The Speech Without Door, Speech
THE SPEECH without Doore.
Delivered July 9. 1644. in the abſence of the SPEAKER, and in the hearing of above 0000003. perſons, then preſent; who unanimouſly conſented to all Propoſitions therein contained, and voted the ſame fit to be further divulged, as very pertinent to the publike welfare.
M. Speaker,
I Am neither priviledged not worthy to expreſſe my thoughts within the walls of your Houſe; and therefore I preſent them at the doore, where I have (by being concerned in the generall free-hold) a liberty to ſpeak reaſon, and am by Oath and Covenant alſo obliged (as I conceive) to take the lawfull advantage of all times, places and opportunities, wherein I may be ſerviceable to the publike honour and ſafety now indangered. Toward the performance of this duty, I offer, according to my Talent: not as one preſuming to adviſe my betters; but as humbly propoſing what the multitude of weighty aſſures hath kept, perhaps from being ſo remembred, as the preſent neceſſity may require, and with heart, acknowledgements of the Parliaments prudence and unwearied conſtancy in the common Cauſe.
I ſerved the Re-publique in a Militatie capacity, ſo long as I had wherewithall to ſerve it in that kind, and kept my Horſes till they had twice eaten out their heads, ill hope to be ſome way re-inabled for the like imployment. But ſeeing my ſelf neglected or forgotten, I nevertheleſſe forgot not my duty and reſpects to the common ſafety: and therefore endeavoured by my contemplations, to ſupply my want of action; which may perhaps give hints of conſiderations and reſolutions not altogether unworthy of regard.
foreign:
A foo… ſpeaks opportunely many times.
It is confeſſed, that the juſtneſſe of our common Cauſe at this time, and eſpecially the glory of God, and the liberties of the Goſpel, ought to be our chief object and aime. Yet, ſeeing all they whoſe hands may be made uſefull, are not arrived at their perfections, who ſeek firſt the Kingdome of God: In regard alſo, that they who are to be allured by outward inducements, to contribute their externall aſſiſtance towards the good worke in hand, are neither ſo impertinent a property, nor ſo inconſiderable a partie, as that their complyance or incouragement ſhould be quite neglected. And whereas, likewiſe, the arm of fleſh, (though not to be confided in) is by all reaſonable indeavours, to be ſtrengthned for the performance of thoſe duties which appertaine to the outward man: I thought it materiall to commend to you a few Propoſitions, ſeeming to good purpoſe: And my hope is, that they ſhall be ſo heeded, and ſo made uſe of, as they deſerve.
It extremely concerns us, that competent power be forthwith raiſed, and all other poſſible good meanes uſed to ſet a ſpeedy period to this unnaturall war; before the ſtrength, the proviſions and ſtaple-commodities of theſe Kingdomes be ſo waſted, and the ſpirits of the well-affected ſo depreſſed, that we be thereby made a prey to forraigne powers; or to the neceſſities and inſolencies of our own people: which may ſoon happen, if the ſucceſſes of warre, (whereof no man is certaine) ſhould faile our preſent expectation, and once more bring back upon us, a prevailing enemy.
For the advancement of the preſent deſigne, it is were pertinent that there ſhould be a ſtrict execution of true Martiall Diſcipline, and a right diſtribution of puniſhment, and reward, with a conſtant adhering to the plaine principles of religion and honeſty, without any doublings (by all Committees and Officers, deriving authority from the Parliament) according to the intentions, and ſincerity of both Houſes. Theſe things have been hitherto over-much neglected, by their ſecret and cunning practiſes, who are miſchievouſly againſt us, while they ſeem to be with us▪ And I wiſh, many be not more angry that the fault is diſcovered, then willing to amend it; and more forward in the evill diſtribution of theſe (or more active in practiſing the violence and oppreſſions of Warre) and in advancing corrupt policies, then in diſcharging the duties required.
