The severall Temptations that straightned this Siege, with their present and proper Issues, were,

The Temptation. 1. The unskilfulnesse of Commanders and Souldiers, being bred and educated in a land of Peace, where no enemy was left (as sometimes in Israel) to teach them warre. They knew not to take advantage, or prevent disadvantage: They were fit to hurt themselves, and one another, as they did. And that very day the enemy appeared, hearts were down, because their number to man their works was no greater.

The Issue. But when God put the work into their hands, he put in skill, Psal. 144.1. If ever it were given a people in that houre how to do, both hands and skill, now was the time. So that in a short time (even to admiration, men of all cal­lings were skilfull, ready Fire-men. And on that five and twen­tieth of September came in new and considerable Forces: whereupon the souldiers thanked God and took courage.

The Temptation. 2. What the enemy cannot do by force, he will do by fraud, he sets fire on poor houses, and rich barnes (any thing to advance the Catholique Cause) hoping by the light of the fire, and darknesse of the smoke, to see to hit, and [...] be hid from shot. Fire is a cruell Lord, and dreadfull object to fresh and low-water souldiers. The winde blowes right to help the enemy, to heat and blinde the assaulted. And now fire to fire: a fierce assault, to a flaming fire, will destroy all oppo­sition.

The Issue. Faith, that sometimes quenched the violence of fire, did no lesse now. It quenched the violence of feare in our soul­diers, the zeale of the Work consumed them, whilest the fire consumed the buildings. And though the fire heated our men to strive for the Wall, and to give the more ready fire, yet the smoke did not hide their enemies. And when the winde had [Page 8]blowne so long against us, that we might be sensible of a Turn, he that gathereth the winde in his fists apparantly turned it to our advantage.

The Temptation. 3. They had a Towne of advantage. Salford is open, affords them entertainment and assistance, proves their stalk­ing-horse, brings them neere, and gives them shelter; faceth us, and opens them a back-door. God complains of his evil neigh­bours, Jer. 12.14.

The Issue. They sought help by fire; God helped us by water. The rain poured down, raised the water, and parted the Army, neerer neighbours then Manchester and Salford. They fought from heaven, the Stars in their courses fought against Sisera. The river Kishon swept them away, the ancient river, the ri­ver Kishon, Judges 5.20, 21. Hither they came, to lay their dead in sight, and to let them lie with shame. The Ca­nonneer had much adoe to Charge, and more adoe to Dis­charge. If they peeped out of the houses, they were un­housed.

The Temptation. 4. They had meanes of advantage, many roaring, thun­dering, terrifying Canons, we had but one small Peece. We have heard the report of them, and our hands waxed feeble.

The Issue. The Canons did but play, they did no work, no execu­tion. They had no Commission but to strike thorow houses, which could neither bleed nor weepe: Onely one Lad stood in their way, who was out of his own way, and (as they say) timely prepared by his wickednesse for such a stroke. It was a wonder to see when they came into an house, what haste they made out, as afraid there to stay: and how strictly they kept their Lane, lest by turning aside, they should [Page 9]harme any in the house. Surely the joynt praises of Gods re­jo [...]cing people; as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder, Rev. 14.2. did drowne the noise, and remove the terrour of the Canons.

The Temptation. 5. Though the enemies fire was quenched, and the force of their Canons broken, yet we wanted fewell, Match failed, and Powder grew scarce.

The Issue. He that could finde so many Souldiers when there was none, was not to seeke for one Match-maker in time of need. He findes a Common-Souldier, and makes him to finde Match.

Some Malignants houses contributed Powder, and some Marched to Manchester from neighbour places, in the face of the enemy, who looked and fled; and againe looked and fled: They saw it, and so they marvelled, they were troubled and hasted away, fear took hold upon them there, Psal. 48.5, 6.

The Temptation. 6. Though we be supplied with Match and Powder, yet we shall be overcome with waking, we want rest, and cannot finde it.

The Issue. God gives his beloved rest. To that end he moves the Lord to found for a Parley. Upon which, a Cessation of Armes is concluded, from five at Night till seven in the Morning, that our men might rest, and be refreshed. And ere this release came, God (that can nourish without meat) gave rest with­out sleep. He held their eyes open, and created new spirits! They waked and watched from strength to strength. They that [Page 10]wait upon the Lord shall change their strength, as a man doth his suit, to fit a new occasion, Isa. 40.31.

The Temptation. 7. This new bodily rest may serve to strengthen a rest­lesse minde. It is now harvest time, our Corn, the livelyhood and subsistence of our families, is in the field, ripe and groaning for the sickle.

The Issue. Whilest the Siege lasted against Manchester, the heavens held a simpathy with the well-affected in and about Manchester: God melted them into a wet and weeping frame. There was little harvest weather that week: Which did evidence, the work of Gods people, did not now lie in the Field, but in the Town, in the Barn. It was not reaping work, but threashing work: Gods work was to Inne the Corn, their work to Thresh it: He shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor; Arise and thresh, Micah 4.12, 13.

The Temptation. 8. We are defending the Town, and the Cavalliers are Plundering our houses, or at least we leave wife, children, and estate to their mercy. What portion have we in Manchester? every man to his Tent.

