Equity of a Humble Supplication

TO AL THAT MOVRN IN SION VNTIL THEY SEE Jerusalem in perfect beuty, & namely to my Fathers & Brethren of the Church of England, grace, mercy and love in the Lord Jesus be multiplied.

I T hath been the just complaint (beloved in the Lord) of the godly in all ages, that God's eternal and blessed verity, unto whom the very Heavens themselves should stoop and give obesiance, hath been of that small reckoning and account in the eyes of the most part of great men, as they valued it to be but a mere loss of time to yield any attendaunce thereupon. Hence it cometh to pass that the truth being at any time to be countenanced, none very often are found in the train thereof, but the most contemptible and refuse of men. And because these also being guilty unto themselves of great infirmities (and foul sins many times) and not ignorant that affliction is the sequel of earnest and sincere profession do pull their necks from the yoke, and their shoulders from the burden: the Lord is constrained very severely to deal with them before they can be gotten to go on his message. Whereupon also followeth their endeavours in God's own cause not to have the events which they expect. Example hereof Jonah may be one for all. And which is far more lamentable, in as much as the drowsy and careless security, the cold and frossen affections of the godly themselves in most weighty affairs is never wanting, their careful diligence, and earnest zeal joined with hearty, and vehement prayers always desired, the Lord suffereth his own cause, to contract some spot from their sinful hands. These considerations beloved, but specially the later, kept me back a great while from this action, which I have now by the goodness of God brought to this pass you see. It would be a grievous wound unto me all my life long if the dignity of a cause worthy to have the shoulders of all the princes under the coape of heaven for it footstool should be any whit diminished by my foul hands, which notwithstanding I protest to have been washed as fair as their stains would permit. But I am not a little comforted, two manner of ways. First that the Lord knoweth he thrust me almost against my will hereunto. And for as much as I see the honor of Jesus Christ (in whose countenance God the father hath lovingly winked at my sins, and whose is all that I have) standeth upon the progress of the word preached among us, my silence, though to the danger of my life, shall not be tray his honor. Is not he a God? Will he not be religiously worshipped? Will he not have this religion framed according unto his own mind? Hath he not regard whether his true service be yielded him or no? if he have, woe be unto that conscience that knoweth this and keepeth it secret, or is slack in the promoting hereof. Seeing it pleased him, who also separated me from my mothers womb to stir me up hereunto, I doubt not but he will give that success of my labors, that may be most to his glory. Surely by his assistance I neither can nor will be slack. The dignity of the cause (I hope) will be regarded: if not, importance must take no denial in the matter of our God. My second comfort is, that what effect soever shall ensue my pains, I seek not my own but theirs whom it concerneth, namely my parents and brethren according to the flesh. Whose state is so miserable at this day, that I think it were very great vndiscreetnes for me to spare any speech that were likely to prevail. Naie I would to God my life could win them the preaching of the Gospel. Our sickness is at the heart, it must not be dallied with, either present remedy or undoubted perdition. And so will they judge, who view our estate offered unto her Majesty and the Parliament. Which was not published only least posterities should know such dishonor of God either at all to have been, or in 28. years not redressed under Queen Elizabeth our souerain. As for the adversaries who understand our estate too well and rejoice at our silence, I regard them not at all, for what have we amiss at this day, which flowed not out of the midst of their inheritance, cursed Rome, that bottomless pit & furnace of idolatry? I have only therein touched our calamity, & not touched a great part thereof. To come unto you beloved of the church of englād, I know our cause shall come through many of your hands, I do with tears beseech that it may have all the lawful favor you find of your harts to affourd unto Christ in his poor members. It may stand in someone to dash the whole. Therefore in the name of God I require all of you, that you hinder not his honor, the salvation of perishing souls, & the good to the common wealth hereby intended. If you do otherwise, I pray God, so many souls, as perish in miserable Wales for want of preaching, be not required at your hands in the day of judgment. But beloved I promise all good things on your parts, and crave not only prayers, unto the Lord for the speedy erecting of our Jerusalem; but all other helps of speech and countenance, of motioning the matter unto her Majesty & the Parliament; showing the danger, of denying the great profit, and necessity of granting our petition. It is your duty which cannot be shaken off, as it appeareth by the example of Ebed-melech, Jeremiah 38.9. The like act done by the Princes and Elders of the Lande, Jeremiah. 26.16, 17. When the Princes hard Baruch read in their ears, the words of the book containing all the curses Jehovah had determined to bring upon Israel and Judah &c. it is recorded by the holy Ghost, that they were afraid both one and other, and said unto Baruch, we will certify the king of these words, and did so. Wherein they performed nothing but that which everyone of you before the Lord is bound to do. God's people requireth this at your hands. The state of the common wealth and her Majesty's (whom the Lord in mercy deliver from all foreign and domestical treasons) cry unto everyone of you that can give any counsel, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . You must not sleep all night, in this case, but entreat the Lord, her majesty, and this honorable court, to raise the ministry of his word in Wales. This matter concerneth all very nearlie. The way to procure to yourselves favor with the Lord, and credit with her Majesty, is to solicit our cause, and so you shall find it. The more earnest you be herein, the more honor shall be unto the Lord, and her Majesty will be the more beholding unto you. Nebuchad-nezzer an idolater blessed the Lord, because Shadrak Meshak and Abednago the servants of the living God, changing the kings decree, did yield their bodies, rather than they would worship any other God. If they had been as backewarde as were other Jews in this case, howe had that notable decree to the honor of God been promulgated? ver. 29. Where had been their commendation? No other way conveyeth the true favor of any prince unto the subject. God's blessing which maketh rich and honorable is joined hereunto. Though it were otherwise, yet this thing is laid upon you, be not disobedient. And likely it is to be otherwise. For (I am afraid) behold that which the Lord hath built, he will destroy, that which he hath planted he will root up. And do you seek for great things unto yourselves? Seek them not. If in the day of trouble you will be hidden, you must be Jeremiah's, you must be Hebedmeleches, you must be Barucks. In these three men the Lord shown, that even in this life, he maketh great difference between the zealous and lukewarm professors. Jeremiah for his roundnes in his office was beaten and put in the stocks, Jer. 35.15.16. judged worthy to die, Ier. 29.26.27. accounted a rauer and one that made himself a prophet, Ier. 29.26.27, a man that sought not the wealth of his people but the hurt, Jer. 38.4. Hebedmelech was a noble man, but something over zealous, and one that would not stick to tell the king himself that he had yielded unto his noble men in a thing that was evil in all that they had done to Jeremiah the Prophet, Ier. 38.5.9. Baruch was out of favor both with prince and priest, Ier. 36.19.26. because he favored Jeremiah. But when the land was made desolate, and the words of poor Jeremiah became true, who then went unto the wall? Verily the king and his nobles, priests, and prophets. And Jeremiah the true servant of the Lord, must have a whole senat of noble men sent to take him out of prison and to know his will, Nebuzaradan, Nebushasban, Raebsaris, Neregal, &c. the king of Babeles princes. Hebedmelech should not be given into the hands of the men whom he feared, but be surely delivered because he put his trust in Jehovah. Baruch should have his life given him for a pray. Howesoeuer it goeth therefore, your service in our cause shall be recompensed. They that know what it is to have their iniquities forgiven, and their sins covered by the sufferings and passions of Jesus Christ will be wounded, to see others under the curse. The Churches of God round about us go to wrack in France, Belgium and a great part of high Duch, I would Scotland had continued in her first love, and that the hands of the builders were strengthened among you. Come what will come, stand you manfully in the faith, my fathers and brethren, and according to the counsel of Jude renew the battle again with your spiritual enemy, and contend with earnestness. It may please God though the lively branches be cut off, to quicken us dead boughs, by the virtue of our head Jesus Christ. I doubt not by the Lord's goodness, if the truth be established among us through continual preaching, but that all which profess Godlines in Europe, shall hartilie thank the Lord for our zeal and courage therein. Our nation are full of dross I grant, as all the sons of Adam are by nature, and very stony hearted. But the word of God is a fire for the dross and an hamber for the stone Ier. 23.29. And the weapons whereby the man of God warreth, are not carnal, but mighty through God to cast down houldes, and to bring under every imagination that is against the knowledge of God. 2 Cor. 10.5. when all things shall be measured unto us by the measure of the sanctuary (as all must be or else the building prove ruinous) our God will be for a diadem of beutie unto us, and for a spirit of judgment, he will give us his spirit to please him. I thought it needless to put hir Majesty and the Parliament in mind that everything amongst us must be ordered according to the word it self. For otherwise both the word and the Minister shall want a great deal of the dignity due unto both. Suffer the scepter of the word to rule, & this will not be derogatorious unto man, much less unto the word. It will be hard to find a yoke fellow for that, which can neither abide superior nor brook an equal. My brethren for the most part know not what preaching meaneth, much less think the same necessary to salvation. Though they grant it needful, they think it sufficient to hear one sermon once perhaps in all their life. Therefore was is needful for me to set down the necessity of preaching, and of continual preaching, that if they labor not for the same, their blood may be upon their own heads. For they cannot deny themselves to be put in mind hereof. If there be any other point of doctrine touched it tendeth also to this end. The diligence beloved which I hope your learned Bishops, Doctors and other great Divines men of famous report have taken in England, cannot suffer you to be ignorant in these pointes. Therefore take thē not as written unto you. For the case it self you know what it is, even that which the Lord of host will have most seriously thought upon, & granted without all nay. In respect whereof it cometh with God's own letters patents, wherewith all estates in the world, nay all the Angels in heaven cannot dispence. Concerning the handling of it by me a wretch, I protest myself to have labored according to the example of the Apostle, to speak as I have been allowed of my God, seeking to win the favor of none, much less the disliking of any, least man's unequal displeasure would be contented with no less satisfaction than the blood of many a thousand souls. God forbid man's infirmities in me should bring this effect. Naie it must not. For be I the son of Adam ten thousand times, compassed with never so many infirmities, never so base, vile, polluted, and defiled, yet the preaching of the word in Walls is God's glory, and therefore must stand. And yet it may be the Lord by this supplication doth but try the good wills of those small or great through whose hands it shall come, and never meaneth to have any such thing performed: as being out of hand to make an end of all, and to come himself to sit in judgment, where his word shall be surly countenanced. The consideration whereof should make men enter deeply into their dealings herein. O why should the curse of any damned soul among us pursue the withstander of our salvation? To make an end, pray for us brethren and now pray, and pray again that our God would incline mercy unto us in the sight of the Queen hir Counsel and all the Queens mighty princes, and that builders may be raised among us. So let it be our God, Amen.

