HAving seen that Policy, and Religion, which (as God is) ought to be universall was divi­ded and severed into many Sects, my spirit was much troubled; and looking round-about me, where to make a beginning to rectifie those evils, I found no better object in Christendome, then his late Highness the Lord PROTECTOR; where­upon I resolved for a while, to leave my family and native Country, fearing if I should not mani­fest to the Magistrates in England, what was upon my spirit, that they (having much to doe with o­ther affairs) might through the subtilty of the Clergy, (as in other Nations) easily be deceived. Therefore coming to London, I made first my ad­dresse to some of the Counsel, and so (by the fa­vour of them) to his Highness were I delivering the two following Letters, was heard several times with patience; doing my endeavour to preserve England from that great dishonour which hath be­fallen other Nations, by setting up instead of the form, and doctrine of Christ, the forms and facti­ons of men. But being obstructed in my proceeding, [Page 2] through the unexpected death of his Highness, I was put to some stop, waiting for a better oppor­tunity, and hearing, that your Honours were to as­semble together upon the 27. of January, my spirit was revived, hoping that my design (for the peace, and welfare of these Nations) by that means (bet­ter then heretofore) might be accomplished. Whereupon I resolved to bring the businesse (for­merly propounded to his Highness) to your Ho­nours Consideration, being perswaded in my heart, if You (who are now intrusted with the weighty affairs of these Nations) have fixed your eyes up­on God, as the eyes of the good people in these and other Nations are fixed upon You, that the Proposals laid down in the two following Letters, will have a great influence upon your hearts; es­pecially if you consider and remember the notable words of Solomon, where he speaks to the Kings and Rulers of the earth, that a sharp judgement shall come upon them that are in high places; for mercy will soon pardon the meanest, but mighty men (not standing in the Counsel of God) shall be mightily tormented. Therefore give ear to him, you that rule the people, and glory in the multi­tude of Nations; for he shall try your works, and search out your Counsels: Set your selves as true servants of the Common wealth (in opposition to the Antichrist) against all oppressors, that so they that seek with Haman to destroy and trample upon the innocent (contrary to their expectation) may be disappointed. Let some course be taken that all persons may buy their estates free from Tithes, [Page 3] that thereby henceforth none in all your Domini­ons may be forced to pay Tithes to the Ministers, for that hath been, and is still the chiefe cause of persecution, and discontent in these, and other Nations. ☜ Suffer by no means (you having respect to the Honour of Christ) that any Confession of Faith be set upon the Throne, as equal with the holy Scrip­ture; for Confessions are only to distinguish one Sect from another. Assist not with the sword, or money of the Common-wealth any Sect, or person in par­ticular, that you may not hinder the truth (which hath been long kept under) from manifesting it selfe by it's own power; for Magistrates (as Ma­gistrates) have no permission to favour any Sect, or person in particular, if any of them (being consi­dered as a private person) will be a member of a particular Congregation, he hath his liberty, as wel as others, and may honour the same with his presence, with his tongue, with his pen, and with his owne money; but not with the sword or money of the Common-wealth: for the Magi­strates (being chosen by the generality of the peo­ple) are to stand immoveable in the Centre, (as Moderators) between all Sects: They are in regard of their office, as treasurers, who are intrusted with a sum of money to imploy the same, not for their own, or any ones private advantage in particular, but for the benefit of all those that have intrusted them; if it were the magistrates worke to set up a National Ministry according to their own will, then we should be in danger to have as many religions, as there be severall wayes of government in the [Page 4] world, and the Magistrates changing their opinion, the whole Nationall Ministry must also as often be changed: What is that, then, but to do his own will, instead of the will of God, and to have his pleasure upon the souls of men. It were better, and belongs especially to your office, not to follow the traditi­ons of men, but to examine and reforme the Laws now in force, and to disanull such as are destructive and without mercy; contrary to the Law of Na­ture, and the revealed will of God: which ought to be in all ages, and in all Countreys, only our rule. It is also your honours work and business, diligent­ly to consider, what properly belongs to the office of a Magistrate, before you put the sword, and power of these Nations into their hands: for through want of care in so weighty a matter, the whole Common-wealth is in danger (as in times past) to fall under the dominion of one particular Sect, whose Ministers (to bring the common-people, and so the Magistrates, under their jurisdiction) are commonly infecting with their forms, not only the publick meeting-places, and the houses of the poor, or hospitalls. but also the Schools (called Univer­sities) which have by the subtilty of them in all Countreys; almost lost the name Universal, by being misapplied to self-ends and interests. Now to re­forme those corruptions, it is necessary that the magistrates, (whose work it is to have an eye to the good of all) do expell out of those publick houses or Colledges (being builded with the mo­ney of the common-wealth) all meer humane forms of Religion, that they may not longer make a trade [Page 5] & merchandize of the things of God. Granting an equall liberty to all peaceable people (as being but reason) that such as have ventured their lives and estates in the time of warres, should in the time of peace enjoy a like liberty with others; which may soon be, if you seriously consider the things all a­long propounded; not that I am come unto Eng­land to be your instructer, but to bring to your Ho­nours remembrance those very things, which have been upon your own hearts, in order to the esta­blishing of such a generall liberty, as hath been for many years of late pretended unto; being the only way wherein you may expect the blessing of God upon you, and your posterity, against all oppressors, to the taking away of that shamefull reproach, that the Magistrates, and Ministers, in England have brought down the King and Bishops, rather to suc­ceed in their places, then to bring the people to peace and happinesse. If the power (to defend the good against the evill) in all Countreys be ordained of God, Romans 13. then reason requires, that all sorts of people of what Nations soever, being in one Countrey together, should be protected, as wel as if any of them severally was in his own: which cannot be, except there be a good publick-minded and godly Magistrate, that will suffer all sorts of people in any one Countrey, as God suffers the same in all Countreys of the world; which I expect first in England, and so from thence to break forth (as a light) to all other Countreys and Nations, as having long enough walked (as in the night) by the glimps of particular lights. It [Page 6] is time that the universal work of God (as the Sun) do out-shine all that is particular; to which end I implore the presence of the most high God, to be in your Assembly to guide and direct your hearts in all those things, that may be acceptable unto him, and most agreeable to his good will and pleasure.

