THat the children of prey, and men lately under hope of dividing the spoile of this miserable Kingdome, when it should be reduced under the iron rod of enslaving tyranny and oppression (betweene which sad condition, and it, there was now but a step) should rise up with passionate out­cries, and be ready to curse the Armie and their late proceedings, with bell, booke, and candle, is no matter of wonder, or much observation. But if the body of the people of the Land, or such who have no minde to be gratified with the sorrows or sighings of innocent men, should professe a­ny dissatisfaction, or stond in conscience about the lawfulnesse or justnesse of such their engagements; it would argue, either first, that they alwayes lived not onely free from oppression, but from the fear of it also, & so never had occasion to enquire, either upon what grounds, and by what means, oppression imminent may lawfully be prevented, or incumbent, be shaken off and sup­pressed; or else, in case they have suffered under oppression, that they never saw any visible or probable meanes of deliverance, and so wanted an inviting opportunity to consider, whether these meanes might lawfully be improved in order to such an end, or no. For certainely the grounds and principles upon which the said proceedings of the Army stand cleare and justifiable, are no parables, no darke, or disputable notions, or conceptions, but such, wherein even he that runneth, may read equity and truth; and [Page 2] which have been asserted for such, by grave, learned, and judici­ous men, who neither lent, nor tooke upon usury; I meane, who were no wayes interested in any such concernment, or case, as that now upon tryall.

Though some other things have been of late acted by the Ar­mie, Sect. 2. wherein many pretendingly complaine of want of consci­ence and justice; yet I suppose they have done nothing, either more obnoxious to the clamorous tongues and pens of their ad­versaries, or more questionable in the judgements and conscien­ces of their friends, then that late garbling of the Parliament, wherein they sifted out much of the drosse and soile of that heap, intending to reduce this body, upon the regular motion whereof, the wel being, indeed, the (civill) life of the whole Kingdome de­pends, to such members, who had not manifestly turn'd head upon their trust, nor given the right hand of fellowship to that most barbarous, inhumane, and bloody faction amongst us, who for many yeares last past have with restlesse endeavours pro­cured the deepe trouble, and attempted the absolute enslaving, (which is, being interpreted, the utter undoing) of the Nation. So that if this action of theirs shall approve it selfe, and appear to be regular and conformable to such lawes, and rules of justice, which all considering and disingaged men conclude ought to be followed and observed in such cases, as that which lay before them; especially if it shall appeare to have been the legitimate issue of true worth and Christianity; I presume all their other actions of like tenor and import, will partake of the same justification, and honour, with it.

Let us first take into consideration the substance of such excep­tions, Sect. 3. which can with any pretence of reason, or colour of con­science be levyed against the lawfulnesse of it; Afterwards if it be needful, we will consider further, whether those that be with it, be not more, or at least more weighty and considerable, then those that are against it.

The first-born of the strength of those, who condemn the said act of the Armie, as unlawful, lyeth in this; that the Actors had no sufficient authority to doe what they did therein, but acted out of their sphere, and so became transgressors of that Law, which commandeth every man to keepe order, and within the compasse of his calling.

[Page 3] To this I answer 1. Sect. 4. as our Saviour saith, that the Sabbath was made for man (1. for the benefit of man) and not man for the Sab­bath Mar. 2. 27.; so certain it is, that callings were made for men, and not men for callings. Therefore as the law of the Sabbath, though e­nacted by God, was of right, and according to the intention of the great Law-giver himselfe, to give place to the necessary ac­commodations of men, and ought not to be pleaded in bar here­unto; in like manner, if the law of callings at any time oppo­seth, or lyeth crosse to the necessary conveniences of men, du­ring the time of this opposition, it suffereth a totall eclipse of the binding power of it. It is a common saying among the Jew­ish Doctors, that perill of life drives away the Sabboth; yea Master Ainsworth citeth this saying out of the Hebrew Canons: Pericusunt vitae pelli Sabbati [...]. Circumci­sion in the time thereof driveth away the Sabboth; and afterwards, that perill of life driveth away all Gen. 17. 12, 13.. So that as there were severall cases, wherein (as our Saviours expression is) they who polluted the Sabboth were blamelesse Mat. 12.; In like manner, there are very ma­ny cases, wherein men may transgresse the ordinary law of Cal­lings, and yet be no transgressors. Therefore unlesse it can be proved, that the Armie had no necessity lying upon them to gar­ble the Parliament as they did; their going beyond their ordina­ry callings to doe it, will no wayes impaire the credit or legiti­matenesse of the action.

2. Sect. 5. Nor did they stretch themselves beyond the line of their callings, to act therein as they did. Their calling and commis­sion was, to act in the capacity of Souldiers for the peace, liber­ties, and safety of the Kingdome. What doth this import, but a calling to prevent, or suppresse by force, all such persons and designes, whose faces were set to disturb, or destroy them? Nor did their Commission (I presume) limit or conclude their judgements to any particular kind of enemies, as if they had only power, or a calling thereby, to oppose or suppresse, either such, who should confesse themselves enemies, or such, who by the Interpretation or vote of any one party, or faction of men in the Kingdoms, should be reputed and deemed enemies: but all such, without exception, whom they, upon competent grounds, and such, as upon which discreet men in ordinary cases are wont to frame acts of judgement, and to proceed to action ac­cordingly, should judge and conclude to be enemies. Or if it [Page 4] shall be supposed, that by their Commission they were limited to judge onely those enemies to the Kingdome, with their abbet­tors and supporters, who were in Armes with the King, or on the Kings behalfe against the Kingdome, in their Representa­tives; those Parliament-men, whom they have excluded from sitting in that house, having notoriously discovered themselves to be men of this engagement, friends and abettors of those, who very lately were, and yet in part are, in armes against the peace and safety of the Kingdome, in this consideration fall directly and clearely under their commission; and consequently, by war­rant hereof, they have, and had a calling, to proceed against them as they did.

3. Sest. 6. If the calling which the Parliament it selfe had to levy For­ces against the King and his Party, to suppresse them, and their proceedings, as destructive to the peace, liberties, and safety of the Kingdome, was warrantable and good, then was the cal­ling of the Armie to act as they did in the businesse under debate, warrantable and good also. But the antecedent is true, there­fore the consequent also. The minor proposition, viz. that the calling of the Parliament, to levy Forces against the King and his Party, in order to the ends mentioned, was every wayes war­rantable and good, I presume will not be denyed by the Parlia­ment-men themselves. Or if they should deny it, they would but deny the Sunne to be up at noone-day, inasmuch as the truth thereof hath beene brought forth into a cleare and perfect light, by many pennes, Mr. Prynne Sover. Power of Parliamēts and King­domes. yea and by their owne (in many of their De­clarations) yea, and Mr. Prynne himselfe hath set it up in a great Volume as upon a mountaine, that it cannot be hid; though by the fervency of his late Devotion to the Kings interest and cause, he hath attempted the melting downe of that mountaine.

The connexion in the major proposition is valid upon this consideration. Sect. 7. The Parliament (or at least the Parliament men who did the thing) had no other calling, to oppose the King and his, by force, but onely the generall call of the major part of the people, by which they were inabled to act in a Parliamen­tary capacity, [i. more effectually, and upon more advanta­gious termes, then singly, or out of such a capacity, they could] for their good. By this call by the major part of the people, they were enabled onely in a generall, implicit, and indefinite [Page 5] manner, to raise forces against the King and his complices, for the safetie, and behoofe of the Kingdome. So that the particula­rity of this action was not warranted simply by the nature, or te­nure of their call, but by the regular and due proportion which it had to the accomplishing of the end, for which they were chosen or called, viz. the peoples good. From whence it fol­lowes, that whether they had beene in a Parliamentary capaci­ty, or no, yet if they had been in a sufficient capacity of strength, or power for matter of execution, their call to doe it, for sub­stance, had been the same, though not for forme. And suppose there had beene no Parliament sitting, or in being, when the King and his party rose up in armes against the Peace, Liberties, and safety of the Kingdome; doubtlesse if any one man had been able to have secured the Kingdome in all these against them, his action had not been censurable for want of a calling to it; in as much as every member, as well in a body politique, as naturall, hath a sufficient call, yea an ingagement lying by way of duty upon it, to act at any time, and in all cases, according to its best and utmost capacity, or ability, for the preservation and bene­fit of the whole. Now then, supposing the same proportion to the peace, benefit, and safety of the Kingdome, in what the Ar­my did in purging the Parliament, and in what the Parliament it selfe did, in opposing the King by force (which is a point of easie demonstration, and is ex super abundanti, proved in the large Remonstrance of the Army lately published) let us consider, whe­ther the call of the Army, to act for the Kingdome as they did, be not as authentique, cleare, and full, as that of the Parliament to act as they did, in reference to the same end.

First, Sect. 8. the authority and power of the people [or rather the present exercise and execution of this power] to act for their owne preservation and well being in every kind, was as well for­mally, and according to the ceremonie of the Law, as really, and according to the true intentions and desires of the people, vested in the Parliament. So that the Parliament by vertue of this in­vestiture, and during the same, had the same right of power to raise an Armie, and to give unto it what Commission they judg­ed meet, in order to the benefit of the people, or to act any o­ther thing of like tendency, which the people themselves had, to chuse for themselves a Parliament. Therefore whatsoever lyeth [Page 6] within the verge of the Armies Commission derived from the Parliament, relating to the Kingdomes good, they have as full and formall a call, or warrant, to act, and put in execution, as the Parliament it selfe had, either to raise an Army, or to doe any other act whatsoever. If then first, the ten or of their Com­mission stood towards any such point as this, (which I presume is no way questionable) viz. to suppresse by strong hand, all such persons, whom upon rationall grounds they should judge e­nemies to the peace and welfare of the Kingdome; and secondly, that those Parliament Members, whom now they have cut off from that body, were upon such grounds judged such by them, (of the truth wherof they have given a supersufficient account in their said late Remonstrance;) it is as cleare as the Sun that their calling to act as they did in cutting off these Members, is every whit as legitimate and formall, as that of the Parliament it selfe is to act any thing whatsoever, as a Parliament.

Nor is it of any value to pretend here, Sect. 9. and say, that it is not to be beleeved, that a Parliament should give any Commission unto men, to act against themselves, or in a destructive way to their priviledges, or honours. For to this I answer.

First, that Law-givers, whilst they are sober, and in their right mindes, may very probably make such Lawes, for the or­dering and restraint of persons distracted and madd, which, in case they afterwards become distracted, may, and ought to bee put in execution, upon themselves. And in case any of those Parliament men, who joyned in granting that Commission unto the Army, by which they were inabled to fight, slay and destroy all those that were in armes against the Parliament, should after­wards have turned Cavaliers themselves, and been found in armes against the Parliament (as some of them, If my memory faileth me not, were) they might very lawfully have beene encountred and destroyed by the Army, by vertue of that Commission which was granted by themselves.

