Miscellaneous works of George Wither

Wither, George (1588-1667)

FIRST COLLECTION

SECOND COLLECTION

Vox Pacifica:

Carmen Eucharisticon:

A Suddain Flash

A Triple Paradox:

A Proclamation In the Name of the King of Kings, To all the Inhabitants of the Isles of Great Brittain:

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SECOND COLLECTION

Vox Pacifica:

A VOICE TENDING TO The Pacification of God's wrath; and offering those Propositions, or Conditions, by the acceptation, and performance whereof, in some good measure, a firme and continuing Peace may be obtained.

It is directed to the King, Parliaments, and People of these Islands: BY Geo. Wither Esquire, (a Commander in this War) heretofore their unheeded Remebbrancer of Plagues and Deliverances past; and their timely Forewarner of the Judgments now come.

He hath disposed it into six Books, or Canto's, whereof foure onely are contained in this Volumne; and the other deferred to be hereafter published, as there shall be Cause.

To day, if you will heare this VOICE, harden not your hearts, &c.

The meaning of the Frontispice.

A trumpet sounds a parlee to this Isle,
And, over it, a Hand displayes, the while,
A Flag of Peace; that, this new Signe at doore,
May draw you in, to view a little more.
We hung it forth, that these besotted Nations
May heed the season of their Visitations;
And, grow more carefull to conforme their wayes
To what this VOICE, and their known Duty, sayes:
Though, yet, the most, our words no more have mark'd,
Then if a Cat had meaw'd, or Dog had bark'd.

You see the building; you have seen the Signe;
And, if it pleaseth you, may tast our Wine.
You view the Type, and Title, of the Play,
Our Argument, and where the Scœne we lay;
And, that, for which the Maker dearer paid,
May, when you please, for little be survai'd;
Ev'n for as little as you thinke it worth,
When he, at that low rate, can set it forth:
And, that we offer no unwholsome Wares,
Our Licence, and our Priviledge, declares.

Neglect not courtesies, when few are done;
Nor Opportunities, till they are gone:
Nor doubt your usage, though abroad you heare,
Our Authour, in reproving, is austere:
For, they who bring a well-composed minde,
In his most harsh reproofs, will mildnesse finde:
And, none have been his Adversaries, yet,
But, they, who wanted honesty, or wit.

When his owne failings have to him appear'd,
Himselfe no more then others he hath spar'd;
And, did, what, he supposeth, him became.
Let ev'ry Reader strive to do the same,
And shortly, here, in substance will be seen,
What, in this Embleme, hath but shadow'd been.

TO THE KING, PARLIAMENTS, AND PEOPLE, OF These British Isles.

Not to petition King, or Parliament,
Or Court the People, suits with his intent
Who sends you this: Nor, is it come to crave
Your Favours, or, your Patronage to have.
It is almost too late; and 'twas too soon:
At this time, therefore, he expects that boone
From One who better knowes him; and from whom
This VOICE, doth to your sight, and hearing come.
And, had he alwaies done so, he had lost
Lesse labour; and escaped with lesse cost.

He hath no mind to flatter: if he had,
To flatter at this time, were to be mad;
And, peradventure, also, he hath, now,
As little cause, as mind, to flatter you:
For, Courtship on that LADY who bestowes
That poore, despis'd, deform'd and aged growes,
Who sleighted him, and left him to dispaire
When she was wealthie, lovely, young, and faire.

Yet, that those old affections may appeare,
With which, by him, you alway served were;
And, that he may not give a just offence
(By seeming carelesse of the reverence

Belonging to your Greatnesse) he professes,
That, meerly, for the sake of these Expresses,
The freedome of bold-language he assumes;
And, that he nothing, for himselfe, presumes:
Nor, means to honour, love, or serve you, lesse,
For your unkindnesses, or your distresse.

The Newes he brings, accepted if it be,
Will warrantize the Speaker to be free:
And, if it be despised, he conceives,
Some will grow bold, ere long, without your leaves;
And, make you heare, with ruder complements,
A blunter Language, and to worse intents:
For, dreadfull things are murmur'd; and unlesse
Men more conforme, to that which they professe,
You'l find, ere long, he dareth, without feare,
To speak more truth, then many dare to heare.
What ever He, what e're his Language seems;
Your Persons, none more values, or esteems.
None loves your Honours, or your safeties, more
Then he yet doth, and hath done heretofore.
None, oft'ner his own blame hath ventur'd on,
That others might not wholly be undone;
Or, is more free from aimes, at that which tends
To personall respects, or private ends.
And, thus professeth he, that you might grow
More honourable, by believing so.

He, that hath done GOD'S errand, was, ere now,
Reputed a

2 King. 9. 11.

Mad-fellow: Some, of you,
Have so been pleas'd, perhaps, of him to say,
Because he hath appear'd in such a way,
As, never, since the Christian-paths, were trod,
Was traced, by a Messenger from GOD.
But, times have been; and, this is such a time,
In which the People, much regard not them
Who speak in Ordinary: And, then must
Some Ploughman, or some Herdman, forth be thrust

To help awake them; and, He, peradventure,
With Riddles, Signes, or Parables, must enter;
Or, els, by some unusuall straines proceed,
To make his Hearers give the better heed;
And, know, the Spirit stoupeth from on high,
Somtime, ev'n with a vulgar

2 King. 3. 15.

Minstralsie.

Be pleased, therefore, not to under-prize
Him, or his Present; lest (when his disguise
Is taken off) you find him somwhat els
Then you have thought, or his appearance tels.
Permit you not the crafty Polititians
In either Faction, to beget suspitions,
That, he, who wrote this VOICE, hath some Intents,
For compassing whereof, he, now, invents
A Fancie, and pretends the publike-Peace,
When, really, he aimes at nothing lesse.
For, that his purposes, no other were
Then he professeth, plainly shall appeare
To men of ingenuity, or wit,
Who weigh things past, with what he, now, hath writ.

For, whosoe're hath observation took,
With what impartiall-freedome he hath spoke
To either side, (nor sparing Friend, nor Foe;
Nor caring, who displeas'd, or pleas'd shall grow)
Can never draw that false conclusion thence,
Without much folly, or much impudence.
Yea, since it is apparent, that his Pen
Hath spar'd himselfe, no more then other men;
Since he hath, now, nigh five and thirty years,
This Freedome used; and nought, yet, appears
To be, thereby, acquir'd, but sad events,
Disgraces, losses, close imprisonments,
Despights and mischiefs; how can you suppose
His folly such, that, now, the world worse growes,
He thinks, this course will him advantage more,
Or, bring him fewer mischiefs, then before?

He knowes, there is the selfe-same basenesse, yet,
The same corruption, the same little wit,
And malice, which in former times was here;
Though, now, in other habits they appeare,
And act another way. He knowes, what then
Best pleas'd; and, what will, now: yet, takes agen
The selfe-same Course: Because, he knowes from whom
His messages, and warranties do come:
And, that it shall be more his reputation,
To be undone, by such a Generation,
For doing of his Dutie; then, therby,
To be advanc'd for furth'ring vanitie,
Till he and they into perdition fall,
Like Sheep, or Bullocks, slaught'red in their stall.
This, hath so steel'd him, that he can abide,
To heare a foolish-Gallant him deride,
And (taking up his Poem) grin, and say;
Come, let us heare what novelties we may
Collect from this New-Prophet? and behold,
What future things, are here, by him, fore-told?

This, makes him bold, and resolute, for you;
Who, for himselfe, doth bashfully pursue
The meanest favour, while you seeme to see
Another, who thereof may worthier be.
And, therefore, now, this one time him regard,
For your owne sakes, though never afterward.
Be warie, that this VOICE you truly heed,
Before to any censure, you proceed,
Condemning it, or him, by whom it came;
Lest you, your selves, incurre the greatest blame:
And, thereupon, this also, may ensue;
That, thousands for that censure, censure you,
When they perceive, that you a course have run,
Whereby, you are dishonour'd, and undone.

And, to this end; of those, who cause have bin
Of all your present Plagues, and of that sin,

Which brought them on you (that two-horned-Beast)
Beware of: yea, be warie that no Priest,
Of either side, make void what this VOICE tels,
By their prejudicating it: Or els,
By showes of Learning, or fain'd Holinesse,
Make you beleeve, that this way to expresse
Divine concernments: Or, for Saints, to use
The Muses language, some way doth abuse
Their Sanctitie: Or, that this way of Preaching,
Is Heath'nish, and a Pagan-straine of teaching.
For, though most Poets were, long time ago,
(And yet are) Priests of Lust, and Drunkennesse,
They, from their first beginning, were not so;
But, men inspir'd divinely, to expresse
The will of GOD; and, by their holy Songs,
To rouze up that affection in the heart,
Which to the Love of Pietie belongs;
And, to encline it to the better-part.
At this our Author aimes; and, to restore
That Gift, to what it hath been heretofore,
His Muses consecrates: and, shewes the way,
That, others (if it please them) follow may.

Permit not then, the rigidnesse of those,
Who think Divinitie confin'd to prose;
And, Verse ordain'd, at first, for nothing els
But, carnall fancies, foolish charms, and spels:
Oh! suffer none of those (who have beside
Their ignorance, much envie, and much pride)
Your judgements to pervert, divert your eyes,
Or, fill your eares, with vanities and lies,
To keep off your attention, from this VOICE,
By juggling with Formalities, and noyse;
Both to the prolongation of your woe,
And, losse of good effects which thence may flow.

For, if this VOICE be welcome to your eare,
The blessed way of Peace, it shall prepare:

And by the Charmings of this new-tun'd Song
The rage of War, shall be allaid e're long.
That wicked Spirit shall be charmed downe,
By whom, the seeds of discords, have beene sowne:
The Hags and Furies, that have danced here,
No longer, to affright you, shall appeare:
But, all the sacred vertues, and the graces,
Shall beautifie your Desolated-places.

If you contemne this VOICE, what e're you deem,
Of that it speaketh, (or, what e're he seem,
Who now proclaimes it) GOD shall spread the same,
In spight of all detractions, to your shame,
And to the honour of that Instrument,
By whom it comes: yea, as a Monument,
Ev'n you, (and yours, who sleight it) shall preserve it
From being lost; your closets shall reserve it,
To bear a Testimoniall of your crimes,
And your impenitence, to future times:
Or, for a warning, to some age to come;
Or, to exalt GODS Justice in your doome:
The least of which, will yeeld a rich returne
For all his paines, though you his labour scorne.

Should you despise these counsels, it will shew
So plainly, those events which must ensue,
That, he shall neither value those respects
The world affords, nor care for her neglects:
But (your sad doomes bewailing) shall desire,
That, he and his, may speedily retire
To that safe resting-place, wherein are found
Sure shelters, from those plagues, that will abound:
And, where he never more shall feel, or heare
The scornes of pride, the rage of malice feare:
Or, labour, as he hath done, heretofore,
To make a White-man of a Blackamoore.

But, yet he hopes; and yet, a while expects
Some other, and more suitable effects,

To his desires: which (if they should succeed
Accordingly, will bring him, or, his seed,
To see (forth of these Fires) that Phœnix rise,
Which, is the chiefe desire, of all their eyes,
Who love Ierusalem. And, with this hope,
His heart, he comforting, here, makes a stop;
And signifies, that, He, who doth preferre
This VOICE, is your despis'd REMEMBRANCER.

Geo. Wither.

A Postscript.

Be pleas'd to know, that, though our Author gives,
In these four Canto's, fretting Corosives,
He taketh no contentment in your smart;
But, studies to perform that Leaches part,
Who, rather, seekes his patients life to save,
Then, how to flatter him into his grave.
If you (with patience) let this Plaister lie,
The next that he intendeth to apply,
Shall be a Balsome, which will cure and ease;
And (if you be not verie hard to please)
Give proofe (what ever, knaves and fooles pretend)
Why, ev'ry honest man, should be his friend.

The Contents of the severall Canto's contained in this Volumne.

The Contents of the first Canto.

First, here is to your view prefer'd
When, where, and how this VOICE was heard:
What kind of Muzings, were the ground:
What worlds, and wonders, may be found
Within our selves: what safe-Retreats
From those oppressions, frauds, and baits
Which are without: how little feare
Of Terrours, which affright us here:
How plainly, there, a man may see
The villanies, that acted be
For private ends, with publike showes:
How generall the mischiefe growes:
Why, to acquaint you with this VOICE,
GOD, by so meane a man, makes choice:
Then, shewes how our grand-hopes deceive us,
And, prayes his aid, that must relieve us.

The Contents of the second Canto.

This Canto's Preface being done,
The VOICE, to these effects, goes on;
Tells, how unworthy we are, yet,
For Peace desired, how unfit:
How vain, how harmfull Treaties be,
Till both Sides, in one Third agree;
And (laying by ignoble ends)
Vse likely meanes of being Friends.
Shewes, that the Peace which most pursue,
Will be nor permanent, nor true.
Then, that some Cures may be appli'd,
Declares, which Parts are putrifi'd;
Which, must be purg'd, without delay;
Or, cauteriz'd, or cut away,
If we will, e're it be too late,
Recure this weake, this dying State.

The Contents of the third Canto.

Here, whether you be pleas'd, or no,
This Author, maketh bold to show
That Portion of his private wrongs,
Whose knowledge, and redresse, belongs
To Publike Justice; that, her eye
May through his wounds, her own espie.
The VOCE, then speakes again, and schooles,
In Him, all other froward-Fooles,
Who, with impatiencie do vent
Their private wrongs, or discontent:
As if their Trifles could be heard,
When Kingdomes cannot finde regard.
It shewes, our Senate blamelesse are,
Of those Distractions, raging here;
And, where the Fault, and Fountaine lies,
From whence, our present plagues arise.

The Contents of the fourth Canto.

While here, our Authour doth recite
His Muzings after Naesby fight,
The VOICE returnes; and, doth begin
To shew us, what must usher in
Exiled Peace. Then, told are we,
How kept our Vowes, and Covenants be:
How we reforme, and fast, and pray:
What Thankfulnesse we do repay:
What, must in generall be done;
What, by each Individuall-One:
What course both King and State must take,
E're they their Peace with GOD shall make:
What he expects, from ev'ry Nation,
From ev'ry Town, and Corporation,
And ev'ry House, in some degree,
Before our Peace renew'd will be.

[_]

These faults are discovered in the printing, which the Reader is desired to mend with his pen, and to pardon such other as are over-seene.

VOX PACIFICA:

OR, A Voice preparing the way of Peace: AND, To that end, dedicated to the King, Parliaments and People of these British Isles.

[The first Canto.]

I who (before my Harp was tun'd or strung)
Began to play a descant on the Times,
And was among the first of those that sung
The scorn and shame of VICE, in English Rymes.
I, that have, now, just halfe the Age of Man,
Been slashing at those Hydra's heads of sin,

Which are, yet, more then when I first began;
And more deformed growne, then they have bin,
I, that have spoke of Truth, till few believe it;
Of taking heed, till Follie hath her doome;
Of Good-advice, till no man will receive it;
And, of Deserved-Plagues, till they are come:
Once more appeare, with an intent, to say
A needfull Word in season, if I may.

The Sun hath run his course through all the Signes,
And, thirteen times the Moone renew'd her light,
Since last I limb'd my thoughts in measur'd lines,
Or, felt my heart for Numbers tun'd aright;
For, ever since my Musings in the Field,
The close whereof, a Voice of PEACE fore-tells,
With such disord'red thoughts I have been fild
As use to thrive where sad distemper dwells:
And, we have, All, so broken that Condition,
On which our wished Comforts founded are,
That, of accomplishing our hopes fruition,
Not many certaine symptomes, yet, appear;
Though, therefore, I have silent been till now,
My slownesse blame not, neither murmure you.

The Muses are not still at my command,
Whereby those Informations are acquir'd,
Which many have expected at my hand;
(And somwhat out of season too, desir'd.)
The VOICE, there mentioned, was but a Sound,
Not then, articulated into words;
The perfect Forme thereof I had not found,
Nor what interpretation it affords.
If I had spoken, e're I had mine Arrant,
Beyond my wit, my forward tongue had went;
If I had run, before I had my Warrant,
Well might I, for my labour, have been shent.
There is, for all things an appointed houre;
And, Times, and Seasons, are not in my power.

My Vessell stirreth not, till that Wind blowes
Which never blowes but when, and where it list:
Drie is my Cisterne, till that Fountain flowes,
Whose flowings-forth, I cannot then resist.
Somtimes, in me, so low the Waters lie,
That every Childe and Beast is trampling on me;
Somtime againe, they rise, they swell so high,
That Princes cannot make a Bridge upon me.
Had King, and Parliament, the other day,
Commanded from me that which now I write,
To save my life, I knew not what to say
Of that, which was inspired yesternight:
And, being, now, as full as I can hold,
Though none they please, my Musings must be told.

Mistake not tho, as if it should be thought,
That by Enthusiasme, now, I write;
Or, that the matter which to me is brought,
By GODS immediate dictates, I indite.
Far is that Arrogancie from my Pen:
The Objects of my Contemplation, be
The same which GOD affords to other men,
Who use aright, the Guifts bestow'd on me.
The Muses challenge a peculiar phrase
And freedomes, not so well becoming those,
Who are confined to observe the lawes
Of common speech, and tell their minds in prose:
For, whereas these have but one worke to do,
I have, in my Intentions, often two.

To reason out a Truth, is their perfection;
That, so, mens judgements rectifie they might:
Thereat, I aime: But, how to move Affection,
And set the motions of the Will aright,
Is my chiefe work: And; to that end, I catch
At all advantages of Place and Time,
Of Actions, or Expressions; and, I watch
For ev'ry meanes of well improving them.

By which endeavours (and, for ought I know,
By some aid, more then ordinary too)
Mixt with mine own Conjectures, I fore-show
Some things, which GOD requires, or means to do.
And, when I apprehend such things as these,
They neither are conceall'd, nor told with ease.

As when a portion of new spritly-wine,
Is in a close, and crazie Vessell pent,
Which neither can sufficiently confine
The working Liquor, nor well give it vent;
Ev'n so I far'd: For, (though I felt my breast
With matter fully stor'd) seaven daies I strove
My swelling Thoughts, in Words, to have exprest,
Yet neither could desist, nor forward move.
But, on that night in which our Monethly-Fast
Had swallow'd up our greatest Festivall,
My Muse broke loose: And, now the stop is past,
Will run her Course, what ever may befall;
And (since to speak her mind she hath begun)
Resolves, She will be heard, e're She hath done.

Once more therefore, yee BRITAINS lend an eare;
KING, PRIEST, & PEOPLE mark what now I say,
And, if you shall be pleas'd this VOICE to heare,
Take heed, you harden not your hearts to day.
For, if your pride, and follie, shall despise
The gentle VOICE, that now salutes your eare,
Ere long, there shall another VOICE arise,
Which will not such a peacefull note preferre.
It shall not move with so becalm'd a Breath,
Nor be dilated through so milde an ayre,
But, from the wombe of Hell, and Jawes of Death,
Be thund'red forth, with horrours and despaire:
And, few shall hear that VOICES dreadfull sound,
Without a smarting, and a curelesse wound.

Though you my former Warnings did abuse,
It brookes excuse: Because, I so fore-told

Ensuing things, as yet, no Moderne-Muse
Hath done the like; and few in times of old:
But, now, by seeing those Predictions true,
You, as it were, an Earnest have receiv'd,
And an assurance, tendred unto you,
That, what is here declar'd, may be believ'd.
By vertue, therefore, of that Seal, and Signe,
I challenge that beleefe, and that respect,
Which appertaineth to this VOICE of mine,
Till, thence, I seeke to draw some ill effect;
By making that, which hath fulfilled bin,
An Argument to warrantize a sin.

If an advantage I shall take from thence,
To tempt, from any duty to be done;
To act, what gives the Deitie offence,
Or any unbeseeming Course to run;
Let me be censur'd as Impostors ought,
That woo the world, by seeking Heaven in show:
Or as a man that's by delusion taught,
To take more paines for Hell, then others do.
But, if this VOICE, by Truth shall stand approv'd,
And by your Consciences allowed be;
Resist not that, whereto you shall be mov'd,
Nor of my Hopes, at this time, hinder me:
For, in their prosecution, I'le proceed,
How e're you practice, or how ere I speed.

The twentieth year, tenth moneth, and sixteenth day,
With carefull thoughts, and thoughtfull heart opprest,
Near to the fruitfull Banks of Thame I lay,
With waking eyes, whilst others were at rest.
It was that day, on which they mournd apart,
By whom this Realm hath represented bin;
Thereby, instructing ev'ry Single-heart,
Which way, the Peace desired, must begin)
With private griefs, I had enough to do,
To rob my body, and my mind of rest:

Yet, I had many publike sorrowes, too,
By which, my other suffrings were increast:
And, who was ever unafflicted known,
That beareth others burdens with his own?

Were I but onely rob'd of my estate,
And, thereby brought in danger to be poore;
Or of such other mischiefs, as of late
These warres have brought on me, and many more:
Could I no other miseries conceive,
Then those, which make our carkasses to smart,
Our children crie, our tender women grieve,
Or trie the stoutnesse of a manly heart:
Were but the outward glories of this Realme,
Or of this Church, indanger'd, and no more;
Our wounds had needed but a common balme,
A sigh or two had blown my sorrowes ore:
Because, for shells, but little care I take,
Save onely for the precious kernell sake.

But, though the happinesse of Realmes and Men,
Doth not, alone, in outward things consist;
(Nay, rather gaines perfection, now and then,
By having some externall blessing mist)
Yet, he to his experience little owes,
Who sees not, that defect of needfull things,
Breeds incivility; and overthrowes
That industrie, from whence well-being springs.
And, he to our condition is a stranger,
Who knowes not, that, by these distractions here,
Reformed-Churches are (this day) in danger
To suffer, in our suffrings, ev'ry where:
And, that, if our confusions we pursue,
Meer Barbarisme will (ere long) ensue.

Who, can behold the spirit of contention
Still active; and, all overtures of Peace
Retarded still; or, poysoned with dissention,
Yet not bewaile our miseries increase?

Or, who laments not? that may feare he carries
Within his loynes, the seed of Generations,
That may be bred for Romish-Janisaries:
And, nursed up in their abhominations?
For, though GOD may prevent what we may dread,
(And will perhaps) yet none should senslesse grow
Of that wherewith our Land is over-spread;
Nor of those Plagues, which these may bring us to:
But, rather, labour for, by sighes, and teares
A publike Freedom from our private Feares.

For, who now dreads not, that upon this Age,
Worse Plagues are coming, then as yet, we view?
And, that the things we suffer, do presage
Far greater mischieves, will on those ensue?
Loe, that great Festivall, which by this Nation,
Was ev'ry yeare observ'd, upon this week,
With such magnificent solemnization,
That through the world, there hath not been the like:
That Festivall, which memoriz'd the birth
Of our great Pastor, and (for no small while)
Did fill each Temple, and each house with mirth,
Through ev'ry Shire, and Village, of this Isle:
That Feast into a Fast, our sins now turn;
And, where we have triumphed, we now mourn.

The Feast of Ashuerus, was to this
A petty banquet (if considered
In ev'ry circumstance) though great was his,
And many people for a long time fed.
The Jewish Passover, which did surpasse
The most for some respects; in all of them,
By our great Festivall, exceeded was,
As well in Plenties, as in Place, and Time.
For, therein, all Provisions did abound:
It was throughout all places, too, extended;
With some, it ent'rance in November, found;
And not till February, fully ended;

But, universally, twelve dayes, at least,
Throughout the Land, it was a yearly Feast.

That Festivall, (which till it was polluted
With Bacchanalian Rites, and Superstition,
A pious Observation was reputed)
Is now exploded, as a vaine Tradition.
Our Triumph-day, by Providence, is come
To be the day of our humiliations.
The Glorie, now, is quite departed from
This Kingdome, for our great abominations.
The pleasant things, in which we were delighted,
Are took away. The costly trimmings, which
To Superstition, Ignorance invited,
And which began to cozen, and bewitch,
Are broken down; Our brave rich-Robes are gone,
And, all of us, have Mourning-Garments on.

For our abuse of them, GOD, takes away
The chiefe of our Melodious-Instruments;
And, they who heretofore did sing and play,
Now, sadly sigh; or, howle forth discontents.
Our Lutes and Violls, (which were wont to sound
Eare-charming straines) are broke and throwne aside:
Or, by the noyse of Drums and Cannons drown'd,
In whose loud thundrings, terrour doth reside.
The Peace, which we supposed everlasting,
Is fled away: Our Iubilees are ended:
Our Horne of plenty, ev'ry day is wasting,
Our Foes are strong, and we are ill befriended:
Our fruitlesse hopes, have utterly undone us;
The things we feared, are now come upon us.

Our many great and unrepented crimes,
The Plagues that Sin hath multiplied here;
The wilfulnesse and madnesse of the times,
So represented to my fancie were,
That, through this Island, I (me thought) could see
No Worke secur'd from being overthrown;

No act, or counsell, from confusion free;
No place, that was not metamorphos'd grown:
No man, almost, that had not chang'd his mind;
No principle, that was not call'd in doubt;
No course, in which we might a safetie find;
No vertue, in all trials, holding out;
Nor any hope of being freed from
Our present evils, for the time to come.

That Cloud of Plagues, which fill'd in Embleme-wise,
The Title-page, of my Remembrancer,
(To set before this heedlesse Nations eyes,
A glimpse of Judgments, then, approaching near)
That horrid-cloud, through all these Iles disperst,
Me-thought I view'd; and showring on these Lands,
The black effects, which I long since rehearst;
And, all the Plagues attending GODS commands.
Not only Famine, Pestilence, and Sword,
With such, as bring on outward Desolations;
But, Plagues appeared also, more abhord
By those, who cherish noblest expectations:
For, though these harmfull are, more hurt they do,
Which murther us in Soule, and Bodie too.

I saw so great, so many our Distractions,
Such Discords, rising up between the Nations;
In ev'rie Shire, in ev'rie Towne such Factions;
In ev'rie Person, such dissimulations:
Among the Wise, I found so little Reason;
So little goodnesse, left among the Best;
In fairest shewes of Trust, such reall Treason;
And so much Fraud, where Truth was most profest;
That, neither want, nor wealth; nor wit, nor Folly;
Nor Vice, nor Vertue; Love, nor Hatred, neither,
Nor sanctified things, nor things unholy
Distinguisht were; but, shuffled so together,
That, all things in this world, appear'd, me-thought,
Into a Soul-confounding Chaos, brought.

Which melancholy Apprehensions rear'd
Such crotchets, and such whimsies in my braines;
That, many sights, and sounds, I saw and heard,
Like those which Feare begets, or Fancie faines:
Before me, as a shadow seem'd to passe,
Things present, past, and coming; till I saw
Quite out of sight, all that which IS, or WAS,
And, to an end things Future, also, draw.
Strange sounds and noyses, heard I round about me,
Or, in me rather; such as did begin
From those which rumbled ev'rie day without me,
Before a troubled Fancie let them in:
Which, though to be uncertaine Sounds, we grant,
A Mysterie, not one of them doth want.

One while, me thought, Wolves, Foxes, Dogs, & Swine,
A greedy, craftie, currish, nastie rabble,
Did howle, bark, snarle and grunt; and sometime joyne
In consort: Musike most abominable!
Sometime, as when an Angrie Lyon roares,
Or, as when Thunder breaks out of a cloud,
Or, as when raging Billows teare the shoares,
I Voyces heard; so shrill, so deep, so loud.
I heard, me thought, the Voyce of Desperation,
The crying Voyce of Sin, the Voyce of Bloud,
The Voyce of Death, and utter Desolation;
The Voyce of Iudgement, from an angrie God,
And ev'ry Voyce, and ev'ry Cry and Sound,
In which amazement, dread, and death is found.

Which, had it sounded to an Outward-eare,
(As, by my Vnderstanding it was heard)
The noyse, had made both dead and living, heare:
The Spheres to shake, and Earth, and Hell afeard:
The terrour of it, made my Soule to flie
Beyond the limits of corporeall things;
Sometimes descending, sometimes mounting high,
To shun the din, which doubt and horrour brings.

But, whatsoever way her course she stear'd,
Confused noyse did ev'ry where abound;
Confused actions ev'ry where appear'd;
Which caus'd my strong distempers to abound:
And, almost curelesse, made I my disease,
By asking of my heart, such things a these.

Why is this World (a Scene of sin and paine)
Fill'd full of shadows, which no substance have?
A place of time and labour spent in vaine?
And where we lose our selves, a Toy to save?
From thence, where we nor smart, nor griefe did feele,
We through the womb come crawling weakly hither;
Then getting strength, we scratch and fight a while;
And, through the grave, passe on, we know not whither.
If we pursue what nat'rally delights us,
And walk that course, which gives the flesh content;
Our Conscience, or some Powre-divine affrights us,
With inward seares, and threats of punishment;
And, if our selves we virtuously dispose,
The World, and all without us, are our Foes.

Disgracefull slanders, ev'ry where attend us,
Though none can, justly, any where accuse us:
They, who are most obliged to befriend us,
When we expect best usage, most abuse us.
They, who to all enormities are prone,
And make no conscience, of the foulest crimes,
(If they suspect us guiltie but of One)
Mis-judge us, as off-scourings of the Times.
While for their peace, our studies we employ,
And spend our selves, to propagate their good;
They, labour our well-doing, to destroy,
And staine their murth'rous weapons, with our blood,
As if those portions they regarded not,
Which were not torne, out of a brothers throat.

Since Kings, and Princes, were at first promoted,
Nor for their owne, but for the Peoples sake,

Why, on their trappings, have all Ages doted?
How, did our Creatures, flaves of us, first make?
How grew man-kind so mad, to flatter them
Vp to that needlesse height, of pomp, and powre,
Which makes their Arrogancies to contemne
Our Freedomes? and our Birth-rights to devoure?
How, are they still so fool'd, as not to know
(By that which they have heard, and read, and see)
That, Tyrants alwayes have an overthrow,
When great'st their Hopes, and their Oppressions be?
And, justly, lose their Honours, Crownes, and Lives,
By struggling for unjust Prerogatives?

Since GOD, for MAN, at first, this world did frame,
(And made it principally for the sake
Of those who serve him, and adore his Name)
Why, doth his Foe, possession thereof take?
How comes it, that the Serpent, and his breed,
Lords Paramount through all Earths Kingdomes are?
And, that the promis'd and the blessed Seed,
Enjoyes of this vast Globe, so small a share?
Yea, since the Earth is GODS, and they are His,
To whom, by free donation, it was given:
Why, is their due infringed, as it is?
And, why are they from their possessions driven,
Scorn'd, injur'd, and abus'd, as abject things,
Where they should honour'd be, as Lords and Kings?

Why is the chosen flock of Christ so few,
And, they so numerous, who them despite?
(The Pagan, the Mahumetan, the Iew,
The Papist, and the Bosome-Hypocrite.)
Since GOD made Man, for good, and not for ill,
(To be in him, and with him, ever blessed)
How did his Foe first captivate his Will?
How, of his Creature, is GOD dispossessed?
How, is he glorified, while those Fiends
Do persecute, insult, and domineere

In mischieves? and in ruining his Friends,
Who said, Their Lives and Deaths, to him are deare?
Since GOD is good, why, so prevaileth evill?
Since he's Almightie, how, so thrives the Devill?

Whilst these Expostulations I pursu'd,
A BOOKE to me appeared, fairly writ;
In which, I satisfying answers view'd
To all the Questionings of Carnall-wit.
Wherewith, my Soule remained satisfide,
And drew her selfe from these wild Contemplations,
(Which, elfe perhaps, had carried her aside
From better, and from safer meditations.)
Then, from all outward Noyses, to be free,
Into my Selfe, I further did retire;
Ev'n to that Closet, which is call'd in me,
The INNER-MAN, to seek out my Desire:
And, being there, enough I heard and saw,
To teach, to comfort, and to keep in awe.

For, then, my Heart, (which did before appeare
A little, narrow, lonely, darksome Roome)
Was filled with a Light, that shin'd so cleare,
And made the same so visible become;
That (looking inwardly) I saw distensions
So boundlesse, in their Width, their Depth, and Height,
That, weighing well a fleshly Hearts dimensions,
It might be thought an admirable sight.
For, were you on that mountaine, or high cliffe,
Whence you might farthest round about you see,
(Suppose it were the famous Tenariffe)
The Prospects, there, to those that In-ward bee,
To me, no more to be compar'd, appeares
Than that within a Nut-shell, to the Spheares.

It shewes a Place (if Place we call it may)
Within the Concave of whose wondrous Orb,
The Eye of Contemplation may survay
Sights, which no Bounds, or Shaddowes, do disturb.

There, may be seene the meanes which doth disclose,
Though not the Essence of Eternall-things,
So much at least, as ev'ry notion showes,
From whence, beleefe of their true Being springs.
There, may the Soule that hideous Downefall see,
Which leadeth to the brinck of Desperation:
There, may that Entrance plainly viewed be,
Which guideth to a blessed Exaltation:
And, there, the Spirit, to our knowledge, brings
The Good and Ill, of all created things.

For, hitherto, I never heard of ought
In Heav'n, or Earth, but I perceiv'd it there:
Yea, many Novelties from thence are brought,
Which have no Being, any other where.
It is indeed, another World within
The World without me; and I thither go,
When I to loath externall things begin,
And, doubtfull am, what in this World, to do.
I sometime there have entertainments had,
Like those which may in Paradise be found:
Sometime againe, 'tis like a Chaos made,
Wherein deluding Fancies do abound.
Sometime, the Light of Heav'n there seems to dwell,
And, otherwhile, it is as dark as Hell.

Within our selves (as God vouchsafes his grace)
That Blisse, and that true happinesse is found,
Which men seek after in that Time and Place,
Which have not much relatiom to this ROVND:
I being thither guided (by that Light
Which faileth none) there, found out an abode
Quite out of hearing, and beyond the sight
Of those distractions, which I saw abroad.
There, found I out, a Resting place to hide me
From scorne of Fooles, and from the Strife of tongues:
From their despight, who slander and deride me;
From private mischiefes, and from publike wrongs;

From all the menaces, my eares have heard;
From all the perils, which my heart hath fear'd.

There, I with sportive sleightings, did peruse
That, which their malice, who these times do flatter,
Have spewed forth against my blamelesse Muse,
In lumps of scurrill, base, and witlesse matter:
And, am content to let the CVRS alone,
Though loud they snarle and bawle; because I find
Those Beasts are by their Masters tezed on;
And, do but bark, according to their kind.
Though not their wit, their malice might, perhaps,
Deserve a Rating; and, I could have flung them
A Bone, that would have broke, or gagg'd their chaps;
(Or, throwne the Wild-fires of my Brain among them)
But, they in vaine shall bark; in vaine they raile;
To scratch the Scabs, I scorne to foule my naile.

For, I, in that Retirement, seem'd no more
By such decrepit-Malice, to be hurt,
Than is a well compacted Rockie-shore,
On which, the Billows cast up Foame, and durt.
There, shewne I was, the high prerogatives,
(The priviledges) of my Second-birth;
And, from what noble Root, my Soule derives
Her Pedigree, though she be cloath'd with earth.
And, could I still (when I from Contemplation
Returne to Act) retaine in me that height
Of Spirit; and the reall estimation
Of that, wherein at those times, I delight:
I never more, an earthly hope should cherish,
Or, prize the honours, of the Beasts that perish.

There, on a Throne, above the world I sate,
Beholding, with disdaine, Terrestriall things;
The fruitlesse love of Mortals, and their hate,
The Tyrannies of Subjects, and of Kings.
There, I beheld (without those perturbations,
Which vexed me abroad) how Pride and Folly

Support each other, by their combinations,
In wicked projects, and in works unholy.
There, spi'd I, by what secret Links and Ties,
The cursed-Counsell which deludes the King,
And, that false-pack which in our bosome lies,
Their dark Designes together closely bring:
And why so many moneths in vain are spent,
Their treacheries and treasons, to prevent.

There, can I sit obscur'd, and spie what ends
Are closely follow'd by the Politician;
Who, seemingly, the common-Cause befriends,
That he may ruine it, without suspition.
There, I descrie, what avarice, what frauds,
What spight, and what hypocrisie doth lurk
In many, whom the publike-Voice applauds,
As faithfull men, in carrying on the Work.
Without distemper, there, I think upon
Their pride and envie, who had rather see
Three Kingdomes universally undone,
Then, wained from their wilfulnesse to be:
Because, I know, GODS Worke will be effected,
In spight of what their madnesse hath projected.

There, without breach of Patience, I can heed,
How impudently some have sought to seem
Of eminent desert; who are indeed
More worthy of contempt, then of esteem:
How quaintly other-some can mischief do;
And then, by policie, and frauds contrive
To purchase thanks, and pay, and favour too,
For that, which, rather, should a halter have.
Yea, there, without offence, I notice take
How zealously Malignants are befriended;
How sleight account of their deserts we make,
Who have, with life, and goods, the State defended:
And, with what confidence, we still confide
On those, that will be true to neither side.

There, likewise, without wrath, I view, and heare
How senslesse many, who are counted wise,
Both of advantages, and dangers are,
Which ev'ry day appear before our eyes.
How needlesse good Advice, by some, is thought
Till 'tis too late; how, to prevent a Wound
They lose a life; and, (to be thriftie thought)
How, they to save a groat, mispend a pound.
How desp'rately they somtime take a Fall,
To scape a Slip; how, other while, to save
Some Rotten-Members, they adventure all
Which we by Grace, or Natures Charters have.
All this, in my Retirements, I can see,
Yet, nothing vexeth, or affrigheth me.

For, therewithall, such meanes appear to show
That both the good Endeavours of our Friends,
And all the Counterminings of the Foe,
Shall work out that, at last, which GOD intends:
And, that, if we contented can become
To beare our Burthens, but a little longer,
His Grace, will render them, lesse troublesome,
Or make us, to sustaine them, daily stronger.
Wherewith well pleas'd, I totally resign'd
My Will to his; And, by that Resignation,
Delightfull Calmes within my heart did finde,
So freeing me, from former perturbation,
That, all within, and all without me, kept
Such silence, as if all the world had slept.

As at high Midnight in a Desert Vale,
Or'e-hung and bordred by a Double-Hill,
On which there blowes not any whistling-gale,
Down which, there flowes not any murm'ring Rill,
Near which, nor Bird doth sing, nor Beast doth play,
Through which, no Travailer doth ever passe;
By which, there growes no rusling leafe or spray,
In which, no noise of Creature ever was;

Such seem'd that Calme, which, then, I did possesse,
(Or deeper, if it might a deeper be)
And, that the Silence, which I now expresse,
May not prove empty both to You, and Me,
In this Retreat, from ev'ry other noise,
As from a farre, to me there came a VOICE.

A VOICE there came; From whence, I will not say:
Judge yee, to whom I shall report the same;
For, if you mark the sense, conceive you may
Aswell as I, from whom and whence it came.
So still a VOICE it was, that with mine Eare,
I heard it not; nor made it such a noise
As that, which our corporeall sence doth hear;
Nor was it an articulated VOICE:
But, such a VOICE as when the Spirit brings
A Message down from GOD; and, to the heart
Doth whisper those intelligible things,
Which words do but imperfectly impart;
Or, such a VOICE, as from GODS written Word,
The Genuine sense well heeded, may afford.

And yet it spake so plainly, and did shew
Those Informations which I gain'd thereby,
In ev'ry Circumstance, to be so true,
That of no branch thereof, misdoubt have I.
Thus, it began. Thou Off-spring of the earth,
Whom Providence designed, in this Nation
To have thy temp'rall Being; and thy Birth
In this Degree, and in this Generation:
Suppose not, that, in any worth of thine
There could a merit, or a motive be,
Which might Eternall-Providence incline,
To cast so gracious an aspect on thee,
As to descend so low, as to thy heart,
The knowledge of his pleasure, to impart.

For, from thy Childhood, he thy thoughts hath seen,
Heard all thy words, observed all thy waies;

Can tell how vaine thy youthfull years have been,
And, how thou hast defil'd thy elder-daies.
He knowes thy seeming vertues imperfections;
He saw what evill secretly thou didst;
And made thee likewise feel by due corrections,
That, he beheld what from the world thou hidst.
The Folly, Fraud, and falshood of thy heart;
The vices, and the vainnesse of thy tongue;
How false to others and thy selfe thou art,
How slow to good, how swift in doing wrong,
He truly knowes; and, findes thee apt to do
No dutie, but what he compells thee to.

And, he observed (though thy guilt he smothers)
That, thou to whom he better things hath taught,
Art in those Crimes as deeply di'd as others,
Who on this Isle, these present Plagues have brought.
Observ'd he hath, how fondly thou hast striven
With Wordlings, in their lusts, to have a share;
Although, to thee, experiments were given,
What empty, and pernitious things they are.
Yea, with some indignation he discerned
That, madly, thou didst many times partake
In provocations, whereof thou hadst warned
This Land (even those thou vowedst to forsake)
And, that, with greedinesse thou hast pursu'd,
Those vanities that ought to be eschew'd.

Although thy heart inform'd thee, long agoe
(By an indubitable information)
That, all the services thou couldst bestow
Vpon the Minions of this Generation,
Should nothing profit thee: Thou, nerethelesse,
(Forgetting what was counsell'd, and resolved)
Didst fawne on some of them, in thy distresse;
And hadst, no doubt, thereby thy selfe involved
Within those Nets, which at their Boords are spred;
But, that, GOD did permit them to contemn

Thy honest Muses: who a plot had laid,
Into those vertues, to have flatter'd them,
Which they regard not: otherwise that Course
Which nothing better'd them, had made thee worse.

When thou hadst, in thy Poems, vice reproved,
He search'd thy heart; and saw it was not, then,
Meere love to vertue, whereby thou wert moved;
Or, that thou hadst lesse guilt then other men.
Somtime, that fickle bubble, Reputation,
Sometime that hope which thy vaine Fancie gives thee;
Sometime, applauses, sometimes, indignation,
Into a just reproofe of sinners drives thee.
Some other by-respects, oft wrought upon
Thy heart, to rouze up in thee an indeavour
In things, that seemed worthy to be done:
But, thy performances proceeded never
From that true love, and that sincere affection
Which thou didst owe to Him, and his perfection.

And, for these things, their mouths wide op'ned be,
Who seek to turn thy glory to thy shame:
Those witlesse Railers are let loose on thee,
Whom, in thy Measures, thou didst scorn to name.
For this, thou sufferest by the sharp despights
Of open-sinners: and much more, by farre,
Through those malicious, and proud Hypocrites,
Who kindled first, and still foment this warre.
For this, thou (who for others couldst espie
Conceal'd events) hast oft so blinded been
In matters of thine own, that what thine eye
Seem'd fixed on, thy wit hath over-seen;
Till, to thy mind, they through those meanes were brought,
By which each Foole, and ev'ry child is taught.

For this, wert thou deservedly depriv'd
Of blessings, which thou els mightst have enjoy'd:
And, for that cause, hast worthily surviv'd,
To see thy hopes, with other mens, destroy'd,

For this, thou (with the first) hast plundred bin;
For this, thou both by Friends and Foes art torn;
For this, where thou hadst hopes, respects to win,
Instead of honour, thou reproach hast born:
For this, thy best endeavours have been crost,
By them, whose power could els no spite have done thee;
For this, those paines, and those designes are lost,
Which otherwise had great advantage won thee;
And, but that whom GOD loves, he leaveth never,
For this, rejected thou hadst been for ever.

Yet such is his compassion, that his love
Still seeks to reingage thee by his graces;
Beholding thee with favour from above,
In wants, in suffrings, in all times and places,
According to thy trust in him reposed,
(When thy Remembrances did first appeare)
As with a wall of brasse he thee inclosed,
From those who at thy Muse inraged were.
The Prelates and the Nobles, who conspired
To ruine thee, and thereto did comply,
Obtain'd no power to act what they desired,
Though open to their fury thou didst lie;
Although some suffred, then, (for milder lines)
By Stygmatizings, Banishment, and Fines.

When thou wert grasped in that Dragons pawes,
Who sought thy spoil; GOD, strangely charm'd his rage:
He from devouring thee restrain'd his Jawes,
Even while he rav'd, and storm'd at thy presage.
Yea, whereas thou didst imprecate on those,
Who should malitiously thy lines defame,
(And without penitence their Truth oppose)
A Publike Marke, to brand them for the same;
Ev'n so it came to passe: For, scarcely one
Of those Oppressers are at this day free
From having those just Censures undergone
By which, the publike-Foes, now marked be;

And, to the chief of them, this mark GOD gave,
That, He with shame, went headlesse to his grave.

In all the changes of this toylsome life,
He kept thee with an honest Reputation.
He, was thy comfort still, in times of griefe,
In dangers, he hath been thy preservation.
He sav'd thee from the furioust Pestilence
That ever in this Clymate did appear;
And, hitherto, hath by his Providence,
Secur'd thee from the Sword, yet raging here.
Now, when they lack, who surfeted of late;
When Bread, with men more worthie, groweth scant,
(Yea, though the Foe hath spoiled thy estate)
He keepes thy family, from pinching want;
And makes thee hopefull, whatsoere betide,
That, he for thee and thine will still provide.

Moreover, when thy patience was nigh tir'd;
When thy estate, the world did most despise;
GOD gave thee that which most thy heart desir'd,
(And, of all things terrestriall, most hath priz'd)
He, likewise, hath preserv'd thee to behold
Those things, in thine own life-time verifide,
Which seem'd as dreames, when first by thee fore-told;
Which fooles did sleight, and wiser men deride.
And, not thus only, was he pleas'd to do;
But, now, hath also call'd thee, to prepare
The Way of Peace, and, to reveale unto
These British Isles, what those Conditions are,
Whereon, it is his pleasure to return
That Blessing to them, for which, yet they mourne.

It is not for thy sake, that, now, his eyes
He fixeth, not on persons eminent;
Or, hath not chosen one more learn'd and wise,
By whom, this weighty Message might be sent:
But, rather, to abase and vex their pride
Who carnall Pompe, and outward showes adore,

(Vouchsafing scarce to turn their eye aside,
To heed the suits, or counsells of the poore)
And, that (to humble them) they may be faine
Perforce, to hear, and to accept from him,
(Whose guifts and perfon, most of them disdaine)
The Way of Peace, which he shall offer them;
Or else, through pride, grow hardned in that sin,
Which bringeth Desolation faster in.

This is the Course, which Providence hath took
When selfe-conceit, and sin, befooleth Nations;
And Carnall policie, doth over-look
The lowly meanes, of timely preservations.
Thus, that the Jewish-pride he down might bring,
When they the pompe of heathenish-Kings affected,
He made, one Seeking-Asses, their first King;
And, them unto a Shepheard, next, subjected.
When their proud Pharisees, and Priests, beleeved,
That He, who came the Kingdom to restore,
Should from their power and wisdom have received
Chiefe aid thereto; he rais'd it by the poor.
From their formalities, his eyes he turn'd,
And chose the meek-ones, whom their pride had scorn'd.

And, GOD thus dealeth still, when he intends
To purge a People, and refine a State;
Making one motion, move to sev'rall ends,
As it to sundrie Objects may relate.
Who should have thought, that saw a while ago
The Prelacie in pompe (advancing thorow
This potent Isle) it should be baffled so
In height of all it pride, at Edenborough?
Who could have then supposed, that a Stoole,
Flung by a sillie woman, in her zeal,
(When policie did labour to befoole
Your brethren, and the Dragons wound to heale)
Should have, in thousands, kindled such a flame
Of zeale, as from that meane occasion came?

Who would have thought the late despised Scot,
(A Nation, whom your elders dis-esteem'd,
A Nation, whom your Fathers loved not,
And, of whose friendship, carelesse you have seem'd)
Should first have rouz'd, a passage to have broke
Through that Attempt; which, will (if unrepented
And wilfull sins obstruct not) breake that yoke
Which Heresie and Tyranny invented?
Who would have been perswaded, but erewhile,
The Scot should faithfully for you have kept
Your nigh-lost footing in the Irish Ile?
And, while the Flame into their borders crept,
Should, brother-like, contribute their chiefe powers,
To quench the Burnings, which your Towns devours?

Or, who would have beleeved (having heard
The scandals, and malignant jealousies,
Wherewith some do their love, yet, mis-reward)
That Scotland should for Englands aid arise,
And in their marches through your fruitfull lands,
More conscience make, than you your selves have shown,
Of laying violent, and griping hands,
On them, whose wounds and losses are your own?
But, GOD is pleas'd these things should come to passe,
To humble and abase that high conceit,
Which falsly of your selves admitted was;
And, that both you and they might have a sight
Of his great Providence, in so proceeding;
And, Good, and Bad, confesse it merits heeding.

For, by this course, he doth effect his will
Within them, by them, and upon them too.
Both Friends and Foes, all actions good or ill,
Promote the work which he intends to do.
They, who, long time, have wilfully persisted
In crooked paths, from which they call'd have bin,
And, in those Calls, the Spirits Voyce resisted,
(Or carelesly proceeded in their sin)

Shall (blind with malice, and obdur'd with pride)
Sleight all the counsels, tendred now by thee:
The Tenour of this VOICE, they shall deride,
And, madly, stubborne in their Courses be,
Till on their heads, those judgements down shall come,
Which are an unrepentant Sinners doome.

And, when with plagues deserved they are stung,
(In stead of Penitence, or filiall awe)
As doth a Dog at whom a stone is flung,
So they shall snarle, and so the weapon gnaw.
Or, rather, as it was fore-told of those,
For whom, GOD, his fifth Violl should prepare,
The greater, still, their feare or torment growes,
The lesse to be reform'd will those men care.
They (to the Throne and Kingdome of the BEAST
True Vassals being) will GODS name blaspheme;
Or, else be stupified, at the least,
When GOD with stripes, or counsells visits them.
To these, this VOICE, will no good Omen sing;
To these, no Peace, no Comfort, will it bring.

But, they who by their chastisements for sin,
Are humbled so, so school'd, and made so meeke,
As to admit that true repentance in,
Which makes them gladly, Truth, and Mercie seeke,
Ev'n they shall from this VOICE, receive content;
And not disdaine the Wine of consolation,
Though in an earthen Vessell it be sent;
But, take it with a thankfull acceptation.
And, if of these, that number found shall be,
For which, three wicked Kingdomes may be spar'd,
You shall from Ruine, once againe be free;
To shew the World, that, what few now regard,
Prevents more mischiefe, and more safetie brings,
Than potent Armies, Parlaments, and Kings.

For, Kings, and Parlaments, and Armies, too,
When crying sins in any Realme abound,

Advantage not, so much as they undo;
As, by a late experience, you have found.
A King you had, who was, at first, conceiv'd,
To pitie, and to pietie enclin'd;
(Such, he was really of thee beleev'd)
Yet, of those Vertues, now, small signes you find.
The Cup and Fornications of the WHORE,
Do seeme to have bewitcht his royall brest:
With bloudy sins, his Realmes are flowed o're,
(Defil'd with crimes, that cannot be exprest)
And, more in danger to be quite undone,
Than, ever since, a King first fill'd this Throne.

He takes a Course, which if pursu'd, will do him
More dammages than all his forraigne foes:
And all their malice could have brought unto him.
Yea, so improvident a path he goes,
As if by his Fore-fathers, or by Him,
Some sin had been committed, which hath shaken
His verie Throne, defac'd his Diadem,
And, for which, Vengeance must ere long be taken.
For, though he knowes the peoples griefes and feares,
Though sprawling in their bloud he sees them lying;
Though he beholds the flames about their eares,
And, in their deaths, his honour daily dying:
Yet, seemes he nothing to heare, know, or see,
Which for your safety, or his own may be.

The Royall-Pow'r, that should the Realme have guarded,
Is to the ruine thereof, mis-imploy'd;
The Perquisites, allow'd to have rewarded
Deserving-men, by Ruffians are enjoy'd.
The Dignities, ordain'd to have been placed
On them, whose deeds their noblenesse declar'd;
To Slaves are prostituted; and disgraced,
By being on Buffoones and Clownes conferr'd.
His Councell-Table was become a snare,
His Court, a Sanctuarie for Transgressors;

The Iudgement-Seats, were engines to prepare
Advantages, for Bribers and Oppressors:
The Soveraigne, from the Subject is estranged;
And Kingship into Tyranny, is changed.

But, though the King be partner in these crimes,
'Tis you, who have your selves, and him undone:
For, as Idolaters in former times,
First, made carv'd Images, of Wood and Stone,
(Perhaps, but meerly for Commemoration
Of some deceased Worthy) and, at last,
Improv'd it into sottish adoration;
So, Those, on whom the Government was plac'd,
(By prudent Counsell) Base men, by degrees
So idolized, and with flatteries
So long, in servile manner, bow'd their knees
To their Self-will; that, first, to tyrannize
The peoples blockishnesse, and basenesse brought them:
Yea, how to be Oppressors, they first taught them.

And, when Kings saw, the peoples foolishnesse
Did make themselves beleeve, that their owne Creature
Had therein, an inherent awfulnesse,
Advancing it above the humane nature;
They, quickly from that folly, and that feare,
Advantages assumed to improve
Their pow'rs: It made them greater to appeare;
And in a more Majestick Orb to move.
The slavish gestures, and the servile phrase
Long us'd in Court, did thereto so much add,
That, he who like a man, declares his cause,
Is judg'd unmannerly, or somwhat mad:
Nay, to that height the, Royall claime is brought,
That none, but Slaves, are now true Subjects thought.

A Parliament you have, which you obtained,
When you were most desirous to have had it;
You, thereunto a priviledge have gained,
Which, now, more fixt than formerly, hath made it.

The House of Peeres is of a party cleared,
Whom, leaning to your, Common-Foe you doubted;
Whose power you felt, whose policie you feared,
And, whom, long since, some gladly would have outed.
Yet had Corruption over-fill'd it so
With honour'd Titles, worne without deserts;
And, with so many, raised from below,
To sit on Princely Seats, with Slavish-hearts,
That, when your troubles well-nigh cur'd you thought,
Far greater mischieves, were upon you brought.

Your House of Commons, (though when first convented,
It fill'd you with a hopefull expectation)
Hath ev'ry way so truly represented,
The Common Constitution of this Nation;
That, little hitherto hath been effected
To mitigate your Feares, or settle Peace,
According to the issue you expected;
But, ev'ry day your sorrowes more increase.
So great an inundation of confusion
Is broken in upon you; that, in vaine
You hope or labour for a good conclusion,
Till GOD himselfe make up the Breach againe;
And, you (with more sincerity) confesse
Your Guilt, your Weaknesse, and your Foolishnesse.

Betwixt You, and your King, there is of late
A cursed Fire broke forth, whose raging flame
Each others ruine threatens, like to that
Which from Abimelech, and Shechem, came.
So damnable a Spirit of Contention
Is conjur'd up, that, his designes are brought
Past all those remedies, and that prevention
Which by the wit of mortalls can be wrought.
So madly, you each other do oppose,
That ev'ry one consults and acts in vaine:
What one reares up, another overthrowes;
What one destroyes, another builds again:

And nothing is the vulgar expectation
But ruine, if not utter Desolation.

For, crying-sins do gen'rally prevaile,
The Rules of Order, quite aside are laid:
The prudence of the Counsellour doth faile;
The honestest-Designes, are most gain-said;
The Grossest Falshood, soonest is believ'd;
His cause best speedes, who aimes at basest-ends,
The worst-Transgressour, shall be soon'st repriev'd;
The veriest Knave shall find the Lordliest friends:
And, when Foundations thus are overthrowne,
What can the Righteous do? what likely hope
Have Husbandmen, when all is over-growne
With Briars and Thornes, to reap a thriftie crop?
Or, what can by a Parliament be done,
Where all are with Corruption over-grown?

With Warlike Forces, too, now strongly arm'd
You do appear; and Martiall men abound,
As though each Township, Bee-hive-like had swarm'd,
And Horse, and Armes, sprung daily from the ground.
But, what have these availed, in regard
Of expectation? Nay, how multiplide
Are these afflictions, rather, (which you fear'd)
By their dissensions, insolence, or pride?
Your Treasures, Stocks, & Fields, they have nigh wasted,
Their avaritions fury to allay;
Yet, as if they had Pharoah's kine out-fasted,
So greedie, and so hungrie, still are they,
That, all the plenties of your peacefull years,
Will hardly quench that vast desire of theirs.

Want of sincerenesse in your chiefe Commanders,
Too much ambition, much respect of friends:
(Most men that hear this, know these are no slanders)
Fraud, Envie, Cowardice, or private-ends;
And, gen'rally defect of Discipline:
Or, (to be plaine) want of that honestie,

Which these Forth-breakings of the Wrath-divine
Hath, now, required in your Soulderie,
Have set licentiousnesse so much at large,
And made most Officers, presume upon
Such loosnesse; and so slackly to discharge
Their duties; that, you likely are to run,
By your owne Forces (as the matter goes)
Not much lesse hazard, than by open Foes.

Your Common men, (this will disparage none
Among you Martialists, that blamelesse are)
Have not in misdemeanours, been out-gone
By many, who the States opposers were.
They cheat, rob, lye, curse, sweare, blaspheme and rore,
They equally oppresse both Friend, and Foe;
They plunder, scoffe, insult, game, drink and whore,
And ev'rie day corrupt each other so;
That, if this plague continue but a while,
You and your King, so many Rogues will arme,
That, throughout ev'rie Township of this Ile,
This cursed brood of Lice will crawle and swarme,
Till they have quite devoured those that fed them;
And, pine in that starv'd Body, which first bred them.

For, though the highest honours temporarie,
On Souldiers are conferred, whose true worth,
Whose vertues in employments militarie,
With an illustrious candor shineth forth:
Though they, who to defend their Countries cause,
Themselves to death and dangers do expose,
(Observing duly, GODS and Natures Lawes,
Not only to their friends, but to their foes)
Though these, deserve all honours; no expression
Is full enough to make an illustration
Of their ignoble, and their base condition,
Who triumph in their Countries desolation:
And, as the raskall sort of Tinkers do,
Pretend to mend one hole, and then make two.

For, these foure yeares of Discord, have so changed,
The gentlenesse, already, of this Nation;
And, men and women are so far estranged,
From civill, to a barb'rous inclination:
They are so prone to mutinous disorders,
So forward in all mischievous projections,
So little mov'd with robberies or murthers,
And, so insensible of good Affections;
That, they whom you have arm'd for your defence,
Will shortly ruine you, unlesse preventions
Be interposed by that Providence,
Which frustates diabolicall intentions:
And therefore, now, Conditions are propounded,
On which, a Restauration may be grounded.

Yea, now, when Med'cines (that most soveraigne were
At other times) have multiply'd diseases:
When all your Policies quite routed are;
To intervene, a Timely-Mercie pleases.
Now, that your Armies, King, and Parliaments,
Which were your hopefulst meanes of preservation,
Are made, by Sin, imperfect Instruments,
And, leave these Iles almost in desperation:
Thou, shalt once more, to dis-respective men,
A Herald-extraordinarie be;
And, carrie them conditions, once agen,
Whereby they from these troubles may be free;
And, that those Angels which now smite these Lands,
From Desolation, may with-hold their hands.

Now, then, for Overtures of Peace provide;
Silence thy Trumpets, let thy Drums be still;
Furle up thy Colours, lay Commands aside,
Sheath up thy Sword, resume againe thy Quill;
And, make thou such an entrie on Record,
Of what thou intellectually dost heare,
That, to these present Times, it may afford
A legible Expresse, of what they are:

That, thereby, meek men may have information,
What humble service, and what sacrifice
May best promove that reconciliation,
Which will conclude these bloudy Tragedies;
And, that it may, by working upon some,
A Blessing, unto all these Isles, become.

To that intent, once more, thy selfe prepare,
To heare inraged Tyrants madly rave;
The envious to detract, the proud to jeer,
And Fooles to shew how little wit they have.
Prepare thy selfe, to suffer what disgrace
The spight of secret malice hath begun;
And, all those injuries, which, to thy face,
May, by an open enemy, be done.
And faulter not: but, plainly publish thou,
What is, and shall be spoken to thy heart;
That, if these will not, times to come may know,
By what good Spirit thou inspired art:
And, that men may, unto GOD's praise, confesse,
That, He, in Justice, is not mercilesse.

And be not sway'd by any by-respect
To King, or People, Persons, or Estates.
From uttering (to thy power) the full effect
Of whatsoever, now, this VOICE relates.
Nor be thou so presumptuous, as to add
One syllable (beyond what shall be true)
Through feare; or, that some profit may be had;
Lest thy vaine feares, and thy false hopes thou rue.
But, speak what truth shall whisper forth to thee,
In so impartiall, and so bold a straine,
That, to their soules, it may a terrour be,
Who still, in their impenitence remaine:
And, therewithall, those consolations bring,
Which make the meeke, and broken-hearted sing.

Feare neither Peeres, nor Commons, Friends, nor Foes,
So long as thou thy duty shalt performe;

Nor feare the threatnings or the frownes of those,
Who, at thy publishing this VOICE may storme,
For, of whatever they shall thee deprive,
Who, therewithall, are spitefully offended,
Thou for the same shalt seventie fold receive,
In life and death, by all good men befriended.
And, if by thy Detractors ought be spoke,
Which this thy warrantable dutie wrongs,
Their malice shall quite vanish into smoke,
And for the same, ten hundred thousand tongues
Shall censure them, who now mis-censure thee,
Ev'n while they are, and when they shall not bee.

The VOICE, here made a pause: For, though I had
My selfe, into my selfe retir'd, as far,
As a Retreat could possibly be made,
From things, that Bars to Contemplation are;
Yet, thither carried I so much about me,
Relating to the Flesh, which I have on me;
(And also to the World that is without me)
That she, with violence, broke in upon me;
And came so over-joy'd with fruitlesse newes
Of an approaching Treatie, and with hope
Of Peace thereby; that she disturb'd my Muse,
And brought those Revelations to a stop,
Of which, this Ile shall never heare againe,
Till she hath prov'd all other meanes in vaine.

Your wits, yee Politicians therefore trie,
Yee Mightie, thereunto your Forces joyne,
And you, that with a Formall-pietie,
Or morall-facings, your projections line.
Pursue your waies of Peace, till you are gone
So far, that you no forwarder can get;
And find, that when your wilfull course is done,
You, like wild-Bulls, lie tumbling in a net:
For, then, perhaps (though but a Mouse it were,
That gnaw'd the snare) your pride would be content,

The meanes of your deliverance to heare,
By whomesoere the Message shall be sent.
When that hour coms, the VOICE that spake before,
Will speak again; and, then Ile tell you more.

Meane-while, I purpose to returne unto
Those other under-takings, wherewithall
I am intrusted; or, those works to do,
For which, the Common-danger, first may call.
And since I ought not wholly to neglect,
Their private wants, who on my care depend,
I will be bold, a little, to respect
My own Affaires, which few men, yet, befriend;
Lest, e're I finish what I have begun,
I may incurre some sudden detriment;
Or, else, by my Oppressors, be undone.
For, he that makes no conscience to prevent
His private ruine, shall be seldom heard
In any publike matter, with regard.

LORD, by thy power (for, by thy power, alone,
Such Plagues are cur'd) recure us e're too late,
And, once again, in mercie, looke upon
This heart-sick, languishing, and dying State.
Once more be reconcil'd: (Once more at least)
To these distracted, these divided Lands,
Let that Preserving-Mercie be exprest,
On which, the safety of a Kingdome stands.
Abate those Earth-quakes, which have made unsteady
The Pillars of this Church and Common-wealth;
Disperse those Vapours, which have made us giddie;
Purge out those Humours, which impaire our health:
Support the Limbes, which must prevent our fall,
Cut off, those Members, which may ruine all.

And, give me Courage, Wisdome, Grace, and Pow'r,
So, to discerne thy Will; so, to expresse
What is inspir'd; and in so good an houre,
As, that it may prepare the Way of Peace.

THOV, that, by Babes, and Sucklings, dost restore
Decayed Strength; and, by dispised things,
Advance thy Kingdom, and thy Glory, more
Then by the Councells, and the Pow'rs of Kings:
So, make this VOICE to speak; so, make men heare;
That, both Times present, and the Times to come,
May love thy Mercies, and thy Judgements, feare,
Throughout these Islands, till the day of doome:
And, let this VOICE'S good effects be showne
Most clear in Him, by whom, thou mak'st it known.

The second Canto.

The VOICE and Muzings, hitherto exprest,
In me, so sad, so serious Thoughts had left,
And, stamped them so deep into my brest,
That, of it health, my Body they bereft:

And, e're my former strength could be renew'd
(Or those Affaires dispens'd with, which deny
To be, at will, delayed or pursu'd)
Three moneths of Relaxation passed by:
And, in that space, was op'ned such a Sluce
To Interruptions, discomposing so
My meditations; that, them to reduce
To their late temper, I had much adoe.
Oh GOD! from me, how fast good motions fly!
How long are they unborn! how soon they dy!

My heart, that is corrupt enough to know
What any wicked man can think or say,
Before my feet, began harsh rubs to throw,
And, cast great stumbling blocks orethwart my way.
When I had some remov'd, Loe, (with a jeere)
A thought within me said; If nothing else
But Vertue guides thy Pen, what needed here,
All that, which of thy Selfe, this Poem tells?
Why mention'st thou (as if thou wert afraid
Thy Readers knew not, or forgot the same)
What thou fore-toldst? what thou hast thought or said?
And what events on thy Predictions came?
And, in a Magisteriall-straine hast spoke,
As if thou for a Prophet wouldst be took?

Indeed, my Vanities, I find to be
More then enough, my Musings to expose
To mis-constructions; and, to bring on me
The sharp result of such like thoughts as those:
For, never could I fix my mind upon
GOD'S Work so closely, but, Charrs great or small,
Have still been therewith brought me to be done,
By those old Haglers, whom I live withall.
Ev'n in this Taske, (though GOD stands over me
With Fire, and Sword) such failings will appear,
And, so imperfect my endeavours bee,
That, much I grieve, to think how vain they are;

And feard, they had been but effects of pride,
Till thus, for me, another Thought replide.

GOD, pleased seemes, to make thy Vices do
Those duties, which thy Virtues leave undone.
And what though this may add (if it prove so)
Dishonour to thy self, so GOD have none?
If thou thy Thoughts, hast cloathed in such words,
And, them in such a dressing, forth shall send,
As best advantage to thy Selfe affords,
Why should it any other man offend?
Or, if thou addest ought for thine own praise,
Why should an envious Reader grudge the same,
Since Malice, and Dispight, have many waies,
To turn such empty Glories, to thy shame?
Or, why shouldst thou forbeare, if cause thou find,
To make thy words help fortifie thy mind?

Thine own expressions, are sometime the Charmes
Which waken thy Resolves that were asleep:
Thy Heart, the repetition of them warmes;
Thy Spirit from dejection they do keep.
The mentioning what GOD hath for thee done,
Or, what he hath inabled thee to do,
May to his glorie be insisted on;
And, otherwhile, to thy advantage too.
Why then, through Feare of witlesse Censurers,
(Or, of an ayrie scoffe, shouldst thou omit
Thy selfe to mention, or thine own affaires,
When thou (on good occasion) thinkst it fit?
Since, if thy Muses would be so confin'd,
They to themselues were traytors, or unkind.

And, to make voyd what shall well purpos'd be,
There intervene so many casualties,
By mis-conceiving, or mis-knowing thee,
Sometime, such Inconveniences arise,
As that, it may essentially advance
Thy Work in hand, if some few lines be spent,

To add, or to inlarge a circumstance,
Which captious men may think impertinent;
For, when the Matter moves not that respect,
Which is desir'd, perhaps, the Manner may:
And, if thou honestly thy hopes effect,
What though Fools think, that thou the Fool didst play?
Although harsh doomes, this age to thee affords,
The Times to come, will give thee better words.

Thus spake my Thoughts; But, little do I care
How I am judg'd, save only for their sake,
On whom those Verities, which I declare,
May thereby, more or lesse impression make.
The care I tooke, was how to hear again
The VOICE, which I conceiv'd had much to say,
That to this Islands peace doth appertaine;
If, what is councelled, men would obey.
For, well I saw, although unseen it was
By many, (and too well perceiv'd by some)
That such a Time, was well nigh come to passe,
As my preceding Canto, said should come,
Before, the VOICE I heard, the rest would say,
Of that, which was begun the other day.

Yea, I discovered them, on either side,
To be distracted and confounded, so,
By that which falshood, policie, and pride,
Selfe-will, and Avarice, hath brought them to;
That, I began to feele my selfe affraid,
Destruction might or'e-whelme this Generation,
Before there would be meanes to hear, that said,
Which may, perhaps, prevent our desolation.
Assoon therefore, as GOD to me restor'd
Decayed strength, and my infirmities,
Did Opportunities, and time afford,
I recompos'd my scatt'red faculties;
And, being then retir'd, and noise alaid,
The VOICE that spake before, thus, further said.

Come Weakling, fit thy soule, prepare thine eare,
Gird up thy loines, and set thy selfe apart,
That thou, the more intentively, mayst heare
What, shall be further spoken to thy heart.
That TREATY, now, is at a fruitlesse end
Which interrupted what I had to say:
That Hope, whereon so many did depend,
Is, like a faire bright Morning, past away
And, leaves you in a Cloud, that seemes to threat
A terrible tempestuous After-noone;
Which, you with many Feares, will round beset,
Before the Day of Triall, shall be done:
And, therefore, that which will be now declar'd,
May, peradventure, find the more regard.

You look for Peace, (and he who well can sing
That Song, deserveth highly to be priz'd)
But, who can thither such a blessing bring,
Where all Conditions of it are despis'd?
Or, what, as yet, have they to do with peace,
Whom these Corrections, move not to repent?
Whose Wickednesse, doth rather more increase,
Then seem abated, by their chastisement?
Who can expect, the fretting Corosives
Should be removed from your Fest'ring sore
Vntill the skillfull Surgeon first perceives,
It may, with healing salves be plaistred o're,
Vnlesse, he rather hath a minde to see
The patient ruined, then cur'd to be?

How few hast thou observ'd, whose former course
Is better'd by those Plagues, which now are on them?
How many, rather, do appear the worse?
And, to be more corrupt then thou hast known them?
In what perpetuall broiles are they involved,
Who, for the publike welfare, most endeavour?
How friendlesse are they, who are best resolved?
And, in good resolutions, dare persever?

How many, into Parties quicklie band
A questioned Malignant to protect?
How few men, for that Innocent, will stand,
Whom Malice doth accuse, or but suspect?
And who now lives, and loves the Common-Right,
Who suffers not some insolent despight?

Though most men see distractions hanging over
Their giddie heads; their Tragedie begun;
And, round about them, nothing can discover,
But universall Ruine drawing on;
Ambition, Malice, Avarice, and Pride,
Selfe-will, Selfe-love, Hypocrisie, and Guile,
As arrogantly still on horse-back ride,
As if no Plague had seized on this Isle.
This man for Place; that, striveth for Command;
Pretends the Publike-weale, but, seekes his Own;
And cares not, so he profit by the hand,
Though Law and Gospell too, be overthrown:
And, He that in defence of them doth come,
Findes furious Foes abroad, and worse at home.

In ev'rie Shire, in ev'rie Town and Citie,
The Kingdoms discords are epitomiz'd:
In everie Corporation, and Committee,
Some Engine for Division is deviz'd.
Occasions daily spring, each man ingaging,
To side with, or stand leaning, to some Faction,
And, by new quarrells, more and more enraging
Their Furie, to the heightning of Distraction.
An Emblem of which madnesse, he might draw,
Who saw, within an old thatch'd Barne on fire,
Poore beggars quarrelling for lousie straw,
(Or dunghill rags, new raked from the mire)
Who will nor heed their harmes, nor leave to brawl,
Vntill the Flames consume Rogues, Rags, and All.

