteem of many Readers, I shall therefore first speak to it, before I proceed in my intended task, and whether what I shall say, prove satisfactory or no, I shall leave to the judgement of the Candid Reader, slighting in the mean while the dissatisfaction of the obstinately, or rashly censorious.  
I answer therefore first, that though the affairs of politic forms are besides my practice, yet not besides my cognisance; and Majesty though above my capacity, yet is it not above my concernment, for in the latter I am concerned, both as a man, and as a Christian, especially if I pretend at all to either discretion or conscience; as a Christian it is my duty, and I stand engaged to pray for the peace of the place I live in, and by consequence to study and endeavour it, else my Prayers are but idle Prayers: Also what I pray for, I am exhorted to, as a duty, and commanded as a Christian, to observe Gods dealing in the Return of Prayers, else my praying is but mockery; I am engaged then (though I yet see nothing but war and confusion) to be instant, and urgent with God for peace and settlement, and consequently I am bound to take notice, how fare my prayers are answered, that I may be thankful, how far they are denied, that I may find the cause, and be humbled for it, and as much as in me lies help and remedy it. This also discreet policy will teach me, to endeavour, and hope, and pray for the peace of that place in which I intent, (with God's help) to settle myself and my Posterity; of which if there be no hopes, it is but indiscretion at best, if not madness there to settle. Let no man therefore blame me for enquiring after the state of affairs, that I may see the cause of our present unsettlement and confusion, and so far as advice will go, to apply (if it lies in me) a Remedy. If the Cause be (as most certainly it is) the want of a true and proper Government, and Governors, let us inquire how far the defect extends, and every man in his Calling, those who are called thereto, by action, others (as far as God hath given wisdom) by counsel, do what we can to supply that defect, and help that want.  
Add to this, that we are to pray for Kings, to obey, and honour the King, and that by divine command, and if so, than no man can blame me, if I inquire into the Case, if or no I have by Divine Right, a King to pray for, to honour, and to obey, and whether or no active, or barely passive obedience, be due from, and required of me as a Christian, to those, who in exclusion of him, have exercised the Power of the Nation in which I live for these several years. But concerning this Subject I shall have occasion to enlarge, before the end of this Discourse, it may suffice here, what I have more briefly touched only for the anticipating of such an Objection which may be made: What matters of this nature concern me, and which if unsatisfied, might prejudice many Readers, and preingage their spirits against what I shall hereafter write.  
Hoping then that I have impartial Readers now to deal withal, who casting off all respects of Persons, (either comparing one with another, and taking for granted, that one in regard of his eminent abilities, and learning, and judgement, hath the surer, safer, and better side, or accounting the Subject of this Enquiry alien from my employment, and so condemning the discourse, without perusal of the same) I shall come soberly and modestly to take a view of Mr. Miltons' ready and easy way to establish a Free Commonwealth, etc. Which I shall show not only to be the farthest way about, but an improbable way to our Ever settlement; an impossible way to our present or speedy peace, and therefore to be rejected, as a crooked, and unsafe path to walk in, And in contradiction to his groundless position, I shall evidence clearly, and undeniably, that Kingship is our only sure and safe remedy, under God, to settle our distractions, Make up our breaches, secure our tottering foundations, unite our divisions, cure our distempers, and in a word, to save us from (otherwise) utter and inevitable misery, and ruin.  
And here judicious Reader, let me crave thy attention, and beg thy candour, for the Subject of the ensuing discourse will be not light, and trivial, but such as concerns, thy present welfare, and the future good, and wellbeing of posterity.  
Lord! what English man, that can without sighs, and briny tears, consider, and recollect in his mind, what this Nation was formerly, and what now it is, once the glory of Europe, flourishing in prosperity, and happiness, the pride of her allies, the terror of her Enemies, the relief of the distressed, the succour of the oppressed, the balance as I may call it, of the neighbouring powerful Princes, France and Spain, turning the scale either way, by its friendship or enmity. How were our paths then anointed with Butter, and our hills dropped fatness, until being filled with good things, our soul began to loathe the honey comb, or like an horse provender pricked, we kict against our Rider, and have gained to ourselves a nominal liberty, but real slavery, accompanied with infamy, and are now become the scorn of our neighbours, and the Common byword of Christendom. Once we had our Kings not made, but born, whom at once the sun beheld both men and Princes, who by a long continual descent, were ennobled, and both by affinity, Consanguinity, and mutual benefits, bestowed and received, were endeared reciprocally, they to the Nation, and the Nation to them. We had a splendid Court, persons of honourable extraction, and excellent accomplishments, a learned, and renowned Clergy, flourishing Academies and Schools of Education for youth, A high spirited gallant Gentry, Rich Yeamon, and farmers, and Citizens, Wealthy and numerous, A royal and powerful Navy, a plenteous and expert Soldiery, and in a word we wanted nothing to make us happy at home and renowned abroad. We wanted only thankful hearts to God for these unvaluable blessings, and wisdom to esteem and value them and improve, and make use of them as we ought. Now we find; not only the want of, but the contrary unto, almost whatever before we enjoyed, having scarce any thing left of our former happiness, but the memory, which only serves to aggravate our present misery, (Dolet hoc, meminisse fuisse Beatos,) and that which makes our condition more deplorable, our hopes of recovery, are in a great measure cut off, only our eyes are to the hills, from whence cometh our help. And for the perpetuation, (if possible) of our maladies, and to make our wounds incurable, our diseases desperate, and our miseries irrecoverable, I meet with many Mountebanks of State who wilfully mistaking our disease, call that which is our (without God's great mercy) mortal malady, a State of happy Liberty, only take notice of some troublesome Symptoms (which Luscus cannot but see by twilight,) and for these they prescribe a cure, more dangerous, yea desperate, than the disease itself; and this they call a Free Commonwealth.  
Among many that shoot at this Mark, I find several sorts, some are fantastically absurd, as Mr. Harrington with his Oceana, the answer to which will be only ridiculous pastime by a winter fire, others are religiously foolish, as he who in imitation of God's work of creation, would make six day's work of his intended platform, and on the seventh day, and so consequently all his life, contemplate upon his dotage, his performance in my opinion, deserves to be rewarded with Midas purchase. Such, with many others, to the verefying of the proverb have been shooting their bolts, and all, though they have in other things differed wonderfully, yet in this one thing have agreed, namely in excluding Kingship.  
Such as these, like so many ridiculous State Morris dancers, I should willingly have left to the answer of some Common Ballad-maker, being only so many Quacks of wit, who betray nothing in their writing but want both of employment and discretion, the reading of whose State whymses, I doubt not, ever produced in any Reader a belief, but of their folly, unless it were in some that were as shallow, and soft-headed as themselves, But in the mean time, who would not bless himself to consider, that a Nation, in which have flourished such incomparable men, for parts and judgement, of such eminent learning, able wit and solid discretion, and that in all ages successively since the Conquest, and that they making use of one another's Resolus, and Experience, with long trial, mature deliberation, and accurate Caution, had made and provided for themselves Lands, and a Government, and bequeathed it unto us, under which we prospered, and were happy, in all civil, and religious enjoyments, should now be brought to that State beggary, that we must have (Asinos ad Lyram,) every State-Buffon to be forming England, Scotland, and Ireland, into I know not what Utopia, for want of a better, or at least a settled Government, Quis talia fando, Temperet a Lachrymis?  
True, we had our blessings allayed with that which must be expected, while we are on this side perfection, some things were desired in our Laws, no Fathers being able so to provide for posterity, as to leave them nothing to do, each Generation hath its peculiar concernments, which makes many acts useful to Progenitors, to be unuseful to, and therefore repealeable by, their Children, and many of no use or inconvenient to such as went before, absolutely necessary, or at least very convenient to them that succeed, we also had both errors and deficiency in the Execution of good Laws, and several things enacted which had better been repealed, and put in practice, that more desireably might have been omitted. The owning of this, is but to confess ourselves men, and that we enjoyed not entire complete blessedness, a thing not to be expected in this life, but to find no cure for these deficiencies, but the overturning of foundations, as it argued our almost incredible madness, so it manifested the just displeasure of God against us, who had surfeited of mercies, that we could not be content with what we enjoyed, because we wanted what only he saw not fit for us at that present, unless we had expressed more thankfulness for what we had in possession.  
But to come to what I intent, namely to reply to, and answer what Mr. Milton hath objected against King-ship, and belched forth against our hereditary King, and to dispel the mist which he like a state-Jugler hath endeavoured to cast before our eyes concerning a Commonwealth, I shall make plain to every one that is not wilfully blind, that we are and stand indispensably bound to our Heriditaty KING CHARLES; And that morally as men, and religiously as Christians, that the Injury done to his Royal Father and him, is undoubtedly the cause of our former and still continued miseries, That doing Justice to him, and his Relations, and repenting of that Great wickedness, under which the Nation yet groans, and for which it hath bled, of shedding not only innocent, but Royal, and therefore sacred blood, is the only way left of settling our distractions: whatever guilty men pretend or insinuate to the contrary, all other ways, are but like Adam's figleaves, or the prodigals husks. This being proved and made undeniably manifest, were enough, but yet besides I shall further demonstrate, that were that Royal stem, (which the Lord forbidden) quite failed, or decayed) nor one left, that could make legal claim to the Crown, and had we come to this condition by God's providence, without any Sin or guilt of the Nation, much less those crying sins, of Rebellion, Treason, Perjury, Murder, Oppression, Cruelty, and that which aggravates all the rest, Hypocrisy. Yet it were the only interest of the Nation, and way of its settlement, to come about, (as soon as is possible) to its former Established monarchy. This if I evince clearly and undeniably, I hope it may, (God giving a blessing,) have that effect upon those, who sit at the helm, that because the justly detestable RUMP, contrary to Oaths Covenants, and Protestations, and in defiance of their public professions and declarations, did barbarously kill, and then take possession, they will not justify that Murder, that the actors and abettors, may still keep the possession. But why writ I so, as if there were the least cause to fear, that they themselves will not be as ready to protest against that horrid villainy, as I know they inwardly detest it, and without spurring, to redress it, as without controversy they abhor it, I know Noble Senators it is in your minds, as you were innocent of that guilt, and washed your hands of it, so to manifest your innocency, nay I rest assured, were there not difficulties to wrestle with from without, there would not be the least imaginable let within, in your noble breasts. But here is the mischief; The monstrous Villains, the Actors, in cutting down that Royal Oak, had such loppings, and in the Ruin of Majesty, they found so many, and so rich adherents, which, either were, or were made necessary to be ruined therewith, that they were stored with unrighteous Mammon, with which they made themselves unrighteous friends, so many, that for a long time they were able to justyfie by the sword, what they executed by the Axe, and to maintain by violence and force, what they ravished from the right owners by rapine and villainy. Yea they could corrupt the pretended Divine Oracles, and make them either speak only what was good, as the four hundred Prophets did to Ahab, Or else with Micaja to be content to be fed with the bread and water of affliction, until they learned either to change their tune, or to be silent, at least, not to prophecy at Bethel. Thus many ripe but pernicious wits were won, and fast engaged to their party, of which some defended them in polemical discourses, as my present Antagonist, others, commended, and sought to eternize their memories by clawing, flattering histories; but that which struck deepest, the Soldiery, and thousands others were drawn in to an interest upon the score of purchase, to invite to which very cheap pennyworths were sold, and all to secure, and indemnify their Perjury, Treason, and Murder, So that I consider most worthy Senators, what a duel must needs be ●ought, in each of your breasts, between Conscience, and Discretion, Honesty, and Wisdom, Judgement, and Policy. The Consideration of which, hath emboldened and doth encourage me, to go on in this task, it being not so proper for yourselves, as now being persons concerned. And the more I am spurred on, considering what the most Learned, Judicious, and undaunted Mr. Prynne hath written to this purpose duting the time of your forcible seclusion; to whom (though unworthy to carry his Papers after him) I take it as my honour, to Echo, and I hope for, and humbly beg of you, Noble Senators, your favourable acceptance, of these my weak endeavours, as proceeding from a cordial desire of what (I know) you aim at, the speedy, safe, and sure settlement of these sadly distracted, and almost irrecoverably ruined Nations.  
And now Mr. Milton I am at leisure to examine your pamphlet, which I find was written since the resitting of the RUMP this last time, for whom it was intentionally provided, a fit discourse, and worthy the patrons, Similes labris lactucae. I shall pass by your prologue, not because it is not blamemeable, but because what is only there hinted in naked expressions, is more largely prosecuted in the following discourse, where, as I meet with it, I shall not let it scape Animadversion.  
The Parliament of England (you say) assisted by a great number of the people who stuck to them faithfullest in defence of religion, and their Civil Liberties, judging Kingship, by long experience, a Government but thensome, expensive, useless, and dangerous, justly, and magnanimously abolished it, turning Regal bondage into a Free Commonwealth, to the admiration, and terror of our neighbours, and the stirring up of France itself, especially in Paris, and Bourdeaux, to our imitation. Thus you go on, praising our Actions there both at home and abroad, and our declarations and expressions both in public and private, as testifying a gallant noble Spirit, and giving hopes of a Common wealth, not feriour to the Greeks or Romans. From which premises you conclude it, a great corruption in Judgement, degenerateness in Spirit, folly and madness in practice, and that it will be ridiculous and disgraceful, unsafe and dangerous, for us to return to our old bondage, (as you call it) of Kingship, which degenerate relaysing, you foretell will fix us in our former misery irrecoverably, in all likely hood or probability, which you persuade yourself and us aught to be interpreted ungratefulness toward God, in rejecting his signal mercies, and deliverances, at least neglecting to make use of them, and an undervaluing of the Lives and blood of Englishmen, who with their Lives purchased and left us in this liberty. This folly of ours you tell us how ridiculous it will make us appear to our neighbours, and render us the common byword and object of laughter and derision of Christendom, who boasted of a Common wealth, but having laid its happy foundation, fell into confusion of factions, about erecting it, and so never brought it to perfection, which manner of Government, you affirm hath been by the wisest men in all ages accounted, the noblest, maniyest, equalest, and justest Government, and most agreeing to Civil and Christian liberty, most cherishing of virtue and true religion, not only commended, but more then obscurely enjoined by Christ himself, to all Christians with the mark and brand of Gentilism, by him fixed upon Kingship. Yea you say God gave the Israelites a King in much displeasure, and imputed it to them as a sin, that they asked one. And so you go on to interpret our Saviour's words concerning the Kings of the Gentiles exercising Authority over them, but expressly for bidding his Disciples to let it be so among them, etc. which you conceive proved beyond contradiction, to be spoken to them by Christ concerning civil Government. And to this precept you judge no form so agreeable, as that of a Commonwealth, because in it the greatest, are perpetual Servants to the public, and drudges at their own cost and charges, neglecting their own affairs, and yet not elevated above their brethren, whereas a King you say must be adored as a Demy God, whose expensiveness uselessness, burdensomness, and Danger, in and to a State, you urge Oratorically, and Satirically and conclude that if he happen to be bad as sometimes he is, he is a mischief or malady in a State scarcely remediable, without shaking, and hazarding the ruin of the whole: The contrary of which you pretend to be in a free Commonwealth, where a Governor, or chief Counsellor, offending, may be removed, and punished without any commotion. So you conclude them either mad or foolish, that build the hope of their happiness on a single person, who if good, can do no more than another, but if bad, may without control do more mischief than a million of others. Which doting on a single person you further condemn, from its childish absurdity, and more than brutish simplicity; citing that place of Solomon, where he sends the sluggard to the pismire, to learn wisdom, where you squeeze out an inference, that they who think themselves, or the Nation undone without a King, have not so much true spirit and understanding as a Pismire. So you go on comparing Kingship with the state of a free Commonwealth, extolling the latter and vilifying the former, as making all under them Vassals, exalting their Prerogative above the Subjects liberty, rarely (and then only for self ends) convening Parliaments, and breaking them at pleasure, if they comply not with their Lust and Interest. In which kind of Discourse I find you Satirical, and yet seemingly zealous of the public weal, wondering how any dare (as a Christian) to King it over his fellow brethren in such a Gentilish way forbidden by Christ, to all his Disciples, who you say hath left no King in his Church, as his Vicegerent, and therefore, infer it is worse usurpation, for a Christian professed, to exercise Regal authority over Christians, then for the Pope to claim Christ's Vicegerency in the Church.  
You proceed to show the Reason why we have been long delayed, and kept from the enjoying of a Free Commonwealth, without King, Single Person, or House of Lords; which you ascribe to the frequent Interruptions, and figgaries (in and out) which the Rump have had, and met with. And of this you assign the cause to be the Real Ambition of the pretended Army Saints, (the chief Commanders of them especially) which you flatter yourself, and the Army, was and is contrary to their sense and minds, (to wit the generality of them) at least when they were undeceived, and in their own power, which I presume, at least, doubt, was never since they first rebelled.  
You seem troubled that the small fag-end of the Parliament should be called the RUMP, but would rather have them honoured, as the remainder of those Worthies who freed us from Tyranny; which they have declared, and that (as you conceive) most truly and justly they could not fully do, nor remain constant to the trust first reposed in them, and secure our liberty, but by settling the Nition into a Free Commonwealth, for the attaining speedily, firmly establishing, and best ordering of which, you give your judgement, and that in some things paradoxal: but as you conceive the most necessary and best expedient, to procure much good to, and preventing much mischief in, and managing affairs most wisely, and experiencedly for the good of the Commonwealth. And that is that the Grand Council of the Nation should sit perpetually, of which you show the good and conveniency on the one hand, and the damage and inconvenience of the contrary on the other hand, which you illustrate by instances, confirm by reasons, and show some Stumbling-blocks you would have avoided, in following your advice, and Rules to be observed; namely, not to harbour any such fond conceit in our Republic, as is the Duke in the Venetian, or the Prince of Orange and House of Nassan in the Netherlandish Commonwealths.  
Thus in order you come again to compare a Republic so contrived, with Monarchy, to admire the one, and decry the other, by showing the Justice, Freedom, Plenty, and Peace of the one, and the difficulties, uncertainties, and impossibilities of the like enjoyments under the other. You proceed then more particularly to compare them together, in their allowing or disallowing spiritual freedom, or Christian liberty, and herein also you give the priority to a Commonwealth; concerning the promoting of which, you add some thoughts of your own, concluding it an absolutely necessary thing for the obtaining or continuing Civil peace, and will allow no Government so inclinable to favour and protect it, as that of a Free Commonwealth, but on the other hand you show the unlikelihood that Kingship should ever give way to it, as you instance in Queen Elizabeth's not enduring Calvinisme, or the Presbyterian Reformation, should be so much as proposed to her, during all her Reign, lest it should diminish Regal Authority. Between which Queen of happy memory, and our most pious Prince, you make a short but scurvy, scurrilous comparison, impudently affirming him to be bad Principled from his Cradle, trained up, and governed by Popish and Spanish Councils, and on such depending hitherto for subsistence.  
From spiritual you come to Civil Freedom, which consists in the Civil Rights and advancement of every person according to his merit, and for the attaining of this end also you conclude a Common wealth far to excel, in opposition to Kingship. And for the reaping the larger benefit in this kind, you propose an expedite way in your opinion By having Legal Jurisdiction without Appeal in each County, providing also for such Controversies which shall happen between men of several Counties, that they may repair to the Capital City; to conclude which head, having vomited forth much of your filth against monarchy, you close your discourse with a Pathetical Peroration to the People, in which you do briefly hint, and seem to wipe away what Objections may be made against a Free Commonwealth, and so draw to this Conclusion, That if we do return back to Kingship, on that score, that Jews would have returned into Egypt, for the sake of Onions, Garlic and fleshpots, (trading to wit, which by our casting off Kingship, hath been decayed) our condition is unsound and rotten, and that we are in the Roadway of all Nationall Judgements and Calamities. You seem at last to fear the success of what you have written, only hope the best, that though these lines should move most men no more than stones or stocks, yet they may out of some of these stones raise up Children to Liberty: That what you have spoken is the Language of the Good old Cause, intended for the Conviction of Backsliders, and if possible to give a stay or stop to our ruinous proceed, and to the general defection (as you conceive) of the abused and misguided multitude.  
This Sir is a short or summary Epitome of what I understand by reading your discourse, but how far wide it comes from Truth and Reason, I doubt not but before I end to make manifest, and shall show your intended Model to be unpracticable by us, if ever we expect peace and settlement in these at present distracted Nations. Your first stating of the Case is brief, and might pass for current, among such who are, and have been strangers to the transactions of this Nation, or whose memories are so short, as not to be able to recollect how matters have been carried on by, and from the beginning of this Parliament, but to others, the fallacy may appear at the first reading. Was it the Parliament of England that abolished Kingship, and Kingly Government? Where were the Lords? Did they concur in that action? Certainly no, for they by the same power and Authority (if that can be called Authority which wants Justice to support it) were abolished likewise, about the same time, and by the same Engagement afterwards, that excluded Kingship, cut off from having any share in Government: And if they concurred not in that Act, how can any man (without impudence) affirm, that it was the Parliament of England that abolished Kingship? Or can the Parliament of England consist without a House of Lords? It is most evident, that at the first sitting of this Parliament it consisted of both Lords and Commons, who yet made no Parliament, without him, with whom they were to parley, or consult, and that was the King. But it is not my task to discourse as a Lawyer, but as an Orator intending to inquire into the truth and Reason of things, and not to determine how the Case stands in point of Law.  
Though Lords had been useless and unnecessary to sit as a House, and assist in Government, yet they were absolutely of use, to the making of an English Parliament; or else show me any Parliament that ever was in England without them. You confess that the Parliament of England was assisted by a great number of faithful Adherers to them, in the defence of Religion and Civil Liberties, and were not they as well the Peers as the Commons? By what Power were Armies first raised, Commissions granted, and Moneys levied, but in the name of both Houses? If the first making of War, (which judicious and conscientious men judge Rebellion, but I shall wave that Enquiry, nor hereafter meddle with it) were for the defence of Religion, etc. the Lords as an House can claim as great a share in the glory of it, as the House of Commons. Yea if to have the honour of first kindling the fire, deserve praise, One Peer, with Five Commoners, must share together. Was not the case of Kimbolton once accounted of as high merit as that of Hoslerig and his fellow-partners? And the Privileges of Parliament equally pretended to be concerned in the defending of them all? Or if the management of the War, deserve commendation, (which you call the assistance of the Faithful) did not the Lords personally act as highly, and adventure as far as any Commoner? Or did not the faithfullest, (for I observe you use the Superlative degree) appear before the new modelling of the Army? True, there was no rebelling against all Authority, King, Lords, and Commons at once, till that time. Sure, Sir, those Lords, who were forward with the forwardest, adventured their lives, spent their blood, as well as others, will have little encouragement to help, manage, and carry on such another War, if we should find occasion to fight all over again, that hath been fought, as you after insinuate, unless they may have more thanks for their labour. You must needs grant, that the War at the beginning was raised, and from the first carried on, for the defence of Religion and Liberty, or else it was most hypocritical and barbarous Rebellion, and all the blood shed therein inexcusable murder: And if it were for the defence of Liberty and Religion, from the beginning, without doubt every rational man must conceive, that they who at first acted themselves in the War vigorously, and stirred up others to it sedulously, and continued constantly, in the name of the Parliament of England, with the distinction of both Houses, did never imagine the Commons alone to be a Parliament.  
But why speak I only of the House of Lords? Did the House of Commons abolish KINGSHIP? Were not above three parts of four of them, not only not consenting to, and active therein, but protesting against, and abhorring it?  
So that in truth, it was not only not the Parliament of England, that did it, but neither the Lords nor Commons House that either acted in, or consented to it, but a factious Combination of some of the rotten Members of the House of Commons, who assisted by the factious and rebellious part of the Soldiery, without consent of, and in opposition to their Fellow-members, contrary to the sense of the whole House of Lords, not minding their former sacred Vows, and the scandal which the breaking of them would bring upon the profession of Religion; murdered their KING, divided his Estate and Revenue, among themselves, and their Abettors: and to secure themselves from justice, for these Enormous Villainies, Vote down both King and Kingly Government, turn out of doors the House of Lords, and all their Fellow members, and in their places seat themselves, and vote themselves the Parliament of England, and this they vote (as they call it) into a Free Commonwealth, to which they endeavour by Conquest first to subject, and then to unite Scotland, and Ireland. Now how just and how magnanimous this action was, let any rational man judge.  
'Tis strange, that if it were so, and that those Remnant of Patriots, who delivered us from thraldom (as you are pleased to miscall them) could not otherwise secure us from slavery and bondage, but by abolishing Kingship, that no more of the Commons nor any of the Lords House, could perceive it but themselves. And how came they so late to see it? Strange, that their eyes were not opened so well before! Or did they see it before, and yet swear, and compel others to swear, to maintain that with their utmost hazard of both Loves and Fortunes, which they had found and experimented, to be burdensome, useless, expensive, and dangerous, and upon just grounds to be abolished? Are these things think you, consistent, Mr. Milton, how long experience had they of the dangerousness, etc. of Monarchy, before they abolished it? be pleased to tell us, if before they Covenanted, and protested, the more Villains they to swear, if after it were good to be informed when; Were they faithful Patriots, if they knew, and had experienced such a thing, and yet never disclosed their minds to their Fellow-members, until upon a Treacherous surprise, they were turned out of doors by their mercenary servants, the Army? Are these the acts of men who are likely to secure our Religious and Civil Liberties?  
Was it a Commonwealth that was fought for, or a Free Parliament? How then comes a Commonwealth to be the Good Old Cause? Was it once in nomination at the first taking up of Arms? Was not the thing pretended, the removing of ill Counselors from about the King? and was there no way to do it but to send him thither where no evil counsel can have access, even to Heaven? Did they not vow to make his Posterity as well as him glorious, and was there no way to it, but to rob the Heir of his Earthly Crown, that he might have the more leisure to contemplate upon his Heavenly one? No way to make him a blessed and happy Prince, but by intitling him ipso facto to one of the ten Blessednesses pronounced by Christ, among others, to those of whom men speak all Evil falsely, and revile them? Blessed God if these be Saints, where shall we find Wicked men?  
But why Sir do you call Kingship a detested, and once abjured thraldom? Who abjured it, and when? I am sure that there was searce a Rumper in ten, but swore to maintain and defend it, besides the Oath taken by all Members at their first admission, how I pray then, and when, was this Oath or abjuration taken, and by whom? Lately, one, Praise God Bare-bone presented a Petition to that purpose, which made his house appear like to a Bawdy house (for broken windows) twice in a few days. I hope, Sir, you have not a private Dispensation among you, to swear to maintain and abjure the same thing at your pleasure and as oft as you please.  
