ALthough God hath not been pleased to grant that, which in our late Publique Addresses to him was (I hope with sincerity) desired by us, for the preventing of Engagement unto blood betwixt our Ar­my in Scotland, and those of that Nation that professe his feare; But hath seene it good (for the further discovering of the hipocrisy of them, that for the promoting of their owne worldly Interests, doe abuse his Name, and make use of the most specious Pretences of Religion, and God­lynesse, for their corrupt ends) to suffer their proceedings there, unto such an issue of warre as we heartily wished might have been avoyded, Yet, on the other part, he hath been pleased to answer the Prayers, And indeed to exceed the weake faith, and expectations of us and others his poore people who have sought him in that behalfe, By witnessing many wayes to that which is indeed his owne and his peo­ples Cause, and to that measure of Integrity he hath given to his poore servants that have followed him therein, and against both the Persons, and pretences of all that oppose the same, and especially (when it came to a grand ingagement in the Field) By giving to our Army there, not onely a deliverance from the streights and extremities, as well as from the Enemyes wherewith they were surrounded, And ready to have been destroyed, But also a totall and easy victory over the Enemyes Army (though double to them in number, And haveing all outward advantages on their part) as is at large set forth in the Lord Generalls Letter to the Parliament, and the Parliaments Act for a publique Thanksgiving thereupon, both which for more generall notice throughout this Dominon, I have caused herewith to be re­printed.

Now these are therefore further added to excite all persons within this Domini­on, who have hearts in any measure capable of it unto a due sence, and considerati­on of the glorious workings of God in these things; And that they may more fully appeare to be such I desire that these (amongst other things tending to set forth the same) may be especially taken notice of, and considered.

1. That as the marching of our Army into Scotland was not from any desires of obtaining Dominion, or other worldly advantages over that Nation, but meerely to prevent their Invading us againe (which they had done so lately before upon the very same score and under the same pretexts, as they were againe (but with greater advantage and more heightned pretentions of the same kinde then before) formeing and preparing all things unto, so as by their Transactions with their King, [Page] and many other wayes; All men not onely in England, Scotland and Ireland, but even throughout Europe, did take notice and understand it so and to have obtayned se­curitie, or assurance to England against the like invasions from that Nation (though to the declining or remitting of our just demands, of satisfaction for the former dammages and violations (to the Truth of all which in the Intentions of the Parlia­ment of England & their Army God hath now most graciously testified) so it pleased God both to carry forth the Army thither with a Spirit of Prayer for Peace, and A­greement (if it might be) with all that appeared godly in Scotland, and for the reall good of them as for their owne, and (when they were there) to carry themselves on with bowells of Love towards all such in that Nation, and all Tendernesse towards the generallity of that people nowithstanding the so much contrary Practise of their former, and last Army in England, and great Provocations of our men to the con­trary from the People of Scotland wherever they came) and to incline and guide them both in their Declarations, Letters and other intercourses and also by their whole carriage, and deportment to seeke Peace, and Agreement with the satisfie­ing and undeceiving of any such who (meaning well to our first Common Cause) had really stumbled and taken offence at any carriages of things in England, and so to make all faire Tenders and try all meanes possible (without subjecting or expo­seing England to a forreigne power, or deserting the worke of God, and Interest of his People) to have obteined that Agreement and security they came for (if it had beene the will of God) without engagement unto blood betwixt them and the Parties professing Godlinesse in Scotland, yet all this would availe nothing with them who (it seemed) had nothing but War in theire hearts, and the worldly ad­vantages expectable thereby in their eyes, although they had the Confidence to dissemble it before the allseeing God, and the discerning world.

