Epistle to the Three Nations of England Scotland and Ireland, Letter (2 of 3)

Epistle to the Three Nations of England Scotland and Ireland · Letter (2 of 3)

p. 52It is alſo to be Conſidered, that the Ceremonial obſervation of a ſeventh part of time for the competent reſt of mens bodies, and providing due nouriſhments and refreſhments for the Soul (as alſo for performance of Holy Duties) neither is, nor was, or can be eſſential to the morality of Reſt, or of Religious Duties, but Circumſtantial and Ceremonial only; in regard a due portion of time, or any ſet time for theſe purpoſes, cannot be juſt the ſame portion, or a like expedient for all, but muſt be more or leſs, oftener or ſeldomer, according to the differing ſtrengths, weakneſſes, ignorances, or other defects, neceſſities, or occaſions of Individual perſons, who ſhall need the ſame; and who muſt take and be allowed ſuch times, and ſo much time, as ſhall be neceſſary, and is required by that morality, which was written in the hearts of all men, among the reſidue of univerſal p. 53Morals at the beginning of time. And the Reſt of that Myſtical Sabbath, which GOD is ſaid to have ſanctified as aforeſaid, is neither pertinent nor communicable to Beaſts, or meer natural Men; or to any, ſave to thoſe Saints who are made one with GOD in Chriſt Jeſus; and, who have wrought, and are to work with GOD and him, in the ſix dayes of a thouſand years a piece, upon the work of Regeneration; and in maintaining Good againſt Evil, until it ſhall obtain the Conqueſt. Theſe things conſidered, the ſanctifying of a more excellent Sabbath, than that which was obſerved by the Jews, or, than that which is called the LORD's day, ſeemeth to have been intended by that which GOD is ſaid to have ſanctified at the Creation; and the Myſtery which I would ſhew forth, relating to a confutation of the Error occaſioned by the long continuance of Wickedneſs and Tyranny in the World (and which was in part diſcovered unto me, by meditating the fore-going Circumſtances) is this;

GOD, having finiſhed his Work of Creation the ſixth day, (wherein Man was alſo made, for whoſe ſake the World was made) His Wiſdom fore-ſeeing what the Devil's malice, and humane curioſity would produce, by deſiring the knowledge of Good and Evil; it was his good pleaſure (all his Operations as to things Temporary, being in Number, Weight, and Meaſure, and a thouſand years with him but as one day, and one day as a thouſand years) that, as he had wrought ſix common dayes upon the work of Creation, ſo his Intellectual and Reaſonable Creatures, having made themſelves work by their Prevarications, ſhould have ſix myſtical dayes of a thouſand years a piece, according to the vulgar Accompt, wherein to do thoſe p. 54works which they ought to do, or had a deſire to do, that ſo they might have a ſufficient time wherein to compleat their knowledge of Good and Evil, according to their longing, as aforeſaid: And the ſeventh day which GOD ſanctified after the work of Creation, is, as I believe, that myſtical day of a thouſand years; or that ſeventh part of time, (be it ſooner or later) wherein Chriſt, according to their expectation in the main, whom you call Fift-Monarchy-men, ſhall viſibly Reign upon the Earth with his Saints, as John hath Propheſied, Revel. 20. 5. At which time will begin that great and Everlaſting Sabbath, wherein they ſhall reſt from their labours, and wherein they, who have ſeen Chriſt upon the Earth in his Humiliation, ſhall there alſo behold him in his Glorification, to the rejoycing of his choſen People, and to the confuſion of his Adverſaries; not in ſuch a groſs, carnal manner, as is fancied by ſome, but as becomes glorified Bodies; and as was partly typified, by our Saviours Transfiguration upon the Mount, when his Diſciples then preſent, well knew not what they either ſaw or ſaid; or, as it was at the hour of his Aſcention, which is neither expreſſible or intelligible, in the ſtate wherein we now are.

During the firſt ſix thouſand years of time, Good and Evil are permitted to execute their diſtinct and mixt Powers and Faculties, in working out their ends, and in ſtruggling for the maſtery, and manifeſtation of their Natures, as they beſt can, in and by all thoſe who are to them reſpectively inclinable: And, when that ſix thouſand years are compleated (abating ſo much thereof only, as the violent fury of the Devil, Antichriſt, and their Confederates, ſhall diminiſh of their own time, within the laſt ſix thouſand p. 55years) then the Wickedneſs of the wicked, the Righteous endeavours of good men (ſo far forth as it is meerly their own) and all that ſeems good or evil in their own ſtrength, weakneſs, wiſdom, folly, ungodlineſs, or piety, ſhall come to an end, and be of no force or eſteem: Whereof, the Devil began to be afraid, when he ſaid to Chriſt, Art thou come to torment us before the time? That, ſeems to me, the ſeventh day which GOD is ſaid to have ſanctified, and to reſt on after his ſix dayes work aforeſaid; and, in my apprehenſion, the preceding thouſand years before that great Sabbath, are the ſix myſtical dayes wherein men ſhould have permiſſion, as I ſaid before, to do thoſe works which they had a deſire to be doing, for perfecting their knowledge in Good and Evil in this life, after they had, by diſobeying GOD in our firſt Parents, entered into a Confederacy with the Devil. This ſense of that Myſtery I received not from men, but, by meditating an Interpretation of the firſt Chapters of the Old Teſtament, by comparing them with the laſt Chapters of the New Teſtament, and by what I collected out of that Prayer which Chriſt himſelf left unto us to be a Pattern of what we might abſolutely pray for; in regard whatſoever I am taught by him to pray for, I am warranted undoubtingly to believe. Now, according to the Contents of that Prayer, I do believe, that the Name of our Heavenly Father ſhall be Hallowed upon Earth, and his Kingdom come down viſibly among us, and his Will be here done as it is in Heaven; which can never be until that great Sabbath. I believe alſo, That all who ſeek after his Kingdom which is to come, with ſincerity in the firſt place, ſhall be daily fed with the bread of eternal life, and ſupplied p. 56with all things neceſſary for proſecuting their Work in the mean time; That our ſins ſhall be forgiven us, as we, by his example, forgive thoſe who have treſpaſſed againſt us: That in all our Tryals and Temptations, whereby GOD exerciſeth our Faith, we ſhall be delivered from whatſoever is evil in them, and be at laſt partakers of his Kingdom, Power and Glory, even here upon Earth where we have ſuffered with him, when that great Sabbath, afore-mentioned, begins; and in Heaven for ever.

But, you may think, perhaps to your diſcouragement the mean while, that time is very far off, becauſe by our ordinary Computation of Times and Years, there will ſeem to be about 300 years unexpired of the laſt thouſand of thoſe 6000 years in which Antichriſt with his Mystery of Iniquity was permitted to Reign, 666 years, after he had attained to his full power. Nevertheleſs, let not that infringe the patience of any; For, though GOD is abſolute in fulfilling the times promiſed for the benefit of his Elect, he doth not ſo oblige himſelf to thoſe times which concern the lengthning out the Kingdoms of his Enemies, but that they may be ſhortned by their own actions, according to this ſaying; The wicked live not out half their time. It is probable, that our Chronology is defective, ſome Chronologers differing in their Accompt hundreds of years, and they about 80 or 40 years who differ leaſt. Or, if it were not ſo, the time of our ſuffering may be ſhortned for the ſake of GOD's Elect; yea, Chriſt hath promiſed that it ſhall be ſhortned for their ſake, Matth. 24. 22. And probably, the ſhortning the laſt dayes of Tribulation, will be occaſioned by GOD's permitting his and their Adverſaries, to be ſo violent and infatuated p. 57in their furious proſecutions of malicious Deſigns to uphold their Tyranny, when they feel it tottering, that they themſelves will thereby ſhorten their own time; And that the Kingdoms of the Devil, Antichriſt, and the World will be ſo divided and confounded in their Deſignment and Proſecutions, that they ſhall help deſtroy themſelves and their Kingdoms, by their own Actings, and by provoking GOD, (according to his Conditional Decrees) to come in, when Evil is at the higheſt pitch of Malignity; to make it evident, that by his Power and Goodneſs alone, Good becomes prevalent againſt Evil. And, probably ſome Diſpenſations of Mercy in that kind, will be vouchſafed as to the weakning of Antichriſt's kingdom, betwixt this time, and the year 1666, according to our Computation after the birth of Chriſt; But, that Number of the Name, or Power of the Beaſts, whoſe time of tyrannizing is thereby limitted from the laſt of the times of the diſtinct higheſt Exaltations of the two Beaſts, until the full end of their Powers, will not be until ſo many years after the Paſſion of our Saviour, if I have not miſ-grounded my Judgment, as I believe I have not. For, at the time of Chriſt's Paſſion, the laſt of thoſe Earthly Monarchies which have oppreſſed the Saints, was at the higheſt; and ever ſince it hath declined: Their longeſt time of continuance (as I conceive) being myſtically numbred out unto them, in their own Numerals, which put altogether in order, according to their diſtinct Valuations ſingly, can make no more, as theſe their Characters demonſtrate, than M. D. C. L. X. V. I, which is a M. years for the continuance of Heathen Romes tyranny, after it was at higheſt, until it was ſwallowed up by that Beaſt which aroſe out of it, p. 58(for, old Romes Tyranny continued in the Civil Government of that Empire after Chriſtian Emperours had the Title) The remainder of the aforeſaid ſum, being DCLXVI, is the time of the Reign of Antichriſt (or the Man of Sin) after he attained to an abſolute Supremacy, which will have an end in or about the Seventeenth hundred year after Chriſt's Nativity, by our Accompt, if Chronologers have not miſreckoned the times. This is my Judgment of the Number of Beaſt. When that day comes, I believe the Souls under the Altar will no more cry, How long LORD! We ſhall not then think the dayes or years of our ſuffering, for Righteouſneſs ſake, were over many; nor will the Scoffers then ask any more in deriſion, Where is the Promiſe of his Coming?