I doubt not, but most of those who first assisted the Parliament, had they heard but the least pretence this way from those who called them to their aid, would have very hardly contributed the least Money to their supply, nor the least help to defend their quarrel. Then it was for the Parliaments service, in defence of the KING, and his Posterity, that all was pretended to be done; and now can we believe the Original intention to be (all those facred pretences notwithwithstanding) to destroy the King and his line, and to abjure Kingship, or Monarchical Government? God forbidden, this is (certainly) no other than a new Invention, suggested by the Old Serpent, and fomented, by his Instruments to the Dishonour of God, whose sacred Majesty they appealed to, and swore before, and the reproach of the true Protestant Religion, in the profession and sincerity of which (made by, and immovably fixed in the hearts and breasts of thousands of this (once famous) Nation) England was exemplary among all her Neighbours, but now, by this act of some few of her perjured, yet Saint professing Sons, made infamous, yea abhorred, and detestable among all that live round about her. I grant you, Mr. Milton, that this action of ours (for ours we must call it, till the Nation be vindicated from it, or punished for it) as it was a damnable precedent, so it was commended to and laboured very hard to be made practicable and practised in our Neighbouring Kingdom France, so willing are seared Consciences in sin, to involve as many as may be in the same guilt with themselves, if not for their justification sake, yet to keep them from open Reproach.  
I easily believe Mr Milton, that nothing was wanting on the part of our Regicides, that the same was not only meditated and attempted, but brought to perfection and put in execution in France, being begun, (as you say) in Bordeaux and Paris. But without doubt the protestant interest, never had such a blow among Christians by profession as they had by this Act. How was this formerly the blot of the Jesuits, that they taught and allowed the murder of their Princes, if once excommunicated by the Pope? And yet, how ashamed were the Papists ever to own such a tenant, although they might consent to such a practice, and be guilty of it. How were the Gunpowder Traitors branded by our divines and Professors, with marks of infamy upon this score? Yet now behold a Protestant King, not treasonably conspired against, but murdered, and that not designed and brought about by a private unseen blow of Gunpowder, or stab with a Dagger from a private hand? as English King James was designed for destruction, by our English Papists, and French Henry was actually slain by a Ravilliack. But, stand amazed O ye Heavens! for ye beheld it, blush O thou great light of the day: which then sawest it, this Protestant, Virtuous, Picus KING, was solemnly cut off, at his own door, by his own Subjects, who claimed then the name, and usurped then the power, of the Representative Body of the English Nation, the PARLIAMENT or Supreme Authority of ENGLAND. Nor did they for this Action to excuse it, plead such a thing as the Pope's pardon or dispensation, as the Papists did, acknowledging in that such an act to be, (in itself) unwarrantable, and unjustifiable, but they style themselves the only true Assertors of the People's Liberty, and the faithfullest part of England's Representatives, and therefore the Common wealths most constant and firm Patriots. Nay no man could have any protection from the Laws, that did not by Engagement justify this Act, no Minister enjoy his Living unless he give his post consent to that, which but six years (at most) before, he had (to avoid the like penalty) Covevanted, and entered into League, Vowed, and Protested against, Solemnly, and with hands lifted up to the most High God. This a man may believe (if he will be an Atheist,) to be England's restitution to its Religious and Civil Liberties, but he of discretion that really believes so, may easily be brought to yield Light to be Darkness, and Darkness Light, Conscience, and the fear of God, expectation of happiness in Heaven, and fear of Hell, to be only juggles. Now what Prince, (that is not mad) would trust a Protestant in power, nay tolerate him in his Dominions, if these are Protestants indeed? who are neither to be believed when they swear, nor confided in, if they can but get an opportunity; That will swear Allegiance to, and murder the same King, and that not secretly but openly, nor seek to excuse it when done, but justify, plead for, extol, and commend it, as a performance worthy renown, and fit to be trasmitted down as an example to posterity. But let all who truly fear the Lord, say of these as Jacob of his two bloody Sons Simeon and Levi, who killed only their Neighbour Idolatrous enemies, who had deserved their hate, by ravishing their Sister, and were part of the Nations, that were to be destroyed utterly by jacob's seed, yet with whom they (in colour at least) were then about to make a league of friendship, and among whom they lived peaceably. O my soul come not into their secrets, and to their counsels, mine honour be n●t thou united! for in their wrath they slew their Sovereign Lord, the King, and in their self will plucked up (to their utmost) the whole Royal root, and dug down the wall of Government, and destroyed the foundations, the Laws. Boast not then Mr. Milton, how taking this example was with the like spirited Mock Protestants, but really damnable Rebels in France, for from such a spark as this was kindled that fire, which formerly wasted, and consumed the Hugonites of Paris, and of late the Waldenses in Piedmona, and Savoy. Guilty art thou, O treacherous! Perjured! Apostate Rump! of all this blood, the former of which thou hast justified; and the latter been instrumental in causing to be shed. Blessed be God who hath clipped your wings, Pared your Horns, Broken your Talons, by which you soared above the reach of justice and pushed at, and gripped most horribly, whoever durst but speak or write against your execrable murders, rapines and Sacrilegious Villainies. And I hope that Christian Princes will in time be made to understand, and given to see that this and the like actions of yours are not consonant to the tenants of any true Protestants. Be confounded then and for ever silenced, ye self-condemning wretches, who when at the beginning of the war, such a design was charged upon you by the Royal loyal party, you rejected it with imprecations, and were sedulous (with the rest of your fellow members, of the Commons house, and the whole house of Peers) to acquit and clear yourselves from such an aspersion (as you then called it) with detestation, yea I am confident that then many of you (before your consciences were since by monstrous impieties cauterised and rendered past feeling) did cordially abhor, what you since have acted and endeavoured to compel all men (ministers especially) to approve of, and justify, and by a post engagement, to consent to, in opposition to former Covenants and Protestations to the contrary, I do verily believe: I say, that then you would have declared against it, with horror, and trembling, however the Devil, bad counsel, and worldly gain have since ensnared, and corrupted many of you.  
Come we from what you have done in our name, to take a survey, of what you have procured to us thereby, for although the end is but a fallacious rule to judge actions by, nor is it wisdom to determine concerning the thing done, that it is good or bad by the event, and success of it, yet it is a persuading motive, to repentance and amendment of such courses, which we are convinced to be evil, when we find the smart of them, and see evident our condition to be bad at present, and worse and worse in likelihood to be expected every day. It is likewise a good conviction, and very suitable to, and seasonable for such who will not believe, but these our present miseries, are only the forerunning throws of a glorious Birth, and offspring, of which they seem to persuade themselves, and would have us to believe that we are not only in Expectation, and certainty, but in the present fruition, and possession, to wit Liberty, both religious and Civil, in respect of which Kingship is a Yoke of Bondage, thraldom, Vassalage, slavery, and infelicity. Good Lord! was ever such ridiculous folly, such wilful madness known or seen! Have we any Liberty in civil things, but if we please to antedate our Ruin and beggary? to spend all one year or two, before our new found Patriots of, never before heard of, Liberty squeeze all out of us, and get all from us. Have not the Keepers of our Liberties, like thievish Promethews, dealt with our Liberties, as he did with Pandora's Box, Let fly among us only plagues and miseries, and now they keep all close, when there is left only hope, (and scarcely that) in the bottom? Where is there any reality of Liberty in any of our enjoyments, either civil or religious? and yet that, Oh that! is pretended as a sufficient reward and price of our last blood, and expended Treasure. In our Courts, what unsettlement, and upon every change, what turning out of office, whoever would not comply with the horrible villainous practices, by which each interest supplanted another? Look backward to the first gaining of this Nominal Freedom, and you shall find many Judges discarded, Sergeunts at Law laid aside, Counselors their Gowns stripped over their ears; Attorneys turned from the Bar, solicitors and other attendants on the Law made uncapable of either public employment, or preferment, in a word all Officers of the Law in Civil as well as Common courts of Judicature, put out of place, and by consequence cut off from all means of livelihood, upon no other ground, then because their Consciences would not permit them so fare to slight their duty of allegiance (to which they were likewise engaged, by a sacred and indispensable Oath) as to take another league and covenant, a vow and a protestation in their judgement's Cross to the former; here was Liberty, (if ever) with a plague, and vengeance, I doubt not but this with other things, hath been the cause of the many Judgements since that poured forth, and still continued upon this perjured Nation. How was the Solemn League and Covenant obtruded upon all men, that had any thing to be plundered of? And what Liberty had they in case of refusal? except we will account turning out of place, of either honour or profit, the Imprisonment of men's persons, for a long time, with barbarous cruelty during their imprisonment; the violent taking away their estates, by Sequestrators to be liberty. No man could be permitted to cross the Seas in almost any capacity, whether of Merchant, or Factor, or passenger, unless he would first swallow this potion. Where then (I would gladly be informed) lay our Liberty? Unless we will confess, (and that God knows and we have all felt it is the truth,) with Cicero, Nomina rerum perdidimus, jamque licentia militaris, libertas appellatur. We have left the true names of things since now the Soldier's petulancy, is calthe People's Liberty. And if we had such cause to complain of the beginning of these our distracted calamities, when you seem to give the Army this Character, that they were undeceived, and in their own power, with what reason may we lament, and bewail the following times and changes, which have been ever since. And yet the people's liberty hath been the thing cried up Continually. What think you Sir of the Engagement? what agreement hath it with the Covenant? And yet that must be taken, or no judge must continue in office, no Army Officer in Command, no Minister must preach, nor Schoolmaster teach School, nay, nor any man have the benefit of the Land either as Plaintiff or defendant. And call you this Liberty, Mr. Milton? I confess the tameness of our English Nation, beyond any former (either Ancient or modern) precedent, gave the Rump liberty of perpetrating and persisting in never before heard of Villainies, with as much impunity as impiety, but accursed be that Liberty from the Lord which will only give a company of Villain's liberty to be as much Bloody, perjured, murderers, and unjust oppressive Robbers as they please, but abridge all other of former means of living, unless they will assent to and approve of these actions, or else appear so. The end of all this is impoverishment of the Nation, loss of Trade, decay of Ingenious Arts, and manufactures, the eclipsing of our former credit, esteem, and reputation in the eyes of our neighbouring Nations. That we may truly say of England, Our glory long since is departed from us. How did the Rump first by secret compliance and complots, animate the aspiring Commanders in the Army, and then betray all their Counsel; to them? So that the Great Counsel of England, the Glory of our Nation, the foundation, and fountain of our Laws, having, first made war with their KING, and those who stuck to him constant and faithful, were soon divided among themselves, and the greater part thereof at last betrayed, and turned out of doors by a small number of their own fellows, who with a mutinous Army, to back them assume the Supreme Authority of England into their own hands, and declare, and act accordingly, cashiering the house of Peers, cutting off their KING, disabling his posterity, and to secure themselves in this unparelleld treason, and rebellious innovation, form an Engagement, to be true to the Common wealth as it was then Established, without a KING and House of LORDS. This and these like actions and declarations, you call just, generous, and magnanimous, and such as gave hopes of a glorious rising Common wealth, this you call our happily fought for and successfully attained Liberty, but I with more truth and reason, know and shall justify, these actions to be rebellious, perfidious, and treacherous, the declarations to be but heralds for infamous perjury, and discovered men made impudent by victorious success, who with faces of brass, blushed not at what the Sun could not but blush, who declare their sins like Sodom, and think Villainies, (because prosperous) are heroic actions and noble performances. What palpable prevarication is it (Sir) for you to give this for the happy End of the many and bloody battles and skirmishes, which were fought between the two Armies of the King and Parliament? Was the war begun, on such a design, or wit●●hat pretence? If not, when came it to be the cause? Mr Prynne, in his historical relation of things as they were acted (in his vindication of the secluded Members) citys their own votes, consultations, resolus, and messages, to, & from the chief Officers of the Army, and by all makes it apparent, that the House of Commons were so far from making that to be the mark shot at in their contest with the King, that many days were Elapsed before they could make up the Quorum of a House of Commons, nor was the number of Rumpers to the very last, greater than to argue our folly and misery, and to aggravate their impudent imperiousness, in curbing a Nation (formerly so famous for valour so long a time,) and of our shame this is none of the least part, that now hopes of our deliverance (through God's great mercy) is appearing, one should have so much confidence as to appear in public, and to court us not only to keep on, but be in love with our present shackles, and to declaim against our formerly enjoyed, most happy Government of KINGSHIP. And as this fag end of the English House of Commons, was inconsiderable in number; so was neither their quality likely to argue an excellency in what they set up, beyond what we before were governed by: for first, the two hou●●s after the end of the war, had frequently treated with the King, and also had upon a late (yea their last) treaty, determined and concluded, that his Majesties answers were so fare satisfactory as to proceed upon the settlement of the Nation. This last treaty was occasioned by the Petition of the Citizens of LONDON, the remonstrance of several Ministers, the addresses of many Counties, with several thousand subscriptions in concurrence with that Petition of the Londoners. To this the sad distractions by a long bloody war did seem not only to agree, but also to enforce. Well, the two Houses being petitioned, and addressed to, remonstrances made and sent them, Reason inviting, Religion binding, the necessity of the Nations calling for it, petitions pressing, in a word, no other safe, discreet, honest way appearing, treat with the King, God so order his heart, that they receive, (if not plenary satisfaction) yet so much as they vote his Majesty's answers a ground on which to proceed to the settlement of the Nation.  
The RUMP, by help of the mutinous Army, dismember four parts of five, of their Fellow-members, and unhouse all the Peers, than Vote against this Vote, as a breach of Trust in the Voters, not considering they were the major part of the House, but presupposing themselves the better part that had thus out-witted, and by Force secluded the other greater? But if so, it is strange, that the number of the RUMPERS was so long a making up, and so small at last. Good God what a condition was this Nation come to, that of so many who were Representors of the People, so few should have the justice and magnanimity to perform such an action, or approve it afterwards, if it were indeed just and Magnanimous, as Mr. Milton would have it? The whole House of Peers, (although excluded by an after Vote) yet they spontaneously adjourned, rather than to have a hand in so base and so barbarous an Action: Against which the godly Divines undauntedly protested, the conscientious Citizens and Countrypeople jointly dissented by Petitions, the Scotch Nation (equally concerned with the English) declared, and thereupon, Preclaimed and Crowned their Hereditary King, by Succession, CHARLES the Second, (whom God preserve.) The Irish Nation (not the Rebels) disowned so irreligious Treason, and take up Arms, Where then is the Justice of abolishing Kingship? The Peers have an Interest in the King, to whom many of them are allied, and Kinsmen, and whom he in Honour vouchsafed to call Ousins, he is the Fountain of their Honour, and they therefore an House of Parliament by Privilege and Prerogative: Yet they are of us, our Lords and our Kinsmen, by Estate and ability far above us, yet bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh. What Justice was there in Discarding them (Mr. Milton) and cheating them of the thing fought for, when in their custody and possession, after they had born a considerable burden of managing the War? Put all the Cost together, and they bore their full share, and therefore of due Justice ought to have had a Voice in disposing of his Majesty, after the War, who had reduced him to that Condition by War.  
But alas! The Scots had expressly declared, that they would have the King to be Treated with, with Freedom and Honour, and the Nobles with the Commons had Resolved his Majesty's Answers to be satisfactory, so far as to proceed upon them to settlement of the Nation: What Justice then can be pretended that one part of six (if so much) of the House of Commons, should destroy the KING, and abolish Kingship? Will you say, the Army would have it so? Then it was so far from being just and magnanimous, as it was neither, but contrary to both. What more unjust, then for a few to carry on a bloody Treason with perjury, not only in contradiction to, but exclusion of four times the number of their Fellows, and the whole House of Peers, equal in Power to them and their Fellows put together; at least, so far equal, as that their Nay was a bar to any thing the others would have enacted or repealed. What more sordidly cowardly, then for fifty or threescore Commoners, who with their Fellows and the Lords had managed Seven years' War against the King and all his Forces, now in compliance with a few Army Officers, to betray their Trusts, their Fellow-members, the Privileges of Parliament, and all that is sacred & honourable, to murder their King, break all their Oaths and Vows, only to satisfy the Exorbitant Lust of some few aspiring Army Grandees, who all of them were their Servants, Raised, Armed, Commissionated, Impowered, and Paid by them, for other ends then to be commanded by them to act things contrary both to their Oaths and Consciences. Can they, who but few years before had engaged England in a bloody quarrel, and called in the Scots to their assistance and all to defend (as they pretended) the Privileges of Parliament, when their lawful KING, their sworn Sovereign, demanded but five of their Members to a Legal trial, upon a Just Charge, which he proffered against them; suffer their Servants, who received their pay, and had been sworn to their Obedience, to secure, imprison and detain, forty at a time of their Fellow-members, and after exclude and drive away nigh two hundred more? How then did they adjourn, and continue to sit in a Committee in London, till that pretended and (in comparison of this) not imaginable Force was removed? And now can they keep their seats, and continue sitting? Then they resolved into a Committee, now they remain as an House, nor remain only, but act, nor act alone, but prescribe Qualifications to such as shall be readmitted to sit, by which it is apparent, that they were not compelled by force of the Soldiery, to what they did, (although that had convinced them of pusillanimous Cowardice, in stead of Magnanimity) but they complotted with, contrived and invented what the Rebellious Soldiery acted, among whom all were not alike to be taxed, for the than General, now the Lord Fairfax, was so far from contriving or countenancing, that he was unsatisfied with those proceed against his Majesty, which was indeed (as after appeared evidently) the sole Plot of OLIVER the Copper-nosed Saint, and some other Schismatical Army Officers, together with a few treacherous, perjured Commoners, who (forcibly secluding most of their number, and the House of Lords willingly adjourning, till this bloody Tragedy might be over, (unless by God prevented) and so Disavowing the Murder) had the Honour to be infamous by themselves, an stained with Sacred Royal Blood.  
I grant you Mr. Milton, that these Patriots, as you style them, did this, but while they did not own what they acted, but would seem to lie under the Army's Force, (when indeed, they, and the Rebellious part of the Army mutually complotted and contrived the whole business as it was after acted) where was their Magnanimity? If the Action was good, and just, and honourable, why would they seem unwillingly compelled to it? Why did they so oft send to the Army and demand the readmission of their Members? since they did not desire, nor intent it, why did they pretend to desire it? Was that a part of their valour and Magnanimity? To pretend a fear, and affrightment, from unarmed Petitioning London Apprentices, who seized not a person of them, nor offered the least violence, no nor yet menacing words, not daring to oppose the insulting Soldiery, if they really disliked their Actions, nor yet having confidence enough to own their Actions if they did (as since it appeared undeniably) approve of what they did; who but Mr. Milton would style this a Magnanimous Action?  
If Perjury, Treachery, breach of Vows, Murder, Usurpation, Oppression, and Sacrilege, be the demonstrations of a just action; if to be chosen for the good of the Counties, Cities, or Burroughs choosing, in a joint, not divided way, with, not without the House of Peers, to consult with the KING, not to depose and murder him; and yet to do contrary to all for which they were Elected: If to be returned by Indentures, to advise with the King about matters of great concernment, to be sworn at admission into the House, to be true to the King, his Heirs, etc. to maintain him, and all his just Privileges, and to confirm this Oath by several after Oaths and Covenants, and Protestations, and yet to butcher the same King, make War against, and proclaim Traitor his Son, expel him out of one of his Hereditary Kingdoms, and wherein he was Crowned, make it Treason to relieve him in Exile, yea Malignity to pray for him publicly: If to make an Invasive War on Scotland, for Crowning a King, to whom, and which, they were bound by Oath, without their consent, who had murdered the Father, not only without but contrary to theirs, and contrary to their own reiterated Oaths and Duty. If I say, all these, and ten times as many the like Actions, which all concur to, and centre in the abolishing of Kingship, be just, than next to the Devil, the Rumpers shall have my Voice to applaud their Justice: And as for their Magnanimity let them commend it who know not, or will not believe, how perfidiously they wrought with their own stipendiary Servants, to rebel against those from whom they derived their power, and by whom paid. It was the major part of the Commons and the Peers, that always acted, empowered, ordered and disposed of all things, which how magnanimously the Rump could usurp to themselves, we have seen, having an Army at hand to back them, but so cowardly they were, that they durst not own themselves to have a hand in any of these Transactions, but like a Puppet-player drew the Curtain of a rebellious mutinous Soldiery before the eyes of the spectators though quicker sights easily at first perceived the juggle.  
'Twil now not be unseasonable to consider the experience which the worthy Patriots the restorers of us to Liberty had of Kingship, which is no more than what themselves expressed in their Resolus and Votes, (as is at large related by learned Mr Walker in his History of Independency,) and the same is here laid down by Mr M●lton their Champion, for the ground of this their abolishing the same. They had found it by long experience, burdensome, expensive, useless, and dangerous, so also they judged the House of Peers, unnecessary, etc. Concerning this I have spoken already, and yet I must repeat the same arguments, although not the same words, since that maxim in oratory holds ever true, Nunquam nimis dicitur quod non satis intelligitur. Let us consider things then, and if we want not memory, we shall not want instances enough to convince as well the Rump as this their Champion, that this their old discovery, was but a new forgery, and an expressly sinning against the light of their Conscience, would any that had read the Speakers Speech to the KING made on the fifth of November, 1640 at the first convention of this Parliament, believe that he then had found Kingship or Kingly Government, such as the Rump since declare to the world their experience thereof, nevertheless the same William Lenthal though he then protested his Judgement, that the welfare of these Nations under God depended on his Majesty and his Royal issue, and acknowledged with pretended gratefulness, how under him and his Father, this Kingdom had flourished, yet eight years after, behold, and stand in admiration the same man with a perjured tongue and double mind, sits Speaker to the Rump, and they pretend their long experience, not only of the burden and uselessness, but the danger of Kingly Government. Of Sir Henry Mildmay, and both the Vanes Cornelius Holland, and several others, this I may say, and wrong neither them nor the truth. That if ever Servants had a good Master, and he in requital false, wicked servants, they and their murdered Master may be cited as full and clear Examples. And yet these will needs be Saints, in opposition to the Apostle Paul, who saith that perhaps for a good Master some servant may dare to die, never supposing or imagining there should be such desperately treacherous Servants to circumvent, and Murder their Master.  
As for the burdensomeness of Monarchy, which I presume we are to interpret concerning our own Government by Kings, and more particularly of that excellently accomplished, and first english royal Martyr King CHARLES. How expensive I pray you, how burdensome was he? Can he or any other KING before him, raise moneys without a Parliament. As for his Family expense, did ever any man before you tax him with profuseness? Did he or could he make war without the advice of those Nobles who were of his Privy Counsel? Nay on the other hand was not his Father so fare given to peace, and peacemaking that he gave for his Motto, Beati Pacifici? and reckoned it his honour to be accounted one of that number? Was not the imputation laid upon him by those who make it their business to bark at Majesty, and to speak evil of dominion, that he was a Coward and one who would rather choose to buy a dishonourable peace, then to make and manage an honourable War? was not he by the invitation of his allies the Bohemian Protestants, as well as those of Rochel, the instigation of his Peers, the addresses and encouragement of all his loving Subjects, stirred up to a War in defence of both the Bohemians, and Rochellians? In prosecution of which, was not his treasure exhausted, and a War left from the Father to the Son, to the pursuing whereof, Conscience, Religion, and reputation bound him? and yet how slack were the Parliaments for his supply, how earnestly on the other hand did he desire it, and yet factious spirits being crept into these grand Counsels, how was time spent in vain, and nothing effected? I speak not now as an Historian, but as an Orator, my present task is to urge matters granted, not to relate, but for things of fact, I shall recommend the Reader to the larger history of Mr Sanderson, and the briefer of Lambert Wood Gent: both relating the full substance, of what was done, and suffered by our happy (had we known our happiness) King CHARLES the First, whole happiness as to himself is (I question not) beyond mortal capacity, and whose glory, honour, and renown for his Conquest in his sufferings, exceeds the most famous of all our former English Monarches.  
Our Kings before these reforming times, had a splendid Revenue accommodated to the Majesty of a Court, although much short of the expense which a warlike Camp and navy Call for, to the former our King's estate was fitted, of the latter he was himself uncapable, without the assistance of his Subjects, nor was this to be had of them, without their free consents in Parliament, where neither the Lords, nor Commons alone, but both together were in a capacity to furnish the King. Good Sir, what burden was here? But moneys you say, were commonly extorted out of the Commons no just cause appearing to them. Strange that Mr Milton should write such a foolish absurdity, and yet considering him the Author of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the defence of the people against English Salmasius, and the Paradoxes concerning divorce, the subject methinks befits the pen. How is it possible for money to be extorted from the Commons in Parliament without their Consent? When neither the Lords nor King, both concurring could impose one Subsidy upon the Commons. Nor was it ever known that the Commoners sat in Parliament under a visible compelling force, until these times of mysterious reformation. It is certain, the major part of the house of Commons must vote a subsidy or subsidies, or else the King must go without them, and this must pass the house upon a full debate of the question. Now to imagine that moneys voluntarily given, should be extorted, and where the question is put and each man without compassion hath liberty of giving his Ay or No, without further rendering an account of the reason of his dissent, more than he is free to, or if he have reason (as you insinuate) and gave it, he is not liable to the least question, for any freedom used, in expressing his mind in the house, who but a man compounded, and made up, of ignorance and impudence, would say, that such moneys, so given, upon such debate, and the question so oft put, no man being bound up to either consent or descent, but as his judgement, and Conscience gave him, were extorted without any reasonable Cause appearing.  
To this I know what you would reply, namely, That the House of Commons had within its Walls a Court faction, and without, both King and Lords, (who were his Creatures) and all labouring to their utmost, to supplant the sincere part of the Commons, who were zealous in defence of the People's Liberty. This Mr. Milton is soon said, and Machiavelli teacheth you no less, but not so easily to be admitted: The Commons are chosen by the Counties, Cities and Burroughs, for which they serve, who usually choose such whom they most confide in, to the Electors they are engaged by Indenture, or Covenant, and so where a Free Choice is, there is less fear, that men chosen by all, impowered by all, and representing all, and willingly engaging their Faith and Credit to all, should contrary to their Trust betray all, and comply with the Royal Interest, to the prejudice of those who Elected, and entrusted them to Represent themselves. We know, Mr. Milton, that Elections than were Free, and no Prohibition laid upon any that were by Law capable, either from Electing or being Elected. True, since our Yoke (as you term it) hath been shaken off, and none are under restraint, but only such who fear an Oath, and make Conscience to keep those sacred ties inviolable, which judicially and conscientiously they took, we have had at least nine parts of ten restrained from either choosing or being chosen, so that the tenth part only hath had liberty of Ordering the Election, and the other nine parts, must upon penalty of being plundered, sit still, and call this a Free Parliament, in such a House of Commons, as this I doubt not but many may be found, who will betray their Trust, pretended to be committed to them, because they indeed are not Elected by, but Obtruded upon the people: Thus we have had not only Knights, but also Citizens, and Burgesses, more than formally yea really, men (cum accinctis Gladiis) with their Swords girt, for Army Officers have not seldom been the major part of the House, or else such with the Officers, who held places of great profit, under the then ruling, or rather Domineering Usurpers.  
