A CAL TO ALL THE SOULDIERS OF THE ARMIE, BY THE FREE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND.

  • 1. JUSTIFYING THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE FJVE REGJMENTS.
  • 2. Manifesting the necessity of the whole ARMIES joyn­ing with them, in all their faithfull endeavours, both for remo­ving of all Tyranny and oppression, chiefly TYTHES and EXCISE, and establishing the just liberties and peace of this Nation.
  • 3. Discovering (without any respect of persons) the chiefe Authors, contrivers and increasers of all our miseries, especially the new raised hypocrits, by whose treacherous practices, all the just intentions and actions of the ADJUTATORS and other well minded Souldiers, have been made fruitless.
Isaiah 58.6.

Is not this the fast that I have chosen? To loose the bands of wickednesse, to undoe the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed goe free, and that yee breake every yoak?

Mat. 23.27, 28.

Woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, hipo­crites; for yee are like unto whited Sepulchres, which indeed ap­pear beautifull outward, but are within full of dead mens bones, and all uncleannesse.

Even so, yee also outwardly appeare righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisie and iniquity.

Printed in the Yeare 1647.

TO THOSE FIVE REGJ­MENTS OF THE ARMY, WHO HAVE already declared themselves to stand for mainte­nance of our just liberties, and for removall of those heavie oppressions, mentioned in that worthy discourse, inti­tuled, THE CASE OF THE ARMY: AND To all, who intend to joyne timely and speedily with them.

YEE, true lovers of Justice and the Common­wealth, the work which yee have undertaken, is so just and necessary, that yee cannot but be exceedingly comforted in the very thoughts thereof, ye have Justice and necessity on your side, which will powerfully draw all free-principled men of all estates and conditions unto you, nor can ye faile of good successe, unlesse contrary to the will and mind of God, who hath moved your hearts, and raised you to this so excellent, eminent and needfull a worke, yee give ear in aniwise to the Syrene-songs of flatterers, temporizers, neuters and hy­pocrits.

As for martiall-force, wee know you to be of such und ant­ed courage, fidelity and valour, as that yee will incurre no danger in that kind, but what yee may easily prevent and a­voide, if yee be so wise, provident and circumspect as wee hope; besides, yee may be consident, that no just mans con­science will suffer him to oppose you; and as for the unjust, [Page 4]God hath made them as chaffe before you.

Take heed of crafty polititians and subtill Machivelians, & be sure to trust no mans painted words, it being high time now to see actions, yea, and those constantly upright too; if any man (by bringing forth unexpected bitter fruits) hath drawn upon himselfe a just suspition, let him justly bear his own blame, such a one is no more to be trusted whatsoever be pretended, untill he as farre exceed others, as he hath come short, in prosecution of your just ends and purposes.

One of the surest markes of deceivers, is to make faire, long and eloquent speeches, but a trusty or true-hearted man studieth more to doe good actions, then utter deceitfull ora­tions; & one of the surest tokens of confederates in evill, is not only when one of his fellowes is vehement, firy or hot in any o [...] [...]h [...]ir pursuits, to be patient, cold or moderate to pacify his partner, and like deceitfull Lawyers before their Cliants to quallify matters; but sometimes seeme to discord or fall out, and quarrell in Councels, reasonings and debates; and yet neverthelesse in the end to agree in evill; which they doe purposely, to hold upright men in a charitable (though doubtfull) opinion, that if such and such a man be not godly and upright, they know not whom in the world to trust, whiles in the meane time, under the vizards of great profes­sions, gilded with some religious actions, they both deceive the world, and bring their wicked designes and selfe-inte­rests to passe.

Those of you, that use your thursday general-Councels of late, might have observed so much of this kind of jugling, false-hood and double dealing, as might have served to some good use at this point of extreamity, but truly most that have beene there have beene deluded, to our great griefe; which appeareth by the unreasonable proceedings of that Court; as in many things, so especially in their debates about [Page 5]the aforesaid Case of the ARMY, now published and subscri­bed by you.

Wherein though the Generall was so ingenuous, as to move for the publicke reading thereof, yet the Commissary Generall Ireton, and Lievtenant Generall Cromwell, yea, and most of the Court, would and did proceed to censure & judge both it and the Authors and promoters thereof, without reading it, and ever since doe impudently boast and glory in that their victory.