How can calme Peace be timelie wooed thither.
Where men so brutish are in their dissentions,

And, where the meanes of knitting them together,
Are still occasions made of new contentions?
How can these Iles have Peace that are so vitious?
And, who have Factious Spirits rais'd in them,
As wilfully dispos'd, as those Seditious,
Who brought destruction on Hierusalem?
How can they looke for Peace, while they contrive
Designes, enlarging, still, their discontent?
While Policie, doth wedges daily drive,
Twixt ev'ry joynt, to make a curelesse rent?
And, while to mend the breaches of this Land
Ther's nothing brought, but pebble-stones and sand?

Who can unite again a Broken-bone,
Whose parted ends, are set the fromward way?
How long will oyle and water mix in One?
Or, things quite Opposite together stay?
There are betwixt you such Antipathies,
And such abhominatings of each other,
That, in no ordinarie Power it lies,
To knit you in a perfect League together:
And 'tis not possible, your fest'ring sores,
Should ever heal, while in them there is found
That putrified flesh, and rotten cores,
Which keep from closing, and from growing sound?
And which will suddenly break forth again,
Augmenting more your hazzard, and your pain?

How can these miserable Isles have Peace,
While Justice, nor Compassion find regard?
While they who should protect, do most oppresse?
Where sin scapes blame, and Virtue wants reward?
How can he hope for Peace, that would enjoy
His wish on any termes? And, for the Shade,
The Substance of that mercie quite destroy,
Which might by patient Industrie be had?
Or, how can he be worthy of that Blessing,
Who (knowing how much, lately it hath cost,

In bloud and Treasure) would the repossessing
Of that deare purchase, for a toy, have lost?
And, everlastingly, himselfe undo,
To satisfie his Lust, a yeare or two?

Who knoweth not, that much more dread you have,
Lest of Estate, or Person, you should lose
The loved Freedomes; then to be a Slave
To him, whose Tyranny, the Soule undoes?
For, to that end you Give, you Lend, you Pay;
To that intent, strict Covenants you make;
To that intent, you sometimes Fast and Pray;
To that intent, much Paines and Care you take.
Yea, many goodly things to that intent
You daily do, and many moe, intend:
But, your Peace-offrings, all in vaine are spent,
Till you direct them to their proper end;
And, till the Peace, for which your Suits you make,
Shall be desir'd for Truths, and Mercies sake.

Who sees not, that a Peace you now desire
For nought, but that you might againe enjoy
Your lusts; and, to those Vanities retire,
Wherein you did your former dayes employ?
Who seeth not, that, like to those Israelites,
Whom from th'Ægyptian Bondage GOD redeem'd,
You have the pleasing of your Appetites,
Much more than your Deliverer esteem'd?
Their Garlick, and their Flesh-pots left behind,
They thought on more, than on that Servitude,
From which they came; and, more than they did mind,
Those Wonders, and that Mercie, which GOD shew'd:
And, you have acted, as in imitation
Of that perverse, and foolish generation.

You have forgot, already, to what height
Of Tyranny and Pride, the Court was rear'd;
What Projects for Oppression, were in sight;
What Injuries you felt, and what you fear'd.

You seeme to have forgot, to what degree
Of Insolence the Prelacie was come:
How, generally, you began to be
Bewitched, by the Sorceries of Rome.
You, have not so observed, as you ought,
How neare, unto a helplesse overthrow,
You (by your Foes confederacies) were brought,
Before their purpose did apparant grow;
Nay, you yet heed not, what will soone betide,
If, now, from good-beginnings back you slide.

But, as afore-said, like the sottish Iewes,
(Who, of the Humane-nature, and of You,
Are perfect Types) GODS favours you abuse;
And, so, your owne Inventions, you pursue.
Though like their Fierie-pillar, and their Cloud,
A speciall Providence hath been your Guard;
An unbeleeving heart, your deeds have show'd;
And, you of ev'rie Bug-beare are afeard.
Like them (ev'n while the Law to you is giving,
And all this Iland, like Mount Sinai smokes)
New Worships, and new GODS you are contriving;
Like them, you sleight his Benefits, and strokes;
And, in your Provocations, are as daring,
While he is Rest and Peace, for you preparing.

So, you forget, how great your Bondage was,
And whereunto you fear'd it might encrease;
So, those great Marvailes you still over-passe,
Which GOD hath wrought, to perfect your release:
So, when by some new Streight, your Faith he tries,
You wish that in your Bondage, you had staid:
So, your Deliverers, you scandalize;
As if by them, your Freedomes were betray'd:
So, murmure you, when any thing you lack;
So, you, despaire, when carnall props decay;
So, ev'rie difficultie turnes you back,
And stands like Seas, and Gyants in your way:

And, so, through mis-beleefe, your selves deprive
Of Blessings, which your Children shall receive.

And, thus it comes to passe, because, like them
You are a stupid and a foolish Nation,
Who your Deliverances do contemne;
And, are like them, without consideration.
Else, grudge you would not, for that, you are more
Imbroyl'd by seeking to preserve your due,
And put to greater charges, than before
Your Vindication you did first pursue:
For, Prudent men, will while they are at ease,
Be willingly made sick; and beare the cost
Of Physick, for the cure of that disease,
Through which, ere long, their lives might else be lost:
Yea, ev'rie rustick Seed-man, sowes in hope,
(Advent'ring much) e're he receives a crop.

You justly might suppose, that Patients wit
Much craz'd, that when good physick works upon him,
Straight wisheth, he had never taken it;
Cries out, that his Physitians have undone him;
Because, they made him sick, e're he was so:
Drinks, eats, and acts, both what and when he will;
Yea, thereby makes himselfe more sick to grow,
And causes that which would have cur'd, to kill.
Yet, this is your condition: and, if, now,
In this distemper'd, and untoward plight,
Your kind Physitian had deserted you,
(As for your peevishnesse, he justly might)
Your labours past, and those you shall bestow,
Will prove like Arrowes, from a warped Bow.

You mark not, what great wonders God hath wrought,
To move your hardned Pharaohs to relent;
And that from slaveries, you might be brought,
Nor heed you, what your Foes, for you invent.
A thousand things, unthought on, you let go,
Of consequence, which wrought for you have bin,

Since your Deliverer began to show
An Outlet, from the Bondage you were in.
As, in what dreadfull manner, in one place,
He seized by an unseen-messenger,
A bold Transgressor (who so daring was,
As to provoke the Devill to appeare)
And, smoth'red him in loathsome smoke and stink,
Whilst he presum'd blasphemous healths to drink.

You do not mark, how oftentimes the Plot,
Against you layd, hath crossed been by Him,
When, else, you had no knowledge thereof got;
Nor, to prevent it, either Pow'r, or Time.
You have not memorized, as you ought,
How, GOD himselfe, when your own strength did faile,
For you, against your Enemies hath fought;
And made you conquer, when they did prevaile.
How wondrously, a Remnant, for a Seed,
In Ireland, he preserves: how oft from spoile,
Your Garrisons and Armies, he hath freed,
When they have been in hazard of a foile:
Nor do you mind, how oft, him thank you may,
For saving, what, you would have fool'd away.

You ponder not, how often he hath sav'd,
Where no Salvation was; how neare at hand,
He still was found, when you protection crav'd;
And, when destruction over-hung the Land.
You have not heeded, how the Saplesse-brest
Of wither'd Age, (when raging crueltie
The child of murth'red Parents had distrest)
Did wonderfully, thereto milk supply:
Nor, for how many thousand Families,
He food provides, whom War hath quite undone:
Nor, how his Grace restraines their Poverties,
From Outrage, whereinto they else had run;
And which, ere long, attempted you will see,
Vnlesse more Iust, and Mercifull you bee.

You, hardly yet believe, that, in conclusion
The mischiefs, by your Adversaries done,
Must be the Ground-worke of their own confusion;
Or, that your Peace is by this War begun.
You mark not, that when first the sottish Dane,
Preparing was, your causlesse Foes to aid,
GOD, then, to call him to account began,
For all that bloud whereon his Throne was laid:
Nor how, ev'n then, GOD fastned in his nose
The Swedish-hooke, and found him work at home,
To shew, that He of Princes doth dispose;
And, what of wilfull-Tyrants will become,
Though, by permission, for a while, they may
The Fooles, or Mad-men, on their stages play.

You mark not, with such thankfull observations,
As would become you, that, GOD's providence,
(Though you are threatned by some other Nations)
Hath (by ingagements) kept them yet, from hence.
And many other things unheeded are,
Which must consid'red be, ere you aright
Your hearts, and your affections can prepare,
For such a Peace, as will be worth your sight.
Yea, many things must be repented too,
And much amended, ere you may expect,
That either swords, or words this work will do;
Or Blowes, or Treaties, bring your wisht effect.
The Peace of GOD you never can possesse,
But, by attonement, with the GOD of Peace.

You, by a Treaty, had a hope to see
A Peace concluded on. But how alas!
How possibly may that accomplisht be!
Till means is found to bring it well to passe?
The Mediums to that work, are wanting, yet,
By which, the Parties who at variance are,
Should reconcile; and they themselves have set
Too farre asunder, to be brought so neare.

There wants a Third, by whom they should unite:
For, most who are imploid as Instruments,
To joyne them, in Divisions take delight:
And, private-interests, that work prevents;
Because, when these, the way to Peace shall take,
Themselves obnoxious to the Lawes they make.

The chiefest outward-Instruments, whereby
To joyne a King and Subjects disunited,
Was wont to be that Christian Charity,
By which the neighb'ring Princes were invited
To mediate, and labour to compose
Their diff'rences. As first, by friendly words,
And prudent Arguments, perswading those
Who seem'd unjustly to have drawne their swords.
By threatnings, next: And, if nor argument,
Nor intercession, nor sharp menaces
Prevail'd; they then, to help the innocent,
As they inabled were, would somtimes please;
Lest, an unbounded, and usurped pow'r
Should all oppresse, and all at last devoure.

But you have no such hope; For, all the States,
And all the Kings and Princes, near, or farre,
Which were your Friends, and your Confederates,
Neglecters of this pious duty are.
The Swedes, the Germans, and those other Nations,
Who really compassionate your griefe,
Are so ingag'd, for their own preservations,
That, thence you neither can expect reliefe,
Nor means of an Attonement. From the Dane,
(Your old Oppressor) you long since, had found
What he resolv'd; unlesse, the Swede had tane
Occasion to imploy him in the Sound:
And, should the French, or Spaniard intercede,
Against their own Designments, they might plead.

Th'Vnited Netherlands, who to pursue
This dutie, are oblig'd, beyond them all,

And, who (unlesse they prove both false to you,
And to themselves) themselves remember shall:
Ev'n they have hitherto but only sent
Iobs comforters unto you: or, perchance
To practise here, some peece of complement,
Which they have newly learn'd from Spaine, or France:
Ot, else, to see a patterne of that Plague,
Which must, from hence, translated thither bee,
When they have quite forgotten their old league
With you, who spent your bloud, to set them free;
When they, in danger were to be enslav'd,
As you are now, and, for assistance crav'd.

Now, whether these are blinded by some sin
That cals for Vengeance; or, by some poore hope,
New works on this Iles ruines, to begin;
Or, whether Providence hath made that stop,
To frustrate such like meanes, that, you might flie
To him alone; it doth not yet appeare:
But, will ere long. Meanewhile, the certaintie
Of this, becometh manifestly cleare;
That, GOD suspendeth ev'rie help to Peace,
Which forraine Aid, or forraine intercession
Are like to add; and, suffers an encrease
Of jars at home, which threaten your perdition:
For, ev'rie thing essentiall to that blessing,
Are, well-nigh, taken out of your possession.

Most Circumstances, thereunto pertaining,
Are missing too. For, on th'one side, at least,
There's not so much as willingnesse remaining,
To further what they have in word, profest.
The Spheres in which they move, divert them from
A true Coujunction; and, from all Aspects,
From whence good Influences use to come,
Or, any lasting peaceable-effects.
It is destructive to their maine Designe,
And to their Principles, to make true Peace;

Or, with a faithfull purpose, to incline
To seek this Islands reall happinesse.
Nor should you think such purposes they had,
Till, in their course, you see them retrograde.

As soon shall he that Westward alway goes,
Meet him, that still an Eastward point doth steere,
As your two Factions firme together close,
Till they, in their chiefe-aimes, approach more neer:
For, th'one is bent, the other to inslave;
That other, is resolved to be free:
The Last, would keep what GOD and Nature gave;
The First, would seize, what ought not theirs to be.
And, these, from reconcilement are so farre,
That, all their kindnesse is but to betray:
When most they talk of Peace, they purpose Warre;
When they embrace, they meane to stab and slay:
And, when they make you think the Warre is done,
The greatest mischiefe will be but begun.

Beside, as yet, nor th'one, nor th'other side,
Nor King, nor People, Commoners, nor Peers,
Nor Flocks, nor Shepheards, have the course yet tride,
By which you can be saved from your feares.
A Treatie may complete it: But, before
You venture that, you must be fit to Treat.
For, then, the work were half-way done, and more:
And, till that be, no step you forward get.
In heat of quarrells, nothing done or spoke,
Can reconcile: a friends words move them not:
The more they talk, the more the peace is broke,
Till they their lost consid'ring-caps have got;
Till their hot bloud is cool'd, till rage is gone;
And, Reason doth examine them alone.

Then, peradventure, they with shame will view
Their oversights, their furiousnesse repent,
Distinguish Truths, from things that are untrue;
And, by that quarrell, future jarres prevent.

Thus likewise, when GOD, thereto saies Amen,
Your Disagreements here, shall have an end:
Your Discords will be then allaid agen,
And, he that's now a Foe, shall be a Friend.
But, you must find, before this can be done,
A Preparation, and a Ground-work laid,
(With such an alteration wrought upon
Your Hearrs) that Reason may be more obey'd:
GOD, make this Preparation; For, by none
But by himselfe, this work may now be done.

When you may hope a Treaty will prevaile,
Good Symptoms, you to usher it shall see;
Inducing you to hope it shall not faile:
And, for a tast, they such as these will be.
Both sides will to some Course themselves apply
That shall declare their hearts are growing-clean;
Themselves they will endeavour to deny;
Their tongues will nothing speake, but what they mean.
You shall perceive more Justice, to be showne;
More Charity among you will appear;
They will be meek, who to be proud were knowne;
Contentions will be fewer then they were;
And, they who on the Publike-Trust attend,
Will lesse abuse it, for their private end.

A Change, thus wrought; these Virtues, in a while,
Will every where, beget themselves esteem:
By their esteem the Fire-brands of this Jsle,
Will daily more abhominable seem:
That loathing of those Monsters will increase
The number of true Converts: By that number,
The growing of Malignancie will cease,
And Newters be awakened from their slumber:
By their awakening, such will be affraid
Who have not gone malitiously astray:
That Feare will quickly make them well apaid
To leave their standing, in the sinners way,

And, when these from that Station shall be gone,
It will bring scorne upon the Scorners Throne.

Thus, as at first, Malignancie was bred
By ill example, and mis-informations;
So, Good-affections, will revive and spread,
And strengthen by their changed Conversations.
Then, will arise a longing to be free
From your Imbroylments; with so true a sight
Of present mischiefs, and of what may be,
That, in the meanes of Peace, you will delight.
And, then, both Parties will be pleas'd to meet
On one set day, to fall with humblenesse,
For their foule bloudie sins, before GODS feet,
Whose Mercie, far exceedes their wickednesse;
And he, perhaps, will make that complement,
An earnest of your generall assent.

When such like inclinations do appear,
(Both parties moving on, in some such way,
As here is pointed at) they who draw neare
At first in generals, will every day,
Assent in some particular or other,
Till they who now so much divided be,
Shall lovingly unite again together,
And in one Discipline and Faith agree.
But, doubtlesse, not till they themselves deny,
And more forbeare, when they negotiate,
From seeking in their publike Agencie,
To serve and save themselves, before the State;
Whose weale, to all men should be dearer, far,
Then their estates, their lives, and honours are.

Nay, till both Parties do, at least, agree
In all those common principles, whereby
Humane Societie, preserv'd may be,
With Nations Rights, and Christian Libertie;
All Treaties will be mischeevous, or vaine,
To men adhering to the better Course:

For, by such Treatings, Polititians gaine
Advantages, to make your being worse.
Yea, by that meanes, these find occasions may
To gaine, or give intelligence; to make
New plots, and friends; to hasten or delay,
As cause requires; and, other wayes to take
For their availe, which els they had not got:
And which true honesty alloweth not.

Nor can, in any cause, a Treaty bring
More mischief then in your; till on each side
The Parties treating, are in ev'ry thing
(Thereto pertaining) rightly qualifi'd:
Because, when Forraigners alone are Foes,
Tis hard corrupting more then one or two;
Whereas, here want not multitudes of those,
That, willingly, their Countrey would undo.
Nay, some among you are so void of reason,
To buy their Traytorships; and other some,
By conscience, seem obliged to the treason:
And, these will to a Treatie never come,
To make true reconcilement; but, to gather
Advantages, for some new mischief, rather.

You are this way, and many other wayes,
Corrupted so, so false, and so unfit
For Peace desired; and for those assayes,
Whereby you may acquire that blessing, yet,
That you must cleansed be from that pollution
Which brought this curse upon you; and whereby
Those means are vainly put in execution,
Which might procure a blessed Vnity.
There is so little honesty among you,
And your discretion is become so small,
That they who most apparently do wrong you,
(And seek your Souls and Bodies to inthrall)
Have more incouragements, to help undo you,
Then they, who offer means of safety to you.

Instead of being linked fast, in one,
Against the common-Foe, you have permitted
That band of amity to be undone,
Whose preservation had these times befitted.
You, that in Fundamentalls do agree,
Are so divided about Circumstances,
(Which might, at better leisure, setled be)
That your Destroyers projects it advances:
And, if with speed you cement not the breaches,
That which (ere long) must thereupon ensue,
Experience (which the veriest ideots teaches;)
Will, to your greater sorrow, daily shew;
Till you of all, are by those foes despoil'd,
Whom you by good attonement might have foil'd.

You are a fickle, and inconstant Nation,
Your serious promises deserve no trust;
Your words are full of base dissimulation,
Your thoughts are vanity, your deeds unjust.
Your vertues are but few, your vices many;
Great is your Folly, and your Wisdome small;
Your Principles are such (if you have any)
That, from your best resolves you quickly fall.
With jealousies, each other you pursue;
You misbelieve, and find, as you believ'd:
You, nor to GOD, nor men continue true:
And, therefore, of much comfort are bereav'd,
Which by their friendship might have been possest,
Who keep to you, that Faith which they profest.

Betwixt you, and your Brethren of the North,
The seeds of Discord secretly are sown:
Much paine some take to make them tillow forth,
Dissentions coales in ev'ry place are thrown;
And these by Folly, and by Malice, too,
So wilfully are blown by either side,
So scattered, and tossed to and fro,
And so much fewell is to them appli'd;

That, if the patience of the Stottish-Nation
Exceed not Common-measure: If more true
They prove not to their Vowes, their Protestations,
And Christian-principles, than some of You,
A worse Division will betwixt you spring,
Than this, between the People and the King.

For, this will in another Age abate,
But, that, unless GODS grace prevent it shall,
Will grow into an everlasting hate,
Or, bring a speedy ruine on you all.
Now therefore, in both Nations, let those few
Who faithfull are, firme in their Faith abide.
Now, let them to their Principles be true;
Now, let the Patience of the Saints be tri'd.
His last great Batt'rie, ANTICHRIST now reares,
His deepest Mines, against you sinking be,
His pow'rfull Army, mustred now appeares,
His chiefest Cunning, now, employeth he.
Oh! let him not by Force your Strength dis-joyne,
Nor, by his fraud, your Counsels undermine.

But, let your Faith and Courage so prevaile,
That you may better Fixed-Stars appeare,
Than they, who daily by the Dragons-Taile,
Are smitten, or affrighted from their Spheare;
That, you may those Elected-Ones be found,
Who cannot by Deceivers, be deceiv'd;
That, with those Conquerours you may be crown'd,
Who shall not of their Garlands be bereav'd:
That, of the Kingdome, seizure you may take,
Which GOD, on Perseverers doth bestow;
And, not be shut from thence, by looking back,
When you have set your hands unto the plough.
In this Back-sliding, some already are:
Some, nearer to it, than they are aware.

For, so imprudent are Men discontent,
That, to avenge their personall neglects,

Complaints for private injuries, they vent
As Nationall-affronts, and dis-respects;
Whereas, it is apparent ev'rie day,
That, many members of each sev'rall Nation,
Do suffer, by their owne, as much as they,
In Person, in Estate, and Reputation:
And, that both Nations, mutually have showne,
(Vnlesse, perhaps, among the baser sort)
As loving a respect as to their owne,
And, therefore, let not Prudent-men retort
Mistaken wrongs; or quarrels be begun
'Twixt them, for that, which Fooles and Knaves have done.

Let not those jealousies, which were perchance
Devis'd by them, who in your spoiles delight,
Make you, imprudently, their ends advance,
And you, to their Advantage, dis-unite.
If some of them, discourtesies have showne,
To some of yours; or, injuries have done;
It is no more than you, unto your owne
Have offred oft, since first this War begun.
An Army cannot possibly be free
From all Injustice; and, yet, oftentimes
Ill-will, and men who dis-contented be,
Will make complaints, much larger than the crimes.
But cursed be their malice, and their tongues,
Who Nations would divide for private wrongs.

Your Fathers felt, and some of you have heard,
The Deadly-Fewds, betweene you heretofore;
Which, if your owne well-being you regard,
Would make you glad it might be so no more:
And entertaine, and cherish with all dearnesse,
The brotherly Affection, which that Nation
Hath late exprest; and with a true sincerenesse,
Be carefull of your mutuall preservation.
Yea, if the sons of Belial, and of Blindnesse,
On either Partie, rightly understood,

How greatly, to perpetuate this kindnesse
Between the Nations, it concernes their good,
(Ev'n in those outward things which they respect)
They would not your dis-union, so project.

Believe it, this is not the way to Peace,
But rather, to an never-ending war;
And likelier new troubles to increase
Then set a period unto those that are.
And, they who willingly shall tind such flames,
Or, wilfully foment them, merit well
To be esteem'd (to their perpetuall shames)
The Plagues of earth, and Fierbrands of hell.
For, of your Scottish-Brethren, wherefore, now,
Yee English-Britaines, are ye jealous growne,
Who have exprest more faithfulnesse to you,
Then you your selves, unto your selves have shown?
Or, wherein have they seemingly abus'd
Your trust, whereof, they may not be excus'd?

They would appeare to be confided in
With lesse distrust, if ever you had heard
On what conditions, they allur'd have bin
To be dishonourable, for reward.
For, when the Prelates-War had them constrain'd
To arme themselves against the superstitions
Intruded on them; when they had regain'd
Their Peace with honour, and on good conditions;
And, when your Army could have been content
Vnnat'rally (on promise of reward)
To turne their Swords upon this Parliament,
(And so had surely done, had they not fear'd
The Scots, then, on their Rear) they were the men
who kept you from the mischeef purpos'd then.

Had they been trustlesse; or, had aim'd at ends,
As base as many of your own have had;
Your Foe, e're this, had done what he intends:
And you and yours, perhaps, had slaves been made.

For, to allure them, four brave Northerne Shires
Should have annexed been to Scottish-ground:
To beare expences (and to pay Arreares)
A paune to be three hundred thousand pound
In Jewells, was design'd. York, should have had
The Soveraigne-Seat of royall-Residence;
The Scottish Generall, should have been made
The chiefe of both your Armies; and, the Prince
In Scotland, should have had his education;
All which, together, seem'd a strong temptation.

Yet, more was offred: For, to each Commander
Revenue, Office, yea, and Honour too
Was promis'd; and th'unvaluable plunder
Of London, to both Armies: What to do?
To force the Parliament, to make the King
A Monarch absolute; and you, and your,
Into perpetuall slavery to bring,
By an ill-gotten Arbitrary power.
But, these temptations, their brave minds abhor'd:
Of which their noblenesse, this VOICE shall be
An everlasting Trophee, and Record;
Wherein, these times, and times to come, shall see
How, yee to sale were offred; and, how these
Disdain'd to thrive, by base advantages.

If they be faithlesse, and you shall be true,
GOD, will with shame and vengeance send them home.
If, you unfaithfully your Vowes pursue,
Possessors of your Land they shall become.
In spight of all your policies and power,
Here, they shall settle; whither they were set,
To do the work of GOD (as well as your)
Who will requite the kindnesse you forget.
But, if without hypocrisie and guiles,
You, Brethren-like, shall strengthen one another,
In setting up his Throne, within these Isles,
By, and in whom, you seem, now, knit together;

Both, shall thereby, that happinesse enjoy,
Which all the powers on Earth, shall not destroy.

Look therefore, well about you, and persever
In your vow'd union: For, the maine designe
Is to divide you; and, to that indeavour
Your Foes, with all their Faculties combine.
Yea, and of such like projects, there are other,
Through levitie, or malice so promoted,
As if to ruine these three Realmes together,
It were almost unanimously voted.
No Chronicle hath showne; no age hath seen
An Empire so divided, and yet stand;
Or that a Nation so corrupt hath been,
Whose desolation was not near at hand.
And, if you shall escape it; be it knowne
To all now living, and that shall be borne,
A greater Mercie never was bestowne
On any Kingdome since a Crown was worne:
And that no Nations, who so much professe
In outward show, did ere deserve it lesse.

Although by vowes, and dutie you are tide,
Yet, you are carelesse in pursuing either;
And play at fast, and loose on ev'ry side,
Fair seeming friends to both, but, true to neither.
He, that's within your Covenants, and conceives
Himselfe ingaged, by those Obligations,
To bring to triall those whom he believes
Injurious to the safety of these Nations;
Oft into greater danger thereby falls,
Of secret mischiefs, of reproofs, or troubles,
Then they whom justly to account he calls:
And, by this meanes, your Foe his power doubles,
Takes courage, and accomplisheth his ends,
By making you to ruine your own friends.

'Tis, oft, more safe, to let the Commonweale
Be ruin'd, or betraid, then to oppose

A Traytor; or with freedome to reveale
That, which your vowes oblige you to disclose.
Your personall immunities, of late,
Are so insisted on, that many feare
The Publike-Priviledge to vindicate;
Least they Infringers of the first appeare.
And, if there be not some provisions made,
Whereby free-men their minds may freely say,
When probable suspitions they have had,
That some intrusted, do their trust betray,
Your Priviledged Persons, will advance
Their freedomes to the Publike hinderance.

Through some obstructions, your most noble Court
Which is the Sanctuary, whereunto
Oppressed men, by multitudes resort,
Yeelds lesse reliefe, then it had wont to do.
For, publike Greevances are so increast,
That, time and leasure, hardly can be gain'd,
To heare how men are privately opprest,
Till they are quite undone who have complain'd:
Beside (which in Committees oft is done)
By making friends, to come, or keep away,
Vnwarranted advantages are won,
To wrong the Truth, or Justice, to delay,
Thus, when the Peeres or Commons are but few,
A mischiefe unexpected may ensue.

For, when Reports or Motions should be made,
If they who make them will deceitfull prove,
Occasions doubtlesse, may be watch'd, and had,
Injurously both to report and move;
Since they who shall report (if to their choice
The times be left) may their designes propose,
And get it passed by a Major-Voice,
E're their appearing, who the same oppose.
Yea, 'tis nor hard nor strange to watch and wait,
A week or two, for such advantages,

And gaine a Vote for that by this deceit,
Which in a Full-Assembly would displease.
Thus, by mans wickednesse, a mischiefe springs,
From justest Courts, and from the noblest things.

And, if you soone returne not from your height,
Of Falshood and Injustice, that which was
Your Idoll (and the Glorie of your might)
Your hope of bringing mightie things to passe;
Ev'n, that shall also fail you, in the end:
That, shall augment your manifold vexations:
That, shall become unable to defend,
Or save it selfe, among your desperations.
Nay, that, shall by degrees it selfe corrupt
To such a Monster, as will fright you more,
More grieve, and more your quiet interrupt,
Than all oppressing Tyrants heretofore.
For, when in sinning, men presumptuous grow,
GOD makes their strength to be their overthrow.

It was not meerly in the Government
By Kingship, that you were opprest of late:
It was not that, which brought the Detriment
Dilacerating so, both Church and State.
The Princes errours, and the Peoples crimes,
(Increasing by their aiding of each other
In wickednesse) have made them, in these times,
A mutuall scourge; and both now smart together.
By godlesse counsells you misled your King:
Then kept him, standing in the sinners way:
And to the scorners throne him now you bring;
Whereon if once he settle (as he may,
If God prevent not) you, as yet, but see
Beginnings of those plagues that felt must be.

Vnlesse by penitence you break off fin,
Your Parliamentall Members (when long sitting,
And fewnesse of the number, shall bring in
Both meanes, and opportunity, begetting

Such knowledge of each other, as is now
In some Committees) shall much represent
The Lands Corruptions; and make perfect show
By whom, and from what body they were sent.
For, then on Priviledges to insist
Meer-personall, more then on Publike-Right:
To say their pleasures; and do what they lift,
In Lawes contempt, and Equities despight;
Shall grow in use, till you and they shall run
Another Course to be, yet, more undone.

You, then, shall see (though under other notions)
Your old Oppressions to return again:
As much false-play for profit and promotions,
As when you to your King, did first complain:
Then, you shall see your monstrous-high-Commission,
Your Councell-Table, your Star-Chamber too,
New-shapes assuming to their old Condition,
Revive, and act as they had wont to do.
That Insolence, that Pride Prelaticall,
Those corporall and ghostly Tyrannies,
Which in your Clergie lately had a fall,
Shall rise again, cloth'd with a new disguise,
And act, what they who plaid before did mean,
Although they change their Habits, and the Scœne.

For, then some Priestlings, who as guiltie are
Of your Divisions, as the Prelates-traine,
(First kindling, and fomenting, still, this warre,
As much as they) will make their meanings plaine.
Yea, by divisions, and by subdividing,
According as their maine designe requires,
Opposing some, and with some other siding,
(As best may serve to compasse their desires)
Shall Schismes, Sects, and Fancies multiply.
Beyond compute; and from the truth shall steal
So many hearts by fained sanctitie,
By counterfeited honestie and zeale,

That, all your other Foes shall not disease
Your private, and the publike Rest, like these.

For, (though enacted-Law, doth now of late
From Secular-employments them exclude)
To intermeddle with Affaires of State,
They will, by many meanes, themselves intrude.
By gath'ring Parties, they will plots contrive,
To make those greatest, who will them obey;
To make them rich, by whom they hope to thrive,
And to such ends will study, preach, and pray;
Joyne hands, sollicite, covenant, petition;
(The Publike-good, still their chiefe aime pretending)
And, whatsoever stands in opposition
To their Designe, shall want no such commending,
As floweth from implacable despite,
Or, from the malice of an Hypocrite.

And, if e're long, there be not some endeavour,
To keep them to their Calling, (and to bound
Their meddling with Lay-matters) you shall never
Be free from Faction, while the Spheres go round.
Like Salamanders, these can never live,
But in a Flame; nor, long themselves conforme
To any Reformation: For, they thrive
In Changes best, and swim best in a Storme.
And, many diffring Sects of these there are;
Some to an Independancie incline,
Some to a Presbyterian-way adhere;
Yet, really, themselves to neither joyne:
But, rather, take advantage to make use
Of that, which to their ends, may best conduce.

To limit these to some Parochiall Charge,
Were to imprison them: For, they well know
From Congregations gather'd up at large,
What Profits, and Advantages do flow.
A Parish Income, though they largely grant
Both Tythes and Pensions, is but verie small,

Compar'd to what that Priest itinerant,
Can gather up, who hath no bounds at all.
A Parish is too narrow for his Pride,
Or Avarice: And, in one place, perchance,
Should he be long compelled to reside,
He could not so conceale his ignorance,
Or cover failings in his Conversation,
As, by an Unconfined-Congregation.

Had these been regulated, and reduc'd,
To that Conformitie, which Reason would,
The Simple had not then been so seduc'd:
Nor, had the Common-People so been fool'd.
Had these, and their Antagonists been charm'd
By prudent Discipline, and made agree,
Your King and Parliament had not been arm'd
Against each other, as this day they be.
Had these been conjur'd downe; that Pietie,
That Prudent-meeknesse, and sweet Moderation,
By which a Part of that Fraternitie
Doth wrestle for a blessing on this Nation,
Should more be honour'd; and, ere long, prevaile,
For curing of those Plagues which they bewaile.

For, these, oft suffer the deserved blame
Of Demas and Diotrophes; and share,
(By being of their Calling) in their shame,
When of their Faults they no way guiltie are.
And, these, are they, whose Prayers and Examples,
Whose good advice, and whose well-temper'd Zeale
Shall keep your State, your Cities, and your Temples
From desolation, and your Plague-sore heale.
If therefore, Wit profane, or Scurrile tongue
Shall any of our censurings apply,
To do their worth or innocencie wrong,
Let it redound to their owne infamie:
Let ev'rie check, from which they shall be free,
An augmentation to their honour be.

And, let it not discourage them, a whit,
That, now, those temp'rall Dignities are gone,
Which, oft, in their possessors, pride beget,
And, really, are honour unto none;
Since, by their lives, and doctrines, they may more
Their Persons and their Callings dignifie,
Then Wealth and Titles have done, heretofore,
And, reach true honours highest pitch thereby:
For, who, when Prelacie did highest seem,
Were honour'd by the People, or the Peers,
With more unfain'd affection and esteem,
Then they are now, whom reall worth endeers?
Oh! let this honour still on them attend;
And, let their counsels move you to amend.

For, every one hath erred in his wayes;
King, Priest and People have alike misgone;
As doth the Flock, ev'n so the Shepheard strayes;
And, there is no man perfect, no not one.
It is not in the pow'r of words to tell,
How farre below esteeme your vertues are:
Or, how in wickednesse you would excell,
If wholly left, to your own selves, you were.
Could you but look into your hearts, and view
How many villanies those cavernes hide,
Beside all those, which words and deeds do shew,
Or, may by circumstances, be descride;
You could not but unfainedly confesse,
That you are, yet, uncapable of peace.

Could you permit your blinded eyes to heed,
How, while you smart, you multiply offence;
How, that, which awfull penitence should breed,
Hath changed errour, into impudence:
Could you perceive, before it were too late,
How fast you fell away, since you began
To faile in your professions to the State;
And, to be faithlesse, both to GOD, and Man;

You would abhorre your selves, and be affraid
Your soules, by transmigration, would ere long,
Passe into sottish Beasts: For, you have straid
Beyond that blockishnesse which is among
The noblest Brutes; and, hardly do escape
With so much of true manhood, as the shape.

There is no pittie of the Fatherlesse,
Or, of the poore afflicted Widdowes teares;
No charitable heed of their distresse,
Whose miserie, most evident appears.
They, who have gladly, lent, and spent, and given
Goods, Blood, and best-assistance, to defend
The Common-safety, (till they have been driven
To want of Bread) have hardly found a friend:
Some other, who oft hazzarded their lives,
For your protection (and have quite undone
Their dearest Children, and beloved Wives,
To do you service) have been look'd upon
Without regard; and worse, by far, have sped
Then they, who nothing have contributed.

Nay (would it were but so) their, and your Foes,
By your injustice, or your heedlesnesse,
Finde meanes to spatter, and to ruine those,
Whom, to defend, you did (with vowes) professe.
And (though their deeds have through this Isle proclaim'd
Their faithfulnesse) you gladly suffer them
By cunning whisperers, to be defam'd;
And, Falshoods words, Truths actions, to condemn
Before due trialls, you (through Avarice,
Or, Envie) with contentednesse, can heare
Desert traduc'd; and, with such prejudice,
Receive Detractions, as if glad you were,
Of such false Quittances, to make a show
Of having paid that debt which, yet, you owe.

It is, indeed, the Polititians way,
Thus, to requite: And, therefore, he that brings

Obligements, greater then discharge they may,
On thanklesse Nations, or on fathlesse Kings,
Instead of due reward, shall be repaid
With causlesse jealousies, and with suspect,
Of having either failed, or betraid
Their Trust, by falshood; or, by some neglect.
And, then, it must a Mercie be believ'd,
If He, for all the service he hath done,
(In lieu of what he thought to have receiv'd)
With life and losse of honour, may be gone:
And, this, will, now, the portions be of some
Whom better usage, better will become.

And, how can GOD have peace with such a Nation,
In which this basenesse, and this falshood lurks,
Which is rejected with much detestation
Among the brutish Salvages and Turks?
Or, how can you to other men be true,
Who to your selves are false, as may appear
By many practices, which you pursue,
Through wilfulnesse, through follie, or through feare?
For, whosoever tyranny defends,
And sets himselfe that Party to oppose
Which for the Publike Libertie contends,
Betrayeth his own person to his Foes:
Or (if perchance, his person free he saves)
Himselfe, in his Posterity inslaves.

Nay, you, who seem the better part to take,
Ev'n you, are to your selves, as false as they:
The Price of blood, a thing of nought you make,
And complement Advantages away.
Your Passes, and Protections, you bestow,
Not, as though to your safety they pertain'd;
But rather, your Authority to show,
Who gave them; Or, that profit might be gain'd
To Clarks, and Secretaries. And, your care
Is not, at all times, how you may supply

A place of Trust, with such as fathfull are;
Or, fittest for the States necessitie:
But, soonest they, those favours do obtain,
Who sell the Publike for their private gain.

Nor Ablenesse their duty to discharge,
Nor losse, nor suffrings, for the common Cause,
Nor of Integrity, good proofes at large,
Respect to such a mans preferment drawes:
Nay, he that by a generall assent
Was nominated, (and petition'd for)
Without his seeking, in the Parliament,
To services of Trust; and, which is more,
Had these imployments, also, recommended
By Order thence; hath, now, a year unheard
For answer, from those Referrees attended,
Without so much as hope of their regard:
Because, though to the Publike-weale it tends,
'Tis found it will disprofit private friends.

Your Indiscreet Indulgence, suffers those
Who loose their Bloud, and Liberties for you,
To lie in worse condition, then your Foes,
To whom an equall usage seemeth due.
Yea, while in loathsome dungeons, they remain,
Who captivated in your service were,
Sweet Lodgings and respect their Foes obtain,
When in your Quarters they imprison'd are.
By which unequallnesse, (till their side please
To show more mercy) much discouragement,
Your Partie findes; and, disadvantages
Which moderate severenesse might prevent:
And, you more Cruelty, then Mercie show,
When Mercy you on Cruell-men bestow.

He that to ruine you no spight hath spar'd,
If he submit, although but to deceive you,
Shall find more courtesie, and more regard,
Then he, who never left, nor meanes to leave you.

He, that with Outrage hath your townes embroil'd,
He, that hath in your bloud, his hands imbrew'd,
Your friends of their chiefe livelihood despoil'd,
And, to his utmost power, that course pursu'd:
He, if for favour (though constrain'd) he come,
Shall not alone finde meanes to set him free,
With his Possessions, for a triviall summe:
But also quickly countenanced be
With Friends, and Favours, him inabling, too,
Your faithful'st friends, and servants to undo.

False to your selves you are, in not assaying
To execute the fulnesse of your power,
In these Extremities; and, in delaying
To take those Freedomes which are justly your.
The Members of your Body wasted are;
And, such as are of that consumption glad,
(Vnlesse prevented) will the cure defer,
Vntill it cannot possibly be had.
By raising feares of some supposed-thing,
Which neither is, nor was, nor shall be done,
Vpon your selves, you many mischiefs bring,
Which by a prudent-Stoutnesse you may shun:
For, when you make an unexpected pawse,
You weaken your Assistants, and your Cause.

You act not out your parts, as if you thought,
A Tragedie in earnest, now, were plaid;
Or, that upon the Combat to be fought,
The Triall of your whole estates were laid:
For, to advance a frivolous designe,
To please a knave, that is a friend in show,
To feed some lust, whereto they do incline,
Or, shun the fury of a feared Foe;
Advantages you daily fool away,
Which by no humane pow'r can be recal'd;
Eternitie, you venture for a day,
And, when you might with brasse be double wal'd,

You seek to fortifie the Kingdomes Cause
With paper-works, with rotten sticks, and strawes.

Those Places and Imployments, whence arise
The greatest profit, rarely are confer'd,
With conscionable care of their supplies,
By faithfull men: but, thither are prefer'd
Those, rather, whose chief aimes are how to make
Their private Fortunes; and, to that effect
Know how to move; and how to give or take,
To gaine themselves advantage, and respect.
Yea, though there be suspitions, and perchance,
Good evidences too, that some of these
The Cause of your opposers, will advance
(When they an opportunitie may seize)
To Offices of Trust, you these commend,
Before your suffering and deserving Friend.

Who their estates have now increased most,
But, they who for the publike ventur'd least?
Whose paiments and preferments more are crost,
Then their, who (to their power) have serv'd you best?
In what Committees now, or in what Shires,
Are not, this day, a multitude of those,
Whose faithfulnesse undoubtedly appeares,
Disabled, and discourag'd, by their Foes?
How gen'rally do you in ev'ry place,
Begin, well-known Malignants, now, to trust
With your Affaires? And, suffer, with disgrace,
True Patriots from imployment to be thrust?
And, by this madnesse, how are you betraid?
How open to destruction are you laid?

They, who were first in Armes, for your defence;
Who, first, their Free-will-Offerings to you brought;
And have continu'd faithfull, ever since,
Ev'n they are now, unserviceable thought.
Contrariwise, they, who at first refused
To lend you aid, in Person, or in Pay,

They, who in word and deed, your cause abused
(And are unfaithfull to you to this day)
Ev'n they have now insinuated so
By helpe of their Protectors: And, of these
So over-confident you daily grow,
That your best friends, you ruine, and displease;
And, on your selves a greater hazzard bring,
Then all the armed Forces of the King.

For, those accursed Vipers, are with you,
So intermingled in your consultations,
(Nay, rather, so incorporated now,
In private, and in State negotiations)
That, by a miracle it must be done,
If any good Designe to passe be brought,
Or, for the publike-safetie be begun,
Which will not, e're performed, come to nought:
And, if you are not pleas'd to have it so
Why did you? and why do you still, permit,
Those men whom faultring (if not false) you know,
In Counsell, ev'ry day, with you to to sit?
And, why for those, do you your Friends neglect,
Vnlesse your own perdition you affect?

Why else when Forts, or Forces to command,
On which the Publike-safety much depends,
Do you commit them rather to their hand,
Whom neither proofe, nor likelihood, commends,
To such a Trust? Why not unto their care
And keeping rather, who have courage showne?
Of whose fidelitie, good proofes appear?
And whose experience hath been wel made known?
This could not be, but that you do preferre
Your sons, your nephewes, and your friends, before
The Publike-weale, or els perswaded are
That, your Destruction will afflict the more,
Vnlesse, your own devises help undo you;
Or, some who are both near, and deare unto you.

How can there be among you those foundations,
Whereon, your Peace or Safety, may erect,
While most men, for their own accommodations
Designments to the Publike losse, project?
And, while to compasse their desired ends,
They do not onely mischief, and delude
Themselves, their kindred, neighbourhood, and friends,
Or mis-inform the brainlesse multitude;
But, by their cunning, also do contrive
Those Engines, which good Discipline deface;
The State into unstable postures drive,
Raise jarres, and jealousies in every place;
And spread abroad the Devils Axioms too,
The unitie of Doctrine to undo.

These Engineers, your power infeeble more,
And weaken more your hands, then all yet done,
By other adversaries heretofore,
Since this unhappie Warfare first begun.
These, while to build among you they pretended,
As partners in the work of Reformation,
Have secretlie their private Aimes befriended,
With hindrance to your wished Restauration.
Sanballats, and Tobiahs, you have had,
Who, by dissembling with you, to unite
Have rent you from your selves; and, thereby made
Both Parties feel the common Foes despight;
To be each others whip, and make the Truth
A theame of scorne, in everie drunkards mouth.

There are so manie failings in the best,
Such needlesse, and such wilfull breach of Lawes;
So carelesse are you, of your Faith profest,
To those, who have been faithfull in your Cause;
So hath your Falshood, and your follie blended
Both right and wrong, both good and ill together,
That, both must be opposed or defended;
Or, els you must declare your selves for neither.

And (whether with the one, or t'other side
You shall partake, or for a Newter, stand)
No humane wisdom, can for you provide,
A being, with true safety, in this Land:
So little wit, hath ordered this Place,
So little honesty, so little grace.

And, these great mischeifs rose, from giving way
For every man, at pleasure, to deface
Those Out-works, which (though faultie) were a stay
Not uselesse, till some better came in place.
For, he that would prevent an inundation
(By false-built Sea-banks) lets not every one
Teare down the Piles, and breake the old Foundation,
Lest that which he would make, might be undone:
Nor for a Cobler, or a Fidler, sends;
But, men experienc'd in such works, doth call;
And, with such warinesse the fault amends,
That, no disaster may, mean-while, befall:
And, that the Old-worke, and the New-worke, may
Begin, and end together, in one day.

You thus proceeded not, but (with more heat
Then prudence, hurrying on) in hast, you tore
The wharfage down; ev'n while the floods did threat
To drowne the fields, and Billowes rent the shore.
The furious Souldier was, with commendation,
Permitted to reforme, as he thought fit;
(Forbidding or affording toleration,
According to the modell of his wit)
And, he that was not mad enough to run
Their wildgoose-chase, and set the world on fire,
To suffer by suspition, streight, begun;
And, forc'd was, from imployment to retire,
As not right principled, or drawne aside,
By Balaams wages; or, unsanctifi'd.

And, these Reformers, not enough content,
To carve out Discipline, as they shall please,

(And Doctrine too) will on the Government,
Vnlesse it be prevented, shortlie seize.
For, having no Foundation, like a feather,
Which from the bodie of a Fowle is torne.
They to and fro, are turn'd with everie weather;
Else, up and down, still wrestlesly are borne.
And, by these foolish Fires, ev'n as you see
By shining-vapours, rising in the night,
Mis-led from safe high-waies, poore people be,
To fall in Pits, and Ponds, by their false light;
So these, and other, have by their delusions,
Brought on these Nations, mischieves, and confusions.

And these confusions, not alone befall
The Civill State; but, have disord'red so
Your Discipline Ecclesiasticall,
That Church affaires, are out of order too.
Each one sets up their private Idoll, there.
That man, contends for this; this man, for that.
Some, would have new things; some, for old things are,
Some, would have somthing, but they know not what.
Some, care not what they have: and some there be,
That would have nothing, which might them confine,
In doing, or believing; but, live free
In ev'rie thing, a perfect Libertine.
And, most, in such a posture do appeare,
As if the Towre of Babell raising were.

Some, to no Congregation, will repaire,
In which their duties are extemporarie;
As if (because some call vaine bablings, praier)
No man possest that guift in ordinarie.
Some, do abhorre Set-Formes; as if they thought
The Spirit, whereby they were first indighted,
Dispis'd the words, which by it selfe were taught,
If more then once, though with true zeale recited.
Some, care not how GODS Fields are over-grown
With Briars, and Thornes; some others, are so strict,

That, for his Vineyards, they no place will owne,
But those, from whence all weeds, and stones, are pickt;
As if they, for a Church, allowed not,
What hath a scarre, a wrinkle, or a spot.

A Militarie-Church, was well exprest,
In ancient Hieroglyphicke, by the Moone;
To shew, that when her light was at the best,
(And when her brightest glorie she puts on)
Some shadowes, or some Waynings, will declare,
That, in this world, she hath not her perfection:
And, that the Sun, from whom her beauties are,
Conveigheth light unto her, by reflection.
Somtime, that Sun, doth hide his face away,
Lest men ascribe to Her, what is His due:
Somtime, her proper motions, her convey
Too high, or els, too farre, beyond the view
Of private-spirits: And, somtime, from sight
Earths Globe, and somtime Clouds, obscure her light.

Which, many, not consid'ring, are offended
Without a cause; and indiscreetly marre
That Beauty, which to polish they pretended;
And 'twixt her Members, raise intestine warre.
Some Weeds, and Corne, are in the blade so like,
That many Weeders have deceived bin;
And, oftentimes, good corne away do pick,
And make the crop, at harvest, very thin.
A spotlesse Church, or perfect Disciplines
Go seek at None-such: For, they are not found
In any place, between the Tropick-Lines,
Or any where, upon this earthly Round;
Though some have shaped modells, in their braine,
Of that, whereto, they never shall attaine.

On speculations, these have doted so,
(Which their own Fancies forme) that, they have lost
The Body of Religion; and let go
That Forme thereof, which must enshrine the Ghost.

And, he (who being in the flesh) believes
The soule of Worship can retained be,
Or known, without a Forme, himselfe deceives;
Yea others, with himselfe, deceiveth he:
And, wanders (restlesse) in perpetuall motion,
In quest of empty-shades; and to pursue
Each flitting dreame, and ev'ry changing Notion,
Which comes within his intellectuall view:
Till Pride, upon his Fantasie, begets
High thoughts of his own light, and in his brest
Stirres up, and kindles those distemper'd heats,
That keep the mind and body without rest;
And, then perchance, he to a meteor growes,
Which Fooles, to be a Starre, a while, suppose.

But, if you mark such well, their new-borne-blaze
Is quickly out; and you shall see, ere long,
Some Evills follow, whereof they were Cause
As well as Signes. And take you this, among
Your Notes; that, when your Marches furious be,
Like Jehu's, in Religions reformation;
(And so pursu'd, as if you said, Come see
Our zeale for GOD) that, but for ostentation,
Or, for your own advancements, you become
So zealous: and, that (when you execute
GOD's mandates, Jehu-like) you, for the same
Shall tast, of his false zeale, the bitter-fruit;
That, other men may learn, his will to do,
For his owne sake; and, with due meeknesse too.

No few disasters had prevented bin,
If in the Worke now doing, you had learn'd
With whether part, 'twas fittest to begin:
Which might in GOD's own works have been discern'd:
For, though this World, in worth inferiour be
To Man; and, though the Body be below
The soule, in value; yet, created He
The meanest of these first: And, that may show

How men should work. For, had Man been created
Before the World; or, had the Soule been made
Before the Body, where had they been seated,
To exercise the Faculties they had?
Though noblest works should first be thought upon,
Sometime, a meaner work should first be done.

A Common-wealths, blest being, doth depend
Vpon the Church: the Churches Reformation,
You, therefore, principally should intend:
And yet, your zeale may merit commendation,
Though to reforme the Civill-government
You first begin, and waive a while the other;
If there shall happen some such accident,
As hinders the reforming both together.
Else, peradventure, while you are contriving,
Your Forme of Discipline, there may begin
A mischiefe, not alone of Peace depriving,
But, of a Countrey to professe it in:
And, so, with you it hath almost succeeded;
Because, this freedome was not timely heeded.

For, had you tim'd, and ordered aright
The Civill-Part; and, therewith brought along
The Church-Affaires (as by degrees you might)
The Work had prov'd lesse grievous, and more strong.
Or, had true Prudencie directed Zeale
First, to reforme some things pertaining to
The safe well-being of the Common-weale;
Both, had not been, at once, distracted so.
And, yet, in this, the wisdome of the State
Deserves no check; but, rather, that Defection
Throughout the Land, which doth irregulate
The Works in hand, and keep them from perfection,
By multipli'd Obstructions; and, sometime,
By streightning, and necessitating them.

For, such is your corruption and your folly,
So false and hypocriticall you are;

So brutishly profane, and so unholy,
(Though you Religious-Nations would appeare)
That, had your temp'rall grievances been eas'd,
And all those Priviledges been secur'd,
For which, to be at cost, you yet are pleas'd,
(And many Deaths and dangers have endur'd)
Most would have hazarded nor life, nor limb,
Nor Goods nor paines, the Church to vindicate
From her enthralments; but, to sink or swim,
Had left her in a deplorable state:
And, therefore, GOD permitted the pursuit
Of Counsells, which have brought forth bitter fruit.

Ev'n as a Worldling, who hath spent his dayes
In carnall Pleasures; and hath partner bin
With lewd Companions, in their wicked wayes,
(And in the practice of each crying sin)
When he doth feele the stroke of some disease
Portending Death; and that the self-same houre
Those horrours on his conscience also seize,
Which threaten Soule and Body to devoure;
Desire of Life, and fearfulnesse to die
Distracts him so, that he at once for aid,
Both from Physitians, and Divines doth crie;
And, having both, becometh so dismaid,
That he receiveth benefit from neither:
But, hazards Soule and Body both together.

So, while you laboured at once to heale
The desperate Diseases, which of late
Endangered both Church and Common-weale;
Such longings, then, your double-zeale begate,
To cure them both together; and so strove
Your Zelots, that, from both at once, they mought
The Cause of their distemperatures remove,
That, great Confusions upon both, are brought:
Yea, both of them, are now exposed more
To scandals, losses, errours, perturbations,

And hazards of destruction, than before:
That, whether now you seek their preservations
Together or apart, you shall not, yet,
Obtaine that blessing, which you hope to get.

For, you must first be cleared of the sin,
Which hinders from enjoying your desire:
And, that which lately might have cleansed bin
With water, must be purged now with fire.
Yea, since your follies and your sins have brought
Those great Confusions both on Church and State,
For which the meanes, that might their cure have wrought,
Are now too feeble, and will come too late;
Since, into such a Chaos all is changed,
That, all endeavours usefull heretofore,
Have, daily, you from Concord, more estranged,
And made your mischiefes, and your sorrowes more,
No ordinary-course, can set you free
From those distractions, wherein, now, you be.

This, being knowne (and in what great distresse
You plunged are) to you it appertaines
With penitencie, humbly to addresse
Your suits to him, in whom your help remaines.
And ere you make approaches to his Throne,
There must be (as was told you) some purgation,
From those omissions, and those deeds mis-done,
Which make your prayers an abhomination.
The Zimri's and the Cosbi's of the time,
Of whose uncleannesse and whose impudence,
You talk of, yet, but as a Veniall crime,
Or, laugh at, as a triviall offence,
Must with more zeale (more speed) receive their due;
Or, else, their sins, GOD shall avenge on you.

For, these are so impure, that, in their Sin,
They are unsatisfi'd, unlesse the same
Hath with some circumstances acted bin,
Which proves them double-guiltie, without shame.

They are not pleas'd in Simple-Fornication,
Vnlesse thereto, Adulteries they add;
Nor seemes that, now, sufficient violation
Of Chastitie, unlesse, the Crime be made,
Yet more abhominable, by beguiling
Some Innocent; or else by (offring force)
The Bed of Honour, with bold vaunts defiling:
Nay, there is found among you (if not worse)
Vncleannesse more unmanly, and more strange;
Adult'ries by consent, and by exchange.

But, these are the defilements of your Peace,
Where yet they have not felt the rage of War;
Where, yet, the Course of Justice doth not cease,
And where great shewes of Pietie yet are.
And, if such impudence may there be found;
If there, you so corrupt already grow,
Oh! how do those Uncleannesses abound,
Where cruell Outrage her grim face doth show?
Sure words are insufficient to expresse
The Rapes, the Ravishments, and loathsome sins,
Where War gives way to all Vnrulinesse,
And Tyranny and Lust the conquest wins:
When sin and impudence is acted there,
Where Justice on her seats doth yet appeare.

Behold, this day, ev'n whilst with Desolation,
The Land is threatned, you have now let in,
A crying wickednesse, which to this Nation,
Was ever thought so hatefull to have bin;
That, though among the Jewes, a Law they had,
Inflicting Death upon it, you have none;
Because, a Law is verie rarely made,
Concerning things unlikely to be done.
Who would have thought, there being neither Beare,
Nor Wolfe, nor Lyon on your English ground,
To seize upon your little Children there,
That many Beasts and Monsters should be found,

In humane shape, to steale and beare away
Your Infants, whilst before your doores they play?

Who would have thought, that for so small a price,
So many, could so quickly have been got,
To joyne in perpetrating of a Vice,
So horrible, and yet abhor it not?
That, their hard hearts could heare poore Children crie
Vpon their fathers, or their mothers name,
Till, peradventure, in an agonie
Of extreme passion, livelesse they became.
Or (which is worse) preserv'd them, to be sent
To Bondage, whilst their Parents (almost wild)
Were left in everlasting discontent,
By musing, on their lost-beloved-child?
This Crueltie hath in your streets been seen;
Thus high, have your corruptions heightned been.

In these sad times, while GODS afflicting hand
Lies heavie on you, and with sword and fire,
Pursues, through ev'rie Corner of the Land;
And, reall Penitencie doth require.
In stead thereof, the People now begins
To grow more daring, and to practise crimes
(Beside the old, or Epidemick sins)
Which were unheard of here, in former times.
Blasphemous Heresie among you growes,
Like Sprouts at Spring-tide, from a new lopt tree:
And, so detestable, are some of those,
That, pious men afraid to name them be:
Lest they, who love the sinfulnesse of Sin,
Should, thereby, let such mischiefes further in.

Death, was the punishment, which for this crime
Was judged by the Law of Moses due;
And, well it would become you at this time,
That Law, among these Nations to renue.
And if you should observe, how little sense
Of Perjurie, men seeme to have of late;

And what bold use is made of that Offence,
To serve the will of Malice, and of hate;
Or, with what ease, Oppressours, thereby may,
(And sometimes do) not only ruinate
An honest Fame, but also take away,
As well their pretious lives, as an estate
From Innocents; Death, would not seem a Law
Too strict, to keep those Wicked ones, in awe.

The Land, through Oathes and Curses, also, mournes:
For, some have learn'd new oathes, and imprecations,
Not heard of heretofore; and, GOD returnes
On their owne heads, their wished-for Damnations.
In Cursings they delighted; and they soke
Like Oyle into their bones. They took a pride
In wishing Plagues; and, lo, as with a cloke
Therewith, now, wrapt they are on ev'rie side.
You lov'd not Blessings: but, when you enjoy'd
Peace, plentie, health, and safetie, you despis'd
Those Mercies; and behold, they are destroy'd,
That they, hereafter, may be better priz'd.
You, long have partners been in ev'rie sin,
And, now, each others Hang-men, you have bin.

When ev'rie neighb'ring house is in a flame,
You store your owne, as if no danger were.
In Honestie's, and in Religion's name,
You credit get; and publike Robbers are.
To lye, and to be perjur'd for the Cause
Of GOD, your King, or Countrey, is a gin
To catch Opinion; whereby, most, he drawes,
That is most bold, and impudent therein.
By some pretence, to benefit the State,
Religion to promote, or aid the King,
You colour your oppressions; slander, cheat,
And, put in practice almost any thing:
You, by a shew, the Gen'rall to preserve,
Particulars, unmercifully starve.

You wrong the meaning of your Parliament
When their estates you seize who are their Foes;
To their undoing, who are innocent,
And blamelesse, though the Creditors, of those.
And, were it our Designment to accuse
Particulars (as to informe and warne,
In gen'rall termes; that, they, who yet abuse
Their power, more humanitie might learn)
We could have instanced in many things,
Discov'ring, that, their number is not few,
Whose Crueltie, Reproach, and Curses, brings
On those Proceedings, which they did pursue
With Prudence, and with Mercie, should relieve
The Publike, more; and, private men, lesse grieve.

One part of you, contributes to the King;
The other Partie, to the Parliament:
To these, you personall assistance bring;
To these, you liberally your goods have lent:
Yet, most of you, who thus ingaged are,
Are both to King, and Parliament untrue:
For, many signes your faithlesnesse declare,
And many things your giddinesse doth shew.
You are most firme to that, which you conceive
Your private weal, or safety, best promotes:
While that is doubtfull, you, Demurs can weave;
When that is plaine, you quickly turne your Coats;
And, to that end, you craftily provide
Quaint shifts, to serve your turnes, on either side.

Some, by Intelligence, themselves indear;
Or, by some service acted under-hand.
By secret Favours, Friends you can prepare,
Who in the Gap, for you, at need shall stand.
Some, have a Son, a Father or a Brother,
Who Ledger with your Adverse-party, lies;
To make good Terms of Peace, for one another,
According as Occasions may arise.

And (to advance this Project) they, who spend
Their Blood, and Fortunes, with a single heart,
(Indeavouring truly for the noblest end)
Engaged are, to act a desp'rate part;
Which, into present mischiefs, them doth cast,
And, into feares of greater, at the last.

You, have not Faith enough, in GOD, to trust;
(Though, wonder-working Faith, you do pretend)
And, that, hath tempted you to things unjust:
That, makes you on your arme of flesh depend.
That, makes you bold, when you should rather feare;
And, fearfull grow, when you should bolder be:
That, makes your Foe so vigilant appeare;
And, you, so many things, to over-see.
That, makes you, for your Ayd, poor tricks devise,
And take that Course which Scandall on you draws:
That, makes you think, that false Reports, and Lies,
Are meritorious in an Honest-Cause:
And, by these failings, you your peace delay;
And justifie your foes, in their lewd way.

They, who abhorre Pluralities in other,
And in your Clergie hate non-residence;
Can, Office unto Office joyn together,
And, in themselves, suppose it no offence.
Some, can heap up Command, upon Command,
Share, or take all the honour, and the pay,
(When but for cyphers, nay for lesse they stand)
And other mens true value take away.
Some, when the Publike was in great distresse,
(Though they Commanded few, had pay for many)
Yea, some of you (who better minds professe)
Were paid for souldiers, when you had not any:
And, some have took, (who yet for payment call)
In Plunder and Free-quarter, more then all.

Of Orphans cries, and of the Widdowes tears,
Whose Fathers and whose Husbands for your sake,

Have spent their lives, and fortunes in these wars.
More heed, more care, more pitie, you must take.
When at your doores, and at your feet they lie,
To crave a part of that which is their own,
To feed them in their great necessity,
More Bowells of Compassion, must be showne.
And, they who, to contribute, have not spar'd
Paines, Councells, Prayers, Persons, nor Estates
In publike duties, must finde more regard,
Before the furie of this Plague abates:
For, who can hope the GOD of Righteousnesse,
Will shew forth mercie, to the mercilesse?

They, who in Peace, the blood of War have shed
As Ioab did; or, have expos'd their friends,
And faithfull souldiers, to be murthered
To hide their Plots, or to effect their Ends,
Must not be winked at: nor they, who dare
So partiall in their judgements to become,
As to inflict on those that equalls are
In their transgressions, an unequall-doome:
For, of this partiall dealing there is found,
A murmur in your streets: and, Common-fame
Reports, injustice so much to abound;
That, he speedes best, who merits greatest blame:
And, that, for sin, when Accessaries bleed,
The Principalls find favour, and are freed.

Your Beasts of prey, who live upon the spoile,
And, by the publike ruines, fat are growne,
Must either quite be chased from this Isle,
Or, from their dens, be rouz'd, and hunted down.
Your Ambodexters, who are neither true,
To GOD, nor Man, to King, nor Parliament,
Must learn a better temp'rature to shew,
And of their fraud, and ficklenesse repent.
Those Rotten-Members, those false Officers,
And those Committee-men, who have deceiv'd

The Kingdomes Trust, must for that guilt of theirs,
Passe other doomes, then yet they have receiv'd,
Before those wrongs, and practices, do cease,
Which keep away your much desired Peace.

They who have almost perfected the times
For desolation, by habituating
Themselves in Sodom's, and Gomorrah's crimes;
And, by an impudently imitating
Of their impenitence: ev'n they, that had
The pride of life, sacietie of bread,
And liv'd in idlenesse; must, now, be made
To tast their suffrings, who are hunger-fed:
To feele the paines of their laborious life,
Who, sweat in good employments; and the scorne,
Which humble-men have long without reliefe,
By their oppression, and ambition, borne.
These must be humbled, and perhaps destroy'd,
Before your expectations are enjoy'd.

Your counterfeit and rash Reformers, too,
Must change their hearts, and regulate their zeale,
Ere you shall compasse what you hope to do,
In matters of the Church, or Common-weale.
Your Scribes and Pharisees, who by long prayer,
Devour poore Widdowes houses; and by shewes
Of honestie (and by pretending faire
To pietie) good meaning soules abuse:
They, who in tithing mint, and annise, are
More strict, then in the weightie points of Law;
And, burthens great, for other men prepare,
When they themselves will hardly lift a straw:
These, must, e're perfect Peace you here shall see,
Be more unvizarded, then yet they be.

Your pettie-Tyrants, must be likewise fewer,
Then now they are; e're GOD will condescend,
To ease your burthens, or your griefes to cure;
Or, bring your dis-agreements to an end.

100

For, how, in equitie, can you expect
Your GOD should free you, from those injuries,
That Sov'raignty-abused may inflict?
Whilst you, on one another, tyrannize?
Or, how can, possibly, true Peace be there,
Where well nigh all are Tyrants to their power?
And, as they get advantage domineer,
Insult, oppresse, impov'rish, and devoure?
For, this oppression you may plainly see
In some of everie Calling, and Degree.

Nigh ev'rie one the King exemplifies,
In usurpation of Prorogatives,
Above his due: Nay, that which he denies
Vnto his Prince; injuriously, he strives
To take unto himselfe. The Peer, upon
The Commoner usurps: The Husband, so
Vpon the Wife: The Father, on the Son;
And, on their Servants, thus, the Masters, do.
In everie Corporation, thus presume
The Governours; yea, thus the Magistrate
Of lowest ranke, doth on himselfe assume
What, in his Chiefe, he will not tolerate:
And, they who their own Freedoms, fain would save,
Are alwaies willing, others to inslave.

These, and such Scabs, and Tetters, must be sear'd
E're they will heal; And, you must cut away
Those Members, whereon Gangrieves have appear'd:
Which, els, this Kingdoms body will destroy.
For, multitudes of those, among you, hide
Their Addle-heads: yea, many such as these
(Corrupting, both the one, and other side)
Do keep incurable this Lands disease.
And, to your safetie, it would most redound,
(And your desired Peace, the more assure)
If, by each partie, their own faults were found;
And, they themselves, endeavour'd their own cure:

101

Which, shall perhaps, begin, when on one day,
Both Parties, for this Grace, shall Fast, and Pray.

But, why shouldst thou be kept attending, here,
What further (to this purpose) may be said,
And be the while (when thou no harm dost fear)
Injuriously rewarded, and betraid?
Lo; they that hate thee, while thou art imploid
To seek their Peace; have now prevailed so,
That, if their plot thou quickly make not void,
They, whom thou honour'st most, shall thee undo.
That mischief to prevent, make therefore speed;
And, mark, when thy endeavour thou hast done,
What justice or injustice shall succeed:
For, guesse thou mayest, by what befalls thereon,
How safely thou hast ventur'd thy estate
Vpon the publike-Faith, or publique-Fate.

The VOICE here paws'd againe; and, forth I went
To see, how I requited was by them,
In whose defence, my fortunes, I have spent;
My life adventur'd, and consum'd my time.
If they deceive my hope, my greatest grief
Will be for them; because, I plainly see
Their failing me, of promised relief,
Will more dishonour them, then hinder me.
For, nor on Peeres nor Commons, I depend:
But, on his pow'r, and on his love alone,
Who, ere I had my being, was my Friend;
And, shall be, when my Foes are all undone.
By Him, in all oppressions, I am eas'd;
With whatsoere he pleases, I am pleas'd.

102

The third Canto.

Excuse me, if your longings be delai'd,
Mine owne Affaires, a little, to review;
And, if, here somewhat of my selfe be said,
Before my former Subject I pursue.
For, though I know not many, much encli'nd,
To heare, or speak, of what may profit me,
And see most pleas'd, when I am as unkind,
Or failing to my selfe, as others be:
Yea, though sometime I have appeared such,
Yet, now, my meaning to my selfe is better;
And, therefore, whosoever thinks it much,
My selfe, I finding, to my selfe a Debter,
Will here presume (because I justly may)
To do my selfe an Errand, by the way.

103

I know it will not relish well with some,
When, of my selfe, they this Digression find;
But (seeing Charitie begins at home)
When others do not, I, my selfe will mind.
My wrongs do not alone extend to me;
But, on the Publike Rights take, likewise, hold:
And, for my sake, since heard they cannot be,
They, for the Common-Safetie, shall be told.
Most famous Prophets, and renowned Saints,
And many other of approved wit,
When they oppressed were did make complaints,
And in their Volumes of themselves have writ.
If therefore, any of my Readers grutch,
The time of reading, some few leaves, to spare,
Concerning me, who have not thought it much,
All this, for his Advantage, to prepare;
I leave him to his pleasure, and his ease,
And bold will make, to do as I shall please.

The VOICE dismissing me, as in the Close
Of my preceding Canto, you have heard,
From Postures of Retirement, I arose,
To see, in what Designes, my Foes appear'd.
And, saw indeed my selfe so ill befriended,
That (whilst I mused with a serious thought,
What to the Common Peace and Safetie tended)
My Ruine had maliciously been sought.
And, that it hath been follow'd, ever since
My first engagement in these fatall wars;
By reason of an evill Influence,
To me directed from malignant Stars,
Who shining, openly, with faire Aspects,
Produce, in secret, mischievous Effects.

Which, if I should endeavour to expresse,
The paines, a small Advantage would returne;
Since, they who might my Grievances redresse,
Might grudge to heare so much as I have borne.

104

For, by Oppressions, manifold and great,
Remonstrances are often made so long,
That, when Redresses we suppose to get,
Our just Complaints, unheard, away are flung:
And, Malice can with so much impudence
Invent, and vent untruths, (in hope thereby
To disadvantage truest Innocence)
That, Patience is our cheapest remedy:
And, he who seeks for other Cures, oft doubles
His Grievance by Expence, Affronts, or Troubles.

There are so many Passages awry,
In ev'rie Action; and, in ev'rie Cause,
So many Tricks, to put a Hearing by;
To blind the Judges, and pervert the Lawes:
So many Fees and Charges, to be paid
To Witnesses, to Clerks, and Counsellours,
Which quite are lost, when Hearings are delai'd;
(Ten times, perchance, before an end appears:)
Nay, often, Partialitie and Pride,
(In stead of Justice) gives that provocation,
Which no free Spirit, alwaies, can abide,
Without some shewes of outward Indignation;
Whereby, he peradventure, doth augment
That mischiefe, which he labours to prevent.

At first, I hoped better, and I strove
In humble Supplications, to declare
My suffrings; and, their burden to remove.
Where likel'est means of such atchievement were.
But, there I saw such throngings with Petitions;
So small assistance, and so much ado:
There, saw I, in all private Expeditions,
And, in the publike, such Obstructions too:
Such waiting, such solliciting by friends;
Such mis-informings, makings, and unmakings;
Such partialitie, for private ends,
Such thwartings, such Opposings, and mistakings:

105

And, had so difficult a Course to run,
That, e're I could be heard I was undone.

A place of Profit, or of Reputation,
I never, hitherto, from any sought,
Vntill my selfe thereto by invitation
(From those whom it concern'd) I called thought.
And, when I have a matter to be heard,
I can enforce my selfe to little more,
Than (after I my suit have once preferr'd)
To wait for hearing, at the Counsell doore.
Perhaps, when long unheeded I attend,
I give remembrances that I am there;
Or, for dispatch, a word or two can spend:
And, if I speed not, much I do not care.
By which blunt course, I past, with little fruit,
Through many an honest Cause, and hopefull Suit.

When long Attendance, no dispatch affords,
My Passions, peradventure, overflow;
And, boyle up into those impatient words,
Which more Corruption, than Discretion, show.
And, then, they who, before, to do me right,
Could find no leisure, straight at leisure be,
To heare enough to do me a despight;
And, to my temper, that reduceth me.
For, though they, with a mischief, send me home;
Yet, many good effects, thereout arise:
Of them, and of my self, I, there, become
A Censurer: and, studie to despise
Those Things, and those Affaires pertaining to me,
Wherein, a Foole or Villaine, may undo me.

