The non-conformists plea for peace impleaded in answer to several late writings of Mr. Baxter and others, pretending to shew reasons for the sinfulness of conformity.

An Answer to some passages in the Se∣cond Part of the Non-conformists Plea for Peace.

HAving reflected on as much of the First Part of the Non-conformists Plea, as concerned the Ministerial Conformity; I thought it not mate∣rial to answer the many Impertinencies Printed in that Book: But finding a Second Part extant published as (the Authors say) to save their Lives, and the Kingdoms Peace, from the false and Bloody Plotters; who would first perswade the King and People that the Protestants, and parti∣cularly the Non-conformists are Presbyterians and Fa∣naticks; And next, that it was such Presbyterians that killed his Father; and next, that our Prin∣ciples are Rebellious; and next, that we are Plot∣ting Rebellion and his Death, &c. On which particulars he enlargeth in the Preface, where I find him thus to justify his party. I desire those that seek our Blood and Ruine by the false accusation of Rebellious Principles, to tell me if they can, what Body or Party of Men on Earth, have more sound and Loyal Principles of Govern∣ment and Obedience: and p. 109. of that Book, We are far from designing any abasement of the Clergy, nor do we deny or draw others to deny any due reverence or obedience to them.

I considered that very many of Mr. Baxters Readers, are apt to believe him, and therefore must needs be greatly incensed against those whom he accuseth to be the Persecutors of such a pious and peaceable party, viz. the Bishops, whom he calls Thorns and Thistles, and the Military Instruments of the Devil, p. 122. of the Book of Concord, and p. 247. of the first part of the Plea, and complains, (as if he were in Egyptian Bondage, or the Popish Inquisition) of tearing En∣gines, Goals, Starving, and Bloody Persecution, Ruine and Death. Every good Man is sensible what Indignation, such Cruelties practised upon innocent persons, may raise in the hearts of our English Nation; who are noted for their compas∣sion to their Brethren, in misery against the Au∣thors of it; and I suspect these suggestions are published to inrage them, against their present Go∣vernours in Church and State, to prevent the mis∣chievous consequences, whereof I have made the ensuing inquiries.

And First, their respect to the Conforming Clergy, will appear in the Epistle, before the first part of the Plea inscribed to the Conforming Clergy, where he thus reproacheth them to their Faces. It is now seventeen years since near 2000 Ministers of Christ, were by Law forbidden the exercise of their Office, unless they did Conform to Subscriptions, Covenants, Declarations and Pra∣ctises which we durst not do; because we feared God. — The reason of which Impositions, it is God and not we must have an account of, from the Convocation, &c. (by which, &c.) I suppose

he means the Parliament that made those Laws. He tells them of rendring odious them whom they never heard; and urging Rulers to execute the Laws against them. (i. e.) to Excommunicate silence, confine, imprison, and undo them. He says, he is not so uncharitable, as to impute all their false reports to Malignity and Diabolism, but that it was strangeness, (i. e. ignorance of) their case, which wrath and cross interest kept them from hearing: He says he had read the Books of Bishop Morley, Mr. Stileman, Mr. Faukner, Mr. Fulwood, Mr. Durel, Mr. Fowlis, Mr. Nanfen, Dr. Boreman, Parker, Tomkins, the Friendly Debate, Dr. Ashton, Mr. Hollingworth, Dr. Good, Mr. Hinckly, the Countermine, Mr. Lestrange, Mr. Long, &c. And I think (says he) Mr. Tombes hath said more like truth for Anabaptistry, the late Hungarian for Polygamy; Many for drunkeness, stealing and ly∣ing in cases of necessity, than ever he yet read for the lawfulness of all that is there described, (viz. the terms of conformity.) He tells them if they will not hear, those will whom God will use to the healing of his Churches. He means such Reformers as were in 42. and 43. to whom this Patriarch gives the Blessing of Peace-makers, and says, they shall be called the Children of God, as sure as the Incendiaries in the late War, viz. Brook, Pym, &c. are by him called glorious Saints in Heaven, p. 83. of his Saints rest. And thus reminding them of his pastoral Admonition; if any of you be an hinderer or slanderer of Gods word, &c. he hath sufficiently evidenced what reverence he hath for the Conforming Clergy.

But how he hath discharged that which he pro∣fesseth

to be his duty, p. 246. of his Plea, part. 1. Most of our acquaintance take it for their duty to do their best to keep up the Reputation of the publick conformable Ministry: Let the Reader judge by bis deeds, rather than his words, seeing he continueth Conventicles himself, and defends others in the same Practise. And for his Admonition to us, I shall commend to him one Lesson from our Catechism; to keep his Tongue from evil speaking, lying and slandering.

The Second thing I observe in his Plea for the innocency of his party, is, That no Men on Earth have more sound and Loyal Principles of Govern∣ment and Obedience. Answ. While they were Governours none exacted Obedience more severe∣ly, or Ruled more imperiously; but take them in the capacity of Subjects, and their practices shew what their principles are. But let us hear his Plea to the Accusations: The first is, that they are Presbyterians and Fanaticks. 2. That they began the War in 42. and 43. 3. That they de∣stroyed the King. 4. That their principles are disloyal. 5. That they are Plotting a Rebellion. To the first, he tells us what a Presbyterian is, viz. such as hold Church Government, not only without Bishops, but also by Presbyteries, consist∣ing of two sorts of Elders, Preaching and Ruling, and over these Classes, and over these a National Assembly, consisting of the same two sorts. That such a Government was intended by the Long Parliament, appears by their Ordinances, Anno 1643. for imposing the Covenant, rooting out E∣piscopacy, bringing all to an Uniformity (with

the Church of Scotland) and January 44. For taking away the Book of Common-Prayer, and establishing the Directory. And June 5. 46. for setling without farther delay of Presbyterial Go∣vernment in the Church of England. And Au∣gust 28. for Ordination of Ministers by Classical Presbyteries, within their respective bounds; which Form of Government to be used in the Church of England and Ireland, was agreed by the Lords and Commons in Parliament, after advice had with the Assembly of Divines: This Assembly was called by the Parliament, 12 June 43. consisting of Lords, Knights, Esquires, and some Divines, who assented to the Ordinan∣ces above mentioned, and therefore it will be very hard for Mr. Baxter to perswade us that they were Conformists (of which more here∣after) I shall account them Presbyterians. And if ever a Child was like his Father, our present Non-conformist is like the Presbyterian in 43.

Sic oculos, sic ille manus, sic ora gerebat.

And what if as Mr. Baxter says, they do not now exercise their beloved Discipline; are those Lions no Lions which the King keeps within the Tower? Have they not the same appetite to the Church and Crown Lands, the same antipathy to Prela∣cy, the same zeal for the Covenant and Directo∣ry? Were they not generally Ordained by these Presbyterians, non tantum absente sed spreto Episcopo,

as Mr. Baxter says? these then I conclude to be Presbyterians, and if Mr. Baxter will add the term Fanaticks, I cannot help it; they who plead ali∣quid 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, some impulses on their spirits, moving them from ingulphing with this generation, by reason whereof they cannot go back from that more spiritual, plain and simple zealous Service of Almighty God, in the way they are in, and refor∣mation they seek, against the (established) Wor∣ship and Discipline. (See p. 9. of the Answer to Doctor Stilling fleets Sermon) I say they, who for want of reasons to defend their cause, do plead impressions on their spirits, do prove themselves to be Fanatick, and I have proved them to be Presbyterians.

