The Protestant INFORMER, OR Information to all Protestants: Showing the causes and end, of this unjust war, Plotted by Romish Jesuits, and now managed by English Papists, and their abettors against this Parliament, and in this all other Parliaments: Proving by forepast proceed, present actions and persons acting that: this war is no new quarrel, nor caused by the Militia But devilish malice, against the true Protestant Religion, and Laws of this Kingdom, to set up, and establish Popery, and hath been fifteen, or sixteen year's last passed, preparing. Also justifying this Parliaments proceed, by Nature, Law, and Religion, against the false Calumniations of all Malignants: With an exhortation, to courage, liberality, patience, and Constancy, to the hazard of life, and fortunes: in defence of God's true worship; your own Rights, Liberties, and this present Parliament; with confidence of a blessing, and victory, like Caleb, and joshua: For your GOD is with you. Published for Information to the Ignorant. By Gregory Thims Gentl. PSAL. 37. 14. The wicked have drawn out their swords, and bend their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation. JUD. 5. 23. Curse ye Meroz (saith the Angel of the Lord) Curse ye bitterly, the Inhabitants thereof: because they came not forth to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the Mighty. GAL. 5. 15 But if ye by't and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another. London Printed 1643. The Protestant Informer. WE all complain of our present misery, by the bloody distractions of the kingdom, by this unnatural War: But few of us consider seriously of the cause, whence these distractions come. For information herein, take notice, that sin is the only cause of every affliction, and of all punishments, whether to private men, or whole kingdoms. We by our sins have provoked God Esay 26. 9 Deut. 6. 15. Deut. 28. 63. to anger, and God showeth his anger, by his judgements upon us. King and Subjects have sinned, and now King and Subjects are punished. God causeth us to punish one another; He doth it either to reform us or to destroy us. But God is the efficient cause of all. The cause of all causes: all other causes are but God's instruments. Now the instrumental cause of our distractions, is wicked men: God useth one sinner to punish another, as Israel's 2 Chro. 12. 2. Esay 10. 5. 2 Sam. 12. 11, 12 sins was punished by wicked Shishake, and by Idolatrous Asher: Whom God calleth the rod of his anger, and the staff in his hand: So God punished David's sin, by wicked Absolom: and King Rehoboams 1 King. 14. 16. sin, by his rebellious people: and the sin of the people by their King Jeroboam. Yet be informed, that though God do use wicked men for his instruments, wicked men do wickedly even in the things which God useth them, to do his will for they are naturally the Devils instruments, to execute his will, and their own devilish malice: as we see in job. That which God job 1. 15. doth by wicked men is just, but that which wicked men do is unjust: for they have no eye to the doing of Gods will, but to their own wicked ends, which is always unjust and sinful: For example, It was just with God, to punish David's bloud-guiltnesse and adultery, by Absoloms' rebellion, and defiling of David's concubines: But it was unjust and wicked in Absolom, to do it: It was just with God to punish Rehoboam, by the revolt of his people, but unjust in them to cast him off from being their King. So it is just with God, to punish us at this day by these distractions, and unnatural wars: and to suffer the King to be misled by a wicked counsel, to afflict, and spoil his people: but it is unjust in that counsel: and error in the King to be led by them to do such things. For their aim is wicked and devilish, and are naturally the Devils instruments, to make war against Christ: their end is to destroy the true protestant Religion, to subvert our good Laws, and to establish popery: and bring us and our posterities, our bodies and souls, into spiritual, and slavish bondage for ever: and to root out protestant Religion from all places in Christendom. This is a certain truth: and will clearly appear to any rational man: That will but take a view of their forepast proceed: Their present war, and the persons contriving; and acting it. First, take a view of their forepast proceed, and consider, (not to look so fare, as to the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, or King james, both of blessed memory) in whose times that Jesuitical faction, were active in treasons; by poison, stabbing, blowing up Parliaments, destroying postrities of Kings, Nobles, and massacring whole kingdoms. Only note their proceed, in the passages of things, since the first of his Majesty's Reign: at which time we may remember, the Duke of Buckingham was the great Favourite: who (by confederacy which Jesuits and Priests: First in Spain and after in France, when his Majesty married with the French Kings Sister) gave great encouragement to the popish party in all places, and furthered their designs in England by uncontrolled power; For through the favour, and authority, the Duke 〈◊〉 from the King, he ruled, and swayed, the course of things in the Kingdom: and it was evident by those times, that the Jesuits, swayed him: And by his greatness, brought many of their own faction, into the greatest places of command: whom they desired, he put in; and whom they disliked, he put out: that most at the Counsel-table were their such 〈◊〉 such as 〈◊〉 not oppose them. And to make way for their design upon England, they set upon the protestants in France, to weaken them, and to that end His Majesty's Ships were ●ent against Rochel: which destroyed their shipping and blocked up the passage; and when the Duke was questioned in Parliament, The answer was, the Ships were not lent with intention to hurt Rochel; but in compliment to the King of France. Then a Fleet was prepared, the Duke himself ●ould go with it; pretending to relieve Roc●ell: but when they came to the Isle of Ree, all our brave Soldiers were betrayed to the Sword: Rochel rob of their provision, and the protestants Sold into their enemy's hands. What other Voyages were made (to Cadis and other places we remember too) and observed then that their end was nothing but to weaken the kingdom, and prepare to the ensuing treason, against our Religion, and Laws. Then they began the work of England, by crying up Arminianism defending those tenants, patronising their writings, printing, and publishing, those dangerous books of Mountagues; which (before, King James had seen: disallowed, condemned, and forbidden to be printed) Montague was made a Bishop, and Doctor White also: for defending those books at a packed conference. All others were presently preferred, that favoured those tenants: as Conzens, Wrene, Corbet, etc. Thus they sowed the seeds of popery, through the whole kingdom, which shown they expected to have a crop of pure popery. To bring this forward, the power, and professors of protestant Religion were disgraced, and persecuted, I will only give you a view of some particulars; and you may Judge of the whole, as the Geometrician did at the body of Hercules, by his foot. We can remember (it is so lately) that all our best Divines, and honest Orthodox professors of Religion, of the Laity, were by Authority scoffed at, and persecuted in the High Commission, and all other Courts of that nature; if it were but for going from a dumb arminian Reader, out of his own