Secondly, Sect. 10. what onely one Emperour explicitely spake to an inferiour Officer created by him, when hee delivered him the Sword; Si justè egero, hoc utar is pro me: Si injustè, contrà me. If I doe justly, use this for me; if unjustly, use it against me; the same implicitely, and according to the exigency of the turst committed by Office, doth every superiour Magistrate say unto him, whom he chuseth and admitteth into a place of subordi­nate [Page 7] office, or power under him. For the punishment of evill doers, and so the procurement of the publique good, doth notlye by way of Office, or duty, upon the chiefe Magistrate onely, but up­on all subordinate Magistrates also, and Officers whatsoever. This is evident from this passage in Peter: Submit your selves to e­very ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the King, as supreame; Or unto Governours. [i. inferiour Magistrates or Of­ficers] as to them that are sent by him for the punishment of evill doers, and for the prayse of them that do well. 1 Pet. 2. 13, 14. So then, the punish­ment of evill doers, and this simply. without all partiality, or di­stinction of persons, (which are things sinfull in all Magistrates whatsoever, as well subordinate, as supreame) and likewise the protection and incouragement of those that doe well, lying by way of Office and duty, upon all those, who by the King, or supreme Officer, are invested with any power of authority, though sub­ordinate; evident it is, that whensoever a King, or other Su­preame authoritie, creates an inferiour, they invest it with a le­gitimacy of magistraticall power to punish themselves also, in case they prove evill doers; yea and to act any other thing requi­site for the praise or incouragement of the good. Nor is there any pretence here for such an exception, as the Apostle Paul findes, in the grand Commission of Christ. But when hee saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 1 Cor. 15. 27. God the Father being uncapable of sin, is not capable of losing that soveraigne dignity, which is native and essentiall to him; and consequently, not capable of com­ming into subjection under any creature, as Christ Mediator, in respect of his humane nature, is. But Kings and Magistrates of the highest, being very capable even of such sins, which are de­structive to the peace and welfate of the people under them, and repugnant to the incouragement of those that doe well, and con­sequently, which appertaine to the cognizince of every Magi­strate, to whom the care of such things is intrusted, are very capable also of forfeiting that dignity, which is naturall and es­sentiall to them, as Kings, or Supreame, and of rendring them­selves obnoxious to those authorities and powers, which out of such cases, are under them, but upon such miscariages, are a­bove them; as Reuben forfeited that excellency of dignity, which appertained to him, as the first borne of his Father, by going up [Page 8] unto his Fathers bed. Gen. 49. 3. Upon this very ground Calvin himselfe, Zuinglius, and other reformed Divines, and the Scottish Mini­sters themselves (more generally) and Master Prynne more vo­luminously then they all, determine and adjudge it, not onely lawfull, but matter of duty and charge lying upon the subordi­nate Magistrates, to curb and bridle the tyrannous extravagan­cies and incursions of Kings and Princes against their people. See Calvin & Zamglius cited by Mr. Prynn, with approba­tion, upon the account. So­ver. Power of Parl. & King­doms, p. 199. And the Scot­tish Ministers in their briefe Thesis de ma­jestatis jure, M. S. But

Secondly, suppose the Armie had not a call to act as they did, in the case under debate, every wayes as full of formality, as the call of the Parliament to act as they did, in opposition to the King, yet might their call be (and indeed was) as materi­all, as weighty, as considerable, and as justifyable in the sight of God, Sect. 11. and of all unprejudiced intelligent men, as the other. The call of the Parliament we spake of, was from the persons of the people, expressed by formality of words, or other ordinary gestures, testifying such a call from them: and this call they (or most of them) received from the people, whilst as yet they (the people) were in no visible, at least in no imminent or present danger of being fwallowed up in slavery and tyranny. But the call of the Armie, to deny the opportunity of the house, to those Members of Parliament, whom they sequested, was from the strong and importonate cries of the peoples Liberties, yea and of many of their lives, being now layd upon the Altar, ready to be offered up in sacrifice upon the service of the lust and revenge of a most inhumane gencration of men, who (it seemes) thirsted after them with that furiousnesse of thirst, that they made no spare of their owne deare lives themselves to make the purchace, and were now under a great additionall enragement, as having been for a long time chased up and downe in their owne blood, and by a strong hand kept fasting from their desires. Now the cals of the miseries and extremities of men for reliefe, are more authorizing, more urging, pressing, and binding upon the con­sciences of men, who have wherewithall to afford reliefe unto them, then the formall requests or elections of men to places of trust or interest, when the electors have no such present or pres­sing necessity upon them, for the interposall of the elected on their behalfe: The necessities of men call more effectually, then men themselves; yea, the truth is, that the cals of men, calling [Page 9] thers to helpe or assist them, being in a tolerable condition of subsisting, without receiving the helpe they call for, are but dal­lyings, or sportings, and shadowes of cals, in comparison of the loud, vehement, and importunate cries of the exigencies and ex­tremities of men, though the men themselives should hold their peace.

Fourthly, Sect. 12. (and lastly to the first objection) the common saying, In casu extre­mae necessita­tis omnia sunt communia. that in case of extreame necessity all things are common, ex­tend's unto callings also. In cases of necessity, all callings are com­mon, in order to the supply of the present necessity. David and his men being hungry, Aqu. 22 ae: qu. 32. art. 7. were all Priests, in reference to the satis­faction of their hunger, and did, and that lawfully, eate that bread, which (as our Saviour himselfe affirmeth) was lawfull onely for the Priests to eate. Mat. 12. 4. Polanus a reformed Divine of good note, granteth, that when Bishops and Ecclesiastiques are defective either in will, or skill, for the reformation of Religion, and the Church; laicks or private men may law fully supply their defect herein, and act the part of Bishops or Ecclesiastical persons, in such reformations. Laicis li­cet curam de Reformand â Religione, & Ecclesiâ susci­pere, cessanti­bus, vel non facientibus officium, vel facultate de­stitutis Epis­copis & Eccle­siasticis. Po­lan. Symph. c. 19. Thes. 2.

When the Pilot, or Master of a Ship at Sea, be either so farre overcome and distempered with drinke, or otherwise disabled, as through a phreneticall passion, or sicknesse in any kinde, so that he is uncapable of acting the exigencies of his place; for the preservation of the Ship, being now in present danger, either of running upon a quick sand, or splitting against a rock, &c. anyone, or more of the inferiour Mariners, having skill, may, in order to the saving of the Ship, and of the lives of all that are in it, very lawfully assume, and act according to the interest of a Pilot, or Master, and give orders and directions to those with them in the Ship accordingly, who stand bound at the perill of their lives in this case to obey them. By such a comparison as this, Master Prynne himselfe demonstrates how regular and law­full it is for Parliaments, yea and for particular men, to turne Kings, I meane, to assume that Interest and power, which the Law appropriates to the Office, and vesteth onely in the person of the King, when the King steereth a course in manifest opposition to the peace and safety of the Kingdome.

The passage in Master Prynne, though it be somewhat large, yet being through and home to the point in hand, I shall pre­sent Verbatim. Go too now (saith this Anti Protyrannievll Spirit) [Page 10] in this our Politique Ship, the Master gluts himselfe with Wine, most of his Assistants either asleepe, or drunke with mutuall cups, spor­tingly behold an imminent rock. The Ship in the meane time, either holds not that course, which is expedient for the owner, or seemes speedily to be wracked. What thinkest thou is here to be done under the Ma­ster, by one who is vigilant and solicitous? Shall he pull those by the eares, who are asleepe, or onely jogge them by the sides? but in the meane time, lest he should seeme to doe ought without their command, shall bee not afford his helpe and assistance to the indangered Ship? Truly what madnes, or rather impietie, wil this be? Seeing then (as Plato saith) TYRANNY IS A CERTAIN PHRENSIE and drun­kennes, the Prince may utterly subvert the Republique, the most of the No­bles may collude, connive, or at least are fast asleepe; the people, who are Lords of the Republique, by the fraude and negligence of their Mini­sters, which is their fault, are reduced into greatest streights: in the meane time, there is one of the Nobles, which considers the incroach­ing tyranny, and detests it from his soule: what think'st thou is now to bee done against him by this man? Shall be onely admonish his Col­leagues of their duty; who themselves doe as much hurt as they may? But besides, as it is perillous to admonish, and in that state of things it may be deemed a capitall crime: shall hee doe like those, who contemn­ing other helpes, casting away their armes, shall cite Lawes, and make an Oration concerning Justice, among theeves, in the midst of a wood? But this truly is that which is commonly said, to be mad with reason. What then? shall he grow deafe at the peoples groanes? Shall hee be silent at the entrance of theeves? Or shall he finally grow lazie, and put his hands into his bosome? But if the Lawes appoint the punish­ment of a Traytor against one wearing buskins on his legges, who coun­terseits sicknesse for feare of the enemies, what punishment at least shall we decree against him, who either through malice, or slothfulnesse, shall betray those whom he hath undertaken to protect? But rather he shall command those things that are needfull to such as are wary, by a Mariners shout: he shall take care lest the Common-wealth receive any detriment, and shal preserve the Kingdome even against the Kings wil and resistance, by WHICH HE HIMSELF BECOMES A KING and shall cure the King himselfe as a frantique man, by BINDING HIS HANDS AND FEET, if he may not otherwise doe it. Thus farre Mr. Prynne; and full far enough to justifie whatsoever is said in these papers for the justification of the Army in their binding the [Page 11] hands and feet of some frantique Parliament men (as himself in a Platonick strein phraseth those, who either thorough malice, or slothfulnesse, shall betray those, whom they have undertaken to protect.)

It were easie to multiply instances of like import. But by what hath been argued, the nullitie of that argument against the proceedings of the Army, drawne from the defect of a calling to act as they did, fully appeareth.

A second Objection is this: Sect. 13. They resisted Authority, or the powers lawfully set over them; The second maine ob­jection. and therein, the ordinance of God: therefore their fact is to be condemned and cannot be justified: I answer,

First, To resist Authority, imports either a detracting or de­nyall of obedience to the just commands of Authority, or else the ingaging of a mans selfe to dissolve, and take away Autho­rity. Now certaine it is that the Army, in that act of theirs now in question, neither did the one, or the other. First, the authori­ty of Parliament, had made no such Act, passed no such Vote, that none of their Members, though voting, or acting never so palbably, or with never so high an hand against the Interest, peace, and liberties of the Kingdome, should be debarred sitting in their house. In which respect, the Army debarring those Members, which had thus voted and acted, from sitting in that House, did not resist Authority in the former sence. Or in case it should be supposed, that the authority of Parliament, had made such an act, or passed such a Vote, as that mentioned, unlesse the equity and justnesse of it could be sufficiently cleared, the crime of resisting authority could not upon any sufficient ground be imputed to those, who should decline obedience to it.

Secondly, Sect. 14. neither did the Army in the aforesaid act, resist authority in the latter sence; because what they did, no way imported any dislike of Parliament authority, nor had any ten­dency towards the abolition, or taking of it away; but onely implyed a disapprovement of the factious carriage of things in this present Parliament, as evidently bent against the safety, li­berties, and well beeing of the Nation; and tended withall to­wards a prevention of the like, or worse, for the future. But as for their approbation of, and resolutions to maintaine Parlia­ments, and Parliamentary authority (stared and formed in a regular and due proportion to the behoofe and benefit of the [Page 12] Kingdome) they stand abundantly declared to all the World in their late Remonstrance.

