A clear apology and just defence of Richard Stafford for himself with a rehearsal, and further explanation of what he hath done concerning national affairs.

A summary of the proceeding Discourse.

Both the secret Thought and open accusation of the World are affixed on Me for Publishing such Words unto them, This man seeketh not the welfare of this People but the hurt, Jer. 38. 4. He that conquers Kingdoms and enlarges Territories, is re∣puted a Great Instrument of Mens Happiness; though it is accomplished with the Price of Blood, and by unlawful means, and the utmost hereof is a shadow only of Good, which just passeth by and is gone for ever. But they are the only unaccepta∣ble Persons to the World, who instruct People how they must live and do, that they may be saved; and lead them into the right way, that they may live as Peacea∣bly and comfortably here, as can be well desired in this World; and at last be Happy and Blessed throughout all eternity. Men need not be in the least scrupul∣ous and fearful as to this present time; for these Words, if understood aright, would prevent that further effusion of Blood in our neighbour Nations. And one Mans Life, if he knew how rightly to esteem it, is more valuable to himself than two Kings and their Kingdoms. They, according as is was long since foretold of them, 1 Sam. 8. do turn their Subjects into Servants, and make use of the lower sort of People for their Wars; but they have not so learned of Christ; for of him it is written, He shall spare the Poor and needy, and shall save the Souls of the needy. He shall redeem their Soul from Deceit and Violence, and precious shall their Blood be in his sight. Psal. 72. 13, 14. The same eternal Word and Truth would put a stop to the further impoverishment which is likely to fall on our own Nation through continued taxes and charge; which would some what take off from the Oppressi-of the Poor and the sighing of the Needy; for that is drained out which should carry on Trade and Commerce. The Spirit of God doth take notice of such things, as may be seen, Isa. 23. 18. And then the Seas might be set open again, that People may follow their lawful Merchandize with less fear and Danger. And then again, the like Way and Method may be found out to restore unto all Nati••ns Ʋnity, Peace and Concord, which we pray for as a Blessing, so we should likewise endeavour after out of a mind to the publick good, That there be no breaking in nor going out: That there be no complaining in our Streets, Psal. 144. 14.

Which would be in Deed and in Truth accomplished; If, as they do already own and profess him, so the Kings and Princes, and Lords and Counsellers, and Pastors and Teachers of all sorts, would obey the Lord our God, and do ac∣cording to all his Laws and Statutes. If they do not, their Sin will find them out severally, and as they are joyned together in a community; for the time draws near, when He will fulfil his Word, for the Nation and Kingdom that will not serve thee shall Perish: Yea, those Nations shall be utterly wasted. Isa. 60. 12.

The Lord executeth Righteousness and Judgment for all that are oppressed, Psal. 103. 6. How is this true? for many are oppressed throughout their Life, and dye so. But it is to be understood from the words following, He made known his ways un∣to Moses, Vers. 7. He hath commanded and shewed in his Word how it should be done. And if People will not do it freely and willingly, we his Servants have no more to say, but we leave it to God himself to perform, fulfil and execute his Word. They may believe and tremble that the same Almighty God, who spake the World into Being, and commanded his Word to a thousand Generati∣ons, will also give forth the executive Sentence. And I will punish the World for their evil, and the Wicked for their Iniquity; and I will cause the A rogancy of the Prondro cease, and will lay low the Haughtiness of the Terrible, Isa. 13. 11. which last hath been already fulfilled in foregoing Generations, and there is a fearful expectation of the other. The like doth haste to be accomplished and determined upon the present Generation, unless they agree with their Adver∣sary quickly whilst they are now in the way. Consider of it seriously; Had ye ra∣ther die in your Sins, and utterly Perish in your own corruption, then be told thereof and be put in a way how you may escape? Now it is high time to look about your selves, for now ye are nearer to Death and Immortality then ever ye were yet: and so ye approach nearer from Day to Day, till one drop away after another into the future state. And then do appear forth the things contained in Scrip∣ture (out of which I have spoken all along) and are manifested to our separa∣ted Spirits, all one as the Things we now here in the Flesh do see handle and converse withal. God will take care that what he hath said, shall come to pass. And those who are now so stout and disdainful to value his Words as an empty sound, or a dead impertinent letter which may be laid aside, and not minded, & suppose there is not much more in it then waste Paper with some impressions of Ink: Or if it is quick and powerful, and sharper then any two edged Sword; then out of the Spirit of opposition and revenge they may do as Jehudi did, Jer. 36. 23. Cut it with a Pen-Knife or cast it into the Fire, or some other way embezil and lose it: such People may at length find and be sensible of an hideous lamentation in themselves, and that it is become a Savour of Death unto Death: As the words in a statute Book do now cause several te suffer loss of Liberty, Life or Member, and other wayes of punishment: and that aforementioned is as silly a device, as for a guilty offender to tear the Record or Statute by which he is to be judged,

for this doth only argue a greater contempt and provocation to God, who did send forth his Word to bring them to Repentance, that he might for∣give Jer. 36. 3. and Pardon them. And it remains still the same in the purpose and determination and Book of the Lord: From Scripture, all that is truly infer∣red, will be in like manner fulfilled. Let there go about never so many like Elymas the Sorcerer to defeat what is here said; or as Jannes and Jambres of old time: So do too many now resist the Truth, 1 Tim. ••. 8. or disregard it, still that re∣mains: And however in the mean while stifled or prevaricated; nevertheless it will rise up at the Judgment of the great Day. Whether they will hear or for∣bear, whether they will read or not, these Words are laid before them, that they might have turned from Iniquity unto Righteousness: And not in Hypocrisie or outward shew; but in sincerity and Truth seek their God daily, and delight to know his Wayes.