An Epistle at Random in Prose and Meter, Letter · Prose 1

An Epistle at Random in Prose and Meter · Letter · Prose 1

EPISTOLIUM-VAGUM-PROSA-METRICUM: OR, An Epiſtle at Randome, IN PROSE and METRE.

To be delivered, to all whom it may concern; but, was firſt intended only, for two or three of the Authors Friends in Authority (if he hath ſo many left) to mediate in Parliament, the Redreſs of his deſtructive Grievances; in the expreſsion whereof, many Particulars of Publick Concernment are interwoven.

When Juſtice raigns, the Land doth flouriſh;

When, 'tis unthron'd, the People periſh.

The Author, is George Wither Eſq; Who, in writing this Addreſs, being tranſported beyond the ſenſe of his Perſonal Sufferings, diſcovers by a Poetical Rapture, that whereon the peace of theſe Nations depends; and, what IS, and what VVILL BE, their ſad Condition; as alſo, what New-Purgatories, and Fiery-Tryals, they are likely to paſs, if GOD's Mercy, prevents not: which that they may endeavour to obtain, their old REMEMBRANCER gives them, once more, a Fore-warning; reſolving, this ſhall be his Laſt Time, of ſounding them an ALARM.

When Diſreſpects, to Wrongs, doth Ruine adde,

He, may be wiſe, who ſeems a little mad;

And, in that FIT ſpeak things that needfull be

To turn thoſe men, that are, more mad then he.

Printed at London, in the Year 1659.

p. 1Auguſt 10. 1659. Epistolium-Vagum-Proſa-metricum: OR, An EPISTLE at Randome, in Proſe and Metre.

OUr Engliſh Proverb ſaith, that Charity begins at home; and, this Divine Precept, Thou ſhalt love thy Neighbour as thy ſelf, implies, that there ought to be in every man ſuch a moderate and well-regulated ſelf-love, as may be a ſtanding Rule whereby to regulate his love to other men: Alſo, from this ſaying of Paul, He that provides not for his family, is worſe then an infidel; I do collect, that, He who provides not for himſelf, is worſe then a Beaſt: It is every mans duty, in order to the preſervation of his Country, to preſerve him alſo, as much as he can, who loves and ſtudies the peace and welfare of it; and I knowing no man living, who affects the welfare thereof, more then I do, may be culpable perhaps of unfaithfulneſs to my Country, by neglecting my own preſervation. Therefore, that, I may diſcharge the duty which I owe to my Country, my Self, and my Neighbours, by taking timely care of my own preſervation, (being at preſent in much hazard, and by none elſe regarded) I have ſent abroad this wandring Epiſtle to fetch in aid; which if it come into ſuch hands as I purpoſed it ſhould, and to whom I did firſt, and principally intend it; then, you, who are now peruſing it, are none of thoſe Idol-Gods, who are inſenſible of thoſe Prayers and Complaints, which are preſented unto them; Or, one of thoſe men in honour without underſtanding, who are like the Beaſts that periſh: but, one in whom I hope to finde that Candor and Humanity, which renders men heedful and ſenſible of their Neighbours Grievances: In that hope, and on that account onelyonly, I am emboldned hereby to crave your furthering the preſentation of that my Petition & Narrative to this Parliament, which (if no other charitable hand ſhall firſt undertake it) you ſhall receive in Writing, to be preſented to the Houſe; and alſo printed Copies of them for your private Information touching my Cauſe, with two Preparatory Addreſſes, directed to every Individual Member of the ſaid Parliament; if you give me an encouragement thereto, after the receipt hereof, as I hope you will: for, if there hath been offered to this Parliament any Grievances, more conſiderable then mine, (all Circumstances and Conſequences conſidered) I will be contented they ſhould caſt my Cauſe out of their Houſe, and me out of this Commonwealth.

I am inforced to ſuch a Whimſie as this, becauſe, all my endeavours hitherto have been as ineffectual, as if I had ſollicited the Statues in Weſtminſter-Abby, or in White-hall Garden; and becauſe, alſo, I, (having lately made tryal) finde no Member of Parliament, willing to offer unto it a Petition at this buſie time, though a little longer delay may prove deſtructive to me, injurious to many, and diſhonourable to this Commonwealth, wherein Juſtice hath been already deferred (as to a main part of my Grievances) nigh 17 years: For, it will be no little diſhonour, nor a ſlight diſadvantage thereto, if at ſuch a time as this, a faithful ſervant to this Republick, after ſo long and great ſufferings as mine, ſhall not ſeaſonably be indemnified from dangers and damages (ſoly occaſioned by her defective Securities and unperformed Ingagements) which will elſe deſtroy him: eſpecially, when large Indulgencies are granted to her malicious Enemies and notorious Offenders. Vouchſafe this Wanderer ſuch reſpect as it ſhall deſerve; for, it begs not contrary to Law; hath a Paſs, under my hand, who employed it, onelyonly to prevent thoſe Provocations which may be occaſioned by being ſlighted in a Perſonal Addreſs; and I will take order that it ſhall be no further troubleſome then you pleaſe, after it hath declared my Requeſts.

p. 2I am in a ſtreight, from which none under GOD can deliver me, but the ſupreme Power of theſe Nations; whereto, though it be difficult to procure acceſs, (by reaſon of thoſe Inſurrections which are now begun) I am neceſſitated to attempt it; and do conceive that the ſupreme Authority now in being is obliged to vouchſafe me Protection, yea, and Hearing and Relief in ſome meaſure, even at this ſeaſon, which may ſeem unſeaſonable. I act in matters concerning GOD and my Soul, according to that meaſure of Illumination which he vouchſafeth by his Word and Spirit, neither uncharitably judging, or inwardly diſaffecting them who do the like: It is alſo my Principle to ſubmit unto that civil Authority, which hath the moſt viſible Power, and to be Active and Paſſive under it, both for preſervation of the Common-peace, and of my private intereſts, without much buſying my ſelf in examining how rightfully, or by what means it got into the Throne; conſidering how difficult it is for a private Perſon to diſcover the Myſteries of State, with the many Intricacies wherewithal they are involved; and how dangerous it is, to dive into thoſe Whirl-pooles, wherein, are ſo many contrary Fluctuations. I content my ſelf, with ſuch a Notion thereof onelyonly, as GOD brings to my knowledge; who, hath by his Word informed us, that all Powers that be (whatſoever they be) are of him: And, as I am injoyned obedience by his Precepts, to that which is in preſent being; ſo, I have the practiſe of the Apoſtles, and of their Master CHRIST himſelf to warrant it, who ſubmitted to the Roman Monarchs in thoſe times wherein they lived, in all Civil Matters, though they were Infidels, cruel Tyrants, and very wickedly obtained their Soveraignty.

I am carried into this Digreſſion, to prevent what I know, is ſpoken privately to my diſadvantage; and therefore bear with my proceeding in it a little further. According to this Principle, I acted and ſuffered with a good Conſcience, whilſt the ſupreme Power was divided betwixt the late King and Parliament: ſo, I did, when it was ſoly in this Parliament, and when GOD permitted Oliver Cromwel to uſurp it, by a Stratagem, for a Correction due to our ſins (and for our extraordinary Experiments, both by his Probation, our Own, and other mens, in things of higheſt concernment) I endeavoured, during that Permiſſion, in my Place, and according to my qualifications, and by a Compliance, ſo far forth as was warrantable, to preſerve the Common-peace; to continue a claim on the Peoples behalf, of their juſt intereſt; to divert him, from accepting of that whereof he was ambitious, and whereto he aſpired, whilſt he pretended the contrary, (though with ſome hazards to my ſelf, both in relation to him who well enough perceived my intention; and of my reputation alſo with many of them, who misjudged thereof) and to proſecute likewiſe, a means of my deliverance from thoſe my perſonal Oppreſſions, whereof I ſtill have cauſe to complain. And (my Conſcience perſwading it was both lawful, and my duty to make tryal of that Power) I omitted no honeſt Courſe or Opportunity, to ſignifie my Grievances, that I might obtain remedy. But I laboured with no more ſucceſs, then if I had petitioned to the Dead: For neither by him who uſurped the Throne (though by many References he pretended to do me Juſtice) nor by any of his Aſſemblies called Parliaments, though I continually attended them; nor, by his Council, nor by his Succeſſour, could I procure ſo much toward the obtaining of common Juſtice, as to have one Petition taken into ſerious Conſideration; yea, though I was always faithful (as I think my ſelf bound in conſcience to be) to that Power which GOD permitteth for the time being, to reign over us.

Therefore, this Parliament, which he violently interrupted, being now again by GOD's Mercy reſtored; and the Diſtractions and Neceſſities of this Commonwealth, rendring it ſo difficult as aforeſaid, to get admittance for private Petitions, that I am yet without Relief, and likely to be quite deſtroyed as to my outward well-being, before this Parliament, will in the ordinary courſe, without ſome extraordinary means, take cognizance of my ſad Cauſe; I am reſolved by this Expedient, and the Preparatories, which I think therewith uſeful, to make tryal, once more for ever, whether or no, there be in this Nation (as I yet hope there is) that Righteouſneſs and Mercy which eſtabliſheth Governments, and which is likely to reſtore our loſt Liberties, and free us from preſent Burthens, and future Oppreſſions: And, this Tryal, if it prove but as effectual as my laſt Expedients, to the two late Protectors, preſented unto them a little before the death of the firſt, and the removal of the laſt, will ſhortly (though it produce not what I reaſonably expect) put an end at leaſt to thoſe vain hopes, which every day increaſe my Conſumption; and which have already, almoſt every way p. 3conſumed me, by long chargeable Sollicitations and numerous Petitions, hitherto taken into mens hands, and pockets, but not into their hearts.