WOrthy, and (as I hope) favourable Lord, being come into England during the time of your free government, I have with much chear­fulnesse [Page 7] beheld the great freedome, which this Nation (since the putting down the authority of Bishops) doth enjoy, which I hope by degrees, will more and more prevaile in the world, to the ta­king away of all force upon Consciences, that men may be led and governed by reason, as men, and not as beasts, by compulsive power. And that those who are once delivered from the Antichristian Captivity, may not be taken Captive again by others; who, together with the great Antichrist, seek their own greatnesse; It is most highly ne­cessary that the Example of Christ (to reconcile all into one) should be followed; for those that force the Conscience, being not able to bring all under them by worldly power, do commonly manifest their own inclination to be void of Christian love, and forbearance, by gathering into Sects and Schis­mes, so that besides the great Antichrist, there are many little Antichrists, that endeavour to rise up. None of which, being able to endure any opposi­tion, or gainsaying, do seek to gain, and draw a part of Christendome under their jurisdiction. On the contrary, the Lord Jesus Christ hath taken cap­tivity captive: That is, put those to shame that held others Captive, by his Ascention into heaven, and gave gifts unto men, that they should not be led astray again, viz. he gave as means to salva­tion, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers; whose doctrine alone, while it is yet through Gods mercy; as a measuring line or clue of thred in the world, we should set that on the Throne, treading under foot, all meer humane tra­ditions, [Page 8] as Idolatry: That so all Christendome, being divided into divers Sects (as formerly the Jews were) a generall way of Church-meeting may be instituted, for the hearing of Gods word read unaltered and unsophisticated, leaving a freedome for all Sects, as well the one as the other to assert their owne apprehensions and understan­dings upon the Lessons of their Master Christ, without being tyed to one anothers opinions.