Then, how long or ſhort a time ſoever it be, during which, the preſent, or the laſt Tryal of the Saints muſt continue; Let us conſider how little a few years, more or leſs, are in reſpect of Eternity, and of how ſmall conſequence all that is which we can ſuffer, in compariſon of that reward which is prepared for thoſe who overcome by patience. What can we loſe? Or, what have they loſt, who have been tranſlated out of this life, by the cruelty of their Perſecutors, but that which would have been a greater diſadvantage had it not been loſt? Perhaps that experience which I have had, in my particular, of GOD's extraordinary ſtrengthning me in my Sufferings, by the encreaſe of Hope and Conſolations vouchſafed, may be believed by ſome, to the augmentation of their conſtancy and comfort; I do therefore unfeignedly profeſs (though I profeſs it in much frailty of the Fleſh) That if GOD continue his Mercy begun (which I doubt not of) and ſhall give me a full p. 59draught of thoſe Cordials, whereof he hath vouchſafed me a Taſte, I think I ſhould not repine to undergo for his Glory, the heat of thoſe terrible dayes, which are begun, or near approaching: For, I conceive it will not be much hotter than the Fiery Furnace, which was heated ſevenfold more than uſually, for Shadrach, Meſech, and Abednego; and I beleive, that to ſtrengthen and preſerve me, I ſhould have the ſame Companion they had in that Fiery Tryal, if it might be ſo much to GOD's glory. Let not then the length or ſharpneſs of any Perſecution diſcourage from a Conſtant waiting upon GOD, whoſe Grace will be a ſufficient Aſſiſtance in all Probations. Nor let your imperfect apprehenſions of thoſe myſterious expreſſions, whereby the eſtate of that Sabbath or Kingdom, afore-mentioned, is deſcribed, miſlead you either into a diſtruſt of the reality thereof, or into any carnal miſ-belief, miſteachings, or miſ-actings, by a vain curioſity of ſeeking to know further than is plainly revealed, before the time. For, Fancy is apt to make many erroneous repreſentations; and that which ſhall be, is darkly expreſſed, for the exerciſe of our Faith; and we can no more apprehend it, as it is (being in the ſtate wherein we yet are) than Children of a month old, can declare what manner of life they ſhall here live, when they come to ripe years. It may ſuffice, that ſo much is declared and unfolded, by what is fulfilled, and ſo demonſtrated by Alluſions to things of which we highly eſteem, that it may aſſure us, there is an unſpeakable glory and happineſs, prepared for all thoſe who believe, and ſuffer for Righteouſneſs ſake. Our ſight, is yet too weak to behold it; Our hearts are too narrow to apprehend it; and that hour p. 60of the day, is not yet come, which will manifeſt to any, ſo much as will hereafter be made evident to all.

But, that we may not make our Afflictions and Troubles greater than elſe they would be, and our Conſolations leſs than they might be by our own defaults; and ſo imbitter our Spirits againſt the Truth, and each other, that Repentance and Reformation be obſtructed thereby; and leſt alſo, through defect of true Piety towards GOD, or of true Charity to Men, we be found rather ſufferers altogether for our ſins, than for Righteouſneſs ſake, to the making of our ſorrows endleſs in this life (as it happeneth to many) or to the rendring of us more wicked and cruel, when our Sufferings be removed, than we were before; to the perpetuating of an unhappy condition hereafter: Be pleaſed, for prevention thereof, to take notice of a Triple Memorandum, which coming ſuddenly into my thoughts, I ſhall here inſſert as neceſſary for us all to take heed of at this time, though I know it will diſadvantage me in the opinion of many. The Firſt branch of it, is pertinent to GOD's Glory: The Second, to the Civil Government and Governors whereto he hath ſubjected us: And the Third, pertains to all thoſe whom he hath put under their ſubjection. Obſerve it well, O ye Brittiſh Nations, and repent of your ſins in General and Particular, both againſt GOD and Men; eſpecially of your intrenchments againſt GOD's Prerogative, and your temporal and ſpiritual oppreſſing the members of his Son Jeſus Chriſt, by the diſhonoring of him in his chief Attributes; and by the breach of your Publick Faith, plighted to Him and his People, againſt whom very many of us have, in my p. 61Judgment, much exceeded the Parallel afore-mentioned, and all that I find recorded againſt any other Nation. If we expect a Reconciliation to GOD, by a pardon for that, and our other manifold Tranſgreſſions, let us acknowlédge our ſinfulneſs againſt the infinit extent of GOD's Mercy intended to all Mankind in general (which is the firſt branch of my Memorandums) and not limiting it, as many do, ſuppoſe they glorifie him in ſo doing, whereas, it is apparantly to his diſhonour, and will be to the inflaming of his Wrath, when there will be moſt need of his Fatherly Compaſſion.

For I will be bold to aver (though ſome probably will be offended at it, by whoſe Charity I have been here in part relieved) that the brotherly Love and true Repentance whereto I would perſwade, will never be effectually attained unto by them, who knowingly, premeditately, and wilfully perſevere in denying the Univerſal Redemption of Mankind by Jeſus Chriſt; ſeeing thereon depends GOD's moſt glorious Attribute; and in regard it is that, for which we are much more obliged unto him, than all the reſt of his Creatures, he cannot but be highly diſpleaſed with all thoſe who confine the extent of that Mercy. I know many in theſe times (ſome of them in other reſpects very good and learned men) who think Univerſal Redemption to be a new Doctrine, terming it Arminianiſm and Popery; but, it is neither new, nor repugnant (as is pretended) to the Orthodox Doctrine of Election, Predeſtination and the Free-Grace of GOD; nor aſcribes ought more to Nature by the Conſequences thereof, than tends to our juſtifying of GOD, and to our ſelf-condemnation, if that which he hath given us be not husbanded, according as he p. 62hath and doth enable. The holy Scriptures evidence it to all who rightly underſtand them. So far is it alſo from being a Novelty (as ignorant hearers are made believe) that it was received and profeſſed for a neceſſary Truth by the Churches of GOD in all Ages ſince Chriſt's birth, and contradicted by very few in the firſt times of Chriſtianity. Yea, it was believed many hundreds of years before Arminius was born, or Popery had a being in the world; and will be profeſſed when the Oppoſers and Traducers of that Verity ſhall be quite rooted out of the Evangelical Kingdom. It is, I confeſs, a Doctrine imbraced by many in the Church of Rome; but that makes it not erroneous. If we renounce all things approved of by Hereticks, and which Antichriſt and his Confederates imbrace and profeſs, we ſhall more diſadvantage the Kingdom of Christ thereby, than they have done by all their Hereſies, Idolatries and Superſtitions; For they acknowledge the holy Scriptures, and all the Articles of our Creed; and hold (though in unrighteouſneſs) a great part both of Moral and Evangelical Truths, by a verbal profeſſion, and with a mixture of humane Traditions; becauſe, if they did not ſo juggle, they could never have been hopefull to effect what is intended by their Mystery of Iniquity. It is the well counterfeiting of Truth and Holineſs, which muſt compleat the Deſigns of Antichrist; and there is not any one ſingle Hereſie or Wickedneſs which doth ſo ſecretly and ſo miſchievouſly ſupplant Christ; it undermines the Foundation of that Structure which open Blaſphemies above ground cannot endanger, and hath already ſprung ſuch a Mine, to the dividing of Lutherans and Calvinists, (as they are now termed) that they will hardly be reconciled until all Controverſies are at an end.

