NO NEWS, BUT A LETTER TO EVERY BODY. PRESCRIBED, To your truly Beloved Self; Any where: So that you be not resolved to be, who and where you should not be; With Care and Speed, these be presented.  
And Subscribed, Your daily Orator at the Throne of Grace, R. W.  Piscator, nisi eam imposuerit hamis escam, quam appetituros esse noverit Pisciculos; fine spe praedae moratur in Scopulo. Petr: Arb. 
Beloved Sir,  
Without some (at least seeming) insolency; and little above the price of 2 d. nothing, (now) will be read. But pardon his presumption in writing to all; since he faithfully and truly does (as he is commanded) in praying for all. Let him have leave to send to thee; who must send to GOD for thee; of what spirit soever thou art; who neither dares nor can, exempt thee from his Prayers; who dares not but daily make use of the most precious and Christian English LITURGY.  
So that (since Personal Treaties are so difficult) let me treat with thee, thus as I may. The subject is of most High and General Concernment; our Nationall Miseries, Causes and Cures thereof. Nor can this Treaty be more beneficial to any, then to those who (without an hardened Heart) are most Averse from it; or engaged against it, and the Conscientious moments thereof.  
First, concerning those who are (now) the first in the eye of all; the two Houses. 
The two Houses, & 2. Oaths, etc.  And first, it is worthy of Consideration, whether or not, they have blasphemed GOD and the King, by the foul sins of Perjury and Treason? As having given unto GOD and the King, their Oaths for his Supremacy, and their Allegiance; But have made themselves Supreme; imprisoning and denying to the King not only his Native Rights; but also the poor comfort of Addresses (so much as by Letters) of Wise, Children, friends or servants. Whereas neither the meanest worm, nor odiousest Serpent in the Kingdom, by the Laws thereof, either is or aught to be soused. And if so, who in Justice may make Addresses unto them? who may give Credit unto them? or what Hopes can any man have from persisters in wilful Perjury? or who may dare to be any ways Assisting, Aiding or of Council, in most barbarous Treason? Such as should not be so much as named among Heathens.  
CONCERNING PRIVILEGES OF PARLIAMENT. 
Privileges of Parliament.  If they be so great as is pretended; It is great pity, that some reasonable and peaceable course is not taken for the manifestation of them, & their just Grounds: When, whence, and How, they had their Beginnings, That men might understand How fare they are engaged to them; and how far they ought to engage for them. If in this point matters be clear; How comes it to pass, that in all this time care is not taken for the Answering of the FREEHOLDERS GRAND INQVEST? which (with other Books of that Nature) tells us of Sir Edw: Coke (no friend to the Prerogative) that in his whole Section of Parliamentary Privileges He sets down but one (viz. Freedom from Arrests) and brings no proof for That.  
If Freedom of Speech (wherein GOD forbidden that Blasphemy and Treason should be included) be one of them; 
Freedom of Speech.  How come so many to be ejected (daily by the prevailing Faction, as the wind sits) out of both Houses? Or how shall their mouths be stopped, that Affirm, That for these many years, there hath been no Freedom for any thing but Blasphemy and Treason, with their Appendants; The direct Contrarieties to all the Ten Commandments of GOD; either in the whole or a principal part of each? Or that the Privileges of Parliament have more need to be defended against themselves, then against the King and the whole Kingdom besides? Or that whereas the Army was formerly the Parliaments Army; Now the Parliament is the Army's Parliament?  
It is likewise considerable, 
Invasion of Privilege.  whether or no (as the Grandees have done by the rest of the Members) the pretended Privilege of the House of Commons, hath (like Pharaohs lean kine) eaten up the Privileges of the House of Lords? If no; How comes it to pass, that (for the satisfaction of the world, and for the clearing of the Accused) punctual Answers are not given (or Ordered) to the forecited Books? If yea, How shall any other man rest secure from their Invasions, who invade one another; and rob amongst themselves; being empowered to do so by every one else?  
So also; 
Usurpation over the Laws.  whether or no, Both Houses have invaded and trampled down the Laws of the Land; heretofore celebrated, as the most glorious Birthright of the English people, above all other Nations? If no; why is not satisfaction given or endeavoured to the honoured writings of that Death-Defyer Justice Jenkins? who assuredly hath a very good Cause; or else is a very unadvised Man. And certainly if his Cause proves good; He deserves to have his Statue erected in all Places of public Judicature, and Societies of the Laws; yea his Memorial in each Heart; and his Picture in each private House, which with the hazard of his head, he endeavours to defend from violence. Do your Lawyers indeed know, that he is an impregnable Defender of those Laws which they pretend to; but fight against? If the Laws be not invaded; How comes it to pass, that it is generally even in all men's mouths; that nothing is now so punished, as keeping of the Laws? And that as the greatest of all guilts? But if yea; and the Laws be indeed trampled down; who shall dare to be so undaring, as to prefer before them (by which he glories to hold all three) either Liberty, Propriety, or Life? Against any Opposers whatsoever; under any lawfully retriving the same? Which Laws if they be not in force; How comes one man to exercise lawful Authority over another? If they be; Is not the Murderer murdered, who is puc to death, by virtue of a Commission under the present Broad Seal? And the whole Land involved in the guilt of nocent, as well as of innocent Blood? And are not they deepest in that gulf, who sit & judge against the Laws?  