But if really these men had (as you say) experimentally found, and that upon long proof, Kingly Government to be expensive and burdensome, what can they pretend in excuse, that they should Declare publicly their intent to be, to make this King's Rvenue Larger and more Splendid? Was this intent real, or did they make use of it as a decoy pretence to engage the Common people of their side, without whom they could not perform their work? Yea I will appeal only to themselves, had they not declared, protested, covenanted, vowed, and used all sacred and solemn means, to persuade the Nation, that their real intent was only to remove some bad Counsellors from about the King, and to bring them to Justice, but that to his Majesty's Person, and Royal Issue, they bore firm and inviolable Allegiance, nor ever minded to abridge his just Prerogative, only with it to confirm and secure, and settle the Liberty and Privilege of the Subject, if (I say) they had not Declared this, do they think that ever Money had been lent and raised, or so many men would have engaged their Lives and Fortunes? No verily, those turbulent spirits (without these specious shows) had been left at first, stripped of all Friends and Abettors, to the hand of Justice, to have had their hot spirits cooled with deserved Imprisonment, or perhaps with a Hempen Preservative, against future infection with a treasonable Rebellious Spirit.  
Well then, if the People by such pretences were cheated into a Rebellious War, it cannot so much be imputed to them, considering, what the Parliament with sacred solemnity vowed and swore, (enough to induce any, but very discerning Judgements, to side with them) but the blame must for ever lie at their doors, who have acted so rebelliously and perfidiously on one hand, and dissemblingly on the other.  
Consider I pray you things upon the account of Justice, for Sir, there is Justice among Thiefs and Highway men, if they share their Booty fairly and equally: could these Patriots, as you call them, of our liberty, (the Rumpers I mean) with their own valour and wit, upon their own Charges, have defeated the King, and all who should appear for him, upon the score of the expensiveness, burdensomeness, uselessness and dangerousness of his Office, and publicly avowed this to be their quarrel? I'll grant you, then, their actings might have been justifiable, upon the title of Conquest, and a posteriori, for Originally they could not be so, considering the paucity of their number, but when it is evident, that not they, but the major part of the Nation, many by actual appearing in Arms, all by Countributing Moneys, carried on the War from the beginning to the end, now at last for them by compliance with a corrupt mutinous Soldiery, to employ the Victory to other, nay clean contrary ends, then for which Arms were first taken, and Moneys raised, to turn out all, that with them, for Eight years together carried on the War jointly, because at last they could not in Conscience, and would not join with them in so detestable perjurious actings, to murder, destroy, and plunder as many as durst oppose these palpable Praevarications, if I say these actions do not point out Saints in grain, the most barbarous of Murderers, to wit Regicides, the most abominable sort of Thiefs, to wit Sacrilegious Robbers, the most damnable of Professors, to wit Hypocrites, the most corrupt of English Commoners to wit Rumpers, I shall leave it to any of their friends, to consider, at least, if ever God should open his, or their eyes, or they come upon their Deathbed: I am sure no Cordial unprejudiced Englishman can think of those unheard of practices, but with the like affection wherewith Aeneas at the Request of Queen Dido made relation of his past miseries, which he with his Country suffered,  Infandum Regina jubes renovare dolorem. 
Yea I question not, Mr Milton, but succeeding ages will esteem of it, next to the rejecting and crucyfying the Lord of Life, Jesus Christ, the most detestable example that ever any people who were really, or desired to be reputed the people of God, acted, or abetted.  
But Sir whatever you have said as to this Argument, I shall have occasion to meet with and speak to in proving my own assertions, and therefore I shall with as much brevity, as perspicuity will admit discourse of, and by solid reasons confirm the same.  
Kingship I affirm, to be the only desirable government in the world, and of all sorts of Kingly Governments or Monarchies, ours of England was most tightly composed, equally tempered, and suited to a Nation really free, and yet truly Subject, where Majesty and subjection made a true harmony, and the most inferior members were as equally necessary to the good of the whole, as the chief. In it the King was Supreme, the head of Law and Justice, and yet himself never had power to make, or to execute any Law, the governed people propounded, form, and modelled, such Laws by which they were to be ruled, The peers who also had a share in subjection, yet a degree advanced above the Commons, they had likewise a hand in Laws; that were to be enacted, to whom therefore they were brought for approbation. And being thus form and approved, they were lastly presented to the King for his Royal confirmation. Thus the Commons propounding, and framing the nobles approving and Consenting, the King signing and confirming, Laws were made. Where now is flavery? where the bondage, and vassalage, which you made so great a noise concerning? Was it in having any Laws at all? Truly Mr Milton, however you palliate things I believe verily there lies the knot that troubles you, there your shoe pinches. I find generally such Christian Libertines, as your writings show you to be one of, come at last to throw off all external coercive, or binding laws, and desire only to be governed by the Law within them, which in truth is a spirit of lawlessness. To this your doctrine of divorce seems to incline, therein you complain much of bondage, and thraldom, vassalage, and what not, only for standing indispensably obliged to your wife, after the Covenant of God mutually passed between you, what wonder then, if you account it vassalage to be held by an Oath of Allegiance? But as there have been, and are many who account themselves at a much greater liberty, being engaged in an inviolable bond, to a loving wife, (& considering the frailty of their nature, cannot abide a single life) so I question not but thousands of sober spirits, Judged themselves fare more free, when we had our KING, and kept our Oaths by which we were indispensably engaged to him Conscientiously and firmly, then since, by Hypocrisy, Perjury, and Rebellion, we have gained this (much talked of) Liberty.  
But to return to our former, and not by humane Art amendable form of Government if you will yield it convenient to have any Laws, what can be better than those of the People's own making, they propounded, they framed them, unless you would have their Resolves to be Laws, without any Concurrence of Nobles, or Consent of the KING? If so, what monstrous Liberty would you have, when virtually two thirds of the Nation must be content, with what the Commons do, or as the Proverb is turn the buckle of their girdle behind them, and seek their amends where they can get them? The KING his Family and Posterity, had a Revenue of their own for which he was not engaged to the present people. He had lands by due title as any Commoner in England, and was suable in case he detained any man's Land, or other of his estate illegally, and the Law equally free against, as for the King, Now the Royalties which belonged to him (as supreme) viz. Customs etc. were his by descent, and ancient prescription, in wrong of no Subject, or if any thing did pinch upon any Subject, as the forfeitures of felons goods, wrecks etc. these (had the Commons, with the Lords, adjudged them a burden) might easily have been taken away, and the King would willingly have been content, with a more equitable income, of the like value, The Nobles also had very large Estates, and Revenues. And so had likewise the Bishops, and such who attended the service of God, who had great possessions. Who should represent these in a bare house of Commons? Experience shows us, that no sooner were the Bishops, etc. put down, by these reformers, but their Lands were all alienated from the Church, and sonld, and turned to impious uses, namely to reward the Soldiers for what English blood they have shed, and this done by those who never had the piety, to give any thing to the Church. But of such Church robberies, I shall be silent hereafter because the lands (thus ravished away from the true use to which they were intended) were public lands, but being once dedicated to God, many good Christians, could have wished, they had still been reserved to the same ends, though perhaps the same persons might not be adjudge fit to possess them but of this only by the way, however this is a lamentation, and shall be for a Lamentation.  
The people of England, as they had Liberties, which were their birthright and precious to them, so also had the King as one of the Nation, for his being King, and so Supreme although it added much to him, beyond other men, yet it abridged him of nothing that was his, as a man, It was right the King should have Liberty, in his Confirmation, of what the Peers, and Commons presented to him, for his Royal ascent, or else they might, if ever both estates could agree, at their pleasure, dethrone him, or limit, or alter his successors, or what not injurious to him as a man, but much more as a King? So likewise the Nobles of the Land, how should they be represented? Barely to be chosen among the Commoners? If so what inconvenience of necessity must thence arise, and how absurd it would be, a shallow discretion might easily apprehend, for first they exceeding (for the Generality) the Commons in estate, would be much more popular, and so, if they could be courted so fare out of their honour, as to accept of popular elections, what Parliament could we expect but the majority of them would be Nobles, and by this means they which in our present constitution, are only revisers, and approvers of the Laws would soon become the Law-framers, and Enactors. Or if you should imagine that few only of them would be chosen, as of late, two of the house of Peers were Rumpers, what inequality and absurdity would there be, when a small Borough shall elect two Burgesses, and he who is Lord perhaps of twenty or more Burroughs, and the chief man in three or four Counties as to estate, shall only be represented by his own single voice, and some not at all? What siding, and factions this must necessarily produce? Our Government then Mr Milton needed none of your Art to mend it, no more than the Law of Marriage, needed your Divinity to explain and limit it: and as by the latter you gained little credit among the Ladies or such prudent sober men who made a Conscience of their Vow in Marriage, so the former is less acceptable to true loyal breasts, and will be exibilated by the vulgar, when once the fury of our former madness is a little allayed.  
'twas strange that you could imagine no subordinate engagement to a single person, but what is accompanied with Vassalage, when it is certain in faith, that among the three persons, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who are God blessed for evermore, are both Subordinately related as Persons to the Father, and yet there is that blessed freedom and Liberty, that among them is unity. But we will come to humane Governments, for concerning them will lie the question, In society the first subordination is aeconomical of children to Parents, and for to provide the better for a man's family, and to carry on things more comfortably, comes in another relation, of servant and Master. Now although the Man and Wife be head of the family, yet not separately but unitedly, and the Wife herself is suborainate, being above all the rest, only inferior to her husband, although in some cases equal. This state of society admits no democracy, nay it is accounted a misery for a servant to have more than one Master, insomuch that Christ saith, it is impossible to serve two masters, and adds for a reason, that he will hate that one, and love the other, he will cleave to the one and despise the other. It was the Complaint of Cyrus in the Comedy, that he did not know, who, nor how many were his Masters, and though he be brought in as a slave, yet this he laments as aggravating his bondage. Here Mr Milton may observe divers subordinations to one, and yet no bondage, but all make up on free family, and live in peace, and Love, and plenty together. The Wife is subject to her husband one to one, yet no Vassal unless Mr Miltons' doctrine of divorce may be admitted that he may turn her off, as soon, or as oft as his wayward spirit can find no delight in her. The Children are subject to their Parents yet no slaves, and although they owe obedience to both, yet their father is, in the family chief, and he makes and usually executes all Laws, in his family, nevertheless no tyranny can be charged upon the Father nor Vassalage imputed to the Sons, The Master and Servant is another relation, the Servant bound by his own Consent, and to be at the Master's command in lawful and possible things, yet would scorn the title of a slave or Vassal, What need I instance in other societies, of Schools of Learning, where one Pedagogue is found the best expedient, though he have Ushers under him, so in Colleges, one Chancellor over an University, one Rector or Precedent over a Hall or College, so in a Ship one Master over a Company, one Captain over a Regiment, one Colonel over an Army, one General, and yet no slavery nor Vassalage. But to come nearer, in a family, where are (perhaps) many Sons and Daughters, and a multitude of Servants, upon the death of the Father, doth not the supremacy (as I may call it, or chief rule,) descend to the first born, both by light of Nature, and divine Commandment? Surely Mr Milton never studied the dignity and authority of the r●ght of Primogeniture, and that by Nature's Law, and divine Institution, upon the score of slighting, and selling, whereof Esau gained the title of profane, and was rejected, nor (having once despised his birthright) could he get the blessing afterward though he sought it with tears, But old Isaac, subjected him to his brother Jacob, that he should serve him, and bow down to him and yet was he no slave, Nor were the Sons of Jacob (who were twelve) and his Grandsonnes, (than a numerous multitude) Slaves, though all subjected to Judah, the firstborn by divine praeheminence, and old jacob's appointment, Reuben having by his incontinency, (in defiling his own Father's bed) forfeited that privilege, which was next to death, (which he deserved therefore) a heavy, matchless punishment. One would thing that if ever a Republic had been necessary and useful, now it was when twelve Brethren, all living, and fatherless, had under them a multitude of Sons and Daughters, grandchildren, Servants, and handmaids, yet then, one Judah is appointed Lawgiver to them all, and so confirmed, until the coming of Shiloh, to whom the gathering of the Nations should be, And this is not a Boorish way of a Dwindling Commonwealth, But the Sceptre shall not departed from Judah, nor a Lawgiver (in the singular number, mark that) from between his feet, etc. Yea, was not this part of the promise of God to Abraham, when his name was changed unto Abraham, That Kings should come out of his Loins? Before he had blessed him with fruitfulness, that he should be the Father of many Nations, and his seed should be innumerable like the stars of Heaven, or the sand upon the Seashore, but at last, and upon the change of hi●●ame, he assures him that Kings should come out of him, not only that his seed should be many, his posterity innumerable, but as an addition of happiness, they should be advanced to the Majesty of a great and mighty Kingdom, all which was fulfilled in Gods due time. With what face Mr. Milton, can you brand that estate, with the base titles of Slavery, Bondage, Vassalage, and Servileness, which God added unto Abraham as a corollary of temporal blessings? faecundity even to innumerableness, as the Stars of Heaven or as the sand upon the Seashore, he had promised him before, yet still he remained Abraham, but when he adds this to his former blessings that his posterity should flourish into a Magnificent Kingdom, than he altars his name into Abraham, Whose other Son Ishmael, when Abraham groaned out his desires to the Lord, Oh that Ishmael may live before thee, God answers him likewise concerning him, Of him will I make a great Nation, I will multiply him exceedingly, and for an addition or rather fullness of his earthly blessings? (Twelve Princes shall he beget) So concerning Esau, the brother of Jacob, (from whom sprang the blessed seed) the Scripture mentioning his temporal felicity, (for Isaac had blessed him also with the fatness of the earth) records what Dukes sprang out of his Loins, and what Kings reigned over Edom, before any King reigned over Israel. Which makes it evident that Kingly Government is the most honourable, majestical Government, and argues a greater portion of God's blessing poured forth upon the Nation that enjoys it, then where any other inferior, and more Contemptible Government is had.  
It is a poor Sophism that you use, Sir, that God gave Israel a King in wrath, and imputed it a sin to them that they asked one, if it be certain, that God had before blessed Abraham with the promise of Kings to come out of his loins, and the Government of the seed of Jacob, was to be by a Sceptre, and this to spring out of Judah, and the King of Kings (God for ever blessed) was to be clothed with humane flesh, from one that lineally descended of King David, and his Grandfathers to be a continual succession of Kings. It argued only that they asked unseasonably, and in unbelief, (for whoever believes, makes not haste, but patiently waits the accomplishment of Gods Promises in his time) they asked also upon a wrong principle, and for a wrong end, not to have the blessed Promise of God accomplished, but to be like other Nations. Nor did they consider, that then God was their King, Samuel ruling over them, and judging them, who was known from Dan unto Beersheba to be a Prophet of the Lord, and to have frequent Dialogues with his Maker. This was their sin, and God to convince them of it, gave them their desire, a King in his wrath, whom he after took away in his displeasure.  
'Tis strange, that God should make his Covenant with David, (even an everlasting Covenant) which was so inviolable that sooner should the Covenant of the Day, and of the Night be broken, than it, had he adjudged Kingship a Government not so wellpleasing to him, as that of a Commonwealth: Yet at that time, and before, the Sanedrim, or grand Counsel of the Seventy Elders, were in being, nevertheless of none of them, nor of any of the Priests, though the order of Aaron was Sacred and Noble, would Christ vouchsafe to come, but only of the Kingly stock of the house of Judah, Two of whom David and Solomon, were immediate Types of him, and Prophets Divinely inspired. Certainly Mr. Milton this will argue something for Kingship, or Kingly Government.  
But to proceed orderly in what I intent, I shall recapitulate some things, and then proceed through the whole History of God's People the Jews, urging what may be necessary to my present purpose, (and this very briefly) afterwards I shall come to the times that have been since Christ, and shall take notice of some instances, both modern and ancient, which have been delivered us by Historians, concerning other places, especially Republics or Commonwealths.  
First let us begin with Abraham, the Father of the Faithful, the first to whom the promises, (which in his seed, were extended to all Nations) were made. This Abraham was a great Prince, as was acknowledged by the Sons of Heth, so great, that when the five Kings of Sedom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboim and Zoar, were overcome by the four Kings who came against them, and Lot among the rest was taken Prisoner, he with his Confederates, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre, went out, gave them battle, overcame them, and rescued Lot. This Abraham was so absolute a Monarch, that God testified of him, I know that he will command his Family, and his Children after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement. See here, absolute command, and absolute subjection, without tyranny on one band, or Vassalage on the other. The same power, descended from him to Isaac, and successively to Jacob, and by him (being Divinely directed) it was entailed upon Judah and his Offspring, over all their brethren, until the coming of Shiloh, which Promise was accomplished (with the blessing thereof) in the Anointing of David, especially when he was confirmed King, over all Judah and Jerusalem.  
During which interval of time, for the space of four hundred and thirty years they were Sojourners, and in Bondage, in Egypt. But when the time of deliverance came, God sent them a Captain, and a Redeemer, even Moses, who was a Prince in Jeshuron, or Israel, concerning whom God said, That Aaron should be unto him as a Mouth, and he should be unto the people as (or in the stead of) God. What was this, but a KING, or Chief Ruler or Judge, as Stephen expounds it in the Acts, This Moses (saith he) whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a Judge, or Ruler over us, the same did God send to be a Ruler and Deliverer. He under God immediately, conducted, gave Laws to, yea he judged and determined Controversies between them. And when the Seventy were chosen, by the advice of Jethro (Moses Father-in-law) it was for his case, that he might not be worn out by sitting all day to judge between them, to hear and determine their Controversies: with a Reserve still, or an Always provided (as our Laws have it) that the greater, and more difficult, and weighty matters be brought unto Moses; by which it appears, that he under God was their Supreme Judge, Captain, Leader and Conductor.  
After Moses death, Joshua succeeds him, of whom first it is testified, that the Spirit of Moses rested upon him, that is, he was the People's Chief Captain, and Judge, though the Sanedrim still continued, for that remained an Ordinance in Israel, till the coming of the Messiah, (although perhaps with some variation) yea it is further added, that the Lord promised to be, and was, with him, as he was with Moses, and the people obeyed him, as they did Moses. I dare say, and affirm, that no King of England ever did assume, nor any would hereafter desire a larger extent of Authority, over Subjects, than Joshuah had and exercised over Israel.  
After Joshua succeed the Judges, who all of them exercised the authority (although they wanted the title of Kings, yet one of the Sons of Gideon, Abimelech, born of a Concubine, had both the power and title of a King, and was a Tyrant; yet was he none, to whom, and in whom the promise of blessedness was made, which was not accomplished till David's time.  
Add to this, that the Glory of Israel was never complete but under Kingly Government, no nor till the promised Kingly stock came. Before, they were sold now to this heathen King, now to that, oppressed, burdened, and afflicted; yea, and in the time of Saul, the Philistines oppressed Israel sorely, insomuch, that you shall find Saul with a slender Army, and them following him trembling, on the other hand, the insulting Philistims reproaching them, when they saw any of them to appear, These Hebrews come out of their holes into which they were crept to hid themselves: Until David, the Chosen of the Lord comes to sit upon the throne, and to have the Kingdom established unto him over all Israel, as well as Judah, than he fights the Battles of the Lord, and God gives him Victory on every side, until the name of Jacob became famous among the Nations.  
And it is worth observation, that after the death of Joshua, and the Elders who outlived Joshuah, who had seen Gods great works, no Ruler being then in Chief, the Children of Israel ask counsel of God, who shall go up first to battle, and God gives answer, Judah shall go up first. Now the Sanedrim or Commonwealth of Israel, had a time to be tried, how good a Government that was, yet than you shall find, the Children of Israel making peace with the Nations about them, contrary to the express command of God, by Moses and Joshua, severely enjoined, and often reiterated: Then comes the Angel with that sad message, which made them lift up their voice and weep, so remarkably that the place from it took the name of Bochim, or place of weeping. Then was that prevarication of Israel, not to be expiated but by reiterated, and tedious servitudes, under Heathen, neighbouring Princes, whom they forbore to extirpate, according to the Command of God. Then comes the time of which the Holy Ghost testifies that there was no King in Israel, and every one did that which was right in his own eyes, This was the Interstitium of Government, (that of the bare Sanedrim or Seventy Elders, being reputed by God as none at all) in which the Levites Concubine was, with unheard of brutish inhumanity, ravished to death, which barbarous abominable action was revenged, with almost the whole extirpation of one great Tribe in Israel, to wit Benjamin, forty thousand stout men, being lost in two preceding Battles, on the part of the Eleven other Tribes, and after this, the Jabesh-Gileadites utterly cut off (all the males to wit, and married women) because they were Anathematised by a Solemn Vow of the Congregation, for not appearing before the Lord in Mizpeh, in revenge of this detestable Rape upon the Tribe of Benjamin.  
By which it is evident, that the Government of Moses, Joshua, and the Judges was accounted by God as Kingship, and the want thereof, is by Divine inspiration reputed as a total defect of Government. There was no King in Israel, therefore every man did what was good in his own eyes: Yet at that time it is evident, (by the same sacred authority) that there were Elders of the Congregation, otherwise called the Chief of the Tribes, who consulted upon this act, (of those of Gibeah) committed against the Levite, upon his Concubine, and who, upon the Benjamites appearing armed to defend the fact, managed the War against the whole Tribe, who devoted to destruction (by a solemn Curse in Mizpeh) what City, Town, or Family soever, should not appear to revenge this wickedness: Who repent after, that a Tribe should come so near to perishing out of Israel, Who advised a way to the Benjamites, how to supply them (that survived that great overthrow, and massacre of their Brethren) with Wives, having before given an Oath, with a Curse (to all the people) upon whosoever should give a wife to a Benjamite. A man would think, that here were Government good enough, if a Republican Government were worth estimation: But notwithstanding it is testified, that no King being in Israel, every man did what was good in his own eyes. The miseries brought upon Israel during the Interval, between Joshua and the Judges, Sampson and Samuel, were so great and overwhelming, that David a great Warrior, and with whom God was, spent his whole Reign, in fight the Lords Battles, and making up those defects, and amending such faults, which were committed during the space, that there was no King in Israel, who therefore, being as the Holy Ghost styled him, a man of blood, was put off from building the Temple of the Lord, (although it was in his heart, and God accepted therein his good intentions) but this work was reserved to Solomon his Son and Successor, a King of Peace, and blessed with Plenty and all manner of Prosperity, (and so Chists Type) in whose days Jerusalem was the renown of all the Nations round about, who paid Tribute to Solomon, and counted it their glory and happiness to be his Friends and Allies.  
Add to this, that during the Reign of David, Jerusalem first came to be subject to Israel, (being formerly in the possession of the Jebusites,) which was the only place chosen by God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, out of all the Earth, to put his name there, here was Zion the holy place, out of which the Lord vouchsafed to distil his blessing, First upon his chosen people, and by their means upon all that fear him, in all Nations, making no difference. After David, comes Solomon mighty in power, and extent of dominion, (for the bordering Nations were his tributaries, to the great River, yea and beyond it) splendid in magnificence, abounding in Riches, incomparable for Wisdom, yet blessed with Peace, he builds a Temple for the Lord of Hosts, and a place for the God of Jacob to dwell in, who sitting in the high and holy Heavens and whom the Heavens of Heavens cannot contain, yet vouchsafed to dwell between the Cherubims, which Solomon, had made according to the pattern given to him from himself. Of this performance God himself testifieth, that from the day that Israel came out of Egypt, he had no house to dwell in, but was content to dwell in Tabernacles, in which (being made according to the pattern, showed by God to Moses, in the Mount) were put the Ark, with other holy things, belonging to God's worship, and so continued till Solomon's time, as showing that God dwelled not, but did then only Sojourn, (as it were) with them sure till the time of Solomon, than first among the Israelites was Religion, not only in purity, but also flourished, God's name was not only known to be great and holy, but it also appeared most glorious. Then did truth appear triumphant in the Beauty of Holiness.  
After Solomon in the hands of several successive Kings the Government continued, until the Captivity, although God to chastise the sins of Solomon, (according to his Covenant with David his Father, in case his sons should forsake his Law) rend ten tribe from his Son Rehoboam, and his seed yet continued he the Government of Kings, till the Captivity unto them; among whom some were more eminently good; prosperous and famous, as especially Hezekiah, and Josiah, others wicked, and Idolatrous; forsakers of God's Laws, and therefore afflicted.  
After the Captivity in the time of the second Temple, the Jews had many changes of Governors, and Conditions as is largely related in the history of Flavius Josephus, but flourished under none comparably to Monarchichal Government, and although for a long time, the High Priest was, and ruled, as their Prince, however he changed not the Kingly Constitution into that of a Republic, as Historians will fully satisfy any man that desires information therein, Yea and during the second Temple, before Christ it is certain, that then was their time most troublesome, their Condition most lamentable, and to be pitied, their distractions almost ruinous, when the true succession from Shealtiel to Zerobabel, etc. was interrupted, then were they sold as it were, for a prey to the neighbouring Grecians; and to other enemies, who by frequent incursions, and in a manner devastations of them almost ruined them, only now and then God sent them Princes, who were deliverers and famous Captains, such as the Macchabees and others, of whom Josephus in his History instituted (de bello Judaico) gives a clear large and full account.  
To this agrees that the Jews always did expect the Messaih to be a Prince a great Ruler and deliverer, and (to use the disciples words, to Christ when he was about to leave the World) One who should restore the Kingdom, unto Israel. And so (although in another form then the Carnal Jews expected him) Christ is come, the true King of Jews which he denied not unto Pilate, when it was asked of him. If or no he were a King, but answered, It was so, and added that for this end he came into the World, to bear witness unto the truth, with truth the blind Jews not perceiving rejected him, and in him their own mercy, yea they crucified him and in him their true KING the Lord of Glory.  
And now Mr. Milton I am come to that which you seem most willing to be at (viz.) the Command and example of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, which as you conceive expressly prohibits Kingship to any of his disciples branding it with the mark of Gentilism.  
Surely Sir, the Proverb is in you verified, None so blind as he that will not see, (I speak not this of your Corporal blindness) for that, (God is my Judge) I pity, but of your better eyes, (viz.) the understanding, which (methinks) cannot be so palpably blinded, as you would make appear it is.  
