University of Virginia Library

Tuba-Pacifica.

Seasonable Præcautions, whereby is sounded forth a Re-Treat from the War intended between England and the United-Provinces of Lower GERMANY.

By GEO: WITHER, a Lover of Peace, and heartily well-affected toward both Nations.

TUBA-PACIFICA.

Sounding a Retreat from the War intended between England and the United Provinces.

An Ancient Emblem, relating to the said Nations.

An hour is come, in which must be renew'd
That Work, which I have hitherto pursude;
And, I to utter what I have to say,
Will take the Kue that's offer'd whilst I may,
In hope that they, whose Prudence can descern
Those things which their well-being do concern,
Will hear and heed them, e're it be so late
That Premonitious will be out of date:
For, Opportunities may slip away
To morrow, which are offer'd us this day;
And 'tis all one to Wise-men, whether Strangers
Or Friends, premonish them of likely dangers,
Or, whether unto them, Alarums from
A Silver, or a Rams-horn Trumpet come.
To me there are but two wayes known, by which
Men may speed well or ill, grow poor or rich;
To wit, by prosecuting Good or Evil,
By cleaving close to God, or to the Devil
And, they are two such Masterships, that, neither
Is pleas'd with him, who serves them both together;
Because, what is endeavour'd for the one
Obstructs what for the other shall be done.
Presuming therefore, you depend alone
On him, whom I serve, thus proceed I on.
A common Fame Reports there will be War
Betwixt the English and the Hollander
And, by their preparations, I conceive
We may with probability, believe
It will be so. Their many panick Fears,
Their groundless hopes, their bitter Scoffs and Jeers,
Cast on each other, are plain symptoms too,
Of what, in likelihood, they mean to do.
We likewise, by the Truths and by the Lies
Which to divide them wicked men devise,
And, whereby such Partakers on both sides
Augment that hatred which still more divides,
May fear, as well as by their other deeds,
The mischief will go on, as it proceeds,
Untill the power doth rest in GOD alone,
To undo, what is wilfully misdone.
But, that, which most confirms it, is the sin,
The Crying Crimes, that both continue in
Without Repentance: For, among the rest
These I enumerate are not the least,
(Nor any whit abated, since GOD made
The late Breach up, which them else ruin'd had)
Such, as their bragging vaunts of that frail strength
Which will destroy their foolish hopes at length;
The confidence, the sottish vulgar gathers
From Ships and Armies, long hair, Muffs & Feathers;
Their hot contestings which shall have the hap
To wear the greatest Bauble in their Cap.
Or, whether 'twill at last, be brought to pass,
That th'Asse shall ride the Man, or Man the Asse.
These, and some other things, that are perceiv'd
Now acting, or about to be contriv'd,
Have made me, with small diffidence to deem
Most of them are as mad as they do seem.
And, is it even so? must you now lash
Each other, and your earthen Pitchers dash?
Must you, that have so long been Friends, now knock
Untill you into Potsherds quite are broke?
None taking heed or care how to prevent
That mischief which appeareth eminent,
And was presag'd about the ninetieth year
Now past, by this your well known Emblem here?
Have you not one among you, rich or poor,
So wise as he, whose Counsel heretofore
Preserv'd a City, and did then receive
The same reward, which men in this age give
For such-like services? Hath neither, place
A man so prudent as that Woman was
Who rais'd the siege from Abel, by her wit,
When Joab with an hoast beleagur'd it?
But, are you all of wisdom so bereft,
That, no Expedient seemeth to be left
Whereby to act untill the sequels are
Ignoble Peace, or a destructive war?
If it be so, from whence could it proceed
But from your failings both in word and deed?
From sordid Avarice, Pride, and Self-will,
Inticing Fleshly Lustings to fulfil?
For, these deprave the Judgments of most Nations;
Cause them to fall away from their Foundations;
Then, fly to Refuges patcht up with Lies,
Seek Power and Riches by those vanities
Which multiply Oppressions and increase
Confusions to the ruine of that Peace
They might enjoy: For, then their strength consists
In, and by those corrupting Interests,
Which will ingage them to rush further on
In their Oppressive ways long since begun,
Till they grow deaf to all that can be said
To make them of their just deserts afraid.
And should they then, their crooked paths forbear,
Most private Tradings at a non-plus were;
Yea all those Incomes whereupon depend
Their Formal Grandeur would soon have an end.
For, many thousands, who did vast Estates
Get and uphold, by cherishing Debates,
By multiplying and delaying long
Vexatious suits, to many a poor mans wrong,
Would think themselves undone, if ev'ry State
Their Courts of Justice should reduce to that
For which they were ordain'd; and Tyranny
