^ '.-^' C^V -V*^ •%|-'fe T'-v^z i >»4» BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME FROM THE SAGE ENDOWMENT FUND THE GIFT OF Mtnvu ^^ Sage 1891 ../?^.4 Cornell University Library PR 2390. A2 1872 v.1-6 Miscellaneous works of George Wither. 3 1924 013 126 416 Cornell University Library The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924013126416 PRELIMINARY NOTICE. IN issuing the first collection of the Miscellaneous Pieces of George Wither, not contained in his "Juvenilia," or which appeared afterwards, the Council request attention to the following points. The shorter Tracts have as a general rule been selected in the first instance, particularly those which have an interest from their connection with the Au^ thor's personal history. Each of them, as in the case of Taylor, is a separate imprint so as to admit of a final chronological arrangement of the whole series in volumes of convenient size at the close. The Tracts are printed from the first editions, but where there have been alterations or additions in any succeeding edition the results of a careful collation will be ultimately supplied. A memoir of George Wither, with a full bibliography of his writings, will appear at a future stage of the series. James Crossley, President. MISCELLANEOUS WORKS Ml/ OF GEORGE WITHER FIRST COLLECTION PRINTED FOR THE SPENSER SOCIETY 1872 s /tWvvs^ CONTENTS OF THE FIRST COLLECTION. The references are to HazlUfs Bibliographical Hand Book. 1. The Schollers Pvrgatory, Difcouered in the Stationers Common- wealth, and Difcribed in a Difcourfe Apologeticall, afvvell for the pubHke aduantage of the Church, the State & whole Common- wealth of England, as for the remedy of priuate iniuryes. Im- printed for the Honed Stationers. (Circ. 1625.) {'JO leaves.) [^.15.] 2. Campo-Mufa, or The Field-Mufmgs of Captain George Wither, touching his Military Ingagement for the King and Parliament, the Juflneffe of the fame, and the prefent diflradtions of thefe IHands. London, Printed by R. Aullin, and A. Coe. 1643. (39 leaves.) \H. 24.] 3. Se Defendendo. A Shield, and Shaft, againft Detraftion. (1643.) (8 leaves.) \H. 25.] 4. Letters of Advice : Touching the Choice of Knights and Burgeffes. (8 leaves.) Printed by R. A. 1644. \H. 27.] The Doubtful! Almanack. Or, A very fufpitious prefage of great Calamities yet to enfue. n. d. (4 leaves) \H. 35.] Sm Major Wither's Difclairaer : Being a Difavowment of a late Paper, I entituled The Doubtfull Almanack. (4 leaves) Printed by R. I Aujlin. 1647. \.^- 36-] 6. What Peace to the wicked 'i Or, An' Expollulatorie Anfwer to a Deri- forie Queftion, lately made concerning peace. Printed in the Yeer 1646. (4 leaves) ■ \H. 37. iv Contents of the First Collection. 7. Carmen Expofiulatorium : Or, A timely Expoftulation with thofe both of the City of London, and the prefent Armie, who have either endeavoured to ingage thefe Kingdoms in a Second Warre ; or negledled the prevention thereof. Printed in the Yeere do loc XLvii. (12 /eaves.) [J^- 3^-] 8. Amygdala Britannica, Almonds for Parrets. A Difh of Stone-Fruit, partly ftiel'd and partly unfhel'd ; which {if cracKd, picKd, and well digejiea) may be wholfome againfl thofe Epidemich Dijlempers) of the Brain, now Predominant; and prevent fome Malignant Dif- eafes, likely to enfue. Anno do loc xlvii. (6 leaves.) \H. 39.] 9. A fingle Si Quis, and a quadruple Qvere, with the Occafions of them, prefented to the Members of the honorable Houfe of Commons, touching a Petition, with certain Verfes annexed, and lately layd at their feet in the faid Houfe (?/" Commons. ( 1648.) (2 leaves.) \H. 42.] 10. Vaticinium Caufuale. A RaptUre occafioned by the late Miraculous Deliverance of his Highneffe the Lord Protector, from a Defperate Danger. With a Noverint Univerfi, in the clofe. London, Printed for T. Ratcliffe, and E. Motterfhed. 1655. (8 leaves^ \H. 60.J 11. The Petition, and Narrative of Geo. Wither Efq; concerning his many grievances and long fufferings. (1658 or 1659.) (4 leaves^ \H. 71.] 12. Epiftolium-Vagurn-Profa-Metricum : or, An Epiftle at Randome, in Profe and Metre. To be delivered, to all whom it may concern ; but, was firfl intended only, for two or three of the Authors Friends in Authority (if he hath fo many left) to mediate in Farliatnent, the Redrefs of his deflrullive Grievances \ in the exprefsion whereof, many Particulars of Publick Concernment are interwoven. Printed at London, in the Year 1659. (16 leaves.) (ZT. 73.] 13. Verfes intended to the King's Majefty, by Major George Wither, whilft he was Prifoner in Newgate. London, Printed in the year, 1662. (6 leaves.) \^H. 84.] Circ. 1625, The Schollers Pvrgatory. [Hazlitt, No. 15.] THE SCHOLLERS PVRGATORY, Difcouered In the Stationers Common-wealth, And Difcribed in a Difcourfe Apolo- geticall, afvvell for the pubHke aduan- tage of the Church, the State & whole Common- wealth of England, as for the remedy of priuate iniuryes. By GEO: WITHER. Pro: i8. 13. He that anfweares his matter before he heare him, it isjhame and folly vnto him. Suffer him then that he may fpeake; and when he hath fpoken, mack on, lob. 21.2. Imprinted For the Honeft Stationers. The occafion and contents of this Apology. f~T^ He Author of this enfuing Apology haue- 1 ing the Kings Grant, concerning his booke {called the Hymnes & Songes of the Church) vniujlly & malitioufly oppo- fed by the Stationers, who vnchrijiianly vili- fy &fcandalize alfoe, thefaid Booke, to the con- tempt of his Maiefiies powre , the hinder ance of deuotion, the preiudice of the Authors efiate, & the difparagment of his befl endeauors: He doth here Apologize both for his Booke & Priueledge, fhewing the true grounds of their fpightfulloppo- fition, difcouering the Progreffe of it, anfwearing fuchfriuelousobie5lions as they hauedifper fed, & difcouering how iniurious alfoe, they are euen to the whole Common-wealth in many other parti- culers. It hath bene offred to the Preffe, becaufe it was otherwife impofjible to divulge the fame fa vniuerfally as they haue fpread their fcandalls; And it was direSled alfoe to the mofi reuerend Conuocatio, that the faid Booke might be corre£led or approoued of as the wifdome ofthatgraue Af- femblyfhallfinde caufe: & that thereprefentatiue body of the Church ofEnglad, beholding a glimpfe ofthe Stationers barbarous difpofitionsinmifvfing this Author, might from thence take occafion to be informed, What other infolencyes & abufes they are guilty of, both to the difiurbance of Chrifiian vnity, & to the Common preiudice. ff If the Printers hajl,jhall occajion anyjlipps, he dejires thit if his worke be legible he may be ex. cufed. Soe, doth our Author likewife, if in the me- thode or language, any ouerfight be committed. For, haueingmany other employments, and being confirayned to write it in hafi {that it might bee imprinted before this prefent Sejfon of Parlia- ment were expired^ there may befomewhat ouer- feeneperhapps, which needeth pardon. But as it is, he humbly offers to confideration, the faid Apo- logy; whofe perticulers are thefe that follow. 1 . Firfl, an Induction; after which the Author haueing breefly touched vpon thofe troubles, Im,- prifonments & expences, which compelled him. to tnakefome benifite of his owne books, fheweth why he gott his Hymnes confirmed vnto him by his Maiefiies Letters Patents, & what honeft Courfe he tooke in procuring his Grant: Pag. i, &'c. 2. Hefheweth how vniufily & ingratfully the Stationers therevpon oppofed him, ; how vncivel- ly they abufed him; how vnchri/iianly they vili- fied his Hymnes, rather as Cenfurers then fellers of Bookes: And a little toucheth vpon theparti- culervfurpations, Infinuations, Infolencyes,A ua- rice, & abufes of Bookefellers, Pag.6,&c. 3. He declareth why he exercifed his Mufe in Diuinity: What reafon he had to tranfiate the CanonicallHymnesinto Lyrickverfe ; &thatfome of the Cleargy moouedhim therevnto. Hefheweth (.•) 2 Alfoe, alfoe, towhatendhecompofedthe SpirituallSongs fortkeobferuabletymes-.OfwhatnaturethatBooke is, which the Stationer soppofe: Andwhat they doe in particuler , rayle & obie£l againjl the /aid Booke. Pag. 1 1 , &c. 4. He proueth by diuerfe Arguments that the /aid Hymnes are necej/ary, & not impertinent as the Stationers obieB : Then toucheth againe vpon the abu/es & gro/fe partiality 0/ the Sta- tioners , acquiteth him/el/e 0/ /eeking his owne pro/itt{to the publike preiudice^ as his Aduer- /aries vntrulyaffyrme: and demon/lrateth his Pa. tent to be neither Monopoly, as the Stationers al- leage {& as/ome o/tlieir Patets are) but rather a benifite. Pag.2^,&c. 5. He/etteth downe the Stationers peremptory claime to all Authors labors: re/uting a Lawyers /ooli/h yudgment pa/fed on their behal/es. In/lan- cethinwhatparticulers they v/urpe larger Prero- gatiues then they will allow the King: And then {hatieingiti/locca/ion)pointethattheir/raudulent & vn/ufferable abu/ing 0/ the people in their My- /lery of Booke/elling. Vag. 2g,&'c. 6. He particularizeth in what vnciuell termes the Stationers vilifie his Hymnes: How vniu/lly they di/parage his expre/Jions : And how impu- dently they v/ually pre/err & divulge tho/eper- nitious & impertinent things, whereby theythein- /elues may receaue profitt. Pag. n, &c. He 7- He iujiifies his expreffions : Protejleth with what mind, what preparation , and with what Caueats he proceeded in that worke. And there withallmetionethfome ofthofe difficulties which areinfuchatajke, & fpeakethfomwhat cocerning the metricall verjion of Dauids Pfalmes now in vfe. Pag.2,S,&c. 8. He maintaines the lawfulnejje of vnderta- kinga worke oftfiat nature, notwithfianding he is no profe/i Diuine, againfl thofe who obie£l he hath intruded vpon the Diuine calling; & glancethat the ig norance and envy of thofe ObieBors. /".- 3 g , 9. Hedifcouereth how prefumptuoufly they haue countenanced their detra5lion and oppofition, by pretending that the Lo : Archb: of Cant : and- others are ill affected to thefaidHymnes &■ Grant. And it is made euident that they haue impudently abufed the Lo: Archb: therein. Pag.&,^,&c. 10. He giueth reafons for his tranflating and publifhingthefogofSalomo, in Ly rick verfe. Setts downe the Stationersimpiousandfcurrilousman- ner of traducing it. Expreffethfomewhat of that Songs comfortable vfe, with what may befaidin anfweare to them, who think it ought to be re- flrained, for feare of being mifapplyed. Andha- veing fpoken fomewhat concerning his owne pro- ceedings, fubmitteth all to cenfure. Pag. 49, &c. 1 1. He difplaies the Stationers demeanor to- ward thofe who come to afkefor his Booke. Setts (••) 3 M^^ forth the quality ofthofe whom they haue drawne topajfe their cenfures againji it. Shewes how wil- fully the Kings iniunBion, &■ hispious intent there- in hath bene reieBed: And what inconueniences are likly to follow their infolencyes, if order be not taken. Pag.62„&c. 1 2. He vpholds his Hymnesfor the obferuable tymes, againfl the Stationers & thofe whom they haueflirred vp to oppofe them : Offers them to flriSlefi examination : Shewes his Chriflianfim- plicity in copofing the; that they tend to the glory of God, and the furtherance of vniformity : That they were lawfully Authorized: That theyarecon- fonant to the word of God, the Do£lrine of the Ca- tholike Church, and to all the lawes and ecclefiafii- call Ordinances of this Realm,e. Pag. 66, &c. 1 3. He intimates that it is probable hisHymnes arefcandalizedby none butfuch as are ill offered to the gouerment of our Church. Shewes that his prefaces hath vindicated all our Solemnities from, thofe imputations of popery , Schifmaticks hath ca/l vpon them : Toucheth vpon the pious vfeful- neJfeoftheChurchesDifcipline-.Illuflrateththeir impiety whofeeke to dif parage orabolifh it , And fpecifieth in what places , &■ in what ridiculous manner the Stationers paffe their virdiSls vpon his booke. 'Pag.6(),&-c: \/i^.Hefetteih downe how barbaroufly the Sta- tioners feeke to dif parage all his Hymnes by rea- fon fon of that for 5, Georges day: How vnchrifiianly they mifinterpreted his pious &■ warrantable intetion in com- pofing that Hymne; & therevpon taketh occafid tofpeake fomewhat of the pious vfe of that folemnity; of the mofi noble & mofi Chrifiian order of S. George & the Patron thereof, to the honor of that infiitutio,&inreproofe of the vulger&ignorantmifconceitsofhisReproouers.Pa.'^6. 1 5 . He humbly intreats that neither his youth, his cal- ling,northevniufifcandallsof his Aduerfaries may pre- iudice what he hath well done: Shewes why his writings & Anions are expofed to more fcandalls then vaniefl inventions bring on their A uthors; protefleth what it is that made him thus endeauor to maintain his reputation ; & prof effeth fame what of his hopes & Refolutios.p: 84. 16. Hedifplaies the true condition of his aduerfaries; by fhewing hoiv nere they paralell Dauids enimies, & that they hauegiuen him iuft occafid to take vp in a lit- ter alsecealmofl euerybittercoplaintwherby the Pfalmifl hath expreffed the cruelty of a malitious multitude. P. Sj 17. He expoflulatheth concerning that vnequall dea- ling the world hath hitherto vfed towards him : And (^taking it a little vnkindly that any ofthofe who ought tocherifhmenin good employements,fhould do him iniu- rybya rafh cenfure) Toucheth vponfome others who to- gether with the Stationers haue iniurioufly & caufelefly detra6led from his labors. Pag. 89. 18. He nominateth many of thofe perticuler iniuries offredhim by the Stationers. He defcribeth alfoe thepo- wre,policy,& true condition of his oppofers, withmany of thofe ddgers, difadvatages, & incoueniences which their malice portend: A nd thenfhewes both how much he con- temneth all they can bring topaffe, & how he hopeth to conuert all their hate, mifcheefes,6fflanders;to his future profitt & commendation in their defpight. Vag. 94. \^.Hegiuesthereafonofhishopesofpreuailing;cdciSlures Gods good purpofe infuffringhim to be affliHedby thofe Adverfaries , & his other troubles; apologizeth for that ouermuch 'Jharpneffe which he hath feemed to vfe ; & makes it probable, that he hath no vncharitable intentio in any thing which he hath expreffed in this booke.p. 1 03. 20. He renounceth to haue any purpofe to Difparageor defame either the whole Corporation of Stationers, or any particuler member thereof, &• that no other may abufe this Difcourfe to that end; hefhewes alfoe , how all the reprehenfions therein expreffed, may be applyed to thofe only who are guilty, &• howetieryman that is innocent,or forryforhis ouerjight, may, ifhehimfelfepleafe, be freed from allperfonall blame or fcandall. Pag. 108. 21. To prevent their malice likwife , who would per- happs apply this Difcourfe to thegeneralldifparagmen tof the Stationers My fiery ; he hath added the definition of an honefi Stationer ; & the true CharaSler of his contra- ry, whom he calleth a meere Stationer, & againfl whom , only, this booke is intended. Pag. 116. 22. He reconeth vp,fome oftlwfe many inconueniences which the Vniuerfities , the State, the whole Common- wealth, & the Church of Godfuffers, by the Diforders amongthofewhomhee calleth m.eereStationers; butrefer- ueth their amplification to another Difcourfe , which he intendeth to publifh if there be caufe. Page 127. 23. Andlaflly (tofhew he hath not aymedatthefhame orruineofany,butattheirreformatidonly)heofferstodif- coueraprofitableremedyforwhatliehathfoud to beami- Jfe; to thegloryofGod, the content of theYiing, thequietof theState, the honor of learning, &■ to the credit &■ profit of theStationersthemfelues.Andthefe,amdgfomeotherac- cidentallpaffages, are the cotents of this Apology, /. 1 30. To the moll Reuerend Father in God, the Lo: Archb: of Canterbury &c. and to the Reuerend LLs. Bifhops, & others; in the Conuocation houfe affembled. MOft Reuerent Fathers ; Notwithftanding I ac- knowledge my felfe vnworthie, that this Re- uerend Affembly fliould from their more weighty afifaires, turne their eyes, or inclyne their eares to my priuate Fortunes : Yet if thofe teftimonies, which I haue already giuen of my true affeflion to the peace & profperity of that Church and Common-wealth, of which you are members : or my promife of future indeauours, or your owne pious inclinations may de- ferue fo much for me ; I humbly befeech your Reue- rences, to receiue this following declaration, into your, ferious and chriflian confiderations, and to vouchfafe refpeft thereunto, according to the piety becomming this Reuerent Affembly, and that rule of charity, which commaundeth al men (without excep- tion) to be fo inclyned towards others, as they defire others fhould bee affe6led towards them in the like neceffities. For, moft Reuerend Fathers, I am not alhamed to confeffe that an extraordinary neceffitie hath inuited me to interrupt you in this vnufuall manner. And yet miftake me not, I am not fo neceffitated, as be in doubt of falling into bafe want ; or to feare I can bee ouertaken with any inconuenience, from which I could not be deliuered without your commiferation, A But. (2) but perhaps rather, God hath layd his hand on me by fome affliftion, that I might be conftrayned to offer that vnto your confiderations for my priuate eafe, which I fhould neuer haue found opportunity to pre- fent for the pubHke good, if oppreffions had not pre- pared me thereunto. Cammomile thriues not vnles it be trodden on ; the plate muft to the hammer before it wilbe in fafhion : and fuch is our naturall corrupti- on, and felfe loue, that till the fparkes touch our own houfes, we can fleepe though the citie be on a flame. Nay, euen thofe who are grapes of the myfticall vine lefus Chrift, muft bee crufhed in the winepreffe, or brufed on the tongue, at the leaft, before they yeald any profitable nourifhment. If it be fo with me, though my particular fmart hath giuen the occafion of this narration, fomewhat may ere the conclufion, bee deliuered not impertinent to more generall con- fideration. And once againe therefore I befeech your patience. About the time of the lafl Conuocation, I com- posed a little Poeme, well knowen throughout this kingdome; wherin haueing to confcionable purpofes, expreffed fuch refolutions, as euery reafonable man fhould endeauour to entertayne. And hauing as op- portunity was offered, glaunced alfo in generall tear- mes at the reproofe of a few thinges of fuch nature as I feared might difparage or preiudice the Common- wealth ; fome particulars, not then in feafon to bee medled withall, were at vnawares fo neerely toucht vpon, that I vnhappily fell into the difpleafure of the State : (3) State : and all my apparant good intentions were lo miftaken by the aggrauations of fome yll affefled towards my indeauours, that I was fhutt vp from the fociety of mankind. And as one vn worthy the copafTi- on vouchfafed to theeues and murderers, was neither permitted the vfe of my penne, the acceffe or fight of acquaintance, the allowance vfually afforded other clofe prifoners, nor meanes to fend for neceffa- ries befitting my prefent condition. By which meanes I was for many dayes compelled to feed on nothing but the courfeft bread, and fometymes lockt vpp foure and twenty howers togeather, without fo much as a dropp of water to coole my tongue. And beeing at the fame tyme in one of the greateft extre- mityes of fickneffe that was euer inflifted vpon my body, the helpe both of Phifition, and Apothecary was vnciuilly denied me. So that if God, had not by refolutions of the minde which he infufed into mee, extraordinarily inabled me to wreftle with thofe, & fuch other afliftions as I was then exercifed withall, I had beene dangeroufly and euerlaflingly ouercome. But, of thefe vfages I coplaine not; for, they are paft: & He that made me, made me ftrong enough to def- pife them. Nor doe I here mention them as accu- fmg the State of iniuftice : God forbidd. For I affure my felfe myreftraint was iuft vntill fuch tyme as I had acquited my felfe of what was layd to my charg ; Yea I affure my felfe the feuerity of my fufferings was vn knowne to that moft honorable counfel which o m- mitted mee; and that more fauour fhould haue beene A 2 fhewed (4) ftiewed, if meanes had beene afforded mee to com- plaine; Becaufe as foone as I had opportunity to luf- tifie my honeft intentions, and to giue reafons for my queftionable expreffions, I was reftored to the com- mon liberty ; ( as I perfwade my felfe ) both with the good fauour of the King, and of all thofe that re- flrayned mee . For, the greateft faulte which euer I committed, confeffed, or others coulde difcouer in thofe writings ; was this, that they fauoured a little more of Honefty then difcretion. And verily, fhould euery man publickely fuffer for his indifcretions as I haue done, our prifons muft be made larger then our ftreetes. The realb then why I thus begin this difcourfe with relation of my paft indurances, is to ftiarpen the dul- neffe of my oratorie on the remembrance of thofe things, and to begett in your hearts the more feeling of that chriftian compunction which they muft en- tertaine before this declaration, that I nowe intend wilbe of any force. And leaft I haue not yet deliuered enough in that kind, to ftirre vp your regai'd, I will (vnder your fauours) proceede a little further in the difcouery of my outward fortunes, before I propofe what principally I doe defire this reuerend Affembly fhould pleafe to take notife of May it pleafe you then to vnderftand, that my punifhment ended not with my imprifonment. For, before I had lycence to come abroad againe into the world, I was forced to expences fo farre beyond my abillity, that ere I could be clearely difcharged, I was left (5) left many pounds worfe then nothing : And to inioy but the name of liberty, was caft into a greater bon- dage then before. Wherevpon, comming abroade againe into the worlde accompanyed thither with thofe affeftions which are natural to mod men, I was loth (if it might conueniently be preuented ) either to fmke belowe my ranke, or to Hue at the mercy of a creditor. And therefore (haueing none of thofe helps, or trades, or fhifts, which many others haue to releeue themfelues withal) I hubly peticioned the Kings moft excellent Maieftie (not to be fupplyed at his charge, or by any proie£lment to the oppreiTion of his people) but that according to the lawes of nature, I might enioy the benifit of fome part of myne owne labours, by virtue of his Royall priuiledge. For, by an uniuft cuftome (as moft of your Reuerences well knowe) the Sta- tioners haue fo vfurped vpon the labours of all wri- ters, that when they haue confumed theii- youth and fortunes in perfiting fome laborious worke, thofe cruell Bee-mafters burne the poore Athenian bees for their hony, or elfe driue them from the beft part thereof by their long pradticed cunninge. Which to preuent, his Maieftie vouchfafed my reafonable re- queft, with addition of voluntary fauour, beyod mine owne defire. For, before his warrant to Mafter At- torny, he gratioufly expreffed his royall commenda- tory allowance of my Booke, which I had prefented him withall, peticioning his priuiledge for printing thereof. And both in the procureing of it, and in the A 3 pafling 13 (6) paffing of his Graunt, I tooke no other courfe, then what I haue hitherto vfed, and purpofe to vfe for euer in all myne affaires: that is; neither direflly, nor indi- re£lly to fohcite any man to fauour me, otherwife the he fhalbe moued by his owne confcience, and the iuftnes of my caufe, when I haue made means to dif- couer the true ftate thereof to his vnderftanding. Nor was this manner of proceeding any hindrance vnto me ; for my Graunt neuertheleffe paffed his Ma- iefties hand and euery office after (where many times lets are caft in the way) with fo much vnufual fauour, and fuch good wifhes, befides expedition, that I was greatly incouraged to ingage my credit almoft three hundred poundes further thereupon ; to imprint, and diuoulge my Booke, according to his Maiefties Let- ters Pattents. All which expence, together with my paynefull endeauours, are now in danger to be loft, to the ouerthrow of my new hopes ; and (which is my greater griefe) to the hinderance of thofe my friends, who haue aduentured their goods in my fmking vef- fell. For, fome of the Booke-fellers (who like the Siluer Smithes of Ephefus, preferr their vniuft gaine before confcience, or piety) though their Corporation hath much profited, and is daily inriched by my former la- bors, though they may haue benifit by this in queftio; though they are not ignorant of the greate troubles, and hinderances I haue receiued by that which did the more aduantage them ; though they are priuie to my large expence in this worke, and howe much it wilbe 14 (7) wilbe my vndoing to the world-ward, if it fucceede not ; though they knowe it fauoured both by his Ma- ieftie and thofe alfo who are efteemed amonge the mofl deuout, and learned of the Clergie; though their owne confciences (whatfoeuer they pretend) tel them it tendes to the glory of God, and the furtherance of true deuotion, without preiudice to any particuler man ; yea, though I haue orderly proceeded in recei- uing the benifit of mine own labours, without taking away the leaft part, either of their, or of any other mans iuft profit : I fay, notwithftanding all this, they indeauoured, without all compaffion, or honeft con- fideration, not only to procure the ouerthrow of my Graunt, and with it (fo farr as in them lyes) my ruin al- fo, becaufe I would not let them haue the benifit ther- of at their owne rates: But haue publikly, and vniuflly flaundered me, as one that had proiefted, and procu- red a priuiledge to the generall greeuance of the fub- ie6l ; which thing I vtterly abhorr. Nor haue they thought it fufficient ingratfully to feeke the compaffing of their owne ends, by the ru- ine both of his ftate and good name, whofe former fludies haue beene a meanes to helpe the rayfing of them ; But they will difparage the Kinges power and iudgment, rather then fayle. Nay, to Ihew them- felues fuparlatiuely dareing to attempt any thinge to further their defignes, there be of that generation, (I befeech your patience, if paffion may feeme to carrye me away : tis in the caufe of God) I fay there be fome of them, who fpare not God himfelf, and his religion: A 4 but IS (8) but (A VD AX OMNIA P E R P E T I) haue blafphemed the facred expreflions of the holy Spirit, and vnchriftianly vilified that Booke which fupreame Authority hath commaunded to be publifhed for the reuerence and praftice of deuotion. And becaufe in doing this, they would not feeme fo prophane, as to make their gaine, the caufe of their oppofition, nor be thought fo heathenifh as to call out for Diana with their types at Ephefus, they crye, T E M P L V M D O M I N I, the Temple of the Lord ; and craftily cuUor their ayme with the cloak of fanftity, and zeale of true religion. Yea they are growen fo malepert, and arrogant, that being but the pedlers of Books, and for the moft part ignorant fellowes (acquainted with no- thing concerning them, but their names, and pryfes) they neuertheleffe dare take vpon them the mifcen- furing of any mans labours though allowed by autho- rity. In this kind, among diuers others, I at this prefent fufifer their mifufag in a high meafure. And in me they haue abufed the King, the State, and the whole Hie- rarchy; YeaGod,andreligio. Hauingtherforepropo- pofed their iniuries of other natures, to the confidera- tion of them, vnto whome properly they belong: I am bould to appealeyet hither, that I mayobtaine the ce- fure of this moft reuerend Conuocation, concerning thofe particulers which are moft genuine to be deter- mined of in this place. I doe proteft vnfaynedly, that I will deliuer no- thing in my relation, which proceedes from fpleene or malice: i6 (9) malice : nor expreffe my felfe in more fharpe tearmes, ^ then my confciece fhal witnes charitable, and neceffa- ry, to let your Reuerences vnderftand the height of thofe iniurys,that I am to complayne on; and the liue- ly chara6ter of thofe fellowes, whofe indignityes the whole common-wealth of learning fuffers vnder. For they haue by their fly infmuations, and honeft preten- ces fo farre fcrewed themfelues into the good opinion of many Reuerend, and Honorable parfonages, and fo ftrengthened themfelues through the abufe of their fauours ; that my fingers will not ferue, and therefore pardon me if in a cafe of neceffity, I fomtime vfe my teeth to plucke thofe rufty nayles, forth of the faire table of their yll deferued efteeme. Neuertheleffe conceiue me not, I pray you, that I goe about to lay a generall ymputation vpon all Sta- tioners. For, to difparage the whole profeffion, were an aft neither becomming an honeft man to doe, nor a prudent Auditory to fuffer. Their myftery (as they not vntruly tearme it) confifts of diuers Trades incor- porated together : as Printers, Booke-binders, Clafp- makers, Bookefellers. &c. And of all thefe be fome honeft men, who to my knowledg are fo greeued be- ing ouer-born by the notorious oppreffions and pro- ceedings of the reft, that they haue wifhed themfelues of fome other calling. The Printers myftery, is ingeni- ous, paynefuU, and profitable : the Booke-binders ne- ceffary ; the Clafpemakers vfefuU. And in deed, the re- tailer of bookes, commonly called a Booke-feller, is a Trade, which being wel gouerned, and lymited with- in i? (lo) in certaine bounds, might become fomewhat feruice- able to the reft. But as it is now (for the moft part abu- fed) the Bookefeller hath not onely made the Printer, the Binder, and the Clafpmaker a flaue to him: but hath brought Authors, yea the whole Common- wealth, and all the liberall Sciences into bondage. For he makes all profeffors of Art, labour for his profit, at his owne price, and vtters it to the Common-wealth in fuch faftiion, and at thofe rates, which pleafe him- felfe. In-fomuch, that I wonder fo infupportable, and fo impertinent a thing, as a meere Book-feller (confider- ing what the profeffion is become now) was euer per- mitted to grow vp in the Commonwealth. For, many of our moderne booke-fellers, are but needeleffe ex- crements, or rather vermine, who beeing ingendred by the fweat of fchoUers, Printers, and book-binders, doe (as wormes in timber, or like the generation of vi- pers) deuour thofethat bred them. While they did like fleas, but fucke now and then a dropp of the writers blood from him, and fkipp off when he found himfelfe difeafed, it was fomwhat tollerable : but fince they be- gan to feed on him, like the third plague of ^E G I P T without remoouing, and to lay clayme to each Au- thors labours, as if they had beene purpofely brought vpp to ftudye for their mayntenance. Yea, fince they take vppon them to publifh bookes contriued, alter- ed, and mangled at their owne pleafurs, without con- fent of the writers: nay and to change the name fome- yms, both of booke and Author (after they haue been ymprinted) ymprinted) and all for their owne priuate lucre ; like traders in ftuffes, who vnder new names, many tymes fhift off their old wares. And yet further alfo, to dif- parage, or cenfure malicioufly, both writers, and their labours, and fo vfurp vnto themfelues the high autho- rity of the Church and State. I fay thefe things confi- dered, it is high tymetofeeke aremedie, and a remedy (I hope) wil Ihortly be prouided in due place. In the meane tyme I humbly befeech this reuerend Affebly, to take an affay of the in my particular caufe, and in their manner of dealing with me touching that booke before mentioned, & lately priuiledged by his Maiefty. For, they haueing very vnchriftianlik tradu- ced both my felfe, and it, I will (according to my duty) giue vnto your Reuerences, a true account of all my principall proceedings, and intentions, and my reafons againft their fayned obieftions ; together with what was by authority determyned by that work. And then leaue my felfe, and it, vnto your Reuerences, to ap- proue, alter, amend, or condemne, as you fhall thinke fytt. wherein I will refl fatiffied, although it be to the ouerthrowing both of my credit and eflate. Firft then, may it pleafe you to vnderftand, that be- ing from my childhood in loue with the ftudy of Di- uinity (though I haue yet, neither knowledge, nor o- pinion in my felfe worthy of fo high a calling) I ym- ployed that naturall faculty which God had giuen me vpon fuch expreflions, as fauouring of honefty,and re- ligion, won me the generall good opinyon of honeft men. And though Iwasfoyoungeueryway,that,Ifirft began 19 (12) began to write, and then to learne (asthechildifhneffe, and indifcretions of my Poems difcouer) yet they pro- cured me much refpeft, and applaufe. which well con fidering on, and weighing my knowne infufficiencies, the flenderneffe of my performances, and my little meanes of knowledge, together with what bafe en- tertaynment lynes of that nature vfually finde in the world: I began to parfwade myfelfe, that God had ex- traordinarily gyuen me this vnlooked for efteeme to fome better purpofe, then eyther that I ftiould difpyfe the fame, or glory in it to avayne end. And that which made me giue moft fayth to fuch an apprehenfio, was this : I obferued, that the good repute which I had at- tayned vnto, neuer gott me any outward profit, nor euer befryended mee in the compaffing of any thinge for my pleafure. Wherevpon, lead God fliould turne his blefllng to a curfe, and my reputation to my fliame, if I fought not what way to ymploy it, vnto his prayfe : and ob- feruing withall, that we make vfe of the moft excelent ■ expreffions of the holy ghoft in rude, and barbarous Numbers, whilft our own wanton fancies were payn- ted, & trymed out in the moft moouing languag. Me thought it fared with vs, as with thofe agaynft whom the Prophet Hofea complayned, that dwelt in fieled houfes themfelues, whilft the Temple of God lay waft And therefore feeing no other to vndertake the fame, I fpent about three yeeres, to prepare my felfa for fuch a Talke, and then proceeded with the tranflation of the Pfalmes according to that ability God had giuen me. 20 (X3) me. But before I had halfe ended them I heard that one of much better fufficiency had made a long, and happy progreffe into that worke: and therevpon in expefta- tion of his more able performance delayed to proceed with what I had begunne, vntill fuch tyme as I was in- formed that the other was by the multiplicity of weighty Affayres compelled to giue ouer his labori- ous Attempt. And then, I thought myfelfe engaged a- gayne, to proceede. Now, dureing the tyme of intermiflion as aforefaid, that I might not want an imployment anfwereable to my firft intention I was by fome of the Clergy ( who I hope were mooued thereunto by the Spirit of God) inuited to collefl and tranflate into Lyricke-verfe, the Hymnes difperfed throughout the Canonicall Scrip- tures. Which I imbraced with much readynes, & per- formed willingly; adding vnto the fuch other parcells of Holy-writt, Creeds and Songs, as I conceiued pro- per and neceffary to be funge. And, becaufe fome can well enough allowe an end- leffe variety of foolifh Songs and ballads, teding to the feruice of the flefh and the deuill, yet be apt to fay, wee haue Pfalmes, and Songes enough in this kind already. And forafmuch alfo, as I haue heard others (whoe pre- fume much on their own foundnes in Diuinity) igno- ratly demaud, what y Sogs of Mofes, Deborah,Hanah & fuch like, are pertinet vnto vs. To let thofe, & other vnlerned, & ignorant men know, that the Holy Ghoft preferued none of the Canonicall Scriptures tyllthefe tymes of ours in vaine. I haue ina fhort Proeme (accor- ding ding to the opinion of the true Church) declared ; that thofe Scriptures, are euery whitt asvfefull andneceffa- ry for vs, as for them in whofe tymes, and for whofe particuler occafios they were firft written. And before each Hymne, I haue prefixed also a briefe preface, to fhew in what fence the congregation, or men may priuately, and ought to repeat them. Moreouer, hauing with griefe obferued, how the Church of England (lyke lefus Chrift crucified betwen two theeues) is traduced and abufed between Papifts, andSchifmatiks: the one falfly charging her with want of order, and chriftian difcipline; the other as vniuftly vpbrayding her with popifh and fuperftitious obfer- uations. And hauing experience, that there are great multitudes of wel affe6ted people, eafie to be led afide for company into the later ouerfight, through want of fome to informe them better, who would with fmal a- do be conformable, if they had meanes of inftruftion concerning their particuler miftakings. Yea, many of thefe being wel inclyned towards me; and I not know- ing which way to vfe that affedlion better, then to make it a meanes of increafing chriftian vnity and de- votion. I refolued to publifh fomewhat, to ftirre vp in them that obedience and reuerence, which they ought to expreffe towardes the pious ordinances of the Church: and if I lofb any mans efteem for foconfciona- ble an attempt ; I affured my felf I loft nothing but what was neuer worth the fauing. To that end therefore (hauing receiued incourag- ment and taken aduice, from fome of the moft deuout, and (15) and learned of our Deuines) I compofed certayne Hymnes, and Songes, appropriated to the ordynary publike occafions of our Congregations, and to thofe tymes obferuable by commaund of the Churche, and by the authority of the State; that foe God might bee gloryfied in euery Solempnity, and thofe tymes not fo much prophaned and contemned, as heretofore. And, becaufe I had heard fome Teachers in Ifrael profeffe themfelues ignorant concerning the vfe of the Holy-days obferued in our Church, I tooke the more paines (though not prefuming to teach them) to ex- preffe before y proper Song of euery obferuable Time or other occafion, their religious vfe; briefly, & in fuch a manner, as I hope euery reafonable capacity may thereby vnderftand, our Churches difcipline in that poynt, to be farr from a needles, popifh, or fuperflious Tradition. Moreouer, that I might not trouble any mans cha- rity or deuotion in the vfe of thefe Hymnes, I was as watchful, as poffible I could be, to make all myexpref- fions free from bitterneffe, or touches of thofe contro- uerfies, which might giue offence to the weake mem- bers of our Church. And God fo profper me, as I was and am cleare, from meaning to grieue, offend, or dif- content the foules, or confciences of any. Thus with a good purpofe, I began and finifhed thofe Hymns and Songes, which make vp the Booke, called the HYMNES and SONGSOFTHE C H V R C H . So named, not for that I would haue them accounted part of our Lyturgie (as I haue de- liuered 23 (6i) liuered to his Maieftie in my Epiftle) but becaufe they do for the moft part, treate of fuch particulars, as con- cerne yr whole Church of God. And this is that booke, for which his Maieftie vouchfafed mee the priuiledge before mentioned, and which he pyoufly & gratioufly commaunded to bee annexed to the fmging Pfalmes, that it might be y more generally & the more conue- nietly divulged amog his fubiefts for their inftruftion. And indeed, by that means, thofe poore people (whofe Paftors fufFer them or caufe them to be mifm- formed concerning that poynt) Ihall carry about with them in their mofbvfefual book, what mayat one tyme or other open their vnderftandinges to perceiue their errour. This is that Booke, for which I (was euer worft vfed for my befh intentions) fuffer more, then for all myfor- mer indifcretios; &for which, I haue receiued thofe af- rots, that maywel be raked amog mygreateft iniuries; notwithftanding it had befides the ordinary allow- ance of Authority, the particular approbation, and c6- mendation both of the King himfelfe, and of many the members of this moft reuerend Conuocation. Yea, this is that Booke, for which the Com- mon wealth of Stationers (a Tyrrany vnheard of in former ages) defire to make me as odious, as if I had ympolyed my whole ftudy to the oppreffion of this weale publike, or to the fubuertio of religion: and for which they haue perfued me with fuch violence and clamor as hath feldomeorneuerbeenexampledin any caufe. Heare (17) Heare therefore (I humbly befeech you) their parti- culer obieflions; and for his fake (who hath honoured you with high places, and holy callings) be you ludges betweene mee and them. For though in regard of my felfe, I fhould take no more notice of their malicious wronges, then the Nightingale in a Sommers night, doth of the barking of dogges, & whooping of Owles : but fing on without diftemper, to the contentment of myne owne foule. Yet fmce their clamorous noife hin- ders others from heareing the voice of the Charmer, and through my fides, wounds the credit of Authority, andmayparhapps hereafter incouragethemprefump- tuoufly, for the bringing in of greater inconueniences: I defire their dealing with me, may be taken notice of by this moft Reuerend Affembly. To which end, Ihaue here fett downe, what they cry out, to the difparage- ment of me, and my booke, inftead of difperfing it a- broad according to his Maiefties royall commaund. Some giue out that my booke containes nothing but a few needles Songs : which I compofed, and gott priuiledged by Patent, meerely for my priuate benifit, to the oppreffion of the Common-wealth. Some difcourage thofe that come to buy the booke: otherwhiles denying that it is to be had, & otherwhile peremptorily protefting againft the felling of it, or dif- gracefully telling fuch as enquire after the fame, that the worke is Ridiculous, and that it better befitted me to medle with my poetry, then to be tampering with diuinity. with fuch like other wordes of contempt. Other fome there be, who dare auerr that my Lords B Grace 25 (2 2) Grace of Canterbury, with many of the Bifhopps, and befb Deuines, doe much diflike and oppofe the faide Hymnes. Others againe buze in the peoples eares that the Hymnes for the Obferuable tymes are popifh, and tending to the maintenance of fuperftition. And fome there be among them, who (in fuch terms of ribaldry, as no Stewes can goe beyond them) blaf- phemingly affirme, that the CANTICLES are obfcene, and not fitt to be divulged in Song, or Verfe. Yea, many other obieftions they make, and cafb out diuers afperfions, afwell vpon the Author, as on his booke, to bring both into contempt. The malicioufnes, and fuperfluity of wickednes, appearing in thefe their euill fpeakeinges, your Reue- rences can eafily perceiue : Neuertheleffe, forafmuch as there lye Padds in the ftraw, which the beft iudge- ments cannot difcerne at the firft fight. And feeing I haue been openly traduced, as vnbefeemingly intru- ding vpo the deuine calling, and ftand now accufed as one that hath hatched and brought forth fuch thinges for my temporall aduantage, which are offenfiue, and fcandalous to f Church, and confciences of good me; which I would not willingly be guilty of for all the world (by your patience) I do hereby giue an account of my aflion now in queftion, hopeing that it fhalbe to the fatiffying of this reuerend Affemblie, the con- tentment of fuch as haue vpon mifreport been offen- ded, & to the fhame of myne oppofers. And I truft al- fo it fhall difcouer, that although there may be founde indifci'etions, (23) indifcretions, or ouerfights in my vndertaking, yet I haue deferued fairer vfage, my aduerfaries leffe credit, and my ftudies better entertainement then heretofore they haue found. To keepe my felfe the clofer to that which fhalbee pertinent to this Apology, I wil make thefe particuler obieftions my Theames, which I haue repeated : nor will I bring any other authorities to make good my defence, then the true relations, of what hath ben don, and fuch plaine arguments as mine owne reafon fhal- be able to frame. For, if this difcourfe come to the veiw of your Reuereces only, you wel enough know, what the Recordes of Antiquity can afford to thefe purpofes. And if it happen among thofe onlyof meane capacity fuch playne expreffions, as I purpofe to vfe, will acquire moft credite among them. And firft, whereas they giue out, that my Hymnes are needles; they doe not only thereby contemne, and flight mypaynes but lay an imputation of vanity vpon the wifedome of the Holy Ghoft alfo. For a greate part of them are parcells of the Canonicall Scriptures: originally Songe. And, to fay any fragment thereof, were needeles, is in effe6l, to deminifh from Gods words, vpon which foUowes a heauie curfe. God deferues euery day to be prayfed of vs for deliuering his Church, by the ouerthrow of Pharoahin the redd Sea, as much as he did in the very moment of their deliuerance. And the fong of Mofes th en vfed doth in each particuler, as properly concerne euery chriftia Congregation, as it did the lewes themfelues B 4 vpon 27 (20) vpon that occafion. For, Gods mercy fhewed to vs in our baptifme, (and the fpirituall ouerthrowe of the deuill, purfuing vs with an hoft of finnes, and tempta- tions,) is in myne opinion more effeftually expreft to a fpirituall vnderftanding, by apprehending the a£li- ons and circumftances of that temporall deliuerance, the it could be by y power of any words, or by any other ordinary means except by conteplating of that moft excellet material obiefl, the Sacrament of Bap- tifme it felfe, of which the other was but a type. In like manner, all the other Canonicall Hymnes do admyrablie help towards Gods euerlafting mer- cies, and for illuftrating thofe particuler Mifteries of our chriftian fayth, which they did typically and pro- phetically forefhew. Yea, they are part of the prophe- ticall witnes, as the Hymnes of the newc Teftament are part of the Euangelicall witnes, of our intereft in Chrifl lefus.And verily, the late negleft of their appli- cation, in our chriftian myfteries,hath not onelymuch iniured, one of the two great witneffes of our faluati- on : but giuen occafion alfo, that many vnfound pro- feffors haue corrupted them ; euen to the bringing in of diuers lewifh and Talmudicall fancies, to the feare- fuU diftraftion of weake people. But, were not thofe Hymnes neceffary in refpefl of the variety of their arguments, yet the variety of expreffion, were fomwhat needful, although the mat- ter were the fame. For, as the feuerall dreffings of one fort of meate, maks it diuerflj^ agreeable to the pallats, and ftomackes of men: fo thevarious manner of things delereiud 28 (21) deliuered in holy Scripturs, makes them applicable to our vnderftandings ; and what in one kind of deliuery feems harfh, or obfcure, in another kind is acceptable, and more eafily apprehended. That which is eafie to youjishardparhapps to me: and what may be thought an impropriety to fome great iudgments, doth many times moft properly infmuate the fpeakers meaning vnto them of weaker capacityes. In obferuing the feeming differences amonge In- terpreters in their traflatios of thefe words : N ASSE- CHV BAR, (part of y laft verfe of the fecod pfalme) I conceiued thereby, that the profitable vfe of variety, was veryapparant. For,thetranflation|moft agreeable to the original Hebrew renders y words : OSCVLE- MINI FILIVM. the Septuagint, APPREHEN- DITE DISCIPLINAM and Saint Hierome, ADORATE PVRE: which beeing all or- thodoxe interpretations, and agreeable both to the fcope of the Pfalme, and that which the wordes origi- nally beare, and all ftanding well together alfo with the Analogic of fayth: this variety made me conceiue in my meditations therevpon, that the holy ghoft had deliuered his meaning in thefe triple Equivokes, that they might the more properly bee accomodated to the feuerall States, and ages of his Church. For (pardon me if I erre) me thought in faying, OSCVLEMINI FILIVM (which was accordng to the genuin, & moft comon vnderftading of y original words among the Hebrewes) I apprehended that the Holy Ghoft exhorted his Church among the lewes to homap'e and worfhipp that Sonne of God, whoe B 3 was 29 (i8) was diuers wais made maifeft vnto the to be their true King. And APPREHENDITE DISCIPLI- N AM, (being according to that Tranflation, which I am perfwaded God himfelfe extraordinarily proui- ded to reueale his truth by vnto y Heathen) I concei- ued that y Holy Ghoft perfwaded his Church among the Gentiles, (who yet knew not Chrift their Kinge) to imbrace the knowledge of him. And A D O R A- TE PVRE (beeing the firft tranflation that in latine the Church publiklyreceiued, and about that tyme the true worfhip of lefus Chrift begining to be adulterated) my mynd gaue me (that pfalme being a manifeft prophecie concerning the kingedome of Chrift to the worlds end ) it might be, that God did by that interpretation perfwad thofe peruerters of his Truth to repentance, who fhould difhurbe the peace and quiet of his kingdome in thefe later tymes. But I ftand not fo thereupon as if I could not fubmitt to better iudgments : Sure I am this medita- tion is no way repugnant to the Catholike verity ; and howfoeuer it flialbe approoued, it ferues wel enough to my purpofe for demonftratinge, that the variety, or different expreflions of facred things, are not need- les, but do afford aduantage vnto thofe of meane ca- pacityes, if they meditate vpon them with reuerence and humility. If it be but to awaken our dullnes, and take away our wearifomeneffe in holy duties, variety is needful. For, flefh and bloud (as we finde by daily experience) loaths thofe things, wherwithal they are naturallybeft pleafed 3° (19) plefed, if they be to frequet : how much more tedious then will thofe things be vnto vs, which are perpetu- ally iterated in the fame words, being naturally vn- pleafmg to a carnall eare ? Since god in mercie hath prouided and permitted vs meanes to afTift our weak- neffes, let not fuch as are ftrong enough to be with- out them, condemne the vfe of fuch helpes in thofe, whoe beeing not fo able, muft haue their affeftions weaned by degrees from their childifli inclynati- ons. We fee the Flefh and the Deuill, hauing for their feruice thoufands of vaine Songes, and prophane bal- lads ftored vp in y Stationers warhoufes, haue neuer- theleffe, many Mufes perpetually ymployed for the compofmgof new Straynes; And that many hundred pounds are yearely confumed vpon them, to the in- riching of thofe marchants; to the fhame of our pro- feffion, to the corruption of youth, and to the building vp of the kingdome of fmne, and Satan : as it is well knowne, and obferued by many of good note in this reuerend affembly. Yet there haueing been for diuers ages together, but fo many Hymnes compofed, and publifhed, as make in fome impreffios not aboue two fheetsand a halfe of paper (for the reuerenccand prac- tice of Deuotion vnto the honour of god) they are cenfured impertinent; malitioufly exclaymed on; vio- lentely oppofed ; and the Author of them feekeing for the needefull hyre of his labour, (but his due, and what ftrangers fhould haue been fuffered to make thereof) is publikely accufed as a man coueteoufly hunting af- B z ter 3' (24) ter the world, and an iniurious oppreffor of the com- mon-wealth. Oh god ! how partiall are all men bewitched with felfe-loue, in the profecution of their bafe ends ! and how vncharitable in their cenfures! For the Stationers have not onely labored to depriue me of the benefit due to my labours, but alfo to make me appeare with- out Chrifbianity in my intentions : by affirming that I fought myne owne benyfit onely, in compofmg my booke of Hymns, & in publifliing it according to the kinges commaund. My Poeme laft deuulged was fayd to haue been written in myne own prayfe ; & the Hymnes for my priuate profit; I wonder to what pur- pofe, y next booke I write fhalbe copofed. Verily, if I be not altogether forgetful of myne owne thoughtes, or too apt to beleeue ouerwell of my felfe (as parhaps I am) my principall ayme was the glory of God in both thofe vndertakinges. Neuertheleffe, truth is, I am fo inclyned to the corruptions of other men, that although I did what I was able, yet was I not al- together foe free from outward hopes (as I ought to haue been) in thofe works. My weake fortunes, my troubles, and the charg- ableneffe of a fliudie, that bringes with it no outward fupplie, put me vnto a kinde of neceffity to caft my thoughts a fide vnto worldly refpefts : but I haue fiuce been fory for it vpon better confideration. And as a iuft reward for my too earneft lookeing after vaine hopes, I doe now accept of my prefent trouble, that outwardly is like to impouerifh me. And the tyme thereof 32 (25) thereof, drawes me the more heedfuUy to confider it, being iuft about that feafon, wherein I^expefted to reape fome contentment in the fruition of my labors and expences. God graunt this experience mayinrich me another way, and fettle my hopes vpon more cer- taine thinges : and that thofe who accufe mee of this imperfedlion, may examine their owne heartes,and(if they finde them guilty of the like infirmity) learne by myne example to confeffe their errour. And my pray- er Ihalbe, that we both may more diredlly feeke gods glory in our vndertakings. But why fhould I be the man more accufed, then all others, for feekeing after the iuft hyre of my labours ? am I the only One guilty of ftudyinge myne owne profitt, in the courfe of my paynefuU endeuours for religious ende? I would to god I were, and that no man lining faue I, were fo wicked, as to make his owne glory, and inriching, the end and fcope of his chriftian diligence. For doubtles,fuch an vniuerfall pi- etie, would be a powerfuU meanes of drawing me to repentance. But I beleeue, there be fo fewe, who can with the Apoftle cleare himfelfe herein, that if none might be permitted to throwe at me the ftone of re- proofe, but only they who are free from this weaknes, I may walke from Saint Michaels Mount in Cornwal to Doner : & from thence eue through our mitropoli- tan Churches, to the fartheft Northeren Ifles without touch of exception. And whereas theyobiefl I haue compaffed a prive- ledge to the publike greeuance; your Reuerences fhal perceiue 33 X30) ceiue how innocent I am from giuing caufe of fuch an imputation, if you pleafe to confider the circum- ftances of his Maiefties Grant with his pyous intenti- on, and my carriage in the procuring and execution of it. For, I did not, as fome of the Stationers haue done, in the name of many, and by pretending the reliefe of the poore (whome they may be prooued therby to oppreffe) monopoHze the principall bookes of Sale within this Realme (euen thofe wherein the whole c6- monwealth haue a inft intereft) which is really one of thofe Monopolies that our State abhores. But hauing compofed a new Booke, which no man could claime a fhare in, while it remayned myne owne, and in mine owne power to make publike or no ; & propofmg the fame to his Maieftie, briefly and plainely, without pre- tece of any by-refpe6l) I obtayned a free and gratious graunt to make fuch benifit thereof as vfually hereto- fore in like cafes, his Maieftie hath vouchfafed vnto o- thers : yea fuch as the Stationers would haue made of it without a priueledge if fo be I had left it in their power. Nor can any difaduantage come to the Common- wealth thereby, feeing the price is lymited to be fuch as themfelues fell bookes for, like chargeable of the fame kind. Befides, no mans trade or ymploy- ment, is therby vfurped vpon, hindred, or taken away: but many are rather fett on worke in feuerall profefli- ons, more then before. Infomuch that there can be no publike grieuance truely named or probably preten- ded which that priuiledge is caufe of: except it bee a griefe 34 (31) griefe to fome fewe Idle drones, to behould the labo- rious lyving vpon the fweate of their owne browes. Indeed The Booke-fellers do peremptorily chal- leng an intereft in euerymans labour of this kind; and a worfhipfull Lawyer was lately pleafed on their be- halfe to fay, that the benifite arifmge from the fale of bookes, was their ancient, and lawfull birthright But if his Mafterlhips ludgement be noe better in other cafes, I hope to bleffe my felfe from his opinions. For vnleffe he can proue, the Author hath fould them his birth-right (as often he doth, for leffe then a meffe of pottage) he being the elder brother, the right firft (by his owne lawe that he profeffes) falleth vnto him. And there are other heires (but of a coUaterall lyne) the Printer, and Booke-binder that clayme iuft title bee- fore the booke-feller : at leaft-wife may in Gauile- kind be coheires with him ; yea indeed, the meaneft of them doubly deferues the better right. But it may bee our learned Counfeller, was a kentifti man, where in fome place, the yongeft brother inherites by cuftome of Borough Englilh, and fo thought perhapps that the like teneur might be peculier vnto the Booke-fellers trade. Therefore as I am willing, his ignorance fhould excufe him, fo I hope, all Authors ftialbe excufed.and and vnblameworthy, if hauing their proper rightes in- croched vpon, they feeke repoffeffion by the royall power. To that purpofe is my priueledge; which the Sati- oners haue not onely called in queftion before the high 35 (28) high Court of Parlament (whofe Cenfure I fliall bee ready to abide with good contentment ) but by- many clamors, and bya multytud of papersin printal- fo, fcandalized the Kinges Grauntas, an oppreffion j and caft vpon me the vniuft imputation of a bafe Mo- nopolift : wheras I doubt not but I fhalbe able to proue that his Maieftie hath vouchfafed me nothing, but what was, IVS REGALE, and in his Lawfull power to conferr ; and that I enioy nothing by vertue of the Priueledge he graunted me, but what I am honeftly capable to receiue. For, yf his Maieftie hath not a le- gall power to confirme vnto me that which is natu- rally myne own, By what right then, doe they and o- thers enioy priueledges for thofe books wherein eue- ry ma hath as good property as they. Or if his Maiefty hath not Authority to commaund the addition of a fewe leaues (for Gods glory, and the peoples edificati- on) to fuch a booke, as hath allowance from the Prerogatiue Royall onely; Then, either the Sta;ioners are veryprefumptious, in anexing the finging Pfalmes and Robert Wifdomes Songs to the Bible and booke of Common prayer, at their owne pleafures, and for their owne profit: Or els their Prerogatiue is more ab- folute then the Kings. For, the Stationers doe not onely reape the Bene- fit of diuers books by vertue of his Maiefties Graunts, in fuch wife as the fame is vouchfafed vnto me, but in a farr larger manner, and (acording as they execut the) to the publkie iniury many waies. Yea, by the lawes and Orders of their Corporation, they can and do fetle vpon 36 (29) vpon the particuler members thereof, a prpetuall in- tereft in fuch Bookes as arcRegiftred by them at their Hall, in their feueral Names: and are fecured in taking the ful benefit of thofe books, better then any Author can be by vertue of the Kings Grant, notwithflanding their firft Coppies were purloyned from the true ow- ner, or imprinted without his leaue. Moreouer, they annexe Additions to bookes for- merly imprinted, and increafe the pryfes of them ac- cordingly, though f matter be altogither impertinet And yet if the King do but conferr vpon fome Author the fole printing of a tenth part of his owne labours (which he might ftil haue referued in his owne power) Or but pleafe (for the Reuerenceand praffife of deuo- tion) to commaund the addition of a fewe leaues to fome booke authorized by the State onely: they im- mediately breake out into an vproare, as if the King had dealt vniuftlywith them; As if the Author hadco- mitted Sacriledge: and as if the Common-wealth had beene ready to fmke vnder the weight of that bur- then. Good God ! how many dung-botes full of fruitles Volumnes doe they yearely foyft vpon his Maiefties fubieftes, by lying Titles, infinuations, and difparaging of more profitable Books ! how many hundred reames of foolifh prophane and fenfies Ballads do they quar- terly difperfe abroade ? And howe many thoufande poundes doe they yearely picke out of the purfes of ignorant people, who refer the Choyce of their books to the difcreations and honefties of thefe men! by that meanes 37 (26) meanes ridding their warehoufes from heapes of trafh and refufe, which might els haue layne by the walles till the Ratts had eaten it ? how vnconfcionably is the Subieft by thefe vfages robbed both of his mony and tyme? how often in fkead of being bettered, are their manners corrupted and their affeftions drawne away by lewd and wanton Poemes? how vnchriftianly is their loyalty fomtyme fhake by feditious Pamphlets ? Yea, how dageroufly is their faith & religio peruerted by thofe many hereticall and fchifmaticall Treatifes, which they from tyme to time fecretly or openly dif- perfe through his Maiefties Dominyons. How vnfortunate am I (as fome thinke) that haue- ing performed a good worke; doe neuertheles heare it exclaimed vpon as a friuelous labour, and (land accu- fed for oppreffmg the people (becaufe a fewe Hymnes contayning the prayfes of God are commaunded to bee divulged the moft conuenient way) whilft fuch abufes as thefe afore mentioned, and many of a higher nature, may be winked at in my Ac- cufers: Yet, I fay rather, how happy am I & how much bound to praife Gods mercie, who couers the multi- tudes of my tranfgreffions and ftill bringes me into publike queftion for fuch Aftions onely, as fhall vpon Tryall become myne honor, and to the fhame of my Traducers. For, I am confident that I fhal in due time be deliuered from that, and from all other fcandalous imputations which the world hath layd to my charg. And therefore whether it be now or hereafter, I am indifferent ; and place fuch affurance in gods loue that I 38 (27) I can flay his leafure. I procured the Kinges Graunt (being the poflibili- ty of a temporall bleffing) by moouing for it, where I ought, and as I ought to feeke the fame, without en- treating any mans furtherace; and if it be not in euery perticuler iuft and conuenient, that I fhould enioy the fame; ytfliall goe, and I wil venture an vtter vndoeing rather then make vfe of any mans friendfliip to detain it. For, God (who hath hitherro prouided for me in fuch a manner as befh befitted both my temporall and fpirituall Condition) will I knowe, continue his pro- uident care of me: while I can haue grace to be thank- full, and retayne the refolution to doe my lawfull en- deauour. Howfoeuer (let the worlde conceit of mee as it pleafeth) I fcorne to enioy my lyfe, much more any priueledge to the common preiudice : and am a- ble to demonftrate (as fhall hereafter appeare) that my booke and the Kinges Graunt haue beene maliti- oufly traduced without caufe. Yet, the Stationers haue not only fcandalized the fayde graunt vniuftly, and layde the imputation of impertinencie to the Booke of Hymnes without caufe ; but feareing (as it feems) left their publication would difcouer their falfe dealing, and gayne me and my labour fome good approbation in fpight of their mallice; They haue (as I fayd before) pradlifed alfo, or rather confpired, as much as in them lyes, to hinder the lawful fale of my Booke. For, they prouide them not in'their Ihoppes as they are commaunded by Au- thority, nor furnifh themfelues with thofe as with o- ther 39 (32) ther books, notwithftanding they may take them vp- on truft, and make profitt of them before payment is required at their hands, being content fomewhat to hinder themfelues that they may difaduantage me. And to excufe this iniury they giue out, contrary to their owne knowledges, that if they take my bookes from me, none will fetch them out of their handes, which they falfly pretend, meerely to difpariage that which I hope they fhall neuer be able to bring out of credit, tyl they haue loft their owne. For, they are dai- ly fo much enquired after, that had the Booke-fellers preferred them to fale as they would haue done if the coppie had been their owne, twenty thoufand might haue been difperfed, long ere this tyme. Yea if they had either any loyal refpeft to the Kings pyous com- maund; or loue to the praftife of Deuotion, or but that humanity which is to be found among Infidells; they might haue deulged a hundred in place of euery tenn which are yet difperfed. For, though fewe knowe where to get the fayd Hymnes, becaufe they are fel- dome to be had amonge the Booke-fellers ; yet thou- fandes of them haue beene bought vp by gentlemen and others, whoe (hauing enquired out, with much difficulty, where to finde them) report to mee howe much I am abufed amonge the Stationers, and how hardly they cann forbeare from vfmg them vnciuilly that come to alke for my Booke : with diuers other particular Difcourtefies. But, becaufe thofe vfages doe demonftrate their owne euill difpofition rather then difparage the faid booke ; 40 (33) Booke ; I wil omitt to perticularize thofe many dif- courtefies which I am that way offered, and proceed to anfwere fuch other obieftions as they and their a- betters haue framed to bring both my Hymnes and me, into contempt. And firft, they obie£l (forfooth) that they are not worthy to be annexed with their Pfalmes in meeter, in refpe6t of that infufficiency which they haue dif- couered in my expreffions. For, fo harfh and impro- per do my lynes appeare to thefe iuditious cenfurers, and their chaphns; that fome compare them to DOD the fiUkemans late ridiculous tranflation of the Pfalmes, which was by authority worthily condem- ned to the fire. Some tearme them in fcorne, WI- THERS SONNETS; and fome, among them, the better to expreffe what opinion they haue of their pi- ous vfe, are pleafed to promife that they wil procure the roaring Ballett fmger with one legg, to fmg and fell them about the Citie. which bafe fpeeches pro- ceeding from thofe fkoffing Ifmalites, I could well enough brooke in refpeft of mine owne perfon, or merit : For, there is foe mnch euill, euen in the bell of my aftions, that contempt is the fayreft reward, which they can iuftly challenge : Yet, when I call to minde with what Chriftian intentions I was emploi- ed vpon thofe Hymnes, and howe many howers at midnight I fpent about them, whilft, it may be, my Traducers, were either fleeping out their tyme, or worfe employed : when I confider alfo howe many learned. & religious men haue approoued the, & how C much / 41 (34) much their jJious.vfe might further the reuerence and praflife of Deuotion to the prayfe of God ; it greeues me that there fliould bee in this nation any fo wick- ed as to oppofe fo Chriftian a worke, to fo friuelous an end. But, when I remember, by whome, and by what Authority that booke was allowed, and com- maunded to be made publik; and withall, what mifte- ry of iniquity it is that hath confpired againft the fae ; me thinkes it is an Iniurie not to be tollerated. Is it reafon, they who liue by bookes, fhould bee permitted to abufe the Authors of their liuelyhood ? Or is it feemely that thofe whoe (as I fayd before) are but the pedlers of books, fhould become their cen- furers ; and by confequent, both the cenfurers and de- prauers of that Authority which allowed them? If this be tollerated, the fayreft draughts of Apelles, fhalbe daily fubieft to the foolifh critifcifmes of thofe ar- rogant coblers ; and the State fhall not be able ere long to publifh any thing, but what they haue a fan- cie to approoue. For, to this paffe it is already come, that whatfoeuer the State diflykes fhalbe imprinted and devulged by them (though both abfurd and fca- dalous) with twice more ferioufnes, then any booke lawfully commaunded: but, let it tend to fchifme, and they will difperfe more vnder-hand in one weeke, then the Royall Authority fhalbe able to di- vulge in a yeare, toward the fetling of vnity in the Church. I know not what it is which fhould make my booke of Hymnes appeare foe ridiculus vnto them, or 42 (35) or fo vnworthy to be annexed to the Englifh Pfalm- boolc, as they pretend. In refpeft of the matter it can- not iuftly be excepted againft : for, a great part ther- of, is canonicall Scripture ; and the reft alfo, is both a- greeable therunto in euery perticuler, and confonant to the moft approoued Difcipline of the Church of England. Soe that (how fquemifhly foeuer fome of their ftomackes brooke it) they being allowed by Authority, are as fitt, I truft, to keepe company with Dauids Pfalmes, as Robert Wifdomes TVRKE and POPE ; and thofe other apocryphall Songs and prai- ers, which, the ftationers add to the Pfalrae booke for their more aduantage : Sure I am, that if their ad- ditions fhalbe allowed of by the mofl voices, yet mine fhalbe approoued of before thofe, by the beft Judgments. Now, as for the manner of expreflion which I haue vfed, I hope it is fuch as no iuft exception cann be taken therunto ; feeing I haue (afwel in that which is of my owne Inuention, as in the Tranflations) vfed that fimplicity of fpeech which (beft) becommeth y fubieft, without affeftatio to thofe poetical phra- fes and fancies, which (being commendable in other things) would haue obfcured the maiefty of thofe in- ventions. To this I had fo much regard (efpecially in my tranflations of the Canonicall Hymnes) that, if I miftake not, I haue as naturally, and as playnely ex- preft the fence of them, as moft profe Tranflations haue done. And if thofe indififerent men, who know the Poefy and power of the Englifh tongue may be C 2 my 43 (36) my Imli'cs, tliry will iTiilurc my cNpifllioiiH to hop fiH-h, i>H lliall iicitlirr bo ohlVniro to the ii\ciiiu>ll capu- cityrs, nor (.