I cannot, though my life it were to save,
Sollicite, as I see most Suiters can;
And, rather than repulses I would have,
Vse ev'rie means, almost, to ev'rie man.
When I bring in a matter to be tri'd,
I hope, that all my Judges will be just:

106

And, (though, this way, much failing I have spide,)
Till he deceives me, no man I distrust.
To presse meer strangers, I, too modest am;
Wise men, regard not much solicitation;
To urge my Friends, their friendship seemes to blame;
To Court a Foole, is my abhomination:
And, favours to implore from persons evill,
To me appeares, a praying to the Devill.

This Inclination, as it keeps me poore,
So, it preserves me out of many Snares:
It makes my inward quiet much the more,
When outwardly, my rest disturb'd appeares.
And, therefore, when away I have been sent,
With lesse then nought, when more then all was due,
One puffe blew off, my greatest discontent;
And, e're I slept, I pleas'd, and merrie grew.
But, I of late, before I was aware,
That Object of my Contemplation lost,
Which teaches how affliction I should beare:
And, being with a sudden storm, then tost,
Opprest with wants, and with unkindnesse too,
It made me vex my selfe, as others do.

And, much adoe I had to keep my tongue
From speaking out the murm'rings of my heart;
And wonder not, that, others, having wrong,
Do somtime act an unbeseeming part:
No marvell, though a wiser man then I,
Was causlesly a mad-man term'd of late,
By reason he had with impatiencie,
Oppos'd some grosse abusings of the State:
And, that, the wisdome of the Holy Ghost,
Hath said, Oppression makes a wise man mad:
For, though true wisdome never can be lost,
A fit of madnesse may be thereby had;
And, so I think had I: and, so may you,
Who read me, being us'd as I am now.

107

For, when I came abroad and saw the spight
Which had been done me: And, when done it was
How much contentment, and how much delight
The Doers took in what they brought to passe;
Although I sleighted them, as foolish men,
Who had no sense, how I aveng'd might be,
Nor worth, to move my anger, or my pen)
Vnkindnesses, in others, troubled me.
And, though my service merit not so much
As an Acknowledgement (much lesse reward)
I thought, my love unto my Countrey such,
As might, at least, have purchased regard,
And friends enough, for me to have injoy'd
More grace then he, that would have her destroy'd.

Which finding otherwise; as one amaz'd,
I sate a while; not well discerning whether
Griefe, Shame, or Anger, that demurrer caus'd
(Or all those passions mustred up together.)
But, when I call'd to minde how many years
The Brunts of opposition, and of scorne,
Indur'd I have, for what, to me, appeares
To be the chiefest work, for which I'm borne:
And, when I minded, that, nor Peace, nor War,
Prelaticall, nor Presbyterian daies,
Nor youth, nor age, to me propitious are;
That King nor People, favour'd my essayes:
And, that nor Friends, nor Foes, nor Wrong, nor Right
Befriended me; it broke my patience quite.

And being much distemper'd, thus my thoughts
Began to grumble, (having drawne together
A crew, of Riotous distrusts and doubts,
Which, in such cases, call forth one another)
Art thou (said they to me) for all thy paines,
Thy losses, and adventures, thus rewarded?
Is this, the well-affected Parties gaines?
Are thus, our Vowes and Covenants rewarded?

108

Have we the tricks of Hocus Pocus learned
At our Committees? And, can some convay
A mischievous Designe, so undiscerned,
That, Honestie nor Wit, discover may
How impudently they abuse the State,
For private profit, or through private hate?

Was I, the first of those, who, where I dwelt,
To guard our Liberties, and save our Lawes,
An uncompelled Contribution dealt?
And, who first there was armed for this Cause?
Was I, among the first, who did withstand
The secret plottings of Malignants, there?
And, Horse, and Foot, and Castle did command,
When fewer Friends, than Foes, about me were?
Was I, among the first, of whose estate
The furious Adversarie made a prey?
Did I expose my selfe unto their hate,
Who offred me, a fairer-seeming way;
Wherein appear'd, what chance soever came,
A likely means, to get a saving-game?

Have I, my life adventur'd often too,
Through much discouragement, and without pay?
Done everie thing my strength or wit could do,
To keep the Weak, from falling quite away?
To help confirme the Strong? To bring them home,
Who by Seducers have been led aside?
To make our Newters, Zelots to become?
And mark-out Foes, that, here, as friends abide?
Have I, with patience view'd my selfe bereft,
In Taxes and Free-quarterings, by our owne,
Of what to me, the plundring Foe had left?
And, suffred other Injuries unknowne
In publike? and (it may be) now conceal'd,
That, they more seasonably may be reveal'd?

Have I, upon the Publike-Faith reli'd,
And on the Commons Order, fairly granted,

109

Vntill my Children might for bread have cri'd,
If I my self, had private credit wanted?
Have I, to serve my Countrey, so engaged
My Fortunes and my selfe, that, Open Foes
Against me are implacably inraged,
And, Secret-Ones, as virulent as those?
Have I, adventured, likewise, therewithall
Hopes present, and in expectation too,
Resolving, with this Cause, to stand and fall,
And (though abus'd) my Dutie still to do?
Yea, thus have I resolv'd? thus done? thus borne?
To be repaid with injuries and scorne?

Behold, Malignancie is growne so strong
Within our Quarters; and, hath so made voyd
The Publike Faith, that, I am lately flung
Quite out of that, which I, thereby, enjoy'd:
And, it hath acted with such insolence,
By colour of Authoritie abus'd,
That, it proceeds to warlike violence;
And like a Foe, the Kingdoms-friend, hath us'd.
Before I knew, that, any man appear'd
Against me there, where I was overthrowne;
Before that I was called to be heard,
Before my claime or answer, could be knowne;
I was expell'd unjustly, from my right,
With all the circumstances, of despight.

For, He that hath been armed to bereave me,
Of what by publike Order I possest,
And, wherewith (if good hopes do not deceive me)
That, Order shall, ere long, me re-invest;
Seem'd not enough content that he so sped,
Vnlesse by boasting of his Conquests too,
The Well-affected he discouraged;
And, shew'd Malignants, what his Friends could do:
Nor was it without much discouragement,
To all the Faithfull-Partie thereabout;

110

For, when they saw my hopes had that event,
It made them partly feare, and partly doubt;
Lest he, who for the Publike most hath done,
May live, till he shall least be thought upon.

For, nothing was considerable shew'd,
In him, to whom I did perforce resigne;
But, that his hands were in their bloud imbrew'd,
For whose defence, I have adventur'd mine.
I, put on Armes, to serve the Common-weale;
And, for her safetie offred all I had:
He, raised Forces, but to rob and steale;
And, to his pow'r, a spoyle thereof he made.
Nor, came he hither, as hath been surmiz'd,
With such Repentance, as he ought to bring;
But, to pursue a Stratagem, devis'd,
To have betray'd my person to the King:
Which not succeeding, and, he finding friends
Among my Foes, pursued other ends.

For, Friends he found (as most Malignants do)
So forward our Ill-willers to protect,
So pow'rfull, and, withall, so cunning too,
Their ends, by faire pretences, to effect;
That, though I were their neighbour, and their friend;
Though my endeavours had been truly done,
To further that, whereto they love pretend;
And, though before this War, I knew not one,
Whose malice, in those parts, suspect I mought;
Nor any person, who suspected me
To them injurious, in word, deed, or thought:
Yea, though, by Covenant, oblig'd they be
On my behalfe; They, naythelesse, did grow
Confed'rates with this Stranger, my knowne Foe.

Else, when they heard how first the Plot was layd
For my surprisall; where, it was begun;
To whom, he meant I should have been betrayd;
By whom, and how, and when it should be done,

111

Averr'd on oath, me thinks, in such a case
He should not, then, so suddenly, have found
So many fav'ring him, to my disgrace,
If all of them had at the heart been sound.
Nor, would you think, if everie circumstance
Were fully told, that Charitie first drew
So many to afford him countenance,
Who was their Foe, if they to us were true;
And, who may thank the spite they bore to me,
That, they, to him, so kind and friendly be.

And, on some likely Grounds, conceive I may
Those friends of his were they, who first convay'd
Those notions to him, which first shew'd the way,
How to my Foes I should have been betray'd.
For, from our Quarters, he so far, then, liv'd,
That, else, our Posture, and Affections, here,
He had not so well knowne, to have contriv'd
A plot, which did so feizable appeare.
And, when he came (as if his coming thither,
A blessing to the Conntrey had been thought)
To further his Designes, they joyn'd together;
They strength'ned him, against me, what they mought:
And published of me, to my disgrace,
What neither done, nor spoke, nor purpos'd was.

And, that they with their Grandees might comply,
My Neighbours turn'd about, I also find;
They whom, in Peace, I alwaies lived by,
And, unto whom I never was unkind;
Ev'n they, who true respect from me have had,
And, till this War, the like to me did show,
Are of my losses and disgraces glad,
And, to my causlesse wrong, befriend my Foe.
They mention me, when they together sit,
As if it hardly could allowed be,
That, of Religion, Souldierie, or Wit,
There appertained any share to me;

112

And speak for truths, what they themselves do know
They may with safety sweare, is nothing so.

My greatest wrongs, and suffrings, now, be there
Where best I have deserv'd: My greatest scorne
And dis-respect, is in those places, where
My dwelling was; and there where I was borne.
They who are most obliged to befriend me,
Have most abus'd my patience, and desert;
They, who have made a Covenant to defend me,
Have with my chiefest haters taken part.
Yea, now, when my affronts are to the wrong
Of Publike-Justice; and, when my defence
Vnto the Publike-safety doth belong,
They have expos'd my well-known innocence,
To his despight, 'gainst whom, erewhile, I thought
I needed not, protections to have sought.

In some respects, their cruelties are more
Then theirs, by whom my dwelling wast was laid;
For, (though they rob'd my house, and left me poore)
To bar reliefe, no spightfull part they plaid.
But, these trod on me, when they saw me down;
And, lest I should finde pitie in distresse,
A false report by them abroad was blowne,
As if my well-knowne losses had been lesse
Then I can prove them; For, I offer here
That if my hindrances (well weigh'd) be found
One mite below what I affirm'd they were;
For ev'rie shilling I will give a pound,
If they will my true dammages defray
When I have prov'd that true which they gain-say.

Yet, some, to that intent, did late suborne
The most defamed Varlets of the Shire
To sweare against me, and to be forsworne,
By crossing what they formerly did swear:
To that intent, while our Committee sate,
The Kingdomes Foe, had leave in person, there,

113

To mannage witnesses, as for the State,
And, them by leading questions to prepare,
For proofe of what they falsly did suggest,
To my dishonour: But, they could not bring
Their witnesses, against me, to attest,
One culpable, or one materiall thing;
Nor was it worth regarding if they had,
Consid'ring, of what persons, choice they made.

For, one of those, unto that village came
Where now he lives; due punishment to shun,
Or, to escape a just deserving shame,
For what he in another place had done.
He, now, in part by labour, part by prowling,
(With other courses to his neighbours knowne,
As lawlesse fishings, and unlawfull fowling)
And taking somwhat more then is his own,
Makes shift to live. Another of this Pack,
Was he, that should have been the Instrument
Of my betraying, who like course doth take;
And, lately, to avoid the punishiment
Deserved long, is married to a whore;
With whom he lived like a knave before.

The third, a Labourer of evill fame,
Whom I five years together had imploy'd
(To keep his brats from starving, him from shame,
And, that, he other mischieves might avoid)
This Beast, when I was plundred by our Foes
Of what they found, made offer (for a sum,
By him desired) that he would disclose
A parcell of my goods, then hidden from
Those Vultures eyes; who, readily agreed
To promise much: But, when the work was done,
And, this false Traitor came to aske his meed,
Some blowes they gave, but, money gave him none;
And, told him, hanging was the fittest pay
For him, that such a master would betray.

114

The fourth of these, had been my servant too,
Whom (though he had deserved publike shame
For doing more then honestie should do)
I put away, without an open blame:
And, at that time his faultinesse conceal'd,
Because he seem'd religiously inclin'd;
But, shortly after, other men beheld
Apparent proofe of his dis-honest mind.
For, in the night felloniously he broke
A Colonels Field-Waggon of our side
Then quartering at his Masters; and thence took
Some things of worth; for which, he did abide
Correction in the Bilboes, for a day,
And after, by connivance, ran away.

These were the witnesses, which forth were sought
By some who for the Parliament pretend,
In hope their power, should more effects have wrought
On those choice Instruments to worke their end.
These (whom I'le prove charactred thus to be
Without the least addition of a lie)
Are they, whom now my foes, to scandall me,
Have rak'd out of the ditch of infamy.
These, are encourag'd to devise and say
Of me their pleasures: and to bring and carrie
What ever to my wrong convert they may,
Or to the profit of my adversarie;
Whom, to the States dishonour, they protect,
And meerly, in dispight of me, respect.

When informations, were against him laid,
And his reply required thereunto;
From just restraint, his person they convaid,
Before cause showne, or order so to do.
On his behalfe they have subscribed hands,
Thereby deluding, wilfully, the State:
He had our soulderie at his commands,
To execute his pleasure, and their hate.

115

And, hath so far prevailed, that unlesse
The mercie of the State vouchsafe with speed
The suffrings of her servant to redresse,
And him, and his oppressors better heed;
For ought he sees, his Countrey he may serve
With faithfulnesse; and yet his houshold starve.

Why should my person from that place be driven,
In which I best know how to serve the State?
Of what to me, by publike grace was given,
Why should I be depriv'd, by private hate?
What knew they in him, whom they more befriended,
But that he was this Realmes professed foe?
Or why to do me wrong have they contended,
Except because I never will be so?
They who were wont to gloze and fawne upon me,
When I was arm'd among them; and while they
To their Designes were hopefull to have won me,
Now snuffe, and turn their nose another way.
And think, that they themselves now quite have freed,
From him, who mark'd and hindred their proceed.

For, that Confed'racie within those parts,
Where then I liv'd (and maugre whose intent
I there commanded) having rotten hearts
Vnfaithfull, alwaies to the Parliament,
Perceiving me unlikelie to be made
Their Instrument; and, that my presence, there,
(With such repute, and power as I then had)
Might marre their works, which they contriving were:
They so prevail'd, that from my Garrison
I was removed, if thence not betray'd:
(For many things suceeded thereupon,
Which made me think, that so it may be said)
And all our neigh'bring Countrie, ever since,
Hath dearly paid, for my removing thence.

When I was gone, a part of those arose
(Encourag'd by some other underhand)

116

And my estate, (as chiefest of their foes)
First seiz'd; and then, the place of my Command.
In which forth-breaking, some went on so far,
That, ever since, they open foes have been:
Some went as far as fooles, and cowards dare;
And then slunck back, in hope they were not seen.
But, some of them so cunningly did act,
That, though they are as guilty as the rest,
By circumstances; yet, by open fact
Their falshood is not perfectly exprest:
And, these by cunning, such effects have wrought,
That knaves and fooles, our faithfull men are thought.

These, have a way invented how to arme
The dangeroust Malignants of the Shire,
And, make men hope their Foes will do no harme,
Till sheathed in their Chest their swords appeare.
These, have a trick to make their neighbours dreame,
A double Taxe increaseth not their cost,
And, that though their designes have begger'd them,
Their wit, alone, sav'd all from being lost.
These, have so laid their Scœne, and acted so,
That, though we daily heare, and plainly see,
What course they bend, and what they mean to do,
(When all things to their purpose rip'ned be)
We strive in vain their projects to prevent;
And, gaine but mischieves, for our good intent.

Nay, this new Junto, doth so strong become,
By their conferring Offices and Places,
By adding-to, and by removing-from,
By secret-commendations, and disgraces;
And by deluding of a simple crew,
(Who, by these Polititians, may be brought
Their own perdition fiercely to pursue)
That, they have almost compast what they sought;
And, they will gain the rest, if not prevented;
For, by their diligence, they have removed,

117

Vndone, discouraged, or discontendted
Most men, whose faithfulnesse was most approved:
And, they, whose power, these cannot yet destroy,
Do act with small successe, and little joy.

Had I conceiv'd, that, now it would have been,
As needfull as I find it, to collect
Such proofes of that which I have heard and seen
To prove their faithlesnesse whom I suspect,
Or know unfaithfull: that, I might have made
Such proofes to others, as I have whereby
To prove it to my selfe; I should have had
Enough to make me able to unty
That knot of Vipers, which now to unknit
Is not so easie. But, my aime hath bin
To mend particulars, and bend my wit,
In generalls, alone, to strike at sin:
And, that hath rendred, now, my power the lesse,
The mischiefs of this Faction to suppresse.

These, having long, and many severall wayes,
To root me from among them, tride their wit;
And failed heretofore in their assayes,
At last, thus hapned to accomplish it.
Within that Village, where my Spoilers made
A prey of that estate which I possest,
A Captain of the Kings a Chattle had,
With which, the Parliament did me invest.
He, is that person who protected was,
As I have here exprest: had they a thought,
By countenancing him, to bring to passe
Their purpose; and have gained what they sought,
For, I, who serv'd my Countrie, thence am chas'd;
And he that spoild it, in my room, is plac'd.

I grudge not mercie when it should be showne,
Nor is my heart so churlishly inclin'd,
As not to spare, a portion of mine owne,
Where, Objects fit for mercy, I shall find,

118

But, when I see my selfe ungently us'd,
Those favour'd, who my life would have betray'd,
Authoritie deluded and abus'd,
And plots to ruine, and disgrace me, laid;
I cannot think it Patience to be mute,
In such a case; or, that with charitie,
Or with a manly prudence it can suit,
To passe, at all times, such abuses by:
Or, that we may not, justly, on our foes
Repaire what in this lawfull war we lose.

Why should it grudged be, that by the Sword,
We, by the Sword, our losses repossesse?
Why should our Partie to their friends afford
Lesse favour, then to those that merit lesse?
So well deserving, wherefore should he seem
Who put the State to hazzard, and to cost
That all his great estate he should redeem
For lesse, then at one skirmish I have lost?
Of those reliefes, why should I be defeated,
Which do, by right and grace, to me belong?
Thereof, why should I be dispoil'd and cheated,
Both to the States dishonour, and my wrong?
And, wherfore should I not expect, and have
A confirmation, of what once they gave?

For, who will in our Senators confide,
Or prize their Orders which are made by them,
If they permit them to be vilifi'd?
And, their Ioynt-Votes, loose Members to contemne?
To say, they heeded not what things they granted,
So prudent an Assembly, mis-became;
To say, they power to make it good, have wanted,
Would wrong their power, and bring us all to shame:
And, to affirme that they regardlesse are
To vindicate their grant, for his relief,
Who to advantage them, his life could spare,
Were to averre, what merits no belief.

119

How comes it then, that, I dispights have born?
And that their favours, now from me, are torn?

Why hath it openlie, by some, been spoke
Ere question put, or anie vote made known,
That, there is an intention to revoke
What by the Commons, was on me bestown?
How dared he (who rather should uphold
The Commons lawfull Right in what he may)
How dared he (assoon as it was told
By whom I claim'd) in sleighting wise to say,
Twas but the Commons Order? as if that
Were not an Act sufficient to confer,
For my Recruit, the personall estate
Of any trait'rous Rebell-Commoner;
Vntill a time return, in which, men may
Have Justice done them, in a legall way.

Why are false rumours rais'd and entertain'd,
As if I manie thousand pounds had got;
Whereas, of hind'rances by me sustain'd,
To me, the tenth as yet returneth not?
How comes it, that attendance, nigh two yeare
Procureth me (although my wants be great)
No pennie of two thousand pounds arreare?
Nor an imploiment, that affords me meat?
Why speed I thus? And wherefore, notwithstanding
The remnant of my ruines forth I laid,
Thereby to keep my souldiers from disbanding,
Is nothing, in requitall, yet, repaid,
But sleights, and slanders? yea, though use I pay
For manie hundreds of it, to this day?

Indeed, my house GOD hath refurnished;
And, of his Love, to give me outward showes,
Hath cloath'd my Bodie, and my Table spred,
As well in spite, as presence of my Foes.
Yet, when I shall account how I have liv'd;
Of what I have been hindred, since this war;

120

How, much was lost; how little is receiv'd;
How, my successive-wants supplied are:
How, my engagements ev'rie day encrease,
How destitute, my Wife and Children be,
Of outward Portions; and, how mercilesse
This world, hath all my life time, been to me:
They, who their favours, have on me bestow'd,
Shall find no cause to grudge the Mercie show'd.

And though (as some conceive) I had obtained
A full repaire, and therewith somewhat more
Than my bare losses? what, had I then gained,
Respecting all my damage heretofore?
Against those Traytours to the Common-Good,
Who, now, apparent Enemies are found,
Nigh thirtie yeares, a Combate I have stood:
So long ago, I to these Iles did sound
A warning Trumpet. So long have I borne
The frownes and furie of the wanton Court,
The Prelates malice, the despitefull scorne
Of wealthy Fooles, and of the vulgar sort.
Yea, though I know a path applauded more,
I took the course, I knew, would keep me poore.

And, why should any man be discontent,
That for my damages, and service then,
My charges, paines, and close imprisonment,
I, now have bread, and clothes, like other men?
Why is a trifle thought too much for me?
When, one sleight Officer can in a yeare,
Cheat up a Sum, that shall sufficient be,
To pay my damages, and my Arreare?
Why, grievous doth it seeme, that, out of that,
Which was by him possessed, who compli'd
With those, who robbed me of my estate,
A part of my great losse should be suppli'd?
He having spoyl'd my Friends of ten times more,
Than, ten times that small part, he should restore.

121

Since, we for Traytours, and for Cut-throats, here,
(And for their wives, and their malignant brood)
Provisions make, when Converts they appeare;
Why should there not, of raiment, and of food,
For us, our Wives, and Children, some supplies
Be likewise made? yea, since they were the Cause,
That, on our backs, the work so heavie lies,
Of holding up our Liberties, and Lawes?
Why are we poorly cloth'd, while they are brave,
By whose unfaithfulnesse we are undone?
While we want bread, why should they fulnesse have,
By whom, these wars and troubles were begun?
And, till a Restauration may be had,
Of what we lost, why should they rich be made?

Since by our Adverse partie, our estate
Is given and possessed: Since we are
Assured of their everlasting hate,
So long as we have either peace, or war,
Or Being in this life: yea, since our Cause
Is knowne unto us, to be just, and right;
Since for our Conscience, Liberties, and Lawes,
Against oppressing Tyrants we do fight:
Since to avenge the Saints, we do oppose,
Not meerly Cananites, whom for their sin,
The Land would vomit forth; but, also those,
Who without cause, this war did first begin:
Why should we not out of their Barnes be fed,
By whom we have been robbed of our bread?

Nay, since our Charitie doth portions give,
To feed their wives and children, while among
Our Adversaries, in that course, they live,
Which this unhappie Warfare doth prolong,
Why should not we and ours, as well as they,
Be cared for? since with a willing heart,
We bore the heat and burthen of the day,
And, from our duties, mean not to depart?

122

Why is our equitie, and our discretion
So small, that till our losses be repai'd,
We suffer for a trifling composition,
Their whole estates, by them to be enjoy'd?
And, their full freedome, who, for ought we know,
Are here, but Spies, or Agents for the Foe?

He, whom, that true Repentance bringeth home,
Which makes a reall Convert to the State,
Not for his Lands, but Conscience sake doth come;
And, such an one, if we redintegrate,
When, of his penitence good proofes appeare;
Of Charitie, both to our selves and them,
An honourable Evidence it were,
Which no man should repine at, or condemne.
But, when we unadvisedly shall part
With large Possessions, for a Person, which
Brings to us, neither wit, nor honest heart,
Nor Pow'r, nor any thing to make us rich,
But poorer; and, it may be weaker too,
How reasonlesse, is then the thing we do?

When we receive to Mercie, those who seek
No more, but how they their estates may save;
To compasse by that match, what are we like,
But an estate to lose, and find a knave?
They, strength receiving, from our false-ones, here,
Restrengthen them; and are so knit together,
That, we who to this Cause most faithfull were,
Are much disabled by their coming hither.
And, what advantage had we lost, I pray,
If of those few, who reconciled seeme,
None had return'd? what lost we, if you weigh,
How uselesse to that partie they did seeme,
From whom they came (while they continued there?)
And, what they are to us now they are here?

Who shall at last our private losse repay,
If this course hold? who shall the charge sustaine

123

Of all our future detriments, but they,
Who of the cost already do complaine?
Why should a perjur'd Commoner, or Lord,
(Who, peradventure, did but stay behind,
That some advantages it might afford,
To those departed) suffred be to blind
The Publike Eye, in favour of our Foes?
Defraud the State? And in our competitions
Sleight, and affront us, for the sake of those,
Who wilfully endeavour'd our perditions?
And, only, come (for ought yet knowne unto us)
That, at our cost, they safely may undo us?

When of my goods, the Foe had me dispoil'd,
(For doing faithfull service) and when I,
To seek an habitation was compell'd,
And had provided for my Family,
By publike Order; why neglected so
Was I, and mine? That (knowing not else where
My wife with her big belly to bestow)
I was displac'd, and forc'd to habour there,
Where desolation dwelt? And, in that place,
Why was the wife of him that plund'red me
There setled? why, to my disgrace,
Must I the second time removed be,
And made a Shuttle-cock, or Tennis-ball,
For ev'rie Foole and Knave to play withall?

As I have hope to live, and see an end
Of these Distractions; and, as ere I die,
I hope to see our greatest Foe our Friend,
(Which are my Hopes, though yet I know not why)
Vnlesse the Civill Justice shall ere long,
Restore my Right; If all the braines I have,
Can in a martiall Posture make me strong,
My Tamenesse, shall no longer me inslave.
But, what the Commons pleased to afford
(My losses in their Service, to repay)

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Ile repossesse, and settle by the Sword,
Or, in that place, my bones I meane to lay.
No run-away Commander of the Kings,
Shall baffle me, although unto his aid,
A Troop of those Committee-men he brings,
By whom the best affected are betrai'd;
But, I will make it knowne, if urg'd thereto,
I dare do that, none think I dare to do.

My heart thus murmur'd: And, I know not well,
To what it would have stirr'd me; for, my blood
Began to boile, my veines began to swell,
And, in mine eyes, a flaming furie stood.
But, ere this great distemper, to it height
Was raised up; I felt into my brest
Another Spirit entring, which made sleight
Of all, which in this rapture was exprest.
With many secret checks my heart it strooke,
(Which no man but my selfe do much concerne)
Out of my soule repining thoughts it shooke,
It taught me my great failings to discerne;
And, then, the VOICE late heard, did thus begin,
To speak againe unto me, from within.

Impatient, foolish, and forgetfull man,
If, now, thou hadst been left to thy career,
To what conclusions had thy folly ran?
And, what wouldst thou have made thy selfe appear?
These are, indeed, such musings as the times
Are busied in. This, is the common note;
Thus go the Citie, and the Countrey chimes;
And, this, without book, now, most men have got.
Your private wrongs, and injuries are minded,
With such a partiall, and self-seeking heart;
That, in all publike matters, most are blinded,
And, act a carelesse, or a faithlesse part.
Yea, so much after private ends men run,
That little publike service can be done.

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In such a blustring tone, thou here hadst shew'd
Thy private wrongs, as if thy passion meant,
By furie, some short passage to have hew'd,
Through all Opposers, to thine owne content.
This will not be the Way, to break asunder
The Lincks of Tyrannie. Among you, be
So many stormes of lightning, and of thunder,
Already raised, that no Coast is free.
The calmest tempers, and the sobrest wit,
The self-denying, and the suffring hearts;
The Worke, the Time, the Place, now best befit:
And, if by these, you play not forth your parts,
The Tragedies, now acting on your stage,
Prolong'd will be, with an encreasing rage.

In ev'rie Publike Work (as here thou dost)
Each one, some way or other, still contrives
How, thereinto he that Designe may thrust,
Whereby, his private Trade he forward drives.
Yet, these your failings, Providence Divine
Employeth, oft, to further his intent,
And, shall by this Digression now of thine,
Make better use, than thy corruption meant.
For, thereby both to others, and to thee,
Occasion will be offer'd, to discover
Some Observations, which will helpfull be,
Your Wits, your Peace, and patience to recover.
Oh! how can praises due to him be sung,
Who, thus, extracts you gold out of your dung!

By this thy giddie Rage, and blunt relating
A branch of thy oppressions, wise men may
Perceive on what their hearts are ruminating,
Who twice as much have borne, yet lesse can say.
And, thence, perhaps, their wisdome will collect,
What may succeed, unlesse their care prevents
The likely consequence, and ill effect
Of Foes prevailings, and Friends discontents;

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From thence, it may be, they some hints will take,
To mark proceedings better than they did;
And, for the publike safetie, notice take
Of Snakes, which underneath faire flowers lye hid.
Thus, otherwhile, the failings of a Foole,
By Providence, may set the Wise to schoole.

But, why wert thou enrag'd? what wantest thou,
That, with impatiencie, thou dost repine?
What Peere, or Prince, in all these Ilands now,
Enjoyes a Fortune that surpasses thine?
Hast thou not bread, and cloaths enough, and more
Than for the present day may well suffice?
And, by that Friend, who kept thee heretofore,
Assurance (for the future) of supplies?
Hast thou not had a Promise of Protection,
In all thy waies; assuring thee, that neither
The Rage of War, of Famine, or Infection,
Nor, all those joyned in one Plague together,
Shall do thee harme, if thou in him confide,
Whose aid to no Beleever is deni'd.

Why shouldst thou feare, though thy estate is gone,
(And Mercie fled) that thou, or thine, may want?
Who know'st, man liveth not by bread alone,
And, where, for asking, all things may be had?
What need'st thou care, though they at last deceive thee,
On whom thou didst repose an ample trust;
Who hast an able Friend, that will not leave thee,
Though all hopes else were buried in the dust?
Why shouldst thou vex, to see Oppressours flourish,
That hast beheld so many, in thy daies,
Arise from nothing, and to nothing perish?
And that the Part which ev'rie Tyrant plaies,
How gloriously soever he ascends,
In certaine shame, and sudden ruine ends?

Wouldst thou be rich? what riches canst thou find
Of greater worth, than truly to enjoy,

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At such a time as this, a setled mind,
And such a state, as no man can destroy?
Some thousands, who but few weeks past could say,
That their Revenues, and their Incomes, were
Enough to furnish them, for ev'rie day,
With more than thine affordeth for a yeare;
Have nothing left them now. Why striv'st thou then,
To seek a certaintie, where can be none?
To catch at that which flies from other men?
To save thy selfe, when all is overthrowne?
And (knowing what thou knowest) to desire
To take a house, where all the Towne's on fire?

Wouldst thou be honourable? where is he,
That by the Bodily, or Ghostly Line,
Derives his Being by a Pedigree,
That ancienter, or nobler is, than thine?
What more heroicall can be atchiev'd,
Than, what no King can give, or take away?
And by the King of Kings to be receiv'd
Into that Order, whose true Badge, none may
So much as know, but he that weares the same,
And was twice borne? What honour is so great,
As his, whom Povertie, Reproach, and Blame,
Still more ennobles? And, who doth beget
His honours out of those, who most contemne
His Reputation; and, in spite of them?

Thou hast been taught; and, thou dost seeme to know
This Path to Honour; and yet taken art,
With such vaine Bubbles, as from fancie flow:
And, whereon, ev'rie worldling sets his heart.
Cannot thy contemplations thee enable,
To let the simple people dote upon
Their Hobby-horse, their Fooles Cap, and their Bable,
Because thy Fortune will afford thee none?
Canst thou not passe, except a stone thou throw
At ev'rie Cur that bawles? Nor, yet, forbeare

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Impatient, for those vanities, to grow,
Whose emptinesse to thee discover'd are?
For shame, let more conformity be shown,
In practice, unto that which thou hast known.

Who can expect (when they shall see or hear,
With what distemper thou hast here exprest
Thy private wrongs) that other men should bear
Their sufferings well, when they are so opprest?
If thou who know'st, what comforts do attend
A calme, and patient bearing of the Crosse,
What blessing crownes the Meek mans latter end,
And with what riches GOD repaies his losse;
Art so inrag'd; no marvell, if nigh mad
Some others grow, who are as greatly pain'd,
And want th'experiments which thou hast had,
Whereby the wrongs may better be sustain'd.
Is this the power? is this the strength of him,
Who, somtimes, thinks he could the world contemn?

Is this a time for thee, who hast made show
Of better hopes, to scramble, with the Boyes,
For Nuts and Apples? wilt thou struggle now,
With Fooles and Slaves, for bables and for toyes?
Contend thou not with Children, in their play;
Nor strive thou their vaine longings to possesse:
From Micah take thou not his Gods away,
Lest they may bring thee to unhappinesse.
Endeavour what is comly to be done,
To reap the profit, which to thee belongs.
Vse prudent meanes Oppressors pawes to shun;
Or, to remove, or mitigate thy wrongs:
And, to that purpose, having done thy best,
Be patient, and to God commit the rest.

And, to preserve this temper, warie be
(Above all other times) when their despight
And envie shall be exercis'd on thee,
Who think, the Publike-Trust belongs, of right,

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To so much by the yeare: These, have so long
Inslav'd the people; that themselves disgrac'd
They do conceive, if, to do right or wrong,
Inferiours, in Authority be plac'd:
And, these have lately censur'd it unfit,
That, with so reverend a thing, as Wealth,
Such strangers, now, as Honesty, and Wit,
Should called be, to serve the Common-wealth,
Or lend a helping hand, to save, what they
Have took a course to ruine, many a day.

These, value men, according to the Rent
Their Fathers left them: and, these cannot brook
Without vexation, and much discontent,
That, notice should of other worth be took.
And, therefore, if it must be as these will;
If your besotted people have a minde
To be oppressed, to be fooled, still,
And, to be kept, perpetually blinde;
Straine not thy selfe, to helpe unlade an Asse
That loves his burden; nor, his drivers trouble;
But, let them, and their silly creature passe,
Till they have made their scornes and mischiefs double.
For, he that meddles with them, nothing gains,
But kicks, and evill language, for his pains.

Cast quite behind thee, what of their despite,
Or injuries, to thee, hath been reported:
Their open hate, with secret love requite;
For evill, let not evill be retorted.
Fret not thy self, although thou see them jeer,
And Thee, and thy Authority deride:
For, most, to whom their envy shall appear,
Will laugh to scorne, their folly, and their pride.
And, as thou soughtst it not, nor dost, yet, know,
By whom, that seeming-honour was confer'd;
So, whether thou continued be, or no,
In thy imployments, give it no regard:

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For, thou shalt sit ere long, above their hate,
And, their Commissions shall be out of date.

While thou remain'st amongst them, do thy best
To side with innocence; and do not there
Of wicked prophanations make a jest;
Curse those that curse; or swear at those that swear.
Abuse not thy Authoritie or Place
To favour knaves, or put good men to sorrow:
Plead not for law, this day in one mans case,
What, for another, shall be none to morrow.
Vse not thy power, thy neighbours to enslave,
As manie do who bettet things pretend,
And, when thou chargest others, care to have
That they against their Oathes do not offend,
Take heed, thou mak'st more conscience of thine own
Then others of their oathes, have lately showne.

For, some of those, who fluently can preach
Vpon the Bench, as tho (if need had bin)
They could the Parson of the Parish teach
To do his dutie in reproving sin:
Even some of those, at that time countenance
Known Malefactors, there, indicted for
Crimes then in charge: and, shamelesly advance
In practice, what in words, they do abhorre.
When there, they have inveighed at abuses,
Occasion'd by permitting an excesse
Of licenc'd and unlicen'd tipling-houses,
(And their suppression, urg'd with earnestnesse;
(Instead of what they would appear to do)
They seem to put downe one, and set up two.

These are not pleas'd, that an observing-eye
Is plac'd among them. And, perhaps, to prove
Thy patience, these, their power ere long will trie:
But, Thee to no distemper let it move.
This, is a time of suffring: and, though men
Are instruments each other to correct,

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Yet, GOD, himselfe employes them. Suffer, then,
Without repining, what he shall inflict.
Although thy foes oppresse, and friends forsake thee,
Let no ill tydings make thy heart affraid,
From thy first principles, let nothing shake thee,
What ere against thee, shall be done or said:
But, further what to Publike-peace belongs,
And leave thou unto GOD, thy private wrongs.

For, though it may be granted, that, if here
Thou should'st illustrate all things which concern
Thy usages (but onely in that Shire
Where thou hast liv'd) thy Readers might discern
In what condition manie others are
Who truly, serve the Publike: yet, take heed
Lest following thine own suffrings over-far
May tediousnesse, or sleighting of them breed.
Be watchfull too; lest by much musing on
Thy personall affronts, a selfe-respect
May cause mis-censures to be cast upon
The Publike Justice, to her dis-respect.
For men opprest, and griev'd in an extreme,
Look, not alone with sullennesse, upon
Those Parties that are thought to injure them,
And on their own oppressions, as if none
Had borne the like; but, also, as if cleare
They from all blame, in all their suffrings, were.

And, in a publike Grievance, scarce a man
Among a thousand, searcheth out those things
Which mis-befall, so farre as they began,
To find the Fountaines, whence the mischief springs.
Most men (and thou among the rest for one)
Can spie out many others, much to blame,
But, few men heed what they themselves have done,
Whereby the Plague so generall became.
And, whence soev'r it comes, the Male-content
Though in the Persons he the cause may find,

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Fomes out his venome on the Government,
And, to a change is presently inclin'd.
Whereas, the mischiefe, still, the same will be
Vntill there be a change in such as He.

Ev'n some of you, (and manie is that some)
Who to the skies, this Parliament have rais'd,
With whom, it was almost a GOD become,
And such, as never could enough be prais'd.
This Parliament, in whose defence you stand
Till all your pretious things, are well nigh wasted,
Till warre, hath marched quite through all the land,
Till bitternesse, in all your sweets is tasted;
Till into pieces, Families are torne,
Vntill with blood, your wayes, and streets do run,
Till Towns, and Towers, and Temples down are borne,
Till Prince and Peasant, are almost undone;
Till Famine, too, beginneth to appeare,
Which in long Warfares, bringeth up the reare.

This Parliament, for which you suffer so,
And for whose preservation beare you would
Ten times as much, might you before-hand know,
What, (if it prosper'd not) ensue there should;
Ev'n to this Parliament, so highly priz'd,
You in your former love are growing slack.
This your Diana, is by some despis'd:
Of your Distractions, her the cause you make.
On her, you laid the burthen and the blame,
(As if due care she wanted, or fore-sight)
When disadvantage, or dishonour came
By ill successe in counsell, or in fight;
And murmured, as if your hearts had said,
That, by your Parliament, you were betrai'd.

Such is your folly, (madnesse I might say)
That, some among you, so your selves expresse
As if you thought it much advantage may
The Publike Cause, to bring her faithfulnesse,

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Or prudence into question: For, you heare,
Collect, report, and have dispersed, so,
All scandalls, and dis-trusts, which malice reare;
And, daily give such credence thereunto,
That, you (who seeme to be unfained Friends
Vnto this Parliament) have, thereby, done
Those mischieves to it, which the Foe intends;
And will destroy it, if this course you run:
Yea, this your folly, will more weaken it
Then all your cunning Adversaries wit.

For, this imprudencie will by degrees
Your bones unsinnew, and your joynts untie:
By this, you both their hands and hearts will leese,
Who, in your Quarrell, vow'd to live and die.
What Devill then hath tempted you, in this,
To sin against your soules? and, blinds you so
That, you observe not whose design it is
Which you now further, and whose work you do?
The honour of that Senate, is the power,
And life thereof; and, on the life of that,
Dependeth ev'ry Priviledge of your,
Belonging to your temporall estate;
And, peradventure, some way doth extend,
That being, to concern, which hath no end.

It is your duty, therefore to discerne
And labour the defence of that which may
Your being, and well-being so concerne:
And, to that purpose, there is much to say,
For, though it be your strongest Creature-guard
Against Oppressors; yet, you can expect
No safer Tutelage to be confer'd
Thereby, then what a Creature may effect.
It labours your protection; but, alas!
The worke is great, and through much opposition,
And manie difficulties, they must passe,
To bring this Land, into a safe condition.

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For to restore you to your peace agen,
'Tis now, a work for GOD, and not for men.

You heed their failings; but, you heed not yet
(Nor fullie can conceive) how hard a worke
They have to do, nor how they are beset
With enemies; nor what obstructions lurke
In these proceedings, which make show to be
Without a rub, to them who stand aaloof,
And have not opportunitie to see
What stops may rise, before they come to proofe.
Their own infirmities, as they are men
(And which you ought to wink at) may perchance
In this great enterprize, be now, and then,
Occasions of no little hinderance:
For, who but GOD, alone, can perfect be?
Or, who is fit for such a work, but he?

The haynous sins, and manie obdurations,
Of that great Bodie, whom they represent,
And of those froward, and divided Nations,
Which are concerned in their Government,
Give being unto many sev'rall things,
And actions, whence, oft-times, an accident
Vnlooked for; or some hid mischiefe springs,
Which humane policie cannot prevent.
When Israel sinneth, Benjamin that hath
A wicked cause, their Brethren down shall smite,
To expiate the just avengers wrath,
Before the cause prevailes, that is upright:
Whilst in the camp an Achan doth remain,
These Counsell, and your Souldiers fight, in vain.

Though Moses govern'd you, though Josuah were
Call'd up to be your Armies Generall;
And Davids Worthies now revived, here,
To be your Colonells, events would fall
Below your hopes, whilst unrepented sin
Is, wilfully, conniv'd at: For, that, made

135

Your Parliaments unprosprous; that, hath been
Chiefe cause of all their failings they have had.
And, then, beside this hindrance, and this bar
To their successe, they have a powerfull foe
Opposing them as well by force of war,
As by what fraud and tyrannie can do:
And, that their Faith and stoutnesse may appear,
A muster of their foes I give you here.

Their Generall in chiefe is ANTICHRIST,
And, he the main Battalia, now, commands:
Which, of those armed Locusts doth consist
On whose Activitie his Empire stands.
Lievtenant-Generall, is he that strives
A conquest of your Liberties to make;
And counts it one of his Prerogatives,
As he shall please, your goods, to give and take.
He leads the Van; in which, with him appeares
Those Princes, and those Nobles, who still are,
And were at first, the wicked Councellers,
Who did encourage him unto this war;
And he of broken Courtiers, up hath made
(And of some beggar'd Lords) all this Brigade.

The Major-Generall, (who bringeth on,
The right wing of this Armie) is the Prince
Of broken-fortunes; who still falls upon
The Carriages, and Baggage, that from thence
He may recruit. His ragged Regiments
(Beside those lousie, and those tatter'd fellowes
Late pressed for him, out of Beggers Rents,
And freed from the prisons, and the gallowes)
Were patch'd up, out of Bankrupts, cast-Commanders,
Cashier'd Bandettees, Fellowes of the pot,
Debauched Players, Tapsters, Gamesters, Panders,
With such, as in a drunken fit were got
To beare them companie. And, these are they
Who first made plunder seem a lawfull prey.

136

The left wing, by Pope would be, ordered is;
A stately Prelate, and one, for whose sake,
(Though he the Triple-crown is like to misse)
The war, now rais'd, did first beginning take.
He, heads a Partie of as desp'rate mates,
As e're drew sword: and, manie of them be
Both disciplin'd to make Assasinates,
And readie for it, when their time they see.
Among these, march some prudent-seeming men,
Some, that, more honestie then wealth do want:
Some wittie fellowes; but, not one for ten
Of those, that are extreamlie ignorant;
The openly prophane, the closelie vitious,
The Papists, Atheists, and the Superstitious.

The Rear is brought up by a Libertine,
That is for anie Doctrine or opinion:
For any Government or Discipline,
For Protestant, for Brownist, for Arminian,
Or, anie thing he pleases. And, he gives
This libertie (so far as they are able
To make it good) to all, whom he receives
Into his Troopes; which are innumerable:
For, all that would their wicked lusts fulfill,
All they, who Law, and Order do contemn;
All they, that are ambitious of their will,
Ev'n all of these, unite themselves to him:
And, in his quarters, manie women too
Are found, who, not a little mischiefe do.

These Forces, both asunder and united,
Have so obstructed, and so manie waies,
This Parliament opposed, and dispighted,
In all their consultations, and assaies;
They have by sleight of wit, by strength of hand,
By Treacheries, by Treaties, and by Spies
Abroad, and here at home; by Sea, and Land,
By Protestations, Promises, and Lies,

137

And, by a thousand other tricks, beside,
Pursu'd such meanes and courses to distract,
Affright, discourage, weaken, or divide,
And, frustrate what they shall advise or act;
That,'tis no wonder you have sped no better,
But, rather, that the mischieves are no greater.

For, if beside the disadvantages
Which have occurred to this Parliament,
(By open enemies) you now shall please
To take true notice of the detriment
Sustain'd by them, who seeme no adversaries;
Or them, who friend-like in your Quarters live;
Whose hand, at once, both fire and water carries;
And, mean worst actions, when best words they give:
If you shall heed, how they have cheated bin
With honest showes, and outward pietie,
When there was little, or nought else, within
But rotten falshood, and hypocrisie,
You would not murmur, as if you had thought,
This Parliament had failed you in ought.

Nay, you their power and prudence would extoll,
Or his great wisdome, rather, and his power,
Whose mercies are exceeding wonderfull,
That, quite you were not ruin'd, ere this houre:
And, marvaile that your Senate could subsist
Another day; if trulie you did know
How manie moneths, a dang'rous Vipers-nest,
Did in the verie bosome of it grow;
Or, if you had a perspective, to see
What Engines are still moving to unfix them;
VVhat failings, yet, in their own Members be,
VVhat foolings, in their fav'rites, to perplex them,
And, what a New Division now they run,
Vnthought on, when this Parliament begun.

For, that divided Clergie, out of whom
(As thou fore-saw'st, and didst, long since, fore-show)

138

The present Plagues upon these Lands are come,
(And by whose factions they will endlesse grow,
If not prevented) have betwixt them got
Another Quarrell, and another Creature,
Of which, the world abroad yet heareth not;
And which, till now, among the things of Nature
Had not a Being. Nay, it hath not yet,
So true a Being (though it hath a name)
That any man may so discover it,
As truly to expresse, or know the same.
For, 'tis not what it was; nor will it stay
To be to morrow, what it is to day.

It is indeed a Thing, which neither had,
Nor shall, nor can have any certaine shape;
A thing, in making still, but never made,
A Card drawne out of some Vtopian-Map,
To make your Pilots steere they know not whither,
Till they arrive at the Antipodes
To saving Truth; or, else be carried thither
By many changing winds, on moving Seas,
Where they shall split upon the rockie shores
Of Heresie; or suffer shipwrack there,
Where melancholy Desperation rores;
Or else, into those Creeks be driven, where
They moored lye in dull Securitie,
Or, land upon a Carnall Libertie.

Your Linsie-woolsie Faction (not appearing
So Jesuited as they are) made use
Of Simon Magus (a bewitching hearing)
And, by that Sorcerer, did late infuse
This fancie, and it hath occasioned
Such diffrence in Opinions, and so rent
Men from each other, that the same hath bred
Obstructions, which disturb the Parlament,
In their proceedings. Yet, your enemie,
By whom this late unlooked for Offence

139

First came, shall not effect his end thereby.
But, they who are to be approv'd, shall thence
Draw Observations, and a pious use
Of meanes unthought on, which will Good produce.

For, at the present, though Offence be given,
And, men of Belial, by Deceiving-lights,
Have, to their pow'r, endeavoured and striven,
To work their ends, by cheating of your sights,
With false appearances, and shewes of Good;
And, though right pious men, who see faire showes,
And, have not yet their purpose understood,
Do, for a little while adhere to those;
Yet, when (by triall, and assisting-Grace)
The bottome of it, fully is discern'd,
The work desired shall be brought to passe:
Yea, by this wrangling, somewhat shall be learn'd,
To bring a prudent Reformation in,
And make it purer than it would have bin.

The Publike Peace, then, interrupt you not,
Nor vex your private spirits, to promove
Those Fancies, which Distemp'rature begot,
And will, at last, not worth your owning prove.
Let not Demetrius, to maintaine his trade,
Make up-roares in the Land; as if more care
Were of his Occupation to be had,
Than, of those things, which of most value are,
But, let Discretion teach you to appease
Tumultuous spirits, by some sweet allay;
Which, peradventure, shall prevaile with these.
Not only, to give eare to what you say;
But, also, for the Truth, to be ere long,
As zealous as they were, to do it wrong.

So foolish be not, as to shut your eyes,
Or stop your eares, from all that seemeth new;
Or, all things, as new fangles, to despise,
Which, at first sight, seeme uselesse, or untrue.

140

So furious be not, as to prosecute,
With an uncharitable prosecution,
All those who (in opinion) shall not suit
With Disciplines, of your own Constitution.
Nor, be so mad, as, wholly, to deface
All Superstructures, on the true Foundation,
Which are not uniforme, to that which was;
Or, that which shall be setled in this Nation.
For, to avoid great inconveniences,
Wise-men will beare with inconformities.

Those Doctrines, that make void the Morall-Law;
Those, that the Fundamentalls do infringe
Of saving-faith: Those, that mens hearts withdraw
From Pietie, or, give the flesh her swinge:
Those Disciplines, that breake the bands of Peace;
That interrupt the Civill-Government;
That sleight the meanes of Pieties increase,
Or, courses, that Ill-manners may prevent:
These, are not to be borne with. These, you may,
Nay, these you must, (with all your power) suppresse;
And fine, confine, cut off, or send away,
According as the fault is, more or lesse:
And, so, that you may therewithall improve
GODS praise, the Kingdoms Peace, & Christian love.

And, if that anie one can means propose,
Whereby your duties may be better done;
If anie person, can a truth disclose,
Which hath been clouded, since the Day begun:
If he can tell you, or, believes he can
Informe of anie thing, that may concerne
GODS glorie, or the saving health of man;
And, thinks himselfe (to teach, and you to learn)
Oblig'd in conscience: And, if he shall so
Proceed, (in doing that which he supposeth,
The Will of GOD requireth him to do)
That, no ungodly aime his Course discloseth,

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Or, ought which doth your, Publike-peace annoy;
Why, such a Freedom, should he not enjoy?

If anie man a tender conscience hath,
Which makes him fearfull, to offend the same,
And, therewith walkes in so discreet a Path,
That, he deserveth not a publike-blame,
In anie point aforesaid: Why should he
Be wrought upon, by anie other course
Save that, whereby the heart may wooed be
By Grace, and Faith, and Reason, without Force?
How shall the Gospells passage be so cleare,
As is desir'd, and as thereto is due,
If all men be not free to speake and heare,
On such conditions, as before we shew?
Since, to the Church, compulsion none invites,
But, some few fooles, and manie hypocrites.

Coercive power indeed is to be us'd
In things which to the Outward-man pertaine;
And wherein words or actions have abus'd
Those Lawes, which words or actions, do restraine;
The plots preventing, or the practices,
Which root up those Foundations, whereupon
You are to build up Piety and Peace;
Or, remedie an evill, being done:
Or, for expulsing, or correcting those,
Whose principles, whose practice, and profession,
Doth diametrically, that oppose
Which GOD and Nature, puts in your possession;
As Popelings, or such like, who do resist
Essentially, the Government of CHRIST.

But, he that dreames, by anie Humane-Law,
To force Belief, or bind the Inner-man,
To think, to hope, to love, or stand in awe;
Dreames, to effect, what none accomplish can.
For, this, would be a tyrannie far worse
Then to inslave the bodie. This, doth lay,

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Strong fetters on the Soule; and, would enforce
The Reason, if not, take it quite away.
By this, you, to dissemble, may be brought,
Or, else, to feare: But, never to beleeve,
Or hope, or love aright, or, Change a Thought.
Nay, this would, rather, so inrage and greeve,
As that, in stead of propagating Peace,
Your Quarrells it would ev'rie day increase.

Make then, in things Divine, GODS Word your Law,
In Naturals, let REASON be your Guide;
And, from no Civill-Pow'r obedience draw,
Which doth conformable to these abide.
Heare all; but, give assent to what is best:
Prove all, who in the name of CHRIST shall come;
But, choose that, only, which abides the Test:
And, Truth once found, the same depart not from.
Let no true Principle be chang'd, or shaken,
Let not an ancient Bounder be removed;
Or, Ceremoniall-Precepts be mistaken,
For Moralls; nor a Shaddow be improved
Before the Substance. Quarrell not away
The Essence of Religion, or of Peace,
For Trifles; which, though them enjoy you may,
Will never bring you to that happinesse,
VVhich you expect: And, which will make your sorrow,
No lesse to day, and more, perhaps, to morrow.

Be not so foolish, as to pull downe all,
That was set up before; as if you thought
The Government, because Prelaticall,
VVas not to be adhered to in ought.
For, therein, without question, have remain'd
(Among their vaine Inventions) many things,
VVhich, to the Church, in purest times, pertain'd;
And, whereto, none a just exception brings.
Be not so indiscreet, to sweep out these,
Among their rubbish; or, to take away

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Those Vtensils, or those Indifferences,
Which for conveniencie, still keep you may,
(And edifying too) without abuse;
Or, anie vain or superstitious use.

Be not so sottish, as to think, the Way
Now termed Independent, nothing hath
By which the Throne of CHRIST advance you may,
Depresse his foe, or else prepare his path:
Or, that, GOD may not, yet, some beame reveale,
Or, branch of truth, unto his Church disclose,
Which he hath hitherto kept under-seale;
Or, whereof yet, he scarce a glimmering showes.
Nor, let those whom you Presbyterians name,
Of their own structures be so confident,
As to conceive, there may not to that Frame
Of Discipline, which they to you present,
Additions or substractions, yet, be made,
To make more perfect, that which they have had.

So inconsiderate, let no man grow,
As to believe it ever was intended,
By taking of your Covenant and Vow,
The Scots-Presbyterie should be befriended
Without respect, to whatsoever might
Be found, upon due triall, to accord
With those instructions, which to set you right,
GOD giveth, in the Canon of his WORD:
Nor, misconceive you so that noble Nation,
As to suppose, they think their Church is growne
To such perfection in true Reformation,
That, thereon, nothing more may be bestowne:
Or, that, they come to set you one way free,
That, you, another way, inslav'd might be.

Mistake not so their pietie and love;
But, be assured that what you and they
Vpon deliberate advise may prove,
To be the safe, unquestionable way

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Wherein you ought to walk; that they will joyne,
(VVhether unto the Civill-Peace it tends,
Or, unto Doctrine, or to Discipline)
As your affectionate, and faithfull Friends.
Nor, let them so mistake you, or these times,
Of publike Visitations, as to dreame,
That either private weaknesses, or crimes,
Shall hinder GODS intended work, in them:
But, let both Nations labour to excell,
In right beleeving, and in doing well.

The way to Peace is rather to be just,
And faithfull in your selves, and to rely
On GOD; than to suspect, or to distrust,
Or quarrell with anothers honestie.
The way to Peace, is downe along the Vales
Of Meeknesse, leaving quite behind your backs
The hils of Pride, and those partition wals,
VVhich Selfe-conceitednesse, and Selfe-love makes.
The way of Peace, is to examine more
Your owne Offences, and your neighbours lesse;
To learne more Charitie than heretofore;
To be in Deed, what you in Word professe;
And not to strive who long'st shall keep the field,
Against the Truth; but, who shall soonest yeeld.

Thus far, is this Discourse, now, carried on,
That, it may shew both what is pertinent
To Outward Peace, and what is to be done,
The losse of inward quiet to prevent.
For, as there be False lights, of late, set out,
VVhich give occasion unto some to wander
In giddie paths, to make some also doubt,
VVhere is no cause; or, else to bring a slander
On sacred Verities; ev'n so, there are
True-lights, of late discover'd, which long since
By evill-meaning Builders, stopped were:
And, they who would nor give, nor take offence,

145

Must learn, more perfectly, to understand
(Then yet they do) those things they take in hand.

Desire of Vniformitie, doth carrie
So great a sway with some, as if it were
Vnto the Church of CHRIST, as necessarie
As VNITIE, or, did the same appear.
But, they are wide: For as within a pallace,
There may be more conveniency, more state,
More beautie, and more pleasure for the solace
Of him that builds it, when there are, in that,
Some equall Structures; higher some, some lower,
Some pyramids, some flats, some rounds, some squares,
With here a single, there a double tower,
And such like, as in Princely Piles appears;
So, in the Church, true comlinesse, may be,
And Vnion, without uniformitie.

Nay discords, do not generally marre
Essentiall unity: For, as you finde
Some notes, which sounded, by themselves, do jarre,
Make up, when they are musically joyn'd,
A perfect Diapason: so, may they
The unitie of love, and faith retain,
Who walke not uniformly in the way,
Yet, on the true foundation, fixt remain.
And, as for those poore creatures, who through pride,
And ignorance, have now impostumations
Of fancie broken in them, which they void
At mouth, upon the sillie Congregations
Collected by them; be not discontent
That, they with others, their corruptions vent.

For, such like bubbles, still, were wont to rise
In such disordered times: And, they will fall
Of their own selves. The wind that yet supplies
Their tumour, when Peace coms, quite break them shall.
The Devill of their proud simplicitie,
Makes use, at present, to delude that rabble,

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Which are in love with their owne vanitie,
And, in the waies of Pietie unstable.
Because, a Prudent-Preaching wonders wrought,
And Carnall wisdome judg'd it Foolishnesse;
By foolish preaching, these have, therefore, thought,
Their Arrogancie shall prevaile no lesse;
But, GOD, when they repent, will free these Nations,
From all such failings, and Infatuations.

Observe this well, and, in true patience, beare
With one another, till God shall make knowne,
To what intent these broiles permitted are;
And, let your discontents be rather showne,
Vpon the Common Foe: Yea, do your best,
(Whilst you have meanes) to settle outward Peace,
According to your pow'r; and, for the rest,
Depend on GOD, who sees the faithfulnesse
Of ev'rie Soule: And, suffer not vaine jars,
Among your selves, to multiply contention;
Lest you, thereby, both make these present wars,
To bring forth an incurable dissention;
And, hinder (as you have already done)
That Work, which God, among you, hath begun.

Such differences, obstructions have begot
Retarding Peace. But, doubtlesse, for the same,
To your great Senate, there belongeth not
An imputation of the smallest blame.
Nor, were it faultie, though it could be said,
And proved too, that some among them, now,
Their weightie consultations had betrai'd,
And, to your Foes, their secrets daily show.
Nor, ought they to be blamed, though you see
A Spider sent among them, for an Ant;
A Butterfly, or Hornet, for a Bee;
Or, those that wit, or honestie, do want:
For such, when they are found, they still cast from them,
With as much forwardnesse, as doth become them.

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But, they, they only, do deserve the blame,
Of all those falshoods, which these Lands disease)
Those brainlesse fellowes, who had so small shame,
And little grace, to make their choice of these:
Those (falsly termed) free-men, who, for porredge,
Would sell their birth-right; and, who, to uphold
Their lawfull freedomes, have not so much courage,
As to maintaine them, though they see they could.
They, whom a pettie Justice, by the nose,
May lead to what absurdities he pleases;
And, make them think, he favour to them showes,
When he their losse, and slaveries increases;
These, and their fellow Burgers, have undone you;
Their slavishnes, hath brought these plagues upon you.

These, to the House of Commons, sent that Rabble
Of Runawayes, and Traytours, which betrai'd
Your liberties, as much as they were able:
And, on their heads, the bloud is justly laid,
For what you suffer. These were, first, unjust,
In sending in, to be their Deputies,
In stead of men, Pride, Avarice, and Lust,
Oppression, Folly, Fraud, and Vanities.
These, having neither honestie, nor wit,
Nor care to make a prudent choice of those,
To whom so great a Trust, they should commit,
Some persons, for the publike service, chose,
So like themselves; that, wonder it is none,
To see so many do, as they have done.

For, such a choice they passed, that unlesse
Some prudent Boroughs, and some wiser Shires
Had made elections with more warinesse,
And sent brave spirits forth, to ballance these,
You had been quite undone; and you, and yours,
Of all the Christian world had been the scorne;
Perpetuall Bond-slaves to malignant Pow'rs;
And, hated of your children, yet unborne:

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For, ever, therefore, let that providence
Which so provided for you, be renown'd:
And, let there be a blessed difference
On them, and on their seed, for ever found,
To honour them, and mark them out from those,
Who to the publike welfare, now, are foes.

And, let your Burgers, and Free-holders learn
In time to come, how much, how neare it may
The publike, and their private weale concern,
To be advis'd, on whom their trust they lay:
For, what is more unsafe or more unwise
Then to commit (as manie times they do)
Their goods, their persons, liberties, and lives,
Yea, and the meanes of their salvations too,
To their disposures, whom they rather fear,
Then well affect? of whom no good they know?
Of whose corruptions, frequently, they hear,
Of whose injustice, sinsible they grow?
Whose worths, are their revenue? and whose wit
Is meere formalitie, or nev'r-a-whit?

What can be more absurd, then to suppose
They are the wisest men in all the Shire,
And fit'st for publike service, to be chose,
Who wisest, in their own opinions are?
Who come uncall'd, and shuffle out their choice
By suit and friends, or having got, perchance,
The overplus of one poore single voice,
With much ado, their purpose to advance?
Or, what a greater indiscretion showes,
Then to elect for Giver of your Lawes,
A fellow, that nor Law, nor Gospell knowes?
Nor difference, 'twixt a good, and evill cause?
And, till that day, pursued no other course
But, hunting, hawking, or else somwhat worse?

What, more dishonourable can be thought,
Then, to your Court and Senate most supreme,

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(For which the worthiest persons should be sought)
To send a foole or knave, to sit with them,
Whose reverend presence should not be polluted
With such companions? or, what one thing may
A truer signe of madnesse be reputed,
Then thus to foole their dignitie away?
For, since they cannot their debates decide,
But by most Voices, what else will ensue,
(If manie places, be with such suppli'd)
But, those events, which all the Land will rue,
When worst designes, are by the most promoted,
And, reason shall, by noise, be over-voted?

There never was a time, in which you ought
To be more carefull of your choice then now,
If you recruit your House: For, men are taught
By this long Parliament, so well to know
Each others minde, each others interest
And inclination; that, unlesse you see
The number wanting, in due time increast,
And made compleat, by men that worthie be;
You will be as assuredly undone,
As if the King had tyranniz'd; nay, more:
For, to oppresse you, there had been but one,
But, then, you shall, perhaps, have many a score.
And therefore, as you here fore-warned are,
In your elections, use more prudent care.

Thy Letters of Advice, ere while directed
To those in whom the choice of these doth lie,
Have partly signifi'd what was effected;
And, what events will still ensue thereby,
While such are chosen; And, what Caveats ought
To be observed, that a better choice
May be hereafter; and, that men be sought
Who wit and conscience have, aswell as voice.
For, these defects breed vip'rous wormes within
The verie bowells of the Parliament,

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More dangerous then outward foes have bin.
And, if the Members wanting, be not sent
With better heed, then heretofore you tooke;
For peace embracing truth, in vain you looke.

Let therefore, those true Patriots which are left,
Put forth a strong endeavour to compleat
Their wasted number, e're they are bereft
Of power, and meanes, themselves to re-beget
Into a perfect bodie. And, let none
By fallacies delude you, with a feare,
It may not now as legally be done,
As when the Members first convented were,
For, that they are a lawfull Parliament,
(Although the King be absent) 'tis confest
Ev'n by the King: In whom, now to prevent
Their being so, the power doth not consist,
Nor ever did, of right; while cause you know,
Why SALVS POPVLI, should have it so.

Believe it, whosoever shall pretend
This Parliament, hath not a legall power
Her bodie to recruit; is no true friend,
Nor fit to be a Councellour of your.
For, seeing they have power to make a Seale,
It were a great absurditie to dreame,
They had not legally, a power, aswell
To use, as make it. And, if you in them,
Allow an use thereof, that private men,
The benefit of justice might obtain;
It should much rather be allowed, then,
In things, which to the Publike-right pertaine:
And, most especially, in all affaires
Concerning their own being, and repaires.

If really, a Parliament they be
As (without peradventure) they are One,
Then, without limitation they are feee
To do, what may by Parliaments be done.

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And, that is, ev'rie reasonable thing
Which to their weale and safety may belong;
(And their abilitie to passe may bring)
If to Divinity, it be no wrong.
And, whosoe're, in these extremities,
Perswade, that they should take upon them lesse;
Vnto the publike peace, are enemies:
Yea, they deferre, or marre your happinesse,
By weakning of their hands, who are your friends;
And, strengthening his, who now your spoile intends.

Let them not therefore act, as if they had
But halfe a power, or seemed to be lame;
Or, as if they a Parliament were made,
To be no more, but only, so in name.
With prudent conscience, and with confidence,
Let them proceed in what they undertake;
And, in what e're pertaines to their defence,
On just resolves, let them no haltings make,
Through want of presidents: For, power they have
To make new presidents, as well as they
Who liv'd before them. And, if they will save
Their Countrie and themselves, this is the way:
Since, in an extarordinarie Cause,
True Reason, binds as firmly, as the Lawes.

And, though it greatly grieve you (as it ought)
Yet suffer not the absence of the King,
To foole you, with so frivolous a thought,
As that, a diminution it may bring
To their authority. For, wheresoe're
He bideth, when his Parliament shall sit,
The Kingship, vertually, is alwaies there,
And cannot possibly divide from it.
The Person of a King, may ramble forth,
As his own fancie hurries him about,
Or do things derogating from his worth,
Or die, or from the Kingdome be cast out;

152

And, yet the Kingdome, and the Kingship too,
Continue still, as they were wont to do.

The life of Bodies-naturall, indeed,
Departs out of them, when their head is gone;
And, thereunto, no other can succeed,
To make it live, or, not a headlesse-one.
So 'tis not in this Bodie-politike:
The vitalls of it in the body lie,
Not in that head-ship: and, though it be sick
When that falls from it, yet, it doth not die.
A King, is but a substituted-head,
Made for conveniencie: And, if thereby
The bodie seem to be indangered,
(If Power it hath) it hath Authoritie
To take one off, and set another on;
Aswell, as, at the first, to make it one.

And when that Body shall be represented,
As this hath been, according to the Law,
Or, shall be by necessity convented;
Therein resides, that Soveraignty, that Awe,
And Rule, whereto the Lawes of GOD and nature
Injoyne obedience; and not in that thing
Corrupted; which was but that Creatures creature,
And, which to serve it, was first made a King.
When, therefore, GOD injoynes you to obey
And honour Kings; these duties, are not meant
To those who from their Kingships run away;
But, rather, to th'essentiall Government
Of whatsoever kind, by Law ordain'd;
Or, by a strong necessity constrain'd.

For, were it otherwise, the pride, and lust
Of an injurious Arbitrary power,
Would all men out of their possessions thrust,
And all the freedomes of mankind devoure.
Let therefore, neither fear nor flattery,
Prescription, or vaine custome, make you cleave

153

Vnto an accidentall Majesty,
And, that which is substantiall, quite to leave.
At this time, chieflie, take a speciall care
(As, of what verie much conduceth to
Your Peace and Safety) that, as now things are,
Your just advantages you let not goe;
Lest, by a faint, and cowardly endeavour,
You loose your freedoms, and be slaves for ever.

And, yet take heed, that zeal to Innovations,
Nor private fears, nor hopes incline your minde
To subjugate these Kingdoms, or these Nations,
To Governments of anie other kind.
But, rather use your utmost diligence
To rectifie those things which are amisse
In that which is establish'd: and, from thence
Cast out or purge, whatever therein is
Repugnant to those Charters, which by grace
Or nature were confer'd: And, let your care
Be so to settle it, that place you make
The Throne of CHRIST, among you, up to reare;
Lest, when his Kingdome comes, you els be fain
To pull your new-devices down again.

Take likewise heed, that you no meanes neglect,
Whereby the King may be reclaim'd and won,
GODS honour, with your safetie to respect;
And do the duties, he hath left undone.
For, by rejecting him, how just soe're
The Causes be; you shall delay the peace,
Which is desir'd: And make your quarrell, here,
With much more difficultie to decrease:
But, if your industrie shall win him home,
And, he return sincerely to his charge,
It shall a blessing to these Isles become;
Your honour, and your joy it shall inlarge,
And, as CHRISTS Vice-Roy, he shall sit upon
A righteous, and an everlasting Throne,

154

Walk, therefore, prudently in this straight path,
And, turn not to the left hand, or the right.
That pow'r, which GOD to you committed hath,
Improve for him, according to your might;
Him, in the reasonable-meanes attend
With Faith, and Patience; that, he may, at last,
Your King new-moulded, back unto you send,
Or, him, out of his ruin'd Kingdome cast.
If, possibly, he can his course repent,
GOD, will restore him, yet. If you amend,
Then, all these Troubles, and this grievous Rent,
Shall in true Peace, and sweet agreements end.
If both conforme; Both, shall true Peace enjoy:
If both be wilfull, GOD, shall both destroy.

But, heark! my Scribe, I heare a dreadfull crie
Of wounded men; and, therewith, as it were,
The shouts of those that have a Victorie,
Of much concernment. Therefore, go and heare,
What now is done: For, somewhat hath been wrought,
From whence, if well it shall improved be,
Enlargements of those meanes will forth be brought,
Which may effect, what thou desir'st to see.
As soone as thou hast Information had,
Of what is rumoured, and duly weigh'd,
What profitable uses may be made
Of that, which either hath been done, or said:
Retire thou hither, and give eare, again,
To that, which to your Peace, doth appertaine.

155

The fourth Canto.

When from attention to that Silent-tongue,
Which, without words, reveales what you have heard,
I came abroad; the Streets, and Temples rung
Of Victories: and, Signalls there appear'd,
Not only, of a valiant Resolution,
In those that conquer'd; but, of some divine
Disposure of them, too, for execution
Of that, which GOD himselfe, did fore-designe.
The scornfull Adversaries rushed on,
To Policie, and Strength, themselves commending.
The LORD of Hosts, our Friends reli'd upon,
With Prayers fighting, and with Faith defending:
And, lo, GOD gave their Foes into their hand:
For, when he fighteth, who can then withstand?

156

The Victorie was great, and ev'rie one
Observ'd what circumstances pleas'd him best;
But, that, my thoughts did most insist upon,
(Which others, peradventure, minded least.)
These Royall-Ensignes from the Field were brought,
The Lion-Rampant, and the Dragon-flying,
The Roses, and Portcullis; which, me thought,
Were Pledges, future Mercie signifying.
And, so, no doubt, they shall be, if that Race,
To which GOD calleth us, we now shall run;
And better heed the tokens of his Grace,
And, Earnests of his love, than we have done.
For, valiant Fairfax, now, hath sent us home,
In Hieroglyphick, signes of things to come.

The Ramping-Lion, (which doth signifie
A Raging-Tyrant) may an Earnest be,
That, GOD will from oppressing Tyrannie,
Vpon our Good-abearing, set us free.
A Dragon, is that most prodigious Beast,
Whereby the Holy-Ghost hath typifi'd
That Foe, by whom the Saints are most opprest;
And, by whom, daily, they are crucifi'd.
The taking of that Ensigne, may fore-shew,
That (if we faithfully the work endeavour)
The pow'r of Antichrist we shall subdue,
And, from these Islands, cast his Throne for ever.
Vouchsafe us pow'r, ô GOD! vouchsafe us Grace,
To drive him, and his Angels, from this Place.

The winning of the Roses, doth declare,
That GOD will to those honours us restore,
Wherewith he crown'd us, when in peace, and war,
We on our Crest, those lovely Flowers wore.
Their blushing Beauties are, to me, a signe,
Of that delightfull, and soule-pleasing grace,
Which will make lovely our Church-Discipline,
When GOD hath chang'd our Discords, into Peace.

