The Discoverer Part 2

The Discoverer. Being an Answer to a BOOKE, ENTITULED, ENGLANDS New Chaines, The Second Part. Wherein is shown in what part the said BOOKE is False, Scandalous, and Reproachfull; in what, Destructive to the present Government; in what particulars it tends to Division and Mutiny in the Army, and the raising of a new War in the Common wealth; and wherein, to hinder the Reliefe of Ireland, and continuing of Free-Quarter. THE SECOND PART.

WEE see men are more curious what they put into a new Vessel, then into a Vessel well seasoned; and what mould they lay about a young plant, then about a plant corroborate: If some men were not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , without understanding, without natural affection, unmerciful; they would not manifest such outrage and violent opposition against our present State, considering the same as yet, is new, tender, not thoroughly and fast set and settled.

But where the Building is green and not dry, things are the sooner put out of order, so many people do purposely wait for the opportunity; that is, while things are settling in the Common wealth, take the advantage of the time to obstruct the work. And as former Ages yield us many examples this way, so we have at this time sad and sensible experience among ourselves, by the daily practice of sundry restless people, whose continual study and endeavor is to hinder our Builders, to the general prejudice and hurt of the whole Nation: Something we have already published to undeceive the people, touching the real plots and stratagems of these men, and the several seditious ways and miles a long time practiced by them, to accomplish and effect the same: And at this time we shall (by the good hand of God assisting us) make a further Discovery, that so we may perform our former promise, and satisfy the Readers expectation.

For the method, we are here beholding to Mr. Walwin in writing thus, I wished with all my heart, the Parliament had been pleased for the satisfaction of all those their faithful Friends who are concerned in it, and of the whole Nation in general, to have expressly applied each part of the Book to each censure upon it, as to have shown in what part it was f • ls • , scandalous, and reproachful, in what destructive to the present Government; also to have shown what part, sentence, or matter, therein, tended to Division and Mutiny in the Army, and the raising of a new War in the Common wealth, or wherein to hinder the relief of Ireland, and continuing of Free Quarter.

Now howsoever we know it is their work to prove the Charge, neither should they have set down any accusation (especially not reviled the Rulers of the people) without producing at the same time most pregnant and clear testimony for it; Nevertheless seeing it is not their use to prove anything they say, but to say anything they please (besides having wrapped themselves together in the guilt of falsehood and slander, their testimony (as the Law saith) is invalid) we shall speak to each particular, and so help Mr. Walwin to his wish and hearts desire: And first of the things which are false, scandalous, and reproachful in the Book.

First, It is there said, that All who have manifested any sense of Common right, have been styled Levellers.

Answ. But what c •• be spoken more untrue: For first, there are many thousands in the Land, who have not only manifested a sense of Common right, but have cordially acted these many years for the public good, and clearly shown themselves selfdenying men, never received anything for their service from the Sta • e, but have cheerfully contributed beyond their abilities, as occasion hath been, and yet never styled L • vellers. Secondly, What a Leveller is, we have described in our former Book; neither is the Name ordinarily given unto any, except they are such as hold dangerous and destructive Principles, tending to the ruin of Church and Common-wealth. Thirdly, No man hath been styled a Leveller, for any sense of Common right, but because under this color and cloak, they have carried on pernicious Plots and Designes, to the great detriment and damage of the Nation. Plato seeing Diogenes with a Coat of holes, said, he could see his Pride thorough the holes of his Coat. Howsoever Treason and Sedition do use to clothe themselves with the habits of Common right, Liberty, Safety, that under those Liveries they may get countenance, and find the more access in the World; yet the movings thereof are not so covert and hid, but judicious and discerning men can easily observe the same.

Secondly, It is no less false, in charging the Council of War with as much arbitrarinesse as ever was in the world, sentencing some to death, others to disgraceful punishments, restraining and releasing at pleasure. &c.

Answ. 1. What, as ever was in the World? Never worse done by Jew nor Gentile before? Reader, it is worth thy observation, how their accusations are always framed thus, either our Magistrates are matched with the vilest Tyrants that ever were, or the greatest Oppressors on Earth are not half as bad as they.

But secondly, How tender the Ruling part of the Army hath been in taking away life by Martial Law, is evident by that true Report which one hath lately given thereof, there having been not above seven or eight executed, since the General had bis Commission: an unparalleled example. Phillip King of Macedon was wont to say, That the reproaches and injuries of the Athenian Orators caused him to order his words and deeds so, that themselves should be proved Liars: The moderation and clemency of his Excellency and Council of War, hath been such, as their Enemies have been found false accusers in all their seditious Papers and Pamphlets against them.

Thirdly, For the persons there mentioned, and the cause wherefore censured, we shall speak thereof in another place; here we shall only acquaint the Reader, how it hath been ordinarily the practice of Conspirators, when they have sought to destroy the present Government, and thereby to advance themselves, to asperse the Officers and Commanders of the Army, with pride, tyranny, dominion, lust, &c. as a weapon of mere advantage, the better to effect their self-seeking ends.

3. The Book tells us, that their General Councils according to their engagements, ought to consist only of two select Commission Officers, and two private Soldiers chosen by every Regiment with such General Officers as assented to the Engagement, and no other.

Answ. The dissolution of the Agitators is much complained of, and made one main ground of great division and mutiny in the Army, but the truth in, that same power by which they had their constitution, made a dissolution and nul thereof: And this was done by a Petition to the General, from most of the Regiments of Horse and Foot, wherein they humbly desired that their Agitators might be sent back to their respective Regiments, and that they would have the Council of War to be in the same manner it was before, professing their subjection and obedience thereunto; and according to their Petition (by a mutual and joint consent of all parties publicly declared) the Council of Agitators was dissolved: So that it is false, that the General Council should consist of any Commission Ofcers, or private Soldiers, chosen by every Regiment: Neither can the Ruling part of the Army be charged with Violation of that Engagement, nor doth there remain any obligation on them to have revived, or continued any such Council, much less is it warrantable in the Soldiery of the Army, to assume any such power, as to act thereby.

4. It is an accusation grounded upon a lie, to say that those Officers and Soldiers were slighted and discountenanced, who first engaged against the destructive Votes of Parliament, and stood firm to their engagement at New Market, and Triploe-heath: For first, such men are not only still in place, and matters of the greatest trust reposed in them, but also have ever shown their dislike against the Levelling Faction: Secondly, if any Officers or Soldiers have been checked and controlled, it was for some apparent miscarriages, and not for well-doing.

And here we shall Discover unto the Reader, a pretty devise of these men; which is, to relate how some of their Party have been slighted, discountenanced, sentenced, &c. and withal report what good services they have done; concealing in the mean time the just cause, wherefore they suffered, to the end ignorant and simple people may think, they were punished unjustly: To omit many examples, there is one William Thomson, often mentioned in their Books, now who in reading their fad Representation of him, would imagine? that a man so cried up, and styled by Mr. Lilburne, the honest Nounsubstantive Soldier, was first questioned at a Court-Marshall, for his profane and scandalous life: Namely, for drunkenness, gameing, quarrelling, for breaking up a man's House in the dead of the night, where he wounded three or four persons, laid fellony to the charge of the Mistress of the house, for robbing him of twenty pound of Gold and Silver, and afterwards confessed, he had lost none; much more of the like wicked and base doings were proved against him; whereupon he was justly Cashiered by the Council of war, and afterward to revenge himself, sought to make division in the Army, and by his seditious and traiterous practices, became a chief man, and a Ringleader among the Levellers.

5. They say, They blast us with all the scandals and false reports, their wit or malice could invent against us; and so monstrously wicked have they been in this particular, that they have pry'd into all our actions, made use of all our acquaintances and friendly intimacie, and in conclusion have only produced such scandals, when stand and examined, contain both contrariety in themselves, and have not the least ground of truths concerning us.

Answ. But is there any truth here? For first, have their acquaintances and friendly intimacies ever told them so? What all? Not one exempted? Again, 'tis much that the Gentlemen at Westminster should know all their acquaintances, and had such leisure, and so little to do as to pry into all their actions: Thirdly, we had not thought the Authors and Promoters of this Book had been such considerable men, as that the Parliament, Council of State, or the Chief Commanders of the Army, would have fallen so far below themselves, as to have acted anything in such a way: Fourthly, if all their actions have been pry'd into, it is much that no more is published; for there are things concerning some of them, which are most base and scandalous, and we know them to be true, but being personal, do purposely conceal them: But fifthly, that their names are blasted, and that they have lo • t the hearts of good men everywhere, we believe it: For the Lord usually punisheth men in the same kind and way wherein they have offended: It hath been their study and practice a long time, to blast some precious men with all the scandals and false reports, that their wit or malice could invent against them; and behold here God's righteous administration: The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked cometh in his stead: As he that moves the weik of a burning Candle with his finger, blacks it, and burns it, and causeth the light to burn more clear; so the wicked shall be a ransom for the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright: Who so diggeth a pit shall fall therein. Like the Witch that had the disease pass into her, that had bewitched another: Thus the Lyes and false reports which Daniel's enemies raised against him, and so the calumniations and slanders maliciously devised by Haman against the Jews, fell like sharp Arrows upon their own head, and by such wicked doings, they had their faces covered with shame: Whereas Daniel and the Jews came to greater honor and advancement, the Lord doing them good for the others cursing.

Sixthly, For the scandals which they speak of, containing contrarieties, and have not the least ground of truth; As we know not what they mean, so we shall not inquire after it: our Discoverer tends only to what is public and general, and here we can certainly say, without contrarieties, and upon a ground of truth, that in their Book, are few passages, but what are either false, scandalous, or seditious.

6. A little after they say, They have already lost the affections of all people, and are only supported by their present strength, but when once those good men that hold them up shall perceive how instrumental they are made, contrary to their intentions, in advancing a few lofty and imperious men's designs, &c. they will lament that they have been so long out of the way, &c.

Answ. Here are as many lies as lines, and thus we prove it: First, how soever it were no wonder if a good man's Name and Honor should be much impaired by such false and slanderous tongues, yet the truth is, as Nazianzen speaks of a Plant being cut it flourisheth, lives by dying; so the Lord in the way of his providence disposeth, that by their calumniations and vile aspersions, the others are the better thought of, and the more precious in the eyes of the godly: And thus, as a man that casteth an empty hand having neither stick nor stone to sting, or like an Arrow which being wrong levelled, falleth widest, when shot in the strongest Bow; so their lying lips and deceitful tongues effect nothing, but whatsoever they say or do, the same presently vanisheth away like smoke: But secondly, wherefore is this word ALL so often used? doth it not always argue an impudent lying? For what knowledge have they of the affections of all People? They think such big words will serve to further their seditious designs; but judicious and knowing men meeting with such palpable and notorious false expressions, will soon perceive that there is neither Honesty nor Conscience in the speakers.

3. Was there ever heard before so gross a contradiction, that with one breath it should be said, They have lost the affections of all people, and yet presently, Good men hold them up; if they are held up by good men, then they have not lost the affections of all people, and so much in the words following is plainly expressed. Walwyn saith, As their Father is said not to be able to hide his cloven foot, so neither can these hide their double dealing, do but never so little watch them, and you shall find they are made up of contradiction: The Law saith, Confession is beyond all other kind of proof: Now of whom he speaks we know not, but this we know (and have in our former Book largely shown) that to say and unsay, is their usual practice, neither needs there much watching to find them out this way.

