CERTAIN QUERIES Propounded To the most serious Consideration of those Persons Now in Power. OR Any others whom they do, or may concern.  
By JOHN SPITTLEHOUSE, (late of the Army) whom the Lord hath stirred up (in the absence of Mr. Feake, Mr. Rogers, etc. now Prisoners of the Lord Jesus) to mind our present Rulers and Army, of their Persecutions and Apostasies; and what is likely to follow them for so doing, if they repent not.  Lev 19.17. 
Thou shalt not hate thy Brother in thy heart, thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy Neighbour, & not suffer sin upon him.  1 Sam. 2.13, etc. 
And he said unto them, why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil deal by all the people. Nay my Sons, for it is no good report that I hear, ye make the Lords people to transgress, etc. Notwithstanding they harkened not to the voice of their father▪ Because the Lord would slay them.  Ezek. 18.24. 
When the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doth according to all the Abominations that a wicked man doth— shall he live— all his righteousness that he hath done, shall not be mentioned, in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, shall he die.  1 Tim. 5.20. 
Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others may fear.  
London, Printed for Livewell Chapman in Popes-head Alley. 1654.   

Certain QUERIES Propounded to the most serious Consideration of those persons now in Power, or any others whom they do, or may concern.  

THE PREFACE TO THE QUERIES.  
MOses and Aaron assembled all the Elders of Israel together in Egypt, and that in order to their deliverance from that Bondage, Exod. 4.29. and yet was not Imprisoned by Pharaoh for so doing.  
And Jehu the Son of Hanani, told Baasha from the Lord, saying, Forasmuch as I have exalted thee OUT OF THE DUST, and made thee Prince over my people Israel, and thou hast walked in the ways of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins— Behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha, and the posterity of his house,. And I will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the Son of Nebat. Him that dyeth of Baasha in the City, shall the dogs eat, and him that dyeth of his in the field, shall the fowls of the air eat, 1 Kings 16.1, 2, 3, 4. And yet he was not Imprisoned by Baasha for so saying.  
Elijah also could tell wicked Ahab to his face from the Lord, saying, Because thou hast SOLD THYSELF to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord. Behold, I will bring evil upon thee, and I will take away thy posterity, and I will cut off from Ahab him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel. And I will make thy house like the house of Jeroboam the Son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the Son of Ahijah, for the provocations wherewith thou hast provoked me to anger, and made Israel to sin. As also concerning Jezabel, saying, The Dogs shall eat Jezabel by the walls of Jezrael. Again, Him that dyeth of Ahab in the City, the Dogs shall eat, and him that dyeth in the field, shall the fowls of the air eat. And yet so far was wicked Ahab from imprisoning Elijah for these expressions, as that in ver. 27. he is said to rend his , and put sackcloth upon his loins, and fasted, and went softly, etc.  
Again, Jonah, albeit A STRANGER, proclaimed the destruction of populous Nineve in the open streets thereof, and yet so far was the King of Nineve from imprisoning Jonah, as that he forthwith proclaimed a Fast, and arose from his Throne, and laid aside his Robes from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes, and caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineve by the Decree of the King and his Nobles, saying, Let neither man nor b●ast, heard nor flock taste any thing, let them not feed, nor drink water, but let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God, yea let them turn every one from HIS EVIL WAY, and from THE VIOLENCE THAT IS IN HIS HANDS, who can tell whether the Lord will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not?  
The Consideration of all which, any rational man would think were sufficient to deter such Governors as at least pretend to profess Christianity, from Imprisoning such persons, that the same Lord hath now stirred up to acquaint them with their like notorious sins committed in the presence of God, Angels, and Men. And this I premise, not our of any confidence that I shall fair any better than others, who have borne the like testimony before me, albeit I put the Queries, I shall propose, not only to others, but even to their own Consciences to judge of the truth and equity of what I shall lay down in them. Viz.   

The Queries.  
