THere are three things by the Petitioner suggested, as the grounds why I should be disabled from sitting in this Parliament, though freely and clearly elected by the County of Derby, and approved by his High­ness Councill.

First, There is a complaint of some undue proceedings in the Election.

Secondly, That I Preach publiquely in Derby, and receive some benefit thereby.

Thirdly, That I am a Minister now in Orders.

As to undue proceedings in the Election, were it not that I consider before whom I speak it, my answer to this should be in such an expression, as the suggestion doth deserve: But it is well known, that the generality of the Electors of this County, were pleased to make choice of me, in the first place, and accordingly by the Sheriff I was returned: And in my Election, as also in the Election of two other persons (more worthy then my self) there was none that so much as openly demanded the Pole at all, in relation to Sir Samuel Sleigh; And for this, let the Country speak, I beleeve there were [Page 2] Mille testes. Indeed when the first Three were chosen, and publiquely assented to without question, Sir Samuel Sleigh came into Nomination with M ^r Gell, which of them should be the Fourth. Division of the Electors being made in the Market-place, the Majority appeared to be so clearly on M ^r Gell's side, that both the Sheriff and other indifferent spectators were fully satisfied; yet the Pole being desired, was by the Sheriff forthwith yielded to, and proceeded upon. The Petitioner lost it (as I do remember) by about fourty voices, and had lost it by many more, had he not been well befriended by the Town of Derby, many of whom came in at last to help: And therefore I wonder that this Gentleman, the Petitioner, should so publiquely make that his allegation, which is so obvious to contradiction.

To the second, That I Preach publiquely in Derby, and receive some benefit thereby. 'Tis true, I do Preach pub­liquely in Derby: But is publique Preaching become a crime in the Petitioners sense? I do believe that many others as well as my self, both in Civil and Military capacities, have Preach­ed publiquely, which will not upon that account be the soon­er disenabled to do their Country service. But it is alleadged that I have some benefit thereby: In answer to this, I crave leave to say thus much, That my estate (though mean e­nough, yet it) is not so mean, that I am necessitated to Preach for Twenty pounds per annum, neither is my conditi­on so obscure, and interest so weak, but that, if I would have Preacht for advantage, I might have had long since a fairer in-come by Preaching, then such a Salary. When as I was in motion as a Souldier in Englands service, I have preacht in very many, if not most Counties in England (and freely too) and this not to oppose, but to second the faithfull Ministers of the Gospel where ere I came. And this County knows, how often for this Dozen years I have Preacht without ad­vantage; and therefore, with farre better ground then it can be objected against me, I can (yet in much sincerity) averre it, that the ground why I undertook the Lecture at Derby, is that I might have a publique place to Preach in for a farre better end then outward gain: This Objection may indeed bring a blot upon me (whether in the Petitioners de­sign or no I will not say) among carnal men, and such as [Page 3] scorn the Gospel; but I am confident, it cannot in the least degree prejudice me before this Honourable Assembly: And I am sure, the Instrument of Government which laies down qualifications of being elected, doth not not exempt a Preach­er from being chosen to serve in Parliament.

But the main thing Objected is, that I am in holy Orders and so disabled by an Act of Parliament 17 ^o Caroli.

To this I shall in all humility crave leave to offer divers things.

First, I count it a comfort (I shall not presume to call it an honour) to me, that in all the difficulties, dangers and temptations that have attended Englands service for these many years; at last my Charge, and that before a Parlia­ment, is, that I am in holy Orders. The proof of this Charge it seems is put upon my self: for it is strongly affirmed, that it hath been mine own Confession and Acknowledgement, that I am in Orders: Whether this in foro publico, be proof enough to ground a judgement on, I leave it to the learned to determine: or whether (in case that holy Orders be a Crime) to put the Delinquent upon Confession, be not something hard, I shall onely query, not conclude; And did I think, that holy Orders were a Crime, I should hum­bly desire, that a fuller proof might be made by the Petitio­ner, then yet I understand hath been produced. But I never did, nor for ought I can see as yet, ever shall, count Ordi­nation, even by Bishops, as to the substance of it (setting aside some groundless and frivolous Circumstances) to be a Crime. And yet almost a cunabulis, I have been principled against Episcopacy, as it was stated and exercised in this Nation: For I have not forgotten since I was a childe, that I then was sensible of my Fathers several times suffering un­der Episcopal tyranny. And because my own occasional and in private Confession, is urged against me, I humbly beg par­don for saying a word, as to the Petitioners confession too, that I have heard this Gentleman that now petitions against me, something publiquely to confesse, or rather pro­fesse his judgement for Episcopacy and Common-prayer Book.