But, leſt my Petition, Narrative, and Preparatives afore-mentioned, which are the Foundation of this Epiſtle, may not herewith come to your hands; and ſo the true ſtate of my Caſe be to you, in ſome conſiderable Circumſtances unknown; I will here inſert a Copy of my Petition intended to this Parliament.

To the PARLIAMENT of the COMMONWEALTH of England:

The Humble Petition of Geo. Wither Eſq;

Sheweth,

THat, this Petitioners Demands and Accompts being ſtated upon Oath by the Committee for Accompts, &c. they were afterward re-examined (a trouble rarely (if ever) impoſed upon any other) by two Committees of Parliament ſucceſſively, (to wit) the Committee of the Navy, and a Select Committee. The ſaid Committee of the Navy, reported by Col. Thompſon, that, 3438 l. 18 s. 4 d. was then due to this Petitioner, beſide ſome Demands then reſpited.

That Report, not being brought into the Houſe until about ſix months after (in which time, the beſt part of a million was, to this Petitioners damage charged in Courſe before it) the ſum of 1681 l. 15 s. 8 d. &c. part of the ſaid 3438 l. was charged upon the Exciſe in Courſe, March 22. 1647. but, without allowance of any Intereſt, though 700 l. thereof (for which this Petitioner paid intereſt) was by him, ingaged for, and disburſed for the State; and though likewiſe, the reſt of the ſaid 1681 l. was alſo made immediately payable unto him, by Warrants or Orders about four years before, and due for ſervice under the ſame Commander, at the ſame times, and in the ſame places, for which his fellow-ſouldiers had either preſent payment in ready money, or intereſt allowed.

This, being made evident, it was ordered Decemb. 25. 1648, that 300 l. more ſhould be charged upon the Exciſe, in conſideration of Expences and Intereſt before that day laid out, for the ſaid 700 l. and that Intereſt of 8 l. per Cent. ſhould be paid every ſix months, both for the ſaid 300 l. and 700 l. out of the Exciſe alſo, from that time, until the ſaid 300 l. and 700 l. ſhould be diſcharged. To this Order, the Concurrence of the Lords was deſired; but about a week after, and before that Concurrence could be obtained, this Parliament took away the Houſe of Lords, and this Petitioner could never after get Principal or Intereſt, or the ſaid Order to be allowed.

The remainder of the ſaid 3438 l. was the ſame March 1647. made payable out of diſcoveries at Haberdaſhers-Hall, and afterward by another Order out of Compoſitions at Goldſmiths-Hall; which not being effectual, this Petitioner after many tedious and chargeable Sollicitations, petitioned again; and then this Parliament referred the whole Cauſe, and the finding out means for this Petitioners ſatisfaction, to the ſaid Select Committee, who found 3958 l. 15 s. 8 d. to be then due, and declared, that they thought fit, it ſhould be thus paid, (viz.) that the ſaid 1681 l. ſhould ſtand charged upon the Exciſe as formerly; and that intereſt ſhould be paid for that whole ſum (as in equity it ought) after the rate aforeſaid, from the 22 of Septemb. then laſt paſt, until the Principal were paid; and that for the reſt of the ſaid 3958 l. 15 s. 8 d. there ſhould be ſettled upon this Petitioner and his heirs, Lands by them nominated, as they were valued in the Sequeſtrators Books, whoſe yearly valuation was 240 l.

No Reſult appearing upon this Report in a long time after, this Petitioner once again petitioned, and upon the 2 of January 1650, inſtead of the ſatisfaction laſt mentioned, it was ordered, that the ſaid 1681 l. 15 s. 8 d. part of the ſaid 3958 l. ſhould ſtand charged upon the Exoiſe as before, but without mentioning any intereſt, whether intended or not: if not intended, then both the money lent, and the reſidue having been due above 16 years, yet payable but in Courſe, which hath been ſtopped above ſeven years, (without any certain termination of the ſaid ſtop) is likely to be a payment amounting to many thouſand pounds leſs then nothing; and the payment which the Petitioner hath for the Remainder, is worſe.

For, by the ſame Order, inſtead of 240 l. per an. according to what the ſaid ſelect Committee though p. 4ſonable, he was to have but 150 l. per annum ſettled upon him the ſaid Petitioner, out of the Eſtate of Jo. Denham Eſq; for ſatisfaction of the remainder, of the ſaid 3958 l. which Lands (all things conſidered) he was to pay for, at 40 years purchaſe in ready money, whereas he could have bought for leſs then eight years, the like Lands; yet, this Petitioner accepted thereof, and had the ſaid 150 l. per annum, conveyed unto him out of the Mannor of Little Horſly in Eſſex, part of the Eſtate of the ſaid Denham, and purchaſed the reſt of the ſaid Mannor for 1645 l. and odde money; paid for it, according to his contract, and was put into quiet poſſeſſion.

But, whilſt he was in poſſeſſion, he made not one penny of clear profit, by reaſon of interruptions; and hath now been ejected about five years out of the whole Mannor, without either Rent or Recompence, and hath ſpent alſo about 600 l. in troubles and ſuits yet undetermined, to defend and recover his Title; which Suits were occaſioned by a pretended Leaſe to one Thomas Offly Eſq; which is probably forged, to the defrauding the Commonwealth of between 3 or 4000 l. and the ſaid Leaſe, if it be real, was at a great undervalue, compounded for by a Member of this Parliament, to the wrong of the Commonwealth as well as of this Petitioner, as will appear by the Narrative hereto annexed, and by what this Petitioner ſhall further demonſtrate. By theſe procceedings, this Petitioner is damnified ſo much, beſide his troubles, and the loſs of precious time at the latter end of his life, that he proteſteth in the fear of GOD, he is in danger with his whole Family to be ruined in his Eſtate and Credit, and that he verily believeth, he had been about 5000 l. better in his Eſtate, if he had quitted the ſaid 3958 l. 15 s. 8 d. when it was firſt due.

This Petitioner further ſheweth, that about eight years paſt he purchaſed of the State a ſmall parcel of Land at Aſh in Surry, whereof he is totally deprived alſo, by a Member of this Parliament, who hath ever ſince detained the ſaid Land and Rent from him; and who having been often ſummoned by the Commiſſioners for removing of Obſtructions, to ſhew his Title, refuſeth or neglecteth ſo to do; and this Petitioner being not able to commence a ſuit for it, is likely for ever to loſe both his ſaid purchaſe, and what be paid for it, unleſs the ſaid Member may be ordered, to do that which is agreeable to Juſtice; which he humbly deſireth he may be compelled to do.

And, in Conſideration of the reſt of the Premiſes, this Petitioner humbly prayes alſo, that the Requeſts at the Cloſe of the ſaid Narrative hereto annexed, may be granted, ſo far forth as they are juſt; and that your Honours will put ſuch a ſpeedy end, to his ſaid Grievances, that he may die in Peace: For he will be contented with whatſoever you ſhall determine, and pray for your Honours.

Let, not this be ſlighted; for my life is worn out by Oppreſſions, (the 70 year of my Age being paſt) and, you may perceive by the preceding Petition and the Narrative, that this Parliament before the interruption thereof, (by the prevalency of ſome among them, and now juſtly excluded) as alſo by their Interruptors, in delay of Justice, have cauſed me to be damnified in at leaſt 8000 l. by detaining a very conſiderable part of my Eſtate above ſixteen years, and by not making good their Contracts and Engagements, wherein I conſided; and whereby (as I believe) there hath been caſt upon me more then 40 times the Burthen juſtly impoſed upon any man of my Revenue: which (conſidering how ſerviceable I have been without conſtraint, in adventuring my life, and contributing my Eſtate with the firſt, in order to a preſervation of Common-Right and Safety) hath been an unequal diſtribution; and reduced me to ſuch Extremities, as I expected not to be plunged into by Friends, who have been ſo merciful to their Enemies; and who made promiſe of better things; for, they were ſuch Hardſhips, as I could other while hardly brook; and ſuch, as if my greateſt Adverſary had been in the like caſe, I ſhould have afforded him more pity then I have found. This, I profeſs without falſhood or equivocation, for, I have had dayly vexations thereby; and at ſometimes been ſo afflicted, with ſhame and grief, when I thereby failed their expectations, who confided upon my Credit, and my Engagements to them, that it made my life weariſome, (eſpecially when they were neceſſitous perſons) until I could finde means to ſupply their need, how much ſoever it were to my diſadvantage. To preſerve my ſelf, as much as I could from this vexation and ſcandal, and to ſupply my perſonal wants, (occaſioned by other mens deceiving my hopes) I have been enforced to fell away lately above 2000 l. worth of my p. 5then remaining Livelyhood, real and perſonal; and am ſtill engaged by my continuing Oppreſſions, in almoſt as much more, though I have ſince the ſales laſt mentioned, ſold by parcels, to the diſmembring of my Inheritance, all that was diſengaged, and at my free diſpoſe: yet the Conſumption goes on; inſomuch that the remainder of the portion left in poſſeſſion, (unleſs part of that which is due to me may be paid, to free it from Incumbrances) is likely to be forfeited within a few months. And, though that Forfeiture ſhould be ſaved, my Revenue will not be ſufficient to diſcharge Taxes and Parochial Payments, with the Intereſt of my remaining debts, and inavoydable Expences by them annually occaſioned, (without a further ſupply out of what is detained from me) & afford a maintenance for my ſelf, my wife, children and ſervants, (though a far leſs number then heretofore) after the rate of 5 s. the week one perſon with another throughout the year, to provide meat, drink, rayment, ſervants wages, childrens portions, and all other neceſſaries in ſickneſs and in health.