If it be here yet further said; Sect. 15. yea but though it should bee granted, that they did not resist Authority, in either of the two considerations specified, yet they did that, which was worse, or every whit as bad, as either of them. For they offered violence to persons in authority, and would not suffer them to act in that authoritative capacity, which was lawfully vested in them; To this also I answer;

First, it is lawfull for any man, even by violence, to wrest a Sword out of the hand of a mad man, though it be never so le­gally his, from whom it is wrested. The reason is, because in case a man that is mad, should be let alone with a Sword in his hand, either untill he be willing of himselfe to part with it, or untill it can be recovered from him by a due processe and course in Law, there is a probability in reason, and according to the frequent experience of the workings of such a distemper, that he will doe much mischiefe with it in the meane time: and the lives and limbs of men, are to be preferred before the exorbitant wils, or humours of men underdistemper. This is the very case in hand. The Members of Parliament dis-hous'd by the Army, were strangely struck with a politicall phrensie (as Plato tearm­eth it;) they acted as men bereaved of their senses, that had quite forgotten the businesse committed unto them, and that knew, or understood nothing of matters relating to the peace or well be­ing of the Kingdome, or of those who had intrusted them with their power: their counsels and votes of late still smil'd upon their owne enemies, and the grand and most inveterate enemies of the Kingdome, but frown'd and look'd gastly upon their friends, and those that had constantly guarded them with their lives and estates.

i.

Now then Parliamentary power being in the hands of these men, but as a sword or speare in the hand of a man distraught in his wits and senses, wherewith hee is like to doe little or no good but in continuall danger of doing much harme, it might very lawfully, and with the full consent of all [Page 13] principles of reason, equity, and conscience, be se'zed upon, and taken from them by a strong hand, for the prevention of such mischiefes and miseries, which, remaining in their hand, it daily and hourly threatened to bring upon the whole Nation and Kingdome.

Secondly, Sect. 16. The King had as legall and formall in investiture into to the power of the Militia, of sitting in Parliament, &c. as these men had unto their Parliamentary places and trusts: yet did not the Parliament unjustly, or contrary to rules of e­quity, upon a plenary discovery of a bent in his will and counsels to suppresse the liberties of the Nation, to deprive him, and that by force, of the injoyment and exercise of those interests and pri­viledges, notwithstanding the legality of their investiture in him. Therefore upon a like discovery of the same bent in the wils and counsels of these Parliament men, the lawfulnesse of their e­lections into their places of trust, cannot reflect any unlaw­fulnesse upon that act, by which they were removed from, or debarred of them.

Thirdly, Sect. 17. (and lastly) there is no Clyent that hath enter­teined a Lawyer, or Advocate to plead his cause, but upon dis­covery, yea or jealousie, of prevarication, and false-heartednesse to him in his cause, may lawfully discharge him, his entertaine­ment notwithstanding. There is the same liberty in a Pupill, or person in his minority, to dis-entrust his Goardian, how law­fully soever chosen, upon suspition of male-administration, or unfaithfulnesse. And why should the like liberty be denyed unto a people or Nation, for the removing of such persons, whom they have chosen for Guardians to their Estates and Liber­ties, from these places of trust, when they evidently discerne a direct tendency in their proceedings, to betray them, both in the one and the other, unto their enemies?

But two things (it is like) will bee here objected. First, that the Parliament were Judges lawfully constituted, of the Kings delinquency against the Kingdome; but the Army were no Judges of such a constitution, of the miscarriages of the Par­liament. Therefore there is not the same consideration, in point of lawfulnesse, in the proceedings of the Army against the Par­liament, which is of the Parliaments proceeding against the King. There is the same difference likewise betweene the act of a Clyent [Page 14] and Pupill, wherein the one dischargeth his Advocate, and the other his Guardian; and the act of the Army, in dethroning the Parliament men. To this I answer,

First, Sect. 18. That whether we place the lawfulnesse of a Parliamen­tary Judicature in respect of the Kings Delinquency, either in their Election by the people, or in the conformity of this their Election unto the Lawes of the Land, certaine it is that the Ar­my were Judges of every whit as competent, and lawfull a con­stitution of their delinquencies in the same kinde. For,

First, If we measure the lawfulnesse of Parliamentary Judica­ture by the call of the people thereunto, the Army (as was for­merly proved) hath every whit as lawfull a constitution to judge who are enemies to the peace and safety of the Kingdome, as the Parliament it selfe hath. Nor doth it at all argue any illegality in their judgements about the Parliament men, that they had not the explicit and expresse consent of the people therein, or that they had no call by them so to judge; no more then it proveth an illegallity in many Votes and Ordinances of Parliament, that they were both made and published, not onely without the par­ticular and expresse consent, but even contrary to the minds and desires of the people, or at least of the major part of them. Be­sides it is a ridiculous thing to pretend a want of a call from the people, against the lawfulnesse of such an act, which is of that soveraign necessity for their benefit and good, which the actings of the Army were; especially at such a time, when there is no pos­sibility of obtaining, or receiving a formall call from the people, without running an eminent hazard of losing the opportunity for doing that excellent service unto them, which the providence of God in a peculiar juncture of circumstances, exhibit's for the present unto us. Mens consents unto all acts manifestly tending to their reliefe, are sufficiently expressed in their wants and ne­cessities.

If it be yet said; But the people doe not judge the procee­dings of the Army against the Parliament men, as tending to their reliefe, or welfare in any kinde, but as contrary unto both, nor doe they give so much as their subsequent consents thereun­to; I answer (besides what was lately said to the nullifying of this pretence) that Physitians called to the care and cure of per­sons under distempers, need not much stand upon the consents of [Page 15] such patients, either subsequent, or antecedent, about what they administer unto them. If the people be uncapable in themselves of the things of their peace, it is an act of so much the more goodnesse and mercy in those, who being fully capable of them, will ingage themselves accordingly to make provision for them. It is a deed of Charity and Christianity, to save the life of a lu­natique or distracted person even against his will. Porrò si pau­latim idem po­pulus depra­vatus habeat venale suffra­giam, & regi­men flagitiosis seeleratisque committat, re­cte adimitur populo talis potestas dandi honores, & ad paucorum bo­norum redit arbitrium. A­qu. 12 ae. qu. 67. art. 1. Besides it is a ruled case amongst wise men, that if a people be depraved and cor­rupt, so as to conferre places of power and trust upon wicked and un­deserving men, they forfeit their power in this behalfe unto those that are good, though but a few. So that nothing pretended from a non-concurrence of the people with the Army, will hold water. Or,

Secondly, If we estimate the lawfulnesse of that Judicature, by the conformity of their elections thereunto, to the Lawes of the Land, the investiture of the Army into that Judicature, which they have exercised in the case in question, is conforme unto a Law of farre greater authority, then any one, yea then all the Lawes of the Land put together; I meane, the Law of nature, necessity, and of love to their Country and Nation: which be­ing the Law of God himselfe written in the fleshly tables of mens hearts, Sect. 19. hath an authoritative jurisdiction over all humane Lawes and constitutions whatsoever; a prerogative right of power to overrule them, and to suspend their obliging influences, in all cases appropriate to it selfe. Yea many of the Lawes of God themselves, thinke it no disparagement unto them, to give place to their elder Sister, the Law of necessity, and to surrender their authority into her hand, when shee speaketh. So that whatsoe­ver is necessary, is somewhat more then lawfull; more (I meane) in point of warrantablenesse. If then the Army stood bound by the Law of nature and necessity, to judge the Parliament men as they did, viz. as men worthy to be secluded from their fel­lowes in Parliamentary interest, this judiciary power was vested in them by a Law of greater authority, then the Lawes of the Land; and consequently the legality, or lawfulnesse of it was greater, then of that in the Parliament, which derives its legali­ty onely from a conformity to the established Lawes of the Land. Yea the truth is, that that Law of necessity, by which the Army were constituted Judges of those Parliamentary Delinquents [Page 16] we speake of, cannot (in propriety of speech) be denyed to be one of the lawes of the Land, being the law of nature, and conse­quently the law of all Lands, and Nations whatsoever, esta­blished in this, and in all the rest, by a better, and more indubi­table legislative Authority, then resides in any Parliament, or community of men whatsoever.

If it be here further objected; Sect. 20. yea but what necessity was there lying upon the Army, to assume that judicative power unto themselves, which they exercised upon the Members of Parlia­ment? It is an easie matter to pretend a necessity (almost) for e­very unjust, and unrighteous thing; but not so easie to judge what such a necessity is, which is authorized by God with a sus­pensive power over humane lawes. To this I answer,

First, That they cannot (at least in the ordinary signification of the word) be said to assume a power of judicature unto them­selves, who onely judge either of persons, or of things, in re­spect of themselves, and with relation to what concernes them­selves by way of duty, either to doe, or to forbeare. The exer­cise of such a judging, or judicative power, as this, is imposed by God by way of duty upon all men: and woe unto them, who doe not judge, both persons and things, in such a consideration, as this. The neglect, or non-exercise of that judging faculty or power, which is planted in the soules and consciences of men by God, upon such termes, and with reference to such ends as these, draweth along with it that sin, w ^ch the Wise man calleth, the des­pising of a mans wayes, & threatneth with death. But he that despi­seth his wayes shall dye Prov. 19. 16. Now certain it is, that the Army did ex­ercise no other judiciary power then this, about, or upon those Parliamēt men, nor in any other respect, nor with any other con­sideration, then to their own duty concerning them; w ^ch every o­ther person in the Kingdom, either did, or ought to have done, as well as they. Every man is bound to consider, judge, and de­termine, what is meet, and necessary for him to doe, either to, with, for, or against, all other men; or at least all such, to whom he stands in any relation, either spirituall, naturall, or civill. That judgement then which the Army passed in their own brests and consciences upon those Parliament-men, as viz. that they were such, whom they stood bound in duty, having an oppor­tunity in their hand to doe it, to cut off as unsound members [Page 17] from their body, was nothing else but the issue, fruit, and ef­fect of that consideration of them and of their wayes, which they stood bound to levy, raise, and engage themselves in, about the one and the other. If the judgement which they passed in this kinde was erroneous, it was not erroneous through an usurpa­tion of an unlawfull power to judge, but either through a defect and weakenesse of those discerning, or judging abilities, which they stood bound (however) to use; or else through an oscitan­cy, carelesnesse, or sloath, in not improving or acting these a­bilities, as they might, and ought, to the discerning of the truth. Certainly they who judge these Parliament-men worthy Patri­ots or Members of their House, or meet to have beene let alone without disturbance in their way, doe assume the same power of judicature concerning them, yea and concerning the greatest and weightiest matters of State, which the Army did, when they judged them meet to be sequestred. Yea they who judge, and condemne the Armie as evill doers, for what they acted about these men; and not only so, but smite them also with the sword of the tongue, reviling them without any just warrant or ground, doe they not every whit as much usurp, and assume to themselves a power of judging, without any authority at all, as the Armie did in that very act of judgement, at which they make themselves so highly agrieved? Insomuch that to all such, that of the Apo­stle may be justly applied. Therefore thou art inexcusable O man, whosoever thou art that judgest. For wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thy selfe: for thou that judgest, dost the same things. Nay, if we speak of an authoritative power to judge, they who presume to justifie and absolve the Parliament-ment from the crime charged upon them, and to condemn the Army for char­ging them, are farre deeper in the usurpation of such a power, then the Armie. For the Army (as hath been said) had a legall commission from the Parliament it selfe, to oppose, slay, and destroy the enemies of the Kingdome, and therein a kind of au­thority derived unto them, to judge of these enemies, when they should meere with them (for a Commission or warrant to appre­hend, or destroy such and such persons, without a liberty, or power, either granted, or supposed, to judge them such, when they are found, were a ridiculous nullity) whereas they, who being private men, shall undertake, not only to censure, judge, [Page 18] and sentence the Armie as Malefactors in what they have done, but to proceed likewise to the execution of this their sentence by inflicting the penalty of stigmaticall and opprobrious terms upon them; by casting them out of the affections of their friends, by firing the spirits, and strengthning the hands of their enemies a­gainst them, doe all this without the least colour, shadow, or pretence of any lawfull authority whatsoever. But