☞For it belongs only to God and Christ to have dominion over Consciences, and to Magistrates to prevent any from exercising Lordship over the Consciences of others; in so doing they would be true maintainers and defenders of Liberty, when they use not their power against those that assert their own meanings, but against those that would compel others to be of their opinions. For this, viz. to deal equally in matters of Religion to­wards subjects, is not only good and pious, but is also the foundation of a good Government. Whereas otherwise, when one Sect shall be en­couraged and commended to the Church, and the other excluded, then jealousie and envy will spoil all; so that the Magistrate in stead of being belo­ved, may often fear that their State will be under­mined, and at length totally destroyed; especially, when that one party is become numerous, or do joyn with a forraign or homebred enemy. Where­fore, though they should want the fear of God, yet for their own peace-sake, they should give free­dome to all: and the rather seeing thereby the noblest and best of understanding, are from all [Page 9] places invited and convened in: for whose wis­dome sake (as of Josephs in Aegypt) without respect of persons, they ought to be suffered to come in by the Magistrate for the common good and welfare. So that there may not only be a refining in Civil, or Politick, but chiefly in spirituall matters. For as formerly amongst the Jews, (when men began to believe that the Priests under the Law could not erre, as to their Institutions and Traditions) Gods commands were made void or of no effect: After the same manner also hath it been since the time of the Apostles in Christendom, that instead of the holy Scriptures only (having been confirmed by Miracles) which should be held a rule of Faith; yet some (being lovers of themselves) have taken up­on them a dominion, jointly with Christ, giving out, that men must believe and hold for true, what ever the Church, ( viz. the Bishops, or other super­intendents thereof) do declare as truth. The com­mon people not perceiving (by reason of the great respect which they bear to those that are set over them) that some of them seek to make themselves great, they have soon attempted to hold forth the authority of the Scriptures, according to their own sense; upon which when they have introduced matters contrary to reason, and people have refu­sed to receive them for authentick, they have by their acquired authority kindred the people, from so much as to speak or whisper against it; constraining them to believe what they say, and also to rely upon them and their absolution: and to take away all scruple from the people, have gi­ven [Page 10] out that they will answer for them at the day of judgement; Yea moreover (which is far more terrible) will undertake to pawn their souls for theirs. By which perswasions, the people being in anxiety fal into their bosomes, (as in former times) in their grosse darkness, oppugning the holy Scrip­tures and the consciences of some, with greater earnestnesse, are resisted and rejected. Yet these men being driven out by Tyranny, and seperated from Popery, have commonly something of that sower-leaven remaining in them, to bind others to their opinions, making, as a foundation of their fel­lowship, new forms, over and besides the holy Scriptures: whereby they have not exalted Christ but themselves: they have not held close to that only name, which was given for men to be saved by; but many names, as heads of parties (according to the different forms) they have brought into the world. Whence great strangenesse, making of par­ties, yea, sometimes war, and horrible blood-shed­dings have ensued: which have been managed, not for the sake of the holy Scriptures, (which they all held for truth) but to keep up their own opini­ons: till again, some more understanding men per­ceiving the various differences of the forms and wayes, and the mischief and wicked disturbance, which this strife and variance, in writings of dispu­tations and controversie hath produced, have just­ly rejected all names and rules, besides the name and rule of Jesus Christ, living among them, as men full of love and forbearance; whose understan­dings and life, clash not against the holy Scriptures [Page 11] and found reason: although they differ among themselves in apprehensions upon some places of the Scripture, but do continue in brotherly love and unity; by which forbearance they do not on­ly set others in the right way (so farre as they are in the truth) but are also by others brought out of the way, wherein they themselves did erre: a thing which ought to bear sway with all men, according to the words of Christ (As you would that men should do unto you, so do you unto them also) that they should bear with one anothers opinions and conceptions, as they would themselves be born withall in theirs. For it hath more the resem­blance and appearance of compelling the Consci­ences, and of Tyranny, then of Reason, to press any one to come up to anothers apprehension, as neces­sary, before he can apprehend it with his own un­derstanding to be good and necessary.

This hath been in former ages the policy of Per­secutors, and makers of Sects and Schismes; who not only have cast out by their power, such, whose understanding they could not bring to agree with theirs: but being unable to do it, have made great broils, rents, and divisions in the world; whereas e­very one (since God is so long suffering) ought with constant persevering love (without despairing in the work) to labour according to their power to enlighten others, that are in darknesse. For if those that have the light reject others, or depart from them; then the blind having no good leaders, must needs go astray, and being led by the blind fall into a deep abysse of Ignorance. On the contrary, all [Page 12] true lovers of the common good, do labour not only to take out of the world Factions, but also all humane inventions (as much as in them lieth) that so the Lord Jesus may alone remain Lord and Ma­ster; whose sayings they bear great honour and re­spect unto, although they possibly cannot under­stand the meaning of some particulars; yet being confirmed by signes and wonders; do hold the same for good and true. In which thing as to the sal­vation of man, they will put no trust or affiance in any besides Jesus Christ; nor yet receive any thing as truth, but that which they themselves can ap­prehend to be good and agreeable to his doctrine; therefore do they themselves not set up or own any authority, whereby men should rely upon it, nor yet should give any others Authority whereby to draw men into their party, but should bind all men unto Jesus Christ, whom they acknowledge only for Head and Saviour.

