TO THE FAITHFUL AND TRUEHEARTED Covenanters, WHICH ARE THE NOBLE Philadelphians.  
A Diurnal, Of the Desires and Endeavours of one that earnestly desires the advancement of the Cause of CHRIST.  
B. W. Of DERBY.  
Read all or none.  
London Printed. 1644.   

To the faithful and true hearted COVENANTERS: I Desire to present unto you this little Diurnal of my poor endeavours and desires for the advancement of the cause of Christ, since the first call of this hononurable Parliament, which must sit till the desolation of Popery, Idolatry and Willworship.  
FIrst of all, at the Election of the Knights for Darbyshire, after the long debating of the matter, the Town being not so convenient, they went into a piece of ground called the Hulmes, and after some time spent there, it growing towards dinner time, and great Dinners provided, they began to draw away; I went to Sir john Curson, he being on the top of a little hill with Mr. Manners and divers other Gentlemen; where I requested these three things of them.  
First, that they would not leave us till such time as we had made them sure. Secondly, that Proclamation might be made that all those that were for Sir john Curson, and Master Manners would repair unto them into the Hulmes. Thirdly, that Robert Bennet who kept the Records of convicted Papists, might bring them thither, and as the Papists came to give their votes, we would reward them according to their deserts, and send them away; for I told them that Papists had no vote in the election of Knights: All this was granted; and witness Sir john Curson and divers there, whether God in mercy did not make these requests effectual for accomplishing of what we were there met together for: and I am sure I was sound threatened by some in Derby, they telling me that I had made the worst days work for myself, that ever I did in all my life, but if the Lord please he can make it the best: It's true, that after the last request was made known: Papists that came to vote for one man, whose name I omit to mention, fled out of the town as fast as they could, I would they would pack as fast out of the Kingdom, for they have, and ever will be enemies to the Church of God.  
And at the Election of the Burgesses for the Town of Derbie, I think my endeavours were not wanting therein, as either one or both can witness: but for the Recorder he turned Delinquent: for his Records I doubt they are gone, and for the Evidences of his lands they will do him little Good, except he come in to make his peace, according to the last Declaration set set forth by both Kingdmes.  
After this I do confess I had a long time of rest, wherein I might have followed my calling to have advanced something for my good wife, and four sweet children, but truly I had no power to do almost any thing but hearken for news, concerning the good success of this honourable Parliament; The continuation of News was such, that many said they were persuaded there would be a speedy and peaceable Reformation, I ever replying, that if there were a sound and thorough Reformation without shedding of blood, it would be such a thing as selldome had been heard of, alleging this, that the Devil seeing his Kingdom to begin to fall so fast, would not be wanting to stir up devilish and Malignant spirits to do what mischief they could, and it is apparent, they have not been wanting: But it may be truly said, that the pits they have digged for others, they have fallen into themselves, and surely the Bishops cannot choose before this time but to have wished that they had taken the wholesome advice of Mr. Brightman, to have repent, and made themselves in equal rank to their fellow brethren, and not to Lord it over God's heritage, they have had this forty years to repent in and yet have not repent. For it is too well known they were like Princes, and you know, that if pride get into the heart, it is an hard thing to get it out; and I know, that except they repent and make themselves in equal rank with their fellow brethren, they must fall and never rise again: As for Papists, one would think that they before now should wish they had sat still with the third part of their estates, & have left off plotting, & contriving mischief against King, Parliament, and Kingdom, becuase of the ill success they have had in all places, and at all times in their wicked and Devilish designs: but the foudation of their Religion being laid upon the great sins of the world, that is, Killing Christian Kings, blowing up of Parliaments, and destroying of God's people, which they call Heretics, it is a thing not to be wondered at: For as the old saying is, the Devils Children, the Devil's nature: But they being fallen into the pit they digged for others, some of them, with some other Incendiaries of the Kingdom like the Frogs of Egypt, except into the King's chamber, & would never suffer him to have rest, till they had gotten him to the City of York, to take up his stands: I hearing of it went to Newarke, where I saw his Majesty, and returned home again, I relating what I had seen, and what I thought, namely, that I saw the King, who looked very pale, as though he were much troubled in mind, and thought that the Queen, the Papists, and Prelatical faction, had prevailedd with the King to do that which was a great trouble unto him: and I suppose here was a great beginning of the great troubles of this Kingdom, yet here stands the comfort of God's people, that all things do and shall work for their good.  