parish, to hear an Orthodox Preacher: All laborious, Orthodox Preachers were pecked at: and by some foul mouths almost devoured: I am sure very many suffered under the little Wren: for he pecked up all those precious plants out of his Diocese. Then Lectures were put down in all places, and afternoone-Sermons forbidden on the Lord's day. Books were also published and commanded to be read in all Churches, giving liberty to profane that Holy day, contrary to the express command of God; and against the enacted law of the kingdom: all Ministers that refused to read these books were suspended: thus good men were weeded out in all countries, and all to displant religion, and plant popery. The Arminian Priests and Court-Chaplains, cried out against the Sanctifying of the Lords day: called Sunday, no Sabbath, and denied the morality of the fourth commandment, etc. And these men would not be called Preachers, nor Ministers (names that Saint Paul gloried in) but called themselves Priests; the holy Table might no longer be called table, but Altar: and the standing of it was (altered, and it made a real Altar ascended to by steps, with bowing, cringing, and reverence to it; Crucifixes set up, Basins and Tapers, were set upon it: nothing was wanting of Popery, but the name popery and the Idol Sacrifice of the Mass. Nor was that Idol altogether wanting; for it was daily in Summerset-house, Saint james-house, and divers other places; common to all that would go to it: nor durst any man question those that went, though they were seen to go every day. Priest frequented Papists houses in all counties, and no man might question them, if any by lawful authority did apprehend a Priest, they were checked for it, and the Priest discharged, by special command from the Queen, or under some Privy Counsellors hands. Court Chaplains and Bishops preached justification by works, free will, seven Sacraments, and consubstantiation: (a fair way to transubstantiation) with a number of other popish doctrines: and maintained, that there might easily be a conjunction between the Papists and us: so it is plain that we must have gone wholly to them: for they profess they will not come one jot to us. The presses were allowed to Arminians, and the popish faction, to print any popish tenants: but forbidden to the good Protestants, none might preach against their positions, much less print any thing for confutation of their errors or heresies, upon pain of imprisonment, fining suspension pilloring, cutting off ears, slitting noses, banishment, &c more cruelty, that hath been inflicted upon any Protestant, among the Turks: when these and more have been questioned in Parliament, our Parliaments were broken, the evils increased. Yea, Parliament men were disgraced and imprisoned; and because Parliaments would not give the kingdom money, without redress of these and other evils: they devised ways to rest by force, great sums of money out of the subjects purse, by illegal and unsufferable taxations. First by loan, and the refusers were imprisoned, or put to intolerable charges by continual attendance at the Council-table: and many eminent Gentlemen died, without mercy in the prisons: others p●●sent into remote Counties. Then Soldiers were billeted in all Counties, and many Horses, which their riders were sent for from beyond th● Seas, to awe and subdue the kingdom, and by strong hand to wrest from us our religion, and laws: but divine providence, (by Feltons' hand) cut off the actor of that design at that time. Here observe and clearly see, that this war is no new or sudden thing: nor occasioned by the Militia, as they now pretend: but the same in effect that was intended, fifteen or sixteen years ago: after this another Parliament was called, voices were forced, and illegal means used; but when this would not serve to their purpose, that Parliament as others was dissolved Then came other taxes for non-knight-hood; who and what persons See the first Remonstrance of bo●h the Houses. was brought within this taxation we all know, and the multitudes that were imprisoned, and made to attend the Counsel-table, we cannot forget. After that came shipmoney, a boundless and endless tax; also taxes for compositions for Cottages, for Forrest-lands, Timber, Woods, etc. Mighty exactions upon customs, and Monopolies almost of all things of If this Parliament had not taken away those Monopolies and taxe● the kingdom had suffered as much by this time in their estates, as they have by this wa●re, (except the spoil by plundering) which is not the Parliaments fault. necessary use: thereby enhancing the prizes, to the prejudice or the whole kingdom, yea, to the utter ruin of divers Trades and Corporations: So that multitudes of Masters and Prentices cried out of the burdens which is now forgotten by them: and no thankfulness is returned by them, either to God, or the Parliament: Other cruel taxes were imposed upon buildings, together with many other oppressions, all against law, and yet law could not help us; all Courts of law and our Courts of justice were corrupted; judges and great Officers bought places dear, and sold their service in them dearer, to make themselves gainers. Besides many judges were displaced for doing justice; or for refusing to judge unjustly: the whole kingdom was oppressed, all were wronged, and all left without remedy: Gunpowder, and other ammunition was taken from us, and we left destitute of necessary defence, Popery broke in upon us, Parliaments were neglected, Prerogative was set up; and they began to promise themselves a speedy accomplishment of all their designs: only they had some fear that Sco●land might be some obstacle in their way (as indeed it prove) God infatuating their counsels, to thrust upon the Scots their new Liturgy and Popish Canons, before they had fully finished the work in England: (though under a fair pretence of a glorious uniformity which our brethren of Scotland did not so well fancy as we: nor did they give Land any great praise for the present; but refused it: though it was manifest that it was no worse, than was contrived A great providence of God. at Rome, and from thence sent into England. Then the little (great) Bishop (like a Pope) sent his commands by his Legates, and Commissioners, that they should receive that Liturgy, but not obeyed: the honest Scots were proclaimed rebels and traitors, and and an army raised to compel them: his Majesty was incensed and persuaded (with his army) to advance to Barwick: but by God's providence there was a pacification, and his Majesty returned home in pe●●e. Though quickly after he returned to that wicked Counsel of Bishops and popish affected: (all promises bu●i●d in oblivion) was persuaded ●o raise another Army: New Proclamations and Declatations were printed, full of b●tternesse against the Scots: and a Parliament called to raise moneys for that war; the Parliament refusing, was presently dissolved: But the war notwithstanding went forward: then the Scots (as we all know) entered Newcastle, standing upon their just defence. Then this Parliament was called to debate of the war; which through God's goodness they again pacified, to the great content of both kingdoms; only Bishops, Papists, and popish affected, stormed at the peace: especially, that his Majesty had graciously signed the Bill (because of the many great affairs in hand) that this Parliament should not be broken without the consent of both Houses, and presently they plotted how to break it. First, they endeavoured