We desire from the bottome of our hearts, that all men might be gathered together under that one name, and that your Highness (from whom al­most every one expects some speciall work) will help to cleanse the Christian Religion, and worship of God, from all prevailing exorbitances; and to that end would institute (as an eternall memoriall and example to all Dominions and Governments in the world) in every City and in every County throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland, one generall Christian assembling or meeting-place, in such a form, that all people may see one another round-about by the help of seats, rising by steps, [Page 13] having before them convenient leaning-places to read and write upon; also one desk aloft on one side or end, to hear the holy Scriptures read at a set time, giving freedome after that reading, to all people, orderly to confer together, concerning the Doctrine and Instruction of their Lord and Master Christ: That all Lording over Consciences being prevented, all people might come together, with­out receiving any obstruction by any human forms or contrivances, even as the Jews being divided into several Sects (as Pharisees, Saduces, Esseens, and Herodians, &c.) met together in one Temple, so we would not deny any particular Congregati­ons of their freedome, of peaceable meeting among themselves about the Ordinances of Jesus Christ (as the Orders or Synagogues of the Jews were not at all infringed) nor bereave the Ministers or Tea­chers of their benefit, which they receive (of their own people) for their maintainance: for they ha­ving a fit opportunity, may the better bring in their sense with others, into this generall Church-meeting. That so the truth getting enlargement, the honest party may be resolved into unity, and the bad (that cannot indure the light) may be dis­covered, and made known; who only seeking Do­minion and rule, should not by any means be im­ployed in high places, in matters civil or spiritual; that so the seat of Government may not be usur­ped by their Adherents, when things go contrary to their minds (being cruell Wolves) who in seek­ing of their advantage, wil not spare the flock, over which the Rulers (who should be placed to keep [Page 14] the people in order) ought especially to take care, that they do not hinder them from the liberty of speaking freely; as it happeneth commonly in par­ticular assemblies or congregations, contrary to the laudable practice of the Jews, Acts 13.15. who themselves, after the reading of the Scriptures, did invite and stir up Paul and Barnabas (being stran­gers) to speak.

Hence when understandings might be so free and uninterrupted, there would not only arise a clearing of the understanding, and reforming of the lives of people; but also a yielding, submis­sive, condescending love: for the wisest and exper­test men daily coming thus together, to teach and to be taught; it would incline the hearts of those that should behold them, one towards another, which we may discern in worldly matters, (as in making of Treaties or Peace with Nations) where­as otherwise they being drawn up, and stretched beyond their present apprehensions, by the su­pream Authority, they stand upon their guard in opposition to one another, as well in spirituall as Civil affairs. This now being so, it will especially concern your Highness, whilst the eyes of all are fixed upon you, to set a compleat Example, that all people (that do slander you, as to have no Religion) may evidently perceive, that you do only maintain the Christian Religion, and not Countenance any other particular name or Head whatsoever. For Je­sus, the only heavenly Teacher, (who hath been long enough trod under foot by Sectarians) ought to be set up above all; and that all men as Bre­thren [Page 15] be joyned together, is the only way to abol­lish all Lording over Consciences; which hath al­ready driven him out of his seat, and many hun­dred years since possessed his place, that at length the spirituall usurpation, with its Antichristian Dominion, may be laid down at his feet.

Thus doing you will be accounted a follower of the example of the good King Josiah, 2 Kings 23. who to reform the Jews worship of God, threw down all Chimerims and Idolatry, and brought forth the book of the old Covenant, to the ears of the people; and all the people stood in that Co­venant. So will all Christendome (unlesse any would set up man, to rule together with Christ) commend your diligent and wise forecast, and cir­cumspection, and pray for the prosperity of your estate, to the ruine of the Romish Seat, which (to­gether with all that would force Consciences) hea­ring the report of this noble Freedome, will begin to tremble, yea, even their silenced children, whose mouths have been muzzled by compulsive re­straint, will begin to speak; and so in time of need, seeing your free Government, may come to shrowd themselves under your wings. To which, God the Father who beholdeth you, and all Mens actions, afford his grace, through Jesus Christ, Amen.

MIghty, and (as I hope) prudent Lord, being by the Loadstone of your free Government drawn, and come into England, I have not only be­held the multiplicity of Opinions, and various dif­ferences of Sects (who have been long held toge­ther in a false peace) but also have laid before you an expedient (in my Letter of the 24. of June) to bring them together to a true reall unity.