Would want fit Tools to bring to slavery
The common people. Very few know how
They may to GOD and their Superiours now
Perform their duties, and not both displease
Or th'one or th'other; For, what is by these
Commanded, is not seldom, either quite
Repugnant, or obliquely opposite,
As they Interpretations of them make
Who to be Judges of them undertake.
Yea, those Professions, and those Trades whereby
Most live, are subject to such vanity
That honest men are difficultly able
To use them with a Consence warrantable.
It is no easie matter to devise
What would become of all those Butter-flies
Who flutter up and down in Princes Courts,
If their oppressive Projects of all sorts
Were took away; and what case were they in
Who at this day do live upon the sin
Of one another? But they'l be supply'd
What ever to the Publick shall betide;
And at the last, (although their Friends they seem)
Destroy those Governments that nourish'd them,
Unless, according to what's just and true
Themselves they modulize, with speed, anew;
Which, how, and by whom, that might well be done
Were an Expedient worthy muzing on.
Perhaps, if you did seriously take heed,
How this concerns you, and what would proceed
From such a Constitution, you might know
From whence the quarrellings between you flow,
And how to reconcile those differences
Which now increase your dangers and expences.
Perceive you not, that your Prevarications,
Your Falshoods, and your gross dissimulations
With GOD, and with each other, so provokes
His anger, who on all mens actions looks,
That 'tis impossible you should have Peace
With him, your selves or others, till you cease
From provocations, and bring forth such fruit
As with a real Reformation suit,
And with those Churches which are truly Christs?
Yea, that your hopes wil fail, though flattering Priests
Do promise peace, and impudently, too,
Perswade, that GOD is pleas'd with what you do?
Observe you may, by what ensues thereon,
How, GOD abominates what is misdone
In managing the Mysteries of State,
And heeds what is in secret aimed at
By fair pretendings; and how, they thereby
So long have fought themselves to fortifie
That, most men are inclined to believe
Lest Good is meant, when sweetest words they give;
And that they have forgot on what conditions
Or, to what end God gave them their Commissions.
Know you not, that a spirit of delusion,
To bring upon you merited confusion,
Was Licensed to go forth and delude
Those Prophets, by whose counsel are pursu'd
Unrighteous Actions, that you may be sent
On Voyages like that which Ahab went?
Are your eyes wholly blinded? heed you not
That, such another Spirit is begot
'Twixt you, and 'twixt the People ev'ry where
Within your several Borders, here and there,
(And at this time as active) as was that
Which GOD permitted to infatuate
Abimelech and Sichem, till it had
Destroy'd them; all their Counsels frustrate made,
And brought upon both Parties that reward
Which for blood-thirsty persons is prepar'd?
If these things you have heeded, be not still
By those deluded who intend you ill;
But, wake out of your deep security,
And from that Trance wherein you seem to lie.
Consider seriously, what you intend;
E're it begin, think well how it may end;
What an intollerable heavy load
'Twill lay on most at home, on some abroad,
What Treasure, and how much blood will be spent;
How, both your Countries will be thereby rent
And shatter'd; beside, what not yet fore-seen,
Is likewise possible to intervene,
From them, who watching to enjoy the spoil
By your contendings, laugh and jeer meanwhile;
Which to prevent, I found out this Retreat
From that War, wherewith you each other threat.
I nothing aim at, or design to do
But what I know GOD hath inclin'd me to,
And which you too, may know, if you well weigh
What I have written, with what I might say;
And, I believe, that man (who ere he be)
Who shall obstruct what's offer'd now by me
Shall thereby suffer as one who withstands
The mercy he intendeth to both Lands.
With nought I charge you, but what th'one or th'other
Is singly guilty of, or both together;
Nor ought whereto, unless you feared are,
You in your selves a witness do not bear:
For my part, I shall neither gain nor loose
By Peace or War, or by that which ensues;
Because, he that on GOD his whole heart sets,
Will be the same, what ever he permits.
I love both Nations, truly wish them well,
And therefore shall not any thing conceal
That may concern your safety, though with scorn
My Premonitions you should back return:
Permit me then, to speak a word in season;
For, sometimes, he that is a Fool speaks reason.
Though Joseph was a slave in deep disgrace;
A Prisoner more neglected then I was
In my late Thraldome; (no whit less in danger
By false Accusers, because, more a stranger;)
A heathen King, disdained not to take
Good Counsel from him, when he reason spake
Though he in him, no more of GOD could see