We shall easily grant you, that Christ there speaks of temporal dominion: but he speaks to his Disciples, or rather Apostles, who were his family and household, who to the very day of his ascension knew not but that he intended at last to appear a temporal Prince. Now Christ's Kingdom was not of this World, as he himself testyfied when he was betrayed, if it had been his servants would have fought for him, those days of his converse upon earth were the days of his humiliation, in which his Kingdom though real was invisible, the Captain of our Salvation, being to be made perfect by sufferings; So that the check his Disciples received from him, concerning their ambitious desire not only disallow Kingly Authority among them, but all temporal power. For it is apparent that the two Sons of Zebede, by their Mother's intercession, did not desire to be both Kings but only his chief favourites, in his approaching Kingdom, which they carnally imagined, was near that one might sit at his right, the other at his left hand therein, Upon which he teacheth them the nature of his Kingdom, that it was at present to be begun and carried on with suffering Upon the indignation of the other ten, (when they heard this) follows this discourse of Christ, in which he speaks not only of Kings that bear dominion, but of those that are great and grandees, and are therefore called gracious Lords, Not unlike to the Hoghen Moghen, Heers of Holland, What you insinuate of a Free Commonwealth, Coming nearest as you conceive, this Pattern, and Precept: I conceive you would have it understood of our blessed Republic from 48 to 53. Wherein our humble Servants, (as you term them) who were also (if we be so mad as to believe them) the servants of God, served both God and the Nation, whom they pretended equally to be serviceable to, a scurvy trick, and in an ill-favoured way, breaking their Oaths and Vows with one, and their engagements with the other.  
But as for their serving at their own costs and charge, I wish you would be so fare a friend to Church and State, as to make that true; I am sure, for that lamentable service they did for God, in silencing his Ministers, and almost destroying his Worship, they took from him, whatever for many ages past, had been piously dedicated to the maintenance of his service; and for the never to be forgotten service done to the Nations, they did what they could both to ruin and beggar Majesty, undid the Nobility and most of the Gentry, and squeezed the Commons, till they wrung out from them, their radical moisture, and almost their heartblood. As for their walking the streets like other men, it would be well for them, as the case now stands, (blessed be God for it) if they could do so, having deserved so much hate and vengeance from all.  
But to return to your Scripture, you are not ignorant Sir, I make no question, that many things which Christ said to his Apostles, and which he gave them in Precept, was but for the time, and suited to the present occasion, as when he commanded them to go forth without Provision, of Clothes, Meat, or Money, or Staff, yet afterwards he commanded, or rather advised them, That he who had Money, should make use of it, and he who had no sword should sell his Garment and buy one, He that expounds that precept of Christ, as given to all Christians, and to be perpetually binding (which was by you cited) I dare promise him he shall not stop at Kingly Government, but upon the same rule shall in fine, reject all Authority. For at that time Mr. Milton, you know, many of the Gentiles were governed by Republics, as to their own Formal constitution, although they acknowledged and paid a Homage to the Roman Empire: Nor was it then out of memory, since the Romans were themselves a Formal Commonwealth, the bloody disputes for it against Imperial Monarchy being ended but a small time before the birth of Christ. You may read how our Saviour refused to divide an Inheritance between two brethren, and yet the Apostle Paul, who thought he had the Mind and Spirit of Christ, (and I hope you do not question it) accounted it a shame to the Corinthian Christians, that they were either not able, or unwilling to determine a Controversy between Brother and Brother. But I most wonder, that you in your reading did not observe, or would not take notice, that this ambitious spirit of being greatest, was more than once the fault and infirmity of the Disciples, and so more than once reproved: When Christ took a little Child and set amongst them, and said, Whoever receiveth not the Kingdom of God as a little Child, shall not enter therein: That this spirit was the same of Temporal greatness, is certain, for they had learned, that the power of Christ, and the Gifts by him given to them, were freely bestowed, and so they were commanded freely to give them: No Divine ever yet conceived, that they contended who should exceed in the gifts of grace, nor doth Christ's rebuke imply any such thing, for he proposed to them the example of a Child, free from ambition and animosity. If you would from hence infer the mannagement of Christian States, and Commonwealths by Children or Infants, you might do it with the same Reason you made your forementioned Inference, and I should reply that of the Prophet to you, Woe be to thee O Land! when thy Prince is a Child. Your other Scripture by which you would confute those who stand up for Kingly Government of folly and brutishness, I am sure is simply brought in, and brutishly applied: Because the Wiseman sends the sluggard to the Pismire, who without King or Ruler manifests unwearyed diligence in the Summer to provide for Winter, that he may learn understanding from her, you conclude (quite from the Text) that they who think themselves or the Nation undone without a King, let them seem what they will, have not the true understanding of a Pismire. 'Tis well Salmasius is dead, or else in recompense of your allowing him to be only, and scarce a good Grammarian, he would from this place have convinced you of want, of both Grammar Logic and Divinity, or else that you are pleased to make little use of either here. Grammar will tell you, that the Clause (having no Ruler Prince or Lord) is within a Parenthesis, and may be left out, and yet the sense entire. Also that speaking to the sluggard, and sending him to learn Wisdom from the Pismire, implies no more, but that he would have him diligent, while the season calls for it, not that he adviseth him to form or esteem States, and Politic Governments by her Example, Consider her ways (saith the Wise man) how she provides her meat in the Summer, and gathers her food in the Harvest; he sends him not to consider her Constitution, how she had no King, but her ways, or what she doth, being so without King, Ruler or Lord, Logic would also teach you, that the addition of that Clause, by way of Parenthesis, doth add only an Emphasis to his Exhortation, or rather rebuke, and includes barely an argument a fortiori, and absurdo, that if an irrational Pismire, without Lord or Ruler doth thus and thus, much more ought a rational Man, living under a wise and discreet Prince, and Prudent Governors, use the same discretion and diligence, and what an absurd folly, and foolish shame it would be, if he did otherwise. Divinity also would teach you, not to wrest and torture Scripture, you know him who hath testified of many that do so to their own destruction: You cannot employ it to a worse end, then by it to reproach and cast contempt upon Dignities. Do you think Solomon or the Holy Spirit by which he wrote intended any such thing in them words which you gather from them? Himself was a great, glorious, and Magnificent Prince, and gins his Proverbs with the addition of his title (King of Israel.) So also his Book of the Preacher. I wonder that you could hit on this obscure mentioning of a Prince, in one Text, relating to a sluggard, and Pismires, and overlook many plain Texts, teaching honour, and obedience due to the KING, My Son fear God and the King, etc. the fear of God and the King are Coupled together, by an inviolable kno● of Gods own making. So in another place, Curse not the King, no not in thy heart, etc. But most evident is this of the Proverbs, for the dignity of Kingship. Seest thou (saith the wise man) him that is diligent in his business, he shall stand before Kings, he shall not stand before mean (or obscure men. It would be small encouragement to diligence in business, if a man thereby should only prefer himself to be a Slave and Vassal, as you insinuate, standing before Kings to be, he might better neglect it, and enjoy the happy liberty of standing before mean and obscure men, such as you would have our Commonwealth framed of: And we were in a likely condition to have been brought to that pass, could your Favourites and Patriots have accomplished their designs, concerning whose Quality, Mr. Walker, in his History of Independency will satisfy any curious man, if he be rational. To mention all places in the Scripture that mention with honour, and command Conscientious Obedience to Kings, would be tedious, and it would be only (agere actum) Mr. Prynne hath fully and judiciously performed that: It is enough that it was never questioned till these blessed times of Atheistical Liberty. Christ was born under an Emperor, not during the time of the Roman Commonwealth, under Augustus Caesar, at that time the whole world was at peace, the Prince of peace then appearing, then was the Temple of Janus shut, which never fell out during the time of the Republican Constitution of Rome: And Christ, who was born in Bethlehem Judea, yet conversed chief in Galilee, a Formal Kingdom, under Herod, besides its subordination to the Roman Empire, where also he did most of his mighty works, where he appeared first, and conversed chief after his Resurrection, and then no Christian doubts, but he begun his Kingdom of glory, in his own person. In his life time, being asked Tribute, although he first made it appear, that Peter and he, (being children and not strangers) were free from the payment of Tribute, yet paid it, and wrought a miracle to that end.  
But I shall not urge this subject farther, forasmuch as the Scriptures commanding us to pray for KINGS in the first place, the Precept of Christ to render to Caesar what is Caesar's, with other Scripture Rules, of fearing God, honouring the King, joined in one sentence, of branding such who condemn Authority and despise Governments, of being subject for the Lords sake to all that are over us, to the King as Supreme, etc. all being New Testament Precepts, together with the patterns and practices, and professions of Primitive Christians, have all been urged fully and satisfactorily to the Ingenuous by learned Mr. Prynne the honour of our English Nation, in this time of the general Apostasy and prevarication of this Nation, from their duty to their King, and yielding obedience to God's commands, and Christ's, and his Apostles both Precepts and Precedents, and the Church's pattern and practise, for these sixteen hundred years, and upwards.  
I shall return to the assertion before laid down, namely that Monarchy was the best of Governments, to which I added that ours was the best of Monarchies, as to the dignity of Monarchy, or Kingship, (to use the new word put upon our former Government by the Rumpers) to both of which I have already spoken, and urged (as to the excellency of Kingly Government) Gods promise to Abraham, and the accomplishment thereof under David and Solomon, that Nation never being so famous, so glorious, and so flourishing, as during their Reigns, besides whose examples, let the whole world be sought for instances, and never shall we find the magnificence of a Commonwealth comparable to that of Monarchies. How did the Roman Empire in Augustus' time, excel in glory the same Roman Commonwealth: And yet who knows not, that is moderately versed in the Roman History, that their very Common wealths were but nominally so, really Monarchies: What were the Consuls but in stead of a King, and the Senate his Council. Which Consuls though two, yet how oft stood one for more than a cipher? What was Bibulus joined with Julius, but as his shadow? What was Antonius with Cicero, when he without mentioning the other, boasts of himself, not privately, but openly, even to Envy, O fortunatam natam me Consul Romam. You will say the Consul were changed yearly: Granted, but had they stood longer it had been better, however the Senate being for life, and the Consuls chose out of the Senate, they were better able to understand the series of affairs, yet how did one Consul envying his Predecessor carp at what Laws were made in his time? and labour to disgrace and repeal them? the other making a party, stood up and maintained them? Thus the Agrarian and the Portian Laws, with many others, that might be named, were polemically handled in the Pulpits, and disputed in the field by bloody battles, that it was not amiss which was said by one concerning the Agrarian Law, That the opposing and defending it had cost as much blood, and made as many breathless Carcases, as would dung as much Land, as was really benefitted by it. How were they during their Common-Wealthsship plagued with continual aspiring minds, whose thirst and rage was never quenched but with incredible bloodshed? Sylla, Marius, the Gracchis, with many others may be reckoned up, whose ambition of overtopping all, proved almost the Ruin of their Commonwealth, How were they enforced sometimes voluntarily to choose, sometimes perforce to endure a Dictator which was a King or Emperor, with a new name, not much unlike to our English Protector. When Rome was sacked, the Senate slain, and all things desperate, the Capitol only remaining (in a manner) of that great City, the rest turned into rubbish and ashes, by the merciless flames, than something like a King was found necessary, and that was a Dictator, who having done his work, and freed his almost ruined Country, in plain hearted simplicity, resigned his Dictatorship, and was repaid his good service, with the full measure of ingratitude. If upon a force put, a King or somewhat like a King be the best expedient, it is doubtless best always, for (non minor est virtus (quam quaerere) parta tueri) Furius Garnillus found how ungrateful his countrymen proved when by his means they were delivered, a good caution for men in Supreme Authority, to look to themselves. But to return to the Roman Commonwealth, so much admired, by our modern Statists, It will be no solecism to affirm that whatever was in it worth admiration was performed by such who wanted nothing of a King, but the name and settlement, for want of which they were ever rend with divisions, Conspiracies and inbred tumults, often enforced to make, or to endure a Dictator, or Protector, or High-Gonstable, call him what you will, but an absolute Monarch he was until Julius Caesar came, who first being chosen perpetual Dictator, after assumed the title of Emperor, and as an Empire Rome flourished as long, and was incomparably more glorious; then in its own condition when a Commonwealth. As for the Civil wars in the Empire that were frequent and bloody, it must be owned, that peace and war are in the hands of God, by whom King's Reign, and enjoy peace or enmity at home and abroad. However the Reign of Augustus Caesar and of several of his Successors, show evidently, how happy and how peaceable it is possible (if God please) for an incredible Monarchy to be for a long season: but the want of any example (at any time) for the like in a Republic, shows it to be next door to impossible that is beyond Imagination improbable. How glorious, how stately and magnificent was the Babylonian, Assyrian, Persian, and Grecian, Monarchies? And at this day the Turkish, Tartarian, Persian, Chinensian, Aethiopian, and Indian Monarchies? with that of the Moors in Africa? These I name as Heathenish, but great Monarchies, And of Christians the Russian, Palonian, German, Spanish, French, and formerly English Monarchies, how famous are they, and were we. To which you oppose the Venetian Seigniori, the Low Country Boors and the rude Swisser Cantons. Because I find you good at Comparisons I shall be with you there and let the effect speak the cause. And because I perceive you liked very well of our Constitution from 48 to 53, as giving great hopes of a glorious rising Commonwealth, I shall admit that time to come also into Comparison with ourselves under Kingly Government, during the Reign of our late King of blessed memory, (although unfortunate to the infamy of his Subjects, as many as were guilty of his Tragical misfortunes) before these sad divisions appeared, which produced in your opinion so glorious an effect. As for the Athenian, Lacedaemonian, and other Grecian Commonwealths they were of so old a date that the History of them is scarce to be had true, and certain, and therefore I shall speak little of them, but as by the by, perhaps I may glance at them, as you have done.  
First then, as to the Venetian Seignory, I yield its long continuance, its abounding in Riches, and traffic, but withal, I suppose, you will easily grant the power of its troublesome neighbour the Turk, and the fear of its other neighbours who would soon swallow it up if divided, hath been the chief preservative of that Commonwealth under God, and given it so long a life. But yet the Duke of that Seignory, doth not differ so much from a King, whose being limited to a double voice, as things are carried, signifies as little to abridge him of Kingly Authority, as the Nominal electiveness of the Emperor of Germany, is a real bar to the Austrian family. Yet let the Venetian Policy, thus fare speak for the excellency of King-ship. That one Kingdom of Candia which is in their jurisdiction, is the present irreconsileable bone between them and the Turks, the one having gained the most of the Island, (all in a manner) and having built Mosques there, and made places of burial, is prohibited by his religion, to yield up the same, by any treaty, or for any Composition, the Venetians on the contrary, having no Kingdom belonging to their Jurisdiction, but that will take no price to sell away the title, although the defending of it costs them annually an hundred times its value, whereas if they would quit it they might have both peace and a considerable price for it, yet refuse it obstinately, of so great esteem, do they account the title of a Kingdom. And to speak truth, the Venetian Government is suited to their territoryes, they grew up with it, and were no sooner considerable, but had such about them, who watched all opportunityes of swallowing them up, that if they were convinced of a better way of Government, yet was it impossible for them to change, a new Policy, being like a new Garment, though never so much better than the old, yet will be a good while before it will fit so well and be so easy, so that if they should endeavour a change, could they use the Celerity of Angels, in shifting out of one form into another before they could suit themselves to it, or it to themselves, they and their Government would be gripped, and wrested out of their hands, and they made a prey, if not to their cruel and barbarous, yet at least to their ambitious Neighbours. As for Hollanders, if they be a Commonwealth, none of the least causes is because they are fit to make nothing else, being never but a limb of Monarchy, yet as far as they are capable of it, have a Prince of Orange, who differs little really from a King only he may be said to be Rex belluarum he hath a company of malapert swinish unruly Subjects, whose revenue to which he is by the peace restored, lies part in the King of Spain, (his former Liege Lords,) territories, some under the Emperor, some under the French. But among them and out of those Provinces only that rebelled from the King of Spain, should a King live and expect his Revenue he would be a ridiculous King of boorish subjects. They indeed might be rich, but the King a beggarly Prince. They must be then what they are perforce as a block of wood is best employed to make Beetles to cleave other wood withal, if it be so knotty that it will serve for nothing else, or at lest nothing better. What a good Commonwealth think you Holland to be? A Hotch potch of many Independent Jurisdictions, joining forces together upon necessity, to keep them from being punished for their Rebellion against, and abjuring their lawful King, that so they may mutually secure, indemnifye, and keep harmless each other, among whom are to be found some few relics of Ancient Nobility, which appear among, and have relation to the rest, as here and there a great Plum in a Niggard's Plum pudding, where not only the provinces are independent each on other but every Village is a distinct and I may say Supreme jurisdiction, of itself. Only the King of Spain like a great Wolf hath dared them, (as a Hawk over a hedge dares the small birds) and they herd together, to oppose him, as a herd of swine will run together to oppose a Wolf, with their young in the midst, making a ring to defend themselves. Some joint Rules of Confederacy, the united Provinces (as they are called) have made among themselves but indeed they are but as so many several flowers picked and made up into a Nosegay, which have no tye one to another, but a string about all, thus they were at first united for fear of a string or halter, and to this day they continue friendly to one another, and to the whole world upon the same account, so fare as they either get by them, or cannot be without them. And for the Swissers by degrees rend from neighbouring Monarchies, who but he that is a Swisser born and so would not defile his own nest, can commend or speak a word in commendation of their Policy, so fare from being , that it is scarce tolerable. As for the Genevah Commonwealth, the constant fear they live in, makes their political estate, undesireable, yet are they not altogether independent, nor safe, but under the wing of that Prince whom they chose for their Protector, And if the Protector be more honourable than the protected, than the Monarchys of France, must needs be preferred, before the Neithe landish Republic, the protection of whom was offered to England and accepted by France. The Swissers also have their Protector, and so the Hamburgers, the Genoeses, and in a word not any without protection, formally granted on one hand and accepted by the other, that bears the face of a Commonwealth. And the Protector and Patron is still a Monarch, and therefore of the two, Monarchy is the more Noble and absolute Government.  
Such a Commonwealth (Mr. Milton,) as Holland is I suppose you could wish, and would help to make England, but there is among them something that you do not so well like and approve of, that is, the house of Nassau or Orange family, Certainly, what honour or pre-eminence that family hath, we may say as old Tobit said to his Son, concerning the Angels having half of what was brought back from their Journey, considering the many and good services he had done It is due to him. So may we say, and the Dutch when time was acknowledged so much of this Prince's Grandfather, he deserved all they did or could bestow on him, or his posterity. By his valour, prowess, friends, and Estate, at first they rebelled prosperously, and by the same afterwards, they were defended, from punishment of this their Rebellion safe and kept secure, to save whose legally forfeited lives and fortunes (if reduced) he hazarded and spent his own fortunes, and lost his own life, while these merits of the Grandfather were fresh in memory, and the Son surviving the Father might be, and was useful, and serviceable in the same kind, what honour then too great, what accounted too dear for the house of Orange, though since they have with sufficient ingratitude forgot the merits of the Father, Grandfather and great Grandfather, and would deal with the Issue of this their deliverer, as the unthankful Sechemites did with the posterity of Jerubbaal. This revolt of the Hollanders, I call it rebellion, as being its proper name, since it was a total defection from, and taking arms against, and making war upon their undoubted Sovereign, 'tis true and I yield that they had provoking Cause but whether upon this provocation, (and that very great) they did not show much of Man, in the management of this revolt, I dispute not, only give it the proper name of Rebellion, which in all cases is not absolutely sinful, though it never will lose that its proper and unalterable denomination, as the Killing of a man, in never so just defence, yet leaves the fact manslaughter.  
But to return to their policy they are according to their own name, by which they call themselves so fare from being a Commonwealth, that in the plural number, they style themselves the Hoghen Maghen estates of the Low-Countries, one juridically not depending upon the other, They were auntiently so many Lordships, or (in their own Language,) Gravescapes, which being no way subordinated to, or depending upon each other, agreed together only in a mutual relation of Subjection, and equally owed allegiance to the King of Spain. Whose minister in those parts the Duke of Alva by unparelled, and scarce before heard of Tyranny, and barbarous Cruelty, especially labouring and endeavouring to impose upon their Consciences; and to bring up amongst them the bloody inquisition, that monstrous engine of inhumanity, exercised chief upon the score of Religion, they were compelled to take up arms, and rebel against their Liege King, which was prosecuted (on both hands) with that violence that the breach was made irreparable, and so they for ever cast off, and solemnly abjured his authority. So that now Zealand, Gelderland Vtrecht, Mastrecht, etc. are distinct Jurisdictions by themselves, and independing as to Holland, Yea the very great Towns of each province, Juridically depend not on any other, but are absolute among and within themselves, and the States although they convene together, it is not in the form of our English Parliament, or Grand Counsel, but only to advise each with other, to consider and consult, and thereupon to persuade, yet have not the least power to Compel, So that all the other provinces together, cannot give one Law to Zealand, or to Gelderland, but the Lords of each Province, may do what they will; further than they can be won by persuasion, they cannot be commanded, by the rest, though altogether agreeing. The same may be said of Amsterdam Rotterdam, the Hague or any other Town, whose own Lords or Heirs, are Autocraticall, or invested with full power of themselves, nor own they any Commanding, or Prohibiting, or any way Coercive Power, above, or without themselves, their own Walls bounding, not only their Towns, but including Supreme jurisdiction from which lies no appeal. Such a pass you would have England brought to, & your Country is much beholding to you Sir for your goodwill. I suppose you expect no posterity to leave behind you, that might curse the Father's invention, should it take effect; You contrive very readily to have each County to have Law, and education for youth among themselves, and each chief Town, (if not so named before) dignified with the Title of a City, that we may not come so fare for Law and Justice, only you are troubled at Controversies which may happen between two of distinct Counties, and these you would have decided at the Metropolis, I suppose you intent London, But because, it was always accounted as easy to found a New City, as to form, and establish a New Government, it may be you have designed another Metropolis in your Windmill brain. But be it as it will, why may not the plaintiff sue still in the County where the defendant lives, unless he can by accident find him, or by some device get him into and arrest him in the County in which himself dwells? and what need in such case any Metropolis at all? And so what needs a Grand Counsel, but only Conventions to advise and Consult, but what matter of enacting Laws when every County may be within itself Supreme? Certainly Mr. Milton, you were very inconsiderate when you wrote that ready and easy way of establishing a Free Commonwealth. I shall not here urge the unpracticableness of these your fanatique State-whymsis, but ask you (presupposing them as you say easy, and ready just now to be put in practice) Cui bono? In what shall we be bettered there by? and 'tis like you may answer me, Peruse my advice and there you will find the benefits thereof. There I find you give us hopes, that if we can but either Cantonize England, as the Swissers, or imitate the Hollanders, or the Venetian, avoiding the Duke of the one or the Prince of the other, We shall first be free in Civil and religious things, and Secondly we shall have our minds made Governors, our Spirits ennobled, our Courages advanced, and be made Valorous, whereas otherwise we shall be kerbed of our Liberty, and have spirits suitable to our Condition base and degenerate. Perhaps Sir you writ experimentally. While you held your obligation to your Wife, which as your learned doctrine of divorce testifies, was an insufferable yoke, of which you could say, with the Apostle Peter concerning the Law, It was a Yoke which neither you nor your forefathers could bear, During this vassalage, I may imagine you, likewise to be so poor spirited as to fear an Oath, and to be enslaved to your Allegiance, and so fare to reverence Authority, as not to dare to bark at the highest thereof, to wit Majesty. But since you grew so wise, as to throw aside your Wife because your waspish spirit could not agree with her qualities, and your Crooked fantasy could not be brought to take delight in her, you then grew so free, that as for your religion you could take the Christian Liberty, to turn a Libertine at large, or in plain terms an Atheist, and as for your Allegiance, you found yourself so free set from it, that you could without remorse discharge your filth at, and vomit forth your poison against majesty, than you grew so valorous, that you could swear allegiance, and take the oath of Sovereignty, the Covenant also, or Solemn League, with the Vow and Protestation, the Engagement, also without boggling or starting; and reserve Courage enough, for twenty several, nay Contradictory Oaths, if reformed Authority, (in plain terms rebellious Usurpers) require it, and hope of profit or danger of loss, invite to, and back it. Truly Sir you are in my judgement a valiant man grown, who durst not only adventure against the most learned Salmatius, but had the impudent confidence to snarl, and bark at the most ponderous, Judicious, and Matchless piece, his Majesty's ROYAL MEDITATIONS, entitled 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.  
But Sir, upon a serious, yea a slight enquiry, we shall find no such qualities among either the Hollanders or the Swissers, as to make us in love with them, but we may truly say, There is no King there, therefore, every man doth what is good in his own eyes. The Dutch is a Boorish Nation, where Courtesy and Civil Entertainment is as much a stranger, as in most places in Christendom: All that can be said, A man for his money shall have what he can bargain for, that the Town or house (in which he is) doth afford, but ingenuity, learning, piety, misery, and whatever may move a charitable respect, if by God's Providence, they happen to be separated from money, a Turk, or a Jew will afford a Christian as much relief, as a Dutch man will such a person, so that it may be the Inscription there upon the Gate of every Town,  
Ipse licet veneris musis comitatus Homer,  
Si nihil attuleris, ibis Homer for as.  
They are rich I yield, their dexterity lying in that one thing (chief) getting Money, for to compass which they account scarce any thing sordid, their affability excels not the Scotch Highlands. Riches is the standard of their advancement. And as they have Popular Rulers, so they receive from those whom they govern but popular respect. Two North Country Farmers in England, where one excels the other in Estate, show much more respect, the poorer to him that is wealthier, than the Dutch Boors give to their Heers. That this rusticity, and surlynesse is the effect of their Government, is evident by their neighbouring Flandrians, who still retain their allegiance, no men in the world more candidly open breasted, civilly courteous, pitifully charitable than they, who were formerly one Arch-Dutchy with the other revolted Provinces, a most clear argument of the degenerate effect of Popular Government, for when Governors approach so near to the Governed, in quality, and deportment, they become quickly like the block in the Fable, which Jupiter threw down to be King among the Frogs. The bounce of it made the Frogs tremble, but when the flashing of the water (which it caused by its fall) was over, they drew near by little and little, and at last (casting away all fear) clambered upon and skipped off from it, and in conclusion contemned it. So a Dutch Governor, or Lord, when he flounces (as it were) upon a Thierry or Murderer, or coiner of false Money, of the like, he makes him to tremble; but, the rest casting away fear, will talk irreverently to and slightly of their Heers, nor make scruple to curse them bitterly, if either they really do displease them, or the others apprehend cause of displeasure. As for the ennobling of the spirits of men, which you fond expect, or at least give hopes of, upon a Commonwealth account, it is most evident by experience, that nothing is more contrary.  