The Second Accusation is, that we began the War in 41. and 42. To this he pleads. 1. The King hath said so much for the Act of Oblivion, that it is no sign of Loyalty and Peace to violate it. Answ. An Act of Pardon implies guilt, though it exempt from punishment. And Secondly, God himself will pardon none but the penitent, what∣ever the King may do. 2. You plead that false reporters say, that the Papists were the Kings party, and the Presbyterians the Parliaments, in the beginning of the English War. Answ. They are false reporters indeed, that say the Papists were the Kings Party, which were not an hun∣dred part of his party; and I wonder not that Mr. Baxter calls it a false report, because it shews the Papists to have been more Loyal Subjects than the Presbyterians. Yet wanted not a number of Papists, some openly, and others under hoods, to Act for the Parliament, and they wanted not in∣vitation

and temptations to have been all of that side, as the Royal Martyr declared.

2. Mr. Baxter says, the contrary is so well known to Men yet living, that the reporters can hope to seduce none but young men and stran∣gers. Doth Mr. Baxter mean by the contrary, That the Papists were not the Kings party, and the Presbyterians were not the Parliaments party, or that the Papists were the Parliaments party, and the Presbyterians were the Kings party at the be∣ginning of our War; this I take to be contrary, and I think no Man living can affirm it. But he tells us that the controversie was begun between Arch-bishop Abbot, and his adherents, and Bishop Laud, and those that adhered to him. Answ. There was no War begun in Arch-bishop Abbots time, nor long after; but the controversie which made way for the War was of another kind, and a more ancient date, as Mr. Baxter relates it, §. 7. of his Plea, part 1. To which I suppose he refers the Reader; and there he says, the root of the difference between the old Non-conformists and the Conformists was this, That one sort thought they should stick to the meer Scripture rule and simpli∣city, and go far from all Additions which were found invented or abused by Papists. The other side thought they should shew more reverence to the Customs of the Ancient Church, and retain that which was not forbidden in Scripture, which was introduced before the ripeness of Popery, or before the year 600. at least, and which was found lawful in the Roman Church, and common to them with the Greek. And herein I have reason to believe Mr. Baxter was of the same mind with

the Conformists against the Non-conformists. See Directory, part 3. ch. 2. This difference was begun among the Exiles at Franckfort (says Mr. Baxter,) some striving for the English Liturgy, and others for a freer way of praying, (i. e.) from the pre∣sent sense and habit of the Speaker, (which by Mr. Baxters favour was not any where publickly practised at that time, no not by Calvin him∣self at Geneva.) But farther, Queen Elizabeth, and King James (saith Mr. Baxter,) discounte∣nancing and suppressing Non-conformists. They attempted in Northamptonshire and Warwickshire, to set and keep up private Churches, and govern∣ed them in a Presbyterian way, but the attempt was broken by the industry of Arch-bishop Whit∣gift and Bancroft: Some Conformed, and some were Connived at, which kept them from gather∣ing secret Churches; yet some Preached secretly in Houses, and some publickly for a day and away; some were further Alienated from the English Pre∣lacy, and separated from their Churches, and some of them called Brownists were so hot at home, that they were put to death. Mr. Ainsworth, Johnson, Robinson, and others fled beyond Sea, and there gathered Churches, and broke by divisions among themselves, as their Successors did in our memory. It will not be impertinent to shew from Mr. Cambden, how troublesome this sort of Men were under Queen Elizabeth, p. 420. of the English Translation of Cambden, They chose that season when the Spaniards amused the whole Na∣tion from abroad, by their Invincible Armado, as they called it to disturb her at home.

And ne∣ver did contumacious impudency against Ecclesi∣astical

Magistrates, shew it self more bold and insolent; for when the Queen would not give Ear to Innovators in Religion, who designed to cut in sunder the very sinews of Ecclesiastical Government, and her Royal Prerogative at once; some of those Men who were great admirers of the Discipline of Geneva, thought there was no better way to be taken for establishing it in England, than by inveighing and railing against the English Hierarchy, and stirring up the people to a dislike of Bishops. They therefore set forth scandalous Books against the Government of the Church and Prelates, as Martin Mar Prelate, Minerals, Diotrephes, A Demonstration of Dis∣cipline, &c. in which Libels they belched forth most virulent Calumnies, and opprobrious taunts and reproaches, in such a manner that the Au∣thors seemed rather scullions out of the Kitchen, than pious and godly Men; yet the Authors were Penry and Ʋdal, Ministers of the word, and George Throckmorton a Learned Man: their favourers were Richard Knightly and Wigston Knights. Others exercised their Discipline in corners in despight of Authority, and the Laws, holding Classes in several places, and forming Presbyteries; for which Thomas Cartwright, Ed∣mund Snape, Andrew King, Proudlow, Payne, and other Ministers were called in question, whom some of the zealots conspired to deliver out of the Magistrates hands, p. 451. He tells us how one Hacket insinuated himself into certain Di∣vines, which with a burning zeal laboured to bring the Presbyterial Discipline of Geneva into England; among whom was one Wiggington a

silly Brain-sick Minister, a despiser and enemy of the Magistrates; by Wiggintons means, he was acquainted with Coppinger a Gentleman, who perswaded Arthington an admirer of that Discipline: First that himself, and then that Arthington was extraordinarily called of God for the good of the Church, and that way was re∣vealed from Heaven to draw the Queen and Council to a better mind, meaning to admit of the Discipline of Geneva; Coppinger imparted this to Hacket, who by his counterfeit holiness, and fervent praying ex tempore, his fasting on the Lords days, and boasting that he had been buf∣feted by Satan, and had Revelations from God. — He Prophesied that there should be no more Popes, and that England should be lamen∣tably afflicted that year, with Pestilence and Famine, except the Discipline of the Lord, and Reformation were admitted in the Realm. They conspired as was proved by their Letters to accuse the Arch-bishop of Canterbury, and the Lord Chancellour of Treason, (and one of the party stabbed one Hawkins, a famous Sea-Cap∣tain, supposing him to be the Lord Chancellor) Hacket had such an implacable malice to the Queen, that he said often she had forfeited her right to the Crown; he defaced her Arms and Picture, striking his Dagger through the Breast of it (to omit many things) Hacket be∣ing Indicted for Treason Confessed it, and was Executed; dying, he lift up his Eyes to Hea∣ven, and grinning said, Dost thou thus repay me? instead of a Kingdom, I come to revenge it Coppinger shortly after starved himself in Prison,

Arthington repented seriously, and set forth a Book of it. Yet many others opposed the Dis∣cipline of the Church, reproaching the Prelates, and drawing some common Lawyers to their party, but the Queen knowing that her autho∣rity was struck at through the Bishops sides, broke the force of the adversaries without noise, and maintained the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, inviolate against all Opposers, (Presbyterians and Fanaticks.)

Nor were these Men less trouble∣some under King James, having conceived great hopes from his Education in Scotland, but he knew them so well, that he never shewed them any favour: In his first year they frame a Petition in the names of a Thousand Ministers for Reforma∣tion, which I find answered by the University of Oxford, and seconded by the University of Cam∣bridge.

The King told his Parliament, March 19. 1603. The third which I call a Sect rather than Religi∣on, is the Puritan and Novelist, who do not differ so far from us in points of Religion, as in their confused forms of Polity and Parity, being ever discontented with the present Government, and impatient to suffer any superiority, which makes their Sect unable to be suffered in any well go∣verned Common-wealth. And it is one reason why Grotius was so condemned for a Papist a∣mong this people; because in his Book de Anti-Christo, he hath left this Character of them, Cir∣cumferamus oculos per omnem historiam, quod unquam seculum vidit tot subditorum in principes bella sub religionis titulo? & horum concitatores ubique reperi∣untur Ministri Evangelici (ut quidam se vocant)

quod genus hominum in quae pericula etiam nunc opti mos Civitatis Amstelodamensis magistratus conjicerit? videat si cui libet de Presbyterorum in Reges audacia librum Jacobi Britanniarum Regis, cui nomen Donum Regium videbit eum, ut erat magni judicii ea praedixisse, quae nunc cum dolore & horrore conspici∣mus. I will give it you presently in that Kings English.