to bring the King's army from York against it, the Earl of Strafford having in readiness 8000 Soldiers in Ireland, to be brought hither to assist that work: and to subdue the kingdom, as was before intended, by the Duke of Buckingham: but this plot being (by God's mercy) discovered, Lictor's axe took off this actor, as Feltons' knife the other: then they laboured to hinder the proceed in Parliament by their votes, (as we are informed by the Parliaments first Remonstrance) when votes could no longer hinder, they bread division in both houses: and then between the King, and both Houses, caused his Majesty to accuse some of both Houses of treason: but could never show what the treason was, though desired by both Houses. But indeed they thought to have put all in a present uproar, and so to have broke the Parliament: Having during the time they were with the King in Scotland, (as they hoped) made a party there: and by the Honour blinds the eyes, and corrupts justice, as Solomon speaks of gifts. honours which they had persuaded the King to bestow upon some of the Citizens, they thought they had blinded the City too: and then having actually raised that bloody rebellion in Ireland: intending the s●●e in England: they prevailed with his Majesty, to come in hostile manner against his Parliament, to take from thence by force those members, before accused: having in a scroll divers others, they likewise intended to accuse; so to have broken the Parliament or forced it to their own ends which Gods Providence and the Parliaments wisdom prevented. Then presently, they endeavoured, to make themselves masters, and possessors, of all the arms, and strong holds, of the kingdom; first they bought out Sir William Belford out of his place in the tower: whom they knew to be uncorrupted and no instrument for their treason: and put Colonel Lunsford in his place, after him Sir john Byrone & Captain Leg to be governor of Hull; then the Earl of New castle; Alluery fit men to betray a Kingdom. These passages declare evidently their intention was to make war against the Parliament, and Subjects: and hence it was that the Parliament desires to settle the militia of the Kingdom in safe hands; and for this cause most Counties petitioned to have it so: So that the Militia was not the cause of their war: but their preparation caused the militia. They also made mutinies and tumults against the Citizens: First Lunsford began in westminsterhall; then others of that faction in westminster: and after at white hall gate, and the strand: cutting and slashing, unarmed and harmless citizens: and then they persuade, the King from London, pretending danger to his majesty's person by tumults when indeed there was no tumult, but what themselves caused. But it is a paradox: if his majesty The letter that came from L. D. to the King makes it c●eare, wishing the king to be take him to a strong hold. left London because of tumults: that they should endeavour (as they have done) to make mutinies and tumults in the city, to bring him thither again: But it is manifest, that his majesty was not (indeed) afraid of any hurt by the city; for than he would not hau● gone through the city (with only one coach, and a less attendance then ordinary) to guild-hall: a lit●e before his going from London: and it is clear there was no cause of fear, because his Majesty had no affront: but Supplications and prayers from the people: But we now See they had an other end in persuading his Majesty The answer to the London Petition in part promiseth so much. away: as well as in sending the Queen beyond the sea, as alsoe, the Lord Digby and others, to traffic for men, and arms, to assist their bloody designs: then they might not be suffered to gather an army at Kingston, windsor etc. Then they persuade the King to York: where they also pretend danger (yet there was no tumults but what they made in abuse to good protestants) and provide a guard of armed men and trained bands: which as we have Seen) quickly grew to an army of offence, first to Hull, and since to the whole Kingdom; and thus you see what their preparations were. Now let us consider and see what their war is: They could us they would make no war against the Parliament: But they told us of the King's rights and prerogatives which they would maintain: and defend the protestant religion, the privileges of parliament and the rights and libertyes of the Subject against innovations, and arbitrary government. But if that were the cause of their war, they would not fight against the parliament; for all these the Parliament would have to be established for ever: first for his majesty's just rights and prerogative, they offer to confirm to him and his posterity: yea more, to make him the happiest of all his progenitors. And for the establishing the protestant religion, together with the continuance of the just, and ancient privileges of Parliament; and the known rights of the Subject; it is all that the Parliament destre of the King: that which they from the beginning (and still) do humbly Suplicate his majesty for, against all innovations and arbitrary government: therefore that can be no cause of their war. Besides, I think, no man needs information to assure him, that the cause why Popery is broken so far in upon us: and foe much innovation, and arbitrary government as of late years, hath been want of Parliaments, and would with greater violence break in, if this Parliament were not. Nor was it ever known, that any free elected Parliament, of 500, or, 600 Lords, and gentlemen, of Several counties, and families, were the cause of any innovation or arbitrary government: nor is it likely can be. But contrary have ever been and at this day are the security of this kingdom against both: And therefore it is that this war is made against this Parliament, to destroy it, and with it all other and to bring in an arbitrary government etc. It is true particular men, and private counsels may be corrupted, to please Kings (in hope of present honours, and great estates) to betray a kingdom; as private counsels at this day. And particular men, lately fled from this parliament, to a●chiev their private ends: care not to destroy the privileges of parliament: or to take away all Parliaments (or which is worse) by the same army they break this, to force a pact Parliament of their own choice: and soc make us slaves by act of Parliament; let up popery, by the authority that threw it down: and kill us with our own weapons. This is cle●●e as the light, yet men will not see it; but are willingly held in the fool's paradise, and suffer themselves to be deluded, by proclamations, declarations, and protestations, which are but the snares of the wicked, to catch simple men: all which though they have passed under the king's nams', I hope his majestic never saw nor heard of. Because they have been all falsified: and their actions quite contrary to their promises, and protestations: like 〈◊〉 who set their faces eastward, when hay mean to now westward. Therefore it will be the wisdom of every man, to make his eyes judge in this cause rather ●hen his ears: actions best show the intentions: every tree ●s known by his fruit. At the entrance of Queen Mary to the Crown, great protestations was made to maintain the protestant religion: but we see her actions, were destructive to it. The like protestutions we have heard concerning Ireland: and great calling on the Parl. for assistance for that kingdom, but as often as preparations were made, all assistance, and