The Issue. O peace, private spirit. The people in Nehemiahs time had a minde to work, Nehem. 4.6. a strong minde; and therefore the discouragements of the ill-affected could not weaken their hands. Manchester-work was publique work; and the spirit of the work did generally rest upon the people: Sometimes Foot, sometimes Horse issued out, and drove in the Plunderers. Some­times the Countrey Spirit, guarded with Bills, and Staves, and [...]ick-forks, rose to that height, that it subjected horse and man, to the wonder of the Cavaliers. Some houses were safe, others wil­ling to suffer the lesse, to save the greater.

The Temptation. 9. Some, sensible of the danger of neighbour-Villages, that had emptied all their defensive power into Manchester, made motion that their lent assistance might be loosed for home, and neighbour defence, against the wilde and wandering Horse. This motion seemed reasonable, and by consequent, the defence of the Town unreasonable.

The Issue. When this Reason came to be handled, it proved a sha­dow, and soon vanished. Neare home this motion felt heavy, but abroad, where greater matters were in hand, it was found light. Private and particular interests are wrapped up in the Publique, not so much publique, in private. Heere the remembrance of Parliamentary ingagement, and an honour­able esteem of the Publique Faith did no little availe.

The Temptation. 10. But after all, there is an uncertaine blast of the spirit of Faith and Co [...]rage in our Leaders, being in the infancie of the Work; and not discerning (as afterward) that God had raised them up to be Saviours on mount Zion. This was Da­vids sin, when he had escaped so many dangers, and was now out of pursuit, (for Saul sought no more after him, 1. Sam. 27.4.) yet he could not beleeve his safet [...]e, but feared, (though he had long escaped, yet) he should at last be ta­ken, 1 Sam. 27.1. We may sooner be free from trouble, then beleeve we are free. Troubles may come and go, but sin will stick fast.

The Issue. God kept up the Souldiering spirit, by Prayers and Psalms, mutuall encouragement, and the blast of the Silver Trumpets (the Ministers of God) sounded by a Divine breath. When the Temptation was at highest, and their spirits at the lowest, that very night something should have been done by man, to [Page 12]have undone, in a few houres, all that God had been doing in a week (that man might be humbled, and God the more mag­nified) the tide of our oppression turned. They moved home­wards, both sides were in despaire, we would have manifested ours, but God hid it; They hid theirs in the Night, but the Morning brought it to light.

The remarkable Passages were these.

A Reverend and grave Divine, who had long been a blessing to the Town, and had seen a resurrection of it from the Plague, nigh fourty yeers before, was lifted up from the gates of death, and raised in the Spirit to promote this Work.

A spirit of Piety and Devotion in Prayers and singing of Psalms rested generally upon persons and families, yea Taverns and Innes, where it might not put in the head formerly. As when David in his trouble went and dwelt with Samuel at Na­joth in Ramah, the Spirit of Prophecie came upon Sauls Mes­sengers, the first, second, and third time, and upon Saul himself. Davids spirit rested upon his enemies, when God will have him to rest. They say, The Parliament hath made many Con­verts; but here Papists and Atheists, and prophane, made many Converts, no better yet, then Parliament Converts. Many of them have proved practicall Arminians, practising falling from Grace; so many of our Souldiers and people have been worse since, then in the Siege.

A Gentleman imployed in the Service (not so religious as were to be wished) professed he had seen much of God, and hoped it would do him good so long as he lived: Friends told him he wanted Armour; He answered, He saw Gods protection was in stead of Armour.

September 30. reported, That the Cheshire Trained-Band brought into Stock-port, under the command of Master Leigh of Adlington, had promised one another not to go over Lancashire-Bridge. And his own Tenants Petitioned, They might be excu­sed from this Service.

Twelve men, the Butt of enemies before, and friends be­hinde, were Shot-free from both.

The greatest hurt they did was by fire, and that to one con­ceived to be too good a friend of theirs. They lodged with him, in a place (if report lye not) free for all manner of sin, A faire house called, the Lodge. and before their departure payed a good round reckoning in smoke and ashes, since which a cooler fire tooke downe their lodging.

A neighbour in imminent danger, had emnient preserva­tion; five of the Earls Souldiers came to the house where he was, he seeing their approach, thought a chamber was fitter then the house; foure pursue him to his hiding place; three of them drew their swords, swearing to slit out his heart; the fourth, having a Musket, resolved to do the execution; God sends up the fifth, in the nick of time, who in his comming up, moved the Musquet-man, and removed the mouth of the discharging Musquet to another White, one of their owne company, whom God gave in ransome for this man appoint­ed to die.

Three neighbours returning from Manchester home, were pursued by a Troope of Horse: one of them was taken and wounded by part of the Troope. Another part continue their pursuit of the other two: one of them casts a shoe: yet by the enemies missing the way once or twice, and casting a shoe also, and one telling them they were a mile before, when the enemy was hard at their heels, they escaped, and the taken and wounded was rescued by the Bill-men.

It was observed, That Christians nearer and further off, were united in one argument of support; viz. That God had not mustered his precious servants, from all adjacent parts, in Man­chester, to shut them up into the hands of the enemy, but rather to shew them his salvation.

Thus we leave Manchester, compassed about with songs of deliverance, keeping (I beleeve) a more waking gladsome Sabbath, October 2. the day after their release, then of many yeeres before, compassing the Throne of so great Grace with high sounding praises, with the Souldiers, as they could, October 3. and more solemnely October 6. when our Drums and Muskets, that had formerly sounded terrour to our ene­mies, kept silence in the Church, whilest the Saints sung the Song of Moses, and when their time and turn came to utter their voice in the open aire, with a loud voice and one consent, clap­ping their hands apace, they reported God fearfull in praises, working wonders.

