A WORD FOR GOD. OR A Testimony on Truth's behalf; from several Churches, and divers hundreds of Christians in Wales (and some few adjacent) against Wickedness in HIGH-PLACES. With a Letter to the Lord General CROMWELL. Both, first presented to his own hands, and now published for further Information. Job 36.1. Suffer me a little, and I will show thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf. Esa. 44.8, 9 Fear ye not neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are then my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Yea there is no God, I know not any. They that make a graven image are all of them vanity, and their delectable things shall not profit, and they are their own witnesses, they see not, nor know, that they may be ashamed. To Oliver Cromwell Captain General of all the Forces in England, Scotland and Ireland. SIR, FOr as much as you have caused great searching of heart, and divisions among many of God's People by a sudden, strange, and unexpected alteration of Government, and other actions to the great astonishment of those who knew your former public Resolutions and Declarations; considering also, how (contrary to foregoing Acts and Engagements) you have taken upon you a Power by which you are utterly disenabled (if there were in you a heart) to prosecute the good things Covenanted and contended for, with so many great hazards, and the effusion of so much precious blood: and by reason whereof you are become justly suspected in your ends in time past, and actions for future to very many of those, of whose affections and faithful services, you have enjoyed no small share, in all the difficult passages and erterprises of the late War. These things considered by us, (as we know they are by many Churches & Saints) and there being a deep sense upon our Spirits of the Odium, under which the name of Christ, his Cause, People and ways do lie (as it were) buried; and also of the exceeding contempt which the wonderful and excellent operations of God are brought into; even those eminent wonders, which the Nations have been Spectators and witnesses of, and wherein your hands have been partly engaged; We cannot after much serious consideration and seeking of the Lord, many of us, both together and a part, but present to your hands the ensuing testimony, which (however you may look thereon) is no more than necessity exacts from us, for the clearing of our own Souls from guilt and discharging of our duty to God & men. Therefore we earnestly wish you to peruse and weigh it, as in the sight of God, with a calm and Christian like Spirit, and harden not your neck against the truth as you will answer it to the great judge, before whose impartial Tribunal you (as well as we shallbe very shortly cited to give an account of the things done in the body, whether good or evil. Where the true motives and ends of all your Actions will be evident, where no apology will be accepted of, your slighting and blaspheming of the Spirit of God, nor for the hard measure you give his people, by reproaches, imprisonment and other oppressions; and where Pride, Luxury, Lasciviousness, changing of Principles and forsaking the good ways, justice and holiness will not have the smallest rag of pretence to hid them from the eyes of the Judge: Which things (whatsoever you say for yourself) are (even at present) to be read in your Fore head, and have produced most sad effects every where. Especially, first, The filling of the Saints hearts and faces with inexpressable grief and shame: And secondly, The stopping (at least) of the strong current of their Prayers, which was once for you; if not the turning thereof directly against you. To these we might add (thirdly, The hardening of wicked men, yea the refreshing and justifying of them in their evil do, and speaking against the Gospel, Name, and Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ. And lastly, God's signal withdrawing from you and your designs. Oh then! that you wouldly down in the dust & acknowledge your iniquity, and return unto the Lord by unfeigned repentance, doing your first works, and that you would make haste to do so, lest God's fury break forth like fire upon you, and there be no quenching of it. This would rejoice us much, as being real wellwishers to your souls everlasting happiness, though we must declare with equal pity and detestation against your designs and way. A Word for GOD. THe wise God that teacheth the Fowls of Heaven to know their appointed