It is very wonderfull, that such understanding men, should so soone fall in [...] the same pernitious courses of those late impeached fugitives, their predecessors, Hollis and Stapleton, seeming to account all other men meer fooles but themselves; and because they were able to carry al things (as it were with a strong streame) in the House according to their own wils, they thought that either all other men abroad were blind, or must necessarily be of their mind: but as they were in some degree, so will these in a greater measure, be taught some new lessons of better manners; and in Gods owne time, will be forc't also to acknowledge, that a sincere conscience will bear out in the day of tryall, when a wounded conscience (with wicked acts and false tricks) will bewray guiltinesse, and make the party odious.

In the Councell they held forth to you, the bloody Flagge of threats and terrous, talk't of nothing but Faction, dividing principles, Anarchy, of hanging punishing, yea, and impudent­ly maintained that your Regiments were abused, and the a­foresaid Case, not truly subscribed, and did appoint a Com­mittee Ad terrorem; and abroad they hold forth the white-flag of accommodation and satisfaction, and of minding the same thing which yee mind, and to be flesh of your flesh, and bone of your bone; and to invite you to their head-quarters, where they hope either to worke upon you, as they have [Page 6]most lamentably done upon others, even to betray your trust, confound both your understandings and Councels, corrupt your judgements, and blast your actions; and though they should not prevaile with you, yet there they keepe so great a state and distance, that they suppose yee will not dare to make good the things yeee have published.

But if yee be as wise as yee had need, keepe both from thence altogether, and as much at a distance from these pre­tended friends, as ye did once from open enemies; beleive it (if yee please) yee may as well hazzard at Hampton-Court as where they are, for the King and they are become one, as by the ensuing discourse is made manifest.

If yee doe adventure to goe thither, beware that yee be not frighted by the word ANARCHY, unto a love of Mo­narchy, which is but the gilded name for Tyranny; for Anar­chy had never been so much as once mentioned amongst you, had it not been for that wicked end; 'tis an old thred-bare trick of the prophane Court, and doth amongst discreet men shew plainly who is for the Court, & against the liberties the people, who, when soever they positively insist for their just freedomes, are immediatly flap't in the mouthes with these most malignant reproaches, O, yee are for Anarchchy, yee are against all Government, yee are Sectaries, sedicious persons, troublers both of Church and State, and so not wor­thy to live in a Common-wealth; there shall be a speedy course taken both against you and such as you: Away with all such from Parliament doores and head-quarters.

And if yee can escape these delusions, as through Gods as­sistance (wee trust) yee will, and not be satisfied with halfe or quarter remedies, or things holding a shadow only of good, without the substance, we cannot in the least, doubt of your good successe, being firmly resolved to stand by you, and to live and dy with you.

Yee had need to bee well armed and fortified against the devices that will bee put upon you, Ireton (yee know) hath alredy scandalized the Case of the Army in the generall counsel where, by his owne, and his confederats craft and policy, he raigneth as sole master, in so much as those freinds yee have there (which wee hope, yee will see in dew time not to bee few) find it to little purpose to shew them selves active in opposing him: and as hee undertooke, so hath he answer­dy your Case, wherein hee sheweth himselfe soe full of arte & cunning smooth delusion (being skilled in nothing more) that if yee did not censibly know the things to be really and experimentally true, which yee have therein exprest and published, 'tis ten to one but he would deceive you.

This is certaine, in the House of Commons, both he and his Father Cromwell, doe so earnestly and palpably carry on the Kings designe, that your best friends there are amazed thereat, and even ready to weep for griefe to see such a sud­den and dangerous alteration; and this they doe in the name of the whole Army, certifying the House, that if they doe not make further addresse to the King, they cannot promise that the Army will stand by them; if they should find oppo­sition; and what is this, but as much in effect, as in the name of the whole Army, to threaten the House into a compliance with the King your most deadly enemy, and who if things go on thus, will deceive both you and them, yea, and all that act most for him?

To what purpose then should you either debate, conferre or treate, with such false sophisters, or treacherous deceivers as these, who like the former Courtiers can alwaies play the hypocrites, without any check of conscience? To what end should yee read, or spend time, to consider what they either write or speake, it being so evident that as they did intend, so they proceed to hold you in hand till their work be done?

But if you will shew your selves wise, stop your eares a­gainst them; resist the Devill and he will fly from you: hold not par lee with them, but proceed with that just work yee have so happily begun, without any more regarding one word they speak, for their consciences being at liberty to say or do any thing which may advance their owne ends, they have great advantage against you, whose consciences will not per­mit you to say or do any thing but what is just & true, & what yee mean to performe, they having shamfully proved them­selves to be large promisers, thereby to deceive both you and all the people, but the worst performers that ever lived.

