The Discoverer

THE AUTHORS To all the well-affected People of this NATION.

AS no Nation hath met with more dangerous enemies, and against whom, greater, sorer, and deeper designs and plots have been attempted for the ruin and destruction thereof, then against this Common wealth: so (all things duly considered) there is no people under Heaven unto whom the Lord hath vouchsafed greater deliverances: And a • we thankfully observe the good hand of the Lord going always along with us, so we are persuaded from the feeling experience of former mercies, that he will never leave us until he ha • h perfected his good work, marv • ilously begun in the Land.

And howsoever, we know the Almighty God without men or means, is sufficient to carry on his own work, and to effect the same, when, and how, as it seemeth good in his fight: Nevertheless, we take ourselves bound, in obedience to him, and of tender-respect to the Nation, both to foresee the danger, and to provide all seasonable and lawful helps for the timely prevention thereof.

Now whereas among other Artifices and cunning courses, whereby this Generation of men (going under the name of Levellers ) have corrupted and deceived the minds of people, and drawn them to disaffect the present Government, and to make Commotions and hurliburlies in the Land. One main and special way hath been, by spreading seditious and scandalous Books, wherein are many fair pretences of Liberty, freedom, safety, &c. with much regret, tenderness, and fellow-feeling of the Oppressions, Burdens, and Taxes of the People.

This being so, and a thing well known to us, we have thought it necessary (whilst the Parliament and Council of State are employed with the great and weighty affairs of the Nation) to do something in the like way of writing, thereby to undeceive the People, by a 〈◊〉 , plain, and full discovery of the deceits and falsehoods of these man: and that it may most evidently appear to all judicious and rational People, that wheresoever in their Papers and Pamphlets, they most show themselves to be lovers of their Country, and profess greatest desire to have all things well settled, even there under Good words they merely deceive the simple, and carry on a traiterous design, against the peace, freedom, and safety of the Nation.

And we have the more hope that this work will do much good in the Land, because there is nothing here produced upon hear-say, or taken up as a report from others (howsoever much could be spoken this way, and for their proof it is little else) but all out of their own Books, which are extant, and in many men's hands, so that what conspiracy, sedition, treason, or other mischiefs are here discovered and charged upon them: themselves are brought in, (even their own mouths and hands) as witnesses.

For the rest which is to follow, (as we have promised it, so) we shall further the expedition what we can. For the searcher of all hearts doth know our sense, our sighs and deep apprehensions, that any honest and simple hearted should be misled and ensnared by such pernicious men: But as for such, as are thus single and sincere, we make no question but by comparing things with things, they will now see a great deal of seditious plotting and conspiring against our Religion, Laws, Liberty, &c. which before they saw not, because covered with the specious pretence of seeking to settle the Common-wealth upon Ground of peace, freedom, and safety.

The Discoverer. Wherein is set forth (to un-deceive the Nation) the real plots and Stratagems of Lievt. Col. John Lilburn, M ^r. William Walwyn, M ^r. Thomas Prince, M ^r. Richard Overton, and that Partie: And the several seditious ways and wyles a long time practiced by them, to accomplish and effect the same; Namely, under the pretence and color of Liberty, and to take off the Burdens and Grievances of the Common-wealth, a most destructive design is carried on, to deprive the people of their Religion, Rights, Proprieties, Freedom, Laws, Government, &c. and to bring a total and universal ruin upon the Land. And so much is here clearly demonstrated, by reason and proof abundantly. The First Part.

AS all vices use to clothe themselves with the habits of virtues, that under those Liveries they may get countenance, and find the more access in the w • rld: so especially in a Common wealth Treason and Sedition do commonly present themselves under this color and cloak; taking up the Politick pretence of Native birth right, common freedom and safety, as a weapon of mere advantage, whereby ambitious, discontented, and self-conceited men, use to make Commotions, and Mutinies, and to disturb (if not destroy) the present Government.

And this is well known unto all men, who have any knowledge in History, whether human or divine, ancient or modern, foreign or domestic; that under the plausible, sweet, and much taking name of LIBERTY, with crying out against Tyranny, A • bitrary power, Taxes, Oppressions, &c. Many pernicious plots have been c • rried on, to the great hurt and prejudice of the whole Nation: yea, and unawares many honest and well-meaning people, have been brought into a snare and pit • . Like thou who followed Absalom in that unnatural conspiracy against his father, in their simplicity, and they knew not anything.

Thus the Pazzians at Florence to draw the people to their Conspiracy, Cryed out in the Market-place, Liberty, Liberty, although indeed it was to b • ing them from freedom to very sl very. So Munzier seeking the ruin of Germany, and to raise himself a • d his Confederates out of the dust and ashes thereof, laid this down as his principle; Free Commoners, an equal and just G vernment, and every man a like in respect of liberty, freedom, and safety. And this pleased the multitude so well, that they followed him in rebellion and treason against the State, till at last falling under the hand of Justice, came to see and acknowledge their great wickedness.

We shall not mention anything now out of our own Stories, but come to the Sowers of discord and sedition amongst us. That these men c • mplaine against tyranny, oppression, slavery, Jurisdiction of he sword, &c. and call on people in • ll places to join with them gainst Robbers, Thieves, Rebels, Murderers, for the Settlement of this Common wealth, upon the foundations of an equal and just Governm nt. It is w • ll k • own, and so much their papers and writings do declare. So that the work which we have here taken in hand, is to Represent (in way of A DISCOVERY) to the Nation, what mischief and misery lies hid (as a dunghill under snow, or a hook covered with a ba • ) and is daily acted and cun • ingly carried on, under a fall • e pretence of se • king th • public good: and this we shall do (by the good hand of G • d assisting us) in a temperate and sober way, leaving opprobrious and bitter speeches to such men who having a bad cause cannot otherwise uphold the same.

But before we come to particulars, we shall observe some few general things, as giving much light to our present Discoverie.

1. Prudentiall and wise Statists and Politicians have well observed, that a conspiracy or sedition lies hatching a while like the Cockatrice eggs, and usually before it breaks forth, it discovers it self by certain symptoms or signs: and these ten are noted as most especial and un-fallable. 1. Private Conventicles. 2. Calumniations and vile aspersions. 3. Complaints. 4. A professed hatred against some men in authority. 5. A dislike and contempt of the present Government. 6 Threatenings. 7. Contradictions. 8. Discontent at the change of Magistrates. 9. Putting obstructions to the ex • cution of the Law. 10. Troubling and disquieting the minds of the vulgar sort. That these, even all of them, a •• in those m • n, and not a little, but as clea • lie to be seen, as wa • Gehazr's Leprosy on the forehead, we shall manifest in this following Treatise, and do d • sire the Reader to take good notice of it; for doing so, he shall the better know the tree by the f uit.

2. That they may bring th • msel • es into the esteem and favor of the people, they pretend and make an outward show, as if no men in the Land w • re so tender and sensible as they, of the heavy burdens of the Nation, and se • ke to have the people dis-affict • d towards the present Government and G • vernour • , by false and sl • nderous insinuations, as if the P • rliament m • gh • and could ease them, of Tithes, Excise, Free Q •• rter, and o • her Taxes and grievances, and will not. But this is no new thing; for A • s • lom did the like long ago; Oh that I were made Judge in the Land: Good soul, how he pities the people, and grieves to think that there are no better men in place; and were he on his Fathe • s throne, the Kingdom should be settled upon the grounds of Common Right, Freedom, and Safety. But for an • wer to their accusation, which is both false and treacherous.

False; for 1. Not only hath the Parliament declared at sundry times, that there shall he upon the people no burden which they possibly can remove: but likewise it is their work and daily study, to improve all lawful ways and means, to the utm • st of their power, for the settlement and constitution of this Common wealth, in safety, peace, and freedom.

2. For the things which they complain of, as the Oppressions and Burdens of the people; If the particulars be rightly understood, as Taxes, Tithes, Excise, and the rest; truly more for the present cannot be done: and if men would but confi •••• in what condition we are, and how matters stand with us, both at home and abroad, they would not blame the Parliament for this grievance, or that burden, which as yet cannot be otherwise, nor remedied: These are Rules and Maxims in Law, Reason and Nature. No man can be bound to an impossibiliti • . Likewise, Natural Reasons are to be received for Laws. So again, In necessity the Law lawfully may be broken. And there is no discomm • ditie, but hath amends made with some commodity. All which holds true here, and rightly may be applied.

3. And let it be well observed, how their practice here for all the world, is as if a man should bind another, hand and foots, and afterward beat him, because he doth not go. Who but th • se men are the chief obstructors of Reformation, and the settlement of the Common-wealth, and by their conspiracies and treacherous designs, increase the Grievances and Burden of the people: and then strike the Governors, because the work is not done. It can be proved, if need be, that the Land is put to an hundred thousand pounds yearly charge by their me •••• , besides much prejudice and sufferings other ways: and therefore the free Commoners of England have just cause to declare and pronounce against this Faction, for oppression and cruelty exercised upon their fellow-brethren; and that Excise, Sesments, Free-Quarter, &c. are the longer continued, and things tending to public good not don, because of them.

It is a notable shift sometimes practiced by an old thief, being pursued with hue and cry, to cry out, Stop the thief, stop the thief; thinking that nobody surely will suspect him to be the man, whilst they hear him to cry out thus after another. These men have learnt such a trick; Lord, what a noise they make against Tyranny, Oppression, Crueltie, &c. Charging others therewithal; supposing, no doubt, that no man will imagine that they are the THIEVES, the Tyrants, Oppressors, Murderers: howsoever the truth is, the Robbery is committed by themselves.

2. Treacherous, to conspire against the Supreame Authority of England, and to stir up the people, to declare and protest against the same; yea, to move Soldiers as well as others to rise up against the Parliament men, as so many professed traitors, thieves, robbers, and high-way-men, and to apprehend, secure, and bring them to Justice in a new Representative: And all this, for no other cause, but because such things are not don, which at the present they cannot do, yea more for such burdens and sufferings which by their occasion and means are necessarily increased and continued in the Land.

3. Whosoever shall peruse their Pamphlets, shall see that they always speak h • gh words, and give out the reproachfulst terms, and vilest expressions that ever mouth uttered: Even as the swine spareth not his mouth from any filthy and unclean thing; so they spare none, whatsoever their worth, place, or deservings be, if they stand in opposition to their design: they are Tyrants, Nimrods, Beasts, Bears, Wolves, a pack of fawning and daubing knaves: The Parliament for seeking to suppress their treacherous and dangerous plots, are said to be the greatest Traitors that ever were in this Nation, a dead and stinking carcass; a factious company of men, treacherously combined together, to subdue the Laws, liberty, and freedom of England: Greater Tyrants then ever the King was, or that cruel Tyrant Duke D Alua: bloody Queen Mary (in comparison) was a Saint to these men. . All their Votes, Orders, Ordinances, Declarations, and Acts, or that hereafter they shall pass; they declare and protest against, as not binding to the people.

It is far from our purpose to render evil for evil, or railing for railing: to undeceive the people by a plain and true Discoverie of them, Is the thing we only aim at. And for this end we desire it may be here observed.

1. It hath been the common practice of such men formerly, wanting Reason, to use Rayling: as froward men in suits of Law when their case fails, endeavor to piece it up with rage and passion: Or like Cocks feeding upon garlic, overcome others with ranknesse of breath, not with streng • h of body.

