A discovery, or Certaine observations, concerning the crafty and cursed proceedings of the conspirators, or rebbells of England against their owne King, Queene, church, government, then established; to wit 1639. And the liberty, peace, fafety [sic], & quiet-beeing, of that our nation, and other kingdomes thereunto belonging. By whom the people of other nations have beene also cheated and troubled. Observed by J. M. whose hart hath for many yeares together mourned in secret, for the calamity by the sayd rebbels, brought upon his owne, and other nations.

DISCREET READOR:

BEE pleased to take notice, that some things more I have to say, concerning my owne sufferings, for the space of Three and twenty yeares together: which doth consist of divers Artikles, which I presented vnto the sayd Crumwell, and vnto Mr. Walter Streckland for him; to both whom, and vnto others of theyr party, I made my greevances knowne at large in Papers, bearing date the 20. of February: and others of the third and fourth of March, in the yeare 1656. Stilo veteri, from Middelborgh and Flishing. Which Papers were delivered to Mr. Strecklands hand, the 12. of that instant March, for the sayd Crumwell, by one John Symons, a shippe-Carpenter, who, as apeares by his owne Letter, dated vnto mee from Lon∣don, the 13. of March last, wherin is signefied vnto me, the delivery of those papers aforesayd, to the said Mr. Streckland the day before: dwelleth neare Noahs Arke, close by St. Saveries Docke, not farre from the Mill stairres, over against the Armetage, at Horset-downe, in the Parish of St. Madlen, London. I having vsed all meanes possibly, for the space of one yeare and a halfe together, for the obtaining of Reparation towards my great troubles, charges, disgraces, and much other prejudices, but in Feb. and March last, to wit 1656. Stilo veteri, that seeing the power of the Kingdome of England, being in the hand of the said Crumwell, and his Army: my desire from him, and Mr. Streckland, was, that by his, or their meanes, the some of two hundred pounds starling, might bee payd mee in Bridges, within thirty dayes after the date of my sayde papers: or otherwise I would publish, or make knowne vnto the world such things, as the sayd Crumwell, and his party, would by no meanes bee willing to heare of. And that if the sayd 200. pounds were not payd mee, within the time aforesayd, I would cause the evill savor of Crumwell, and some of his party, for to come abroad into the world, more then ever it was yet: It being, according vnto equity, and rather shorte then over. Also the sayd Crumwell having done many things of greater consequence, but never any thing with more equity, in this world. And that if by his meanes, the sayd somme were payd me; I would bee allwayes ready to give an account of any thing that I had mentioned vnto any one, whom hee would appoynt in such a place where wee might bee both free to speake our mindes: and that I would make knowne vnto him whom the sayd Crumwell should appoynt what I had further to say against Crumwell and his Army, and some others of his party. And though it stands mee much in hand for to take care for my subsistance, I being in yeares: without which this Pamphlet had been published more then tenne yeares since: yet vpon condition, the sayd mony had beene payd mee, I would have communicated the businesse vnto some of his apoint∣ment.

First, in private: that they might the better have made theyr peace with God, the King, and his Subjects. But least any one, or more should thinke, that I vpon any condition at all, did thinke or ever intend, to bee wholy silent, in what I mean by this; the cleane contrary may appeare, as follows.

This is parte of what I signefyed vnto him, in the same papers, wherin I exprest or specefied my greevances. I inclosed also to the sayd Crumwell, three Copyes: one, of an Attestation, vnder the hand of Mr. Hengh Pieters. Minister, dated the 17. day of Iune, 1634. For the clearing mee of a false Accusation, then layd to my charge; an other, was the Copy of an Act, vnder the hands of the Lords of Rotterdam; to show that I was a free Broker: and the third, was a Copy of an Act that I had from the Company, my Masters, to the intent, that Crumwell might vnderstand, that I desired nothing but what was as Just as the Cloathes on my back, and rather farre shorter then one or two over.

I signefyed also vnto the said Crumwell, that whether the mony were payed or not, that I expected nothing, neyther would accept of any thing from him; or any of his party: but from my Masters, afore∣sayd, vnder whom I had sufferd: and to this purpose I wrote vnto him.

SIR: I hope your Highnesse will grant, that though Power, and Impudence by violence,* 1.1 drive honest and harmlesse men from their Right, and quiet being; yet you will not deny, but that it is lawfull for men who are opprest, and spoyld, for to vse the best meanes they can, towards the obtaining of Reparation, or Restitution: as it shall please the Lord to give power, or opportunety. And I doe comfort my selfe in the Lord my God; as some times David did: who, I hope, will gra∣tiously favour my Righteous cause:* 1.2 neyther hath hee left mee wholy without hope. Though I must confesse, it sometimes pleaseth God for to suffer lyes, craft, tyranny and falshoode, to prosper and to con∣tinew longe.* 1.3

SIR: If I should make such a greevous complait, without Just and very extreame cause; how should I then expect the God of equity, to bee on my side? or, who can I expect shall helpe mee in time of need? I hope, the Lord will not suffer vayne thoughts, for to lodge with in mee, nor any evill thing which I blame in others. To my sorrow I know, that by violence framed, and shamelesse Arguments; as by other vnlaw∣full proceedings; oft-times a bad cause, is kept too long on foote: yet that doth not make a bad cause good; because it is contrary vnto equity, and because the God of Just men, is of purer Eyes, then to behould evill; and who can not looke vpon iniquity: vnlesse it bee in his good time, to punish such as deale treacherously,* 1.4 and such as holde their tongue, when the wicked devoureth the man, that is more Righteous then hee.