But it is far more considerable; whether or no, 
Vsu pation against the King.  they have invaded the Prerogative Royal. Inasmuch as the Lawmaker must needs be of more sacred Authority, than the Law itself. In the violations of particular Statutes, the Fruits of Justice are either spoiled or stolen; or else a Branch is murdered: In the Body of the Laws, the Body of the Tree of Justice is hewn down: But in the Regal Authority, the Tree is plucked up by the Roots. Neither do the Laws of the Land acknowledge any other Root, than the King. If it be otherwise, why then are not all our Law-books burnt? yea Mr. Pims and St. John's Speeches? If it be so; Alas poor Rootless, Headless People! Amongst whom nothing is visible, but devouring Crows, or devoured carcases! And doubtless, it is not more unnatural to have no Head, than it is monstrous and dangerous to have many. By what name shall we now be called? Is any wretched enough for us? What ever they shall Anabaptise themselves into; they must forbear the ancient and most glorious of all their Titles: unless to do quite contrary to both the Precepts and Example of CHRIST, must denominate them Christians. CHRIST hath laid his (now) no unjust Injunction upon us; which he hallowed and made commendable, yea glorious unto us, as a most High and precious Pattern (saith St. Peter) for our necessary imitation; In suffering under (without resistance of) a most unjust Tyrant. In whom their wretched Plea against his noble Army of Martyrs of the pure Primitive Church (blasting of their blessed Resolutions) could take no place. Certainly in him, Non deerant vires. He had strength to resist: The Martyrs abhorred to try whether they had or no. Thus it behoved Him to enter, and them to follow him into glory. And other Defence than this, or Flight; Christian Religion, since it came down from Heaven, never taught: yea never did not teach against; though against the most barbarous (yea) of Heathen Tyrants.  
If this he otherwise; Is there not so much conscionable charity left, 
Dr. Hammond unanswered by Mr. Martial.  as to Answer the Book of Doctor Hammond concerning Resistance of the lawful Magistrate under coloun of Religion? How comes it to pass, that their Grand Champion hath now crossed his cudgels? Must the present Militia, and Council of War, for ever want their engaged Advocate? With what contentment can his Benefactors look upon Him? Or with what forchead can he look upon them, who for these divers years, hath returned no Answer to that Tract (in that Book of Dr. Hammonds) which gins thus. There is nothing more uningenuous or unjust, than Mr. Marshals, etc. Must our undoing be the only Argument to rectify our erroneous understandings? And must such— men (contrary to the Doctrine and Deaths of Christ and his Apostles) barely say us out of our Religion and Allegiance; which, and by which we have solemnly sworn? Surely we could be content to have kept our estates, or now voluntarily to resign, could they bring us but one good Argument, to demonstrate a new way to Heaven. In the mean time till this pity be afforded us, we shall be learning to forget our inconsiderable losses; yea (and if need be, bloody crosses; while we have an eye towards him, whom God hath made so like to both the Royal David's; the Father, who was constrained to dwell with Meshech; and the Son, who not having of his own, an house to put his head in, was led away into the wilderness, to be tempted out of his kingdom by the unreasonable Propositions of the Grand Tempter. Since (for the raising of pious emulations in other Breasts; all of us not having capability of being tempted like him alone) even visibility itself, hath already given him Livery and Seisin of the eight Blessednesses in Matt. 5. As, for his Dominion upon Earth, GOD hath united in him all the Titles of the Britain's, Saxons, Danes and Normans. And surely were the Angels of GOD to choose us a King; fairer virtues and richer Christianity, could not present themselves, to their choice, from out his whole Dominions, then what are eminent in himself. Wherefore weep not for him, you Daughters of Jerusalem; but weep for yourselves and your Children: And forget not to bewail in your prayers, those who obdurately (as yet) persist in the heating of this furnace to the height; which can but purify, not burn him. For our GOD is a consuming fire.  
But yet there remains a more dreadful considerable than all these; 
Usurpation against God.  whether or no, (in all, or any of this) there hath been any usurpation, against or without GOD? This is most evident, That not Any thing which was once Nothing, can have any just power, but by the Creator's gift, who made it something. And this is most certain, That there is no new Covenant, Grant, or Demise, from the Creator, 
Scripture principles.  to be expected with mankind; since the date of the New Testament. That unto GOD (and not the People) in both the Testaments, is asserted, the Dominion and Kingship over his whole Creation. That for the regulating thereof, there can be no just Authority, but what is instituted and set in order by GOD. That in neither of the Testaments GOD hath appointed, or permitted, or so much as mentioned any other Form of Government then Monarchical. That in both the Testaments GOD hath constituted and declared for Government by Kings, and only them: As the only visible Images of his One Majesty; and the only Supreme and irresistible Administrators of his Divine Power, for the General Externall Government of the whole Earth: since Mankind cannot expect, dare not endure, that his dreadful Self should descend to govern us by his immediate Presence. That GOD hath constituted in the Family the Honour of the Father; In the Kingdom the glory of the King; As visible degrees, and sensible steps for Remembrancers unto us of our Duty to him: And as Touchstones of the Honour, which we give unto the universal Parent and King of the whole world. That the glory and riches of Kings, hath ever been promised as Gods most glorious earthly blessing; and looked upon as the greatest Admeasurement of his temporal favours to any Nation: And that GOD hath recorded to his own glory, the magnificence of Kings; and never found fault (in them alone) with any sumptuousness, which under him they have used to make themselves eminent in the eyes of man. That under GOD'S visible Representer, and by obedience unto him, Man only can have Title to the Blessings of the Earth.  
That it is the Prerogative of God to be the sole Inquisitor and punisher of those his Vicegerents, To restrain the Spirit of Princes; And to turn their Hearts, 
God's earthly Prerogative.  as it pleaseth him. That he who hath promised to obedient People good Kings, hath reserved unto Himself Power to punish wicked people by wicked Princes. That it is the Title of CHRIST (which he hath dearly bought) to be the only Potentate; King of Kings; and Lord of Lords. So that not all Mankind without usurpation upon His Royal Prerogative, may presume against or upon that Dignity; which is only his to bestow and censure. Under whom Christian Kings are asserted into a more glorious Condition than any other Princes whatsoever.  