Though the Devil let passe the Munday Thanksgiving, which was more confused, yet he was ill pleased, and laboured to marre the mirth of Thursday-Thanksgiving, which was inten­ded to be more Orderly, and Solemne. An Alarm was given October 5. that they were coming against the Town the second time. This bred some disquiet, but served to awake unto, and to sweeten the following day of Thanksgiving, which was kept without distraction, blessed be God. This false Alarm repeated October 10. God advantaged to lay a Garrison in the Town, which God intended to use for offence, as well as defence, as will afterward appear.

About October the eleventh, some Powder coming from the South to Manchester, was stayed by the Kings Forces, but some came safe from the North, from Hull, the fourteenth of October. The two and twentieth day, store of Powder came in, and the foure and twentieth day some coming was stayed. The joy of this last supply, was sadly tempered with [Page 15]the accidentall, but mortall, wound of a skilfull and active Souldier.

When God had thus gloriously appeared in Salford-Hundred, the first and forwardest Hundred, he went and displayed his Banner in Blackburne-Hundred, that onely other Hundred in the Countie, that appeared in the same Cause.

Blackburne-Hundred.

ABout November the seven and twentieth, the Array, with some three hundred armed men (as is conceived) be­sides Club-men, possessed themselves of Blackburne, whence they sent a party to disarme Whalley. This Alarm awa­ked the Militia, to awake the people by precept. They being awaked were soon up, and marched toward Blackburne, about two hundred armed men, some companies of Club-men, and some Horse-men, but without Arms. The want of skill in Souldiers, and skilfull Captains to supply that want, caused a consultation on Hinfield-Moore, which received Determination (not from the Discoverie of hidden skill, but from the reso­lute will of these stirring Souldiers) to dispossesse those forci­ble Tenants. They speed on with shouting, dividing them­selves unto the conduct of two chosen Captains, and come within sight of the Town about eight of the clock, when the Queen of the night, that had shined upon their March, did discover them to their enemies: who soon let flie from the Steeple, which ordered one Captain and his companie to the South-side of the Town, and the other Captain with his com­pany to the East-end of the Town, where they found, (though not so high, yet) as hot entertainment out of the Town, for the space of two houres. But God that varieth his provi­dence according to his peoples occasions, and had maintained [Page 16]the passages of Manchester, (that a rightfull people might not [...]) did now open a difficult passage to let in his friends, from whom the Array hasted, having disburdened themselves of their Arms, and restored what they took from Wh [...]ley. Now had God added an experience of favourable providence, in a new kinde, formerly in a way of Defence, now in a way of Offence, declaring his All-sufficiencie and co [...] pleatnesse for Warre, to those two united Hundreds, gi­ving a Shield to Manchester, and a Sword to Blackburne, hereby assuring them from heaven, That if they would cleave together, and be mutually assistant in his Cause, they should be variously, but suitably and compleatly assisted and saved, he would be their All-sufficient God, their God indeed, and to purpose.

By this time the Most-High had lifted us aloft, that we might through weaknesse of head, or neglect of our foot­ing, have fallen dangerously, had not God as carefully taken us down, as he lifted us up; which he did about the sixteenth of December.

The Plundering Array issued out of Wigan, to provoke the anger, and stirre up the courage of the neighbourhood, who to maintain their Protestation in their own defence, re­solved to be mutually encouraging and assistant: but appre­hending themselves too weak, requested two Captains out of Manchester, with their companies, to Quarter with them for their security; which was granted. This new strength was augmented by forces raised thereabouts. They wax bold to face Wigan, and come off faire. They go to Plunder a Papists house neere Wigan. The enemy sends a party after them, and is advantaged by their securitie; But leaving their Plunder, and taking to their Armes, they redeem their libertie for this time.

The enemy hath not thus done with them, he will be better provided for a second encounter; he Warrants the adjacent [Page 17]parts to come in to his help: Houghton Common. Our Captains and Companies go to plunder another Papists house; the Enemy with about a thou­sand horse and foot, makes after them, (as if they had chosen to relieve their confederate Papists.) Our Forces will not flie, though but about eighty Musquetteers, no not from strength, though as yet a door was open, but having drawn their compa­nies into a Close of ground upon the side of Houghton Common. They confidently conflict with the enemy, to his great losse, to­wards three hours; but lest they should escape, (as they were nigh to do) God fires their Magazine, and cools their courage; they sound a Parley, have quarter given them for their lives, but loose their Arms and Libertie; three Captains and eightscore souldiers were shut up into the hand of the enemie, the first and fowlest blow God gave us in this kinde in the County; an humbling blow, and lasting warning: To this day we halt of this blow though most of our Captains and Souldiers be relea­sed, (blessed be God) and well it is if we carry not the marke of this wound when it is healed.