times, who directs his people's work in truth, jer. 8.7. hath we hope directed us (after a long time of silence and earnest seeking the Lord) to express and and declare what we find in our Consciences touching the transactions of this season; and though some may think (as we ourselves have been tempted to think) that this is a time, wherein the prudent should hold his peace, it being such an evil time, that men are made offenders; yea, Traitors for words: jer. 20.9. Isa. 62.6. Yet considering how the Lords remembrancers should not keep silence, and fearing that if we should altogether hold our peace at such a time as this (as Mordecay said to Hester) deliverance would come another way, and we could expect no share in the enlargement of God's people, or safety in the day of trouble: Hest. 4.14. withal finding how self would prompt us (like Issachar) to see that rest is good, and outward prosperity pleasant, Gen. 49.15. and how the same temptations (which we find and fear many of our dear Brethren to be under) have set upon some of us, as to have men's persons in admiration because of advantage, and by good words, fair speeches and promises, to be deceived and drawn away in simplicity; jude 16. Rom. 16.8.2 Sam. 15.7. Gal. 2.13.1 Chro. 4.23. especially, by the example of some eminent men (like Peter) in so much that many Barnabasses are carried away with their dissimulation, and as well Ministers as Military men willing to serve the King for his Work and Wages. However seeing every man must give an account unto God for himself; we have examined what particular duty was incumbent upon us, and how in faithfulness towards God and meekness towards men, we should perform the same: Rom. 14.12 Moreover considering how the Saints did formerly bear their Testimony (not loving their lives unto the death) and by the blood of the Lamb, and their testimony did overcome; Rev 12.7 and how God did heretofore stir up some of his People (both in England and Scotland) to bear witness (to the truth and ways of God) against the ways and wickednesses of men) as a fore-lorn hope; though they were in comparison but a few; like Joshuah and Caleb, two of twelve; Numb. 14.6, 7, 8, 9 Rev. 7.3.2 Pet. 1.12. or like the two Witnesses, a small yet sufficient number. Observing also, that there are present Truths, and every work being beautiful in its season (as in the beginning of the late Wars) was the witnessing against the Book of Common Prayer, Surplice, Cross in Baptism, and other Ceremonies (being superstitious things, imposed by the Bishops) and against Ship-money, Monopolyze, etc. (civil things) imposed formerly by the King. All which were afterwards Declared, Protested and Covenanted against; which Protestation and Covenant are fresh in the memories, and pressing upon the Consciences of some of us, even unto this day: Besides the Engagement, and the several Acts of Parliament, made against Monarchy or Kingly government; all which now seem to be forgotten or neglected and those that speak or write in defence of such things, as the Parliament, Army, and the Godly People in the Three Nations approved, asserted and purchased at a dear rate, are now accounted fanatic fools, disturbers of Civil States, and intermedlers in things that concern them not; under which notion many suffer imprisonment, and other trials, as evil doers from those men, who now build what they did once destroy; Aug. 1.1650. pag. 7, 12. and justify what they did once condemn. Witness their own Write, particularly the Declaration of the Officers and Soldiers of the English Army (whereof the Lord Cromwell was General) the words whereof are as followeth. We are persuaded in our Consciences that the late King and his Monarchy was one of the ten horns of the Beast spoken of, Rev. 17. vers. 13, 14, 15. And that we were called forth by the Lord to be instrument all to bring about that which was our continual Prayers unto God, viz. The destruction of Antichrist, and the deliverance of his Church and people; and upon this single account we engaged, not knowing the deep Policies of worldly States men, and have ever since hazarded our lives in the high places of the Field (where we have seen many wonders of the Lord) against all the opposers of the work of Jesus Christ, whom we have all along seen going with us, and making our way plain before us; and having these things singly in our eye, namely the destruction of Antichrist, the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, the