That to be the Lord of hosts is the sole Prerogative of GOD. Which if it be so; And that no Humane Authority may take away the life of any, 
The Militia.  whom GOD hath created after his own Image: the Issues of life and death being ever in the hands of the Creator; And that he must be more than Man's Brother, who may presume to do thus: Then may no Man, but empowered from GOD by the warranty of his Commission, either in Peace, or by war shed the blood of man. And if GOD hath given this Divine Authority unto Kings, and unto none else, 
The guilt of Blood, where.  upon Record in his Registry: Then it appears where lies the guilt of all the Blood spilt in the fields, or strangled upon the Tree, in these days of calamity. If they have any plea in this particular, let them produce it; We find the Power of the Sword throughout the whole current of holy Scripture, committed unto Kings and to none else. If the Scriptures be silent concerning their claim; than it appears who are the usurpers upon GOD, to take the Sword, which must be given or not meddled with. Then who are the Blasphemers of GOD and the King: who the miserable Sheme'is, that curse the Lords Anointed David, with the loud crying imputation, of being A Man of Blood.  
If these things be so; than it behoveth every man, timely and sadly to bethink himself, how far he hath been an agent, assistant, or consentient herein: 
Who Incendiaries.  yea how far he hath not been an opposer of this wretched Sacrilege, committed against the Almighty Creator, yea Redeemer of mankind! who is able to punish all that rob him; but will most severely, those that rob him of his Prerogative. But especially those who style themselves the Assembly of Divines, and their subordinate Pulpiteers: who (as Rabshekah did) lead on all these mischiefs, with The Name of the Lord. But chief Mr. Martial, who led on the Cause; but seems to take no care for the bringing of it off. And if this be not the Case; they may not be accounted worthy of any crumb of their own, much less of other men's bread, if they do not vindicate the two Houses; clear themselves from the imputation of being the public Incendiaries; and free themselves from the general curses of the poor suffering and exhausted people.  
But in the next place. If the Mr. of the House be called Belzebub; can or may the servant think to escape? If GOD be usurped upon, 
Usurpations on the Church.  shall any man marvel if his Church be so used? in the profanation and robbing of all the Houses of GOD in the Land! But will they indeed cause that which we suppose to be the daily Sacrifice to cease? And in the room thereof set up the Abomination of Desolation? Are not they of the other belief bad enough, to be supposed to have tender Consciences? And will they not vouchsafe to justify themselves; or to rectify us, 
The English Liturgy.  for whom also CHRIST died? Let their Rabbis (to their Honour) show us, who never heard, that ever there was (until these days) a Church constituted upon the face of the Earth, without a public Liturgy! That ever God was so dishonoured, as to have his public worship entrusted to the weakness or wickedness of all presumers! It will be supposed (till the contrary be made apparent) that the present out-cast Liturgy contains the Flowers, and Marrow of all the Liturgies of the pure Primitive Ages; cleansed from the weeds and rottenness, which the envious man, in the world's declining times, had poured forth into the Earth Otherwise, why do they not cast out of their Creed the Article of the Catholic Church; if we have nothing to do with that which was before us?  
And why do they not satisfy the poor offended people; 
Directory Religion.  complaining that their whole Religion is now become ridiculous or odious: As being turned into Pulpit-justlings: or else praying or giving of thanks for the effusion of the blood of their Christian Brethren; and for the increase of Heresies, Schisms, Rebellion, Robberies, & c? And that it is now come to pass, that we have such a Religion, as we should have weather; if every man's wish might be heard, and every Almanac-maker made a true Prophet: yea, that they put upon GOD such a Service, that it is impossible for him to remain One and the same, and to accept of it. That were he never so gracious, his Almightiness cannot grant all their requests: For that there is not one Congregation, whose prayers (if it were possible for them to be all of one mind) are not contrary to the prayers of many.  
For GOD'S Cause, let there be something wherein all Israel may (which they ought) as one man, 
The Communion of Saints, and the Lords Prayer.  join in the worship of the One GOD; otherwise why do they not put out that part of the Article, The Communion of Saints? But since the Lords Prayer is reprobated, what can be saved? Did not he who is the wisdom of the Father know? or would not he whose charity died for his Enemies, take care for what was absolute; when he appointed his Disciples, that when ever they prayed, they should say, Our Father, etc. Is any thing that is made by GOD himself unperfect? or were they while the Bridegroom was with them novices in respect of us? Did not he teach them then to pray in the Spirit, when he taught them so to pray; and bade them always to do so? or did he not provide against our pretended Spirits, when he forbade them Battologies; the fruits of unpremeditated vain babble? And is not this all the hazardous public Service (worse than none) wherewith the most high and most deserving Majesty must (casually every where) be contented, or none? Must he be forced from all his visible Temples here on Earth, into his dwelling place in Heaven? Which as it gave the fashion to Moses, solomon's and to our material Churches, So ought it in the daily one Service thereof, prescribe unto ours, that his great Name may be hallowed; and his Monarchical will, so done on Earth, as it is in his exemplary Temple in Heaven. In a word, why do they not Assemble to the Answering of Dr. Tailors. Book concerning Set Prayer?  
But yet further than this; it is considerable, whether or no, they take the course (as with the souls of many thousands condemned alive) so for the strangling (before the womb) of all the souls of all succeeding Generations in this Land? For if this be a true principle, which was delivered for such a one, 
Posterity undone.  by the Grandees and leading men of that side, in the Conference at Hampton Court, that no Sacrament can be administered, but by the Consecration of a lawful Minister, (i) In our English Liturgy Priest. Then apparent it will easily be: no Bishop, no Priest: no Priest, no Sacrament; (now little used, and less regarded.) And then, no Sacraments, no Church: no Church, no salvation. That unto the Bishop, and to the Bishop alone, is committed the Authority of sending Labourers into GOD'S Vineyard, for the continuance of a visible Church of CHRIST, upon Earth, until his coming hither again. That usurping in matters Ecclesiastical, against or without them (yea when the Ark of GOD'S Church doth indeed totter) is the dreadful and destructive sin of Schism: which St. Jer: saith is more abominable than Murder, Adultery, etc. That Bishops are the men whose perpetuity (for the perpetuating of his Church) the GOD of Truth hath solemnly sworn, will be seasonably proved when GOD shall vouchsafe us a free and lawful Synod: such a one as without the stain of Christianity, his people may joyfully own. In the mean time, why do not our Pretenders afford a Reply to Dr. Edw: Boughens Book? Will they eat his bread, and vouchsafe him neither an Alms, nor an Answer?  