And leſs I ſhould have had (as rich as the world thinks me) if my frugality (which hath been reputed a parſimony to my diſparagement) had not been many years rather proportioned to my weak Eſtate, then to the rank in which I lived: For, I ſhall ſhortly be in danger, to have neither Stock upon my Land, nor Goods in my Houſe, nor a Houſe wherein to hide my head, except it be a Priſon, if my Creditors be not more merciful by forbearance, till I can make money of what is yet left, then my Debters have been to enfore me to that hazard: who, (if I had been juſtly dealt withal) ſhould probably have long ſince poſſeſſed a Revenue of above 500 l. per annum, free from Debts and Engagements, and might have raiſed alſo 5000 l. for my Childrens portions, who have yet nothing. And, which is worſe then ſo bad; I, whoſe Credit was ſo good, that when occaſion heretofore required it, I have borrowed 100. 200. 300 l. yea, 600 l. in one place for ſeveral years upon my ſingle bond, (as will yet appear by the bonds cancelled) am now doubtful whether my ſecurity will paſs alone for 10 l. And, I believe, that they who (perhaps to diſparage me in another kinde) report I have Lands to the yearly value of 1000 l. (which is a great deal more then twice ſo much as I ever yet had) will not better my credit by that fame, as to borrowing at this time: and though it do not, Poverty, when the Commonwealth is poor, will to me be more honour, then to be rich; conſidering how I am impoveriſhed.

Not many men have ſo unfeignedly told the world heretofore, their outward Condition, as I have declared mine, when it was requiſite; nor diſcovered their inſide more ſincerely, by publiſhing their thoughts, to his own hazard, for an advantage to his Country: But moſt are ſuch diſſemblers, that they believe not one another. If men think I now diſſemble, and am as rich as report hath made me, perhaps whilſt I am here at London ſolliciting my Cauſe, they will ſteal away my onelyonly Son and Daughter, in hope they will prove rich marriages: which nevertheleſs I am reſolved to adventure; as alſo, how the Militia in Hamſhire, out of which I am by Providence (if not by ſome other means omitted) will proportion my burthen to other mens. I hope well of their impartiality; but, if (as I am informed) they have impoſed upon me the ſetting forth of two Horſes, I ſhall be ſcarce found able at this time to provide them Bridles; and ſome of my Country-men may as juſtly be charged with a whole Troop: according to which proportion, if a Militia be armed in all other Counties, Charles Stuart, were better ſtay at Bruxells, then come hither, though Spain, France, and the Emperour ſhould aſſiſt him.

How this revealing of my Poverty will obſtruct my Credit, as to borrowing hereafter to relieve my neceſſities; and how it may hinder the advance of my Children in Marriage, the prudence of the world, would have adviſed me to conſider. But I regard neither her Counſel nor her Practiſe: If Marriages, according to our Proverb, be made in Heaven; and, if (as I believe, and have had experience of it) good Husbands and Wives, are Gods gift, and at his diſpoſal by an extraordinary Providence, I will truſt to his providing them Spouſes and Portions: and whatſoever my future want ſhall be, do purpoſe to deceive no man, by making my Eſtate ſeem better then it is; though they be not of that minde, who obſtruct the eſtabliſhing of Regiſters to prevent fraud. When I was much poorer then at preſent I am, GOD, raiſed me up a Friend, who knowing by what means I was neceſſitated, (and how unlikely I was to repay him) brought nevertheleſs unto me without my asking ought, (without obliging me by a note under my hand, and without ſo much as requiring a promiſe of repayment) 500 l. by parcels, at ſeveral times, during the continuance of my p. 6wants; And the ſame GOD, who thereunto inclined him, without any earthly relation, is my GOD at this day, and will be ſo for ever.

Herein conſiſts that which keeps up my spirit, at this preſent, notwithſtanding the long neglect of my Oppreſſions, and the Wants, it hath brought upon me; and though the Parliaments late leaving me out of Publick Employments, hath occaſioned me to be ſuſpected by their Friends, as not well-affected thereunto; to be he laughed at by the Commonwealths open Enemies, and as much hated as heretofore, becauſe they well enough know my continuing faithfulneſs to her Intereſt: Though it may cauſe me to be jeered by Newters; to be ſlighted by my debauched Neighbours; to be the ſooner ſtript of what is yet left, by Creditors and Publicans; and to be made lyable to the fury of every Armed-party, into whoſe hands I may poſſibly fall during theſe times of Inſurrection; notwithſtanding all this, now likely to come upon me, I neither diſtruſtfully repine at what I ſuffer, (though I uſe the beſt means I can to remove it) nor fear what may come hereafter, becauſe GOD is my Refuge. If it were not ſo, which way ſhould I turn my ſelf to find comfort? My Eſtate is like a Candle burnt within the Socket: Age hath ſomewhat abated my ſtrength: Friends and Acquaintance (like ſuch as Poverty produceth) ſtand afar off: my Comforters, are like Job's: my Enemies are malitious, and increaſe: my deareſt Relations, have nothing to contribute but Téars or Complaints to the afflicting of my heart with unprofitable pity: and though I have looked for Helpers, not one appears, but He who never fails thoſe that truſt in him; and he alſo otherwhile hides himſelf, becauſe of my tranſgreſſions, till I am ready to cry out, Oh God, my God, why haſt thou forſaken me? and then he diſcovers himſelf again, and ſmiles on me. But, what is this to the world? though he be ſo gracious, that I have no cauſe to murmur at his permitting me to be harſhly uſed, nor do repine at that permiſſion; I will nevertheleſs not forbear to declare how the world deals with me, though ſhe calls it murmuring.

But, ſome will perhaps object, that I cannot be ſo neceſſitated as I pretend; for it is evident that I have ſuch and ſuch a viſible Eſtate. I confeſs, I have an Eſtate viſible afar off, partly in Reverſion, and partly incumbred; but, it is not Tangible, as to my neceſſary occaſions. Like Tantalus, I have an appearance of food at my upper lip, and water to the Chinne, but not in poſſeſſion more then I have declared; and thoſe falſe appearances of plenty, make them who know not how it is really with me, and know how long I have ſubſiſted in a ſeeming good condition ſince I had cauſe to complain, think me a male-contented murmurer, (which is none of the leaſt disparagements) rather juſtly reprovable for complaining, without need, then to be pitied; which Unchriſtian prejudice, hath not a little encreaſed the Cauſe, and prolonged the juſtneſs of my complaints. I have yet, a viſible Eſtate; but a great part of it lies like an Orphans portion in the hands of a powerful unconſcionable Guardian, who makes uſe of it for his own occaſions; and leaves him to beggery and ſtarving. The Reſidue of my Livelyhood, I poſſeſs as Bees do their honey, when the Combs & Cells are ſo broken and maſht together in the Hive, (which ſtandeth ſound in outward view) that inſtead of being nouriſhed by it, they lye intangled, and ſprawling out their lives, ſmothered in the midſt of their plenty; and am in a worſe condition then the poor perfecuted Proteſtants in Piedmont, and other places, for whoſe relief Contributions were of late largely and charitably made, (pray GOD they were as ſincerely diſpoſed of) yet I am likely to be ere long in a more ſad eſtate: for, they being driven from all they had, by their Enemies, retained their Liberty, which I am likely to loſe; they had their reputation increaſed by ſuffering for their Conſcience, and ſome Friends alſo to relieve them; whereas I am ruined in my Eſtate and Credit, by and among thoſe whom I thought my Friends: and what ſuccour are my Averſaries to whom I am expoſed, likely to afford me? or, to whom ſhall I complain? There is a Catholick Congregation, whereof I am a Member, among whom there is true compaſſion; but, they are perſonally as unknown to me, as the 7000 in Iſrael, who had not bowed their knees to Baal, were to Elias, who knew not one of that number. I have onelyonly a ſpiritual Communion with them, and my ſupplies from them, will be rather in ſpiritual Communications, then in temporal things, wherewith I ſhall be well enough contented. The earth is the LORDS, and all that is therein, upon whoſe ſcore I ſhall expect what is neceſſary for life, if all were loſt; and for the ſervices which I have heretofore done for my Country, and for the love I ſtill bear to it, I may claim ſo much at leaſt, as due to me of right, though it had paid me all the debt it owes me, and though I had loſt it another way.

p. 7That which moſt afflicts me, is not altogether the damage which I outwardly ſubſtain in having the adventuring my life and eſtate for this Commonwealth, ſo little regarded; nor the ſhameful poverty that I have been expoſed unto, by thoſe who have more cauſe to be aſhamed of it then I: But the diſhonour and hazards which are brought upon this Nation and their Repreſentative, by ſuch like neglects of Juſtice as have occaſioned my complaints, and our univerſal hazard, is my greateſt grief; ſeeing, to my knowledge, they might have been prevented with a little coſt and trouble, if ſome had not wilfully obſtructed, or neglected Juſtice, for ſiniſter reſpects. The mony, which hath been owing to me above 16. years, might have been paid 16. times in that ſpace, out of treaſure disburſed much leſs for the Publick honour and profit. Alſo, the Lands of 300 li. yearly value by me purchaſed of the State, and fully paid for ſeven years paſt, and yet ſtill detained from me, (without having received one peny in clear profit, or any allowance for that damage, beſide the loſs of 500 li. more conſumed in vain to defend my poſſeſſion, and recover it being loſt, by a pretented Mortgage, which is probably forged) might have been re-eſtabliſhed upon me long ſince, if the ſaid Mortgage had not been unduely compounded for by a Member of Parliament; or if the validity of his Title, might have been examined, together with ſuch actings relating thereto, as do ſeem to have been practiſed to defraud the Commonwealth of between 3. and 4000 li. as well as to deprive me of that Revenue.