2. That before this great ingagement that Party in Scotland resolving with them­selves to carry on their whole businesse with a faire forme of Godlinesse and an ap­pearance of holding true to their former professions, that way thereby to gaine the better Party both in England, and elsewhere to favour and further their procee­dings (and indeed resting too-much in (if not minding onely) that bare forme, and appearance, and conceiveing it necessary (in conformity thereunto) that be­fore them avowed owneing of their young Kings Interests against the Common­wealth of England, he should not only subscribe the severall Covenants in which they formerly were engaged, but appeare as a man really, and from inward di­vine Conviction brought over thereunto; and for that purpose should both dis­claime his former evill Councells, and wayes in opposition thereunto, and professe (as a man Divinely converted) a deepe sence of and repentance for the great guilt and sinns both of himselfe, his Father, Mother, and his Fathers house in that kinde, wherewith those of Scotland had so often, and so deepely charged them before the world as could not be retracted) they therefore formed a Declaration to that pur­pose, for him to owne and signe, which indeed as it holds forth the fairest sem­blance that may be of such a thing so (in the whole Tenor of it) it carryes such an exact and formall conterfeite of a Divine conversation and repentance, as one would thinke none but such as had a reall taste thereof in themselves, could devise; [Page] Which Declaration, against his Nature and heart (as by his severall refusalls there­of, and many other wayes is too evident) they haveing him in their Power did by threats, and otherwise necessitate him at last to signe, and publish as his owne, and haveing therein fulfilled their intended forme and brought him to this verball conformitie thereunto (Though they could not but see how farr it was from his heart) they now owned him, and held him forth to the People as a man really con­verted and brought over to the Cause of God, and under such a Notion began Publickly to owne him and that which was the Interest of him, and his Father in other things; which bold Hypocrisy, and shamelesse abuse of Gods holy Name did indeed ripen them for Gods Righteous Iudgments and (when with appeales to him thereupon Haveing thus prepared all things, as they conceived sutable to their designed forme, they came forth with Confidence, to fight our Army) It is good that all men take notice, how God met with it, and severely witnessed against the Same.

3. That when by such their specious carriage of their whole businesse in order to the stateing of their intended Warr against us, added to the strange representations which they and other of their Temper, and Interest, had made of the late great Transactions in England (in putting the Late King to death, and changeing (in part) the forme of Government (there) most men were apt to conceive (as it has beene the great endeavor both of them and all the Royallists and Discontented par­ties every where to make it beleived) that there was now a totall change of the Cause and Interest on our Parts, as well as of the persons or Parties now engaged against us, and that we were become breakers of the Covenant, Backsliders from God, and his Cause, and Apostates from the principles, and ends of our first com­mon engagement, and thereupon to expect an Answerable change of Successe therein, to our ruine; (So as many good men were much at a stand, and their hearts apt to faint through doubtfull apprehensions thereof) It pleased God thus seasonably to come in, and give a cleare Testimony that (as through his grace, we had acted in Truth of heart for the same first ends of Publique good to men, with safety and wellfare to the People of God and glory to his Name therein so,) he was still the same God unto us, vouchsafeing the same presence still amongst us, and Carryeing us on in the same spirit, and with the same successe, as formerly, and giveing a Change, both to the spirit in acting, and also to the successe of those en­gaged against us, in Comparison to what they had in former engagements against that Party, and Cause, with which (though they endeavoured to Dissemble it) They were now really united.

4. That while our Army was in it's full strength & Vigour God would not suffer it to come to any such Engagement, but saw it good first, both to exercise their Faith and Patience in following, and Trusting him throuh manifold hardships, & Difficulties, and to bring them to great streights, and dangers of utter ruine, and when they were reduced to the greatest weaknesse, and the Enemy swollen to their full expected strength and accompanied with all visible Advantages, (in both which they appeared to be exalted with Pride, and fleshly Confidence, So as even to Triumph before the Victory) then to give that great successe against them, [Page] so as it might appeare a deliverance as well as Victory, and that men might more clearly see it to be the worke of his hand, and not wrought by Prevalence in fleshly power.