p. 63Let us therefore conſider well what depends upon it; how much it concerns the Glory of GOD; how much he is diſhonoured by a contrary belief, and how much it detracts from our own Priviledges and Conſolations. GOD's Mercy is above all his Works. It is the Crown and Dignity of the KING of Kings, and the Higheſt of all High-Treaſons to clip it. A profeſſed denial of the Univerſality of humane Redemption, ſeems to me a curſed Counter-callol, made and ſung by Devils, in oppoſition to that bleſſed Nativity-Song, which was ſung by Angels at the Birth of CHRIST; Glory be to GOD on high, on Earth Peace, and Good will to Men. For, how was GOD likely to be glorified, Peace to be upon the Earth, or his Good-will manifeſted to Men by the incarnation of his Son, if Man's Redemption had not been Univerſal, but ſo narrowed, that it extended to a very few, and thoſe few alſo left without aſſurance they were of that ſmall number, whatſoever they ſhould endeavour, if there ſhould be an Exception from that Act of Grace, as many fancy? Doubtleſs, if it had been ſo, it would have given occaſion rather of howling than of ſinging; and been rather ſad than glad tydings, in regard of that great terrour which might have ſeized upon all Mankind, and cauſed an Univerſal Lamentation, when they conſidered how many millions of millions, were certainly expoſed to Everlaſting Damnation; how ſmall a number in poſſibility to be ſaved, and how few of their dearly beloved Parents, Children and Friends might be of thoſe few, for whom Chriſt took upon him the humane Nature. Oh! horrible and unparallel'd Blaſphemy! But bleſſed be GOD's Name, it is not ſo. When the Children of Iſrael were redeemed from their Egyptian Bondage, which p. 64was a type of our Univerſal Redemption, there was not one ſoul, no not a hoof left behind them: Nor was one ſoul abſolutely excluded from the benefit of Chriſts Incarnation and Paſſion; but they only, who by their own default and unrepented ſin, ſhould fall away as they did who periſhed in the Wilderneſs. For, GOD hath many times, upon ſeveral occaſions, paſſed his Word, to aſcertain the Univerſality of his Love to Man without perſonal reſpects, where perſonal ſins, without repentance, have not firſt made the perſon unacceptable, nay, our incredulity hath put him to his Oath, to aſſure every ſinner; and if nevertheleſs we ſtill diſtruſt him, continue in our misbelief of his Word and Oath, and labour to draw others into the ſame crime; It cannot be an ordinary Judgement which GOD will at laſt inflict for ſo extraordinary and ſo high an affront, it being a ſin more heinous than Murder, Adultery, and all other meer carnal ſins put together; yea, more heinous than thoſe the Jews committed by their Idolatries, killing the Prophets, and crucifying Chriſt in the fleſh; for the laſt was but a ſin againſt his Humanity, and their Idolatries but the aſcribing ſome part of that honour to Creatures which was due to GOD onelyonly; whereas the limiting of GOD's Univerſal Grace in Christ, with the concommitant Doctrines, and the Conſequences thence raiſed, and the imputing to GOD, an eternal Reprobation of the greateſt part of Mankind, before they had done good or evil, and for thoſe ſins alſo, which they blaſphemouſly ſay, he neceſſitated them to commit, to ſhew his Juſtice, and manifeſt his hatred to ſin, is a diſpoiling GOD of his Divine Nature, of his Goodneſs, and an aſcribing unto him that which belongs only to the Devil. Oh the Patience of GOD! p. 65What can be ſo abominable? They do not only make Reprobation older than the father of it the Devil, but make GOD alſo the Author of his wickedneſs, in neceſſitating him to be a Devil, and conſequently Author of all the wickedneſs committed by all the Devils in Hell, and all the wicked men upon Earth; which appears to me ſo horrible an Impiety, that I wonder not to ſee the World ſo full of Plagues and Sins; and Sins & Sinners become ſuch Plagues to each other as they are; nor can I believe there will ever be leſs Plagues where that Blaſphemy is profeſſed and indulged as Orthodox Doctrine, until it be repented of; nor ſhall I marvel if my words be miſunderſtood, and my good meanings miſ-interpreted, if GOD's Word be ſo miſtaken, and his Love ſo ill rewarded. I know the bitterneſs and uncharitableneſs of their ſpirit, who ſhall be obſtinate in this Judgment, yet am neither afraid nor aſhamed for any reſpects to declare my Conſcience herein; or in whatſoever elſe I think may concern GOD's Glory and the Peace of my Country. If I think any to be in an Errour, I will peaceably do the beſt I can to reclaim them, but attempt nothing to deſtroy them; for that is an Antichriſtian Principle, and I abhor it. Oh let us be more heedful to avoid it, and more conſcientious in acknowledging our Deſtruction to be only and originally of the Devil and of our ſelves; I confeſs that GOD (who would have all men to be ſaved) hath provided means of ſalvation for all, without excluding any, who firſt excludes not himſelf by his perſonal ſins and impenitency: and (that our manifold ſins may be forgotten) I deſire we may henceforward believe both his preventing and aſſiſting Grace, ſhall be vouchſafed to all thoſe who ſhall ask for it in Faith, or p. 66have not wilfully rejected it being offered.

In like manner (for, I now come to the ſecond branch of my Memorandum) if we deſire an external Peace may be ſetled and continued ſo among us, that we may ſerve the LORD in Holineſs and Righteouſneſs, let us be conſcientiouſly careful that we intrench not injuriouſly upon the Civil Government whereto GOD hath ſubjected us, how oppreſſive ſoever it ſhall be, or ſeemeth to be unto any of us in particular, during the time wherein GOD gives it a Soveraignty over us. For, all Power, was and is of him by his Grace, or Permiſſion; not only that which was Patriarchal in Adam and Noah; with that which was eſtabliſhed for a time in Moſes, Joſhua, and the Judges of Iſrael; and that which is called Eccleſiaſtical in the viſible Church of Chriſt; but all thoſe tyrannizing Powers, Governments and Governors alſo, which have been in the world ever ſince the Creation until now, were gracious, or permiſſive effects of that longing after the knowledge of Good and Evil, which corrupted our firſt Parents, whoſe Poſterity, were permitted to elect ſuch Governments and Governors as they beſt liked, till ſome of them loſt that Priviledge by their own folly, as the Jews, and others have done. Thus it was in all times and Nations, after the natural and Paternal Government ceaſed by the death of Adam and Noah, except that which was Supernaturally Conſtituted over the Jews in the dayes of Moſes; That, and the Paternal Government being conferred, the one by Grace, and the other by Nature, were Branches of the Fifth Monarchy (as many now call the Kingdom of Chriſt) which indeed is the Alpha and Omega, the firſt and the laſt, ever one and the ſame; p. 67in regard, that Providential Government, which is and was in GOD the Father by right of Creation; and exerciſed imperfectly by Adam, Noah, Moſes and his Succeſſors, was tranſlated to GOD the Son, who is the only and true Catholick King (though Antichriſt hath given that Title to one of his Vaſſals) yea, though this Government hath ſeemed a long time ſuſpended, and been intruded upon by the Uſurpation of Tyrants, in moſt parts of the world, ever ſince the dayes of Nimrod, he will at laſt aſſume his Kingdom, and the Government thereof, in his own Perſon, when the time appointed is come. In the mean ſpace, his Father and He himſelf, have permitted others to make Kings, and to be Kings and Governors, according as they could effect it by their own Policy and Power. This was one product of eating the forbidden Tree; and of man's deſired knowledge of Good and Evil (eſpecially his experience in what is evil) hath been much advanced in all Nations and Generations, by the Exorbitances of ſuch Governors, and by the Popular Idolizing, and baſe flattering their Kings and Governors into a fooliſh conceit they were more than Men, and by deifying them, as the Romans and others did, until they became worſe than Beaſts, and little better than Devils to the reſt of Mankind: in which ſordid Flattery, the Prieſts in all times were moſt inſtrumental. Therefore, GOD permitted for a puniſhment of their wickedneſs and folly (and to perfect their deſired knowledge of Good and Evil, as aforeſaid, the Kingdoms of the Earth (as it is ſaid, Dan. 4. 17.) to be governed by the baſeſt of men; which will never be otherwiſe, until the People ſhall reform themſelves by a true Self-denial, and until that is fulfilled, p. 68which hath been prefaged in theſe Verſes:

"A King ſhall willingly un-ſelf un-King,

"And, thereby grow far greater than before;

"The Clergy, to contempt themſelves will bring,

"And, thereby, Piety ſhall thrive the more.

