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.

PART. I. Containing a brief, faithfull, and pithy History of the PARLIAMENT, &c. (Book 1)

To my Country-men of WALES. (Book 1)

SOme have been curious in observing the resemblance between the state of Israel, and this of our land. Truly, Gods great mercies and de∣liverances towards us, have no small affinity with theirs; and our sins and ingratitude towards Him, doth but too unhappily maintain the comparison betwixt us.

But (me thinks) there cannot be a passage in all Histories, prophane or sacred, that more suits to the present fate of our Kingdom, then what befell Is∣rael by that unhappy King Rehoboam, 1 King. c. 12▪ 2 Chron. c. 18.

Although Comparisons-run not quatuor pedibus, yet in this the Paralel holds strange: The cause of

that great rent in the state of Israel is rendred, that Rehoboam refusing the councel of the old men, and following the councel of the young men. I wish this were not too apparent in our present case.

His Majesty (it will be objected) ever expressed himself willing to ease our yokes,* 1.1 &c.

His willingnesse could not otherwise better ap∣peare,* 1.2 then to hearken to his Old men, his Councel, his Parliament: And what semblances soever were cast in our eyes, had the Lord permitted us to have had the desert of our sins, and to have let the Parli∣ament have been mastered and destroyed, notwith∣standing all fair words and promises, we should ere this, in stead of whips have felt scorpions. KINGS act not by their proper Minds and Persons, but by their Instruments and Councels; and wofull experience hath taught us the truth of this, whereof we would be incre∣dulous, when the Parliament gave us timely notice of it.

I have often mused, what magick and enchant∣ment is in the name KING: I confesse we should behold them as a kinde of visible Deity, but not make them a Deity; And do we lesse, when in the point of this War we pretend Con∣science toward the King, and nothing at all toward God? What was there more common in blasphe∣mous mouths, to warrant them in their barbarous murthers,* 1.3 then those words of holy Scripture, Honour the KING, Touch not GOD'S Anointed? How conscientious would they be (forsooth) of these words, and make no bones of any other words of holy Scripture whatsoever. I wish they would have taken the words in their order, and put Feare

God, before Honour the King; And adde to Touch not mine Anointed,—Do my Prophets no harm. Never was there more cause to cry out, O tempora! O mores! I am not sorry that men are so prone to render their duties to the King, but am sorry they make so little of rendering any thing to God, (Horresco referens) What more common then Blasphemies against GOD and his Truth? It is but our sport to que∣stion his Essence, and to deride the simplicity of his holy Word, yea prefer some humane peeces before it, making our Tables even merry with such dis∣courses: And let there be but reproof for such mon∣strous tenets, Oh, then all is for triall of wit, and arguments sake; Whereas such pleas should not hold against earthly Monarchs. It was amongst Heathens a rule, Impia consuetudo contra Deum dis∣putandi, sive seriò, sive simulatè. I have read, that Remigius explicating the history of the Passion unto King Clodoveus after his baptisme, he was so moved thereat, that he put his hand to his sword, and spake in anger, That had he and his French been by when his master was so used, he would have revenged it. With what more generous impatience should every Christian heart be transported, when such affronts and indignities are offered to the name and honour of Almighty God: I wish we may not be so alto∣gether intent upon the Papist, as to overlook the hatefull Atheist. It is known, holy Martyrs should not be suffered to speak gracious words, but have been gagged, and iron bals put into their mouths: Oh that wicked Atheistical mouths were sealed to eternall silence! In the Act that was for Vnifor∣mity

of Common-Prayer, what care was there taken against the least traducement and contempt to be offered unto it; and it would grieve, that Gods holy Name should be left so naked, that every im∣pious tongue may touch it as it please. As the ho∣nour and name of God is concerned, and suffers di∣minution, I could beg accordingly there were such Lawes provided to restrain such wicked licentious∣nesse, and discoursing of His Holinesse. I am confi∣dent the Parliament, whom the whole world be∣hold as the great Champions of his name and glory, will in due time vindicate it, and recompence the remisnesse of former Lawes, with those that shall have more edge and teeth with them.