2. Sect. 21. That the judgement or sentence which the Armie passed up­on those men, as meet to be dispossessed of their Parliamentary interest, was not erronous in either of the considerations men­tioned, or in any other, but every wayes just, and according to the truth, stands cleer upon this ground, viz. that they were become Renegadoes from their Trust, and acted by their coun­sels, debates, votes, and interests, in a diametrall opposition to the peace and safety of the Kingdome, and to publique good. Yea the tenour of their Parliamentary actings before their remo­vall from the House, in the known dialect of politicall prophesie, presaged nothing but ruine and destruction to the liberties of the free-borne Subjects of the Kingdom in generall, and to the lives and estates of many thousands in the Kingdome, whom they stood bound in conscience, in a speciall manner to protect. For what could that grand encouragement, which they administred by their Votes to a potent party of men in the Kingdome, who had so lately, and with so high an hand, acted hostility against the peace and liberties of the people, and against the lives of those who stood up to protect them, not having given the least over­ture of any relenting in their olde principles, but were now through that extreamity of paine which they lie under, having beene so often, and so deeply bitten, and stung by the fidelity and valour of the Army, more enraged in their spirits, then ever; what could (I say) such an encouragement, given by such hands, unto such men, but portend, either a re-imbroyling of this al­ready miserably-wasted Nation, in Wars and blood, or else the necessity of a patient and quiet subjection of the Nation to the i­ron yoke of perpetuall tiranny and bondage, together with the certaine ruine of the lives and estates of those, who had shewed most faithfulnesse and courage in the defence of the Parliament and the Kingdomes liberties, in opposing the King and his party, if the Army had not preventingly interposed, as they did? The [Page 19] by past actions of men, especially such, which they have for any considerable space of time in-ured themselves unto, are prophe­ticall of what their future actions are like to be, if opportunity parallelth. The civill Law saith, that he that hath injured one, hath threatned many: and by the rule of proportion, he that hath injured many, hath threatned all. It is the saying of that late great Scholar and States-man, Sir Francis Bacon; that mens thoughts are much according to their inclination: their discourse and speeches according to their learning, and infused opinions: but their deeds are after as they have beene accustomed. Insomuch as after­wards he saith, as a man would wonder to beare men professe, pro­test, engage, give great words, and then doe just as they have done before Essaies. Ess. 27, Yea the Scripture it selfe giveth testimony to this max­ime, that what men have been by custome, they are like to be by continuance. Can the Ethiopian (saith God himselfe to the Iews) change his skinne, or the Leopard his spots? then may ye also doe good that are accustomed [or, taught] to doe evill Jer. 13. 23.. And elsewhere (spea­king of the same people) they hold fast deceit, they refuse to returne —no man repented him of his wickednesse, saying, what have I done? Every one turned to his course [or race] as the horse rusheth in­to the battle Jer. 8. 5, 6., meaning, that as the warlike horse, having been for a while curb'd and held in by his Rider with a sharp bit, & strong hand, rusheth with so much the more violence and fury into the battle, when he feeles his liberty; In like manner these men, (and it is the case generally of all men) when they had been at a­ny time restrained for a while, whether by my word, or my judg­ments upon them, from these vile practises; still upon the first opportunity that they found themselves loose, they re-practised their former wickednesse with so much the more eagernesse and keenenesse of spirit.

It were easie to bring Authorities in great numbers, Sect. 22. both di­vine and humane, and these attended with a like traine of exam­ples, both ancient and modern, for the farther confirmation and credit of this axiome, that men generally are much more like to practice on their owne vices, then to fall off to the exer­cise of other mens vertues. But by what hath been delivered in already upon this account, most evident it is, that the men depar­liamented by the Army, were in their full carreire to the utter undoing of the Kingdome, when they were dismounted: and [Page 20] consequently, that the judgement of the Army looking upon them, as persons meet to be discharged from that great Trust, wherein they so prevaricated, was according to righteousnesse and truth. Therefore

3. Sect. 23. (And lastly as to the objection last propounded) it is no such great matter of difficulty, clearly to discern, and judge of such emerging necessities (at least of many of them) which are authorized by God with a prerogative interest of suspending humane lawes. Hunger is by the holy Ghost himselfe enrolled a­mongst those necessities, which are invested by God with a facul­ty and right of suspending his owne lawes, so farre and in such cases, as they oppose the reliefe of it. Have yee not read (saith our Saviour to the Pharisees) what David did when he was an HƲN­GRY, and they that were with him, how he entered into the house of God, and did eate the shew-bread, which was not lawfull for him to eate (viz. in ordinary cases) neither for them that were with him, but for the Priests only [...] at. 12. 3, 4, 5.? meaning, and yet were innocent and un­reprovable, notwithstanding the transgression of a divine law (as touching the plain & express letter of it.) Now if God hath asserted such a priviledge unto the necessity of hunger, whereby to supersede the conscientious obligation of his own law, in or­der to its present satisfaction, much more hath hee authorized it to the superseding of any constitution or law, meerly humane, in reference to such an end; unlesse wee shall thinke, that hee is more jealous for the observation of the lawes of men, then of his owne. So then if it be no great matter of difficulty for a man to judge when he is an hungry, evident it it, that there are some ca­ses of necessity obvious enough, whereunto the lawes of men ought to give place, and to be content to be, as if they were not. For the reason why hunger is invested with such a priviledge from God, as we speak of, is not simply, as, or because, it is hun­ger, i. such a peculiar and determinate [...], which in a way pro­per to it selfe, threatneth and endangereth the life of man; but in respect of the generall nature of it, and as it simply threatneth and endangereth this life, if it be not timely healed by the appli­cation of food, or nourishment. It was the preciousnesse of the lives of men in Gods sight, not any respect he bare to any paricu­lar way, or meanes of endangering them, which obtained from him the grant of such a priviledge unto hunger, that in order to [Page 21] it's necessary satisfaction, it should over-rule his owne law. So that whatsoever else it be, as well as hunger, which so apparent­ly menaceth, or portendeth ruine and destruction to the lives of men, partakes of the same indulgence and grant of priviledge from God, with hunger, and is facultated by him, in order to the prevention of the mischiefe menaced, to transgresse a Law without guilt of sinne. By the cleare warrant of this considerati­on and deduction, the Jewes extended that grant of priviledge, which God (as we have heard) made, or indulged explicitely un­to hunger only, unto all manner of things and cases whatsoever, whereby, and wherein life was exposed to imminent hazard and danger. Their common maximes were (as they were formerly mentioned, Periculum vi­tae pellit Sab­bathum. Pe­riculum vita pellit omnia. Sect. 4) that danger of life drives away the Sabbath: Perill of life drives away all, &c. Now if the perill of the life of one man, or of a small parcell of men (as David, and those that were with him, were no great party) was priviledged from heaven with a sinlesse transgression of a speciall law of God; certainly, the imminent danger of bloody combustions in the middest of a great Nation, wherein the lives of many thousands were like to be sacrificed, besides the hazard of beinging many o­ther most deplorable and sad calamities upon the whole Land, which (as hath beene proved) wrought effectually in the coun­sels and actings of the disseated Parliament-men, is a broad and unquestionable ground of equity and right, for the Armie to build a prevention or diversion of them upon, though it be with a temporary disobedience to such lawes of men, which were never (doubtlesse) intended by the Law-makers themselves, for the binding, either of mens consciences, or their hands, in such cases.

Onely, Sect. 24. lest the truth we assert, should possibly suffer through any mans mistake, I shall adde one thing by way of caution, or explication about the premises. When wee seeme to approve of that principle of the Jewes, wherein they say, that Perill of life drives away all, and speak many things concerning the priviledges of necessity, we doe not suppose, nor intend to say, that men may lawfully transgresse every law or precept of God whatsoe­ver, for the saying of their lives, being in danger, as for (exam­ple) that they may lawfully lie, forswear themselves, deny Christ, or the like, in such cases; for men (doubtless) ought rather to ac­cept [Page 22] of death, then deliverance, upon such tearmts as these. But that which we suppose upon the account specified, is onely this; that hunger, or any parallell exigence or necessity, have such an indulgencie of priviledge from God, which extendeth to the suspension of all such Lawes, as well Divine, as humane, in order to the safety of men lying under them, which the light of nature, and that sence of equity and of what is reasonable, planted in men by God, may well judge to have beene intended by the respective Law-makers, not for Lawes of an absolute and universall obligement, without all manner of exception, but one­ly for the regulating of men in ordinary cases, and such as are of more frequent and usuall occurrence. Now certaine it is, that as there are some Divine Lawes which fall under this consi­deration (as we have seene) so there are scarce any (if any at all) of humane constitution, but are subject unto it; I meane, which may not, according to the regular intentions of the Law­makers themselves, lose their binding force and authority for a time, Sect. 25. as cases may be; it being a true Rule, subscribed as well by Lawyers as Divines, Omnis Lex obligat secundum rectam voluntatem legislatoris obligantis. Da­ven. Determin. p. 100. that Every Law bind's onely according to the regular and due inten­tion of the Law-maker.

The reason why no humane Law, Omnis Lex ordinatur ad communem hominum salutem: Et in tantum ob­tinet vim & rationem legis: secundum verò quod ab hoc deficit, virtutem ob­ligandi non habet. Aqu. 12 ae. qu. 96. art. 6. can reasonably be judged to bee of universall obligation (no, not according to the in­tention of the Law-makers themselves) is, first, because the adequate end and scope of Law-makers in their Lawes, is presum'd to be, the publique and common benefit and good of the community of men, who are to obey them. Now (as Aquinas the Schooleman well observeth) it often falls out, that that, which ordinarily, and in most cases is much condu­cing to common good, in some particular case would bee most repugnant and destructive to it: Contingit autem multo­ties, quod ali­quid observari communi saluti est utile, ut in pluribus, quod tamen aliqui­bus casibus est maximè noci­vum. Ibidem. whereof hee gives an instance; unto which many others might readily be added. Therefore in such cases, wherein the observation of a Law, cannot but be of dan­gerous consequence, and prejudiciall to the publique, it is to be presumed, that it was no part of the intention of the Law-givers that it should be observed, or bind any man.

