CErtainly it can never be forgotten, That (to the great dishonour of this Nation) in the late distracted times, the Dissenting party from the Church of England, under the specious pretences of Religion and Liberty, (a constant Cloak of Rebellion) not only barbarously Murdered the best of Kings, destroying thereby for some time as much as in them lay, the Ancient and wholesome Government of Monarchy it self; under which this Nation for some Ages hath been most prosperous and happy; But likewise pull'd down Bishops, silencing them, and all the honest Orthodox Clergy, dividing the Crown and Church-Lands by good pennyworths among themselves, as a convenient Inheritance, only fit for the Godly (as they termed each other) to enjoy.

After which upon his Majesties blessed Restauration, he was graciously pleased to grant them an Act of Indempnity, pardoning many of those very persons, who had been active in destroying his Royal Father of blessed memory; endeavouring also as much as in them lay to keep him from his just right of Inheritance, and to extirpate the whole family, Root and Branch: (as they zealously ingaged by wicked Oathes) taking away the Estates, plundering, Imprisoning, Banishing, and putting to death (in cold blood) many of the true hearted Nobility, Clergy, and Gentry; by an Arbitrary Power, contrary to (and against) the known Lawes of the Land, for no other Crime, but being Loyal.

Since which, his Majestie Indulged those Dissenters with a liberty to have their private meetings in all places; his party being likewise (as Charitable Christians, and good men) willing to forget many past injuries, treating them with all imaginable friendship, both in neighbourhood and conversation, hoping thereby in time to bring them from their seditious principles into the bosome of our Holy Mother the Church; and to their due obedience to so merciful a Prince.

Notwithstanding which, on the contrary it evidently appears, no Act of Indulgence (or kindness) whatever, can or will oblige them, to be obedient or morally civil; for no sooner was there a late hope of playing their old Game, but they immediatly unmask themselves, boldly flying as much as in them lay in the face of Authority, by their scandalous libells and seditious discourse in all places: Thereby endeavouring to corrupt (with ill principles) the minds of many well meaning Subjects, combining in all places to get power into their hands, and to promote in Elections, both public and private, all such [Page] persons though never so ignorant, or unqualified, as they believe to be favourers of, or inclinable to their faction.

So that had not the prudence of his sacred Majestie timely prevented their wicked designes, by stopping them in their full Cariere, we might possibly before this day, have fallen into a sad relapse, and been again at their Mercy, which is no better than Misery and Thraldome, as by woful experience hath been felt.

But now that the Laws are timely put in Execution, to secure our happy Peace and Government, they have no other Language in their mouths, but Persecuti [...] is come upon the Saints. Not looking back upon (or considering) their ow [...] Actions for several years continuance, when so much Villiany and Cruelty was committed by them, against and contrary to all known Law or Justice whatever; dissembling all their false and perfidious dealings, with a plausible pretence of Liberty, and Reformation in Church and State: And yet in that very time for near twenty years Rebellion, where was the Subjects liberty and property? (so much discours'd of now) was it not utterly destroy'd and lost▪ and by a usurp'd power plac'd in the hands of known Mechanicks, and unreaso­nable men, supported by a Mercenary standing Army?

So that let the world, nay these very pretended Reformers themselves, impartially judge, who may most justly and truly be Branded with Persecution! They in the late times for Committing such horrid impieties before mentioned, against and without Law: Or those at this time who have a legal Authority to put them in Execution, as in duty bound, to preserve the common Peace. Heartily wishing that the very persons, (at least the misled Number of them) would seriously consider the happy Government they and we live under, and not continue in a willfull obstinate disobedience to the same: But rather joy [...] with us both in heart and hand, to defend those Lawes (as we are Obliged) with our Lives and Fortunes, which give us an assurance (if it be not our ow [...] faults) to enjoy Peace and Plenty, with what ever otherwise is near and dear unto us, under a most Gracious and Indulgent King, whom God long preserve to Reign over us: And let all the people say, AMEN.