The Speech Without Door

THE SPEECH without Door.

Delivered July 9. 1644. in the absence of the SPEAKER, and in the hearing of above 0000003. persons, then present; who unanimously consented to all Propositions therein contained, and voted the same fit to be further divulged, as very pertinent to the public welfare.

I Am neither privileged not worthy to express my thoughts within the walls of your House; and therefore I present them at the door, where I have (by being concerned in the general free-hold) a liberty to speak reason, and am by Oath and Covenant also obliged (as I conceive) to take the lawful advantage of all times, places and opportunities, wherein I may be serviceable to the public honor and safety now endangered. Toward the performance of this duty, I offer, according to my Talent: not as one presuming to advise my betters; but as humbly proposing what the multitude of weighty assures hath kept, perhaps from being so remembered, as the present necessity may require, and with heart, acknowledgements of the Parliaments prudence and unwearied constancy in the common Cause.

I served the Re-public in a Militatie capacity, so long as I had wherewithal to serve it in that kind, and kept my Horses till they had twice eaten out their heads, ill hope to be some way re-enabled for the like employment. But seeing myself neglected or forgotten, I nevertheless forgot not my duty and respects to the common safety: and therefore endeavored by my contemplations, to supply my want of action; which may perhaps give hints of considerations and resolutions not altogether unworthy of regard.

It is confessed, that the justness of our common Cause at this time, and especially the glory of God, and the liberties of the Gospel, ought to be our chief object and aim. Yet, seeing all they whose hands may be made useful, are not arrived at their perfections, who seek first the Kingdom of God: In regard also, that they who are to be allured by outward inducements, to contribute their external assistance towards the good work in hand, are neither so impertinent a property, nor so inconsiderable a party, as that their compliance or encouragement should be quite neglected. And whereas, likewise, the arm of flesh, (though not to be confided in) is by all reasonable endeavors, to be strengthened for the performance of those duties which appertain to the outward man: I thought it material to commend to you a few Propositions, seeming to good purpose: And my hope is, that they shall be so heeded, and so made use of, as they deserve.

It extremely concerns us, that competent power be forthwith raised, and all other possible good means used to set a speedy period to this unnatural war; before the strength, the provisions and staple-commodities of these Kingdoms be so wasted, and the spirits of the well-affected so depressed, that we be thereby made a prey to foreign powers; or to the necessities and insolencies of our own people: which may soon happen, if the successes of war, (whereof no man is certain) should fail our present expectation, and once more bring back upon us, a prevailing enemy.

For the advancement of the present design, it is were pertinent that there should be a strict execution of true Martial Discipline, and a right distribution of punishment, and reward, with a constant adhering to the plain principles of religion and honesty, without any doublings (by all Committees and Officers, deriving authority from the Parliament) according to the intentions, and sincerity of both Houses. These things have been hitherto over-much neglected, by their secret and cunning practices, who are mischievously against us, while they seem to be with us▪ And I wish, many be not more angry that the fault is discovered, then willing to amend it; and more forward in the evil distribution of these (or more active in practicing the violence and oppressions of War) and in advancing corrupt policies, then in discharging the duties required.

But, hoping better, I will proceed: First making a double Quaere or Proposition, to be a foundation of what I intend, and then building on it that necessary superstructure, which it is likely to bear. That twofold question shall be, whether the Goods, Honors, Offices, and Estates, of notorious Delinquents, and others, who are to this day obstinate opposers of the Parliament, (by actual Arms or otherwise) ought not in equity, to be confiscated, seized, and sold by our party, toward the raising of supplies for disabling our enemies, and for the ease and encouragement of our friends: And then, whether we should not resolve, without wavering, on this, and on all other lawful courses, which are available for the present necessity, and for the establishing of the future safety, peace, and welfare of this whole Kingdom now in danger. If it should be negatively concluded on, (our estates being first confiscated, seized, and disposed of to the use of our adversaries, by whom our lives, liberties, Religion, and many other things considerable, are now endangered) we are enemies to our own innocence and safety; and shall fall into many unreasonable absurdities and perils: but if this Quaere be affirmatively resolved on, as it ought to be, I thereupon make these following Propositions.