2. Although there have been in all ages some who have despised dominion, and spake evil of dignities: yet we may affirm it with all confidence, that there is no president or example of any who have been formerly so immoderate, and such excessive railers against the highest and supreme Authority of a Nation as these men are. When people are sincere, and are indeed against all tyranny and oppression, and for Common-right, freedom, and safety, God is with their mouth, and gives them what they shall speak, and it is • ot his manner to leave • hem to such a sinful and most abhorred course. There is a Beast called D • ron, being pursued, and seeing no way to escape, by a natural craft casteth forth her dung against the hunters following her, and so hinders them from come ne near, by reason of the corrupt smell and stink: thereof. It would be a pretty devise, if these men against whom the Parliament is now proceeding, cou • d by casting forth reproaches and vile slanders, escape out of their hands.

3. Howsoever their accusa ions are heavy and many, yet their pro • fes a • e still light and few: usu • lly • t is Dom sticum T • stimonium, or hearsay, or their own supp • sing grounded upon no likelihood or probable Reason at all: or whatsoever is produced for proof • , relates not to the matter for which it was brought: and whosoever reads over their papers shall find their d ••• ng to be thus everywhere. These men pretend much skill in the L • w, now the L • w saith, Proofes ought to be cl •• rer then the noonday : Single testimony • prove nothing: I witness d p • sing upon hearsay is no proof: not what a man thi • kes, but knows, stands good in Law. It is a true saying, None should be innocent, if it be enough, to accuse. How weak, uncertain, improbable, yea most untrue their proofs are, we shall show hereafter to the full.

But 4. this reviling men in authority, and to ca • l them tyrants, traitors, thieves, murderers, &c. is an old State-destroying Strat • gem. Mutineers and Incendiaries have made much use of it, and had great advantage by it. Machiavel himself hath it, and for ex • mple insta • ceth one M •• lius Capatolinus, who being overcome with envy, and not able to endure the honor and renown given by the Citizens of Rome to Furius C • melus for his valor and good service, addresseth him else to the Common people, as well knowing their temper, Prone to suspicion, desirous of every new motion, and to judge things headily and rashly: and amongst them gives out many slanders and falsehoods, against some eminent and chief men, as to be Traitors, Tyrants, The • ves, &c. Whereupon the people run together, make head, and fill all places with tumults, and uproares, and no d • ubt gre • t m • schiefe would have followed, had not the Senate created a Dictator, who by examination sound the treacherou • conspiracy of Manlius!

So again speaking of Florence (his own City) Such men (saith he) as had served the State best, and been employed in the greatest affairs, were most slandered: of one they said he had robbed the Common treasure; of another that he had not performed his trust in the Army; of another that through covetousness and ambition sought his own Interest: hence grew hatred, thereupon division, from division to faction, from faction to ruin. And a little • fter, And this course (saith he) namely, to raise up false reports against men in authority, is a ready way whereby many do serve themselves, as steps and helps to their ambitious end • : For being to encounter with p • werfull men, they make the people their friends, by telling them they will take their part against the Tyrannicall Usurpation and Incroachment of Great ones, and procure their Rig • ts and Freedom out of their hands. If we compare time with time, and things with things, we shall find, that saying most true; There is nothing new under the Sun; as the plots, conspiracies, and treason of men now, are the very same with what formerly hath been, so the very way and course whereby former I • cendiari • s and Conspirators have used to effect the same, is at th • s day, and by this party practiced to a hair.

4. In the last place, we shall observe what they say; Could we have had any • ssurance that what is d sired, should have otherwise or by any have been don, and had not had some • aste of the relinquishment of many good things what were proposed, we should not have been so earnest for the doing thereof. To which we answer.

1. Howsoever the Parliament hath sat long, and not so much don for publ ck good as hath been expected: neve • thelesse, this cannot be justly cha • g d upon the present House of Commons: for it is well known, the freedom and power, which now they have, it hath been but a little while in their hands: neither have they been long in that capacity as now they are to manage and settle the affairs of the Common-wealth: whosoever therefore shall duly consider, the shortness of the time, the many oppositions, obstructions, and discouragements, which the Lord hath brought them through, and in what disorder and confusion things lately were, what divisions in the Land, and the many strong parties against them; and lastly, the many good things which they have don, he shall see more cause to bless God for his goodness and mercy towards us, in preserving us from the snare and pit, then to murmur or complain against men, b • cause this, or that, is not also don. There may be no fault either in the Physic, or Physician, and yet the patient remain longer si • k, then he desires to be.

2. For the many good things which they speak of, we shall show by and by what they are, as the dissolving of the Council of State, breaking of the Army, neglecting and loosing Ireland, opening the Press to all scandalous and seditious Libels, and turning the Land into a wilderness. For other things which truly tend to the freedom and safety of the Common-wealth, the Parliament hath not Relinquished, nor any one of them, nor ever will: but daily endeavoreth, to free all men from all burdens and oppressions, and no doubt (as was said) the Peoples Enlargement and Comfort this way, would be much the sooner, were it not for the conspiracy and sedition of those men.

3. As delays are dangerous; so sometimes hast makes wast: Festina lente, was Augustus Emblem. Great stones are not laid in the building without some time and great labor, because of their weight, but once placed remain long. Charles King of Naples was surnamed C • nctator, Delayer, because he stayed till opportunity was past: But Fabius the shield of Rome, was so called, because he only stayed, till opportunity was come.

From Generals, we come now to a more particular Dij veri • . Till we saw their Manifestation, we could not well tell, nor hardly guess, what for men in many things they would have the world think them to be. There indeed they profess that they believe there is one eternal and omnipotent God, the •• there and preserver of all things in the world: And deny to be either Atheists or Antiscripturists. But what Athieist for advantage and to serve his own turn, will not profess as much, and more too? Demosthenes being asked what in speech was most effectual, answered, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , hypocrisy, and being demanded the second and third time, gave the same answer. Whether there be not hypocrisy here in their speech; Let these things be noted.

1. It is asserted by them, that Reason is God, and out of this Reason came the whole Creation.

2. The immortality of the soul they flatly deny, and scoff as such people as believe the souls immortality.

3. In the Levellers Creed, there is no Jesus Christ, no conception, birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, or exaltation of such a one; No heaven nor hell, No Angel, good nor had; No resurrection of the fl • sh; for to take it so in the letter (they say) is a dream of our Preachers.

4. All that we call the history of the Scripture is an idol; for there is no other Adam, or Christ, Cain or Abel, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Canaanites, Amalekites, Philistines: but what is seen and felt within every man. Hence they say, the public Preachers have cheated the whole world, by telling us of a single man, called Adam, that killed us by eating a single fruit.

5. By their Principles men must leave off, all teaching and instructing each other. There is no use of Sermons, Sacraments, or prayer, Preachers are the curse, and the spreaders of the curse, standing ponds of stinking water; yea the zealous Preachers, are no other then Scribes, Pharisees, Judas, Traitors, Witches, Sorcerers, Deceivers: They and the people joining together in public worship is an ab • mination. Gathering Congregations, Church-fellowship, and all outward forms this (say the Levellers) is to betray Christ into the hands of flesh, a deceit of the Devil, the Government of the Beast, Antichristian captivity, and tis to be under the tyrant fl • sh, a new bondage, a wrapping men in confusion, the mystery of iniquity, and only to hinder Christ the great Prophet from rising.

It hath formerly been held, that Religion, and the true worship of God, is much for the safety and prosperity of a Common-wealth, and men's departure from the practice thereof, and falling to heretical, atheistical, and blasphemous w • yes, brings God's curse and plagues upon a Nation: and indeed the Heathens thought so too. When God is neglected, the Land is corrected. Into what pernicious and damnable errors these men are fallen, and daily seek to draw others, what heart without breaking almost can think thereof? and so much the more, because God is highly dishonored, and exceedingly provoked to wrath, and the whole Nation, for it suffers bitter things.

There is a City called Zaiton in India, where they bring hot meats to their Idols, feeding their dumb-gods with the smoke, and eating the meat themselves. Whatsoever these men profess concerning one eternal and omnipotent God, yet they serve him just as the Heathens do their idols, give him no meat, no worship, service, or religious duty, all that he hath from them is only smoke, and fitly may it be named smoke, for in truth their principles are nothing else but the smoke of the bottomless pit.

6. That they are Atheists and Antiscripturists, or little better: Men who regard not God, neither the Scriptures, nor any religion; it may be clearly seen by the Agreement of the People, which they call, the standard and ultimate scope of their designs. Amongst all their Proposals and Articles (which are thirty a • least) there is not one thing proposed, for the holding forth and furtherance of God's public worship and service. Now who knows not and believes (except an Atheist) that Religion and the fear of God preserves the society of men among themselves. It is the speech of the Philosopher in hi • Politics, when he giveth a rule of Policy: First, there must be a care of di • ina things, and that is the best Policy. For God loves such m st, who are careful to serve him best.

Neither shall we find anywhere (saving among this generation of men) of a model and platform of Government (though drawn up by Heathen) where Religion was not look after, and had not the preeminence and fi • st place. Read the li ••• of King Inas, Elfrede, Edward, Eibelstane, Edmund, Edgar, C • nute, they did not use to treat of ma ters touching the Common State, before they had concluded what they thought fi • ab • ut Religion. Thence grew that custom to say, Jam seq •• tu • Institutio legu • rs Sacul • rium. Now fol • oweth an order for Temporal laws.

They will have tithes taken away: it is well, but mark, while •• they do a good works of • asing the people of 〈◊〉 , they will do • something that shall deprive them of the knowledge of the truth. And this is apparent; For they will not have it in the power of the Parliament to impose Ministers upon any of the Respective Parishes, but shall give free liberty to the Parishioners of every Parish to choose such • s themselves shall approve. Here (Anguis latet sub herba) is an artificial devise to fill all places with Atheists, heretics, blasphemers, &c. and there is no remedy: For in case the people of some Parishes will not choose any one to instruct them in the knowledge of Christ, but will rather choose to live without Christ and instruction (as no doubt many would do so in this case) or suppose they will choose one that shall instruct them in the Turks Alcoran, or the Jews Talmud, or which is as bad (if not worse) teach them the Leaven of Levellers; That there is no saving Christ, no heaven or hell, no Angel or Devil, no resurrection of the body, and much more to this purpose (of which we shall speak presently) now suppose all this, yet the Magistrate must not stir, though it be in a public way to hinder the spreading of any damnable heresies, or to promote the truth.

And this is one of the good things for which they complain against the Parliament, as to relinquish: To grant men liberty of Conscience is not enough, but they must not intermeddle at all in matters of Religion; but leave things unsettled in the public, that so the people everywhere may turn Atheists, or become Heretics.

Ne • there is this practice of theirs without example, the Munster Levellers did the same. Liberty of Conscience granted them will not serve their turn, but delighting in novelty and mutiny, and being ambitious, they must govern and dispose of all things, and set down what rules and Laws they judge fit.

What they are for Religion you have heard; we are next to consider how they do express themselves concerning Levelling. We prosesse (say they) that we never had is in our thoughts to level men's estates, is being the uttermost of our aim, that the Common wealth be reduced to such a p • sse, that every man may with as much security as may he enjoy his propriety. Before we come to discover what this Levelling is, we d sire it may be noted, that these s ••• e men do grant the thing lawful in it self; for having 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 set down what they understand by Levelling, Namely, an equalling of men's estates, and taking away the Right and Title that 〈◊〉 man hath to what is his own: They say to attempt an ind •• ing t •• same is most injurious, unless there did precede an universal assent thereunto from all and everyone of the people. As if they should say, the thing is good, only wanting means and power at present it must be left till there be a fitter opportunity to do it.

