WEre there not a more then ordinary stupiditie possessing the hearts of men, which God u­sually permits as the fore-runner of heavie judgements, after so many reall and bloudy demonstrations of a damnable designe upon our Religion and Liberty, it were the most unnecessary worke imaginable to publish written ones. But let this unhappy necessity be obeyed, and ho­nest men be perswaded a little to withdraw their thoughts from their perplex [...]d reflections upon the businesse of Hull, and the Militia, and the London Tumults, (which are usually looked upon as the grounds, but never were other then occasions and advantages sought to throw us into this confusion, which now over-spreads the face of England, and, unlesse God, who casteth out the counsels of Princes, and takes the wise in their owne craf­tinesse, mercifully prevent, is like to overwhelme it) and apply [Page 4] themselves to a diligent observation of the contexture and com­prehension of affaires, as they have beene these later yeeres ma­naged by our Adversaries: That so comparing one part of their proceedings with another, and all with this proposed end of subverting the Protestant Religion, together with the Subjects Liberty, (the Elme of that Vine) the impartiall and diligent Rea­der may discerne an evident conjuncture of Iesuits, Priests, Prin­ces, Prelates, Papists, Polititians, Atheists, prophane and igno­rant persons, for the ruine of that Religion, to which some of them are Professed Enemies, others Pretended Friends, but which of them the most pernitious is hard to judge.

But, that no body may be wronged, this Heterogeneous num­ber must, in reference to this great worke, receive its proportio­nable distribution; and we must not conceive all these equally engaged, or upon the same grounds. Babel is to be built, the Ar­chitects are the Iesuites, taking in some Atheisticall Politicians to their assistance, as Surveyors of the worke: Princes must finde the materialls, as being made believe that the worke is de­signed for the House of their Kingdome, and the honour of their Majesty. Papists, with the rabble of superstitious and ambiti­ous Clergie, are the daily Labourers, the prophane and ignorant multitude are imployed in the most servi [...]e workes, as Hewers of wood, and Drawers of water, and are now made to treade morter for this building moistned with their owne blood.

And because all these must be presumed reasonable men (though the later sort are used as naturall bruit beasts, made to be taken and destroye [...]) who, though they are not so wise as to know what they do, yet must not be thought so foolish as not to know why they take this paines, different ends are held out. And therefore this great building is designed as a Church for the Pa­pists Devotion, as a Palace for the Prelates ambition, as a Castle for the Princes power, and the rest have severall baits by these cunning Anglers cast out unto them, according to the variety of their dispositions.

But lest I should seeme rather to write then to reveale a My­stery, it will be convenient to use all plainnesse of speech, that they who are concerned may discern truth before it be beaten into their heads with a Poleax.

[Page 3]First, I presume it will be granted on all parts, that the Ro­man Strumpet is very industrious to corrupt the Earth with her Fornications, Rev. 19. 2. and hath to that end constituted a great Councell, De propaganda fide, as they call it, but rather, De pro­paganda perfidia, whose most vigilant Instruments and Emissa­ries are the Iesuits, who have by their diligence obtained the honour to be Cupbearers of this Wine of Fornication, and are justly accounted by us those Frogs, comming out of the mouth of the Dragon, the Beast, and the false Prophet, going forth un­to the Kings of the Earth, and of the whole world, Rev. 16. 12. These men, as they compasse sea and land, and have spread them­selves well nigh in all parts, so they have alwaies had a speciall eye to the Kingdomes of Brittaine, it being doubtlesse propoun­ded to them, and all Romish Agents, as a piece of eminent ser­vice, if by any meanes that might be reduced to the vassalage of Rome.

And this is the second step which I think there wil be no con­testing for, that the Romish Agents have bin very earnest and in­dustrious in reconciling this Iland with the adjacent to their Re­ligion; it being a service which the Pope himselfe disdained not to stoope to, in that Letter (yet uncontradicted) which he writ to the Prince in Spain, now extant in the English tongue; where he desires that the Prince of Wales might be brought backe a­gaine into the lap of the Romish Church, and the Prince of the Apostles put in possession of this most noble Isle. Which de­sires of the Pope have beene seconded with continuall endea­vours of swarmes of Iesuites and Priests resident amongst us.

It being then granted, that ever since the Reformation there hath beene such a designe, it remaines to shew how it hath been prosecuted, and how farre it hath prevailed, where the Impedi­ment now is, what labour there is to remove it, that all true Protestants may the better understand their own condition and Interests. Onely let this be premised, that wee being to deale with a Mystery, a worke of darkenesse, it must not be expected that all which shall bee produced, should bee cleare and con­vincing; as if a judicial proceeding were undertaken, but that the [Page 4] Argument be so probable and dependant, as, though not a legall, yet a rationall judgement may be passed against our Adversaries in this Cause. And it hath beene a very unjust triumph of the E­nemy over the Parliament and their friends in want of evidence, when they have (though the nature of the businesse, being trea­sonable, and therefore clandestinely carried, and bound up by oathes of secresie) beene put to make up the grounds of their proceedings from the connexion of severall particulars and pro­babilities, which are enough for a Statesman, though not a Judge. And the diligent observer may take notice how these feares and jealousies, pretended to be groundlesse, have beene justified by after proceedings, as the use made of Newcastle hath vindicated the securing Hull. The Ship from Denmarke hath justified their suspition, grounded (as it is said) upon the slighted testimony of the Skipper at Roterdam. The Lord Digbies endea­vours, and the residence there of King and Cochran, the Propo­sitions to the Scots at Newcastle (hereafter to be mentioned) for the joyning of the Scottish and English Armies against the Parliament, have justified all the suspitions and accusations, then pretended, and protested to be unjust and groundlesse. In such times and cases as these, feares and jealousies are pardonable, and distrust, especially after evident breaches of trust, is the mother of security. It is a very unequall thing, that the King with his Cavaliers should renounce the Parliament, destroy his good Subjects, upon the jealousie that Parliaments and Puritans are Enemies to his Prerogative and Power (which can never bee proved if Iustice be made the Rule of Power) and we railed on for defending our selves against the confederacie of Papists, Prelates, Court Parasites, and their Adherents, whose endea­vours of introducing Popery and Tyranny, are farre beyond jealousie, as is now to be demonstrated.

I will not retire so farre backe (having so much work before me) as to insist upon the manifest and manifold attempts upon this Kingdome in the dayes of Queene Elizabeth, whom when they had discerned to have settled her Interests for the Prote­stants against Spaine and Rome, and established her Councell ac­cording to those Interests: So that though the Bishops brought [Page 5] her to dis-favour Puritanes, yet they could not perswade her to favour the Papists, but she still kept a strict and vigilant eye over them, as being rightly informed, that they, and not the other, were the greatest Enemies to Royall Power. When they saw this, the usuall arts of Rome against dis-affected Princes, are put in practice, viz. Bulls, Interdicts, Poysonings, Assassinations; which God wonderfully preserved that heroicke Ladie from; the Spanish Armado, the Rebellion in Ireland, may be further Testimonies of their zeale in this business [...]. To the enumeration of these, let us onely adde thankfulnesse and caution, and pro­ceed to their after Machinations, the bitter fruits of which the Protestant Churches yet feele.

King Iames, before he came to the Crowne of England, had a heart too large for his Dominion, and therefore extended his affectionate thoughts to the Kingdomes of England and Ireland, which he longed for a peaceable possession of.

The Factors of Rome having studied his interest and nature, according to their wonted confidence attempt him: as for his Understanding, so well informed in the Forgeries and Falshoods of the Romish Religion, it was not to be ventured on, and there­fore they proportion their workings to his Passions, which were, desire of the accession of power, mixt with a more then ordina­ry feare (in which he was naturally unhappy) lest he should be interrupted, if not disappointed in the entrance: And in this Conflict obtaine from him some intimations, if not assurances, of favour to the Catholique Cause, with which they were for the present satisfied.

The King upon his entrance and settlement in England, saw cause rather to dispence with his promises then his principles; whereupon the Popish Faction grew discontented against him, and a fruit of that discontent was the Romish Hellish Powder­plot, never to be mentioned by any good Protestant, but with due gratitude to Almighty God, and just detestation of the Romish Religion.

This Treason wrought not kindely with his Majesty: for whereas he might have made the Plot a ground of defiance, and the Deliverance a ground of confidence; the horrour of the [Page 6] businesse wrought such impression of dread upon his timorous spirit, that though he was not blowne up, yet he was shaken by it all his life after, and drawn successively to a Compliance with, at least a Connivance at their proceedings. And notwithstanding the free exercise of his wit and pen against Popery, which they could well allow him, they constrained him to purchase his own security (contrary to the Interests of Protestant Religion, and Paternall affection) with the ruine of the neigbour Churches of Bohemia and the Palatinate.

We should not have looked upon the day of our Brethren: to that we may reduce the many impediments that have fallen in betwixt us and the help of our friends, and that posture wherein God himselfe stands towards us, even as a man astonished, a migh­ty man that cannot save, Jer. 14. 9. Though we have this hope left, that God will recompence that mischiefe, not upon the Nation, the body whereof had a just fellow-feeling with the distresses of their neighbours, but upon that curfed Faction whose pernicious Councels yet rule among us.

This was the most considerable Progresse made in his time, though the preparatory workings for a fitter opportunity were not omitted, as the cherishing in him a dis-affection to Puritanes, an inclination to Bishops, procuring countenance to Prophane­nesse, both by practice, and Declaration to the remote Counties for licentious Sabbath-breaking, and settling about him persons regardlesse of the good of Church or Common-wealth. To which may be added the untimely death of Prince Henry, when it was once observed that he grew popular, inclined to martiall affaires, and dis-affected to Spanish proceedings. As also the Propositions of the Treaty of marriage with Spain offered from England, revised at Rome, and then by the Negotiation of Bri­stoll agreed to (though after broken) with so many advantages to the spreading of Popery in England, as might discover the de­signe to have been considerably advanced in King Iames his time.

I shall shut up the discourse of his Reigne with this obser­vation of the providence of God: That those Princes who have trusted God with their lives and Kingdomes, and kept Spain and [Page 7] Rome at distance and defiance, have sped better then they, who to their dishonoured selves, have sacrificed the welfare of the Church of God, as, by comparing the History of Queen Eli­zab [...]th, with those of Henry the fourth of France, and King Iames, may appear; who trusting to their own politike Con­servations, the thing that they feared, came upon them. For so it was, That when by the journey into Spain, fairer hopes were conceived of the Prince, as by his intercourse with the Pope, and the presumptions of the jesuite (which you shall finde in the Treatise of the English Pope, not unworthy an English­mans deligent observation) most fully appears; King Iames came to be looked upon as [...], and must be taken out of the way, that the Mystery might work the more effectually, and so died he, both a Friend and Martyr of the Catholique Cause. Though it was doubted, and feared, there were severall ingre­dients into his death, the world talks of a drink, and a plaister, the Cup might be mingled for Romes sake, and some other hands accessary to spreading the plaister; if so, Let them share the guilt, I leave them to him, whose eyes are upon all the wayes of men, to render them according to their wayes, and the fruit of their doing. It is said, the Archbishop of York, if he have not too much, or too little Grace, can tell you more of this businesse.

