A WARNING-PIECE DISCHARGED: OR, Certain Intelligence COMMUNICATED To His Excellency the Lord General CROMWELL, With all the real and cordial Officers and Soldiers under his Command.  
Wherein the present tempers of each Society of People in this Commonwealth, under each Degree or Notion whatsoever, are inserted and controverted, in relation to the election of a New REPRESENTATIVE.  
As also, A brief and full Parallel betwixt the History of Israel and our late and present Series of Affairs.  
In which Simile, Our present General is compared with Moses, as he was their Deliverer, Judge, and General.  
By John Spittlehouse, a late member of the Army.  
London, Printed for Richard Moon, at the seven Stars in Paul's Churchyard, near the great North-door. 1653.   

A Warning-piece DISCHARGED: Or, Certain Intelligence for his Excellency the Lord General, with all the cordial Officers and Soldiers (of Jesus Christ) under his Command, etc.  
My Lord, and Gentlemen,  
HAving lain as it were Perdue since the 24 of April last, (that I published a Vindication of your then-late thrice-noble action in the dissolution of the Parliament, so called) to the end I might either see or hear how the same would be resented amongst the generality of the people of this Commonwealth▪ as also to know the tempers of each Society of persons in the same: And having now in some measure obtained such my desires, I shall hereby presume the boldness to communicate it to your Honours, viz. the various Opinions and Judgements of the aforesaid persons (so far as they tend to the present purpose;) being digested and distinguished under each degree of Notion which the said persons do now bear in the Commonwealth: whereunto I have annexed some Animadversions, for the clearer illustration of the same.  
The Van of which persons and opinions I shall present you with, are the Grand Royalists, commonly termed Cavaliers; who are a people (as far as I can possibly gather) that do very well resent, that the Government of this Commonwealth should be managed by those persons who have the present power in their hands; it being (say they) the most conducing to Reason, for that they have so gallantly fought and obtained what they now enjoy. 2. In that they think it impossible that worse Governors should succeed, than were last in possession thereof, (as to the generality of them.)  
Which, to my apprehension, appeareth to be an Heroic and gallant resolution in the aforesaid persons; yea, so gallant, as that I fear there is not any other Notion of people in all the Commonwealth that doth parallel them, (as to such a condescension) and for which their civil and discreet deportment, I judge them worthy of as much favour and respect from the present Governors, as with safety can be granted them; inasmuch as from being the most turbulent enemy to the quondam- Parliament, etc. they are now the most peaceable friends to our present Patriots.  
The second sort of Persons and Parsons I shall communicate intelligence from, are the Demy-Royallists of this Commonwealth, viz. the Clergy and Laiety of people under the Notion of Presbyterians: whom I so term, because they are such a sort of people that would very gladly have a King, but to no other purpose, then that they might ride upon his back, as the old Strumpet their Mother doth yet upon the Beast, Rev. 17. 7. (viz. that he might be unto them in stead of an Ass, to bear the title of Supremacy, but they themselves The Power.) And this they do, in imitation of their elder sister Prelacy, who in some measure had done the like before, as in preferring their own Titular Honours before such persons as had it really by descent; instance the Prelatical Clergy, who ranked the Lords Spiritual before the Lords Temporal, but durst not attempt the same upon the King, but that he must be Supreme Head and Governor, both over things Spiritual, as well as Temporal. Which gross presumption and palpable contradiction, I do very much admire the Nobility and Gentry of the Prelatical party could endure, or be insensible of, had they ever looked upon Matth. 23. 8. and 1 Pet. 5. 3. which two places are very worthy the serious consideration both of the Prelatical Laiety, as also the Presbyterian: for if they duly consider the same, they will clearly see, that their aforesaid idol-Priests ought not in the least to assume any such title unto them, no, not so much as of Rabbi, or Master; and that both by the command of Jesus Christ, and the Apostle Peter himself, whom their old Mother-Harlot pleadeth succession from; but I know not in what, unless in imitation of the aforesaid Peter in following his Master afar off, Matth. 26. 58. or denying his Master three times, (viz.) 1. As he is Pope: 2. As he is a Prelate: And 3. As a Presbyter; the two later being lineally descended from him, as he is the Adulterer, or Man of sin, 2 Tim. 2. 3. and likewise of Papacy, Prelacy, and Presbytery, as the Adulteress, or Mother of Harlots, as in Rev. 17. 5. so that the aforesaid daughters are as well Harlots as their Mother, and that by unavoidable consequence; as all that are rational must needs confess; as in the constitution and ordination both of their Church-members, and Church-Officers; viz. by Rantizing Infants, and so making National Churches; as also by making Priests▪ that are enjoined to maintain and uphold the same: instance the Prelatical Service-book, and Presbyterian Directory; clear contrary to the precepts and practice of Jesus Christ and his Apostles, as the Scriptures do clearly declare to all that have an eye to see, and an heart to understand.  
But such of late hath been the craft and subtlety of the young Strumpet of Presbytery, that since she perceived herself to be taken notice of by her elder sister's customers, and that many of them began to be enamoured of her (the other being grown stolen) did in a very short time grow so proud, as that she could not brook her elder sister to be in the House with her, but endeavoured every day to get ground of her, by her Dalilah-like garb, whereby she incensed such her lovers against her.  
By means whereof, there grew a fierce and cruel contest betwixt the Clients of the daughters of the foresaid old Bawd of Rome: but such proved the event, that the younger Harlots Clients prevailed: which no sooner done but she herself endeavoured the old trick of her predecessors, to advance herself into their Saddle, by the same means, and to the same purpose; as by clawing her elder sister's chief Supporter to become her favourite: but such was his inclination, that albeit he could not preserve his own Concubine from ruin, yet (had he not been prevented by a third person) he would have played his game so cunningly with her, as to have given her a fair fall.  