Reader, not to trouble thee further with this A∣theist; only note, when such damnable monsters as these may be lurking in this Kingdom, marvel not at the dreadfull judgements of God upon it. I am sure thou wilt not now charge the Parliament to be the cause;* 1.4 which is all one, as Ahab did Eliah, Art thou he that troubleth Israel? What sayes Eliah? I have not troubled Israel, but thou and thy fathers house, because ye have forsaken the commandements of the Lord, &c. Atheisme, and other fearfull sinnes of our land, Hinc lachrymae. The Parliament no otherwise then wholsom Physick to an ill desperate Body, it works and tuggs with the malignant hu∣mours, and perhaps in the operation pains, yet health it labours for: And as Physick, if over∣mastered by the ill humours, signifies small hope of recovery; So, had this Alexipharmacon, this sove∣raign Preservative of the Kingdom failed, nothing

might have been expected but the dismall ruine of all. But praised be the Lord for his mercies unto this sinfull Land, who hath been pleased, not only against hopes,* 1.5 but almost against meanes, to uphold this Oracle, this Pananglium (as Mr. Cambden cals it) this blessed Parliament, upon which all the eyes of the world are now fixed, as upon the globe of the Earth stupendiously subsisting only by an invisible hand. I make no doubt but the Lord will raise those, whose Pens will set forth the glory of his acts in these our dayes, which truly (well considered) are little inferior to his wonders of old. (Reader) I dare not venture into this deep, but for thy delight I will paddle a little neer the shore, and give thee a cleer, though brief Narrative of the great favours of God towards the Parliament; And for thy better help, let me confine thy thoughts to these particu∣lars:

• 1. Beginning of the Parliament.
• 2. Progresse of the Parliament.
• 3. The present state of the Parliament.

Trace it to the Originall, and you shall find all [ I] one with it, as with a goodly River arising from a little Spring.* 1.6 To my apprehension, I must needs say that those three Worthies breathed the first motion into it,* 1.7 whom we may behold as living Martyrs, or as Shadrach, Mesach, and Abednego, having escaped the fiery furnace of affliction, They were at least the Preface to this great work. Next, (such was the difficulty to have it,* 1.8 that) a whole Nation was in Arms to obtain it, (such obstacles and tyranny reigning

among our selves, that scarce we durst once name it) Being once got, it was scarce a year old, but Rome and Hell began to stomack it, till at last it was high time to look to it self; His Majesty parts, and leaves them,* 1.9 having formerly resolved wholly to cast him∣self upon their affections, (which now I believe his own breast will tell him had been the better course) notwithstanding they forbore not by all humble meanes to desire his presence and concurrence: witnesse. their numberlesse Declarations and Messa∣ges in that kind. But to all motions His Majesty was still deaf, and rather (still to hold to our first in∣stance) did, like Rehoboam, hearken to the councel of the Young men,* 1.10 and answered roughly. In the interim all eyes are fixed upon the King, and the charm of his Name works powerfully upon all Countries, yea upon the very House it self, so far, that it was like to prove its own felo de se. Those that framed and consented to the XIX Propositions, flinch from their own Act, and fly to the King, (which is an eternall scar upon their Honour:) Poor feares and tumults they pretended; but indeed, their ingrati∣ating with the King, and the thought they had of the utter dissolution of the House, was all. Most part of the Nobility and Gentry now gone, there is only left a thin and inconsiderable number in the House, and those (if you can brook the stile) a factious Roundhead party: But whatsoever they are, these, and no more, must stand the brunt. In the mean time, what preparations and strength of Arms, with all industry, both at home and abroad, are levied against them? What plots and practises

are daily invented to overthrow them? what asper∣sions and calumnies cast upon their names and acti∣ons; yea, the Devil and the World with their ut∣most sinews seeming to confront them, and yet behold, some secret power hath still upheld them.

2. The Progresse will represent unto you the [ II] House in arms, necessitated to it for the preservation of their very being; they have Armies on foot, and seek holds in severall places of the Kingdome: the King hath, and doth no lesse, his name makes room for him in all places, and that which (to humane judgement) nothing could prove more disadvanta∣gious unto them, at first their successes were but slender, Victory most hovering over the head of their Enemies: The then Earl of Newcastle trium∣phant in the North, Hopton bestriding the West; and those fatall Pair, Rupert and Maurice, like Oreb and Zeb, butchering in the bowels of the Kingdom. To say no more, call but thy thoughts to the siege of Glocester, (Bristol and Exeter being newly taken) and behold the Parliament, to the guesse of man, quite down and sinking. But here (good Reader) with holy awe admire the incomprehensible wayes and power of God; the Parliament must be broken in their outward power, that the work may more sensibly appeare to have only proceeded from God: For ever so it is, when He would be seen in a busi∣nesse, He knowes our pronesse to rob him of his honour, and to bestow it upon externall meanes: therefore they must be least in sight, when he will have his glory to become most conspicuous.

