Letters of Advice, Postscript
Letters of Advice: TOUCHING The Choice of Knights and Burgeſſes.
The Superſcription. To the Honourable Cities and Counties, of LONDON, Weſtminſter, Surry, and Southampton, (to whom I am eſpecially obliged) and to all other the Honourable and Worſhipfull Counties and Corporations throughout the Kingdome of England, and Dominion of Wales, to whom the choice of Knights and Burgeſſes for Parliament doth appertaine; humbly preſent theſe.
Honoured, and Beloved,
HAving, lately, received Information, that both Houſes of Parliament, are not onelyonly reſolved to call their falſe and Apoſtate Members to a juſt account; but, for ever, alſo to diſable them from returning to …at Parliamentarie truſt and dignitie, which they have unworthily diſho…ured and deſerted; I preſumed thereupon, that the vacancie of thoſe many …oomes which are now void by their failings, and the want of thoſe Wor…ies, whom God hath (perhaps for our ſinnes) called out of this life ſince …e Parliament began, would ſhortly neceſſitate the renewing of that num…r of Knights and Burgeſſes, which compleats the Houſe of Commons. I …jectured alſo, that the more ſpeedy Summons would be ſent forth for …eir election, becauſe the wiſdome of our Great-Councell failes not (I hope) … conſider, how caſuall their pretious lives are who now ſuſtaine the heavy …then of publike affaires; how intollerable it might prove, if the preſent …pporters thereof ſhould be much more diminiſhed; how poſſible it is that, … me time or other, advantages may be taken by the paucity of the number, …indammage the Publike, by thoſe who wait for ſuch opportunities; and, how many accidents may ſuddenly happen, to diſturb that means of a free election, which is now cleare in many parts of this Kingdome.
Therefore being woefully experienced, in the manifold miſeries, whereinto this Nation is plunged, by the corruption, and inſufficiencie, of Perſons heretofore choſen (or preſumptuouſly intruding upon that High-Calling;) and perceiving no publike meanes provided for prevention of the like miſchiefe hereafter, nor any man privately contributing his advice, toward the regulating of thoſe Elections, from whence our preſent calamities have ſprung; and wherupon the remedie both of preſent, and future miſchiefs, may depend: I have, upon theſe, and the like conſiderations, haſtned to ſend abroad among you my humble Letters of Advice: Not, a… one arrogating a ſufficience fully to direct or adviſe in all things pertinent to the due choice of your Knights and Burgeſſes; but rather as one (ſenſible of the common danger) offering his weake indeavours to be a meanes of ſtirring up, and provoking others, of more ſufficiencie, to take timely notice of his intention; and to imploy their better judgements, in perfecting theſe good purpoſes toward the procurement of a prudent managing, and execution of your Elections. And, I deſire, for your own ſakes that, my good meaning may not bee utterly deſpiſed, or made void.
For, I addreſſe not theſe lines, for ſuch private and corrupt ends, as thoſe for which you heretofore received many letters from Lords, and Ladies, to ſhuffle into your Elections, thoſe of their Court-Cards, or of the vulgar pack which might be moſt ſerviceable to their own deſignes; but, honeſtly to diſcharge that duty, whereto I am obliged both by our Nationall Covenant, and my perſonall affection to the common-good; and, ſo, to prepare before the dayes of Election, thoſe of inferiour rank, and meaneſt capacities to whom the free choice, of Knights, and Burgeſſes, appertaines, by preſenting unto them needfull Cautions, and Conſiderations, that they might thereby (if poſſible) bee rendred more capable, and more conſcionable … their Duties, to their Countrey and themſelves in that point; and become willing to be inſtructed, how much it concernes their own, and the Public Intereſt and Safety, to be well adviſed, and heed full in the ſaid Elections And, to that end, I beſeech you, to whom theſe Miſſives do come, (and among whom, better Oratorie is wanting) that their words, or contents may, in private, or at your Conventions in publike, be ſo ſignified to tho… illiterate perſons, whoſe Voices are, uſually, given by an implicit Faith; th… they may more diſcreetly conferre them, for the time to come,
Leſt, by that courſe, which theſe were wont to run,
Both good and bad, together be undone.
That my Advice intended, may be the more willingly entertained, I will firſt make bold to remember you of thoſe miſchiefs and inconviences, which are obſerved to be the fruits of inconſiderate Elections; and, how traiterous you are unto your ſelves and Countrey, therein. I will next preſent you with a briefe Character, or Qualification, both of thoſe whom you ought to reject, and of thoſe, who are fit to be elected for your Knights and Burgeſſes, in Parliament. And, laſtly, I will offer to your conſideration, that, which I conceive to be the beſt meanes for preventing partiality in choice; and ſo, conſequently, for repleniſhing the Houſe of Commons with ſuch Members, as ſhall be likely (by Gods bleſſing) to become Inſtruments of removing our preſent miſchiefs, and of eſtabliſhing a happy Peace among us for the future; if we be not grown ſo corrupt a Body, that, we will not be repreſented, by good and diſcreet men; which, it ſeemes, was, formerly, our fault, and made us chooſe a Repreſentative Body, in corruptions and failings, like unto our ſelves.