SIR: seeing that my last hope I have left of ever Recovering the sayd somme of Mony; is only by the helpe of your Highnesse: my sufferinge, namely in my person, and good name, as in matter of my subsistance, have beene very great, & of three & twenty yeares continuance. Where∣fore blame mee not, though I earnestly seeke Reparation by such mea∣nes, or possibillities, as God is pleased to aforde mee. I doe most hum∣bly Confesse, that I am very large and tedious, and you shall doe well to Consider the extremety of my being necessetated herevnto. I further signefied vnto the sayd Crumwell, besides my greevances at large, compre∣hended in divers Articles; as is a foresayd; that in case hee did not cause mee to have Iustice, as aforesayd, seeing that power is in his hand; that hee might perceave that I did intend, to doe that which would bee very vnwelcom to him, and vnto many of his Party, and I also added parte of my grounds, or Reasons, wherfore I would doe it: as followeth.

SIR: I doe most humbly show vnto your Highnesse;* 1.5 that for these many yeares together, I have been very much greeved, at the proceedings of your Highnesse, the Army, and others of your Party, against the Worde of God, the King, the Church, & the Lawes & Nation of our Land. And that ever since the troubles of England by the Conspiracy of you, & your Partye, as heereafter more at large first began; in which time many thousands, of the best and most peaceablest famelyes are ruened: also by the slight of men, and that long in secret my most beloved Nation hath beene in a most wonderfull manner stirred vp, and set one against ano∣ther: by such as were the enemies, & troublers of our Nation, so at home, as from abroad: by which Cursed meanes aboundance of blood have beene spilt: for which my soule hath constantly mourned in secreat.* 1.6

For which Cause, and for other Reasons, that I must as yet conceale; I have spoken much against the Person, and Proceedings of your High∣nesse, and some others of your Party: which by the helpe of the most high God, shall be knowen shortly in publicke, or in private; which I have intended this many yeares, but hetherto I have kept it still private, vnlesse vpon occasion, some wordes darkely have past from mee, because I have greatly, and alwayes longed, to see or heare of a Righteous settlement in England; without discovering my selfe: and as yet onely my prayers to God Almighty, have been my best Indeavours to that purpose.

And SIR, much at convenient time and place, I have to say, & with∣out any wrong or prejudice vnto any others; also it will concerne you, and many of your Party, to know the same in private, before it comes in pu∣blicke to the world, because thereby your evill savour will yet be much more knowne then ever it was, or hath been as yet.

This is the Copye of a Letter from mee, to Crumwell: the Arch-Rebbell: being word for word.

The Copye of another Letter, inclosed to the sayde M^R. Streckland, for the sayd Crumwell: Dated the 28. of March 1657. in Bridges, and sent by the ordinary Post by way of Dunkirke.

For your Highnesse, to wit, the most vallient Oliver Crumwell; Lord Protector of the Army, and some others, in great Brittaine and Jerland. This is also verbatum.

SIR; I doe humbly agayne give you notice, that I did write vnto you, from Middlebourgh and Flushing, in Zeland; by one Iohn Simmons, a Shippe-Carpentor, dwelling neare Noahs Arke, not farre from the Mill∣stayres, in Horsydowne, London. Certaine papers of Consequence, bearing date the 20. of Feb: last. But for want of a speedior passage, I dated other papers, the third and the fourth of March, old stile. Also I wrote vnto Mr. Hugh Pieters, Mr. Walter Streckland, & to Sir Henry Vaine, all whom doe know mee, or some times have knowne mee; but M^R. Pieters, Mini∣ster, best of any of them.

SIR: The Contents of the sayd papers, are as followeth. I having served the Company of Marchants Adventurors of England; some times Residing in Delfe and Rotterdam; since the yeare 1634. and though I hum∣bly doe, and shall ever Acknowledge many of my sayd Masters, both of the first & of the last of their Worships, some were as good Masters vnto mee, as I could wish or desier them to bee, yet others of their sayd Wor∣ships, who were towards me disaffected, from the begining of 1634. have from time to time, caused my Life and Harte to bee very full of bitter∣nesse; which hath beene vnto mee exceeding prejudiciall and greevous: and doth consist, not onely of denying mee of Iustice vpon severall ocasi∣ons, against several slanderous & abusive persons; who, by some of the sayd Company were partly, or wholy, incouraged; if not from time to time Im∣ployed, and set on against mee: as also, I have beene wonderfully bla∣med, as a mallicious fellow, for suing for Iustice: without which, I saw it to be vnpossible, ever to bee quiet. The want wherof, caused the evill-doers to bee the more Insolent, and many others afterwards, by Reason of the evill example of the first three; and I have often, by severall of my sayd Masters, most wrongfully beene accused in the like kinde, I say, by divers of themselves, though from the first to the last, never any thing at all hath beene proved against mee. Also, the Injurijs and violence hath beene so extreame, and continuall against mee, as I shall humbly show, when it shall bee Requiered of mee, that I went three severall times to the Hage, to complaine vnto Mr. Olyver Synjohns, Mr. Walter Streckland; when they were there as Ambassadors, for to Intreat them, to move the Company in my behalfe; but for feare of giving my Masters great distast thereby, and by Reason of some difference betweene Mr. Streckland and my selfe, about the Ingagement, which I refused in 1650, neither was Sterckland