My next endeavour, according to my poor ability, was, to buy some Arms, which I did accordingly, for I thought there would be great use for them, seeing a little cloud rising in the North like unto a man's hand, which would have spread itself over all the Kingdom, had not God in his mercy prevented it: And herein I can never sufficiently set forth the honour due to Sir john Gell, for his love, courage, and zeal, for maintenance of the truth, to the Town and County of Derby; for had but some Gentlemen made good their promise unto him, he had endeavoureded the cloud, that no part of it had come into Darbieshiere.  
But so it was, that his Majesty came to Nottingham to set up his Standard, and the day being made known, many Derby men came thither and shown themselves before the King in a body, for fear lest they should suffer in a good cause, I met even then with an honest Citizen (who was my neighbour formerly in Nottingham) that was sent as Messenger from the Parliament, the private conference he and I had I pass by, only I shown him some reasons that it was no hard thing with 200. men to surprise the Castle and the Magazine, that it might destroy none of God's people. But the Standard going up to be reared, I went to see the manor of it; It did much resemble blood and gold, I hardly saw any man so busy as Sir jacob Ashley, evil Commanders matters not to shed innocent blood, so they can get gold, neither will they be wanting to spin forth the Kingdom's misery: But reared it was, and after that the Cloud grew to that greatness, that it reached from Nottingham to Derby, and so to Hopton, where there was such a devilish storm in it, that it took away all that was in Sir john Gells house, I think saving only a man and a maid; the news whereof presently came to Coventrie to Sir john, and he seeing an honest Minister, that I love well, called him unto him, and told him the news, he answered, and said he was hearty sorry, but Sir john himself answered him again, and protested that it did not trouble him a jot, as the Minister after told me: truly God's providence is much seen in divers places, where I have been, to keep up the hearts of Multitudes that wish well to the Cause, under great Crosses of this nature, God is always as good as his promise, and he will support his own people in time of their greatest troubles: After that the King came to Derby, whom I pray God to bless in all lawful designs, and to make his Crown to flourish upon him, and his posterity after him: Proclamation was made upon pain of death to bring in all their arms, some men were observed to carry them willingly, and others unwillingly, some honest faithful men kept theirs, but the rest would learn wisdom of Sir john Gell, who valued his arms more than his estate, for truly the cause being well considered, the loss of arms in a house, is more than the loss of the house itself, and the loss of the arms in a garrison town is more than the loss of the town itself: For if the Devil and Papists could have had as many arms as they would have had, what had become of Protestants before this day? But herein take notice of the Parliaments care of the Magazine; for my own part, I would carry in none, for my belief was and is, that arms being put into Papists hands cannot be employed for the good of the King, Kingdom, or protestant religion.  
Not very long after, Sir john Gell received Commission to be Colonel, and then his endeavour was not wanting to the utmost of his power, to set forward that great work, I mean the Militia, the setting whereof forward at the first was something hard & difficult, and the harder it was the more it makes for his honour, and I hope God will honour him for it; for those that honour God, he hath promised to honour them: After that he had broken the Ice, some others were willing to go the same way; but it is thought by some, that had not he been active in the business, the Commission of Array might have endangered both the Town and County, for it is too apparent, that afterwards divers of our great men turned Array men: and some that we thought would have been faithful to us, by reason of their great protestations: but he that will protest he will go to London with speed, and goes to York, What think you by him? Or he that protests he will stand for the true Protestant Religion, and his actions manifest the contrary? What think you by him? Surely I think you will hardly believe him, some such as these I myself am able to witness against: The noble Colonel beginning to set forward the Militia, I sent unto him, that if he pleased, all the Arms I had and myself also were at his command; he indeed did not send for them, but after he came to Derby to be resident, some Captains under his command had them, so they are employed in his Regiment. My next poor endeavour was to find an horse, and arms for his rider; after this being sent a messenger to the Committee of Nottingham, and having dispatched the thing I went about; One whom I do much honour, Mr. james Chadwick, told me he had a great desire to speak with me, saying that base Town of Newark did much trouble him, and he had a great desire to go to get some forces to join with them against it, he asked me if I would go with him to Manchester, I answered him through the whole world, if God enable, for the advancemt of the cause: I also told him I had been lately at Manchester, and I heard there was a Regiment disbanded, partly for want of pay and partly for want of Employment: The next morning we went to Derby, and he acquainted Colonel Gell with it, who highly approved of it, Sir said I let us neglect no opportunity, there is a considerable force at Chesterfield, & a company of stout blades at Sheffield, and it is not much out of the way: he agreed to it, and we went to both places, and he wanted for no accommodation, in promise: but Sir, said I, I cannot see how you can undertake a business of this nature, for if the Design should miscarry, you will be in danger to be questioned, except you have the approbation of my Lord Fairfax, he being General of the North, and said, I hear he is not fare off, and it may be you may receive a greater accommodation there then you are ware of; said he, thou sayest well, but wilt thou undertake the business at Manchester? Sir said I, Take no care for that, for I am acquainted with many of the Committee there; so went thither and received an answer of a large accommodation, after one design was past, so I returned to him to Sheffield, as he appointed.  