The Butterflies produce not Bees;
Good-fruits grow not on evill-trees.
I will, as I ſaid, only remember you (for, things apparent need no proofe) into how many plagues and miſeries this Common-wealth is plunged, by the rottenneſſe and giddineſſe, of ſome, formerly choſen to be Members of the Repreſentative Body of our Commonaltie: and how perfidiouſly they have betraied their truſt, to their perpetuall infamie, and to the indangering of our everlaſting ſlaverie both to Tyrannie and Poperie; which joint-bondage would have been nothing leſſe accurſed, then that of Egypt, whether conſidered as a temporall, or ſpirituall ſervitude: and, God onelyonly knowes, how long it will yet be, ere theſe Iſlands ſhall be totally delivered from the dangers, whereinto thoſe Traitors have formerly brought them. Thus miſerable are they able to make us, on whom we conferre a Parliamentarie truſt, if they be not wife, and conſcionable men; for, we give them power, not onelyonly to make us Slaves, Beggers, and liable to the Hangman at their pleaſure; but, to ſubmit us, alſo, to thoſe Decrees which may, gradatim, bring our Poſteritie to be Turks, Pagans, and Vaſſals to the Devill; which, if you believe not poſſible, (becauſe not yet come to paſſe) believe, at leaſt, that which you ſee, of the condition and practice, of them whom you have unworthily and unwarrantably elected; and conſider, what may be further poſſible, by their bringing ſo farre back upon us (as they have lately done) thoſe Antichriſtian ſlaveries which we thought paſt feare of reviving.
But, perhaps, miſchiefs and inconveniences of leſſe concernment, will ſt… up ſome to be more cautious in their Elections, then theſe; let ſuch therfore take notice, that, by heedleſneſſe in this dutie, they ſhall make Tyrants and Fooles, Lords over them, who will fawne and court them, till they are elected, and then, ſcorne and trample them under feet, putting ſuch an immeaſurable diſtance, betwixt themſelves and others, of that Body whom they repreſent, and out of which they were choſen, as if they had forgotten what they were; and that the reſpect due to a whole Committee, at leaſt, if not to the whole Houſe of Commons, were due to their ſingle Votes, and Perſons: yea, ſome of their deportments ſhall be ſuch, as if it were Crimen laeſae Majeſtatis, to ſpeak to them, or of them, or in their preſence, but as they pleaſe to permit: and they will ſo take upon them, and ſo demean… themſelves likewiſe, as if to favour their Clients, to ſuppreſſe thoſe who… they diſaffect, to ſtrengthen their Faction, to further their private deſignes, to ſecure their owne eſtates, and to defend their perſonall Priviledges (though to the utter ruine of all publike Liberties and true Pietie) were the chief end of their Calling. And what good can be had, or what benefit can be look for, from ſuch a choice? Or what better choice can be made; unleſſe you ſeriouſly, prudently, and conſcionably mannage your Elections?
When Wolves are by the Flock for Guardians choſe,
Who marvailes if their skins, and lives they loſe.
The only means to be delivered from ſuch miſchiefs, is, by humbly ſupplicating the divine Mercy; by truly repenting our ſins; and by taking mo… heed hereafter (then we have done heretofore) that we be not traitors to our ſelves, in fooliſhly giving up the diſpoſure of our eſtates, lives, liberties and conſciences to them who will ſell us for old ſhoes, and ſerve us, onelyonly to ſerve their owne turnes to our deſtruction: Therefore, I beſeech yout… be warie, whom you ſhall now, or hereafter, elect; and make us not irrecoverably unhappy, by liſtening to the inſinuations of unworthy perſons, wh… will importune you, by themſelves, or others, to put our Bodies and Sou…e into their hands; complying with all ſhewes of curteſie and humility, til… their purpoſes are obtained; and never afterward regard your Perſons, you… Cauſe, your Miſeries, or your Petitions: but, over-look you with ſuch pride and deſpight, as if they had neither received their power from you, nor fo… your welfare; but meerly to exalt their owne vanitie: or, as if every one of them had in his ſingle capacitie, conferred on him by his Election, ſuch a meaſure of all Virtues and Sciences; and received ſuch an extraction out of the Body repreſented, that none of his Electors had left in himſelf, either wiſdome, honeſ…ie, or pietie, in compariſon of his; though but the day before his Election, all the good you heard or knew of him, amounted perhaps to no more, but that he was a good Huntſman, a good Faulkner, a good Gameſter, or a Good-fellow; who, having a good eſtate in his Countrey, where he was …hoſen, a good opinion of himſelfe, and a good mind to be a Law-maker, was …lected by his neighbours, who had rather adventure the undoing of themſelves, their poſteritie and the whole Kingdome; then hazzard his frowne, or …he Lords, or Ladies diſpleaſure who ſollicited for him: Which follie that …on may now ſhun, both for the remedie of preſent evils, and for the better …ſtabliſhing our juſt Priviledges, with the common ſafetie; let your care be …o avoid the choice of ſuch as theſe.