1 WHether the Resignation of the Powers and Authorities given and received by Oliver Cromwell (mentioned in the Oath taken by him, Decemb. 16. 1653.) from the major part of the people (there mentioned) called by him to sit in Parliament (if true) did in the least invest the said Oliver with a more Legal power to Govern the Commonwealth as a single person, than he had before he called and impowered them. And if not, then—  
2 Whether it be not exceedingly necessary to make diligent enquiry what persons they were, who drew up the Instrument, entitled, The Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging, etc. And who it was that Authorized and Impowered them so to do— And if it appear to be from an usurped power of their own or others, then—  
3 Whether the said persons be not guilty of High Treason against the Commonwealth, by enslaving it to the Government of one single person, as in Article 1. where they positively conclude, that the Government of this Commonwealth, etc. shall be and reside in one single person; as also in Article 33. where they likewise assume the boldness, as not only to nominate, but also to institute and invest Oliver Cromwell to the exercise of the said Rule and Government.  
Whereas an Act of Parliament, Anno 1648. (not then repealed) saith, That it shall be High Treason to set up Charles Stuart, or ANY OTHER PERSON Chief Magistrate in England, or Ireland, or any of the Dominions thereunto belonging, etc. It being also quite contrary to the Army's Declaration, June 14. 1647. p. 8, 9 where they positively affirm, That Arbitrary or Absolute power in Any person, etc. during life, doth not render that State any better than Tyranny, nor the people subject thereunto, any better than Vassals.  
4 Whether the said persons be not also guilty of breach of well known, and fought for privileges, a few of which take as followeth. (1) As in Article 12. where they enjoin the Electors and Elected of them they say shall be Parliament-men, to indent with each other, That the Elected shall not have power to alter the Government as it is by them established— whereas it is well known what power the old Parliament exercised in reference to the Kingly Power itself. (2) As in Article 22. where they say, That the persons chosen and Assembled (as aforesaid) or any sixty of them, shall be, and be deemed the Parliament of Engl: Scotland: and Irel: and the SUPREME LEGISLATIVE POWER TO BE AND RESIDE IN THE LORD PROTECTOR, etc. whereas the Army's Declaration of June 14. 1647. p. 9 saith, That they are so far from DESIGNING, or COMPLYING to have an ABSOLUTE or ARBITRARY power SIGNED or SETTLED for CONTINUANCE in any person WHATSOEVER, as that if they might be sure to obtain it, they could not wish to have it so in the persons of Any whom they could MOST CONFIDE IN, or who should appear most of their OWN OPINIONS OR PRINCIPLES, or whom they might have MOST PERSONAL ASSURANCE OF, or INTEREST IN. (3) Article 24. where they say, That all Bills agreed unto by the Parl: shall be presented to the Lord Protector, FOR HIS CONSENT, etc. whereas in the Army's Remonstrance, Alban, p. 66. they propose to the Parl: then sitting, that they would declare, That as to the whole interest of the people of England, the Representatives thereof, have and shall have the Supreme power and trust of making of Laws, Constitutions, and Offices, for the ordering, preservation, and Government of the whole, and as to the altering, and repealing, or abolishing the same, the making of war or peace, and as to the Highest and Final judgement in all civil things, WITHOUT ANY FURTHER APPEAL TO ANY CREATED STANDING POWER. And that all the people of this Nation, and ALL Officers of justice, and MINISTERS OF STATE as such, SHALL in all such things be ACCOUNTABLE AND SUBJECT thereunto, and bound and concluded thereby. I might also instance in many other particulars, but these shall suffice at present to show how the Army hath Apostatised from their Principles, and that to their Eternal infamy, without Repentance; for certainly they will one day find that God will not be mocked, and that it was not a Childish sport they were about when they used those solemn expressions in behalf of themselves and the Common wealth, whose SERVANTS they then were— All which being seriously considered— then—  
5 Whether all the aforesaid persons may not justly expect to be called in question for all such their actions, when God shall in justice give an opportunity to his people (and yet untainted freeborn persons of this Commonwealth) so to do, and that according to the Armies own principles, as in the Breviate of their Remonstrance, Alban pag: 8. where after they have laid down several precedents of God's people fixing solemn punishments on wicked Kings, they present Asaph, Psal: 83.11. Praying that Nobles, and Princes Enemies to God's people, may be used after former examples, whereupon they draw this conclusion.  