1 First, that the Offices, goods, and estates of all, who are, or shall be such Delinquents, as are afore-mentioned, may, by Ordinance of Parliament, be immediately, and without partiality, confiscated, and sold; or so disposed of that thereby money may be raised, the well-deservers encouraged, and those terrified from assisting the public enemy, who are not yet voluntarily engaged in their conspiracies; and that this may be executed with such just severity, and with such more full respect, as the qualities and offenses of the several persons may apparently require.

This Proposition is necessary, for that the Common-wealth is brought into great straits, wants, and perils, by the treasons, and oppressions of the said enemy. (It is reasonable, because the Owners of those Offices, goods, and estates, have by the •• count ••• nced; of fomented this cursed war, and been the •• user • both of) those great necessities and mischiefs which now oppress us. It is just, in regard the Traitors who seduce the King, did first procure him to confiscate, and dispose of the estates of his most loyal Subjects, to be the rewards of the oppressions, and treasons, of his Se •• cers. It is convenient, in respect it will be a sure means of disabling and dis •••• ing out adversaries, and an encouragement and strengthening to our friends. It is safe, because it will put us off from the false hopes of reconciliation with an implacable enemy: which false hopes both hinder our peace for the present, and will endanger it hereafter: yea perhaps utterly destroy as, if God prevent no • . For, so exasperated are our adversaries, already, and so true to principles directly repugnant to all hear • y concord with us, that we can do nothing to make them more mischie so •• unto in, then they already resolve to be upon all advantages, how kindly soever we shall use them; and whatsoever Treaties, or shows of reconciliation they shall please to make. And, therefore, that course only will be safest for us, which may leave their secret friends, and agents, among us, nothing to work on, for the accomplishment of their ends; and make us most confident, that we are to expect nothing but mischief at their hands.

2. My second Proposition is, that Commanders and Soldiers who have considerable sums of Money owing unto them, may take up their Arreares, and as much of their future pay, as they can spare, in the purchases of such confiscated estates, valuing the same at or about eight years purchase, according to the rack-rent issuing clearly out of them before these troubles, with some addition or abatement, according to the present benefit or disprofit; and with respect to improvements by Woods or otherwise: and with a Proviso, that wheresoever present profit is made, contribution to the war be always paid out of the same, according to the benefit; And that every Commander, Officer, and Soldier, may have also proportionably, according to their several merits, some allowance out of the said confiscated Lands, Goods, Offices and Estates, over and above their pay, when the war is done.

By this Proposition; the Soldier will not only be engaged to fight the more courageously for the preservation of what he hath purchased, but it will make him also hasten the speedy finishing of the war, that he may enjoy his achievements in Peace; whereas, having their pay merely in Money, (which most of them spend as fast as they receive it) some of them will endeavor to prolong the war, for the longer continance of their maintenance. For, many, no doubt, (accursed be they) dealt with the Common-wealth as wicked Surgeons do with wealthy Patients, under their cure. Others there are, who by such purchases may be kept more constant and more true to the service, because they cannot suddenly, or so easily convey themselves out of the Kingdom with their Lands as they can with Money, which perhaps some will endeavor 〈…〉 burden upon others, when there is most need of help. Besides, the hope of gaining and leaving inheritances to their children purchased by spending or hazarding their lives and fortunes, for the preservation of Religion, Laws, Liberties, and the true Kingship of our Sovereigne (being 〈◊〉 more honorable purchases, then those that were gotten, or des ••• ded from those conquests, which were heretofore made by the spoil of Countries invaded merely out of ambition or covetousness) it will doubtless encourage rage the living possessors, to brave resolutions for the present, and be a means to make their posterity, hereafter; both mindful and zealous of the virtuous actions of their Predecessors.

3. My third Proposition is, that all they who have been Delinquents, is aforesaid, before this present day; and shall so be, and continue hereafter, or shall contribute to the Enemy, (not being in durance) or (being no Inhabitant within the same,) shall continue in the enemies Quarters above a fortnight after a day named, (not being restrained perforce) may not only loose all their Goods, Lands, and Offices, as is aforesaid, but be degraded also of their titles of honor, and disabled to beat Arms, or be reputed Gentlemen.