Upon the ground above-mentioned, I shall not forbear freely to acknowledge and own it, before this Honoura­ble [Page 4] Assembly of Parliament, that not long before the Warres broke forth in England, I was Ordained by Bi­shop Wright at Lichfield, yet happily it deserves enquiry. And that

First, Whether I am within the Letter of that Act of 17. Caroli.

And secondly, it is more to be questioned, Whether I am or no within the grounds design and scope of that Act.

And thirdly, If I were within the compass of one or both, yet through Gods good providence, and mercy to me, in the service of my Countrey, I am cloath'd with such Consi­derations that I see no Cause to fear to appear in Parliament, or to plead my Cause against this Petitioner, in the greatest presence in this world. All which I humbly crave leave to produce, and then with all due reverence, I shall submit to the just determination of this Honourable Assembly.

And first, I crave leave to query, How far? and whether I am at all within the Letter of that Act? I conceive, it is obvious, that the Act of the 17. Caroli was made against Arch-bishops and Bishops principally, who sate then in, and as Members of the House of Lords: and they must sit there, either upon a single score, as Peers, or representing the Mi­nisters of this Nation, and none else. But for ought I could ever learn, that neither Bishops sate then in the House of Lords as Representers of the people; neither did any Mini­ster at all sit in the House of Commons, as chosen by, and a Representer of the people: For a man in holy Orders, to be chosen by his Countrey to sit in the House of Commons, I do beleeve (when that Act was made) was not in rerum Natura: And it cannot be imagined that an Act of Parlia­ment, should be directed against a Non Ens; Ex malis mo­ribus nascuntur leges: If I be not mistaken, Acts of Parliament are made to suppress appearing evils; they are not Prophetick, not directed against that which is not in view, but only in po­tentiâ remotâ or esse possibili, and therefore not under debate. But further, let me humbly offer, that since that Act, Epis­copacy it self, with all its pomp and interest, is root and branch disanulled, and that by Law: Now the Act in question is believed to be a Parliamentary superstructure imposed upon Episcopacy, and intended as a clog, to keep down [Page 5] Episcopal power from soaring higher, as to draw it down some pins lower. In that therefore Episcopacy it self is thrown out of doors (to which that Act doth relate) and not so much as a Toleration granted in the Government; whether the Act it self ex consequenti doth not cease in its operation, I humbly do submit it.

One thing more I would present in this place, that when that Act was made, Church-Government and holy Orders were in force and power: But since, Ordination it self by Bishops, to be practised de novo, is disallowed, yea Ordina­tion by Ministers of the Gospel alone, is much impugned: I might adde the Pastoral Care of souls is frequently under­taken by those that will not own Ordination, neither in the former nor in the later sense, and this undertaken by some (as I have heard) who do openly renounce (at least Episco­pal) Ordination in themselves: Holy Orders then was a Law and binding, and the Act in question I do believe doth suppose them so: But now I do not know any Law in force, at least so put in execution, as to require those that take the Charge of souls upon them to be Ordained: (I speak in re­ference to humane Laws only) for as to Ordination its Law and force upon a higher account, it is not my work here to speak; yet I say, Ordination-Law was then in force; And if Ordination be not now in force as it was when the Act was made (for usual practise speaks the contrary,) but doth seem to suffer much in the main concernments of it; I know not how my Case can directly fall within the Letter of that Act: For Ordination as it was a required-introduction to a Pastorall Charge, is either null in Law, or binding and not null. If it be not in force by present Laws and Ordinan­ces, but in some sort null, how can use be made of Orders a­gainst me, in the Case in question? If Orders be not null, but by Law in force properly, then, Orders are binding to all in England that are or are to be Preachers as well as my self; so as not to be permitted usually and in publike to preach with­out it: And thus, it is confest, that this Act relating to Orders established by Law, doth seem litterally to take place. But when the present state of things in England, doth seem to let Ordination fall, or but admit it under toleration, that at this time Holy-Orders should be kept alive, or have life put into [Page 6] them to strike me dead as to the service of my Country in any politick consideration, doth (and yet I desire to speak it with submission) to me seem something, if not very strange.