Upon this sad occasion, God made a comfortable appearance, that he had not saved Manchester to the intent they should sit still, nor had he placed a Garrison there, to make their mountain to stand strong, but that they might be ready for action at the beat of his Drum, which struck up, after a reconciliation sought with him by fasting and prayer. The project was for Leigh, Leigh. our marching out (as they say) caused the Earl to retreat from his pur­poses and beginnings against Bolton. The day of assault, the weep­ing heavens changed their chear for our encouragement, looked fair upon our enterprize, and triumphant return. The doubt of falling first upon the town, or some malignant houses, the cleer­ing of Cho-Bent in the way, made it high Christmas Eve ere our men could fall on, (an infortunate time for us, as the Papists would judge) but it quickned resolution, and speeded acti­on. The Enemie suffered them to come within halfe Musquet shot ere they discharged, and then plaid desperately upon our men, in a full Body, to the present lose of onely one. Our men divided themselves, that they might clasp hands at a distance, and [Page 18]compasse the Town, God intending to shut up the enemy into their inclosure; which done they parted again, and marching up at severall places, at the call of the Drum, met at the Market­place, to receive from the bounty of the God they had sought, the repair of their lost Arms and the price of redemption for Cap­tains and Souldies: This Victory founded in humiliation, was compleated in thanksgiving. It is not to be passed by, what a change of Christmas was now made in the Countie and King­dom, such a change in the emptinesse of great mens houses, in the places and occasions of concourse, in mirth and provision, in idlenesse and recreation, as expressed a people very sinfull, and a God very angry, to imprint both which there was much in the time, if much considered.

The like Christmas kept our Forces at Blackburne; The Militia having in the Towne four hundred armed men, and some Club­men, the Array came against the Towne on Christmas Eve with five thousand, and three field Pieces, very early in the morn­ing, they shot off their pieces, with shouting, saying, Take heed you Round-heads. God took heed for us, for we were not afraid of the noise, nor hurt once by the eight pound Bullet, though di­rected against us eight and twenty times. We called on them (in vaine) to come within Musquet shot. About twelve a Clock they called a parley: The pretence was, if we would yeeld the Towne, and the Arms, and submit to the Earl of Dar­by, they would meditate with him to supplicate the King to grant a Pardon. The intent was to carry their god (the greatest Field-Piece) nearer the Towne, he was too farre off to doe any harme. We (Scot-like) knew not the meaning of a Pardon, pro­fessing our selves to be for King and Parliament. When we would no Pardon, they laboured to punish us, having set up their Idoll nearer, by the counsell (as they report) of four or five Priests and Jesui [...]es, and other great Papists, whom they had at hand in a tythe Barn: Till Sun-setting both sides plaid fiercely, but then taking advantage of the darknesse, they fled in fear, and over-run their great Pieces, trusting more to the night for pro­tection, than to their own courage or strengh.

The seventh and eight of February were devoted to God in Fasting and Prayer in Manchester, to succeed our Forces that were upon their march. The first day was spent, and gave strength to our men to march all night, Preston. and to set upon Preston by break of day, the next mornidg, the second day of fasting, when some of our men soon advantaged themselves by taking of Rible-Bridge, and with unspeakable courage set upon the Town, well fortified and manned, which God gave them in two hours, as a present return of prayers. Such courage was raised in the Souldiers, that they dared to take hold of their enemies Mus­quets put thorow the Loop-holes, as if the miracle of mercy had been again revived, Psalme 91.19. Thou shalt tread upon the Ly­on and Adder. And when the Pikes kept them off from the Mud­walls, yet by breaking thorow an house some twenty entred the Towne; which small number drew down a Troop of Horse to take a Prey. But Moses, Aaron, and Hur being on the top of the hill, whilest Joshua was fighting in the Valley; the Captaine of the horse was killed, and the Troop scattered. Then came up the rest of our men, killed the Major and some others, chased the Enemy, and commanded the Towne. Here Divine Providence took a noble Captain off his feet before the dangerous discharge of a Bullet, he stood not to fall, but fell to rise. We lost few men in this dangerous assault, took store of prisoners and Armes, and came in the nick of time to relieve the well-affected in Preston, and thereabouts, upon whom the Array were prepared to im­pose an Oath and heavy Taxations. This prey God plucked out of the teeth of the Lion, and paw of the Bear.

Haughton Tower.

It was not long after, that this glorious victory was clouded by a dark and terrible blow at Haughton Tower, where the mis­carriages of great and small in the taking of Preston, did us more mischief, than all our enemies from the entrance of our hostility, to that time; as sometimes Israels sin thorow Balaams counsell, prevailed to punish them more, than Warre or Witchcraft.

Our men going down to take the Tower, and finding it pre­pared [Page 20]for entrance, possessed themselves of it, till being burdened with the weight of their swearing, drunkennesse, plundering, and wilfull waste at Preston, it dispossessed them, by the help of Pow­der, to which their disorders laid a Train, fired by their neg­lected Matches, or by that great Souldiers Idoll, Tobacco. However it was, sure it is, that the place so firmely united, chose rather to be torn in pieces then to harbour the possessours. O that this thundering Alarm might ever sound in the eares of our Swearing, Cursing, Drunken, Tobacco-abusing Com­manders and Souldiers, unto unfaigned Repentance. For do they think that those upon whom the Tower fell, and slew them, were sinners above the rest of the Army. Let Christ that asked a like question, Luke 13.4 5. give the Answer: I tell you nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish: In the day when the Lord visiteth, he will visit their sins upon them, Exod. 32.34.

Though our sinnes thus clouded our Sun in the cleare day, yet was not the praise of Gods glorious goodnesse and power to be darkned, but to be held forth two severall dayes, to hold proportion with the time of our humiliation: which (if I mistake not) was done.