Let our trembling pen passe on, to His now Majesties reign; and here doubtlesse some Apologie is expected, but I hope to say nothing that needs it; I shall endeavour to avoid known falshoods, or unseasonable truths.

An earnest affection to the Preservation and Reformation of the Church of God, hath put me upon this disquisition, and the desire of preserving good men from a snare, which shall be in vain spread in the sight of any bird, hath prevailed with me for the discovery of my thoughts: It is in service to that Cause, which I desire not to over-live the welfare of. And therefore, without any more complement, Let us begin to search out the Pla [...]formes, Groundworks, Materials, Instruments of this great service, for recovery of Britain to Babylon.

In the beginning of His Majesties reign, the Popish Faction having in Spain, and otherwise, obtained testimonies of His [Page 8] disposition, a strange wi [...]e is prepared for him, which, accord­ing to Scripture truth, is a dangerous preparative for a strange god: Surely they will turn away your heart after their gods, 1 Kings 11. 2.

Upon this marriage, is the Court (sufficiently loose, and luxu­rious enough at all times) dissolved into Riots and Masquings, and in the midst of that noise, were our Counsells and Enter­prises, most perfidiously mis-laid, and betrayed, as those of Ree and Cales, and especially that of Rochell, which, as if no sleighter a Complement could be thought of for the fair Lady, received from France, must by English hands, and Popish Councels, be betrayed in its Religion and Liberty. Thus is our guilt increa­sed, and our strength diminished; and lest the Remainder of it should be imployed according to the Interests of our Religion and Nation, a peace with Spain is concluded, the Palatinate left to that which leaves it yet miserable, and is hastening us after it, a Course of treating with them, who carry destruction and misery in their paths, but the way of peace they have not known. These things have been long known, but little considered; and it stands well enough with my intent and purpose, to repeat things mentioned by others, because I aym at shewing the de­pendance of the Jesuiticall proceedings, one upon another, and all upon the main end of suoverting Religion and Liberty.

After these parts so well plaid abroad, Let us consider how the design was carried on among our selves, from the fourth yeer of His Maj [...]sties reign. And here, as good workmen use to do. They forecast the manner, and provide the Instruments of their work. It must be done, either by force, o [...] fraud; the first is, disapproved, probably upon these reasons:

• 1. The King could not be supposed to yeeld to an invasion of His own Kingdom, and it was pitie to betray so hopefull a Prince.
• 2. It was more full of hazard, as subject to the Accidents of warre; as also, that a violent attempt would probably joyn the Prot [...]stant and Puritan, against the Papist, whereas a frau­dulent graduall proceeding might possibly unite the Papist, and Indifferent Protestant against the Puritan, which they have [Page 9] now accomplished. The latter way is resolved upon, and In­struments accordingly fitted, which are certainly the most con­siderable requisites in any work.

And because it was of very great concernment, That the King should be brought to favour and further these Popish pro­ceedings, and preparations, He must be ingaged either upon re­ligious or politike considerations, to promote this Reconciliation with Rome.

Not to dispute how farre He was prevailed with in matters of Religion; if not for an absolute alteration, yet an Accommo­dation; or whether▪ the ultimate End, and full Design, were discovered to Him, or rather He made to prosecute it under an­other Notion: This is certain, That He manifestly favoured those Courses that made way for Popery and Tyranny; and it is to be conceived, rather with respect to power and profit (which were alwayes observed to be His Majesties well con­sistent Interests) then to the Popish, or any other Religion, which is evidenced by that passage that fell from His Majesty, observed by the Venetian that wrote the Narrative, called the Popes Nuntio, sc. That His Majesty could at that time reconcile Himself to Rome with much advantage. And when it was dis­cerned that the Interest of absolute Rule, with its advantages, was so firmely setled in His Majesty, and that He was subject to be violent in the prosecution of it, and not likely to stumble at small blocks, which they might well ghesse by the dissolution of Parliaments, billeting Souldiers, the design of the German [...] horse, &c. They cherish him in it, and set France with its broken Parliaments and full power, as an Object of Emulation before him, as finding the Interests of Popery and Tyranny very well to agree.

Now therefore, is His Majesty perswaded that His Crown, and the Popes Chair have common Friends, and common Enemies.

Parliaments and Puritans, are their Enemies; Prelacy and Prophanenesse, their Friends.

Let us see how things were carried with respect to them all.

First, For Parliaments, which the Popish Party knew [Page 10] to be very good advantages in their constitution, to the preserva­tion and reformation of the Protestant Religion, they represent them to his Majesty as most disadvantagious to his desired pow­er and profit. These were onely times of recompence for wrong, of petitions for right, Controllers of Prerogative, Assertors of popular Liberty; and therefore are they dissolved, disgraced by scandalous Declarations, publikely aspersed both from the Presse an [...] Pulpit, as by Doctor Alablaster, Beale, Manwaring, and o­thers of that stamp. And that there might be no occasion of drawing supplies of money that way, which had so many other Inconveniences attending it, severall exquisite Engines of ini­quity and oppression were found out by Weston, Noy, and o­thers, as Loans, Patents, Ship-money, &c. And thus for twelve years, or thereabouts, were Parliaments intermitted, and the hopes, if not remembrance, of them almost worn out.

Then for Puritanes, men cordially Protestant and zealous of their own Religion, which no where but among us is a fault, because they were tenacious of just Liberty, and true Religion, how studiously and spightfully are they disgraced, as men of An­timonarchicall Principles, factious spirits, ranked with Iesuites (who were yet better used) as the Incendiaries of Churches and States. For the suppressing these men, the authority of the High Commission, Star-chamber, Bishops Courts, and the ordinary Courts of Justice, through the corruption of Judges and other inferiour Officers, were made very serviceable; and that they might have no shelter neerer then New-England, most of the faithfull Ministers, and religious Justices were for some pretence or other discountenanced, displaced; and it was grown to that passe, that he that departed from evill made himself a prey. For the rooting out of Ministers, whose onely fault was painfulnesse in their places, severall artifices were used: And because there were a sort of conformable Puritanes, whom the old Ceremo­nies reached not (who were the least tolera [...]le, because the least liable) severall Innovations, and that p [...]stilent Declaration of the Sabbath, were introduced, which to oppose or refuse, was to be marked out to destruction. And all this done, that the Facti­on, as they called it, that so much hindered the good worke in [Page 11] hand, this intended reconciliation, might be weakened, and re­moved.

But were not the Cup in the hand of the Whore very stupi­fying, it were impossible to make Princes so much mistake their friends for enemies. The Principles of Popery are certainly more propense to Treasons and Rebellions then those of the Protestant Religion, which alwayes made good Subjects, though not Slaves. And besides reason and experience of former Prin­ces, this present Conjuncture of time and affairs may give testi­mony therof. Suppose a Popish Prince that had broken the Ori­ginall Contract bound with Oath, subverted the fundamentall Constitutions of government in this Kingdome (imagine by Parliaments) and gave evident testimony of not being firme to the established Religion; can it be conceived that such a one could enjoy any security in the midst of Romane Catholiques? Yet with us, after manifold oppressions, breaches of priviledge, intrenchments upon liberty, setting up of the Standard, which some would have interpreted a renouncing of the peoples pro­tection, upon which their allegiance depends, casting off a Par­liament, by so late an Act made indissoluble, without their own consent, charging them with actuall Rebellion, and disclaiming all acts done by them, or right in them to exercise his or their own power: The King hears no other language then Gracious Soveraigne, Your sacred Maj [...]sty, not onely in formall compel­lations, but solemne Covenants. Let the world judge whether the challenged Power of the Pope, and the grounds of Popery, would not have given the Subjects an absolution, and esta­blished proceedings upon other grounds then the Puritanes of England and Scotland yet do. Yet so farre, through the just judgements of God, have the intoxications of Rome, backed with continuall evill Councels, prevailed with His Majesty, as that it may be said justly of him as David, he loves his ene­mies, and hates his friends, and prefers them who have plaid some of Absaloms tricks with him, to his most faithfull servants and people. It may be his Majesty is led by this Principle, That if he prevaile he gaines much, if not, he loseth nothing; onely is where he was: but this may prove a dec [...]itfull arguing, if not [Page 12] prevented in time. That of the wise man may be peculiarly ap­plyed to these Councels, so full of folly and hazard, The wicked worketh a deceitfull work. But pardon this digression, it was well meant, however it may be interpreted.

So fared it with the Friends of Popery, the Prelates; who but they, must be the Kings Friends, Neal to King Iames, Laud to King Charles; and there they suborned a fraudulent Proverb to serve their turn, which was, No Bishop, no King, nay (in Sydenhams Rhetorick) no God, whereas the truth was, No Pre­late, no Pope. And here again, was the King cheated by the Bishops, which will evidently appear, if ever (which God for­bid) these Cockatrice Eggs be hatched. In the mean time, let reason, and former experience be Judges. The pomp and splen­dour of the Church, is the Popes proper Interest; to which, the greatnesse of Princes, is rather opposite, then subservient. In­crease of power, was in the Negotiation, pretended for the King, intended for the Bishops, who onely made use of the Kings power, for the advancement of their own. And though the King might easily judge, that no addition of power could be in them, without a Diminution of His; yet so farre had this Circean Cup prevailed, that Bishops and their Agents, because they served the turn for the present, and prostituted their learning, power, and consciences, to the vindication of illegall Actions, and Authority, were entrusted, not onely with Ecclesiasticall, but a very great share in Civill affairs; some of them being of the Privy Councell, in all the three Kingdoms, and more especially the Archbishop of Saint Andrews, Chancellor of Scotland, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Controller of the Councell in England, who, through the Kings confidence, and his own pragmatick disposition, had an influence upon all businesse of consequence that was transacted; And as the King presumed them his friends, so the Pope knew they were his own. Their function was a degree nearer in kindred to him, then any other Government of the Church, and the persons of some of them (as being men addicted to Superstition and Idolatry) were more serviceable then their Offices.