Theſe things, I declare not, to aſperſe the Parliament, who could not help them, whilſt their power was interrupted; but, to prevent the diſhonouring thereof, now that power is reſtored: and ſo far I am from intending otherwiſe, that I think none but an Enemy thereunto, will ſo miſunderſtand me, though ſome among them were guilty; Seeing, the defects by unſound Limbs can be no more diſreputation thereto, then it was to the twelve Diſciples, that there was a Traytor among them; or, then it is to a man, otherwiſe well qualified, to be born with a crooked member, or to have a ſcab upon his body by caſual Infection, which he endeavours to be rid of, as ſoon as he knows it. Nor doth my inſiſting upon the particulars aforementioned, proceed out of deſpair that I ſhall be left quite deſtitute, of things neceſſary to life: For, GOD, who provided for me when I was moſt deſerted of the world, as I have already declared, aſſures me of the like mercy hereafter: Nor, do I thus diſcover my nakedneſs and ſordid poverty, in hope to move compaſſion, by my own endeavour only; or when my own time requires it: For, I am not ſuch a ſtranger to this Generation, and to the temper of moſt men therein, as not to know, that this Diſcovery (unleſs GOD reſtrain them, or change their minds) will expoſe me to the more miſery and contempt; and give men encouragement to tread me over head and ears into the durt, rather then to relieve me, or raiſe me up, when they ſee me ſinking.

Therefore, that which I have now written, and heretofore expreſſed to the like effects, is not wholly for the foreſaid cauſes; but partly, to diſcharge my Conſcience, in uſing that, which was wont to be the ordinary or extraordinary means of redreſſing Oppreſſions; and partly, that if they ſucceeded not, I might leave an experiment to them who ſhall live when I am dead, that there was a time, and may be again, wherein Hypocriſie, Apoſtacy, Avarice, Pride, Selfneſs, and hardheartedneſs, ſo abounded, that no words would move; no demonſtrations perſwade, no endeavour produce a reaſonable or natural conſequence; but, that the more rationally, the more evidently, an oppreſſed man ſhall make known his oppreſſions, and an innocent, vindicate his innocency, the more ſhall they neglect his ſufferings; and the more maliciouſly, the more impudently practice to diſgrace and fruſtrate his juſtification: And I have alſo written this, that conſidering there be times, and Contingencies, wherein, and whereby, The Race is not to the ſwift, nor the Battel to the strong, nor Bread to the wiſe, nor Riches to men of understanding; ſome, thereby, may heed and remember, to repoſe Truſt, not in themſelves, or in Princes, or in Parliaments, or in Armies, or in the People, or in any other ſave in GOD, only.

But, Non vacat exiguis rebus adeſſe Jovi, our Terreſtrial GODS, have now work enough to ſecure themſelves, and to look to the common ſafety: and therefore, ſome ſeem to think it criminal to offer a private grievance, at this time, to be redreſſed by them, how deſtructive ſoever it be. Theſe men, having never felt ſuch oppreſſions as mine, nor wanted any thing neceſſary, theſe do, inſtead of a charitable aſſiſtance, or fellow feeling of my ſufferings when they hear them p. 8declared, tell me, that ſuch complainings may be of dangerous conſequence; that they are ſymptoms of a diſcontented minde; and that I muſt be patient. Good Lord! how wiſe they are? why do they not reprove and blame all the Saints in Primitive Ages, as impatient and malecontented perſons, becauſe frequent in complainings againſt their Oppreſſors? why do they not counſel thoſe who are like to ſtarve, through want of bread, not to be hungry? and thoſe who are ſick and wounded, not to be ſenſible of pain? how zealous of the Common-peace are they, who never contributed any thing toward the preſervation of it, except words, which coſt them nothing? If I had contributed and adventured no more, I ſhould not have needed their grave advice or reproof at this time, but ſhould have been thought as wiſe as they, and might perhaps had as little cauſe to complain. There be ſome, who are never ſenſible of other mens dangers or loſſes, till they themſelves are likely to be impoveriſhed or deſtroyed; other ſome there be, who never get any thing, until all is in hazard to be loſt; and if I am deſtined to ſuch a Lot, a time ſo buſie, and hazardous as this, may be the moſt ſeaſonable time for preferring my Petition, though it appear unſeaſonable to ſome: for, I am not ſo irrational, to deſire more then may be granted, or to expect a full repair; but rather, that ſo much time only may be ſpared, as will ſuffice to order a ſupply for thoſe Wants which cannot longer be born; and a ſtop ſet to thoſe proceedings which will be deſtructive, before a more ample proviſion may be made.

The Parliament, I confeſs, hath now little leaſure, and leſs then at any time heretofore, wherein Private Grievances, were put off by former Aſſemblies: yet I know it hath not ſo little leaſure, as not to ſpare half an hour, to the charitable purpoſe laſt mentioned. The commonſafety, is viſibly in danger; But, I hope not ſo indangered, that it is diſenabled from! doing ſuch a work of Juſtice and Mercy, as may prevent an increaſe of their own diſhonour, dangers, and expences. The Commonwealth is in great want; but, their wants will be greater before they will become leſs, if (as in my Caſe) Juſtice be deferred to the doubling or trebling of their debts, by leaving thoſe things unexamined (until Witneſſes are dead, or Evidences embezzelled) which might probably diſcharge the greateſt part of them, by timely recovery of that which will elſe be loſt. I was delayed as I now am, by every Parliament and Power in being, during the interruption of this Parliament, with this Anſwer: The Publick affairs afford not leaſure: But, who believ'd it? Nay, who believed not the contrary, that obſerved, as I did, for what things they found leaſure? Leaſure, was often found ſince I firſt petitioned (though I cannot ſay it of my certain knowledge ſince this Parliaments reſtauration) to hear private Complaints, far leſs conſiderable then mine, on the behalf of themſelves, friends, kinſmen, and other relations, even during thoſe Weeks and Moneths, wherein private Petitions, were excluded by Order of the Houſe; as if ſuch Orders had been only purpoſed, to give them the more caſie admittance. O God! why am I neceſſitated to bring to remembrance, miſactings, whereby thou haſt been provoked, and thy ſervants exaſperated? Leaſure, hath been found for Malefactors, when it concerned but their Eſtates or Lives only; And why could not leaſure have been as well afforded in ſo many years, to preſerve my Eſtate, and my Credit, which I more value then Life; and for preſervation whereof, I would have given my eſtate, and two temporary Lives to boot, if I had them? Leaſure, hath been found, to qualifie rigid proceedings againſt the Commonwealths Adverſaries; yea, to accommodate them; nay, to ingratiate them; and leaſure, is found ſtill to the like purpoſes; which I grumble not at in reſpect of them: But, why might not I as well in all that time, have obtained ſuch favour? why might not ſuch a day or hour of leaſure be found out for me? why might not I, who have been Inſtrumental for this Republicks preſervation, have been as much befriended as her Enemies, who ſought to deſtroy it? but becauſe the Commonwealth, and her Servants, have not ſuch diligent friends as their Enemies?

Oh God! remember not this negligence and partiality to the Publick diſadvantage at this time, wherein faithful friends, and truſty ſervants, are as needfull as ever they were. Theſe are the Provocations, which have made their leaſure, ſo little, and their buſineſs to be ſo much, ſtill multiplying thoſe troubles, which increaſe their expences, and ſtreightning them in time: and, the more they labour, and the more mony they beſtow, the more will their work, and disburſements be, until thoſe things which occaſion it be reformed; and, if there be any one in that honourable Aſſembly, p. 9who believes not this; or, who is not ſo much humbled, for the failings which have been heretofore among them, that he can be willing to hear them mentioned for prevention of the like, (by him who deſires the preſervation of their Power with honour) I ſhall be more afraid of the diſſervice that ſuch a Member may do to GOD, and to his Country, then of his diſpleaſure, or of any miſchief that can thereby befal me; and therefore, having ſaid what I think, concerning the Leaſure, which they heretofore had in Parliament, to take more Cognizance of private Grievances, I will adde ſomewhat in anſwer to their Allegation, who ſay, Publick Neceſſities, make the Parliament uncapable of relieving mine; and that, I ought not at this time to petition for it, but rather to reſt ſatisfied.

This, is as diſſatisfactory to me, as it would be to my Creditors, when they are like to be undone by want of their money, if I ſhould tell them, my neceſſities are ſo great that I cannot pay them, and that therefore they muſt reſt ſatisfied; though they ſaw at that time, in and about my houſe, many unneceſſary things, which were more chargeable then profitable; by the ſale whereof, I might eaſily pay them all, and live as well contented, and with more, or with as much Credit as without them. Doubtleſs, my Creditors, if it were ſo with me, would expect a more ſatisfactory anſwer.