When a King (or the Civil Governor or Governors, by whatſoever Title they Reign) ſhall quite lay aſide all thoſe tyrannous Prerogatives, which were uſurped by the Emperours and Kings of the Nations, who knew not GOD; and when they ſhall Govern according to the divine Law, which he hath declared in his Evangelical Word, and had once written in the hearts of men, then ſhall a Righteous Government be eſtabliſhed; and when the Clergies Prevarications ſhall bring upon them a general Contempt, ſuch an endeavour will be in ſeaſon. When this comes to paſs, (which is contingent, and may be or not be) Righteouſneſs will begin to flouriſh, or elſe never, until Chriſt aſſumes his Univerſal Kingdom. But, that King or Supream Power, who ſhall conform to the fore-going Prediction, ſhall be tho Protarrhon, and have the honour of the firſt true Vice-regency under Jeſus Chriſt, within his own Dominions. There ſhall the Throne of Evangelical Righteouſneſs firſt begin to be eſtabliſhed; or, at leaſt, there ſhall be the firſt evident preparation for that Monarchy.

It muſt then be acknowledged (Kings and their Subjects being Relatives) that all the miſchieves which have befallen to Mankind in all Nations, have proceeded equally from themſelves; yet, as I ſaid before, by GOD's permiſſive Providence, for a p. 69juſt puniſhment of their ſins, by each other; and the People muſt ſubmit patiently to the yoke, until he vouchſafeth to take it off: For, as it hath given Wickedneſs, Wicked-men, and Devils opportunities to manifeſt their Natures toward the perfecting of an experimental knowledge in Evil, to their ſhame; So, it hath occaſioned alſo the manifeſtation of the Juſtice, Mercy, and Goodneſs of GOD, to his Glory, in making good what he had promiſed to his Elect, by his Providential changing of Governments and Governors, ſetting up, pulling down, inlarging or reſtraining, as may beſt conduce to the puniſhment of Sin, to the encouragement of Vertue, to the exerciſing of the Patience, Faith, Humility, Conſtancy, Love, and other Graces of the Saints; as alſo to the improving in them an experimental knowledge of that which is Good, together with a deteſtation of all that is Evil; that, they might at laſt overcome Evil with Goodneſs: which gives an anſwer to all thoſe Queries, which have often been propoſed by the Children of GOD, when they have obſerved the Proſperity of the wicked, whilſt they are afflicted.

Theſe things conſidered, it will be a Tranſgreſſion againſt the Providence of GOD, if any private Perſons or Parties, howſoever oppreſſed thereby, ſhall endeavour by Preaching, Writing, or Speaking ſeditiouſly (much more by attempting it in an Hoſtile manner) the innovating, changing, or diſturbing the Government or Governors whereunto they are ſubjected; and they are Rebels againſt GOD's Ordinance, there being no other ordinary means left to the People, who are by them oppreſſed, but humbly Petitioning, declaring their Grievances, and pleading for their due Priviledges by legal Proceedings, and p. 70by Appealing to GOD for redreſs of their Sufferings; who doth heed all Oppreſſions, and will provide Deliverers, as he did for the Iſraelites in Egypt, when there was no likelihood of a Deliverance. For, when Princes infatuated by their own pride and corruption, or by the giddineſs of their young Counſellors, over-voting wiſer men, as appears in Rehoboam, ſhall ſo add to the provocations of their Forefathers, by their perſonal impieties againſt GOD, or by ſo oppreſſing the People, as Rehoboam did, he will either rend from them the hearts of the greateſt part of them, as he did from that fooliſh King, or by ſome other way; and a Remedy will ſoon after follow, without any irregular endeavors, by the private Heads or Hands of any one of his Saints; which would but exaſperate their oppreſſors, give them thoſe advantages which they watch for, to colour the utter deſtroying of thoſe whom they oppreſs, with an appearance of executing Juſtice upon them; and it would defer alſo that Deliverance which is Providentially deſigned.

Therefore, not preſuming as their Counſellor, but, as their Humble Remembrancer, I do hereby deſire, that the King and his Counſellors, as alſo the People, might be hereby put ſeaſonably in mind, to conſult with the Laws of GOD, of Nature, of their own Nation, and with their own Conſciences, what they will dictate unto them, concerning their Duties to GOD, and to each other in ſuch Caſes: And, that they may uſe their rational Faculties to that purpoſe, I offer to their ſerious diſquiſition, theſe following Queries:

p. 711. Whether, that which was not ordained for its own ſake, but for the ſake of that which was precedent, and more worthy, ought to be preferred before that, for whoſe ſake only it was ordained?

2. Whether, there can be Treaſon committed by one of any two Parties againſt the other between whom there is not a Mutual Truſt, and Reciprocal Obligation?

3. Whether, if that Allegiance and Mutual Truſt, which is between two Parties, be by one of them evidently infringed, the other be not thereby, abſolutely freed from that Allegiance?

4. Whether, it be in the juſt Power, of any humane Authority to make that Treaſon, which is not Treaſon by the Law of Nature and Truſt; or any thing, to be that which really it is not?

5. Whether a whole Nation, or the greateſt part thereof, can be guilty of Treaſon againſt their Supream Magiſtrate, failing of his Truſt, in that for which he was ordained, in the judgment of the greateſt number of thoſe who intruſted him; and whether they who are Confederates with him, in the breach of that Truſt, and in oppreſſing the People, ought to be reckoned as a part of that People?

6. Whether a conſiderable part of thoſe People, who are peaceable in their lives and converſations, and ſeek nothing but an enjoyment of thoſe Freedoms and Rights which belong unto them by the Laws of GOD, Nature, and the Nation, may not without juſt blame, Petition to be freed from thoſe Oppreſſions, which are impoſed by humane Laws; and p. 72when they who are violently invaded in their Poſſeſſions, or in the exerciſe of their Conſciences toward GOD, according to his Fundamental Laws, may not warrantably ſtand upon their guard (though they may not take up Offenſive Arms) as well as a private perſon, may Se defendendo, endeavour to preſerve his life, and his Hereditory Poſſeſſions, from an injurious Aſſailant, in which caſe (as I conceive) he is Indempnified by the Law of our Nation?

7. Whether, all Oaths, Engagements, and Covenants whatſoever, taken, entred into and made, by compulſion, contrary to the Laws of GOD and Nature, be not void ipſo facto, and to be repented of rather than kept, when the Conſcience is rightly informed?

Theſe Queries, being rightly reſolved, both Kings and their Subjects may be truly informed how they ought to regulate their Judgements and Actings in relation to each other, for the preſervation of their honour, peace, and ſafety; but, private Perſons who ſhall undertake to Reſolve them, will perhaps be thought more bold than wiſe; and they will rarely be Reſolved impartially, either by any Supream Magiſtrate, who is not a true Lover of Juſtice; or by any of the Commonalty, who prefers Licentiouſneſs before a true Chriſtian, or manly Freedom; muchleſs by any of them, whoſe irregular Courſes are deſtructive to their Kings, their Country, and to their own well-being. Therefore, inſtead of giving my private ſenſe upon the ſaid Queriès, I leave that to thoſe whom it more concerns, and adviſe all thoſe who think themſelves oppreſſed (by thoſe who act p. 73under, and for the Supream Power) and are doubtful how to behave themſelves in ſuch wiſe, that they may neither tranſgreſs the Ordinances of GOD, nor give occaſion of offence to their Governors) to put on the pure white Ephod or Surplice of a ſincere unbyaſſed Conſcience, and repair to that Urim and Thummin, whereby the Secrets of the LORD are in all ſtraits and difficulties made known to ſuch as fear him: And, in the mean time, I being neither for or againſt the Power of Kings, or the Priviledges of the People, further than they are agreeable to the Laws of GOD and Nature, will declare what my own practice hath been in theſe late ſtaggering times, hoping it may be of good uſe to ſome, and no way hurtful to any.

