A mirror; wherein the rumpers and fanaticks (especially those, who even yet desire to continue religious rebells, and to make piety the sire to treason, and new disturbances;) may see their deformity, and abhor both themselves and their actions.: Sent in a letter by a friend, to a votary and follower of that faction. Occasioned by a seditious sermon lately preached.

A Mirror, &c.

SIR,

I Suppose you will readily grant, that if a Person hath a limb or a member cut off, there needs not many Arguments to perswade him, that there is a maym and a deformity in his Body: And surely I think it is equally sensible, and will therefore require as little labour to prove, that in this lat∣ter Age of the World there never was more visible tokens of a Divine displeasure upon any Nation, than this of England, which being possessed with many legions of Evil spirits, most fu∣rious and fanatick, hath, from their Impulses, for many years to∣gether, been like a great body tearing it self to pieces. During a tedious interval of time we lay gasping under the groans and pressures of a Civil Usurpation: from thence (like our Saviour, delivered from the Tyranny and Injustice of Pilate, to the rudeness and violence of his Souldiers) we were transmitted to a Military Insolence: When those Persons, who, before they had built their fortunes upon publick ruines, we should have disdained to have set with the dogs of our Flock, were become our Dictators, and the grand Masters of our Lives, our Properties, and our Laws; all which lay like a Partridge under a Falcons wing, ready to be seizd upon, and torn in pieces at their pleasure. Wee have known committed the most irregular and exorbitant Tyrannies, aggra∣vated from one part of the Actors from a mercinary perfidiousness, and more highly aggravated from the other party by a pretended legality, which endeavoured to make the Vassallage certain, and irrevocable. Religion, Justice, Counsil, and Treasure, those four Pillars of Government were undermined, and in part demoli∣shed: We were indeed a meer heap and rout of Men hudled to∣gether

like the Emblem of Disorder. And now, that from all this Misery and Confusion we are in some measure emancipated. When those Daemoniacks, which, (like him in the Gospel) hath many times thrown the Nation into the fire of War and Rapine, and many times into the Water of Violence and Desolation, are almost charm'd and exorcis'd; And when a most distemper'd People, whom we may properly say, Satan hath bound these eighteen years, are in some assurance of being loosed from their infirmity: When the dawnings of a happy Settlement break forth upon us, and when, (to endear the Mercy,) all this is ac∣complished without blood and sweat, in such an unexpected and sudden change of Providence, that no Oracle could have found belief, if any had foretold it: That yet notwithstanding any Person should be so besotted with Ignorance, or so everwhelm'd with Malice, and Self-interest, as still to dote upon our Enslavers, and consequently, to desire a Return of our Madnesse and Dis∣traction, is even the most prodigious Wonder; which as in my self it produceth pity and amazement, so in others it cannot but beget both scorn and indignation. For how can it be thought upon, otherwise than with a reflection of horror, that because some corrupt stomacks are able to digest poyson, all others must be forbidden the use of more wholesom dyet? It is true, there was a time when these State-Conjurers, did with so many clouds wherein their Actions were inwrapt, fill the passages of Mens understanding, that the beam of the mind could not set open the light of Reason; but now that those thick Scales are faln off, and all that painting and varnish with which their pretences were adorn'd, is now dissipated and vanished, for men still to continue their desires to uphold so corrupt an Interest, doth not admit either Excuse or Pardon, seeing it doth not proceed from Ignorance, or Error, but from a perverse ebstinacy, and a Malici∣ous Ambition. It is a true saying of one of the Antients, that Time and the Eye try out truth, but falshood winneth eredit only