Let any man bust cast his eye upon, and observe the Swissers, a rude, barbarous Nation, as to the generality, and although all of them profess the Gospel, and many of them the Protestant Religion, yet as to the fierceness of their manners, they may in Comparison of most Christian Kingdoms, be looked upon, as Ovid in his banishment, accounted the Getae, and Sauromah, being put in balance against the Romans. A savage Peasantlike Nation, fit only for the wars, and to be employed by almost any that will pay them. Who will they not fight for? yea, who will they not fight against for Money? Insomuch, that in the Imperial, Brandenburgish, Polonian, Danish, Swedish Armies, yea almost in all ezpeditions of the French; in the number likewise of the Transylvanian Forces, you shall find the Swissers serving as Soldiers: So also in the Venetian service, and most of the Italian wars; Rough hewn, desperate men, ready to be employed for, or against any Prince, wanting one of their own, to Civilize their ruder dispositions, and to employ their brutish valour in more noble and honourable Achievements, for the glory, and enlarging of the Territories, at least the Jurisdiction or Fame of their own Nation.  
So the Hollanders, what are they but the Common Pedlars of Europe, that to get a little Money, will comply with, speak fair to, and at the same moment, betray the most confiding of their Allies, and irrecompensible Benefactors: How did they promote, and foment our bloody intestine Dissensions, to the end that they might scrape together a sordid gain by fishing in our troubled waters? How will they manage an Huckstering warfare, as the Poet speaks, (Gauponantes bellum) at one time besieging, and straitning with one hand, and with the other hand relieving the same Town, or Garrison, as long as their Money lasts, and they can but gain by the bargain, and make their own Rates? What have they so Sacred, that they will not prostitute for Profit sake? What Articles of Agreement, but they will evade, or at least run the hazard of breaking, openly or urder-hand, and supply any place besieged, with not only Provision and Victuals, but, with Ammunition also, and Weapons defensive, and offensive, Ships of War, or any thing else, perhaps to the ruin of a Design, or at least irrecompensable damage of their Professed Friend, who at that time with perhaps invaluable Charge, and hazard of men's lives, hath reduced his Enemy to that straight, and yet in the mean while, they will profess as much love and candour as can be, to him, whom they secretly thus injure? What almost is it, that they act publicly, in reference to their Neighbours, that they act above-board, but are either afraid, or ashamed, or unwilling to own? Nay what is that even Impudence, and Impiety itself would be ashamed to act openly, that they will not bring about by underhand dealing, if Profit invite to it? How in their revolt from the King of Spain, did they encourage the revolt of the Portugal? and how now do they assist the Spaniard against the Portugal? Who can sufficiently set forth their sordid underboard play, with all, (and as oft) as they pretend to agree with, and are most friendly unto? And call you these Heroic spirits, Mr. Milton? As for the advancement of men among them, according to their merit, it is evident to all that know them, that the measure of merit among them is only Money, which without either wit, or honesty, or any Good quality, shall prefer a sordid Boorish Churl, to be one of their Hoghen Moghen Heers. As for Liberty of Conscience which you so much dote upon, and look upon it as inconsistent with any frame of Government, but that of a Republic, I grant you that it is allowed in Holland, even to infamy, only they are as severe against the Papists as any: And what I pray you may be thought the reason of one, and the other? Not the Heroic disposition that is in them, for what need they then fear the Papists? Or do they not think, that many monstrous Religions are there tolerated, in comparison of which the Papacy may be accounted Saintship? Only here lies the knot, which troubles them, The Prince to whom they were before Engaged by Allegiance, allows publicly only the Romish Religion, in his Dominions and Jurisdiction: Which Religion, if they should admit, many they fear, would dwell among them, who might make a Conscience of keeping Allegiance inviolable, and would urge against their Protestanisme, that ungospellike rejecting their lawful King, (although provoked by persecution) and would cite the practice of the Primitive Church, unanswerably discountenancing, and their profession and Doctrine, loudly and openly condemning the same, by which means the multitude might be brought about to be undeceived, and willing to entertain, or at least desire, their former Loyalty. So that Policy not Conscience, excluded from among them the Popish, and a sordid desire of Gain, set open the Floodgates to all other Religions. Among which (if that may be accounted a Religion) Athiesme is not excluded, but finds its Sanctuary. Now I pray you Sir, where is the Magnanimity of Spirit, that you boast of herein: When nothing that bears the face or carries the name of Religion is disallowed, but that only which is the only public Religion of their former Prince, lest by entertaining it, his Friends should be let in therewith, to the shaking of their new laid foundation, the chief security of which seems to consist in their Nationall abjuring their formerly sworn to Sovereign, not minding in the mean while the dishonour done to God's name, by those multitudes of abominable heresies, yea damnable blasphemous Doctrines, which swarm in those Countries (Amsterdam especially) as Frogs swarmed in the Land of Egypt, and yet they (the more the pity) are not at all troubled thereat, because they bring profit and commerce along with them, but I wish they do not hereby heap up to themselves wrath, which may be poured forth upon them in the day of God's Vengeance.  
When no King was in Israel and every man did what was good in his own eyes, than Micah made his graven and molten Image, his Ephod, and his Teraphim, and hired a Levite to be his Priest. Then was every man at his liberty, what Religion he would follow, a King only being so generous spirited, and noble, as to Engage that Religion publicly to be professed, which appears to him, and his most learned Divines, the true, and most agreeable to the pattern, and precepts of God's Word, and prohibit whatever strikes at this foundation, nor to suffer any Rents or Schisms in the Church, (the inlets generally of fare greater mischiefs both in Church and State) whereas a Commonwealth being but a puny Authority, is compelled to tolerate this, and that, and twenty Heresies, because some rich men or other are Favourites to all, and nothing keeps the most rustic Peasant from being created the Greatest Heer, or Lord among them, but want of a competent quantity of Silver, Gold, or Merchandise. King's therefore in Scripture, are promised to be nursing Fathers, and Queens nursing Mothers to the Church, but no such Promise concerning Republican Lords, let them be never so high and mighty.  
Nor is this degenerate baseness of spirit visible only in Religious, but as well, and as much in Civil, yea Ordinary concernments; and there is a natural reason for it, since according to the Proverb, According to a man's meeting so is his greeting: Vulgar deportments find but vulgar respect; nor is it fit or likely, that he who puts little value upon himself, should have greater put upon him by others that are about him. Majesty and state may be kept without adoration, but not without humble, and due submissive respect. Too much familiarity in all relations, breeds Contempt. The state and distance which Solomon kept, between him and his subjects, we find registered by the Penmen of Sacred Histories, as part of his magnificence, and no small portion of God's temporal blessings cast upon him, as an additional Supplement to that, for which he requested, to wit, Wisdom. And I find Paul the famous Apostle, appealing to Caesar, from Festus, who was a subordinate Deputy to the Emperor, hoping for greater shelter (as to Religion) from the Head of all Majesty, Caesar himself, then from an inferior Substitute, or Lieutenant unto him: And we read in the last Chapter of the Acts, how long, and how free he lived, (considering him in bonds) at Rome, being arrived in prosecution of his Appeal, an evident argument that he expected, and doubtless found more freedom under the Wing of Majesty, then probably he should have had from an Inferior Governor, nearer allied to the common rank of men. And as in the persecution of Religion, the greatest favour is to be found (in probability) from Majesty itself, so in the protection, encouragement, and advancement of Religion, Kings and Emperors are unparallelled Fathers, and Nurses thereof: Witness of old, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, and Josiah, with many other godly pious Princes: And of late, since Christ, Constantine and Theodosius, with several glorious, truly Christian, and famous Emperors: And among us, Edward the sixth, Queen Elizabeth, King James, and (without regard to your railing black mouth) our unparallelled Martyr King CHARLES; under whom how glorious was our Church, to the admiration of many, and envy of some of our Neighbours. During whose pious Reigns, if we will be poring only upon what was defective, and whining after what was to be desired in our Church Discipline, we show ourselves very ungrateful to God and men, but if with thankful hearts, we could have enjoyed, and prized what really was our Lot, beyond all who were about us, we might have said truly, Our lot was fallen to us in a pleasant place, and we had a goodly Inheritance, God not so dealing with every Nation, as he had with us, who therefore might be named the darling of the Lord. It is the glory, happiness, and true beauty of a Nation professing Religion, when the face of man is not feared, but God is so far exalted, that none is acknowledged beside him King in the Church, and therefore, not only Caterpillars, and Locusts are destroyed, and Cattles which browse upon the Vines kept out, but the Foxes, the little Foxes are taken, that spoil the Vines, they having on them tender Grapes. How glorious a thing is it, for a truly zealous, and pious Prince, to countenance and encourage the Priests and Levites, (such I mean who oversee, and manage the service of the Lord) that out of the Church may be excluded not only the abominable, and the unclean, but likewise every thing that offendeth? What more dangerous in the Church, which is the Garden of the Lord, than Factions and Heresies? but what so fatal as the plucking up its Hedge, and throwing down its Wall? which is not, as many imagine a foolish agreement or Covenant of the people one with another, but a Christian and conscientious submission (for the Lord's sake) to those who by Divine right are appointed, and set over them, to maintain which pale inviolable, the King (when a true nursing Father of the Church, as blessed be God we had many such) is next to God the greatest defence on earth, on which score, not without cause, our Kings, have had, and deserved the name (several of them) of Defenders of the Faith, to wit, the true Christian and Apostolic Faith, concerning whose profession of, and owning so honourable a defence, we were bound, and still are to say with good Nehemiah, Blessed be God who hath put such a thing as this into the King's heart; and to pray, that he would more and more be his Guide, Counsellor, Director and Protector, that under him Religion may flourish, and, we may once more be a happy flourishing Nation.  
'Tis to be confessed, that while the Church is militant here upon Earth, there will and must be Offences, and Scandals, this Christ hath pronounced, as absolutely necessary, and the contrary impossible, (although woe to them by whom they come) but for professed Christians, to be viewing, perusing, overlooking, and examining the Constitution of the Church, they live in, to be carping at, and inveighing against, the defects thereof, (practical especially, where much that is practised, is not allowed, and wished by the Judicious, that it may be amended, as soon as may be with conveniency) and thereupon reviling, reproaching, and separating from the same, it argues, (in my opinion) those who are but nominal, not real Christians; yet such is the temper of most of our modern, Giddy-brained fanatics, who from Controversies in Religion, fell naturally to dabbling with State concernments, and have, without God's infinite mercy, kindled in both our Church and State, an inextinguishable Combustion.  
I shall come now briefly to take a short view of what we were before these unhappy late Wars, and compare our condition then, with what we have been since, that so an estimate may thence be taken, what we are like in the End to come to, unless God in mercy prevent our ruin, as he hath already, blessed be his Name given us great hopes.  
Our Government and Governors, were of two sorts, Civil, who ruled us as men, and Ecclesiastical, who were set over us as Christians. Of Civil Magistrates, our King was supreme, a true, but not an absolute Monarch: He had none above, or singly  with him, and in dignity he excelled and went before all the rest: Howbeit, his Rule or Government was purely Paternal, for as a loving and careful Father, (in managing the affairs of his Family) will consult with his Sons, when grown, to age, yea and with his discreet Servants, so the Royal Father of this great and flourishing Family, consulted, not only with his Nobles, whom he honoured with the Title of Kinsmen, and who were (the most discreet and judicious of them) of his honourable Privy Council; but he advised also with this Commons, who for that end, chose the Chief men of their Shires, Cities, and Boroughs Corporate, and entrusted them with power in their name, and for their welfare and benefit, to represent and lay open their cases, wants and grievances, before the King and his Peers, and jointly to endeavour, study, and find out a way of redress or relief of the same. They were still the Masters of their own Purses, they not only raised, whatever Money was to be levied, but advised together, and consented to the disposing of it. This grand Council was the Physic (under God) for the Nation, when it was sick, or any way distempered, which the King (like a wise Physician) called, as oft as he, with the advice of his Wise Counsel, judged it needful, either for the necessary cure of a distempered State, or the convenient preservation, and farther beautifying or adorning a flourishing one. While things ran in this Channel, how happy was England in General? although some particular blemishes or bushes in the Body politic, were lanced, fretted and made sore by this means? But when the just indignation of God was come to its height, because we were so unthankful for multiplied blessings, he then suffered this ungrateful Nation to loath Manna, and to long for Physic, to come into a course of medicinal diet, and to linger after first a Triennial, than a perpetual Parliament, which we have enjoyed so long, nominally at least, though really the Fag end only, or Rump of that Parliament, which was also sore Ague-shaken several times, by disgraceful and long Ejections, which yet they (willing to perpetuate themselves) as oft as they came on the Stage again, called only Interruptions, however they cannot deny, but they made or suffered tedious Exits, which were as long as the rest of the Play, and other Scenes, nay whole Plays were acted in the Intervals, I say we have endured so tedious a course of State Physic, till we experimentally, and to our cost, and shame, found the Proverb verified, Medicè vivere, idem esse, a● miserè vivere.  
At the Convening of this Parliament, what was accounted grievous, and so represented to his Majesty, but he was willing to redress it effectually? Monopolies, Star-Chamber, and High Commission, by his Royal assent abolished, and the Council-Table regulated so as to stand for little more than a cipher, by his Majesty's permission; and all because his people; whom he loved more dearly than his own safety, shown a dislike of them and accounted them a burden. T●●●age and Poundage, willingly laid down at his Subjects' feet: the Militia, and Negative Voice so far granted from himself, that he left himself only power to be made a Martyr at his Subject's pleasure: Yea and for the Episcopal Dignity, he consented, they should be stripped of whatever the Parliament thought fit, saving to them only their Office, which his Oath at Coronation, bound him indispensably to maintain. O England! England! couldst thou but then have seen the things that belonged to thy peace, which soon after alas! were hid from thy eyes. Yea the Nation did see it, yea the Reverend Senators were deeply sensible of it, the Nobles discovered evidently the true and only cure under God for the Nations distempers. Nor do I blame them, nor yet the major part of them, but know, and they since have been made sensible, that a few restless; dangerous, factious, pestilent spirits, in both Houses, first begat, and then fomented a misunderstanding between his Majesty, and his Cardially loyal subjects, which Coal being once kindled, they by the same cunning, but devilish policy, blew into the flame of a War; in which posture, all things could not be defended on either side, but his Majesty wanting the sinews of warra, could not possibly keep that discipline in his Army, which the Parliament did in theirs, and so God's Providence permitting, and our sins procuring, his Royal person being captivated, and his Force's dissipated, those whose loyal breasts only intended his welfare, and advancement in glory and Revenue, which they in soverall Declarations protesting, and appealing to God as a Judge and Witness of the truth of their intentions, enforce me (as Christian) to believe to be their design, were convinced by several Treaties, that his Majesties, both actions, and intentions, were misrepresented to them, by some Boutefeus' of State, and therefore relenting towards him, and his Royal Posierity, intended a speedy settlement of the Nation, in a Religious Peace; and had done it speedily, I question not, had not some perjurious, detestable Mon●●ers, who were Ringleaders, and after drew in other weak deluded Members, to join with them, but free from matice, (as I confidently persuade myself) cut off at once both the hopes and means of our settlement, and by that means, cast us ever since into a Sea of Troubles, where floods of miseries have been like quite to have overwhelmed us, had not God been gracious to us beyond our deserts, and spared this whole Nation from utter ruin, for the sake of some pious and precious men, who have stood up in the Gap, and interceded for, yea prevailed with our long-suffering God, yet to spare us, to his Name be all Glory and Honour for ever.  
As for the Commonalty in the time of our former long enjoyed, (but not truly prized) peace where could the world show a more gallant Gentry, where every private Esquire having an estate in the Country, or about the City, was as free in the enjoyment of himself and his estate, as the Prince himself, from whom no man could legally demand one penny, which he was not free to in his Person, or had not agreed to, in his representative, our Citizens had a rich Trade, and for wealth, London could compare with any Metropolis in Europe. Our Nation then was truly Noble, gallantly generous, famous for Civility, and courteous entertainment. Then were promises strictly, Oaths, and Vows sacredly and religiously observed, for what we did then, or achieved, was not only, nor so much, for our private Credit, and reputation, as for the honour of our Prince and Country. And those are the most honourable Enterprises, for he who looks no farther than himself in his actions, may propound gain as his principal and last end, which is most fordid at the best, and because the grace or disgrace reflects only upon, and determinates in himself, he judges all by the narrow scantling of his own spirit, which is often poor and inferior, whereas he whose actions reflect upon another, this raiseth the mind to an higher pitch of Gallantry, then is suitable to a man's own personal capacity. Thus a steward or servant to a generous Noble man, how is his deportment, and carriage, above that of a Farmer, or Yeoman, who perhaps is four times the richer man? Thus Parentage, and Relations, make many to scorn those actions as dirty which themselves would act confidently, and without check were their condition separated from their Relation. What think you would a Dutch Boor forbear, that were for his profit, for the honour of his Hoghen Moghen Heers? When the States were low, and King James (one of the most Royal friends they had) wrote to them and sent an Agent, to negotiate with them, for the suppressing of the Arminian Heresy, how zealously did they persecute it, and yet afterwards, when it had been condemned for a heresy, at the great Synod of Dort, how sordidly did they tolerate both it, and all other heresies, when their cautionary Towns were in their own hands, and they judged themselves of strength considerable? And what other reason can be given for it, but that their Towns might be the Common sink of all heresies and factious Schisms, who with themselves might bring their estates, and make an addition to their Trade? How did they seem to mediate with the Parliament for the King, and yet when the most learned Salmasius, the honour of Leyden, most judiciously, and learnedly defended our martyred King CHARLES, to whom Mr. Milton (my present Antagonist) replied, how did they heap indignities upon that learned Professor, for this most Christian work of his? in compliance with the Rump, who for that sordid service, requited them with Powder and bullets, to the endangering all their naval force, and hazard of the utter ruin of their Trade. Afterwards, how poorly did they buy a peace with Clivet, and underhand supply the Spaniard, his then professed, and their late reconciled Enemy? But let us consider ourselves and our own ways, and he wise, what Gallantry have we left in the Nation, but that we dare Triumph in Villainy, and glory in our shame? What Magnanimity, but that in defiance of a Deity, we can take, and break as many, and as Contradictory Ouths, as Reprobate perjured Invention can find out? What assurance of Estate, but still the Rump with Ahab coveted it? then could they (as nimbly as Jezabel) find out Mercenary witnesses, to accuse a man of Malignity, and swear to the accusation, which was Conviction enough, and followed immediately with Plunder and Sequestration, if not total Confiscation? Such was the lot of the Noble Lord Craven, and many others, whom if I should name, and give only hints at their Cases, I should fill a Volume: only to show that their proceed have been the same, to the last of their Usurped Authority, Deputy Nodes Case is not inconsiderable, who being a man of a true English spirit, and a better Patriot than any of Mr. Miltons' commended Saints, had his house secured, and his Money violently and injuriously taken from him, which although it was restored as a Captive Lamb from the Jaw of a Devouring Wolf, let him thank (next to God's Providence) the declining state and ticklish station of the Rumpers, from whom (had their power been any thing Rampant, as formerly it was) the redemption of his Captived Coin, had been equally improbable to the redemption of a condemned soul from the bottomless pit. Blessed be the God of mercies, who hath put a stop to their merciless rage and fury, therein making good his gracious promise, That the anger, or rage, or fury of man, should glorify him, and the residue he would restrain. And we might well say, Our soul was redeemed as a bird out of the snare, it was broken, and we were delivered: And surely had not God been on our side, when men risen up against us, we had certainly been swallowed up quick: They who Voted and put in Execution, the cutting down the Posts, and taking away the Chains of the City, they who Resolved, and Ordered, the breaking down and demolishing, the ancient Gates and Portcullises of this so long famous City, had certainly, made an end of this their rage and malice in the plunder and fire thereof, according to their often reiterated, and most audacious threats: But God, whose Name we have cause for ever to bless, put a stop to their merciless fury, Blessed be his Holy Name for ever.  
And now Mr. Milton, when your thoughts are serious, take but a brief survey of our former Government, which you brand with Tyranny, Oppression, and Cruelty, and compare it with those worthy Patriots, whom your piety to your Country would have perpetuated in a Grand standing Council. Did not they teally perform, what Rehoboam only threatened to the Children of Israel, and by threatening caused a defection of ten Tribes in twelve, from his Obedience? Did breaking up of Parliaments afflict us? Behold a Cromwell, the Demi-god of the Rump, their Creator, their Director, and lastly their Master, breaking first themselves, and then calling and breaking Mock-Parliaments as a Potter his Earthen Vessels on the Wheel. Did that, which you called an Illegal Exaction of Money vex you? Rejoice in your Rump, who took away the twentieth part of all Real Estates, besides other Compelled Lones, Taxes, Excises, etc. from their Friends, and all or most, from their Enemies, whose only Crime was loyalty to their Prince. Did abridgement of Christian liberty molest you? you have been happy in the Fag end of a Parliament, that would allow Anobaptisme, Ranting, Quicking, Seeking, and what not? only abridged Episcopal men, (who were true Sons of the Church,) really, and the Papists nominally. But in truth, when were so many J●suites, and all sorts of Romish Emissaries (tolerated at least, if not underhand allowed) as during these times? In a word, if God hath not proportioned your Judgement to your sin, to the amazement of Strangers, and Neighbours, and the misery and smart of the Nation, then rejoice in your worthy Patriots, and let them rejoice in you, otherwise let fire, (nay a fire hath) come forth of these Brambles, to the destruction of our tall and glorious Cedars.  
I have but a few words more, and I have done with you Mr. Milton, concerning Queen Elizabeth's not enduring the Presbyterian Reformation lest it should eclipse the Dignity of Monarchy. The necessary connexure of Kingship with Episcopacy. The mercy of God to this City in preserving it from Pestilence during this time of hopeful Reformation. And lastly, the suspicion of our present Hereditary Kings being inclined to, and infected with the Popish Religion, from his being necessitated for a long time, to crave and receive his Maintenance, or means of subsistence, from the King of Spain, a Popish Prince.  
As to the first, I find you acting like yourself, (at least as you profess yourself to be principled) clawing the Presbytery, to engage it against Monarchy. For your Author, by you cited, I count it not worth while to examine him, if or no his sense by you be perverted, being most confidently assured, that it is. He is an Author of worth, and lived in great repute, and esteem with his Princes, whom he served; upon which score, I am satisfied that he knowingly wrote nothing that was derogatory to Majesty: But if some kind of Rigid Scotch Presbytery, entertain Tenants, which tend to eclipse the honour and respect due (by divine right) to the Supreme Sovereignty, so far it is condemnable, the Church of God disclaiming in its primitive purity, all such Doctrines, and declining such practices. Or if Fame might represent to that good pious Queen, things otherwise then they really were, (as we here frequently and confidently reported of the Scotch Presbytery, that they teach, and would practise the bringing their Kings to the Stool of Repentance) she upon this misreport might suspect it. Or perchance, (and that is most likely) she being a wise Princess, and having a choice Council, might observe the tempers of their spirits, who stickled most in the promoting that Reformation, and finding them to design, not only Innovation, as to the then settled reformed Religion, but distinction also in State, might wisely put a stop to their pragmatical intruding themselves into matters somewhat above their concernment: Otherwise, I seriously profess, that I know nothing in a sober, moderate Presbytery, but what may agree very well with, and will with Conscientious piety, yield all due reverence unto a splendid, powerful Monarchy; they are consentaneous each to other, and may cohabite or dwell together in a Land, as Moses and Aaron, David and Nathan, Hezekiah and Isaiah: And this is most apparently manifest in the Reformed Hugonites, who are Presbyterial Protestants, and yet keep their Allegiance firm to, and pay Customs, Tributes, and all due reverence to their Liege Sovereign, the French King, although a Papist; nor do they account their subjection, only compelled upon that score, but conscientiously they do, not only outwardly obey him, but in heart they honour him So the Waldenses in Savoy and Pi●m●nt, who being so cordially loyal to their Popish Princes, can we imagine, that English Presbyters would have been less subject to, and honourers of their natural pious Protestant Kings and Queens, than others are of their Sovereigns? who differ from them in Religion, and always may be suspected, to bear an ill will to them, exercising not rarely most bloody cruelty in the massacring, and murdering of them. Although I doubt not but the example of our English King-killing Saints, being recommended by their Agents with what serious motives they could invent, to their Neighbouring Protestant's, and perhaps liked well, and approved by some false pretending Brethren, among the Hugonites, and Waldenses, with whom many in Devilish policy, pretending to be Protestant Converts, entertained such English bloody Tenants, with approbation and applause, and by menacing threats, gave several Alarms to those Princes to whom they owed subjection; commending the courage and Noble Valour of our English RUMPERS, and boasting of help and supply from them promised, to attempt and put in practise such another heroic feat in their Nations. Our Crimson Saints on the other hand, boast and proclaim that this their practice shall be a leading Example throughout all Europe: In the mean time, the true Conscientious Protestants, protest against (both in public and private) these damnable Tenants, and execrable practices; yet by this means the Princes of those Subjects are made jealous and suspicious of the Protestants Fidelity, (having such a dangerous precedent before their eyes) which Jeasousie, (through the Villainy of false pretended Brethren) is blown to that height, that the King finds no way of safety, but in chastising all, and cutting off many of these his dangerous Rebellious Subjects; in which Massacre, those Villains, who first kindled the Coals, make a fair Retreat, having betrayed so many innocent pious Christians, as Sheep to be slaughtered, they only feeling their Prince's rage, who most abominate those Rebellious Tenants and Principles, by which their Prince at first was provoked and enraged. Observe here as in a Landscape the piety of our Rumpers, and what they have deserved of their Neighbouring Protestant Friends, by their Example, Counsel, and vainglorious boasting; what a leading Card they had begun withal, and how it should be played round, to the confusion and pulling down of all the Princes of Christendom: Hereby they have betrayed and butchered many thousands of the Waldenses, by the Sword of the Savoyans. And when God shall come to make Inquisition for blood, at their doors will all that Christian blood be found lying, and of their hands it will be required. If then the sent of the Rump were so noisome of late, how will they stink in Ages to come? How will (the then innocent Babes) the Orphan Children of those murdered Protestants, curse their memories? For ever shalt thou live in ignomy, and deserved infamy, O most Bloody Rump, and the Children yet unborn, shall justly detest and abhor thy remembrance: They loved Blood, and thou (O righteous God) give them Blood to drink, and let that be their portion, for they are worthy of it.  