Though I have been oft Impriſoned, and my honeſt and peaceable Intentions queſtioned upon miſapprehenſions and miſ-informations, I never endeavoured ought by Factious Confederacy with others, or in my ſingle Capacity, by Word or Writing againſt the Supream Perſon, or Power in being. It is otherwiſe affirmed by ſome, who (I think) neither know what I have done, written, or ſaid, but by hear-ſay; and a Perſon of ſome quality (who ſeldom read ought ſave ſcurrilous and obſcene Pamphlets) charged me before many, in my abſence, to have been a Troubler and Scandalizer of all Governments now fifty years. Ahab in ſuch-like words charged Elias to be the Troubler of Iſrael, becauſe he had reproved his wickedneſs, who was the greateſt troubler thereof in his time: and the ſame troubleſomneſs is imputed to every one in his time, who conſcientiouſly reproveth Vice, when Wickedneſs and Folly are predominant, how modeſtly ſoever he doth p. 74it. But, if all my Actings, Writings, and Speakings were known and conſidered, it would manifeſtly appear, that neither my Principles or Endeavours ever tended to ought, deſtructive or diſhonorable to the Supream Magiſtrate poſſeſſing the Throne, but to that which was for the preſervation of his honour and ſafety, if rightly underſtood; and that, I have unfeignedly exhorted others to the like obedience. To our preſent Governor, I have no way failed in obedience ſince his Reſtauration; and think theſe Nations more than ordinary obliged to that duty, in regard GOD hath given them thoſe Governments, and that King, which the greateſt number of them deſired, when they called him Home unto them from a long Exile: As alſo, becauſe, I am confident that miraculous Reſtoration was vouchſafed to be a Teſt both of His and our Obedience to GOD's Commands; and of our conformity to that which he juſtly expects ſhould be performed by King and People to Him, and by them reciprocally to each other. According to proof thereof upon the Teſt, ſuch will be the ſequels reſpectively to all Parties; for I am not deceived in the Say-Maſter; nor is this unwarantably declared by me, though I my ſelf am but one in the Furnace of Purgation and Probation among the reſt. GOD brought in the King without blood-ſhed, and without being ingaged to any (except only in a few Promiſes upon the word of a King) that he might depend on GOD only, and diſpenſe Juſtice and Mercy impartially to all: which my hope is he will do, when he is diſ-intangled from ſuch inconveniencies thereto obſtructive, as his late troubles occaſioned; and when he is better acquainted with the temper and conſtitution of theſe Nations, to which p. 75he was long a ſtranger, even from his Infancy. I pray GOD, that neither our ſins, nor his own, nor their Actings who are to him what the Sons of Zerviah were to David, prove hinderances thereunto, by being too hard for him; of which I am ſomewhat fearful.

This brings to mind the third Branch of my Memorandum afore-mentioned, which I had almoſt forgotten, and which concerns thoſe, as aforeſaid, whom GOD hath now put viſibly under ſubjection to him, and whoſe diſtempers were much allayed by many fair Promiſes (or pretendings at leaſt) that they ſhould enjoy their Conſciences, and thoſe eſtates which were granted (and as they thought ſecured) unto them by the Publick Faith of the Nations. The neglect of Performance to thoſe purpoſes according to expectation (though outward clamors were upon vain hopes awhile calmed) may have evil effects when leaſt feared: For, Unfaithfulneſs and Unmercifulneſs GOD will avenge, though men wink at it; eſpecially a National unfaithfulneſs (if not repented and ſatisfied for, ſeaſonably in ſome meaſure) whatſoever colourable excuſes may be alleaged, will be avenged, as is manifeſt in the Caſe of the Gibeonites. All the Three Nations are engaged by their Common Faith, given in pledge directly or indirectly, both for the Liberty of Conſcience in relation to GOD, and for making good in ſome proportion thoſe Debts and Contracts, whereunto many were drawn, under Pious and Civil pretences, authorized by that viſible Power which was then in being, and countenanced and ſubmitted unto, by the moſt eminent Perſons of all Degrees, Judgements, and Profeſſions, as well as by the greateſt number of the People, without p. 76any open contradiction; Thereupon, they contributed their Eſtates for ſupport of that, which they thought a lawful Power, even to the ruining of many of their Families (as it hath ſince happened) who ſubmitted thereunto conſcientiouſly in the ſimplicity of their hearts (as many others did by compulſion, and ſome for ſiniſter reſpects) in obedience only to them, who acted in the Name of a Lawful Supream Authority, which in reaſon excuſes them, who are not to judge the Actings of their viſible Superiors, ſubmitted unto by the whole Nation, or the greateſt part thereof as aforeſaid. The Power now in being alſo, together with many eminent Members of the former Power (ſeemingly at leaſt to be concurrent) did, if I and many other miſtake not, voluntarily pretend, both before and after the Reſtoration of this Power, to indulge tender Conſciences, and to make ſome competent ſatisfaction to them who had conſcientiouſly hazarded their Perſons, and truſted out their Eſtates, as aforeſaid; and who juſtly expect that their Loyal ſubmiſſion without blood-ſhed ſhould be rewarded according to explicite or implicite Promiſes and Declarations, wherein they confided; and for which (hoping it will be at laſt performed) they do patiently ſuffer in the mean time, beſeeching GOD to remove the Confuſions and Burthens, wherewithal they, and many other in theſe Nations, are at this preſent oppreſſed and involved. Now then, that their and our Prayers may be effectual to incline GOD to have Mercy upon us all in general, let the neglect of that expected Indulgence be taken into conſideration, and ſomewhat be performed according to what is hoped for, to teſtifie our thankful acknowledging the large extent of GOD's Mercy both to King and p. 77People, for bringing us ſo peaceably into a way of Reconciliation, which may poſſibly be perfected and continued, if we prudently and gratefully perſue it, and not make our ſelves liable again to thoſe great debts and treſpaſſes which were forgotten, by taking our Brethren by the throats, for failings leſs conſiderable, and by unmerciful deſtroying them and their Families; eſpecially, by being ſevere unto them for ſeeming deficiences relating to GOD and the Conſcience, with which none have ought to do, but GOD only, who is the proper Judge between Himſelf and mens Conſciences. But, for ought I perceive, every Diſſenting Party, is, and will be Judge in his own Cauſe, whomſoever elſe it concerns. And we are all I confeſs, even the beſt of us, ſomewhat over-byaſſed as to Self-Intereſt. Princes and their Councils will be ſole Judges of that which they think concerns the Peace of their Kingdoms and Self-Intereſt; Prelates and their appurtenat Officers, will be Judges of that which they conceive pertains to the Diſcipline of their own Church, and their temporary Dignities; and Conſcientious men, ſuppoſe themſelves as competent Judges, next under GOD, of what belongs to the peace of their Conſciences, as either of the former, and reſolve to act according to their own judgements, or to ſuffer what ſhall be impoſed upon them: For, as their Perſecutors may peradventure ſay as the Jews did when they Crucified Chriſt, that, they have a Law, by which theſe ought to ſuffer; So they may ſay, that GOD and Nature have Laws, by which it ought to be otherwiſe; and to thoſe Laws they may, and I do for my part, appeal. Let therefore, if it be ſo, theſe three Nations ſeek unto GOD, as one man, and humbly Petition the King, in his own Perſon, p. 78that, to eſtabliſh his Throne in Righteouſneſs, all Publick and Private Grievances may be impartially and effectually conſidered hereafter, and not ſlighted as heretofore. That, in things relating to GOD and the Conſcience, men may be governed according to his divine Law only; and in all Civil Matters, by ſuch humane Laws as the People have choſen, and ſhall chuſe, agreeable to the Word of GOD and the Law of Nature. Which Exhortation I propoſe not to ingratiate my ſelf either with the People, or the preſent Government to any ſelf end: For, the Reſtraints and Sufferings which have been impoſed on me, have been more advantagious than all the Liberties or Preferments they can confer; and were I put to chuſe, whether I would enjoy the greateſt earthly Glory, or be expoſed to the greateſt earthly Torments for a good Conſcience; I would as ſoon chuſe the later as the firſt, if GOD might be more glorified thereby: Indeed, I would chuſe neither of them, becauſe I know not in which of thoſe eſtates I ſhould moſt honour God; but leave it abſolutely unto him, to diſpoſe of me as he pleaſeth; and will not deſire (muchleſs attempt) any thing for my perſonal ſecurity, or for enjoyment of my Conſcience, by any unjuſtifiable act.