The taking away also of Bishop's Votes may be taken into consideration: 
Abrogation of Bishop's Votes.  which is looked upon as a taking away of the presence of GOD from the public Consultations, in the persons of them upon whom the glorious character of CHRIST'S Mediatorship is enstamped. The Tribe of the Lord being not thought worthy to have any to represent them, except (at a side Table) those in a servile condition, whom the general voice calls Priests of Jeroboam, 
Assemblers pluralities. Sacrilege.  of their own Consecration (by their filling of their hands even unto scandal unanswerable, etc.) And Schismatics after the order of Korah. As also the sin of Sacrilege, which was not by the Apostle; thought of inferior rank to the sin of Idolatry. It being forbidden in the same Commandment, and the positive part thereof: viz. Thou shalt not worship with thy body, nor serve with thy goods, graven images; for I am a jealous God: they belong, and I will have them without any rival paid unto me. And the offences against these (to wit, the honour with bodily worship, or consecration of goods to any false god; or the robbing of me in either) I will vindicate upon the third and fourth generation of those who shall voluntarily persist in these defiances of me. For certainly GOD is not such a GOD, as to be jealous over, and threaten the want of that, which he will not have. If (as Levit. 27.28.) Every devoted thing, be (in the present tense) most holy unto the Lord: yea (as the Text implies) an Anathema to the usurper of it; as was achan's wedge which brought all Israel under the scourge of GOD. And if Ananias and his wife, devoting all, but keeping back part (whereas without sin, they might otherwise have kept all, it being their own) were set forth as deadly examples of GOD'S jealous wrath in this kind: Then, what can be thought of them, who fly upon that which was never theirs; but consecrated out of the magnificence of well affected Princes; And which the Doners themselves might not have recalled. So that Sacrilege is a sin generally and highly concernent of a whole Nation; The innocent and nocent: especially if it bear the face of a public Act. In which point, serious men conceive, that we now smart for the violations of the former Age.  
And truly it is considerable; 
The Spirit of Antichrist.  that, in the times of such general impiety, it is just with God (as he had foretold of the last days) to permit the Spirit of Antichrist (which in plain English signifieth an opposer of GOD'S Anointed, Kings and Priests) to seat itself in the House of GOD: and intermeddling in sacred things (without GOD'S Call or Commission) to usurp Authority; As GOD, over all that is called GOD (as Kings and chief Priests were sundry times in the Book of GOD) yea patiently (for a time) to endure their usurpations against himself; who indeed is All that aught to be worshipped: permitting in his jealousy the trampling down of his Ordinances: Who had constituted the King to consult the Priest, in all points of his Service; and by his designation to Act and Enact: And had exemplified this general and eternal Rule, in the story of pious Jehoshaphat, 2 Chron. 19 appointing severally the chief Fathers of Israel the Priests and Levites, for the judgements of the Lord and controversies in Religion; And constituting over them Amariah the high Priest, over all of them in all matters of the Lord; As Zebadiah the Chancellor, over all, in all matters of the King or Kingdom. BUT I PROCEED TO THE CAUSES, etc.  
And here leaving secret things to God; 
Secret things to God.  I shall without peremptoriness of censure, only mention, what conscientious men have reckoned, as in an high degree contrary to the revealed Word of GOD. As first the sin of Sacrilege, acted in the days of our Fathers in the Reign of Hen: 8. continued and increased ever since. Secondly, the easiness of our Princes (incited by the fanciful importunity of this Nation) in sending Assistance to the Subjects of foreign Princes, up in Arms against their Sovereigns.  
But there is enough visible, for the stirring up of this great Tempest of GOD'S wrath. 
General causes of out wo.  The proud full Sea of our late peace and plenty. One wave raging against another, and all of them against goodness. Wickedness warring against wickednesses, but chief against GOD, his Church, and Religion; against Man, Society and Honesty. The profanations of Religion, and the religionsnesse of profanation. The Angel of light in black; and the Angel of darkness in white. The Teacher taught, and the Feeder starved. Sodom brought into the Body of the Land, and leanness into the soul. Fullness and want at the same instant, both in their extremities. The general desolation, wrought by Prodigality on the one hand, and Covetousness on the other: both destroying all besides, and pining of themselves. The natural unnaturalness of hatred; and the hatefulness of self-love. The delicacies and uncleanness of Lust. Fraud and falsehood got into the places of Truth and Honesty; and they turned out into the others seats. The pride of those who knowing not themselves, think they know all things, and that they may meddle with any thing, be it never so sacred. The servile and idle bulie-headednesse of this Nation, affecting outlandish fashions for their Religion also. Without whose Apes and Peacocks, we were once unlikely to have had acquaintance with these hard names of Presbyterian. Independent, or War. But these things superadded to the natural incivility of ungovernable Northern robustuousnesse and intractability, may seem fuel sufficient to enrage the flame against us: And the next conjoined unto these will bring it home into our Houses.  
