AN IRON ROD PUT INTO The Lord PROTECTORS Hand, To break all Antichristian Powers in pieces.  
OR, A Discourse, which tends to a Spiritual War with all Sects and Self-opinions, which are the Church's enemies: will bring England's everlasting happiness, and join all other Lands into the body of Christ's Church, to serve God with with one consent, Zeph. 3.9.  
All which was discovered to John Sanders of Harburn, near Brimingham: By true Apparitions, Revelations, and many several Visions, as the second Book showeth.  
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces like a Potter's vessel, Psal. 2.9. Rev. 2.27.  
The Lord's voice cryeth unto the City, and the man of wisdom shall see my name: hear the rod, and who hath appointed it, Micah. 6.9.  
LONDON, Printed for the Author, and are to be sold at the Angel in Cornhill, 1655.   

The Table of the Second Book.  
THis Second Book of John Saunders showeth a true relation how and where he was called at noontime of the day, on the 11. day of June 1643. by a true and a terrible apparition; and further how the Lord revealed his secret intent, and confirmed it to him by true signs, and shown him the greatest remarkable revolutions, turn, chances, and changes, as have been ever since between King and Parliament, which he then declared before many: And what way the Church shall be rebuilded, to bring all Lands into one Christian Body, and Union of Eaith.  
Surely saith the Lord, then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord, and serve him with one consent, Zephany 3.9.  
And a true Relation of what horrible afflictions God suffered him to be sundry and many times cast into by Satan and his instruments, because he did at first neglect the message of the Lord of Hosts, conterning King and Parliament, Church and State.   

Dear Christian Reader,  
IN this Second Book of John Sanders, here is shown a true Relation of the manner how God called me to this work in as wonderful a way as he did Paul, at noontime of the day, by an open apparition, on the 11. day of June 1643.  
Page 37  
As I was employed in a Fair with my Master, Mr. Robert Bloomer, it pleased my heavenly Master and Father in Christ, to cause me to see the Apparition then at that immediate time: But God knowing that I was inclined by nature to be hard of belief, like Thomas, who would not believe unless he felt and saw both; or like the men of our late days, which will not believe but that Apparitions, Revelations, and true Visions are now ceased, it pleased God to convert me from that erroneous unbelieving mind, in as wonderful a manner as he did Paul at noontime of the day, and caused me to feel his indignation, as the reading of this Book will tell you in what manner; and at noon again four days after, how the Lords holy Angel was sent to comfort my comfortless condition by secret and strange Revelation, and on the morrow at night after, and on the next morning, being Friday, the 17. day, to confirm me by trial, and terrible Visions, and strange temptations, and then to comfort me with his holy Angel, & to give me a command to go to King and Parliament, as it were to be a Herald of Arms, or heavenly Ambassador from the King of Kings.  
And to tell first the King what would befall him unless such things were agreed on as this Book showeth; and then to go to the Parliament to show what they must do, or else the like and worse judgement would befall them at last, unless they would do as Zacheus did when Christ called him: Yet the King's Son, and a remnant of them; must and would agree at last; for upon their agreement is the greatest means under God to call the Jews, and convert the whole world into one union of Faith.  
Then I was showed what misery I was to undergo if I refused to go on God's message, yet must go at last. This book of my troubles showeth the manner what I have endured.  
First, of my going to speak with the King when he was prisoner at Holmby, and in what manner I was prevented from speaking with the King himself, and then what I told Colonel Graves would befall first to the King, and then the Parliament, if such things were not done as this Book speaks of; and what great troubles befell me after by Satan's malicious working against me, by my wife and her kindred and some of my own, and many wicked men besides, and of God's great miraculous deliverance and mercy to me. p. 44, 46, 47, 48  
Secondly, of my putting out of a little Book about the time that the Levellers risen against the Parliament, called A Description of the Ten Commandments concerning this late War, laying open the misery of the Church, by reason of covetous and new fangled Teachers were crept into it for want of true Church-government: And than what troubles befell me again, and how some of her friends urged her to be divorced from me, and of their persecuting of me. p. 54, 55  
Thirdly, the Bill of Divorcement put in print in this Book, given her six years since after this manner, which she and they were the causers of. p. 58  
Fourthly, the manner how God compelled me to foretell Worcester fight, and the manner and time of it, and how the King would be overthrown if he fought, and eminent witness produced that heard me speak it. p. 62.  
Fifthly, the humble petition of john Sanders to the Lord Protector, of his often coming to London since to speak with the Parliament, to tell that Parliament that they could not stand, and to show them what was the cause. Colonel Barkstead can witness it that God compelled me to tell him, and what would be the cause. p. 53  
Sixthly, of my coming out of Ireland near 6. weeks before the little Parliaments dissolution, and to tell some of them that God's decree was so gone out against them, that they would be dissolved about the shortest day in the year: Witness Colonel Barkestead, which is now the Lieutenant of the Tower. And then of my going into our Country, of my being compelled by God to prefigure & declare in Brimingham what was then doing that day in London, 88 miles from London, & then of my being thrown into prison. p. 64  
Seventhly, of my being compelled by the dictates of God's spirit to speak and write many times, and make many journeys since to the present power, and the last Parliament, to tell them what hath and will befall them, unless they will deny themselves and seek God. p. 65  
Eightly, of several Visions as I have had this year concerning the Church being rebuilded suddenly, and the Lord Protectors Council and King Charles his agreeing: And how God revealed the plot of the Countrys-rising to me, and caused me to carry a Letter to the Tower of it, and to deliver it before the rising was. p. 66, 67  
Woe is me if I declare not faithfully that which the Lord declareth to me, either to King or Parliament:   

Gourteous Reader, some Errors have escaped the press, yet but one worth observation. In page 38. line 32. for Monday, read Wednesday.   

The Table of the First Book.  
FIrst, here is showed in this Book to your Highness, and all others that please to hear or read it, a Petition to move you with all expedition to go about the work of God to find out true Religion, for the beautifying of God's Church, and then to build it up. Page 1.  
Secondly; the manner and time how David's Tabernacle fell, as well from the Christian Gentiles which were in Gospel-covenant, as it did from the 12. Tribes of Israel in Rehoboams time under the Law, and how there was never no true Religion in one body since they parted. p. 2.  
Thirdly, a short description of the Protestants ruinating in this land by this late war. p. 5.  
Fourthly, the true manner described how David's fallen Tabernacle should be begun to be raised as in the days of old, Amos 9, proved by Law and Gospel-rule to be the true Channel for the Church to run in first in this land; and no other way then this can be proved, which will bring the whole world to one union of faith, to serve God with one consent, Zeph. 3.9. p. 6.  
Fifthly, what a wilderness & infectious, poisoned, and scattered condition the Church and people of God are in for want of a Church-government, according to Patriarchal, Prophetical, Apostolical, and Discipled orders, the true manner of which is laid down in this Book. p. 13.  
Sixthly, true comparative signs, first by the Stars, secondly by the Moon, that Christ's true Religion is ready to break forth into beautifulness more than ever it was in. p. 15.  
Seventhly, a godly direction and admonition for his Highness the Lord Protector, to take the like care for the choosing of a High Priest to be Head in chief for Christ's Church, as Abraham's eldest servant did for a wife for Isaac, the figure of Christ, Gen. 24. This will be the beginning of a fifth Monarchy under Christ.  
Eightly, the manner of the High Priests receiving of the number of 12. Apostolical Bishops to be Head Fathers of the 12. spiritual Tribes of Israel, which are now scattered abroad, Jam. 1. by the holy order of laying on of hands, and of his and their receiving the number of 70. under them, to make a body above the ordinary Ministers of Christ's Church, p. 22.  
Ninthly, the true manner how to prove them whether their calling and election be of God or not, by going to a spiritual war, which is a contending for the faith, or casting rods and lots with all Sects and self-opinions, which are the Church's enemies, Num. 17.18. Matth. 27.55. Joh. 19.23. jude. p. 25.  
Tenthly, the manner of the Whore of Babel's fall, and all false forms in one day in this land to be a patterned example for the whole world to follow; and for the calling of the Jews, Turks, Pagans, and Infidels to the true faith, p. 27.  
Eleventhly, it showeth the glorious time of the new Jerusalem's situated government, and of the Church's glory. p. 31  
Twelfthly, it showeth how that King Charles the Secondis appointed by God to be his chief King under Christ over the whole world; and the Lord Protector, if he will be obedient to the word of the Lord, to be the second under him, as Abraham's faithful servant to be chief Ruler for the King; for by their agreement the Jews and Turks are to be called. p. 36.  
And all that assist them, and are faithful in their places, that are now in power, and will be obedient willingly now they see God's truth and righteous peace ready to break forth, to yield to God and his true anointed King, if they lose a Captain's place, Major, Colonel, or General, which now is held by troublesome fear, than it will be no more loss to them then theattaining to a Knight, Lord, Judge, Earl, Duke, or Deputy, King or Prince, by this peaceable agreement, till the end of all things come to dissolution over this Land and many more for them to be Governors.  
As I am commanded of God to threaten those that have gotten into other men's possessions, contrary to godliness or good consciences, and so prove themselves by it to be enemies in that to God's glorious Gospel, and the Primitive Church's practice; so I am commanded of God to threaten all with the danger of their own ruin, and the displeasure of God, that will not forbear plotting and mutyning, and so hurt the King's agreement. Do you think it is possible to stand in a strong wind, and throw chaff against the wind, and it not fly back upon you? Do you think it is possible to do Gods work before his time be? It is but the Devil's policy to cause you so to think. God is near, arising to deliver his people, and to restore his Church: Therefore wait patiently till the time be, for the day is near a dawning.   

TO HIS HIGHNESS the Lord PROTECTOR.  
MAy it please your Highness to vouchsafe the reading of this little Book, which God caused me your servant in the Lord john Sanders, to indite unto you; who hath come oftentimes on purpose to speak with you, being compelled by the power of the holy Ghost, (which enableth me to foretell things) to show you what Gods will is toward you, if you will believe and obey the Lord.  
O my Lord, woe is me if I be either fearful or negligent to give you and all others warning, since God hath called me, and shown me a sword of Justice which proceedeth out of his mouth, which he is now arising to draw forth, not only against you and your power, but against all the chief governor's of the world, unless speedily you and they deny your own ways and embrace God's ways: Those that so do, it shall go well with them.  
My Lord, I shall in these first lines forbear making use of any other men's labours, study, or Scripture phrases, lest you should rather think it to be brain knowledge then the dictates of God's Spirit.  
I conceive your Highness believeth that where God appears by visions, and Christ takes up the room, the holy Ghost carrieth them on by a real true power. they will be so guided, and shown God's ways and will, according to their gift and talon, to write or speak the mind of God without either study or natural parts, when God pleaseth.  
The Scriptures are given of God to be as a touchstone for them that fear God and obey his will, to try the spirits whether they be of God, therefore let them be your Judge; but have especial care of wresting them: endeavour to let them arrest you in this life, and you shall have rest in the life to come: Truly, my Lord, if such like counsel, which natural men will not own, but count foolishness, do not guide you, you will not only stumble in points of Religion, as many do to fall from heavenly things, but you will fall from the high place that God's providence hath raised you to. Which by yielding obedience to God and his King Jesus Christ, and him whom he will set upon his holy mountain, you may stand firm; otherways it will be very slippery.  
O for the Lords sake, who hath set you up to be a protector of the people, endeavour to build yourself a sure foundation: Embrace this truth, take good heed to hold fast the good old ways of God's worship: but you must first find it, for it hath been a long time lost: take heed therefore of either despising, or not believing and obeying the spirit of God's prophecy.  
My Lord, I have had still a great fear of you, but it proceedeth from the love of God in Christ which bindeth me to fear, love honour and obey all that God doth ordain or permit to be Rulers or governor's over us.  
When natural men are lifted up high, and seem to obtain much credit in the world, than they may be lower, and farther from the ways of God then before, the God of this world having blinded their eyes, to keep them hoodwinked from the glorious light of the gospel of peace, which offers peace to all.  
Behold I speak not these things against you or your power, for I wish you all prosperity and health, and a settled peace in righteousness and true holiness; but God hath sent me to show you your danger by plots, and which way to take to appease his wrath.  