I hope (seeing the bonds of Antichrist are in a great measure broken in England, by the effusion of much blood,) that you as a skilful Pilot, will keep your hand at the Helm, & your eye upon the sail, that so the little Antichrists, who seek to rule over Consciences, may not bring your work to shame and reproach, by exciting you to Tyranny, and thereby obstruct you in perfecting the same. For severall Princes and Magistrates have formerly la­boured to bring down the Antichrist; but not right­ly knowing the nature thereof, have (unawares) not observed the little ones, while they oppose the great ones only, as Bishops and others; and the lit­le, self-seeking ones to become great, have to their power helped the Magistracy (as if themselves were Enemies of the spirituall domination) only that they might succeed in the others places, which evi­dently appeared as soon as ever they began to take breath, in that they have instituted new forms (the cause of Sects and parties) by framing new Articles [Page 17] of faith, over and besides the holy Scripture, there­by to shut men up within the Park or Inclosure of their own opinions; by which means they set not up Christ in the hearts of men, but their own King­dome and Dominion, which is Idolatry. And the Rulers being brought on their side, oppression hath been exercised upon such as have not worshipped their Images (I mean their contrived Forms) with­out life.

Now to oppose these deceitfull spirits, who in an Angellicall humility and lowlinesse, come with great and lamentable complaints and petitions. The good Magistrates, to the end they be not de­ceived, should, for the protecting of the Innocent, be armed with a Divine foresightfulnesse, and cir­cumspection, for they by all means (as if the Magi­strates could make their dead Forms live) do inces­santly implore the interposing their Authority, well knowing, that there is no better way, to bring the Common-people (wherein the strength of a Nati­on consists) under their jurisdiction, and do some­times set the Magistracy (which to govern well cannot be too high) by degrees higher and higher; yea upon hopes thereby to have their Forms sub­scribed unto) resolve to make any body their King or Emperour; being well assured, that when he hath thus given up his power to them, and set them on the Throne, they may afterwards do with him what they will.

For the most part all Kings have lost their pow­er, by giving too much Authority to the Ministry or Teachers, and have become (instead of Lords, [Page 18] servants; yea (fearing the opposition of them and their followers) have for their sakes become Ty­rants.