But, hoping better, I will proceed: Firſt making a double Quaere or Propoſition, to be a foundation of what I intend, and then building on it that neceſſary ſuperſtructure, which it is likely to beare. That twofold queſtion ſhall be, whether the Goods, Honours, Offices, and Eſtates, of notorious Delinquents, and others, who are to this day obſtinate oppoſers of the Parliament, (by actuall Arms or otherwiſe) ought not in equity, to be confiſcated, ſeized, and ſold by our party, toward the raiſing of ſupplies for diſabling our enemies, and for the eaſe and incouragement of our friends: And then, whether we ſhould not reſolve, without wavering, on this, and on all other lawfull courſes, which are availeable for the preſent neceſſity, and for the eſtabliſhing of the future ſafety, peace, and welfare of this whole Kingdome now in danger. If it ſhould be negatively concluded on, (our eſtates being firſt confiſcated, ſeized, and diſpoſed of to the uſe of our adverſaries, by whom our lives, liberties, Religion, and many other things conſiderable, are now indangered) we are enemies to our owne innocence and ſafety; and ſhall fall into many unreaſonable abſurdities and perills: but if this Quaere be affirmatively reſolved on, as it ought to be, I thereupon make theſe following Propoſitions.
1 Firſt, that the Offices, goods, and eſtates of all, who are, or ſhalbe ſuch Delinquents, as are afore-mentioned, may, by Ordinance of Parliament, be immediately, and without partiality, confiſcated, and ſold; or ſo diſpoſed of that thereby money may be raiſed, the well-deſervers incouraged, and thoſe terrified from aſſiſting the publike enemy, who are not yet voluntarily ingaged in their conſpiracies; and that this may be executed with ſuch juſt ſeverity, and with ſuch more full reſpect, as the qualities and offences of the ſeverall perſons may apparently require.
This Propoſition is neceſſary, for that the Common-wealth is brought into great ſtraits, wants, and perills, by the treaſons, and oppreſſions of the ſaid enemie. (It is reaſonable, becauſe the Owners of thoſe Offices, goods, and eſtates, have by the… count…nced; of fomented this curſed warre, and been the …uſer… both of) thoſe great neceſſities and miſchiefs which now oppreſſe us. It is juſt, in regard the Traytors who ſeduce the King, did firſt procure him to confiſcate, and diſpoſe of the eſtates of his moſt loyall Subjects, to be the rewards of the oppreſſions, and treaſons, of his Se…cers. It is convenient, in reſpect it will be a ſure meanes of diſabling and diſ…ing out adverſaries, and an incouragement and ſtrengthening to our friends. It is ſafe, becauſe it will put us off from the falſe hopes of reconciliation with an implacable enemie: which falſe hopes both hinder our peace for the preſent, and will indanger it hereafter: yea perhaps utterly deſtroy as, if God prevent no…. For, ſo exaſperated are our adverſaries, already, and ſo true to principles directly repugnant to all hear…y concord with us, that we can doe nothing to make them more miſchie ſo… unto in, then they already reſolve to be upon all advantages, how kindly ſoever we ſhall uſe them; and whatſoever Treaties, or ſhowes of reconciliation they ſhall pleaſe to make. And, therfore, that courſe only will be ſafeſt for us, which may leave their ſecret friends, and agents, among us, nothing to work on, for the accompliſhment of their ends; and make us moſt confident, that we are to expect nothing but miſchiefe at their hands.
2. My ſecond Propoſition is, that Commanders and Souldiers who have conſiderable ſummes of Money owing unto them, may take up their Arreares, and aſmuch of their future pay, as they can ſpare, in the purchaſes of ſuch confiſcated eſtates, valuing the ſame at or about eight yeares purchaſe, according to the rack-rent iſſuing cleerly out of them before theſe troubles, with ſome addition or abatement, according to the preſent benefit or diſprofit; and with reſpect to improvements by Woods or otherwiſe: and with a Proviſo, that whereſoever preſent profit is made, contribution to the warre be alwaies paid out of the ſame, according to the benefit; And that every Commander, Officer, and Souldier, may have alſo proportionably, according to their ſeverall merits, ſome allowance out of the ſaid confiſcated Lands, Goods, Offices and Eſtates, over and above their pay, when the warre is done.