content with mee; & vpon those two Considerations, I did forbeare, be∣cause I have since in sundry kindes beene greatly abused: and all other hopes of Reparation now failing, my humble desier is, that by the Indeavor, and power of your Highnesse, I may have payed mee by my sayd Ma∣sters, Resedent now in Dordricht; the full somme, or valew of 200. pounds starling: to mee, or my Assiges, in Bridges, within thirty dayes after the 10. of March 1656. ould stile, for the Reasons specefied at large in the sayd papers before mentioned, sent by the said Simmons vnto your High∣nesse, who arived at London the 11. day of this month of March.

SIR, this I entreat of you; because the power of our Land is now principally in your hand, and because your Will and Word hath beene, as it were a Law in many other things, of farre greater consequence: but if you doe it not to be payd to mee within the time mentioned; I intend by the helpe, and the Devine Providence of that same God,* 1.7 which it seemes many of your party have forsaken. Or else they know him not: 1. Sam. 2.12. I shall (I say) by the speciall assistance afore sayd, shortly make such things knowne to the world, as that neyther your Highnesse, nor some of your helpers, will bee at all willing to heare of; Concerning the proceedings of you, & some of your Party in these last 20. years together, against that parte of our Nation, who most Inclined to peace, trueth, and meeknesse: and it may bee, by the helpe afore sayd, in short time, by my meanes, some of the same Creatures, who have been begotten by the troub∣lers of England, & bred vp vnder some of your owne party, may happily come to byte you, and some others. But if the sayd two hundred pounds starling, bee payd vnto mee, or my Assignes in Bridges, in Flanders, before the 10. of Aprill 1657. old style: I shall not onely deferre the same, which I otherwise by the grace of God intend, but also I shall by the helpe of the most High, indeavour to show you, or some whom you shall be plea∣sed to appoint for to heare mee, the best way and course to bee taken to∣wards your Honour, peace, and safty, to the end that yet a farre greater dissollation come not vpon my beloved Nation, by the meanes of your Highnesse, and some of your party: which I am afrayd of, and long have beene: by Reason whereof, you may conceave the more, or better safety for your selves, and yet be mistaken.

SIR, I humbly referre you to my former papers, wherin I wrote you distinctly, the particulars of many of my greevances, also inclosed to you, and vnto Mr. Sterckland for you, besides Copyes of papers, presented at severall times vnto my sayd Masters; as well to such as Reside now in London, and Hamborough, as now Residing in Dordricht, wherein many par∣ticulars of my greevances were especified. And so I tooke my leave.

Further: the Reador may please to consider, that Crumwell, and his Consorts, have choyce of two severall Interpretations of that which is writ∣ten in folio 52. & part of 53. by them to be vnderstood out of those words:

being proper, as also trueth both wayes: namely, vnto my long & many foulde or sundry sufferings by mine owne enemies, in 23. yeares: or as truely may the same words bee vnderstood, to bee the longe and extreame sufferings of the King, and the Nation of England, by Crumwell, and his Army, and some other Conspirators in Combination with them.

Further: I did in my papers afore-sayd, alledge vnto Crumwell, and others; that I neyther would wilfully offende him, nor flatter him further then my necessety did require for the clearing of mine owne Conscience between God and my selfe; in regard of what (longe since) came to my knowledge, conserning the Conspirators in England.

Secondly: I did therin reflect, vpon what I then supposed would fol∣low, betweene the sayd Conspirators and my selfe: and the onely mea∣nes of my being Righted, remayned in himselfe, to wit, Crumwel. There∣fore I could doe no lesse, then to give him some good words, by way of the Tytle, given him by the like of himselfe, & some others; who loves him not: as himselfe wel knowes.

Thirdly,* 1.8 There is a Cursse pronounced vnto such, as call evill good, and good evill,* 1.9 which is, to Iustifie the wicked, and to condemne the Iust.

Fourthly, Neyther doe I beleeve, that Crumwell desiers to bee flattered; vnlesse it be by such,* 1.10 as are ingaged in Treason, as well as himselfe: with∣out which, hee will not lightly put Confidence on any man.

These, and divers things, being neere to this purpose, I signefyed vnto the said Crumwell, and Streckland, & others of their Party; in March a fore∣sayd: who answered mee not a worde: which showes the hart of the sayd Crumwell, to his owne shame to be lifted vp; and it may be to his owne destruction.* 1.11 Who gloryes in his owne shame, and who onely mindes earthly things. It seemes there is none in Power in England, that will doe that which is good: no,* 1.12 not one: as apeares by Crumwell, and his Consorts, though they are sought vnto.* 1.13

Wijse, and Righteous Reador, bee pleased to take notice of the Conclusion. These following Reasons, Reade and Consider.

[ I] First: to my great disgrace and prejudice, my wrongs and sufferings in my Person, and good name; hath been in sundry kinds very extreame and of 23. yeares continuance.