It hath been ſaid, That the Kingdom of Heaven muſt be taken by violence; yet, let us now be cautious that we ſeek not to make paſſage into it, by a Carnal violence, and by the Temporal Sword (which Sword belongs principally to the Kingdoms of this World) leſt we periſh by that Sword as many have done. Our Saviour ſaid to Peter, when he ſmote off the ear of Malchus in his defence, Put up the Sword: for in truth it was not then in ſeaſon, nor is ſo now. p. 79Had either a natural or a ſupernatural Reſiſtance been then ſeaſonable, our bleſſed Saviour (as he at that time ſaid) could have prayed to his Father, and have had more than twelve Legions of Angels immediately ſent unto him for his Reſcue. Thoſe Angels, when the time appointed comes, will appear under the Conduct of Michael their Arch-Angel, to do that execution upon the Uſurpers of Chriſt's Kingdom, which hath been long ſince foretold, and which we daily pray for. The Weapons of our Warfare are not Carnal; nor ſhall the Conqueſt which we expect, be obtained by any other Sword in the hands of the Saints, but that Two-edged Sword, proceeding out of his Mouth, whom John ſaw ſtanding between the ſeven golden Candleſticks, ſharpned by the Faith, Hope, Love, Patience, Prayers, and Conſtancy of the LAMB's followers; which Conqueſt at or about the end of the laſt of thoſe ſix dayes, aforeſaid, of a 1000 years a piece; or at the ſhortning of that day, and at the beginning of the great Sabbath, which GOD ſanctified at the Creation, will be accompliſhed. Till that time, the Saints are patiently to wait upon GOD, and permit his Enemies to enjoy their time, without grudging or fretting at their proſperity, as David counſels in his 37 Pſalm. In order to their final Deſtruction, ſome proceedings will every year be made, whilſt the ſixth Vial is pouring out (and which is already in a great meaſure diffuſed) and probably a ſignal progreſſion, in ſome evident particular, will be vouchſafed betwixt this and the end of 1666 years after the birth of Chriſt; and be compleated at or about the end (as I have before declared) of the thouſand ſix hundred ſixty and ſixth year after his Paſſion, if the Foundation of p. 80my Calculations fail not. The Planets in their Courſes are moving toward thoſe Conſtellations and Influences, which will ſhortly demonſtrate they are fighting for the People of GOD againſt their Enemies, as they fought againſt Siſera and his Army; and when GOD deſtroyed the Hoſt of five Kings, with hailſtones, who Warred againſt the Gibeonites, whilſt they went under the Protection of Joſhua. But, we have a ſurer Word to truſt unto than the Book of the Creatures (whoſe Characters our Folly hath now made obſcure) even GOD's written Word and Spirit; and the Propheſies in that Word contained, will ſhortly be fulfilled; and then the knowledge of Good and Evil, as to all ſublunary things, being experimentally known in full, ſuch an end will be put to all their ſtrugglings for the Victory, that our Scoffers will from thenceforth no more ſay, or think, that all things are to continue as they are; but they who now inſolently perſecute the Saints, will, miſerably affrighted, ſneak into Dens and Caverns of the Earth, wiſhing the falling Mountains might cover them from his Preſence whom they have perſecuted and deſpiſed. GOD's White Banner hath been diſplayed among us a long time heretofore, to invite us by fair means to come in, and make our peace: His Red Colours are now hung forth, and though it hath already coſt us much blood and treaſure, we return not unto him; and if we delay it until his Black Flagg be ſet up, it will be then too late to Retreat without a miſchief: for, they who are to come upon the black and pale Horſes, will immediately follow to do execution.

It is high time to look about us, and take heed what this Spirit ſaith unto the Churches, typified by p. 81the ſeven Churches in Aſia, wherein the ſtate of the moſt eminent Congregations, which are Members of the Catholick Church in all Ages, are concerned; as is alſo that Univerſal Church in all the Contents of St. John's Apocalyps, throughout her ſeveral Ages, until the end of the Myſtery of Iniquity. The ſixth Trumpet (as I believe) hath ſounded, and is yet ſounding. The third great Wo will come forth. A Mystical Earthquake hath already ſhaken down a Tenth part of the malignant City: The Nations, being both affrighted and angry, are labouring to repair the Breaches, and have partly skinned over ſome of their putrifying Wounds, with Patches and Plaiſters; and like the old Egyptians, (their true types) encreaſe the works of Bondage and Slavery, to the ſuppreſſing of GOD's People, within their Juriſdictions, becauſe they perceive them endeavouring to ſeparate from them: But, the time is near, wherein the true Iſraelites, and their Oppreſſors, will receive the Rewards reſpectively prepared, and due unto them by GOD's Judgments promenced againſt the one, and his gracious Promiſes to the other; though his Enemies ſtruggle yet againſt him like Pharoah and his Armies in the Red Sea, when their Chariotwheels were taken off, and while the waves on either ſide ſtood heaped up ready to ſwallow them. The Grand City, being divided into three parts, will ere long fall, with every ſubordinate Power, Kingdom, City and Society thereto belonging; and wo to all them who have not ſeparated from her by repentance. Her abominations are come into remembrance before GOD; Her ſins are almoſt full ripe, and ſhe is become an habitation of Devils, and a receptacle p. 82for every unclean bird: all Nations have drunk the Cup of her Fornications, and are beſotted and bewitched with her Sorceries and Inchantments: The Merchants of the Earth are enriched by the abundance of her carnal Delicacies, and by her Traffick in ſpiritual and temporal Merchandizes, for they have traded together, not only, for Gold, Silver, Pretious Stones, Pearls, fine Linnen, Silks, Purple, Scarlet, Veſſels of Braſs, Iron, Wood, and Marble, Spices, Odours, Oyntments, Oyl, Wine, Wheat, Beaſts and Chariots, but alſo for the Bodies and Souls of men; according to what was propheſied; pretending to ſettle upon their Chapmen, Poſſeſſions in Heaven, that they might cheat them and their Heirs of their Inheritances upon Earth. Their Formal Devotions being of the ſame nature and value, with ſuch as were in uſe among the old Heathen Idolaters (and for the moſt part borrowed from their Idol Temples) will not avail them in the day of their Viſitation; but be caſt out as unholy things, fit for nothing but to be trampled under foot and deſtroyed, with all thoſe Trumperies which the Founders of the Mystery of Iniquity have raked together out of Judaiſm and Gentiliſm, to trim up a will-Worſhip. They, who dote on them, ſhall periſh with them, and GOD's People whom they now oppreſs and reproach, ſhall be delivered from their ſcorns and oppreſſions.

If they, with whom GOD hath intruſted the Civil Power, ſhall joyn with her in oppreſſing his People, he himſelf will deliver them from all their oppreſſive Actings and Conſtitutions, who by a corrupt exerciſe of their Authority, are more or leſs at enmity with his Kingdom; and perſecutors p. 83of his Saints, as turbulent and ſeditious Perſons, for profeſſing their Conſciences, and not complying with them in their Abominations, and vain Inventions, repugnant to the dictates of his Word and Spirit, who is their Soveraign Paramount: Yea, ſo many of the Civil Governors and Magiſtrates, as in their publick or perſonal actings, adhere finally to Antichriſtianiſm in the eſſentials thereof, ſhall be therewith deſtroyed: But, they who Conform to the Kingdom and Government of Chriſt, ſhall be thereunto admitted, and therewith honoured. Be wiſe therefore, O ye Kings, and learn what ye are to do, you that are Judges of the People; Let not the Kings and Rulers of the Earth, bind themſelves together in their Counſels againſt the LORD and his Anointed, nor the murmuring People imagine vain things; For, GOD who ſits in Heaven derides their attempts, and maugre all their oppoſition, will ſet his King upon the holy Hill of Sion, Pſal. 2. Amen.

Theſe things conſidered, our future Repentance and Reformation will not alone conſiſt in forſaking our Tranſgreſſions againſt the moral Law, and the impudent prophaneſs whereof we are guilty, by meer carnal ſins, but in timely diſſerting alſo every ſpiritual wickedneſs, by coming out of Babylon, and deſiſting from complying with her, and eſpecially by razing out the Mark of the Beaſt, if we have in any mode received it; which is not to be performed by a local departure or ſeparation; but, by a relinquiſhment of their Superſtitions and Idolatries, and by avoiding the mark of the Beaſt, both in the hand and forehead, which I conceive not to be any thing forcibly impoſed upon men againſt their wills, as Oaths, Stigmatizings, or Conformity with p. 84them in things indifferent. But, I judge that Mark to be a voluntary approving the Power of the Beaſt, and an adhering to him or his Image, by juſtifying their tyrannies, profeſſing their Idolatries, and by openly or ſecretly perſecuting the followers of the LAMB; For, theſe Qualifications knit together with an &c, will make ſuch a perfect Character, whereby to diſtinguiſh them from the Diſciples of Chriſt, that they ſhall be priviledged to buy and ſell, or to enjoy any place of Power, Honour, or Profit within his uſurped Juriſdiction, which he exerciſeth, at ſeveral times, and under various Notions: For, I conceive, that the firſt and ſecond Beaſt, mentioned in the Revelation, as alſo, the Image of the Beaſt; The Skarlet Whore, with her Cup of Fornications; The Red Dragon, The Falſe Prophet, the ſeven Heads, the ten Horns, the ſmoke which aſcended out of the Bottomleſs Pit, and the Locuſts proceeding out of that ſmoak, do all together make up but one Myſtical Body of Iniquity, as it was by degrees produced, active and manifeſted in ſeveral times, according to the true nature thereof in every particular part. The firſt Beaſt, being the fourth and laſt humane tyranny, deſcribed by Daniel in the laſt of the four Beaſts, whereof he had a Viſion in the Raign of Belſhazer, is that Monſter out of which all the Appurtenances of the ſaid Myſtery ſucceſſively branched. The ſecond Beast is that mixture of temporal and ſpiritual Oppreſſions and Wickedneſſes which ſprouted up from the firſt, by Sa…anical Deluſions and fleſhly Impoſtures: It is called the Image of the Beaſt, becauſe of the manifold reſemblances which it retains of heatheniſh-Romes Cruelties, Pride, and Superſtitions; and p. 85their forming of it into that Image, was partly (as I judge) to colour and countenance their Novelties and wicked Impoſtures with an appearance of venerable Antiquity, and with a ſucceſſive Authority, which is one of their chief boaſts; and it was partly to ſhare alſo among themſelves the Dignities and Profits, which were formerly enjoyed by the Flamines, Arch-Flamines, and other Prieſts among the Gentiles, who had large Priviledges and Poſſeſſions: It is expreſſed by a Red Dragon, in reſpect of the bloody Perſecutions thereby raiſed in the Primitive Church; It is called a Whore arrayed in Scarlet, with a golden cup of Fornications in her hand, to ſignifie the carnal Pompe and Pleaſures whereby it ſhould infatuate and bewitch the great men of the World. It is likened to a Falſe Prophet, to intimate the counterfeit Sanctity and Gravity, whereby it ſhould delude fooliſh Kings and Nations: The Smoke aſcending out of the bottomleſs Pit, implies the Jugglings and Sophiſtications, whereby they ſhould becloud the Truth, and darken mens underſtandings with fictitious Gloſſes and falſe Interpretations. The Locuſts, preſignified that innumerable company of Locuſt-like unprofitable Cardinals, Abbots, Prelates, Monks, Fryars, Jeſuites, and ſuch-like devouring Animals, as were afterward bred and brought forth in that ſmoke, and now ſwarm into every part of the World, to the devouring, not only of the Fruits of the Earth, but to the deſtroying of the Fruits of Grace likewiſe, in the bud and bloſſome. The ſeven Heads, ſignified their uſurping old Romes claim of Supremacy, over all Kings and Nations in the Earth, when her ſeven Hills wore the Imperial Crown. The ten p. 86Horns may betoken, that addition of temporal Power, which it would acquire by ſubjecting and enſlaving Kings, Kingdoms, and Republicks, to the throne of Antichriſt; and by joyning the temporal Sword, to the imaginary Keyes of St. Peter, until the groſs Impoſtures of that man of Sin, or myſtical Whore, ſhould be by them diſcovered, as they will be ere long, provoking the Kings of the Earth rather out of ſelf reſpects, then in any regard of Chriſts Kingdom, to begin to hate the Strumpet, and prey upon her fleſh.