And it is worth the observation, what care the Faction did [Page 13] take to keep this main out-work to Popery, in pressing their Calling upon mens consciences, which every body, unlesse some of their own Favourites, found so offensive in all other respects. And therefore, from the Pulpit and Presse, was their Ius divi­num pleaded, as by others, so by the prostitute pen of D. Hall, who must also contribute his Mite towards this Reconciliation, by his Printed Reconciler, being a pennance enjoyned him for writing formerly, No peace with Rome. And lest their Rhetorick should fail, They took care in their Conclave (for it was nei­ther Synod, nor Convocation) held 1640. for the binding men to this Government by an Oath, so absolutely necessary to this work, was their standing justly thought to be.

Lastly, Another Introduction made for the resignation of this Church and Kingdom into the bosome of Rome; was that Ig­norance and Prophanenesse, which were generally countenanced in the Kingdom. That there was all means used for the growth of these Cardinall vertues is evidently manifest. As for Ignorance, how studiously did the Pharisaicall Prelates keep from the people the Key of knowledge, by disgracing and dis­countenancing Preaching, silencing painfull Ministers, putting down Lectures, and when good men (willing to take any ad­vantage to discharge their Consciences) in stead of Preaching, expounded the common Catechisme, in that they were restrain­ed by Wrens Articles, and all discourse of Religion forbidden upon occasionall meetings. But I am sure, that is no Apostolike Rule, if Saint Paul be consulted, ( Col. 3. 16.) for the advance­ment of the Apostolike Sea, as it is called.

The most of the Preaching that was allowed, was degene­rate into railing against Parliaments and Puritans, crying up ab­solute authority, passive obedience, strains of wit fitter for a Stage then a Pulpit. And that men might not be relieved from the Presse, where the Pulpit failed, some Superstitious, prophane Chaplains were set to be Overseers of it, to whom an Egyptian command was given, as to the Midwives there, to kill the Males in the birth; and not satisfied with that, as if one age were too narrow Limits for their iniquity to be exercised in, Order was given, for the Re-printing Books formerly licenced, [Page 14] with their corrections, or rather corruptions, according to the Tridentine invention of Index expurgatorius.

The like care was taken in matters of Prophanenesse; which, as if it had not been sufficiently provided for by Ignorance, the naturall mother of it, the Prelates by the examples of their own families for the most part, and the procuring and pressing the Book of licentiousnesse upon the Sabbath, were diligent Nurses thereof.

And if it be further enquired, how these Twinnes became serviceable to Popery, the resolution is very cleer: Ignorance you know, is the mother of Popish Devotion, that is, Supersti­tion, and a speciall qualification of a disciple of Rome, where blindfold is the onely play, a trick the Pope borrows from the Divell, The god of this world hath blinded their mindes, 2 Cor. 4. 4. And so likewise Prophanenesse is a borderer upon Popery, by the loose Principles, of which, it is much countenanced. It is true, Some sins are not so good cheap, among them, as others, but all may be had at a reasonable rate. And prophane persons, whose remainders of Conscience tell them, they must at least pretend to some Religion, or other (unlesse they have arrived at the height of Atheism) readily pitch upon that next hand, which would allow most Liberty. And our present experience gives testimony of the service these two fruits of the Bishops Go­vernment have done▪ Prophanenesse hath made a generall a­versenesse to Reformation▪ and Ignorance, with the help of that, hath furnished the King with an Army against the Parliament, fetcht from the barren Mountains of Wales, Cornewall▪ and the North, which were kept s [...]re without the means of knowledge, as a fit reserve for such a time, as this. I speak of the common sort of souldiers, many of the rest have too much knowledge, and too little conscience.

Thus have we an account of the more remote preparations for this great service, which had wrought so well, that it was thought seasonable to adventure more boldly upon the businesse. And the Prelats, with their forward dependants, as impatient of this dilatory proceeding begin to offer & presse Popish innovati­ons, to preach divers doctrines of grosse Popery, for the which I [Page 15] referre you to the Canterburians self-conviction. The Schooles, the Presse, the Pulpit, began to speake Italian apace. The Mar­tyrs of the Protestant Religion disgraced, the Conspirators in the Powder-Treason excused▪ as in a Sermon at Saint Maries in Cambridge by Kemp of Queenes Colledge. And the affront to Rome in the Common Prayer Booke, viz. Whose Faith is Faction, Religion Rebellion, must be taken out, that the Pro­verb might be verified▪ Misso non mordet. Our Churches began to put on the attire of the Harlot; Altars, Crucifixes and other idolatrous Pictures, were frequently set up▪ and [...]ervently main­tained. The Divine service, as they called it, was a Messe so prepared, as that strangers from beyond Sea could scarce beleeve themselves to be in England▪ but rather in France or Italy, and cryed, Non tam ovum ovo simile, nec lac lact [...], &c.

And if all this will not perswade the incredulous Reader▪ that there was a strong endeavour of altering Religion among us. I shall commend to his consideration▪ not so much Romes Master-piece, (which may be Canterbur [...]es Master▪ piece for ought I know, it lookes so like a disguise) as that serious and ingenious Tract, called▪ The English Pope, together with the Popes Nuntioes annexed, which gives a more exact account then I thought the secrecie of those Negotiations could have af­forded to a man dis-affected to them: Wherein you have the propounding and driving of the bargaine betwixt the Agents for Rome▪ and the Archbishop with his Complices, who bought and sold the Puritans for Cardinals Caps, and pensions, among whom the then Chichester, now Salisbury, was a Chiefe▪ and therefore fi [...]est to be the Princes Tutour. But I should wrong both that Authour, and my Reader, to tell that Storie after him.

And though England was the maine Shop of this Forgerie, as being most considerable; as also because in Ireland there need­ed not so much diligence, and in Scotland there was not much matter to be wrought upon; yet in the two other Kingdomes this pious inclination to peace with Rome was not neglected. In Ireland, in the fourth yeare of his Majesty, severall Immuni­ties and Encouragements were granted to the Papists▪ The then [Page 16] Deputie, though his Veine lay more right for tyranny and ex­action, in regard of his imperious spirit, yet he failed not to do [...] many good Offices for the papists, by connivence and counte­nance given to the free and publike exercise of Idolatry. This the King helped on by making many popish peeres, that a parli­ament in that Kingdome might occasionally prove rather ad­vantageous to the designe, then otherwise. The fruit of which liberality of honour was reaped in the Irish parliaments, allow­ing a Contribution to the warre against Scotland and their send­ing a Committee, many of which were forward papists, now chiefe Rebels, to White hall, the summer before the Rebellion brake forth, who in all probability shuffled the Cards for the cloudy Game which was plaid October after. And that Can­terbury might not stand idle, he dispatcht thither Chappell, and other such Agents who by their Arminianisme and Superstition, might traine up the ordinary sort of Protestants there, and bring them to that temper▪ that upon a difference they should propend rather to the Papists then the true Protestants; of which allay, Ormond, Canterburies Nursling, and his followers, now prove. Thus was Ireland managed, that it might serve the turn it now doth, of which afterwards.

In Scotland likewise all possible industry was used to facili­tate an Accommodation with Englad first, and so with Rome. And to that purpose the Popish and prelaticall partie were very busie there; particularly Spotswood Archbishop of Saint An­drews, a deepe and subtle Dissembler, who had discouraged and extirpated by degrees, and under divers pretexts▪ most of the faithfull Ministers there; and had he been left to his own Poli­ticks in which he was beyond his patron Canterbury, in proba­bility, he had made the condition of that Nation almost despe­rate. But Canterbury meeting with a man of his owne mettall, Maxwell Bishop of Rosse ( [...]it to be Iehu's coachman, being a furious driver to this Samaritane mixture, who apprehended and represented the condition of that Nation too forwardly and presumptuously, in his zeale rather then discretion) gave heed to him, and would needs be gathering the [...] of the Scottish endeavouts before they could be ripened in that cold Countrey, [Page 17] more backward then England, and so set his owne and fellowes teeth on edge.

In confidence therefore that the Scottish Church and Nation was so well prepared, (as by other endeavours, so by his Sermon preached at Edinburgh, when he was there with the King, about the Partition-wall, Eph. 2. 14. which he miserably handled, when he made it to be the Jesuits and Puritans hindering his Reformation, that is, Reconciliation with Rome) as to receive the English Liturgie▪ and that corrupted or to give good advan­tages to the Designe by their refu [...]all. It was boldly offered them, back'd with the Kings power, prostituted to all such ser­vices, by that Prelaticall Pander to the Whore of Rome. As al­so a booke of corrupt Canons, which though they comprehend­ed abundant iniquity, yet it was thought fit by one Canon com­mended by Rosse to Canterbury, that a doore should be left open wide enough for the Pope himselfe to enter at a fit opportunity, to this effect; That since no Reformation in Doctrine or D [...]sci­pline can be made perfect at once, it should be lawfull by his Majesties consent, &c. which fell in so directly with Canterbu­ries Designe, that he procured it to be approved by the King at Greenwich, May [...]3. 1635. and injoyned it to be inserted, giving thankes to his Agent the Bishop of Rosse, in a lerter yet to be seene, saying, he was glad of the canon so [...] pla­ced behind the curtaine, and commanded it to be fully prin­ted.

But these Southerne plants, being slips of an Italian Stocke, could not endure this Northerne Climate▪ but were sorely nipt, and ( hinc ill [...] lachrymae) the Scots instead of a Common-prayer Booke▪ joyned in a Covenant; which when Spotswood saw, he said (prophetita [...]ly, I hope, as once Caiaphas) the bottome of their businesse was broken out, and for his part he thought it seasonable to repaire into England, which he forthwith did and with griefe dyed a Martyr to this Designe, and so was the predi­ction of Master Walsh, a famous Scottish Minister, fulfilled upon him, who in a Letter to the Bishop, written 1604. told him he should dve an Out-cast.

The resolute rejection of this booke, together with the Pre­lates, [Page 18] altered the Scene, but no way the Plot of this Tragedy, and gave occasion for new Actors to enter in a military [...], it being determined by this Romish confederacy, that force must be added to fraud, the peoples blood to the Prelates sweat; rather then this bles [...]el worke dis-appointed.