[ II] Secondly, This hath caused me from time to time, to be bitterly revyled and scorned by good men, as well as others, by mis-informations.

[ III] Thirdly, By reasonable Reparation given me; such as have abused mee by mis-information, & not wilfully, much lesse so Mallissiously as others, then they would have vnderstood that I was much wronged.

[ IV] Fourthly, That those which are Impudent, will then see to their shame, that they have often wronged mee, without any cause at all in mee.

[ V] Fiftly, That I may thereby live quietly, and in peace with all men, in time to come.

Sixthly: that such, and the like, might see and consider the evill of theyr [ VI] doings, and doe no more so wickedly; nor any others against mee, nor any others hereafter, by the evill example of the former, so evill shall bee put away from amongst you, and others shall heare and feare, and commit no more any such evill amongst you, see Deut. 19. from the 16. verse to the end.

Seaventhly, Because my selfe, & others; have found by longe and woe∣full [ VII] experince, that because sentence or Iustice against the evill workers, hath neither in the short, nor long, been executed, much lesse speedyly; therefore the harts of the Children of men, hath been fully set in them to doe evill.* 1.14 Is it not a wonderfull thing, that men should so despise the Word, and cast of the feare of the Lord? like men who are so desperately wicked, as to tyrannise so much over others, as to make them halfe or wholy distracted (as them selves say) by exstreme violence, and greefe, donne by themselves and then Insult the more over them, by taunting termes, Imputing such to be mad for the great troubles, and vngodly dealings, brought vpon the opressed, by them selves. These doe aprove themselves to bee Lovers of wrong, more then of Right, neyther are they ashamed to condemne the Innocent, nor to Iustefye the vngodly.* 1.15 These men seeme to scorne Gods owne Word, seeing it is sayd, that oppression maketh a wise man mad.* 1.16 A gift de∣stroyeth the harte, and so doth feasting too: when it is done to a mischievous end.

Now, because the evill smell of theyr detestable projects is come abroad [ I] into a great part of the world, which in the short or long will make Crumwell, and his Helpers, for to spuw vp or leave the pray againe, by them vnjustly taken from theyr betters, both of our owne, and other Na∣tions. And this is the Reason that the Traytors of England first made vse of Strangers against theyr owne King and Country; I meane such as were mis-informed and deceaved by the falshood of the sayd Traytors.

Secondly, the strenght of theyr delusion, and the necessity of the sayd [ II] Rebbells for it,* 1.17 they yeare after yeare have made vse of one Catholike to destroy another Catholike: so that it seemes theyr Trade and Profession is to sowe and to make discord, strife, and devisions amongst Brethren,* 1.18 from whence commeth desolation, ruying, and bloodshed, and they warme themselves by the coales of other mens Houses, whom the sayd Rebbels set on fyer.

Thirdly, they have not onely severall times stirred vp Protestants against [ III] Catholikes, but also Catholikes against Protestants. Witnesse the Hents of theyr owne Creators, saying: They had helpe of the Subjects of the King of Spayne, or some of them against the Lords the States Generall of the Vnited Provences, or against the peaceable Inhabitants. I confesse, if they speake trueth, it is to themselves mis-fortune,* 1.19 because their custome is constantly for lyes: but if it bee true, it is but like as Abimolochs boldnesse. So that, if any of the King of Spaynes Subjects were drawne thereunto,* 1.20

it was by the shamelesse importunety, and strong delusions of the sayde Rebbells. Vpon which account they would have broken the Peace be∣tweene the King of spayne, if the sayd States (before mentioned) had proved so wicked as themselves. So that the Read or may vnderstand, that by smooth words, fayre pretences, and other vngodly shifres, there is no end of the hurtfull ploddings of mischiefe by the sayde Rebbels. For first, they will procure others to doe what is vnjust, and then will be the first to stirre vp yet others against them for it.

It were greatly to bee desired that all people, especially Protestants, who have beene most deluded by the sayd Rebbells, did perfectly vnderstand how much the Conspirators have beene beholden to slaunder, fraude, and falsehood; and thereby have prevayled with severall other Nations, for to condemne, and judge wrongly of such eminent and innocent Persons at home and abroad, as were more righteous then themselves. And some∣times they joyned with Spayne against Portingall, and severall times secretly as openly they jugled with Portingall against Spayne: and after that, the like againe with Spayne against Fraunce, and now with Fraunce against Spayne. Neyther is it possible to mention halff the mischiefes that the deceavors of England hath practised in theyr wicked proceedings. But the Indifferent Reador may bee pleased to remember, that when I mention the Make∣bates, or Conspirators of England, I doe not meane the Oppressed, nor the deluded people of England; but I meane the present Traytor Crumwell, the Officors of his Army, and such others of his Right-hand Mates, as fell first from that Religion they first had, and since have changed theyr Religion from Presbiterians vnto Independants; then to Annabaptists, but what Religion now they have, I know not. But this I am sure, that so by Antionomismi Adamites, and Quakers Relligion, and others, which I can not remember; but I am sure, they are all countenanced, if not first in∣vented or devised by Crumwell, and his chiefe Helpers: and by this means they keepe the people of England, & elssewhere, in continuall conten∣tion, stryffe, and envye, one against another, least by Love and Vnity they should set themselves against the Rebbells, who have brought dis∣honour, infamy, and distresse vpon the Nation.