And therefore, certainly, ye have no warrant from God to treat either with them or their deceitfull instruments, who will be speedily (in great numbers) sent amongst you; but as ye know most of them for evill, so are ye to avoid them, as the most venemous Serpents: & faill not in this your just enterprize to cast yor selues chiefly upon God in the use of all the knowledge, experience, means and power wherewith he hath fur­nished you; and secondly upon the people, who will be ready with all their might and strength to assist you; whil'st yee are fathfull & reall for them; joyne and be one with them in heart and hand, with all possible speede in some substantiall and firme AGRE­MENT, for just freedom and common right, that this nation may no longer flote upon such wavering uncertain and sandy foundations of Government, which have been one of the greatest causes both of all your, & our predicessors miseries

Otherwise, if ye be not at a firme establish't certainty of all particulars therein, con­ducing both to the prosperity and safety of the People, we see no other remedy, but that now after all your victories, both ye and wee will come to live that dying life, e­ven at the cruell mercies of most wicked Tyrants and blood oppressors.

Thus yee may assure your selves, if ye now suffer your strength either to be wronng or flattered out of your hands (though it be a most sad thing to speake) before many moneths passe, both yee and wee are like to be driven, yea, and even glad to begge our bread; and why is it they keepe you still so poore as they have a long time done (to the great griefe of us all) but that yee might not be able to helpe or stirre more then as many prisoners? Yea, they intend when they are advanced to the hight of their preferment, that many both of you and us, shall be whipt, or banished as Va­gabons, starved in prisons, or hanged on Gallowses by dosens, scores and hindreds, as theeves and murderers.

Therefore let the foresight and consideration of these sad rewards of all our good services, which are fast hatching for us, make you wise and provident in time, who have sufficient power with our assistance, to defend both your selves and us; and the rather use all lawfull meanes to prevent, then to be in any wise forced to repent; worke whilst it is called to day; the night commeth on a pace, even the blacknesse of darknesse, of a most wicked accommodation, and then no man can worke: Up there­fore and be doing what is just, and the Lord our God will assist you, and wee shall spend our lives and estates with you.

Fare-well.

A CALL TO ALL THE SOULDIERS OF THE ARMY, by the free People of England.

FAITHFUL friends, ye and we have had so much ex­perience of all sorts of men, that if now wee bee any longer deceived, wee are to complain of none but our selves; for as concerning the King, yee know the whole time of his reign before this Parliament, [...] time of most intolerable oppression, as his deferring and [...] [...]ng up of Parliaments, knight-hood and loane-money, en­fo [...]ent of customes and impost, cruell and bloody censures in Sta [...] [...]mber and high Commission, selling of Offices, bribery and exte [...]s in all Courts, extention of law-suits, multitudes of Pat [...] and projects, Ship-money, coate and conduct money, in­novation in Religion, and continuall oppression of conscience.

And as his first warre was made purposely to betray Rochell, (that ancient Sanctuary of the Protestants) so now by the same his arbitrary power, he raiseth a bloody warre against his owne native Country of Scotland, purposely to betray and enslave both us and them; so that a verier tyrant then King Charles, even when this Parliament began, was not living upon earth.

And our hopes (ye know) were very great, that this Par­liament would have punished him in the first place, as the chiefe author of our miseries; but so it proved, that he no more abused his Office, then they instantly fell to abuse their trust; and frustrate our hopes; for they let him alone, and fall only upon his evill Coun­cellors; by which treacherous meanes they gave him opportunity to raise a warre against the People, which yee full dearely know, proved a very cruell and bloody one, to the destruction of many thousand worthy men and families, all which seemeth too soone to be forgotten.

A great part of which time, the Parliament so managed the warre as if they intended meerly to robbe and spoyl the People, by pilling and polling them with variety of new devised taxes, especially with that unmercifull taxation of EXCISE; which (like the disease called the woolfe) both eateth the flesh and sucketh the blood of the midle and poorer sort, and so to moold and fashion the people, to beare such heavy burdens as the King should impose upon them, with the lesse grudging and repining.