By this Propoſition; the Souldier will not onelyonly be ingaged to fight the more couragiouſly for the preſervation of what he hath purchaſed, but it will make him alſo haſten the ſpeedy finiſhing of the warre, that he may injoy his atchievements in Peace; whereas, having their pay meerly in Money, (which moſt of them ſpend as faſt as they receive it) ſome of them will indeavour to prolong the warre, for the longer continance of their maintenance. For, many, no doubt, (accurſed be they) dealt with the Common-wealth as wicked Chyrurgeons do with wealthy Patients, under their cure. Others there are, who by ſuch purchaſes may be kept more conſtant and more true to the ſervice, becauſe they cannot ſuddenly, or ſo eaſily convey themſelves out of the Kingdome with their Lands as they can with Money, which perhaps ſome will indeavour … burthen upon others, when there is moſt need of help. Beſides, the hope of gaining and leaving inheritances to their children purchaſed by ſpending or hazarding their lives and fortunes, for the preſervation of Religion, Lawes, Liberties, and the true Kingſhip of our Sovereigne (being … more honourable purchaſes, then thoſe that were gotten, or deſ…ded from thoſe conqueſts, which were heretofore made by the ſpoile of Countreys invaded meerly out of ambition or covetuouſneſſe) it wil doubtleſſe incourage rage the living poſſeſſours, to brave reſolutions for the preſent, and be a means to make their poſterity, hereafter; both mindfull and zealous of the vertuous actions of their Predeceſſors.
3. My third Propoſition is, that all they who have been Delinquents, is aforeſaid, before this preſent day; and ſhall ſo be, and continue hereafter, or ſhall contribute to the Enemy, (not being in durance) or (being no Inhabitant within the ſame,) ſhall continue in the enemies Quarters above a fortnight after a day named, (not being reſtrained perforce) may not only looſe all their Goods, Lands, and Offices, as is aforeſaid, but be degraded alſo of their titles of honour, and diſabled to beate Armes, or be reputed Gentlemen.
By this Propoſition, Proviſion wilbe made to terrifie and reſtraine from treacherous, and rebellious practices and combinations, many of the Gentry and Nobility, who have not yet actually manifeſted their Malignancie. And indeed, there is no injuſtice, nor unreaſonableneſſe, in theſe Propoſitions: For, what injuſtice can there be in taking away any part of their private eſtates, who imployed them for the publike Deſtruction? What unmercifullneſſe in makeing them poore, who have cruelly inpoveriſhed, and in humanely indeavoured to make deſolate, three Kingdomes? What unreaſonableneſſe can there be in making them Peaſants (a degree, to which honeſt men are borne, and too good for theſe) ſome of them being made lords and Knights for attempting to enſlave Free-men? And the reſt having abuſed their honours dignities, and gentility, to bring whole Nations into Villenage? Believe …t, it wilbe an Injurie to our faithfull Nobility to be made P…ers wich ſuch, and b…ing Titles of Honour into contempt. They are well … the way to it already, and I dare ſay, No one thing hath ſo depraved and debanched our Nation, as the uſurping and miſplacing Gentility and Nobility. And we ſhall never ſee happy daies againe till our dignities be … worthily beſtowed, and till our Lords, and Cen…en ſtand … upon their …tigs then their honours; more upon … Publike, then … the… private privllidg….
4 My fourth Propoſition, therefore, is, that the Titles, and Dignities of Delinquents, ſo forfeited as aforeſaid, may he conferred on thoſe who … their Honours, Eſtates, and Perſons, for the Parliament, a…ing to the …nence of their …. That, the Nobilitie, alſo, who have continued ſerviceable, and ſi…ne, in this time of triall, may be digniied, in the firſt place…, with ſome …d…ition to their honours. And that every Officer, and common Souldier, who hath ſerved in this War. for the Parliament, without compulſion, and without taint of plundering, or other notorious Miſdemeanours, may have (according to his degree, and merit) conferred upon him, ſome gift, priviledge, emblematicall Medail; or badge of honour, to be enjoyed, kept, or worne by him, when this War is done; to be a memoriall of his faithfulneſſe to poſterity, in the defence of his Religion, and Country.