It is one of Machiavels Principles, that in a Conspiracy against the State, the Complotters thereof must not pass the number of thr •• or four. That there is a L • velling design carrying on, dangerous to the Common-wealth, it is too apparent, and howbeit, bu • few are acquainted with the bottom of the work, yet many are, much use of women as well as men: some to dig, others to dream, some to raise sedition and hurliburlies in City, Town • and Country, others to cry out against tyranny, and for liberty. And all this is to effect one thing, which is, as they say themselves, thus.

1. They will have no man to call anything his: For it is tyranny that a man should have any proper Land; particular propriety 〈◊〉 devilish, the mystery of Egyptian bondage, a destroying of the Creation, a lifter up of the proud covetous fl • sh; a bringer in of the curse again, a mortal enemy to the Spirit, and that which hath brought in all misery upon the creature.

Here they show what their mea • ing is, when they say, We declare and protest against all Inclosure of Fennes, Forrests, Fields, Moors, Heaths, Woods, Parks, Chases, which have been taken from the poor of this Land: We are resolved to do our utmost to restore them again for the good and benefit of the poor. That is, seeing no man may challenge either house or land as his own, they will be ay • i • g and assisting each to other, and to all and every man that shall j yn with and assist them in this their Engagement, to thrust everyone • u • of his proper and lawful possession, and take the same for the good and benefit of themselves.

2 Laborers and such as are called poor people, they ought not to work for any Land-lord, or for any that is lifted up above others. He that works for another, either for wages or to pay his rent, works unrighteously, and still lifts up the curse, and by his labors holds the Creation under bondage, and the hand of the Lord shall be against such laborers. Again, they say, it is a tyrannical usurpation, and Incroachment of Lord's of Manors, to lay Fines and other services upon their Tenants. When as by right they are as free as themselves.

3. Levellers do not allow, neither will they have any buying or selling, no Markets or Fairs to be kept, nor any Civil trading at all: for to do so, it is to take the Beasts Mark: When a man hath need of any Corn or Cattle, he is to take the same from the next storehouse be meets with.

4. It is another doctrine of theirs, contrary to the Law of God, of Nature, and Nations, that no man is to be put to death for murder, or any unrighteous crime whatsoever: nor to be imprisoned or punished any way; only such are to work and eat their own bread; and be or they that shall inflict any other punishment upon fellow-creatures, is an unrighteous actor in the Creation: for it is a mighty dishonor to our Maker, that one part of the Creation should destroy another. Again; He that will rule over, imprison, oppress, and hill his fellow-creatures under whatsoever pretence, is a destroyer of the Creation, and an actor of the curse, and walks contrary to the rule of righteousness.

5. If their design hold, they will so Levell the Nation, that there shall be no Corporations, Patents, Charters throughout the Realm, in any City or Town, as some to be free, others not: There shall not be Mayors, Bailiffs, Aldermen, Common. Council-men, nor any Judge or Justice of Peace left amongst us. These as the relics of conquest and tyranny, they will pluck up by the root.

6. For our Termes and Lawyers (whom they term the Vermin and Caterpillars of this Common-wealth: ) Hear what they say; Would it not be a notable bootie for the Soldiers, when so many cheating Lawyers are together at the Terme, to d • ive them out, or else ship their long taild gowns over their ears: O Soldiers, you could never do a better piece of service, then to put down all the Lawyers, and all their Courts, with all Patents, Grants, Records, &c. and suffer not one Terme more; and we in the Country will assist you with what power we can: so that let us acquit ourselves like men, and be no more slaves: this were an excellent work indeed.

Thus they intend we shall have the usage which Travailers sound at the hands of Seyron and Procrestes, famous Robbers in Attica, who by cutting shorter the taller, and stretching 〈…〉 lesser, brought all to one even length with their bed of 〈◊〉 It is true, these things in the eyes of all sober and judic •••• people, are most vile and detestable: Nevertheless, th ••• A • phali, headless heretics do use several crafty wiles and w ••• that this Common-wealth may be tohu • ib ••• , without other or form, even an unfashioned mass or lump.

1. By spreading abroad certain visions and voices heard 〈◊〉 a trance: As among others; 1. Work together, eat together, •• d declare this abroad. 2. Israel shall neither take hire, nor give 〈◊〉 . 3. Whosoever labors the Earth for any person or persons, that 〈…〉 up to rule over others, and doth not look upon himself as 〈◊〉 to others in the Creation, the hand of the Lord shall be upon 〈◊〉 •• bourer: I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it. Now ho •••• ver it be a righteous thing with God, to punish the hypoc •••• and apostasy of men by such delusions, and to give them 〈◊〉 to liar, and to their own lusts, because they received nor 〈◊〉 love of the truth; Nevertheless, many corrupt and false. 〈◊〉 people are hereby drawn in to help forward the consp •••••• against the State: neither are the Grand Incendiaries ignor ••• how others, (seditious as themselves) have formerly 〈…〉 like; by which means their faction and treason hath glo •••• the stronger.

2. That this Levelling may go forward, and so the 〈◊〉 ruined: they address themselves for the most part to the •• gar and poorer sort, and to stir up such men unto 〈◊〉 and sedition; observe what great things are presented to th •• as, Fennes, Forrests, Fields, Heathes, Woods, Parkes, Chosel, 〈◊〉 Commons of all sorts: To which is now lately added, the Kings Revenues, Bishops, Deans, and Chapters Lands. All this the 〈◊〉 laborer shall have, and such as are become poor through ••• nesse, suretyship, riot, or what else. It is a Maxim amongst the Jesuits, and they observe it when they choose a person or p •• sons for treason, and to make a conspiracy against the Common-wealth. He that hath nothing, fears not to do any things For such kind of men, envy the rich, hate old things, and 〈◊〉 of a dislike of their present condition, desire to alter all things.

To these therefore are their Emissaries specially sent; to 〈◊〉 the servant against the Master; the Tenant against his Landlord; the buyer against the seller, the borrower against the lander, the poor against the rich, and for encouragement Every beggar shall be set on horseback.

And this was no other but what the Germane Levellers did, and by publishing so much, such as had little means of their own, and all their hope was upon others, most readily received it.

But you hear them say, they approve not of this L • velling, unless there did precede an assent from all the people: Here is a cloak so thin, that a man may see thorough it; As if these men did not know and love Figures, though they are ignorant of other learning, and generally hate it. All must be understood restrictively, that is the poor Commoner; for rich man, and such as have Lands, and Estates, and claim a propriety in things, they do declare and protest against; for having 〈◊〉 raised tyranny, oppression, and cruelty upon their fellow-brethren, and free Commoners of this Nation. Now who makes question but this ALL, will assent to an equalling of •• ns estates, and taking away the right and title that every man hath to what is his own. And then as the Law saith; Fundamente deficitate omnia ru ••• t. And England may say with the Poet;

In our Discovery, we shall now in the next place take notice, what these men say of themselves, for their peaceableness, as to reconcile differences, and to heal all breaches on all sides. We bless God (say they) our Consciences are clear from adding affliction to affliction, having ever labored from the beginning of our public distractions to compase and reconcile them, and should esteem it as the crown of all our temporal felicity, that yet we might be instruments in procuring the peace and prosperity of the Common-wealth, the Land of our nativity. Besides their Agreement in rendered as a Peace-offering; and this Scripture especially they assume to themselves, and apply it to their practice; Blessed are the 〈◊〉 makers.

I • this be so, what meaneth then this bleating of the 〈◊〉 our ears, and the lowing of the oxen which we hear • 〈◊〉 comes it to pass, that all Countries are full w • th their ••••• racier, and their work hath still been to make division betw ••• party and party, which cannot be denied, for then 〈◊〉 prove it.

1. To stir up the people everywhere against the 〈◊〉 , they say, that the faction of a treacherous party of Officers of 〈◊〉 Army, hath twice rebelled against the Parliament, and broken 〈◊〉 to pieces. Now here let it be observed, that none in the 〈◊〉 did more violently press and urge the Army to what they 〈◊〉 this way then themselves: and after it was done, they sh ••• great discontent, that they were condemned in their 〈◊〉 endeavors for purging the House of these corrupt Members that •• ted the King to London, and denounced war against you. For 〈◊〉 Contradiction here, we let it pass (as but a more in their 〈◊〉 ) their treacherous and seditious design we shall only to 〈◊〉 First, that the Army may engage, they show the necessity of 〈◊〉 thing, that M ^r . Pellams Juncto blades, are usurpers of Par 〈7 letters〉 power, a factious, treacherous Juncto, traitors, and enemies to 〈◊〉 Country, and the trust repos • d in them, by whose illegal, pretended, and unbinding votes, a new war was de facto raised and 〈…〉 the Kingdom, to the visible hazard of the rain and utter destr •••• on there: fit to be severely punished, and not fit to be contin ••• 〈◊〉 longer as Judges in the Kingdom, or their own cause. Hereup •• advise them to press vigorously for the total purging of the H •• se, and not to let the Parliament-men go free without punishment ( 〈◊〉 it would be the greatest injustice that could be acted in the world) that so there may be way made for the exemplary punishing of the 〈◊〉 Mayor of London, and all the chief Ring-leaders, actors in the 〈◊〉 desperate and treacherous engagement.

This being don according to their own desire, they afterward reproach i • , and term the very same thing the faction of a •••• terous party of Officers of the Army rebelling against the Parliament, &c. of pu • pose to flatter the Malignants and Cavallier • and by collouging with them to move them to sedition. W •• shall not call this a Machiavillian or Jesuitical plot, for its too gross, only it shows how desperate they are, as not caring what they say or unsay, so it he for advantage, and to serve their own turn.

2. How busy they have been in the Army to raise sedition and mutiny amongst the Soldiers, it is well known, neither hath there been any remarkable distraction or division therein, but by their means: and surely had not the p • ovidence of God wonderfully appeared, they had • re this time broken and scattered the Army by their falsehoods and vile aspersions: they have acted by that Principle, Make division and get Dominion. If a streams be divided, it is weakened, and it will not be • avigable when it is cut into many rivers. We could give many Instances of their traiterous working to cut the Army into many parts, and that constantly, and in all places through the Land. Besides their Pamphlets and Libels dispersed amongst the Soldiers, speaking thus.

Those proud hypocritical Officers that are amongst you, that are against Freedom, and would do the work of the Lord by ba • es, put them off, and choose honester in their rooms , and the only way is to take down their great pay, let them serve as you do. Again, Suffer this, and suffer anything, experience shows, he that takes one box on the ear, invites another; and when Soldiers that should be 〈◊〉 in all things, stand still, and suffer their fellow Soldiers to be thus abused by a pack of Officers, no marvel if their Officers turn Tyrants, presume to do anything to any man. And a little after; If you be wise, march not out of London, nor undertake for Ireland, or any other s •• vice, till there be set up a new Representative of the Army.