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The sweetnesse, and the vertues of the Rose,
Do seeme to promise to us those effects,
And fruit, which from internall Graces flowes;
Yea, and their prickles are, in some respects,
Significant; for, I by them fore-see,
That his corrections, alwayes, needfull be.

By taking their Portcullis from the Foe,
It may portend (and if with penitence,
We prosecute the Work, it shall be so)
That, we have taken from them their defence.
It may betoken also, that GODS hand
Will bar our Gates, and make our Citie strong,
And, by his Mercie, fortifie the Land,
Against all them, who seek to do us wrong.
But, for a surer token of his Grace,
GOD sends us home, among the spoiles of War,
That Cabinet of Mischiefe, wherein was
The proofe, of what our Foes intentions are:
And, that, their projects, GOD will still disclose,
And foole their Policies, this Prize fore-showes.

I then observed, in that Victorie,
(Wherewith GODS hand, at that time, magnifi'd
The Peoples-Tribune) how much vanitie
Is in the Arme of flesh, and vaunts of pride.
And, with what good successe, he shall advance,
Who seconded with Meeknesse, Faith, and Pray'r,
Doth fight against the rage of Arrogance,
Of Guilt, of Selfe-Dependence, and Despaire.
I, furthermore observed, that this stroke
Was given, by a Hand contemn'd of those,
On whom it fell; and, that their strength it broke.
When, to themselves, great hopes they did propose:
Yea, when they seem'd assured of our fall;
And thought to ruine, and devoure us all.

And, they received that amazing-blow,
From those Vnited-Brethren, whom they thought,

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Their policies had dis-united so,
That, ruine on themselves, it should have brought.
But, this, by their agreement, GOD prevented;
And gave that victorie to be a signe,
That, if we shall hereafter be contented,
In love, against the Common-Foe to joyne;
And, trust him with our Conscience, and our Cause;
We, by that blessed union, shall subdue
Th'opposers of our Liberties, and Lawes;
And feel the droppings of Mount-Sions dew
Be sprinkling all these Islands, with increase
Of saving-knowledge, joyn'd with endlesse peace.

I mustred up, the manie black-events,
The manie jealousies, and new-made factions.
The discontentments, and discouragements,
The frights, the losses, dangers and distractions
That might have follow'd, and o're-whelm'd us all,
If but that day, our spoilers had prevail'd;
If on that day, GOD had not heard us call,
If on that day, to help us he had fail'd.
And I desire, that we could thanks expresse
For such deliv'rances, aswell, in deed,
As in a Verball-form of thankfulnesse;
That, GOD might alwaies our devotions heed,
And answere us, when in distresse we pray,
As he our prayers answered, that day.

My heart rejoyced much in that salvation,
Because, I knew it greater then it seem'd;
And, that it wrappeth up a preservation,
To few men knowne; of fewer men esteem'd.
So much, I joy not in the victorie,
As in that good, whereto it may conduce:
For, in GODS Judgments, as much joy have I,
As in his Mercies, when I see their use.
I laugh not, as when I have outward ease,
When I do feel GODS hand correcting me:

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Yet, inwardly, it comforts, and doth please
As much, as when more glad I seeme to be.
And, more I feare a failing, on my part,
When I am most at ease, than when I smart.

And, I have seene, so frequently, a failing,
In prosecuting publike executions;
And, such neglects (upon a small prevailing)
Of good Designes, and prudent Resolutions.
With such a dull proceeding in pursuit
Of those advantages, which GOD bestowes:
And find them, still, produce so little fruit
In substance, answerable to their showes;
That, when I should expresse my joyfulnesse,
With such a sense as other entertaine:
A melancholly doth my soule oppresse,
As if it fear'd my joy would be in vaine;
But, at that time, some better hopes I had,
And, in those hopes, my Prayer thus I made.

Eternall GOD! as mercifull, as just,
And, of both these the Essence in perfection:
Thou know'st my heart, and know'st I nor distrust
Thy Pow'r, thy Providence, or thy Affection;
Though outwardly I do not much rejoyce,
It is not an unthankefulnesse to thee,
That sads my Soule, or silenceth my Voyce,
Whiles others tuning Hymnes of Praises be.
For, oft, my heart, invokes thee all the day;
Aloud to thee, my Spirit often cryes,
When, with my mouth, I not a word can say,
When not a teare will trickle from mine eyes:
And, though I neither pray, nor praise thee, then,
As I am bound; I do it as I can.

Thy mercies I confesse, and am as glad
Of Thee, and them, this day, as he that sings;
Yet, when I mind what use of them is made,
And, what effects from thy compassion springs,

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It mars my mirth: And therefore, now, in stead
Of their thanksgiving Psalmes, I sacrifice
My heart in Prayer; which, vouchsafe to heed,
And, do not LORD, my humble suits despise.
For, if thou grant them, it shall praise thee more,
Thanif that favour, by ten thousand tongues,
Were, at this present time, repeated o're,
And celebrated in a thousand songs.
That hath begot thee, one Thanksgiving-day.
But, this, shall make thee praised, here, for aye.

The many Mercies, LORD, I do confesse,
Which, by thy Bountie, we have here enjoy'd,
And, do acknowledge, with all thankefulnesse,
That, ere this day, we had been all destroy'd,
Vnlesse thy Goodnesse, and thy Providence,
Had curb'd the furie of the raging Foe;
Yea, thy Abounding-love was our defence,
Or, we had, else, been our owne overthrow.
From thy free favour, and preventing-grace,
It doth proceed, that our despised Host
Fled not before their Adversaries face;
Or, fell not by them, who the field have lost:
And, that, the Joyes which now our Citie hath,
Are not, this day, in Askalon, and Gath.

But, what will these prevailings be, at last,
If Grace thou, likewise, give not to pursue
Those victories, which thou bestowed hast;
And, to improve the mercie thou didst shew?
What will our sad rejoycings, at the length,
And bloudy enterchanges, prove, O LORD?
But, an impairing of our native strength,
To make a passage for the Forraine-sword?
And, what from our divisions, and the spoiles,
Torne daily from each other, can arise,
But utter devastation of these Iles?
And, (which is worse than forraine enemies)

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Selfe-murthers? Or, perhaps, a Dearth so great,
That, men shall kill each other for their meat?

Such things have been; and such, for ought I see,
May here befall us, ere these wars be done,
If, thou permit our cruelties, to be
As wilfully pursued, as begun.
Thy judgements teach us, therefore, LORD, to feare;
So, make us, thy forbearances to weigh;
So, let thy kindnesses our hearts prepare,
That, we no longer foole our Peace away.
Let not the sighs, the prayers, and the cries
Of thy afflicted children, be in vaine.
Behold, how desolate their dwelling lies;
Look on their wounds, observe how they are slaine;
How many, of their Fathers, are bereft!
How many widowes, desolate are left!

Or, if this move thee not, mark how the Foe
Blasphemes thy Name: See, with what height of pride
Against thy Truth, his malice he doth show,
And, how thy holy things he doth deride.
Mark, what damn'd Oaths, and curses forth they roare,
And, with what lyes and slanders they do wrong us:
Mark, how they scorne the counsels of the poore,
And, to betray us, how they lurk among us.
Mark, how they play the hypocrites, array'd
Sometime, like Bosome-Friends; sometime disguis'd
With outward Sanctitie, while snares are layd,
That, unawares thy Saints may be surpriz'd:
And, let not us, who in thy Truth have joy'd,
By those, who persecute it, be destroy'd.

If not on us, yet, LORD, compassion take
On those that shall out of our loynes descend;
If not for our, yet, for thine Honour-sake,
To these destroying times, impose an end.
Ev'n for the sake of thy Beloved-One,
Who, through our sides, is wounded by our Foes,

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Behold, what spoyles, what mischieves they have done,
And help us, ere our sorrow helplesse growes.
Teach us to see, and know, how miserable
We are, and may be, if we persevere,
As we begun; informe us how unable
We are to save our selves, from what we feare:
And, to consider, too, how worthlesse, we
Are of that mercie, which I beg of thee.

Vaine is the help of Armies, Foot, or Horse;
Vaine is the pow'r of Nations, and of Kings;
Vaine is united policie, and force;
Vaine is the aid of all terrestriall things:
Thou makest War; thou only makest Peace,
And, out of nothing, canst create the same;
Nay, out of that, which discords doth encrease,
An everlasting Concord thou canst frame.
Although the people, like huge waters, rage;
The mountaines, yea, these Islands moved be;
Thou, in a moment, canst the storme asswage,
And, make all quiet, when it pleaseth thee.
O LORD! command a Calme, command a Peace,
That our unnaturall debates may cease.

To us be reconcil'd, and (to begin
That reconcilement) let us so endeavour,
To breake the league, which we have made with sin,
That Thou, and We, may now be friends for ever.
Make, for us, an Atonement with our King,
Let him perceive, in what his course will end:
What Mischeeves evill Counsellours do bring,
What Vengeance doth on Tyranny attend.
Give him both sight, and sense, of that huge floud,
Which threatens daily, to o'rewhelme his head;
That roaring torrent, nay, that sea of bloud,
Which, in these Iles, hath wilfully been shed.
And, with his wronged, and enraged Nations,
Make thou, for him, his Reconciliations.

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His heart, is in thy hand; and, if thou please,
Thou canst returne him to us, wholly changed.
Thou canst yet make us mutually, with ease,
As deare, as if we had not been estranged.
Thou that restor'dst Manasseh, canst restore
Him to Himselfe, to Vs, and to thy Grace:
And, it may glorifie thy goodnesse more,
Than to advance another in his place.
Yea, and for us, it shall be better too,
If, with a true forgivenesse of each other,
We, that have lately been divided so,
Shall lovingly unite againe together.
For, what more sweet, than when unkindnesse ends,
In reconciling of divided friends?

Thou know'st, O GOD! that we have no desire,
To take from Him, or His, the Royall Throne,
Or, pull it lower; but, to raise it higher,
And, set him, rather, faster thereupon.
Thou know'st, that though his courses we abhor,
We love his Person, and would faine prevent
That mischiefe, which he seemes to labour for.
By hunting after his owne detriment.
If, by his wilfulnesse, that bloud be spilt,
Which we would save; of them require it, LORD!
Who make him to be Patron of their guilt;
Or, bring him within danger of the Sword:
And, keep us, and our children, ever cleare,
From all the bloud, that shall be spoyled, here.

And, as for me, whom our Opposers blame,
As having my first principles forsaken,
(Because I, now, against the Royall-Name,
With Reall-Majestie, a part have taken)
Thou know'st my heart, had never an intent,
The Shadow, for the Substance, to adore:
And, that if I, so foolishly had meant,
Discretion, bids me so to think no more.

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A Single-Person, or a Factious Rabble,
The King, by Armes, opposing, acteth Treason;
But, Kingdomes joyn'd by Counsells-warrantable,
Against a Tyrant, do the work of Reason.
Yea, 'tis the hand of GOD, that strikes him, then,
Although he doth it by the sword of men.

Thou know'st, O GOD! that, not a hand of our
Is rais'd against his Person, or his Seed;
Or, to diminish any Royall pow'r,
Which to discharge his Office he may need.
Or, for due honour. But, we, rather, fight
(As he would know, if undeceiv'd he were)
To save his Dignitie, to do him right,
And, keep him from Destructions drawing neare.
Thou know'st, we no offensive War intended;
Nor, armed came, for any private Cause;
But, as our dutie binds, to have defended
Thy Truth, our Countrie's Liberties, and Lawes:
And, to remove the wicked from the Throne,
That, he may rule, with righteousnesse, thereon.

And, though to fright us from this dutie, LORD,
The sons of Belial, whom we pursue,
Cast termes on us, which better do accord
With their proceedings, as to them most due:
Yet, thou canst witnesse, that we called are,
And, come in true obedience to that Pow'r,
Of which, He but the name doth only weare;
Whilst he abuseth his owne Rights, and our:
Thou know'st his Wilfulnesse doth us compell
(Since nor his Parl'aments, Thy Lawes, nor His,
Nor, other course prevailes) now to appeale
(In that, which at this time, depending is)
To thy Arbitrement: and, that, the Sword
May to our differences, an end afford.

Wherein, we pray thee, passo thy Sentence so,
That, in thy Judgements, Mercy may abound;

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Lest, though but small Severity thou show,
The innocentest party, may be found
Unable to abide it. For, mine eye,
Which only can behold the scum, or skin,
Of our Corruptions (and not much espie
Of those Pollutions, which lie hid within)
Perceives the best so faulty; that, by thee,
If so put off this Bloodie-Triall were,
That, we might, now, some other way, agree:
It would the safest course, for both, appear.
But, LORD, thy will be done, though it be that,
Which flesh and blood, most feares and trembles at.

For, who, that loves thy Attributes and Thee,
And sees how they are sleighted? who, that viewes,
How impudently broke thy Precepts be,
How spightfully thy foes thy friends abuse;
And, how presumptuosly this age goes on,
(Ev'n while th'avenging Angell is abroad)
To do as wickedly as it hath done,
Without regard of man, or feare of GOD?
Yea, who, that loves thine honour, grudgeth now
Thy saving of it? or, who wisheth good
Vnto thy Saints, who grieveth to allow
Thy Justice, in avengement of their blood?
Or, who can thinke thy judgements have exceeded,
That hath our great offences duly heeded?

I do confesse, thy coming to this Nation
In these unlook'd-for Judgements, maketh it
To be a sharp and dreadfull visitation
To those, that in security did sit,
And, liv'd at ease. But, they who long have born
The violent oppressions of thy Foes,
The insolence of Tyrants, and their scorn,
At thy approaches, tremble not, like those:
For, their Deliverer, and Friend appears,
And, therefore, though we stand in awe of thee,

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It is with conjugall, and filiall fears,
Mixt with whose tartnesse, sweetnesses there be:
Yea, though thy judgments, fright us, when we hear them
Yet, LORD, we love them, more then we do fear them.

Whilest thus, or unto such effects I prai'd,
And meditated, by my selfe alone,
The VOICE began to speak again, and said;
Thy GOD observeth, what thou musest on,
And will not faile thy hopes, if thou believe,
And persevere. For, he is readier farre,
His blessings, and his benefits to give,
Then, they, who want them, to desire them are.
And, when he doth deny them, or prolong them,
It is not out of backwardnesse in him,
To condescend; but, that you might not wrong them,
Or entertain them with a sleight esteem.
Most, little prize good things, till much they cost,
Few, know their happinesse, till it be lost.

You may perceive, by that, which GOD hath wrought
For these afflicted Isles, in their distresse;
By manie things, which he to passe hath brought,
When mischiefes were, almost, beyond redresse:
By those diliv'rances, which you have had,
When to the brink of ruine you were come;
By those escapes, which he for you hath made,
From plots, which none but he could save you from;
Yea, see you may be his oft freeing you,
When, carelesly, advantages you lose;
And by that mercie, which he sheweth, now,
That, he would soone secure you from your Foes,
Could you so mind, what doth to you belong,
That, mercie might not do his justice wrong.

Alas! he takes no pleasure in your cries,
By your afflictions he can reap no good;
Your wounds, are not delightfull to his eyes,
Nor joyes he in the shedding of your blood.

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He better likes of Feasts, then Fasting-dayes,
If you could use them, to your more availe,
Your mournings would not please, like songs of praise,
If you had fewer failings to bewaile.
He is not such a cruell GOD, as manie,
Blasphemouslie, have fained him to be,
Delighted in the death, or griefe, of anie;
But, Love, and Joy essentiallie is he:
And, gave his Dearest to be crucifi'd.
A saving-health for sinners to provide:

Of him, if peace you rightlie seek, believe it,
He will vouchsafe it, when you shall appeare
A people qualified to receive it:
And, to expect it sooner, vaine it were.
Your pride is not, as yet, enough abated,
Your wisdom, is not, yet, enough befooled,
Your own deservings, are, yet, over-rated,
You, by the rod, are not, yet, throughly schooled.
You have some ayerie Castles, yet, in building,
Some false dependencies, yet, undestroy'd,
Some groundlesse hopes, not to despaire, yet, yeelding,
Some lusts, and some vaine pleasures, yet injoy'd:
And, manie such obstructions, making, yet,
These Kingdoms, for that happinesse, unfit.

Your lofty minds, must, first, be stooped lower,
Your separations, must draw, somwhat, nigher,
Your Formes of godlinesse, must get more power,
Your base affections must be lifted higher:
Your headstrong wilfulnesse, must more be tamed,
Your Anchor, must with deeper hold, be grounded,
Your Charity, must farther be inflamed,
Your Faith, must on the rock, be better founded.
Your selves, must, by your selves, be more deni'd,
More care of publike duties must be took;
Your wanton flesh must more be mortifi'd,
And, for your sins, your hearts must more be broke,

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E're these afflicted Isles will repossesse
A safe, a reall, and a lasting peace.

Delude you not your selves, with guilefull showes;
For, when they promise most, they most deceive.
To win, is, manie times, the way to lose:
And, Victories, of safety may bereave.
Security, may lose you, in a day,
What, watchfulnesse was gaining, many years;
And, in a moment, GOD may take away
Your greatest strength, when strongest it appears.
Were now, your adversaries in your power;
Were not a dog, to barke against you, left,
And, Peace confirm'd; you might, within an houre,
Of all that happinesse, be quite bereft.
Yea, and it should be lost again, e're long,
Vnlesse, on better tearmes, you made it strong.

Vpon the justnesse of the Cause, some trust;
But, that, a vain dependence may be found:
For, if they, who defend it, be unjust,
A righteous Cause, may fall unto the ground.
The Jewes did flie before the Canaanites,
While but one Achan, in their Camp, remain'd;
They fell before the wicked Benjamites,
While, their impenitencie they retain'd.
Some think, because the Word of Truth, is here,
GODS Ordinances, and his holy-things,
That, you a priviledged people are:
But, no securitie, at all, this brings:
It, rather, calls for vengeance on that place,
Which answers not, in fruits, their meanes of grace.

The Arke, it selfe, from Israel, was borne,
And, they who kept it, slaughtered, for their sin;
Ev'n GODS own House was ra'zd, and made a scorne,
And, they inthral'd, who served him therein.
GOD, for his Temples sake, spar'd not oppressions,
Nor, for that Worship which they did professe:

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But, them he turned out of their possessions,
For acting sin, in cloakes of holinesse.
Do you suppose, that, GOD, will for the sake
Of those few righteous men, that, yet, remaine,
The present troubles from these Islands take,
And, settle all things here, in peace, again?
How can you such a benefit expect,
Till righteous men, you better do affect.

If you, by them, such blessings may enjoy,
Why are you not, to those, more faithfull friends?
Why seek you to undo, or, to destroy
Those men, on whom your weale so much depends?
Though, for their sakes, you reap, at other times,
Great benefit; and often are secur'd,
From publike mischiefes; yet, there have been crimes,
For which, this priviledge is not procur'd.
Though Noah, Job, and Daniel, interceded
At such a season, grace should not be showne:
They should not get a pardon, when they pleaded,
For anie soules offending, but their own.
And, so it may be, for ought yet, you know,
With everie unrepentant sinner, now.

Some, of you, have a hope, as vain as this,
Another way; for, manie men suppose
To be secured, by the wickednesse,
And crying sins, of their blasphemous Foes.
But, Edom did Jerusalem suppresse,
Although the former had transgressed more:
The Saints, although their errors may be lesse,
Are daily murther'd by the Scarlet-Whore.
GODS Magazine, hath punishments enow,
To seize on all at once, that him offend;
He Scorpions hath for them, and Rods for you,
And, both will scourge, if both do not amend.
He, as he lifts, can make you whip each other;
Or, spare the one, or, punish both together.

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Indeed, a Kingdomes laying-wast, hath bin,
And, is sometimes, deferred for the sakes
Of righteous men, inhabiting therein:
But, that, but little for the safety makes,
Of Individuall sinners. For, you see,
They, by the Sword, are pick'd out everie day,
Their habitations daily ruin'd be.
And their posterities are swept away.
Yea, when, quite round them, all the neighbourhood
Stands unimpaired, they are somtime seized,
That, others may observe it, for their good,
Or, that GODS wrath may, thereby, be appeased:
And, otherwhile, the just are taken from
A wicked-place, to scape the plagues to come.

But, what, or whom, need you suspect, or feare,
Though both your Horse & Foot, this day were routed?
Of your own selves, you well-conceited are
Of your own courses, nothing is mis-doubted.
You have designes, wherein you can confide,
Though GOD be verie little in your thought:
You, in a blindfold hope, can quiet bide,
Though, in due meanes, his aid you have not sought.
You seem so knowing, that none must advise;
So righteous, that, you reformation hate;
So holy, that, your brethren you dispise,
So powerfull, as if you preserv'd the State:
And beare your selves, as if unto these Nations
GOD, were oblig'd, by speciall obligations.

And, if but with a superficiall look
A view of you were taken, on that side
Which fairest showes, you might be, then, mistook,
For better then you'l prove, when you are tride.
You are now frequent in humiliation,
You are profest Reformers of your waies;
You are become the longest-praying Nation,
And, holiest-talking people, in these daies,

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Your simplest tradesmen are grown mighty Preachers,
Your souldiers guifted are with double power,
Young silliest women are admired teachers,
And speak, and pray among you by the houre.
The chiefest places in your Common-weale,
Supplied are, with men of noted-zeale.

The godly party, now preferments gets,
(At least, they who the form thereof put on)
And, when some of them, are prov'd counterfeits,
The honest party will be thought upon.
To keep the foremost-table of the LAW
Inviolate, you care, of late, have took;
And, many think, it showes you stand in awe
Of GOD; and, that you at his honour look.
And, peradventure, (if it hinder not
Your lusts or profits) when you are at leasure,
Some Orders or Provisions may be got,
To make you carefull, in some better measure,
To keep the second-Table: wherein, lies
The proofe of your faire-seeming sanctities.

You zealously have, likewise, overthrowne
The monuments of Popish superstition;
Pull'd Crosses, Images, and Altars down,
Even those things that gave but just suspition
Of an Idolatrous or fruitlesse use;
As well appeareth, in not lettting passe
(When you demolish'd them, for their abuse)
The guilded Organs, and the painted glasse.
You have for ev'rie week a Sabbath, now;
For every moon a Fast; in private, more:
Thanksgiving daies, you likewise do allow,
For holy-daies, observed heretofore;
Which, of those feasts, will well supply the room,
Vntill you wearie of them shall become.

These works are found among you, and of those
Some part from upright-heartednesse doth flow,

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And from those rectified consciences,
Which do a reall Reformation show.
And, though the works themselves have no deserving
In their own nature, or, through imperfections,
Concomitant: yet, GOD, in you, observing
A will renew'd, and following his direction,
According to your power, accepteth so
A fraile performance, from a weake intent,
That, he as much, by Grace, imputes thereto,
As if it perfectly were done, and meant.
And (for a few thus qualifi'd) GOD hath
Deferr'd full prosecution of his wrath.

But, so far off, your Reformations, yet,
And pious showes, are from deserving ought,
Or from a likelihood, that they will fet
The peace, for which, you have both pray'd and sought;
That, if more mercies GOD vouchsafe not to you,
Then by your Sanctitie deserved are,
Your holy-things, would utterly undo you,
Though all your other sins remitted were.
For, as before their thrall, the wicked Jewes,
Did act a seeming-sanctified part,
Approaching near to GOD, in words, and shewes,
Yet, kept themselves, far from him, in their heart:
So, most of you have done: And, GOD therefore,
Your Sabbaths, Fasts, and Praises doth abhorre.

To him, your hands you lifted in a VOW;
A serious Covenant, with him, you made,
You made it also, not without a show,
As if unfained purposes you had
To do, as you profest: And, you have seem'd
Not only to have rightly understood
That League, and highly thereof to have deem'd,
But, thereby, likewise you receiv'd much good.
Yet, as if, with well-doing, tir'd you were,
(Or, rather, as if you besotted grew)

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To tender it, you very little care,
Or, thereunto, conformity to shew.
A needlesse duty, this, by some, is thought,
Or, pressed farther, then of right, it ought.

But, if it hath impos'd unduly been,
Why were two Realms, so unadvis'd, to make it?
If righteo,us in your eyes, the same still seem,
Why is not everie man requir'd to take it?
If, necessarilie, it was injoyn'd,
And lawfully, why should you suffer them
Both libertie, and favour, too, to finde,
Who, therein, shall your Ordinance contemn?
Why, is there not a difference put 'twixt those
Who take it; and all those who shall refuse it?
And, punishment why do you not impose
On them who take it, only, to abuse it?
Since, breach of publike Cov'nants is a sin,
Which, alwaies, brings a publike vengeance in.

A Cov'nant broke, though with the Gibeonites,
(Who gained it a surreptitious way)
Brought down a Plague upon the Israelites,
Which cost, the bloud of Princes, to allay.
No branch of this, is anie way unjust,
Or inconsistent, in the least degree,
With anie dutie, which performe you must
As Christians, or, as morall men you be;
Nor is it (being understood aright)
A barre to anie Christian-Libertie,
Or, humane Priviledge; though, at first sight,
To some, these, may appeare infring'd thereby:
For, by that Covenant, you vow'd no more,
Then, what you were obliged to before.

It binds you no profession to imbrace
Of Doctrine, Manners, or, of Discipline,
Ought farther, then conformable it is
Vnto the Canon of the Word-divine:

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You vowed nothing to reject, but what
Shall prove, upon due triall, to be found
Destructive, or repugnant unto that;
Or, to the Bond, wherewith you should be bound:
And, as you are obliged, by the same,
To nothing, any way unwarrantable;
So, likewise, you thereby, ingag'd became
No further to performe, than you are able:
Nor harme, thereby, to any can befall,
But, praise to GOD, and safetie unto all.

And, yet, this sacred Covenant, and VOW,
Which tendeth to the prejudice of none,
Which Law-divine, and humane doth allow,
Which need constrain'd you to have undergone;
Which was resolv'd on, by two prudent Nations,
Which, by the highest Senates, in both Lands,
Was made, and took, with due deliberations,
And, sign'd with twentie hundred thousand hands.
Those Vowes, which you have sealed with your bloud,
Those Vowes, which in ten thousand Congregations
Attested were; and which you call'd on GOD
To witnesse too: These Vowes, and Protestations,
Vow'd so religiously, and so attested,
Regarded are, as if you had but jested.

Who dream'd to see a VOW, cri'd up like that,
Observ'd no better, than conditions made
By Boyes, or Girles, at Push-pin, or at Cat?
Who could have thought, that Christians should have had
Of conscience, or of credit, so small care,
As to forget, nay, so much to despise
A Dutie, wherein so concern'd they are?
And, whereupon, Life, State, and Honour lies?
He that your Ordinances doth peruse,
With your instructions, and marks what is done;
Can find out nothing, whereby to excuse
Your ill pursuit, of what you well begun.

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Or why, he should, till you reforme your wayes,
Much heed, what such a Nation, doth, or sayes.

For, both so negligent, and false are you,
In what you vow'd: yea, both to GOD, and Man,
So foolishly, so shamelesly untrue,
Most have been, since this Covenant began:
That (if you soon repent not) this one sin
Will make a curelesse Breach: yea, this offence
Will bring incurable-Destruction in,
Without a speedy, and true penitence.
Thus, that, which might have much advanc'd your peace,
Is like, by your corruption, to procure,
In stead of what you hope for, an encrease
Of Plagues, and Troubles, longer to endure:
Yet, this is not the only meanes of Grace,
Which is, by you abused, in this place.

Your Provocations are as much, or more,
In other sacred things: For, though some few
Have better out-sides, now, than heretofore,
They are not really, the same they shew.
The hewing out of Reformation makes
Good chips; and, for each Carpenter, such Fees,
That, whatsoever paines therein he takes,
No feare of any outward losse, he sees.
In setting up of publike Disciplines,
There are Devices, to contrive it so,
That men shall thereby act their owne Designes,
And few perceive it, what they intend to do:
For, underneath a cloke of outward-zeale,
More projects are pursu'd, than they reveale.

And, otherwhile, GOD bringeth so about
His purpose, that, he makes men Instruments
To plot it, work it, yea, to fight it out,
Against the current of their owne intents.
Sometime, the furious zeale of Hypocrites,
Or wilfulnesse of Tyrants, by the wages

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Of Balaam, to his service he invites;
And, them, against his enemies ingages.
By these, he Superstition doth deface,
Pulls down Idolatrie, and way doth make
For them, to build his Church, up, in that place
Who seek to do his will, for Conscience-sake.
Yea, thus, he more then once or twice hath done,
Where famous Reformations were begun.

Thus Iehu, in a Fierie zeal, destroy'd
Baals Idols, with his Prophets: and, for this,
That Crown, which by his Master was enjoy'd,
GOD, for a while, entail'd on him, and his.
Thus likewise, in this Kingdom, your eighth Harrie
Made way for that which he intended not:
And, then, from manie a wealthy Monasterie
Both Lands and goods, for his reward he got.
Yea, manie others furthered that work
Beneath whose outside zeale, much avarice,
Much pride, with much hypocrisie, did lurk,
And, manie another secret lust, and vice,
For which, draweth near, the fatall day,
Of rooting them, and all their seed away.

Yet, their example makes not These times free
From those corruptions: for, much dawbing, still,
With an untemper'd mortar, you may see;
And, with pretence of good, much doing-ill.
Much show of Reformation, here, is made
In civill-matters; ev'n by them, that steale,
And suck the nourishment it should have had,
From this distrest, and sickly Common-weale.
Yea, where it is expected, that extortion
Should most be punished; there, now, are fees
Exacted, in the most extreme proportion:
And, He, that everie secret action sees,
Will, shortly, find out some among them, too,
With whom, a Bribe, can more then conscience do.

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Yet, such as these (when they are in the Chaire
Of Judgment, Equitie, Examination,
Or set in some Committee) offer faire,
In zealous language, toward Reformation;
These look big on offenders; threaten vice,
And make some honest men, who come before them,
To take them for the birds of Paradise;
And ready, for their Virtues to adore them.
They grow familiar with your ablest Preachers;
They hear them often (in appearance gladly)
They thanke them, praise them, as most powerfull Teachers:
They can bewaile the Times; look verie sadly,
And seeme to be exceedingly affeard,
When they the threatnings of the WORD have heard.

Yet, when all this is done, they passe away,
Through all these threatnings, and through all their fears,
To prosecute their lusts, the selfe-same day,
In which GODS wrath was thundered in their ears.
Yea, thus they do, when vengeance on the Road
Is marching towards them, and in their view;
Thus brazen-fac'd, thus fearelesse of their GOD,
And thus irrationall, themselves they shew.
Their fasts and praises are but complements,
With GOD and men, to furnish out their scœne,
Or, serve to cover-over their intents:
But, little to that purpose they should meane.
What e're the Preacher or the Prophet saies,
Resolv'd they are, to follow their own waies.

The Times, which you have either for confessions
Of sins, or publike mercies, set apart,
Are solemnized with such dull expressions,
As if they were perform'd without a heart.
And, though your Fastings, as Kings Ahabs, had
Some recompence obtain'd in outward things,
In lieu of Outward-showes, that you have made;
Yet, little reall fruit that dutie brings.

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You fast not from Oppression, Fraud, and Strife,
Nor from your Avarice, and base-designes;
You fast not, from a wicked course of life,
Nor from those lusts, whereto your flesh inclines:
Your heads, you, in the morning, humbly bow:
And, look, e're night, with an imperious-brow.

GOD cares not for your solemne Fasting-day,
Except you come before him, more prepar'd:
You meet, and grant the Preacher leave to say
What he shall please; but, give it no regard.
Once, in a Moone, what is it, to repaire
Vnto the Church; and, there, sit out a meale?
Sleep out, perhaps, a Sermon, or a Prai'r;
And, then come home, and fill your bellies well?
Or, what availeth it, to sigh, and groane,
And, make a crabbed face, an houre or two;
Or, whine out words, in some affected tone;
Or, yawne out Lamentations, as some do?
What will all this availe, if you depart
With an unsanctifi'd dissembling heart?

When, on the set Humiliation-dayes,
Your well-affected Brethren fast, and mourn;
When ev'ry Congregation weeps, and prayes,
That, GOD, in mercie, might, to them, return:
Some (as if in despight of that Decree,
And, in contempt of GOD) dance, feast, and sing;
Or, drinking healths, to their confusion, be,
Who, for the Publike-weale, Peace-Offrings bring.
And, many, who would seem to sacrifice
A contrite-spirit, and a broken-heart,
Come, loaded with so many vanities,
That, back, unto their dwellings, they depart,
Not onely, lesse accepted then before;
But, more despised, and polluted more.

It is not to be thought, GOD doth regard
A Formall-habit, so you do appear

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With hearts reform'd, and with a soule prepar'd,
His holy-Word obediently to hear.
Yet, know, that he expects, when you professe
A sorrow for your sins, you should put on
That outward, and that inward humblenesse,
By which, the dutie may be truly done.
He doth expect, that, when you near shall draw
Vnto his Throne, you should approach thereto
With so much reverence, and filiall awe,
That, to the same, you no dishonour do;
Nor, make prophane Beholders, to contemne
His Worship, by your meane esteem of him.

For, some would scarce believe, you serv'd a GOD,
Who hath a power to punish, or to save;
Or, be perswaded, that you fear'd his rod,
Or, that you need of his compassion have;
If they observ'd, how cloath'd to him you come,
Or, heeded your behaviours, in his sight,
Or, saw you, after you returned home,
And, what your conversations were, that night.
For, many, of you, habited appeare
Like those, which to the Revells are invited;
And, not, as if you men of sorrow were,
Or, with GOD's anger, or your sins, affrighted;
But trim'd with toyes, which, at that time, and place,
Shewes, either want of wit, or, want of grace.

And, when you should appear, with looks compos'd,
According to the service you pretend,
Your thoughts, by your deportment, seem dispos'd,
As if imployed to some other end.
Your voice is more imperious, and more loud,
Then, well befits a Fast: you laugh, and grin,
And, often, have those looks, and gestures, show'd,
Which fitter for a Theater have been,
Then for a Temple, in a day of Fasting:
Which, if GOD should, severely, look upon,

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Your dayes of mourning, would be everlasting;
And, your afflictions never would be done:
For, he would see (not without Indignation)
You come, but, with a fain'd Humiliation.

And, then, among those errours, and presumings,
Which make your holy-things abhominable,
(And, which you must repent) are your assumings
Vnto your selves, what you are never able,
Nor, warranted to practise. For, the Pride,
Which hath begot this Boldnesse, doth bring on
Those dreamings, and o're-weenings, which divide,
Distract, and trouble you, as they have done.
You, missing his true meaning, who hath said,
You should be Priests, and Prophets to the LORD,
From Truth, and Decencie, have lately strai'd;
And, made your Pray'rs, and Preaching, so abhorr'd,
That in the stead of what you have expected,
Increase of Plagues, and Discords, is effected.

And, some of you, this Ignorance hath brought
To such presumption, that you vilifie
That PRAYER, which by CHRIST himselfe was taught,
And, turn'd Devotion into Blasphemie;
You, have not only offered strange-fire,
But, also, things uncleane: for, you present
Your Lusts unto Him; and, those things require,
Which, make Him with your offrings discontent,
When, therefore, you present the Sacrifice
Of Prayer, know, that as you are not bounded
To Verball-Formes; so, you should not despise
The Rule, whereon that dutie should be grounded;
Lest that, which might of Blisse, a meanes have bin,
A meanes become, of letting Curses in.

Of GOD, they seeme not prudently conceited,
Who think, that those Petitions he despiseth,
Which his owne Spirit hath, for us, indited;
And only likes of those, which man deviseth:

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Or, that, he will impute it as a Vice,
If in those wants, which formerly you had,
You shall present him one Petition twice,
Or, oftner, though with true devotion made;
Or, that, at all times, all men, should repaire
Vnto his Trone, with suits extemporarie,
Because, those few that have the gift of Pray'r,
Can, quickly, to fit words, their meanings marrie:
For, this is but a novell-imposition,
Arising out of Pride, and Superstition.

(As of Virginitie, long since was said)
Let them to whom GOD gives the same receive it.
But, let it not on any man be laid,
To whom it hath not pleased him to give it.
To speak in publike, Moses was lesse able
Than Aaron; and, yet, GOD did him endow
With kowledge, and with gifts more honourable;
And, from his Holy-Spirit they did flow.
The wisest heart, hath not the nimblest tongue:
Nor is it, still, the Spirits inspiration,
Whereby, so many preach, and pray so long:
But, Memorie, upon premeditation,
And, that, makes oft a fairer shew, in words,
Than Grace, with gifts more sanctifi'd, affords.

And, by this help of Nature, carnall men,
Not only gain esteeme beyond their merit;
And, Player-like, act parts, which, now and then
Are, falsly, thought out-flowings of the Spirit:
But, by this qualitie, have, also, brought
Contempt on better men: and, oft, thereby,
Into their simple hearers hearts, have wrought,
In stead of Truth, bewitching heresie.
Yet, this their Tongue-craft, now, hath such esteeme,
That he, who to himselfe, assumeth not
This gift, doth scarce to them a Christian seeme:
And, therefore, many, now, the same have got,

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Who care not, though these offrings of the tongue
Be wholly Non-sense, so they may be long,

GOD values your Devotions, by their strength
Of Faith; and by your pious inclination;
And, not by that tautologie, or length,
Which hath, of late, begun to be in fashion,
It was a Pharisaicall-Tradition,
Arising partly from hypocrisie,
And, partly, from a Jewish superstition,
Which fool'd their Feminine simplicitie,
As it doth ours. And, therefore, though he seeme
Almost a Reprobate, who dares reprove
That custome, (which those men do most esteeme,
Who, with their owne conceptions, are in love)
Yet, many of them, as your Saviour said,
Have only prated, when they thought they pray'd.

Let, then, your Praying, and your Preaching, too,
Be such, as may True-Pietie advance:
And, not the work of your Destroyer, do,
By pleasing Self-conceit, and Ignorance,
In giving leave to ev'rie giddie braine,
To preach what ever Fancie shall invent;
And, heaps of those false-Teachers entertaine,
Who bring you Tidings, which were never sent.
A mysterie, I will to you unfold,
Whereof, if you take heedfull observation,
A glimmering-light, you shall, thereby, behold,
To help promote both Peace, and Reformation;
And, give some hint, whereby you may provide,
Against those Errours, which do much divide.

There were two SIMONS, in the primitive,
And purer times, who typified that
Which doth concerne you: For, you do derive
Your Evill-being, and your Good-estate,
From what they signifie. The Name imports
In English, HEARING; and, these did fore-show,

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That, in the Church, from Hearers of two sorts,
Great Schismes, and much Heresie would flow.
From SIMON-PETER, which is in your tongue,
Hearing-the-Rock, the Faithfull-Hearers came:
From SIMON-MAGVS, all those Hearers sprung,
Which were seduc'd, according to his Name:
For, by Interpretation, 'tis as much
With you, as if yee said, Hearing-the-Witch.

As Simon-Peter, and the Sorcerer,
Long since contended, whether of the two,
Should get possession of the Peoples eare,
Ev'n so those hearings, at this present, do.
As Simon-Magus, untill Peter spoke,
Had so bewitch'd the common-people, then,
That, for the POW'R of GOD, they him mistook;
So, Formall-hearing, now, bewitcheth men.
So, it is idoliz'd: and, some have thought,
When, formally, that Dutie they had paid,
The Holy-Ghost might for the same be bought:
But, as then, Peter of the money said,
Their Hearing with them perish, who suppose,
That, GOD his Graces, for such wares bestowes,

You, of this itching, this bewitching Hearing,
Have had Experiments: and, at this day,
There are such bitter fruits therof appearing,
That, you had need be watchfull: and, to pray,
That, GOD would please, to sanctifie the eare,
And, circumcise your hearts, that you may know,
When, you the Witch, and when you Peter heare,
That, you, in Grace, may edified grow.
And, that this Information make you not
Respectlesse of that Hearing, or that Preaching,
Whereby, that Saving-knowledge may be got,
Which no man hath, but by the Spirits teaching:
And, that, you so may Heare, that GOD may blesse
Hearing, with Faith, & Faith with Truth-full-Peace.

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Take heed unto your Prayers, that they reach not
Their length, that Widowes-houses do devoure;
Take heed unto your Preachings, that, you preach not
The Spirit weak; and raise a fleshly-power.
Take heed in Giving thanks, you do not say,
In heart, when GOD hath victories bestowne;
That, of your Foes, his hand did thousands slay,
And, that, there fell ten thousands by your owne.
Vnto your Fasts, and your Humiliations,
Take, likewise, heed, left by your negligences,
Those Duties may be greater aggravations
Of your, but, seeming-sorrow'd-for-Offences.
And, take heed, lest hypocrisie may breed
Obstructions in you, of due Taking-heed.

If truly you desire a happie-Peace,
Repent your false Repentance; and, in haste,
Your suits, with true sinceritie addresse,
Before the Day of mercie shall be past.
Reforme your Publike Fasts; and let them show,
Ev'n in the Out-ward-man, so truly sad,
That, others may your inward-sorrow know,
And, by the same, so sensible be made,
Of what you feele; that it may make them find
A change in their owne hearts; and, by that change,
Become to pious dutie so inclin'd,
That, them from Vanitie, it may estrange;
And, ev'rie day, one, thus, draw on another
To Penitence, till all repent together.

To make this dutie further to extend,
(And, grow more generall) you shall do well,
Vnto your Adversaries to commend,
(And unto those, who in your quarters dwell)
This motion: That (since both of you professe
One GOD) you might assemble on one day,
To meet before his Presence, to confesse
Your wickednesse; wide open, there, to lay

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Your Causes; And, for judgement, to referre
Your selves to him. For, such an introduction,
A meanes to draw you somwhat nearer were,
And, to remove, it may be, some obstruction
Which hinders Peace; or, els, to bring that, on,
By which, your work, the sooner may be done.

If, they that have the better Cause, think fit
(With some such meek and pious invitations
As they might frame) for this end, to admit
That day, whereon their Foes humiliations
Pretended are; it either shall allure
Your Adversaries to that Penitence,
Which will a speedy amity procure:
Or, aggravate, so greatly their offence,
That GOD shall quite reject them, as if they
Refused your Appeal; or, to abide
His Doome: and did intend some other way,
Or, by some other Censor, to be tri'd:
And, what event will thereupon ensue,
It were a needlesse matter to fore-shew.

When all are thus assembled, on one day,
Or els, of all, so many as GOD's grace
Shall make, therewith, content: (For, though it may
To you, be somwhat, yet nor Time, nor Place,
Are, in respect of Him, considerable)
Yea, when you in his presence shall appeare
To this effect (as he shall you inable)
Fall down before him, with all meeknesse, there.
Together then, with seriousnesse, begin
The Fast anew. In true humiliations,
Let all bewaile their errours, and their sin,
Till, in their mournings, and their Lamentations,
The famous mourning, equallize they shall
Of Hadadrimmon in Megiddo Vale.

Let, joyntly, People, State, and King, unite
In penitence, as they in sinne have done.

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Themselves, let them, for all their sinnes, indite,
(Their new and ancient sins) before GOD's Throne.
And, forasmuch, as in this later-Age,
And, in this place, he seemeth, as it were,
To bring all things, again, upon the stage,
Which, heretofore, in action, did appeare:
(Yea, since they, who will heed it, may behold
All that concernes th'Estates, or conversation
Of Saints, or sinners, in GOD's Word fore-told,
Epitomized in this Generation)
Let not his warnings, both by Word, and Deed,
Be frustrated, through want of taking-heed.

Remember to bewaile your Gentilismes,
Your Babylonish-whoredomes, heretofore,
Your ancient-heresies, and moderne-Schismes,
That, GOD, for these, may judge these Isles no more.
Observe, and well observe it; that, because
You govern'd lesse by Law, then by your will;
That, GOD, almost, depriv'd you of those Lawes:
And, that, because (your projects to fulfill,
Or, to promote your carnall-Policies)
Morality, and Piety, by you,
Were made but stales: the worlds old-Heresies,
And Heath'nish-manners, are sprung up anew,
To interrupt, and marre the publike-Peace,
For your dissembling, and unthankfulnesse.

Remember, that, like Israel, you have spar'd
The Canaanites, that should have been destroi'd:
That, like rebellious Saul, you had regard
To Agag, and forbidden spoiles enjoi'd.
Remember, how you stagger'd off, and on,
Betwixt the LORD, and Baal, in ancient-time,
And, how farre, you, in later yeares, have gone
To repollute these Islands, by that crime.
Remember, that, like Judah, you have made
Confed'racies, with such as are GOD's Foes;

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Though warnings, counsells, and commands you had
To shun their friendships, who the Truth oppose:
And, mindfull be, how you on them reli'd,
Whom Egypt, and whom Ashur, typifi'd.

Remember, that, you have, like Solomon,
(Though you had his example to beware)
Been carelesse, those Alliances to shun,
Which, both pernitious, and forbidden were.
For, all this Empire, guiltinesse contracted,
As well, by heeding not, to have prevented
What, by your Kings, and Peeres of State, was acted,
As, in not having, yet, this sin repented.
Repent, that, as in Judah, by her Kings,
You have, by halves, reform'd Religion too:
Call, therewithall, to mind, what fruit it brings,
The work of GOD, with negligence, to do.
And, humbled be, for ev'ry other sin,
Whereof these Isles have, jointly, guilty bin.

Let those three Parties, which have made, this day,
These Islands wretched, by their great Transgressions,
And, chas'd their Glory, and their Peace, away,
Make, jointly, and asunder, their confessions:
For, all have much offended, ev'n the best
Are guiltie of enough, to have destroi'd
The temporall well-being they possest,
And, all their hopes of what may be enjoi'd.
Let luke-warme Newters, those poore-spirited,
Degenerated Britains, without heart,
(Who, as ignobly, have demerited,
As those, who persecute the guiltlesse part)
Repent, and change their temper, out of hand,
Lest they be justly spu'd out of the land.

Let them, that are supposed best affected,
And, who, the best approved Cause befriended,
Examine, how their duties are neglected,
How false they are, in what they have pretended;

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How faintly they the publike-Guard began;
By what ill meanes, they their Good-Cause pursu'd;
How little trust in GOD, how much in Man,
(And in an outward aid) hath oft, been shew'd;
How heedlesse, of their Covenant, they grow;
How many of them sleight the Vow they took;
How they inlarge, how they contract it, now;
How wilfully, how frequently, 'tis broke;
And, how the publike sorrow they prolong,
By doing Piety, and Iustice wrong.

Let your Malignant-partie (or, of them,
So many as are, yet, not gone so farre,
That they all timely warnings must contemne)
Remember, of what crimes they guilty are.
Let them consider that to have their will,
Or, that ambitious humours they may feed,
Or, that some other lust they may fulfill,
How, they have made their Countrey smart and bleeed.
Let them consider, that they have pursu'd
Their tyrannies, in these unhappie wars,
As if they meant a pattern to have shew'd,
Of Rehoboam, and his Councellers;
Or, how King Ahabs party went to fight
At Ramoth-Gilead, as in GODS despight.

Let ENGLAND mourn apart, for all those crimes,
Which do pollute her at this present day;
And, those committed in preceding times,
That GOD may take his heavie hand away.
Her ficklenesse, in faith, and in attire;
Her great abuse of plenties, by excesse;
Her persecutions, both by sword and fire,
Of those who did the holy faith professe.
Her wantonnizing with the meanes of Grace,
Her thanklesnesse for that long Peace she had,
Her sleighting it when she forewarned was
Of that great breach, which GOD on her hath made.

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Yea, all her other sinnes let her lament:
Let her, all Nationall-defaults repent.

Let SCOTLAND mourn apart, and search, wherfore
Her sinnes upon her face, and on her back,
GOD, at this present, doth so deeply score,
Now, when she doth of sin most conscience make.
Let her examine, if she hath no End
To seize on some advantage, for her owne;
While, her distressed Sister to defend,
She, piously, a readinesse hath shown.
If she be guilty, of so base a thought,
Let her repent it, e're GOD search it out:
If she be cleare, Truth shall to light be brought;
And, they who of her faithfulnesse, now, doubt,
Shall praise her Children; if they have a care,
Their lying, and their bragging to forbeare.

Let IRELAND mourn apart; and, not, alone,
For her late Trecheries, and for the guilt
Which her inhumane Natives brought upon
Their heads, for bloud of Innocents new-spilt;
But, also, for the sinnes of all those Nations,
Within her borders, who, for their oppressions
Were cast out of their ancient-habitations;
And, lately, driven from their new-possessions.
Let her, that brutish Ignorance lament,
Wherewith, she, many ages, was polluted;
That Heath'nish-Christianity repent,
Which, her blind Children, piety reputed;
And, her Rebellions, and Idolatry,
Let her bewaile, with true humility.

Let her observe, what her Transgressions be;
That She, unto the praise of GOD, may say;
In all his judgements truly just is he,
And, that, with Mercies, he did them allay.
For, if a strict inquirie he had made,
For all the Bloud, th'Oppression, and the Guile,

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Of which, he, Information might have had,
There had not one been living in that Ile.
Both Scot, and English, verie studious were,
To plant themselves upon her fruitfull plaines;
But, how, Religion might be planted there,
They tooke but verie little care, or paines.
To save the Soule, not many were employ'd,
And, therefore, many Bodies, were destroy'd.

Had her late Planters, as industrious bin,
Her Natives, with Religion to enrich,
As how to make themselves great men, therein,
(Or, if their care had been but halfe so much)
Some hundred thousands had, this day, possest
Their lives, and livelihoods; who, at their cost,
For times to come, Examples have increast
Of goodly-hopes, through want of Prudence, lost.
And, therefore, let them learne, who yet survive,
Not to neglect CHRISTS Kingdome; if they would,
Their Kingdome, or their Heritage should thrive;
Or, that, their Hopes, or Labours prosper should.
Yea, if they seek on Earth a firme possession,
Let them not build their houses by oppression.

For, not a few of her Inhabitants,
Both out of England, and from Scotland came,
Meane in esteeme; opprest with many wants;
And, many of them, many wayes to blame;
Some, with projections, nor discreet, nor just;
Some, to defraud their Creditours, and Friends,
Of their estates; some, to enjoy their lust,
And, other some, for other such like ends,
Came over to that Kingdome, nor much knowne,
Nor much regarded; who, in little space,
Were not alone exceeding wealthy growne,
But, made both Earles, and Barons of the Place:
And, they, who suddenly, aloft did clime,
Were pulled to the ground in shorter time,

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They, whose abundance, over-night was more,
Then they could value; e're the following day
Disclos'd it selfe, were made exceeding poore;
And, glad from all their wealth, to run away:
Scarce leasure had they (left they lost their lives,
With their estates) to take, of all they had,
Enough, wherewith their children, and their wives,
Might clothed be, when their escapes they made.
The losse, the frights, the bloud-shed, and the cries,
Felt, suffered, seen, and heard, in those black-nights,
Present O Ireland, still, before thine eyes:
Still, let thy children keep them in their sights.
That Visitation, let them so bewaile,
Especially, the sins that caused it,
That, they, nor their posterity, may faile
To mind the same; and, let them not forget
To mourn apart, for that sad desolation,
Nor to be thankfull, for their Preservation.

Let every Corporation, Town, and City,
Within these Islands also mourn apart;
That, their Inhabitants may find more pity,
Then may be challenged, by due desert.
Some, of them, have the benefit enjoy'd
Of GODS protections, both from fire, and sword:
Some of them, have been touch'd, but not destroy'd,
For which, what can they lesse then thanks afford?
Let them acknowledge his preventing-Graces,
Who, yet are safe; and, that, GOD pleas'd hath bin
To keep Dstroyers from their dwelling places,
So oft, so much polluted, by their sin:
And, let all those whom he began to smite,
Be thankfull, that, they were not ruin'd quite.

For, great are those oppressions, which, of late,
Have cri'd for vengeance, on some Governours,
Of Mysteries, and Townes-incorporate,
Who have abused both their Trust and Powers.

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Those Priviledges, which to them were deign'd,
With chiefe respect unto the Common-good,
Are oft insisted on (yea, and maintain'd)
As if their Granter should be understood,
To meane some favours to particular Places,
With damage to the Publike; which, makes void
His CHARTERS, ipso facto: For, such Graces
Are by their owne excessivenesse destroi'd,
If Reason may be Judge; which, heretofore,
The greatest sway, in humane Actions, bore.

Yet, you have Cities, Townes, and Mysteries,
Which do not only, by such Grants, as these,
Oppresse the Publike, without Remedies;
And, injure Strangers, by their Franchises:
But, also by mis-usage of their Grants,
And, by their Pow'r do many times oppresse
The poorest of their owne Inhabitants;
Enslaving them, by wrongs, without redresse,
For, of those profits, which conferred were
(As well their needy members to sustaine,
As, decently, that port and charge to beare,
Which, to those Corporations do pertaine)
Most part is swallowed, by a private purse;
Or, spent in Feastings, which is somewhat worse.

And, when so bad a Corporation growes,
As to oppresse a Stranger, or their owne,
He, that their tyranny then, undergoes,
Is irrecoverably overthrowne,
For, to a Body-politike belongs
No Soule: And, if no Soule, what Conscience, then?
And, if no Conscience, how can it, of wrongs
Be sensible? when it had wronged men?
It doth consist of many, and can raise
The larger Bribe; the sooner find a friend;
Or, search out, by what persons, or what wayes,
It may (him whom it prosecutes) offend:

193

And, which is worst (when other enemies,
Time, slaies;) This, is a Foe that never dies.

Let, therefore, all your Bodies-Politike
Lament their sins apart, lest GOD destroy
Those Priviledges, which, without desert,
And, to the wrong of others, they enjoy.
Among the rest, let ev'rie Academ,
Lament apart, till they, are purged from
Their great corruptions, lest, from out of them,
Your bane, as from a poison'd Fountaine come:
For, their pollutions one maine cause have bin,
Of all your present mischiefes: yea, from thence
Proceeded not alone much of that sin,
Which hath defil'd these Isles; But, that offence,
And, those divisions, also, which of late,
Have almost ruined both Church, and State.

For, there, through want of prudent Government;
Good principles, and pious education,
Your youth, which were, for knowledge, thither sent,
Lost civill manners, wit, and reputation.
Thence was it, that your Clergie-men became
Such Roarers, and such Tosse-pots, as they were.
Their Life, and Doctrine, growne so much to blame,
Was first corrupted, and perverted there.
There, they were taught to fawne, and flatter, well,
For their preferment; and, how to become
Fit Priests for Ahab, Baal, and Jezabel:
Or, Pimps, and Panders, for the Whore of Rome.
GOD grant, that for their sins, they so may mourne,
That, they to GOD; and, GOD, to them may turne.

Let your Assembly of Divines, apart,
Repent and mourne; themselves, examining,
What aimes, what hopes, what purposes, what heart,
And, what desires, they to their meetings, bring.
Let them consider, whether, none advances
Traditions of their owne, to be received,

194

And to be practis'd, as Gods Ordinances;
Which are, in truth, not such to be believed.
Let them examine, whether they do carrie
A due respect to Christian-Liberty,
If they inforce those things, as necessary,
Of which there is no true necessity;
And, whether, they have not removed hence,
What, might have edifi'd, without offence.

Let it be heeded whether they have care,
As CHRIST himselfe, and, his Apostles had,
What things the people, and the times, can beare,
E're they impose them; lest, they make them mad,
Instead of right reforming. Let them trie,
Their spirits well, and search, if there be none
Who dare pretend divine Authority
For that, which GOD commands, not to be done.
Let search be made, if any Discipline
Hath been projected, for a private end,
Or, to advance a politike Designe,
Which needlesly, weak Christians might offend;
Or, which may causlesse jealousies increase,
Inlarge your troubles, or deferre your Peace.

Let all their Brethren of the Clergie, too,
In every Faction, seriously repent,
And mourn apart; This, let them chiefly do,
Who look'd one way, while they another went.
Let them consider, whether they pretend not
Great diligence, and zeale, to bring to passe
That just, and pious work, which they intend not
So much, as that, which therewith cover'd was;
Let them examine, also, if the while
They cozen others, others will not seek,
With falshoods, their Deceivers to beguile,
And, to requite their practice, with the like,
Till all these Kingdoms, and these Churches, rue
The pathes and vanities, which they pursue.

195

For, as they had designes upon the State,
Their aimes to further; so have others had
Designes on them, whereby they have, of late,
To wicked purposes, advantage made.
Some, to the Presbyterian-side adhere,
Some to your Independents: But, with those,
Who, busiest, in partaking, do appeare,
Another Faction, secretly, doth close,
Which parts it selfe among them, and, thereby,
Spies out the strength, and weaknesses of either;
Foments their quarrellings, and, doth comply,
As friend to one side, yet, is true to neither;
But, covertly, by means of those two Factions,
Increaseth publike dangers, and distractions.

These, by this craft, have made the zeale of those,
On either side, whose purposes are good,
The Kingdomes peace, unheeded, to oppose,
With such, as, openly, the same withstood.
So that, if Envie, Avarice, and Pride,
Whence sprung that Aconite, that Clergie-bane,
Which hath your Clergie, lately, giddifi'd,
Shall not, by penitence, away be tane,
Your quarrells will perpetuated be;
And, neither Church, nor State, nor Corporation,
Nor Families, be from divisions free.
Now, therefore, in a true humiliation,
Let ev'ry one of them, prepare his heart,
For his transgressions, to lament apart.

Your Militarie-Men, apart, must mourne,
Aswell as these. And, therefore, that, they may,
With true compunction, from their wayes returne;
Let them, to heart, their many failings lay.
Let your Commanders mourne, for all those harmes,
Which have been suffred, under their Commands,
By their neglecting of that Law of Armes,
Whereon, the honour of a Souldier stands.

196

Let them bewaile the plunders, rapes, and murthers,
The Breaches of Lawes-morall, and Divine,
The violences, riots, and disorders
Committed through default of Discipline:
And, for their Avarice, and their Ambition,
Whereby, they do prolong your sad condition.

Let them not thinke, that none so worthie are
To be advis'd withall, (or of esteeme)
For Souldiery, as they that boast, and sweare,
Or arrogate to be, what they, but seem.
Let them not think, they better may confide
In Officers, who have not so much braine
To keep their legs from staggering aside,
Then in a Souldier of a sober-straine.
Or, that this War had e're the worse went on,
Had all been countenanc'd in their Command,
Who, for the worke-sake, ventur'd thereupon;
And did, aswell as others, understand
The moderne-Discipline, and, therewith, too,
Knew what the Greeks, and Romans use to do.

Let them repent their treacherous complying
With your professed foes; their favour-showing
To men suspected; and their grace-denying,
Where better trust, and more respect was owing.
Let them be sorrie, that the faithfulnesse,
Or, at the least, the prudence, which they wanted,
Made publike charge, and dangers to increase
By Passes, and Protections, lightly granted.
And, let their hearts of adamant, and steel,
Be prick'd with such remorse, and penitence,
That, in themselves, a loathing they may feel
Of their inhumane spoiles, and insolence
Committed in that Countrey, which hath bred them;
And, on their friends, who payed, arm'd, & fed them.

Moreover, let the Gentrie of the land
Bewaile their many vanities, apart;

197

The duties of their calling understand,
And lay their many failings more to heart.
For, most have liv'd, as if to idlenesse,
And to debaucherie they had been borne,
And large estates, for nothing, did possesse,
But, for supplies of lust, to serve their turn.
A die, a cocke, a hound, hawke, horse, or whore,
Were chiefest objects of their contemplation:
Their sinnes alone, are, though you had no more,
Enough to bring a Land to desolation:
And, they have been chiefe cause, and instruments
Of all these Plagues, for which this Realme laments.

But, much will want of perfecting a peace,
Vntill your Men of Law perswaded be
To mourn apart. For, they will re-increase
Your quarrells, else, as soon as you agree.
By their formalities, and slow proceeding,
Your remedie, for injuries is made
A mischiefe, the disease, oft times, exceeding:
And, if some eye, unto them, be not had,
So many places in your Parliament
They will supply, and fill so many Chaires
In your Committees; that, much derriment
Vnto the Subject; and some close impaires
Of publike freedomes, (e're you be aware)
Which slip upon you, if you have not care.

They have, already, made the common way
Of Trialls, very greatly, to inlarge
Your troubles, by impertinent delay,
And circumstances, to the suiters charge.
So strong a party they have alwaies had,
That your Great-Charter, which doth interdict
Delay of Justice, was, in that point, made
(E're since the grant) a Law without effect.
But when their Courts, and practises have reach'd
Oppressions height; They, as the Clergie were,

198

Shall downe, into another Orb, be fetch'd,
And taught to keep a constant motion there.
This Work, upon some Courts, hath been begun;
Another time, it shall be fully done.

Let ev'rie Oiconomick-Government,
And ev'rie single person, through the Nation,
In ev'rie Family, apart lament,
And take his wayes into examination.
For, all Estates and Common-weals, that be,
Consist of these: And, whensoe're you shall
Those Pettie-Governments reformed see,
You, then, are in the way, of mending all.
If ev'rie Houshold-Prince, and Officer,
Within his Jurisdiction, would but please,
To make compleat a Reformation, there,
The Work-desired, should be done with ease.
Let each one, therefore, take the same in hand,
In all relations, wherein he may stand.

Let ev'rie Master, prudently direct;
And, ev'rie Servant, faithfully obey:
Let ev'rie Husband, husband-like affect,
And, ev'rie Wife, a wife-like love repay.
Let Parents, parent-like, their hearts enlarge,
Their filiall duties, let the Children do;
Let, singly, all of these their parts discharge,
Both to the Family, and Strangers, too.
Yea, let each person, individually,
Now, take himselfe, apart, and, all alone,
His heart examine, what Impietie,
By him, hath been occasioned, or done,
Whereby your Peace was broke; and, then assay,
To help renew it, by what means he may.

But, chiefly, let the Royall-Family
Admit this Discipline, that others may
Receive encouragement, and light, thereby,
To find a Penitentiarie-way.

199

Oh! let the King, if ever he expect,
To see the Citie of his Throne, in peace,
Go mourne apart; and, let his thoughts reflect
Vpon his folly, and unrighteousnesse.
Let him like David, (and not Ahab-like)
Take meekly those reproofs, that GOD shall send,
And, let them on his heart so kindly strike,
That, he enraged grow not, but amend.
With that great Patterne, of true Penitence.
When he, like sheep, beholds his people slaine;
Let him not look, too much, on their offence,
But, rather, let him of his own complaine:
That, they may do the like; and, GOD perceiving
True penitence, quit both, by free forgiving.

Let not the Jezabel of Rome delude him,
With her black witch-crafts, and her fornications,
Lest, out of all his Kingdomes she extrude him,
And, make him cursed, thtough all generations;
For, of all Kings on earth, who now shall drink
The cup of her delusions; if in vaine
His warnings prove, the deepest he shall sink,
Into that Lake, whence none can rise againe.
Because, he hath not only had a sight
(Beyond them all) of her seducing waies;
But, also, hath acknowledged that Light,
And, wilfully, himselfe to her betraies:
Yea, and to make his sin, and shame the more,
Betraies the bloud of others, to the Whore.

Yet, that he may have all the meanes to fetch him
Back from perdition (if he be not gone
So far, by wilfulnesse, that none can reach him)
Let him be personally call'd upon,
To look unto his waies. And, since you know,
His Flatterers, present him their false glasse,
Himselfe, thereby, unto himself, to show,
And make him seeme the man he never was;

200

Help thou to undeceive him; lest he may,
With his three earthly Kingdomes (now halfe lost)
Fool desp'rately, a heav'nly Crown away;
And, think, he shall redeem it, at the cost
Of trimming up the Western end of PAVLS,
By Fines, extracted from afflicted Soules.

First, bid him call to mind (with mourning for them)
The sins which did his Fathers-house pollute;
And, in his heart, so seriously, abhor them,
That, it may bring forth penitentiall fruit.
The bloud of War that hath in Peace been shed;
The manifold uncleannesses therein;
The superstitions, thereby, cherished;
Offences known, and those that hid have bin:
The prosecution of the royall-bloud
In Arabella; (guilty of no crime,
Except it were offensive, to be good,
And, to have had her being, in his time.)
The matchlesse prophanation of a Day
For Gowries death: his many great oppressions;
The fooling of the Kingdomes wealth away,
And Subjects lives, by cheating Expeditions:
With whatsoe're offences, of this kind,
He shall, upon a strict enquirie, find.

Wish him, with like affections, to recall
The slips of his own Reigne, and of his life;
The mischiefs, which to Him, and you, befall,
In hunting for a superstitious Wife:
His making of Nobility a scorne,
By dignifying men of base-condition;
By choosing Counsellours, to serve his turne,
In setling things, unworthy his fruition.
By suffring of his royall Proclamations
To be abused to injurious ends;
By making showes of verball Reformations,
For publike good, when rapine he intends.

201

By faining fears, when cause of feare, none give him;
And, by protesting, untill few believe him.

Let Him consider, that, all those, for whom
Against two Kingdoms, he, in Armes, appears,
And, whose Protector He is now become,
Are men, whom nothing, but their sin, endears.
Let Him consider, what a sea of bloud,
In his three Kingdomes, hath, of late, been spilt,
For those, who share among them all his good,
And, make him culpable of all their guilt.
Let him consider, that, what, now, he strives,
And fights for, is, but, power to be undone;
Or, that he may, by his Prerogatives,
Without controule, unto the Devill run:
For, unto him, that power, or that supply
Which may be for his good, none shall deny.

Let him remember, what the German-horse
Should have been sent for: Let him call to minde
Distressed Rochel: And, that, which will worse
Afflict him, when his feeling he shall finde,
Poore gasping Ireland; whose wide-gaping wound
Calls out for vengeance, and, his honour taints
With deep-di'd staines. His flat'rers feigne a sound
From Straffords bloud, and other such black-Saints;
But, that Illusion will not keep him long
From hearing Ireland: For, two Kingdomes more
Have sent in bloud, to make a triple-Song;
Which, will, so dreadfully, so loudly roare,
That, he shall heare (unlesse repent he do)
Ere long; and heare it, with a vengeance, too.

Let him repent, his having, long, attempted
His loving-people, to inslave, and grieve:
For, he from vengeance will not be exempted,
By pleading an usurp'd Prerogative.
Let him repent, the cov'ring his intents
With Protestations, and religious showes:

202

Since, these are made such thred-bare complements,
That, ev'ry one, almost, their meaning knowes:
Nor let him longer foole himselfe, to think,
The World perceives not, what his projects be:
For, he is blinde, or, wilfully, doth wink,
Who cannot, at a hundred loop-holes see,
That, many yeares, before this war begun,
He purposed the course, he, now, doth run.

Then, that he may, without despairing, heare,
Let him, with penitence, before it comes,
To all those wholsome Counsels lend an eare,
Which, timely, may prevent ensuing doomes.
To mollifie his heart, let him present
Before his understanding, and his eye,
How spoiled, and how miserably rent
His three late-happy-Kingdomes, now, do lie.
Let him give eare unto those just complaints
Which his distressed Subjects have prefer'd;
Let him regard the suffrings of the Saints;
Let living-moanes, or, dying-groanes, be heard:
The Widdowes prayer, and, the Orphans cries,
Lest, GOD, to hear him, in distresse, denies.

Let him remember, that, they, who complain,
And, of whose Townes, he, now, doth ashes make,
Are those, who, for his safe return from Spaine,
Made joyfull-Feasts, and Bonfires, for his sake.
Let him consider, that, these are the Nations,
(Ev'n these, whom, now, he tramples under-feet,)
Who him received with glad acclamations,
And him did, oft, with love-expressions, meet.
Let him consider, that, they, who enjoy
His presence, now, are those that prey upon him;
Ev'n some of those, who lab'red to destroy
His Fathers house; and, those that have undone him,
Both in his reputation, and, estate;
And, merit not his favour, but his hate.

203

Let him take notice, that, by his digression
From prudent Counsells, his most cruell Foes
Have so imprison'd him in their possession,
That, of himselfe, he cannot, now, dispose.
And, since, all Europe knowes it, let him know,
That, though they flatter, and, upon him fawne,
He, despicable, in their eyes, doth grow;
And, is, by them, esteem'd but as a pawne.
Yea, let him also know, that, he hath got
So little credit, upon either side,
That, as the Parliament, now, trusts him not,
So, but few other much in him confide.
Nor will his lost repute, to him return,
Till, for his errours, he shall truly mourn.

Let him consider, that, whereas he sought
To multiplie wild-beasts, within his land,
That, GOD, in justice, now, the same hath brought
Almost into a Desart, to his hand.
To nourish Beasts, his Huntsmen took away
His peoples birth-right: And, behold, now, he
Is, therefore, hunted, like those Beasts of Prey,
By which, the neighb'ring towns molested be.
When he was in his artificiall-heav'n,
Which flatring Poets, and his Painters made,
Let him re-minde, what Attributes were given;
With what high Epithetes, they made him glad;
What joy, in vanities, he, then, did take;
And, what a GOD of him, his Priests did make.

Let him take notice, that, there was a doubt,
His Father came not, fairly, to his end;
And, that, when meanes was made to search it out,
And, Witnesses commanded to attend,
The Parliament, abruptly, up was broken;
And, no proceeding, afterward, therein.
Let him consider, what this may betoken,
What jealousies, it, justly, might let in.

204

If any were suspected, without cause,
Their Innocence, by triall, had been clear'd:
If justly tax'd; why had not, then, the Lawes
Their course? why was not that accuser heard?
Cleare, or not cleare, somebody was to blame,
That, such an accusation quasht became.

Nay, these three Kingdomes did neglect, in this,
A dutie, which they, questionlesse, did owe:
And, partly, for that negligence it is,
That, GOD, for bloud, doth make enquirie, now.
For, of each Subject of the mean'st respect,
Ev'n of the Beggar, by the high-way side,
The King hath an accompt, upon suspect,
That, by the hand of violence he di'd.
And, should a King, that, living, had protected
So many millions, dying, so be sleighted,
That, when he to be murther'd was suspected,
Not one should be examin'd or indited?
Believe it, this Neglect is, now, rewarded:
For, thousands die, and perish, unregarded.

In all three Kingdoms, was there never a one
To second, the Physitians, Eglesham
And Ramsey? had he not a powerfull Son?
And his Beloved servant, Buckingham?
Were there not some about him, who then had
No hopes, but those which on his life were laid:
Had he not Lords, and Earles enough, then, made,
Who, by this dutie, might have partly paid
For his respects? Could none of all those things
Call'd Bishops, upon whom in life he doted;
Whom he esteem'd the Angell-guard of Kings,
Whom he, out of the dung-hill, had promoted,
To sit with Princes? could of all these, none
Repute him worth regard, when he was gone?

Let him remember, and consider well,
What judgements, have, on that neglect, ensu'd;

205

How suddenly, the Duke, soon after, fell;
What direfull vengeance hath this Land pursu'd
Ev'n to this day: and know, there is a GOD,
Who (though Kings do neglect it, or, assay
To hide it) will be searching after bloud;
And, all concealed mischiefs open lay.
This, let him do; lest, he, that might have worn
The glorious'st Christian Wreath, ere long, become
To be abroad, a laughing-stock, and scorn,
And, past regaining honour, here, at home.
For, yet, he may return; and, if he do,
He shall recover all his Honour, too.

There is a way (if he will seek to finde it)
To greatest Honours, thorow this Disgrace:
There is a meanes (if he will, truly, minde it)
By which, this wonder may be brought to passe.
To no worse end, this VOICE doth, now, discover
His failings, but, to drive him to this course.
To no worse purpose is he, thus blackt over,
But, that, he might not be defiled worse.
And, this VOICE prophesies, that, if he shall
With upright-heartednesse, pursue that Path,
He shall not onely be restor'd to all
His honours lost, and be redeem'd from wrath,
But, also, farre more honourable grow,
Then all the Kings of Europe, raigning now.