5. That after all provocations from that People, and the Advantages now gained over them, God is pleased to Keepe yet his poore Servants in our Army, as from being exalted in themselves before him so from Insulting or Domineering over that People, or useing those Advantages to their oppression or ruine & to pre­serve in his Servants the same Bowells of Love towards those that may yet be found truly Godly in Scotland, and of Compassion, and Tendernesse towards their De­luded Enemy there, as is expressed (amongst other things) by the Care of their Wounded, Weake, or Aged Prisoners; and the free Release of Thousands of them being found in such a condition; Now from these and other such Considerations of this glorious working of God, I desire that all men within this Dominion (as it Concernes all every where, (so farr as the Notice of it shall extende) may be a­wakned, (at last) to see and acknowledg his hand, that is so eminently lifted up, and may discerne him as he is pleased to come forth more visibly then in former Ages to execute Righteous Iudgments in the world, and may learne to Tremble, and feare before his Dreadfull Presence (when he appeares so neere at hande to take notice of the wayes, and pretentions of men when they appeale to him) and may take warning henceforth not to Date so to take his Name in vaine, or to a­buse it in Hypocrisy, or to cover any crooked, or Corrupt Designes with false pretences of Religion, that all those who professe Godlinesse may take heed of rest­ing in the forme thereof, or goeing about to set that up against the power of it, or of closeing and taking parte (for worldly Interests sake) with wicked men or any Corrupt Powers of the World in their wayes of opposition against God, and the True Spirituall Kingdome of Christ his Sonne, in, and over the hearts of his People least they also be pertakers of their Plagues in the Day of his sore Visitation; And that all that Truly love and feare the Lord, may be stirred up, and be enlarged in their hearts to rejoyce and blesse and prayse his Name for ever for his Righteous Iudgments in their behalfe, and for his goodnesse, and faithfullnesse towards those, whose hearts he hath Drawne forth to seeke and serve him, may be established in their faith, and Patience to follow and Trust him, and waite for his more full ap­pearance, and may be provoked to more Zeale of his glory, and to a Godly Ielou­sie over their hearts, and wayes that they may not be, (or walke) unworthy of his glorious presence amongst them, and Dispensations of Mercy and goodnesse towards them, but may obtaine grace to bring forth fruits in some Measure an­swerable therunto.

For the furtherance of these ends, & Considering the greatnesse of this Mercy, & of what Vast importance it is, and further consequence it may be, to the security and great good not only of the Commonwealth of England, and all that have Inte­rest in it (both there and here) but also of all the People of God every where; (the Parliament by the Act herewith Printed haveing appointed a Day for Publique Thanksgiving which is already past before there could be a generall notice of it in this Nation) I have thought it my duty to appoint a further day for the same purpose [Page] to be observed within this Dominon, And doe hereby accordingly appoint Thurs­day the seauenth day of November next ensueing to be set a part, and observed as a day of Publique Thanksgiveing upon the foresaid occasion in the said Act and Letter of the Lord Lieutenants recited and for the ends, and purposes in that Act contained, at which tyme more especially (Though I wish it may at no time be neglectd or forgotten) I Desire all Officers and Souldiers, and others under the obe­dience of the Parliament in the severall Garrisons and Quarters throughout this Dominion, and especially those who are acquainted with the Lord to endeavour (as God by his spirit shall enable them) to tender hearty Thankes, and prayse unto his holy Name for those great Mercies and glorious workings of his, to acknowledg and Testifie to each other, and before him, his sole Power, Wisdome, Goodnesse. Righteousnesse, and Faithfulnesse appearing therein, to provoke, and stirr up one another to a due sence, and consideration thereof that it may have impression upon all our hearts and never be forgotten.