deliverance of his Church; and the establishment thereof, in the use of his Ordinances, in purity according to his word, and the just, civil, Liberties of Englishmen. These with many other expressions, both in the Declaration and several other Papers of the Army, Saunders, Okey, and Alured. and Letters of the General, cited both in the Declaration of the Members of several Churches, and Petitions of the Three Colonels; besides several other Papers which might be instanced in; which we leave to all men to consider; and compare with actions done by the same men since that time: but in pursuance of our duty to God, our fellow members and Countrymen, as we are Christians, having a right to the things of Christ; and as we are men, having a Right to our native Privileges: We do Declare our real Apprehensions and Consciences (which to the great grief of some of us) we have so long concealed, waiting if God might by his Providence alter our minds. First, That the sins and present condition of this Nation holds parallel in many things with the old Israelites after the mighty wonders of God, showed unto them in their great deliverance out of Ægypt. Psal. 136.13. For instance: They and we have soon forgotten God our Saviour, and the great works which he did; we have not set our hearts aright, and our spirits have net been steadfast with God, but have gone back, and dealt treacherously, and turned aside like a deceitful bow; and not trusting to his salvation, Psal. 78.8, 9.10. Psal. 106.28, 29. Neb. 9, 3.7 have provoked the Lord to anger with our inventions; so that men have dominion over bodies, and over our Cattle at their pleasure. And we are in great distress, for this is a day of trouble, and of Blasphemy, for the children are come to the Birth, and there is not strength to bring forth. Secondly, That blessed Cause, and those noble Principles propounded, and prosecuted by the old Parliament, and the good People of this Nation (in the maintaining of which God did miraculously appear) are now altogether laid aside and lost; and another cause and interest (quite contrary as we conceive) espoused and maintained; For then the advancement of Christ's Kingdom, the extirpation of Popery, and popish Innovations, the Privileges of Parliament, the Liberty of the Subjects, and an equal distinction of Justice were Declared and fought for; and Tyranny, Oppression, Injustice, Arbitrarynesse; Destroying the Privileges of Parliaments we Declared and Engaged against: But how far some men have now receded from, and acted contrarily to the dishonour of God, scandal of Religion, great grief of many faithful men, and the strengthening of the wicked in their principles, and justifying their practices, we leave to the consideration of all those that are sober and wise. Thirdly, Moreover the unadvised and unwarrantable changing of the Government and swearing thereunto, doth (as we judge) put a necessity upon the chief undertaker thereof to overthrow the very foundation of a Commonwealth: and to maintain the things comprised in the said Instrument (whether right or wrong) and to turn the very edge and dint of his Sword against the faces and bowels of such as should or shall declare their consciences contrary thereunto. Fourthly, As a consequence and fruit of this forbidden Tree, many of the choice servants of God and faithful of the Nation (some Noblemen, Gentlemen, Ministers of the Gospel, Soldiers, etc.) are imprisoned without knowing their accusers or having so much liberty as was granted by the Heathens to the Apostles, or the benefit of a fair and public trial, according to the fundamental laws of this Nation. Fiftly, Under pretence of necessity still to continue the heavy burdens of Taxes, Customs, Excise, etc. upon the Nation, without (yea contrary to) the Consent of the People represented in Parliament, and contrary to their own INSTRUMENT. Sixtly, Notwithstanding all the fair pretences and promises of Reformation; yet what abominable and horrible Impieties, Injustice and Oppression are there couched and covered under this new Form, from the Head to the Tail (as the Prophet saith) treading in the very foot steps of their Predecessors; Act. 27.30. witness the receiving of the Honours, Profits, Customs, Benefits, Tenths, and First-fruits coming in formerly to the Crown; the exalting of Sons, Servants, Friends and Favourites (though some of them known to be wicked men) to the highest places and greatest preferment, which the good Rulers