The latter day of thanksgiving was at Manchester, the six­teenth of February, the unhappy time that the Earle chose to recover his Prestor-losses, in the gaining of poore and pious Bolton, which would have been a back-door to Manchester. The relation of that businesse stands thus:

Boltons first assault.

THe Earles Major Generall, with about one thousand Horse and Foot, Marched towards Bolton, surprized their Scouts in the way, and discovered themselves to be within a mile of the Town, about nine of the clocke, little suspecting that the Bolton Souldiers were that while at Prayer [Page 21]in the Church, nor the Souldiers knowing what need they had by Prayer to prepare for Fight. Had they presently come down upon the Towne, they had taken them unprovi­ded of Ammunition; But fetching a compasse, that they might come on in a more ominous way, by Great-L [...]aver, the Bishops house, the Souldiers were furnish­ed to resist. The assault was fierce and threatning, the Out­works outed our men to entertain the Enemy, who stayed not there, but followed to the Town, fired an house neer the Sentinell, wherein the winde served them to carry the smoke upon us; But God presently commanded the winde to blow from another point, to darken and smother the fire-kindlers.

Then the Enemy tooke an house that joyned to the Mud-Wall, and had Windows above it, which gave them advantage, to beat our men from the Wall, and a Stable that opened into the Street, whence they shot the Major through the Arme, and had Commission to kill his Horse, but to save him. This doore they opened to enter, but God so faced and feared them by our men, that they turned their backs and shut the doore, found passage out, and place for retreat. Whilest the Fight lasted, the vapouring Horse pre­vented assistance, so that they compassed the people of God a [...]out, yea, They compassed th m about, but in the Name of the Lord they did destroy them, Psal. 118.11. Whilest Gods people at Manch [...]ster did Sing and Praise, the Lord set am­bushments against their enemies at Bolton; and, They were smitten, 2. Chron. 20.21, 22. Here the Canons roared often, but still played childrens play, for they mortally bit but one lad, r [...]ported to be of their own side.

Hither their wittie malice brought a new-invented mis­chievous Instrument, which received this description at Bolton; An head about a quarter of a yard long, a staffe of two yards long, or more, put into that head, twelve i [...]on [Page 22]pikes round about, and one in the end to stab with; This fierce Weapon (to double their scorn) they called, A Round-head; But no weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper, Isaiah 54.17.

Lancaster.

THe report of our taking in of Preston flew to Lancaster, and prepared the Towne and Castle for our entrance. Thither was sent a company of Foot and a Troope of Horse to take possession.

This new and enlarged possession, was inriched, ho­noured, and secured by the God of the sea, who had provi­ded for our welcome, The ship laden with great pieces. and Warlike entertainment, a Dun­kirke Ship, a man of War, that came from Spain, furni­shed with 21 Peeces of big Brasse and Iron Ordnance, fit to supply the Castle, and fortifie other Garrisons. Desire to see this Forreiner, and care to secure this captivity, led some of note and worth into a teadious and removing captivitie; yet could not the enemy be thus satisfied, for the misse of such a prize, they labour to destroy that by fire which God had sent by water. But God that sent the Peeces, saved them; The most came whole and safe to the Castle, before and after their Lodging was fired: But malice and enuie followed them.

The Earle attended with great strength, besets Lancaster, and sends this Summons.

This Summons came first to the hands of our Commanders of the Castle, who gave the Town leave to returne this An­swer.

THis Answer pleaseth not, th [...]y must expect the punish­ments of War, which they found. They fiercely assault for an hour in vaine, they turn their rage upon houses, Lancaster [...] fired. and by Commission on the sudden become ready firemen all of them. They fire Houses and Barnes without the sentinell, in which they sacrificed their dead bodies. Thus they heated and smoak­ed our valiant souldiers from their Sentinell, and when they were entred the Towne, Papist-like, they continue to burn, and butcher, denying Quarter to our men, but rather cursedly quartering them; from which cruelty (raging mad) the most of our Forces retired into the Castle.

The account of this cowardly Conquest is thus given in from Lancaster; The dwelling houses that were burned, were in number fourscore and ten, containing three hundred Bayes of building: The Barnes, Stables, Cow-houses, replenished with Corn, Hay, and Cattell, that were burned, were eighty six, contayning two hundred and forty Bayes of build­ing, and one Malt-Kiln of four Bayes of building, with three hundred Windles of Malt therein. By all which it evidently appears, that they displayed the Banner of the Skarlet colour­ed Beast.

A miracle of mercy was wrought in midst of this undoing and heart-breaking misery. They purposely and industriously gave fire to two houses of persons well-affected to King and Parliamentt, but they would not take fire, no by no means, though they renewed their indeavours severall times in seve­rall places, though the next houses were burnt down to the ground, God restrained the remnant of their rage, he remem­bred his promise, Esay 43.2. The flame shall not kindle upon thee; faith quenched the violence of fire, this Shield quenched the fierie darts of the Devill.