1 Men over-laviſh in ſpeaking, or in taking extraordinarie pleaſure to hear …hemſelves talk: for, a man full of words is neither good to give, or keep …ounſell.
2 Notorious Gameſters; for, though I have known ſome of them wittie; … never found a prudent, or juſt man among them. For, how can he be juſt, whoſe daylie practice is to cheat others of their eſtates? Or, how can they …ave prudence becoming diſpoſers of the publike Treaſure, who are ſo fooliſh, …s needleſſely to expoſe their certaine eſtates to the uncertain hazzards of …hance?
3 Men extremely addicted to Hunting or Hawking: For, moſt of theſe, ſo …hey may preſerve and increaſe their Game and inlarge priviledges for their …wne pleaſure, much care not though it were to the depopulation and impo…eriſhing of whole Countries, and to the multiplying of thoſe wild beaſts, which are one of the curſes threatned for ſinne.
4 The houſhold ſervants, or, ſuch as are the obliged dependents on Peers of …he Realme except they be of known and approved integritie. For, though …ome Lords have honourably perſiſted faithfull to the Re-publike, both now …nd in all times of Triall; yet, the greateſt part prefer their will and pleaſure …efore the juſt liberties and priviledges of the Commons; yea, ſometimes …efore the ſafety of the whole Kingdome and the purity of Gods worſhip: And ſuch Noblemen wil upon all advantages, expect from their Creatures, the …romotion of their own deſignes and intereſts, how repugnant ſoever to the …enerall-Good.
5 Courtiers, depending meerly on the King's or Queens favour; For, the …largement and continuance of their fortunes depend on the Prerogative: And, the more that may be improved to the depreſſion of the Subject, the ri…her and the greater theſe grow.
6 Chuſe not ſuch as are evidently ambitious or covetous; for, how pro… theſe will be to ſell their Country and their Religion too, for titularie honours or rewards, we have had too much experience of late yeares.
The Peoples truſt, or Kingdome, to betray,
To be a Lord, is now the neareſt way.
7 Men inſlaved to Wantonneſſe, and, with open impudence perſevering … that ſinne: For, ſuch are a diſhonour to that high-calling, and will not on… give a way their eſtates and liberties, to fulfill their luſts, but betray alſo the… owne Lives, their Country, and their Saviour, to pleaſe their Dalilahs.
8 Take heed of chooſing thoſe, who are Superlatively proud: for, the… will be ſo puſt up with their Legiſtatorſhips, that after they have ſate while in the Houſe, they will be apt to forget they are a part of the Co… monalty, and be ſo elevated, that we ſhall hardly know how to ſpeake … make addreſſes or complaints to them without danger of being queſtion… for breach of good manners, or infringing their perſonall priviledges, whi… uſually they prefer before the Priviledges of the whole Commonwealth.
9 Chuſe not men immoderately adicted to popularity, for thoſe have ſo m… ny to pleaſure, protect, prefer, or comply withall; that their wit, leiſu… and abilities will be wholly taken up in the proſecution of private accommodations and conveniences for their Clyents, who ſhall not onelyonly be ſerv… before the publike, but to the detriment thereof alſo, rather then faile.
10 Chuſe not men reputed of a Vicious converſation in any kind: for, ſ… will be ſecret oppoſers of all Lawes or Ordinances reſtraining Enormities and conſtant hinderers of bringing Delinquents to condigne puniſhment.
11 Make not choice of men Irreligious, or inclined either to antiquate Superſtitions, or moderne Novelties: for, the firſt will neither further ne… full Reformation, nor be carefull of preſerving Orthodox Diſcipline … Doctrine from violation; nor much regard, ſo their temporall poſſeſſions m… be exempt from payments, and their perſons from labour and danger, wh… hapneth to the diſhonour of God, or to the ſafetie or perdition of Soule▪ And, the later will advance nothing but what tends to the eſtabliſhment … his Fancies.