When therefore it was resolved that the many humble Peti­tions and Remonstrances of the Scottish Nation should be an­swered in blood, preparations are accordingly made; and be­cause the Bishops had rendered themselves so odious by their Su­perstitious and Lordly carriage, though the quarrell was theirs, the action must be entred in the Kings name the warre must be called Bellum Ragale, and not Episcopale, and the Scots perse­cuted, not as men dis-affected to Episcopacy, but to Monarchy. And thus, by blowing the Trumpet of Lyes and Slanders, some desperate, some deluded persons were gathered together, to force the Scottish Nation to Canonicall obedience, and a Con­formity to England, now in Confederacie with Rome. His Ma­jesties person for the credit of the Cause must be ingaged, who comming downe to the Borders, and finding the Scots standing upon their defence at Dunce hill, the King having left his fire­brands at home, in stead of fighting treats and concludes a Pa­cification at Berwicke; which when the Councellours of mis­chiefe, especially Canterbury and Strafford, saw, as they had before incensed his Majesty against his people to now (as became the Grace of the one, and Lordship of the other) they make him fall out with himselfe, and his owne act, and sacrifice his faith and honour to the Quarrell. This poore paper, because it gave advantage toward a peace, so unsatisfying to them, and unser­viceable to their ends, it must receive the measure more due to the Incendaries, be dis-avowed, and burnt by the hands of the Hangman.

And this was done upon these or the like considerations. If Scotland be so left, it will not onely be hopelesse in regard of it selfe, and so hinder the perfection of the good worke, but re­maine as an ill president to all good Subjects to stand up in de­fence of their Religion and Liberties, (which Canterbury and Strafford had a mind to invade) against all illegall and violent [Page 19] attempts, though in orced with the Kings personall pre [...]erce. And further, the example of that Kingdome will not onely re­maine as an encouragement, but their unbroken strength [...] (it is to feared) prove serviceable to the Puritans of England, who are justly thought so many and obstinate, that without a blow they are not to be subdued. It is therefore concluded ne­cessary by the Factours for Tyranny and Popery, that Armes be resumed by the King, of which at least they thought to reap this advantage, that which side soever prevailed, it would be an in­gagement of the Kingdomes in warre (which was so earnestly pressed by Strafford) that so they might be dis- [...] and made the more unserviceable to each other in case of necessity. There­upon they further perswading the King of the possibility of pre­vailing, (which he used to regard more then the nature of the Councell) Armes are taken un againe. Strafford, with his Assi­stant Sir Toby Matthews, an Episcopall extract, are dispatched for Ireland, the one deales with the Parliament, the other with the Papists, for supplies in this Catholique cause, and prevailed not onely in that, but an auxiliary strength is there raised of about 8000. men, most of them papists, who might be transported for Engl [...]nd or Scotland, as occasion should require.

And Canterbury no lesse busie at home, dispatches his Bulls to the Clergy for Contributions to the present designe and Soul­diers are pressed with the advantages of Coat and conduct mo­ney in the severall Counties. But the Souldiers a sed in [...], Hartfordshire, and thereabouts, as if they had rather beene to serve under a Scottish Covenant, then a popish Command f [...]ll to pulling downe Images, burning the railes about the Alta [...]s, and affronting papists, which was an un [...]oward Omen but yet dis-heartned not the stout prelates and rest of the Faction from their enterprises.

While these Firebrands were smoaking in England and Ire­land, the Scotti [...]h Nation, who love not After games were not idle, but made good their bearing, their Lyon was rampant while the English were but passant, and so not being willing to trust another pacification at the Borders, march into England with an Arny, carrying a petition to the King, and Declaration to [Page 20] the Kingdome, in one hand, and Armes (the onely arguments then hopefull) in the other, and forced their passage at Newburn, with the repulse of the English, if they deserve so to be called, most of them having changed their hearts for French and Spa­nish; so were they possessed of Newcastle, and the Bishopricke of Durham, and fought with their Adversaries upon their owne ground and charges.

The successe of this designe being ill, and the experce great and insupportable to the Contrivers, notwithstanding all their extravagant oppressions, they are so impudent as to try if they could intitle the English Nation to the maintenance a [...]d countenance of that war, which was levied by a Faction, and per­swade the King to call a parliament, intending, through the spe­cious pretences of Loyalty, and promises of taking away grie­vances, to deceive them into a contribution to this warre, which through Gods great mercy and good providence, they avoyded, though it cost them a dissolution.

Hereupon the Instruments of violence double their diligent injustice, which grew so intolerable, that some of the Lords take the confidence to petition the King who being betwixt the Scylla of a Northerne Army, and the Charibdis of a Southerne petition, yeelded to a second parliament, yet continued, and en­ters into a Treaty with the Scots, being out of hopes of any o­ther End, unlesse it were of his men and money.

Thus have you a briefe account of the Scottish broiles and let the Reader but consider the ground thereof, ( viz. the reducing that Nation to a conformity with England, now in treaty of ac­commodation wtth Rome) the Instruments raising and [...]omenting it, Canterbury and the rest of that Faction, zealous for popery and Tyranny, and the forwardnesse of the papists, who use not to make blind bargaines in the furthering that Designe, and give a free and impartiall liberty to the use of his owne reason, I doubt not but he will conclude with me, and for me, that this warre was undertaken as a hopefull meane of subverting the protestant Religion, and the native Liberty of the Brittish Na­ [...]ion.

Well, Hac non successit, alia aggrediendum via. The dis­appointment [Page 21] and foile that the enterprize received by the Scot­tish businesse, was so farre from making them cast away their confidence, that they doe but double their diligence, and call a Colledge of these State Physitians to recover life into this bro­ken businesse. And, [...] the proverb might not be renewed, Dum consulitur Romae, capitur Saguntum, the sudden result of those Councels appeares to have beene, that some way or other this Parliament (going a course so contrary to theirs, &, through the lownesse of their present State, gaining ground apace, though put to dispute every step) must be interrupted and dis­appointed, nay, rather then faile, destroyed.

And no wonder at this practice against the parliament, which went on at that time so roundly against their interests, and cour­ses formerly mentioned, propounding a further distance from Rome by a Reformation, in stead of their reconciliation by cor­ruptions, striking sore at the abatement, threatning the abolition of Prelacy, which they could not spare; countenancing Puri­tans, whom they could not endure; accusing and punishing Delinquents, their grand Instruments; not sparing Canterbury or Strafford, who were the left and right hands of the De­signe.

So that we need not looke any further for a ground of all pos­sable mischiefes to be plotted and practised against the Parlia­ment, then its direct opposition to the projected Designe of Ty­ranny and Popery, which had beene so farre advanced, and was now like to be interrupted and broken. All the other differen­ces, as particularly that of Hull was but the picking a Quarrell, and seeking occasion to raise an Army, under pretence of a Guard, for that purpose to which it is now employed.

And it being of so great consequence to the discovery of this Mystery, that we understand the true naturall ground of this warre, on the Kings part as also that the Cure is more easily pre­scribed, when the Cause is found out: I shall take a little paines to demonstrate, that the ground of these present calamities was not the pretended invasion of the Kings right in the busi­nesse of Hull and the Militia, but a resolution to persist in the intended mischiefe to Religion and Liberty.

[Page 22]To which purpose let it be knowne to the world, which to me is sufficiently evident, that before the execution of the Earle of Straffo [...]d, when his Majesty had received no other carriage from his Parliament, then what he professed himselfe satisfied with, and that if the Bi [...]s he had past, were againe to be offered, he should cheerfully and readily assent unto them; even then were dispatched Letters and an Agent to the King of Denmarke from his Majesty, complaining of the Parliament, that instead of his supplies expected from thence, among other Ends, ad propulsandos hostes, you may easily ghesse who were meant (we being in a deepe peace with all popish princes) he found it, per­tinaciter, & injustis de causis, in [...] vir [...] exitium intentum & defixum (undoubtedly Strafford, betwixt whose impeach­ment and execution the Letters were sent) and thereupon de­clares himselfe in these words, ad alia consilia [...]nimum con­vertendum duximus. What those Counsels were will hereafter more fully appeare. One part of them was executed in the same Letter, wherein an Agent was named, with credit given, and aid desired. And that it may appeare this Letter was sent, out of which these passages are excerpted not onely the Copy of the Letter, but the authentick Answer hath beene seene, and that it prevailed in some sort, appeare [...] not onely by the Answer from Denmarke, but the Kings declaring upon the Offer to the Scots at Newcastle, that he was to have money and horse from Den­marke, to encourage them to joyne with him; and all this not­withstanding the deepe protestations, at that very instant, against Forraigne Forces.

And if there want further proofe, it may be added that the intention to bring up the Army to over awe if not destroy the parliament, was long before his Majesties departure from Lon­don, which intention if it he not sufficiently proved by the De­claration of the Lords and Commons of the nineteenth of May 1642. with the depositions and Letters annexed, which may possibly prevaile with the indifferent Reader: yet the proposi [...] tions about the same time made to the Scots at Newcastle, of joyning with the English Army against the parliament, and the bonntifull Offers made thereupon, Of 300000. l. to he paid [Page 23] downe, Of foure Northerne Counties, and the plunder of Lon­don, The quitting of his Revenues and customes in that King­dome to their publike use, The Kings residence at Yorke for the better accommodation of both Nations, or fuller r [...] [...] to Lon­don, (which Sir Iohn Henderson, who imparted that gracious Message by vertue of Letters of full credence given him by his Majesty signed C.R. can testifie, or if he will not many honester men may, though the paper be regained) may sufficiently con­vince any man, who hath not determined with himselfe, Non pers [...]adebis etiamsi persuaseris: which I have made the more bold to adde, because though the Penner of the Answer to the Petition of both Houses March 26. 1624. defie the Devill (whom he knew would never take paines to discover his owne plot) to prove there was any such Designe with his Majesties know­ledge, yet he denies not honest men liberty of speaking the truth.

And not to let this businesse passe without the just honour and vindication of the Scottish Nation, let the world take notice, that they not onely refused this offer, but acquainted those who were most entrusted with the affaires of the English Parliament, and offered rather (if need were) their best assistance to secure the just and lawfull proceedings and priviledges of Parliament, and settle both Nations in truth and peace, the embracing whereof might have probably prevented a great deale of bloud­shed both in England and Ireland and had beene the Fore-game of our present After-game. But they were then so farre more tender of his Majesties honour then their owne safety. that they made use neither of the Kings offer to the Scots by declaring it, nor the Scots to them by accepting it, and one of them was so farre more ambitious of his Majesties favour then carefull of his owne honour, as to acquaint the King with the businesse: A [...]ke the Lord of Dorset who it was.

But I hasten from this Digression, and returne to that conclu­sion, which I thinke I may clearely make from these premises; That his Majesty before any of these apparent Quarrels about Tumules, or the like, used earnest endeavours for destroying the Parliament, so contrary both in its constitution and proceedings [Page 24] to the intended subversion of Religion and Liberty, either in their persons or priviledges.