This Propoſition being condeſcended unto, will have many excellent effects, much diſhartening the common Adverſarie and incourageing both the preſent, and future generations, to conſtancie in well doing, and provokeing to imitation, and emulation of the like virtues. This Propoſition of Honours will make a more generous Souldierie, then meere pay, by raiſing youthfull Spirits above the vulgar, and ſervile aymes, of Mercenaryes; and ſtir up many to endeavour extraordinarie performances. By this courſe, the Romanes, and the moſt eminent States, and Nations of the World, firſt became victorious, honourable, and famous: And I am perſwaded, that if this and the other Propoſitions may be cordially put in execution, it will infuſe ſuch ſpirits; and make ſuch a change in our Souldiers, that they will quickly trample downe all the pollicies and powers of the enemy.
5 My fifth Propoſition is, that all the Tenants to them whoſe eſtates are ſequeſtred, may after ſequeſtration become Tenants to the Parliament, or to their Aſſignes, even for that part which ſhall be aſſigned to the Delinquents, upon their ſubmiſſion; or to their Wives, for their Maintenance, as well as for the reſt, reſerved. And that if, it be proved thir wives do hold intelligence with their husbands to the da…age of the State, during their abode in the enemies quarters, or contribute any of their Allowance unto them, while they are in hoſtility there, they ſhall quite forfeit the ſaid Allowance.
By being conſtant in proceeding according to this Propoſition, The Tenants of ſequeſtred Lands, having their ſole-dependency upon the Parliament, and thoſe to whom the ſaid eſtates are diſpoſed, willbe thereby kept the more true and conſtant thereunto; whereas … they wilbe fearfully wavering, and eaſily ſeduced by their old Landlords, ſome of whom doe, perhaps, but diſſemble their conformity, in expectation of advantages; By this meanes alſo, the enemie will want a great part of his Intelligence, and ſecret maintenance, which may the more eaſily be ſupplied, and conveyed unto them, while there be relations betwixt them and their Tenants.
6 My ſixt Prepoſition is, that all they who have indangered the publike, by deſerting the Parliament, on by being Neuters, or by not contributing timely and according to their abilities, or by malignant expreſſions to the diſcouraging, or corrupting of others (as well as they who have offened in higher degrees) may be made uncapable of bearing any eminent office, or of executing any place of Judicatrue, or truſt, in the Common-wealth.
By condeſcending to this Propoſition, the hands of the common people will be more ſtrong with the Parliament; becauſe it will make them leſſe fearfull to diſcharge their duties thereunto; when they perceive thoſe, hopeleſſe of regaining Authority, who now ſecretly malice them for their fidelity, and might perhaps remember it hereafter, to their harme, when they returned to place of power. By this means alſo, our juſt Parliamentarie Priviledges will be the better ſecured, and the power of malignancie the more ſuppreſſed, both for the preſent time, and hereafter; whereas els, corruptions, and tyrannies (though a while depreſt) will quickly ſult up againe, to the renewing of our miſeries, if the diſſembling Conformiſt ever get ſtrength.
7 The ſeventh Propoſition is, that all the Iriſh, bearing armes againſt the Parliament, may be exempted from having quarter allowed unto them, whereſoever they are found, among thoſe other, to whom Quarter is …ouchſafed: and that all convicted Papiſts who will not conform to the Diſcipline and Doctrine eſtabliſhed in the Church of England (as it ſtands in oppoſition to Popery) may be compelled, within a certain time limited, to abjure the Realme.
By aſſenting to the firſt part of this Propoſition, the barbarous Iriſh will be deterred from coming over, ſo frequently and in ſuch numbers, to ſhed innocent bloud; and by the ſecond part, they who will els be thorns in our eyes, and pricks in our ſides for ever, ſhall be ſoone removed: and the Jeſuiticall Faction, ſhall be deprived of means and opportunities to keep up the perpetuall motion of that deſigne which they have contrived for the upholding of Antichriſt in theſe Kingdoms.
8 The eighth Propoſition is, that there may be more expedition in the diſpatch of publike and weighty affaires, by preferring them before all private buſineſſe whatſoever; and that private Suits may be diſpatched according to that order in which they are preferred without any reſpect of perſons (except where ſome apparent deſert, or great neceſſity ſhall ſo require) eſpecially when they are neerly concerned, who have faithfully indeavoured, and extraordinarily ſuffred for the Parliament: and that ſuch compaſſion alſo may be vouchſafed to them, and ſuch proviſion of recompence and ſupply be ſeaſonably provided for them, as wil be proportionable both to their private condition, and the publike abilitie.