My Lord and Gentlemen, I crave pardon for this digression; which I took upon me, not that it doth any way concern you, but that I might (if possible▪ shame the people of God under the aforesaid Notions, out of the adulterous estate and condition they are in, and that they would now at length take notice of the many calls which they have had, out of that Antichristian or Babylonish condition, inasmuch as it now more nearly concerns them then ever. But to the thing intended. viz.  
The aforesaid Demy-Royallists as far as I can possibly discover, have not the least reason to offer, why any that is under the Notion of a Presbyterian aught to have any hand in electing a new Representative, during the time that he adhereth in the least measure to uphold that Hierarchy▪ either in its Constitution or Ordination, as aforesaid: so that all they can say for themselves, is only to rail at me, as if I had wronged them by saying they had done their uttermost endeavour to advance Monarchy again in this Commonwealth after the death of the late King. For (say they) had we done so, we could have raised half the Nation against the Army and their adherents.  
Resp. And could you so, Mr Pres-byte-er? Truly I must tell you, I think it was neither for want of affection or endeavours that you did it not; witness the private Juncto whereof your Love-ly Darling was both Secretary and Treasurer, as he found to his cost; as also by several other like endeavours, as is notoriously known by all that have in the least taken notice of your deportments, both before and since the death of the late King. Yea, I have that confidence in you as you are the people of God, (though yet in Babylon, Rev. 18. 4.) that you have a conscience that justifieth me in whatever I said of you in my late Vindication etc.  
It is therefore my earnest request, that you would rest satisfied, and not expect the least share or interest in a new election of persons to represent this Commonwealth, for the reasons mentioned in that my aforesaid Vindication, etc. And so I leave you in the other sense to stand or fall to your Master; only this be assured that so long as you refuse to come out of your present Babylonish condition, you will yet more and more be made participants of her plagues; which I hope you either are, or shortly will be made sensible of: for, albeit (as the Prophet saith) you will not see; yet the time will come, yea and now is, that you shall see, and be ashamed.  
The third sort of persons are certain members of Gathered Churches, (but I hope there are not many of them) and their adherents, viz. certain persons under various Notions, which I shall at present forbear to particularise, inasmuch as the Spirit of God is pleased to conclude them all under one general denomination, as in Revel. 9 from vers. 1. to 12. they being the very persons there mentioned, for that they have no more foundation in point of a settled or Church-like decency or order of Religious Worship amongst them, (albeit, in their own esteem, Christians in the highest degree that ever was) then the  pit hath a bottom.  
This small hint I thought fit to declare, (by the by) to put them in mind of their present condition, to the end they may not be henceforth any longer highminded, but may rather fear, inasmuch as Satan can transform himself into an Angel of light; as also in that God is yet the God of order, and not of confusion; as also in that it is a vain thing for them to think themselves more spiritual than Jesus Christ whilst he had his abode on earth, who albeit it is said of him, that he had the Spirit without measure, yet was he pleased to give precedents and commands to such as should be his disciples to believe and practise, as the doctrines of the Principles of Religion (which he termeth a foundation) mentioned in Heb. 6. and not to build themselves as castles in the air, without the aforesaid foundation.  
But inasmuch as there is to every thing an appointed time, as also inasmuch as before the opening of the seventh Seal, there is to be a silence even in heaven itself, for the space of half an hour, Revel. 8. 1. as also in that all truth is not to be declared at all times; as also in that it is not prudence (as one faith) to follow it too near the heels, lest it should prejudice the pursuer; I shall forbear any further prosecution of their Opinions, as to a Spiritual relation. Only this further, let them be sure that the Scripture must be fulfilled, which saith, that the Beast which was, and is not, and yet is, shall go into predition, Rev. 17. 8. it being the eighth, and is of the seventh, and goeth into perdition, vers. 11. But to the present business.  
It is evident that many of the aforesaid persons are very unwilling to intrust the present Governors with their Civil relations; their reasons for which, I shall insert first, in general terms, and afterward in particular. To each of which, I shall return an answer. But lest I should fail to answer what they at present do, and also might say at the utmost in point of Objection, I shall (under favour) assume the boldness to plead the case in their behalf, so far as it is possible for them to do; as by these following Assertions, viz.  
Object. 1. That since the death of the late King, all the Civil and Military powers of the Nation ought of right to have had their recourse to their first ubi, viz. to the persons who first entrusted him to make use thereof for their safety and welfare; which when he had violated the trust they so reposed in him, they took him from it, as a Malefactor.  
2. That the aforesaid persons are part of the men that have contributed all their assistance towards the prosecution thereof; so that they think themselves injured, in that they are not permitted to have an equal share of the privileges that do now accrue thereby, being disappointed thereof by some person or persons who have assumed the same unto themselves, without their consent or approbation, and, for aught they can perceive, do still resolve to retain and dispose thereof, according to their own wills and pleasures.  
Resp. In Inswer to these your Assertions, I shall oppose the story of Israel's deliverance from their Egyptian bondage: in which Simile, I shall compare our present General to Moses.  
Object. That parallel cannot agree, inasmuch as the aforesaid design was managed by Moses only, whereas all men know that we have had several other Generals before the present General; yea, such as he hath been commanded by. Again, victories are properly ascribed to him who commandeth in chief, and therefore such victories are not to be applied to him.  