on a sudden, and by uncertainties: And since Time, the most sure and impartial Judge, hath sentenced those glorious preten∣ces, with which our late Politicians did veyl themselves, to be nothing else by gilded Hypocrisies, and the baiting of their hook with Heaven to catch Earth; he that subscribes not to this Te∣stimony, must even defie the light it self. Naturalists tell us of the Basilisk, that if he see a Man first, the Man dies, but if a Man see him first, the Basilisk dies; It is most certain of those politick frauds and impostures, used by those exquisite State-Jugglers late∣ly turn'd out of Play; Many Persons, not being quick-signted enough to discern them, they did not only endanger, but destroy; but now they are discovered, all their power of doing hurt is lost, except over those, who chuse to prefer Rebellion with ruin, be∣fore Subjection with Safety. I think it may be a question con∣cerning many of our grand Tyrannizers, whether their Persons were more contemptible, or their Actions more to be detested? For there was obtruded upon the Nation, not only vassallage, but contumely: How many of them grew, like Melons, out of Dunghils? Whom that Character which Tacitus gives of some Promooters in his time may aptly expresse, Of Beggars they are become Rich, Of Contemptible persons feared, procuring destru∣ction to others, and in the end to themselves. Should their Actions be described, the Illegality, Injustice, Rapine, and Vio∣lence which was interwoven and coexistent with them, would fill a Volume as big as the Book of Martyrs; And, were they not most eminently notorious, and impossible to be hidden, I should say as Seneca in the like Case, Satius erat ista in oblivionem ire, ne quis postea Potens disceret, invideretque rei minimè humanae. How∣ever, my intentions are not to stain my Paper with the things themselves, but only to note their Circumstances, and atten∣dants.

I am perswaded, since man-kind had a being, there was never joyned together fairer resemblances, and souler Ends, then in

those men. How well may that be applyed to them, which Herodian observes of the Emperor Severus, that he was the most cunning Dissembler in the World; not regarding to falfify his Oath to serve his Ambition; one that knew how to insinuate into others, for his own purposes, And would readily utter that with his tongue, which he never intended in his heart.

Never was that precept of Lysander so well practised, as by these Statists, That Children are to be deceiv'd with Comfits, and men with Oathes. Never was there beast who had more foul and stinking garbage cover'd over with a fair skin. Never was there Crocodile who was more plentiful in tears, nor more ready to devour: They were like the Cane-plant, which of all Plants, as it is Smoothest in bark, so it is hollowest in body.

But that which gave the most horrid aspect, and the most noysome favour to all their impieties, (like a taper in the hand of a Ghost, or as sweet Oyle to a rank and stinking body,) was, that Religion was forced to become a Fander to their Ty∣ranny and Ambition: And as the Heathens of old, fancied Ju∣piter to be an Adulterer, Mars a Quarreller, Bacchus a Drunkard, Mercury a Thief, and Venus a Whore, that having such Patrons for their Vices, their uncleanness might seem Religious; So these Politicks would needs fancy God to be such a one, as themselves, by interesting him in all their designs; and after the Plot was con∣triv'd, he was implor'd to give the Successe, though the thing it self was never so Villanous; and if the Issue was sutable to their desires, then they boasted that they were delivered to doe such abominations. Casuists say, He that lyes with his Sister commits a heinous Crime, but he that marryes his Sister heigh∣tens his impiety, by applying Gods Ordinance to his own Villa∣ny: Surely there cannot be a more profligate and flagitious Act, then to make God the Patron of fraud, and to use Religion as a Mask to cover their lewd designs. And indeed, how can those impious wretches be sufficiently abhorred, who being full