I am ſuſpitious, that I may be ſuddenly deprived of the Means and Liberty which I yet have to expreſs my mind in publick; Therefore, being unwilling, to leave unmentioned any Notion coming at this time to my Remembrance, whereby Repentance may be haſtened, Concord increaſed, and things prevented which may be deſtructive to common Peace; And, in regard, teeming Tranſgreſſions, are or may be at this time occaſioned, by the Impoſing and Refuſing of Oaths, to the multiplying of troubles and Impriſonments, not only upon perſons, who are thought unpeaceably affected, but, to the oppreſſing and total ruining alſo of many innocent Families, whoſe Maſters are conſcientiouſly afraid of all Oaths; I am reſolved (notwithſtanding it may be to my perſonal diſadvantage) to declare my Judgment concerning that, and ſome other Particlars, which I conceive may conduce to the diſ-inſnaring of many, whoſe miſunderſtandings have expoſed themſelves and others to great hazards. My perſonal refuſing or taking of ſuch Oaths, as I hear are tendred, cannot bring either outward detriment or profit unto me, becauſe, p. 87I have neither Eſtate or Liberty, which will be thereby loſt or ſaved, nor ſo much as hope of any future Preferment in the World; therefore (without ſelf-ends) I do voluntarily declare, for the ſake of others only (not judging the Conſciences of any who are of another opinion) that I think, if the Supream Power, or Perſon, be doubtful upon probable grounds, of any Subjects Loyalty, they, or he, may for their own, or the Publick ſecurity and ſafety, require it by an Oath, ſo far forth as the Laws of GOD, Nature, and the Nation, do oblige or permit. For, Allegiance and Fealty are due from all Subjects, to the Power, and Perſons whom GOD hath ſet over them, ſo long as he continues a viſible poſſeſſionary Power, able to Protect them out of an Uſurpers hands; yea, ſo long as he is preſent with them to encourage them in their Loyalty by his Righteous actings or Sufferings: therefore, I know no reaſon, why an Engagement by Oath ſhould be denied to him or them who have bound themſelves by the like Obligation to be their Leige Lords, and to Govern them according to the Laws of GOD and their Country. Upon this conſideration, I never refuſed the Oath of Allegiance, to any poſſeſſionary Power or Perſon, claiming or exerciſing a Soveraign Authority without oppoſition; and I conceive I deſerved as little blame in ſo doing, as is uſually imputed to the Inhabitants of a beſieged City, ſubmitting to their Conquerors, when they are over-powred by an Enemy, and diſſerted by their Officer in Chief; for who is bound to reſiſt, when the LORD of Hoſts appears againſt them? Of the Oath of Supremacy, I made as little ſcruple: For, as I underſtand it, p. 88(and as King James expounded the ſame) it intends no more than the other, except only an excluſion of all Forreign Powers; if (as I think it is) it be the ſame Oath which was heretofore tendred to me when I was a Commiſſioner of the Peace. That Oath, as I remember, enjoyned an acknowledgement of the King's Power over all Perſons within his own Dominions, as head Governor, ſubordinate to Chriſt only, in all Cauſes whatſoever, whether Eccleſiaſtical or Civil; and not, as many fancy, that he hath a Power over the Cauſes, or a Co-headſhip with Chriſt; for, theſe were ridiculous Claims and Acknowledgements, in regard no Natural or Politick-head can ſuit with the Spiritual and Myſtical Body of Chriſt Jeſus, nor the Power of any Earthly King make a Righteous Cauſe to be unjuſt, or an unjuſt Cauſe to be righteous; though it be too often, made ſo to appear by an abuſed Authority; of which abuſe, there is at this preſent great likelihood and jealouſie touching a Cauſe now depending and relating to Perſons in this Jayl, wherein I am a Priſoner; and I am ſuſpitious that ſomewhat is endeavouring, which may redound to the diſhonour of GOD and the King. All Oaths given or taken contrary to Law, being void ipſo facto, as ſoon as they are taken, ought to be repented of, by thoſe who took them either ignorantly or through fear, and make them to be the greater offenders who Impoſe them, though that doth not totally excuſe the Takers of ſuch Oaths, upon compulſion. Indeed, ſo little regard is made of Oaths in theſe dayes in many Caſes, eſpecially by Witneſſes and Jurors in Courts of Judicature, that it was never more truly averred of any Land, than now of this, p. 89that it mourneth becauſe of Oaths: For every man's Eſtate, Life and Credit, is in hazard, by Suborners and falſe Witneſſes; inſomuch, that it were well with us if the ſeverity of Tennes, and Tenedia Bipermis, were here revived, to terrifie Forſwearers and falſe-Witneſſes; leſt impudent perjur'd Perſons ſwear honeſt men out of all they have. An Oath, though it be abuſed, is the uſual and lawful medium, both by divine and humane Authority, to evidence Truths in Controverſie between man and man, and relating to the Common Peace; and in my Judgment, not unlawful in private Differences, when in Charity and Reaſon it is needful to aſcertain matters of Conſequence, the doubting whereof may be hurtful to him, who is incredulous of what is affirmed, or elſe of what may be injurious to another perſon: For, though our Saviour ſaid, that whatſoever in our Communication (to which his words are to be reſtrained) is more than YEA, and NAY, cometh of evil; yet a further Aſſeveration may not be abſolutely evil, being neceſſitated either by an evil Cuſtom in him who Swears when there is no need of an Oath; or elſe by an evil cauſleſs diſtruſt in the Hearers; and therefore in ſerious Matters (as it appears by Chriſt's own practice in ſuch caſes) more is ſometimes requiſite than a bare Aſſeveration. The word Verily, double (which is equivalent with Infaith, and Introth in our language) was often added by him in his Affirmations to confirm them; and the former may, without juſt blame, be otherwhile added by us, though many (who do therein, as it were Tithe Mint and Annis) are offended at ſuch additions, ignorantly ſuppoſing them to be Oaths.