That as this kind of men is opposing Christ in these last times so are they by him and his people to be punished; alluding to Psal: 1. and Psal. 1 ●o. 5. (viz:) The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through Kings in the day of thy wrath, in Psal, 149.8, 9 to bind their Kings in chains, and their Nobles in fetters of Iron, to execute upon them the judgement written. And Rev: 19.17, 18. The fowls are invited to eat the fl●sh of Kings, and Captains slaughtered by the Lamb. As also in page 9 where they say to punish Instruments, and let the head go free, leads to endless trouble: besides it seems a most unequal, and partial way of Justice; and the same principle that exempts Kings from justice, would absolve their inferior Ministers (or what they do in pursuance of such Commands. And hereupon they urge the example, 2 Chro: 23. ult. and the City was quiet after they had slain Athaliah with the sword. And Numb: 25.4, 5, 9 in the case of Baalpeer, where the Lord said unto Moses. Take all the head of the People, and hang them up before the Sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel— And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, slay ye every one his men that were joined to Baalpeer, at which time (say they) the chief men guilty were first hanged, being a thousand, and then inferior men slain, being twenty three thousand, 1 Cor. 108. both making 24000.— As also page 7. where they urge Job 34.30. that the Hypocrite Reign not, lest the people be ensnared, these are their own words in reference to the late King, and his party, in point of justice against them, and so consequently applicable to all such as are, or shall be found imitators of them. And if so, then—  
Whether the Government, or Monarchy of Charles Stuart which the army termed one of the ten Horns, (they say) the Lord made them instrumental to destroy, (as in their Declaration to Scotland pag: 38.) as being guilty of the blood of the Saints, can be thought by any rational man, to be that Government, they then Jehu like 2 King: 10.16) so furiously contended for, and that against the very same party they now join hands with all, (viz. this particular illustrated at large in a Book lately published, Titled, an Image of our reforming Times, or Jehu in his proper colours, and are to be sold by L: Chapman at the Crown in Popeshead-alley. And if not, then—  
Whether the said Army, etc. hath not played the hypocrites in a most high nature, by their now adhering unto the present Government.  
And whether in so doing they have not also clearly declared themselves Rebels, and Traitors to Jesus Christ; and that from their own expressions (as in their Declaration to Scotland, pag: 36, 37, 38, 39 where among other words to this purpose they demonstrated to all the world, that the Lord made them Instrumental to vex all in his sore displeasure that took Counsel against Christ, whom the Lord hath Anointed, and decreed King. And that they themselves had not only PROCLAIMED Jesus Christ King of Saints to be OUR KING, but that they would submit unto him UPON HIS OWN TERMS, and admit him ONLY to the exercise of his Royal Authority,) and thereby have made themselves not only liable to the aforesaid temporal punishments instanced by them, but also to the eternal wrath of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, who will render vengeance in flaming fire to them that are so obstinately disobedient to his Royal Commands, 2 Thes. 1.8. etc. And if so then—  
Whether it be not now high time for them to entertain that Governor, whose Right it is, (both as Creator, God, King, Lord, Saviour, and Lawgiver,) to govern the Person, or Persons now Governing, as any other person, or persons in the Commonwealth.— And whether this can any otherwise be done then by a general submission to those holy, just, and perfect Laws, Statutes, Judgements, and Ordinances which Jesus Christ himself (whom they have already so proclaimed to be King of this Commonwealth,) hath constituted, and appointed to Govern his Subjects by, (whether in reference to the outward, or inward man,) as they are recorded in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, & that without any mixture of the depraved light of Nature, 1 Cor. 2.14. and Eph. 2.3. or vain Heathenish constitutions, or traditons of men as now practised among us.— And that according to the Armies own acknowledgement, as in page 6. of their aforesaid abridgement, where they say— The Kings of Israel must know the Law for a Rule, Deut: 17. And Josiah being seven years old, had a Crown put upon his head, and the testimony in his hand, 
