A meanes to reconcile the present distempers of these times, as things now are. Set out by a member of the present Parliament.:

The PREFACE.

HAving since the first beginning of this Parli∣ament observed the differences therein, both in their breeding & continuance; the people holding themselves grieved with illegall pressures put upon them, both in the freedom of their Persons, the propriety of their Goods, and the liberty of their Consciences; and these wrought by particular men for sinister ends by their interests in Court, to the disturbance of the quiet and peace of the Kingdome, as it stood establish'd by Law: These occasioned a desire by most men, not only to prevent the like for the fu∣ture, but also the punishing of such as were conceived to be Authors, Procurers, or Supporters thereof, thereby to deterre others from doing the like hereafter: And this trench't upon both Courtiers, Lawyers, and Divines. The meanes to reconcile and prevent which, as the times now are, hath incited me, being a Member of this present Parliament; and conceiving my self in duty bound to tender my best advice for the speedy ending of this most barbarous and unnaturall War that is now raging amongst us, which can produce no better effect, if not timely ended, then a generall destruction of the Nation, who are now become a Scorne and Contempt to all Neighbours, (who were before look't upon with great honour and respect, yea, not without envy.) Besides, the high wrath of Almighty God, by the courses held and obser∣ved in the prosecution thereof: I professe by this advice, not to look upon my self, but meerly the good of my native

Country; and that, which I conceive my self bound to, both by the Oath of Allegeance, Supremacy, and the Protestati∣on which I took this Parliament. And this without respect of any party, further then my judgement shall lead me to. And I shall likwise give this testimony of my owne sincerity herein, that I being a Commoner of this Kingdome, and knowing no where else to live but in England, & here, under a peaceable and free Government. In all just things, shall adhere to the Common-wealth, and the liberties of the Sub∣ject; yet no way hereby to detract from the King, what may justly be due to the Regall Power, and which it can no way be abridged of, without too much diminution: I have alwayes conceived, & still do, that the Regall Power ought to be limi∣ted by the Law: And if it be debarr'd of its due course in the execution thereof, God defend, but the people upon generall complaints should have remedy therein, especially to prevent the like in succeeding times, considering the Government we live in is a mixt Government, by consent betweene the King and the People, as to my sense doth manifestly appear by the words of the Oath of Coronation; which being obser∣ved, the people, as bound in Conscience, ought to yeeld the King all due Honour and Obedience to His just Commands. Thus I have declared unto you, the opennesse of my heart, herein, leaving the following advise to your best judge∣ments, with my Prayers to God to give such successe therein, as I, in the Integrity of my heart doe desire.