And this is the Reason that the mindes of many people abroad are corrupted by the false Reportes of those, who have donne so much mis∣chiefe, and doe cause good people to doe much evill, by theyr bitter cen∣surings and condemning not only the King and Queene, the Bishops, and many a thousand others, who are peaceable, quyet, and faithfull in the Land; & that for some small punishment inflicted vpon 3. or 4 presump∣tious Persons, who, after severall warnings, continued to trouble the State, and disturbed the Church & the Common-wealth also by Rebellious and false Doctrine, they declared their impudence, like Rabsaketh, in their Books or Pamphlets, Sermons, Lybels, seditious Feasts, &c. against the Govern∣ment

then Established. Which by Act of Parlament, to wit, the Lawes of the Land, besides the Proclamations of the King, the Bishops were en∣joynd and expresly charged and commanded to maintaine, and to punish Offendors, and such disturbers as by Lyes, new Doctrines of theyr owne-framing, stirred vp part of the People to Rebellion against the King, the Church, and the State, to the losse of many a thousand good mens Lives, besides many of the Rebbels owne adhearance. And therefore no wonder though the guilt of the Rebbels make themselves afrayd, who have cau∣sed so much innocent blood to bee spilled by Sea and Land, besides mur∣thering of the Lords Annoynted, & others, whom vnder God, the Peace and the Welfare of the Land dependeth.

And this is the cause they vsed so many devices, policyes, and continuall importunities, not onely to deceave many other Nations, especially Pro∣testants, with whom they prevaile little or much to joyn with them in theyr most abhominable Conspiracy. Neither will they ever cease to provoke so many others, as possible they can for to enter into Combination with them, because they are continually in so much feare of the Gallowes, as ever were any knowne Theefes in this world. Therefore, though they bee repulsed and rejected againe and againe, yet like the Devill, with shame∣lesse faces, will still present themselves for the procurement of theyr owne ends, as it is in the first of Iob, vers. 9.10.11. and in the second of Iob, vers. 3.4.5.6.7. And severall times in the fourth of Matheuw, verses 3.4.5.6.7.8.9.

Therefore all you, High and Low, who intend to keep your peace with the Lord our God, delay no to breake off Peace with the wicked Reb∣bels; therefore I say vnto you,* 1.21 as Moses sayd vnto the people of Israëll. I pray depart, and separate your selves from these wicked men, least the good Spirit of God depart from you. NOTA. You shall finde in the same Chapter, that more then three times as many thousands perished in that Rebellion, as there were hundreds of them, when they first began, like as you may reade vers. 2. and 49. in the 16. of the Booke of Numbers.* 1.22

And though they will showe themselves as bolde and blasphemous as Rabshakeh, as it is in the second of the Kings, Chap. 18. vers. 27.28.29. but especiall compare the Rebbells of England, with Rabshakeh, in the 30. vers. of the same Chapter; and minde their impudence as was Rabshakehs, vers. 31. Wherefore say vnto them, as Christ sayd vnto the Devill, get thee hence,* 1.23 Sathan, for it is written, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Therefore you may see, though the Devill was rejected divers times by our Saviour, yet hee was so shamelesse as to renewe his temptations againe; even so is the practise of the Rebbells of England, whose temptations are of no lesse force then the Devills were: but you must answeare them as Jehu answeared Joram, namely: Wat hast thou to doe with peace,* 1.24 so long as the whoredomes of thy Mother Jesa∣bell, and her witchcrafts, are so many? That is you must call to minde the frui∣tes,

or the evill actions committed by the sayde Conspirators, & throw them in theyr owne faces, as occasion shall bee presented by them-selves. Or you must stirre vp your selves,* 1.25 and dryve them from you, as Abraham drove those devouring fowles from the carkasis of his Sacrafice.

Now be pleased, O King of France, and all other Princes, States, Potentates, Majestrates and Marchants, and all others whosoever, consider, foresee, and minde your owne honour & safety in time: for you will finde many times that the Lives and Estates, as well as the Honour of good and harmlesse men,* 1.26 are many times destroyed & lost, because they have to doe with evill men,* 1.27 as you may see by the 42. men, which were slayne by Jehu, onely for that they were going to visit the childeren of Ahab.* 1.28 Neyther was any one of them spared or left alive.

And whereas the Rebbels, with whom you are (or may bee) intangled, and by them drawne into dishonourable and ungodly dissignes, and when afterward they shall see that vpon more serious consideration you begin to scorne and shake them of, then will they pretend Artikles of Agreement, which themselves, or some others for them, have by suttell policy obtay∣ned from you, by pretences which beares a doubble meaning.

Vnto which I answeare against these Sophisters,* 1.29 that though by the greedinesse, pride, & bloody mindednesse of Hamon, Ahasuerus the King was prevayld withall to give consent to destroy the Iewes, and to take all their goods: yet vpon better deliberation and information, hee did not onely revoke the Decree,* 1.30 but caused him to bee hanged for his impudence, by whom hee was drawen therevnto, and that after the writtings were signed, sealed,* 1.31 and sent away. Note heere, how th•• King commaunded by Letters, that for the wicked devise, devised by Haman against the Iewes, should returne vpon his owne head,* 1.32 and that hee, to wit Hamon and his 10. Sonnes, should bee hanged on the gallowes.