of old, as Gideon, Nehemiah and others did not do; because of the fear of the Lord, and the Bondage that was heavy upon the people: Witnesle also the unreasonableness of the Army to have so many Officers, which might easily be reduced to a lesser number, and both Officers and Soldiers for many years to receive their pay (even in a time of peace) when the poor Peasants or Tenants (who pay but ten shilling rend per Annum) do pay out of their penury, to maintain them in their pomp and luxury. Seventhly, We cannot without grief mention the sad effects of the secret design of Hispaniola, to be the loss of so many men's lives, the expense of so much blood and treasure, and the endangering of this Commonwealth by Invasion; as also thereby rendering us a scorn and snuff to the Nations round about. Lastly, We do declare and publish to all from our very hearts and souls, that those of us that had any hand in joining with the Parliament and Army heretofore, had no other design against the late King and his Party, save as they were enemies to our Lord Christ, his Kingdom and people, hinderers of his work, and oppressors of the Nation, and that it never came into our hearts to think or intent the pulling down of one person to set up another; or, one unrighteous power to promote another: but we aimed as primarily at the glory of God; so likewise at the general good of the Nation, and particular benefit and just liberty of every man; and it grieves us, that any just cause is given them to stumble at Professors, or complain that they are deprived of their Freedom, and several ways more oppressed, then in the days of the wickedest Kings; we do also believe in our heart, that (though the worst things are not without God's permission and providence) yet that this Government is not of God's approbation, or taken up by his Counsel, or according to his Word; And therefore We do utterly Disclaim having any hand or heart in it, and for the Contrivers and undertakers thereof, we suspect and judge them to be great transgressors therein; and so much the more, because they are Professors of Religion, and Declarers, Engagers, and fighters against the very things they now practise: And it is most evident to us, that they there by build again, what before they did destroy; and in so doing they render themselves and the Cause, Religion, Name and People of God abominable to Heathens, Papists and profane Enemies, which is a grief to our Souls to consider. We do also detest the practices of these men in imprisoning the Saints of God, for their Consciences and Testimony, and just men; who stand for moral and just principles, and the freedom of the Nation and People; and their breaking off Parliaments to effect their own Design. We do also from our Souls Witness against their new Modelling of Ministers (as Antichristian) and keeping up Parishes and Tithes (as Popish Innovations.) And we Disclaim all adherence to, owning of, or joining with these men in their ways. And do withdraw, and desire all the Lords people to withdraw from these men, as those that are guilty of the sins of the later days; 2 Tim. 3.5. and that have left following the Lord, and that God's people should avoid their sin; lest they partake with them in their plagues: Thus concluding our Testimony, We Subscribe our Names hereunto. William Jones. John Morgan. John Thomas. Evan Jones. John Phillips. Thomas Jones. John Beevan. Thomas Lewis. Gabriel Lewis. Howell Thomas. Thomas Phillips. William Howels. William Waters. Howell John. John Price. Meredith Phillips. William Jenkins. Thomas Prosser. Jenkin Griffith. Howell Williams. Thomas Williams. Richard Howell. Watkin Price. William powel. Thomas powel. Lewis William's. Lewis Reece. Reece john. Howell Reece. Richard John. Richard Price. John David. David Morgan. Morgan William. Morgan Robert. John William. Lewis David. Thomas Edward's. Reece John. Jenkin Jones. William jones. Jenkin Rosser. Rice Rosser. Nicholas Griffiths. Lewelin Beevan. James powel. Mirick Morgan. Evan Meredith. William Jones. Meredith Rees. William Edward. Richard Roberts. Lewis David. Morgan John. Richard Thomas. Meredith William. Witkin Rice. William Watkin. Reece David. Watkin David. David William. William Phillips. John William's. Henry Thomas. John Jones. John Farmer. Henry Meredith. Trehern Morgan. Richard David. Evan John. Edward Evan. Thomas Evan. David Evan. Howell Waters. Jenkin Waters. John Howell. Philip David Rice Richard Edward Matthews. Watkin Richard Thomas