T HE NECESSITY laid upon mā to know aright, the eternal, his creator, & redeemer, & to seiue him according unto that knowledge; which is done of that people alone, amongst whom, the light of the Gospel doth shine, as is not obscurely shown, by the Lord's severe punishment, upon them that are either irreligious, or negligently regard, & desperately contemn the truth, being offered unto them: so doth it most lively appear, by the Lord's free and undeserved (yet rewarding blessings) upon all such, as in an holy obedience conform themselves according to his will. What flames of unquenchable vengeance, careless negligence of God's service, & the willful rejecting thereof, hath stirred in former times amongst nations; and will, as long as the just God justly requiteth the contempt of his word, kindle forever amongst posterities, I wish all men duly to consider. The Lord's anger, for the sins of his own people, the children of Israel, was executed upon them to the full: even because, they hardened their necks, and would not hear his word. The Lord sware by himself, that the Temple should be laid wast, that he would prepare destroiers against it: he himself with a stretched-out hand, and with a mighty arm, would fight against them, even in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation. And because they would not hear him their City should be a curse unto all the nations of the earth. The whole people should be given for a terrible plague to all kingdoms, for a reproach, for a proverb, for a common talk, and for a curse unto all places whither he should cast them. Coniah the King himself should not escape, no though he were the signet of the Lord's own right hand, yet should he be plucked thence. These plagues with many others most heavy and woēfull, did the Lord denounce against them by the hands of his Prophets, and performed by the hand of Nebucadnezzar king of Babel: Because they sinned against the Lord & obeyed not his voice, therefore these things came upon them as it is manifest Jeremiah 40.3. Which are not so lightly to be set by of any, as though they belonged properly unto that time, and people, especially seeing the Lord judgeth without respect of persons; and seeing that nation, kingdom and people that sinneth against the Lord; shall be destroyed, as it appeareth by the tenor of his judgment executed upon Tyrus, Nineveh, Babel, and other Monarchies of the world. There is no exception of the blessing and curse; life and death; but the blessing and the life shall be to him that obeyeth, the curse and death shall be upon the disobedient soul. Neither was the gross Idolatry of this people the only cause of their ruin; but the Lord would have them acknowledge that it was an evil, yea a bitter evil that his fear was not in them. This also did the Levites after their return, confess to have been the cause of their banishment, even that their King, Princes, & Priests did not diligently attend, diligently attend I say upon the commandments of Jehovah. And in that great day, all wicked men shall know, that the Lord will surely render confusion in flaming fire, not only unto wicked doers, but also unto them that know not God. Nothing therefore but shame, indignation, and wrath, tribulation, and anguish of soul in this life, can be expected for of those people, whose tongues & works are against Jehovah, to provoke the eyes of his glory, and after this life, a tormenting portion in that lake that burneth with fire & brimstone, which is the second death. Of which sort all they must needs be, which never heard of that, which is the power of God to salvation to as many as believe. On the contrary side the prosperous estate of that nation, language, and people, whose God is the Lord Jehovah, what heart will not rejoice to see? If you will know therefore the root of the flourishing estate of any kingdom, David telleth you that it is, in having Jehovah to be your God. The children of Israel upon this foundation were thought to be such a gorgeous building, that all other nations seemed to be but cottages, and worms-houses in respect of them. For in that they had set up Jehovah to be their God, and to walk in his ways; to keep his ordinances, laws, and statutes, and to hearken unto his voice, the Lord also had set them up that day to be a precious people unto himself; & to make them high above all nations in praise, in name and in glory. A large declaration of the privilege of such a people is recorded Psalm. 33. Behold the eyes of Jehovah do look upon them that fear him, and wait for his kindness, that he may deliver them from death, and keep them alive in the time of famine. And in the life to come John saith of them in the Revelation, that they shall not hunger anymore, neither shall the sun light on them nor any heat, for the lamb that is in the midst of the throne shall govern them, & lead them to the lively fountains of water, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Oh then what Christian, yea ingenious, human, natural heart will not be grieved to see any people in such a forlorn case, as not only to be bereaved of those unspeakable blessings of the Lord, whereof all they shall be partakers that fear him, but also laid open unto the weapons of his revenging and consuming anger in this world, and in that to come, to his eternal and never ending wrath? And who would not strain himself to the utmost of his ability, and beyond all his might, to make known the case of such a people, unto those who both can, and also would find a remedy thereunto? For mine own part, because I see the spiritual misery wherein we now live in the Country of WALES, for want of the preaching of the Gospel and the great plagues that are like undoubtedly to fall upon us for the same; I cannot but be so asfected toward these our calamities, as in respect of the Lord's honor, the desire of the salvation of my brethren, my loyal obedience unto her Majesty, and the discharge of my own conscience, I do always from the bottom of mine heart wish and pray for the redress hereof, & now by writing with all humility and submission in the fear of God, lay open our estate, first unto the consideration of your excellent Majesty my dread sovereign Queen Elizabeth, unto whom only of all the potentates of the earth, I owe all obedience and service in the Lord Jesus, and next unto the view of your high court of Parliament, desiring you upon my knees in the name of the great God the creator and preserver of heaven and earth; whose honor is now in hand, that our petitiō may be so thoroughly waied, as our necessity requireth. The sum whereof is; that it would please your Majesty, & this honorable assembly, in a zealous and a godly compassion, to regard the lamentable and woeful estate of us your poor subjects, & brethren, which live at this day altogether without the knowledge of a saving God, because we have not teaching Ministers among us, & that some order may be taken by your Majesty and the estate, whereby we may be freed from that destroieng gross darkness of ignorance, wherein we now are bewrapped to the woe of our souls forever: And so by our true conversion unto the Lord, we may avoid everlasting death, and prevent the fierceness of the wrath & indignation, which we see justly to hang over us in this life. The remedy of this our grievous case, is only had (and no other way) by speedy providing unto us such pastors, as may feed us with the food of life, the pure word of God, and bring us home unto the only Lord of pastors, & shepherds, the Lord Jesus. This is the sum of all (my dread sovereign) that I your base vassal have emboldened myself to offer unto you, and this your high court of Parliament; wherein I protest that in respect of my weakness all manner of ways; the baseness of my condition, I entreated the Lord to send unto you by the hand of him whom he should send, that is by one endued with such gifts, and authority also, as whereby the suite might have purchased some countenance, and so be found more available, and plausible. But considering that this mine endeavor might be a means to stir up some such, and that the Lord, is the Lord of countenance, credit, and favor, & therefore can add unto his own cause; the good liking of men either more, or less, as seemeth best unto him, which only guideth the harts of the children of men. And that he is then fully seen for his own glories sake to bring the work to pass that tendeth to the salvation of any, when he useth most abject, and unfit tools, I do not doubt if it be his good pleasure, but that this supplication, though put up by a sinful weak hand, shall have all the entertainment that the message of the living God desireth to have. And although our estate being duly waied, doth with most pathetical, & pierceing cries, (that may move again the very flinty rocks) make entreaty for it self, and declare the unanswerable necessity either of having our petitions granted, or of the torments of our souls in hell fire forever, and our fatal ruin in this life: yet I thought it most needful in this brief treatise to set down some of the reasons whereupon our petition is grounded, that by the view of them, it may appear how dangerous a thing it is in the sight of God and man to deny our suite. And here verily the cause may be seen at the first sight to be inuironed with a twofold wall (as it were) of most just, and apparent equity. First in respect of the honor of God, whereat especially it aimeth. Secondly in regard of man, whom it doth not a little concern. Whether therefore you do consider the Lord himself whom we disdain, and contemn (for want of better instruction out of his word) by our ungodly lives, or her gracious Majesty and this honorable assembly, who are bound before the Lord with an vncancelable band to see the eternal verity of the Gospel of Jesus Christ taught unto, & obeyed of all the inhabitants within the precincts of her Majesty's dominions; or my deer brethren and countri-men, whose ioiful and happy felicity is this way sought for, you shall find the supplication to be full of dutiful endeavors towards the maintenance of God's glory, the safe estate of this kingdom, & our sovereign, (whom the Lord long preserve over us) & hurting none, full of equity on all parts. We desire to have the knowledge of our God, and the Laws of his kingdom (whose subjects in name we profess our selves, and in deed ought to be) made known and taught unto us. We desire that the tyranny of Satan, who exerciseth a regencie in the hearts of all them (amongst whom God's truth hath not been taught) may be overthrown by the powerful arm of God the word preached, who can save our souls. Now therefore to you right honorable, worshipful, and reverend of this Parliament (with all humility be it spoker) in the audience of our God, in the presence of Jesus Christ, and in the witness of every child of God, who shall read this little treatise, we most earnestly and vehemently as in the cause of Jesus Christ, and in the cause of our souls, entreat and beseech you, cry and cal upon you to do your endeavors, that Satan may no longer keep us in bondage, which ought to be employed in the service of our God, and that the Lord Jesus his throne may be established in our hearts, as it ought to be in those which are his members. What interest hath Satan in us, that we should be permitted to be at his beck, and leave undone the duty we owe unto our most beneficial & loving God, even by the law of creation? Why should he prevail more with you which continually seeketh your destruction & ours, than Jesus Christ, whose love towards us was sealed with the loss of his life, even then, when we were his enemies? Will you reward his inconceivable kindness in such sort: as to suffer any that you can hinder, to be sworn servants of his professed enemies? Sworn servants I say, for whosoever serveth not the Lord Christ in newness of life, and holiness of conversation, hath taken the oth of a soldier to serve sin under Satan's banner. Why should the son of God be bereaved of the title that he hath in his people, & conveyance thereof made unto a damnable crature? Consider I pray you the weight of the cause in this one point: it is concerning no less matter thā a kingodme, yea the kingdom of the God of all kings, Jesus Christ: the contention is between the most glorious in heaven & earth, and his own slave, where the indignity of the usurper ought to move you. We are weary of the heavy bonuie bondage of the one, and desire the easy yoke of the other. In the absence as it were of our Lord and king, we have none to run unto for help, but you, whom he hath placed above us. Pitie our condition, nay rather let it be seen that you rejoice to have such opportunity to enlarge, and make conspicuous the glory of your redeemer, that it may be a witness unto your souls whensoever you depart this life, that indeed you have quited yourselves like men in the places whereunto he hath enjoined you, by defacing the kingdom of Satan. You are now to declare unto which of the two you would have us subjects, who shall be king, Satan or the Lord Christ: and therefore whether of the two can prevail more with you Not that the devil is able, or dareth withstand his maker, or that the Lord needeth the help of mā, to overthrow his forces, as not being of power to rule, unless man set the crown upon his head: but because he hath taken this course in the government of his Church here upon earth, that unless the Magistrate do uphold his honor against Satan, it will fall to the ground for ought men can see, and he having commanded men of authority to be zealous in his cause, will reward them according unto their love towards him in this point. For hereby he doth try their good wills, in that he declareth his honor to be usually measured in the heart of the people, according unto the proportion of the magistrates love towards him: reserving always unto him nevertheless the power to beget his love in the subjects, whose prince may be an Idolater: and to bridle the fury of his enemies when he will, without the assistance of man; and to re-edify his Church, though all the kings under heaven gainesaie the same. But this not proceeding frō them will be to their greater condemnation, because they chose rather to have their people in the slavery of Satan, than in the liberty of Christ. For one of them will, yea must needs bear rule in the hearts of all men; either the Lord by his spirit conveyed unto them through the ministry of his word: or the old serpent, by his devilish illusions. That both cannot rule together, it is apparent, because they are so contrary the one to the other: the subjects of both kingdoms disagree, the laws be diverse. If you choose the son of God, and place him in his throne among us, by the preaching of his Gospel (for otherwise you cannot be said to make choice of him) then assure yourselves that the Lord will honor you, because you honor him, and not forget the upholding of his kingdom by you, especially in such an age: as wherein most of the estates in the earth have bereaved him of his right, and given their crowns unto the beast. Then happy be your names and memories, and the memories of your posterities forever. And happy be the days that ever we were borne to be governed by such a godly Prince, and godly counselors. But if you make worse than Claucus his change, and as much as in you lieth rob Christ Jesus of his kingly dignity, what are you to look for at his hands, but the cruel destruction that is prepared for those, who will not suffer the son of God to rule over them, or theirs? Consider, and consider again, that they deny Jesus Christ a kingdom over theirs, and consequently prefer Satan before him; which deny the ministry of the Gospel unto the people, under their government. The reason of which assertion appeareth not only by some places of Scripture before quoted: but also in that the word preached, is called the word of the kingdom by our Savior himself: and the glad tidings of the Gospel called the kingdom of heaven. By the parable of the vineyard which is said to be the inheritance of the son of God Matth. 