The first may seem, an universal loathing of the providential ordinances of GOD, 
Particularities in the Church.  and a sensual doting upon the wisdom of Man (which the Apostle calls Divillish.) Hating of Dominions, and speaking evil of Dignities. In the Church, itching ears, and fiery tongues; but numbness and frost otherwise in the whole Man. Every man esteeming himself too good for the rank wherein GOD hath placed him, aspiring to teach his Teachers; to shear, yea as far as the swords of their mouths could reach, to butcher their Shepherds. Following and crying up those Hirelings, who could with greatest volubility decry those whom GOD had set over them. Here, as in the weakest place, the mischief began. First, no Bishop, than no King. But long it was before this Monster durst show his teeth. The deluded People served an hard Apprenticeship in unbelief of this. The King himself could not persuade them, that their Liberty and propriety would be lost with his Prerogative: both ensuing the ruins of the Church.  
So in the State also; the King (of GOD'S own institution) became laid aside; and a constitution of humane wisdom, set up in his Place and Power. For no man can affirm, that GOD (whose are all the Kingdoms of the Earth, 
The ruin of the Church more afflictive to the State, then to in self.  and whose Prerogative it is to set up, and pull down his own Deputies) did ever constitute any other Government, but Monarchical. And this no man can deny, that GOD is able, hath promised, yea performed an hundred fold compensation, to each man, who in obedience, to his Ordinance hath suffered as a Christian. That for his Church's sake, He hath reproved even Kings; much more will he those who assume that power which is sacred, and his, to themselves without his Commission. That the Church in the Red Sea is in comfortable safety: persecuting Egyptians are drowned in it. Yea, that under CHRIST, we own the Religion which we have, unto the sufferings of those, whose doctrine, discipline and worship the world now accounts folly; so far forth, that it may be doubted, whether if the Church had wanted persecuters, it had not now wanted Members. And certainly he is a very evil man, whom the badness of the times hath not made better. And surely it concerneth the glory of GOD to meet with man in his own kind, and to make him to see to the full, the folly of that wisdom, which makes him esteem himself never free enough, till he have cast off his yoke, whose service only is his perfect freedom. Which now he may if he will: One year of this Jobilee having cost the Land more beloved pelf, than all its Kings have drawn from it since the Conquest.  
So that in this place it is considerable, whether or no, our present misery was not then enacted, when the King (by humane ordinance, 
The first foundation of these our miseries.  but never by Divine) was debarred from looking into his Subjects purses, without consent in Parliament? By which means Kings, especially usurpers, for such pottage as hath been presented to them, have been necessitated to sell their Birthrights [originally GGDS.] Which the present King [in part denying] was enforced to break off a former Parliament, and to Declare against the usurpation, irreligion, and injustice thereof; And withal, to make use of a small part of the Prerogative, which God had given him. Which the Factious having blasted amongst the generality, too well loving their purses; their policy was by sinister means, at home and abroad (both in Scotland & France) to bring him into such straits, as might force a Parliament from him, for them to play their prizes in. But now the truth of this late unsufferable Court flattery, is at length made clear, by those who at Present sit at the Helm. And now it is no flattery to proclaim for them, that where the Sovereign Authority is, there the lives and livelihoods of all must be at command. And yet still the question sticks, whether the wisdom of GOD or Man be best to be trusted?  
In order to these followed on; 
The people's surprise.  the universal bent of the people (in many places) blindly led on, by those whose spirit of opposition commended for the only Patriots) to choose none but such for this present Parliament. The Serpententine policy, diligence and activity of the Faction, prevailed against the carelessness of the many of the better sort, and the few of the best. So that in divers places men were elected not so fit for that employment, as peradventure for other Advancement. So that it is here considerable, whether it doth not concern the sleepers to bewail their former neglects; and to take care (if GOD have not decreed the utter ruin of their ill sought Liberty) that they be not out-witted, and out-acted by those who are in their generation wiser than themselves.  
Secondly, 
The idle City multitude fitto be practised on.  this Parliament being met, and that in a place fitting for the designs of the Contrivers; they had their desire, relying upon the multitude of the Plebs urbica, whose wantonness and idleness had made busybodies; and whose natural weakness or wickedness had made detesters of the Government, and virtues of those, whom GOD had raised up amongst them, and set in his own place over them. The Ringleaders knowing themselves to be thus backed, neglecting the business of His Majesty (by whose Authority they met) first fell on work against the people's (the Electors) Privilege; casting out of doors, or out of countenance, all those whom they could not bring into the same excess with themselves, though by the people presented unto the King, to be by him invested in as high Authority as any of them. This beginning, with the like continuance hath brought upon you, that which you now see and feel: which no Chronicle shall be able to represent to you and yours. My Letter presumes not on the particulars.  
But yet to some, 
The two Houses whether free.  it may seem worthy the consideration; whether or no, the present two Houses be free; that is, free from force? If they be not, why without more ado are not we free from them? Sit liber Dominus qui volet esse meus. And it is an heavy judgement of GOD, that Servants should rule over a People. If they be at this present (to let pass former writings) why is not the History of Independency confuted? 
Sundry arguments.  If they affirm their Freedom, we have multitudes of Arguments for their solution. If they be free and wise, why doth one and the same Body alter continually into contrarieties? And those in things (at least) moral, whereof if one be good, the other must of necessity be bad! At the beginning of the Parliament Scandalous writings and Petitions were justified by a Decree, 
Petitions and free writings.  that it was Parliament time, and all Petitions were to be received, and all free writers protected. But now it deserves death, to Petition; and little less to use that conscionable advice, which the Laws of GOD command us, for the snatching our of the fire, those whom we see in danger. If the former was Liberty, what by the Rule of Contraries is the latter? And what is become of the resolution of holy Job? If his Adversary should write a book against him, to bind it to his Soul? But by this, they have hindered many wholesome Books from being written; more from being published.  
2. But not to mention the multitudes too well known to the most. At first Arbitrary Power was declared against; and the Noble Strafford put to death, 
Arbitrary power.  not for acting, but for a surmised intending of it. Now nothing but Arbitrary power is practised: yea and that in the hands of such Committee-men, as shame itself is ashamed of.  
