Echos from the Sixth Trumpet

A PREFACE to the following REVIEW, offering somewhat therewith considerable.

THis Preface, and the following Review, were not without good reason personated as written by a Third person; yet perhaps may make it questionable, Whether they were done by the Author of the Books abreviated, or by another hand; but that is not material: For, they express nothing save what may be by him justified in every circumstance; and therefore it shall so pass. He was Thirteen years old when Queen Elizabeth reigned; and even at that time begun to observe both the Works of GOD, and the Actions ef Men; so continuing to do, from time to time, whereby (with GOD's gracious assistance) he was preserved from grossly falling into, and persevering in those sins whereto he was naturally prone; and came into the world at a time which gave him such an Experimental knowledge both of GOD and Men, as he could not have had in many preceding Generations; for he hath lived to see Eleven Signal Changes, in which, not a few Signal Transactions Providentially occurred; to wit, under the Government of Queen Elizabeth, King James, Charles the First, the King and Parliament together, the Parliament alone, the Army, Oliver Cromwell, Richard Cromwell, a Council of State, the Parliament again, and now King Charles the Second; during all which times, he lived in those Places, and in such middling Stations, between persons of the highest and lowest degree; exercised in Employments, which gave him opportunity to heed what was done, both by those who were above and below him. GOD had also bestowed upon him a Faculty, which (though it be despised, and he therewith but meanly endowed) would not permit him to be altogether idle or silent; for, it compelled him to a conscientious exercise of his Talent, in that, which he thought required at his hand; and to take all occasions from time to time happening, to commemorate, and offer to consideration, those things whereby GOD might be glorified, and his Countrymen benefited in some degree; which duty (though not so well as he would) he hath so well as he could prosecuted to this day.

He begun very early, by expressing and publishing those Conceptions which the Affections and Inclinations of Youth had awakened in him; endeavoring to season them with as much Morality and Piety, as Subjects of that nature are capable of; suiting them to capacities of young men, who delight to see their own Natural Passions represented as it were in a glass; wherein, they not only met with some better things then they looked for, but, with such Notions also therewith mixed, as insinuated into their hearts that seasoning, which made them much delighted with his Poems, and rendered him so generally known, that many thousands were desirous to peruse his future Writings, and to take better heed of that, whereof else perhaps they had taken little or no notice, though expressed by a more elegant and learned Author. It likewise encouraged him to assume all Occasions to prosecute that, which might most redound to GOD's Glory, and the edifying of men in Faith and Righteousness, though it were to his personal disadvantage in carnal concernments. And GOD hath given him comfort therein, carrying him on hitherto through all difficulties occurring, though by impartially discharging his Conscience in such a mode as had provoked many powerful persons to prosecute him with Indignation; for, his frequent reproofs have been very offensive, notwithstanding they were in general terms only, without personal aspersions, and with as much charity, and tender respect to every man's infirmities, and unwilling failings, as to his own.

Length of time hath given him so many several occasions to declare what he thought necessary or expedient, that his Published Poems and Writings amount now to about a hundred, besides many never Printed; In which, though he hath expressed much to the same purpose (in various forms and words ) yet the same or like occasions warrant the application of the same or like matter and words, as the practice of the holy Prophets and Apostles hath evidenced to be sometimes necessary. For, that Medicine which operates not at one time, doth work effectually at another, on the same persons, or upon those of another constitution: Meats also, variously dressed, are pleasing to their appetites, and well digested by their stomachs, who almost loathed them when often eaten cookit the same way. And so it is in this case. Wherefore he hath endeavored to put his Matter into such a dress (otherwhile in Prose, and otherwhile in a Poetical Mode ) that it may suit with vulgar capacities, and not be despised by the most Judicious; mixing so far forth as may be decent, Delight and Profit, according to this old Verse,

His presuming to give counsel to them who neither desire it, nor care for his advice, hath much offended many, and made them heedless of that which might have prevented their sorrow; but it hath pleased and benefited some; and that makes him slight their Proverb, which forbids coming to give Counsel before we are called. And he hath nevertheless prosecuted the multiplying of Doctrinal Remembrances, Exhortations, Precautions and Predictions, (to prevent that which the neglect of them will produce) until they amounted to that numerousness which appears in those Books whereof this is an Abridgment. And by considering upon whose Promises and Threatenings they are grounded, he hath not been afraid to predict conditionally those Mercies and Judgments which are promised and menaced in those Books here abreviated. And some will find, that which is not yet verified upon Wilful Delinquents, to be at last as truly fulfilled, as those which they have seen; though the world hath made it one of her Principles to believe and profess, That Prophesying hath long time ceased; because her wise men think as the Apostle Peter said profane men would do in the later times, who scoffingly say, Where is the Promise of his coming; for, since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the Creation, 1 Pet. 3. 4. Indeed, Prophesying is at an end, as touching saving-Faith, or any new Fundamental Articles thereto pertaining. But, the Spirit of Prophesy, as foretelling what shall come to pass in relation to those Mercies or Judgments, which shall be the reward ef well-doing, and the punishment of evil-doers, in this life, is not taken away or ceased, as it hath been manifested in and by many, who have had in our days Revelations of such things before they came to pass, and have been living Witnesses of their predicting them beforehand; as also of their being afterward fulfilled; and in particular, of that Judgment, whereby the glory of London was this year consumed, (though that will not come into every man's Creed:) For, before the said Fire, this Author was informed by a credible person, (who was afterward a great Sufferer thereby) of a Vision representing such a Conflagration in London as there befell soon after. He himself also, had confused preapprehensions of the like effect, when he sent forth his Warning-piece to London, published 1662, occasioned by a sudden Fire in the Night at Lothbury, near the middle of that City, which then consumed the House of an eminent Citizen, with all the Inhabitants therein. Dr. Gell, a Learned and Conscientious Preacher to this City, seemed also to have had the like impressions upon his heart, both by what he communicated to some Friends in private, and by a Printed Sermon of his, preacbed before the Lord Mayor upon that Text, Mat. 24, wherein the coming of the Son of Man, is paralleled with the coming of the Flood in the days of Noah. The same Sermon contains a Narrative (which he averrs was attested by many Witnesses) to wit, That about two years before his Preaching of that Sermon, The sign of the Son of Man, even of Christ on the Cross, wounded in his hands and feet, and Angels round about him, appeared at Frankendale in Germany, to the view of Thousands, Three hours together at mid-day. Moreover it is credibly avowed, That a Book was brought to be published a little before the said Fire, fore-declaring what we have seen come to pass, and was refused by the Printer, because not Licensed; and that the same Printer being afterward busy to help quench the Fire, and then seeing that same person passing by, told him, he suspected his hand to be in the kindling thereof: Whereto the man answered, That had he been accessory to such a a wicked Purpose or Action, he should not have offered that to publication, whereby it might probably have been prevented; adding these words, That ere long there would be a more dreadful Execution by the Sword, then that was by the Fire; (which, whosoever that man was, or upon what ground soever he spake, it may probably come to pass) and a Famine follow that, if God should deal with us according to our demerits.