In the second place, That I am not within the compasse of the grounds, design, and scope of that Act, may happily ap­pear to this honourable Assembly, by observing some of the grounds themselves; And to make a little way to this, I beg leave to offer it, that even in Courts of Justice I have sometimes observed Acts to be interpreted principally accor­ding to their grounds, Summum jus summa injuria; To go by exact letter of the Law doth sometimes strike too hard upon the innocent; And hence I humbly do conceive that in prudent reason and originally was founded the Court of Chancery; and when the Letter strikes and the mean­ing doth not reach, the case then affords a naturall occasion for a Freeborn Englishman to appeal to the highest Court of Chancery on earth (I mean the Parliament:) I do remem­ber that in the Bishops times, whereas there was a Law made against Recusants for not coming to Church, though the scope and design of that Law was intended against Papists, and not against godly and consciencious Protestants, yet the Bishops and others finding these within the Letter of that Law, did bring divers of them within the penalty thereof for absenting from their Parish Church, though sometimes there was nothing there but Common-Praier Book Service; read by some ignorant, sottish, and drunken fellows (for Ministers I cannot call them.) This was Englands grievance, that whereas a Law was made against Popish Recusants, the edge thereof was turned against Consciencious Protestants: How farre this instance is applicable to, doth illustrate and help the case in hand; I lay it at the feet of this Honoura­ble Assembly. And this Act it self doth encourage me to expect that in my case it shall be interpreted according to the meaning, more then according to the Letter of it, For in the close thereof it doth declare, that any thing done by persons in holy Orders shall be made void, but it is only of those things [ that are contrary to the purport and true meaning of this present Act.]

Now for the purport and meaning of this Act; In read­ing [Page 7] of it I do observe first that this Act was grounded up­on [ his (late) Majesties religious care of the Church and the souls of his people] His late Majesties care of souls was well known; And the then Parliaments care of souls is not to be questioned by me. But it was at least professed care of souls, that did produce this Act, that so the good of souls should not be hindered, it was enacted, &c. But what is this to the case in question? It's true, I have some speciall care of souls as a Master of a Family, and as a Christian neighbour should have some watch over my brother; And if this care of souls doth disenable me from sitting, I beleeve there would be very few found to sit in Parliament; For other cure of souls I have none, and for prejudice to souls, which the Act doth seem to hint, I know none occasioned by my self at all, which will appear the better in considering of the second ground. And in the Act it is expressed thus, [ The Office of the Ministry being of such great importance that it will take up the whole man;] Which I fully grant: And I well remember what Paul saith, speaking of this Office, Who is sufficient for these things? yet I finde Paul himself, and that without scandal or prejudice of souls, in case of necessity, labouring in that craft of Tent-making: That Englands ne­cessity and this Counties necessity did put a sword into my hands, and called me at first to act in some civill capacities, will afterwards appear. I do observe, that the Act stiles the Ministry an Office, and I pray that alwaies in England and In the Church of Christ it may be owned so: This Office is of such great importance that it will take up the whole man: But this Office, unlesse there be materia substrata, a present charge to apply it self unto, cannot be said so properly, to take up the whole man; The Office of a Minister I do con­ceive is of a relative consideration, and being taken in actu exercito, as having relation to a pastorall charge, or that which is usually called cure of souls, so it will take up the whole man. I never was invested either with Parsonage, Vi­carage, or Donative, and am not at this hour invested with either, neither have I ever undertaken the charge of any of those (which are called) select Congregations, but am at this very time a private member of a Congregation in Derby. It hath alwaies been against my principle [...], to [Page 8] meddle in other mens Cures; I have none of mine own, but the design of the Act is evident, that those in holy Orders were to be disenabled to sit in Parliament, that souls might not be neglected, that Ministers might not be taken off from that great important duty of watching over those souls com­mitted to their charge.