But the King giving them a fair hearing in the conference at Hampton Court, partly by his Arguments, and partly by his Authority suppres∣sed them for that time: Yet this restless people, so incensed him by their murmurings and reproach∣es, that he frequently in his Writings and Speech∣es in Parliament, professed both his jealousie of them, and caution against them in his Preface to the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. These rash heady Preachers, says he, think it their honour to contend with Kings, and perturb whole Kingdoms; and p. 41. 42. Take heed my Son to such Puritans, very Pests in the Church and Common-weal, whom no Desert can oblige, neither Oaths nor Promises bind, breathing nothing but Sedition and Calum∣nies, aspiring without measure, railing without reason, and making their own Imaginations with∣out any warrant of the word, the square of their Consciences. I protest before the great God, and since I am here as upon my Testament, it is no place for me to lye in; that ye shall never find with any Highland or border Thieves greater in∣gratitude and more lies, and vile perjuries than with these Fanatick-spirits; and suffer not the principles of them to brook your Land, if ye like to sit at rest, except ye would keep them for try∣ing

your patience, as Socrates did an evil Wife. The good King Charles found this Prophecy to be true; for notwithstanding all the care that himself, and Arch-bishop Laud (who apprehend∣ed the approaching danger) to suppress them, in so much as that Mr. Baxter says, in that 7. §. That the old Non-conformists being most dead, and the latter gone most to America; we cannot learn that in 1640. there were many more Non∣conformists Ministers in England than there be Counties, if so many; the Wolves be like had got on the Sheeps Cloathing, and not being able to ruine the Church by open force, seek to under∣mine it by secret Arts, being got within the Pale. In 37. says Mr. Baxter, Arch-bishop Laud using more severity than formerly, and the Visitations inquiring more after private Fasts and Meetings, and going out of their Parishes to hear. — And in many Places Lectures, and Afternoon Sermons being put down (which was done only where Faction and Sedition were Sown, and there Cate∣chizing a much more useful exercise, was injoyn∣ed in its room) by these things (and some other which he there mentioneth) the minds of Men were made more jealous than before, (and fears and jealousies were made the grounds of the War, the King and Arch-bishop being reported to be Popishly affected, though they both, as well in their Life time, as at their Deaths, gave irrefra∣gable Arguments for the contrary, sealing the truth of their Professions with their Blood.) And after the Imprisonment of some, the stigmatizing of others, and the removal of many beyond the Seas, all which, both many, and some, amounted

not to above Three or Four; whom though the Parliament received in Triumph, and plentifully rewarded, yet they found them to be turbulent Persons, viz. Prin, Burton and Bastwick, for I hear not of any removed beyond the Seas by authority) these were the causes of Alienating the peoples Minds from the Bishops, and made them afraid of Popery more than before, (and so it is still, any re∣straint from Faction is Condemned for Popery) Mr. Baxter tells us there of another Intregue; Then was the New Liturgy imposed on the Scots, with other changes there attempted (which were the resuming of some Lands belonging to the Church and Crown, which had been Sacrilegiously with∣held, during a great part of King James and King Charles's Reign; with the fear of losing the Tithes that some great Men there detained from the Clergy) whereupon the Scots Armed and Invaded England, and some English Lords (saith Mr. Baxter) took advantage to prevail with the King to call a Parliament once again. And here doubtless was the beginning of the War, the Scots and such English as were in confe∣deracy, and had agreed upon a Covenant for Re∣formation, being the first Aggressors. But let Mr. Baxter proceed — The Irish (observing it is like how the Scots thrived in their Rebellion) on Oct. 23. 1641. rose and murdered 200000. Persons, and (Mr. Baxter is not ashamed to say) the News was here reported, that they said they had the Kings Commission (just as much as the Parliament had to fight by his Authority against his Person,) whereupon the Parliaments Declara∣tions, raised in multitudes of the people, a fear

that they had partakers in England, and when they had done their work there they would come hither. And (mark the consequence) there was no way of safety, but to adhere to the Parlia∣ment for their own defence, (i. e. to strengthen the War against the King.) And in 42. says he the lamentable Civil War broke out; but between whom? did the Bishops fight against the King? or against one another? or against the Parliament? no such matter. How began the War then? Mr. Baxter says, the Houses of Lords and Commons consisted of such as had been Conformists, except an inconsiderable number. Some number then were apparently Non-conformists, and it seems they had infected many others; for Mr. Baxter says, they were such as had been Conformists; they were not so when the War began: and (N.B.) their fear of being over-powr'd by the Loyal par∣ty, of whom they thought themselves in sudden danger, caused them to countenance such Petitio∣nings and Clamours of the Londoners Apprentices, and others, as we think, disorders and Provoca∣tions of the King. This doubtless was a begin∣ning of the War; of which, see the Kings com∣plaint in his Ch. of Tumults: Mr. Baxter says far∣ther, the first open beginning was about the Militia, which by an Act of Parliament is thus determin∣ed: That the sole Command and disposition thereof is, and by the Laws of England, ever was the undoubted right of His Majesty, and that both, or either of the Houses of Parliament cannot, nor ought to pretend to the same, &c. How then did the controversie between the Bishops and Con∣formists begin the War, when the dispute of the

Militia did it. In truth there were (as Wilson in his History of King James confesseth) Regians and Republicans, and the dispute in several Parlia∣ments was between the Prerogative and Privi∣ledges, and as Mr. Baxter says, where other Par∣liaments ended, that of 40. began. And is it not strange, that there should be so few Non-confor∣mists in 41. and 42. and yet in 43. when the Covenant was brought in, all the Parliament and Assembly, and Officers in any Court, in the Army, and in the Navy, should generally take the Cove∣nant? for that was made the Test of all such as should be intrusted: and we hear of very few that refused, and I think there is no great dif∣ference between a Covenanter and a Presbyteri∣an, who still cry up the Scottish Discipline, as the very Scepter and Kingdom of Jesus Christ, to which all Kings and Scepters must bow or break.

The Third Accusation is, the death of the King, of which Mr. Baxter says, that he proved in times of Usurpation, that the Presbyterians detested it, and that it was done by a Proud Conquering Ar∣my. Answ. Who rose that Army, and carried on that War wherein the King perished? it was not the last stroak given by the Independents, that felled that Royal Oak; there were many repeated blows at the very Root of Majestie given by others, which cut all the Ligaments of his Power and Authority in sunder, chopt off all the Branches, his two great Ministers (as Mr. Baxter calls them) the whole Order of Bishops, His power of the Militia, Forts, Garrisons and Navy, and ex∣posed the declining trunk to the fury of a Rascal

party, whom themselves had Armed to the Kings ruine. I shall freely give you my thoughts of it, in an answer to another writing of Mr. Baxters, where he seeks more at large to excuse the Presbyteri∣ans from this horrid Crime. Mr. Baxter says, were it not for entring upon an unpleasing and unprofitable task: I would ask you, who that Juncto of Presbyterians was that dethron'd the King. Answ. The question I confess is very un∣pleasing; for,

Infandum renovare jubes Baxtere dolorem.

Yet because it may be profitable to know the truth; I say, that the dethroning so good a King, was a fact of an unparalled nature, to which the Sins of the whole Nation contributed, as well as yours and mine, and whereof we ought still to repent and beg pardon notwithstanding the Act of Oblivion. Yet there was a Select Juncto, that had a more immediate influence into it, and you ask me who they were; though I believe you know them better than my self, I will tell you my thoughts freely.