So that though these plots and transactions did not serve the Kings turn, for the intended mischiefe, yet they serve mine very well in the cleare proofe of the intention of the mischiefe. Something might further be added out of the Irish businesse, to make this assertion cleare, but I reserve that to its owne place, being the Mystery of this Mystery, and the Iniquity of this In­iquity.

By what hath beene declared, it may appeare what aspect the King and the Councels in which he was ingaged had toward the Parliament of England. Let us proceed to examine the cour [...]es which were afterward taken in prosecution of this De­sign against them, and those that for love of Religion & Liber [...]y adhered to them; and by considering the Wayes, Counsels, Instru­ments, which have beene used in this service, we shall obtaine yet further evidence, that this present warre, undertaken by the King and his party was intended for the subvers on of the profes­sed Religion, and establisht Government. When therfore the Ar­mies raised both in England and Ireland (not without some re­lustancy, as not having performed their intended service) were unavoidably to be dis-banded in the declining part of the yeare 1641. we must suppose a Counsell most solemnly to be called at White-hall about July or August, before the Kings going into Scotland (it being then very seasonable in regard that the Irish Committee (especially so able and active men as Gormonston, Muskery, Plunket, Browne and Bourke, who were privately treated with) was then in England) wherein, as may appeare by the precedent and future practises, it was laid as a ground, That this Parliament, with the Puritanes, their Adherents, who stood so obstinately in the way of this propounded, and so farre promoted Designe, must be removed, or subdned. And to this End wayes of violence (blood being the Whores drinke, Revel. 17. 6. and i [...]perium quolibet pretio constans bene, an abso­lute rule being cheap at any rate) are resolved upon, especially considering that many broken pieces of the Armies raised against Scotland might easily be made use of againe, the Occasion being [Page 25] very little different. And in this Conspiracy was that monst [...]ous Rebellion in Ireland (to use the words in the Kings answer to the Petition of the Irish Commanders, dated at Oxford De­cember 1. 1642. for we cannot wish better words, though we expect better deeds) practised by those mercilesse and idolatrous Rebels, more then probably contrived. Let us stand behind the curtaine, some policie may be learnt, and honesty too, by way of defiance.

After the Proposition of the destroying this Parliament, in case it could not be reduced to the service of this Catholique De­signe, (which was almost past hope, seeing no more royall in­clinations in them, after so many Acts of Grace, besides perso­nall honours, and offers made to some, accepted by others) which was resolved doubrlesse, nemine contradicente. The next consultation must naturally and necessarily be of the manner, which must likewise be Confusion and Blood; sceleribus non nisi per scelera tutum est iter.

But nothing is to be done rashly, the Cause being as full of hazard as importance; let therefore the State of the Kingdome of England, and the neighbour Kingdomes and States, in refe­rence to this Cause be duly considered.

The condition of England may be thus represented, for the body of it; It consists of Papists, Protestants, viz. the King, Prelates, Courtiers, and Cavaliers. the dissolute Gentry, the su­perstitious Clergy, the profane and ignorant people the only Pro­testants now accounted of, all the rest are but Anabaptists and Brownists; and a third party of Purita is that is Lovers of the Protestant Religion, with the desire of Reformatio [...], friends to the Parliament, and native Liberty of the Subject. This latter part though very strong, yet may be supposed well ballanced by the other two, whom they without a mistake, as now appea [...]es presumed might be made one, upon the Coincidencie of popery, absolute power, Prelacie, indifferency in Religion, and pro­fanenesse; especially with the advantages of their opposition to puritanisme and Reformation, and the manifold pretences that might be continually made against the Parliament. And where­as it might be objected that the Parliament now made indisso­luble [Page 26] by a late act, would be a very great impediment, in regard of its power and estimation with the people, especially now after their pressures sustained for want of Parliaments.

This was put of with the projects of defaming and disgrace­ing it, withdrawing some of the Members, corrupting others, and bringing the Kingdome into that condition that the Parlia­ment shall be constrained to disingage the people by requi­ring Contribution, rather then ingage them by present freedome and reformation. England thus represented is no great discou­ragement to the worke.

But what shall be done with Scotland? a people full of fore­sight and resolution; th [...]ir late carriage towards this very busi­nesse, hath given abundant testimony, That they upon the state­ing of the Quarrell by the Parliament, for Religion and Liberty will easily be drawne into their assistance.

The course since taken, seemes grounded upon such Councell as this; The King is to goe into Scotland; and so to pas [...]e by the Armies, the Commanders of whieh may occasionally be salu­ted, and there he may upon the place be advised, to what may be best for his ends. If by faire offers and pretences they can be deluded, let them not be spared, that they may be either ingaged by kindnesse, or upbraided with unkindnesse. If they be found peremptory, since there is an advantage of the Kings presence▪ and so many resolved Cavaliers to attend him (as there did both Popish and others) let some of the Heads of the faction bt taken off, as Argyle for one, and Hamilton likewise (who by playing booty on both sides that he might be sure to save his stake had like to have lost all) which was accordingly attemp­ted by Crawfords Designe but through Gods providence pre­vented, by making a difference betwixt the Contrivers, and stir­ring up a more [...]oble resolution in one of the Commanders (though since unworthy enough) who thought and said, it was the worke of Butchers and not Souldiers, that was propounded. But let the worst be supposed and provided for, As Scotland is for the most part Puritanicall, so is Ireland Popish. And the Irish Papists may first suppresse the Protestants among them­selves, and so not onely occasion the Exhaustion of England and [Page 27] the distraction of the Parliament there, by a warre, but also be serv [...]ceable upon the perfection of their worke, or an allowed Cessation from it, to strengthen the Kings party in En [...]land▪ or annoy Scotland to the prevention of their Assistance. Very good or at least very true.

But what may be expected of Holland? from the people lit­tle hind [...]ance, being drowned in their owne interest of gaine: Were we all Spaniards, we could have supplies from thence for our money; and from the Prince of Orange (who hath well gained, not onely by that state, but upon it) all possible assistance by reason of the contra [...]t of marriage with England, and the possibility there may be of requiting him in the same kind, when our worke is done. Which (by the way) when the Netherlan­ders are awake they shall doe well [...]o consider of, and reflect up­on the Belgick blood, and English treasure expended in the free­ing them from that bondage, to which by [...] at sup­plies against the Parliament they are hastening againe. As for Denmarke the case is cleere, the Obligation of Consanguinity the interest of Royaltie will ingage that Prince, and to put it ut­terly out of doubt the incouragement given by Letters under his owne hand, is abundantly sufficient.

As for France and Spaine, Popery and Monarchy, (or rather Tyranny) will bring [...]n them, (notwithstanding, their great and important differences) as Pilate and Herod, to joyne in crucifi­ing Christ: The greatest doubt may seeme of France, Spaine ha­ving a firmer interest in the Papists of Ireland and England; but considering it is for the Catholique Cause, And that if the pro­ceedings of the true Protestants of England and Scotland pros­per, it may be an ill president to the Protestants of France, to strive to regain, what the other strive to keep: no doubt he will cast a favourable eye upon this businesse, as now appeares by sending his Agent into Scotland, to hinder the Union of the two Nations.

Things being thus digested (as in all reason they might and were) no wonder though the King upon his returne from Scot­land▪ and the Rebellion begunne in Ireland, altered his language and carriage to the Parliament, and sought nothing more then [Page 28] occasions of beginning the Quarrell; as by the illegall accusati­on of their members, Going to the house of Commons to de­mand them, so attended; upon whose instigation, and with what intention, appeares by the Queenes carriage at his frustrate returne, as also by the confessions of divers of that desperate Guard. These violent assassinating courses attempted in Eng­land and Scotland, practised in Ireland, though they are not cer­taine Evidences, are usuall signes of a Popish Designe, and Jesu­iticall Councels.

After this attempt, (not through pretended feare, (for his Majesty adventured into the City the next day, with a small Guard) but through indignation at the disappointed mischiefe, and, (as the Lord Digbie saith) to keepe the Cavaliers from trampling and reproach,) the King removes from London, cum tota sequela, except some who were left to be Agents in City and Parliament for this great service, whom we could as well have spared.

And now the plot of raising an Army, long before contrived being ready for the birth, Iune Lucina f [...]r opem, Let the Queen find a pretence to goe into Holland, (taking with her the Crowne Jewels, which were pawned or sould, not to gaine, but lose the Pearle of price) with the more freedome to negotiate forreigne supplies of Money, Armes, Ammunition, and Com­manders, whither likewise some other officious persons, as Ier­mine, Digbie, &c. were before, by his Majesties warrant, de­spatched, and to speake without flattery, she did speciall service, for which no doubt she shall have her Indulgences and Pardons free, as she hath occasion to use them.

In the meane while the King is going on pilgrimage in Devo­tion to this Romish Cause, and though continually petitioned for returne, and obtested by bleeding Ireland, makes little stay till he comes to York, where after the Courting of that Country, and his many Protestations, (taking the Lords in for securi­ty, Iune 15. 1642. whose honours were pawned for his Maje­sties intentions whereby it was thought the people were better prepared then indeed they were) he goes to Hull, and upon Sit Iohn Hothams refusall takes occasion to raise a Guard for his [Page 29] person in a place, whose Loyalty was so much magnified, which by the helpe of the Commission of Array, and forreign supplies hath ingendred a plentifull issue of three or foure Armies.

But what is all this to the subversion of the Protestant Religi­on, if there had been any such intention in the raising the Army, the Papists whose speciall interest it was, should have beene ta­ken in, who are by a Proclamation dated at York, August 10. 1642. forbidden, not onely the Court, (a place so unfit for them, the Queen being now absent) but any Office or service in the Kings Army; and as if his Majesty were so farre from expecting their assistance, that he feared their vengeance, in his instructions to the Commissioners of Array, August 29. 1642. dated at Not­tingham, charge is given that Recusants be disarmed.

This cannot be denied, but it may be contradicted, as it was by his Majesty, in an answer to the Petition of the Recusants of Lancashire, dated at Chester, September 27. 1642. where they are not onely allowed, but (according to the knowne Law of the Land) required to provide sufficient armes, for themselves, their servants, and tennants.

And wheras it may be said the case was different in August and September; its yeelded, his Majesties Case was different, though his Cause the same. To have received them before others were ingaged, had beene to disingage the Protestants and interrupt the worke in its tender beginnings. And therefore it must be so timed, that as many Protestants as could be deluded with pre­tences, might be drawne in and ingaged, beyond a retreat, before the assistance of the Papists was required.