fraught with Malice, and Ambition, lift up polluted hands to heaven; And are neither afraid nor ashamed to approach the most holy of Religious duties, being yet polluted with the blood of their Murders and Regicides? These are the Person, who whilst their Actions gave the cleerest evidences of Cruelty and Sacrilege, Disloyalty and Perfidiousness, did notwithstanding not cease to be devout. But what was the Efficacy of their Devoti∣on? Surely nothing more than the correcting of their gestures, and the reforming of their hair; it did not in any measure re∣presse their passions, nor touch their Vices, nor restrain and pre∣vent their Treason and Tyranny. Their greatest vertue consisted in extolling those offendors, whom their own Examples and Com∣mands having made like the Evil Angels, they neverthelesse re∣puted to be Saints, and in speaking evil of those Innocent Persons, whom having injured with the greatest oppression, they also bran∣ded with the most infamous terms. Their Zeal, which according to the phrase of the Holy Ghost, ought to have eaten up them∣selves, did devour their Neighbour, and made a Conflagration, not only of Towns and Provinces, but of Kingdoms and Nati∣ons. What did they gain by their frequency of Converse with holy things, more than the contempt which growes from familia∣rity, and the Custom to violate, and porfane them? They be∣came more confident to commit Wickednesse, and willingly lost the scruple, that with the left cheek they might pursue the sin. So that we may believe they made use of Religious Exercises, not so much to implore pardon for their enormities, as liberty to perpetrate more, and to sin with authority. These àre they, who did certainly fancy that all Villany was permitted them, provided they did but retein a shew of Piety. These were they, who mingled God among their Passions, though never so irre∣gular and exorbitant; that ingaged him in their Interests, though never so mischievous and corrupt; and employed him upon all oc∣casions where Avarice, Rapine, Murders, and Usurpations were to

be promoted. And, that which is not least to be admired, not∣withstanding their pretended Sanctity, was at length even mani∣fest to all, to be but a vizard of specious Hypocrifie, yet still they continued to make use of it, thereby to abuse the People: Being, as I conceive, ambitious to exalt their Impudence, to the same degree with their Impiety, I could wish that there was no such cause to affirm of these Men, that as they took the surest course to make other Persons Atheists, so their own handling of holy and religious things, discovered themselves to be worse than Atheists. It was one principal part of their aym, to multi∣ply divisions in Religion, that so, a Spiritual Anarchy, might be engaged to support their Civil Usurpation; Now it is observed of old, That many divisions in Religion are a principal cause to introduce Atheism. Doubtlesse such Schisms are a greater Scandal, than corruption of Manners: For what can be the effect of such a Morris-dance of Sectaries) each of them having a di∣vers Posture and Cringe by themselves) but to move derision and Contempt in Worldlings and depraved Men, who are too prone to scorn and reject piety and holinesse. But on the other side, If any Atheist did but reflect upon those Nefandous and Atroci∣ous Crimes, which those corrupt Polititians have committed, under a pretence to advance the Cause of Religion, He would surely be a thousand times more Atheist than before, and with scorn and detestation cry out,

Tantum Religio potuit suadere malorum.

It must needs be more commendable to have no Opinion of God at all, than to entertain such thoughts as are not only unwor∣thy of him, but Contumelious and Reproachfull unto him: It is ob∣served, that the Devils Blasphemie was, I will Ascend, and be like the most High. But those mens Blasphemie exceeds that of Lucifers, for they make the most High Descend, and become like the Prince of Darkness. For what else can it be, to Interest God in those exe∣crable

Actions of Murthering Princes, Butchering People, and the Ruin and Subversion of States and Governments?

And what now is the effect of all, but this only, That having filled their Sailes with the Breath of Religion, Profit was the Compasse, by which those Land-Pirates steerd their Course in all our mischievous Commotions: For the rest, it is most evident to any who have but the least portion of understanding, that they have destroyed the most Glorious and Excellent Common-wealth, which the world could boast off; A Common-wealth which was best Ballanced, and most equally Tempered between Royal Prerogative, and the Peoples Liberty, each Suppor∣ting and Maintaining the other: Nor is it possible, for any form of Government upon Earth, more really to secure the peoples Rights, than that: Nor to give unto them, either a more assured Redresse of Material Grie∣vances, or a clearer exemption from all Burdens, and Tax∣ations, but such as themselves shall concur in the Imposi∣tion. And yet our late State-Mountebanks, were like that famous Quacksalver Paracelsus, who counting it a trivial over-worn way, to maintain the world as God himself had provided, thought fit to propose a mean for the Propagation of Mankind without the use of Wo∣men. Or, as it is Fabled of Ixion, that projecting with himself to enjoy Juno the Goddesse of Power, he had Co∣pulation with a Cloud, of which he begot Centaures, and Chimaeras, so these men being carried away with a Frantick and Impotent Passion, and a Vapourous conceit of forming some Imaginary model of Government, which they did especially defign to have Perpetuated in themselves, are in∣deed delivered of nothing but ayrie hopes, and certain most deformed, and monstrous Apparitions.