p. 90Nevertheleſs, I am ſo tender of offending their Conſciences, who ſcruple at ſuch Niceties, that I deny my ſelf liberty, even in many ſuch indifferent things, except I cauſually ſlip into them through inadvertency; and I judge not uncharitably of thoſe who dare not Swear at all, becauſe, they have a written Word inducing them to be of that Judgment, James 5. 12. where it is ſaid, Above all things, Swear not, neither by Heaven, nor by Earth, nor by any other Oath; but, let your Yea be Yea, and your Nay, Nay; which ſeems to be a Caution againſt all Oaths whatſoever, in the underſtanding of ſome, but not in mine: nor do I think this Scripture is to be limitted (as ſome have thought) to Promiſſary Oaths, in regard there is no word in the Text, or Context, to warrant ſuch an Interpretation. Perhaps, that which is offenſive in Oaths, conſiſts more in the Circumſtances or Formalities, than in what is by them eſſentially intended: I think therefore it would be a Proviſion worthy a Chriſtian Government, and would be more ſatisfactory to thoſe whom it concerns, than the Teſtimony of a Peer upon his Honour, (Conſcientious men deſerving at leaſt as much Credit and Priviledge, upon their bare word, as the other by an empty Title) if for an Expedient in this caſe, a Law were enacted, whereby the Teſtimony of thoſe Perſons, who are Conſcientiouſly afraid of Swearing, may be taken for a legal witneſſing of the Truth, by an atteſtation upon their word only, evidenced by ſome ſuch action as the lifting up of the Hand, without the uſual Formalities of an Oath; upon the ſame Penalties which our Laws inflict on perſur'd Perſons; who deſerve at leaſt, the ſame p. 91Pains or Mulcts, which may befall to other men by their Falſhood. This, I ſuppoſe, will diſpleaſe no reaſonable or conſcientious man, in regard none ought to think that they are not in conſcience oblig'd to Aſſert the Truth in Controverſies between man and man, or in matters relating to publick Juſtice, or common Safety, when it tends not to an Accuſing of themſelves: And, I have this charitable belief of the greateſt number of them, who make Conſcience of Swearing, as aforeſaid, out of meer Conſcientiouſneſs, that they will be more truſty in their Aſſertions, and more Loyal to the Supream Power (though it favour'd them not) upon their bare verbal Engagements, than the greateſt part of them will be, who voluntarily take, or impoſe Oaths by Compulſion on other men. I am aſſured alſo, that GOD will not hold them guiltleſs, who by Threatnings, or by Oaths, or by Impriſonments, or Tortures enforce men to act againſt their Conſciences, or to accuſe themſelves or other Innocents, in their diſtempers and torments. St. Aguſtine in his City of God, inveighs againſt it, as an abominable oppreſſive Cruelty, practiſed till then by none but Heatheniſh Tyrants (and afterward by the Beaſt who ſprung from them) to enforce Innocents, againſt the Laws of GOD and Nature, unjuſtly to accuſe themſelves, and thoſe whom they intended to deſtroy; whereas both Divine and Humane Juſtice directs to other means of diſcovering Truths, and vindicating of ſuſpected Perſons. The Holy Ghoſt wills, that every man before he ſuffers, ſhould be tryed and Convicted by the mouth of two or three Witneſſes; upon which Precept, the Law of our Nation, called the Great Charter, is founded: p. 92And (as it is exemplified in the Caſe of Achan, wherein the ſafety of a whole Nation was concerned and indangered by his private ſin) no man is to be interrogated as touching things which may tend to the accuſing of himſelf, until there be either an Accuſer produced, or a previous probability, in ſome degree, evidencing that he is guilty, as Achan appeared to be upon a providential diſcovery firſt made out, by five Lots, before it came to a perſonal Examination; and even then, Joſhua proceeded not rigorouſly, or by menacings, but meekly, and by a Fatherly compellatur, ſaid unto him, My Son, give, I pray thee, glory to the GOD of Iſrael, and tell me, what haſt thou done? Whereupon, he Conſcientiouſly confeſſed his Crime. In this temper of Spirit, it becometh all Chriſtians to ſearch out doubtful matters, and not by a tyrannous violence, in what hazard ſoever the Publick may appear, by the concealment thereof. This is my Judgment, whereto I will add what ſhall deſerve to be well heeded at this time (to wit) That not only thoſe Confeſſions or Accuſations which are extorted by threatnings or tortures, are no proofs at all of what is Confeſſed againſt themſelves or others; but that all theſe Informations and Accuſations likewiſe, which Condemned or Guilty men are allured, tempted, or bribed unto, by hopes or fears, promiſes of pardon, favour, or reward, and not conſcientiouſly declared, ought not to be regarded as a valid Evidence further than they concur with other Circumſtances, and unqueſtionable proofs. For, they who are corrupted or diſtempered, by covetouſneſs, hopes, fears, enforced neceſſities, or long and hard durance, will p. 93for the moſt part, ſay any thing to eſcape a preſent miſery, as by ſad experiments it hath been often ſeen. Even at this day (as I am credibly informed) there is a man living, who being thought murdered, a poor innocent man was hanged lately in chains as principal in the fact, and his Mother and Brother executed as Acceſſaries, upon the ſaid man's Confeſſion, when he was diſtempered to a degree of diſtraction, by hard durance, by the threatnings of the Proſecutors, and by his own fears and frailties; which were perhaps thought to be effects and evidences of his guiltineſs. But, who can help this? or how or when will it be better, whilſt Oaths are forcibly impoſed? and whilſt they who have no conſcience are more indulged than the moſt conſcientious men. I would to GOD that our Publick and Private Peace and Safety were no more endangered by falſe Witneſſes, Suborners of Perjury, Trapanners, Ignorant or corrupt Jurors, (and by ſome of them, who impoſe Oaths againſt men's Conſciences) than by them who make Conſcience of Swearing.

I may ſeem perhaps to make tedious Digreſſions, impertinent to my firſt Deſign; but they are not ſuch, if well conſidered: for, I being like a Beggar who is never out of his way, might add much more (collatrally at leaſt) tending to my firſt purpoſe, which I omit, partly, becauſe it cannot now be born, & partly, for that I am not in ſuch a capacity to expreſs it, as aſſures me it is part of my work at this preſent; Therefore I will proceed with what I am certain ſo to be, leſt I be prevented (as aforeſaid) by what I expect may ſhortly happen to the depriving me of thoſe Tools and Opportunities, which I have at this time and place in my fruition. And, I conceive, p. 94that what I purpoſe next to treat of, will be ſo neceſſary toward the performance of thoſe duties, for promoting whereof I have tendred the preceding Parallel to your conſideration, that, neither all your experimental knowledge of Good and Evil, nor your Hiſtorical Faith, nor your Formal Devotions, nor the reſt of your ſuppoſed Virtues or Merits will effect ſo much as may make them acceptable if that be wanting; in regard it is that, without which they will be unſavoury and fruitleſs. My Brethren, it is LOVE and UNITY in and with Him, who is the Fountain of that Love which muſt reconcile us to GOD and to each other; that, which muſt preſerve us in ſafety, and deſtroy our Adverſaries, who will elſe deſtroy us by our Diviſions, whoſe Unity will ſo divide the malignant City and Kingdom of Antichriſt, that they ſhall be inſtrumental for your deliverance by their own deſtruction; whereas they have hitherto prolonged our miſeries and hazarded our deſtruction, by ſowing and cheriſhing the ſeeds of diviſion among us underhand; and under colour of reconciling you to your true Mother, ſought to bring you by degrees back again to an acknowledging the Whore of Babylon to be the Spouſe of Chriſt, and your ſpiritual Mother: Many alſo, who have not that wicked Deſign, are ignorantly contriving and proſecuting that, which may be a furtherance thereto, unleſs prevented. If any National or Provincial Churches, may warrantably arrogate that Infallibility, which hath been denied to Popes or General Councils, and which evidently appears they never had; then poſſibly, that whereto ſome drive, might ſeem feazible: But, it is not our or their politick endeavourings to eſtabliſh that which is called p. 95Conformity and Uniformity in externals, that will ſettle a general Agreement in all Religious Concernments in the mode intended; much leſſe accompliſh GOD's Work. Unity in Eſſentials is neceſſary, and ought to be proſecuted to the utmoſt of our ability. Uniformity and Conformity alſo in Circumſtantials, might be expedients helpful toward an enjoyment of much outward peace, if they could be attained unto: But, if it be an Unity in Errors, or ſuch a Conformity in things accidental or indifferent, as is not every way homogent to and with the whole Myſtical Body of Chriſt, or not adequate to the true Original Paterns, but intrenching upon the Chriſtian Liberty in things indifferent, temporary and mutable, as occaſion may require; it would make that which is harmleſs in it ſelf, to be hurtful by conſequences; that which is bad, to be worſe; and, as it may be eſtabliſhed, prove a Confederacy and Conſpiracy both againſt Chriſt and his Members, and deſtructive to the Priviledges of Grace and Nature, rather than a wholſom and lawful Conſtitution; eſpecially, if they who take upon them the contriving an Uniformity in Religious Doctrines and Diſciplines, may be queſtionable, as to their dependency to their Intereſt, or to their calling to ſuch a work, by having crept in at a back-door, or at a window, for ambitious or covetous ends. If ſuch Edicts ſhould be made and ratified, as men ſo qualified are likely to contrive, I know not what we had then to do, ſave only to act and ſuffer as GOD and our Conſciences will direct; patiently and peaceably waiting on him until he provides a Remedy.