The manner of David's fallen Tabernacle, how it fell, as well from the gentile Christians, as the natural Jews.  
My Lord, the means to bring us to a true settled and established peace, is first to seek God's kingdom, and the righteousness thereof, and all things else needful shall be added thereunto; as when England formerly did flourish, both in Church and State, and was preserved more than any other Nation from plots, conspiracies, inbred-enemies, and foreign foes, as namely, the Spanish invasion, the Powder plot, and many more, which for brevity sake must be omited.  
'Tis true, there was a time that we were in Covenant with God, the temporal state or Magistrate was a wall to the Church and Ministry, yet the Church in that time was not without spots, or State without corruptions.  
The Church was never a pure Church, free from blemishes, since the Primitive, Apostolical, and Discipled flourishing time; 
Job. 38.7.  when the morning Stars sang together under the light, glory, and peace, which was obtained by the mercy and love of God in Christ, that immaculate Lamb, and his twelve Apostles, 
Meaning the Church was but one body serving God with one consent.  which were to be Rulers or Judges of the twelve spiritual tribes of Israel: then as Jacob and his twelve sons were the first chief natural heads, so Christ and his twelve Apostles were the last chief spiritual Fathers or Brethren that laid the foundation under Christ, to bring all nations under the Gospel-Covenants, the which as many as believe and are obedient to, they are Abraham's Sons by faith, and Citizens of the new jerusalem, whose builder and founder is God.  
The old jerusalem then flourished, when David's natural Son Soloman was King over the twelve Tribes of Israel, when he had built the Temple and dedicated it to the Lord by prayer, and religious feasting, he was in Covenant with God. Those were peaceable, plentiful and golden days for Church and state.  
The new jerusalem will never be in her excellency of glorious beauty; till God hath joined the two sticks into one, Ephraim and judah: 
Ezek. 37.16, 17, 18, 19  I mean the natural seed and spiritual seed under the seamlesse garment of one government under David's spiritual Son, the second Solomon, then will that time appear that Christ will restore the Kingdom of Israel to be under one government, and one body for the Church and State, which never hath been since judah and Israel parted in Rehoboams and jeroboam time; for as Solomon and his Son Rehoboam were the only chief Cause or instruments of their parting, one by Idolatry, and the other by slighting or despising the counsel of the Ancient; and following the counsel of young men, who were puffed up with pride and covetousness, like the men of our late days, and so caused the King's government to be rend in pieces by God's Prophet, 
1 Kings 11.30, 31, 32.  signifying the greatest part of the House of jacob to revolt from the house of David, which are not reconciled to this day.  
Just in the same manner fared it with the Christian Gentiles which Christ & his twelve Apostles first planted in the true Apostolical Catholic order: in one body under one head who had a seamless garment of pure government, which in process of time was in a flourishing condition in one body of spiritual government: in those prosperous days of peace & true Religion, most men gave themselves wholly to build and beautify God's house, being charitable minded in hospitality and Christian duty: in those days men did shine by godly pious, conversation without flattery or dissembling hypocrisy, showing themselves, as Solomon saith, Apples of Gold pictured with studs of Silver.  
But while many slept in security, Satan sowed tares, which for want of being weeded out of the Church in due time, caused corruption to creep in by degrees; and at last to break out into idolatry, strife, and heresy, than the Christian vail of Religious duties was rend in twain, as Christ signified at his death: by the renting of the vail of the temple, it is to be understood of the renting and destruction of the Christian Temples by division, as well as the Jewish ceremonial Law, of which for brevity sake many proofs for confirmation must be omitted; but this I give you to understand that David's Tabernacle was raised, as well to the Christians Gospel covenant as to the Jews and natural Israelites under the Law, and likewise so it fell: you may question me, saying, how can you prove that. I answer, When the Catholic Church first passed by divisions, and gross errors, into jars and open wars, and to part from one real body which was planted to be over twelve spiritual Tribes under one head in Christ's Church, Abraham being their Father by true Faith, they being all spiritual brethren in Christ; then began they to kill, plot, persecute, and revile one against another, pretending for Religion, but contrary to Christ's covenant, or the Apostles doctrine.  
And so to this day we continue reviling, and hating one another, and they calling us Heretics that are Protestants, and we calling them gross Idolatrous worshippers, yet neither of us without great errors, and so we continue resting Christ's Gospel-truth in unrighteousness, by making corrupt Laws, on purpose to persecute and destroy one another by Satan's malice, contrary to Christ and his Apostles rule, or the true Primitive Church's practice.   

A short description of the ruinating of the Protestant Religion in this Land.  
THe only cause of the controversies between King and Parliament, was first pretended to raise up the Protestants against the Papists: some of the Protestants which were ticed to begin these late wars, but contrary to Christ's command and Gospel-rule, or the Apostles doctrine, to erect Christ's Church by unnatural bloody war, therefore God suffered the Spirit of division to arise among themselves, and to leave the Papists standing, and like unnatural brethren they have ruinated themselves. I mean the Protestant Church and all her governments, and the Highpriest, and all that Apostolical, Discipled household cast out for their corruption, when it was grown to a ripe head, much like unto Ely, as a judgement from the Lord, 1 Sam. 4.  
All this came to pass by being carried on by the pretence of a religious reformation, but God suffered the instruments of his wrath to pluck the Protestant Church government to pieces, when it was so old that it could stand no longer. The chief workmen that did begin it wear covetous and new fangled Teachers, whose Religion hath long time hanged on the deceiving hinges of strange opinions.  
These things have been so far from plucking the Church of Rome down, that they have given many great causes for it to stand firmer than it did before; and to cause many to cleave to their Church. The Church of Rome as she now standeth will fall, but that must be done by love and a spiritual war as followeth.  
And as the late several chosen Parliaments were Axes and Saws to hue down and part a sunder corrupted governments. So God hath ordained and put your Highness' chief now in power to build up and join both for Church and State, all things in better order than they were before this many hundred years: therefore take the founders and bvilders of the first Jewish and Christian Churches for your example   

The way to raise up David's fallen Tabernacle, 

If fire have burned houses, and good food hath surfeited men's bodies, for want of being carefully used: shall we never use fire or food more, for the former abuse of them?  
Truly, my Lord, it is a fit comparison for these things.   as in the days of old, Amos 9  
HAving now declared the renting and dividing of Christ's seamlesse garment, my task is now to show your Highness how to raise up the Churchs' ruins, and build it up as in the days of old, therefore take the founders of the Jewish and Christian Churces for your example.  
First my Lord, you must set up a Patriarchal, and Apostolical true reformed Episcopal order; twelve Patriarches under the Law, twelve Apostles under the Gospel; the twelve Founders-, Bishops and Rulers of the Church, under one Spiritual head Christ Jesus.  
As Abraham and Sarah are called the Father and Mother of all the Faithful, so Christ in God is called the Father, the true Church, the Mother, called the City or new Jerusalem that is to be sent down from heaven, Rev. 21.10. which City or new Jerusalem Saint john saw to have twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels, that is, Bishops, Rev. 3. to the Angels of the seven Churches of Asia, that is, the Bishops of the seven Churches, and the names written therein of the twelve Tribes of Israel, whose glory God caused to shine like precious stones, Rev. 21.11, 12, 14.  
And the wall of the City had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the Lambs, twelve Apostles, which twelve Apostles were twelve Bishops, as appears Acts 1.20. let another take his Bishopric, Psal. 69.25. and Psal. 109.8. there was such a necessity of twelve in chief, that Christ's Ministry could not be carried on after judas his fall without that number, Act. 1.25. Isai. 63.11, 16.  
Abraham in a typical way, signifies God the Father, Isaac is the figure of Christ, Rebeccah is the espoused Church of Christ, jacob is a representation of the Holy Ghost, the which holy Ghost, or jacob must beget twelve Patriarches or twelve Apostles, which were the Founders, Bishops and Fathers under God in Christ, of the old jerusalem, jewish and Christian, and must be of the new jerusalem which is to come.  
So likewise, when joshuah was about to enter Canaan the Lord caused him to choose twelve men out of every several Tribe a man to bear twelve stones before the Ark, through jordan, and to take them where the Priests feet stood firm, which stones they were to set up for 12 pillars in Gilgal; and he set up twelve more in the midst of jordan in the place where the Priests feet stood that bore the Ark of God's covenant, joshua 4. which 12 pillars being set up in natural Canaan for a memorial of the dividing of jordan; and being carried on the shoulders of 12 several men, out of every Tribe a man under the Law, as soon as they came to enter natural Canaan.  
Signifieth the twelve chief pillars of Christ's Church, which are to be the head Founders of the new jerusalem, Rev. 21.14. which must and will be set up when we are at the entrance of a spiritual Canaan's peace. All Scriptures are written for our instruction, and they speak of things past, only to tell us what should be done now as figures and types of things to come.  
But happily it may be objected against what I have said, that there were 13 Patriarches and 13 Apostles: 'Tis true jacob and his 12 sons were 13, and a little before his death he received josephs' sons by laying on of hands, to be as his sons in his and josephs' place, to make for his 12 Tribes, 13 heads, fathers; of which judah was chief, in that he brought forth Christ. So likewise Christ first chose 12 to be head spiritual fathers of the 12 spiritual Tribes, to make them one body under him the head, Acts 1.  
After Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, before the holy Ghost was come down to give them the fullness of their power and gifts, the number was made 12. 
Acts 1.  after Judas fall: but after the holy Ghost was come down to carry them on in their work, when they began to be persecuted and scattered, it pleased God to convert Paul, even their greatest persecutor and furiousest enemy, and to make them 13 Apostles, Peter being the head in Christ's Church, and by his command to feed his Lambs and sheep thrice; to whom Christ committed the keys of David's Tabernacle, or heaven, to bind or lose things either in heaven or earth, he being head the body were 12. Besides, here in England, following that example at one time, as Chronicles show, there were 24 Bishops under two high Priests or Archbishops.  
Your Highness must likewise remember that besides this Apostolical order, you must set up a Discipled order of 70. both which Orders I shall prove first under the law, secondly under the Gospel.  
Your Highness ought to remember the Law which gave to Moses, to instruct you what to do, to be as it were a School Master, who when he found the government for Church affairs too heavy for him, he grieving and making his complaint to God the Lord, to ease him of his burden; God commanded him in Numb. 11. v. 16. to gather seventy men of the Elders of Israel, and to bring them unto the Tabernacle of the Congregation to make a body under him and Aaron the High Priest, to be helpers of Church government, which as soon as they were elected & set round about the Tabernacle, the Lord took the spirit from Moses and gave it to the seventy Elders, and they did all prophecy, and did not cease, Num. 11.25. Thus you see God ordained the seventy Elders, even the complete number when they were in the wilderness, that were of jacobs' household when they went into Egypt to make a body, above the ordinary Priests for Church affairs, he wanted not Judges or Officers for State affairs, or Marshal discipline; he took his Father in Law Iethroes counsel for that, Exod. 18.  
Secondly under the Gospel, Christ our Saviour the only begotten Son of his Father, when the fullness of time was come, which God long before had determined, when he said, The seed of the Woman should break the Serpent's head, which is to be understood Jesus Christ should be born of a pure Virgin, which should be set up as an Ensign for the people and Nations, to lead the chief Officers of his Army in his life time, he gave no other weapons to the head Leaders and general Governors of his Army to carry on their warfare against all his enemies but the sharp sword of the spirit which proceedeth out of his mouth, to slay the enemies of him and his Elect.  
Christ first chose twelve, Mark 3. and he named some of them Bonerges, by interpretation sons of thunder, than Christ ordained seventy other, Luke 10.1, 2, 3. and sent them out when the harvest was ripe, two and two together into every City or place which way soever he himself would come, and he gave them power to carry on their work: sending them forth as Lambs among Wolves, and the seventy returned again with joy; saying, Lord, even the Devils are subdued to us thorough thy name: and Jesus said unto them, that he saw Satan like lightning fall down from heaven: behold, saith Christ, I give unto you power to tread on Serpents and Scorpions, and all the powers of the enemy, nothing shall hurt you; nevertheless in this rejoice not, but rather rejoice that your names are written in heaven; the same hour rejoiced Jesus in the spirit, and said, I confess unto thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and learned, and hast revealed them to Fabes, even so father, because it pleaseth thee, Luk. 10.17, 18, etc.  
Truly my Lord, we must all believe that these very Scriptures are written for our instruction; there is none that believeth that God is God, and his Word is Truth, that dare object or say; but that these Scriptures are sent from God to us for no other end, but to direct us to do the same, which they speak of, that hath been done here to fore in former ages, for they are patterns, examples and lines for us in this last age, to erect, build up, and walk by, and although God hath hidden these things from the wise and learned of this time as it pleased him so to do in former ages, as Christ saith Luke 10.21. and to reveal it to mean men, which are but like babes and sucklings, yet let none that bears the name of a Christian disdain, neglect, or despise these things for the means of the person of him whom God speaks this now but let all that will own the name of Christians rejoice, in the spirit as Christ their head Captain did in the spirit, giving all praise and glory to him, assuring themselves that the meaner persons, they are that God doth it by, the greater work of God is showed therein, and with all expedition to set about the work, for by this example were our Primitive Christians to choose their seventy Interpreters. For when it pleased God to have the holy Scriptures translated, or interpreted for the good of all that believe, he did it by such a number of seventy, which were all guided by the holy Ghost, as it had been one man, and they were as it were conduit pipes to convey the water of life into all Countries, Nations, & Tongue●, for the comfort of God's Elect through out the World. Thus you see there is no contradiction with God, he is at the beginning and ending all one in his Church; for as God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are all one in Trinity, so is the true Apostolical and Discipled Church whom Christ promised the holy Ghost should be with to the end of the world, john 14.16. john 17.21. And every member of the body have their proper gifts for offices and places for the building up, ruling and gathering of the Saints under Christ their head, 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4.11, 12, As Paul saith, God hath ordained in the Church several Officers; as first, Apostles: secondly, Prophets: thirdly, Teachers; then they that do miracles: after, the gifts of healing, helpers of governments, diversity of tongues; but, saith he, are all Apostles? are all Prophets? are all Teachers? are all doers of Miracles? have all gifts of Healing? do all speak with Tongues? do all interpret? 1 Cor. 12.28, 29, 30.  
These Scriptures showeth us very plainly, 
Proved that none of the new Elect, or Gathered Churches are not true Churches.  that all our new elect and gathered Churches are out of the ways of God at this very time, as far, I may say, as the East is from the West; yet I will not judge any: But there may be many true members that belong unto Christ among them; but thus by the power of God I will assure you, that none of the new Sects as call themselves Churches, are true Churches, because they have neither true heads or body above them, according to other Law or Gospel rule, but every one strives to be a Teacher, by resting the Scriptures to their own corrupt finister by-paths, and so lose themselves, and lead many more into woods, wildernesses, and deserts of strange opinions; and so it will be worse and worse still daily, more every day than other, 
Eph. 4.11, 12, 13.  till the mercy of God cause us to have an Apostolical and Discipled body under a head for the gathering of the Saints together for the work of the Ministry, and for the dification of the body of Christ, this will be the way to make all the members of Christ's Church meet in the unity of true faith, as followeth if you can believe.  
That the seventy Elders that God caused Moses to choose had several prophetical gifts when they were chosen and brought to God's Tabernacle, at that immediate time.  
Or if your Highness can believe that Christ's Apostles and Disciples had several prophetical gifts for the making of a complete body for Christ's Church: and the seventy interpreters of the Scriptures were guided by the holy Ghost: Then I entreat you for the Lords sake who hath sent me as a Herald to you, to cause you to choose such a number as you see Law and Gospel rule holdeth out a just proof for; which being chosen, and elected as by the power of God's holy word and spirit guiding me to direct you as, hereafter followeth.  
To show your Highness and all the world by the power of God, which he is able to perfect, and make good in my weakness. For as we read, Mal. 4. that Elias will come before the latter day, to turn the hearts of Fathers and Children one toward another; and to end controversies in Families, Nations, and Kingdoms, lest he should smite the whole earth with cursing; that as where hatred, war, division, and heresies have most and last abounded, there grace, love, peace, and concord may first begin to abound, here for a true exampled pattern for all other Nations to follow us: for Christ saith the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.  
There is no fearful or doubtful question, to be objected against this earth, and way which here is laid down the ground from antiquity of other ages, how God hath sent the holy Ghost into such an equal rising number heretofore to carry on his work by; but that he will do the like now if we would deny our own corrupt ways, and embrace his ways, which are all grace, virtue and humility; for God is Alpha and Omega, at the beginning and ending of his works, all one and the same, and his ways of mercy are past finding out.  
The Apostles say, that these days would not come unless there were first a departure of the Faith, by many falling into gross erroneous heresies, blasphemies and apostasies, there were never more than now: therefore we may well assure ourselves by natural reason, that this is the very last age of the world, and should be the best: but nature is more abused now then ever it was in our forefather's days; so that this time shown forth itself to be the worst, and the very dregs of all other ages, that ever have been.  
For, behold, both natural pride, and spiritual pride, abound in every high degree; natural drunkenness and spiritual, not only by excess of drinking, which is a very great reigning sin in this land, but also Sects and self opinions, which makes many thousands stagger without drinking of either wine or strong drink, so that they are drunken and bereft of all true spiritual senses; and many others are blind by ignorance, their knowledge being so weak and shallow in points of Religion, that they know not their right hand from their left; and although they have been brought up as it were in the Schools of Moses and the Prophets in Abraham's bosom, by going to Church, hearing Sermons, and reading, or hearing the Scriptures, yet they are profane and covetous, both people and Priests like one another, so that it grieveth the holy Spirit of our God to see his people destroyed for want of knowledge.  
In the late Bishop's time in some places we were guided by a sort of Shepherds, 
Of the late Bishop's time.  which although they were knowing enough for learning, and charitable enough to the poor in temporals, yet they were profane by starving their flocks.  
But now we are troubled in most places, with a covetous sort of Teachers, I had like to said in all places being ignorant themselves; they do not only starve their flocks for want of saving and sound knowledge, but also for lucre sake, they drive and carry them into by and separate paths of errors and heresies, so being like people, like Priests, God hath punished our sins together, and yet our putrified sins being not healed, are like to break out into another red sea of blood, if God prevent not.  
Now the Church being thus brought into the wilderness weeping in her widows-like mournful Condition, as one that hath lost her husband, 
Luke 10. Rev. 9  and the Elders being all cast out of the City, so that she hath no guide for her children which are left alone among fiery serpentlike Teachers, and Scorpions and beastly poisoned opinions, and the Ark and Temple of God is razed and taken by the uncircumcised of heart; and we are a murmuring rebellious people, worse than the Israelites were, for our God hath brought us thorough a red sea of civil Wars, to an entrance of a spiritual Canaan's peace.  
And if our rebellion against God do not prolong our misery, I fully believe we are near the very entrance of a glorious time for the Church to break forth into her brightness, and to shine in a more glorious manner then ever she did since Adam's fall: For the time is near at hand when all oppressors and dissembling hypocrites which do not speedily leave their evil ways shall be rooted out of power. And those that have served God, following the good old way, shall shine as the stars do in the firmament, both in Church and State, and to enjoy a true, religious, … tled peace according to righteousness and true holiness, so that the civil Magistrate may be a wall to the Church and Ministry. Four Monarches being broken down, there will be another set up, even a Kingly power under the Sceptre of Jesus Christ.  
Believe not those Dreamers, Mockers, Makers of Sects whose study is all to write or speak great swelling words against dignities, and the powers which are ordained of God, nay even against the Lord's day or Christian Sabbath, and the sacred ordinances of God's Law and Christ's command, even the ten Commands which God writ with his own finger in stone, never to be washed out or abolished, having a double memento for the keeping of the Sabbath and Lords day, as well to the Christian Gentiles as the Jews, for take away the Lords day, even the day which is set apart only for his worship: if the candlestick be removed away from us, the light of God's true worship will immediately follow, Luke 10. But as Christ saith, he saw Satan fall as lightning from heaven, and transforming himself into a glorious Angel of light, to carry on many with their new lights and false visions and new fangled doctrine, to deceive if it were possible the very Elect, but that is an impossible thing.  
More I would have spoken of the Christian Sabbath, and of these strange opinions, to show every poor soul the subtle wiles of Satan, and the means at large how to escape him, in this time of spiritual blindness and proud knowledge, which darkens men's minds, and divides their judgements, by gross thick darkness which if we have not lost our spiritual feeling, we might feel it at none time, under the Gospel's glorious light; which makes many other  away their precious time:   