But in the very point of time, when both the Parliament and their Armies under Essex and Manchester, had all shamefully be­trayed their trusts, and that all wel-affected people were ready to be given up into his merciles hands, naked & stript of all their wealth and strength, even then, it pleased God by undiscernable meanes, to raise the n [...]w modle and put power into your hands, which wee thankfully acknowledge, ye so faithfully, industriously and vali­antly employed, as soon curbed the peide and power of the King, and freed the land from all his cruell and bloody forces.

Yet whiles ye were thus busie abroad for good, the Parliament and City doe confederate, and are as industrious at home for evill; as to admit none to bear office of any trust or command, but such as would submit to the Covenant and Presbytery; an Ordinance is brought into the House, and countenanced against opinions in Religion, of a more bloody and dangerous consequence then any that ever was in the high Commission; a Committee is appointed and exercised with most vile parciallity, by Colonell Leigh and his accomplices, against godly peaceable People, for preaching with­out their deceitfull Cleargies Ordination; the House of Lords im­prison Commoners at their pleasure, Larner, Lilburne, Overton, Tew and others, and the House of Commons approve thereof, and give up the liberties of the people to any.

Their own Committees arbitrary commitments, and the violent behaviour of their own members are justified, whiles those whom they abuse, are upon false suggestions unheard, imprisoned; and in conclusion, they blush not to burne just Petitions by the common hang-man.

Indeed, there were no end of reckoning up the innumerable trea­cheries, and mischieveous practices of this your Parliament, their intolerable pride, and covetous in-riching of themselves, their [Page 3]children and alliances, their allowance of the oppressions of all Committees and Courts, that should be courts of justice, but are indeed forges of oppression and injustice: And in all these times, and amidst all businesses, what is there done for the people? If in the beginning, they removed one oppression, (as if they repented them­selves) they have brought in two in place thereof; and ever and a­non, their grand Master the King, must be treated withall; his ho­nour and authority (for sooth) that ever sought most violently the ruine of you and us, must be tendred, and have propositions sent to him, and the poore ignorant people must be deluded by this Par­liaments double dealing, as if all the peoples peace and happinesse depended only on him, who ever oppressed them to his utmost pow­er: All his plots to ruine the honest party in the Parliament and Ci­ty, must not in the least be layed either to his charge, nor almost to any others, but searcht' into by halves and hudled up, like Deering, and Walers plots and the like; the Earle of Manchesters teachery as foule as any, not so much as questioned.

And untill the wickednesse of the House of Commons came to such a masse, that they had plotted your disbanding, and thereby gave you just cause to stand upon your own guard, there appeared no hope, but that we & ye with all who had al-waies stood for common freedome, against both Kingly, Lordly, and Parliamentary tyran­ny, shoul'd have been made the objects of their scorne, and subjects of their malice, and had ere this, been delivered up as slaves into the cruell hands of the King their Master.

But God hath put it into your hearts to take care both of your selves and us, and by your wisdome and resolution wrought a mighty alteration: Ye of the plainer sort, were thought by him who is only wise, to be the meetest instruments for so great a work, and wee are grieved, that those who were raised by your valour to places of honour and greatness, should so soon despise the way of the Lord, and should not still make use of you, in finishing the work so happily begun.

Your Adjutators (we hear) are esteemed but as a burthen to the chief Officers, which we judge to be the reason, that all things now are in such a languishing condition; our hopes dy daily within us, and we fear ye will to soon give your selves and us, with our joynt and just cause, into their hands: Yee should have considered, that [Page 4]they along time staggered, before they engaged with you, and certainly had never engaged, but that they saw no other way nor means to shelter and preserve themselves, from the power of Hollis and Stapleton with their confederates.

We have now too much cause to fear, that your and our good, or the promoting of the common freedome of the Nation, was the least part of their care or intention; for they no sooner by your u­nanimous resolution, became Masters of the King, Parliament and City, and thereby of a power to doe whatsoever good, was de­sirable either by you or us, but they wholy despise and neglect you; for notwithstanding your joynt engagement, and thereby your just power of voting with them, in all things concerning the Army as an Army, or as members of the common-wealth, they (at Branford or Hunslow) made an agreement with the Parliament, without your knowledge or consent; and likewise, both against your sound ad­vice and their engagement, permit the usurpers of Parliament au­thority to sit and vote in the House, not considering, or (at least) not regarding how impossible it is, to promote the good of the people, to punish Delinquents, or to bring any security to you or us, whilest they are there.

