IT hath been the custome of men in former time, as we finde it recorded, both in di­vine and humane History: when the Lord had given them any remarkeable and spe­ciall victory, to erect some great Monu­ment, whereby the Remembrance of such a Mercy might continue from Generation to Generation.

As I consider our late victory in Ireland, how wonderfull it was, and how seasonably God gave that blessing to us, with o­ther circumstances; I finde my spirit much let out, to move and desire, that some thing now may be done by this Nation (who enjoyes the fruit of that happie harvest) to keep up the memory of it, that our Posteritie hereafter may know, what the Lord did for us at such a time, and may say, Wee have heard with our eares, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their dayes, in the times of old, Psal. 44.1.

And I am the more encouraged to take this work in hand, and have the greater hope, that England will be an example to the whole world, of minding Gods providence, and improving this mercy, because no Nation like England for many yeeres, hath had so large experience of GODS power and good­nesse.

And that I may the better obtaine the thing so much desired, I shall in an humble and submissive way; first propound a few things to the State. My Lords, I need not tell you, how much you are concerned in this Victory: What an Interest you have in it; I know you doe observe how wonderfully herein God hath honoured you, owned your present Government, and don more for you, then was expected. But now what will yee render to the Lord for so great a benefit toward you? What Pillar or Mo­nument of Praise will you erect to continue the memory of this Victory. I shall not take upon mee to prescribe the particulare, neverthelesse, it cannot be thought either presumption or bold­nesse in mee, if I deliver mine own opinion, and set down what I humbly conceive, will be a fit Monument; acceptable to God, honourable to you, and whereby your names shall be a blessing to posteritie.

First, Seeing the Lord hath so really appeared to enlarge and establish your Common-wealth, is it not fit that you should be as reall for him in advancing the glorious Kingdome of our Lord Jesus Christ. There have been severall Petitions presented to the Parliament, from many godly and well affected people, whose bowels doe earne to consider, what multitudes of people sit still in darknesse, and have not the glorious Gospel preached unto them. Thankes indeed they had, and faire promises: now wee know a man may draw a thousand prints in water, but as soone as his finger is off, all is out. Sirs; our hope is, that you will now doe something effectually towards the salvation of such ignorant and poore soules.

Secondly, It will manifest both your acknowledgement and improvement of this mercy, if you honour such, whom God hath so farre honoured, as by them to bring over severall Victories to you. When tydings was brought to Philip of Macedon: 1. that Parmenio had got the victory over the enemies. 2. Alexander his [Page 5]Son was borne. 3. That his Chariots won the priz: at Olympus; and all in one day; he call'd for some crosse, that these things might not make him forget himselfe: howsoever, we wish you no crosses, but increase of blessings, and all good things, yet withall wee desire, that what successe soever God gives you, you may not so farre forget your selves, as to forget your friends, such as have ever been cordiall and faithfull to you, carried their lives in their hands for you, and thought nothing too deare for your sake.

Thirdly, In this victory you may behold Gods displeasure against Malignants, he will not take them by the hand, neither should you into your bosome. Is the Lord pulling of them downe, be not you then setting of them up. If a spider can pre­vaile so much as come into the hive and weave a cobweb within it, he will kill all the bees, there is no remedy. We hope you will take care to keepe such spiders out: to wit, of place and of­fice in the Common-wealth. We would count him unwise, that would feed rats, mise, and such vermine, to destroy his bodily estate; but it is greater folly to nourish such as seek to destroy the Nation.

Fourthly, Hath the Lord compassed you about with songs of deliverance, and filled your hearts with joy and gladnesse; doe something now for the people, I mean some remarkeable thing, that so by you they may be glad and rejoyce likewise. I need not tell you whose hearts are sad, nor why, and what would comfort them: open but a dore to them, and heare what they would say, how many weeks and moneths some have waited, and can finde no way or passage to have their heavy condition and case come before you. It would therefore be a notable Mo­nument to continue the memory of this Victorie, if some present course were taken, that the case of the poore and friendlesse might be heard as soon as others; and people not suffer so ex­tremely as they doe, in that their businesses are not speedier dis­patched. Augustus thought that day ill spent, in which he had not holpen some poore person: Mark that, (not himselfe, not his brother or sister, not such a Lord or Lady, &c. but the poore who had no friends,) consider hee was a Heathen, you are Christians.

Fiftly, Dublins Enlargement may serve to put you in minde of the poore prisoners for debt: I know you have spent some time about this businesse, but I pray consider with what celeritie and quicknesse, God did that great work in Ireland for you: and therefore you shall doe well to follow God, as in matter, so in the manner of doing good. Say not unto thy neighbour, goe, and come againe, and to morrow I will give, when thou hast it by thee, Pro. 3.28. Jam quando suppetit, quid probibet, quo mini [...]s liberali­ter impertiare? Nonne inops adest? Nonne plena horrea? Nonne mer­ces à domino parata? Nonne mandatum manifestum? Esuriens fame absumitur, nudus frigore rigescit, & tu eleemosynam in crastinum differs? Basil. homil. 6. ex varijs.