4. For the advise which they give here, to those good men, not to be instruments to advance a few lofty and imperious men's designs, but to convert their abilities and power, to better and more Common ends: As no man better knows their meaning then themselves, so they have since told us what their meaning is, namely, Soldiers as well as others to rise up against the Parliament, as so many professed Traitors, Thieves, Robbers, and high way men, and to apprehend, secure, and bring them to justice in a new Representative; this they call, A coming into the way, and setting themselves with the utmost courage and resolution to fr •• their distressed Country from the fears and captivity it now groans under. And that the way may be clear for this work, they have already declared, that the Parliament is no Parliament; but a dead stinking Carkasse; a factious company of men treacherously combined together, to subdue the Laws, Liberty, and Freedom of England. So that all their votes, orders, ordinances, and acts, or that hereafter they shall pass, are not binding to the People. And the like they say, of the Council of State, and the Council of War, both unlawful, illegal, and they know them not: So that there is nothing now to do but that those good men will act the Treason which these Conspirators have plotted against the Common-wealth.

But we hope all good men hereafter, will take heed how they make any tumult or mutiny, having seen an example so late of God's revenging hand upon Incendiaries.

7. It is also false, when they say, These known truths which yet ring in every man's ears through the Land. For first, their accusations and charges are to many people of the Land as yet unknown. Secondly, many men of their own knowledge, know their whole relation to be false, and upon all occasions declare so much. Thirdly, unless they are men of their own faction, the judicious and peaceable everywhere do observe them, because they see they are things maliciously devised, and tending only to division and further blood-shed. Fourthly, They ring indeed, and not only through the Land, but also in other Kingdoms; for the Malignants abroad, rejoice at their doings, and have great hope to effect their designs by the traiterous actings of these men; so that the boasting and triumph in Forraine parts, is now beyond measure, that they have such notable instruments here at home to blow up the Coals of sedition and Rebellion amongst ourselves. Fifthly, howsoever it be true, some are ready to admit and believe all news, when they are evil: Nevertheless as the same Author saith, Time and the eye tried out truth, and falsehood winneth credit on a sudden and by uncertainties: So that we are confident, the Reader shall find here in our Discoverer so much clearness of truth, force of reason, and fullness of proof, as he will easily see their lies and falsehoods, unless he purposely shut his eyes, and choose rather to be deceived: and thus much for the first particular, now we come to what is scandalous in the Book.

And first of the matter in relation to Colonel Rains borough; here we may say in their own words, So monstrously wicked have they been in this particular, as they have heaped up many scandals together: For first, he was not withdrawn from the Army, for opposing the proceedings of any, but partly for his fitness for Sea service; and partly through his own desire, the Office being more honorable and profitable then the place wherein he was before: Secondly, The straitness of his Commission, was not occasioned by any Officer in the Army, but it is a base and scandalous aspersion of their own framing: Neither thirdly, was he put upon that dangerous and unhappy service before Pomfret, because the Ruling Officers found him inflexible to their ends, but this is another most vile and malicious slander: Fourthly, that he went thither with reluctancy and discontent, we can manifest to the contrary: For being met on the way by another Colonel, who persuaded him not to go, and gave him some reasons for it, he would not by any means alter his resolution, but manifested a great desire, willingness, and cheerfulness unto that service.

5. It is no less scandalously and traitorously spoken, that his brother should receive no furtherance, but rather discouragement, in searching after, and prosecuting the causers of that so bloody and inhumane a butchery, for he had all the assistance that he ever desired, and of himself without any discouragement from the Ruling Officers, gave the thing over. Lastly, whereas they speak of giving cause of grief and suspect to his friends; here lies the main of the scandal, namely, a close and home accusation against the Ruling Officers, as to be accessory to that horrid and cruel murder: And indeed, the whole relation tends only to this, that for opposing their unjust proceedings, they secretly made him away.

Now the Law of God, speaking of a false witness, saith, You shall do unto him as he had thought to have done unto his brother. The Hebrews explain it thus, If they have testified falsely of a transgresion, for which men are guilty of stoning to death, they are all to be stoned: If of burning, they are to be burnt; and so for other deaths. And if they testify of crimes worthy beating, everyone of them is to be beaten.

2. In their Relation about the Lilburns, there are sundry scandalous things: First, Leivetenant Colonel Henry Lilburn was never solicited, by the great men in the the Army, to asperse his brother John, but whatsoever he spake concerning an intent to murd •• the Ling, it was without being wrought by any one of them so to do, neither knew they the carriages and passages between them two, but what was abroad and commonly reported: Secondly, It is also a slander to say, that the Officers would never suffer th • asperser to be brought forth to the proof, for they never did anything in way of opposition, but left the thing wholly to themselves, and their Friends, to do therein what they would: Thirdly, That he should be advanced to the Government of Tinmouth Castle for that perfidious service, it is as false a thing as ever mouth uttered: We could declare if need were the reason and cause wherefore he was appointed to that place, but it is sufficient, the Reader take notice that what they report is not true, such a thing was never thought nor spoken, neither have they any proof or Author for it, but maliciously forged it out of their own heads.

4. What forehead would not blush to say, the General Officers inclined him to this revolt themselves, as well by their example as by countenancing him in the beginning thereof: Here Machiavel, or a Jesuit would smile at so uncovert and naked a Lye; for anything rather, and with more probability and likelihood might be charged upon the General Officers, then that they should give an example or countenance to Treason against the Common wealth: Never have they to this day betrayd their trust, or given up any Fort or Castle to the Enemy: As Blaesus said, In my blood rather imbrue your hands, for it is a lesser offense to slay the Le • vtenant, then fall from the obedience of the State: So much fidelity, truth, and constancy have they always shown to the Nation, that they have all along preferred the welfare and safety thereof, before their own lives: Fifthly whereas they say, His Father and kindred have been aspersed with the fact, by the Officers and their Associats; this also is a slander, according to the best intelligence we have, howsoever the thing is of no public concernment: Here 〈◊〉 a fit place to remember Mr. Walwins words, If all stories (saith he) be scarcht into, it will be found, that unjust, cruel, covetous, or ambitious men, such as were engaged in corrupt interest, or in some wicked design, were ever the aspersers, and honest, just, and public spirited men aspersed. Is this witness true? One of themselves, even a Prophet of their own: Then thine own mouth condemneth thee and not I; yea, thine own lips testify against thee.

3. Now what next; Then they fall to work again about the Ki • g, and send the Propositions of Newcastle to him, which they knew, and were agreed he should not sign.

Answ. When the Spider hath emptied even her very bowels to make one slender Web, one puff of wind blows all away; so it is here with these men, having vented all the rancor and poison of their hearts, one word is sufficient to refute whatsoever they have said: But that we purposely forbear a large discourse, otherwise we could in many particulars show their monstrous baseness here, that the senders of those Propositions knew before they sent, and had agreed among themselves, that the King should not sign them, it is another devise of their own head, and they might fasten the scandal and slander as well, and with as much reason and truth, upon any other men, as upon the Ruling Officers; for they neither knew what the King would do, nor moved him to any refusal, neither agreed before hand that he should not sign what they sent him, neither to speak directly to the thing, did the Army Officers send the Propositions to him. The lip of truth shall he established forever; but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

4. Now to that which they speak concerning a serious repentance, the whole matter as they have set it down is a scandal and a lie: For first, It was never acknowledged with the greatest expressions of sorrow (nor yet expressed at all) that they had walked by corrupt politick Principles: No such words were then spoken by the Ruling Officers, but they have devised them of their own head: Secondly, Neither was it said, If ever the Nation be happy, it must be by a conjunction in the Levellers Principles. For is it probable or possible, that they should so speak, who know the Levellers Principles (properly so called) are most destructive and dangerous, as tending to the subversion of Church and State; as for other Principles bottomed upon Religion, Law, Reason, they never took them for Levellers Principles, much less ever stilled them by that name: Thirdly, It is also false, that it should be acknowledged, that they had discountenanced honest men, and set up a party; What was acknowledged then, it was only in relation to the King, as some oversight or miscarriage that way; so that the truth is, what was said at the same time they have left out, and brought in other things, which were never spoken nor thought of.

5. They say, It hath been by their procurement that the Judges, their creatures, have a thousand pound a year allowed to everyone of them, above the ordinary Fees, which were ever esteemed a heavy oppression in themselves.

Answ. The Asp in her old age hath all her members to decay, only her tongue is as bad as ever: We shall find in those men no abatement of scandal and reproach, their tongues are still their own, although Reason and Proof for what they say, they never produce any. But to answer, First, To call the reverend Judges of the Land, their creatures, is not only a disgraceful aspersion put upon them, but a dishonor and blot on the Parliament: Secondly, whatsoever hath been done this way, the Army Officers procured it not, neither have they spoken anything therein, but as their place and calling gave occasion to deliver their own opinion: Thirdly, there is nothing procured for them but what hath been allowed unto Judges formerly, and well known to be fit and necessary, and therefore the scandal is the greater, to publish to the World as if the Parliament brought in some new burden and charge upon the Land: Fourthly, That their ordinary Fees are esteemed a heavy oppression in themselves, it may be so to some, for such as would have no Termes or Laws, no Judge or Justice of Peace, no Mayors, Bailiffs, Aldermen, Common-Council men, no Corporations, Patents, Charters, Records, no buying nor selling, nor any civil trading at all; no man to call anything his, nor any man to be put to death for murder, or any unrighteous crime whatsoever; (as the Levellers Principles are:) No marvel if they complain against such Fees, and esteem them a heavy oppression. But for others who hold the Principles of Reason a • d Justice, never thought them so; for they know their ordinary Fees amount not to so much, as they got by their practice, before they were Judges; Even a Fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise.

6. They complain against the Council of War for sentencing Master William Thomson to deat • at Whitehall.

Of this man we have spoken something already, but because he was a None such among that party, we shall give the Reader some further account of him, and so wipe off their reproach and scandal from the Army: After he had received several Orders to depart the Quarters for his lewd and vicious life; he in a peremptory manner refused to submit; whereupon there was a new charge exhibited against him, for mutinous words, and delivering seditious Papers to the Soldiers, some in writing, others Printe • , unto which he pressed them to subscribe, and labored what he could to make division between the Officers and the Soldiers; this and much more being proved against him, he was apprehended, and brought Prisoner to Windsor, from whence (contrary to his promise) he made an escape, and being afterward apprehended at Westminster, and sent Prisoner to White Hall, he there made an escape the second time; and within a while after gathered a company of men in arms, whom he Quartered upon the Country, calling them his Troop, and they him Captain; with these he marched to a Gentleman's house in Essex, who had a Suit depending in Law with another about a Title of Land, whom he by force and violence dispossessed, taking his Tenants and Servants prisoners, driving them before him in the night, through mire and dirt, and pricking them forward with his Swords point in a most inhumane and barbarous manner.

After this he stabbed one Master Heyden with his Dagger, without any cause or provocation, of which wound he is since dead; and within a few days after this, was again taken on the Road, with other men whom he had drawn to his wicked courses, and there was found about him, a great black Periwig, and a false Beard; for the rest of his actions, and his end, the same are so notorious, as the memory of him is hateful, and his name rots: As for such as turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity: Loe this i • the man that made not God his strength.

7. To go on: Their next work was to new mould the City, and make it theirs, for which purpose they brought, &c.

Answ. As the grating of a Saw sets the teeth an edge, so their calumniations are irksome and distasteful to us; here are heaps upon heaps: But first, It is not true, that the Ruling Officers brought Soldiers to white hall and the Mews, to the and they might make the City theirs: for they had no such purpose nor thought; but what they did was by the appointment and order of the Parliament; and there was great reason and cause it should be so; both for the preservation of the House, and to prevent several inconveniences: Secondly, To the extreme discontent of the City, say they; the which also is false: unless by City they mean Malignants and Incendiaries, for to our knowledge, the well-affected everywhere were exceedingly glad thereof, and indeed well they might, for they were a wall unto them both by day and night, and under God, a means of their safety and preservation. Thirdly, Would not the Commanders of the Army admit the Lord Major and the Aldermen to a legal trial so they say; but to use their own words, what notorious dissimulation is this? for they know otherwise, that they moved often that the things charged against them might be prosecuted to the full: Fourthly, Was there ever anything spoken more falsely, then to impute their releasment without any trial to the Officers who never consented to it, but always manifested a great dislike thereof.