This Review is in the first place entitled, An Echo from the Sixth Trumpet; because, it allusively reverberateth, and Ecchoes, as it were, to what was predicted should come to pass between the sounding of the Sixth and Seventh Trumpet, upon pouring forth the Sixth Viol, the sad Effects whereof are partly felt at this day, by many who consider not from whence they proceed, that they might have been as effectual to make them happy, as they will also be to make them more miserable both here and hereafter. Now if upon the whole matter it should be questioned (as perhaps it may) upon what warrantable grounds this Author presumes this Generation is guilty of such and so many Provocations, as have rendered it liable to God's Judgments conditionally predicted in his former Writings; he thereto answers, That beside his personal knowledge thereof acquired by long experience, (and the witness which he believes the Spirit of GOD beareth in his heart thereunto) Common Fame is a good concurrent Evidence (especially in this case;) for, though in many things Fame is a Lyar; yet in such cases as this, Vox Vulgi is Vox Dei, The Voice of the People is the Voice of GOD to their Consciences, bearing witness against themselves, as justly meriting all the Judgments predicted by his Prophets, against such sins as they have committed; and they always carry in themselves (though seldom heeded) their Accusation and Sentence of Condemnation.

It is no marvel, if GOD's longsuffering is little regarded, whilst he is slow to wrath, and executes fore threatened Plagues upon some Persons and Places with less terror and severity then upon some other, or upon the same persons at other times: For, now when they came thick, fell heavily and more dreadfully upon them, than heretofore, the greatest number are so far from being reformed; that they grow more impudent Malefactors, as it was predicted it would be in these last times, wherein they on whom the Viols of Wrath should be poured forth, blasphemed when they should have repented. But this excuses not those whom GOD qualifies for such Services (though they shall be bemired and rent in pieces by some) if they shall not seasonably proclaim and reiterate Precautions and Exhortations as often as just occasions are offered; and therefore this Review of Neglected Remembrances, is thought pertinent at this time, though they were heretofore scoffingly termed Prophesies, and will at this day be as little regarded by many; and it is hoped also, this labor will not be quite lost, but have a kindly operation on those who are not hardened into a final impenitence by customary sinning, and willfully despising GOD's Judgments and Mercies; and that they may be likewise helpful to prevent the like obduracie in those who are not totally depraved.

Many who are forgetful or heedless of forewarnings, Counsels and Precepts, which concern their present duties, are so much inclined to listen after those Predictions which presage their happiness or unhappiness hereafter, that, if the contrary were not apparent, it might probably be thought, they were less careful to secure their present, then their future enjoyments; for, they rake together all Predictions new and old, which have a show of presaging that which they fear or hope for; entertaining each other at their Meeting-places, with mutual Repetitions of what they last heard to such purposes, how frivolous or improbable soever. This Vanity, the Seducer of Mankind, and the Deceitfulness of men's hearts, makes use of to divert the prosecution of their Duties to GOD, to themselves, and to other men; and to frustrate those rational and seasonable Predictions and Precautions, which might have prevented the greatest Plagues conditionally menaced by the most holy Prophets. By delighting more to hear what is to come, then what men ought to do; they seem to think all good Counsels and Endeavors less pertinent to their cognizance and practice, than an unprofitable, uncertain foresight of what is but conditionally predicted, and shall only come to pass according as the conditions are performed or neglected. But, toward the cure of this distemper, human Prudence can extend no further than the circumference of its own Sphere.

Predictions expressed in ambiguous Terms, and having neither certain signification or dependence upon ought following or preceding, are ignorantly insisted upon as pertinent to those Persons or Places whereto they had probably no relation. Such are many groundless Figments cried about the Streets, and picked out of Gypsie-like Prognostications, to the abusing of ignorant people. Such are also the ridiculous Welsh Impostors, entitled Taliefen, the Fiction termed the Panther-Prophesy; and Mother Shiptons Prophesies, so called, are thought considerable by some who suppose themselves no fools; and hereby Predictions and Premonitions grounded upon sound Reason, and Divine Truth, are unheeded or neglected.

However, there is and shall be a Remnant preserved, who can distinguish between serious and trivial Precautions; and to them, that which is here collected, will at sometimes be of good use, though the Author be yet in contempt, and in a suffering-condition. Let those therefore, into whose hands these come, be pleased to accept and improve them as they find cause, giving praise to God, who vouchsafeth timely fore-warnings to all Places, Persons and Societies in every Age; and Memorials of that which brings on Confusion and destruction, to the glorifying of his Righteousness, to the shame of presumptuous Transgressors, and to make future times more cautious; speaking as well by the simple and mean, as by the wise and honorable, in terms fitted unto every capacity; as also in such various Modes as might rouse them up out of security. And, now of late, seeing both dreadful and calm Voices have been long slighted or neglected, he hath spoken to us by all the Elements; yea, by Pestilence, Warr, furious Hurricano's, and devouring Fire, joined together in a terrible Consort: To which is added a concurrent Presage in the hearts of most men, portending a general Ruin, by their agreeing in that fear, how differing soever their, Affections and Judgments be in other things; and doubtless a final execution of Judgment is not far off, in regard their grand Affairs in most places, begin to resemble the Constitution of that Senate whereof it was said, That all the rest of the Senators were ordered according to the pleasure of one among them; he governed by his Wife, she by her Childs Nurse, and the Nurse by her Nursing.

According to our vulgar Computation, this is the Thousandth six hundred sixty and sixth year after our Savior 's Birth, and will questionless, be a signal year, according to the pre-conjectures of many; yet, not extend to the total extirpation of his Malignant Kingdom, whose Reign is to end in the 666th year after he was completely enthroned upon the Seat of that BEAST, which was to continue a Thousand years in a declining estate, until the Mystery of Iniquity should be raised out of it to the full height; which time, (though they heeded it not) was mystically foredeclared in their own Numerals, which in an orderly conjunction, according to their simple valuation, extends no further than to make MDCLXVI, comprehending the whole term limited to the Fourth Monarchy, with what should arise out of it, from the highest exaltation both of the First and Second Beast. The highest pitch of the First, the Author believeth (as he hath frequently hinted in his Writings published upon several occasions ) was even then at full, when the Lord of Life was crucified under that Power; for, till then it flourished. The number of years comprehending the Heathenish and Papal Antichristian Tyrany, being MDCLXVI in the whole, was not to be reckoned as beginning immediately after Christ's birth, but after his crucifying or ascension; allotting the greatest Numeral M, to wit, a Thousand years, to the said First Beast, and DCLXVI years, to the Second Beast, that being the number of the Name, or Power of that Mystical Man of Sin, whose Reign will probably determine in or about the Three or four and thirtieth year yet to come, if Chronologers have truly informed us of the times past; and History rightly stated the Progress of the Second Beast, to the height of his Power, that we may know from what year to begin that number: But this is certain, though nor the year, nor the day can be precisely known, he hath not long to reign; for, all predictions will ere long end in one; and as it was said a little before the Flood, GOD will not much longer strive with Flesh; but, for the sakes of his Elect, shorten the time of Antichrist, which might else have been lengthened out to the end of 6000 years after the Creation, but that his fury will hasten his own destruction.