[ III] I have lead thee to the Parliaments tropick of Capricorn, and utmost Declination; The Degrees whereby the hand of God hath advanced it to this present greatnesse, affords variety of rich matter of the mercy and power of God. It stands not with my intended brevity, or ability, to venture upon it, it deserves the labour of a golden pen: But because I will not leave thee without a taste (Reader) thou mayest remember, upon the relief of Glocester, (an Act alone sufficiently obliging us to honour the name of the Noble Earl of Essex, and the glorious City of London) the Parliament again began to take a little breath, and to lift up the head, and successes a little adding some life unto them; Forsooth, as the only Engine as would not fail the businesse, they reare a lack-a-lent, a Mock, or rather as His Majesty termed it, a Mongrel Parliament in Oxford, only to confront and ecclypse, if not utterly to ex∣tinguish the Parliament in London; it consisting of the Members that forsook the House, and with all their gall rendring in their Declaration the pre∣tences of their departure, omitting nothing that all wicked art or malice could invent, to impaire the credit of the Parliamennt. To all humane guesse, this was like to prove a notable stratagem for their ends, and they built no small hopes upon it; But what came of it? There it appeared like a glaring Meteor for a while, and unawares vanished to no∣thing, the memory whereof, even to themselves, savours no better then a snuffe: Since which time the Lord was pleased to blesse the Parliament with famous Victories, especially those two cardinal

Battels of York and Naseby. And which is remark∣able, even these were at such nicks, when the main and hazard of all stood upon them. The mercies of God herein will appear the more admirable, if you will look upon them through these few Obser∣vations following.

About this time twelve-moneth,* 1.11 the wisdome of the Parliament thought good to imploy Victorious [ 1] Sir Thomas Fairfax in this present great service, the Noble Earl of Essex being superseded. What ad∣vantages and mountains did the Enemies promise to themselves? They bruted abroad, that the Par∣liaments Army, hereat discontented, came by thou∣sands in unto them, their army swelling (as they said) with its greatnesse, advanceth to the North; as they passe, all Countries stoop unto them, Leicester they gain, Gerard afresh tyrannizeth in VVales, Pembroke-men beaten, and reduced almost to their first handfull. By this time (you will say) all was again at hard hazard; And as if this were not e∣nough, out comes about this very time into our Countries the noise of the Directory, which gave but more and more matter to their former exultations and hopes; my own eares being able to witnesse that it was said, That the comming out of the Di∣rectory at that time, was as if the Parliament had be∣stowed 40000 men upon the King. Here now they seem to be at the heighth: But, O the wonderfull mercy and power of God! what becomes of all these vaunts and hopes? Just like a statue of glasse hanging in the aire by a small clue, suddenly fals and breaks to flitters. They had such a stunning blow

at Naseby, that ever since they have had the Staggers; and like a torrent, the favours of God have broke in upon our Armies, that the very Enemies are forced to acknowledge, that they do in legible characters read Digitus Dei.

2. It is not unworthy our observation, that the very means the King most trusted in, viz. his Soul∣diery, proved at last most advantagious to the Par∣liament, the Divine Will having given them over to such inhumanities and vilenesse, and all Countries distasting them as Monsters; by the holy appoint∣ment of God, they proved no small meanes of the Parliaments present height and happinesse.

3. And though the last, yet it is not the least thing with wonder to be observed, How the Lord pre∣vented Foraign forces: It was ever their strongest fancy, That all Kings would be sensible of the busi∣nesse, and what would not they do? And this with great probabilities did they presse upon generall apprehensions; But behold the hand of God as active for them abroad, as at home! And that hu∣mane wisdome may be abashed, rather crosse to their expectations, God disposeth things: They look for all Kings to be roused, and it is more likely to prove, all Subjects have a reflection upon the Par∣liament, and are taught their way to their liberties and happinesse.