5. That their end was not the terror of the City, is manifest by the carriage and behavior of the Soldiers which was so inoffensive and harmless as they were loved and not feared.

6. Whereas they speak of changing the Magistrates, thereby to flatter the Malignants and to creep into their favor: it is to be observed that none were more violent this way then they: Note it well, to have the Lord Major and Aldermen displaced, the busiest and forwardst men that acted for it were that party, hear what M ^r Lilburne saith Therefore say I, immediately press vigorously for the total purging the House of all that sat with M ^r Pellam, that so there may be way made for the exemplary punishing of the Lord Maier of London, and all the chief ring-leaders, actors in the late desperate and traitorous engagement, this he speaks to the private Soldiers, and calls it his Advice; But see how they wheel about, to scandalize the Army and to comply with Cavaleirs, they complain against the changing of the Magistrates, saying it was to serve there designs: as if they would say, there was no just cause of their Imprisonment, but done only for some base and by end, not regarding in the mean time what they themselves have spoken against the same persons, as to be chief ring-leaders actors in the late desperate and traiterous engagement, and to have exemplary punishment for it, if they should find but half such flattery, dissimulation, contradiction, apostasy, in other men, they would make Books of it, and set over head, THE JUGLERS DISCOVERED: HOCUS POCUS: but some People are like Lamia in the Poet, who put on her eyes when she went abroad, but laid them aside when she came home, or like a foolish man that runs to quench another man's house whiles his own flames about his ears.

7. Pliny saith of the Nightingale if any will give her the hearing, she will sooner sing her self out of breath then out of tune, we are resolved to hear them out, yet so, as takeing no delight at all either in their tune or song • many reproachful and scandalous passages they have of some powerful and • ver ruling influences in the Army. As First, That they labor by all possible means to convert the honest endeavors of good men in the Army and elsewhere and the happy success God had blessed them withal to the advantage of their lusts, pride and domination.

Ans. M ^r Walwin tells us when Art and sophistry will not seem to vanish truth and reason, aspertion generally will do the deed; howsoever in some cases there is nothing like to this speaking by experience, yet here it will not do the deed: for both the Law, and commandment of God forbid us to receive the testimony of slanderous tongues. As for that which they speak, they have quite mistook the thing, for they should have said they have converted the honest endeavors of good men, &c. (leaving out •• sts pride domination ) to the suppressing of Incencidiaries, and thereby preseru'd the nation from ruin and destruction, and speaking so, they had said the truth, as is well known, and we bless God for it.

Again, for such as are ambitious and would be great (being otherwise obscure and of no worth) to asperce well deserving men, and such as have served the State best, and are in authority, thinking by false reports to work themselves into the affection and favor of the people; is an old stratagem and so well known now to us, as it will never do the deed.

8. But what follows; As time came on, it more and more appeared, that they intended merely the establishment of themselves in power and greatness, without any regard to the performance of their promises and engagements, or any respect to the faith and credit of the Army, or to the peace or prosperity of the common-wealth, and that they walked by no rules or principles either of honesty or conscience.

Answ. There is a kind of Serpent, the nature of whose venom is such, that if it enter into the body, it provokes to vomit, and causeth the person to bring up whatsoever is in the stomach, in thick and filthy fleame; The Serpents sting being entered into these men's tongues no marvel they vomit; but First, we find not anywhere in their papers of any just and lawful promise from which they are departed but stand to it, and do endeavor to perform the same so far as it is in their power. But if there have been any promises or engagements formerly made, which in themselves were unlawful, or not in the engagere power to perform, or which cannot afterward be performed but to the public damage and prejudice of the Nation, in this cause such promises and engagements are not binding, neither may they be kept, but broken. And the consideration of this thing, would be useful many times, when promises and engagements (without distinction) 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 are hotly pressed: to examine then whether they were justly made, whether in the promise • s power to perform them: and whether the prosecuting of such engagements would not be against the welfare, safety and peace of the common wealth.

2. For the credit of the Army: here we cannot speak without grief: how honorable they have ever been in the eyes of other Nations, beloved of friends, admired of enemies, not only for the good success God hath blest them withal, but for there justness, piety, obedience, patience, &c. till of late through the conspiraces and sedition of some bad Instruments, a part was occasioned to make an unhappy and scandalous revoult. As for the General Officers the Fountain of slander cannot blast their reputation and name, the Lord hath made them so eminent for worth, parts, and excellency as they are the Crown and Ornament of the souldirie.

3. To let pass that expression without ANY regard at all, what regard they have had to the peace and prosperity of the common-wealth their own works praise them in the gates: And at this time their love and watchfulness is largely shown in taking care to prevent the destructive and dangerous designs of those men: It is true, they cannot effect that good they would, and desire to do for the Nation, because this party (with others joining with them) hath been and still is, a bar and let in their way.

4. Whereas they say, They walked by no Rules or Principles, either of honesty or conscience; here is a defect, or want of words, and to be supplied thus, They walked by no levelling Principles; that is, the one (to wit the General Officers of the Army ) will have Order and Government in the Land, the other an Anarchy and confusion; the one are for a settling of Religion, and to advance the glory of God in the practice of Gospel-worship, the other for letting in all blasphemy, heresy, atheism; the one will have Law, Courts, Freedom, peace, propriety, the other not; walking by no such Rules or Principles of honesty or conscience.

3. It follows, But as mere Politicians were governed altogether by occasion, and as they saw a possibility of making progress to their designs, which course of theirs they ever termed, a waiting upon Providence, that with color of Religion they might deceive the more securely.

Answ. First, if we take notice of their accusations all along, we shall find, that the designs here spoken against, are such, as have tended to public good, and whereby their seditious designs have been broken, to the great safety of the Common wealth: Secondly, howsoever waiting upon Providence be not their Principle, and therefore the practice is here jeered at: nevertheless good men will observe it, as knowing it is the way to have their actions blest, when the other shall find them cursed under their hands: Thirdly, for deceiving with color of R • ligion, it is a fault (we confess) which they are not guilty of, and therefore they may the more freely apply it home to others, as knowing the like cannot be returned back upon their heads, or laid to their charge: And thus much of the second particular, from what is false and scandalous; we come now to things reproachful.

First, We shall take notice how they say, What was more incredible then that a Parliament trusted by the people, to deliver them from all kinds of oppression, and who made so liberal effusion of their blood, and waste of their estates (upon pretense of doing thereof) which yet as soon as they were in power, oppress with the same kind of oppressions.

Answ. First, howsoever in their Pamphlet they usually asperse a Faction of Officers, and hope that the Parliament will conscionably perform that supreme trust, which is really and essentially residing in them, and free the betrayed and enslaved Common-wealth, &c. Yet here, not the Officers, but the Parliament it self is charged with the Crimes and Abuses; the which is not only a Reproach, but gross dissimulation, as one while to insinuate, as if some few, and only a party, were the Tyrants, Traitors, Oppressors, &c. and at another time to take off the aspersion from those few and lay it upon the whole Parliament.

2. That the Parliament hath been so liberal in shedding blood, it is a most reproachful expression: a practice indeed more beseeming Cannibals then Christians, yea beasts rather then men: & to say the truth, there is no fairer mark of a Tyranous, unrighteous and cruel State, then to make liberal effusion of blood: but the falsehood of this reproach and slander is well known; to wit, that the Parliament hath not been liberal but sparing this way, and we challenge all nations, and histories, to show the like care, tenderness compassion, wisdom, patience, prevention, &c. as our Magistrates and General Officers have done, and to this end, that there might not be made a liberal effusion of blood. False witnesses did rise up, they laid to my charge things that I know not.

3. It will not satisfy these men, to reproach the Parliament with a liberal effusion of blood, but to give good measure, they say, this so liberal effusion of blood hath been upon pretence of doing good. Thus the matter is blood, the manner blood, and so blood toucheth blood. To be liberal is great cruelty, a crying sin, but to be liberal in effussion of blood upon pretence of doing good and no otherwise, (as these affirm) is the very quintessence of the greatest Tyrants & oppressors: No marvel they say the Parliament are the greatest traitors that ever were in this nation, greater Tyrants then ever the King was, or that cruel Tyrant Duke D. Alva; and that bloody Queen Marie was a Saint in comparison to them: For if these things were true which they report, they are as bad if not worse: But their actions have showed the contrary, for they have already delivered the People from many kinds of oppressions, and we question not their care and faithfulness, but they will effect • ally do the rest for the Nation, with what speed they can.

4. What oppressions soever at present lie on the people, they are not the same kinds of oppressions which were in the time of Hollis, Stapleton, the King, and Bishops: But this is another reproach and calumniation; for there are none now persecuted for the truths sake, as cast into Prison, forced into Forrain Countries, hindered from the free exercise of Religion; the which thing heretofore, hath been thought the greatest, sorest, and deepest oppression, as for Purse suffering, the godly have ever held it nothing (comparatively) to that of the conscience.

2. If follows some few lines after, But it is now evident, that it is possible for our Physicians to bring us into a more dangerous condition then they found us.

Answ. The blind Bayard rusheth into the Battle, which way he should go he sees not, he c • tes not, save only his Rider spurreth him: So it is with those men, they regard not what they speak, not how, nor of whom, but as their malice and passion deads them.

Observe, • . This again is spoken of the Parliament, and howsoever not in words, yet in effect, is the s • me which they speak, else where; as to be Traitors, Tyrants, Oppressors, &c. Physicians of no value: But secondly, What worse then before? Worse then when Those grand Trayterous fellows and Tyrants were at Westminster, whom Mr. Lilburne without fear or dread, or any scruple of conscience, could have destroyed with his own hand, as so many Weasels and Poulcats: What worse then we were then? So they say. But 3. suppose it were so, that our condition is worse, how doth it appear, that this Parliament hath brought us into a more dangerous condition then they found us? Here again is one thing set down for another, Ille for Ego; For whereas our condition is no better, we may thank them, in seeking to make division between the Parliament and the people, the Officers and the Soldiers, the General and the Officers, the Parliament and the Army, between Soldier and Soldier, applying themselves (as we have elsewhere proved) to all parties in attempting to raise sedition, and fill all places with uproar and commotion.

After Nero had occasioned much mischief and misery to the Common-wealth, he wrote to the Senate (as these men did to the Parliament) accusing some persons whom he had murdered, to be turbulent and factious men, and that he had a marvelous care for the people's safety; yea, all the cares were nothing in regard of his love to the Country, and that he had seen the sad countenances of the Citizens, heard their secret complaints, &c. The like is the practice of these men, having with their false tongues slain some persons of worth, they write to our Senate what ambitious and dangerous men they are, making a sad Representation of their love and care to their Country, how deeply affected they are with the sad countenances of the people, and their secret complaints, concealing in the mean time (as he did) the murder of Sylla and Plautus, and that by their means the Nation suffers extremely.

3. Neither can there be a more reproachful speech, and indeed no less seditious, then when they say As for the prosperity of the Nation, what one thing hath been done that tendeth to it? Nay, hath anything been done since they were in power? But what increaseth the rancor, hatred, and malice which our late unhappy differences have begotten amongst us, as if they had placed their happiness and security in the total division of the people, nothing being offered by them that hath any face of reconcilement in it, nothing of cheerfulness or general satisfaction, the mother of Trade and Plenty, that might take away the private remembrances and distinction of parties; nothing indeed but what tend •• to implacable bitterness of spirit, the mother of confusion, penury, and beggary: So much we have from them at once.

Answ. Those who are accustomed to take poison in small quantities, do enable their stomachs to digest more, till by long custom and increasing the quantity by degrees, it becometh so familiar to their stomachs that instead of poisoning them, they are nourished thereby. The poison of Asps under those men's tongus: it weakens them not, but through customing themselves to it; they are strenghthened in the course of slander.