And if the Rebbells of England, who hath approved themselves farre worsse then Hamon, were served so, it would be a piece of Service accepta∣bel vnto God and Man, and right honourable vnto the Authors of it. By which the Reador, and all men, may see and take notice, that it is farre more pleasing vnto the Lord, to breake of Agreements with such, as pra∣ctise nothing but mischiefe, then it can bee to continue in a wicked League with such, as the Rebbells of England are. I pray you all, High & Low, at home and abroad,* 1.33 to consider the Resolution and Example of David: I have not (sayd hee) sat with vayne persons, neyther will I goe in with dissemblers. I have hated the Congregation of evill doers; and I will not sit with the wicked. I will wasch my hands in innosency, and so will I compasse thyne Altaer, O Lord. Which no man can doe High no Lowe, Rich nor Poore, so long as his hand is with such children of wickednesse, as are the Rebbells of England. Who sayth further, gather not my soule with sinners, nor my life with bloody men, in whose hands is mischiefe,* 1.34 and the right hand is full of Brybes.

I am afrayd of a perpetuall desolation upon England, because the pryde and impudence of the Rebbells, who hath reproached, cheated, dishou∣red, and spoyld the Nation, as well men of ordinary quality, as the more considerabell; they have also magnifyed them-selves against the Lord, and his people: and this Assembly of Sycophants now in England, doe Vsurp a rigorous Authority, and they doe insult over the meanor sorte of men, as well as over the more eminent, who cause divers to groane from out of the Citty, & the soule of the wounded cryeth out,* 1.35 yet God layeth not folly to them; neyther can any in all the world more presumptuously take vpon them to collumniate, censure, & condemne all Catholikes, especially the Pope and the Iesuwytes: so that, besides variotye of slaunders, the Rebbells not onely themselves, but all, or most of theyr Creatours, doe constantly pretend the Pope to bee the sonne of perdition:* 1.36 who (as they say) apposeth and Exalted himselfe, above all that is called God, and that the Pope showeth himselfe that Hee is God. Also Crumwell, and his Army, and others of his Creatures, are alwayes ready for to pawne all the Fayth and Throth they have: that the Pope is Antichrist,* 1.37 and the Beast that ascended out of the bottomlesse Pit. But the Scripture sayth, That hee is Antichrist that denyeth the Father and the Sonne. But the Pope confesseth both the Father and the Sonne: so that by te Rule of Scripture,* 1.38 hee can not be Antichrist: Neyther doe I know who should bee Antichrist vnlesse the Devill, or Crum∣well, or some such cursed Creature.

I confesse it can not yet bee sayd, that the Seaven Hills of Rome, are in the possession of this our Crumwell.* 1.39 But I have some Reasons with confidence; to thinke, that Crumwell, the Sycofant, hath seaven soule Spirits about him, or that are his Associates, who are yet more wicked then any can bee about the Pope, or in Rome it selfe. Neyther doe I suppose it will bee harde for to disprove, but that the Rebbells are Lyers (like those false Apostels) who pretend to be Christians, and are not, but are rather of the Synagogue of Sathan: witnesse theyr troubling of all Nations,* 1.40 who are good Christians, besides theyr owne Nations, so many yeares together. And marke their many alterations, and changes against Christianity in Eng∣land, and contrary vnto all Christians of all other Nations.

And yet the future and evill intent of the Iugglers in England, doth apeare against Christians, in that they will neyther assist the State of venice, in theyr distresse at all themselves, nor will they cease from hindring nor from troubling of those, that gladly would helpe that State in theyr need, who are an Honourable, Ancient, and Peaceable State, to wit, The Repu∣blike of Venice: who are like to bee forced unto a very dishonourable Peace, which can not but prove very prejudiciall vnto France, & vnto other seve∣ral Christian Nations: or else the sayd State may come to be greatly distres∣sed by reason of the Rebbells of England, which will bee yet worse for other Christians; yet the sayde Rebbells continue to presse on theyr owne ends,

though they should bring all Christendom in subjection vnto those who are no Christians, and therefore they will make no Peace, but breake and hinder what Peace they can, vnlesse it bee with such as are like themselves, who will shortly bee found worse then Turkes: who by theyr dissimulations pretend to bee what they are not, and it is theyr chiefe joy to trouble the Christians, because they know it to be pleasing to such as are no Christians. And this is the Reason they continue to renew and stirre vp strife, conten∣tion, mischiefe, and bloodshedde, betweene Christians and Christians, as aforesayd.

Wherefore they seeme almost to burst with envy against the Iesuwyts, who endevour to keep the people in peace and vnity, and from insurre∣ctions, tumults, and Rebellion, against theyr severall Princes or Magi∣strates, vnder whom they doe reside. Also theyr endeavour is, to save theyr people from being spoyled, schattered, or deceaved by the Woofes or Rebbells of England, by whose meanes (vnder God) the Lives, as well as the Estates of those people are preserved, because they expell and frustrate the poyson which ingenders or breeds in the hearts of Rebbelles. And I would to God, all good Protestants, and godly Ministers had taken heed in time, and had not bitten of the secreat baytes where withall the Traytors of England have catched and drawne many into Treason, and evill designes, as well as themselves. But such Protestants and Catholikes shall doe well to free and cleanse themselves in time to come, and to see that they bee not defiled with the cages of these vncleane Birds,* 1.41 and from being companions with a Denne of Theefes.* 1.42 And take heed of the sayd seducing Spirits,* 1.43 and of the habitations & of the doctrine of Devills, who speakes Lyes in hypocrisie, having their consciences seared with a hot yron.