Considering these things, the Magistrates to whom (and not to the Teachers) the sword is gi­ven, for the protection of the good, should hold it fast, to prevent and frustrate all cunning and subtil practices, and instead of giving Ministers or Tea­chers power and Authority, should (by their gener­all Assemblies set up in all Cities and Countries) draw the common people out of their bosomes and dominion, that they may loose their usurped pow­er, that so the sword may return into its right place, for which God hath ordained it, without the Magistrates needing in their Government, to have dependance on the Ministers or Teachers, who are wont to incense the people against them. This (be­sides that the whole power will come into the hands of the Magistrates) will bring many thou­sands a year to the Common-wealth. For the peo­ple having opportunity to come into the generall Assemblies, out of love to hear many wise under­standing men, will not need to give maintainance to the hirelings, who Lord it in particular Congrega­tions, whereby the Magistrates (who now begin to lighten or ease the burthen of maintainance) will be beloved more then formerly. Then shall we first be able rightly to discern, when the power is come into its right place, what the Magistrates are, who now many times are accounted oppressors, and e­vill Governours: though it may be that oppression and evill government doth proceed more from the [Page 19] nature of the Teachers, then of the Magistrates, who (now the way to make the Teachers power­lesse is opened) will begin to appear more evident­ly then formerly, and the more, because the com­mon assembling place may be instituted for draw­ing of the people from the Ministers in all places, without compulsion of any man, bringing all Sects (without giving wages to any) as brethren to equal priviledges. But if those that are of one and the same opinion, will have particular Congregations, and Set-Ministers, let themselves pay them as a Master doth his servant. For its no reason that a man should help to maintain anothers servants; especially, if they be such as (in his judgement) are soul-destroyers; who (being in his senses) would assist such enemies as do countermine him? Is it not to be wondred at, that the Ministers (who would be esteemed more then the Magistrates) should (to the shame of their Church or Congregations) de­sire wages of them, for whom they have not labou­red? Neither is it the mark of a true Church, where the Members thereof are so covetous, and unmercifull, that they will not maintain or provide for their own Ministers; and the Teachers (loving the wages of unrighteousnesse) do (contrary to the 10 ^th. Commandement) covet the goods of others; whereof the Apostles and their Congregations▪ would have been ashamed to think, much lesse would do it. Yet I hope, that once the Conscience-burthening-law of constraining to pay Tithes to the Ministers (who seek rather after Lucre then the Truth) for the rest of these Nations, will be made [Page 20] null and void. Some course being taken to supply the necessities of the Ministers, who by such Act (that none shall be forced to pay Tithes to them) may be brought to a want of a subsistance; and yet that this may be so done, only for those that are now made destitute, but no encouragement for any others in time to come. And by this the Magi­strates (while every Sect maintain their own Mini­sters) will be freed from laying such intollerable burthens on their Subjects, having to provide for none else, but those, who are appointed in the ge­nerall Assemblies or meeting-places, to read the holy Scriptures, and keep the people in order; to shew that they are no maintainers of Sects, but of the Christian Religion; being as Fathers and Me­diators, to bring the good together, out of all Sects, to unite under the name of Jesus, to the end that his Kingdome and Government may be enlarged, for an example to Holland, Denmark, Sweden, France, and other Kingdomes, who seeing there is no force nor constraint used, will easily be brought to a firm bond of Unity. This being the only means by forsaking all Men, and human-Forms, to be bles­sed by Christ (whose honour only is sought) against the Antichrist, contrary to the way of other Kings and Princes, who being separated from Popery, have made themselves unworthy of the blessing of Christ, by giving honour to the bare name of Lu­ther, Calvin, and others, instead of giving it to Christ, having been deceived by the little Anti­christs their followers; who as well as the great one, seek their own glory; ease, and idlenesse; and as [Page 21] if they had no fellowship with the great Antichrist, have put the holy Scriptures into the common peo­ples hands, which was before was prohibited to be read, only seeking that we should agree with them in their Forms, applying and fitting themselves (such is their subtilties, to the temper of the times: as a Fowler gives scope to a Bird he hath already in a string, that so at length it may be content to live in a Cage. Now against these little Antichrists, who under the name of giving liberty, would bind the people to their opinions) the Magistrates (being taught by experience) should as wel counter-work, as against the great, that they may come to the very root, bringing the holy Scripture (which was for­merly prohibited to be read) with great Triumph into the generall Assembly or meeting-place, and set it on high, to the end that the found or report of this, to wit, that Christ alone must rule (by his word) in the hearts of men, among all Nations (ac­cording to the great work done in England) may be heard, giving liberty to every one, after the reading of the Scripture (contrary to the little An­tichrist, who wil have it understood only according to their own Forms and Expositions) to set forth his own apprehension, without being bound to a­ny ones opinion: That spirituall matters being ap­plyed to spiritual, Antichrist may be stormed with two Armies, viz. the Truth against Error, and the materiall sword against oppressors, who by their arrogating disposition and exclusion of others, do seek to restrain the liberty of speaking, which dis­covers the errors of the understanding for the cure [Page 22] thereof. Whereas, by stopping the mouths of peo­ple (as heretofore) they make men incureable.

Now to further this, that the weaknesse or Igno­rance of some may be remedied by the knowledge of others, without disturbance or Confusion, it will be necessary that the Authority of the Magistrate interpose in this generall Assemby or meeting-place, that every one may speak in their order, staying their time, and those that break order, may (after due warning) be ejected, till they are better disposed, without oppressing them by Imprison­ment or otherwise.

This would be glad tiding, yea, a true year of Jubilee, for those that lye in prison, only for asser­ting their opinions in matters of Religion; that now they may (together with others) bring in their un­derstandings into this generall Assembly, to receive or give light. And to the end, that Antichrist (or he that exalts himself above others) may be con­tinually shut out, it is exactly to be observed, that no preheminence or sole priviledge be granted to any, (of offering any thing, or of speaking first) that so every one being at liberty and unhindered, may bring forth that which is most conducing to the Common welfare, according to the words of Paul, 1 Cor. 14.16. All of them sitting still, so long after the reading of the Scriptures (as being swift to hear and slow to speak) till any one think it fit (in his judicious and humble mind) to propose some­what for mutuall edification; endeavouring with­all to make his discourse short, that another may have his turn likewise, contrary to the custome of [Page 23] the common Teachers, who only, or solely speak­ing, do lengthen out their discourse, to the weari­nesse of their Auditory; for which end the Moder­ators (who ought to be meek and understanding men) are to observe that there be due order kept.