Resp. I appeal to any knowing man, friend or enemy, whether the Lord hath not honoured our present General with triple victories to any one Champion before him whatsoever? (Not that I go about to flatter the present General, or in the least to derogate from the worth and valour of the other, but only that I would single him forth, as the daughters of Israel did David from Saul; in which sense, I am confident I may truly ascribe him his ten thousand for the others thousand.) For besides all his memorable victories, as in his conquest of Ireland and Scotland in general, had not he the chief hand in all the former and latter ones in England?  
Where can you almost name any one considerable victory, where he bore not the Bell from all the field besides? for the truth where of, I appeal as aforesaid, in that I abhor to flatter the man, as much as he can to be flattered; but merely as there is a constraint upon me, in relation to that I have taken upon me to make good; viz. That our present General ought to be esteemed the same to us as Moses to the Israelites, as he was their Deliverer, Judge and General.  
Object. We do acknowledge that God hath made him very instrumental, in turning of the great wheel of Providence, but not to be compared with Moses; for he was immediately sent from God with direction, both what he was to say and do before his brethren the Israelites, as also in the sight of Pharaoh King of Egypt.  
Answ. Pray show me where the Lord did acquaint Moses beforehand, with any more than three signs of all which he was to show before the aforesaid persons? which if you cannot, than it must needs follow, that Moses himself was led as much in the dark, in the management of that great transaction, as our present General hath been in that which hath passed through his hands, during the whole Series of the war, and the counterchange that hath happened therein, whether in relation to Church or State.  
Object. It is clear that the Lord told Moses, that he intended to smite Egypt with all his wonders.  
Resp. But did he particularise any more than three? can you conceive that Moses did plainly know of the plague of Frogs, before the plague of turning the water into blood was over? Or of the plague of Lice, before the plague of Frogs was over? Or of the plague of Flies, before the plague of Lice was over? Or of the murrain of Beasts, before the plague of Flies was over? And so consequently of all the ensuing plagues.  
Again, after the death of the first born, can it be in reason imagined that Moses knew he was to divide the Sea, when they were pursued by Pharaoh, or that he had knowledge thereof, until he had sent up his ejaculatory prayers to heaven for a speedy deliverance from the imminent danger they were then in? Exod. 14. 15. Durst he advance forward until the Lord commanded him? was it not in his mind to have them stand still, yea, did he not command them so to do?  
Object. Doubtless Moses would not have commanded them to stand still, but that he had some foreknowledge that the Lord would deliver them, as the following words of that verse do declare; for he doth not only bid them stand still but biddeth them that they should not fear, and they should see the salvation of the Lord, which he would show unto them that day: for, (saith he,) the Egyptians which ye have seen to day▪ ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord will fight for you, (saith he) and ye shall hold your peace.  
Resp. All that can be collected from that his expression, is that the Lord had in some small measure given him satisfaction that he would help them in that their perplexity, that he that had brought them so far, would not now leave them or forsake them; but that he would work some wonderful deliverance for them: But what it was, or how it should be effected, certainly he did not know: For had Moses known the manner of their deliverance, he would not have bid them stand still, but rather have bid them march forwards, which he did not do until the Lord had so ordered him; as also what he was to do, and what should be the effect thereof.  
Again, after that their miraculous deliverance, who can conceive that Moses knew either how he should either feed or  so great a multitude, for the space of forty years in the wilderness?  
Again, was he not constrained to cry unto the Lord at Marah, where the water was so bitter that they could not drink it? did he then know how to sweeten the same, until he was showed a tree which should effect it?  
Again, when they wanted bread, did Moses know beforehand how to furnish them, until the Lord had told him he would rain them down bread from heaven, as also in relation to flesh?  
Again, when they wanted water at Rephidim, Chap. 17. did Moses know beforehand what to do in that case? no certainly, for than he would not have concealed the same so long as he did, (viz) until he had been like to have been stoned by the people: but contrariwise it is manifest that he was again necessitated to cry unto the Lord, and to ask him what he should do in that great strait. And is it not there said, that the Lord directed him (after he had so prayed) what he should do?  
Quest. What will you infer from what you have said?  
Resp. That Moses was altogether as ignorant of Gods intended proceed in that enterprise he had then in hand, as our present General hath been in the management of those things he hath been carried forth to do, which I am confident hath been far beyond his first thoughts, or imaginations. Yea, I do verily believe, that had our present General known beforehand the several troubles and hardships he hath passed, he would have been as hardly persuaded to have undertaken the same, as Moses in the case aforesaid; he would not easily have been persuaded to have purchased his honour at so dear a rate, especially had he known he should have been envied for such his honour being so obtained.  
So that the Lord hath been most evidently seen in carrying forth our present General through all the difficulties, wherein many have formerly fainted & lagged, because they could not see to the end of the Lords intentions, in his great work, which he hath done since they left off, and is yet to do; which thing hath also been the cause of all the murmur at the apparent hand of Providence in several particulars: as at the expulsion of the 11 Members; the second purge of the Parliament; the bringing of the King to justice; and now the late dissolution of the Parliament.  
And therefore under God we are the most engaged to the present General of all the men in the Nation, because the Lord hath every way fitted him with the strength, courage and valour of the aforesaid Moses; in that, I say, it hath not been in the least abated, but hath rather been renewed, as the Eagle at the casting of her bill; (viz.) at every of the aforesaid changes, (notwithstanding the several desertions and murmur as aforesaid) to the praise of the Lord of Hosts be it spoken: so that by the good hand of God upon him, he hath born us up as it were upon the wings of an Eagle, and hath been unto us as the good shepherd that feedeth his flock in green pastures, by the waters of comfort.  