By this Proposition, Provision will be made to terrify and restrain from treacherous, and rebellious practices and combinations, many of the Gentry and Nobility, who have not yet actually manifested their Malignancie. And indeed, there is no injustice, nor unreasonableness, in these Propositions: For, what injustice can there be in taking away any part of their private estates, who employed them for the public Destruction? What unmercifullnesse in making them poor, who have cruelly inpoverished, and in humanely endeavored to make desolate, three Kingdoms? What unreasonableness can there be in making them Peasants (a degree, to which honest men are borne, and too good for these) some of them being made lords and Knights for attempting to enslave Free-men? And the rest having abused their honors dignities, and gentility, to bring whole Nations into Villenage? Believe • t, it will be an Injurie to our faithful Nobility to be made P • ers wich such, and b • ing Titles of Honor into contempt. They are well 〈…〉 the way to it already, and I dare say, No one thing hath so depraved and debanched our Nation, as the usurping and misplacing Gentility and Nobility. And we shall never see happy days again till our dignities be 〈◊〉 worthily bestowed, and till our Lord's, and Cen ••• en stand 〈…〉 upon their ••••• tigs then their honors; more upon 〈◊〉 Public, then 〈◊〉 the • private privllidg •• .

4 My fourth Proposition, therefore, is, that the Titles, and Dignities of Delinquents, so forfeited as aforesaid, may he conferred on those who 〈…〉 their Honors, Estates, and Persons, for the Parliament, a •••• ing to the •••• nence of their 〈◊〉 . That, the Nobility, also, who have continued serviceable, and si • ne, in this time of trial, may be digniied, in the first place • , with some • d •• ition to their honors. And that every Officer, and common Soldier, who hath served in this War. for the Parliament, without compulsion, and without taint of plundering, or other notorious Misdemeanours, may have (according to his degree, and merit) conferred upon him, some gift, privilege, emblematicall Medail; or badge of honor, to be enjoyed, kept, or worn by him, when this War is done; to be a memorial of his faithfulness to posterity, in the defense of his Religion, and Country.

This Proposition being condescended unto, will have many excellent effects, much dishartening the common Adversarie and incourageing both the present, and future generations, to constancy in well doing, and provokeing to imitation, and emulation of the like virtues. This Proposition of Honors will make a more generous Souldierie, then mere pay, by raising youthful Spirits above the vulgar, and servile aims, of Mercenaryes; and stir up many to endeavor extraordinary performances. By this course, the Romans, and the most eminent States, and Nations of the World, first became victorious, honorable, and famous: And I am persuaded, that if this and the other Propositions may be cordially put in execution, it will infuse such spirits; and make such a change in our Soldiers, that they will quickly trample down all the policies and powers of the enemy.

5 My fifth Proposition is, that all the Tenants to them whose estates are sequestered, may after sequestration become Tenants to the Parliament, or to their Assigns, even for that part which shall be assigned to the Delinquents, upon their submission; or to their Wives, for their Maintenance, as well as for the rest, reserved. And that if, it be proved thir wives do hold intelligence with their husbands to the da •• age of the State, during their abode in the enemies quarters, or contribute any of their Allowance unto them, while they are in hostility there, they shall quite forfeit the said Allowance.

By being constant in proceeding according to this Proposition, The Tenants of sequestered Lands, having their sole-dependency upon the Parliament, and those to whom the said estates are disposed, willbe thereby kept the more true and constant thereunto; whereas 〈◊〉 they will be fearfully wavering, and easily seduced by their old Landlords, some of whom do, perhaps, but dissemble their conformity, in expectation of advantages; By this means also, the enemy will want a great part of his Intelligence, and secret maintenance, which may the more easily be supplied, and conveyed unto them, while there be relations betwixt them and their Tenants.