The next news I heard was, my Lord Fairfax had given him Commission to raise forces in any part of the North, there were divers Gentlemen thereabout that had raised forces for the preservation of the Country, who took a love unto him and desired he would be resident with them, who were all willing to come under his command, so that by that means he had 1200. raised in a week's space, the like hath hardly been seen in any place, Sir said I, seeing you have received so large accommodation, the Country will expect you should do them some good, moreover, I said, here are two petty Garrisons, Welbeck and Boulsover which trouble them, and there are two implacable enemies to the Truth, the Lord Davincourt, and the Earl of Kingston: pretend as you would go against Boulsover, and fall upon the E. of Davincourt, make him and his wealth sure; and next pretend you will go against Welbeck, but fall upon the E. of Kingston, For truly said I, if they be not looked unto in time, they will do a world of mischief; He anwsered and said it was his intent, but that he could not as yet set upon any Design for want of Ordnance, whereupon he gave me a Diurnal of his Endeavours, how God had blessed him, and withal sent me to Derby, to Colonel Gell, who was not wanting to help forward so good a work, for he sent his Lieutenant Colonel, two pieces of good Ordnance, and very nigh three hundred men.  
The design being set upon, and Colonel Chadwick being on the top of Staley Hall, and seeing the Ordnance to give over playing, I prayed him to send a messenger, he did so, and he brought news that we had some men slain, and that my Lord had made his peace, and brought forth some fourscore pounds, swearing it was all the money he had in the house, with promise of some two thousand more, I protest said I, this will prove a second piece of Business, for this will undo all, for I will not give two pence for that promise, if my Lord go to Newark: I pray you, said I, let the Design be renewed again, say but the word, and I will go and quarter all your men there all night, and we will seize upon my Lord's body, which will be much for the honour of the cause, and if we do not find money and gold good store, to help to maintain the cause, never trust me gain: but it was not granted, than my Lord goes to Newarke, and three days after, sends three Troops of horse and fetched away eight or nine horse-loads of money, gold and plate, that was hid hard by the Communion Table, it seems some great men make an Altar of it, for it was partly laid Altarwise, Also Boulsover Scouts fetched away great store of Bacon, Butter cheese and corn, which I would have had carried to our Garrison at Chesterfield, but it was not; the design fell between two, where the fault was I can tell, let others judge, but had the L. Davencourt, and the Earl of Kingston been made sure, it had been better both for them and us, as the event since hath made it good but the packing to Newark of Puesey, Davincourt, and Kingston, were as a Loadstone, that drew so many great ones, and so much money, gold and plate with them, that hath been the very subsistence of the town, so that here you may see, that in the negligent doing of the work of God, in the sparing of Malignants, we have been the best friends to that Town, and the worst to our own Counties: After this Colonel Chadwick went to Nottingham to keep the Sessions, and for Magazine, but sad news came, that the Earl of Newcastles Forces coming, and ours going unadvisedly against them, and wanting Orders and skis fall Commanders, were utterly surprised. Indeed I always thought we should be crossed in our proceed, for I often desired that the Word and the Sword might go together, but could not obtain it, but great accommodation in the setting forward of great Designs, requires great humiliation, and humiliation being joined with the Sword, is the only way to help forward a good cause, for those that have entertained faithful Ministers in the keeping of this duty afoot, God hath blessed them the best in their undertake, this is for the comfort of England, that God hath an humble and a praying people in it.  