A third ground of the Act is [ for that it is found by long experience that their intermedling with secular jurisdictions hath occasioned great mischief both to Church and State.] It is not my work to rip up the mischiefs that Episcopal men did to Church and State by medling with secular jurisdiction; I beleeve they did as much mischief in their spirituall as in their secular jurisdiction, and therefore were justly deprived of both, yet I do beleeve if they had not been observed to do mischief, but to have emploied their power spirituall and secular to the benefit of Church and State, the Parliament would have suffered their double power to this day. What prejudice either to Church or State hath my intermedling with secular jurisdiction brought forth? If hazarding life, if losing bloud, if endeavouring in my Countrey as a Justice to be in some measure to the praise of them that do well, and to the punishment of evil doers; If in the last Parliament opposing those wilde and dangerous principles (so much spo­ken of) be prejudicial to Church and State, then am I guilty: And if I had been in any secular employment prejudiciall to Church or State, I make no question but it would have been inserted in the Petition preferred against me.

But the Act saith, That Bishops and other persons ought not to be entangled with secular jurisdiction; What an Act of Par­liament speaks hath great influence upon me to command my outward man, and to leade, though not altogether compell my judgement, yet upon this occasion; If I thought this Honourable Parliament would indulge an unworthy member so far; I would offer to consideration that instance of Aaron, Exo. 24.14. where Moses going up into the Mount to remain fourty daies, he saith unto the Elders [ Tarry ye here for us until we come again unto you, and behold Aaron and Hur are with you; if any man have any matters to do let him come unto them;] Whether Aaron as well as Hur be not here delegated to take cognizance of civil causes, I leave it sub judice; And [Page 9] whether Aaron at least as a deputed Magistrate Exod. 32. was not concern'd to have hindred the golden Calf, I'le not de­termine; And when Moses makes use of the Levites only, to put three thousand to the Sword who had had an hand in that Idolatry, the question is, whether this was the fruit of an Ec­clesiasticall or a civil censure. We reade of Samuel, 1 Sam. 3.20. that he was established to be a Prophet of the Lord, yet in Chap. 7.15. we finde that he judged Israel all the dayes of his life, and v. 16. he went from year to year, in circuit to Bethel and Gilgal, and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places;] If it be objected that there are no instances in the New Te­stament, It might be answered, that Magistracy it self was not then in Christian hands; But suppose there had been civil power in such hands in Paul and Timothys time, and there had been a Councel or Parliament held, where Church as well as State affairs had been to be transacted, The Question would be, Whether in case that Paul and Timothy had been chosen, whether the one or other ought not to have attended the trust reposed, or whether Christian members would have rejected them?

Thirdly, If it were granted, that I am within the letter of this Act, yea, in some sort within the ground and meaning of it, yet I have something further, and that with such advantage to offer, that I think I need not fear to pleade my case against the Petitioner, before this Honourable Assembly, or in any presence in this world; And here first I shall referre my self unto the Instrument which is stiled, The Government of the Common-wealth of England; Which Goveroment in the 14 ^th and 15 ^th Articles laies down the rules, who shall not be ca­pable of being elected, and makes no exception of any in ho­ly Orders. That I come within the compasse of the 17 ^th Ar­ticle I shall easily put the business to that issue; And in the 21 ^th Article I finde these very words, That every person and persons being so duely elected, and being approved of by the major part of the Councel, to be persons not disabled but qualified as aforesaid, shall be esteemed a Member of Parliament, and be admitted to sit in Parliament, and not otherwise.] And accordingly I did passe with the approbation of the Councel: As the Government makes no exception as to any in Orders, so it makes provision for some to be capable of being elect­ed, [Page 10] to serve in this Parliament, notwithstanding [ they have aided, advised, assisted, or abetted in any war against the Parlia­ment since Jan. 1. 1641. In case they have been since in the Ser­vice of the Parliament, and have given signal Testimony of their affection thereunto;] and this notwithstanding former Acts or Ordinances of Parliament to the contrary. And hereupon I cannot but take leave yet in all humility to prostrate this be­fore this Honourable Assembly; In that the Government is so tender of the service of any done to the Parliament, in any, though a later season, as that it doth not exempt those from being chosen that haply formerly have shed bloud a­gainst the Parliament, and haply have shed the bloud of some of the Parliaments faithful Friends and servants; May not now my constant expres affections, and real hazards of my dearest bloud against the common Enemy, from the beginning to the end, and this for the Parliament of England, in equity and with much advantage (notwithstanding that Act in reference to holy Orders) crave that the Parliament-dore may be open to me as well as to some others?