For, how can he advance true Reformation,
Who neither hath right Rules nor firm Foundation?
12 Elect not thoſe Male-contents, who are obſerved by diſcourſe or pr… ctiſe, to be enemies to the whole frame and conſtitution of our Government for, theſe will prove ill-Counſellers; and rather deſtructive then helpefull, … repairing and curing the ruines and deſtractions of theſe Times.
13 Make not choice of Children under age: for, to me it ſeemeth not onelyonly …nneceſſarie, but ridiculous alſo, to commit the managing of the moſt weigh…y aff…ires of the Common-wealth to thoſe who are not by our Lawes capa… of governing or diſpoſing their private eſtates: Eſpecially; ſeeing the ma…or part of Voices, which the vote of an ignorant child makes up, may con…rme a Reſolution to the publike dammage.
14 Permit none of thoſe to be Elected, who have heretofore procured, … cuted, or countenanced oppreſſing Monopolies, or beene active in extort…g Shipmony, Coat and Conduct-mony, or in any illegall exactions injurious …o the Rights and Priviledges of the Commons: For, though ſome of theſe …ay, now perhaps, be better Patriots and other wayes affected: yet, if there be …thers untainted. not unworthy of your choice; good reaſon it is that they …hould be preferred before theſe.
15 Chuſe not men who, knowingly, ſtand Out-lawed, or ſo far indebted …hat they dare not walk: abroad without protections, except in ſuch caſes as …ay in equitie be allowable; for what can be more abſurd or unjuſt, then that …ey ſhould ſit as Law-makers, who ſubject not themſelves unto the Lawes …force? and what can be more unreaſonable, then to make the Fountaine of …uſtice to be an obſtruction to her owne due proceedings, to the ſcand l…of …hat High Court which ought (as much as poſſible) to be compoſed of ſuch …embers as are every way without exception? I hope the Land is not yet … full of beggers and bankerupts, that there may not be 400. men found in it, …ly qualified for this ſervice, without ſtraining a priviledge in this kind.
16 Laſtly, avoid in your Elections, the choice of thoſe who make meanes to …ve themſelves choſen: For, in my opinion, it diſcovereth in them ſo much …rrogance and ſelfe-conceit, that they are worthy to be rejected; though the …ſtome of the times made it heretofore ſeem no infringment of modeſtie and …ought many diſcreet and honeſt men Inſanire cum vulgo, to be over-ſeen or company. Doubtleſſe, the cauſe of moſt or thoſe evills which are fallen …on theſe Iſlands, have been occaſioned by ſome of theſe Intruders. The …ſe-hood, pride, co vetuouſneſſe, hypocriſie, apoſtacie, cowardice, ignorance, …artialitie, Athieſme, ſenſualitie, ſelfe-love and ſelfe-conceit of ſome of …eſe, hath diſtracted, divided, impoveri…hed, and almoſt undone us at this pre…ent; and, the totall accompliſhment thereof will follow, unleſſe God ſhall …ve you grace to be conſcionably carefull in your choice of the Knights and …urgeſſes to be ſupplied: and cauſe thoſe to purge themſelves by repentance (if …y ſuch remaine in the Houſe of Commons) who have intruded as aforeſaid, … beene heretofore inconſiderately and unworthily elected by others: For, the chiefe Deliverers of Gods people in diſtreſſe, and their ableſt Captai… and Governours, were they who modeſtly ſought to put off, rather then arrogantly to intrude upon, ſuch places: And, it may be obſerved, that Saul w… fitter to Raigne when they found him hidden among the ſtuffe, then when … tooke care to be honoured before the people.
The curſed Bramble ſtrove not to be choſe
The Forreſt-King▪ till ſome did him propoſe.
Theſe are they, the choice of whom, I ſhall humby adviſe you to avoi… in your Elections, as much as poſſible you can: Yet, let your proceeding … with ſuch diſcretion, that you neither expect men abſolutely free from … imperfections (leaſt you be compelled to ſeek them in another world) no… examine every mans failings, with ſuch ſeveritie, as may ſcandalize ho… and deſerving men: For, the beſt are ſomtime traduced, and evill ſpoken o… by Malignants and wicked perſons, without cauſe: which may eaſily be diſcovered, by diligently examining who they are that ſpeake evill of ſuch And, upon what grounds they traduce them: Or, by a prudent and charitab… examination of teſtimonialls given on their behalfes, who are traduced.