After this a letter came from the Parliament, and the Earl of Essex, not only a request but a command for six Counties to join together, which was one great and chief work of the Kingdom: Colonel Chadwick conceiving it to be a work of such great consequence, as I myself said, it was a chief design of the Kingdom: and as I heard Colonel Gell say, that except that course was taken the Kingdom was in great danger to be brought to poverty: colonel Chadwicke having a great desire to help forward this work spared neither pains nor cost, but went from Nottingham to Derby, from derby we went to Manchester, from thence to Nantwitch, and from thence to Stafford; and to Mancester again, and so to Nantwitch: But one country promising large, and not performing, hindered the work for going forward. (Lancashire.) I pray God it be not laid to their charge; But when they have all done, to quit and demolish petty Garrisons, and to get into great bodies will be found the way to do the work, and to save the Kingdom, for being undone: After that colonel Chadwick went to Leek, where the they took a love to him, and desired him that he would be resident with them, who granted unto them: but what was done from that time, till General Fairesax came to Leek, I forbear to relate, except, I be requested, we went along with the General to Manchester, who went to raise forces for the relief of Nantwitch, the country did accommodate him, with a considerable force, two days were set apart together for humiliation, and prayer, the third we marched forward; every Randezvouze, nothing but praying and singing; not one oath that I heard in all the way, truly it thought I was the most comfortable time that ever I had since I went forth, although I lay upon the ground, and was glad to drink fair water; For God's cause was prosecuted in his own way, and he blessed it accordingly, to the good of several counties, and the rejoicing of the Kingdom, my hearts desire, and prayers to God, is for the General, for he is a true soldier of jesus CHRIST, and certainly he is guarded with a guard of Angels, God in mercy long preserve him. The next day after the relieving of Nantwich, I was sent a Messenger to some of the chief of them that belong to the General: After I had delivered the Message, I requested I might move one thing unto them, which was this; Gentlemen, said I, God hath made the General and you, all faithful instruments for the good of the Country, for the relieving of the Town, and for the settling again of Sir William Brereton; but I fear except one thing be done, that is the demolishing of petty Garrisons, for after the General is gone out of these parts, they will endeavour the taking of them again, and then they will endeavour to glean up all the provision they can, between them and Nantwitch, that at the last, they will endanger to make them come forth for bread: But however you will acknowledge it a great mercy to have strong holds delivered into your hands, than cast your eyes upon this; We had Litchfield close, Tutbury Castle, Chillington House, Biddulph Hall, Winckfield Manor, and Sheffild Manor. Now judge you whether we have made use of God's mercies or not; for had these been demolished at the first when we had them, much blood had been saved, which is and may be shed, many men's goods would have been saved, which are and may be taken; besides, free Trading had been laid open betwixt the South and the North: And I am hearty sorry, that the faithful Citizens should be so much prejudiced, through our negligence; for Traffic is to the Kingdom partly as Water is to a Mill, take away the Water, and the Mill will do but little good: You see we have been the worst Enemies in this, to ourselves. Better it is that strong Holds were demolished, than the Kingdom endangered. For King james himself was once in that mind, I would King CHARLES were also, but I hope the Parliament will: For Castles or strong Holds will do no good in this Kingdom, excepting Port Towns, but spin out the Kingdom's misery, especially in these distracted times. Wherein you may see we have not made such use of mercies as we might have done. God is said, to curse the stones and timber of the house where Idolatry is committed; but you may see what we have gotten by sparing of them. He that seeks for a petty Garrison, is either a Coward, or seeks himself, and so fare as any man seeks himself, he is no friend to the Cause, King, Parliament, or Kingdom.  
Two days after, a Messenger came to Sir William Brereton and told him, that the Scots of a certain were come in, and said that General Lestey sent unto Colonel Rigbey, that if there were any special design to set on, he would send ten thousand with speed, something was said. Gentlemen said I, there is a great providence to be observed in this, for ten thousand being with discretion conducted into Wales, will prove very serviceable; first, for the bringing in of those malignant Counties, for the temper of the Welshmen is such, that if a considerable force come amongst them, they will side with them: Witness Sir William Brereton that holy man, upon a small entrance he made, how they came in to him, and condescended to a Weekly pay. Secondly, they will be serviceable to stop up the passages against the Irish Rebels; for it is reported the Queen is going for them, and the Devil and all, to come to cut honest harmless Protestants throats in England: if they come, I will warrant you the Devil will be conductor. Thirdly, they will be serviceable in preventing Prince Rupert or any of the Popish Army, for securing themselves, or recruting themselves in those Counties, which they ever have and will make the chiefest use of, if they be not prevented. Fourthly, they will be serviceable if the Earl of Newcastles forces make a retreat out of the North, as it is thought that it being too hot for them, as I believe it gins to be, they will be ready to join with our forces, for the preventing of the spoiling of some Counties; If the North grow too hot for him, what do you think the South will do? But I will tell you, except he do repent of the mischief he hath done to the poor flock of Christ, he must have a hotter place then either of them.  