•oiitt-mplililo to llic hrll liul^'jiurnlM, luit (ohrrniinj4' a middle way) bed l)ca>i\imiiiK llxd pin- \^>^^k\ (or wliicli tlicy wore liitondcd. I dill not ioiipc on ii fuddaino. or invncrrntly in- to this cmploymrnt; but, lianrin^;' conr\mird almoll )> ycarcsofan Approntifliipp, iiv fliidicH oftliis Kindr, I cnlrod thcrinto coiilVionably 6!; In the Icaiv ol (Jod : nor lianr I procrodrd willionl his alliilaiH-c, as the diHU-ulticH and dii'eourannicntM whieli 1 banc palled throngh, do witncs vnlo me, b'or, if It be well wel(^;h- od, bow full of lliort lenteneeM, and fiuldahie break- injvM olV, tbofe ioripturcM are ; how IVeipieiitly, tliele rarlieleH, h'OK, 1»V T. iS; fneh Ilk, (wliieh are ^:raee^nl In the Originall Text) will leeme to oblVme the de- pendaney of Senfc, in the ICn|',lilh iihiale, if the pow- er of their figniiR'ation be not heedfully obiiMued ill (hofe placcH : How harlh the imiiieke will be, iftlio chiele I'anfeH be not earel'nlly reduced vnto the fame place in the lyne throunhont the whole llymne, which Ihcy lumo in the lirll Stanza; how many dilVe- reiiccs mull be obleriied betwecnc I.yriike-verfc and that which is eompofed lor reading only: Howe the Trnnflater l» tyed, not to make choifo of thofc fafhion SlanzaoH whieh arc callell, to expreM the mat- ter in, but to keep that with which he (irll be^jn: how he Ih botmd, not only to the fence (aecordin^;' to the liberty vied in other 'I'ranllationcH) but to the very words, or words of the fame power with tliolc vfod in •M (37) in our allowed Interpretations : Laftly, how precile he muft be, when he is forced to expreffe any fentence by circumlocution, to labor ftil to retayne a relifh of the holy,phrafe in his expreffions: I fay, if all thefe circumftances be well confidered, (and how difficult they make it to clofe vp euery Stanza with a period, or fome fuch point that the voice may decently paufe there) I am parfwaded a worke of this nature coulde not haue ben perfifted in, to this conclufion, by a man haueing fo many weakneffes, and difcouragments as I haue had ; vnleffe the Almighty had beene with mee. Nor can I beleeue that the deuill would haue rayfed vp foe many malitioufly to oppofe the fame, if it had not tended to Gods honor. But fure, no man will grudge the annexing of the Booke of Hymnes to our metricall Pfalmes now v- fed, in regard of any faultineffe in their expreffion, yf they confider the meanneffe of that Tranflation. For, though fome (of no meane degree) are very violent for the mayntenance and continuance of their olde Verfion, pleading (as the papifts do for many of their trumperyes) a long prefcription, in fteed of better ar- gumentes : yet I know it to be foe much to blame, that no man of vnderftanding can fing many of thofe Pfalmes, but with trouble to his deuotion. And I dare vndertake to demonftrate, that they are not onely full of abfurdityes, fcoelofcifmes, improprietyes, non-lece, and impertinent circumlocutions (to more then twice the length of their originalles in fome places) but that there are in the many expreffios alfo, quite befide if not quite contrary, to the meaning of C 3 the 45 (38) the Text. Which I would not thus openly haue de- clared, but that euen fchoole boys perceiue it, though fome (that would be thought wifer) do ignorantly or wilfully, proteft againft an alteration of our finging Pfalmes. Excufe me I befeech you, if I feeme a litle too playne in difcouering the faultines of that wher- of fo many are ouerweening: for, I doe it not to dif- parage the pious endeauours of thofe whoe tooke paynes in that Tranflation ; but rather, commending their laborious and Chriftian intention, do acknow- ledg, that (confidering the tymes they liued in, and of what quallity they were) they made foe worthye an attempt ; as may iuftly fhame vs whoe came after, to fee it no better feconded during all the flourifhing tymes which haue followed their troublefome Age : efpecially, feeing howe curioufly our language and expreffiones are refined in our triuiall Difcourf- es. This hath giuen the papift, the Atheift and the Li- bertyne occafion to fkoffe at our chriftian exercifes, and troubles the deuotion of many a religious man, who being defirous to fing with his vnderflanding in the congregations, doth often (before he is aware) loofe the fence of the Prophet : yea and fometymes fall vpon diredl nonfence, among thofe many imper- tynent circumlocutions, and independancies which he is (for Rymes fake) compelled to wander through in that Tranflation. Neuertheleffe, fome I knowe will be obftinate in defence of their oulde Meeter ; and I fhall feeme to them 46 (39) the, as one that had prefumpteoufly layd an imputa- tion vpon our Church, and vnreuerently taxed what her Authority had commaunded ; which, I thanke God, I am not guiltye of. For, I well enough knowe (and your Reuerences can witneffe it) that thofe me- trical Pfalmes were neuer commaunded to bee vfed in Diuine feruice, or in our publike congregations, by any Canon or Ecclefiaftical conftitutio, though ma- ny of the vulger be of that opinion : But (whatfoeuer the ftationers do in their Tytle page pretend to that purpofe) they being firft allowed for priuate deuoti- on only, crept into publik vfe, by toleratio rather the commaund. Yea, cuftome hath beene hitherto their cheife Authority: and therefore wee may not onely lay open their defefls to a good purpofe (without iuft blame to our felues or fcandal to the Church) but I hope chang them alfo without offence, when a bet- ter tranflation fhal come to light. In the meane time there will be no reafon, I am fure, why thofe ftioulde condemne my expreffiones while they approoue thofe meafures we haue hitherto made vfe of, in our Devotions. But, left the worke fhould bee able to iuftifie it felfe, in fpight of their detra6lion, my Aduerfarys do picke perfonall quarrells alfo : alleaging that I haue vndecently intruded vpon the Diuine calling; and that my performances being but the fruites of a pri- uate fpirit are therfore vayne & vnwarrantable. Yea (yf we may beleeue the ftationers) many zealous Minifters haue taxed me for medling with a worke C 4 of 47 (4o) of that nature, affyrming that it was a talke fitter for a Diuine then for me : and fo bitterly haue many of them (as I heare) cenfured me for it, in their priuate conferences, that I haue good caufe to fufpe£l, it was rather enuie, then any thing elfe which induced moft of them to be of that opinion. If it be a worke foe proper to a Diuine, that noe man elfe ought to haue medled with it, I would fome of them had taken it in hand, who giue me fo little thankes for my labor, that we might haue feene with what fpirit they are guid- ed. I wonder what diuine caUing HOPKINS and STERNHOLD had more then I haue, that their me- tricall Pfalmes may be allowed of rather then my Hymnes. Surely, yf to haue been Groomes, of the priuie Chamber, were fufficient to quallify them ; that profeffion which I am of, may as wel fitt me for what I haue vndertaken ; whoe haueing firft layd the foun- dation of my- fludies in one of our famous Vniuerfi- tyes, haue euer fmce builded thereon, towards the erefting of fuch fabricks, as I haue nowe in hand. But, I would gladly know by what rule thofe men difcerne of fpirites, who condemne my endeauour as the worke of a priuate fpirit. The tyme was, men did iudge the tree by his fruite, but now they will iudge the friute by the Tree. If I haue expreffed any thing repugnat to the Analogy of y Chriftian Fayth; or ir- reuerently oppofed the orderly and allowed Difci- pline; or diffented in any poynt from that fpirit of Verity which breathes through the holy Catholicke Church, 48 (40 Church; then let that which I haue done be taxed for the worke of a priuat fpirit. Or if it may appeare, that I haue vndecently intruded my felfe to intermedle with thofe myfteryes of our Chriftian San6luarye, which the God of Order hath by his deuine Lawe referued for thofe whoe haue, according to his Ordi- nance, a fpeciall calling therunto; Then indeed let me be taxed as deferuing both punifhment & reproofs. But, if makeing Confcience of my Aftions, I obferued that feemely diflance which may make yt apeare, I intruded not vpon ought appropriated to y outward miniftry; If, like an honeft harted Gibeonit I haue but a litle extraordinarily laboured, to hewe wood and drawe water, for the fpirituall Sacrifizes ; If, according to the art of the Apothecary, I haue c6- pofed a fweete perfume to offer vp to God, in fuch manner as is proper to my owne Faculty onely, and then brought yt to thofe vnto whome the confecra- tion thereof belonges ; If, keeping my owne place, I haue labored for the building vp of Gods houfe as I am bound to do, in offering vp of that which God hath giuen mee, and makeing vfe with modeftie of thofe gyfts which were beflowed on me to that pur- pofe ; If I fay, the cafe be fo, what blame worthy haue I done? why fhould thofe difciples which followe Chrifl in a nearer place, forbid vs (fro doeing good in his name) who follow him, farther off? why fhoulde they with lofhuah forbid Eldad and Medad from prophefying, feeing euery good Chriftian wifheth with MofeSi that all Gods people were prophets, and that 49 (42) that he would giue his fpirit to them all. If I could haue beleeued that for me to enter into Orders would haue made me either the more profi- table inftrument of Gods glory, or caufed my labors to haue been the more holie or the more edifyinge ; what had letted me to procure that aduantag ? Noe man lining more honors that calling (or would think himfelfe more honord) by being admitted therinto, the I. yea, often haue I been vrged vnto it, & my pof- fibillityes of outward preferments that way, are not y leafb. neuertheles, I a not oly priuie to much vnwor- thines, and many infufficiencies in my felfe, iuftly dif- enabling me of that funftion ; but my mind perfwads me alfo, that God hath appoynted me to ferue him in fome other courfe. There are diuers guyftes, and diuerfitys of callings; and by the guift God hath giue him, euery man may gueffe at his calling, as the foul- dier may know in what part of the battell to range himfelfe, by thofe Arms his Captayne appoynted him vnto : and that place he ought to make good, vntyll he finde himfelfe furnifhed and authorized for ano- ther Station. I wil, as the Apoflle counfells me, ftriue and couet for the befl guifts fo farr as God Ihall enable me : but in what place foeuer I make vfe of them (I thinke) I may be indifferet. For, euery good guift of God may be employed with aduantage in any vocation, one tyme or other. A common fouldier haueing the ex- perience of a commaunder, may by advifmg and di- refting his fellowes in familliarity, and by keepeing his 5° (43) his place with the as a companion; fynd opportunity perhaps, to inftru6l them better in fome military dif- cipline, then the office of a Captayn will permitt. And foe fares it in the chriftian warfarr. Yea, euen I my felfe haue many tymes found occafion by meanes of my habite and outward fafhion of life, to effeft fome good which I fhoulde hardly haue brought to paffe by a more ftrift profeffion. And as fome cheerefull laborer, by carying fhones & morter (by encourag- ing his fellowes, and gluing now and then a word of direftion) may further the building of a houfe more then many others, and winn great commendation in that imployment; who would be rather a let (if not the ruin of it) if he fhould take vpon him to lay the ftones ; So, I that haue as a comon labourer ferioufly and fome way profitably endeuoured; prefuming in- to the place of a mafter workman, may become leffe feruiceable, and peraduenture a trouble to the bufi- nes which I thought to further. Let it not therefore, I befeech you, be an imputa- tion vnto me, that I haue performed a better worke the my calling feems to oblige me vnto. For, though fome haue taxed mee for medlinge with that which feemes more properly to belong to their profeffion ; it is odds but they are otherwhile as bufie in fome employments which would better haue befeemed a man of my qualHty, then one of their cote; and ther- fore, let vs excufe & forgiue one another. That which I haue done, when it was my owne ; was fub- . ie6l to any mans cenfure ; but, nowe Authority hath confecrated SI (44) confecrated it, and deliuered the fame forth for pub- like vfe; yt is noe more myne, but the worke of Au- thority which they depraue. Let al my writings priuatly or publikly difperfed, be examined fro the firft Epygra that euer I copofed, vntyll the publifhing of thefe Hymnes now traduced by my aduerfaries ; and if there can be found out one lyne fauouring of fuch a mynde, as may giue caufe to fufpeft I vndertooke that talke, without that true Chriftian ayme which I ought to haue had; or if the performance it felfe fhall make it appeare that I pro- ceeded without due preparation; or if you can haue a- ny probable teftimony that throughout the courfe of my lyfe, or by any one fandalous aft, I haue giue that caufe of offence as may difparage my ftudis, or trou- ble their deuotions to whofe vfe my Hymns are ten- dered; let thofe thinges be layde to my charge, vntyll I find meanes to difprooue or wafh away fuch impu- tations. Sure I am, no man can attempt fuch a worke with a heart more defireous to be reftified, or more fearefull to offend by a negligent performance ; and therefore if I wanted an outward calling thereunto, (which this Reuerent Aflebly may fupply) yet I hope I had that inward calling which is beyond the power of any to conferr. But, obferue the mallice of the Stationers ; they are not content to fmother my booke as much as may be, by denying to giue it vtterance according as the King hath commaunded, and as by their trade they ought to doe ; or to difparage it, by flriuing to make me S? (45) me feeme vnfitting or infufficient for a worke of that nature : but, to countenance their detraftions, they pretend, as I fayde before, that the Lo : Archb : with other of your LLos : haue difliked my Hymnes, & that my Lo: of Canterbury would this Parlament take order to fuppreffe them. I cannot but wonder at the bouldneffe and impudence of thefe fellowes, that dare pubHfh fuch improbable vntruthes, to the dif- paragement of honorable perfonages. For, many of your Reuerences haue receiued thofe Hymnes at my hands, and returned me that good refpeft, which hath been my encouragement ; and I cannot thinke, any poffeffmg thofe reuerent places, would haue fo much forgotten humanity as to haue condemned my labors in fuch falhio as thofe giue out. It canot be thought, they cenfured them vpon the Stationers reports ; fee- ing that were an inexcufable leuity; and if they exa- mined it, me thinks my paynes, my pyous intention, and the good vfe which may be made of that booke, would haue mooued them to counfell me how to a- mend that which was found amiffe, rather then to difparage my whole work, for a few ouerfights. Can I fuppofe they who fhould encourage men in their pyous ftudies, (and be glad to fee that we are able in any meafure to exercife our facultyes towardes the fetting forth of Gods prayfe) would be fo harih, to giue me hard cenfures for my paynes; be- caufe, forfooth, I haue not anfwered their expedtati- ons, in fome one triuiall poynt .? Sure, this were not that tenderneffe which might be expe6led in the Fa- thers 53 (46) thers of the Church; nor do I beleue that any of your LLps: would vfe that feuerity towards me: for then, if I had noe better comfortes then fuch critefcifme affords, thofe who waft their tyme altogether in idle- neffe, and abufe their facultyes to vaineft purpofes, are in farr better cafe then I. Now, that they haue abufed my Lo: Grace of Canterburye, by pretendinge his diflike of my booke, ( to the difparagement thereof) I fhal make yt very apparant. For, his Grace tooke notife that my booke was perufed and allowed by his Maieftie him- felfe ; and worthily approued his Royall iudgement both in Diuinity and Poetry, the Stationers beeing prefent: he was informed likewife, concerning euery perticuler circumftance in the Grant, and how it was his Maiefties pleafure my booke fhould be anexed to the metricall Pfalmes; and thereupon both illuftrated the reafonableneffe thereof to the fayd ftationers, and gaue them and me incouragment to proceed to com- pofition touching the fame: moreouer, the Canonical Hymnes haueing beene allowed by the Lo: Bp: of London (& part of them imprinted for an affay) I de- liuered to my L: Archbs: own hands a coppy of them almoft fowre yeare agoe ; fmce when ( about two yeares after) they, being imprinted altogether, pafTed without contradiftion, euen to the diuvlging of a full impreflion : and laftly haueing an addition of fpiritu- all Songes, for the obferuable tymes, they came forth altogether, authorifed as well by the Kinges perticu- ler approbation, as by the common allowance ap- poynted 54 (47) poynted by the State. Yea my Lo : of Canterbury himfelfe, receiued one of thofe bookes from me vpon Michelmas day laft, and, giuing me order to alter one word only, hath permitted al the reft to haue free paf- fage without controwle. Is it likely then, that my Lord will foe iniure the Kinges iudgement and his owne, as to difparage in priuate, what they haue publikely allowed; orfecret- ly combine with the ftationers to oppofe the Kinges royall commaund, in that which he himfelfe, hath ap- prooued reafonable ? Is it likely his Grace would foe difhonor the reuerent Authority of his place, as to make the ftationers or bookebinders his inftruments of fuppreffmg my booke, in fuch a fcandalous fafhi- on; confideringe what power hee hath giuen him, to take order and reforme in matters of that nature ? or is it likely that his Lp: had foe litle compaffion and refpeft, as not to confider what faultineffe might bee in my Hymnes, or what inconuenience might arife by my Graunt, vntyll I had beftowed (befides my paynes) fo much coft in printing them, that he might at one blowe, make fruftrate my ftudies, and quite o- uerthrowe my eftate both together? Whilft there was hope of a compofition betweene me and the fta- tioners ; the Priueledg was no Greeuace, neither was there any fault found with my Hymnes; and is it lik- ly that fmce our difgreement, mallice and detraftion fliould finde out thofe efeapes, which the eye of Au- thority could not difcouer ? Is it likely my Lo: would be foe partiall as to paffe ouer all my paynes, and vn- queftionable SS (48) queftionable expreffions without regard ; & finding but one place doubtful, (as eafie to bee amended as found fault withall) that he would haue fought to call away my whole endeuour for that ouerfighte which I was able and ready, with all humility to re- forme ? Or is it likly he reputed of fo litle cofequece, what y King was pleafed to perufe & grat a priueledg for; that neither his priuate deuotion, nor his publike care, would moue him to confider what good or in- conuenience might fucceede vpon the publication thereof, vntill the ftationers had for their owne endes awakened him? Or if it were confidered; can I thinke he would haue beene filent vntill it might be obie6l- ed to my publike difgrace ? It cannot be, but that they haue abufed my Lds: Grace and diuers other reuerend perfonages in their reports. For, fuch vfage of me were not anfwereable to y reuerece & pyety of their callings; & if religious endeuours Ihould euer finde fuch encouragmentes ; there were more hope of thrift (to the worldwarde) by makeing Ballades for the company of ftationers, then coulde bee by compofmg of Hymns and fpi- rituall Songes for the honor of God. I hope no man in authority enuies me the honor of my emploimet; nor grudges mee that poore profite which my labors may honeftly bring in. For, though it bee noe meane content to a chriftian, (whofe foule is touched with the vnderftanding of fpirituall comfortes) to bee an inftrument of Gods glory; yet, that which I haue at- tempted, maks me in regard of one of you, noe bet- ter 56 (49) ter then the meaneft feruant attendinge on the out- ward ceremonies, is in comparifon of him, that hath y moft holy myfteries of the Church committed to his difpenfation. And as for the benefit likely to arife vnto me fro that I haue done; I know not what it may proue hereafter, but hitherto I haue bene acquainted with nothing faue the priuation of it; and haue beene fo prepofteroufly rewarded for my beft labors, that if all thofe whoe are thought to cenfure me, had mett> with fuch difcouragments as I haue done; it is tenn to one, but fome of them now (florifhing in eminent places) had fate as lowe as I doe at this day. But, if it fhall pleafe my Lo: of Canterbury: to par- don them for abufing his name in the difparagement of my Hymnes; I fhal alfo forgiue them. For, beeing warrantable in themfelues, no mans Authority fhalbe able to difhonor them : nor cann his eminence excufe them, if they be not iuftifyable in their owne nature. I will therefore proceede to anfwere thofe two per- ticulers, which are principally obie6led againft my booke of Hymnes, by the Stationers, and their Abet- ters. Firft; they impudently giue out, that the Song of Solomon is not fit to be expreffed in Lyricke verfe : and that my expreffion thereof, is in fome places obf- cee. Which, as I perfwad my felfe, I fhalbe able to dif- proue ; & fhew that (vpo due examinatio) y modefty of my Verfion, with the conueniency of publifhing that Song fhall appeare fo euident, as will make them afhamed of their mallice and ignorance, who oppofe D it. 57 (5o) it, For, whatfoeuer I am in my outward appearance, I neither confulted with flefh and bloode nor with myne owne fancy, when I medled with that facred Miftery : and therefore (feeing there bee thofe who doe not onely cauill againft the publycation of the Canticles in Lyricke Verfe, but vnciuelly cenfure al- fo, with what minde I was employed on that fub- ie6l) I could wilh that, before they paffe further in their iudgments vpon that booke, or me; they would a little iudge themfelues, & impartially examine their owne hearts, whether it be not fpleene or enuy which hath moued them, to carp at my labours. If it had not beene foe, I fhould haue beene tymely and Chriftian- ly admonifhed, rather then fo inhumanly traduced, as I haue been, where I was not to make anfwere for my felfe : yea, I hauing profeffed fo much willingneffe to harken to inftruftion, fome of them would haue thought me worthy the fpeaking vnto in a matter of that confequence; and there would haue beene vfed fuch fweete mildeneffe in the reproofe, with fuch re- fpedl of my labor and expences; and fuch care to haue preferued my credit and Chriftian patience in the re- medy of my ouerfight, as would haue witneffed from what good fpirit it proceeded. And, thus I fhall ex- pe6t to be dealt withall, if Authority fhall pleafe to call into queflion my Performances. But, from my Traducers what good vfage can I expeft, feeing they haue not fpared God, but blaf- phemoufly termed the exprefiions of his holy fpirit Obfcene : 58 (51) Obfcene ? For, this fome of the moft eminent of the ftationers haue not blufhed in publike to affirme, in the moft immodeft tearmes ; whereupon many of the inferiors of their fraternity, doe (infteed of vfing my booke to that Chriftian vfe for which it was publifh- ed) cary the fame about them purpofly to difparage it. Yea, at their Tauerne tiphngs, and in all companies whereinto they can thruft themfelues, they feeke oc- cafion to poffes their hearers, that my book is vnwor- thy to be receiued among good people: And the place (which to their vnderftanding is fo offenfiue) is in the ninth Canticle, where I render, THE KNITTING OF THE THIGHES, what the Latyne tranf- lates, IVNCTVR.E FEMORVM. and our Englifh Verfion, THE lOINTS of the Thighes. I befeech you, what Obfcenity is in that, more then in the holy Ghofts owne wordes ? To the cleane all thinges are cleane. And I proteft before God (at whofe throne I fhal be iudged for it, if I lye) I doe not remeber that I had one immodeft thought (fo much as caft into me) by meanes of any expreffion in that holy Song, during the tyme I was bufied thereabout. But, with thofe cleane thoughtes, I contemplated the louelineffe of Gods workemanfhipp, in the feuerall parts of the body; and therewithal!, foe temperately meditated thofe paffions and paffages, which are inci- dent to an honeft naturall affeflion; that, by contem- plating thofe materiall obie6les, I rayfed my vnder- ftanding to more then vfuall apprehenfions of that vnfpeakeable loue, which is between the Diuine and D 2 human 59 (52) human nature in generall ; and betweene lefus Chrift and my owne foule in perticuler. And, as I haue been, more then ordinarily apprehenfiue of the content- ments & difcontentments incident to a naturall loue, (lymited within the boundes of Chaftity) Soe ; that heauenly Song, hitherto vndifcreetly negledled (and by the mallice of the Deuill iudged dangerous to be made common) taught me to be much the more af- fefted with thofe kindneffes, & vnkindneffes, which I felt betwene God and my felfe. Yea, fo was I moo- ued thereby, as it cann neither be expreft by me, nor conceiued by thofe, who haue irreuerent opinions of the meanes God hath prepared to beget thofe ap- prehenfions in their foules. Thofe that acquire their Diuinity, meerly by read- ing books, will perfwade vs, out of fome few weake Authorityes, perhapps, that the Song of Solomon is not to be read of yong men ; but by thofe onely, in whom the carnal affeftions are quit mortified, which (the fcope of the holy ghoft being well confidered) is iuft as if they fhould tell vs, Fyre were to be made, rather with Afhes then with wood. But, he that hath gayned his humble knowledge, both by hearing the Church, & obferuing the power which Gods word hath fhowne vpon him, in his own affeftions; is per- fwaded that heauenly Poeme was compofed & pre- ferued for the pyous vfe of al men; & principally for yong louers, inflamed with a naturall loue: that by their carnall afifeftions they might afcend, & be made capeable of that which is fpiritual. So, other Allego- ryes, 60 (53) ryes, are chiefly intended to ftirr vp thofe whoe are fubieft to other Affe6tions. For, litle would it pre- uaile with an jolde man, whofe heart is fetled vpon riches, and fuch like, to illuftrat the pleafure he might receiue in his communion with God, by fetting be- fore him the mutual contentments enterchanged be- tween two affeftionat Louers ; feeing thofe paffages are vfually derided by the elder fort. And leffe would it moue that yong man who is delighted in beauty, and the perfedlions of his belooued, to expreffe vnto him the fpirituall happineffe, by Tytles, Treafures, or the profites and pleafures of a vineyarde ; which hee meanely regards. I humbly defire your RRces, that my Chriftian labour in prepareing that Song for a more frequent vfe, may not be made voyde, or become defpifed by thofe who fpeake euill of that they vnderftand not- The difpifedneffe of my perfon and quallity, may at firft appearance, eafily drawe a rafh cenfure vpon my aftions (before due confideration) as it hath often done: And their opinion who oppofe the publication of the Canticles in Lyricke Verfe, carryes fuch a for- mall fhowe of reuerence to that holy Poeme, and hath, at firfh fight, fuch a fhaddowe of pyous refpe6b (by reafon of the fpareing vfe which the Church hath heretofore feemed to make of thofe Hymnes) that it may, at a blufh, deceiue the vnderftandinges of good and learned men. But if they take leafure to examine the true ftate of y Queftion, they wilbe able to fatif- fy both themfelues and others, againft that fruitleefft D 3 opinion; 6i (54) opinion ; which being mayntayned will open paffage agayn or their herefie, who deny vnto the lay people the free vfe of holy Scripture. Thofe whoe pleafe to obferue with good pur- pofe my generall preface to that Song, and my Ar- gumentes before each perticuler Canto, fhall finde how neceffary it is to bee prefented to an vniuerfall confideration ; and perceiue whether I haue fpiritual- ly, or carnally meditated thereon, and whether I haue beene guided by the interpretations of the Catholike Church, or by myne owne fancy. If I haue any way erred, I am hartily fory for yt, and (humbly defireing pardon) am ready to giue fatiffa6lion, both by publik acknowledgment, of my ouerfight, and in takeinge away, or reforming what is amiffe. If I haue don wel; God forgiue them whofe flefhly vnderftandinges haue abufed my good intentions; and I wifh them the fpirite of true charitye, that they may beecome more capeable of that celeftiall Loue Song. For, the fweete contentmentes which I tafted in contemplateinge the myfteryes therein contayned, were fomwhat in- terrupted, through the care I had of them, whofe ig- norance, or wilfull blindneffe would depriue both themfelues and others of thofe comfortes. And I pray God thofe that fpeake irreuerently of that Song, or hinder the publycation thereof (in fuch wife as may beft rouze vp the fpiritual affeftions) may repent the- felues thereof, leafb they come within danger of that curfe thofe are lieable vnto, whoe add, or take away from the booke of God. For, though fome foolifh Verfe-haters (>2 (55) Verfe-haters (who are wife men in their owne opi- nions) haue vndifcreetly paffed their cenfures againft tranflating the Canonicall Hymnes into our Englifh Numbers ; I Ihall bee able not onely to make proofe, vpon good occafion, that they may be as truely con- verted intoour meeterasintoProfe; and that our Eng- lifh meafures are capable of expreffing them with as much power, and grauity; but to demonftrat alfo, that Verfe was firft inuented and vfed altogether in fetting forth the prayfes of God, and that thofe thinges which were originally penned in meafured wordes, cannot be fo properly nor fo vfefuUy expreffed in Profe, as in our Verfe. It would too much enlarge this hafty difcourfe if I fhould deliuer heere all I could inferr to that purpofe; or infifl vpon all the reafons which I could giue in de- fence of gluing way to the free vfe of the Song of So- lomon in our Englifh meeter. But, vnder correftion, and fubmitting my opinios to your better ludgmets, I will in briefe, anfwere fome of thofe reafons which I haue heard brought againft the common vfe thereof; that it may appeare I am not altogether without con- fideration, in what I haue done. The principall caufes obiefted for reftrayning of that Song, are three. Firft, leaft it fhould be abufed by prophane or indifcreet people; Secondly, becaufe the lewifh Rabbines hauereftrayned it from their Laiety, as vnfit for the vulger; and laftly, by reafon the Chrif- ■ tian Church (as they thinke) hath neither by command nor by praftife, warranted the fame. D 4 It 63 (56) It is true, that the Canticles, may be, and are often abufed, (yea and the reft of the holy fcriptures) euen by thofe who by reftrayning them, feeke to preuent their abufe, as well as by others. But God forbid, that fuch as would rightly apply them, fhould be depri- ued of their moft comfortable vfe, becaufe fenfuall men will turne that grace of God into wantonneffe. By that rule, the vfe of moft thinges fhould be taken away: for, many men abufe their liberty in that which is moft lawfuU ; yea, the whole booke of holy fcrip- tures fhould be fealed vp, becaufe many haue heriti- cally applyed them; feeing the fame maybe alleadg- ed for denyinge the vfe of both Teftamentes, which is obiefted for reftrayning the Canticles. The word of God loofeth no worth, by any mans abufmg of it; but he that abufeth the fame, harmeth himfelfe onely, and them whofe owne corruptions haue made that the fauour of death vnto the, which is lyfe in it owne nature : and whofe power, if it bee hidden, is hidden to thofe onely that perifh. Seeinge we permitt the reft of Gods booke to be read of all without exception, and euen this fonge in the Profe; why fhould it be more ofifenfiue in the meeter.' fmce Diuinity and the prayfes of God, may be prooued (as I haue fayd before) to be the moft auncient and moft proper fubie6ls of Verfe. If I haue not expreft the meaning of the Originall foe truely, or foe grauely, as the profe hath don; let it be declared in what per- tituler, and I cann amend the ouerfight, as eafily as it may be found. For, whatfoeuer fence is giuen mee in profe, 64 (57) profe.I can as fully and as playnelyexpreffe,againe in meafured words. Yea, I doubt not, but I fhall be able to iuftifie that my Metricall Verfion of the Canticles, is as proper, as modeft, and as perfpicuous as moft profe Tranflations ; 'and that thofe who accufe it of Obfcenity (haueing vncleane thoughtes themfelues) doe rather accufe God then me, and blafphemoufly difparage the wifedome of the holy ghoft. But, noe wonder: to the fylthy all thinges are filthy; euen the purity of God feemes vncleannes to them ; and their prepofterous difcretion is afhamed of his prudence. But, fome obieft it is vnfitting that Myftery fhould be expofed to the viewe and perufall of children ; and I fay alfo that it is as vnfeemely the childrens bread fhould be deuoured of doggs, or that pearles fliould be caft before fwine Neuertheleffe thefe thinges do often fall out foe, without remedy: and pitty it were that bread fhould be kept altogether from the chil- dren, becaufe they fomtyme fpoyle or play childifh- ly with that, which fhoulde feede and norrifh them. The ftory of y inceft of that Lot, of Thamer, & diuers other paffages in holy fcripture, are more fubieft to abufe then the Canticles ; yet clildren are permitted to reade them, becaufe we knowe not by what war- rant wee may diuide them from the booke of God. The beft courfe therefore, is to inftruft them with what mynde to pervfe them, or to prefixe fuch war- nings before thofe places, as I fet before my Verfio of Solomons fong. For, there I haue adiured al Readers, vnder payne of Gods heauy indignation, to be wary with 6S (58) with what mind and to what end, they fhall make vfe of thofe excellent Hymns: which I am perfwaded,will be a meanes to make them leffe abufed hereafter. The truth is, they cannot be more prophaned by children, then the whole Booke of God is by thofe that perufe it negligently; nor foe much as the mofb eafie and moft vfefuU paffages thereof, are, by thofe prefumptiousLi- bertynes, and fcoffing Atheifts, who make applicati- on of them accordinge to their owne humors. For, though an ignorant fimplicity, makes children fome- tyme mifunderftarid fuch thinges as they read, or frut- lefly paffe them ouer, yet they doe not wilfully peruert them to wicked purpofes ; And therefore, God doth many times giue fuch a bleffmg euen to that which in their childhood they pervfed without vnderftanding, as that many tymes it is a meanes of bringing it the better into memory (to their great profit and comfort) in riper yeares. No holy fcripture, or canon of our Church, hath commaunded the keepeing of this, or that parte of Gods Booke, from publike vfe : and therefore why fhould any diffallowe free pafTage to thofe Hymnes in their proper kinde .-• feeing noe man knoweth by what portion of his worde, the Diuine prouidence fhall pleafe to call his children vnto a true vnder- ftanding of their duties.'' who can tell, but that which is reftrayned, may be with held from fuch as woulde receiue needefull comfortes thereby, as well as from thofe whoe will abufe it ? One tyme or another, wee may be enlightened by what is for a feafon obfcure vnto 66 (59) vnto vs; and that fentence which was an occafion of ftumbling, may be a meanes of rifing againe to more ftrength being better vnderftood. Yea, (I perfwade myfelfe)it isleffeinconuenient,that athoufand carnal men fhould add to their confufion by the abufe of Gods grace, then that one of his children fhould want any comfort offered in his word. Much more might be faid to this purpofe ; euen fo much, that (if the likelyhood of truth deceiue not) it would make euery good chriftian fearefull to op- pofe the commendable vfe of any'part of Gods word vpon thofe weake foundations which fleflilie policy hath laide : but this^I hope will fuffice in this place. And, as for thofe exceptions made againft the kinde of Meafure which I haue vfed, and fome perticuler expreffions; I perceiue they haue been flirted out, ei- ther in mallice to mee, or vpon a fuperficiall viewe, without confidering the circumftances, the proprieties of the Languages, Metaphors, or Allegories ; and therefore I regard them not: Partlie feeing my Verfi- on hath had the approbation of better ludgementes; and partlie, becaufe I knowe it ordinarie among fuch as thofe, to cauell at our moft approouedTranflations. Whereas fome alleage that the lewes permitted not the Song of Solomon to be read of the Vulger ; what is that to vs .' They being heritikes we ought not to be ledd by their example. They were diuided among themfelues, concerning that Songe; fome re- ceiuing it among the bookes called Hagiographa, and fome reiefting it. And it may be, thofe whoe recon- ned 67 (60) ned it among the holy writings; reftrayned the com- mon vfe thereof by reafon of that fcandall, thofe had giuen, who (accountinge it a prophane writinge) had foolifhly applyed the fame, to Solomon and Kinge Pharaohs daughter: Or elfe, becaufe the depth of the Myftery made them vnable to accomodate it to the common capacity. Or it may be (which is moft prob- able) they were moued to reftrayne it throughe the mallice of the deuill ; that after tymes following their example, the moft excellent Myftery therin couched, might be the more obfcured from vs of later Tymes, vnto whom the reuelation of it would much plainer appeare. And, their negatiue is hard (if not impoflible) to be prooued, who deny that Song to haue at any time beene vfed by the-chriftian Congregation in the pri- matiue ages. For, they praftifed the finging ofPfalms, and Hymnes, and fpirituall Songes ; and were at left counfelled (if not comanded) by Saint Paul thereto. Coll: 3. Why therfore, may we not thinke, that So- lomons fong was one of thofe which the church then funge, feeing the holy ghoft hath entituled it T H E SONG OF SONGS.? If it were then funge, it is likely they fung it in thofe languages which were vnderftood. For, Saint Paul would fmg, not with the fpirit only, but with the vnderftanding alfo. And if yt may bee funge by the congregation, in the vulger tongue, why not in Verfe, the proper language of SONG (and the moft moouinge way of expref- fion) .? But 68 (6i) But, what neceffity is there of examples; feeing in lawful! thinges, we ma.y make prefidentes, when we pleafe, with good commendations ? By what pulike example did we fmg Dauids Pfalms in Englifh mee- ter, before the Raigne of King Edward the fixth ? Or by what commaund of the Church do we fmg them as they are nowe in vfe? Verily, by none : but tyme and chriftian deuotion hauing firft brought forth that praftife (by the prouidence of God) and cuftome ripening it; long tolleratio hath, in a manner, fully au- thorized the fame. And, if our metricall tranflation of the Pfalmes were reftified, and purged from thofe imperfe6lions and efcapes, which the firfb tranflators (worthy to be chriftianly excufed) vnwillingly com- mitted in that infancy of Reformation : There was neuer any one accidentall thing in the outward wor- fhipe of God, more helpefuU to deuotion (or more powerfully ftirring up the affeflions towardes fet- tinge forth his prayfe) then the fmginge of Pfalmes, Hymnes, and fpirituall fonges, in fuch manner as the reformed Churches now vfe yt. I cannot beleeue therefore, but that the fmging both of Dauids Pfalms and of the fong of Solomon was pra6lifed in all ages of the Church fmce Chrift, as freely and as frequently, as the ftridlnes and blind- neffe of the tymes would permyt ; though not with foe full and in foe publike a Quire as at this prefent. But, what if the Canticles had not beene ordinarily fung in former tymes ? can that prooue the vulger vfe of them to be now vnlawfuU or inconvenient, more then 69 (62) then the vfe of y reft of holy fcripture in our mother tongue, is proued inconuenient, becaufe the bhndnes of paffed ages caufeleflye reftrayned it ? May wee not iudge, it was rather through ignorance, and be- caufe they had them not prepared to be fung, as now they are ? Or might it not be becaufe the tyme was not then come in which a more pubHke vfe thereof would be moft neceffary? For, the ftate of the my- fticall body of lefus Chrift (from the creation to the laft Judgment) being expreffed Allegorically in that fong, with the feuerall appearances it had, and fhall haue in the feuerall peryods of tyme, together with thofe admyrable loue-paffages enterchanged bee- tweene the diuine and human nature ; we doubtles> whoe liue in the laft Age of the world, (and hauing feene by long experience, and fucceffe of thinges, much more of that propheticall fong fulfilled, then thofe who went before vs) may without difparage- ment to their knowledges, vnriddle fome darke M- nigmas, heretofore not vnderftood. And the confu- mation of the L A M B E S mariage being neere at hand, may the more properly, fmg that Mariage fong of his, to the glory of his name, and our owne fpiri- tuall comforts. To that end I fitted the fame vnto our Englifti Lyre, in meafures becomming the nature of the fub- ieft, in a playne and vnaffefted Phrafe : and (if thofe whoe vnderftand both the fcripture Dialeft, and the language of an Englifti Mufe may be my cenfu- rers) in words agreeable to y meaing of y holy Text. Yea 70 (63) Yea, I haue fo well as I was able (in fo fewe lynes) o- pened alfo according to the Doftrine of the Catho. licke Church, the Allegory of euery perticuler Canti- cle, that God might be the more glorified, and the vnlearned both delighted and profited, in the repeti- tion of thofe Hymns. And thus much I haue deliuer- ed concerning what hath bene obiefted touching the fong of Solomon ; not prefuming to leade your opi- nions towards myne owne endes; but to declare with what knowledge and confcience I haue proceeded therin. And as this teftifies I had fome vnderftanding of that I went about ; fo to giue teftimony alfo, how farr I am from being wilfull, in my owne opinions, I doe in all humility fubmit my felfe to be reftified by your RRces, in whatfoeuer I haue done or fpoken: which (though offence had beene giuen; will, I hope, make me fomwhat more excufable, then my aduer- faryes pretend. Howfoeuer; I cannot difpayre. For yf thofe ouerfightes which I haue vnwillingly com- mitted in that performance, doe bring on me thofe outward troubles which fliall fruftrate fome of my temporall hopes; yet I am confident, that thofe chri- ftian affeflions which Gods mercy hath made accep- table in me, fhall produce thofe inward comfortes which will vphould my faith, tyll my contentments are made perfe6l : and therfore his will be done. I come now to fpeake of that impi*tatio by which the ftationers and their Abetters haue don my book and me the greateft iniury: and that is in pretending my' Hymnes for the Obferuable tymes, to be furtherr ances 71 (64) ances to Popery and fuperftition. When they cannot bring men to diflyke me and that labor of myne, by difparaging the vfefullneffe thereof ; they obiefl a- gainft the manner or method: when that wil notferue turne, they except againft my caUing : when that wil not preuaile, they impudently accufe it of obfcenity: when that effefts not their purpofe, they gyue out that it is inclyning to Popery: & when none of thefe courfes will aduantage them, they rayle, and fend him that enquires for the booke, to goe and feeke yt where he cann. But, the bed of their ftratagems hath beene by accufing yt of fauouring fuperftition. For, it hath not onely made many hundreds (whoe knowe not yet what the Booke treates of) to forbeare the buyeng and perufing of it ; but hath giuen them oc- cafion alfo, to paffe their cenfures on me in fo vnchrif- tian a manner, as if I were an Apoftate that had fallen from my Religyon ; or fought the fubuertion of yt, for my outward profitt. Wherefoeuer I come, one gyddy brayne or another, offers to fall into difputati- on with me about my Hymnes. Yea; Brockers, and Coftermongers, and Tapfters, and Pedlers, and Sempfters, and Fydlers, and Feltmakers, and all the Brotherhoods of Amfterdam, haue fcoffingly paffed fentence vpon me in their conuenticles, at taphoufes and Tauernes. So that, infteed of diuvlging mybooke that (according to the Kings intet) yt might further y reverence & praftife of deuotion, and confirme in his Maieftyes fubieftes, obedience to the pyous difci- pline of our Church; fome of the ftationers haue by traducing 72 (65) traducing it, giuen ignorant people occafion to fpeake the more in contempt of thofe Ordinances which they ought reuerently to obey. If thefe prefumptions fhall be fuffered without rebuke, neither the Authority of the Church or State will fhortly take place, but that onely which makes for the profitt or humor of the Stationers : For, fome of them dare already tell me to my face, that if the King had not peremptorely commaded the addition of my Hymns to the metricall Pfalm- booke, they would haue the fooner anexed the ; but by compulfion they will not. And for that caufe, one of them (as hee himfelfe affirmed) hath fold of thofe bookes, 500 leffe then hee might haue done, in one quarter of a yeare. What is this but to pro- feffe wilfull difobedience in contempt of his Ma- jefbie & his pious Iniunftio ? as if he had not powre to command the publication of a few leaues to the glory of God, without crauing their fauors ? For, though it might be objected that I petiti- oned the fayd Hymnes might be added to the me- tricall Pfalmes out of a priuate refpeft, as doub- ting or forefeeing that the Stationers and others would feeke the fuppreffing of them, if they were not compouded withall to their owne liking. Yet the Kings Maiefty had no fuch ende ; but inioy- ned the fame meerely to this chriftian purpofe, that thofe Hymnes might be the more conueni- ently difperfed throughout his Dominions, for the edifying and inftru£ling of his Loyall fubieftes: E perfwading (66) perfwading himfelfe , that thofe who haue enioyed fo many greate Priuiledges by his gratious fauour, would neuer haue oppofed that authority by which they fubfift, and by vertue wherof they re- ceiue benefit of fiich Grants as are both of the fame & of a higher nature : efpecially feeing it is proba- ble that none of his louing fubjefles, worthy the name of a Chriftia, would haue grudged to enlarge his booke the quantity of a fewe leaues (at the or- dinary rate) to fo pyous an ende as thofe Hymnes tend vnto ; confidering how many poundes are yearly confumed in triuiall Pamphlets and other vayne expences But why fhould I onely, complayne againft the Stationers, & the inciuillity of thofe whom they haue ftirred vp to clamor againft the Hymnes for the folemne Dayes, as if I alone fuflfred in this vp- roaref Do not your RRces perceaue, that the kings Judgement & Authority fuffers by it? Nay perceaue you not, that while they feeme to aime at me they ftrike at you, and feeke to ouerthrow or difparage the allowed Difcipline of our Church ? Verily, that is the white which they feeme to fhoote at. And there is not one of them, but if he dare ftand to his Objeftions before this reuerend AfTembly, I dare vndertake to prooue him to be little better then a Schifmatick in his opinions, & an enimie to the govermet eftablifhed in the Church of England. If vpo the review of my Hymnes there may be found either in them, or in their Prefaces, any thing re- pugnant 74 pugnant to the Catholike Verity, or the allowed Difcipline, I will recant it, make publike acknow- ledgment of my error, and vndergoe what punifli- ment fhalbe thought deferued. For I had rather be irrecouerably vndon both in my credit & eftate, then to be an occafion of preiudice, or fcandall to the Church of God. Nay let all my labors be made fruftrate and my perfon be deliuered ouer to be fubje6l to the tyrany of the Stationers, if my Hymnes doe not euidently appeare, vpon ferious viewe, to be inftrumets of Gods glory; helpfull to deuotion; tending to Chriftian Conformity, and likely to be a meanes of deliuering our Solemni- ties from being fo much traduced and mifvnder- ftood, for reliques of Popery, as heretofore. I am thus confident thereof, by reafon of that blefling which God hath already giuen : For, not- withftanding that great oppofition of the Statio- ners hitherto made, and thofe vilde imputa- tions which they haue layd on my Booke, Many haue confeffed vnto me that my Hymnes for the Obferuable Tymes and their Prefaces, haue made them more reverently affefted towards that Dif- cipline then formerly they were ; And haue pro- feffed, that yt Ihall for euer hereafter , teach them to be more confcionable in condemning and fleighting the obferuatio of that which is eftabli- fhed in our Church : Yea, fome Divines haue mo- deftly acknowledged, that they did not fo well confider the piety and vfefulnes of thofe obferva- E 2 tions /D (68) tions as they haue fince done. If I were fo greedy of temporall aduantages as the Stationers iudge me ; or yf I had meereley pro- iefted my own profit in the courfe of my fludies ; without making confcience of Religion : I haue had many, more eafy and more thriuing waies, of- fred me then the world is a ware of; and needed not to haue expreft my felfe in fuch manner as I haue done in my Hymnes (which I was certaine, before I publifhed them would neuer purchafe me good opinion from Papift or Schifmatick : ) For (befide other waies of thefe times which I haue defpifed) I haue been offred a larger yearely ftipend, and more refpe6live entertaynments , to employ my felfe infetting forth hereticall fancies, then I hane yet probabilitey to hope for, by pro- fefling the Trueth. Yea, I haue been wooed to the profeffio of theire wilde & ill grounded opi- nions, by the Seftaries of fo many feuerall fepe- ratios, that had I lifted (or rather, yf God had not been the more mercyfuU vnto me) I might haue been Lieutenant, if not Captaine, of fome new Band of fuch Volunteers, long ere this tyme. But I thanke God, neyther the fwelling impo- ftumations of vaineglory, nor the ytchings of fin- gularity; nor the ticklings of felfe loue, nor the convulfions of Enuy, nor the inflamations of Re- uenge, nor the hunger and thirft of Gold, were euer yet fo preuayling ouer me, as to mooue me to the profecution of any thinge againft my con- fcience 76 (69) fciene ; efpecially ; if yt feemed any way repug- nant to Religio, or the authority of the Church. Nay, thofe things which I might iuftly and law- fully haue done to my great advantage, and with- out reproofe, I haue volutarily forborne (euen al- moft to the ruine of my eftate) for no other end ; but becaufe I feared leaft the malice of my Ad- verfaries fhould mifmterpret my dooings, eyther to the fcandall of Authority, to the offence of ig- norant people, or to the troubling of their devo- tions, who are ignorant of the reafonableneffe, and true purpofe of my aftions. I therefore befeech your Reuerences, that my Hymnes for the Obfervable times may be re-exa- mined whether they be not in euery circumftace agreable to the holy Scriptures and difcipline of our Church : And if there be any paffage or ex- preffion found among them, fcandaloufly faulty, let it not onely be correfted according to the Truth : but let me be commanded alfo , to make publike acknowledgement of my ouerfights : And if Authority thinke it expedient , vndergoe fome penalty for my default. But if on the contrary ( as I hope it will euidently appeare) thofe Hymnes and their Prefaces fhallbe approoued much ten- ding to the edification of the people, and helpe- full to encreafe true deuotion and Chriftian obe- dience, by explaning the pious and commendable vfe of thofe Ecclefiafticall conftitutions , which many people haue ignorantly judged vnprofitable. E 3 If 77 (70) If they fliall be found confonant to the Diuine word and conformable to the Cannons and Or- dinances of our Church : If they haue been lawful- ly allowed of by thofe in Authority, and may appeare to aduance the praftife of Piety to Gods honour, and to maintaine thofe Rites only, which were agreed vpon, and eftablifhed by our Parlia- ments, Prouinciall Synodes, Nationall Counfels, and the Authority of the State And yf, moreouer, thofe who fcandalize & oppofe the fayd Hymns, may be probably fufpefled (yf not prooued) to hauc eyther priuate malice and defignes in their oppofition , or to be fome of thofe who are trou blefome and ill affefted to the gouernement of our Church : The let their vnchrifhian behauiours towards Authoritey , and their vncivell daeling with me, be accordingly confidered on. If thofe Obfervatios which our Church com- mandeth were as vnprofitable or fuperftitions, as fome of that ignorant Rable feeme to conceaue : Yet I hauing followed the fteps of Authority, & prepared meanes to make thofe Obferuations the more edifying for the common people, methinks I might hope for better things, then to be abufed for my labour and expenfes. But feeing the Church hath by thofe obferuations, wifely and pyoufly, fo diftributed the commemoration of the principall myfteries of Religeon, that they may be once throughout euery yeare prefented to publike con- fideration ; fince the temporall bleffmgs of euery feafon (70 feafon are therby the better & the oftner tendred to our thankfull Remembrances, as well as thofe eternall Priueledges which we receaue by the In- carnation, Natiuitie, Pafsion, Refurre6lion , and Afcention of our hleffed Redeemer, and the perti- culer mifteries of his holy Saintes and Angells: And fmce I haue by Gods afliftance found out, & by Authoritie divulged thofe helpes whereby the Churches pious intent in thofe Ordinances, may be the more vulgerly vnderftood & praftifed, both to her honour and the glory of God ; why fhould not I be defeded againft the malitious & irrelige- ous combinations and praftifes of my Aduerfaris f Nay, why am I rather giuen vp into their powre, to be traduced & abufed for that, which in the opi- nion of all good men, ought to haue procured me more efteeme ? So farr am I from infmuating any popifh Super- ftitio among the people, that I haue vindicated all our Solemnities ftom thofe imputatios which ig- norant men haue that way, caft vpon them ; by fet- ting downe their primatiue vfe, freed fro the Cor- ruption of the later Ages : and in fuch manner as they are obferued by the Church of England, who impofeth them, not as effentially pertaining to Re- ligeon, but as accidentally helpefull towarde the performance of thofe exercifes which are necef- fary to faluation. For, whofoeuer can propofe to himfelfe any other warrantable meanes, which in his judgement may be more profitable to his E 4 per- 79 (72) perticuler difpofition, to ftir him vp, and con- tinue him in the praftife of his Chriftian duties ; He may ( as I beleeue ) freely make vfe of them, and with good commendation ; prouided, he ney- ther tye the Generality to his private Rules, nor prefnmptuoufly negleft or contemne the alowed Church difcipline, to the difhonor of Authority, and the offence of his vveake Brethren. Becaufe (in my vnderftanding ) humane Traditions & ob- feruations difcreetly eftablifhed in the Church, do. ( in our highway to Heaven ) refemble thofe markes which charitable and skilfuU Seamen haue anciently fett vp to difcouer dangerous paffages, and a fafe Channell to vnskilfull Mariners. If any man fuppofe himfelfe fo good a Pilot, that by his induftry and continuall founding, he can bring his Barke to a fafe Roade, without heeding the com- mon obferuations : Or yf his Veffell draw fo little water that by fayling ouer thofe Barrs ( vpon which others mofl commonly ftrike) he can finde a neerer courfe into the Harbour ; hee may fteere by his owne Compaffe. But, if he fhall therevpo de- face thofe auncient Beacons, which meaner Artf- men haue neede of, or feeke to make contemptible thofe helpes which he himfelfe was (yt may be) direfled and preferued by in his tymes of leffe experience, wee may juftly taxe him of facriledge and impiety. And the fame taxation are they worthy of, who in their pilgrimage to the fpirituall Canaan difpife and 80 (73) and feeke to abolifh thofe generall furtherances, which theire vvifer Forefathers had prouided, be- caufe they haue in their owne imagination) found out fome difcipHne fitter for their particuler incli- nations. Let them vfe what Chriftian aduantage they can in their priuate praftife of pietie ; but let them not meafure the Church by their cubite, nor judge the profitablenes of her DifcipHne by the abufes or mifinterpretatios of ignorat Detractors. For, if thofe who fancie moft perfe6lion in their priuate rule of life , had at firft wanted thofe helpes, remembrances, and pnblique meanes of ins ftruftio, which were tendred them by the Church ; they had eyther wandred, perhaps, after vncertaine pathes, or neglefted to proceed at all in their Spi- rituall lourney. Our holy Mother the Church, hath many Chils dren of diuers tempers and conftitutions , and as the Maifter of a great Feaft prouideth fo, that eue; ry Gueft may finde fome what to agree with his appetite ; So Gods Church hath eftablifhed fuch difcipHne for her childre, that euery one may finde that which accordes with their capacities and in- clinations. As, therefore, it were madneffe, for a Gueft to rayle at his frieds Baquet, becaufe he faw there many moe varieries the he lifted to feed on ; or fome wholefome meates, which his ftomack loa- thed through his owne default: And as it were barbarous inhumanity in him that had learned the way through an obfcure Defert, by heapes of ftone raifed 8i (74) raifed by his Predeceffours , to pull downe thofe marks becaufe he imagins that he hath foud a paf- fage without them. So, it is monftrous impiety in them who feeke either to take away or make con- temptible, thofe Chaiftian helpes whereby others may be afsifted, & by which they themfelues were at firft initiated ; becaufe forfooth they finde a dif- taft through their owne diftemper, or a poflibillity of doeing well without them, through their owne ouerweening coceit : And it is the greate mercy of God, if their prefumption carry them not into the gyddy and vncertayne pathes of perdition. I wifh hartily that thofe weake members of our Church, who are ignorantly offended at her Dif- ciplines (becaufe they knowe not the Chriftian vfe of them) would with more fmcerity, take thofe things into their confideration, & weigh how farr our Solemnityes are from that fuperftitiS wherof their blinde guides accufe them ; how differet from popilh Obferuations, & how greate an offence it is to fcandalize that Authority whereunto they ought to be obediet in euery thing, not repugning the facred word. And if they be not hardned in their malice) I would thofe Stationers alfo, who by falfly accufing my Hymnes of blafphemy and fu- perftition (haue drawne many of that cenforious generation, to help them clamor againft what they haue not yet perufed) would make more confciece of their aftions, & not worke vpon the credulity of their cuftomers, to the generall difparagmet of that 82 (75) that booke which they ought rather to haue ad- uanced. But I feare I wifli an impoffibility on the Statio- ners behalfe. For, they haue fo long, & fo vnciuel- ly, refifted thofe Himnes which haue been pub- liflied for helpes to deuotion ; that it may be doub- ted they will be now afhamed to fpeake well of them, how profitable foeuer they be approued : Nor will yt be much materiall (I thinke) ere long, whether thofe who hane been my Detraftors, praife or difcommend. For, I am perfvvaded they will make their difpofitions fo well knowne after a while, that no man of vnderftanding wil regard what they fpeake. As yet, their true qualitey is not fully difcouered ; & therefore yf any fhould happen to ouer-heare them at their Goofe-neft behind Saint Nicholas Shambles ; Or when a knot of them hath gotten a Cuntrey-Chapman , Citty-Cuflomer , or new flowne Academick, to fome Drincking-fchoole, within the compaffe of their verge ; yt would de- ceaue a common iudgement to obferue what grauitey, zeale, and learning, fome of them will confume in rayling vpon my Hymnes. One, as if he had been Regifter, or Liberary-keeper to all the primitiue Churches, vndertakes to tell his Auditos ry, that no fuch thing had been publilhed in the firft 300. yeares after Chrift : As if that had bene to any purpofe. A fecond, out of his deepe vnder- ftanding in fuch language, dares pronounce fome of 83 (76) of my expreflions obfceane. A third, by conuerfing with the Titles of Bookes only (for their infides he was neuer acquainted withall) is become fo learned that he fyndes himfelfe impudent enough to accufe me of blafphemy. A fourth (iuftly fufpec- ting that his owne opinion will add no credit to his foolifh inveftiues) belyes fome Reuerend cu- ftomer of his, or brings the Authority of fome of thofe Worfliipfull cenfurers, who vpon the Sta- tioners bare credite, vfe to condemne Bookes be- fore they reade them. Yea, fo fhamefully will fome of them aver & obie6l, whatfoeuer they can ima- gine will difparage my Labour ; and with fuch counterfeite Ihewes of pittying me, and making a Religious confcience of their words, that fuch as know neyther of vs, would thinke them the very quinteffece of Sincerity, and me fome irreligious Scribler, who cared not what I publifhed for mine owne aduantage. But, that whereby they hope to work me farthefh out of good opinion , is my Hymne for Saint Georges day. Yea, the bare obiefting of that, hath made many (who paffe for wifer men then they prooue) to condemne the fame before tryall. And (as if that Hymne could haue beene to no purpofe but to mainetaine a Popifli and fuperftitious ob- feruation) they raflily make yt an occafion of mif- coftering all the reft ; and fo malitioufly vilify my honoring the folenity of that day with a Hymne, as yf they had been of that Dragons confederacie, for 84 (7 7) for whofe ouerthrow yt praifeth God. I know no caufe there is giuen of fuch diflike. For, I haue afcribed no Diuine honor to any crea- ture in that Hymne, nor appropriated it to that Martyr ignoratly reputed the tutelary saint of this Kingdome, and by fome heretofore fuperflitioufly inuoked in warlike incounters ; Nor haue I forted the Feftiuall of Saint George among the folemni- ties appointed by the Church, but mentioned the fame as an Obferuatio fet apart by the State onely; as are the firfl dayes of Kings raignes. And though my Hymne prepared for that Solemnitey, is num- bred among the Hymnes of the congregation, be- caufe it is compofed as perfonating many: Neuer- theleffe, euen that & all the reft, were by me inte- ded for paterns to aflift or direft priuate deuotios, rather then to be impofed for fett formes which I thought worthy to be vfed in our publike Affem- blies. Were the obferuation of Saint Georges feaft, as popifh an limpertinet, as fome of my traducers ignorantly and irreuerently conceiue : yet fmce I neither inuented it nor haue power to abolifh the fame, why fhould I be blamed, for fhewing with what meditations it may be the more appleyd to Gods glory, and redound to the greater honor and edification of thofe who are attendants on that folemnity ? Seeing that place of Saint Paul which counfelleth that we fhould direft all our Aftions to the glory of God, may be my warrant for fo doe ing, 85 (78) ing, without wrefting the meaning of the Text. For, that Hymne together (with a Preface fhew- ing the true vfe thereof, & whome we vnderftood by Saint George) I inferted among the refb, for thofe purpofes. Firft, to giue men occafion of fpi- rituall meditations in their ciuill Tryumphs, & to remeber the to honor God in thofe Solemnities, wherein he hath honored the, with place & Tit- le aboue others. Secodly, that the order of Saint George, being one of the moft honorable orders of chriftia knighthood throughout the world ; In- ftituted to the prayfe of God, & (as I take it) our higheft Title of honour, might haue more high ef- teeme then among fome it findeth. And laftly, that fuch whoe are apte to mifdeeme of thofe thinges whofe Reafons and true purpofes they know not, might be more fparing in their cenfures, and not conceiue (as many ignorantly doe) that our State acknowledgeth any other Patron, then that cham= pyon of the holy catholike church, by whome the great Dragon and his Angels were ouercome. Euen thofe were my chriftian intentions in pub- lifhing that Hymne amog the refb ; which I offer to be cenfured by your RRces, whether there be iuft occafion of fcandall giuen thereby to others, or of any fuch reproofes as my Traducers haue be- ftowed on me. If it be fo ; let that Hymne be di- vorced from the reft in all future impreiTions. But yf it be otherwife, and that in your opinions it te= deth rather to Gods glory, and the honour of the State ; 86 (79) State ; I doubt not but God and that Noble order, (of whofe Solemnities I haue declared the right vfe) will deliuer me from that many-headed mon- fter, which hath Dragon like perfecuted the ho- norer and interpreter of their miftery. But, Saint George being receaued for a Martyr, and the order called after that Name, being at firft founded vpon a very meane occafion ; fome are of opinion that there was neyther any fuch Allegory vnderftood, or to be vnderftood, in the flory of Saint George, as I haue affirmed, nor any thing direftly intended to the glory of God in the fo lemnization of that day: And vpon this falfe ground, they improperley conclude, that I haue neyther warrant for Ihaddowing the true Cham pion of the Church vnder that Name, nor ground for applying that solemnity to fo Chriftian a pur pofe. That there was George a Martyr wee may be leeue, but that euer he flewe a Dragon & delivered a Lady (as the vulger ftory of faint George relates the fame) there is noe probable teftimonie : There- fore yt hath bene generally vnderftood as an Alle. goricall exprefsion of the churches deliuerace from the powre of Sathan. And that the Title of faint George may bee allegorically impofed vpon our fpirituall Patron without iuft exception, I haue de- clared in my preface before the Hymne of faint George his Day, by an argument drawne from the greater. For, the Father being by the yEvangelift called 87 (8o) called -or EO pro 2, that perfon, doubtles, who is inferior touching the mahood may in fome res fpefts, be called by the fame Name without irreue- rence. Or if this be not fufficient, it may be infer- red alfo by an argument from the leffe. For, if lefus Chrift be termed a Lambe, a Lyo, or by the Nams of creatures inferior to thofe, as a Doue, a Way, a Vine, &c, fure we may then, without exception, entitle him r e o p r o s, and giue him fuch attri- butes or appellations, as are proper to creatures of a higher nature ; if they may with any warrant of the holy Text, ferue to expreffe him the better to our apprehenfions. Soe ignorantly deuoute were thofe tymes in which the Order of Saint George was firft infti- tuted, that it may be fome miftook our Patro. Yet none can peremptorily affirm that it was any crea- ted Saint whom our Forefathers firft chofe to bee the Gardian of this Kingdome, & honored by the Name of Saint George, much leffe can they affirme that it was George the Martyr. For, if they had ay- med at a creature for their Patron, it is likely they would haue chofen one of the bleffed Patriarcks or Apoftles, as Scotland, Spaine, & other Nations did ; or one of their owne contry Saints, as in Ire- land and France ; and not haue committed them- felues to a ftranger-faint who, perhaps, neuer heard of this Realme ; and of whofe being, or holyneffe they haue no certainty. Otherwife they were either much diftreft for a Sainte, or very indifferent to whofe 88 (8i) whofe patronage they committed themfelues. Our prediceffors defiring a tutelary Saint for this kingdome, according to the fuperftition of their neighboring Cuntrys (as the Children of Ifrael longed for a King after the manner of other Nations) It may be, that it pleafed God, (prouiding better then they themfelves defired) to mooue them to make choyce of a Name, long fmce attributed to God himfelfe ; which being confidered according to that allegoricall ftory aunciently afcribed therevnto (& vfually inter- preted to meane the Champion of the Church) could not certainely be applyed to the perfon of any inferior Saint. And fo, they honored in their folemnity the true Deitie, though it were, per- happs, (till the light of the gofpell begann to fhine clearer) as ignorantly as the Athenians did, when they facrifized therevnto, vpon that Alter which they infcribed, TO THE VNKNOW- NE GOD . For the vulger hiftory of Saint George, is in the litterall fence fo improbable, fo hyperboicall, & fo voyd of teftimony : And in the Allegoricall fence fo proper ; fo auntiently re- ceaued. So aluding to the Viftory of Saint Mi- chael ; & that name of George, aunciently made the patron of foe many Chriftian Cuntryes, & Honorable Orders of kingthood, that I am perfwa- ded it figinfied no lefle perfon then he that is faid to make warr with the Dragon in the Revela- tion of Saint lohn. But (whomfoeuer former F Ages m 89 (82) Ages vnderftood by S'. George) the Soueraignes of that Order who were fince the Reformation of Religeon (& who by the lawes of that fellow- ftiip are to refolue all doubtfull quefbions concer- ning their Order) haue long fince (as I am infor- med) declared that by Saint George they vnder- ftand no other Patron then he to whofe praife I haue direfted my Hymne. Yet fome will not allow the Solenities of that day to be efteemed fo reverend, nor the Order of S'. George to be fo Chriflian an Inflitution as I account it, by reafon of that occafion wherevpo it is faid to haue bene firft inueted. As if the almigh: ty prouidece did neuer turne mens vaine purpofes, to become beyond their owne meaning the occa- fion of that which is of great cofequence. Yes ve- rely. When Pharohs daughter went to fetch but an idle walke, fhee brought home Mofes the De- liuerer of his Brethren : when Saul went to feeke Affes, he found a Kingdome ; & whe Agrippa heard S'. Paul out of curiofity only, he was made al= moft a Chrifl;ian. So, the firfl founder of that Ho- norable Order, did intend a while (it may be) to ere6l fome Title of honor futable to his firft appre- henfion. But confidering better thereupon, & ad- uifing with his graue Counfell how to eftablifh that which might redound moft to his honor ; he raifed his purpofes farr aboue the firft defigne, & infliituted a new Brotherhood of Chriftia Knights ; which he & his Nobles entred into, & recomeded to pofterity, to be profeffed & cotinued to the praife 90 (83) praife of God almighty; the honor of the holy Church militat; & the encreafe & confirmatio of brotherly loue amog his Peeres : As their Records (& the Divine exercices vfed in the Church be- longing to their order) do apparantly fhew. Yea, they voluntarily oblige themfelues to the obfer- uation of fo many pious Ordinances & Refolu- tions (which are the conditions of their Order) that it teftifies much piety in the firfb Founders, occafioneth much vertuous emulatio in the prin- cely Brotherhood, & is for thefe Reafons become fo renouned, that it hath bene defired & receaued, by the greateft Kings & Princes of Chriftedome, as one of the moft Chriftean, & moft honora- ble Orders of Kinghthood in the world. And to fhew that thofe things which are worthy on thefelues are not thought any whitt difparaged among wifemen (becaufe they haue fprung from meane occafion) the Soueraigne & fellowfliipp of this excellet Brotherhood (knowing it no fhame to retaine the remebrace of that which firft occa- fioned this inflitution) haue called themfelues Knights of S. Georg & of the Garter. Yet as if they forefaw alfoe, that fome foolifh or malitious de- traftors would from thence take aduatage, to en- deauor how they might difparage, their honorable Fraternitey, they haue for their Impreza thefe words imbroydered vpon a litle Belt or Garter, HONI SoiT Qvi Maly Pense, which they weare as in reproofe & contempt, of all evill & fmifter imaginations. F 2 I 91 (84) I am forry there fliould haue bene any necefsity of fpeaking thus much, in defence of that which is fo apparantly commendable ; but, fmce the ma- lice & ignorance of fome hath giuen the occa- fion, I hope, neither the Kings Majeftie the Soue- raigne of that moft Honorable Order here metio- ned, nor any member thereof will take it amife, that out of my zeal to their honor I haue fpo- ken according to my fimple vnderftanding in a matter of fuch confequence. For, while it is permitted, that divine Myfteryes & thofe things which concerne euen to the honor of God Al- mighty, may be defended by the meaneft of his fervants, when his adverfaries haue made them difputable ; I truft it fhalbe excufable for me , to exprefe my good opinion of this Myftery of State (which by fome is not fo rightly conceaued of as in my ludgmet it ought to be) efpecially feeing we haue had ofte experience that truth & honora- ble Aftions, become the more confirmed & the more glorious, by being drawne into queftion. I haue now delieuered vnto your RRces the reafon of thofe things for which I & my Booke of Hymnes haue bene abufed & mifcenfured by the Stationers, & their Confederates ; humbly de- firing your Fatherhoods, that if you perceaue any good in what I haue faid or done, or any hope of makeing me fuch a one as I defire to approoue my felfe, that you would be pleafed to giue your approbation to that which is well ; & inftru6l me wherein 92 (85) wherein I might be made better. If not for my fake, yet for that truthes fake which you your fel- ues profeffe, & for the honor of that devotion which (for ought you knowe) I haue truly fought to advance let not faulfe imputations or the fcan- dalls of the malitious (which euen the beft men were euer fubjeft vnto) preiudice that among you, which I haue offred vp vnto God ; or loofe me any of your good opineons, vntill you fhall fee more apparant caufe to condemn e me. For, fmce God hath bene fo mercifuU vnto me, to couer all my tranfgreffions in fuch manner that none cann iuft- ly accufe me of any fcandalous matter, in all my life tyme why fhould men be fo cruell, as to feeke my difparagment by my beft endeavor .' Let not my youth (or the want of that calling which I dare not vfurpe) make me or my labors the more contemptable to your Wifdomes ; nor let the vniuft Rumors which the Deceaver hath provoked my traducers to divulge, make thofe meditations feeme vnhallowed, which I haue pre= pared for the honor of God. For, if the Devil had not perceaued them fomewhat tending to the Almighties praife, doubtles, he & his Inftruments would haue fuffred them to paffe as quietly, as thofe vaine inventions do, which he infpires: & yt would haue bene no more difparagment to me, to haue bene thought fubjefh to fome imperfec; tions, then it is to other men ; nor had my Life, my lines, my habit, my words, & my very thoughts F 3 bene 93 (86) bene pried into & cenfured, as they haue bene: Which (liuing were I doe, fo much knowne as I am, and the world being fo malitious as it isj might giue occafion to difcouer fome fpotts in a fayrer garment then mine. I proteft before the fearcher of all hearts, that I am not carefull to make this Apology, or to be- feech your good opinio, fo much to preferue mine owne perfonall efteeme, as to prouide that virtue and deuotion might not be hindred or fcandalized through me or my deprauers. Yet am I neither infenfible of my temporall repute, nor fo defirous of maintaining it, as if I fhould droupe without it ; or thought the honor of good ftudyes might not be preferued without mine. For, I know truth fliall prevaile though I perifh ; and to the praife of God (& out of my confidence in his loue) be it fpoken, I am perfwaded, for mine owne part, that all the world fliall not haue powre to turne me out of that courfe, which he hath fet me into : but rather, make me relifh my happineffe the bet- ter by their difturbance, & enable me in due time to defpife, moft perfectly thofe vaine applaufes & encouragments, whereby my weakeneffe doth, as yet, require to be otherwhile fupported. And, it may be thofe who fhall Hue in the next Age (how- euer I am now thought of) will wonder how the Deuill could find out a Company fhameles enough to oppofe and difpaurage me in foe vnchriftian a manner, as my Adverfaries do. For, 94 (87) For, they haue not only offred me thofe inju- ries, afore mentioned, and many other which hu- manity forbidds ; but exercifed their tongues alfo, fo fcurriloufly ; fo vnciuelly, and fo vniuftly to the difgrace of my perfonn, that had I not long tyriie envred my felfe to the barking of Doggs, and the fnarling of fuch Beafts, I had bene much out of patience. If I might not be thought to mifapply the text, (as I thinke I fhould not) there is fcarce one paffage in the Pfalmes of bleffed Dauid, con- cerning the cobinations & praftifes of a malitious multitude, but I haue had occafi5 in a literall fece to apply the fame to my Aduerfaries For, they haue rewarded me euill for good, and layd things to my charge which I knew not. They haue priuely laid netts to enfnate me without a caufe. They haue re- viled me all the day long, are madd vpon me, and fworne together againft me. Like Oxen and fatt Bulls they haue enclofed me, grind at me like dogs round about the Citty ; & when I found the words of their mouthes as foft as butter, there was warr in their hearts. They hold all together, keepe thefel- ues clofe, & marke my ftepps. whe they fee me, they flatter, fpeake lyes, & difleble with their double heart. They are fett on fyre, they haue whett their togues like fwords ; their teeth are fpeares & arrows, their lipps fpeake deceit, & their mouth is full of curfmg and_ bitterneffe, they haue perfecuted me whe I was fmitten; eue in my Aduerfity they reioy- F 4 ced, & (88) & gathered themfelues together againft me, They whifper and take counfell to my hurt. The drun- kards among them haue made fonges on me; yea the very abje6ls haue affembled & made mowes at me, & fo nearely imitated that crew of whom the Pfalmift complaineth, that if my Hymnes were as full of that good fpirit which infpired David, as my Adverfaryes feeme to be of that evill fpirit which poffeffed his enimies, my Son- ges might well haue paffed whithout exception. But, Gods will be done, For; I know he will in the beft opportunity, deliuer me from thofe oppreffors. I haue bene hitherto as a deafe man to all they haue obiefted, becaufe I knew it was gods pleafure, that I fhould be afflifted for the evill which is in my vvorke that he might the more comfort me, for that which his goodneffe hath made good in me. And I had bene longer filent in their reproofe, but that my Adverfaries haue, perhapps, bene permitted foe much & foe foo- lifhly to prouoke me, that thofe many iniuryes they haue ofFred others, might be called into que- ftion by this meanes, for the generall good, yea parad venture they haue giuen this occafion, that their owne words might make them fall, whether it be fo or not, fure I am to be deliuered from them, when my fuffrings are compleat. He that hath fhowne me troubles will (as he hath often done) now alfo dehver me. Euen he will com- fort me for thofe yeares wherein he hath afflifted me ; 9& (89) me ; becaufe I haue placed my hope only on him. Yea, he vvill fhew me fome token for good, that fuch as haue hated me may be afhamed, & that thofe who loue me may praife his name for my caufe ; In which affurance , I vvill reft , ex- pefling my reward from aboue the Sunne. For, I haue with Salomon obferued and feene that here vnder the Sunne the race is not to the fwift, nor the batle to the flronge, nor bread to the wife, nor riches to men of vnderftanding, nor favor to men of knowledge ; but tyme & chance commeth to them all. Eccl. 9. ii. And, I hope that your RRces, whom as the Ambaffodors, & true Minifters of God I haue euer honored, loued, & obeyed , will in what you may be as helpefull in the fetling of my ont- ward peace, as your Inftruftions haue bene to be- get in me an inward contentment. That, which hath bene cefured vndifcreet in my former ftudyes was punifhed feuerely: let not that alfo, which the King & Authority approoues commendable, be made preiuditiall vnto me. For, which way then fhall I employ my felfe without difadvan- tage ? Although I grudge not that men addifted to the moft vaine exercizes, cann reap profitt & regard ; Yet, methinks, it is fomewhat vnequall that he who hath beftowed his tyme, his paines, & his fortunes in better ftudyes , fhould be alto- gether denyed his labor for his travell : Or which is worfe, fuffer for his good intentions ; & becaufe he 97 (9b) he hath endeauored more then a hundred, bee abufed more then a thoufand. I would it were otherwife, for their fakes> who haue but begun to taft the comfort & fvveetneffe of attempting good things ; that none of thofe may be difcouraged ('through my hard vfage) who haue in the prime of their youth, forborne their pleafu- res, & forfaken the ordinary pathes of preferment, to profecute that, which may redound as well to the profit of others, as to their owne benefite. And I would to god, that fuch as ought to cherifh & dire6l thofe, who defire to fpend their tyme & beft faculties in the feruice of God, would not fo enuioufly carpe at honeft parformances , as many do, when their humor is not fitted in euery perticuler : Perhapps alfoe, when thofe per- ticulers were approoued of, by wifermen. When an Archer hath fliott, it is aneafy & an or- dinary matter for the foolifh lookers on , to fay he hath mid thus , or thus much of the marke ; but giue them the Bow , & it will foone appeare that they are better at fin- ding fault w^ith others , then in doing well themfelues. Againfb fuch as thefe ; I haue had fome caufe to complaine, not only among the Stationers, but (I am forry I fhould haue reafon to fpeake it) fome, euen of the Cleargy, are that way blame worthy; & haue ('as I am credibly informed; fo friueloufly & fo inuirioufly objefted againft (91) againft my Hymnes ; that their owne freinds, & hearers haue difcouered that it was the Author rather then his Booke which they affefled not. For, al they could fay being vrged, to expreffe per- ticuler exceptions, was this, that I was no Divine ; And, it hath appeared to the iuft difparagment of fome among them, that they had neuer fo much as handled the booke they difapprooued. Whence fliould' this proceed, .but from felfe corruption, & the bafeft enuy ? And what flefh & blood could endure it with filence ? The moft eminent, the moft learned, the moft devout , & the moft approoued -of our Devines, haue thought it worthy praifmg God, for to fee a man qf my quality exercize his -faculty that way. Some of the moft reuerend of them, haue fought me out, & honored me for it, with more refpe6l then I find my felfe worthy of; that they might encourage me in fuch endeauors. Yea the Kings moft excellent Majeftie, hath by his priuiate ap- probation of that booke , & vnder his publike feale, giuen foe princely a teftemony of his de- fire, to credit & cherilh in his Subjefls, exers cizes of fuch nature ;, that their abufe of me , is not without fome iniury to the Judgment & Authority of his Majeftie. Surely , he hath not deferued it at their hands : And alas , what caufe haue I gi- uen them , that they fhould thus deale with me.' What labor of theirs did I euer traduce.' Or 99 (92) Or whofe good repute at any tyme haue I envied at? when I haue feene the nakedneffe of fome among them, I haue couered it. Yea, I haue la- bored to faue the reputation of fuch as thefe, where their indifcretions had nigh loft it; And vyill they fo recompence me as to conuert my beft Aftions to my reproach f Cann they not be con- tent to be filent, when they are not difpofed to approoue , but muft they difpraife alfoe , to the encouragment of my other ignorant Aduerfaries. in their oppofitioni' And, becanfe I haue per-- formed a laborious worke, not fo exaftly, per- happs, as they conceaue it might haue bene ; will they make it more my difparagment, then it is to fome of them to be employed about nothing ? If in any thing I haue deferued ill, let them not fecreetly traduce me, but chriftianly reprooue me according to the duty of their callings. If I haue deferued nothing, let them advife me how to merrit better ; or fuffer me to be altogether vnfpoken of, as thofe many thoufands are that doe nothing. If I haue deferued any thing, let them leaue me to the fruite of mine owne labor, & if that be not able to reward it felfe with- out their coft, I wil fuffer the loffe. I haue hi- therto fpent my owne tyme & fortunes, in my ftudyes ; neuer ayming at any of their fpirituall promotions, (no not fo much as at a lay Prebhend) for my labor. For, the principall reward I feeke, is that which euery eye feeth not, & that which thofe ipo (93) thofe who iudge my affeftions by their owne, think me to haue leaft thought on. As for that outward benifite which the necefsityes of this life, & my frayhies vrge me fomew^hat to looke after; it is that little profitt only, which my worke naturally brings w^ith it felfe : nor fhall I be long difcontented , if that alfoe be taken from me. Some haue already a ftrong expe6la- tio to fee me wholy depriued of it ; & fome (kind harts) could be content to allow me a part there: of, but not fo much as they fuppofe my iuft profitt would amount vnto. For, (they fay) that were too great a confideration for fo lit- tle a worke. Wherein , they fhew their groffe partiality : For, thoufands a yeare is not accounted fufificient for fome who haue fuddainely attained their eftates , by vnnecefTary or bafe ( & perhapps, wicked ) employments : Yet , they efteeme one hundred too much for him that hath performed a worke honeft & profitable to the publike : be- caufe he performed it in a fhorter tyme then fome would haue done. Neuer thinking how many yeares pradlife & expences, he had firft confumed, to make himfelfe fit for fuch an vndertakeing ; neuer confidering what he might haue gained, if he had beftowed the fame tyme, charge, & induf- try in other profefsions ; neuer regarding howlog he might haue bene without hope of profit, if that had not happened, How vncertaine the fruite may yet prooue, nor how many troubles. Charges , lOI (94) charges, and hinderances he hath bene heretofore at, without any confideration at all. But, I leaue them to their vniuft diuiflion : Let them alot me what they pleafe, & ballance my Talent as they lift. God will prouide fufficient for me, to whofe pleafure I referr the fucceffe : &, though I may in this manner fpeake a little, to fhew them I am fenfible of their vfage. Yet, they fhall fee I will walke as contentedly, what euer happens, as if I had the fullfilling of all my hopes. I befeech your RRces to pardon me, though my penn hath fpirted a little ynke on thofe laft metio- ned ; For, next the Stationers they haue bene of all others the moft iniurious vnto me : And faue that I haue a Chriftian regard , to their calling, and to preferue the patience becomming him that hath exercized himfelfe in facred Stu- dies, I had here dropt gall, and made them perceaue that I haue as true feeling of harfh vfages, as other men. But , I do for Gods fake fpare them , and for your fakes , whom I haue found ready to comfort, affift, and direft me in my good pur- pofes. I do forbeare the Stationers alfoe in the mention of many particuler mivfages yet not fpoken of ; and in defifting to agrauate what I haue hitherto touched vpon, fo farr forth as I haue caufe. - For. (95) For, if I fhould here declare vnto your RRcesj by way of illuftratio how many feuerall Difcourtifies they hane offred me ; how they' haue refifted the Kings Grant , fmce the beginning of our Controuerfy: how they concluded to let me dif- burfe all the mony I could, before they would openly oppofe me, that the my profit being hinder red I might be conftrained to yeald to their plea- fures, or to be ruined in my eftate: How vio- lently, they haue euer fince perfecuted my purpo- fed hinderance, to my great loffe : How willfully they haue mifenformed the Kings Majeftie & diuerfe honorable perfonages concerning my Grant ( & my procedings ) to procure my damage : How vniuftly they gaue out among their Cuftomers, that my Grant was a Mono- poly, & an exaftion to the oppreffion of the people: How impudently & faullly, they haue verefied , that I had procured that no man might buy a Bible, Teftament, or Communi- on-Booke which out my Hymnes : How they compelled a few of the Bookebynders (whofe eftates much depend on their fauors) to pres fent the high Court of Parliament with di- uers vntrue fuggeftions In the name of foure= fcore ; when as all except 4. or 5, of them, did ('as I haue heard) reieft the faid information as faulfe & rediculous : how foolifhly they haue fought to make me feeme pore in my efta- te, as if I had aymed at fome reputation that way : How 103 (96) How from day to day, during all this Sefsion they haue maintained three or foure of their Inftruments, to clamor againft me at the Par- liament houfe dore, in fo rude a fafhion as was neuer exampled in any Caufe : How farr they haue threatned to engage themfelues & their fortunes in my oppofition : How difhoneftly they dare pretend the good of the Common wealth when they haue but priuate ends ; & when they themfeU ves do really oppreffe the fame, & are ( in a higher nature) truly guilty of thofe greeuances, which they faulfely lay vnto my Charge : How maliti- oufly they haue hindered themfelues & their whole Company , of an afiured benifite , that I might haue the greater loffe : How they take occafion in all Affemblyes to vent as much as they cann to my difparagment ; as if they had proiefted to make me (if it were pofsible) infamous through out the whole Kingdome. I fay, if I fhould giue vnto your RRces all thefe perticulers truly Illuftrated ; & fhew how falfe I could prooue their informations ; how cruell their dealings , how bafe their flanders, how abfurd their cavills, & how much I haue with patience endured them vnfpoken of (till this day) inhope to find them better affefted ; you would fay that God had enas bled me beyond the povvre of mine owne weak- neffe. And perhapps alfoe, you would think it a worke of mercy, to helpe deliuer me from -their Tyranny. But, 104 (97) But, the amplification of thefe things, and my anfweares to all thofe obie6tions which they haue publifhed, I referue for the high Court of Parlia- ment; or for their hearing who (halbe appointed Judges of the differences betweene vs. And then, if I fhall not appeare worthy to be freed fro their oppreffion, I wilbe cotented ftill to fuffer; & to giue vp both my labors and Priueledges to be the prey of their Auarice. In the meane tyme, I vvill defend my felfe and my right as I am able. In which I know, I fhall haue much to doe ; Seeing thofe whom I am to refill are an Aduerfary fo many wayes armed for my difad- vantage, as I could hardly haue found out the like. For, they will not only come againft me, in the Name of a refpefted Corporation, preten- ding the good and releefe of a pore Multitude (which I fhalbe able to proue vnder the hands, of 60 of their owne Company they haue made porer then otherwife it vvould haue bene ) but they haue fo many other fayre pretences alfoe, fuch clokes of fmcerity, and fuch vnfufpe£led in- fmuations to fcrewe themfelues into good opi- nion , to his difaduantage whom they op- pofe, that