[Page 23] Secondly, Sect. 26. it being out of the Sphere of all earthly Law-ma­kers, to foresee, or comprehend all particular cases, Quialgitur Legislator non po­test omnes singulares casus intueri, proponit legem secundumea, quae in pluribus accidunt, ferens in­tentionem suam ad communem u­tilitatem. Unde si emergat casus in quo observatio talis legis sit damnosa communi saluti, non est observands. Aquin. ubi suprà. that may possibly happen, they generally content themselves with framing such Lawes, the keeping whereof ordinarily, and in cases of a more frequent occurrence, is conducing to publique benefit and safety, not intending by any of these Lawes to obstruct or prejudice the publique, in any anomalous or unthought of case, but to leave persons of all Interests and qualities at full liberty, to provide for the publique in such ca­ses, though with a practicall contradiction to any, or all of their Lawes.

Thirdly (and lastly, Sect. 27. for this) If it could, or should be sup­posed, that humane Lawgivers are able to com­prehend and make provision for all possible e­mergencies and cases, Nullius hominis sapientia tanta est, ut possit omnes singulares ca­sus excogitare: & ideò non potest sufficienter per verba sua exprime­re ea, quae conveniunt ad finem intentum: & si posset Legislator omnes casus considerare, non opor­teret ut omnes exprimeret propter confusionem vitandam: sed legem ferre deberet secundum ea, quae in pluribus accidunt. Ibid. yet were it not expedient (saith my Author) for the Common-wealth, that they should multiply Lawes to such a number, as the particular stating and regula­ting of all such cases would necessarily require. Confusion in Lawes ought to bee avoyded, which yet could not be avoyded, if particular and expresse provision should be made in them, for the regulation of all persons, of what dif­ferent capacities, or conditions soever, under all possible occur­rences, in a due proportion to the common interest and benefit of men.

These things considered, Sect. 28. evident it is, that there was never yet any Lawgiver amongst men, who, understanding himselfe, ever intended to impose any Law of a politique constitution upon men, without a reserve for those, on whom it was imposed, to provide for themselves, or for the publique good in cases of ne­cessity, besides, yea and against, the literall import of such a Law. Therefore perill of life, which is the most confessed case of ne­cessity of all others, though it cannot claime exemption from under some of the Lawes of God (such as were lately intimated) yet may it challenge this priviledge in respect of the Lawes of men. The reason of the difference hath been already in part sig­nified, [Page 24] but more compleatly is this: viz. because those Lawes of God, which we now speake of, prohibiting such actions, which are intrinsecally, and in their proper natures, as being contrary to the essentiall purity and holinesse of God, and not onely be­cause they are prohibited, matter of defilement unto men, must needs bee of universall obligation, in as much as no necessity whatsoever can be greater then, nor indeed equall to, this, that a man refraines all such actions, which are morally, essentially, and intrinsecally corrupting and defiling: whereas the civill or politique Lawes of men restraine onely such actions, the forbea­rance whereof, as in ordinary cases, it is commodious for the publique Interest, so in many others, possibly incident, would be detrimentous and destructive to it. In which respect all the necessity of obeying such Lawes as these, may for the time, not onely be ballanced, but even swallowed up and quite abolished by a greater necessity of disobeying them. And concerning such Lawes of God himselfe, which we call typicall, or ceremoniall, because they restraine onely such actions, which are not intrin­secally, or essentially sinfull, or defiling, as not being in them­selves repugnant to the holinesse of God, but had the conside­ration of sinne put upon them by a Law, in reference to a parti­cular end; hence it commeth to passe, that God was graciously pleased, and judged it meet, to subject such Lawes as these to the pressing necessities of the outward man; or rather (indeed) to those other Lawes of his, by which he commanded reliefe for them; as it is written; I will have mercy, and not sacrifice. This by way of caution. But

Secondly, Sect. 29. Another thing, that (its like) will be objected, up­on, and against what hath been answered to the second maine objection, is this: That the Parliament men disturb'd in their way by the Army, at least many of them, were Religious and conscientious men; voted, and acted as they did, conscientiously, really judging the course they steered, to be the safest and most direct for bringing the great Ship of the Common-wealth into the harbour of rest and peace. And is it not contrary, as well to principles of reason, as Religion, that such men upon so faire an account as this, should be so fouly handled? To this I answer;

First (not to question that, which I make no question but [Page 25] will be sufficiently proved in due time, I meane, the Religiousnesse of the Gentlemen spoken of) Religious men, are as well men, as religious: and consequently, are not yet baptized into the spirit of that divine prerogative, which should make them (in the Apostle James his phrase) [...], Jam. 1. 13. persons un-temp­table by things that are evill. They that are capable of receiving gifts, or of any inordinacy in their desires after earthly accom­modations, how wise, or just soever they be otherwise, are sub­ject both to have their eyes blinded, and their words perverted. A guift (saith God himselfe) doth blinde the eyes of the wise [i. of those that are religiously wise, as well as others; the Scripture not often tearming any men wise, but upon that account] and pervert the words of the righteous. Deut 16. 19. A guift, or any thing equi­valent to a guift, and that not onely after it is received, but much more whilst it is yet desired, and expected, is apt to have both these sad operations even upon the best of men. For who can be better then those whom wisedome and righteousnesse joyne hand in hand to make excellent?

Secondly, Sect. 30. When men are religious onely to a mediocrity, and withall servile in their judgements to some principles, which are commonly and with great confidence and importunity ob­truded upon the consciences of professors, for sacred Truths, and yet are extreamly discouraging, and full of enmity to a tho­rough, stable, and quiet dependence upon God, by being reli­gious upon such tearmes as these, they become twofold more the children of feare, then otherwise they were like to be, and con­sequently, so much the more capable and receptive of sad and dismall impressions from the World upon all occasions. And it is not more commonly then truely said; Pessimus Con­siliarius Ti­mor. that Feare is a bad Counsellor.

Thirdly, Sect. 31. When religious men sinne against the common In­terest and liberties of a free borne Nation, and make one purse with the knowne and thrice declared enemies of their Land and people, whether they doe it, with, or against, their judgements and consciences, the Law of nature and necessity, cannot (for the present) stand to make, either a scrupulous inquiry after such a difference, or a regular assignement of favour to the qualifying circumstances of demerit; but cals, yea and cries out immediatly, and commands all men without exception, that have a prize in [Page 26] their hand, to give it for the redemption of their Nation out of the hand of Oppression and Tyranny. And when this Law hath been obeyed to the securing of the Nation, she presently resigneth, and this freely and willingly, all her authority and command, into the hand of positive and standing Lawes, calculated for the ordinary posture and state of things, untill there be another cry of like danger in her eares. When these standing Lawes come to resume their authority and power; there will be an opportu­nity to inquire, if it shall be thought convenient, who sinned, with, and who against, their consciences: and their assesments, which were we uniformly rated by the Law of necessity, may be reduced to tearmes of more equity by those other lawes. But

Fourthly, Sect. 32. According to the Notion of that maxime in natu­rall Philosophy, Corruptio op­timi est pessi­ma. that errours of the best men, of worst conse­quence (in many cases.) The digressions of men religious, are many times worse, then the thorough discourses of other men. When conscience and concupiscence meet (as oft they doe in reli­gious men) the conjunction is very fiery. It was the saying of Gregory long since, When men conceive of sinne under the notion of a duty, there it is committed with an high hand and without feare. Cum vitiū virtus putatur, culpa sine me­ta cumulatur, Greg. de Pa­stor. cur. l. 3. c. 1. Nor ever was (nor is ever like to bee) the persecution of the Saints more grievous, then when those that shall persecute them, and put them to death, shall thinke that [therein] they doe God ser­vice. Joh. 16. 2. So that whereas the objection in hand plead's, on the behalfe of those Parliament men, who were religious, that they followed the light and dictate of their judgements and conscien­ces, in complying with the King and his complices; the truth is, that though it may reasonably be thought so much the lesse sinful in them, if they did it upon such tearms; yet was it a ground so much the more justifiable for the Army to proceed upon to the dis-interessing of them, as they did. For when religious men breake out of the way of righteousnesse and truth, with the re­nitency and obmurmuration of their judgements and conscien­ces, it is a signe that their judgements and consciences are yet at liberty, and in a condition to reduce them. But when these are consederate with their lust, there is little hope of their repen­tance. But

Fiftly (and lastly, Sect. 33. for this) whereas the objection intimates [Page 27] some hard measure offered unto them, being men of conscience, and acting according to their judgements, the truth is, that I know not how the Army could walke towards them with a sof­ter foot, to secure the liberties of the Kingdome, together with their owne lives and estates, against the menaces of their judge­ments and consciences, then they did.

A third grand Objection, Sect. 34. wherewith some encounter that action of the Army, The third maine obje­ction. hitherto justified, is this: they therein (say these men) made themselves Covenant-breakers, and sinned a­gainst the Solemne Vow and Oath which they, or at least some of them, sware unto God with hands lifted up to Heaven, (if not with hearts also.) In this Covenant they promised and sware, that they would, endeavour with their estates and lives mutually to preserve the rights and priviledges of Parliaments, whereas by that violent dismembring of the Parliament, they brake and trampled upon them. To this we answer (more briefly.)

First, That most certaine it is, that it is no right or priviledge of Parliament to Vote or Act in opposition to the benefit and good of the Kingdome, and those who have intrusted them. It is unpossible that any things that is sinfull, should be the right or priviledge of any person, or society of men under Heaven. There­fore if the Army did nothing more, but onely restraine from acting in such a way, they did not herein violate a Right or pri­viledge of Parliament.

If it be replyed, Sect. 35. that though it be no right or priviledge of Par­liament to Vote or Act contrary to their trust; yet it is a right and priviledge belonging to this house, that, in case any of the Members shall at any time so act, or vote, they should not bee questioned, or suffer for so doing; at least not by any other power, but by that of the House it selfe onely; To this also I answer.