Ye persist never the lesse in your care of the common good, and urge again and again, that these intruders be removed out of Par­liament, and in the end prevail with your chief officers, to present to the Parliament, and publish to the world a Declaration, and therein a Protestation against their sitting there, in very large and fit expressions; notwithstanding all which, these corrupt and rotten members still retain their places, and the chief domineering Officers of the Army, Cromwell and Ireton sit with them, with­out any endeavour to dismisse them thence; and not only so, but seem insensible or regardlesse of all the evill that hath been done by them, in endeavouring to make a new warre, or to bring in the King, upon most unjust, unsafe, and unconscionable tearmes.

Surely we cannot but grieve to consider, how the Parliament have spent their time since yee entred the City; the House of Lords still imprison Commoners without controle, Lilburne continueth most unjustly and shamelesly a prisoner in the Tower, and Man­chester at liberty.

People from many Counties petition against the oppression of [Page 5]Tithes, without any relief at all, but made more grieveous by a most unreasonable Ordinance; the Assembly of Parsons continue sitting, to the great charge of the people, whil'st they hatch nothing but mischief.

No just nor equall way is ordered for due and timely payment of you in the Army, but is omitted of set-purpose, that free quarter may make you odious, and incens the people against you; and no­thing is now so much minded by your Officers and their Parlia­ment, then how to please, satisfy and establish the King, who hates both you and us with an inveterate hatered; and were your Officers of the same mind they have sometimes been, he would hate them in the like manner, but it appeareth, he by his insinuations hath so wrought upon their affections, that he and they seem to be of one heart, and of one mind, so that all their care is to please him; and that they may doe it the more effectually (swallowing up their duty to God, their engagement with you, their Declaration and protestation, with all the innocent blood that he hath spilt) they for his sake, forbear to clear the House, of so many of his trusty friends, who in the countersiut Parliam. so vehemently endeavoured his speedy comming to London, where certainly your Officers ear­nestly desire to have him: otherwise why are they so importunate (after his denyall of the Propositions) to present their weak and lame Proposals to the House, and so to prepare them, or some re­sult thereof to be sent to him for his agreement and consent? why make they an Idoll of him, and beare him up so high in the eyes and fancies of the people, as if he were in there esteem, the very light of their eyes, and the breath of their nostrels?

Why are they so familliar with Ashburnhame and other his chief agients? Why permit they so many of his deceitfull Clergy to continue about him? Why doe themselves kneele, and kisse, and fawne upon him? Why have they received favours from him, and sent their wives or daughters to visit him, or to kisse his hand, or be kissed of him?

Oh shame of men! Oh sin against God! What, to doe thus to a­man of blood; over head and eares in the blood of your dearest friends and fellow Commoners? To him that thirsteth for your blood, yea, and theirs too, however they flatter and befoole them­selves. Hear oh Heavens, and regard oh earth, If this in these exceed [Page 6]not the wickednesse of the most wicked upon earth?

And think ye oh friends, to escape the severe judgement of Al­mighty God, who by your silence and want of reproofe of these things, give countenance thereunto, for your officers durst not go on in these unworthy courses, but that they presume upon you to back them: For alas, what are they without you, but as so many single persons, ready to be hunted by all the great parties in the land? So that ye are in effect, the abetters of all their evill courses, the Bauds and Panders to their adulterate practices with the King; nor can ye make amends for your so sinfull neglect, but by a speedy im­peachment of him, and exemplary punishment of them, for their private tampering with him, who if he were a politick tyrant when this Parliament began, how bloody a one hath he proved himselfe ever since?

Wee beseech you therefore, yea, we beg of you all Commanders and Souldiers, that are yet untainted in your integrity, and have not yet bowed your knees to Baal, that yee will not betray your selves, your just cause and us so unworthily, nor seem to distrust that power and wisdome of God, by which ye have done so great and mighty workes; but that now ye will be bold and couragious for your God and for his people, and for justice against all ungodli­nesse and unrighteousnesse of men, without respect of persons.

And before it be to late deal plainly with Ireton, by whose cowar­dy or ambicious policy, Cromwel is betrayed into these mischievous practices; & by whose craft the power of your Adjutators is brought to nothing; and by whose dissimulation many of them are corrupt­ed, and become treacherous unto you; none but flatterers, tale-bea­rers and turn-coats are countenanced by him: let him know yee know him, and hate his courses; your generall councels by his im­perious carriage, are like unto Star-chambers; a plain man is made an offender for a word.