But (by the way) I question not, but the sober, modest, and pious Presbyterians will see your Delusion. You urge not Queen Elizabeth's averseness to their Reformation, as accounting it to be indeed Reformation: Your contrivance to eject Hirelings out of the Church, by taking away Tithes, shows how well you like them, or any other true Gospel Preachers, when you discover it to be your design to have all Maintenance for the Ministry, to be paid out of the public Exchequer; for so, what could be expected more from such Preachers, than was found in Ahabs Prophets? who eat their Bread at his Wife Jezabels' Table? It is a fatal Plot against Religion, to have the Maintenance of all its Ministers, to proceed as a State Gratuity, bestowed upon them in requital of their pains, and labour. For what could be hoped in such a case, but that all must turn State-pleasing Preachers, or beg? and who upon that score would educate their Children, that they might be capable of the Ministry? or what conscientious man durst adventure on that Profession, in which he must go against the light of his Conscience, or beg?  
But I shall leave this, as having I suppose spoken to it satisfactorily, your next whining complaint against Monarchy is, that Episcopacy and it are inseparable. To which an Answer is ready, that Mr. Milton is grossly mistaken. It is certain, that Monarchy is, where Bishops have no place, not are so much as known, witness the Persian, Tartarian, Turkish and Indian Monarchies: and Bishops on the other hand, have been for many years owned, and acknowledged, and to this day are in place and esteem among those, who are not under Kings, witness the Popish Cantons in Switzerland, the Venetians, Genoeses, and Hamburghers, which last are a kind of Republic, although they own and pay Homage to the King of Denmark.  
By which it is evident, that the Crown may return, without readmitting the Mitre, and it is likely, that Episcopal Lordly power, will hardly get footing again in the Nation, the Barons and other Nobles in Parliament, (who were always firm to Monarchy) still opposing and endeavouring to lift out the Lords Spiritual, from having jurisdiction among them, as is evident by very many of their Speeches to that purpose, to this day publicly extant, yea and his Majesty consented to the divesting them of all, but their Title and Office, submitting their Lordly Jurisdiction and Revenues to the disposal of the Parliament. Concerning whose Office, and extent of Power, it is not now convenient, nor seasonable to argue, and dispute, nor Wisdom to determine without Disputation; only I shall add, that if Monarchy and Episcopacy were necessarily inseparably linked, it were a strong argument, for the excellency of that sort of Church Government; but the contrary is most manifest, namely, that what Government Kings most approve, is by them chief countenanced, or at least, what the consent of most Divines under their Jurisdiction confirms, as most agreeable to Scripture, that is permitted, and allowed: So the Presbytery prevailed in Scotland to the ruin of Episcopacy, yet Kingly Government was not upon that account rejected by them.  
Add to this, that most of the Presbyters in the Nation, interceded for the King's life, protested, and Remonstranced against his Death, and the Scotch Nation, (the most strict Presbyters, reputed) treated with, received, and Crowned, our Hereditary now living King Charles the Second, Son to his murdered Father, and yet readmitted not Episcopacy.  
This only I shall say, that as a just splendid Monarchy, may be limited, so as to consist together with the most absolute, and real true Freedom of a flourishing State, so a pious Church overseeing Episcopacy, and a Godly moderate Presbytery are (res diversae, nomine tantum) only nominally differing, but really the same: Call the Bishop and the Presbyter by one name, and let the wisest, gravest, and most Exemplary pious, be reputed the Moderator of the rest, and let him be accounted worthy of double honour, and have it, and I see no remaining real ground of animosity, but that both like Christian Brethren, may go hand in hand together, to oppose the common Enemies of the Church, both Popish and Sectarian.  
As for that blessing which you take notice of, (Mr. Milton) that the Plague hath been for so long a time a stranger to London, it is a great mercy, and so to be acknowledged; but I suppose your conclusion from thence, that our Government during this time hath been more wellpleasing to God, then formerly, is most pitifully extorted, and therefore for shame, you do but obscurely bring i● in however it is clearly to be collected from your words, that you mean so. God's usage with his People, is not to be expounded recording to that Pattern of yours: His own people the Jews before they were to enjoy the Blessing promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to them, and their seed after them, were first brought down into Egypt, and there endured sore bondage, before this Promise came to be accomplished. That a great Plague began the Reign of King James, and a greater the Reign of his murdered Son Charles, in God's usual way of dealing with his people, (if it were significant) might argue an Elation of spirit in those two Princes, in respect to the numerousness of the Subjects of the Kingdom of England, which was lately united to the Scottish Diadem, in King James the first Scotch King that swayed the English Sceptre. But withal it argued those Princes (with David) to be persons in esteem with God, and therefore to chastise them he took them into his own hand, cutting off many of their Subjects, which went very near to their hearts, as being the Fathers of the Nation, and so they were affected with the Death of their Subjects, as a Parent is with the Funerals of his children.  
But when the Nation waxed wanton against God, through surfeiting on his blessings, and rendered him not the thanks that was due to his Name, for so happy an union of two Protestant Nations, and increase of Mercy, in the successive Reigns, of three scarce before paralleled Princes in our Nations, at least, so succeeding one another, and so long continued, the last being for wisdom, piety, true valour, and yet Christian patience, not to be matched by any that went before him, to whom (as under God the main prop and hope of our happiness) the Lord had graciously given a plentiful, and most promising Offspring, we I say being not only brutishly ingrateful for, but profanely despising these so rare Mercies, it pleased God to deprive us of them, suffering this our Josiah to be (not slain by Pharaoh necho, but) murdered by his own Subjects, and as much as in them lay, branch and root to be cut off in one day, blowing in his anger at once both in Church and State, taking away the ancient and honourable in both, and suffering the Bramble, not only to King it over the Trees, but a fire also to proceed out of it, to the consumption of almost all the stately Cedars in our Lebanon: So that instead of a wise, prudent King, for many Generations Royally descended, we had sometimes a Linkboy, a Cobbler, and a broken Citizen, a Ploughman, with some Apostate Lawyers, and two or three unthrifty Solicitors, with a few twenty pound a year Yeomen, domineering over us with rigour, and swelling the least joint of their fingers, beyond our murdered Kings loins, yet all pretending Reformation; otherwhiles the Fag-end of the House of Commons (dissolved actually by the King's death) insulting over their Fellow-brethrens, and the Lords, and enslaving the whole Nation, by usurping Supreme Authority, and squeezing all sorts of people beyond any precedent, to satisfy their exorbitant lust and covetousness. For some years we endured an aspiring Tyrant, oppressing, grinding and afflicting the poor: Now and then we had the Army Officers Lords paramount, but all oppressing the people both in City and Country, and writing their Dictates in bloody Characters. Can any plague be worse than these miseries? and slavish, being tossed from one Condition to another? changing not only our Governors, but also the Government as oft as a Harlot changeth her Paramours: Our Fanatique Rulers setting up, and again pulling down Governments as oft as they saw new light, leaving us to the sad choice of either dancing to their fantastical pipe, or else being destroyed, agreeing in nothing but in keeping out the true Heir, and his faithful Friends, under the notion of the Common Enemy.  
This God brought upon us for our great sins, one while giving up the whole Nation, the Lords and majority of the Commons, to the odious servitude of a perjured Rump, under whom, besides monstrous Taxes, (which they extorted to maintain their Janissaries the Apostate Soldiers, by whose mutiny and rebellion, they were first constituted, and by their assistance kept up (in name and notion) as the Supreme Authority of England) men had not liberty to avoid perjury, but at the utmost peril of ruin to themselves and Family; Ministers especially, and all who were to be admitted to places of trust; nor could they stand to their Oaths and Covenants vigorously, and act what they covenanted solemnly to act and perform, but they were declared Enemies to the Commonwealth, for continuing constant and true to their Vows, and were rewarded with loss of Life, and Confiscation of Estate.  
God at length gives a check to this Tail of Authority, by the chief Instrument of their own Treachery, and Villainy, and sells them, and the Nation, to the greatest Monster of cursed hypocrisy, and damnable rebellion, that ever yet Nature brought forth: Who with reproach turns them out of doors, giving them a serious, but true Reproof, calling them (as they were) a pack of Whoremasters, Drunkards, and base selfseeking Wretches, and having thrown them aside with deserved scorn and contempt, seats himself in the Supremacy, calls and dasheth to pieces at his pleasure, several ridiculous Juntoes or Mock-Parliaments, makes War with Spain, to almost the ruin of our Trade, and Peace with France and Holland, etc. only to eject our Hereditary exiled, distressed King from all Protestant supplies, sends away thousands of the English to Hispaniola, Jamaica, and Flanders, which proved a grave to the Men, and a waster of some Millions of Treasure; Order Nineteen hundred thousand pounds to be settled on him (as an Annual Revenue) which he took by the Sword, and would have had confirmed to him and his Successors, by a Law of his own making and imposing: Those who opposed him felt his fury, and as many as disgusted his proceed, he had Court-plots to ensnare them with, Witnesses at hand, who would not fail to accuse, and Mercenary Judges, Attorneys General, and Solicitors to impeach, aggravate their crimes and condemn them; and (for failer here) he had at his beck a Monstrous High-Court of Justice, who like desperate Hounds would fly at, and fasten upon any that he pointed out to the slaughter, who were hanged, beheaded, drawn, quartered, their bowels burnt, and what not cruelties done to them, at the Tyrant's pleasure? Others suffered close and tedious imprisonment, till (with Nabuchadnezzar) their Hair became like eagle's Feathers, and their Nails like Talons or Claws, in comparison of what they were before; such was the monstrous villainy of this Tyrant, and Usurper, and such cursed Instruments had he in readiness to execute what he should command. Those who know not this, are very strangers in our Israel: Lord! what Plague could equal the misery we suffered under this Monster?  
At length God puts an end to his rage, Death arresting him with fury, madness and despair: And his Son after him proclaimed, proved moderate, but was too good to hold, God not yet seeing it meet to put an end to our plagues and miseries: He through God's judgement, lost that Usurped Government like an Ass, which his Father got like a Fox, and managed like a Lion or Wolf.  
And now again, by the Sword's determination, the Rump was a second time Rampant, and begin to act at first like themselves, that is, Monsters of perjury and villainy. The Gentry of Cheshire are proclaimed Traitors, for declaring for a Free Parliament, and the ruin of all their Estates, and some of their Lives is agreed on, for attempting it: Praysegod is made chief Sequestrator, with a Commission to pick the very flesh of all who should dare to stand up for a Free Parliament, to the Barebones. Yet God in mercy to the poor Nation, hearing the groans of the oppressed, did respite this Calamity, and once more brought to ground the pride of the Rumpers, turning them again out of doors by the same Instrument whereby it pleased him to defeat the Endeavours of divers of the Gentry, who laboured after, and Declared for a Free Parliament, and then the Army Officers fall to tampering with the Government, and rule and domineer with as much insolency as impurity. And lest this Scene should want its solemnity, the project of the Army Officers, (the Committee of Safety) order Hewson and others to march into the City, where they triumph in the innocent blood of unarmed Apprentices, whose only Crime was, that they resenting their sad misery occasioned, partly by so many Changes, and woeful distractions, but especially by the decay, yea almost total want of all Trade, by which thousands were undone, and reduced to beggary, form, and assayed to deliver a Petition, to the Lord Maior, Court of Aldermen, and Common Council, to incire them (if possible) to endeavour the removal of the cause of these their pressures and burdens, greater then which were expected daily, the insolent Soldier threathing the City, and Alarming it from time to time with menaces of fire and plunder. These Swordmen, like Jehu, drove the Chariot of their imagined Utopian Common wealth with such fury; and (wanting Money withal) ran upon so many Rocks and Sands, that with much baseness and sordidness they were baffled, and the Rump reenters upon the Stage, with as much scorn, contempt and disgrace, as Ballad-makers, and idle Pamphleteers could devise, but these things they minded not; Money they wanted, and were resolved to have it, Quo jure, quâve injuriâ, they made no matter; and having outwitted and baffled Lambert, Fleetwood, Desborough, and the rest of the too petulant Army Grandees, thought it now easy for them to bear all down before them with violence, and on this persuasion, begun to be rough and resolute with the City: The Citizens on the other hand, now at last wearied to the very soul, with the constant Oppressions, Rapines, Exactions, and cruelties of this abominable Fag-end of Authority, and finding the Purses and desires of their Masters to be bottomless, never filled nor satisfied, although themselves were almost quite exhausted and ruined, and perceiving that their villainies would always create new troubles, and the fears of them would call for new expenses daily, Heroickly resolved, to see a legal Authority in being, before they would contribute any more Moneys at the demand of any Usurped pretended Power under Heaven. To curb these, and reduce them (as they called it) to obedience, General Monk was employed in odious, dirty, hateful services, and unheard of villainy was plotted against as many in the City as loved loyalty, whose blood, and plunder, (if not the flame of the City) was resolved upon, to be offered as a sacrifice to some Infernal Furies that sat in the Rump. However, the Posts and Chains of London were demolished, several Aldermen and Common council men were imprisoned, and to make a complete Tragedy, the most active Aldermen were (as report gave it out credibly) appointed to be hanged one at each Gate of the City. Yea to fill up the measure of their impiety to amazement, as well as detestation, Praysegod Bare-bone, a Fanatique leading Zealot, appears with a cursed Petition, to abjure, not only our Martyred Kings whole Royal Posterity, but the whole Family of King JAMES, and to have the motion for, or defence of Regal Government, made a Capital Crime, and that irrevocably, according to the Law of the Medes and Persians, not repealable by any future Parliaments, but the propounding such a thing (though in Parliament) to be adjudged Treason, and the Offender to suffer loss of life and forfeiture of Estate, as in case of high Treason, for the same. For which pious Petition, in which this must not be omitted, that he would have no Minister preach, nor Schoolmaster teach Scholars, and in a word, none to be admitted to any place of profit or trust, either civil or military, but such only who could dispense with his conscience so far, as to take that Oath of Abjuration, and actually did the same; for this (I say) he had, by the Order of the House, the Speakers hearty thanks, while two Noble spirited Gentlemen, Members Elected of the same Parliament, but by force secluded, (the force of the Rebellious Army, as the self-condemning Rumpers long time pretended) and still by force kept out, for a sober Petition to their Imperious Fellow-members, for readmission, delivered in behalf of themselves, and the rest who lay under that forcible restraint, from discharging the trust committed to them by the people, at the time of their Election, were committed Prisoners to the Tower. Then at last God saw it good to hear and answer the multitude of Prayers put up to him by the oppressed languishing Nation in general, and his faithful Servants in particular, and restrained the residue of the Rumps fury, having glorified his Name wonderfully by so much of it as he did permit, by which the Nation in general, and the guilty in particular, saw their sin at first committed against their Liege and gracious Sovereign, in the Looking-glass of its deserved and long continued punishment: Which was, and hath been by fare so much the more grievous plague, than the pestilence itself, wherewith formerly (to correct our less horrible sins) God in justice (mixed with mercy) sometimes visited us, as it was more afflictive to fall into the hands of merciless men, then into the hands of a gracious God, and therefore the latter was chosen by David rather than either the former or Famine: Yet the pestilence is a sharp scourge, but far to be chosen before being sold to, and oppressed by a Foreign Enemy, although this last be less grievous than to be subjected, and enslaved, domineered over, and kept under by the viler and base sort of our own chosen Representatives, who were elected and entrusted to stand for our liberties, and with their Lives and Fortunes to maintain them, which yet they perfidiously and perjuriously betrayed, and joined with the most unconscionable, rebellious part of the Army, to wit the mercenary Soldiers, who being raised, impowered, and paid, to defend the Liberties of those who made use of them, contrariwise employed their own Moneys, and the Weapons with which they were armed, to enslave and subject those who thus armed and paid them, and as much as in them lay, to perpetuate this bondage and slavery (to posterity) unto a few sordid degenerate Gentlemen, and Peasants, after all that were Noble and Honourable were thrown away, and laid aside. This was our long continued Plague, often varying its symptoms, but still appearing worse and worse, till at last mortal tokens (as I may call them) began to be visible: Then all were instructed (each man in his place) with (Gods high hand, that the missed raised) by factious, seditious spirits, at the beginning of the War, made his gracious Majesty to appear to his cordially loyal subjects, not as he really was, but his actions were scandalised, and his intentions misconstrued by such Boutefeus' of State who desired only to kindle an unquenchable fire, as well in the spiritual as in the temporal Government, which God to punish our sins, permitting them, they villainously brought to pass. Boast no more, I pray you, Sir, how free this City hath been since these overturning times, from the Pestilence, which in probability might have roosted the Rumpers out of their nest, in which they sat so long hatching mischief and perfidious villainy; and so instead of a plague, might have proved a blessing to this unhappy Nation: but themselves, and such who took occasion to Usurp, by their compliance and breach of Faith, and trust with the Nation, being indeed tenfold the more cursed plague, and God (for our sins judging it fit to continue this worst of miseries, (next to utter desolation) for a long season, upon this sinful rebellious Nation, whom no Oaths (formerly taken) could keep firm to our Loyalty, but even the Pulpits (the places of Divine Messages) sounded of nothing but arms, blood, and confusion) kept off the contagious Pestilence, and continued (with various changes between while) our bondage to Usurpers as well as Rebels, for a long time, nigh Twelve years, by this judgement of his to convince us each in our place) of our sins in general, and in particular, our sin of ingratitude to God, for so many and so pious Princes, succeeding each other, the last exceeding the former, their Reigns so long continued, in which we enjoyed the Gospel of peace, with peace and plenty, and in this Royal Stocks multiplied Branches, we had almost confidence of the continuance of our happiness, to which sin of ingratitude, we added the spirit of rebellion and perfidiousness, and both they brought forth perjury, but still (in the act of villainy, to keep the show of piety) all the rest of our sins shrouded themselves under the cloak of hypocrisy, Fasting (many of us) Monthly, that with greater security, by this show of holiness, we might smite with the fist of wickedness.  
I speak not this of all the Nation, God forbidden, as little of all the Parliament, among whom, I verily believe, that six in seven (yea more) were either cordially innocent, or barely seduced by the pestilent, pernicious wit, and damnable diligence of a very few Incendiaries at first, whose poison spread as a Canker, to the ensnaring of many to act and uphold that in ignorant pious zeal, which had they been nakedly uncased and discovered, they would have abhorred. But the monstrous impiety of the Rump, hath (blessed be God) undeceived and opened the eyes of most, if not all that were inconsiderately seduced in these three Nations, some of the grand Villains only excepted, to wit, the eminent men who swayed the Rump, who were indeed the true Incendiaries, and detestable Causers of our so long continued, sad calamities. Concerning whose persons, and pardon, I shall advise nothing, it being presumption in me to think such a thought, only my opinion is, that they are of the number of those wicked, to whom if favour be showed in a Land of Uprightness, yet they will not take notice of the Majesty of God: Let them be respited from deserved death, with Shimei, and pardoned to their own content, yet they will (through the just judgement of God) deserve, and come to a justly merited reward of their former Treasons, by some after committed villainy. Now Sir, as to the name of Rump, which byword, (as you term it) you mislike, give me leave to give a reason of my use of it: How first it was given to them, I shall not here inquire, though perhaps I might satisfy the Reader in that, but as for the reason of that denomination, I think if weighed well, it will be found too good a name for their bad deserts, if the name of a Rump or Rumper may owe its Original to, and derive its signification from (rumpo) that so the title Rumpers may be deduced a rumpendo, no notation can better agree to their nature, and what they have done. How have they broke their Vows, Oaths and Covenants with God? their Engagements and promises to men? the Privileges of PARLIAMENT? The laws of the Land? the hedge of all Government both Civil and Religious? their words at all times, with their friends? Articles with their Enemies; peace with their Christian Protestant Neighbours? The Seals of both their lawful King and usurping Protector, the staff of beauty, and the staff of bands, by which the Nation formerly flourished, and were united together? The bond of Love, both in reference to God and men? The hopes of good men concerning them? The endeavours of pious Christians and true loyal Members of these three Nations, for the healing our breaches? How did they by wicked Prevarication break off all Treatyes that were made between the King and Parliament, toward the settling of a sure and well grounded Peace? How did they impiously break their bounds, and engrossed into themselves by usurpation all the Power over these three Nations? In a word what have they not broke that is either honourable or sacred, which ought to have been kept inviolably? They have broken their faith, yea broken and trod down all ties of Conscience, boundaries of Law, Parliament and King, Nobles and Commons, their own credit and other men's, the estates of several both Noble and Gentile, yea that of the Widows and Fatherless, The trade of the Nation, and its repute both at home and abroad, the Gates of the City, their Posts and Chains, in a word, all hopes (in a manner) of ever recovering out of this Condition, they had certainly broken, had not God raised up one, and endowed him with a gallant heroic spirit, who to be ever with these Rumpers, hath happily broken their horns, and abated their Power, broken their net and let out the Captive, broken their Yoke and freed the oppressed, and the rod of Pride, and delivered the poor Nation, that lay at the feet of their mercyless ambition, broken their plot, and defeated (I hope) for ever their counsel, who otherwise, had in short time broken the hearts of all that were not gifted with a base slavish spirit, to submit to their lawless wills, and cursed Lust, and scorned to truckle under their highflown matchless Tyranny. Here are Rumpers with a witness, nay rather with a vengeance; Though I conceive, he who first was reported the Author of that name, alluded in it to the Rump of a Sheep or Lamb, which is but a small contemptible piece (compared to the whole Loin,) and is usually at Inns of Court the Cooks fee. So that if good it is of small value, in respect of its bulk, but if tainted, is scarce good for dogs. At a Gentleman's Table it is not of esteem, and therefore granted to Cooks as an inconsiderable part of the Doyn which (if left on) adds nothing to the price or value of it, and being cut off, diminisheth not a whit from the worth thereof, In any of which respects, this fag end of the House very well might be called the Rump; for esteem of all the Commoners being the most contemptible, especially when they are apparently tainted, and might be followed by the sent, of Perfidiousness, Perjury, Rebellion, Treason, Oppression, Murder, Sacrilege, and what not that is odious either to be named or heard? I think not of their personal vices, but desire to be understood only concerning their Villainies committed as a body politic. Their number also was so inconsiderable, that being joined to the other members they added but little of esteem or repute to them; the number being sufficient to make a considerable House without them, but of them so small, that they seldom exceeded much, never doubled the quorum of a House of Commons and therefore they were compelled to make bold with the Law, and fetch their fellows out of several Gaoles, lest the indisposition of some of the rest, might make their House thinner than by the Law thereof its constitution would bear: Some they adopted into their number, right or wrong, as five or six Esquires, others they plucked in by head and shoulders, as for instance, two or three Earls, who among them seemed Mongrel Neuters between Peers and Commoners. Thus the English House of Rumpers may hereafter go joined to the three places which according to the Proverb, refuse no body, Hell, the Grave and Sea. They may also very well be termed the Snuff of the House of Commons, the State of England during the Commotions being properly compared to a Taper, which being melted by the fire of War, and wasting itself with its own light, which was blown aside by the blasts of Rebellion, ran down much of its wax into the Socket, and declined apace. This snuff at last preying upon what was run down by the heat of War, and the wind of Rebellion, blazed a long time, till all that fed it was consumed, and then went out in a most insufferable stink. But I shall leave them to their own melancholy thoughts, which perhaps may now check them, and as joseph's brethren, after almost twenty years' security in that great sin, which (for aught they knew) they were guilty of, to wit, their brother's blood, when they were reduced to a great extremity, began to accuse themselves one to another, We are verily guilty of the blood of our Brother: So these Regicides, I hope in this their extremity, may be alarmed by their consciences, with such like thoughts, We are questionless guilty of the blood of our KING, when our own hearts told us that his person was sacred, and we ourselves were guilty of what we charged upon him, but he was innocent, and therefore now his blood is required. This is the worst I wish them, if it were Gods will, but their black fact I would have abhorred and detested for ever, and damned to the pit of hell, where first it was hatched.  