In, like manner, I knowing the Commonwealth hath ſome Appurtenances, not ſo neceſſary as chargeable, and many things diſpoſable, whereby my Grievances may be eaſed, and my Credit preſerved, without any diſadvantage thereunto, cannot be well pleaſed with ſuch a Put-off, as perhaps I might have been, if I had lived theſe laſt 16 years (as I deſired to have done, and yet do) by a Woods ſide in a Country Village, where I had been kept without knowledge of what is done in Committees, Courts, Councils and Parliaments. Why, muſt a greater burthen then I am able to bear, or then falls to my proportion, be laid upon my back to uphold that which is falling? or to ſtop that Breach, whereby all the people of theſe three Nations, are liable to an inundation? Why ſhould it not be rather equally divided among them; or among thoſe who are beſt able to ſuſtain it, until ſuch an equal Diviſion could be made, rather then that ſo much ſhould be caſt upon me, or upon any other, as will deſtroy him? What juſtice is there ſuitable to our Chriſtian profeſſions, or to the mercies which GOD hath vouchſafed to this Commonwealth, to do otherwiſe? Or how much differs this partial diſtribution whereof I complain, from what was barbarouſly practiſed among the Gentiles of old, when they ſacrificed innocent perſons to their falſe gods, that their wind-bound Fleets, (as did the Grecians) might have proſperous Gales? And, why was this Generation ſo imprudent, to requite me with evil for good, in ſo extraordinary a manner, as they have done, who have been a diligent Obſerver of what they have done? and who, am as ſenſible of Courteſies and Diſcourtefies, as other men? And alſo, better able to illuſtrate it when I am ſcurvily and unjuſtly dealt withal, then ſome wiſer men, or then many thouſands of other oppreſſed Suppliants, who have cauſe to complain? Why had it not more care of its own honour, though no regard of my Credit, to uſe me thus, conſidering I have ſome advantages on my ſide, whereby it will redound more to their ſhame, then the like Injustice to many hundreds of them, whoſe Obſcurity makes their Sufferings leſs heeded, and ſooner forgotten? If I, have thus ſuffered who had theſe advantages; who am known to the greateſt number of the moſt conſiderable perſons in the Nation; who have had familiarity with many of them, not without ſome appearances of good reſpect; who was acquainted with the greateſt number of Parliament Members, & had many among them who profeſſed to be my Friends; if I have found no better effects of all this; how alas! have ſome of thoſe been neglected and oppreſſed, who had ſcarce one of thoſe advantages? Verily I am perſwaded, that God purpoſely corrected me for my ſins, by keeping me ſo many years under Oppreſſions, occaſioning my continual attendance in places of publick Tranſactions, that I might be an Eye-witneſs of thoſe Prevarications which have occaſioned ſo many Changes within ſo ſhort a time, & that I might leave a memorial of it to thoſe whom it may concern hereafter: for, ſuch things I ſhould never have believed, in a time wherein ſo much honeſty and Religion is profeſſed, if I my ſelf had not heard them, ſeen them, and felt ſomewhat of them in my own perſon, to aſcertain me, that they proceeded not from thoſe Cauſes, which are by ſome pretended, to extenuate or excuſe them.

It is not altogether publick want, as is alleaged, which hath kept me and many other diſtreſſed men, from their debts due upon the Publick Faith; or cauſed that the Parliaments Engagements have p. 10not been performed; or, that their Securities are made ſnares, and ineffectual: But, Malice, Covetouſneſs, Selfneſs, Vanity, or Negligence at beſt, have been the chief occaſions thereof, as I could demonſtrate by many particulars, which I forbear, leſt it may reflect upon thoſe whoſe honour I deſire to preſerve, and upon ſome individual perſons, whom I hope to be now ſorry for their failings. I could make it evident, that ſince I complained of Oppreſſion, by the detaining what is my due, many vaſt ſums have been vainly and needleſly (I will not ſay wickedly) ſquandred away, which might have been beſtowed more for the Commonwealths honour and profit, in diſengaging the Nation, from juſt debts long due to poor diſtreſſed Men, Women and Orphans; ſuch as I have ſeen attending early and late, and from day to day ſolliciting for relief of their urgent neceſſities, with Tears, Exclamations and Imprecations, without any regard vouchſafed to their importunities or diſtreſſed Conditions; except ſuch a diſſembled regard, as increaſed their neceſſities, by giving falſe hopes of that performance, which they never made, neither perhaps ever intended. Who obſerved not how much was lately conſumed in Flaſhy Bawbles, whilſt thoſe poor Suppliants periſhed by want of neceſſaries? And how much alſo hath been loſt, by defrauding the Commonwealth, and neglecting that means of ſupply which was lawfully due? I profeſs in the fear of God, my belief is, by what I have heard, ſeen and obſerved, during the 17 years wherein I have been treading the Maze, and running round in the Wheel of my yet endleſs Sollicitations, that the Mulcts and Fines which might have juſtly been raiſed upon Diſcoveries (and which might have been made) out of their Eſtates, who have falſified their truſt, cheated, diſhonoured, or been miſchievous Enemies to the Government, and this Republick, (and the payment whereof hath been prevented by Bribes taken (or upon other conſiderations as unjuſtifiable) to the uſe of ſingle Perſons, or ſhared among parties in Power, intruſted by the Commonwealth) would have more then diſcharged all her Engagements, and afforded alſo a Remainder for publick uſes; eſpecially if the Poſtmaſterſhip, with ſuch other means of raiſing money, had been from the beginning, husbanded for the publick advantage. Why ſhould any thing, to that end diſpoſable, be otherwiſe diſpoſed of, at this time, then for the Publick, and to preſerve their Lives, Eſtates and Credits, who ask but their own, and have hazarded and ſpent it in her ſervice? Wherefore, whilſt the Common-faith is ingaged, ſhould any part of the Forreſts (with the tyrannous Laws to them pertaining) be reſerved to feed wild beaſts for the diſport of vain and idle perſons? and to give occaſion of reviving again hereafter that Oppreſſion, which was one of the greateſt under which this Land heretofore groaned? Or, why ſhould the Accompts of ſo many Sequeſtrators, and Receivers, lye unexamined, by whom much money was received, which is not yet accompted for, or paid into the Common-Treaſury, to ſupply publick wants? And wherefore, during the preſent neceſſities, ſhould it not be reputed as honourable an Expedient, to pay this Commonwealths debts, by conferring to that end, all Offices thereby diſpoſable, (with a competent allowance for their execution) and by ſelling thoſe that are ſaleable, (and not for adminiſtration of Juſtice) as it is to give them in reward of ſervices done, or to beſtow a Plurality of places and profitable Offices (ſometimes two, three, four, yea more at once) upon one perſon, who is neither neceſſitous, nor perhaps hath any way deſerved ſo much as one of them? All which Particulars, with many other unmentioned, when I have well thought upon, as oftentimes I do, I cannot chuſe but believe, that either this Commonwealth, is not ſo poor as it is pretended to be, or elſe that there are ſome very much to blame.

But, I hope, thoſe failings which were heretofore, will be now amended, and things better ordered hereafter: For theſe miſactings and neglects, with ſome other, have exceedingly incenſed the Nation, and were doubtleſs an occaſion in part, of that dangerous Inſurrection which is newly begun in ſeveral places, and like to be univerſal, if GOD prevent it not by mercifully quenching thoſe Flames without pouring upon them much blood; as I believ he will, for the ſafety of his choſen ones among us, and to deceive the hopes, and fruſtrate the purpoſes of his and our malitious Enemies, who at this time, (by what is deſigned here & in forraign parts) do preſume, they ſhall get a large ſtep toward the advance of their own Kingdome, by our deſtruction: and ſo it will be, if he put not a Bridle in their mouths: Therefore, when that day of ſalvation appeareth, it will become us to be thankful in humility, to rejoyce with trembling, and to uſe that victory, which God ſhall be pleaſed to p. 11give, over our ſeduced Brethren and Country-men, with moderation, as men conſcious in our ſelves, that they are thereby corrected as well for our ſins, as for their own; as alſo, with that fellow-feeling, which our natural body would have, if ſome members thereof were tormented, or to be cut off: for, conſidering that their provocations, or miſunderſtandings, (as it is probable,) tranſported a great part of them with a blinde and prepoſterous zeal to their Country, rather then any malice the eunto; and, conſidering that many of them are not only ſeduced by the ſubtile Arguments and inſinuations of ſeeming friends, who intended one thing whilſt they pretended another, but alſo really believed in their own hearts they had a good cauſe, (and that the miſcarriages which they ſaw, and the miſconſtitutions from which they conceived them to ſpring, did oblige them to vindicate their own and the whole Nations rights and freedoms, from that intrenchment, which in their judgement ſeemed to be made upon them) they may be objects of Pity in ſome meaſure. God incline them whom it concerns, to be juſt as he is juſt, and merciful as he is merciful, according to that proportion whereof man is capable. I will now again proceed with what I have more to ſay concerning my particular Cauſe.

The Parliament, is (I confeſs) much more ſtreightned at this preſent then formerly, as well in time, as in the want of many other things needful, by reaſon of that condition, whereto their Obſtructers and Interrupters have brought this Republick: in which reſpect, I have hitherto forborn to be over-importunate for my relief, and would have waited until it had been at better leaſure, and better able to redreſs my Grievances; but, I can now ſubſiſt no longer: and evidently perceive alſo, that I muſt break in upon it, if I will be heard before it be too late. For, procraſtinations ſo multiply oppreſſions, inſtead of giving opportunities to diminiſh them; that, this Parliament (as it hath heretofore thereto happened, and to many other) may ſuddenly and unexpectedly be ended, before I ſhall be heard; and that their Leaſure and Treaſure never will be more, nor their troubles fewer then they are, unleſs there be a more impartial diſtribution of Burthens, and a more charitable regard to thoſe private mens Oppreſſions, who have been always faithful to the Publick Intereſt, and are now conſumed by their free contributions, and by the want of that which hath been kept, and exacted from them againſt their wills. If they believe GOD, to be juſt, and not like ſome among themſelves, how can they expect a bleſſing upon their conſultations and endeavours, whilſt they permit them to periſh, by withholding their means of Livelihood, who voluntarily engaged both life and livelihood for their preſervation? and whilſt they ſuffer thoſe who firſt ſerved them in their greateſt need, to be quite forgotten (as to things which may concern their weal and ſafety) or to be laſt remembred, except it be by thoſe only, who watch for opportunities to deſtroy or diſgrace them?