he fhall haue need of all his facul- ties. And , though their caufe fhould appeare faulty : Yet, they haue foe plentifull a flock to make it hopefull ; foe many heads to plott euafions ; foe many Soliciters to profecute their defig- G nes I OS (98) defignes, fuch Inftruments ready to ftretch their confciences to ferue them ; So many feuerall per- fons to procure freinds ; Such a multitude to lay the fhame and blame among , when they do a man any wilfuU or apparant iniury ; So much oppertu- nity ( by meanes of their Trade and Cuftomers ) to poffeffe the generality on their behalfes ; Such a Brood of Ingles (by reafon of their many trouble- fome fuites ) in euery Court of luftice, and about euery eminent perfon, ready to ferue their turnes ; And fo defperately valiant are they in vowing the perfecutio of what they vndertake ( though it were to be maintained by the expence of many thou- fand pnunds ) that to graple with them , and come of vnfoiled , were one of Hercules his la- bors. I fcarcely fett my foot into any place, whither I vfually refort, but I am told of their foule lan- guage againft me : I feldome meet that man of my Acquaintance, but they haue poffeft him with fomewhat againfl my Grant ; Nor come I into that Noble-mans lodginge, where they haue not already one of his Chamber, or fome other near about him , forward to difpute their caufe ; and vppon all occafions to poffeffe their Lord with fuch vntrue fuggeftions as they dare informe. And queftionles they haue other aduatages that my ex- perience among them , hath not yet difcouered ; which if God fliould turne to foolifhnes, I doubt they would grow defperate. For, (as I am told) one io6 (99) one of them was not afhamed lately to affirme, that if their ayme fucceeded not, it woufd coft fome their Hues. God bleffe the men, and giue them grace to fee their diftemper before it come to that ; and in tyme to fufpe6l the honoefty of that caufe, which vvrefleth out fuch words of defpera- tion. For mine owne parte , my confcience is witneffe of fuch warrantablenes in mine, that (whether I fmk or fwimme in that particuler) I hope, and am perfwaded, it fhall make toward my beft happineffe. But, I haue gotten (fome will fay) fuch a powres full and furious Aduerfary by this quarrell, that I fhall fill my life full of troubles & dangers. Indeed, I looke to find them perfeft enimies ; but ( fmce I muft haue enimies ) they are fuch foes as I would defire to halue. I expeft they will proue violent & fubtill, but not fo violent or fubtill, as the Deuill, who is euery moment watching to deuour me : And, it may be their maUce will make me fo vigi- lant ouer my felfe, that I fhall the better efcape his. I haue heard one that thinking to kill his enimie, gaue him a fleight hurt that cured him of a mor- tall difeafe ; and fo may they ferue me. I was euer as carefull as I could be, of my wayes ; Yet, knowing no great Foes I had, but fuch only as were fpirituall, I more ftriued for an inward fin- cerity, then to make fayre appearances outwardly ; and therefore gaue, perhapps, fome occafion now and then, of fcandall through my fimple freedome : G 2 becaufe, 107 (loo) becaufe, haueing no ill purpofe, I thought euery looker on, would cenfure as charitably of my Ac- tions, as my Intentions deferued. But, now I fliall haue remembrancers to prouoke me to more ftrift circumfpeftion, & betwixt the Deuill in fe: eret, & my new foes in publike, fhalbe kept, I ho- pe fo watchfull, that myne eye fhall not dare looke off from God. Nor, my hand fallen it felfe vpon the rotten ftaffe of any humane prote6lion. I will perfwade my felfe, that where ere I goe, one of them doggs me : & though it is not the feare of the world for which I make confcience of what I do, yet an outward obieft may fometyme quicke an inward confideration when it is almoft a- fleepe, & I embrace the occafion. They lately threatned the marking of my wayes : & I therefore giue them hearty thankes : for, I ne- uer fince behold one of their Fraternity, but it is an Alarum to me, & driues me immediately to confider, what I lafl did, what I am then doing, & what I purpofe to goe about. Nay, I haue apof- fiblity of braue Aduantages, if their enmity en- creafe, as it hath done hitherto. There is not an ouerfight which I was guilty of fmce my cradle, nor a Folly which I was euer fufpefted of, nor any forgetfulneffe which I may be prone to fall into ; but I hope they will enquire it out & lay it to my charge. That the great Accufer may haue the leffe to obie6l, at the laft ludgment. Thefe loS (lOl) Thefe priueledges will I gaine by it. If they ac- cufe me of ought wherein I am truly faulty ; it fhall I truft moue me to a true repentance, begett in me amendment for the tyme to come; & through the fliame of this life, lead me into the glory of the next. If any cryme be obiefted whereof I am cleare, I will remember that the world hath fometyme praifed me more then I diferued, fo (fetting her praifes & difparagments to ballan- ce one another) will forgiue her, & haue as lits tie to do with her, hereafter as I cann. Yea, it may be that if my Aduerfaries would once fpeak out & openly , that which they whifper priuately to to my difgrace, I fhould thence take occafion not only to acquite my felfe of many imputations, whereby I am now iniured to the fcandall of my perfonn, & the hinderance of fome of that good with my labors might els effefl ; But I fhall paraduenture alfoe find oppertunity thereby to to publifh that, which will teach others vpo what confiderations they may keepe their minds quiet, in the like affliction ; And fhew them how to convert all malitious defamations to the fhame of their enimies , to the glory of God , to their prefent confolation , and to their future aduantage for euer. Nay if my Aduerfaries hold on that violence which they now make fhew of, I truft to Difcouer hereafter , by my conftant example , thefe to be no brauadoes or meere verbal! floriflies ; G 3 but 109 (I02) but that there is in my foule a reall knowledge & feehng of what I profeffe. For, I haue by my felfe muftered my forces ; and I haue confidered that I am but one, and they ma- ny : I know no man of powre whofe affiftace I may challenge by any defert of my owne, whereas their large gratuities haue that way made them flrong. I find my naturall baflifullneffe to be fuch that I could not ( though it were to faue my life ) trouble men in honorable place about my priuate quar- rells. For , if they be altogether ftrangers it feemes to m.e impudence to folicite them ; If we are but acquainted only, me thinks I fhould firft deferue fomewhat. And I hold that he who is worthy the name of my freind will do me what fauor he cann without afking it , affoone as he par- ceaues I need him. On the contrary ; their audaci- ty is fuch, that they cann fliamelefly importune and fcrape to any man, for their aduantage ; euen to thofe whom they haue abufed rather then faile. I haue remembred likewife, that I am fcarce able to prouide their due fees required in the profecu- tion of my caufe, whereas they haue large bribes to giue (if any liued in this Age that would ac- cept them.) I haue pondered alfoe, how vnapt my difpofition is to work vpon dilhoneft Aduanta- ges, and how readily they take all oppertunities to my wrong. Befide thefe, many other difpropor- tions I difcouered in our ftrenghts vp5 my furvay ; Neuertheles when I had fett downe the nature of my (i03) my caufe, and furveyed what Amunition God & a good confcience had ftored vp within me , I made vp my Refolution for the cumbate ; And, now I beginn to be acquainted with their flcir- mifhes, the more my dangers appeare, the leffe are my difcouragments. Yea, I vowe, all their great threats are but as fo many handfulls of duft cafb into the wind ; and all the mifcheefe the whole body of their forces is yet able to bring about, cannot breake me of fo much fleepe as one flea. For, when according to Dauids example I feek to flrenghthen my faith with calling to mind Gods former proteflions ; I finde that when I was all alone and vnarmed (after the manner of the world) I was deliuered from two affliftions, which ( all circumftances confidered ) were as dan- gerous in appearance, as the Beare and Lyon which affailed Dauid : and I take it for an infal- lable token, that I fhall be now alfoe faued from the Philifl:ian-like troupe, and their Goliah-like Champions, who haue railed vpon that which was prepared for the honor of the liueing God : And ( though I am not vfed to their weapons ) fhall be provided of a fling and a ftone fufficient enough to encounter their yron fpeares, and brazen head= peeces, in fpight of that Targateer in whom they trufl:. And I am perfwaded that God hath per- mitted me to fuffer what hath be fallen me by their meanes , not only to punifli my fynnes, and G 4 exer- (i04) exercize my faith in him ; but that being a little experienced in Dauids affli6lions , I might haue fomevvhat the more feeling of that which he fuf- fred (by reafon of the Combinations of his wicked Aduerfaryes ) and foe be made the abler to expreffe his paffions , and the perfecutions of lefus Chrift and his members , fett forth in his holy Pfalmes ; which I am preparing for our Englifli Lyre. For, I finde afwell by my owne experience, as by the teftimony of diuers learned men conuerfant in that booke, that it can neuer be relifhed or well vnderftood^by any man, vntill he hath paffed through the tryall of fome extraordi- nary affliftions. Thefe expreffions will to fome ( paraduenture ) who are not acquainted with me, and the true ftate of my caufe, feeme impertinent and vnfauory ; but, I knowe their vfe & neceflity to be fuch, and haue fo well examined the warratableneffe of my priuate ends therein , ( and the probableneffe of a profitable fucceffe ) that I am not afhamed to ex- pofe them to the world ; nor fearefull of any mans diflike. Nor do I value the taxation of thofe who fhall vpon the view of this condemne me of too much bitterneffe in the reprouing and laying open the cruelty of my Aduerfaryes. For, my confcience is vvitneffe that I haue vfed no.termes of fharpe- neffe but fuch as I haue example for, out of the co- plaints of the meekeft faints of God ; and fuch as are properly required to defcribe the true nature of their (I05) their malice. And I proteft before the almighty God, that to my knowledge I haue added nothing in this difcourfe conceminge them , but what is either true in my owne experience, or fo proba- bly declared vnto me , that I haue no caufe to fuf= pe6l the contrary : And fo far am I from bearing the leaft perfonall malice to any of them , that I dayly pray for them as heartely as for my felfe . Yea , that day in which they do me the greateft vnkindneffes, I mofb earneftly wifli them well ; & do the feele my fpirit ftriuing againft my naturall corruption on their behalfe, more powrefully then at other tymes. And ( whateuer they beleeue of me ) God let me not profper in any affayre of this life, if I would not be depriued of my beft earthly hopes, rather then do a wilful! iniury, euen to him among them of whofe particuler malice I haue moft experience. Which prote- ftation, no man haueing the feare of God dare to pronounce vntruly ; nor cann any man haueing the charity of a good Chriftian , fufpedt it to be falfe , being fo deliberately declared. Or if this affeueration be not enough , my dayly praftife and behauior towards them will witneffe fomewhat on my befalfe. For, though they haue not only hindered my profit to the va- lue of fome hundreds of pounds fince our diffen- tion, but wafted much alfoe of my principall eftate; Yet. "3 (io6) Yet, when I had fufficient Authority to haue made my felfe immediatly whole againe , vpon their goods who were prime Agents againft me ; neuer- theleffe, I long forbore to put my powre into exe- cution, and when I was compelled to execute it vpon fome of them , I returned their goods back againe vpon their owne entreaty, & forgot and forgaue all mifvfages without returning fo much as a harfli word vnto them, or retaining fo much as the charges of ceafure ; becaufe , if it had bene poflible I would haue wonn them by fayre meanes. Yea, when it was in my powre to haue procured the committment of fome among them, who had fhowne themfelues moft fpightfull vnto me; I forbore to aggrauate the matter againft them, according to their defert (euen out of meere charitable compaffion) though I fufpected they would laugh at me for my labor, as I heard after- ward they did. Which doth ( at leaft ) proba= bly verify that I haue no malignant or reuengfull inclination toward the perfonn of any one among them. For, what cann they deuife againft me more prouoking then they haue already done } Verely, there is no other cruelty left, for them to prac- tife, but the torturing of my flefh: & what is that, in refpeft of wounding my reputation , which they haue fo much endeauored. Men of the bafeft condition will dayly hazs zard their bodyes for the defence euen of their fuparfluous goods , or vpon the giuing of one difgrace- 114 (107) difgracefuU word; & therefore, it feemes that among fome, thofe are greater iniuries then to wound & kill. How great wrong do I then beare in my fame, that fuffer patiently not only their triuiall imputatios, but to be vniuftly alfoe, accounted a blafphemer & a profane perfon ? and am by their meanes depriued, not only of fuper- fluities, but in a manner of all my liuelyhood ? For when thofe Freinds who are engaged for me are fatiffied (to which purpofe there is yet I praife God, fufficient fet apart) I vowe in the faith of an honeft man, that there will not be left me in all the world, to defend me againft my Aduerfaryes, & fupply the comon neceffityes of nature, fo much as will feed me one weeke, vnles I labor for it. Which, my enimies are partly enformed of, & do thereupon triumph. But not to my difcon- tentment. For, I do comfort my felfe, to think how fweet it will be to fitt hereafter at fome ho- neft labor, and fmg thofe Hymnes and Songes to the praife of God, for which the world hath taken from me her fauors. Nor doth it trouble me to publifh thus much of my pouerty, though I knowe it will found difgracefully in the eares of moft men. For, I meane to procure no man to hazzard his eftate for me, by pretending better poffibili- ties to fecure him then I haue ; as others vfually do : Nor value I the reputation which comes by wealth or fuch like things as may be loft through the malice of others, becaufe I know I fhall be the bel- li: (io8) better efteemed of for thofe toyes, by none but Fooles or fuch Ideots as will fooner blufh to be found pore, then diflieneft. Yea, I am affured that among good & wife men, it will be no more fhame vnto me to be made pore by fuch meanes as I haue bene , then it is to be made fick by the hand of God : Nor cann I think it will be more my difgrace to haue wafted my eftate through my ftudyes, then it is to fome other ftudents to haue thereby empaired their healthes . But, fome will obje6l that I haue by publifliing this Apology not only taxed thofe who are guil- ty of fuch things as I haue perticularized , but layd a publike imputation alfoe, vpon the whole Company of Stationers ; & bene fo generall in my accufations that the credit euen of thofe honeft men among them , will be much endangered. Indeed, the good & badd are incorporated toge- ther into one body, & fo intermixed that it wilbe very difficult to fhoot at the Starlings & miffe the Pigeons. Yet , I haue difcharged this among them (in fpight of their threatning the Starchamber) & if now it be examined where my pelletts fell, you fhall find none wounded, but thofe Starlings which haue troubled the Doue- houfe ; & that there is not one innocent Doue difpoiled of a feather. I protefted in the beginning of this difcourfe, that I had no purpofe to lay any fcandall vpon the whole Corporation ; & that it may appeare I pro» tefted ii6 (i09) tefted no more then truth , I will here fhew you how thofe Stationers againft whom I haue com- plained, may be knowne from fuch as I defire to except from this accufation. I will be bold to averr, that many, (& the moft powrefull of them) are fome of thofe w^ho vfurpe the mani- ging of the Companies affaires; and that to cuUor their malice & priuate coueteoufneffe, they do in the name of the Corporation & at the common charge profecute againft me; pretending that it is the caufe & good of their whole Company, for which they ftand. Neuertheleffe, I do not take the whole body of the Corporation to be my aduerfary, no more then I would think the whole Citty of London hated me, if the greateft part of the Court of Aldermen fhould perfue me with malice vpon a priuate quarrell. For, moft of thofe men who are princepally bufy againft me, vnder the name of the Company of Stationers, are aboue all others iniurious & fcandalous to that Company ; as appeares by thofe petitions which haue bene heretofore preferred both to the Kings Majeftie & the Parliament houfe , by fome of their owne fraternity, againft the oppref- fions & vfurpations of their Gouernors. Thofe in- deed may well be called the fcumme (that is the creame) of the Company. For, if they were throughly churnd, welnigh all the fatneffe of his Majefties gratious priueledges giuen to re- leeue their pore , and for the generall benifite of 117 (no) of their Corporation, would be found in them. And fo farr is the maine body of their Society from fauoring their courfes, or from fearing any difgrace to them by this Apology that lately hea- ring it was to be divulged by the name of the Stationers Commonwealth ; they did expeft it with much content : In hope it would be an oc- cafion to make fome way to their deliuerance, from thofe iniuries which they fuffer. And veri- ly, if you had heard, as I haue done, how many of the Printers, of the Bookebynders , and of the yonger Bookefellers among them , do complaine againft moft of their Gouernors, and how many matters of great confequence they do probably obieft : You would thinke it were vnfufferable , and that it is great pitty there is not fome courfe taken for the ftrick examination of their Abufes, in fuch manner that thofe who are oppreffed , may come to declare their greeuances without feare of a future difaduantage . For, thofe againft whom they would complaine , haueing now in their povvre the eftates, & employments of fuch poore men as think themfelues oppreffed, they dare not openly appeare againft them, vntill they perceaue a likely hope of being fully, fpeedily, and impar- tially heard ; left it turne to their vtter vndoing, if they preuaile not. But, what if thofe aforefaid among the Statios ners (who would be taken , forfooth , to be the whole Corporation) haue not abufed their owne focie- (Ill) fociety only, but that truft alfoe which hath bene committed vnto them by the State ? What, if it may be proued that thofe bookes which they haue taken from others as vnlawfull, haue bene di- vulged againe by fome in office among them for their priuate commodity ? What , if it may appeare they haue folde thofe bookes which did to their knowledge cotaine matter iniurious to the perfon of the King, and Prince ? What, if many of thofe pamphletts which haue difconten- ted his Majeftie, troubled the State, & difturbed the people, were difperfed (nay procured to be ym- printed) by fome of thofe ? & that their fhifting it vpon their feruants, with fuch like evafions , will be found of no truth ? What, if it will be jufti- fied, that the Wardens of their Company haue found fuch bookes imprinting ; taken a way part of them; knew they were vnauthorized and fcan- dalous ; & yet permitted both the preffe to go on, and the bookes to be divulged ? What , if they haue difperfed popifli and fchifmaticall bookes more then any others ? What, if thofe foolifh & prophane bookes where withall the world is now filled to the peruerting of youth, and the corrvption of good manners, be manifefted to be the coppies that haue enriched many of them ? What if thofe wrongs, offred to the Vniuerfities, and thofe greeuances which the whole common- wealth fuffers (in being burthened with volumes of tralh, in being oppreffed in the prizes of bookes and 119 (ri2) and injured by their vnferuiceable bynding) may be declared to be altogether by their default ? Verely, if I fhould inftance vpon thefe particulers, what I could ; their Foundations would fhake, & the whole frame of their foolifli machinations would be fhattred about their eares. But, I fpare to proceed further vntill they fhall further copell me : (eue for the fakes of their pore wiues & Children) & would wifh them to be warned by this gentle Item, to amend among themfelues what is amiffe before the flri6l hand of Authority ceafe them ; left it be then made apparant to the whole King- dome, that my cheefe perfecutors among the Sta- tioners, be thofe who are fo vnworthy to beare the name of the whole Company, that they are not fo much as good members thereof, but rather, enimies. Robbers and Defamers of their Society, and iniurious to this whole Commonwealth. But, doe I lay this to the charge of all thofe who are the rulers of this Corporation ? No vere- ly, not to them alone. For, I beleeue there be fome of their Cheefes greened at the peruerfeneffe of fuch among them who haue bene iniurious to me, & to their Society ; and I think they would willingly remedy all, if the wilfulnefTe of the reft were not more powrefull then their good perfwa- fions ; as one (not of the meaneft of them) lately confeft vnto me. There be alfoe among the in- ferior fort of Bookefellers , ( as my experience hath taught me) fome well and fome ill affedled to my (113) my caufe : among which multitude, if any man be defirous to diftinguifh thofe men from the reft, to whofe charge I purpofe not to lay the abufmg of me, in fuch manner as is mentioned in this difs courfe ; by thefe obferuations following yt may infallably be done. When any man fhall come to a Stationers fhopp to buy a Pfalmebooke, or any other bopke, with which the Pfalmes of Dauid in Englifh mee- ter are bound vp : if he be proffered that booke with my Hymnes therevnto, annexed (according to the Kings Command) or if wanting it , a rea- fonable excufe be made ; or a promife to prouide it according to the Cuftomers defire : or if vpon the mentioning of me, and that worke of mine, he do neither cauil , nor obiefl any thing to the difgrace of that, or me : or if vpon enquiry after this booke, he promife to procure it, or fhew fome likely caufe why it is not to be had , & nei- ther raile, nor grumble, nor looke doggedly on him that demands it, before departure : that man was neuer any of thofe that abufed me. Or, if he were, it feemes he is either forry, or fo afhamed he hath wronged me, that he deferues to be forgiuen : & therefore, I would not that any thing which he was guilty of to my harme, fhould be layd to his charge while he continues in that temper ; but my defire is (if it were polTible) that euery man who hath heard him abufe me, fhould rather quite forget that any fuch wronges had bene done. H For, For, fome haue bene ledd on to iniure me out of meere ignorance ; fome, for Company fake ; fome, becaufe of their dependance vpon fuch as are my illwillers ; and fome, by reafon they beleeued ouerwell of thofe who mifledd them : all which, will turne another leafe, as foone as the flate of my caufe appeareth. But, they who haue out of pure malice perfecuted me, will not fo relent. The Deuill owes them a fhame, & will not fufifer them to fee vvherevnto their enuy & blind Coueteouf- neffe will bring them, before he hath payd them. Affooone as euer this booke fhewes it felfe a- broade, I durft wager the price of it, that you fhall finde thofe fellowes at fome Tauerne within a flight fhot of Paules, conftulting, quotinge, com- menting, and obferuing, what may be collefted out of it, to my difaduantage : and , if anger do not put them befide their old cuftome, it will coft them a worthy legg of Mutton, a Capon, and a gallon or twoe of wine before any matter will- be difgefled worth their expences. Next mor; ning (it is tenn to one els ) they may be found at fome Lawyers Chamber, to know what cann be pickt out of this Apology , to beare an A6lion of flander, or fome fucll like cullor of profecuting the Law, againft me. But , that will be to little purpofe ; for the booke is fo large that if their Counfell haue any good praflife, he muft be fayne to take tyme vntill the next long vacation to read it ouer ; and by that tyme, he will haue the fame Opi: (115) opino of the which I expreffe. Affoone as they com fro Counfell; at fome typling houfe they will pre- fently meet againe, to comfort themfelpes with that little hope which the law feemes to pro- miffe . And it may be, thither they will fend for fome of thofe hyreling Authors of theirs, that vfe to fafhion thofe Pamphletts that fuite the feuerall humors and inclinations of the tymes ; or one of thofe that penns for them fuch worthy ftoryes, as the Dragon of Suffex, Tom Thumbe, and the vveekely newes. From whom if they cann pro= cure but the promife of makeing fome foolifh Ubell againfl me; or to publifh an impudent re- ply to my Apology; it fhall not coft him a far- thing, if he fitt among them till tvvelue a clock at night ; and perhapps he fhall haue fomewhat in earneft alfoe, of a better penny. If any man enquire of the for my booke of Hym- nes, he fhall be fent away without it ; and per- happs they will paffe fome fcandalous cenfure therevpon. If this booke be afked after among them, they will prefently difcouer themfelues by fome bitter language ; and by protefting againfl: it , as a fcurrilous and libellous pamphlet : vpon the very nameing of me, their cullor doth vfually change : And if the Company and I fhould haue any meetings together about thefe matters in que- ftion , thofe will difcouer themfelues from the reft, by their Diftempered lookes, their contemp- tible fpeeches of me , their furious behauiors , H 2 and 123 & thefe are the marks, whereby I diftinguifh thofe whom I accufe from thofe whom I cleare. And, here are no perfonall Notions, whereby the per- fon of any perticuler man is vninftly defamed (for publikely to accufe any one in that kind vntill Authority require it, is both vnlawfull & vncha- ritable) But thefe are markes of quality, which if any man haue vpon him (efpecially being thus forewarned) it is his ovvne fault if his dif- grace follow. And I do no greater wrong in faying he that doth this or thus, is my mali- tious enimie, then in affyrming , that he who ftealeth is a Theefe. But thefe rules do but only marke my freinds from my Foes among the Stationers : Becaufe therefore, I haue charged them in generall with fome abufes publikely iniurious ; I will declare alfoe, how fuch as are to be approoued blameleffe among them, fhalbe knowne from the reft; by ex- preffing the true definitio of an honeft Stationer, & the liuely Charefter of his cotrary. Whom, for difference fake, I call a meere Stationer. An honeft Stationer is he, that exercizeth his Myftery (whether it be in printing, bynding, or fel- ling of Bookes) with more refpeft to the glory of God, & the publike aduantage, then to his owne commodity: & is both an ornament, & a profita- ble member in a ciuill Commonwealth. He is the Caterer that gathers together prouifion to fatiffy the curious appetite of the Soule, & is carefull to his 124 (117) his powre that whatfoeuer he prouides flialbe fuch as may not poyfon or diftemper the vnder- ftanding. And, feeing the State intrufteth him with the difpofmg of thofe Bookes, which may both profitt & hurt, as they are applyed , (like a difcreet Apothecary in felling poyfnous druggs) he obferues by whom, & to what purpofe, fuch bookes are likely to be bought vp, before he will deliuer them out of his hands. If he be a Printer, he makes confcience to exemplefy his Coppy fayrely, & truly. If he be a Booke-bynder; he is carefuU his worke may bee ftrong & feruice- able. If he be a feller of Bookes, he is no meere Bookefeller (that is) one who felleth meerely ynck & paper bundled vp together for his owne aduan- tage only; but he is the Chapman of Arts, of wif- dome, & of much experience for a litle money. He would not publifh a booke tending to fchifme, or prophanefTe, for the greateft gain: & if you fee in his fhopp, any bookes vaine or impertinet; it is not fo much to be imputed his fault, as to the vanity of the Tymes : For when bookes come forth al- lowed by authority, he holds it his duty, rather to fell them, then to cenfure them: Yet, he meddles as little as he can , with fuch as he is truly perfwaded are pernitious, or altogether vnprofitable. The reputation of SchoUers, is as deare vnto him as his owne : For, he acknowledgeth , that from them , his Myftery had both begining and meanes of continuance. He heartely loues & feekes the profperity of his owne Corporation: H 3 Yet (ii8) Yet he would not iniure the Vniuerfityes, to ad- vantage it, norbe foe fawcie as to make compa- rifons betweene them. He loues a good Author as his Brother, and vvillbe ready to yeeld him the due portion of his labors , without wranghng. When he comes to be Maifter or Warden of his Company, he labors truly to reftify what is a- miffe ; but fyndes fo many peruerfeones , and fo few of his good mind, that his yeare is out, before he cann bring any remedy to paffe . He greeues for thofe Abufes which haue bene offred, to me, & other Authors j but fynding that by fpeaking on our behalfes he is likely to bring himfelfe into an inconuenience without profitt to vs ; he prayes in filence for amendment, and that God would not lay to the charge of the whole Corporation, that which but fome among them are guilty of He feares none of thofe reproofes which are to be found in this booke : For , he knowes himfelfe cleare, and is refolued to make fale of it fo it come forth with allowance from Authority. In a word, he is fuch a man that the State ought to cherifh him ; Schollers to loue him ; good Cu- ftomers to frequent his fhopp ; and the whole Company of Stationers to pray for him; For, it is for the fake of fuch as he, that they haue fubfifted, and profpered thus long. And thus , you haue the true difcription of fuch a Stationer as I exempt from my reprofes; now followes the Chare6ler of him, at whofe reformation I haue aymed . A meere 1.-6 (1X9) A meere Stationer is he that imagines he was borne altogether for himfelfe, and exercizeth his Myftery without any refpe6l either to the glory of God, or the publike aduantage. For which caufe, he is one of the moft pernitious fuperfiuities in a Chriftian gouerment, and may be well termed the Deuills feedman ; feeing he is the apteft Inftru- ment to fowe fchifmes, herefies, fcandalls, and fedi- tions through the world. What booke foeuer he may haue hope to gaine by , he will divulge ; though it contayne matter againfl his Prince, a- gainft the State, or blafphemy againfV God; And all his excufe wil be that he knew not it coprehended any fuch matter. For (giue him his right) he fcarcely reads ouer one page of a booke in feauen yeare , ex= cept it be fome fuch hiftory as the Wife men of Gotham ; and that he doth to furnifh himfelfe with fome foolifh coceits to be thought facetious . He prayfeth no booke, but what fells well , and that muft be his owne Coppy too or els he will haue fome flirt at it : No matter , though there be no caufe ; For, he knowes he fhall not be queftioned for what hee fayes ; or if he be, his impudence is enough to outface it. What he beleeues is pre- pared for him, in the next world, I know not, but, for his enriching in this life , he is of fo large a faith, that he feemes to beleeue, all Creatures and Aftions of the world, were ordayned for no other purpofe but to make bookes vpon, to encreafe his trade : And if another man , of his fmall vnder- H 4 ftanding, 127 (I20) {landing, Ihould heare him plead his owne fuppo- fed right where none might .contradi6l ; He would halfe thinke, that all our Vniuerfityes, and Schooles of Learning, were erefted to no other end, but to breed Schollers to ftudy for the enri- ching of the Company of Stationers. If an Author out of meere neceffity, do but pro- cure meanes to make fale of his owne booke, or to peruent the combinations of fuch as he, by fome Royall & lawfull priueledge : He prefently cryes it downe for a Monopoly ; affyrming that men of his profefiion may go hang themfelues, if that be fuffred. Marry ; Authors haue a long tyme prefer- ued a very thankfull generation of them from hanging, if they cannot afford them one booke of ten Millions to releeue them vvithall in a cafe of need : & when that booke was the Authors owne alfoe, & no part of the Stationers former liuely- hood. This is iuft as reafonable a complaint, as if a Copany of Haglers fhould preferr a bill againft the Cuntry Farmers, for bringing their owne Come & other prouifions to the next markett. He will fawne vpon Authors at his firft acquintance, & ring them to his hiue, by the promifmg founds of fome good entertainement ; but aflbone as they haue prepared the hony to his hand, he driues the Bees to feek another Stall. If he be a Printer, fo his worke haue fuch appearance of being well done, that he may receaue his hyre, he cares not how vn- workmanlike it be parformed ; nor how many faults 128 (I2I) faults he lett goe to the Authors difcredit , & the readers trouble. If his employment be in byn- ding bookes ; foe they vyill hold together but till his worke Maifter hath fold them, he defireth not, they fliould laft a weeke longer : For , by that meanes a booke of a Crowne is mard in one Moneth, which would laft a hundred yeares, if it had 2^. more workmanfhipp ; & fo , their gaine & employment is encreafed to the fubiedls loffe. If he be a feller of Bookes ; he makes no confcience what trafli he putts off; nor how much he takes , for that which is worth nothing. He will not ftick to belye his Authors intentions, or to publifh fecretly that there is fomewhat in his new ym- printed books, againft the State, or fome Hono- rable perfonages ; that fo , they being queftioned his ware may haue the quicker fale. He makes no fcruple to put out the right Authors Name, & in- fert another in the fecond edition of a Booke ; And when the impreffion of fome pamphlet lyes vpon his hands , to imprint new Titles for yt, ( and fo take mens moneyes twice or thrice, for the fame matter vnder diuerfe names) is no iniury in his opinion. If he gett any Written Coppy in- to his powre, likely to be vendible , whether the Author be willing or no , he will publifh it ; And it fhallbe contriued and named alfoe , ac- cording to his owne pleafure : which is the rea- fon , fo many good Bookes come forth imper= fe£t , and with foolifh titles. Nay, 129 (I22) Nay, he oftentymes giues bookes fuch names as in his opinion will make them faleable , when there is litle or nothing in the whole volume fu- table to fuch a Tytle. If he be none of the Af- fiftance of his Company he ordinarily rayles on their partiall)i;y in maniging of the Kings Pri- veledges or the general! ftock ; but, this he doth more in enuy , them in loue to vpright dealing : For, when he comes to thofe places (into which his very troublefomneffe fometyme helpes him the fooner) he makes all worse then before, & playes the knaue CUM Privilegio. He is then bound to pray for the poore , much more then they are, for him. For, they are indeed his Bene- faftors. He will be ready vpon all occafios, to boafl: of the 200. li: a yeare, which is giuen among their penfioners : but, he hath not thankfulneffe enough to tell any man, that it arifeth out of his Majefties Priviledges. beftowed for that purpofe , nor how many thoufand pounds are yearely made thereof befide. If he once gett to be an officer in the Society ; he forgetts to fpeak in the firfh perfonn for euer after ; but (like a Prince) fayes, we will, & wee do this &c. He thinks vpo nothing more then to keepe vnder the inferiors of the Corporation, & to drawe the profitt of the Kings Priveledges to his priuate vfe. He ftands in feare of nobody but the Archb : of Canterbury , the Bifhop of Londo, & the high Commiffion, & loues nobody . but 330 (123) but himfelfe. I cannot deuife what his Reli- gion is nor he neither (I think.) For, what fe6t or profeffion foeuer his cuftomer is of, he will fur- nifli him with Bookes tending to his opinions. To a Papift hee rayles vpon Proteftants ; to Pro- teftants he fpeakes ill of Papift s ; & to a Browinft, he reuiles them both. Yet, I dare fay this for him, that he is an enimy to the alteration of Religeon in this Commonwealth , becaufe he feares it would fpoyle their Priueledge , for Dauids Pfal- mes in Englifh meeter, or hinder the reprinting of many vendible coppyes. Marry a Tolleration he would hold well with all , foe he might haue but the fole printing of the Maffe-booke or our Ladyes Pfaltet. He will take vpon him to cen- fure a booke as arrogantly as if he had read it ; or were a man of fome vnderftanding. He fpeakes of reuerend Do6lors, as difdaynfully as of fchoole boyes ; And mentiones the Vniuerfityes with no more refpeft, then if all their famous CoUedges were but fo many Almefhoufes maintained out of the Stationers Hall. When he ftiall heare me or any other obje6t thofe Abufes, which fome of his Company haue ofTred me to my face ; he will vn- ciuelly giue the lye, & iuftify the contrary, as con- fidently, as if he had bene prefent at all tymes , & in all places. He is no more pittyfuU to a pore man that falls into his powre, then a hungry Bea= re to a Lambe. When he fpakes of him whom he loues not, it is vfually with as much contempt (of what 131 (I24) what quality foeuer the other be of) as if he were one of the Almesmen of his Company. If he co- me among the reft of his fraternity about any co- trouerfy betweene them and others ; he will fpeake any vntruth that may aduantage his owne fide : For, if the matter fhould require to be iuftifyde , he knowes that among many the fpeaker will hardly be found out, & that when the lye is deuided a- mong them all, there will not fall much fhame vpon any one man. He will allow of no Priveled- ges which the Kings Majeftie fliall vouchfafe con- cerning bookes, vnles he may be interefted in the beft part of the profitt : Yea, rather the thofe which are beftowed vpo his owne Corporatio fhalbe dif- pofed of for the benefite of the generallity, accor- ding to his Majefties intetio, he will go neare to do his beft to forfeit them altogether : For, he will at any tyme fuffer fome mifcheefe himfelfe to do another a great fpight. He will fweare the peace or good behauior a= gainft any one whom he is difpofed to trouble , though there be no caufe ; And if he may haue but fome of his Brotherhood to ftand among ; he will not ftick wilfully to mifmforme the whole Court of Aldermen to procure the com- mittment of fuch pore men as he profecutes. And this is one of his infallable markes ; if he preuaile in a bufmelTe, or haue but any hope of getting the better ; the Tauerne is the Temple where he giueth his God praife : Thither he pre- fently 132 (125) fently repayres to offer yp the facrifize of fooles ; and perhapps is ledd from thence in ftate, betweene two fupporters (Porters I ftiould haue faid) to his owne howfe, where he vtters his ftomack to his wife and famely. He is fo extreame guilty, and fo fearefuU that moft of thefe markes are to be found vpon him , that all his freinds fhall neuer perfwade him , but this Charafter was made by him ; and therefore, he will take it to himfelfe though he be one whom I neuer knew nor heard of. He will condene the Stationer that fells this As pology for a faulfe brother ; and ( if it be poffible to drawe the reft to be fo indifcreet ) he will gett the whole Company to take this difcription as an abufe to their Myftery ; but, they wilbe better aduif'd. He will beftow both vpon me, and vpon this booke, all the foule termes he cann inuent ; or giue out, perhapps, that it is nothing futable to that Mynd which I haue expreffe in my Motto : But, let him examine them together, & he fhall fynde they difagree not in a word. He will much infift vp5 all thofe bitter reproofes which I haue vfed , and be very fenfible of them ( noe doubt ) becaufe they touch himfelfe : but, thofe iniuryes which are the caufe of them , he will neuer mention. He will tell his Companions , that they haue Boyes in the Church^yard , able to anfweare all this : and ( it is odes ) but he will carpe alfoe , at fome want of witt or learning in thefe expreffions ; as if 133 (126) as if there needed any great witt, or learning to be vfed, in bidding a Dogg come out. Thefe pills may, perhapps, ftirr his humors, but they will not purge away one dramm of his corruptions ; For, he is fo blinded with coueteoufneffe & felfe will, that (to change his mind) Noyfe will preuaile with him, as much as reafon : & therefore, this which I haue written, was neuer intented to fatiffy him, but others. He truly refembles the Ephefian Sil- uerfimthes ; & rather then his Myftery fhould de- cay, would preferr Paganifme before Chriftianity, prophane Ballads before Hymnes prayfing God, &, that which he hath not ability to compaiTe by Reafons , he will attempt by vproares. To conclude, he is a dangerous excrement, worthy to be cutt off , by the State ; to be detefted of all Schollers ; to be fliun'd of all the people ; & defer- ues to be curft, & expeld out of the Company of Stationers. For, by the coueteoufneffe, cruelty, Sc vnconfcionableneiTe of fuch as he; a flourifhing & well efteemed Corporati5, is in danger to come to ruine, & difgrace. This man, with fuch as he , are thofe whom I haue declamed againft in this difcourfe , & no other ; nor will I , that my generall a'ccufations fhall , in part, or in the whole be imputed to any man in perticuler; but to him that fhall apply vnto himfelfe this Charafter, or haue it prooued to be true vpon him by apparant teftimony. For, it fhall fatiffy me enough ( & it fhall do the Com- 134 (127) Commonwealth good feruice) if by this fatyricall difcription of a bade Stationer, and my definition of a good one, thofe things which are amife may be amended hereafter. And this is an eafy and war- rantable way of Corre6lion. For, I do not marke them out by their redd Nofes, or corpulent paun- ches (or fuch like perfonall defefts) which they cannot remedy (as fome vvonld haue done) but by their vices which they ought to giue ouer. What an old Poet once faid, is yet in force. LicuiT, Semperque Licebit Parcere Personis Dicere De Vitus. It fhall be lawful! euer ; and hath byn To fpare the perfonns, and to touch the fyn. I hane taken that Authors word, and put his war- rant often tymes in execution ; and (though I haue fmarted for it) neuer was, nor euer will be driuen from this courfe of proceeding againft Malefac- tors ; vntill that forefaid Author come back and deny his warrant. Blame me not, if I feeme bitter to fuch as thefe, for, their difeafe needs it : I haue had meanes to know them perfeflly ; & was compelled to fearch into the very marrow of their Myftery ; and when through my loue to a carnall reft, I became loth to meddle with fuch a neft of hornets ( but to fuffer an inconuenience rather) they were fo foo-r liflily 135 (128) lifhly confident, that they ftung me to it, And doubtles, it was permitted by the prouidence of God, that their wickedneffe might come to light, before it fhould occafion greater troubles. Yea, perhapps, I haue bene trayned vp all my life tyme in affli6tions, & haue heretofore fuffred c6- cerning bookes, partly to experience me in their Abufes ; & partly to enable me to beare out the fury of fuch a powrefull multitude as doth now oppofe me. Many men of good fufficiency, do wonder (as I heare) what abufes worthy all thefe words cann be found among the Stationers. For, alas think they ; thofe do but fell bookes to fuch as come for them ; & are a harmeleffe kind of people by whom (to their vnderftanding) the Comonwealth can receaue no great preiudice , in any matter concerning their Myftery. But, when they haue read ouer this, it will begett another opinion : If not ; my next difcouery fhall. For, I cann, yet launce deeper, & make it euident to the capacity of euery common man ; that fuch as thofe whom I haue marked out, are they who are the princi- pal 1 difperfers of herefyes, & the prime difturbers of vnity in the Church. I cann demonftrate, that they are moft tymes occafioners of thofe grudgings & difcontentmets which do other while diftemper the minds of the people. That much trouble to the State, is procured by them ; that they are the likelyeft inftruments to kindle factions, & fl:irr (I29) ftirr vp fedition ; that they haue invoulued and obfcured the certaine tenents of our Church, amog fuch a multitude of the priuate fancies and opi- nions of vpftart writers ; that the Common people fcarce knowe what principles wee pro- feffe ; and our Aduerfaryes take aduantage, out of their vnallowed Pamphlets , to impute to the Church of England, what abfurdityes they pleafe. I cann make it euident they haue fo peftered their printing houfes, & fhopps with fruitleffe volumes, that the Auncient & renouned Authors are almoft buried among them as forgotten ; and that they haue fo much worke to preferr their termely Pamphlets , which they prouide to take vp the peoples money, and tyme ; that there is neither of them, left to beftow on a profitable booke : foe they who defire knowledge are ftill kept ignorant ; their ignorance encreafeth their affeftio to vaine toyes ; their affeftion makes the Stationer to en- creafe his prouifion of fuch ftuffe ; and at lafl you fhall fee nothing to be fould amorigft vs, but Cur- rato's, Beauis of Southamptonn or fuch trumpery. The Arts, are already almoft loft among the wri- tings of Mountebanck Authors. For, if any one among vs would Study Phifick, the Mathama- ticks, Poetry, or any of the liberall fciences, they haue in their warehoufes fo many volumes of quackfaluing recepts ; of faulfe proportions ; and of inartificall Ryminngs (of which laft fort they haue fome of mine there God forgiue me) that I ' vnles 137 (i3o) vnles we be direfled by fome Artift, we fliall fpend halfe our Age before we cann find thofe Authors which are worth our readings. For, what need the Stationer be at the charge of printing the labors of him that is Maifter of his Art, & will require that refpeft which his paine deferueth ? Seeing he cann hyre for a matter of 40 fhillings, fome needy Ignoramus to fcrible vpon the fame fubjeft, and by a large promifmg title, make it as vendible for an imprefiion or two, as though it had the quin- teffenc'e of all Art ? I cann make it appeare alfoe , that they are the Cheefe hinderers of the aduancement of our lan- guage, the principall peruerters of good manners ; and the prime caufers of all that irreligious pro- phaneneffe which is found among vs. And, I doe forefee, that if they proceed as hitherto they haue done , they will be the ruine of their owne Myftery, & bring an invndatio of Barbarifme vpo all his Majefties Kingdomes, which God diuert. Thefe things haue I difcouered ; & with a mind neither malitioufly bent to the ruine of the Gor- poratio of Stationers, or defirous of the ftiame or confufion of any one member thereof : but, (what= foeuer fome among them conceaue) I ayme rather at the profitt of the one, & the reformation of the other. And that this may appeare to be true. I will in due tyme flievv , that I haue fought as much how to finde a gentle plafter to cure thofe vlcers, as to make a fharpe inflrument to fearch them. 138 (i3i) them. For, if I may be heard without preiui dice ; I cann declare by what meanes , and how, the Corporation of Stationers may be hereafter acquited of all thofe fcandalls, that fome corrupt members thereof, haue brought vpon it; How, the repinings and difcontentments which are a- mong themfelues, may be quieted : How, all my inivryes may be fatiffied, to my contentment, without their damage ; and how , all the publike abufes mentioned in this difcourfe, fhallbe in fome good meafure preuented , for euer hereafter : to the Kings Maiefties great content, to the avoy- ding of much trouble heretofore occafioned to the State ; to the good likeing of both Vniuerfityes, to the profit eafe & credit of the Stationers thefelues ; to the furtherance of Chriftia peace & vnity in the Church, to the preuention of many publik and priuate inconueniences, and in a word, to the glo- ry of God , and to the honor and benifite , of all his Majefties Dominions. And now I haue done troubling your RRces for this tyme : Though I bent my bow to fhoot in my owne defence ; yet I haue ftuck my arrowes vpon a publike enimie. Now you haue heard me , healpe, or leaue me to my felfe as you (hall think fitting : For, I haue in euery circum- fliance honeftly deliuered my Confcience ; and I know God will deliuer me. N^^ HabeOj nee Careo, nee Curo. 139 i643- Campo-Mufae. [Hazlitt, No. 24.2 CA MP 0-M us ^, Or Tpie F I E L D-M U S I N G S O F Captain George Wither, touch- ing his MiHtary Ingagement for the KING and Parliament, THE Juflneffe of the fame, and the prefent diftradlions of thefe Iflands. D E U S dabit his quoque finem. L O N D N, Printed by R. Auflin, and A. Coe. 1643. To the ENGLISH. AM not I now in England f Is not this The Thames ? Is not that London ? Sure it is. Me thinks that vaft, and ancient ftrufture, there, Looks juft like Pauls, and that like Wejiminjler. Loe, yon is High-gate, yon is Hamfted-mill, There Banjled-downes, there Kent, there Shooters-hill. This doubtleffe is that Countrey : but why then, Are here now living fo few Englijhmen ? Are all thofe Englijh-men which now I fee f All true-bred Englijh-men ? the Devill they be. Indeed I finde there are a few among them ; And for their fakes I will not fo much wrong them To fay, the Land hath none, within whofe veines The blood of our old Worthies yet remaines. But, out of queflion, if the greateft part Were not a mungrell brood, and without heart. They could not lie fo tamely in their beds, And fee what Plague their Countrey over-fpreads ; Yea feem content, to be inflav'd to Jlaves, And carie guilt, and curfes to their graves. Perhaps they are afleep. Ho ! Englijhmen ! Awake, and be your felves, yet, once agen. Heark, how the Trumpet founds ! heark how the Drum Beats up, and cals in Englifh, Come, Come, Come ! Heark, how the ghofts of your poore Brethren, flain and maffacred in Ireland, do complain And call for vengeance ! heark, how loud they cry. And threaten, if you paffe their murthers by ! Heark, how the countrey round about you mourns ! See in how many parts it flames and burns ! Mark, what a defolation, in one year. Is broken in among us ! and, how near Our juft and everlafting ruine drawes If we become no warmer in this Caufe ! And that your cooled zeal may re-inflame, Take up this Paper, and new light the fame. TO To his Excellence the Earle of ESSEX, Lord Generall of the Army raifed for defence of the KING, Parliament, and Kingdome. UN till my Troupe was difabled, I ferved faith- fully with my SWORD, under your Com- mand (an eye-witneffe of your noble Patience, Con- ftancy and Valour) andjkall againe when my Troupe is recruted: In the meane time, being ingaged thereto (by that emblematicall device that I beare in m.y Cornet) / have endeavoured to be ferviceable with myP^N, that I mightim,ploy every faculty which God hath given me for the King and Parliament, to whom I am obliged by a double duty ; and (I hope) not imper- tinently to the glory of the Almighty; who, when m^ honourable teachers arenot regarded, fends men to learn ^Pifmires and defpicable creatures, andwhofor that caufe is nowpleafed to m^ke ufe offuch a Vanity as I am : and (it may be)fhall by this Engine m,ore ftrengthen your Army then a full Regiment of horfe. I have not here prefixed your Name , or tendred this to your perufall, meerly for a private advantage; for, what can I hope to obtain who am but Terrse filius, a child of contempt? and one whofe befi endeavours have been hitherto, in outward refpe£ls, (for upon other A 3 confi- conjiderations I have no reafon to complaine) rather mifehievous then profitable unto him. Neither prefume I to add any thing hereby to your Honour {that being farre above the deficiency needing fuch meane Additions) but, I being yet within the li/i of your Army, it/eems reafonable thatfi)me Account fitould be given of the time fpent during my abfence from, it ; and I, having no better fruit ripe, thus, to prefent this, held it the duty , S I R , of Your Excellencies moft humble Servant, Geo. Wither. I CAMP 0-M U S ^, R, The Field-Musings of Captaine George Wither. The Contents. A QnQ^ion prefuppos'd, the Mufe Replieth, and her freedome Jhewes : Tels with what heart, with wJiat intent, This Warre her POET under-went. Averres that Reafon and the Lawes Will jujlifie him in his Caufe ; TJie publike vjoe,Jhe doth expreffe ; Lamenteth, and implores redrejjfe: Fights Combats with Delufive-Reafon, Her Partie to acquit from Treafon, Their hearts iftcourageth to doe What GOD, and Nature calls them to. And many matters here and there Inferteth, not related here. Then, mentioneth a Voice ofPEA CE Thatjhe hath heard ; and there doth ceafe ; Intending, ere She will proceed, To make fome proof e, how this may f peed. YES ; now He write againe, and neither care Though nor Apollo aid me, nor the N I N E : Nor whether Mars or Mercury appeare Croffe ; or in Sextile, Quadrine, or in Trine. Nor careful! am I whether HEE, or SHEE, Be pleafed or difpleafed with my Mufe : For, none to footh or vexe my Muftngs be ; But, now I write, becaufe I cannot chufe. A 4 To 2 CAMPO-MUSyE. To anfwer each mans curious expe6lation Who asks why thus I faid, why this I do ; Is not the fcope of my determination, Though fomwhat here conduces thereunto. The Sword hath had his turn, and now the Pen Advanced is to play her part agen. The naked S V V O R D and PEN my Cornet bears ; PwRege, Lege, Grege thereupon To be my Motto for the Field, it wears ; And fhewes for whom this Warfare we begun. But, Rymes and Reafon growing out of date, And Pens (leffe modeft now then heretofore,^ Such hes and railings have divulg'd, of late. That I once thought to touch my Pen no more. Befides Ywith griefe) I have obferv'd in thofe Whofe judgments have mod need of Reformation, That there is left no pow'r in Verfe or Profe, To make them wife, or move to reformation. For Wif domes Charmes, and Reafons beft conclufions Beget but Furies, and inlarge Confujions. Yet fmce my muzings when I fhall be dead, (And lie unaftive in a loanly roome) May peradventure to good ufe be read, By men referv'd for better times to come .• And, fmce it will not onely be an eafe To mine own heart, my num'rous thoughts to vent, But alfo may fome honefl Readers pleafe, Ev'n in thefe times of gen'rall difcontent. Yea, left rhalignant cenfures paffed on My late ingagement for the publike peace. Should (\i I filent to my grave had gone^ Have caufed falfe-opinion to increafe, My Pen I re-affum'd, in hope, to fhew M.y praiiice never prov'd my words untrue. My Pen I re-affum'd ; and (full of matter^ Sate down to write : but, ere I ought expreft. The CAMPO-^MUS^. 3 The Trumpet founding, all my thoughts did fcatter, And gave me, fmce that houre, but little reft. Deftruflive times, diftraftive muzings yeeld, Expe6l not therefore method now of me, But fuch as fits Minerva in the Field, Where Interruptions and Confufions be. Like or diflike, I fomwhat now fhall fay Which muft be heard ; and heard to purpofe too ; At leaft in gaining heed, or making way For what (\i need require) is yet. to do. When7?« and felf-conceit befools the wife, They muft be taught by thofe whom they defpife. For, let not thefe Field-muzings be fuppos'd The fruitleffe flafhings of a Giddy-wit, Becaufe in meafuf' d-words they are compos'd. Which many judge for ferious works unfit : Nor let them counted be a fleight invention, ThoM^ fouldier-like blunt complements I ufe. That I may draw thofe fools to give attention. Who will not els perhaps regard my Mufe. He that hath matter that concerns the King, Comes not and ringles at the doore with feare ; But knocks, untill he makes the pallace ring, And fpurns it open, if they will not heare : Ev'ii fo do I ; and think I have done well To make my language like the tale I tell. If I fhall mention what fome would not hear. The fault's not mine ; for, if men madly do, I am a thing which once in twenty year Shall feem to be a kind of mad man too. And though mean-while my Calling I purfue, (Seeming to heed the times as they do me) Yet I am alwayes mindfuU of my kue, And a6l my part when I my time fhall fee. One while I chide ; fomtimes faire words I give To praife men into what I fain would have them .• And 4 CAMPO-MUS^. And when thofe Favours I mifplac'd perceive, I call them backe, and am afham'd I gave them. When thus I faile, my Fancie prompts me then ; But, now another SpiHt guides my Pen. I will not blame the Times, though bad they be, Nor to the jeering world bemoane my Lot : For, to thefe dayes my God appointed me. And guards me fo, that mifchiefe hurts me not. My Birth I had in bleft ELIZA'S reigne ; To J A M E S, I blaz'd the fins of wanton Peace, For thofe rewards which Truth will ever gaine. Where Nobles rife by Pieties decreafe. (ing neare. To CHARLES I fhew'd what Plagues were draw- And, faw them come, e're I beleefe could gaine. And, when they came, I faw the chiefefl care Was, how each Foole his Bable might obtaine. For, warnings are on wilfull finners loft. Till honour, pleafure, life and foule it coll. SIN not repented, (but augmented rather) The Violl, poured forth, began to fpread ; The fpreading mifchiefe ftill more ftrength did gather. And, every day new Plagues the poifon bred. Divifions then arofe, which did increafe. And, into Sub-divijions branch about. Which overthrew the Pillars of our Peace, And, drove good Order, Law, and lujlice out. Thefe Evils, with my Pen, I long withftood. And, bold reproofes in Tyrants faces threw ; But, when I faw my Pen could doe no good, With other Patriots my Sword I drew : For, who that weares a Sword needs feare to draw, To fave the King, the People, and the Lawf I drew it not in rage, or private hate, Or to incroach on Prince or Peoples-right, Or to recrute a ruined eftate ; But, that both Prince and People guard it might. I CAMPO-MUSiE. 5 I was not arm'd to violate the Crowne, Or pleafe the fancies of a fickle braine, To fet one up, and pull another downe, Or Schifme, or Superftition to maintaine: But, fought our Fathers honour to defend ; Our Mother, from his jealous rage to fave ; To bring their bafe abufers to that end. Which Traiterous-Jlatterers deferve to have : And he that armes himfelfe to this intent Shall ne're h^Jhamed, though he may htjhent. I therefore boldly marched to the Field, Not unrefolv'd, or ftagg'ring in the Caufe. I made my Pra^rs my fhot, Firm-faith my fhield ; My Breaft-works are Good-Confcience, and the Laives. I flood not off, when I was called on, To mark what Peeres or Commons led the way ; To think I might be m.ade, or quite undone. Or whether fide was like to get the day. But of the Publike Ruine was my feare. Or, of thofe Plagues for which the Sword makes roome; And of the barbaroufneffe which every where Is like to follow, where his followers come. And could have wifh'd it had as eafie bin To drive out mifchiefes, as to fetch them in. The cure propos'd, though very fharp it be. And threatens loffe of members, and of blood ; Before it was adventur'd on by me. Appeared needfull for the Common-good. According to my Fortune and my Place I therefore further'd it, not difcontent, Though others had the publike thank and grace For that, which I in private did invent. Where I then liv'd, I was the firfl of thofe Who did contribute to my Countries aid ; And ^though it may be cenfur'd by her Foes An evill figne) I joy to heare it faid That 6 CAMPO-MUS^. That in thofe parts I was the firft of all To whom a totall Plunder did befall. And fure it was for good it fo befell : For, he that is inrowled for the Wars Shall never profecute that Calling well If he intangled be with other Cares. Affaires of Peace effeminate the Minde ; A Barne well filled, and a houfe well fraught, Are not with eafe, for poverty refign'd Till they from us, or we from them are caught. For, who thofe things can willingly forfake, Of which, he feeles he may have daily need .'' Who can to wants and wounds himfelfe betake, That may at home, with eafe, on Plenties feed ? CV who can fight that's clog'd with Carts and Ploughs. Books, Houfhold ftuffe, Teems, Oxen, Sheep and Cows.' Such things as thefe did ne're affeft me much, But for their fakes, of whom I muft have care .• Nor did their loffe my heart fo nearly touch As their negle6ls, who thereof Caufers were : For, if my Counfels had beene duly heeded, And my Pre/ages timely beene beleev'd. The Rage of War had not fo far proceeded, As me to Rob, and others to have griev'd : Yea, had the Cajlle fto my care committed Without fupply of mony, meat, or Men Save my halfe Troopej been well and timely fitted With what was needfull, and long fought, e're then, I fliould not fure, from thence have called bin. To let the Kingdomes foes come fafely in. Nor to their dammage, or their detriment, Who me to that command had freely chofe. Had I unto another place been fent, Expofing them, unarmed, to their foes : Nor ('when a Groundwork I had alfo laid. Which had, not onely, probably fecur'd Thofe CAMPO-MUS^. 7 Thofe parts, from that whereof they were afraid, But, alfo, to the Bordering Shires affur'd Good likelihoods of fafety^ ftiould my Care And Propofitions, have been quite neglefted, By thofe, to whom they firft propofed were ; If they, the Caufe, or Me, had well affedled : Nor had fo ill ('thereby^ our Partie fped : Nor had our Foes, by that meanes, gather'd head. Nay, if an Envie of the place I had. Or fome defigne of theirs who brake their Truft, Had not the way for my removall made To let in mifchiefe, at a nick fo juflr. So many had not muftred been, fo foone (Oi my Malignant Neighbours in that Shire) To force my Houfe ; my Goods to ceaze upon. And, fhew fuch malice, and fuch fury there. Nor had I met affronts in other kindes As I have done ; But that among us, be Some, that doe walk our wayes, with other mindes, With other hopes, and purpofes, then we : But, let them take their courfe, my Courfe is weigh'd ; And, Words nor Deeds, Ihall make my heart afraid. What I refolv'd on, hath had firme foundations. Not laid in fands, or built upon with fhicks. Nor garnifhed with vaine Imaginations, Or kept repair'd with Fallacies and tricks. I was not frighted by the Proclamations Penn'd by abufers of the Royall-Name : Nor ftartled by thofe tedious Declarations, Which with more Wit then Truth, full fraughted came. I knew how Lawyers and Divines had cheated The World ere then ; and when the holy-Text, Or Lawes were mifappl/d or mifrepeated. Or, with falfe Comments wrefted, or perplext. And, falfliood moves not me, although it brings The Votes of DoSlors, and the threats of Kings. My 8 CAMPO-MUS^. My heart, the ftorms of danger did not ftiake, Faire promifes (which have fo many caught^ On me, the leaft impreffion could not make. Though where I ferve I fcarce worth heed am thought. Nor was I moved much to fee, that fome (Who Stars appear'd) in their firft Love did faile, Becaufe I knew the time was fully come. Which tryes our firmneffe by the Dragons-taile. Nor ftart I at their Cenfures, who have faid, That, what I counfell'd, I have left undone ; That, from my owne PrediMions I have ftraid. And made them erre, if they amiffe have gone. For, they that have miftaken Truth-divine, And, wreft Gods Word, may foone mifconftrue mine. To fay in Words, that fo, or fo, I meant, I thought not halfe fo pow'rfull as to fhow By aftive proofes, the truth of my intent. And teach by Deeds, which way men ought to goe. When therefore that great Counsel call'd for aid ('With whom the King-Jhip alwayes doth refide. In whofe Commands, the Kings are beft obey'd, From whom, the King cannot himfelfe divide,^ To ferve the King and Parliament, I came So loyally, that, if it Treafon be, I will not ask a pardon for the fame ; Nor thanke him for it, who fhall give it me : But laugh at him, who fhould that Trifle bring, Difdaine to live ; and dye, and be a King. For, no man honours ; no man loveth more The Soveraigne-Perfon, then I did, and doe. For him, I therefore feared, long before, What Ill-advifers now have brought him to. I told him when he was but newly crown'd, f'As plainly as my Warrant gave me leave^ Thofe things which He and We too true have found. Yet ftill mifinformations Him deceive. Yea, CAMPO-MUS^. 9 Yea, though the ftile of Rebell now I beare, My Prayers for him, have before the LORD Stood eighteen years ; and, yet before him are, •Brit. Re- fTo teftifie my love^ upon* Record, memb. And all his Captains, A rmes and A rmies too ^ '' Secure him not, as thofe my Prayers doe. That which I prayd for then, and pray for yet, I fight for now : Becaufe, I held this, ever, That, whatfoe're to pray for fhould be fit, For that we are obliged to endeavour. I know thrt by Allegiance I am bound To what effentially thereto pertaines ; Not to bare Complements, or to the found Which of that Duty, lying flattry faignes. Much leffe to that which totally deftroyes This }^irtues effence ; and whereby the King Our loyaltie againft himfelfe imployes, And to deftru^lion, his owne Houfe may bring. Such m.ifcheeves, therefore, that I might prevent, I fided for Him, with his Parliament. Thereby to ferve two Majlers I affaid. Till I by their Divijions was undone : And faw three Kingdomes by fome A£ls ill plaid. In danger to be neither two nor one. I fided not, but as a Stander-by, Who hath two friends at ods, and loving either, Feares that in one, the loffe of both may lye. And (in thofe two) of all his joyes together. If either I oppofe, I doe it more To fave then wound : and to prevent that blow Which, he that gave it, in his heart had bore. If through that other, we had let it goe. And, he that thinks this duty doth him wrong. May finde a Friend, but fhall not keep him long. I moved not thus far, but by Command Of Soveraigne-Pow'r, whereto if it be Treafon To 13 lo CAMPO-MUS^. To yeeld Obedience, we muft underftand, They Trayters are, who walk by Law and Reafon. The Soveraigne-Perfon may command that thing For which, the Soveraigne-Pow'r, if I fhall doe it, Me to the Gallowes for my paines may bring. And hang me with my Pardon when I fhow it. Becaufe when Soveraigiie-PowW doth ought command, Therein, the Soveraigne-Perfon is contain'd So fully, that by Law, no deed can ftand In oppofition thereunto maintain'd. And, he by whom this Truth is not beleev'd. Is taught by Fooles, or elfe by Knaves deceiv'd. Nor King nor Parliament doe I affedt For private ends ; nor did they e're beftow On me, the leaft appearance of refpeft More then what they to all men ufe to fhow : Nor can I hope that what I doe or write ('Till men grow better) an effeft fhall bring Sufficient to preferve me from defpight Though favour'd both by Parliament and King: How then, or by what bait have I been caught That I ior Balams wages have been faid *Brit.Re- To contradia the * Meffages I brought .' "<="^^- And from my owne good Counfels to have ftraid ? Or who can fay whofe tongue it fhall become, That my Allegiance I have fwerved from .' As elfewhere I have writ, fo write I here. No hand againft the King, that is, no hand We fhould againft his Royall-Perfon reare Though he injoyn'd a tyrannous command. Nor fhould 2. private-man, ox private-pow'r Take armes againft him, though he fhould intend Them, in their innocencie to devoure. Save meerly their owne perfons to defend. For fhould each petty member of a State Be armed at his pleafure, for Offence, Their 14 CAMPO-MUS^. II Their breaches of the peace would ruinate Them/elves, the whole Repuhlicke, and the Prince. And, fhould a King from violence, not be free> Till God fhall ftrike ; none fo unfafe as he. Yet, when by wicked Counfellers mifled, A King, fhall his whole Kingdome fo opprefTe, That, he, therewith appeares indangered ; Me thinks, it were a Tenet reafonleffe, To fay, there were not in a Parliament Such, as is our (or if no fuch we had^ No powre in his Liege-people, to prevent The hazard of a confequence, fo bad : Or, that they might not lay upon their King A charitable, and reflraining-hand, To ftop him from purfuing that rafli thing, Which might undoe himfelfe, and all the Land : Or, that there were not nat'rally a right In Them, againfh his will, for Him, to fight. When by the fawnings of fome cunning-whore, A nat'rall Father fhall be fo mifled. As that he beats his children out of doore. And caufeleffe drives their mother from his bed, Beleeving they are baflards, fhe unchafte ; And, fir'd with jealoufies, attempteth further, To burne his houfe, to lay his dwellings wafle, And, with his family, himfelfe to murther ; As, then, that Family, with an intent. Him, from his ill-advifers, to withdraw, ('And his and their deflruftion to prevent^ May lay reftraining hands, by Natures law. On fuch a father, and yet therein be Preferv'd from breach of houfhold-duties, free. So, when the Father of our Country, fhall By Flatteries, be drawne to fuch a courfe. As may produce his owne and Kingdomes fall, Vnleffe we intervene, by timely force ; B And 12 CAMPO-MUS^E. And, when, fo loyally, the fame is done. That, to our utmoft powers, we ftill affay Not how to fave his life, and rights, alone, But, how his honour, too, preferve we may ; The Lawes of God, of Nature, and of Reafon, Will, doubtleffe, warrant it, in their defpight Who brand it with Rebellion, and with Treafon ; By fhamefull Termes, from lawfull deeds, to fright ; Els, cut-throat Parafites, are onely they Whom for the trueft Liege-men, count we may. , That, we have thus ingenuoufly proceeded, Nor waging war, nor our diftrufts revealing, "^ Till our affaires thofe aftions highly needed, (And, made each Grievance fully ripe for telling) Our confcience affure us ; though the flanders Of our Oppofers, have our Truths beli'd. And led the people through thofe dark Mceanders, Which our faire dealings, and their frauds, may hide. And, therefore, Ihould the King, by wilfull ftay Among that crew, mifcarry in the fight, ('Which to prevent, we ftill fhall watch and prayj Vpon our heads the blame fhould not alight ; For, who that woes the Plague, hath health affur'd ? Or, who can fave, what will not be fecur'd f I came (as I profeffe) with fmgle heart. To ftay the mifchiefe, which I faw begun ; And, entred, with my Sword, to aft that part Which, without blame, I knew not how to fhun. For, when God cals for blood, and will not heare Our pray'rs, untill (his Juftice to appeafe^ Thofe Beafts, among us, facrificed are Whofe life prolong' d, prolongeth our difeafe ; 'Tis time we fhould obferve, that we, like Saul, Thofe Flocks, and thofe Amalakiies, have fpar'd, Whofe prefervation may become our Fall ; If his commands no better we regard. 'Tis i6 CAMPO-MUS^. 13 'Tis time, thought I, that in the gap we ftand. To flop the breach, that els will drown the land. The Red-horfe then appear'd ; and thereupon That Rider forth advanc'd, at whofe command Thofe bloudy executions muft be done, Which both defile and purge, a fmfuU Land. A mixed multitude made up our Traine, Which God, for divers ends, together brought .• Some, to avenge his caufe ; fome, to be flaine ; Some, that Repentance might in them be wrought. Our Army being rais'd, the Trumpet founds ; The Colours are difplaid, the Drums do beat : To make a paffage, thorow bloud and wounds. For lujlice. Truth, and Peace, we forvv^ard fet. And, whilft we marcht, my heart, with thoughts con- Was over-fild ; and thus I fadly mus'd. fus'd, Thofe dreadfull Tragedies, mufl I, O LORD ! Muft I, not onely now furvive to fee. Which were fo long time fear'd, and fo abhor'd ? But live, in them, an A6lor too, to be 1 Is that abufed Peace which we injoy'd. So many years fwhilft ev'ry other State Was plagu'd with war, and fome nigh quite deflroid) In thefe our IJlands, now, grown out of date ? Have we prolong'd Repentance, till the Flame Which from the neighb'ring Countries did appeare j ('Like Beacons, given warning of the fame^ Spreads, and devoures, with no leffe fury, here f And, is the time now come, in which this Nation Muft pledge them in thy Cup of indignation .■■ Who did fo much as dreame, fome years agoe, To fee the Devill fo, prevailing here. To conjure up to ev'ry man a Foe Among thofe Friends that in his bofome were .' Who thought to fee fo many brothers rage Againft each other ? . Fathers, without griefe, B 2 To 17 14 CAMPO-MUS^. To ruinate the Pillars of their age ? So many fonnes, to feeke their fathers life ? Who could have, then, beleeved this ; that, friends, Familiars, neighbours, kinfmen, mothers, daughters. Should have, fo madly, fought each others ends ? And mention, without teares, their wounds & flaughters ? And, finde this hellifh poyfon, to be fhed Almoft in ev'ry village, houfe, and bed f Who did fufpeft, that men who dote on wealth. And make a God of Pleafure and of Eafe ? Efteeming highly, fafetie, limbes, and health ; Should madly foole away their part of thefe f And fide, and quarrell fo, about thofe things Which moft of them, regarded not a whit ? For, what their duties were to God, or Kings, Or Commonwealth, it troubled not their wit. Nor doth it now, if their difcourfe and life May fhew what Confcience of fuch things they make : And, from this obfervation, I, with griefe. Infallibly, may this Conclufion take ; That nothing elfe, this mifchiefe did begin. But, univerfall ripeneffe of our fm. How could there elfe, fo foone, fo many be So hardned in the cruelties of war ? And, multitudes fo forward as we fee For Rob'ries, Rapes, and Murthers, as they are f Who did a while agoe fufpeft he had Acquaintance, neighbours, houfhold fervants too, So wicked, fo malicious, and fo bad. To put in aft, what now we fee them doe ? War hath occafion given, to difclofe What evr'y man affefts. And, evr'y one, As opportunitie he gaineth, fhowes What things his heart is truly fet upon. Oh ! if Wars entrance with fuch guilt begins. Before it ends, how great will be our fins ? Obferve iS CAMPO-MUS^. 15 Obferve, aud credit this which now I fay, (Though I perhaps not worth regard may feeme) Left you repent it elfe another day, And, finde too late, my words were worth efteeme. If Peace we feeke not, and purfue it too, Before there be too great an obduration. Ere long, fo hardned men in fin will grow, That on his neighbour, none will have compaffion. But, evr'y one, according to his powre. Shall only labour his owne Will to gaine ; And fhall corrupt each other, and devoure. Till wealth, nor wit, nor honeftie remaine. Nor ought, but fuch a raskall Generation, As merits Gods, and good mens execration. How happie had we been, if we had fear'd Before thefe feares had ceaz'd us ? and how bleft ? Had we with penitence thofe warnings heard Which notice gave, of this unwelcome gheft ? But, now the Breach is made ; the Floods break in, And, we with miferies, are overflowne. We fhall be lofers, though the day we win. When fpoiles we take, the loffe will be our owne. Becaufe, from forraigne foes, we fear'd no harme, God, for our fins, hath rais'd us foes at home. Our felves, againfl: our felves, we ftrongly arme ; And flaught'rers, of each other, are become. An univerfall Ruine is begun ; And, he that was moft rich, is moft undone. Behold, the Plough, by whom we are all fed. Is throwne into the ditch ; Our Herds decay : Our Shepheards, and our Husbandmen, are fled : Artificers, may fhut up Ihop, and play. The Labourer, muft either ftarve, or fight ; The Gownman, muft a Swordman, learne to be ; Nor Magijlrate, nor Lawes, can doe us right ; The Creditor, and Debtor, may agree. B 3 The 19 i6 CAMPO-MUS^. The Glutton, muft be glad of homely fare ; The Drunkard, muft drink water, or be drie ; Old lowfie rags, Pride, muft be faine to weare ; Our idle Dames, in vaine, for bread fhall crie. And, they who late, in fineft linnen lay. Shall fcarce have leave, to lodge in ftraw, and hay. How are our goodly buildings overthrowne ! How are our pleafant arbours hackt, and hew'd 1 How bare and rude, are thofe neat places growne. Where fruitfull Orchards, and faire Groves, we view'd ! Through Walks and Fields, which I have vifited With peacefuU Mates, and free from fear of harmes ; Yea, there, where oft Faire-Ladies I have led, I now lead on, a Troupe of men in Armes. In Meadowes, where our fports were wont to be, (And, where we playing wantonly have lainej Men fprawling in their blood, we now doe fee ; Grim poftures, of the dying, and the flaine. And where fweet mufique hath refrefht the eare. Sad groanes of ghofts departing, now we heare. In ev'rie Field, in ev'rie Lane, and Street, In ev'rie Houfe, ('almoft in ev'rie place^ With Cries, and Teares, and Loud-complaints we meet ; And, each one thinks his owne, the faddeft cafe. But, what are private Loffes, while we view Three famous Kingdomes, wofully expos'd To miferable Ruine, and fo few, Lament that plague, wherewith we are inclos'd .■' My felfe, and my eftate, I fhall contemne, Till we, in freedoms, fmg our Syon-Songs ; Till we have peace, in our lerufalem ; And Church, and State, have what to them belongs. For, what to thefe, are Oxen, Sheep, and Kine } Or, any loffe, that is but your, or mine .' But, how fhould we have Peace, or Confolation } Whence can it come .' whilft, each of us neglefls .The CAMPO-MUSiE. 17 The meanes, of fuch a bleffed expeftation ? And from bad Caufes, looks for good effefts ? Who yet repents ? who, all alone, bewailes His private fins ? Or, fince this Tempeft rofe. Hath taken downe, one furle of his proud failes, That we the publike Veffell might not lofe ? Few of us, yet, have truly laid afide Our Self-conceit, our Envie, or our Spleene, Our Avarice, our Wilfulneffe, or Pride, And, doubtleffe, whilft among us, thefe are feene. In vaine, we hope, our miferies will ceafe ; In vaine, we, look for Comfort, Truth, or Peace. Give me. Oh God ! give me thofe moving teares, Thofe deep-fet fighes, and thofe prevailing groancs, Which may have powre to pierce through all the Spheres, And fetch downe Pittie, for diftreffed ones. Give me enough for one, that would deplore The fins of three great Nations ; and, lament For his owne fhare, a little world-full more, Which he too long deferred to repent. Give me thofe Teares that acceptable be ; Such, as on Syons evill day were fhed ; Such, as in bottles are preferv'd by thee ; Such, as were dropt, when Lazarus was dead .- Such, as if Teares might fo much virtue have. May three great Kingdomes, from deftruftion fave. Help us to that Peace-Offring, whence, may fume Into thy noftrils, that fweet-fmelling favour. Whereby, thy Majeftie may re-affume Thefe Kingdomes, once againe, into thy favour. With holy Charmes, thou haft delighted bin ; For, when in mournfull Elegies, to thee The Son of leffe did bewaile his fin. From all his guilt, thy grace did fet him free. Why may not, then, to me, for whofe example Thy Spirit hath his pietie recorded, B 4 ('Having A i8 CAMPO-MUSiE. (Having within my heart, thy Inner- Temple) Compos'd a Song, like mercie, be afforded ? In hope it fhall, to thee, O Gracious-God \ My Spirit groaneth forth this mournful! Ode. Las ! how darkefome be ! How gloomy, and how dim ! Thy Pettie-lodgings, LORD, in me. Which, Toy was wont to trim ? What Ghofts are they that haunt, The Chambers of my breajl ! And, when I Jleep, or comfort want, Will give my heart no reft? Me thinks, the found of gr ones. Are ever in mine eare : Deepe-graves, Deaths-heads, and Charnel-bones Before me, fiill appeare. And, when afleep I fall, In hope tofindfome eafe. My dreames, to me, are worft of all. And fright me, more then thefe. Ah me I why was I borne So late ? or why fo fcone ? Tofeefo bright, fo cleare a Morne, So blacke an Afternoone ? What in my youth I fear' d. What was long fince foretold. And, oftwithfcornes, and fleightings Jieard, Fulfild, I now behold. The Queene of Europes lies, The Princeffe of her Lands, (Late happy, in thy loving f miles) Now, neare to ruine flands. For, by their Crying-fms, Prince, Peeres, and People too. Have brought their feet into thofe Gins, Which no man can undoe. CAMPO-MUS^. 