1. Besides liberty of conscience, freedom of the Gospel, a general peace through the Land, with many other public and private blessings which the Lord by them as Instruments and means hath brought over to us: this is one, tending to the prosperity of the Nation, namely, that they have often suppressed several conspiracies, plotted by the Levelling party against the welfare and safety of the Common-wealth. Secondly, That evil men wax worse and worse, and that their rancor, hatred and malice should increase, it is no marvel, it hath always been so, even when the best, wisest and ablest men have governed; and yet were not the Governors then in fault, nor any way the causer • thereof. Thirdly, It is no new thing to hear men, ( suum quisque flagitium aliis objectantes ) to lay their own faults upon others: to cry stop the thief stop the thief, being in the mean time the only robbers. There is not anything which with less color or show of truth, can be charged upon the Officers of the Army, then the division of the People; no such thing this way hath ever been noted or suspected of them: whereas the practice of the other, is notorious, and as easy may the Blackmore wash himself white as they wipe of the stain and spot thereof.

4. For the matter of reconcilement, here they are like Nahash the Ammonite, who would not make a covenant with Jabesh Giliad, but on this condition, that he might thrust out all their right eyes: Even so, unless we will agree that they shall pluck out the right eyes of our Nation, as break the Parliament, dissolve this present Council of State, take away the law Marshall from the Army, and persons in the highest Command of Military power, there is nothing offered (as they say) that hath any face of reconcilement in it, nothing of cheerfulness, &c. But as (we use to say) A man may buy Gold too • ear, even so, howsoever we should desire peace with all men, notwithstanding (provided always) as it may stand with the prosperity and safety of the Common wealth; and so far a reconcilement hath been offered still, to all parties without distinction.

5. That anything is offered, tending to implacable bitterness of spirit, it is the Fountain of slander that speaks it; for it is neither so nor so: But we perceive well enough where they are, and the work they are doing; it is to provoke the people to more discontent against the Parliament; here they would persuade men to think that our Governors are Pharaoh's, keep them forcibly in bondage, and lay burdens upon them purposely to make their live • bitter; and is there not so much in their very word • , for if there be nothing offered the people, but what tends to bitterness of spirit, to confusion, penury, beggary, What worse could Pharaoh do? Nay by their aggravating it, nothing indeed; they make them worse then he: And it is worth the observing, how this (Nothing) is over and over repeated: Nothing that hath any face of reconcilement, &c. Nothing of cheerfulness, &c. Nothing but what tendeth to bitterness of spirit, &c. An accusation of the highest Tyranny and oppression that was ever charged upon Magistrates; the falsehood whereof is such, as the expression is conviction sufficient; Thou lovest all devouring words, O thou deceitful tongue.

4. Now what else? Against all those delusions and perfidious stratagems laid by those men to betray and enslave the Common wealth to their own Pride. Ambition, Lusts, Coveteousnesse, and Dominion, if not Dukeship, or Kingship; their Creatures discoursing of late that the power must be reduced to one, what their meaning is, time (if not hindered) will manifest.

Amongst the Virginians, they use to die themselves with the juice of diverse Hearbs, and he is held the gallantest man, that is most monstrous to behold: No doubt these men do take themselves (and so others of that party) to be gallant men in using their tongues to such false, scandalous, and reproachful speeches; howsoever in the eyes of all sober, judicial, and rational people, the practice makes them most monstrous and hateful.

For answer, First, what they call delusions and perfidious stratagems are accusations without proof; some things wherein these men are not concerned, others, in themselves lawful and just, and so none true as they report them: Secondly. So far have they been from enslaving or betraying the Commonwealth, &c. as by the blessing of God upon their endeavors, they have been the men whereby the Common wealth is freed from the bondage and slavery they speak of; which shows their malice, unthankfulness, and blindness, to be the greater. Because Agesilau, was beloved of the Citizens for his good life, and the great service he had done them, the Ephori would fine him for it; So these men would have some to be fin'd and worse too, because they have won the hearts and love of the people by their valor and sufferings for them; Who so rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house.

3. To let pass the term (Creature) being the usual language of men disaffected to the State; that there should be any such discourse they speak of, we are confident it is false, a mere devise of their own head: But howsoever, as they here have brought it in, most reproachful: to insinuate a thing of such a high nature against any man in authority, from other men's discourse.

4. For that Parenthesis (if they be not hindered) there is something in it though nothing for what it is brought. Treason indeed should be hindered; there is all the reason in the World for it, yea and timely to, whiles it is in the Cradle hatching like the Cockatrice Egges, that it may not break forth. And it is the wisdom of all States to be careful herein, for as one well saith, The too much indulgence and lenity of the Magistrate gives occasion many times of sedition: for whiles the common s • rt see him quiet and not to suppress it at first, they take boldness thereupon and so out of contempt of the Magistrate, and hope of impunity seek at last to wring the Government and sword out of his hand.

5. From the same poisoned Fountain issues this bitter water. Thus the most hopeful opportunity that ever England had for recovery of our Freedom was spent and consumed in such their uncertain staggering motions, and arbitrary irrational proceedings; whereby all parties become extremely exasperated, as people that had been merely mocked and cheated by fair promises and under the most religious pretences &c.

For answer to this and the rest following first, A bold affirmation is no proof, and with the more reason to be rejected when it comes (as this doth) from a malicious enemy. Alexander of Hales a Schoolman, is called Irrefragabilis, that is the Doctor ungain-saying. it seems these men had some such opinion of themselves, that if they should let it down thus, their uncertain, staggering, arbitrary, irrational, &c. whosoever reading it, would believe it, and so no matter, what they said whether true or false. Secondly, It is a reproach and a lie to say that all parties were exasperated in reference to the proceedings of the General Officers; for the honest and well affected party, who still close with them, did ever take them to be real and sincere, and knew they would have done more for the Nation had not many things unhappily fallen out in their way. Neither to say the truth were there any parties exasperated against them, saving such men as would not have the present Government established.

3. To say the people were 1. mocked and cheated and 2. by fair promises 3. under most religious pr • tences, these are chips of the old block all falsehoods and slanders: for whatsoever was promised they have continually endeavored to perform, neither have they given us any cause to doubt but what further they can do for the good of the Nation, the same likewise they will effect, by improving all the interests and relations they have: As in a house of smoke, a man shall sooner be stifled and blinded, then warmed: so their reports tend meerelie to abuse and deceive the Reader, and not at all to give him any true or right informations of things.

4. That the Army should be made a by-word, a hissing and reproach to the whole Nation, and ready to be stoned in all places where they come, and by those who loved them before, &c. This is another known untruth and slander: Neither have those (if there be any such) who thought nothing too precious for them in hope of their large good promises and protests in their Declarations, declined in their affections for any unfaithfulness, or unjust actings of the Commanders. Siba by his false and scandalous tongue, may occasion honest David to fall off in his affection from harmless Mephibosheth, but it is an offense taken, and not given: so it is possible through the calumniation of such men, th • t well-meaning people may not think so honourably of the Officers as they have done, and yet not for any just cause which they have given them; but because Whisperers have separated chief Friends.

5. The general Rising and Revolt is imputed to these men, to their unjust, partial, and perfidious dealings, as the proper issue of such horrid delusions. As for big words we are not Children to be frighted with scare-crows: If they should tell us that Zedekiah rebelled against Nebuchadnezzar, as moved thereto by Jeremiah, howsoever the Prophet admonished him to the contrary, would we receive it for a truth? As little reason or ground have they for the other. That some might be provoked to Rise by the distemper which that faction had made in the Army, it is possible; but that the Commanders should give any occasion, or encouragement that way, it shows that their malice is risen from the heart into their eyes, and blinds them: to raise a Reproach so clearly against all reason, and the most certain knowledge and experience which generally men have of the contrary: And this shall suffice for what is False, Scandalous, and Reproachfull.

Now we come, In what destructive to the present Government: First they say, Their only fears remain upon our discoveries, to prevent which, they use means that either we might not have opportunities to lay open their Treacheries and Hypocrisies, or not believed if we did it: In order to the first, they strictly stop the Press.

Answ. 1. The Chameleon having taken in the air, afterwards his belly swells; if these men were not full of wind and vanity, such self-boasting would not be expressed.

But secondly, see their craft; they have the State at such an advantage, as they think now it must be broken one way or other; for if they are suffered to speak and write what they please, they make no question, but under the color, of discovering Treacheries, and Hypocrisies, the Magistrates by their Tongues and Pens shall be made so odious, as the people nowhere will obey them. Again, if hindered by stopping the Press, as much danger then this way, because the discontents of their patty will be such as they will not bear it; thus we are ma • e fast, and no door open to escape.

3. Neither do these step aside from the way of former Incenaiaries; but as they carry on the same design, so in practice are alike: Mortimer a Kentish Rebell (falsely naming himself Jack Cade ) by Messengers informed the King, that he intended not any hurt against his Royal Person, but would displace, and punish some of his evil Counselors, who were his Flatterers, and partial to their own Friends, bitter to their enemies, enrichers of themselves, oppressors of the Common people, greedy of too much Honor, and who for rewards corruptly ordered (or rather disordered) all things as they pleased: So these men (speaking the same, even word for word) pretend they intend not any hurt against the Common wealth: but because a Faction of Officers have betrayed and •• slaved the Nation, therefore they seek to raise up the Soldiers and people in all places, to an insurrection and revolt: and the same pretext had the Munst •• Revellers, neither indeed have any former Conspirators (for the most part) gone to wor • e any other way.

4. How destructive to the present government their words here are, may appear in this, in calling such things Treacheries and hypocrysies which in a special manner tend to the safety and welfare of the People. Is not the errecting of the Council of State, the late proceedings against the King and Lord's, the peace of the Army, the suppressing of mutin •• among the Soldiers, the continuing of Excese, marshall Law, and persons in the highest command of a military power, the prohibiting of false and scandalous Books, takeing away sedition in all places &c. for the upholding of the present Government? or can it posiblie stand, if such things were not so? nevertheless (and note it well good Reader) against all these in particular do they object, aspersing them, as the Treacheries and Hypocrisies of some men.

2. They say, which advice proceeded as well from our respect; to the Citty and neighb • ur-places, as upon fears of what we know to be the practice of other Tyrants, (and therefore doubted would be exercised by those) namely the garrisoning of great Towns, thereby to keep the People as well in poverty as in continual awe and subjection.

Answ, 1. Can anything be spoken more destructive to the present Government, then to call such men Tyrants as are in authority, and for no other r •• son but because they yield special aid and assistance to the state. Secondly, Here were enough (if believed) to raise up the people in all places against the Army, and not to suffer them in the least to come among them; for if their intent be (as these men insinuate) to enslave them and make them poor, by Garrisons: who would not oppose and resist their entrance in such a case? Thirdly, The treachery of these men is the more seen and intolerable, in that the whole Army (specially the General Officers ) have given from time to time such real proof and large experience to the Nation of their fidelity, love, care; so that there was not any cause at all of such a suspicion or doubt; but clearly the contrary: and therefore the fear which they mention in relation to the practice of other Tyrant • , was only brought in as a stratagem of purpose to beget a Jealousy in the People, whereas they knew there was no reason for it.

4. The ground or matter from whence they take occasion to match the Commanders, with former Tyrants, and to set the People against the Soldiers ads much to the evil of it. It was (proposed (say they) by the Agitators friends of London, Southwarke, and the places adjacent, that the Tower, Citty and Burough might be secured by the well-affected inhabitants and not by Soldiers. It is true something to this purpose was spoken at Kingstons; and upon debate, it was found no way fit, and many reasons were given to show how unsafe dangerous and inconvenient it was to have it so, whereupon some of the proposers yielded, and were satisfied in the thing: we could set down the reasons here what they were, if it were useful and no doubt every rational man (if he heard them) would say they were forceable and strong and necessary to be followed.

