Contemplations upon these times, or The Parliament explained to Wales. Digested into three parts. I. Containing, a brief, faithfull, and pithy history of the Parliament, ... II. Cleer resolutions of such doubts, as his countrymen of Wales are not so well satisfied in, as could be wished: which are reduced to these 3 points, touching the [brace] King. Covenant. Common-Prayer-Book. III. A closer application unto the state of Wales, ... / Written by a gentleman, a cordiall well-wisher of his countries happinesse.

TO The Religious, and most VVorthy, Sir ROBERT HARLEY, Knight of the Bath. Sir THOMAS MIDDLETON, KNIGHT. Master IOHN GLYNNE, Recorder of the famous City of London. Eminent Members of the Honourable House of COMMONS.

And all other his worthy Friends and Country-men, that either are, or shall be Members of the Parliament of ENGLAND.

IF ever it was true, it is now, That Scribimus indocti, docti{que} So that it may grow almost a question, whether now the Sword, or Pen is most busie? or more effusion of Ink, or Blood? What here offers it self to your view, comes

from a modest and peaceable hand and heart, and meerly relative to the good of those Countries, whose happiness I am con∣fident you prefer before any particular inte∣rest. Conceptions of this kinde I have not yet seen any; and though (praised be God) our hands are pretty well restrained, yet that our hearts be wholly purged of the old poy∣son, there is some slender endeavour to in∣form our Country-men with the right un∣derstanding of the Parliament, and its prin∣ciples, and clear demonstrations of Gods speciall providence and goodnesse in its pre∣servation; so that to harbour a thought a∣gainst it, we must take heed we be not found To fight against God:* 1.1 I confesse them but a rude heap of thoughts; I have laboured to be Seneca his Scholar, and in writing to observe his rule, not so much the Quemadmodum, as the Quid, being assured None can be more eloquent, then he that hath well conceived a Truth; It is with things of this kinde, as with burthens of the womb that are teemed with perturbations and dangers, they prove lesse thriving; and what is here might have appeared more comely, had they not been

conceived at such times and places, when and where indeed I durst not scarce owne them as Thoughts. Worthy Sirs, whatever they are, they implore your favourable ac∣ceptance, they court neither for praise nor preferment; If the poore Author may not still be under the insultation of our old ene∣mies, Mutato nomine, and enjoy but Common Iustice, it is the Apex of his desires: I would not be behinde for my poore Mite to fur∣ther the great work, which (blessed be God) I hope I may say is a finishing, wherein I, not unlike that Bird, (that is fabled) when the Kings of Asia contributed great treasures to the building of a Temple, it having no other wealth, went thither to present her Feathers.

Truth was never without adversaries, but never more mortall ones then now. You may see I have drawn in its quarrel: You are Gods champions, and its; I humbly beg I may not suffer, but let your countenance and protection be at hand, and I shall hum∣bly pray, that as He hath singled you to be Instruments of His glory here, you may so

act, and honour Him, that hath so honoured you, that you be partakers of His glory and blisse for evermore.

The Prayer of him who ever hath been, and will be ever really devoted to You in this great ser∣vice of GOD and his Country,

JOHN LEWIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Act. 5.