A PARABLE, OR CONSULTATION OF PHYSICIANS UPON MASTER EDWARD'S.  


Doctors.  
Love.  
Justice.  
Patience.  
Truth.   

Observers.  
Conscience.  
Hope.  
Piety.  
Superstition.  
Policy.    
LONDON, Printed by Thomas Pain, for Giles Calvert, and are to be sold at his shop at the Black spread Eagle, at the west end of Paul's Church. 1646.   

To the Reader.  
MEN, for the most part, of all opinions, are bread up with so much fear and scrupulosity, that they no sooner arrive to some measure of knowledge in their particular way, but they become mere Pedants; fierce and violent censurers of all things; they are not accustomed to themselves, instantly engaging, and condemning, before they have deliberately examined, or maturely debated the thing they judge: which is an evil and unhappy temper of mind, because unsociable: and proceedeth from want of that general knowledge, which freedom of consideration would beget.  
It is therefore worth our labour, to study how to reduce our minds into the most friendly disposition, to be ready, and always provided of harmless and friendly thoughts of men and things, until evident cause appear to the contrary; not to look with an evil or a growling eye, as if we desired to find matter to except against it is a shrewd sign of disease, when the stomock hankers after unhol some things.  
It cannot proceed from true Religion rightly understood, to beget melancholy, moody, angry, frampoll Imaginations, for that rightly understood begets cheerfulness of spirit: which is ever accompanied with love, and maketh the best construction: for love thinketh no evil: but hopeth all things: and is very kind to all men.  
The ensuing discourse, would not need this preparative, but that there is an aptness in the most to misconstrue; and a readiness to giveeare, gladly to any that shall show either wit, passion, or malice, in finding fault: it is pity good people should so easily be deluded: or evil men so easily work their ends upon them: or good intents be so easily frustrated: the unusualnesse of the Title and method of this discourse will minister occasion to the Weak and to the Perverse: but if the authority, antiquity and use of Parables, be considered with some ingenuity, the Author will not lose the end of his discourse, nor of this preface, which is, to work amendment in some, where there is cause enough.   

A PARABLE. Or Consultation of Physicians upon Master EDWARD'S.  
DOCTOR Love: Mr. Edward's, I have known you long, and have considered your complextion, & inclination; & am no stranger to your alterations and changes: your turn and returnings: your loathing, and again liking, one and the same thing: and was always willing to have advised you, to take some fit course in time; as being too well assured, you could not but fall into some desperate distemper; which now we all see hath proved too true: but you ever shunned my acquaintance; and at present, seem so little to regard my words, as if you wished my absence.  
Doct. Patience, Sir, excuse him, you see his distemper is very violent.  
Doct. Love, Nay Sir, it moves me nothing; nor shall not hinder me from doing him all the good I am able.  
Mr. Edward's: Gentlemen, as desperately violent as you judge my distemper; I have not yet lost the use of my senses, I know you a●l: and have heard Mr. Loves wise exordium: I have known him as long as he has known me, but I was never yet so simple, as to think him wise enough to counsel me, in case I had needed any; nor do I know by what strange means, he or any of you (of his politic tribe) thus thrust yourselves upon my privacy.  
Piety, Sir, it was my care, and their loves that brought them hither for in my apprehension, you are in a most dangerous condition: and the more, because you are altogether insensible thereof  
Truth, He is either very insensible as you say, or very obstinately desperate.  
Mr. Edw. As for both your judgements, I value them no more than I desire your companies: and as for you friend Piety, you and I of late have had no such great familiarity that you should presume to be thus officious, and indiscreetly troublesome: you see I am not friendless, here are friends whose friendship and counsel I mu●h esteem: Pray friends, what is your opinion of me, am I not as sound of wind and limb, as ever I was in my life? have I need think you of the counsel of these learned Doctors or not?  