Now let the Reader judge, if these men had not just cause, to call the Commanders Tyrants, and to publish to the World such horrid and perfidious things: For thus it was in regard of many desperate plots and designs known then to be working against the State, and the unfitness of the Inhabitants, having there Trades and other things to look after, and the capacity the Soldiers were in, to manage the thing better, it was ordered for the present that the keeping of some places should be by Soldiers, for the more safety and security thereof: And this is all the matter, for which so much faction and treachery is expressed. The law of Retaliation is well known, both the Scriptures, and Human Writers mention it, Eye for eye, tooth for tooth; but to take away a man's good name and reputation, is more then the loss of an eye, or tooth, and therefore such wrongful doers deserve the greater punishment.

3. We come now to a more large discourse, and thus it begins, And as before, upon their first great success against the City, when now again it justly was expected they should have made use of so notable and unexpected blessings, to the benefit and advantage of the Common wealth (as their late repentances, promises and pretences gave men cause to hope) the event proved they intended another use thereof, for (having now subdued all their enemies) they proceed with greater confidence to their former purposes of making themselves absolute Masters of the Common wealth.

It is the wisdom of Soldiers, to learn with what weapon and strength their enemies will come against them, and accordingly to provide themselve • we are by this time well acquainted with these men's Weapons: reasons and proof they bring none, neither is the same to be expected from them, they having none: so that if we provide ourselves against their spears and arrows of a falls tongue it is suffi •• ent; and we shall do well enough.

It was not without cause that the Parliament voted their Book seditious and destructive to the present Government; for what can be more? For first, So far are our Governors from being absolute Masters as that the Common-wealth never enjoyed the like liberty thes • many hundred Yeares: As for taxes and rates, they are not with as any point of bondage, but rather as a preservative and means to keep us from it, and to uphold the just freedom and rights of the Nation. Secondly, For the late repentances and promises they speak of: what they report we know is untrue, but what is true, we know the accomplishment of them, by them to be daily made good: neither can it be justly imputed unto them, that other things are not likewise performed.

3. Concerning the agreement of the People, a short answer will serve to their many words: first, It is false that they employed their Agents to get me • tings and Treaties, thereby to keep quiet the busy watchful party, whilst they went on with other pieces of their work: For herein they can appeal to God who is the searcher of all hearts, as they spake of Union and reconciliation: so they would gladly have seen it, and do still desirouslie desire an Agreement, not only with this busy party, but with all other parties: provided it may not be prejudicial and hurtful to the Nation: Secondly, we take notice of their words (busy watchful party) now in truth, as fitly spoken, and well applied as a thing could be; some write of a stone called Siderites, if it be brought amongst a people already at variance, it will occasion a continuance and increase of contention, and strife between them: so did this busy party, by their unseasonable, prepostorous, rash and heady proceedings (as flys in the sore) they made the wound worse, and the difference wider and greater then before: How doth it appear that the thing before they left it, was so obscurd and perplexed in the sense, so short of what was intended, and so corrupted &c. that those most loathed it that most desired it. It seems this must be true because they say it, but others of better judgment say otherwise; and we could easily make it so appear: but not being proper to this place, we let it pass; only, whereas they turn again to their former vomit of false accusing, saying, whilst they had fixed good men's eyes and thoughts upon that work, they secretly and swiftly prosecute their other designs: We answer, As we know of no design prosecuted since by them either swiftly or slowly, but what hath been honorable, just, lawful; so, for the particular things which themselves set down a little after, as to be their design, we are sure tended to the welfare and good of the Nation.

4. Their next is, Of those extraordinary sudden, and violent courses lately taken: And here to show how well affected they are to the present Government, or rather how trcacherously they conspire to destroy it: They complain for bringing the Army to the City, breaking the House in Peices, removing the King by such an extra-judicial proceedings and Court of Justice, as done for no other end but to make way for their own absolute domination: And further, The taking away the House of Lord's, the erecting the Council of State, the voting of the people the Supreame power, and this House the Supreame Authority; all these particulars, &c. as they have managed them, are of sole conducement to their ends and intents, either by removing such as stand in the way between them and the power, wealth, or command of the Common wealth, or by actually possessing and investing them in the same.

A man shooting at a Deare to kill her out of hand, will not aim at the legs or feet, but at the heart, knowing if he hit her there, she falls, and is his own; hitherto for the most part, they have shot their Arrows of bitter words, at the legs and feet of the State; but seeing there followed no success that way, now they Levell (as right Levellers indeed) at the Heart, where if they hit home, there is no doubt but down comes the present Government as a prey (or Venison ) for their teeth.

For answer, First, whatsoever hath been done in those particulars; as in bringing the Army to the City, purging the House, removing the King, the same hath been proved Lawfull, and therefore it shows their greater presumption, that knowing the things which they speak against, are justified by Scripture, Law, and Reason, without either answering others, or proving anything themselves, they should dare so speak; for do they think the English Nation to be such Simplicians, as to prefer what they barely say, before what is proved and made as clear as the Sun at the Noon day by others?

2. To shoot through the heart of the State, our present Governors, are not only accused in those particulars; but also (and mark it well) as done for no other end but to make way for their absolute damination. What? FOR NO OTHER END? And FOR THEIR OWNE ABSOLUTE DOMINATION? Not half and half a parting of stakes? some think for the public good, and some think for private ends: at least a little for their Country, and a great deal for themselves: Not so, but all respect of common good is cast aside: and this is, for Absolute Domination: not only to be Lord's & Masters, but ABSOLUTE: None to Reign and bear Rule but themselves only, as for all the rest, of what name or title soever, to be subordinate and under their power and command.

It is no marvel they say, We shall not doubt (though the Parliament sail us) but that what we have here presented and published, will open the eyes and raise the hearts of so considerable a number of the Soldiery and People in all places, and make them so sensible of the bondage and danger threatened, as that these men, this faction of Officers shall never be able to go through with their wicked intentions: For how could they think less, having possessed the people that they had broken the Parliament, unjustly proceeded against the King and others, illegally erected high Courts of Justice; and withal done all this for no other end, but to become Tyrants, and the people made slaves; but the Soldiery and people in all places would rise up against them.

It is reported of Timothy, Alexanders Harper, when his Master was at a Banquet, he played an Alarum or Assault, so to the life, as the King was occasioned, to rise from the Table and take his Armor, so that his spirits remaining vanquished and overcome, was constrained to obey the harmony that proceeded from the Instrument: What ear ever heard an Alarm • more moving to Rebellion, it is no wonder that some people have their spirits overcome, and are in a manner up, and taking their Weapons; alas! what cannot such Har •• and Instruments do in this case, specially where ••• re is a weak spirit and a busy head to work on: But

3. Neither is it less destructive to the present Government to say that the Erecting their Council of State, the voting the People the supreme power, and this House the supreme Authority, all these particulars are SOLE Conducements to their ends and intents &c. Can the heart devise, or mouth speak more Trayterously against the present Government? A thing in it self unlawful, may be done with a good intention, and to a well meaning end, & so in part excusable: but to do a thing in it self evil, and to an evil end, it is the fullness of evil, and further in wickedness men cannot go. Again howsoever they would seem sometimes, to spare the Parliament and let the scourge of their tongue fall only upon a faction of Officers, yet herein their hypocrisy often breaks out: so here, for who have erected the Council of state, voted the people &c. not the General Officers, but the Parliament, nevertheless these things are said to be done, to as evil an end and bad intent as can be imagined. A Fools lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes.

5. Neither have they yet done, but as destructive to the present Government are these words, and for the truth of our Judgments herein: we should with gladness submit to the determination of this Honorable House, were not their high hand as yet held over you. And therefore we are enforced to appeal to a new representative, equally chosen as is expressed in our serious apprehensions lately presented unto you.

Answ. The stream and violence of Rivers is much more swift and violent near the Ocean then hard by the Fountain: every natural motion is swifter in the end, then in the beginning, because the nearer it comes to its proper place where it must rest the more it desireth the place in which it may rest: that those men are here so firce and high in terms it shows that they are come now nere the end, and therefore no wonder if somewhat violenter then before. But first, Are not these men ingenuous that after so much falsehood, scandal, reprocah conspiracy &c. uttered: will not submit unto the determination of the Parliament: for who would suffer for his fault if he could escape it? But Secondly, There hath been a late example of one more considerable then they all: he likewise refused to submit &c. and appealed elsewhere; but yet was proceeded against, according to the crimes and evidence they had against him. Thirdly, we know no such high hand as they speak of, but have a freer Parliament then ever, and in a capacity to do more good for the Land then heretofore: But we know their meaning, the Parliament not being now for their turn, they would have it broken, and to bring this to pass, asperse it, as unfree, under the power of the Sword, &c. A stratagem cunningly devised, for they know the Malignants these many years have said as much, and therefore taking • p their Principle, the others cannot do less in po • a • of civility then to take them into their, Qua ••• , and so to be no more two, but one party.

4. To Appeale, what is that? It is as much to say, there is no expectation of justice or right 〈◊〉 this present Government; the Parliament is as if • o Parliament, the Supreame Authority, hath no Authority, and so rather a cross, a curse to the N •• ion, then a blessing; hence they cry out, Ob wretched England, that seeth and yet suffereth such intolerable Masters: as if they should say, wherefore takest thou not an example from us to appeal from tha • and to make no more addresses to them? Why do •• thou not declare and protest (as we have done) that all their Votes, Orders, Ordinances, Declarations, and Acts, and that hereafter they shall pass, are not binding to the people? For doing thus, and following our steps, this present Government would be broken. Howsoever Absalom by disgracing his Fathers Government, sought to draw away the hearts of the people from the King, yet he had not this 〈…〉 teach them to Appeale, for howsoever the design he desperate, yet if it take, there is nothing like it for to ruin and destroy the State.

5. Neither do they Appeale to a new Representative, but such a one, as is ^u expressed in their ser ••• apprehensions, lately presented to the House: Now is not this to betray and enslave the Common-wealth to their own Pride, Ambition, Lusts, Covetousness, Domination: For wherefore to be chosen in such like manner as they prescribe it, who put them in authority to demand any such thing; much less to lay it down as a Rule for the Nation: Are not we English men, and so in a legal capacity to claim the utmost P ••• title, benefit, and privilege, that the Laws and liberties of England will allow to any man in the whole Nation. Why thou must it be as a few factions inconsiderable, and busy headed men do express? But the truth is, here we see their inside, they would be the Lord's and Masters, lay down Models, platform • , and agreements for the People, and because their way and course is justly rejected, they make all the disturbance and trouble they can in the Commonwealth: And this hath been the constant practice of former Conspirators (as Historic • are full of examples) when they could not attain their ambitious ends, out of hatred then to the present Government, and envying the Governors, by disturbing the one, and aspersing the other, to seek the overthrow and ruin of both: And this shall serve in what destructive to the present Government.

Now we come to the particulars tending to Mutiny and division in the Army: Whiles the River rune entire withal his wa • er in one bed, his o ••• ent is the swifter, and his force the greater, and dau • teth the most hardy to adventure passage; but being divided into several streams, it proves so slow and shallow as it may with safety and ease be waded over: This party is not ignorant how much the agreement of the Souldiary, and their fastnesse together, is for the safety of the Land; neither have they any hope to see their designs effected, unless there be a disjuncture and breach among them; the which thing (besides several other seditious ways shown elsewhere) they have strangely attempted by raising many false and scandalous reports against the General, Officers, and Council of War.

As 1. Upon pretence of easing the charge of the common-wealth the lifeguard must be disbanded; because consisting of discerning men, faithful to their Country, and former promises, and many others of like principles were picked out of every Regiment, the design being by weeding the choicest and best resolved men to make the Ar • y wholly mercenary and slavish and the Executioners of a few men's lusts and lawless pleasures.

Answ. 1, It was no pretense, but a thing truly meant and done; wherein the General shown the largeness of his love and affection to the Land, and how far he could deny himself in point of honor and other respects for the people's ease and accommodation. Secondly, It is not true that either they, or any others were disbanded because faithful to their Country &c. For it is well known it hath been their care and practice from the beginning to this day, to promote such upon all occasions, and commit matters of greatest trust to them.