These are the men that would be Instruments, so procuring the peace and prosperity of this Common-wealth, and call themselves Peace-makers. Whereas no Malignant can show self good will to the Land, or do more traitorously to bring ruin and misery upon it. Neither is M ^r Walwyn be •• nde-hand in this work▪ He likewise calls upon the Sould • ers to mutiny▪ for he knows by con ••• d the least things en ••••• , by discord the greatest • ome to nothing; and that a Kingdom divided 〈…〉 . Let not the covetous (saith he) the proud, the blood thirsty m •• sway amongst you, fear not their high looks, give no part is 〈◊〉 charms, their promises or tears, they have no strength with ••• 〈◊〉 forsake them, and ye will be strong for good; adhere to them and 〈◊〉 will be strong to evil.

This needs no explanation, 'tis in plain English; Sould •• rs rebel, and cast off your Commanders. Reader, thou must know 〈◊〉 for freedom he speaks thus, and the Nations safety: •• st 〈…〉 the Germane-Levellers, their Conspiracy went under the •••• ring of Liberty, and to set the people free from their y ••• and •• rannie.

3. Having raised a mutiny in the Army, by setting the So •• diers against their Cōmanders; their next work is, how to ••• tinue and increase it, and this they do by several 〈◊〉 ways.

1. By commending and justifying the seditious S 〈7 letters〉 calling them honest and worthy Soldiers, the good men in the •• mie, the honest Ne • substantives, men most cons •••• 〈…〉 ••• dially acting for common good, and resolved to stand for true ••••• tie. So that how traiterous and dangerous soever their 〈…〉 are, they shall be yet handsomely covered over: they are Captain Mend-all, Soldiers. Thus if a man will 〈…〉 and give ear to their report; for bread, he shall have a 〈◊〉 for fish, a Serpent.

2. Their manner is, when any private Soldiers are 〈◊〉 punished for mutiny don by their occasion, to urge and 〈◊〉 gate their fellow-Soldiers to take revenge upon their C •• manders for it. It is not a shame (say they) that your fe •••• -Soldiers should undergo, so slavish, so severe, and painful p ••••• meant, as to ride the Woodden horse, or to run the G • untlet, 〈…〉 whipt for small particular offenses: and that you should suffer 〈◊〉 mean time your Officers and Commanders to turn Tyrants, and •• ver punish them as all for it. Is this to take up Arms, when one 〈◊〉 being your Commander, may (at the Proverb saith) 〈◊〉 a •• rs • and you will hang a private Soldier for looking over the 〈◊〉 For what comparison in there between a private Soldiers 〈◊〉 and an officers turning a Bear, a Wolf, a Tyrant?

Now can there be a plot more dangerous and destructiv • then this to the Army and Nation? What open and prof ••• enemy can say worse, or move in a way more traiterous? And that the Common Soldiers may be the more •• sperated and desperate, they tell them, that their Chief Commanders are new Tyrants, Turkish J •• s •• ies, even that walk by no rules 〈◊〉 principles, either of honesty or cons ••••• ; sub •••• of 〈◊〉 and Liberties; s •• ters up of the highest c •••• tie, villainy, slavery, that can be imagined, even tyranny as the high. Insu •• ing oppressors, blood-thirsty-men. The very Jesuits seem but 〈◊〉 to them; Traitors, Thieves, Murderers, the son, risse r • sse, and trash of the earth. As Nero when he hurled the Christians to dogs, seeing the Masti • es would not touch them, he • ad them in Bears-skine, • o kindle the fury of the dogs, that they might • ache them to be beasts, and not men: So do these, to set the Soldiers (like dogs) on their Officers, for 〈…〉 and devour them; they first cover them with B • are-skins of their sland • o •• and falls • 〈◊〉 : All English Soldiers (say they) that have the l • st spark of true love to themselves, and their Countries freedom, are 〈…〉 •• ver to unite themselves against these ( •• rke how they clad them in the B • are-skins) Apostolies, those Jesuits and T ••••• to the pup •• : Those are the 〈…〉 : for what have they 〈…〉 ? There is no trust or 〈…〉 anymore to be bad in • hem: for they have broken their f ••• with all parties, &c.

Neither do the seditious Soldiers depart a whit from what i • taught them they 〈◊〉 doctors, that the • nd of their Conspiracy and Insurrection as to f •• e themselves 〈◊〉 of the ••• d of Tyrants: all their endeavor is the ••• ling of this poor Nation, and the resti ••• er of their sha • ing freedom: they are • or •• d (poor hearts) to deny obediences to 〈◊〉 tyra •• call Officers, whose •• sufferable proceedings, tend manifestly to the obstruction of their P ••• , the hin ••• 〈◊〉 of the re •• se 〈…〉 of the consuming Nation. And howsoever they shall be burden •••• 〈…〉 , and persons for 〈…〉 yet that may be well blow with all, seeing (by ra •• ing a new war, and making a Com •••• on in the Land) they seek the people's case, and their freedom from those intolerable bur • ens 〈…〉 their shoulders, whereof they are ••• y sensible.

Here Reader, with thy patience we shall make a little discovery.

1. Doth not thy mind give thee, that those •• uld ••• , 〈◊〉 so Lilburn, Overton, &c. are very sensible of the, burdens and grievances of the people, as, Tithes, 〈◊〉 , Free Quarter, 〈◊〉 considering they never felt them, but (as fishing 〈◊〉 troubled •• te • ) from the distractions and calamities of the 〈◊〉 , have •• d their maintenance and livelihood, and got ••• some ••••• whereas before they were poor and had little or nothing.

2. Canst thou not believe them, that they are deeply 〈◊〉 with Ireland's condition, and would willingly •• there the ••• ving of it? seeing not only they refuse to go thither th •• selves, but discourage all others from going what they can, •• d by their sedition and rebellion hinder the State in the 〈◊〉 •• fairs.

3. How blind are people as not to see, that it is for these 〈◊〉 and to be free from burdens, when private Soldiers 〈…〉 from their Commanders, make a mutiny and Commotion in the Land, for hereby the Country and places wheresoever th •• come, must needs be impoverished and undo, and the Common-wealth put to more expense and greater charge, 〈…〉 scattering and suppressing of such Inundiaries.

4. There is nothing said by these men, but what 〈…〉 and destroyers of States have always said: They have p •••• sed as in the presence of Almighty God, that all their en ••• vours should be, for Religion, freedom, peace, and pros •••• of the people, by removing tyranny, oppression, cruel ••• 〈◊〉 yea given out as if in a special manner they were called 〈◊〉 to such a work, but their hypocrisy and treachery hath 〈◊〉 discovered, and the Lord laid a sensible and visible judge ••••• upon them for it.

And 3. That the fire which they have kindled in the A ••• may burn till all be consumed, they have now lately found 〈◊〉 a notable devise; namely, to keep away the water whereby i • might be quenched: No otherwise then as a Thief, who ma • ing with a traveler well armed, and perceiving himself t •• weak for him, would persuade him, that his weapons are •• lawful, and therefore should lay them down; and this he doth purposely to rob and kill the honest man. So these men would persuade the Army, that there is now no Marshall Law; but 〈◊〉 is absolute murder in the General and Council of War, to put any Soldier to death for any crime or offense whatsoever; and th •• Soldiers only are punishable in the Courts of Justice, and according to the Laws and Statutes of the Kingdom: so that the Co ••• cell of Wor •• hath no more right to inflict Justice, then a thief or robber hath to a purse which be takes upon the high way.

But wherefore is all this? but for this end, viz. when they have wrought sedition and treason in the Army, there may be no means, course, or way sound out, for to stop the b ••• ch, till all be lost, scattered, and destroyed.

Here we shall again pass over their gross Contradiction, as saying, and unsaying; one while justifying, another while condemning the same thing for advantage, and to serve their own turn. Neither is it worth the while to mention their Non-se • ie, at obsurdities and childish passages concerning this thing. There is enough said by themselves, even where they speak most against Marshall Law, to justify the Armies proceeding by Marshall Law, and out of their own mouth to condemn themselves, of ignorance, or malice, or both. For observe, every Reader that hath sense; Their 〈◊〉 and grand Objection is, Thus no person ought to be judged by Law Marshall, except in times of War: When there is no burli-burlie in the Kingdom, no professed or declared enemy against the peace thereof, ready to destroy it with fire and sworn, but all things are pe ••• ble and quiet, &c. Marshall Law is not lawful.

Hence we gather (not as Petitio principii, but argumentatio exconcess • , as they use to say) the lawfulness of Marshall Law by their own Grant. For seeing they make burli-burlies in the Common-wealth, and declare themselves enemies unto peace, are In •• ndlar ••• and Mutiners everywhere, seeking by fire and sword to ruin all things, of necessity there must be Marshall Law; their seditious acting is enough to warranty: and had we no other apparent enemies • ut They, it would sufficiently prove, that there is no Act or Statute which doth prohibit the same in this very case. All that they say, may be framed thus: If Marshall Law at sometimes, and as the condition of a Kingdom maybe, is not to be exec • ted: • hen is not Marshall Law at any time lawful, in what condition 〈◊〉 ease soever the Kingdom be: such reasoning, and theirs is all one.

Besides, it ••• ost evident, that they understand 〈…〉 Marshall Law is; for if they did, they would not sp •• ke 〈◊〉 • o •• ntly of S •• tutes prohibiting the • s • • her •• f: con ••••• Marshall Law is grounded upon pure reason, a princi ••• •• ture, and common to all Nations; it 〈◊〉 • ssentiall • o an 〈…〉 hath its proper rise and residence there, and so cannot 〈…〉 away as long as it remains a formal Army; and 〈…〉 execution should be hindered, yet the right and power of ••• shall Law an Army always hath. Now the Law saith; 〈…〉 jurious to none, who makes use of his own power and right.

4. Howsoever, hitherto they have acknowledged the P •••• meant to be the supreme Authority of England, yet now 〈…〉 they deny it, and title them, The Gentlemen sitting at W ••••• ster. And because they perceive there are many in the Land ••• mies to the Parliaments proceedings, to • nco •••• 〈◊〉 such in their malignancy, and to help forward 〈…〉 and traiterous plots they have in hand against the p •••• 〈◊〉 safety of the Land, they join with them hand in hand, 〈◊〉 •• clare themselves to be the chief Incondiarius, and the 〈◊〉 of conspiracy, persuading others as one 〈◊〉 to ri •••• 〈…〉 Parliament, and as so many professed traitors, 〈…〉 high-way men, to apprehend, s •• ure, and bring them to Ju ••• 〈◊〉 new Representative.

The •• Contradictions we still let pass, we shall only • ver to the Nation the Reason o • cause wherefore it is, 〈◊〉 Parliament, which is called by them the supreme 〈…〉 England, and say, We own this honorable House ( 〈◊〉 of right 〈…〉 true Guardians of our Liberties and Freedomes. In a 〈…〉 is said to be absolutely deg •••• ated into pure tyranny, and thereby 〈◊〉 lost the essence and soul of authority, and are 〈…〉 • ing carcass, and all their commands to be cont ••••• 〈…〉 illegal in themselves. Take noti •• , they were p •• • pon this of •• cessitie: For considering what they had traitorously 〈…〉 acted against the Parliament, to acknowledge th •• (is they 〈◊〉 before) the supreme Authority of England, the R • p •••••• of 〈◊〉 people in Parliament assembled, they became by their 〈◊〉 a • kno • ledgement, actual Traitors and Rebels against 〈◊〉 State • and therefore perceiving so much, they do recall it, as not having don anything against lawful Magistrates, but to Bears and Wolves, and the greatest Traitors that ever were in this Nation.