March 19. 2000. of our Forces marched out for the time­ly relief of Lancaster, Preston reco­vered. Blackburn risled. but how they were divided and divert­ed, walked and breathed too and fro, whilest the Earle fires Lancaster, recovered Preston, and risled Blackburne; I have no minde to inquire, but doe sadly remember; and cannot easily forget how these tydings affrighted our Commanders [Page 24] [...] [Page 25] [...] [Page 26]out of Lancaster Castle, and exposed the Castle, so well ap­pointed, to the will of the Enemy, had not the mighty GOD, by the assistance of a minister, doubled the spirit of the heartie (though headlesse) Souldiers, to maintain with utmost hazzard so great a trust. Thus GOD set our Sunne backe many degrees, but not in manifest favour, as to Hezekiah; yet he brought us to himselfe in Fasting and Prayer the seven and twentieth day of March, that we repenting he might repent.

This very night came a Messenger from Lancaster Castle, reporting the safetie of the Castle, the heartinesse of the soul­diers, and their comfortable provision.

Boltons second Assault.

THe Earle encouraged by so manifold successe, hopes to gain all; he brings on Boltons second hour of sore Temp­tation, yet in an unhappy season, March twenty eight, the day before the Nationall Fast; and immediately after the Fast, March 27. at Manchester, because of the Designe in hand, and also when the Towne was well provided with Souldiers, and Bury also furnished for their succour. The Enemie made no neare approach till three of the Clock; so soone as they began to draw into a Body upon the Moore, our Cannoneer drew his Cannon into a Croft on the backside of the Towne, and at the second shot killed two horses neare a mile off. Then a Messenger came to summon the Towne to submission, but they resolved not to change the tenure for King and Parliament. When Sun was set, and it began to be darke, the Minister of the Town prayed with a company of Souldiers, most of them Townsmen. The end of Prayer was the beginning of the Fight, and where the Souldiers had even now prayed, they had a furious As­sault: The Enemy came on desperately, even to hand­blowes, [Page 27]and some of them leap'd upon the Works, where they found Cluo-law. The enemy retreated, and left ten men dead. After this they made no assault till Bury Forces were come into the Town; for this second time they were more favourable to leave an open passage to our succour. Then they made an assault upon the South end of the Towne; by the advantage of the darknesse they come close to the Mud-wall. Here they hoped to prosper by fire, as at Lan­caster, but the light discovering their nearnesse to danger, they fled for safetie. After this they marched towards the West, but finding it a busie and warme corner, they hasted off, and came on no more. The Enemy left upon the ground at this Assault three and twenty men. Bolton lost not a man, nor had any hurt done save onely one youth shot through the arme. O admirable! In Judah is God knowne, his name is great in Israell, Psalme 76.1. Many a time have the af­flicted me (may Bolton now say) yet they have prevailed against me, Psalm 129.1, 2.

It was the aggravation of Solomons sinne, and Gods anger, That GOD had appeared unto him twice, 1 Kings 11.9. pray God it prove not Boltons case.

This Starre appearing promised day to succeed our night, as it did in the taking of Wigan, April 1. that impregnable piece, the Enemies pride and presumption, our fear and de­spaire; of which we sometimes said, It was not possible to take it by assault, or not without much blood, though in­deed the sinfulnesse of the place did render it the weakest of all others.

Though our Horse made a retreating onset before our Foot came up, though two Souldiers were slain with a Cannon Bullet in their marching up, yet so venterous and daring was the stirring resolution of our Souldiers, that they were suddenly ingaged so farre, that they must go on, or lose their lives.

They goe on and enter, whil [...]st the Enemy opens a backe doore to go out, that the Towne might be free.

A bright beam of this shining victory was, This was the Nationall Fast-week. that God by a mercifull recompence gave it into the hands of Bolton Soul­diers, who had beene twice infested from Wigan, an evi­dence that Gods side will prosper, bee the disproportion what it will, poore Bolton shall abide a double storm when GOD is with it; proud a [...]d powerfull Wigan shall fall at once and with ease, when GOD is departed from it.

This glorious victory found us not gracious enough, it was too much for us well to mannage; it was not so gloriously atchieved as obscur [...]ly left; it was turned into mourning by the too-impressive report of the Earls returning upon us. The Town, that strong and advantagious Towne, was left that [...]ight.

But I love not to rake into, and gaze upon the infirmities of men taken at advantage; in generall I conceive the case was that of Barak, Judg [...]s 4.8, 9. the worke was undertaken in unbeliefe, so that though we g [...]t the day, yet we lost the honour. Had wee beene soaring upon the wing of Faith, we had not fallen so low in feare.

Warringtons first Assault.

IN great unpreparednesse, in debt for Wigan, in neglect of meanes of reconciliation, in disorder and considence of our Souldiers, we assaulted Warrington the fift day of April, about four of the Clock, till the might tooke us off. Thither wee came to leave our dead, to distresse the well-affected in the Towne, to shame our cou [...]age, and in all to suffer the punish­ment [Page 29]of former miscarriages, wherein Cheshire deeply shared with us. Now we had the greatest strength abroad, partly our own, and partly borrowed: But God delighteth not in the strength of the horse, he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man; the Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy, Psal. 147.10, 11. Wigan (thought impregnable) proved easie; Warrington (thought easie) pro­ved now impregnable: This seasonable check, chode us to du­ty, to publike thanksgiving for Wigan-mercy, the eleventh of April; to humiliation, under Warrington-displeasure, the thir­teenth of April. The day of thanksgiving was made joyfull by the in-coming of Ammunition; the day of humiliation was delivered of that wonder, or confluence of wonders about Padiham.

The rise of Blackburne.