Note the Law of God a Rule from Heaven. If for all Rulers then why not a rule for our present Rulers. Are not men's Laws then consequently unjust, and so from the Devil.  2 Kings 11.12. that being elder he might remember the Rule which David avouched to be FROM HEAVEN, as a RULE for ALL RULERS. 2 Sam. 23.3. He that ruleth among men, must be just ruling in the fear of God; as also in pag: 8. where they raise this assertion, (viz:) That just Laws being from God, (Themis the Daughter of jove,) who is not ever under them, owns not his subjection to God And if so, then—  
Whether our present Rulers he under the subjection of God, or whether it be possible for them to make up the vast devastations, and breaches already made by them, both on the behalf of the Lord Jesus, and in reference to the privileges of this Commonwealth, (under the common pretence of necessity) then by joining in Covenant with all the people of God to set up the aforesaid Laws, Statutes, Judgements, and Ordinances of King Jesus, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords. And whether it be not the alone way to reconcile all past and present differences throughout the Commonwealth, and to stop the mouths of all gain sayers whatsoever; as also the only expedient to take off all the present burdens, and oppressions which the generality of the people of this Commonwealth lie under.  
1. For who dares be so impudent as to oppose the Government of him they do acknowledge their Creator, God, King, Lord, and Lawgiver, as they relate either to the inward, or outward Man, and consequently renounce all other Governments whatsoever, and those that strive to support them, as Charls-Stuart, or any other person or persons whatsoever.  
2. What need shall we have then of a standing Army, when we have all unanimously Covenanted with our God to set up his wellbeloved Son, and our alone Saviour upon his Royal Throne, by professing a●d practising his Laws and Ordinances, but that when need shall require, we may imitate the ancient people of God, (whilst Governed by that Law) by rising unanimously to the assistance or defence of each other when there shall be an occasion, so that the present Army may be spared to make further way for the promoting of the interest of the Lord Jesus, even to the ends of the world, and over which they acknowledge him to be King, and themselves appointed to vex all that will not yield obedience to him, as aforesaid.  
3. Touching the Antichristian oppression of Tithes, what need will there be to pay them, when Gospel Ministers shall, and will be contented with Gospel wages, or maintenance, and not exact the hire of a Harlot.  
4. Whar need will there be of the devouring Lawyer, when we shall have Judges as at the first, and Rulers as at the beginning, (viz) when such persons shall only be employed as Advocates, and Judges, or shall be found qualified according to the will and pleasure of the alone Lawgiver, such as are valiant for the truth, men fearing God, and HATING Covetousness.  
5. Whether it will not also be the most probable means that ever was, or ever is like to be to convert the Jews to the Christian faith, seeing that our Gospel is only a compliment of their Laws, Matt. 5.17, 18, 19, etc. which when they are once convinced of, will doubtless be as willing to embrace the one, as we the other, in such of them as are not abrogated by our Ld. Jesus, as the moral, and judicials relating to their civil state, by which means both Jew and Gentile may be brought into one fold, and under one Sepheard and consequently see the accomplishment of all those glorious Prophecies to that purpose.  
Whether in consideration of these things it do not merely concern the persons who drew up the aforesaid Instrument with all others that have acted in pursuance thereof; as also the army in general to make a speedy & public reconciliation of such their actions. And forthwith set themselves to redeem the time they have so spent, by making good their former protestations, and Engagements in the behalf of the Lord Jesus & his people. Seeing they say themselves, Abridg: Rem: Alban pag: 10. That even a servant by the civil Law may accuse his Master as guilty of Treason; and that God bats all workers of iniquity. Psal: 5.5. And accepteth not the pers●ns of Princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor, nor honoureth not the person of the Mighty. As also that Reformation were better begin at the Majoraties, than the Minoraties, Numb: 25.27, 28.  