21.38. and whereof he accounteth himself robbed when he hath not fruit yielded unto him; which only is done where the Gospel flourisheth. In that the Gospel is called the Gospel of the kingdom. Wherein politik Gamaliel also gessed aright that the High-priests and Sadducees should be found to do nothing less than 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , that is, fight against God, if they withstood the course of the Gospel. To be short Peter in the very same chapter a little before maketh it a part of Christ's prerogative royal, to work repentance in the heart of man, and assurance of remission of sins, which no Christian will say to be otherwise effected, than by preaching. In so much as they must needs be convinced to enervate, and weaken the same soueraignety of the Lord of life, who any way refuse to have them for whose wealth they are to provide good laws, instructed by the Gospel. If this conclusion be true (as in very deed it is most true) oh how ought you of this honorable assembly to labor, for the erecting of the ministry of the word in Wales, seeing they that will be slack in the same detract from the honor they owe unto Jesus Christ, and plainly show how little they care whether his kingdom sincketh or swimmeth. As for these that withstand this, I dare boldly affirm them to conspire with Satan about the invading of Christ's kingdom, and most contumeliously to tread his crown under foot. Where by the way they are entreated with all reverence to look better unto their dealings, who under the name of conformity, and obedience, stay the course of the ministry in any place, & desired to acknowledge this unity to be nothing else but a consent with Satan to wrest the scepter out of Christ his hand, and undermine his chair of estate; if they have done heretofore foolishly, let them now, (following the counsel of the wiseman) lay their hands on their mouths, and take heed least by defending former practices, they ad drunckennes unto thirst. It may be if men knew the sin of resisting the Gospel to be so heinous, they would perhaps further our suite; or at least not hinder it. But because the preaching of the word is thought no better than folly of worldly wisemen, it cometh often to pass that the rejecting of a suite tending thereunto, is made a thing of small moment. And although in very deed this sin be high treason against the Lord, yet the offenders herein will avouch themselves to seek the honor of God, no less than the earnest furtherers of the word preached, yea though they throw all their blockish, and willful reasons in the way, to stop the passage of it. And least men should term them by their rightname, they think the excuse will stand in good steed, to say, they cannot see how the hindering of the Gospel should be so odious in the sight of God, and therefore no reason why they should be thought kickers against the heaven, seeing they in every point favor the proceedings of their Prince. But how vain and ridiculous is their excuse? For shall a traitor be therefore aquitted, because he offending against the Laws of God, and his sovereign (as in transferring the praerogatiue due unto his Prince unto a foreign Idolatrous shaven priest) protesteth that he neither acknowledgeth not seeth his actions therein to be traitorous? Or shall Pellagians, Papists, Arians, &c. avoid the names and punishments of heretics, because they affirm nothing but that whereof, by the strong delusion of Satan they are persuaded? I trow not. No more can he be said to do anything less than to justle against the heaven, and him that dwelleth therein, which putteth his shoulder against the progress of his word, though his own corruption will not suffer him to perceive this his raving madness. As therefore you of this honorable assembly would not be taken defacers of God's glory: so in most humble wise I admonish you not to oppose yourselves in any sort against this our petition: and as you would find favor at the hands of the judge of all the woorld in the day of judgment, and be aquitted before Jesus Christ, and by him, further his honor to the uttermost of your power. Regard whose cause it is; what account he maketh of it: how derogatorious it is unto his glory, for you to deny us the Gospel. I know it will be answered here, that her Majesty and the Parliament deny the true service of God unto none, and have taken order that no false religion should be used of any subject in this land. Which thing also I do affirm from my heart, and thank God for, and the Lord will not forget Queen Elizabeth's kindness in this thing towards his house. I add moreover, that if any the people of this Realm want the same in particular, which he hath granted all in general, it is her will they should acquaint the Parliament with their cause, where they ought to be heard Hitherto therefore tendeth my speech. If we th. people of Wales making our estate known, shall not have it redressed by this assembly, that then the overthrow and weakening of Christ's kingdom is intended thorough this means (by them that shall binder preaching to be granted unto us) our calling adding great strength thereunto. Let all know therefore how greatly it tendeth to the honor of the most high God, (which he will maintain as the apple of his eye against all the evil willers thereof, unto their utter ruin and shameful confusion both of body and soul) that the lamp of the Gospel should be set on fire amongst us, and that a repulse should be given to Jesus Christ by repelling this our cause. Good my Lord's, whose honor in the fear of God I desire, think with yourselves that the Lord of heaven, being now rejected of most nations of the earth is thrust into this poor Island of England, as into the furthest western partes (sauadge America, and that continent excepted) but surely his entertainment here, if one handmaid had not better cherished him, had been very cold. He hath often threatened us to depart, by taking her with him from such vngrateful subjects as we are. Particular men he hath by his several blessing, and the sound of his word, from the highest to the lowest solicited unto his service. Alser the most part refused. This one time he will try whether the whole estate of the land will allow him any larger demaines, than hitherto he enjoyed. And therefore he now knocketh by this our suite, at the door of the Parliament, to know whether we the people of Wales shall be granted him, as his herytage. If it be denied, he protesteth that he will stay no longer. He expecteth an answer: Have a regard what ye do. A greater matter cannot be consulted upon. What a shameful thing were it for man to deny his God, that which most concerneth his glory? Alas the day what hindrance will it be unto any of you to have us poor Welshmen celebraters of the honor of our God? And what pleasure will it be unto you to have him departed from this kingdom in a rage, because he is not heard in that thing, wherein he most delighteth? And believe me, I am highly afraid he will take your denial so unkindly, that England shall feel, by the taking away of his Gospel, what a gest it ungratefully lost. Therefore, as I said before, so I say again, that our suit is not slightly to be looked unto, much less denied: because upon the granting of it, not only the salvation of many thousand souls; but also the glory of the most mighty God relieth. It were extreme madness for us to be cold in that suite, wherein we would have others whom it concerneth not so much, to be vehement and earnest. And we might justly both before God, and men, fry again in our condemnation, if we were not most earnest in a matter of such weight. Salvation is not bestowed upon them that care not whether they have it or no: Nay our Savior setteth down, that seeking for it will not serve, but there must be great striving used; and that with agony, and contention. Strive saith he to enter in at the strait gate; for many I tell you will seek to enter, and shall not be able. Maruel not therefore if we leave no stone unturned to come by that which is so precious, and so hardly found. But the objection ministereth greater strength to our argument. For either the Parliament must deal most injuriously with her Majesty, and say it is not her will to have Christ Jesus reign over us, (which far be it from entering into any man's heart) or that they will in a cause so directly tending unto God's glory, and the good of the weal public, resist that, which she most of all would have decreed. This later hath not been found, and I hope never will be in the Parliament of England, as long as Queen Elizabeth hath the scepter in her hand. And can any man admire that we have all this while of her Majesty's ragine been by the just judgment of God, without the word preached, and also read, as shall be shown, whereas we never as yet opened our mouths for it? I am so far then, from conceiving any vnduetifull thought of my sovereign, and this high Court, as transferring the cause of our ignorance upon them, that I protest in justly resteth on our selves. For when did that day shine this twenty eight years, and above, that any among us, (whom the Lord had endued either with authority or gifts of learning) have moved this cause effectually unto her Majesty, or the Court of Parliament? Though I would wish we had found the favor in their sight, (howbeit unworthy of our selves) to be driven unto the mariadge of Jesus Christ, against our wills, that some more might solemnise the same, than do at this day, to his honor and their own eternal felicity. If any man will here demand, whether the Lord requireth anymore at the hands of this high Court in the cause of religion, than is already performed, seeing there is not only permission granted, for all that will to profess the truth; but also a commandment, that none adventure the contrary, I answer he exacteth a great deal more. As to see that every inferior person, have done his duty in the performance of that, enjoined unto him, for the planting of religion. To see, whether such Laws, as have been already provided, in that cause, have been put in practice, if not to consider where the fault was, and see it amended. To consult whether a better order may be taken for the progress of true religion, than hitherto hath been, and being found to put the same in execution. Again, for as much, as the work is the ruling of God's people, especially to provide, that the government may be according to the Lord's own Laws. Briefly where the word is not preached, there to establish the same with speed. Our whole country of Wales, as yet, being altogether in ignorance, to endeavor themselves in deed, to see the same called. In a word to order everything in every particular parcel of this Island and the other according unto the Law, and testimony (for the declining there-from argueth great over-sight and folly, as it is set down Isai. 8.20. Otherwise the Lord should enioine, more unto a father, or master in the government of his family, than unto a magistrate in the common wealth. For a father and so a master, is not only bound to see, that his son be no Idolatour, or swearer (which would to God all fathers performed) but also to bring them up, in instruction and information of the Lord. Did Abraham no more, think you, than command his servants, that they should take heed, they served not the gods beyond the rivers, and will them in some general sort, to serve Jehovah? You shall find it otherwise recorded of him, Genesis 17.19. Good Iehoshuah protested that he, and his house, that is, all those that were under his government would serve Jehovah. In whose example the doubt will not be worth the answer, that Iehoshuah doth content himself in this place, only to have barelie offered the truth unto his people, and given them the choice whether they would profess it or no, whereas his protestation importeth, that as many as would be governed by him, should serve Jehovah. If they did otherwise, such rebels against God, were not fit to be his people. To omit, that the case is far unlike, in the people of Wales, and the Israelites at this time, I would, that all, which be are the chief sovereignty of any commonwealth Christian (whether monarchy, Aristocracy &c.) would plainly declare, that they should not be their subjects, who would not be obedient unto the Lord, as did Iehoshuah in this place. David took a band of himself, to keep no such in his house. Wherein it appeareth, that he did both deny the same, to be a cage for Idolators, and in like manner would have all things there according unto the will of God. His care was no less in the common wealth, as may appear by his great solicitude, in bringing home the Ark, confessing & amending his careless oversight herein before committed, by his earnest desire to add as much dignity as he could unto the service of God, in offering to build him an house.