THe Earle, accompanied with 2000 ( [...]s is judged) came to Rihchester over night, to VVhalley by eight of the clocke, to a Green not far from Padiham: Our side had but two or three hundred Fire-men, and fourscore or a hundred Horse, so that in means there was no possibility of safety. When we went out first to meet them, there was not above an hundred Fire-men, yet such resolution God gave them, above and a­gainst all sense and reason, that they would needs let flie at them, and God suddenly turned them to flight: Our encou­raged Souldiers pursued them to Whalley (where their two or three shots of Powder (all they at first had to accomplish so great a work) were well encreased by their enemies store) from thence to the Sands, thence to Lango Green, thence to Rible side, called Salsbury Boat: The Horse and Foot took Rible, many of the Foot wading to the chin. In all this Chase, being about five miles in length, they often turned their faces, but as often turned their backs, and hasted away, till they had quit the Hundred, and no more infested it.

Thus God remembred us in our low estate; he chose the w [...]ak things of the world, to confound the things that are migh [...]y, that no flesh should glory in his presence; O my soul, thou hast trodden down strength, God hath delivered Sisera into he hand of a woman. H [...]ve they not sped? have they not divided the prey? (they boasted in the morning what they would do, and directed their Warrants to the Countrey to come in the day following, to compound with the Earl for their lib [...]rty) So let all thine enemies perish, O God; but let them that love thee be as the Sun when he goeth forth in hi [...] might, rising higher and higher, till he come to a Noon-day V [...]ctory.

Lancaster Voyage.

OUr desire to secure our Garrisons, to relieve Warrington, which we had occasionally oppressed, and to improve those new Talents lent us by God, and sent us by Sea, made us thinke upon a Voyage to Lancaster; the fairnesse of the wea­ther, and drinesse of the way were strong encouragements. We began our March the eight and twentieth day of April; the presence of God was fought for safe Convoy; and so ter­rible was the presence that accompanied our March (what else c [...]n it be imputed to?) that our Forces passed safely thorow Wigan (though the enemy found his former nest after we had taken it) Prescot, Ormeskirk (where we marred an intended Muster) and Preston (that recovered Preston) Whence (hear­ing our friends in Lancashire were in some danger (though it was nothing but the Earls hasting into Yorke-shire, and the rest of the Forces speeding to Hornby Castle) we stretched our march to Lancaster.

In all this way, as we moved, so the enemy removed; we saw nothing remarkable in them, but cruelty and cowardice: For some Troops of Horse meeting a poor boy unarmed, which out-went his company, clave his head, and barbarously mangled him: Also thereabouts the enemy [...]fter a sl [...]ight skir­mish, overcame by flight.

Our arrive at Lancaster was welcomed with the safety of the Castle, the good posture of the Garrison, their comfortable provision, and the well nigh preparednesse of the Carriage: And after we had refreshed our Army a few days with the sight of Tburland Castle, and the report of our forraigners against Hornby Castle, we advanced homeward the ninth day of May, and under the former gracious Conduct came safe home, though laden with the weight of twelve whole Pieces, and two broken ones (the rest fortifying the Castle) all which we ac­knowledged in solemne thanksgiving in Manchester, the fix­teenth of May.

Warrington Siege.

ALl this while the cry of oppressed Warrington importu­ned heaven, and compassion wrought in us; and ha­ving this far-fetched terrifying assistance, we entred upon a new and prosperous Voyage the twentieth day of May: The three and twentieth of May was designed for Fasting and Prayer in Manchester, to meet with the beginning of the en­terprise against Warrington.

Whilst the duty was in performing, tidings came of the ta­king of Winwick Church and Steeple, they on the Steeple standing on terms, till God sent a deadly messenger out of a Fowling-Piece to one of them; also a strong Hall possessed by professed Romane Catholikes, and stored with Provision, as if it had been purposely laid in, both for our supply and ease.

In this Warrington Siege, so good a friend was God to our faith, that the greatest Peece was made unusefull, the second time it was in use; and without the terrour of those Idols, the living God gave us the Church and Steeple the 26 of May, with the losse of one man; and that strong Hold upon terru [...], M [...]y 28.

A Providence much to be observed in this Siege, was this: One night our men were to work within half Musket shot of the Town; It was a great calme, that they could not worke, [Page 32]but the enemy would hear: When some went to worke, others went to prayers; and God raised a great winde, that took away the noise: a Providence not altogether unlike what I have heard in Boston: The Chancellor gave Organs to Boston; before they breath in that new world, the well-aff [...]cted pray▪ after their prayers, a mighty winde forceth its passage into the Church, blows down the Organs, brake them, and stopt their brea [...]h.

That which ripened the enemies ruine, was their hard usage of prisoners, and well-affected in the Town, their ex­treme cruelty in the Countrey, killing a godly man and his wife in their owne house; and their professed confidence and pride in their strong Hold, appearing by their hanging out a Flag of Defiance upon the highest Chimney.

At this time waited a Ship at Liverpoole, watching this friend­ly opportunity to unburden it self for Cheshire, and to supply us with Powder, Liverpool readily giving entertainment and as­sistance to it and us. Some recompence God made to tyred Warrington, in the shortnesse of the Siege, and security from spoyle, which we charitably made an Article of our Peace: This Return of Prayers, called in our Vows in Manchester, June 1.

Lancaster succoured.