3. It is likewise false, that there were any picked out of every Regiment, for either they were dismis'd upon their own desire, or what else was don, it was in such an impartial way; as there was no cause given at any time for such a base aspersion. Fourthly, No less is it a falsehood and slander to say, it was done, to make the Army wholly mercenary, &c. the condition and behavior of the Army ever since, is sufficient to prove their accusation to be most falls. But Fifthly, we know their meaning well enough, disceraing men, faithful to their Country, and many others of like Principles: that is, busy seditious, and mutinous as they are t • emselves. The Turks call their converts from Christianity, musul manem servati, as if they were fav'd then & not before even • o, unless the Soldiers turn Levellers, resist authority, raise mutine in the Army, reproach the Officers: they are wholly mercenary, slavish, and the executioners of a few men's lusts and lawless pleasures. But let them T • rne Turks, Musulmanim, then they are deserving men, honest and worthy Soldiers, the good men in the Army, men most conscientious and cordially acting for common good &c. But as one saith of the rebellion caused by Percennius amongst the Soldiers in Pannony, even then the Centurions, and the better sort of the Soldiers, were obedient to the Lieutenant. So it hath ever been with us.

2. To make division in the Army, they say; At the first Randezvous near Ware, they shot a Soldier to death, for pursuing the ends of the engagement at New-market, and for insisting upon the agreement of the People: unworthily abused Major Skott a Member of this House, sent him up a Prisoner, and accused him and Col. Rainsborough for appearing in behalf of the agreement, and therewithal sent Col. Ayres, Major Cobbat, Captain Bray and many others after Prisoners, to Windsor.

Mr, Lilburne in a Book lately published speaking of the first and second part of England's New Chains discovered, saith; the truth of every line of which (for all its declared treasonable) I will seal with my heart blood. But (good Sir) do you not know, it is not the suffering but th • cause of the suffering that makes a Martyr: now as in the rest, so here what is reported is most • ntrue. We find in their writings the shooting of the Soldier to death as Ware, is much spoken of, as an act of great cruelty & injustice, but have never mentioned the cause truly why he suffered: and therefore to wipe of their falsehood and slander from the Army, we shall give the Reader here a true account how it was.

The Soldier who was shot to death at the R • ndevouze near Hartford was named Arnold, of whose miscarriages and outrages (with some others at the same time) Captain Bray in a writing delivered to the General and Council of War (subscribed by him) hath thus reported.

The Regiment being ordered to march to New-Castle, when they came at S ^t Albanes, had there read unto them, the paper called, The case of the Army stated: whereupon they resolved unanimously not to march; and howsoever according to the orders he had received, the next day caused the Drums to beat, yet few or none appeared, but seized upon the Collours and set them in the waggons, placeing a strong guard about them: and this they did although he had used all the arguments of persuasion he could to the contrary.

So at a Council of war held at Hockley, having given his vote for their marching as a thing fit and reasonable, and being returned from the Council to them, used again many persuasive arguments, but all in vain, for their combination and murmuring much increased insomuch that they ca •• into his quarters the same night after, and demanded the Colours of him, the which he refusing and giving many reasons for it, they went into his Chamber and carried them away, telling him they could not believe any of their Officers, nay that they could not believe any of their own fathers.

Being come to Olney he again commanded the Drums to beat, and intended to go forward according to his orders, but they came together and resolved not to march, and when he had propounded unto them all the arguments of obedience and reason he could, professing withal to be an enemy to irregularity, howsoever a friend to all just desires, resolutions, and mutual engagements, they began to be suspicious of him. About the same time there being come more Collours from Northamptonshire, they grew higher, and more refractorie, and as he was pressing them to their duty, a Cavalier affronted him, and swore by God, they must not believe any of their Officers, but should fight now against the Independents.

Upon this they marched back according to their determinations to Dunstable, with many of the Horse, full of the like distemper: and their received a Letter, the substance whereof was, that they should stand to their honest engagements &c. and the Party that brought the Letter told them, that the General and Le ••• tenant General would not oppose them, the which report made the Soldiers more and more Exorable.

Much more in that Narration is shown of their insolencies, and high disobedience; notwithstanding he mentioneth not their barbarous and most inhumane carriage to their Officers and the Country, which was so vile and horribly wicked, that all the Felons which have suffered at Tyburne these twelve months, were not, we are confident, guilty of so many horrid outrages as they committed: Not any of their Officers, except Captain Bray, the Quartermaster, and one more, durst co • le near them; some they pursued many miles, and swore as they followed them, they would be revenged on them; and in this pursuit of their Officers, theevishly took away many Horses in the Country, pretending their Officers were run away with their money, whereas they were forced to fly, or otherwise had been cruelly murdered by their own Soldiers: Neither were their Officers thus basely abused, but their rage and cruelty was as much exercised on others; and not against Malignants, but their manner was, where ever they came in their march, to inquire if there were any Round heads in the Town, and where they found such, they would be sure to abuse them the more. Insomuch that many honest men have since complained that the Cavaliers never dealt so cruelly with them, and had not Bray and the Quarter-master been with them, they had been certainly Plundered o ••• all, If not murdered.

In this insolent distemper they come to the Ra • dezvouz, where the General, and Officers, inquiring who had been the principal Leaders and Actors of this mutiny, eight or nine were singled out, and being all found at a Court Marshall guilty of many notorious facts in this business, were adjudged by the Laws and Ordinances of War to die: Nevertheless afterward all pardoned but one, and this referred to a Lot, which fell upon Arnold; one who had been (as some Officers of that Regiment report) more notoriously guilty then any other in that wicked Conspiracy.

We have spoken the more largely of this particular, to show the dissimulation and treachery of those men: For who would think to hear them say, We do in the behalf of ourselves, and all well minded people, here before this honorable House, as in the presence of Almighty God, protest against the shooting of the Soldier to death at Ware; and bow five cordial Citizens required justice for his blood: that he suffered for such horrible and vile misdemeanors: Could any Machiavillian or Jesuit hide Mutiny, Theft, Murder, Cruelty, and the very height of Rebellion (like a dunghill under Snow) so handsomely? The Romans in War had an Engine which they named Musculus, the nature of it was to hide their Soldiers, so that they could (unseen) come to the Walls of a City and undermine it; this Engine they use oft, under a color of pursuing the ends of engagements, and acting for common good, approach the walls of our State, and unseen sat least as they th ••• there work the ruin and overthrow thereof.

2. For others whom they name, what the Co •• cell of War did to them, there was reason a •• cause for it, the distemper among the Soldiers •• ing so great, and many ill-affected people now wa •• ing an opportunity, through a breach and division 〈◊〉 the Army, to destroy both Army and Kingdom, it was necessary, that such as appeared to countenance so dangerous a design (though happily intending no evil) should be prevented, the which could not be, without removing them as they did, and securing their persons.

3. They ask, what freedom is their left where honest and worthy Soldiers are sentenced and enforced to ride the Horse with their faces reversed, and their swords broken over their heads, for but Petitioning and presenting a letter in justification of their liberty therein; if this be not a new way of breaking the spirits of the english which Strafford and Canterbury never dream of; 〈◊〉 know no difference of things.

Answ. 1. It is a false conclusion and seditiously applied, to insinuate, that there is no freedom left 〈◊〉 when honest and worthy &c. as if all our liberty and safety consisted in the actings of four or five mean Soldiers, and because they rode the Horse, it is now quite lost and we in Chaines.

But 2. That which they call Justification of their Liberty, was a thing most scandalous to the Parliament, Council of State, Court of Justice and tending to breed mutiny in the Army, and so much was then shown and proved to them: In some fe • ny Countries where People are troubled with Gnats, they use to hang up dung in the midst of the room, as a bait for the Gnats to fly to, and so catch them, as being a net or snare provided for the purpose; there is no snare (and this party knows it well) like the dung of Sedition: hang up a Pamphlet or Libel stuffed with falsehoods and railings against Magestrates and Goverment, let it be said, O perfidious Cruel Tyrants O Apostatiz'd Tyrants, a company of bloody and inhumane butcherers of man, The most perjurd, perfidious, false faith and trust-breakers, and Tyrants that ever lived in the World. a pack of dissembling juggling knaves: Corah, Dathan and Abiram were never such Rebels against Authority as the General and his Council are, nor the Anabaptists at Munster with John of Leyden and N • per Dullion, were never more contemners of Authority; nor Jack Straw, nor W • t Tiler, nor all those famous men mentioned with a black pen in our histories, and called Rebels and Traitors can never be put in any scale of equal balance, for all manner of rebellions and Treasons against all sorts and kinds of Magistracy, with the General and his Council: Let this be the Dung for the Trapp and Lilburne can speak by experience, there shall not be a Gnat, not a secret conspirator, a false hearted traitor, a close mutineer, and one that seeks to Levell Church and State but he will stick at it. And to the end the stinck may not choke them, they shall see it written in great Capital-letters the legal fundamental LIBERTIES of the People of England Revived asserted and vindicated, or as here, in justification of their liberty.

3. There may be some truth here picked out a new way which Strafford and Canterbury never dreampt of, it was so indeed, they never went this way to work, for their manner was to break the spirits of the peaceable, and people be • t affected to the commonwealth: whereas the Council of War on the contrary hath still endeavored to suppress the unquiet, restless, seditious, as all know and will acknowledge; except men of the same distemper and faction.

4. They have another story, as thus: No sooner had they (through God's blessing and the assistance of their reconciled friends) finished their work at Colchester, but presently they called to Question certain persons that bad, appeared at St. Albans in the behalf of Captain Reynalds, choosing rather to forsake the service then to be commanded by Captains that had been violent against them, that had drunk the Kings health upon their knees, and professed they could rather fight against the Levellers then Cavaliers, and these (according to their old wont) they sentenced to death and soon after releast them, as finding or supposeing this kind of discipline most essential to the breaking and debasing the spirits of the English.

Answ. A man that hath false ware to put off, cares not how bad the light is: the matter which they here so darkly and covertlie report, was indeed a work of darkness. As for the cause of that sentence it is not at all related, but some other things which before were never heard of. For 1. That there should be Captains which drank the Kings health, or any such words spoken as they report, they are things as yet not only to prove, but pretences which themselves in their own defense used not. But 2. Had such a thing been done, or the words spoken, yet would not this excuse their horrid and vile disobedience: for they made no complaint thereof before they mutined, where they might have had redress if any fault had been committed. 3. But that these Libels are Printed in the grand Yeare of hypocritical and abominable dissimulation, otherwise it were impossible that they should thus still conceal the truth: The matter here is in effect the same with Arnolds: they having order to march North-ward with many reproachful speeches refused so to do, and thereby caused a great division in the company, yea their insolencies and outrages were such that unless the same had been seasonably prevented, much danger to the Kingdom would certainly have followed: for it did evidently appear, that their plot was to make a General disturbance and hurliburlie through the Land, as making full account that others, in other parts, by their seditious example would do the like, and so the Malignants taking the opportunity (as a door opened by them) might destroy the honest party, and the easier effect their designs.

4. For the distinction between Leveller and Cavaleer it is now by Lilburne taken off, and Jack hath ventured his neck to make LEVELLING CAVALEER one person; but it would vex his fowl heart to hear, what Malignants say, that he is a Turn-Coat knave and howsoever they are content to make use of Incendiaries and Traitors, yet they think hanging is a reward too good for him, that holds sometime with one party, otherwhile with another, and all to destroy and ruin the Nation. The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and the hypocrites hope shall perish.

5. That they were afterward released, and soon too, it shown the great clemency and favor of the General; which Testimoney from their own mouth, is sufficient to prove the greatest part of their Book to be most false. But observe the wit of these men, who can from an act of large mercy conclude Tyrany and oppression against the doer.