Such there be, even among thoſe, who ſhould be more mindful of Gods justice upon themſelves, and of his late ſuperlative mercy to them and us, in reſtoring their loſt Power, and in vouchſafing to make them his Probationers once more. Theſe, I would not fear to diſtinguiſh from others by Name, if I had warrant for it, and, as good proofs to aſcertain their miſchievous and malicious condition to other men, as I have to aſſure my ſelf of it. Such we have diſcovered to have been among them heretofore; and ſuch to be there now, they themſelves will diſcover ere long: and perhaps, I could offer to the conſideration of ſuch as theſe, that, concerning their own perſons and families (which they think unknown to the world) that would make them afraid there is a GOD, though he be not yet in their Creed. Theſe, are the Achans which trouble our Iſrael: Among theſe, is that Jack on all ſides, that turns with every winde; that Politick would, befool'd with pride and over-weening, and that Love corrupted with diſſimulation and avarice, by whom many proceedings relating both to publick and private Juſtice are obſtructed; and whoſe Tables are made a ſnare oft-times, to the falſifying of this old ſaying in barbarous Latine, uſual among ſome Lawers, Eſculenta, & poculenta, non ſunt Bribamenta. Such as theſe, have added indignities to my oppreſſions, procuring me to be diſgracefully put out of that Commiſſion, wherein, I have faithfully ſerved my Country many years, to preſerve the peace thereof, according to my underſtanding, and as opportunity was offered; and, they have ſeemed to rank me among Malignants, and perſons diſaffected to the Commonwealth, by cauſing me to be left out of the Militia, in Hampſhire, where my Family is ſetled, and where it as much concern'd me to be Active, in preſerving my own intereſt p. 12and ſafety, together with the Common-peace, as any Gentleman in that Country; and (I may ſpeak it without arrogance) I have as well deſerved to be therewith truſted; and made my truſtineſs ſo well known, both to the friends and enemies of this Commonwealth, that I am ſure, the laſt, will remember it when it may do me a miſchief, though the firſt, ſhall forget it, when it may do me good.

This Affront, had it concerned my perſonal ſafety and Reputation only, (though that is not to be neglected) I would have diſdained to take notice of it at this time, had I not cauſe to be jealous, it tends further then to my perſonal diſadvantage; and, that I was not omitted by forgetfulneſs or miſtake, but by deſign. They could not juſtly put me out of the Commiſſion of peace, who till then ſerved in three Counties, as a Commiſſioner, in regard I was never charged with any Delinquency: Nor becauſe I had not a viſible eſtate there befitting ſuch a Commiſſioner; for, they ſaw an appearance of it; and if there be any Juſtice in this Commonwealth, it will be hereafter as competent a ſubſiſtence for me, as I deſire, or, as may make me capable of that dignity: Nor was it becauſe I am a non-reſident in that County; for, my Family hath been ſetled there above two years, and I have there acted by that Commiſſion when I was in the Country, which was five or ſix times in the year: and, if I had not been reſident, non-reſidence is not a juſt cauſe to leave any Gentleman out of the Commiſſion, who was inſerted, and hath a habitation in the County; for, then, moſt perſons named in the Front of the Commiſſion ſhould be left out, to the diſſervice of the Commonwealth; which, is put to no more coſt, then of ſo much room in a piece of parchment as will contain their names; and if they come into the Shire but once in two or three years, an occaſion may happen whereby ſome neceſſary piece of ſervice may at that time be done, worth the coſt, which had elſe been omitted. And, that I was not omitted or exploded by any forgetfulneſs or miſtake, it thus appears; There are four Gentlemen in that County with my ſelf, (beſides another lately in Commiſſion, and now left out alſo) who bear both my Chriſten and Surnames, two of which, never being ſo authorized before, are impowred ſince my Omiſſion; one of them in the Militia; the other, both in the Militia, and Commiſſion of peace, diſtinguiſhed, by their places of habitation: and doubtleſs, he who put out me whom he found upon the Roll, and who am the moſt antient Commiſſioner of my Surname, and put in him whom he there found not, and diſtinguiſhed him by the place of his abode; did intend, not only to manifeſt thereby that another was put into the Commiſſion in my ſtead, but alſo, that it might be the more certainly known, I am knowingly put out; which, a Perſon, being one of the beſt men who ſerves for that County, (and who gave in my name) being informed of, profeſſed he knew not why, or by whom, I was ſtrook out.

I, do not inſiſt hereupon, with any deſire to be reſtored to what I was, or to be inveſted with any new Truſt; For, I deſire the contrary, though ſome of thoſe, who were inſtrumental, to have me left out of all authority (leſt I might perhaps, have hindred their late deſign) do maliciouſly & untruly, report I ſeek to be reſtored. It ſeemeth ſome diſadvantage, to have contempt caſt upon me at this preſent; But, if they prevaile, who have now taken Arms againſt the Parliament, I perceive (by what I diſcover already) that I and my Family, whether I am authorized or not, are in hazard to be deſtroyed with the firſt; and a Juſticeſhip, or the little ſhare which I ſhould have had in the Militia, would have more endangered then ſecured me: Therefore it beſt becomes me, who ſo well know the world as I do, to retire as much as I can from her intanglements, and thoſe employments wherein I am ſure to be a looſer. I take moſt pleaſure in thoſe things which no man can give me or take from me; and love not to be toſt in and out, like a dog in a blanket, as I and many better men have been heretofore, according as we were thought upon, or forgotten; or as the Commonwealths friends, or our Maligners, prevailed in Parliaments, Councils, and Committees. Such uſage (if no proviſion be made againſt it) will make every ingenuous man (whoſe free-ſpirit diſdains to be made a Shuttlecock for every proud malicious ſool to play withal) ſhun thoſe Places out of which he may be caſt with diſhonour, how well ſoever he ſhall demean himſelf. I may be very well pleaſed that I am left out of all Publick imployments, as the Commonwealths, and my affairs now ſtand: For I may juſtly ſay, as it was of old Prophecied by Iſaiah, it ſhould be ſaid at ſuch a time as this, and I do now ſay it: I will not be a Healer, make me not a p. 13Ruler; for in my houſe there is nor bread nor clothing: for my Country is ruined, and my Country-men are deſtroyed, becauſe their words and actions are againſt the LORD, Iſai. 3. There are enough ambitious to be authorized, who have means to ſupport the Charge and Envy that attends publick Employments; let the Ruines of theſe times be under their hands: I am not qualified, (nor the wiſeſt men among us) for ſuch undertakings, if this (as I belive it is) be ſuch a time as Eſay deſcribes in the ſame Chapter, the effect of whoſe words, I will here inſert, that you may judge whether it be ſo or not.

The Lord of Hoſts, doth take away the ſtay and ſtaff of bread and water; the mighty man, and the man of war; the judge and the prophet; the prudent and the ancient; the Captain of Fifty, and the honourable man; the Counſellour, the cunning Artificer, and the eloquent Orator; Children ſhall be their Princes, and Babes ſhall rule over them; the people ſhall be oppreſſed every one by another, and every one by his Neighbour; the Child ſhall behave himſelf proudly againſt the ancient, and the Babe againſt the honourable; they grinde the faces of the poor, and the ſpoil of them is in their houſes, &c. Were the Prophet now living, he could not have more lively deſcribed this Generation, then it was pattern'd out in his time, by Jeruſalem and Judah, and recorded in his Propheſie; nor can we expect better events thereupon then befel them, if GOD be not extraordinarily merciful. But how can it be amended, whilſt malice pride, and avarice do mask ſelf-ends, under publick pretences, even when dangers viſibly encloſe us, and GOD is beginning to viſite us again with the Sword? or with what comfort can I or any honeſt man, ſerve his Country, where they who ſhould aſſiſt him, will rather obſtruct his endeavours, and destroy him? verily, if I were in a capacity to ſerve my Country as I have been heretofore, I am doubtful whether to be put in or left out of publick employments, would be moſt or leaſt hazardous, conſidering I know not above one perſon in authority within many miles of the place wherein I muſt now live, with whom I can more ſafely aſſociate, or more comſortably converſe, then with an open Enemy, or a ſuspected Familiar; and may truly affirm, that none of thoſe whom I have provoked, by engaging againſt them and their Party in the Field, on the behalf of my Country, during the Civil War, have to me been half ſo inhumane and miſchievous, (though they are ſtill my enemies) as many are, who ſeem to befriend me, and that Cauſe whereto I adhere; yea, though to ſome of them I have done good Offices, and no diſſervice, in all my life.

This, implyeth ſomewhat, which deſerveth heed: And if I have any portion of a diſcerning spirit, I do foreſee, that if I be ſtill neglected, as I have been, I ſhall be but ſingly expoſed a little before-hand, to that diſgrace, and outward ruine, which will be more univerſal within a ſhort time after; and extend to another Overturning, unleſs there be a more hearty Returning to GOD, by executing Juſtice, ſhewing Mercy, and Self-denial, then I yet diſcover. By ſuch a Change, I may be repaired, and eat the Fruits of my former labours in peace, during the reſt of my life; elſe, I muſt ſpend my days in bewailing my afflicted Country, and my deareſt Relations. Many, in ſcoff, have called me Prophet; and (though I arrogate not that Title) I have been inſtead of a Prophet to this Generation; and have had ſome part of a Prophets Reward; for, I have met with that contempt and diſhonour in my own Country, and among my own Kindred, which uſually befell Prophets heretofore. I have not merited to be called a Falſe Prophet, by that mark which the Holy Ghoſt hath given us, whereby to know him: that is, by fore-telling things to come, and endeavouring upon the fulfilling of them, to withdraw men from the true GOD, or from the true way of his Worſhip: But, I have, thereby taken many times, occaſions rather to withdraw men from their ſins, and bring them neerer to GOD, by declaring what ſhall befal the Penitent and Impenitent, according to what is threatned or promiſed in his Everlaſting Word; and, doubtleſs, whether I be a Prophet or a Poet (which two words in the Greek, ſignifie the ſame thing) I have done the work of a Prophet among them, in ſome meaſure, and it will have effects upon them at laſt, for their Good or Evil.