Lastly the exhortation he made at his deathbed, to the rulers, & his son Solomon proclaimeth openly, what a care he had to see the Lord honored of every man in his kingdom. I thought good in this place to set down David's words. Now therefore (saith he) in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of Jehovah, & in the ears of our God, keep and make diligent enquiry, for all the commandments of Jehovah, your God, that you may possess this land, and leave it for an inheritance unto your children after you, forever. And thou Solomon my son, know thou the God thy fathers, and worship him with an upright heart, and with a careful soul, for Jehovah searcheth the hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts, if thou search for him, he will be found of the; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever. I see to whom I speak, and therefore application needeth not. Only you are to marcke, that no service by picce-meal, but according unto all the commandments is allowable, and that the Magistrate must practice all that God requireth of him. The will of God in any particular point of religion being unknown unto him, he must make diligent search and inquiry for it himself (keep & seek all the commandments saith he.) In which words the holy ghost noteth, that a good magistrate may be ignorant of his duty, but giving this caveat withal, that as soon as he is put in mind thereof, though by an inferior person, he must not be borne in hand by any other that all is well (for how can that be well and in good case, which is not according to the Lord's will?) but see reformation out of hand. The necessity of obaieng, is set down, in that the Lord would not spare Salomō if he did the contrary, no, though he had made a promise of favor unto him. Further concerning the magistrates duty in this particular care, that God be honored through his charge, we shall find in the example of good Jehoshaphat, who, having in the third year of his reign, most notably established religion. (sending Levites about throughout all the Cities of Judah to teach ithe people) notwithstanding, in the 18. or 17 year confer 2. Chr. 16.5. 1. Kings 22.41. with the 1. Kin. 16.29. went through the people from Bersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them again unto Jehovah the God of their fathers, so little a thing was it in his eyes, to have once very notably reformed his people, unless he did the same, as often as need required. Religious Ioshia, carried the like heart with him. The good king rent his clothes, his heart melted within him with weeping, and wringing of hands, he humbled himself before his God, and immediately set upon the reformation of everything amiss, as soon as he perceived the Lord to be dishonored by neglecting the performance of his will, in any point. But what needed he to have taken all these pains? He had a promise, all should go well in his days, and after him, his people were sure, to smart for their former sins. He had done well for his part, falls-religion was expelled in the 1. year of his reign (this being the 18.) Judah & Jerusalem were purged from their high places, time would not serve to establish everything, according unto the law of Moses, the people were simple, not capable of the government, required by the word of God, his nobility, by reason of their long continuance in Idolatry, not so well persuaded of the true religion, he sought to establish. It was very new unto them, their weakness were to be born-withal: Yea they must have the liberty of their consciences. Perhaps they who should have been most forward, as the high priest, and others, were found very great enemies, unto all good proceedings. It may be they looked, that all should be committed unto their hands, as the pope hath done in times past. For what had a civil magistrate to do with setting in order things belonging unto religion? These and many other hindrances, he had I grant. But look when the zeal of the Lord's house hath eaten up any, how easily they swallow all occasions, that might hinder the true worship of God, in any that belongeth unto them. And therefore, that very year, even then, when he was farther instructed, by examining the book of the Law of Moses, concerning his duty, he gathered the people from the greatest, to the smallest, priest and Levite, read the word, of the covenant in their ears, and made a covenant before Jehovah to keep his commandments, his statutes, and his testimonies, with all his heart, and with all his soul. He cause all, that were found in Jerusalem, and Benjamin, to stand unto it. So far was he from bearing with any in their Idolatrous persuasions, that could not (for consciences sake forsooth) but turn back from Jehovah the God of their fathers, that as it is recorded of him he compelled all that were found in Israel, to agree unto the covenant, & to serve Jehovah their God which they did all his life. In which actiō (religion being now received by public consent) he did not only according to the commandment & the example of his pre decessors the whole congregation in the book of Joshua and godly king Asah (who de creed that whosouer would not serve Jehovah, should be stoned, whether he were small or great) but also, that which the wonderful, and great works of God, wrested from Neubuchadnezzer, and almost nature it self shown unto king Artashash. God's honorbeing precious in the eyes of this assembly, as I hope it is, will drive them to follow these godly examples, and to look with the eyes of an Egle, into the estate of our Church in Wales, yea compel us, by authority rather than fail to honor & sanctify the Lord, by the knowledge of our salvation. For then, he is said to gain a name, and majesty to himself, when he is seen, to forgive sins, not for man's desert, but for his own glory sake: and he is then known to be the Lord, when he is sanctified in his people. For indeed none is able, either to forgive sins or to sanctify the profane heart of man, but the Lord himself. Therefore the prerogative above all others given to out savior christ in the revelation, is, that when there was none found in heaven or earth, or under the earth, worthy to look upon the book sealed with seven seals, much less able to open it, he the lyon of the tribe of Judah performed both.