By the firſt branch of this Propoſition, the loſſe of much pretious time and of many opportunities, whereby the publique is diſadvantaged, may be partly p…evented. By the ſecond, private men (who are often more damaged by long attendance, then by that whereof they complain, and otherwhile quite undone by it) ſhall receive much benefit and contentment thereby, howſoever they ſpeed: And by that which is propounded in the laſt branch, the well-affected ſhall be more comforted and incouraged then heretofore; God ſhall be the more mercifull unto this Land, and the plague now afflicting us, ſhall be the more ſpeedily removed.
9 The ninth motion is, that notorious Delinquents, eſpecially incendiaries and ſeducers of the King, may be proceeded againſt both ſpeedily and impartially.
By this means, all thoſe will be diſabled, or els removed out of the way, whoſe lives, counſells, and practiſes, are yet ſerviceable to the enemie, miſchievous to the publique ſafety, and diſpleaſing to God.
10 My tenth Propoſition is, that whereſoever the goods or eſtates of Delinquents are ſequeſtred and apprized, onelyonly curioſities, and ſuperfluous houſhold ſtuffe, may be immediatly ſold; and that their houſes, ſhops, wares, farmes, ſtocks, and all neceſſary appurtenances, may be for a ſhort time ſtaid, and offred to well-affected perſons, who are driven out of their trades and imployment by the enemy, either for ready money, or upon good ſecuritie, to pay the ſame within a little time.
By this meanes, many ſhops and farmes, which now ſtand void, to the impoveriſhing of the Common-wealth; and many perſons of credit now deſtitute of a calling, would ſoon be re-imployed, to the maintenance of husbandry and trading; to the ſupport of decaying families, and to the increaſe of Exciſe, and other contributions.
11 My eleventh Propoſition is, that ſome proviſion may be made, that thoſe Merchants and others, may be ſome reaſonable compoſition, be encouraged to returne to their houſes and trades, who have either departed out of this Kingdome with their eſtates; or els obſcured themſelves within the ſame, through feare of what might be the event of the preſent troubles and diſtractions (without entring into any hoſtility, or partaking by contribution or counſell, with the one ſide or other) and are now deſirous to returne and joine with the Parliament, ſo they may have aſſurance that their former failings ſhall not be reputed malignancie, or objected to their utter undoing.
By this meanes, many will be allured to returne, and diſcover themſelves and their eſtates, to the ſtrengthening of the well-affected partie, and to the advance of trading; who will els, continue where they are, either to the inriching of other Countreys, with their wealth; and induſtries: or, els, conceale themſelves neare home, both to the publike loſſe, and their own private ruine.
12 My twelfth Propoſition is, that when God begins to give us hope of prevailing, we be neither negligent in taking, or proſecuting all good opportunities given; nor ſevere, without mercy; nor, Ahab-like, fooled with a compaſſion, offenſive to God, and deſtructive to our ſelves: but, that (though we ſomwhat over-ſtraine our ſelves) we put forth our ſtrength, and indeavours, all at once (and in every place together) to make good the advantage, which God hath put, or ſhall put into our hands; both uſing ſeverity, and ſhewing mercy, in their juſt meaſure, and at their due times.
By taking this courſe, our Brethren, in the Enemies Quarters, whoſe hearts are with us, ſhall lend us their hands alſo, without feare; and helpe to deliver us, and themſelves, before they and we are quite conſumed: whereas, els, we ſhall but reprieve our ſelves, and our neighbours, from impriſonment to day, that we, and they, may be tormented to death, to morrow: and by acting imprudently, or by doing the work of God negligently, loſe our owne lives, and the lives of the people, whom God would have ſpared; becauſe, through want of heed, and diligence, we let thoſe eſcape, whom divine juſtice had appointed to deſtruction.