At first, then you at this time do in me.
I, no such Revelations will pretend
As give no warrant on them to depend
Save his own word who tells them; neither ought
Advise, but Truths, which GOD himself hath taught
As well to you as me, by his known word,
Or by the Olive-branch, or, by the Sword.
His Justice or his Mercy; which have spoke
That oft, whereof you little heed have took.
To fright you, no predictions I will fain
As many do, pumpt out of their own brain;
Nor speak in Riddles, nor such things declare
As you cannot without crakt patience hear,
If I may but that freedom have to speak,
Which harmless Fools, and licens'd Jesters take.
As Moses, from a principle of Love
Said unto those two Israelites who strove,
So say I unto you who disagree;
Wrong not each other, for, you Brethren be
By Nature; yea, by Grace too, so profest:
Be therefore Christians, or be men at least.
Like barbrous heathen wherefore should you strive,
And by dissention to your selves derive
A mutual Plague? Act that which is design'd
By them who to destroy you are inclin'd,
And, probably, can no way else effect
That mischief which their Malice doth project?
Consider what Advantages you had
By concord, how safe thereby you were made;
What you profest when you agreed together;
VVhat heretofore, you have been to each other;
How strengthned, and how pow'rful you became
VVhilst your Designs were in effect the same;
To your Alies how helpeful; and to those
How terrible, who dar'd to be your Foes;
Ev'n when the pow'rfulst of your neighbouring Nations
Seem'd so assured of their expectations,
That their Sea Forces, in a proud bravado,
VVere termed an Invinsible Armado;
Till GOD befriending you, did with one puff
Bring down their Pride, and blow their Malice off.
Power, wealth, and honour, ever since that day
He, likewise, heaped on them, many away,
VVhilst you continu'd Friends, though you had many
Backslidings and defects as gross as any.
As to your outward welfare, all things, yet,
To prosper, GOD doth graciously permit.
Some of you, have by loosing all, got more
Then ever they enjoyed heretofore;
Some other, though of all; no less bereft
Are twice as rich as they, now nothing's left,
By having thereby learn'd to prize that most,
VVhich being gotten never shall be lost.
And, they who this worlds wealth do more desire
Have means enough their longings to acquire.
The chiefest Forraign Trade to you is given
In all the Realmes and Countries under heaven.
Your Ships are numberless, your Merchants more
And richer, then the Tirians heretofore.
Your Ware-houses are stor'd by your Commerce
VVith all things precious through the Universe;
For which you were envyed by all those
VVho either seem'd your Friends or are your Foes.
Your Naval Forces if you timely might
Perswaded be sincerely to unite,
In Righteousness, would ballance all the rest
Between the Orient Indies and the West
And both the Poles, enabling you to give
Those Laws to all men, who by Traffick live,
VVhereby, there might, for all, sufficient Trade
In safety, and with equity be had;
VVithout which, whatsoere you shall obtain
VVill prove but an unprofitable gain.
And, (which is more considerable, far,
Then all your honours, power and riches are)
GOD, hath among you, sown the seeds of Grace
More plentifully then in any place
Below the Sun: his Plants refreshments wanting
Though set in blood and Fire, at their transplanting
Into your Borders, so well thrived there
Ev'n then, that millions from them sprouted are;
And, more from them continually shall sprout
In spight of those who seek to root them out;
Yea, though you by your folly forfeit those
Advantages which he on you bestows,
For their sakes, whom some of you do revile
Oppress, and from their native Lands exile.
For, GOD hath made your Countrie, to become
The strongest Bulwork in all Christendom,
Both against GOG and MAGOG cover'd Foes
And such as openly, the Saints oppose;
That, saving Truth and sincere innocence
Might thereby be preserv'd from violence;
Especially, from their hate, who pursue
The precious feed of Christ in them and you,
By Antichristian wiles, which hatched were
In your own wombs, and nursed up now are
By seeming Friends, who hide their fallacies
VVith gaudy vails, and vain formalities,
Untill the souls for which they traps prepare
Are hunted unto death, or to their snare.
These Ingineers, within your bosomes lie,
And, what their chief aims are, no doubt have I.
Think on these things, and whether 'tis from me
Or from God, that you minded of them be;
For, what I had to write when I begun
I knew not; nor shall I know when 'tis done,
What, by my Prompter, I was mov'd unto
Untill I read it over as you do,
To see what is of God in ev'ry line
As if those writings had been none of mine.
When GOD, by despicable means and men,
(As he to do is pleased now and then)
Speaks to a King or Nation, it doth carry