And to shew that I have some little reason to present this last consideration before this Honourable Assemby, I humbly beg the leave in the last place to offer some few particulars of that service, that Providence hath cal'd me to, and Gods mercy hath carried me through, in the Service of this Nati­on; And the rather because now it is attempted, that I should not be in a further capacity of serving of my Countrey; And I never thought that I should thus have been (upon this ac­count) constrained to trouble this Parliament in speaking for my self: But I finde a patient Job making his defence, I finde also an holy self-denying Paul forced to reckon up what he had done, therein pleading for himself; Sometimes the tongu-strings of the dumb have been loosed, and I appeal to every person of honour and English Gentleman within those Wals, whether it would not trouble an ingenuous spirit, after so many years faithful endeavours in his Countreys service, to which he hath been called, and no intruder (as by and by will appear) to be now at last under an attempt to move this Parliament (whereof I am a member) to adjudge me in some sort a Delinquent, and to deny me the priviledge and oppor­tunity of asserting that which according to my weak ability [Page 11] I have with thousands better then my self so long strugled for: What I have therefore now to say is not without re­luctancy, and forced from me by that Gentleman who would Petition me out of Parliament, that he might be admitted, whether he or I have in times of danger done this Countrey and England better service, let all that know us speak; yea, this County hath spoken its apprehensions in this sufficiently by the late Election; And in speaking this, whatever I may seem to some, yet I hope that in the sight of God my heart doth not give way to any arrogance at all.

Even before the Standard was set up at Nottingham, I was so farre observed to own and declare for the Parliament, that I had notice given me, that some of the then intended Ene­mies, in these parts did threaten to hew me in pieces: It is well known, how industrious I was, both to procure Moneys, to be lent on the Propositions, and encourage men, to engage in the service at the very first. And in 1643. removing from Derby, with (then Lievetenant Collonel Sanders) to the Gar­rison at Burton upon Trent; soon after with Collonel Haugh­ton (now S ^r Richard Haughton) Lievtenant Col. Sanders and many others in that Garrison, we were by assault taken pri­soners, and my self not only wounded but stript of all I had, yea almost to nakednesse. The enemy soon knowing what I was, did make me a publike scorn in the Queens Army (parti­culars too long to be related,) but by the good providence of God, I was again at liberty; and not long after, when this County was at lowest, the Earl of Newcastles Army prevail­ing every where in the North; and being in the bowels of this County; Collonel Sanders (a worthy member of this Parlia­ment) being about to raise a Regiment of Horse in and about the Garrison of Derby, was pleased (without desire of mine) to offer me a Commission for a Troop of Horse, a service and trust then, I was very unfit for: But being encouraged to take a Commission, I presently found divers honest men willing to engage under my Command: Divers brought in their Horses and Arms with them; divers well-affected persons that knew me did lend, and others did send in their Horses to me; so that suddenly I had a considerable foundation of that, which af­terwards became a full Troop; and had no other Recruits af­terwards, either of Horse or Arms, then what my Men with [Page 12] my self could get from the enemy. What service and often service my Troop did in this Country, with other Troops, and this when Derby was surrounded with Garrisons of the enemy, is well known. I wear the Marks of the service of this County upon me: and when England was low and this Coun­ty was almost overrun, the Gentleman that now petitioneth against me, would never desire me to forbear, or petition against my intermedling with secular affairs, because I was in holy Orders: Once, God, was pleased to give me that successe against the enemy, close by the petitioners own door, that might have deserved his respect, and not such an Attempt against me: Sure he hath forgotten his then backwardnesse to serve his Country, and that, he who would now sequester me from this Countries service, was himself once under an at­tempt of being sequestred for something else: what ground there was, he best knowes.