Even he, I say, hath (under God) been the chief man, that hath with the aforesaid Moses, taken us from under the power of our Egyptian Pharaoh, and from the iron furnace of Tyranny, and from the Brick-kilns of Papacy, Prelacy & Presbytery, those three day's journey, to serve the Lord in our present wilderness-condition; he it is (I say, etc.) that hath brought destruction upon our Pharaoh, and all his host and that hath led us through the red sea of a bloody war, which we have by Providence passed, and in which our aforesaid Pharaoh and all his host have been destroyed. He it is, I say, that with David hath plucked us out of the claws and paws of the Lion and the Bear, (viz) from tyranny and spritual idolatry, which we were subject unto; as also from the late bosome-vipers which with Paul he hath shaked off his hand into the fire, where they have perished with the faggot out of which they arose▪ which neither he nor we did once think there had been such danger in. He it is that hath conquered our Sihon King of the Amorites, and Og▪ the King of Bashan, (viz) Charles the first as King of England. Scotland and Ireland; and Charles the second, as King of Scotland.  
Object. To what purpose have you culled out these expressions?  
Answ. To the end all the cordial members of this Commonwealth may henceforth look upon our present General, as the aforesaid Israelites did upon Moses.  
Object. As how?  
Resp. As the chief Ruler appointed by God over us.  
Obj. Moses did not usurp Authority over his brethren.  
Resp. Pray show me where or when Moses received either Commission or Honour from the aforesaid people of Israel, either as he was their Deliverer, General, or Judge.  
Object. It must needs be acknowledged that Moses received not his Commission from the Commonwealth of Israel, in any of the aforesaid respects: but he received the same immediately from God; which the present General hath not.  
Resp. From whom hath our present General the Authority and Power he doth exercise? hath he it from Man, or from God?  
Object. We cannot say he hath he it from Man; for that he cannot have, until it be given him by a new Representative.  
Resp. If he have it not from Man (as you have truly said he hath not) than it must consequently follow, that he hath it from God, viz. by the hand of Providence, as had Moses: so that, as I said before, we are now put into the same estate and condition with the aforesaid Israelites in their wilderness-condition: and if so, can we say that the people of Israel did assume such a power unto themselves, as to turn Moses out of that condition the Lord had so placed him in, as you now thirst to do? Did any of them I say▪ unless that envious Corah Dathan and Abiram with their accomplices, ever attempt such Pride & Arrogancy as in the least to question his then-Power and Authority over them, and which the Lord had been pleased to bestow upon him? And what was the reward the Lord gave to the aforesaid persons for such their insolence? Read that story therefore, & consider it seriously, I beseech you▪ lest you be found such persons as are risen up out of that pit which swallowed them up for such their presumption or lest the heavy wrath of God fall upon you as it did upon the foresaid Corah & his accomplices.  
Again let the several other murmur of the like ingrateful people be a warning to you lest the like punishment befall you; lest the Lords destroying Angel be sent amongst you: for be assured, the Lords hand is not shortened in point of Justice, more than in point of Mercy; for the like sins will certainly produce the like punishments.  
Obj. To whom should we appeal, in case of injustice etc. if the General, & so consequently the Army assume still the Supreme Power & Authority of the Nation unto themselves, as at present they do?  
Resp. Have you any cause to complain of his or their present carriage towards you, since they so took the same upon them? if not, what cause have you to complain, either of him or them?  
Obj. He hath not dealt justly with us, in that he hath usurped our interest in the supreme power, it being as properly our birthright as his own, in that we have been found as faithful and real throughout the whole Series of Affairs as himself.  
Resp. Have you been more to him, than the Israelites were to Moses? did not they as well aid and assist Moses in that enterprise, as you have the present General? did Moses fight the Amalekites alone? did not the Israelites assist him therein? And if so, what privilege ought you to claim in the supreme power more than they? Consider seriously with yourselves, I beseech you, and see what you do in effect say less than (the aforesaid Corah, etc. viz.) Oliver Cromwell, thou hast taken too much upon thee, inasmuch as we ought to be equal sharers with thee, & the Council which thou hast chosen of thy own head without our consent or approbation, who are as holy & as much in favour with God as thyself, it being our birthright as well as thine own, inasmuch as we have engaged our all as well as thee, or those thou hast taken unto thee as thy assistants. What if some of us were but the keepers of the stuff whilst you fought the field? aught not we to have an equal share of the spoil as well as yourselves, viz. of all the benefits that have accrued by the victories you have attained? besides▪ have not many of us hazarded our lives as well as your selus in the high places of the field?  
Again, what legal power hast thou of thyself, to do as thou dost or hast done since the death of the late King? was not all the Regal power cut off from the power from which thou hadst thy power, by that one blow which separated his head from his body? who had a just right after that blow to give thee a Commission? or what Commission hast thou for the present, since thy late dissolution of the Parliament? if thou hast, who gave it thee, or when was it given thee? hast thou not put thyself in possession of all the power of this Commonwealth merely by thy strong arm and long sword? what then is this thou hast thus taken upon thee, except thou intendest to make thyself altogether a Prince or King over us? Numb. 16. 13.  