19 Our Cunningft-wits have tride To help untwijl the Snare ; But, when they thought the cords would Jlide They more infnarled were : And,Jince it is not words, That can our Peace rejlore, We now betake us to our Swords, And make the mif chief e more. How great is our dijlreffe ! How grievous is our Jin ! That ez/ry thing doth more increafe The Plague, that we are in ! There is yet, LORD, in thee, A meanes of eafe and aid. Whereby, wefav'dfrom that might be. Whereof, we are afraid. O God ! thy helpe command ; (For humane helpes are vaine) And, in compafjion to this Land, Returne thou, once againe. And, iffo much regard. May to my fuit bejhowne, Let me behold this Tempeft clear' d. Before my Sun goe downe. O Lord! returne with mercie to thefe Lands ; Give not thy Glorie over to the Foe. Leave not thy Churches, in their bloodie hands, Who feek, in this, thy Kingdomes overthrow. Returne, before our Spoilers hand have laid On ev'rie pleafant, ev'rie pretious thing. Before the Lions on thy Lambs have preyd ; Before they fhall thy Flocks to ruine bring. Before our habitations doe appeare Like heaps of Rubbifli, or the ploughed earth : Before our pleafant fields, and gardens, are Like Fornace-Fels ; or, Highlands in the North. And 23 20 CAMPO-MUS^. And, e're our Palaces, late neat and trim, Are made the walks, and haunts, of Zim, and lim. Once more ! once more, oh G O D ! in mercie heare Thefe miferable lies, of whofe neare fall, Their neighb'ring Foes in expe6lation are, And, to behold it ; on each other call. Thy foes they are, oh L O R D ! as well as our ; Oh ! give not therefore, way to their defpight. Let not their malice, nor our fins, have powre, Vpon our Tombes, to build up their delight. Though they Divide, permit them not to Raigne ; But, let our Head, and Bodie, fo accord. That we, the fhronger, may be knit againe. And, in their bofome, fheath our angrie Szvord: For, our bleft reconcilement, further fhall Thy Churches triumphs ; and, their Babels, fall. Their date is neare, if I aright have hit. The meaning of that Number, which by thee Was left, to trie the ftrength of everie wit. Which longs the fall ol Antichriji, to fee. To Them, I turn my fpeech ; and thus dare fay. His Friends and Helpers are now moving on. The cunningft plot, that they have left to play ; And, when that's paft, their game will quite be done, Some SAINTS, their policie will fo beguile. That, they to their Defigne Ihall furth'rance bring : Yea, they fhall help it forward, for a while. Who favour nor the Perfons, nor the Thing. But left your hearts may faile, through long delay. Give eare, and heed, what, now, my Mufe will fay. That yeare, in which R O M E S long-liv'd Emperie, Shall from the day, wherein it was at height. Sum up, M, D, C, L, X, V, and I, In order, as thefe Letters here I write : That Yeare, that Day, that Houre, will be the date Of her continuance ; preferving neither Top, 24 CAMPO-MUSiE. 21 Top, Root, or Branch of that accurfed State, Nor Head, nor Bodie, Limb, Home, Claw, or Feather. For, here are all the Numerals of R O M E In order, as they are in valuation ; Which cannot make a leffe, or greater fum, Without Diforder, Want, or Iteration. Nor can flie longer ftand, or fooner fall. If I miftake not Him, who governes all. By Number, Weight, and Meafure, worketh He, Allotting to each thing the Bound, and Seafon, Which may both correfpond with his Decree, And, fomewhat, alfo, fuit, -with. Humane-Reafon. In .Mgypt, thus a certaine time of ftay Was to the feed of lacob, there affign'd ; Thus likewife, to a fore-appointed day, The raigne of Baltajhazar was confin'd. Thus, from the time of Daniels fupplication, Till Christ fhould come, the time foretold appeares To be, a pre-ordained limitation, Vntill the date, of Seventie weekes of yeares. And, thus R O M E S declination may, no doubt, Be numbring, till her N V M E R A L S are out. Two famous Numbers, are in them contain'd ; The firft, declares that length of time, wherein The Devill was, by Powre-Divine, reftrain'd From fetting up, the Myjlerie of Sin. The later, is the Number of the BEAST; Which, when the LET was taken quite away, (Whereby he was a thoufand yeares fuppreft) Doth number out his Kingdome, to a day. It is the number of the Name, or Powre, Ev'n of a M A N (of that myfierious-Man) By whom Sin-myfiicall is to this houre, Continu'd ; and, by whom, it firft began. And, he that can begin the thoufandth yeare, Shall finde the Number of the B E A S T, is neare. To 25 22 GAMPO-MUS^. To fearch out that, it feemes not hard to me, Since I beleeve, that when of her chiefe fin R O M E to be guiltie, did firft prove to be, Her Declinations did then firft begin. And, fure, of all her fins, the greateft Crime Was crucifying of the LORD of life ; And, in unjuftly perfecuting them, Who tendred Saving-Truth, to their beleefe. Then, therefore, I prefume ROMES fall begun. And that GOD, meafur'd, weigh' d, and numbred hath How many backward Rounds, her wheele fhould run, When fhe had gain'd her gloriouft height on earth ; So, in thofe NVMERALS, which are her owne, (And all fhe hathj her Fate was written downe. To bring this work to paffe, there is a Let To be remov'd, of no meane confequence / The op'ning of it cannot, well, as yet Be borne, among us, without much offence ; And, warrant I have none to make my heart So bold, as to difclofe it .• neither may it With wifedome be revealed, till that Part Be furnifhed with ASlors, fit to play it. And, of this Myflery, perhaps, the Key Muft be delivered by fome Abler-one, Who fhall have powre to doe, as well as fay, What, God, hath fore-appointed fhall be done. They firft muft take the Works, without the Walls, And then, the great Malignant-Citie falls. Then, with exceeding infamie, and fcornes. The BEAST, which yet fo dreadfull feemes to fome. Shall lofe his Heads, and moult away his Homes, And, to the world, a laughing ftock become. Then, many things, that have been long conceal'd ('And which, to blinde the carnall Readers eie, Infeven darke Myfleries, were clofely feal'd^ To ev'ry faithfull foule ftiall open lie. That 26 CAMPO-MUSyE. 23 That Kingdome, which the lew did long agoe Mould out, according to his erring braine, And whereof, many zealous Chrijiians too, Vnwarrantable fancies, dreame, or faine. That Kingdome, whereof, yet, but types we heare, Shall to the world, effentially appeare. Be patient, therefore, you that are oppreft ; This Generation fhall not paffe away, Till fome, behold the downfall of that Beajl, Which, yet, among us, with his Taile doth play. Then, will the L A M B E of God begin to take The Kingdome to himfelfe : And, ev'rie King That on his rights, doth ufurpations make. To judgement, and to ruine, he fliall bring. No Kingling, then, affume the boldneffe fliall, Blafphemoufly (for know it is no leffe^ To ftile himfelfe The King-Catholicall, As if Earths univerfall. Globe were his : For, though another hath ufurp'd thereon. That Title, doth belong to CHRIST, alone. And, tis no marvaile if the Potentates, And Princes of this world, fhall now combine, By policie, to ftrengthen their eftates ; And, with the Beajl, and Gog, and Magog, joine : No marvaile, if enraged they appeare, Through jealoufies and doubts, of lofing that. By which, their pride and lufts, maintained were. And, which, bafe Feare, and Flatt'rie firft begat : For, all thofe Kingdomes, and thofe Emperies, Throughout the world, which their beginning took. By humane wit, fraud, force, or tyrannies. Shall paffe away, and vanifh into fmoake. An Armie, whereof yet there's little hope. Shall wrefb the Scepter both from Turke, and Pope. Religion, and meere fhowes of Pietie, Have beene fo long the masks for bafe defignes : The n 24 CAMPO-MUSiE. The great Vice-gerents of the Deity, Have made fuch Polititians of Divines ; And thefe together have fo fool'd and cheated The confciences of people well inclin'd, That, of all Freedomes we are nigh defeated, Belonging to the Body and the Mind. Yea, GOD they fo have mock'd ; and on his Throne And his Prerogative, fo farre incroach'd. That, of his honour he is jealous grown. And, will no longer, be by them reproach'd : But, to the S A I N T S, their liberties reftore. And, give thofe Kings their Portions with the Whore. D'ye ftartle at it ? as if I had fpoke High-Treafon ? or, as if what now I fay. Without a Warrant, I had undertooke To certifie ? Perhaps, you think, I may. Know, therefore, that, I had this information Not from z, private Spirit; but, from his Known and unqueftionable Revelation, Which, to the world, long fince, revealed this. Thofe Kings, which, to the Lamb their crowns refigne. And fhall (the BEAST oppofingj be content To raigne, according to the Difcipline Which Christ commands, fhal keep their Government: The refl fhall weep, and waile, and curfe their birth. With wicked Kings, and Merchants of the earth. Christ, and his Law, fhall then beare all the fway. By Governments, refembling that, perchance. For which the lewes G O D S Yoke did caft away. The King-Jhip, of the Gentiles, to advance. And, as G O D S people, fooliflily did crave Inflead of his mild Scepter, to obtaine That Heathnijh-Monarchy, which doth inflave And feek, by Arbitrary-Powre, to raigne." So, fhall all people, then, defire to leave Their Ethnick-Chaines, and, with his holy-Nation, Christs 28 CAMPO-MUS^. 25 Christ's precepts, and his difcipline receive, And, be partakers too of their Salvation. And, when this glorious Kingdome fhall begin. The Fulnejfe of the Gentiles, enters in. God, hath fo long deferred the poffeffion Of that great Bliffe ; becaufe, our worldlirieffe, Hypocrifie, and difcord, keepes the Bleffing, From ripening into fuch a Happineffe. Some, in unrighteoufneffe, the Truth retaine. And, make the fame thereby, the leffe beleev'd. Some, by an Outward-holineffe doe gaine The meanes to have their Herejies receiv'd. While fome purfue the Antichrijl, without them. An Antichrijl, arifeth up within them ; Which, if they look not warily about them, New work for Reformation, will begin them : But, God will finifh what he pre-ordain'd. When Penitence, and Sin, their heights have gain'd. Oh ! that I could expreffe what glorious fights. My foule hath glimpfes of, by contemplation, And to what brave and unbeleeved heights, They fcrew me, by an unperceiv'd gradation ! That bleffed Kingdome, which, by faith I fee. And know fhall come ; me thinks, doth now appeare Defcribed by a Patterne unto me. As if it painted, in dim Landskip, were : And, my unbounded foule, runs rambling over So many obje6ls, that, if fhe fliould give Account, of ev'ry thing fhe can difcover, I fhould relate, what few would yet beleeve ; And give to fooles occafion, one time more. To fcoffe me ; as they have done, heretofore. Whilft thus I muz'd, behold, the foe came on And to poffeffe the bord'ring hils began ; My Colonell, experienc'd Midleton, A valiant Scot, that day led up the Van. A Troupe 29 26 CAMPO-MUS^. A Troupe that flankt him on the left I led : The word was ordred forth ; the fouldier fhouted. Our martiall mufick them incouraged, And, each from other, fears of danger flouted. Our forces joyn'd in clouds of fierie fmoke ; Whence many whizzing thunder-bolts were fliot / Our glittring fwords, like flafhing lightning, flroke Each others eyes, and bloudy fhowres begot ; Enough, whereby our courage might be tride ; And, yet, with no great loffe, on either fide. For, left, while of feach part) the Forlorne-hopes Together ftrove, our Side might feek to take A narrotv-pa[fe (which might have made fome flops. To their great hazzard, in retreating back^ They wheel'd about, as if to gain fome ground Of more advantage : fo, before the place We rightly knew, or their intention found, Inftead of a Re-charge, we gave them chafe : Which being finifh'd, and my warmed blood Grown colder, by our Adverfaries flight. Another Foe, which long my peace withftood, A Challenge brought me, for another Fight : And, in the dark, when that dayes march was done, A fecond furious battell we begun. A ftrong Brigade, was muflred up together. And many cunning Engines forth were brought. Which, doubtleffe, had I come unarmed thither. Had gained him the Vidlory, he fought. To undermine me, he, at firft, perplext My heart, with many deep and fubtill queflions .• To win that Fortreffe, he affayed, next. By ftrong perfwafions, and untrue fuggeftions. Then, with confufed throngs of dangers, feares, And, other fuch like Inftruments as thofe. By violence, to ftorme it, he prepares ; And, force prevailing not, his craft he fhowes : Which 3° CAMPO-MUS^. 27 Which, taking like effeft, he beat the Drum, And to a Parlee we began to come. His Gmerall via.s that Deluding-Reafon, Which hath fo much befool'd this Generation, Defaming Loyaltie with termes of treafon, And feeking Truths, and true mens defamation. This is that Grand-Impojlreffe, which hath had The powre of late, our Clergie to mifguide. To blinde the King, to make the Nobles mad, And lead the Common-people quite afide. This is the Mountebanck that cheats the Land, With Romijh-Drugs, and fills our heads with toyes That buildeth Forts, and Churches in the Sand, And faire and firme foundations, oft, deftroyes. And this is Ihe that men fo blinde doth make. The fhadow, for the fubftance, to miftake. She thus began ; Within thy Soveraignes Land How darejl thou, bold Traitor, to appeare Without his Approbation or Command With that thy Troope of armed Rebels, there ? Hajl thou not heard thofe Roy all Proclamations, Which threaten thofe who thus themfelves aray ? Hafl thou not read thofe learned Declarations, Thatfhew thee how thy Leaders goe aflray ? Hafl thou not heard the retfrend Prelates preach, That, all the Kings Commands mufl be obey'df Hafl thou not heard approved DoSlors teach. That, all we have mufl at their feet be laid? And, that a Mortall death' d with Majeftie, Is little lower then the Deitie ? Thy fervice and obedience to the King, ^Even God himfelfe injoynes : why dofl thou then Afjiflance to his Adverfaries bring. And, rather difobey thy GOD, theti men f Nay, thou thy f elf e hafl that Allegiatice taught. Which now thou violat'fl, and couldfi foretell C What 31 28 CAMPO-MUS^. W/iat mifchieves would upon their heads be brought, Whojhould againjl their Soveraigne-Prince rebell. Yet now, behold, thoti neither having awe Of thine ow7ie Confcience, or the royall right Of GO D' S commands, or of the Kingdomes Law, Dofl arme thy f elf e againft all thefe to fight. A nd by pretences for the publike good, DefU'fi the Kingdome, and thy f elf e with blood. An Arbitrary-government _;/(?« blame. And to the L,a.wes, your A£lions feeme to tie. Yet by your Ordinances, doe the fame Which to the King, unjuflly you deny. You for the Subjedls libertie contend. Yet into Prifo7is, freemen you have throwne. To eafe them of TaxiLtions, you pretend ; Yet make them greater then were ever kuowne. You take from whom you plea fe, and what you lift; And no man is affured of his owne, Or dares to contadiEl, much leffe refifl. Yea, lately, you fo infolent are growne. That, not the People onely you undoe, But, many wayes, abufe your Soveraigne too. To make him rich, f aire promifes you made; But, fo far off have been from adding more, That you have taken from him ivhat he had, And, rendred him leffe able then before. To cheriffi Virtue, or to punifh Vice, Or to proteSl the wroag'd, or to relieve The neediefoule ; you neither offices. Nor Armes, nor Rents, to his difpofure give. Gods glorie, and Religious puritie. Sincerely to affeSl, you make afhow ; But, thereof, we have fmall fecuritie, Whilft pious Monuments you overthrow. And, whilft, you favour, cherifh, and proteSl The Schifmaticks of every Greedy-Se6l. The 32 CAMPO-MUS^. 29 The King denieth nothing he may grant ; But voweth and protejieth, to maintaine. The true Religion of the Protejiant ; And, lets the Subjells dues, to tJiem remaine. Of him youfofier Caujleffe lealoufies ; For, to the People, or the Parliament He hath intended no fuch Injuries, As your feducers cauflefly invent. He aymeth at the reall prefervation Of Rights, Lawes, Cuflomes, and of all thai s due To Church, or Common-weale ; for which this Nation A publike, or jujl private claime, canfhew ; And, that which to preferve he doth affay, You, Rebels, y^^/^^ to change, or take away. Hefiands cblig'd tJte Kingdome to proteSl ; But, you his Townes, Armes, Forts; and Ships doe ceaze ; Whereby his Office wants a prime effeSi: And, you againjl him arme your f elves with thefe. The People you feduce ; and you invent Devices, cunningly, to drive away The Lords, and Q,ovs\xa.ox\s from the Parliament, That your owne pleafures, there, enaSl you may. The Kings befl friends for traitors you purfue : By Sequeftrations, you have made them poore : Nay he himfelfe misjudged is of you. At leafi, afav'rer of the Scar let- Whoore. And, he that was to be your Glorie borne, Is now become an obje6l of your fcorne. How can you therefore fafely live or die In fuch a Caufe? How can you, without feare. Be aSlors in that bloody Tragcedie, Whereto, thus blindly, you advancing are ? How will you to your GOD ? how, to your King? How, to this wronged Kingdome, anfwer make ? When by their powr they fhall that Vengeance bring. Which will be due, for what you undertake f C 2 Thus 33 30 CAMPO-MUStE. Thus far fhe rav'd ; and, further, as I think She had proceeded : But, I having ey'd My Troopers ('and perceiving fome, to fhrinke At her laft words) I rein'd my horfe afide To cheere my Troope ; then, wheel'd a little back. And, to confute thofe falfhoods, thus I fpake. Trait' rejfe to R E A S O N, that high heav'n-born-g«^^;?. Whom ev'ry earthly Monarch Ihould obey ; Thou who the Caufe of all thofe Plagues haft beene Which overflow this Hand, at this day / How long wilt thou perfift, with fhowes of truth To colour fallhood ? and, from thy delufions. Draw forth fto cozen heedleffe age and youth^ Inconfequents, and frivolous conclufions f In vaine thou feek'ft with words to terrific From what, with good advifement, is begun. With honour, we have hope to live, and dye. What ever can by thee be faid, or done. And, in our juft refolves will fettle faft. In fpight of all the Sophiftrie thou haft. Imprudent Amazon, why com'ft thou arm'd With Potguns, and with Kexes to invade, A Skonce that's triple fortifi'd, and charm'd. By Spels, which to fecure it, Reafon made .' Beleeveft thou, Lies, Fallacies and Showes Chew'd into paper pellets, can affright Ought elfe but Regiments of Dawes and Crows, Or things that come to feed, but not to fight } When to my face thou falfly dar'ft accufe My Confcience, which none knowes but G O D and I, And wouldft my owne beleefe thereof abufe, Behinde my back, how wilt thou me belye ? My Writings too, in favour of thy Caufe, Thou underftandeft, as thou doft the Lawes. Their Author is in being, fo am I ; The Lawes true fenfe is that which they fhall give ; And, .34 CAMPO-MUS.E. 31 And, I am he that beft can teftifie The meaning of my Poems, whilft I live. I have not fwerv'd effentially from ought (li well my words, and deeds be underftood) Which I have either counfelled or taught, Pertaining to the King or Common-good, And though thy friends report that I rebell, And, Balam.-VC&&, againft my knowledge too, ("When I had both foretold, and counfel'd well What would befall, and what men ought to doe^ I fhall occafions finde, my felfe to cleare Of all, whereof I guilty may appeare. The faflions of our Clergie I forefaw, The progreffe of their fa6lions I foretold, Which way the one our Soveraignes heart fhould draw, Which way the other, tempt the people fhould ; And, thereupon my foule fas well it might) Fearing fuch mifchiefes as from thence doe fpring, According to the meafure of her light, Did counfell both the People and the King. The King proceeded as his Prophets taught, ('For their defpight made void my good intent^ The other faftion of the Clergie fought To worke upon the peoples difcontent : And had not then a miracle beeii done, It had, long fmce. Rebellion here begun. For, had not G O D beyond all hopes of our, When plotted mifchiefs were to ripeneffe come, Vouchfafed us a Parliamentall powre, The fm, which I moft fear'd, to keep us from : My wit perceives not how the peoples rage ('Provoked fo, as then it would have bin^ Should meanes have found that furie to affwage. Which would have brought a true Rebellion in. Nay, to fuch heights was difcontentment rais'd, That, if this prefent timely Parliament C 3 ('Which 35 32 CAMPO-MUSiE. (Which never can fufificiently be prais'dj Had not enabled beene, as well as fent By G O D himfelfe, a wondrous worke to doe ; They had, e're long, beene flaves, and rebels too. But, having by meere Providence procur'd The Priviledge for their continuation, To be by an Ena£led-Law fecur'd, Till they faw caufe to give it limitation ; Such courage thereby took they, and fuch hope, Their good endeavours fhould not be undone. As heretofore (through want of time and fcope To perfeft things which they had well begun^ That, they have qualifi'd the fierie zeale, Which might have kindled a rebellious flame ; And armed lawfully this Common-weak, To make a juft defence, as her became : For, tis her fafetie, that fecures the King ; And her deftru6lion will his mine bring. We are not come, our Soveraigne to oppofe. But, for him, we thus armed now appeare, By Warrant, and Authoritie from thofe. Who, to confer it, well enabled were .• Ev'n by that Supreme-Counfell, whence doe come All a£ls that moft concerne the Publike-weale ; The facred Senate, from whofe finall doome We cannot to another Judge appeale. When that commands, the Kings commands they be, More binding, then his perfonall Injunflion. In their contempt, difhonoured is he. And difobeyed in his nobleft funftion. In his, we but his Per/on difobey ; In their, his Powre, and Office we gainfay. We heare indeed, fometime, a Proclamation Injoyning that, or elfe forbidding this : But how, I pray, fhall we have information, Whofe will and pleafure, and whofe deed it is f The le 36 CAMPO-MUS^. 33 The Per/on of the King we feldome fee ; His Court is now a place uncertaine growne: With him, no lawful! Counfellors hath he ; How then, of us, can his true minde be knowne ? Since in his Name, anothers Will may come, We neither knowing whence, nor yet from whom f The Court of Parliament appeares to all, To have therein, the Royall Powre, and Name : It keeps the Place, whereto the King did call, And virtually abideth ftill the fame. That Order, Ordinance, and that CommiJJion, Which iffues forth from them, to us appeares To be their a6l and deed, without fufpition : And we obey it as the Kings and theirs : Why, therefore^ (hould we be reproach'd, and blam'd, Becaufe, we are not rather guided by A printed fheet, wherein the King is nam'd, To draw us our knowne dutie to deny f By telling us, a trait'rous part we play, Vnleffe, our King and Countrie, we betray ? Me thinks, it were a motive fomewhat odd. That thofe few lines, which ill-advice might draw, Beginning thus, C H A R L E S 3y the grace of GOD, Should more oblige, then equitie and Law. Yet, this is our condition ; and, unleffe We will fufpeft our eie-fight, and our hearing ; And fay we are in ftate of happineffe, When univerfall ruine we are fearing ; Or elfe beleeve (or fay and fweare we doe. Though falfe it be^ what ere our foes perfwade ; And will be Infidels, and Affes too. Or fuch tame Fooles, as they of fome have made, We mufl be cenfur'd in our nobleft adlion. To have unjuft defignes, and fide with faftion. Vnleffe with Rehoboams Cavalleers, We will bring aid and counfell to oppreffe : C 4 Vnleffe 37 34 CAMPO-MUS^. Vnleffe we will not think that all our Fears Are without reall ground, and reafonleffe : Vnleffe we will beleeve Achitophel, The Parajites of loajh, ludahs-YLSxvg ; The Priefts of Ahab, Baal, and lezabel, Which to Idolatrie this Land would bring ; Vnleffe our felves meere flaves we will repute, Vnleffe we will againft all right and Reafon, Gods Epithetes, to Prmces attribute, Or, falfly fay, our Loyalty is Treafon, Or, do, as Fools and Traitors have appointed. We fight ('forfooth) againft the LORDS annointed. Yea, then it muft be told me, I rebell ; That, I refift my Soveraigne and the Lawes ; That Balaam-\-ik.& the truth I could fore-tell, And know the right, yet aid an evill caufe. But, what am I f Thou fayft, the Parliament ('Though fhowes of other purpofes it carry^ In pra6lice doth approve that Government, Which, in the King, they fay, is Arbitrary ; Which is untrue. For, Arbitrary Sway Is that which governs by the Will of O N E ; But, when their Orditmnces we obey, To Reafon we fubmit, agreed upon By many, chofen out to that intent, Both by our own, and by the Kings confent. What ever then that Counfell fhall ordaine, Is in effeft the Pleafure of the King, And our united ; whereof to complain. It were a caufleffe and a foolifh thing. And, though we may have grievances thereby. We cannot call them injuries, by reafon 'Twas to prevent a lafting mifery. By making us to fuffer for a feafon. The Parliament abridgeth no mans right, Takes no mans Liberty, or goods away .■ To 38 CAMPO-MUS^. 35 To favour fome, and others to defpight : Or, that themfelves therewith inrich they may ; But, feize it for the Publike ; and from thofe, Who, to the publike harme, thereof difpofe. Perhaps, unruly fouldiers, and fome too Who them command, will praftife, now and then, Harfh violence, as Devils ufe to do, Who, at thefe times, come forth in fhape of men. But, from fuch infolencies I am free And ev'ry way fo clear ; that though our Foes *To the Of * all I had have quite defpoiled me : l^^f And, though I was authorized by thofe 2000.1. Who pow'r might give, my loffes to redreffe On them who robbed me ; I have not fought Without companion, or with greedineffe. To mend my Fortunes, as, I heare, 'tis thought : But, only taken, what the prefent need Requir'd ; my felf, and Family to Feed. Yea, fave when we from home had marched farre. And thither, where, perforce, we did indure The hard and ftrong neceffities of warre. Through want of means, things needful! to procure : We nothing took without a recompence, Nor ('to my knowledge^ either then, or there. But, with good words, and, without violence ;. And, nought but what did need, and they might fpare. Nor did I, or, my Troupers, leave unpaid Our Quarters any where, whilft we had pay. And, fmce our entertainments were delaid. They have my word for paiment, when I may. And, by thus taking, Souldiers grieve men leffe In times of W A R, then Courtiers did in P E A c E, We take not, as Monopolizers do, And, begger Many, to inrich but One : Nor take we from, both poor, and wealthy, too, As Tyrants, that our pleafure might be done, Nor, 19 36 CAMPO-MUS^. Nor as the damn'd-felfe-damming Cavalleer, Who for his luft, and for the Kingdomes harme, From good and bad, from friend and foe doth teare, What ever may be reached with his arme. The Parliament (a Body reprefenting The Kingdomej takes from none ; but of her owne Takes part, for furtherance, or for preventing Of good or evill, either fear'd or knowne. And if this be unjufl:, or lawleffe taking. It is not by a Law of Reafons making. For, as the Bodie-naturall may take From hands or feet, or any other part. To wrap about the head, when it fliall ake ; Or, warme to keep the ftomack, or the heart. When Hfe is elfe in danger : right fo, may The Body-politike, without reproofe, From any of her Members, take away. For it owne prefervation, or behoofe. Yea, doubtleffe, if a man his goods may fpend. His body to redeeme ; or give confent Some Blood to lofe, or Member, to this end, That he the loffe of hfe might fo prevent ; Much more may that Great-Bodie doe the fame, Without the brand of injurie, or blame. The taxes, which our Parliament impofe. Are not to grieve the people ; but, to aid And ftrengthen them againfh the powre of thofe, By whom uneafie burthens have been laid. If they be greater now, then heretofore, It is becaufe neceffities are greater ; And, now require, we fliould beftow the more. To make hereafter, our affurance better. And, pitty were it, but he fhould be father To none but flaves ; or, to a generation Who fhould not dare, old rotten rags to gather Without a Patent, and a Proclamation, Who 40 CAMPO-MUSyE. 37 Who for his Country, thinks his goods too much ; Or, would his Hfe in this adventure grutch. As for their loyall offers to the King, They ready were ; and are as ready, ftill, Their wealth, and powre, and all they have to bring To ferve him, if his part he fhall fulfill. They would be loth his treafure to increafe, To purchafe inftruments, wherewith to flay them. Or, raife an Armie, to difl;urb their peace ; Or, to corrupt their Captaines, to betray them ; They fhould be loth to give him Rents and Lands, Buffoones, and men unworthy to advance ; That they might weaken us, and arme his hands. To make us Sub]e£ls A la mod' de FRANCE. But, for his Guard, and for the publike-peace. Our Goods, our Lives, and all we have is his. If his Revennues, in their hands they fl;ay, It is not without reafon fas is thought^ But, to fecure his Crowne, and to defray The charge of War, which he on us hath brought. If they, from his difpofure, now withdraw Some things, by Him, difpos'd of heretofore. It is becaufe their right it is by Law ; And, ought to be neglefted fo no more. When things permitted out of good refpefls, Are challenged as cuftomary rights ; And, when good meanings bring forth ill effefls, Tis time to take more heed of overfights ; And, that, by having erred heretofore. We may not be undone for evermore. Ships, Forts, and Armes belong unto the Prince, Not for himfelfe, but for the publike ufe ; They therefore keeping them for his defence, ('And for the Kingdomes good) what needs excufe } Or, if they ceazed on them, with intent To prepoffeffe them, that they might, in time, Their / 41 38 CAMPO-MUSyE. Their foes inhumane purpofes prevent ; It was no fault, or, elfe, a veniall Crime. They made their Ordinances not for Lawes, But, for the preikit need, to be in force ; Left Law-proceedmgs being at a paufe, The mifchiefs (over-greatj grow daily worfe, And, none denies the Parliament, this powre But, they who feek their freedomes to devoure. Though Libellous Detraftors, and that Rabble, Whom thy deluding Sophiftries deceive. Pretend their purpofe is difhonourable. And, of his dues, our Soveraigne to bereave ; Your lland'rous Allegations are untrue. And rais'd by thofe who hate the Parliament ; Becaufe, a Reformation they purfue ; And that, which may their purpofes prevent. Far is it, either from their thought, or our The King, of his juft profits to defeat ; Or to deprive him of that Kingly powre Whofe want may make his honour incompleat. By taking, or by clipping (to his wrong) Thofe Rights, which to his Office doe belong, When ought they take, it is to take away That mifchiefe, which may take him from his Throne. When they deny, it is not to gainfay, But, that his lawfull pleafure may be done. When they difarme him, tis but that his foes Might not with his owne weapons him deftroy. When they his Rents withhold, it is that thofe Should not his wealth to his owne loffe employ. Have they reftrain'd his powre .' they did it not To limit him ; but, that his Parajites, Should not to his difhonour, him befet ; And, make that Pander to their appetites, Till by their wicked praftices, firft, we Are to their wills inflaved ; and, then He The 42 CAMPO-MUS^. 39 The worft condition they would bring him to, Is onely this ; that, if he or his Son, By ill advifement, would themfelves undoe. No innocent fliould thereby be undone. Nor they, if during life, Manaffeh-Vikt, They could repent. This brave Prerogative, This Priviledge, for him, and his, we feeke ; That, nothing of his Throne might him deprive. We labour, that it glorioufly might ftand, By Righteoufneffe upheld : and, that his Line May beare the Royall-Scepter in this Land, As long as either Sun, or Moone fliall fhine. By being made, true Homagers to Him, That weares the univerfall Diadem. They would not have him, or his childe, hereafter, Suppofe that an advantage can be had. By bringing to his bed King Pharaohs daughter ; Or, any with whom, G O D, the Banes forbad. We would not have him, RehoboamASkz, Advance his Throne by tyrannous oppreffion : Or f'led by foolilh Counfell^ Shadowes feeke Till he had lofl the Subjlance in poffeflion. They would not have him fat up golden-Calves, With Jeroboam ; and fuppofe to fave By policie, and ferving G O D, by halves, That Kingdome, which to him, he freely gave. Till he, like him, hath made the people fin. And, brought our Endlejfe-defolation in. They would not have him, AhabA!C&.e., mifled By wicked female Counfels ; or, by thofe Diffembling Priejls and Prophets, who have bred That Plague, which now this Hand, overgrowes. Nor would they that ('with King lehofaphat) Some fruitleffe complements, or caufleffe feares. Should draw him, to become confederate, With fuch as are profeft Idolaters : But, 43 40 CAMPO-MUS^. But, that like David, he fhould purge his Court From impudent offenders ; and from all Thofe praftices, which are of ill report ; And chiefly thofe, which will for vengeance, call : That fo his Kingdome might be fafe in G o D, From traytors here at home, and foes abroad. They would not have his Minions rob his Name Of all that honour which thereto belongs ; And, in requitall, make him beare the blame Of their loud-crying cruelties, and wrongs. They would not have each honourable Place, Fild up, in ftead of Princes, with fuch groomes. As to this Kingdomes, and our Kings difgrace, Late fild, and yet defile thofe noble Roomes. Fellowes, of whom the publike fame records No merit ; unleffe merit be in roring. In being trufby Panders to their Lords ; In gaming, drinking, quarrelling, or whoring. For, by thefe virtues, from a trencher-man, A Princes Minion, rifeth, now and than. They would not at the facred Counf ell-Board, That, Luft, and Pride, and Avarice fhould fit Arrayed, and intitled like a Lord, That hath nor credit, honefty, nor wit. Or, fuch a Ruffian, as fwhen fuiters, there, In humble wife their greevances prefer^ Shall fweare, God damne me, I will nothing heare. That is inform' d againjl an Officer. Or fuch, as with notorious impudence. Shall taunt imperioufly, or tartly blame A man, that is of well knowne innocence, When they themfelves doe merit publike fliame ; Becaufe in publike view, and without awe, They violate divine, and humane Law. We would preferve our Soveraignes honourable : Not by a blaft of ayrie Attributes ; Much 44 CAMPO-MUS^. 41 Much leffe by thofe that are unwarrantable, And, fuch as flatterie, alone, imputes. We wifh he may be great, but not (with fome) So great, as from a lawfuU King, to fwell Into a Tyrant ; and, by that meanes come To gaine a Principalitie in Hell. We wifli him rich ; but, not by tricks, that may Inrich ProjeBors more : and, laftly prove A cheat, procuring him, another way, A greater dammage in his peoples love : But, of thefe things, we wifli him fo poffeft. That, they make him happy, and us bleft. The Parliament, would fo our Kings enable. If they, by their advifement, would proceed, As that, hereafter, no diflionourable, Vnfafe, or unfit courfes, they fliould need. We blulh ('and are afham'd, as well as greev'd) That they of whom, we, Juftice Ihould obtaine, (When injuries from others we receive,) Give caufe of greater fufferings to complaine. We thinke, what ere feducing Prelates fay. They fhould have confciences as well as we : And, may have foules, which will, another day, Made fubjeft to the Common Judgement be. And, we would have them none of thofe, that fhall Crie to the Mountaines, downe on them to fall. We would not have them, to our daily forrow. And their diflionor, wrong'd by fuch, as they. Who keep them ftill fo needie as to borrow: And, never in condition to repay. We would not have them live, and die in debt, ('As ufually they doe) without regard, Whofe wants, and whofe complainings they forget : And whofe deferts they leave without reward : Or, need to be incumbred with fo many Oppreffing Officers (who from us teare A 45 42 CAMPO-MUSiE. A fliilling for themfelves, for him, a penny ; Yet, Raven-like, ftill, hungry Carions are^ If their eftates were fetled once aright, And, managed by men that are upright. Then, fhould our Princes never need to fend Their Privy- Seals, to borrow for their ufe ; And, when they came where nothing was to lend. Be much difpleafed at a juft excufe. Nor fhould they need to feek, as oft they do, By petty loanes, a generall fupply ; And (which ill fuits with borrowing) threaten too, If we their expe6lation fhall deny : Nor take fuch other courfes, as of late Have been devis'd ; and, which are bafer, farre. Then our Colleftions at the Church-yard-gate ; Yea, bafer then our Countrey Help- Ales are/ And, which a generous mind would fcarce admit, Whilft he had rags to wear, or pulfe to eat. For, who can mention, without Indignation, Thofe Rafcall Projefts, wherewith fome pretended His Majefties Revenues augmentation ; As when, with Sope, and Pins, they him befriended ; Or, when they raifed Fines, by Proclamation, From Labourers, and Beggers Cottages ; Or, from their new-invented-Corporation, Salt, Mault, and Coals, with fuch like things as thefe : Or, if I erre not, fome, from bafer things. To raife the Kings Revenue, made a fhow, Ev'n from old Rags, from Guts for Fiddle-Jirings : And, if thefe Projefts had not been enow, I think, ere this, there had been fome device, To raife a profit out of Nits and Lice. We fcorne, this Kingdome, or our King fhould be Diflionour'd by fuch beggarly inventions : To make him rich, a nobler way have we, When he fhall pleafe to like of our intentions. And, 46 CAMPO-MUS^. 43 And, whatfoere thy fland'rous tongue hath faid, Wee, feek our Soveeraignes welfare ; and, with him No guilefull, or difloyall Parts have plaid. To wrong the Scepter, or the Diadem. Nor have we raced any Monument Of Chrijiian-Piety ; the Crojife except. That we might thofe Idolatries prevent, Which in, among us, by that Relique crept. And, down ('for ought I know) the Croffe was took, As juflly, as the brazen Snake was broke. For, though, when Chrijiianity began, And lewes, and Gentiles, mentioned with fcorn, Chrijl-crucifi d, unto the Chriftian-man, That badge was then with approbation worn, Becaufe, it witnes'd them, no whit afham'd Of Him, in whom they did profeffe belief, Though doom'd he was, unto a death defam'd. And fuffer'd as a murtherer, or theef : Yet, fmce the Popelings have a trick devis'd, To lift it up, above the civill ufe. And, for a Saint, the fame hath canoniz'd. And, fbain'd it, by idolatrous abufe. We have rejected it, as, now, become A wanton Token from the whore of Rome. That Se£ls, or Schifmes, we favour, I deny ; For, Law, and true Religion we befriend, Againft their fury and Idolatry, Whom you have arm'd, injuftice to defend. We to be regulated are content, ('Not, by the fancies of one private braine. Or, by a few, that came ere they were fent^ By thofe, to whom fuch matters appertaine. Some Lawyers have the fenfe of Law eftrang'd From what it was : fome, Priejls, and Prelates too, Both Do6lrines and Church-Difcipline have chang'd. From that, which was eftablifh'd long agoe ; D That 47 44 CAMPO-MUS^. That, therefore, we might in the truth abide. We by the Fountaines would have all things tride. Though of her Members, faulty fome appeare. The Parliaments maine purpofe is upright .• And, while preferved their Foundations are. The Righteous cannot lofe their labours quite. Although the Kings intentions may be good, fAs I ftill hope they bej yet, moft of thofe That give him counfell, now, are men of blood ; And, fuch as dutie bindes us to oppofe. Twere no difcretion to commit my Sword To him, who ftraight would give it to my foe .■ Nor were it wifely done to take his word. Who knowes not, what he fhall have powre to doe. For, oft, from Reafon, other men eftrange us ; And, otherwhile, our owne corruptions change us. Thou faift, the King hath vowed, and protefls. Our Lawes, and our Religion to defend. We ask no more, unleffe, as in the breafts Of private men they are, he fhall intend : Or, Ihall conceive that he the Law doth carie Within himfelfe : For, that doth plainly fhow The government he feeks, is Arbitrarie ; Which, humbly we denie to be his due. I fay the Law now armes me. He fayes no ; And, calls me traitor, for what I have done. The Parliament affirmes I faile to doe My duty, if another courfe I run ; And how the King in Law more skil'd can grow Then they that made it, I would gladly know. It were a fancie, to affirme he gained A knowledge of our Lawes by Revelation, Or that he fludied them .• then, he obtained His notions of them, by meere information, And who are his informers, now, but thofe. That, are the chiefe tranfgreffors of the Law ? They 48 CAMPO-MUS^. 45 They, who eflentially the fame oppofe ? Who, from it, their obedience quite withdraw ? They, whofe dehnquencie hath made them feare ? To let the Lawes true powre, or fenfe be knowne f Becaufe, if their true vigour fhould appeare, Thefe, and their Stru(5lures, would be overthrowne. Yea, they from whom, he learn'd his chiefefl skill. Are they, who tell him. Law is, What he will. If thou fhalt fay, his Informations are From thofe, that in our Lawes moft skilfull be, And, men unblam'd ; admitting, fuch they were, (Though that is nor beleev'd, nor knowne of me) This, I am certaine of, my undertaking Was, by no fuch meane counfell undergone ; Nor by a warrant of that private making, But, by a ftronger ; by a publike-one. Ev'n by that Senate, whence our Law doth fpring ; By that great Court, which is, by all, confeft Chiefe- Counfell, to the Kingdome, and the King ; The Lady and Commandreffe of the reft ; By thofe, from whom the Laws that binde this nation, Receive both being, and interpretation. Should I the judgement of that Court defpife For their, whom yet, I neither heard, nor faw ? Becaufe a few, did other waies advife. More blam'd for arrogance, then fam'd for Law ? And, is it not of dangerous confequence. That, to his rev' rend Parliaments difgrace. The Kiitg, in doubtfull points, fhould leave their fenfe ¥or judgements, which from private fpirits paffe ? For, if a private judgement vouch'd may be Againft that Court, for Him ; why may it not Againft Him, be as well avouch'd for me, If to contend, I powre enough had got ? Grant this, and every man as Well may hope To damne a Generall-Councell, as the Pope. D 2 Grant 49 46 CAMPO-MUS^. Grant this, and none can doubt the Kings intent The Protejlant-Religion to maintaine, And all the Freedomes of the Parliament ; For, they are in his Bofome, and his Braine. And what he will, yea, fometime, what his Groome Shall make him to beleeve, or underftand, (Though all his diftates he receiv'd from Rome) Is then, the Law and Go/pel of the Land. Moft Prelates, and moft Judges were the Creatures Of Princes, and their Minions ; therefore, thefe Make for them ('as their Vaffals, and their Debters) Religion, and the Lawes, ev'n what they pleafe. And, hence our ftrifes, and all divifions fpring, Twixt God, and us, the People, and the King. We would not bar our Sov'raignes, any powre Which fortifies, or dignifies the Crowtie: Nor lofe one lawfull Priviledge that's our. When we are well inform'd what is our owne. The People, did firft make both Lawes and Kings : And, for their owne fecuritie, did make them. Then, he that fhall repute them, to be things Ordain'd for other ends, doth much miftake them. Now, for themfelves, if Lawes and Kings they made, The makers had beene madmen, to intend They fhould a meaning, or a Powre, have had To make them ufeleffe to their chiefeft End, And give Prerogatives, or meanings to them, That, fliould, in ftead of faving, helpe undoe them. True Reafon, therefore, warrants me to fay That, when we to the Law a./enfe doe give, Which taketh any publike right away ; Or ftretcheth fo the Kings Prerogative, As that the Kingdome is oppreft thereby, Or, of the publike fafety brought in feare ; Or, doubtfull of approaching tyranny ; Or liable to mifchiefes may appeare ; That 5° CAMPO-MUS^. 47 That fenfe of Law is falfe ; ufurped be All fuch Prerogatives : And, nor by time, Or frequent prejidents, oblig'd are we To let our Freedomes, be infring'd by them : But, we fhould claime, and take, what proveth our, As oft, as GOD fhall give us means and Powre. Though fome Hiftorians, and the flatt'ring Pen Have fti'ld the Norman, CONQVEROR ; nor he, Nor any one before him, or fmce then, Can fay, that we a conquer'd Nation be. For, by a Compojition, and on Termes Becoming Free-men, we remain'd poffefl; Of Liberty ; and WILLIAM threw down Armes, Accepting of that fhare we valued leaft. And, had we not as well by Oath, as Word, Beene reinvefted in our Native-right, That which we loft unjuflly, by the Sword, At all times, by the Sword, attempt we might To re-poffeffe, when GOD makes warrantable, That enterprize, by making of us able. For, this, I partly fight : not with the King ; But, with thofe Mifcreants who feek our harme : And, his abufed Name, and Perfon, bring Vnwarie people, by faire fhowes, to charme. , And, ere they fhall accomplifh their intent By flaving Him, their projefts to befriend ; Or by diflion'ring of the Parliament ; My life time, in this Quarrell, I will fpend. Or, if I muft unhappily furvive To fee our Englijh-Honour overthrowne, I will not (if I may avoid it^ live To be a Have where I did freedome owne. Nor willingly, in any Land remaine, In which a Tyrant (^call'd a King^ fhall raigne. This Quarrell, above thirty yeares before The Sword was drawne, I fought in, with my Pen, D 3 Till SI 48 CAMPO-MUS^. Till I by Tyrannic was made fo poore, As that I thought, I ne're fhould rife agen. Without an A rmie, or a Parliament To fide withall ; without one able friend ; Without reward ; without encouragement, To further that which I did well intend : Nay, ftrugling through much envie, and defpight, That Warfare I continue to this houre : And, in this warfare, am refolv'd to fight, Whilft I to hold a Sword or Pen, have powre. Till I have compaft, what, in hope, I have ; Or, brought niy tired Body to the Grave. For, peradventure, we are growne fo bad. So falfe to G O D, fo falfe in ev'rie thing. Both to our felves, and others ; and have had So many Mercies, whence, no fruits doe fpring. That, God will give this prefent Generation, To be what moft deferve, and fome defire ; Ev'n to be flaves to that Abomination, With which their lives are doomed to expire. If fo ; then am I called thus to fight. But, onely, that my dutie might be done ; And in this manner, have beene mov'd to write, That, for our fin, excufe we may have none, And G O d's great worke, which he will bring about, Shall be delayd, till this vile Race be out. Then fhall the age to come, pick up, and gather Thofe droppings of my Pen, which now they fcorne ; And, wonder, men efteemed them no rather ; And pittie thofe affliftions I have borne. Then, they fhall fcan each page, and ev'rie Line, And, finde rak'd up, among my Vanities, Expreflions, which will fhow, that Sparks divine Of Heav'nly-rFire, in earthly Cinders lies. Then, they fhall come to underftand and know, That many future things I did behold, Befide 52 GAMPO-MUS^. 49 Befide that one, which is acknowledg'd now To be fulfilled, as it was foretold. But, MVSE, thou art almoft without the L I S T : Returne againe to thy Antagoniji. Thou chargeft us, Delufion, with fuch things As no way correfpond with our intentions. And, proofe whereof, no creature living brings : For, they indeed are meerly thy inventions. The goods of none we ceaze, or fequeftrate, Becaufe, they to the King, are faithfull friends ; But, for their faithlefneffe unto the State, And, ferving Him, to bafe and evill ends. Nor of our Soveraigne, cenfure we amiffe : But them we rightly judge, that him mifguide ; For, in his A6lions, that which evill is, To them pertaines, who draw his heart aflde. In publike A£ls, The King can do no wrong, Becaufe, unto his Counfell they belong. The King can do no wrong, as he is King: For, God ordained, and man did intend. Him, not to hurt, or plagues on them to bring. But, for their good, and good men to defend. The King, as King, can do no wrong ; becaufe He can do nothing, but, what he may do According to divine, and humane Lawes ; And, what the publike-peace invites him to. The King can do no wrong ; becaufe, what ere He doth as King, is never duely done, But, by fome publike Vote, or Officer, Or, they confenting, if he aft alone. For, all he doth, whence any wrong proceeds. Are not his Royall, but his private deeds. The King can do no wrong : For, if there be Injuftice done ; his Officers are they Who did it : and, by Law they onely be Accomptable. And, therein, praife I may D 4 The 53 50 CAMPO-MUS^. The wifdome of our Lawes ; for, had there been By them, provided Legall Punijhment For Kings ; no man would be a King, I ween, But he, that could not fuch a Lot prevent. For, were it fo ; Then, if Court-Par ajites Corrupt young Kings, and draw them to command That fm, whereto their ill-advice invites, Kings, at the Barre, for their Offence, might ftand : And they might free themfelves from ev'ry thing Which they mif-doe ; and lay it on the King. And, who would be their Officers, if Kings Were liable to Legall punifhment In perfon (as a Subjeft) for the things Mif-done by their commandment, or affent ? For, if they fhall be Tyrants, or fuch Princes, As make but little confcience of their way. Whom will not they accufe of thofe Offences, To free themfelves from fuffring, if they may ? And, then though they accufe men innocent, Who would not think a King (hould be beleev'd Before his Vaffall ? and appear content He, thereby, fhould from fuffering, be repreev'd ? Yea, great abfurdities from thence might flow. If Law conceiv'd, the King a wrong might do. The King can do no wrong ; and, therefore, thofe j Who fhall his perfonall commands obey. In ought which doth his Legall Will oppofe, Should beare, alone, that paine the Law doth lay : Beeaufe, the Law of nothing els takes heed, But, onely of thofe things which it commands. Or, of thofe evills which it doth forbid ; And, for no private will, ox pleafure ftands. Tke King can do no wrong: For, it deftroyes The Effence of a King: and, doth deprive Of ev'ry Priviledge which he enjoyes By Virtue of a Kings Prerogative. And, id, 54 CAMPO-MUS^. 51 And, from Allegiance frees in ev'ry thing, Which he commands, befeeming not a King. For, unto Kings, is our Allegiance fworn, Not unto Tyrants, who fhall fondly dreame That Kingdomes have beene made, and Subjects born. For nothing elfe, but to be flaves to them. Yet, here miftake me not : we are not ftho They tyrannize) from all Allegiance free ; But, onely, from an Obligation to Obedience, in thofe things that lawleffe be. We, to their legall wills and pleafures, ever Muft yeeld fubmiffion ; and, with due refpefts. In ev'rie aft of Loyaltie perfever. And, leave to GOD, their perfonall defefls. For, well enough great mifciefes it prevents. When Law takes hold, of all their Injlruments. What can a King to harme the publike, doe In his owne perfon .' If by Law we may Lay hold on thofe, that counfell him unto A wrong } and thofe whom he fhall mif-employ ? If in the lawfull-powre, a R I G H T there be ; And, there with, STRENGTH enough to feize on Them; He hurts us not. 'And, if too weake are we. What get we, though the Law might punifh Him ? Then, as his Perfon by our Law, is freed From ev'rie violence (except from that Which may reftraine his Perfon from a deed Deftruftive to his Perfon, or the State ; So be it ever free. And, bleft be thofe. That, ferve him, with true fervice where he goes, We, no man charge with treafons, none we blame. That, guiltleffe is of his imputed crime. And free from juft fufpitions of the fame ; As will be rendred manifeft, in time. The King, from all afperfions cleare would we. Which without publike dammage might be hid. Though 55 52 CAMPO-MUS^. Though, to himfelf, thofe things affum'd hath he, Which fas a King) we know, he never did. What earthly wifdome can a means devife His honour to preferve, againft his will ? Or, do him right, that hearkens unto lies ? Yet, this, we, to our pow'r, endeavour ftill. And, free we are, from being juftly blam'd. For having, wilfully, the King defam'd. We none feduce, but, labour, how we may Prevent feducements, by right informations ; And, thofe effefts, to change, or take away, Which may arife from lying Declarations. By us, no Member of the Parliament Was driven thence : But, for their private ends, Vnworthily, fome from that fervice went. Which eVry worthy Member ftil attends. Some, to the King repair'd, in hope, to get A Title : Some, becaufe they had mif-done : Some wanted honefty, fome wanted wit ; Some went, becaufe their Miftreffes were gone. Some fled for company ; and, fome did fly, f If I am not deceiv'd) they knew not why. Thus much I know : that He, who led them forth, And They, who follow'd him, in hope to find A Cloud, to hide their projeft, in the North ; Did leave us, nor fo fottifh, nor fo blind, But that we found their aimes ; and foon perceiv'd, What tales, they meant, the people fhould believe ; What hooks they baited, and what webs they weav'd, The ffoone-mifguided) people to deceive. And, he, that will, may know, that, neither They Who follow'd, neither He, that went before, Knew reafon, why he fliould depart away. For, here he might have flayed, honour'd more, More fafe, more fear'd, more lov'd, more happy, here Then they, or we, by their departure were. Could 56 CAMPO-MUS^. 53 Could any, but meer impudence, averre That nothing, of our due, the King denies ? When they who chief in our Oppreffions are. Are, at this day, moft favoui^d in his eyes f Can we have hope our fafeties to enjoy. When they are ftill his Counfell, who intend Our lawfull Rights, and Freedoms, to deftroy ? And, thither all their force and cunning bend. Is true Religion like to be maintain'd ? While they, who innovated ev'ry day, ('And, have their old Affeftions, yet retain'd^ Are kept in hope their former parts to play ? Or, can we think, the Popifh Generation Are arm'd, for our Religions prefervation ? Can we have in us, either heart or braines, If we believe this f when to mind we call How great a multitude of foules complains, Which in the Irijh-Majfacre did fall ? If we propofe before our ears, and eyes, The horrid murthers of our brethren there, Their fears, their fad deftraftions, and their cries. When, by their Butchers, they furprized were. How terrible it was, when they beheld Their bloudy neighbours, rudely rufhing in. And, faw, perhaps, their dear companions kild, By thofe, with whom they had familiar bin. Yea, faw, before they doubted, caufe of fear, A murth'rer, or a mifchief, ev'ry-where. If we remember, that the mazed Father, And, trembling mother, in the winter-night. Were forc'd, in haft, without their cloaths, to gather Their children up, and, with them, take their flight Through fields, and boggs, and woods, with naked feet, Leffe fearing thirft, and hunger, froft, and fnow. Then with thofe curfed Edomites to meet, Who neither manhood, nor compaflion know. If 57 54 CAMPO-MUS^. If we confider, why they firft began Their hellifti Tragedie ; how great a flood In ev'rie Irifh Towne, and Village, ran Of harmleffe Proteftant and Englifh blood ; How, in their tortures and their feares, they joy'd ; And what great numbers they had foone deftroy'd. If we confider this, and that a Nation So bloodie minded, and profeffmg too A worfhip which is our Abomination, Should by his Majeftie be favour'd fo, That after all their mifchiefe, all their fpoile And cruelties, committed in that Land, They fhould be called over to this He, To kiffe fwith good refpe£l) the Royall-hand. Can we, thefe things confidering, fymptomes finde, That ought for us, but mifchiefe is intended. To fpule and body ? Can we have a minde So fottifh, as to hope to be befriended In our Religion, by the Kings proteftion ? While fuch as thefe, have place in his affeftion ? Maintaineth he our Lawes, as he hath fworne, When he maintaines Law-breakers, in defpight Of common equitie ? And, as in fcorne Of Juftice, at the root of Law doth fmite ? Or, doth he keepe his oath, though he alone Allowes of Lawes enafled heretofore ? If he to us denyes, as he hath done, What might fecure the common fafetie more ? Or, hath he done his dutie, in denying His, and the Kingdomes counfell, to embrace ? Or, in imprudent, and unjuft complying With Parafites, to his, and their difgrace ? Or, valuing men of Rafcall Reputations, Before the wifeft of three noble Nations ? No change in Church or Commonwealth we crave, But, what Gods Word, and Reafon fhall allow. That, S8 CAMPO-MUS^. 55 That, we are bound to feeke, and ought to have ; And what that is, hereafter you fhall know. Our Ckurchmens honour we envied not ; But, could, what they enjoyed, have allow'd. Had it beene rightly us'd, and fairly got. But, they have long beene lazie, falfe, and proud. And, I foretold them many yeares agoe, The courfe they tooke, in hope thereby to ftand, Should caufe their fall. And, if it now be fo ; It is the worke of God Almighties hand : And, fmce it proves, their honour did them hurt ; I am content, to fee it, in the durt. The King is not obliged to uphold Their outward pompe ; when his great Counfell fhall Informe, that if the fame abide it fhould, It may become the ruining of all. Him, doth his Oath or Place, engage, to cherifh A rotten Member } though by doing fo. The whole Republike may grow fick, and perifh .' Or Pietie receive her overthrow .-• Or, fhould we fancie that the Law intended. This Realmes whole bodie, fhould not be beleev'd ? When they complain'd of that which them offended .'' And told which way they befl: might be releev'd f Or can he think, his Oath he broken had, When they fhall him acquit, for whom twas made ? When on the Prelates, Law did firft confirme Their Dignities ; the common-people thought They came from God ; fo wifely they could charme. To compaffe for themfelves, the things they fought. And, ev'rie age brought forth a man or two, Whofe knowledge and whofe pietie made way For them, who came, another work, to do ; And, whofe firft founder, now, difcerne we may. Then, fmce we now difcover them, to be Not Chrijls Apoftles, as we once beleev'd, But, 59 56 CAMPO-MUS^. But, Engines for the Papall-Monarchie, And hypocrites, by whom we were deceiv'd : Why fhould we now fuppofe we do them wrong, To take away, what they have kept too long ? Why fhould we think it facriledge, or fm f To take both wealth and dignities away From thofe, to whom they never due have bin f And, fuch as would the Caufe of C H R I S T betray / Why fhould his Jewels by his Foes be worn ? Why on his bread fhould Droanes and Robbers feed f To cloath a wolfe, why fhould a fheep be fhorn ? Or they be fpar'd, whofe fall is fore-decreed ? Let them learn true humility of C H R I S T, And, ftudy how in Spirit to be poor ; Their earthly honours will not then be mift : Their want of wealth, wil be a want no more / And, they fhall honour GOD, and bleffe the day. In which he took their needleffe Trafh away. It is my grief, that I am forc'd to bring Thofe Reafons of defence which may appear Reflefting on the honour of the King, Which keep I would from all afperfions clear. But, his dear Favourites have blended fo His A£ls with their defignes, and their, with his : That, we their malice cannot fully fhow. Without fome touch, on what he doth amiffe. And, that confider'd, makes their fault the greater ; And, Him ('though their ill-fervice he approve) To them, for, what they claime, the leffe their debter ; Becaufe, his Honour they but little love : For (till thefe Times) though Courtiers plaid the knave, They fav'd their Honours, who, them fought to fave. But, whatfoever, by the Parliament, Or by my P E N, he feemeth to have loft In point of Honour ; if he fhall affent To that, which will be nothing to his coft, But, 60 CAMPO-MUS^. 57 But, rather for his profit ; Let the fame Be, at my hands, requir'd ; unleffe I fhall Finde out, not onely means, whereby his Name Shall publikely ftand faire, and clear from all Difhonourable ftaines ; but, alfo fhew How his, may, all his Predeceffors glory Out-fhine : and, leave to times that ftiall enfue, An everlafting honourable Story. Which to believe, me thinks he fhould be mov'd, Since, all I yet fore-told him, true hath prov'd. Gods will be done ; within whofe pow'rfull hands The hearts of Princes are ; and, let us wait With patience, till, for us, his Grace commands That aid, which make things crooked to be ftreight Meane-while, we muft not thofe juft means negledl, Which to the publike fafety may pertaine : Nor ceafe from doing good, though an effe6t. Not purpos'd, make him cauflefly complaine. Our Caufe we muft expoftulate ; that. We May, to the world, approve our innocence / And, that he may, thereby, informed be. How little caufe we give of juft offence. And, to that end, to what I faid before. In our defence, He add a little more. Though others may be fool'd with Protejtations, And, words or oaths ; which, peradventure, none Did vow, or make, but he, whofe Declarations Have, lately, for the Kitigs, among us gone. The Parliament hath many piercing eyes. That, in the dark, defcry their foes devices : And, by difcov'ring of their Treacheries, Ere they come forth, deftroyes thofe Cockatrices. When mifchiefs are, by Providence, fore-feen. And, then prevented ; they that would have done them, Make Friends, and Fooles, beleeve they had not been, Becaufe, they were deftroid ere they begun them, Yet, 6i Missing Page CAMPO-MUS^. 59 f As, I already have been us'd by fome) I would not leave the path I have begun ; But, meerly for the juftneffe of the Caufe, And confcience fake, perform my beft endeavour To vindicate Religion, and the Lawes: And, in this duty to my death perfever ; That, I may live to fee our Freedome faVd : Or, bravely die, before I am inflav'd. For, though fome, wilfully ; and, weakly, fome Objeft unto us, that in Primitive, And purer ages, Ckrijiians did not come With Fire and Sword, the Law of Faith to give : Nor feek by force of armes, to make defence Againft thofe Tyrants, in whofe lands they taught ; (Much lefle, came arm'd, againft their native Prince) To fettle that Religion which they brought. This argument of their is but a cheat. To cozen Innocencie, with a Ihow That's empty : For, the difference is great Betwixt their Caufe, and that, we mannage now. Which I fhould make more plainly to appeare. But, that too tedious, for this place, it were. They had no Party, to defend their caufe ; They came to preach, where Freedomes they had none ; The Sword was not allowed by their Lawes ; And, greateft good, by fuffring, might be done. To Ruffia, or to Turkie, fhould I goe Our Faith to publifli there ; the likelieft way To fettle it, would then be fufferance, too : And, meekly, on the block, my head to lay. Muft therefore, we permit the Whore of Rome, To fend her Baflards, and her Fornicators ? (Whom Law forbids within our coafts to come) To teach her Baudrie to our fons and daughters .' And, make the Kings, and Princes, of thefe Nations, Drunk with the Feees of her Fornications ? E Becaufe 63 6o CAMPO-MUS^. Becaufe, the Martyrs fuffred by that State, Whofe fettled way of Worjhip, they gainfaid f Muft, downe to thofe, who come to innovate Our fettled Truth \ this Kingdomes neck be laid f Shall we be able an account to render, For our negleft ; now we in danger fee ('Of Romijh-Slaverie) our Faiths-Defender, If we endeavour not to fet him free ? Shall we fit ftill, and whine, when Law, and Reafon Cries out All-armef untill we be, indeed. Traitors ; by fearing Loyaltie is Treafon ? And bring both Plagues and Curfes on our Seed ? Doe as you pleafe, my way to me is knowne ; And, I will walk it, though I walke alone. For, that without a partiall inclination (To either fidej the right I might difclofe. It was, and is my full determination. To fet afide refpeft of friends or foes. And, let me be, by both of them abhorr'd. If I now utter, or have uttred ought. For private ends ; or, what fhall not accord, In ev'ry fentence, with a loyall thought. To keep me from Delujion, I have pray'd ; I have look'd up, above me, to difcover What notions, may be downe to me convayd ; Of thofe things which above our heads, doe hover. And, downe below me, I have caft mine eyes, To mark what fogs may up from hell arife. About me I have look'd, on either fide, On difagreeing, and agreeing a6tions .■ The manners, and the fpeeches I have tride. Of moft ProfeiTions, all Degrees, and Faftions. And, from them all, have made for my direftions, ('And for my informations in this Caufe^ A chaine of Obfervations, and CoUeftions ; From whence, my Judgement, her conclufions drawes. Behind 64 CAMPO-MUS^. 6i Behind me, I have look'd, to take a view, Of what was done, or fuffred, heretofore : What did on this, what did on that, enfue : What makes a Curfe, or Bleffing, leffe, or more. And, I have look'd before me too ; and fee Events of things, that (hall hereafter be. I have confider'd what I had forefeene In that great Plague, which this Kings Raigne began : What I foretold him ; what fulfill'd hath beene ; What courfes He and His, fmce that time ran. I have confiderd, why. I did prefer That hearty-prayer, for Him, which yet ftands, As regiftred, in my Remembrancer ; And hath beene publifhed through all his Lands. I have confiderd well, what kinde of men Were then his Counfellors ; and, who are now : What Parliaments and Promifes, were then Made void : and what efifefls from thence did flow. How faft, injurious ProjeSls were encreaft ; How cruelly, the people were oppreft. I have well weigh' d, what perfons were preferd In Church and Commonwealth ; and, with what Height Acceptance fif not with a difregard) All honeft fervices they did requite. Their Proclamations, did from yeare to yeare, Proclaime to me, much more then they intended I fhould have knowne. And, though I filent were, I could have told, in what they fliould have- ended. The Life, and fuddaine Death of Buckingham, The Voyages of Rochel, and of Ree, And other things, whereto I privie am, Were true Prognojiications unto me ; And, to my underftanding more foretold. Then all the Conftellations did unfold. And, though I live among the Country Clownes, ('As one who fcarcely knew, or heeded ought) E 2 The 65 62 CAMPO-MUS^. The Spanijh-Fleet that perifh'd on the Downes, I heard of ; and, to minde it fomewhat brought. Sometimes, I have intelligence from Rome ; And, know what in the Conclave hath beene done. I have obferved other men, to come On bufmeffe thence, as well as Senior Con. I know Archbijhop Laud; and he knows me. The worfe for him, by many hundred pounds ; For which, I recompenced looke to be, When he, againe, at Lambeth walks his Rounds. And, I, from thefe, though they fuppofe not fo, Some Reafons drew, for that, which now I doe. I heard, of what, within their Cabinet, The Machiavilian-Coimfellers debate ; And, information, other while, did get. Of ill-prefaging fecrefies of State. The German-horfe, that fhould have trotted hither ; Prodigious Straffords projefts, deeds, and triall. With other Charaflers, fpeld all together. Have Ihowne me Truths, that can have no deniall. And, when my heart had rightly pondred thefe, Weigh'd, what they are, with whom we have to doe ; Their words, their hopes, their lives, their praftices. What things they feek, whom they belong unto. With fuch like notes, as thefe ; me thinks, they be All blinde men, who perceive not what I fee. And, when I had with thefe confiderations, Confider'd too, for what a worthleffe Crew, The fuits and cries of two moll loyall Nations, Have wanted thofe effefts which are their due : That He, who for the Sheep, his life fhould give. Can give them to the Wolves, and fee them flaine : That He, who fhould our grievances releeve, Can adde unto our torment, and our paine : That He, becaufe we feare his Dogs will bite, (And, for that reafon, pray they may be ty'd^ And, 66 CAMPO-MUS^. 63 Can therefore, let them loofe, and take delight To fee them kill, whom they have terrifide : Thefe things confidered, me thinks, we wrong The Humane-nature, to be tame fo long. When I perceived our deare Countries Father, So peremptorily affeft his will, That, he would hazard three brave Kingdomes, rather, Then his unlawful! pleafure, not fulfill ; And, when I faw the Devils, who infpire This wilfulneffe into him, ceaze the goods Of his befb fubjefts ; their faire houfes fire ; Deflowre their Virgins; fhed ^h&ix Old-mens bloods ; Betray their neareft Kinfmen, flay their BrotJiers ; Deprive the blamelefle Infants of their lives ; Enflave their Fatliers, kill their frighted Mothers : Abufe their Datigkters, and defile their Wives : It griev'd me, that this I/and fhould afford One man, who for this Quarrell drew no fword. But, fince I have confider'd, that, from ROME Thefe Plagues, thefe mifchiefes, thefe unhappy warres. And all, our prefent miferies, did come. With our unequall'd Iri/k-MaJ/acres : And, that (befide the many thoufands here) Well nigh two hundred thoufand Protejlants Were flaine, and rooted thence, within one yeare. By thofe, to whom the King high favours grants : And, fince tis (not improbably^ beleev'd. They called are to be our Butchers too : f If we permit our felves to be deceiv'd. Till they can compafle what they meane to doe^ Me thinks, we have not beene fo tame, as mad. To have fo flow a hand, as we have had. And, laftly, fince I weigh'd, that, not alone A plot is laid three Kingdomes to undoe. But alfo, in their fpoile, to have undone. All other true Reformed-Churches too .• E 3 That 67 64 CAMPO-MUS^. That, Gods own glorie, and the fervitude Of Chriftian foules, is in this Caufe concern'd ; From thence (whatever other will conclude^ I, thefe Conclufions, with good Warrant, learn'd : That, thofe whom in this Warfare we refift, Are, neither worfe, nor better, but, thofe Bands, And thofe Confederates of ANTICHRIST, Which are to be his Champions, in thefe Lands. And, that whoever fighteth on their fide, When this is known, hath GoD, &CHRIST deni'd. I fee, as plainly as I fee the Sun, *Rev.\().\\. He draweth neare, that, on the *'white horfe rides. The long-expe6led Battell is begun : The Beast, to mufter up his Kings, provides .• With him, will all his Edomites confpire ; The feed of Hagar, and the fonnes of Lot : Philiflia, Gebal, Moab, Ainmon, Tyre, And, all that with his Mark themfelves befpot. Thofe brave white-Regiments, me thinks, I fee. That, on the L O R D of L O R D s, & K I N G of K I N G S, Attending in triumphant habits be ; And, which, with him, againft our foes he brings. Me thinks, I hear his * Angel call the Crowes, *Rev. To eat the Kings, and Captains of our foes. I9-17. If this be fo ; as, with a heart unfain'd I do believe it is : how brave a lot Have we } that were, before all worlds, ordain'd, To be, for fouldiers, to the LAMB, begot ? With what high courage fhould we march along Againfl this Foe f That, being Conquerours, We may, with Angels, fing a Triumph-Song, And, crowned fit, among Celeftiall Powers "i Why fhould we be afraid to fpeak, or write, What may, from his curft Army, fetch our King? Why fhould we feare, to perifh in that Fight, Which will through Death, to Life immortall bring .? Or, 68 CAMPO-MUS^. 65 Or, why fhould any, now, this work delay ? Or, doubt the truth of that which here I fay / I beg no grace from King, or Parliament, If an Impoftor I fhall prove to be : Or, if men find not by the Confequent, That, GOD hath fpoken to this Land, by me : And, that the maine of all my Mufings were Infpir'd by Him ; though, often, he permit My foolifhneffe, among them, to appeare. That, nothing be afcribed to my Wit. Excufe I crave not, but a juft correftion. Or, Approbation, as my words may merit. If an ill-fpirit hath been my direction. What thereunto pertains, let me inherit. And, if the truth be fpoken, do not grieve me, Without a caufe ; but, hearken, and believe me. Suppofe not ('my deare Countrimenj that here I have been over-bold, although you fee A bitterneffe doth in my lines appear : For, in this Caufe, great things concerned be : It doth concern our children, and our wives. The publike fafetie, and the publike good ; The honour of our Nation, and our lives, The juft avengement of our brethrens blood ; The freedome of our perfons, and eftates ; The honour, and the fafetie of our King : Our prefent being, and our future fates. And, almoft, ev'ry other precious thing : Yea, it concerns our fouls : and, more then fo. It highly doth concern GODS glory too. Now then, for confcience, or, for fhame, begin To call to minde the duties that ye owe ; Let what appears without, be found within ; That, by your actions, we your hearts may know. For your own fakes (if not for GODS, and our) Be zealous in the caufe you undertake : E 4 Left 69 66 CAMPO-MUS^, Left you, ere long, have neither means, nor pow'f, Your peace with GOD, or Them, or Vs, to make. For, both to GOD, and man, above all creatures. The moft abhorred, are thofe hypocrites, Who can comply with difagreeing natures. Yet, falfe to all, but to their appetttes. Take, therefore, counfell from a fouldiers Pen : And f while you may) be warn'd, be wife, be men. Afham'd (if not a little mad) I am. To fee fo many, in this caufe, fo cold, So falfe, fo faint, fo cowardly and tame. That can, in other caufes, be fo bold. And (not without affliftion) this, I fay : Should this good caufe mifcarrie, all our foes Are not more guilty of it, then are they, Who give it, unperceiv'd, and fecret blowes. None do it fo much dammage ; none fo wrong us. As they, who feem to be our faithfull friends ; They, who at meat, and counfell, fit among us ; And, ferve the publike ; for their private ends. Our Sccene of bloud, ere this, had els been done : And, peradventure, never been begun. In ev'ry Village, Town and Corporation, Let all, that are true Proteftants profeft. Let ev'ry Canton, Province, Tribe, and Nation, Which doth againft the Romijh- Whore proteft, A timely League, with one another make ; Vnite themfelves by firme Affociations ; And, by a facred Covenant, courfes take Both for their joynt, and fev'rall prefervations. And, to be fure, they make a firm defence Againft their foes fierce furie, and defpight ; Let them be cloth'd, with Love, and Innocence, Arm'd, with that armour, wherewith Chriftians fight ; And, be prepared, alwayes, to refift The Body, and the Limbs, of ANTICHRIST. Feare 70 CAMPO-MUSiE. 67 Feare not the furie of your prefent Foes, For, by their mixture, you difcover may They are but part of that great STATVES toes, Whofe Feet were made of Iron, and of Clay. If they receive but one good knock, or twaine. The Clay, and Iron, will divided be : The Protejlant will be himfelfe againe : For, Light and Darknejfe never can agree. Though horrid, but like the LAMB, they yet appear, ^Pretending to be arm'd for innocence^ Their Voices do difcover what they are ; And, that the DRAGONS Creature is their Prince. Oh therefore, as you love your prefervation. Give eare, ye Britans, to this Proclamation : Charles i5_y the grace o/GoD, the Sovraigne King, Of England, Scotland, Ireland, and of France, Intending in his heart no other thing, But, how his Regall powre he might advance, In that purfuit, a little Jlraying from His faithfull Parliament, through ill advice. Was by an a.mhu{ca.do, fent from ROME, Surprized lately, in a traiterous wife : And (whereof all good fubjeSls fhould havefenfe) Imprifon'd lyes : zvhere both his eies and eares. So poyfned are, by falfe intelligence. That, nothing he, now, truly fees, or heares. As by thofe Adlions, which his name doe beare, It may, now, too apparently appeare. Moreover, they have in defpight of Law, Advanc'd a Popifh Armie, by fome fhowes Of what they purpofe not ; and, daily draw The Proteftants, each other to oppofe. And, have fo fairly coif red their intention. That, what they could not, by themfelves, have wrought, We may afjifl them in, till pafl prevention Tlieir Plot, and our defiruclion Jliall be brought; Come 71 68 CAMPO-MUSiE. Come therefore, Oh all ye! that are prof ejl Thefonnes of Reformation ! Come away, From giving your aj/ifiance to the'E'EKST ; Left, in his Judgement, you befwept away. On paine of ruine, Come, and helpe to bring Our Soi/raigne home: Andfo, God fave the King. Let him, that would a Chriftian man appeare, His drowzie foule awake, and rouze his Faith. Let him, that hath an eare to heare, give eare To that, which through my Trunk, the Spirit faith : And, curfed let him be, till he repent (His wilfulneffe) that, when he heares this Mufe, And feeles his heart, inclining to affent, (To what is true) her counfell fliall refufe. Accurfed let him be, on like condition, That through a Selfe-conceit, or thorow Pride, Shall blaft thefe ufefull Mufmgs, with fufpition Of ill intents ; or, my juft hopes deride : Or, by his envie, malice, or negle6l. Deprive them, of their purpofed effedl. Accurfed let thofe Townes, and Cities be, Which willing entertainment did afford To our Purfuers ; and, were glad to fee Their Armies with them, both at Bed, and Boord. The curfe of Meroz, and thofe execrations, Which to her bafe Inhabitants befell, Alight on their Malignant-habitations ; And, that of Succoth, and oi Penuel: Till they with fhame and forrow, fhall repent Their falfhood to themfelves, and to their friends : Their falfliood to the King and Parliament: And, help to bring thofe Traitors to their ends. And let all Places, which have done their beft Againft thofe Rebels ; be, for ever, bleft. And (\l my Sentence, which is here recorded May paffe for good j let ev'ry one of thofe That 72 CAMPO-MUS^. 69 That hath for any fervices, beene Lorded, Wherein, their G O D, or Country they oppofe, Weare his falfe Badge of Honour, ev'rie where, With infamie, with beggerie, and fcorne ; With terrible vexations, and with feare. Till his unworthie Name away be worne : Or, till, by fome apparent penitence. By G O D, a pardon (hall to him be given .- And, then, let all his folly, and offence, Remitted be on earth, as 'tis in heaven. And, fo let all the reft, by my confent. Like mercy finde, as foone as they repent. For, we are all tranfgreffors : he that's beft Is bad, and but a Brier, or a Thorne. He, that among us hath trangreffed leaft, Deferves more plagues, then he that's worft hath borne. He, that hath much offended, hath, perchance. Not out of wilfulneffe, offenfive bin : But, through temptation, or through ignorance ; For which, true penitence may mercie win. Yea, fome, perhaps, who moft of all offend. Were left to their corruptions, for our crimes .■ And, when we fhall our wicked lives amend. They ftiall repent, and we have better times. Yet, ftill, moft bleffed be thofe men, and places. Who from this Battell, have not turn'd their faces. For ever bleffed, and renown'd, for ever, Let Glo'Jler be ; that, being far from aid. Did in her firmneffe, glorioufly perfever, When round her Wals, the King his armie laid. For ever, let the towne of Manchefier Be bleft and famous ; that, with flender Guard, Without a neighboring-fecond (and well neare Without all helpesj her dangers all outdar'd : And, by G O d's aid, alone, did trample downe The powre, and pride of Darbies armed fon : Yea, 73 ^o CAMPO-MUSyE. Yea, where the PopiJh-FaSlion, ftrongft was growne, Prevail' d, in fpight of all that fpight had done ; And, hopefull bides, that He, who did befriend Her paines, thus far, will bleffe it to the end. And, far above them all, renown'd, and bleffed Let London be, who for the prefervation Of three great Kingdomes, wofuUy diftreffed, Hath afted things begetting admiration. For ever, let her Bountie, and her Zeale, Her Conjlancie, her Counfels, and her Praj/rs, Her Valour alfo for the Commonweale, When we were almoft funk into defpaires .