This—66 th year shall be a preparative thereunto, though the Romanists insult, as if the Saints have mistaken the time of their Visitation; for, the late Execution of Judgment by devouring Fire, (the like whereof (considering it was not accompanied with the Sword ) was never, or very seldom heard of since the consuming of Sodom and Gomarrah ) as are also other Epidemical Judgments, prosecuted upon those of GOD's own House, not to destroy, but to purge it. When their fierce Trial hath consumed the Hay, Stubble and Wooden Structures, which they have erected; when self-love, hypocrisy, the Relics of Idolatry, and such other Babylonish Corruptions (as of old, or newly crept in) are purged out; when the abominable Pride, Idleness and Excess, which have here abounded, to the parallelling of Sodom, (considering what they wanted of what we had) are consumed, which nothing can burn up, except such irresistable Fires as that of late, or somewhat thereto equivalent; and, when the Saints have drunk so much of this bitter Cup, as will suffice to cleanse them; Then shall the Scarlet Whore, and her vaunting Confederates, swallow down the Dreggs, finding themselves deceived in the expectation of those Consequents which their Emissaries have predicted in silly Rimes dispersed since the said Fire, to insinuate that the Executions now in Act, will be destructive to them only who are departed out of their Babylon, and protested against it. For, though the purifying of God's Family is thereby principally intended, the same Judgments will have concurrent effects from year to year, toward the completing of that, which will be the final Doom of Rome's Babylon, when 666 years, as aforesaid, are determined after their Mystery of Iniquity was at height.

This Author believes, That the Saints last Purgatory is now commencing, and that it is made signal by the Fire which in this year hath eclipsed the glory, and defaced the Beauty of London, which is to our Israel of GOD, the same which Jerusalem in Palestine was to his Israel at that time. London was the greatest, the most famous, and the most potent of all the Cities wherein the Protestant Religion was visibly professed in opposition to the Papacy; and among other considerable circumstances, that Mercy whereby the execution of Divine Justice was managed, during this years Visitation hitherto, do manifest, that they have a special relation to God's Inheritance. The most Magnificent, and the Noblest part of this Ancient City was wholly and suddenly consumed; her sad Inhabitants looking on, were disabled to quench it, till it had destroyed (with many thousands of other Structures great and small) above a Hundred Temples and Oratories, besides Colleges, Schools and Halls; one of her Temples being reputed the greatest in Christendom, and wherein the Gospel had been preached, and GOD worshipped, and (though not at all times by all according to the purity of his Sanctuary, yet) by some with as much sincerity, (according to the degrees of their understanding) as by any other National or Congregational Assemblies; until Human Authorities presumed to set up their Posts by GOD's Posts, and Magisterially imposed more than was enjoined or required by him; which presumption was aggravated by falling from their first love to Christ and their Brethren; which Love is the most signal mark of his Disciples; yea an over-peremptory and too stiff an adhering by all parties dissenting in Judgment, to their single Opinions as touching things indifferent in their own nature, hath partly (if not principally) occasioned that overflowing and complication of Plagues wherewith we are now afflicted throughout these three Nations, and in this our Head-City, in which (if we may believe Travelers) both her own Citizens, and Strangers were preserved in more safety by night and by day, and as well and civilly governed according to Moral Principles, and External Forms of Piety, as in any City throughout the world, so great, and so populous; yet the fury of the late Fiery Storm most raged, and made the saddest spect acle, and the most deformed marks of Desolation, even in that part of this City wherein they lived who were then reputed among the most generous, the most civil, the most charitable, and the most pious of her Inhabitants; and though the best men had not the least share in that Calamity, it was made tolerable by so many Mercies wrapped up therewith, as do evidence, that God had a considerable number therein, and that the generality were no greater sinners then they whose Dwellings escaped that Judgment. The Out-parts (except at the West end) were graciously spared, as Zoar was heretofore, for the sake of Lot, to be for the present time a Refuge both to them who were chased away by the Fire, and to their Brethren, whose habitations were preserved for their joint comfort; and of this Mercy the best and worst of men had equal portions, in some respects, because their time is not yet come, wherein GOD will be fully avenged on his and their Enemies.

Though probably that Fire was both kindled and increased by wicked hands, Divine Providence (who permitted those to be his Executioners ) carried it on as well against the Wind, when it blew very strongly, as with it; and by taking away their hearts who were successfully active at other times in preventing such beginnings, permitted it to proceed so far: And when GOD's Fiery Messenger was in the height of his Career, bounded his rage at Paper-buildings, after it had broken irresistibly through thick and strong Edifices of Brick and Stone. It is considerable also, That this Fire was not permitted to extend into those Contiguous Buildings, Streets and Allies, wherein the greatest Oppressors, the most profane, the most impudent, the most debauched, and the most irreligious persons were commonly famed to have their dwellings intermixt with such as were of a civil and pious conversation; for few or no places were then touched by the Fire, wherein either a public Theater, or a common Gaminghouse, or a notorious Brothel-house, or a May-pole, or a Popish Chapel was at that time standing, which it may be some think, so hallowed the places, that the Fire could not prevail against them; whereas it rather demonstrates, That this Visitation extends primarily to GOD's own People; and that the utter extirpation of Antichrist, and his profane Associates, is deferred until a time yet to come. Yet, in the mean while, (though few lay it to heart) GOD will inflict upon every particular Member of that wicked Society, in his generation, so much of their temporal dooms as will amount to the whole at their lives end; and therefore seeing their last doom (for ought they know) may be too morrow, or this present hour, it will be dangerous to defer penitence, because they think the last day of Judgment may be far off. This, and the preceding Affirmatives will peradventure be distasteful to those Time-pleasing Parasites, (as also to them who delight in gross flatteries) who preach Peace, and prognosticate glorious Consequences to the Proceedings of this Generation. But the Wrath of such will not prevent the failing of their unwarrantable Expectations.

That, nothing contained in the following Review, may justly be suspected, as thereinto lately shufled, a Catologue of the Imprinted Books, out of which it was gathered as they come to hand, (being gotten together with much difficulty) shall be added in the close, with a direction to the pages wherein their abreviation is begun, corrected in those places, where faults have escaped at the Press, there being very many, by reason of the Authors not being present, and there are some such gross mistakes, that he could hardly make out his own meaning. It shall mention also the years wherein the said Books were the first, or a second time imprinted; in which it is to be heeded, that the Book-sellers usually postdate the first Impressions, that the Books may seem new a little the longer.

This is as much as shall be offered for a Preludium to the following Review; concluded with humbly desiring their Prayers to whom this shall come, that this, and all the Authors endeavors may be sanctified to the glory of God, and to the rendering of his Judgments and Mercies effectual to the salvation of our souls, by true Faith, hearty Penitence and mutual love in Christ Jesus; and they are also desired not to impute to a corrupt self-end, his now purposed with drawing from this City: For, he hath been this Isles Remembrancer, and continued with this City both in her sicknesses and health, in War and Peace, almost sixty years together, (with a little absence at sometimes) taking all occasions hitherto offered, to remember her from time to time, of such things as he thoughts might probably conduce to her welfare; insomuch, that he now knows not what he can say or do, more than he hath already said or done to that purpose; he not having so much regard vouchsafed for his good intentions, from any of her Chiefs, as might have been expected for penning one Speech to illustrate her Lord Mayor's Pageants; though he was often (for no ill-deserving) a close Prisoner within her Jurisdiction, so despoiled of all whereby to clothe and feed him, that he had then perished, if a few Strangers, and some of her Midling and Inferior Citizens had not by GOD's Mercy, been charitably inclined to compassionate his condition: That Strait being still the same, and many of those now dead, some impoverished, and the remainder, for the most part, so scattered since the late Pestilence and Fire, that nor he nor they now know where to find each other without much difficulty; he being wearied, and almost worn out, is constrained to prepare a Retreating place for himself and his Consort, which he hath prepared at a lonely Habitation in his Native Country, (where he neither had, or looked for much respect) Thither he resolves to retire with as much speed as he can, there to wait upon God's future Dispensations during the remainder of his life, or until Providence otherwise disposeth of him; not doubting, but that he shall rest therewith gratefully contented, wheresoever it shall be, because he hath had assurance by many demonstrations of GOD's good will to the whole human Nature, of a special love to him; and well knows his Eternal Mercy to be Infinite over all his works.