Among such as are well affected to this present Government, I have thought good to mention the Lord Major of the Citie of London, with the Court of Aldermen, and Common Councell. I know you are much affected with this Victory, judging it one of the greatest Mercies, that ever God gave to his Church and people in this Nation. And it being so, I hope then we shall have some Monument erected by you for a memoriall of such a re­markeable blessing, fit to be transferred to future posterities. Wee see in nature when the Sunne shines upon those inferior bodies, if solid bodies, when they reflect their beames, they cast their light and heat upon other bodies that are neerest about them: but if they are empty and hollow bodies, and such as have no soliditie, they take all into themselves, and reflect not. The Lord by this victory hath in a speciall manner shined on your City, on your families, callings, estates; blest you in cursing the enemy. Now in charitie I am bound to beleeve, that you are men solid, sincere: and as the Moone taking light from the Sunne above her, bestoweth it upon the creatures here below, so you will make others partakers of the good blessings of God bestow­ed upon you. And here I shall desire with your leave and pati­ence to propound a few things briefly to you, as the use of this victory in relation to your Citie.

1. As God hath been zealous for you, so be you zealous of his glory and name. 2. Let there not onely be kept dayes of feasting, and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poore: but let something now be don for the poore, [Page 7]and in such a way, as the victory may be remembred in all ages hereafter. 3. Let the Army be still deare and precious to you: for Gods presence (you see) is amongst them wheresoever they are: and whether they are English, Scots, or Irish, which come a­gainst them, they are bread for them, God scatters their enemies, and they fly before them. Who would be unwilling to give wages and large recompence unto servants who are faithfull, prosperous, profitable? 4. The consideration of this victorie may encourage you, to hold your own, and stand fast to the Parliament, Councell of State, and the present Government, and not to feare the secret plots and designes of the adversary, neither their number nor forces. Let them associate themselves, and they shall be broken; take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. 5. Methinkes this Victory should move you to be now very active in suppressing lewd and scandalous Pamphlets, and that roguish generation of Ballad singers, such varlets were not suffered in many Heathen-Common-wealths, and truly it is much to be wished, that more diligence and greater severitie were used to remove from your Citie and suburbs, these base ver­mine, viler then the earth.

Sixtly, We shall expect now, as a proper improvement of this victory, that you will no longer suffer in your City Pulpit-Incendiaries, men who turn praying and preaching into rebelli­on. As for their aspersing the wayes of God and his people, wee let it passe (as the fruit whereby they are known to be —) But to heare them revile the Rulers of the people, and to speake trayterously against the present Government, it is unsufferable. A Magistrate (saith one) who hath discovered a Conspiracie, and seemes fearfull to remedie it, is as faultie as the Conspirator himselfe. But here is no cause of feare, the thing now may be easily reme­died without any danger, or difficultie. Wee see the bladder is puft up with a little winde, and if two or three beanes or pease be put into it, they make a mighty sound or ratling, yet prick the same but with a pin, and instantly it falls flat, and comes to nought: I leave the application and use to your selves: onely take notice, that in Christian policie; Init [...]o seditionum, quampri­mum apparuerint comprimantur. Clem. Templ. pol. lib. 4. c. 7. p. 424.

For the rest of the Nation, who are well affected to the State, to the end they may make a profitable and good use of this great victory, I shall set down before them these observations.

1. About the time that the Lord scattered his enemies, they were boasting what they would doe with the Round-heads and Sectaries: Into England they should not goe: Ormond as he was playing at Tables swore, he would send them all into America: Another in his cups vowed, he would try if they could swim thi­ther. The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoile: my lust shall be satisfied upon them: I will draw my sword, mine hand shall destroy them. Now no sooner were these words out of their mouth, but the wrath of God fell immediately upon them, and they were all, either slaine, taken, or put to flight. So let thine enemies perish, O God.

2. If we consider, the severall advantages of the enemy, as their number, place, provision, and other circumstances; and how not­withstanding they were totally routed, it is matter sufficient, to perswade every rationall man, to believe, that God was an ene­my to them, and to the cause they stood for, and that he owned the others, by an unheard of victory and deliverance.

3. In this victory we may behold a full victory over the ene­my, both there, and here, and else where: For as soon as they heard of this thing, their hearts melted, & such a terrour is fallen upon them, as they have no minde to engage againe, nor to pro­secute any more their new plots and designes against this Com­mon wealth.

4. Upon the Affaires of Ireland, the enemies to this State much depended: it was indeed as the great Wheel of the Clock: For many made full account to move here, if the Rebels there prevai­led. But as its said, Many of the people of the Land became Jewes, for the feare of the Jewes fell upon them: so this victory in all places where it comes, brings people over to the Parliament, as well knowing, it is their best and safest course.

5. That five thousand men, should take and kill seven thou­sand, and put thirteen thousand to flight, who sees not that it is the immediate finger of God. And it is worth the observing, that since this later Army was raised, God hath given us many such wonderfull victories: not onely for the comfort and encou­ragement [Page 9]of the well-affected, but to let the enemy see, that God is against them, and that they shall never prosper in such a way. When thy judgements are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learne righteousnesse, Isa. 26.9.