Thus have you an account of those ground [...], for which those Counsels, Con [...]rivances, and disguises, by which the maine Ar­my countenanced by the Kings favour and presence, was raised against the Parliament.

I have no minde to trace it over-shooes, through that inno­cent blood which hath been spilt by it, neither is it to my pre­sent purpose to doe it. The indeavours to the same end in the North, by the Earle of Newcastle, in Wales and Cornewall by the Marqu of Hertford, and Sir Ralph Hopton; (These latter grounded rather as I suppose upon the Principles of Prerogative [Page 30] then Popery) I purposely omit: onely let me take notice, that this worke of darknesse hath made the darke corners of the land its refuge and received most assistance from places most void of the knowledge of God, which we are in a high degree to impute to the more then barbarous cruelty of the Prelats not onely not providing, but preventing their supplies, and discouraging the Liberality and Piety of those who indeavoured the propagation of the Gospel, by disappointing the intention of buying in Im­propriations, and discountenancing Lecture.

These Armies thus raised, and made up by Papists prelats, Courtiers, superstitious Clergy-men, dissolute Gentry, and a Herd of prophane ignorant people; what by treating and fight­ing, by false friends and bitter enemies (though the just hand of God upon this Nation, for their idolatry, and backsliding bloud­shed and oppression, and undervaluing the precious Gospell of Jesus Christ) have turned this Kingdome into a Field of bloud, and of the esteem and envie of other Nations, have made it the pitty of our few friends, and the reproach of our adver­saries.

But why should all this Calamity be reduced to his Majesties Counsels and Courses, hath not he offered Treaties of peace▪ as at Nottingham, and entertained them, as at Oxford.

I know there are many that afflict themselves with the neg­lect of the offer from Nottingham, sent from the desolate Stan­dare, and looke upon it as the losse of a happy opportunity. I de­ny not but his Majesty, in that condition not out of love to peace (an affection that could not well consist with those [...] endeavours to leavie warre) but feare lest he might lose that power he strived to increase, might be for some time reall in that motion but his inclinations to it were not so strong as to revoke his Proclama [...]ion. (which measure not onely the Scots found, but the Irish Rebels likewise, now by authority derived from his Majesty, called Catholique Subjects) or to resist (as the re­ [...] is) the suggestions of the Earle of Bristoll, who desired him [...] [...] his promise to the Q [...]eene and therefore not like to have been so constant, as to have produced a setled peace.

As for the other Treaties offered and entertained, as they were [Page 31] intended so they proved, accommodations for war, rather the [...] peace, as that Overture before the Brainford businesse: And as for that treaty at Oxford, If the King had entertained the same disposition towards his Parliament in England, as he hath since expressed towards his late Rebels in Ireland, hee would not have been so scrupulous in all the passages of it, and so indulgent to the almost starved Rebels, by the manifold advantages of that Cessation, afterward to be examined.

It is t [...]ue, there have been divers Overtures since, the most of them private, but we have lost by every bargain; among the rest the Queen was appointed and used as a most hopefull instru­ment of quenching the flames she had so diligently kindled and blown, and as I am too truly informed, favour offered to her faction by those who (though all this was come upon us) ought not to have stretched out their hands to a strange God shall not God search this out? Psa. 44. But what peace so long as, &c.

There were possibly some Lords and Gentlemen (in other respects) of worth, as Hartford, South hampton, Falkland, and some others, (who finding things contrary to their expectation, and being wearied with the tediousnesse of this unnaturall war) that had and have reall inclinations to peace: but what doth this availe us, when his Majesty is wholly swayed by those Counsels which are as averse to peace, as to the Protestant Religion, and the Liberties of the Kingdom; so that there is little hope that the Armes taken up by the King should be willingly laid down, till the ends for which they were raised, the subduing the Par­liament and Puritans, the subversion of Religion and Liberty, (which God prevent) be accomplished.

But I am not ignorant of the prejudice and unbeliefe that all which hath been or can be said in this businesse is like to meet with, so averse are men from looking upon this as a Quarrell of Religion, and from laying it to heart accordingly. I shall there­fore take the boldnesse to produce yet some further Evidence, whereby it may appeare that the Interests of the King and Pa­pists as in all parts, so particularly in Ireland, are deeply and desperately involved.

First in generall, the Papists (who do not use to reckon with­out [Page 32] their Host) in all places interpret the Cause of the King a­gainst the Parliament to be their owne, and declare it not only in words, but in their personall assistance, and plentifull Con­tributions, as appears by the notice given to the Papists in Flan­ders, of the acceptable service they should doe to the Catholike Cause, by sending money for the maintenance of the Army a­gainst the Parliament, witnessed upon Oath. And though our selves who are most nearly concerned are so hard of beliefe in this Case, yet the neighbour Protestants, as of Zeland and Scot­land, do so state it, as appeares by the Letter of solicitation for a seasonable engagement in the behalf of the English Protestants, from Zeland to the Generall Assembly of Scotland, and by the Remonstrance of the Assembly of Scotland, to the Convention of Estates there, and their answer thereunto, dated June 27. Iu­ly 4. 1643.

But the fullest and saddest Evidence in this businesse is to be drawn from the due examination, and consideration of the Re­bellion in Ireland, (for so it was once called) wherin there have perished neare two hundred thousand soules, by the hands of those wicked and detestable Rebels (as they are called by his Majesty in his Declaration of April the 8. 1642.) so odious to God and all good men, with whom if his Majesties Counsels prove consederate, I think it will be sufficient to convince our moderate men, and awake them out of that Neutrality, which is as unprofitable as it is detestable, since it neither procures friends, nor reconciles enemies.

That the ground of that Rebellion was the advancement of the Catholike Cause, is professedly declared by the Acts of the Generall Assembly of Rebels at Kilkenny, held 1642. which Acts were printed at London, March the sixth 1643. in these words.

FOR the exaltation therefore of the Holy Romane Catholike Church, for the advancement of his Majesties service, and for the preservation of the Lives, Estates and Liberties of his Ma­jesties true Subjects of this Kingdome, against the injustice, mur­thers, O▪ du­ [...]um ▪ massacres, rapes, depredations, robberies, burnings, frequent breaches of Publi [...]e Faith and quarter, and destruction daily [Page 33] acted and perpetrated upon his Majesties said Subjects, and ad­vised, contrived, and daily executed by the malignant party, some of them managing the Government and affaires of Estate in Dublin, and some other parts of this Kingdome to his High­nesse great disservice, and complying with their Confederates, the malignant party in England, and elsewere, who as it is known to all the world, complot and practise to dishonour and de­st [...]oy his Majestie, his Royall Consort, their Children, and Mo­narchicall Government, which is of most dangerous consequence, to all the Monarchies and Princes of Christendome. The said Assembly doth order and establish a Councell by the name of a su­preame Councell, of the confederate Catholiques of Ire­land, &c.

You see how neare the Exaltation of the holy Romane Catho­lique Church, and the advancement of his Majesties service, stand together, and who are accounted his Majesties true Sub­jects, who Malignants. But all this is easily blasted with the Consideration that they are the Expressions of Rebels, pretend­ing his Majesties name and service for their advantage; No, under favour, they are the expressions of his Roman Catholique Subjects, so stiled in the late Cessation, concluded in his Majesties name, and by his Majesties authority, September 15. 1643. and ranked equally with other his Majesties good Subjects, and therefore no reason to discountenance this Evidence, not yet those of the like nature hereafter to be produced. However it aboundantly shewes the end for which it was mentioned, the proving that Rebellion to be a Quarrell of Religion.

Let us now trie what Evidence may be brought forth to prove that the Papists in Ireland, and the Armies in England, engaged against the Parliament, are doing the same work, and that there is a line of Communication betwixt their Counsells. To this purpose, let us consider a Commission, and a Cessation, to which whatsoever else is to be said in this matter may be reduced.

Common fame, none of the worst witnesses, hath brought to every mans eares the noyse of the Kings favouring the Irish Massacre, and that the Catholique Subjects there have called themselves the Queenes Army, and intimated themselves the [Page 34] Kings, by saying they had good warrant in black and white for their proceedings, and crying out upon the English Parliament and Puritanes, as the Kings Enemies and theirs. It were well worth the knowing the truth of this so important businesse. Let us goe as neare it as the nature of a Mystery will admit.

And first let the Copy of the Commission, said to be given by the King to his Catholique Subjects of Ireland, be read and examined.

This Deponent maketh Oath, that about the middle of No­vember last, living then in the Parish of Saint Michans, neare Dublin, being accompanied with one master Stapleton of Dub­lin aforesaid, Gentleman, they happened into the company of a Popish Priest, commonly called Father Birne, who being for­merly acquainted with the said master Stapleton, desired to drink with him at a Ta [...]ern called the Bull, upon Merchants key in Dublin, where [...] of the injuries and troubles of the times, the Priest answered, that the Irish (not enduring to have them called Rebels) had sufficient warrant for what they did, and stood strongly in defence of their actions; and presently to justifie his words, produced a writing, according to the tenour of the premises mentioned in this writing abovesaid; whereof the Deponent desired a Copy, and he willingly yeelded unto it, and thereupon he wrote this Copy out of his literatim, in the presence of the said master Stapleton, who is now living in Dublin.

[Page 37]This is the true copy of that Commission, with the annexed Warrant and Deposition (for I will conceale nothing in a busi­nesse of this importance) as it came to my hands in a paper thus endorsed: A copy of the forged Commission in Ireland, pub­lished by those traiterous Rebels, Sir Philemy Oneale Knight, Rory Maguier Esquire, and others, with their lying perswasi [...]n to seduce and stirre up the whole Romish Party to Rebellion, wherein may be seene how heinously his Majesty is abused and the Parliament unjustly taxed by the [...]apists.

This last clause I take for granted, but as for the rest, give me leave to try whether the inside or the outside of my paper be the tiuer. And this I shall doe with all due respect both to the King and Parliament, that his Majesty may see that there was some fire in the midst of all the smoak, and that the jealousies of his people, concerning the Irish businesse, were not altogether groundlesse; as also that the King may have a sit occasion to ab­ [...]ure this Commission, and cleare himselfe of the aspersions cast upon him, with respect thereto, and chastise (as his Majesties phrase is) those wicked fellows (but I crave mercy, they are not my fellows, they are owned Subjects, but I, and the rest of the Parliaments friends proclaimed Rebels) And that the more full and particular satisfaction may be given (for discourses and pro­testations will not be taken any longer for payment) I shall give all the Arguments I can to prove the reality of it.