A Review of Neglected Remembrances.Being a Breviate of the most considerable Remembrances and Predictions dispersed in the Books hereafter specified, and published at several times, upon such various Occasions as inclined the Author to those Prophetical Expressions.

THis Collection begins with a Review of the Poem called BRITANS REMEMBRANCER, written during the great Pestilence raging in the year 1625. The Title-page of that Book is a considerable Prediction both Emblematically, and in Words. for therein was represented a Black Cloud hovering over this Island, with Justice and Mercy thereon seated, attended with an Host of Plagues; and in the opposite page the meaning of that Title expressed in these following words:

In the last Page of the Epistle to the King, before that Poem, there is a confident Presage relating both to the said Poem, and to the Author thereof, hitherto made good; the words are these:

To maintain confidence in the Authors prosecution of his duty, it was thus presaged unto his heart, as it is recorded Canto 5. fol. 155.

In folio 106, and in the following leaves, this Author declared how desolate that Plague had made many places in and near London; particularly, the Kings House, the Inns of Court, Westminster-Hall, and the Parliament-House; which produced this expression, amounting to a Presage:

Also in the 107 th leaf, he taking notice of the desolate Houses of the Citizens, Peers and Lawyers, at that time, hath words to this effect:

In the 120 th, and in many following leaves, the said Author having contemplated how numerously the Fields near London were frequented for Recreation, with people of all sorts, before that Infection; how desolate they then were, and what sudden effects would probably ensue, if GOD should withdraw that Plague before we were truly penitent; other future Judgments are there mentioned, as implicitly presaged in these words:

After many other pre-supposals to this effect, he thus proceeded, fol. 123.

According to what his heart had presaged, and was then presupposed, he lived to behold about Eighteen years after, such Insolencies committed by the Armies, such Forts raised, and such Trenches in the Fields round about London.

Many other fore-expressions to the same purpose were dictated to this Author, as more at large appears in several pages of the same Book; and after enumerating several Transgressions and Provocations of GOD's Wrath, it was thus predictated in the 8 th Canto, fol. 255:

This Author hath been censured, as having deviated from his Principle expressed in the last foregoing Caveat, when (upon their Command) he took up Arms with the Long-Parliament: But, he declared by the Motto in his Cornet, Pro lege, Rege grege, that he purposed nothing contrary thereunto, or against the King; and he is also sufficiently vindicated from that aspersion, by what he long since published to justify both his actings and intentions under that Power, which was called and authorized both by King and people, to regulate and settle their joint and distinct Interests.

After that, and the rest of the foregoing Precautions and Predictions, the said Author having considered this Nation, and how it had paralleled the Jews heretofore, he proceeded to declare what would follow thereupon, if they paralleled them also in their final obstinacy, fol. 269. p. 2.

In the 191 folio, and in many following leaves, the Prevarications of persons in several other Callings▪ having been mentioned, the Author added this, and much more, in relation to the Clergy.

By these last words, whereby the Author begins to plead an excuse for his sharp Reproofs, it appears he at that time thought not Prelacy to have produced such evil Consequents as he now doth; for he did not then (nor now) conceive that Episcopacy gives to the Ministers of the Gospel a precedency of Dignity before their fellow-Commissioners, but a preeminence of Order only: And of that Judgment he believes those Bishops to have been, who underwent Martyrdom for Conscience sake, and owned the title of a Prelate in no other sense then he intended it, who thinks the Office of a Bishop to be a Divine Institution, being regulated, and the persons qualified according to St. Paul 's Character, 1 Tim. 3. This Precaution being added, the Abreviation of his Remembrances thus goes on.

In the 269 th folio of the Remembrancer, and in the Eight pages next following it, are Ten Signs recorded, grounded upon the holy Prophets, as presignifying the desolation of those Kingdoms and Republics, which should parallel the Jewesh Prevarications; to the perusal whereof, the Reader is referred, to shorten this Collection, and only the last of these Ten Signs is here inserted.

It was feigned, That a Shepherd said of what had misbefallen to him, Saepe nobis malum hoc praedixit ab Ilice Cornix,

And perhaps, upon the perusal of this Review, this Author will be likened to those Ravens, which presage nothing but mischief; for, some have said already, That he hath been a troubler of the people; and as Ahab said Micah did of him, That he predicted no good to this Nation; but it is apparently false; for he hath conditionally presaged as well Mercies as Judgments, intermixing Threatenings and Promises fore-declared by his Prophets, to prevent what is pronounced against willful Transgressors; seasoning all his Predictions wîth many Precautions and Exhortations, to beget and confirm true Faith and Penitence; such as these next following.

These and many other Mercies, as well as Judgments, were conditionally predicted in the said Remembrancer, upon several occasions; to the perusal whereof more at large, the Reader is referred, this being but a Breviate, to make this Generation the more heedful thereof. To which end here shall be likewise added a part of what the Author expressed in the conclusion of that Book, touching his Resolution to discharge his duty, and depend on GOD alone for protection and supply in all straits whatsoever; which Resolution was expressed in these words, fol. 284.

Fol. 285. Pag. 2.

After the Author 's insisting upon many other particular circumstances in the pages next following, to make his Precautions and Predictions the better heeded, he thus proceeds.

Now because this Remembrancer was long ago imprinted, and is not easy to be gotten, the Contents of every Canto, as they were at first published, are here inserted, that the general scope thereof may be known to them who desire it.

The Authors Motto, Nec Habeo, nec Careo, nec Curo, Imp. 1618.

THE said Motto, and the Descant thereupon, may perhaps appear to some Readers a careless, rather then a serious Composure, because expressed in an unusual and extravagant strain. Nevertheless, it hints many good Principles, which the Author thought would be best insinuated in that Mode; and he was not therein deceived; for, it then so well pleased, that about thirty thousand Copies thereof were imprinted and published within a few months. The Book is so common, that no more shall be here mentioned, but a few lines out of the Descant upon the last Word, wherein is a passage relating to an over-curious Inquisitiveness after Things to come; and wherein is implicitly wrapped up a Prediction, which may be considerable. The words are these:

Campo-Musae, or, Field-Musings; Imprinted 1644.

THis Poem was written whilst the Author was in Arms for the King and Parliament, to reunite them, not to divide them, as appears by this Impress in his Cornet, under the figure of a Sword and Pen, Pro Rege, Lege Grege. It was partly composed to vindicate himself from their Aspersions, who imputed unto him the deserting his Principle relating to the Royal Power; and partly to evidence, That he had neither actually or intentionally infringed it. But many other particulars were thereby offered to consideration, whereof some are here abreviated.

The DARK LANTHORN, Imprinted 1650.

THis is a Parabolical and Enigmatical Poem, containing, with some plain Precautions and Remembrances, many dark Predictions; and begins thus:

Page the 21, after many pre-occupations to confirm himself in prosecuting what he intended, he thus again proceeds.