6. Here we may observe, Gods revenging hand upon Apo­states; not to speake of Inchequeen, that Grand turn-coat, there were in Ormonds Army many Souldiers who had basely and treache­rously a little before deserted the Parliaments service: but see how the Lord dealt with them for their perfidiousnesse: he delivers them up into the hand of Justice. A faire warning to others, to take heed, that they keep themselves with that partie where they see God is, and still crownes with victory, and not to joyn with a rebellious rout, who have not his presence, but are forsaken of him, and prepared for the day of slaughter.

7. Whereas we heare of some unclean spirits, like frogs, going forth unto the Kings of the earth, to gather them to battle against this Common-wealth: there is so much of God to be seen in this victorie, as that no man needs to regard, whatsoever is reported concerning this thing. When other Nations shall heare how won­derfully the Lord goes along with us in the work of Reformati­on, it is probable they will keepe at home, and seeke to pull their necks out of the yoke of Tyrants, as we have don. But howsoe­ver, we shall never hereafter be afraid of multitudes, the number shall not fright us: for we are confident, upon the experience of former victories, that God will still make good that promise and blessing to us; Five of you shall chase an hundred: and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword, Deut. 28.8.

From the well-affected to the State, I come now to the ill­affected: and first to you of the Presbyterian partie: And here that I may not be mistaken, I onely intend such men, as doe vilifie and reproach our present Government. And as for such wee have thought good from the occasion of this victory, to frame some­thing like a looking-Glasse, wherein they may see themselves; spe­cially at such times, when instead of preaching the doctrine of the Gospel, and praying in the Spirit, they speake false, scandalous, and seditious things, tending to a new warre, and hindering the reliefe of Ireland.

1. Consider, England hath received a mercy, in spight of you: you may remember the other day in your talke (I dare not call it prayer) how you told the Lord you knew not into whose hands to pray Ireland: onely you would not, that he should give it up into the bands of the Independents. Besides, wee are not ignorant, how proudly you contemnd Authoritie, and when others sought the Lord for Ireland, you most prophanely and irreligiously, like Ha­man and the King sate down to drink: you made it a time of feast­ing, joy, and gladnesse, when others by Commandement kept a day of publick fast: not unlike to that in Isa. 22.12, 13. Behold now, we have a returne of our prayers, our petition is granted, and the Lord hath look'd on our teares, and the Lord hath re­quited good for your cursing that day.

2. You have strugled a long time to destroy this present Go­vernment, but doe yee not see now, how yee kick against the prick: As he that moves the weik of a burning Candle with his finger, blacks it, and burnes it, and causeth the light to shine the more cleare: So all your mutinous and seditious attempts, turne to the burning and blacking of your selves. As for the State, op­posed by you, Loe it shines more and more in strength, glory, and beautie.

3. But whither will ye run? doe you not see how you are al­ready fallen? here is a victory, one of the greatest mercies that ever God brought from Ireland over to this Nation; neverthelesse, you see it not; nor thought it worth thankesgiving in your Chur­ches the other day. Some report of the Manna, that at first it was sweet and tasted well, but afterwards through the murmuring and unthankfulnesse of the people, it was either bitter to them, or it had no savour. I believe the time was, when such a publick blessing as this, (yea much inferior to this) was counted sweet: you could raste then how good God was to his people, in giving them victories; but now such Mercies are either bitter, or you feel no savour in them: Sirs, you may thank your selves for this change: For the truth is, your great murmurings and unthank­fulnesse against God and man, hath brought you into this unhap­pie and sad condition.

4. Methinkes in this victory you should see the snare and pit before you. Milo Crotoniatas, whilst he was tearing asunder the [Page 11]stock of an Oke, his strength sayling him, the cleft suddenly clo­sing, was so held fast by the hands that he became a prey to the Beasts of the feild. You have been a long time trying to teare a­sunder this Common-wealth, and great hope you had, that Or­mond with the Rebels there would work wonders for you, but you see that strength now failes you, take heed then, least the cleft close, and you are held fast by the neck.

5. This victory gives me an occasion to remember that saying of Solomon; Who so rewardeth evill for good, evill shall not depart from his house, Pro. 17.13. Howsoever, these men will not acknow­ledge that they are beholding to the Parliament and Army, for their present peace, libertie, livelihood, yet the thing is so: yea more, under God, by their care and wisdome, these rash and head­dy men, were kept from bondage and slavery, into which they (poore fooles) most willingly and greedily would have thrust themselves. It is reported of one Balthazar Gerard (who named himselfe Francis Guyon) that with the money which the Prince of Orenge gave him for his reliefe, he bought pistols, powder and shot, and therewith killed the Prince: The Presbyterians (I mean not the moderate and sober sort) would serve our Governours and Souldiers so, even murder them if they could, for purchasing libertie and peace for them.

6. The backslider (saith the Wiseman) shall be filled with his own wayes, Pro. 14.14. What generation of men are more re­volted then these, from their own grounds and former Princi­ples: For have they not desired, that Ireland might be relieved, and that the Protestant bloud shed there, might be revenged upon the barbarous Rebels? But behold their Apostacie, when they see this don, they vex and murmure at it; and are so much the Lord outragious and invective against the State, by how much the Lord blesseth our Forces there, and honours them with successe and great victory. Tame foxes if they breake loose, and turne wilde, do ten times more mischiefe then those, that were wilde from the beginning. It is very remarkeable, that none of the malignant Ministers thorow-out the Land, who have from first to last held with the King, speake so seditiously, or rayl so grossely against the Parliament and Army as these men doe; these men, I say, who were once tame and stood for both, but are now broken loose, and turnd wild.