- Let all thefe, be remembred, to her glory : And, let her high defervings by the fame, Be fo recorded in fome well writ Story, That, all great Cities may envy her fame, And, fo to honour her, let us agree. That, all her praifes, to G O D's praife, may be. Let all thofe Worthies alfo, that have done. Or, fuffred bravely, for the Common-good, In this great Caufe ('untill Times round is run) Be blefl: and honour'd, in their Names, and Blood. Let valiant EJfex, Warwicke, Manchejler, Stout Fairfax, Waller, Roberts, Brooke, and Gray, ('Who forward for the publike fafety were) Be crowned with a never-dying Bay. So crown'd be Skippon, Mericke, Stapleton, With Hampden, Maffy, Bruerton, and Gel: The Englifh and the Scottifh Middleton, My noble, and my valiant Colonel. And, let nor malice, time, nor death, be able. To make them leffe then good, and honourable. Remembred be, with an heroick fame, Balfore, and Ramfey, Cromwel, and D'Albere, The Meldroms, and he chiefly of that Name, Whofe worth did in relieving Hul appeare. Let 74 CAMPO-MUS^. 71 Let mention'd be with honourable-men, Much daring Luke, and Hazelrig the bold : Aldridge, Browne, Barcley, Holborne, Harvie, Ven, Brooke, Norton, Springer, Marly, More, and Gold. To all of thefe, whofe worth fhall reall be, Let reall honours be : and, be it fo, To all of good defert, unknowne to me ; Of whom there are, I hope, fome thoufands moe, Whofe memorie, (hall never be forgot : Though, here, to name them, I remember not. Let them, that fhall hereafter counted be Moft honourable perfons, never more Be they, who (hew the longed Pedigree, From Kings, and Conquerors, as heretofore : But, fuch as are moft worthy ; and, next them. Their Off-fpring, who were Patrons for this Caufe. And let them (hare more honour and efteem, Then he that his defcent, from Princes drawes. For, if it may enoble, to be borne Of thofe, who out of avarice, or pride, From others, wrongfully, their lands have torne : How much more, ought they to be dignifide. That, from the loines of parents, are defcended, yN\\.oieiSwords,^€\r Country, King,2x\.6.FaithAt.i&n&&6}. And, to make full my ble(rmg : three times bleffed. Be ev'ry Member of the Parliament, Which hath not been unwillingly oppreffed. With burthens, our undoing to prevent. Bleft, be their conftancy, and bleft their paines. With fafety, credit, and with confolations. And, with all bleffedneffe which appertaines. To make them happy, through all Generations. And, bleffed be the King, with fuch a heart. And, fuch a refolution, to retire To us in love : that he may have a part In all that bliffe, which we our felves defire. And, 75 72 CAMPO-MUS^. And, that from thefe our troubles, I may raife A Trophie, to his honour, and GODS praife. Before, my tongue had finifh'd this defence, To warrant my ingagement ; that DELUSION Which had fo hotly charg'd me, fneaked thence, And, ftaid not, to give eare to my conclufion. Her forces vanifhed, (and fhe with them) Confifting, chiefly, of their Sophiftries Who had been preft out of that Academ, In which, the Magazine of mifchief lies. It was, firft, founded for a Court of Knowledge, (A fchoole of duties, morall and divine) And, to that end, had many a goodly Colledge, To nurfe up youth, by prudent Difcipline : But, 'twas, of late, a neft of Birds unclean ; And, is now made the Wolves, and Lions den. My foes departed, I began to fleight Their Trenches, and the Forts which they had rear'd .• Thofe Engines, likewife, I demolifh'd quite. That make young fouldiers of their force afeard : And, was at leifure, then, my felfe to pleafe. With other thoughts ; and, thither to retreat. Where I might be refreflit, and take mine eafe. With fuch provifions, as my men could get. My Quarter was the Field: my Tent and Bed, A well-made Barley-cocke : the Canopie And Curtains, which, to cover me, were fpread. No meaner then the ftarre-befpangled skie. GOD fet the Watch ; the Guard, he alfo kept, And, without harm, or feare, I fafely flept. Next morne, before the dawning of the day, My heart awoke ; and, warm'd with GODS proteftion, ('And with his love) did praife him, and affay To meet him, with reciprocal! affeftion. My purpofe he accepted, and defcended To impe the wings that mount my contemplation. And, 76 CAMPO-MUS^. 73 And, kindly, raifed, ftrengthned, and befriended My foule, by fweet, and ufefull meditation : With mufings on things fre/ent, on things /a/?. And things io come, he exercis'd my thought. Some, of his mercies, gave my foule a tafte ; 01 Jin, diXyd judgement, fome, the relifh brought. By fome, I did my private duties learne : And, fome, the Publike-fafetie did concerne. One Ray, forth-darting from his pow'r-divine, ('Whofe way of working cannot well be told j Infus'd into my heart, a high D E S I G N E, Which, with good liking, now, I might unfold. But hark ! the Trumpet calls me to the field .• My horfes, are already at the doore. Place to the Sword, my Pen, againe, muft yeeld .• At better leafure, I may tell you more. To what, I further purpofe to declare. This, for an IntroduSlion, is prepar'd : And, if I finde, you fo well temper'd are. That, more fwith hope of profit) may be heard ; I'le tell you Newes, which, yet, is but a Dreame, And, VoxPacifica, fhall be my Theame. A V O I C E, not of a Vaine Pacification, Form'd out of Ecclioes, or uncertaine founds .• But, of a Peace, of whofe bleft confirmation. There fhall be likely Hopes, and reall Grounds. A V O I C E, in fomewhat, imitating his. Who (to prepare the great Messiah's way^ Became a Crier in tlie Wildernejfe ; And, to beget Repentance, will affay. A V O I C e, that fhall prepare the way of Peace. A Peace, that fhall with Righteoufneffe, embrace. And, by their fweet embracements, more encreafe The Peace of Confcience, and the Peace of Grace. A Peace, which, if my hopes efifeft I can, Shall reconcile us, both to G o D, and Man. 77 74 CAMPO-MUS^. A P E A C E, not clofing up a feftring fore, To eafe, but for a while the prefent fmart : And, making afterward the torments more, By fpreading mortall Gangrenes, to the heart. A P E A C E, that by a true-love-knot, fhall knit Three NATIONS, with fuch nearneffe, into One; That, nothing fhall have pow'r to loofen it, But, wilful! fm, impenitently done. A Peace, which to the People, and the King, Shall (\{ not hindred by fome Crying-fin) Truth, honour, wealth, powre, reji, s.r\d.fiifety bring: And, keep us everlaftingly therein. This Peace I feek ; this Peace, that G O D may fend, My foule doth pray ; and, fo, thefe MUSINGS end. Sic dixit, qui fie cogitavit : Et, prcedicando quod putavit, Haud multum peccat, fi peccavit. All the Glorie be to G O D. Faults efcaped in fome Copies. Pag. io.lin.34.for,Save,read, Not.p.i8.I.7.pettie,r.privie. p. 28. 1.36.greedy,r.giddy.p.5o.l.4.Let,r.Lot.p.53.1.2.was,r.we.p.S4.1.23 in as,r. as in. P.5S.I.33. for do, r. to do. 78 [i643-] Se Defendendo. [Hazlitt, No. 25.] (O Se Defendendo. A Shield, and Shaft, againft Detraction. Oppofed, and drawn, by Capt, George Wither, by Occafion of Scandalous Rumours , touching his deferting of Farnham-Cajlle ; and fome other malicious Afperjions. Read ; for, this Private Caufe, if, rightly, iri'd. The publike Wrongs hath, partly, typifi'd: And, for Himfelfe, if Yon will heare Him, now. Perhaps, ere long, Hee'lfay as much, for You. IT was my hope, that, ere this, I fhould have had occafions , and incou- ragements, to falute you with my VOX PACIFICA, mentioned in my CAMPO-MVSiE ; that Preparation might have beene made for that Way of Peace, which we, yet, know not. But, moft men have fuch By-way es, to walk in, {m^ private paths, of their own ; and make fo many Croffe paffages, that, the right Tra6l, to a bleffed Peace, will not , yet, be found ; nor, the newes of it, much regarded. Selfe-love, Selfe-conceit, hu- mane Policy, Carnall Dependencies, Private Interefts, Partiall Refpe£ls, Wil- fulneffe, Covetoufneffe, Ambition, Malice, hypocrijie. Infidelity, Impiety, and Vnmercifulneffe, (a ftrong Malignant Party) have made fuch lowd noi- fes, and fuch mad confufions, among us, that, the fiill-voice of PACIFI- CATION, tending to the Peace defired by all good men, cannot poflibly be heard, or uttered, with any profitable fucceffe. And, though the houre were at hand, which brought Evidences, of Qualifications, making us capable of Good-Tidings; and had filled me, alfo, with notions, urging their Publicati- on : yet, having my Repute, lately, fullied, by fcandalous Rumours , it would be comely, and convenient, I fhould purge my felf of thofe mif-impu- tations, before I prefented them to the Publike ; becaufe, few regard that which is brought them, by an unworthy, or fufpefted Meffenger. It is, now, above 30 years, fince I firft began to fuffer for my good affe- 6lion to the publike welfare : and I have been, hitherto, by Gods mercy, fo happy therein, that neither Mifchiefs, nor Detractions, have much harmed me, though I had fo many powerfull, and malicious Adverfaries, that, for A well-doing. (2) ■well-doing, if I efcaped undoing, I ever thought my felf highly favoured. This long experience (and a beliefe, that, No mans evill, but his own, can much dam- nific, or di/parage him) irYahled my patience to paffe over many loffes, and in- dignities, as if unperceived : whereby the prefent Inconveniencies became the leffe ; and, my future advantages, the more. And, for that caufe, I fmo- thered many wrongs, which others, feldome, pretermit, with fo little fhew of difcontent : And, I could have beene well pleafed , that it might have flood with my Reputation, to have fpared this Defence. But, the honour of a Commander, is not, fo meerly, his own, that the loffe or prefervation thereof, concerns himfelf, onely ; otherwhile the Republike, and the effeftuall execution of his Calling, may be much advantaged, or dif- advantaged, thereby. The difparagement of a Captaine, incouragethhis e- nemies, difhearteneth his own fouldiers, and, many wayes, difableth his per- formance of due fervices : And, my particular repute, ought not, onely, to be precious to me, in thofe refpefts ; but in regard, alfo, of fuch reproofs of e- vill, or incouragements to virtue, as already are, and may, hereafter, be pub- lifhed to the world : and which may be made leffe profitable to the Readers, when the credit, worth, or fmcerity of their Authour is much traduced. Compelled, therefore, by that duty, which, in Juftice, and Charity, I owe to my felfe, and my Countrey, I make tender fto whomfoever it, fhall con- cern, or may content^ of a Vindication of my Courage and Fidelity in the publike Service, which hath beene difparaged by malicious afperfions, long whifpered in fecret, and now lately brought openly to my knowledge. I have, heretofore, heard ambiguous words, caft forth, and obferved Fleers, and fcornfull Afpefls, making me, juflly, jealous, that fome fcandalous report was raifed, and entertained of me; and thereof, alfo, have feen fymptomes among fome of my Honourable Friends, and by whofe, undeferved, neg- le6l of my neceffities, and faithfull fervices, I might be affured , that ill tongues had influences upon me.- yet, having no certainty thereof, I thought it more difcretion to be filent, then to anfwer Voices in the Clouds ; and fo, be thought, perhaps, to labour a Defence for that, whereof no man had accu- fed me. I have, now, affurances of what I fufpefted. And, that you, to whom this Vindication fhall come, may know, I thruft not my felfe impertinently hereupon ; I will acquaint you with what is rumoured, and how I am (as it werej challenged hereunto ; that, you may the better judge, how reafonably I am obliged to this Defence: and that they, upon whom I fhall caft off the blame, which is imputed mine, may hold me excufed, if I leave them to beare their own burthen. For, though I know it was by the unfaithfulneffe, negli- gence, or, at leaft, the ignorance, of fome body, that the publike fafety was violated, (3) violated, in the defertion oi Farnham-Cajlle ; and whereby, likewife, I have greatly fuffered, both in Eftate, and Reputation : yet, I will urge nothing in Splene, nor by way of Recrimination, fo, as if anothers faultineffe could make me guiltleffe ; nor take upon me to condemne any one ; but, onely de- clare fo much, as (I think) may fufficiently cleare me, of what is famed a- gainft me, and give fome hints for ih& publike Security. That which is reported, to my difparagement, touching Farnham Cajlle, was lately fignified unto me, from a Gentleman of Quality, by a Letter, in thefe words. "\^ rOrthy Captain, / have read moji of your Works, wherein you expreffe much zeal to this Caufe of God's ; and, I believe {though it be a diffem- bling Age) that your words and thoughts are the fame. I pray pardon my bold- neffe, if I acquaint you with a Report which flies abroad in the County f A' *14.5 ^iS *^ >!£i «g THE DOUBTFULL ALMANACK. o R, A very fufpitious prefage of great Calamities yet to enfue. By G. W I T H E R. ' Here the Head is not obeyed, it is in vain to feek remedies: tliat State muft needs fall in peeces, where out of point of Confcience the foveraign powers are maligned, for no other thing more then for prefTmg Conformity to whol- fome commands : It is held a bad figne of reconciliation, when after the .long feude between -two enimous parties there ari- feth a third, a perfedl neuter equally diftant from both, ftill favouring the weakeft, till at length it felf becomes the ftrongefl ; difference is fooner comprimed between two then three.- the third ftanding as a partition wall of purpofe that the other Ihould not joyne. It is obfer- ved by Jofephus, the great Cronographer of the Jews , that in Jerufa- lem (when the time of its long before denounc'd deftruftion by our Saviour drew neer) there were three Leaders of that civill and la- mentable diffention amongft them: the City being divided into the jurifdiflion of the Temple, the high and the lowe Town ; it is record- ed by the fame Jofephus, that the Governour of the Temple, and Cap- tain of the Chief Town had often times come to an agreement, had it not been for him of the Bafe Town ; in like manner that the Chief- tains of both the upper and lower Towns had eafily come to reafon, had not the Captain of the Temple ever oppos'd .• for fuch is the na- ture of Civill diftradlion where three are intereft in it, there will ever impede the correfponding of the other two; left they fouldred into A one (2) one fliould charge him, vi unitd: therefore keeping them enemies, he is fure of fubfifting, if not of gaining; but once made friend he is cer- tain to be reduc'd, if not ruin'd. To fet the ftaffe at our own doore, and to come a Httle nearer home : At the firft rifmg of the thrice un- happy diffenfion in England for a long feafon , there was no talk but of two parties ftanding upon the punftilioes of their own Rights, that of Kings, challenging the full extent of his Prerogative, th' other of the Parliament, maintaining the Petition of Right, and Priviledge of Parliament ; And although thefe had fome fharp encounters, yet were not good men out of all hope of reconciling them ; as witnefTe the great hopes (yea almoft affurances) that to judicious men did ap- pear of it twice at Oxford, and far more clearly for a good many dales at Uxbridge; but when once the Independent party burft out, and fung no note but a Bafe ; when they came not onely to prefence , but to precedencie, yea prefidencie : Deus bone quantum incruduit malum ! to what a height fwell'd the tide of our miferies : Quo cruore madebant omnia ! what blood hath been fpilt ? how is peace not onely deferr'd, but, as fome are jealous, even delaid; fo that we may but truly fay with Philofophers, Omnis Ecclyfis fit interpofitione tertii : The matter is but marr'd (if not quite deftroy'd) by the intervening of a third. Whe- ther this partie hath not tried le fee et le vert (as the Frenchman faith) what lies in them both in Countreys, Towns, and Citie. Ccetera filen- tio prceterienda, I dare go no higher, to keep the wheel off this faftious Civill broyls ftill afoot, let thofe enquire it who by their daily un- doing have moft reafon to refent it. The next malum omen which offers it felf as Avis finijira, an un- luckie bird auguring the continuation, if not an increafe of our mi- feries, is, that Se6ls and Schifmes, Abfolon like, fit at the entrance of the gate, courting, enticing, alluring, and fawning upon all paffen- gers to the intent to win them to her, and to wear her livery. And be- caufe I have toucht upon Abfolon, let us fee if his proceedings in the atchievement of his wicked defigned purpofe, from the beginning to the end of it, doth not, per omnia quadrare, up and down the fame, with the courfe of Hereticks and Schifmaticks in thefe dayes ; let us then fcan his aftions, and take his carriage apeeces .• Abfolon not fo foule within, but as fair without ; proper of perfonage, beautifull of vifage, quaint of language, affable in carriage, pitifull and compaffionate toward Suiters in his ufage : he fits at the entrance of the Kings gate, every (3) every man may have acceffe to him ; If fome abafh'd, or rather daunt- ed with the prefence of his gallant feature, glittering apparell, or con- fideration of his high dignity, as being not onely King Davids Son, but Heir apparent to the Crown, why Abfolon will call him to him , ask him his matter, and that he may have him the readier, he offers him his hand to kiffe, the better to encourage him, he would hear his caufe out, and whatfoever it were in its own nature the Plaintiffe ever de- parted from Abfolon poffeft with the juftneffe of it, and that it might have paffed on his fide, had not King David and his Officers of Ju- ftice been in fault through their negligence, if not worfe : Thy caufe is good, faith he, paffing good queftionleffe, but there is none deputed by the King to hear thee. By the King, oh what a blow doth A bfolon give his Father here ! he infinuates the King to be wholly careleffe of the welfare of his Subjefts, although Prince was never more tender ; he endeavours to make the world beleeve, that he cared not which end went forward with them : but were Abfolon in folio had he to do as he fhould (leaftwife as he would) matters fhould not be fo carried : Quid fibivult Abfolon f what means Abfolon by all this ? Surely to withdraw the heart of the common people from his Father, and to faflen them upon himfelf ; knowing full well, that if he could be mafter of their affeftions, he fhould foon have both their hands and purfes : that be- ing the load-flone that drew the reft : Abfolon was reafonable well af- fured of that ; what's behinde ? A fit place, and that fomewhat remote from Court is to be thought on, where he may have fome time and opportunitie to draw to a head, for neer David that could not fo well be done, he having too many fage and truflie Worthies about him, that would foon crufh his cockatrice in the fhell ; Abfolon hath a clue for this, a way to bring't to paffe, the better to effefl it undefcride, he varnifheth with Religion ; in all humble wife he acquaints his Fa- ther with a Vow he had made of fuch a facrifice, that he would offer unto God in cafe he fhould fee his Fathers face in peace ( after his ba- nifhment for his unnatural murther of his \>xo'i!a.&x Ammon^ he earnefl- ly follicites leave for the accomplifhment of this facrifice in Hebron, King David, (well meaning David) as gladly condefcends to the motion as twas him crav'd (a Prince a great while fince Davids dales did himfelf the greatefl injurie when he intended to his people the greateft boon) joyfull that his Son of a murtherer was become a fa- crificer : difmiffeth him to his facrifice, not onely with a confent, but A 2 a blef- (4) a blefling : The Lord God accept thy facrifice -.Abfolon hath his aime both to King and people, forthwith he mounts his Chariot , and with a train but of fiftie Laques, and two hundred chofen men out of Jeru- falem he fpeeds unto Hebron: there indeed he facrificeth, yet fends to Giloh to Achitophel while he offered ; nay the fame Scripture obfer- veth,2 Sain.i^. 12. That during his facrificingtJie confpiracie grew Jirong. Lewis ^t ^^ recorded of one of the moft politick Kings that ever reigned in ^Q W.France, that he ever held his moft ferious and important confultati- ons and ever expedited his weightieft affairs in a Monaflery ; when the world thought that the good King went fo often thither for no other reafon but his Souls health, viz. to make his Confeffion, receive Abfolution, hear Maffe, receive the Sacrament, and the like, (which the fimple vulgar thought the onely bufmeffe of repairing unto Reli- gious Floufes) King Lewis was contriving how to undermine the Con- ftable of France, who put him in fear of joyning either with the King oi EnglandEdwardtYie fourth, or Charles Duke oiBurgundie, both them his profeffed Enemies. Lewis in his Monaflery fpent his Canonicall houres, in projedting some way to caft a bone between his two confe- derate Enemies, to fet them at odds one againft the other , the better to draw one of them, viz. Edward of England into League and Amity with him, which he effefted both to the utter confufion of the Conte StPaw/the Conftable; and to the fmall profit of the Duke oi Burgundy: thefe, and the like, were the Beads that he faid daily over during his abode in his Monaflery. Oh nothing is fo favourable for the covert of black defignes as fome exercife of Religion : be fure that be ftrongly pretended when ye mainly intend this ; and all's well. To aft devotion whileft one plots villany, frees the defigne not onely from fufpition, but procures a good opinion to it : men have been, are, and ever will be taken with fair out-fides : they not being able (for the moft part) to fee clear through this glaffe : ( Sedhmcper tranfennam) by the by this. Let us return to our matter. And having feen Abfolon a6t his firft part, let us fee how fte behaves himfelf in the fecond : why now knowing his own ftrength, having well confidered the concourfe of people to him, view'd their number, obferved their qualitie, he takes off the mask, fhews himfelf to the world in his own fliape, caufeth it to be proclaim- ed throughout the Land by found of Trumpet, that Abfolon was King in Hebron. David percdves. too late, that Abfolans facrifice was no peace-offering upon (5) upon the receit of the news, and true intelligence of the ftrength of the rebellion ; he is fain to flie for't, leaving Jerufalem to a new Mafter, who is not long before he takes poffeffion of it ; all men flocking to him, and worfhiping a rifmg Son, except Sadok, and Abiathar, Gods chief Prieft in ordinarie, and fome other, thofe fluck to David: al- though little reafon in humane judgement for it, yet to David they adhere ; thefe were orthodox Seers, call in to Gods vineyard , Gods way, thefe men would not countenance rebellion with their prefence, they will hide for it rather ; they knew that although it were an ill weed, and grew apace, yet it is not of long continuance, but is at length cut down, thefe two Priefts of God with their Sons will uot ap- plaud it, though triumphing. But not to digreffe from our Story. Abfolon makes a glorious entrance into Jerufalem, there takes pof- feffion of the Palace royall ; nay to make known to the world in what vile efteeme he held his Father, and fearing left men fhould not take notice enough of it, he defiles his Fathers Concubines in the open view of Jerufalem .• and that all men might know that he had as good a will to defpoil his Father of his life, as of his honour ; he marcheth in- to the Field with a puiffant Army, and give him but a pitch'd battel both for King, and David; where had not God miraculoufly flood to him, Abfolon of a traiterous, perfidious Rebell, had become a rightfuU Kinp". I have done with the example, and fhould come unto the Pa- rallel .• were it not that one thing I obferve in the Cataftrophe of this memorable Story, will not let me flip over it before I have toucht it : Abfolon is routed, yea I may juftly fpeak it, hang'd up for his unna- turall and undutifull rebellion, by God himfelf ; his chiefeft orna- ment ferving for his halter : yet David by his deferved deftru6lion was not onely enfur'd of his life, but reftored to his Crown and priftine dignity .• one would think that David (Si quis mortalium alius , if any man living) had no caufe to be forie for his riddance out of the way, and was he not .' fo it fhould feem by that mofl heavie, dolorous, and pathetick dittie that he breath'd forth at the tydings of his fall : O A bfolon, myfon,myfon, would to God Iliad dyed for thee, O A bfolon my fan, my fon. Abfolon that formerly murthered one of his brothers (and that at a feaft in his own houfe) Abfolon that had endeavoured, all in him, to fteal the heart of his people from him, by flandering his Govern- ment, and promifing mountains if he could but once get to the helm ; (a wile much praftifed amongft us within thefe few yeers.) Abfolon A 3 that (6) that had in the clear day light openly defil'd his Fathers bed ; Abfolon that had not onely privately confpired to take off his Crown , but openly fought his Hfe in a bloodie battell. Abfolon, who built his ima- ginary greatneffe upon no other foundation then the ruine of his Fa- ther: yet the death of this Abfolon doth David t^ak.^ fo ill, that his vi- ftory is no viftory with him, becaufe he is not alive : nay he preferres his own life to his own : Would God I had dyed for thee, O A bfolon myfon, my fon. Befide David could not choofe but apprehend digitum Dei, Gods fignall juftice upon his Son for his notorious rebellion , and his marvellous mercie toward him in his prefervation. Cui igitur in lacry- mas effunditur David; What means David to take on in this manner ? whereas to all mens thinking he had matter of exceeding great joy, triumph, and thankfgiving. Naturam expellas furca licet tamen ufq; re- curret: It is an old faying, Murther will out ; and it is a true faying, Nature will not be hid. David lookt upon the perfon oi Abfolon, Oculo affeSlus, and Oculo fenf us, with the eye of the body, and eye of naturall affeftion. Upon his converfation he onely lookt with the eye of un- derftanding, and that of grace ; we are more moved for the loffe of that wherewith the bodily fence and naturall affeftion are delight- ed, then we rejoyce for the removall out of the way that, whereby Gods Law is flighted, and humane fociety violated. Again, David although a man after Gods own heart, yet David had the feeds of corrupt nature in him flill ; it is Proprium quarto modo to nature. Quod Deus vult, nolle; to antipodize God, to walk with our heels againft his head. A third caufe of Davids fo lamenting the death of his fon Abfolon, although fo ill deferving at his hand, was qtreftion- leffe this : David did well conceive (as being a Prophet) the horrible- nelTe oi Abfolons offence, it being unnaturall rebellion, which God de- tefteth as witchcraft, which witchcraft is an abfolute deferting of God, and cleaving to the devill his profeft enemie.- David therfore weighing the crime, as alfo the manner of his fons punifhment for it, how that he was taken away in his fin, having no time given him to repent him of it, might juftly fear the loffe of foul as well as body, which to David could not but be the fubjeft of incredible grief. Now let's compare the parallel of Se6ls and herefies in their accufbomed proceedings with this example oi Abfolon: do not the Seftaries firft fhew the Syrens face 1 can any make more outward fhew of piety, pu- rity, fanftity of life then they.' Do any talk more of God, of truth, of Handing (7) ftanding for the Gofpel of Chrift ? Do they not poffeffe all men with the goodneffe of his matter, of his ftate in grace, of his undoubted fhare in heaven in cafe he fide with them ? Do they not humble them- felves to the kiffmg not onely the hands, but the feet of thofe they de- fire to win for their profelytes ? while they are in their minoritie, pre- tend they to defire ought elfe fave to enjoy the freedom of their con- fciences in the profeffion of the truth of Chrift ? Term they not them- felves the poore defpifed flock ? Stand they not onely in the gates, but in the ftreets, corners, alleys of Towns and Cities, of purpofe to woe and allure filly folk unto them ? Make they not men beleeve, that if (with Abfolon) they were made Judges in the Land, and had the abfo- lute power of controulling, that all things fhould be in far better con- dition ? Do they not perfwade that where they rule, God rules, and no where elfe ? Do they not feem to forrow chiefly for our forrow, in that none is appointed either to relieve or right us ? Have they not of- ten profeffed, that they could be content to be made anathema from Chrift (prefuppofing more intereft in him, then perhaps Chrift him- felf well knows of) fo that we were but grafted in to him after the manner that they are ? Have they not fubfceptitioufly ftole away the heart of the people from the fupream and undoubtedly lawfuU Ma- giftrate; Vellicando, detra£lando, m/i{7nu/ando,hy ca.\ummsiting, {[a.nder- ing, falfly reproaching to his government ? And now that they are grown to a confiderable (may I not rather fay^ a formidable partie ; after they had obtained liberty to go a facrificing (what if a man fhould fay a whoring, were it any hurt think you ? ) after their own inventions : and that I may take up that faying with a great deal more juft reafon for Chrift, then ever the Scribes and Pharifees did againft him, Behold how the whole world runneth after them : Now, I fay, that they are grown to this height, how do they look upon us now ? marry now as rifeth their good, fo rifeth their blood ; the vifard is off now ; they muft fay now, EtjleSlereJi nequeum fuperos Acheronte mo- vebunt; all Ihall topfi turvie before any fhall marre them : they have no part in David, (they) nor portion in the fon of Jej/Je : Every man of their new Ifrael to his tent : they know full well that if a lawful! King and lawfuU Government be once eftabliftied , a joyfull calme muft needs enfue, and put an end to thefe our fo long continued tempefts ; this name of peace is a very mors in olla to them : they fear right well, that the eftablifhing of that will be their downfall ; the Dagon of their notorious (8) notorious purpofes muft needs fall before Gods Ark of peace , they will none of it therefore : it ftrikes at the root licentious Anarchie ; keep him out, cry they, while he is out ; they that have now the ma- naging of the Kingdom fhould do well never to truft:(him) more, or to fuffer him to have any thing more to do with it : and thefe;;men have ftopt the tyde ('with their powerfull although pernicious influence) of our (not long fince) ftreaming joyes, if not quitefturned it;|doth it not hence appear, that Schifme is up and down Abfolonnifme, both in Prologue and Play. Indeed I muft needs confeffe, that in th'epilogue there may be fome difference, for we read that Abfolon for his_detefta- ble rebellion againft his own Father, and his King, was hang'djup by the haire of his head ; but the haire of thefe men is fomev/hat of the fliorteft for that purpofe ; fo that of neceffitie ufe muft be made of an- other thing. But feeing that thefe wife men ftill bear fuch a ftroak, and can hinder the current of our long hop'd for quiet, without being checkt or chid for it, nay which with confidence in the fa6l, it pre- fages to me that God hath ftill a controverfie with us ; that God who is the God of peace, and ftiles none of his fervants (whatfoever graces they have been otherwife endowed with) the children of God, fave onely the peace-makers ; I fear, I fay, that this God of peace doth not yet hold us worthy of fo great, and fo an ineftimable benefit as is that of peace : but that by reafon of our grevious fins (a catalogue where- of follows) Hisangerisnot turned away from us, but thathisarm isjlretdied otitjlill. Ifa. 9. FINIS. i647' Major Wither's Difclaimer. [Hazlitt, No. 36,] (0 MAJOR Wither's Difclaimer: BEING A Difavowment of a late Paper, ENTITULED The Doubtfull Almanack. Lately Published In the name of the faid Major Wither. AMong the many abufive PraSlifes and Pamphlets now fre- quent, there is a Paper lately printed, and fold, called The Doubtfull Almanack; which being Publifhed in the Name of G: Wither, is therefore commonly reputed to have been compofed and fet forth by Geo. Wither Efquire, lately knowne, by the Titles of Captaine and Major Wither ; who ha- ving had a view thereof, and conlidering how great an impu- dence it is in the Divulger to intitle him thereunto, and how in- jurious. Forgeries of that nature might become if they fhould be tolerated or paffed by without dillike ; He doth hereby pub- likely difclaime the faid Paper, as neither of his making, nor ju- ftifiable in its own nature ; And protefteth that though it were as worthy the owning, as he could wifli it had been ; yet , he is nomore ambitious to father other mens beft Fancies ; then de- firous to be thought Author of their bafeft, and moft mifchie- vous Inventions. A Excufe Excufe him therefore if he make haft to fend abroad this plea of Difclaimer, efpecially feeing he conceiveth, there is afwell Malignancy couched in the Difcourfe, as injurious dealing in the manner of recommending it to the People : For, that which to him appeareth to be principally defigned (though it maketh a fhow of fomewhat els) feemeth to be of a very dangerous and feditious confequence ; and to be nothing futable to that Piety and Peace which is pretended by the Author: And if the Peece be well heeded and confidered, he conceiveth it will be found an Engine contrived to helpe blow that Flame, which is too much kindled, and to widen that Breach which is too farre inlarged already, and which Flame and Breach, the faid Major Wither, up- on whom that paper is falfly fathered, hath ferioufly (though without thank from the generality of either Party) endeavou- red to quench and clofe up to his utmoft power. It was not his intention, to expreffe any thing in confutati- on of what is contained in the paper, but only to acquit him- felfe from being Authour thereof; yet, for prevention of what evill may els enfue, he thinks it his duty having juft occafion gi- ven to fignifie what he fufpefbeth both of the matter, and the Author, which in plain tearms is this ; that the Author is fome Ma- lignant Incendiarie, who according to the ftrength of his wit contributeth to that fecret Dejigne, which is profecuted by other Jefuiticall Projedlors to ruine thefe Kingdomes, and to re-ad- vance Tiranny and the Throne of Antichrijl among us ; And that to whomfoever he feemes to adhere, that, whomfoever he openly ftrikes at, and whatfoever he diffemblingly pretends, his main fcope is to encreafe the Rent, and to divide the Nations , the King, the Parliament, and the People further from each o- ther ; and by exafperating the Prefbyterians againft the Inde- pendents, and the Independents againft the Prefbyterians, to re- new the war, to the weakning, or tearing of all in pieces, that fo either the enraged and untamed Lyons , or Leopards at home may prey upon us ; or, that when we have afted over the fabu- lous Battailes of the Frogs and Mice, we may be devoured by the Kites and Eagles from abroad, And, this may juftly enough be fufpefted, though there were no (3) no other probabilities thereof, but the faid Authors a6ling of a lie, in fathering the fpurious iffue of his brain upon another man without his confent or knowledge, that he might play the In- cendiary with the more fecurity , at another^ mans hazzard : For he hath fufficiently manifefted thereby, that neither he him- felfe nor his Dejigns, are fo honeft as they fliould be ; And doubtleffe, if that God had beene in his heart, whofe name in his Paper, he hath fo often taken in vaine ; or, if his zeale to the prefervation of purity in Religion had been as hearty and as true as he would have infmuated ; that Religion would have in- formed him, we ought not to make a lie for God ; much leffe to the injury, or difadvantage of our Brother. But, by the thanks which was this day given unto the faid Major for the Paper, by fome who believed it to be his, and by the commendations which is applied thereto by many, the Ma- lignancy of the faid Paper feemth to be either none at all, or fo couched, that every Reader cannnot difcover it ; And indeed, the poyfon is fo cunningly infufed, that it may be received, and operate alfo fo infenfibly, that the mifchiefe may be done, before it will be difcovered, that any thing elfe but a benefit was in- tended. Be pleafed therefore, for your better difcovery there- of, to examine the Authors parallelling of the King and the Parliament, with David a.n6. Abfalom. For, though to blind your eyes he confounds you in the parallell, and puzzells you in the Allegorie, with an Application thereof to SeSiaries and Schif- maticks, whofe infmuations and Treacheries he alludeth to the pra6lifes of Rebellious Abfalom ; yet if you heed his legerde- main and what is caft in, whileft you are looking another way ; and what reall Friends of our are covertly ftabbed whileft they pretend to be in a furious purfuite of our feeming enemies, you fhall find that your Almanack-Maker who ufurpes the name of Geo : Wither, is likely to be afwell a fatherer, as a Prefager, of the Calamities which his Prognojiication faith are yet to enfue. • Let them who yet perceive not this jugling, but take Major Withers Speftacles and read the laft five lines of the third page of that Doubtfull Almanack, efpecially thefe words in a pa- renthefis, {a Prince a great while Jince Davids daies , did himfelfe A 2 the (4) the greatejl injurie, when he intended to his people thegreatejl Boon) confider well thefe words ; for by them, weighed with what precedes and followes you may plainly perceive the Authors opi- nion of a large bounty and indulgence in the King toward his Parliament, and of of a traiterous ingratitude of the Parliament towards him. In the fourth page he hath thefe words, Oh ! nothing isfofavoit- able for the Covert of black-DeJignes, as fame exercife of Religion : Befiire that be flrongly pretended, when you mainly intend this, and all's well : to a5l devotion, while one plots villany, frees the Defigne, not only from fufpition ; but procures a good opinion of it ; And that this is fpoken to infinuate that the Parliament hath under the colour of a Religious Reformation, abufed the Kings Grace, and his truft repofed therein, it feems very manifeft, by the de- pendence it hath on what goes before, and by the impertinency of that claufe to any other purpofe : For, the Parallel is not yet reftrained to the Sectaries, but relateth to thofe for whofe fake, as he faith, a Prince a great while fince Davids dales, did himfelfe thegreatefl injurie by intending the greatefl boon to his people; which muft unqueftionably mean the Parliament and the Priviledges by him granted thereunto, or fignifie nothing ; as muft alfo that which followes in the fifth page, (mentioning Sadocks and Abia- thars and Gods chiefe Priefis in Ordinarie, flicking clofe to David, &c. For it appears as if purpofely inferted, to illuftrate the faithfulneffe of the Prelates and thofe Court-Chaplaines, with their companions of the Clergie, who followed the King when he deferted the Parliament, and tacitly to impute traiteroufneffe to thofe, who adhered thereunto, in their Abfalom-like Re- bellion againft the King, as he would have it underftood by his Parallel. A little afterward, in the fame page, you may perceive him following his falfly applyed Allegorie, to the giving of the Par- liament two other fecret wounds, as he perhaps hoped ; The one by infinuating, as if they had raifed their Armies with no better warrant then Abfalom; and to as wicked a purpofe, which is inti- mated in thefe words, though fcarce fence ; He marched into the field with apuiffant Army, and give him but a pitched battel, both for (5) for King and David ; The other wound which he feems to hope he fhall give them, is, by intimating that they had unjuftly flan- dered the Kings Government, and abufed the people with faire promifes, to place themfelves at the helme; which (he faith) is a wile much praSlifed among us within thefe few yeares, and whom can he mean hereby but the Parliament, though they have given no juft occafion that he fhould fo mean ? for neither the Independents nor Prefbyterians by themfelves can bee faid to have affumed on them any Supreme Government. In the fixth page (though in a confufed manner^ the Story is made ufe of alfo to hint unto the People (as very probably ap- pears) by Davids indulgence to Abfalom (notwithflanding his horrible unnaturall rebellion) how tenderly fenfible the King is of the great plagues which are like to fall on his Abfalom-like Parliament; and yet, how ftubbornely they flill perfevere in their Rebellion againft him, yea, this Author feems defirous to have thereby inferred (if his perplexed expreffions could have reached thereunto^ that the King is and was fo far from being an enemie to the Parliament, or from feeking the deftruftion thereof, that he could be as well content to die for the prefer- vation thereof, as David was, for the falvation of his Sonne : If this be not his meaning, it is hard to fay what meaning he hath in all that which is inferted of Davids greeving for Ab- falom : And, if that be his meaning, then what opinion he hath, of the Parliaments arming in defence of the peoples Priviledges and fafety, it may eafily be judged. And if it may juftly be infi- nuated, that the King is, and hath been fo affefted, as this Prog- nojiicator would by his Paralell imply (and as many do now be- gin to perfwade the People as farre as they yet dare) then doubt- leffe all the world is not able to excufe the Parliament and their Adherents, from being as trecherous and ungratefull as Abfa- lom ; Let the King (in Gods name) be juftified or excufed, or his failings connived at, fo far forth as it may Hand with juflice and charity ; yea let that be given to Ccefar, which is due unto Cafar, but let Gods due and the Peoples Rights and Priviledges be therewith preferved. Now to colour over all his malignancy (Tiitherto not fo fully fully fliadowed, but that it might have been defcride, with- out fome other cloake or evafion) that Authour leads you afide, by improperly making the SeSlaries feeme to bee his in- tended Parallel to Abfalom ; which, how abfurdly it will qua- drate with the Story, let the prudent judge. If the Independents or SeSlaries (call them what you pleafe) may be fo juftly paral- lelled with Abfalom as this Pamphleter affirmes, let them look to it whom it concernes ; The Major, for his part, refolveth to be as wary as hee can , neither to juftifie the wicked, nor con- demne the innocent, but to looke to his owne wayes, and his owne heart, as well as he may : And (if his councell might be taken) would advife his brethren of both Parties, that their af- faires might be mannaged with fo much juftice, prudence and charity, towards all men hereafter, that the wheat may dif- creetly be divided from the ftraw and the chaffe, by the flaile and the fan ; and not purged according to the humour of thofe Incendiaries, who will fet the whole barne on fire, if they be not looked unto in time. It is plainly enough to be feen without an extraordinary PerfpeSlive, and to be fore-feen, without an Almanack, what Defignes are now in profecution, and what will certainely fol- low, if the bitterneffe of contradidlory Parties be not fweetned with more charity and difcretion then yet appears among us ; and it is evident how little hope there would be of having it e- ver otherwife, if every man fliould ingage himfelfe as wilfully and as unreafonably, to ftrengthen one Party, as many doe, and none be as third Perfons or Mediums, to cement us together, before the policy which is now working, hath irreconcileably divided us, to our irrecoverable deftruflion. Thus much hath Major Wither thought fit to fignifie upon the occafion offered by the divulging of the fore-faid paper in his name ; not for fuch ends as may be perhaps imagined ; but, left by being filent, he might faile of his duty, and have many o- ther things falfely imputed unto him, and father'd upon him hereafter, to the wronging of himfelfe and his Readers, whom he would not willingly permit to be deceived by ought divul- ged in his name. He is neither of Paul, nor of Apollo, nor of Cephas (7) Cephas, but as they are of Chrijl; nor againft any but in that which is againft him, and his Kingdome : nor hath he fo learned him, as wittingly to feek his owne peace, or profit, by dividing from, or by adhering to any Party, to the infringement either of the peace of Chrifts Kingdome, of thefe Kingdomes, or of his own confcience : but hath ever endeavoured, according to his power, to put himfelfe into fuch a Chriftian, and civill po- flure, and fo to continue therein, that he may be an inftrument of generall reconciliation, and one of thofe Peace-makers, that fhall be numbred among the Children of God, whatfoever he be efleemed among men. And he having hitherto fpoken for himfelfe in a third perfon, will now add a briefe conclufion thereunto, in his own Perfon, and in his proper Straine. This Brat, to him that got it, I return ; Or, to the Parilh, where the fame was born ; Left halfe the mi/begotten in the Town, To finde a father, at my doore be throwne : Or, left they Ihame me ; or, may me conftraine To father more, then I can well maintaine. For, you already in moft houfes finde So many feverall children, in this kinde, Of my begetting ; and, I have at home So many too, not ftrong enough become To walk abroad^ that I much more had rather To let my neighbours thofe Efcapes to father, Then father theirs ; although it be no fhame To have them known, and called by niy name. This Bajlard is not like me in the pace, Nor in the language ; neither in th.e face, Nor in condition, fo refembling me, As that, it mine, it may appeare to be. For, when two Parties I do guilty know, I ftrike not one, and let the other go, But give them all their due, without regard. Or feare, of what may follow afterward ; Though oft thereby I faire preferments lofe, Difpleafe my Friends, and multiply my foes. (8) I am not fo referved, as to make (As this man did) a Doubtfull Almanack , Of that which might be certainly foretold, If they whom it concernes regard it would. Nor will I do it, though I fhall be fure Of fuch requitall while my dayes indure. And they who doubt this, fhall their errour fee. As often as occafions offred be. But ere I next adventure on the Preffe, I meane to get my felfe another Dreffe ; And come forth cleare from dirt, late fprinkled on me. Mean while, I'm pleas'd, that they who wrong have done me, Should brag a while ; and have a time to fhow Their malice : and that I my friends may know. Yea, I am pleas'd a while to be your Debter, For anfwering the late injurious LETTER, Writ by the Knave of Spades, or by his Clark, And publiflit by the DEVIL L in the dark. Till then therefore, my Readers all, adieu ; And be to me, as I fhall prove to you. Geo. Wither. Printed by R. Aujiin. 1647. 1646* What Peace to the wicked? [Hazlitt, No. 37.] What Peace to the wicked ? OR, An Expoftulatorie Anfwer T O A Deriforie Queftion, Lately made CONCERNING PEACE. BY A Free-man, though a Prifoner. The Author fpares his Name ; not, that he dares not To let you know it ; but, becaufe he cares not. Printed in the Yeer 1646, u) An Expoftulatorie Anfwer to a Deriforie Quejlion lately made concerning Peace. /^Ne, who hath, feldome, in his dales, ^-"^ From Fools, or Knaves, had love or praife ; And, who, throughout this Ifle, is knowne, With cheer fulnejfe, to have bejlozvne, His Wit, Paines, Perfon and Eftate, The Publike-Rights to vindicate, A long imprifonment hath had. For calling of a Spade, a Spade ; Which (if a Court-Card) might have been Next to the King, except the Queen. AsY{.^, in his confinement lay, Some asked him, the other day, When hefuppos'd this WsLYrefhould end. Or what fucceffes would attend Our hopes of Peace : which Queftion, tho From Levity itfeem'd to flow, Or, fcoffingly, to be exprefl. Received this Anfwer, not injefl. Why ask ye when this Warre will ceafe ? Or, when this Kingdome Ihall have PEACE? As if you thought, I could fore-fhew What things hereafter would enfue : Or, as if when the Truth were told, You value, or believe it could ; Who, nor efteem, nor ufe have made Of thofe Fore-warnings you have had ? They that will know what ^\2X\. fucceed, Muft of Things-paft take ferious heed ; And, gleane InftruSlions, whilft they may, From A6lions oi th.e prefent-Day : For, pafl, and prefent Time declares. What, for the Future, G o D prepares ; And, till thefe quicken their fore-fights, Men fit in darkneffe, till he fmites. If to this Queflion, you would know An Anfwer, which the Truth fhall fhow, And, not (with Ahab-like-Defires) .. Wifh all your Prophets would be liers ; Then, ask your Confciences, and they Will tell, what things expeft you may : For, let my Troubles never ceafe, If ever fome have other Peace Then what their Confciences fore-fee, Though King and Parliament agree. But, left the Confcience may be fear'd ; Or, left Delufions have appear' d, Which promife Peace, when fhe is fled, (And Vengeance hangeth over-head) Ask your own Feares, and humane-Reafon, What they conjefture oithefeafon: Ask them, what figne it is of Peace, When wickedneffe doth more increafe ; What may be hop'd for of that Nation, That Heights her dayes of Vifitation ; That mendeth not for words, nor blowes \ That, in reforming, worfer growes ; That fuffers them who ferve Her beft. To be moft wronged, and oppreft ; And, on her Face, all tokens hath Of defolation, and of wrath. When this is well inquired out. If ftill you fhall remaine in doubt. What we may feem fore-doom'd unto ; Let me perfwade you thus to do. Get information, when the K I N G Intends a Palinode to fing ; When he will their ill-counfells leave, Who are deceived, and deceive: What i&\\^6^ peace we can devife, Whilfl Irelands-blood for vengeance cries : Whilft they, who fought to have begot A Schifme betwixt Us, and the Scot, Have Truft, or Power: or, els, whilft they Efcape unblam'd, who fcandals lay Upon that Army, by whofe hand God, hath from Thrall, redeem'd this Land; A 2 Both (2) ;^W5;» Both to the grief, and ftiame, of them, Who, their beginnings did contemne. Or, whilft the perfon of the PR I N c E, (Which traiteroufly was fent from hence^ Is kept in France, to have fome fine New-fooHfli-mifchievous Defigne Rais'd thereupon ; for, who can tell. But, that, he there fo long may dwell, As, his due birth-right to recover. And, bring his Peafant-Subje£ls over. To help perfwade with us, that we yVould, here, be (laves, as, there, they be. Now, if this be the plot, I feare. It will be long, ere Peace be here. What Peace can we expedl, whilfl they Who fpoiled us, not onely may Finde mercy, (which we could allow) But, fo imperious, alfo grow. As, to reproach us to our Faces, Ev'n in omx priviledged-Places? Who, once, thought better fn^its would come By that which we have parted from : But mark the end ; and judge what Peace Will follow, when your friends decreafe ; When more Malignants are return'd ; When they who love the State, are fcorn'd ; And fome, who ferv'd it, heretofore. Are growne as mad, as they zxepoore. If, yet, you cannot well difcerne, When Peace will back again returne, Get knowledge, with all fpeed ye may, What game Malignants have to play ; How farre they have, as yet, to run In that wild Courfe, too foone begun ; When they are like to call to minde What lies before them, and behinde ; W\vz.t future-plot it may advance. To let fo many paffe to France, On their bare words, who careleffe are Of what they either fay, or fweare: What can be hoped-for, of thofe Who are, irrationally. Foes : With, fafetf, what we can propound. Where, little, fave deceit, is found : Or, what good Harvefl can be mowne. Where, onely, mifchiefe hath been fowne : And, when thefe things are truly weigh'd, You'l thinke as much as may he f aid. If not ; then, next, inquire, how long Divifions will be rais'd among The Lords and Commons ; and, when we Shall finde both Houfes fo agree. That, to the publike detriment. Nor Houfe, nor Member fhall diffent. Or be united ; but, infift Upon the common-interefl ; And, Priviledge, nor Cufiome, fl;raine. An Innovation to maintaine, Wherby they may invadee&ch other. Or, feparate from one another : For, you have heard what lot betides A Houfe, or Kingdom, that divides ; And know, what's likely to fucceed, Till our Peace-makers are agreed. If, waft, Jerufalem was made. Who, therein, but three faSlions, had ; This Ifland, how may we deplore. Wherein are three times three, and more ! Some, with the Parliament partake ; Some, for the King a party make. As he is King: And, fome, that. He A Tyrant might become to be : Some, would a Popular-eflate ; Some, Arijlocracie create : Some, are a faSlion, for the Pope ; Some, to maintain the Prelates hope ; Some, for the Prefbyterians vote ; Some, Independency promote. Some, ftrive for this, and fome for that. Some, neither know, nor care for what. So Wars go on, and get they may Free-quarter, Plunder, and their Pay. Some, fight their Liberties to fave ; Some, that they others might inflave \ Some, for Religion, and for C H R I S T ; Some, that, they may do what they lifl ; Some, for the Common-wealths availe ; Some, for themfelves, with tooth, and naile j And And, they that have the bafejl end, As fairly, as the beji, pretend ; Not caring, whether their defire Obtained be, hy/word, or fire ; By truth or lies, with love or hate ; By treachery, ox fair e debate. This is our pojlure ; and, whilft we So foolijh, falfe, and faSlious be, (Or whilft affaires continue thus) Who knowes what will become of us ? Or, when the man, who thefe lines pen'd, Shall find good ufage, or a friend? Ask thofe who now of peace do dream. Who, fhall procure the fame, for them. If many are become their foes, Whom they to be their Champions chofe : If thefe our fubftance have beftown, To make new fortunes, of their own ; If they the publike wrongs encreafe, To gain themfelves a private peace ; If yet, the people doubtings have. What to refufe, or what to crave ; If they unfetled, yet, abide. And conftant unto neither fide ; If, fcarcely, they refolved are, Whether, they would ha.ve peace, or warre; Or, whether re-admit they fhall Charles to be King, or none at all ; For, doubtleffe, if thefe matters go As honeft men much fear they do, A wife man needs not break his brain To fearch vthat peace we ftiall obtain ; Since, whilft thus blind, and mad we be, What will enfue, a foole may fee. Ask of our Lords, that, were the fkreen Which, anciently, did ftand between The King, and Commons, what th'intaile Of titles, without power, availe To fuch an ufe ; And, how the Jhade Of what their Predeceffors had Shall find fufficiencie to do. What, oft, fhefubflance reach'd not to : And, having weigh'd what they are now ; What they have been ; what they may grow. V6) And, what wefeare, till fixt they are. As honourably, in their fpheare. As heretofore : Or, till the State Shall all her fpheares anew create. And place them fo, that, neither Orb Each others motion fhall difturb ; Think, what we juftly may expedl Thofe clafhings will, at laft effefl, Which now obflruSlive are ; and may Defiru£live prove, another day ; If fome new mifchief fhould begin Without our circle, or within. Before the feinds appeas'd are grown. Which, we have almoft conjur'd down : For, by confid'ring things like thefe. You may conjeflure, if you pleafe, (Without a new Prognofiication) What will befall this Generation. Yet, leaft prefumptions may arife (To foole you with falfe hopes and lies) Obferve the Commons, if, of them. None ferve two Mafters at a time : Nay, fearch if none among them be Who, fervants are, this day, to three, And falfe to all : Obferve, of thofe Whom we for publike-fervice chofe, How many fail'd the Common-trufl ; How vile fome are, and how unjuft : How perilous, and hard a taske It is, thofe Members to unmaske That, in affection, are unfound ; How much more hard when they are found To cut them off: what mean effect 'Yhe faith full party muft expe£l Concerning /^^c^, while fuch as they The cunning Ambodexters play ; And what fmall hope there is of reft, While we have Cancers in our breaft. Ask them, who fit to take Accounts, To what their two years paine amounts ; Or, what the Common-wealth it betters. When they have found who are her debters ; If, when their guiltineffe is known, And publiftied throughout the town. (4) A cheating-Sharke may raile at them Who juftly have convifted him ; Yea, be employed as before, Where he may cheat the State of more ; And be as confident, as tho He merited by doing fo. Aske, if they have not power to call Afwell \}s\& great ones, as 'Ca&fmall, To give accompt ; Thofe, whom we heare Cum Privilegio (as it were) Have plunder'd, at an eafie rate, Coyne, Jewells, Houjhold-Jluffe and Plate ; And if you find they have not leave To queflion all men who deceive The Publike-Truji, know, we are yet, For Peace with Righteoufnejfe, unfit. Then fearch, if you have eyes to fee Patlis, that fo blind, fo crooked be, What courfes thofe Committees take Which, every where, fuch rumblings make. Marke ferioufly, if they appeare Such, as the people fay they are ; So falfe, fo proud, fo infolent. So careleffe whom they difcontent ; So fcandalous unto the State, In profecuting private hate ; So bold, from Equity to varie. By courfes meerly Arbitrarie ; And if you finde them to be fuch, You need not then to queftion much What will befall this harrowed Land, While thefe Authorized fhall ftand. Then, mark what favours now fome have Who fought thefe Kingdomes to inflave ; How well-befriended, fome appeare. Who Neuters were, and worfe now are ; How, fome expofed be to fcorne Who, of this warre, the heat have borne ; What fcandalls are of them devis'd ; How their deferts are under-priz'd : And, having heedfully furvey'd How good, with evill, is repay'd ; Mind well the DoElrine, and the ufe, And think, what thefe things may produce. Enquire, moreover, how you find To workes of mercy, men inclin'd ; How, their poor wives and children fare, Who for their Countrey flaughter'd are ; How, honefl caufes are preferr'd ; How fpeedily yovx fuits are heard ; How Offices conferred be ; And if fome have not two, or three. Who for ^& publike, naXh&r fpent, Nor gave, nor hazzarded, nor lent, Ought worth regard, whilft they have none, Who in your fervice, were undone. Obferve, how equally men Ihare Thofe Penfions which allowed are : How little Befl-defervers get ; How many of them, nere a whit ; How confcionably, and, how well, Rewards, and Punifhments, we deal. Which are the Pillars, whereon ftand The Peace, and Honour of the Land. Obferve, if when we fpend a day In praifes, or to fafi, and pray, \{ preaching tend not more to ftrife. Then to found-Do£lrine, ox good-life; If more we feeke not to fulfill Our fev'rall humours, and our will. Then to performe a Thank-oblation, Or, duties of Humiliation ; Or, if the worfhip we profeffe, Be not an out-fide holineffe, No deeper rooted then the tongue ; Forc'd fruit, that fades as foon as fprung : For, as it proveth, when you fee Thefe things to tryall brought fhall be. You may without much failing, gheffe, What likelihoods we have of Peace. Then, if you be not fome of tkofe Who flight what other men propofe, How probable foere it feem , (Unleffe it may advantage them, Or propagate the private ends. Of their Confederates, and Friends) An eare, and eye, pray fomtime have ye Upon our Armies, and the Navie: AMi An eye, fecurely to behold, An eare to heare what hath been told, Of fome, who much intrufted were With Armes, and -with. provijiom there ; Or, had Commiffions to array, 1o furnijh, fortifie, ox pay Ships, Forts, or men : And, thofe in chief, Employ'd for Irelands firfb relief, And our ^r?i Armies ; Ev'n, when all Did lye at flake, and feem to call For faithful!, ftout, and honeft men : Obferve, how they difcharged, then, The truft repos'd ; how, fome were made Commanders ; pay, and titles had ; But fcarce a man : how, others, now, Have us'd the Commonwealth, and you: And, if in any, you fhall find Deceit, in this accurfed kind. Forgive them not ; yea, when at laft ASts of Oblivion fhall be paft For open foes ; no grace provide For. men untrue to their owne fide. Lead, as our Peace they have defer'd, They marre it, likewife, afterward : But, as occafions offered be. Mind them, although you mind not me : For, where, in favour, fuch are found When peace is made, 'twill not be found. Enquire, (if you can tell of whom To make enquirie) what's become Of all the publike Protejlations, Ingag'd for private Reputations ; What, of that Vow, which did expreffe A mtituall-aid, in all diflreffe ; Wh.d± oi the felfe-denying Vote, Which godly hopes in us begot ; What of thofe Orders, whereupon Some trufted, till they were undone ; What of the publike-Faith, in which We thought our felves exceeding rich, Though all were lofl, fo that remain'd Inviolated, and unftain'd : Inquire (I fay) throughout the Land, In what condition thefe now (land ; ) For, when of thefe you have obtain'd That certaintie, which may be gain'd. It will, undoubtedly, appeare What we may either hope or feare. Inquire yet further, (leafl you may Expe6l perhaps a Sunjhine-day, And meet a ftorme) in what good mind That fort of people you fhall find Ycleep'd the Clergie: For, the Stem, Qf all our mifchiefs was in Them. Their fadlion, avarice, and pride, Did, firfl of all, this IJle divide. From them, at firfl, the Fireband came That fet this Empire in a flame ; When 'twas nigh quench'd again, they blew Thofe coals, which did the fires renew, They did the Nations re-ingage ; The peoples vexed minds inrage. By fained fhowes, and falfe pretences, Abufing tender confciences. The courfe, by them, at firfl, begun Is, to this day, continued on : And, therefore, take this Truth from me, For, you fhall find it true to be : That, till you fee thefe more eflrang'd From what they were ; th&ir pojiure chang'd ; Yea, till they better their condition ; Confine themfelves to their Commiffion ; Leave off to jangle, fool, and fiddle With what they fhuold not intermeddle ; And, be as pious, and as wife As they are outwardly precife ; (And, as thofe few among them are, For whofe fakes God abates the war} Nor King, nor Peers, nor Commons neither, Nor thefe united altogether, Shall able be that Peace to make Which their contentions will not fhake. Make one inquirie more, to fee, And fearch, what mofl of thefe men be. On whofe endeavours you depend To bring your troubles to an end. Mark, how their Duties they attend In private, how their time they fpend : I What (6) What company they moft frequent ; What matters give them beft content ; What confcience of their debts they make ; What wrongs they do ; what bribes they take ; What by their neighbours they were thought Til they obtained what they fought ; And, to what purpofe they employ, The power, and places, they enjoy. Then cafe an eye upon the Rabble ; And, taking view (if you be able) Of all together, great and fmall, Mark well the Tantamount of all. Mark, if we be not like an Hoaft That's routed when the battell's loft ; And, if we deale not gifts, and blowes, Like madmen, both to friends and foes : Mark, how thofe hypocrites, that here Promoters of the truth appeare, Walk in their masking-fuits abroad, As if they thought, to cozen God, As they do men . Mark too, that crew, Which is prophane in open view, How boldly, and how daringly (Ev'n when Gods thunderbolts do fly) They do offend ; and, whether we May not to thofe, compared be, Who, fawing are thofe planks afunder. Whereon they ftand, when Hell is under. When thefe inquiries you have made, To fee what light may thence be had ; And when you know, as well as I, Thofe hindrances, and reafons, why That VOICE oi Peace, yet goes not on. Which this time tzvelve moneth was begun ; And, fhall obferve, with due regard. What hath been formerly declar'd ; I will difclofe a great deal more. Then I have told you heretofore : But, not till then : yet, leaft you may Defpaire, or faint, before that day ; I will deliver, ere I go, A comfortable word or two. There may be PEA CE, ere long, though yet We nor knoiv how, nor merit it: For, GOD oftjhewes great mercies, where The greateji of all fmners are ; And «/ felf-feekers be defcri'd, Before this Ifle they more divide ; If Faflions, Wrongs, and Difcontent Indanger not this Parliament ; And, if the Faithfull-Members can But cafl out from them now and than A trouble-houfe : And, timely fwage The vexed peoples rifing rage ; Offer, three more, fuch peace-oblations As that was ofth'EXAMINA TIONS ; And out of Counties, Towns, and Cities, One Hecatombe of their Committees ; And, by tJieir prudence, worke itfo, That honeft men efieem'd may grow ; That, Prieft and People, down may lay Their works of ftubble, and of hay, Their names, and terms, of SEPARA TION, And meekly feeke the prefervation Of TRUTH, in LOVE ; if, in one y ear e, Peace be not firmely fetled here \ My loanes, and loffes, yet unpaid, ( With my Arrears, three years delay'd) He forfeit zvholly to the State ; And, liveflill, as I've done of late. By fwallowing wrongs, by empty Aire, And, patience, kept, through faith, ««. Why fhould I keep thofe premonitions back. Which I conceive, my friends at this time lack .' Apoore-mans counfell, once, (as we heare fay) Did fave a City : So, perhaps, this may. A 2 Excufe Excufe me therefore, if (much grieved at Your rafh proceedings^ I expoftulate, The fad condition, wherein, you to me, By this renewed warre, may feem to be. Renowned Citizens ! what do you meane. To make your dwellings, that unhappie Sccene Whereon there fhall, in probability. Be afted, now, the bloodieft Tragedie, That e're this Kingdome faw ? Are you grown mad ? And, is there no Phyfitian to be had For, this Diftemp'rature ? But, must it, here. Be Cuckow-moneth, or Dog-daies all the yeare ? Have you no drugs, that may loft wits reftore ? Can Patience, Herbagrace, nor Hellebore, Nor any other Simple, or ConfeSlion, Work out that noyfome humour and infeftion, (That hath befotted you) till you grow fit For Bedlam ? where, are no fuch mad-men yet. Will nor Plaine-fpeakings, Parables, nor Charms, Make you regard, your fafety, nor your harmes ? But, that, as in defpight of all that can Be threatned, or fore-told, by GOD, or man. You will refolved be to hurrie on. Till you beyond all remedies are gone > Are you diftemper'd fo, that nought can pleafe, Save, what, ftill more increafeth your difeafe 1 Thinke you no Balme, or Salve, or Phyjick good, But, that which mortifies, or draweth blood. To your deftrudtion 'i would you faine make void All your late hopes .■' would you fee all deftroy'd That, fo much treafure ; fo much blood hath coft ; And, let it, everlaftingly, be loft. Your humour to fulfill ; or, for a toy, Which, alfo, you perhaps, may nev'r enjoy .' Nay, will you now for nothing .? or, for worfe, Will you to purchafe mifchief, and a curfe • To you, and to your children, re-ingage Into a war ? and, by a bruitifh rage, Expofe thofe Freedomes to an over-throw, For, which your fathers did their lives beftow. To To leave them unto you ? And, which might be Confirm'd for ever, if you could agree Upon thofe principles of common-Reafon, Whofe violation is the higheft Treafon ? Have you not yet difcover'd who be they Who cheat you ? nor whofe game it is you play, By your divijions ? And, when others find Your falflioods for you, will you ftill be blind ; Or, wink, as careleffe of the things you heed. Till, by long winking, you grow blinde indeed ? Difcerne you not whose Kingdome is befriended, Whilft, GOD and CH RIST, are formally pretended ? Nor whofe defignes, promoted are, the while Some, with faire shewes of piety, beguile Well-meaning men ? And, carrie on their aftions, By working with, and in, thofe differing faftions Which they firft raifed f Marke you not, how, by, And in, that duplifi'd-capacity. Their Ingineers doe fcrew themfelves into Moft fecrets on both fides ? how, they undo (By meanes of that their unperceived gin) What, hath mofb privately contrived been ? And, fee you not, that thereby they doe bring What, e're the City, Parliament or King, Or any o^&c party, doth propound, Advife or aft, to give it felfe a wound. And further their particular dejigne. Till GOD prevents it by fome countermine ? Can you not yet difcover (through their mift) Thofe juglings, which the fpawne of Antichrift (Falfe Priejls, and lying Prophets) praftife, now. To raife themfelves, and work your overthrow ? Nor, with what impudence they fpread their lies. Their bitter jeerings, and their blafphemies. To make new breaches, or to widen thofe. Which Love, and Prudence, had begun to clofe ? And, which ere this, quite clofed might have been, Had not they cafl: untemper'd dirt between ? Perceive you not, that, fome of both yo\ix faHions, Do labour an increafe of your diftraftions, Becaufe Becaufe they feem not fafe from queftioning, For falflioods, to the Parliament, or King, Unleffe they fhall endeavour to prevent The fetling of that peaceful! Government Which iurthers ju^ice? Yea, and fee you not How, they confpire ; how, they contrive, and plot To ruine all, in hope they may, by hap, Amidft the tumults, their juft doomes efcape ? Or, by difpairing of a good conclufion. Bring all things, with themfelves, into confufion ? Is it a time your Quarrells to renew, When all is hazzarded, that's deare to you ? Obferve ye not, three Fa£lions, like to them Which were the ruine of Jerufalem, At ftrife within your walls ? Doe you not fee, What fpighfull fparklings in their eyes there bee ? How fharply, they at one another whet Their flanderous tongues ? how grinningly they fet Their teeth againfh each other ? And how they With pens dipt in black poyfon, doe affay To re-ingage you ; and, by curfed words. Provoke the re-unfheathing of your fwords. That ev'ry fonne, and father, friend, and brother. May fheath it in the heart of one another f Are you befotted fo, not to perceive Who hath befool'd you ? who, the fnares doe weave, That have intrap'd you ? and who fpic'd the Bowie Which makes you drunken, ftagger, reel and rowle Into perdition? doth it not appeare, That, to prevent the mifchiefs which you feare, You run a hazzard, to draw downe upon you A greater, then they ever could have done you, Whom you diftruft ? And, that, in hope to fhun Uncertainties, to certaine deaths you run ? Is GOD, now afting for you, and doth lurk Within a cloud, to hide from you his work ? And, will you work againft him, to deftroy That prefervation, which you might enjoy. By living to behold that faving-health, Which he was bringing to this Common-wealth ? Have Have you concluded never to retire In your Career, till all is on a fire ? And you, and yours, lie fprawling in the plaflies Of your own blood ? or, in your Cities aflies ? Or, till you view this goodly fpacious frame, ('The work of many Ages) in a flame ? Have you fo often heard it faid, from him, fWhofe true prefages, no man will contemn. But Reprobates) what miferable Fate Attends that Houfe, that City, and that State, Which is divided ? Have his Prophecies So often been fulfiU'd before your eyes ? And, are they, at this day, fo likely, too. To be, ere long, fulfilled upon you ; And, yet, will you a new-divijion run, As if you ftudied how to be undone ? Or, as if you refolved on that path, Which to avoid, ev'n GOD fore-warn'd you hath f Have I my felfe, by G O D's permiffion, too, So often told you, what you would mif-do. What courfes you would follow ; what, rejefl f Fore-fhown you plainly, what it would effeft. If you did otherwife ? Have you oft feen Thofe things fulfilled, which fore-told have been. And fpoken of them f Nay, have you oft read. And defcanted on that which I have faid. And jeered my predi6lions f yet, will you In eVry circumftance fulfill them now ? Shall I be made fas me in fcorn you call) A Prophet, as it were, in fpight of all Which I fore-fhewed you, with an intent. That you might take occafion to prevent What was fore-told ; and make my true prediflions. By penitencie, to appear but fiftions f Have you crack'd all my Almonds } And (inftead Of making them a meanes of taking heed What courfe you fteer'd) fo afled, as if you. From them, had tooke occafion to purfue Forbidden paths ? that, future times may know GOD'S providence was pleafed-to fore-fliow What What would be done by men impenitent, Though warnings doe precede their punifhment ? But, let that paffe, which cannot be undone ; And, to prevent, what you, as yet, may fhun. Let me upon the credit gotten from Things pajl, finde means from perills yet to come. Your City to preferve ; and, let me lofe Or thrive, as I to you fhall things propofe To be confider'd on, without dejigne, For any private, or bafe end of mine ; Or to contribute ftrength to any FaSlion, Or, weaken anie Party now in aftion. But as relating to the prefervation Of this indanger'd City, State, or Nation, Have you confider'd rightly of the caufe Which on your City, this ingagement drawes ? And rightly weigh'd it, with all circumftances Thereto belonging ; and what 'tis advances Your quarrell to this height ? or how you find Thofe Leaders, by their principles inclin'd, Whofe prudence you depend on ? do you know How dim the fight of wifeft men may grow By private intereft, or by refpefl. To thofe men whom they malice, or affeft. Or to opinions ? If not, have a care How you ingage : efpecially if warre Be like to follow. For, we daily fee By thofe difcourfes which divulged bee By d\{z.^x&€ivi^ parties ; that, when they Each others writings happen to furvey. At ev'rie page they feem to take offence. And judge it void of learning, truth, or fenfe ; When he that is as wife, and in his waies Unbiaffed, perufeth it with praife. Have you confider'd, ferioufly, how flrong Your foes may prove ? how chargeable, how long This warre may be ? who, fhall the coft defray ? How willingly the Citizens will pay That ayd which you may need, when they are made Unable by a long decay of trade ? Yea, Yea, when fo many thoufands want their bread, Who were by conftant labour daily fed, And, fliall confume their lives, or ftrength away. By watchings, and hard dutie, night and day ? Have you well-weighed, for how long a fpace Provifions may be flopped from this place ? How greatly, Famine may increafe your charge ? How, want, and najiineffe, may then inlarge The Pejlilence begun f how much, the three Diffenting Parties, which among you bee, Your troubles may augment ? Or, doe you know. When you advanced are, to meet a foe Without your walls, what mifchiefs may begin By meanes of fome, whom you muft leave within ? Efpecially, when poverty extreme. Revenge, or avarice, hath tempted them. By unexpedled opportunities, To a6l things for their own advantages ? Are you, in thefe particulars, affured. To bee, at each extremitie, fecured ? Have you conceiv'd, how truly miferable You fhall be rendred, if you prove unable To over-come ? And, though you viflors be. How little comfort thereof you may fee When you have fummed up, what you fhall lofe ? And (by removing them) what other foes , You may make way for, to the confumation Of all the ftrength, and glorie, of this Nation ? Yet, once againe, look downe into that hell. Wherein you are preparing now to dwell : Can you fuppofe, that all, whom you intend To arme, your Caufe, and City, to befriend, Will a6l as you expeft ? Or, think you, they Can do, as much for you, as they Z2ja.fay f Can you, by any caution, be affured. Your goods and families will bee fecured From your owne Party f Or, your perfons free From outrage, when, among you, there fhall be A generall confufion, and their need ? And yours, fhall daily new diftraflions breed ? B Which Which ev'rie day, and week, will ftill grow greater. Till your affliftions have advis'd you better ? Can you beleeve, that all your power and wit, ('Which make fmall ftiew of fuch effefts, as yet) Shall able be, by force, or, gentle waies. To conjure downe the fpirits you may raife ? Or, draw a circle, or provide a charme So ftrong, that none of them fhall do you harme ? Have you fome works, which fain you would have done. For your owne ends ? and, thinke you, they have none ? Or, that, they who did fleight a greater /(?zwr. Will confcience make of trampling upon your ? Or (if provok'd) of treading on you, too. When they diflike of anie thing you do ? Can you conceive, that though you armed were Againft all thofe whom you abroad may feare ; That, in yomjlreets, your houfes, (nay, within Your chambers) there will not (as there hath been) A Party be , which will affay to make Your hopes abortive, if this courfe you take ? Yea, multiply your forrowes, till th'event Grow defperate ? Or, you too late repent ; And, fhall be over-whelmed with diforders. Fears, out-cries, violences, flames, and murthers ? Do you believe, thofe lifted Reformadoes, Who puffe you up with vauntings and bravadoes ? (Miftake me not ; I purpofe no difgrace To all (who now abiding in this place. Are caft out of imploiment) do you think, Thofe, who are moft couragious in their drink ? Thofe, of the roaring Frenchified- Rout, With untrufs'd breeches, with fhirts hanging out. And Codpeeces beribanded about With partie-colour'd Inkle ? Or, that thofe Apprentices, who late in tumults rofe. And, without check (to your perpetuall fhame) To force th'unguarded Senate, rudelie came, (And foamed raging furie at their doore. Like billowes beating on the patient fhore) Think you, that fuch as thefe ordain'd have been To 10 To fave you from the feares that you were in f To be Deliverers, do you believe Thefe likey ? or, are thofe, who to receive New entertainment (and perhaps old pay) Have onely aim'd at, fuch like men as may Be fo reli'd upon ; as, to ingage Your Citie now, z/econd warre to wage ? If fo ; Oh ! be more cautious, be more fage. Oh, where ! where now, is all that piety. That prudence, and that Chrijlian charity. Which you pretended to ? where is that care Of publike fafetie which did once appeare ? Where is that confcience of the prefervation Of your owne families from defolation, Which doth or fliould in ev'rie Chriftian dwell, That is not far below an Infidell ? Oh ! be not wilfull in the profecution Of an unfit and frantick refolution, Which, doubtleffe, by the malice of the Devill (And by his inftruments^ is now for evill Inftill'd into you ; that, he might make void Thofe hopes, which we, e're this time, had enjoi'd. If want of faith, and love, to one another, Indanger'd not our perifhing together. Be, therefore, well advis'd, what will enfue, Before this curfed warre you do renew ? Be not deluded, or provok'd by thofe Who care not how your Citie they expofe To hardfhip, and to hazzard : For, it may Indanger all ; if J know what I fay. Invite you not, from ev'rie quarter, hither Thofe plagues, and thofe confufions, altogether, Of which moft places now have had a taft ; Left, all the ftorm defcend on you at laft ; And you conftrained be to fwallow up The verie dregs of their mofl bitter cup, As you by Riddles, intimation had ; Though you of them, but fmall accompt have made ; And, as all ufe to doe, whofe fins are ripe, And, take no warnings, till they feel the ftripe. B 2 Regard Regard not, what your flatterers pretend, But, rather, hearken to your faithfull friend. Who plainly doth fore-fee, the fad effefts. To which your courfe intended, now diredls. Be, yet, perfwaded, your own felves to pity ; Your friends, your little ones, your wives, your City; And do not unadvifedly fulfill Your foes defignes ; by your perverted will : What is't to me, what courfe you pitch upon. Who to the world-ward wholly am undone. And ruined alreadie, by negle6ls. Of juftice, on th'one fide ; and by th'effefts Of war, on t'other ? and, whofe cheef wealth lies In thofe things, which the world doth mofl defpife ? And which (I hopej till I my life fhall finifh, "^ox peace nor war, nor ought els, fhall diminifh ? What have I got ? or what can I obtaine By feeking thus, your madneffe to reftraine. But their difpleafure, who delight in war ? And, my defpightfull foes, alreadie are ? The profit will be yours ; And, this alone My recompence will be, that I have done My dutie, in perfwading you unto That, which my heart believes, you ought to do. Contemn not, therefore, what I now advife. Though I may feem defpifed, in their eyes. Who counfell otherwife. Seek to be qiiiet ; And, add this fhort receipt unto your diet : To qualifie yowx felfe-dejlroying-rage, Take, Thne, Rue, Patience ; and as much of Sage As may be needfull : Then, mix fpeedily All thefe ingredients, and, them fo apply As you have oft been taught ; So, GOD fhall cure Or qualifie this Englijh-Calenture ; Which is, an Epidemicall difeafe, That, on this nation, every where doth feize. As did the Sweating Sicknejfe: If we may Confide, in what Chronologers do fay. Why will ye perifh and indanger all Your neighbours ; and, three Kingdomes by your fall, Since Since you may fhun it, and be fafe and bleffed ? A refuge, to the needie, and oppreffed ? What moveth you, that, to efcape a feare. You flie into a mifchiefe, or a fnare ? What is it makes you feare, where no feare is, And, feareleffe of true dangers, but, ev'n this. That, neither of G O D'S threats, you awefuU grow : Nor love your neighbour, as you ought to doe ? Some of you, have, it feems, a thirft for blood, And, peradventure, for that reafon, GOD Will give them blood to drink. Their heart is far Yxora peace; and, he will come to them, in war. 