6 My sixth Preposition is, that all they who have endangered the public, by deserting the Parliament, on by being Neuters, or by not contributing timely and according to their abilities, or by malignant expressions to the discouraging, or corrupting of others (as well as they who have offened in higher degrees) may be made uncapable of bearing any eminent office, or of executing any place of Judicatrue, or trust, in the Common-wealth.

By condescending to this Proposition, the hands of the common people will be more strong with the Parliament; because it will make them less fearful to discharge their duties thereunto; when they perceive those, hopeless of regaining Authority, who now secretly malice them for their fidelity, and might perhaps remember it hereafter, to their harm, when they returned to place of power. By this means also, our just Parliamentary Privileges will be the better secured, and the power of malignancy the more suppressed, both for the present time, and hereafter; whereas else, corruptions, and tyrannies (though a while deprest) will quickly sult up again, to the renewing of our miseries, if the dissembling Conformist ever get strength.

7 The seventh Proposition is, that all the Irish, bearing arms against the Parliament, may be exempted from having quarter allowed unto them, wheresoever they are found, among those other, to whom Quarter is • ouchsafed: and that all convicted Papists who will not conform to the Discipline and Doctrine established in the Church of England (as it stands in opposition to Popery) may be compelled, within a certain time limited, to abjure the Realm.

By assenting to the first part of this Proposition, the barbarous Irish will be deterred from coming over, so frequently and in such numbers, to shed innocent blood; and by the second part, they who will else be thorns in our eyes, and pricks in our sides forever, shall be soon removed: and the Jesuitical Faction, shall be deprived of means and opportunities to keep up the perpetual motion of that design which they have contrived for the upholding of Antichrist in these Kingdoms.

8 The eighth Proposition is, that there may be more expedition in the dispatch of public and weighty affairs, by preferring them before all private business whatsoever; and that private Suits may be dispatched according to that order in which they are preferred without any respect of persons (except where some apparent desert, or great necessity shall so require) especially when they are nearly concerned, who have faithfully endeavored, and extraordinarily suffered for the Parliament: and that such compassion also may be vouchsafed to them, and such provision of recompense and supply be seasonably provided for them, as will be proportionable both to their private condition, and the public ability.

By the first branch of this Proposition, the loss of much precious time and of many opportunities, whereby the public is disadvantaged, may be partly p • evented. By the second, private men (who are often more damaged by long attendance, then by that whereof they complain, and otherwhile quite undone by it) shall receive much benefit and contentment thereby, howsoever they speed: And by that which is propounded in the last branch, the well-affected shall be more comforted and encouraged then heretofore; God shall be the more merciful unto this Land, and the plague now afflicting us, shall be the more speedily removed.

9 The ninth motion is, that notorious Delinquents, especially incendiaries and seducers of the King, may be proceeded against both speedily and impartially.

By this means, all those will be disabled, or else removed out of the way, whose lives, counsels, and practices, are yet serviceable to the enemy, mischievous to the public safety, and displeasing to God.

10 My tenth Proposition is, that wheresoever the goods or estates of Delinquents are sequestered and apprized, only curiosities, and superfluous household stuff, may be immediately sold; and that their houses, shops, wares, farms, stocks, and all necessary appurtenances, may be for a short time staid, and offered to well-affected persons, who are driven out of their trades and employment by the enemy, either for ready money, or upon good security, to pay the same within a little time.

By this means, many shops and farms, which now stand void, to the impoverishing of the Common-wealth; and many persons of credit now destitute of a calling, would soon be re-employed, to the maintenance of husbandry and trading; to the support of decaying families, and to the increase of Excise, and other contributions.

11 My eleventh Proposition is, that some provision may be made, that those Merchants and others, may be some reasonable composition, be encouraged to return to their houses and trades, who have either departed out of this Kingdom with their estates; or else obscured themselves within the same, through fear of what might be the event of the present troubles and distractions (without entering into any hostility, or partaking by contribution or counsel, with the one side or other) and are now desirous to return and join with the Parliament, so they may have assurance that their former failings shall not be reputed malignancy, or objected to their utter undoing.