7. These great victories which God gives the Parliament, should cause your hearts to smite you, to consider how by your seditious doctrine many poore and ignorant people are brought to the slaughter, whose bloud one day will be required at your hande. The cruelties and infamies of Caligula are imputed to the Nurse that gave him suck, which being cruell and barbarous of her selfe, rubbed the ends of her brests with bloud, causing the childe, to whom shee gave milke, to suck them. Such cruell and inhumane nurses are these men: instead of the sincere milke of the Gospel, they give their hearers the bloudy Tenents of Re­bellion; so that the cruelties and infamies of the people, may be (at lest in a great measure) imputed unto their Teachers: For no doubt the people would be willing to live a quiet and peacea­ble life under our present Government, but that these Sheba's, these sons of Bieri, blow a Trumpet, to cause hurliburlies and commotions in the Land.

8. Seeing God hath made the Parliament so victorious, it would not be amisse (when you come to your selves) to consider whether Christ or his Apostles have left you any precept or ex­ample to asperse that Government which is set over you. I can­not finde, either in Scripture, or other History, that any Mini­sters of Jesus Christ (for so you stile your selves) did ever before your time, meddle with civill Government, as to deny the law­fulnesse of that Government under which they lived. The abuses of Magistrates, and their miscarriages in Government, we grant Gods Ministers have spoken against, (yet so, as alwayes obser­ving time, place, and other circumstances, which you never doe) but the Government it selfe, whether Kingly, Aristocraticall, or Democraticall, they condemned not, neither medled with the change and alteration of ordinary Government, upon what ground or occasion soever it was. So that there are two treaso­nable crimes here charged upon you: first, that you are busie­bodies, as medling with things wherein you are not concern'd. Secondly, False accusers, in calling that State unlawfull, which is founded upon Scripture, Law, and Reason. Boyling liquor swel­ling above the brinks, fals into the fire, and comes to nothing: you are best beware, least by rising above your element you tum­ble down, and your names perish.

9. It may be, upon the occasion of this victory, you will be the more willing to take notice how the Malignants make use of you onely as Journeymen to serve their turne. Some write of the Jaccal, as he pursues his prey, barking like a dog, the Lyon meet­ing with the noyse, followes it; now the Jaccal having wearied the Beast he chased, the Lyon that followed by the cry comes in, when he is at a bay, and takes from the other, what he had be­fore spent his time and labour about. Brethren, suppose by your bawling and barking at the present Government, you should weary it, and bring it at a bay; doe yee thinke to have the prey? not in the least; for the Royalists would take that from you, and not you, but the Prelates should be established, their Courts, Canons, Service-Booke, &c. It is true, you knew in this case how to help your selves, namely, faces about, turn-coats, and as you were before; and so indeed you would fare better then the Jac­cal, have some of prey howsoever, with the Lion.

10. I would willingly know, when you are unpowring and speaking evill of dignities, what people doe you thinke are pleased with such vile and wicked stuffe. Methinkes you cannot be igno­rant, that in doing so, you make sad the hearts of the righteous, and are no other, then servants to the base lusts of unholy and pro­phane men. The Indians have a fruit which they call Yogma, it fattens swine, but men loath it: The Idolater, Adulterer, Swea­rer, Drunkard, Sabbath-breaker, Atheist, Papist, &c. delight to heare your rayling at the State; indeed they flock after you meerly for this Yogma: But I must tell you in the mean time, the godly of your own Congregations cannot abide it: so that by this meanes you loose them, and are cast out of their hearts and affections, though you seeme to gaine the favour and ap­plause of some Malignants.

11. In this looking-glasse, you may see two faces under one hood: you thinke to please the Royalists, by crying up a King, a King: and your brethren the Scots by crying out, The Covenant, the Covenant: but doe not cozen your own soules, for you can­not any longer herein deceive rationall and knowing men: they perceive well enough your game and ayme: it is your outward pomp and worldly preferment that yee seeke after, under such pretences. The Pope will have Kings and Princes to kisse his [Page 14]feet, and to draw them on, did use to have on his pantophile the Crucifixe or picture of Christ hanging on the Crosse: that for­sooth he would have reverence don unto. The truth is, you would faine be Popes, and have every man to kisse your feet; our Parlia­ment, Councell of State, and the whole Nation bow down to you: and to draw them on, you tell some of a King, others of a Covenant, a meere cheat, for 'tis your feet you would have them kisse, submit to your arbitrary power and lawlesse will.

12. This seditious course of yours hath brought you already into a great streight: And I believe, it will require some meetings at your Synon-house, to resolve what to doe upon the Thankesgi­ving day neere at hand: If you obey the Parliaments Order, and keep the day, you know what the Cavaliers and Royalists will say of you: Neque fidei constans, neque strenuus in perfidia: as it was said of Claudius Apollinaris, A man that neither constantly kept his promise, (as you have not yours to the Parliament) nor stoutly maintained his treason, (as you not yours, if yee keep that day). Againe, if not, you know there is great danger in that. For howsoever upon the fast day, for Ireland, you proudly contem­ned the Magistrate, and made it a day of recreation, yet I would not wish you to presume now upon the like impunitie or indul­gence. And if you fall into the hand of Justice, and so suffer, consider before hand, what comfort you can take in such suf­fering.