Belief works greater wonders; let him, then,
Believe it may be, and, it shall be done.
He hath, too much, believed many men,
Whose Word was lesse to be reli'd upon.
The precious'st Pearles lie deepest in the Seas,
The richest stones from hardest rocks are hew'd,
The darkest mornings have prov'd glorious dayes,
Great mercies to great Sinners, have been shew'd.
When, to repentance, GOD was pleas'd to call
Manasseh, few were better Kings then he:

206

When he converted persecuting Saul,
A glorious change, in him, the Church did see;
And, so there may be, now: For, who can tell,
But, that, to make you rise, your Sov'raigne fell?

If he suppose, that, he may find evasions
From any thing, against him, here, exprest;
Yet, of offences, since he gave occasions,
Let him not, in his own uprightnesse, rest:
But, since GOD, both with Scandalls, and the Sword,
Pursues him at the heeles, let him repent.
Let him indeavour, in a true accord,
To meet him in his lawfull Parliament:
For, if, with humblenesse, he can submit
To GOD's corrections, he will, soon, forgive him:
He hath another blessing, for him, yet;
He, unto favour, will, again receive him:
And, when his Sov'raigne shall, thus highly grace him,
With their old love, his Subjects shall imbrace him.

But, ere this reconcilement can be had,
His Parliament, reform'd must, also, be;
And, their Attonement, must, with GOD be made:
For, him they have provok'd, as well as he.
And, though the better Cause their partie hath,
And, prosecutes it, stoutly, now and then,
Their failings, also, have deserved wrath;
And, many of them, are no better men.
The greatest Counsells, in the world, may erre
In Judgment, and in Fact: For, they consist
Of many men, among whom, some there are,
Who do not what they should, but, what they list.
And, such, have, in your choice Assemblies, bin
Occasions of much errour, and, much sin.

Then, let the Bodies-Representative
Of these three Kingdomes; but especially,
Thy Parliament, O ENGLAND, now, receive
This summons to a true humility.

207

Let ev'rie Individuall Member, there,
Lament apart. Let him, both as a Man,
And, as he qualified, doth appeare,
For publike service, do the best he can,
To purge out, by an humble penitence,
What guilt soever, he, by wilfulnesse,
Or weaknesse, hath incurred, ever since
A place in that High-Court, he did possesse:
And, let him not disdaine, who ere he be,
To take this counsell, though it come by thee.

Remember him, if he be of the Peers,
The dutie of his Peerage: For, betweene
The Sov'raigne-Person, and the Commoners,
He standeth, as an Honourable Meane,
The Body-Politike, to temper so,
That, ev'rie Part, and Member, of the same,
May, to that due, and faire proportion grow,
Which will be most convenient for the same.
For, while they keep their Station; and so long,
As, in the Three-Estates, there is retain'd
A comely Symetrie; there can no wrong,
By either, from the other, be sustain'd:
Nor, can all humane policie invent,
A nobler, or a safer Government.

But, if those Parts encroach upon each other,
Or, act to other purposes, than those,
For which they were ordain'd, they'll fall together,
Into that Chaos, from which first they rose.
If therefore any Peere, through some distrust
Of others, or corruption of his owne,
Hath any way been failing, in that Trust,
Which GOD, by birth-right, hath on him bestowne;
Or, if for his advantage, he hath sought,
To gaine a pow'r, or priviledge, whereby
A dammage, on the Publike, may be brought;
Let him repent him, of that injurie;

208

Lest else GODS justice, and the Peoples wrath,
Teare from him, that poore honour which he hath.

Bid them not think, that their Immunities,
And their large Priviledges granted were,
That, they the common people might despise;
And, wrong that pow'r, with which they trusted are.
Bid them take heed, they do not so comply,
To help enlarge an uncontrolled Pow'r,
That, they at last, enable Tyranny,
The Lords, as well as Commons, to devour.
For, by that meanes, they shall not only bring
The Commons into bondage; But, make way
For him, that is a tyrannizing-King,
Their honours, also, in the dust to lay;
And, to advance those Vndeserving-Groomes,
That, shall out-brave them, and possesse their roomes.

Is't not enough, that some of them, of late,
Were lifted to their Station, from among
The Commons, for their falshood to the State?
And doing Innocence, and Vertue wrong?
For, some of them, at this day, had not won
The honour of a Lordship, had they not,
With stoutnesse, for the Common-wealth, begun;
And, by betraying it, their Titles got.
Is't not enough, that, by such meanes as these,
They have attained to that high degree,
Those Freedomes, and those Princely Priviledges,
Which due unto the noblest Virtues be;
Vnlesse, now they are up, it seemeth meet,
To let them tread the Kingdome, under feet?

Is't not sufficient, that nigh fortie yeeres,
Most Honours, prostituted did become
To sale? and, that so many of your Peeres
Have raised been, out of the verie scum
Of all mankind? Can they not be content,
With what they have acquir'd, to go away?

209

While they are wink'd at, cannot they repent?
That, what they have, they may, in peace, enjoy?
But, will they, still, endeavour to oppresse,
And, to encroach upon the publike right?
Vntill the People, stirr'd with furiousnesse,
Deprive them of their May-game-Honours quite?
Let them, with wisdome, rather be content,
To save what they have gotten, and repent.

For those exorbitancies, let them mourn,
Whereby they have irregularly mov'd.
Let them, with meeknesse, now, to GOD return,
And not be mad, because they are reprov'd:
Lest, if this VOICE displease them, they enforce,
E're long, the sending of a Messenger,
Which will afflict them, and enrage them worse,
Than he, whom at this present, they shall heare.
Let them, their Persons, and their Families,
Hereafter, with that vertuousnesse ennoble,
Which getteth favour in good peoples eies;
And, spite of envie, makes their honours double:
So, they a reall-Honour will possesse;
And, none shall thrive, who seeks to make it lesse.

Let ev'rie Member of the Commons-House,
For his Transgressions, also, mourne apart.
Let him, in secret, by himselfe, peruse
The thoughts, and inclinations of his heart.
Let him examine, how he first came in,
To be of that Great-Councell: whether he
Was not begotten, and conceiv'd in sin,
A Member of this Parlament to be.
And, if it hath been so; then, all alone,
Let him that Crime-Originall repent;
And, all that he hath actually mis-done,
Since he hath sitten in this Parlament:
For, till these be repented, all the fruit
Of his endeavours, will be like the Root.

210

As, he were verie foolish, who supposes,
Were he but Brambles, or but Nettles planted,
To gather Tulips, Violets, and Roses;
So, out of question, they no folly wanted,
Who could conceive, that Burgesse, or, that Knight,
Whom, first, corruption chose (and who still dotes
On that which gave him power) can be right,
To Pietie, or Justice, in his Votes.
Let him search, whether that strict Oath he took,
At his Admittance, and the VOW, since made,
Hath not been either negligently broke,
Or, wilfully, some violation had:
And, if he find it so, let him condole
His failings, with repentance, and be whole.

If he hath more pursued his owne ends,
Than publike services: If he hath striven
For feare, for gaine, or for respect of Friends,
That, an injurious censure should be given:
If he hath found himselfe, since his Election,
Puft up with that intollerable pride,
Or, that opinion of his owne perfection,
Which is in some of them, with scorne, espi'd:
If he hath, by his Pow'r, or by his Place,
Occasion took, on absent men, to throw
Aspersions undeserv'd, to their disgrace;
Or, damage, e're themselves they wrong'd could know;
Let him be sorrie for his impudence,
And, seek to make amends, for that offence.

If he hath injur'd any, by delay;
Or, by unfit advantages, or times,
Procured Votes, a surreptitious way;
Or justified sinners in their crimes:
If he hath crossed Vertues due reward,
By plotting, packing, siding, or partaking;
By hiding that, which ought to be declar'd,
By cowardly, an honest Cause, forsaking:

211

If, he hath under blame, or censure, brought
Those innocents, who, meerly, out of zeale
Vnto the Publike, have, sincerely, sought
His folly, or his falshood, to reveale;
And knew it true, (although their proofes did faile;)
Let him, his cruelty, in that, bewaile.

And, let your Parliament take speciall care
Of this abuse; lest, els, a ground be lai'd,
Whereon, their cunning foes may engines reare,
Whereby, they may be wrong'd, if not betrai'd.
For, though in justice they should vindicate
The honour of their Members, whensoever
Rash levitie, malignancie, or hate,
To injure or asperse them, shall endeavour;
Yet, when good probabilities, induce
The well-affected, to mistrust, or feare,
Some publike dammage, danger, or abuse,
By that, which they shall either see, or heare,
By any Member, either done, or said;
Why should it not, unto his charge be laid?

If, where, it ought, a secret be reveal'd;
If, for the publike, without private spleen;
If, past due time, it hath not been conceal'd;
If, probabilitie thereof hath been;
If, he that speaks it, be no way defam'd,
And, of concernment if the same appears,
Why should the speaker, be reprov'd or blam'd,
For thus disclosing, what he thinks, or hears?
If it be false, th'accused, need not feare it;
For, if he be not otherwaies suspected,
None, without proof, unto his wrong, will heare it.
And, if he blamelesse be, and well affected,
The zeal of his accuser, hee'l commend;
And, count him his, because, the Kingdoms friend.

Your Senators, their priviledges have,
Not for their own, but for the publike sake;

212

And, they abuse the trust their Countrey gave,
Who, any further use, of them shall make.
And, who can judge it reasonable, then,
To make the people more afraid to wrong
The priviledges, of your Single-men,
Then those, which to the Commonwealth belong?
Were it not fitter, to adventure on
Dishonouring a Commoner, or Peer,
Then suffer all of them to be undone,
Through want of speaking that which you shall hear?
Let them, who Freedoms-personall would cherish,
To publike dammage; with their freedoms, perish.

This way, the Royallists did first begin
To screw up their Prerogative, to that,
Which, made it more indulgent to have bin,
To serve their turnes, then to secure the State.
And, if there be not still a prudent care
That, Priviledges clash not; and, that they
Which are subordinate, may not appeare
In force, untill their Betters, give them way;
Destruction will succeed. Let, therefore, so
Each Member, on his Priviledge insist.
That, both by claime and practice, he may show,
They are not to be used, as men list;
Or, turned into Bug-bears, to affright
The Common-wealth, from claiming of her right.

Let, therefore, care be took, and, quickly too,
That, her due rights the Common-wealth enjoy;
That, private men their duties better do;
And, that, divisions do not all destroy.
Let not those foolish Toyes, who do besot
Themselves, with arrogance, presume to prate,
As if a Parliament had them begot,
To be the heires-apparent to the State.
Permit you not Religious-Melancholy,
Phlegmatick-Av'rice, or, Zeale-Cholerick,

213

Nor an excessivenesse of Sanguime-Folly,
To make both Church and State grow deadly sick,
Nay, rather mad; and, in their mad distractions,
To teare themselves, into a thousand fractions.

Let not your King and Parliament, in One,
Much lesse apart, mistake themselves, for that,
Which is most worthy to be thought upon:
Or, think, they are essentially, the STATE;
Let them not fancie, that, th'Authority
And Priviledges upon them bestown,
Conferred, to set up a Majesty,
A Power, or a Glory, of their own.
But, let them know, 'twas for another thing,
Which they but represent; and, which, ere long,
Them, to a strict account, will, doubtlesse, bring,
If any way, they do it wilfull wrong:
For, that, indeed, is, really, the Face,
Whereof, they are the shadow, in the glasse.

Moreover, thus informe them, that, if either,
They, still, divided, grow from bad, to worse;
Or, (without penitence unite together)
And, by their sin, provoke him to that course;
GOD, out of their confusions, can, and will
Create a cure; and, raise a lawfull-power,
His promise to his people to fulfill;
And, his, and their Opposers, to devour.
Yea, bid both King, and Parliament, make hast,
In penitence, united, to appeare:
Lest, into those Confusions, they be cast,
Which will affright them both; and, make them feare,
And, know, there is, on earth, a greater-thing,
Then, an unrighteous Parliament, or King.

More might be said; but, that which is behinde,
Requires another season: Thou, therefore,
Another opportunity must finde,
If, thou desir'st to be informed more.

214

Perhaps, thou hast, already, more exprest,
Then many will approve, if thou reveale it:
Yet, if thou look for any temp'rall-rest;
Let hopes, nor fears, compell thee to conceal it.
Thy Scorners, in derision, lately, said,
Thou art a Prophet; but, when all is told
Which is behind, their pride will be afraid,
That, some ensuing things, thou didst behold;
And, that, what e're thou art, thou hast declar'd
Those Councells, whereof notice should be took;
Those warnings, which are worthy of regard;
And, like a true-man, and a free-man spoke.
Let it be therefore, spoken, without fear:
And, Let him, that hath eares to hear it, hear.

The VOICE here, left to speake; and, here, will I
For this time, leave to write; and, sit, and mourn
For Britains, and mine own iniquity,
Vntill, that VOICE, with perfect Peace, return.
O GOD! returne it, quickly; and, let not
This portion of it, be divulg'd in vain;
Or, so despised be, or so forgot,
That, Words of Peace, we never heare again.
Speak Peace, how ever, to thy Servants heart;
Speak to his Soul, in grace and mercy, LORD!
That, from thy wayes, he never may depart;
Or, dis-obedient be unto thy Word.
Forgive him, all the vanities, that lurke
Within his heart; All deeds, by him, misdone,
And every word, and thought, whereby this worke
Defil'd hath been, since, first, it was begun.

Of outward-mercies, and, of some more ease
From his afflictions, too, he should be glad:
But, since ther's as much bane, as blisse, in these;
Give, what thou knowest fittest to be had.
And, let an Eccho, from this VOICE, redound
Vnto thy praise, an everlasting-sound.

Amen.

FINIS.

Carmen Eucharisticon:

A PRIVATE THANK-OBLATION, Exhibited to the Glory of THE LORD OF HOSTS, FOR The timely and wonderfull Deliverance, vouchsafed to this Nation, in the routing of a numerous Army of Irish Rebells before Dublin, by the Sword of his valiant Servant, MICHAEL JONES, Lievtenant-Generall for the Parliament of England.

Composed by Geo. Wither Esquire, August 29. 1649.

The longest-lasting Sacrifice
Is that, which most neglected lies.
Sweet Incense into nothing fumes;
The Fat of Beasts away consumes;
A Song, which doth God's Works commend,
Continues longer; yet, hath end:
But perfect-love is an Oblation,
Which hath no finall consumation.

Publike-Duties being done,
By my self, Ile now alone,
Consummate a Private-one.
Therefore, O my Soul! awake;
And, let both, with heart and tongue,
Such a Song of Praise be sung,
That, thereby, both old and young,
Of God's mercies heed may take.

For, such Trophies (though now waved)
Moses, Deborah, and David,
When they from their foes were saved,
Did, with good acceptance, raise:
And (though other Thank-Oblations
Perish'd, with their Generations)
God is, yet, throughout all Nations,
Honor'd by their Songs of Praise.

We, to thee, O Lord! have praid,
Thanks returned, sung, and said,
And, our common-duty paid,
As we could perform the same:
That, which we have seen, and heard,
Of thy mercifull regard,
Hath been openly declar'd,
To the glory of thy Name.

But, O God! we may as well
Close the Seas up, in a shell,
As inabled be to tell
Thy Compassions large extent;
Or, to make full illustration
Of thy favours to this Nation,
In our frequent preservation
From the furious Foes intent.

For, that single-mercy, Lord,
Which this Day we do record,
Many mercies doth afford,
More then all men can perceive.
That Deliverance, made way
For another joyfull-day,
And that, peradventure, may
Bring to passe, what we would have.

With vain Moab, did conspire
Ammon, Amalek, and Tyre,
Threatning, like consuming fire,
To destroy thy chosen Flock;
And, in hope, their will to do,
They have hired Balaam too,
With false Prophets many moe,
To advance a stumbling-block.

Of their vaine presumings proud,
They like Thunder from a cloud,
Did begin to roar aloud
In deluded peoples ears;
And their empty vanities,
Blushlesse brags, and shamelesse lies,
Fill'd the hearts of men unwise,
With false hopes, and causelesse fears.

The fool'd Welsh, the faithlesse Scot,
And our English mis-begot,
Joyning in an Irish plot,
Sought to root us from the Land:
They with Sulphur, Sword, and Flame,
Round about our dwellings came,
And, had brought us all to shame,
Had not, God, stretch'd forth his hand.

But, he, thereof notice took;
And, as Sisera he strook,
With his Host, by Kishon-brook;
So, he smote them in their pride:
And, the same successe they had
Which befell to Benhadad,
When, the like account he made,
That, the spoile he should divide.

For, whilst Ormond, and while Taaff,
In their Tents, did game, and quaff,
(At our sad condition laugh)
And, of Captives predispos'd;
Then, that Arm, which they despis'd,
Suddenly, their Camp surpriz'd;
And, the snares, which they devis'd
For our feet, their owne inclos'd.

Mich'el, and his Angells, there
Threw their Dragon-Cavaliere,
With his Angells, from our Sphere,
In confusion, to their owne;
Where, unable to repent,
They despairingly lament,
And blaspheme with discontent,
Him, that hath such mercy showne.

For, though (blinded in their sin)
Outwardly, they jeer and grin;
Hellish horrors lurk within,
Filling their faint hearts with fears:
Their chief refuge, is a lie;
And, which way soe're they fly,
Guilt pursues them with a cry,
Which the God of Justice hears.

Their accusing conscience, feels
Vengeance following them at heels,
And, her dreadfull Charet wheels
Threatning, what to them is due:
Yet, infernall indignation,
Stirs them up to vindication,
Height'ned by a desperation
Of those ends, which they pursue.

And, that made them take the field,
(Trusting in their sword and shield)
When their conscience bid them yeeld:
But, they soon did back retire,
And, to fly away began,
As when the Philistins ran,
From the sword of Jonathan,
And, but one sleight armed Squire.

Never was there such a day
Seen till then at

Dublin.

Ballacleagh,
Since the

The River at Dublin.

Liffy wash'd her Kea,
And, there, first, the

The Sea Water.

Sea-Nimphs met:
For, God's arm, did there, and then,
Give us Limster back agen,
When it was nigh lost; and, when,
Hope, was with despairs beset.

Yet, as if that daies successe,
Had too little been, unlesse
He consider'd our distresse,
In our London-Derry friends;
Or, lest els, blind ignorance
Might judge, that an act of chance,
He, our free deliverance,
Into Ulster, too, extends.

And, by that redoubled blow,
Gave another overthrow;
For, Designements one or two,
By that means dissolved be:
Which hath so inraged them,
That, they raile, revile, blaspheme,
And their own beleefe condemn,
For believing what they see.

Oh! what pen, or tongue is there
Fully able to declare,
What, to us, GOD'S Mercies were
Since our Champion he hath been?
Nay, who can half that recite,
VVhich for us, in open sight,
He hath done since Nasby-Fight,
Where, he, first, was plainly seen?

He hath magnifi'd his worth
In most glorious marchings forth,
From the South, unto the North,
And, through all our British-Coasts;
England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales,
Towns, and Fields, and Hills, and Dales,
Sea, and Land, him, justly calls
The Victorious Lord of Hoasts.

Frequently, our eyes behold,
Mercies, great and manifold,
Such, as were in times of old,
By his Chosen Flock enjoy'd:
Such, as were vouchsafed, when
Hundreds, chased were by ten;
Thousands, by a hundred men,
And great Hoasts, by few destroy'd.

VVe have seen God marching, so,
VVith our Friends, against our Foe,
As he did, long time ago,
VVhen his Isr'el were opprest:
And, securing us from feare;
VVhen our hopes at lowest were;
VVhen despis'd, we did appeare,
And our perill most increast.

VVhen all seem'd at once on fire;
VVhen our Brethren did conspire,
VVith our Foes, to blow that higher,
VVhich did flame too high, before;
VVhen within their hearts they said,
We so deep, our Plots have laid,
That divine, with humane aid,
Shall prevent them, now no more.

Yea, when said it was by some,
What is of their God become,
Who, they dream'd, should save them from
What our Counsell hath decreed?
Then, did God, himself, arise;
Then, his Arme, in glorious wise,
Saves us from our Enemies,
In the times of greatest need.

And not only from their power,
(Arm'd, and gaping to devoure,)
Hath he kept this Land of our,
But, he more then this hath done;
Them, who to inslave us thought,
And, our causlesse ruine sought,
Underneath our feet he brought,
That they might be trod upon.

Nay, we have, yet more to say:
Though our Foes, lie night and day,
In our bosomes, to betray;
And, disguised are like Friends;
God, hath still prevented so,
VVhat their malice prompts them to,
That, themselves, they still undo;
But, accomplish not their ends.

VVe have seen God, in our daies,
VValking on, in all those waies,
VVhich (to his eternall praise)
VVere in former Ages, trod:
In our joyes, and when we weep,
In our wakings, in our sleep,
On the Heights, and in the Deep,
VVe have seen thy steps O God!

We have seen, here, where we dwell,
Works of thine, which parallel
All that ancient-stories tell
Touching either Foes, or Friends.
Yea, if all Records were lost,
We by that, which now thou dost,
Might collect what do we must,
And, what each mans way attends.

We have seen (and see we shall)
What to Pharoah did befall,
And ordained is for all
VVho shall obstinate remain:
VVe have seen, that upon such,
Plagues, or Mercies work not much,
And, that these two often touch
On some, softned hearts, in vain.

VVe have known men, once or twice,
VVarned; yea, afflicted thrice;
Yet, habituated Vice,
In her posture doth abide:
And, her Lovers, without stop,
Prosecute their fruitlesse hope,
Though their Partners daily drop,
Down to hell, on ev'ry side.

We have seen the pride of Kings,
With those much desired things,
Whence their vain ambition springs,
Scorn'd, despis'd, and set at nought.
VVe, their silk, their pearls, their gold,
And their precious Jemms, behold
Scattred, pawned, bought and sold;
And to shame, their glory brought.

VVe have seen fair seeming Starrs,
Thither tumbled from high Sphears,
VVhere their vanity appears;
And that wisemen may dispense
VVith deluding Sophistries,
To promote, what they devise,
Till they put their trust in lies,
Through a reprobated sense.

VVe have seen, when God, once, makes
Search for Blood, what hills he shakes;
VVhat high Cedars, down he breaks;
And what portion he prepares
For Apostates, Balaamites,
For blood-thirsty Canaanites,
And self-seeking Hypocrites,
VVhen their sin at full appears.

All these things, and many moe
Such as these, we see and know:
Oh! that we could mind them too!
And our lives thereby amend:
For his Mercy shown of late,
(And which we commemorate,
By Commandment from the State)
Was vouchsafed to that end.

Let us therefore not suppose,
'Tis enough to do like those,
VVho make only Verball showes
Of the duties in command;
For, unlesse, in deeds, as well
As in words, our thanks we tell,
As unthankfully we deal,
As if we had curst, and ban'd.

Yea, although our Temples ring
Of Gods praise; though loud we sing,
And all those Thank-offrings bring,
VVhich the Formalist oblates;
Yet, if we perform no more,
He our presents doth abhor,
As the hiring of a whore,
And our vain Lip-service hates.

If, we therewith, do not heed,
How with us God doth proceed;
And, how, he at every need,
Hears us, timely, when we call;
That, to such, as helplesse lie,
VVe may yeild the like supply,
VVhen to us, for help they cry;
VVe, ere long time, rue it shall.

Yea, unlesse we pity more
The oppressions of the poore,
Then we have done heretofore,
And to Justice more adhere;
This, will prove but a delusion,
And all mercies in conclusion,
Bring upon us just confusion,
When such vengeance we least feare.

Still, in selfnesse if we live;
Much receive, but nothing give;
Cheare our selves, and others grieve;
We are in the way of death:
And, of whatsoe're esteem,
In our owne conceits, we seem,
God will cast us quite from him,
If we settle in that path.

For, it is for nothing lesse
Then this Nations righteousnesse,
Or, our sakes, that God doth blesse
Those designes we undertake:
But, 'tis rather from their sin,
Who have our opposers been,
Whence our Victories begin,
And, for God's free mercy sake.

For no goodnesse of our owne,
Did God's hand the King uncrowne,
And pull other Tyrants downe;
Nor, because, he, yet, doth see
That our zealous Protestations,
Or pretended Reformations
Gf our great abhominations,
With our practises agree.

But by mercie he makes way
To his feare; that, yet we may
Hear his voice, while 'tis, to day;
Whereunto, if we incline,
Maugre, then, all former sinnings,
Our late seasonable winnings,
Shall be pledges, and beginnings
Of a mercy more divine.

Oh, now therefore, let our praise
Be right-walkings, in his wayes,
And, believing what he saies:
Let our thankfulnesse be, still,
In true charity exprest;
In relieving men opprest;
And, indeavouring our best,
In obedience, to his will.

Let us prudently forbeare
To wax proud, or domineere,
When God, for us, doth appeare;
And, with awe expresse our joy:
Lest, if we presumptuous grow,
He may (for our doing so)
Turne his anger from our Foe;
Or, both him and us destroy.

We have seen the strong defeated;
By himself, the cheater cheated;
Men ambitious lower seated;
And, long-fixed Pow'rs remov'd;
Nay, ev'n such as we reputed
Things divinely constituted,
Are destroy'd; and, they confuted,
Who, have them, for such, approv'd.

We have seen those things despised,
Which our Fathers highly prized,
And the whole earth Idolized;
Therefore, let us, now, for ever,
Constant be to that perfection,
Which deserveth not rejection,
And, renounce our vaine affection
To the waies of our deceiver.

Let those things, which God hath done
For these Isles, be thought upon,
Not at such set times, alone,
As the Civill Pow'rs command;
But, now let us, all our dayes,
Meditate his works, and waies,
And be mindfull of his praise;
Whilst there shall be Sea, or Land.

And, Oh my eternall Lord!
Let thy al-subduing Sword,
But, that chiefly of thy Word,
Thus prevaile, for evermore;
Make it still victorious grow,
Till to thee all Monarchs bow,
And, till vengeance thou shalt throw
On the Dragon, and the Whore.

Well accept, this day, what wee
Have in publike offred thee;
And, this private Mite, from me,
Which I now presume to add:
For, in ev'ry Act of Grace,
Which by thee vouchsafed was,
Since my breathings in this place,
I, some speciall fruits have had.

In the many variations
Of thy works, and dispensations,
Unto these divided Nations,
I have learn'd to find out thee.
I, by them, thy mind discover,
And, I daily read thee over,
As my God, King, Father, Lover;
And, as all in all, to mee.

I have found thee in their failings;
In their losings, and prevailings;
In their joyes, and their bewailings;
In their hardnesse, and their blindnesse:
In their Trust, and their suspitions,
In their false, and true professions,
In their good, and bad conditions;
In their love, and their unkindnesse.

And, although this Generation,
Yet, beholds not what relation,
To their fall, or preservation,
My despised Poems have;
Some, ere long, will better heed them,
And (though few, now, think they need them)
Thou, wilt give them cause to read them,
VVhen I shall be in my grave.

Oh! till then, let me persever,
My known duties to endeavour,
VVith true patience, howsoever
Thou shalt exercise my Faith:
And, in ev'ry strong Temptation,
Tryall, Straight, or Tribulation,
Mind me, for my Consolation,
VVhat, thy truthfull Spirit saith.

To what ever, thou shalt call me,
Or, what ever may befall me,
Let no Terrene-Power appale me,
From declaring of thy Truth;
Let me, all my wits apply,
Thy great Name to magnifie,
VVhilst I live; and when I die,
Let thy praise be in my mouth.

And, when here I have compleated,
That, for which I was created,
Let me thither be translated,
VVhere thy Saints, the Lamb attend;
That, I, may in praising him,
There communicate with them,
In that everlasting Hymn,
VVhich, will never have an end.

AMEN. HALELUJAH.

FINIS.

A Suddain Flash

By BRITANS REMEMBRANCER.

Timely Discovering, Some Reasons wherefore, the stile of PROTECTOR, should not be deserted by these NATIONS, with some other things, by them very considerable.

It was first made visible, The fourth day, after the Author heard it reported, that the Lord Protector, had waved the Title of KING.

------ Poetis
Quidlibet audendum, semper fuit, estque Potestas.

A Preoccupation, relating to this Title.

If some shall think, this Book mis-nam'd hath been,
Because, so long a Flash was never seen;
Know; that, through Cranies, it did thither fly,
Where Touchwood, and where smoking Flax did ly,
Which kindling, made it longer then intended;
And, was a chance, that cannot now be mended.
But, Flashie Names, and things, those times beseem
Which, do not solid-serious things esteem.
And, they who are not pleas'd to run a Course,
On Pegasus, may, like a Hobby-horse.

To his Highnesse, the Lord PROTECTOR.

Sir, though this Poem's Title, fitted be
To what I hear, the World expects from me
Upon this Subject; yet, a seriousnesse
It hath, and shall no Flashie-things expresse;
For, tis a Flash of light, as well as Fire,
Which, may give sight of somthing you desire,
And such, as will no way disparage you,
To give them, either hearing, or, a veiw.

Betwixt your Highness and the Parlament,
I, purpose not to cherish that Dissent,
Which lately was begun; nor do intend
That, which may justly you, or them, offend;
But rather, to unite you so together,
That, Disadvantage, may befall to neither
By what, your Adversaries hope to finde
Effected; (if, you have a changing minde)
And, upon hope whereof, they did prepare
To act, according as resolv'd you were.

I am not for my self, yet, grown so wise
That, when at hazzard, Publick safety lies,
I can be silent; though I both disease
My self; and others, oftentimes, displease,
By my expressions, who, have pow'r and will,
To mischieve me, who, purpose them no ill:
For, though a well approved Author sayes,
To please great men, it merits not least praise;
I think, he merits more, who speaks in season,
Truths, warranted by conscionable Reason,
(Although on him, a Prince's wrath it brings)
Then, if he flatter'd Parlaments and Kings.

In that respect, I judg'd it not amisse,
Unto your ear, or eye, to offer this,
A few weeks past: But, things did intervene
That seem's of more concernment to have been;

And kept it off, untill nigh out of date,
It was become; and came almost too late.
Yet, since good use may thereof still be made,
And some advantage also, thereby had;
It, now comes forth, that, witnesse it might bear
To that, which now, resolv'd on, doth appeare.

For, though we know there is in every thing,
But one Essential Truth; yet, thence may spring
Such various Illustrations, as perchance,
The certainty thereof, may much advance,
When it appears, they, did the same Truths own,
Whose judgments, to each other were unknown:
For, when there is thereof no mediation
But, as their spirits have communication,
It doth assure, it flow'd from Providence,
And, not from any carnal influence.

Your eye, sees much; and yet it cannot see
It self, or, what the colours of it be,
Save by inferiour things; and, through inspections
Acquired, by the medium, of reflexions
From sight-less objects; through which; you may learn
Those truths, which they themselves, do not discern:
And, such like Objects, peradventure, He
Who offers this and these his offers be.

SIR, therefore now be pleas'd, one houre, to hear
What, by my Muse, is fitted for your ear,
And was prepar'd long since, to be presented
(Though accidentally, till now prevented)
And, if it be not such, as, then, will seem
To merit, some part, of your goodesteem,
And, usefull to preserve, and to increase
Your Honour, safety, and the Common-peace;
Return it, with an Ignominious Dash,
And, let it then, (in scorn) be call'd, a Flash.

Britans Remembrancer.

A Suddain Flash

Made visible, the fourth day after his Highnesse the Lord Protector had first waved the Title of KING.

A Prologue, to him, who shall behold, or hear, this Flash.

A Flash, I term this; and 'tis like enough
That, many men, will call it so, in Scoff;
But, I have got before them; and have, too,
Some Reason, wherefore I have call'd it so:
For, to, mine ears, when first that news was brought,
A thousand thoughts, Flusht in, and this Flasht out;
Which, I have, now, thus Paper'd up, for thee,
To bring to minde what is, and what may be.
Although it speaks in Rimes, it Rimes with Reason;
And comes in Hast, that it may come in Season.
If thou regard it, so. If not: my Cost,
Is Paper, Inck, and part of three dayes lost.
Thine may be more; For, much affraid I am,
That, thou, who saw'st this Flash, wilt see a Flame,
(Unless an intervening Providence
Prevents, what likely seems, to give Offence)
Which, here will burn, as well as give a light,
Till it hath purg'd us, or, consum'd us, quite.

The Flash.

My Muse, hath on a suddain, once again,
Invited me, to this unusual strain;
Which, as the state of my Affairs, now stands,
Hath put upon me Dangerous Commands:

But, I, who must obey Her when she calls,
(What ever hazzard, on my self befalls)
Submitted to expresse, what I should finde
Infused by her pow'r, in to my mind;
And, hearing that his Highnesse, had deny'd
The Kingship, thereupon, thus versifi'd:
For, Poets (priviledg'd, as Prophets were)
Their Inspirations freely may declare.

But, hath he wav'd that Title? and, I pray,
Are you aright inform'd of what you say?
Did not a false-report, your ears abuse?
A Crown! a Triple-Crown doth he refuse?
And will not he as Bishops us'd to do,
Say, No, and take it, as compell'd thereto?
Oh Miracle of men? doth he deny
A Kingship! freely offered! which, to Buy
So many thousand Princes, have made sale
Of Fame, Faith, Conscience, Body, Soul, and all?
If this (as you affirm it is) be true;
Friends; bid henceforth, your jealousies adue:
And, let him who mistrusts him, any more;
Suspect his Honest wife, to be a Whore,
And in his brest, the torments thereof cherish
Till he repent that injury, or perish.

But, since I know what many do surmize,
(And, what objections malice doth devise)
Let me a little more expostulate;
Is it not (think you,) done to palliate
The souldiers humor? or, a Trick of State
To draw on some thing more, yet aimed at?
Is it not by Design, to bring about
Advantages, by oversight left out?
Or to delay, a while, what he intends,
To feel the Peoples pulse? or for such ends?

No doubtlesse: Then, make answer but to Three
Short Questions more, and they the last shall be.
Expects he not, when twenty dayes, are past,
It should be, Nolens volens, on him cast?
Nor is it so; for, by that Instrument,
Which doth yet regulate this Government,
No Law thereto repugnant, can be made
Whereto, his free assent, shall not be had:
And, Really, refusall he doth make,
In Christian prudence, and for Conscience sake;
That, he may give no cause of those Offences,
Suspitions, Scandals, and ill consequences,
Which may ensue; And, whereof, Honest men
Are much affrayd: Why, did he suffer, then,
So long time in Debatings, to be spent,
(Since he at first discovered what was meant)
And, did not interdict them to proceed?
That, had been a dishonourable deed:
For, in so doing, he should have prejudg'd,
The Parlament; them disimpriviledg'd;
And, thereby, some Experiments have lost,
Which are more worth, than twice the time they cost.
Beside, the matter is of too much weight,
Each way, to passe, till ballanced aright;
And, you have heard it said, what those men are
Who Judge a Cause, before the same they hear.

Thus far tis well: But, will he not at last
When some few more, fit Complements are past,
Accept what's offer'd? what he did, is known:
But, what he will do, cannot be foreshown:
And, we shall wrong Him (as he should the State
Have injur'd) if, we him prejudicate.
We may conjecture: And, if I may give
My Judgement, by the Symptoms I perceive,

He never will accept it, till, he shall
By Faith and Reason, be convinc'd in all
And ev'ry Scruple, which, this day, offends
His Conscience; or dissatisfies his Friends:
Beyond which, he, that ought would move him to,
Doth, what no wise, or honest man, should do;
And, would not care, though he were quite destroy'd
So, his own Lust, and Will, might be enjoy'd.
If so, then, me he hath not, yet, deceiv'd
In any thing, which I of him believ'd
Since first I heeded, by what Point he steers;
(What Rock on this hand, what on that, appears;)
What most men are, with whom he hath to do;
And, why, few know, which way, he means to go.
His Foes, though with his Bullocks they have plow'd,
Have got nought thereby, whereof to be proud.
And, as I live, I, am thereof, as glad,
As, therefore, many others will be sad;
And, if I were (as I have been) a Boy
I should make Squibs, and Bonefires, now for joy,
As many would have done, had he compli'd
With their desires, whose Offer is deni'd.
For, in his condiscending to be King,
He could have been, at best, no greater thing
Than other Earthly Princes: But, hereby
He may ascend unto a Soveraignty,
Which raiseth him, nine Orbes above their Sphear,
To be inthroned, where Immortals are:
And, me, it hopefull makes, to see that Age,
Which, Britains genius, did, long since, presage
In that Prediction, wherein, was among
Some other things, this following distick sung:
A King, shall willingly himself unking,
And thereby grow farr greater than before.

For, now, fulfilled seemeth, in effect,
What, that vaticination did predict;
Although there should a Power elswhere reside
To bring to passe, what is by him deni'd.

Victorious Cromwell! thou, hast, herein, gone
Beyond thy self; and such an Act hast done,
As few or none, in this, or forraign Climes,
Have equalled, in any former times.
A self-denial like this, none, but He
Could teach, who, that he might our pattern be,
The Thrones & kingdoms of this world did slight,
When he was born up thither, where, he might
(And did) behold them, spreading forth to view
All their Inchanting pleasures, false or true:
And from him onely, could that grace proceed,
Whereby, thou dost perform so brave a deed.

Thou often hast deserved Mural-Crowns,
For taking Castles, with high walled Towns,
And making in subjection, to thy powers,
Great Cities, fortifi'd with Walls and Towers:
To thee, for brave Achivements on the Maine
The chief of Navall Trophies, doth pertain:
Triumphant Laurell, to adorn thy brows,
To thee is due, for giving ovethrows
To dreadfull Armies, that, had else inslav'd
Thy Country; which, God, by thy sword hath savd.
Thou hast subdued Kingdomes, and great Kings;
Whereby, their Crowns, their Scepters & all things
Belonging to such Conquerors, are thine,
As truly, as the Clothes I wear, are mine.
Yet, these are flight, and petty Foes compar'd
To some, with whom, thou secretly hast warr'd:
And, for those Conquests, thou I hope, dost carry
A Tablet, with a secret Honorary;

Whereby thy vertues fully be rewarded,
With Trophies, of most worth, though lest regarded.

These wayes, thou wert Victorious heretofore;
And, I will mention one great Conquest more.
By few observed: Thou hast stood the Shock
Of malice and detraction, like a Rock,
On which the waves and billows of the Main,
Have spent their strength, and foam'd out rage in vain.
I, very often, have observ'd the fell,
Feirce, raging, and three headed dog of Hell,
With his three double rows of teeth, assay
To tear thine honour, and thy pow'r, away;
With his foule tongues, bespattering thy fame,
To turn thy blooming honour into shame;
I've seen this Cur oft, dog thee in the dark,
In hope to bite thee, when he durst not bark;
And, I have heeded, by what sacred Charms,
Thou hast been hitherto, preserv'd from harms.

This Helhound, thou hast tam'd without so much
As giving him a crust, a spurn, or touch;
Meerly by meekness, and, as passing by
With disregard of causlesse injury;
And, now he sometimes fawns on thee and those,
Who are thy friends; and, snarleth at thy foes,
As if he were appeas'd: which, I believe
Is but a cunning dog trick, to deceive.

And, yet, among those victories, which lye
Most visible unto the vulger eye,
This, thy last conquest, merits admiration
Beyond the rest; And, with perseveration
If thou maintain the same, as thou maist do,
By his help, who hath aided hitherto,
Thou hast thereby a pledge, that, God will never
Forsake thee; but, thy guardian be for ever.

Thou hast already scap'd, the best tride snare;
That Sathan, or his agents, can prepare:
For, 'twas the last, of those temptations, which
He practis'd by, our Saviour, to bewitch:
And, as when that grand-tryall, had an end
His Angels, did forthwith, on him attend
Rejoycing in his conquest; so, will, too,
For thine, all, thy most faithfull servants do.

Thou hast thereby, so strengthned all their hands,
So cheered all their hearts, throughout these lands,
Who prayd, or feared for thee, in this tryall;
That, thou, of nothing now, canst have deniall,
Wherein their love may serve thee; and they shall
More fortifie thee, than a Brazen wall;
More comfort thee, than ought that can be had
From any Title, that the world shall add:
And, thou at last, shalt finde, thou dost not lose
One grain, of what thou lately didst refuse,
By that refusall: for, thou shalt have more
(If not in kind) in value, than before.
Yea, peradventure, that, in specie, too,
When, qualified, no offence to do;
And, when it hath been prov'd, whereto thy mind
VVithout dissimulation is inclin'd.

For, tis not meer negation of that title,
VVhich is thy Test; since, that availeth little
One way or other, save as unto that
VVhich brought it hath unto dislike of late;
Or, as it may concern some past transactions,
VVhich, have occasioned dissatisfactions
In many of this Nation; or, as thou
Mayst scandalize them, by thine actings now.
But, that, wherein thy reall proof will be,
Lockt, from mens eys, lyes hid, with God, and thee:

And, whatsoever thou resolv'st upon,
Will either Well, or else not well, be done,
As, unto those things, they relating are,
Which unto God, and Thee alone, appear.

The washing of th'Assyrian in the water
Of Jordan, was but an indifferent matter,
Till made the sole condition of his Cure:
And, doubtlesse, had not that, been in his pow'r,
He had been Cleans'd without it. David's sin
In Numb'ring of the People, lay not in
That simple Act; but, in the secret Pride
And Disobedience, which did then reside
Within his Heart; And, when it shall appear
That Thou, from Guiltiness, art that way clear;
And, hast repented all those Humane failings,
Which have, in ought, obstructed thy Prevailings:
Then, shall the gift-refused, neither be
A Scandall unto Others, or to Thee,
Although accepted; when thou hast resisted
So far, as Grace and Reason, have assisted.

For, should the Pow'r-Coordinate with thine,
O're-pow'r thee so, that, thou thereto incline
(Consenting to their Motives at the last)
Thy Conscience bearing witnesse, that thou hast
Complied there withall, rather by force
Than Choise; to keep bad things, from being worse:
Or, if by strength of Reason, swayd thou art
To that Acceptance; thou, hast done thy part:
And, shalt by yeelding, pass another Trial
As honourable, as, is this Denial.
Thou shalt be safe, from all that was portended,
Shouldst thou by Levity, have condiscended,
Or, tempted been by Self-ness, to forgo
That Title, thou hast owned hitherto;

And wilt be free from blame, what ever shall
Hereafter, by the Change thereof befall.
For, nothing shall amisse to thee succeed,
By what, is not Thine, but, anothers deed.
No Reason, bindeth any to withstand,
What, Pow'r, and stronger Reason, doth command;
And, when perhaps too, God, his ayde withdraws,
From thy assistance, in this dubious cause,
To bring on them, whats due for their offence,
Who trust their own Wits, more than Providence.

This, I expresse here, not to leave a Gap
Whereby, thou may'st from Just Resolves escape:
(For, God will find it out, if there be ought
To such a purpose, lurking in thy thought:)
But, that, thou may'st not fall into a Snare
By things, which in themselves, Indifferent are;
(Nor good nor evill, but, as unto that
Which may be good, or Evill, they relate;)
And, to preserve thine Honour, among those
Who shall, perchance, their Expectations lose
By what may come to passe; (yea, to prevent
That, which may thereof, be a Consequent
To thee disserviceable) I, am bold
To tell thee, what my Muse to me hath told;
Which, dictates, otherwhile in Slighted rimes,
That, which doth much concern these present times;
And, would, it may be, had it not been Mine,
Suppos'd have been, an Off-spring, more divine.

But, I, my, Musings now, to those will bend
Who may, perhaps, mistrust what I intend.
Although I have, by this Anticipation,
Presented that unto consideration,
Which may be profitable (if revers'd
His purpose be, on Tearms before rehears'd)

Yet, least, I may with one hand, be suspected
To pull down, what the other had Erected;
I will not smother ought, which I shall finde,
May justly fortifie him in the minde,
By him profest; untill, to drive him out
Of his Resolve, Those Reasons may be brought,
Which will be stronger; lest, some, should surmize
He; without Cause, deni'd what he denies;
Or, lest my late Rejoycings, may appear
As Reasonlesse, as many think they were.

My gladnesse of it, flow'd from no respect
Unto my self, or, fears of an effect
By Kingship, which my profits might impair:
For, I have, that way, likelihoods more fair
Than I have now (if nothing it occasions,
To break our Peace, at Home, or, by Invasions
From Foes abroad) nor can I scandal'd be,
Thereby, through ought, which will reflect on me:
But, I rejoyced in it, for the sake
Of Him, who did this Title undertake;
And, for their sakes, who Acted and Enacted,
Things, whereby possibly may be contracted
Great Scandals; or, which may a new expose
My Country, to be spoiled by her Foes.
For these, and such respects as these (together
With what may be again transferred hither,
My Heart, that was through fear of them, grown sad,
Became through hope of their prevention, glad.

For, what a black Scene, should we here have seen?
How many greeved hearts, would here have been,
Had our Protector, either been estranged
From what he was, or, (seem'd to be) so changed,
As, lightly to forgo his interest
In that, wherewith he had been so much blest?

Or, should by others, have been so deluded,
As, to let that upon him be obtruded,
Which He himself disclaim'd? and, may bring back
A King upon us, with his Pedlars Pack
Of Vanities, which have been by this Nation
Rejected by a solemn protestation:
And, which are Trinckets, as unseparable
From most Kings, as is from a Fool, his babble?
For, there is nought more likely, in, to bring
Him that's expelled, then, to make a King,
At this time; and, to make on that accompt
(Which is design'd) that Title paramount:
Nor can there be, for what our Foe intends,
A better ground-worke laid, by all his friends.

These things I feared; and, my soul foresees
That, all those things may creep in by degrees,
Which, to the Kingdomes of this World pertain;
Which, may inslave the Saints of God again;
And, which, may in a short time, reinvest
With that pow'r, which impowred Antichrist:
Unlesse, it by his Mercy, be withstood
Whose wisdome, can from Evil, bring forth Good.

These things I fear'd, and if a Parlament
Can make a King, which may these fears prevent;
Him, and his Nobles, if it can so bind,
That, we may be secured in this kind;
And keep our Sov'raign, and these Nations free
From scandals, which occasioned may be;
I, should not only yeild, on that condition
To make a King, but beg one by Petition.
Redouble, that rejoycing, which appear'd,
When, of what was resolved, I first heard:
And, make my heart, the first step, whereupon
He might set foot, to mount up to his Throne:

Yea, sing a Panegyrick in their praise
Who mov'd it, that should long out-last my daies.

We look for such a Government, as shall
Make way for Christ: not that fantastical
Fifth Monarchie, whereof some people dream,
And Conquer would an Earthly Throne for him
With Carnal weapons: But, that, present here
He, may so be, and so to reign, appear
As he hath promis'd; and, that Righteousness
And Truth, may ev'ry Throne on Earth possess,
According to that measure of his grace,
Which is apportion'd, to this earthly place.

His Highness, hath made progress in a path
As far forth toward it, as any hath
Since Christ ascended; if, the Depths and Heights,
The Rugged passages, and Narrow Streights
Consider'd be, through which his March he makes,
To bring to end the Work he undertakes.
He must now pass a Rock, which will require
An Ingeneer with Vineger and fire;
And, cut a Passage, which (as by a thread)
Must on each hand, ev'n to a hairs-breadth, lead
'Twixt Conscience and sound Reason: whence, to vary
Were irrecoverably to miscarry.
Oh God! assist him; and, to what I pray
Amen, let all, who wish our welfare, say.

He, hitherto, in that which he hath done,
His Work, with prudency, hath carried on:
And, firm to his own Principles abides,
Though many strive to bring him to their sides:
Yea, though there be some too, of whom he may
(As David of Zerviah's Sons did say)
Complain, that, they, were oft for him, too hard;
Yet, Him from his Resolves they have not stirr'd.

And (be it well considered of all you,
Who read this, and, perchance miscensure now
Of his Heroick Act) he doth not wave
Ought necessary for a Prince to have;
Which had been a Denial, in effect,
Of that Pow'r, which his People should protect;
And, were no Self-denial, (as I gather)
But, a denial of his Duty rather.
The Kingship is not wav'd, but, as it tends
To what may much disconsolate his friends,
Or glad his foes; And, which, as things yet stand,
Relating to Pre-actings in this Land,
Might draw on very evil Consequences;
Or give just cause of many great Offences:
Could these removed, or prevented be,
So that his Conscience, might from them be free,
Perchance, That, to take place it would permit
As rational, which so appears not yet.
For to the Clean, he knows all things are Clean,
And (if I guess aright what he doth mean)
That, whereof, he doth chiefly scruple make,
Is, Giving an offence unto the weak;
And, that, therewith, all things now startled at
Might pass, when he upon them shall debate,
If God, informs his Conscience, that they may;
And Reason shall his Reasons oversway.

He nothing hath refus'd with disrespect
To them who offer'd it: Or, with neglect
Of ought propos'd for Publick benefit:
But, only, what may possibly beget
More Jealousie than Love: more Envy, then
Glory to God, or good to Honest men.
And, he by his Refusal, unto none
Denyeth ought, but, to himself alone;

Or, that, which he doth probably believe
Will marre our peace, and Civil wars revive:
For which, if worse, he rather speed than better,
His merit is the more; his praise the greater;
And, they, who shall the lesse affection show him,
For that, deny the duty which they owe him.

What, if he thinks the changing of his Title,
Implies a levitie, which doth but little
Beseeme a Prince? and may occasion too
A quarrell, which might all his work undo?
Or propagate a mischievous effect,
To their destruction whom he should protect?
Is he not bound in Conscience to beware
Of such a Title, whosoe're they are
That shall propose it? should he not betray
His Trust, by giving easily away
That earnest of Protection, which doth seem
To be, by God, conferred upon him
For safeguard of his Saints? or, might there not
Some blemish be in Reputation got,
Relating to that Stile? if, he, the same
Should change for that, by which their bondage came?
And can he think it nothing signifies,
That, they, who are his greatest Enemies
Do more rejoyce, in that which was intended,
Then they, by whom, he hath been best befriended?
If, likewise, with a serious heed, he shall
Be pleased to consider therewithall,
What kind of men, the greatest number are
Who, for this change most zealous do appear;
What Interest it is, which they would save:
What Principles, the most among them have;
Can he suppose, more safe for him, it were
To these, then to his best friends, to adhere?

Whose Conversations, are to him well known?
Whose cause is his? Whose principles his owne?
Since, Reason, doth incline him, to the last,
And Conscience, too, the ballance that way cast?

That Title, which hath hitherto been own'd,
With victories and blessings, hath been crown'd;
It, now, hath rendered it selfe exempt
For ever, from that undeserv'd contempt
Which novelty occasion'd; and, throughout
The World, is with much honour spread about.
He, thereby had a pow'r, which lately shook
The wals of Babel; and with terror strooke
His proudest foes; and, is it vanish'd, now,
We neither know when or by what, or how?
Except it be, for thanklesly despising
So prosperous a Stile, and idolizing
Of that, which forced us, in our affliction
To take up that we have, for our protection.

When, Israel would be King-rid, God, to shew
His anger, and, what thereon would ensue,
Destroy'd in Harvest time, their corne with showers;
And at the Seed-time, he did hazzard ours
By extream Drought; untill that was deny'd
Which is propos'd; and, then, forthwith suppli'de
Our present want: perhaps, to make us seek
His will, and, know our sinne, and theirs alike:
Lest, in his wrath, he give us what we crave,
And take away, what he in mercy gave.

What will ensue, by setling Kingship here,
For common good, it doth not yet appeare:
Some, doe pretend, it render will, to us,
Our laws more fixt, and much more vigorous,
Because, by Kings, they were to us deriv'd,
And confirmation in their name receiv'd.

But, wherefore, may not all that, which relates
To King, or People, Freedoms, or Estates
In our preceding Laws, be so Compacted
Into one Statute, now to be Enacted,
That, they may by his Highnesses assent,
Be made as firm, as this new Instrument,
By our Protector, who, must be the Stone
First laid, to build their new fram'd work upon?

Why may not He, who now is our Supream,
Make both unto Himself, and unto them
Who ask it of him, all our Laws forepast
As Useful, and as Binding, as this Last?
Why may not He, who is a Couquerer
For Us, and did for us, receive his Pow'r
Confirm our Laws, or any other thing,
(As strongly, as if he were call'd a King)
To Us, and to Himself, with their consent,
Who by his Pow'r, are made a Parlament?
Why, should it unto him, ought less afford,
Than to all Princes, raised by the Sword?
No man, can justly, that to him denay.
For, Conquest is the ordinary way,
Whereby, God changeth Governments, and flings
From off their Thrones, great Emperors and Kings.
And 'tis Gods mercy, not our own desert,
Which, hitherto, hath so inclin'd his heart,
That, though he hath been straightned more than any,
His Arbitrary actings were not many;
Nor, till they were constrain'd by some distress,
For preservation of the Publick Peace.

Some, think it will Secure his Person more,
And, Charge the People less, than heretofore,
To stile him King. But, these men much mistake,
And, will perceive they Dream, when they awake:

For, can we think, when he away hath thrown
A Title, which God gave to be his own,
Without a Rival, that, assume he may
A Name, whereto another claim doth lay,
With greater Safety? Is there some new charm,
Infus'd into that word, to guard from harm?
Or, will it make the Royalists more true
To him, because, he takes what they think due,
Unto another? Quite desert the Lord,
They own'd, and, do their homage to a word?
And, (where they hated) Loyaltie profess
Rather, for doing More wrong, than for less?
So foolish can we think them, as, to prize
A Complement, which nothing signifies,
Save, either some poor Hope, or vain Desire
To be in Us, which may advance them higher,
In those Resolves, which they had heretofore?
And, make our Dangers no whit Less, but more?

For, when they do perceive our Giddiness,
Our falling from, those things we did profess,
Our doating on those Bawbles, which we seem'd
Not much (a while ago) to have esteem'd,
Our Taking up, what we had Thrown away,
Our sleighting that, to Morrow, which this day
We made a Law; and that our Protestations,
Were for the most part, but Dissimulations;
Thence, they will take occasion to conclude
That, we have, all along, such Ends pursude
As they have had: And, that, what ere to seem
We have made Shew, we are just like to Them.
That, we did wade and swim, through streams of blood,
Not to accomplish what is Just and Good;
But, to obtain our Lusts: That, we have sought
By Policy, and by our Battails fought,

Against Opposers; not so much to save
Our Liberties, as, others to inslave:
That, our contests, were not for God, or, for
Our Country; but, (which Goodmen will abhor
To think upon) our owne selves, to invest
With, that, which was by other men possest:
That, being Hypocrites, in all we did,
With Cloaks of sanctity, the same we hid,
Thereby, to draw in those who were sincere,
To be deceiv'd, in what we made appear.
(Ev'n to the ruine, of their Children, Wives,
Their Peace, their Freedoms, their Estates, their Lives)
That, we might get high Titles, large Possessions,
Power and Prerogatives, by their oppressions,
And, that instead of setting Christ upon
His Throne, we, might install our selves thereon.

This will be thought: And, they who are our Foes,
Will, peradventure, thereupon suppose
That God is not among us, as they fear'd;
Nor for us, as it formerly appear'd;
And, thence take courage, to begin again
That, which they hitherto pursu'd in vain.
And, such will be the safety, which your King
Unto Himself, and us, is like to bring.
Good God! how are they chang'd? how stupifi'd?
By whom these dangers are not yet espi'd?
How blind, doth selfness, make us quickly grow,
In that, which might prevent selfe-overthrow?

Will Kingship, make him safer than he was?
How may that be? how can it come to pass?
That Title, not much more then eight years past,
Could not preserve his Head, who reigned last.
No, not preserve him, from the dreadfull fate,
Of dying on a Scaffold, at his gate:

And, if all things be weighed well together
That Stile, as possibly may bring him thither,
Who ruleth now; yea, and a tragical
Effect therewith, perhaps, upon us all,
Before the malice of our foes is ended,
How safe soe're, to be, it is pretended.
We may perceive, (unlesse we will despise,
The Light within us, and seel up our eyes,)
There is no likelyheod, it will abate
Their fury, who pursue us with their hate;
But, so increase it, that it will increase
Those dangers, which we dream, it will make lesse:
Yea, make Him, whose safe being it pretends,
Vnsafe among those, who have been his Friends,
And, them among themselves: It will go near,
To make men of themselves, to stand in fear.
It will increase suspitions, till th'effect
Grows worse, than many of us can suspect:
Divide, and subdivide, till there be nought
Left possible to be said, done, or thought;
To cure the mischieves, which will be effected;
(And are by some, both hop'd for, and projected;)
Except in mercy, He, that heretofore
Hath oft so done; shall (pleased be) once more,
To draw forth an Expedient, from our failing,
Which, will for our advantage, be prevailing.

More might be said; but, ought more to expresse
Would be in vain to those, who cannot guesse
The rest by this. And, yet, because the reason,
Of saving charges, comes in such a season,
As gives it weight; Let us examine, whether
The Season, and the thrift, agree together,
Lest, in that frugal humour we may die,
And, gain an Epitaph, like this, thereby:

Here, lies interr'd, the Miser, Father Sparges,
Who might have liv'd: but died to save charges.
I find your Thrift, you, think we might disband
Those Armies, which are quarter'd through this Land,
If our Protector were proclaim'd a King.
It may be so; and I, the self same thing
Should also think; if I considered not,
We might thereby, as good as Cut our throat.
Is any man so voyd of Common sense,
As, not to see what might result from thence?
May we not save the charge of paying One,
And, let Two Armies in, when that is gone,
To pay themselves, until at last, they shall
In Contributions, and in Pay have all?

You fear, perhaps, that by the Souldierie
Our Laws, our Freedoms, and Proprietie
May be destroy'd, if long imbodied here;
And, cause enough there may be of that fear:
But, will a King, prevent it? may not we
Another way as much oppressed be,
By some, who for our Liberties pretend
Yet, Cry up Kingship, for their private end?
May we not suffer at the Lawyers Bar,
As much as we endured by the War,
Through those Formalities, which make the Laws,
Of our most sad oppression, one chief cause?

The Sword unsufferably, (I confess)
If not well disciplin'd, will us oppress:
But, hitherto, it hath been in those hands,
Which kept it serviceable in these Lands,
With so much Moderation, that no time,
Bears witness of the like in any Clime:
And, though an Insolent proud Fool or twain,
Cause, to some few, hath given to complain,

Their Arbitrary actings, were not many;
Nor to the ruine, or great loss of any.
I wonder, any man can stand in awe
Of Swords and Guns, who feels the plague of Lawe;
And, would not rather be devoured twice
By Lions, than once eaten up with Lice.
Should I illustrate (which, my private wrong
May, peradventure, force me to e're long)
The sad discoveries which I have made
Since first that Gangreeve, I, upon me had;
By what impertinent vexatious wayes,
Costly devices, or undue delayes,
The Suits of wronged Clients forth are spun,
More than twice twenty years, and yet not done;
By what excessive Fees (twice or thrice tooke)
Without one Line writ down, or one word spoke,
And, at how dear a rate they sometimes buy
A Vain hope, which augments their misery;
How, Motions, Orders, and Reports beget
Each other, till their brood grows Infinit;
And, how some Registers, put out, or in,
Those words, which may another Round begin,
(Though they who heard the Judges Order, thought
The Cause, would thereby to an end be brought)
You would suppose (and might suppose it well)
The Courts we toyl in, were some Rooms in Hell,
And, that, we had imposed there on us
The never ending Plague of Sysiphus,
Who, up a Steep hill, rowled with great pain
A Weighty Stone, which still rowl'd down again.

Should I declare, how frequently our Lawes,
Are pleaded to maintain a wicked cause;
How rarely, good success on him attends,
Who makes not way, by Kindred, Bribes, or Friends:

What hazzards he is in, to be betrai'd,
By them, for whose assistance, he hath paid?
And, then, how far about, they make him run
E're they will suffer him to be undone,
You, would not greatly fear (no not at all)
Courts-martial, or a Major Generall,
But, rather, fear to fall into their claws,
Who, to mens ruine, turne our wholsome Laws,
Whose practise, being regulated, might
Preserve our private and our publick Right:
For, that, our Laws are good, confesse I do,
And, that, we have some honest Lawyers, too.

No men have more oppressed been of late
This way, then, they who best have serv'd this State,
And to support it, did themselves expose
To hazzards, by accepting what our Foes
Had forfeited, to be therewith repay'd,
When, others, of such bargains were afraid:
For, if it were observ'd, how they have sleighted
Those Acts of Parlament, which, us invited
Vpon the Publick credit, to lay forth
Our selves, for Titles of such little worth
In most mens value, that, but few or none
Will take thereof, ten pounds, in pledg for one;
It would appear, that, wee, among the rest
Of those by them griev'd, have been most opprest.
For my own part, I, now five years together,
Have sought for Justice, and can yet get neither
My Land nor Money: though by further cost,
A thousand pounds are added to what's lost;
Nor whither, for redress I may retire,
Do I yet know; nor where, I can enquire:
And, should I in each circumstance, declare
My wrongs thereby, and what effects they are

Which thence have followed, you would say, the sword
Therewith compared, Mercies did afford;
And, that, it more to our vexation tends,
To be destroyed by our seeming-friends,
With lingring torments; then, with one great blow,
To be made sensless, by an open Foe.
And, therefore, when I have considered well
What I (and many moe) in this kind feel,
I dare conclude, that if no course be found,
Whereby, that Justice, may be here inthron'd,
Which will redress these wrongs (and those that lye
In thousands of Petitions hurled by,
Without regard) the sword, will act once more;
And, prove (I fear) more sharpe than heretofore,
If mannag'd by a King; which, both to us,
And to himself, will now be ominous.

When we have made a King, which, will inlarge
The common burthen, by a further charge,
And added to the multitudes of those
Which now are known, new bands, of bosome foes,
Who, mad with vengeance, and with discontent,
Will any way, their brutish passions vent;
Will it be thriftiness, the charge to spare
That, should for such a time, a guard prepare?
Indeed, they few good pennyworths afford,
Who measure all things, by the Pike and Sword;
And none of us, I think, could well abide
His Suits should in a Martial Court be tri'd;
(Or, where they mannag'd are, till we could get
More expedition, than we can have yet,
With less expence) but, better sure it were,
To spend a little quantity of tarre
Then lose a Hog; and, to be some while willing
For saving of a Pound, to pay a Shilling.

Hard things, in great straights, must be undergone;
Offensive guards, are better much than none.

Are you asleep? and, see you not already
That, being in our Purposes unsteady,
Makes Bees, as well as Wasps, to Buz and Humme,
And shew their Stings, portending what will come?
Do not you hear what's murmur'd, as among
The People, to and fro, you pass along?
And, know you not, that, what is voyc'd abroad
By them, is otherwhile, the Voyce of God?
Then, know it now; lest, shortly, that be spoke
Which, when once said, he never will revoke:
And, though you sleight the Scriblings of my Pen,
Learn wisdome, from your prudent Husband-men.
Doth any sober Countrey Fellow, judge
He saveth ought, by pulling up his hedge
Before his Corn be hous'd, to leave (the while
He therewith warms himself) his Crop to spoile?
Or, put away his Dogs, that were imploy'd,
To guard the Sheep, till Wolves are quite destroy'd?
Consider these things; And, by these conceive
What Prudence doth obliege us to believe
Of all those other Arguments, you bring
To make us change Protector into King;
Or, to disarm these Nations, till we see
This Common-wealth shall better setled bee
But, 'tis the Reason of a Parlament,
Which to our Prince, a Kingship doth present.
True; And, it is the Reason of the Prince,
(Yea, and his Conscience, too) which takes offence
At what is offer'd; and 'tis not a case
As yet decided, whether should give place.
My Private Reasons, they might oversway,
And, though 'twere not convinc'd, I must obey,

Or Suffer: And thus for my Conscience too
It must be, in things, which I cannot doe.
But sure, his Highness (if it may be judg'd
By private men) is much more Privileg'd:
For, he whom God hath Raised up, or Sent
To lay the Ground-work of a Government,
Is with a Spirit, in all likelyhood
By him who rais'd him, for that work indow'd;
Yea peradventure, he is qualifide
To that End, more than all men else beside,
As will appear (though this to some seem strange)
If we look back on every former change;
And when to new Works, GOD doth Princes call,
What Spirits, them he furnishes withall.

Both Parlaments, and Councels general,
Do many times into great errors fall;
And for their Owne, or for the Peoples Sin
(Or for some other causes) oft have been
Deserted by their Guide; that, men may know
Their Weal, from their Joint wisdome, doth not flow.
When God will prove a People, or a Prince,
It must, by somewhat, likely to convince,
Attempted be: The Spirit, to be tride,
In somewhat, must imbodied abide
That's venerable: else, no Approbation
Can thereon follow, worth Consideration.
A Prophet, by a Prophet was deceiv'd;
And yet, was therefore of his life bereav'd.
It was ev'n by those men who seated were
In Moses chair, (and whom Christ bad them hear)
Who did so misadvise them, that, they cri'd
To have the King of glory crucifi'd.
Yet, they have been accursed till this day,
Because, they did not as well try, and weigh,

As hear their counsell; having, so to do,
A rule of Faith, and Light within them, too.
The Reason, therefore, of a Parlament,
May be demurr'd upon, though it present
A Kingdome: and, if any man may be
Thus privileg'd, then, no man more than he
Whom, it now most concerneth; and, who, must
Give an accompt, for what he hath in trust.

But, there is something, that perswades my heart,
This Parlament, in acting of their part
Hath not alone, done that which providence
Will make to be, at last, without offence;
But, serviceable also to that end.
Which, God, and our Protector, did intend:
Or, that they will, at least wise, have a care
That nothing shall be urged to insnare
His Conscience; or, be further on him prest
Then so far, as the publick interest,
And his, it may advance: For, these are gifts
That often have put many to hard shifts
To get them; but, till now I ne'r did know
A Prince, that might not such a gift forego
VVithout offence; or, that a Conquerour,
To chuse his Title had not alwayes power.
Nor can I think, that, he did so dispose
Of his whole pow'r, when he impowred those
For his assistance, that, himself he left
But as a Cypher, of all pow'r bereft:
Ev'n of enablement, by his negation,
For that, which tendeth to the preservation
Of his own conscience: and, of meanes to do
That, which the Law of Nature, binds him to:
For, their Petition, seemeth to imply
That, somewhat, which they aske he may deny.

And Reason sayes, that none should be confin'd
From Powr, to doe the work to him enjoyn'd;
Which, he would want, if of a Negative
In such like things as this, they him deprive.

I must confess, I stagger'd am, well neer,
And almost overawed with a fear
Of medling any further in this Point,
Lest, I, may bring things farther out of joynt
That stand awry: for, I am not a stranger
To those Concernments which it may endanger,
If, I, to common view, should bring out that
Which is conceiv'd a Mysterie of State;
Or, should intrench upon the Priviledges
Which, due to Parliaments, this Nation judges:
Nor am I ignorant, what might to me
Thereby befall, should I suspected be,
(As it is somewhat probable I may)
For Arbitrary actings, to make way
Beyond due Limits (which, I doe abhor
With all my soul, to be a pleader for.)
Yet, I were false to truth, should I not shew
What Tools are to his undertakings due,
Who must secure our Peace (because he may
Make use of them perhaps another way.)
The Drunkard sinneth by excess of Wine,
Yet, we allow the planting of the Vine;
And, I conceive it lawfull to express
That, which may publique injuries redress,
Although it may occasion some offence,
Which is of an inferiour consequence.
I know, what to a Parliament hath been
Ascrib'd; and, I have felt, as well as seen
What powr it hath, and what that powr may do,
If, that exorbitance belongs thereto,

Which many claim; and, which, it had obtain'd
Untill it was by Providence restrain'd.
It hath, to give it an enablement,
The Peoples never failing Argument,
Thereby, to make good, and oblige us to
What they are pleas'd we should believe, or do:
Ev'n this, (which oft doth puzzle and becumber
The wisest men) an Over-voting Number.
It acts by Presidents, which, may sometimes
Make vertues to be punished as crimes:
It takes a pow'r to make and unmake Treason;
To bind and loose, as well our Faith as Reason;
To raise, or pull down Kings; from their possessions,
To throw men out; to punish for Transgressions,
Before there have been Laws to make them such;
And, hath unto it self assum'd so much,
That, doubtless, if there be no power in Him
Who should be Umpire, betwixt us and them,
To moderate (nor any other way
To qualifie) that which impose they may;
No single Tyrant, now or heretofore,
Did, or can for the future, grieve us more,
Or more inslave, then we our selves may do,
By means of those whom we shall trust unto:
Nor to so many can those wrongs extend,
Nor be so hardly brought unto an end;
Consid'ring, that, things present to enjoy,
Some, would their own posterity destroy.

We have had dear experience, both, long since,
And lately, what effects may flow from thence,
If, neither in our selves, nor in another,
Nor in them and a third pow'r, joyn'd together,
There may be means to save from what we fear;
Yea, we of our best hopes deprived are,

And have but leap'd (by ought that see I can)
Into the Fire, out of the Frying-pan:
For, as things stand, when Deputies are chose,
Whether, they be our faithfull friends, or foes;
Whether, they have been well, or mis-begotten;
Whether, their Principles be sound, or rotten;
Whether, they shall be Prudent, or unwise;
Whether, their votes be gained by surprize,
Or not; and, whether, that which they conclude
Be right or wrong; or, for our harm, or good,
We have no remedy, but, must submit
To whatsoever is adjudged fit:
And, not presume to let a word be spoke
Against it, lest their priviledge be broke.
But, sure, there should some bounds be set to them;
And, I believe there is, by that Supreme
And Common law of Nature, which, in part
Is writ (though much defac'd) in every heart.
Therefore, that Law I very often read,
And, many times, for common freedoms plead,
As I finde cause; and, will not be afraid
To plead it, when aside I see it laid,
Though I have blame; And, though, some wil suppose
And say, Beyond his Last, this Cobler goes.

On that account, my Muse compels me, here
To treat of things that seem beyond my Sphere;
But, having for Affaires wherewith I deale
A Warrant in my bosome, under Seale,
I will proceed unto the point in hand,
So far forth as the same I understand:
For, that which is in question, differs not
In what may follow, from the Gordian-knot;
And, I should grieve to see it knit so fast,
That, by the Sword, it must be cut at last,

Or, all, thereby into a danger slide,
If still, or overlong, it be unty'd.

I know not what this Parliament can doe,
Nor whether it be limited or no,
By him who called it: but, I believe,
It power with limitations did receive.
And, this I know; that, if there doth reside
A pow'r therein, to force what is deny'd,
Maugre his Conscience, who the same to save
From violence, doth one Proposall wave;
I, thereupon conclude, it may as well
Against his single-Reason, him compell;
And with more shew of Justice, if the state
Of that, which is in question, doth relate
To Civill things; because, the reason shown
Is joyntly then, the peoples and his own,
They, being both his chosen Counsellors
For such affaires, and Deputies of theirs;
Who may as justly take his powr away
To morrow, as his Title, on this day,
Against his will; and, Him and His, expose
To all the rage and malice, of his foes.

If, from constraint, his Conscience be not free,
Sad will the consequences thereof be.
If, He, that freedom shall be barred from,
What of our Christian freedoms will become?
Who, as 'tis thought, have given them a power
Without controule, to spare or to devoure,
As they shall please. But, sure impowred thus
They never were by God, our Prince, or us,
By ought which tacitly did them invest
With such powr; nor by any thing exprest;
At least de jure, though we are in Fact
Concluded by those Laws they shall enact.