Now, in counſelling to make choice of ſuch as may be beſt confided … I ſhall be verie brief; becauſe, by the foregoing Cautions touching their qualifications whom you are to paſſe by, directions are tacitly given, to inform… what manner of men they ought to be, who ſhould have Nomination in you… Elections: To wit, Men whom you know, or believe (by their teſtimon… whoſe fidelitie you ſuſpect not) to bee of upright converſations, unrepro… able (as far as humane frailtie will permit) prudent, ſtout, impartiall, ſober… well-experienced, Lovers of their Countrey, grave, meek, humble, religious and rather eminent for their vertues and abilities, then for their wealth, birth or titles: And, yet not ſo poore or meane, as to make their perſons liable t… contempt, or in danger to be expoſed to a temptation through extreame neceſſities. Of theſe qualifications being aſſured, or at leaſt well perſwaded by good information (and not wilfully deceiving your ſelves, or negligently permitting others to deceive you) proceed cheerfully to an Orderly Election; and commit the event to God, without diſtruſt of his bleſſing therein that his mercifull providence may ſupplie that, wherein your weakneſſe … improvidence may faile: and queſtionleſſe, a good event will follow.
For, when our wayes we prudently diſpoſe,
God crownes our hopes, or better things beſtowes.
But, you will ſay, perhaps, evill cuſtomes have ſo diſordered your Elections, that though you have conſidered the danger of making Choice … Randome; or, according to their perſwaſions, who abuſed your credulitie and ſimplicitie heretofore: and, though you are alſo truly deſirous to regulate your choice according to good Adviſe: yet, ſo much is aſcribed to Cuſtome (though evill) And, the corruption and cunning of thoſe who are moſt powerfull in managing thoſe Elections may be ſuch, that the well-affected ſhall be over-borne; or thoſe contrivances perhaps practiſed, whereby your Votes may be nevertheleſſe transferred to a wrong Partie; as it hath often happened …n times paſt.
To prevent this, I will offer to conſideration, what I have conceived may be helpfull againſt ſuch fraud or falſhood; and conducing to the regulating of your Elections for the time to come: And (though the wiſdome of this generation may, perhaps, deride it) I ſhall not repent the propoſall thereof: becauſe I am aſſured it will availe to the publike ſecurity, and ſhall be both entertained with approbation, and practiſed with good effects, when the time cometh in which this Kingdome muſt be reſtored to that happineſſe, which we have loſt; and ſhal be made bleſſed, by that Reformation which we deſire. My Propoſitions are theſe.
1 That at your conventions of the Freeholders or Burgers, to elect Knights of the Shire, or Burgeſſes, no mans preſence may be admitted of, but his who is intereſted in your Elections: For, they who intermeddle imper…inently, in other mens matters, do very ſeldome buſie themſelves to an honeſt purpoſe.
2 That no man be permitted at ſuch meetings, (before or after choiſe made) to provide banquets, or make coſtly preparations, for their entertainment, by whom they are choſen: for, it is a kind of embracing his choſers; …nd to me it ſeems an unproper Complement (if nothing were corruptly intended) that he who confers the benefit, ſhould be at the charge of giving Thanks; for, he that is Elected undertakes the ſervice for his Electers.
3 That either at, or before the times of meeting about your Elections, you confer together, and take care, throughly to informe your ſelves, what perſons you know, or by common Fame, conceive to be fitteſt, to ſerve the Republike, for your ſeverall Counties or Burroughs, according to the directions afore-expreſſed; and that you then give in the names of ſo many as are conceived, and agreed upon, by a conſiderable number of voices, worthy to be preſented (be they more or leſſe) rejecting none, who ſhall be ſo brought in. And if two are to be choſen, let foure of them, and if one, let two, which have the moſt voices, make triall by Lot, to whether of them God will be pleaſed to diſpoſe the place, or places, to be ſupplied: ſo, both God and man, concurring in their Elections, much corruption thereby will be prevented: and, where mans judgment faileth to make a right Election, Gods providence (if he hath any pleaſure in us) will correct your errours; and if he hath decreed our deſtruction, what will it the more, or leſſe, profit us, that we chuſe our own Deſtroyers, by that meanes?