Superstition, Mr. Edward's, you know I am your faithful friend, I have received much good by you, I would not for any thing in the world, the least hurt should befall you: It is from you▪ I have received that little knowledge and comfort that I have, for which I have not been unthankful; if it had not been for you, I might ere this have run into one strange Sect or other, but through your care, I keep close to my own Church, and to the Church's Doctrine, through which I live quietly, and for which I am respected in the place where I live, and may in time be some body in my parish, if not in the City: and therefore I love you; and will be plain with you: I profess Sir, I judge the Doctors to be very simple persons, for it is as evident, as the light that is in me, that you are in as perfect a good condition as I myself am at this time, and I am confident you will say I were very unwise, to ask their advice.  
Conscience. For all this Sir, you must know these Doctors, are of approved judgement and fidelity, and how ever you may desire to be flattered, you very well know, the ignorance and weakness of this your friend Superstition, whom yet you sooth and keep company with all, and make to much use off contrary to my counsel: you were better abandon him, and all the advantages you make of him: and whilst you have time, give ear to the counsel of these Doctors: if you neglect this opportunity, you are likely never to have the like.  
Super. Sir, you are too rash in judging, but Mr. Edward's knows me, and I know him, better than to be● estranged by you, or any such as you are.  
Justice. By your favour Sir, you may sooner be too rash than he: for what he hath said we shall find both just and true:  
Policy. Truly Mr. Edward's, I am glad I have a further occasion to show my love unto you at this time: you and I for some years now have been bosom friends; you cannot imagine, I mean any otherwise you, than your own heart; and I must needs tell you, I do see some symptoms of disease upon you: but what it is, these learned men can best judge: and if I may persuade with you, you shall for your own good; thankfully except their loves, and submit to their judgements, and directions: but this I must also say, that I evidently see there is no cause of haste, some few days hence may be time enough, in which time, you and I shall have settled that business which you know I am now come about: A work gentlemen, that being finished, yourselves will say, was worthy the hazard of his and all our lives; no less than the building of Gods own house. sweeping out of heretics & schismatics, stopping the mouths of illiterate mechanical preachers: and beautifying this holy building, with the glorious ornament of uniformity, the Mother of peace and all blessed things.  
And if it will please these worthy Physicians, and the rest of your friends, to give you and I leave for the present, to go on with this pious work, and to repair to you when you shall find cause to call upon them I think they shall in so doing show not only a care of you, but of the whole Church of God: nor shall I leave it only to your own care Mr. Edward's, for truly gentlemen, he is too apt to neglect his health and all that is dear unto him. for the good of his brethrens: I speak my conscience and the very truth from my heart and am confident no hurt can come to him, but a great deal of good to the public; if you allow of this my counsel, and I Judge you so prudent and pious, as to prefer the public, before your own private trouble.  
Cons. Although (Mr. Edward's) when you and I, and your friend Policy, are together, and no body else, he always overswaies you, ever proposing things suitable to your corrupted humours, yet now here are others present that can impartially judge betwixt us, and therefore I shall use my accustomed plainness, though I have never any thanks for my labour. (Pray Sir, turn not from me, but hear me, and let these worthy men judge betwixt my persuasions, and the persuasions of Policy) gentlemen, I pray observe well this darling of his: This is he whose council he hath long time followed, he it was that first enticed him to undertake this unhappy work, which contrary to all reason and Religion, he calleth the building of God's house, etc. though I shown him plainly he went about therein to destroy the living houses of God: the vexing and molesting of his most dear (because most conscientious and peaceable) servants: though I told him plainly, any that differed with him, might as justly compel him to conform unto them, as he could compel them: though I manifested that he was as liable to error, as any that he complained off, and that therefore there was no reason why he should endeavour to make men odious for opinions: I shown him it was impossible, so long as knowledge was imperfect, but men must d●ffer: I shown how nevertheless, every man was bound equally as himself, to worship God according to his own and not another man's understanding of the word of God. I told him he would bring upon himself, the odium of all judicious Religious people.  
I put him in remembrance, how extremely he himself complained of compulsion and restriction of worship; in the Bishop's times: laid before him their miserable ends, and the great disturbances, that have arisen from thence to the Commonwealth, shown how much it tended to division, and confusion, to set up one way of worship and to persecute or despise all others, that it was not God's way to bring men to truth by force, but the devils and Antichrists, to fasten men in error: that there was no sin more unreasonable nor more odious in God's sight, then to enforce men to profess practice, or worship, contrary to knowledge and belief: and that to enforce is as justly punishable by man, as any other violence.  