The last Engine by which Mr. Milton endeavours to hinder our much expected settlement is, to persuade the people that our present hereditary King hath been from his Cradle trained up in Popish Principles, having lived so long, and received his subsistence among, and from them, this if it were true, is a bad argument to keep him from his Crown, if it be, as certainly it is, his hereditary right and due. It was the unanimous resolve of the true Protestant Christians, in Queen Mary's days, that notwithstanding the desire of pious King Edward to the contrary, she, and not the Lady Jane, should be Crowned Queen, although she was known to be a resolved Papist, and of a most furious spirit, in requital of whom, she sent many of them to Heaven in Triumphant fiery Chariots. Now were it to be admitted, that our King were of the Romish Religion, yet his sweet inclination and disposition might take all suspicion of danger from him. Had he been educated with the greatest indulgence and care that were possible, in the true Orthodox Religion, and yet been seduced accidentally by the fraud and policy of some Romish Agents, it had yet been our duty to have prayed for him (as became true Christians) but withal, to have submitted to him, for God's sake, as became the true Children and Successors of those Primitive Apostolic Saints, who did the like to Heathen Emperors and Governors. But when God knows, this Nation hath by unparallelled Rebellion and Treason, cut off the Father, with that impious solemnity as was never yet done by the worst of Pagans, and neglected the Children with as much inhumanity as unrighteousness, dividing (as a spoil) among themselves the ample Revenues belonging to Majesty, and neither allowing the posterity any subsistence themselves, nor permitting any other to do it; but upon penalty of high Treason forbidding all relief to the Royal Orphans and Widow; when (I say) the Nation hath done this, (pardon me that I say the Nation, for I must lay the blame on the Nation, till the Nation hath wiped off the blot) if the King in consideration of these monstrous impieties, perpetrated against his Father, and continued against himself, had imputed the fault of the Professors to the profession itself, and embraced Popery rather than refined KING killing, Soveraign-despising Protestanisme, it had been our duty to have been humbled for what was past, and by a more exact Obedience to have testified our detestation of such principles, in order to the convincing his judgement, but to have rejected him on this score, had, (I confidently persuade myself) been adding impenitency unto sin, which is the greatest aggravation thereof: For, without doubt, the whole Nation cannot wash their hands from the guilt of our great sins committed against God's Vicegerent, our undoubted Head and Sovereign Lord, and his Royal Issue, for fear of man at least, or cowardly declining their endangered King, and his Royal line was their fault; While Vows, Covenants, Oaths and Protestations were made for his preservation and happiness, it is no great wonder that fair words and promises ensnared the simple, since I persuade myself, that those who made such promises were themselves beguiled by the subtlety of the ringleading Rumpers, and the Rebellious Soldiery, but when Oaths were palpably broken, and Majesty not only contemned and in hazard, but upon the very point of ruin, had all who were cordially loyal, then appeared against such monstrous impiety and villainy, had they been not only unarmed and naked, but even sick and wounded men, they had undoubtedly given a check to the Rumpers rage, and malicious, barbarous, bloody impiety. In which respect our Humiliation ought to be Nationall and serious, since not only Dogs, Sorcerers, and such like, but the fearful and unbelieving, shall be shut out of the heavenly Jerusalem: Yea, and when Christ was crucified, it was not the whole Nation that did it, but the Highpriest, and Scribes, and some zealous Pharisees, nor the majority of the people that consented to it, for they who plotted his death, durst not put their designs in execution on the Feast-day lest there should be an Uproar among the people, who most of them accounted Christ as a good holy man, and a great Prophet: Yet none appearing on his side when it was put in execution, that was long before plotted, his blood lay upon the whole Nation, and dismal calamities many years after came upon all, for the actual sin of some. So in likeness of our Saviour's sufferings, behold a pious Protestant King, not careful of his own life, that by his blood he might seal his people's Liberties, and the privileges of Parliament, behold him I say, arraigned, with scorn, reproach and contempt, condemned with impudence and the height of indignity, and executed with the full measure of malice, tyranny and cruelty; yea and after his death, the Injuries done to the Father as it were entailed upon the Son, and extended to the whole Royal Issue, and Relations. Behold, a young Prince, no sooner by villainous violence made a a lawful KING, but persecuted to the death, War being made with all who gave him entertainment, nor peace concluded with any, but upon condition of his being proscribed, and ejected out of all their Dominions, and Jurisdiction, his natural Subjects prohibited, (but upon condition of utter ruin) to own or relieve him, and yet see the mercy and goodness to this poor Nation in this our King, his constancy in the true Protestant Religion, and his undaunted profession of the same in the midst of, and in despite of all these Injuries offered him from Protestant Subjects, hath been the joy of all his Friends, the admiration of Strangers, the envy of Enemies, and is notorious in Europe, to the silencing of Momus himself, so that his known practice can give the lie to the words or pen of any barking blackmouthed Adversary whatsoever. This is the Lords doing, to his Name be glory for ever. If then it had been our undoubted duty, to have received him joyfully, and submitted to him cheerfully, and conscientiously, for the Lords sake, though he had been a Romist, how much more ought we to do it, as the case stands, and how ought every true Christian to long for his return, and not give God rest, day nor night, but be instant in servant prayer till his Restitution be accomplished: For whatever may be pretended as to settlement by a Commonwealth, there is no way of firm settlement but by returning to our former Allegiance. We came not to that pass we were lately in, but by the means of treason, rebellion, perjury, murder, oppression, and sacrilege, for which God certainly will visit: Can we imagine there were no God, as foolish Atheists imagine, or that God were like to us, an Abettor of such Villainies as we act and approve, it would yet be very improbable, that a (foolishly intended) Commonwealth should ever be settled, forasmuch as the Interest of the Nation is engaged to Monarchy, it is a Government we were trained up in, and accustomed thereto, and our Kings not Fortaigners to us, but our own Countrymen, who were themselves by blood allied to many (if not most) of the Nobles, and they to the Gentry, they also to the Yeomen, and Countrey-farmers', that Interests were woven together so firmly, and the knots knit between all so indissolvably, that the same cannot be undone, without the certain inevitable ruin of all. And if Interests which have sprung up since the War (whose foundation is illegality, enormity, and Villainous impiety) be in ten or twelve years become so considerable, that for peace sake, the formalities of Law and nyceties of Justice must be dispensed withal, and the rule (raptim vivendi) since it is become Epidemical, must be connived at as to the time past, or else palpable and apparent danger might be of new Combustions; is it to be imagined that so long continued, and so interwoven Interests, can be thrown aside like an Almanac out of date, and all remain quiet? We see that those who never were possessed of, nor quietly enjoyed the Government, but only reached after, and aspired to it, can scarce be satisfied without enjoying what they thus gaped for, but will rather endeavour to set all on fire, then go without it, and is it likely, that such, who were legally and quietly possessed therewith, owned by all, and Allegiance sworn to them by all, (as the King's Posterity was included in the Oath of Allegiance, and Supremacy, and all his legal Successors, in defect of Issue) the Nobles also (who are numerous) whose Franchise and Prerogative it was so fare to participate in Government, as to be the Peers of the Nation, and to make one House of English Parliaments, The Gentry also who were firm to their Sovereign, whose Birthright it is to choose and be chosen Commoners: Can all these be blown away with a puff, and breaches be sodered up notwithstanding? 'twere a madness to imagine it. Certainly, if to adhere to a King, who had piously and happily Governed nigh twenty years, descended of Ancestors of happy memory, who with himself had almost completed a Century of years in most happy tranquillity, were deserving sequestration, imprisonment, (and death as some suffered) besides a loss of privileges, and Franchises to themselves, yet must their innocent Babes be cut off likewise with the Parents? and can peaceable submission nevertheless be expected? Certainly no, Religion and reason both forbid it, no marvel then, if now at length toward the Morning Watch, (the Daystar of our deliverance appearing) the Righteous God hath looked down through the Cloud of confusion and disorder, and hath troubled the Host of our Egyptian Taskmasters, taking off the Chariot-wheels so that they drive heavily, and troubling their Counsels in such sort, that I hope they will never be praevalent more, but if they continue obstinately impenitent, will bring back upon them the Waters of trouble, despair, agony, and final destruction, that so when these Egyptians are over whelmed in those Floods, by which they intended to swallow up the Innocent, we may with joyful hearts sing Praises to him our Deliverer; in the Church, and pay our Vows in the Assembly of the Great Congregation: and I presume with confidence, that if it shall please the Lord once more to return in mercy to this poor Nation, to lay our Foundations firmly anew, to heal our breaches, and to restore unto us our Judges as at the first, and our Counsellors as at the beginning, we shall then be wary hereafter how we slight Gods Blessings, and loath Manna, lest if we again relapse into the same or the like sin, a worse Judgement overtake us. As for our King's being maintained during his Exile, it hath been almost a Prodigy in Providence; of his own he might say as David to Saul, They banished him from the presence of the Lord, saying in effect, Go serve other Gods; and if David the Chosen of the Lord, and a man after his heart, when banished Israel, fled to Achish King of Gath (a Philistine) who shown him kindness, and treated him with courtesy, who can condemn our Exiled Prince far from Friends and Relief, hunted from England into the Low Countries, and France, from thence recalled to Scotland, and as soon pursued by that implacable Bloodhound, (who had not quenched his thirst with his Royal Father's blood,) and by him persecuted, and driven into England, thence forced again to fly to the Low-countrieses and France, where he had the relief and converse of Protestants; but even this was envied him by our late infamous Usurper, who partly by force, partly by policy, ejected him out of both those Jurisdictions, yet when destitute of Friends and succour, God put it into the Tyrant's mind to quarrel with Spain, our most profitable Ally, and that Prince relieves our distressed Royal Orphans. Here was God's goodness, triumphing over man's baseness, his mercy over their cruelty, to him be the glory, but in greater mercy he hath kept our King and Royal Issue, from being tainted in their Religion, which is a favour for which Immortal praise is due to his Name.  
And thus Mr. Milton I have run through your Discourse, and in answering it I have obviated whatever is material, in what you wrote against Salmasius, either derogating from Kingly Government, or justifying that Execrable murder of our lawful, and once happy yet (for ever glorious) martyred King CHARLES; and in prosecuting my own Assertion in opposition to yours, I have (I conceive) anticipated any material Objection, that might be made for future in behalf of one, or against the other. I shall now conclude with you, wishing you hearty true repentance, and a sound mind. Railing against Majesty, when insulted over (by the permission of God) and casting scurrilities in the face of Gods Anointed, is the mark of a Shimei, (let his profession of Religion be what it will) and if God ever come to awaken your Conscience in mercy or in judgement, you will find such a like reproof in your breast, as cursing Shimei had from Solomon, Thou knowest all the wickedness that is in thy heart, and which it is privy to, etc.) out of the abundance of which you belched forth your filthy Expressions against him, of whom those who are truly pious (fearing God and the King) give a different Character. But I hope all who are indeed wise, will be enabled to judge of persons and things. You say, what you writ is the Language of the Good Old Cause: I am sure what I writ is the Language, and according to the sense of Good Old True Christians, and of the Scripture. What you wrote, you wrote no more (you say) then if you had written to stocks or stones: And what I reply to you or to the Ring-leading Rumpers, I am confident I writ to such, (that is) scared Consciences, and stony breasts, but as you hope your writings out of those stones may raise up some Children unto Liberty, so I hope these my Writings may meet with some, who, in simplicity are following Absalon in Hebron, being by delusions won to desert their lawful KING in Jerusalem; I mean, following an Usurping Aspirer, in contempt of true Authority, and the true Church, deserting their True KING, and rejecting the true means of Grace, to be only found in Zion.  
But those who are True and Cordial Subjects and Sons, to their King, and of the Orthodox Protestant Church, know, that David whom Shimei reviled, was a man after Gods own heart, and one whom the Lord chose to make an Everlasting Covenant with, so different is the esteem of good men being made by divers sorts of persons: As an Eye that is distempered and bloodshot, dazzles at the Sun, or any clear Light, seeing by it nothing but blood, terror, and amazement, nor can abide to behold it, but looking down on the green Earth, is more contented, and pleased: So guilty minds, or restless spirits, cannot endure the lustre of Majesty, but go poring upon, and admiring that which is more sordid and nearer the Earth, as suiting best to their capacity. To both which the Poet thus alludes, and shows the fate of each:  
— Sapiens domin abitur astris,  
Vir Terrae (pronus sensibus) is suberit.  
But I hope these (terrae filii) will be no longer Remora's to our long wished for, and expected Deliverance, Settlement, and Joy, which that it may come ( & citò) both surely and speedily, is, and hath been, my prayer, and I hope every Cordial Subject, and loyal Breast in England, Scotland, and Ireland, will say, Amen.   

A PERORATION, To his EXCELLENCY the Lord General MONCK, and his OFFICERS; AND, TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, The Two HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT, Which are shortly to meet, and Sat at WESTMINSTER.  
Most Honourable LORD,  
HAving in defence of Regal Government, against Mr. Milton's Ready and Easy way to establish a Free Commonwealth, brought (by God's good help and assistance) my intended task to an end, it remains, that I now address myself to your Excellency, in a paraenetical, or congratulatory way, for what you have (through God's blessing been instrumental in bringing to pass.  
We are all deeply sensible, and thankfully acknowledge, that the Righteous God for our many and great sins had corrected us, and brought us into such a state and condition, as this Nation never before was in, since it first was known to be a Nation to thi● day. He had cut off from us the Ancient, and the Honourable, had deprived us of our happy Governors, broken our once matchless, peaceably settled, and long happily Government. Had set Ephraim against Manasse, Manasseh against Ephraim, and both against Judah, so that the Syrians before, and the Philistims behind, did all seem to devour our Israel with open mouth: Yet for all this his fierce anger was not turned away, but his hand appeared stretched out still against us. Our Kingdom was divided, rend and tottering, one part against the other, the Son envying, and betraying the Father, and one Brother another, so that there was neither peace nor truth among us.  
Our Church also was broken almost to pieces with Schisms, Factions and Heresies, our profession scandalised, with damnable Errors and Blasphemies, so that we had scarce the face of a true Church left among us. Our Principles were tainted and corrupted with the crying sins of murder, sacrilege, cruelty, of pression, hypocrisy, rebellion, and perjury, breach of faith, Vows, Covenant and Oaths, with hardheartedness and impenitency; that it was hardly to be discerned, if any spark of true Religion, and power of Godliness remained in this (every way guilty) Nation or no, whose hands were deeply imbrued, and (beyond washing) stained with the sacred blood of Majesty, nor was the cruelty perpetrated upon the Father, so repent of, as to give glory to the God of Heaven, but it was continued upon us, and justified by us, in the rejecting of his whole Royal Line and Issue, and neglecting his necessitated Orphons and Widow, although by profession we owned ourselves Christians, and boasted of a far greater Light, than had shone upon any of our Ancestors or Predecessors. Yet among them, (in a time not much removed from Paganism) perjured Harold permitted Edgar (the true Heir of the Crown) to enjoy a large part of his Estate and Revenue, and to retain the title and command of Earl of Oxford, one of his subordinate titles, had he been Crowned KING, as Harold by Oath engaged to Edward the Confessor, he would see performed, when Edgar came to years, and in the mean time himself would only assume the Title, exercise the Office, and execute the Charge, of Guardian or Protector of him during his minority, notwithstanding which, perjuriously he himself Usurped the Crown, Deposing the right Heir, howbeit, left him the Title and Dignity of Earl of Oxford, with a large Revenue, so fare was he from conspiring against his life, though he aspired (unjustly contrary to his Oath) to his Crown.  
But among us (Saints by profession, enjoying the greatest light, which ever appeared since the Apostles time) is found Harold's perjury exceeded fourfold, and his cruelty a thousand fold: For besides one Oath of Allegiance, and another of Supremacy given to all, also another Oath suitable to the former, at Admission to sit in Parliament; the Authority of England (which was subordinate to the King) in order to manage a War against him, with whom they were called to consult, and to whom, and his Queen, (with his whole Royal Issue) they were sworn to be true, to preserve his person, and to maintain, and defend his just legal privileges, of themselves form, and took a Vow and Protestation, protesting their integrity in these intentions before the whole World, and appealing to God as Witness and Judge of their intentions and actions, according to the tenor of that sacred Protestation. After which they made, and took a Solemn League and Covenant, entering into it with lifted up hands to the most high God, nor took they it only themselves, (both Lords and Commons) but pressed it, and compelled it, upon all in Office, both Religious and Civil, upon penalty of being ejected in case of refusal. Yet these Vows, Oaths and Covenants, not being regarded, the same King to whom they were made, (and he excelling all that went before him for piety, and exemplary unblameableness of life) was murdered (Oh dreadful to be remembered) at his own Gate, and his Heir not only made uncapable to succeed him, but not allowed out of his large Princely Revenues, the least relief, nor any of his hereditary subjects permitted to contribute aught to his maintenance, nor allowed publicly to do that for him, which Christ commands us to do for our Enemies, viz. to pray for him. This prevarication (at first) was not National, nor Universal in the Parliament, but brought about by the Hellish Policy of a few pestilent infernal Agents, and fomented by turbulent spirits, yet through the judgement of God, these praevaricators being only an inconsiderable bit, or more properly the Fag-end or Snuff of the Commons House, known every where (for these many Months last passed) by the Name of the Rotten RUMP, struck such a terror into the whole Nation, being backed with a powerful Apostate Army, that most in silence only shook their heads at these Transactions, by which means, all who appeared to oppose them vigorously, lost either Estate, or Life, or both. Being thus by our own wickedness unsettled both in Church and State, our Overturners, or Destroyer's of Foundations, attempted many ways to come to a Settlement, but laying the sandy Foundation of blood, cruelty, unmercifulness, and oppression, their Building was still shaken, and fell with every storm.  
Being thus tossed like a Ship in a Tempest, or a Ball in a large Country, God was pleased to add impoverishment to our unsettlement, suffering us to be turned, and wiped, like a Dish, until nothing at last be left sticking upon it; our Vurped Governor's always wanting a potent Army to keep the People obedient to them by force, who hated them for their unfaithful betraying the trust reposed in them, this Army necessitated the continuance of T●●…es, though no cause appeared of keeping so great a Force on foot, or in employment, (but only to enslave the Nation) in sense of which Misery, and seeing no hopes of end otherwise, many contrived to free themselves and the Nation underhand, by raising a Force to countermand the other, but God so ordering it, that all those means proved ineffectual, conducing to, and bringing to pass nothing, but the increase of the Usurper's fears, which caused the raising more Forces, and they impoverished the (almost bankrupted) Nation each day more and more, besides the constant ruin of Estate, and often loss of life which attended, and was brought upon such as endeavoured the Nations Redemption, and fell our so frequently, that two Thirds of the true Owners of Estates in the Nation, were joint sufferers in this public Calamity.  
Being brought into this Wilderness, and all means of deliverance, (unless miraculous) appearing in a manner quite cut off, it pleased God, beyond humane expectation, to give us in this Valley of Anchor, a Door of hope, raising up your Excellency, and so guiding your Counsels, (he being the great Counsellor) and raising your undaunted spirit beyond difficulties, and so wonderfully making your way even before you, that we may in all these Transactions of Providence, see, admire, and adore God in the Mount, who knoweth how, and when, and by what Instrument to bring Redemption to his People, to his Holy Name, as is his due, we desire all honour, and glory may be given, and that your excellency may be owned, and for ever acknowledged, as a matchless instrument, in this our strange, unexpected, and scarcely to be paralleled deliverance.  
How will Generations to come, and children yet unborn have cause to bless you, and God for you, to eternize your memory with praises, and thankfully make mention of your truly Pious deserts? How happy shall that County be that brought you forth, and the Town in which you drew your first breath concerning which it will be said, many ages yet to come. The Noble General MONCK, his Country's deliverer, was born here, Undoubtedly most Heroic Soul, what Christ said of Mary, in its kind will be verified concerning you, and this (never sufficiently to be extolled) gallant service of yours in behalf of your gasping Country, wherever this Nation hereafter shall be mentioned by any Historian, this service of yours will likewise be remembered, to your deserved, never dying Honour, and immortal Glory. Go on most Renownned Commander in these gallant endeavours of yours; and the Lord God bless you out of Zion, grant your request, and give you to see the most happy accomplishment of this your truly pious achievement, and Enterprise. Yea I doubt not but he who put it into your heart to begin, and gave you the courage to go on so fare, will also prosper you, and give success to your undertake, so as by your means to accomplish them. See I pray and observe the encouragements which God hath given you since your first breaking the Ice in this behalf; How unanimously the City honours and respects you, and how all Counties echo back those deserved praises of yours, which are from hence sounded forth all the Nation over. On the other hand, how did the Rumpers design to make your Excellency an instrument to put in execution their odious commands, and perform their dirty services, against the honourable famous Metropolis of England, (London) and then to have discharged you at leisure and left you to the fury of an oppressed enraged people. But God gave your Excellency both wisdom and resolution, to discover first and then to prevent these their cursed designs, and hath returned the hate thereof upon the justly deserving Authors, and Commanders of the same to be indispensably put in execution. Here was mercy almost to a miracle, to both your Honour's self and these three bleeding, distracted, unsettled, yea almost quite destroyed Nations. So that now the Scene is altered, and the Nobility, and Gentry, Yeomen, Farmers and Country people, so honour the mention of your name, as if it were of some heavenly Messenger, or deliverer, immediately sent from God himself: The Citizens so prise you that they think no love too dear for you, nor expressions thereof too great; but all (except some few troublesome raging Sectaries) would in a manner pull out their very eyes to serve you. This (my Lord) is a call from God himself to your Excellency, that as you have happily begun, so (by means of the already convened Parliament, which in few days is to begin its sessions) you may be instrumental in the great work of settling these Nations, once more upon a sure Basis of lasting peace and settlement.  
England, Scotland, and Ireland, call to you with stretched forth Arms, (not in a dream as the man of Macedonia did Paul, but waking, in affectionate addresses,) and sigh forth their desires & groan out their wants before your Excellency, saying, come help us, We are but as water spill upon the ground which cannot be gathered up again, because the banished is not called back from exile, nor the heir restored to his right, we were robbed (my Lord) of our King, (not legally deprived of him) by such who usurped the Title and Authority, of the supreme power of England, but upon examination, were found not to be so, but were proved Liars, we crave him, in whom we all have an interest, which yet we never forfeited, however we were oppressed in it by the audacious impiety of the Rumpers. Now than what hinders, but he may be restored to us, and we to the enjoyment of him? My Lord we beg humbly your assistance herein, and blessed be God we find such encouragement, and resolution, both from your excellency, and your officers, together with the unanimous Consent of your whole Army, viz. that you will acquiesce submissively in the determination and resolution of the Parliament, Blessed be God who hath put such a determination in the heart of the General and such a concurring agreement in the whole Army, That we once more find an Army acquiefcing in the resolves of, not prescribing work, and giving Laws to the Parliament. This next to God is to be attributed to the prudence, and upright heartedness of the General, in whom these three Nations have already begun to be, and I hope, (nay I question not) will in due time be made (under God) completely happy. For my part considering to what a height of malapert unrulyness, the soldiery in England had arrived, in these almost twelve years of Apostasy and Rebellion, (which was grown very familiar to most) I seriously protest that I wonder, so much toward settlement could possibly be performed in these Nations in so little time, considering how many and great Commanders in the Army, differ as much from the pious Principles of his Excellency the Lord General, and the submissive truly Christian temper of his under Officers, as light doth from darkness, by which is (more than ordinarily) confirmed that true saying of the Poet  Regis ad exemplum totus componitur orbis. 
My Lord, England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the neighbouring Nations take notice, and we who are concerned desire gratefully to acknowledge, the great difficulties, and intricate perplexities God hath carried your Excellency through, in order to the bringing to pass what we see. From whose high merits the fiery spirited friends to the Rump would detract and asperse you with unfaithfulness to them, from whom you received a Commission. We all know (that are sober) what you did, and how they engaged your honour in dishonourable pieces of service, we know how your Excellency declared against the force that lay upon them; through the ambition of Lambert, Desborough, Fleetwood, and other aspiring Army grandees, and that if any other force lay upon them, so as to render them not a Free Parliament, you would endeavour to remove it, This your excellency fully performed, when you restored the secluded Members to liberty of sitting; without excluding forcibly the worst deserving Rumper, nor could it have been made good otherwise. The Rumpers once laid the blame of the Members seclusion, on the Rebellious Mutinous Army, by whose means and power it is certain that was first effected: however since it appeared, to be a plot of the fag end of the Commons House, with the rebellious Grandees of the Army, who would be under no yoke. None that was wise could expect other from your Excellency, who was once one who hazarded your life in actual defence of his Majesty. Now my Lord, I respect your excellency as so grave, wise, and judicious, that you would not engage Life, fortune, reputation, and all that was dear to you, but where you were conscientiously satisfied of the Justice of the Cause. Yea and the worst of your Honour's friends own, that you continued to his Majesty actively or passively constant, beyond being compelled, or won by force or flattery, so long as his Majesty had either hopes, or any visibly appearing on his side. But after when all was lost, had you followed him with the rest into Exile, you could have been but a burden, at lest no advantage to his Majesty or his friends could have come thereby; But as Hushai David's friend pretending to stand for Absalon, defeated (for David) the counsel of Achitophel, yet did nothing but what became a pious honest man, and faithful Subject, and friend. So your Excellency, by taking command of an Army after the War was ended, with a resolution still never to fight against his Majesty, by managing also the Navy as Admiral against the Dutch, and Spaniard, by leading an Army in Ireland against the Rebels, and in Scotland with an Army, Governing the Nation with wisdom, and in peace; you have been made under God instrumental to do that in order to a true firm settlement without blood, which for above these twelve years hath been prayed for without answer, and endeavoured in vain, with the loss of the lives of many, and the estates of thousands. This is the Lords doing, for which your Excellency deserves by a Statue of Brass, and a Monument of Marble, to be made famous to all posterity. I know the fame Soul lodgeth in your Noble Breast, now as did then, the same Loyal blood runs in your veins, and I am assuredly confident, that so soon as interests can be so reconciled, and pacified, as that between his Royal Majesty, and his Subjects, (who by sufferings have learned Wisdom, to prise a good pious Prince for the future) there may be no jealousy, on either side, there will be no obstacle remaining to hinder our long waited for happiness. In hope and certain expectation of which I shall, and I doubt not but all sober men in these three Nations will wait for the two Houses determination, and I beseech God, that all difficulty may vanish before the Parliament, which is now shortly to fit, as smoke is driven away and disappears before a smart gale of wind, or as snow melts before the Sun so let all obstructing disputes (I beseech God) wast away to nothing.  
AND thus, Noble, and Honourable Senators, I am brought in Order to address myself unto your pious Wisdom, and Religious Discretion, having already made an acknowledgement to his Excellency the General, for two Causes, First, because he (under God) was the immediate and next cause of this your Convention, to the disappointment of the Rumpers, who intended this last time to have Earbored the Nation, and made us their servants for Ever. But especially because of his performances we have already had the taste, and (in a great measure) fruition; but the good to be reaped from your Honourable Consultations; is yet in expectation, to you therefore I address myself as an humble Suitor, and yet Confident Petitioner, but to his Excellency thanks is already due, for a large portion of benefits which we have received of him in this kind: To which I may add, that this being written, and intended to be published before your Session, Reason and Order call for it, that I should in the first place address myself to the Power in being (especially of whose good we have so largely tasted) and next to the Power which is in Expectation shortly after.  
My Address Right Honourable and Worthy Patriots to you is, to entreat you, (not because I in the least doubt your own most ready inclination thereto) to set yourselves seriously to the healing of our breaches. Yea I know you will do it, however it will not be amiss, nor I hope interpreted peremptoriness, for me your faithful Honourer, to submit a few Considerations to your most judicious censure, first inviting to a settlement upon our Ancient Basis, and only firm Foundation, not barely Kingly Government, but our most Virtuous King Charles the Second, (to whom God grant a long and prosperous Reign) whose Restitution I hope, and pray for, and doubt nothing (Right Honourable Senators) but by your means to see accomplished. But Secondly, giving your Honours the grounds why I wish it may be effected and brought to pass as soon as possible. I shall after conclude this Discourse, humbly begging that the great God of Heaven would give you wisdom, and courage, that He who sitteth among the Gods, may sit among you, directing and guiding you in the ready way to settle these Nations in firm peace, that Religion may be countenanced and flourish, our Rights as Men, and Christians, asserted, vindicated, and preserved, to the glory of God, and the comfort of all that fear him, in all three Kingdoms.  
This, Right Honourable Lords and Gentlemen, can be no way brought about but by restoring the true Heir to his Inheritance, all other ways or means, are but only suggestions of the Adversaries of the Nations happiness, who would continue things in unsettlement, on purpose only to secure and indemnify themselves from deserved justice. Consider (I beseech you) how many prejects have been contrived towards our Settlement, upon different Foundations, which all proved sandy, and so the Building thereon raised, (though cemented with Blood and Rapine) soon fell, and we were ever put after each Change upon greater straits, and left in worse confusion, than we suffered before. So that the change of our Medicaments, and Physicians, in order to the Recovery of this sick State, hath been far worse than our Disease itself, the one causing us to languish in unsettlement, the other accelerating our Destruction, and threatening our utter Ruin.  