help was hindered, and the rebels were from hence strengthened. We have heard several proclamations, to put laws in execution against Papists: but we see that the Parl. themselves were restrained, and might not execute the known Laws upon them: though they by humble petitions sought it and now we see them in best esteem and most trusted. We have heard great promises, that there was no intention to make war against the Parliament, and seen it testified under many Lords hands (now in the King's army) only a guard desired for the King's Person, but we see a miserable and bloody war, to destroy the Parliament. We heard great protestations, that no papist should be admitted into the Army, but we may see papists swarm in that Army (yea in the king's Court) like wasps, about a honey pot: and in the north under the command of the Earl of Newcastle, you may see eight thousand professed papists of one cluster. We have heard heaven and earth called to witness, that their war was to defend Protestant Religion: but it were strange to see so many papists fight for it; but if it were so, why do they set up public mass in York and other places where that Army is? and imprison Protestant Ministers, and a●l other that doc but say they fight for the Protestant religion? We have heard protestations that privileges of Parliament should be maintained, and the liberty of the Subject, but if a Parliament may be broken by force, how can privileges and liberties be preserved? You will ●ay we have triennial Parliaments, I answer that is nothing, for the king is no more bound to be present at any triennial Parliament, to confirm any act (if it be called) then at this: besides the King is no more 〈◊〉 to call any triennial Parliament, than he is bound to preserve this. We have heard Proclamations prohibiting plundering by the King's Army, and molesting his good subjects, but we see the do plunder daily in all places, except where they cannot overcome, or where nothing is to be had. We have heard of an acceptation of an accommodation, and seen it published by their own faction, but we see them the next day come furiously and treacherously upon part of the Parliaments Army at Brai●ford; and barbarously slew many men, more righteous than themselves, an act 〈◊〉 themselves. We have heard of a gracious acceptance of the City petition, and a readiness to embrace propositions of peace, but we have seen some of the petitioners excepted against, and accused of treason. He that hath but 〈◊〉 an eye, may see their aim when they flatter, and animate the rudest of men, to rebel against authority, and overthrow the government of the great City to make way to overthrow the laws of the whole kingdom: ●●lfull fishers will fish in troubled waters, and bankrupt Cavaliers can make best pillage in a divided City, and this is their aim: without difference to friend or foe, the pillage of one is as sweet as the other: propositions of peace have been sent as we desired, and they expected, with an humble petition of both houses to the King to remove the cause of the war, and accept of their propositions: what effect it hath wrought let the world judge, and the Parliament consider to whom the answer is directed. Yet thus much we may observe in it (which shows no forwardness to peace) that no authority is ascribed (or allowed) to the Parliament, save only the name, (both houses) and we may fear some design against them and us, if there be a cessation of arms without dispanding the armies. But the people of this kingdom ever have, and I hope ever will account Parliaments the fittest and best expounders of Law, and judges of offenders either to acquit or condemn them; they never wrest the Laws for private ends, as other expounders (or rather forgetters) of Law have lately done: when the Subject (had less use of the Law, and less liberty) were imprisoned contrary to Law, beyond the known power and rights of any Kings of England, their habeas corpuses and all bail denied them. Nor knew we by what Law to proceed against any papist, though the Laws were known to us. And by the discipline of our Church government, we could not well distinguish between protestant religion and popery; the book of common prayer (though no idol was idolised) which hath in it good and holy things, may be, and was abused contrary to the institution and meaning of the Parliament, first instituting it. Things ceremonial were urged as substantial, what the archbishop and his Romish pensioners pleased, and ye be no innovator, but for the Parliament to desire any dimination (though of things offensive) is innovation: whatsoever makes for popery, may be added, but nothing popish taken away. For my p●rt, I protes before God, the searcher of all hearts, ●hat I am no Sectary, (so called) but a true protestant, according to that established doctrine or Queen Elizabeth, and King Ismus of blessed memory I disallow the opinion of the Brownists, as I condemn the opinion, doctrine, and It is a great disquiet and trouble to a state when men will go b●fore the law, and not follow the law in obedience. practice of Papists, or Anabaptists, and never contemned or (wilfully) neglected he common-prayer in any assembly. Yet I am confident (and I th●nk upon good ground) that the common-prayer hath some needless things in it, and some offensive, (as they may be in the worst sense interpreted, thus much for information of the present war. Lastly consider who, and what persons, are the contrivers, and actors in this war: which are all of one of these six kinds, First, Jesuits, and professed Bapists. Secondly, Bishops, and corrupt Clergy. Thirdly, Lords, and Gentlemen, popishly affected. Fourthly, Delinquents, and Pattentees. Fiftly, men of broken fortunes. Sixtly, Atheists, and extreme deboyst men. And these al● agree in one final e●● (viz.) to betray Protestant religion, Luys, and the just Luierty of the subject. But the three last sorts, named, ●ave each a particular end to themselves. The Delinquents aim, is, their ow●e present preservation, to rescue their persons and estates from the justice of the Law, preferring themselves before Religion Law, or Posterity. Those of broken fortunes, aim at pillage, to make themselves great estates, out of the ruins of the Kingdom, which they cannot do if law be not destroyed. The deboyst Atheists, seek to enjoy their licentious liberty, which they prefer before Law, or Religion. They hate the very name of reformation in others, yet these are the men, that tell us they fight for the Protestant religion, privileges of Parliament, and the Subject's liberty. But we must believe that they have learned that damnable art of equivocation, or mental reservation of the jesuits. That when they protest to fight for the Protestant religion, privileges of Parliament, and the Subject's liberty, their meaning is, that they fight for all these, as ours: to take them from us as they do our estates, or as a chief fights for a true man's purse, and this is these men's war. Now if we examine why the Parliament and Kingdom have raised an army, and consider their forepast proceed, their present actions, and the persons engaged in their war: we shall plainly see that they aim at nothing but God's glory, the safety of the King's person and posterity, the defence of the true Protestant religion, Parl. privileges, and the just Liberty of the Subject: against those that (say they fight for them) and would take them from us: all which, are at once assaulted by the several armies of the Cavaliers. In their