Influences, from the ſame Spirit which inſpired the moſt ancient Prophets; have been vouchſafed to ſome in all Ages, relating to mens temporal Weal or Woe, as GOD hath been pleaſed to prepare them by Fore-warnings, though there hath been ſince the time of the Apoſtle, no Propheſies declaring any other Gospel or Principles of ſaving Faith, but what they have preached or propheſied; p. 14and if any man on earth, or Angel from heaven ſhould declare any other, I would not receive it, neither could believe it: By ſuch a proportion of the Spirit, as is conferred on many of GOD's people, I, being aſſiſted in contemplating his Word, wherein his Threatnings and Promiſes be recorded, did fore-declare, both verbally and emblematically in my Britains Remembrancer, and the Title-Page thereof, long before they came to paſs, many Particulars which were fulfilled, in and by the Changes which have been lately in theſe Iſlands; and (though more derided then regarded) many of them were accompliſhed in their ſight who ſcoft at them, and in part upon the Perſons and Eſtates of thoſe who perſecuted me for divulging them. The reſt of my Fore-warnings and Conditional Predictions, then and ſince divulged, (and not yet fulfilled) will hercafter be verified alſo, though ſtill derided and ſlighted. Therefore, I will as Jonah did, (but with more charitable expectations then I conceive he had) retire to my Gourd, even to the remainder of my now blaſted Eſtate, which like the ſoon withering Gourd of Jonah, GOD cauſed to ſpring out of nothing, in the dark night of my affliction, to be a ſubſiſtence and ſhalter for me during his pleaſure; and I will patiently ſit under it, whilſt it continues, to obſerve what will be the Event of thoſe Conditional Threatnings and Promiſes concerning theſe Nations, which I have to them applyed, according to what was prophetically declared, and exemplified of old, to fore-warn and inſtruct all future Ages; which being the Contemplative Objects, from whence I deduced all my predictions, they were no deluſive Enthuſiaſms, or derivatives from Aſtrological Speculations, but onelyonly from the Conſt…llations and Aſpects, which thoſe bleſſed Luminaries, the STAR of Jacob, and the Prophets and Apoſtles have to, and with, each other. That, which theſe promiſe or threaten, is all whereunto I have reſpect in theſe my Calculations; and, my reſolution is, to praiſe GOD, whether his appearances be in Judgements or Mercies; whether, he ſo ſmites my Gourd, (as that of Jonah) until it totally withers, or ſhall improve it, into a more durable Plant, to be a Refuge and Refreſhment for me and mine; yea, whether he preſerves me in this time of Troubles until they ſhall end, or ſweeps me away (as I confeſs I have deſerved) in the common Calamity, I will unfeignedly praiſe him.

If we do as Nineveh did, the Mercy tacitely conditioned, and thereto vouchſafed, will be our lot; which, I pray, hope and wait for. And that I may ſit the more eaſily, in expectation thereof; as alſo that the ſame ſeaſonable Fruit evidencing their Juſtice and Charity, who are now in Power, may produce comfortable effects to themſelves and others, as well as to me, I deſire you to whom this ſhall come, (if it may ſeem reaſonable, and be in you power) to mediate, for one Act of Grace to be vouchſafed on my behalf, which is but this onelyonly; that I, who have ſerved my Country in my Generation, according to my Talent, almoſt 50 years, at my own coſt, may be henceforth exempted from Publick Officiatings and Taxes: Which Favour, conſidering how early I began to act and ſuffer; how diſadvantaged I have been, how diſabled I am by what is detained from me, to bear the Burthens impoſed, (and how little time I am likely to enjoy thoſe Priviledges) will not over-balance my former ſervices and Contributions, though the like Immunities were vouchſafed alſo, to one perſon of my Poſterity, whilſt it continued. Such Priviledges were granted in the moſt generous times, and it would be an honour to this Commonwealth to revive that practiſe for an Encouragement to faithful and honeſt endeavours; yea, and ſuch a mark of their respect confer'd on me in theſe corrupt times, would make it appear to thoſe who live now, and ſhall live hereafter, that there was always a faithful and well-affected Party in this Parliament, ſtrugling againſt the Corruptions and Oppreſſions whereby honeſt men ſuffered; and that they prevailed at laſt, to the exaltation of Juſtice and Mercy. Your mediation for this reſpect, together with a timely condeſcention to the humble Requeſts in the concluſion of my Narrative (at leaſt ſo far forth as may conſiſt with the Commonwealths preſent neceſſities) will oblige me, by a specialty more then ordinary; and ſuch a reſpective laying me aſide, may not onelyonly enable me to do my Country better ſervices in a private condition, then perhaps, my old age can perform in Publick Nigotiations; but by that means likewiſe, the Malignity, Pride and Eavy, which now diſturbs my peace, would quite wear out, or at leaſt in ſome meaſure abate, when I intermeddle not with thoſe Employments, whereof other men are ambitious.

To obſtruct the granting of ſuch reaſonable Requeſts, and to detract from the Commonwealth's moſt faithful ſervants, and other honeſt men disfavoured by men of corrupt Principles, it hath p. 15been the practiſe of ſome heretofore (even in Parliaments) cauſleſly to aſperſe abſent perſons, who cannot eaſily come to take notice of their particular Detractors, or to vindicate themſelves. This, to me ſeemeth a great breach of the Truſt repoſed in Members of Parliament by their Electors, who impowered them not to execute their private malice, under publick pretences: and as it is no mean injury to ſcandalize a man innocent, before the Repreſentative of his whole Nation; ſo, it is no leſs then a capital offence againſt the Parliament (in my judgement) to indanger the making it guilty of receiving falſe Accuſations, or ſcandals; which, if it were a natural body, (as it is a Body Politick, that hath nothing to do in heaven) might indanger the admiſſion of it into GODS holy hill, according to the judgement of David, in his 15. Pſalm. I have here touched upon this, in hope it may be a means of preventing the like practiſes hereafter. If not, it were but juſt, that every Member of Parliament, who miſrepreſents any one abſent to his diſparagement in that honourable Aſſembly, ſhould Ipſo facto, be incapable of acting, or Voting there for the future, unleſs he had firſt ſubmitted to an acknowledgement of his overſight, or made good his Accuſation, as one in a private capacity, if he whom he had ſcandalized were a private perſon. In this manner, I my ſelf have been abuſed (as I am informed) as well in relation to my getting of that Eſtate, which GOD, by his extraordinary providence conferred upon me during my Troubles and Oppreſſions, heretofore, (by making my enemies more helpful towards it againſt their wills, then the willingneſs of all my beſt friends, or my own endeavours) as alſo in miſreporting touching my ſufferings, and actings, in other particulars. Therefore, (that culpable perſons may be known as they are, and honeſt men cleared from Cauſeleſs jealouſies and aſperſions, as much as is poſſible) I could wiſh (if the Parliament thought it needful) that a ſtrict ſcrutiny might be made into every mans dubious actings, wherein the Commonwealth, hath been conſiderably concerned ſince the Civil Wars firſt began; And likewiſe that an accompt may be given by every one who became extraordinarily rich while the Commonwealth was impoveriſhed; how, and by what means he hath ſo enlarged his eſtate. If what I have heard be true, I am a wonderment in that reſpect beyond many other; for I am told that a perſon of Quality, and a neighbour of mine, being in diſcourſe with other Gentlemen concerning thoſe who had increaſed their eſtates to admiration from a very poor condition, was pleaſed to ſay thus; How— and —got their eſtates, I very well know, ſaid he, (naming two Parliament-men who had ſuddenly purchaſed very large poſſeſſions, having very mean eſtates a little before) but how George Wither became rich, that, quoth he, I wonder at, and cannot imagine. To prevent therefore, ſuch wonderments, let an inquiry be made, beginning firſt as aforeſaid, with me, and be carried on by a Precedendo, until it hath gone round the Nation: and I defie malice and all the world to charge me with what it can.

It may perhaps be further objected (becauſe, I have heard ſomewhat tending that way) to the rendring of your mediation for me to this Parliament, the leſs effectual, that during the time wherein Oliver Cromw…l, by GODS permiſſion uſurped their power, I was for a Single Perſon, and endeavoured to maintain his Reputation, in what I might; & magnified the Title of Protector, as moſt honourable, and pertinent to our well-doing. It is true, that I did ſo; but my being of that judgment, as our conſtitution then was, merits no disfavor or neglect: For, I never was abſolutely, for, or againſt, a King, or a Commonwealth, with, or wi…hout a Single Perſon, but according as GODS extraordinary diſpenſations, the preſent neceſſities, the Law of Common-juſtice, and the Peoples aſſent in Parliament made it expedient or not expedient; nor otherwiſe then the moſt prudent of this Parliament lately ſeemed to judge thereof. For, either way, a Government may be good or evil. The United Provinces, and ſome other Commonweals, have well enough ſubſiſted without a Single Perſon; yet the Venetians (the moſt flouriſhing Commonwealth, and of the lengeſt continuance of any ſince Chriſt, have their Duke without any viſible diſadvantage; and the moſt famous Commonwealth of Iſrael had a Moſes, a Joſhua, and other Judges, who ſucceſſively exerciſed a ſingle Authority Let that be conſidered, as alſo, that it is my Principle to uphold the Power which by GODS grace, or permiſſion, is for the time being ſet over us; and that I may as much as in me lieth, preſerve the Common-peace, in a prudential way, until Gods Probations are determined, and his ſecret will, is made manifeſt. Let it therewith be conſidered likewiſe, that in all my Addreſſes to Oliver Cromwel, and in all things by me publickly or privately p. 16Written to him, or done for him, as the then Supreme-Officer, I had evermore a care, to offer unto his remembrance, and to other mens, that, the power permiſſively onelyonly vouchſafed, was but Conditional: and, that if what was tacitely the condition thereof, were not by him performed, it would be at laſt the deſtruction of him, and of his Family, or of both, without repentance: and that likewiſe, the preſervation of the Peoples juſt Freedoms, both ſpiritual and temporal (being part of that tacite condition) was by me inſiſted upon, ſo far forth, as it might be done, in thoſe times, and to a perſon in his place, without making all that to be ineffectual which I principally intended: as would more evidently appear, if all thoſe Caveats and forewarnings were publiſhed which I exhibited unto him, and others in private to that purpoſe, without regarding how diſadvantagious it would be to my perſonal intereſt, as my affairs then ſtood, and which were not a little hazarded, and made more deſtructive by the boldneſs which I then aſſumed; who neither baſely flattered him, for my own ends, as many did, nor aſcribed any thing as due to him in the Place he poſſeſſed and exerciſed, but in order to the Publick welfare; and as he had been inſtrumental (at the Peoples coſt) in conquering thoſe for them, who had formerly deprived them of their liberties: For, I did only commend thoſe Actions of his, which were in themſelves commendable, without juſtifying him in his perſonal deſervings as to the intention, otherwiſe then their outward appearances might induce me to hope of it; and, whether or no, he was really ſuch as he pretended, could be certainly known to GOD, and to himſelf only.