First, they were the Men whom Mr. Baxter Canonizeth for Saints, in his Everlasting Rest, p. 83. in my Edition, viz. Brook, and Prin, and Hambden, and White, &c. For I suppose you could have named many more of your own Coat, as precious Saints as they, of whom you say with an Asseve∣ration, Surely they are now Members of a more knowing, unerring, well-ordered, right-aiming, self-denying, unanimous, honourable, Triumphant Senate than this from whence they were taken, or

ever Parliament will be: But what if they are gone to another place, than what your Everlast∣ing Rest intended? have you not made a scurvy Reflection on your long beloved Parliament, and some Men do fear they were never admitted in∣to Gods everlasting rest; because you that fan∣cied them there, were ashamed to continue them in yours, being left out in your latter E∣ditions.

Secondly, I say it was that Juncto, who pro∣cured great numbers of factious and tumultuous people, in a rude and illegal way to affright the Loyal and most considerable part of the Parlia∣ment from their duties, and trust reposed in them by God and Man; such were the Kings Majesty, and the Prince, the Loyal Nobles, the Bishops and chosen Gentry, posting them up as Malig∣nants, and exposing them to the fury of the Rabble; of which tumults one of your Saints, Mr. Pym by name, said God forbid, that the House of Commons should dishearten their people, to obtain their just desires in such a way: Exact. Col∣lect. p. 531. Mr. Baxter p. 474. of the Holy Com∣mon-wealth makes this Objection, The tumults at Westminster drove him away; to which he answer∣eth: Only by displeasing him, not by indangering or meddling with him; and another eminent Man of Mr. Baxters acquaintance in his Jehovah Jireth, p. 65. says, the Apprentices and Porters were stimulated and stirred up by Gods Provi∣dence Thousands of them to Petition the Parlia∣ment for speedy redress. Whereas the Five Mem∣bers and their favourers had inraged the multi∣tude

not so much to Petition the Parliament, as to affront the King.

Thirdly, It was that Juncto, who against His Majesties Crown and Dignity, against the known Laws, and his express Proclamation to the con∣trary, did contrive and impose, under heavy pe∣nalties the Solemn League and Covenant upon the Nation, whereby they did justify the Rebel∣lion, and avow the maintenance of it, against the King and his Forces. And having first vowed with their Lives and Estates, to preserve the Rights and Priviledges of Parliament; they add — and to preserve the Kings Majesties Person, and Authority, in the preservation and defence of the true Religion, and Liberties of the Kingdom; Which experience sheweth, they no more intend∣ed, though it be here put in, as it was in Essex's Commission, than it was in Fairfax's, where (as I am informed) they left it out, and if they meant as they speak, they had no great care of his person, having actually deprived him of his Au∣thority. And besides that limitation, they preserve the Kings Person in defence of the true Religion, Covenanted to introduce another Religion in Doctrin and Worship, in opposition to that which was established by Law, and resolutely defended by his Majesty, and to root out Episcopacy, which as he had sworn to support, so had it been a great prop to the Throne; and therefore his Ma∣jesty declared concerning the 19. Propositions, that he could not consent unto them without vi∣olating his Conscience, and a total extirpation of that Government, whose Rights they had a mind to invade, and which was necessary to the well

being of His Majesty, as by many Arguments in the Chapter concerning Church Government it appears. This certainly was one of the keenest Instruments that hewed down the Throne. For the Speech without Doors (defending Mr. Chal∣loners Speech within Doors) tells the Parliament, that they are bound by their Covenant (for bringing evil Instruments to Condigne Punish∣ment) to destroy the King and his Posterity, and that they cannot justifie the taking away of Straf∣ford's and Canterbury's Lives for Delinquency, while they suffered the chief Delinquent to go unpunish∣ed, Oxford Reasons, p. 22. And the Speeches within Doors spake no less, for Sir H. Martyn told them, the Kings Office was forfeitable, and that the happiness of the Kingdom depended not on him, or any of the Royal Branches of that Stock, Exact. Collect. p. 552. and Sir H. Ludlow, that he was not worthy to be King of England. That this was the sense which their own Crea∣tures had of the Covenant, appears by the An∣swer of the Army to the Scots Declaration 1648. Who pleading that they had Covenanted for pre∣servation of the King, reply in a Paper Printed for Robert White before the Kings death; That it was conceived, to be absurd and hypocritical, to swear the Preservation of the Kings Person as a Man, and at the same time to be ingaged in a War against him, and he in the Field. And Mr. Marshal had said long before, That if the King had been so slain, it had been none of the Parli∣aments fault; for he might have kept himself farther off if he pleased, p. 19. of his Letter. The same Man said in his Sermon, Jan. 8. 1647.

The question is now, whether Christ or Anti-Christ shall be King. And in a Sermon to the Mayor and Aldermen 1644. These are miserable and accursed men, Factors for Hell, Satans Bou∣tefeus, and as true zealots are set on fire from Heaven; so these Mens Fire is kindled from Hell, whither also it carrieth them. Mr. Arrowsmith in a Sermon 1643. It is not a Kingdom divided a∣gainst it self, but one Kingdom against another; the Kingdom of Christ against Anti-Christ: So my Countryman John Bond told them they fought against Babylon, Dagon and Anti-Christ, and ex∣horted them to pull it down; though like Samson they dyed with it. In a Sermon 1644. Joseph Boden said, they were fighting for the Lamb a∣gainst the Beast, Anno 1644. And Mr. Marshal in his (Meroz) I pray look on me as one that comes to beat a Drum in your Ears, to see who will come out to follow the Lamb. This use the Co∣venanters made of that limitation, defending the Kings Person in the preservation of Religion; and you know who says, p. 423. of the Holy Com∣mon-wealth, We are to believe that Men would kill them, whom they fight against. And doubt∣less if His Majesty had perished in the War, the guilt had lain not only on the Souldiers, but chief∣ly on those that gave them their Commission; The Author of Bounds and Bonds spake home at that time, If by the Covenant you thought your selves indispensably bound to preserve the Royal Person, how comes it to pass, that you thought your selves obliged by the same Covenant, to wage War against him.

I have heard of a distinction (saith he) between

his Power and his Person, but never between his Person and himself. And if the Covenant would have dispensed with any Souldier of England or Scotland, to kill his Person by accident of War, (as his Life was oft in danger before he came to the Scaffold) his death had been violent, and the Obligation to preserve him had ended; and yet according to this argument, the Covenant had not been broken; why then should those Men think the World so dull, as not to understand plainly e∣nough, that the Covenant provided for his death more ways than one.

4. They that permitted such Pamphlets to be published without controle, as declared the King to be a Tyrant, Oxford Reasons, p. 21. That judged his Actions to be illegal, and his Declara∣tions false and scandalous, and his suggestions as false as the Father of lies could invent, Exact Col∣lect. p. 494. That banished the Queen as a Trai∣tor, Imprisoned the Bishops in the Tower; That held him to such unreasonable Articles and Pro∣positions, at Newcastle, and Carisbrook, as His Ma∣jesty declared he could not consent unto, without devesting him of his Authority; That rejected all his offers for peace; And in January 17. 1647. Voted no more Addresses, and that they could repose no more trust and confidence in him (which was a year before they were secluded the House) which by the Army was understood of their in∣tention to proceed in Justice against him. They who deprived him of all the Comforts of his Life, his Wife and Children, his Counsellours and Chaplains, as if with an Italian hatred they would have destroyed his Soul as well as his Body. These

were they, that did diminuere Caput Regis, as the Civil Law speaks, and they who afterward, find∣ing him thus bound and fettered, defamed and condemned, did obtruncare Caput Regis, were but the others Executioners. What action was more barbarous than that of the Scots, selling their Na∣tive Prince, that cast himself upon them, to his declared and avowed Enemies? after which he was hurried up and down, from one Prison to another, and inhumanly treated, till he was for∣cibly taken from them. Whoever shall compare the Declaration of the Scots, when they Invaded England, upon their Covenant, with the actings of the High Court of Justice against His Majesty, may see, what Coppy they wrote after, and whose Journy-men they were, in bringing him to the Block, whom they had pulled out of the Throne.