This was interpreted as a Relative to Oliver Cromwell, then Lord General of the Army, whose Arms was a White Lyon. It follows thus:

Page 33, it thus follows:

The Perpetual PARLIAMENT, Imprinted 1650.

IN this Poem the Author having More Poetico, expressed a Contemplative Vision, preparative to what he intended, he thus proceeds, pag. 44.

In this, and after the 45 th page in the Imprinted Copies, the sense in many pages was so mistaken by the Transcriber, or the Printer, that the Expedient thereby intended, is confusedly expressed; the result whereof was to this effect afore expressed; and it thus follows, pag. 50.

There are many other particulars pertinent to the Trust mentioned in this Poem; as also, other precautions and predictions of the good and evil consequences likely to ensue, in that Poem hinted, with a purpose only to bring those things to consideration, which wiser men may improve, according to the Author 's intention, by a better method then is here proposed: therefore to the perusal thereof, the Reader is referred.

The AUTHOR's EMBLEMS, Imprinted 1634.

THis Book, written by the said Author in his younger years, is a Poem in Folio, containing two hundred Figures engraven in Copper, and illustrated with Morals, and a Lottery annexed, the better to insinuate into young Readers, those Divine Morals, and Civil Documents, which are thereby tendered to consideration. Out of those, a few only are collected, the rest may be perused in the Original.

In the First Book of Emblems, pag. 2, is a Laureat head fixed upon a Basis of Stone.

An Interjection, occasioned by a sudden Ejaculation, whilst this Review of Neglected Remembrances was transcribing; which shall here stand inserted, thought it be no part of what was heretofore expressed, or intended to be hereunto added.

VATICINIUM CAUSUALE, Imprinted 1655.

THis being composed upon a special Occasion, whilst Oliver Cromwell was in Power, the following Prediction was therein expressed, pag. 12.

There were several Addresses made to Oliver Cromwell, and his Son Richard by this Author, whilst they exercised the Supreme Power, amounting to above Two Quires of Paper; in which were many Seasonable Precautions and Remembrances to them tendered with a sober boldness; as also many Predictions of what would succeed, if they neglected what was thereby precautioned, which are now observed to have been verified: But these being delivered (sealed up) into their own hands, and not imprinted, are all omitted in this Review.

Verses to the King's Majesty: Written immediately after His Restauration, and imprinted Anno 1662.

IN the sixth page, the Author thus proceeds with what he had begun.

Page 20, it thus follows.

A THANKFUL RETRIBUTION, Imprinted 1649.

THis was written to express the Author 's gratitude to some few Members of Parliament, who without his seeking, had propounded an Expedient whereby to satisfy his just Demands; but being without effect, that which was neglected, is here again revived, as pertinent to consideration at this time.

Page the Second.

BONI OMINIS VOTUM: Imprinted 1656.

THis (as a Symptom of a Good Omen ) was occasioned by the summoning of Extraordinary Grand Juries out of the eminent Baronets, Knights, Esquires and Gentlemen, to serve in their respective Counties, at the Summer Assizes 1656, which because it offers what is fit to be considered and remembered, (and is also very short) shall be here inserted without Abreviation.

A Si quis, or Queries, with other Verses annexed. Imprinted in the Year 1648.

HEre should have been inserted Collections our of an Address entitled, A Speech without door; but it is quite lost. The following Si quis presented to the Members of Parl • ament in their single Capacities, related to the Author 's particular Interest, and was composed in an unusual mode, in hope it might have inclined some of them to provoke the rest to take notice of that which had been often presented unto them in an usual and more serious manner. Much may be thereby collected to evidence how most Parliament men stood affected as to the Execution of Justice about that time. This was laid down at the Parliament door.

These Verses next following, were upon the same Occasion presented to several Members of the House of Commons, repairing thither the 23d of December 1648, being the next day after their Humiliation, with an Imprinted Petition thereto annexed.

That which was predicted in the last lines, hath accordingly succeeded, and justly; for that expressed in the Petition annexed to the preceding Verses, was in effect that which next follows.

The Effect of the Author's Petition.

IT shown, That after several Accompts upon Oath examined, stated and reported by the Commissioners of the Navy, an Ordinance was passed the 22 d of March 1647, for payment of 1681 l. 15 s. 8 d, out of the Excise in Course, without Interest, which was to that day wholly unpaid, though 60 l. had been spent in soliciting for it, and Interest had also been paid by him for 700 l. thereof, which was by him borrowed for the Parliaments Use, upon credit of the Warrant from the Committee of Safety, in May 1643, for immediate payment of 1327 l. wholly unpaid to that day. That he had also no recompense for 57 l. respited upon the Public Faith by the Committee of Accompts; nor for that money (though allowed to others) which was deducted of his Pay, for Trophies. That whereas 1800 l. was upon another Account granted by an Order of both Houses, March 15, 1647, out of Delinquents Estates to be discovered at Haberdashers-Hall, that Order brought on him cost and trouble, without benefit; and that what he was possessed of by orderly seizures, was taken away again by Compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall, and by other Committees, to his damage and disgrace, instead of benefit. That it being proved also upon Oath, how he was damnified (about six years then past) by the loss of his Stock, his Lease, and an Employment which might probably (for sixteen years to come) have produced 400 l. per an. That though recompense was promised by the Parliament, his repair was nevertheless neglected, till he had spent all superfluous things in his possession, and was imprisoned for what he had borrowed, as aforesaid, for the States Service, till he was compelled for discharge of that Debt, to fell 40 l. per an. in Reversion, and 100 l. per an. in Possession, for certain time to come; which, with a little Household-stuff, was all the Estate he had then left. More might be alleged of this Petitioner's Losses; but he hath had patience to suffer, more then you have leisure to hear.

In consideration of the premisses, he humbly prays, That the said 1681 l. 15 s. 8 d. may be paid with Interest, as allowed to others. That the 700 l. borrowed for the State, and for which he hath paid Interest five years, may be made payable accordingly, with the 57 l. respited, and the 300 l. by him already disbursed; as also the said 1800 l. made payable by the said Ordinance of both Houses, the 22 • of March 1647, out of the Excise, or out of Compositions at Goldsmiths-Hall, with Interest, until all shall be paid, to relieve his Wants, to proceed with his Contracts, and to disoblige him from his Creditors,

To this effect was the annexed Petition; but all this was neglected, even when the Petitioner was thereby constrained to live upon Charity, (as appeared by his Poem, called Westrow revived. ) until GOD providentially beyond his hope, almost in a miraculous way, enabled him to purchase a considerable Estate, by means of their acting against him, who thereby intended their own benefit and his ruin. And that Estate was also lost again by their self-seeking and Injustice, who thereby lost likewise their Power, as that Petitioner often predicted it would come to pass. For, after preferring the foregoing Petition, the said Parliament sold unto him a Manor worth about 300 l. per an. in consideration of a part of his Debt, and of about 1600 l. more by him paid. The Deeds were sealed, Possession delivered, and he enjoyed it a while; nevertheless they sold it again to a Member of their own, who pretended to a concealed Mortgage thereof, (probably forged) whereupon by a suit in Law, this Petitioner was ejected without any satisfaction, having lost, besides his Purchase -money, about a Thousand Marks in charge of Suit, with other inavoidable Expences, and the loss of the whole Purchase, without likelihood of one penny toward satisfaction forever. Moreover upon further consideration, the Parliament allowed Interest for the aforesaid 1681 l. 15 s. 8 d. charged upon the Excise, with 300 l. formerly due for Interest; which 300 l. with much difficulty was procured by Oliver Cromwell 's Order; but all payments out of the Excise Office being retrenched for the Public Service, the Petitioner having forborne that great sum almost twenty years, never received more of the Interest or Principle-money, and the said Parliament being quite dissolved, gave over that Debt as quite lost forever; yet he lost not all, for he had thereby a true feeling of that whereof he had experience formerly by sight and report only; as also both of GOD's Justice and Mercy.