This and much more I told him continually: yet this wretched Policy finding him ambitious, and covetous, applied his arguments, to these his corruptions; and in an instant, swayed him into an engagement: for he said no more but this: if conscience here will undertake to secure unto you the honour, domination and profit, due to you as you are a Clergyman, then follow his council: but if his, tend to make you esteemed, but as a lay man, and (not regarding your learning and venerable calling) to mix you amongst the vulgar, and (in effect) bids you to labour with your hands the things that are lawful, that you may no longer be a receiver of tithes, offerings, etc. but from your own labours and sweat, to give to them that need: if he bids you, having food and raiment be herewith content: and I show unto you a way to abound with superflueties, like the men of this world, and to have a large share in controlling the unlearned, and shall manifest unto you the defects of 〈…〉 and shall supply you with rules that 〈…〉 to effect 〈…〉 then let you and I join our force and council together.  
And if we do not in the end, shall between us all the months wild go resup His world, say Machelet was not so 〈◊〉 natius loyola the Father of the lesuites: upon this they stick hands and over such have plied their work, and though success hath failed, and those hath produced contrary effect, those increasing in number, and reputation, whom they labour to suppress and defame; 〈◊〉. Edward's though 〈◊〉 and vex not be fallen into this 〈…〉 you now see him the set you see this wicked Polly labours in a most cunning manner to dilwade him from taking you present council, lest you should direct him nor his recovery, into some such course, as would 〈◊〉 his wicked design abled prive from of this his most special instrument: this is the united of this crafty Pbiscy.  
And if you interpose not with your wisdom, he will preyaile to 〈…〉 of this in distressed I rierd for a few houses more in this ungodly work (falsely and deceitfully called the building of God's House) will put him past hope of recovery therefore admit of no delies 〈◊〉 Pity will help you, and 〈◊〉 and hope: will thrust this where 〈◊〉 cowrhe the stays, and out of doors, and then I shall not doubt but some good may be done; come, pray set our hands such suffer him not to speak a word for he will delude a whole nation, and make you believe no man so godly or so charitable 〈…〉 it is, you have had so good entertainment here; you are loath to departed; stand too Piety; sustice, 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 where are you now, you will still befool yourself down will Him;— so out with him, and I'll shut the door 〈◊〉 ough I hope; or his entrance there any more:— how this and ungodly 〈◊〉 has made us all sweat; superstition, I thought you would 〈…〉 any zealous, as to have helped him, but an now stay and see what usage your woeful friend here finds amongst 〈◊〉  
Love: Conscience, Let us 〈◊〉 while, I judge your violence against Policy, (being unexpected) hath put out distrested Friend here, into a kind of ecstasy; let us observe the issue: I doubt not after this we ●●all find him sensible of his distemper, draw the Curtains close; if he rest 'twill do well.  
justice, Conscience, I cannot but approve your faithfulness 〈◊〉 your friend, in the course you have taken against Policy I must confess, had not you by your pertinent discourse, kept my eyes open his subtle speech had deluded me, as I see it did Patience, who was at the door to be gone, but it is: better as it is: let us consider what is to be done.  
Truth, As old as I am, I confess ingeneously I never ye was called to such a consultation▪ the distemper is of such a nature as I have not seen the like, that a man should discourse, labour, study, watch, writ, and preach, and all these to the continual vexation of honest, religious, peaceable people, and yet seemeth not to be sensible of any evil he doth therein: though nothing in itself be more opposite to the true end of labour, study, writing, or preaching, and what to advise in this case, I pro●es●e I am at present to seek.  
Justice. What think you of an issue, if the humours be not too much settled, they may gently, and by degrees be ●o drawn from him.  