13 My thirteenth Propoſition is that a more ſincere regard be generally had to the perſonall honour; and ſafetie of our Soveraigne Lord the King: and that ſuch a ſtrict courſe may be taken for the preſervation thereof, as may be agreeable to our Allegance, and Chriſtian Profeſſion, notwithſtanding all our unhappy diviſions. Both Houſes of Parliament, in all their Expreſſions, Remonſtrances, Declarations, and Proceedings, (the circumſtances, and unavoidable neceſſities of our unhappie controverſies, duly conſidered) have had, in my underſtanding, a pious, and loyall reſpect hereunto, whatſoever hath been judged of them; and, for that cauſe, have ſpared the mention of many things, famed; whereby their own innocency might be illuſtrated; & have diſcovered nothing reflecting upon this Honour, but what could neither be hidden, nor left unmentioned, without betraying the generall ſafety. But, ſome others have ſo petulantly, impertinently, and irreverently mentioned his failings, that, if they are guitleſſe of diſloyall intentions, ſure I am, they have not conſidered, that, becauſe of our Sinnes, the King (as David was, notwithſtanding Ioabs good counſell) might be left, by God, for a while, to be ſwayed by his own wilfulneſſe, for our juſt puniſhment: or, that (being forteably raviſhed, by powers, and policies, too ſtrong for him to reſiſt) he may, for ought we know, be yet, as excuſable, as the woman deflowred in the fields, where none was preſent to deliver her from the raviſher. Howſoever, he is our Father, and his ſhame is our; let us, therefore, cover it, as much as we may; that when he awakes, he may bleſſe us. For, when the cup of his inchancers, and the wicked which are about his Throne, ſhall be taken away; his repentance may, perhaps, make him more beloved, and more glorious, then if he had never erred. It appeares by his late Letters, in which he boaſted of victory, when indeed his own Forces had the greateſt overthrow that ever they received, that he is blinded by miſ-informations, & continues yet, our enemie, becauſe he is kept both from the knowledg of his own friends, and of his own danger: and, we hope, that when his eyes are opened a bleſſed reconciliation will ſoon follow.
By this Propoſition, we ſhall prevent their treaſonous deſignes, who, under colour of proſecuting the publike enemie, in this great and generall diſtraction, have a ſecret hope to deſtroy both the King, and his Kingdomes. By this, we ſhall eſcape that perpetuating of civill blood-ſhod, which els may be occaſioned, by the ſuggeſtions, and inſinuations, of thoſe, who are addicted to diſloyall intentions; and, peradventure, there is more danger of this miſchief, then ſome imagine. If we ſhall eſſentially diſcharge our Allegiance, God will open the eyes, and turn the heart of the King, to the eſtabliſhing of this Kingdome upon him, and his poſteritie, with our peace; or tranſlate the Government (if he continue wilfull) without our guilt: but if he perſiſt to walk obſtinately in the counſells of the ungodly, and we alſo be found unfaithfull in our dutie; both we, and our King, ſhall pe…iſh.
14 My laſt Propoſition is, That we may all privately endeavour, that Gods publike judgments may have better effects upon us, then I can yet perceive they have had; and that there may be an outward Body of divine worſhip ſpeedily eſtabliſhed among us, before the ſoul of Religion be quite loſt, or departed out of our coaſts.
By this, we ſhall eſcape many curſes, and obtaine many bleſſings, which I need not now mention.
Some other particulars I have though upon, ſeeming, in my judgement, very conſiderable; but I will not inſiſt on them, leſt by propoſing over much, all be quite neglected. Neither do I make render of theſe Propoſitions, as abſolutely neceſſary to be executed in everie circumſtance according as they are here propounded: But to be rather (as I formerly intimated) hints of ſom what to be ſpeedilie conſidered on, and acted to theſe purpoſes, by that wiſdome and authority, which beſt knowes how to regulate and make uſe of ſuch Memorandums, for the publike advantage.