First a sign of the Stars.  
ALL which wickedness and Apostasies are but signs of a glorious time at hand, nay even at our very doors. For as when the Stars are under thick mists or clouds, that night is very dark, and the darkest part of all that night is immediately before the break of day; even so when the Church's Stars, the Ministers are clouded with the foggy mists and errors of factious Teachers which are clouds without water, as Judas speaks. Even than is the Church in her dark mournful condition; which darkness will appear most of all when the day of her deliverance draweth near.   

Secondly, of the Moon.  
AND as when the Moon is near her change, the night immediately before is the darkest night of all that quarter, so the sad dark mournful condition of our Moon, the Church, gives us hope that she is near her change, and that the Son of righteousness is ready to arise with healing under his wings, and that the morning tide is near a turning; the day of a true religious peace is near a dawning, and ready to break forth into a glorious light; thus you see the Church's greatest extremities is always God's chiefest opportunities.  
All which darkness, confusions and mischiefs have arisen for want of these aforesaid apostolical and discipled orders. For as Nature's reason hath told you, that your Army could not stand without general field Officers, above Captains of Companies, according to Marshal discipline: even so ordinary Ministers of parishes cannot stand without Heads: as Bishops, Deans, and other Church-Officers according to Scripture discipline.  
If fire have burned houses, and good diet hath forfeited many men's bodies for want of being careful and moderately used; shall we therefore never use fire or food more? Truly my Lord, this is a fit comparison concerning these things.  
There is now a beginning of a fifth Monarchy or Kingly power; 
The beginning of the fifth Monarchy.  Your Highness is the first man God hath raised to be the man to erect it, and to be a Protector of the people in State, and to take the like care for the Church as David did for building up of the true worship of God, and as David's desire was to be a doorkeeper in God's house, after he had destroyed the Church's enemies in the time of the Law. So God hath appointed you to keep the door to let none but the true Ministers of Christ proved by Law and Gospel rule, to enter into that holy office which have their calling and election from God and man and approved, able in gifts and sound knowledge fitting for the dispensation of the Oracles of God.  
Your Highness ought to take the first solomon's desire of God, as an example to frame your heart, and to keep you from the desire of riches, honour, or the life of your enemies; but only beg of God for an enlargement of heart, for the guiding of such a people as is committed to your charge, and then all other things that God seethe is needful for you, will be added without wearisome care, as both Peace, Safety, Plenty, and Wisdom.  
And to hasten speedily to set forward the finding out the true way for God's worship to beautify his house. Now you see God hath given you more power and liberty to do such a work then ever any King had since England first was a Kingdom; although you cannot choose but hear and know how many curse you as Shimei did David, yet you ought to think as David did when Shimei cursed him: Surely this cursing and plotting against me is suffered by God's ordination or permission, because speedily you do not set about the great Work of God, and follow Christ the second Solomon by patience and meekness, praying for your greatest enemies, and willingly and readily open a door of peace and truth to your greatest enemies that you have fought against; if you can persuade yourself the battles were for God, than the execution of vengeance should be left to him.   

The way to choose a High Priest.  
YOur Highness ought first to choose a good Pilot or High Priest for the Church; a good, learned, orthothodox Divine, such a one who hath always heretofore given himself to charity and hospitality, apt to teach, a man of sound judgement and grave knowledge.  
O for the Lords sake, and for the good of the Church and people, and your own safety in this life, and for your soul's safety hereafter, imitate Abraham's chief Ruler, and eldest Servant; for God calls you to come to him, and to take a hallowed oath, as Abraham's servant did, being charged by his Master not to take a wife of a strange lineage, of the Canaanitish seed, amongst whom he dwelled, but to go to Aram, to fetch one out of Nahor, his own ancient Family.  
Even the like charge lieth upon you from your heavenly Master, for to choose a Bride for his Son's Church of the Ancient, True, Christian Religion, even a man of selfe-denial, that will leave all like Rebeccha, Genes. 24.  
Such a one to be a High Priest God the Father will take delight in: He that will assoon as he is called to Christ's work, and that he is sent for to be the only chief Head under Christ in his Church, and to be his chief espoused, as Rebeccha was to Isaac, who as soon as she saw Isaac in the Field at eventide, alighted off her Camel and went on foot to meet Isaac her Bridegroom, which went outto meditate in the field toward evening, who meeting Rebeccha, he brought her into his Mother Sarahs' Tent after she was dead.  
Even so will it be with us; though the old Protestant Church be in a dead condition, yet let us assure ourselves that Christ is near a coming to meet the prayers of his Saints. Now it is eventide with them; yet man's extremity is God's opportunity, for Christ will meet such a one as is humble and lowly minded & meek, and he will bring him to be a High Priest after Melchisedeches Order, in the Protestants place or Tent: And God will choose an Apostolical and discipled number to be added to him, they being chosen and set apart for that end by him. Even such as will be willing to do as Zacheus did, who when he was climbed up in a Sycamore tree to see Christ, as soon as he was called by Christ to come down, for he would that day dine in his house with him, yea rather in his heart, and told him further, That salvation was come into his house both for himself and his Family.  
So now the whole Land is soul-sick to see most men, which are climbed up so high, and all in a pretending way at the first to see Christ, but nothing intending any such matter, but to make themselves great in the world, and so set themselves against God and his glorious Gospel, which calls them to come down, as Christ did Zacheus, to be charitable to the poor, and restore to every one their right, and then Christ will dine in their hearts, and the holy spirit of union will cast out the spirit of division, and bring salvation to their several Families, and join them together in one united mind, with one accord to carry on the great weighty affairs both for Church and State, to begin the work in a perfect way, and so go on to more perfection:  
Your Highness cannot choose but see what great things the Lord hath done for you, by preserving your person in many and sundry great Battles of war, and since, many several dangerous plots which have been lately found out, which for brevity's sake I must omit to name; all which plots and dangers show you God is angry with you to see his house lie waste still, and no one is setting about the work of God.  
You may well assure yourself that God is sorely displeased, that many are planting and settling themselves in great Estates, and making themselves great by this slaughterous wars, and so cast God's work behind their backs. Now his House and Worship hath been plucked down and brought to ruin by several Sects and evil members, which have some of them been of the Army, and the rest the Army have favoured, I mean all Heretics, seditious and blasphemous persons, in this fiery time of trial, or consuming of the true worship and zeal of God's good old ways of worship, which did shine in a flourishing condition.  
And now you see God hath preserved your Highness, as he spoke by the Prophet Zechariah 3.2. concerning Joshua the High Priest: The Lord will rebuke Satan, and choose jerusalem to reprove him. But saith the Lord, Is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? And thus you see the Lord many times brings his beloved children very near the very gates of Hell, or in great danger of falling.  
And now you may see God hath plucked your Highness from among those brands, and brought you to the King's Throne, to be chief Ruler over all, as Abraham's eldest servant was. The first thing you ought to have done, that would have been most pleasing to God, and best and surest for yourself, was to have found out the true worship of God, and to have been as faithful in choosing a spiritual Head for the Church, the woman, as St. john saw to be clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet, having a crown of 12. Stars on her head, Revel. 12.1. being meant Christ, or one in his stead, twelve Apostolical governor's called a crown of twelve Stars: that is, Bishops of his Church, being clothed with the Son of God's bright garment of pure government: Having the Moon under her feet; that is, all changeable governments which change like the Moon.  
Take one imitation of Abraham's servant, who refused the eating of bread to feed his hungry appetite after his long journey, till he had showed his faithfulness, and knew Rebeccha and her friend's mind, Gen. 24. So take heed of feeding yourselves with worldly dignity, till you have found out a Head, and an espoused company to make a body for Christ's Church.  
Take your example from Moses, who after he was Gods chief servant, although he was brought up in Pharaohs Court by Pharaohs daughter, when he came to years of understanding, he refused to be called the son of Pharaohs daughter: O therefore take heed of those Courtly offers after you understand the ways of God, as either to defraud or detain any man from his Right, or keep the Church and people of God either in bondage or a wilderness condition.  
O therefore for the Lords sake delay no more time, by building your own houses, but set about the house of the Lord, which is called a house of prayer for all people.  
For the neglect of that, God shown you a sign of his anger, when you were in that great danger of being killed in Hide Park on S. Michael's day, if you can believe the word of God to be true, That God commanded Moses to put off his natural shoes when God called him from being a natural shepherd to be the chief Leader of his people, Exod. 3.5. and likewise the same he commanded to Joshua. 
Josh. 5.  The shoes signify the natural affection of a man's heart and mind, when he is called to the holy work of the Lord. We read that for a very small offence the Lord met Moses, and would have killed him in the way, Exod. 4.24.  
And as the Angel of the Lord stood with his sword drawn before joshua to cause him to unloose the natural shoes from his feet; if the Lord hid it not from you, and so leave you off to hardness of heart and spiritual blindness, you may well see that the Lord is not pleased, by the many dangers you have been near. All those plots and dangers should be as warning pieces to set you forward to go about the work of the Lord, or as goads to stir you up to it. I entreat the Lord, and oftentimes do pray that God will be pleased to open the spiritual eyes of your soul, and clear up your understanding, that you may go about the great work of the Lord with all expedition.  
And you may well assure yourself, that if the burden was too heavy for Moses, who had his counsel at Gods own mouth, who had likewise Aaron the High Priest, and other Priests to assist him; yet it made him to cry out to be eased of the Lord, or slain. Therefore let the example of the Jewish and Christian Churches lead you as a pattern or line. Choose first a High Priest, than 12. and gather 70.   