Now it followes, that I speake something (as occasioned by this victory) to Royalists and Cavaliers. Wee see by daily expe­rience, if the coyn be good, men are contented to receive it from any hand: I shall not propound any thing to these men, but what is profitable and good for them, if the Lord be pleased to give them understanding hearts to embrace it, and make a right use thereof. Thunder (they say) falling upon a Serpent, takes not away the life, but her venome: The searcher of all hearts doth know my desire is, so to apply this thundering-victory, as their malignity, obstinacy, blindnesse, &c. may be removed, and they live happily, and in a comfortable and prosperous condi­tion.

1. Consider how such as have engaged, and have been most active in the cause you stand for, have in the end (as the just re­compence [Page 15]of such service) undon themselves, and brought ruine and misery upon their wives and children. There is no Pilot in his right wits, when he sees Sea-markes purposely set up to give warning of rocks, sands, or shelves, will thereby take occasion to run his vessell upon them, but rather will imploy all his care and skill, that by avoyding them, he may escape the danger. To what end hath the Lord set before your eyes, the desolation of many honorable and great families, the precious bloud of severall thou­sands shed on a day; but to be a warning and caveat unto you, to keepe off from such dangerous and destroying rocks, and not to run your selves vainly and foolishly, as they have don, into a way and course, which is neither honourable nor profitable for you. The bird will not fly into the net, or light on the lime­bush, or run into the snare, when he sees another bird flutter be­fore her: The horse as you are travelling will not follow the track of another horse that sticks fast before you: you are men, and should be rationall: Will yee then seeing others before you in the pit, fall likewise into the same? if you doe, you are the more to blame, and the lesse to be excused. You know that les­son; Foelix quem faciunt aliena pericula cautum.

2. Methinkes by this time you should perceive, that the mat­ter you stand for, is not good, and so much the Lord from time to time hath made knowne unto you by many cleare and plain demonstrations. Take notice of the late King, how apparently God was against him; fought against him, curst his blessings, scattered his counsels, so that nothing indeed prospered under his hand. How dare yee then carry on the same worke, and his designe, knowing by former experience, in doing so the Lord will not prosper you. I cannot more fitly liken this generation of men, then to Bowlers, who having delivered their Bowl, use to follow it with bowing their body, to have it fall in towards the jack, but it keeps her bias, goes off, and runs another way. Much strugling and striving there hath been to bring the con­quest in, on the Kings side, no plots or devises have been wanting, what sea and land could doe hath been don: but providence still carried it another way, and this they saw, and could not but ac­knowledge that the Lord was not with them, although they par­sisted, and still doe in their froward and crooked courses.

3. This victory gives me occasion to put you in minde, how your principles and grounds are false, concerning formes of civill Government. The Israelites living poorely in Egypt, thought no kinde of food better then Garlick and Onions: so you, having liv'd long under hingly Government, and not acquainted with a free State or Common-wealth, conceive Monarchie to be the best kinde of Government, which undoubtedly is the worst: and my Reasons for it are these.

1. The great Revenues which are wasted to maintaine this King ship, unusefull Creature, a thing which the Land hath no need of, but can doe much better without it, (as Courts, Pallaces, Castles, Mannours, Parks, Forrests, &c.) if converted to a publick use, will be for the great profit and generall good of the whole Nation, poore and rich; whereas formerly, as imployed, did little service, but fed Locusts and Caterpillers, who destroyed the people.

2. How chargeable to a Kingdome are Kings children, through their pride, pompe, and excessive riot? and what is expected from them for all this? truly, if they be not a curse and plague to the Nation, men thinke it a mercy, as for comfort and profit they expect none. Now how many Orphans and poore children by such charges might be charitably and largely relieved, and would blesse God for it; whereas the others devoure all, without say­ing, Sirs, we thanke you: as if they were not at all beholding un­to the people for the same.

3. When corruptions and abuses break forth, they are easier and sooner supprest in a free State, then in the other. For 1. As they have their originall and rise usually from the Court, so the King (as we have had experience) will seek to defend the same. 2. Put case, the King hath no hand in such abuses (which would be a strange thing) neverthelesse, considering he sees and heares with other mens eyes and eares, they are not easily or thorow­ly reformed. But in a Common-wealth well setled, it cannot be so.

4. It is seldome seen in a Monarchie, but the Officers and Mini­sters of State, are corrupt men, chosen by Princes, not for the publick good, but to serve their turne and interest. Whereas in a Common-wealth, the people choosing their own Magistrates, [Page 17]are carefull to choose such as shall doe just and right things for them. Besides, If Magistrates be corrupt, the people can sooner helpe themselves by removing them, and choosing better, in a free State, then under Kings.

5. In no Common-wealth is there such sufferings of good men, innocent bloud spilt, unlawfull and unnecessary warres rai­sed, intolerable taxes imposed, undue and illegall courses taken, as where Kings doe reigne.