But who knoweth this save they, that are redeemed by his blood? And his blood clēseth none, but these ⁱ which heard the word of truth, even the gospel of salvation preached unto them. The way then to procure, that the people of Wales may cry with a loud voice, Woorthie is the lamb, to take the book, & open the seals thereof, because he was killed, and hath redeemed us to God out of every kindred, and tongues, people, and nation, is to bestow the word preached upon them. And howe greatly the calling of men unto salvation augmenteth both the might, and the exceeding riches of God's strength, shall be easily gathered, if you do but consider that the treasury, the jewel house, and wardrobe (as I may say) of God's glorious in heritance, in the Saints, and the exceeding greatness of his power towards them, that believe, is no other way discerned, but by the spirit of revelation, through the knowledge of god; as the express words of the Apostle do enforce, Ephes. 1.18.19. All which proceed from hearing the word of truth, as he set down before. The words which the Apostle useth to express the meaning of the holy-ghost doth most evidently convince that they who felt not this power in themselves, count the Lord to be but a weakeling. For although the contemplation of nature, the moving of the heavens, and the creatures therein contained, may afford some glimpse of the might that is in the creator; yet this is not indeed so much as a shadow of the other, wherein the Lord is said to exercise the power of his own right hand. As first in giving the Lord Jesus a conquest over all the principalities, and powers of his enemies, making him to triumph over them, and that by weakness, sufferings, crosses, calamities, temptations, yea and death it self: then in raising him from death, to give him a name, above all names, and to make him the head of all. Secondly in us, his poor members saving our helpless, and damned souls, working mightily in our sinful & stony hearts, by the conversion of us unto him▪ giving us poor flesh and blood, a conquest also over our own flesh, and the rebellious motions thereof: and which is more, over the prince of the world himself. Assuring our unbelieving hearts, of his love towards us, showing how mighty his spirit was in the Lord Jesus; who had it poured upon him, without measure, seeing we that have but a dram thereof, and that in a body of sin, are not without some rejoicing effects by the power of God's mighty spirit. Herein and in such actions the power of God, to a believing heart, showeth it self, to be ten thousand times greater, than in creating a thousand worlds. Can the Parliament of England be desirous to glorify their God, and not decree, that this power of his be manifested unto us, by delivering every of us out of the tyranny of that mighty potentate, who is even the God of this world? Our savior Christ, even in respect of his manhood is so glorified of his father; that man cannot augment the same, yet the Apostle is plain, that his honor consisteth in no other point, than that every tongue should confess him to be the Lord, to the glory of God the father, And least carnal men should think, the Lord smally to esteem the glory he gaineth, by these, that are called unto the knowledge of his truth, the regard he hath hereunto, is two manner of ways shown. First, in that he, which was the substance, and essence of the Lord's own glorious Majesty equal with God, God himself, made himself of no reputation, taking upon him the form of a servant, became vile, & bale, as we read, Isaiah the 52 14.15.3. Phil. 2.7.8. only to the end he might reserve from hell, some of the lost sons of Adam, by whose salvation he should be glorified. Secondly for as much, as the chief end of his coming to judgment, 2 Thess. 1.9. in that great and glorious day, wherein the secrets of all hearts shall appear, is to be made glorious in his Saints, and marvelous in them that believe. It is out of controversy, that on this day the Lord will make the majesty of his son Christ, so glorious, and of such rare excellency, as the very Angels themselves shall wonder and be astonied thereat: and yet there be none others set down, in whom he shall be glorified. but only those that believe. Shall we say then, the training up of such is of small acceptance in his sight? God forbid. Shall we think, that their estate will be anything tolerable, who in this life, though they do not further the Gospel, yet will not hinder the same? No truly. For here be only two estates of men spoken of, either those, in whom Christ Jesus shall be glorified (in every of whose harts, the Lord hath so wrought, by his spirit, that they desire nothing more, than that he may rule the souls of men by his word) or the other whose portion shall be woe of soul. And who are they? only turks, infidels, papists, traitors, adulterers, thieves, murderers, and such like workers of iniquity? These I grant indeed, but not these alone. For the Apostle giveth no such mark unto all, but he comprehendeth both the one, and the other, in this, that they obey not the Gospel. Be a man therefore accounted never so civilly honest, talk he never so well of the Church, and the dignity of the Gospel, be he in show never so good a subject unto his prince (for the devil is not so unwise, as he will have all his limbs, manifest breakers of the commandments, but he will use some visured oppugners of God's glory) yet if in any sort, you can perceive, that he useth any other behavior towards God's truth, than he ought to show there, whereunto greatest obedience, and duty is to be yielded, take him by and by for one, whom Paul meaneth. Because he obeieth not, but undutifully handleth the gospel. Slips I grant the children of God may have, and that very foul ones: but few of them so fall, as they must needs have that to accompany them whereunto the honor of God is tied. We may see then what reckoning our savior Christ maketh of the fruit he reapeth by the ministers labor. And he will maintain his honor in this point, by the utter ruin of all the clippers thereof, and be smally beholding (as we hear) in heaven, unto them that negligently labor for the same in earth. Here mark I beseech you, that for as much as Satan is permitted among us, not only to lift up his heel against his Lord, but even to out-face him in his own inheritance, the Lord threatened very lately and doth every day to measure our punishment, by the same line. Howe likely was it, had not he in mercy choked with their own raiging spirits, these insatiable blood-suckers, Babington, and his adherents, that we should have had in this kingdom the hand of the vile, against the honorable, the base against the noble, the indign against the woorthiest of the land? Yea and the Lord's anointed, the very breath of our nostrils, she under whose shadow we have been thus long preserved from heathen popish tortors, was like to fall into their hands. The Lord grant you of this honorable assembly wise harts before it be to late, to examine aright the cause of these ungodly attempts, & to prevent the issues of them. Which shall never be done as long as the Parliament will permit Non-residences, impropriate livings, swarms of ungodly ministers, the insolent, and tyrannical proceedings of some, joined with pomp too too unreasonable, to keep out a learned and godly ministry, by whose means the Lord Jesus would recover his own again. Persuade yourselves, that the Lord may justly give our possessions to strangers, because an enemy is tolerated in this land, quietly to enjoy the right of Jesus Christ, and by suffering such ungodly practices countenanced in the action. If the Spaniard, French, or any the forces of Rhomish Cain have their desire upon us (as I hope in God they never shall) how shall pluralities of impropriations, & other Church-livings &c. defend us & ours from their fury? To shut up this point, all the former things considered, is not our petition most reasonable in regard of God's honor? Well in respect of her Majesty, it hath many reasons where-upon it may be grounded. Can we ever hope to have the tidings of salvation proclaimed in Wales, unless this be performed in hir days? And have we a lease of hir life? Would it pleased God we had. Rather the door of our hope is every day threatened to be shut. Now therefore the Lord warneth us, to take the opportunity while it is offered. Now he taketh heaven and earth to witness that at this instant, at this Parliament, at this time of her Majesty's prosperous reign, he layeth before us life and death good and evil, salvation and damnation, and that forever. We shall never have the time to choose again for anything we know. And howe effectual for the preservation of her highness think you would be the prayers of so many thousand of hir people, even of the whole welsh nation? Which she now wanteth in as much as they know not themselves bound by reason of the commandment, to pray for their Prince, because the same was never taught them. When I consider that an infinite number of us truly converted (in the feeling of such a great benefit received at hir hands) would give the Lord no rest day or night, but still be begging of him to bless our virtuous Queen Elizabeth with the blessings of a regenerate heart, and a prosperous quiet government: when I call to mind, what an earnest and ardent affection, a true Christian beareth unto his Prince (especially who bestowed on him the means of salvation) and the promise of God, annexed to such prayers, I cannot in duty but beseech hir Majesty not to be wanting unto hir own safety even in this one thing. Which should not a little move hir, seeing it was of such great moment to stir up Cyrus to the speedy erecting of gods honor at Jerusalem. Moreover you may be assured, dread sovereign, both that we and our children forever will bless our God, that he hath inclined mercy unto us in your eyes. And also our calling will be a testimony of your burning zeal unto the truth among all the ages to come, even to the enemies of your good name. Whereas on the other side the continuance of our blind ignorance will be I fear me a blemish unto your credit (in obedience I speak it) among our woeful posterities, and the enemies of God forever. For what will our children that rise after us and their children say, when they shall be brought up in gross superstitiō but that it was not Queen Elizabethes will, that we their Parentes should have that true religion she professed, made known unto us. Will not the enemies of God's truth with unclean mouths avouch that she had little regard unto true or false religion any further than it belonged unto hir profit? I would some of them did not slanderously cast abroad amongst our people, that she careth not whether the gospel be preached or not preached. If she did we also should be most sure to enjoy it after twenty eight years and upward of most prosperous reign. These things derogating from her Majesty's honor in a most villanous sort, must be withstood thorough hir self and this whole assembly, by making provision for us betimes of the food of our souls. Because I see this most notably detracteth from hir, I cannot in duty but repel and gainsay this slander, and with as loud a voice as ynck and paper can sound, affirm and publish that she would have the truth made known unto all her people, and wish all of them to be prophets. Which thing I trust in God shall be manifested unto the woorld even at this Parliament, wherein Wales shall be allotted unto Jesus Christ for his inheritance. And good reason why it should be so, because thereupon standeth the mainteinance of hir credit. Of all the men in the world therefore she may be least beholding to them that will not deal earnestly in our behalf. And we the inhabitants of Wales may think that very strange that one suite, tending generally to the benefit of us all, will not be granted unto us in twenty eight years, and that under hir Majesty, whose good will towards us is no Jesse we are assured then to the rest of hir subjects. If we doubted hereof, behold at this time, opportunity is offered to take away all suspicion. Where-as the neglecting of our cause (being general as it is) will not be without some occasion of jealousy, as though we were contemned & not accounted of but as thrown into the most barren corner of the land, so thought unworthy to have the seed of God's word sown amongst us, unworthy to have the service of the same God with hir Majesty and the rest hir subjects. You that are godly wise counselors in matters of estate, look whereunto the shutting out of our most humble petition may tend. For all the good faithful service that ever hir grand-father, father, brother, kings of eternal memory, hir sister or hir self have found at the hands of any of our nation, we beseech her this one reward, that we may enjoy the word of God, and leave it for an inheritance unto our children, with this memorial also, that it is Queen Elizabeth's reward as well for the faithfulness she hir self found in us, whereof we are already by hir prosperous Rain recompensed, as also for the good will our poor parents have declared to the loffe of their lives unto her noble progenitors. This would never be forgotten, and I know it will be answered again with the forwardst readiness to yield dutiful service unto hir highness that any prince could hope for at the hands of hir or his most loving subjects. It might grieve us the less to be denied the gospel, unless the same were the inheritance which our forefathers the Cymbrûbrittons many hundred years ago possessed in this lande. For although at this day we cannot cal true religion by the right name, yet are not our superstitious observations the blossoms of that ancient truth our forefathers professed and sealed with their blood. But the imps of that lifeless and brutish stock of Rome, planted in England by Augustine that proud friar, whose tyranical proceedings our divines in Wales resisted even to the loss of their lives. That these trash be but of small continuance among us in respect of the antiquity the truth hath had, I prove because the vetie mother of them, the execrable Mass, was but yesterday, as it were known unto us. Showed by two reasons. First among the cartloades of oaths which we have, our people cannot tell for their lives how to swear by the mass. Secondly we have the mass at the end of none of our holy days. For Christmas, Candlemasse &c. we name the day of the nativity, the holy day of Marie &c. Which things do prove the Mass to have had but cold entertainment among us, but within this later age wherein ignorance and idolatry by the just judgment of God took such deep root in England, that it can over our land also. The equity then of our petition appeareth also in that we ask nothing but the possession and inheritance of our fathers to be restored unto us, which they could not alienate from their children. This were a sit place to stir up my dear countrymen to be earnest in obtaining that jewel which is worth all their riches besides, being their own right: but their forwardae, in other causes persuadeth me they will not be slack in the matter of the soul. And why should they not be earnest? Do they not see our danger to be so manisest that no wise man would spare either words or life to be delivered there-from? Are they not assured they shall be heard? The reason amongst many that might persuade them of hir Majesty's readiness to yield unto their petition is this. Either it must be said that her highness would not have the Lord honored with our salvation that hue in hir days, and that she envieth us that good, nay envieth herself, yea rejecteth the infinite reward in the life to come, and assurance of safety, with diverse other benefits in this life freely offered unto her, for adding us unto the kingdom of his son (which assertion I know they will detest and gainsay:) or that she greatly longing for the honor of God and our unspeakable good, desirous of the crown that shall be given hir in the life to come, will be most careful incontinently whatsoever may ensue, to plant the word in Wales. This later is to be embraced & affirmed. Neither can it be said that she will take leisure herein, for that were plainly to say, her Majesty waied not the honor of Jesus Christ, because many a thousand of us should die before he were known to be a savior of distressed souls. She hath otherwise learned Christ, and therefore knoweth that the Lord must not stay man's leisure when he would have anything performed towards his service. If one will not do it, he can find another whom he will honor ••• h the deed. She hath learned that it is to w •• ken the Lord's omnipotency and to teach him wisdom and discretion to go no farther in a matter required by him than man's reasons seeth good likely to come thereof. She assureth hir self the Lord is discreet & wise enough in commanding, and therefore will do h •• will though hir kingdom should be endaung • red. For he sufficiently recompenseth the loss that befalleth to any, while the execution of his will is attended upon. This course she took at hir first coronation. This course I doubt not she will take at this Parliament, even this I say: for who knoweth whether the Lord Jesus meaneth to keep his before we have a second proclaimed? Will you therefore good gentlemen (I speak unto you my fathers, my brethren, my kindred, and what name of love else can be invented, my dear countrymen) be mute where there is no question you shall be hard, unless the fault be in you? Indeed it concerneth us poor inhabitants of Wales very nearly to be hard, as well in respect of our present misery, as of the wonderful calamity that is to fall upon us. Our case now is to be especially pitied in respect of the inner man. For howe many souls do daily starve and perish among us for want of knowledge? And how many are like still to tread the same path? It grieveth me at the heart to consider how hell is enlarged to receive us. And here the Lord knoweth and our sovereign with this most honorable assembly shall know that I do not complain withour cause. For our estate is such, that we have not one in some score of our parishes, that hath a saving knowledge. Thousands there be of our people that know Jesus Christ to be neither God nor man, king, priest nor prophet: ô desolate and forlorn conditiom! yea almost that never heard of him. If any by the great goodness of God be called, this came to pass not by the diligence of their pastors which are either dumb or greedy dogs that delight in sleeping, as saith the Prophe • (a few honest mē excepted) but either extraordinarily through reading, or by means of their re ••• t and abode in some corner of the Church of • ngland where the gospel is preached. And l •• g • ay it be preached there, to the glory of G • d, the felicity of our sovereign, and the eve •• asting good of that whole nobility, and people • hose kindness towards strangers, the Lord will • • ot forget. And our Godremember Queen Elizabeth herein, and wipe not out hir kindness shown toward thy people, show mercy unto hir, i • that day good Lord, and forget hir not in this life also, seeing by means of fostering thy Gospel in hir land, some of us a people not regarded▪ have known the remissiō of our sins, even of our great sins. Let this never be forgotten good Lord. I am carried I know not whither from my purposed intent. These latter sort are some few gentlemen, or such like. The rest of our people are either such as never think of any religion true or false, plainly mere Atheists or stark blinded with superstition. The later are of 2 sorts. The first crew is of obstinate idolaters that would fain be again in execrable Rome, & so hold for good divinity whatsoever hath been harched in that sacrilegious nest. But these may do what they will with us: for nether civil magistrate nor Bishop will control them. They may be, even of the Parliament house, least that congregation should be without some Achā, that might give the Lord just occasion, to execrate his whole host. Hence flow our swarms of south saiers, and enchanters, such as will not stick openly, to profess that they walk, on Tuesdaies, and Thursdaies at nights, with the fairies, of whom they brag themselves to have their knowledge. These sons of Belial, who should die the death, Levite. 20.6. have stricken such an astonishing reverence of the fairies, into the harts of our silly people, that they dare not name thē, without honor. We cal them bendith û mamme, that is, such as have deserved their mothers blessing. Now our people, will never utter, bendith û mamme, but they will say, bendith û mamme û dhûn, that is, their mothers blessing (which they account the greatest felicity that any creature can be capable of) light upon them, as though they were not to be named without reverence. Hence proceed open defending of Purgatory & the Real presence, praying unto images &c. with other infinite monsters.