A shew of somewhat extraordinary
To be consider'd on with serious heed,
And it importeth somewhat to succeed.
When waving men train'd up in learned Schools
He speaks to them, by those whom they count fools,
Makes others (as of old some Prophets were)
Actors in things that scandalous appear
To most Spectators, yea, ridiculous
To sober men (as oft of late with us)
Rendring them signs unto their generation
Of what's to come; 'tis worth consideration;
(Especially when injuries and scorn
Are patiently with sober stoutness born,
For conscience sake) and all men, truly wise
(Although such dispensations fools despise)
Are deeply sensible, of what on those
The ignorance and hate, of some impose,
To whom, it will be manifest ere long,
That, they have injur'd those, to their own wrong.
If yet you know it not, now be it known
That, by the power which is on you bestown
To be on all occasions, whilst you have it
Employed for his honour who first gave it)
You were intrusted, and inabled so
As you have been, not your own will to do;
Or, that you to exalt your selves above
Your Neighbours, GODS donations, might improve
Into such an exorbitance of power
That, at your pleasure, you might them devour,
Oppress your Brethren, and advantage them
VVho Adversaries are to you and him:
For, they were given to preserve their Peace
VVho, under you, in love and righteousness
Desire to live; the same Faith have profest,
And by Usurping Tyrants are opprest;
VVhich Grace if you shall turn into oppression
Or wantonness, will hasten your perdition;
Make many of your truest Friends grow sad
And me, who of your welfare should be glad,
Be forc'd my work to close (in imitation
Of Jeremiah) with a Lamentation.
You will but give your foes just cause to laugh
To see you quarrelling for straw and chaff
VVilst they get opportunity to burn
Those Granards down, whereby the precious corn
Might be preserv'd, wherewith your bread of life,
May be supply'd, if you desist from strife.
VVho can assure you that the provocations
Whereby, now very many in both Nations,
Exasperated are, will not afford
Fit opportunities by your discord
Some such contrivances then to project
And prosecute, as prudence may suspect?
For, though what Faction moves mad men to do
VVill ruine them at last, so 'twill you too.
VVhat, men who have good consciences will shun
VVill by men without consciences be done
VVhen God shall let them loose, or call together
All sors of sinners to correct each other.
'Tis likewise possible, that many things
Pretended causes of your quarrellings
If they were well examin'd, would be found
Meer scandals raised without real ground,
To make misactings on both sides appear
(By Aggravations) greater then they were.
For, in both Nations, there is such a Rabble
(By their ill manners much more despicable
Then by their Fortunes) who, for servile ends,
In hope of profit, (or to make them friends
Of those whom they sought to exasperate)
Did some misactings much more aggravate
Then there was cause; and so, that which was bad
VVas by their falshood, more offensive made:
This, hath been kindling 'twixt you many years
A smothering Fire, which now to Blaze appears;
But hitherto these had not power to blow
The flame so high as they have rais'd it now:
For, GOD did but permit them for probation
And though it was of long continuation,
Hath so your wealth increas'd, that as 'twixt Lot
And Abraham, it now hath strife begot.
GOD, by his grace, direct you to a course,
The consequent thereof may not be worse.
Your force united hath been heretofore
A terrour to the vassals of that Whore
VVhich rides the Beast: yea, often such a dread
To her, when she at highest bore her head
That, she's inrag'd to see you have so long
Against her Soceries continu'd strong;
Though to supplant you she laid many a Train
Which had not then contrived been in vain,
Had you been so divided as this day
You are, or as perhaps e're long, you may.
But Unity did make you so compact
A Body, that her wiles could not distract
Your prudent Counsels, neither from your course
Divert you, by her cunning joyn'd with force:
This, by experience found, she doth begin
To work upon you by another Gin
Which will extend to many, far and near
Who deem they thereby unconcerned are:
For, they who foolishly, themselves now flatter
That they by fishing in your troubled water
Shall get Advantages, will be bereaved
Of those expectancies, now preconceived:
For, that which follows, be it whatsoere
Will further GODS designments, but not their;
And, though you may by folly, loose your ends
She shall not bring to pass, what she intends.
If she by this Division, break your power
She thinks that she shall easily devour
The scatter'd Churches, which in hazard lie
Within the limits of her Sov'raignty;
Then, those that stronger are (though more remote)
Assoon as opportunities are got
To practice on them, by the force of Arms
Or, by the power of her besotting Charms:
And if they take effects, her work is done,
Untill GODS Counter-work shall be begun,
Who, though mans working with him he expects,
Shall no advantage lose by their defects
VVho give Advantages unto his Foes
By trifling that away which he bestows,
To do him service. But, they shall become
Partakers with Apostates in their doom.
That grand Impostris now resolves to play
Divisions, making all those whom she may,
Dance to her Fiddle; and to bring about
Her purposes, hath very little doubt:
For, as a wasted Candle when it sinks
Into the greasie socket (and there stinks)
Sends greater flashings forth, and blazeth more
A little while, then any time before;
So, she doth now, with her whole force persue
The mischief she hath long design'd for you;
And, not much wanting seemeth to compleat
That, whereupon her heart hath long been set:
For, to that end, were sent forth before hand,
Her Emissaries into ev'ry land,
With Dispensations (as occasion haps)
To make use of all courses, forms, and shapes:
And these have into all Societies
All Constitutions and Fraternities,
(Divine or Civil) all Affairs, Relations,
And Interests, what ever, in both Nations,
Screw'd, such a party, that, chief sway they carry
In things divine, civil, and military;
So, that, as once it was prophanely said,
Should GOD stand neuter, till her game were plaid,
She would prevail against you, at this time,
Because, no aid shall be withheld from them
Who malice you, nor any furtherance
Her power and sinking Throne to readvance
Which Antichrists confederates can add,
Or, from prophanest persons may be had.
Be therefore heedful that by your dissention
You make not seizable her ill intention
By trusting to the Complements of those
Who are her vassals, and your secret foes,
And (as you, oft do) speak fair, but to deceive
That they without suspicion may contrive
Your whole destruction, and recover power
To re-enlarge their Babylonian Tower.
Which, is this day as truly their design,
As those thoughts, whereon, now I think, are mine.
Blest let them be who seriously endeavour,
To reconcile you; cursed, they who sever
Whom GOD hath joyned; For, no outward curse
To any can befall, that will be worse
Then that which will in likelihood betide
To these two Nations if they long divide;
But, they who of the breach most guilty are
The greatest burthen of that curse shall bear.
I am no Person who confederates
With home-bred male-contents, or Forraign states
Either to get revenge for wrongs received
Or that some gain may be thereby derived
Unto my self: For, whatsoere it be,
That which best pleaseth GOD, best pleaseth me;
And having no designments of mine own
Can wait with patience till his will be shown.
I, being one who having oft fore-seen,
And fore-told things that have fulfilled been,
Endeav'ring to prevent the prosecutions,
Of wicked actions and rash Resolutions,
Am by a power which I dare not oppose
Once more stir'd up, to preadmonish those
(As heretofore) who now seem rushing on
In that Career, as other men have done,
Which tendeth unto that end which befell
To those, who sleighted, what I did fore-tell:
And, I to speak again must not forbear;
Vouchsafe therefore to me a patient ear,
Be wary, that your Avarice and Pride,
Prove not to be a motive to divide
At this time, though when you divided last
Your likely hazards were soon over-past,
And plagues remov'd ere any penitence
Had testifi'd remorce for your offence,
Lest, greater evils follow, and the trouble
Removed then, returns upon you double,
For, Nations to expose to wars unjust
Meerly to satisfie a private Lust,
And those inforce the greatest weight to bear,
Who no way guilty of transgressing are
Of that which in a War ingages them,
Is questionless, a sanguinary crime
From which, no temporary priviledge
Can vindicate, before a Righteous Judge:
But, it will bring down Vengeance in due season
From him whose Justice cannot be call'd treason
Although your High Priests, and some others too,
The boldness may assume to term it so.
If wrongs be done, let all good means be us'd
To judge between th'Accuser and Accus'd
E're sentence pass; and do not then prolong
Due recompence to them who have had wrong;
Lest by delaying what you should restore,
Instead of righting him, you wrong him more.
Ere battail you begin, let peace be offer'd,
Accept a good expedient, when 'tis proffer'd.
Remit small faults where you find penitence:
Upon the same terms, let the great'st offence
Be pardoned also, when the perpetration
Of wrong, exceeds all means of expiation;
In that, you'l imitate the King of heaven
Who often hath such Crimes to you forgiven.
Make not the Sword your Umpier, till you see
A remedy, no other way can be.
Your just Rights to preserve, do what you can,
But, fight not to inslave another man;
Nor venture your own Countries to inflame
That you may get a fruitless aiery fame;
Much less to grasp a power, which when acquir'd