For, they ſeem to me very materiall, not only thoſe which concerne God and the King, but even thoſe alſo which conduce to the ſtrengthning & animating of our fellow-helpers; Becauſe as the pul…ike work is yet carried on (and for which neither of the Houſes of our honourable Parliament can be blamed) our enemies have had far greater incouragements, & are divers waies (fo… ten porall reſpects) in a more ſecure condition then any of … for, their Lands are ſequeſtred but in part, & for a time onelyonly, whereas ours are wholly confiſcated forever… they doe but hazzard their lives in the preſent Warre, while we are not onelyonly as much indangered as they by the ſame plague, while it continues, but threatned alſo with the Gallowes hereafter, if we live to ſee our enemies prevaile. Should our Cauſe proſper, they perceive the Parliament is mercifull and have hope, by their favourers continuing among us, to improve that hope… yea, and they make it an argument to encourage each other in taking up Arms againſt us: but if their deſignes take ſucceſſes anſwerable to their deſires, we are ſure to periſh; ſure of extirpation; Becauſe we have open adverſaries there, and concealed enemies here, who will undoubtedly heape upon us all informations and aggravations, which may totally deſtroy us. Th… impriſonments are frequently in faire houſes, in ſweet lodgings, and among their friendly viſitants, where moſt of them have all their neceſſities fully ſupplied; and many of them the exceſſe of wine, women, muſick, and what dainties they pleaſe. Whereas, when we are taken by them, deepe dungeons, ſtinke, and the extremities of thirſt, hungers, cold and nakedneſſe, are thought too eaſie for us, unleſſe other cruelties be…ed: They have a fifth part allowed by publike Ordinance, out of their ſequeſtred eſtates, to maintain their wives and children, during their hoſtility; and theſe are often permitted alſo, to paſſe and repaſſe to them with contributions and intelligence by our lenity and connivency: But we are plundered of all which lies within their Quarters, without allowance of any ſuch liberty or portion, toward the relief of our families. They find in both Houſes of Parliament &c. in every Committee, friends readie upon intreatie, and (otherwhile voluntarilie mediating, and ſpeedily prevailing for them in their neceſſities) while ſome of us, who are true to the publike, who have often hazarded our lives, fre…e contributed our utmoſt endeavours, and loſt our whole eſtates in the Parliament ſervice, are compelled to attend a monethmonth before we can wooe one to accept or prefer a Petition for us; twice as long before we can procure two or three Referees to conſider and report of it, though they not onelyonly half undoe us, but indanger the common ſafetie by their delaies yea, (which is worſe) though we ſee them ſpeed twice as much time, day by day, as would be ſufficient to diſpatch matters much more difficult. And theſe neglects and ſufferings we ſomtime undergoe, to pleaſure them by whom we were undone, to our greater vexation. Nevertheleſſe, if when by theſe and other indignities, (urged beyond the patience of the humane nature) we ſhall in the extremity of our wants and paſſions, but ſom what ſharplie complaine of our neglect, all our loſſes, hazards, wounds, and other ſuff…ings are overballanced with one raſh word; and, we are reproved with as much bitterneſſe, as the worſt Malignants: yea, and they who could not ſpare one houre in two moneths, to hear us for our good, can preſently find leaſure to heare what is miſconſtrued, or miſinterpreted to our diſadvantage.
Theſe are very great diſcouragements; and, but that there is in the Houſes of Parliament, a bleſſed Spirit ordering and diſpoſing, not onelyonly their Counſells, but the miſchievous deſignes of their adverſaries alſo, according to the prayers & deſires of thoſe who are upright and ſincere among them, even in deſpight of the policies, corruptions, and practiſes, of their ſecret adverſaries (masked under the veiles of piety and honeſty) all good men, had long ere this time, been quite diſheartned. For, while our enemies are courted, favoured, cheriſhed, and well paid, for their ſervices, (at leaſt, in plunderings, promiſes titles, or good words,) that they may continue firme to an evill Cauſe; ſome amongſt us, of whoſe fidelity beſt aſſurances have been given, are ſent away (when in extreme neceſſitie, we humbly demand but a part of our dues) without either pay, reſpect, or good words; and (ſome few excepted) they have generally gained moſt on our partie by this war, who in plundrings, oppreſſions, and ſuch like demeanours, do moſt reſemble the moſt debauched of our enemies.
Our adverſaries have alſo this advantage, more then we, that among our Laodiceans abiding with us, they are provided of Proctors, betwixt whom and them there are reciprocall ingagements, making them hopefull to ſave ſtakes which ſide ſoever prevaile: Whereas we, having no ſuch reſerves, no ſuch refuges, are ſure of deſtruction, if our enemies obtaine their deſire; and many of us, not certain of a condition much better, though it ſucceed otherwiſe; whilſt publique affaires are mingled with private deſignes, and a Gate to an unſound reconciliation, left open.