Patience, Happily I may speak somewhat properly of his disease, because I have had much to do with him of late: and it will be a good step to his cure if we can but discover his disease: All my reading will not furnish me with any definition, or denomination I must therefore take the boldness to transgress our common rules, and for your information; coin a name and call it a fistul● in the brain: whose property is to open and vent itself once a month, and though the matter it issues, be to a sound nostril the most intolerably odious that can be imagined, yet to himself it is not so offensive; and the great profit he makes thereof, makes him bear● with the stink thereof.  
For to such as this man is whom you call superstition, nothing fells at a dearer rate nothing is more exceptable, it is their meat and drink, without it they are as dead men, with it, who but they: and this makes him instead of seeking after a remedy, to study how to increase the humour, and nothing shames or grieves him more than when it flows not monthly? having proclaimed a market once every month: as beggars live by their sores so doth he by this fistul●, cure him and you undo him: a Physician is as death to him, divers have undertaken him but all his study is how to mischief them and he only, is welcome, that feeds his humour: I think he speaks▪ pray let's listen.  
Mr. Edward's, Welcome Sir, you are very kindly welcome, pray sit down, I see you faithfully labour, and take pain●s, in the sweeping of God's house; come what Rubbish have you discovered— so, I have heard indeed, he is a stirring Sectary, but have you nothing else against him, but Rebaptising and general redempsion, I had as 
His Intelligencers. are here supposed to bring him informations.  much before; and have published it, with as much reproach as I could and yet I hear their numbers 〈…〉, is there none amongst them, addicted to drunkenness. or whoredom, or theivery— come, speak all you have, I can not be myself in every place, if you bring me not matter to reproach them and they thrive and increase, the fault's you●● and not mine— A Tailor and Porter Preach, what's this now a days? 'tis nothing twill do nothing; they are heard with as much respect as I am: for shame abroad again, and bring some extreo●dinary 〈◊〉 or all our labours lost?  
O 'tis 〈…〉— you spoke with him yourself you say, and provoked him to discourse all you could; what, and bring away nothing? D●vil●●● 〈…〉 indeed; asked two questions, for your one; go, you are simple, and for want of wit, and diligence, the Sectaries increase daily, and will do except you bring something daily for me to make them odions withal; go; mend for shame, and let not them out strip you.  
So, 'tis well you are come— I am almost out of breath▪ with chiding the simplicity of those I ●mploy as intelligencers:— Your kinsman you say, dyn'de in your company; at your friend's house, very familiar you were, and merry; he suspecting nothing, but friendship from you (an excellent opportunity) well, and there he uttered the words in your note, which you say, you can safely swear to— Y●s, you did say you could swear to it? and why should you now scruple it, since you presume it is truth? Well leave me your note.  
I shall now pay this great Favouro●●te of the Sectaries, your note shall not be lost, nor a little of it, never fear it: pray be continually watchful in this great work, you know your labour shall not be lost.  
I thought I should have seen nobody to day: I am glad yet you have not forgot the work: A great meeting you say, and a Petition read, somewhat tending to liberty of conscience; and they talk of the King, and the Parliament, and assembly, and 〈…〉, and you were the●●● all the while but which is 〈◊〉 without some particular words that can be taken hold off.  
I'll not give a rush for such informations can you make me believe so many Sectaries could be together, and nothing to be, taken hold off; away for shame, be sure you 〈◊〉 next meeting and take somebody with you, that is able to bring away somewhat t●● purpose; begun I say.  
O come I have bcom so vexed, men bring a great deal of circumstance, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 substance at all: What is it you have got:— Mr. Peter you 〈◊〉 spoke the words in thi● paper: you are sure of it: and M john Sigdmen these in this paper: and Mr. Kiffen these: this the copy of a letter written from the North: A woman dipped, and died ten days after: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is the parties name that dip● her: An Anabaptists wife very well in health, and in five days dead of the Plague: so, you have no more you say; truly ye have done very commendably; never fear the loss of your trade.  