They were Roman Souldiers that actually Cruci∣fied our Saviour; but we know who Sold him, and how long the Chief Priests and Elders took Counsel against him, Matth. 27.2. And St. Peter tells the Men of Israel, Acts 2.23. Him have ye taken, and with wicked hands Crucified, though the Roman Souldiers did it. There is this only difference between the Graves and the Prisons of Kings, that in the Prisons they dye daily, or are buried alive, in the Grave they are at rest from all their fears and sorrows.

But to this it may be replied, that these were not Presbyters, properly so called, though they were a Juncto of Presbyterians: I would there∣fore have it considered, whose Scholars these were, who taught and animated them to these practices, and upon whose principles they acted;

I could set down such maximes of the Consisto∣rian Brethren, as the Jesuites would blush to own; but I shall forbear to foul my Paper with such Collections, as I have among my Adversaria: The Reader may satisfie himself, usque ad nauseam, if he observe what is Authentickly mentioned in His Majesties large Declaration, in Bishop Bancrofts dangerous positions, in Bishop Spotswood, and the Writings of the several Presbyteries of Scotland, in the result of false Principles, the Calvinists Cabi∣net, and which is, instar omnium, the Holy Common-wealth. What fruit could such bitter Roots pro∣duce, but Wormwood and Hemlock, as indeed they did in every Furrow of our Fields? It was said of Cato, that he did good, not that he might appear to be good, but because he could not do otherwise; and some Men do espouse such prin∣ciples, that if they Act according to them, they cannot do any thing but what is notoriously evil. What shall we say of Mr. Andrew Ramsey, that Preached, That it was Gods will that the Primi∣tive Christians should confirm the Truth by suffe∣ring; but now the Truth being established, it is his will the Truth should be defended by Action in resisting Tyrants? and John Goodwin said as bad of the Doctrine of resistance: Mr. Robert Blaire told his Auditors. — Beloved, the Lord hath forsaken our King, and given him over to be led by the Bishops, the blind brood of Anti-Christ, who are hot Beagles hunting for the Blood of the Saints: Nor can I forget Mr. Douglas's Sermon at the Coronation, who turned the Pulpit into a Scaffold, and Acted the Martyrdom of the Father in the sight of the Son. After these Scottish Pipes

did too many English Presbyters dance; whose Sermons were Satyrs, and invectives against the best of Kings, and his most Loyal Subjects. Take the active Covenanters from the greatest to the least; and as they thought it their duty, so they made it their business to do more than dethrone the King. I have said enough of Mr. Marshal al∣ready, let him that would know more read his Sermon on Curse ye Meroz, and not his only, but the most of those Sermons Preached to the Parli∣ament, especially on their Solemn days of Thanks∣giving. Mr. Case in a Sermon to the Court-Marshal, 1644. says, God would have no Mercy shewn, where the quarrel is against Religion, and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, p. 16. These Men that would bring in Idolatry and false Worship to de∣pose Christ from his Throne, and set up Anti-Christ in his place; such a generation Christ hath doomed to destruction, Luke 19.27. As for these mine enemies, bring them forth and slay them before me; and p. 18. What severity will God ex∣pect from you, who are called to judge for God, between the Sons of Belial, bloody Rebels, and an whole Christian Church and State, now resist∣ing unto blood for Reformation? Let me say to you, as God said to Moses concerning the Midi∣anites, vex those Midianites and smite them, for they vex you with their Wiles, Numb. 25.17, 18. Mr. Th. Palmer said, that God saw it good to bring Christ into his Kingdom by a Bloody way, p. 13. Dr. Downing of Hackney, in a Sermon to the Artillery-men; It is lawful for defence of Re∣ligion and Reformation of the Church, to take up Arms against the King: And Mr. Calamy seconds

him, it is commendable to fight for Peace, and Reformation against the Kings command.

Mr. Love, who was chosen as the fittest person to assist at the Treaty at Ʋxbridge, doth no doubt speak the Sense of the Juncto; he calls Episco∣pacy, and Liturgy, two Plague Soares, and tells the Commissioners, that while their enemies are going on in wicked practises, and they keep their principles; they may as soon make Fire and Wa∣ter to agree, yea I had almost said (quoth he) Heaven and Hell: And again it is the Sword, not disputes that must end this controversie. Where∣fore turn your Plowshares into Swords, and your Pruning-hooks into Spears, to fight the Lords Battles, to avenge the Blood of the Saints which hath been spilt, it must be avenged by us, or upon us: See p. 7. and 26. of Englands distemper. I have sometime feared, always prayed that too much pitty and mercy in our State Physicians, may not retard the healing of the Land, p. 32. There are many malignant humours to be purg∣ed out of many of the Nobles, and Gentry in this Kingdom, before we can be healed. — It was the Lord that troubled Achan, and cut him off; because he troubled Israel. O that in this, our State Physicians would resemble God to cut off those from the Land, who have distempered it, (would you know whom he means, he speaks plainly) melius pereat unus quam unitas, Men that lye under the guilty of much innocent Blood, are not fit persons to be at peace with, till all the guilt of Blood be expiated, and avenged either by the Sword of the Law, or by the Law of the Sword; else the peace can never be safe or just.

Are these the principles of Love? or can they consist with holiness? it will amaze any Christian to consider, that though the hand of God might mind him of his sin by the nature of his punish∣ment: yet instead of declaring his Repentance a little before his death, he professed his hatred to Malignants, his opposing the Tyranny of a King, saying, I did, it is true, in my place and calling oppose the forces of the late King, and were he alive again, and should I live longer, (the cause being as then it was) I should oppose him lon∣ger: In his Speech Sect. 14. Yet how horrid so∣ever this final impenitence appears to be, too many that should know, and do better things, have little sense of it. And it is very remark∣able, that Prideaux the Attorney General repeated most of these passages against Mr. Love at his Trial, as Arguments that he ought not to have any mercy shewed him. See the Printed Trial. What a sad thing is it (saith Mr. Case) to see our King in the head of an Army of Babylonians, refusing as it were to be called the King of England, Scotland and Ireland, and choosing rather to be called the King of Babylon, on Isa. 43.4. p. 18.

Those that made their peace with the King at Oxford, were the Judas's of England, and it were just with God to give them their portion with Judas, saith Mr. Calamy in a Sermon Preach∣ed Decemb. 25. 1644. p. 18.

Mr. Herle in a Sermon to the Commons, No∣vemb. 5.44. Do Justice to the greatest, Sauls Sons are not spared; no, nor may Agag or Benhadad, though themselves Kings. Zimri and Cosbi, the