This (seeing no Forms or Articles are made in it besides the holy Scripture) will be a Councel and Synod, standing alwayes open, to all rational peo­ple, without imposing any mans conclusions, con­trary to the former Assemblies, who have excluded all Nations and Posterity (by their self conceited­nesse) dividing people, as by a wall of separation, one from another, by their Forms: whereupon great estrangement hath ensued, as if they were different Nations. And the better to set up their Antichristian Kingdom and dominion, have so con­trived their Catechismes, that they have bound up, and so spoiled the understandings of their children, before they come to have the use of Reason, hold­ing their dependants or Members, captive under them in their Net, as beasts, contrary to the order of their Creation: well knowing, that if they gave them the liberty of speaking, they would not be long worshipped as Idols, or sacrificed to, as Bell at Babell.

Contrariwise, people, in the general Assemblies, when all understandings and tongues are free, will be stirred up to the exercise thereof, and by con­ferring together, will come to knowledge, love, and familiarity. The truth (which hath been long kept under or with held in unrighteousness) will scatter the lyes, as light doth darknesse, and the great cre­dit, [Page 24] which we have given to some Teachers in par­ticular, will by opposition be diminished, and the power of all Sects; (the one dispelling the Errors of the other) will be broken.

This will be the place, where we shall discern & learn to know, the most wise as Solomon, and meek as Moses; which out of all Sects (only such as seek to domineer over others excluded) may be appoin­ted as Councellors, The Magi­strates from the highest to the lowest, ought to be men of pub­lick sp [...]its for their work (concerning their office) is not a par­ticular, but a general work. to keep steady the ballance of Government, without respect of persons, to the end, that the Spirit of God be not confined; which will be a sure mark, that Wisdome (for the sake of which Kings in times past were blessed) is under this Government esteemed above gold and silver; being the principall to distinguish all things, chiefly Policy from Religion, for the common good: For Magistrates (if they would remain without usur­ping the Office of Christ) may not make Laws in matters of Religion, but against evill deeds, to pro­tect the good: To the end, that their Subjects (from whom they receive Taxes and Impositions) may be protected in peace, of what Religion soever they are: For the power to punish evil-doers, is ordained of God in all Lands, without respect of Religion, and whosoever opposeth that power, opposeth the Ordinance of God; not that all Officers (though they rule ill) are of God, or are his Ministers, but those only, who administer their Office rightly, ac­cording to Gods will: Otherwise, those who here­tofore have risen up against Tyrants, opposing their persons, should have been indeed opposers of Gods Ordinance: contrary to that of the Apostle, Rom. [Page 25] 13. who hath said, that such as are continually im­ployed in the defence of the good, are the Ministers of God, untill they have by false Teachers, been drawn besides their Office, to domineer over Con­sciences, and so brought into the service or Mini­stry of Satan, to the grief of their Subjects.

But I hope, that once the sword, which hath been with-held from lyers and oppressors, shall cut them off together with the Cable of their hope (the Tithes) that so the ground of almost all op­pression being taken away, not only the Subjects, but also the Magistrates, may live in peace; who are now continually liable to hear the complaints of the head Sectaries, who seek to domineer over others, it being the nature of such, who finding their own weaknesse, do make power and force their refuge, contrary to the example of Christ and the Primitive Saints, whose strength was only the evidence of truth. Wherefore all people (and chief­ly Magistrates) are to take heed that they assist not lyes, using their power (according to Gods Ordin­ance) only against those that are to the prejudice of good Government, or the hurt of mankind in generall, without mingling Pollicy, and Religion, which were ordained for severall ends; the one to defend the good men against the evil, and the other to make the evill good. There remains only, that the Magistrates (for an example to their Sub­jects) do null all humane commanding and con­straining-Laws in spirituall matters, that so all plants, which the heavenly Father hath not planted, may (according to the saying of Christ) be rooted up, [Page 26] which will best take effect when the dominion of the Teachers, is through the power of the Gover­nours, come to an end; and their hope of domi­neering over others cut off. ☞ For Magistrates, instead of Lording it over Consciences, ought on the contra­ry to hinder all Lordship over Consciences, that com­plaining and murmuring may come to an end, and that the righteous may rejoyce.

For which end, that we may transmit the World unto our posterity, in a better condition then we first found it, I have contributed this little to my power.

I beseech your Highness, let not any preingage­ment oblige you, to what you may afterwards see inconsistant with the Magistrates true interest, with the due liberty of Gods people, and the free propa­gation of the Gospel. It were better for you and more for your Honour with Ahashuerus, to contra­dict your own hand and Seal, then with Herod, to perform a rash engagement.