I say,* 1.44 if the Lord please to cleanse your hearts and your hands from the evill fruyt and the poyson of the sayd Rebbells, which the Lord will doe, if you,* 1.45 with your whole harte, desier it: so shall you bee able to remove the stumbling blockes, out of the wayes of the Lords people, and to pre∣pare for them a good way,* 1.46 which shall be pleasing vnto God & good Men. Because Rebbells are resolved to holde and practise the doctrine of Balaam,* 1.47 who advised Balack to cast a stumbling blocke before the people of Israëll. Soo the Gardians of England makes use of such doctrines as is hatefull to God,* 1.48 and hurtful to all good men. And hee that shall advise them to repent and amende theyr lives, theyr advise doth seeme odious, or as ydle tales vnto them,* 1.49 at the best. Who, like Sea-hounds, that doe very much spoyle by destroying much fisch, so long as they live: which is the cause that large monye is given for theyr heads, though they bee good for nothing. But they that can obtayne the heads of such Rebbells, deserve much more mony and favour both from God and all good men: because the Rebbells neyther doe, nor will cease from destroying abundance of good and honest

men, of theyr owne, and other Nations, so by Sea as by Lande, and had Knepperdolling, and Jan van Leyden, and theyr followers, by whom it seems the Relligion and practise of Crumwell, and his Associates was first com∣posed and acted: severall whereof had for rewarde each an Yron Bas∣ket, and were naked noynted with honny, exalted to the toppe of the Stee∣ple at Munster in Westphalen, & stung to death with flyes, without eyther meat or drinke, but onely halfe a penny Loafe once for all.

And I partly perceave that Crumwell the Traytor, & some of his fellows, are afrayd of some such like rewarde; for what they have donne vnto the King and the Nation of England, as well as to our friends and Neighbour-Nations, who knowes very well what became of Wat Teyller, and his Com∣panions; and this is the Reason that they keepe a great Army of Souldiors in Armes, like vnto themselves, which are payed out of other mens Estates by force, against the King, and the Country. Neyther can they devise any better shifts for to collour & hyde theyr owne Theft & Treason, then by Lyes & forged pretences against the King, and such others, as were faithfull in the Land, & more righteous then themselves. And by the con∣tinuation of theyr fashood and hypocrisy, by which they prevayle with some selfe-Ended-men, and some others, who are deceaved by the same Rebbells, or caused to beleeve, that they had just cause and reason for to rebbell against the King, and the government then established.

It was lawfull for such Servants of God, as came lawfully vnto Autho∣rity, as Moses, Josua, Jehosaphat, and more such, as were Righteous.* 1.50 But it was not lawfull for Corah, Dathan, nor Abiarm, neyther for Abimelech, nor Achitophell, nor Sheba, nor for Iudas, nor for Crumwell,* 1.51 or his Companinos, for such to conspire against them,* 1.52 whom the Lord hath set over them.

If there were any just pretence to be made for such a Rebbellion, as that of England, never any had more cause then Ioseph in Egypt,* 1.53 who was op∣prest, though an Innocent Person. And David against Saull, for whom hee ventured his Life many times: yet Saull sought Davids life, which was to requite evill for good: yet David never offert to rebell against te King,* 1.54 though his mortall enemy: & God gave him severall times into his hand: yet David spared Saull himselfe, and killed him not,* 1.55 and hee did also re∣strayne others, that would have killed him, as Saull himselfe confesseth. And David sayd vnto Abishai, Destroy him not;* 1.56 for who can stretch forth his hand against the Lords Annoynted, and bee guiltlesse?

Obadia, who was Servant vnto a badde King, who destroyed the Pro∣phets of the Lord, and did much evill, yet Obadia never offert to rebell against his Master; but did good to the Prophets of the Lord privately.* 1.57 No more would Crumwell, nor his Companions,* 1.58 if the feare of God had been in them, as it was in Obadiah: I could name Daniell, and many others, who were opprest, & yet Innocent men, chose rather to suffer, then to sti••••e up Rebbellion in the Kingdome.

Also much may be sayd of Symon Magus,* 1.59 Elymas, and Alexander the Copper-Smith; but Crumwell, and his Companions, exceeds them all. Therfore I say of them,* 1.60 who are full of all subtilty, it seemes to mee almost like chil∣dren of the Devill,* 1.61 of whom I advise the Reador to be aware in time, for Reasons knowen to mee, which I reserve (God willing) vntill my next following. I have Reason to thinke that none but the Devill can match Crumwell, or some of his Associates, who delight in Treason, falsehood, and murther, so well as himselfe. I suppose there is a hard Game betwixt the Devill and some of them, and I beleeve for the first part they will put the Devill hard to it.* 1.62 I wish they would bethinke themselves, & presently turne from theyr evill way, lest the Devill foyle some of them at the last.