By this means, many will be allured to return, and discover themselves and their estates, to the strengthening of the well-affected party, and to the advance of trading; who will else, continue where they are, either to the enriching of other Countries, with their wealth; and industries: or, else, conceal themselves near home, both to the public loss, and their own private ruin.

12 My twelfth Proposition is, that when God begins to give us hope of prevailing, we be neither negligent in taking, or prosecuting all good opportunities given; nor severe, without mercy; nor, Ahab -like, fooled with a compassion, offensive to God, and destructive to ourselves: but, that (though we somewhat over-strain ourselves) we put forth our strength, and endeavors, all at once (and in every place together) to make good the advantage, which God hath put, or shall put into our hands; both using severity, and showing mercy, in their just measure, and at their due times.

By taking this course, our Brethren, in the Enemies Quarters, whose hearts are with us, shall lend us their hands also, without fear; and help to deliver us, and themselves, before they and we are quite consumed: whereas, else, we shall but reprieve ourselves, and our neighbors, from imprisonment today, that we, and they, may be tormented to death, tomorrow: and by acting imprudently, or by doing the work of God negligently, lose our own lives, and the lives of the people, whom God would have spared; because, through want of heed, and diligence, we let those escape, whom divine justice had appointed to destruction.

13 My thirteenth Proposition is that a more sincere regard be generally had to the personal honor; and safety of our Sovereign Lord the King: and that such a strict course may be taken for the preservation thereof, as may be agreeable to our Allegance, and Christian Profession, notwithstanding all our unhappy divisions. Both Houses of Parliament, in all their Expressions, Remonstrances, Declarations, and Proceedings, (the circumstances, and unavoidable necessities of our unhappy controversies, duly considered) have had, in my understanding, a pious, and loyal respect hereunto, whatsoever hath been judged of them; and, for that cause, have spared the mention of many things, famed; whereby their own innocence might be illustrated; & have discovered nothing reflecting upon this Honor, but what could neither be hidden, nor left unmentioned, without betraying the general safety. But, some others have so petulantly, impertinently, and irreverently mentioned his failings, that, if they are guitlesse of disloyal intentions, sure I am, they have not considered, that, because of our Sins, the King (as David was, notwithstanding Joab's good counsel) might be left, by God, for a while, to be swayed by his own willfulness, for our just punishment: or, that (being forteably ravished, by powers, and policies, too strong for him to resist) he may, for ought we know, be yet, as excusable, as the woman deflowered in the fields, where none was present to deliver her from the ravisher. Howsoever, he is our Father, and his shame is our; let us, therefore, cover it, as much as we may; that when he awakes, he may bless us. For, when the cup of his inchancers, and the wicked which are about his Throne, shall be taken away; his repentance may, perhaps, make him more beloved, and more glorious, then if he had never erred. It appears by his late Letters, in which he boasted of victory, when indeed his own Forces had the greatest overthrow that ever they received, that he is blinded by mis-informations, & continues yet, our enemy, because he is kept both from the knowledge of his own friends, and of his own danger: and, we hope, that when his eyes are opened a blessed reconciliation will soon follow.

By this Proposition, we shall prevent their treasonous designs, who, under color of prosecuting the public enemy, in this great and general distraction, have a secret hope to destroy both the King, and his Kingdoms. By this, we shall escape that perpetuating of civil blood-shod, which else may be occasioned, by the suggestions, and insinuations, of those, who are addicted to disloyal intentions; and, peradventure, there is more danger of this mischief, then some imagine. If we shall essentially discharge our Allegiance, God will open the eyes, and turn the heart of the King, to the establishing of this Kingdom upon him, and his posterity, with our peace; or translate the Government (if he continue willful) without our guilt: but if he persist to walk obstinately in the counsels of the ungodly, and we also be found unfaithful in our duty; both we, and our King, shall pe • ish.

14 My last Proposition is, That we may all privately endeavor, that God's public judgments may have better effects upon us, then I can yet perceive they have had; and that there may be an outward Body of divine worship speedily established among us, before the soul of Religion be quite lost, or departed out of our coasts.

By this, we shall escape many curses, and obtain many blessings, which I need not now mention.