This determination of Election by Lots, though it may now ſeem new, was warrantably practiſed by the lews, in the election of their firſt King, as appeares, 1 Sam. 10.20. For, the Tribe of Benjamin was choſen, and Saul, out of that Tribe, by Lot, before the Kingdom was eſtabliſhed upon him. The like courſe was taken, to ſupply the room of Judas, the apoſtate Apoſtle (eve… in thoſe Primitive times, wherein the Gift of diſcerning Spirits, was conferred, in greateſt meaſure:) and after the Congregation of Believers had choſen out from among the Diſciples thoſe two, whom (according to out ward appearance) they judged fitteſt for the Apoſtleſhip, Matthias was elected by lot, out of thoſe two; perhaps, to be a patterne to ſucceeding times, in wha… manner they might beſt make choice of Officers, for prevention of a parti… election. And doubtleſſe, this way, of electing by lot, was, in after-ages, purpoſely diſallowed, omitted, and changed, as ſuperſtitious, by the fraud and corruption, of thoſe Prieſts and Prelates, who perceived, that, if ſuch practice ſhould be approved and perſiſted in, as warrantable; it would ne… ther be eaſie, nor poſſible for them, to keepe the diſpoſure of Dignities, an… Preferments, in their own power, for the advantage of themſelves, and thei… Favourites; by which they had wanted the chief pillar in their Antichriſtia… ſtructure. This, other Politicians obſerving, the Civill Magiſtate, in moſ… States, learned their ſubtilty, and have followed, ever ſince, their example in vilifying or neglecting lots; and in electing of temporall Officers, according to ſuch means, or Votes, as may bring in whom they pleaſe, and effect that which will be moſt advantagious to their particular ends. Which no… profitable policie being diſcovered, if now elections by lot, were againe revived, and practiſed in the choice both of Eccleſiaſticall, and Temporall Officers, it might be a meanes to reſtore honeſty and piety to their primitive being, in Church and Common-wealth; where Officers have hither to been arbitrarily choſen, by their corrupt Superiours, and Patrons, for private ends
Take this Overture into your conſideration, as you ſee cauſe (for, I predit no further) and therewithall, if you like the motion, take heed that your boſe not lots, to determine what is already determined, or determinable by the Word of God, by poſitive humane Lawes, or by common reaſon; and, beware alſo that ye make not God an Vmpire in triviall and indifferers things, which are at your own free choice: for, that were a ſinfull temptation of God, and a profanation of that Ordinance, which, being conſiderably and rightly uſed, may be a means of much good, and of preventing much evill. For, if the Kings Majeſty, Supreme Magiſtrates, Officers of State, Patrons of Church-Livings, and other who claime the diſpoſure of the profits and executions of all places in Church and Common-wealth, could poſſibly be perſwaded to reſigne to the Church, and to their Countrey reſpectively (and unto whom by moſt ancient right they appertaine) a free election or nomination of Officers to all publike places; referring all ſuch particular elections to thoſe unto whom, by calling, they moſt properly belong; doubtles honeſt and experienced men would be ſtill preferred. Yea, ſhould we refer to the Votes of both Houſes of Parliament (when they ſit) or to the Votes of the Privy Counſell, they not ſitting, the nomination of all Officers of State, whoſe places are void? To the Sergeants at Law, the voting of Judges, Chiefe-Juſtices, and ſuch like Officers: To the Benchers of the Innes of Court, the voting of Sergeants: To Clerkes of the Chancerie, and of other Courts, the voting of their chiefe Officers: To Freeholders and Burgers, the voting of Knights and Burgeſſes, according to their lawfull cuſtomes: To the Vniverſities, being firſt purged, the voting of ſending forth able Perſons for the Miniſterie, when Church-livings are void: To the Miniſters within a certain limit, wherein Livings of greateſt value are vacant, the vo…ing of removing thither ſuch perſons from inferiour Cures, who are moſt eminently deſerving in the Church: And ſo proceed in all other nominations or elections conſiderat is conſiderandis; and then let the finall determination of the ſaid elections and nominations be concluded, as it ſhall pleaſe Gods providence to diſpoſe of them by Lot; It ſeemes very probable that, by this means the Reformation we deſire would be much facilitated, yea halfe effected; and that moſt of the corruptions now complained of both in the Church and Commonwealth, would be beaten down at one blow. For, if this courſe might be taken, there would be no admiſſion of ignorant and Symoniacall Pastors; there would not be ſo eaſie an entrance for bribing-Magiſtrates, or other corrupt Officers; Men would neither ſo glory or truſt in Riches, as they do; becauſe their traſh would be able to purchaſe nothing but things of it own value: Honeſty, Knowledge, Piety, and other Virtues, would be more accounted of, more ſtudied, and more practiſed; as moſt conducible to our well-being here, and to our happineſſe hereafter: and men viciouſly inclined, or unprofitably ſpending their times, would by degrees become more conſcionable, or more aſhamed of their courſes.
Perhaps good and diſcrect men may, at firſt hearing, ſtumble at this: but, ſure I am, incurable Fooles, and incorrigible Knaves, will be mad at the motion, and never condeſcend therunto. For, if they ſhould put their preferments to God and their Country, they would have little hope of advancement: And therefore I neither expect their Vote in this Matter, nor their approbation of this Letter, for being an Inſtrument to offer unto conſideration: Propoſition ſo miſchievous to their conſtitution. Howſoever, the Overturn is now made, and tendred in publike; Valent ut valere poteſt. Perhaps it comes forth in a good ſeaſon: if not, God hath another time for it, whereto I referre it, and the effects thereof to his good pleaſure.