When this County was cleared of the enemies Garrisons, from some hard measure of some in power of our own side, I was forced (with the license and recommendation of Collonel Sanders, from whom I had my Commission) with my Troop in 1645. to repair to the standing Army; where, by the Lord Fairfax, the then Lord Generall, through the favourable mediation of my Lord Protector that now is, I with my Troop was entertained. For my personal carriage and dis­cipline of my Troop, and endeavours as to the Regiment, when I was called to be Major of it, under Collonel Scroop; it is well known, to persons of Honour in the House? This I found, that my service in the Army, was to me a kind of recre­ation, in comparison of hardship endured before. Yet in the Army (not to mention other things) I was personally em­ployed in two services of concernment to this Nation in the second Warre: The first was in Wales, when Laughorns Army was routed by an handfull of men: my Lord Protector, then Lievtenant Generall, when he came up to Pembrooke, was so farre sensible of my share in that service, as that when he first saw me, he told me, That he was as glad to see me, as if I had been his brother. The second service was in Lancashire a­gainst Hambletons numerous Army: It is well known when Collonel Thorney was slain (and upon that, the Vanne some­thing disordered) who came in, and with his Troop charged [Page 13] the enemies Rear-guard and put him to a retreat to the body of their remaining Army then not farre off. And upon Sa­turday following at Winwicke, in the hot dispute about that pass, when Major Cholmely was mortally wounded (com­manding the forlorn:) it is not forgotten, who with those men under his command, and in the head of them, did receive the enemies shot for an hour together, in which service near Twenty (as I do remember) of my own Troop were woun­ded, of which wounds some died, and some are maimed to this day. I need not mention, how I was hated and endan­gered by the Levelling party, which was seasonably supprest at Burford. Though I was in Orders, then as much as now, yet my Lord Protector was pleased to honour me, with the Command of a Regiment of Horse, for Ireland; and being not capable of going at that time, the late Lord Deputy Ire­ton took that Regiment to himself; and there is a worthy Gentleman now in the House, was pleased for a short time, in relation to that Regiment, to own me as his Collonel.

Having for that time laid down Arms, I was put into the Com­mission of the Peace in this County; to which service that ever­honoured late Lord Deputy Ireton himself was pleased to move me a year before, yet for a time I waved it, and had not underta­ken to act in that capacity, had there not been very few (though in Commission) who then would act as Justices in this County: and how forward the Petitioner himself was, even then, to do his Country service is well known.

Though I was in Orders, yet I was by the Gentlemen of this Country nominated to the Councel of State, to have the Com­mand of the Militia; and accordingly by Commission from the Councel of State, was in the year 1650, constituted Commander in chief of the Militia-Horse and Foot of this County of Derby.

At Worcester-fight, though I was in Orders, my Lord Prote­ctor under his own hand, did intrust me, for a time, with the Command of 1500 Horse and Dragoons, to secure the pass at Bewdley, besides the intended addition of Shropshire and Staf­fordshire-forces: What service was done by these, the Act for the day of Thanksgiving for that glorious Victory doth mention. The service being over, I returned home, and was disbanded, and did apply my self to serve my Country in what I could. Not long after this, as I was informed, there was two of this Coun­ty, [Page 14] that at London did make an attempt against me in this Case of Orders: the one was since arraigned for poysoning of a man, the other hath been indited, and I think I may say convicted for Barretry, both notorious to those that know them: But their attempt came to nothing: For my Lord Protector by Collonel Sanders was acquainted with it; who was pleased (as I heard) to declare his opinion, That, that Act was intended against Episco­pacy, and that it did not comprehend me, or to that purpose.