ABout this time Lancaster, that had relieved us, called aloud for relief, having been begirt twenty dayes, the re­port of our march raised the siege, and strongly garrisoned Hornby and Thursland Castles; the rest of the Forces marching into VVestmerland, and thence into Yorke-shire, to joyn with the Queen of Armies. Having relieved our Garrison, we marched toward the Castles; the a [...]tempt upon one, was bles­sed to win both. Hornby Ca­stle. Three foot-Companies being d [...]awn out to view Horneby Castle, they fell upon an Ambusca [...]o of the enemy within halfe Musket shot, they gave Fire upon the whole Body of Horse and Foot; But GOD made all shot­free, a promising Providenc [...].

This attempt was judged dangerous in the undertaking, and dishonourable in the Issue, but incouraged by a weighty and seasonable word of a present Divine.

The Onset was led on, not altogether unlike that of David upon the Amalekites, 1 Sam. 30.11.

Our Scouts took a souldier that had escaped out of the Ca­stle, who gave us true information of the state of things, taught us rather to enter in by the Window (a great Window at the end of the Hall) and undertook to lead the Forces to this place of advantage.

The Companies drawn out for this Designe, accommo­dated with scaling Ladders, great Hammers, Ropes, Mat­tocks, and some combustible matter for the Gates, were ap­pointed to play on that side towards the Gates, to draw them from that side, where the rest were to force their entrance. The fore Forces played upon the Castle and Church, not without great danger of Iron and Stones, till they put fire to the Gates, which smoaked them further off: The back-for­ces were as busie at the Window, scaling and hammering; Which undaunted resolution to enter by the Gates and Win­dow, speeded the cry of the Enemy for Quarter, which was speedily granted, the gates opened, and the Castle entred.

In this assault, for two hours space, we lost but two Com­mon souldiers, a third dangerously wounded, some other hurt with stones, but not mortally.

Thursland Castle.

THe next day Thursland Castle was delivered upon un­kept conditions, which would be a wonder here and elsewhere, did we not know the principle, No faith is to be kept with Heretikes.

By this time mercie hath set, as a Crowne upon the head of poor Lancashire, the rich blessing of dying Moses, Deut. 33.29. Happy art thou, O Lancashire who is like unto thee, O people! Saved by the Lord, the Shield of thy help, and [Page 34]who is the sword of thy excellency, and thine Enemies shall be found lyars unto thee, and thou shalt tread upon their high pla­ces. And I may revive Habakuks Song, Hab. 3.12, 13, 14. Thou didst march thorow the land in indignation, thou did thresh the H [...]athen in anger, thou wentest forth for the salvation of thy P [...]pl [...], even for salvation with thine Annointed; thou woundedst the h [...]ad out of the house of the wicked, by discovering the founda­tion unto the neeke. Selah. Though didst strike thorow with his staves, the head of his Villages; they came out as a whirlwinde to scatter me, th [...]ir rejoycing was as to devour the poor secretly.

When God had thus rode thorow our County upon his Horses and Charets of Salvation, the whole County trium­phed in his praise, Iuly 5. For our mouth was inlarged over our Enemies, our heart did rejoyce in his Salvation.

Having thus led the Reader over the severall Beds of Flowers in this Garden of Providence, I will gather and binde up a Posie of select and fra­grant Flowers, and sweetly conclude this com­fortable Historie.

1. Our Nobles have been of our selves, and our Go­vernours have proceeded out of the midst of us, Jer. 30.20. Some of them the subject of earnest Prayers, Pub­like, Private, Ordinary, Extraordinary, for seven yeers space, if not for ten.

2. Our Commanders and Leaders have had unpara­lelled preservation, we lost but one man of note, but one Captain in all our conflicts, and him, through extream crueltie; he asked quarter, but all was on fire in Lanca­ster, [Page 35] and they would give none, but sought rather cruelly to kill him; then to kill him, to kill him by many rather then by one: God covered their heads in the day of bat­tell, Psal. 140.7. He gave them the shield of his salvation, Psal. 18.35.

3. Duties of humiliation and thanksgiving (which were cooped up in corners, as deeds of darknesse, by the Bi­shops, were now by the countenance of authority brought in­to the open assembly, as the onely way of successe and pro­sperity, in our just defence and offence.

4. Evident undenyable answers of Prayers, some­times at present, sometimes soon after.

5. Mercies denied at one time with strokes, have been granted at another time with full-handed favours.

6. God hath remembred us in our low estate, our highest Tide hath followed our lowest Ebbe, Gods power hath been perfected in our weaknesse, his beauty hath shi­ned in our confusions.

7. God hath shared his imployments and successes in a kinde of proportion, amongst our Commanders and Souldiers, that all might have some, and none might have all, that all might be humbled, and none discouraged; Herein hath God wisely wrought for their unity, mutuall respects, assistance, encouragement and honour.

8. Mercies and afflictions have counter-poized one another; In all this way of providence mercies have been imbittered, and crosses sweetned; comfort and humilia­tion have watched and waited on each other. Gods con­stant project hath been, to nourish grace, and subdue corruption at the same time▪ a worke no lesse happy then hard.

ALL I would say more, is to the County; much hath beene said of it, and of GOD in it: Let me speake Samuels counsell, 1 Samuel 12.14. Onely feare the Lord, and serve him in truth, with all your heart, for consider how great things he hath done for you. Adde Joshua's warning, Josh. 24.20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then will he turne and doe you hurt, and consume you af­ter he hath done you good. Which GOD forbid for his Christs sake.