'Y\\.Qfons of Confolation have been fcorned ; And, therefore, he his Meffengers hath turned Tofons of thunder, who, as they defire. Will fpeake to them in Sulphure and in Fire. A Spirit of detra6lion, and of lying. On paper-wings, among you hath been flying. Till, as it feems, GOD hath, for that offence, Expos'd you to a reprobated fenfe, Believing lies ; and, to an Appetite Bewitched with a gluttonous delight In blafphemies, and falfhoods ; which are vented For every mornings breakfaft, newly minted : And, that groffe diet, hath begot in you Thofe evill humours, which diftemper, now. Your Bodie-Politike ; and makes your Peace Difrelifh, by a loathfome naufeoufneffe. You may, perchance, believe, by their delufions. Who have abus'd your truft, to your confufions. And their own fhame; that, you your felves are banding. For Chrifi his Kingdome : And, arm, for withftanding Of his oppofers : But, take heed, I pray. Left you prove, rather, to be fuch as they. Who, think they do G O D fervice, when they fpill The blood of thofe, who feek to do his will. I will, and mufl: acknowledge, that in you There is a zeale : But, this is alfo true. That, moft of you have not obtained, yet, That knowledge, which true Zealots doth befit. Religious ^3 Religious, I confeffe, you are ; and, fo, The J ewes were too, when GOD did overthrow Their greateft City ; yea, they never feem'd So worthily devout to be efteem'd, (According to their Law) yet, then GOD fhook Their whole foundation, and quite from them took That Law, dinA place, for which they did not fpare Their lives, nor ought, which unto them was dear. Yea, through that means, by which they would prevent That loffe, they loft it : Ev'n when innocent, And guiltleffe blood they fpilt : And, they who run Their courfe, will doubtleffe fare as they have done. Your felves therefore delude not, with bare fhowes Of fan6litie ; but ferioufly difpofe Your minds to charity, that Chriftian peace May fetled be ; and bruitifh difcord ceafe. For, all your pious, and your morall works Are nothing better, then are thofe of Tu?-ks, Or Pagans, till a will renew'd doth move To a£lion, by a principle of love. You preach ; but, preach ye Chrijl, with leffe contention. And, that fhall be oijirife a good prevention : You write ; but, put leffe gall into your ink ; And, let not your expreflions taft, and ftink Of bitter flanders, to the provocation Of vengeance, and of furious indignation : For, when from us unfeemingly fpeeches flow. Although our caufe be right, we are not fo. You fajl: But, if you faft not more from ftrife, Oppreflion, pride, and from a wicked life ; Your faftings, never will procure your peace, But, rather, your confufions more increafe. You pray : But, pray as Phineas did ; and wee Shall better fruits of your long-prayer fee. You liji your felves, the Army to refift : But, to be reconcil'd, have better lift Then you have had : And, feek, and follow more The likely way oi peace, then heretofore. For, you may conquer more with loving words. Then with your piftolls, and your naked fwords : And, you fhall get more profit and more praife. Then 14 Then by thofe Forces you intend to raife ; And, thoufands, who would dying, curfe your rage, Shall live, and bleffe you, in another age. What makes _j/o?i!, and our Army now to bee. So jealous of each other as, we fee, But, &v'vifelfe-love a.nd pride, -which you, and they Purfue in others ? Or, becaufe each day You more and more, in manners grow like them, Whofe guiltineffe you raile at, and condemn ? For, moft of thofe, who in thefe times pretend To Reformation, do but feem to mend Their neighbours faults, that, they, thereby, to make Them/elves, and Fortunes, may occafion take ; Yea, zealouflie they labour to remove And punifh Tyrants / But, it may from love, And not from hate of Tyrannie arife. That, they remove thofe men who tyrannize. For, it is done, perhaps, that in the roome Of Tyrants, they, like Tyrants may become ; Elfe 'twere not poflible, that we fhould fee Suppreffed Tyrants, ev'rie day to be Out-vi'd by their Succeffors ; and out-gone By thofe, who blamed moft, what they have done. 'Tis not, becaufe you feek ^& publike good. That you renew this War : For, letting-blood, (Efpecially, now when the Dog-Jtarre reignes) So neare the heart, and in thofe mafter-veines, Now likely to be op'ned, feemes, to me. Not Phyficke, but, true butcherie, to be. 'Tis not for GOD, that you do now promove This Quarrell : For, you know, that G O D is Love ; And, when he doth ingage you in- a warre, It alwaies evidently doth appeare. How it conduceth to the prefervation Of amity, and union, in a Nation ; And that we cannot otherwife avoicf The having of thofe Freedomes quite deftroid, By which we fhould conferve it : But, in this Your quarrell, no fuch thing apparent is. 'Tis not, becaufe one Party doth incline Unto a differing forme of Difcipline, Which IS Which t'other fide diflikes, from whence arofe This Quarrell, (though from thence it partly flowes :) Vox, prudence, wherefoever love remaines, In any meafure, tempers or reftraines From all extremes ; as you by thofe may fee, Who moderate in either Partie bee, And firm to principles, which do preferve The effence of our Faith : And, they obferve That your contentions, rather, do arife From fleftily lufts, and carnall vanities. Then from that zeale pretended ; and, there's none Will doubt it, if you wilfullie go on In bloud-fhed ; and, indeavour not for grace. To make yo\ir fury, give difcretion place. 'Tis not the failings, or the imperfeftions Of your opinions, but, of your afifedtions. Which heightens difcords ; and a will to pleafe Back-fliding Demas, and Diotrophes, Which hath furpriz'd you. 'Tis a difregard Of Jujiice, in chajlifements, and reward, And, that refpeft of perfons, which each fide Is guilty of ; if both bee not beli'd. For, if by fimptomes, I the truth may gather. The City, and the Army too, had rather Adventure their fafe being (by deniall Of yeelding up their minions to triall) Then to permit, that Juftice fhall proceed Impartially. Both are, it feems, agreed. What ever their well-willers do propofe. To fave their MalefaSlors, though they lofe Themfelves, and all their Tribe, (as, for that crime, The Benjamites once did, in former time^ And fwhich more aggravates) ev'n thus they do, Though they haue feen the King, for doing fo. Set halfe befide his Throne ; And, though they fee This Parliament, indangered to bee, Ev'n for the felfe-fame fault : So hard a thing. It is, ev'n for the beft of men, to bring Their wills, and their affeftions, to fubmit To juftice, though they cannot fly from it. But, i6 But, they will ftill be trying to avoid Her juft injun6lions, till they bee deftroi'd, And hence, hence, chieflie floweth all thofe faftions, Thofe mifchiefs, difcords, and all thofe diftraftions, That are among us ; And, he that affayes To fhew them the diforder of their wayes, (And their unfafeneffe ) though with no intent. But, their, and your deflruftion, to prevent : Or, when he minds them of it, though he fpares Their perfons ; And the matter fo prepares, By couching it in generalls, that they Who are to blame, corre6t their errours may. Without difgrace ; yet, they return him ftill, Unkindneffes (at leaft) for his good will ; Deprive him, of his freedome, or eftate ; Eclipfe his credit, or his perfon hate ; Or, at the befb, regard what he hath fpoke. No more then doth a Statue, or a block. And, ten to one, when fome of thofe doe hear Thefe motives unto peace ; they, will go near To queftion it before Authoritie, As if I had enfeebled much thereby. The peoples hands. The J ewes, to this effeft, In fuch a cafe, did fpightfully obje£l Againft the life of leremie ; but, he Who fav'd him then, will do the like for mee. Oh ! let the Citie ; Let our Army too, Confider wifely, what they have to do ; And, that, among the beft, are imperfeflions Which call to us, for brotherly affedlions To cover them ; and, helps, to cure them, rather. Then Inftruments to feek, or, Armes to gather To fpoile each other. 'Tis our Ignorances And want of love and meekneffe which advances Our fpleenes againft our brethren. We fo long Have, at each other, bitter-fpeakings flung. And fhot the Arrowes of reviling words ; That, they provoke us, to unfheath our fwords. And, execute ; before it doth appeare Which /«rif2> is to blame ; and which is cleare : Or, whether any caufe may be perceived, C Why, c 17 Why both (though guilty ) may not be reprieved. Their party, or their fmgle intereft Doth, oft, fo biaffe men from what is beft For them to praftife / And, vain policy In outward feeming, doth appeare fo nigh To blameleffe prudence ; that it drawes them on To thinke injujlice warrantably done : Or, that, (at leaft^ it warrants them to think, They, at injuftice, in their own, may wink : Efpecially, if they conceive, it may From anie good defigne, take ftrength away. And this idl^e principle, and wrong proceed, Made thereupon, much injurie doth breed. This makes, the Pre/by terian-P arty mad. That, anie of their fide, though nev'r fo bad. Should queftion'd be. This, alfo blinds them fo From feeing what it doth invite them to. That it hath rend'red them much wilHnger To hazzard all by a renewing-war. Then, leave them to that triall, which perchance Would cleare them ; And their innocence advance. This maketh manie, on the other fide, As partiall, and unable to abide That, their partakers, fhould with ought be charged : Whereas, had their impeachments been inlarged With fuch of their own party, who, by fame Proclaimed are, to be no leffe to blame, Then fome accufed ; And, of whofe offence, They might have got as good intelligence ; It had prevented all thofe jealoufies. Which from their feeming partialities, Have lately fprung ; and, which will be removed, When they, who fo advifed, have improved Their counfell into praftife ; As e're this It had been done ; but, that, you know there is A Remora in moft things ; and, that fome To all good motions, oppofites become. Had they (as I prefume they mean to do) Caft refolutely oif, all leaning to That, which \he\r party doth denominate. And, only fought the fetling of the State, According According to the Lawes ; and how to bring An Union 'twixt the people and the King, By bringing all, indifferently to bide Th'impartiall Teft, by which they fhould be tri'd ; It had, before this day, a period fet. To our chiefe troubles. And, this peace is, yet. But, for a time, deferr'd; unleffe you marre That future bleffing, by a prefent warre. Demur, therefore, a while, e're you purfue Thofe thoughts or aftions, which your hearts may rue. Doe not falfe courage from thofe vap'rings take. Or, thofe high-flying vaunts, which they do make> Who would engage you ; though, with fair pretence To reafon, juftice ; and with confidence. They would beguile you. For, no men appear More arrogant, more bold, or leffe to fear Then they, whom GOD infatuates, rejefls, And giveth over unto thofe effefts. Which their owne wit to put in a6lion chole. As in defpight of what he doth propofe. Let not thofe foolifh, fruitleffe,. policies, (Thofe impudent and thofe truth-feeming lies) Which they on all occafions do invent. As their moll ufefull gin and inftrument To worke their ends ; Let not thefe draw you to Their courfe, from that, wherein you ought to go : For, they do but delude you. When ye heare That, they give out, the Counties v/ill appeare To be your aid ; believe it not, till you Perceive them coming : For, they do not know Your Quarrell ; neither why you fliould oppofe Your moft deferving Friends, as greatefl Foes. When you fliall heare them, for the King pretend, That, they may draw his party, to befriend Their new defigne. Or, when they cry, The King f The King! The King! with promifes to bring His perfon hither ; and make fhew to fettle Yoxir peace by him : Believe them, but a little. For, they who fo pretend, do neither dare To bring him hither ; neither able are. And, though they were ; The King fo well defcries C 2 Where 19. Where, his beft play, and chief advantage, lies ; What, with his principles, may beft agree ? Why, they, who would not have him, willing bee To have him now : Yea, fo to him 'tis known. Who for the publike ends ; who, for their own, Reftrain him, or inlarge him ; whom to truft ; Who, firm, or fickle were ; who falfe, or juft, Either to him, or others ; And, hath made So many proofs, of things whereof he had No triall heretofore ; that, well I know, His bought experience will permit him, now, To truft to none but them, whofe honeftie Is their chief honour, and beft policie : And, when GOD hath inclin'd him, fo to do ; He fhall truft us, and we fhall truft him too. That, this Conjundlion may not be prevented. Let that, which you determine, be repented. Quench, ere too late, the_/?rg which is begun ; And, left, to be unquenchable it run. Remove thefewelly powre upon the flame True penitentiall teares ; And, grow more tame. More wife, more charitable, yea, more meek ; And, in GOD'S grace, your peace and fafetie feek : Which, cannot be expefted, whilft with them. You are at variance, who are dear to him ; Or, whilft you thofe refift, whom he doth call To do his work ; although, perhaps, they fhall Not do it for his fake, as they pretend ; But, for their owne, and fome unworthy end. By, generally, fhutting up your fhops. Make not a fad obftru6lion, in the hopes Of your fubfiftance ; which, will over-foone Confumed be, though that were left undone : For, by this Stratagem, your Polititians, Will but accelerate their own perditions. By heightning of their furie, who thereby. Shall feele the gripes of helplefle povertie : Ufe, rather, what good meanes your wits afford As well to keep oH hunger, as ^efword; That, you may have a being, till GOD pleafe To confummate the cure of this difeafe. Take Take heed, what thofe good Priefts, and Prophets fay, Who preach to you, a charitable way, Unto yowx peace; And, do not be beguil'd By thofe, who counfell to divide the Child ; But, truft unto his wifdome, and his doome From whom, the fentence, on your wayes, muft come : And if you needs will armed be, put on (As you ought, long ere this time, to have done) The Chrijlians compleat Armes. For, then, if you Shall be deftroyed, fo, will I be too. If, for the publike-weal, that Hoji appeare. Of whofe intents, you feeme to ftand in fear ; You have no caufe of dread. If, they conceale A private ayme, beneath a publike zeale ; Or vaile their pride, their Avarice, or hate. With Godlineffe, or fervice to the State ; If they fhall feek, one faSlion to fuppreffe ; Indulge the wicked, or the wickedneffe Of their owne partie ; And, proceed, as tho God would not heed, what they unjuftly do ; Then, God himfelfe againfb them fhall appeare ; And, for your Cities guard, a ftandard reare : A buckler he fhall weild, and interpofe 'Twixt you, and them, to ward away their blowes : Then, he fhall fave you from their crueltie, And, be aveng'd on their hypocrifie. Without your guilt : And, crumble them, till they. With all their hopes, and glories, fume away ; As theirs have done, who out of grace were thruft. In former times, for their abufed trufl. And, this will be, fucceffively, the doome. That fhall on all our falfe Reformers come. Till all fuch perifh ; and, till fuch appear. As, neither will, for profit, love, or feare, Corrupted be. If, for finifter ends. You falfe have plaid, with your wel-meaning Friends : If, you, to gain advantages, have flraid From due performing ought, which you have faid : If, out of wilfulneffe, or, out of pride. And haughtineffe of minde, you thus provide To give them battell ; G O D will fiinde it out. And, And punifh, till amendment he hath wrought. Yea, both of you, if both of you ftiall be Alike perverfe, alike reward will he. But, hark ! a ftrong Alarum I doe heare, The Army, you fo dread, is drawing neare. And, will not long be hence ; I will therefore (Before the Drums beat, and the Cannons roare Too loud for them to heare me) now direft Some words to them, in hope of good effeft : For, thoufands of them know me .• and, perchance, It may more profit you, then an advance With all yoxxr force againft them. Howfoever ; He try, how GOD will profper my endeavour. Friends of that honour'd A rmy, by whom, we Have had afiiftance ; and, yet hope to fee This War concluded ; me with patience heare. And, to that end, a little while forbeare To profecute that worke, which may be done Yet foon enough. And, oh ! I feare, too foone. I come with no defiance ; nor to bring A charge againft you, touching any thing Wherein you may be cenfur'd to abufe Your power or truft : For, thereof to accufe, I neither have Commiffion, nor intent : Nor knowledge, have I, were I thereto bent. Of the determinations, or the waies Which you purfue ; fave, as that Rumour fayes, Whofe contradiflions, do fo much condemn Her owne Relations, that, I truft not them. Nor do I blame you, though it be confeft In your exprejfes, that you have tranfgreft The bounds of Common-Order, in fome things : Becaufe, to me experience, knowledge, brings Of that NeceJJity, which lawfull makes What Law forbids : And, that -when felf-will tdkss A lawleffe Liberty, which may difable To fave the publike, by meanes warrantable. In ordinarie courfe ; the SUMMUM JUS Of humane nature, then, intitles us, Unto a rightfull freedome, to difpenfe With anie humane Law, in our defence. Becaufe, Becaufe, our prefervation, is that end, Whereto all Lawes do principally tend. Now, whether you necejjitated were To fuch a courfe, you more concerned are In weighing it then I ; and, better know Upon what grounds you have conceived fo. I know that fuch necejjities may be ; I know, that they, who feel them, beft can fee, How great they are : I, likewife know, that they And their adherents, who the tyrants play. Have feldome fuch necej]ities confeft. To light on any, till they were opprefb Beyond repaire ; And, therefore, leaving, now, This matter to be fcan'd, alone, by you. And your own confciences ; I will prefent What, I think, future mifchiefs may prevent. If, therefore, now, among you, any be Who need it, take this brief advice of me. If you come armed, not for war, hut peace. And, look, that GOD fhould your proceedings bleffe ; Remember thofe main principles, whereon You feem to ground, what hath, by you, been done. G O Yfs glory, publike fafety, and the Lawes, With your juji liberty, were all the caufe Of your engaging ; and, therefore take heed. That, you for no defignement, now, proceed, Of private confequence, leaft you deftroy The hope of that, which you might els enjoy. Let, in your fight, your brethrens blood be deare ; Let not the riches of this place, appeare A prize, to draw, or tempt you, further then Becometh juft, and bravely-minded men. To this renowned City, wherein you Have many Friends, a true compaffion fhow. Though fhe provok'd you ; know, that nobler, far. Are Saviours, then an Executioner. Let Jujiice have due courfe, though hand fhe lay Upon your Darlings : For, one Achan may Indanger your whole Camp ; and you have feen How plagued, for Injujlice, wee have been. From needleffe violence, with-hold your hands, And 23 Let moderation be in your demands ; That, by your aftions, they, whofe Papers flie, To your difhonour, may receive the lie. To utter now unto you, I have more. Yea, many things material!, yet, in ftore. But, whil'ft this line is writing, I am told. Our Line is enter'd, and our Southerne-Hold. And, therefore, here I pawfe Thefe words are vain ; and, all, that we can do. Except, GOD adds his bleffing thereunto. " O LORD I thou great Peace-maker, therforefay " Amen to that, for which I now Jhall pray. " Out of our prefent dangers, fafety bring; " Out of our darkneffe, let thy true light Jj!>ring; " Peace, out of thefe our warres ; love, out of hate ; " Out of diforders, a well-fetled State. "Let People, City, King, ««i^ Parliament, "And, a// diffenting-parties, now, affent, "And,fo, unite ; that, none may them divide: "Make us well-principled; and,fo, abide. "Make us fincerely praSiife, and profeffe " A Jingle-Truth, in fimple-Righteoufneffe. " Yea, now, when all the Powers within this Land, "Are in confujion, and amazed Jland, " Affrighted by each other ; now, when fin "Is like to hazzard all; do thou begin " To work alone ; and, raife, thou, out of that, " A Change, which all the Land Jhall wonder at. "And, if my own corruptions be not, yet, " Too many,fuch a blejjing to permit, " Minde me in mercy too ; And, minde me,fo, " That, they, who have oppreffed me, may know, " I am a Servant, who, to thee, is deare ; " What ever, to the world, I may appeare: "And, hajlen that Deliverance, O L O RD ! " Which thy compafjion fhall to me afford: " For, in my fufferings, / am left alone ; " A nd, friend, or hope, but thee, LORD ! I have none. Fiat voluntas Dei. 24 i647» Amygdala Britannica. [Hazlitt, No. 39.] AMYGDALA BRITANNICA, Almonds for Parrets. A Difh of Stone- Fruit, partly fhel'd and partly unfhel'd ; WHICH {If cracked, picked, and well digejled) May be wholfome againft thofe Rpidemick Dijlempers of the Brain , now predominant ; and prevent fome Malignant Difeafes , likely to enfue. Compofed, heretofore, by a well-knowne Moderne Author \ and, now publifhed according, to a Copie , found written with his own Hand. Qui beiie latuit, bene vixit. MATTH. Xni. XHI, XIV, XV. Therefore /peak I to them in parables : becavfe they feeing, fee not: and hearing, they hear not, neither do they under/land. ■And in them is fulfilled the Prophefie of Efaias, which faith. By hearing yefhallhear, and fhall not under/land : and feeing ye fhall fee, and fhall not perceive. For this peoples heart is waxed groffe, and their eares are dull of hearing , and their eyes they have clofed, lejl at any time they fhould fee with their eyes, and hear with their eares, and under/land with their heart, and fhould be converted, and healed. Anno cId Idc xlvii. AMYGDALA BRITANNICA, Almonds for Parrets. When Wifemen found plain-dealing did offend, In Hieroglyphicks they their Mufings/^«'^; And, to the meek, conveighed in a cloud, The light, which was difdained by the proud : ■ That,fo, the fcorner, hearing, might not heare. Nor feeing, fee, what plainly doth appeare : For,jufl it is, that they fhould lofe their fight. Who wotild not fee their fafety, when they might. ' Tis much obferved, that this Generation Hath taken up the Parrets inclination. Who loves, on fhells, to exercife his beake. And, words not underftood, delights to fpeake : Wee, therefore, (fince the labour may befpard) For private entertainment, have prepar'd This difh ^Stone-fruits ; whereof, there arefome, Thatyeeld a kernell, better then the plumb ; And,fuch, that, if they well digefted bee. Will cleare their eyes, who have a mind to fee. Here, till affaires are wholly mif-tranfpos' d, Y ou fhall perceive, in Parables, difclos'd. Upon what aftions, and contingencies. The Fortune of this Britifh Empire lies ; And, by what fymptomes, _;'^2^ may truly know. Which way the Publike Fate will ebb, or flow. Thus he conceives, who ferioufly hath weigh d Thofethings;& in thefewords his thoughts arai'd. ALL things terreflriall have their dates. Kings, Kingdoms, and the greateft States ; And, warnings do appeare, to fome. Of all fuch changes, ere they come ; Whereby, were timely means affaid. Plagues might be fcaped, or allaid : And, peradventure, to that ufe. This, which enfueth, may conduce. The time drawes neere, and hafteth on. In yAiif^ flrange works will be begun ; And, profecutions, whereon fliall Depend much future bliffe, or bale. If, to the left-hand, you decline, Affur'd deflruftion they divine ; But, if the right-hand courfe ye take. This Ifland it will happy make. A time drawes near, in which you may, As you fhall pleafe, the Cheffe-men play : Remove, confine, check, leave, or take, Difpofe, depofe, undoe, or make, Pawne, Rook, Knight, Bifhop, Queen, or King, And, aft your wills in every thing : But, if that time let flip you fhall, Yox yeflerday, in vaine you call. A time drawes near, in which the Szm Will give more light, then he hath done : Then, alfo, you fhall fee the Moon Shine brighter then the Sun at noon : And, many Stars, now feeming dull, Give fhadowes, like the Moon at full Yet, then, fhall fome, who think they fee, Wrapt in Egyptian darkneffe be. A time drawes near, when, with your blood, You fhall preferve the Vipers brood. And ftarve your own ; yet, fancy, than. That, you have plaid the Pelican : But, when you think, the frozen Snakes Have chang'd their natures, for your fakes. They, in requitall, will contrive Your mifchief, who did them revive. A tijne will come, when, they that wake. Shall dreame ; 3.xid fleepers undertake The grand-Affaires : yet, few men know. Which are the Dreamers of thefe two ; And, fewer care, by which of thefe They guided be, fo they have eafe :' A 2 But, But, an Alarum (hall advance Your drowzie fpirits, from that trance. A time fhall come, ere long, in which Meer Beggars fhall grow fooneft rich ; The rich with wants be pinched more, Then fuch as go from door to doore ; The honourable by the bafe Shall be defpighted, to their face ; The truth defamed be with lies ; Thefoole preferr'd before the wife; And he that fighteh to he free, By conquering, inflav'd fhall be. A Time fhall come, when they that would Difcredit truths, which were foretold. Of eVry newes will ftand in feare. And, credit ev'ry lie they heare ; Till they, by penance done, have paid For ev'ry truth they have gainfaid. Then, they who have expe6ted Fifh, Shall finde a Scorpion in their difh : The children fhall hsivefiones for bread. And, ftarved be, whilfl dogs are fed : Then alfo fhall each work you do. Ere it be finifh'd, make you two ; And, render all, when much is done. Far worfe, then when the Plague begun. A time drawes neere, in which yoMX peace Shall make your quarrells more increafe ; Then fhall you hy falfe-brethren lofe More, then by all your openfoes : Then, one-mans hate fhall rob of more Thenjfz'^ times twenty can reftore : Three men fhall afl more mifchiefs here. Then three great Kingdoms well can beare .• And then fhall they be better priz'd, Whofe counfells have been long defpis'd. The time is drawing near, when wee Our own Antipodes fhall bee : When our moft dangerous difeafe Shall be the Scribes and Pharifes : When Seamen fhall ufurp the whip ; Plowmen prefume to guide thefkip ; The Children frequently begin. To teach their grandams how to fpin : (2) And, tnen mall tnat, which was a crime. Be deem'd the vertue of the time ; And, that, impietie be thought, Which hath, iox fan£litie, been taught. A time will come, in which the Flocks, Shall fee their Shepheard play the Fox, And range and ramble up and downe. Till he into a wolf be growne ; Then, they that hounds and fleugh-dogs keep, Shall hunt him, till he growes a Sheep ; And, then, if what he feemes, he be He fhall be fafe ; and, fo, fhall we. A time will come, when fee you fhall Toads fly aloft, and Eagles crawle ; JVolves walke abroad in humane fhapes ; Men, turne to affes, hogs, and apes : But, when that curfed time is come. Well's he that is both deafe, and dumbe ; That nothing fpeaketh, nothing heares, And, neither hopes, dejires, nor fearcs. The time will come when you fhall fee A Headleffe-body adtive bee. And, many aflions full of dread. Performed by a Trunkleffe-head ; Which Head, and Body, being brought To knit together, as they ought. Might prove to be, in time to come. The joy, and awe, of Chriflendome. But, e're fuch happie dales be feen, There will fome changes intervene Our hopes and them, to make or marre the fequele, as they mannag'd are ; And, therefore, that difcerne you may When thefe approach ; and, which are they ; And, what to do, when they are knowne. Here, they in eafie types are fhowne ; Or, by thofe tokens, which fore-hint. What you fhould labour to prevent. When, you fee many things effefted, Which were nor feared nor fufpe£ted ; The Mountains fznk, the Valleyes clime ; Stars rife, and fet, before their time ; Groffe Meteors, from the mud exhald, To higheft Spheres, and Planets call'd ; And And, utter darkneffe termed light ; Then, bid your happy daies, good night. When, you embrewed, in their blood, Behold three Lions of one brood; If, then, a fourth (hall interpofe. It will but more increafe their woes ; Till but one head, poffeffe they fliall. And, but one heart, among them all. Which, whofoe're to paffe can bring. Shall be the darling of a King. His prickles, when the Thiftle fhowes. Within the borders of the Rofe, If, with the Flower-de-Luce it clofe, Defigning what the Orange does. The ftile of bleffed it fhall lofe ; Yea, curfed be, where e're it growes ; And, by fuch faithlefneffe, expofe It felfe, and others, to their Foes. But, being, only, for a time, (To cure the Feavers of that Clyme) Tranfplanted South-ward ; if it fpread, And root, no further then the bed, Where, by the Gardner, it was fet. To cure us of our Ague-fit ; It, of our Garden, fhall be free. And, call'd the bleffed-Thifile be. When Charles his waine, begins to reel. And, retrograde fhall feem to wheel ; If, rambling forth, the Driver be. Without his Orb, but one degree ; What hope foe're he hath of help. From Lioneffe, or Lions-whelp, 'Twill be a hundred unto one. If he return, when he is gone. When from one hand, let flip, you view Two Dogs, one Leopard to purfue ; Though ev'ry paffage you befet, And ride, and run untill you fweat, The Game will at the laft get free. If Patch, one of your Gray-hounds be ; Or, if you think, to take the beafl, By Huntfmen, who are fuch profeft. When Britaines Gerion you Ihall fee, With Single head, on bodies three, 3) Put forth his face, in a difguize, (Undecently betwixt his thighes) Be warie then, and take great heed. In your affaires, how yee proceed ; Leaft, you be laid in little eafe. Betwixt the French and Kings difeafe. When frequently, obferve you fhall, S. Peter rob'd, to pay S. Paul ; When Butterflies, Silk-wormes out-brave ; When Maggots wafte, what Ants did fave, And, wafps, and drones, and Jiornets drive Your Bees, to feek a Forraign-hive ; Then, fly to providence divine. And, do, as that fhall you incline. When, you fee breaking y?(!7«^j, and glaffes. For zeale in true Religion paffes : Afwell the Clergie, as the Lay, Learne, how at fafl, and loofe, to play : Hermaphrodites begot with child ; Herod, and Pilate, reconcil'd : The Moralifl, his light abufe ; And, Chriflians, turning Semi-Jewes ; You may, where e're you go, or ride. Have Igttis fatuus, for your guide. When, in this IJle obferve you fhall The tenth part of great Babel fall. And, Reformation, fully made Of them, and their myflerious trade. Who merchandize moft holy things ; Then G O D to fpeedy vengeance brings, With Gog, with Magog, and the Whore, The Beafl, which Nations, yet, adore. V/hen you perceive the Common-Creed, Renounc'd ; and, whimfeyes in it fteed ; The words, which our chiefe Rabbi taught, Defpis'd, or out of praftice brought ; And, fome abufe the God-head, more Then all the Gentiles heretofore ; They, who his nature do miftake. Shall then grow like the God they make ; And, think it, when they do oppreffe, '2)\\tfan£lity, and righteoufneffe. When, they, that are of Babel fhie. Shall further into Babell flie ; When, (4) When, they, who Superftition fhun, To greater Superftitions run. And, to diCdJ^Q prophanenejfe, fhall Into meer Atheifme fall ; Then, will, at full, thofe plagues appeare. Which, now, are but beginning, here ; And, they, who live thofe dales to know. Will thinke of him, who told you fo. When, in this IJle, the people fees A confus'd heptarchie of Pees, Th.e.ir peace, diflurbing, by diJlraSlion ; Thdrpozver, become a three-fquare fadlion Of equall fides, and, each inclin'd To what, it fancy hath defign'd ; And, few regarding Common-good: Then, Ihall the Moon be turn'd to blood, Unleffe, you can by Chymiftrie, The Sulphure, Salt, and Mercurie So temper ; that produce it (hall The true Elixar from them all. When, loud the Britijh waters roare, And, flow up to the Senate doore ; If, then, the wind fhall alfo blow. To make their fwellings higher grow : Then whether you to them give way. Or, feek to ftop them, by a bay. In vain, to curb them, ftrive you fhall. Without the Balfome-box, z.xidi fcale ; Though you diverfions make (in hope To do it) and, cafh Mountaines up. When, you obferve the Civil-fword, Ufurp the power of the word ; And, fwhere declining Babel ftood) Men, laying Sions walls, in blood ; Then, fome, who for the Lamb profeffe. The Dragons Kingdome will increafe, Untill, they fhall be better taught How, living Temples fliould be wrought. When, you have pull'd the great Popes down. And, fet up one in every Town ; When, in each houfe, a Church fhall be, And, in one houfe, a part of three ; When, one fhall tell you Chrifi:, is here ; Another fay, loe, he is there ; More coiiiiui i, iiiey iiiaii tucii receive. Who bve ; then they, who thefe believe. When, onely, number' d out, you fee. What, weigh d, and meafur'd, too, fliould bee ; When all, that you (haWfizve, or lo/e, Dependeth on their j/eas, and noes. Who, peradventure, may intend, Selfe-will, felfe-profit, ox felfe-end ; Then, felfe-deniall muft proceed From words, into a reall deed ; And, more regardfully you muft Confider, whom you ought to truft ; Leaft, e're this tragedy be plai'd. You, and your Freedomes be betrai'd. When, cloth'd like lambs, the wolves appear. When, Foxes preach, and Gojlings hear. When, Hawkes to guard the Doves are chofe, When, wounds muft cured be with blowes. And, when your frogs and mice renew Their foolifh warre ; Then, will enfue What hath by wifemen been fore-told. In tales &nd parables, of old ; Unleffe, your keepers eye affrights The Romifh Eagles, and the Kites. When, you perceive the Harper play His Harpflrings, and his Harp away ; The Miter, hazzarding the Crowne ; Thefword, inftrufling of the Gowne; The members, that in darkneffe be. Informing, how the Eyes fhould fee ; And, hands, and feet, afpiring to That, which the Head, and Heart (hould do ; Then, you, a while, their lots muft fhare. Who, in their guts, their braines do beare. When, you fhall fee Death richly clad. With what, the living fliould have had ; And, then, behold a Church befpread With rags, and reliques of the dead, Expofing that to open fcorn. Which was in publike triumph born : If, then, with ferioufneffe you heed The fimple doer, and the deed. It fhall occafion fhame to fome. Who thought, much honour'd, to become : And, And, IfcL a juiu uttclliuil in To rake up, what might hid have bin. When Blocks, and Stones, offence ihall take. And riots in your Cities make ; Beware : for, if heed be not took, ^fparke Ihall cafually be flrook, From fome rough flint, which will devour Your wealth, your glory, and your power ; That future times may not defpife The wrath, and fpleen, oi Ants and Flies. When you fee Gallants take their vies. As if they would ore-skip the skies. Or, give the Sun, and Moon, a Law, Yet, then, fcarce over-leap z.flraw ; Or, when conceptions-mountainous Shall bring forth nothing, but a moufe, (After great throes, 'twixt hopes, and feares, Suftained, by you, many yeares) Then, your declining y?«^^ deplore. And, take a dos of Hellebore. When, here, you fhall re-a6l the fin Of Pharoah, and of Benjamin ; Keep Jezabels, and Ahabs Faft ; In Jehu's mold Reformers cafb ; Give honour unto Golden Calves, And Idols, fetting up themfelves ; You (hall but bring, to quench yonr flame, That oyle, which will increafe the fame : And, GOD, your Offrings will defpife ; Till Juflice be yonr facrifice. When Out-lawes fhall themfelves propofe For your Law-givers to be chofe ; Felons, grow makers of your Lawes ; EffeSls, producers of their Caufe ; TVaccufed, his own Judge become ; The thief, pronounce the true-mans doome ; Your greatefl foes, iMxn. feeming-friends \ And, greatefl wrongs get leaft amends : Then, to no earthly hopes afpire ; But, unto GOD, alone, retire. When, moft the Charmers-voice fhall heare. And, like deafe Adders, flop their eare ; When, they who fit in Judgment, be Inexorable, more then He (5) Who did both GOD, and Man, defpife ; (And, fleight ev'n Importunities, Continu'd without intermiffion) Then, feare, O Britain ! thy condition. When, moft that heare, and pray, and fafl, No fweetneffe, in thofe duties taft ; But, formally, in them go on, Depending upon what is done ; And, others, fo beleeving grow. As, that, they no good works will do : Or, when fmall difference Ihall appeare 'Tv!\-x.t perfons, times, or places, here ; And, thofe Ideas, men embrace. Which have nor body, forme, nor face; And, run vagaries without bound. As if, no medium's could be found, 'Twixt two extreames : Ev'n then, fhall they Who love the light, enjoy the day ; And, then, fhall look'd for be, of fome, A Kingdome, that will never come. When, in your City-paramount, This Realm is called to Account, (And, they, who do receive and pay, Forfake the old Exchequer way) If thofe may then their triall fhun. By whom, the greateft wrongs are done, Your hypocrites will foon appeare So many, and fo powerfull, here. That, GOD himkU th' A ccompts will take. Which they unwilling are to make. When folly, avarice, znA pride, Upon the publike-AJfe fhall ride. And, labour to fubjedt the State Unto that bafe Triumvirate ; Snch. jtiflice, piety, and knowledge, Will, then, proceed from Gotham-Colledge, That, blinde-men, plainly fhall perceive, What, they, who fee, will not believe. Then, they who now delight in lies, fWhich their own malice did devife) And, thofe prediflions do deride. Which they fee daily verified \ Shall view with, fhame, and feel -with feare, Thofe truths, of which they would not heare ; And, And, they who, their defpights have borne, Shall laugh their pride, and hate, to fcorne. When, you hear thoufands make their mones. And prayers, unto Blocks and Stones ; Poore Suiters, profecuting Caufes In circles, labyrinths, and mazes. Till fcarce a neighbour, friend, or brother, Believes, or loveth one the other ; Or, till they have nor houfe, nor bread. Who, for the Kingdomes-caufe, have bled ; Then, you fulfilled fhall behold So much, that, more needs not be told. When, you fhall heare your Pipers play Till none will either dance, ox pay ; Or, till among you doth begin A fecond bloodie matachin ; Then, will clean hands, and honejl hearts, Befteed you more, then Irijh darts ; Secure you better from your foes, Then guards of guns, of bils or bowes ; And, then, will they, whom Pride doth fcorne. More happie be, then Princes-borne. When, you moft Height what Tel-troth faith ; When, you have prov'd the Punick-faith ; When, you fee thofe, who have mifdone. In fpight of Councell, ftill, go on. To profecute their wild dejignes ; Then take you heed of thofe Divines, Who, to effect their carnall end. For God and CHRIST, will much pretend : And, that, you no way do abufe The Flat-caps, or the Cloiited-Jhooes. When, they who greateft Tray tors are, With Patriots, reivard fliall fhare. And, be with large allowance fed, Whilft, your bejl fervants, fcarce bave bread : When doing jujlice, fhall be thought /// maniters ; and, they men untaught, Who are fo daring, to afford A poor man, right againft a Lord ; Then, fhall men purchafe land, and fee, For little price ; which deere will be, To ev'ry purchafer, unleffe By piety, and righteoufnejjfe. (6) Th= as !.A Give both to G O D, and men, their due. When your Reformers, (hall begin To out-doe thofe men in their fm. Whom to reforme they did pretend ; And, \ik&fowre ale infummer, mend: When, they the Rule fhall mifapply ; And give by deeds, their words the lie ; Till, that, be mentioned with fcorne. Which is yovx praife, 3.nd faving-horne, Then, Jehu's temper will undoe you, Unleffe you can invite unto you Eliah's fpirit duplifi'd On fome Elijha, to provide A fpeedy cure, for that difeafe, Which on your Vitall-parts will feize. When, men and women blufhleffe grow In filthineffe ; and aft it fo. As if, a Stallioji to be knowne, A Princely quality were growne ; Or, when your Ladies do appeare (As if old heath'nifh Rome were here) By CoachfuUs, with a brazen face. To fee men run a naked-race : And, when fin to a rankneffe fprings, Beyond the reach of libellings ; And, libellings fo common bee. That none fhall from their dirt be free, Though ne're fo innocent (but thofe Whom no man hates, envies, or knoives) Then, look for that which will enfue Such impudence ; if God be true. When, men fliall gen'rally confejje Their folly, and their wickedneffe ; Yet, a£l, as if there neither were Among them, confidence, wit, oxfieare: When, they fhall talke as if they had Some braines ; yet, do, as they were mad ; And, nor by reafion, nor by noifie, By humane, or by heav'nly-voice, By heeing praified, or reprov'd, "By judgements, or by mercies mov'd : Then, look for fo much fiword, and fire, As fuch a temper doth require. When,n, , When, in this IJle, you fhall behold, What's term'd, the Devills ring of gotd, To be in ufe ; and, then, fhall fee. Both, pawn'd, and, forfeited, to be. The richejl-jewell of the State ; Take order, therefore, ere too late, To fave your credits : For, you know. That, London is not Mexico. Or, if it were, we plainly view. By Genoa ; what may enfue. When, your Betrayers fhall divide. And, feem of a contrary fide, That they the better may contrive Their own Defignments ; or, perceive. What is endeavour' d, to prevent Thofe mifchiefs, whereto they are bent. Then, look about you ; or, be fure. Your fafety you fhall not fecure : But, when you heare it often faid, By whom, you fhould have been betraid. In what, they, falfe, with you have plaid ; And, how they gave yovx fpoilers aid. With fuch like falfhoods ; and, then, fee, Such common Fames, neglefled be : Th'accu/ed countenanc'd ; and, thofe Traduc'd, and, punifhed, as foes. Who, out of confcience, and, of zeale. To fave this drooping Coimnott-weale, Their knowledge, and, their feare declare ; Then, of z.fudden blow, beware ; When, they, who, but the other day, As low, as in the channell, lay ; And; had nor prefence, wealth, nor wit, (And, fcarce the meaneft of them, yet) Your mo^ pragmatick-men become. And, places of chief e trufi affume : Your Mafiives, then, fhall Spaniels grow ; Your Hens, and Capons, learn to crow, Difarme, and filence, all your Cocks ; And, men, weare petticoats, and fmocks. When you, who, at the firft, begun With honefly (and, thereby, won Advantages) fhall aft, or plot 111 means, to keep what you have got ; As, if the GOD, you feem'd to ferve. Could not, as well, to you preferue. (7) By reall virtue, what was gain'd. As, give it, by a virtue fain' d: Then, you fhall thrive, as did that King, Who was or'ecome, by conquering ; Becaufe he ferv'd falfe gods, whofe lands The true GOD gave into his hands : And, you fhall then, the difference know, 'Twixt being^'?^, and feeming fo. When, Jufiice cuts of Hydra's heads. And, fees arifing, in their fleads, More, and more monftrous ones, then they Whom Reformation par'd away : When Tyranny beginns to varie The form and fhape, of A rbitrarie And willfull-rule ; when, fhe inflaves By mean, and defpicable knaves ; When, they who 'fcape the Lions-pawes, The teeth of Wolves, and Harpies-clawes : Shall look for fafety, and for eafe. And, then, be eat by Lice and Fleas ; Or, be in pieces, rent and tome By vermine, once, below their fcorne : Then ; then, fhall you begin to fee Your masked Foes ; and who they bee That fought your weal : and, then, in vain Shall wifh for, what you now difdaine. Then, fome, fhall much perfwade you to What, none but fuch as they would do, Who whet their knives, and cut their throats, To cure a chollick, in their guts : For, then fhall they, who feek your harm, Seek how to cut off your right-arm. That, of your chiefeft guard bereft There may be no hand but the left To fave your heads : And, then, perchance, You will perceive your ignorance. For, then, new troubles will begin. Whereby, they who have blamed bin. Shall fuffer much : But, they fhall beare Mofl burthens, who mofl guilty were ; And, many, then, who now defpife Thefe Lines, will think them Prophecies. Then, fhall they feek, and crouch, and bow, Who are moft proud, and furely, now ; Petition long, without regard ; Make prayers, which will not be heard ; B And, And, find as little mercy, then, As they have fhowne to other men. They, from Mhefword fhall thither flie, Where they for want of bread fhall die ; Or, hoping Famine to avoyd, Be, by the Pejiilence, deftroy'd ; Or, (that they may one forrow fhun) Into a hundred mifchieves run. And, find no reft, till they repent "YYi^vc pride, or, meet due punifhment. Then, fhall \h& principles that lurk Within mens hearts begin to work. Upon their humours ; and, purge out Much poyfon, now difpers'd about Through eve'ry Member : yet, at firft, That, fhall feem beji, which would be worji, And, few men be fo wife to know. What they were beft refolve to do. For, you fhall in a Medium ftand, 'Twixt -^gyt, and the Holy-Land, As in fufpenfe, whether to make A progreffe thither, or turn backe To your old fervitude, or worfe : And, that will feem the fafeft courfe, Unleffe the Majlers of your School Shall take the counfell of a Fool ; And be direfted and advis'd To aft the thing they have defpis'd. Which if they do ; your foes fhall be Your friends ; and both be fafe and free From what is fear'd ; and, live together A mutuall ftrength to one another ; Whofe faSlions, if they long endure, Will prove ^. plague, without a cure. But, mark (oh City !) mark this well ; f'Thou, who doft all this Realm excell, In Jin, and virtue) That, when thou Shalt fee thy Trujiees partiall grow In doing Jujlice ; with refpeft Oiperfons ; and, with high negleft Of truth SLXid judgement : Then, unleffe The m.ercy and the righieoufnejfe Which thou pretendeft, fhall encreafe To fortifie thee in that peace Thou yet injoy'fl ; and, teach thine eyes To fee, wherein thy/a/ety lyes : (8) Thou, wilt but trealure up toy jiore, To make thee miferably poore ; Grow, by a netv-Militia ftrong. To ruine thine owne ftrength, e're long ; Draw, day by day, occajions hither. Of difcords, and oi plagues together ; Till all the plagues, through Britain fpread. In thee, be gather'd to a head ; And, break upon thee, in conclufion, To thy difhonour, and confufion. E're long the welfare, of this Land, Upon a ticklifh point will ftand ; And, at that time, if you perceive The Body reprefentative, Aft by two Faftions ; and, admit Their Grandees, to invaffall it To their defigns ; and captivate Their equalls : you, fhall after that Find little comfort, till you fee Extrafted a third Party bee From out of thofe, to fearch into Their aftions, and with courage do As they finde caufe : But, then, you fhall Perceive a turne will joy you all. And to draw neerer to the But, At which, all thefe our fhafts are fhot, When, thofe two Diamonds of this Land, Which are the bafis, whereon ftand The publike-welfare, polifh fhall Each other ; and, quite rub off all The rotten pieces, rags, axidflawes, Which difefteem upon them drawes ; And, perfeft make, in ev'ry thing, Our ancient threefold Gimell-ring, That's lately broke ; Then, you fhall fee A change, that worth your praife will be : And, he that gives you ftones to crack, (Which caufe, perhaps, your hearts to ake) Will, when that bleffed feafon comes, Give you a difh oi fugar-plumbs. But, know, that while this Emperie Neglefts her Triple-Trinitie ; To wit, three Realms, beneath one Throne ; Within each Realm, three States in one. And GODHEAD one, in Perfons three, You fliall not without troubles be : Or, Or, poffibly attaine to that Which your well-wilier aimeth at, Till, you fhall, purely, God adore ; And to the common ufe, reftore At leaft th' Effentials of that power Which makes your Earthly-faving-Tower. Which much th.Q Jironger, might be made And fairer too, if you could add To ftrengthen and adorn the fame, Some parts of the Venetian Frame. And, know ; that, when a Declaration, As publike, as a Proclamation, Shall offer to confideration. The many failings of this Nation ; If, then, you feek not frefervation, ^y prayer, and humiliation, And, by a ferious Recantation ; GOD, threatens fudden defolation. Now, muck good do' t you ; And, yet, ftay : Before I fend you quite away. Take thefe blanch'd Almonds without _/%^/j, f Whereto are added nothing els But, fome few kernells in ^&vc Jlones) For, though they feem but bitter ones, Yet, if you tafte them, we believe They'l prove a good prefervative. Firft, chaw on this ; that, you in vain. Seek, here a bleffed peace to gain, 'Y''^ jujiice, and till mercy, more Advanced be, then heretofore ; And, till you fhall have more regard To punijhment, and to reward. Next, know, as vainely you prefume Informed, rightly, to become In things oi faith, whilft you depart From what is written in the heart ; And, a6l contrary to the natures. And Lawes, of reafonable creatures : For, how fhall they who cannot learn Things morall, things divine difcern ? Next, be inform'd ; ev'n you, who had The righteoufl caufe ; that, you have made Defaults enough, to let all fee The beft had need forgiven bee : And, let that make your hearts inclin'd To pardon all, in whom you find 9) Th.2X penitence •^\ixQh. doth intend Crimes pafl:, fmcerely to amend : Yea, if ye mean, in peace, to live, Let all ftrive, who fhall mofl forgive ; That by fo doing, all may move Each other, to a mutuall-love ; Which grace, they onely are deni'd. Who could be true to neither fide. And, laftly, let no more defpights Unto your Fundamentall-rights, And, Conflitutions, now, be done : For, if the Ground-worke, be overthrowne, What, can the wife, or juflman do ? What to fuftaine it, add thereto ? ' Or, what will councell be, but wind, To them, whofe ruine is defign'd ? Some, little hope is left : And, yet, Lefb no effeft, our words beget, That, then, the times to come, may know A Mejfenger was fent to fhow What would befall this age, before It came to paffe. This one pearl more. Is caft before you,) without fear Of fuch, as would in pieces tear) Obferve it well, O Generation, Regardleffe of thy vifitation. When, you have had hard work to do. And, added _;?z'^, to forty two; You fhall perceive a good Play fpoil'd, And, by unworthy ASlors, foil'd ; The Scoenes tranfpos'd, the Alls confus'd ; The Poet fhamefully abus'd : The firft intention of the Plot, By thofe confufions, quite forgot : Yea, them, to Tragick-ASls defign'd. Who enter'd with a Comick-mind; And, then, what nov/ our eye fore-fees, (Like him, who faw men walk, like trees) Shall be difcover'd, by that light. Which, never doth deceive the fight. Then, they who mark it, fhall perceive Your Politicians, will contrive Their own indempnity, whilft they Pretend for yours ; that, fo, they may Secure themfelves, from anfwering that, Whereby, they have abus'd the State : B 2 And, (lO) For, 11 i^uiijin,i.urei idiic iiiui iiuL, Who hath confider'd well the plot, (And, whofe fore-warnings, none believes. Till 'tis too late), he plaine perceives A Storm will in the South be bred Whilft you a NortJurn-TempeJl dread, And conjur'd hither, by fome Fiends, Who, feem to have much better ends Then they purfue : And, then, unleffe J U D A H, and I S R'E L ftiall confeffe 'Y\i€vc Jinnes, and, reconcile, betimes ; Manaffes pray, repent his crimes Unfainedly (as David did. When, from Jerufalem he fled) And, with full refolution, do What, prudence would advife him to : The Babylonians will confpire With Amalek ; your neighbour Tyre Shall (as z. Jlie fpeSlator) ftand. To take advantage under-hand : And, by thofe means (when peace feems near j The troubles, which did firft appear In thirty nine, prolong'd will be, T'^ fifty two, a.nd fifty three. And, what new courfes will be took. When thofe yeares wheel about, Go look : For, here, already, we fore-fhow More, then you can deferve to know ; Till, you more lovingly fhall deale With fuch, as labour, for your weal; And, their eflates, and time, have fpent, Your likely ruine to prevent. Ere, GOD, his wrath on Balaam wreaks, Firfi, by his Affe, to him hefpeaks ; Then,fhewes him, in an Angells hatid, A fword, his courfes to vuithfland ; But, feeing, ftill, he forward went. Quite through his heart, a fword Jie fent ; And, GOD, will thus, if thus they do. Still deale with Kings, and Subjefts, too : Tliat, where his grace defpis'd is grown, He, by his judgments, may be known. Fiat Voluntas Dei. And, then (unleffe you can prevent The fraudfulneffe of that intent) They, who did moft their wealth increafe, By cheating you, will buy their peace; And, fell your Freedomes, unto thofe. With whom, they do defigne to clofe. Then, will fuch Juggling-tricks be plaid, That, publike-debts will nere be paid. As long, as either yb^i/i?, or knave. Shall have the power to give, or crave ; Or, they enjoy a Truftees place. Who have put on a Janus-face. Then, mofh men, plainely fhall behold, What, few believed, though fore-told. The nobleft/«r&, worft plaid fhall be, Till, men their errors come to fee ; Good-a£lion, fhall be much miftook ; Ill-meanings, will be fairely fpoke ; Some, for ill-doing, fhall have meeds ; Some, fhall have blame for lawfull deeds. Some, perfonating double parts. With double tongues, and double hearts. Shall, from one fide, to to'ther run, Till they are fcorn'd of ev'ry one. Fools, Clownes, and very dunghill things. Shall a6l the parts, oi Lords, and Kings, Till, few know what to do ox fay ; How to command, or to obey. Your Fountain fhall be turn'd to puddle ; Yea, all reduc'd to fuch a huddle ; That, your Ill-willers will be glad ; Your much abus'd SpeSlators mad ; And, in their furioufneffe go near The Players rags, from them to tear ; Or, pul the Stage, and Play-houfe down ; Unleffe a med'cine, yet, unknown. Be foon appli'd : Or, on the Stage, (To flop the peoples rifmg rage) Some quick-devife, a.nd pleafing-firaine. Be brought, to charm them down againe. With which Catafirophe, we pray. The Tragedie, conclude you may. And, fee the Sccenes, and A£ls, to come, Leffe bloody, and leffe troublefome ; GoD eXpeCteth oVr repentanCe, gIVIng eXpreffe Warnings InVItIng there Vnto ;; haVe earLIe refpeCt therefore, Vnto sVCh VVarnlnp-s anH r^nAnt n-^t- flelghtLIe yoVr offensive Vanities. 12 [1648.] A Single Si Quis. [Hazlitt, NO; 42.] (O A Jingle SI Q V I S , and a qtia- druple Q V E R E, with the Oc- cafions of them , prefented to the Members of the honorable Houfe of Commons , touching a Petition , with certain Verfes annexed, and lately layd at their feet in the f aid Houfe of Commons , by Major G. W. The SI Q U I S , and the Occafion of it. THat day, in which Viftorious Cromwel fent His firft Exprefs, (to your great wonderment) Of Hamilton^ Defeat ; which, whileft a Scot Shall be remembred, will not be forgot : Ev'n on that Day, before your feet I fpread, A fad Petition, humbly prefaced. By thefe enfuing lines ; He that is projlrate on the floor, Lies there, whence he can fall no lower: So does this Orator of Your. Petitions, he, hath oft conveyd Into your hands ; yet finds no ayd Thefe, therefore, at your Feet are layd. A Where (2) Where, let them not negleSled lie. Nor, unregarded, throw them by, But view them with a gracious eye. And, let our Parents not provoke Their Children, till offence be took, By which, their patience may be broke. Conjider thofe, who lie below ; For, you Jhall reap, what you do fow ; And, find fuch mercy, as you /how. Refrejh their fpirits, who are fad. As God, this day, hath made you glad, By thofe good tydings you have had. Among the refl, this Beadfman here. That feels the wants, which they but fear, Who, dread tHeffedls of this moyft year. And, blame him not, that, thus hefltows His Caufe, as well in Verfe, as Profe, And, in a Path untrodden goes. For, fcarce, Earth, Water, Air, or Fire Enjoys he ; or, wherewith to hire. That Pittance Nature doth require. A nd, men in danger to be drownd Lay hold on any Trifle found, To reconvey themfafe a ground. But, his annexed Paper view. And let him favor' d be of you. As, that, which it avers, is true. And, if for that, which he prefers His fuit, there fiand Competitors, Let it be neither. His, nor Theirs, But, as mofl equitable, it appears. Thefe (to my Prayer fixed) for your view, I left upon the Pavement, and withdrew ; [3] In hope fome kind hand, would have been extended To raife it, that my Ca74fe might be commended To free Debate. But, fix days, now, are gone. And, God, fince then, the favor late beftown Doubles and triples upon you ; yet, I Still at your door, unheard, unheeded, lie ; And find not fo much as a Friend, by whom To learn, what of thofe Papers is become. Of ^nw3±e fearches, therefore, being wearie, I fet up now, a Si quis, and a Qucsre, And, thus, it follows here : If any man, " Who Jits, within your Walls, inJlruSl me can, " How I may know, what hand conve/d away "My Ytz.y&'c from your fight, upon the day " Of your glad tydings : Or, if he thatfeiz'd " Thofe humbled Papers, will be nobly pleas' d " So to produce them, that, I may obtain " Due remedy, for what they do complain ; " Itjhall beget a fervant, who willftrive " To merit thofe Occafions it may give " Of ^A^^'obligement : And, for his reward, " Shall gain him Prayers, too ; which will be heard "For him, and his, perchance, when feel they may, " What 'tis to be negle6led, when we pray. But, whatfoe're effefl: vouchfafed be ; God blefs the King, the Parliament, and Me. The quadruple QUERE, and the Occafion of it. Your Houfe receiving notice, twelve moneths fince. Of my long-fuffrings, and known Indigence, (Occafion'd by yo\xx fervice,) thought it fit. To fome felefted Members, to commit The finding an Employment, to fupply Subfijlence, till, my great neceflity Might be removed, by difcharging that. Which is yet owing, to me, by the State : And, having long, without fuccefs attended, I now, at laft:, by them, am recommended To [4] To ferve as one of thofe Commiffioners, By whom, Supream Authority confers Wine Licences. Wherein, fince, there appears. With me, nor few, nor mean Competitors ; And that the Place, hath been afperfed by Some, lately, as a Grand-Monopoly. I humbly make thefe Queries. " Firjl, Whether he, that hath fufpeSled bin. " To hate that Caufe, which you ingage us hi, " Standing Competitor with him that's known " To hazard for it, more then all his own ; " Can be prefer'd, without a wrong, to you, "And an incroachment, on the others due? " Next, Whether, a Competitor defam'd " For breach of Trufl, (by whomfoever nam'd,) " Ought rather, by your Votes, to be befriended, " Then he, that to your Houfe is recommended " By your own Members f and, 'gainfl whom, no man " Exhibite, juflly, an Impeachment can. " Then, Whether, he your Grace deferveth befi, " Who hath for you, lofl all his interefi, " In outward things ? Or they, whofe wealth is more " Since thefe Diftraftions, then it was before f "And lafily. Whether ought may be comprizd "Among things, judgd, to be Monopoliz'd, " When all the profits, which from thence arife, "Are brought into the publike Trefuries ? " And, whereof, neither one alone, nor few, "But ev'ry man receives his proper due. Confider, I befeech you ; but of thefe Few Queries, and then do as you fhall pleafe : For, though my hopes in thefe poor fuits may fail, Yet, in my noblefi ayme, I fhall prevail. Yea, ere this Land hath reft, a day will be, In which, there fhall be fome regard of me ; And, wherein, that, which is perus'd with Jeers, Shall fill the\r fcornful Readers full of Fears. Fiat Voluntas Dei. G. W I T H E K. Vaticinium Caufuale. [Hazlitt, No. 6o.] VATICINIUM CAUSUALE. RAPTURE Occafioned By the late Miraculous Deliverance OF HIS HIGHNESSE THE Lord Protestor, From a Defperate Danger. With, a NOVERINT UNIVERSI, in the Clofe. By Geo : Wither, Efq; Whofo dwelleth in the Secret, of the MOST HIGH, /hall abide in the ftiadow, of the ADMIGHTIE. LONDON, Printed for T. Rate life, and E. Motterjhed. 1655. (>) _S_.S._2__2. -S-JS. _2E__SL -IL..^ _S_ JS. _S__^ RAPTURE Occafioned By the late Miraculous Deliverance OF HIS HIGHNESSE THE Lord Prote(Stor With, a Noverint Univerji, in the Clofe. Will not let this, flip into the Dark, Or keep the Light, without a fpecial mark : For, when GOD A5ls, or /peaks, each Word and Deed. Should be obferved, with fome vfeful heed. That, which hath hapned, cannot be undone, Or ly conceal' d\ For, many Lookers on, A And (2) And, ( fome, who love to trumpet forth Mi/chances, With Defcantings, on all their Circumjlances) Have publfh'd what befell. Thence, ^2^w^«r fpreads ; Puts various Fancies, into Peoples heads ; And every one draws Ufes, or, applies As Malice fools him, or. Love makes him wife : But, Providential favours, are expreft, As well in worjl, Events as in the bejl; And, they who know not this, will never finde The Ports of Comfort, with an Adverfe-winde, When he that heeds this, fleers through all Events, Or, Cenfures, without fears, or Difcontents : Then, as a Secret, why fhould we difclofe From man to man, what ev'rybody knowes f And, put the jealous Vulgar, in a fear There's fomewhat done, not fit for them to hear ? Why, is it whifperd, flill, as if, to be Surpriz'd by thofe things, from which none are free, Difhonour on his Highneffe could be throwne ? Or, as if him, it misbefeem'd to owne That A6lion, which occafion'd an Event Producing, fome external Detriment ? Or, why it is conceiv'd, as if, to Us, Or, unto him, his fall were Ominous ? Is it not good, we fhould have, now and then, Somewhat to minde us, that we are but men ? And, that our trufl in Princes, gafping lies In ^zXfhort blafl, which from their noftrils flies ? When he did Fall, was it not wondrous well, That, from hisy^^^, into GODS's Armes he fell ? And, that, He falling, fell not in fuch wife, As they, who Rife, to fall; But, Fell, to Rife? And (3) And to Arife with an improvement too, By TkankfulneJ/e, for having fcaped fo f As alfo, with that Mark, upon him fet, Of being GOD's efpecial Favourite? If, what befell, muft needs be underflood As Ominous ; why, fhould it not of Good, An Omen be ? (as I beleeve it will. Much rather, then prove Ominous for ill ? For, who can think, that. He was faved from A Mi/chief, that, to Mifchieves he might come ? Or, that. We, by his fafty, from the Curfe Oi Anarchy, are faved, for a worfe ? Or, that, when Mercies GOD, is pleas'd to fhewe. They do portend fome Evils to enfue ? What Inference more wicked, can be brought ? What VSXQ1X& prophanely ! what, more vilely thought ! Tir'd with continual Cares, (va. hope, to finde Refrejhments, by Diverfions of the minde^ 'E.r'&ferious thoughts, were wholly laid afide. He grasp'd thofe Raines, which, he had often tride To mannage heretofore, with good fucceffe. When, Small things he more minded ; Great things, leffe : And, though he fped not, as in former time. His An:e, was not unfeemely ; nor a Crime, As they fuppofe, whofe Memorie forgets. What, others, or, what, beft them/elves befits. For, 'twas not judged an Unprincely Game, To drive a Chariot, when th'Olimpian Fame, Was thirfted after ; And, when on that Hill, Kings, with their Equals, therein fhew'd their skill; And wrapt in Clouds, rais'd by their horfes heeles, And, Thundrings, from their furious Charret wheeles, A 2 Were (4) Were emulous, the high-priz'd Wreaths to wear Belonging to the skilfull'ft Charioteer. And, what detradlion, from the Reputation Of Princes, is that Manly Recreation, More now ? or, then it was, when, Charles, of late, For his difport, upon the Coach-box, fate ? (As many times he did) and not difdaine To let Inferiours, ride in Charles his Waine ? Or, what Difhonour is it, that, through one Mijhap, he fail'd, of what was, oft, well done f It was not want of skill, to ufe the Raine, That flout, and chaft Hippolitus was flaine : But, an unlookt for, dreadful Apparition, (Of purpofe rais'd, to haften his perdition^ Frighted his horfes ; which, with headjlrong furie. Their Driver, from the Beaten paths, did hurry Among the Rocks : And, what, thereon befell, (The Storie is fo known) I need not tell. Yet, this I will obferve, f^to make the Fable, To my Intention, further ferviceable) That, though afunder dragd, his Members were. It magnifide his Wifdome, Love, and Care, Who made him found, more then it harmed him, Who had that hurt : For, every fcatter'd Lim, Was re-united, without detriment In any kinde, by that difmemberment Only, to Virbius, from Hippolitus, His name was chang'd, as, it befall eth us. When, from our Selfnejfe, we are rent and tome. To be Regenerated, or New-borne. And, fo (I hope) when we have fum'd up all Which, to his Highneffe hapned, by his Fall, His (5) His gaines, will be much greater then his cojl; And, nothing, \ywt felf -confidence, be loft. This, by the way : now I to that will come ; Which mov'd me, on this fubje6l toprefume. A free Officiou/nefie, doth me employ To be, this once, inftead of Philips boy, Who, ev'ry morning, call'd on him to minde That, he was Mortal, and of humane kinde : F'or, though his fad difafter hath of late. In likelihood, remembred him, of that, It will not be amiffe, that, I ingage His Caution, further, by this furplufage ; Left, though his Piety, fhall him incline To do his duty, I may faile of mine, Who think my felf oblig'd, when I ftiall fee Occajion, his Remembrancer to be, As I have bene to others ; who, thereto Gave leffe regard, then he (I hope) will do. As GOD, hath often fhown, 'twas he, that, arm'd His head in battel ; and, preferv'd unharm'd His Per/on, when the chance of Warre he tride. And thoufands flaughtered fell, on ev'ry fide : So, he now gives a new Experiment, That, it is he alone, who doth prevent, The Danger of his Peace ; and, that, there are Perils inclofing him, when none appeare. It doth informe him, with d^filent tongue. What warineffe, doth now to him belong More then in former times ; and, that there are Afwell in his Retirements, as in Warre, Cards, Sentinels, and Watchings, neceffary With ftridlneffe to be kept ; left he mifcarry. Moreover, 7 (6) Moreover, it informes, that, had he none Maligning him ; Ev'n he Him/elf, alone. Might be his own Dejlroyer ; by forgetting Due Care : Or, elfe, by aBing, or omitting Such things, as have a very nigh relation, Either to Danger, or to Prefervation. It calls on him, to minde, how many wayes, And meanes there are, of cutting fhort his dayes If GOD, prevent not : yea, it calls on him, Both, to redeeme, and husband well, his Time ; And, loudly calls ; that, for the Mercy fhowne, It may, in fhewing Mercy, be beftowne : That, they, who of his yujiice, well beleeve. May bleffe him, for the Comforts, they receive ; That, they, who, in his ruine would have joy'd, May rather wifh, their own Defignes deftroy'd ; And, that, the BleJJing, may be carried on. Which, his, and our Protector, hath begun. It likewife, calls upon us all, to heed Both our own wayes ; and how, GOD, doth proceed ; Chiefly, in what, of late, vouchfafed was By his applying oi preventing Grace, For his Deliverance, in whofe life confifls The likelieft Gard oi publike Interefls ; And, which, includes, of Mercies, yet to come. Another Pledge : and, as it were, theftm Or, brief Epitome, of all things done For our availe, fmce firft the Wars begun. My contemplating of his Dangers-pafi, Makes them feeme great : yet, it hath made this lafl. Exceed them all ; and fo great to have bin. That, furely, had not, God himfelf, ftept in. To (7) To bring him Succour, fuddenly from heav'n ^o/afeiy had been found ; no Quarier giv'n. Thus have we feen, a tender Mother, run f^Or, rather fly^ when her dear only Son Was innocently playing in the ftreet ; And fnatch him, from among the horfes feet Indangering his Life : Thus, have we feen A Loving Bridegroome, throw himfelf between Death, and his Bride ; and bravely fetch her from A Peril, which was defperate become. To tell this Danger, were to tell you that, Which I can better Fancie, then relate ; And, which (as I conceive it) cannot well Be better fhowne, by any parallel. Then when a brave Ship, on huge Billowes toft, With Sails full-fpread, Helme broke, and Ruther loft, Is by a ^xongjlorme, in the darkeft night, Forc'd to dijlrange Coajl, with a winde fore-right, Upon the Rocks, which over-hanging, lie. The foming Flouds, a hundred fathomes high ; Where, every Wave, all cries for help, out roares ; Threating deftru61;ion, both from Seas dinA Jhoares : Where, can be feen nor Earth, nor Heav'n, nor Light, But dark blinde wayes, to everlajiing night ; And, where, no fuccour, finde admittance can By all the Power, and all the wit of man. By this Defcription, you, perhaps, may gueffe From what a depth of defp'rate dang'roufneffe His Highnejfe was repreev'd ; and, who, alone Muft, then, be his Deliverer, or none. Thence, you may likewife, gather, if you will, ( And not continue blinde, and froward, ftill) Who (8) Who takes charge of him ; Whom, they do oppofe ; Who without caufe, at this time are his Foes ; And, for what end, fuch aids vouchfafed be In great immergencies ; And, fo may HEE. Oh / let us, therefore, better now, improve The evidences of Eternal Love, Then we have done : and, let his Highnejfe, minde, How bountiful, how gracious, and how kinde. Our GOD hath been to him ; that, fo he may Unto his People, part thereof repay. In love to them : Let him remember, too. Had he mifcari'd, what had been to do : What, likely to be fuffer'd ; not alone By /ome of us ; but, ev'n by every one, Who breaths the Britijh aire ; and, not defpife This Counfel, though the Giver feeme unwife. Yea, let it be confider'd, (to improve A hafh'ning, unto Unitie in Love) What fad Confujions, had anew been hurld. Upon this much unfetled Britijh world, (And, upon others, whom we would refpeft) If, what was almoft done, had took effeft. Let this great Mercy, never be forgot; Chiefly, of him, who hath the largeft Lot In this Deliverance ; Left worfe he fpeed. When of a Helper, he fhall ftand in need. And, let it make him, more to haften on That, which his Prudence prompteth (hould be done ; Left, fome fuch Humane Cafualtie prevents The manifefting of his good Intents, And gives his Foes, occafions to beleeve (grieve. Their owne vaine thoughts ; And makes his friends to I doubt (9) I doubt not, what I counfel: If I did, It had with me, in mine own heart, Iain hid. But, He, who me emboldneth unto this, Perfwades me, that my aims, I fhall not mifs : Gives me, for earnejl of them, a pre/age, Of healths Returne, with future Tutulage : Shews me, by what conditions, he may gaine Th' EJhabliJhment, he labours to obtaine ; And {/ecrei things conjider'd) bids me, tell him, 'Twas Mercy, not a Mi/chief, that befel him .- That, alfo, there are greater Mercies, yet, For him, referv'd ; if he fliall not forget This Favour ; nor the Vowes, and Protejiations, Made heretofore, to GOD, and to thefe Nations : Affures me, that, on thefe Conditions lies. The higheft glory, whereto he can rife ; And, that, if he efcape the Jtumb ling Jiones, Environing th'Afcent, to Earthly Thrones, He, without fear of any harme, fhall tread On Vipers, Afpes, and on the Dragons head: That, Emperour to ftile him, fhould not better His happy Lot, or make him ought the greater ; But, rather feeme, a foolifh over-lay Of pureft Ophir Gold, with common Clay. Thus, otherwhile. Remembrances I fcatter. As, GOD, and Man's proceedings, offer matter; Not without fome difcernable effe£l : {Though neither they, nor I, gain much refpe5l.) For, on my Self, they have an operation Not needleffe ; yea, the leffe good acceptation,^ B They (lo) They have with others, they, thereby, to me The more effectual, fometimes rendred be ; And, teach me to be quiet, and to beare What misbefals me, with more Joy, then Care. Thus, when the Bowes ^/Malice are ful bent. And, /toys' ned {ha.(ts, made ready to befent Againji th' upright in heart ; /, interpofe yimerwa! s JJieild, fometimes, unknown to thofe Whom itfecures ; and, when, for what was done. Others, with all the thanks, away have gone. Longfince, withfuchlike Spels, ««af Charmes as thefe, I did affay, to cure the Kings difeafe ; But, either, he was over-deaf to luare, Or elfe, notfirong enough, my Charmings were. Oft, afterward, Ifung unto the State, Some Leffons which, when Hwas a day too late. Were called for ; and frequently there fell Much ill to me, for wiflting others well. Sometimes, I, to the Common-people _/ffl^/(? Toflill their madneffe ; and, oftfoole, and riddle To make them wifer : but, with little gaines. To them; and, loffe of labour, for my paines. And, now, to cliarme thofe, I endeavring am. Who feek to turne his Glory, into fhame. Whom GOD, hath honour d; That, I might make leffe (If poffible) their fottifh bruitifhneffe, Who wound themf elves, through him ; and feoff and j ear At yitxcy , fJiown to their Deliverer, Infuch a Danger, as could be, by none Removed, but, by an Almighty-one. Vaine fons of men, how long, will ye defpife Good Counfel ! and, ftill, follow after Lies ! Not (lO Not knowing, or not heeding, that, GOD hath Maugre your Spite, your Envie, and your Wrath, Made him to be your Lord, whom you contemn ; To Supream honours height, advanced him, \ Laughs you to fcorn ; Turns al your oppojitions. To his advantage and your own perditions : Not heeding, GOD, hath given all thefe Lands ; All thefe three Nations, up, into his hands ; And, him, on them bejiowd; to make proof , whether He, or elfe They ; or, both of them, or neither, Will hearken to his Voice : that, he may do, What their proceedings will incline him to. Fooles ! 'tis not as you dream : But, whatfoe're He Was, or Is, or, fhall to you appear, GOD, from among your felves, did him, advance, To gard his Flocks, and his Inheritance ; To be a friendly comforter of thofe. Who are his Friends ; A terror to his Foes : And, what, you fret andflorme at, was not done, By mans defignments ; but, by GOD, alone. Through all thefe Iflands, be it therefore known ; And, to la;// perfons, every where, which own. Relation to this Empire ; that, by him, Who hath difpofe of every Diadem, ((yScepters, Crowns, & Thrones) the change was made, Which did remove the Government we had; ( When our great fins deferv'd to be bereft. Of all thofe Priviledges, which are left) And, that, GOD, in meer mercy, did tranflate The Power, which was in other men, of late, To be with him intrufied, who is now Stil'd,your PROTECTOR. Know, likewife, that, you B 2 Are 13 (12) Are bound, by Law and Confcience, to obay ; And humbly at his Throne, your /elves to lay On thofe Conditions, only, whereon, he Hath your Protedlor, undertook to be. Moreover, Be it known, that, if hejhall Performe his Part; and, you perverjly fall Into rebellious a6lings ; or, not ceafe From thofe, which may diflurbe the common-peace ; His Sc&^t&r, fhall, perforce, your Jlif necks bend To that, which he doth Righteoufly intend ; And, either thereunto obedient make you, Or, therewith, bruife ; or, elfe, to peeces break you : Left, your perverfneffe, bring a Tirant hither. To break us ; never to be fet together. And, that, if prudently you do comply. He may, at lafl, improve his Sov'raignty, To make you farre more happy, and more free, Then elfe, you had been, or had means to be. And, now great OLIVER, to thee, likewife. Let this be known ; and, do not thou defpife The Publifher ; GOD, doth expert to have Honour from them, to whom he honour gave : That, fuch, who have the rule o're men, be juft : That, they their Vowes infringe not, nor his trull ; That, they confider, he beftowes large meafure. Of Power tipon them, not to a£l their pleafure. Or to fulfill their lufl ; but, doth inlarge His Bounty, that their Place, they may difcharge With Courage : T/iat, he Riches doth provide, Lefl Avarice, might draw their hearts afide ; Or, wants, to do injuflice, them compell: That, he gives honours, not to make themfwell Above 14 (13) Above their Brethren ; but, them, to exempt From what, may fall upon them, by contempt ; And, that, all thefe things, are on them, bejlown, Much more, for others fakes, then for their own. Know SIR, that, GOD, from perfons in your place, ExpeBs all this ; and thereto offers Grace, And Power, y^r asking : That, {what ere fome fay) He, none necefjitates to go aflray ; Nor leaves, nor hardens any {not the worfi) Till, Love to felfneffe, makes tJiem, leave himfirfi. If, this, thou well confidering, fhalt a£l Accordingly ; perform,ing thy Contraft, With GOD, and with his People; he,fhall then. Give thee the Love, and Hearts, of all Good men : Fixe thee as firmly, as the Rocky fiioares, Which fleight tJie Ocean, when itfoames and roares : And brighter make thy Fame, andfpread it more. Then any mans renowned heretofore : For, in Fames Book, thou maifl inrolled be Thefirfi, who, made a People truly free : -(4«flf firfh-borne, of thofe Viceroyes, who, fhall take TheirThxons from HIM, whofe Kingdomdownwillbreak, All Monarchies of Tirants ; with all thofe. Who, help patch up, the Clay and Iron toes. The Reliques of that Imagej which hath bin The prop of him, that's called, the man of fm. All this may be : and, if thou ff rive to go The way, that open lies ; It fliall be fo. Oh I lofe not this advantage, for a Buble, Which, in vain hope, begins, & ends with trouble. And, laftly. Be it known, {jiot by event Which may be to thy future detriment, But, 15 (h) But, by pre-caution) that, iffaile thou /halt Without this Peoples objlinate default. Of what they,juflly may from, thee expe£l. Who art advancd their freedomes to prote£l ; Orfhalt abufe thy Power, them, to oppreffe ; Or, leave them unreliev'd, in their diftreffe, So, that, they muji be fore d to cry, and call. To GOD, for help : GOD, hear, and help themfhall : Search what is done : And, though their former fin, Hath great, and full of ^^rovocaXions bin. He, for the prefent time, will paffe it by, And on thy failings, only, cafi an eye : Avenge their Caufe ; call thee, accom.pt to give, Of all thofe Favours, which thou didfl receive ; (Of that late Mercy, too, among the refl, Which hath occafiond, what, is here exprejl) And, with much indignation, cafl thee down, When, to its height, thy Confidence is grown. Yea, they, whofhall mofl flatter, and with whom Thou,fhalt, then, think mofifafe thou mayfl become, Will help deflroy thee: And, this,fhall to Thee A fad prefage, of thy deftruSlion be, Which, may be made a Prophecie Divine, Cy E verlafting Good, to Thee, and Thine. But, to his Saints, GOD, gives a bleffed clofe ; And, keeps his Vengeance, only, for his Foes. Thus, I have fhown, that, Mercy which produces Contempt in Scorners, came for better ufes .- Let it, by all, whom it concerns, be weigh'd ; And, when, I've more to fay, It fhall be faid. Geo. Wither. 