proceed in this Parliament, consider the declined, and adulterated condition of things, in Church and State, as they found them when the Parliament began. And then take notice of their care and wisdoms, to make pe●ce between the two nations, England and Scotland, His Majesty being then (by a malignant counsel) engaged in a war against h●s good Subjects of Scotland, which that counsel could not manage for him, not his Majesty desert with honour, they vindicated his Majesty, stayed bloodshed, reconciled the nations, satisfied the wronged Scots, paid the King's army, disbursed great sums out of their own purses, and engaged themselves for much more. Consider their pious care, for the settling good order and government in the Church, presenting their most humble desires to the King, that learned and godly divines might consider of it, and his Majesty pass a bill to that purpose, declaring their purpose was not to destroy our Liturgy, only take away unnecessary Ceremonies, but were denied. Their diligence to suppress, and take away our many oppressions, and free us from the vexations of them. Their justice and good endeavour to put the laws in execution against jesuits, Priests, and Papists, addressing themselves in all humility to his Majesty for the same, but could not prevail. Their industry in providing several Bills for the good of the Subject, besides those his Majesty was graciously pleased to sign, (as they made known to us by their first Remonstrance.) Their thankful gratitude in readiness to raise moneys for his Majesty's present occasions, and future store, promising to make him the richest ●ing in Christendom. Their unwearied pairs for almost two years and an half, in spending their time, strength and estates, neglecting whatsoever was their own for the common good. Their careful provision for the safety of the Kingdom against Papists, ●nd popish affected, by putting the Militia of the Kingdom into trusty hands, when they saw eminent danger, which hath hitherto preserved us, and disappointed them, which till they saw eminent danger they meddled not with, nor desired a guard for their own safety in sitting, but his Majesty then promised they should need no guard, but should be as safe ●s his Queen or children, yet within very few days after, he came in person, with about four hundred desperate Cavaliers armed with swords, pistols, etc. against some of them: therefore no marvel if the Parliament doubt to trust the King with all our rights, religion, laws, and lib●rties; Kings are not Gods but men, and subject to men's infirmities: yet I say not, the King is not to be trusted, (God forbidden) I am bound to judge the best, and believe when his Majesty promised safety to his Parliament, he intended it, and was thrust upon that breach in some violent passion, caused by that wicked counsel on purpose. You will say the King hath acknowledged that fault, and i● is no more to be thought on. Answer, acknowledgement is nothing without repair, 1 Sam. 24. 16. 17 1 Sam. ●6. read the l●ves of King john. Hen. 3 Ed. 2. R●●h. 2. and consider. but no repair is made. Saul confessed his fault in seeking David's life, and confessed it with tears, ye● Saul by the wicked counsel of the Ziphites sought it again. And whilst his Majesty still retains such counsellors, he may still forget his promises. That which hath been may be again. Who is that man, for his own particular, that would be willing at the King's request, to cancel all his evidence for his lands and inheritance, and rest only upon a bare word, to posterities? much less a Parliament to trust all the rights and inheritance of a kingdom, upon the bare word of a King, when guided by a malignant counsel, who seek the kingdom's ruin. Consider also their tender care of Ireland, to suppress that bloody rebellion so soon as it was discovered, earnestly supplicating his Majesty to join with them, by passing a bill for a speedy and sufficient expedition thither, which was graciously promised, why not performed, let the world judge. Their many messages and petitions to the King, sent from place to place, till (at York) their messengers were beaten, Parliament men threatened, their houses besieged, plundered, their friends abused and pillaged, before the Parliament had any Army on foot, and after they had an army they never struck, before they were strucken: such was their backwardness to war, else they might easily have fetched all that masignant counsel from York, and prevented all the mischief they have since made and done in the Kingdom; which if the Parliament had foreseen, and prevented, men would not have believed what now they see, but would have blamed the Parliaments forwardness more than now. That the Parliament have no end to themselv●s in this war but only God's glory, and the public good, is manifest in their contempt of dishonourable honours, and corrupt dignities: do but consider what some of them have lost, and what other of th●m might have, if they were or would be corrupted. Some have lost the favour of their King, and the highest places of honour and profit, others might receive what favours honours, and dignity a King can give: if they would betray Go●s truth, and the kingdom's trust: yea, those very men that are for this cause hated, dishonoured, and proclaimed traitors, and Rebels, should not be denied what outward honours a King could bestow upon them. And shall we not honour such Champions for Christ, and such patriarchs of their country, and defend them while they defend us to the hazard of our lives, and best fortunes with them, who willingly sacrifice themselves to honourable deaths, rather than to preserve their lives by any dishonourable act, to prodite their trust reposed by God and men, counting it as the Poet said, To be a sweet and noble gain, in Country's quarrel to be slain. To all the former, add this, that (after their offers, petitions, and propositions, formerly for peace, were all rejected) they, at the request and humble petitions of many of Us, in the City of London, and ●ther counties; willingly offered again, new propositions, more low than the former: accompanied with the humble petition of both houses to be accepted, ● manifest testimony of their desires of Peace and unwillingness to war, if necessity constrained, not. In the second place, consider their present actions, in the managing of this their defensive war, having no other choice but two extremes either to Fight or lose all, all being challenged, and at once assaulted, by men ●●ing armies. Now we know that nature, hath taught all creatures to defend their 〈◊〉 but nature, Law, and religion teach; and allow men to defend themselves from unjust violence, the law of the kingdom allow a man to kill rather than be killed, and religion restrained not that kingly prophet David, to take arms in defence of his life against Saul his King, if David might defend himself against Saul, th●n much more against saul's evil counsellors. But it is objected, That David would not lay his hand upon Saul (the Lords anointed,) when he had twice opportunity put into his hands. Answer. It is true, David would not, nor might not, kill Saul, in a treacherous manner; But if Saul would wilfully thrust himself into battle against innocent David, and perish, David should have been guiltless, as appeareth, 1 Sam. 26. 