Resp. Harken and consider, O ye stupid and ingrateful people! Are not these your present thoughts against the General? And if so, hath he deserved them at your hands? Have you been like minded heretofore? Have your hearts been formerly possessed with such prejudices towards him, whilst ye were under the Egyptian Pharaoh, whilst ye were suffering in the aforesaid Iron-furnace, or labouring in the aforesaid Brick-kilns, whilst he was chief instrumental in working all the Miracles upon Pharaoh and all his servants and host, whilst he turned their Babylonish sun of Monarchy into darkness, & their moon of Church-Government into blood; whilst he plucked their stars of Honour from their Orbs, and their planets from their Spheres; whilst he was the instrument of God to strike thorough Kings in the day of his wrath; whilst he was as Judge amongst the Heathen; whilst he filled the places where he came with dead bodies; whilst he wounded the heads over many countries; whilst he trod upon the Lion and the Dragon, whilst he trod the young Lion and Dragon under his feet, viz. Charles 1. and Prelacy, and Charles 2. and Presbytery; whilst he brought you thorough the aforesaid Red-sea of blood; whilst he went thorough the many straits and hardships in England, Ireland, and Scotland; whilst he was put to make his several addresses unto God by prayer & supplication, in his many great straits and hardships? was it so with you, I say▪ during those times? Nay, was he not contrariwise looked upon by you as a Prince and Deliverer indeed? Did not you then court him at every turn with congratulatory Petitions, magnifying him beyond what I am confident he desired from you? And is the case now so altered with you? How is it, I say, that you can harbour the least jealousy of such a Noble person, who hath not spared to venture his dearest blood, to bring you into the condition you are in, and which you so much desired? Consider seriously whether you have not just cause to repent of such your fond imaginations, as to have the least symptom of an evil conjecture of such a right worthy Patriot? What can such your vanity be compared unto except with the wanton carriage of the aforesaid Israelites, who when the aforesaid Moses had put them into a condition of fullness, they presently waxed fat, and (Jesurun-like) kicked against the Lord and his servant Moses.  
And what is the present General, that you should murmur against him? is not your murmuring against God, who hath so honoured him in the midst of you, as your eyes have seen? yea, hath it not for a long season been your daily complaint, that he was the only means of obstructing the work of God, in that he had all the power in his hands & might do what he would? were you not then offended he did not put his power in execution, as by displacing such as were then in present power, and would not manage the same as you thought they ought and might have done? And are you now angry with him, that he hath done according to such your desires?  
Object. He might and ought to have acquainted us before he had done it and not to have done it so rashly upon his own accord, without our privity and consent in the least.  
Resp. Were you not in such haste for the execution thereof, as that you seemed to think every day a year until it should be done? witness all your several meetings at B. F. and elsewhere to hasten the execution thereof: and were you not by so doing in a great measure made agents in the same viz. by your many invocations to God, that he would give them courage and boldness, whom you deemed fit instruments to accomplish the same? but it seemeth your fingers would be dabbling in every dish, being neither well fasting nor full.  
Hath not the honest man, think you somewhat to do with you that he is thus necessitated to take himself off from what he might otherwise have done by this time, to publish declaration after declaration, to give you satisfaction as to that he hath done? for otherwise what reason hath the conqueror to court the conquered into obedience? Are they to be looked upon in any other qualification, (viz. in the condition they are in) then the mixed multitude that came along with the people of God out of Egypt? Such as are indeed in the Commonwealth, but not properly of the Commonwealth.  
Object. We look upon him at present as a very honest and cordial man; but such a place of singular eminency, as he hath now voluntarily taken upon him, will be a very great temptation unto him; for experience hath taught, that those that were sometimes famous for their Country, as the Earl of Strafford whilst Sir Tho. Wentworth, whom when once poisoned with the aforesaid delicious bait of honour, became presently as bad, as ever he was before good, etc.  
Resp. And what of that? must therefore the Government lie destitute of governors, because good men are subject to become evil by suchlike advancements? or would you therefore have no good persons to undertake the present burdens of the Nation. Again? what degree of honour doth the honest man desire more▪ than he hath formerly had from you? Nay, I am confident▪ would you call him Mr. Crumwel, or Oliver Crumwel Esquire, he would not be offended with you.  
Again, suppose this thrice-Noble Gentleman, (as he hath been the chief instrument under God of subduing or conquering. 1 England, 2 Ireland, and 3 Scotland; and hath now out of his deep affection towards the public good, so courteously taken your burdens upon his own shoulders) should have refused so to have done, after he had dissolved the late Parliament, etc. what course would you have taken for the management of the same?  
Object. Had he and the other secret Manigers of the aforesaid Action, made us acquainted with what they intended to do, we could then have prepared a new Representative, against those then in present Power had gone out.  
Respon. Indeed had they done so, they had showed themselves very excellent Statesmen indeed. O that Men are so stupid to speak so absurdly, and ridiculously, was it not clear that the Actors for recruting a new Representative was driving it on as furiously, as Jehu his Chariot, which when once finished, and directions sent for calling such persons whom they intended unto them, had it then been a fit time, think you, for the General to have published those his intentions, to all the world, viz. as that on such a day he intended to dissolve the present Parliament, etc. I wonder any wise Men can have such fond imaginations, for by so doing you had been voted traitors every Man of you, before you could have accomplished your design, and what would have been the event of such an enterprise, if not another war, I know not? In as much as they had so linked the Rabi Priests unto them by their continuation of their tithes, and the Lordly power they had given them to choose Pastors, as they call them, as that doubtless they would not only have fitted them with fit Members for their supply, but also have blown the bellows of dissension in every Pulpit, by magnifying the one▪ and nihilating the other, until they had kindled another flame in the bowels of this Commonwealth, which how easily they might have done amongst so much combustible matter, I leave to all rational Men to judge.  
Object. He needed not to have done it so publicly as you speak of, but privately to some few persons.  
Respon. And must not those persons have published it privately to others, until all the real party had been acquainted therewith; for why should not all have been made privy thereunto as well as some, and that through England, Scotland, and Ireland? For if not all, why any, but such as must of necessity, which was accordingly done. And therefore without dispute, it was the only wise course that could have been taken, had Seneca himself been living, and had had a hand therein.  