6. That must be best, which is a mean between two extreames, and thus is a free State, between Monarchy and Anarchy: that one should rule alone, is against the common Maxime; Plus vident oculi quum oculus; two eyes see more then one. Againe, that none should governe, or all, is absurd and sencelesse.

7. It is rightly observed by Bodin; Wee commonly see (saith he) in the changing of Princes, new designes, new lawes, new Officers, new friends, new enemies, new habits, and a new forme of living: For Princes take delight to change and alter all things, that they may be spoken of, which doth many times cause great inconveniences, not onely to the Subjects in particular, but also to the whole body of the State. De Rep. l. 6. cap. 4. But no such prejudice or perill is incident to a Common-wealth, if any thing be publickly altered, it is ma­turely don, and upon good ground, and for the generall profit and safety of the people.

8. In a well governed Common-wealth, great men as well as others, are encouraged unto the study of vertue, wisdome, Justice, because there, not titles or birth-right, but abilities and good parts make them capable of preferment: in such a State there is no door open to come into places of authoritie, by bribery, flat­tery, friendship, but as men are fitted and gifted. Whereas in Kingdomes men come to have Offices and preferment by succes­sion; a foole, or a knave, will challenge authoritie by being the Kings cosin.

9. We know by experience, that in all ages the Gospel and way of Christ hath been most withstood and opposed under Kings. As on the contrary, in Common-wealths the same hath found greatest favour, furtherance, and enfargement: And hence it is, that our Pulpit-Incendiaries, with their brethren the Scots, cry out so much for a King; they well know such a forme of Go­vernment, [Page 18]is fittest for them, and will best serve their turne, whereby to suppresse the truth, persecute the Saints, under the name of Sectaries, and to erect a forme of will-worship, forcing all both small and great, rich and poore, free and bond, to fall down and worship their Image, if not, neither buy nor sell, but kild for hereticke.

In the writing of these things, it makes me call to minde the condition of the people in the Low-Countries, living in a Free State, such there, as are Papists among them, will not have the King of Spaine, to reigne againe over them, but desire rather to be under the present Government: yea though they are Papists (I say) and have not libertie granted them for the free exercise of their Religion, yet by no meanes will heare of a King any more. And no doubt the like ere long will be the case of the people of this Land, when they have once tasted the sweetnesse of a Free State (as I hope they will every day more and more) and have their present grievances and taxes taken off, every man enjoying his own without molestation, and have justice speedily don them, they will no more desire a King to Rule over them. And to have it so, the way is, for every one to submit to the present Govern­ment, live peaceably, and doe what he can, that all things may be effectually and well setled amongst us.

4. And lastly; it is not possible that this victory should doe you good, or any counsell given you from the occasion of it, so long as you make lyes your refuge, yea delight to be encouraged and strengthened in falshood: doe not many of you, take plea­sure in scurrilous and base Pamphlets, and by reading the filthy and scandalous things in them, are hardened in your dangerous and bad condition? I have read some-where, when the Souldi­ers of Avidius Cassius opened a Chest, which they found in A­pollo's Temple at Seleucia, that there came forth such an infection, as thereby they were all poysoned and kild. If you will not be murdered, then look not into their venemous and abhorred Li­bels, for these villaines onely study, how by lyes, slander, and ca­lumniation, to make you dis-affected to the State, and act against it, and so to be undon in body, soule, and estate. They which hawk for birds, doe of purpose make a stale of the Owl, for whilest the sillie birds come flocking and staring about her, una­wares [Page 19]they are taken: The Libeller against the State, is the Devils Owl, whilst the foolish and silly people are looking upon him, and hearkning to him, he takes them in his snare, and holds them fast. I shall say no more but thus; A prudent man foreseeth the evill, and bideth himselfe: but the simple passe on, and are punish­ed, Prov. 22.3.

As for Papists, it is to be fear'd, they will make no good use of this great victory: but as a furious mastiff is the madder for his chaine: and iron hardens under the hammer: so the Angel of God, now powring out his Viall upon the seat of the Beast and his Kingdome, will cause them the more to blaspheme the name of God, his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. Neither indeed may wee wonder, that such wofull blindnesse hath overtaken them, considering they are given up, by divine justice to the lusts of their own hearts, and to strong delusions. Besides, the dam­nable doctrines which they embrace, puts them forward to de­struction. Neverthelesse, upon this occasion, something we will say, concerning them; leaving the issue to God.

1. They may clearly see, the Lord is now making inquisition for bloud, & the day of recompence is at hand; They have shed the bloud of Saints, & of Prophets, & thou hast given them bloud to drink, for they are worthy. Green wood which is long in kindling, conti­nues longer then the dry, if it have once taken fire: The Lord hath a while forborne to revenge the horrid cruelties of that barba­rous and savage Nation, but now he is fallen in amongst them, and woe, woe, woe, to the Inhabitants. As the Galli-Senones, after they had laid Rome wast, were so overthrown, that their name was not left in the world: So it may be, that the memory of such an inhumane and cruell Nation shall be bloued out from under heaven. Wolves and Foxes make many turnings forward and backward, run into brakes and briers, hide under bushes, fly from one starting hole to another: but all will not serve the turne, the dogs follow incessantly, and never give over till they over­take them, and devoure them: So evill pursueth, sinners, even the Irish-sinners, those Rebels, murderers, monsters, monstrous Mon­sters, I know not what to terme them; the Lord (I say) hath now set his judgements after those Wolves, and it is not their bogs or woods that shall save them from the wrath of the Lamb, [Page 20]but they shall become as dung for the earth, and their hope as the giving up of the Ghost.