The other sort is of good simple souls, that would full gladly learn the way unto salvation, and spend their heart blood, for the safety of their godly Prince, in whō they do claim more interest then the rest of hir subjects whosoever. And this is almost the only happiness they have. These poor souls, because the Idol pastor can teach them nothing, entering more deeply with themselves into the consideration of things, find by the small light of religion we enjoy through the means of hir Majesty, & by the instinct of nature, that there is a divine essence who must be carefully and religiously served and prayed unto for all blessings that would be obtained. Which things they see vnperfourmed publicly, therefore privately they assay what they can do.

But woeful estate, they being not taught out of the word of God, what he is, that must be served, & how he requireth this to be done, invent unto themselves, both their God, and the manner of his service: concerning salvation they either think, that the Lord is bound to save all men, because they are his creatures, or that all shall be saved at the later day, at the entreaty of the virgin Mary, who shall desire her son, after judgment given, to save as many of the damned as may be covered under her man till: this being granted all the damned souls shall be there shrouded and so saved from helsiar. This is the cause why our people make but a mock of sin. They think the soul only shall go to heaven & not the body also, whence it cometh that they say, they care nor what becometh of their bodies, so their souls may be saved. They ascribe sauadge cruelty unto God the father, because he punished man's sin so severely, even in his son Christ, the Lord Jesus they commend. Nû wa • th genûf •• him amy tady gwr • r • ûlon hinnû • onûd cydymmaith da ûwr mab: I care not saith one for the father that cruel man, but the son is a good fellow. Durst we once conceive these base cogitations of our Prince, I know it would not be tolerated. And I hope this religious and wise assembly will procure that the Lord may have some more reverence at our hands. Because the poor creatures can hear nothing at the mouth of their minister, how their sins may be hidden & their iniquities covered, it is a common saying even among those who care not for Rhomish Antichrist, that it was a good world then when a man might have a pardon for his sins in such and such a place for one 4 d. They see no felicity where mere ignorance of salvation is. A false persuasion thereof they think better than none at all. Man must have religion true or false.