I'll take a care, some friends I have shall be better to you then twice your trade: O●●ck, I would not for any thing you had forgot it: is that active youth (say you suspected to be a J●suite; you say you have strong presumption of it; and what is said by him you ●ot on— How an Atheist and blasphemer— and the other a drinker, and lose companion: truly I am glad I know it; if I do not set them out to the life; let me Perish: here's matter worth the publishing: this will be welcome news to my dear friend Policy, who is now setting the greater wheels a going, and hath prevailed very fare already; nor do I doubt, but all will be as he and I do wish; but I must be careful to keep all close from my busy companion Conscience, he's one that knows too much of my secrets, and I know not well how to be rid of him; I think Policy and I must cach him alone, and stifle him.  
Love, How strangely his mind runs upon the unhappy work, he hath undertaken: if we interupt him not, he will spend all his spirits, and expire in this extacy: Conscience, pray take hold on this occasion, and speak to him.  
Conscience, Mr. Edward's, I know all your proceed, observe all your ways, and have ever faithfully advised you for your good to leave the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉, and to walk in the wish of Christ, but you are so fare from following my advice, that you lay plots to stifle me; but?  
Truth, Conscience, save your labour: your voice no sooner sounded in his care, but he fell fast a sleep, 'tis wonder our sad to con ●●● but I hope the issue will be good.  
justice, 'tTwere but just, he should never wake; I never observe the most wicked man in the world, delight in so abominable a work.  
Patience, Dear Justice, Let us take this opportunity, to consult what may 〈◊〉 done for his recovery? for that is now our work.  
Piety, pray ye friends, bring the light and come hither, I begin to smell the most filthy savour that ever was smel●; see, see, what a black froth his mouth sums with all; see; it riseth more and more; some thing must be brought to receive it from him: out upon'●, I am not able to hold the light any longer, if it continue thus, we shall not be able ●o endure the room.  
Superstition, Pray let me do that office, I wish I might never ha●s a better sent, I am sure some of you smell of rank her esie, I mistake, not.  
Truth, We must bear with can weakness, till you are better informed, how ●hunda●tly it flows: he is now extreme weak: but were he in his wont strength, with this most filsby Gangrenous matter, would he mix his ink, and whilst it were even hot, and boiling; fall to writing as he hath done lately, some huge volume; with which he poisons the spirits of thousands (otherwise) wells minded people; and fills them with a violent, musterfull disposition, with which they go up and down, vexing and molesting all they meet, if any man refuse to do as they would have them, in the worship of God (though never so peaceable and well minded) him they revile, at him they r●lle, call him Anabaptist, Independent, Brownist, Sneker. Ant●●o●●an: worry and vex him, by all the ways and ●ei next they can 〈◊〉 the Migistrate, and rude people, to weary them out of all societyear? and will join with their own enemies, to their own ruin, rather than these should have a quiet life amongst them: It flames extremely stoop him a little (humility is always good) I fear it will blister his mouth, it is so hot, but I hope it will all come from him, ●and then we shall have no more to do, but to get out the b●gge for that must be done, other wise the humour will fill again, and he will never be perfectly ●●red. Hope, Sir, the cou●er gins to alter from its blackness, 〈…〉 red.  
Patience, There is now some hope of a good event: it doth not smell so strongly:  
Love, Pray hold this sovereign Pomander to his nostril, lest his spirits faint.  
Piety, I should be exceeding glad to see his recovery, which if he do, truly Conscience, you deserve the greatest thanks.  
justice, There comes now perfect blood, my opinion is, we must instantly proceed to open his head, and take cut the bladder, and in room thereof, to leave some ingredients, proper for rectifying the temper of the brain and to bring it into a good constitution. I have instruments ready, and he sleeps very sound.  
Love. Pate●nce. Truth. We all agree: but let us be very tender: Superstition, you had best withdraw a little, lest you fall into a sound, or your hand shake: give the light to Piety: Conscience and Hope, lend us your help: who should that be that knocks so loud, Conscience, pray step and see—  
Conscience, What an inpudent wretch is this? who should it be but Policy, returned in a grave Doctor's habit, pretending to be sent hither, by a College of friends, to lend his assistance: 'twas well I went to the door, for he would have deceived any that had not known him so well as I, he was so like a Collegiate, sure his familiar tells him his agent is likely to be dispossessed; but I have sent him packing, with a vengeance; pray go on with your work.  