By these, and the like contemplations, as by so many Prospectives, we may perceive the hand of God even visible in this great work, whence we may inferre (as Erasmus of his time, Nescio quid magni Mundus parturit) That doubtlesse the Lord

hath some great thing or other a hatching, and to bring into the world▪ and if so, what can the world behold more likely for such a designe, then this awefull Engine, the Parliament of England?

I am no Prophet, but I dare say with confidence and modesty, that this great thing, the Parliament of England, may be a meanes that God hath ordained in his eternall wisdom, not only to shake Rome, but even the Turkish Empire; and put up the Kingdom of His Son Iesus Christ in all the world.

Thou (Reader) mayest laugh at this as a fancy of an idle brain: But let me beg thou suspend thy cen∣sure, till thou peruse the Probabilities following.

1. I presume it will be easie to make thee con∣fesse, that nothing can be said so much to uphold Antichrist and the Turk, as the slavery and blind∣nesse of men; And what fairer means canst thou ima∣gine to shake off slav••ry and blindnesse, then the course the Parliament drives at?

2. It is worth thy notice, That the Lord hath evermore singled out this Land,* 1.12 as a scene where to act any great matter of his glory. The Christian faith did (as it were) post over other Regio•••• 〈…〉〈…〉to come hither first:* 1.13 hence it was called Ecclesia prim••genita the first-born Church:* 1.14 hence the glorious Instru∣ment of the Ch••••ch. Constantine, must be de••••••••ded; and when Christe adome fell into a dead sleep of Idolatry and Superstition h•• must spring a Wick∣liffe 〈…〉〈…〉 And since the beginning of the R••ormati•••• of the Church,* 1.15 what Land so i••terest∣ed 〈…〉〈…〉 it as 〈…〉〈…〉 and what is the main businesse of the Parliament but to perfect this Reformation▪

and the Lord blessing them to finish it▪ how far may not their Influence diffuse it self through the world, and consequently make the Pope and Turk know themselves?

3. It appearing somewhat probable, that God hath designed it for some great work of his; It were not amisse to observe, that it is the guesse and expectation of many of Gods children, that the Kingdome of Christ will appeare now in the later end of the world, in greater glory then ever it did. I am no maintainer of a Temporall and personall Reign of our Saviour upon the Earth, though (for ought I can see) it is an opinion that contains nothing but consolation to Gods children. Sure I am, the Pro∣phets abound with most glorious descriptions of the Church, which, besides the spirituall sense, cannot (I think) but be temporally meant, at least in respect of the extension and amplitude of the Church, and which as yet hath not been altogether fulfilled to∣wards it: You need only view the Prophet Isaiah alone, and you shall have whole Chapters repleni∣shed with nothing but lofty eloquence upon this subject▪ And if you do but well heed it, the very like expressions▪ like golden veines, run through all the holy Books both Old and New.

Neither is it the holy Scripture alone, (though they are instar omnium) but in all Ages there have been some, that by speciall inspiration have fore∣told us of a most happy state of the Church in the later times. I could referre thee for this to the Acts and Monuments,* 1.16 where Mr. Fox h〈…〉〈…〉 collected odde sayings or prophecies of holy persons, as

Bridget, Katherine Senensis, Iohn Husse, Savanorola, and others. For thy present delight, lest thou heed∣est them not there, I will alleadge one or two.

(As he cals her) Holy Bridget said, That the Pope should be thrown into the Deep as a milstone, And that the cause of the binderance of the Gospel, is the Prelates and Priests, And that the Clergy turned Gods comman∣dements to two words, Da pecuniam.

Iohn Husse said, Oh how largely doth Antichrist ex∣tend his power and cruelty; but I trust his power shall be shortned, and his iniquity shall be detected more and more among the faithfull people; and let Antichrist rage as much as he will, yet he shall not prevaile against Christ.