For, it appeares by what is lately, and peſtilently, expreſſed in the Pamphlet intituled, Mercurius Hibernicus, that the Malignant Papiſt, and the malicious Royalliſt, who are armed againſt us for Popery, and Tyranny, are ſo impudent, and ſo obſtinate, in juſtifying their Treaſonous, and Murderous practices, againſt true Proteſtants, and Loyall-Subjects; and in depraving our honeſt Cauſe, and warrantable proceedings (by imputing to us, that which was perpetrated by themſelves) that we are merly loſt if we cheriſh any hope of a comfortable attonement, while they have a being among us; who are ſo minded; Or if we conceive any hope of being at all for ourſelves, if ever they recover power enough to root us out. Therfore, let us endeavour unanimouſly to deſtroy or diſable Gods enemies and our own, by reſolving upon a reaſonable courſe to that end, rather then to be unmercifull to our ſelves and our poſterity by nouriſhing a fooliſh hope to reconcile God and Behal; to eſtabliſh a firm League betweene Ieruſalem and Babylon; or betwixt the children of Peace and the enemies thereof. And let us not feare that vaine-externall ſhow of Power, and Policy, which oppoſeth us; ſeeing, hitherto, out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings God hath ordained the ſtrength whereby we have chiefly been preſerved; and, ſeeing, our greateſt deliverances have bin by the meaneſt perſons and places. Nor let us be afraid of a falſe Imputation of cruelty, ſeeing theſe our adverſaries while they continue in their malice are as thoſe ſpirituall Amalekites whom the Chriſtian Iſraelite is to root out of the Land; and with whom, he and his ſeed, is to have war for ever.
I will ſpeake a word or two more, and then conclude. There are, as I have intimated, ſo many ſeeming to be with us, who are ſecretly againſt us, (ſome by complying plauſibly within doores, that they may act their purpoſes abroad, with leſſe ſuſpition; and ſome, moving other engines) that (if God ſpeedil… prevent it not) as fairly as our hopes now flatter us, either our irreſolutions, delayes, diviſions, new diſcouragements (or theſe altogether) will quite undoe us; by leaving either no able-man willing, or no willing-man, able to ſerve us. I wiſh it might be otherwiſe, and I believe it ſhal…e well at laſt; But, I have heard ſo many ſad complaints made without remedy, or regard; and have by long ſervice, and attendance, both in the field, and city, tooke ſuch obſervations, and made ſuch collections, to aſſure my ſelfe (though perhaps not to ſatiſfie others) of V…nfa…hfulneſſe, Negligence, Malice, Self-conceit, Pride, Security, and of acting for private reſpects, even while our publike ruine is threatned, that I am confident ſome unexpected miſchiefe will ere long follow, if ſuch failings as I have pointed at, be not quickly reformed; and ſome courſe hartily endeavoured, according to the fore going Propoſitions, for the better incouragement of the well affected, and for the prevention of their politick ends, who by abideing in the Parliament, and by ſeeming to comply with it, will elſe more hazard our ſafety, then all they who are in open hoſtility againſt us.
I have now ſpoken what I thought neceſſary, for this time, and I hope within the compaſſe of my ſphere. For, though I am not of the repreſentative body of this Kingdome, I am a member of the Body repreſented, to whom (when the well-being of it is concerned) there belongs times, and places, and priviledges of ſpeaking. If theſe expreſſions may bring any thing to remembrance, which will conduce to the Publick advantage, I have my deſire. If they ſhall add any thing to my private Profit, it is more then I can looke for, till I ſee, according to theſe Propoſitions, the hands of Gods people ſtrengthened by an Ordinance, and a practice making them for ever hopeleſſe of reconciliation with his enemies, whileſt they continue ſuch; And till I perceive alſo, that we are in a likelier way to be united to his divine Majeſtie. Howſoever, I have in my heart unfainedly reſolved with David (Pſal. 139.22.) to hate them that hate God, even with a perfect hatred. And though I know the dangerous malice of thoſe enemies, and am, yet, ignorant, how theſe Propoſitions, and this Profeſſion, will be ſeconded by others; I dare, nevertheleſſe, both publikely to averre, and openly to ſigne them with my hand, if need be.
FINIS.
End of the text · George Wither, The Speech Without Door (1644)