The Tired PETITIONER.

THis being a single sheet, was imprinted without a date, about the same time with what last precedes; and offers to remembrance some neglects not inconsiderable. But it may be thought by many, that this Author hath in these, and the Verses next foregoing, insisted too much in particulars relating to himself; therefore this short excuse was added. He was (as he believeth) providentially engaged by Public Services interwoven with his private Affairs, that he might have means and opportunities to gain a personal Experience of the chief Transactions in those times; which if he had taken up on trust, and by report only, he could not have been so assured of, as by being made sensible how those persons, were qualified, by whom the Work then in hand was carried on; nor what Occasions were from time to time justly offered, to prosecute that which he thought pertinent to his duty in relation to GOD and his Country, as he did, and might do by knowing, and being known to most persons of Quality then active in those Public Affairs, with which his private Concernments were linked throughout the progress of that Parliament, from the strange and unexpected beginning thereof, to the no less strange end of it. For by his personal sufferings under that Power above twenty years, with little intermission, (notwithstanding his faithfulness thereunto) it did the better appear how great many of their Grievances were, who had neither that likely means either to prosecute Remedies, or to make them so well known; to prevent the like heedlessness and want of compassionating private men's Oppressions hereafter; This he hopes will sufficiently Apologize for him to all rational men; and therefore here shall be added some part of that which he offered upon the forementioned occasion, to those Members of Parliament whom he thought his Friends.

SE DEFENDENDO. Imprinted without Date.

THis was an Apology written by the Author in Prose, to vindicate himself from such Aspersions as had been injuriously, and without any probable Cause cast upon him by Malicious Detractors, as well to hide the unjust dealing with him, as to disparage his Endeavors relating to the Public Service. It contains many particulars, which being timely well heeded, might have prevented such mischiefs and disadvantages as afterward befell, and continue to this day. The date is not mentioned in the Imprinted Copies: But the time may be well enough known by the Contents. The matter is such as cannot be abreviated without dismembering and making the whole invalid; and therefore the Book is referred to their perusal unto whose hands it may come.

JUSTITIARIUS JUSTIFICATUS, Imprinted without Date.

THis is also an Apologetical Discourse, the imprinting whereof is very well known to some; For, it was burnt by the hand of the Common Hangman; and the Author (though he neither published it, nor intended the distributing thereof to any but Members of Parliament, to whom cognizance of the Cause most properly pertained) was both fined and confined for it, neither being called to answer for himself, nor having knowledge of his Impeachment, until sentence was past against him. But this Innocency was so well known to the greatest number of the most conscientious Members of that Parliament, whereby he was censured, that (though the Accusation was brought in early in the morning, upon a day set apart for debating a Cause relating to the Scots ) so many of the said Members then present, so abominated what they perceived to be then intruded; that the whole day was spent before the Authors Enemies could prevail against him: So many of them also, had been ear and eye-witnesses, of an impudent injustice, whereby he was oppressed by their Committee of Examinations in another Cause; that it occasioned the Voting down of that Committee, within a day or two afterward: And the same Parliament, upon better Consideration, having also made trial of the Authors patience in suffering, about the space of a whole year, discharged him both from the said Fine and Imprisonment, without his Petitioning or Mediation for it: For, at that time his Friends by God's Providence, had a seasonable Opportunity to move on his behalf, there being a considerable number then present, who were jealous to do Justice, and discharge the Trust reposed in them by their Electors.

This is all that shall be inserted touching the contents of that Book; because, there are persons therein mentioned by Name, whose failings he desireth may be forgotten, in hope they are as truly to him reconciled, as he is to them.

VOX PACIFICA. Imprinted 1645.

THis was a Voice tending to the Pacification of God's wrath, and to make some such Proposals as might help to reconcile those by whom the Common Peace was infringed; and offered many particulars to consideration, which are still as needful, and as much neglected now as at that time. It consists of four Cantoes, containing about 200 Pages, two Cantoes more being intended, but not finished, bebecause the Author thought his labor would be quite lost, here are inserted a few particulars, in hope it may invite them to whose hands the Book comes to peruse it at large. In the Page before the Title, and engraven Frontispiece, the meaning of it is thus expressed.

The Epistle before the said Book, intended to the King, Parliament and People, thus begins.

Carmen Expostulatorium, Imprinted 1647.

THis was intended to prevent the engaging these Nations into a Second War, when the dividing of the City and Army was then by some endeavored, and likely to be effected.

The same Precautions are at this day pertinent to consideration; and are therefore here abreviated.

Letters of Advice touching the Election of Knights, Citizens and Burgesses in PARLIAMENT. Imprinted 1644.

AMong other things offered by this Author to be heeded, as pertinent to the Common Welfare, he published a Book so called, touching the Choice of Knights and Burgesses, to represent the Commons in Parliament, and other Public Ministers; to which purpose he offered somewhat in his Perpetual Parliament, mentioned in this Review. Therefore this being overlarge to be wholly inserted, no more shall be here added, but some part of what is therein contained, in relation to the due Qualification both of the Electors, and Persons to be Elected which perhaps will give occasion of better heeding what hath been heretofore neglected. It was thus expressed, pag. 2, in Prose.

Being woefully experienced in the manifold Mischiefs whereinto this Nation hath been plunged by the Corruption or Insufficiency of Persons heretofore chosen (or presumptuously intruding upon that Trust ) and perceiving no public means provided for preventing the like Mischief hereafter, nor any thereto privately contributing his Advice, I have hastily sent abroad these Letters, not arrogating a sufficiency to give such directions as may not be excepted against, but rather in hope it would give occasion to some of better Judgment to perfect what I have imperfectly begun according to my Talent:

That my Proposals may be the more willingly entertained and prosecuted, I will briefly offer to heed, first, The Mischiefs we incur by inconsiderate Elections, and how traitorous thereby we are to our Country, and to our selves. Secondly, I will present you with the necessary Qualifications of those who are to be Elected. And lastly, By what Expedient I conceive Abuses in that kind may be best prevented, if we are not grown so corrupt a Body, that we neither will nor can be represented by honest and discreet persons.

I need not particularize into how many Mischiefs this Nation is now, and hath been heretofore plunged by the rottenness and giddiness of some formerly chosen to represent the Commonalty; or how perfidiously they have disserted or betrayed their trust, to an endangering of our being everlastingly exposed to the slavery of temporal and spiritual Tyrannies, no less accursed and intolerable then the Egyptian Bondage: For, we give them power not only to make us Slaves, Beggars, and liable to the Hangman at their pleasure; but to subject us also unto those Decrees which may (gradatim) bring us or our Posterity to be Papists, Turks, Pagans, and Vassals to the Devil, if the Professors of Popery, Turcism, or of any other damnable Impieties should obtain a temporal Sovereignty over us. If this▪ you believe not to be possible, (because not yet come to pass) believe at least, that which you see of their practice and condition who have been unworthily and unwarrantably chosen; and how far they have already brought back upon us those Antichristian Slaveries which we thought past fear of reviving.