Whether the refusal of the present Rulers, and Army so to do, must not unavoidably put them upon a desperate principle, of persecution of such of the people of God, (as are resolved by the assistance of the Almighty to persevere in this public Cause of Christ, until they shall see the accomplishment thereof, it being no more than the present Army hath all along Declared for as aforesaid.) And whether by so doing, they will not run themselves into the most abominablest wickedness that ever was committed by the Sons of Men, (as they pretend to Christianity) seeing the Army's Declaration of June 14, 1647. pag, 7. saith, That it is no resisting of Magistracy to side with just principles; as also in their abridgement of their Remonstrance Alban pag: 8. where in the case betwixt David and Saul, they say, that David did not forbear Saul merely out of reverence to his Authority, 
And how much more where the person is not lawfully called to his Office: Exce Mr: John Goodwin, and consider these expressions.  for he took up Arms to defend himself against him and would if that part would have joined) have used force against Saul. As also in pag: 6. where they affirm, that a person assuming a hurtful power never committed to him, and taketh away the foundations of Liberty, and redress such person, (all be it lawfully called to his Office,) setteth the people free to take their best advantage, and proceed in judgement against him, and this they back with two Arguments, the one drawn from Rom: 13.3.4. where they say, Paul speaks of Authority, and Magistracy in its constitution, (not of a person abusively exercising it,) to be God's Instrument of good to every one, and an incourager of good in every man, and an enemy to evil. The other from 2 Chro. 21.10. Where Libnab (say they) which is a City belonging to the Priests, Josh. 21.13.) revolted: Ne subjecta esset ei, from all subjection, (to Jenoram their lawful King,) because he had forsaken the Lord God of his Fathers, (in English because he had Apostatised from his former engagements,) a fair caution one would think for all Apostates, and especially for those of them, that have made use of those Arguments not only to accuse, but also to execute Judgement upon persons for so doing. I need not here mind them of the late precedent.   

In brief.  
Whether persons so deeply engaged as the Army to set up the Laws and Ordinances which are from Heaven, in their primitive purity, at contained in the word of God, or holy Scriptures; and after by the Temptations, and suggestions of their own evil and corrupt hearts within, and a multitude of fawning parasites without, are drawn to Apostatise in so foul and shameful a manner from their former resolutions, ought not upon a full and perfect knowledge, and admonition thereof by their fellow Brethren, (yet abiding in their integrity,) rather cry peccavi, and so repent of such their misdeeds, then by a most vile and desperate resolution to justify such their Apostasies, by persecuting their faithful Brethren, (because they will not comply with them in their evil actions,) and so bid an open defiance even to the Lord God Almighty, through their confidence in an arm of flesh, (notwithstanding their large experience of the vanity thereof,) and thereby fill up the measure of the wrath of their Predecessors, & so bring upon their own heads all the guiltless blood that hath been shed from the blood of righteous Abel; unto this present time.  
The Lord in much mercy set these words home upon the spirits, and hearts of those whom they do or may so nearly concern, lest when with Esau they seek Repentance, and that with tears, they shall not find it.   

POSTSCRIPT.  
Mr. John Goodwin is here again desired to consider whether the Saints of the most high, during the time of the little Horns Dominion, Dan: 7. who are to sit in Judgement upon it, ver: 22. and to take it away, and to consume and destroy it for ever, ver: 26.— Are to yield their subjection thereunto, or whether they are to worship the Beast mentioned Rev: 13.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18. When as the Spirit of God, Rev: 14 9, 10, 11. saith expressly, That whosoever worshippeth HIM, or HIS IMAGE, or receiveth his mark in their fore head, or in their hand, shall drink of the Wine of the wrath of God which is poured without mixture into the cup of his Indignation; and shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy Angels, and in the presence of the Lamb; And that the smoke of their Torment shall ascend for ever and ever; And that they shall have rest neither day nor night.  
Some will wonder that I writ thus as I have, seeing I have lately vindicated the actions of the Army in reference to their Dissolving the old Parliament.— My Reply is,— I am therefore the more Engaged to write as I do, lest such should think by my silence that I also approve of their Apostasies since that time, which that I do not.  
Quod Scripsi Scripsi.   
FINIS.