6. They make a large narration of some proceedings in the North, the reading whereof gives us an occasion to mind Sollomons words The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk mischievous madness. But 1. That the Levellers were taken into the bosom, and the necessities being over, fell into greater odium and contempt then ever, it is denied: for honest and deserving men have always been countenanced, and still are, and if any have fallen into disgrace, it hath been through their own miscarriages, or otherwise if they have suffered anything it hath not been any way occasioned by the General Officers. Is it not possible for the son or servant to do amiss, and yet the Father or Master to be blameless?

2. It is also false, that diverse Soldiers were rated and threatened to have their skulls broken, &c. for Petitioning in the behalf of Major Reinolds: For whatsoever was spoken or done herein, it was not for Petitioning, but for their incivilities and high miscarriages, as no way becoming Soldiers. Such among the Turks are in high veneration, as have lost their wits, and are become Idiots; there is little reason why these men should expect admiration from others, unless it be for their sottishness and absurdity, for every understanding Reader must needs perceive the froth and emptiness of their talk; but you shall seldom see malice and matter together.

3. For Major Cobit and Major White, that the General was pleased to confer such places upon others which some desired they might have had, we know nothing unjust that he did therein, but this we know to be a slander and reproach that Major White was refused the Lieutenant Col • onelship, because a constant man to his promises. The Law saith, Testibus deponentibus veris •• ailiora magis creditor: And there is reason for it, for who knows a man's thoughts, words, and actions, better then himself, and therefore his Excellency denying it, is rather to be believed then they. He that drinks much of the juice of Coriander seed, they say is either dumb afterward, or if he speak it will be naughtily; these men have taken in some such liquor; for there is hardly o • e thing which they speak, but is false, and tending to sedition.

5. They say further, And this was the usage not only to these Gentlemen, but to all others, whether Officers or soldiers in North, or South (for their Counsels were one in both) that did retain a sense and resolution to prosecute those good things intimated in their former ingagemen • .

Tame Foxes if they break loose, and turn wild, will do ten times more mischief then those which were wild from t • e beginning: Experience shows it in these men, when Independents turn Malignants, Parliamenteers, Cavaliers, Royalists, and of friends, become foes to the Gospel, they prove the sorest and greatest enemies that the Church and State ever had. To this slander we have given already a full answer, In conclusion therefore of this particular, we shall desire the Reader from the premises to obs • rve, the several ways and wyles which they have used to make division and mutiny in the A • my.

1. As they know the Army cannot be without some distemper, so they are diligent whether in the North or South, to make inquiry after it, that they may by casting Oil into the fire increase and continue the same. 2. That the Officers may be unserviceable, and the Soldiers thereby occasioned to revolt, they seek by falsehood and slander, to make them odious. 3. Whensoever any mutiny or division is raised in the Army, their manner always is to justify the Conspirators, thereby to harden them in their wickedness, and provoke others to the like sedition. 4. Such things as are good in themselves, and done upon just ground, they will scandalously interpret, as done to a bad intention. 5. They asperse the Soldiers as to be mercenary and slavish, and why? but because they should either leave the service, or refuse duty. 6. That no private Soldier may yield assistance to his Commander, in punishing his fellow Soldier (be the cause never so just) they are told if they do so, that they are the Executioners of a few men's lusts, and lawless pleasures. 7. They possess the Soldiers, that it is of their Officers that many Taxes and burdens are not taken away, and things better settled; although they are not in fault, neither can they help it. 8. To enrage the Soldiers, they cry out against their Commanders, for breaking their Covenants, Protestations, Engagements, howsoever in the mean time, there is no promise which formerly they have justly made, and can perform, but they are willing and careful to keep the same. 9. Their Officers are such Tyrants, as that the better the Soldiers are, and the more faithful, the worse they will use them. 10. The use which the General Commanders make of the Soldiers, is ( they say) only this, namely to betray and enslave the Common wealth, and enrich themselves: and so much of this point.

It follows next in that particulars it tends to the raising of a new war in •• e Common-wealth. say they for peace, whilst the supreme Officers of the Army are supreme in your House, in the Council of State, and all in all, in the general council of the Army, when the martial power is indee • supreme to the civil authority, what peace can be expected? we profess we see no counsels tending to it, but hereof mighty and vast sums of money to be taxed upon the People per mensem; as if W •• were become the o • ely Trade, or as if People were bound to maintain Armies, whether they have Trade or no, yea whether they have bread or no.

Answ, The Wolf by tickling the Ass and rubbing him softlie about the Neck and under the belly, brings the Ass asleep and then presently devours him, Such Asses they would make the People, by flattery and fair pretenses persuade them they desire peace, and seek to have greviances and burdens removed, whereas the truth is (and so much we shall here further demonstrate) like the Wolf this tickling and soft rubbing, is but a Levelling design, of mere advantage to destroy them.

We know not of any superiority that one person takes above another either in Parliament or Council of State, but as equals in respect of place, so are their actings all alike in point of power. 2. For Marshall power it never took anything from the Civil, nor h • th it at any time been exercised, but in matters proper and peculiar thereunto. 3. That they do not see any counsels tending to peace, it may well be so: for a man that is blind or shuts his eyes: sees not the brightness and beauty of the sun shining at noon day. Nicomachus in Plutarch very fitly answered an Jdeot that could see no beauty in the famous Helena Painted by Zeuxis: take my eyes said Nichomachus and you shall think her to be a Goddess. If this party had the eyes of sober, discreet, peaceable, honest and well affected people, they would see in our high Court and great Council, somet • ing don every day tending to peace, but being blinded through malice, pride, prejudice self-seeking &c. no wonder like Batts or Owls they see nothing in the light. 4. to insinuate as if the supreme Officers of the Army would make Warr their trade, is a base aspersion, their former actions have ever testified the contrary. But observe the craft of these men, they would make the people believe that the Officers continue the War, whereas themselves, by traiterous designs and closing with the greatest enymies that the Nation hath, are still seeking to raise commotions, and so necessarily contstrain the State to keep up their forces, for to suppress their conspiracies.

2. We find them propounding many Questions to which we shall briefly answer. 1. Touching their charge against the excluded Members, there hath something already been done herein, and what is further to do, as there shall be opportunity and a fit occasion for it, so they will proceed. 2. For Offices conferred upon their creatures and relations, whatsoever hath been done this way, there was just cause for it, and no more but according to the merits of the receivers. 3. It will be time enough to discountenance those who have betrayed the trust of feofees for Bishops and delinquents lands; or have unjustly purchased it themselves when the offense is known and proved. 4. That the Lord chief Justice and Lord chief Barron should keep their places, conferred upon them, it was fit and requisite, being men of great worth and well deserving, and continually faithful to the common-wealth. 5. When those perfidious persons that have made no conscience of breaking the self-denying Ordinance, are found out, and known to be such, there will be that done no doubt, which shall be just and satisfactory: But to what end are those demands? you shall know in the words following.

Oh wretched England, that seeth and yet suffereth such intolerable Masters? what can be expected from such Officers who frequently manifest a thirst after the blood of the People and Soldiers, as are most active for the common freedom peace and prosperity of the commonwealth, and against whom they have nothing else to object? or what can be expected from such a council in the Army as shall agree that the supreme authority should be moved to make a law that the council of Officers may have power to put to death all such persons though not of the Army as they should judge were disturbers of the Army.

There are certain Idolaters in India when they sacrifice to their Zemes, or Idol, that their Offring may be the more acceptable, thrust a stick into their throat, even to their weasel, and so bring up whatsoever lieth in their stomach: These men have taken some pains here and streined hard to bring all this up at once, if Satan therefore like it not, what will he have? as for sedition, treason, falsehood, what more can be uttered, vomitted?

But 1. Are ye in earnest, would ye not have the people remain any longer under the present Government, but raise a new war? we believe you: you mean as you speak, those Masters ye would willingly have out, and be yourselves the tyrants which so often you speak of: and then we should have cause enough to say Oh wretched England.

2. In speaking so often that the Officers thirst after such people and Soldiers blood as are most active for common good &c. Herein you show yourselves to be like the Serpent called Porphirius, which is full of poison, but being toothless, hurteth none but himself: your malice and venom is so gross and notoriously false, as it kills only yourselves, whiles nobody will receive it from you. As for the peace freedom and prosperity you mention, Lilburne hath now declard what it is, And howsoever some have thought heretofore better of you, then ye deserved, yet finding him now to plead for the Princes Title, and condemning the Parliaments proceeding against the King, and Lord's, with much other base malignity, they are satisfied, and hope the Parliament will be careful to prevent the mischief which he manifesteth against the Common good, peace, and prosperity of the common wealth.

3. Where shall we find a lie told with less color of truth then here: The council in the Army moved to have power to put to death all such persons though not of the Army as they should judge were disturbers of the Army. We appeal to any man that hath sense, whether such a thing be probable, or possible? what no other course but death? and all to death? and for every desturbance of the Army? here we may (changing the names) say O Lilburne, O Wal • yn, O Prince, O Overton, will ye Seal the truth of every Line with your hearts blood? truly that which you speak in this place is not only false in it self, but so absurd and groundless, as no rational man can possibly believe it.

But further, it is also an untruth that the Council of the Army did move the supreme authority in any such thing at all. For whatsoever was spoken, it was only an occasional speech of one particular person (or two at most) not moved by the Council, nor any agreement made by them in the least, Yea more, for putting to death, it was not insisted upon, but what was said in effect was only thus, that seeing there were sundry seditious people, who sought to make division and mutinee in the Army, there might be some course taken with the Parliament, to impower the Council of War, whereby to preserve both Officers and Soldiers from their dangerous and destructive designs.

3. They say, certainly these things cannot but manifest unto you their very hearts, their inward purposes and intentions representing visibly before you and all the World the most dangerous condition that ever yet this Nation hath been in.

Answ, 1. So much you have manifested here and in other papers and actings, of your inward purposes and intentions to the Parliament, Council of State, Council of War, the Army and whole Nation, as by this time they know you well; that is, know you to be the most dangerous and traiterous enemies the Land hath, being indeed the special Instruments and Agents of our Enemies, both at home and abroad, to carry forth the black and bloody work for them, they being not able nor so fit to appear themselves in such a way, nor can so notably dissemble, and so artificially deceive the people, under a cloak of Liberty, Peace, Freedom, as you can do.

And to the end the Nation may clearly understand what for persons you are, we shall here truly relate some passages in a Letter sent from one William Bennet, and found with Needam, who hath a long time stilled himself Pragmaticus, the Libeller, dated at Antwerpe, June 1. After some Salutation and account given of their affairs beyond the Seas, he expresseth his great sorrow to hear that the Iavellers were subdued, and desires kindly to be unmembred unto M ^r . Lilburne, M ^r . Overton, and the rest, being his ancient Friends, and great acquaintance, and what help he and others are willing to afford them, expecting the like from them, according to their power, and as occasion shall be offered.

Here we shall desire the Reader to observe, first, that this Benet is not only a professed enemy to our State, but as by the Letter appears, a notable Spy, and one that gives intelligence of things unto such persons as are employed in special designs against the safety of this Common wealth; and this man hath been one of their Intimacies and familiar Friends. Secondly, The rising lately of the Soldiers was an action well liked of, and in regard it prospered not, the Cavaliers everywhere, are much grieved for it. Thirdly, That Pragg: must be the man, and the messenger of the salutations and kindness, what should this mean? unless there be an accord between them, and an intercourse of writing each to other. Fourthly, Howsoever we cannot directly say what assistance it is, that Royalists would willingly afford them, yet what they expect from the other is well known, even a prosecuting of the work begun; that is, to asperse the present Government, make division in the Army, hinder the relief of Ireland, &c.