Again, Suppose they had made you privy to such their design, what sort of persons would you have made choice of for the Management of the aforesaid employment.  
Object. Such as we were confident are both able and faithful Men to the interest of the Commonwealth.  
Respon. Doth not this your Answer secretly imply, that the persons now in present Power, are neither faithful nor able. And if such be your construction of them, are they not very much beholden to you for such an Opinion, after such their so long and ample demonstrations of their real and Cordial affections towards you; but I hope better of you, though I thus speak.  
Again; Did you judge them able and faithful, why should you not rather encourage them to go forwards, then in the least to dishearten them; for can you have fit persons then able and faithful Men to govern you.  
Object. We acknowledge we cannot, but by suffering such persons to govern us as at present, we shall for ever be cut out of all our birthrights; for not only this General, but all that shall succeed him will claim the like privilege ad infinitum.  
Respon. Can you say the present General claimeth more power and authority than did Moses; and was Moses reputed by the Israelites as their King? No surely; for such was the envious expressions and suggestions of Corah and his Rebellious Accomplices; for otherwise he was only esteemed as a Deliverer, Captain, and Judge.  
Object. Had he not the same power as hath a King?  
Respon. No; for we see there was a vast difference betwixt the Judges and Kings of Israel, as appears by 1 Sam. Cap. 8. For Samuel telleth the Israelites there of no old matter or manner of Government, when he describeth unto them the nature and qualities of the Kings of the Nations, whom the said Israelites then thirsted to imitate. By which discourse it appeareth that the Judge did not exact one tenth of the State or Power which the said Kings claimed as their Prerogative Royal. Which the said Israelites found to their cost in Solomon's days; as by woeful experience they told his son Rehoboam, 2 Chro. Cap. 10.  
Object. Wherein consisted the chief difference betwixt Moses and a King?  
Respon. The Prophet Samuel telleth you in the aforesaid Chapter, where when the Israelites had desired a King to judge them (Mark) Like all the Nations, viz. the Heathen. Which must avoidable be the Consequent; for if Israel was the only peculiar people of God, than all the rest of the Nations must needs be Heathens (at that time when them words were spoken) the partition wall not being then broken down.  
Object. But wherein lay their sin in desiring of a King, like all the Nations?  
Respond. In that by such their desires they did in effect forsake God, and become Heathen; as,  
1. In desiring a King like all the Nations, was plainly to betake themselves to be governed by the Laws of the Nations, and so consequently in a desperate manner to forsake the Law of God; and so consequently God himself; as in 1 Sam. 8. 7. & 10. 19 And hence it was that the Lord to signify his detestation to such their desires, enforceth them by his judgements to confess, (and that before their King) that they had added to all their sins this evil, to ask them a King, Cap. 12. 19  
2. The evil of having a King like all the Nations, was to put themselves into the condition of the Nations, who were accustomed to attribute all their victories & deliverances to their Kings (as the Scriptures do plentifully declare) and that without ascribing them in the least to providence. And hence it was, that when they had a King, the Lord doth upbraid them for their Idolatrous humour to Monarchy, as in Hosea 13. where he useth these expressions to the aforesaid Israelites, viz. When Ephraim (saith he) spoke trembling, he exalted himself in Israel, but when he offended in Baal he died, etc. Yet (saith he) I am the Lord thy God, from the Land of Egypt, and thou shalt know no God but me: for there is no Saviour besides me. I did know thee in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. According to their pasture, so were they filled, they were filled, and their hearts were exalted; therefore have they forgot me. Therefore will I be unto them as a Lion, as a Leopard by the way will I observe them. I will meet them as a Bear that is bereft of her whelps, and will rend the cowl of their heart, and there will I devour them like a Lion; the wild beasts shall tear them. O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but I will be thy help. I will be thy King; where is any other that may save thee in all thy Cities? And thy Judges of whom thou saidst, Give me a King and Princes. I gave thee a King in mine anger, and took him away in my wrath.  
For the fuller illustration of this, read 1 Sam. 8 & 15. & 16 Chapters, so that Israel is chief said to have undone itself by ask a King to judge them like all the Nations or Heathen.  
3. The evil of having a King, etc. was to change them from being the people of God to become Heathens, as to imitate them in all their licentious courses, for certainly, a King like unto the Nations, must needs Act in all things according to the Kings of the Nations. Or otherwise, he degenerateth from being such a King; for to be like them is by imitating them, and not otherwise. And commonly where such a King is, there will be like Subjects, without the great restraining power of God to prevent the same. So that the good Kings of Judah acted rather like Judges, than Kings; as by making the Laws of God the rule and square of all their actions. Whereas they that ruled, as did the Kings of the Nations, (viz. according to samuel's description as aforesaid) were all Idolaters, as were the Kings of the Nations. Yea it is evident that many of them endeavoured as fare as in them lay, to outstrip the Heathens in wickedness; instance Manasseh, etc. So that as I said before, the consequence of desiring to be ruled by Kings, is to desire to be made Heathens. And that to all ends and purposes, which I desire may for the future be seriously considered, both by the present persons in Authority, lest they should assume to be looked upon, or adored as Kings of the Nations, as also to prevent the like desire for the future in such our wanton and unadvised Israelites, viz. those of the prelatical and Presbyterian judgements, who think that if they have not a King, they cannot be All a mode-de frans etc. as formerly they have been, to their cost, and will be more if they persist in the like rebellious thoughts against God, who is now tendering himself to be their King, as he was to Israel in Moses days, which should they refuse, the Lord will undoubtedly bring seven worse evils upon them, than hath yet befallen them; but a word to the wise is sufficient; for they cannot but know, that whilst the present Conservators hath the least cause of jealousy, that they hanker after such an heathenish Idol (as hath been clearly proved) which they can judge no less, whilst each of the aforesaid parties continueth vassals to, the two aforesaid daughter Harlots of Prelacy and Presbytery, as formerly mentioned) they cannot expect either to be made free denizens of this Commonwealth, but contrariwise to be esteemed only as hewers of wood, and drawers of water to the Israel or people of God, who abominate such Heathen-like practices. Again, neither can they expect to be eased of their taxes and burdens which they seem to groan under; which by abandoning: such their Babylonish and Heathenish principles, they may easily prevent. But let me tell them this one thing more, that they cannot desert the one, unless both; for the whore sitteth so fall upon the back of the beast, that she cannot be dismounted, but by the ruin of the beast, they being inseparable Concomitants, as the Patrons thereof very well know when they said; No Bishop, no King, and now, No King, no Presbytery.  