I will now conclude theſe my Letters of Adviſe, with that which muſt be the beginning of your Elections; even with a heart lifted up in prayer to God the Father, for a bleſſing on your endeavours; and, with an earneſt deſire, that you may make choice of ſuch men, as may be fitly qualified with naturall abilities, for the well diſcharging of that truſt which you repoſe in them; and, by the grace of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, and the ſanctification of his holy Spirit, be ſo furniſhed, and ſo ſeparated, for the work which they ſhall be called unto; that they may be a means of bringing peace againe into our Borders, even that Peace which paſſeth all underſtanding; and which ſhall prevaile, to the eſtabliſhing of Truth, and to the introduction of that Kingdome, for which we patiently attend. Amen.
The Poſtſcript.
AS I was about to make up theſe LETTERS, I remembred (by what I have obſerved, and by ſuch complaints as I have heard) how poſſible it is, through the great hypocriſie now raigning, that, when your beſt indeavours have been uſed in theſe Elections, many Members may nevertheleſſe be choſen, whoſe performances of their duties will be wilfully unanſwerable to your juſt expectations; (eſpecially when by a long Seſſion, or Parliament, the worſt affected ſhall finde meanes how they may ſe urely know and ſerve each other, by ſecret compliances, for their private advantages, to the publike dammage; or by conceiving themſelves ſo inveſted with an irrevocable Truſt, that they are above controule?) And, when I called, like wiſe, to mande, how many (ſince this Parliament began) ſeeming excellent Patriots at the firſt, have after turned Faces about, for want or right affections, and good Principles, to the great griefe and amazement of their honeſt Friends; And how many accounted wiſe, upright, ſtout and religious (yea, and ſome after they had been deeply ingaged, both by acting, and ſuffering for the beſt Cauſe) have afterward, through ſottiſh folly, feare, deluſion, or diſhoneſtie, …aggered, and fallen totally from their firſt and juſt Reſolutions; I thought … ſitting upon theſe: conſiderations, to add, by way of Poſtſcript, a line or waine touching your duties after choice made, for the better prevention of …hat generall deſtruction of our Liberties, which is threatned, by the ſpreading …f that peſtilent Gangrieve. And my Adviſe to ſuch purpoſe is briefly this.
When you have elected ſuch as you conceive well qualified for the publike …ervice, you muſt aſwell endeavour to keep them, as to chuſe them ſuch, by …aving alwaies a watchfull-eye over their demeanours, both in their private, …nd publike duties, and actions, ſo far forth as in civilitie, and without inju…ie, they can be pried into. To that end, you muſt obſerve their Aſſociates, with whom they moſt converſe; you muſt obſerve to whom they are moſt …inde; of whoſe affaires they are moſt zealous; in whoſe defence they often…ſt and moſt readily appeare, to whom they have heareſt Relations, of ſtrictſt obligements: you muſt obſerve likewiſe, what Fame reports of their affection or diſaffection, to thoſe Courſes or Propoſitions which concerne the Commonalty; leaſt you looſe a Truſtee before you be aware. Moreover, you …uſt take notice of their diligence, prudence, faithfulneſſe, or ſtoutneſſe in …our Service, to cheriſh it by due thankfulneſſe and acknowledgements; and …f their apparent negligence or failings; that if they be not unpardonably de…tructive, they might be awakned and lovingly admoniſhed, as there ſhall …ecauſe, by diſcreet and reſpective expreſſes from the Body of your Coun…ies or Corporations; by whom they were choſen: remembring them lovingly (if they forget it) that though they are above you, being joyned to our whole Repreſentative-Bodie; yet (being conſidered apart in their ſingle capacities) they are ſervants and inferiours to their reſpective Counties and Burroughs; …nd that, by them, they may be called to account, for every omiſſion or commiſſion worthie queſtioning; either before the preſent Parliament whereof they are Members, or before the next that ſhall be ſummoned: And doubt…eſſe, that High-Court will commend and thanke you for ſo doing.
This is your priviledge by the ſupreme Law, called Salus Populi, which …s the moſt ancient, and moſt undeniable Charter, yea the ſumme of all the Charters in the world, tending to the preſervation of humane Society: and whoſoever goes about to take from you the benefit of this Law, is not onelyonly … Traitor in the higheſt degree; but (againſt him ſo endeavouring) doth make …lſo every thing, without exception, to be lawfull, which is neceſſarie to the eſtabliſhment and preſervation thereof. By this Law the Parliament humbly requires of the King, that which pertains to it owne and our ſafety, … the preſervation of thoſe Priviledges which are eſſentiall thereto; and, b… the ſame Law you may freely petition for, and boldly claime from all Parliaments, whatſoever is neceſſary for the generall ſafety; and from this Parliament in particular, without feare of deniall: For, I can witneſſe their incouragement hereunto, by their cheerfully accepting of, and by their open return of thanks for Petitions in that kind.