After this, I went to Stafford with an Order from the General; I moved a word or two concerning the demolishing of petty Garrisons; But noble Colonel Ridgley, being truly sensible of the Kingdom's misery, made a short Speech, which he deserves to be highly honoured for: After, I went a long journey to know the truth, concerning the people that I have long since spoken much of, the people of my desire, the people of my delight; I mean, the honest Scots, which are the noble Philadelphians: for the Relation, I forbear till hereafter. Being employed as a Messenger, and having been resident in several Counties, some things I have observed; I will relate but little. I have heard many aspersions cast on Colonel Gell, but he hath acted like a Soldier, and in the last conclusion, he will get more honour, than many that I know, whose names I forbear to relate, because of their honest desires; For they that will think to save a Country in a time of War, without raising men and money, doth as a man that takes in hand to build an house without either wood or stone:  
For Nottingham they have not been wanting according to their strength, being almost surrounded with the Enemy, they have received some loss, but I hope God in mercy will make it up again; for the love that I bear to that town, I could wish that the great Army that lay so long there the last Summer, and did so little good, had spared the Town and quartered their Army about Newarke, God in mercy send good Commanders in chief, that may faithfully set forward the work with speed: For the right Honourable the Lord Fairfax, and that faithful soldier of jesus Christ his son, who is able to express their zeal, their courage and their Faithfulness, to the Cause, and to several counties, God in mercy preserve them, and I trust ere long he will give them their heart's desire: And For Manchester, God was pleased to make an handful of people to stand against a potent Enemy, and to make them the chief Instruments, for the encouragement, in the setting forward of the Militia, let them be highly honoured for their works sake; For Sir William Brereton, he hath been a faithful Instrument of much good, God in mercy bring him safe again into the County, for I doubt there will be need of him: For Stafford I leave it to the judgement of Colonel Greaves, and others: For the honest and willing Morelanders, They have fermerly suffered sore loss, not for the want of honest, but careful and skilful Commanders, but this is for their comfort, they have gotten more than they have lost, and in time no doubt but God will teach their hands to War, and their fingers to fight: I will tell you now what I could desire, it is that the King would be pleased to seal an Act for the banishment of Papists and for the bringing of the great Incendiaries of the kingdom to condign punishment, and then who will not believe what the King hath protested.  
I could desire also that they that have taken up arms against this Parliament, and yet profess themselves to stand for the Protestant Religion, that they would restore honest people and faithful Ministers to their own cures and habitations, and then we will have a charitable conceit of them, that they stand for the protestant religion, but not before: I could also desire that General Hastings would give the first precedent, because his Father's house hath been so hnourable for Religion, witness Mr. Eldersham, Mr. Ash, and divers others, and that he would no longer dishonour that which God hath hono●ued, and that Ashbee which is now a cage of unclean spirits, may become a place for God's people to assemble in as it hath been heretofore: I have known him a good Instrument for the good of the Commonwealth, and I hope God will open his eyes, and make him one for the Church, I have heard many a prayer put up for him, and I have heard many pray that if they were ordained to be taken prisoners, they might fall into his hands, for the mercy that he hath showed to honest prisoners, I hope God will show mercy to him, for the promise is, that the merciful shall obtain mercy; I have heard many say, he is the greatest plunderer in the Kingdom, but give me leave to speak one word for him; he hath done it by virtue of a Proclamation set forth by the King; But when open war is proclaimed against an Honourable Parliament, and proclamations issued forth, for taking of honest men's goods, that the King's best subjects cannot have free traffic one with another, these things cannot but procure a judgement, but woe be to the authors; they say plain dealing is the best, than I will tell you that there is more Noble and Gentile Thiefs made in England, the last year and this, than ever there were before, but who made them, be angry with me, if I do not tell you: But there is some hopes, that that may be made good which is spoken in a passage by Mr. Burton, that God will make King Charles a chief instrument to give the Pope a deadly blow, you know there hath many a petition been put up to his Majesty; and I am sure there hath been many a faithful prayer put up