Object. This your discourse hath been somewhat off from our present business, howbeit very useful to such as you have applied it unto, whom indeed it properly concerns. But to begin where we left, we say you do mistake us; for all our aim is out of the entire affection that we have to the persons in present Authority, to admonish them to beware, lest they run themselves into dangerous Temptations; lest being lifted up with their honour, they forget what they have been, and so consequently what have undertaken, and engaged themselves to do.  
Respond. Truly friends, if that be the ultimate of your desires, I judge the present Conservators of this Commonwealth are very much engaged unto you, for such your friendly, and brotherlike Admonition, there being much affection expressed in what you say, as can be uttered, as will thus appear.  
For what greater expressions of Affection can be made, then for you to hazard both your bodies and souls, to preserve your friends from danger, which unavoidably you must do, by taking the management of the Affairs of this present Common wealth upon you; for the same danger which you are fearful the present Conservators are subject unto, the like will you, or such your friends whom you would so intrust. Have you more excellent Armour of proof upon you, than those in present power? Is there such imminent danger in the present Patriots to be poisoned with their present preferment; and are you, or your friends such Medridatuses, as that it will have no such operation upon your bodies? have they been so long accustomed thereunto? Are you fearful that our present Patriots should with the Figtree lose its sweetness? or with the Olive-tree, its fatness? or with the Vine, its Wine? and are you not possessed with the like fear in reference to your own selves?  
Certainly friends, there must needs be a Snake lurking under these green herbs; there must needs be something in such your Expressions, more than you have a mind to discover at present. And truly you give me some cause to think you would prove the bramble, or else you would certainly have greater care of yourselves; and therefore let us search out the truth of the matter. Consider, I beseech you, what you would undertake (viz.) a whole year's temptation, rather than these in present power six weeks, for so J. W. the donor of the Mite, Alias, the Master of Sentences, would have it.  
But good Mr J. W. deal really with me herein, for such affection is like a black Swan upon Earth. Is it not because you think the Table of this Commonwealth lieth not level enough for your desired Comrades to play their game upon, which the removing of our present Conservators you think would wholly effect. Or is it not out of an ambitious desire to mount yourselves into the great Horse-saddle, because you have been so long Keepers of the Stuff. Or is it not because you think yourselves more able Pilots to guide the new rig'd Ship of this Commonwealth, betwixt the Scylla and Charybdis (of a tyrannical Monarchy, and a Baby lonish hierarchy) than they that sit now at the Stern. And if so, have they not great reason to look to themselves, how they part with the staff out of their hands? Certanely they may be justly as jealous of you, as you of them.  
Object. You force us to tell you in plain terms, we think the General hath taken more upon him than he is able to bear.  
Respond. Hath he taken more upon him then Moses did, before jethro gave him counsel? Besides, if he have, hath he not taken unto him ten men that are both able and honest to his assistance?  
Object. I question whether ten such persons be a competent number to manage the present Affairs of this Commonwealth, viz. to receive and answer Addresses, hear and relieve Complaints, and do other things which may be just and requisite for them to do, until about the first of june next, by which time an equal Representative may be chosen.  
Respond. Pray once more Mr. I. W. Are not the present ten as competent a number as the seven you mention in your last Querie, which you would have reserved during the intervails of succeeding Representatives.  
Again, are the present Conservators so little in your favour, as not to be allowed by you the privilege of the aforesaid seven (viz.) to take in so many fit persons as they shall have need of, when and where occasion is offered: As also for such a continuance as you have there prescribed; but it seems you can afford your own friends twelve months, but not above six weeks to those in present power.  
Again, you think you have played the Man, albeit a Wild one, by saying it is acknowledged by most Rational men, that the power is primarily, and originally in the people, as in your Epistle, without (either there or elsewhere) expressing whom you mean by the people, save by some dubious Characters, as where you propound to consideration, whether any Members of the late Parliament, Lawyers or parties interested in tithes befitting for choice, (as in your second Querie) without expressing in the least whom you mean by persons interested in tithes (viz.) free Donors of tithes, or demanders of tithes, or both. And yet to conceit that the three aforesaid particulars, should not only be divulged, but also controverted and decided, as also a new Representative completed in thirty six days, signifies that you are either a very fleet man, or an envious man against our present Patriots.  
Again Sir, Let me tell you, were you deputed to elect a considerable number of persons to represent the Commonwealth, as aforesaid; yea, and that you had your friend I L. sent for to your assistance: I am assuredly confident, you could not find such persons amongst all your consorts, as will parallel these ten in present Authority, for able and faithful men: And what is further required by any rational  men— But to begin where I ended (viz.) with my aforesaid parallel of the present General to Moses, in point of civil judicature.  