9, 10. David took Arms in his own defence; The Parliament and Kingdom in defence of their Religion, and Hereditary rights; and not only so, But to defend the King's Person, and to rescue Him from the hands of cursed Dammy, Ram-my Cavaliers: Therefore scandalous are those mouths; that report, the Parliament takes Arms against the King. We have made choice of the men, and have trusted them with all our Rights; The King hath accepted of them, and acknowledged them His great Counsel; And they according to their trust, defend our Rights, and His Person, and Posterity. They freely venture their lives, and estates for us, and for our King, against wicked Councillors, who seek His Majesty's ruin, as well as ours; Therefore we are bound by conscience, Law, and Religion to defend them: Should we neglect them, because they do His Majesty, and us right; or shall we dissert them, because they will not betray us: Though Saul had sworn that Jonathan should die, the people would 1 Sam. 14 39 Vers. 44. and 45. rescue him, and said, Jonathan should not die; Much more would they have rescued Saul against wicked Counsellors, that sought his ruin? Our Parliament is not only in danger, and with it, all that is ours; But the Person of our Sovereign Lord King Charles, by Jesuits and Popish Traitors; who if they cannot poison His soul, will poison, stab, or destroy His body? We cannot think they will deal better with Him, than they did by Henry the third, and Henry the fourth of France, whom they slew; The one, because he would not suffer them to sway the Sceptre, The other, because he refused to break his Covenants with the Protestant Princes. If these men should prevail in their War, These words are by the Arch B: minced and altered as may appear by comparing the first Copy with the late Edition. and afterward be denied any thing, what they will further desire, for the establishment of Popery, They will as treacherously end his days, whose Religion allows it, and commends us meritorious, to kill any King, that is a Protestant, or favourer of Protestants: Therefore we may in this see, how fare our Clergy is fallen toward Popery, who now defend them, and most confide in them; who of late they declared to be Idolaters, Terming their Religion Rebellion, Their Faith Facton, And their practice the murdering of bodies and souls: God in mercy deliver His Majesty from their doctrines, and treasons. Thirdly, Consider the Persons engaged in this defensive War, and it will appear, That they are all His Majesties best, and most faithful Subjects; True Protestants; Yea, a Parliament; The King's great (and known) Counsel; Able, Honest, and Godly Men, Not corrupted by flattery; nor misled by the hopes of fleeting honour, But like Nehemiah and Ezra, stout in the Cause of God, hold the Sword in the one hand, whilst they build the decayed W●lls of Jerusalem, with the other: Men that fear God, and honour the King. Not Papists, Anabaptists, nor Atheists, as some falsely have called them; except any such have disguised, and treacherously intruded themselves, to rob the Kingdom of their Money, and betray their Army to the enemy; and would be a most acceptable service, of any that could discover any such: If any Brownist All of upright intentions will engage themselves for their just rights, against Arbitrary Government, and the professed enemies of all Christendom, the Papists. be accepted in the Army (which is not by me denied) they cannot be said to have been incendiaries in the State; nor are they disconsonant from us in any fundamentals, only they differ in Ceremonies; nor are their many of broken fortunes, nor deboyst Dam-mys; Though some such (too many) have intraded themselves into the Army: (none engaged in the War, but) as Mercenaries; Such as love the war for the pay, but pay nothing to the war; and as backward to fight, as unwilling to be disbanded: These by their fearful Oaths dishonour God, and cause the Land to mourn, and by deferring battle, and proferring plunder; prejudice their just War, As Achon did in the Army of God's people. There was one Judas, amongst Christ's twelve Apostles, and one Achon in the Camp of God: I pray God to purge such out of his, and Our Armies. Now having informed you of the Kingdom's danger, and the Justness of the Kingdoms defensive war; For the Parliaments Army is the Kingdoms, for God, the King, and the Kingdom; The other is the Cavaliers Army, against God, the King, in future, (though hid by present flattery;) and the Kingdom which they would destroy (as we by woeful experience see) wherever they come, or can prevail. Be therefore exhorted, to be courageous in this Cause, for God, the King, and your Posterity: Wisemen forewarned, will be forearmed; If through our credulity to deceivers, we suffer ourselves to be destroyed; Or if we believe our danger, and do nothing to prevent it, Our misery will be the greater; And we most miserable under it. Consider what Mo●dica in such a case said to Ester, and the same I say to thee: If thou help not at this time, according to thy ability, place, and degree, Deliverance shall arise some other way, but thou shalt perish. Destructive war is now Est 4. 14. in the Land, Such a war as is against God; Therefore sit not still, and say with thyself, let others fight, give, pray, etc. and think to be safe thy cell, like Gilead, Dan, and Ashe●, all reproved, But Zebulon and judge 5 Nephtalie, are commended, who Jeoparded their lives in the fields against the enemy: In the mean time Meroz, a people able to help, and near at hand; stood Newters: But Meroz is therefore cursed, and that bitterly, because the Inhabitants came not out to the help of the Lord, and his people. Therefore all that are God's people, or tha● look to have part in Christ, will now come forth, to the help of the Lord, against Baal: Halt not between two opinions; If thou be a Protestant, defend thy Religion, against them that say, they are Protestants, but are not: If thou be a Papist, why dost thou dissemble. Profess to be what thou art, and be what thou professest: A professed Papist is in a better condition, and more to be trusted, than a lukewarm Neuter. There is but one God, one Truth, and one Faith, in which men can b● saved: The Parliament profess that one God, Truth, and true Faith of Jesus Christ; and that they, and all God's Elect (except such as are yet ignorant) do defend: The other Army say the like, (but 'tis to deceive us,) and say they take Arms to defend that which none oppose, but themselves: They make protestation, and urge it upon men by force, wherein they call God to witness, and so do we. But they have now brought the controversy to a desired Issue; for surely, The Judge of all the world will do right, and though he now afflict his people, and for a time suspend sentence, it will not be always so. But he will show wonders in the world, and declare to the eyes of men, who speaks the Truth, and who dissemble: A considerateman may see the Parliaments reality, and the others dissimulation, by the mercies of the one, even to their professed enemies; and the barbarous cruelty of the other; not only to us, but to their own friends, spoiling, and plundering all, one as well as another, witness Banbury, Brainford, Reading, Newbury, and all Towns and places where by force, or fraud, they have entered; which the Parliament forces have not done, in any Town, or place, where they have entered, with the hazard of their lives. Thus men consider not, Nor compare their barbarous cruelty to our men, their prisoners, whom they beat, wound, and starve; with the good usage their Cavaliers have, which are the Parliaments prisoners, who are allowed good lodging, fire, food, of all sorts, Bear, Wine, and what not; They want nothing, but honesty, and liberty to act more mischief; but ours are denied all things, but honesty; which they cannot take from them: All this God beholds, whose eyes run too and fro, through the earth, beholding the good and bad; and will recompense all according to their do: God is the righteous Judge of all men, he is unchangeable, his power is not weakened, his eye not shut, nor his ear heavy to hear his justice, and his mercy is the same, as in former Ages; On him our eyes wait, to see his judgements upon out enemies; and his deliverance to his people. We know there 2 Thes. 12 7. Reve. 13. is a mystery in the working of Antichrist; and he a Monster, having many heads, and horns: But we are sure that Antichrist shall fall, and it is probable that this is the time, and war, in which England shall cut off one of those heads. This War, is his war, against Christ; And now Christ calls all that are his, to stand for him: If now you deny your help, you deny Christ; and therefore, give me leave to rememb●r you of Christ's words, (spoken in this case to you) That if you deny him Matth. 