It is reported of one Theodorius, that having spoken reproachfully of Christ, to excuse himself he taught, that Christ was mere man, and not God: So these men, having notoriously abused the Parliament, to defend themselves, say that they have not spoken against authority, but those Gentlemen stiring as Westminster, who have forfe ••• d their trust, and so the people disabled from all obedience and subjection to them. And here is Ma •••• vels Maxim followed: Those that mean to effect great matters, must not make reckoning of their words, and know by their craft how to turn and wind about at all times. And the Jesuits do allow lying, if it be for safety, profit, and advantage. They do set open a School for deceit, in which they teach an are of lying, by the help whereof he that can lie and forswear by the Rule, shall be free either from lying or perjury.

5. It would ask too much time, to mention all part •••• ; for where hath not this party b ••• , and earnestly att •• pted to raise sedition, and to fill all places with op • oated and Commotion. They have sought by false suggestions and scandalous Writings, to set strife and division between his Lu • ll ••• , and the chief Commanders of the Army, in publishing to the world, that the General is but their stalking horse, and a Cypher: and • ut whom they lead hood 〈◊〉 it the pits brink of his out 〈◊〉 and destruction: Their furlorn, unjust, and illegal proceedings, in shedding innocent blood is don by virtue of his authority, which lies very deep upon him, and in conclusion m • y c • st him dear, yea the head upon his shoulders.

What can be spoken more seditiously, and more discovering a malicious and malignant spirit? and did not the General well know their treachery, and the conscientiousnesse of h •• Officers, it were enough to produce a sad consequence. The spokes of a wheel must be all united into one na •• , or it will never serve for motion: so long as there is an accord and harmony, betwixt the head and other parts, the whole body 〈◊〉 sweetly, successfully, prosperously. But they being grieved and vexed at this, have by falsehood and slander don what they could, to separate and cut asunder.

Again, they have sought to make discord between the P •• liament and the Council of War, by a subtle and dangerous Stratagem, namely, that the Parliament should app ••• a C •• mittee of their own Members, to hear, examine, and 〈…〉 Controversies between Officers and Officers, and between Officers and Soldiers. Whosoever observes the thing well, shall plainly 〈◊〉 that their main design here, was to set the Parliament and Army at strife, to the prejudice of both, and the whole Na •••• It is said of C • te, that he would closely make contention amo •• his servants, and keep them so, because he thought the • r agr •• ing together would be some hurt and damage to him. This ••• tie apprehends well •• ough, that pea • is a le • to their desig •• it must be by divisions, seditions, and breaking the 〈◊〉 powers, if ever their destroying plots be effected. And this 〈◊〉 been the practice of many ambitious men (being privately has • 〈◊〉 of no worth) to be mutinous and seditious in the Common-wealth, a having no hope but by divisions and discord to raise themselves.

We might mention likewise, the stir and tumults wh ••• have been lately made, by Petitions brought to the P ••••• meant, by Women, Prentises, and ou • of some Coun •••• 〈◊〉 a mere devise to carry on the project, and to prepare and 〈◊〉 pen the people for an insurrection, whensoever an opport •••• serves.

Last of all, and which may serve as a proof for all: th ••• as much published by this party, as we do here rel •• e even Rebellion protested and declared, and when they have gather •• hands and are a considerable number, the Gentlemen the • sit ••• as Westminster shall be apprehended for the present usurpation and surprisal of the Name, stamp, and authority of Parliament, and they will take all power and rule into their own hands, and order the affairs of the Common-wealth as they think good.

By this which hath been spoken, the Reader may perceive, what Peace-makers they are, and how they have labored from the beginning of our public distractions, to compose and reconcile them. No otherwise then like a Mountebank, who gives a poison so •• potion to a poor sick man, whereby his sickness is strengthen •• and increased, and the state of his body grows worse & wor • , and at last kills him out of hand.

Before we come to a new discovery, there is one thing here observable: They have published (and as they think) greatly to the dishonor of Lieutenant General Cromwell, a speech of his spoken at the Council-Table, and as they set it down, it should be to this effect. I tell you Sir, you have no other way to deal with these men, but to beat them in pieces: Sir, let me tell you that which is true, if you do not break them, they will break you; yea, and being all the guilt of the blood and treasure shed and spent in this Kingdom, upon your heads and shoulders; and frustrate and make void all that work that with so many years industry, toile, and pain, you have done, and so render you to all rational men, as the most contemptible generation of silly low-spirited men in the earth, to be broken and routed by such despiseable contemptible generation of men as they are: and therefore, Sir, I tell you again, you are necessitated to break them.

Now be it so, that thus he hath spoken: What ha • h he don? Was there not a cause? Is not the thing true, and very necessary it should be don? Is there anything in the speech, but what Religion, Reason and Law allow, and strictly call for it? If Sheba blow a Trumpet of rebellion, Joab justly may require his head, and it is fit he should die for it. It is an undoubted Rule of Divinity and Policy, that it is more expedient that one man die, yea, ten, an hundred, a thousand, then the whole Nation should perish. Better one, then out-nesse. Better one corrupt and putrefied member be cut off, then the whole body thereby should be infected and destroyed. It is a remarkable saying, Let the Magistrate punish malefactors (as Incendiaries, and Traitors to the Commonwealth) least they for them be justly punished.

Whosoever they are that stand for such a generation of men, are like Tiberius, who would have Caligula to reign, that be might destroy the people. It is true, If men be ill affected to their Country, and would have all settled Forms of Government overthrown, Christian Religion extirpated, all human societies destroyed, and men deprived of their lawful Liberties, Rights, and Estates, they cannot desire or wish for fitter Instrument • , and for men that will surer or sooner bring such mischief and misery upon a Nation.

Having answered to such things as they speak of themselves: 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 〈1 page duplicate〉 Our next work shall be to observe what they say of others; and here we purpose to take an exact and full view of all their Papers, Pamphlets, Petitions, &c. which they have published to the world, and wherein they lay grievous things to the Parliament, the Council of State, and the Council of War, with high charges, and accusations, against several persons: and this we will do the more fully, distinctly, and in order, to the end the Innocent may be quitted and cleared, their calumniation, falsehood, and traiterous designs discovered, and honest-minded people no longer deceived, through the hypocrisy and deceit of such men.

Two things are extant, Entituled, England's New Chaines discovered, the first and second part: A title importing great oppression imposed upon them by the present supreme Authority of this Nation: but wherein they felt or suffered any such thing, as yet they have not shown, neither doth their serious apprehensions, or sad Representation manifest so much. Some children will tear and scratch their Mother in the face, and then cry out as if they had been beaten or abused; whereas there is nothing don to them, but only they wronged their Mother. Many wrongs and injuries have they offered unto several men, and afterward have cried out and complained, as if they were the sufferers; Whereas nothing by the others was don to them, but a patient passing by of all th • ir insolencies and abuses; and making good that Maxim, much agreeable to wisdom, that just deeds are the best answer to injurious words.

We shall speak first, to the first part of their New Chaine: Omitting nothing, saving their vain repetitions, calumniations, idle, frothy, and impertinent passages. First, they complain against erecting a high Court of Justice for trial of criminal causes. To which we answer.

1. Were th • y not bent to sedition, they would not mention a thing which by the Parliaments power may lawfully be don (and they know it too) and for no other end, but to sooth and flatter Malignants, and to provoke them to greater rage and wrath against the Parliament, and High Court of Justice, for their late just proceedings against capital offenders.

2. Whereas they speak of persons pick • and chosen as a usual policy to introduce by such means all usurpations. Herein they discover great uncharitableness, and extreme malice, and walk contrary to Scripture and Law: The word of God teacheth us when speeches or actions doubtful in themselves, and may be taken either well or ill, we are to interpret them in the best part. So saith the Law; A doubtful action is to be taken in the better part. Again; In a doubtful thing, the fairer interpretation must be made: So again; In doubts the nobler presumptions are to be chosen. But these Rules are never followed by Conspirators against the Common-wealth: but on the other hand, actions howsoever in themselves very good, (as was this high Court of Justice ) and cordially don, shall be depraved by malicious insinuations, as if by-ends and self-interest were intended, or some public detriment would follow: and this hath been practiced formerly by Incendiaries, proud hypocrites, and by the Devil ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) the false accuser or make-bate taught them. Besides it is well to be noted, how in all the things set forth by this party, there is little said, saving forged insinuations against the Parliament, the Council of State, and the Army, as if they would do this, and that, to oppress the people, whereas nothing was ever so intended, neither had they any ground or cause for such jealousies and aspersions, but have given them forth, of purpose to disturb, unquiet, and trouble the Nation.

3. These men do see the way of trial by twelve men to be a Constitution so equal and just, as that they conceive it ought to remain unalterable.

But first, What if there should be thirteen or thirty, or more or less, were it not as well and just: Rationall men can distinguish between substance and circumstance, between what is necessary and essential to a thing, what indifferent, and so may be don or not don (without danger) as occasion is. 2. In other Countries for trial of criminal causes, their proceeding is not by twelve sworn men, but otherwise, and yet equal and just in it self. And howsoever we shall not speak against this way, yet this we affirm, it is to be reckoned among the adiaphorme • or Ceremonies of the Law, a thing so indifferent, whether the number be twelve or twenty, that the Magistrate may salely either continue it, or change it as he sees cause. But 3. was it ever known before, that men should be blamed, for their study, care, and wisdom, to do a thing well. If their objection here against the high Court of Justice be duly weighed, it will appear as evident as the Sun at noon day, that bec • use the Parliament made choice of, able, judicious, and conscientious men, and called many such together, to the end they might proceed legally, impartially, as of sincerity, as of God, in the sight of God, therefore they speak evil of them. Things looked on under water, howbeit straight, smooth and fair, yet standing so, appear as if they were crooked, rough, deformed: So this Generation of men, looking upon the actions of the Parliament, the Council of State, and Army, with an envious eye, they turn (like Spiders) the best and most wholesome things into poison: For what the one doth faithfully, uprightly, and for public good; the other calls it hypocrisy, tyranny, self-seeking, New Chaines, &c. But who is able to stand before envy?

2. They complain for censuring a Member of the House for declaring his judgment in a point of Religion.

Answ. 1. Here we may see, that saying to be most true; It is easier to find fault, then to give a reason for it. What the Parliament did in this thing, it was upon that ground, and Maxim i • Law, that all occasions of discord ought altogether to be taken away. The speech was neither useful, nor seasonable, no way tending to the public good, but dishonorable to the House, scandalous to our profession, and Religion, obstructive to the present work of Reformation, and causing divisions and offenses. 2. For the Reserve in the Agreement concerning Religion: If they mean that the Parliament hath agreed that any blasphemous and heretical doctrine shall be propounded and defended in the House, we know of no such thing: neither do we know what Reason that Member had, to speak there what he did, until the House had declared that it should be free for every Member to propound in Parliament points of that nature. 3. Here we desire that all people in all places, will take notice, what England's new Chaine is, and what the burden and oppression is, which they so much speak of: Because the Parliament will not countenance blasphemy and heresy, suffer it to be just fi • d in the House, and taught publicly cum privilegio, they cry out, Tyrants, Murderers, Thieves: Indeed this is the great and grand business, Religion and Orthodox Doctrines are not (as they desire and seek for) cast off and utterly rejected.