And if Cromwell instantly repent not, and alter his course, let him know also, that ye loved and honoured just, honest, sincere and valiant Cromwell, that loved his Country, and the liberties of the people above his life, yea, and hated the King as a man of blood, but that Cromwell ceasing to be such, he ceaseth to be the object of your love.

And since there is no remedy, ye must begin your worke anew, [Page 7]ye are as ye were at Bury, ye are no strangers to the way, ye have already made a good beginning, wherein we rejoyce, ye have men amongst you as fit to governe, as others to be removed, AND WITH A WORD, YEE CAN CREATE NEW OFFICERS, necessity hath no law, and against it there is no plea, the safety of the people is above all law; & if ye be not very speedy, effectuall, and doe your worke throughly, and not by halves as it hath been, yee and wee perish inevitably.

What your Generall is yee best know, but 'tis to late to live by hopes, or to run any more hazzards, none can deceive you but whom ye trust upon doubtfull tearmes; be ware of the flattery and sophistry of men: bargain with your Officers, not to court it in fine or gaudy apparrell, nor to regard titles, fine fare or complements; those that doe, are much more lyable to temptations then other men; a good conscience is a continuall feast; and let your ourside testifie that ye delight not to be Souldiers, longer then necessity re­quires.

Draw your selves into an exact councell, and get amongs you, the most judicious and truest lovers of the people ye can find, to helpe you; and let your end be justice without respect of persons, and peace and freedome to all sorts of peaceable people, establish a free Parlia­ment, by expulsion of the usurppers: free the people from all bur­thens and oppressions speedily and without delay; take an exact ac­compt of the publick treasure, that publick charges may be defray­ed by subsidees, Tythes abolished, the lawes and proceeeings therein regulated, and free quarter abandoned.

Let nothing deterre you from this so just and necessary a worke, none will oppose you therein, or so long as ye continue sincere and uncorrupted; for all sorts of people have been abused, Kings have abused them, Parliaments have abused them, and your chief Officers have most grosly deceived the honest party: be confident none will oppose, and be as confident, that thousands and ten thousands are ready and ripe to assist you.

Be strong therefore, our deare true harted brethren and fellow Commoners, and be of good courage, and the Lord our God will direct you by his wisdome, who never yet failed you in your grea­test extremities; stay for no farther, looke for no other Call: for the voice of necessity is the Call of God; al other waies for your im­demonity [Page 8]are but delusive, and if yee trust to any other, under the fairest promises, yee will find your selves in a snare.

Whom can yee trust, who hath not hitherto deceived you? Trust only to justice, for God is a God of justice, and those that promote the same shall be preserved; free the Parliament from those incendiaries with all your might; the true and just patrion (yea, all but deceivers) therein long for your assistance; & that being effectually done, ye may safely put your selves and the whole Nation, upon them both for provision indempnity and just liberty.

In the meane time, let your friends that are about the King, be sure to keepe him, as they keep their lives, and not to part with him upon any tearmes, till you can re­ferre him to a free Parliament; if you doe not this, but that any agreement be now made with him, yee will find that in an instant, his Judges and Lawyers, and Lords and Priests, will be your Judges, and what rebels ye appeare in their eyes both yee know, & some of your friends have already felt sufficiently; a free Parliament there­fore only can secure both you and us.

Let no policy, art or stratagem divide you in affection, or separate your Regi­ments far distant from one another, for that must necessarily be your unavoidable ru­ine; beware of Neuters, and such as have carried two faces under one hood, hollow-hearted or aspiring men, such as Say Wharton, Fines, Vaine, St. Johns, &c. the grea­test deceivers this day living; above all harden not your consciences by a custome in dissimulation, as some eminent professors amongst you have lamentably done, as knowing that none are so hatefull in the sight of God as hipocrits.

Doe what yee can to recover the credit of your Army, which hath beene betrayed and lost, as shamefully as the publick faith (both which deserve severe punishments) for if once yee loose your reputation, yee will soon be but as a meere shadow; there­fore be very carefull of keeping a good, upright and sincere conscience before God, and then yee need not feare what men can doe unto you.

But in these and all other things, the wisdome and goodnesse of God (wee trust) will be your guide, to leade you into all the pathes of righteousnesse, unto whose will and mind if yee carefully give care, yee shall certainly be blessed in all your under­takings.

FINIS.

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Text Creation Partnership. Searching, reading, printing, or downloading EEBO-TCP texts is reserved for the authorized users of these project partner institutions. Permission must be granted for subsequent distribution, in print or electronically, of this EEBO-TCP Phase II text, in whole or in part.