Some other particulars I have though upon, seeming, in my judgment, very considerable; but I will not insist on them, lest by proposing over much, all be quite neglected. Neither do I make render of these Propositions, as absolutely necessary to be executed in every circumstance according as they are here propounded: But to be rather (as I formerly intimated) hints of some what to be speedily considered on, and acted to these purposes, by that wisdom and authority, which best knows how to regulate and make use of such Memorandums, for the public advantage.

For, they seem to me very material, not only those which concern God and the King, but even those also which conduce to the strengthening & animating of our fellow-helpers; Because as the pul • ike work is yet carried on (and for which neither of the Houses of our honorable Parliament can be blamed) our enemies have had far greater encouragements, & are divers ways (fo • ten porall respects) in a more secure condition then any of 〈◊〉 for, their Lands are sequestered but in part, & for a time only, whereas ours are wholly confiscated forever • they do but hazard their lives in the present War, while we are not only as much endangered as they by the same plague, while it continues, but threatened also with the Gallows hereafter, if we live to see our enemies prevail. Should our Cause prosper, they perceive the Parliament is merciful and have hope, by their favorers continuing among us, to improve that hope • yea, and they make it an argument to encourage each other in taking up Arms against us: but if their designs take successes answerable to their desires, we are sure to perish; sure of extirpation; Because we have open adversaries there, and concealed enemies here, who will undoubtedly heap upon us all informations and aggravations, which may totally destroy us. Th •• imprisonments are frequently in fair houses, in sweet lodgings, and among their friendly visitants, where most of them have all their necessities fully supplied; and many of them the excess of wine, women, music, and what dainties they please. Whereas, when we are taken by them, deep dungeons, stink, and the extremities of thirst, hungers, cold and nakedness, are thought too easy for us, unless other cruelties be •••• ed: They have a fifth part allowed by public Ordinance, out of their sequestered estates, to maintain their wives and children, during their hostility; and these are often permitted also, to pass and repass to them with contributions and intelligence by our lenity and connivency: But we are plundered of all which lies within their Quarters, without allowance of any such liberty or portion, toward the relief of our families. They find in both Houses of Parliament &c. in every Committee, friends ready upon entreaty, and (otherwhile voluntarily mediating, and speedily prevailing for them in their necessities) while some of us, who are true to the public, who have often hazarded our lives, free •• e contributed our utmost endeavors, and lost our whole estates in the Parliament service, are compelled to attend a month before we can woo one to accept or prefer a Petition for us; twice as long before we can procure two or three Referees to consider and report of it, though they not only half undo us, but endanger the common safety by their delays yea, (which is worse) though we see them speed twice as much time, day by day, as would be sufficient to dispatch matters much more difficult. And these neglects and sufferings we sometime undergo, to pleasure them by whom we were undone, to our greater vexation. Nevertheless, if when by these and other indignities, (urged beyond the patience of the human nature) we shall in the extremity of our wants and passions, but some what sharply complain of our neglect, all our losses, hazards, wounds, and other suff • ings are overballanced with one rash word; and, we are reproved with as much bitterness, as the worst Malignants: yea, and they who could not spare one hour in two months, to hear us for our good, can presently find leisure to hear what is misconstrued, or misinterpreted to our disadvantage.

These are very great discouragements; and, but that there is in the Houses of Parliament, a blessed Spirit ordering and disposing, not only their Counsels, but the mischievous designs of their adversaries also, according to the prayers & desires of those who are upright and sincere among them, even in despite of the policies, corruptions, and practices, of their secret adversaries (masked under the veils of piety and honesty) all good men, had long ere this time, been quite disheartened. For, while our enemies are courted, favored, cherished, and well paid, for their services, (at least, in plunderings, promises titles, or good words,) that they may continue firm to an evil Cause; some amongst us, of whose fidelity best assurances have been given, are sent away (when in extreme necessity, we humbly demand but a part of our dues) without either pay, respect, or good words; and (some few excepted) they have generally gained most on our party by this war, who in plundrings, oppressions, and such like demeanors, do most resemble the most debauched of our enemies.