2. Will not people move for a new War, to hear them say, The most dangerous condition that ever yet this Nation hath been in: And in another place, The vilest and basest bondage that ever English men groaned under: Doth not this Trumpet of Rebellion sound loud enough? Thou seest Reader, the people are not closely or tacitiy stirred up to mutiny, but Viva voice, boldly, openly, and because they do not so, it is, Oh wretched England, that seeth and yet suffereth such intolerable Masters.

And howsoever their good Friends which set them at work, make full account (by their treachery, and the people's credulity) to establish Monarchy and Tyranny again; erect Altars, Courts, Canons, Mass, Matins, &c. Nevertheless here the Leveller must be silent, and play the cunning Pirates part, having changes of colors to bring in the honest man and his goods, hang out a false one, namely, the Colour of LIBERTY, a thing easily done by those men, it being their Genius, and proper to their Trade.

3. As we have in other places noted their impudence and horrid boldness, so here the same again appears, If there be any conscience towards God or man to be found amongst you, &c. it is impossible but it must work upon all amongst you that are not Co partners with them in their designs.

Answ. 1. You measure it seems, other men's consciences by your own, and therefore think, because yourselves make no conscience of lying, sedition, treason, railing, &c. that others will countenance such things, and so make as little conscience of their ways, as you of yours. But secondly, you might well say, It is impossible but it must work upon all amongst you: For poison is operative and working; and you knew, more deadly poison could not be devised, then what you had presented, and for the quantity, enough to poison three Nations. Thirdly, For this working amongst the Parliament men, it is fit and necessary that your sad representation should be minded: far as one well saith, Howsoever the Magistrate may be as sloe as he pleaseth in punishing injuries committed against his own person, yet he ought not to pardon such as are done against the common wealth.

The Children of Allexandria in the days of Ptolemeus Philopater, when the huge and great Ancor of the Ship Thalmegos was laid out upon the shore, the Children did ride upon the stalk, and crept through the ring of the Ancor, as if it had been made for the pastime of Children: but wise Shipmen knew it was appointed for a better use, namely to stable and make sure that great Vessel in great and tempestuous storms. Just so, do some men serve the Law, if the execution thereof lies still, they are ready to ride upon it, and run thorough it, as if it were made only for sport: But wise Statesmen know it was appointed for better use, namely, when incendiaries and conspirators raise commotions and hurliburlies in the common-wealth to preserve then in such a storm, the great Vessel, by a due and careful proceeding against them. Se the note in the margin.

Our next particular is to show wherein it hinders the relief of Ireland; now thus we prove it.

1. They say, we did forbear to interpose our Judgments, or to oppose those men's designs until they had made a large progress toward our bondage and endeavored to grasp the power of the Army into their hands thereby to enforce their tyranny upon us.

Answ. 1. What their forbearance hath been is well known, and we have shown it in our former Discoverie, they have forborne indeed, but what? to walk according to Rules, of Charity, Truth, Peace, Justice, but not practice the contrary; such a forbearance is against their Genius and spirit. 2. What they mean by a large progress, may be plainly gathered by their several falsehoods and scandals already spoken unto: The prosperity of the Army over the common enemies, and breaking still the snares which they have laid in the way to hinder the work is a progress towards our bondage. But what is their drift here? it is thus, they would not have either Parliament or People, yield any aid & assistance to the General Officers, for the relief of Ireland or any other necessary service whatsoever. 3. What seditious head can raise a more pernicious design then to asperse such men, who under God are employed in the greatest trust and service for the State, that they grasp the power of the Army into their hands thereby to enforce their tyranny upon us. should this be received, (as their traiterous hands have published) not only would Ireland be lost but this common-wealth likewise be endangered, if not undone.

2. For the matter which they mention in relation to the King, howsoever it be like a dead body, subject to putrefaction, though it should be touched of none, yet of it self would come to nothing; nevertheless that it was their intent in the publishing of it, to disable the Army from all further service, and thereby to carry on the enemies design, it is apparent and thus to prove it.

1. Seeing they know not the persons upon whom to fasten their accusations, therefore their aspersions are still general: and so to bring a dishonor and blot upon all the Officers, a notable trick, for thereby at once, they think to make the whole Army unserviceable. Besides no particular person being mentioned, it is the more difficult to detect their Treachery and Falsehood, and so making use and advantage of time, they can the easier effect their wicked intentions. Secondly, In their whole discourse you shall not find one word of the reasons and grounds which moved the Officers to act as they did; neither the causes of their changeable proceedings, and herein they were wise in their Generation: for they knew well enough, if this had been done, and a true relation given, the Commanders had been quitted, at least there had been no pretence or color for them, to reproach them as they have done. Thirdly, In the business about the King, this in short may be gathered from their proceedings first and last compared together, that when the Officers seemed to be any way for him they were against him, and when they did otherwise, therein they opposed them likewise: so that it is clear, their desire hath not been for peace and settlement, but to have all sides wearied and wasted, thereby at last to come to their own designs. Fourthly, It is very remarkable, that were the things true as they relate (which are not) yet would they not prove their aspersions; which shows though they wanted matter, yet not malice, from their accusations they thus conclude.

And so vanished away all their glorious flattery of the King and his party, and their notorious dissimulation appeared, abusing thereby the faith of the Army, and making it clear to all discerning men, that such as could break with one sort of men will make no conscience of keeping faith with another, And a little after, by all which tis evident that according to the Maxims of politians they Judge themselves loose where other men are bound: and all obligations are to them transitory and ceremonial, and that indeed everything is good and just only as it is conducing to their corrupt and ambitious interests

For their proof, we shall presently examine it, only by the way take notice that it is not possible for men to be worse or viler then the Officers are here set forth: for if they make no conscience of keeping faith with any, they are not fit for Church or common-wealth: much less to be trusted, either with civil or military things. Again they do not say they may break their promise with others but WIL MAKE NO CONSCIENCE; &c. positively concluding, that there must be no confiding in them either for Ireland or any other place, but presently removed and no further use and trial made of them. But what have they done?

The first is for some civilities towards the King, as to Court him, kiss his Hand, visiting him themselves, and permitting thousands of the people daily to visit &c.

Answ. We read of one. Aglataidus, that he was never better pleased then when he displeased others nor ever relished any dish better, then what was distasted by others: In this there is nothing but an Ishmael's crosnesse, which shows they delight in War and to be wronging and contending, whether there be any cause or matter or no. It is an honor for a man to cease from strife, but every Fool will be meddling.

2. Were it true which they say (but cannot prove it) that their Proposals were not only received but corrected and amended by the King, before they were sent to the House: Nevertheless this will not conclude any glorious flattery, notorious dissimulation, making no conscience of keeping faith with any: For a man doing a thing conscientiously, and according to his present apprehension, lawful; if afterward seeing himself mistaken in it, leave it and do otherwise, there is no dishonor or blot will be imputed to him, by such as are wise and fearing God, knowing how common a thing it is for the best men so to do.

3. If likewise that were true (which is not, and we desire the reader to note it as another falsehood) that they were moved to impatience towards any that spake a word against their traffic and intercourse with him, and concluded an agreement with the opposing Citizens of London, without so much as calling the Agitators to advise thereupon: Here is nothing in all this but what they might well do. For first, being persuaded, the matter which they had in hand was just and good, they had reason (as being true, to their principle) to prevent all obstructions. 2. If the Agitators were not called, no marvel, for they were not concerned in the thing, and therefore whatsoever was done, it was duly done by such as had a full Authority and power to do it.

4. When the House complied not with their purposes in all hast it was to be purged, &c.

Answ, 1. Whatsoever the Army hath either desired or done this way, it hath been upon necessary and just grounds, and proved still to be lawful in point of law and conscience. 2. Whereas they say but the House complying &c. They make nothing of their former resolution whats this for a thing? should not the Army rest being satisfied? It seems this course is against their Principle, though they should be complied with, yet not rest, but prosecute their former Resolutions, let come on the common-wealth what mischief and ruin soever. 3. That the House was no whit changed in respect of its corruption and yet complied with the Army, it seems to be a contradiction. But 4. To let that pass, note here their glorious flattery and notorious dissimulation, because the Officers went not forward with their resolution to purge the House, they are reproached for that: and when they do purge the House from its corruptions, they shall be likewise rayld on for that: so that whether they do the thing, or not, all is one, the scourge of their tongue cannot be avoided.

5. They so wrought the King by deep promises and hopes of restauration, as that he inclined much to countenance the Army, &c. In lieu thereof the great ones of the Army endeavored the revivall of a Treaty, &c.

Answ 1. But is this brought in, as a reproach? Wherefore then have they persuaded the chief Officers in the Army to do this very thing: Lilburne in a Letter to Lieutenant General Cromwell, writes thus, If I were with you, upon my life I durst dispute against you all, that as things stand, both in point of policy, honesty, and conscience, you must apply to the King, without which, the peace of the Kingdom can never be settled: Would any man be so impudent as to write thus? and afterward revile the persons, because they had done according to his own counsel and advise. But as we said just now, the reproach of their mouth is not to be avoided.

2. For the Personal Treaty and addresses, &c. that some have had variable thoughts therein, it is no marvel, neither did the alteration of their minds, denote any ill affection to the Common wealth. And therefore to asperfe men, because they were for the Treaty, and afterward upon better consideration changed their opinion, it shows by what spirit such people are led; for rather then they will forbear calumniation, they will cast off the rule of love, wisdom, justice, yea, humanity, and reason it self.

But thirdly, here they make account their Charge is proud, The far greater number of Officers would not by any means endure to hear of the Armies compliance with the King, &c. An Agreement of the people is produced, &c. The great Officers very much oppose it a while, &c. But seeing the same takes with the Army, profess though at the present their judgments could not so far close with it, as to act for it, yet they would never oppose it.

Answ. His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come upon his ow • e pate. First, they here acquit the Officers, both of flattery and dissimulation; for if they opposed it (as 'tis confessed) they did as much as lay in their power, and more they could not do.. 2. It shown an excellent temper and great moderation in the Commanders, that howbeit they could not act yet they would not make any disturbance. It was some addition to David's victory over the Philistim that he cut off his head with his own Sword. If their words here be well observed they are clearly against themselves: for to this effect they say. The Officers having given the King hopes of restauration, would willingly had it so, & did what they could that it might be so: but meeting with too strong a party it could not be: nevertheless they signified their dislike, and gave their reasons for it, and having thus discharged their own duty and conscience, concerning all promises and engagements in behalf of the King, they rested, as being unwilling to make disturbance in the Army or elsewhere. Now where is this glorious flattery and notorious dissimulation, even our enemies themselves being Judges. We come now to the last General head, namely, continuing of free Quarter.

They say, it being an infinite shame that they should be suffered to proceed so far therein as they have done there having been no party hitherto so inexcusable, &c. So that the intentions and ind • avours of these men to enslave the common-wealth or their continuing of burdens without any remorse at the dearness of food and the utter loss of trade exceeds in the nature and measure of it all the wickedness of both other parties p • t together.

Answ. 1. This is spoken (as may be gathered from the foregoing matter) in special to the people of the Land, as being to blame that they contribute towards the maintenance of the Army, but rather rise and resist to increase and continue their burdens and taxes: and 2. That they may set forward the sooner in rebellion, they are told that the King and Hollis were not so bad, nor exercised the oppression and tyranny put both together that these men do. 3. They will make bold with God's prerogative, search the heart affirming their intentions are to enslave the Commonwealth: And lastly so far are our Governors from compassion or fellow-feeling, as they regard not what misery, hardness, or hardship others suffer. The Country People at Charons Cave near Naples, for sports sake, pu • their Doggs into a hole, where they are choke, with the sulpherous vapors coming forth. Into such a hole these men would gladly bring the People, choke them with treason: But we hope they will be better advised and bear some things which for the present cannot be remedied, rather then become the sport and merriment of a few Incendiari •• by undo • ing themselves.

Thus we have done with our Second Part: Other things the Reader may expect from us speedily, as in Answer to their Agreement of the people, M ^r . Lilburnes last Book, &c.