Will in your hands, be like Granados fir'd;
Yet, to avoid the mischief and the Curse
Of War, make not a Peace that shall be worse.
Nor when you are at rest provoke his wrath
Who, quietness to you vouchsafed hath,
By cheating them of their just expectations
Who truly wish the welfare of both Nations,
Adventuring their persons and estates,
To save what to your interest relates;
And then intrusted you with their defence,
Thereby, but as a second consequence.
If you would keep Rebellious men in awe,
To ev'ry one his birth-right due by Law
Preserve impartially; and unto none
Deny that which is due to ev'ry one;
Lest, whilst abroad ingaged you become
In warfare, there may be worse fraies at home:
For, that Allegiance which is in all Lands
'Twixt Prince and People, upon two feet stands,
So, that if th'one fails in what it should do,
In equity, so will the other, too;
Men who are much oppressed against reason,
Will not much fear to act what you call Treason;
And, then, from questioning, on whom there lies
The greatest guilt; small profit can arise.
Which way soever, therefore, GOD shall daigne
To make you Friends, and give you Rest again,
With moderation, and with Justice use
That Mercy; for if you the same abuse
This, without question, will ensue thereon;
Both, shall one way or other be undone.
The conquer'd shall inslaved be; and they
Who conquer, be made slaves another way.
Make not your Rest to be a snare or Stale
As Fowlers do, to cath Birds there withall.
Nor means, your selves with such vast power to arm,
As helps not so much, to do good, as harm;
For GOD will heed it, and you shall be caught
Ev'n in those Traps, which your own hands have wrought,
And as old Rome was you shal be at length
Orewhelm'd and destroy'd, by your own strength.
To mine own Countrymen, I'le write or say
Nought at this time, which any justly may
Apply to them alone; lest, some once more
May terme it scandalous as heretofore,
Or call me Libeller, for being bold
To tell them Truths (although in season told.)
I, Have, so often in particular
And so long, time been their Remembrancer
With small regard (except from such as do
Love simple Truth, and suffer for it too)
That, I to them, will nothing mention here,
Save that in which, an equal part to bear
Both Nations may be said, without my blame;
Because, thereby, I somewhat hopeful am
To raise thence an expedient to escape
The being caught again, in my old Trap.
But I'le apart, a word or two express
To our Dutch Neighbours in true friendliness.
Remember what of old the English Nation
Hath been to you; and with how much compassion
They, your Protection timely undertook
When you extreamly by the Spanish yoke
Oppressed lay; and whether the pursuing
Of those things which are at this present doing,
May not at last reduce you back to that
Deplor'd condition, or a worse estate;
And bring you once again, inslav'd to lie
Beneath such an unbounded Monarchy
As you abhor: Your Senators are wise,
They in their heads, I know do bear their eyes
And, if they be not hoodwinckt, need by none
Be minded, what should be consider'd on:
Yet, since but men, let them not be offended
With what is by a stranger recommended
Unto their serious heed, and let my caution
Be acceptable unto your whole Nation.
Consider, whether all they who pretend
Your Country, Cause, and Intr'st to befriend
May not more complemental prove then real,
When time shall bring their Friendship to a tryal,
And be as false to yon, as you have seen
Most States and Princes, often to have been
Unto each other, though aly'd by blood,
By Aides in times of need, Leagues, neighbourhood,
And all ingagements whatsoere, which might
Devised be, them, firmly to unite.
Think, whether such have not a party now
Among you, which as things to ripeness grow,
Will help improve them, to set up a power
Tending to their advantage more then your:
Yea, whether, you already may not see
That, some to such a purpose, active be,
This day among you; and, take timely heed,
That, what you would prevent, may not succeed.
Ill words corrupt good manners; and I hear
That, you no scurrile language do forbear
VVhich either heighten may the indignation
And fury kindled in our English Nation,
Or, make them to be hated of your own;
As if you wholly resolute were grown,
So to divide both, that by no endeaver,
They might be reconcil'd again, for ever.
This fault, which to the vulgar I impute
VVill questionless produce a poisonous fruit,
And, therefore, though I truly may confess
My Countrymen have not offended less,
In that kind (and may peradventure take
Occasion from these Lines, a change to make
Within themselves) I, heartily intreat
Both you and them, his love to imitate
VVhose doctrines we profess, and bridle more
Their rude tongues, then they have done heretofore
That, from good words, there may at last proceed,
True reconcilement both in Word and Deed.