Now therefore, to crown your Elections, and to ſecure your own ſafety if there be any of your Knights or Burgeſſes whom you know, or probabl… ſuſpect to be unfaithfull in their Truſt, by holding intelligence with your … nemies; by doing his duty negligently, or not at all; by complying or pl… ting with Malignants (as in the conſpiracies and apoſtacies of Waller, H… tham, and ſuch like) by protecting, countenancing, or concealing dangerou… Delinquents; by cunningly obſtructing the courſe of Juſtice, or Propoſi… ons tending to the common welfare, or advance of Piety, and good manne… by diſtracting or dividing the Miniſters or Agents of Parliament in their ex… cution of their Ordinances; by diſcountenancing, oppoſing, or diſplacing thoſe from imployment in the publike ſervice, who have given eminen… proofs of their uprightneſſe, fidelity, and good affection to their Countrey If, I ſay, any whom you have choſen, ſhall have by theſe, or by any ſuch li… courſes, juſtly cauſed jealouſies to ariſe; let (according to equity, and you… late Covenant) information be ſpeedily exhibited againſt them, with ſuch proofs and probabilities as you have thereof: that ſuch may be purged, or removed, and others (if need be) elected in their ſteads; for the abating … your feares, and for the prevention of your detriments; either of which … conſiderable motives.
By this Courſe you ſhall make thoſe perhaps, who will grow over-bo… with your Truſt, to act more honeſtly for feare, if not for Conſcience: An… every faithfull Knight and Burgeſſe in the Houſe will be both advantage… and well pleaſed to have this band applied to keep their looſe companion… cloſer to their dutie; yea they will think themſelves the ſafer in their work when they perceive your eyes are open to watch for them, and to take care that they be not undermined and betrayed by thoſe whom you have ſent … among them. If the reſt be offended, you need not care; and for my part … do not; though I know they will be vext at my Advice, and do me what ſecret miſchiefe they can.
If you neglect this courſe, & this care over-long; the Malignant Partie wi… perhaps, be as prevalent in the Houſes of Parliament, as they have been in the Kingdome: and, either peremptorily caſt forth your juſt Suits and Com…aints, or els make them miſcarrie, or be quite ſtifted, by Committees neg…cting them; or els prepared and miſ-informed, to make them tedious, if not miſchievous, to the Petioners. Such things have been poſſible heretofore, and ſee no ſuch amendment among us, but that ſuch things may be as poſſible …ereafter. Therefore, practice according to this Counſell, and do it quickly, …efore it be too late; and yet better too late then never: For, if we muſt periſh, is more noble and more manlike, to ſink diſcharging our duties with cou…ge; then to ſhrink from them, and fall ſneakingly, with fear.
Much more I have to ſay: but, Sin and Pride
Yet, cannot well, the voice of Truth abide.
So wicked, or ſo good, we are not growne,
To heare that ſaid, which muſt, ere long, be knowne;
Nor will ſelfe-love take warning, care or heed,
(By what is part) to help what may ſucceed.
Nor will I further urge it, till I ſee,
My labours will to better purpoſe be.
Malignant Falſhood, and Detraction, too,
Have parts to play, and ſome black works to do
Which muſt be done, and undone, …
With profit, publiſh that which muſt befall:
And, then (though nev'r ſo wiſe our Charmings are)
The Scorners, and Deafe-Adders will not heare;
But ſcoffe, and perſecute me, till their ſpite.
Have ſcowr'd off all my ruſt, and made me white.
Gods violls powred-forth; yet, makes not them
So ready to repent, as to blaſpheme.
His Hammer doth not ſoften, but obdure:
The Bile muſt break, before the Cere-cloth cure:
For, while the Plague-ſore ſwells, the Patient growes
So mad, he takes his friends to be his foes:
And will not be adviſed, till he leaves
His ravings, and Gods-marks on him, perceives.
But, when my houre is come, will be bold
To ſpeak, what I am prompted to unfold.
For, therefore was I borne; yea therefore, yet
I live, to tell men that which they forget.
And, though but few regard what now I ſay,
Some do; and moſt men will, another day.
Your true-ſpeaking, and faithfull Servant, and REMEMBRANCER, Geo. VVither.
Printed by R. A. 1644.
End of the text · George Wither, Letters of Advice (1644)