But perhaps Mischiefs and Inconveniences of less concernment will stir up some to be more cautious in their Elections then these. Let such take notice, That by beedlesness in this duty, they shall make Fools and Tyrants Lord's over them, who will fawn and court them, till they are in Power, and then scorn and trample them underfoot; putting such immeasurable differences between themselves and others, as if the respect due to the whole Nation, were due to their single Persons. And they will then so take upon them, and so demean themselves, as if to favor the Clients, to suppress those whom they disaffect, to strengthen their own Faction, and to maintain their Usurped Personal Privileges (though to the utter ruin both of all Public Liberties, and true Piety ) were the chief End of their Power; What good can be expected from such a Choice? or what better Choice can be made, unless you more seriously, more prudently, and more conscientiously manage your Elections?

The only means in Human Prudence to be delivered from such mischiefs, is by humbly supplicating Divine Mercy by truly repenting our sins, and by taking more heed hereafter, that we be not Traitors to ourselves, in foolishly giving the disposure of our Estates, Lives, Liberties, and Consciences, to them who will sell us for old Shooes; and serve us only to serve their own turns, though to our destruction. Therefore I beseech you to be wary whom you shall now and hereafter Elect; and make us not irrecoverably unhappy, by listening to the Insinuations of unworthy persons, who will importune you by themselves and others, to put our Bodies and Souls into their hands; complying with all shows of Curtesie and Humility, till their purposes are obtained; and never afterward regard our Petitions, our Cause, our Miseries, or our Persons; but overlook us with such pride, as if they had neither received their Power from us, or for our Welfare; but merely to exalt their own vanity, &c.

Therefore to remedy present Evils, and to establish your just Privileges, for preservation of the Common Interest hereafter, let your care be to avoid the choice of such as these:

I. Men overlavish in speaking, and in taking extraordinary pleasure in hearing themselves talk; for a man full of words is neither good to give, or keep Counsel.

II. Notorious Gamesters; for, I never knew a prudent or just man, a Common Gamester: How can they be just, whose practice is to cheat other men of their Estates? Or prudent managers of public Treasure, who expose their own Estates to the uncertain hazard of Chance?

III. Men much addicted to Hunting or Hawking; for most of these, so they may preserve and increase their Game, and enlarge Privileges for their own pleasure, will not much care though it were to the depopulating of the Country, and to the multiplying of wild Beasts destructive to the Nation.

IV. The Household Servants, or dependants on such Peers, as expect from their Creatures the promotion of their own Designs and Interest, how repugnant soever to the General Good.

V. Courtiers depending merely on the King or Queens Service; for the enlargement and continuance of their Favor, depend on that which they call Royal Prerogative; and the more that may be improved to an infringement of the Subjects Right, the richer and the more powerful these will grow.

VI. Choose not such as are evidently Ambitious or Covetous; for how prone these will be to sell their Country and Religion too, for Titular Honors and Wealth, we have had too frequent experience.

VII. Elect not persons enslaved to Wantonness, and impudently persevering in Carnal Vncleannesses; for such will not only give away your and their own Estates to satisfy their Lusts, but betray also their Country, and their Savior, to please their Delilah's.

VIII. Take heed of choosing men superlatively proud: For they will be so puffed up with their Legislatorship, that after they have sat a while in the House, you will hardly know how to speak unto them, or of them, without being questioned either for transgressing against good manners, or for breach of their Personal Privileges; which they prefer before the Privileges of the whole Nation.

IX. Choose not men over-much affected to Popularity, or factiously oppugning Sovereignty; for they will not be just or true to the Interest of King or People, but so far only as it may advan • e their own Will.

X. Choose none generally reputed vicious in any kind; for they will be open or secret Opposers of all Laws or Ordinances restraining Enormities, and hinderers of bringing Delinquents to condign punishment.

XI. Make not choice of Irreligious persons, or such as are inclined to ancient Superstitions, or modern Novelties; for these will not willingly assent to the establishment of ought save what may advance their private Fancies.

XII. Make not choice of Children under Age; for we ought not to commit the management of the most weighty Affairs of the Commonwealth to them who are not capable by Law of disposing their own Estates; especially seeing the major part of Voices, (which an ignorant Child may help to make up) will be sufficient sometimes to confirm a Resolution to the Public Damage.

XIII. Choose not Persons Outlaw'd; or so far indebted, that they dare not walk abroad without a Protection; for what can be more unjust, then to let them sit as Law-makers, who submit not to the Laws in force, and to render the Fountain of Justice obstructive unto itself.

XIV. Lastly, Avoid the choice of those who make means to have themselves chosen; for it discovereth so much arrogance and self-conceit, that they are worthy to be rejected; and doubtless they more intend that which may advantage themselves, then to be serviceable to their Country. The Deliverers of GOD's People in distress, were such as modestly sought rather to put off, then to intrude upon Public Employments; yea, Saul was fitter to reign when he hid himself among the stuff, then when he took care to be honored before the people.

There were also some Proposals and Caveats concerning those who are Electors, and as touching the making choice by Lot; to the perusal whereof you are referred in the Original Tract.

A Cause Allegorically Stated. Imprinted 1657.

THis was published among other things, during Oliver Cromwell 's Reign, with an Appeal therein to all Impartial Censurers.

MERCURIUS RUSTICUS. Imprinted without Date.

THis was composed in or about the first year after the late unhappy War between the King and Parliament, in imitation of the Weekly Intelligencers, then published; being a Rustic Discourse, offering between jest and earnest, some particulars to consideration, relating both to Civil and Military Transactions; and hinted Notions then pertinent to those Times, and not wholly impertinent to these. But no more of it shall be here inserted save the beginning of the Book; and that also to no other purpose, but to distinguish it from a Book of the same Title, published by another man; which this Author now having seen, is unwilling to have it imputed to him, (as he hath heard it is) how worthy soever it may seem to be owned. His Book (which he thinks none will be ambitious to father) thus begins.

By your leave Gentlemen; when seriousness takes not effect, perhaps trifling may. Every man hath some Toyes in his head; and I have too many. One will now discover itself, which hath itched in it ever since last night. Mars had lately tired me with long Marches and Skirmishes. Jupiter hath cast such ill Aspects upon me, that I cannot be jovial. The Moon is in the wain; Venus retrograde; Apollo would not lend me his Fiddle to prevent my being oppressed with Melancholy by the Influences of Saturn; and therefore I compli'd with Mercury in making a Rustic Progress, and (now understanding that variety of News is much desired) I am bold to present you with such gleannings as I gathered up in the Country.

And though I am not so witty as my Friend Britanicus; nor bring you Narratives that so well deserve the Whetstone as Monsieur Aulicus; nor come so furnished with Novelties as Master Civicus; nor so supplied with Passages as the Weekly Intelligencer; nor am at leisure to sum up all Occurrences, as the Accomptant; nor so large in Promises as the Scout, the Informer, and the rest of your diligent Mercuries; nor so impudent as to aver I present you with nothing but Truth: Yet I have brought you that with which you may perhaps be for once well contented to read or hear, though they be but such gatherings as I had from the Mill, the Alehouse, the Smiths Shop, or the Barbers; for these are our Country Exchanges, wherein we talk of a many things with as little good success as they do at Westminster; and otherwhile also to as ill, and to as good purposes.