First therefore let us consider the time (a materiall circum­stance) when this Commission is dated that is the first of Octo­ber 1641. in one copy, and the fourth in another, (no great dif­ference) the Massacre beginning the 23. of the same month, which was presently after the Conferences at White-hall with the Lord Muskerie and his fellows, who returned into Ireland the same month his Majesty went for Scotland, leaving the Lord Dillon, who was presently after sent with the Queenes Letters, requesting or requiring his being made Counsellor of Ireland, to his Majesty then at Edinburgh, where it is said this Commission was signed with the broad Seal of that Kingdome, being not then setled in the hands of any Officer who could be answerable for the use of it, but during the vacancy of the Chan­cellors [Page 38] place, intmsted with Marquesse Hammilton, and by him with one master Iohn Hammilton, the Scribe to the Crosse Peti­tioners in Scotland, and sometimes under the care of master En­dimion Porter; a very fit opportunity for such a clandestine trans­action. And let it not be omitted, that presently after the date of this Commission, Dillon, Butler, and divers other Irish Commanders, of which the Court was then full, were dispat­ched for Ireland by his Majesties Licence, not without the just suspition of By-standers.

The Commission it selfe, for the grounds and language of it, is very suitable to other dispatches and writings under his Maje­sties name, expressing much bittemesse against the Parliament, and jealousie of the diminution of his Prerogative, which was alwayes his great feare. But I shall be unwilling to fetch the least proofe from the matter or stile of the Commission the Argument is not so beggarly as to necessitate a Petitio Prin­cipii.

Let us go on to examine the grounds, why such a thing should be forged, and why such a thing should be granted, and see which are the more probable.

I know no ground why such a Commission should be forged. It was not to make his Majesty odious, for in all their writings they expresse all tendernesse of his honour, and forwardnesse of their obedience particularly in the forementioned Assembly at Kil­kenny, where, next after the Article for the injoyment of all the Priviledges and Immunities of the Romane Church, as in the ninth yeare of Henry the third, the Oath of Allegiance to his Majesty is established, (its likely according to the agreement of the Reconciliation with a Salvo to the Sea of Rome) and their constant and generall professions of loyalty (now so well con­firmed by his Majesties expressions to them, and their contribu­tions to him) do clearly evince, that they had not so much ill will to the King, as to raise such a scandall of him. And more especially, though a Commission might do them some advan­tage, yet the forgery of one could not but be prejudiciall, it be­ing a necessary ingagement of his Majesty in his owne justifica­tion, to have used the utmost of his skill and power against them, [Page 39] as to have staid with his Parliament and prevented a war in Eng­land. But though a forged Commission might be unprofitable, yet a reall one I wonder not should be demanded though a stranger to the Mystery would wonder it should be granted.

First, that hereby the King, whom they knew in his own dis­position apt enough to start from his Expressions upon an ad­vantage, might be firmly bound to them and their proceedings, as also that the more backward Papists, who were more good natured then to rebell against a King whom they had [...]ound so propitious, and more wary, then by such Rebellion to forfeit their Estates, which under him, with the advantage of their Religion, they doubted not to enjoy, might the more easily be brought in.

If it be objected, this might be done by a forged Commission▪ I answer, not so well; Forgery is an unruly help, being often re­quited with the double hinderance of a discovery. Papists, though sometimes they delude us, they deale freely, especially in a com­mon Catholique Cause, with one another. And what end such fraud could have upon the Protestants, unlesse a little to amaze them at first, & then exasperate them, I cannot conceive. How­ever it is, be assured that Oneale and Mac- [...]arty beare so high upon this Commission, that they have offered Major Monro, and the Scots in V [...]ster, an appeale to the King which have the truer Commission, and which are the better Subjects, and ac­cording to that determination to quit or hold their employ­ment if the Scots would mutually promi [...]e the same.

But sure, sayes my honest Reader, who thinks other men meane as well as he, this cannot be. Why not? as well as that Commission for the cutting thy throat at London, much after this [...]enour and pasted in the same private manner. But how can it stand with his Ma [...]estes Protestations against them, under the name of wicked and detestable Rebels, with his Declaration against any toleration of Religion there, or [...] of the Lawes in force against Recusants, with his Pr [...]clamation of Re­bellion against then, dated [...]anuary [...]. 1641. directly opposite to this Commission?

It were heartily to be wished, that his Majesty had [...]ept his [Page 40] word as well with the Protestants as with the Popish Faction. There passed one Article in the Treaty of marriage with the Queen, which through the care of Canterbury, and the paines of Windebank, hath been better kept then any Protestant Pro­testation. The words of which Article are faithfully translated out of the French copy, to this effect: The 27. Article is, That the King of Great Brittaine, having regard unto the prayer of the Lady, and [...] testifie his affection to her, shall grant unto his Catholique Subjects the security of their lives and goods, so that they shall not be troubled for making profession of the Catholique Religion, they rendring unto him that obedience and fidelity they ow [...] unto him, to which they shall not be thought deficient for re­fusing to take any Oath, or doe any act contrary to their Religion. But it is answered, It concernes his Majesty most to look to that, how his words and warrants agree: yet we will be so bold, in a Cause of so great consequence as the imminent danger of the Protestant Religion, as to examine some of his Actions, and see whether they have been more suitable to the Commission, o [...] Proclamation.

The Proclamation it selfe though in its nature opposite yee in its time and circumstances was too suitable to the Commission, being deferred from the latter end of October to the first of Ja­nuary, and then so sparingly printed, so warily published, as if it had been under the controll of some former Act whose leave must first be craved. But his Majesty hath reason to expresse vio­lence against these his Catholike Subjects, or to chastise them at least, for they went beyond this Commission, though supposed reall; that gave but a Yard, they took an Ell: though they were allowed to sei [...]e the goods, estates, and persons of his Ma­jesties Protestant Subjects, yet they were not allowed to cut their throats, (unle [...]le the private Letters concomitant can help out at such a pinch) and their very transgression in this matter might justly occasion and provoke the title of mercilesse wick­ed Rebels. But to return to Actions, the best Commentaries upon words; it is to be feared they will be found more agree­able to the Commission then the Proclamation, as may be dis­cerned in the unanswered Remonstrance of the rise and progresse [Page 41] of the Grand Rebellion in Ireland. For instance, What shall in­different men think of his Majesties withdrawing himself from his Parliament, declared by the then reall, though now preten­ded Parliament, to be a great obstruction to the prosperity of the Irish undertakings? Of his raising war against his Subjects here, the greatest service that could be done to the pretended re­bels there, being a diversion of that strength, and a distraction of those Counsels that should have suppressed them? Of his granting passes for notorious Papists, as Butler, the sons of the [...]ord Net­tersfield▪ and others, to go thither, for which see the Declaration of Parliament March. 16. 1641. and, if you will the Answ March 19. The stopping of provisions going to the supply of the Army against them taking away the horses prepared by the E. of Lei­cester for that service, as appears by his complaint in a printed letter to the Earl of Northumberlana? Of the free accesse of those that have been active in that Design to his Majesties camp and Court? Of his putting in demu [...]res to the Bill of pressing souldiers, and deniall to the sending ships for that service?

It must not be denied that his Majesty was earnest in pressing care of that businesse of Ireland upon the Houses, and passed some things to the advantage of it, and (in a message of the 8. of April 1642.) spared not to offer his going in person to chastise those wicked and detestable Rebels, with the renouncing of all other Ends, (but if his Majesty had continued in that angry minde, hee might with ease have chastised them, when they came over to him, as they have done [...]ince plentifully.) I wish I had many more such actions to repeat. But it must be conside­red, there was a Proclamation that required some countenance, and could not well have lesse then it had: but I forestall no mans judgement, but leave the impartiall reader to the weigh­ing what hath been said, and what hath been produced upon Oath in the Declaration of the Commons, Iuly 25. 1643. And if the ballance be equall, I shall only cast in some scruples of the late Cessation, which, unlesse the beame be false, will make the Commission weigh down the Proclamation.

1. First the scruple of &c. in the nomination of the parties in this Treaty. Is his Majesties Title of Defender of the Faith [Page 42] come to an intricate &c. Y [...]s, and good reason, for the other par­ty, with whom his [...] treats upon equ [...]ll terms, are content with an &c. and are called His Romane Catholique Subjects now in armes, &c. whereas it should have b [...]en added accord­ing to the Acts of K [...]lkenny, for the Exaltation of the Holy Ro­man Catholique Church.

2. The scruple of their sudden transformation from mon­strous mercilesse Rebells into Subjects conj [...]yned with other his Majesties good Subjects. What shall the [...] of Scotland thinke of this, who hardly obtained the l [...]ke retractation when they defended the P [...]orestant Religion, or the Parliament of England, and their Adherents, who cannot yet finde that fa­vour. But yet, Mopso Nisa datur quid non speremus, &c. His Majesty sure had thoughts of this dishonourable recancation, when hee was so loth to publish the Proclamation against them.

3. The third scruple is [...]ersecute, for that is the word in the Irish coppy, not pros [...]cute; A license granted to [...]! [...]ure the Bishops had a finger in this Article, and that Persecuted Protestants should expect no protection from his Majesty, nor any of his forces, against the Parsecution of the Papists, but ra­ther have occasion to feare the joyning of the forces the King shall have interest in, in the Pers [...]cution, as is desired by the Catholiques, to whom no such trifle must be denied, is to me a sad story.

4. The fourth scruple, that these Catholique Subjects shall have liberty to send such Agents to his Majesty, as th [...]y shall thinke fit from time to time. Priests and Iesuites not excepted.

If the Scales be not yet turned, take the whole Cessation, and the thirty thousand eight hundred pound, and that will [...] weigh it downe to the ground. But I have much [...] leave the contemplation of this Cessation, Let us take a second view,

1. Of the time wh [...]n it was granted, mo [...]t seasonably when the P [...]pish party was driven to great Extremities for want of victual, [...]nd had b [...]en in greater, had nor the Forces raised and [...] by the Parliament b [...]en seduc [...]d into a disaff [...]ction to their service.