And upon this occasion I desire also that wee may call to remembrance his many other glorious and gratious workings with and for us, & other his poore Servants upon our manifold engagements in his Cause both in this and our Native Coun­try, and that wee may implore, and importune him (by the sure argument of his free Covenant of grace with his People in Iesus Christ) that he who doth these great and glorious things, for his owne name sake in behalfe of his People and against their Enemies would also in his due time worke all suteable effects, and impressi­ons, and bring forth all answerable fruites of them in all sorts of men: and (as all o­thers so) those especially which I have here before desired they may (according to theire severall Conditions and Capacities) be awakened, and stirred up unto from the Considerations aforegoeing, And that he would still pitty the weaknesses, and frailties of his poore Servants, and Pardon the many Provocations by which wee have, and doe still requite him evill (especially in our aptnesse so soone to forget him and his Mercies, and to repine, and Distrust in straights or Difficulties) That wee may henceforth abstaine from murmuring against so good a God, who hath never left those that have patiently waited upon him in distresses That he would vouch­safe still to abide with us, and Continue his blessing and presence unto us, and all others, who labour in his Cause, to the compleating of his worke with Peace (if it be his will) in these Nations; That he would purge out wickednesse, and in­niquity from amongst us, more, and more, quicken and strengthen us to every good way, and worke, and make us, more fit for him yet further to use and owne, and Communicate himselfe unto: And (for our Brethren of the Army in Scotland) that he would still carry them on and enlarge them in the same spirit of faith, and prayer of humility selfe-denyall and liveing above all the Advantages and Tempta­tions of the world, in continued Love, and tendernesse of heart and way towards such as professe (and may yet be truely possessed with, his feare in that Nation, that if it be his will none such may continue engaged in crooked corrupte or deceitfull wayes, or united in councells and interest with ungodly and wicked men, That En­vyings, heart-burnings, strife and debate betwixt his People may be laid aside, and Cause, and that in Mercy they may be called and gathered together in one, [Page] from amongst the men of this world by the spirit, and good hand of the Lord, to rejoyce and praise his Name together, and hold fast the unity of the faith, in the Bond, of Peace, and Love: And (for our selves perticularly in this Nation) that he would be pleased to let us understand more of his minde, and will, concerning his worke, and our proceedings therein here, and give us hearts to doe his Worke, and fulfi l his will with faithfulnesse and diligence, and to endure all hardships, and encounter streights, and difficulties for his sake without repineinges, yea with rejoyceing so to suffer for him; That he would shew, and teach us in all things what he would have us doe, and how he would have us deale with the People of this Nation that if it be his will, we may be instrumentall for their good; rather then Distruction; And hee would be pleased at last to open their eyes to see their owne Darknesse and Bondage with the Corruption of their wayes, and enlarge their hearts to the imbraceing of the Gospell in the Truth, and spirit, and Power of it, and that (with removeall of their, and our sinns that provoke him to Iudge­ment, he would be pleased to take off, and cease his sore Visitation in the plague from all places amongst us, and especially to spare his poore People that serve him in this Cause; And for his gratious beginnings of abatement thereof in many pla­ces, and totall Ceaseing of it in some (as at Clonmell, Kilkenny, VVaterford, &c) as we have cause to owne the same, as a fruite and answer to our poore prayers, in our late dayes of humiliation: So I desire it may be parte of the Matter of that dayes Thanksgiveing.

And lastly let us especially begg of him that our thankfulnesse may not rest or terminate in the words, or services of a day, but that we may (Through his grace) live to his praise all our dayes, and our Conversations may be as a continuall Song of praise for his great goodnesse to his People, and for his Righteous Iudgments, and wondrous workings, in our dayes amongst the Children of men.

Now for the better observation of the said day, as appointed, I doe hereby in­hibit, and forbid, the holding or useing of any Faires, Marketts, or servile workes of mens ordinary callings upon that day. And all Officers both Military and Civill in their severall places within this Dominion are hereby required to take espe­ciall care of the due observation of the said day of Thanksgiveing accordingly, for more generall and speedy notice thereof, I doe further appoint that this Procla­mation be forthwith Printed, and Published.