Of one thing more, put you in mind I would
(VVhich now to your remembrance bring I should)
VVere I not hopeful you oft minde it so,
As it becomes you, and repent it too,
And that, we shall give mutual satisfaction
For ev'ry scandal and injurious action,
On either charged, for which, to make even
'Tis in our power; the rest must be forgiven.
Lord GOD, vouchsafe thy mercy to these Lands
And, if with thy good pleasure it now stands,
The Plagues for their demerits due, adjourn,
That Peace with Grace united may return
Before the madness of this Generation
Hath frustrated their means of preservation.
By Judgments, and by Mercies interwove,
By chastisements in anger and in love
By threatnings and by gentile invitations,
Thou, to reclaim us from prevarications
Hast oft assaied; adding unto these
Whisperings in secret to our consciences;
Spoke to our ears by men, unto our eyes
By Apparitions and by Prodigies:
Yea, whilst I'm writing this, there doth appear
A Blazing Star within our hemisphere,
A swell unto our neighbours as to us
Made visible: And wherefore Glares it thus
With an Aspect so dreadful at this time,
But, to point at, and forwarn us and them
Of some approrahing mischief, whereof heed
Is to be taken by us, with all speed.
Lord, let us not, still obstinate remain
Rendring (as heretofore) all quite in vain,
That's seen, or said, or done, till none for ever
By Word, or Deed, our safety shall endeaver.
That time is not yet come; I'le spend therefore
In hope of good success, a few words more;
And, look to be excus'd if I shall thrice,
VVrite that, which I have writ already twice;
For, neither can hard flints or knotty blocks
Be shap'd without reiterated strokes.
Why should you quarrel? what are now your wants,
But, Grace and Faith to use well what GOD grants?
The World is wide enough, the Seas have room
Sufficient for your Ships to go and come:
Expedients will be found which may procure
An honourable peace that will endure
VVithout a disadvantage unto either
If to make proof thereof you joyn together.
Impartial Justice, brotherly compassion
Love, meekness, piety, humiliation
Faith, prayer, penitence, with such like things
Are those, whence wealth, and peace, and honour springs
To them, who will perswaded be to do
To others, as they would be done unto;
As jealous to redress a neighbours wrongs
As in that which to their own ease belongs;
As forward, an oppressed man to hear
As cruel Tyrants to afflict him are;
And could forbear intruding on GODS right
A setled peace thereby enjoy they might,
Without fear; yea, without a just suspicion
Of Treasons, Insurrections or Sedition:
And, they whom you distrust, will be more true
Then they, in whom you trust, shall be to you,
If you endeaver to contract a peace
And keep it, by unfeigned righteousness:
Although such mediums are but scoffed at
Or sleighted, by most Ministers of State.
But, such a Blessing, never can be got
Or kept, by that whereon most Nations dote.
The constitution of whose Governments
Are made according to such presidents
As Jeroboam left, and lost thereby
That Kingdom which on his posterity,
Should have been fixt, had he not counsel took
From flesh and blood, and Gods advice forsook.
Not those men, whose Advantages are least,
Or most, shall thrive; but, they who use them best;
Make GOD alone their Refuge, and contend
That cursed strife, in blessed peace may end.
'Tis not your carnal policies, or forces,
Your Forts, Ships, Armies, Guards of men & horses;
Your fair pretending what was never ment,
Your heavy Taxes beyond president,
Your flattering Parasites or your Buffoones,
Your roaring Hectors, and your Pantaloones,
Or Oaths inforced, or great Brags and lies,
Nor their complyings whose Hypocrisies
Are much depended on, that will effect
Those Conquests and those Triumphs they expect
Who boast before their Armour is put off,
And, at the weapons of the spirit scoff:
For, what by vanity may be obtained
Shall thereby, be devour'd assoon as gained.
You have betwixt you (as imply'd before)
Half of all Forraign Tradings, if not more.
Your many Manufactures, are become
Staple commodities, that bring you home
Three times as much in value ev'ry year
As those things, which among you growing are
Amounted to unwrought; and you are grown
As rich in Forraign wares as in your own.
The Seas have been your Fish ponds, and afford
Enough to make both rich, could you accord
And both, alike were frugal. Means of Trade
Is in a thousand places to be had,
Which to imploy you will sufficient be,
When you like Christian Brethren shall agree,
Or, but like moral men; nay, if but so
As many Infidels, and some Beasts do;
And, GOD and Natures Laws, would you direct
Aright, if, them, you did not wilfully neglect,
Make your own Will a Law, and were inclin'd
To that, which hath corrupted all Mankinde
Rendring, what for mans real weal was given
The greatest outward Plague on this side heaven.