But while it is yet in your Highness choice, let not the right hand of brave Atchievments for the vindication of liberty be ever stained with autho­rizing (to the honour of men, and dishonour of Christ) any Confession of Faith, Ordinance, or De­cree; which will in the least intrench thereon, or indulge the enemies thereof. Be not deceived, by such persons as pretend to advance your Honour, as in the time of Daniel was done to King Darius, that the good people in those and other Nations, may not be disappointed of their hope and expe­ctations in you.

[Page 27]I do wish for conclusion, that your Highness, and all your Counsellors of State, to the bringing down of Antichrist, and all his Adherents, may have a great heart, and humble under God and Christ. That the great work done in England, come not to the Honour of a mortal man, but to the ho­nour of him, who hath received the power over the Kingdomes of the earth.

O Lord of all Lords, and Magistrates, teach them that rule as Gods in the world, to consider, that they are but men in thy eyes; That they may handle their Subjects after such a manner, as they wish to be handled by thee in thy judgement.

BEing come into England in love, to the common good, I have after much longing severall times had opportunity to speak with your Father about [Page 28] divers matters, to whom also I delivered two Let­ters, which he promised to consider of, and was willing I should have liberty further to declare my mind and sense unto him: this being prevented by his unexpected death, I have thought fit foras­much as your Highness hath succeeded him, to transfer the aforementioned Letters to you, hoping that my counsell (which your Father did not de­spise) being joyned with your power and goodness, will order all things in such a way that the light of liberty kindled in England, may enlighten all Kingdomes and Governements in the world.

Your Highness is not ignorant how the Pope of Rome, and the Bishops have held many thousands, in these, and other Countreys, together in a false Peace by the bands of Tyranny, untill some mag­nanimous spirits (not able any longer to bear that injustice) did with a strong arme, throw of the Tyrannicall yoak, by reason whereof the false peace, being thus interrupted the people is become divided into many kinds of Sects and opinions, which yet is better then to have them bound toge­ther in a false peace, with the bands of Tyranny, for the diseases as well of the mind, as of the body, cannot be cured unlesse they be first manifested, neither would he do the part of a skilfull Chirur­geon, that should endeavour to skin over the wound, without cleansing the bottome, but rather discover his base designe in preferring his own In­terest before the health & welfare of the Patient, for this cause it will be good to suffer every one without any let or hinderance, to manifest his sence [Page 29] and disease (as well in spirituall as bodily matters) to the very bottome, that so the corruptions being found out, the remedy for cure of the same may be applyed, to which purpose that every error might meet with its Antidote; I did in my Letters delivered to your Father, propound the setting up a generall meeting-place, in all Cityes and Coun­tryes, which might stand as a clear light between all Sects, for the dispelling of errors; not by vio­lence, but by the power of Scripture and reason, without binding up the liberty of speaking, (whereby the defects of the understanding are kept hidden) which is already much laboured after by the little Antichrists, that seek their own greatness, but I hope that you, perceiving the mistery of Ini­quity, will above all things remember Englands li­berty, which hath cost much blood, and with a ge­nerous spirit bring down all designes how subtil soever, without being deceived, by such as come in sheeps-cloathing, with smooth and flattering words, and in a fair and specious outside, shew themselves like Angels of light, against whom you ought as wel to be armed with prudence, as against open enemies, that so the sword which is given for the protection of the good, may not be abused by those who have more hopes to prevaile with you, then they had with your Father, who knew their dispositions by long experience, yet I hope you will shew, and demonstrate by your works & actions, that you will in that, not only follow, but exceed the Exampler of your Father, by not esta­blishing any particular Sect, (which in other Coun­tryes [Page 30] hath caused a total destruction of liberty) but by maintaining a tolleration for all; For the Lord of heaven hath not designed England, for a parti­cular but for a generall work, therefore it is one of the main businesses of Magistrates, to try the spi­rits of those that repaire to them, for there are two kinds of Spirits that stand in direct opposition, al­wayes working the one for their own particular, and the other for the common good, not only to cure the distempers of the mind, but also to take off the burthens and afflictions of the body, and when you are at a losse, stand centred in the eter­nalls will, who can make way for true wisdom, to direct and lead you in and out, before the people. Thus having born testimony against all oppression, I leave it to God, your Self, and your Counsel, not doubting but if it should prove ineffectual God will raise up instruments for delivering of the op­pressed,