A third thing which hath brought England into new Chaines, it, the Act for pressing of Sea-men, directly contrary to the Agreement of the Officers.

Answ. 1. There is no Law so firmly made (much less an Agreement of Officers) but when the people's safety, and necessity require, may lawfully be changed. Quod non est licitum in lege, necessitas facit licitum. Besides, in the Statutes which they themselves have ( s • me where) cited; it is expressly said, that where nec • ssitie requires, men may be compelled to arm themselves and go to war. It is true, such as are fit and serviceable, whether for. Sea or Land, should serve the State willingly, whereby the Common-wealth might be defended, and peace preserved: N • verthelesse, in case of refusal, they may be pressed and compelled, Reason and Religion say as much, if necessity and the present safety of the Land call for it. But this was the Parliaments case, and the reason of that Act, namely, For the defense of the Realm, and sudden coming of strange enemies into it.

But 2. As in other things, so in this, their conspiracy and treason against the Common-wealth, notably appears, in seeking the destruction of it both by Land and Sea: For howsoever (as we said) the safety of the people required this Act, neither was there any other way or means visibly to prevent eminent and sudden danger. Nevertheless, they speak against it, cry ou • , New Chaines, Tyranny, Bondage, Oppression, &c. And why all this? But to make the Sea-men mutinous and seditious, as they have don the Soldiers: by falsehood and traiterous insinuation to have them believe, that it is indeed oppression and tyranny for the Supreme Authority of the people, to press men upon any occasion, and by this means cause the Sailers to turn against the Parliament, as against Tyrants and Oppressors, and not obey them as their right and lawful Rulers: and this is their work all along. And therefore high time it should be looked into; for as one truly saith, A Magistrate who hath discovered a Conspiracie, and seems fearful to remedy it, is as faulty as the Conspirator himself.

4. They tells us, they want freedom, and are in Chaines, because the Parliament stops their mouths from printing.

Answ. 1. Here we may use their own words, That it is a sure and radical Maxim in Law, Nihil quod est contra rationem est licitum: Nothing which is against reason is lawful. To which may be added; Against force and injury it is lawful to use defense: Likewise, Licet vim vi repellere. When Demosthenes would set forth the improvidence and incircumspection of the Athenians, presented to them an innocent Fool, who being smitten on the cheek, laid his hand on the place where he had received the blow; and being stricken on the other cheek, did the like, never using any of his hands to defend himself from further blows. Such Idiots and Silly-bodies they would have the State to be, stand still, and suffer them, with their seditious and scandalous Libels to strike them as often as they please, and through their sides to wound and destroy the Common-wealth. But observe what they say in their own case; It is a firm Law and radical principle in nature, engraven in the Tables of the heart by the finger of God in the Creation, for every living moving thing, wherein it the breath of life, to preserve, award, and deliver it self from all hurtful things, destructive and obnoxious thereto, to the uttermost of his power. If this be true, surely then, the Parliament should not follow a radical principle in nature, to suffer them to publish their traiterous and licentious Pamphlets, seeing there is nothing more hurtful, destructive, and obnoxious to the people's safety then the same.

2. Such as prescribe Remedies against Conspiracies, give this as the first and principal, namely, To prevent and cut off (if possible) the occasion, that it may not break forth. Initia seditionum, quamprimum apparuerint, comprimantur. Where the burning of a house is seated, there the smallest sparkles of fire are quenched: to whomsoever storms and tempests are dreadful, the first and least signs thereof are observed by them. Now they are very ignorant in State-affairs, who see not that Books and Papers, containing calumniations and falsehood against Authority (under what color or pretence soever, as for liberty, and to have taxes and burdens removed) are fire, even wild-fire in a Common-wealth, a storm and whirl-wind indeed, enough (if not prevented) to burn and throw down all things: and to prove this, we need not go further, then the present example of these unhappy men.

3. Men who have acted by the Principles of Reason and Nature, (knowing praevisa minus laedunt, things foreseen do less hurt;) have always been careful to stop the publishing of seditious books: Hence Plato, Plutarch, and the wisest of the Gentiles, in their Models and Platformes of Civil Government, have evermore given order, that infamous Writings should not be permitted, such as contained calumniations and reproaches, and tended to mutiny and division; but the Authors and Promoters thereof punished. Neither are there any Christian Statesmen, but in their Republics and Polities do say as much: And so much hath been ever practiced by all States. And in some of our own Statutes it is declared, that Whosoever by Writing shall affirm the King to be a Tyrant, an Usurper, &c. it is high Treason. Again; If any by Books, Rymes, Ballads, Letters, or Writing, shall publish false, seditious, and slanderous things against the King or Queen, his right hand is to be stricken off for it; and if he do so again, to suffer imprisonment during his life.

And here we may Reason from the less to the greater; if for Writing falsely or seditiously against the King, it be a crime deserving the cutting off the right hand, or perpetual imprisonment; and to call him Tyrant or Usurper, be high Treason by Law, it must needs then in our understanding necessarily follow, that to write the like against the supreme Authority of the people, whose power is greater then the Kings, and their place above him; is as high and capital a crime, y •• and by the same Statute deserves the like punishment. The true • h is, it is beyond our apprehension, how for words wri ••• against the servant, the Writer by such a Statute shall commit high treason, and yet the same words written against the Master not found so by that Statute. If Law be reason (as it must be, or else 'tis no Law,) then thus speaks Law with Reason. If that which is less likely be true, then will that be also, which appears more likely. That Statute which finds a man guilty of high treason, and justly condemns him for it, for words against the infectour and lesser power: that same Statute will find a man also, guilty of high treason, and justly condemn him for it, for the like words against the superior and greater power.

4. Whereas they would help themselves by mentioning Stapleton, Hollis, the Prelates &c. This is not tali modo, but a Sophism, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ad illud quod dictum est 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Because Pilate did not well in condemn • ing Christ: therefore he did ill to condemn the thieves. But here we cannot but smile, to observe wherefore they would have the Press open to them; namely because, so they would discover all treacherous and tyrannical designs. And is there not probability for this? Will not Satan cast out Satan? Hath not the Parliament reason to believe, that they who call them Thieves, Tyrants, Murderers, &c. declare and protest against all their Votes, Orders, O • dinances, Declarations, and Acts, as not binding to the people: Provoke the Soldiers and Commoners everywhere to insu rection and rebellion: If they had more liberty to print their Conspiracies and Falshoods against the Parliament, Council of State, and the Army, and to spread them all the Counties and Country over, they would do the State less hurt, and better service.

5. We suppose they will now object no more against the Parliament for employing that Apostate Judas (as they call him) at an Ex • cutioner to search after unlicensed Books: being themselves have don execution upon him; murdered him in a most barbarous and cruel manner: and therein shown to the Nation what the Native birth right is, the Common-Freedom and safety they talk of: If th y get power into the •• hands, to stab and kill whosoever opposeth them: and why not? seeing (according to thei • Beliefe) there is no Heaven nor hell, no punishment or suffering after this life, for murder, or any wickedness whatsoever. And so much appears by that Atheistical and hellish Counsel suggested by Walwyn to a Woman lying under a sore and heavy temptation. That it was • b • se and ignoble thing for any one to lie under such trouble, anguish, and perplexity, as could not well be endured, having so easy and speedy a way of riddance out of it, as is before every man, and that it was an honorable and valiant thing, for a man in such a case to put an end to his life, by laying violent hands upon himself, being a far shorter w • y of ease, then any other way.

We hope the Reader doth all along take notice, that there is not one thing which they do take up against the Parliament, as pretending it to be a new Chaine, oppression, tyranny, &c. But it is clearly to be seen, that thereby some great mischief and traiterous design is intended to the Land: There is nothing of late more complained of, then this, about stopping the Press: But how justly we have shown, and shall only add, that these men, who by their seditious Writings, and other treacherous ways, have already made Commotions and hutli-burlies amongst us, and have sought from time to time to destroy this Common-wealth, are so far from being suffered to do so again, as that they ought to suffer death for what they have don already: and so saith the Law: yea, and further saith, that Conspirators against the public Peace, are to be out asunder alive; and the parts of their body to be hanged up in the most noted and special places of the Land. And likewise saith, Transfugas etiam & proditores, perduellium instar, à quovis impune occidi posse; Meaning as Jurists Comment, Si de facti notorietate constet.

5. But the great business is about the Council of State; at this they are extremely offended: and no marvel, for they who seek to have all Laws, and old Courts of Justice Levelled and put down, cannot take it well, that any new should be erected, especially such a one, as they see is a main obstacle and let to their Conspiracy and Treason, and a Court which they fear will be ( Jachin and Boaz ) as two Pillars for the establishment and strength of the Nation.

But let us now see their Reasons, wherefore they would have this present Council of State dissolved.

1. Because as the cause now stands they MAY design to perpetuate their power, and keep off Parliaments forever.

Answ. 1. Howsoever the Wolf sometimes keeps in, and shows not his cruelty and rapine by his bloody mouth, yet long he cannot dissemble, but what is within will appear: We have before given a hint of their slanderous insinuations: Where things are right, and very good, and no just exception can be made against them (as in this case here touching the Council of State ) then they seek to possess the people with jealousies and fears, as what MAY BE. The plot indeed is too sh • llow, too absurd and foo • ish, where • by any judicious and knowing men should be deceived. It being no more then thus; A man should throw away his meat, money, armor, &c. because such things may do him harm: the expression whereof is conviction sufficient.

But 2. were not these men, either blinded with prejudice, or thought that the people would take everything from them without any consideration, it could not be, that so groundless, ir • ationall and senseless an objection would have been made: For what can the Council of State do in relation to the Parliament, as either to keep off Parliaments, or to keep them on. The truth is, they might as well have Petitioned the House, to dissolve the present Courts of the Chancery, Exchequer, and put down all the Judges, Justices, Mayors, and Constables in the Land, for the C • uncell of State can no more hinder or keep the Parliament from sitting then they: nay, if divers circumstances be weighed, they are less able to do the thing here suggested then the others can do; especially some of them.

Thus not only do they declare a malicious heart, to make conclusions in the worst part before they know anything; but also show themselves desperately seditious, as not to regard how improbable and impossible the thing is, so it may make disturbance, and raise up the spirits of the people against their Rulers. But enough of this; we will leave them to the censure of that Law, who being calumniators and detractors, set Burn Markes on their forehead for infamous people.

2. They do object against the Council of State, because they are p • ssessed with power to order and dispose all the Forces appertaining to England, by Sea or Land, to dispose of the public treasure, to command any person whatsoever before them, to give oath for the discovering of truth, to imprison any that shall disobey their commands, and such as they shall judge contumatious.

There is nothing in this which requires an answer, for the greater the matters are which are referred to the Council, it argues the ability and faithfulness of the men to be the more, and the Parliament knowing so much, hath committed such great things to their trust.

But 1. Were not these men ignorant of Maxims in Law and Reason, they would observe, that to whom a Jurisdiction is given, unto it such things are necessarily granted, without which nothing can be don. When a man is Constituted, a Judge, Justice of Peace, or Mayor, it must be presupposed, that he hath power given him, to officiate and act such things as appertain to that function or calling. But observe the absurdity, and stupidity of these men; they do not deny ( neither indeed can they) but the Parliament l • wfully may erect such a Council, only they find fault, because they have power to act the things which properly belong to such a State.