For whatsoere the law of God or nature,
Confers upon the Reasonable creature,
No Trust, as Deputies of ours, have they
To meddle with (much less to take away)
Untill by those Laws forfeited; unless
For Publique weale, or succours in distress,
For common safety. Nor, then, have they pow'r
O're person, freedom, goods, or ought that's our
In equity: unless, they also lay
As equally as possibly they may,
Those burdens upon all; lest, some beare nought,
As lately; and, some bee to ruin brought;
Whose prayres, cries, and vnredressed wrongs,
Is that which our Vnsetlement prolongs.
It wil be, therefore, our securest way,
The Groundworke of our Government to lay
Vpon some Just Act, which may expiate
Those Sinnes that have committed been of late,
Through our defect of Justice and Compassion,
To them who have beene faithfull to this Nation,
Ev'n to their owne undoing: were this done,
The works which now goe Backward, would goe on;
And, God, would make us lovingly comply;
Instruct us what to Grant, or to deny.
Till this be done, we onely shall contrive
Snares for each other; or, at best, but strive
Like Bees in hony-potts; and, be at last,
Destroy'd by that, in which our hopes are plast.
Yea, till these Nations, doe so constitute
Their Parlaments, and them whom they Depute
Obliges to fundamentals, they, shall never
Theire Liberties enjoy; but bee for ever
Exposd to Hazzards (which might be prevented,
And none be therewith iustly discontented).

As now things are, at every Parlament,
May our Religion, or the Government,
Be innovated, to our greife or shame,
According to those Modells they will frame,
Who may by frau'd, or other meanes uniust,
For such end's, screw into our Publike trust.
Sometimes, wee shall be govern'd by a king;
A few yeares after, by an other thing;
Then, by a king againe; and, to all these
Be forced to engage, as others please;
With every wind, turn'd like a Weathercock,
Now fast, now Loose; out Nettle and in Dock;
Yea, and to sweare, till we may safely say
And sweare, that, most have sworn their faith away:
Which, to prevent, either from God, or him,
Who, hath in all Affaires, the Pow'r Supreame
Our help must come; and, from a Parlament
Which, thereunto shall give a full assent:
But, this can never be, (as I have said
Elsewhere) until the Ground-worke be new laid;
And, till by good and perfect Chymestry,
Natures three principles, Salt, Mercury,
And Sulphur, be to that just temprature,
And such proportion brought, as will procure
To govern us, a Civil-Trinity,
Made up into a blessed Unity,
It self (so far forth as it may be done)
Conforming to th'Eternall three-in-one
In Righteousness and Mercy. This product,
Our selfishness, doth hitherto obstruct;
And wil, till God, in some things, hath a choice
By Lot, when they are past by humane voice:
For, much corruption that wil cure; and, then,
Christs kingdom, will begin to be with men

More manifest; and, no false Christs appeare
As now, and heretofore, they have done here.

But, know, that when a Government consists
Of three Estates, 't will wrong those Interests
Which to a Free Republicke do pertain,
Unless it be provided, that, those twain,
Which are Superior, shall descend to none
By Birthright: But, that, thereto ev'ry one
Shall be elected; and, no person bear
Such Place, who was not born a Commoner;
Or, whose Posterity, shall not return
To that Condition, whereto he was born.
For, he, or his, will Tyrants be at last
By whom, this Proposition is transgrest.
These things, perhaps, will come to pass in time,
Whereof, I seem at present, but to dream;
And, peradventure, we till then, to gain
A Setlement, shall plodd, and strive in vain.

Meanwhile, his Highness, or he, whosoere
God, to the supream Office doth prefer,
A Suffrage-negative, should have in that,
Which, Publicke safty, doth necessitate
To be by him, or them, sometime Denide:
By no means, can he otherwise provide
To keep his Honor, or, those Dues, which must
Preserve him able, to perform his trust,
Or bound them in their Orbe, who else, (as we
By proof have found) exorbitant may be,
And, like a Heard (if not well kept together)
When some break out, run all, they know not whether.
Nay, till there be a Gouvernment here fixt,
Things ballancing, so evenly, betwixt
Prince, Peeres, and People, that, each may subsist,
And not infringe each others Interest,

He, that is our Supream, must trusted be
With Arbitray Power in some degree,
To carry on his work, and to secure
The whole, whilst our unsettlements endure:
And, to effect that end, God did, perchance,
Destroy the Pow'r, that was; and this advance.

Without such Pow'r a Prince chose out of Logs,
Like that which was bestowed on the Frogs,
Would be as good: Him, we might deal with all
As we should please; and any thing might call,
And leap about him; till asham'd we be
Of such a Block, and chuse a worse then he.
This Parlament, hath done what them became
In offring; he, hath also done the same
In his refusal: And, still to adhere
To that whereof resolv'd he doth appear,
Shall do as well, until that be removed
Which gives Offence, or, Inoffensive proved:
And should he be compelled to accept
Till that be done, Decorum were not kept.

They therefore, as I hope, will qualify
That, which he is inforced to deny,
(And thereby save the labour and the Cost,
VVhich, else, would in an evil time be lost)
Rather then force him to an acceptation
Of that which would be an abomination
Both to himself and others: VVhich would prove
No Symptome of their Piety or Love:
For, should he be compelled unto that
VVhich most of his best Friends abominate,
And, his own Conscience cheks at; It would give
A Kingdom, which no wise man would receive;
And as it were inthrone him, (shall I tell
In plain termes where?) ev'n in the Depths of Hell,

Within whose cursed bounds, is comprehended
A wounded conscience, wilfully offended.

It is confest, the Title of a King
Is honorable, and may profit bring
To some who would confer it; But, to Him
No benefit (yea, and perhaps, to Them
At last as little) For, if he grow less
In Pow'r, that Title, will in his distress
Not so much help as hinder: And, then, they
Who gave it, will, first, take the same away:
Yea, if on that side an advantage grow,
They will bestow it on his greatest Foe.
But, if his Pow'r continue, he may still
Support his Title, call him what you will;
And, that, to which none can lay claim but he,
Will safest upon all Adventures be.
Indeed, all things consider'd well together,
There will be Hazards, both in th'one and th'other;
But, least in that, which will in proof be best
To keep that conscience, which gives Inward rest.

Though, in it self, we do confess the Title
Is honorable, it can add but little
To his Repute: Nay, it will be a blot
As things are, to that honour he hath got;
Which, if it seriously considered be,
Is of a higher nature and degree,
Than that which men confer; and, they shall do
No more who add a King-ship thereunto,
Than he, who Diamonds in Lead doth set,
Or, makes an Earl or Duke, a Baronet.
And, Gideon, peradventure, did therefore
Refuse a Kingship, being honour'd more
By what he was, then by what he thereby
Might have convey'd to his Posterity.

Kingship is lawful; yet, wise men do know
Things lawful, inexpedient sometimes grow.
The Stile of King, was but an Ordination
Of men; and afterward by Toleration,
At their request, by God himself allow'd
Unto his people (so, that neither proud
They did become, nor pufft up with ambition
O're others; which, thereof was one Condition.)
Yea, 'tis an Attribute of God, whereon
Was rais'd, this incommunicable one,
The King of Kings. If therefore, at the Name
We simply take offence, We are too blame:
Or, if we think, the Pow'r they give is less
Who, by Synonoma's, the same express,
As many Nations do, who never had
A King among them, since the world was made,
Yet give their Princes pow'r, whereby they may
Rule well, and make their Subjects well obey.
The Supream Person, always is the same
In Soveraignty, whatever him you name:
And, they who do pretend, our Lawes to bring
Advantages, to him that's call'd a King
Which other Titles give not, do well know,
If, he be their Supream, it is not so:
For, ev'ry thing within our Lawes exprest,
Wherein our former Kings had Interest,
Is virtually, ev'n by those Lawes, derived
To him, who for our Soveraign is receiv'd.
And, whatsoever they make shew of, may,
Who make the Law, speak what they please to say,
Were that, which is now conquerd by our Swords,
Brought to their Bars, to be new tri'd by Words,
The Judgment would be given on that side
Where Pow'r, not where the Kingship did reside,

Although the Law spoke for it, and forbad
All other Governments: For, Laws are made
To speak, too often, not to that good end
For which, Law-makers, did them first intend:
But, what best makes out their Accommodation,
Who take upon them their Interpretation.
Else, they could tell you (without my direction)
That, he, whom God hath rais'd for our Protection,
Had for his Church, and for his Common-weal,
The Pow'r he owns, confirm'd on that Appeal
They made to God, when that, for which they fought,
To Trial, in an Open Field, was brought.

Conquest, is by our Law, the utmost Trial
That can be had: and He, (without denial)
And his Adheres, have right in that respect,
To any Title which they will elect:
Yea, and may Change, Confirm, or make the Lawes
Such, as their Safety, and the Common Cause
Shall now require: Provided, it accord
With their Trust, for whose sake they drew the Sword;
And with those ancient Rights, by God and Nature,
Conferr'd upon the Reasonable Creature:
Which, if they shall invade, their Swords now worn,
Upon Themselves, just vengeance will return:
For, that Pow'r, was conferred to provide
A form of Government so rectifide,
That, neither Prince, nor Peers, nor People might
Intrench, hereafter, on each others Right:
Yea, (that by what shall be, and what is past,
God's purpose might be manifest, at last)
It them impowers, to lay down those Foundations,
That shall by This, and future Generations
Be built upon: In which work, if they should
Leave any Arch, or Pillars, rais'd of old,

Mis-laid, or Crooked, Rotten, or Mis-wrought,
It would, at last, bring all the Pile to nought.
And therefore, to this end, oblig'd they are
To use their Pow'r with Prudency and care.
To this end, Providence, into their hands
Let that Pow'r slip, which at this day commands;
And they, who meerly for their own ends use it,
Are Tyrants, or else Traitors, and abuse it.

That, which may of Protectorship be said,
Was, long ago, made publique to be weigh'd;
(Not without cause, although to many men,
It seemed an Impertinency, then)
And, as if that had been foreseen, which would
Be offer'd now, the Sequel was foretold,
Which would ensue on changing of that Title,
With other things regarded but a little;
Which, to repeat here, were but (in effect)
To offer them again to your neglect.

New Titles, future Grandeur, do foreshew;
The greatest Titles, at the first were New:
And, though the Government which we yet have,
Was only modellized, but to save
From likely ruine, till we strength should get
To raise up that, which might be more compleat;
You, in this Title no defect can see,
If, but Imperial thereto added be,
Or, somewhat else, to put a difference
'Twixt This, and that in Nonage of a Prince:
And, those additions which do not estrange,
But help explain a Title, are no change.
What, if his Highness, doth suppose it given
(As I believe) by Providence from Heaven?
And thinks Himself engag'd, not to neglect
That Gift? And what, if for the like respect,

His Friends conceiv'd it might be Ominous,
Either to Him who owns it, or to Us,
Without an urgent cause to change the same
For King, or any other Soveraign Name?
Should this great Title be rejected for
That, which his best affected Friends abhor?
And, they, thereby grow jealous. that his heart
(Which seem'd inclined to the better part)
Had left it for the world, and for those toyes
Wherein her foolish Favourites rejoyce?
Might not thereon, some Consequence ensue,
Which, peradventure, He, or We, might rue?

What, if God gave that Title for a Test
Of his adherence to that Interest,
Which doth concern Christs Kingdom? and to show
That if what God conferr'd he shall forgoe
(For what the World will offer) he best prizes
The things of this World, and his Grace despises?
Or what, (if as that Blood, which heretofore
Sprinkled the Posts, and Lintels of the doore)
God, gave this Title for a difference
Betwixt the Kings of Babel, and his Prince?
That he may be secur'd, when to destroy
Christs foes, he shall that Army here imploy,
Which will cast out their flesh, to Beasts and Fowls,
To Devils, give their miserable souls?
Make, that abominable Scarlet-Whore
Their painted Mistress. desolate and poor?
And, throw them irrecoverably thither,
Where, they shall burn perpetually together?

This may be; for, the time is drawing on
Wherein, such Executions will be done.
And therefore, in his Highness, it implies
Much Christian Prudency, that he denies

What's offred now; and, he shall be innobl'd
Much more thereby, then by those Offers doubl'd,
If he persist; Clear Symptoms, he hath given
Of good events, by having so long striven
Against what, seemingly, doth offer him
Things, of most value in the worlds esteem:
For, they infer, that he is rais'd above
Their Sphere, who on such objects set their love;
That, his Promotions, he expects not from
The East or West; nor cares for those that come
By Oblique Winds: But, most account doth make
Of what the World, can neither give nor take.
Those Outward Trappings, which make so much show
Of what these Nations do on him bestow,
Are not on him bestown, but, on the State.
The great Allowances, much murmur'd at,
Are upon him conferr'd, for their own sakes,
Ev'n to secure Themselves: And, them he takes
For that intent; because, thereby, he must,
And cannot otherwise, perform his Trust.
Whereas, if he perceiv'd it would as little
Secure the Publike, as their Offer'd Title,
And, on his Conscience press, as that will do,
I, do believe, he would refuse that, too.

Presume I may not, to declare to those
Who are in Pow'r, which way, they might compose
Their Diffrences; nor have I ought to say,
To that End, which, I warrantably may
Propound: For, if I had, neither the fear
Of those Wits, who, take liberty to jeer,
Nor worse things, could affright me; I, have told
As much, as I can seasonably unfold:
Except this Hint that follows, doth conduce
To somewhat, which, may safely be of use.

Perhaps, it is Cast in, but to Insnare;
Perhaps, to make proof, how inclined you are.
Be wary, therefore, how far you proceed
Therein; and mind, I warn'd you, to Take heed.
Should it offend, I dare not change a Line;
For, though I speak, these Arrands are not mine.
God, sets before us, this, and that, to chuse,
And leav's us free, to Take or to Refuse;
And, such markes gives, of what may prove amiss,
That, if we chuse not well, the fault's not His.

They, who sincerely think, the Stile of King
Will to this Commonwealth advantage bring;
And, they, who fear it would portend no good
The title of Protector to explode,
May, if they can agree, joyn them together,
And please perhaps, both Parties; perhaps, neither,
Till somewhat reconcile them, which, fit Season
More likely seems to bring to pass then Reason.

These Titles are consistent; and, if that
Which is refus'd, be made Subordinate,
And this Supream; that it may thereunto
Be Vassal, and a kind of Homage do,
As conquered; it might be serviceable
With less offence, (for ought that I am able
To countersay:) for, that wise Legislator
Who was preserv'd, by Rushes, from the water,
Was call'd a King; and, therewith had the Pow'r
Which, constitutes with us, an Emperor,
And in that Commonwealth (which was the best)
Both Kingly, and Imperial Pow'r possest;
Which, if confer'd on him, who governs us,
His Title, might be then contrived thus,
Or, some such way: On feet, in Verse, it goes
But lamely; Therefore, take it here, in Prose.

Soveraign Protector, or, Protector Imperial of the Commonwealth of Great Brittain, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with the Islands, Territories and Dominions, to them belonging.

This, is not Magisterially propos'd,
As if thereby all Ruptures would be clos'd;
Nor is it my desire, it should so be,
Or, not be so; for, it concernes not me.
It, almost, into words was thus far brought,
E're it was fully formed in my thought;
And, slipt out, (as do such things now and then)
Rather, to try the mindes of other men,
Then to declare my Judgment; which, I give,
(VVhen I intend so) in terms positive.

But, thus much, I will say; This is by none
Yet claymed; neither gives to any one
Just cause of Quarrel: Honourable Pow'r
Holds forth: Is, by the Law of Conquest our,
And, may within our own Realmes, be assum'd,
Yet, nothing be undecently presum'd,
If we, know by what means, to limite so
The Pow'r, which therewith all, we shall bestow,
That no offence it gives; nor may produce
Pride, Folly, or Oppression by abuse.
But, what would follow, should this fanci'd be,
It is not in my dim sight, to foresee;
And therefore, to be weigh'd by those, I leave it,
VVhom it concernes to Offer, & Receive it:
To whom (if sought where such things may be known)
It shall be, to their satisfaction shown,
How far this, or the Title of a King
May be assum'd, and no disturbance bring.

Powr, though bred Tame, is an unruly beast,
Which if it feed much on selfe interest,
Growes quickly wild; and every thing commands
Except it selfe; yea breaks the strongest Bands,
Which once cast off, Restraint it will avoyd,
And never more be bound, till 'tis destroyd.

Our best course therefore is not to be strugling
With Powr (Although it seems upheld by Jugling
As well as by good meanes) or to contend
With things without us, which War hath no end:
But rather to compose and order so
All things within us, as we ought to do.
For, there we may have Peace (when we have done
Our Duties) In externals, there is none:
And what we get by Politick Contrivings
By Falshood, Force, Dissembling, or Connivings,
Doth for the most part, but the more disorder
Our mindes; and from our hopes divide us further.
Yea, whether our cheife Magistrate, we shall
A King hereafter, or Protector call,
'Twill not be much materiall, what the Name
Shall be, if all things else be still the same.
Nor His, nor our condition will be betterd
Whilst we are with those Vanities befetterd,
Which to cast off, we lately made a shew:
Or, whilst in secret, we do still pursue
Our old wayes, and continue, in effect,
What we in Circumstances, do reject.

Some are perswaded, that the stile of King
May be as well assumed, as that Thing
Which gives like Power: And so it may, if he
A Jehu, or a Jeroboam be,
Who, neither conscience makes whom he offends
Or scandalizeth, to obtaine his Ends;

Or if he use that Power, which is bestowne
For publick workes, to bring to passe his owne.
But, howsoever, let it be our care
Still to performe what our Obligements are:
Which are not to engage him unto One
Offence, through fear another may be done:
Or, to resist the Power we should obey
Because it seems by an unlawfull way
Acquir'd or kept: For, every Wise man knows
Powr, Thrones, and Glorie, are at GOD's dispose.

It is by other some not meanly fear'd,
Such Powr is by Protectorship conferd,
That he may now infring our freedomes more
Then any of our Princes heretofore:
Which may be likewise true; yet, what GOD gave
Wherewith to do him service, he must have
To whom he gives it; If he then abuse it,
To their wrong, for whose well-fare he should use it,
GOD will aveng it: And though he defers
That Vengance, (and the Polititian Jeers
At such a Vindication) 'twill be paid
With Interest, for all the time delay'd,
As soone as our Repentance, and those wrongs,
Are for that ripened, which to them belongs.

These Nations, and their Parlaments, talk much
Of Liberties, and Freedomes, as if such
To them pertained, now, as they have had.
Indeed, there is an Image of them made,
Whereby, we, them a little honor'd see
Before the People, (as Saul sought to be.)
But, of those Priviledges, we have none;
Their Glorie is departed; they are gone:
We, by no tenure, any claime can lay
But Courtesie of England, at this day,

To what, by Birth was ours; or unto ought
Which we have purchas'd, or for which we fought:
And till our supream Magistrate repaires
Our Losses; Or, till GOD shall hear our Prayers
And cries (if he oppresse us) we shall still
No other be, but, Tenants at his Will.
Yet is not he in fault; nor is our Case
So bad, or in such hazzard as it was.
For, if it were not so, it might be worse;
And, that which we suppose to be a Curse,
May prove a Blessing. Otherwhile, men lose
By having all things at their owne dispose;
And sometimes gaine by loosing. what was our,
Did lately slip into anothers pow'r;
Who, thereof taketh (by that forfeiture)
But so much, as our Freedomes may secure
To us hereafter. VVhen, he seems to wound
He doth but lance a soare, to make that sound
Which would destroy us: when, unto some cost
He puts us, 'tis that all may not be lost.
Yea, for our well-fare, he is meanes contriving,
When we most wrong him, by a misbeleeving.
And doth discharge his Trust (as I beleeve)
By doing that, whereof we misconceive.

Though he permits us to capitulate
With him, as if we did participate
In his Powr; suff'ring us to claime and take
Those Priviledges, whereby he may make
An advantageous use, with least offence,
To bring to passe the work of Providence;
And to such purposes, is well content
To all our just requests, to give assent:
Those things, do not to us of right pertain;
They are meer Acts of Favor; no remain

Of our old freedomes: And, 'twill hazzardize
Their Restauration, to think otherwise:
For, those Thoughts hindring that compleat submission
Which GOD requires, will hinder their fruition,
By making us, perhaps, that meanes endeavor
To gain them, which will lose them, quite, for ever.

In provocations, IS'RAEL did proceed
So far, that thereupon GOD had decreed
No Ransome from destruction should redeem
Their glorious Temple and Jerusalem,
But, their submission to a forraigne King.
On Us, for our transgressions, GOD doth bring
A Judgment somewhat like it: And, before
He, will to us our Liberties restore,
We must quite lose them, and submit to Him
Whome, as (in that respect) we did contemn.
And, now, no humane Policy, or Force
Can put us into any likely Course
Of repossessing them, save that Compliance,
VVith which we have been long time at defiance;
And, whereto he that should advise, might speed
As bad, perhaps, as Jeremiah did
VVhen he in vaine, his Countrymen perswaded
To fly to him, who had their Land invaded.
But, so it must be; and, if to beleeve
VVhat must be, may assurance thereof give.
Or, if things probable in Reason, may
Confirme that, which I now beleeve and say,
Our much aversenesse, rather will bring on
Then hinder, that which must at last be done.

For, we are torne into so many fractions,
Growne of so many mindes, by our distractions,
(Or Counteractings) ev'ry Party striving
To bring to passe things of their own contriving,

Al men so apt, whom place of trust, enable
For their owne private ends, to scrape and scrable;
And every man so jealous, and affraid,
Of being to his Opposite betray'd;
That, (as the world was, when it first begun)
Our Common-wealth, must be the work of One;
One, that hath Powr, and, in whome, to agree
They, who are most concernd, most likely be.
This One, GOD, hath provided to restore
All, that our Kings usurped heretofore
(Or, our Sins forfeited) And to resetle
On us, those blessings, by a stronger Title;
(If neither He, nor these divided Nations
Shall, willfully, make frustrate their Probations)
Though, many are, yet, fearfull that he may
In some things, act the quite contrary way.

Those Counsels, he hath oft together brought
VVhich we in former times, most proper thought
For such a Worke; and, much hath taken in,
VVhich offerd, by some private bands, hath been;
But, both their Ends, and Contributions are
So diffring, and from Unitie so far;
That, what he hath desired should be done,
Lesse perfect seems, then when it was begun.
And 'tis not possible their work should be
Long-lasting, who, in so few things agree.
He, therefore (as in all times past, we finde
It hath been done) who, is by GOD designd
To change a Government; and, unto whome
He alwayes, an Assistant will become,
For his owne works; that spirit, must improve
VVhich GOD on him conferreth to promove
His Undertakeings. Then, resolve he must
On what his Conscience judgeth to be just,

And by his Pow'r confirm it: else, the Waies
Now follow'd, will destroy him, by Delayes.

By this Course, and by weighing well those things
Which faithfull men, and his experience brings
To be consider'd, he himselfe, alone,
Shall do that, which will never, else be done;
Even he alone, if, he, himself deny
(And on that wisdome, and that pow'r rely,
Which hitherto, hath carried him along)
Shall, for his undertakings, be more strong
Then, if he were with all the strength, supplyd
And all the wisdome, of the world beside;
For, that shall teach him, what advise to chuse:
What he must alter, what he must refuse,
And what to fix upon; which, will be more
His Honour, then his Conquests heretofore;
Or, then to leave through future Generations,
A Kingship to his seed, o're many Nations.

This done; a Parlament well constituted
Will crown the work: then, such as are reputed
Just Priviledges, will be all restord;
Then, they, who now agree not, will accord:
Then, will our Lawes, which yet are made a Snare,
Have those effects, for which ordaind they were,
And, other things, be fairly carried on
VVhich, now, in crooked muddy Chanels run.

VVee, in this worke of Providence, most heed
Those grosse, and oblique Actings, which proceed
From mans corruption; and, the deeds of those
Whom for false friends, or else, for Open foes
VVee do suspect; and, greatly vexed are
VVith those misactings, which, in them appear;
As if, their failings only, were occasions
Of all our losses, and our Preturbations;

But, were it well observed, we should find
That, those grand-works, which are by GOD design'd,
Are no lesse further'd, by our oversights,
Our weaknes, follies, and our foes despights,
Then by our Virtues, Prudency, or Powr,
Or, any suffrings, or good deeds of our;
And, thereupon, prepare a way for Peace,
By prizing others more, and, our selves lesse.
Or, if our Intellectuall eyes could see
VVhat GOD hath done, or, what those actings be
VVhereby, his finger, doth make manifest
VVhat changes, have infringd our interest;
VVe, in true meeknesse, would incline unto
VVhat he expects, we, should beleeve and do;
Then, we should finde, those changes were permitted
That, for GOD's, work we might be better fitted;
That, his great Love and Justice, might be known;
That, our great failings, we, might know, and owne;
That, it might give us many Evidences
How little trust there is, in earthly Princes,
In Parlaments, or, in the best of those
Externall things, wherein we trust repose:
And, that, we thence may learne, when we have tride
Their Trustlesnesse, in whome, we should confide.

As sure as, GOD, ten tribes from David rent,
And, made Belshazers doome, a president
For future times to heed; and, tooke from Saul
And other Kings those Kingdomes wherewith al
They were indowd: so surely, was the Throne
Of our preceding King, by GOD, broke down:
So surely, he, who now inthroned sits,
VVas raisd by him; and, that if he forgets
On what Conditions, he, that grace received,
So surely, shall he be againe deprived,

Of what he yet injoyes; and be devour'd
By that, whereby, he was at first impowr'd.

As sure, as Jacobs sons delivered were
Into the hands of Nebuchadnezer,
Of Eglon, Jabin, Sisera, and those
VVho, did on them great Slaveries impose;
So certainly, did GOD give up these Lands
In former times, into Oppressors hands,
Both Temporall, and Ghostly; causing them
In various wise, to be from time to time,
Either afflicted, eas'd, inthrall'd or freed
As to do well, or ill, they did proceed:
And, lately, hath powr'd forth his vials here
On Preist and People, upon Prince and Peer;
Yet, if we grow not better than we be,
Far sadder Changes, we may live to see,
Because, such Provocations, ours have been,
As, in no former ages, have been seen.

Mark what I say; and heed what will ensue;
For, what I tell you, is, and shal be true.
GOD, for their many sins, did justly bring
These Nations, into Bondage, to their King:
Not to destroy them, as a foe, but rather,
Them to correct, as it became a Father.
That Pow'r, He, exercis'd not to fulfill
GOD's minde, but, to accomplish his owne will;
And, did exceed the bounds of his commission,
To make them footsteps, up to his ambition.
Then, unto GOD they cri'd, and did repent;
VVho, thereupon, unto their Parlament
Gave all his Power; whereby, they did proceed
Against his life, and raigned in his steed.
VVhen they were thus in-thron'd, in leiw of giving,
Forgiving, disinthralling, and releiving.

Their Brethren, by whose hazzards, blood, & treasure,
They, of the sov'raigne Power, had gotten seisure;
Their Helpers, Friends, and Servants, they forgot,
Or (which is worse) them, they regarded not;
(Nor in their greatest need, were some of those,
So civilly respected as their Foes)
Nay more; them they opprest; sleighted their prayers,
Exposed them to shame, wants, and despaires;
Endeavour'd chiefly their owne exaltations,;
Th'inriching of themselves, and their relations;
And, had not that succeeded, which befell,
What else they would have done, no man can tell.

In sight of GOD, of Angels, and of Men,
These things were done; and, this, compels my pen
To leave it on Record, here to be read
By future Ages, when that I am dead.
These, and more such like things, which I have been
Inforced to have felt, and to have seen,
I, from beholding them, long time desir'd
My self, into some nook to have retir'd;
But, my Engagements alwayes kept me here:
Perhaps, that thereof, I might witnesse bear
To glorifie GOD's Justice; and to show
From whence all our destructive changes flow.
And (being that which I seem born to do)
With willingnesse, I, now submit thereto,
That, to their Faces, I may testify,
What, thousands living, know to be no lye.

For these Exorbitances, (as this day
VVe do perceive) GOD, took their powr away,
And gave it to their Servant, whom they sleighted;
VVhome, they, perhaps, as ill would have requited,
As other men have beene; and, they, are now
His servants; and inforc'd themselves to bow

Before his presence, whom they did contemn,
Till, GOD, had with their power invested him,
VVho, is (GOD speed him well) on earths wide stage,
The greatest expectation, of, this age:
Yet, at his Exit, he, his doome shall beare
According, as his part, is acted here.

To ev'ry one, of whatsoe'r Degree,
Such as his works are, such, his meed shall be:
And, this, nor strength, nor wisdome shall prevent;
No, not an Army, nor a Parlament,
Nor long time, shall Prince, Priest, or People thrive
In any thing, they hope for, or contrive,
But pussell, plague, and still afflict each other
Till they in Righteous-things agree together;
And, sanctifie this Commonwealths foundation
With much more Justice, and with more compassion.

I hope, this downe-right-dealing (which proceeds
From Conscience) no Apologizing needs:
But, of their wrath, I no whit am afraid
To whom, truth, may offensively be said;
For, if that any thing thereby befall
To me destructive, much more greive I shall
For others then my selfe; because, their ends
I do foresee, who shall destroy their friends;
And, that, if Justice be not more enjoy'd
I, shall be safest, when I am destroy'd.

Yet, Reader, pleased be before thou goe
VVith Candor, to peruse a few Lines moe
For my Indempnity and, then I've done;
Make no false Comments (prithee) hereupon;
Inferre thou not from any word here said,
One thought, whereby, aspersions may be laid
On that great Councell, by whose prudence, care,
Zeale, pains and love, those things proposed are

For his assent, without whose approbation,
They cannot have Authentick Confirmation.
The cause is weighty; and, no Humane eye
Can all the wayes of Providence espie.
Although their Offers are demur'd upon,
They, their devoire, as I believe, have done
To give advance unto that Interest,
Which, in their Judgement, hath appear'd the best;
And done Gods worke, so far forth as they could
His purposes, with humane eyes behold;
Or, execute his Will, by Reasons light:
And, I do hope, they shall (ere that be quite
Resolv'd upon, which yet remains to doe)
Receive Divine Illumination, too.
By that which I have heeded, I conceive
(And hold my selfe obliged to believe)
That, both they, who did on that Instrument
Agree, and also they, who yet dissent,
Their Consciences, have with an equal Zeale,
To God, their Prince, and to this Commonweale
Therein discharg'd; and, that those things which bee
Well done, are Best done, when, some disagree:
And, that, Truth doth appear in her perfection
When she is polished by Contradiction:
We, therefore, to both Parties, owe both Love
And Civill thanks, what ere the Sequels prove.

Believe me herein; and observe, I pray,
With heedfulnesse, that which I next shall say;
For, it will much concern us: (and I presse
This Caution, therefore, with such earnestnesse)
When, that which was proposed, once in vain,
(And, which is to be offer'd now again
Unto his Highnesse) all debates hath past;
If then, your Expectations fail at last

Which must fall out, on th'one or th'other side;
With that, which comes to passe, content abide:
And, though in Judgement, you devided be;
In your Affections, loveingly agree.

If they, who their Proposals lately brought,
To be allow'd, obtain not what they sought,
Miscensure not of them, as if they had
With ill intentions, those Proposals made;
Nor judge amisse of him, who gave Deniall;
If, when repugnant Reasons have their Triall,
He shall be swayed to consent, at length,
By Reasons of the most prevailing strength.
For, if his Highnesse, on such tearms admit
Of that to which he gives deniall, yet,
As in his Judgement, and in Conscience too,
Well satisfied, in that which he shall doe,
And hath beforehand, Gods direction sought,
(As I believe, he hath done as he ought)
Know, it proceeds from God; and, that what ere
We thereupon think Probable, or Feare,
We must leave God, and Him, to act their part;
Not medling with what's hidden in his heart,
Or in an unrevealed Providence,
Lest, we to both of these, give just offence;
And by prejudicating things unknown,
Destroy the Peace of others, and our own.

When things are done, (for ought that we can know)
As, God, doth unto him his duty show;
If, then, we still suspect him, and foment
Those Jealousies which nourish discontent;
If we shall then imagine his Delay
And Scruples, were but onely to make way
To new Designes; or, to accomplish that
Which, we think he hath alwayes aimed at,

(Pretending other things, thereby to gain
A Larger Powr then else he should obtain)
If we think thus, as I know many do,
Because they have been pleas'd to tell me so;
Then, there will be no remedy or end
Of what we may Injuriously pretend;
And, how oblique so e're, his aimes may be,
We, make our selves as culpable as he;
And, there is somewhat in us, which, no doubt
Doth from a Root of bitternesse spring out,
That will produce our Shame; or, which is worse,
Engage us into some Destructive Course.
And, if his heart be right, so much the greater
Will our Shame be, as his designes are better
Then we believe they are; and, questionlesse,
It will to us contract a Guiltinesse,
That will bring on a Plague: and manifest
That, though against Self-seeking we protest;
We, have not so much prayed, that, Gods will
Should take effect, as, our own to fulfill.

VVhat, of this great Debate will be th'effect,
I know not; nor presume I to collect
From what I know: for, Princes hearts are deep,
And, I, into their secrets will not peep.
VVhen Abraham, to sacrifize his Son
Exprest a Will, although it were not done,
It pleas'd as well; And, GOD, for that proceed,
His willingnesse, accepted for the deed.
It lies not in our Actions, to fulfill
VVhat is requir'd, so much, as in our will:
For, two men in one cause may fight (or grinde
At one Mill,) yet, but one, acceptance finde;
And, what to Act, the Law, on us doth call,
Sometimes, by grace, may be dispens'd withall.

I, therefore, know not how inlarge we may
Or circumscribe his Highnesse in his way;
Nor how far, GOD, in this Cause, will allow
A dispensation after Tryall now;
Nor which way he will bend his heart at last;
But, by those things which are already past,
(And, by some other symptomes which I finde
Of many good performances, behinde)
I hope the best: and, since no better way
I, can be serviceable; thus, I pray.

On Earth, vouchsafe him better things, oh LORD!
Then, Justice, can for Mans best works afford.
Within the VVorld to come, let him inherit,
Not that which He, but, that, which Christ doth merit.
And, give him power before he thither goe,
To settle righteousnesse and mercy so,
Upon his Throne; that, they who now condole
May sing a blessed Requiem to his soul;
And, that their hopes deferd, may be injoyd,
Before, they, or their patience, are destroyd.

Our God, hath many wayes to bring about
What he hath foreintended to work out.
That, which Conditionally to be done
He Wils, must take effect in every one
As those Conditions are performd by them,
To whom, his Offers are propos'd by him;
And, that which he hath absolutely Willd,
Shall doubtlesse, absolutely be fulfil'd,
What ever Contrarieties, here, shall
Thereto obstructive, seemingly befall.

For my part, therefore, when the Trial's ended,
Which, I unfeighnedly have recommended
To God, my Prince, and Country; I'le rejoyce
More in their chusing, then, in mine owne choyce.

Although I suffer by it; with beleefe,
It will, at last, produce more joy, then greife.
In that Ship, which the common Fraight doth beare,
I, am but onely a poore Passenger,
Who, moved thereto by an honest zeale,
Have spoken, what I thought concernd her weale;
And, though I have hereby insisted much
On my owne sense; and think it to bee such
As may bee own'd; Though, such it be reputed
By others, and shall never be refuted;
Yea, though, I may discover some things done,
By which, my just rights are intrenchd upon;
Yet (having done my duty) I will beare
Those things with patience, which concluded are;
And, not alone submit, to what they doe,
My Goods and Person, but, my Reason too:
At least so farr forth, that, I will not presse
One Argument, by which the common-peace
May be indangerd; but, do what I may
To serve my Country in a sober way:
In silence, things which are amisse deplore;
Think my own sinnes deserved that, and more;
Mark my own failings; and perswaded be
These things have happend, to make proofe of me,
And such, as I, as well, as proofe to make
Of those who were engaged for our sake:
And, praise Cod, though all things be not so well
As I desire, that, nothing worse befell.

For, from those difficulties and confusions,
Which we are in, to draw forth such conclusions
As may not be gainsayd, in some repsect,
Is more then Human wisdome can effect.
The Course by which we purpose to persue
Beloved Peace, loathd Discords may renew;

And, whilst we fighting are, from Foes to clear
Our Vann, we may be routed in the Rear.
By those Contrivements, whereby, we suppose
To save our Lives, our Honors we may lose.
By that, through which our Persons might be free,
Our Consciences, perhaps, inslav'd may be;
And, what, for present safety, we endeavour,
May for the future, ruine us for ever.
So finite is our Wisdome, and our Powr,
And, those things which may weaken or devour,
So infinite; that, we as well may span
The Firmament, as, by the wit of Man
Contrive, or settle such a Government,
As will our dangers every way prevent.
For, that which is best done, and best intended,
Will still have somewhat in it to be mended:
Yea, even the best things, which best men can doe,
Insnarings have injected thereinto,
To catch themselves, or others; which, none scapes
But, he, that alwayes lookes before he leapes;
And seekes for Councell and Protection, from
That saving-powr, whence all our safeties come.

He therefore is injurious, who suspects
All deeds ill purpos'd, which have ill effects;
Or, who, those Mens Faiths into question cals,
Whose Councell under some Aspersion fals:
No lesse unjust are they, who froward be
Because, he takes his freedome who is free,
Yet, takes thereof no more then doth belong
Unto himselfe, without his Neighbours wrong:
And, they, are not in every poynt so wise
As they might be, who, good advice despise
(And timely ay'd, when they are like to suffer)
Because, that man, whom conscience mooves to offer

His services; within the Camp, hath hid
Himself, as Eldad, and as Medad did.

These things considerd, I, perswaded am
That neither I, nor any merits blame,
For ought well propos'd: and, that now the day
Is near at hand, which will prepare a way
To what Good men desire: and, that a deed,
Which did from Conscientiousness proceed.
Justice and Piety, no bar shall prove,
To that which may our Grievances remove.
In this hope, I with patience do attend
What God will do; to whom, I recommend
The perfecting, of what menstrive about,
For, hee must do it. Now, this Flash is out.

A SPARK.

But see, here's of that Flash, a little Spark
Yet unextinguish'd; which, I pray you mark.
My lifes tenth Clymax is now spent well near,
And yet, my warfare is unfinish'd here.
I therefore, by this Flash a triall make,
How, if need be, Old Powder, fire will take;
That when occasion calls mee so to do,
I, therewith might discharge a shot or two,
Or light a Beacon, timely to Alarm
Those, who may by suprizall, suffer harm;
And save that, by th'Artillery of words,
Which, cannot be secur'd by Guns and Swords.
For, though by age, my Arms, are useless found,
My Heart so strong remains, my Brain so sound,
That both by Action, and by Contemplation,
I may, yet, some way serve this Generation;

Whose Welfare to promote, I have bestown,
More time and cost, then to advance mine own.

But, when my heart's broke, & hath crack't my brain,
When all those helps, which unto life pertain;
When all the present hopes of things without me,
(Which to and fro, do flutter yet about me)
Are flown away; (as daily 'tis expected)
Then, will to mind be brought, things now neglected:
And that be done, which, yet, self-love and pride
Obstruct; and will, till they be laid aside.
Yea, then, with good respect, that will be heard,
Which, at this present, hath but small regard.
Mean-while, I rest contented with my Lot;
For, I have that esteem which others got
In former times, who did this way, declare
Those Notions, wherewithall inspir'd they were;
And, to discharge my duties, am a debter,
Though my requitall, never should be better.

There lies a little Grain rack'd up within,
From whence, my better-being will begin:
And, when most Weaknesses appear in me,
My Powr, shall then, in full-perfection be:
Yea, when I have nor Life, Flesh, Blood, nor Bone,
Then, that, which could not by those Tools be done,
Shall be performd; and, many things which are
Yet dark, will plain, and usefull, then, appear.
Mean-while, O God vouchsafe thou to forgive
What, hinders their performance, whil'st I live.

So prays,

Britans Remembrancer.

A Cause Allegorically Stated,

With an Appeal therein, to all that are wise and honest, from an injurious censure, lately passed.

A Goodly Ship, with precious lading fraught,
Late, in a dark night, near to land was brought.
Through many dangers, and much Blustering weather,
The Providence of God, had brought her thither;
And, by the Waters motions, and some Humming
Among the Shrowds, another storm seem'd coming.
The place ariv'd at, was a dangerous Bay,
From which, into the Port, two Channells lay,
Divided by a Quicksand, with great store
Of Shelvs, and Sharp-rocks, upon either Shore:
She had a brave Commander, Marchants many;
Stout Seamen, Pilots too, as good as any,
With Passengers of all sorts; among whom
Some could (had need been) have suppli'd the room
Of well-experienc'd Sea-men, and advis'd
Such things, as Prudence would not have dispis'd.
But, these among themselvs, divided were,
Through which of these two Channels, they should steer,
One party, thinking that the safest way,
In which the other, thought most danger lay:
And in the dark, it could not well be seen,
In which, the greatest Hazzard would have been.

There was a poor Old man, that time, a board,
To whom, God, had been pleased to afford
A faculty, to see things in the dark,
Which others could not view, or, did not mark;
He, seeing what great straights the Ship was in,
And what their loss was likely to have been,

Call'd out to those, who there had Chief Commmand,
And said; there stands a Rock; here lies a sand,
Another yonder, and, a Whirlpool there;
Be carefull therefore, thither not to steer;
Bear up a little while into the Wind,
(Although a shew of danger there you find)
And take heed, that a causless fear or doubt,
Prevails not now, to make you Tack-about:
Lest all be lost, and, you, upon a steep
Ridge strike; and, over-set into the deep.
Now, by the Starbordside a compass fetch,
Halfe way to yon point, to avoyd that Beach;
And then, upon the Larbordside again
Wheel off, and you the Harbor shall attain.

Thus spake the Old man, for although 'twere night,
He saw as well, as when the Sun gives light;
And then, all they who had a will to see,
Saw how to find the way, as well as hee.
The greater part, not heeding what they heard,
(Nor knowing their own danger) grinn'd and jeer'd;
Suppos'd him mad, to talk, and make a shew
Of Demonstrations, which they could not view;
Crept from the hatches, down into the hold,
And let them look unto the Ship that would.

But, they, who more sought their own will to have,
Then to be counsel'd, or, the Ship to save;
Disdaining that an aged doting fool,
Should put their Wisedom, as it were, to school;
(And, seeing his Relations tend unto,
That, which their Captain had resolv'd to do)
Grew angry; Therefore, though he neither fears
Their wrath, nor much for their disfavour cares;
Hereby, he hath appealed unto you,
Who, are known honest, wise, goodmen, and true;

And, praies you, to be Judges, how he hath,
Or wherein, any way deserv'd their Wrath:
For, here in brief, his Cause is plainly show'n,
And, 'tis to some among you, so well known,
That, if you shall condemne him, hee'l submit
To make what Satisfaction, you think fit.

If this comes forth too late to take effect,
My Conscience knows, it was not my neglect:
For I, my utmost labour, had bestown,
To make it, in a timely-season known.
If, therefore, ought amisse thereby ensue,
There lay the Fault, to whom the Blame is due.

[_]

Here being vacant Pages, the Author hath filled them with a Copie of certain Verses, wherewith he lately inclosed two Petitions to the Parlament, and laid them within their Threshold; hoping by that Expedient, they might have been presented to the House; The Paper was thus Superscribed;

To that Member of Parlament, who takes up this Paper, with the Petitions inclosed.

The Verses are these:

Sir, if you are not of this Parlament,
Herewith to greet you, 'tis not my intent;
But, if a Member of this House you are,
Your taking up this Paper (as it were)
By Lot, ingageth you to manage those
Petitions, which, therewith I did inclose,
As, you would have another, use his pow'r,
Therein, for your avail, were my case your:
Whereof take this Account; and, why I play
My Cards refus'd, in this unusual way.

Three Parlaments (the eldest of which three,
Might, had it pleased our LORD, have out-liv'd me)
Are dead and gone, since first I did complain
Of Grievances, which hitherto remain
Without Redress. I, also have surviv'd
To see a Fourth, which hath it self out-liv'd,
And may continue, till it hath suppli'd
What, Providence, is thereby to provide
For needful supplements, to carry on
Those Works, which in these Nations are begun.
God grant it Pow'r, and Will, and Time, to do
What, they by Duty, are oblig'd unto,
That, they from wrongs, the wronged may release;
Proceed with Honour, and conclude in Peace.

To such Atchievments, there's a middle-way,
'Twixt This, and That; 'twixt hast, and long-delay:
Which, if mistaken, or not timely found,
May (as it hath done) lead into a Round,
(Or Labyrinth) whereby, we may be brought
To pits and snares, which have no passage out;
And multiply distractions, till our prai'rs
Are turn'd to indignation, or dispairs:
Which, is their drift (and not their least designe)
Who, seek this Common-wealth, to undermine.

When publick wants, require to be suppl'd,
A private plaint may then be laid aside,
But, not too long deferr'd, lest it become
A festring-soar, not meanly perilsome:
For, since an Universal-weal consists
Of many Individual Interests,
A perfect Body cannot be injoi'd,
Where, One by One, the Members are destroi'd;
And, when the Eie or Ear, unheedful grows
Of what, afflicts the fingers, and the Toes;

Much lesse, when it neglects what appertains
To keep it, from an Ulcer in the Brains.
The cures therefore, of private wants, betwixt
Publick transactions, should be intermixt;
(At least somtimes) in those immergent things,
Wherein, delay of Justice, losses brings
Beyond repair; or where the State at last
Must bear the dammage, when the cure is past;
Or else, in point of honour, suffer more
Then all the publick treasure will restore.

I grudg not, when GOD's glory is at stake,
That they, who conscience of their Votes do make,
Should take the freedom to debate at large,
What, may their duties in their place discharge;
Or, when the Common-safety doth appear
In hazard, though my life in danger were:
But, when those brunts are over, if men please,
For their meer pleasure, profit, or their ease,
To leave us in a perishing condition,
It, of their faithfulness, may give suspition;
And, I more grieve, for what I thereby see
May on the publick fall, then falls on mee.

There's time enough in all streights whatsoe're,
For all things, if it well divided were:
And, for our not apportioning aright
The time we have (as wisemen see we might)
GOD, cuts off half the daies we should have had,
And our designments are abortive made.
As wee from week to week, from day to day
Do put off those, who for our succours pray;
So likewise, are our suits and hopes put by,
By him, on whose assistance we rely.
An hour therefore, should otherwhile be spent,
To give Reward, as well as Punishment;

To think on them who help us in our sorrow;
As well to make repaiments, as to borrow;
And, like the Tree that's planted by a spring,
Expected fruits, in season, we should bring;
Not nine or ten years after they are dead,
(Who, by our timely fruit should have been fed)
Lest we be felled by the Wood-mans hand,
Or, like the Fig-tree, wither where we stand.

One day, is as well spar'd sometime, to save
An honest-man, as nine to doom a knave;
And, of an useful Plant to take due care,
As, from the good-corn, to weed out a Tare.
Some private acts of Justice, with our zeal
To Piety, and to the Publick-weal,
(Or works of mercy) sprinkled here and there
Among them, like embroid'ries would appear,
Or flowers of gold and silver interwove,
And helpful be, devotion to improve:
For, where few private grievances are heard,
God, gives their publick praiers small regard:
And, few are in that Common-wealth much joi'd,
By which, their own well-being is destroi'd;
Or, which is sensless, of their sad estate,
Who did help save it, from a sadder fate.

Among such suff'rers, I my self am One,
Who, gladly would be better thought upon,
For your own sakes; who, peradventure, may,
Have by my losse, twice mine, another way.
As many years as are equivalent
To two men's lives, I have already spent
To seek for Justice, with such cost, such trouble,
And losse of time, as make my losses double:
So that if many suits, here, at this rate,
I had depending, three times my estate,

And three mens lives, would scarce afford me time,
And means enough, whereby to finish them:
For, my Petitions, either were deferr'd
From month to month, from year to year, unheard,
Or answer'd so, that when my suit seemd, done,
My Case prov'd worse, then when it first begun;
And, to obstruct the Justice I emplore,
They, voice me to be rich, who make me poor.

With mock-shews of relief, I have been fed;
with stones, In my distress, instead of bread;
Which, had ere this day starv'd me, but that GOD,
Turns many of them, into wholsome food;
And rais'd me a subsistance, out of that
Which was design'd to ruine my estate.
His Highness, also stor'd me with a Dish,
Which hath converted Scorpions, into Fish:
Else, that small portion, which I yet possesse,
(And some Envie) had long ago been lesse,
(It may be nothing); for, that Act of Grace,
Is made lesse valuable, then it was
By him intended, of whose free donation
It was conferr'd, beyond my expectation.
Oh! if that I, who have some friends, thus far'd,
How speed poor men, whom no man doth regard?
And, who, from none, can claime an obligation,
Either by Friendship, Faction, or Relation?

But, now, new-misadventures me beset,
Which, by delay of Justice, do beget
Increasing mischiefs, that admit no cure,
Save, what must from a Legislative pow'r,
Derived be: And, this befalls me so,
Perhaps, that I, in every Change, may know,
The gen'ral temper, by the pulse that beats
Both in Superiour, and Inferiour seats;

That, I, thereby may calculate the length
Of our oppressions, and improve my strength
To bear them: mark, how well our publick Acts,
Ingagements, Orders, Bargains, and Contracts
Will be perform'd; and, that, as by presage,
Of things that since befell, I told this Age
Before they came; so, I, might likewise tell
The next Age, what I saw done ill, or well.
I many have besought to entertain,
And offer my petitions, but, in vain.
Now therefore, having with some patience stayd
Six months at door, to get my suites, convayd
Into this House, where, seeing ev'ry day,
New suitors more and more stop up the way,
And small signe, that, with any I should meet,
To hand them in, I laid them at their feet
Who pass in thither; hopeful, that it may,
For my inclos'd Petitions make free way,
Through those Obstructions, which have shut the gate
Against them, till they come almost too late.

He, who shall take them up, and get them read,
Where, with effect, they may be answered;
A Favour shall confer, by doing so,
On me, and likewise upon many moe.
For, if my suits, obtain respective heed,
Some other men, wil hope, as well to speed;
And of my wrongs, if no redress I have,
Both I, and they much future cost may save.
GOD speed it well: for, I, with what event
He gives it, am resolv'd, to be content;
And, am assur'd, that though I be neglected,
By men, I shall of him, be still respected.

Britans Remembrancer.

A Postscript to the Preceding Verses.

They, who to neither Side, nor Back, nor Further;
Can turn, or pass, need no Restraints by Order.
Nor greatly be afraid what next will come,
Their, just resolvings, to divert them from;
And, that, whereto necessities compell,
Is done excusably, though not done well.

If much oppression, cracks a wiseman's brain,
Who knows, whereto, it may a fool constrain?
They, whom delay of Justice doth make poor,
Do lose but their estates, and, may get more:
If, therewithall, they are of life depriv'd,
They feel not, what to feel, they might have liv'd:
But, he who doth in life-time, thereby lose
Both wealth and credit, shall to friends and foes
Become a scorn; whereat, if mad he be,
And, makes ten thousands grow as mad as he,
The fault is theirs, who, without mercy, stretch,
A weak man's patience, farther then 'twil reach;
As if, he, of his suff'ring sense had none,
Because, they no more feel it, then a stone.

My principle (which makes me oft abus'd)
Injoins me, when I scurvily am us'd
Where I expect relief, to shew my wrongs;
And, vengeance leave, to whom the same belongs;
But, some men, cannot be content to stay
GOD's leisure, or, for Justice, in his way;
And, what, their wants, neglects, and indignation
May tempt them to, is worth consideration.
There is to all things, an appointed date;
And, they are unwise, who are wise too late.

Necessitas, & indignatio quid non possunt?

FINIS.

A Triple Paradox:

Affixed to a COUNTER-MURE Raised against the Furious Batteries of Restraint, Slander and Poverty, The three Grand Engines OF The World, the Flesh and the Devil.

By Major GEORGE WITHER, Who, now beleagured by their Forces, throws out unto them this DEFIANCE.

The said PARADOX maintains these Particulars. That Confinement is more safe than Liberty,
Slander more advantageous than Praise,
Poverty more profitable than Riches.

Nusquam, non potest esse virtuti locus. Seneca.

The Author, to all those who have relieved him in his Beleagurement.

A Triple Paradox;

Wherein are asserted, these particulars, that IMPRISONMENT, is more safe than LIBERTY; SLANDER, more advantageous than PRAISE; POVERTY, more profitable than RICHES.

For an INTRODUCTION, the AUTHOR flings this Express to the WORLD.

A Parlie, unto thee disdainful WORLD,
I found; and have to thee this Paper hurl'd.
Yet, neither for a Treaty or Compliance,
But, rather, still, to bid to thee Defiance;
For, what thou wer't, thou art; and I yet am
And will be, whilst I live, to thee the same.

Thou art become the Mistress of the Field;
Hast me beleaguer'd, summond me to yield
My Fortress, and thou so proceedest on,
As if thou wert assur'd, it should be wonn:
But, thereon thou perhaps, mayst yet attend
As long as did th'Infanta for Ostend;
And as she nothing had at last but Stones,
Get nothing but dead flesh, and rottenbones.
I see thine insolence, and every day
Hear what thy favourites are pleas'd to say,
How they extol thy Power, how they debase
My succours, and my helpers would disgrace.

I well observe, thou round begirt me hast;
That, having all my Outworks quite laid waste,
Thou, to compleat a Conquest, dost begin
A fierce assault to ruine all within.
That, to prevent the sending of supplies,
Thou fright'st my friends with slanders and with lies.
My Accusatrix too, become thou art;
And, justly (I acknowledge) in some part,
But, not in all: for, chiefly, thy temptations
Inducements were to those prevarications
Whereby, my Talents were sometime abus'd:
Though therefore, I seem worthily reduc'd
To what I am; thou undeservedly
Hast me pursued with malignity;
Because the love which I once bore to thee
Was more, than thou deservedest it should be;
Thou most injuriously requited hast
That love, which in my youth on thee I plac't;
For, though I never totally was thine,
Thou had'st (when least) more of me then was mine:
And, him, of his right, to whom all was due
I robbed then, thy service to pursue.
But, he, now gives me grace, thy wiles to hate,
And to observe them ere it is too late,
That what thou by thy falshoods dost intend,
Shall cross thine own Designments in the end.

Thou, having into many errors run me,
Thought'st by undoing me, to have undone me,
But art deceiv'd: for, that which thou hast done
Hath brought me to the knowledge of that Stone,
Which turneth dross to gold; and from offences
Instructs me to extract those Quintessences,
Which will preserve my Freedome in all places,
Supply all Wants; Convert all my Disgraces

To honours; and in every estate,
With all things needful, me accommodate.

The Devil by thine aid, hath long time sought
How, he his ends upon me might have wrought;
But, neither Thou nor He, nor both conjoyn'd,
Had power to bring to pass what was design'd,
Untill the FLESH, my Dalilah, you got
To be a third Associate in the Plot;
And then, both to her damage, and to mine
You, such progression made in your design,
That by deluding her, you soon prevail'd,
In that, whereof you otherwise had fail'd;
So, by her Frailty, more than by your Power,
(I, being in your clutches at this hour)
Am openly exposed (in some sort)
Like Sampson for a while, to make you sport;
But, stretched your malignity so far
That your own Actings, your own works will mar:
For, though my Dalilah your Vassal be,
And you by her means have surprized me,
Your Cords and Chains will off again be flung,
So that, we shall redeemed be ere long
From our Captivities, and in conclusion
Your own contrivements will be your confusion.

When thou pretendedest kindnesses to me
(And by them, didst intend to ruine me)
Thou gav'st me then, one of Pandora's Boxes,
Which, I return thee full of Paradoxes
That shall uncharm thy Witchcrafts, and destroy
Those Gins which thou against me dost employ:
For, if thou open it, (as it is sed
Prometheus opened what shee's fabuled
To have bestow'd on him) from thence will flow
Those Truths, which will thy falshoods overthrow,

And make some who admire them, to contemn
Those Juglings wherewithall thou foolest them:
As likewise all those Bugbear-Tyrannies,
Which thy oppressing-Instruments devise
To fright us from our duties, and adhere
To thy allurements, out of love or fear.

To batter down my petty single Sconce,
Thy three great'st Engines thou hast rais'd at once,
And so surrounded me within my Fort,
That, I have scarce one little Sally-port
Whereby I may have egress to offend
My Foes, or to give ingress to a friend.
Thy Ragged Regiment of POVERTY,
(And they which by RESTRAINT of LIBERTY,
Commanded are) enclose me so about
With double Trenches, that, here can to nought
For my Relief, admittance now be given,
Except it comes immediately from Heaven:
Moreover, at the four Winds, raised high,
Are four Mounts, whereupon thy Batteries lie
So diligently man'd by Major SLANDER
(An old and well experienced Commander
In such like services) that, several wayes
His great Artillery upon me playes.
At me perpetually his tongue-shot flies,
And his whole Culverings charg'd full with Lies,
Send poysoned Bullets, which I often hear,
Making loud cracks, or whizzing by mine ear.

But, I, at last, shall rout all this Brigade,
Quite frustrate those attempts which thou hast made
And raise again thy seige, or do as well
By dying nobly in my Citadel,
And, that it will to thee (when batter'd down)
Prove like the House by Sampson overthrown.

Then, those things, plainly will to thee appear,
Which thou at present, wilt not see nor hear;
And I shall be the same to thee and thine,
Which thou hast lately been to me and mine;
For, then, my Ghost, arrayed in white sheets
Shall haunt thy houses, walk about thy streets,
And fright thee day and night with repetition
Of what is hasting on, for thy perdition,
And will descend upon thee at those times
Wherein thou fill'st the measure of thy Crimes.

Mean while, to comfort others, and prevent
The tediousness of my Beleagurement,
Ile draw a Map, wherein Ile so express
The vanity of thy maliciousness,
That, they who list shall know how much I slight
Thy Triple-Forces, and contemn thy spight;
And I to thee, their weaknesses apart
Will so declare, that, unless blind thou art
Thou shalt perceive, I cannot be destroy'd,
By those whom thou against me hast employ'd
Although in one united: for, these three
SLANDER, IMPRISONMENT and POVERTY,
To fall upon me, all at once began
Before, thou didst repute me for a Man;
And though they charge me all at once agen,
Grown weaker by old age, than I was then,
My Helper is the same; and suffring long
Hath by his Grace, now made my power more strong.

I know thy pride this Confidence contemns:
For, faith and hope, are now thought but the dreams
Of those men, whom thou dost Phanaticks call:
But, whatsoev'r thou thinkst, proceed I shall.
And, if thou heedst what follows, thou shalt hear
How little, either thee, or thine I fear.

With that part of thy Forces Ile begin
Which, with the first Trench hath now shut me in.
Thou knowst, what outwardly, thou hast bereft;
Now, thou shalt know, what is within me left
But, never shalt attain to apprehend
How far my hidden store-house doth extend.

Confinement is more advantageous than Liberty.

Restraint, which is an Engine, right or wrong,
Made use of, (first, or last, short time or long)
By most Oppressors, hath been oft my lot;
And, at this present, I escape it not:
For, (though not in the ordinary way
It feemeth now inflicted) I might say,
I am imprisoned, and so confin'd
That, I am no way free, except in mind.
Of most enjoyments I am quite depriv'd
Which from external things may be deriv'd,
Yet thereby not undone; for I possess
My whole essential Freedome neretheless.
My toyes are lost, but by their deprivations
I furnish'd am with real consolations,
Which, though they to the world-ward make no shows
Yield sweeter comforts than the things I lose,
And make my hidden Freedoms to be more
Than those the world vouchsafed heretofore:
For, to her Freedoms, when respect I gave
I was then only free to be a slave,
Whereas, this, doth from nothing me restrain,
Which, to true Liberty, doth appertain.

That, which gives most content to flesh and blood
I finde to be the basest servitude;
And that we nothing have whereof to boast
Till what the world calls Liberty is lost.
What Freedom want I, save what being had
makes many Free-men slaves, and wise men mad?
None, have upon themselves, and others, brought
More plagues than they have done, who would be thought
The freest men: for Freedoms mis-imploy'd
Have lately all our Liberties destroy'd;
And, most, whom we much reverence as our betters
Are but our fellow-slaves in golden fetters.
What Liberty had I, whereof to vaunt
By those Infranchisements I seem to want?
I was at Liberty to rowle in dust,
To prosecute my fancies and my lust;
And therein joy'd, when I could walk abroad;
But, now, I finde the Services of GOD
Are Perfectst Freedom. That, I am debarr'd
Of nothing, which deserveth my regard;
And, that the Liberty I did possess,
Was not true Freedom, but Licentiousness;
At which experiment I am arriv'd,
By losing that whereof I am depriv'd.

This (though fore-seen it was) to me befell
Before I for it was prepared well,
And, I confess, at first it made a change
Within me, and without, that seemed strange:
But, not long after, at the second sight,
That, which appear'd the wrong-side, prov'd the right;
And I am well contented therewithall:
For, I could see GODS Mercies through the wall;
Discern'd, when inwardly, I turn'd mine eyes,
Much more of Heaven, than when I saw the skies.

And, that, from very little I was barr'd,
Which I have reason greatly to regard.

What can I see abroad, which hath not been
By me before, almost to loathing seen,
Or, heard not so describ'd, that being shown
It will not seem a thing already known?
Both Changes and Rechanges I have view'd;
Seen new things old become, old things renew'd;
Princes petitioning disdainful Grooms
Great Kings dethron'd, & Peasants in their rooms;
Laws out-law'd, Out-Laws raised to be Judges
Of Laws, Lives, Goods, and of our Priviledges,
By Law and Conscience; Loyaltie made Treason,
And Treason Loyaltie; Non-sense for Reason
Allow'd, and Reason thought irrational:
Yea, Meteors I have seen rise, and Stars fall;
Foundations that immoveable appear'd
Thrown down, and Castles in the Air uprear'd.
I have seen Heads and Feet exchange their places,
Wealth make men poor, and honour bring disgraces;
Beauties, which ravished beholders eyes
Wax more deformed than Anatomies,
Or, no more lovely to be lookt upon,
Than Rawridge, Mumble-crust, or Bloody-bone,
But, truth to say, they who most lovely be,
Now, no more pleasureful appear to me
Than Pictures, nor so much as ugly faces
Whose hearts are beautifi'd with inward graces,
Although to Beauty very few were more
A Servant, than I have been heretofore,
And if that please not, which I once lik'd best,
What pleasure is there to behold the rest?
That, at this present, and all other sights
Afford so little which my heart delights,

That, all the earth, and one poor little room
Are so equivalent to me become,
That I know nothing any other where
More to be priz'd than my enjoyments here;
And, that which makes me so indifferent
Nor melancholy is, nor discontent.

Confinement, in a house of strength doth dwell,
A homely, and sometimes a nasty Cell,
In furnitures, and in attendance poor,
A Cerberus lies alwayes at the door
Fawning a little, when we entring are
But ever snarls while we continue there:
Yet, I so quickly had found out his diet,
That, I knew either how to keep him quiet,
Or order so my self, that when I please,
I can lye down and sleep in LITTLE-EASE;
Enlarge within, that which without hath bound,
Contrive conveniences where none I found;
And, every whit as much content receive
In what I have not, as in what I have.

I view not here the pleasures of the fields
Or what a Garden, Grove, or Meddow yields
Which were of late my daily recreation,
But, I have Visions by my contemplation,
Which hither, during my Confinement brings
Not only sights of more essential things
But an assurance of enjoyments too,
Whereof I doubted more a while ago.

I could not be at that Solemnization
Which honoured my Soveraigns Coronation,
Nor saw his Royal Train in their late Marches
Through LONDON, under their Triumphant Arches;
Yet in my solitariness, alone,
What they were doing, I did think upon,

With what should else be done, that's not done yet
And, which I wish we may not quite forget,
Nor so long, that there, may at length be lost
Much real honour, and no little cost;
And which, perhaps, to bring now into mind
By this expression, I am thus confin'd;
For Providence, did neither me restrain
At this time, nor infuse these thoughts in vain.

Ionick, Dorick, and Corinthians works,
In which, an Architectors cunning lurks
Apart, or inter-wove (with that apply'd
Whereby it may be richly beautifi'd)
I can conceive, as if I saw it made,
And all which paintings thereunto can add.
I know, as well as they who did behold
That costly Show, what Silver, Silk and Gold,
Pearls, Diamonds, and precious Rubies, can
Contribute to adorn a horse or man.
I have seen all materials which were thither,
To make up that great triumph, brought together.
Princes and Dukes, and Marquesses and Earls,
Plebeians, Men and Women, Boyes and Girls,
As many thousands as then present were
I did as well imagine to be there
As if I them had seen; and can suppose
Not only what is acted at such Shows,
But also, more than was at any one
Since first the Roman Triumphs were begun,
And fancy by my self such glorious things
As would quite beggar Emperors and Kings
To represent them. So, by being there
I had but seen a meaner Show than here
My fancy could have made; and what had I
Been then, I pray, advantaged thereby?

What had I gained then, by sitting long
And paying, to be crowded in a throng?
What great contentment could I have deriv'd
From what Mechanick Artists had contriv'd,
Compar'd to that which my imagination
Contriv'd in honour of that Coronation?
At which the Trophies cost, at most, no more
Than would have made some needy persons poor?
I seldom took, at any time much pleasure
In Shows, which ev'ry vulgar eye can measure;
And time and cost require to make them gay,
Yet in a moment vanish quite away,
Behinde them leaving nothing that conduces
To Pious, Moral, or to Civil uses.

What though I did not see the King that day?
I did in my Confinement, for him pray
As heartily as any person there,
And, GOD, perhaps, assoon the same will hear,
Although my Tongue was not then heard among
Those Acclamations of the vulgar throng,
Which did salute his ear; my silent Voice
Wing'd with Devotion (though it made no noise)
Ascended Heav'n, and may bring blessings down,
Which will conduce to setling of his Crown,
If he unfix it not by mis-endeavour,
Or, valuing of the Gift more than the Giver.
I do presume his duties on that day
He did discharge; and (wishing others may
Perform their dues to him) do not envy
The glory of that day's Solemnity
To him, for whom 'twas purpos'd, nor the sight,
Thereof, to those who took therein delight;
But wish'd, both might be perfectly contented
In what was at that present represented;

And hope, nought was to him ascribed then,
Which rather appertains to GOD than Men:
For, when to Hereds eloquent Orations
The people gave blasphemous Acclamations,
And he that honour to himself apply'd,
Whereby, GOD ought to have been glorifi'd,
The Doom, which that offence did on him bring,
Made him a lifeless, and a louzie King.

Of these things my confinement did produce
Some thoughts, which are perhaps of some good use.
I, likewise exercis'd my Meditation,
That day, on other things which have relation
To what was then in act; and mus'd upon
That, which occasion gave of things then done,
On some now past, and upon other some
Which probably will be in time to come.
I mus'd upon the Changes, and the Chances,
The Publick Troubles, and Deliverances
Which I have seen. I seriously did ponder
GODS, and Mens actions joyntly and asunder;
Our foolish Projects, his wise Providences,
Both in their Progress, and their Consequences.
I thought both on the People and the King,
What good or evil possibly might spring
From their deportments towards one another
Now by GODS mercy they are brought together.
On those too, in particular, I thought
Whom, GOD into his power hath lately brought:
How great, erewhile, his wants and sufferings were,
What, his enjoyments at this present are;
And, on some other matters, not a few,
Which these, to my consideration drew,
And which perhaps, that day had been by none
Mus'd on, so much, had I not been alone.

Moreover it occasion'd thoughts of that
Which to a Nobler Object doth relate;
Even to that Kingdom, King, and Coronation,
That should be thought on with more veneration
Than all the Monarchs in their greatest glory,
Who now live, or are memoriz'd in story.
My Contemplation, with as much content,
As others had, to me did represent
That DAY wherein CHRIST through Jerusalem
Rode meekly on an Ass, whilst after him
The people throng'd or laqued by his side,
And voluntarily HOSANNA cry'd,
Yet afterward pursuing him with scorns
Cry'd Crucifie, and crowned him with Thorns;
And this, me thought, was so considerable,
That it made all our Pomp seem defpicable.
For, then my Muses drew me by degrees,
To meditate on what my soul fore-sees
Concerning them, who, whilst they do pretend
CHRIST's Kingdom, do pursue another end;
And that, which for his glory was bestown,
Make use of, for advancement of their own.
Not seldom, likewise, I then thought upon
Those many thousand families undone,
Who sit and weep through want of what that day
Was wastfully and vainly, thrown away,
At such a time, wherein both Man and GOD,
Proceedings lookt for in another mode,
And when, our publick hazards and distress,
Requir'd another way of thankfulness.

Upon that solemn day, (not without wonder)
I saw and heard, the Lightning, rain, and thunder
Wherewith GOD seem'd to answer and out-vy
Our Guns and fire-Works, (though I was not nigh)

And such resemblance had the works of Art,
To Nature's, that they could not be apart
Distinguish'd; but that, to prevent our error,
The last was loudest, and infus'd more terrour.
This, I observed well; and furthermore
Took special heed, that nigh two Moneths before,
And likewise ever since, from Rainy weather
We were not oft free, one whole day together,
Until that Royal Triumph was begun,
Nor till that moment wherein it was done:
Yet, durst I not be so prophane, to say
(As one hath writ) it dar'd not rain that day.
Nor at that time, Flaminian like, durst I
Conjecture by a Heathenish Augurie
What GOD thereby intended: but, with awe
Consider'd upon what I heard and saw:
And I confess the Lightning, Rain, and Thunder
At this our Seed-time, caused me to ponder
On that, which Sumuel prayed GOD to send
In Harvest-time, and what that did portend;
Which I conceive to be a Meditation
Not then improper, for my Contemplation.
And, though some peradventure may suspect
That these expressions, may some way reflect
On what concerns them, it concerns him more
Whose cause and honour I prefer before
All earthly things; and can be not afraid,
Who ere shall be displeas'd with what I've said;
For, I was barr'd from seeing what is done
By men; that, GODS works might be mused on.

Such things, although we then much mind them not,
Should not amidst our Triumphs be forgot;
And, that, (which then by me was thought upon)
Much more effectually, perhaps, was done

In this condition which I now am in,
Than could in that state, wherein I have been:
Forgot therefore, by others, if it be
It will seem no great wonderment to me;
For, who remember Josephs in their sports,
Or in the jollities at Princes Courts?

Confinement (which I once a damage thought)
To me, hath other priviledges brought.
It manifests apparently to me
Who are my Kinsmen, who my Neighbours be;
And whether he who passeth by me than,
Be Levite, Priest, or a Samaritan:
For, Neighbourhood and Kindred, he best tryes
That's robbed, wounded, or, imprison'd lyes.

In Liberty, I sometimes doubted whether
They, who then came to visit me, were either
My Friends or Foes, for, I found other while
They whom I trusted most, did most beguile.
But, few or none my Visitants now are
Save they, whose Visitations are sincere;
The Friends I got, when I did walk abroad
I gain'd my self: These, are made mine by GOD.
These were acquired without pains or cost;
Not won by merit, nor by small faults lost.
The first, were for prosperity decreed,
The latter, for my help, in time of need,
And sought my Body out, unknown before
Because, they heard it was distrest, and poor;
Which hath to me, Confinement sweeter made,
Than all the Freedoms which I lately had;
And, me, with that Communion of the Saints,
Experimentally, it now acquaints,
Which, in this life enjoyed is, by all,
Who, in the life to come, enjoy it shall.

A Prison, cannot dreadful seem to me,
For, there I first was taught my A, B, C,
In Sufferings: There, when I had scarcely past
Mine Nonage, to be schooled I was place't.
And, so long as the Providence of GOD,
Was pleas'd, that, to instruct me with that Rod,
I should continue my abiding there.
Princes, my Tutors, and Correctors were.