3. At first, the Birthright of the Subject, the Laws of the Land were cried up. 
The Laws  But now Birthright and life itself is forfeited for obedience to them: And all the use that is made of the pretence of them, is by that to commit and protect Sacrilege, Treason, Murder, Rapes, Robberies, etc.  
4. At first, Arms were taken up to rescue the King from his evil Council: to bring him into the desired embraces of his loyal Parliament: 
For King and Parliament.  And the making of him a most glorious Prince. Now they have him, nothing is more dreaded or abhorred, than his presence amongst them. He become like the holy and just One, betrayed by Judas, imprisoned for his too good Deeds: accused of Treason. Barrabas preferred to be set at liberty, before he be heard. With a multitude of like inconsistencies and impieties: as many as the Religions amongst us, and as glorious.  
BUT AMONGST ALL THE MEANS that have been used for the consummating of these our sinful miseries; 
Their deceitful means. Pretence of Religion.  none have been more dishonourable and odiously contrary to the unchangeable GOD of Truth and Peace, than that Religion (which enjoineth us under pain of damnation, not to resist, that is, not to use Defensive Arms against him (in the singular number) unto whom GOD hath committed his Sword) that Religion (I say) should be abused into the condition of an incendiary, and made to heat the fire of hell for those whom CHRIST shed his blood for; That that should be now truth, which is point blank contrary to the way which GOD put us in. So that if GOD be true, One and the same yesterday, to day, and for ever: the contrary way must lead to the contrary place.  
The main Arts used in this kind were chief two. The one, against the Religion established: the other for the plausible establishing of their own fancles. The first was wrought by the odious aspersion of Popery, by them cast upon the King, and his loyal Adherents; upon the Bishops, and their religious Observers. But of this smoke only Time hath cleared the Stage: 
Imputation of Popery.  And it will daily further make good, that that which was suspected, by weak men, was indeed the only way for the firm establishing of our Religion, against the errors and innovations of Popery.  
For the King; 
The King.  no words are honourable enough for the pourtraying of his most glorious invincible constancy; and his most patiented Christian wisdom; yea themselves were not close enough to keep from the public view some of his private Letters taken in his Cabinet, 
His friends  wherein he unbosomed himself to his most virtuous Queen. By which barbarous act, they helped to defile this their own Project For his Adherents who like to His, and Him their Moses; chose rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a moment. The Almighty will be their pay master: And if there be universities 〈◊〉, and Learning enough, they are not like altogether to be forgotten in this world.  
For the Bishops and their Order; they are that which is most feared and hated by the Papists. 
Bishops &  From which both Order and Persons (yea of those who have been worst used at home) themselves who smart being Judges, they have received their mortal blows. No, they must be men of other parts and principles (than the present pageantry) who must maintain the Cause of GOD and his Church against that learned and veterane Adversary. 
Book of Common Prayer.  And for the Book of Common Prayer, that is a thing most detested by them: who suffer none (who may come to Sermons) to be present at that. But for the others Directory, and Pulpittings: they are their joy, scorn, and laughter.  
For the rest of the persecuted Clergy, 
The Clergy.  Experience hath indifferently well undeceived the people, that the imputation was, as false in itself, so dangerous to them. I shall instance but in one, who was of many (if not of all others) most publicly clamoured against. Dr. Cousins by name (whose Devotions it may be will come into better esteem) He whom no despite could move or shake, though in exile, and in the thickest of those our Adversaries, stands as an impregnable fortress; in public and private, by Tongue and Pen, against the learned Jesuits, and others; justifying that faith which under his Mother the Church of England, He ever professed. Which I fear nothing either good or bad, can procure one of his Adversaries here, once to attempt.  
And here it is considerable; whether the Jesuit and Puritan be not like a Map in plano, 
The jesuit and Puritan.  or an Hoop stretched out at length. The ends seeming to be at all possible distance, one from the other: but being reduced to use, must meet in the breadth of an hair. They both under the title of Religion rob GOD of his Prerogative: the one to enrich the Pope; the other to befool the people: Both use the same or the like Arguments: and neither do it out of respect to them for whom they pretend: but intent to enjoy themselves, what seemingly they arrest for others.  
The second of their Arts under this head, was by a specious name of a Covenant, 
The Covenant.  to strike through the body of Episcopacy, into that of Monarchy: which by the inconsiderate people was easily swallowed for an Act of Religion. It being readily visible to those who only are superficialists in the Book of GOD, that entering into Covenant for the better service of GOD, was often celebrated in the Book of GOD. But it was not minded, that there was no such Covenant, or any other than the renewing of that Covenant of GOD'S own making, through the whole Scriptures: nor that, that ever was publicly attempted against, or without the supreme Authority; the pride of such an act never having been once heard of amongst the former Israel of GOD. Not observing that the matter of this Vow (besides the usurpation upon the Divine power of the King, whose destruction appears to have been the principal end thereof) containeth the most dreadful impieties, which ever yet were veiled under the mask of Religion: the cutting off not of the persons, but of the Office of those unto whom GOD had sworn Perpetuity: By which (as hath been said) the Church was to have its continuance: and without which, no Church in any age or place hath been, or can be; and without which not Christian King can be established. So that we may put the whole stake upon these two Issues. 1. Whether GOD hath accepted of any Nationall Covenant, and this other than the renewing of that which himself made, without the Supreme Authority? Or 2. whether, until this Age, there hath been any where, at any time any visible Nationall Church without Bishops? In which particular, unless GOD come to constitute a new, Man cannot. If He had never done it, 
If Power, then Divine.  the authority of the whole Creature, cannot reach to constitute a Power. For if it be power (saith the Apostle) it must be Divine; of, and from GGD. In a word, if GOD hath indeed constituted, and hath had a Church upon Earth for these 1500. years; it, under CHRIST and his Apostles, hath been, by, through and under Bishops. Other fashion of Church never yet appeared for so long; then what this Covenant vows, Root and Branch to destroy: and hereby the temporal kingdom of GOD.  