1. By concession, that this is indeed a right and priviledge of Parliament, taking the word Parliament in a due and proper sig­nification; viz. for a Parliament consisting of a competent num­ber of men not dead to their trust, who are in a capacity of faithfulnesse and integrity to discharge the office and duty of a Parliament, in endeavouring at least to relieve the pressures and grievances of the people, to protect their liberties, &c. It is the manner of the holy Ghost himselfe in the Scripture, frequently [Page 28] to deny the common Name of things, to such particulars in eve­ry kinde, which are defective in those properties for use and ser­vice, which should be found in them, and which are found in other particulars of the same kind. Thus Paul expressely, Hee is not a Jew which is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh: But hee is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart in the Spirit, not in the letter, &c. Rom. 2. 28, 29. So elsewhere: when yee come together into one place, this is not to eate the Lords Supper 1 Cor. 11. 20. This is not, &c. meaning, that as they went to worke, that which they did, deserved not the Name, of an eating of the Lords Supper. Therefore

2. By way of exception, Sect. 36. I answer further, that if by Parlia­ment, be meant any number of men whatsoever, chosen by the people into Parliamentary trusts, and sitting in that House, where Parliaments (truly and properly so called) use to assemble about the great affaires of the Kingdome, whether these men, or the major part of them, love the interest of the Kingdome, and be cordially affected to the liberties of the people, or no, I know no such right or priviledge of Parliament, as that specified. A Parlia­ment that is unusefull and unserviceable for Parliamentary ends, is no more a Parliament, then a dead man, is a man, or a Virgin defloured, a Virgin. And as a dead man hath no right or pri­viledge of a man (truly so called) belonging to him, unlesse it be to be so ordered & dealt with, that he may not be an annoyance or offence unto others: so neither doe I know any right or privi­ledge of a Parliament indeed appertaining to a Parliament politi­cally dead, and which is not animated with a spirit of faithful­nesse to the publique, unlesse it be to be so entreated and handled, that it may not destroy the publique Interest, or endammage their Trustees (the people) in their liberties. A terminis di­miuuentibus non valet ar­gumeutatio. It is a rule in Lo­gicke; that an argument drawn from termes of diminution, is of no validity, or force. As for example, when a man is dead, it doth not follow; that because he is a dead man, therefore he is a man, or hath the properties of a man, as that hee is rationall, risible, or the like. By the reason which rules in this principle or maxime, our Saviour denyes that inference of the Jewes, who argued themselves to be the children or seed of Abraham, because they were his carnall seede, or came from him according to the flesh. If yee were Abraham's children (saith hee to them) yee would [Page 29] doe the workes of Abraham John 8. 39.: implying, that because they did not the workes of Abraham, they were not his children [viz. in that proper and emphaticall sence, wherein the Scripture is ordinari­ly to be understood, when it speaketh of Abrahams children, and of the great promises and priviledges belonging to them.) In like manner the Apostle Paul, when hee speaks of the priviledges and blessednesse setled by promise upon Abraham and his seed, still understands the word, seed, not in that diminutive or equivocall sense, wherein it comprehendeth as well his carnall or wicked seede, as that of a more noble descent, but in that emphaticall, weighty, Gal. 3. 7. 9. 16. 29. and appropriate sence, wherein it onely signifieth the children of Abraham indeed, i. spiritually such, and who resem­ble him in his faith and holinesse. Rom. 4. &c. See the Texts in the margent. After the same manner, when either the lawes or people of the Land, in their accustomed discourse, (and consequently the Solemn League and Covenant) speake of rights and priviledges of Parliament, they (doubtlesse) doe not take the word, Parliament in an equivocall and comprehensive sence, wherein it may be ex­tended to any thing, which in any sence or consideration may be called a Parliament, but in an emphatical & restrained sence, viz. as it signifieth a politicall body, consistory, or court of men, cho­sen by the people into Parliamentary Trust, faithfully prosecu­ting and discharging the import of the Trust committed to them. If this property be wanting in them, they are but a Parliament so called, not having the worth or consideration, whereunto such Rights and Priviledges which are called, Parliamentary, either according to principles of reason and equity, or according to the intention of the first Donors or founders of them, doe belong or appertaine. The premisses considered, evident it is, that the Army did not violate or breake any the rights and priviledges of Parliament, properly, or Covenantly so called, when they redu­ced the Parliament to the true nature, dignity, and honour of a Parliament; by secluding such Members from it, who altered the property, and turn'd the glory of it into a lie.

2. Be it granted, Sect. 3. that the Army stood bound by their Cove­nant and Oath, to preserve the rights and priviledges even of such Parliaments as that was, which they divided, yet they stood bound also by the same Covenant and Oath, to such a duty or en­gagement, the faithfull application of themselves whereunto, in [Page 30] the case in hand, did fairely both in the sight of God, and men, discharge them from that other obligation: even as the duties of circumcising, Cùm duo praecepta cō ­currunt, ma­jus debet ser­vari: In ipso Decalogo, cum videmus duo inter se praecepta cō ­fligere et alte­rum ab altero impediri, il­lud, quod le­gis latoris ip­sius sententiâ, videbitur esse majus, praser­ri debet. Pet. Mart. in 1 Sam. c. 21. 3. and of sacrificing, when the seasons appointed for them by the law, fell on the Sabboth, priviledged those from guilt in breaking the law of the Sabboth, who performed them on that day. It is a common rule avouched by the best of our Divines, and by the light of nature and reason it selfe, that when two duties or commands meete in such a streight or exigent of time, that they cannot both receive that honour of observance, which belongs un­to them, that which in the judgement of the Law-giver is the greater, ought to be observed, and the lesser to give place, for the time. Now in that Covenant and Oath which the objection speaketh of, there are these two duties or engagements (amongst others) imposed upon those, who take it. 1. An endeavour to preserve the rights and priviledges of Parliament. 2. The like endeavour to preserve THE LIBERTIES OF THE KINGDOME. The Cove­nant in both these, at in all other particulars contained in it, the takers of it stand bound by the expresse tenour thereof (in the sixth Article) to promote according to their power against all lets and impediments whatsoever: and what they are not able THEM­SELVES TO SƲPPRESSE or overcome, they shall reveal and make knowne, that it may be timely prevented or removed: all this they shall doe as in the sight of God. Which last words (compared with the words mentioned from the third Article) cleerely im­port, that the Covenanters stand bound, to promote the liberties of the Kingdome against all lets and impediements even in Parliaments themselves, if any be sound there: yea and further suppose, that they may THEMSELVES SƲPPRESSE and overcome what they are able (viz. of whatsoever opposeth the intent & end of the Covenant, which doubtlesse, was the benefit and good of the Kingdomes) especially when they know not where, or to whom to reveale or make knowne the obstructions they meete with, in order to any probable or likely prevention, or removall of them, in due time. Therefore if the duty of preserving or promoting the peace and liberties of the Kingdome, be greater, then that of pre­serving the rights and priviledges of the Parliament; and the Armie could not performe the former, without making such a breach as they did, upon the latter; evident it is, that in making this breach they are innocent and blamelesse. For the latter of these, [Page 31] it is as cleare as the Sun from what was laid downe Sect. 21. that had not the Army interposed to such a breach of rights and pri­viledges, at is charged upon them, the peace of the Kingdome, had (in all humane likelyhood) been swallowed up in blood, and the liberties, in oppression and tyranny. Concerning the former, there is full as little, or rather lesse, question. That com­mon maxime, which rules especially in politicall affaires, Bonum quo communius, cò melius, the more common or extensive a good is, the greater or better it is, doth sufficiently confirme it. T [...] preservation of the liberties of the whole Kingdome, is without peradventure a greater duty, then the maintenance or preserva­tion of the liberties or priviledges onely of a part of it; especially of such a part, which, for number, is inconsiderable. Besides, that which gives a kinde of sacred inviolablenesse unto the rights and priviledges of Parliament, is that typicall relation which they beare to the rights, priviledges, and liberties, of the Kingdome, and Common-wealth. Now types are alwayes inferiour to the things imported, and represented by them, as servants are unto their Masters; and when they occasion, or threaten any da­mage, to their anti-tipes, they may and ought so far to suffer a de­facement, as the brasen serpent was beaten to powder by Hezechiah, when it occasioned Idolatry against him, whom it represented.

Thirdly (and lastly) suppose there had beene no expresse clause in the Covenant, injoyning the preservation of the liberties of the Kingdome, as well as of the rights and priviledges of Parliament, yet had the Army a more then warrant sufficient to have stood up for the preservation of them, as they did, and that without a­ny breach of Covenant. Men by the tenure of their very lives and beings, which they hold of the God of nature, their great Cre­ator, stand bound to obey the Lawes of nature, and that against all other obligations or bonds whatsoever: yea the truth is, that all other obligations cease in the presence of this, all Lawes, Covenants, and engagements besides, being homagers unto it. Now there is no Law of nature that speakes more plainely, or distinctly, then this; that the strong ought to stand by the weake in cases of extremity, and danger imminent, especially when reliefe cannot reasonably be expected from other hands. Nor is it credible that either the Covenant-makers, or the Cove­nant-takers, did thereby intend, either in the generall, any dis­obligation [Page 32] from the Lawes of nature, or from duties, otherwise then by the said Covenant, lying upon men: nor in particular, any such preservation of the rights and priviledges of Parliament, which should be inconsistent with the liberties of the Kingdomes. Scire leges, inquiunt Juris­consulti, non est verba ea­rum tenere, sed vim ac po­testatem, quia prior atque potentior est, quàm vox, mens dicentis. and it is a common rule amongst Lawyers, for regulating the in­terpretation of Lawes, as likewise of all other Declarations of men by words, whatsoever; that the minde or intent of the speaker, is to be preferred before, and is more potent [and consequently ra­ther to be obeyed] then his words.

Nor doth the Act of the Army in that dissociation of the Par­liament under debate, colour, or shadow (in the least) with the act of the King, breaking into their House, and demanding which, Hug. Grot. in Mat. 12. 3. and how many of their Members he pleased, to be sacri­ficed upon the service of his will. For

First, It was more civility in the Army, to deny admission, or entrance into the House, unto those Members, whose sitting there they judg'd of desperate consequence unto the Kingdome, then it would have been, by force and violence to have pull'd them out from thence; which was the Kings act, in actu signato (as the Schoole men distinguish) though not in actu exercito, the providence of God and men comporting to prevent this. And we know the old saying,

i.

Secondly, The Members which the King sought to lay hold of, and to disparliament, were such, who THEN were (or at least were so looked upon by him) as the greatest Patrons and Protectors of the Kingdomes Interest, and who, like the cloudy and fiery pillar of old, kept the Egyptian prerogative from com­ming at the Israelitish liberty, to destroy it. Whereas the Mem­bers, who were denyed the House by the Army, were turn'd Proselytes to prerogative, and had renounced the Law and Do­ctrine of the peoples liberties. Therefore

Thirdly (and lastly) the cleare tendency of the Act of the King, was the violation of the Law of nature, by seeking to ad­vance the will and power of one, or of some few, above, and a­gainst, the peace and comforts of many, whereas the act of the Army held a loyall conformity with the royall Law, the face of it [Page 33] being manifestly set to subject the power, interest and will of one, unto their lawfull Superiour, the just Interest or comfort of ma­ny. Therefore to goe about either to justifie the Kings act, by the act of the Army, or to condemne the act of the Army, by the Kings, is as if I should undertake to prove, that the night is lightsome, because the day is so, or that the day is darke, because the night is so.

A fourth objection in the mouthes of some, Sect. 40. against which they conceive the Army cannot be justified in the businesse in que­stion, The fourth grand Obje­ction. is, that all such actions are contrary unto, and condem­ned by the Lawes of the Land. But to this objection, at least to the weight and substance of it, we have already answered over and over; and particularly have asserted and proved, First, that all humane Laws and constitutions, are but of a like structure and frame, with the Ceremoniall Lawes of old made by God him­selfe, which were all made with knees, to bend to the Law of na­ture, and necessity. Secondly, That it is to be presumed, that the intent of all Law-givers amongst men, is, notwithstanding any, or all their Lawes seemingly commanding the contrary, to leave an effectuall doore alwayes open for the common good, and in cases of necessity, to be provided for by any person, or persons, whatsoever. Thirdly, that all Lawes binde onely according to the regular and due intentions of the Law-makers. Fourthly, that the Lawes of nature, and necessity, are as well the Lawes of the Land, as those commonly so called. Fifthly, that when any two Lawes encounter one the other in any such exi­gent, or straite of time, that both of them cannot be obeyed, the Law of inferiour consequence ought to give place to that of superior, and the duty injoyned in this, to be done, though that required in the other, be left undone. We now adde,

First, That we charitably suppose, that there is no such Law of the Land, which prohibiteth or restraineth any man, or for of men, from being Benefactors to the publique; especially from preserving the publique liberties in cases of necessity, when they stand in extremâ tegulâ, and are in imminent danger of being oppressed for ever, there being no likelyhood of reliefe from any other hand. And if there be no such Law as this, there is none that reacheth the case of the Army, no not in the criticall or cha­racteristicall circumstance of it.