And Katherine Senensis, who lived about 1379. told one Antoninus, that after writ her history, That by the troubles in the Church of God, after a secret man∣ner unknown unto man▪ God shall purge his holy Church, and stir up the spirit of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Elect▪ and after these things shall follow such a Reformation of the holy Church, and such a Renovation of holy Pastors, that the only cogitation thereof maketh my spirit to reioyce in the Lord, and that all the faithfull shall be glad to see themselves so beau∣tified with so holy shepherds, yea▪ and the•••••• Infidels al∣lured by the sweet savour of Christ, shall return to the Catholick fold and be converted to the true Bishop▪ Gi••e thanks therefore to God▪ for after this storm▪ He will give to his a great calm▪

Even but thus much, signified so long agoe, and our eyes seeing the great work of these times▪ so much tending to the accomplishment of these things we cannot but admire the Lord, and acknowledge this Parli••••••••••▪ not wholly a device of man▪

Neither is it impossible to discover some glim∣merings of this Kingdom even in the monuments of Gentiles, as it hath pleased God to reveal unto them some obscure Notions of his greatest Mysteries, which are sweetly serviceable to the setting forth of his holy Truths. What more is that of Virgil, as conceptions of Sybilla Cumaea, (though usually restrained to our Saviours incarnation.)

I am nova Progenies Caelo dimittitur alto, Te duce, siqua manent sceleris vestigia nosti Irrita perpetuo solvent formidine terras.

Plainly, A Child shall be born from Heaven to pardon the sinnes of men, and fill the world with blessings.

Iosephus,* 1.17 a Jew, sayes, Nations should come from Iudaea, that should be masters of the Vniverse. What the Sybils have abundantly delivered of this, I referre you to the former place of the Acts and Monuments, and only add one thing of Cicero, which to me seems a very remarkable place:* 1.18 Nec erit alia lex Romae, alia Athenis, alia nunc, alia posthac, sed apud omnes gentes, & omni tempore, una lex Deus ille legis inventor, disceptator, later, &c. All which seems to be englished in the 2. chap. of Daniel, ver. 44. And in those dayes the God of Heaven shall set up a Kingdom, that shall not he left to other people, but it shall break in peeces all other Kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

But how may this be,* 1.19 seeing the Turk is likeliest to be the great master of the world, and at this pre∣sent looks terribly towards Christendom?

I answer,* 1.20 This may prove but a flash of lightening

before his ruine, and it will be at least a good means to procure peace & charity among Christians, which is seen to be but too miserably wanting. Remember, that in our God, the Lord Iehovah, is everlasting strength.* 1.21 Let us every one kill the Turks at home, his crying bosome sins, and we shall be surely able to cope with him abroad: let us do our parts, and God will surely do his, and in his good time put his book in this Senacheribs nose, and his bridle in his lips,* 1.22 For He knowes his abode, his going out, and his comming in, and his rage against us. We have here∣tofore only read what Iehovah is, and our Fathers have but told us of his noble works; And truly say what holy Iob said of old,* 1.23 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the of the ear, but now my eye seeth thee. But in these days we may say, we have seen him & his noble works, we have experimentally found the wayes of his Omnipotencie, and seen the power of Prayer, and plentifully tasted the fruits of Humiliation, and the dealings of God in points of utmost extremity. And therefore it is but a sorry courage, that cannot against any difficulty or danger (as suppose the Turks present greatnesse) reare up an heroick heart, and think him no more then a Tom Thumb against Christ and his King dome.

And it shall come to passe in that day,* 1.24 that the Lord shall punish the Host of the High ones, that are high, and the Kings of the earth upon the earth.

Then the Moon shall be confounded, and the Sun a∣shamed, when the Lord of hosts shall raign in mount Sion and before his Ancients, gloriously.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Obj.
• * 1.2

  Ans.
• * 1.3

  Though Gods anoin∣ted, there, doth not signifie Kings.
• * 1.4

  1 King. 18
• * 1.5

  In Brit.
• * 1.6

  Mr. Pryrre.
• * 1.7

  D. Bastwi••k Mr. Burton.
• * 1.8

  Scots.
• * 1.9

  In his speech
• * 1.10

  Ver. 13.
• * 1.11

  1645.
• * 1.12

  in C••mb. Gram
• * 1.13

  Dr. Davies ex Sabel & Platine.
• * 1.14

  O fortunata & omnibus beatior ter∣ris, Britan∣nia, quae Constanti∣••um ••rim•• vidisti.
• * 1.15

  Camb. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pancg.
• * 1.16

  Pag 1370
• * 1.17

  De Bell. Iud. l. 7.
• * 1.18

  Lib. 3. de Rep.
• * 1.19

  Obj.
• * 1.20

  Ans.
• * 1.21

  Isa. 26. 4.
• * 1.22

  ver. 28.
• * 1.23

  Job. 42. 5.
• * 1.24

  Isa. 4. 21, 223.