So wilfully pursuing your own wayes
For your self-ends; that he who doth not praise
Your folly, or with silence pass it by,
Is thought no Friend, if not an enemy,
And, to reprove Vice is become a Crime
Judg'd Capital among you at this time.
If you consider these things as you ought,
(And shall not be displeas'd to hear them brought
Thus bluntly to remembrance) I have hope
I may still scape the Gollows and the Rope
For speaking Truths in season, unto them
Who, their well-willers caulesly condemn;
And, from their Native Countries, banish those
For whose sakes, GOD hath kept them from their foes,
Waiting with long-long-sussering, when to him
They will return, that, he may turn to them.
This you may do; And I have hope of it:
For, GOD is resident among you, yet.
His Candl stieks are not from you removed;
Within your Borders, of his best beloved
Are many thousands, for whose sake, he hath
Remembred Mercy, in his hottest wrath.
Good Laws you have; some, likewise, who profess
And practise them, in truth and righteousness
Though from your first Loves, you are fallen much
And, your defects are at this present, such
As in the seven Asian Churches were
When first the Mystery was hatching there
Which now ore-spreads the world: you have not that
Comply'd with, but, the same abominate;
And therefore, that you may, return to him
GOD hath premonish'd you as he did them,
Expecting that you better should improve
Then heretofore, his patience and his love,
Lest else, you speedily may be bereft
As they were, of what, yet appeareth left.
A moral Charity retains a place
Among you, though grown colder then it was.
You have a form of GODliness, whereon
If you depended not as you have done,
That, which essential is, would more have been
Improved, and the power, thereof more seen.
Among your many Vices, blended are
Some Vertues, which, if you would take more care
To cherish, God would such assistance give
That they should, for the future, better thrive.
Though you have multiply'd prevarications
By many carnal, gross abominations,
And, are with Jezabel (that Sorceresse)
(Who counterfeits herself a Prophetesse)
Open Confederates; some of you hate
Her Heresies, and their, who imitate
The Nicholaitans: God, now therefore
Hanges forth to you a Flag of Truce, once more,
(Into a Comet form'd) and sets it there
Where, it, at one view, may to both appear;
That you might speedily and joyntly, do
Through Fear, that which Love could not win you to.
For, though the Wisards of preceding Ages
And, some now deem'd no despicable Sages,
Think these prodgious Meteors called Stars
Are constituted of such Characters
And shapes, as do undoubtingly fore-shew
What things particularly will ensuce,
(Because such consequents have often been
Observed, they are much deceiv'd therein.)
There's no such vertue proper to their natures;
For, they are only serviceable creatures
Employ'd by Providence, to such an end
As we by fixed Beacons do intend,
When an Invasion's threatned; They declare
In general, that foes approaching are;
Stir up the Nation to a timely heed
But, who their Foes are, what plagues will succeed,
How long they will continue; upon whom
They first will seize; at what time, they will come;
Or such like things by them we cannot know;
For, they no more then Beacons can fore-show.
So, this late Exhalation doth portend
Some Judgment on offenders will descend
Ere long, to make them watchful, and prepare
To do those duties which expected are;
But, in particular presignifies
Nor this, nor that; nor any terrifies
Who more desires to know, how by GODS grace,
To do his will, then what will come to pass.
He that is so affected, seldom fears
The influence of Comets, or of Stars;
Whereas, they who in folly are benighted
Oft, with a harmlelss Glow-worm are affrighted.
Thus far, my mind I have once more exprest
And hopeful am, ere long to be at rest
From all my Labours; for, my life, almost,
To bring this seasonably forth, it cost.

Præcautiones ænigmaicæ per omnes personas ac terminationes, Modi Imperativi declinatæ, numero singulari & plurali.

Cave M B R, & E D. Caveto A, Caveto B. Caveat P. P. P. P. & P.

Cavete V. Cavetote A. Caveant O.

Jam qui rident Ha, ha, he, Mox clamabunt. Heu, Vah, Væ.

Caveamus ergo, ac Amemus, ni perimus.

A COROLLARY.

Some think, I, an Apology may need
For daring thus to bid my Friends take heed;
And, so perhaps I may; For, not long since,
I suffer'd for as blamless an offence;
And, heretofore, informed was of ONE,
Who said; that to be totally undone
Much less displease him would, then if that he
Should from undoing, be preserv'd by me;
And, shortly after (with no little shame)
That, which he might have scapt, upon him came.
I hope they wiser are, whom, to take heed
I now advise and that they'l better speed.
What e're succeds; Praise will to GOD belong,
And of the Saints, this shall be then the Song.

A Hallelujah, alluding to the 150 Psalm.