2. It seems there is no way to escape the scourge of these men's tongues; Because the manifold pressures and sorrow • of the people are not removed, peace, liberty, freedom established; the Parliament for this, is everywhere reproached by them. Again, Whereas the Parliament endeavoreth (and for that end, is this Council of State erected) to take away the burdens, oppressions, and miseries of this Nation, and to settle the Common-wealth of England upon Principles of Righteousness, freedom, and safety, according to their several Expresses and Declarations: for this also doth the same party speak evil of them. This shows they are men of some par • s, that they can as handsomely put a reproach and scandal upon the Magistrates, for doing well, as for doing nothing. But in the mean time, their hypocrisy and baseness is the more obvious and manifest to all unbiassed and impartial people: for who, unless men most impudent, would pretend a desire, to have burdens removed, Ireland relieved, our Forces by Land and Sea well look unto, and provided for, the public treasure carefully disposed of, and when they see all this is don, to speak evil of the State, and for no other reason, but because the same is don as they desired, or at least pretended so.

And to the end their malice and mischief to the Land may the more appear in reproaching the Parliament for erecting this Council of State, Let it be considered: 1. What necessity (as • ur present condition is) there was of such a Council. 2. The many, great, and weighty affairs, which cannot possibly be well effected and don, but in such a way. 3. How consonant and agreeable this thing is to the constant practice of all well governed Republics, past, and present. And 4. no other, but what is agreeable to Reason and Law, yea, altogether bottomed upon such Grounds. And lastly, according to the Principles and Maxims set down by all judicious and learned Politicians in the world. These particulars we could enlarge, but it needs not; for envy it self can find nothing here, whereby to oppose, or to raise any contradiction, or objection against these Assertions.

But 3. Their objection seems to lie chiefly against the persons, that is, some particular Members of the Council of State, and this is more then likely, even certain; and gives us an occasion to remember a pretty fable of Demosthenes, how the Wolves made a league of peace with the Sheep, so that the dogs might be removed; but when the dogs were put away, the sheep were worried. There are in the Parliament, Council of State, and Army, some men whom they perceive are special bars and lets to their pernicious designs: these they would willingly have removed, to the end they might easily devour the poor sheep of this Nation; their safety, freedom, laws; and so their Estates become a prey to them.

But let us see who they are that the Wolves would have removed.

1. The chief of the Army: And this we verily believe: for as none have had more experience of their conspiracies and sed • tions from time to time then these, so hath the Lord always made them chief Instruments to preserve this Land from their horrid, inhumane, and bloody wiles and workings against it. John of Leiden, • nd the Munster Levellers with him, did the same thing, which they here desire, (and no doubt would do had they power) displaced all such Officers as stood in their way, and set others in their room, whom they thought would help forward their design, to ruin and destroy the Common-wealth.

2. The Judges of the Law. Here likewise we know their meaning: Its confusion they would have, this Land, a land of darkness, as darkness it self, and as the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is as darkness: neither are they ignorant of the ready way and means how to bring it in, and make it so: take the light away, and darkness must needs follow: Remove men skillful and expert in the Law, and there will be no need to bring in absurdities, non sense, fooleries; for these things of themselves will flow fast enough, and over-flow the Nation. Again, that men should be excepted against, as uncapable to be members of any Civil Court, or Council of State, because Judges of the Law; it is an objection we are confident, never before heard of, or propounded by any one. What may be objected in regard of personal unfitness, is one thing: but in reference to his profession, Quatenus, as a Judge of the Law, and therefore unfit, it is the most senseless thing that ever was uttered. It is no otherwise then to make a man unfit to take the charge of a Ship, or to be appointed the Pilate, or Master, because he is a skillful and experienced Seaman.

3. Treasurers of money: And why not? It will be time enough to give a farther answer when we know the cause and ground wherefore such are excepted against. In the mean while, we entreat the Reader to observe one thing usual with these men, which is to mention many things, but not at all to the purpose for which they bring them. Only amongst the ignorant, whom they seek to beguile, they think it is enough if anything be spoken, because they will • ot, or cannot consider the impertinencies, flashes, and nothings, which they find in their Papers.

Their fourth Exception is against Members of the Lord's House, and some of th • House of Commons, • orward men in the Treatie, and decliners of the last proceeding, concerning the King and Lord's.

To wh • ch we answer.

1. These give occasion here, of verifying that Proverb; a • er hath need of a good memory. The Parliaments proceeding with the K •• g, is one thing against which they do protest; and yet in this place d • e blame others for decli • ing it: thus the thing which in themselves is a virtue and good, the very same in another is a vice, and a fault: So that they are not in practice like a Ship in the midst of the Sea, but rather run like Cart-wheels, easily to be followed by the f • ule tracts of contradiction, falsehood, and hyp • crisie.

2. They are here at their old game, to make division between the Parliament, and the Council of State: you have heard before, how they have been everywhere else, and something they must do likewise here; for nothing is more grievous to them, then to see an accord and union between our Rulers. Nei • her do they regard to play the hypocrites before the world, so they m • y th • re • y raise contention. But the truth is, their wiles and way • s now are so palpably gr • sse, as there is little fear that any hereafter will be deceived by them, unless it be some of their own faction, or such as seek to take advantage by their treachery to b • ing to pass their own designs.

But 3. there are • one • f the Lord's House, neither of the House of Commons, Members of the Council of State, which did anything in rel • tion to the Treatie, or declined that last proceeding, but do rest satisfied in what is don, are real, cordial, and true to the Land, and cl • ze unanimously with the rest for common good: and therefore t • eir scrupling formerly of some things, doth no way dis • bl • them from the present service of the State; especially having been approved men, known to be faithful, and of right and good Principl • s. Indeed had they been Levellers, restless and treacherous, and sowers of sedition, there had been just cause of excepti • n against them: but being men altogether of an • there spirit, peaceable, and Peace-makers, it was well they were chosen; for n • doubt (through God's blessing on their labor) mu • h pr • fit and comfort will follow.

5. They except against such as were Judges in the Star-chamb • r, and approvers of the bloody and tyrannical sentences issuing from thence.

Answ. We shown just now, that it is all one to these men, whether there be something, or nothing in their Writings: for to a simplician, a superficious and shallow Reader, there is no d • ff • rence or distinction made: sense or non-sense, reason or railing, all is alike. Can there be imagined, an exception, more light, irrational, groundless: For what if a man had been a member of the High Commission Court, or of the Popes Conclave, this could not be any just bar, whereby he should be disabled from any future office, place, or employment, if nothing else did appear, and the person otherwise in every respect fitted and qualifi • d for the work.

Thus we have answered their Exceptions, and vindicated the Council from their Calumniati • ns. One thing yet remains, which concerns their Book, Entituled, The Picture of the Council of State. Here is a fit place to discover the vanity and folly of it, especially so far as the Council of State is any way concerned in it.

And here in the first place we shall desire the Reader to take notice, of the original and moving cause, wherefore t • e State apprehended them.

Not only had these men a long time, to the certain kn • wledge of th • Council of War, attempt • by several ways to make divisi • n in the Army, • nd likewise by the Parliam nt were looked upon (and that for many reasons) to b • g • e • t I • c •• diaries, men most d • ngerous and seditious: but withal had m • de a traiterous Book, and spread it abroad, and sought to draw others into the Conspiracy with them; clearly tending to the loss of Ireland, and the utter ruin of this Nation by a n • w war. This being known, and the gre • t peril and mischief apprehended, the Parliament thereupon (an fit they should, and high time it was) gave Comm • ssion and Order u • to the Council of State for the apprehending and securing of these mutineers. The Council accordingly appointed some Officers of the Army to see the Parliaments command ex • cuted: and b • cause it was well known, that there were some se • i • us people in a • d about the City, confederates with them, and ready to make any hurli-burlie and commotion: it was thought the best and safest way to prevent tumult, and other i • c • nv •••• ce, to apprehen • them in the night; the which being done, and the 〈◊〉 brought before the Council, it was there shown them by the Lord President, by what Authority th • y were sent for, and the reason why: Unto which their Answ • r was required: And thus much in brief for the occasion.

Now for their Answer, if it be obse • ved, either what they spake to the Council, or is contained in their additions since, with the many quotations of Statures and marginal notes; it amounts to just nothing; for fi • st i • pag. 3, 4. there is only a frivolous relation, as when, and how they were apprehended, and by whom, from pag. 5. to 17. Whatsoever carries any show of something, it is thus, and nothing else: We are Englishmen, and so in a legal capacity to claim the utmost punctilio, benefit, and privilege, that the Laws and liberties of England will afford to any man in the whole Nation. We know not what to make more of you, then a company of private men, being neither able to own you for a Court of Justice, because the Law speaks nothing of you. Again, The people of this Nation have not betrusted the Parliament with a Law-executing power.

This is the most, and all, in all their tedious and long Discours • , w • ich looks like something, the rest is either railing at others, or boasting of themselves. But is there one word in all this to the cause in hand? Is it not Ignorantia Elenchi? and as the Proverb is, One asks for Garlic, and the other speaks of Onions.

For 1. Let it be granted, they are Englishmen, and so may claim the liberties and privileges of the Law: yet it doth not follow, but for Conspiracy and Treason against the State, they lawfully may be apprehended. Again, say the Parliament be not entrusted with a Law-executing power: yet no man will deny, but the supreme Authority of this Nation, are entrusted with a Law-making power; that is, they may design and appoint whomsoever they think best and fittest to apprehend such men whom they understand to be making sedition and raising war in the Land, to the end they may be brought forth to trial, according to the known Law provided in that case. But here they are silent, and no wonder, for indeed a plain relation of the thing as it stood, had been enough to prove their apprehension, examination, and commitment, all to be legal: But their manner is, what is clear, to darken with a heap of confused words, or omitting the matter unto which they should directly speak, to run away with some impertinent and bything.

There is no other thing that we know charged upon the Council of State, as for the slanders, falsehoods and treason set forth in that book, we shall very shortly come to the discovery thereof: with the rest of their conspiracies and seditions in their other Papers. At this time it shall suffice that we have wiped off all their calumniations and reproaches against the Honorable and great Council of this Nation.

The next place unto which they bring us, is the Council of War: and here we find their main body, and the great ordnances planted, of untruth, treachery, contradiction, sedition, and what not? In the first part of their new chain there is very little, comparatively, to what is published in the second part. We purpose (if God will) in our Discoverie, to go thorough both, that so the Nation may the better see and judge what a generation of men they are.

First then of the Council of War, this they say: by their means after these fair bloss • mes of hopeful liberty, breaks forth this bitter fruit of the vilest and basest bondage, that ever English-men groaned under.

Answ: 1. We may see in these men what an hard thing it is, to leave a bad custom: when it is to plead for mutinous Soldiers, and to encourage them in their refractorie and seditious courses, then we shall hear them speak of good days, Times of peace, all Courts of Justice are open. But if it be to reproach the Army, they can make their tongues to say quite contrary, nothing then but bondage; yea, the vilest and basest that ever English-men groaned under: not regarding what hypocrisy they show by their gross contradiction, so they may do some mischief one way or other.