A Prison, is that House of Discipline,
Wherein the MARTYRS usually begin
To be Probationers; it is the Colledge
Of SAINTS, wherein experimental knowledge
Is first acquired by a carnal sense
Of that, which tries their Christian patience.
Prisons, to them, are sanctified Temples,
Wherein, they by their meekness and examples
Preach to the world by Deeds (a powerful way)
What, many other do but meerly say.
And, as our Prelates, in each Cathedral
Have several places, which they please to call
More or less holy: so, there likewise be
Imprisonments of differing degree:
The Outer-ward, an entertainment gives
Most commonly to Murtherers and Thieves,
Or, such like malefactors, who displease
The world sometimes, and interrupt her ease,
For which they are confin'd, till their just guerdon
They shall receive, or bribe her for a pardon;
And whereto she gives all advantages
That may in Prisons granted be to these.

But, all her Prisoners are not confin'd
To Wards, and Receptacles of one kind.
The Inner-wards, which do to me appear
The same that Chancels unto Churches are,

Are not made use of (except now and then)
But for most holy and Religious men.
The deepest Dungeons be reserv'd for those
Who dare our Vices, or her Lusts oppose;
Or, things repugnant to our ends profess,
(When mov'd thereto by conscientiousness)
And, whosoere presumes to plead their cases,
As Innocents, doth hazard in like places
His own Restraint; or else unto suspects,
Which peradventure may have worse effects.
Yet, Freedom yields to none so much content,
As these enjoy, by such Imprisonment.
For, they with inward comforts are delighted,
Whilst they with outward darkness are benighted:
And sweet Refreshments, in amongst them come
When they are throng'd up in a nasty Room.
When, they of their familiars are depriv'd,
They are by those, who knew them not, reliev'd;
When they from earthly men, fast lockt have been,
Celestial Angels have sometime broke in;
Knockt off their chains; the gates and doors unbar'd
The Prison shook; the sturdy Jaylor scarr'd
And made him (falling down before them too)
Cry, Men and Brethren, say, what shall we do?

A Prison is the best retiring Room
That can be got; the best Museolum
For him, wherein to contemplate, that would
Those Objects without fallacy behold,
Which most concern him; or would notions have
Of what he ought to do, hope or believe;
For, most of those things, which abroad he spies,
Either delude his ears, or blind his eyes,
Pervert his Judgement, or withdraw his mind
From that, wherein his welfare he might find.

A Prison is a place; which he that can
Make use of, as becomes a prudent man,
Findes there, more lasting, and more perfect solace
Than in the greatest earthly Princes Pallace;
And, when he knows what Priviledges are
In this condition, will scorn all that's there.

In Prison, quickly, understand he shall
The worst that can to him, at last, befall.
There, he may notice take, how most men pother
Themselves; what plagues they are unto each other.
How, causelesly men terrified are
By those, to whom they dreadful would appear;
And, peradventure, if they patient be
That, they pursued by their Foes will see,
By which their self-destruction shall be wrought,
And those freed, whom, they into bondage brought.
There, they may learn, that to make black or white,
One hair, or add one straws-breadth to their height
Care nought avails; and in that poor estate
To laugh at all the worlds despight and hate:
For, over them, no power then left she hath,
Except of prosecuting them to death,
Which them ten thousand fold will happier make
Than all, that she can either give or take.
These are such benefits as I enjoy,
By what, now seems my Freedom to destroy.

In Prison, too, this Priviledge I have,
That, living, I descend into my Grave,
And by my Contemplation can fore-see
What my condition in that place will be.
I search it to the bottom, by that spark
Of Light, which shineth brightest in the dark.
The terrours of that Dungeon I fore-stall,
I, (as it were) pre-act my Funeral,

And in a manner also, see and hear
What will be said and done, when I am there;
Which are advantages not to be known,
Whilst in the world I flutter up and down.
In Prison also, when least room I have,
And close am kept, I, far beyond the Grave
Do Prospects view; and can see pretty well
What may concern men, both in Heaven and Hell;
Whereof, if here I should my knowledge speak
Them, for Phanatick dreams, the world would take;
And not believe the things I could declare,
Because, she knows that I was never there;
And, therefore, Ile proceed again to show
What, my Experiments are here below.

Restraint, from me, hath totally shut out
That frivelous, and that offensive Rout,
Which interrupts my Musings with discourse
That's either wholly vain, or somewhat worse:
For, to nought else, it for the most part tends
But fruitless complements, or graceless ends;
And, what among us, is at meetings blown,
Wrongs other mens affairs, or else our own,
Whereas, our words whilst here we are together,
Tend to the edifying of each other,
In Faith or Manners; or else, to improve
That Hope, that Meekness, Constancy and Love
Which may enable, patiently to bear
Those Burthens, wherewith we oppressed are:
And, when our Bodies are asunder gone,
We never leave each other quite alone;
For, we (ev'n when corporeally apart)
Are present, both in Spirit and in Heart.

Though this Fraternity did often minde me,
Till my Imprisonment they could not finde me,

Nor did I know their persons. Thou, therefore
Oh foolish world, to my content add'st more
By my Restraint, than if to me were given
All carnal Freedoms on this side of Heaven;
And, if this be the great'st harms thou canst do,
Prethee, let every spight thou dost be two.

But, all the comforts which best friends afford,
(As they are men) may prove like Jonah's Gourd,
For, as next morning, that, did wither quite
Which GOD did cause to spring up in one night,
So, when the Sun burns, or a sharp wind blows,
This may as quickly fade, as it arose:
For, Death or Injuries, do every day
Take those mens lives, or, their estates away
Who are most charitable, and, of bread
They may have need, by whom I have been fed,
For, unto all men underneath the Sun
That may betide which doth befall to one.
Not therefore, upon those things which GOD sends,
But, on himself alone, my soul depends:
Here, all my confidence, vain world, is place't,
Or else I might be ruined at last;
And all my present hopes, as vain would be,
As if I had repos'd my trust in thee.

By this Restriction, not a few temptations
Will be repelled; many deviations
Of mine prevented; duties better done;
Things which have been forgot, more thought upon;
It peradventure may prepare me too,
For what I'm yet to suffer and to do,
Much better than that Freedom did, or could,
Which, by the Common Tenure I did hold:
And who knows, but some corporal mis-hap
I may or did by this Restraint escape,

Which might have else befell me when together
The people throng'd and trod upon each other.
Which, though no more but shunning so much harm,
As breaking of a neck, a legg, or arm,
Were considerable, and ten to one
Such mis-adventures daily fall upon
Some persons unconfin'd, when they least dread them,
Because, where dangers are, they little heed them.
Scap'd I no more here, than that flavish load
Of Complementings, wherewithall abroad
Men tire themselves, and others; that, alone
Sufficient were, if well consider'd on,
To make amends for all the sufferings
Which my confinement now upon me brings.

For, as to pay this life, I am a debter
To Nature, and then hope to have a better,
My Wants, Restraints, and Poverty do less
Afflict my Body, by all that distress
Now laid upon it, than my soul hath been
To hear and see, what I have heard and seen,
Whilest I had liberty abroad to go,
And hear and see, what many say and do:
With what dissembling Complements, Caresses,
Affected Speeches, flattering Addresses,
And false Pretendings, men of ev'ry sort
Do cheat, fool, claw, and one another court,
As if they did Realities intend
When, in meer Nullities, at last they end.
How, Letters, Promises, Vows, Declarations,
Orders, Oaths, Covenants, and Protestations
Annihilated are, and turn to smoak
Or stinks, which rather poison us, and choak
Than truly nourish; and how they go on
In acting still, such things as they have done

Who are destroyed; and yet, nere the less,
Dream they pursue the waies of Happiness.
I am, as well pleas'd, with my sad condition,
As others, with what they have in fruition,
And, if desire a longer life I could,
For nothing else the same desire I should,
Except it were that I might live to see
What GOD will do, and what their end will be.
Frequent I cannot, with conveniency
(As lately, when I had my Liberty,
I might have done) the Publick Congregation;
But, I, upon GOD's Word, by meditation,
(To exercise my self) may set apart
The time they dedicate; and both my heart
And my best Faculties, employ that day,
In preaching somewhat to the world my way
Which will advance GOD's glory, and improve
My Brethren in good life, hope, faith, and love:
Or, that prepare, which thereunto may tend,
When Daies and Times, with me will have an end:
And, GOD (I know) confines not Saving Graces
To ordinary Means, Forms, Times, or Places,
Nor is displeased when his services
Endeavour'd are, without contentiousness,
As we are able, and with upright heart,
Though of our duties we may fail in part.

Some other Notions, which in this estate
Are apprehended, I might now relate,
Which further may illustrate those mis-haps
That man by an Imprisonment escapes
But, they are Trifles to what I possess,
In my constrained Solitariness.
For, though it be not what I might have chose
(Had I been left unto mine own dispose)

It proves much better: and for that respect
What I most naturally do affect
I dare not absolutely to request,
(Much less make choice of) but to him that best
Knows what's best for me, wholly have resign'd
Both mine own self, and things of ev'ry kind.
'Tis he, who hath assign'd this lot, and all
What ere it be, which thereby doth befall;
And, this Restraint, not only makes him dearer
To me, but also, to him, draws me nearer,
So that the more my troubles do increase,
The nearer unto him is my access.
He, fortifies my confidence in him,
And heartens me, the World thus to contemn,
As boldly as if doubtless cause there were
For her to fear me, more than I fear her.
I have my fears, but they are nothing else
Save what Perdues and Scouts, and Centinels
Are to an Army: they do not dis-heart
A valiant Souldier; though they make him start
At first Alarm; but cause him to prepare
For those assaults, which nigh approaching are.
When I am judged, in an undone-case,
Because, confin'd, in wants, and in distress;
When all my outward Comforters are gone,
And, I lie musing on my bed alone
Of what I knew before, or heard that day;
Of what my Friends fear, and my Foes do say;
What men they are, who seem with me offended,
What is already done, and what intended;
Sometimes a little shuddring doth begin,
As if a panick-fear were breaking in,
Which he marks, ere to me it doth appear
Forthwith, steps down betwixt me and that fear

Supplies defects, expelleth doubts and sadness,
Replenisheth my heart with sober gladness,
About me sets his Angels, watch to keep,
And (as to his beloved) gives me fleep.

These things considered, Prisons and Restraints
(Which have been long, the portion of the Saints)
Are not alone things little to be fear'd,
But also many times to be preferr'd
Before those Liberties, and all those things
That can be found in Palaces of Kings;
What ere their flatterers are pleas'd to say,
By fruitless hopes, to drive their fears away.
For, more are there endanger'd, more destroy'd:
There, many times, is less content enjoy'd,
Less outward safety, and a great deal less
Of what conduceth to true happiness,
Than in a Prison: And who ere well heeds
What, there is done, and what thereon succeeds
Will finde cause, their condition to bewail
Sometimes, much more, than his that's in a Gaol.
For, errors flowing from Prosperity
Indanger more, because unseen they lie.
Men many by their Afflictions be prepar'd
For whatsoere can follow afterward,
And are oft fitted by a lingring grief,
For future happiness in death or life:
But, while corrupted by excessive Treasures,
Befool'd with honours, and bewitch'd with pleasures,
The cause of self-destruction still they nourish;
They grow as brutish as the beasts that perish;
And, daily so besotted, by degrees
That, sense of their humanity they leese;
So long dream, they are GOD's (or somewhat greater,)
Till they are Devils, or but little better;

And suddenly, when they think all goes well,
Sink from supposed Happiness to HELL.

Most men, (yea very many of the best)
Their Talents, till they Palm-like down are prest,
Improve not; nor their Duties truly do,
Till by Afflictions they are whipt thereto.
A Prison, was long time the School, wherein
Chast Joseph those progressions did begin,
Which, him forth from obscurity did bring
To be the second person to a King.
Jonas was not obedient to GOD'S Call
Till he, both by a Storm, and by a Whale,
Was disciplin'd: And, if I had a thought
My duties were performed as they ought
In any thing, affirmed it should be
That, thereto my Afflictions fitted me:
For, such like Simples, as I am, require
To make them yield forth Oyl, the Press, or Fire,
My Flinty-nature gives not out one spark
To light my self, or others in the dark,
Till knockt with Steel. This knowledge I have gain'd
Of mine own temper, and it is unfain'd.
To be imprison'd, slander'd, or made poor,
Shall therefore, henceforth, frighten me no more,
Nor make me, whilst I live asham'd of either
Of those three Lots, nor of them altogether.
Priests, Prophets, Kings and Saints, yea (whilst abode
He made on earth) the glorious Son of GOD
Was pleased to submit to all of them
(But to the latter two in an extream)
And, with such Company, Ile undergo
My share, and think, I'm thereby honour'd too.

To this effect, much more might here be said,
But, this will be sufficient, if well weigh'd,

Which, I suspect; for, very few men heed,
Or mind, long, what they hear, or what they read.

SLANDER is more Beneficiall than PRAISE.

Who, can express the pain of being stung
With such a fiery Serpent as the TONGUE?
Or, what can cure it, but his being ey'd,
Whom, once, the Brazen Serpent typifi'd?
'Tis far more sharp than Arrows, Darts or Spears;
Down to the heart, it pierces through the ears;
Not only wounds, but frighteth also more
Than murthring Canons, when they loudest roar;
Afflicteth us, whilst here we draw our breath,
And, Gangreeve-like, so spreadeth after death
(Ev'n to posterity upon our Names)
That it destroys the life of honest Fames.

This fury SLANDER, hath been quarter'd long,
In Rotten-Row, and Hart-street, at the Tongue;
Her Magazeens and Forges are all there,
The Shop at which she vents them, is the Ear,
In ev'ry Town and City; and no places
Or persons, her aspersions and disgraces
Can long avoid: For, ev'ry where she scatters
That shot wherewith the Forts of Fame she batters.
So venemous it is, that every touch
Proves mortal, or indangers very much,
And nothing shooteth more impoysoned pellets,
Except it be the flatteries of Prelates.

I must confess, that many years ago
I therewith have been often wounded so

That, very well, content I could have been
To lye down, where I might no more be seen;
And, my stupidity is not, yet, such
As not to feel indignities as much
As any man: But, I have learned how
To change my Sicknesses to Physick, now:
And when the world intendeth me a shame
By retroversion to convert the same
To that, which from bespattrings purifies,
And makes me both her Blame and Praise despise,
No more displeas'd, or pleased therewithall
Than if a whibling Cur, should fawn or bawl.
For, unto those Oppressions, heretofore
And now lay'd on me, whatsoever more
The world shall add; though they a while oppress,
Will, shortly, make them, not alone much less
But, also none at all; and wheel about
Upon her self, as soon as my Turn's out.

Praise, is a pleasing thing, to flesh and blood,
Yet, often doth it much more harm than good;
Puffs up with Pride, ore-weening and vain glory.
Or, with affection to things transitory
Beyond a safe Mean; and makes men suppose
Themselves to be, what ev'ry neighbour knows
They are not; yea, what they themselves do see
They neither are, nor possibly can be.
Whereas, to be without a cause despis'd,
Disprais'd, reproach'd, scoft, jeer'd and scandaliz'd,
An undue self-opinion doth remove
True Meekness and Humility improve;
Brings Constancy and Patience to their tryal,
And, at the last, to such a Self-denial,
As in the close will more contentment give us
Than all, whereof a Slander can deprive us.

The flatteries of his Lords, made Joash stumble,
Reviling speeches, made King David humble,
Good men, by praises, oft, are evil made,
But, by Reproaches harm they never had.

The World, which best is pleas'd with her own baubles
For that false titulary honor scrabbles,
Which is compos'd of aiery Attributes,
Or, which opinion only constitutes:
And, all her happiness, dependant seems
On vulgar approbations and esteems,
Which are, indeed, her Portion: but, to those,
Who can look both beyond, and through the Shows,
That such Toies make, nought therein doth appear
To merit their desire, love, hate or fear:
And, therefore, they respect them, (come, or go)
As Reason them obliges thereunto,
Or, as things, which (if grace divine be granted)
Indifferently, may be possest or wanted;
Make such use as they serve to, whilst they have them,
And yield them, when resum'd, to those who gave them.
For, had external honours in this place,
Been truly more essential than disgrace,
To happiness eternal; CHRIST had waved
The scandals of the Cross; we had been saved
And sanctifi'd should be without those troubles,
Scorns and reproaches, which the world now doubles
And may redouble: yea, in vain had he
A promise made, that they should blessed be
Who in his sufferings do with him partake,
And are reproach'd and slander'd for his sake.

These things consider'd, I am at full rest;
Slanders infringe not my chief interest.
Good or Ill words will me no more concern
When I am dead, than when I was unborn.

And, whilst I live, (as is inferr'd before)
They harm a little, and they profit more.
If Scandals neither mend nor mar my health,
Increase not troubles, nor decrease my wealth,
Save in opinion onely; all those losses
Are cur'd, if my vote, that opinion crosses.
And (prate who list) I will as merry bee
As is a Pye upon a Cherry-tree.
Praise, or dispraises, if so be my heart
Assures, that neither of them by desert
To mee belongs, my own Phanatick brain
Is cause of all, whereof I do complain,
Or take delight in: praise, blame, bless, or curse,
I am no whit the better, or the worse;
And, all men are as much concern'd as I
In what's then spoken, be it Truth, or Lye.

If of a hundred Crimes I guilty were,
All which, as evidently did appear,
As in a cloudless day, the Sun at noon;
The world, but as the spots within the Moon,
Would look upon them, if, for my defence
I have a face well braz'd with impudence;
An Oily Tongue, a Crocodiles moist eye,
Can finde great Friends, bribe, flatter, fawn and lye,
Ore-awe my neighbours, or, my self express
A friend to them, in their licentiousnesse.
But, were I, both in words and deeds, as free
From just reproof, as mortal man may be,
Had I, but one great neighbour, who envies
All men suppos'd more honest, or more wise,
Than hee is thought; therewith a neighbourhood,
Which take delight in nothing that is good;
Abhorring all, as their injurious foes,
Who, them, in their unrighteous waies oppose;
Or, if I be constrained to have dealing,
With such, by some relation, or nigh dwelling,

Who think, there's nothing rational or just,
But, what tends to their profit, or their lust;
It is impossible to scape the wrongs
Of wicked hands, or of malicious tongues:
And, therefore, he, with whom it thus doth fare
Must study patience, how his lot to bear;
And in this case, can look for no defence
But from GODS Justice, and his Innocence,
Which is sufficient unto them that know
What consolations from those fountains flow.

What, is there to be fear'd in Slandrous Tales,
Whether, they shall be either true or false?
A false Report more mischieves those who spread it,
Than harmeth me. If it impairs my credit,
I may recover it again ere long,
And also peradventure, by that wrong
Improve some Vertue, or abate some Pride,
Within my self till that time, unespy'd.
Although hard words, give harder knocks than stones,
And crack our Credits, yet, they break no Bones;
And, if unjustly thrown, by spightful fingers,
They prove most mischievous unto their flingers.
One fault which Conscience findes, afflicts me more
Than twenty slanders, yea than twenty score:
So long as that lyes quietly in me,
I shall not care who my Accusers be;
And, when that shall accuse me (as sometime
It doth) I sue out an Appeal to him
Who straight acquits me; else I must confess
I should as much fear mine own Righteousness
As all my Sins; for, I esteem them both
Alike impure, and as a menstruous cloath.

If I am justly blam'd for things misdone,
Or, for faults wherein I am going on,
It doth by bringing on me shame of face,
Repentance bring, and to that state of Grace

From which I falling was; and stay the course
Which might have drawn me on from bad to worse,
Until, that by habituated sin,
Endless Impenitency had broke in:
Much more, therefore, to these I am a debter
Who speak ill, than to those men who speak better
Than I deserve: And, though that in their ends
They differ, they may be as useful friends
Who speak of me opprobriously, sometimes,
As they, who praise me, or excuse my crimes.

For, I have long observ'd that all Relations,
Nigh or far off (what ever Obligations
Have nearly joyned them, or whatsoere
Their Quarrels, Bonds, or Disobligements are)
Be (for the most part) either friends or foes,
But, as a prosp'rous, or a cross wind blows;
Or, as their inter'st or Expectancy
May be secur'd, or doth at hazzard lye.
The Love or Hatred, which I finde in them,
Differs but in the Measure, or the Time,
Or, in th'Occasions, which have them inclin'd,
To friendliness, or else to be unkinde.
They frown or smile, they praise, or they disgrace,
Destroy and save, and stab, or else imbrace,
Even as the fit which comes upon them, takes them,
And either pleased, or displeased makes them.
Such will their words and deeds be then to thee,
What ere thou art to them, or they to thee.
As bitter Language, I have heard 'twixt those
That were dear Lovers, as 'twixt greatest Foes,
Yea, and more bitter too, in some respects
Considering their Causes and Effects.

A Foes Revilings very sharp appear,
But, when our Friends exasperated are
With, or without Cause given of offence,
There is between them greater difference

(Or at the least, but very little less)
Than tasted is between the bitterness
Of unpeel'd Wallnut-kernels, and strong Gall,
VVhen with our tongues distinguish them we shall.

Moreover, I have sometimes also seen
That, they, who have unto each other been
Most mischievous, so reconcil'd together
(Though little vertue hath appear'd in either)
So kind in words and deeds, for outward ends,
And, so ingaged mutually as friends
In their Concernments, as if they had never
At variance been; but, hearty friends for ever.
VVhich, when I mind, I neither pleasure have
In Praises, nor do slanders me bereave
Of much content, from whom soe're they come,
So long as I finde Innocence at home;
Nor, in my own respect at any time,
So griev'd am I, as otherwhile for them
VVho have mis-censur'd me; because I know
From what distempers usually they flow;
And that the sob'rest and the wisest men
Have some Deliriums on them now and then.
Exception is not alwayes to be took
By what shall by a Friend or Foe be spoke:
For, men in passion, whether they appear.
Pleas'd or displeas'd, speak few things as they are,
Nor alwayes as they think, but, rather say
That, which the passion bearing then chief sway
Transports them to; although a wound it give
To their own souls, which pains them whilst they live.

But, Friends and Foes, both good and ill report,
And all terrestrial things of every sort,
VVill shortly have an end (with me at least.)
The worst, as well as that whereof the best
Esteem I had, will into nothing fly:
My Slanders, and my Slanderers will dye.

At present, therefore them no more I dread
Than if I saw they were already dead;
And, that which dead or living, shall to me
Befall, will equally forgotten be.
By living, I, their scandals may out-live,
And good proofs of my innocency give.
VVhen I am dead, what ever men shall please
To speak or do, it cannot me disease:
And, they who after death do men defame,
Or shall expose their bodies unto shame,
Bring that dishonour which they did intend
To others, on themselves, at latter end:
Yea, make some question, and suspect their merits;
Repute them persons of ignoble spirits;
And, what they hoped should confirm their peace,
Their terrours and their dangers will increase.
Slanders (though poyson in themselves) have been
To me a precious Antidote for sin,
Preventing, not a few times more than one,
That, wherein else perhaps I had mis-done,
(And I, thereby, effects like his have found
Who had a Sickness cured by a wound)
Whereas, contrariwise, a vain Applause
Of sins or follies, are a frequent cause.

I well remember, that, when I was young
(And in both kinds an Object of the Tongue,
As now I am) I reaped, many wayes,
By Slanders, much more profit than by Praise.
For, Praises made me sometimes over-ween,
And (as if no defects in me had been)
Neglect the means, that, supplements might add
To what, I more in Show, than Substance had.
It, likewise, me to envy did expose,
From which great disadvantages arose,
And scandals, without cause: But Grace divine
Cross'd thereby, what the Devil did design:

For, Defamation, so soon was begun,
That, what it charg'd me with, was never done.
That, sin prevented was, and many more
By sending of the Scandal forth before
The Crime was acted; So, into a Blessing
A Curse was turn'd, which merits this confessing;
And also, me obliges, all my dayes,
On all occasions, to give GOD the praise;
For, if, perhaps it had over-flowed then,
The stream had never kept his bounds again.

The scoffs and jeers, cast on me by the Rimes
Of some reputed Poets in these times
Have been my great advantage: for, th'esteem
Which in my youthful dayes I had of them
Had else perhaps, from my simplicity
Drawn me, by their familiarity
To those affected Vanities with which
They have infected fools, and claw'd their itch.
Were I but as ambitious of that name
A POET, as they are, and think I am,
It might a little vex me, when I hear
How often, in their Pamphlets me they jear,
Because, Truth seasonably I convey
To such as need it, in a homely way,
Best pleasing unto those who do not care
To crack hard shells in which no kernels are;
Or for strong Lines, in which is little found,
Save an affected phrase, and empty sound.
But, I do read them with a smiling pitty
To finde them to be wicked, who are witty.
At their Detractions, I do not repine;
Their Poems I esteem as they do mine:
Their Censures, I with sleighting overpass,
Who, like words without sense, wit without grace;
And, better am contented, without cause
To hear their mis-reports, than their Applause.

As also, that, they should by Pantaloons
Admired be, and honour'd by Buffoons.
Yea, as Job said, should they a Book compile
Against me (as they may, and did erewhile)
I would receive it, on my shoulders bear it,
And as a Crown, upon my head would wear it.

My fearlesness of SLANDERS doth not flow
From Ignorance, which hinders me to know
How, I am scandaliz'd: for it appears
In Print, and I have heard it through both ears.
I daily hear what ignominious lyes
Detraction, to defame me doth devise.
I know, whence they proceed; whereto they tend,
In what likewise they possibly may end:
And it would stagger and affright me too,
Unless I knew the worst, all this could do
For, they, who Idolize the Prelacy
Impute to me no less than Blasphemy,
And Sacriledge: And, I may well expect
That, when their hopes have taken full effect,
Though they with me at present, do but dandle,
They then will curse me with Bell, Book and Candle.
How ever, for their persons I will pray:
For, malice hath not mov'd me to gain-say
Their Prelacy; nor hope to get again
What they usurp, and doth to me pertain:
But, meerly conscientiousness of that
Which in my place I vow'd to vindicate.

Some, call me Traytor too; but well I wot,
They do not so beleeve, or know me not.
I never did betray my trust to any,
Though I my self have been betray'd by many.
With Traytors I have numbred beenf orone,
And serv'd their ends, yet I my self was none:
For, if like Absolom they did pretend
To Sacrifice, and had another end,

I went on in simplicity of heart,
And did not from my Principles depart.
If they intended, or committed Treason,
I wronged not my Conscience, or my Reason
By ought mis-done, except it were, perchance,
Through over-sight, or else through Ignorance;
For which, the Plagues now Epidemical,
To me, as unto other men befall.
I never was in any factious Plot,
Nor likely seems it, by what I have got,
That, with them in their Actings, I was one
VVho, thriv'd by those designs they carried on;
Though being subject to the present Law,
I now do suffer, like Jack Fletchers Daw.
But, howsoere, I seem to merit blame
None, to the King, are truer than I am.

Yet, if in Fame, we credit may repose,
I am designed to be one of those,
VVho shall not be vouchsaf'd that Common grace,
VVhich at his Coronation granted was.
GOD's will be done: Perhaps, the King well knows
I need not, what on others he bestows;
Or, to me, singly, will his favour show,
That I his Magnanimity may know;
And, that he will more gracious be to those
VVho, him did not maliciously oppose,
Than they, whom I did serve, were to their friends,
Because they did not serve them, to their ends.
But, if Report hath not divulg'd a Lye,
VVhat, can I lose, or others get thereby?
My whole estate, already is bereft,
And, what will there be found, where's nothing left?
My life, you'l say; Alas! that's little worth,
It hath been wasting, ever since my birth;
And (when it was at best) too poor a thing,
To satisfie the Vengeance of a King.

It will to most men seem ridiculous,
To hear a Lion Rampant, kill'd a Mouse,
Or, see an Eagle stoop down from on high,
To trusse a Titmouse, or a Butterfly.
The dread of such a loss will not come neer me,
For, Age will shortly kill me, though he spare me;
And, when there's no conveniency of living,
Life, neither is worth asking or the giving.

But GOD's intentions, and the hearts of Kings,
Are such inscrutable and hidden things,
That, none can search their bottomes; then much less
Can they be fathom'd by maliciousness.
Their wayes of working their own pleasures out,
Are, many times, by wheeling round about,
By cross and counter-actings, and by those
Which seem'd their own Designments to oppose.
The faithfull'st men, they do expose oft-times
To hazzards; or with such as are for crimes
Condemn'd, they number them; or, prove them by
Desertions, dis-respects, and Poverty;
And, frequently, do fit them for those places
Wherein they best may serve them, by disgraces;
But principally, at those times, wherein,
Hypocrisie, becomes the Reigning-sin.

More things I might insert, which have relations
In this kinde, to my own prevarications,
And, to th'Improvements, which have oft ensu'd
By Scandals, which I then would have eschew'd.
But, my Experiments will work on none,
VVho cannot by their own, be wrought upon.
Consider therefore all ye unto whom
This Writing, by GOD's providence doth come,
VVhat, in your selves and others, you have heeded,
VVhich hath from Slanders, and from Praise proceeded;
And, you shall finde more by the last undone
Than by the former, at least, ten to one.

According to our Proverb, the Bell clinketh
Just so, as in his fancy, the fool thinketh
And, they who flattring praises love to hear,
Immediately, such to themselves appear,
As represented by their Parasite,
Though no more like than Black-swans are to white.

Such Panegyricks I have sometime seen
That, hard to be resolved, it had been,
By him, whose judgement you therein should crave,
Whether, the Panegyrist were more knave
Than he was Fool, for whom, the same was made:
But, of their equal Impudence I had
No doubt at all, when wistly I had heeded
What one gave, tother took, and what succeeded.
For, I have oftentimes observ'd, thereby,
Good Men deprav'd; Great Men, to Tyranny
Incouraged; That, which is due to men
By Natures Law, at first, they seize and then
Those Attributes, at last, intrude upon
That ought to be ascrib'd to GOD alone.
Which evidences, that, Immodest Praise
Is worse than Slander, and a ground-work layes,
Whereon a superstructure may be built,
To sink the Builders, down to shame and guilt.

SLANDERS, and Persecutions of the Tongue
A portion likewise is, which doth belong
Unto the Saints; and sanctifi'd they are
By him, with whom, an individual share
Each must expect; we, do but only sup
At brim, he drunk the bottome of the Cup:
We altogether merited the blame,
He underwent the sorrow and the shame.
False witnesses against him were suborn'd;
His Glory was to his dishonour turn'd;
His nearest friends forsook him, and forswore him,
His foes preferr'd a Murtherer before him;

His Innocency not alone reproaching,
But, likewise most injuriously incroaching
Upon his righteous person, him pursu'd
Till by a shameful death, he death subdu'd,
And breaking from the grave, to Heav'n ascended,
By Angels to Immortal Life attended;
Where, now inthron'd, he Thrones prepared hath
For all, who follow him in that rough path;
And every slander, scorn, reproach and shame,
He suffr'd here, adds glory to his Name.

This is the way, and hath been ever since,
Through which all men must pass, who go from hence
To that Eternity, where shall be worn
The Robes of honour, when the Rags of scorn
Shall off be thrown. On him I fix mine eyes,
And, that, will me enable to despise
Terrestrial shame and honour: That, makes all
My troubles, when at greatest, seem but small.
That, makes me, whilst my Body is confin'd,
Take pleasure, in the freedomes of the Minde;
Not dreading present, or ensuing wrongs,
Of wicked hands, or of malicious tongues.
This Paradox, it helps me to maintain,
That, where the Grace of GOD is not in vain,
More profit, bitterest reproach affords,
Than all the worlds Applauses, and fair words.

Poverty is more profitable than Riches.

Another Black-Guard hath beleagur'd me,
That, seems to be the worst of all the three
For, therewith, whosoever hath to do,
Still is in danger of these other two,

Imprisonment and Slander, who attend
On Poverty unto her latter end.
Yet, whatsoever in her self she seem,
She merits not a total dis-esteem:
For, 'tis an instrument of good and evil,
Oft-times imploy'd against us by the Devil,
And, oft by GOD himself, to such effects
As may prevent the mischief he projects,
By tempting to those manifold abuses
Which Riches being mis-employ'd produces.
There are two sorts of Poverty, that spring
From diffring Roots; effects they likewise bring
Both diffring and alike: for, providence
Maugre all humane wit and diligence,
Makes many poor, and all their industries
Rendreth successeless by Contingencies,
VVhich no man can fore-see, or wholly shun
VVho shall be thereby outwardly undone.
This Poverty, afflicts, at first, as much
As any, but, disparages not such
As bear it well; and though it grieveth many,
(Except by their own fault) destroyes not any.
The other sort, is sordid, vile, and base,
Yet, draws her Pedigree, from such a Race,
As doth in Country, City, and in Court,
Still bear an extraordinary port:
For, by the Fathers, or the Mothers side,
It sprung from Prodigality or Pride,
Or, from Improvidence or Idleness,
And, is indeed, near kin to all Excess,
Though her Alliance, these, now scorn and wave,
Because, that she is ragged, and they brave.
She, at this present time, both against me
And others is employ'd: But, though she be
Made use of by the world; yet, I well know
The World it self abhors her as a foe,

And, with a slavish dreadfulness doth fear her,
On whatsoere occasion, shee comes near her.
Yea, till this Bug-bear, was more known to mee,
I, dreaded her almost as much as shee,
And, did the best I could, to keep her from
That nearness whereunto she now is come.
For, he that would disgrace, and bring us to
That State, which questionless might us undo,
Let him but justly say that wee are poor,
And, to destroy us, hee need say no more.
VVhereas disgrac'd thereby we shall be much
If, we continue to be very rich
Of whatsoever crime or crimes, we stand
Convicted by the known Laws, of this Land.
For, VVealth cannot alone our Pardons buy
And blot out every former Infamy;
But, in a short time also, make us capable
Of Trusts or places that be honourable;
Yea, though they be those places which dispence
To all the people, Law and Conscience;
And marry Ladies (neither nor poor, nor painted)
As if our bloods had with no crimes been tainted.
But, to be poor, implieth every whit,
As if we had nor honesty, nor wit,
And, every thing, which since our lives begun,
VVee honestly, nor prudently have done,
Shall so traduced be as if that nought
Had e're by us, been well done, spoke, or thought.
There, where we have been kindly entertain'd,
A civil usage, hardly shall be daign'd.
There, where we have been honour'd in times past,
Neighbours and Kinsmen will their doors make fast;
Our old familiars will our persons shun,
Like Rats, our Servants from the house will run,
Which, then will be a place of desolation,
And few thenceforth approach our habitation,

But, Serjeants, Shreeves, or Bayliffs (beasts of prey)
That little, which is left, to fetch away:
And, when there doth remain nor sticks nor stones,
Dead or alive, they'l take our Flesh and Bones.

If all I should expresse, that might be said
In this kind, you would think mee still afraid
Of Poverty; and, that which I should speak,
In some, perhaps, would such impressions make
That, they with difficulty would beleeve
What benefits I now thereby receive:
Forbearing therefore, that which I might add
I'le tell what profits may thereby be had;
That, others (who can think I do not lye)
May be no more afraid thereof than I:
That, also, they who thereby grieved are,
May in my Consolations have a share,
To bear those burthens without discontent,
Which are now on them, or seem imminent:
For, little I will mention which was brought
By reading, or by hearsay to my thought;
But, that Philosophy, which Reason teaches,
(Experience hath confirm'd, and GOD's Grace preaches)
Unto my heart; that, it may sympathize
With their hearts, who the same shall not despise:
Which, though exprest in language rude and plain,
Will, peradventure, to good use remain,
When they, who of their Elegancies boast,
Are, with their Kickshaws, in oblivion lost.
When most are also, quite forgot, whom they
Now dream, shall by their Poems, live for aye:
And, when, that, which they despicable deem,
VVith wise, and honest men, shall finde esteem.

In my Restraint, I therefore, do not whine;
At my Reproaches, I do not repine,
Nor murmure at my losses; nor want sense
Of what is in them, which may give offence.

My seeming-friends, I must confess, are fewer,
But, they whom now God gives mee are much truer;
For, these that now I have, I finde more willing
To give a pound, than those to pay a shilling.
Yet, some of these are so poor, that, I'm fain
Them, from their free Donations to restrain,
Because, that of my Sufferings they are grown
More sensible, than they are of their own.
And this, an evidence of that doth give,
VVhich pleaseth better than what I receive;
Since it demonstrates, GOD, hath in this Nation
A people, capable of his compassion.

I am not ignorant how much disgrace
Is thrown on Poverty, nor in what base
Account they are, who, thereby are constrain'd
Meerly, by Charity, to bee maintain'd:
Yet nought ashamed am of that estate
VVhich most so scorn, and so abominate.
For, without loss of honour, men of merit,
This Portion very many times inherit.
Great Consuls, and renowned Generals
(In such an exigent as oft befalls
To very many thousands in this Nation)
Have had relief without dis-reputation
By Common Charity: and, Antient Story
Hath kept memorials of it to their glory.
But, I refer that which I might express
(To take this Blur off) to another place.

To have subsistance by meer Charity
Is, to subsist by GOD, immediately,
And, they are wicked, or, vain fools, at least,
By whom those Exhibitions are disgrac't.
For, very many of GOD's favourites
Have been oft, thereby, from the worlds despights
Preserv'd: yea, to the World, it would appear
If shee would heed it, that, her Minions are

Expos'd to such a Lot, and (without shame)
Have been by Alms preserved as I am:
And, not in those necessities alone,
VVhich by mis-accidents are undergone,
Are they reliev'd; but, very many be
Thereby likewise upheld, in that degree,
VVhich much is honour'd; yea, ev'n to Excesse,
In outward splendor, and vain pompeousnesse.
For, this way, not alone are Monks and Friers
Maintained, with their Abbots and their Priors,
But, even the great Prelates, all their lives,
By Charities abused Donatives;
And, yet as loftily advance their crest
As if they had been Barons born, at least,
Precedency usurping upon those,
By whom, they from obscurity arose.

By most men, Poverty is thought so base,
That, they repute it for the great'st disgrace
VVhich can betide them, by what way soever
It comes; or howsoere they shall indeavour
To keep it off; and think it not their least
Dishonour, when enforced to subsist
By Charity, although it shall be used
VVith thankfulness, and in no wise abused.
And, many seek to turn it to my shame
That I now brought to this condition am.
Yet, what's to mee befallen worse or more
Than to good, wise, and great men heretofore?
Renowned Princes in preceding ages,
Have sought, and had Supplies and Patronages,
From Forein Kings and States, in their distresses
VVithout reprocah: yea, he that now possesses
These three great Kingdomes was by indigence
Constrained (not a very long time since)

By Charity, to be both cloath'd and fed;
To slake his hunger with a poor mans bread,
And, to accept it, not alone from those
Who were his friends, but also from his foes,
(Whose gifts were baits, whose Table was a snare,
And, of whom, if hee do not well beware,
More mischief, and, dishonour will be done him
Than by the Poverty then brought upon him.)
Some other persons also, of great birth,
From place to place have wandr'd through the earth
Maintain'd by the Charity alone,
Sometime by many, and sometimes by one;
And other while, have seem'd so left by all,
That they into great poverty did fall.
Yet n'eretheless, whilst they have Preservation
Retain still in the world some Reputation.
They are meer fools, or worse, who do beleeve
That, more disgrace, than these I can receive
From such an In-come: for (by what I gather
From thence) it is a real honour rather,
That, GOD supplieth (as it were) from Heaven,
When earthly wealth and honours are bereaven.
When Israel had been Captiv'd sev'nty year,
Hee made, even those, by whom inslav'd they were
Them, from their tedious thraldome to redeem,
VVhen there was none to help or pity them.
It was their honour, that their preservation
Should be vouchsafed, so to admiration,
That Nations all, might in all times to come,
By heeding it, consider well, from whom
They must in such like cases aid expect;
And, that, though by a long delay'd effect
They seem forgot, and outward hopes quite past,
There will bee a Deliverer at last,

By whom, those wants for which they have been scorn'd
Shall, to their honour, certainly be turn'd.

What is it more to my Dis-reputation
That GOD provideth for my preservation
By Charity, than 'tis disgrace to those
Who their Estates by Fire or Water lose
And, thereupon the State vouchsafes a Breef,
Whereby to ask, and to receive releef?
Nay, what supply can be so honourable
As that, which from hearts, by hands charitable
Is raised and conferr'd, (unaskt, unsought)
By them, of whom I never heard, or thought?
This way (which without shame I do confess)
GOD hath vouchsaf'd releef in my distress,
To mee, as hee to men in like estate,
Hath done in former times, and now of late.
E're while at Piedmont in their persecutions
Our Brethren hee reliev'd by contributions;
And, should I think it my disgrace can be
That, hee doth for my family and mee
Provide, as for a Nation? I beleeve
It blame deserv'd, if so I should conceive.

Though I had ask'd; what without asking came,
None could impute it justly to my blame
All things consider'd: for, a Publick Score,
Demonstrates, that this Nation owes mee more
Than Food and Rayment; and that, in the fine
My Want, will more be their disgrace than mine.
My beggarly condition, is a Portion
More noble, than Wealth gotten by Extortion,
Bribes, projects, and those cheats whereby some bee
Advanced to great wealth, and high degree,
Thought honourable: yea Benevolences,
And forced Loans, which otherwhile by Princes

Exacted be, much more disgraceful are
Than what my Benefactors do confer;
For, at my need, it giveth mee releef,
And, to the Givers, is no wrong or grief.

I hear that is disgracefully objected
VVhich by my Poverty is now effected:
My house, they say, is desolate become,
And, I confin'd am to a single room;
My wife is of her Dowry quite despoil'd;
I cannot give the portion of a childe
To Son or Daughter, which a while ago
I offred, and was able to bestow:
And, that, where lately we had good respect
Scoffs, flouts and jeers, are added to neglect;
And, though these hardships possibly I may
VVith patience bear, yet, certainly, say they,
These his Relations cannot: yes, they can
And have done, ever since the storm began:
For, we fore-saw it, and we did prepare
A stock of Patience, those events to bear.
My Spouse is CHRIST's Spouse, by a Law Divine,
More his, than she by Humane Law is mine.
Our Children (though the world usurps a power
O're them) are likewise, much more his than our;
And, of her scorn, though she an Object makes them
He neither helpless leaves them, or forsakes them.
He made this Globe, with all that therein is;
All things that are in Heav'n and Earth are his;
VVe know it, and therefore do not despair
That here on Earth; our loss hee will repair,
Or, give us better Portions, where, they never
Shall be impair'd, but injoy'd for ever.
Yea, I am confident, that, if it may
But add unto GOD's glory any way,

Or, make for their Advancement in that path
VVhich, to Eternity, a tendance hath,
He'l either keep them Virgins to attend
The LAMB, when he brings Babel to an end,
Or, marry them ere long, without my cost,
And, give them better Portions than they lost,
Or, at the worst, they shall content be made
VVith (be it more or less) what may be had.
This, without wavering, beleeve I do,
And, others will perhaps, beleeve it too,
VVhen they consider Marriages in Heaven
By GOD himself are made, and Portions given,
In Love and Vertue, without prepossessing
Of any other Medium, but his blessing.

Wealth, in it self, is neither good nor bad,
Nor Poverty, nor takes from, nor doth add
To Happiness Essential, but, as they
Are sanctifi'd, and as our games wee play:
And, of the two, in that, least danger lies,
VVhich we most seek to shun, and most despise.
Wealth, makes men wasteful, dissolute and lazy,
In manners rude, in Mind and Body crazy;
Makes bold-men cowards, Free-men doth inslave;
Many, to lose themselves, their wealth to save.
It so befools them, that Asse-like, some bear
Their golden-load, till, meat for worms they are,
Enjoying no more profit by their Treasure,
Save meerly, an imaginary pleasure
VVhilst here they live; and, as if hope it gave
It would be useful to them in the grave
They hugg it, hoard it, and do lock it fast,
(As long as living breath in them doth last)
Not sensible of any detriment
VVhich they do thereby cause, or might prevent.

And, I beleeve, three Families, for one,
That thereby thrive, by Riches are undone,
Through those debauchments whereto they allure,
Till, soul or bodies ruine, they procure.
Contrariwise, despised Poverty,
Incites to courage, and to industry,
Breaks thraldoms Yoaks; cures often, those diseases
VVhich Luxury ingenders, or increases;
For, 'tis an Antidote against the Gout,
And helps to purge all those ill humours out,
That, send men to their graves, by an excess
Either in gluttony, or drunkenness.
Exorbitant desires it doth restrain,
An empty belly makes a witful brain:
A crosseless purse, to him small danger brings
VVho bears it; for, before the Theef hee sings.
And, when he dies, that which makes those men sad,
VVho, whilst they liv'd, things in abundance had,
Afflicts not him that's poor; for he's depriv'd
Of nought, but what opprest him whilst he liv'd.
A very poor man also, scapes their fates,
VVho are belov'd, or hang'd for their Estates,
And, some at this time, (I beleeve) will judge
The last of these, to be a priviledge.
Though many, not a little do rejoyce
In that rude, loud, and everlasting noise
VVhich, in most rich mens houses you shall hear,
VVhere every Room is made a thorow-fare;
Or, where, so many servants help to do
Their works, as make one Bus'ness, more than two;
VVhere, for each man who faithfully obeyes him,
The Master feeds another, who betrayes him
And, thrice as many, who, by night or day
Do steal, perhaps, or spoil, or waste away

More (oftentimes) than would the charges bear
Of paying twice their wages, for that year:
Though many like this; 'tis to me an ease
That Poverty hath freed me quite from these.
I, now, finde much more joy, than in much pelf,
That, I have learned how to serve my self;
To brush my Cloak, my garments to unloose,
Put on and off, my stockings and my shooes,
And, that, without my Servants, I can bee
As well content, as they are without mee;
I know both how to want, and to abound;
And much more pleasure, I, in this have found,
Than in choyce meats, that in a time of need,
On bread alone, I savourly can feed,
Or; on as scanty, and as homely fare
(In my old age) as men that poorest are:
Yet, be both more in health, and no lesse able,
Than when GOD gave a fully furnish'd table,
With meat so well cook't, that it did invite
At every meal, a double-Appetite.
And, I, whose worst apparel us'd to be
As good as any mans of my degree,
Can in those garments, without shame, appear
Which, I, but lately was asham'd to wear;
Unto which confidence, till want had brought mee,
Philosophy, that lesson never taught mee.

I, must likewise, ingenuously confess
That, my distractions have been ten times less
Since I had nothing left, than whil'st I had
VVhat, in opinion, mee a rich man made:
And, this is gain'd by losing what is gone,
That, now, 'twixt having Wealth, and having none,
I know the difference to be so small,
That, upon neither of them, dote I shall:

For, as much certainty, I do perceive
In that uncertainty, at which I live
As is in any temporal estate
Of Goods or Lands (especially of late)
Now, therefore, I desire not to be Rich,
Or to be Poor, because (not knowing which
Will best advantage mee) I to his pleasure
Have left it, who, knows what Estate, and Measure
Of Wealth and Poverty, best fit mee shall
To do that, whereto hee vouchsafes a Call.
I neither Wealth nor Poverty will chuse;
Nor, which soere he gives will I refuse.

But, most men would have somewhat of their
As if supplies by Charity bestown,
Would sooner fail them; yea, although their Father own,
Well cloaths and feeds them, they desire much rather
To finger their whole Portion, that they might
Pursue their own desires, out of his sight.
Some other, altogether do rely
On their own prudence, and self-industry,
And, of Contingencies, are so afraid
That, thus within themselves their hearts have said;
We possibly, into such wants may fall,
And, so deserted likewise be of all
By whom we have been harbour'd, cloath'd and fed,
(Some of them being ruin'd, and some dead)
That, unless wee can some Reserve provide,
Whereby, what e're haps, wee may be supply'd,
Wee may become exceeding miserable;
Especially, if us to dis-enable,
Old Age, Restraint, and Sickness should increase,
And, to Necessities, add Helplessness.
Should this befall (as possibly it may)
Our Poverty would be too great, they'l say,

VVith patience to be born: Alas! poor men,
I'le grant all this may happen: but, what then?
Did ever you yet know, or see, or hear,
That Lands or goods freed any from this fear?
If not, how can you hope to bring to pass
That, which by no man, yet effected was?
Have you not still a GOD? and, is not hee,
A Refuge, though all other failing be?
Your Trust was never plac'd on him alone,
If him, you cannot trust, when all is gone.
VVhile somewhat's left, whereby subsist we may,
As David said, wee boast of him all day,
But, bee assur'd, that e're from hence yee go,
Hee'l make proof, whether it be thus or no.
Him, and our own Cause, wee do much mistake,
VVhen 'tis at best, the same at worst, wee make,
And, so much on his Gifts our hearts are set,
That, him, who did bestow them, we forget.
To GOD, be therefore, praise, who, by this trial
Gives mee both proof and means of Self-denial.

I, am as worthless as the worst of you,
I, nothing know by mine own merits due,
But, that which now I suffer, and much worse,
(The wages of an everlasting curse)
My frailties are as great, my sins as many
As yours; worse than my self I know not any,
Though some so seem: and, yet, GOD's promises
Make way through all these disadvantages,
So well to know him, that I do beleeve
My trust in him, hee never will deceive;
And, that it would for my advantage be
If all that may be fear'd, should fall on mee.
VVere that condition (as it may bee) mine,
I, then, should have no more cause to repine

Than any other man, who to the doom
Of Death submitteth, when his time is come:
For, he who feels this day nor want nor sorrow,
May be in worse estate than I to morrow.

So long, as I, have any work to do,
I shall have what is needfull thereunto.
And when 'tis at an end, no matter whether
The stroke of Death shall be received, either
By Axe or Halter, (so I merit not,
What is by Law the Malefactors Lot.)
Or, starving, or, by one of those diseases
Which, ordinarily, the body ceizes.
For, that shame, which men fear, whilst they have breath
By suffring, what they count a shameful death
Is shar'd among mankind, and every one
Bears part thereof with mee, when I am gone.
And, whilst I live, what e're can suffred be,
May fall as well to any, as to mee.
Upon my death-bed, or, upon a Rack,
When flesh and bones, and all my sinews crack,
I may be therewithall, as blithe and frolick,
As, when a burning Feaver, or, the Collick
Age, or Consumptions, or the Pestilence
Shall be the means to carry mee from hence.
The pains of these, are oftentimes as strong,
They do continue ev'ry whit, as long;
And, at a Rich mans door, a Lazar dies
Sometimes as easily, as he that lyes
Upon a bed of Down, and who till death
All necessaries in abundance hath.
This, being well observ'd, it may appear
That, we are fooled with false hope, or fear,
When we shall dream to be secured more
From all events, by being rich, than poor,

Or, that, there any state on earth can be,
VVhich may not have the same Catastrophe.

VVhen GOD vouchsafes to make mens Poverties
To glorifie him, he doth send supplies,
Ev'n by unlikely means; and makes that nourish
VVhereby, they, who are fed with dainties perish.
Them, on whom Tyrants no compassion have,
He, in the fiery furnaces can save;
When they are cast into a Lions den,
He maketh beasts more merciful than men.
He, (when to manifest his Power Divine
It pleaseth him) turns Water into Wine
Which, at a poor mans wedding once was done
More to his honour, than when Conduits run
With Sack and Claret; which magnificence
Adds honour to the marriage of a Prince.
He, when men hungring after Righteousness
Wait on him in a hungry Wilderness,
Feeds thousands with a few loaves, and two fishes,
As full, as if they had ten thousand dishes.
The bottome of a Barrel, and a Cruse
Shall Meal and Oyl sufficiently produce,
To keep a family in time of Dearth,
Until he sends a Plenty upon earth.
He, when the Creditor, for payment asks
(With rigor) doth fill many empty Casks,
Out of one pot of Oyle, until there be
A competence, to set the Debter free,
And, for his livelihood, in time to come.
Yea, by devourers, he doth nourish some:
For, daily, that Elias might be fed
The Ravens brought unto him flesh and bread.

This hath been; and some things I can aver
Of this kind, in mine own particular.

Once, twice, nay, oftner I have been distrest
As, I now am; and three times at the least,
Have had repair vouchsafed mee by GOD,
In such an extraordinary mode,
That, many did admire, at my supply;
As very well they might; for, so did I.
And, when it seasonably may be shown,
The manner of it will perhaps be known.

At, this time, that, which many did suppose
Would mee, ere now, have ruin'd; on my foes
Hath cast a bridle, and will keep mee from
What they intend, until my hour is come;
And, peradventure, then, restrain them too,
From acting all, that they intend to do.
That, which both my Estate and Reputation
Should have destroyed, is my preservation
Another away; and an advantage brings,
In better and more profitable things.
For, Slanders, gain mee credit; that, doth glad mee
Which was intended to deject and sad mee;
That, which pursued, is, to make mee poor
Makes my wants less, and my contentments more.
And, as if GOD had purpos'd to bestow
A sign upon mee, plainly to fore-show
That, those Afflictions, and abhorred places,
Which add to others, torments and disgraces,
Should comfort mee, when common comforts fail,
NEWGATE, suppos'd an ignomineous Jaile
To mee, hath (as it were a Patroness)
Contributed releef in my distress,
Perhaps, from some of them, whose pressures were
Either as great, or greater, than, mine are:
Which (as I am obliged) to GOD's praise
I do, and shall acknowledge all my daies

To be an action, which doth signifie
A greater Mercy, than that bare supply;
For, it informs, and well assureth mee
A Prison, shall no dammage bring to mee,
And, that those places, which, make many poor,
Will make mee richer than I was before.
These things, I thus express, that others may
Perswaded be, I do not write or say
What I have read or heard, or whereof I
Have no more in mee, save the Theory;
And, knowing, this, which into words I spin
Flows forth from what is really, within,
And, by experience learn'd, it might effect
That operation which I do expect.

Most men, suppose them signs they are beloved
Of GOD, and all their waies by him approved,
(How negligent soe're of his commands)
When outward things do prosper in their hands.
They count them marks of his especial Grace
If their Cows casts not Calf; if he doth bless
Their Oxen; if their flocks of Sheep increase;
If none doth in their persons them oppress;
If their new-purchas'd Titles be made good;
If, by their Trades and Rents, they to their Brood
May leave great Portions; if, they may at Court
Finde favour; and, if blessings of this sort
Be multiply'd upon them, they suppose
God is their Friend, and foe unto their foes.
Indeed, these, blessings are; But signs to mee
Of GOD's especial Grace, these, rather be;
That, when of Land and Goods I am bereft,
And, no external comfort seemeth left,
I can depend on him, and be more glad,
In his love, than in all that e're I had:

That, I am freely justifi'd by him
In that, for which the world doth mee condemn:
That, I perceive, he deigneth mee releef,
By that, which usually augmenteth grief;
And, that, when most inrag'd oppressors are,
Of their displeasure, I am least in fear:
That, things which threaten troubles to prolong
(Till they are helpless) make my faith more strong,
My fear as little, whilst the Fight doth last,
As at the Triumph, when all danger's past;
And, that, their waies, who do most malice mee,
Neither the waies of GOD, or good men be.

These things, are of GOD's love a truer sign
Than an increase of Corn, of Oyl and Wine,
And, I do smile to think, how like poor slaves
They will e're long, sneak down into their graves,
Who, make false boast of GOD, when they with shame
Shall know, that, by their spight I better'd am.
And, when my Country hears the next Age tell
How, mee they us'd, who alwaies lov'd it well;
What, better men have suffer'd; what, in vain
Was said; what done, undone, and done again;
How, Truth's bely'd; how Lies upheld for Truth;
How much the heart dissented from the mouth;
Their Deeds from what they seem to think and say;
And, how, at fast and loose, we now do play;
It will be thought, perhaps, this Generation
Had lost Faith, Reason, Justice, and Compassion,
And, they, who shall by strict examination,
Search out the cause of this prevarication
Will finde an hypocritical Devotion
Sprung from the love of Riches and Promotion,
(Dis-robing Piety of her plain Dresse,
To be dis-figur'd with that pompousness

Which is affected by the Man of Sin)
Of all that is amiss, chief cause hath been.

I must not scribble all that might be pend
Upon this Subject, lest I more offend
Than profit, or, lest, for want of speed,
Be hindred, in my purpose to proceed.
But, one more Argument, I'le therefore add
Whereby, it out of question may be made,
That, to be very Rich, indangers more
A real Happiness, than to be poor;
And, prov'd it shall be by a Demonstration,
That, will admit no future confutation.
Because, it shews that Wealth hath not alone
More hurt to many single persons done
Than Poverty, but, also to the Race
Of all mankind; and unto GOD's Free-Grace
Injurious been; dishonour brought to CHRIST,
And, set up his opposers Interest.
Observe, it, for, I, nothing will alledge
But, that, whereof, the meanest wit may judge.

I need not tell you, wee more easily
May drive a Camel through a needles eye,
Or, thread it with a Cable, than, to heaven
Rich men ascend, or thither may be driven.
For, most have heard, he spake to that effect
Whose judgement none have reason to suspect;
Yet, I will shew to you what way he went,
And how, by his example to prevent
That difficulty; For, he did not say,
One thing to us, and walk another way
As many do, and did, who would be thought
To follow him, and teach us what he taught.
In plain expression I will let you see
Who, those Impostors and Apostates be

Who speak sometimes his words, and do profess
His Truth, yet are in practice nothing less.

CHRIST, knowing well, that, Avarice, Ambition,
Wealth and Preferments ripen to perdition,
And, that, they so insensibly deprave
The best and wisest men, if way they give
To their Allurements; that, although he were
The Son of GOD, and needed not to fear
The frailties of his flesh, he, to the Law
Conformed, and preserved it in awe
By true obedience; mortifi'd that nature
Which he assumed from the Humane-creature,
Both by an unconstrain'd Humility,
And, by a voluntary Poverty:
And, did for our example, and our sake
Forbear, of things indifferent to partake,
Lest, we, who know not how aright to use
Our Liberty, things lawful might abuse
By taking that for food, which was provided
For Physick rather, when a Cure we needed.

When, first, from Heav'n he came (though Lord of all
In Heav'n and Earth he was) within a stall
He took up his first Lodging; passed on
Throughout his Childe-hood, as he had begun;
And, to the world, no better did appear
Than Son to Joseph, a poor Carpenter.
When to mans age he came (for ought we know)
He liv'd by labour, as such poor men do.
And, when he did begin to manifest
Himself to be the Saviour JESUS CHRIST,
His Royalty was furnish'd out no more
With Earthly Riches, than it was before;
He had nor Lands, nor Goods, to finde him bread,
Nor any House, wherein to rest his head.

He had, for what was needful, no supplies
But, pious men and womens Charities.
Poor despicable Fisher-men (or such)
And, those, who neither Noble were, nor Rich
He chose for his Disciples; and when these
He sent abroad on his Ambassages,
They were forbidden either to take care
Wherewith they might be fed, or what to wear,
Or, mony to provide for their expence,
But, leave those things unto GOD's providence.
To them his Gospel-principles he gave,
And, taught them how themselves they should behave
In their Discipleship, both where neglect
They found, and also where they had respect.
He them injoyned, to be meek and humble,
And, as the likeli'st block to make them stumble
Warn'd, to Precedency, not to aspire,
Or any Lordly Attributes desire:
For, his Disciples in their low'st condition
Began to be infected with Ambition.
The Sons of Zebede, when they were poor,
Were tainted therewithall; And, how much more
It doth deprave men when they wealthy grow
CHRIST did fore-see, and we have liv'd to know
By that, wherein the Prelacy hath varied
From his Example; and, by him who carried
The Bag in his time, we have learned too,
What Avarice may make a Bishop do.

Moreover, when by publick Acclamation
CHRIST had a visible inauguration
Into that Kingdome, whereto he was born,
No rich or Royal Robes by him were worn;
Nor sought he to be honour'd with such things
As are affected by terrestrial Kings,

But, meekly, through Jerusalem did pass
Not on a barbed Steed, but, on an Asse,
(Which none had backt before) & which nor Pad,
Nor saddle, trappings, or a foot-cloth had,
Save what the people on his back had thrown,
And, to that purpose taken from their own.
When he was crown'd, no golden Crown he wore
Lin'd with soft Fur, but, one much worse than poor:
A Wreath of Thorns, he wore upon his head;
He, had no better Scepter than a Reed;
A Purple Robe, was cast on him in scorn,
To be at that sad Coronation worn.
For him, there was prepar'd no other Throne,
Except a Cross, to be advanc'd upon.
Nor Fun'ral Rites, nor Monument, nor Grave,
Had he when dead, but, what some lent or gave.
Thus, poorly was his Kingdome here begun;
Thus, his Affairs of State were carried on.
So long, as he a life on earth retaind,
Like no terrestriall Monarch, here he reign'd;
But, glorifi'd his Kingdom in this mode:
And, when that he ascended up to GOD,
Hee, by his Holy Spirit, so did minde,
(And so inspire those whom he left behinde)
To propagate the same, that they pursu'd
The Discipline and Paterne, which he shew'd.
From SATANS Kingdoms, to distinguish it
He added whatsoever did befit
A Righteous Government, in every thing
Which might advance the Throne of such a King,
Without those Baubles which do more oppress
Their Subjects, than promote the Common Peace.
To this end, and preserve with purity
The Church and Saints in their integrity,

They left behinde them precepts, counsels, cautions,
And, many (not ambiguous) declarations,
Both to inform us of the mind of CHRIST,
And, of the wiles of that great Antichrist
Which was to come, and should foundations lay
To set a Kingdome up, another way;
That, might (if possible) be thought to be
CHRIST's Kingdome, as now thousands live to see
The world reputes what they erected have,
And, with her Ornaments, made rich and brave.

Moreover, that CHRIST's Vineyard and Cornfield,
Might fruits both nourishing and pleasant yeeld,
No needful diligence, at first was wanting,
In digging, dressing, sowing, or in planting;
Or, so to beautifie it, that none might
Despise it, or not therein take delight.
And, that, none should by Pride, or Avarice
Intrude upon their Brethrens Legacies,
They, truly, his Last Tstament recorded;
The same into a Gospel-Law they worded,
Which hath sufficiency, without additions
By humane policies, or new Traditions,
To constitute his Kingdome, and prevent
Prevarications, by mis-government.

To bar out Innovations, they by Deed
Confirmed, what they had in words decreed.
From no true principles of Faith they swerved,
Devotions reverence they well preserved,
Without new-fangles, and those trincketings,
Which Superstition to adorn it brings.
The Sacrament (by which the death of Christ
Should be remembred) they made not the Test
Of things, no way relating to that end,
For which, that Mystery he did intend,

Or, rendring, what should be by his intention,
The Band of Love, a means to breed dissention:
Nor was the Bread, or Wine, then Idoliz'd;
But, that Love-feast, was duly solemniz'd,
In decency, without vain pomp of State;
Altars, Court-cubbord like, beset with Plate;
Waxe-lights at noon, in Silver-Candlesticks,
Or, any other of those needless tricks,
Which were first introduced, in those daies
When Wooden-Priests, got silver Chalices,
They us'd no superstitious Adorations,
Cringings, ridiculous gesticulations,
Or mimick Actions: nor these, or those, postures
Of Body; neither places, times, or vestures,
Were so essential made, or necessary
To holy Duties, that, none ought to vary
From those Formalities: nor, painted walls,
Nor Pictures had they, Surplices, nor Palls,
Chimers, hoods, Rochets, nor rich Copes, nor Tippets,
Nor was their Service cut out into sippets,
For, such toyes (then unknown) did not begin
Till Antichrist arose and brought them in;
And, till with Wealth and Dignities inricht
The Presbyters, and Bishops were bewitcht.

To have prevented this (as I have said)
A good Foundation CHRIST himself had laid,
And, at the first, that Structure was begun,
Which, he intended should be built thereon.
Such as were then, by sacred Ordination,
Call'd Bishops, watchful were, and took occasion
From ev'ry slip, to travel, preach, and write,
That, errours and mis-deeds prevent they might.
As soon as Demas and Diotrephes,
With such like, were observed in their daies

To innovate, and labour to begin
That Prelacy which, afterward crept in,
They so oppos'd it, that, till from his chain,
The Devil (then confin'd) was loos'd again,
None could set up what a faction begun,
Though many were then working thereupon;
For, CHRIST's Apostles, and their true successors
(In spight of Innovators, of Oppressors
And Hereticks) by that simplicity
Of Truth, which was profest in Poverty,
Did so distinguish it, from what by those
Advanc'd would be, when Antichrist arose,
That, they inviolate maintaind thereby
Her honour, and her native purity,
Without that carnal Pomp, and costly Pride
With wch, the STRUMPET, now seems glorifi'd.
And wherewith, shee hath half the word inchanted,
Since Heathenish Deities, were first supplanted.

That Miracle, was wrought by GOD, through them
Whose Poverty the world did then contemn:
Ev'n when their Worshippers were in full power,
And, when inrag'd at height, sought to devour
Their scorn'd Opposers, they withall that odds
Were not then able to support their Gods.
But, when the Saints were as distrest and poor,
As they, who seek their bread from door to door,
When, they broke through a tenfold persecution,
To put their Masters will in execution;
When in despised habits through each Nation
They preach'd the blessed means of our salvation;
Were counted Fools, and as much dis-esteem'd
As any, who are now Phanaticks deem'd;
When, they had neither Academick Halls,
Schools, Colledges, or sumptuous Cathedrals,

Nor Universities, nor Deans, nor Doctors,
Prebends, Archdeacons, Chancellours or Proctors,
Nor Rents, nor Tythes, nor Pensions, nor Oblations,
Excepting onely good mens free-donations;
When they, nor Bishops had, nor Presbyters,
Save, such as holy Scripture characters,
(Who claimed no Precedence, or Submission,
From those, authoriz'd by the same Commission;
When, they were meek and lowly, in their places,
Poor in their Temporalties, and rich in Graces;
When, they (as necessary to salvation)
On no man, did impose an Observation
Of daies, times, forms, or Ceremonious Rite,
But, as to edifying, tend it might;
And, left them to be practis'd, or omitted,
As, either they might, or might not be fitted
To holy Duties, without just offences,
To other mens, or their own consciences:
(In which case, none that hath Sobriety,
Will bar another of his Liberty.)
When Pastors medled not at all, or little,
With Soveraigns, whether they themselves, or Title
Were good or bad; excepting in those cases
Which did concern the duties of their places;
But, in the fear of GOD, obedient were
To that Power, which did visibly appear
Impowered to protect them (whilst it stood
With that obedience, which they owe to GOD;
And, did by suffring, render satisfaction,
For what they dared not perform in action.)
When, Emperours nor Kings did them esteem,
Nor flatter'd were, or fawn'd upon, by them;
Ev'n then by these, mens Doctrines and Examples,
Were all the Gentiles great and glorious Temples

Throughout the world destroy'd: their Superstitions
(From which New Rome retrived her Traditions)
Were then by those expell'd: Their Oracles,
Then silenc'd were; Their jugling Miracles
Were prov'd Impostures: Then, the Sophistries
Of those whom former ages thought most wise,
Were found but fallacies; their wisdome folly;
Unsound their Manners, their beleef unholy;
Their books of Curious Arts, whereby great fame
They had acquir'd, were cast into the flame;
And, then, their Flamins, and Archflamins too,
(Who domineered as the Prelates do)
Were (as these, in the time appointed shall)
Brought to those dooms, which on Impostors fall.

The Worship also, wherewithall the Jews,
The worlds credulity sought to abuse,
As well as her Philosophy, was foil'd
At their own weapons; of that glory spoil'd
Whereof they boasted; and all this was done,
Without the Outward Pomp, now doted on.
And, if the Prelates, can with all the glory,
Which they have gotten by things Transitory,
And, by the help of all the Kings on earth,
To such another Miracle give birth,
Ile think, that they as great Impostors are,
As Jannes, and as Jambres long since, were;
Yet, still beleeve, that, maugre all their power,
The Rods of these, will their charm'd Rods devour.

That, which the Prelates take to be a sign
Of Sanctity, the most becoming shrine
Of sacred Piety, and true Devotion,
I mean, that Pomp, whereby (for self promotion)
They seek to trim and paint it, forth hath brought
(Compar'd to this) not any thing worth ought

But meer contempt: for, by the zeal of those,
Who, made such poor, and despicable shows,
More honour to the Church of Christ is done,
Than all their wealth and honours, have thereon
Conferr'd, in more than fifteen hundred years,
By all their great and potent Favourers.
They, whom the Churches Poverty brought forth,
Though poor externally, had inward worth;
Good life was practis'd, sacred Truth profest
Religion, with sincerity imbrac't,
In her poor Dress, by many an humble Saint,
Without the fucus of a Whorish paint;
And, till men leaving their plain sober way,
Sought by external wealth, to make her gay,
The Church, in Piety, did still increase
Though outward persecutions did not cease.

But, what hath followed since her Poverties,
Are chang'd for temporal wealth and dignities?
Since Princely Prelates sought for carnal things,
Had learn'd to flatter Emperours and Kings,
And, cheat them with a seeming Loyalty,
Made credible by fained Piety?
Since they, an Ambodexters part could play,
Had got two Masters, and a double pay,
Topt wreathes Imperial with a Triple crown,
Made Rebels Martyrs, trod Allegiance down
And, had on so much wealth and honour ceas'd,
That they could turn the scale wch way they pleas'd,
What, hath e're since that time, proceeded thence
But, products of Destructive consequence?
And those Confusions, for which (withont shame)
Some, to the Saints of GOD, impute the blame,
As heretofore, the Heathen Tyrants did
To them, whose blood they innocently shed?

And, though that in their publick declamations,
(As also, in their private exultations)
The Prelates, to a joy transported seem,
Like (as they say themselves) men in a dream,
To see that Wealth, and Pomp restor'd again,
Whereof, small hope they did erewhile retain;
Though, of a golden Hierarchie dreaming,
They (still the Poverty of CHRIST blaspheming)
Do think, the Angels are as glad as they
Of that, wherein they triumph at this day;
And, say (which I conceive to be a lye)
That, they, could well content have been to dye,
The next day after they restor'd had been
To that condition, which they now are in;
Yet, I beleeve, it will not, in the cloze,
Make them so happy, as they now suppose;
Or, give much cause unto this Generation,
To be well pleased in their restauration.

For, to these Nations, or unto our King,
What, can I think, these golden Calves will bring
Save, at the last, what followed upon that,
Which Jeroboams policy of State
Produc'd in Isr'el, when he (as it were
In spight of GOD) set golden Calves up there?
And, his Successors walkt on in that way,
VVhat er'e those Prophets, from thenceforth, could say
VVhom GOD, in Justice, or in Mercy, sent
Their threatned desolation to prevent?
VVhat, is more likely, if th'abominations
Of, almost ev'ry Good-man, in these Nations
Shall be indulg'd? (and, though it ever since
It first begun, produc'd nought but offence?)
For, Observation daily finds it plain,
That, fear of losses, or the hope of gain,

Or, of Promotion, will root out apace
The feeds and plants, of Piety and Grace.
And, since, already, it so multiplies
Apostates, and augments Hypocrisies,
What can be thought, but, that, those daies, we see
Wherein, th'Elect shall hardly saved be,
Unless GOD shorten them? for, whatsoere
Men say, or do, they fall into a snare;
And, those Deceivers, whereof last I spoke,
To blinde mens eyes, have raised such a smoak,
That, few, know which way safely turn they may;
Or, what to think, beleeve, hope, do, or say.

Such Histories, as are approv'd by those,
Who never did the Prelacy oppose,
Affirm, that when the Churches Augmentation
Of wealth and honour, by the free donation
Of Constantine, was first on them conferr'd,
A voice, was in the Air distinctly heard,
Which did these words, articulately say,
Into the Church is poison pour'd this day:
And, thereupon, that, quickly did ensue,
Which, manifests the Saying to he true:
For, they, who read Historical Relations,
Of what hath been in former Generations,
(As also, in their times) discreetly heeding
What, their Experience addeth to their reading,
Will finde, that, here, and, almost ev'ry where,
The Prelates cause of many mischieves were.
Yea, that the greatest troubles on the earth,
Sprung indirectly, or directly, forth
From their Ambition, Avarice and Pride,
When Gold and Silver they had multipli'd.