to the Lord of Hosts for him: If he forsake the Papists and return to his great Counsel, and all those that profess themselves to stand for the protestant Religion, would join themselves in sincerity and truth of heart, with our loving brethren of Scotland, according to their loving invitation, in their last Remonstrance; Do not doubt of it, but the Pope will have such a blow, as he dare never look up again in England; now what do you think is worthy to be done to all those that will not help forward so good a work; as Newters, and the Prelatical faction, and those Muckwormes that think to get all by following their callings in these distracted times, and cannot be content but they must be prattling against the faithful Citizens, and honest men in the Country, that are willing to spare neither time nor pains, nor lives nor estates, but to lay down all for this Cause, that will be saying its fit for them to be following of their Callings at home, and look to their wives and Children, but they would be taught what Christ saith: That he that loves father or mother, or Wife, or children, or lands, or live, or life itself better then him, is not worthy of him; and what David said when he was going to fiht, and his brethren, said as these men do, that it was fit for him to follow his calling in tending of his father's sheep, he answered and said unto them, is there not a cause? Doth not now lives and liberties, and all that true Christians have, lie at the stake? And is there not a cause? So the true calling of a Christian is to vindicate this Cause to the utmost of his power, and ability, Christ saith that he that is not with him, is against him, and truly if Ordinances of Parliament, had been better executed in setthing forward of the Covenant, and some other things, we might more clearly have seen by this time, who had been for Christ, and who against him. It hath been a trouble unto me in some places where I have been, and a Committee of Parliament there present, and yet these things neglected, the life of the Laws and ordinances lies in the Execution of them, I would I could see the neglecters punished, that do not execute the Parliaments commands, according to the utmost of their power: in many places where I have been, I have heard some to desire peace, almost on any terms, some again have desired peace with holiness, or no peace, for the first, if the Parliament would have had peace with Monopolizers, Papists, the Prelatical Faction, and the great Incendiaries of the Kingdom, the first had had their desire, but it is the second that must have their desire, for let them not doubt but God will make this Parliament chief instruments that they may enjoy Christ in the purity of his Ordinances, and then they will have a tenfold requital for all their faithful endeavours, for whom God gives Christ unto, with him he gives them all things, for Christ is all things to all them than truly do enjoy him.  
And you, Noble, Faithful and true hearted Citizens, that have been willing to purchase the truth at any rate, cheer up your spirits, for sure your rejoicing draweth near. I have heard many accusing the King for having the papists in his Army, and I think not without cause, and also the Parliament for having the Separates in their Army, For the Papists, I hope it will not be long before an order be taken with them, and if there be any that will deny the Church of England to be a true Church, as it stands joined to the Church of Scotland, in worship and discipline, it being judged to be the best reformed Church in the World; I hope the Parliament will take an Order with them, but give me leave to speak one word for those that have been called Separates under the Prelatical government, you know there was so much rubbish brought into the church, that tender Consciences could hardly get into it, but blessed be God, this Parliament having made an Ordinance for the taking of all things out of the Church that are offensive, and we being joined to the Church of Scotland, in Discipline, Worship, and Government, I cannot see that any can lawfully absent themselves from that assembly, where this is performed, but I will tell you, what I could desire, and it may please God that some good effect may be produced by it: It is that every faithful Minister would refuse that call which he had by the Bishops, and be willing to be called by the faithful congregation, or a selected company chosen for that purpose.  
I could also desire, that where the Minister is called, a day of humiliation may be set apart; That God would be pleased to enable him with guilts, for the faithful discharge of his place: And whereas it is said that Churches were builded by Papists, and God is said to curse the stones and timber of the house where Idolatry hath been committed, that God would be pleased to sanctify that place for his own worship; for it is said, That all things are sanctified by the Word and Prayer. So that where these things are performed, what is worthy to be done to them, that will absent themselves from that Assembly?  