Princes of the people must be pursued into their Tents; This is the way to Consecrate your selves to God. Strickland at the same time to the same tune; You know the Story of Gods message to Ahab, for letting Benhadad go upon Composition. Brooks to the Commons, Decemb. 26. 1648. Set some of those grand Malefactors a mourning (that have caused the Kingdom to mourn so many years in Garments Rolled in Blood) by the Execution of Justice. But though many of those Sons of Thunder had done wickedly, there is one exceeds them all, as you may read partly in a submissive Petition of Mr. Jenkins, and in a Sermon Preach∣ed Sept. 24. 1656. Who thus discovers his inward parts to be very wickedness. Before the present Parliament; Worthy Patriots, you that are our Rulers in Parliament, it is often said, we live in times wherein we may be as good (he might more truly have said as bad) as we please, where∣in we enjoy purity, and plenty, praised for this be that God, who hath delivered us from the im∣positions of Prelatical Innovations, Altar-genufle∣ctions, and cringes with Crosses, and all that Po∣pish Trash and Trumpery; and truly I speak no more than what I have often thought, and said, the removal of these insupportable burdens, con∣travailes for the Blood, and treasure shed, and spent in these late distractions; nor did I as yet ever hear of any godly man that desired (were it possible) to purchase their friends or mony again at so dear a rate, as is the return of these, to have the Soul-burd'ning Anti-christian Yoaks reimpo∣sed on us. And if any such there be, I am sure their desire is no part of their godliness. From

this Mans principles one hath observed, That whoever are of this perswasion, do wish this King on the Scaffold too, provided that would free them from our Episcopacy, and think it lawful to Rebel again, and destroy as many Families more, to shake off that Yoak. Again Mr. Jenkins in his Conscientious questions concerning submission to the then present power, 1651. Asks whether the stupendious Providences of God, manifested in the destruction of the late King, and his adherents in so many pitcht Battles, and in the Nations Uni∣versal forsaking of Charles Stuart, God hath not as plainly removed the Government from Charles Stuart, and bestowed it on others, as ever he re∣moved and bestowed any Government by any Pro∣vidence in any age? And whether a refusal to yield obedience and Subjection to this present Go∣vernment, be not a refusal to acquiesce in the wise and righteous providence of God, and a flat breach of the Fifth Commandment? (See his Pe∣tition.) And now I cannot but wonder why Mr. Baxter should move this question, who that Jun∣cto of Presbyters was, &c. Unless he took as much pleasure and glory, as others do shame and sor∣row in the repetition. It is a sad Observation which some have made, That not one of the Re∣gicides manifested his Repentance for that impious Act, for which they were Executed: The Lord give all guilty persons more Grace.

Mr. Bagshaw says, that Mr. Baxter was guilty of stirring up and fomenting the War, as any one what∣soever, p. 1. And my Lord of Worcester says, that he had done what he could to make this King odious to his people, p. 2. Of his Answer, and

that he Sowed the Seeds of Schisme and Sedition, and blew the Trumpet of Rebellion among them at Kidderminster, p. 4. And adds, I my self have heard him at a conference in the Savoy, maintain∣ing such a position, as was destructive to the Le∣gislative power, both in God and Man, and pro∣duced the Assertion under his hand; and when Mr. Baxter reported that the Bishop had defamed him; to prevent that report, the Bishop collected some of his Political Theses or Maxims of Govern∣ment, the repetition of a few whereof will be too many. He tells us the War was begun in their streets, before the King and Parliament had any Armies, p. 457. of H. Common-wealth. He con∣fesseth that he was one that blew the Coales of our unhappy Divisions; and that if he had been for the King, he had incurred the danger of con∣demnation. H. Common-wealth, p. 485. And should I do otherwise, I should be guilty of Treason, or disloyalty against the Soveraign Power of the Land. He holds that the Soveraignty is divided between King and Parliament, and that the King invading the other part, they may lawfully defend their own by War, and the Subject lawfully assist them; yea though the Power of the Militia be expresly given to the King; The Law supposing that the Militia is given the King against enemies, not against the Common-wealth: Thes. 358. he saith (its true) that now that the Parliament hath de∣clared, where the Soveraign Power is, he should acknowledge it, and submit to it, where he sup∣poseth that the King oweth his Soveraignty to the Parliament; and if they should again challenge it to themselves, he would rather obey them than

the King; Bishop of Worcesters Letter, p. 8. 9. And this appears clearly by what followeth, p. 486. That having often searched into his heart, whe∣ther he did lawfully engage in the War or not, and lawfully incourage so many Thousands to it (the Issue was) he could not see that he was mi∣staken in the main cause, nor dares he repent of it, nor forbear doing the same if it were to do a∣gain in the same state of things, (though the Power of the Militia be given to the King.) He tells us indeed (says the Bishop) that if he could be convinced that he had sinned in this matter, that he would as gladly make a publick Recanta∣tion, as he would eat or drink; which seeing he hath not yet done, it is evident he is still of the same mind, and consequently would upon the same occasion do the same things, viz. fight and en∣courage as many Thousands as he could to fight against the King, for any thing that calls it self, or which he is pleased to call a full and free Par∣liament: As likewise that he would own and submit to any Usurper of the Soveraignty, as set up by God, although he came to it by the Murder of his Ma∣ster, and by trampling upon the Parliament. Last∣ly, that he would hinder as much as possibly he could the restoring of the rightful Heir to the Crown: And now whether a Man of this Judgment, and of these affections, ought to be permitted to Preach or no; let any Man but himself Judge. And may we not reasonably think, that those Men did approve of that Hellish Fact, who did post factum, tell the World of his Tyranny, and Male-administration of Government, and inclination to Popery: And ap∣plauded the grand Regicide, as one that did pi∣ously,

prudently, and faithfully to his immortal honor exercise the Government.

I conclude this with the words of a worthy Person, who Printed a view of the Life and Reign of King Charles the First, even when the Faction was in Power, p. 94. The Presbyterians carried on the Tragedy from the beginning to the end; from the bringing in the Scots, to the beginning of the War; from thence till they brought him Prisoner to Holmby House, and then quarrelled with the Independents for taking the work out of their hands, and Robbing them of the long expected fruit of their Plots and Practices. —The Independents confessed they had put Charles Stuart to death, but that the King had been murthered long before by the Presbyterians, who had de∣prived him of his Crown, Sword, and Scepter; of his Sword by wresting from him the Militia; of his Scepter, divesting him of his power of calling Parliaments; they deprived him of his natural Liber∣ty, as a Man of the Society of his Wife and Chil∣dren, and attendance of Servants, and of all those comforts which might make his Life valuable; so that there was nothing left for the Independents to do, but to put an end to those Calamities, into which this miserable Man had been so accur∣sedly plunged by the Presbyterians. And so much for the Juncto of Presbyters, that dethron'd the King.

The main Battalia being thus discomfited, the little reserves will be more easily defeated.

Mr. Baxt. Was it they that Petitioned and pro∣tested against it?

Answ. Who ever Petitioned or protested against

the proceedings against the King, until the Army took him out of the Parliaments power? and was he not dethron'd before that time? after∣ward perhaps some of them did as the Hiena, that hath destroyed a Man and gorged himself, weep and howl over the Carcass, because he could not devour him wholly.

Mr. Baxt. Whether it was not an Episcopal Par∣liament (forty to one, if not an hundred) that be∣gan the War against the King?

Answ. With what face can one that pretends to Truth say this? when it is so notoriously known, that till by a prevailing Faction in that Parliament, the Bishops, and the Loyal and Epis∣copal party were forced away, nothing could be done against the King.

Mr. Baxt. Whether the General and Comman∣ders of the Army, Twenty to one, were not Con∣formists?

Answ. They had been such indeed, but, when they began the War, they neither feared God, nor honoured the King, but made the Reformation of Religion, the pretence of the War; which as the Covenant shews, was the abollishing of Bishops, Liturgy, &c.

Mr. Baxt. Whether the Major Generals in the Countries were not almost all Episcopal Conformists?

Answ. Stamford I knew, and one Baxter his Engineer; but that he was either a Major General, or a Confor∣mist I never heard. The first Major General that I knew in these parts was Desborough, after that the Kingdom was Cantonized; and I believe the

Turkish Bashaws, were as much Conformists as any of them.

Mr. Baxt. Whether the Admiral and Sea-Cap∣tains were not almost all Episcopal Confor∣mists (as Heylen distinguisheth them of Arch-Bishop Abbots mind, disliking Arminianisme, Mo∣noplys, &c.

Answ. I suppose the Admiral and his Officers had well studied the points of Arminianisme; when, as Mr. Baxter that fought against them, wrote for them in the judgment of his Brethren, and as I have heard that Dr. Hammond said of him, he was an Arminian too, though he did not know it.