And, whereas, it may be yet further objected, that in ſome paſſages of thoſe Poems and Diſcourſes, which have been by me heretofore publiſhed or communicated in private, I have averred or implied that the Power of this Parliament was neceſſarily interrupted, in reſpect of us, and juſtly alſo in reſpect of GOD, whoſe juſtice and mercy, have had thereby the more evident manifeſtations; I do confeſs ingenuouſly that I was, and ſtill am of that judgement; and do believe by the little ſorrow, and much rejoycing, which generally appeared in the people both well and illaffected thereunto at the time of their Interruption, that moſt men were then of my opinion: For, it was not only, undeniably evident, that many proceedings were then carried on to the infringment of Common-right, as well as to the multiplying of private Oppreſſions, by the prevalency of ſome corrupt Members, over-voting thoſe who were faithful to their Truſt; But, that a Malignant party among them, had alſo brought in, and were then continually bringing in, ſo many qualified like themſelves into their Houſe, and who were ſo induſtrious, either to break the Army by dividing it, or, by raiſing up another againſt it, that it would probably have reſtored the Common Enemies to their ſubdued Power, or brought all to a deſtructive diſunion, and confuſion among our ſelves. Therefore, GOD, in justice to the one party, and in mercy to the other, made uſe of that which was perhaps corruptly deſigned, by ſome, for their own ends, and converted it, to bring his good purpoſes to paſs; particularly to prevent this Parliaments being everlaſtingly deſtroyed, by ſome of its own Members; To give them and others, an extraordinary experiment, by their Probations, what they were in whom they confided; how little truſt there is in men exalted to honour, (how pious, how honeſt, or how mortified ſoever they are or pretend to be) and to humble thoſe who are now again reſtored, that, with thankfulneſs for his double mercy, in their correction and reſtauration, they may reforme in themſelves and others, hereafter, that which was amiſs heretofore. To thoſe ends, and for ſuch like, GOD, (as he did Nebuchadnezzer) drove them from the Throne, to live among the Common-herd until almoſt ſo many years as he was expelled; whereby, if they be not yet ſo humbled, as willingly to be remembred of it, to obſerve their former failings; to acknowledge with an awful rejoycing, theſe paſt tranſactions, and their preſent mercies and chaſtiſements, to GODS honour; & to be merciful to others, as he hath been to them; and at ſeaſt to excuſe me for what I have formerly and now written, with a good Conſcience, to preſerve my Countries peace, and their honour, without any purpoſe of diſhonouring them (as I hope they will underſtand it) then, not I alone, but all the well-affected of this Commonwealth, will be much deceived in their expectations: and we muſt ſuffer until GOD ſhall be pleaſed, to ſend us other Deliverers, or to deliver us himſelf: And, I do verily believe, that this Government as a Commonwealth, (or whatſoever it ſhall be,) will come to no happy, or proſperous Settlement, until it ſhall firſt do me juſtice, who have ſo long ſuffered, and been ſo conſtantly faithful thereunto; p. 17and till they have embraced alſo, the Counſel of thoſe neglected poor men, who have contributed, and may contribute means for their preſervation, who had elſe been, and ſhall be deſtroyed. This belief or ſuggeſtion (call it what you will) I cannot expel though my life ſhould depend upon it, and though I have long ſtrugled againſt it; as proceeding from a ſelfiſh over-weening: and the ejection of it, is the more difficult, becauſe, when it firſt poſſeſſed me, it entred upon this occaſion, which I will faithfully relate. I was many years paſt, (as I think other men have been during the trials of their patience) more curiouſly I confeſs, then became a Chriſtian modeſty, deſirous to foreknow, what and when, would be the concluſion of thoſe troubles which GOD had brought upon theſe Nations; and, my inquiſitiveneſs, received this anſwer out of my own heart: Wouldst thou know the ſucceſſes before their coming, which GOD hath kept ſecret? Then, thus much, and by this means know it: Thou in thine own perſon, and outward condition, ſhalt be a ſign unto thy ſelf, what the event will be, and when: According as thou doſt externally proſper, ſo ſhall this Government: when thou art relieved by their Juſtice from thy Oppreſſions, they ſhall be, within a while after, delivered from their Confuſions; and when thou perceiveſt, they have left thee to be deſtroyed, be aſſured, that their deſtruction, will not be long after. This may be only a melancholy fanſie; but, a ſhort time, will diſcover, whether it be ſo, or not; and GODS will be done.

Thus, I ſometimes buſtle with the world, that, ſhe may know I am not yet dead, though I do otherwiſe, look ſheepiſhly (they ſay doggedly) upon my Oppreſſors, that, they may perceive I am ſenſible, how they uſe me; and though I am otherwhile a little ſurprized with a fit of melancholy, when I conſider what my Creditors and Relations do, or may ſuffer; yet, ſo little is my heart troubled in reſpect of my ſelf, that I would not change fortunes with any of them, when my condition is at the worſt, and their at the beſt; For, though they have broken my Estate, and crackt my Credit, if ever they break my heart (unleſs they break the Trunk, wherein it lies,) Ile forgive them. For,

Haec mihi manent verba, perituro,

Nec habeo, nec careo, nec curo:

Et, Veriora forent, in futuro.

When I was young, theſe Words my Motto were

I, neither have, nor do I want, or care:

And, Death, will make them truer then they are.

Make uſe of theſe hints, as opportunities are offered, and as GOD, ſhall move your heart, who worketh out ſometimes, by as ridiculous attempts as this may ſeem, effects which could not be brought to paſs by a more likely means. Saul went forth to ſeek only his Fathers Aſſes, but found a Kingdom; and perhaps, I who at firſt, hereby intended no more then to be eaſed from my perſonal Oppreſſions, may find ſomewhat thereby at laſt effected, which will give motion to that which will cure all our Publick Grievances. GOD, I hope will incline this Generation, before it be too late, to do that which will be moſt for his glory and the Common-ſafety; which is an unfeigned execution of Juſtice and ſhewing of mercy, according to the mercies received; and, whereby only, that great breach, newly made, can be ſo ſtopped, that another Inundation of bloud, break not in upon us. That acceptable Sacrifice of righteouſneſs, will drive away thoſe Judgements which yet hang over our heads, and procure ſuch a bleſſing upon the Parliament, that it ſhall be enabled to ſetle a Government, which may preſerve both our ſpiritual and temporal Freedoms, inviolated, and from intrenching upon each other. A little Frankinſence ſincerely offred, appeaſeth much wrath; and perhaps, one hour, timely ſpent, to hear the Cauſe of a private Sufferer, ready to be deſtroyed, may be ſo acceptable, that it ſhall produce more toward a ſettlement in one week, then was effected in two months before; and their Oyl and Meal, ſhall be rather increaſed then diminiſhed, by making him a little Cake, out of that little which is left, if their faith be not more conſumed, then the proviſions in the Cruze and Barrel.

If there be any Expreſſions in this Epiſtle, or in any of my Papers relating to the Grievances, whereof I complain, which may ſeem over-ſharp; be pleaſed to conſider how much I have ſuffred, and how long ſolicited, without effecting any thing but an increaſe of my Grievances; and let that plead my excuſe: If any ſhall be offended, that I declare thoſe Truths (which many are not willing to hear of) in ſuch Language, and in ſuch a mode, as is not uſual with oppreſſed Suppliants; p. 18Let it be conſidered, that this is a time, wherein the deaf, dumb and blinde Devils which poſſoſs men, are not to be caſt out by ordinary Charms: and that, I am yet left in a worſe condition, then many of the Commonwealths moſt malicious enemies, their guiltineſs excepted: For, my life and eſtate being innocently taken away, would have been a mercy, compared to that ſhame and vexation of ſpirit, which my Oppreſſions have occaſioned at ſometimes, not only, by the ſcandalous upbraidings and importunities of my neceſſitous Creditors, and by the ſence which I have often had of expoſing my deareſt Relations to unſufferable wants and griefs; or by the indangering and looſing my Credit, as well as my Eſtate; But, alſo, by ſome ſecret trials of my ſaith and patience, in concernments of a higher nature, whereof the world ſhall never know.

Thus much, being expreſt, for the reaſons aforementioned, and to eaſe my heart, by ordering into words, ſome part of thoſe many confuſed thoughts, which lay troubleſomely indigeſted within me; it hath made my condition ſeem to be more tolerable, then I thought it of late; and it hath ſomewhat quieted my minde, becauſe, this will partly anſwer for me, to many objections made in places, where I ſhall not be preſent to hear them: it may alſo ſave or recover ſome part of my Credit, by declaring to thoſe whom it may concern, that my failing a while the Expectations of my Creditors, proceeded not from any diſhoneſt principle, or purpoſed wrong, but from inavoydable neceſſities; and that it ariſeth not from any diſſatisfaction to the preſent Government, that I am not ſo ſerviceable thereto as I have been, and ſhould ſtill be, (notwithſtanding all former neglects) if I had been able.

I have ſomewhat more to adde, and feel a Rapture coming upon me, which will conſtrain me to declare, that which is more conſiderable then my private Grievances; But Proſe is not ſo proper to that ſubject, as Verſiſying; and therefore, I will walk to the concluſion of what remains, upon my Feet in Verſe.