How many troubles, have been here of late
Occasion'd by what they did innovate?

How many thousand Families undone
In these three Kingdomes are, since they begun,
Those Whimzies, which the prime occasion were
Of all the Civil Wars and discords here?
And, what more will ensue, GOD only knows,
For, wee, already see ill boding shows.
Their Avarice, and matchless greediness,
Of hoarding Treasure up, to an excess
At such a time as this, wherein the State
Is straitned; (and when much it doth abate
That, Trading, whereby, our necessities
Publick, and Private, should have their supplies)
Produceth ill effects; and how by these
Both in their Civil Peace, and Consciences,
Men may disturbed be, there's cause of fear,
By what in their deportments doth appear.
And, I observ'd this (which Ile now record)
That, when they first begun to be restor'd,
With them, return'd (God grant there come no worse)
May-poles, Maid-marian, & the hobby-horse,
Beside, some other heathenish Prophanations,
Maugre the Kings late pious Proclamations.

It would fill many volumes to collect
What Prelacy did heretofore effect;
How troublesome in other Common-weals,
And Kingdomes, it hath to GOD's Israels,
And, other people been: how oft have they
Endeavoured their Soveraigns to betray,
Unto the See of Rome? how oft, to bring
The People into bondage to their King,
That, when their purpose they had wrought on him
Both King and people, might be slaves to them?
How insolent and impudent a power,
Was then usurped when an Emperour

Did hold the Stirrup? when an English king
They to so great a slavery did bring,
(And foolery to boot) as to decline
His Royal Person, at Tom Beckets shrine?
Do pennance there, and be so much befoold,
That, school-boy-like, he was with Rods there school'd,
By Canterbury Monks? when, he, that trod
Upon his Leige Lords neck (blaspheming GOD)
That piece of scripture, to himself applide
Which could in none, but CHRIST, be verifide?
Intolerable was his arrogance,
But, such are oft effects of their advance;
And, thus, have Kings and Emperors been rewarded,
Who, their lean Gammons, had with fat inlarded.

These, are the blessed and the holy fruits,
Of their great wealth, and Lordly Attributes;
Yet, these are not the worst; for Kings and Princes,
Were not alone by Prelates insolencies,
Abus'd like other men, in what relates
Unto their lives, their honours and estates;
But, GOD, is also, thrust out of his Throne:
Ev'n his Peculiars are usurp'd upon;
And, such Intrusions are now made, by these
Upon mens Faiths, and on their Consciences,
That, they make many Proslites for the Devil,
Expose them to an everlasting evil,
And, causes are of mischiefs and offence,
VVhich all the world can never recompence:
For, Bonds they lay, where GOD doth none impose;
Unbinde, from what he never will unlose;
And, whatsoere he speaks, his words, by these,
Are made to mean, what ever they shall please.

But, let the Saints in patience persevere;
For, though these arrogantly domineer,

And in their hopes grow every day more strong,
Their time of standing, will not now be long:
The Kings, who with the Cup of Fornications
Have been made Drunk, for many Generations,
Will at the last grow sober, or else mad,
To see what power on them, these Juglers had,
And, help to bring that fatal Judgement on,
Which must reward them for what they have done.
Great Babylon it self, will shortly fall,
And, they shall have their Portion therewithall.

To do us harm, they had not been so able,
If in those Principles, men had been stable
Which constitute CHRIST's Church; nor to assist
As they have done, the Throne of Antichrist.
Had these been still content to seek no more
(As Bishops were in ages heretofore)
Than might supply things needful in their place,
For Nature to promote the works of Grace,
(Nor stretched their Precedency ought further,
Than did conduce to Decency, and Order)
It had not such ill consequents produc'd:
And, could they but, yet, timely be reduc'd,
To that Bound; Discords, would ere long be ended,
And, much, that is amiss would be amended.

(GOD Bless the King, and open so his eyes,
That, he may see in what his safetie lies;
And prosper mee, as I desire hee may
Walke and continue, in that blessed way,
Which truly to his glory doth redound;
Whom he so kind, and merciful hath found.
My prayers are, that GOD would make him strong
Against the Charms of every glosing Tongue;
In Grace and Vertues, daily so improve him,
That, GOD and Men, for ever more may love him;

And, that, I may finde favour in his sight,
According as I am in heart, upright:
For, whatsoever, hee shall bee to mee;
To him, I'm true, and so will ever be.
GOD, pardon all that I have done amiss,
And, so, I finish this Parenthesis.)

Here, I have shown you, by plain demonstration,
Which (as I said) admits no confutation,
That, Poverty (though much despis'd) is better
Than Riches; and, that, I thereto am debter
Much more, for what concerns my happiness,
Than, by what can be got by an excess
In Wealth and Honour: And, what's here rehearst,
Will bee approv'd, when Synods have reverst
Their Votes; and be by Wisest men upheld
VVhen Acts of Parliament shall be repeal'd,
That, were confirm'd, by Commons, Lords & King,
VVhen, GOD, shall to effect, his purpose bring,
And, those men to their wits, who, little heeded,
VVhat, would ensue that, wherein they proceeded.
Now I have done. If this you can beleeve,
And, GOD, his blessing thereunto shall give,
I have what, I desired for my paine;
And, what's here writ, shall not be writ in vain:
for, all that's in my words, is in my heart,
In every circumstance, and every part.
Perhaps, this despicable Barly-cake,
May tumble, till a fatal breach it make
Into the Tents of Midian: but, thereon
VVhat ere else follows, let GOD's will be done.
Though no man living, should the same regard,
A good work, to it self gives full reward;
And, there is nothing, that can make it less,
Than what it is, or, bar it from increase:

For, though such Accidents, may oft befall,
As, that, it will not so appear to all,
Nor Poverty, Imprisonment, Disgrace,
Life, death, good, bad condition, time nor place,
Praises, Privations, nor ought that hath name,
Makes real Vertue, not to be the same.

Glory be to GOD.

A Word on the behalf of Mr. Zachary Crofton Prisoner in the Tower.

Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye the same unto them; for this is the Law and the Prophets, Matth. 7. 12.

Since all men erre, and one way, or another,
Occasion what mis-happens to each other,
I cannot but be sensible of that,
Which may bee mine, and ev'ry mans estate.
CROFTON's a Prisoner, and, some say, must dye;
Yet, I, from none, can learn the reason why.
If his declaring for the COVENANT,
Be all his Crime, a reason I shall want,
To satisfie mee, by what Law wee shall
Conclude that his Offence is Capital;
Or, how, that can imputed be for sin,
Which, by no Law, hath yet forbidden been.
GOD, bless the King and State; and so mens reason
Preserve, that, we may once know Truth from Treason,
Lest we at last be brought into a snare,
And, be uncertain, when we Traitors are:
For, though it safely might bee justifi'd
That, rather than GOD, Men should be obey'd;
Such, may not be their own Friends, who condemn
That man, who pleaded both for GOD, and them,
And, to the hazzard of his life persists,
In vindicating their Joynt-Interests,
To no mans disadvantage, except those,
Who, are to GOD and Men, apparent foes.

Mee thinks, it is great pity, that, a man
Who, to GOD, King and Church, both may, and can
Be serviceable; and, who doth profess
His Judgement, in meer conscientiousness

Without design'd contempt, unto the State,
Or, purposing a mutinous debate,
And, never gave just cause to be suspected,
He was to either of them disaffected,
(But, unto both of them, good service did,
When they of Faithful Servants had most need;
And, hath but done his duty, to oppose
Those Harpies, which to all Good men are foes)
Should by mistake, or, by mis-information,
As one, who had deserved no compassion,
A Sufferer with Malefactors be
Because, hee sees not, what he cannot see;
Or, else, because he cannot credit give
To what, he findes no reason to beleeve;
For, who will care for life, where Prelacy
Attains to such a height of Tyranny,
That, it inslaves both Soul and Body too?
And, where, of what we should beleeve and do,
No certainty, can by their LIGHT be known,
Nor leave obtain'd, to make use of our own,
Though voluntarily the King ingag'd
To let the Conscience be so priviledg'd;
And, Mercy, in some other things, did show
Whereof, the Prelacy will not allow.

Whether the COVENANT, by right, or wrong,
Were made, or burnt, it doth not now belong
To private men to question: For, when dooms
Are past in Parliament, the Case then comes
Before GOD's Judgement-Seat; and, woe to them,
Who, that, which hee approves of, shall condemn.
Till, therefore, he, thence answers their appeal
Wise men, their private thinkings will conceal,
And, him implore, to whom referr'd it is,
To right what's wrong, and pardon what's amiss.

What, Fame reports by Crofton to be done
I, singly and sincerely musing on,
Do finde, by that; whereof inform'd I am,
That, hee more merited reward than blame,
Unless, that, wherein other men have err'd
(Without his fault) may be to him transferr'd.
The Covenant hee took, but did not make it;
Nor forced any one to take, or break it;

But, in his place alone, the same maintain'd
(To his own hazzard) as it appertain'd
Unto the honour, peace, and preservation
Both of the Royal persons, and the Nation,
As he thought it oblig'd; and as it stood
In force, relating to the Will of GOD
And, no jot further; unless, wee suppose
Hee err'd, in pressing it, to bar out those
Who, have been, still are, and will be agen,
Foes unto GOD, to Kings, and Common men,
As soon as they themselves enabled finde,
To do the work, for which they were design'd.
For, that, which CROFTON most insisted on,
(As purpos'd by the Covenant to be done)
Is an exploding of the Hierarchy
Brought in, by Antichristian-Prelacy,
(To whose support, his Oath cannot extend
Who, CHRIST's Faith, is obliged to defend.)
And, if that, be a fault, GOD, mee forgive,
For, therein, I resolve, to dye, and live.

The stress of his Case, as appears to mee,
Lies there; if, hee of ought else guilty bee,
I, leave him to excuse himself; for, never
Saw I his face, nor shall perhaps for ever.
But, hee's in durance, and I fain would do
As, in his Case, I would bee done unto;
And, peradventure, it will needful bee
That, fome, ere long, should do as much for mee.
There are, besides those actings, which do fall
Within the duties of our Common-call,
Some, having so peculiar Relation,
To GOD's Designments in our Generation,
That, they not onely do the force abate
Of what is call'd, The Reason of the State,
But, of those Precepts also, at sometimes,
Whose violations are most hainous Crimes,
In any other case; as may appear,
By many proofs, which I will now forbear.
GOD, doth a Generation-work design;
For, ev'ry man: These, are a part of mine,
And, I had rather dye ten deaths for one
Than take ten lives, to let it bee undone.
Till that is done, mee, Lord vouchsafe to keep;
And, David-like, then, let mee fall asleep.

Act. 13. 36.

A Proclamation In the Name of the King of Kings, To all the Inhabitants of the Isles of Great Brittain:

And especially, to those who have Hypocritically pretended to Justice, Mercy, Honesty and Religion; (as also to them who have lived in open Prophaness and Impiety) summoning them to Repentance, by denouncing GOD's Judgements, and declaring his Mercy, offered in the Everlasting Gospel.

Warrantably Proclaimed, and Preached, by GEO. WITHER. Though not by any Humane Ordination.

Whereto are added, some FRAGMENTS Of the same Authors, omitted in the first Imprinting of the Book, Intituled, Scraps and Crums: and a few which were Collected since that Impression, and during his Imprisonment.

I. To those Friends, unto whom this Author hath been scandalously mis-represented in private, by some false Brethren and others.

Though hereof I have just occasion had,
I do not meerly for mine own sake add
This Crum; but likewise here, for your avail
Insert it, lest my Sland'rers may prevail,
(By bringing me into your disrespect)
To make my Cautions take the less effect.
Give therefore heed to what I now express,
And let GOD move belief as he shall please.

As David said, The wrongs of open foes
I could have born, but near my heart it goes,
When I am grosly injured by them,
Who did my loving Friends and Brethren seem,
And cannot chuse (although I do sustain
Ev'n that with patience) but thereof complain,
In hope, it may occasion give to some
Who fail'd in that kind, henceforth to become
So sensible of what was heretofore
Mis-done, that they will so offend no more:

For, unto them, this is the worst design
Which I intend by this Complaint of mine.

Two sorts of men there are, with both of which
I've had to do; and (though not very much)
More than enough it seems. One sort of these,
Those Persons are, by whose maliciousness,
Most, who are conscientious men reputed,
Are for that cause traduc'd and persecuted;
And (when they thereunto shall be inclin'd)
A staff to beat a dog, who may not find?
'Tis care to scape the venom of their tongue,
So impudent they are in doing wrong,
And brutish in their Censures: yet but few,
Except some like themselves, believe that true
Which they report; and they themselves do know,
That they asperse me with what is not so.
Of such men therefore, here complain I not;
Because, by these, I have not often got
A disadvantage, which would equal'd be
With what might happen by their praising me.

The poysnings of the other, more infect,
Because, receiv'd they are without suspect,
And, vented with a counterfeited shew
Of better ends than those which they pursue.
Some of these being partners with those sinners,
Who were of our late Troubles first beginners,
Did, with a mask of Piety and Zeal
To GOD, the King, and to the Commonweal,
Drive on their own designs; And (having made
Of seeming Godliness, a gainful Trade)
Their opportunities now being gone,
Of preying upon those they prey'd upon,
Would make a prey of them, whom they pretended
In times preceding, much to have befriended.

So feeds the Pickrel, when he cannot find
A Roach or Dace, on fish of his own kind.
And, some of these, because I will not be
Inslav'd to that, from which I should be free,
Have (thereto mov'd by Avarice and Pride)
Without just cause, me lately vilifi'd
To some of my best Friends; ev'n unto them
Whose Charity supports me at this time:
And, should it be believed, might much more
Undo me, than all they who heretofore
Have been my open Foes. Moreover, some,
That I might wholly succourless become,
Are pleas'd to say, I am not so bereft
Of my Estate, but that enough is left
For my support. Wherein, if they speak right,
They render me so gross an Hypocrite,
That I deserve no Friend; And if I am
By them beli'd, then much are they to blame,
VVho have, as far as in them lies, to starving
Exposed me and mine, without deserving.

But, this I fear not: for, if that supply
Shall fail, which I have had by Charity,
He, who by other hands, hath Mercy shown,
VVill from henceforth relieve me by his own:
And, these are thus confuted, without feigning,
If they know ought of mine, that's yet remaining
VVithin my power; Or, but so much as may
(If ever it be mine) my Debts repay,
Save what's yet wholly lost, I give it all
To him, who thereof make discov'ry shall;
And hereby, both confirm this Gift for ever;
And urge him that Discov'ry to endeavour
VVho raised that Report; so he thereby
Shall have some profit, if it be no lye.

I do perceive, to have me quite destroy'd
The Devil many Agents hath imploy'd
In sev'ral modes; which that prevent I may,
Nought more or better have I now to say,
Or do, which will avail me, but to fly
To my Protector, to your Charity
VVho know me, and unto that Evidence
VVhich I have given of my Innocence
To you who know me not; in hope you'l do
As in like case you would be done unto:
And that when their malevolence hath wrought
Till it shall purge its own corruption out,
It will abate, and some effects produce,
VVhich both to them and me may be of use.
If me you judge, as you would judged be,
No more needs to be said thereof by me;
Especially to him who truly knows,
VVho giveth deeper wounds, than open foes.

This Case of mine concerneth now and then,
Not me alone, but other honest men.
Such like false brethren, in all Ages were
Among the Saints, and such-like still there are.
Therefore these Lines at this time were bestown,
As justly for their sakes, as for mine own,
Since, of what here I for my self do plead,
Some other, thus abus'd, may stand in need.

II. A causual Meditation on Faith, Hope, Fear and Love.

To keep me watchful, whilst my Foes
My person here shall fast inclose,
By Meditations I assay
To keep the dread of them away;

And whilst my Contemplation flew
At various Objects, in her view,
(Among such Musings as were brought
Into my mind) this came to thought.

Faith, Hope, and Fear, and Love are that,
VVhich renders ev'ry mans Estate
To be exceeding good or bad,
Extreamly pleasureful or sad,
According as that Object proves,
VVhich he believes, fears, hopes, or loves.

Make GOD the bottom and the top
Of thy Fear, Love, Belief and Hope,
And thou art then safe, whatsoere
Thou dost believe, hope, love, or fear:
But, if the World their Object be,
Or, any other thing but He,
Thou art destroy'd: For, by these four,
Misplac'd, thou givest them a pow'r
To ruine thee, who else had none
VVhereby a mischief might be done.

If on the World thy hopes depend,
Despair will be their latter end;
VVhen her fair-speakings are believ'd,
Thou wilt be certainly deceiv'd;
If her thou love, she will for that
Requite thee with despiteful hate;
And, if thou fear her, she'l endeavour
To make thee slave to fears for ever.
This by experience I found true,
And thereof thus forewarn I you.

Affect no Pleasure; for 'tis vain,
And terminates at last in pain.
Fear not, when thou shalt be opprest
In doing well; for, such are blest.

Trust not in Wealth; for, it hath wings,
And flies away like other things:
Nor Honour; for, it often spends
Its stock, and in dishonour ends.
Rely not upon Prodigies;
For, they are partly Truths and Lyes;
And, Signs and Wonders can afford
No such assurance as GOD's Word.
Place not your trust in Kings; for, when
They speak like Gods, they act like men.
No, nor your best Works trust you in,
For all mans Righteousness is sin.

Your Faith, Fear, Hope, and Love on none
Ground therefore, but on GOD alone;
And, when thus, you have learn'd to do,
Perswade all other men thereto;
Not terminating Meditations,
In meer unactive speculations;
For, they but like those flashes are,
VVhich we mis-call a shooting-Star.

Here, whilst my Flesh is in restraint,
Lest else my Soul grow dull and faint,
Her, with such thoughts I entertain,
And find them not to be in vain;
Though more I needed, I confess,
These Musings, when I suffered less.
I might be safely rich agen,
Could I be still imployed then
As I am now. But, who is able,
To thread a Needle with a Cable?
They, who in Winter keep at home,
In Summer-time abroad will come;
And, though a Prison seems a curse,
Our Liberty oft makes us worse.

We pray, when Winds and Seas do roar;
When calm, do as we did before.
Ev'n GOD's choice Worthies, when releast
From Suffrings, fouly have transgrest;
If in this, or some other kind,
They were not often disciplin'd.

He, that with troubles hem'd about,
The Battels of the LORD had fought
Unfoil'd; assoon as he had ease,
(Neglecting such like means as these)
Did grofly fall; and so shall we,
When idle and secure we be.
Had he been musing on GOD's Law
When in her Bath, he naked saw
Uriahs Wife; or, at that time
Composing of a Psalm or Hymn,
It had secur'd him from that sin,
Which let a lustful Devil in.

LORD! that I be not so surpriz'd,
(Though these my Musings are despis'd)
Preserve me, (whether weal or wo
Befalls me) still imployed so;
Or, in what else thou please, that's tending
To keep me alwayes from offending:
And to thy Glory, and to my Salvation,
Vouchsafe to sanctifie this Meditation.

III. To those who enquire, why this Author is now imprisoned in Newgate?

Into this Jayl, you ask me, why I'm thrown?
But to my self that is not fully known;
Unless it may be charged as a Crime,
For putting Truth and Reason into Rime;

Or, giving unto some, for doing wrong,
Such Epithites as unto them belong;
Which is by very few thought criminal,
And, by most men, to be no fault at all.

Yet, since you are my Friends, I bold will make
To give you Counsel, which I could not take:
Touch not a gald Jades back, although it be
To cure him, if you will be rul'd by me;
And if your Conscience force you not thereto,
No notice take, when other men misdo.
For, they, who most ungodly courses run,
(And boast of what they wickedly have done)
So rage at him, who dares to reprehend
Their Actions, howsoever they offend,
That oft-times by their pow'r they bring on him,
Those Penalties which were deserv'd by them.

A Whore profest, though she would have men know
She is a Whore, will not be called so.
(Yea, though she could not live, were it not known
She lived by abusing of her own)
But, be fo wroth with him, who so shall say,
That she will scratch his eyes out, if she may:
At least, if she can do no more, will rayl;
Or, had she pow'r, commit him to the Jayl,
And for a Sland'rer prosecute him there,
As justly, as they do, who keep me here.

IV. A Hymn of Thanksgiving, for deliverance from a dangerous and sharp Sickness, during his Imprisonment.

[1]

LORD! they who thy Affection measure
By what thou givest into their possessings,
Of Riches, Honours, or of Pleasure,
Or, of such other Temporary Blessings,

And mark how here thou deal'st with me,
May think I am despis'd of thee;
For, when I seem'd opprest before
With losse of Liberty and Wealth,
So that I could well bear no more,
Thou thereto addedst loss of health,
Imbitter'd and made sharp, with as much pain
As Flesh and Blood were able to sustain.

2

Yet neither was thy Love impaired,
Whilst in that manner I afflicted was,
Nor doubted I, nor ought despaired
Of thy continuing and assisting Grace;
But, as the violence and length
Of pain deprived me of strength,
My Spirit thereby stronger grew;
Yea, so thou didst my Faith encrease;
(So Fortitude and hope renew)
That Suffrings were not pleasureless;
Because I knew I underwent thy Rod,
Who art as well my Father, as my GOD:

3

I know thee not alone by hearing,
But, also by thy being in my heart,
And, by thy thereunto declaring,
How just, wise, good, and merciful thou art:
Thou tak'st no pleasure in our pain,
Nor dost, nor ever didst constrain
The soul of any to a path,
Which leads him from a happy course,
To Sin, Shame, Sorrow, or to Death,
Or, renders his condition worse.
For, that thou more delighted art to save,
Than to destroy, I good assurance have.

4

For ever, let thy Name be blessed;
For, when my patience did begin to fail,
And pain, a cold-sweat forth had pressed,
As if in me, fire had been mixt with hail;
Thou in my first Fit, easedst me
By means, lest means despis'd might be:
And when I was shut up alone,
Of all external helps depriv'd,
(Where means of Cure or Ease was none)
Then, by thy Self I was reliev'd;
That I might alwayes confident be made
Of thy help, when no other can be had.

5

When so extreamly I was pained,
That I could hardly for one minutes space,
Endure the torment I sustained,
In any posture, or in any place,
Thou hug'dst me fast asleep; and then
Gav'st Ease, I know not how, nor when;
Which so amazed me, when I awak't,
That, I at first, could hardly tell
Whether, I for a Dream might tak't,
Or, whether I were sick or well;
For, in the fire I thought assoon I might
Have slept (erewhile) as in my bed that night.

6

Therefore, to thee, for this Compassion
I do now consecrate a Hymn of Praise:
Be pleas'd, O GOD of my Salvation,
To be thus my Physician all my dayes.
Let this preserve me from the fear
Of what I may yet suffer here:
And when this Mercy shall be known,
Thereby assur'd let others be

That such Compassion shall be shown
To them, as was vouchsaf'd to me,
If in thy Truth and Fear they shall abide,
And, without wavering, in thee confide.

V. To them who say, or suppose, that a vain desire of Fame, was this Authors principal motive, to the Composure of what he hath written and published.

I hear, some think (and, for their sakes am sorry
They think so) that Ambition of vain glory
Is that, which principally moves my Pen
To dare more than the Quills of wiser men;
And, that an itch for popular Applause
Was of my bold Reproofs the chiefest cause.
If this be true, I am as mad as they
Who think so, and take the nearest way
To my destruction, for a windy puff,
Which in a moment will be quite blown off,
And leave me comfortless, in that condition
Which threatens inavoidable perdition.
But, these will find their error, when they know
By tryal, from what Root my Actings flow;
And that I had in what I have exprest,
A nobler Aim, than meer self-Interest,
Or any outward ends, although in them,
My own well-being I shall not contemn.

I am not ignorant that whatsoever
I actively or passively endeavour,
To honour GOD, or for my Countries good,
May, to my dammage, be misunderstood;
Nor that most men, mis-censure what I've writ
To be Composures without fear or wit;

And that, if I should be thereby undone,
(Which likely seems) I may be thought upon
With very small regard, alive or dead;
Or any way at all be mentioned,
Except by some few, who perhaps will say,
I fool'd my Liberty and Life away.

But should I minded be, when I shall have
My portion among other in the Grave,
What greater share shall I have in that Fame,
Which after Death might memorize my Name,
Than they, who in Oblivion lie forgot,
Where Pen nor Tongue their Actions mention not?
In my time, sixteen persons I have known
Who did my Christian and my Surname own,
And one

Captain George Wither, a man valiant and witty, and one of the sixteen here mentioned, was hewed to death at Kingston upon Hull by his own Soldiers in their fury, because he had killed one of their fellows in the like fury.

of them oft guilty prov'd to be
Of Crimes, imputed falsly unto me,
By those who knew us not; and he, whilst here
He lived, had in my repute a share:
But, after few years, none will know, among
All these, to which of us, those things belong
Which we have acted. Nay, though ten times more
I had deserv'd (than any heretofore,
Made memorable by a glorious Fame)
A feigned person, who no real Name
Or Being ever had, save what, perchance,
Was thereunto ascrib'd in some Romance,
May seem to be more honour'd by that fiction,
Than any who attain'd the high'st perfection

In Piety or Morals: For, I've seen
Some Readers, with such Legends to have been
So far transported, that it them could move
More sighs and tears, compassion, honour, love,
Esteem and admiration, to confer
On those Idea's, than bestowed are
On real Suff'rers, who, did undertake
To do and suffer freely for their sake.
And what a trivial prize or purchase then
Is an esteem, or vain applause of men?

My Actings have expos'd me, during life,
To hazards, losses, much reproach and Grief;
And, what shall I the better be, or worse,
When I am dead, whether men bless or curse,
Speak well or ill, that I should quite destroy,
For such toyes, what in life I might enjoy?
By being silent, I preserv'd from blame
Might be, and more esteem'd than now I am.
If I could for advantage swear and lie,
And flatter Fools and Knaves in Elegy:
Sure, he who shall observe, as I have done,
What scorns, and what despights I've undergone;
What I have felt, and what I do fore-see
Will probably on Earth my Wages be,
Yet thinks I run these hazards for vain Fame,
Must likewise, either think, that mad I am,
Or, that I've only learned in the School
Of long Experience, to be more than Fool.

But, though most are deceiv'd in their Design,
And in their thoughts, I am not so in mine.
I know my Work; I likewise know that End
Whereto it doth, or at least, ought to tend:
And, therefore hope, that till my lifes conclusion,
I shall be kept from such a gross delusion.

He, that for GOD's Cause, or for his Elects,
Pretends to do, or suffer; yet, expects
More honour, or ought else, than his just share
With them, who of the same Communion are;
Expects more than his due; Exceeds the bound
Of that self-love which in true Saints is found,
And, what he acts, or suffers, no Reward.
Can merit; for, he forfeits his Reward.
All, that he shall endeavour, on that score,
When Rich he thinks to be, will make him Poor;
And, by what he expected to be fam'd,
He shall become contemptible and sham'd.

GOD's Mind, I therefore study to fulfill,
Seeking no Pay, but what, and when he will:
And, knowing that's my Aim, much care I not
What, in this world, he gives to be my Lot.
I no more value Praises, than Reproach;
And, whether in a Carr, or in a Coach,
I ride to my last home, I little care,
So with a quiet Conscience I come there.
If well in life I use them, 'tis no matter,
How far asunder men my Limbs do scatter,
Or in what Publick place they set my Head,
To terrifie some fools, when I am dead:
For, ev'ry part of me will meet together,
When GOD shall pleased be to call me thither,
Where CHRIST now sits inthron'd; and whither he
Ascended to prepare a place for me.
I prize nor Life, nor Death, but, as thereby,
I, more or less, GOD's Name may glorifie.
And, whilst my own heart knows this to be so,
I care not, whether 'tis believ'd or no
By any man, unless, that, to infuse
The like mind into him, it may conduce.

If, I have acted for a worthless prize,
Learn by my foolishness to be more wise.
If I have aim'd to suffer, or to do
For such ends as I should, do ye so too.
Because then, what you heretofore of me
Misdeem'd, will thenceforth your advantage be;
And, no more harm to me, than that man found,
Who had an Ulcer cured by a Wound.

VI. A Meditation, occasioned by considering the manifold Temptations to distrust in GOD, whereby his best Servants are otherwhile proved and exercised.

The best of men, some failings have; and I,
Not only many; through Infirmity;
But, flowing also from those Negligences,
Which very much have heightned my offences;
Because I know, what pow'r to me he gave,
To do those things which I neglected have:
Especially, when my Distrustfulness
Hath made me doubtful of GOD's Promises.
Who, to assure them, hath vouchsafed both
A written Word, and seal'd it with an Oath;
And, also, new experiments, which may
Ascertain it, vouchsafeth ev'ry day.

David, the most couragious Combatant
Against such-like Temptations, did oft want
That Confidence, which was by him profest,
And, thereby hazarded his Interest
In GOD's free Promises. By Saul, said he,
One time or other I destroy'd shall be;
And, what was promised, had so outright
Forgotten, in his carnal pannick fright,

That to GOD's Foes he for protection ran,
The part there acting of a frantick man,
And of a drivling fool; yea, worse than so,
Dissembled then, yet scap'd with much ado.
That Course, whereby he thought to be assur'd
Of safety, an indangerment procur'd
Beyond all former hazards; for, he lost
Not only Goods, Wives, and all hope almost
Of Rescue, but was also like to lose
His Life, and to be ston'd by some of those
(In their distemper) who inrag'd became,
To see their Habitations in a flame,
Their dear'st Relations captiv'd, and to those
Inslav'd, who were their old malignant Foes.
In which strait, if GOD had not him befriended,
Whom he distrusted, there, his Life had ended.

There is our Case; for, though that many times,
Our Fears, our Foes, our Troubles, and our Crimes
We have, beyond hope, been deliver'd from,
And promised in ev'ry time to come,
That like deliverance; yet, when ought fails
Which we expected, or a Foe prevails,
(For our probation) we are hurried streight
Into a causless, and a foolish fright;
GOD's promised Assistance we decline,
Catch hold of any politick Design,
Run this, and that way, to the World, the Devil
For help and Counsel, or act any evil
In such a giddy fit, though we have seen,
And often felt, what those effects have been
Which will ensue. Nay, if long time we bear
A present suffring, and new troubles fear,
Our Faith is at a stand, and we begin
Immediately to let Despairings in;

Make Principle of Faith, give way to Reason,
And seem Phanatick Whimsies, out of season,
Or airy Refuges, beseeming none
In straits, but meer Fools, to depend upon.

Though in the Saints of old to fall off thus,
It was a Crime; 'tis greater sin in us,
By so much, as the sinning against Grace
Doth our transgressions of the Law surpass:
And, neither Theft, Adultery, or Murder,
From GOD and Penitence will draw us further,
If we avoid it not: For, to be made
More cautelous, we have not only had
Examples of old times, and seen since then,
What hath befallen many thousand men
In such defections, but, we likewise are
Experienc'd in our own particular
Estates and persons, what will them betide,
Who in the dayes of Tryal start aside,
And, by the Gospel are enlightned more,
Than other Generations heretofore.
This, makes me, in my present troubles, wave
Those wayes, whereto I some Temptations have,
My person to redeem; and to prevent
The future mischiefs, that seem eminent,
This makes me scorn, to creep, or fawn, or sneak,
Or, (whatsoere I threatned hear) to speak
To an unworthy person, though I could
Prevail, perhaps, upon him, if I would:
For, were my Poverty ten times as much,
The King of Sodom shall not make me rich;
Nor, were I sick to death, would I implore
Those false Gods, which most men do now adore
For health or life, though I thought they could give
That, which I most desired to receive.

This, among other Notions of this kind,
(Which needful are to fortifie my mind
Amid my Suffrings) makes me muse on these
Our common failings, that, if GOD so please,
They may be by his Grace, with my endeavour,
A means to keep me firm to him for ever;
And, by declaring what Experiment
Hath taught to me, make others confident
In suffrings for his Cause: and, not afraid
What is, or what can here on them be laid:
For, as where many Cowards are together,
They still beget more terrours in each other;
So men of Courage, more couragious grow,
When, to each other, they example show
Of Christian Fortitude: To which good end,
These fruits of my spare howers I intend.

VII. Another Scrap, to them, who carp at this Author's frequent writing.

VVhy should you be displeas'd, and have a loathing,
Of that which may do good, and cost you nothing?
Or, which you may pass by, without offence,
Or, giving you occasion of expence,
Unless you please? For, that which I compose,
On no man, I against his will, impose.

GOD is our Shield, our Fortress, and that Friend
On whom alone we alway should depend;
Yet, he expects an Activeness in those,
On whom a Christian Armour he bestows;
And, that we put it on, when there's occasion
Of War defensive, or, of an Invasion;
As also, that, we alwayes keep it clean,
And our selves ready, by good discipline:

For, of their Talents they will be bereav'd,
Who make not use of what they have receiv'd:
Yea, they will be surpriz'd, who, times and places
Neglect, wherein to exercise their Graces,
When means is offred; since it will make room
And entrance for Temptations when they come,
If we are negligent in doing that,
Which to our Perseverance doth relate.
The Roman Legions, which resided here,
(When no foes to oppose them did appear)
Bestow'd their spare hours with much diligence,
In making Preparations for defence
In times of need; New Fortresses did raise,
Built Bridges, Causeys, and made easie wayes
For future Marches, whereby, to and fro
In safety, they, and other men might go.
And, we must do the like, if we would be
From future dangers and surprizals free;
To which end, things that seem of little use
At present, may hereafter much conduce.

Our Patience will wear out, our Courage slack;
Our Spirits faint, and cause us to draw back
From needful Suffrings, unless in some measure
VVe daily shall improve spare time and leasure,
To fortifie our hearts by meditation,
VVhich is the nourishment and preservation
Of Hope and Faith. This, when my Friends are gon,
(VVhose Consolations I do feast upon
VVhilst they are present) if I those can void,
VVith whose Impertinences I am cloyd,
Moves me to gather up, that, into words,
VVhich their and my Experiment affords;
Lest that be lost, which else might serve in stead
Of Cordials at a sudden time of need.

This, moves me, when my Foes threat and revile,
To muster thus (as 'twere in rank and file)
My scatter'd thoughts; and then to march up close
Ev'n to the Vanguard of my furioust Foes:
For, when we look grim Terrors in the face
Without dismay, it makes them to give place.
And, though the Champions of the world do laugh
To see my weapons, but a Sling, a Staff,
And Peble-stones; they will prevail, when they
Shall either perish, or else run away.

This moves me (when alone) lest else the Devil,
Or my own Flesh may tempt me to some evil,
(VVhen they shall idling find me) to retire
Into my self, and search what vain desire,
VVhat hope, or fear, or doubtings there do lurk,
VVhich either may advance, or counterwork
Those Principles of Grace, which by good use
And practice, I to habits may reduce.

This, that those Notions may not fly away,
VVhich I find helpful, makes me oft imploy
My leasure times, in what, it seems, hath so
Increast my Scriblings, that they nauceous grow
To many Readers; and, perhaps to some,
VVho might by them advantaged become.
But I am pleas'd; for, that, my tast delights,
Which is disgustfull to their Appetites;
And what at this time they disrelish, may
Yeeld profit with delight, another day.

VIII. An Eccho from the Thunders, in the celestial Temple, reverberating, in part, the effect of what was uttered by their Voices.

Six Trumpets have been sounded forth,
Six Vials poured on the Earth,

Six Thunders have their Voices spent;
Yet, they blaspheme, who should repent,
And night and day a direfull cry,
Still beating on my ears have I,
Of men opprest between their paws,
Whose God is Gain, whose Lusts are Laws;
And, dreadful sounds of Vengeance too
Are eccho'd wheresoev'r I go.

Though men are deaf, yet speak I must:
Hear therefore, lifeless forms of dust,
And sensless things, that ye may bear
Your Witness to what I declare:
For, what hereafter shall ensue
Will make deep stamps on some of you.
Wo, wo, ere long to C. C. C.
To P. P. P. P. P. and P.
Like Wo to S. to M. and L.
For, they have made this Earth a Hell,
Wherein, unless Christ quickly comes,
Few Good men shall have resting rooms;
And little Faithfulness will here
Be found, when he shall next appear.

But Time hath almost wheel'd that round,
Wherein the seventh Trump will sound.
And then shall Righteousness alone,
With Pow'r and Glory fill the Throne,
That JESUS, who (when by his Birth
He was first visible on Earth)
Much troubled Herod, and with him
The City of Jerusalem;
And is that Universal Prince,
Of whom all Tyrants ever since
Have been afraid, will come ere long,
To set that right, which now is wrong,

And put an end to their Oppression,
VVho charge his Subjects with Sedition:
For, though some slighted them when they were seen,
His Harbengers have here already been.

IX. A brief Reproof of them, who take pleasure in Scandalous Invectives, whereby others are personally defamed.

There is a mangie Humour and an Itch,
(At this day very troublesome) with which
Most men are so infected, that unless
We find a speedy cure, 'twill so increase,
And leave so few from this Contagion free,
That we shall all appear meer Scabs to be.
Now, there is nothing more delights the ear,
Than when it shall those vilified hear,
Whom they affect not, whether they are blam'd
Without just cause, or worthily defam'd;
Especially, if those in ought dissent
From their Opinions, (Although eminent
For many Virtues, and with them agree
In all things, which with Truth essential be.)
And, since our Diffrences did us divide,
Few men there are of note on either side,
Of good or ill desert; but (right or wrong)
They so aspersed are by Pen or Tongue;
And Truth, if spoke, so blended is with lyes,
With fraud, or else with Ambiguities,
That, if what is in Pamphlets published,
Should be hereafter by our Children read,
They'l think this Age (if they do credit it)
Had neither Honour, Honesty, nor Wit;
So scurrilous, and so malevolent
Are their Invectives, and so impudent.

There are of Truths and Falshoods put together,
Such medlies made, without respect to either,
And misappli'd in such a barbrous wise,
Mens Persons or their Cause to scandalize,
That, whether they did wickedly, or well,
They, in their outward Fames are parallel;
And, frequently, by seeming to intend
That, which may their Antagonist befriend,
A Foe disguiz'd, destruction doth devise
For them, whom he pretends to patronize:
Shews make of Peace, where they bear no Goodwill,
And, those to save, whom they intend to kill.

This Bitterness and Falshood multiplies
Those Discords and those Animosities,
Which have thus far undone us, and this course
Will make that which is bad, grow daily worse,
Until it shall exasperate this Nation
Beyond all means of Reconciliation;
For, till there shall as much respect be shown
To other mens Good-names, as to our own,
And, we are pleas'd to hear good spoke of those
Who well deserve, although they are our Foes,
We never shall be Friends; nor friendship merit
From any, till we qualifie this spirit.
'Tis gentle speaking that appeaseth Wrath;
A bitter language, no such virtue hath.

Yet, let none think, this means to usher-in
A Reprehension of reproving Sin,
Or, that, it well beseems not any man
To render Vice as odious as he can:
For, no debasement can make Wickedness
More ugly, than essentially it is.
Though just Reproofs have not allowed been,
Where persons are more aim'd at, than their sin.

Their Practice, Justice doth to none allow,
Who at their Neighbours, from an unseen Bow,
Shoot poysned Arrows; and, Bandetti-like,
The Passengers from such a Covert strike,
That none can truly know how they are nam'd,
Or where those dwell, by whom they are defam'd.

In taxing Vices, let nor Tongue nor Pen
Act sparingly; but spare alone the men,
(As much as possible) unless they shall
Ingage themselves, by quarrels personal
Against the Truth; Then spare them only so,
That thereby Truth may not receive a blow.
A causless Scandal, nor a Lie, admit,
Though thereby Truth may some advantage get;
For, she or they, will honour lose thereby,
Who think to do her service by a Lie.

Some Good-men (not a little to their shame)
I fear are this way otherwhile to blame,
As much as they whose refuge is in Lyes,
(And care not by what means they gain their Prize)
For, when that an Impostor doth express
What some-way suiteth with what they profess;
Oft-times by that Wile, guilded Pills are swallow'd
As wholsom, which are poysned and unhallow'd,
And, them deprive, who are deluded so,
Of outward peace, and Peace of Conscience too.

Take therfore heed of those, who by their mingling
Truths with apparant Falshoods, and by gingling
Some Silver among Counters, may by shows
Of their befriending that, which they oppose,
Obtrude upon you somewhat that is evil,
Relating unto things Divine or Civil;
At least, to make you hearken with content,
To what brings undeserv'd Disparagement

On other men: For, all things baneful prove,
Wherein there's want of Prudence, Faith, or Love.

X. A Disclaim, by way of Advertisement, of a Paper, falsly imputed to this Author.

[_]

There are Verses printed on one side of a sheet, Intituled, The Wheel of Time turning round to the Good Old Cause; which many, who know not me, nor my Principles, nor my Writings from other mens, have ascribed unto me, who do abhor publishing any thing without my Name, which may be scandalous; especially to individual persons, either by name, or by marking them out in such manner, that the Vices I reprove can be justly appropriated to them, and to no other: Neither did I ever purposly compose ought which might endanger the publick Peace, or hazard the quiet of private persons, whereof that Paper is suspected. And indeed, I conceived it at the first view, to have been the composure of a malicious person, who thereby intended to make those in Authority jealous of some Innovation intended by sober and conscientious men, who I hope will make patient suffering their Refuge, in all their Probations. Therefore, as soon as I had perused it, I wrote these following Verses on the backside thereof, and gave it unto a Friend, to communicate thereby my sense thereof, to others, if he pleased.

He, that divulgeth ought without a Name,
Which individual persons doth defame,
Although the Truth he writes, deserveth blame:
Yea, he, that without soberness and reason,
Speaks what is true, and speaks it out of season,

Against the Dignity of Truth speaks Treason.
Yet, Saints, may by oppressions, now and then
Be so provoked (for they are but men)
That, they may thus offend by Tongue or Pen.
If it be so, let him who forth hath sent
Those Lines, his folly heartily repent;
For, they portend an Evil-Consequent.

G. W.

XI. To them who object it as a fault, that this Author hath written several Poems, since he resolved to write no more.

I sometimes think my work is done, and then
Resolved am to lay aside my Pen;
Yet, when I do discover some remain
Unfinished, I take it up again:
For, when I promise, what concerneth none
(In any manner) but my self alone,
'Tis alwayes in mine own pow'r, to dispense
With ev'ry such Resolve, without offence;
Then, specially, when else, perhaps, I may
To GOD, my self, or others in some way
Infringe my Duty, by the prosecution
Of that unprofitable Resolution.

For this cause therefore, I now think it fit,
Not only such Resolvings to remit,
But, also, by these Presents, to declare
That, whensoere a just Cause doth appear,
To write, or speak, or do, what I believe
GOD may have honour by, or Men receive
A future benefit, I will assay
(Whilst I have life) to do it as I may.

This Promise binds me; and, I must confess,
That, if in time to come, I shall transgress

Against this Resolution, there's in me
No pow'r whereby I from it can be free.
Reprove me therefore, if at any time
I break this Promise; for it is a crime.

XII. Of Governours and Governments; and how we ought to demean our selves toward them.

All Pow'r is of the Lord, the GOD of Heav'n;
And Man hath none, but, that which he hath giv'n:
To raise, pull down, to change or innovate,
In governing a Kingdom, or a State,
Belongs to Him alone; and nought to do
Have private men, but to submit thereto
When He a Change hath made, whether he hath
Vouchsafed it in Mercy, or in Wrath.
Therefore, the Persons, or the Government,
To change I never sought, nor had intent;
But, to submit to that, what ev'r it be,
Which GOD was pleased to set over me.
Both Men and Forms, if well compar'd together,
Do prove so like, and so unlike each other,
That oft the Constitution which at first
Appear'd the best, becomes at last the worst;
And, as the Elements do change into
Each other, so the Governments will do,
According to th'Affections, and the Pow'rs
Of those, who are the present Governours.
All kinds of Government, in some respect,
Are but one and the self-same in effect,
And, when refined, will corrupt agen,
So long as actuated by meer men,
Who, overswayed by their Lusts and Passions,
Are alwayes subject to Prevarications,

And so oft also, as the People's sin
Compels GOD's Justice to bring Changes in.

This, when the Supream Pow'r was here divided
(So, that some this way, and some that way sided)
Made many Wise-men, both in resolution,
As also in their wayes of prosecution,
Exceeding doubtfull, that a sad Result
Might follow, in a path so difficult;
I therefore, then, endeavoured to adhere
To that, wherein most Justice did appear
When I had cause of doubt; and did comply
Where I saw with most visibility
That Pow'r did then reside: For, so I thought
(And still believe) I was divinely taught
By Precept and Examples; and I joyn'd
Therein, to those, who seeming of that mind
And judgment, did in shew the same profess
With zeal, and with much conscienciousness.
And, some few, doubtless, acted to that end
Sincerely, which the rest did but pretend.
But, I was cozned by the greater part:
Yet, went on in simplicity of heart,
Till I so far into a snare was run,
That, back I could not go, nor further on
Without a Mischief; or, a breach had made
Upon that Faith which I engaged had.
For, few I saw pursuing any thing
Concerning GOD, the People, or the King,
With true integrity, to which-soere
Of those three they pretended to adhere,
With whether side soever they then closed,
Or, whatsoever they in shew proposed.

I saw, that either by an open scuffling,
Or, by a politick and secret shuffling,

Both sides had so the Knaves and Court-cards laid,
That cheating Games were likely to be plaid,
And, that our Losses, who intended best,
Would be the losing of our Stakes at least.
Some, for Religion did pretend to fight;
Some, for the Royal, some for Common-Right;
But, I perceiv'd Self-Interest was that
Which principally most men aimed at;
And had not thereof a bare jealousie,
For, 'twas apparant by that Policy
With which they prosecuted their Intent.
What else by them could probably be meant,
Who jugling with both sides, to none were true,
But as their own advantage might ensue?
Who, siding with one Party, sent a Brother,
A Son, or else a Nephew to the other;
Who mutually did their Designs advance
With Correspondence, and with Maintenance?
With Counsels and with Treasure strengthning those
Unseen, whom they did openly oppose?
And otherwhile, by murdring their own Friends,
Made bloody passages to their self-ends?
Thus did they, yet, some of those now appear
In better case, than we, whose Actings were
Most innocent. But, though we suffer first,
The better seeming Game will prove the worst.
For my part, though it cost me all I had
To keep my Conscience clear, a shift I made;
And, am as well contented with my Lot,
As they are, who have by my Losses got.

Trust rather therefore thine own Conscience, then
Upon the Counsel of sev'n wiser men:
For, in a dubious path, no humane light
So well directs us how to walk upright,

If so far forth as GOD doth means provide,
We take his Word and Spirit for our Guide.
Be faithful to the present Government
That GOD permits, to whatsoere intent
He doth permit it, or what-ere it be;
For, (as I said) LORD of all Pow'r is He;
And, ev'ry Government is good, save when
It is usurped by unrighteous men;
And, we must bear it then, till he shall please
Who laid it on us, to vouchsafe us ease;
Because (though He permitteth it) our Sin
Was that, yea that alone, which brought it in.

We may, and must endeavour in our places,
(According to those Talents and those Graces
Which GOD bestows) to offer that which may
Help keep them in a safe and Righteous way,
For their sakes and our own; and, without fear,
Speak to that end, what we shall know or hear,
(Though they offended be) so we apply
Our Balm with prudence and sobriety.
Our seeking to reform it, by a course
Not lawful, will but make it much the worse;
Whereas, if we with patience do attend
On GOD, he'l better, what we cannot mend,
Or, else, with His own hand, destroy it quite,
Ev'n when their Tyranny is at the height.

These are my Principles: These, without fear,
Have kept me, and will keep me still, who ere
Shall govern me; and whether Right or Wrong.
Be done me either little-while, or long.

XIII. A Scrap added to the former, since the sending of the Authors Remonstrance to the house of Commons.

Though Liberty I've lost, with my Estate,
Yet, as things are, I wonder not thereat;
Nor marvel that my Poem, for which here
I suffer, to the World must not appear:
For, I confess, it speaks not in a strain,
Which Flatt'rers with esteem can entertain;
And they by whom I have accused been,
Would miss their Aim, were that in Publick seen;
Occasion likewise I should not have had,
Of that advantage, which is thereby made.

But, one thing (which till now I thought not fit
To mention) I admir'd at, and do yet;
Ev'n this, That, being of all else bereft,
The same Tools in my pow'r should still be left,
VVhereby offence was given, and by which
My Vindication will be further'd much.
It was a Mercy, but, sure, not of men,
That, I bereaved was not of my Pen
When I was first restrain'd, and also sent,
(As many are) to close Imprisonment;
Which, at this time had greater mischief done,
Than all that I, till now have undergone.
And this, I here express, not to outbrave
Mans fury, but, that GOD may Glory have
By that Assurance, wherewith, me he arms
In present suffrings, against future harms.

For that cause, in this manner, is reveal'd
That, which a wiser man would have conceal'd;
And, though, I somewhat over peremptory
May seem; yet, when Truths honour, and GOD's Glory

Do lie at stake, I know a servile speaking
To be a foolish and uncomly sneaking;
Not onely disadvantaging the speaker,
But, rendring also righteous Causes weaker.

All men to Casualties exposed be,
And, things befall to others, as to me;
Ev'n unto them, who are above my sphear,
And, were occasion of my lodging here.
When I had been above six months, debar'd
Of Liberty, unpitti'd, and unheard;
Accus'd for Libelling, because I had
A private Recapitulation made
Of what I knew, as well by sight as fame,
(And, for which, yet, unheard, confin'd I am)
Five Persons, of no mean degree, were sent
To be my Fellows by Imprisonment
Within this Jayl; and, at this present are
Charg'd with suspition of no less Crimes here
Than Theft and Murder; And, there's one among
That number, which at this time doth belong
To that Society, which I am said
To have defam'd, and therefore here was laid;
Though I in private only, had declar'd
In genral terms, what common fame aver'd.
And, which now seem not so incredible
As they were thought, nor things impossible.
Yet, with unfeignedness, desire I do,
They may be guiltless found, if they be so,
And quit, without endeavouring to smother
Two Crimes, by perpetrating of another:
For, guilt to cover, and damn Innocents,
Is not in these dayes without Presidents:
And, Presidents (although not worth a straw)
By some are made equivolent to Law.

Their Youth I greatly pitty, though the Rage
Of my Oppressors pitty not my Age,
Nor care to what straights I may be exposed,
Whilst here, despis'd of all, I am inclosed.

Now they, and I, until we shall be try'd
All scandalous conjectures must abide;
And, if upon the Test, their Act appears
Mistook; why may not mine as well as theirs
Mistaken be? since I more likely am
Than they, by Prejudice to suffer blame?
And have lesse outward means of vindication,
From an unjust and causless imputation?
But, they, and I, shall have, when our time's come,
That, which GOD hath appointed for our Doom.
He will be Righteous, though men are not so;
Whatere He pleases, therefore let Him do.
We, by the Justice, which will then be done,
Shall know, what's likely to ensue thereon
To other men, who live in expectation
Of Justice, or of due Commiseration.
And, if with meekness, upon GOD we rest,
That, which threats worst things, will produce the best.

They whom I have displeas'd, may now be merry;
For, I have scribled until I am weary:
And shall, perhaps, no more be troublesome
This way, when what's conceiv'd to light shal come;
But, then permit them from thenceforth, to do
What they intend, till they are weary too.
In this mode I have little more to offer,
To say, or do, but down to lye and suffer;
Assur'd, that (if no good effects that have
Which I have writ) A Poem in my Grave
Compos'd and hither sent, would be no more
Effectual, than my Writings heretofore.

I have exprest enough to men of Reason,
Who know when sober Truths come forth in season:
Now, therefore, if GOD please, let them who shall
Desire them, take Pen, Credit, Life, and all;
But let them therewith know, that they will be
So dealt withall, as they shall deal with me.
'Tis now known, what I've done, what I can say,
And, what I suffer, but not what I may.

Qui jacet in Terrâ, non habet undé cadet.

“The World can him undo no more,
“Whom she hath quite undone before:
“But, he whom GOD shall smile upon,
“May lose all, yet not be undone.

A few Lines more I'le add: I hear some say,
This will occasion rending quite away
All Liberties at once, and many think,
That henceforth neither Paper, Pen, nor Ink
Will be allow'd me, nor a Visitant,
Which may supply me with what I shall want:
Yea, that I may be thither sent, where none
Shall see, or hear, what must be undergone;
And, that nought can be hop'd for, but Perdition
In such a place, and such a sad condition.
Yet, this I fear not: For, there is no place
On Earth, or any such distressed case,
As no Redress admits. There's not alone
For ev'ry Grief, a Cure, for ev'ry one
In ev'ry Country; But, each man about him
Hath also that, within him, or without him,
Which known, and by GOD's aid applied, cures
All Maladies, and all Distemperatures.
The greatest Tyrants pow'r extends not to
All those things, which he hath a Will to do.

Nor is there any Misery, or Place
Whereby I can be shut up from GOD's Grace.
What more I may now, or hereafter bear,
Increases not my terrour or my care:
Nay, so far am I from the dread of that
Which may befall in such a sad estate;
That when I think on what the Rage of men
Shall do at worst; And what GOD will do then,
It keeps me pleas'd. For, to deliver me
(What ere betides) a thousand wayes hath he.
He, that can make safe passage through the Seas,
And, through a Fiery Furnace, if He please,
Pre-apprehensions gives me, of that Grace
Which will vouchsafed be in such a Case.
Joseph was long in Prison; yet GOD sent
A means to free him from Imprisonment,
In such a mode, that, if within our Creed
It be, 'twill very well deserve our heed.
The World can neither bring me to dispair,
Nor me deprive of Hope, Faith, Love, or Prayr;
Nor take away, or unto me restore
Ought, making my Assurance less or more.
GOD clothes the Lillies, and doth Sparrows feed;
He can turn Stones to Bread, if there be need:
And, could I down to Hell by men be driven,
When I came thither, I should find it Heaven.

The Bugbears, wherewithall the World assays
To skare me, could not in my childish dayes
Affright me. I was exerciz'd in youth
(For loving Honesty, and writing Truth)
With strict Imprisonments, and made ere since
A Stone (to very many) of offence,
Kickt to and fro, till thereat many broke
Their shins at least, yet harm I never took.

GOD hath preserved me now fifty years,
In his Work, in all troubles, wants and fears;
From Poverty and Shame in worst of times;
From mine own Follies, Vanities and Crimes;
From Famines, Pestilences, raging War,
And Tyrants, worse than those three Judgments are,
Without dismay, ev'n when it so befell,
That men in greatest pow'r sped not so well.

In plain terms I did often represent
Their failings, to the late Long Parliament,
Yet scap't their fury, though I could not scape
Their Fraud, nor Partnership in that mishap,
Which their Improvidence occasion'd then,
Both to themseves, and many better men.
But, that will for my welfare prove at last,
As certainly, as that which in time past,
I told them would befall, is at this day
Fulfill'd upon them, ev'ry sev'ral way;
And, will continue, till their Fiery Tryal,
Hath brought men to that real self-denial,
Which them will qualifie to carry on
The Work which GOD intendeth shall be done.

I likewise did presage to Oliver,
In bold words to his face, and without fear,
What would at last befall him: and I knew
(Though he dissembled it) what would ensue
For such plain-dealing: yea, I soon did find,
By what course my destruction was design'd;
But, whilst he thought, I thought my self befriended,
GOD taught me to prevent what he intended,
That, I might suffer, as now at this time,
What gives more cause of glorifying Him.

By these Experiments confirm'd I am,
My GOD will alwayes be to me the same,

That he hath been, and ratifie that Truth
In my old Age, that I believ'd in Youth,
By making that, which likely seems to double
My sorrows, to help others in their trouble,
VVith constancy and patience to sustain
Their Burdens, whilst upon them they remain.
And, peradventure, they will be so wise,
VVhose Indignation, yet upon me lies,
That, when they heed what GOD for me hath done,
And may do, they'l consider so thereon,
That they who were my Foes, my Friends will be,
And save themselves, by their deliv'ring me.
GOD can effect this for me, if He please:
For, He doth many stranger things than these.
But, let Him do his Will. VVhat ere is done,
He is my Trust, and, Him I'le rest upon.

If such a Famine, as is threatned, comes,
There will be need of such like Scraps and Crums.
But, these, to none can toothsome be, unless
They thirst and hunger after Righteousness:
For, they will relish unto all men els,
Like fleshless bones, or fishless Oyster-shels:
Perhaps, to some few, they will serve instead
Of Physical Receipts in time of need,
If, carelesly they be not cast aside,
But, prudently and seasonably apply'd.
To that end, they endeavoured to save them
From being lost, by whose means ye now have them.
They Relicts are of that continual Feast
My Conscience makes me; and probatum est
To ev'ry one of them subscribe I may;
For I have proved them by night and day.

They are but part of larger Meditations
(Thus worded, for my daily Recreations)
For whilst to write them down, I did assay,
The greatest portion of them flew away.

Verses written by Mr. George Wither upon three Trenchers with Oker, during his close-Imprisonment, and carried to the Lieutenant of the Tower by the said Prisoners Keeper.

George Wither, close Prisoner, to the Lieut. of the Tower.

Sir, I have been a Prisner now six times,
For no worse faults, than just Reproofs of Crimes.
Nigh fifty years acquainted with the pow'r
Of Jaylors; and, shall shortly know the Tower,
To be the best, or else the worst of all
Confinements, which did hitherto befall.

All my defensive Arms are took away,
Now therefore, I assume such as I may;
And, since my Lot affords no better Tools,
A Trencher mark't with Oker, Lead, or Coals,
Shall be my Buckler, Sword, and Advocate
To you, in this my much opprest estate.
These, long experience taught me to provide,
When such a strait was likely to betide;
And, if you take them from me, you will do
More than your Order doth oblige you to,
Or Charity allows: for, I'm not free
To come to you, nor will you come at me;
Though wise, and good, and honourable men,
Have thought me worth a visit (now and then.)

When I was in the much despised Jayl
Of Newgate; some from thence were freed by Bail,
Though charg'd with Theft & Murder; and I may
Expect that Priviledge as well as they:
But, kissing goes by favour; and I lack
The Silver Key, which way thereto doth make,
And by the want whereof, I find this place
Affords not unto me, the common grace
Allow'd to Rogues; nor so much as a Slave
In Turky, or in Barbary may have:
For, they have Bread and Water at the least,
And Place assigned them, wherein to rest,
VVithout extorting more than can be had
(Unless their Flesh could into Coyn be made)
VVhereas the Mercy which this place affords
(In Age and Sickness) had been naked boards,
And stones for bread, had not my Wife, by giving
VVhat Charity bestow'd to keep her living,
Prevented for a week, what was design'd
To me, thence-forward, if we cannot find
Enough beforehand, weekly to bring in,
And save the stripping of me to the skin:
By which means, that Impeachment now intended,
May not be drawn up, till my Life is ended;
So, they will lose their labour, who assay
To mould my Punishment another way;
VVhich I conceiv'd, would more vexation be
To some, than all my Suffrings are to me.

Prisners should gently used be, (if mild)
Not currishly oppressed and revil'd:
For (though neglected) we have still a Law,
VVhereby such Jaylors may be kept in awe.
Know, Sir, that much abuse to me is done;
Which is not an Abuse to me alone,

But likewise to your self, and to the nature
And priviledge of ev'ry humane creature.
For which cause, being willing to prevent,
Both your Dishonour, and my Detriment,
I this way have contrived to declare
My mind; and that, I my Affronts can bear;
Though (to my knowledge) since my name was Wither
I was not Villain call'd, till I came hither;
Nor from ought, for preserving health, debarr'd;
Though, oft my usage hath been very hard.

The mercy of preceding times was such,
That Prisners here, were not opprest so much:
For, all Close-Prisners, (for what Crime soere
Accus'd) suppli'd with all things needful were
In their degrees; ev'n at the Princes cost:
Which Priviledge, though now it seemeth lost,
Custom had made so legally then due,
That, till of late, it was deny'd to few.
And, whensoever claim'd, your Predecessors,
If they denyed it, were thought Transgressors.

They who infring'd that Custom, first, did bring
Dishonour to the Nation, and the King.
Them, closely to imprison, who have nought
To feed them (and thereof, then take no thought)
Is worse than killing them; yea, such a sin
As hath by Infidels abhorred bin.
Where's nothing left, there nothing can be got;
And, to oppress, because men have it not,
Is an inhumane, and a brutish evil,
That's found in none, but an incarnate Devil.

Sir, by profession, you a Christian are,
And, I hope, this mind, is from you so far,
That you all civil usages will daign,
So long as in your keeping I remain.

A Cat no more can yeeld you, but her skin.
If Sheep do pay the Fleeces they are in,
They'l grow again, so you from Curs preserve them,
And shut them not so close up, that you starve them.
That which concerneth other men, and me,
This day, another day your case may be:
For, Changes are not fixt with such a Pin,
But, that those things may happen, which have bin.

Consider it: If Mercy you extend,
'Twill make a better man than I your Friend;
And much more honour you, than all your pow'r,
As Alderman, Lieutenant of the Towre,
And Member of the Commons, if severe
You prove to me, beyond what I can bear:
For, if through want, I perish in these bands,
My Blood will be required at your hands;
And, you will find, that I am own'd by Him,
Who justifieth, when man doth condemn.

Do as your heart inclines: If you deny me
Things needful, GOD himself will then supply me
With strength to bear it, till I shall enjoy
That Freedom, which no mortal can destroy:
And when the World hath done the worst she can,
Good men will say, I was an honest man,
To GOD, Prince, Conscience, and my Country true,
What-ever, on my Tryal, shall ensue;
Yea, though with rigor I may suffer all
That's threatned, and seems likely to befall,
I do not yet perceive, which way GOD can
Be honour'd more by any mortal man,
Than by the Joy and Courage he may give him,
When others think they most extreamly grieve him.

If I had suffred less since I begun
To serve Him; I his Work could not have done;

And, what I now shall suffer, may add more
Unto his Honour, than all heretofore.
And, from that, whereto Conscience doth invite,
My Punishment, will not one man affright
Who owns my Principles; and shall have grace
To act them soberly, in his own place.

Sir, I have twenty times as much to say,
But, here I am compelled to make stay:
For lo, this Trencher will contain no more,
And, Paper must not come within my door.

Your Prisoner, Geo. Wither.

Hearing it reported, that the Diurnal women cryed the news of his Impeachment for Treason, he composed this Epigram.

I am preferr'd from Newgate to the Tow'r;
And, as the Summers heat mends Ale that's sowr,
So, here my state is mended; and what follows,
May be, for ought I yet perceive, the Gallows.

Hark! what is that which now the woman cryes,
Who, this day selleth weekly Truths and Lyes?
How! an Impeachment against Major Wither?
These words, methinks, seem not well put together.
But, let them passe, until I know the reason;
Perhaps, a kind of whisteling of Treason
I am thought guilty of: and if some say
The Fox's ears are horns, who help it may?

These Novels, only please, or else affright,
Children & Fools, who know not black from white,
Nor right from wrong; and quite contrary things
They'l tel next week, to what this week forth brings.

However, Friends, be not thereof afeard,
He that shall stand accused, must be clear'd
Or else condemn'd, before that any one
Can justly say, that right or wrong is done.
The Commons do intend to vindicate
Their Honour; and I am not griev'd thereat,
For, it concerns them; and the Reputation
Of their House is the Honour of the Nation.

If that which I have writ, seditious be,
Or scandalous, 'twas not so made by me:
But, rather, by some Members of their own;
For, to all other men, it is unknown;
And was by me, compos'd with an intent,
Both Scandal and Sedition to prevent,
As that Remonstrance truly hath averd,
Which to their Speaker I long since preferd.
I did but part of that in private write,
Which genrally was fam'd, that make I might
Good use thereof: And, if that be a crime,
I know it was not so in former time,
Nor will be so hereafter, unless we
To universal Ruine destin'd be.

If their Proceed against me be severe,
The more my Innocency will appear
To prudent men; And, if I wronged be,
The more GOD will be merciful to me.
He that beneath his Wings hath his abidings,
Needs not to be afraid of evil tidings,
Though they cry'd, Fire & Brimstone is descending;
For, Angels alwayes are on him attending.
If they, as consciencious be, as wise,
Upon whom now an Imposition lies
To charge me; They, perhaps, when they have weigh'd
What I have done, with what I've writ and said

In my defence; will to that sense incline,
Whereby the Honour of their House, and mine,
May joyntly be preserv'd, and make good use
Of that which hath been deemed an abuse.

I know discreet men cannot be so mad,
To make that worse, which is already bad,
Or, not to leave one single person free
To speak Truth plainly, when just cause may be.
For, they so understand, what doth belong
To Free-men, and to Slaves, to right and wrong;
That, to excuse the breach of any Laws,
I shall not need a Favour worth two straws,
If Justice may take place, (as I conceive
It will, when they my Innocence perceive.)
Yea, peradventure, they, who yet seem Foes,
Will be to me so friendly in the close,
That they will by their Justice, honour gain,
And, me into their favour entertain.
One bitter herb spoils not a pot of Broth,
(Though some the single tast thereof may loath)
But, makes the same perhaps much wholsomer
Than if it totally omitted were.
The best among us, at the best are sinners,
And, in true Penitence, but new beginners,
Who need forgiveness: and, GOD will bestow
Such Mercy, as to other men we show.

'Tis not the cutting-off of one mans ears
Will stop the Voice which ev'ry body hears;
Nor possible, if Tongue and Life they take
From me, to make all men afraid to speak:
Nor is't in Whirlwinds, which the Rocks do rend,
Whereby GOD will into mens hearts descend.
Sunshine makes us those Robes aside to lay,
Which furious Tempests cannot tear away:

And, they whom Threatnings cannot work upon,
By Gentleness and Kindness may be won
To yeeld up their own Judgments, and their Will,
Sometime for good, and otherwhile for ill.
GOD by his Grace, preserve me from that snare,
And then, come what come will, I nothing fear.
For, chiefest causes of the greatest Evils,
Are these; kind Foes, good Witches, and white Devils.

Ingenii Largitor Venter.

Hunger will break Stonewalls, and make Fools witty;
When others will not, we our selves must pitty:
For, he that wholly doth himself neglect,
Cannot his Neighbour heartily affect.
And, if we love not those whom we have seen,
The Love of GOD in us hath not yet been.
By what Expedient, I shall henceforth get
A means to vent my thoughts, I know not yet.
My Black-lead's took away; and worn out quite
My Oker-pensil is; therefore Good-night.
All I can now do, is to sit and think,
What might be writ with Paper, Pen and Ink.

GEO. WITHER, Close-Prisoner.

FINIS.

University of Virginia Library

SECOND COLLECTION

Vox Pacifica:

A VOICE TENDING TO The Pacification of God's wrath; and offering those Propositions, or Conditions, by the acceptation, and performance whereof, in some good measure, a firme and continuing Peace may be obtained.

It is directed to the King, Parliaments, and People of these Islands: BY Geo. Wither Esquire, (a Commander in this War) heretofore their unheeded Remebbrancer of Plagues and Deliverances past; and their timely Forewarner of the Judgments now come.

He hath disposed it into six Books, or Canto's, whereof foure onely are contained in this Volumne; and the other deferred to be hereafter published, as there shall be Cause.

The meaning of the Frontispice.

TO THE KING, PARLIAMENTS, AND PEOPLE, OF These British Isles.

A Postscript.

The Contents of the severall Canto's contained in this Volumne.

The Contents of the first Canto.

The Contents of the second Canto.

The Contents of the third Canto.

The Contents of the fourth Canto.

VOX PACIFICA:

OR, A Voice preparing the way of Peace: AND, To that end, dedicated to the King, Parliaments and People of these British Isles.

[The first Canto.]

The second Canto.

The third Canto.

The fourth Canto.

Carmen Eucharisticon:

A Suddain Flash

Timely Discovering, Some Reasons wherefore, the stile of PROTECTOR, should not be deserted by these NATIONS, with some other things, by them very considerable.

It was first made visible, The fourth day, after the Author heard it reported, that the Lord Protector, had waved the Title of KING.

A Preoccupation, relating to this Title.

To his Highnesse, the Lord PROTECTOR.

A Suddain Flash

Made visible, the fourth day after his Highnesse the Lord Protector had first waved the Title of KING.

A Prologue, to him, who shall behold, or hear, this Flash.

The Flash.

A SPARK.

A Cause Allegorically Stated,

With an Appeal therein, to all that are wise and honest, from an injurious censure, lately passed.

To that Member of Parlament, who takes up this Paper, with the Petitions inclosed.

The Verses are these:

A Postscript to the Preceding Verses.

A Triple Paradox:

Affixed to a COUNTER-MURE Raised against the Furious Batteries of Restraint, Slander and Poverty, The three Grand Engines OF The World, the Flesh and the Devil.

By Major GEORGE WITHER, Who, now beleagured by their Forces, throws out unto them this DEFIANCE.

The said PARADOX maintains these Particulars. That Confinement is more safe than Liberty, Slander more advantageous than Praise, Poverty more profitable than Riches.

A Triple Paradox;

Wherein are asserted, these particulars, that IMPRISONMENT, is more safe than LIBERTY; SLANDER, more advantageous than PRAISE; POVERTY, more profitable than RICHES.

For an INTRODUCTION, the AUTHOR flings this Express to the WORLD.

Confinement is more advantageous than Liberty.

SLANDER is more Beneficiall than PRAISE.

Poverty is more profitable than Riches.

A Word on the behalf of Mr. Zachary Crofton Prisoner in the Tower.

A Proclamation In the Name of the King of Kings, To all the Inhabitants of the Isles of Great Brittain:

And especially, to those who have Hypocritically pretended to Justice, Mercy, Honesty and Religion; (as also to them who have lived in open Prophaness and Impiety) summoning them to Repentance, by denouncing GOD's Judgements, and declaring his Mercy, offered in the Everlasting Gospel.

Warrantably Proclaimed, and Preached, by GEO. WITHER. Though not by any Humane Ordination.

Whereto are added, some FRAGMENTS Of the same Authors, omitted in the first Imprinting of the Book, Intituled, Scraps and Crums: and a few which were Collected since that Impression, and during his Imprisonment.

I. To those Friends, unto whom this Author hath been scandalously mis-represented in private, by some false Brethren and others.

II. A causual Meditation on Faith, Hope, Fear and Love.

III. To those who enquire, why this Author is now imprisoned in Newgate?

IV. A Hymn of Thanksgiving, for deliverance from a dangerous and sharp Sickness, during his Imprisonment.

[1]

2

3

4

5

6

V. To them who say, or suppose, that a vain desire of Fame, was this Authors principal motive, to the Composure of what he hath written and published.

VI. A Meditation, occasioned by considering the manifold Temptations to distrust in GOD, whereby his best Servants are otherwhile proved and exercised.

VII. Another Scrap, to them, who carp at this Author's frequent writing.

VIII. An Eccho from the Thunders, in the celestial Temple, reverberating, in part, the effect of what was uttered by their Voices.

IX. A brief Reproof of them, who take pleasure in Scandalous Invectives, whereby others are personally defamed.

X. A Disclaim, by way of Advertisement, of a Paper, falsly imputed to this Author.

XI. To them who object it as a fault, that this Author hath written several Poems, since he resolved to write no more.

XII. Of Governours and Governments; and how we ought to demean our selves toward them.

XIII. A Scrap added to the former, since the sending of the Authors Remonstrance to the house of Commons.

Verses written by Mr. George Wither upon three Trenchers with Oker, during his close-Imprisonment, and carried to the Lieutenant of the Tower by the said Prisoners Keeper.

Hearing it reported, that the Diurnal women cryed the news of his Impeachment for Treason, he composed this Epigram.

Ingenii Largitor Venter.

The said PARADOX maintains these Particulars. That Confinement is more safe than Liberty,
Slander more advantageous than Praise,
Poverty more profitable than Riches.