This being sufficient to distinguish his from the other Book bearing the same Title, no more shall be here inserted.

What Peace to the Wicked. Imprinted 1646.

THis is an Expostulatory Answer to a Derisory Question concerning Peace; and here is with little omission inserted, because it was so long ago Imprinted, that it cannot be easily procured.

An ADDRESS to the Members of PARLIAMENT in their single Capacities. Imprinted 1657.

THE Author having been compelled to make use of such Extravagant Means as this, during the sitting of the Long Parliament and thereby left unrelieved; was constrained to prosecute the like ordinary and extraordinary Expedients during those Parliaments which were called by Oliver Cromwell, and his Successor; among which, this was one, left at their Threshold, thus superscribed, To that Member of Parliament who shall take up this Paper.

This, as were all this Author 's other Addresses, were tendered to the late Parliaments without success, whether expreffed in a serious or extravagant Mode. And thereby perhaps the true constitution of those times will the better appear to the glorifying of GOD's Justice; because the personal experience which he had by feeling those oppressions whereof many others complained, were to him much more evidenced thereby to be real, then they could be, by what he seemed to see, or to hear only by report.

HALELVJAH. Or, Britain's Second Remembrancer. Imprinted 1641.

THis First Part of a Review of Neglected Precautions, Predictions and Remembrances, was begun with the Author 's first Book, called Britons Remembrancer; and this Second Remembrancer shall conclude it: For, though composed in a Mode much differing from the former, it was an Expedient which might have produced good Effects, had it not been as much neglected as all other good means are to this day. It is our duty to make trial of another way, when one fails; and the Prophets are herein exemplary to us, who often declared the same Truths in various dressings, and otherwhile in the same words, when the same or like Occasions were given. That Book containing Two hundred thirty three spiritual Hymns and Songs; is too large to be abreviated; and therefore to instance the usefulness of the rest, here shall be inserted but two or three Hymns out of each Book, the first relating to particular Occasions; the second to Times; the third to Persons; that all men of all sorts, might be thereby minded of their Duties at all Times, and upon all Occasions, as appears by this brief Narration.

A Friend of the Author 's, much affecting that Expedient, (as tending to the advance both of Morality and Virtue, distributed many of the Books among his Acquaintance, at his own cost, and recommended one of them to a Person of Quality, who loved Song and Music; but before he had read two lines thereof, he rejected it with much contempt; whereupon the other somewhat grieved, asked the reason of his dislike, and received this Answer; Such a Character of it hath (said he) been given by a Learned and Pious Divine, upon whose Judgment I rely, that I will not lose time in perusing it. Yet at last being importuned, he took it up, and turning to a Song which was to him instanced as demonstrating the frothiness of all the rest, he began to read it aloud in slighting manner, and in a ridiculous Tone; but after the reading of a few lines, changing his voice, sat still a good space, perusing it in silence; then suddenly starting up, said thus to his Friend, I heartily thank you for this Book, and for importuning me to read it; I hope also, it shall teach me whilst I live, not to depend upon the Judgment of other men, (how religious or judicious soever they shall be reputed) in those things wherein I ought to use my own understanding as well as theirs. This is the effect of what was told the Author, and it is here inserted, in hope it may make some other as wise as that Gentleman.

The Author in his Epistles before the whole, and each particular Book of that Volume, hath expressed by way of Preoccupat • on, somewhat to prevent prejudice▪ and if it had been contemplatively and actually made use of according to his intention and proposals, might perhaps have reduced this Generation to a better temper then Precepts without Practice have effected; and made those vain Songs less delighted in, which are become so numerous, and so affected, that pious Meditations are nigh quite out of fashion with many; for, not in private only, but at public Feasts and Meetings also, scurrilous and obscene Songs are impudently sung without respect to the presence of Matrons, Virgins, Magistrates and Divines; yea, sometimes are in their despite called for, sung, and acted with such abominable gesticulations, as are offensive to all modest hearers and beholders; and befitting only the Solemnities of Bacchus, Venus, and Priapus; for the abolishing of which Abuse, the Author was a Petitioner that some provision might be made; and prepared also this Expedient to promove it; but the carnal profaneness of some, and the sullen Religiousness of others, who causelessly pretended a Superstitious Design to be therein couched, hath hitherto vacated both his hope and pious Endeavors, notwithstanding all his Precautions.

A POSTSCRIPT.

THE uncertainty and changeableness of all temporal things, make us accordingly mutable in our Purposes. And whereas the Author of the several Books here abreviated, intended a Retirement to a solitary Habitation in the place of his Nativity, (upon such Considerations as were expressed in the Preface of this Review ) his Friends resident in and near London, not approving thereof, have persuaded him to the contrary, by making it probable, That future Inconveniences would be thereby rather multiplied then diminished: Now therefore, by considering therewithal, That where GOD's Judgments are most visible, his Mercy will be there as much evidenced to all who love and trust unfeignedly in him, he resolveth to continue where he is, until he can stay there no longer, lest he may bury himself alive by removing far from them, by whose Charity GOD hath hitherto preserved him.

There are Faults escaped in the Imprinting or Transcribing of this Review; which the Author 's late Sickness disabled him to take notice of: The Readers are therefore desired to correct and amend them according to their own discretion.

The Names of those Printed Books heretofore written by GEORGE WITHER, out of which this First Part of this Review of Neglected Remembrances, Precautions and Predictions was collected; mentioning the years in which they were the First or Second time Imprinted.

• BRitans Remembrancer, Imprinted 1627. pag. 1.
• The Author's Motto, Nec Habeo, Nec Careo, Nec Curo, Imprinted 1618. p. 47.
• Campo Musae, or Field-Musings, Impr. 1644. p. 49.
• The Dark Lanthorn, Imprinted 1650. p. 57.
• The Perpetual Parliament, Imprinted 1650. p. 69.
• The Author's Emblems, Imprinted 1634. p. 78.
• An Interjection, being a sudden Ejaculation cast in, at the Collecting of this Review, p. 85.
• Vaticinium Causuale, Imprinted 1655. p. 100.
• Verses to the Kings Majesty, Imprinted 1662. p. 103.
• A Thankful Retribution, Imprinted 1649. p. 109.
• Boni Ominis Votum, Imprinted 1656. p. 115.
• A Si Quis, or Queries, Imprinted 1648. p. 119.
• The Author's Petition, Imprinted 1648. p. 125.
• The Tyred Petitioner, Imprinted without date p. 128.
• Se Defendendo, Imprinted without date. p. 132.
• Justitiarius Justificatus, Impr. without date. p. 131.
• Vox Pacifica, Imprinted 1645. p. 132.
• Carmen Expostulatorium, Imprinted 1647. p. 146.
• Letters of Advice, Imprinted 1644. p. 152.
• A Cause Allegorically stated, Impr. 1657. p. 159.
• Mercurius Rusticus, Imprinted without date. p. 161.
• What Peace to the Wicked, Imprinted 1646. p. 163.
• An Address to the Members of Parliament, imprinted 1657. p. 175.
• Hallelujah, or Britain's Second Remembrancer, imprinted 1641. p. 183.