The manner of the High Priests receiving the number of 12. for to be Apostolical Bishops, by the holy order of laying on of Hands, and then 70. proved from Jacob, Moses, and the Apostles doctrine.  
YOur Highness having according to God's command and Scripture rule to be your guide, chosen a High Priest for the head of Christ's Church, as Aaron and Peter were; and then by the High Priests advice ●o ordain twelve Apostolical Bishops, as several heads under him, for to be over the twelve spiritual Tribes of Israel or Christ's Church; the High Priest should not receive them to be his spiritual Sons without the laying on of hands: this holy order and confirmation of laying on of hands I shall prove to you by example from Jacob, Gen. 48.14. who when he was about to die, and to receive Manasse● and Ephraim into the number of his twelve Sons, to make them thirteen Head Fathers of the twelve natural Tribes of Israel, Manasseh and Ephraim being called the two half Tribes; at jacob's receiving of them at the hands of their Father joseph to make them as his sons to bear their part of his name for the time to come throughout all generations; he did not do it without laying on of hands and, receiving them without that holy order to confirm them by his blessing.  
joseph at his bringing them to old jacob his Father, whose eyes were dim, his full intention was, that old Israel should have laid his right hand on the eldest, and his left on the youngest; but he would not do so although his natural eyes were dim, yet God gave him the spiritual eyes of the soul to discern that the youngest son should come to be greater than his brother; although, saith jacob, I know Manassch shall be great, yet his younger brother shall be greater than he, for his seed shall be full of Nations; and he set the youngers' name before the elders. Although it much displeased joseph, who sought means to prevent his Father for doing thus; yet jacob knowing the decree of God, would not alter it, Gen. 48. from the tenth verse to the end of the Chapter.  
A little before jacobs' death he called all his sons together to bless them, and to show what would befall every one of them in the latter days: and how judab should be the heads in that out of his lineage Christ was to come, and all people should be gathered to him.  
In these prophetical signs jacob is a representation of the holy Ghost, and likewise for the manner and number of his family. 
Of Moses laying on of hands.  Moses he followed this example of jacobs' laying on of hands, Scriptures make no mention of it, but a little about the time of his death, Deut. 34.9. This Text of Scripture saith that joshuah the son of Nun which was the succeeder of Moses, was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had put his hands upon him, and he and Israel did as the Lord had commanded Moses.  
In the Apostles and Disciples time at the Gospel's first plantation, as it is written for our instruction in several places of the Acts of the Apostles, how that by their laying on of hands many received the gift of the holy Ghost. Paul at one time laid his hands on twelve several men, and they all received the gift of the holy Ghost and Prophesied: and furthermore Paul exhorteth his son Timothy whom he had begotten. Saith he, Despise not the gifts that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, by the laying on of hands by the Presbytery Elders, 1 Tim. 4.14. All these Scriptures were written for our instruction and learning, there is none that believeth in God and his word that dare or will object against it: thus you see here is proved in Christ's Church an example of twelve Apostolical Bishops under a High Priest, otherwise called an Archbishop, and a Discipled number of seventy, to make a complete body besides, and the order of receiving of them in their several places and degrees into that holy office of the Ministerial Function and body of Christ's Church according to those holy orders which have been always practised by the ancient Fathers of both Jewish and Christian Churches, in all former ages.   

One Objection answered by Scripture ground and argument.  
Object. But happily many in our days may be apt to raise Objections against this truth, that is so manifestly proved here by God's holy Writ, saying, that Apostles and Elders are all one; therefore, say they, there need be no other order but a number of Elders according to the Presbytery, which order is mentioned in the Scriptures. To answer these objections and make them fall to the ground. Look in the fifteenth Chapter of the Acts, and the first, second, and third verses; when there was a great diffention and disputation about Circumcision by Paul and Barnabas against them: at last they ordained that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the Apostles and Elders of the Church. The word Apostles in all places of Scripture standeth before the word Elders: Paul was one of the twelve Apostles, 
1 Cor. 2.28, 29. Eph 4.  Barnabas, Stephen, Timothy, and the others in their several places were of the company of the Elders of the Church, Acts. 20.17. Multitudes of Texts and Scriptures might be raised to confirm this truth, to show that there was first an Apostolical number as chief, twelve: and then Secondly, a discipled number of seventy according to order then in those days: and that order would have continued till this very time, had not corruptions and divisions cast them out of the Church.  
But this I can by the power of God assure your Highness and all others that desire to know; that we shall never enjoy perfect peace nor true Religion till that time be, that there be ordained for the Church such an Apostolical and discipled number; the which being done by God and man's appointment, having their commission signed and sealed by God and man, and being entered into a hallowed Covenant at the Ark or Tabernacle of God's testimony, meant the Church, being received and ordained every one according to order to make a complete body: by joint order their chief reverend father in God ought not to receive them into this holy office without the laying on of hands: the which being done, and they joined together as one man for the work of the Lord, for the ruling and gathering of the Saints, and building up of true Religion, being thus elected and choseu.   

