Esoptron tes antimachias, or, A looking-glasse for rebellion being a sermon preached upon Sunday the 16 of Iune 1644, in Saint Maries Oxford, before the members of the two Houses of Parliament / by Nath. Bernard.

To all my friends in the East parts of this Kingdom: especially to them, that are of mine acquaintance, in ES∣SEX, and LONDON: Preachers and People.

Greeting.

THe time is onward to two years, since I have been, by severall Committees at Westminster, sequestred from my calling, and charge in Essex, banished from my dwelling, and the society of my deare Wife, and Children: they turned out of those doores, which no body else hath, that I can heare, employed since. My selfe by barbarous Rebells, threat∣ned to be cut into a thousand pieces, Pistolls discharged at me upon the high way: with severall other abuses, which to recount would savour of malice, to which Christianity commands me to be a stranger. Some, I confesse, shewed me some favours; which I shall never be so ingratefull, as to forget. Among others, some enquiring of those that were; or would seem to be, my most intel∣ligent Witnesses: (which was the title, the Committee Chaire∣man was pleased to bestow on my informers,) what course they thought, I should take to live? were answered: that I was an able bodied man, and might goe worke. I understood their prefer∣ment, they intended me: (and they were such as pretended my advancement) and I resolved, to follow their advice. But being never bred to, nor practised in Manuall arts: I think they would allow me time to chuse, and to fit my selfe, to a calling. And now you have, my first handy-worke, A Looking-glasse of Rebelli∣on: which I dedicate to your uses. And when you shall therein, throughly, and truly, see your selves, either innocent, or peni∣tent, I shall look for thankes, at least, from you. For those that like decay'd Gentlewomen, perceive, or but conceit, their faces by no art to be repaired: I believe, they will not sticke to breake, and marre my glasse: not because it is, but because themselves are too faulty. Men are usually not apt to believe their own fa∣ces foule, without a reflection. Neither can they see, to convicti∣on, or Reformation without this kind of helpe: because the faces as their own, are not within their own view, directly. The reason why Nathan came to David, with a Glasse or Parable was no o∣ther,

but the same with mine. I conceive Men that way interested are now blind, to the evill of Rebellion: because it is their own in∣iquity. I hope they will perceive better, how the case stand; with Witches, in poynt of Religion, and reformation, and apply it. My glasse cannot deceive them: it is (I dare say) clear and true. And the Cover is a little (I confesse) too costly for them; But too mean, for the place, where it was first opened, from whence, I was enjoyned by authority, to convey it abroad, by the Presse, to pub∣lique view. My engagements to turne my face and Glasse East∣ward, are great, and many: and yet truely, my brethren, I doe it without any Idolatry.

But where is he, that will confesse himselfe a Rebell? And where are they, that will confesse themselves witches? The Ser∣mon, though it pretend not to it, will yet with a little help of your consciences: shew you not only what you are like; but what you are.

I have had the happinesse, while I lived amongst you, to be an instrument of conveing good to some, as I am able to prove by evidence, by some of your own acknowledgements. It is my desire to be blessed that way still: for this end, I send this unto you, which, if it thrive not, retract your sentences; and confesse you did ill, to turne me to worke for my living. Though indeed, that is not my aime in this worke, but to procure a blessed change in them that are guilty; and a turning from such a sinne, as will poy∣son all their graces, were they ten thousand times more then they are: disgrace all their Religion, were it really answerable to the noyse, the empty sound, makes in their dwellings: and like the colloquintida, bring death into the pot, although the broth therein, were in a wholsome bargaine, worth a birthright. And a confirmation in those blessed Martyrs of allegiance, and constan∣cy, whose sufferings, quiet, and Lamb. like though they are, yet cry loud in the eares of God Almighty: who will, ere long, crowne their afflictions, with victory: and grant them to see, their de∣sire upon their enimies. Which is (I dare say for them) that they may repent, and live. And this is the hearts desire and Prayer, of

Your yet, unfained lover, and friend in Christ Iesus NATH. BERNARD.

OXFORD, Iune 24. 1644.

Notes

• 2. Sam. 12. initio.
• 2, King. 4. 40.
• Psal. 112. 3.
• Rom. 10. 1.