[Page 34] Secondly, That in case there be any such Law as this, that it is a meere nullity, and the matter of it no more capable of the forme of a Law, i. of an obliging power, then tymber or stone is capable of information by a reasonable soule, which according to vulgar Phylosophie, rather then the truth is, the proper forme of a man. The Lawes of nature and of common equity, are the foundation of all Lawes (truly and properly so called) and whatsoever venditateth it selfe under the name or notion of a Law, being built besides this foundation, wanteth the essence and true nature of a Law, and so can bee but equivocally such.

Thirdly, Sect. 42. If there be a Law, which maketh force, offered to Magistrates, or persons in Authority, in any kinde, or any in­terrupting or disturbing them in their way, punishable; yet nei­ther doth this evince the act of the Army, we so much speake of, to have been contrary to the Lawes. The reason is, because it is the constant genius and manner of Law-givers and of Lawes, to lay down only the general rule, and to conceal the exceptions; which they still suppose, are, or may be. Now the exception doth not breake the Rule, nor is it properly contrary to the rule, I meane, so as to evince a nullity, or crookednesse in it, onely it is not comprehended within the verge or compasse of the rule. All cases (saith the Roman Oratour and Statesman) are not provided for by written Lawes, but onely those which are plaine, the excep­tions being left out, or omitted. Non om­nia scriptis, sed quaedam, quae perspicua sunt, tacitis exceptionibus caventur. Ci­cero. de In­vent. l. 2. Consonant hereunto is that of Grotius: In Lawes prohibitorie (saith he) the words are com­monly larger, then the minde or intent of the Law. In legibus prohibitorijs plerunque verba latius patent, quàm mens ipsa le­gis. in Mat. 12. 3. Upon which occasion, that vertue, which the Grecians call [...], we, Equitie, appeares to be most necessary in a Judge, or any other, to whom it shall appertaine to expound Lawes; the pro­perty hereof being (as Aristotle long since observed) to rectifie [or right state] the Law, [...] where it is defective, thorow the gene­rality of it. By rectifying the Law, he meanes nothing else, but a limiting and restraining the binding force of it to cases inten­ded by the Law-makers; together with an exemption of such cases from it, which upon grounds of reason and equity it may be conceived never were intended by them to be concluded in it. So that in some cases to presse and urge the rigorous extent of the letter of the Law, is to turne the waters of the Law into [Page 35] blood, and to overturne the true intent and meaning both of the Law, and Lawgiver, at once. Such urgings and pressings of Laws without due limitation, gave occasion to that Proverbiall say­ing in Tullie; Summum jus, summa injuria. Idem facit, ac is qui legem trans­greditur, qui saevâ verborum prerogativâ fraudulenter contrà juris sententiam abutitur. God. 1. tit. 1. le. 5. that the Highest justice, is the Highest injustice. And the Imperiall Law it self makes him no better, then a transgressor of the Law, who fraudulently abuseth the sterne prerogative of words contrary to the sense and mean­ing of the Law. And elsewhere: no reason of Law, or fairenesse of equity will indure it, that thorough hard construction [of words] we should turne those things against the benefit of men, which were wholesomely brought in [amongst them] for their profit and good. Nulla juris ratio, aut aequi­tatis benignitas patitur, ut quae salubriter pro hominum utilitate introducuntur, ea nos duriore interpretatione, contrà ipsorum commodum producamus ad se­veritatem. Digest. l. 1. tit. 3. de leg: leg 24. Sect. nulla. Doubtlesse they stum­ble at this stone, who pretend to finde any such Law amongst the Lawes of the Land, by which the Army should be denyed a liberty, or lawfulnesse of power to secure the peace and liberties of the Nation, by such a method and course, as they steered, necessity lifting up her voyce, and crying unto them with such importu­nity, to doe it. For (as the afore-named Grotius well observeth) amongst all the exceptions, which are tacitly included in Lawes, there is none, either more usually, or more justly admitted, then that which ariseth from necessity. Inter om­nes autem ex­ceptiones quae tacitè insunt legibus, nulla est aut justi­or, aut recep­tior, quàm ea­quae fluit ex necessitate. Hug. Grot. u­bi suprà. By what we have argued, and re­lated from learned and judicious men in this point, evident it is, both by the light of reason, as also from the testimony of ve­ry competent witnesses, that whatsoever the Lawes of the Land be, the Army could be no transgressors of any of them in stand­ing up, and interposing as they did, to vindicate the publique liberties of their Nation, in such a case of necessity, as that be­fore them.

A fift Objection, Sect. 43. wherewith some strengthen and comfort themselves against the deportment of the Army, The fift great Objection. hitherto justi­fied, is this. The example of the fact must needs be of very dan­gerout consequence to the Kingdome. For by the same reason, and upon the same account, that the Army opposed the present Magistracy, and proceedings of the publique affaires amongst us, any other party of men, making, and finding themselves strong enough for the undertaking, may at any time attempt [Page 36] the like disturbance, and confusion: and so the Kingdome shall be alwayes in danger of the like combustions and broyles. I answer,

First, That the lawfulnesse or goodnesse of an action is not to be measured or judged, by what may follow upon it, by way of sequell or event, but by what is like to follow upon it, and this not by accident, or by misconstruction, but according to the native tendency, proper ducture, and inclination of it. It is wittily said by one, that he that goeth about to read the badnesse, or goodnesse of an action by the event, bolds the wrong end of the booke upward. Christ did not amisse in giving a sop to Judas, though presently upon the receiving of it, the Devill entred into him, and prevail'd with him to betray him very suddenly. Nor would it argue any thing amisse in what the Army did, though never so many troubles, and tumultuous risings of people should breake out upon pretence of it. The reason is, because, as the grace of God it selfe, though a thing of most incomparable sweetnesse and worth, may neverthelesse be (yea, and daily is) turned into wantonnesse, and much sin and wickednesse occasioned by it in the World; so, and much more, may the most worthy actions and services of men, bee compelled to pretence the worst and vilest deedes that lightly can bee perpetrated. Therefore,

Secondly, Sect. 44. Suppose the Army should have apprehended, not onely a possibility, but even a probability, that that fact of theirs we speake of, would beget out of its owne likenesse, and occa­sion disturbances of quite another genius and spirit from it selfe; yet might it have been sinfull and unworthy in them notwith­standing, to stand still, and not to have acted as they did. The reason is, because when seed-time is come, men must not observe the windes; nor regard the clouds, when it is time to reape. As men must not doe evill, that good may come of it, so neither must they forbeare the doing of good, because evill may come of it. Men are bound to sow the seed of good actions, though they had some cause to feare that an increase of Dragons would spring from it. But,

Thirdly, Sect. 45. That no action of any bad consequence to the King­dome, can truly plead legitimacy of descent from this of the Army, is evident thus. Where there is not a concurrence of the [Page 37] same circumstance (I meane, either formally, or equivalently the same) there can be no place for exemplarinesse, or likenesse of action. And when there is, or shall be, the like politicall constellation with that, under which the Army acted, the like action cannot in the direct and native tendency of it, be of any ill consequence to the Kingdome. The killing of a man by Ti­tius being assaulted, and in his owne defence, is no ground, so much as in colour or pretence for Sempronius to flay a man tra­velling peaceably by him on the way.

Fourthly, Sect. 46. Nor is it like, that the action of the Army wee speake of, should by any back-doore of misconstruction whatso­ever, let in mischiefe or disturbance into the Kingdome; consi­dering that it was performed and done, in due order to such a provisionall settlement of affaires in the Kingdome, that as far as is possible, there may, neither occasion be given, on the one hand, nor opportunity left, on the other, to any party or num­ber of men, to attempt any interrupture, distraction, or di­sturbance therein. Therefore, to pretend or plead, that the said action of the Army, is like to cause future trouble or disturbance in the Nation, is as if a man should say, that to build an house strong, wals, doores, and windows, were of dangerous conse­quence to invite theeves to assault, and break into it.

Fifthly (and lastly) The action of the Army is not dispa­rageable by any possibility or likelyhood of evill, Sect. 47. that it may occasionally bring upon the Kingdome afterwards, more then the preservation of a man from imminent death is reproveable, because by it he is occasionally exposed to dye another time: They who conceive that it had been better for the Kingdome, and more conducing to the peace of it in after times, that the Army should have sate still, and not interpose, as they did, ar­gue at no better rate of reason, then I should doe, in case I should perswade my friend being dangerously sick, not to use the helpe of a Physitian for his recovery, because in case he did recover, his recovery might prove a probable occasion of more sicknesse unto him afterwards.

i.

[Page 38] If the Army had not applyed that plaister of fteele to the boyle, or plague-sore of the Kingdome, which they did, there had been little, or no hope of the recovery thereof, from that politicall death, the symptomes whereof, had so strongly seized the vitall parts of it. So that though the cure, in processe of time should prove an occasion of a relapse, or bring the like di­stemper againe upon it; yet, as Hezechiah was not without cause thankfull unto God, who made an addition of fifteene yeares unto his life, after his sicknesse unto death, though this addition did not excuse him from dying afterwards. So shall the people of the Nation have just cause of thankfulnesse un­to the Army for those dayes of freedome and peace, be they fewer, or be they more, which they shall enjoy, though slave­ry and oppression should returne upon them afterwards like clouds after the raine.

Another Objection, Sect. 48. deemed by some impregnable, and a­bove answer, The sixt main Objection. is framed by way of inference from Rom. 13. 1, 2. Let every soule be subject to the higher powers—Whosoe­ver therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the Ordinance of God: and they that resist, shall receive to themselves damnation. From hence the Army are concluded Transgressors, and liable to con­demnation, because they resisted the higher powers; and therein, the Ordinance of God. But with this Objection we are not be­hinde hand, having given a sufficient answer unto it already, the substance of it being nothing but what the second Obje­ction offered. Notwithstanding because we desire to give heap­ed measure of satisfaction, especially to such arguments, which pretend to the Scriptures; we thought it not amisse to lay the words themselves before you, out of which the objection is fram'd, and so to give in the surplussage of a further answer un­to it. Therefore

1. We answer, by distinguishing (with the Ministers of Scot­land, in their briefe Theses de Majestatis jure) betweene the power of Magistrates, and the abuse of this power The power (say they) is from God, and so his ordinance, but not the abuse of it. Yea, hee no whit more allowes the abuse of a lawfull power in one Tyrant, then [the use of] an unlawfull power in another Secundò i­gitur distin­guendum in­ter potestatē ipsam, & po­testatis abu­sum: eam, non autem hunc, ordinavit De­us Imò non magis ab eo probatur abu­sus potestatis legitimae in u­no tyranno, quàm pote­stas illegitima in altera.. So that if it were the abuse only of a lawfull power, which the Army resisted, they resi­sted [Page 39] no Ordinance of God, nor are they, for such an act, made lia­ble to any condemnation by the Scripture mentioned. Now that it was not any power, but the abuse of pewer, which the Army resi­sted, hath been more then once, clearly enough evicted in this A­pologie; and is further evidenced from hence; no other power, but that which is Parliamentary, can be pretended to have been resisted by them, in that act so often mentioned. But that they did not resist this power, but the abuse of it onely, appeares; 1. Be­cause this power remaines at this day quiet and undisturb'd, in the midst of them. Yea 2. Their great care and desire is, to settle this power upon better terms for the due government of the Nati­on, then those, on which it hath been continued hitherto.