Object. As to that we reply; that should the worst come to the worst, we have upon that account a privilege to elect persons, and to present them to our Moses, if you will needs have him termed so.  
Respond. Pray let us peruse those Texts of Scripture that relateth to that particular: And if we find it so, than I shall not in the least contradict the same; and to this purpose we will have recourse to Exod. 18. from vers. 13. to the last: Whence it is evident, that when Jethro saw the great toil which Moses had in judging of so great a multitude, he dehorteth him from continuing any longer in such a condition; for remedy of which he prescribeth his son in law Moses these following rules.  
Hearken unto my voice (saith Jethro) and I will give thee counsel (vers. 19) and God shall be with thee. Be thou to the people to God ward, that thou mayst bring the causes unto God: And thou shalt teach them Ordinances and laws, and shalt show them the way wherein they must walk, and the the work that they must do.  
Moreover, thou shalt provide out of all the people, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness: And place such over them to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, and rulers of ten, and let them judge the people at all seasons. And it shall be that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they that bear the burden with thee.  
Whereupon vers. 24. saith, that Moses hearkened to the voice of his Father in law, and did all that he had said.  
And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, Rulers of thousands, Rulers of hundreds, Rulers of fifties, and Rulers of ten, and they judged the people at all seasons. The hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.  
Now in all this it appears, that Moses was to have the election of the aforesaid people himself, as also the sole management of all the circumstances thereunto appertaining: And if so, where then will be your privilege of electing men yourselves.  
Object. If you compare the former expressions with Deut. Cap. 1. 9 etc. you will find that the people had a vote in the elections, yea, and that by Moses own direction, as in vers. 13. where he saith, Take ye wise men, and understanding and known amongst your Tribes. Unto which his Proposition he addeth also the answer of the people thereunto (viz.) that they did well recent the same, saying, The thing that thou hast spoken is good for us to do. So that undoubtedly they had the privilege of election, and Moses of approbation; as appeareth by Moses following words, where he saith:  
So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men and known, and made them heads over you, Captains over thousands, and Captains over hundreds, and Captains over fifties, and Captains over ten.— And officers amongst your Tribes. And I charged your Judges at that time (viz. at the time of their approbation by him) saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously betwixt every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. Ye shall not respect persons in judgement, but you shall hear the small as well as the great; Ye shall not be afraid of the face of man, for the judgement is Gods: And the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it. And (saith he) I commanded you at that time all that ye should do: So that it is clear the people did elect the aforesaid persons by Moses order, or appointment.  
Respons. Moses then by your own confession had the ordering and disposing of all things, both as the Congregation of Israel did consist in Marshal and Civil capacity. And as to your collection from Deut. 1. 13. I must tell you that the case is now otherwise with us, than it was with Israel, for that Congregation were at that time all unanimus, which you very well know we are not. Again, it is not rational to conceive that the mixed multitudes had any hand in the aforesaid Election.  
Object. We may then according to your former expression, reject those whom you term the mixed Multitude, viz. the Grand, and Demy Cavaliers. And if so, what is there then to obstruct, but that our Moses may give order for a New Election with all possible speed that may be.  
Respond. Suppose we should not admit the aforesaid mixed multitude, yet there being so many various Opinions or Judgements amongst ourselves, and in as much as every of these interests, will endeavour to promote themselves, I therefore judge it a most dangerous attempt to desire such an Election as you so thirst for, not that I do in the least go about for any base or sinister end (as some may deem I do) or any ways in the least to stir up strife amongst us, the Lord before whom I speak it, knoweth that I lie not. And therefore if any one shall judge so of my say, they do as much injury as Alexander did Paul, and for which the Lord will one day reward them. But merely out of the apparent ruin that I see stands before such an Enterprise. And therefore my humble request is that the Lord would so operate by his Spirit upon all our affections (who claim an interest in the benefits that do accrue unto us by the marvellous Acts of providence) that we would all unanimously rely still upon the same providence, as also instrumentally upon him, (viz. our present Deliverer, General, and Judge) whom the Lord hath been pleased to make use of, as formerly hath been related unto you. And not in the least distrust him, as either ambitious, or unfaithful to us, but rather endeavour with all our might to strengthen his weak hands, and feeble knees, under so great a burden, which out of his fatherlike affection he hath taken upon him, and that by encouraging him to persevere in the work of the Lord; as also according to his late request, that we may invocate the Great and Omnipotent Jehovah in his behalf, to the end he may first be acquainted, what he is to do, and then that the same God would also give him power to put the same in execution, to the glory of the same God, and the mutual comfort of us his childre and servants, which that he would be pleased to grant, is the earnest request of the meanest of his and your servants,  
JOHN SPITTLEHOUSE.   

Postscript. Luk. 2. 13, 14. and Rev. 19 1. etc.  
And suddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.  
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Allelujah, salvation, and glory, and honour, and power unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are his judgements; for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornications, and bathe avenged the blood of his servants at her hand. And again they said Alleluja, and her smoke risen up for ever and ever. And the four and twenty Elders, and the four Beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the Throne, saying, Amen, Alleluja. And a voice came out of the Throne, saying, Praise our God all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluja, for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him, for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted, that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of Saints. And he said unto me, write, Blessed are they that are called to the marriage-supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, these are the say of God. And I fell at his feet to worship him: And he said unto me, see thou do it not: I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren, that have the testimonies of jesus; worship God, for the testimony of jesus is the spirit of prophecy.  
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.  
FINIS.