Justice, I pray bow him a little more to ●e-ward, so, give the pan to superstition, I am not able to stand near it.  
Piety, Rather let it be burnt, for Superstition is too much infected already.  
Conscience, By no means, I'll keep it until my friend wakes, that he may see, what filthy matter, his head was stuffed with all.  
Piety, It is well considered: and if he loathe the avon himself, his cure will the better appear to us to be perfect.  
Love. Do ye not lance too deep think you? pray be very careful.  
Justice, Pray Piety hold the light nearer: come all hither, see what mighty large bag it is, I profess I never saw the like— except in the late head of great C ANTERBURY; but it was not discovered till after his death: but the savour of this is much worse; what shall we do with it, now we have it out? sure it is best to receive it, to show him with the matter it contained, otherwise he will never believeth: and I pray be all ready, with your several ingredients to fill up the empty place, that the humours may be rectified; and that thence may issue forth, no more such unsavoury pestilent matter, odiou●to good men, but such as may bring honour to God, and peace to all good men: come let us see what we have amongst us, for this work will admit of no delay.  
Love, I have a most excellent powder, the main agent therein, being the eyes of Turtle doves: and the property thereof, is to expel all sinister apprehensions, and hard constructions of men and things.  
Justice, I have a balsam: approved by long experience, for the cleansing, and drying, of all violent, hot, and gross humours.  
Patience, I have found much profit, by carrying about me the well known plant, called Al-hease: and I judge it very useful in this cure.  
Tru●h, I have an ingredient, which though of astrange nature, yet without it, I am persuaded the cure cannot be perfect: it is an extraction from the brain of a Serpent: which gives quickness of apprehension and foresight.  
Justice, I pray you truth be careful you ecceed not the just proportion, because if you should, you'd mar all: Hope, what think you of our course.  
Hope, I approve thereof, so fare as I understand: but itere is Piety, is better able to judge.  
Piety, I exceedingly approve of all: and if you please I'll mix them and work them into a body, and form the same, fit for the place: and then Justice, when you please you may go on with your work.  
justice's content:— so— 'tis very well he stirs not: I'll close up all; and we will all with draw, and leave him to rest: for rest now will be his best friend: Conscience we'll pray you to stay with him: if he stir you'll call us, we be but in the next room.  
Love, This Conscience is of true temper to make a friend off, he neither flatters nor fears: no unkindness alienates him, nor. dange● asseighes him, from doing the office of a true friend at all times: on would not be with us such a friend, for any thing in the world: this distressed man hath extremely abused him; and yet you set with what fervency of affection he sticks to him.  
justice, I know abudance of the name, and of his kindred, and truly all the generation of them are such.  
Patience, Whence is he, the a Scholar? What prote 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Truth, I never 〈◊〉 signs of 〈…〉 in him, not doth ●● make any profession (that I know of) of any one calling holy in use: but hens of a wonder public spirit: you shall have him at all 〈◊〉 tings, that are for public good finding fault with the 〈◊〉 of one son of men with want charity in another, with pride and disdame in another, willing them they glory to be esteemed Christians and till: much of Religion, go much to Church hear and read, and pray, and fast frequently because these are the cheapest parts of Religion; but to deliver the captain, and set the oppressed free, or to feed the hungry, cloth 〈◊〉 ●●ed, or visit the Father less and Widomes, to all these they are very backward, when they are called to these, one hath a great family, and there hath marrled awrfe another hath but one servant at home, & cannot be spared from his wade, & getting of money; I says he, you are rare christians that can about in this world's goods, & see your brother laek.  
His dealing is so plain, & to the point; that very few regard his company and that's the reason, those great meetings produce so little good as they do, for without his company, you shall never see any effect worthy the name of Christian: he hath had no breeding neither in the universities, or Ins of Court: never was a Courtier not Traveller; & yet he is ignorant of nothing & speaks very shrewdly to purpose, owneth every just public cause, without respect to persons of opinions: he will not wear finer , if you would give them to him gratie: & yet to an ingenious & virtuous man, there is not a more pleasant companion.  
Hope, Pray ye, what Religion is he off.  