2. Neither let them expect reliefe from other places; as for their new King, and his adherents, they shall stand either a farre off, for feare of their torments, saying, alas, alas; or what assistance and ayd soever they have, it shall but adde to their plagues, and further their destruction. As a wee sack, wherein a naked man is covered, is so far from defending him against the cold, as it in­creaseth his shivering; so their helpe from others will prove their greater ruine. Ormond and Inchiqueen, the two Apostates, may shortly expect the just reward of perfidious traytors.

As the Egyptians going after the Israelites, as they passed tho­row the Red-sea, could not but behold their death before them: So these men in lifting up their hands against this State, may see (if they were not stupid and sencelesse) they are dead man, and that God will put them to shame, and confound them for ever.

3. What men (unlesse given over to a reprobate sence) would not plainly apprehend, that the Lord hath a quarrell against them, hates their persons, their course and cause; to consider the time, when they were scattered: namely, when they were grown into a numerous body, by uniting the false Scots, and Renegado English, with the Irish. When all Munster was theirs, all Con­naught lost, and all Ʋlster, except Derry, and Lempster, even to Dublin. When all the English Interest in Ireland was reduced and shut up in those two townes, and the latter streightly befieged by 19000 men, according to their own accounts. Then the Lord look­ed down from beaven (as the Parliament in their Declaration have piously exprest) the habitation of his holinesse, and his glory, and de­feated them; Then he sent forth his wrath and consumed them as stubble or as chaffe before the winde. And here I chalenge, all Papists, Roy­alists, and Malignants, to produce, if they can, the like example, where and when, Jebovob Iireh, God was ever so seen in the Mount for them, and appeared even so miraculously, since the warres began. Who so is wise will observe these things: But, A bru­tish [Page 21]man knoweth not, neither doth a foole understand this. As he that will not goe out of darknesse cannot see the shining light of the Sunne: So the Papists, unlesse they come out of Babylon, the king­dome of darknesse, death, and hell, they will not observe, nei­ther indeed can they, the works of God, though they shine and are as cleare as the Sun at noone day.

We may not (upon this occasion) altogether forget our deare Brethren in Scotland; Now a word is enough to the wise.

1. We understand that this victory is not very welcome to them, and no marvaile, for it tends not to the advancement of their Interest here in England, and they see, whom they curse, God blesses. It hath been their endeavour a long time, that our Magistrates should persecute Gods people. Their lawes (say they,) are divers from all people; neither keepe they the Kings lawes, therefore it is not for the Kings profit to suffer them. And as Haman prevai­led so far with Abasuerus, as there was an Act made and publish­ed, that the Church and people of God should be destroyed; yet afterward by a mighty hand of providence were preserved and honoured; so that Nation (with others) wrought with our State, that something was don, for the suppressing of many godly and faithfull Christians: insomuch, as they despaired of life, liberty, safety: but God (who abhorres the bloudy man) frustrated their purposes. The truth is, our Governours have had so much ex­perience, of the fidelity, trust, and conscientiousnesse of such men, whom they brand for Sectaries, and of many victories and deli­verances under God by them, as they cannot hearken any more to their Antichristian and bloudy counsell: neither will they be brought into a snare by their general humiliations so often talk'd of. The Wolfe ordinarily washeth his mouth after he hath prey'd, lest he should be discovered by the colour of his bloud: It is worth the noting, when the Scots have aspersed our Nation, and urged the State to persecution, immediatly they cry, a fast, a fast, as if such innocent bloud were wip'd off by hypocriticall fasting.

2. The modesty and patience of our State, is much to be ad­mir'd; being so often provok'd and occasioned by the Scots, that they say nothing in relation to the condition of that people. For otherwise they might soon stop their mouthes, and put them to shame and silence for ever. They cry out against England, because [Page 22]of Sectaries, as Separatists, Brownists, Anabaptists, &c. But suppose there are such, yet these Independents, are not false, not lyers, dis­semblers, flatterers, deceivers, swearers, drunkards, whoremasters, and irreligious and prophane persons, as it is well knowne who are such, for the generality and greater part of the Nation. Now is it not better and more for the safety of a Common-wealth, to have therein, men, known to be faithfull, just, true, upright, religious: then a kinde of people who are neither honest nor godly, neither make conscience of what they doe or say?

3. This victory, it may be, will cause our brethren to keepe at home, and meddle no more with us; but leave our State to order thier own affaires. An Asse will not goe by a pen or place where she once fell: I know they have not forgotten the place where they fell: I doe not say like Asses: onely under favour I may say, they will shew themselves little better, if they come againe into the same place and case.