The Mechanical part of this our misery (in the hands of their Engineers, 
2 Instruments of oud servitude.  and their not now servants) hath been wrought by two main Instruments; the wealth of the City, and the defection of the Navy. Upon the former, other Nations looked with envious comfort: As upon the Liver too big for the Land, like to inflame and corrupt the strength thereof. Upon the other with dread, as upon the Arms and Legs of this Nation, too long sinewy and active for them. But which (if Christianity could have subdued natural malice at home and abroad) might have proved the Arsenal of Europe; and have carried our miseries home to the doors of Christianity's foes. Or yet have done better, and have carried Christianity into the Pagan world; which certainly better deserves it, than we who thus use it. Heu quantum potuit terrae caelique parari— Hoc quem civiles hauserunt sanguine dextrae?  
For the City, I shall make bold to crave, whether or no, that be deniable, which the general Complaint puts upon you? And whether or no, yourselves conceive, 
The City's wealth.  that (for the greater part) your wealth hath been so conscionably gotten, that there can be sufficient ground for hopes, that it might be comfortably spent? Or this: that the riches of the Country are transplanted into the City: and the manners of the City sent out into the Country? That your pride hath inflamed the whole Kingdom? That your fraud hath impoverished it? That your luxury hath infected it? and your illiberality except to vain glory, and yourselves) hath spoiled, it's ancient Hospitality? But (which is the greatest mischief) that the contagion of equal wantonness and new fangledness in Religion, hath spread its pestilence into the veins, and vitals of the whole Nation? That you could find millions for others, but for the King (the Ordinance of God) you could not find pounds? That you have given so much; that you have no power to keep any thing? except by your prudent and speedy reconciliation unto your most gracious GOD, and your godlike King, by an honourable Treaty? The mercies of both being like to prove your best Staple.  
For the Navy; they have better Sea-room, 
The Navy Royal.  to bethink themselves (as they have blessedly begun) both of their duty, and of the inexplicable good, which by doing of it, they may do to all, and themselves. They have a GOD (whose wonders they see in the deep) who hath sufficient power; they have a King, who hath sufficient goodness to reward them, and his glorious Issue with them to ennoble their religious courage; they have the prayers of all the tried ones, whose Anchor holds through all their Land shipwrecks; who mourn in their souls for a time to celebrate their praises, when they shall have brought full ballast, to settle an equal Treaty, for the glory of GOD on high, Peace upon our Earth; and good will amongst men.  
NOW CONCERNING THE REMEDY. 
Remedies.  First to those who have not worshipped the Beast; who have not bowed their knees to Baal, nor kissed him with their mouths; who have not so much as petitioned for any fifth part; but contentedly abandon the thoughts of their just proprieties, 
From the world-despising Christian.  while the King wants his; & they (here) only want Him, under whom, & by obedience to whom, they only can call any thing upon GOD'S Earth their own. To them mine humble suit is, that with heavenly ardour they would endeavour more and more to burn out the dross of their own frailties; That instead of trembling at a seeming calamity, they would admire and celebrate the bounty of GOD who hath thought them worthy to suffer; and given them something, the despising of which, might evidence their love to him. That, as truly spiritual men, they may understand this to be All things.  
For it is most equal with God, and most advantageous to them, that when he sees masterless sins grow to that height, 
From God's glory, and Christ's imitation.  that his public worship will not be permitted, in those who aspire in the greatest of humane perfections to represent on his Earth the service of his Angels in Heaven; (when his bounty is extended to the greatest measure of the receivers capability; & man's haughty unthankfulness, will thank, trust to, and magnify, not his God but himself. Then it is most just with God to provide for his greater glory, select men, who will neither be afraid nor ashamed to have in them acted over again (for the raising up of an holy seed in a better generation) the grateful sufferings of his Son CHRIST JESUS, and his blessed Martyrs in Heaven.  
2ly, that you would set forth the glory of CHRIST in intensive prayers, for those who curse, 
In Christian charity.  hate, and persecute you, according to his example, gloriously followed by his first (yea whole Army of Martyrs.) Lord lay not this sin to their charge. In which particular, these our times have not altogether proved barren of right Christian deaths in divers specialties, not ever to be forgotten, though not to be expected in the cancels of a Letter. 
Heroical examples.  Most eminently the Nobility and Gentry (for many) have an heroic sampler in the most Noble Earl of Strafford: the Clergy in the most sublime humility of the Archbishop of Canterbury, 
Moral duty.  who enjoy Crowns elsewhere, and shall have trophies here. And yet not to forget our duty for another, as not to sell our coat to buy a sword; when ever the King shall by himself, or lawful deputation, call for our lives, and livelihoods: but even then to carry with you those right Christian affections, as did the primitive Christians, when they withheld not themselves from the wars of their Pagan Emperors. But never so to look backwards towards our losses; or to our provision for those dear hostages of our affections, wife or children (whom God hath promised us, 
Hating all, for Christ.  to take for his, while we persist to do our duties to him) but to look forwards towards the glory which is set before us, and to the good which we may do to others, in fortifying them, towards the despising of all that this world affords, with relation to the next. And yet we shall not do ill Christianly to admonish our prosecutors; that had the great Turk himself conquered us (whereas through the presumption and connivance of the respective Committees, sew or none enjoy a fift part, pretended to be allowed to wife and children) for 7 s. 6 d. a man, & the fourth part of our increase, 
Turkish mercy.  we might have been secure for the rest; yea and which is more than all the rest, the Freedom of our Religion to boot. Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.  