Our people learn one of another most blasphemous prayers. This they do so much the rather, because in them they commond them selves, families, &c. unto the tuition of some saint whom they think most favorable unto them and best able to grant their petitions. My heart bleedeth to think howe these villainies with other ungodly songs are learned of good painful souls with greediness. I know masters of families that teach these unto their households. If they meet with any who can write and read, they will demand of him whether he can teach them ever a good prayer against such a disease in man or beast. Ungodly welsh books are fraught with these Idolatries. If conscience would not keep me from uttering an untruth before my sovereign monarch, yet fear of punishment should contain me. But this I protest before Jesus Christ who shall judge all even according unto their words, and in the presence of all the world, that the only staff & stay of all private religion among our people (the 2 sorts of men before named I exempt, are latin prayers) praying unto Saints, superstitious observations, with ungodly welsh songs and books. If these things 〈…〉 , meat Atheism would over grow us. Surely the reading ministry hath nor so much as wrought in the harts of any almost, the persuasion of one true God. It were folly to go about to heal the disease and let the cause remains. Concerning that which is read, there is no man but thinketh very reverently thereof. And we praise the Lord • that we have so much publicly by means of his highness, whereas in the days of blindness we had nothing but professed idolatry. Take but a view of our lives, and you shall see also what effect reading hath brought to pass. There be many sins essential almost unto our nation. Profaning the name of God in common talk is prodigious, a • affirmations or negations will bring thirty ••• hes out of a great many. Some shieres of South w • les have gotten them an ignominious name by this sin. I dare write that which I durst not utter in words. They are called g • ûr eig Dû • . Look the punishment of swearing Deut • 8.5 • . Levite 〈◊〉 15.16. This is the 〈◊〉 book Zach. 13. Look the Law of concealing an oath Leu. 5. • ▪ and you sh ••• find that the Parliament should have great •• gard to damme the springes of this sin by the word preached. What a hand we have had in adultery & fornication, the great number of illegitimate and base born among us do 〈◊〉 . I would our Princes and Levite, had not beans chief in this trespass. The punishment hereof in the Bishops court is derided of our people. For what is it to thē to pay a little money; or to run through the Church in a white sheet? They have made 〈◊〉 and songs of this vulgar penance. Neither justice of peace not minister will see the execution of the laws provided in this case. Though they did, seeing the Lord's ordinance is not observed, it would not prevail. The seat of judgment in our common courts is turned into wormwoode. A man cannot have his right in a year or two, though his evidence be vnaunswerable. They have gotten many shifts, & whē all fails one will stand viz. excommunication. The plaintiff without all right may be excommunicated in the Bishops court, and so not absolved in a whole year. Al which time he is no person fit to prosecute his right in the common law. It is irksome to think how hardly a poor man can keep anything from the eues of great countenance. Though he seeth his own sheep or other cattle feed within two miles of him in some men's pastures, he dareth not ask them. Quaffing & surfeiting is too too common. Al are become Ishmael's. Every man's hand against them, and theirs against all other. Church men and all will have their right by the sword, for by the word they never seek it. These things I do not set down to disgrace my dear countrymen. I bear them another heart. My purpose is to show that all the good politique laws in the woorld cannot wash away these our stains. The nitre that washeth purely the word of the Lord must do it. A conscience must be wrought in our people, else they will never leave their idolatry, swearing, adultery, and thee very. They that know the country know how little hold the straightest and seue rest laws in the world will take on a great many. If it be the will of the Parliament therefore we shall be bettered, let the word be preached among us. We have preaching. How often? Quarterly. It is not so▪ For to that one parish where there is one ordinary quarter sermon, we have twenty that have none. The number of fit preaching ministers in wales can easily prove the truth hereof. We paietithes always, and therefore we should have preaching always, for he that laboreth not must not eat. 2. Thess. 3.8.10. continual preaching is God's ordinance. Eph. 4.12. therefore man must not dispence with it. Confer Rom. 8.9. with Eph. 13.2. Tim. 4.2. Acts. 20.18.19.20.31. 1 Thess. 2.10.11. Heb. 5.12. Acts. 20.16. Colos. 3.16. 1. Pet. 1.23. Matt. 9.38. The several reasons drawn our of these places of Scripture may prove the necessity of continual preaching, either in respect that it is God's decree, or that man's nature requireth it. They that dense this may learn their duty by Jacob's diligence in keeping of sheep Gen. 31.40. So may they that set others to take the oversight of the Lord's sanctuary Ezek. 44.8. and blush. Preaching is granted convenient, but so as reading will serve the turn. I marvel the face of mortal man will be so brazen as to affirm this, the immortal word of god loudly gainsaying it, 1 Cor. 1 21. Rom. 1.16. I am. 1.21. I will not light a candle before the sun. Though preaching be granted necessary, and the word read no means to salvation: yet there be three difficulties that infer an impossibility to have the same in Wales.

The word in welsh neither must not can be gotten. Must nor, because all should be brought to speak English, of the condition the truth were made known unto them, I would it were brought to pass. And shall we be in ignorance until we all learn English? This is not hir Majesty's will we are assured. Raise up preaching even in welsh, & the uniformity of the language will be sooner attained. But why can we not have preaching in our own tongue? Because the minister is not able to utter his mind in welsh. He may. For we have as many words as in any vulgar tongue whatsoever and we might borrow from the latin &c. The strange words would become familiar thorough custom. They that defend the contrary are slow bellies and not well minded to do their country any good. A good excuse for the soul quelling non resident. Admit we cannot have welsh preachers, yet let us not be without English where it is understood. There is never a market town in Wales where English is not as rife as welsh. From Cheapstow to Westchester (the whole compass of our land) on the Sea-side they all understand English. Where Munmoth & Radnock shiers border upon the marches, they all speak English. In Penbrok shier no great store of Welsh. Cōsider Anglisey, Ma • gy •• û C •• rnarûon, & see if all these people must dwell upon mount Gerizzin and be subject to the curse, because they understand not the English tongue. The second difficulty is want of sufficient number of ministers. The answer hereunto may be diverse. First the harvest is the Lord's, therefore if he be sought unto, laborers shall be sent Matt. 9.38. And extraordinary blessings may be expected, if his ordinance shall take place and man's removed. Might it please hir Majesty and the Parliament to take this course, the Lord would raise those saviors Haba. 21. that are unlikely in the fight of man. Further the a Universities are able to send out at this time three hundred for the work of the ministry able mē every way with a little practice. We need not have all welsh preachers, therefore these also might serve our turns, and it would be very hard if a dosen of them were not of our own people. Thus many being now provided for, would be such an incoragement unto students, that at the years end twice as many would be ready to consecrate themselves to this holy labor. What an encouragement also would this be for men to send their Sons to the Universities, whereas they could no sooner send them thither, than Colleges would have places void for them? Now alas our Universities decay in number of students. They that are already placed, either dally with their studies, or not apply them at all to divinity, because they see no end thereof. Some bound by reason of their fellowships to enter into the ministry, will make any shift to be dispensed with, nay they will give ever their places rather than undergo this calling. The reasons hereof be two. First the id • ll priesthood hath made the most glorious function under the sun, most contemptible. Secondly they see the minister hath no assurance of that living whereunto he is inducted. Every tristing matter it now made deprivation. If it shall please har highner and the Parliament to decree that ever •• godly learned minister may have as good assurance of his siuing for term of his own life, as any subject in the land hath of his fee simple, unless he be found such an offender as his ministry will be a reproach unto the Gospel, I doubt not but the ministry would be soon furnished with able mē. A number of the idle drones now in our ministry would become fit for that work in one year, if preaching were but here and there scattered among us, and they weekly driven to exercise. Where it may be seen that their undoing is not intended, but their good. There be many worthy men in the Church of England, that now exercise not their public ministry, these would be provided for among us. I hope they will not be unwilling to come and gain souls unto Jesus Christ. Private men that never were of Vniuerfity have well profited in divinity. These no doubt would prove more upright in heart, as the Levites in the like distress 2. Chr. 29.34. then many of our learned men. For the preaching in Welsh, order might be taken that our brethren which are of the ministry in England should be sent home. Their flocks might be otherwise provided for, & they depart with consent: Because the necessity of the Church requireth it.

One of the 2. Universities since that joyful 17. day of November 1557. have sent into the common wealth, 3400. Graduats: all these number of graduats, a good course being taken, might have been found in the ministry of her majesties own planting, & not so few as 2. thousand over-plus might have been employed in other functions. Four-hundred of these would have been since that time well placed in Wales, whereas at this day we have▪ not 12. in all our country that do discharge their duty in any good sort. The proof hereof I offer to stand unto against all gain-saiers.

I hope this will be considered of. If not, we may be eight and twenty years more without the word preached. The last difficulty is the want of maintenance for our ministers. This is but a mere shift to bereave the Lord of his honor, and us of salvation. Ezechia and Iosia could allege the like, better than we can. The people of the Jews being in captivity, had nothing of their own to build the Temple: yet because they sought the Lord in truth, he sturred up Cyrus to provide for them out of his own revenues, Hesra. 6.8.9. So would he stir up Queen Elizabeth, if we sought him with an upright heart. They whose harts the Lord hath touched, would thresh to get their living, rather than the people should want preaching. Our gentlemen and people, if they knew the good that ensueth preaching, would be soon brought to contribute. They should be constrained thereunto. Salvation were not bought too dear with the very flesh of our arms.