Which must needs be attributed to the Justice of God, who hath forsaken us, because we forsook him. He hath seen and beheld all the guilt under which this Nation lies, and if for two Transgressions, and for three, the Holy and Righteous God, would not turn away the punishment of several Nations, what shall be done to us for seven crying Sins? yea rather for seven times seven Abominations? How have Rebellion and Treason, Perjury, perfidiousnes, and Murder, Hypocrisy and Sacrilege, besides all sorts of Heresies, profaneness, beastliness, unmercifulness, cruelty, and oppression, reigned in these Nations, and raged (as if) in contempt of Heaven? How hath blood touched blood? How have the Rumpers, and after them the Usurping Protector, filled London, and the whole Land with Innocent Blood? the cry of which is come up to Heaven? and there calls aloud for Vengeance? But now at last God in unspeakable mercy hath seemed to return to us, and as a Father doth offer in love to embrace us, to him be the praise. In answer of whose so great tenders of favour, and future blessing, give me leave, Honourable and Worthy Patriots, to groan forth my most affectionate desires before your Wisdoms. The cause of our long continued Calamities, hath been, and is unquestionably a spirit of ungratefullnesse toward a signally gracious God, and a spirit of Rebellion toward his Vicegerent on Earth the KING, also a spirit of profaneness, in contemning his Worship, and Service, together with the Ministers and Dispenser's of the same. This wicked ungodly spirit like a fertile, (although accursed) Root, hath brought forth numerous branches of such crying sins, which at this day are to be found among us, and formerly have been practised, and remain yet unrepented for. Now most Worthy Senators, it behoves you seriously, solemnly, and industriously to endeavour a Nationall amendment, of these Nationall Abominations: Nor is it enough to bewail the guilt, but by amendment, and restitution, we must endeavour to wipe away the blot, and expunge the stain contracted. The Villainy committe● against the Father, and his Offspring, who was the Father of these Nations, was committed upon a Na●all pretence, and therefore it behoves it should be Ntiona●ly disclaimed. In that act God was highly provoked by Oaths, Vows and Covenants, not more sacredly made, and solemnly taken and entered into, but as perjuriously broken in the face of the Sun, yet the perjury justified and defended, under the Cloak and pretence of Religion.  (Tantum Religio potuit suadere malorum.) 
My Lords and Gentlemen, you are the Successors of that Parliament, and many of you the very persons that sat therein; It behoves you now to testify openly, and effectually against this treacherous, perfidious perjury, which ended in blood, or else you will be found Justifiers of the same. God's wrath is not to be appeased without hearty contrition, and repentance of these sins for time past, and an amendment for future, which Amendment must be answerable unto that prevarication, wherewith God was, and is provoked, else the Plaster will be too narrow for the Sore. Consider my Lords and Gentlemen, our fault in all its branches, ingratefulness towards, an● perjury against God, Apostasy from our Religious profession, to the toleration of all Heresies and Blasphemies, and perfidiousness unto, Rebellion from, with contempt and rejection of our Liege King, and his Posterity, contrary to Duty, Oaths and Protestations, this must be adaequately repent of, and satisfaction, reparation and restitution made to parties injured, if ever we expect Gods return to us in mercy, and not a Visitation in judgement.  
For with Majesty many thousands were injured in the highest degree, to whom if (at least) justice be not done for the future, and an acknowledgement of, and taking shame for what is past, (where reparation cannot be made) God without a miracle, can, and no doubt will make use of these, to be the Executors of his Vengeance and fierce displeasure against this Nation, who then would be not only here and there bespotted, but over head and ears plunged in those crying sins, which the Lord (who is true and just) hath declared he will not pardon. But, Noble Senators, I am confident God will give you that wisdom, and true piety, that you will effectually wash your own hands, and I hope, cleanse the whole Nations (in general) from these crying, Land destroying, State overwhelming impieties, by laying the fault and guilt upon those who are really guilty of the same. That so once more our Foundations may be laid, and we may be established in Righteousness: That this long afflicted, shattered Nation, may once more take root downwards, and shoot forth branches, and bear fruit upward, to the glory of God and the reviving, heart refreshing joy of all those who fear him.  
For this end I humbly beg of God in ●o●r behalf, and am (with good hope) persuaded, that these Two Houses will not undertake the Patronage of the grand Causers of all our past, and still continued calamites, by desiring a general Act of Amnesty, which will neither be for God's glory, nor yet for our settlement: It will skin over the sore, leaving it full of corruption in the bottom. For the Lords sake I pray hearty, that your Wisdoms may be kept free, from making yourselves guilty of that innocent blood both of Majesty, and several others, which lies yet only at the Rumpers door, and those who were Members of that Monstrous Sloughter-house, the High Court of Justice, nor upon all of them alike; for many I conceive to be free from all malice, and known shedding of innocent blood; but only deluded and deceived by the ensnaring devices of the chief Contrivers; whose impiety as it amazeth my spirit, so it staggers my Rhetoric, that I cannot find out fit expressions to suit their execrable deserts. Blood defiles a Land, nor can it be cleansed from it, but by the blood of those who shed it. Because Manasseh shed Innocent blood much, so that he filled Jerusalem with it, therefore the Lord would not pardon Israel from going into Captivity. The sins of those in Authority (blood especially) is oft (almost ever) punished by Nationall miseries, the whole Nation bleeding largely oft times for the blood of a few innocent persons, whose blood is not publicly required and avenged. Manasseh had shed innocent blood much, which the Lord would not pardon, although Manasseh had been carried Captive into Babylon, and there (as to himself) repent his Idolatry, Murders and other Abominations. Josiah also followed him, a holy tender hearted Prince, who restored the Worship of God to its purity, and made such a Reformation, as none ever did before him nor after him, of whom it is testified, to his Immortal praise, that no King was ever like him in Jerusalem, yet for the bloodshed of Manasseh, the Captivity should not be turned away, God would not pardon it. Doubtless many of the Nation were Instrumental in shedding this blood, some as false witnesses, others as Executioners, whom Manasseh (when he repent) or his Son and Successor, good Josiah, aught to have rewarded with blood, (without which Justice the Nation is not cleansed from the guilt thereof) for want of which (in probability) most holy, unparalleled Josiah contracts a guilt upon himself and the Nation, for which he in the flower of his Youth falls by the hand of Pharaoh Necho, and all his people felt the miseries of War, Bloodshed, Famine, and final Desolation, which ended in a long, and grievous Captivity in his Successors days.  
My Lords, and Gentlemen, God hath given you wisdom, and I humbly implore his Divine Majesty in your behalf, that he would be your faithful Guide and Counsellor in this particular. It was not the actual sin of the Nation, nor of the Parliament of England, but of a Combination of the perjured, Treacherous part of England's Commoners, with a Rebellious Soldiery, (whom some hypocritical grand Officers deluded into Rebellion against that Authority, which raised, empowered, and paid them, and to whom they were sworn, and engaged to be true, and obediently faithful) who plotted, contrived, and put it in execution, whom it were as much pity as impiety to shelter from Justice. However our King may truly be said to be (as was said of the Kings of Israel) a merciful King. His sweet Disposition, notwithstanding the great provocation of his Dear Father Blood, I know is so inclined to compassion, and to forgiveness, that I doubt not, but all Offences against his Father, and himself, (save only the wilful malicious shedding Royal innocent blood) he will (of himself) freely pass by; and of those who had their hands imbrued therein, I doubt not, where Charity itself can excuse the Offender, to be deluded, and not an Active Ringleader, he will be more inclinable to mercy then justice: Yea, and even those whom Mercy itself cannot plead for, I know he will pity and weep over their causeless malice, and obstinate impenitency. Who can plead for such (Worthy Senators) who boast of that at which the Sun even blushed, and count it their glory to have their hand in our (better deserving) Kings Blood? Of whom one most impudently said, That he reputed it his Honour, to be one, who was active therein, and would have the memory of it Eternised upon his Monument, as a most heroic commendable Fact. Monstrous Villain! of whose mind myself have heard others! for whom what can be pleaded? Yea, my Lords and Gentlemen, pity these Rumpers, and their Bloodhounds, if ever they shown pity to any who crossed their corrupt designs, have regard to their Lives and Fortunes, if ever they regarded Vows, Oaths, Covenants, Honour and Honesty: Pity their Posterity, if they themselves do it, whom they care not to enslave and destroy, while they secure only and indemnify their own persons. Endeavour to make their peace, if they have not always endeavoured, and desire still to inflame the Nation, and destroy you, and yours, and are not now labouring to kindle a new fire, in these already wasted Kingdoms. But if it be most certain, that they at first, unhappily and impiously involved these Nations in blood and confusion, and still endeavour to do the like a new, to continue our distractions, and hinder our settlement, and are impenitently, stained yea overwhelmed in Royal innocent blood, Perjury, and Sacrilege; which they obstinately justyfy, in god's name give them leave, (who thus sow the wind) to reap the whirlwind.  
— Immedicabile vulnus,  
Ense rescindatur, ne pars sincere trahatur.  
Most Noble Senators, the Parliamen of England, were, and aught to be in most venerable esteem, being the only Physic for the state in distemper, it is next under God the staff, and beauty of the Nation, its strength and glory. This title these Rumpers usurped, and killed their King, imposed perjury by force upon all, and who would not actually forswear himself (in imitation of them) was denied all benefit of protection. The Villainies by them perpetrated are without precedent, only themselves may become a precedent for future, if by connivance at these they be countenanced, Then (for future) forty Commoners, if they can bribe a Competent force to abet, and back them may be supreme, unking, and murder their Sovereign, disable his Posterity, unhouse the Lords, and make their Fellow members (six times their own number) uncapable of trust, power, and privilege, both for present and future, and then what English man would but loathe the name of Parliaments for ever? Your privileges were broken, and the breakers styled themselves the Patriots and true Assertors of the Nations liberty, now the vulgar cannot discern between the name of a thing, and the thing itself, The public faith (given by both Houses) O abominable to consider! was made the by word of every Baliad singer. And what was the cry of the people, but the Parliaments public faith was become a public cheat?  
This my Lords, and worthy Gentlemen, must be protested against solemnly, and effectually, to the undeceiving the people, else the glory honour and reputation of English Parliaments is lost in England; till oblivion devour the memory of these things. Without this be done, the King (whenever by God restored, as most certainly he will be, in God's due time may well nautiate, the memory and mention of a Parliament, unless the Rump be disoned and disclaimed as one. And so, if the Prince dislike, and the Common people contemn and abhor, that (under God) which is the Nations strength, glory, and safety, of what fatal consequence this must needs be I leave to your wisdoms maturely to judge. What remains then, but that we conclude of the Rump, with like expressions to those of Jerubbaal, concerning them who pleaded for Baal, because some body had thrown down his Altar. Will ye yet plead for the Rump,? Let them plead for themselves, at the Bar of Justice, Will ye yet defend the Murderers of the King, Lord Capel, Doctor Hewit, etc. with the monstrous high Court of Injustice? Leave them to the determination of Justice, and the mercy, of his incomparable Majesty, the true inheritor of his Father's Christian virtues, and graces, to wit patience, compassion, meekness, long-suffering, etc. as he is heir to his Kingly Diadem. Let as many as plead for the Rump, be put to death, in this morning of our deliverance, because God by the means of his Excellency the Lord General MONCK hath thrown down their Pride, and cut off their lawless power, and so put an end to their matchless fury, and merciless rage, proceed therefore wisely, go on prosperously (Noble Senators) and settle these poor confused Nations, call home our banished, yea I know you will do it, God having instructed you with a high hand, walk not in the way of the Rumpers. Observe the hate, scorn, and contempt which deservedly lies upon them, & on the other hand the Joy, triumph, and jubilee, the bone fires ringing of bells, the freeness of the Citizens in opening their Purses, toward defraying public charges, and paying his Excellency's Army, upon hopes given of your being convened. The expressions of gratitude (toward that noble instrument) from the Citizens; each Hall and Company being ambitious to entertain him and show all manner of thankfulness to him for his high merits, in being instrumental toward your calling, and declaring his resolved acquiescency in your prudent determinations. All which speaks to you in most pathetical expressions, Make up our breaches, Restore our King, Pity our past distractions, even almost unto final destruction; Let us now be redeemed indeed, and settled upon our true and lasting foundation, Let us not be lift up to Heaven in joyful hopes, and comfortable expectation, and then cast down to Hell, in heart-breaking disappointments.  
My Lords, and Worthy Senators, you have before you to revive and restore, or to kill and destroy us, choose the former, yea blessed be God, you have chosen it and will perform it. Next to God our eyes are upon you, and we rest assured that our hopes will not make us ashamed, nor our confidence confounded in the conclusion. Let not any wicked lying spirit whisper to yourselves or his Excellency, and find credit, that high merits with Princes are repaid with ruin of him, whose deserts cannot be recompensed. True, where an instrument is assisting toward the exaltation of an usurper, contrary to duty and conscience, the Tyrant (when seated) cannot endure him by whom he climbed, still measuring the drift of the other, by his own spirit, and knowing that none out of conscience would ever assist or set up an Usurper, but what is done in that way, (let the pretence be what it will) the aim is only self preferment, So that many times, an active Rebel aiming at his own grandeur, yet is content to truckle under another, of greater repute, and who can make better pretence than himself; still resolving, that if he can under that visor throw down lawful power, he may after much more easily baffle him, whom he pretended to advance, and side withal. Thus aspiring Oliver did by Fairfax, the Rump, Lambert, Harrison, Vane, and many others. And so Lambert aimed to have dealt with Fleetwood, Desborough, etc. and the restored Rumpers. But his Excellency, (neglecting self interest) eyes cordially, (we hope and confidently believe) a truly public national concernment, and good, and for that end was instrumental in readmitting the secluded Members, and so (the Rumpers noses being wiped) to call, summon, and convene your Honours, and resolves to stand satisfied with your conclusion and determination, that envy itself cannot say of him, that he tampers with the Government, which it is equally presumption in a General, to attempt (upon his own score) to set up, or restore, as to pull down or dispossess; This prudent management of things in so distracted a time, as it is praise worthy (beyond expression) so it is but the duty which he owes to God, and his Country. In performing which had he no other recompense the content of his own spirit would be ample satisfaction. But he cannot go without thankful reward, having equally engaged his Country, with his Prince, from the latter of whom, I know his generous spirit expects only his gracious acceptance, whose most Princely disposition, I confide will lead him to return the Author deserved Honour. His grateful Country also will requite his Piety, with all possible acknowledgement, and perpetual celebration of his memory for the same. It is one thing to serve a Tyrant, and Usurper, and deserve of him beyond requital: another thing to serve a man's lawful Prince in lawful things, and Country together. The former by what he deserves shows himself to be void of all Conscience, and therefore may well be feared (for unless the Tyrant surprise, and ruin, him, he seldom fails doing the like for the Tyrant,) but here, the glory of the Act is ample satisfaction, and the justice and honour of it, takes away all cause of jealousy from the King. Who can once imagine that he who having an Army, and not wanting pretences to make a claim, (being of Royal descent,) should in sincere Loyalty, turn his eyes upon him only whose right it is, and was, yet afterwards when things are settled, disturb the public, to set up his private interest? It is folly to dream of such a groudlesse suspicion. Go on therefore undauntedly (most Noble Commander, Right Honourable Lords, and deserving Senators,) perfect by God's help and assistance, the Nations happiness, fill up, and complete the measure of our joy, Oh! restore to us our long exiled Prince, and our martyred Kings whole Princely progeny. God hath given you an opportunity his providence hath held forth to you ample encouragement, all the good men in the Nation, in deep sense of our past misery, with longing expectation yern forth their desires, Oh blessed, and happy Parliament, called in a good time! (blessed and happy if you do it) Restore our King.  
Oh delay it not! do it early, Words spoken in season are like Apples of gold in pictures of silver, such were the happy words of the General in that memorable day of the first beginning of our deliverance, promising a Free Parliament. How did the Bonfires that night, in every Street and lane seem to scare the ●ight from overclowding our joys? Trust me, seasonable Actions are no less welcome. Hope deferred is the rack of the Soul, whereas the accomplishing of it, (before the spirits with long expectation faint) is like a tree of life, Bis da●, qui Cito dat. Long deferred hopes are interpreted most unkind, next to flat denials. We have a long time been hopeless and desperate, and now the day of our deliverance gins to dawn, we count the minutes, and long to see the rising Sun.  
Most Hnourable Patriots, The miseries we endured under the Rump, together with their betraying the trust reposed in them by the people, their perfidious breaking the true Parliaments solemnly engaged public Faith; their base evading, and violating all Articles of War, and surrender their unjust causing Irish adventurers to double, or lose their lent moneys, with several scandalous villainies in the name, and under the title of England's Parliament, and Supreme Power, their frequent (long wound) interruptions. The calling and breaking, (in the intervals of time) so many mock-Junctos, named and styled Parliaments, with a thousand other such odious things, which in these twelve last years Villainous usurpers have done, and the people suffered, by, and in reference to, nominal Parliaments, have made the repute of them so contemptible, and their esteem of so little value, That the honour which you have in the hearts of all men upon expectation of good, and this good from you, & by your means, will soon (with many) be turned into a light esteem, (ne quid asperius,) should their earnest desire be delayed. But as the old men said to Rehoboam, If your wisdom, (God blessing your Counsels) find a speedy way of answering the Nations earnest hopes, and almost impatient expectation, your name will be not only famous, but your Persons admired, (even almost to adoration) and you will wipe off all that dirt, which lies upon and hath long stuck to the name of Parliaments. Then the Nations eyes will be opened, to distinguish clearly a true English Parliament, from a domineering Rump, or the mimical mock Parliaments summoned, and picked, to serve an aspiring Usurper, Betimes therefore (Noble Patriots) begin (in God's name) to make this Nation happy. That is, Oh! restore unto us our King.  
Then shall the Murder of the Father lie at the offender's doors, and the sin of rebelling against their King be wiped from off our English Parliament, otherwise not, It was the Parliament began the war with the King, which notwithstanding all Pretences (according to the King's prophetical prediction) Ended in the Murder of Majesty, and extirpation of Monarchy, under the retained name, and perpetrated by some Members, of England's Parliament; who styled themselves, the Supreme Authority of England. Though I am confident, that the War was begun by means of a few Incendiaries, who did ill offices on both sides, misrepresenting the King to the people, and the People to the King. A distance being made, by the same Art, and pernicious industry the breach was made daily wider, the Contrivers aiming at a war, and in it the total Ruin of Majesty and his posterity, which the King foresaw, but most of both Houses, keeping to the truly loyal maxim that the King can do no wrong, Endeavoured only to rescue the King's person from bad Counsellors. And when the War in earnest began, they made a Vow and Protestation, as also a League and Covenant, which they took, and entered into, and set up in all Churches as a witness against themselves, of the sincerity of their intentions as to the King and his Royal branches, gave thanks solemnly (after Battles) for the preservation of him, and his Children, owned all their Armies raised for his defence, and his name, and commissionated them for the mutual defence of King and Parliament, for the maintenance of the Liberty, and Privileges of the people, and their represetatives in Parliament; as also the true Protestant Religion. And when in zeal they had been incensed against his Majesty, (whom pestilent prevaricating Rebels had represented as obstinate and stubborn,) and had been too exacting upon his good nature, and were unsatisfied with his concessions which were, even beyond what could be in reason expected, or without impudence desired, and all this done, through suspicious, fears, and jealousies raised by the Rumpers, in order to cut off all hopes of accommodation, no sooner did the Cordially loyal discern this, but they relented in their spirit, towards his (too much injuriously grated upon, yet patiently long suffering) Majesty, then lo! the rebellious Rumpers,, unmask themselves, and show themselves as they were. Upon this the residue whom false surmises had led aside, to uncharitable thoughts of the King, now find their error, and how they were deluded, and then what indignation? what zeal? what clearing themselves? what washing their hands of, and protesting against their (once fellow members) monstrous impieties? that in all things they shown themselves innocent and free from the blood of their innocent (sacred) Sovereign. However the mystery of Rebellion and Treason began to work from the beginning of that Parliament Session, though not perceived by the zealously incensed, truly Loyal members, whom the underhand pestilent Rumpers, deluded by fair words, and false suggestions, and set against their King, as crafty Ziba, by feigned accusations and pretences provoked holy David against good Mephibosheth, to the unjust giving away from him all his land, to this false accusing Servant. However the dark-sighted vulgar cannot see this, nor will they ever come to be convinced of the truth of things herein, unless your honours make up the breaches which the Rumpers made, by that practical argument convincing the people that you disown their Tonents.  
My Lords, let the dignity of the thing itself prevail with your Noble Spirits. Mr. Milton, to vilify Regal Government, is so bold, as to affirm, That a KING (if good) can do no more than another man: When as it is apparent, that David's Subjects valued him at ten thousand of themselves, and the Scripture promiseth KINGS (in the last days) to be given as Nursing Fathers, and Queens for Nursing Mothers to the Church: And that KINGS shall bring their glory and honour to the Heavenly Jerusalem, as an Accomplishment of her splendour and lustre. A thing not promised to any ten thousand other persons, nor are so many private men, nor can they be capable of it. Behold a good, a pious, patiented, truly Christian, Protestant Prince, yet a man of Valour and Courage, although made up of meekness and clemency, who may lead us and conduct us in War, and preserve us in Peace. How have the Rumpers echoed to their Usurping Protector in managing a costly, foolish, unprofitable War with Spain, to the ruin almost, and loss of the Nations Trade, and the beggering of several thousand Families, only to satisfy his, and their Lusts and Animosities, in which War besides we lose three for one? Whereas a true Father of his Country, would sooner empty his own Veins of blood, then exhaust his Subjects Pu●ses, for no apparent cause, and to no beneficial end. We have had trial of Usurpers even to distraction, almost to destruction. Oh! now at last, restore to us our true Prince and Governor, CHARLES our King: The excellency of whose temper, and height of whose deserts, as they render him truly more desirable, so they make him of more value than ten thousand common men. Let the worthiness of the Subject plead for the maturity of your care. And the great God, who is only able to direct guide and counsel you, be your Counsellor and stay: That so once more being settled upon the Foundation of Truth and Righteousness, our perjury, murder, and oppression being repent of, and the oppressed relieved, we may all have cause of solid and lasting joy, which is the Earnest Prayer,  
Most honourable Lords, And worthy Senators, Of your Cordial Honourer, And most humble Orator, G. S.   

THE CONCLUSION, TO His Royal, most Excellent, Sacred MAJESTY.  
THus having most judicious, truly pious, and most accomplished Prince, performed this defence of Regal Government and Authority, against an acute, although scurrilous Antagonist, whose Reproaches of, and impious falsehoods concerning your Majesty's most glorious Predecessor, and Royal Father, I have wiped off, and discovered the Impiety therein, of him who cast them. Likewise, having addressed myself to those in Power, (of whose good will we have already had Comfortable Earnest) to stir them up, to the speedy Restauration of your most deserving and desirable Person and family, to your undoubted birthright, and inheritable, upon honourable terms: as the only way (under God) of putting a period to our Long suffered miseries, calamities, and distractions, and settling us upon the happy foundation of Peace, righteousness, religion, and true, (not nominal) Liberty. Duty now commands and engageth me, humbly to lay down these my inconsiderable labours, at your Majesty's Royal feet, and to submit them to your most judicious censure. The test of which far be it from me, fond to imagine that these trivial Lines can abide. However from your most accurate censure, I fly to your most gracious Princely disposition, craving your favourable acceptance of the will, and desire, I had sincerely to serve your most just Royal Interest, that so I may be esteemed in your Gracious breast, according to my truly loyal, most cordial intentions, and not my weak, and every way Inconsiderable performance. (In magnis voluisse sat est) Pardon also (I humbly beg of your most gracious Majesty) this double presumption, of daring to trouble your more serious thoughts, with my no way valuable Lines in comparison to your other many, most weighty, important, Princely Affairs, since this last boldness is absolutely necessary in consideration of the former, it being no way excusable, having begun my Address to the Sun of Majesty, to end the same, in Application to any Star of lesser magnitude. To you therefore (most incomparable Prince, and Sovereign) as I humbly dedicated and presented, so I recommend this inconsiderable mite of my service, to you it is due, were it of the greatest worth: However (as it is) be pleased to accept it, and in it let your truly Divine, Princely goodness, cover all defects, and imperfections, and receive it (I beseech you) as a testimony of his most Cordial devotion to your service, with all possible performance, to the utmost of his ability, to which he is truly, and conscientiously obliged, and constantly resolved to stand immovably firm, in all submissive Loyalty, and inviolable fidelity, who is,  
My LIEGE, Your Majesty's unworthy, most humble Orator, G. S.  
FINIS.   

Books printed, and are to be sold by William Palmer at the palmtree in Fleetstreet, 〈…〉 Dunstan's Church.  
OCcult Physic, or, the three Principles in Nature Anatomised by a Philosophical Operation, taken from Experience; in three Books. The first of Beasts, Trees, Herbs, and their Magical and Physical Virtues. etc. By W. W. Philosophus, Student in the Celestial Sciences.  
〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. The Parley of Beasts; or, Morphandra Queen of the Enchanted Island: Wherein Men were found, who being transmuted to Beasts, though proffered to be disinchanted, and to become Men again; yet, in regard of the crying sins and rebellious humours of the times, they preserre the life of a Brute Animal before that of a Rational Creature, etc. By James Howel, Esq;   

Reader, be pleased to correct these following Errors of the Press with thy pen.  
PAg. 4. lin. 24. read of these, p. 11. l. 5. r. Yeomen, p. 13. l. 13. r. Laws, p. 19 l. 12. r. then, l. 16. r. inferior, p. 21. l. 28. r. whence, p. 26. l. 4. r. the Jews, p. 33. l. 12. r. to a, p. 36. l. 16. r. gave, p. 40. l. 25. r. lost, p. 42. l. 13. r. lost, l. 14. r. called, p. 43. l. 2. r. Law, p. 44. l. 21. r. of, p. 51. l. 12. r. and stained, p. 52. l. 4. r. no●, p. 58. l. 11. r. the English people against Salmasius, l. 27. r. compulsion, p. 59 l. 2. r. give, p. 66. l. 11. deal and, p. 68 l. 3. r. had, l. 13. r. adjudged, l. 26. r. assent, p. 71. l. 6. r. the, l. 8. r. Syrus, l. 28. deal and, p. 72. l. 8, 9, 10. the stops are misplaced, p. 73. l. 8. r. think, p. 74. l. 14. r. Abram, p. 78. l. 7. r. Israel, p. 85. l. 9 r. until, p. 86. l. 25. r. entitled, p. 87. l. 5. r. of the Jews, p. 88 l. 3. r. ascension, l. 14. r. disallowes, p. 93. l. 18. r. et absurdo, p. 100 l. 2. r. former condition, p. 104. l. 5. r. goodly, p. 109. l. 9 r. Heers, p. 111. l. 3. r. generous, p. 112. l. 13. r. Salmasius, p. 115. l. 9 r. Sauroma●i, l. 17. r. Expedition, p. 133. l. 9 r. until, p. 138. l. 1. r. distraction, p. 146 l. 26. r. on Church, p. 159. l. 5. r. it, p. 180. l. 17. r. happy, p. 185. l. 9 r. ordered. And if there be any literal faults which have slipped my correction, which the Reader at first sight cannot but observe, be pleased to correct it, and with candour attribute it to oversight. Farewell.  
From my Study, Mar. 29. 1660.  
FINIS.