Surely, it will not be ill taken, to desire that a special care may be taken for the settling of a faithful Ministry, and that rather a place may stand void, then be employed by an insufficient Minister. Land had better be untild, then to be ploughed and then sown with that which is naught. And that care may be taken for the maintenance of the Ministry, that he that hath the least, may have sufficient. That in every particular County, those which are called Church-livings, as Prebendaries, Parsonages, Vicarages, Tithes, Impropriations, and all of that nature, faithful men may be chosen to collect into one; and out of that the Ministry to have sufficient maintenance established, and the rest to be employed for good and profitable uses: As the maintaining a Navy on the Sea, or the bringing up or putting forth of poor Orphans, or several stocks for the employment of the poor, or in danger of a foreign invasion: So will that which hath been ill employed be well employed, so will frivolous suits be prevented betwixt Minister and people, and so will the Ministry have nothing to care for, but to feed the flock of Christ, of whom they are made overseers. So will the Gospel's flourish, so will the hearts of God's people be chereed, so will God be glorified, so will the Lord delight in us, he will love us freely, he will heal our backslidings, he will dwell in the midst of us, and do us good.  
I could desire that all true Christians would give the Lord no rest, till the platform and discipline of the Church be established, according to the rule of CHRIST, then would it go well with the Church, and when it goes well the Church, it will go well with the Commonwealth, but not before; so will the Lord make his promise good unto us, and our posterity after us, and our seed shall enjoy the blessing.  
I have heard some say, it is not possible that ever we should see good days, till the King return to the Parliament; But know this, that there is nothing impossible with God: The Parliament being the representative Body of the whole Kingdom, it will be proved the King is present with them, and what both the houses do conclude on, it may be truly said to be the Kings own act: The comparison will not hold, which I heard made by a Minister in Derb●y in his Pulpit, where he compared the King to the Sun, and the Parliament to a company of dark confused stars, that have no light but what they borrow from the Sun: He was active also in reading the prayer against our loving brethren in Scotland; but from such preaching and such praying, the Lord deliver me, and God in mercy make the King, as a Sun to cheer up and revive the hearts of his poor people, in these dark and sad times, and as a shield to defend the true Protestant Religion.  
I will tell you still what I could desire▪ if I desire amiss, I pray you pardon me; for it is from a heart sensible of the Kingdom's misery, and in love to the Cause that the Parliament vindicates, which is for the Truth; It is, that in all Counties, when we are Masters of the field, there may be chosen a faithful General or Commander in chief, and in every Hundreth, an able Colonel, and Captains proportionable, such as the Country is willing to approve of, and to venture their lives with; and that all that profess themselves to stand for the Cause, may be listed under those Commanders the nearest residing to them; being all engaged in the cause, it being the public cause, and that they may not lie by great companies in Garrison Townes (especially in Summer aim) to consume the Kingdom's money, but that there may be preparation for several Counties to join together in Association, with wisdom and discretion, in prayer and humiliation, and that we may come forth with zeal and courage to help the Lord against the mighty: And also that the covenant may be set forward with speed, the neglecters punished, and refusers, made known; that so our loving brethren that are come so willingly to help forward the work of Reformation, which may be said to be next to the work of Creation may see more clearly how to proceed; that so the Kingdom being scoured of Idolatry, Superstition, and Will-worship, and Christ set up in the purity of his Ordinances, then will the promise be made good; which is, of a new heaven, and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness; and then will the honest Protestants, that have been willing to lay down all for this cause, take up the Song of Moses, and sing aloud the falvation of their God. I would desire one thing more, it is that the Book set forth by Ordinance of Parliament, be read once a Week in our Army, for regulating our forces, and the punishing of offences both in Commanders and soldiers, may be made more use of. For in some places it hath not been set forward, neither Protestation, nor Covenant; and that a Committee of Parliament and commanders there resident, I could desire that commanders would endeavour to reform themselves, and then our Armies would be better reform, and some more time spared out of the Alehouse for exercise in the house of God, and in the field; So should our camps be purged, than we should carry none of our achan's into the camp, our loving brethren, whereby the work may be hindered.  