The true way to prove them by going to spiritual war with all Sects which are the true Church's enemies.  
YOur Highness and many more may question me, or demand, saying, How shall we know whether thy calling and election be of God, and sure and firm, and not of men's traditions, or superstitious consecrating?  
'Tis answered thus.  
It will be known by this manner of trial that followeth, whether or not that they be the only men God hath appointed to beautify his Church, and to raise up David's fallen Tabernacle here first in this land, and to be a pattern & example for all other lands to follow them.  
Your Highness and they must 〈◊〉 ●lame open spiritual war against all Sects that hold 〈…〉 of Church fellowship, that call themselves Religions: and they may be all comprehended under four heads, as namely these, 1. Presbyterians. 2. Independents. 3. The Anabaptists must be called. And last of all the Church of Rome that is in these dominions, must be called to this spiritual war, to bring them to the Touchstone of God's word.  
All these aforenamed Churches so called, or any other whatever, aught to have both leave and command from and by your Highness, to come to disputation, together with them of the late and new ordained Election, which is the Apostolical and discipled Body under a spiritual Head: Then as jude saith, there will be earnest contending among all these several elect for the faith once delivered to the Saints: every sect, such a certain number as equalizeth the fore named being chosen and ordained according as best pleaseth their several judgements or opinions.  
When this Herald or Trumpet is sounded which God will cause his holy Angels to stir up the hearts of men to do it in his good time, Matth. 24.30. to gather his elect from the four winds, to see the true way to join themselves to the true Ministerial head and body of Christ's Church, Eph. 4. in one united faith.  
For when these several elections are gathered together, there will be casting of lots among these spiritual soldiers that are called to this spiritual warfare to see which can gain Christ's seamlesse garment of government, which so oftentimes hath been parted and rend to pieces, and dipped in Christians blood formerly.  
And there will be likewise a casting of rods also together one with another; the Egyptians rod that would keep the Church in bondage, or the covetous idolatrous time servers, or the divided new fangled people, or the Church of Rome. All these their several rods may turn like Serpents, or bud many Scriptures each of them; But Aaron's rod, or the true Priesthoods iron rod will devour up the rest of 〈◊〉 ●ods, and break their power to pieces like a potter's 〈◊〉, all that are Antichristian, or Tyrannical, or seducing.  
Yet they may at the first bud many Scripture phrases, like the true Priesthood in the fight of the ignorant, but they will soon discover themselves when they come to the touchstone of trial, by division to bring themselves to confusion, and so silence themselves.  
But the true Priesthood which hath his foundation from Antiquity, that is, entered into a hallowed Covenant with God, and joined together in a complete body under a head, shall then show forth themselves to be the true Prophetical and Apostolical Discipled Church, in a most manifest way they will then appear before all people by their several gifts and places; being all guided by the spirit of Union; for their rod will not only devour the other Serpentlike rods, but also it will blossom, and the spirit of Daniel will appear in their lot to defend the woman, Christ's espoused Church, which otherwise if she were not known by this kind of trial and spiritual war, they would judge her to be a Whore still, and say she were as full of fornication as other-idolatrous Churches have been in other Kings reigns before: But now she will prove herself to be a pure Virgin: and that day the iniquity of Jacob will be removed out of this land, Zach. 3. and the Whore of Babel shall fall, and all false forms, shall sink in the Sea like a Millstone, never to rise again: then will that Scripture be fulfilled, Revel. 12.1. The Woman will appear clothed with the Sun, and the Moon under her feet, and that's meant all changeable Church-Governments, and she will have a Crown of twelve Stars on her head; which is to be understood the new Jerusalem's Church, clothed with Christ's righteousness, and the twelve Stars are the twelve Patriarches, or Apostolical Rulers, Rev. 21.11, 12, 13, 14. And Christ's promise than will be fulfilled to his twelve Apostles, when he was with them on the Earth, that they should be head in chief over the twelve Tribes of Israel; and the fullness of the Gentiles brought in, and the Jews called, than the kingdom will be at this immediate time restored again to Israel, and all the kingdoms of the earth will be under the glorious government of Jesus Christ; and the four beasts, and the four and twenty Elders will cast down their Crowns before the Lamb that sitteth on the throne praising God, Rev. 4.  
By the four Beasts we may understand the four Monarchies, or head ruling powers that have been already broken to pieces, and brought to their former beginnings of nothing again, when their corruptions were grown ripe.  
By the 24. Elders are to be understood 12. natural Patriarchal Judges under the Law for Temporals, under a natural Head, a King; and 12. Apostolical Spiritual Bishops over the Church, under their spiritual Father, the Head of the Church, the Judges of late years have turned judgement for the poor widow and fatherless into wormwood and gall, Hos. 10.3, 4, 7. Amos 6.12.  
Though the temporal Father of the State be now cut off and cast out for the corruption and bribing partiality of the Judges, and the Judges held in at this present, but not without great corruption; and God hath so severely dealt with the spiritual Father, and all his Household, to cut off the Head, and cast out the body; but look what Peter saith, 1 Pet. 4.17. But the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: If it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the Gospel of God? Wherefore let them that suffer now according to the will of God, commit their souls unto him in all well doing as unto a faithful Creator.  
Look what jeremiah saith, Chap. 23. v. 3, 4. Though it hath befell so with our Church of late years, and although God hath suffered his people to be thus scattered, Yet they shall be brought again to their folds, and he will set up Shepherds over them, which shall feed them, and they shall dread no more nor be afraid, neither shall any of them be lacking, saith the Lord. Behold, saith the Lord, the days shall come that I will raise unto David a righteous branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and execute judgement and justice in the earth, Jer. 23.5. And Dan. 2.44. That God will restore to us Shepherds for the Church, and an Apostolical discipled order above them under a High Priest.  
Even so his promise is to restore to us a true stock of Judges under a temporal Head, their true born King? In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. Zeph. 3.9. In those days, surely saith the Lord, I will turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord, and serve him with one consent. And all powers will be broken to pieces, and the Heathen shall be smitten by that sharp sword which proceedeth out of the mouth of God. And he (according to his promise) will rule the Heathen with an iron rod; for he it is that treadeth the winepress of the fierconesse of the wrath of God, Psal. 2.9. Rev. 2.27. Rev. 19.15. Then will that time be that the swords shall be broken into ploughshares, and the spears into pruning-hooks, and Nations shall have no more cause to lift themselves up one against another in warlike manner.  
Wherefore I entreat your Highness, and your wisest Counsel, for the Lords sake, that you will make no delay, but speedily with all expedition choose such a number by election and holy ordination, that is, laid down a perfect rule from the Scriptures, and a command from God, and try them by spiritual war against all Sects and self-opinions, and they will bring the Church out of her wilderness and widowhood-condition, not only of all danger of being brought into danger again, but also through these red seas of bloody wars which have been maintaned under the pretence of Religion, but contrary to Christ's command or Gospel-rule. Likewise they will cause these feigned Rivers of jordan to be dried up, that all the Israel of God may come unto one united spiritual Canaan's peace, within the Harbour or Suburbs of the new jerusalem, to make us all Citizens of that place which Saint john saw in his Vision to have twelve gates, and at the gates twelve Angels with the names written on them of the twelve Tribes of Israel, and the Lamb, and his twelve Apostles, which are the chief Founders and Builders of this glorious situated government.  
We must understand, that as the judgements of God first began at his own house in this Land; so God will have his house restored and built up again, to be as it were a pattern for the King and Lord Protector to frame and set up their State-government by. For a● there is to be appointed by God twelve Apostolical Bishops under a Head spiritual Father, to be the Leaders of the Church so far as their power can well be able to rule; so likewise it is convenient to have 12. temporal Judges in chief, under one Father, the King, so far as their power is well able to extend in every division; which being thus done according to order, righteousness, and true holiness, every Kingdom will then become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, Rev. 11.15, 16, 17.  
So then the King being as Abraham or Moses, in chief under God the Father, 
Exod. 4.16.  he must be as Moses was to Aaron, as it were a God to the High Priest, or Archbishop. The High Priest or Archbishop representing Isaac and Rebecca by a Melchisedech-order of Christ, must be as it were a chief Prophet to the King, as Aaron was to Moses: And the twelve chief temporal Judges, and the twelve Head spiritual Bishops, which make the number of 24. Elders, must cast themselves down, with all their government both for Church and State, to give all praises to God the Father and his Son Christ Jesus, for judgement given to the great Whore; and the other 70. discipled Elders will do their office as God will appoint them to, and carry them on by the power of the Holy Ghost. And the High Priest shall then wear no more polluted garments, but God will cause him to have change of raiment, and a fair Diadem or a Micre on his head as Aaron had.  
And then the Church will begin to flourish in a glorious manner, 
This fifth and last elect 70. will by God's assistance beautify the fifth Monarchy.  and God will carry on this last 70. under the High Priest and the 12. Apostolical Bishops, which are to be heads of the 12. spiritual Tribes of Israel, God's holy spirit guiding these, and going along with them, they will build up the truth Church better and firmer than ever it was before, advancing the true worship of God above all. Zach. 3.  
And they will give example for the Judges and State-officers to follow them in like manner; for the spirit of Daniel will be among them, standing in the Lot: the dark letters and the hidden mysteries which are to be revealed to man, God by these will unseal, and God will esteem of them as his dearest Jewels.  
These will be guided by the Holy Ghost to do as Solomon exhorteth, to purge the tin and the dross from the go Iden and filver governments.  
The two famous Universities and Schools of learning shall be made pure fountains by these, from whence the sincere milk of God's word shall flow for the nourishment both of Church and State, to feed the flock and people of God as the breasts of Sarah and Rebecca did nourish Isaac and jacob.  
Then shall all houses of hospitality and religious store houses be settled & established according as is intended to their right end again, the store houses to be rightly erected without either Idolatry or Superstition, for an account of the Tithes and other things to be brought in thither, that their may be provision for God's house, for all necessary uses that belong thereunto, according to the word of God, that being their guide; and all parish Churches, and Places that are or have been appointed for God's worship, as need requireth to be desently restored to their Priestine adornments, to make them the beauty of holiness, as God's word requireth, without superstition or idolatry, as Paul saith, Let all things be done decently and in order, and the Ministry for every degree rightly to be restored, and they to have their charge and orders from the Apostolical Bishop and Discipled Elders of their several limited Dioceses in all degrees as belong to the Ministerial office to be as careful of their chargeover every Parish according to Vrim and Thummim, soundness of Doctrine and integrity of life, and to be as careful over all sorts of people that belong to their congregated charge, in all needful degrees, as great rich men's Shepherds must be over their folded or pastured Sheep, which were only kept and appointed for that end, if any of their flock be lost by the Shepherd's negligence, as earthly Masters will look for the price of the sheep at their hand as is hired and kept for that end.  Zeph. 3.9. Saith the Lord, surely I will turn to the people a pure Language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord, and serve him with one consent. Lord hasten this time. In this time of the kingdom of glorious grace, there shall no man need to ask the ways of God of Lay men, but we shall all be taught of God, and fed with the sincere milk of God's word, which floweth from the mouth of God's messengers, the true Ministers. Every neighbour and private man to follow his temporal calling, living in unity, amity, and true Christian brotherly love; saying one to another, where sin and envy hath heretofore abounded, so now true love & grace shall much more abound, serving God with one consent, saying one to another, Come let us go up to the house of the God of Jacob, to learn of his true Shepherds and Ministers, We may well conclude & believe this to be the time that the whole earth will be filled with the knowledge and glory of the Lord, as the waters covereth the Sea. Yea much more must the Minister, Shepherd, or Watchman give an account both to God and them, as God hath set over them of their charge, for if any be lost for want of their care, their blood God will require at their hands, Ezek. 33. 
The same charge lieth upon me or any other that hath a message to declare from God to your Highness, concerning the seeing of a sword or a judgement, or an alteration of the times; we must not fear to declare the mind of God, for the displeasure of either King or Potentate; if we do, whensoever it be, they die in their sins or ignorance for want of having warning by the seer, that God revealeth it to; they shall die. and their blood shall be required at his hand.  
For by this which I am to declare to your Highness, I am appointed of God to assure you, and the whole Council of State, that although other powers of the late several choices for Church and State have not sought Gods ways but their own; yet those that God will perfect his work by, he will have them to deny all to follow Christ: although the other selfeseeking powers took not Solomon's counsel, who exhorted them to take away the evil counsel from before the King, and the King's Throne should be established according to righteousness, but they wilfully and unadvisedly took away the King instead of his evil Counsel to establish themselves by it in great places; these natural warriors did it unadvisedly by spiritual blindness, yet the thing could not be omitted because it was long before so determined of God.  
These spiritual warriors will restore his son again to the royal Throne, to be supreme, in more Dignity and Majesty then ever his Father enjoyed it, to be established in and by peace, if God harden not the Church's enemies to their own destruction, as he did Pharaoh and his host; nevertheless whatever the malice of Satan and wrath of wicked men do endeavour themselves against the ways of God: yet it will be at last for their greater ruin that withstand the will of God: the more violently they withstand it, the more God will be glorified by their destruction, which will come upon them like a sudden whirlwind, when God ariseth to deliver his Church: Fhr God and his chosen as he will do his work by, he will cause them to restore every thing in the right order, both in Church and State, which hath been displaced and disjointed this many hundred years; and so he will preserve it till the end of all things come to dissolution; because God hath the hearts of all Kingly Potentates in his hand, to dispose of them as pleaseth him, either for the establishment of a Nation in peace, or the remove of them by war.  
I must needs be bold to speak and declare my conscience in the presence of God, and the like to all the world:  
Concerning King Charles his Life and Death, that for aught I could ever see or hear upon ground or proof, waving afide envious or slanderous aspersions cast upon him, that are now plainly seen were cast upon him, to carry the design of his enemies on against him in a violent way, as things were laid to David's charge that he never knew of: If Christ were so wronged by false witness, and put to to death, and his Apostles, Martyrs and Saints, and the holy men of God in all ages, let no man judge the worse of him for his untimely death; for there is a righteous Judge that knoweth all, therefore let every man begin to judge his own heart, and there he shall find himself to be in a great high rebellion against God, and guilty of high Treason. The meanest creature as God made for our necessity and servile service, in their nature doth condemn us in the things they were created, for so they remain still.  
I call God to record, I speak nothing in his behalf, no not a word more than I would for any man else, for God caused me to fortel his overthrow, and I have had great loss and trouble by some that were of his Army; yet I have been long assured, and caused to write and speak how that he was the Lords anointed King, and that his conscience being firm to maintain the ancient Rights of the Protestant Church, was the cause of his death. Furthermore I am forced to foretell how that his Posterity and Heir will come to enjoy the Crown: And this I am caused and compelled to speak, as I have heretofore foretold by the power of God, of the greatest remarkable changes and chances as have fell out between King and Parliament, near this 12. years past, which is all come to pass since but only the manner of Church-government, and the King's Son being restored to his Father's Throne, and in what manner, if any man will needs ask me what ground I have for it, I must needs tell him, it is the witness of Jesus, which is the spirit of Prophecy, which hath carried me on in this manner. Not that I can fortel any of these things by any power of my own, or by any natural Art; but when it pleases God to compel me, than I cannot forbear to go.  
As for King Charles his life, they could speak no other of him when he reigned in peace, but that he was a loving godly peaceable Prince, sticking close to the fundamental point of the Protestant Religion.  
I butsaid many he was almost turned Papist; but they that cast that aspersion upon him first, soon after, when they had made many believe that, than they said the Common-prayer and the Protestant Religion was all Idolatrous Popery, and so they esteemed Charity a while after. I judge none that were the instruments of the King's death, I with great fervency of spirit pray that his bloed may not cry to Heaven for vengeance like Abel's, but like our Saviour's; for they that were the instruments, did not know what they did, God hiding it from their eyes by their spiritual blindness, as the Jews that put Christ their heavenly King to death.  
I fully believe that this City of London will be a second new Jerusalem, ordained by God to reign over the Gentiles. I speak not this by any prophetical command of God, but by permission and several natural reasons as cause me so to think.  
You know Paul was a great man in discernment of the ways of God by Visions, yet he spoke many things by permission more than only Gods immediate command at all times to him; but this by the power of God, and his holy spirit that I hope dwelleth in me, and I trust will always guide me in all my ways by his holy spirit in the way of truth, both in speaking, writing, walking and talking, I will show you.  
As our Saviour Christ was envied by the Pharisees, and put to death by their Counsels, but not against the ordination of God, by those hard hearted Jews; yet Christ prayed for them, and his death was a destruction to their Religion, even of those wilful blinded Jews, that put their King Christ to death by the Soldiers who guarded them to do it.  
Even so will it prove in the end with those Pharisalcal Presbyterians, that first put to death their High Priest, raised up some of the Army, which caused the King to be put to death; also they gave the first onset by their preaching and covetous lives, to raise Sectaries and Herifies to be the instruments to do it, it could not be omitted, it was both permitted and long so before determined that he should be cut off by an Army and a flood of-Heresies, Dan. 11. Hos. 10.3, 4, 7.  
The King he imitated Christ and Steven, in praying for his enemies, and to be a meek man and a godly Christian Prince, standing firm for the Protestant Covenant.  
But by the Bishop's death, which none but the Presbyterian Priests were the cause of, that every one of them thinking to reign as Bishops by it, some of them gave the first onset to set others against the King: But the death of the King and the Archbishop, which all Sectaries thought to have reigned in a living condition by it, and knew they could notwithout it; yet his death and the Bishops will prove to be the death of all Sects and Heresies, and the chiefest means under God to convert the Jews, Pagans and Turks to Christ's truth.   