Our adversaries have also this advantage, more then we, that among our Laodiceans abiding with us, they are provided of Proctors, betwixt whom and them there are reciprocal engagements, making them hopeful to save stakes which side soever prevail: Whereas we, having no such reserves, no such refuges, are sure of destruction, if our enemies obtain their desire; and many of us, not certain of a condition much better, though it succeed otherwise; whilst public affairs are mingled with private designs, and a Gate to an unsound reconciliation, left open.

For, it appears by what is lately, and pestilently, expressed in the Pamphlet entitled, Mercurius Hibernicus, that the Malignant Papist, and the malicious Royallist, who are armed against us for Popery, and Tyranny, are so impudent, and so obstinate, in justifying their Treasonous, and Murderous practices, against true Protestants, and Loyall-Subjects; and in depraving our honest Cause, and warrantable proceedings (by imputing to us, that which was perpetrated by themselves) that we are merly lost if we cherish any hope of a comfortable atonement, while they have a being among us; who are so minded; Or if we conceive any hope of being at all for ourselves, if ever they recover power enough to root us out. Therefore, let us endeavor unanimously to destroy or disable God's enemies and our own, by resolving upon a reasonable course to that end, rather then to be unmerciful to ourselves and our posterity by nourishing a foolish hope to reconcile God and Belial; to establish a firm League between Jerusalem and Babylon; or betwixt the children of Peace and the enemies thereof. And let us not fear that vain-external show of Power, and Policy, which opposeth us; seeing, hitherto, out of the mouths of Babes and Sucklings God hath ordained the strength whereby we have chiefly been preserved; and, seeing, our greatest deliverances have been by the meanest persons and places. Nor let us be afraid of a false Imputation of cruelty, seeing these our adversaries while they continue in their malice are as those spiritual Amalekites whom the Christian Israelite is to root out of the Land; and with whom, he and his seed, is to have war forever.

I will speak a word or two more, and then conclude. There are, as I have intimated, so many seeming to be with us, who are secretly against us, (some by complying plausibly within doors, that they may act their purposes abroad, with less suspicion; and some, moving other engines) that (if God speedil • prevent it not) as fairly as our hopes now flatter us, either our irresolutions, delays, divisions, new discouragements (or these altogether) will quite undo us; by leaving either no able-man willing, or no willing-man, able to serve us. I wish it might be otherwise, and I believe it shall • e well at last; But, I have heard so many sad complaints made without remedy, or regard; and have by long service, and attendance, both in the field, and city, took such observations, and made such collections, to assure myself (though perhaps not to satisfy others) of V • nfa •• hfulnesse, Negligence, Malice, Self-conceit, Pride, Security, and of acting for private respects, even while our public ruin is threatened, that I am confident some unexpected mischief will ere long follow, if such failings as I have pointed at, be not quickly reformed; and some course heartily endeavored, according to the fore going Propositions, for the better encouragement of the well affected, and for the prevention of their politick ends, who by abiding in the Parliament, and by seeming to comply with it, will else more hazard our safety, then all they who are in open hostility against us.

I have now spoken what I thought necessary, for this time, and I hope within the compass of my sphere. For, though I am not of the representative body of this Kingdom, I am a member of the Body represented, to whom (when the well-being of it is concerned) there belongs times, and places, and privileges of speaking. If these expressions may bring anything to remembrance, which will conduce to the Public advantage, I have my desire. If they shall add anything to my private Profit, it is more then I can look for, till I see, according to these Propositions, the hands of God's people strengthened by an Ordinance, and a practice making them forever hopeless of reconciliation with his enemies, whilst they continue such; And till I perceive also, that we are in a likelier way to be united to his divine Majesty. Howsoever, I have in my heart unfeignedly resolved with David ( Psal. 139.22.) to hate them that hate God, even with a perfect hatred. And though I know the dangerous malice of those enemies, and am, yet, ignorant, how these Propositions, and this Profession, will be seconded by others; I dare, nevertheless, both publicly to aver, and openly to sign them with my hand, if need be.