[Page 43]2. O [...] the Grounds, all Acts of importance that are to passe the eye and censure of the world use to come armed against a [...]l Exceptions with a preamble, shewing the ground and necessity of them: How comes it to be here [...]mitted, that we have nei­ther real▪ nor This disco­very was p [...]n­ned upon the sight of the na­ [...]ed Cessation, as it came from [...]reland before the short co­ve [...]ing of the Grounds and Motives, &c. which are not so considerable [...]s to occasion [...]ny alteration unlesse of the [...]ord pretended. pretended causes and considerations but a down­right Ces [...]ation, or rather Accommodation as Souldiers judge it. Was it such broad [...]ced iniquity that no mask neit [...]er in Oxford nor Dublin would fit it? Was it neither for the preser­vation of the Protestant Religion▪ nor affection to the ancient and native [...]ingdom of Scotland, nor for the reconciling of the Distractions of the Kingdome of England: Since those dull contrivers could f [...]nde no matter for a foundation give us leave to [...]upply. Seing the Catholike cause (which the King of England is induced to serve either nakedly or cloathed with this pret [...]rce o [...] upholding his Powe [...] and Prerogative, which is sug­gested to be invaded and endangered by the Puritans there) is now very much concer [...]ed in the due ordering of the affaires of Great Brittain a [...]d Ireland. And whereas the Irish Catholikes have given so good t [...]stimony of their approved zeal and cruelty in massacring near two hundred thousand Hereticks and may hereafter do the li [...]e service in England and Scotland, if in this their pre [...]nt extremity they may be respited and relieved. And whereas it is of very great consequence that the Papists and all that will upon any pretence or for any advantage, adhere to them in this Cause▪ be firmely united together against the Pu­ritans and their ad [...]erents, whether in Eng [...]and or Scotland: It is concluded and accorded betwixt the two Etcaetera's, that a Cessation o [...] Armes the like was never heard of, should bee agreed on, from whence the Catholike Cause and Party may expect these Advantages.

• 1. Free importation of Armes, Ammunition, Victuals and Provis [...]ons of all kinds, and free accesse of any of their Con [...]e­derates [...]rom any part of the world.
• 2. [...] tran [...]portation i [...]to E [...]gland, or other parts, of such suppli [...]s which s [...]all be necessary for his Majesties service against the Puritans and Pa [...]iament t [...]ere.
• 3. The strengthning the Popish party with the Union of the [Page 44] indifferent Protestants, and consequently weakning and divi­ding the Adversary, upon whom the whole strength may bee now turned.
• 4. Either an advantage to ruine the Scottish Army in Ulster, if they refuse the Cessation, and stay, or if they withdraw, an opportunity to settle Ireland, and among England or Scotland, as occasion shall be.
• 5. That some usefull Prisoners (as the Earl of Antrim who was then in hold) might be released.
• 6. That there shall be a Reserve of Wood-Kernes, whom this Cessation shall not reach, who shall kill and spoil at their pleasure, th [...]se who may be presumed disaffected to the Catho­like Cause.

And thus have I made bold to represent to the world this horrid gastly Monster of the Irish massacre, and (I hope more to the worlds benefit then my own content) raked in this sink of iniquity. The Evidence is furnished▪ Let the diligent impar­tiall Reader, and the Conscience of mankinde, make a judge­ment upon it.

But seeing the discovery and foresight of mischief is but half a wise mans work, (which now every body pretends to, and I for company) Let us study in a few words to declare the best Rules of prevention to this Inundation of Tyranny and Popery, which from the Romish Sea is like to overwhelm us; The pru­d [...]nt man foresees the Plague and hides himselfe.

Many rules both of Piety and Policy might be laid down up­on the grounds of Scripture, Reason, and Experience. But since the most of them are so well summed up in that solemne League and Covenant agreed on and entred into by these two Nations of England and Scotland; I will not scatter them, but propound the deliberate Entrance into that Covenant, and the faithfull pursuance thereof to be the most Religious and reaso­nable way, to unite and strengthen the too much divided party of true Protestants against these Conspiracies discovered, which are likely yet further to enlarge their bounds.

There are some, it may be, who stand off for want of the Kings consent. We want not good authority, though such is our [Page 45] unhappinesse, that for the present, his concurrence is rather to be wished then hoped. In the mean time let not the Truth and Gospel of Christ be sacrificed to the Counsels and Consedera­cies of evill and unreasonable men. Especially, when they who have a great share in enacting and conserving those Lawes by which our Religion is confirmed, have engaged themselves and their authority with us; Neither let us be startled at the noise of a Proclamation, that turns Religion into Treason▪ and Union into Sedition. Proclamations are neither the Laws of England, nor yet of the Medes and Persians which alter not, but may be retracted either with some difficulty, as that against Scotland, or more ease, as that concerning Irel [...]nd.

Others there are who are not strangers to the present affaires, but there is something that [...]its nearer them then Religion or publike Liberty, which they are loath to adventure by such an engagement in this declining State of the Parliament affaires, and therefore study an ungodly and unprofitable Neutrality. To these men I wish a sound mind and a changed heart, to [...] first the Kingdome of God: Let such con [...]ider, that if he who was the Way, the Truth and the Life, prescribed the true way to life, they are in the false, his rule in such cases is, He that saves shall lose. And let them know further, that they will one day have more need of protection from God, then his Cause hath now of theirs, when they shall (without repentance) receive this repulse, Goe to the gods whom yee have served.

Me think it should not be in vain to spend a word or two up­on that more t [...]mperate party of them, who are now unhappily engaged against the Parliament in this wretched Cause. Sure there are some to whom the Counsels of the Digbies, and the insolent carriage of Prince Rupert, & his Harpyes, are little lesse odious, then these courses which the two Houses of Parliament are constrained to. There is yet place for Repentance (God send Grace:) And if the sense of their own honour, which they take so much paines to bury in the ruines of their Countries Liberty, nor yet of the honour of God▪ which if not their intentions, yet certainly their▪ Actions desperately strike at, in this apparent danger to Religion, yet let the consideration of the issue of that [Page 46] work they are about, supposing their prevailing (not so proba­ble as they may conceive) a little move them. Will it not as much trouble them to see the Kingdome governed (as now one part of it is) by a Spanish Popish [...]unto, as by an English Protestant Parliament? To see their beloved moderation swal­lowed up in the violence of that desperate Iesuiticall party that rules at the Court, as in the supposed Severity o [...] those Councels, Civill or Ecclesiasticall; that govern at the City. Let such men be assured that their Ends▪ unlesse such as are consistent with Tyranny and Popery, must give way to the predom [...]nant▪ Interest which will be sound to be that of the Feminine Planet in the Issue, when they have served, they shall like uselesse In­struments be laid aside, and dis-regarded.

Certainly the intentions of those who are drawn in to this Popish confederacy are so different, that I am confident if they prevaile against us, their Quarrels will be as many and bitter a­gainst each other, as now against the Parliament. Vices are op­posite and destructive, not only to vertue, but one to another. Me thinks these Gentlemen, who pretend to justice, peace, mo­deration, and something of Religion, should think themselves but ill associated, in the midst of such prophane plundering companions, to which they are not so much companions as sub­jects. Sure they cannot be well at ease to see the first fruits of this Irish Cessation presented to their union, but how then can they endure▪ when his Majesties Reregard of his Romane Ca­tholique Subjects, shall be brought over with their hands full of the b [...]ood of more then 100000, offencelesse Protestants, whom they have cruelly massacred? Sure the apprehensions of this cannot but shake their Prerogative faith, and make them ap­preh [...]nd them [...]elves in more danger from their confederates, then t [...]eir supposed [...]. I [...] this labour to them be lost, I am sorry, but g [...]ad it was [...]o more.

[...] me [...]peak to them who are counsellable that is, [...]hose who in the trut [...] a [...]d uprightnes [...]e o [...] their Hearts have [...]ntred into this [...] and [...] engaged [...] to the pres [...]r­vation o [...] [...] [...] [...]nd Libe [...]ty; such must labour [...]or sted­ [...] in [...] [...] ▪ lest out medicin [...] prove our poyson.

[Page]Let none of us go about to deceive our selves with unpro­fitable Treaties, or hopes of a yet impossible Accommodati­on, but cheerfully and faithfully accomplish a speedie and firm Union with the Councels and strength of Scotland (which will encourage not onely religious but wise men to joyn with us) it being beyond a reasonable expectation that by our own strength or wisdom we should extricate our selves from this growing calamity in which we are daily more and more involved. It now becomes every man to wind up his thoughts to a Christian resolution befitting the pre­sent necessities and Condition of the Church of God, and walk worthy of it, and let the Lord do what seemeth good unto him.

I might now make my self a great deal of more work, and create some trouble to my Reader, if I should after this sa­tisfaction I have given to my own heart and the friends of this Cause of Religion, go about to satisfie the world, and answer their severall quarrels with this undertaking, but I will be more mercifull to the Reader, and more just to my self then to accuse my self by excuses. Onely I will give you a taste of that which I am like to have plenty.

The first Question will be Who is this? I answer, it matters not who, but what. The next is a position, Sure he was a mad-man thus to provoke Maiesty it self, did he ever learn that verse in Homer.

Yes but he hath, and that in Iob too. In such a cause as this, let me not I pray you accept any mans person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. I hope to see the day when I shall be accounted a better subject to the King then he that accuses me. In the meane time I am satisfied with being a good subject to the Kingdom, & no Traitor to the Church. If I have incurred any danger, it is to shew thee thine, if a good Protestant. But there need not have been so much bitternesse used which often disadvantages a good Cause? It is the language of the times, and not mine. A filthy ulcer must have a sharpe lance; the massacre of Ireland is a bitter cup. Quis temperet invectivis? Here are many things produced in this Treatise that [Page] are but slender proofs? Then take them altogether. Altogether are but a rap [...]idy scraped up out of the Parliament Declarations, and such scandalous pamphlets, as Plain English, and the English Pope? Truth is a common inheritance, and now so scarse that I was glad to take it where I could find it. Tush I can tell mrre of these affairs then this Discoverer? Then tell them, or tell me, and I will. But Mercurius Aulicus will be sure to meet with you? This is no time to be afraid of Court Bull Beggers, but if he meet with me he must go out of his way: I tell truth, he tels lies.

But I have now done; and it may be done that which hath provoked almost every body, but my own conscience, which witnesses with me that I have not written any willing or negligent falshood, nor (to my best understanding) any un­seasonable or unnecessary truth. There is no man but will stand in need of some charity, I shall find it from them that have it; from those that have it not, I will not expect it. There are other Mysteries in this world of Iniquitie, carried on by them who under the pretence of Service do the great­est dis-service and dishonour to the Cause of Religion and Liberty, which must either be amended or not concealed: let other men do their share, as I have done mine, and the world will certainly be either honester or wiser.

This Discourse cannot be better concluded then with that which is the earnest and constant request of the Author to the Lord God of Hosts, the God of Israel, that seeing wisdom and might are his, he would vouchsafe wisdom to the Coun­cellors, courage and constancy to the Souldiers, willingnesse to the people, and faithfulnes to all those that have or shall engage themselves in this great Cause so infinitely valuable beyond the estates and lives of all that undertake it. To him be glory, and peace upon Israel.