2. There is a Letter extant of Lilburnes, wherein he expresseth himself to his Excellencie thus: Truly (Sir) give me leave to tell you without fear or dread, had I come, and could have got so many to have followed me, as would have enabled me with my sword in my hand, to have done justice and execution, upon those grand treacherous fellows, and tyrants at Westminster, that have not only tyrannized over me, but the whole Nation; I should have made no more scruple of conscience with my own hand to have destroyed them, then to have destroyed so many weasels or poulcats.

If he would then have knocked down the Parliament-men like weasels and poulcats, what would he now do? seeing the Nation was never in the like bondage: neither was the cruel Tyrant Duke D'Alva, or bloody Queen Mary so bad as our Leaders: yea the King is much more excusable then they, so Hollis, and that party. Without question had he assistance enough, he would make no more scruple to destroy the Parliament, Council of State, and the Council of War, then if they were so many R • ts or Mice: and having so done, the people could do no less then give him that Title which he hath in Print taken already to himself, John Lilburne DEFENDER OF THE FAITH: and withal there might be added, John of Leidens Title, Johannes Rex N • vae Hierosolymae, Rex Justitiae super universum orbem. John King of the new Jerusalem, King of Righteousness over the whole world.

But wherein are we brought to the vilest and basest bondage that ever Englishmen groaned under? Here we shall do them all the right we can, leave nothing out, which they have produced, and set down to prove the same. At a meeting of Officers, on Feb. 22. last at White-Hall, where after expressions of much bitterness against the m • ost conscientious part of the Soldiery and others, it was insisted upon (as we are from credible hands certainly informed) that a motion should be made to this House for the procurement of a law enabling them to put to death all such as they should judge by Petitions or otherwise to disturb the present proceedings; and upon urging that the Civil Magistrate should do it, it was answered, That they could hang twenty ere the Magistrate one. It was likewise urged, that Orders might be given to seize upon the Petitioners, Soldiers, or others, at their meetings. A Proclamation was likewise appointed, forbidding Soldiers to petition you, or any but their Officers, prohibiting their correspondencies: And private Orders to be given out for seizing upon Citizens and Soldiers at their meetings.

Answ: 1. Seeing these things were brought to them but by report, it is beyond our apprehension how such a bondage can be sufficiently proved by hear-say. 2. At most (take their own relation which is false) the things were but only insisted upon, and will that conclude the vilest and basest bondage that ever? &c. But 3. for reasoning sake, let it be granted, that such things were not only insisted upon, but by the Parliament had been granted, and afterward put in execution; yet all this would not have amounted to the vilest and basest bondage: for the English, s • nce they were a Nation, have many times groaned under a greater bondage. But we need not follow them so exactly, for the truth is, they so much mind sedition and calumniation, as they mind not what absurdities, contradictions and falsehoods may everywhere be observed, and noted in their words and writings.

But more particularly: here many things forged and false are heapd together: neither is there any one thing truly related by them. For, 1. It is an accusation grounded upon a lie, that anything should be spoken about putting to death and no less a slander that any man should say, they could hang twenty ere the Magistrate one. We shall give the Reader here a just account of the thing as it was. Upon many complaints made by some Soldiers of several wrongs done them in the Country, it was propounded, whether it were not expedient that some course might be thought of, for to prevent such miscarriages, specially seeing they had not means to follow the Law, neither could they do it, by reason of continual duty, and marching from place to place: besides, seeing the Soldier either made satisfaction, or was punished, if he offended: why should not the Soldier in some like speedy way be relieved? This was the whole business which they by the Rule of multiplication, call putting to death.

2. For such which they speak of, not of the Army, they are careful to conceal both what was said, and why: In brief therefore thus: The Officers observing this party to be continually laboring by their Adjutators to cause more division in the Army, besides the many former breaches which they had made, conceived it was necessary that some speedy course and way should be taken, that themselves, the Army, and the whole Nation might not be undone, through the conspiracy and sedition of a few restless and unquiet people, this they call bondage, and probablie to them it seems no less. For as a sore eye looks not without pain and grief on the Sun: so no doubt to them it is a sore, a plague, a torment, an hell upon each to look on the Council of War (we may add the Parliament, and Council of State) in the condition of safety, peace, and honor, as then it was, and through God's mercy is so still.

3. Touching seizing upon Citizens at their meetings, and for a Law to have power in themselves to put to death any person not of the Army as shall hold any discourse with Soldiers about their own and the people's just Rights and Liberties. To this there needs no further answer: only this we shall add, if the insolencies and bold attempts of some special Incendiaries, had been in time more looked too, and suppressed, much misery and mischief, which hath since fallen out, would have been prevented.

It is true the Commanders of the Army have not been without their fear: for they have foreseen this rising in seditious and treacherous plots from time to time; but observe the notable craft of the Levelling party, whensoever they began to move in a way to suppress such things, they presently put an aspersion and odium upon them, as that the Army would rule all, take all power into their hands, hang up, and put to death all persons, &c. by which devise they went the surer and faster on with their wicked intentions, till it broke forth into this flame.

4. Forbidding Soldiers to petition: this also is false as they report it. The Proclamation is extant: wherein they are not prohibited, only required whatsoever they do this way, to do it peaceably, and in order; that so whatsoever is just and honorable may be the sooner obtained, and all tumults and divisions amongst themselves the better avoided. Thus we have heard their Charge, and seen their proof: For judgment we shall leave that to the discreet Reader.

Another cause of their Complaint is, that such Petitioners as have moved in the behalf of the people, have had their Petitions burnt by the common Hang-man. Likewise for passing an Ordinance for Tithes upon treble Damages.

Answ: It would seem something strange to hear a man charge the blood of Naboth upon Elijah, who was so far from committing the fact, as that he sharply rebuked Ahab for it. Where shall it be found, unless in these men's Papers, that an action never done by a man, nor consented to, shall nevertheless be put upon his reckoning, and others quitted? For the persons whom they do accuse all along, naming a prevailing power of the Army, Lord's and masters both of Parliament and people, such as have the highest Commands of Military Power, a faction of Officers, &c. they have not had an hand in the things whereof they accuse them: but as the burning of Rome was by Nero laid on the Christians, and the Gunpowder pl • t upon the Puritans by the Jesuits; so, and for the same end, that is, to have the guiltnesse condemned, they have spread abroad this horrible falsehood: But in the mean time is not that rule useful in reading their Papers? Nothing believing, all heeding. We have read somewhere of allowance given to lying, for the good of the Common-wealth: but these men use it another way, even thereby to destroy the Common-wealth, if possibly they can.

And howsoever we are sure, that things of this nature, will find little acceptance anywhere among people well affected; nevertheless whosoever shall peruse, and well observe all their writings over, shall find little else therein, but false aspersions raised up, without any ground or color of truth; so that we may more truly say then the Vindicator of Walwyns Wyles, They have indeed too exactly learnt Machiavels rule, to spare not, to scandalize and tradu • e their adversaries; for that though some of the dirt he wiped off, yet part of it will stick, and they shall be sure not altogether to loose their labors.

And for proof hereof, let these particulars (amongst many others the like, which might be mentioned) bear witness, where the aforesaid prevailing power of the Army are charged with the intolerable burdens of custom, conferring Offices upon their creatures and relations: donation of hundreds and thousands per Annum, betrayed their trust of Feofees for Bishops and Delinquents Lands, purchased themselves great Estates, thirst after the blood of such Soldiers and people as are of action for common freedom and safety, enslaved the Common-wealth to their am ition, lust, covetousness, and domination, discourse that the power must be reduced to one, are without any remorse at the dearness of food and utter l • sse of Trade; brought a new and dangerous War upon the Nation; taken away men's lives f r no other end but to make way for an a • solute domination; brought the Land into a more dangerous condition then they found it. All which things are known not only to be false, but mat • ers for the most part wherein they never had to do; and for the re • t, such things as they altogether and every way have acted to the contrary.

And no less untrue is the thing (as by them reported) concerning some passages in relation to the King: so likewise for Coll: Rainsb • rough, Coll: Ayred, Major Cob • et, Captain Bray, William Thomson, Lieu: Coll: Hen: Lilburne, &c. they are all false and forged things as they relate them. When it is their own case to be accused by others, and their Accusers say they have credible people that heard the same, and will attest it, note their way of clearing: of what credit, pray, is the testimony of an Enemy, in matters of obl • quy a • d reproach, tending to the disparagement of another. Mr. Edwards had witnesses for attestation of many strange matters he reported of pious and honest people, and yet how deservedly were his slanders slighted, upon this ground, that men of different spirits d • very familia • lie hear with too open ears, and report with such additions as their sp • een and dis-affection suggests against him they malign: And as Mr. Goodwin well expresses himself in his Answer to Mr. Edwards Gangreen. There is no reasonable man but will abate and deduct, and that to a good proportion, from such reckoning • and •• e un •• which are drawn up, and given in to him by the hand of envy. Is this a reasonable Plea, to vindicate a man against whom accusations can be proved by credible people, and there are witnesses for attestation? it will then much more hold good here, where the accusations are not only from enemies, and men most malicious, but also no credible people, no witnesses for attestations, but such things as their spleen and dis-affection suggests against those they malign.

There are many other accusations of this nature, brought against the Council of War, and Commanders of the Army; of all which we shall speak in our next Discoverie, and about Promises and Engagements made at New Market, Triploe beath with the Agitators, a thing much spoken of: At this time we shall only touch one thing more, which is, that they would have the Parliament consider how dangerous it is for one and the same persons to be continued long in the highest Commands of Military po ••• especially acting so long, distinct, and of themselves, as those n • w in being h • ve d • ne, and such extraordinary ways, whe • eunto the • have a •• ustomed themselves, which was the original of m • st R • galities and Ty • annies in the world.

Answ: 1. How oft soever in other things they contradict themselves, yet in these particulars we never find them changlings: As, 1. in making division, and seeking to set difference and strife between the Parliament and the chief Commanders of the Army. 2. In raising jealousies, and to have such suspected whom they would have taken out of the way, as that they will degenerate into Tyrants, &c. when there is no ground at all for any such insinuation. 3. In everything which they speak of, and would have to be done, there is some mischief still intended against the safety and good of the Nation, let it fall under what pretence soever of justness, fitness, providence, &c.

But 2ly, was not the motion reasonable and considerable, yea and very seasonable for them to have had it so? For the wicked plot of this present Rebellion was then in consultation, and they could not but see how dangerous it was for one and the same persons to be continued long in the highest Commands of a Military Power: But wherefore dangerous? because having ripened and heightened the Soldiers to revolt from their obedience, there were none so likely to break this design, and under God to preserve the Nation from that bloody and cruel faction. And therefore they might well say, how dangerous is it for such persons to • e continued long? &c.

Now for conclusion, and to their glorying and boasting that their cause and principles get ground: so that where there was one, twelve months since, that owned their principles, they believe there are now hundreds. Howsoever we take not this for a truth, but to be another device of theirs, to blow up the sparkles of Rebellion, (and for example we refer the Reader to the margin:) nevertheless it were no marvel though many (otherwise well-minded people) should be deceived by such evil workers, who have carried on the most dangerous and destructive designs against this Nation that ever were known, and under the vizard and cloak of setting the Common-wealth upon just grounds of freedom, liberty, and safety. But we are confident wheresoever this DISCOVERER shall come, with the rest following, that the number in all places will abate, and the honest minded everywhere will see their error, and mistake; and bless God that the snare is broken, and their souls like birds are escaped.