Mr. Baxt. Whether the Episcopal Gentry did not more of them take the Engagement (and ma∣ny Episcopal Ministers) more than the Presbyte∣rians?

Answ. The King was dethroned before the en∣gagement was imposed, and if you drove any of the Episcopal party into that Snare; I hope that as Peter for denying his Master, they have repent∣ed of it, and so are pardoned, I wish I could say so much of the Covenanters.

Mr. Baxt. Whether the Arch-bishop of York, were not the Parliaments Major-General?

Answ. That he was a Traitor if he took any such Commission is no doubt, and when among the Twelve, there was one that sold his Master, 'tis not strange, if there were one of Twenty four Bishops that betrayed his Liege Prince; it was pitty that any Apostate Clergy-man should have an higer Office in that Army than Mr. Baxter, but

I think you did them more service, as an Adjutant General, than he as a Major General.

Mr. Baxt. Whether if this Parliament, which made the Act for Uniformity and Conventicles, should quarrel with the King, it would prove them to be Presbyterians and Non-conformists?

Answ. This is that which I know too many did expect, and I hope they will never live to see it; but if it should have happened, I would say, they had as much contradicted their principles, and falsified their ingagements, as Mr. Baxter had done, almost.

Mr. Baxt. Whether the Presbyterian Ministers of London, and Lancashire, did not write more a∣gainst the Regicides and Usurpers, and declare a∣gainst them, than all the Conformists? or as much?

Answ. What they did against the Regicides, was long after the King was dethron'd, and so is not pertinent to the question; yet I have some∣where read, that the London Ministers, about 59. in number, as I remember, in an endeavour to vindicate themselves from the Blood of the Royal Martyr, Printed 1678. did say thus; The woful miscarriages of the King himself, which we cannot but acknowledge to be very many, and great in his Government; have cost the Three Kingdoms so dear, and cast him down from his excellency, into a horrid pit of misery beyond example. This was a Repentance somewhat like that of Judas, when he had irrecoverably ruined his Lord and Master, but he could not wash his hands from that innocent Blood.

Mr. Baxt. And the Long Parliament was forced and most of them cast out before the King could be destroyed.

Answ. But not before the King was Actually dethroned, and it was about Twelve Moneths be∣fore they were forced off by the Army, that they Voted their Non-addresses.

Mr. Baxt. And when they were restored, it made way for his Restoration.

Answ. Surely they could not do it on your prin∣ciples, which assert that the King may be depo∣sed; nor are the Subjects afterward to trouble themselves for his Restoration; nor is the injured Prince himself to seek his resettlement, if the Common-wealth may prosper without him, and so he is obliged to resign his Government; and thus the people being free from any Obedience to him, may chose another King, or if not, a Com∣mon-wealth may be pitcht on. And had it been left to the Presbyterians to bring in the King on their Articles, he had not been admitted to this day.

Mr. Baxt. And Sir Thomas Allen Lord Mayor, and the City of London inviting General Monck from the Rump into the City, and joyning with him, was the very day that turned the Scales for the King. Not forgetting that Mr. Baxter Preached to the Parliament, as he often tells us the day be∣fore the King was Voted home.

Answ. Sir Thomas Allen, and the City did their duty Nobly and Worthily; but what turned the Scales against the Rump, that you reflect so upon, that Rump which while it had a better name, and a little more power, though then its nakedness appeared sufficiently, you prayed for it in these

words, May the Parliament be holy, and this ascer∣tained from Generation to Generation, by such a neces∣sary regulation of Elections, as I have hereafter de∣scribed, and that all those that by wickedness have for∣feited their Liberties, may neither choose nor be chosen, p. 14. 15. And again, That they were sworn, and sworn, and sworn again to be faithful to, and to de∣fend them; and that they were the best Governors in all the World, and such as it is forbidden Subjects to oppose upon pain of Damnation. So that I conclude, whoever restored this King (for which let God have all the praise) I still affirm, it was a Jun∣cto of Presbyters that dethroned his Royal Father.

This may suffice concerning the third and fourth part of the Accusation of destroying the King and disloyal principles.

The Fifth, That they are plotting a Rebellion, to which Mr. Baxter forgat to make any defence. Only he thought it his duty to give this account of their principles, as far as they are known to him. Where First, he seems rather to defend than disclaim his Political Aphorisms, though he desires the Book may be taken as Non scriptus: This will not satisfie; If he be of another Judg∣ment now, he ought to have undeceived his par∣ty by confuting those dangerous principles, where∣as he rather continueth to practise them still. But what I Judge undeniable, saith Mr. Baxter, I here declare. Now let the Reader go on from these words, until he come to the period, where he says, As I have here described the Judgment of such Non-conformists as I have Conversed with, I do desire those that seek our blood and ruine by the

false accusation of Rebellious principles to tell me if they can; what body or party of Men on Earth, have more sound and Loyal principles of Govern∣ment and Obedience? And if any person can ex∣tract any such principles within all that period, I will say, he hath turn'd Mr. Baxter's Whetstone into the Philosophers Stone. He says, indeed we are all bound, if it be possible, and as much as in us lyeth to live peaceably, and follow peace with all men. But how have they followed this principle? We have, he saith, many years beg'd for peace of those that should have been the Preachers, and wifest promoters of peace, and can∣not yet obtain it, nor quiet them, that call for fire and sword, not knowing what spirit they are of. This is the Presbyterian way of Petitioning for Peace, to rail against their Superiours, charg∣ing them with persecution, fire and sword; and asserting that there can be no peace, until the Laws for Conformity be all reversed, the Bishops Authority and the Kings too, in Ecclesiastical af∣fairs taken away, the Liturgy exchanged for Mr. Baxters new Directory, as he hath at large declared in the first part; and such a desolation as this they call peace, solitudinem volunt & pacem vocant. He says, the Declaration about Ecclesiastical affairs telleth us, that the King would have given the people peace. Answ. And there were a sort of men, whom the King for peace sake, desired to read only so much of the Liturgy as was beyond exception, and they would not; did not these tell the World they would have no peace but vi∣ctory? So true it is as Mr. Baxter says, with un∣peaceble Clergy-men, no Plea, no Petition (no not

of the King himself) could prevail, but the things that have been are, and the Confusions of our age come from the same causes and sorts of men, as the Confusions in former ages did; for which we need not go to Mr. Baxters Church History, the Men and methods of 41. and 42. are well nigh revived. They told His Majesty in their second Paper for Peace, That if he would grant their de∣sires, it would revive their Hearts to daily and earnest Prayers for his Prosperity. But what if he deny them? Then p. 12. it astonisheth us to fore∣see what doleful effects our Divisions would pro∣duce, which we will not so much as mention in particular, lest our words should be misunderstood. And it is obvious enough to whom they would apply that passage, p. 117. of their reply to the Exceptions: As Basil said to Valens the Empe∣rour, that would have him pray for the Life of his Son: If thou wilt receive the true Faith, thy Son shall live; which when the Emperour refu∣sed, he said, the Will of the Lord be done: So we say to you, if you will put on Charity, and promote peace, God will honor you; but if you will do contrary, the Will of the Lord be done with your honors. Amen say I: Let them fall in∣to the hands of God, who is still exceeding gra∣cious to them, and not into the hands of such cruel men, who have War in their Hearts while they Petition for Peace. And will Mr. Baxter still demand what party of Men on Earth have more Loyal Principles. Our English Papists, who as Mr. Baxter grants adhered to the King, would be offended if I should say, they that fought a∣gainst the King, were more Loyal than they, who

with Lives and Fortunes fought for him; dares he compare with the Church of England, who lived and died, and rose again with their King, to the great regret and envy of those Men? I will not say only that the Primitive Christians, but e∣ven the Old Greeks and Romans had better Prin∣ciples than any you practise by, and will rise up in Judgment against such a Generation. How vainly do you inquire what Hottoman or Bodin have written? Consider the Precepts of our great Lord, and the Practice of the Primitive Christians for the first 600. years, and how night the true Members of the Church of England followed those Principles and Examples for Twenty years toge∣ther, and how far the Presbyterians Acted contra∣ry to them, and then convince the World whether the party you Boast of, or these were most Loyal. But Mr. Baxter demands; Must this Age answer for their Fathers deeds; what is all this to the present Non-conformists? Answ. If they follow the deeds of their Fathers, we cannot deny them the reputation of being their Children, who (with∣out controversie) begat and Nurtured them.