I will tell you that they I have so much spoken of, that the work could not be done without them, so long desired and prayed for, I mean the noble Philadelphians, are now come into England. The Lord of Hosts in mercy be pleasire by night, and direct them that they may carry themselves so in this weighty business, that all the black mouths which have been opened so wide against them, may be stopped. If I should tell you that God will make our loving Brethren in Scotland unto England, as a skilful Physician unto a gross body, to purge out the corrupt humours, or as Refiners of the dross from the gold, you will hardly believe it. Or if I should tell you of a war of Inquiries, that God in mercy to his own people, and in justice to the wicked, hath sent and called in England a great grand-Jury, to inquire out new Senses, troublers of the Church and Commonwealth, disturbers of God's people, and and that faithful Ministers and honest people, must give informations; you will hardly believe it. Solomon saith, Timon trieth all things, believe it as you find it. Surely it will not be denied but all those that are Enemies to this glorious work of Reformation, aught to be inquired after, as Papists and the Prelatical faction, and the Incendiaries of the Kingdom, and after such as have spoken more or less against this honourable Parliament, and after such as are despisers or evil-speakers against our loving brethren of Scotland, and why not after all such as have received Commissions, and have been active in nothing but for their own ends in seizing upon Papists and malignants goods, and it may be honest men's too, without order from the Committee or the chief commanders from whom they received their commission, and have not brought in such goods to the public stock, but have converted them to their own private use; because that, that which ought to be employed in the public cause, ought not to be converted to a private use. And after all such, whose actions makes it manifest, that their desires are to spin out the Kingdom's misery; as all these have done unto others, so let it be done unto them: Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keepeth back his sword from blood: jer. 47. vers. 10.  
I say unto you, get into the Covenant whilst you may, if you profess yourselves for the truth, lest it fall out with you as it did with them in the old World: For you shall see ere long that the Cavaliers will leave the word Roundheads, and call us Covenanters, for in calling of us Roundheads, they do but proclaim themselves fools; as those do that gave their Votes for the election of this honourable Parliament that stands for the truth, and since have opened their mouths wide against them: And for those that are run away from the truth, I pray you tell me if you think that those be not fools.  
I need not tell you that there are great Armies prepared and preparing, but I am persuaded that they are not only to knock the Pope out of England, but Ireland, and France, and Rome, and send him halting to Avanion, whither some of the Papists may follow him like bloodhounds by the footing, to mourn over his burial.  
Of all things that I have desired, I pray you let this be granted, that the duty of humiliation and prayer be not neglected, pray for King Charles, that God would make him a faithful instrument for his glory, and the good of this Kingdom, and that he would be pleased to take him out of the hands of his and the Kingdom's Enemies, and send him safe to his honourable Parliament; and pray for our loving brethren in Scotland, whom it pleased God to make such faithful instruments for the call of this Parliament, that God would be pleased ever to protect them, and direct them; and pray for the faithful Citizens, whom God hath been pleased to make so faithful to the Parliament to the King, and Kingdom. Blessed are they that pray for the peace of jerusalem, and I am sure that they must be blessed that pray and bend the utmost of their endeavours for an holy peace in England, Peace with Holiness the Lord send us: Soldiers be content with your wages, and away with this base plundering; what you get from the Enemy with your sword is your own, but if you seize upon Papists or Malignants goods, bring it into the public stock; for that which should be spent in a public cause, ought not to be converted to a private use. But you will say you have no wages: I will tell you what St. Paul saith, Having food and raiment therewith be content, never desert a good cause for want of pay. Are we not all, and all that we have engaged in the cause? Estates and and Liberties, and Lives, and Religion, doth not all lie at the stake? Stand for CHRIST and for his cause and he will stand for you, for be you sure he will be a better paymaster unto you then all the world can afford; for his promise is, be faithful unto death and he will give you a crown of Life.  
For my part my poor endeavours have not been wanting ever since the Militia was set forward, neither shall it ever be wanting, God willing, so long as life and estate shall last, I never desired pay but the Parliaments faith, and now I have more than I did desire, for there is a promise made by both Kingdoms, that all that endeavour to be active and faithful to this cause shall be no loser's, so that this promise and the promise by Christ, is sufficient to encourage all men that either have or will take up arms in this cause: The poor endeavours and desires of one that earnestly desires the advancement of the cause of Christ, the year 1644. wherein the troubles, and the troublers of the Church and Commonwealth will be in turning over. I could desire to be satisfied in this, whether we under. Prelatical government were not the lukewarm Laodiceans, and also in this, that we now being joined to the Philadelpians, in Discipline, Worship Government and Covenant, and made one with them, and they with us, whether if we were Laodiceans, we be not now made Philadelphians: But I will hearken to the faithful Ministry, and if it prove truth, than (see England is Metamorphized) and I will say to those that are in Covenant, stand to it you courageous Philadelphians, for God will give you to possess the very Gates of your onemies; and we shall see that the Parliament hath made use of those words, namely to buy the truth at any rate, and that the field is purchased for us, where the precious pearl lieth. I mean the pure Ordinances of of Jesus Christ, but I will wait.  
Vale.