For the others, who are abundantly the greater part, my Petition to them is; 
Considerations for the major part.  that they would not despair, while CHRIST is in Heaven, his Word on Earth, and they have hearts to follow the directions thereof. Let no man say it is impossible: GOD may be importuned and overcome by many hands, by universal prayers, and amendment: if we can but bring ourselves to hate all, that stands in competition with him. I desire not to represent unto them their miseries and losses, which they are too sensible of, and too little of the blood wantonly spilt; and the deaths of souls more precious. I only tell them, how for the present they may avoid the sin, and for the future the punishment. Which, as concerning their earthly estates, cannot be compassed, while the Houses continue their resolutions. So long, they must have an Army, the Army will be maintained, cannot but be insolent; while no man can account any thing his own which they can take Covet therefore, what cannot he taken; And follow the course, that may be taken.  
You know, 
From the 2. Houses own Principle.  As your own duties of Christian Allegiance to be preferred before all that is dear unto you: so the principle (though in itself most false and blasphemous) which being theirs, and that by which they have prevailed against you and yours, they may not with colour of honesty desert. Which is this; That the power of Dominion is originally in the People. Which is a desperate Assertion refuted by the clear Word of GOD, and sundry Books yet unanswered. By you they pretend to be entrusted with the government of the Land. And if they have not this Power from you, they have it not otherwise by any Law of GOD or Man. And if (as they most falsely pretend) you might reassume the Power from the King; then certainly you may from them, to whom GOD neither hath, nor you could give them; and so their whole title (against you) must rest in force: which at first they neither did or might pretend; and which every Tyrant would blush openly to own.  
2ly, you know that you are the major part of the Kingdom (at least 20. to one) whose eyes either Religion or irreligious oppression hath opened. 
Petitions undid us.  And it is not unknown unto you, how in the beginning of this Parliament (while you slept in lazy security) that Petitions, by the restlessness of a few, were extorted or forged, and presented in the general names of the several Counties, and so received, as if they had been Catholic and orthodox: and from these Players hath proceeded our real Tragedy.  
But here, I do not wish that you should go that way. Myself dares not so far acknowledge any authority, which my soul esteems to stand in armed opposition against GOD and his Ordinances. And it is well known, how for this thing the Petitioners of Surrey, and the compassionate Watermen lost their lives, without any inquest upon that blood. How the Kentish and men of Essex for the same cause were prosecuted with cruel war, and too bloody for Pen and Ink to express. But (if so yourselves be minded, and you do conceive the foregoing Proposals worthy of your considerations) I could rather Petition you, in a Declarative way, to take unto you; as, 
A Declaration.  the resolutions of freeborn men; so chief the modesty, sobriety, and peaceableness of Christians: so fare forth, that (if it be possible) the mouths of your greatest Adversaries may be stopped, and they enforced to blame rather themselves, than the meekness of your sick liberty, breathing out itself, in the way of religious charity, not of cumultuous and passionate Revenge or Hatred. Expressing whether or no you intended or will endure the Arbitrary Power of the Houses; their levying men and Arms, with Free quarter, Taxes, Excise, etc. against or without the King. Whether you conceive this fitting to be done, or that lawfully you may do it? Whether the submission you have hitherto yielded was voluntary or forced? And whether or no (thankfully looking back unto the former blessings (under Him enjoyed) you ought not to Petition the King, and GOD Almighty for him, that He do not (by Treaty or otherwise) part with the Militia, or any other part of his Prerogative Royal (which appearing to be GOD'S) he may not with a safe Conscience, by any voluntary Act acquit.  
So also further to consider; whether it be not necessary to Petition his Majesty; 
For a Synod.  that by his Authority A Synod (with all convenient speed) may be called? Such as we may justify before GOD and Man: according to the examples of the ancient Primitive Church: for the composing of Controversies, and the establishing of Unity in Religion, and the public worship of GOD. And that all sorts of Disputants may be invited, yea encouraged, with freedom and indemnity to propose in writing, their several Desires and Reasons; and those to be entered into the public Acts to remain upon Record for ever: that all men and Times may see not only what was done, but why, & upon what grounds.  
But in case neither Treaty nor Declarations avail, by their default; then to consider, whether or no, it be necessary further to Declare, that you do revoke your former Substitutions, 
Revocation of the pretended power of the House of Commons.  whereby the House of Commons pretends in your Names to sit? And to protest against their former Acts and Ordinances? And that according to your warranty from the Word of GOD, you have taken unto you the resolutions, to deny yourselves; and comparatively, to hate wife and children, house and lands, trade and traffic, and your own lives also, rather than you will do, or have any thing, towards the maintaining of any, in opposition to the Ordinance of GOD; before GOD shall pull down all stomaches against Unity, by his plague of famine, which he makes apparent, that he can do it, by this unseasonable weather sent now amongst us. Since the floods of our blood cannot effect it.  
As also for the future that (if it shall please GOD to continue you alive to make new Election) you will be as diligent (as others late have been) for the choosing of men well affected to the Laws, 
Caveats for hereafter.  peace and order of this Kingdom and that you will pitch upon none, from whom you have not sufficient evidence of their valuing of the Oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance, formerly, and at the present of Election, 
No guard, but of reputation & Innocency.  to have been, and to be by them taken; with sufficient Bonds and Penalties upon Indentures between you and them, in these or the like particulars; and that they will not admit of other Arms or Guards about them (except by voluntary order from the King, if he finds cause) than the protection of their own reputation and innocency: whereas nothing but the witchery of that abused Name of Parliament could have abused you into the shame and sin, which their force hath brought upon your and whose Arms would soon fail, if the fraud of that name was understood. THIS he presumeth not to prescribe, but with all Christian humility to present unto your considerations. Beseeching you not to accept of private whisper, or piece meal Answers, but to require public and total satisfaction to these; and other your just complaints▪ And minding of you, that 〈◊〉 had a Clergy (whose neglect he forbears to relate amongst the causes of your miseries who would have abhorred, that such things should have been objected (for any thing taught or done in their times) and nor have been at all, or so answered, etc.  
FINIS.