10. 33. before men, he will deny you before his father: If you by Neutrality, think to save your lives, you will endanger to lose your souls for ever. But if Matth. 16. 25. in this case, for Christ, and his Gospel's sake, we lose our lives, we shall surely save our souls, and procure a blessing to our posterities: Every man is willing to enjoy the propriety of his Goods, & his Liberty, and Peace, etc. But are unwilling to be at any pains, or cost to preserve, or procure it. But contrary, many at this day are so extremely stupid, and grossly fordid, That they take more pains, run into greater danger, and bestow more cost, to betray their Rights, and Liberties, &c, Then is by the Parliament required of them, for their present and future security: The twenty part is the most they require, And that but lent? Your charge for your wife's ●evers, and Taffeta Gowas, and your own expense in Taverns, would quickly recover that charge. What may we think of such men, But as men void of natural affection, much more destitute, and empty of Religion, Love, or Charity; who disobey, or refuse such an order, seeing by lending a twenty part, the other ninteen, may be preserved: which else, without order, or parts, those Cavaliers will by force take altogether, and by it, strengthen themselves to continue a war, to destroy our Laws, and posterities: That which the Parliament requires of you, and me, is but to defend you and me, etc. against their rage and rapine. But you will say (and think you hit the nail on the head) that it is against Law. Answ. If it be not against Law, to defend thyself against violence, or to preserve the Law itself from violation, Than it is not against Law to contribute money as a means. But a man in case of necessity, in his just defence, may kill; Although the Law say he shall not kill; Much more a Parliament (who are providers, maintainers, and best Judges of the Law) may by their Order lawfully; in case of necessity, to defend the Law, cease the Subject at their discretion: The whole Kingdom have trusted them with Religion, Laws, and Estates, which they are to maintain and defend, at the Kingdom's charge. If the sword, in opposition against the Law, will force, and destroy the Ordinance of the Law, the sword by the equality of the Law, may defend the Law. But you will say, You desire peace. Answ. So do all good men; cursed be the man that desires it not; so that it be such a peace as hath assurance of truth joined with it: But to desire peace, or to accept a peace without truth, will prove a cursed bondage, a remedy worse than the disease: Although War be a great punishment, and the effects miserable, yet a just War is better than an unjust peace; a just War will establish a true peace, but an unjust peace will prove a more destructive War: our peace with Idolaters, hath caused this War; but to have a peace with their Idols too, will be our present ruin: Can we expect any good and happy peace, so long as the whoredoms of Jezebel are so many: when Israel chose new Gods, than War was in the 2 Kin. 19 22. judge 5. 8. judg. 2. 12, 13, 14 gates: when Israel followed the gods of the Nations, and worshipped Baalim, God brought upon them the sword of the Nations, and delivered them into the hands of the spoilers that spoiled them. But England hath followed the Idols of the Papists, and worshipped Baalim; therefore God hath brought upon England the sword of the Papists, and may most justly deliver us up into their hands to be spoilt and ruined. Eighteen years ago, the Lord delivered them into our hands (as his, and our enemies) to be destroyed for their Idolatry, or at least to be banished for their Treason, but we spared and cherished them, to be as thorns in our sides, and their gods to be a snare unto us: We have spared them as Benhadad was spared by merciful (though wicked) Acbab; and 1 Kin. 20. 42. 1 Kin. 22 37. as God punished Acbab and his people, by the hand of Benhadad and his people, so is the King and the people of England punished at this day by the hands and plots of bloody Jesuits and Papists: Their design is great upon our King, upon us, and upon all his Majesty's Kingdoms, God rebuke them, and deliver us: And that we may not fail of deliverance (in due time) let us all, of all sorts, sexes, and conditions, seek the Lord by hearty humiliation, and resolved Reformation; and in the first place, with zeal and detestation, set ourselves against that sin of Idolatry, as Phineba● did against Zimri and Cozbi, that Numb. 25 11. so we may appease God's anger; if we with all our hearts seek truth, it will bring us to true peace with God and men. We have sought to the Parliament for Peace; but they cannot give it us: We have sought by humble Petition to the King for Peace; and that procured our further prejudice: For while we sought for the peace of the whole Kingdom, we received (from some of that malignant bloody Counsel) an Answer altogether contrary to our expectation; and after it a Letter to the former effect: both tending to stir up War (where yet by God's mercy none is) in the great and pupulous City (London) That because they cannot destroy us themselves, they would set us to destroy one another (which God forbidden.) We know that while we hold the band of Unity, we are able (by God's assistance) to defend ourselves: But if we be once divided, we lay ourselves open to every adversary without resistance, to be devoured. We will be warned by Jerusalem's misery (that once famous City of the world) by See losephus in War jerus. such sedition brought to be a heap of stones: And by the experiences of the bloody cruelties, and merciless plunderings of all those Towns that have, or do (by such division) give them entrance. Banbury had as much securing as King could give them, and yet plundered; and the man (M. Vivors by name) who was the chiefest agent to bring them in, was most plundered. But we will honour our King, and hazard our lives and fortunes for His Person, Posterity, and Parliament, to rescue them from the bloody hands of that malignant Counsel, and Army of Cavaliers; and will assure His Majesty of safety and security in this City, if His Majesty will be pleased to come to His Parliament, and to us peaceably, as our King; and to the Parliament, as his great and faithful Many Proctors, prebend's, etc. and mercenary trades men, for profits and favour, care neither for the welfare of King nor Kingdom. If we lose this Parliament, we must expect to have greater, without all remedy. Exo. 7. 