But Sir, to passe from these unto your self; Is it not most strange, that as Glaveus praised Injustice, and Isocrates extolled Busiris that notable Tyrant, so these mens Com∣mendations should be your Subject, or their Restauration your Desire? And is it not equally wonderful, that such Lectures should be heard with any Approbation and Allowance? But I perceive it is upon the same Reason, that Tacitus gives of the Applause afforded to Aliniue Gallus for his defence of Luxury and Prodigality, The ac∣knowledging of Vices under honest terms, and the likenesse of Affections in your hearers minds, causeth their assent to be easie and favourable: Nor can the strength of your Arguments be any other, than such as Anthony the Orator was once forc'd to use; who, being to defend a Person, that was accused of Sedition and Treason, bent all the force of his Eloquence to prove, that Sedition and Treason were no Crimes. Surely it will do well if you take pains to consider, That such an Enterprize as you endeavour, Is as Vain, as it is Impious: There never wanted any thing to the overthrow of those States-men, which you so magnifie, but only to have the people undeceiv'd and restor'd to their Right wits: For that which was long since objected to, and answered by that Excellent Phocion, (with whom expired the Liberty of his Country, which procur'd his Ruine) may both waies here be most pro∣perly applied; One told him, that if ever the People grew Enraged, they would kill him; Phocion answered, Per∣adventure they may kill me when they are Mad, but if ever they grow Sober again, they will not suffer thee to live. They who have advantag'd themselves by the Frenzie of the Vulgar, they will assuredly Abominate, if now they are return'd unto their sober temper. So

that your old Patrons have two potent Enemies to en∣counter withall, that is to say, Heaven, and Earth; Heaven for their Blasphemie, and Earth for their Deceit; You therefore who are still their followers, do but la∣bour to kindle a Fire, by blowing of dead Ashes, which if you continue to endeavour, you will but too clearly manifest a strange Composition of Folly, and Fury to be in you, and you must give others leave to take it, not as an evidence of your Saintship, but as an Argument of your Stultitude. And certainly as the Enterprize is Ridiculous, so the Impiety is Incompara∣ble; For what can be more unbecomming him, whose Office is to be an Ambassador of Christ, than to demean himself as an Herald to Belzebub? Or to bring down the Holy Spirit not in the likenesse of a Dove, but in the form of a Vultur, or a Raven? It was an Excel∣lent saying of King Henry the 7th. of England, That when Christ came into the world, Peace was Proclaimed, and when he left the world, Peace was bequeath'd. How then can they pretend to be his Ministers, who in their Conscionatory Invectives, breath nothing but Blood, Ruine and Confusion? And rather say as Jehu did, What hast thou to do with Peace? Get thee behind me: As if Peace were not their businesse, but following, and Parties, and Factions. I cannot but believe that a Minister inter∣medling in Court and State affaires, deserves as severe Scourges, as a Marchant who buyes and sells in the Temple. However they ought to be such studious Lo∣vers of Concord and Amity, that they should even avoid a Seditious Truth.

I know what you pretend to fear, and what you are bold to affirm, That Popery will be introduc'd, and that

the King is already a Papist; for the first, let me tell you, (although this old Jesuitick Juggle doth not deserve an Answer) that it is an Objection only of your Suspition, not your Reason: And yet it is such a Suspition, that as it imports the greatest scandal to the State, so it implies a most Sottish contradiction in it self: For all men know, That they who first rays'd a Cre∣dit to themselves, by fastening that Imputation upon others, did in the exercise of that power, which partly by that aspersion they obtained, give a perfection to those designes, which the Pope and his Partisans, although they often desired to effect, was never able to accom∣plish; And it is now fully evinced, That the Beast with seven heads, and the Beast with many heads, have both the same designe, to make Princes as the Banditi, and at their own pleasure to proscribe their Lives, their Revenews, and their Kingdoms: So that it cannot but be the strongest symptom of a Fanatique Fancy, to imagine, that the same Persons should bee instru∣mental to return us to that madnesse and confusion, from which they have even now freed us, and are still labouring to protect, both themselves and the Nati∣on.