When the long Parliament was dissolved, and my Lord Pro­tector and his Councel of Officers, were upon the nomination of persons to be called to the late Assembly or Parliament; my Lord Protector (notwithstanding my being in Orders,) was pleased himself to nominate me, as one to appear for this Coun­ty of Derby, and under his Hand and Seal, did summon and re­quire my personal appearance, to take upon me my share in that secular imployment: And being in that Parliament, I have many worthy witnesses now in the House, of my constant and resolute opposing those dangerous principles that were then in working. It is well known, that when the Vote for the new body of the Law was passed in the affirmative, I could not con­tain, but (though something irregularly) did make an open pro­test against it. When that Assembly was dissolved, I came home to live privately amongst my neighbours, untill a Writ came down into this County, for an election of Members to serve in this Parliament: after which divers came to me to know whether I would stand; I answered I would not stand for it; there were in­timations given from all parts of the Country, of a desire, that I should be one: I am sure, I told divers that wisht me well, that I would not thank them for it; yet I shall not forget their favour and good opinion of me while I breathe.

I was not chosen, because I was in Orders or a Minister, for upon that account there was farre more able then my self: But this County chose me upon the grounds above-mentioned: And there is something in it, that whereas the Petitioner is plea­sed to give me no other stile then Nathaniel Barton Clerk (si­lencing even that Military title, that the service and unquestio­nable authority hath formerly confer'd upon me,) Yet the Clerk (in the Petitioners sense) was with much affection expres­sed by the Electors, chosen to serve as a Knight for the County of Derby: And yet if ever I be so happy, as to see a Church-government [Page 15] according to the word of God setled in this Na­tion; I hope I shall then soon discover which service I most esteem and preferre.

Shall I presume with the pardon of this Grave Assembly to speak but once more in way of allusion: I read of Esther, though she was an Alien, yet, out of her affection to her peo­ple, did amongst Heathens adventure upon the breach of a known Law, and cast her self upon the favour of an Heathen King, saying before-hand, If I perish: I perish: I confess my case in degree doth come short of this, Mille-parasangis, yet in the kind, it may admit a parallel.

I bless the Lord, I can say it, and say it from my heart, That out of my affection to my native Country, and to the wellfare of Gods people in this Nation, I have worn a sword, and an­swered divers calls to secular employments; and have no rea­son to be ashamed of either. Out of my well-wishes to the good people of this Nation, I came unto this Parliament, and finde a Law objected against me: I come before you with better ad­vantage then Esther could come before Ahasuerus. I look upon you as, and know you to be, a Christian Parliament; And I am confident you will look upon me not as an alien or captive, but as a Free-born Englishman, and one that hath proved him­self no lesse, and therefore I hope I need no naturalization that may make me capable of having my share in Englands immunities and freedoms, and of wearing the favour of my Countreys confidence in, and good affections to me; If I am a transgressor it is for and not against the publike Interest of this Nation; If Esther found the Scepter of favour to be held forth unto her; why may not I be confident of it from a Parli­ament, many of whose worthy Members do so well know me.

The common Enemy hath a good while since had an Act of Oblivion for what he hath done against this Nation; I cannot but be confident that this Honourable Assembly will never ne­cessitate me to crave an Act of Indempnity for what I have done for this Nation, whereas others have their rewards and finde acceptance; If notwithstanding this my defence against that Petition, you proceed to vote, and your vote should pass against me: Would not those that are mine enemies for the Ser­vice sake; Would not those that envy me for that favour this County hath cast upon me, be gratified? Would not Swea­rers, [Page 16] Drunkards and prophane persons; who have in some measure been discountenanced, take occasion to insult and re­joyce? Would not many of Englands faithfull friends, that chose me and those that know me, be discouraged? Would it not put a temptation upon mine own heart, to be wounded in the house of my Friends, and forsaken there: Yet if it should be so (which I cannot see any cause to suspect,) then, I hope my God would take me up, and he that hath given me an heart in some poor measure to act for him and his cause, will bear up my spirit and refresh me with his comforts. Should I at last suffer in expressing my affections to the land of my na­tivity; I shall say no more, but having in the first place com­mitted my person and my cause unto the Lord Jehovah, who knows my heart in what I have said, is the God of spirits, and judgeth among the gods. In the next place, with all humility I submit my self, and what I have been necessitated to plead in my own defence, unto the wise, just and equitable censure of this Honourable Assembly.