A MOST JOYFƲLL DECLARATION Made by Colonell SKIPON Sergeant Maior Generall of the whole Army, to his Regiment of Officers and Souldiers, at their Muster at Maiden-head Ian. 12.
Wherein he doth most Nobly declare his Resolution to them all, concerning his advancing forwards to the enemy, and to give them Bataile with his Single Rement of Foote, and his troope of Horse, and Five Peeces of Ordnance.
Likewise a Speech and Protestation to these Captains, namely Sergeant Major Francis Captaine Man, Captaine Deacon, Captaine Tasker Captaine Hawood, Captaine Harison.
Together with their Answer to the same.
Likewise His MAJESTIES Message sent by Cap. Hearne and read in Guildhall on Fryday last Ianuary 13, 1643.
London Printed for William Rogers 1643.
A most Joyfull DECLARATION Made by Colonell Skipon, Sergeant Maior Generall of the Army, January 12. at the generall Muster at Maiden-head.
I Have some Propositions that hath within these few hours used from my breast, and having such a faire oppertunity, at this time; J will God willing, declare [Page]them unto you, which are as followeth.
Most Renowned, and undaunted spirits, J am so enjoyed to see you all so heartable, in these Military affairs, and in the performance of your duty towards this cause, which you have now undertaken; That I am almost strucken into a sownd for joy, and indeed you have so won my heart, by these your valient actions, that I doe not value my life at the smalest rate it can be valued at, but am willing to spend my dearest blood, in this just cause, and amongst you all.
Gentlemen,
Gentlemen, This which I have declared unto you by Gods helpe J will performe; And am willing to hazzard my Life for you all: But to declare my minde more fully unto you, J do desire of you, that you will observe [Page]and obey these my Instructions and advertisments to you all.
I. J doe exhort you, to serve GOD, and to doe your duty towards him; and in so doing it will be the greatest meanes through Gods blessing, to make you all Conquerors, and Masters of the field.
II. J doe desire you, that you would offer no abuse or wrong whatsoever, to any person or persons where you are Quartered, or Billetted; and in so doing, you will bring honour, and fame upon your selves; And everlasting Glory and happinesse to your Soules.
III. J do here promise unto you, that this being performed by you, no duty [Page]shall be wanting of my part, That doth belong to any person, honour, and the Military Discipline whatsoever: And as we do all now pray and desire for a seasonable weather, so it is my hearty and earnest desire, so soone as God be pleased to give us such a happy time, to advance toward our enemy, (which are now raised for the after Ruine and destruction of the Protestant Religion; For Gentlemen I must tell you, that your cause is so good, that God had never such a worke in hand, since the first Creation; And for the better encouragement of you all, J do protest and vow unto you, that as God hath beene pleased to infect upon me this little Judgement which J have through my industry obtained unto, in Forraigne Counties.
So am J fully Resolved to declare it to you all, and to shew you what lies in my power, promiseing in the [Page]presence of him that knoweth the secrets of all hearts, never to leave you so long as J have breath in my body and that so long as J have leggs to stand on, or hands to hold up my weapon against my enemy, I will doe my endeavoure for the defence and safeguard of you all, Thus gentlemen J have declared my mind to you J must now take my leave, and within these few dayes, J will be with you againe, where J am Resolved to advance forwards.
This speech was spoken January the 12. at the Generall Muster at maidenhead, where the souldiers with loud acclamations cryed out, that they would lose their lives with him, desiring that they might fall on the enemy with all expedition.
HIS MAJESTIES MESSAGE Sent by Captaine Hearne, and reade in Guild-Hall on Fryday last, 1642.
THat His Majesty doth not entertaine any misapprehension of the love and loyalty of His City of London, but desires His good Subjects there, consider what confidence he can have of security there, whilest the Lawes of the Land are so notoriously dispised and trampled under foot, and Armes taken up against His consent, and expresse command; and Alderman Pennington (Lord Maior) Cap. Ven, Foulk; and Manwaring, are there &c. And His Majesty would know, whether the Petitioners beleeve, that the reviling the Booke of common-prayer, and complying with, and assisting persons who have attempted to kill His Majesty, be to defend His royall person and honour? And if they shall reforme other things displeasing to His Maiesty, and apprehend and committ to safe custody, these foure men. His Maiesty will speedily returne to them, and offers a generall pardon, &c. and as for His Maiesties concurrence with the advice of His two Houses of Parliament, His Maiesty doubts not how farr beyond the example of His Predecessors, He hath concurred in passing Lawes, and used all meanes to beget a right understanding betweene Him and them. And will therefore apply themselves to those, who by Just, Peaceable, and honourable Propositions to His Maiesty, can onely beget that concurrence.