And though I have not the opportunity to ask those Noble Lords and Gentlemen, whom Mr. Ba∣xter names concerning the Conformity of their Fathers; yet I can give you their Sense, and the Opinion of the whole Nation, concerning the be∣haviour of their Children; who have as great a mind to begin a second War. And take it in the best English Dialect, (i. e.) in the Acts of Parlia∣ment; And first in the Act against Conventicles, 16. Car. 2di N. 2. For providing of further and more speedy remedies against the growing and

dangerous practice of Seditious Sectaries, and o∣ther disloyal persons; who under pretence of ten∣der Consciences, do at their meetings contrive in∣surrections, as late experience hath shewn, &c. And in the Oxford Act, they say of those that Preach in unlawful Assemblies, Conventicles or Meetings, under colour or pretence of the Exer∣cise of Religion, contrary to the Laws and Sta∣tutes of this Kingdom, have settled themselves in divers Corporations of this Kingdom, three or more in a place, thereby taking opportunity to di∣still the poysonous principles of Schisms and Re∣bellion into the hearts of His Majesties Sub∣jects, to the great danger of the Church and Kingdom, &c. Now how little difference there is between such Seditious tumults and meetings, the late Rebellion in Scotland doth demonstrate, where the chief Masters of those Assemblies Preached an Evangelium Armatum, and having in cold Blood barbarously murthered the most Reverend Arch-Bishop, drew many Thousands into the Field, and would have done the like by the King himself, had he been in their power, as by their Declara∣tions we may guess. I do not accuse their Breth∣ren of England of Rebellion; the Parliament says, their actions tend to it, and that is, Tantamount to a Plot. Sedition and tumults, open and pro∣fessed disobedience to the Laws, adhering to a Re∣bellious Covenant, refusing the Tests of Obedi∣ence, which require only the disclaiming of Re∣bellious Principles and Practices, Preaching and Printing what is actually Seditious, and tends di∣rectly to Rebellion; and all this when our Parlia∣ment hath declared that there is an horrid Plot

on foot, for the destroying of the King and esta∣blished Religion; to the latter whereof you are avowed Enemies: this may draw at least a sus∣pition on you, that you are in the Plot, whether you know it or no; for as I suppose, in the be∣ginning of the First War, very few of them that were ingaged, intended a Plot against the King and the Church, yet were acted to the ruine of them both. So now a great many that call them∣selves Protestants, may be over-acted by the Pa∣pists; who if they can once destroy the Church of England, by means of our divisions, which is the most likely means, may cry Victoria, and boast that we have destroyed our selves. And then you may say truly, p. 123. of the second part of your Plea, The blood will be on you, and your Chil∣dren.

Mr. Baxter professeth in his Preface, a detestation of the lying Malignity, and bloody Cruelty of the Papists, but p. 235. of his first part, he concludes it to be but reasonable, if on such necessity, (i. e. the penalties for Non-conformity) they should ac∣cept of favour from any Papists that would save them. And that if one party, (viz. the authori∣ty of the Nation) would bring them to such a pass, that they must be hanged, imprisoned, ruin∣ed or worse, unless the favour of the Papists de∣liver them; And the other party, viz. the Non-conformists had rather be saved by the Papists, than be hanged or ruined by Protestants, they ought not to be suspected of Popery; this shews that he hath a better Opinion of the Papists than of the Conformists. Some blush not, saith Mr. Baxter, to accuse the Non-conformists, as the bring∣ers

in of Popery by desiring Liberty, p. 245. that is, that there is a door opened to them by our Divisions. Answ. None hath more reason to blush at this than Mr. Baxter; for in his defence of the principles of Love, As to Popery (says he) the interest of the Protestant Religion must be much kept up, by means of the Parish Ministers, and by the Doctrine and Worship there performed (not by Conventicles then) for they that think and endeavour contrary to this, of which side so∣ever, shall have the hearty thanks and concurrence of the Papists (who then are in the Plot.) Nor am I causelesly afraid, saith Mr. Baxter, that if we suffer the Principles and practices which I write against, (i. e. the dividers and destroyers of peace and love) to proceed without our contradiction, Popery will get by it so great advantage, as may hazard us all, and we may lose that which the several parties do contend about.

Three ways, especially Popery will grow out of our divisions.

1. By the Odium and scorn of our divisions, inconsistency and multiplied Sects. — Thousands have been drawn into Popery, or Confirmed in it already, and I am perswaded, saith he, that all the Arguments in Bellarmine, and all other Books that ever were written, have not done so much to make Papists in England, as the multitude of Sects among our selves.

2. Who knows not how fair a game the Pa∣pists have to play by our Divisions? methinks I hear them hissing on both parties, saying to one side, lay more upon them, and abate them no∣thing; And to the other stand it out and yield

to nothing, hoping that our divisions will carry us to such practices, as will make us accounted Seditious, Rebellious and dangerous to publick peace, and so they may pass for better Subjects than we, or else they may get a Toleration with us. And shall they use our hands to do their work? we have already served them unspeakably, both in this, and in abating the Odium of the Gun∣powder Plot, and other Treasons.

3. It is not the least of our dangers, lest by our follies, extremities and rigours we so exasperate the Common People, as to make them readier to joyn with the Papists than with us, in case of Competitions, Invasions or Insurrections against the King and Kingdoms peace. And in the Key for Catholicks, The Papists (saith he) account that if the Puritans get the Day, they shall make great advantage of it; for they will be unset∣led, and all in pieces; factions and distractions, (say they) give us footing for continual at∣tempts; to make all sure we will have our par∣ty secretly among Puritans also, that we may be sure to maintain our interest. And in his Holy Common-wealth, Let the Magistrate cherish the Disputations of the Teachers, and let him pro∣cure them often to debate together, and reprove one another, for so when all Men see that there is nothing certain among them, they will easily yield saith Contzen the Jesuite.

Pudet haec opprobria, &c. —

You conclude your second part of the Plea, with some Petitions out of the Liturgy, which I

have reason to think you do with an ill design; praying, that he, whose Service is perfect freedom, would defend you his Humbled Servants (non sa∣tis humiliati quia nondum humiles,) in all assaults of your Enemies, &c. Whom you mean by your Enemies all parties will guess. But I shall com∣mend to you the same advice which Bishop Pri∣deaux gave the Assembly, when they consulted him what they should do; his direction was, that they would consider their ways, and return to their Obedience, and say, in the Confession of the Church. —Almighty and most Merciful Father, we have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost Sheep, We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, we have offended against thy Holy Laws, we have left undone those things which we ought to have done, and we have done those things which we ought not to have done, and there is no health in us, &c. And the God of Heaven give us all Grace, so to confess and forsake our Sins, that we may find Mercy.

Notes

• Popish Clergy-Men.
• By their fruits ye shall know them.
• The Assembly drew up an Exhortation for the taking of the Co∣venant; where they declare that the Go∣vernment by Bishops is evil, justly offen∣sive and burdensome to the Kingdom.
• The Earl of Stam∣ford was over your Country.