The Lord guide me with this holy Spirit  
I Shall assure you in truth, eleven year ago, I being an Apprentice to an Iron-Monger, it happened by the powerful providence of God, as I was at a Fare on the longest day of the year, called Saint Barnabies day, as I was helping my Master to keep the Fare at Newport-pannel in Buckinghamshire, I being in perfect health, and busily exercised about my Master's employments with him at the stall.  
About 12. of the clock as I was weighing out of ware, and many people at the stall, I was struck of a sudden with amazement; the power of God caused me to look before me, and there was standing before me the shape of a Woman, clothed in blue, like an old fashioned cloak and safeguard,  The Woman clothed in blue raiment signified the Protestant Church. Aaron the High Priest his colours were blue for the Ephod, Exod. 28.28, 31, 37. 
the likeness of her face was black as an Oven,  Her blackness of face signified that she began then to be overwhelmed with darkness, lamentations, & mists of Heresies, as Judas calls them, Clouds without water. 
she struck her hands over her face.  Her striking of her hands over her face in a mournful condition, signified the lamentable condition which she then was fallen into, when the High Priest and the Apostolical, and Discipled Elders were cast out of the City, and there was no true government then, either in Church or State, when Kingly power was spurned against, and so fearfully despised & weakened, so that the Judges and civil Magistrates could not be a wall to the true Orthodox Ministry, than many old heresies which had been long ago buried began to be new digged up, new fangled opinions began to be found out by Satan's malicious temptations. 
I took as little notice of it as I could, but was following my Master's occasion of trading, being a weighing of nails I was struck sick at heart of a sudden, and was forced to look on the strong appeparission which was like a Woman, and looked steadfastly on her, who struck her hands again over her face in a wailing condition as a … man that had lost her h … and, or children, or some great friend, and so she vanished away.  
I was very heart and stomach sick, of a sudden being forced to leave the stall I told my Master I was not well, I went to his Inn, and being very sick, I vomited blood: after a little time being something better, I went to my Master again, and stayed by him all day, but not without much pain, this was on the Saturday, and was I sick and heavy at heart, and all parts of my body many days after, but I praise God I slept very well every night, but could not tell what ailed me, my stomach was gone, I could not eat any thing at all, nor drink any thing; but what was sour like vinegar.  
I told my Master at night of the strange apparission and vision, and of my sickness, but he believed me not, so we went that night to Eubourne in Bedfordshire; on Monday I was not able to go on foot, but rod on my Master's hackney horse most of the way to Hampsteed in Hartfordshire. On Teusday we went to Watford fifteen miles off London, but very sick and weak I was every day, yet slept well every night. On Monday we returned homeward; I riding with much pain on horseback, I besought the Lord with a fervent mind, to be merciful to me, he heard my prayers, and as we were riding about a mile and an half off Redburne; the Lord made my heart to think, and my tongue to speak, and tell my Master, that if he would go by Redburn, it being near a mile out of his way, I might ride home in a Wagon; he asked me how I could tell, or with whom; I told him with my Father; for I told him my Father had two Wagons then in Redburn, it being at mid time of the day; and how that my Father was there and one Brother, and his man. I had no natural reason to say so, for I could not tell they were in those Countries, but only the Lord had revealed it to me, who reveals his secrets to them that fear him, Psal. 25. & 34 his holy Angels pitch●s their tents about them.  
My Master was unwilling to go that way, but with much entreating did, and we found them in Redburn according as the Lord had caused me to speak. My Master overwent me that day, and left me to ride in my Father's Wagon.  
On Thursday night, we came to Tosseter, fifty miles from London, Coventrie road; my Father's Inn was at the Saracens head; but my Master appointed if I was not able to ride home, I should be carried to his Inn, which was the fign of the Peele.  
As soon as I came thither, I desired to go to bed, presently with in an hour after, my Father's Brother and many more came to see me, and asked me how I did, I told them I praised God I was better than I was before, and many such words.  
I told them of the strange Vision in the Fair at Newport-pannel, but they believed me not, and the manner of it oftentimes; and how the Lords Revelation to me made me know where to meet them, which was against nature's reason: My brother offered me to watch with me all night; no said I, brother go to your bed, and take your rest, for I praise God I am better than I have been ever since I saw the Vision. So they left me.  
There was no Guests in the house that night, and I did lodge in an upper room, a good distance from the people in the house; and I had been hot and cold on a sudden, my  being light and thin on my bed, and I was dangerous sick, near unto death of a sudden, not thinking I could possibly live while morning: it being the dead time of the night, I could get none to come to me by knocking or calling. The Lord put it into my mind of a sudden that I should live to see an end of these troublesome times, and how God had ordained me to be an instrument to the bringing it to pass: Lord said I to myself, how can can this be, seeing I am thus weak, not like to live till morning? My heart began to sink, so that I could scarce speak. Within a little space the Lord strengthened me wonderfully, and put it into my heart to hang my  about me, and go out of my bed to other beds in the next chamber, and fetch : I being not able to stand, crept on my hands and knees, and fetched the  of two other beds, and with the help of God's holy Angel laid them on my bed, and went to bed again.  
A while after, being something warm in my bed, the Lords Angel gave me warning that I must undergo the strongest temptation that night as any man had endured; yet the Lord would uphold me in it. Dear friends, it was no dream nor fancy; for I was awake, and had my perfect memory.  
A little while after there was as it had been a book opened in my conscience, I cannot forget the remembrance of the letters still; and there was laid to my open view and memory all the sins that ever I had offended God either by omission or commission; and the Lord assured my conscience they were forgiven assuring me that they were buried in the Sea of Christ's blood.  
That was no sooner passed, and another Book opened, but there came into my mind a remembrance of all my dealing between man and man, and there was found no accusation against me, but only for 4 d. which had been near six years past. For the first journey that ever my Master sent me out with iron ware, he sent me three day's journey from his house to a place called Chessom in Buckinghamshire, and before I came home again, I lost 1 s. of my account, and having cast it up at Warwick, the last night of my journey, and then I fearing to tell my Master of it, kept half a peck of oats from my horses, thinking to get the shilling that way at several times; so after with my with my Master, I losing 8 d. and wronging the dumb creatures of their allowance, my conscience being troubled at it, did so no more.  
And when I was at the point of death, God suffered two ugly Devils, in shape like Blackmoors to accuse me before him; so that I was forced to look out of the bed, and they stood between my bed and the window at my left hand: I was in a terrible fright, they standing near my bedside a little after midnight. The Lord gave me a strong spirit to resist the Fiends by prayer, which made them fly from my bedside. And God's holy Angel comforted me exceedingly, and so left me for a little time.  
Anon after there appeared another Devil, who was transformed into a glorious shape, whose adornments shone like gold, as it had been a great Emperor, King, or Monarch, with a Crown on his head, who would have persuaded me to have denied that Christian Faith as I was trained up in, and renounce the Baptism as I had received in my infancy, and I should be in as great estimation for the time to come as any in the world.  
I endeavoured to pray against those persuading temptations, but my own heart would have deceived me one time, I could scarce keep my mind close to God; and being mighty hot by sweeting, and faint by sickness, my soul desired to keep close to God. My heart was brought very weak, I was brought so feeble-minded, I thinking all hope passed but I must yield; at last I said, avoid Satan.  
At these words, and many more such like, the transformed Fiend vanished away; and the Angel appeared at my right hand as I lay in my bed, and strengthened me with exceeding inward comfort, and so left me again.  
The black Fiends appeared a second time, and being resisted by prayer, they fled. And there was another like a General, or great Commander, in gay apparel, in several colours, as red, black, green, yellow, in a bunch, persuading me as the former did; but the Lords power was strong in me to resist him by prayer, which made them fly from my bedside; then began it to be a little morning-light. I prayed all night, looking every minute when the Lord would fetch away my soul from my body, but I desired much of the Lord to live to see my Father and brothers, and to make a Will to dispose of some little money, and some ; some to the poor, some to my brothers, some to friends, according to my Talon as I had.  
When the day began to dawn in my chamber, there was the shape of a Ladder, reared from the chamber-floor to the window; the top of the Ladder was above the window, the two ugly black Fiends and the transformed Devil appeared again near my bedside in violent way to fear and tempt me. I prayed to God for defence and succour; the transformed Devil, shining like an Angel of Light, ran up to the top of the Ladder above the window, there I was tempted again; the two black Fiends ran up after, and stood one above another on the Ladder, calling to me twice, and saying, Come, will you come? The Lord strengthened my heart to prayer; the transformed Fiend vanished away from the top of the Ladder: The ugly black Fiends, after they had turned feet to feet, the ones head was up towards the top of the Ladder, the others hung downward, and thus they hung their soles of their feet together on the Ladder. I thought all this while on jacob's Ladder. Lord, thought I to myself, this is such a Ladder as Jacob saw in his Vision, Gen. 28.12:  
At the end of these terrible fights of the fearful Vision, I broke forth, uttering these very words, saying, O my Saviour, thou that wast tempted and hadst no sin, 〈◊〉 able to secure me a poor finful creatore; in the name of the whole Godhead avoid Satan. The one fell one way, the other another way, the Fiends parting asunder; and I praise God I had no more temptation all the rest of the time of my sickness.  
And the Angel of the Lord came and comforted me, and told me when I was restored to health I must go on God's message to the King, and tell him he must agree with the Parliament, and condescend to them by agreement, and forgive them that which had been past, as a loving Father, although it were against him in that way as he was in and his Army: if he did refuse to do it speedily, and for to work Reformation both in Church and State, if this were neglected, the King's Army would come to nothing but destruction, and he would be destroyed and cut off, but yet his Son would come at last to reign.  
Then I was to tell the Parliament, in withstanding the King they must not do it to make themselves great, but perform their vow, for the setting up of God's truth in the true purity for Church-government; and for Temporal and State Affairs, it must be to maintain true Judgement in all degrees for the Magistrate according to truth.  
If this in the beginning were not their aim, and in the end in the end their actions, God would blast all their proceed, by one power displacing and dissolving another, till at last their heresy and injustice and division would bring them to confusion.  
And the Angel then gave me direction how the King and Parliament must make their agreement at last, and what form and manner the Church must and would be established and governed. And how that God had ordained than I must be one of the three, and my Talon was to show first the Church-government.  
And after, in my sickness the Angel revealed to me again, how that all Countries would rise in a triumphing manner, with all sorts of Music, and so come up to London with great joy, to establish the King, and overthrow all the enemies of Christ and his Gospel, and cast them out of power, and then all sword-powers would begin here to cease, and as a pattern other Nations should follow.  
I should have spoken of the manner of the sickness, and more of God's great goodness to me; but for brevity-sake I end with praises to God  
The reason why God suffered the two two black Fiends to accuse me for the groat as I wronged my Master's horses of their allowance, gave me warning after for ever wronging my fellow servants more, if it should lie in my power after.  
As much it signified and breatned to any that either are, have been past, or shall be for time to come, put in power above men, to be Rulers either in Church or State, if they wrong, defraud or smite with the fists of iniquity, Matth. 24.  
They that do so, without repentance to God, and restoration to man, like Zacheus, God and their own conscience will find them out, and Satan will bring bills of indictment in this life or after: For we have all one Maste- in Heaven.  
Satan's transforming himself into a glorious shape, and persuading me to renounce my infant-baptism, and the feigned apparition of jacob's Ladder, signified all Sects and self-opinions, that are tempted by Satan to renounce their infant-baptism, to go after the feigned River of Jordan, persuading others to follow their steps up jacob's Ladder, which is not the true way to Heaven: Therefore, as Christ saith, Neitherbeleeve nor follow them, Matth. 24.   