Evan. Lewelin Jenkin. Jenkin William Thomas William Evan Lew lin John Lewis William Waters Morgan David John David David Walter Reece Jones Philip Jones Jervice Jones Edward Jenkins Watkin Jenkins David Thomas Rice Jones Evan John David William Henry Williams John Bedward Thomas Tunman Robert Tunman Roger Griffi●h. Thomas Morgan William Price David Davies David Price Richard Morris John Evans David powel Walter Lewis Richard Meredith William Morris James Haydock William Bostock Philip Russell Edward Williams James Morgan David Rutherch William Bayes Reece Jones Richard James William Hopkins Lewis Jones William Watkins Richard Mils John Thomas John Smith William Price Vavosor powel John Williams John Hammer Moris Griffith Edward owen's Richard Griffith Walter Davies Thomas Gwin Thomas Vaughan John powel Rees Havard Roger Thomas Thomas Lewis John Watkin Walter Lewis William Thomas William Lewis Richard Vaughan David Jones Rice Thomas Henry Thomas John Williams Thomas powel John David john Rowbuck Evan Watkin Charles Lloyd Hugh Thomas Rosser Watkin Thomas Griffith Lewis Price Morgan Lloyd William Thomas Lewis james john Thomas Robert Thomas Howell Watkin Thomas Priee Roger Williams john Baddam john powel David Roberts john Pugh Thomas Parry Howell Williams Walter Price William Bevan Lewis Prytherch David William Lewclin ap john jenkin Griffith Peter Chidlowe Arthur Chidlow William jones Owen Humphrey Evan Thomas Samuel Breeze john Lewis William Beatsley Thomas Morgan's john Symonds William Beddoes Morris Williams james Williams William Matthews Lewis Price Evan Ellis Richard Tudge William Fernell Edward Gretholder john Tomkins Thomas Tudge Hugh Evans Owen Lewis Owen jones Edward Breeze Ralph Robothom William Lewis john powel David Kadwalader Rowland Tudge David Evan john Tibbots Samuel William's Richard Bromley Richard Baxter John Crowther Francis Mason john Evans David Phillips William Evans Thomas Ellis Thomas Crowther Thomas Fernelb Richard Irish Henry jones William Phipps William Becket Daniel Breeze Francis Hanckock Edward Irish Oliver David William Dabellis Lewis Pugh Richard Rogers Owen jones Edmund Rosser john Meredith William Thomas Llewelin Lewis john Rowland Lewis William's William Lewis Edward William's Howell Rees Kowland Morgan Philip Gyles james Watkins john james Lewis jones Michael Watkins Edmund Morgan Rosser Thomas john Rosser Thomas john james john Elias Thomas john Howell William john Rosser Watkin Daniel John Thomas ap John Gilbert Morris Matthew Prichard Edward Jones Owen Edward David Thomas John Pugh Howell Thomas Reece ap David John Benan Thomas Lloyd Kenrick Jones James Quarrel Enward Williams Edward Moor John Roberts John Brown Alexander powel Hugh powel John Nicholas Philip Williams Robert Sanctley John James Edward Roberts Walter Thimbleton. John Fowler Hugh Prichard Henry Williams William Win Richard Saltonstall Rice Jones Richard Williams Philip Rogers Riohard Roberts Thomas ap Thomas Ellice ap Roger David ap Edward David Lloyd Thomas Edward's Francis Lith James Park john Meredith john owen's William jenning's George jenkin's William Heatley john Lewis David jones jeffrey Parry john Hughes john Evans Richard jones William Rider john Ratlieffe William jones Ralph Hopley Hugh Price Griffith jones Brian Sixsmith Mathaniel Edward's john Meredith A POSTSCRIPE. Reader, THis paper had sooner come into thy hands, if the Subscribers hereof (who were willing to do nothing rashly) had not waited for further Council and direction from God herein then they had at their first intention of the publishing hereof, and withal it was deferred for a time, Rev. 2.21. hoping that God might some other way convince the Person chiefly concerned in it; and seeing God gave him time to repent, and yet he repent not, we have published this our Testimony. To which you might have had many more Subscribers (who were willing to own this Paper) if conveniency and Providence had made way for it to come into their view: There hath been great endeavours to stifle it in the Birth; to that end, some of the Subscribers were threatened with imprisonment, and Orders were issued out to imprison some (whereof one was secured) namely Mr. Vavasor powel, who was taken by a company of Soldiers, from a day of Fasting and Prayer at Aberbechan in Mountgomory shire, where many Saints were gathered together, which caused much sadness, yea and much heart break to them all; and he remained for some time a prisoner upon that account. FINIS.