As to the other part, the truth is, you follow the rule of depraved Nature, though it be most unsutable to Christianity, You hate him whom you have wronged: And as it is said of the Dragon, that when he cannot reach his prey, he poysons the Air with his breath, and so destroyes it; So because you cannot touch his Ma∣jesties Body, you labour to blast his Peputation; And now that your Company of Lying Wonders for the Publick good, fail, and are become uselesse, you have

recourse to lying Slanders, and perhaps intend to make your Libels, and defamatory Speeches, to be Succes∣sors to the Popes Legend. Surely these Politick con∣tumelies are a recent Invention of this corrupt age; or old they us'd them not: For it might as well have been objected against David, that he was a Worship∣per of Dagon, when Saul's furie and injustice forced him to fly to King Achish, and the Philistines. But of this thus much only need be said, Tenne est menda∣cium pellui et si diligenter inspexeris.

By this time, Sir, I hope you see that four-fold mischiefe in which you are implicated, Your Desires are Impossible, your Attempts are wicked, your Fears are vain, and your Reports are false and scanda∣lous: And is it possible that after all this, any Person should be such a superlative Fanatick, as to need ex∣trinsick argumen's to reclaim him? Surely it cannot bee; except he bee rooted in his Errour, as they say Marsus Diaboli rootes in self in the Earth, which can never be pulled up without breaking. However I doe not doubt, but, as Suetonius reports, that Augustus Cae∣sar walking by a Pond where the Froggs were croak∣ing, commanded them to keep silence, and they were never after heard to make any Noyse in that Place: So all that harsh roaring, and discordant clamour both in pulpits and other places, which hath not only por∣tended, but caus'd so much mischief in the Kingdom, (like the Prognostications of some Conjurers, that fore∣tell the tempests they intend to raise) will ere long by the presence and command of our Augustus be silenc'd and restreyn'd.

I have now done: Only suffer me to adde this, What I have writ, although it be bitter, yet it is whole∣some: There can not be a perfect Conversion, unless a full Conviction do proceed: Especially in a case of this nature it is indispensably necessary; For those persons, who have hitherto triumphed over our lawes, and would now triumph over our senses, as well as our reason and judgement, by perswading us that Tyranny is liberty: U∣surpation, justice: and Pressures and burdens, Ease and Rest, will not be reclaimed, until they perceive that their de∣praved and corrupt Principles, and their crooked and per∣verse Rules, are as deeply sounded, and as plainly dis∣covered to others, as they are known unto them∣selves.

I know that the wound given to the State wants Oyle, rather then Vinegar to be pour'd into it. But he is no good Physitian, that doth not in some cases, as well accomodate his Receipts to the temper of the Patient, as to the nature of the Disease. Some wounds are not fit for an healing plaister, except a Corrosive be first apply∣ed. And in this distemper you your self have prov'd it necessary; And that is the reason I am forced to ob∣serve that Method of Physick, which cures one heat by another. I shall conclude with this cordial desire, That as the King is called Gods Vicegerent, So that he may make him the pattern, and examplar of his Proceeding, by ex∣tending a plentifull pardon to penitent offenders, so far as his mercy may not violate his justice: but they who will still continue perverse and Contumacious, let them perish in their Obstinacy.

Rarò antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede poena claudo.

Seldom the Villain, though great haste he make, Slow-footed Vengeance fails to overtake.

Prov: 24.24, 25

He that saith unto the wicked thou art Righteous, him shall the people curse, Nations shall abhor him. But to them that rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come upon them.

THE END.