A short description of some of my great Troubles.  
AFter the first Apparitions, Revelations, Temptations and Visions that the Lord bade made known unto me his unworthy servant, many of his secret determined intents which suddenly were to befall the King and Parliament both, Church and State, and a means how it might have been prevented, and a true peace settled, if they would but have denied their own corrupt ways, to have embraced God's ways.  
And further, when the word of the Lord came first unto me by his holy Angel, to cause me to go on God's message, first to the King, and then to the Parliament, to declare God● mind unto both parties, as I have showed before, and what great troubles I must undergo by crosses, imprisonment, violence from my nearest friends, loss of goods, if I refused to go at first, to displease them: yet after many troubles I must go at last.  
When God had restored me to health and strength of body again after my sickness, through my friend's persuasion I left God's message undone, and cast his will behind my back; but many times I should talk of it to many of my friends and others, telling them in what manner God had appeared to me, and what a charge was laid upon me from God to press me on to discharge my conscience, I oftentimes speaking of it with grief; but they most of them would be still persuading me that it was a temptation of Satan and his delusions, and would be arguing much with me, that in these days God did not appear by either apparitions, visions, or revelations, saying those things were now ceased.  
Thus their persuasion wrought upon me by Satan's temptation to let Gods work alone for the space of above three years. In this time I had some great troubles: The first of them was when I thought I should have been married to a Neighbour's daughter as lived near my Master's dwelling, one of a good portion and parentage. She was my first love, being made sure one to another by strong promises in the way of contract between ourselves: it was broke by false pretended friends, and so parted. I looked upon it no other way then this, I was assured that God did cause my proceed in the world to be crossed, because I had not been obedient to what I was commanded of God's holy Angel, and confirmed by sure signs.  
Within the compass of a year after I was married to another rich man's daughter of my own trade, being set up to follow the calling of an Ironmonger at Hales Owen, five miles from Brimingham, lived peaceably with my Wife, kept near 60. Nailors at work to make iron ware. I kept great trading, and many horses to send ware up unto other Countries, for to serve whole sale to many Chapmen.  
In this time I had many troubles and losses, which if I should lay them down in particular what I had before I was forced by God to go on his message, and those as I have endured since, in the manner as they have befell me, and God's mercy to me in delivering and preserving me from one time to another, in no ordinary way, but in a miraculous way, the like was scarce ever heard of by any; if I should put them in a Book, it would be larger than could be read in the longest day in the year, and yet all true and good reading, to show the wrongs as I have endured by my nearest friends, and she that was my Wife, with some of her friends, and many more, which before I went on God's message shown great love towards me; but when I went on purpose to the King, when Colonel Graves was his Keeper at Holmby, they were all great friends, but after, professed enemies against me by Satan's malice, to wrong me in the highest degrees that ever was heard of by any man in such nature since the world began, not only once or twice, but several times in several years; yet I praise God I can speak it with a good conscience, in the sight of God and man, that there is none of my greatest enemies can say upon truth, neither will they I believe, that I in all my troubles as I have undergone, I ever wronged man, woman or child willingly, not so much as to use any extremity against any of my greatest enemies, but still committing all to God, and praying for my greatest enemies, which are sure fignes and strong testimonies to all that know me, that I have been all this while guided, preserved, and carried on by a miraculous providence of God's holy spirit.  
First, when I went to speak with the King, Colonel Graves was his Keeper at Holmby: I being compelled by God to leave all and go to foretell King Charles what would suddenly befall him if such things were not done as the Lord had showed me concerning his agreeing with the Parliament to erect and set up the true Religion of Jesus Christ in the good old way, and that the Magistracy should be as a wall to the true Ministry.  
I having these things in my breast to declare to the Kings own person by word of mouth, I coming very near to the King's Majesty, being at bowls that day at Boulten Court, two miles from Northampton, with many Noblemen and Gentlemen to attend him, I was fearful and bashful to be so bold as to speak myself to such a person as a King, I being ready to speak several times, but being possessed with slavish fear, I called Colonel Graves aside, he being my neighbour-countryman, and of great acquaintance with his kindred and family, I told him what my occasion was to speak with his Majesty, and what it did concern, who walked a great while with me: I declaring God's m●ssage to him concerning the King and Parliament, hoping that he would have been an instrument to have brought me before the King, being it was so that the King was his prisoner, he told me he durst not let me speak to the King, for he feared I would speak those things to the King as would be displeasing to some there, and so he should be blamed, and I might be troubled because notice was taken of my calling him aside.  
He said to me, Countryman, Countryman, trouble not yourself with the these things, but go home and follow your calling, for there are many which are crack-brained coming with such stories to the Parliament, and I belieeve this is a temptation of Satan's working upon you.  
Sir, said I to Colonel Graves, you shall find it no such matter; for if there be not this speedy agreement between King and Parliament upon these con●●tions, that the Protestant Church may be truly and rightly reform, so that the King, Judges, and Civil Magistracy may be reform according to righteousness and true holiness, that they may be as a defending wall to the true Orthodox Ministry, according to that direction as God declareth to you by me now, and more fully he would if you would believe what he speaks now by me. The King will be taken away in a pretence to do him good; but many intent to destroy him.  
When I had declared God's message to Colonel Graves, I was eased of my burden. I went home thinking to follow my Trade again close suddenly, not thinking these things should be any hindrance at all to me. But God was angry with me, because I having lost such an opportunity in speaking to the King by slavish fear, but must needs declare it to him that prevented me.  
After they had taken away the King from Holmby, I went to speak with General Fairfax concerning the King and Parliaments agreement, and Church-government, but was prevented.  
God suffered Satan to raise my Wife and most of her kindred to be violent against me, my Wife being there at that time, according to her and their desire, she being great with child, near her time of deliverance, after they had gotten a great part of my best goods and stock to their house, using much desperate cruelty against me. The very remembrance of it grieves my heart to speak or think of it still. Before the time as God caused me to go to the King, my Wife and I lived as peaceably as any man and his Wife did in our Country, and as much true love was showed to her by me; but for her part, she fell off to be my bitterest enemy, for want of being guided by the true love and fear of God.  
When they had forbid me to come to the house; yet patiently I endured, hoping to have overcome all my enemies by love, I came oftentimes to see my Wife, I was many times in great danger of being killed among them: Their Neighbours did lament my sad condition, and will witness the same, I seeking no Law nor Justice against them.  
When the very time of my Wife's deliverance was come, she forced me from her with bitter swearing and cursing, forbidding me ever coming near her more, being set on by her Mother. So at that time I left her with a heavy heart, praying for her, and telling her that I would pray to the Lord earnestly that he in mercy would preserve both she and the child from death; but yet to cause her not to be released of her tormenting pain, till she was glad to send speedily for me to be a comfort to her, and to confess the wrong which they had done me.  
The Lord heard my humble prayers; for she was near three days in travail, and could not be delivered, till I was at last with all haste sent for. When I came to her, she lovingly embraced me with bitter tears, laying great blame upon her Mother and the rest of them that were my enemies, desiring me speedily to go to prayer for her, and so I did, and she was immediately delivered of a daughter, and we were all friends again; and she was forced to confess the great wrong they had done against me before many women that were their Neighbours.  
Her Father did seem to love me all this time, caused my Horse to be put to grass, and desired rue to stay all night. At evening his eldest son came home, and gave me very bad words, telling me he would turn my horse out of the ground, and taking a riding rod in his hand to drive out my horse, having laid a great club in a private place in a readiness, intending to knock me down privately. I followed him, desiring him not to show himself so uncivil against me as to put my horse out: I having neither staff nor any other thing in my hand: I being before him when he came to the private place where the great club was hidden, he had like to have beaten my brains out of my head before I was ware of his wicked villainy, being in the dark evening time, yet I saw a glimpse of the blow coming toward my head, and stepping close towards him, I put it by my head with my arm; if God's mercy had not preserved me a thousand to one I had been slain, I dare say it was his bloody intent, and many more, such desperate attempts I several times escaped.  
Thus they abused me, and sold my horses among them, and broke me of my Trade. I than began to seek out to the Justices for a warrant, being thus abused for my patience sake; but before I could bring them before the Justice, they had caused me to be brought into great misery, using my own money as an instrument. They wrought upon my Father by the worst enemies I had, to persuade him I was troubled with distraction; and because my Father hearing I had been with the King at Holmby, and writing and talking strange things, though it were of God, yet understood not, he consented for to cause me to go to be a while with a Doctor, rather than they should show violence to cast me into prison by false swearing; and to draw my Father to be willing to that, they made promises that a while after I should have all my goods restored again. They knew there could be no other mask to cover that villainy as they had lately done against me, but only to cause many to think I was out of my wits, to make good their credit.  
But Brethren, it was so thought of Christ, when he began to put in practice his Father's business, when he chose his twelve Apostles, Mark 3.17.21. and called some of them sons of Thunder, his kindred thought he had been beside himself, intending to lay hands on him: if it were so judged of Christ by natural men, let not his spiritual soldiers be ashamed to be called madmen, and so all natural men do all God's people. But all that ever saw me, let them be enemies or friends, I praise God cannot but say I ever spoke sensibly, with sobriety, and very well in the Scriptures, which made all that heard me admire to hear me speak, and to read those things which I wrote, having no natural learning to attain to it, but the dictates of God's holy spirit to press me on to it.  
And when all this misery, and much more had befell me, I willingly submitted myself under this great burden of afflictions, to God's protection, and to be ruled by my Father counsel, although I knew it were against me. But when I came out of that misery, I went to a Justice of the Peace again for a warrant to bring some of the chief actors of my misery before a Justice in Worcestershire, on Midsummer day was seven years past; and when I had laid open the wrongs to him, it much grieved him, and all that heard of it. The Justice promised me that I should have justice, for he had heard that the whole country spoke well of me, and cried out against them for wronging of me.  
So I went that day after to see my unnatural Wife, to her Father's house, and finding none at home but she with her little child, I was glad. She pretended a great deal of love to me when she saw me, by outward signs of weeping, and good words, as she sat by my little child, it lying in a Cradle.  
My Wife desired me not to think of any difference that had been past, but to forget is, and to go as soon as possibly I could to house-keeping again, for she told me that they began to lead her a very disquiet life. Quoth I to her again, I hope all will make for the best, to cause your love to cleave to me again; for said I, you ought to forsake all your friends to live with your loving husband, you know God's word commands you so to do.  
I desired her never to so much as think any more of any thing that had been past, but now to turn over a new leaf, as though we had been newly married; and so she made great promises to me that she would.  
I further asked her how it was possible we should keep house so suddenly again, seeing they had sold my horses, and broke me of my Trade? She told me her Father would restore to me such things again, for he loved me well she said, and was sorry for me.  
I took the little infant out of the cradle, and sat me down on a stool at the end of the cradle, and laid my staff at my feet, for I was fearful of more mischief if any of the rest were at home, which made me do so.  
My Wife's Mother, and her daughter Katherine being near the house, and seeing me when I came fromward the Justices, they laid a plot, thinking that I had been for a warrant for them, if they could persuade my wife to take their part, they would fall upon me, and so would take their oath all three when they came before the Justice, that I offered them wrong, and so make their own matter good, and throw me in prison again.  
As soon as they came into the house, they called my Wife from me, and told her privately if she did not help to assist them against me, they should be utterly undone and discredited: So she presently yielded to her Mothers and middlemost Sisters counsel, and came presently from them. I had the child on my knees, and was playing with it: She took up my staff as lay at my feet, and made as though she would have carried out of the hall into the parlour; she turned back again suddenly with a great blow, and struck me on the head and studied me, and caught me by the throat, and plucked me by the hair of the head, and beat my head against the wall; her Sister being a great lusty wench, came running upon me too, and beat me about the head with my own staff; and thus I lay with the child on my knees, leaning with my back against the wall, my breath being almost gone: yet I praise God I lay quietly till the Lord's providence had caused me to pass the child safe off my knees into the cradle without harm, I sitting as the end of the cradle.  
I looked up, and saw my Mother in Law coming in upon me too. I by the power of God who preserved me, and in abled me, gave my wife a push on the breast as hard as J. could, and fling her backward. J. leapt up and plucked the staff out of her Sister's hand, and gave her but one I bow, which lighted on her arm, and bruised it forely, that the ran away crying, and her Mother. My wife, as soon as she could recover herself to get up, ran and took up an axe, and came having it up above her shoulders, with the edge towards me, ready to cleave my brains in twain: I struck up my hand quick under the head of the axe by the handle, and put it by my head: all this being done, and I being wounded. My Wife with that one blow I gave her on one of her breasts, never gave suck more of that breast, which made me very sorny: Her Sister's arm was so bruised, that it was lame above two years after.  
The Angel of God that preserved me, caused them to be so wounded; for I dare swear I struck but only those two blows; for I had so much patience from God that time, that I was not angry. Her Sister and Mother ran both out of the house; I stayed my wife by the arm, and told her if she had not betrayed me with her Judas-kissing and dissembling weeping, I had not so much cared.  
I never struck woman before that time, nor since, neither would I have done it then but in defence of my life. A while after, ah Bridget, said I, when thou hast done all against me as can be done, thou wilt be sorry for it, and sorely repent it: For I fully believe, said I, that it is not thee, but the Devil's temptation, and thy Mother's bad counsel, for lack of serving God; but if thou wilt swear, said I, that thou wilt not come near them for a great while, and go along with me from them, I will freely forgive thee, and never speak of it to any man. I spoke thus, but not intending to do it suddenly. She replied again, saying that she would never live with me more cursing me in the name of God with many bitter curses.  
Then I spoke mildly again to her, saying, I pray you fetch some beer, and let us drink together before we part; I said she, if I could find any Ratsbane to poison thee, I would. So I left her, and went to my Father's house, with a heavy heart the Lord knoweth.  
So the next time I went to the Constable, with a warrant to bring them, her Mother, eldest Brother John, and Sister Katherine, before the Justice; but before I could have my warrant executed, they lighted on me first, and her eldest brother that before had like to have killed me, having an Officer ready, arrested me of flat felony, I being kept as a felonious prisoner. So I sent for my Father: when he came, my Father-in-Law and he took up the matter, and made agreement, with my Father's persuading me. I presently imitating Christ's forgiving his enemies, committed my cause to God, and was persuaded by my Father and Father-in-Law. But I came not near my wife a great while after, but abode with my own Father: And I began to follow my trade again. My wife seeing that, she made many friends to come to live with me again, making great moan, and showing herself very penitent. I being persuaded by my Father and many friends more, consented; and we lived together again at a place called Harburn in Staffordshire, two miles from Brimingham. My loss was above 200 l. besides the misery I endured; and God blessed my trading when I began with a little stock again as I had left, having nothing to set me forward in trading from them, but words of promise. We were all made friends, but since I may curse the day that ever I did trust any such former enemies to be reconciled friends again.  
For about the time as the Levellers did rise against the Parliament, I having attained to a good flock of , and horses, and trading, more than ever I was in before, my wife and I both living in a quiet condition, all former in juries forgiven by me to her and every one of them.  
And the spirit of God caused me to put out a little book concerning the present misery of the times, both for Church and State. My wise and her friends that abased me before, brought greater calamity upon me than I endured before: Thus I was abused, and they banded themselves together against me. My own natural friends forsook me, God had so ordained it to try me, and punish me; for them that were formerly great pretended friends, became my utter enemies. I looked up still towards God, his holy spirit still guiding me with patience to endure it, and assuring me daily more that the cause of my being thus abused by men and women, was because I had cast God's message behind my back. I often thinking how God punished Jonah for his neglect, when God called him and sent him to Nineveh.  
Many of my best friends that loved me well, would blame my Father for not taking my part; but God had suffered Satan to blind his eyes from the spirit of true discernment, as all natural men are, so that he did show me no favour, but added more affliction to me. Many would say to him, why do you not seek to have him released out of his misery? If I should do so, saith he, he would be imprisoned for meddling with King and Parliament-affaires; for I had been in prison at Buckingham a little before, by some soldiers who raised thimselves against me by false witness, to make a prize of me for my horses and goods, and carried me from Buckingham to Alisbury to try me for my life, by false Articles as they had forged against me: But when I came to be tried by a Council of War, God gave me such an undaunted spirit, that those false witnesses had not power to witness against me: So I was set at liberty, having loss and hindrance of time.  
After these miseries of imprisonment, and many more great troubles: in the mean time of my troubles, my wife's friends setcht my best goods a way from my house, and some , after I had forbid them to meddle with any thing: For when they saw they could not take my life away, they thought to make me run my Country; but God gave me much patience and courage; for I went to the house, and took four men with me: I demanded my goods, taking a cart and horses to fetch them in a peaceable manner, if I could have them so: But they denied me my goods, and my wife stood against me with railing words, and her Mother and one Sifter, the younger daughter did never speak against me: So with much patience I went my way, and looked in their grounds, to see whether I could find any of my  there: Finding a Cow, and a young Bul that were mine, I took them away, to my house at Harburn in Staffordshire.  
The manner that they had taken them from me, according to the Laws of God and man, was but a felonious way of robbing me; for they owed me part of my Wife's portion, as was due to me long before that time.  
This was on the Wednesday. On the Thursday my wife knew that I would go to Brimingham-market: her Father being from home, my wife's Mother, her eldest Son, and my wife and her sister Katherine, being fearful that I should begin to trouble them, or bind them over by an order from the Justices, to answer at the Assizes before the Judge, for all the wrong they had done me, they thought they had no other way to take, but to begin with me first, and so they did. For my brother-in-law. his name is John Bissel, met me at Brimingham on the Market-day, and arrested me with flat felony, and so suddenly caused me to be thrown into the Dungeon; no Bail would be taken: All did condemn him shamefully for it, yet wilfully and presumptuously he did it. On the morrow I went to the Justices, the Justice could not persuade him but he would take an oath of Felony against me; yet he could not deny but that the  were mine. After the Justice had examined thoroughly the Witnesses, he told him hanging was too good for him, and he should dearly answer for it.  
Then when his Father came home out of the Country, for his Son did all in his Father's name, he was almost out of his wits to hear what his Son had done; Fearing he should be undone by it, presently he made to the Justices, and to my Father and me and my friends, to take up the business again, and to keep me from going to prison.  
This ensuing Bill of Divorcement was made after she and her kindred had by Satan's malice and their cruelty brought me into horrible persecution and misery. I may not now, for brevity-sake, lay down the manner of it; but I hope in God in another Book I may, because always I hope I shall have all the mercies of God shown to me still in remembrance.  
Her Father and she coming on a Sabbath day where I was in prison, gave me threatening words, and said they were glad to see me there; and scoffing at me, her Father desired that we were divorced. Well said I, pray you let it be so. His answer was, he would give forty pound upon the condition to have it so. I have witness of it.  
At last they gave me good words: My desire was for her to bring my daughter to me, that I might see her: She told me she would not, and gave me very desperate urging words to make a solemn Vow, that if she did not bring my daughter between that time and Wednesday following, according to the Law of Moses I would write her a bill of divorcement; if I could not get ink, I would write the first Copy of it with my own blood, if I loft one of the joints of my little finger on my left hand to do it, that all the rest of my body might mourn for the loss of her that wanted grace to mourn for herself. Besides this, I thought that many men might take example to put their wives away by divorcement without any true desert: And therefore, because I intended to put the Bill of Divorcement in print, I would go such a hard way, that none dare follow such an example. Furthermore I desired to know by a token if it were of God or no, that if she came not with my child by Wednesday, I might neither eat nor sleep with quietness till I had disjointed myself of the nail-joynt of my left hand, being the little finger's end. She came not, and that sign was fulfilled; yet I did not do it till above two days after Wednesday; and when I had done it, I having some revelations from God to confirm it, suddenly I had a Revelation and a Vision, that God had appointed it to be done, and that it was lawful for me to take another wife, as Hosea did in a typical way: And it was showed me by a Vision between four, which was allotted for me, and how that I must speak to one of the four, and then speak openly of it to others. This is near six year's paft, and I believe the parties are unmarried still. Let no man judge this to be madness, but let them think if it be of God, it cannot be prevented.  
The Bill of Divorcement.  
KNow this all my honest Christian Neighbours, and all others whom it may concern, That I with much reverence and holy fear do call God to the recording and renewing the condition of this Obligation or Bill of Divorcement, which breaketh and violateth the band of Wedlock and Matrimony, and separateth for ever she that was formerly my Wife and me asunder.  
It is a very weighty matter, therefore it had need to be understood, and throughly to be proved by the word of God, and the light of a good conscience, which is that glittering sword which standeth drawn to slay every son and daughter of Adam and Eve, that either turneth to the right hand or to the jest, either by hypecrisie or their own sinister ends in such weighty affairs as this.  
I do therefore for several great causes, in the presence of God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, which is my Redeemer, Creator, and Preserver, whose powerful providence hath still from time to time preserved me from being swallowed up or destroyed by many great dangers, and several desperate enemies, which the Devil hath formerly raised up against me, to bring me to an untimely death, without any just cause offered by me, whereof the said Bridget Bissel, daughter of the the late said Richard Bissel, which is now dead, of the Parish of Yardlie, in the County of Worcester, Ironmonger; the which said Bridget Bissel, which was the married wife to me the said John Sanders, whose dwelling was at Harburn, in the County of Stafford, Ironmonger, she being a great instrument to bring me into many borrible persecutions, by Satan's malicious invention, and some of her nearest kindred's counsel; for no other end, but for the witness of Jesus, and his testimony, which hath carried me on by his holy Spirit of Prophecy.  
Besides, more than this misery which she and they brought upon me, she and they have often urged me to be divorced from her for ever. I do therefore, according to the Law of God, as he gave to Moses, Deut. 24. and Gods command to me, which caused me to write her this Bill of Divorcement after this manner, and deliver it to her near six years past, and now again it is renewed, desiring that God's mercy and forgiveness may be extended to her for the forgiveness of her sins, as well as for myself: And that it may please God, I humbly desire upon the bended knees of my body and souleaffections, that the parting and breaking of this temporal wedlock, may cause a spiritual warriage to the Lamb Jesus for us both; and that all profane and wicked persons mouths may be stopped, that shall be apt to speak against this, seeing it is permitted and so appointed by thee. O Lord raise me up speedily by thy mercy and providence again, that so I may be able to take a godly fatherly care for my daughter, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Amen and so be it.  
And she is ever to be free from me to be any other man's wife, if it please God and her own conscience: And the like release is to me, if God and my own conscience please; only some chattels and goods of mine which are in her keeping, contrary to my mind, at my demands to be at my request when I please, if it be not otherwise agreed upon.  
These troubles were true signs to me, and gave me cause to believe that God had appointed me as he did Hosea, Hos. 1.2. typically to take a wife of Fornications, because the whole land had committed spiritual whoredom against the Lord, and as the Prophet of God was to do by God's appointment, and to signify how they had divorced themselves from the Lord by their idolatrous whoredoms, he was to divorce his wife for that as a signe.  
Truly Brethren, there is none can say but that the word of God is written as well for our instruction, as it was to the natural seed of Israel, for we are of Abraharis seed by Faith: And though the Scripture speaks of such things done then, yet there is a signification now of the same things to us.  
Our whole Land hath commited spiritual whoredom against God. First, in this manner, by breaking our ancient Covenant with God, to worship him in new fangled manners of their own invention, hating Gods old true way of worship, now there is no King, neither hath been this many days in England, neither true Sacrifice, Hosea 3.  
Secondly, our whole State being like the Nobility of Israel, which brought no fruits of Reformation to God; but made High Altars to themselves by Covetousness; which is idolatry and spiritual whoredom: And our being divided like them, Hosea 10.2, 3.  
Thirdly, we may well say our wars began, because we would have no King to reign over us, for want of the fear of the Lord to guide us.  
Fourthly, who can say but they broke Covenant with God by swearing falsely to be true to the King and the Protestant Religion, and to work reformation in Church and State for true judgement: But in stead of being better, it is worse, for it hath broke out like him lock or wormwood in the furrows of the Field, and hath tafted as bitter as gall, Amos 6.12. Hosea 10.4, 7.  
And the death of King Charles is typified to be the King of Samaria, whom Hosea prophesied should be cut off as a foam on the factious water which the Devil caft out of his mouth to drown the woman, being meant the Church, in this time of new fangled worship, and heretical way of new opinions.  
If we see H●s●a's Prophecies to be fulfilled by the late dissolved Parliaments, and to be as true to us as they speak of the natural Israelites; you cannot choose but believe it to be true in these things.  
And why then may not my troubles and crosses, when I was forced by God, and their own violence against me, which could not be done without God's permission and ordination: Let no man dare, or presume to judge otherwise, but being done by God's appointment, it did signify these things as have befell our Nation between King and Parliament, by being divorced from God to follow their own corrupt ways.  
My Wife came out of such a Lineage by her Father's birth as Hosea was to take his wife of for a further sign, Hos. 1. but I was ignorant of that when I married her; my love was never the less to her; yet her Father had always the relation of all people to be a very honest dealing man: But seeing my unhappy predestination was to be thus afflicted by she that was my Wife, I look upon it no other way then this, it was because I did not at the first forsake all these outward things of this life willingly to go on God's message. I am very sorry that I cannot forbear writing and laying open to the view of the world the wrong as I have received from her and their hands. Let no man judge the worse of her or them for acting these strange actions, or me for relating of it; but let them all assure themselves thus as hear of it. The Devil did not only afflict Job by his wife, and Satan's temptation by his friends, when he was in his great calamity; but the like instruments Satan can make use of any, let them be never so honest for natural parts, if God leave them to themselves: But let every one watch and pray, lest they fall into Satan's temptations, and praise God for all the enjoyment of his benefits.  
If any will say, as many have done, that there can be no divocement lawful unless it be for the act of Adultery: To give them an answer, look in Malachy 2.16. God hates putting away; but if so be thou must, such iniquities ought to be hid within ones own garment; therefore if I do know such things, I will forbear speaking of them to the world.   