The honor we publicly yield in Wales unto our god, the word preached being not among us, if the lord be said to alow of (which were blasphemy to conceive) he can be proved to be a mere Idol. If to dislike, where is that son of Adam that will presume to offer him that which he regardeth as the killing of a man, until he may be provided for in a better sort? Her Majesty and this honorable assembly know that the service of the eternal is not to be disperised withal, and therefore out of hand will see the erecting thereof, which shall never • e do 〈◊〉 as long as any excuse will be admitted to hinder the word preached. If impropriations & Nontesfidencies were not tolerated, a teaching minister in Walls might live well by the Church. Is it not intolerable that some of our Gentle-men should have 6. impropriate livings?

Our earnest and humble petition unto her Majesty and this high court of Parliament is, that it could please them to decree, that the tenth part of every impropriat living in Wales, may be bestowed to the maintenance of a teaching minister: which is so reasonable, that I hope it will be granted And that thē minister finding hir Majesty sufficient security, may be hir farmer in every impropriat living, that belongeth unto hir highness within wales. We humbly entreat, that the same order may be taken with all improptiations in our coun • rey whatsoever.

Non-residencies have cut the throat of out Church. Some that never preached have three Church livings. Many of our livings are possessed by students of either of the Universities: who never come amongst us, unless it be to fleece. This I hope will be tolerated no longer: seeing it is the very desolation of the Church, the undoing of the common wealth, and a demonstrative token, that the Lord's will watch over us to evil, and not to good: Our petition is that none whosoever ma •• possess 〈◊〉 one living, and that all may be constrained to be resident on their charges. These reasonable petitions concerning Non residencies and impropriations being granted, a great many livings will be ready to entertain a learned pastor. Thus I hope all the difficulties that seemed to hinder preaching unto us are taken away.

But I marvel what will be said to be the cause why we have not had public reading in welsh to any purpose as yet. The old testament we have not in our tongue, therefore the 1. lesson is read in English unto our people in many places that understand not one word of it. This reading is taken to be the blasphemous mass. And they give it the very name of the mass. û maû yr offairiad ar y fferē, (say they, when the first lesson is read,) that is the priest is at mass. One man seen in the original by the blessing of God would be able to translate the whole in 2. years: more hands would make more speed. The small prophets in welsh might he read unto us until we obtain the whole, which shall be ready for the Press whensoever it shall please hir Majesty and the Parliament to call for them.

Our humble petition is that the whole work may be set upon incontinently, and that some order may be taken for the charge of the impressiō. The dialect that every sheire hath almost proper unto it self, should not hinder this work. For it preaching were in every Parish, the people would be stirred up to read the word privately in their houses, and so become acquainted with the phrase. Our ministers though never so ignorant, yet all understanding English, might easily remedy this, by conferring the Welsh with the English translations, and so where they understood not their owneroung, the English might direct them, & they their hearers. But they are far from taking this small pains. I would some of them in • 0. years had learned to read welsh at the first sight. They have made the word of God of that base and contemptible account with many of our people, that they will ask to what end many things even in the new testament it self are set down. Because they want preaching, some points of the high mysteries of salvation seem unto them to be but vulgar and common, things not beseeming the wisdom of the great God. Bring some place out of Peter, Paul &c. and their answer will be, • eth a wodhon ni pûneû bod hwûyn d • edûd gwir eû paidio? What know we whether they say true or no? Is not this our case lamentable? The faculties and dispensations of our Non residentes, whose absence do imprint these skars of spiritual misery unto us, will not deliver us frō death. No they will not shild us from the temporal punishments that we now sustain (which is our second misery) for want of their diligence. We feel the Lord's hand many ways against us at this time in regard of the scarcity of all things, and especially of victuals, and great number of poor. Every man among us was either wont to sow as much corn as served his family all the year, or to make as much of his sheep and other cattle as might buy the same. The unseasonable harvest 1585 yielded very little Corn. Therefore many were able to sow nothing the last year, because they had not bread corn, much less seed. The winter 1585 destroyed all their cattle well near, so that now the very sinowe of their mainteinance is gone. Many that lived well and thriftily, are fain to give over both house and home, and to go a begging. They were driven the last harvest to all the shifts in the world. As to rub the standing come being not half ripe to make them some bread thereof. This famine is for our sins, the Lord without our repentance faith it shall continue. Read Deut. 28.15.17.18. Amos. 4.8.11. It weer folly to continue in our sin, for the lord will make us sick again in smiting of us. Mich. 6.13 Levite. 26.40. As long as the Lord's house lieth wast in our land, we shall sow but mere salt.

Haggai maketh this out of controversy. Read the whole prophesy. Al the political Laws in the world, is not able to amend our estate until the Lord's house be built, and those sent among us who may teach us by prayer, and fasting, to humble our selves before our God. This was the counsel of Joel even in the like case, and this we must follow, or abide the smart of it. It were strange that our estate being so many ways pitiful, would nor be redressed. You shall find it as yet more lamentable, by entering into the consideration of that which is like to fall upon us. Here first I will not say, that the estate of that kingdom is very ruinous, where there is not a preaching minister. 2. Chron. 15.2.5. God forbid that we ever should have occasion to say, that we have no Prince, because we fear not Jehovah: as did those wicked ones in Hoshea his days. Artashash was afraid that the Lord would be angry with the King, and his childrē: because speedy provision was nor had for his true service in Jerusalem. Confer: Prov. 14.18, with Hose. 7.13. and see whether the estate of that Prince whose people transgress against God as we do even in policy is very dangerous. Ioshiah was gathered to his fathers, because he should not see the misery that was to fall upon a more relligious people than we are. Think not the Lord to wink all this while at our great sins. Nay think rather that the Lord will throw as with a sting the inhabitants of our land, because our pastors are become beasts & have not sought Jehovah Ier. 10.18.21. There be two Archplagues (undoubtedly to be expected for) of us the inhabitants of Wales, if our petition be not granted. The first indeed containing all the exquisite torments that may be invented: yet leaving a place for the latter. In a word it is the putting out of that small light of religion which we have, the cutting off both of us, and our posterity from belonging unto the Lord. The reason hereof is this: if the knights of our shiers and Bishops &c. will not show themselves desirous to return unto the Lord with earnest labor for the word preached, then they do as much as if they said, the word spoken unto us in the name of the Lord we will not hear, but we will do whatsoever goeth out of our own mouth, as did the wicked Jews, Ier. 44. But what was replied unto them? Verily this: Vers. 26. Behold I have sworn by my great name saith Jehovah, that my name shall be no more called upon by the mouth of any man of Judah in the land of Egypt, saying Jehovah liveth. Our sins being like unto theirs shall be surely rewarded alike. The other punishment is the utter ruin of our land, the rasing of our names frō under heavē, that we shall be no more a people. Jeremiah maketh it but a small matter with the Lord to over-throw a kingdom for the sins of the people therein. Chap. 18.7.8.9. So doth Amos 9.8. We have not indeed as yet a barren womb given unto us, but I fear me we have brought forth children for the murderers. Though we bring forth children, yet will the Lord slay the dearest of our bodies: yea woe unto them saith he when I depart from them. Hos. 9.21.17.

Accoūt not these I pray you (whom I have before named) to be the visions of the days afar off. Ezech. 12.18. but tremble and fear least the Lord say the words in our days and perform thē. Think rather the Lord to expostilate with us: as he did sometimes with the people of the Jews. O you inhabitants of Wales, why will you dy saith the Lord? Why should I give you for a terrible plague to all the kingdoms of the earth? Ier. 12.7. Why should I forsake mine house, leave mine inheritance, give the dearly beloved of my soul into the hands of her enemies? Ier. 3.12.13. &c. Thou disobedient (saith the Lord) return, and I will not let my wrath fall upon thee, for I am merciful. Be thou instructed least my soul be dismembered frō thee, and I make thee a lande without an inhabitant. Ier. 6.8. Think these speeches I say to belong unto you & us, & in respect of them be vehement. The calamities of us your kinsme in the flesh, yea your own and your children's will force you (or else you are unnatural) to vnfould our grief unto hir Majesty and this assembly. Our case is pitiful you know! Our life short, we know not how soon the Lord will cal for us. How soon he will make an end of all. If we have not more knowledge than as yet we have enjoyed means to come by the same, we can hope for nothing at his hand but that deadly voice, I know you not. You have both persuasion and necessity, which drive wise men, to take great matters in hand, to prick you forward. Throw down yourselves before hir majesty, and this honorable assembly, and plead for your lives and your people's: rise not thence, until your suite be yielded unto. We poor people look for nothing else but destruction, except our God grant you favor, at this very instant time, in their sight. I with in the Lord, that if we perish, we may perish our selves alone: and that Queen Elizabeth and hir counsel with the estate, and the whole communalty of England, may in a good conscience testify before the Lord, and say, Our hands have not shed the blood of these men; neither have our eyes seen it. I do most earnestly beseech the Lord Jehovah (for his Christ's sake) who is great and wise in counsel, severe in punishing sin: yet abundant in mercy, and kindness towards the bruised, and humble soul, to turn his wrath from us, to give hir Majesty and this honorable court his spirit to direct them in every action according unto his word, to make all the enemies of his truth & Queen Elizabeth like Ahab and Zedekiah whom the king of Babel burned in the fire, continue hir reign over us, hasten the coming of his Son Christ Jesus. Amen. Amen. Yea come quiokelie Lord Jesus.