Truth, For matter of outward forms, he is very reserved, as if he were not fully satisfied, I have often heard him say, God a Spirit, and will be worshipped in spirit and truth: but he professeth himself, to be clearly for liberty of worship; and the greatest enemy to compulsion or restriction that can be; affirming there is no sin so unreasonable or un-Christian, as for one man (especially one bring man) to perecute, punish, or molest another for matters of Religion or to make Laws, concerning any thing supernatural: he says it proceeds not from any savour of Christianity, that men do so: but from an imperious donsineering spirit that takes it in soul scum. that any man should do any thing. but by Licence from him: I assure ye Conscience allows no such dealing; and this is the main quarrel twixt him and our Patient Mr. Edwardse but I hope we shall see them good friends again.  
Superstition, Well, if this man die under your hand, your lives shall go for his: I'll take my oath, you are the cause of his death.  
Piety, Spare your tears, Superstition, you shall find we have done him a good office, you will see him a new man: and your sell too Idcube not erelong,  
Conscience, Ho, friends, pray ye all come in quickly.  
What's the matter? 
Love. Justice. etc.   
Conscience, Do you see this posture wherein he lieth? thus he hath laid about a quarter of an hour, his lips moving his hands and eyes lifted up, just as if he were praying in the Pulpit.  
Hope, It is very wonderful: He takes notice of nobody, what will be the issue? See, he now strives as if he would raise himself, as if his prayer were ended, and he were preparing to Preach; Conscience, help to hold him up, and see what he will do: certainly he supposeth himself to be in some great presence, for just thus is his manner at such times— peace and listen for he gins to speak.  
Mr. Edward's, Men of England, my purpose is not now (as formerly) to promote my own work: but to prosecute what is just and necessary, without respect of persons, or opinions: which hath occasioned me to make choice of this place of Scripture.  
The whole commandment is fulfilled in this one word, LOVE.  
It hath often come to my thoughts why the Apostle Saint John is called in a peculer manner, the Disciple whom Jesus loved; but it never made so deep impression in me as at present: certainly there could he nothing more joyous to his own spirit, then to consider it; and my heart at present panting after the reason thereof: tells me that John certainly was of a mild, a loving, and tender disposition, more eminently than any of the rest; so soft, that our Saviour chose his breast, for a place of his repose: and I am strengthened herein, because I find it recorded of him, that when he was so old that he was hardly able to come into the speaking place, or to speak, he prosecuted this most blessed and amiable theme. little children love one anoher, repeating it often, little children love one another: as having throughly digested this lesson of his Masters: the whole commandment is fulfilled in this one word LOVE; Love is the true touchstone of all Christian performances, it instantly manifesteth how things are; so much love, so much of God  
It is the surest guide in all private and public undertake; without a due regard to the rule of love, all things will go wrong: observe it, & it will be like the North pole to the Mariners, to guide you to the quiet harbour of justice and peace: it is a rule easy to be understood, the meanest capacity is capable thereof, none can excuse themselves that swarve from this rule.  
If you would know your duty to God, it will tell you that in equity you are to love, as he hath loved: hath he so loved, as to give himself an offering and a sacrifice for you, than ye ought to walk in love as Christ hath loved; would you know how you should manifest your love to Christ? Love will set before you the sick, the naked, the aged, and impotent; it will lead you to prisons, and houses of distress, and show you the captives, the widows and fatherless Children, and it will assure you that in as much as you ministered to the necessities of these, you have done it unto him, but if you have this world's goods, and see and suffer these, or any of these to lack, there is not the love of God in you.  
Would you have a rule for your conversations? Why, the love of God which bringeth salvation to all men, hath appeared teaching us to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live righteously, godly, and soberly in this present world: Are ye public persons? Are ye entrusted to judge righteously in all causes: Love is the best property even in a judge, for God is Love, who is the righteous judge of all the earth, and slayeth not the righteous with the wicked: Love (rightly so called) putteth no difference between high and low, rich and poor, but loveth all men (as they are men) alike: but the proper object of Love is virtue, the more virtuous, the more it loveth; the less virtuous, the less it loveth: what so ever justly deserveth the name of infirmity, Love can bear with all: but it is contrary to its nature to bear with wickedness, because mercy to the wicked, tends to the ruin of the just, and so becomes the greatest cruelty: Love is just, as God is; spares not the greatest, for his greatness, nor the wealthy for his money, nor any for any by respect; so that hold but up your love to God, and you can never be partial in judgement.  