11 Exod. 14. 10, 11. Icr. 5. 25. Council, and besides them we know no other; though some who seek honour from the King, rather than honour to the King, divide between his Majesty and them. We cannot forget how much we all groaned under the burdens of oppressions late laid upon us by the hard taskmasters that were set over us; and then we all cried for a Parliament to ease us: Our Bondage had some resemblance to that of the people of Israel in Egypt (and so hath our ingratitude) For whilst their deliverance was working, their burdens grew greater, and then they murmured; and so have some of us: They cried for deliverance, and God heard their cry; we cried for a Parliament, and God graciously, yea miraculously gave us a Parliament. But because malignant Counsellors, as the Magicians of Egypt, have hindered our present deliverance, we murmur against the Parliament, as they against Moses and Aaron; God led them thorough the Wilderness to prove them, and they said, They bade rather have died in Egypt, etc. Thus God proves us by some opposition: and some say, It was better with us, when we endured our former oppressions; but consider not that our sins have provoked God, and therefore he suffers our King to be misled, for a great punishment to us; nor understand that our impenitency hinders good things from us, and stop the Parliaments proceed. We are a foolish and sinful people, that love our sins, and lose our Liberty; we prefer the twentieth part of our money, before our Religion, as the Gadarens their swine before Christ: But let us not tempt God, as the Israelites did; nor with the multitude of Atheistical Libertines, revile our Moses and Aaron's, much less give assistance to destroy them and ourselves, left we be found to fight against God. We know what became of those wicked men that east an evil report upon the Land of Promise, and discouraged the people, saying, Mighty men were in the Land, that could not be overcome: But thus some do, by reproachful speeches, and spreading venomous Pamphlets, and lying Fictions, to the dishonour of this chrice honourable Parliament, as if the Parliament had brought these things to this pass, to make us die by the sword, and our children to be a prey, etc. Thus the Israelites murmured, and were destroyed by the Plague, before the Lord, Numb. 14. 37. and all their Carcases fell in the Wilderness, but their children, whom they said should be a prey to their enemies (together with Caleb and Vers. 30. 31. Joshuab, who spoke well of the Land) enjoyed the promised blessing, when all else were cut off. And we need not doubt (if once those achan's that are in our Armies Those Dam, my sovearers, and thievish plunderers. were cast out) but God will do the like for our Calebs' and Joshuab's, and all the rest of his people, that courageously oppose the wickedness and Idolatry of these times, and unfeignedly seek unto God by fasting and prayer, as Esther did, in whose time the people of God were sold to be destroyed, under A●asuerus, as we are at this day: they by the counsel of wicked Haman; we by the wicked counsel of Jesuits, Papists, etc. They by the Kings misled Authority against the Queen and her people; we by the King misled in his Authority, by his Queen, and her people. Abasuerus was guided by his Counsel (and so are all Kings) he looked wicked Counsellors, under pretence of good service to Kings, destroy Kings, and whole Kingdoms. Esth. 7. 4. Esth. 3 6. Vers. 8. upon the Counsel (in the pretence) as profitable, but considered not so far as the end and intent of Haman, which was destructive: Surely there was no thought in Abasuecus to destroy Esther nor her people; but Haman intended both; he thought it not revenge to destroy part, but all the people of the Jews (as they do this day in Ireland, and are about to do in England) He craftily accuseth them under a general Notion, and tells the King, There was a certain People scattered and dispersed amongst his people, and their Laws divers from all people, neither keep t●ey the King's Laws, therefore not for the King's profit to suffer them: And to put the fairer gloss upon the obscured Treason, he offers to give unto the King's Treasure ten thousand Talents of Silver. Thus are we (all that are true Protestants) accused to the King, under the name Round heads, having Laws and opinions divers from other people, nor keep the King's Laws, etc. when indeed, and in truth, we are the 〈◊〉 observers and keepers of the King's Laws, and have no Laws divers from any, but Idolaters, and profane riotous persons, who therefore (as the Apostle Saint Peter saith) speak evil of us, because we refuse to 1 Pet. 4 4 By the name Round-head, they do not only mean Brownists and Anabaptists, but all that are godly men, and good Protestants Esth 8. 11 The many pieces of God's providence working for our deliverance, should strengthen our faith in all future dangers. partake with them: For this name Round-head, is new sprung from hell; and all those are so called, who refuse any of these particulars: (viz.) To drink drunk, To whore, To swear God-dam-my, To scorn at purity, To take Arms (or contribute) against the Parliament, To abuse, cut, or kill the Ministers of Christ, and other his Members, or in a word, He that doth not profess and do all things that these cursed Cavaliers do, is a Round-head: against these (by the counsel of Jesuires and Papists) is past the Edict of destruction: by which we had perished, had not the overruling, and ever-working providence of God caused a contrary Decree (by a better Counsel) enabling us to stand in the defence of our lives, as the Jews did in Shushan, and all the Provinces of the King, which is a pledge unto us of our future deliverance: for where God giveth the means, he intendeth the end; and they that now refuse to use the means, are guilty of their own blood, and of the Treason intended against the King and his Kingdoms. God in mercy open the King's eyes, that he may see the Treason and bloody designs of those Counsellors, and bring his Majesty again to consult with his Parliament, his great & faithful Counsel, and besides which we know (at this time) no other. We know wise Kings have been misled, as Solomon, the wisest: holy Kings have erred, as David the holiest; the one by the seducement of outlandish wives, the other by some remissness in his duty: But God opened the eyes of Solomon, and shown David his fin. But Rehobo●● was misled by the counsel of his young Counsellors, and repent not, therefore was punished without repair: And Achab misled by the flatteries of 400 Court false Prophets, was slain at Ramoth-Gilead, in a Bastell which they would have him undertake, contrary to that good Prophet (though hated) Micaia. Now my prayer is, and ever shall be, to the great and Almighty Jebovab, (King of all King:) for my gracious Sovereign, King Charles: That God will show him the error of all his Malignant Counsellors, and as holy David, turn wholly to God by repentance. That so he, his, and their Posterities, may, to God's glory, wear the Crowns of all his three Kingdoms, and defend the truly Christian and Apostolic Faith, against Popery, and all Superstition, until the end of all time: And receive the Crown of glory, for his, and their reward, when time shall be no more: In the mean time, Let all true Protestants pray for the peace of Jerusalem, And for the prosperity of her, and of her King, and People. FINIS.