If it be said, Sect. 49. that that the Parliamentary power now in being, in no lawfull power, because it is under force; I answer, 1. that it is no more under force, then it was, whilst all the Members now secluded, had free liberty to sit and vote in that House. The same Army, which is now pretended to over-awe, or keep under force the present Parliament, was as neer, and did as much to the Parliament then, in matter of force or awe, as now it is, or doth. Therefore if it were a lawfull power then, it is no lesse law­full now. 2. Nor is the Parliament at this day under any more force, by reason of the Army, then it was for the space of about two years together before, by reason of the continuall tumultu­ous engagements and practices, both in City and Countrey. Nay 3. I verily believe, that if the Members of Parliament now sitting, would please to declare themselves upon the point, they would acknowledg and confesse, that they are as free from force, or feare (at least in respect of the Army) now, as they have beene at any time since their first meeting in their House. But to the maine objection in hand, I answer.

2. Sect. 50. The ordinance of God in Magistraticall power, being the ade­quate foundation, upon which that subjection, or obedience, which he requireth of men unto it by his command, is, and ought to be built; evident it is, that this subjection is not commanded or required to this power, beyond the ordinance of God in it; i. unto a­ny act, or injunction of men invested with this power, which swerveth from, especially which opposeth, this ordinance of God (in the end and intent of it.) Now the end and intent of the ordi­nance [Page 40] of God in magistraticall power, being (as the Apostle cleer­ly asserteth, vers. 4.) the good of those that are subject to it [For he is the Minister of God to thee, for good] it is evident yet further, that there is no subjection commanded by God unto any higher powers, further, or otherwise, then they act and quit themselves in a due order and proportion to the good of men. And where subjection is not commanded, resistance is not prohibited; and consequently, is not unlawfull. For where there is no law, there is no transgression. Therefore if those higher powers, the resistance whereof the objection chargeth upon the Army, were found act­ing, and apparantly bent to act on, in a way of manifest prejudice and opposition to the good of those, from whom they expected subjection (which I presume, is little questionable to him; that hath read and weighed the premisses) and consequently, quite be­sides the end and purport of the ordinance of God, the Army, in that resistance which they made against them, transgressed no law, or precept of God.

Nor doth it follow from any thing that had been said, that a Magistrate for every errour in the administration of his power, may be deposed from his place of Magistracy by any party of men: but this is that, which only followes, that, when the su­preame Magistracy of a Kingdome shall be so farre, whether blinded in judgement, or corrupted in affection, that such coun­sels and actings put forth themselves in them from time to time, which are apparantly detrimentous and destructive to the gene­rall and great interest of the due liberties of the people, reasona­ble security may be taken of them by any party of this people, having the opportunity, and all others wanting it, that they shall proceed and act no further in such a way.

3. (And lastly) that resisting the ordinance of God in the Higher Powers, which the Apostle (in the Scripture in hand) condemneth, is not a deteyning of men in Authority, though with a strong hand, from doing mischiefe in their places; but either (as was formerly said) a refusing obedience unto their lawful commands, or awards: or rather a complotting or attempt-making to shake off the yoke of all obedience unto civill Magistracy. Calvin up­on the place seemes to incline to the latter; Paraeus, unto the for­mer, whose words are these: Yet every disobedience is not to be ter­med [Page 41] rebellion, or resistance; but only that, which out of malice is practi­sed, or admitted, contrary to the lawes, by those, who refuse to satisfie the law, by suffering such punishment, as they have deserved Non quaevis tamen in obe­dientia, dicen­da est rebel­lio, vel resistē ­tia; sed ea so­lum, quae con­tra leges, ex malitiâ admit­titur ab ijs, qui per poenā commeritam legibus satis­facere detre­ctant.. If ei­ther of these interpretations of the place be admitted, certain it is, that it reflects no bad colour at all upon the action of the Ar­my; who neither refused obedience in what they did to any command (much lesse to any lawfull command) of their Superi­ours, nor yet declin'd the giving of satisfaction unto the lawer, by refusing to suffer any punishment, which they had deserved. Pareus layes downe this position upon the place, and maintaines it by argument; v z. That it is lawfull for subjects, though meere private men, in case a Tyrant shall assault or set upon them, as Thieves use to doe, and offer them violence, in case they want opportunity to implore the ordinary power for their reliefe, and can by no other means escape the danger, to defend themselves and theirs, in the case of present danger, against this Tyrant, as against a private robber upon the high way Subditis ta­men merè pri­vatis, si tyran­nus tanquam latro et grassa­tor, aut stupra­tor, in ipsos faciat impetū, et ipsi nec po­testatem ordi­nariam implo­rare nec aliâ ratione effu­gere periculū possint, in pre­senti periculo se et suos con­trà tyrannum, ficut contrà privatumgras­satorem de­fendere licet..

But concerning the true sence of the place, Sect. 53. Calvin's apprehen­sions are of best comportance with the words; which properly and primarily speake of magistraticall power or Authority in the abstract, and this under such a circumscription and considerati­on onely as it proceeds from, and is authorized by God, and not of the persons of Magistrates at all, otherwise then they admini­ster this power in a regular and due order to the end intended by God in it, which is (as hath beene shewed from vers. 4.) the good of those, that live under it. First, he doth not say, let every soule be subject to the higher Magistrates, but, to the higher powers. 2. Nor doth he say, There is no Magistrate, but of God; but, there is no power but of God. Nor 3. doth he say, the Magistrates that are, but, the powers that are, are ordained of God. Nor 4. Whosoeer ac­sisteth the Magistrate, but, whosoever resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist [viz. the power, not the person] shall receive to themselves damnation, 5. He demands, Wilt thou then not be affraid of the power? not, of the Ruler or Magistrate. Chry­sostome takes speciall notice of these expressions, and thereupon commentarieth the place, thus: What sayest thou [Paul.] Is then e­very Ruler ordeyned by God? No (saith he) I say not so: nor doe I now speake of particular Rulers, or Magistrates, but of the thing [or, [Page 42] matter] it selfe [1. of the order, or power of ruling] For that there should be powers [or Magistracy] and that some should rule, and some be ruled, and that all things should not runne loosely and hand over head, or the people bee like the waves [of the Sea] carryed hither and thither, I affirme it to he the worke of the wisedome of God. [...] ▪ Pareus himselfe likewise carryeth the words directly to the same point: Hee names powers (saith hee) rather then Kings, Princes, &c. because he would bee understood to speake, not so much of the persons, as of the order [or ordinance it selfe of ruling] For in the per­sons [of Rulers] vice oft times, and causes of not obeying, are found: therefore he would have the powers, to be differenced from the persons. Vocat au­tem potestates potius, quàm Reges, Princi­pes, &c. ut non tamde persoins, quàm de ordi­ne ipso loqui intelligatur. Nam in perso­nis saepe sunt vitia & caufa non obedien­di: ideò à per­sonis discerni vult potesta­tes.

It is true, the Apostle names Rulers, ver. 3. where he saith, Rulers are not a terrour to good workes, but to the evill: And ver. 4. of the Magistrate or Ruler he saith, that hee is the Minister of God to thee for Good; and afterwards, that he is a revenger to ex­ecute wrath upon him that doth evill. But evident it is, that in these passages, hee speakes of Rulers and Magistrates not simply, or at large, but under the precise consideration of persons exer­cising the power, which they have received, in a due subordi­nation unto God, and with a single eye to the procurement of that good, which God intended unto those, who are to obey, in his ordination of such powers. So that nothing can be more cleere, then that the adequate scope of the Apostle, in the Scrip­ture before us, was to perswade Christians to owne, and to sub­ject themselves unto, civill Authority, as the ordinance of God, so farre, Sect. 54. and in such cases, as it should be administred by the per­sons invested in it, in a regular and due proportion to the be­nefit and good of those. i. of those communities of men re­spectively, who live under them, and from whom obedience and subjection are, upon such an account, due unto them. This sup­posed, we may safely, and without the least occasion of fcruple, conclude, that there is nothing applyable in the Scripture in hand, to the ease of the Army hither to argued; unlesse (haply) it should be supposed (and the supposition will not be altoge­ther [Page 43] without ground) that the Apostle inforcing subjection unto civill Authority, meerely as, or because, the ordinance of God, and as administred according to the gracious intentions of the founder and ordainer of it, tacitly, and in a consequen­tiall way, implyeth a liberty in men to decline this subjection, when the administrations of it are irregular, and the gracious intentions of God violated in them. For in many cases, when an action is pressed in the nature of a duty, upon a speciall con­sideration or ground, the consideration failing, the action loseth the nature and relation of a duty. Now if this supposition be admitted, it is a cleare case, that the Scripture under debate, is altogether with, and not at all against, the Army.

I know nothing of moment, Sect. 55. that can be opposed against the lawfulnesse of the action, hitherto apologised and justified in these papers, beyond what hath been already bought and sold (I meane, urged, and answered) at sufficient rates. The law­fullnesse of the action we speake of, being supposed, the honour and worth of it are of much more easie demonstration. For what better savour can a Christianly-heroique Spirit spread a­broad of it selfe, then when men shall put their lives in their hand, and in this posture stand up to take Lyons by the beards, when they are ready to teare in peeces, and devouce the Sheepe of the fold? to attempt the wresting of an Iron Sceptre out of those hands, which were now lifting it up to breake a poore Nation in peecs like a potters vessell? What the Army hath done in this behalfe, calleth to minde the unparallelable example of the Lord Jesus Christ, blessed for ever, who descended into the lower parts of the Earth, went downe into the chambers of death, from thence to bring up with him a lost World. It was the say­ing of Plato, [...]. that to doe good to as many as we can, is to be like unto God. But to doe good to as many as we can, as well enemies, as friends, by an exposall of our owne lives unto death for the ac­complishment of it, is a lineament of that face of divine good­nesse, which Plato (it is like) never saw. It was the manner of almost all Nations (as the Roman Orator observeth) to place the Assertors of their Countries liberties, next to the immortall Gods themselves, at the Table of honour. And I make no que­stion, but when the Inhabitants of this Nation shall have dranke [Page 44] a while of the sweet waters of that Well of liberty, which the Army have dig'd and opened with their Swords, after it had been for a long time stop'd and fil'd up with earth by the Phili­stims, they wil generally recover of that Mallgnant feaver, which now distempereth many of them, and be in a good posture of sobriety and strength to rise up early, and call their Benefactors, Blessed. However, the good will of him that dwelt in the Bush, be upon the head of such Warriors, who pursue that blessed victory of overcomming evill, by doing good; and according to the method of the warfare of Heaven, feeke to reconcile a Na­tion unto themselves, by not imputing their unthankfulnesse, or other their evill intreaties unto them, but in the midst of their owne sufferings from them, set themselves with heart and soule to set them at liberty from their Oppressort.