Love doth as it would be done unto, in which respect it is a motive to the complete performance of trust: for would it not grieve you to have your love abused, in the trust you have given for your good: doubtless it would? Why then (says Love) grieve not those that have loved and trusted you: but be watchful for their safety; tender of their freedoms, and then you shall certainly reap the fruit of love, whihc is an abundance of love and real thankfulness.  
Are you in dispute what you shall do in matters of Religion take Love along with you, to light you through this laboriath, whence never any Authority returned without prejudice? Say now, is Religion of that nature that you can refer it to him (whom you must love) to set you ●'es in such sort, as you can assure yourself, you shall without sin obey these rulee.  
Nay when your friend hath done all he can do; are you not to follow your own underst ending of the word of God & not his? and if you do not so, do you not sin? if so, how can any trust Religion? And if none can must, none can be trusted? And love will never meddle with matters not entrusted, by way of injunction, but only by persuasion: whilst we live here knowledge will be imperfect, and whilst it is so, that which seemeth truth to one, seemeth an error to another: If I now shall be so anadvised, as to call him an heretic who differs from me, I do but provoke him to call me so, for he is as confident of his, as I am of my judgement: and here the rule of Love is broken, that ought not to love in reference to opioion but according to virtue and godliness of conversation; for this were away otherwise, to bring all into confusion, there being so many several opinions; if one should revile and reproach another, with the names of Heredques and schismatics, Anabaptist, Brownist, Antinomian, Seeker, Sectary, Presbyter, this tends to nothing but to divide the honest party, and to make way for your common enemy; for in whatsoever the true and evident rule of Love is broken, it tends to dissolution, it being love that preserveth all things.  
Therefore my humble advice is in this great cause, (upon which more dependeth, then is presently seen that you give not countenance to one before another, for that begets a high conceit in those you favour, and makes them despise all others, though they may be as nigh the truth as those; in the one you be get pride, in the other fear; the fruit of both being the worst that can come to any people; none are now infallible, truth and error are two easily mistaken; but love; is easily understood; to do as you would be done unto, is a rule generally agreed on.  
Let those that conceive they can justly submit their consciences to others arbitration in the worship of God, give in their names for themselves and the places they represent; I believe upon a little consideration few would be found; 'tis not what formerly hath been done, but what may justly be done, that is to bear sway with all true reformers; No man hath been more earnest than I, for compelling all to uniformity and for punishment of all contrary practisers, but I now see my error; and will do all I can to make amends for the evil I have done; the books I have written, I will burn with my own hand: for I judge no opinion so evil as molestation for Religion.  
What I have in hand, shall never see the light, because I now see it to be a work of darkness, and I exceedingly rejoice that I have this opportunity to declare thus much before you: if ever men shall kindly be brought to be of one mind, I see it must be by liberty of discourse, and liberty of writing; we must not pretend to more infallible certainly than other men, this distinction of Clergy and laity, how I loathe it, I'll no longer abuse the world therewith, nor with any thing appertaining there unto, I will henceforth magnify nothing but love: I am the devoted servant of Love, and his lovely companions, justice, Putience, truth, Piety. and Conscience, shall be my fortress to defend me from the wiles and force of Machiavilian Policy: O Love I how thou hast melted me, how thou hast refined me, and made me all new; perfect thy work O! Love, that I may become all love, and nothing but love.  
Piety, Here is a happy change indeed: certainly the cure is absolute, we have great comfort of our poor endeavours: how his discourse fell at last from the public to his particular content: my advice is, that we all silently departed, and let all things be removed as if no man had been here: as for you Conscience, I know you will not leave him, and when he wakes, your presence doubtless will be most acceptable.  
FINIS.