16 [1658 or 1659.] The Petition, and Narrative. [Hazlitt, No. 71.] The Petition, and Narrative of G^^. IVitker'Eiq ; concerning his manygrie- vances and long fufferings ; with a Preceding Addreffe made to the Honourable Members of Parliament in their, fingle Capacities, to in- cline them to a fpeedy confideration of his Cafe in Parliament. Hodie Nobis, Cras Vobis. We are not few that fuffer ; and that may Tomorrow, be your cafe, that's our today (As now the Cards are fliuffl'd, Cut, and lay'd, And, as the Game fliall well, or ill be plaid. ) Give Loofers leave to fpeak, and, me for one, Who make at this time my Addreffe alone, Without your doors, within which, I, as yet Can, for my Prayers, no admittance get. Of feven times ten, to fpend years ten and feven In aflcing for mine own, I have been driven. And no refult obtained, but, Inftead Of Fi(h, a Scorpion, and hard Stones for Bread, Which fiU'd me full of thoughts, that getting vent Orecharge the Papers, which I would prefent. Yet, mufe not, if my Narrative it ftrain To an unufual length, and (hall fpeak plain : (wrong Wide wounds, mull have large Plafters ; when a Lafts many years. Bills of Complaint, are long, And, ftiarp words, may from him, be born withall Whofe Drink and Food are Vinegar and Gall. I, have but one Life, and that's almoft fpent; Let me not wait a time equivalent To three mens lives, or till the Cure I crave Comes, Phyfick-hke, to him that's in his grave. Nor let, by you, my Reafon, at this time Defpifed be, although you Height my Rime; For, who ere fleights a fuffrer in his forrow. Mine, or a worfe, may be his Cafe tomorrow. Or, ere the ftorms, now threatn'd, are paft thorow. I ufe not to make friends ; for I fuppofe In Parliament, men have nor friends nor foes, But as the cafe deferves ; at leaft, I know That if it be not thus, it fliould be fo; And, wilh he may with fliame requited be. Who wilfully wrongs others, though for me. All, which within your doors, lie a(k of you Is no more, then I freely would allow Ev'n to my greateft foe, and be afraid Of what might follow, if it were delaid. All my Requefts, without your doors have been But that fome one of you would carry in My fad Petitions, which I did in vain Intreat for, whileft four Parliaments did ralgn : For, evermore, the Commonwealths Affairs, Or, private mens more acceptable pray'rs Kept my Petitions out, though I attended From their firft fittings, till five Seffions ended. Though, many feem'd me, and my Caufe to own With good refpeft, and few men are more known. Some ftlU, pretended to be pre-ingag'd To others : Some, againft me were inragfd For perfonal refpe(£ls ; Some did profeffe They fear'd their own Inacceptableneffe Might wrong my Caufe : Some never were at leafure To do for any honeft man, a pleafure. Some, very often, promis'd fair, and much ; But, their, or my ill hap, was ever fuch That, fome croffe intervening accident, My hopes, and their performance did prevent And, one (as if I had been of a Nation Without your Pale) faid he knew no Relation 'Twixt him and me, obliging him unto That favour I requefted him to do : Which aiifwer, I, the leffe was pleas'd withal, Becaufe, he is a Major General; And, one of thofe, who (being raifed, by Pretending to the Common-liberty, ) Seem'd bound to have performed what I fought In Courtefie, or Confcience, as I thought. But, I, fuch fleightings very often fmother, And make good ufe of them, one time, or other. This favour, I, yet want : This to obtain By an expedient, (once tride, not in vain) I, once more now affay : For, though I hear My Foes, do both my Rimes and Reafons jeer, (And, that they are but laugh'd at, make their boaft) They have not gain'd their ends, nor are mine loft. By thefe Outbreathings, I, refreih my heart; They pleafe my friends ; fad mufings they divert, They will commemorate my honeft Caufe When all their grinning teeth, rot from their jaws : And, I, at them, who my deriders be Laugh, with as much fcorn, as they laugh at me, Becaufe, I know, their hearts, in fecret, fear Th' events of that, whereat their Tongues do jeer. And, that, at length. Time will a means provide, Both to befool their wits, and fliame their pride By things which they contemn. I'll therefore try How, Charmes of my defpifed Poetry Will work on you ; with hope, that they fliall finde Such acceptation, in the generous minde Of fome Heroick perfons, that I may Acquire, what I have fail'd of to this day, By having my Oppreffions, and Afiliftions (Which are without Hyperbolies, or Fidlions To you declar'd) there, fpeedily now read Where, they fliall juftly be determined. For, now the time is come, in which I, either Muft be repair'd, or ruin'd altogether, If he, from whom. Repairs I, oft have got (When I was nigh deftroy'd) repaire me not. Grant me, but that, which you would aflc to have, Were my Cafe, your; And I, no more will crave. Your fervant, Geo. Wither. To the Right Honourable, the Knights, Citizens and Burgeffes in Parliament Affembled. TJie humble Petition of George Wither Efq. ^He faid Petitioner hath fuffered fo much and fo long, by truJUng to the Publick faith [of this Nation, and their Securities given by AB of Parliament, that it hath much ^impaired his Efiate and Credit, and fo multiplied his troubles and grievances perti- ^■nent to your Cognizance in order to his Relief, that, he dares not offer them in this ^Petition, left it prove fo large, that at firfi view it may infringe your patience. \ Therefore, lie is conflrained to make way by this previous Addrefs, adjoyning tliereto an humble Narrative offome part of his fad fufferings, with a Series of his Caufe, as briefly Epitomized as aboi'e 16 years Opprefflons would permit; which Narrative he prays y^ Honours (as you defire GOD Jhould be propitious to you, and thofe whom you reprefent) to take into fpeedy confideration, lefl Redrefs either come too late, or may cofl twice fo much as will relieve him at this prefent: For, it will be no JnjufUce to take Cognizance of thofe Caufes out of Courfe, that will elf e be- come remedileffe, or fo hazardous by delay, as this Petitioners will be if deferred, whom perhaps, God hath permitted to be fo incumbred and infnared, as well for fome ends relating to the Publick, or to his own Glory, as for the faid Petitioners correllion. Juflice and Mercy are the chief fupports and Ornatnents of Kingdoms and Republicks ; and the G* Body which your Honours reprefent, confifb of Individuals, whofe prefervation being negleSied One by One the whole will be at lafl confumed. Otherwiles alfo Juflice negleiled, or InfufUce done to private men, occaflons Plagues to be infliBed on States and Publick perfons ; and it may be it hath fo fucceeded within our knowledge: For th^ five lafl Parliaments did Jhut private Complaints fo long out of this Houfe, to the remMileffe deflruHion of many, that thofe Parliaments were at lafl Jhut out of it, and deflroyed. Peradventure likewife, that GOD, who alone can make men to be of one minde in a Houfe, will not repair our breaches, untill failings be expiated by more acceptable oblations then fuch cheap and eafte Sacrifices, as formal faflings : Even by fome fignal Alls of Juflice and Mercy, feafonably, and impartial- ly performed for relief of perfons extreamly and notorioufly oppreffed; among whom, if there be any whofe prefent condition deferves more compaffion then this Petitioners, he is contented tliey fhould be firfi relieved. Your Honours will not wholly loofe your time, or labour, in hearing the annexed Narrative, or the proofs oftlie Petitioners Allegations which he fhall produce : For, his fufferings being well weighed with the advantages which he hath had iti feveral refpeSls, more then many other oppreffed men to vindi- cate his caufe, and that he hath notwithffanding been hitherto without relief; your Wifdoms may thereby obferve, the fad confHtution of thefe times, and confeSlure the miferable condition whereto many thou- fands of the faithfull fervants of this Commonwealth have been expofed, who had leffe means to make knoivn their Opprefflons ; and thence alfo may colleSl what is likely to be thefequel. Therefore, he again befeecheth your Honours ( nothwithflanding the length thereof) to take the faid Narrative into fpeedy confideration, and to grant the feveral Requefls thereto fubfoyned, as in Juflice, Equity, or compaffion you Jhall finde caufe; that GOD, who fiieweth Mercie to the Mercifull, may free you from your Ifuumbrances, and fo prof- per your confuUations, that all future Generations may call you BLESSED ; to which end this Petitiomr will continue his prayers. Geo. Wither. The The Narrative, and Series of the Grievances, offered by the forenamed Petitmter, in relation to the preceding Petition ; with his humble Re- quejis therett7ito fubjoyned. He faid Petitioner (who hath in his place, according to his Talent, been faithful! to the Supream power, in all changes, in order to an advance of the publick Inte- refl, peace, and fafety, ever fince the beginning of the late Wars) was the firft (being thereto called) that in thofe parts where he then lived, freely contributed to that Caufe, which feemed profecuted both for the King and Parliament ; the firft who there adventured his life as a Commander ; the firft, who was there plundered of fo confiderable an eftate ; and one of the firft, to whom the faid Parliament had made fo fair a fliev/ of performing their promifes and Engagements to thofe, who fliould fuffer in their fervice : yet he is likely (if ever) to be one of the laft, who ftiall be repaired : For, all their bloffoms have not onely been hitherto unfruitfull, but three times more vexatious and deftrudlive alfo, then the plunderings, and malice of the common Enemy, as will appear by what follows. It being proved to the Parliament, by an Inventory of the Petitioners loffes, attefted by many witneffes, that he was plundered in their fervice to his dammage in above zooo./. it was in Parlia- ment ordered Febr. 9. 1642. (above 16 years now paft) that he ftiould have 2000./. toward his repair out of the Eftates of John Denham Efq ; and other DeUnquents ; which Order, this Petitioner not being in k capacity to profecute efifeiSlually, without negledl of his duty, (he being then in adtual fervice) no more was by vertue thereof, by him received then 204./. 17.J. /^.d. or thereabout, above the charges in profecution; as appeared by a Report made to the Parliament, Feb. 18. 1646, by the Committee of Accounts for the Kingdom ; before which time, there was due to the Petitioner in principal money, befides what was formerlyreceived and refpited upon account, (and befide 1795./. 2.s. 8.(/. the remainder of the faid 2000./.) the fumme of 1681./. 15.J. Z.d. by Accompt (fully ftated;) and, that fumme was made forthwith payable to the Petitioner by feveral Warrants of the Lord Gen. EiTex, and the Committee of Safety, about fifteen years now paft ; a great part whereof the Petitioner had bor- rowed to pay his Troup, and hath payed Intereft for it to this day. After many years confumed, in tedious and chargeable folicitations concerning the premiffes, the faid Petitioners demands were by Order of Parliament referred to the Committee of the Navy, October 20. 1647. who examining them in every particular, found 3438./. i8.j. /i,.d. to be then due to this Petitioner (befide fome demands refpited) and ordered it fliould be fo reported to the Parlia- ment by Col. Thompfon, and that they thought fit it fhould be paid out of the Excife. That That Report (to this Petitioners great dammage) was not made untill about fix moneths after; by which delay, about half a Million (as the Petitioner is informed) was charged upon the faid Excife in Courfe, before any part of the Petitioners debt: the 22 of March 1647. the fumme of 1681./. i^.s. 8J. part of the forefaid 3438./. i8.s. 4.^. was by Ordinance of Pari, charged upon the Excife in Courfe, without mentioning Interefl. for any portion thereof; though all of it had been made immediately payable by Warrants many years before : Though, likewife, they who had ferved with the Peti- tioner at the fame times, in the fame places, under the fame Commanders, had either payment in ready money or Interefl, allowed untill they were paid : Yea, (which was a greater partiality) though 700./. of that debt was ingaged for, and lent by the Petitioner as aforefaid : But, this being fignified to the Parliament, it was afterward ordered, December 25. 1648. that 300./. more then was formerly gran- ted, fhould be paid to the Petitioner out of the Excife, with Interefl of 8./. per Cent, every fix moneths, both for the faid 300./. and for the faid 700./. part of the faid 1681./. 15.5. 8.^. untill the faid 300./. and 700./. were paid. The refidue of the faid 3438./. i8.s. 4.^. was made payable out of Difcoveries at Haberdafliers Hall, by an Order of the 15. of March 1647. but without effedl; becaufe the Petitioner could finde no difcovery, without putting himfelf to more coft and trouble then it would be worth. The Se- curity likewife which was given to the Petitioner for. the faid 300./. and for the Interefl thereof, to- gether with Interefl for the faid 700./. out of the Excife, proved of no force ; becaufe the Commons, who granted an Order, as aforefaid, for payment thereof (having added thereto a defire of the Lords concurrence therein) took away the Houfe of Lords, within fo few dayes after, that their concurrence could not be gotten. And the Petitioner being then put into fome hope, .that pay- ment might have been in fome part had out of Compofitions made under value, the faid Com- mons ordered again, the 26 of April 1649. that the faid 300./. and Interefl for the faid 700./. ftiould be paid unto this Petitioner out of Difcoveries at Haberdafhers Hall and out of Compofitions, as aforefaid made under value at Goldfmith's Hall; by which Order this Petitioner caufed 430./. to be brought into that Treafury; and about feven years after, when it had coft him near as much, he procured payment of 361./. 6.s. S.d thereof, by a Privy Seal out of the Exchequer. The faid Securities being fo ineffedtual. This Petitioner renewed his Suite to the Parliament, which (by means of fome not then his friends) referred the whole Caufe once again, (as if no former refe- rences had been made) to a Seledl Committee of Parliament, authorized to report how this Petitioner fhould be paid what they found to be due unto him. And that Committee reviewing all Demands and Receipts from the beginning found 3958./. 15. j. 8.d. to be then due to the Petitioner, with the Intereft, which would be due in March then next following, over and above what he had received, which they thought fit ftiould be thus paid, (viz) that the faid 1681./. 15.^. &.d. fhould ftand charged upon the Excife, with an allowance of Intereft of 8./. per cent, to be paid every fix moneths from the 22 of September then laft paft, untill the faid 1681./. 15.J. 8.d. fhould be fully paid. For the remainder of the faid 3958./. 15..^. 8.d. (as alfo in recompence of the Petitioner's long forbearance, and great expence in about feven years attendance) they thought fit, that the Mannour of Little Horkfly, (alias) Horfly Hall in Effex, & Wifton Mills in Suffolk, with the Appurtenances, part of the Eflate of the forefaid John Denham, ftiould be fettled upon this Petitioner and his Heirs, the faid eftate being valued in the Sequeftrators books at 240./. per annum. This Report Mr. Dove was defired to make to the Parliament : and this Petitioner is perfwaded, that if after fo many References and ftridl examinations in the like; or a leffe confi- derable Caufe, fuch a Report had been brought in behalf of any Member of that Parliament, or of any one of his Relations, a fettlement would forthwith have been made accordingly. But, fo ill was this Petitioner, at that time befriended (for what caufe he knows not, except for de- claring thofe truths which fome were not pleafed to hear of) nothing was done upon that Report, untill the fecond of January 1650. and then it was Ordered that the faid 1681./. 15.^. 8J. fliould ftand charged upon the Excife as before, but without mentioning my Intereft for the fame, tho' probably intended by the Parliament for the juft reafons afore expreffed ; and in regard it was not for the honour thereof to recede from what they had formerly granted without caufe. Neither was more then 150./. per ann. ordered tobefettled upon the Petitioner and his Heirs outof Mr. Denhams eftate, to to fatisfie the reft of the faid debt : which allowance (all things confidered) was after the rate of ma- king him pay above twenty years purchafe in ready money, for fuch land as he might have bought for much leffe then half that value. To make good in (hew, this allowance, a Provifo was added to the firft a(5l for fale of Delinquents Eftates ; And though neither of the forefaid payments were accor- ding to equity (as this Petitioner & many other, conceived) nor amounted to half that, which their own Committee had judged reafonable, and was granted by former Order of Parliament. This Petitio- ner thankfully accepted thereof, confidering the great debts and neceffities of the Commonwealth, and how difficultly Juftice was obtained in thofe times ; hoping the like ftridlneffe would have been pradtifed toward themfelves and their Relations (it being about the time of paffing their Self- denying Vote) which courfe would have faved the Commonwealth many Millions, as he believeth. But, the Petitioner was deceived in that hope ; And the Security which they then gave him for the faid 3958./. 15.^. S.d. at fo low a rate, did not onely prove no fecurity at all, but became an occafion alfo of damnifying him, in more than twice that fumme ; Infomuch, that, if he had remitted all his debts fifteen years ago, he had been probably at more quiet, and at leafl. 4000./. better in his Eftate at this day, and out of thofe hazzards which he is in, of utterly confuming the remainder of his Eftate, and loofing his credit by depending upon Parliamentary Securities, as will appear by what follows. For the faid 1681./. 15. s. 8.d. part of the faid 3958./. 15. j. 8J. hath been due as aforefaid above fifteen years ; which confidered, with the dammages by expences in fo long time foliciting for it ; the Interefts forborn during that time, with the hinderances which he hath had, and the advan- tages thereby loft (befide fo much precious time at the latter end of his life) the Petitioner ftiall loofe more then twice that debt, though he might receive the principal Summe tomorrow: and it being payable without Intereft but in Courfe, which Courfe hath been ftopped five years already, and -may fo continue ad Graecas Calendas, or till the 30th. of February, no man knows to what dammage it will amount. As for the refidue of the faid 3958./. 15.^. S.d. being 2278./. the Petitioner is likely to have worfe payment. For no more is given to fatisfie for it, but 150./. per annum out of a Delinquents Eftate, which is a Tide fo flighted ; that few, or none will lend a years va- lue upon a mortgage of the whole ; yet, the faid 2278./. which the Petitioner acquitted for it, con- fidered, with about fixteen years forbearance, heretofore, and other expences and dammages occafioned fince the Petitioner bought it, will amount to above fourty years purchafe in ready money ; nay, his bargain is far worfe then fo bad ; and inftead of Land or Rent for his money the Pe- titioner hath nothing but troubles and fuites, to the confuming of that Land & money which he had before ; & hath been damnified no leffe then as much more in his Credit; and in hindring the prefer- ment of his Children, when they fhould and might have been beftowed in Marriage. For, in purfuance of an Adl of Parliament, (whofe Securities and confeffions he thought to be the beft tenure in the world) the Petitioner took a conveyance of the 150./. per annum out of the Manour of Littie Horkfly aforefaid, part of the faid Mr. Denhams Eftate, above feven years now paft ; he therewith bought by the fame Deed Inrolled the remainder of the faid Mannour for 1645./. w"- he paid according to his Contradt; his faid purchafe was compleated according to every Rule in the Adl for fale of fuch Eftates ; the premiffes were warranted unto him by a Particular, to be in the prefent poffeffion of the Commonwealth ; there was no claim then allowed thereupon ; the time limited for allowing of claims, was elapfed above two moneths before he contrafled, and his Purchafe was compleated above four moneths, before any claim upon the premiffes was allowed ; he was put into peaceable poffeffion, then fetled his Family upon part thereof, and demffed the reft : yet, after all this, was fo interrupted whileft he held the fame, that he never made profit thereof to the clear value of a penny, and hath been now about five years ejedled; both out of that which was allowed for his faid debt, and out of that remainder alfo which he bought, without any recompence for the one or the otiier; to the indangering of ruining his family, in regard he hath fpent by mavoydable fuits and moleftations, 500/. more then he made of the faid purchafe whileft he was m poffeffion, and cannot yet be freed from further fuites, expences, and troubles thereby occafioned, though he be outed of all; and inftead of reftitution, is jeered (even by fome of thofe, who have put upon him that hard bargain) with Caveat Emptor, and fuch like fcoffing cautions; which leffons he (hould not ' have S have needed, if fatisfadlion might have been at the Petitioners own Eledtion, or if he had thought them in whom he confided to have been either Baggers, or Cheaters, who care not what become of other men when they have ferved their own ends upon them. But it was not in the Petitioners power to prevent this defedt; nor is it now in the power of any under Heaven to reUeve him but a Parhament. For, an A6t of Parhament (whereof the Petitioner could not prefage) was made long fince the faid purchafe, to allow of Claims formerly entred, without providing any faving of their Eftates who had purchafed according to a former Adl ; & there being a dormant Claim entred for a Leafe of the premiffes pretended to be made by the faid Mr. Deriham, to one Thomas Offly Efq. (which leafe is probably forged, to the defrauding of the Commonwealth of between 3 and 4000./.) the Commiffio- ners for allowing of claims (having no cognizance of the faid probable fraud) did allow fatisfaftion to be made to the faid Offly, out of the faid Mr. Denhams Eftate ; and thereupon the fame Truftees, who had formerly fold the premiffes to the Petitioner, for fo over-valuable a confideration as afore- faid, (though there was no negative, or affirmative Claufe in either of the faid A&s, to vacate their firfl. fale, or re-invefl. them with the Premiifes) did nevertheleffe fell them again to John Feilder Efq; (then & now a Member of Parliament) who had compounded for the faid Offlies pretended Interefl, at a great under-value, if it be real. They likewife conveyed it in Fee ; and continued there- with unto him, or to his Affignes, the faid Leafe to be kept on foot, whereby the faid Mr. Feilder doth knowingly defraud the State, both of the Tythes payable by the Freeholders and Cuflomary Tenants of the faid Mannour, and alfo of a Reverfional Eflate in the faid Mannour ; though the faid Leafe be not fraudulent : For, the premiffes were intayl'd, which difabled him to demife the premiffes for longer time then during his life : That tail is docked by Adl of Parliament, for the benefit of the Commonwealth ; and the Evidence which proves the faid Interefl of the Common- wealth, is a counterpart of the faid deed of Intail; which the faid Mr Feilder having gotten into his hands, to make the eafier compofition with the faid Offly, once produced it to juflifie a Claim againfl. the Commonwealth, and now concealeth it, to deprive the Commonwealth of the faid Reverfion. By thefe, and the like proceedings, this Petitioner hath not onely been wholly difpoffeffed of the premiffes as aforefaid, and ever fnice difquieted with vexatious fuites by the faid Mr. Feilder & his Agents, but the faid Mr. Feilder threatens him with other Adlions, and (lill continues one in the name of Thomas Tedeway commenced againfl this Petitioner, and for his further vexation, againfl this Petitioners fon alfo, who hath no Interefl in the premiffes, but, (being under age,) was onely in the Petitioners then dwelling houfe upon the premiffes, when a Leafe of Ejedtment was there fealed, and was upon that occafion imprifoned in the Upper Bench Prifon, to the Petitioners, and his Sons great coil and trouble. Upon the fame adtion the faid Mr. Feilder, or his Leafee, by help of an Ignorant Jury, (if not worie) hath lately procured a Verdidl for about 300./. againfl. the Petitioner and his faid fon for the mean profits of the premiffes for three quarters of a year, whereas the whole Mannour is worth no more by the year, and was never worth any thing to the Petitioner or his Son. That fumme or thereabout, this Petitioner is in danger to have added to his former dammages, though proofs were offered to the faid Jury, that what the faid Mr. Feilder, or fome for him hath received of that years profits for which he commenceth his fuit, in money, and in what ought to be abated for Taxes, and an Annuity paid out of it to an Hofpital by the Petitioner, amounts to almoU as much as is given by the faid Verdidl, and about as much more for the preceding year, the profits whereof were payable to the Petitioner. Thefe things added together and confidered, with what may probably follow before he fliall have relief, do evidence that this Petitioner is damnified and indangered, at leaft twice fo much as in likelyhood he fliould have been as aforefaid, if he had wholly remitted' the faid debts at the firfl;, For, it hath, bonafide, indangered the ruine of his Eftate and Family, expofed him to extream wan- ts and fcorns, rendred his life wearifome, made his honefty queftionable, by difabHng him to perform his Ingagements ; & nigh deftroyed his Credit, which is more dear to him then Ufe. Other grievances very confiderable he might juftly complain of; but they, who were heretofore moft obliged & moft. able to relieve him, have been fo deaf, or dead rather, to his greateft fufferings when he exibited his com- 6 complaints, that he is weary of complaining, and will not mention fmaller oppreffions ; moreover, he obferveth publick wants, and other private mens neceflities to be fo much, that he cannot in con- fcience expedl a total redreffe ; and he Ihall acknowledge it to the honour of your Juflice & Clemency, if at this time he may have but that competent Redreffe of his Grievances, which may difcharge his ingagements to others, for prevention of their wrong, without felling away from his Wife and Children that Eftate which is yet left ; and that he may not have caufe to repent his confiding in a Parliaments conceffions and Securities; which have hitherto onely increafed his dammages & troubles, with difgrace to his moft, fmcere endeavours, by making him feem richer then he was; & thereby caufing many to think him the leffe honefl, becaufe they faw he difcharged not thofe Ingagements, which his trufling to this Commonwealths Securities have incumbred him withall, to the dammage as well of other men, and of his dearefl. relations, as of himfelf. To which end, if this prevails not, he intends in this caufe never from henceforth to Petition any, but God onely, what- foever he fuffers : for he is confident it will be in vain, becaufe he Ihall then perceive that what he thinks to be right, or wrong, is not fo, not fo in the judgement of other men. In confideration of the premiffes (whofe reality will appear in the main, by the copies of fuch Warrants, Orders, and other authentick proofs, and Parliamentary conceffions, and fecu- rities as this Petitioner will produce if need be) the faid Petitioner humbly prays y' Honours, that the faid 1681./. 15.J. 8.^. (whereof about 300./. is due to fome of his Officers and Troupers and to others of the towns of Guildford, and Farnham in Surrey, for their quarters) may be forthwith paid unto him ; or at leaft the faid 300./. and 700./. with interell for the fame and the refidue hereafter. Or that fome other provifion may be made to relieve his prefent wants, & preferve his Credit. That, alfo, he may be reflored to his faid purchafe, with reafonable repair of his dammages unjuftly fuHained. That the badges of the fraudu- lency of the faid Mr. Denhams pretended leafe of the premiffes aforefaid to Mr. Offly (which this Petitioner is ready to offer) may be taken into confideration, in regard it may poffibly recover between three or 400./. to the Commonwealth, or a confiderable part of thofe fummes. That the faid Mr. Feilder may be ordered to produce the forefaid Counterpart of a Deed of Intaile made of the Mannour of Litde Horklly aforefaid and other Lands by concealment whereof this Commonwealth is defrauded of that right which it hath to a Reverfion of the faid Mannour & other Lands. And laflly it is prayed, that all Adlions and Proceedings at Law againft the Petitioner & his Son, concerning the faid Mannor, may be flayed, as alfo all other Adtions, whereby the Petitioners profecution of this Caufe may be obflru(fted, untill it fhall be heard, and determined in Parliament; with whofe final fentence as touch- ing any part of the premiffes, this Petitioner will reft fatisfied, and continue his prayers for your Honours. G. W. i6s9. Epiftolium-Vagum-Profa- Metricum. [Hazlitt, No. 73.] Epistolium-Vagum-Prosa-Metricum: OR, An Epiftle at Randome, I N PROSE and METRE. To be delivered, to all whom It may concern ; but, was firfl intended only, for two or three of the Authors Friends in Authority (if he hath fo many left) to medi- ate in Parliament, the Redrefs of his dejlru6li've Grievan- ces; in the exprefsion whereof, many Particulars of Publick Concernment are interwoven. When Juftice raigns, the Land dothflourijh ; When, 'tis unihron'd, the People perifh. The Author, is George Wither Efq ; Who, in writing this Addrefs, being tranfported beyond the fenfe of his Perfonal Sufferings, difcovers by a Poetical Rapture, that whereon the peace of thefe Nations depends; and, what IS, and what WILL BE, their y&flf Condition; as alfo, what New-Purgatories, and Fiery-Tryals, they are likely to pafs, if GOD's Mercy, pre- vents not : which that they may endeavour to obtain, their old Remembrancer gives them, once more, a Fore-warning ; refolving , this fliall be his Lajl Time , of founding them an ALARM. When Difrefpeds, to Wrongs doth Ruine adde. He, may be wife, whofeems a little mad ; And, in that FITfpeak things that needfull be To turn thofe men, that are, more mad then he. Printed at London, in the Year 1659. (0 Augufl lo. 165 9. Epijlolium- Vagum-Profa-metricMm : o R, An Epistle at Randome, In Profe and Metre. OUr Englijh Proverb faith, that Charity begins at home; and, this Divine Precept, Thou Jhalt love thy Neighbour as thyfelf, implies, that there ought to be in every man fuch a moderate and well-regulated felf-love, as may be a ftanding £uk whereby to regu- late his love to other men: Alfo, from this faying of Paul, He that provides not for his family, is worfe then an infidel; I do colleft, that. He w/w provides not for himfelf is worfe then a Beajl: It is every mans duty, in order to the prefervation of his Country, to preferve him alfo, as much as he can, who loves and (Indies the peace and welfare of it; and I knowing no man living, who afifecfls the welfare thereof, more then I do, may be culpable perhaps of unfaithful- nefs to my Country, by negledling my own prefervation. Therefore, that, I may difcharge the duty which I owe to my Country, my Self, and my Neighbours, by taking timely care of my own prefervation, (being at prefent in much hazard, and by none elfe regarded) I have fent abroad this wandring Epiflle to fetch in aid ; which if it come into fuch hands as I purpofed it fliould, and to whom I did firil, and principally intend it; then, you, who are now perufing it, are none oiihoie Idol-Gods, who are infenfible of thofe Prayers and Complaints, which are prefented unto them ; Or, one of thofe men in honour without underftanding, who are like the Beafls thatperifh : but, one in whom I hope to finde that Candor and Humanity, which renders men heedful and fenfible of their Neighbours Grievances: In that hope, and on that account onely, I am emboldned here- by to crave your furthering the prefentation of that my Petition & Narrative to this Parliament, which (if no other charitable hand fhall firfl undertake it) you fliall receive in Writing, to be prefented to the Houfe ; and alfo printed Copies of them for your private Information touch- ing my Caufe, with two Preparatory Addreffes, diredted to &iex^ Individual Member ofthefaid Parliament ; if you give me an encouragement thereto , after the receipt hereof, as I hope you will : for, if there hath been offered to this Parliament any Grievances, more confiderable then mine, ( all Circumflances and Confequences confidered) I will be contented they fliould call my Caufe out of their Houfe, and me out of this Commonwealth. I am inforced to fuch a Whimfie as this, becaufe , all my endeavours hitherto have been as in- effedtual, as if I had follidled the Statues in Weflminfler-Abby, or in White-hall Garden; and becaufe, alfo , I , ( having lately made tryal) finde no Member of Parliament , willing to offer unto it a Petition at this bufie time, though a little longer delay may prove deftrudlive to me , injurious to many, and difhonourable to this Commonwealth , wherein JufKce hath been already deferred ( as to a main part of my Grievances ) nigh 17 years : For, it will be no little dilhonour, nor a flight difadvantage thereto, if at fuch a time as this, a faithful fervant to this Republick, after fo long and great fufferings as mine, fhall not feafonably be indemnified from dangers and dama- ges (foly occafioned by her defective Securities and unperformed Ingagements) which will elfe de- ftroy him: efpecially, when large Indul^encies are granted to her malicious Enemies and notorious Offenders. Vouchfafe this Wanderer fuch refpedt as it fhall deferve; for, it begs not contrary to Law ; hath a Pafs, under my hand, who employed it, onely to prevent thofe Provocations ^Yiich may be occafioned by being flighted in a Perfonal Addrefs ; and I will take order that it fliall be no further troublefome then you pleafe, after it hath declared my Requeils. A 2 I (2> "I am in a fireight, from which none under GOD can deliver me, but 'Ca&fupreme Power of thefe Nations; whereto, though it be difficult to procure accefs, ('by reafon of thofe Infurredlions which are now begun) I am neceffitated to attempt it ; and do conceive that \hefnprenie Authority now in being is obliged to vouchfafe me Protefiion, yea, and HearingzxyA Relief 'm fome meafure, even at this feafon, which may feem unfeafonable. I adt in matters concerning GOD and my Soul, ac- cording to that meafure of Illumination which he vouchfafeth by his Word and Spirit, neither un- charitably judging, or inwardly difaffedling them who do the like : It is alfo my Primiple to fub- mit unto that civil Authority, which hath the moft vifMe Power, and to be A/^ive a.nd Pqffive un- der it, both for prefervation of the Common-peace, and oi my private irderejls, without much bufy- ing my felf in examining how rightfully, or by what means it got into the Throne ; confidering how difficult it is for z. private Per/on to difcover the Myjleries of State, with the many Intricacies wherewithal they are involved ; and how dangerous it is, to dive into thofe Whirl-pooles, where- in, are fo many contrary FluSluations. I content myfelf, with fuch aNotion thereof onely, as GOD brings to my knowledge ; who, hath by his ^F^r;/ informed us, that all Powers that be (whatfoe- ver they be) are of him : And , as I am injoyned obedience by his Precepts, to that which is in prefent being; fo, I have the pra^ife of the Apqfiles, and oi their Ma/lerCJIP/SThimlelf to vfur- rant it , who fubmitted to the Roman Monarchs in thofe times wherein they lived , in all Civil Matters, though they were Infidels, cruel Tyrants, and very wickedly obtained their Soveraignty. I am carried into this Digreffion, to prevent what I know, is fpoken privately to my difadvan- tage ; and therefore bear with my proceeding in it a little further. According to this Principle, I adled and fuffered with z.good Confcience, whilfl the fupreme Power -was divided betwixt the late King and Parliament : fo, I did, when it was fcly in this Parliament, and when GOD permitted Oliver Cromwelto ufurp it, by a Stratagem, for a CorreSlion due to our fins (and for our extraordi- nary ^;9>irmi?«/j, both by hisPw^a^zOT, our Own,3.ndotkermens, inthingsofhighefl concernment) I endeavoured, during that Permiffion, in my Place, and according to my qualifications, and by a Compliance, fo far forth as was warrantable, to preferve the Common-peace ; to continue a claim on the Peoples behalf, of their j ujl inter efl ; to divert him, from accepting of that whereof he was am- bitious, and whereto he afpired, whilfl. he pretended the contrary, (though with fome hazards to my felf, both in relation to him who well enough perceived my intention ; and of my reputation alio with many of them, who misjudged thereof) and to profecute likewife, a means of my deli- verance from thofe my perfonal Oppreffions, whereof I flill have caufe to complain. ' And ( my Confcience perfwading it was both lawful , and my duty to make tryal of that Power) I omitted no honefl; Courfe or Opportunity, to fignifie my Grievances, that I might obtain remedy. But I laboured with no more fuccefs, then if I had petitioned to the Dead : For neither by him who ufurped the Throne ( though by many References he pretended to do me Jufl;ice ) nor by any of his Affemblies called Parliaments, though I continually attended them ; nor, by his ComkU, nor by his Succeffour, could I procure fo much toward the obtaining of common JufUce, as to have one Petition taken into ferious Confideration ; yea, though I was alv/ays faithful (as I think my felf bound in confcience to be) to that Power which GOD permitteth for the time being, to reign o- ver us. Therefore, this Parliament, which he violently interrupted, being now again by GODs Mercy refl-ored ; and the DiflraSlions and Necefities of this Commonwealth, rendring it fo difficult as a- forefaid, to get admittance ior private Petitions, that I am yet without Relief, and likely to be quite dellroyed as to my outward well-being, before this Parliament, will in the ordinary courfe, without fome extraordinary means, take cognizance of my fad Caufe; I am refolved by this Expedient, and the Preparatories, which I think therewith ufeful, to make tryal, once more for ever, whether or no, there be in this Nation (as /yet hope there is) that Righteoufnefs and Mercy which eftablilh- eth Governments, and which is likely to reftore our loft Liberties, and free us iromprefent Burthens, and future Oppreffions : And, this Tryal, if it prove but as effeaual as my laft Expedients, to the two late ProteSlors, prefented unto them a little before the death of the firft , and the removal of the laft, will flaortly ^though it produce not what I reafonably exped) put an end at leaft to thofe vain hopes, which every day increafe my Confumption; and which have already, almoft everyway confumed 4 (3) confumed me, by long chargeable Sollidtations and numerous Petitions, hitherto taken into mens hands, and pockets, but not into their hearts. But, left my Petition, Narrative, and Preparatives afore-mentioned, which are the Foundation of this Epijlle, ra ay not herewith come to your hands ; and fo the true ftate of my Cafe be to you, in fome confiderable Circumftances unknown ; I will here infert a Copy of my Petition inten- ded to this Parliament. To the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England: The Humble Petition of Geo. Wither Efq. Sheweth, t-r^Hat, this Petitioners Demands and Kccom^ts being Jlated upon Oath bytkeCommitieeforAc- J_ compts,&LC. they were afterwards re-examined (a trouble rarely {if ever) impofed upo?i any other) by two Committees of Yzx'tiaxcifaX.fucceffively, (to wit) the Committee of the Navy, and a Seledt Committee. 2'hefaid Committee of the Navy, reported by Col. Thompfon, that, 3438 1. 18 s. 4 d. was then due to this Petitioner, befide forne Demands then refpited. 7 hat Report, not bei'rig brought into the Houfe until about fix months after {in which time, the befl pa}-t of amxWionwas, to this Petitioners damage chatged i7t Courfe before it) the fum of 16&1 1. 15 s. 8 d. h-C. part of the faid 2)^2)^\. was charged upon the'Ericde in Courfe, March 22. 1647. but, with- out allow ari£e of any Interefl, though 700 1. thereof {for whichthisVeiitiomx paid interefij was by him,ingagedfor,anddisburfedforthesta.ts; and though likewife, the rejl of the faid 16^1 1. was al- fo made immediately payable unto him, by Warrants ^r Orders about four years before, and due for fer- vice under the fame Commander, at the fame times, and in the fame places, for which his fellow-foul- diers had either prefent payment in ready money, or interefl allowed. This, being made evident, it was ordered Decemb. 25.1 648, that 300 1. morefriould be charged up- on the Excife, in confideration ofExpences and Inter eft before that day laid out, for thefaidioo 1. and that Interefl of %\. per CexiLffiould be paid every fix •ca.on&\s, both for the faid ^00 1. atui 'joo 1. out of the Excife alfo,from truit time, until the faid 2,00 1. and 100 l.JJiould be difcharged. To this Or- der, the Coticurreme of the Lords was defired; but about a week after, and before that Concurrence could be obtained, this Parliament took away the Houfe of Lords, and this Petitioner could never af- ter get Principal or Intereft, or thefaid Order to be allowed. Tlie remainder of the faid ■^a,2>ii 1. was the fame Vizxch 1647. made payable out of difcoveries at Haberdafher.s-Hall, and afterward by another Order out of Compofitions at Goldfmiths-Hall ; which not being effeSlual, this Petitioner after many tedious and chargeable 'Sio\i\cAa.^\oviS,, petitioned a- gain; and then this Fsxliament referred the whole Caufe, and the fnding out means for this Petitio- ners fatufaMon, to the faid SeleSt Committee, who found ^gs^ 1- ^5 s- 8 d. to be then due, and de- clared, that they thought fit, itfhould be thus paid, { viz ) that thefaid 1681 1. f}iotdd fland charged upon the Excife as formerly; and that interefifhouldbe paid for that whole fum (as in equity it ought) after the rate aforefaid,from the 2 2 ij/'Septemb. then laflpafl, until the Principal were paid; and that forthereflofthefaid^g^Sl. i<,s.id.. theref?tould befeitledupon this Petitioner and his heirs,Lands by them nominated, as they were valued in the Sequeftrators Books, whofe yearly valuation was 2 40 1. No Refult appearing upon this Report in a longtime after, this Petitioner once again petitioned, and upon the 2 ^January 1650, inflead of the fatisfadion lafl mentioned, it was ordered, that thefaid 1681 1. 15 s. 8 ^. part of thefaid ■i<)t,?> I. ffiould fland charged upon the"&x.6ie as before, butwithout mentioning any interefl, whether intended or not : if not intended , then both the money lent , and the refidue having been due above 16 years , yet payable but in Courfe , which hath been flopped above feven years,( without any certain termination of the faid Vio-^ ) is likely to be a payment amounting to many t/ioufand pounds lefs then nothing; and the payment which the Petitioner Juithfor tJie Remain- der, is worfe. For, by the fame Order, inflead of 2/^0 1. per an. according to what the f aid feledl Committee though reafonablct (4) f enable, he was to have but ii,o 1. per axmma fettled upon him the f aid Petitioner, out of the Eflate of ]o.'Dtnh.a.mEfg; for fatisfafiion of theremainder,of the faidi%%\.whichLa7ids {all things confide- red) he was to pay for, at 40 years purcliafe in ready money, whereas he could have bought for lefs then eight years,the like Lands; yet, this Petitioner accepted thereof, and had the faid i^o\. per annum, conveyed unto him out of the Manner of llttlt Hox^yin 'ESt^^ , part of the Eflate of the f aid Dtn- ham, andpurchafedthereflofthefaidMannorforibi,^ 1. and oddemoney;paidfor it, accordi>tgto his contradl, and was put into quiet poffeffwn. But, whilflhe was in poffeffwn, he made not one penny of clear profit, by reafon of interruptions ; and hath now been e]eBed about five yearsout of the whole Mannar, without either Hent or Recompence, and hath fpent alfo about 6oo\. in troubles and fuHs yet undetermined, to defend and recover his Title; which Suits were occafioned by a pretended Leafe to one Thomas Offly Efq ; which is probably forged, to the defrauding the Commonwealth of between 3 (?r 4000 1. and the f aid Leafe, if it be real , was at a great undervalue, compounded for by a Member of this Parliament, to the wrong of theCommomvealth as well as of this Petitioner, as will appear bythe'^zxx'A.Xwz hereto annexed, and by what this Petitioner Jhall further demonfirate. By thefe procceedings , this Petitioner is damnified fo much , befide his trou- bles, and the lofs of precious time at the latter end of his life, that heprotefieth in the fear of GOD, he is in danger with his whole Family to be ruined in his Eflate a^r/Credit, andtJiathe verily believeth, he had been about 5000 1. better in his Eflate, if he had quitted the f aid 3958 1. 15 s. 8 d. when it wasfirfi due. This Vttitxanex further fheweth, that about eight years pafl he purchafed of the State a fmall parcel of Land at Afh z>2 Surry, whereof he is totally deprived alfo, by a Member of this Parliament, who hath everfince detained thefaidhaxiA andVi^ntfrom him; and who having beeti often fummoned by the Com- miffioners^r removing of Obllrudlions, tofhew his Title, refufeth or negleSlcthfo to do ; and this Petitioner being not able to commence afuitfor it, is likely for ever to lofe both hisfaid purchafe, and what he paid for it, unlefs thefaid Member may be ordered, to do that which is agreeable to Juflice ; which he humbly defireth he may be compelled to do. And, in Confideration of the refi of the Premifes, this Petitioner humbly prayes alfo, that the Requefls at the Clofe ofthefaid'iiiaxt^tbfe hereto annexed, may be granted, fo far forth as they are ]ufi; and that your Honours will put fuch afpeedy end, to hisfaid Grievances, that he may die in Peace : For he will be contented with whatfoever youfhall determine, and pray for your Honours. Let, not this be flighted ; for my life is worn out by Oppreffions, ( the 70 year of my Age being pafl) and, you may perceive by the preceding Petition and the Narrative, that this Parliament before the interruption thereof, ( by the prevalency of fome among them, and now jullly ex- cluded^ as alfo by their Interrupters , in delay oi Juflice, have caufed me to be damnified in at leaft 8000 /. by detaining a very confiderable part of my Eflate above fixteen years , and by not making good their Centrals and Engagements, wherein I confided ; and whereby ( as I believe) there hath been cafl upon me more then 40 times the Burthen juflly impofed upon any man of my Revenue : which (confidering how ferviceable I have been without conllraint, in adventuring my life, and contributing my Eflate with the firfl, in order to a prefervation of Common-Right and Safety )\iz.\!ti. been an unequal dillribution ; and reduced me to fuch Extremities, as I expedled not to be plunged into by Friends , who have been fo merciful to their Enemies; and who made pro- mife of better things ; for, they were fuch Hardjhips, as I could other while hardly brook ; and fuch, as if my greatefl Adverfary had been in the like cafe, I fhould have afforded him more pity then I have found. This, I profefs without falfhood or equivocation, for, I have had dayly vex- ations thereby ; and at fometimes been fo afflidled, withy/^aw^ and ^W^, when I thereby failed their expedtations, who confided upon my Credit, and my Engagements to them, that it made my life wearifome, (efpecially when they were neceflTitous perfons) until I could finde means to fup- ply their need, how much foever it were to my difadvantage. To preferve my felf, as much as I could from this vexation and fcandal , and to fupply my perfonal wants , (occafioned by other mens deceiving my hopes ) I have been enforced to fell away lately above 2000 /. worth of my then 6 then remaining Ltvelyhood, real and perfonal; and am ftill engaged by my continuing Oppreffions, in almoll as much more, though I have fince the fales laft mentioned, fold by parcels, to the difmem- bring of nay Inheritance, all that was difengaged, and at my free difpofe: yet the Confumption goes on; infomuch that the remainder of the /tfr^z£;« left in pofleffion, (unlefspart of that which is due to me may be paid, to free it from Incumbrances ) is likely to be forfeited within afewmonths. And, though that Forfeiture fliould be faved, my Revenue will not be fufficient to difcharge Taxes ^xAParochial Payments, with thtlnterefioi my remaining debts, and inavoydable Expences by them annually occafioned, (^without a further fupply out of what is detained from me) & afford a main- tenance for my f elf, my wife, children a.nd fervants, ( though a far lefs number then heretofore ) after the rate of 55. the week one perfon with another throughout the year, to provide meat, drink, rayment, fervants wages, children^ portions, and all other neceffaries in ficknefs and in health. And lefs I fliould have had (as rich as the world thinks me^ if my frugality (which hath been reputed a parfimony to my difparagement ) had not been many years rather proportioned to my weak Eflate, then to the rank in which I lived: For, I fhall fliortly be in danger, to have neither Stock upon my Land, nor Goods in my Houfe, nor a Houfe wherein to hide my head, except it be a Prifon, if my Creditors be not more merciful by forbearance, till I can make money of what is yet left, then my Debters have been to enfore me to that hazard : who, ( if I had been juftly dealt withal) fliould probably have long fmce pofleffed a Revenue of above 500 /. per annum , free from Debts and Engagements, and might have raifed alfo 5000 /. for my Childrens portions, who have yet nothing. And, which is worfe ih.tnfo bad; I, whofe Credit was fo good, that when occafion here- tofore required it, I have borrowed 100. 200. 300 /. yea, 600 /. in one place for feveral years upon my fingle bond, (as will yet appear by the bonds cancelled) am now doubtful whether my fecurity will pafs alone for 10 /. And, I believe, that they who (perhaps to difparage me in ano- ther kinde) report I have Lands to the yearly value of 1000/. (which is a great deal more then twice fo much as I ever yet had ) will not better my credit by that fame, as to borrowing at this time : and though it do not. Poverty, when the Commonwealth is poor, will to me be more honour, then to be rich ; confidering how I am impoveriflied. Not many men have fo unfeignedly told the W(7r/(/ heretofore, their outward Condition, as I have declared mine, when it was requifite ; nor difcovered their infide more fmcerely, by publifliing their thoughts, to his own hazard, for an advantage to his Country : But mofl. are fuch diffem- blers, that they believe not one another. If men think I now diffemble, and am as rich as report hath made me, perhaps whilfl. I am here at London foUiciting my Caufe, they will fteal away my onely Son and Daughter, in hope they will prove rich marriages : which neverthelefs I am refolved to adventure ; as alfo, how the Militia in Hamjliire, out of which I am by Providence (if not by fome other means omitted) will proportign my burthen to other mens. I hope well of their impar- tiality; but, if (as I am informed) they have impofed upon me the fetting forth, of two Horfes, I fliall be fcarce found able at this time to provide them Bridles ; and fome of my Country-men may as juftly be charged with a whole Troop : according to v/hich proportion, if a Militia be armed in a.\lotherCounties,CharlesStuarf,werehetteriia.ya.t£ruxells,thencomehither,tho\ighSpain,Prance, and the Emperour fliould affift him. How this revealing of my Poverty will obftrudl my Credit, as to borrowinghtr&zittr to relieve my neceffities ; and how it may hinder the advance of my Children in Marriage, the prudence of the world , would have advifed me to confider. But I regard neither her Counfel nor her Pra- (ftife : If Marriages, according to our Proverb, be made in Heaven ; and, if (as I believe, and have had experience of it) good Husbands and Wives, are Gods gift, and at his difpofal by an ex- traordinary Providence, I will truft to his providing them Spoufes and Portions: and whatfoever my future want fliall be, do purpofe to deceive no man, by making my Eflate feem better then it is ; though they be not of that minde, who obftrudl the eftablifliing of Regifters to prevent fraud. When I was much poorer then aXprefent I am, GOD, raifed me up a Friend, who knowing by what mecins I was neceffitated, (and how unlikely I was to repay him) brought neverthelefs unto me with- out my asking ought, (without obliging me by a note under my hand, and without fo much as re- quiring z.promife of repayment) 500 /. by parcels, at feveral times, during the continuance of my wants ; (6) wa-rtts ; And the fame GOD , who thereunto inclined him, without any earthly relation, is my GOD at this day, and will be fo for ever. Herein confiUs that which keeps up myfpirit, at this prefent, notwithllanding the long negledl of my Opprejjlons, and the Wants, it hath brought upon me ; and though the Parliaments late lea- ving me out of Puhlick Employments, hath occafioned me to be fufpefled by their Friends , as not well-affedted thereunto ; to be be laughed at by the Commonwealtlis open Enemies , and as much hated as heretofore, becaufe they well enough know my continuing faithfulnefs to her Intereji: Though it may caufe me to be peered by Newters ; to be flighted by my debauched Neig/ibours; to be the fooner flript of what is yet left , by Creditors and Publicans ; and to be made lyable to the fury of every Armed-party, into whofe hands I may poffibly fall during thefe times oi Infurre- dion; notwithftanding all this, now likely to come upon me, I neither diflruflfully repine at what I fuffer, (though I ufe the berf. means I can to remove it) nor fear what may come hereafter, be- caufe GOD is my Refuge. If it were not fo, which way fhould I turn my felf to find comfort ? My Eflate is like a Candle burnt within the Socket : Age hath fomewhat abated my llrength : Friends and Acquaintance (like fuch as Poverty Tprodu.ceth)fland afar off: my Comforters, are like JoVs : my Enemies axe malitious, and increafe : my deareft Rdations, have nothing to contribute but Tears or Complaints to the afflidting of my heart with unprofitable pity : and tliough I have looked for Helpers, not one appears, but He who never fails thofe that trull in him ; and he alfo otherwhile hides himfelf, becaufe of my tranfgreffwns, till I am ready to cry out, Oh God, my God, why liafl thou forfaken me ? and then he difcovers himfelf again, and fmiles on me. But, what is this to the world ? though he be fo gracious, that I have no caufe to murmur at his permitting me to be harlhly ufed, nor do repine at that permiffion ; I will neverthelefs not forbear to declare how the world deals with me, though fhe calls it murmuring. But, fome v/ill perhaps objedl, that / cannot be fo neceffitated as /pretend ; for it is evident that /have fuch and fuch a vifible Eflate. /confefs, /have an Eflate vifible afar off, partly in Reverfion, and partly incumbred; but, it is not Tangible, as to my neceffary occafions. Like Tan- talus, /have an appearance of food at my upper lip, and water to the Chinne, but not in poffeffion more then /have declared ; and thofe falfe appearances of plenty, make them who know not how it is really with me, and know how long /have fubfifled in a feeming good condition fmce /had caufe to complain, think me a male-contented murmurer, (which is none of the lead difparage- ments) rather jufllyreprovable for complaining, without need, then to be pitied; which Unchriftian prejudice, hath not a little encreafed the Caufe, and prolonged the jullnefs of my complaints, I have yet, a vifible Eflate ; but a great part of it Ues like an Orphans portion in the hands of a pow- erful unconfcionable Guardian, who makes ufe of it for his own occafions, and leaves him to beg- gery and ftarving. The Refidue of my Livelyhood, /poffefs as Bees do their honey, when the Combs & Cells are fo broken and mafiit together in the Hive, |^ which flandeth found in outward view) that inflead of being nouriflied by it, they lye intangled, and fprawling out their lives, fmo- thered in the midfl, of their plenty ; and am in a worfe condition then the poor perfecuted Pro- teflants in Piedmont, and other places, for whofe relief Contributions were of late largely and chari- tably made, (pray GOD they v^ere as fincerely difpofed of) yet /am likely to be ere long in a more fad eflate : for, they being driven from all they had, by their Enemies, retained 'di€a Liberty, which /am likely to lofe; they had their reputation increafed by fuffering for their Confidence, and fome Friends alfo to relieve them ; whereas /am ruined in my Eflate and Credit, by and among thofe whom /thought my Friends : and what fuccour are my Averfiaries to whom /am expofed, likely to afford me ? or, to whom (hall I complain ? There is a Catholick Congregation , where- of /am a Member, among whom there is true compaffion ; but, they are perfonally as unknown to me, as the 7000 in Ifirael, who had not bowed their knees to Baal, were to Elias, who knew not one of that nnm^ber. /have onely a fpiritual Communion with them, and my fupplies from them, will be rather in fpiritual Communications, then in temporal things, wherewith /ftiall be well enough contented. The earth is the LORDS, and all that is therein, upon whofe fcore /fhall expe£l what is neceffary for life , if all were lofl ; and for the fervices which /have heretofore done for my Country, and for the love /ftill bear to it, /may claim fo much at leaft, as due to me of right, though it had paid me all the debt it owes me, and though /had loft it another way. That (7) That which moft afflidls me, is not altogether the damage which I outwardly fubftain in having the adventuring my life and ejlate for this Commonwealth, fo little regarded ; nor the ^zmtixiS. poverty that I have been expofed unto, by thofe who have more caufe to be afliamed of it then I : But the diflionour and hazards which are brought upon this Nation and their Rep-e- fentative, by fuch like negle6ls oijujtice as have occafioned my complaints, and our univerfal hazard, is my greatefl grief; feeing, to my knowledge, they might have been prevented with a lit- tle cofl and trouble, if fome had not wilfully obftrudled, or neglefled JuJUce, for fmiller re- fpedls. The mony, which hath been owing to me above i6. years, might have been paid 16. times in that fpace, out of treafure disburfed much lefs for the Publick honour and profit. Al- fo, the Lands of 300 li. yearly value by me purchafed of the State, and fully paid for feven years paft, and yet (lill detained from me, (without having received one peny in clear profit, or any allowance for that damage, befide the lofs of 500 //. more confumed in vain to defend my poffefli- on , arid recover it being loft, by a pretented Mortgage , which is probably forged) might have been re-eftabliftied upon me long fmce, if the faid Mortgage had not been unduely com- pounded for by a Memba- of Parliament ; or if the validity of his Title, might have been examin- ed, together with fuch adiings relating thereto, as do feem to have been pradlifed to defraud the Commonwealth of between 3. and 4000 //. as well as to deprive me of that Revenue. Thefe things, I declare not, to afperfe the Parliament, who could not help them, whilft their power was interrupted ; but, to prevent the difhonouring thereof, now that power is reftored : and fo far I am from intending otherwife, that I think none but an JEnemy thereunto, will fo mif- underftand me, though fome among them were guilty ; ^S'eeing, the defefts by unfound Limbs can be no more difreputation thereto, then it was to the twelve JDifciples, that there was a Tray- tor among them; or, then it is to a man, otherwife well qualified, to be born with a crooked mem- ber, or to have a fcab upon his body by cafual Infedtion, which he endeavours to be rid of, as foon as he knows it. Nor doth my infifting upon the particulars aforementioned, proceed out of defpair that I fhall be left quite deftitute, of things neceffary to life : For, GOD, who pro- vided for me when I was moft deferted of the world, as I have already declared, aiTures me of the like mercy hereafter: Nor, do I thus difcover my nakednefs and ioriCx^ poverty, in hope to move companion, by my own endeavour only; or when my own time requires it : For, I am not fuch a ftranger to this Generation, and to the temper of moft men therein, as not to know, that this Difcovery (unlefs GOD reftrain them, or change their minds) will expofe me to the more mifery and contempt ; and give men encouragement to tread me over head and ears into the durt, rather then to relieve me, or raife me up, when they fee me finking. Therefore, that which I have now written, and heretofore expreffed to the like effeiSts, is not wholly for the forefaid caufes ; but partly, to difcharge my Confcience, in ufing that, which was wont to be the ordinary or extraordinary means of redreffing Oppreffions; and partly, that if they fucceeded not, I might leave an experiment to them who ftiall live when I am dead, that there was a time, and may be again, wherein Hypocrifie, Apoflacy, Avarice, Pride, Selfnefs, and hard- heartednefs, fo abounded, that no words would move; no demonflrations^exivia.Ae, no endeavourpro- duce a reafonable or natural confequence ; but, that the more rationally, the more evidently, an oppreffed man Ihall make known his oppreffions, and an innocent, vindicate his innocency, the more fliall they negled his fufferings ; and the more malicioully, the more impudently praflice to difgrace and fruftrate his juftification : And I have alfo written this, that confidermg there be times, and Contingencies, wherein, and whereby. The Race is not to thefwift, nor the Battel to the flrong, nor Bread to the wife, nor Riches to men of underfianding; fome, thereby, may heed and re- member, to repofe Trufl, not in themfelves, or in Princes, or in Parliaments, o^ m Armies, or m the People or in any other fave in GOD, only. But, Hon vacat exiguis rebus adeffe Jovi, our Terreftrial GODS, have now work enough to fecure themfelves, and to look to the common fafety : and therefore, fome feem to thmk it cri- minal to offer z. private grievance, at this time, to be redreifed by them, how deftruaive foever it be. Thefe men. having never felt fuch oppreffions as mine, nor wanted any thing neceffary, thefe do, inftead of a charitable affiflance, or fellow feeling of my fufferings when they hear them ' B declared, (8) declared, tell me, that fuch complainings may be of dangerous confequence; that they are fym^ ptoms of a difcontented minde ; and that I mufl be patient. Good Lord! how wife they are? why do they not reprove and blame all the Saints in Primitive Ages, as impatient and male- contented perfons, becaufe frequent in complainings againfl their Oppreffors? why do they not counfel thofe who are like to ftarve, through want of bread, not to be hungry? and thofe' who are fick and wounded, not to be fenfible oipain? how zealous of the Common-peace sxt they, who never contributed any thing toward the prefervation of it, except words, which cofl them nothing ? If I had contributed and adventured no more, I fhould not have needed their grave ■advice or reproof 2.\. this time, but fhould have been thought as wife as they, and might perhaps had as little caufe to complain. There be fome, who are never feiifible of other mejis dangers or loffes, till they themfelves are likely to be impoverifhed or deflroyed ; other fome there be, who never get any thing, until all is in hazard to be loft ; and if I am deflined to fuch a Lot, a time fo bufie, and hazardous as this, may be the moft feafonable time for preferring my Petition, though it appear unfeafonable to fome : for, I am not fo irrational, to defire more then may be granted, or to expe6l a full repair ; but rather, that fo much time only may be fpared, as will fuffice to order a fupply for thofe Wants which cannot longer be born ; and a ftop fet to ^oi^ pro- ceedings which will be deftru6tive, before a more axaple pr^Jion may be made. The Parliament, I confefs, hath nov/ little hafure, and lefs then at any time heretofore, wherein Private Grievances, were put off by former AJfemblies : yet I know it hath not fo little , leafure, as not to fpare half an hour, to the charitable purpofe lafl mentioned. The common- fdfety, is vifibly in danger ; But, I hope not fo indangered, that it is difenabled from doing fuch a work oijitflice and Mercy, as may prevent an incresje of their own difiionour, dangers, and expences. The Commonwealth is in great want; but, their wants will be greater before they will become lefs, if (as in my Cafe) fuflice be defen-ed to the doubling or trebling of their debts, by leaving thofe things unexamined (until Witneffes are dead, or Evidences embezzelled) which might probably difcharge the greateft part of them, by timely recovery of that which will elfe be loft. I was delayed as I now am, by every Parliament and Power in being, during the in- terruption of this Parliament, with this Anfwer: The PuUick affairs afford not leafure: But, who beUev'd it ? Nay, who believed not the contrary, that obferved, as I did, for what things they found leafure ? Leafure, was often found fmce I firft petitioned ('though I cannot fay it of my certain knowledge fmce this Parliaments reflauratiori) to htax private Complaints, far lefs confi- derable then mine, on the behalf of themfelves, friends, kinfmen, and other relations, even du- ring thofe Weeks and Moneths, -wheitm private Petitions, were excluded by Order of the Houfe; as if fuch Orders had been only purpofed, to give them the more eafie admittance. O God ! why am I neceflitated to bring to remembrance, mifaHings, whereby thou haft been provoked, and thy fervants exafperated ? Leafure, hath been found for Malefailors, when it concerned but their Eflates or Lives only; And why could not leafure have been as well afforded in fo many years, to prefervfi my EJlate, and my Cf-edit, which I more value then Life; and for prefervation where- of, I would have given my efiate, and two temporary Lives to boot, if I had them ? Leafure, hath been found, to qualifie rigid proceedings againft the Commonwealths Adverfaries ; yea, to ac- commodate them; nay, to ingratiate them; and leafure, is found flill to the like purpofes; which I grumble not at in refpedl of them : But, why might not I as well in all that time, have obtained fuch favour? why might not fuch a day or hour oi leafure hs found out for me? why might not I, who have been Inftrumental for this RepuMicks prefervation, have been as much befriended as her Enemies, who fought to deftroy it? but becaufe the Commonwealth, and her Servants, have not fuch diligent friends as their Enemies ? Oh God ! remember not this negligence sxA partiality to the Publick difadvantage at this time, ^htremfaithfulfriends, and trufly fervants, are as needfuU as ever they were. Thefe are theiVwo- cations, which have made their leafure, fo little, and their bufmefs to be fo much, ftill multiply- mg thofe troubles, which increafe their expences, and ftreightning them in time : and, the more they labour, and the more mony they heftow, the more will tlieir leork, and disburfements be, un- til thofe thmgs which occafion it be reformed ; and, if there be any one in that honourable Affem- bly, 10 (9) My, who believes not this ; or, who is not fo much humbled, for the failings which have been here- tofore among them, that he can be willing to hear them mentioned for prevention of the hke, (by him who defires the prefen^ation of their Power with honour) I fliall be more afraid of the differvice that fuch a Member may do to GOD, and to \i\%Cou7itry , then of his difpleafure, or of any mifchief that can thereby befal mej and therefore, having faid what I think, concerning the Leafure, which tliey heretofore had in Parliament, to take more Cognizance oi private Grie- vances, T will adde fomewhat in anfwer to their Allegation, who fay, Publick NeceffUies, make the Parliament uncapable of relieving mine; and that, I ought not at this time to petition for it, but rather to reft fatisfied. This, is as diffatisfaaory to me, as it would be to my Creditors, when they are like to be undone by want of their money, if I Ihould tell them, my neceffities are fo great that /cannot pay them, and that therefore they muft reft fatisfied ; though they faw at that time, in and about my houfe,- many unneceffary things , which were more chargeable then profitable ; by the fale whereof, / might eafily pay them all, and live as well contented , and with more, or with as much Credit as without them. Doubtlefs, my Creditors, if it were fo with me, would expedl a vaortfatisfa^ory anfwer. In, like manner, /knowing the Commonwealth hath fome Appurtenances, not fo neceffary as chargeable, and many things difpofable, whereby my Grievances may be eafed, and my Credit pre- ferved, without any difadvantage thereunto, cannot be well pleafed with fuch a Put-off, as perr haps /might have been, if / had lived thefe laft i6 years (as /defired to have done, and yet do) by a Woods fide in a Country Village, where /had been kept without knowledge of what is done in Committees, Courts, Councils and Parliaments. Why, muft a greater burthen then /am able to bear, or then falls to my proportion, be laid upon my back to uphold that which is falling 1 or to ftop i^\^iBreach, whereby all the people of thefe ihst^Nations, are liable to an inundation? Whyftiould it not be rather equally divided among them ; or among thofe who are beft able to fuftain it, until fuch an equal Divifion could be made, rather then that fo much flrould be caft upon me, or upon any other, as will deftroy him ? What juftice is there fuitable to our ChrifUanprofeffions, or to the mercies which GOD hath vouchfafed to this Commonwealth, to do otherwife? Or how much differs Urns partial diftribution whereof I complain, from what was barbaroufly pradlifed among the Gen- tiles of old, when they facrificed innocent perfons to ihtir falfe gods, that their wind-bound Fleets, (as did the Grecians) might have profperous Gales ? And, why was this Generation fo imprudent^ to requite me with evil iox good, in fo extraordinary a manner, as they have done , who have been a diligent Obferver of what they have don e ? and who, am as fenfible of Courtefies and Difcourte- fies , as otlier men ? And alfo , better able to illuftrate it when I am fcurvily and unjuftly dealt withal, then fome wifer men, or then many thoufands of other oppreffed Supplia?its, who have caufe to complain ? Why had it not more care of its own honour, though no regard oimy Credit, to ufe me thus, confidering /have fome advantages on my fide, whereby it will redound more to their fhame, then the like In]uflice io many hundreds of them, whofe Obfcurityxaakts their Sufferings lefs heeded, and fooner forgotten? If/, have thus fuffered who had thefe advantages ;. who am known to the greateft number of the moft confiderable perfons in the Nation ; who have had familiarity with many of them, not Vvfithout fome appearances of good refpedl ; who was ac- quainted with the greateft number oi Parliament Members, &had many among them who profeffed to he my Priends; if/have found no better effedts of all this; how alas! have fome of thofe been neglefled and oppreffed, who had fcarceoneof thofeadvantages? Verily/am perfwaded, that God purpofely corredted me for my fins, by keeping me fo many years under Oppreffions , occafioning my continual attendance in places oi publick Trafifadlions, that /might be an Eye-witnefs of thofe Prevarications which have occafioned fo many Changes within fo fliort a time, & that I might leave a memorial of it to thofe whom it may concern hereafter : for, fuch things /fliould never have believed, in a time wherein fo much honefty and Religion is profeffed, if /my felf had not heard them, feen them, and felt fomewhat of them in my own perfon, to afcertain me, that they proceed- ed not from thofe Caufes, which are by fome pretended, to extenuate or excufe them. It is not altogether publick want, as is alleaged, which hath kept me and many other diftreffed men, from their debts due upon thePublick Faith; or caufed that the Parliaments Engagementshz.ve. 13 2 not (10) notbeen performed; or, that their Securities are made fiiares,and ineffedlaal: But, Malice, Covetouf- nefs, Selfnefs, Vanity, or Negligence at bed, have been the chief occafions thereof, as I could demon- flrate by many particulars, which /forbear, left it may refledl upon thofe whofe honour /defire to preferve , and upon feme individual perfons , whom / hope to be now forry for their failings. / could make it evident, that fmce / complained of OppreJJion, by the detaining what is my due, many vajl fums\a,v&\ittT\. vainly and needlefly (/will not fay wickedly) fquandred away, which might have been beftowed more for the Commonwealtlis honour and profit , in difengaging the Nation, from juft debts long due to poor dijlreffed Men, Women and Orphans; fuch as /have feen attending early and late , and from day to day foUiciting for relief of their urgent neceffities, with Tears, Exclamations and Imprecations, without any regard vouchfafed to their importuni- ties or diftreifed Conditions ; except fuch a diffembled regard, as increafed their neceffities, by giving falfe hopes of that performance, which they never made, neither perhaps ever intended. Who obferved not how much was lately confumed in Flajhy Bawbles, whilft thofe poor Suppliants periflied by want of neceffaries? And how much alfo hath been loft, by defrauding the Common- wealth, and negledling that means of fupply which was lawfully due? / profefs in the fear of God, my belief is, by what /have heard, feen and obferved, during the 17 years wherein /have been treading the Maze, and running round in the Wheel of my yet endlefs Sollicitations, that the Mulils and Fines which might have juftly been raifed upon Difcoveries ( and which might have been made ) out of their EJlates, who have falfified their truft, cheated, diflionoured, or been mifchievous Enemies to the Government, and this Republick, (and the payment whereof hath been prevented by Bribes taken ( or upon other confiderations as unjuftifiable) to the ufe of fingle Perfons, or Ihared among parties in Power, intrufted by the Commonwealth ) would have more then diicharged all her Engagements , and afforded alfo a Remainder for publick ufes ; efpecially if the Pojlmajierjhip , with fuch other means of raifing money, had been from the be- ginning , husbanded for the publick advantage. Why fhould any thing , to that end difpo- fable, be otherwife difpofed of, at this time, then for the Publick, and to preferve their Lives , E- Jlates and Credits, who ask but their own, and have hazarded and fpent it in her fervice ? Where- fore, whilft the Common-faith is ingaged, fhould any part of the Forrefls (with the tyrannous Laws to them pertaining) be referved to feed wild beafts for the difport oivain and idle perfons ? and to give occafion of reviving again hereafter that Opprefjlon , which was one of the greateft under which this Land heretofore groaned ? Or, why fhould the Accompts of fo many Sequefirators , and Receivers , lye unexamined , by whom much money was received , which is not yet ac- compted for, or paid into the Commoii-Treafury, to fupply publick wants? And wherefore, during the prefent neceffities, fhould it not be reputed as honourable an Expedient, to pay this Common- wealths debts, by conferring to that end, all Offices thereby difpofable, (with a competent allow- ance for their execution) and by felling thofe that are faleable, (and not for adminiftration of Juflice) as it is to give them in reward oifervices done, or to beftow a Plurality of places and pro- fitable Offices ( fometimes two, three, four, yea more at once ) upon one perfon , who is neither neceffitous, nor perhaps hath any way deferved fo much as one of them ? All which Particulars, with many other unmentioned, when I have well thought upon, as oftentimes I do, I cannot chufe but believe, that either this Commonwealth, is not fo poor as it is pretended to be, or elfe that tliere are fome very much to blame. But, Ihope,thofe/a;272«^jwhich were heretofore, will be now amended, and things better ordered hereafter : For thefe mifaBings andnegleSls, with fome other, have exceedingly incenfed the Na- tion, and were doubtlefs an occafion in part , of that dangerous Infurrellion which is newly begun in feveral places, and like to be univerfal, if GOD prevent it not by mercifully quenching, thofe Flames without pouring upon them much blood; as I believ he will, for the fafety of his ch^en ones among us, and to deceive the hopes , and fruftrate the purpofes of his and our malitious Enemies, who at this time, (by what is defigned here & in forraign parts) do prefume, they fhall get a large ftep toward the advance of their own Kingdome, by our deftrudtion : and fo it will be, if he put not a Bridle in their mouths : Therefore, when that day of falvation appeareth, it will become us to be thankful in humility, to re)oyce with tremblittg, and to ufe that viaory, which God fhall be pleafed to give, 12 give, over ovxfeduced.Brethrcn and Country-men, with moderation, as men confcious in our felves, that they are thereby corrected as well for ottrfins, as for their own ; as alfo, with that fellow-fed- ing, which our natural body would have, if fome members thereof were tormented, or to be cut off: for, confidering that \hz\r provocations, or mif under Jlandings, (as it is probable,) tranfported a great part of them with a bhnde and prepollerous zeal to their Country, rather then any malice thereunto ; and, confidering that many of them are not only feduced by the fubtile Arguments and infmuations oi feejning friends, who intended one thing whilfl they pretended another, but alfo really believed in their own hearts they had s. good caufe, (and that the mifcarriages which they faw, and the mifconJUtutions from which they conceived them to fpring, did oblige them to vindicate their own and the whole Nations rights and freedoms, from that intrenchment, which in their judgement feemed to be made upon them) they may be objects oiFity in fome meafure. God incline them whom it concerns, to be \ujl3s he is yuji, and merciful zs, he is mercifid, accor- ding to that proportion whereof man is capable. I will now again proceed with what I have more to fay concerning ray partioilar Caufe. The Parliament, is (I confefs) much more flreightned at this prefent then formerly, as well in time, as in the want of many other things needful, by reafon of that condition, whereto their Obflfudters and Interrupters have brought this Republick: in which refpedl, I have hitherto for- born to be over-importunate for my relief, and would have waited until it had been at better leafure, and better able to redrefs my Grievances ; but, I can now fubfifl no longer : and evi- dently perceive alfo, that I muft break in upon it, if I will be heard before it be too late. For, procrastinations fo multiply oppreffions, inllead of giving opportunities to diminilh them ; that, \!ms Parliament (as it hath heretofore thereto happened, and to many other) may fudden- ly and unexpedtedly be ended, before I fliall be heard ; and that their Leafure and Treafure never will be more, nor their troubles fewer then they are, unlefs there be a more impartial di- flribution oi Burthens, and a more charitable regard to thofe private mens Oppreffions, who have been always faithful to the Publick Interefi, and are now confumed by their free contributions, and by the want of that which hath been kept, and exadled from them againft. their wills. If they beheve GOD, to be jufl, and not like fome among themfelves, how can they expedl a bleffmg upon their confultations and endeavours, whilft they permit them to perifh, by with- holding their means of Livelihood, who voluntarily engaged both life and livelihood for their prefervation ? and whilfl they fnffer thofe who firil ferved them in their greateft need, to be Q^\\jt forgotten (as to things which may concern their weal and fafety) or to be lafl remembred, except it be by thofe only, who watch for opportunities to deftroy or difgrace them ? Such there be, even among thofe, who fliould be more mindful of GodsyVz/SVif upon themfelves, and of his \a.t& fuperlative mercy to them and us, in relloring