The humble Petition of John Sanders to the Lord Protector, Most humbly showeth,  
THat whereas the humble Petitioner have oftentimes on purpose many sundry and long journeys to speak with your Highness, for the space of above 3. years and a half; but none of these times could I find any opportunity by any of your Soldiers or servants. I have at this time many grievances to ease and unburden myself of to your Highness, which is the Head in chief: I having undergone much wrong by many several men, to the sustaining of great loss both of goods and chattels, and other things: But concerning those things, your humble Petitioner will keep silence at this time, committing all those things to God, who hath kept my life from the rage of my enemies for the time passed by his merciful providence, and so I trust he will for the time to come.  
My Lord, the cause of my complaint now at this present time, after the many and sundry journeys, and many losses and false imprisonments, which false bosome-friends, and false witnesses have brought me to, for nothing else but the witness of Jesus, which hath carried me on by his holy spirit to foretell things to come.  
About half a year before Worcester fight, which was since you came to be Head Leader in chief of the Parliament Forces, the Lord compelled me openly to foretell how that King Charles would come with an Army into Worcestershire before Bartholomew-tide from Scotland against the Parliament; and how that his taking up of Arms to maintain the Scottish Presbytery Government would be the cause of the overthrow of his Army, if he fought: These things God compelled me openly to declare in Brimingham, and at the Lady Graves, and many places more, and how Colonel Graves, the Lady's Son, would come in with him: I was cast into great imprisonment and misery by Satan's malice and wicked men, till the very day of Worcester-fight, and lost all my time, trade, and stock, besides all the misery & false imprisonment I underwent in several places. Some said I was distracted; others said I was guided by the spirit of God; but in the presence of God I speak it, that I never knew myself at one time worse than another, but it was the will of God to carry me on in that manner: No man ever heard me speak at those times like one that had been distracted; but if Christ were so esteemed, Mark 3. and Paul, let not me be ashamed of that name by natural men, which are spiritually blind. Many witnesses I could produce, that heard me foretell the manner and time of Worcester-fight. When I was out of prison, the spirit of the Lord caused me to come fourscore miles to speak with your Highness, and to tell you how that the present standing Parliament could not stand without they entered into a hallowed covenant with God at the Ark of his Testimony, for want of the true worship of Jesus Christ, being found out and set above them, was the cause of Gods overthrowing them for their injustice and division: But when I could not find an opportunity to declare God's message to your Highness, I told Colonel Barkstead these things, and shown him writings, and told him what way the Church must and would be rebuilded.  
Being then eased of my burden, I went home into my own Country again, and after that into Ireland, counting myself unfortunate: I carried iron ware to set up my trade there, and began it in Dublin; but the spirit of the Lord compelled me to come out of Ireland again, to come up to London about six weeks before the Parliament was dissolved. I could not speak with your Highness, the Parliament was newly risen about the Seamen; the spirit of God compelled me to make a Speech in Westminster Hall before abundance of people concerning the Parliaments dissolution about the shortest day in the year: And then before I could be eased of my burden, the spirit of God compelled me to go to Colonel Barkestead, the Lieutenant of the Tower, to tell him God's decree was so gone out against them for their covetousness, injustice, and division, and to prefigure it by a Vision and a Revelation which I had seen before, concerning a white wand, and a bunch of filk colours, which were green, red, yellow, and black, and to tell him the meaning of it, by the appointment of God: These things he cannot choose but witness at this very day.  
Then I returned toward Warwickshire again, and testified the same in many other places, and at Brimingham several Market days, in a strange manner, to the admiration of all that saw me, and grief to my friends and kindred after the flesh, and the greatest grief and terror of all was to myself, because I was compelled by the dictates of God's holy spirit to do it.  
And that very day that the Parliament was dissolved, being Monday morning, I was caused by the spirit of God to go from Harburn to Brimingham, which is two miles, to my great terror and grief, God is a witness against me if I lie, and to hire the widow Westwoods' son to go with me to carry my best wearing  for me; and I was commanded of God to wear old  and old shoes to Brimingham Towns end, and there to put my shoes off my feet, rend some seams of the old garments as I wore, and take a Carpenter's Rule in my hand, the young man carrying my best raiment and old shoes before me, I making proclamation by the power of God, and his great Parliament of Heaven, and saying thus.  
If you should see Ezekiel measuring the Town with a Rule, or seething a pot, and skimming off the scum, and nothing but water in it, or the holy men of God put off their shoes, or renting their garments, though the thing were commanded of God by them now as it hath formerly been, yet you would think they were mad, as the Jews thought by Paul, so I know you think by me; but it will be known otherwise: The Carpenter's Rule that I had in my hand, was to signify that Parliaments time of fitting was measured out to fit no longer: Then the seams of some of my old garments being rend, was to signify their renting and tearing by division: The putting the old shoes off my feet, I told them signified that they must cast off their old natural sinful affections from their hearts, and factious seditious ways, that their hearts might be made good ground, and they to become members of the true holy Church of God, which is hated by them.  
The cause of my speaking of ezechiel's seething pot to be skummed off, I told them was the scum of factious members of the , that were against Ministers and Church-government, were then cast out of power: Yet said I, the flesh and bones are left still, and we shall not suddenly be eased of Taxes that oppress the poor; and how that the power would be under one head suddenly, much like the power of a King, but not a King, which meant the Lord Protector.  
After all these things were ended, and done by the command of God, by me his most unworthy servant John Saunders. I call God to witness I would not have been hired to have done the like for a hundred pound then, nor would not now in a counterfeit way or manner. I never did the like before; some hypocritical people said I counterfeited, and many pharisaical people, that say Prophesying, Visions, and Revelations are ceased, counted me a mad man. I praise God, for those things, either dissembling, counterfeiting, or natural madness, I have been always free from.  
Then when these things were ended, I went and put on my better clothing, and refreshed my body by eating and drinking, I walked in the Town civilly, in those places where I had made those speeches, desiring many of the honest civil people which I knew, that they should not judge me distracted, or any other thing else, for those words of wonder, or strange postures, which I spoke of and did. For I told them I did nothing but what I had a command from God, and was bound in the spirit thus to do; yet I was no Ranter, or Quaker, or strange Opinionist, and that you shall know by a good testimony shortly, if you take notice of it what I said, and did at this time, or any other past but more especially this strange manner of that I now did, which you condemn me to be mad for doing: But within few days after I was thrown into Warwick Gaol by Satan's malice and false witness; for brevity-sake at this time I will forbear describing the manner of it, I pray God forgive the instruments of that misery, for there I had lamentable misery about 30. days, or else suddenly I had come to the Lord Protector and Council of State; but after I was at liberty, I did come suddenly after, the Lieutenant of the Tower knoweth it well, and siince the last Summer I went into Ireland, and wrote Letters unto Colonel Barkstead, and came to him several times, as the beginning of the Book showeth.  
On New-year's day in the morning 1654. in my sleep I saw a Vision, I being in London. Me thought I saw a great party of Parliament horse drawed out of London going up Hoiborn, Uxbridge Road, and the Trumpets founding a very sad solemn march as they went. I knowing one of them that was a soldier, I called to him and asked him what was the cause of their going out so speedily with such a great party? He told me they did hear the King had a great Army Uxbridge road coming toward London, and they went out to meet them and give them battle. I asked him what number the Parliament horse were? He told me 7000. but the other I heard were many more. Me thoughts I would go along with them to see them go out of London, and I was very sorry to think of so many of those gallant men that would be slain, I overtaking the forefront of them; and before they were marched to Hid Park, I saw many men come running with speed fromward Whitehall, with long white poles, and they were measuring the Land back again as was taken away by the late War from the King, the which being done, to me signified peace between the Lord Protector and the King: So I awaked with much gladness, praising God that he had sent his Angel to show me these things.  
Many more Visious I have had lately to this effect. On the 14. of February 1654. being Wednesday, in the beginning of the night before I slept, I being perfectly awake, saw as it were in an apparition, the beginning of a work of new building in London for reformation of Church and State.  
A few nights after in February I saw another Vision. I thought myself in Warwickshire, at a place called Tanworth Parish, and I saw as I was walking over a piece of hard poor land, the bravest hopeful green grass springing, and young corn and herbs in that barren land, all which gives me great testimonies of the Kings and Lord Protectors agreement, that peace may be established in truth, and grace may abound and grow for the true nourishment of the Church.  
The first day of March, in this morning I had another Vision, how that there was a great plot or net lay for the Lord Protector concerning the King's land. In the King's ground I saw an apparition of one that told me by an audible voice of it: And I saw an apparition like a great net, to catch the Lord Protector. I was compelled by the dictates of God to write a letter concerning it, and carry it to the Lieutenant of the Tower. The tenth of March the dictates of God's spirit caused me to write another letter, and carry it to the Tower, which if they did take notice of, it gave them warning of the rising of men in several Counties suddenly upon it. Plotting is not of God, nor never will do the King or any of his friends good.   
FINIS.