4. But how comes it to passe, that since this victory, the Scots complain of great persecution in England: and that their Presby­terian brethren here suffer exceedingly for the truth. Some chil­dren will teare & scratch their Mother in the face, and then cry, as if they had been beaten or abused; whereas there is nothing don to them, but onely they wronged their Mother. The men for whom the Scots are now praying, as under sad and heavy suffe­rings, they revile the Magistrates, despise their Government, set at nought their lawful and just commands, and stirre up the peo­ple to rebellion: and then cry out, Persecution; ah how their mouths are stopt, they cannot deliver the whole counsell of God, their forefathers were never under the like Tyrants, &c. Whereas there was nothing in the world don to them, but onely they abused the State.

Before I conclude, a word or two, to that noble Jones, and the victorious Souldiers with him.

1. There was a law among the Persians, if any man were un­mindfull of a benefit, he might be cald to Law, and found so, was punished for it: We are very sensible of the blessing which the Lord hath given us by your hands; wee are thankfull to God, mindfull of you, and doe desire to Improve the mercy in the best way and manner we can. The Jewes use to say, of him that hath don any memorable thing for his Nation; Zicrono libraca; Blessed [Page 23]be his memory: your memory amongst us is blessed, your names precious, and all well-affected people love and honour you. Si omnes qui reip: consulunt, cari nobis esse debent: certe inprimis im­peratores, quorum consilijs, virtute, periculis, retinemus & nostram salu­tem & imperij dignitatem. Cic. de Orat. lib. 2. If all those that care and have the charge of the Common-wealth, ought to be deare unto us; then especially ought our noble Captaines, by whose counsell, prowesse, and perill, we maintain the estate and honour of our Countrey.

2. For the Generall, imployed in that service, it doth appeare, he hath the parts and qualities of a right Commander. [...]. Diodor. Sicul. Cap­tains in warre must look both forward and backward, and every way whence any danger or advantage is towards. They ought to know when to march, and to fight with advantage; where to imploy horsemen, where shot, and to understand the advantages of all sorts of grounds; neither to be ignorant of any stratagem of warre. Liv. 9. Now in these particulars, and many more, hath Jones shewed himselfe a wor­thy and gallant Souldier; neither may it be said of him untruly or unfitly, what is written of C. Caesar, in his actions be was most considerate, in hazard and danger most resolve, in executions speedie, oppressing his enemies many times before the coming of the newes were heard. Sueton. in vita Caes. So of Cato, in watchings and labour he went beyond the common Souldiers. Liv. 34. Monstrabat tolerare la­bores, as Lucan reports of the younger Cato in that painful march thorow the deserts of Affrick, he by his patience and example shewed what others were to doe. As Valerius Corvinus used no other encou­ragement to his Souldiers then this; Facta mea non dicta sequi vo­lo, nec disciplinam sed exemplum a me petere. Liv. 7. So hath Jones al­wayes encouraged his, saying, they should imitate not his words but his deeds, and doe as they saw him to give them an example.

3. For the rest, whether Officers or private Souldiers: In this victory you may behold, how wonderfully the Lord hath ho­noured you for your fidelity to your Countrey: and because you did not, when yee were low, and the enemy at the highest, for­sake the Parliament, or your trust, as others basely did, who since have seen and felt the revenging hand of God upon them for it. And no doubt, this great deliverance will not a little encourage [Page 24]you, and the rest of our English there, to stand firme and fast to­gether against the Irish Rebels, not only to revenge the Protestant bloud, which they have shed in a villanous and barbarous sort: but also for the safety of your Countrey, your families, friends, wives, children, kindred, and what else may be thought precious and deare to you. For the heads of the Rebels there, as Rupert, Ormond, Inchiqueen, &c. intend further then our losse of Ireland, they seek the ruine and overthrow of England, even our persons, estates, yea and our soules too. Dulce & decorum est pro patrio mori.

King Leonidas comforted himselfe and three hundred more of his servants, who were killed at The [...]mopilas, fighting for the de­fence of his Countrey, as appeareth by Simonides his Greek Epi­taph, turned into Latine by Tully, thus.

Lastly, to close this Discourse: As wee have shewed how this Mercy should be improved at home, so we hope our Army there, will use this victory to purpose, and be carefull still to maintaine that which they winne. Vincere scis Annibal, victoria uti nescis; as Maberbal said to Hannibal, he was not so well able to make use of his victories, as to obtaine them. Caesar having obtain'd a great victory against the Helvetians, ceased not to pursue the remainder so long, untill all yeelded. And afterward having foyled Vereingetorix in the feild, and caused him to retyre with the rest of his Armie, He did not leave him untill be bad forced him to take Alexia for his de­fence: nor then neither, untill such time he had the town, and all within yeelded to his mercy. Vanquishing Pompey in open field, he would not suffer him to take Sanctuary in his campe, but drove him thence, and rested not, untill he had taken his flight, nor before the reliques of his Ar­mie that fled to the hils neer by, had yeelded, being cut from water. Three things ought to be don when an Army is victorious. 1. Not to suffer the enemy to ga­ther head, but to scatter his forces. 2. To befiege the chiefe Citie, and to ceaze the Countrey into their hands, not suffering the enemy in any place to rest. 3. The Generals care ought to be, how to take off the enemies subjects from them, and to deprive them of the ayd of their Confederates. A matter easily don, if he proceed wisely in warre and justly after the victory. For as good successe procureth the Conquerour friends: so men are ready to abandon and forsake such as are overcome. Now for the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush, let the blessing be upon the head of our Army.