I cannot forbeare but to touch once more vpon those foure shamelesse Ringleadors, to wit, Prinne, Bastwik, Burthon, and Iohn Lilborne, who, like Firebrands of Hell, as well as seducing Spirits, encouraged & stirred vp many of the People of England to Rebellion, mingled with Blasphemy, slaunder, and the spilling of much Nobel & other Innocent Blood. Who, though they were favoured long, and saved from being Hanged, which by the Law of the Land they deserved; yet the sayd Rebbels, by theyr Ad∣herants and themselves, have malitiously and continually dispersed among all such Protestants vpon whom they have beene able to fasten theyr Lyes farre and neere, within and without England: Namely, They have falsly reported that these vnworthy Fellowes, before mentioned, were honest & godly men. Also these Sophisters have filled the world with theyr clame∣rous Lyes, who pretend theyr punishment was ten times more then it was.

And it is mentioned in holy Scripture, that whosoever will not doe or obey the Law of God, and the Law of the King, let judgement bee exe∣cuted speedely vpon him, whether it bee vnto death, or to bannishment, or to confiscation of goods,* 1.63 or to inprisonment, as it is in Esra Chap. 7. vers. 26. Therefore rebuke, and drijve these Lying and foule spirits from you. And take notice of the place apointed for such,* 1.64 & for the false Prophets: namely, the Lake that burnes with fire and brimstone. And for the Beast, and the false Prophet that wrought miracles before him, which deceaved them that hath receaved the marke of the Beast. These are apoynted for the same place: and so are all those who loveth and maketh Lyes.* 1.65

Therefore that the good Spirit of God, and my hart, may bee vnited and knit vnto you; and I hope you will not blame mee for this my advise, seeing there is no wrong in my hands against any honest man.* 1.66 And so I humbly take my leave of your Majesty, the Nobillity, Cleargy, & all other good people of Fraunce, and all others, at home and abrode, who in the Name of the Lord our God, stand for Love, Peace, Trueth and Equity, with all that aprove themselves resonable men. Be pleased to consider what I say, and doe accordingly.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  There is a longer ex∣plication of this in Folio 58.
• * 1.2

  1. Sam 30.6.
• * 1.3

  Da••. 8.25.
• * 1.4

  Habak. 1.13.
• * 1.5

  Verbatum.
• * 1.6

  Jer. 13.12.
• * 1.7

  Jsa. 1.4.
• * 1.8

  A woe!
• * 1.9

  Prov. 16.15.
• * 1.10

  Jsa. 5.20.
• * 1.11

  2. Kings. 14 10.13.
• * 1.12

  Phil. 3.19.
• * 1.13

  Psal. 14.3.
• * 1.14

  Eccles. 8.11 12.
• * 1.15

  Eccles. 7.7.
• * 1.16

  Jeren. 17.9
• * 1.17

  Proverb. 6.19.
• * 1.18

  Rom. 16. vers. 17.18.19.20.
• * 1.19

  Judges 9. vers. 2.3.4.5.6.
• * 1.20

  Nota 15.
• * 1.21

  Numb. 16. verses 2.26.27.31.32.33.34.49. &c.
• * 1.22

  1. Sam. 16.15.
• * 1.23

  Mat. 4.10.
• * 1.24

  2. Kings. 9. vers. 22.
• * 1.25

  Gen. 15.11
• * 1.26

  2. Kings
• * 1.27

  Chap. 10.
• * 1.28

  Vers. 14.
• * 1.29

  Esther 3.8.9.11.12.13. verses.
• * 1.30

  Esther 7. vers. 9.10.
• * 1.31

  Ester 8. vers. 10.11
• * 1.32

  Ester. 9.25.
• * 1.33

  Psal. 26. vers. 4.5.6.
• * 1.34

  Vers. 19.
• * 1.35

  Job. 24.12.
• * 1.36

  1. Tessal. 2.4.
• * 1.37

  Revel. 11.7.
• * 1.38

  1. Iohn. 2. vers. 22.
• * 1.39

  Revel. 18.2.3.
• * 1.40

  Zepha 2.9.13.
• * 1.41

  2. Cor. 7.1.
• * 1.42

  James 4.8.
• * 1.43

  Revel. 18.2.
• * 1.44

  Mat. 21.13.
• * 1.45

  1. Tim. 4.1.2.
• * 1.46

  Ier 6.16.
• * 1.47

  Esa. 37.14
• * 1.48

  Revel. 2.14 15.16.
• * 1.49

  Gen. 1••.14
• * 1.50

  Numb. 16.32.33.
• * 1.51

  Iudg. 9.18.
• * 1.52

  2. Sam. 20.1.
• * 1.53

  Gen. 39.19 20.
• * 1.54

  2. Sam. 24.10.11.
• * 1.55

  vers. 17.18 19.
• * 1.56

  1. Sam. 26.9.
• * 1.57

  1 King. 18.
• * 1.58

  vers. 3.4.5.6.7.8.
• * 1.59

  Act. 13.8.10.
• * 1.60

  2. Tim. 2.
• * 1.61

  4.14.15.
• * 1.62

  Ezek. 33.11.
• * 1.63

  Mart. 9.25 26.
• * 1.64

  Revel. 21.8. and Chap. 19.20.
• * 1.65

  Revel. 22.15.
• * 1.66

  Gen. 49.6. 1. Chron. 12.17.