their lofl Power, and in vouchfafing to make them his Probationers once more. Thefe, I would not fear to dillinguifh from others by Name, if I had warrant for it, and, as good proofs to afcertain their mifchievous and malicious condition to other men, as I have to aflure my felf of it. 5uch we have difcovered to have been among them heretofore ; and fuch to be there now, they themfelves will difcover ere long : and perhaps, I could offer to the confideration of fuch as thefe, that, concerning their avmperfons and families (which they think unknown to the world) that would make them afraid there is a GOD, though he be not yet in their Creed. Thefe, are the Achans which trouble our Ifrael: Among thefe, is th.aX Jack on all fides, that turns with every winde ; thaX Politick would, befool'dwith pride and over-weening, and that Love corrupted with diffimulation and avarice, by whom many proceed- ings relating both io publick axiA private JufEce are obftruded; and whofe Tables are made a fnare oft-times, to the falfifying of this old faying in barbarous Latine, ufual among fome Lawers, Efcuhnta,&-pocuknta,nonfuntBribamenta. Such as thefe,have addedindignitiesto my oppreffions, procuring me to be difgracefully put out of that Commiffion, wherein, I have faithfully ferved my Country many years, to preferve the peace thereof, according to my underftanding, and as oppor- tunity was offered ; and, they have feemed to rank me among Malignants, and perfons difaffedled .to the Commonwealth, by caufmg me to be left out of the Militia, in Hampffiire, where my Fa- mily is fetled, and where it as much concern'd me to be Aftive, in preferving my own interefi and. 13 (12) and fafety, together with the Common-peace, as any Genikman in that Cminhy; and (I may fpealc it without arrogance) I have as well deferved to be therewith trufted ; and made my truftiuefs fo well known, both to tht friends and enemies of this Commonwealth, that I am fore, the lafl, will re- member it when it may do me a mifchief, though the firfl, fhall forget it, when it may do me good. This Affront, had it concerned my ^fdonA fafety and Reputation only, (though that is not to be negledted^ I would have difdained to take notice of it at this time, had I not caufe to be jea- lous, it tends further then to my perfonal difadvantage ; and, that I was not omitted hj forgetful- nefs or mifiake, but by defign. They could not juflly put me out of the Commiffion of peace, who till then ferved in three Counties, as a Commiffioner, in regard I v/as never charged with any Delin- quency: Nor becaufe I had not a vifible eflate there befitting fuch a Commiffioner; for, they faw an appearance of it; and if there be any Juftice in this Commonwealth, it will be hereafter as compe- tent &fubfifknce for me, as I defire, or, as may make me capable of that dignity: Nor was it be- caufe I am a nott-refident in that County; for, my Family hath been fetled there above two years, and I have there a<5led by that Commiffion when I was in the Country, which was 'five or fix times in the year: and, if I had not been refident, non-rejldefice is not a jufl caufe to leave any Gentleman out of the Commiffion, who Vi^as inferted, and hath a habitation in the County; for, then, mofl perfons named in the Front of the Commiffion fhould be left out, to the diifervice of the Commonwealth; which, is put to no more cod, then of fo much room in a piece of parchment as will contain their names; and if they come into the Shire but once in two or three years, an oc- cafion may happen whereby fome neceffary piece of fervice may at that time be done, worth the coft, which had elfe been omitted. And, that I was not omitted or exploded by any for- getfulnefs or mifiake, it thus appears ; There are four Gentlemen in that County with my felf, (befides another lately in Commiflion, and now left out alfo) who bear both my Chriflen and Sur- names, two of which, never being fo authorized before, are impowred fince my Omiffion ; one of them in the Militia; the other, both in the Militia, and Commiffion of peace, diftinguiflied, by their places of habitation : and doubtlefs, he who put out me whom he found upon the Roll, and who am the mofl. antient Commiffioner of my Surname, and put in him whom he there found not, and diftinguiflied him by the place of his abode ; did intend, not only to manifeft thereby that another was put into the Commiffion in my ftead, but alfo, that it might be the more certainly known, I am knowingly /a^ out; which, a Perfon, being one of the beft men who ferves for that County, (and who gave in my name) being informed of, profeffed he knew not why, or by whom, I was ftrook out. I, do not infift hereupon, with any defire to be reftored to what I v/as, or to be inverted with any new Truft; For, I defire the contrary, though fome of thofe, who were inftrumental, to have me left out of all authority (left. I might perhaps, have hindred their late defign) do malicioufly & un- truly, report I feek to be reftored. It feemeth fome difadvantage, to have contempt caft upon rae at this prefent; But, if they prevaile, who have now taken Arms againft the Parhament, I per- ceive (by what I difcover already) that I and my Family, whether I am authorized or not, are in hazard to be deftroyed with the firft ; and a Juflicefhip, or the little ftiare which I ftiould have had in the Militia, would have more endangered then fecured me : Therefore it beft be- comes me, who fo well knov/ the world as I do, to retire as much as I can from her intanglements, and thofe employments wherein I am fure to be a loofer. I take moft pleafure in thofe things which no man can give me or take from me; and love not to be toft in and out, like a dog in a blanket, as I and many better men have been heretofore, according as we were thought upon, at for- gotten; or as the Commonwealths friends, or our Maligners, prevailed in Parliaments, Councils, and Committees. Such ufage (if no provifion be made againft it) will make every ingenuous man (y/hoit free-fpirit difdains to be made a Shuttlecock for &ytty proud malicious fool to play withal) ftiun thofe Places out of which he may be caft with diftionour, how well foever he fliall demean himfelf. I may be very well pleafed that I am left out of all Publick imployments, as the Common- wealths, and my affairs now ftand : For I may juftly fay, as it was of old Prophecied by Ifaiah,' it fliould be faid at fuch a time as this, and I do now fay it : l7vill not be a Healer, make me not a Ruler ; 14 (13) Ruler ; for in my houfe there is no hread nor clothing: for my Country is ruined, and my Country-men are dejiroyed, becaufe their words and anions are againjl the LORD, Ifai. 3. There are enough am- bitious to be authorized, who have means to fupport the Charge and Envy that attends publick Employments; let the Ruines of thefe times be under their hands: I am not qualified, (nor the wifeft. men among us) for fuch undertakings, if this (as I believe it is) be fuch a time as Efay de- fcribes in the fame Chapter, the effect of whofe words, I will here infert, that you may judge whe- ther it be fo or not. TheLordofHoJls, doth take awaythejlay and Jlaff of bread and water; the mighty man, audtheman of war; the judge and the prophet ; tJie prudent and the ancient; the Captain of Fifty, and the horwu- rable man; the Counfellour, the amning Artificer , and the eloquent Orator; Childrenfhall be their Prin- ces,and Babesjhallrule overthem; the people fhall be opprejfed every one by another, and every otu by his Neighbour ; the Child jhall belmve himf elf proudly againfi the ancient, and the Babe againflthehonou- rable; theygrindethefacesofthepoor,andthefpoilofthemisintheirhoufes, &c. Were the Prophet now living, he could not have more lively defcribed this Generation, then it was pattern'd out in his time, \sy Jerufalem axiAJudah, and recorded in his Prophefie; nor can we expe(ft better events thereupon then befel them, if GOD be not extraordinarily merciful. But how can it be amend- ed, whim malice pride, and avarice do xaas^ f elf -ends, under publick pretences, even when dangers vifibly enclofe us, and GOD is beginning to vifite us again with the Sword? or with what com- fort can I or any honefl. man, ferve his Country, where they who fhould affifi him, will rather obflruft his endeavours, and deflroy him? verily, if I were in a capacity to ferve my Country as I have been heretofore, I am doubtful whether to be put in or left out of publick employments, would be moft or leaft. hazardous, confidering I know not above one perfon in authority ^'I'Ciiva. many miles of the place wherein I mufl now live, with whom I can moKfafely ajfociate, or more comfortably converfe, then with an open Enemy, or a fuf pelted Familiar; and may truly affirm, that none of thofe whom I have provoked, by engaging againft them and their Party in the Field, on the behalf of my Country, during the Civil War, have to me been half fo inhumane and mifchie- vous, (though they are ftill my enemies) as many are, who feem to befriend me, and that Caufe whereto I adhere; yea, though to fome of them I have done good Offices, and no differvice, in all my life. This, implyeth fomewhat, which deferveth heed : And if I have any portion of a difcerningfpi- rit, I do forefee, that if I be ftill negledted, as I have been, I fhall be hat fmgly expofed a little be- fore-hand, to that dif grace, and outward ^ot«^, which will be more univerfal within a fhort time af- ter; and extend to another Overturning, unlefs there be a more \\&zxty Returning to GOD,hy exe- caimg/ieflice, fhewing Mercy, and Self-denial, then I yet difcover. By fuch a Change, I may be repaired, and eat the Fruits of my former labours in peace, during the reft of my life; elfe, I muft fpend my days in bewailing my afHifted Country, and my deareft Relations. Many, in feoff, have called me Prophet; and (though I arrogate not that Title) I have been inftead oi a. Prophet to this Generation; and have had fome part of a Prophets Reward; for, I have met with that contempt and difhonour in my own Country, and among my own Kindred, which ufually befell Prophets heretofore. I have not merited to be called a Falfe Prophet, by that mark which the HolyGhoft hath given us, whereby to know him : that is, by fore-telling things to come, and endeavouring upon the fulfilling of them, to withdraw men from the true GOD, or from the true way of his Worfhip: But, I have, thereby taken many times, occafions rather to withdraw men from their fins, and bring them neerer to GOD, by declaring what fhall befal the Penitent and Impenitent, ac- cording to what is threatned or promifed in his Everlapng Word; and, doubtlefs, whether I be a Prophet or a Poet ( which two words in the Greek, fignifie the fame thmg) I have done the work of a Prophet among them, in fome meafure, and it will have effeds upon them at laft, for their Good or Evil. . „ , j , , i./- r j Influences, from the fame Spirit which infpired the moft ancient Prophets; have been vouchfafed to fome in all Ages, relating to mens temporalWeal ox Woe, as GOD hath been pleafed to prepare them by Fore-warnings, though there hath been fince the time of the Apoflle, no Prophefies decla- ring any other Gofpel or Principles oi faving Faith, but what they have preached or prophefi- 15 (14) ed; and if any man on earth, or AngeHxova heaven fliould declare any other, I would not receive it, neither could believe it : By fuch s. proportion of the Spirit , as is conferred on many of GOD's people, I, being affifted in contemplating his Word, wherein his Threatnings and Promlfes be recor- ded, did fore-declare, both verbally a.nd emblemaUcallym my Britains Remembrancer, and the Title- Page thereof, long before they came to pafs, many Particulars which were fulfilled, in and by the Changes ^hich. have been lately in thefe Ijlands; and (though more derided then regarded) many of them were accompliflied in their fight who fcoft at them , and in part upon the Perfons and E- Jlates of thofe who perfecuted me for divulging them. The reft of my Fore-warnings and Condi- tional Pr editions, then and fmce divulged, (and not yet fulfilled) will hereafter be verified alfo, though flill derided and flighted. Therefore, I will as Jonah did, (but with more charitable ex- pedlations then I conceive he had) retire to my Gourd, even to the remainder of my now blaJkdE- Jiate, which like the foon withering Gourd oi Jonah , GOD caufed to fpring out of nothing, in the darknight of my affliBion, to be a fubfiftence unAJhelter for me during his pleafure; and I will patiently fit under it, whilfl. it continues, to obferve what will be the Event of thofe Conditional Threatnings and Promifes concerning thefe Nations, which /have to them applyed, according to what -^ss, prophetically A&^zxtA., and exemplified of old, to fore-warn and inftrudl z^ future Ages; which being the Contemplative Ob]e^s, from whence I deduced all my predictions, they were no delufive Enthufiafms, or derivatives from Afirological Speculations, hvX onelyfrom '&\&ConJlellations and Afpefts, which thofe bleffedZ«wz^zar2«r,the STAR oi Jacob, and ihs.Prophetsz.T\&Apoflles\iss& to, and with, each other. That, which thefe promife or threaten, is all whereunto I have refpedl in thefe my Calculations; and, my refolution is, to praife GOD, whether his appearances be in Judgements or Mercies; whether, he fo fmites my Gourd, (as that oi Jonah) until it totally withers, or fhall improve it, into a more durable Plant, to be a Refuge and Refrefhment for me and mine ; yea, whether he preferves me in this time of Troubles until they fhall end , or fweeps me a- way (as /confefs /have deferved) in the common Calamity, /will unfeignedly praife him. If we do as Nineveh did, 'Cos. Mercy tacitely conditioned, and thereto vouchfafed,will be ourlot; which, /pray, hope and wait for. And that /may fit the more eafily, in expectation thereof; as alfo that the iaxatfeafonable Fruit evidencing 'Csxtvc JuJlice and Charity, who are now in Power, may produce comfortable effedls to themfelves and others, as well as to me, /defire you to whom this fhall come, (if it may feem reafonable, and be in you power) to mediate, for ox\& A£l of Grace to be vouchfafed on ray behalf, which is but this onely; that /, who have ferved my Country in my Generation, according to ray Talent, almoft 50 years, at my own cofl, may be henceforth exempted from PublickOfficiatings and Taxes: Which Favour, confidering how early / began to a& znAfuf- fer ; how difadvantaged / have been , how difabled / am by what is detained from me , to bear the Burthens impofed, (and how little time /am likely to enjoy thofe Priviledges) will not over-balance my iormei fervices and Contributions, though the like Immunities were vouchfafed alfo, to one perfon oim:yPoflerity, whilil it continued. Such Priviledges were granted in the mofl. generous times, and it would be an honour to this Commonwealth to revive that pradtife for an En- couragement to faithful and honefl. endeavours; yea, and fuch a mark of their refpeil corAf^ A. on me in thefe corrupt times, would make it appear to thofe who live now, and IhaJl live hereafter, that there was always a faithful and well-affedted Party in this Parliament, Itrugling againfl. the Corruptions and Oppreffions-wYitxtby honeft men fuffered; and that they prevailed at laft, to the exaltation oijuflice and Mercy. Your mediation for this refpedl, together with a timely con- defcention to the humble Requefb in the conclufion of my Narrative (at leaft fo far forth as may confift with the Commonwealths prefent necef/ities) will oblige me, by z-fpecialty more then ordi- nary; and fuch a refpedtive laying me afide, may not onely enable me to do my Country better fer- vices in a private condition, then perhaps, my old age can-peiform in Publich Negotiations; but by that me3.nslikewiie,theMalignity,Pride and.fi^z'j', which now difturbs mypeace, would qahewear out, or at lead in fome meafure abate, when I intermeddle not with thofe Employments, whereof other men are ambitious. To obltrudl the granting of fuch reafonable Requefls, and to detradt from the Commonwealth's mofl iaithMfervants, and other honeft men disfavoured by men of corrupt Principles, it hath been 16 (IS) been the pradlife of fome heretofore (even in Parliaments) cauflefly to afperfe abfent perfons, who cannot eafily come to take notice of th&i particular DetraHors, or to vindicate themfelves. This, to me feemeth a great breach of the Trujl repofed in Members of Farliament by their Ele- ilors, who impowered them not to execute their private malice, M-a.^&c publick pretences : and as it is no mean injury to fcandahze a man innocent, before the Reprefentative of his whole Nation; fo, it is no lefs then a capital offence againfl the Parliament (in my judgement) to indanger the ma- king it guilty of receiving /a^^ Accufations, or fcandals ; which, if it were a natural body, (as it is a Body Politick, that hath nothing to do in heaven) might indanger the admiffion of it into GODS holy hill, according to the judgement of David, in his 15. Pfalm. I have here touched upon this, in hope it may be a means of preventing the like pradtifes hereafter. If not, it were but juft, that every Member of Parliament, who mifreprefents any one abfent to his difparage- ment in that honourable Affembly, fhould Ipfo faHo, be incapable of ailing, or Voting there for the future, unlefs he had firft fubmitted to an acknowledgement of his oveifight, or made good his Accufation, as one in a private capacity, if he whom he had fcandalized were d, private perfon. In this manner, I my felf have been abufed (as. I am informed) as well in relation to my getting of that Eflate, which GOD, by his extraordinary providence conferred upon me during my Trou- bles and Oppreffions, heretofore, (by making my enemies more helpful towards it againfl their wills, then the willingnefs of all my he^ friends, or my own endeavours) as alfo in mifreporting touching vay fufferings, and allings, in other particulars. Therefore, (that culpable perfons may be known as they are, and honefl men cleared from Caufelefs jealoufies and afperfions, as much as is poffi- ble) I could wifli (if the Parliament thought it needful) that a flridl fcrutiny might be made in- to every mans dubious ailings, wherein the Comtnonwealth, hath been confiderably concerned fmce the CivilWars firfl, began ; And likewife that an accompt may be given by every one who became extraordinarily rich while the Commonwealth was impoverifhed; how, and by what means he hath fo enlarged his eflate. If what I have heard be true, I am a wonderment in that refpeft be- yond many other; for I am told that 2iperfoti of Quality, and a neighbour ofmiiie, being in difcourfe with other Gentlemen concerning thofe who had increafed their eflates to admiration from a ve- ry poor condition, was pleafed to fay thus ; How— and —got their eflates, I very well know, faid he, (naming two Parliament-men who had fuddenly purchafed very large poffeffions, ha- ving very mean eflates a little before) but how George Wither became rich, that, quoth he, I wonder at, and cannot imagine. To prevent therefore, fuch wonderments, let an inquiry be made, beginning firfl as aforefaid, with me, and be carried on by a Precedendo, until it hath gone round the Nation : and I defie malice and all the world to charge me with what it can. It may perhaps be further objected (becaufe, I have heard fomewhat tending that way) to the rendring of your mediation for me to this Parliament, the lefs effedlual, that during the time wherein Oliver Cromwel, by GODS permifTion ufurped \ht\x power, I was for a Single Perfon, and endeavoured to maintain his Reputation, in what I might; & magnified the Title oiProteilor, as mofl honourable, and pertinent to our well-doing. It is true, that I did fo ; but my being of that \udgment, as our conflitution then was, merits no disfavor or negledl: For, I never was abfolutely, for, or againfl, a King, or a Commonwealth, with, or without a Single Perfon, but according as GOY>S extraordinary difpenfations , the prefent neceffities, the Law of Common-juflice, and the Peoples affent in Parliament made it expedient or not expedient ; nor otherwife then the mofl prudent of this Parliament lately feemed to judge thereof. For, either way, a Government may he goad or evil The United Provinces, and fome other Commonweals, have well enough fubfifted without a Single Perfon; yet the Venetians (the mofl flourifhing Commonwealth, and of the longeft continuance of any fmce Chrifl, have their Duke without any vifible difadvantage ; and the mofl famous Commonwealth of Jfrael\aA a Mofes, z.Jo/hua, and other Judges, who fuc- cefTively exercifed a fingle Authority. Let that be confidered, as alfo, that it is my Principle to uphold the Power which by QQViS grace, or permiffion, is for the time being fet over us ; and that I may as much as in me lieth, preferve the Common-peace, in z, prudential way, until Gods Proba- tions are determined, and his fecret will, is made manifefl. Let it therewith be confidered like- wife, that in all my Addreffes to Oliver Cromwel, and in all things by me publicly or privately C wrii- c 17 (i6) written to him, or done for him, as the then Supreme-Officer, I had evermore a care, to offer un- to his. remembrance, and to other mens, that, the power permiffively onely vouchfafed, was but Conditional: and, that if what was tacitely the condition thereof, were not by him perfor- med, it would be at lafl. the deftrucflion of him, and of his Family, or of both, \vithout repen- tance : and that likewife, the prefervation of the Peoples jufl Freedoms, hoih. fpiritual snA tem- poral (being part of that tacite condition) was by me infilled upon, fo far forth, as it might be done, in thofe times, and to a perfon in \C\?, place, without making all that to be ineffectual which I principally intended : as would more evidently appear, if all thofe Caveats and forewarnings were publiflied which I exhibited unto him, and others in private to that purpofe, without re- garding how difadvantaglous it would be to my per fonal interejl, as my affairs then flood, and which were not a Httle hazarded, and made more deflni6live by the boldnefs which I then affu- med ; who neither bafely flattered him, for my own ends, as many did, nor afcribed any thing as due to him in the Place he poffeffed and exercifed, but in order to the Publick welfare; and as he had been inllrumental (at the Peoples coji) in conquering thofe for them, who had formerly deprived them of their liberties : For, I did only commend thofe Anions of his, which were in themfelves commendable, without juflifying him in his perfonal defervings as to the intention, otherwife then their outward appearances might induce me to hope of it ; and, whether or no, he was really fuch as he pretended, could be certainly known to GOD, and to himfelf only. And, whereas, it may be yet further objefted, that in fome paffages of thofe Poems ax\d. Dif- courfes, which have been by me heretofore pubUfhed or communicated in private, I have aver- red or implied that the Power of this Parliament y^z.?, neceffarily interrupted, in refpedl of us, and jufl-ly alfo in refpedl of GOD, whofe \ujiice and mercy, have had thereby the more evident mani- fejiations ; I do confefs ingenuoufly that I was, and ftill am of that judgernent; and do believe by the little forrow, and much rejoycing, which generally appeared in the people both 7vella,'nd ill- affelled thereunto at the time of their Interi'uption, that mofl men were then of my opinion: For, it was not only, undeniably evident, that many proceedings were then carried on to the infring- ment of Common-right, as well as to the multiplying oi private Oppreffions, by the prevalency of fome corrupt Members, over-voting thofe who were faithful to their Trujl; But, that a Malignant party among them, had alfo brought in, and were then continually bringing in, fo many qualified like themfelves into their Houfe, and who were fo induflrious, either to break the Army by divi- ding it, or, by raifmg up another agaiinfl it, that it would probably have reflored the Common Enemies to ihtixfubdued Power, or brought all to a deflrudlive difunion, and confufion among our felves. Therefore, GOD, in yujlice to the one party, and in mercy to the other, made ufe of that which was perhaps corruptly defigned, by fome, for their own ends, and converted it, to bring his good purpofes to pafs ; particularly to prevent this Parliaments being everlaflingly deflroyed, by fome of its own Members ; To give them and others, an extraordinary experiment, by their Pro- bations, what they were in whom they confided ; how little trufl there is in men exalted to honour, (how pious, how honefl, or how mortified foever they are or pretend to be^ and to humble thofe who are now again reflored, that, with thankfulnefs for his double mercy, in their cor region and refiauration, they may reforme in themfelves and others, hereafter, that which was amifs hereto- fore. To thofe ends, and for fuch like, GOD, (as he did Nebuchadnezzer) drove them from the Throne, to live among the Common-hei-d vxiiA almofl fo many years as he was expelled ; whereby, if they be not yet fo humbled, as willingly to be remembred of it, to obferve their former fail- ings ; to acknowledge with an awful re]oycing, thefe pafl tranfa£lions, and their prefent mercies and chaflifements, to GODS honour; & to be merciful to others, as he hath been to them ; and at leafl. to excufe me for what I have formerly and now written, with a good Confcience, to pre- ferve my Countries peace, and their honour, without any purpofe of difhonouring them (as I hope they will underfland it) then, not I alone, but all the well-affeded of this Commonwealth, will be much deceived in their expeBations : and we mull fuffer until GOD fhall be pleafed, to fend us other Deliverers, or to deliver us himfelf : And, I do verily believe, that this Govermnent as a Commonwealth, (or whatfoever it fliall be,) will come to no happy, or profperous Settlement, until it fhall firfl do me juflice, who have fo long fufifered, and been fo conflantly faithful thereunto; and (17) and till they have embraced alfo, the Counfel of thofe negledted /i^<;r men, who have contribu- ted, and may contribute means for their prefervation, who had elfe been, and fnall be deflroyed. This belief m fuggejtion (call it what you will) I cannot expel though my life fhould depend up- on it, and though I have long ftrugled againfl. it ; as proceeding from a felfijh over-weetiing : and the ejedlion of it, is the more difficult, becaufe, when it firil poffeffed me, it entred upon this occafion, which I will faithfully relate. I was many years pall, (as I think other men have been during the trials of their patience) more curioufly I confefs, then became a Chrijlian modejly, defirous to foreknow, ivhatzxiA. when, would be the conclufion of thofe troubles which GOD had brought upon thefe Nations ; and, my inquifitivenefs, received this anfwer out of my own heart: Wouldjithou know the fucceffes before their coming, which GOD hath keptfecret ? Then, thus tnuch, and by this means know it: Thou in thine awn f erf on,and outward condition, fhalt be a fign unto thy felf, what the event will be, and when: According as thou dofl externally profper,fofhall this Go- vernment : when thou art relieved by their Juflice from thy Oppreflions, they Jhall be, within a while after, delivered from their Confufions; and when thou perceiveft, they have left thee to be de- flroyed, be affured, that their deflruflion, will not be long after. This may be only a melancholy fan- fie ; but, a fhort time, will difcover, whether it be fo, or not ; and GODS will be done. Thus, I fometimes buflle with the world, that, ftie may know I am not yet dead, though I do otherwiie, XooYfheepifnly (they fay doggedly) upon my Oppreffors, that, they may perceive I am fenfible, how they ufe me ; and though I am otherwhile a little furprized with a fit of melanclw- ly, when I confider what my Creditors and Relations do, or may fuffer ; yet, fo little is my heart troubled in refpecl of my felf, that I would not change fortunes with any of them, when my condition is at the worfl, and their at the befl ; For, though they have broken my Eflate, and crackt my Credit, if ever they break my heart (unleis they break the Trunk, wherein it lies,) He forgive them. For, Hcec mihi manent verba, perituro, When I was young, thefe Words my Motto were Nee habeo, nee careo, nee euro : I, neither have, nor do I want, or care : Et, Veriora forent, infuturo. And, Death, will make them truer then they are. Make ufe of thefe hints, as opportunities are offered, and as GOD, fhall move your heart, who worketh out fometimes, by as ridiculous attempts as this may feem, eflfedls which could not be brought to pafs by a more likely means. Saul went forth to feek only his Fathers AfTes, but found a Kingdom ; and perhaps, I who at firfl, hereby intended no more then to be eafed from my perfonal Oppreffions, may find fomewhat thereby at lafl effedled, which will give motion to that which will cure all our Publick Grievances. GOD, I hope will incline this Generation, be- fore it be too late, to do that which will be mofl for his glory and the Common-fafety; which is an unfeigned execution oijufiice and fhewing of mercy, according to the mercies received ; and, whereby only, that great breach, newly made, can be fo flopped, that another Inundation ofbloud, break not in upon us. That acceptable Sacrifice of righteoufiefs, will drive away thofe Judge- ments which yet hang over our heads, and procure fuch a bleffing upon the Parliament, that it fhall be enabled to fetle a Government, which may preferve both o\xr fpiritual and temporal Free- doms, inviolated, and from intrenching upon each other. A little Frankinfence fmcerely oflfred, appeafeth much wrath; and perhaps, one hour, timely fpent, to hear the Caufe oiz,priuate Sufferer, ready to be deflroyed, may be fo acceptable, that it fhall produce more toward 3. fettlement va.- one week, then was effedted in two months before ; and their Oyl and Meal, fhall be rather in- creafed then diminifhed, by making him a little Cake, out of that little which is left, \i their faith be not more confumed, then the provifions in the Crttze and Barrel. If there be any Expreffions in this Epiflle, or in any of my Papers relating to the Grievances, whereof I complain, which may feem over-fharp; be pleafed to confider hovu much I have furred, and how longfolicited, without effedling any thing but an increafe of my Grievances; and let that plead my excufe : If any fhall be offended, that I declare thofe Truths (which many are not wil- ling to hear of it) in fuch Language, and in fuch a mode, as is not ufual with oppreffed Suppliants; C 2 Let 19 (i8) Let it be confidered, that this is a time, wherein the deaf, dumb and bhnde Devils which pof- fefs men, are not to be caft out by ordinary Charms : and that, I am yet left in a worfe conditi- on, then many of the CommonweaUhs mod malicious enemies, their guiltinefs excepted: For, my lifeaxiA eftate being innocently taken away, would have been a mercy, compared to that_^«»2« and vexation offpirit, which my Oppreffions have occafioned at fometimes, not only, by the fcandalous upbraidings and importunities of my neceffitous Creditors, and by the fence which I have of- ten had of expofmg my dearejl Relations to unfufferable wants and griefs; or by the indangering and loofmg my Credit, as well as my Eftate ; But, alfo, by ioxas. fea-et trials of my faith and/a- tience in concernments of a higher nature, whereof the world fhall never know. Thus much, being exprell, for the reafons aforementioned, and to eafe my heart, by ordering into words, fome part of thofe many confufed thoughts, which lay troublefomely indigefled with- in me ; it hath made my condition feem to be more tolerable, then I thought it of late; and it hath fomewhat quieted my minde, becaufe, this will partly anfwer for me, to many objeftions made in places, where I Ihall not be prefent to hear them : it may alfo fave or recover fome part of my Credit, by declaring to thofe whom it may concern, that my failing a while the Expedtati- ons of my Creditors, proceeded not from any dijkoneft principle, or purpofed wrong, but from ina- voydable neceffities ; and that it arifeth not from any diffatisfadtion to the prefent Government, that I am not fo ferviceable thereto as I have been, and fliould ftill be, ( notwithftanding all former negledts) if I had been able. /have fomewhat more to adde, and feel a Rapture coming upon me, which will conflrain me to declare, that which is more confiderable then xay private Grievances; But I'ro/eis not fo proper to that fubjedl, as Verfifying; and therefore, I will walk to the conclufion of what remains, upon my Feet in Vet-fe. 'THough very much, and long, I have endur'd, And, defpWate Griefs, mufl defpratly be cur'd; I, try no extaordinary Courfes, Till llrong neceffUy thereto inforces : For, though fometimes, I feel fo great a fmart, That, I am therewith pinched at the heart, I, flill finde eafe, within a little fpace. By Patience, well prepared with Herb-grace. My Genius, lately mov'd me to this Chann, (Which, if it doth no good, can do no harm) And, therefore,:"! thus prove it .■ GOD, dire£l And, blefs it, with a profperous effeH : For, if what over-hangs us, at this time. Nor Prayers, Narrative, nor Profe, nor Rime, Nor Reafon, can incline this Generation In fixteen years, to JufUce, or Compajfwn, I, fliall believe my days oi private mourning, Mufl, till another PuUick-overturning Prolonged be ; or, elfe, till / Ihall have A Cure for all my Suffrings, in the Grave. However, (as /do) /will till then To keep my Claims on foot, employ my Pen Sometimes in private, to make Proof of thofe Who to the World-ward, have made holyjhows That either by thfeir ayd, / may obtain. What, /have long petition'd for in vain ; Or, that to men unborn , I may declare How mercilefs, their Predeceffors, were ; How fliameleily unjuft j how may ways GOD proved them ; how many feveral days, Weeks, monihsandyears, he waited, to maketryal, How long, they would defer thai f elf-denial Which they had voted; and that, times to come, May glorjfie GOD, in the Final Doom; Which, to the World, will openly be known In greater Judgments, or, in mercy fliown, When our three Fa^ions, parallel to them, Which were the Ruine, oi Jerufalem Have a(fled out, their Parts; and left the Stage, To thofe, who fliall begin another Age. GOD, is the fame, in all his Attributes (Whatere to him, our Vanity imputes) And, juft now, by the Eies of Contemplation, ftee a mixed- Cup in preparation, Wherein,fuch Drugs are \A&nA&d,fharp^fwed, As, for our prefent Maladies are meet ; By which, /gefs, what things may come to pafs, As Good, or Evil Counfels we embrace ; And, /will tell my Thoughts, though being told, /fear, they will be flighted as of old : For, / confefs, that which my Soul forefees, She fees like him, who faw, men walk like trees. The ruine of that BEAST, is now at hand. Which doth as yet,the^OZ F-Z^^^withftand; And, he of late, hath fo affrighted been. Left, his approaching Downfal muft begin Among thefe Nations, that, with all his might He feeketh means his Vaffals to unite 20 Who Who mufl. afiift him ; and in fecret wife, He hath conveyed hither, in difguize, Thofe Lomjls, which afcended with 2. f moke. Whereby, they unperceiv'd, Difgiiizes took Of fev'ral Forms, refembHng many Creatures Of diff 'ring Shapes, and of as diffring Natwes, Tohidetheirira?//^; Thefe, lately pow'r havehad By Sorceries, to make the people mad, And, by fomenting Difcords, to dellroy (joy The means, whereby, that peace they might en- Which would preferve them, & prepare a path To that great work, which God determin'd hath. For, though the fons of Belial, do condemn This Power, which God\iz.'Cix now fet over them, Becaufe, in outward Jhew, no fuch effedl Is like to fpring, from thence, as they expedl ; Yet, (hall the Power (againfl which ma.ny prate. And raile, and write, malicioufly of late) Henceforth, from Violence, protecfled fland. And be dellroyed by no mortal hand Except their own ; and, till they fliall in heart From juft and pious Principles depart : But, either quite deflroy, or foil all thofe, Who, them, in their Authority oppofe. Yea, though, thofe ^/'^;'r«///^»j they have had. Whereby, they are not, now, fo able made As they may be, when time, adds thereunto Compleatnefs, for the work they have to do : They are, all that's remaining at this feafon, Conducible thereto, in humane Reafon ; And, what to difadvantage them, doth feem. May give them, at the lall, the more efleem. The more contemptible, they now are thought. The more difhonour will on them be brought Whom they fubdue. If, they he. poor, and weak. The louder, to his glory, will that fpeak Which,he,by them eSsSi^,yfaoi-«»//rffounds Alarums, threatning future Deaths or Wounds. That Grand Confpiracy, which was foretold And typifi'djby Jft^ els foes, of old. Is forming up a Body, to prevent What may arife out of this Parliament ; Afhur^ AJhur, and Ammon, Amakck, and Tyre, Yea,,jEartAa.ndJIel/,s.ga.mR them, nowconfpire. Their jFoes, from all parts, do begin to cluflre, Gog, Magog, and the Man of Sin do muftre Their Forces up. In their own bofome, lies An Ambujh too, of dangerous enemies ; And, nothing gives me fo much caufe of fear, As, that, which may lye hid in fecret, there. Yet \!asAfear, is furmounted far by Hope, Which, hath unto defpairing fet a flop: (fpring For, they are ihaXfrnall Remnant , whence may Thofe Armies, of our everlaJUng King, Which will fubdue the world, and fet his Throne Upon the ruines of great Babylon, IF, they defert not, what they have profeft, And, in his favour, lofe their intereft. : That IF, remembring (left before the I, We fet the F, and cry aloud. Oh FI) Let them be mindful, in humiliation. That this year, is their lafl year of Probation ; And of all willful failings, now take heed. Left worfe things, then befel them, do fucceed. Let them take courage alfo, and not fear What, they fhall either /«^^i^, fee, or hear : For, he that faves hyfew; the tvife, befools. Defeats ^sflrong, and works with any tooles Refideth yet among them ; and will never (vor. Forfake them, whilfl they do their befl endea- That, fo it may be done, let them flill minde, Both what's before them, and what lies behinde. Let them remember, He that flands may fall, That, e.\'ry promife is conditional; And, that, GOU' s promifes, will be to them Perform' d, as they to others, and to Him Veriona.ih&xpromifes: for, though this wrong He pardons oft-times, and forbeareth long, There is a. fet time, which now draweth near. In which, he will, no longer, fo forbear, (him. Let no man flight thefe Cautions, though by Pronounced, who may defpicable feem : For, in thefe days, it often comes to pafs That, GOD, fpeaks, (as to Balaam by his Affi) To wifeflmen, by thofe whom Fools they deem ; To Kings, by perfons that ignoble feem ; And, if their Wills, as wilfully as he They fhall purfue, like his, their End fhall be. TYSsiPower now niling,rzigns byGod's Commif- Yet, not without a. fore-premised condition: {fion; For, by unrighteoufnefs, it fhall not fland. Though it were as the Signet on his hand, (ter, If, they themfelves with outward wafhings, flat- And fhall not cleanfe the infide of the platter; (20) If, thofe defedls oijuftice and Companion Which lately brought Confitfions on this Nation, Ee not forthwith repair'd in fome degree, (As means by6^0Z>'s grace, will vouchlafed be.) And, if a Model truly Genuine, This Augufi fixteen hundred fiftynine, Be not conceiv'd, 2.x\A. fully born, before The time, exceeds the end oinine moneths more, With all the ejfential parts, of fuch a thing, As may receive a timely perfefting, (To qualifie that Rage, which may increafe The Breaches made into the Common-peace) Then, all that this Power , thenceforth can en- Will either be a nullity for ever ; (deavour, Or elfe, a furtKrance, to that horrid pother Which v/ill make facile entrance for another Oppreffing hand, that, will hxAjufUce do So far, as Vengeance doth amount unto. Hear this with patience ; altho fpoke by me : Confider well, if thus it may not be. All ye, whom it concerns : For Ifraels Rock, (Who hates requiting mercies with a mock J Hath faid, that he muft, rule with Righteoufnefs Who doth ov'r men, a ruling power poffefs ; And, we have felt, that Piety is vain, Unlefs therewith morality, doth raign. But, all may yet be well ; unlefs, the Beafl With many heads, mars their own intereft By ig?iorafue, or wilful difobeying; Or elfe, our Truces (hy our trufl betrapng) Fail in performing, at ^€\x promised day. That, which is hop'd for, and for which we pray. Mofl awfiil GOD ! whowhen thisworldwasmade, Gav'fl that a Being, which no Being had: Whofe WiiAoni, from a Chaos made of nought, All things into a perfe6t order brought ; And, by thy Word, eternally Divine, Didfl out (?/■ Darknefs, caufe the Light tofhine; Enable thofe, tvho have the prefent Power, To aft, what will be for their Weal and our. And 1WW, Oh all ye people of this Land, At their need, aide them, with a liberal haiid And loyal heart, to oil for ywtr avail: Let not the fault be yours, if they fhall fail : Lay all your Animofities afide. For, though to them difhonour may betide. The Confequence thereof, will make you forry : Their fhame, will be the ruine of your glory. If, otherwife it happen, what fuccefs May follow, 'twill be needlefs to exprefs. And, to prevent it, /, thus often, here, (were) Adde this word IF, ( which elfe lefs needful For, 22 For, great will be our forrows, when they Ihall Unmindful be of that conditional. We many ways lye open to perdition ; And, GOD, hath Magazeens of Ammunition Enough, to punifh, all Offenders, either Singly; m parties; or elfe, all together As he ihall pleafe : yet, he vouchfafes ^Jhow, Of fuch things, as he probably may do ; That, we, our wills, z.vA prailifes may bend To adt with Him, in what he doth intend. T\\oi& Judgments, may not all at once enfue, Which may be fear'd, and will be juflly due ; For, GOD'S Long-fiiffering, fliall perhaps once Jujtice with Mercy mix, as heretofore ; (^more And, prove us, by a means, that fome abhor, And, other fome, have madly longed for. We have a Grand-Foe, whom he laid afide. And, will referve, till he hath foolifi'd Their Expeilations, who forgetful grow Of what they fuffer'd, but a while ago : And, as he fhew'd how mifchievous a thing, T^zjews defired, when they crav'd a King, By granting of it : (that, they might perceive 'By feeling, what they would not elfe believe) So, by the like Experiment, perchance, He'll once more, cure this Nations ignorance : Becaufe, the ^a.c\0M.% fentence by him given On their behalfs, within the Court of Heaven, Hath been by them defpifed, and contemn'd, By fiding with the party, there condemn'd. Good ?g- had? Or, fome expedient, or referve be found Like that, made ufe of, when the V/orld was (drowned ? For, mofl. among us, are grown fo deprav'd, That, very few, can to Good ufe be fav'd. Their wifdom, power and wealth, mofl. men im- The welfare of each other to deflroy. (ploy 'Y\\eCommon-people,dLO not underftand (in hand; Thofe things, which GOD, and men have now And, give affiftance to rebellious Forces, By railings, imprecations, skcffs and curfes, Inftead of Prayers ; and, fo mif-believe, That, now, no Charmer, can them undeceive. So harfli and general a Diapaze Of difcords, in no Climate ever was Since va. Jerufalem the triple-faHion Foremention'd, wrought incurable diflraElion. No People ever were fo blinde, fo giddy, So vain, fo falfe, mad, foolifli, and fo heady, But, where a fad unparallel'd confuflon Threatned to bring a terrible Conclufion. They,like to Sampfons Foxes, from each other Turn heads ; but, are united fo together With Firebrands, by their tails, that, as well they Who run the fame, as they W^"^ thwart their way Deflroy the Cornfields thorow which they run, And, meet with greater mifchiefs then they fliuii He, that oppreffeth, doth of thofe complain Who, do apparent wrongs by him fuftain ; And, oft, finds means to tell fo fmooth a tale. That innocence is daflit againft the wall : D He, (24) He, that the truth, nor loves, nor tells, nor (teaches, Writes, fights, pretends, yea, pays,andprays,and As if he did profefs it without guile; (preaches, Yet, is & friend to faljhood, all the while. 5'ome, without honejly, the truth profefs, Some, hold the truth, but in unrighteoufnefs ; And, twixt thefe two, (as they thtpower divide) CHRIST, and moll honeji men axe crucifide. With Tragedies, they make their Party glad. And, joy in that, for which good men are fad. They love no ne%vs, like that which breedeth . {Jirife, Lies, (as if they were nourilhments of life) They feafl on; and at them, who their untruths Difown, theyflorm, as if then, from their mouths The bread were fnatcht : yea, when they know (them falfe, They love to tell, and htax, /editions tales. By which the Common-peace may be orethrown. Although thereby, they quite deftroy their own. And multiply thofe burthens, which, they lay To their Charge, who, had took them elfe away; Or, if not hindred in their enterprize. By malice, fal/hood, and Apojiacies. Their flandrous Tongues, and Petis, whom (wound they not Save him that is unknown, or elfe forgot. They skofif, and jeer (not wickednefs axidfo/iy, W'^i' may be jeer'd) but things that are mojiholy: And, fince times round began, no humane eyes Did read fo many curfed blafphemies. So much prophanefs, and fcurrility. Or fuch impure and filthy ribaldry, As in this Ifle, hath in fo little fpace, Been publiih'd, to our National difgrace. But, what can more from thofe expedled be Who think none but licentious men axe free? And, whofe ambition, more affefls to have The freedom of a Beafl, or of a Slave, Then that which both by nature, and \>j grace. Belongs of right, unto the humane race ? Like earboar'dflaves, {^ho,bondmen have been (made So long, that, when their freedom may be had They flight it^ fo do thefe; and, as conceiving There were, no poffibility of living In this world, (ov hereafter to be fav'd) Except they ferv'd a Tyrant, and were flav'd; They, now rebellioufly, a Captain chufe To lead them back to bondage, like ^ejewes; As if it were defigned by thefe Nations To be like them, in all their deviations. 26 Oaths, again ft Oaths, and Covenants are look, Fitter to be repented of, and broke Then to be kept ; and. Piety, they make Kfeeming warrant to infringe and break That which obligeth all mens Confciences, And, wherewith, nor GODS Laws, nor mans di- Thus, at this prefent, conftituted is ■ (fpenfes, This Nation ; and, what change, muft mend all Oh madmen ! (if ye are not fo bereft (this ? Of reafon, that among you none is left) Be you your felves the Judges, if I lay That to your charge, which is not as I fay. Or, whether I dar'd fay it, in a time So wicked, without warranty from him. Who, in \hisfad day of our Vifitation Inclines me to it, for your prefervation. To cure thefe Frenzies for \\\5 future glory, GOD, is preparing a New-purgatory, To purge what may be purged from the drofs, That, of the Pure Gold there m.ay be no lofs. The Judgements, now beginning, (hall go round. And through tliefe Iflands, till all thofe are (found Who have been falfe, in that which they profeft To GOD, or to the PubUck-Interefl. From houfe io houfe, from man to man,they fliall Proceffion make, till they have feiz'd oa all. All fhall be proved, whether poor they be Or rich, or, of a high or low degree, By outward, or by inward fiery trials, Till they are brought to real felf denials Twixt GOD and them, through tnercy to repent Hheir failings ; or, to outward chafKfement. Thofe, who fhall in ^x^Ifland, fcape his hand, Vengeance, will feize on, in a Forraign-Land : The Foes of Peace among the Comtnon-rout, A Peflilence, or Famine fhall root out. They, who have fliuffled from the Souldiersfury, 5hall fall into the mercy of a. Jury; (hope And, when they, from the Sword, are in forae To hide ; ftiall then be hamper'd in a Rope. The mif chiefs they have ftiunned in the ftreet, Within afecret Chamber, they fhall meet. Thofe men, whom noi!m\% publickly purfues. Their Confciences, '-m private, fhall accufe; They, who immovably do think to ftand, Shall fall, without the motion of a hand ; And when the things theyfear'd, cannot annoy (them That, which iheyfleight, and/^ar mi, fliall de- (ftroy them. Exceeding Exceeding dreadful, during ivich probations, Will be the mdmy fuff' rings of thefe Nations, Except thofe days be fhort'ned, or GOD, fliall Enable to fuilain what may be fall. For, that, which now is coming to the Tejl, Is not, alone, the peoples intereji, As, what was lately controverted here Betwixt them, and deceafed Oliver ; Or, him and Stewart : or, a thing fo vain As now, the Dane and Swede, or France & Spain Are llriving for : But, whether good or evil; CHRIST, or the Man of Sin, GOD, or the Devil Shall have the Soveraigniy; and wo to thofe Who fhall, that righteous intereji oppofe, Which is to be decided, when the day Shall come, to fet their battels in aray. But, V/j already come ; at leall, fo nigh As to be feen by Contemplations eye. Tis come ; and, (though not, as 'tis mifconceiv'd By thofe, who have a Throneiox CHRIST con- (triv'd. As carnal as that is, which now mufl fall ) It will ere long, be vifible to all, (eyes, Who have that eye-falve, which may help their To fee Truth fhining through dark myjleries. The Banners, of both Parties are difplay'd ; Both their Militia!^, are in part ara/d ; T\\t fouldiers wages, on both fides is known, "Vsxtfecret word, on many is beftown : And, not one Promife doth to me appear Of an efcape, from that, which men may fear, 5ave, as in their Probations, they make good Their charge, ( though to the loofmg of their (blood If need require) with trufting to that grace. Which, neither Is, norjhall be, nor ev'r was To any wanting, who did not refufe it. Nor when it is received, fliall abufe it. But, what will follow, can alone be known To them, on whom ihsX grace fliall be beflown; Or, by th' Events, of thofe Contingencies, VVhich from 2iju/lprogreffion, will arife ; And, mull, \ht Jkps-probationary be To that, which is GOD's abfolute Decree ; For, whofe accomplifliment, I will attend Till that time comes, or, till my life fliall end. Here, I had ended ; but it fares with me As with him, who, again fhall never fee Thofe he departs from ; and would leave be- (hind him, Somewhat, to make them, otherwhile to minde (him. (25) Thus, would I do ; or, rather, if I may Make others minde them/elves; & what this day ■Seems drawing nigh. Oh, let him, with regard, That fpeaks for you, (not for himfelf) be heard. Let him. Oh Englands Reprefentative, Who, now, hath but a little time to live, (And, fain would write, or fay, before he dies. That, for thy Weal, which thou fliouldft not (defpife) Let him this once be heard, with that refpedt Which may produce a rational effeil. Left, all thy Confultations, Cojl and Pain, Do prove at lafl, to be beflow'd in vain. To him, who to your felves, did you reftore. Your felves refign, more now, then heretofore ; And, feek not, like your tyrannizing Kings, At this time, to contrive and fettle things More for yovx felves, then to advantage thofe Who, truft in you, for better ends repofe ; Or, to advance your Freedoms, more then their Jufl Rights, for whofe fake, they conferred are. Let not him, fuffer more, who fhall accufe For breach oftrufl, then they who trufl abufe, As heretofore : For, there was once a time Wherein, to charge a Member, for a crime. Was proiecuted with a greatet zeal (weal: Then his Guilt, who, then wrong'd the Common- Ev'n when to Stangate, yea, (fome fay) well nigh To Lambeth-hotife, the People heard them cry, 'Tis for a MEMBER : and preferv'd was he Within that Houfe, who ought expel'd to be: And, all the mercy, to th' Accufer ihown. Was, to be kept a Pris'ner in his own. But they who did it, were by Providence Cafl. out ; GOD keep all fuch, for ever thence. Confider whether there do not, as yet To your own knowledge, men among you fit Who much obftru6t the mercies, GOD intends, And, your progreffion in thofe righteous ends Which you propofe. (I mean not any one Who erres through humane Frailty; For, then (none Should be excus'd) but fuch as do tranfgrefs Through Envy, and malitious wilfulnefs ; Or fuch Prefumers, who, as Achan did. Took Gold & rayment (things, that were forbid, On danger of a Curfe ) fuch as bereave Ih&poor of their fubfiflence ; or deceive The Commonwealth ; and whom their Avarice To other things unlawful did intice. Whereby oppreffed Innocents are wrong'd, And Juftice to their ruine, is prolong'd. D 2 Con- 27 (26) Coiifider, what may be the fad event V^here any fuch as thefe, are prevalent ; And, if you find fuch, and defire to thrive, To them, in time, their due demerits give ; For, why, by palliating of their guilt. Should your blood, like the Berv\amitcs be fpilt, Who brought on their whole Tribe, a wrath di- (vine, For murth'ring but one Levites Concubine ? Confider, when your Pardons were beflown, Whether it were not for ends of your own ; More to fecure your felves , or to befriend The Nations Foes, who on your Grace depend; Oi", otherwhile, becaufe, you durfl. not do ThzX Jujlice, which you were oblig'd unto, Much rather, then fmcerely to exprefs Your love to mercy, and to righteoufiufs: If fo, you finde it ; then, betimes lament YoMT failings, and effedtually repent. Confider, if, v/hen we, to pacific The wrath of GOD, a day ihall fandlifie In Fajlings, or Thankfgivings ; whether, he Can pleafed with ihoit facrifices be, V/hich coll us, nothing, but to fpend a day, (And formally, to pafs fome hours away) In Emptinefs, or Fulnefs ; or, to hear Thofe fins reprov'd, which, we will not forbear; Yet, not to leave behind us, till the morrow, One fymptome, of true tJiankfulnefs, OTforrow? Had it not then been fit, to lay afide ^ome part of what, in Vanity and Fride Hath been confum'd; \}sx€\xfufferings to relieve. Who cannot from the Publickpurfe receive What is their due, until GOD Ihall refl.ore Abilities, to make that Pittance more ? Confider, (fince among you there are fome. Who, do believe, a Kingdome is to come, YVhereofCJIF/STmnR. be King) whether or no Your Government, fliould not be modell'd fo ; That, when the People, fiiall Eledt by Voyce Double Trujiees) G OD fhould by /i?/ make choyce Of which him pleafcth ? When that we have (had Our Option, wherefore fhould not His be made? So 'twas, when Ifr'el, firft, a King enjoy'd, And, when the firfl Apojllejhip was voyd. Who would not be content to Jtand or fall With what, would fo indifferent be to all ? Or, not fubmit to him, who will become. Do what we can, the Giver of our Doom ? Or, who will this oppofs, but they who doubt GOD, will in his Flexions, leave them out ? More might be faid : But, you know how to The Body of a Zyon, by the Paw. (draw If, thefe things, you confider ; and fhall do, Your bed endeavour to conform thereto. This, I am fure of, fthough I cannot tell What will be done) that, all they, fliall do well Whofe Confciences , unfeignedly atteft. That, they, to do all well, have done their befl.. How pleafing, this will prove, well know I not; But, how I might have pleafed, well I wot. If, I, had flattered thofe men in their waies, Who, whatfoev'r they merit, look for praife. If, Pillows to their Elbowes I had fow'd, Sooth'd up the Covetom, fawn'd on the Proud, And been like many other, fo ripe-witted, My Poems with their humours to have fitted : Had I, another been, not he I am, None knowing what I was, or, whence I came; Then, had (as I did) thirty years ago, Foretold what fhould be, and, what fee they do Accordingly fufill'd ; and then, had got By t!aa.tfuccefs, (which often faileth not) Amongft the People, fuch a reputation, As they, who feem to fpeak by Revelation ; It may be I had been a Saint efl^eem'd As Madmen are in Turky ; or, now feem'd Lefs defpicable ; or, elfe, my predi^ions Had been as well regarded as thofe Fidions, Or foolifh lying Propliefies, by which Impofhrs, this deluded age bewitch. If, I, on that advantage, had made known Some Grotchets or Chimera's of mine own, Yorfelji/h ends ; or, had I then pretended To fome new-light ; fuch Novelties commended To his age, as are pleafing, at this day. Or had I, (which, I could, as well as they Who pradtife it) put on the tempting Drefs Oifeemingzeal, zxA formal-holinefs ; Forborn lo fpeak, what few men love to liear; Not bid them leave, what no man can forbear ; And, in thofe things compUde whichmofl. affedt; I might have been the Father of fome Sedl : Yea, fo, fhould have been favoured perchance, As to have got fome temporal advance : For, few men, (could my heart therewith com- Had better means, for fuch a cheat, then /. (ply) But, thefe were not my Aims, & I haye gain'd As much, as I had hope to have attain'd. And, having fully prov'd what is in men, Will henceforth lay by, my difpleafing Pen : Not doubting, but this Letter, will effedl As much as whilfl I live, I muR expedl. ' 23 I, now have writ enough, to that intent Which firil I had ; yea, much more then I ment When I began, this; and thereby make known A Caufe, more worthy heeding, then mine own ; Wherein, if / prevail hereby, no more Then, by what / have written heretofore, /, ftiall beHeve th' effedt would be much lefs Hereafter, fhould I, any more exprefs. The Preface laft year to my SAL Tox\ SAL T, Fore-warned (and / think it not my fault If none regard it) that, to us, this year EfFefls of dreadful Thunders, would appear ; And, fo it comes to pafs : yet, little heeded, Save as things, which have cafually fucceeded : I'll therefore, henceforth let them credit give To what they dream, and L do not believe. Enough is here writ, to make mofl of thofe That fliall be Knaves, or Fools, to be my Foes. And, where can I live, (unlefs God fhall pleafe) Where, / can long be fafe from fome of thefe? But, in their prefence, he my Table fpreads ; (27) /, am excus'd ; and, 'tis not my belief. That, / am bound to preach nntorxhelBeaf, And cail away my Pearls, as I have done. Where they and I, fhall ftill be trampled on. My Soul, is clear from any blood of thine ; GOD grant, thou mayfl as guiltlefs be oimine. Thine own, and other mens ; and at thy need, Speed better, in thyfiuts, then yet I fpeed. I will no more, affright thee with Alarms By my PrediSlions, of approaching harms, As in times pad , nor add to thy offence, By minding thee, of thine impenitence ; Nor feem to play the Pool, to make thofe wife Who, will not fee, wherein their fafety lies : But, ceafe to meddle in thofe Publick-matters, Which, thy Falfe Prophets, and Prognoflicaters, Have puzzell'd : But, to him, a fuitor be, Who, from what's threatned, can deliver thee. To works of this kind, here, I fix a bound. This, is the laft time, wherein I will found My Trumpet to thefe Nations ; or make knowri MyA?«/,northeir^. perfonal Addrefs Long fince ; but, difficult is an Accefs For fiich as I appear, who hazard blame, And difrefpefl enough, where I now am ; Becaufe, what Confcience chargeth me withal. Is by fome judged to be criminal. In that regard, this Paper muft make way For gaining an admittance, as it may ; And will, I hope, prefented be, by fome Who fhall have entrance, where I cannot come. I am defpoiled fo of ev'ry thing. That nothing for a Prefent I can bring Except (of Grace) your Majejly Ihall pleafe To daign acceptance to fuch Gifts as thefe ; Which (though but mean, and in an homly drefs) Will then illuftrate your true Worthinefs, As amply, as the candid Acceptation, Of what may feem of greater valuation. I cannot vfnte Jlrong Lines, with fwelling words, Whofe Elegancy fcarcely room affords ¥ox fober fenfe ; nor mufter up their Names, Whom Hijiory, and whom Tradition fames For brav'fh Atchievements, fince time firft begun, And then fay, you have all of them outgone ; As if vsxy foolijh words, might add unto Your Honour, more than your own Deeds can do. Or, as if any Wife-man would give creed To what they in a flatring Poem reade. It (7) It is not in the pow'r of any other By Pen or Tongue to clear up, or to fmother Your true Deferts ; For, in your y^^ that lies, Which either them beclouds, or dignifies. No other Thoughts I entertain of You, But fuch as I may think, and you allow : Yet, to extol your Worth I fhall not dare. Till I know truly what your Vertues are. For, though to Flatrers all Kings feem to be Of like defert, they feem not fo to me. rie ferve you faithfully in what I may, And, as my King, love, honour and obey. I would conceal, not publifh your defeSls, If / knew any ; and give due refpefts To all your Merits ; but, I will not own One Line that praifes them, till they are known : For, till / know, / give but what is due, / am a Lyar, though my words be true ; Since equally, both good and evil things, Are famed of the bed of men, and Kings. A Stranger likewife, you have been long time To moft of your own Subje£ls in this Clime, And, / was never where / did behold Your face, fince you were two or three years old : What Good foever therefore / aver Of you, / fhall but feem a Flatterer ; Yea, you your felf would think fo, fhould / add Thofe Virtues, which you know you never had ; And, Praife, which is afcrib'd to any one In that mode, is a little lefs than none. But, little Credit alfo hath a Poet, To celebrate your Worth, when he fhall know it. Or counterpoize, or filence ContradiSlions, Since moft efteem his Writings to be Pillions ; And (8) And you will be more honor'd, than in them, By thefe blunt Lines, if they have your efteem. , / therefore, fo fhall ftudy to increafe Your Honour, that / may not make it lefs ; And whatfoever / cax\.fay or do, (Although you give a Countermand thereto) T\&fay, and do it ; when / fhall be fure Your Life, or Peace, or Honour 'twill fecure : And, if this be a, fault, I do intend To be thus faulty, till my life fhall end. / know, moft Royal Sir, who 'tis that faies, * To pleafe great men, deferves not meanefi praife : *Et magnis placuiffe Viris, non ultima laus efl. Hor. de Arte Poetica. T fee how 'tis approv'd, and what they gain Who can that thriving Faculty attain. Yet, /fhall wave their Art, and will affay To do you honour in another way. By giving you occafion to exprefs Your Juflice, Mercy, and your Prudentnefs ; So that your felf may make the world to fee Your Virtues more, than words can fay they be. ' To that end, much might in my cafe be fhown : But, rather iox your fake, than for mine own Is this Addrefs ; Yea, rather to prevent What may be your harm, than my detriment ; He therefore wave that too ; that no felf-end May fruftrate what / chiefly do intend. Some, queftionlefs, before your Refloration Contributed for your Accommodation In true Jincerity ; and fome, no doubt. Thereby to work their own Salvation out ; And (9) And many a one, perhaps, like Ziba fpeed, Who merited no better than he did. Some other would have done as much as they, But, neither had the means, nor knew the way ; And many, who againft You then combin'd, Are now, fo truly of another mind. That, you in them are fafe : for. Love in fuch Will much abound, who \f&r& forgiven much. I, who obeyed \a.t& preceding Pow'rs Compulfively ; now, willingly to yours Profefs Allegiance; and, as true as thofe Will be, who of their Truth make faireft fliows. For, when I faw G O D on your fide appear, I was reclaim'd by Confcience, not by Fear ; Yea, Iforefaw, and likewife Aidforetel (To them who were in pow'r) what fince befell ; Attending paffively, what I expe6led. By Providence divine would be effefled : And my profeffed Loyalty to you Is not alone unqueftionably true. But alfo, may appear to be more free From felf-ends, than their Loyalty can be In whom you moft confide : For, they from Bands Exempted are ; have Honours, Goods and Lands, Penjions or Offices, wherein you do Protedl them ; and, they have your Favour too. But, all thefe wholly are to me deftroy'd, And I by your Protection have enjoy'd Nought, fave a dying-life, a living-grave, Or that, whereof fo fmall efteem / have. That, if my Work were done, and GOD would fay Amen, /would refign my Life this day. Yet, fo far am / from repining at My Portion, or my feeming fad eftate, B That (lo) That, in this Pojlure I will ferve as long, As to endure it G O D fhall make me ftrong ; Not doubting, but when all things come to proof, My Suff rings will be much to my behoof : Mean time, left otherwife, my good intent To you, fome caufualty may prevent, I will, fo far forth as my Chain will ftretch, (And mine now fhortned arm and hand will reach) Exhibit fuch Expedients, as from Time, And other Herbs, I've fuckt within your Clime ; And, wanting better Gifts, will offer you This little Clufter of thofe Grapes, which grew Upon my wither' d Vine : For, though they are But fowre, your Kingdom yeelds none wholfomer. If you fliall feafonably prefs out the Juice, And then affume it without prejudice. This Time is critical ; The wayes be ruff. And many of thofe CJtariot-wheels fly off, By which your Marches expedited feem'd. And loft Advantages muft be redeem'd. Left when you think that they are come to hand, Your main Expediences be at a ftand. Or, put fo far back, that you may furvive Your hopes, and your own happinefs outlive. / wifh it otherwife ; and know it may Be as / wifli, if you the means affay. Not giving ear to thofe, who will withftand Your Good, & that which GOD hath now in hand. / have difcharg'd my Confcience ; and fo fhall. Whatever for fo doing doth befall. In hope that will not wholly be difpif'd. Which now ftiall be in faithfulnefs advif'd. To To thofe men do not over-much adhere, Who think all Wifdom lies within their fphear ; For, Honours, Riches, axiA /elf-lntereji Have made wife-men as brutifh as a Beaft. Heed otherwhile, what Common Fame doth fay. Afwel as what your Courtiers whifper may ; Left you be ignorant of many things, Whofe cognizance is pertinent to Kings. Make no man your chief Confident, but he That's both difcreet, and honejl known to be ; Left he deceives your truft, and in the clofe Deftroyes your old Friends, or begets new Foes. Let Jujlice be your Scepter, let your Crown Be Mercy ; and, if you would keep your own. Give that to others, which to them belongs, And free the Poor and Fatherlefs from wrongs : Efpecially, your main Endeavours bend To make and keep your Sov' reign Lord your friend. And if you would be fetled on your Throne, Take care that His ufurped be by none. Enjoy your Confidence, whatfoere it be, ; So other men may have their Confidence free ; And, hang me for a Traitor, if thereby You then enjoy not more Security, (gives, Than what your Strength by Sea and Land now And all that humane Policy contrives. Let Truth and Error fight it out together, Whilft Civil Peace difturbed is by neither ; Which may be fo provided for, that none Shall juftly be difpleaf'd with what is done ; Nor you hereafter be (for evermore) Difturbed, as you have been heretofore. If You negleft this, and / difobey. Twill be with much grief, and no other way, B 2 But (12) But only paffively, and whatfoever / fuffer, will your Welfare ftill endeavour. To be of this mind, thoufands are believ'd, VVho are not into favour yet receiv'd : And whilft they are excluded (though in peace They live) fufpitions daily will encreafe ; And from their Malice, who nor GOD, nor King, Much care for, fome ill confequence may fpring. By which You may have trouble, and they blame, VVho fhall be no way guilty of the fame. Your taking timely Opportunities Now offred (and, of what before You lies) May render You a bleffed Injlrument, In making paffage to that Government Which Tyrants fear ; more glorious make Your Than ever any King yet fate upon : {Throne And make Your Name a terror to all thofe Who to that Kingdom Ihall continue Foes. Herein i've fpoke according to my creed, Wifhing rayjuji hopes may thereon fucceed ; And that upon Your heart it may work more, Than what I've fpoke to others heretofore. But G O D's time is at hand ; within his pow'r Are all mens ways ; yea, both your hearts & our ; And / will patiently fubjeft unto What either He or You fhall pleafe to do, Not asking (whatfoere / feem to want) Ought more, than you fpontaneoufly fhall grant : For, what / may expeft, if you denie. So far as need fhall be, GOD will fupply. Thefe words, when / was young, my Motto were, / neither have, nor want, nor do I care : So are they now Vvsx old ; yea, fomewhat more Effentially than ever heretofore ; And (13) And thereof / will not abate one Letter, Till GOD and You dirreft me to a better. The Liberty /covet to enjoy, Is that which no man living can deftroy. The Wealth I aim at, is nor lefs, nor more. But to be well contented. Rich or poor : And, if / had a mind my Wits to ftrain, That / to earthly Honours might attain, / Ihould to no fuch common heights afpire, As now are obje6ls of moft mens defire ; Or, to a ftile of fo mean confequence. As is an Earl, a Marquefs, Duke or Prince ; Or, to be call'd your Coujin : For, no lefs Would fatisfie my large Ambitioufnefs, But fo much worth, at leaft, as did commend His Loyalty, whom David call'd his Friend, And wit enough to make a parallel Of ev'ry Tray tor, with Achithophel. For, then you fhould in very (hort time fee. That no man more deferves efleem'd to be Newgate, Your Majeflies loyal Subjefl Mar. 22. 1662. Than, Geo. Wither. FINIS. Spenser ^ocietg. LIST OF MEMBERS, 1871-72. A DAMS, Dr. Ernest, Ansofl road, Victoria -"■ park, Manchester Addis, John, jun., Rustingfon, Littlehampton, Sussex Ainsworth, R. F., M.D,, Higher Broughton, Man- chester Aitchison, William John, 11, Buckingham terrace, Edinburgh Akrpyd, Colonel Edward, M.P., Halifax Alexander, John, 43, Campbell street, Glasgow Alexander, Walter, 29, St. Vincent place, Glasgow BAIN, James, I, Hajrmarket, London, S.W. Baker, Charles, F.S.A., 11, Sackville street, London, W. ■ Baltimore, Peabody Institute at (per Mr. E. G. Allen, 12, Tavistock row, Covent, garden, London, W.C.) jt Birmingham Central Free Library j Birmingham Library (per Mr. A. Dudley, librarian) Blackman, Frederick, 4, York road, London, S.E. Bladon, James, Albion house, Pontypool Boston, U.S., Athenseuro (per Mr. E. G. Allen) Boston, U.S., Public Library (per Sampson Low, Son and Co.) Bremner, John A., Albert street, Manchester, Hon. Sec. Brooks, W. Cunliffe, M.P., F.S.A., Barlow hall, near Manchester ■ Brothers, Alfred, 14, St. Ann's square, Man- clicstcr Buckley, Rev. William Edward, M.A., Rectory, Middleton Cheney, Banbury P ALLENDER, William Romaine, jun., F.S.A., ,, ^ Water street, Manchester I Campkin, Henry, F.S.A., Ubrarian, Reform club, |, London, S.W. ,.„,,, Chamberlain, Arthur, Moor Green hall, Moseley, near Birmingham Chamberlain, John Henry, Christ Church build- ings, Birmingham Christie, R. C, M.A., 2, St. James's square, Manchester Cochrane, Alexander, 216, Bath street, Glasgow Coleridge, Sir J. D. C, M.P., i, Sussex square, London, W. Collier, John Payne, F.S.A., Maidenhead Cook, Jas. W., 72, Coleman street. City, E.C. Corser, Rev. Thomas, M.A.^ F.S.A., Rectory, Stand, near Manchester Cosens, F. W., 27, Queen's gate, London, W. Crossley, James, F.S.A., 2, Cavendish place. Ca- vendish street, Chorlton-on-Medlock, Man- chester, President Croston, James, 6a, St. Ann's sqviare, Manchester "TJERBY, Rt. Hon. the earl of, Knowsley,^ -■-^ Prescot Devonshire, His Grace the duke of, Devonshire house, Piccadilly, London, W. Dodds, Rev. James, The Abbey, Paisley, N.B. "pLT, Charles Henry, i, Noel street, Islington, ■^-' London, N. Euing, William, 209, West George street, Glasgow ■pAIRBAIRN, Rev. James, Newhaven, Edin- burgh Falconer, Thomas, Usk, Monmouthshire Forster, John, Palace-gate house, Kensington, London, W. Fry, Danby P., Poor-law Board, Whitehall, Lon- don, S.W. Fumivall, Frederick J., 3, St. George's square. Primrose hill, London, N.W. (^EE, William, High street, Boston, Lincolnshire ^-^ Gibbs, Henry H., St. Dunstan's, Regent's park, London, N.W. Gibbs, William, Tyntesfield, near Bristol LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 187I-72. Gratrix, Samuel, 25, Alport town, Deansgate, Manchester Gray, George, County buildings, Glasgow LJAILSTONE, Edward, F.S.A., Walton hall, ■*■ -^ Wakefield, Yorkshire Halliday, James. Whalley Range. Manchester Halliwell, James Orchard, F.R.S., &c. &c., 6, Tregunter road, London, S.W. Hamlin, Charles, 27, Virginia street, Glasgow Hargreaves, George James, Davyhulme, Manches- ter Harrison, William, F.S.A., Samlesbury hall, near Preston Hartford, Connecticut, U.S., Watkinson Library at (per Mr; E. G. Allen) Hatton, James, Richmond house, Higher Brough- ton, Manchester Haynes, Benjamin, Church park, Mumbles, Swan- sea Hayward, Thomas, bookseller, Oxford street, Manchester Hewitt, William, Hill side, Fallowfield Hill, George W., 97, Ingram street, Glasgow Hopkins, Hugh, 6, Royal Bank place, Glasgow (7 wo copies.) Howard, Hon. Richard Edward, Stamp office, Manchester, Treasurer Hunt, Edward, chemist, Salford IRELAND, Alexander, Manchester JACKSON, H. B., Basford house, Whalley J Range, Manchester Jackson, John, Chancery place, Manchester Jackson, R.D., 4, Stanhope street, Hyde Park gardens, London Jenner, C, Easter Duddington lodge, Edinburgh Johnson, Richard, Langton oaks, Fallowfield, Manchester Jones, Herbert, I, Church court, Clement's lane, London, E.C. Jones, Joseph, Abberley hall, Stourport Jones, Thomas, B.A., F.S.A., Chetham library, Manchester Jordan, Joseph, F.R.C.S., Bridge street, Man- chester, Jordan, Peter A., Philadelphia, U.S. (per Triib- nerandCo., Paternoster row, London, E.C.) T/"ERSHAW, James, 13, St. Luke's terrace, Cheetham, Manchester Kershaw, John, Audenshaw, near Manchester Kershaw, John, Park house, WUlesden lane, London, N.W. King, James, 6, Adelaide place, Glasgow Knight, Joseph, 27, Camden square, ^London, N.W. T A Barte, J. M., librarian, King's Inns library, Henrietta street, Dublin Lees, Samuel, junr., Parkbridge, Ashton-under- Lyne Leigh, Major Egerton, Jqdrell hall, near Congle- ton, Cheshire Leigh, John, Whalley Range, Manchester Lembcke, Professor, Marburg (per Williams and Norgate, 14, Henrietta street, Covent garden, London, W.C.) Lingard, J. R., 12, Booth street, Piccadilly, Man- chester Lingard, R. B. M., 12, Booth street, Piccadilly, Manchester Lockwood and Co., 7, Stationers' hall court, Lon- don, E.C. 7, Lynedoch crescent, 16, Royal circus. A/TcCOWAN, David, ^^^ Glasgow Mackenzie, John Whiteford, Edinburgh Maclure, John William, Bond street, Manchester Manchester Free Library, Campfield Marsden, Rev. Canon, B.D., F.R.S.L., Cliff grange, Higher Broughton, Manchester Milne-Redhead, R., Springfield, Seedley, Pendle- ton, Manchester Mounsey, G. G., Castletown, near Carlisle Murdock, James B., 27, Virginia street, Glasgow Muntz, George H. M., Grosvenor road, Hands- worth, Birmingham ATAPIER, George W., 19, Chapel walks, Man- Chester Neill, Robert, Northumberland street. Higher Broughton, Manchester Newcastle-upon-Tyne Literary and Philosophical Society (per Mr. Lyall, librarian) New York, Clinton Hall Library at (per Sampson Low, Son and Marston, 188, Fleet street, London, E.C.) NichoU, George W., The Ham, Cowbridge, Glamorganshire Nichols George W., Augusta house, Rotherhithe, London, S.E. (^AKEY, John, jun., 172, Blackfriars road, ^-^ London, S.E. Owens College Library, Quay street, Man- chester Oxford Union Society (per Mr. Thomas Harris, steward) LIST OF MEMBERS FOR 1871-72. DAINE, Cornelius, Oak hill, Surbiton, Surrey • -*• Palin, Captain, Police office, Manchester Panton, Rev. G. A. , 12, Osborne terrace, Edinburgh Paterson, William, 74, Prince's street, Edinburgh Pattinson, Thomas, Moss Grange, Whalley Range, Manchester Peace, Maskell W., Green hill, Wigan Peel, George, Soho foundry, Manchester Pocock, C. Innes, Rouge Bouillon, Jersey Portico Library, Mosley street, Manchester Priaulx, O. de Beauvoir, 8, Cavendish square, London, W. QUARITCH, Bernard, 15, Piccadilly, Lon- don, W. "D EDFERN, Rev. R. S., M.A., Acton vicarage, ■••^ Nantwich Reform Club, London, (per Messrs. Ridgway, Piccadilly) Reynolds, Rev. G. W., Barr hill, Pendleton Riggall, Edward, 141, Queen's road, Bayswater, W. Robinson, Samuel, Black Brook cottage, Wihnslow Robinson, W. W., New road, Oxford Ross, Henry, F.S.A., The Manor house, Swans- combe, Kent CAUNDERS, J. Symes, M.D., Devon County '~' Lunatic asylum, Exminster, Exeter Schofield, Thomas, i, Apsley terrace, Chester road, Manchester Sewell, John C, 3, Bridgwater place. High street, Manchester Simms, Charles E., King street, Manchester Simpson, Joseph, Millington Hope, Higher Crumpsall, Manchester Simpson, Walter, Bank parade, Preston SlinglufF, C. B., Baltimore (per Mr. B. F. Stevens, London) Smith, Alexander, 69, St. George's place, Glasgow Smith, Fereday, Parkfield, Swinton, Manchester Smith, Charles, Faversham, Kent Snelgrove, Arthur G., London hospital, London, E. Sotheran, Henry, 136, Strand, London, W.C. Steinthal, H. M., Hollywood, Fallowfield Stevens, B. F., 17, Henrietta street, Covent garden, London, W.C. Stewart, A. B., 5, Buchanan street, Glasgow Sullivan, Right Hon. Edward, 32, Fitzwilliam place, Dublin Suthers, Charles, Riversvale, Ashton-under-Lyne Swindells, George H,, Oak villa, Heaton chapel, near Stockport T^AYLOR, Edward, Sunny bank, Rochdale •^ Taylor, Thomas F., Highfield house, Pem- berton, Wigan Thompson, Joseph, Pin mill, Ardwick, Manchester Thorpe, Rev. J. F., Heme hill vicarage, Faver- sham, Kent Thorp, Henry, Whalley range, Manchester Timmins, Samuel, F.R.S.L., Elvetham lodge, Bir- mingham Tonks, Edmund, B. C. L. Oxon. , Packwood Grange, Knowle, Warwickshire Turner, Robert S., I, Park square. Regent's park, London, N.W. AT'EITCH, George Seton, 2, Oswald road, Edin- ' burgh Vernon, George V., Osborne teiTace, Stretford road, Manchester Vienna, Imperial Library at (per Asher and Co., 13, Bedford street, Covent garden, London, W.C.) WARD, Henry, 158, Cambridge street, Pimlico, London, S.W. Washington, U.S., Library of Congress at (per Mr. E. G. Allen) Watson, Robert S., loi. Pilgrim street, Newcastle- on-Tyne Weston, George, 2, Gray's inn square, London, W.C. Wheatley, H. B., 53, Berners street, London, W. Wilbraham, Heniy, Chancery office, Manchester Williams and Norgate, 14, Henrietta street, Cov- ent garden, London, W. C. Wood, Richard Henry, F.S.A., Crumpsall, Man- chester Wylie, Charles, 3, Earl's terrace, Kensington, London, W. ■yOUNG, Alexander, 9, Lynedock place, ^ Glasgow Young, George, 9, Lynedock place, Glasgow Cn.\RLES SIMMS AND Cc, PkINTER.S, MaNCHESTEK. CJ)e Spenser ^otittf. C O U-NCIL. TAMES CROSSLEY, Esq., F.S.A., President. TIIOMAS JONES, Esq., B.A., F.S.A. Rev. THOMAS CORSER, M.A., F.S.A. JOHN LEIGH, Esq. G. W. NAPIER5. Esq. Hon. R E. HOWARD, Treasurer. ,' JOHN A. BREMNER, Esq., F.S.S'., Han.m LIST OF PUBLICATIONS. j,^ For the Year 1867-8. * 1. The Proverbs and Epigrams of John Heywood. Reprinted from the On|^taal Edition of, 1562. , ' 2. The Works of John Taylor the Water Poet. Reprinted from the Fohb' Edition of 1630. Part I. For the Year 1868-9. 3. The Works of John Taylot the Water. Poet. Reprinted from the Folio of j: 1630. Pari II. t 4. Xhe Works of John Taylor the Water Poet. Reprintes} from the Foliovhofj* 1630. Part II L (Completitig the volume,) .■ % 5. Zepheria. Reprinted from the Original Edition of 1594. For the Year 1869-70.' " /, 6. The "iKATOMnAeiA or Passionate Centurie of Love, by Thomas WatsbiaV'3 Reprinted from the Original Edition of (circa) 1581. ■ 7. Works of John Taylor ):he Water Poet, not included in the FolLp Voluihe of, 1630. Reprinted from the Original Editions. First Collection. For the Year i8yo-i. 8.' A HandefuU of Pleasant D elites, by Clement Robinson, and divers othe^.. Reprinted from the Original Edition of 1584. " i-'w 9. Juvenilia: Poems . by George Wither, contained in the collections of ' Ms Juvenilia which appeared in 1626 and 1633. Part I. . , 10. Juvenilia : Poems by George Wither. Part. II. For the Year 187 1-2. 11. Juvenilia: Poems by George Wither, contained in the collections of his -i _/«2:'if«27/« which appeared in 1626 and 1633. Partlll. ^ '1 z. Miscellaneous Works of George Wither. Rep ited from the Original EditionM First Collection. ' 1;'^ n' ,>:':-^, ■ ■^*"i;i-^- ^_^.,j«i^ 3^?^ ^rr% .v^ ^21^ 4 .s-/ ;"5i^ L -1^*''-^- t'*^ A- if ^ '^"'^ "i<4